THE FAMOUS AND MEMORABLE WORKS OF JOSEPHUS, A MAN OF MUCH HONOUR AND LEARNING AMONG THE JEWS. Faithfully translated out of the Latin, and French, by Tho. Lodge Doctor in Physic. Bernardus Epistola ad Suggerium. Tune recentia incundius bona clarescunt, cum fuerint malis comparata prioribus. Printed at the charges of G. Bishop, S. Waterson, P. Short, and Tho. Adam's, 1602. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE FATHER OF ARTS AND ARMS CHARLES' LORD HOW●…RD, BARON OF EFFINGHAM, EARL of Nottingham, High Constable of the Castle and Forest of Windsor, Lord chief justice in Eyre of England, Governor and Captain general of all her majesties maritime Forts and Castles, High Admiral of England and Ireland, Lieutenant of Sussex and Surrey, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, and one of her majesties most honourable privy council. RIght Honourable, there is a saying in Zenophon most worthy the citing and insight, that matters of worth and consequence are both to be committed and commended to their trust and protection, who know the weight and value thereof, and both can and will defend the same by authority and reason: For this cause and upon this ground, I have chosen your Honour out for a most noble patron of this most famous and accomplished History of the jews, which (for dignity and antiquity of the subject, the elegancy and purity of the style, the choice propriety and copy of words, the gravity and variety of sentences, the alterations and memorable events; and lastly for the birth and dignity of the Author) requireth a spirit of no less wisdom, courage, and nobility than yourself, who have power to defend, and knowledge to discern the worth thereof. Vouchsafe therefore to level the eye of your esteem upon the Centre of this happy History: and as Themistocles was animated to noble actions by beholding Miltiades Trophies, and Alexander in seeing Achilles' tomb, did grievously sigh with an honourable emulation: so let the zeal, magnanimity, and admirable constancy which every where affronteth you in this book (and ravisheth the best minds from the boundless troubles of this world, and draweth them into the contemplation of true perfection) so settle your honourable love and affection to emulate the same, that as for glory in arms; so for preserving and protecting arts, you may outstrip your competitors, and amaisse to curious expectation. And in mine opinion the time challengeth no less at your hands: for as your transcendent dignity and courage hath returned us a happy harvest in our expected and long possessed peace, as by your second care and diligence next under her sacred Majesty we all reap the fruit and felicity of blessea abundance; so by your example in reading and respecting both learning and the learned, you shall pull down that Babel, which confused ignorance hath raised to overreach industry; yea you shall strengthen the weakened ability of learning which (alas the while) is now adays like acommoditie without request scarce sailable by the hands of a cunning broker, nothing is more worth money, and less in request: only the world's blind creatures (as S. jerom termeth them) the unlettered take delight in their errors, whose writings (as Plutarch speaketh of Aristophanes' poems) are written for no moderate man's pleasure. Let therefore your upright estimation of this work (most noble Earl) awaken the dead devotion of such as contemn Arts, and let no such corrupt drones (as make sale of sinful thoughts for good merchandise) buzz about the hive of true science: But as Emperors, Kings, and Princes have ever in their Greek, Italian, and French with a respective acceptance, and bountiful hand entertained this History; so let this translation of josephus which courteth you now in English, be accepted at your hands, and countenanced by your honour, for whose unconfined felicity both I and other of my name have ever prayed, and will never cease to study. Your Honours unfeignedly devoted, THOMAS LODGE. TO THE courteous READER As touching the use and abuse of History. IF History were as easily conceited and made use of, as (according to Baldus) it hath true proportion and documents for the government of man's life, I should hold it no sin so precisely to prescribe a limitation and bound, to such as should enter the List, and consult with example. For what more pleasing to ourselves; or profitable for societies could ever befall us, then in this theatre of man's life, (wherein History affordeth all sorts of actors) to sit and learn prevention by other men's perils, and to grow amply wise by foreign wrecks; all which being traduced to our private uses; we may either as partners in what we have passed, or observers of future casualties; by precedent events, tie ages to our memories: and prevent our escapes, by survey of other men's repentance, briefly beget experience by sight, or foresight of worldly casualties, and form a mirror of forepast errors, to forejudge our future calamities. But for that it behoveth us to enter this worldly Academy, the more prepared, the more that History is fraught and fulfilled with plentiful fruit, and whereas the difficulty and difference is a like, to yield an upright verdict both of a man's own, and other men's life, neither may any man rightly examine another (how wise so ever he be) except in equal balance he weigh his own imperfections; it must necessarily follow on both sides, that with the more wisdom, and the greater observation we ought to entertain History, lest our mind like the wind should wander uncertainly, and our devotion should prevent our resolution; our esteem our knowledge. For as in an ample and well furnished and affluent banquet, although some things, (and they to few men) seem pleasant, othersome to other are without taste and seem tart, and every one judgeth his meat not by proof, but by the palate; yet notwithstanding there is a certain mean, which either nature's ordinary, or the defined kind of nutriment (being simple and incorrupt) hath fashioned and fixed for most aptest for the body; from which whosoever varieth, or either beyond measure, or without judgement, followeth his foolish appetite, and glutting himself beyond discretion, reapeth more in commodity then pleasure by these pleasures: So in the diversity of man's life, although a thousand forms, a thousand similitudes be offered, and that every man fashioneth other men's manners to his mind, yet is their but one true path that virtue walketh in, which whosoever tracketh with judgement, doth truly know the use of life; whereas they that sit in a plentiful banquet, in affecting all things, can make use of nothing. Now how many are there, I pray you, that in respect either of their own, or other men's acts & words (according to the rule of virtue) can be more choice in judging minds, as meats, and that in this matter seemeth not sufficiently instructed? wherein I wonder that men espy not their errors, whereas they imagine that History is the instructor of such as read the same, whereas it only yieldeth matter of instruction, even as the banquet ministereth meat according to every man's affection. Some therefore are seduced with the sweetness of the style, and in seeking their pleasure, lose their profit; who reap no other fruit of History, then to beguile time, and beget officious idleness, laughing away hours, and nourish repent: others in reading glory, hunt it in a shadow, where if they could make use of it in proportion, they could not fall to repent it. And whereas no man can aspire to true glory without true virtue, neither no wise man will hope further, yet see we many men, that because they have read many excellent works, will be Capricious and pretend wisdom; resembling those tragedians, who will after they have discharged themselves of their parts, and apparel wherein they counterfeited the Emperor, yet retain his royal and princely manners: Some trivial and light witted, that make an Eclipse of a shadow, make more of the emblem, than the work; the habit than the Doctor: So admirable effects worketh history in men's mind. Now whereas it is the most exact and chiefest intent of history to awaken man's idleness, and arm them against casualties, and the whole bent of example hath no other issue, it falleth out thorough men's security (who suppose that their neighbour's perils concerneth them not) that whatsoever is of note, is overslipped with a deaf and sleeping judgement, and things that memory should best love, are lost in her. To conclude, there are some that will have every man's shoe fitted on their own last, & tie all men's pens to their own pleasures: For which cause partly by reason of this secret, partly thorough this ill ordered, confused, and rash method of reading, as of corrupt humours, so is there grown a certain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of judgement and resolution: and as in intemperate bodies, meat yieldeth very little profit; so reap they no fruit or benefit by their reading. By this good reader thou mayst easily conceive, how a history ought to be read: how men's lives ought in themselves be examined: finally how equal a proportion is required in both. And truly in my opinion the chiefest ground of this difficulty, is the perverseness of our judgements, which is the cause we the rather respect our own inclinations what they are, than the true life and force of example. Furthermore this is no less misery than the former, that such as write set down such things as are acted, not only for their profit sake, but to feed their own humours: and like to certain Architects (by interposing their judgements) do vainly praise some things, supposing that our imitation should betied to their pleasure; where if they performed what they ought to do, the reader should encounter with no such distractions: but now in like manner as Cooks who rather expect their masters pleasurable taste, than his profit; would God the Historiographer did not affect flattery. It therefore appeareth that in two sorts (first in our own judgement; and next to the prejudice of those that write) we are circumvented; in that they set not down such events as pass, in their own nature and as they are. For he that writeth an History is the interpreter of those things that are past, whose judgement being depraved, it fareth with him as with the purest & most richest wine, which waxeth musty by reason of that vessel wherein it is enclosed, or is by sophistication corrupted, which is the greatest folly, & most intolerable deceit that may befall men. They therefore, who negligently undertake a historiy, (or suppose that life were to be passed rashly, and without an exact observance of all offices) are no less deceived then certain country peasants in the last troubles of France (of whose folly I drew some example) who attempting and entering upon a city not far off from them, & lighting into an Apothecary's shop furnished with all kind of drugs and dainties, and being alured by the pleasure, odours and delight of the confections they tasted; and supposing all to be of the same kind, devoured, tasted, and swallowed down every thing: whereupon some fell sick of fevers, some grew frenzy, and many lost their lives to please their appetites, at leastwise he that scaped best, gave occasion of laughter to the lookers on. For as life, so History (the image of life) is fraught with pleasure, and displeasure; and only in the use of life, the wisdom of life consisteth. Fare well, use this, and myself as two twins borne for thy profit. Thine Thomas Lodge. THE TITLES OF ALL SUCH BOOKS AS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS HISTORY 1. A History in twenty books, wherein the Antiquity of the jews is discovered. 2. Seven books of the Wars of the jews. 3. Two books against Apion the Grammarian, in justification of the Antiquity of the jews. 4. A book as touching the memorable martyrdom of the Maccabees. 5. josephus Life. Written by himself all. A brief computation of time, very profitable and necessary in the understanding of this History. FRom- Adam until the Deluge, there were— 1656 From the Deluge until Abraham's time— 292 From Abraham until the departure out of Egypt— 500 From the departure out of Egypt, until the building of the temple by Solomon— 480 From the building of the temple, until the captivity in Babylon— 410 From the return from the captivity, until the Maccabees time— 432 From the Maccabees time, until Herod's— 134 From Herod's time, until the final and fatal destruction of jerusalem— 103 The jews have two sorts of years: the Politic sort which beginneth in September, and the Sacred or Ecclesiastic which beginneth in March. They have twelve Months or Moons, every third year hath a thirteenth month of 22. days, and the fourth year hath a thirteenth month of 23. days. Before the captivity of Babylon, they accounted the months successively by 1. 2. 3. etc. since their return they have named them rather after the manner of the Chaldees then Hebrews. The Hebrew. The English. The Greek. Nisan March Andimen Ziu or jar April Leritien Sluan May Distre Tamaz june Xantique Ab july Arthemisien E●…ul August Desien Ethanin or Tisrij September Paneme Bul or Markesuan October Loïe Casleu November Gorpian Thebet December Hiperberet●… Sebath januarie Dien Adar. February. Apelleen. This nation in their beginning, was governed by judges. Moses' josuah Othoniel Aod Baruc and Deborah Gedeon Abimelech Thola jair jeptha Absan Elon Abdon Samson Eli Samuel. After them, they had these King●…. Saul David Solomon Roboam Abia Asa josaphat joram Ochozias Athalia joas Amasias Ozias joathan Achaz Ezechias Manasses Amon josias joachas Eliachim joachin Sedechias. The Captivity of Babylon continued 70. years. Governors after the Captivity. Zorobabel Rhesa jehan Ben Resa judas Hyrcanus joseph Abner Heli Mahat Nag Haga●…eli Naum Amos Mat●…hathias joseph Arses jannes' Hyrcan●… Mattathias. The Maccabees, who have been ●…oth Gouernor●… and Priests. judas Ionatha●… Simon john Hyrcanus. These following have been both Kings and Priests. Aristobulus 1. john Alexander Alexandra Aristobulus 2. Hyrcanus. Aristobul●… the son of Arist. Aristobulus 3. Hyrca●…us. The race of Herod. Antipater Herod the great Archelaus the great Agrippa the son of Agrippa The names of such as were high Priests, from the time of their departure out of Egypt, until the building of the temple which was made by Solomon. Aaron Eleaz●… Phinees Abi●…a Busqui Oses Heli Achitob Achimelech Ab a●… ha●… Sadoc Achimaas Azarias. From the building of the temple, until the Captiu●…tie of Babylon. Iora●… joses Axioram Sudeas joathan Urias Nerias Odeas Sellum Helcias. From their return out of Babylon, until the Maccabees time. Sar●…ia josedech Ios●… joacim Eliasib Eleazar Manasses Onias 2. Simon 2. Onias 3. joiada Ionatha●… jadus Onias 1. Simon 1. jason Onias 4. Lysimachus Alcimus. High Priests since the Maccabees time, until the last destruction and overthrow of that City and nation. Simon B●…thus joseph 1. joseph 2. joazar Eleazar josuah the son of Sias joazar A●…us 〈◊〉 Theoph●… S●… Mattathias Elion joseph 3. Ananias Ishmael joseph Annas Eleazar Simon joseph Caiphas jonathan josuah the son of Da●…eus josuah the son of G●…liel Mathias Phinees or Pa●…s. King●… of Israel, otherwise called kings of the ten tribes or of Samaria. jeroboam 1. Nadab Baasa Ela Zamri Amri Achab joram jehu Ioacha●…. joas jeroboam 2. Zacharie Manahem Pecha the son of Manahem Pecha the son of Romelia Oseas Kings of Assyria and Babylon. Phulhelechus Phulassar Salmanassar Sennacherib Assaradon Berodach Benmerodach Nabuchodonosor 1. Nabuchodonosor the great Euilmerodach Neriglossorar Labosardach Baltassar. Kings of Persia. Cyrus' Cambyses Smerdes Magus. Darius' the son of Hystaspis Zerxes the son of Darius Artabanus the tyrant Artaxerxes with a long hand Zerxes Sogdianus Darius the bastard Artaxerxes Mnemo●… Artaxerxes Ochus Arsames Darius the son of Arsames Kings of Syria after the death of Alexander the great. Seleucus Nicanor Antiochus Soter Antiochus surnamed God Seleucus Callinicus Seleucus Cerau●…s Antiochus the great Seleucus Philopator. Antiochus Epiphanes Antiochus Eupator Demetrius Soter Alexander Epiphanes Demetrius Nic●…nor Antiochus Sedetes Demetrius Nicanor Alexander Zebina Antiochus Gryphus Antiochus Cyzicen●… Seleucus Gryphius Antiochus Pius. The kings of Egypt after the death of Alexander the great. Ptolomey Soter Philadelphus Euergetes Philopator Epiphanes Philometor Euergetes Phiscon. Lathyrus Alexander Auletes Cleopatra. Kings of the Tyrians. Abibalus Hiram Belastartus Abdastartus Astartus Astarimus Phelletes Ithoballus Badezor Mett●… Pigm●…lion. For the better understanding of the Coins and measures, whereof there is some mention made in this History; observe I pray you that which followeth. Saith was a measure containing about some seven pints French. The Epha contained three Saths. The Core or Homer contained ten Ephas, that is to say thirty Saths, and was the same measure both in dry and liquid things. The Log contained a French pint in measure. The Hin contained twelve Logs. The Bath contained as much as the Epha. The God was a kind of pitcher containing such a quantity as a young maiden might well carry. The common Sickle contained the weight of four ounces, whether it were of gold, silver, or of any other metal. The sacred or holy Sickle weighed half an ounce of any metal whatsoever. The common Sickle of silver was valued at about some shilling of our money. The holy Si●…e of silver was valued at about some two sh●…llings. The common drachm was the eight part of an ounce. The sacred Diachme was the fou●…th part of an ounce. The Pound weighed twelve ounces. The ordinary Tale●… contained fifty four pounds, eight ounces, and a quarter of Troy weight in any metal: yet was it not current money, but a mass made up after the manner of an ingot. The sacred Talon contained one hundredth pounds. Furthermore note this for your better knowledge, that when as josephus quoteth the Olympiades' without any specification of the years therein contained, he orderly comprehendeth the space of four years complete. Furthermore, where the Latin word Stadium hath divers Significations amongst both greeks and Latins (as the 〈◊〉 between P●…ie and Diodorus Siculus may well testify) and for that divers of our English translators have somenmes called it a Stade, other whi●…e a Stound, and otherwhiles improperly, a Fu●…long; I pray you in reading this History whereas any of these words occur, suppose them for one and the same measure of ground, and according to the greeks account (which I suppose josephus most respected in this History) conclude it to be either of 600. foot as the Olympic, that is of 120. paces, or as the Pyr●…hique, which contained 1000 foot, that is 200. paces. As for the furlong, either multiply him 8. times to make him a Stade, or as an oversight in the printing, let it pass with the Errata. The names of those Authors which are alleged in this History. A Acusilaus Agatharcid●…s Alexander Andrew Apio●… Apollonius Molo Apollodorus Ariphanes Aristaeus Aristotle. B Berosus. C Cadmus Castor Chaeremon Chaerilus Clearcus Conon. D Demetrius Phalereus Dius. E Ephorus Euhemerus Eupolen●…us. H Hecataeus Hellanicus Hermippus Hermogenes Herodotus Hesiodus Hestiaeus. Hier●…m of Egypt Homer Hy●…rochides. I Isidor●…. L Titus Livius Lysimachus. M Manethon Menander Mnaseas Mochus. N Nicholas of Damas. P Pherecydes Philon Philostratu●… Polybi●… Polycratet Posidonius Pythagoras. S Strabo. T Thales Theodotus Theophilus Theopompus. Theophrastus' Thucydides Timaeus. Z Zopyrion. Francis. Patritius de Regno, lib. 2. cap. 10. Historiarum cognitio Regibus, Ducibus, Imperatoribus et omnibus principibus perquam necessaria habenda est: quam Cicero appellat testem temporum, vitae Magistram, veram memoriae et veritatis nunciam. GEntle reader, let it stand with thy patience I beseech thee, to correct those errors that shall occur in this history, as favourably as we have overslipped them unwillingly; and count it no less virtue in thee to wink at them with discretion, as for me to let them pass thorough oversight: if thou do this, hope better: for thy sufferance shall make me circumspect, if not according to that in Plautus: Quod dedi non datum vellem; quod reliquum est non dabo. Errata. Fol. 4. line 3. for who, read which. f. 21. l. 14. for s●…aightes read straights. Ibidem l. 50. for Sara read Rebecca. f. 37. l. 42. for thou read you. f. co●…. l. 45. for thou read you. f. 134. l. 51. for deliver them from those, read deliver those f. 261. l. 40. for Babylon read jerusalem. f. 274. l. 39 for be began read beg●…n. f. 279.l. 38. for compassion read composition. f. 299. l. 57. read for old old years, old years. f. 361. l. 36. read for I●…dea, judaea. f. ●…80. l. 40. for 15 read 50. f. 63●…. l. 1. for aid read war. THE FIRST BOOK OF THE MOST ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE JEWS: WRITTEN BY JOSEPH THE SON OF MATHIAS. A most excellent Preface, containing the causes which induced the Author to write this History, together with the contents and intents of the same. CHAP. I. THEY that endeavour themselves to write Histories, seem not (in my opinion) to have one and the same intent and motive, but divers and very different causes of their labours: for some of them are addicted to this study, under pretence to exemplify their eloquence, and under hope to purchase glory thereby; other some to the end to give them content, whose worthy actions they couch and commend in their writings, have intermitted no time nor (to their power) spared no labour. Some there are that having been present in person, and eye witnesses in the execution of great affairs, have necessarily been enforced to reduce and digest the same in writing: neither wanted there some, who seeing occurrences of high and necessary consequence (which otherwise had been buried in ignorance) have been incited (in respect of common good) to employ both hand and head, in the publishing thereof: now of these forenamed causes; the two last are they that incited me to the like. For the war which we had with the romans, and the accidents and issues on both parts, (all which in person I beheld, and to my peril I have learned) do compel me to declare the same, and the rather for that there are some, who in their writings, have depraved and perverted the truth. I have therefore taken this work in hand, for that in my opinion the knowledge thereof, will be both pleasing and profitable to the Grecians: for it shall contain the antiquity of our whole nation, their form of commonweal, both translated and gathered out of the Antiquities and Chronicles of the Hebrews. Truth 'tis, that heretofore, and at such time also as I composed the History of the foresaid war, I had pr●…ected and purposed with myself, to lay open to the world, how and whence the jews had their first original, what alterations in fortune they had fallen into, by what lawmaker they had been instructed in piety, and incited to the exercise of virtue: how many wars they have sustained by long and divers times, and finally how against their will they have been entangled in this last war, which they waged against the romans. But for that the content of this matter, was too ample and copious, I have separated it apart, assigning thereunto this treatise accomplished from the beginning even unto the end: afterwards in process of time (as it usually happeneth to those that attempt matters of mighty consequence) I was surprised with a certain delay, and slothfulness that withdrew me from the translation of so weighty a matter, in an unfamiliar and foreign language. Yet some there were, who inflamed with a desire of knowledge, animated me in this action; and especially Epaphroditus, a man enamoured of all learning, and who in especial, took it for a pleasure, to take knowledge of the divers occurrences of commonweals: as he that had been agent, in divers affairs of importance, and sundry accidents; in all which he hath showed, a marua●…lous magnanimity of courage, with an unmovable resolution to follow virtue. Being thus persuaded by him, who is accustomed to encourage those unto good actions, whom he perceiveth to be apt and prepared to perform things profitable and honest: and (that which is more) being ashamed in myself, that I should rather take delight to follow idleness, than addict myself to any laudable exercise; I enforced my se●…fe more courageously then before time; and (besides all that which hath been spoken) I have effectually considered with myself, that our ancestors have thought good to communicate and publish the knowledge of our Histories to the Grecians, if so be that any of them were curious to understand the same: I have found therefore that Ptolomey king of Egypt the second of the name, (highly affectioned to good letters, and desirous to store and gather books) was earnestly desirous, that our law and the rules thereof, and the prescript form of ou●… living should be translated into the Greek tongue. And as touching the high Priest Eleazar (who hath not been second in virtue to any other whatsoever) he refused not to make the said King partaker of the effect of his desire: to which he had wholly contradicted, had it not been the ordinary course of our ancestors, not to conceal from other men, what thing soever was honest. For which cause I have held it a matter no ways undecent for me, to follow the virtuous courage of that same great sacrificer, and the rather for that at this day (only in as much as concerned learning) I supposed many also to be no less affected to good letters then the king: for he undertook not to have all the writings which we had, but those translators who were sent unto him to Alexandria, did only communicate that unto him which was in our law. But those things that are found written in the sacred books of holy Scripture are infinite, being such as contain in them, the History of five thousand years, in which divers unexpected chances, sundry fortunes of war, and many changes of politic estates are discovered. In some, if any one have a desire to read this History, he shall principally learn and apprehend, that all things fall out happily, and beyond their expectation to those men, who observe the will of God; and are afraid to transgress the laws of his commandments; and that God hath prepared for such the crown and reward of felicity. chose, if they shall depart from the diligent observance thereof, that which is easy, shall be made impossible, and their endeavours in their opinion good, shall end in incurable calamities. For which cause I exhort all those that shall read these books, to fix their mind upon God, and that they approve our lawmaker, if (as it worthily deserved) he hath considered the divine nature; and attributed to the same such actions as are always agreeable to his power, and hath kept and continued his narration, free from the vanity of fables, wherewith others are poisoned: although in respect of the length of time, and the antiquity of things, he might without control feign and imagine whatsoever vanities: for he was borne more than two thousand years ago, which is a continuance of ages, to which the Poets neither durst refer the original of their Gods; neither the deeds or laws of men, whereof they make mention. But in pursuit of our History, the sequel of our discourse, shall declare all things exactly, and in convenient order. For in compiling this work, I have promised to add nothing, neither to pretermit any thing: and for that all whatsoever we shall declare, doth almost wholly depend, on the wisdom of our lawmaker Moses; It is necessary before all other things, that I speak somewhat of himself, lest perhaps any man should wonder how this labour having been enterprised, to discover the words and works of certain persons, is also employed for the greatest part in describing and discovering things that are natural. We ought therefore to know, that Moses thought it most especially necessary, either for him that will rightly dispose his life, or impose laws to other men, that first and in especial he have the knowledge of the nature of God; to the end that conceiving in his mind the greatness of his works; he might as much as in him lieth, imitate his most unequal example; and follow him with all diligence. For it is impossible, that a lawmaker being void of this contemplation, should have good sense; or that his writings should be of any moment to induce them unto virtue, who should receive those laws, except before all things they should learn, that God who is the Father and Lord of all, and that seeth all, giveth happy life unto those that follow him; and chose environeth them with great calamities, who forsake the way of virtue and righteousness: Moses therefore intending to instruct his Citizens in this doctrine, began not his ordinances with the treatise of contracts, and covenants, which we practise one with another, as other lawmakers were accustomed to do: but he hath lifted their spirits on high, to the end they might think on God, and on the ornament of this world made by him, persuading that the most accomplished work among all those things which God had made in the world, was the creation of us men: After that he had made them capable of things concerning piety; then might he more easily persuade them in the rest. Whereas other lawmakers, addicting themselves unto fables, have in their discourse imposed on their Gods the infamy of sins committed by men, and by that means have brought to pass, that the wicked sort are yet more wicked and addicted to evil doing. But as touching our lawmaker, after he had declared that God had in himself all virtue pure, and unspotted, he hath thought good that men also should endeavour themselves to be partakers of the same, and on those that neither conceive nor belicue those thing●…, he inflicteth a grievous and inexorable punishment: I exhort the reader therefore to examine our writings according to this Maxim: for to those that consider after this manner, nothing shall seem either absurd, or unworthy the magnificence of God; by reason that all things have their disposition conformable to the universal nature, which our Lawmaker hath declared sometimes obscurely, sometimes in convenient allegories gravely; and otherwise expressing that manifestly, and publishing that in plain words, which he ought openly to make known. The causes whereof if any man would search, he might find a most deep and very Philosophical contemplation; which I overslip at this present, without longer staying thereon: but if God shall give me time I will enforce myself to compose it in a volume as soon as I shall have finished this work. For this present than I will apply myself, to expose those things which have been done, beginning at the creation of the world, according as Moses hath spoken and I have found it written in the holy scriptures, which testify and entreat to this effect a●… followeth. CHAP. II. The Creation of the world. IN the beginning, God created heaven and earth: now the earth, not being subject to A●… 〈◊〉, 1. before the 〈◊〉 of Christ, 3963. Gen●…sis 1. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 1. The creation of the world▪ The first day. sight, but covered with thick darkness, and traversed with an air coming from high: God commanded that there should be light; and after the light was made having considered the universal matter, he separated the light from the darkness, and named the darkness Night, and the light Day; calling the Morning the beginning of the day, and the Evening the time wherein we cease from travel, and this was the first day which Moses in his language called a day, whereof at this present I could give a sufficient reason: but for that in a particular discourse I have promised to write the general causes of all; I will refer the declaration thereof, to his convenient time and place. After this, the second day, he placed ●…he heaven above all the The second day. world, and having separated it from other things, he thought good to give it a place apart; and making it firm by the means of a Crystalline matter, he endowed it with a quality moist and rainy, and did harmoniously accord the earth with it, to the end the increase thereof should be watered by dews. The third day, he firmly established the earth, spreading the sea round about The third day. the same; and the same day, he with a word caused all plants and seeds to spring upon the face of the earth. The fourth day, he embellished the heavens with the Sun, the Moon, and Stars, The fourth day. ordaining them their motions and cou●…ses by which the seasons orderly ensuing, might be distinguished. In the fifth day, he made all kind of living creatures which dwell upon the face of the The fifth day. earth, as well they that swim in the deepest waters, as those that fly in the air; uniting them together by couples and pairs, to the end that each in their kind, might increase and multiply. The sixth day, he made all fourfooted beasts, & distinguished them into male and female: and in the The sixth day same day, he form man. So that Moses saith, that the world and all that is therein was made in six whole days, and that on the seventh day, God took rest and ceased from his labours. By reason whereof we likewise desist from travel on that day which we call Sabath, which is to say, Repose. Sabbat●…. After the seventh day, Moses began to describe the original of man and the manner of his Creation in these terms: God framed man of the dust of the earth, and powered into him a spirit and soul, which man was called Adam, an Hebrew word signifying ruddy, because he Hedio & Ru●…finus, chap G●…es. 〈◊〉 ●…entor ●…sicke. was made of e●…, tempered with red or yellow: for the earth which is rightly called a virgin, that is to say, earth not removed but elementary, is of that colour. Then brought God all kind of living creatures before Adam, showing him as well the male as the female: on w●…m Adam bestowed those names, which to this present time they retain. And seeing that Adam had female to accompany and live with him (for as yet there was no woman) and for that he thought The year of the world. 1. before Christis Natiuit●…e 3963. it strange that all other living creatures had their companions: God took one of his ribs from him at such time as he slept, and of the same he form a woman; who being brought before Adam, he did acknowledge that she was made for him. Now in Hebrew a woman is called Isha, 〈◊〉 the mo●… o●… all ving ●…ures. Pa●…acice. but this was called Eva, which is as much to say, as the mother of all living creatures. He declareth also, that God planted in the East a garden, flourished and adorned with all sorts of plants; amongst which was the tree of life, and an other the tree of intelligence, by which was known both good and evil. And after he had brought Adam and his wife into this garden, he commanded them to keep and cherish the plants. Now this garden is watered by a river that environeth The 〈◊〉. slouds of Paradise The●… P●…ison or Gan●…, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Hed. Seth. 2. Eph●…tes. 3. Tigris. 4. Geh●…n, Nilus. Hedio Ruffinus, cap. 3. the whole earth, which divideth itself into 4. channels or rivers. That which is called Phison (which name signifieth abundance or multitude) floweth by the land of India, and entereth into the great sea, and is by the greeks called Ganges. As touching Euphrates and Tigris, they flow into the red sea. Euphrates is called Phora (that is to say dispersion or flower.) Tigris is called Diglat (which signifieth straight and swift.) Gehon runneth by the country of Egypt, and signifieth as much as coming from the East: the greeks call it Nilus. Now God commanded Adam and his wife to eat of the fruits of all other plants, and that they should abstain from that of science; telling them, that at what time soever they should taste of the same, they should die the death. Whereas then at that time, all living creatures were at accord one with another; the Serpent conversing with Adam and his wife, was inflamed with envy, for that he saw they The subtlety of the Serpent. should be happy if they continued in the observation of God's commandments: and that chose, they should cast themselves headlong into ruin and destruction, if they should disobey the same. He therefore maliciously persuaded the woman, to taste the fruit of the tree of intelligence, giving her to understand, that the knowledge of good and evil was in the same; and that as soon as they had tasted thereof, they should lead a life no less happy than Gods: and by this means he caused the woman to fall, which took no regard of the ordinance of God. For having herself tasted of this fruit, and finding it pleasant and delicious in taste, she persuaded her husband also to taste the same, at which time they understood that they were naked, and sought means to cover themselves: (for this fruit had in itself, the virtue to give understanding, and Adam and E●…ahs fall. to quicken the thought.) Then covered they themselves with fig leaves, which they put before their privities, esteeming themselves more happy than they were before, in that they had found out that which they wanted. But when as God came into the garden, Adam (who before times was accustomed familiarly to talk with him) finding himself guilty of sin, hid himself from his presence: but God wondering hereat, asked him for what cause he fled and shunned him at that time, whereas before time he had taken pleasure to talk familiarly with him? Adam knowing that he had transgressed the ordinances and commandments of God, God speaketh. unto Adam. answered him not a word, but God spoke unto him after this manner: I had provided for you the means whereby you might have led your life without sufferance of any evil, or sense of any misery: so that all whatsoever was requisite for necessity or pleasure, might happen of itself unto you, by my only providence, without any travel or care on your parts, which if you had well used, age had not so soon overtaken you, but that you might have lived many years: but thou hast scorned this mine ordinance, and broken my commandment. For in that thou art silent at this time, it proceedeth not of virtue, but of evil; of which thou findest thyself culpable: wherefore both old age shall quicklier come upon thee, and the days of thy life shall be shortened. Adam excused his sin, and required at God's hands, that he would Adam asketh pardon. not be incensed against him, laying the fault of that which had happened on his wife, alleging that he had offended by reason he was suborned by her: and the woman accused the Serpent. Adam's punishment. Eu●…s punishment. The seed of the woman (that is Christ) shall br●…ise the ●…rpents head. Genes. 3. 〈◊〉 ●…pents 〈…〉 But at that time God punished him, because he had suffered himself to be overcome by the counsel of a woman; that the earth thence forward never more of her own accord should bring forth fruit: but that when they had travailed and almost devoured themselves in labour, it should sometimes give them food, and at other times refuse to sustain them. And as touching Eve, he chastised her with childbearing, and throws in travel, for that being herself deceived by the Serpent, she had drawn her husband by the same means into extreme misery. He took also from the Serpent his voice, and was displeased against him, * by reason of the malice he had conceived against Adam, and he put venom on his tongue, declaring him an enemy both to man and woman, whom he commanded to bruise the head of the Serpent, as well for that the evil which chanced unto men consisted in the head, as also ●…at being assaulted in that part he is most easily done to death. Moreover having deprived him of his feet, he condemned him to slide and trail himself along the earth. And after The year of th●… world. 〈◊〉. before Christ's birth. 3963. that God had ordained them to suffer those punishments, he translated Adam and Eve out of the garden into another place. CHAP. III. Of the Posterity of Adam: and of the ten ages even unto the Deluge. But Adam and Eve had two male children, the first whereof was called Cain (which signifieth Hedio & Ruf●…nus. chap. 4. Genef 4. Of Cain & Abel brethren. acquisition) and the second was called Abel (which is as much to say as mourning) they had also daughters. These brothers addicted themselves each one of them to their particular exercises: Abel the younger honoured justice, and (supposing that God was present in all his actions) he always and wholly fixed his thoughts on virtue: and his exercise was keeping of sheep. But Cain (being the wickedest man amongst men, and addicted to In the year of the world. 70. before the birth of Christ. 3894. unsatiable desire of profit) was he that first found out the use of the Plough, and who killed his brother for the cause which ensueth. Having concluded among themselves to sacrifice unto God, Cain offered the fruits of his labour, and planting; Abel presented milk, and the firstlings of his fold: which sacrifice of his, was more acceptable to God, in that it rather consisted The sacrifice o●… Cain & Abel. of things produced of themselves by the order of nature, then that which a covetous man had forcibly in a manner extorted from nature. Hereupon Cain (being wroth because his Weak reason in joseph. Cain slew his brother Abel. The talk twixt God and Cain. brother Abel was more honoured by God then himself) slew his brother; and having hidden his body out of sight, he thought that such a murder should be concealed. But God knowing well this fact; appeared to Cain, and questioned with him as concerning his brother, what might become of him, for that many days since he had not seen him; when as heretofore he had always seen him conversant before him. Cain (being troubled, and ignorant what answer he should make unto God) said first that he wondered what was the cause his brother was so long time absent: and finally aggrieved in that God continued the quest, and did more exactly seek after him; he said he was ●…ot his brother's keeper, or bound to take care of his affairs. Then God reproved and convicted Cain of murdering his brother, and spoke unto him after this manner, saying, that he wondered he should deny the knowledge of his brother's death, whereas he himself had slain him: notwithstanding he acquitted him of the punishment deserved for this murder, by reason that Cain had done sacrifice, and made request unto God, that it might please him, to remit somewhat of the severity of his justice against him: yet did God curse him, and threaten to punish his successors to the seventh generation. Then cain's banishment. did he drive him & his wife out of that country, whereat being affrighted (for fear he should be encountered and taken by some savage beast, and that he should perish after that sort) God commanded him to suspect no dangerous event for that cause, assuring him that he might safely travail thorough all regions without being either assaulted or seized by savage beasts: and having set his mark upon him, by which he might be known; he commanded him to depart the country. After that Cain (accompanied with his wife) had travailed thorough divers regions, Cain is not bettered by God's Cha●…sements. he builded: Nais (it was a place so named) and made his abode therein, and in that place had childre●…: But he received not this chastisement for his better amendment, but rather became worse and worse: for he abandoned himself to all pleasures of the body, making it his sport to outrage those with whom he conversed, filling his house with riches gotten by rapine and violence; and inciting other men to follow his pleasutes and thefts, he became their Lord and master of all mischievous exercises: he overthrew that simplicity which men before that time had used in their mutual societies, by the inventions of measures and weights; Measures and weights found out by Cain. the ignorance whereof was the cause that the life of man was estranged from deceit: but in steed and place of free and ancient courage he introduced fraud and deceit. He it was that first bounded the fields; and builded the first City, and made a wall and rampire, enforcing his followers to dwell therein. This City was named Enosa, by the n●…me of Enos his first begotten Enosa the first City. son. But Iared was the son of Enos, of Iared issued Malehel, whose son was Mathusala, who begot Lamech, who had 77. children by his two wives Sella and Ada: amongst whom jobel the son of Ada was the first that made Tents, and took delight to lead a pastoral li●… contenting himself with the same. jubal his brother germane exercised music, and invented jubal inventor of music. the psaltery, and the Harp. And as touching Thobell one of his sons, by his other wife, he surpassed all other his brethren in force; and bravely managed the affairs of war, by which ways he got more ample riches, and means to maintain his life with more pleasure. He it was that first invented the art of forging, and the shop also: and was father to a daughter named Naama. But Lamech being well exercised in God's law, and foreseeing that he should suffer punishment In the yea●…e of the world. ●…o. be. fore Christ●… birth 3894. Cain the father of hypocrites and evil men. for the fratricide of Cain, told it to his wives. So it was that during the life of Adam himself, the successors of Cain were most wicked, teaching & imitating one an others wickedness, the last of them proving always the worst: so that they were strangely inflamed to follow war and theft: and if perhaps some of them were more remiss than the other in murders, and committing outrages; yet notwithstanding were they bold enough to spoil and possess the goods and heritage of other men. But Adam the first man made of earth (for the History requireth that I should return to speak of him) after the death of Abel, & the flight of Cain, betook himself to beget children, highly affecting succession and posterity, being about the age of two hundredth and thirty years: besides which, after he had lived some seven hundredth more, at last he died: amongst whose Adam's years. 930. Seth the son of Adam a virtuous man. children (which were many) he had Seth. And for that it were too long to speak of all of them, I will only touch that which concerneth Seth: He being nourished and trained up by his father to the years of discretion; studied virtue, and left his succession heirs, and followers, of his sanctity: who being all of them well borne, remained in the world free from all contention, and lived happily: so that it never happened that any of them in any sort did injury to any man. These invented the science of the celestial bodies, & all that which concerneth the beauty and order of the same. And to the end that their inventions should not be defaced out of the memories of men, neither should perish before they were perfectly known: (insomuch as Adam had foretold them of the general destruction of all things after two sorts, the one by the force of fire, and the other by the violence and abundance of waters) they made two pillars; the one Two pillars raised. of brick, and the other of stone; and engraved in each of them such things as they had invented, to the end that if that of brick should be abolished by the overflows and rage of waters, that other of stone should remain, and express unto men that which was imprinted therein for their instructions. That of brick than was consecrated by them, and is in the country of Licia even at this present day. CHAP. FOUR The Deluge from which Noah and his family escaped and dwelled in the field of Senaar. IN this manner persevered they during the course of seven ages, honouring one God, the Lord of all things, having always a respect of virtue. But afterwards in process of time, they degenerated from the ancient institutions of their forefathers, neither observing human laws, neither continuing their accustomed service of God; and they that Hedi●… & Ruffinus. chap. 6. Ge●…es 5. 6. Those whom josephus nameth in this place Angels Moses calleth the sons of God. Genes. 6. before time industriously exercised themselves in virtue, afterward with twice as zealous study followed wickedness; and grew at last to that height of impiety, that they provoked Gods heavy displeasure against them. For divers Angels of God accompanying themselves with women engendered outrageous infants, and contemners of all good, by reason of that trust they had in their forces, whose heinous actions were not much unlike those which the greeks have in their fables feigned of the Giants. But Noah perplexed and extremely displeased with such their misdemeanours, exhorted them to change their thoughts, and amend their misdeeds, and (seeing them mollified by no admonitions; but that they were wholly possessed with the pleasure which they took in vices; he fearing lest they should kill him and his family, left them to their looseness, and with his wife, children, and all his family departed into an other country. Noa●… departeth into an other country. Then God (delighting in the justice of the man) not only condemned the men of that age of extreme malice, but also concluded to destroy all whatsoever creatures were in the world, and to produce an other new race, devoid, and repurged from all impiety: he abridged also the life of them, so that they lived not any more so long time as they were wont, but only attained the term of six score years: and he covered the land with waters, and by this means all of them were destroyed. Only Noah escaped by the means and way which God had taught him in such manner as followeth: He builded an Ark of four stages, in length, three hundredth cubits: in breadth fifty; and in height thirty: into this he entered with his mother, his wife and Noah's Ark. his children and their wives, purveying himself of all things requisite both for their sustenance and use: he closed also therein all sorts of living creatures, two and two, male and female, for the conservation of every kind, and of some of them seven couples. The sides of this Ark were strong, and the cover also; so that no water could pierce the same, and whatsoever storm might come it was able to resist it. Thus was Noah (by succession of nature the tenth Noah's genealogy. The Deluge. from Adam) saved with all his household; for he was the son of Lamech whose father was Methusalem the son of Enos, the son of Iared, the son of Maleel, who with divers other brethren The year of the world. 1656. before the Na●…tie of Christ. 2308. were begotten of Cainan by Enos: who was the son of Seth, the son of Adam. This destruction happened, the six hundredth year of Noah's age (and the second month which was called Dius by the Macedons, and by the Hebrews Marsomane) fo●… so have the Egyptians distinguished the year (but Moses set down Nisan for the first month in his Chronicles, which is Zanthicus among the Macedons, for that in this month he brought the Israelites out of the Nisan or Zanthicus is April to us. thraldom of the Egyptians.) He made this law therefore, that all things which appertain to divine service, should take their beginning and reckoning from this month, but in respect of the times and terms of buying and selling, and all other traffic, he observed the first policy of the year, beginning in December: Moses wrote that the Deluge began the seven & twentieth day of the above named month which was the year two thousand six hundredth fifty and fix, after the creation of the first man Adam (which time is carefully calculated in holy writ, in which the birth and death of great personages of that time are most exactly set down.) At such time then as Adam was 230. years old, his son Seth was borne unto him, and the said Adam lived 930. years; Seth about the age of 250. years, begat Enos, who after he had lived 905. years, left the government of his affairs to his son Cainan, whom he had begotten about the 190. year of his age. After that Cainan had lived 910. years, he had his son Maleel, This comparison doth not exactly agree with the Hebrews, and the 70. interpreters. begotten by him the 170. year of his age. The said Maleel having lived 195. years died, leaving his son Iared: who about the age of 162. years, engendered Enoch, who lived 962. years: After Enoch, succeeded his son Mathusala, begotten about the age of 162. years, at such time as the said enoch's father was yet alive: and after that Enoch had lived 365. years, he was taken up unto God (whence it cometh to pass that his decease hath not been exemplified in writing) Mathusala the son of Enoch, in the year of 〈◊〉 ●…ge 187. years, ha●… Lamech for his son who enoch's death is not written in holy scriptures. lived 782. years, to whom he left the sovereignty, having he●…d the same 969. years. And Lamech after he had governed 707. years, declared his son Noah for governor, at such time as the said Lamech had lived 182. years, which Noah governed for the space of 900. years. All these years calculated into one son, accomplish the time above written. Yet to perfect this account, we ought not to seek out the decease of these personages (for they lived in the same time that their children and successors did:) but the only thing we are to observe is their births. As soon then as God had given the sign, and that it began to rain for the Gen. 7. 8. In the Greek copy & Mose●… ar●… 40. days. The Latin joseph 90. space of whole forty days, the water fell and overflowed the whole earth fourteen cubits high, (which was the cause that divers could not escape, because there was no means of ●…ight, or place of refuge.) But as soon as the rain was ceased, the water began to decrease by little and little for the space of one hundredth and fifty days, about the 27. day of the seventh month. No perceiving then that the Ark was on ground upon the top of a certain mountain of the country of Armenia; he opened the same, and seeing the earth did a little discover itself round about the same, he conceived some better hope and held himself satisfied: Some few days No sendeth a crow out of the Ar●…. after, when the water was ebbed somewhat more; he sent out a Crow (desiring to know if the rest of the earth were delivered from the waters, and whether without danger he might issue out of the Ark:) but the Crow finding the earth bebayned in water, returned unto Noah: who the seventh day after sent out a Pigeon to find out the estate of the earth, which returned bemired and bearing in his neb an Olive branch: whereby Noah perceived that the earth was delivered from the Deluge; and having as yet expected seven days more, he ●…et at liberty all No Forsake●… the Ark, and sacrificeth to God. living creatures that were in the Ark. But as soon as himself, his wife, and his family, forsook it, he offered sacrifice unto God, and feasted and rejoiced both he and all his household. The Armenians in their language have called the place where No descended, by a name Aprobaterion (which signifieth as much as descent) and in that place even at this present the inhabitants of that country show some remnants and memories of the same. All those that have written strange histories, have made mention of this Deluge, and of the Ark: among the number of whom is Berosus the Chaldean, who setting down occurrences of this Deluge writeth after this manner: Some say likewise that a certain part of this Ark is in Armenia, near to the mountain of the Cordaeans, and that some men have br●…ght from thence some part of the pitch wherewith it was caulked, which the men of that place are wont to use in stead of a preservative against enchantment: Hierome the Egyptian also (who hath written the antiquity of the Phoenicians) hath made mention of this m●…tter: as also Mnaseus with divers other: Nicholas Nicholas Damascene of noah's Ark. of Damas' likewise in his ninety six book speaketh hereof after this manner. Above the Region of Mineans there is a great mountain in Armenia called Baris, in which it is reported that divers retired themselves for safety during the time of the Deluge, and there Th●…yeare of the ●…ld. 1687. befor●… the Nativity of Christ. 1307. Hodio & Ruffinus the 6. ch. escaped they: and that a certain man borne on an Ark arrived upon the highest top of that mountain, and that certain timbers of that bottom had been kept a long while: and it may be that this is that whereof Moses the lawmaker of the jews maketh mention. But No fearing lest God (having condemned all men to a general perdition) should every year overflow the earth after this manner; offered burnt sacrifice unto God: beseeching him, that hereafter he would entertain the ancient order, and that no so great calamity might succeed, by which all No prayeth God that he will drown the earth no mo●…e. living creatures should come in danger to be utterly extinct and exterm●…nated: but that inflicting deserved punishment on the reprobate, he would spare the innocent, whom in his mercy he had preserved from danger; otherwise they should be more miserable and condemned by a harder censure, if they were not wholly warranted, but should be reserved to be swallowed up by an other Deluge; and having suffered the fear and sight of the first, to perish by the second. He prayed him therefore that he would be pleased to accept of his sacrifice, and in his mercy vouchsafe that he would hereafter conceive no more any so heinous hate and displeasure against the earth, to the end that men might by their labours till it, and building them Cities might possess the same in pcace, wanting none of those commod●…ties which they enjoyed before the Deluge: but that they might equal their forefathers in old years, and length of life. No having in this sort finished his requests, God (who loved him for the uprightness of his God heareth noah's prayer. No●…. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. heart) granted him his request, denying himself to be the author of their deaths who were drowned, but that they themselves by their own malice had procured those pnuishments due unto them. For had he desired that they should be extinguished, he would not have brought them into the world. For better is ●…ot to grant life; then to destroy those to whom Man is the author of his death, not God thou hast given it. But (saith God) thorough 〈◊〉 ●…ntempt of my service and graces, they have enforced me to humble ●…hem under the rigor●… vengeance: hereafter I will not so exactly pursue and examine their iniquities, to the end to chastise them in my displeasure; especially for thy sake: And if hereafter at any time I shall send any tempest, fear not (how huge and God's covenant with Noe. In the ●…eare of the world. 2007. before Christ's Na●…ty. 1959. hideous soever the storms be) for there shall be no more Deluge of water upon the earth. In the mean time I command you to keep your hands innocent from murders, and all manslaughter, and to punish those that commit wickedness. I leave the use of all other living creatures to your sustenance or service; in as much as I have made you Lord over all, as well those that breath upon the face of the earth, as those that swim in the waters, and such as inhabit and fly amidst the air: but you shall not eat any blood, in as much as therein consisteth the soul and life of living creatures. And I declare unto you that I will desist to draw the shafts of my displeasure against men. And I will give you the rainbow for a sign: for this bow in The Rainbow the sign of atonement between God and Noe. Hedio & Ru●…fin. 8. chap. noah's age. 950. years. their opinion is the bow of God. And after that God had pronounced these words and made these promises, he departed. No lived after the Deluge three hundredth and fifty years, and having spent all this time of his life in happiness, he died after he had lived in the world nine hundredth and fi●…ie years. Neither is there cause why any man (comparing this our present age, and the shortness of the years thereof, with the long life of the ancients) should think that false which I have said: neither followeth it consequently, that because our present life extendeth not to such a term and continuance of years, that therefore they of the former world attained not the age and long life which we publish of them. For they being beloved of God, and newly created by him, Why they in times past lived longer than we do. using also a kind of nutriment agreeing with their natures, and proper to multiply their years, it is no absurd thing to suppose that their years were of that continuance: Considering that God gave them long life, to the end they should teach virtue, and should conveniently practise those things which they had invented in Astronomy, and by Geometry: the demonstrations whereof they never had attained except, they had lived at the least six hundredth years. For the great year is accomplished by that number of years: whereof all they bear The great year. me witness, who (either greeks or Barbarians) have written ancient histories. For both Manethon (who hath written the history of Egypt) and Berosus (who hath registered the acts and affairs of the Chaldeans) together with Mochus Hestiaeus, Hierome of Egypt (who historified the state of the Phaenicians) with others accord with me in that which I have said. Hesi●…dus also, Hecataeus, Hellanicus, and Acusilaus, Ephorus and Nicolaus do declare, that they of the first world lived one thousand years. Notwithstanding let every man judge of these things, as best liketh him. CHAP. V. Of the tower of Babylon, and the c●…unge of tongues. No had three sons Sem, japhet, and Cham, borne one hundredth years before the The year of the world, 1790. before 〈◊〉 Nati●…ie 2174. 〈◊〉. 10 noah's three sons. Deluge. These first descended from the mountains into the plains, and there made they their habitation, which when other men perceived (who for fear of the Deluge had fled the plains, and for that cause were loath to forsake the mountains) they gathered courage and persuaded themselves to do the like: and the plain where they all dwelled was called Senaar. And whereas they were commanded by God that (by reason of the increase and multitude of men) they should send certain distinct Colonies to inhabit divers countries of God commanded 〈◊〉 po●…e or No 〈◊〉 inha●… the earth. the world (to the end that no seditions might grow betwixt the one and the other; but chose in labouring and tilling a great quantity of ground, they might gather great store of fruit) they were so ignorant that they disobeyed God, and falling into great calamities suffered the punishment of their offences. For whereas they flourished in increase (by reason of the great number of their youth) God counseled them again that they should divide themselves into colonies. But they (thinking that the goods which they possessed proceeded not from him, or his bounty, but presuming that their force was the only cause of their abundance) did not obey him, but rather suspected that God sought to betray them, to the end that being thus divided he might the better subdue them: Nemrod incited them in this sort to mock and contemn God. He was the nephew of Cham, the son of Noah; a man valian●… and apt for arms: he put them in the head that they should not believe that their good hap proceeded from God, but that they ought to attribute it to their own virtue, which furnished them with so much riches: so that in a little space he reduced the estate to a tyranny; supposing by this only means that he might make men revolt against God, if he might persuade them to submit themselves to his government; giving them to understand, that if God should once more send a deluge, he would take revenge on him in men's behalf, and that he would build a tower, to whose top the water should not attempt, and revenge the death of his predecessors. The common sort was ready to follow these ordinances of Nemrod, supposing it to be pusillanimity in themselves, Gen, 11●… if they should obey God. For which cause they began to build the tower with their uttermost industry, neither was there any one idle in all that work: yea so great a number of labourers were there, that the work was raised to a height beyond all expectation. The thickness thereof was so great that it obscured the height thereof: and it was builded of burnt brick cemented and joined with a bituminous mortar, to the end it should not receive any cleft in the same. But God seeing their madness, condemned them not to a general extermination (by reason that they had made no profit by their example, who perished in the first Deluge) but made The confusion of tongues. them mutiny the one against the other by changing of their tongues; so that by reason of their diversities of language, they could not understand one another. The plac●… where this tower was builded, is at this present called Babylon (by reason of the confusion of tongues that first began in that place) for Babel in Hebrew signifieth confusion. Of this tower and the diversity of languages Sibilla hath made mention in these words. At such time as men used Sibyls prophecy of the tower of Babel. one kind of language, they builded a most high tower, as if they meant by the same to mount up into heaven: but the gods sent down winds and overthrew the tower, and gave every one his distinct and several language, whence sprung the cause that their City was called Babylon. But as touching that place which is called Senaar in Babylon, Hestiaeus testifieth after this manner. It is said of those sacrificers that being escaped, they took the sacred relics of jupiter Enyelius, and came into Senaar in Babylon. CHAP. VI How noah's posterity dispersed themselves thorough the whole world. FRom that time forward (by reason of the diversity of tongues) they dispersed themselves into divers countries, and planted colonies in all places; and occupied those places whither either God or their good fortune had conducted them: so that both the sea coasts, and the mid land were replenished with inhabitants. Some there were also who Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 10. passing the sea in ships and vessels, first peopled the Islands. And there are some nations likewise, who at this day retain the names which in times past were imposed on them: some other have changed them. Others are altered into a more familiar and known name, to neighbours, T●… year of the world, 1790. befor●… Christ's nativity, 1174. The names of Regions and Nations. deriving them from the greeks the authors of such titles. For they in these latter times having grown to great name and power, have appropriated the ancient glory to themselves, in giving names unto nations derived from the greeks, and policying them, as if they had taken their original from them. CHAP. VII. That every Nation derived his name from his Author. NOw they in honour of whom the Nations received their first names were the children Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 11. Gen. 10. of the sons of Noe. japhet the son of Noah had seven children who began to make their abode from the mountains of Taurus and Amanus, and entered Asia, even unto Tana; and Europa, unto Gades, occupying the country which they first met with, and was not before time by any man inhabited, each one calling his several Nation by his own name: for Gomar was the founder of the Gomarians, Magog dwelled amongst those (who according The Galatians descended from Gomar. The progeny of japhet. noah's first begotten son. to his name) were called Magogins, and by the greeks Scitheses. Of Madus (the first begotten son of japhet) issued the Madians, whom the greeks have named Medes: and of javan his other son, the jonians and greeks took their original: Thobelus gave name likewise to the Theobelians, who at this day are called Iberians. Meschus was the author of them that were called Meschates, who are lately named Capadocians: for they show even at this day a token of their ancient name; to wit, the City of Masaca, which testifieth to those that conceive the same, that this nation hath been so called. There's named them Therians: who were under his government whom the greeks called Thracians: and thus many The progeny of the sons of Gomar. nations took their original from the sons of japhet: but of the three sons which Gomar had, Aschanaxes gave original to the Aschanaxians (at this day termed Rhegians by the greeks) Rhiphates engendered the Rhiphateans called at this day Paphlagonians. Tygranes engendered the Tygraneans, who by the greeks are called Phrygians. As touching javan The progeny of the sons of javam. Tharsus Saint Paul's country. ●…ctes. 9 the son of japhet, he had three sons, of whom Abisus gave name to the Abisians, who at this present are the Aetolians, over whom he commanded: Tharsus engendered the Tharsians, which was the ancient name of the Cilicians, as it appeareth by the name of their renowned and Metropolitan City Tharsis; whose first letter is ☉. in steed of Th. Chetinus obtained the Isle of Chetine, called at this day Cyprus (whence it happeneth that not only all the Islands, but also divers other places on the sea coast are by the Hebrews called by this word Cethim) witness one of the Cities of Cyprus which hath had the reputation to conserve her ancient name. For it is called Citium, by those that wrest the same to the Greek sense, a word not very much varying from Cethim. These Nations were occupied by the sons and young children of japhet. But I will first publish that which perhaps is unknown to the greeks, and then Whence grew the change of names. prosecute my purposed narration which I have omitted, that is, that these names are form after the manner of the Greeks, to the end they should be more sweet and pleasant to them that should over read them. For this termination is not proper to our Nation, which hath but one form, and no variation of termination, for whereas the Greeks pronounce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we say Adam, and where they say Noches, the Hebrews say No, and keep this termination inall things. But the sons of Cham possessed Syria and all the region that abutteth on the mountains Of the sons o●… Cham and their progeny. of Amanus and Libanus; extruding their Empire towards the sea, and signiorizing all whatsoever even unto the sea. Whose names are partly wholly abolished, and partly changed, and applied to others; so as they are very hard to be understood: for of the four sons of Cham, the name of Chus hath not been changed by time: for the Egyptians (over whom they extended their Dominion) have been named Chuseans by them, and by all, the Asians: the name of Misraim hath continued also in the memory of men: for we that bound upon Egypt, call that country, the country of Misraim, and the Aethiopians, Misramites. Phut likewise firmed the colonies of Libya, and called the inhabitants thereof according to his name Phutians; and there is a river in the country of Mauritania which hath the same name, of which it is most manifest that divers Greek Histories make mention, as also of the country near adjoining, which they call the country of Phut, but it hath changed his present name by the means of one Libis one of the sons of Misraim; (but why it is called Africa, I will hereafter signify Libya or Africa The progeny of the Chananeans. unto you). As touching Canaan the fourth son of Cham, he dwelled in the country at this day called judaea, and called it the country of Canaan according to his name. They also had children: for Chus had six, amongst whom Sabas established the Sabians, and Euilas the Euileans, The year of th●… world. 1790. before the Nativity of Christ. 1174. at this day called Getulians. Sabathes engendered the Sabatheans, whom the greeks name Astracrabians. Sabactes peopled the Sabactians: and the Romans were founded by Romus who also had two sons, of whom Indos, dwelled in the country of the Indians, amongst those that are called Hesperians in Aethiopia and Sabaeus founded the S●…beans. Nimrod the son of Chus, settled his Colony upon the confines of Babylon, and tyrannised Nabrodes or Nembroth. there as heretofore I have declared: All the eight sons of Misraim, occupied all the country from Gaza unto Egypt: Only Palestine so named of Philest●…ne. the country where Philistius governed, hath conserved his name: for the greeks call Palestine a part thereof. As touching the rest, Lom, Enam and Labim (who only inhabited Libya and called the country by his name) likewise as touching Nethom, Phetrosim Chreseen and Chepthom, we know neither of their countries, nor of their names. For the Aethiopian war (whereof hereafter we will make mention) hath overthrown their Cities. Chanaan also had The children of Chanaan, sons, amongst whom Sidonius builded and named Sidon (a city in Phoenicia) and Amathus builded Amate, which at this day the inhabitants call Amatha: but the Macedonians have named it Epiphania (which is as much to say as famous) by reason of some that descended from Epiphanes. Arudeus possessed the Isles of Aradus, and Araceus builded the city of Arce, situate in Libanus. And as touching the other seven, the Eueans, Chetteans, jebusaeans, Eudaeans, Semaeans, Samarians, and Gergesaeans; there is no memory remaining in sacred scriptures but only their names: for the Hebrews razed their cities upon these occasions. After the Deluge, when the earth was established in his former estate, No gave himself to Hedio & Ru●…finus. cap. 〈◊〉 Genes. 9 tillage, and planted vineyards, and when the fruit thereof was ripe (and he had pressed and made wine thereof) he drunk and banqueted after he had done sacrifice: Being thereby made drunk, No is made drunk, lieth naked and is scorned, and curseth him that derideth him. and overpressed with sleep, he lay discovered in a most unseemly and shameful fashion; which when his younger son beheld, he scornfully discovered it to his brothers, who being ashamed; covered their father's shame with reverence. Which fact of his, coming at last to light, and the knowledge of Noah, he wished all felicity to the two other, and as touching Cham (by reason he was his ally in blood) he cursed him not, but his posterity after him. But although Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 14. Gen. 7. 2. Of the sons of Sem the third son of Noah and of the●…rs and Abraham's progeny. the others escaped this malediction, yet God inflicted it on the successors of Chanaan, whereof we will speak more hereafter. But Sem the third son of Noah had five sons, who inhabited the country of Asia, beginning at Euphrates, and extending to the Indian Ocean sea. For Elymis left the Elemians or Elamites for his successors, whence proceeded the Persians. Assur made his abode in Ninive, and imposed on his subjects the name of Assyrians (who were rich amongst all the rest.) Arphaxad named those of his command Arphaxadians; who at this day are called Chaldeans. Aram had the Arameans (whom the greeks called Syrians) and they that are now called Lidi, and in times past Ludi took their descent from Ludas. Of those four sons which Aram had, Uses dwelled in Trachonite, and in the country of Damascus (situate between Palestine and Syria, surnamed Caelen or hollow.) Otrus obtained Armenia: Gether Bactria. Misas' was father to the Misureans (who dwelled in a fort which is called at this day Prasine.) Sale, Arphaxads son was Heber's father, by whose name in times past the Hebrews were called: Heber begot Loctan and Phaleg, who was so called, for that he was borne at such The original of the Hebrews. time as the land was parted: for Phaleg in Hebrew signifieth partage. They that follow were sons of Loctan: Elmodad, Saleph, Azermoth, Erais, Edoram, Vzalis, Dallis, Ebal, Ebimarl, Saphas, Ophir, Euilus, and jobel: who occupied some parcel of that which was about Cophen a river of India, and the hither Syria. Hitherto have we spoken of the progeny of Sem, hereafter will I speak of the Hebrews; Of Phaleg the son of Heber Ragaus, by whom was begot Seruch, whence Nachor is descended, and of Nachor, Thares, who was Abraham's father, the tenth Abraham's genealogy. in account from Noah, and borne in the year 292. after the Deluge. For Thares being seventy years old begot Abraham. Nachor at six score years of his age, begot Thares. Nachor was borne to Seruch, when he was about the years of 132. of his life. And Ragaus begot Seruch when he was thirty two years old, and about those years Phaleg begot Ragaus. But Heber in the 34. year of his age, begot Phaleg: (himself begotten by Sela, when he was one hundredth thirty and five years old:) which Sela was begotten by Arphaxad, when he was 135. years of age. And Arphaxad was the son of Sem, whom he begat some two years after the Deluge. Abraham had two brothers, Nachor and Aram, of whom Aram left Lot for his son, and Sara and Melcha for his daughters, and afterwards died in the land of Canaan in a city called Vr, of the Chaldees, where his sepulchre is to be seen even at this day. His daughters were married, Melcha to Nachor; and Sara to Abraham. But Thares growing weary of Chaldaea, after the funerals The year of the world, 1950. be●…re Christ's Nativity, 2014. of Aram, they all of them transported themselves into Charan a city of Mesapotamia, in which place they buried Thares, when he had lived the space of 250. years. For about this time the life of man was abridged, and grew more short until the time of Moses: when as the space of man's life limited by God himself was 120. years old, to which term of years Moses had attained. Nachor had eight children by Melcha his wife; Vx, Barux, Mavel, Zacham, Azam, Pheldus, Ladelphus and Bathuel, (who were the legitimate sons of Nachor.) But Tabaeus and The term of man's life about this term, 120 Gadan, Taucus and Macham were begotten by him on his concubine Ruma. To Bathuel one of the legitimate sons of Nachor, was borne a daughter named Rebecca, and a son called Laban. CHAP. VIII. How Abraham the Author of our nation departed from the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelled in a certain country of the Chanaanites, which is now called judaea. ABraham having no issue, adopted Lot the son of Aram his brother, and brother to The year of the world 2024. before Christ's birth. 1940. Hedio & Ruffinus chap. 15. Genes 11. 12. The w●…edome or Abraham. Sara his wife: he departed out of the country of the Chaldeis, when he was 75 years old (having had commandment from God to depart thence into Canaan) in which country he remained, and left the same to his posterity after him. He was a man accomplished in all things, full of understanding, and apt to persuade those that gave ear unto him, without any default in his foresight and providence. For this cause he was supposed to surmount all men in virtue, and was he that first undertook to convince the received and erroneous opinions of men, as touching the Deity. He therefore first of all did most manifestly preach, and prove, that there was but one God, governor, and maker of all things, and that otherwise Abraham the first preacher of the word. if any thing conferred or furthered our felicity, it happened unto us not by our own workings, but his holy will. And this observed and approved he by that, which chanceth both in the earth and the sea, as also those things, which he saw daily occur by the influences of the sun, the moon, and other stars: namely, that there was a certain power that disposed them, and decently administered all things, without whose assistance, nothing would be profitable unto us; whereas nothing of himself hath any virtue, but all things are obedient to his omnipotent will, and for that cause, that honour and thanksgiving should wholly be ascribed to him. For which causes and counsels of his (seeing the Chaldeans and Mesapotamians began to mutiny against him) he thought it expedient to forsake that country, and following the will and favour of God, he went and dwelled at Chanaan; where be●…ng seated, he builded an altar and sacrificed unto God. Berosus amongst other things maketh mention of our father Abraham, although he nameth him not, when he speaketh after this manner. After the Deluge, and during the tenth Berosus. generation, there dwelled among the Chaldeans, a most just, excellent, and upright man, and exercised in the knowledge of the celestial bodies. But Hecataeus made more than a mention of him: for he Hecataeus. Nicholaus Damascenus. hath left a volume which he hath written of him. And as touching Nicholaus Damascenus, hear what he saith of him in the fourth book of his Histories. Abraham reigned in Damascus (where he was a stranger) whether he arrived with his army from a country situate above Babylon called Chaldaea, who a little while after (departing out of that region) went and dwelled with his people in a country at that time called Chanaan, and at this day judea, and his posterity multiplied therein. In an other treatise I will recite that which is reported of him. The name of Abraham even at this day, is honourable in the country of Damascus, a●…d there is a village to be seen which beareth his name, and is called Abraham's house. Abraham's house. CHAP. IX. Abraham oppressed by famine, departeth into Egypt, where staying a while, at last he returned back again. AFter this (when famine had invaded the land of Chanaan, Abraham had intelligence The year of the the world. 2026. before the birth of Christ. 1938. Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 16. Gen. 12. 13 that the Egyptians abounded in all plenty, and decreed with himself to retire himself towards them: as well to confer with their priest (and discourse with them of divine things, and their knowledge as touching God) as also to follow them, if they were more grounded in understanding, or reconcile them, if his judgement were more assured than theirs: he led with him his wife Sara, and understanding that the Egyptians were much addicted unto women (to the end the King should not put him to death of purpose, that he might enjoy his wife The year of th●… world. 2026. before the birth of Christ. 1938. The lu●… of the Egyptia●…. Sara, who was very beautiful) he devised this excuse, to say that she was his sister, charging her that if the matter came in question, she should not fail but confirm the like. But no sooner came he into Egypt, but the like fortune encountered t●…m, as Abraham had before time suspected: for the beauty of his wife was suddenly published in every place. For which cause Pharaoh the King of that Nation (desirous to see that with his eyes, 〈◊〉 which he had heard with his ears) he sought for, sent, and lusted after her: but God withstood this his unbridled lust by afflicting the King's subjects with a plague, and his affairs by sedition. Whereupon taking counsel of the Priests what remedy might be used, and means might be sought to appease the divine majesty, they answered him, that this was the cause of their afflictions, for that he thought to have done violence to the strangers wife: whereat being much affrighted, the King first questioneth with the woman what she was, and who her companion should be? and at last resolved of the truth, he satisfied Abraham, saving, he supposed her to be his sister, not his wife, and that his purpose was not to offer injury but seek alliance: so giving him a great sum of money, hegave him leave to confer with the most excellentest & learnedest Priests among the Egyptians. Whence Abraham taught the Egyptians religion and arts. it came to pass, that he grew into great estimation in regard of his virtues: for whereas that Nation was divided into different sects and opinions, & thorough mutual contempt & division were incensed the one against the other; he declared that their opinions (different and confuted by themselves) in respect of religion, were most vain and devoid of all truth. For these his disputations he was held in great regard amongst them, and esteemed for a man most wise, and a parsonage most excellent; not only in well conceiving, but also in expressing and persuading that which he undertook to teach: to these most graciously imparted he the science of Arithmetic, and the observation of the celestial bodies. For before that Abraham came into Egypt, the Abraham an excellent Astronomer. Egyptians were altogether ignorant of those sciences: but he transported them from Chaldaea into Egypt, and from thence are they derived to the greeks. As soon as he returned into Chanaan, he divided the country with Lot: and for that there grew a contention betwixt The division of the fields between Abraham and Lot. their shepherds (as touching the bounding of those pastures where they fed their cattle) he gave Lot the choice and election of the country which best pleased him, re●…aining unto himself that which was left. Thus pitching his tents near the mountain in a City called Hebron (which is by seven years more ancient than Tanis in Egypt) he dwelled there. But Lot chose the plain near to the flood of jordane, not far from Sodom; which in those days was a goodly City, but at this present by the divine justice and wrath of God is utterly defaced; so that no memory remaineth thereof. The causes of which iudgemen●… shall be expressed hereafter. CHAP. X. The overthrow of the Sodomites by the Syrians. AT that time when the Assyrians were Lords over all Asia, the estate of Sodom flourished Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 17. Genes. 14. Five kings of Sodom. in all affluence, increased in great riches, and mul●…itude of gallant youths, and the country was governed by five Kings: these were Ballast, Bareas, Senabarus, Symoborus and Balin (each one particularly seized of his province and kingdom.) Against these the Assyrians encamped themselves, and having divided their army into four parts (under the conduct of four governors) they waged battle with them; in which the Assyrians attaining the day, they imposed a tribute on the Kings of Sodom; who (after they had for twelve years space performed their duty and paid their tribute) in the thirteenth year revolted from them. Whereby it came to pass that the Assyrians levied a new army against them, under the conduct and command of Marphad, Arioch, Chodollogomor, & Thargal, who sacked all Syria, and extinguished The year of the world 2031. before Christ's nativity, 1933. the posterity of the Giants. And drawing near to Sodom, they encamped near to the bituminous pits (for at that time there were pits in that place) but as soon as Sodom was destroyed, there arose a lake in that place, which (by reason of the bituminous matter that flowed in the same) was called Asphal●…ites, that is to say, bituminous: of this lake hereafter we will speak somewhat. But the Sodomites encountering with the Assyrians, there was a dangerous The lake of Alphaltites. skirmish fought, wherein many perished on both sides; and the most were either stain or taken, amongst whom was Lot led away captive, who came thither to assist the Sodomites. CHAP. XI. The year of the world 2031. before Christ's Nativity. 1933. Abraham pursueth the Assyrians, and returneth victorious. ABraham hearing of these things, and moved (both with the surprisal of his cozen Lot, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 18. Gen. 1●…5. as also with the slaughter of his friends and neighbours) presently addressed himself with all his followers to give them succours: and such diligence showed he in pursuit of them; that the fifth night after he encountered the Assyrians near to Dan, which is one of the sources of jordaine. Where surprising them on the sudden (unsuspitious and disarmed) he killed those that were asleep without suspicion of his coming, and they that were not yet asleep, and lay wallowing in their drunkenness he easily defeated and put to flight, pursuing them in such sort, that the second day after he drove them all into Soba a City of Damascus: declaring hereby, that victory On what victory dependeth. consisteth not in the multitude of those that manage their arms, but rather in the courage of those that fight; and that a few generous hearts are more worth always, than a fainthearted multitude. For he had not with him above three hundredth and eighteen of his household servants, and three of his friends, to defeat this huge army; so that whatsoever they were that escaped out of this slaughter by flight, returned unto their houses with ignominy. As soon as Abraham had rescued those prisoners of Sodom which were taken by the Syrians, Abraham bringeth back both Lot and the Sodomites that were prisoners. The king's field. Solima was afterward called jerusalem. Melchisedech the just King. and his nephew Lot; he returned into his country, and met in his way with the King of Sodom (in a place called the King's field) where also he was entertained by the King of Solyma called Melchisedech (which is as much to say as the just King:) for in truth he was no less; but was held worthy by reason of his justice in all men's opinion to sacrifice as the high Priest of Almighty God. This Solyma in process of time was called jerusalem. This Melchisedech did friendly entertain all the fellowers of Abraham, not suffering them to want any thing that was fit for their sustenance, but entertaining him also at his own table he highly praised him, and sung due hymns of praise to the great God, for that by his favour he had vouchsafed to grant him victory. Abraham on the other side presented him with the tenths of his spoils: but the King of Sodom remitted all the pray that was taken, and only required to be possessed of those Captives which were of his country: which condition he accepted not, answering that he would receive no profit of that pray, but that which he must needly have for the entertainment of his servants. Yet gave he a portion unto his friends who had succoured him, the first whereof was called Eschol, and the two other Ennerus and Mambres. For this cause God praised Abraham saying; thou shalt not want the reward which is due unto thee for thy valiant acts. To which he replied, and Genesis 15. what good shall I reap of this recompense, if I have no: an heir to possess it after my decease? for as yet he had no issue. Then did God promise him a son, whose posterity should God promiseth Abraham a son. be so multiplied, that they might in number equal the stars of heaven; which when he understood, he offered sacrifice unto God, following that commandment which he had received: he took therefore a Heifer of three years old, a Goat of three years, and a Ram of three years, and a Turtle, and a Pigeon: all which he divided in twain as he was commanded, the birds only excepted. But before the Altar was prepared (at such time as the fowls hovered about to have part of the blood of those beasts which were sacrificed) he received an Oracle, that told him that his progeny should have evil neighbours in Egypt for the space of four God promiseth Abraham a progeny that should many years have ill neighbours of the Egyptians. hundredth years, and that after they had suffered an insupportable servitude, they should at last obtain the victory over their enemies. And after that they had by strong hand conquered the Chananites, they should be Lords and possessors of their countries and Cities. Abraham at that time dwelled near to the Oak that was called Ogis, in the country of Chanaan near to the City of Hebron. There being much grieved that his wife conceived not, he besought God to give him an issue male: God commanded him to be of good cheer in all things, and that being come from Mesopotamia upon good occasions, he also should have children. At that time Sara by the commandment of God caused one of her handmaids which was an Egyptian Gen 16. Sara bringeth Hagar her handmaid to Abraham's bed. Agar contemneth Sara. born to enter in unto her husband, to the end he might have issue by her; now Agar as soon as she perceived that she had conceived, began to contemn Sara, aspiring to principality, and supposing that her issue should succeed in the kingdom. For which cause Abraham delivered her unto his wife, to the end she should punish her: which she perceiving, she decreed to fly, in that she was afraid of punishment; beseeching God to have mercy on her: and as she travailed on her way thorough the desert, the Angel of God appeared unto her, commanding her that she should return unto her master and mistress, assuring her that if hereafter she would be more modest, The year of the world. 2034. before the Nativity of Christ. 1930. she should be better entreated; and how at that present she was fallen into those miseries, by reason she had proudly and insolently behaved herself towards her Mistress. Telling her moreover that if she disobeyed God, and wandered any further, she should die the death: but that if she returned from whence she came, she should be the mother of a son, who should one day be king of that country where she than was. The promise of Ishmael. To this commandment of God Agar submitted herself with all obedience, and returning back again to her master and mistress, she obtained pardon at their hands, and after a while brought forth Ishmael, which is as much to say as, Herd of God, because God had heard the mother's prayers. Ishmael was borne to Abraham when he was fourscore and six years old: but in the fourscore and nineteenth year of his age God appeared unto him, and told him that he Isaac promised Genesis 17. should have a son by Sara, charging him to call him Isaac; giving him to understand, that great nations and kings should issue from his loins, who by force of arms should conquer all the country of Chanaan, from Sidon even unto Egypt. Commanding him, that his posterity should be circumcised in their privities, and that this circumcision should be done the viii. day after their birth, by reason that he would not that Abraham's posterity should be intermeddled with other nations. But hereafter will I declare the cause of our circumcision. Abraham also asked counsel of God as touching Ishmael, whether he should live or no? who told him that he should flourish many years, and that he should become a father of many worthy nations. Then gave Abraham thanks unto God, and presently circumcised himself, his son Ishmael, with all his family: and Ishmael at that time was thirteen years old, but Abraham about fourscore and nineteen years of age. CHAP. XII. The punishment of Sodom. ABout that time the inhabitants of Sodom became immeasurably proud, by reason Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 19 The sins of the Sodomites of their affluence, prosperity, and great riches; and committed outrages against men, and impieties against God: in such manner as they had forgotten the benefits which they had received at his hands, hating strangers, and disdaining to converse the one with the other, but in disordinate and abominable incests. Whereat God being displeased he decreed to punish their into lerable pride, to ruinate their city from the top to the bottom, and in such sort to make desolate their country, that from thence forward it should neither nourish plant, nor bring forth fruit. After that God had pronounced this sentence against the Sodomites; Abraham (as he sat under the Oak at Mambres before the door of his tent) beheld three Angels, and supposing them to be men and strangers, he arose and saluted Abraham entertaineth Angels. them; and approaching near unto them, he desired them that they would accept of his entertainment, and lodge with him. Whereunto when they had condescended, he commanded his servants to bake them bread of the finest flower, and having killed and roasted a calf, he set it before them (as they sat under the Oak) supposing they would ear: but they inquired of him where Sara his wife was, to whom he answered that she was within in the tent. They told him The year of the world. 2048. before Christ's birth 1916. The Angels promised Abraham that he shall have a son, and foretell the destruction of Sodom. then that they would return again; and that they should find her a mother. But when his wife smiled thereat, and said that it was impossible for her to bear children; especially in that herself was at that time 90. years old, and her husband 100 they discovered themselves, and said they were Angels of God, and that they were sent one of them to assure him that he should have a son; the other two, to destroy the Sodomites. Which when Abraham heard, he was sorry for the Sodon it's, and arising, besought God that he would not destroy both the just and the unjust together. To whom God gave this answer, that there was not one just man among the Sodomites, and that if he might but find ten, he would spare the city from punishment. Whereupon Abraham held his peace, and the Angels entered into Sodom: where no sooner were they arrived, but Let invited them to take their lodging in his house (for he was a man The Angels enter Lot's house. much given to hospitality, and such a one as for bounty had been Abraham's scholar.) But the Sodomites perceiving that those young men which were entered Lot's house, were of excellent beauty, began to offer outrage and villainy to their persons: notwithstanding that Lot exhorted them to moderate themselves, and not to offer villainy to his guests, but in some sort to have a respect to his house; telling them, that rather than they should continue in that intemperance, that he would give them his daughters to use at their pleasure. But he prevailed nothing with them: whereupon God was in such wise provoked by their iniquity, that he blinded their eyes The year of the world, 1948. before Chri●…s Nati●…tie, 1916. The Sodomites are blinded. L●…t and his family are saved. in such sort, as they could not find the gate to enter into Lot's house, and condemned the Sodomites to a general perdition. But Let foremonished by him of their future ruin, departed from them, and took with him his wife and his two daughters as yet unmarried: (for their betrothed husbands, although they were forewarned by him, contemned & held him for a dotard.) Then did God shoot his arrow upon the city, burning it, and all the inhabitants therein: and desolating by the same fire all the countries round about; in such sort as it hath already been declared by me in the History I wrote of the wars of the jews. But Lot's wife, as they retired thence, looking back towards the City, and more curiously beholding the destruction thereof, contrary to the commandment of God, was transformed into a pillar of salt, which I have seen, for it remaineth even until this day. As touching Lot he and his daughters fled and dwelled in a little country far from the fire, which was called Zoar (which in Hebrew signifieth Lot fled to Zoar. little:) In this place (which was void of men, and scant of victuals) Let dwelled a long time, leading a solitary and poor life: and his daughters supposing that all mankind was extinguished upon the earth, subtilely circumventing their father, they lay with him when he least suspected it, and the reason that drew them thereunto was, for that they feared least mankind should be utterly exterminated. By this their approachment, they bore him two sons, the elder Moab (which is as much to say as of my father) and this is he that was the father of the Moabites, which even The interpretation of the names of Moab & Ammon. Hedio & Ruffi●…us chap. 20. Genes 19 at this day are yet a great nation: and of the younger sister, came Ammon (which signifieth the son of Race or kind) and both these two nations inhabit the country of Coelesyria. In this sort departed Lot from the Sodomites. As touching Abraham, he went and dwelled in Gerar, in the country of Palestine; leading with him his wife Sara in manner of his sister; (using the same subtlety which before time he had practised for fear of the Egyptians:) for he feared Abimelech the king of that country, who surprised with the love of Sara, would have ravished her, had he not been hindered by a most Abimele●…h surprised with the love of Sara. grievous sickness, which God inflicted upon him: so that being out of all hope of recovery, at such time as he slept, there appeared unto him a vision, which told him that he should take heed, lest he offered any outrage to the stranger's wife, who was come into his country: and after he was somewhat recovered, he told his friends how God had sent him that sickness to warrantise the right of the stranger, and to preserve his wife from violence; for that she was not his sister but his lawful wife; willing Abraham thence forward to be of good cheer, promising him that the honour of his wife was inviolat. This said he dismissed Abraham by the counsel of his friends; and told him that he needed not to suspect his wife, by reason she had suffered no villainy. Assuring him that God had care of her, and that he delivered her in safety to him (being to that end protected by his mighty power) and in confirmation thereof he called God to record, and the woman's conscience, vowing that he would not have required her, if he had known she had been married: moreover he required him to be at peace with him, and by his prayers to appease God's wrath, which was kindled against him. And that if thenceforward he would stay with him, he should want nothing: or if he listed to depart, he promised him guides, and all other things, for which he came unto him. Abraham answered him, that he had in no sort dissembled with him as touching the alliance of his wife; but that she was his brother's daughter, and that he thought that he might not safely travel through his country, except he had used that subtlety, avowing moreover, that he had not been the cause of that sickness which had befallen him: but that he singularly affected his good, and was ready to abide with him. Whereupon Abimelech imparted unto him both lands and money, and accorded to converse with him in all uprightness, and without offer of offence, and made a covenant and swore unto him by a certain pit which was called Bersabe (that is to say the pit of swearing or covenant) Bersabe the pit of swearing. which name that place retaineth until this day. Not long time after Abraham had a son by Sara his wife according as God had promised him, and he called his name Isaac (which in the Isiac, laughter. Hebrew tongue signifieth laughter) because Sara laughed at such time as God said unto her she should bear a son, having in herself no likelihood of conceiving, by reason she was strooken in years. For at that time she was ninety years old, and Abraham one hundredth when the child was borne, and incontinently the eight day after was he circumcised; which custom is yet continued amongst the jews, who circumcise on the eight day. CHAP. XIII. Of Ishmael Abraham's son, and of the Arabians his posterity. The year of the world. 2048. before the birth of Christ. 1916. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 21. Genes 21. The jews were wont to circumcise on the eight day. The Arabian●… not before 13. years. But the Arabians celebrate it in the thirteenth year. For Ishmael the author thereof, and Abraham's son by his concubine, was circumcised in the thirteenth year after he was borne. Of which Ishmael it behoveth we speak more exactly in this place. Sara loved Ishmael (begotten on her servant Agar) from the beginning with no less affection then as if he had been her own son, for he was brought up as Abraham's heir. But after she had brought forth Isaac, she thought it no more requisite that Ishmael should be brought up with her son, in that he was the elder, and for fear least after his father's decease, he should offer his younger brother injury. She incited Abraham therefore to send both him and his mother to some other place: but at the first he gave no ear to Sara's request, thinking it to be more than barbarous cruelty, to drive away a tender child and his mother destitute of all necessaries. At length by the commandment of God he listened to his wives counsel, and Abraham banisheth Ishmael and Agar. committed the child unto his mother (being of himself as yet unapt to travel) and giving them a pitcher of water and bread, he commanded them to go ●…ither, whither their necessity should drive them. And when their victuals failed them, and their water was consumed, she laid the child being faint and weak, under an Oak; and to ●…e end that in her presence he should not breathe his last, she went far away from him. At that time an Angel of God appeared Th' Angel of God meeteth with Agar. unto her, showing her a fountain hard by that place, and charging her to look to the careful education of her child: because that by the conservation of Ishmael, she was to expect great happiness. Upon these promises she took comfort, and falling into the company of shepherds, she by their bounty escaped from misery. Afterwards, when he attained man's estate, he married a wife of the nation of the Egyptians (from whence his mother had her original) by whom Ishmael had twelve sons: namely, Nabaioth, Cedarus, Abdeel, Edumas, Massamus, Memassus, Masmesus, Chodamus, Themanus, jeturus, The twelve sons of Ishmael. Genes 25. The Region of Nabathaea. Naphaesus, Calmasus (all which inhabit the lands which are between Euphrates and the red sea; the name of which country is Nabathaea.) These are they that began and made famous the nation of the Arabians, as well in respect of their prowess, as also of the dignity of Abraham. CHAP. XIIII. Of Isaac, Abraham's legitimate son. AS touching Isaac, Abraham loved him with an entire and fatherly affection, as his only The year of the world, 2074. before Chri●…s nativity, 1890. begotten son engendered in his age by the bounty of God. The child also addicting himself unto all virtue, careful to honour his father and mother, and studious of the service of God, invited both his parents the rather to affect and love him. So that Abraham was very desirous to forsake this present life: provided, that he might leave behind him all the goods which he had, unto his son; which through the mercy of God he happily effected. Whereupon (under trial and conformity of his faith) God appeared unto him, and reckoned up all the benefits which he had bestowed on him, how he had granted him victory over his enemies, and how (he had established and blest him with present felicity by his fa●…our) for which cause he required him to sacrifice and make an oblation unto him of his son Isaac, commanding him that he should conduct him to the mountain of Morea, and there to sacrifice him. In doing whereof, he should manifest the desire he had to serve him (in preferring that which was agreeable to God before the life of his son.) Abraham (supposing that it was no ways lawful to Abraham●… obedience. disobey God, but that he ought to submit himself to his will, as to him by whose providence all things had their being) said nothing to his wife, as concerning that which God had commanded him, neither how he had determined the death of his son. Moreover, he made it known to no one of his household servants, because (as he supposed) they might have hindered him from the service of God. He therefore took his son Isaac with two servants (loading an Ass with such things as were requisite for sacrifice) and travailed towards the mountain, his servants attending him for two days space; and on the third day following, as soon as he perceived the mountain, he left the rest of those that accompanied him in the plain, and attended only by his son and himself, he came up unto the mountain (upon which afterwards king David appointed The year of the world 2074. before Christ's Nativity. 1890. that the Temple should be builded.) They carried with them also the rest of those things which were requisite for sacrifice (save only the beast that was to be offered) now about this time, Isaac was five and twenty years old, and did himself prepare the Altar, and inquired of his father what he should offer, considering that as yet they had no sheep for sacrifice. Abraham Isaac was 25. years old when he should have been sacrificed. answered him, that God would furnish them, who was of power sufficient, to give men that in abundance whereof they had need, and to deprive them of that they had, and whereof they held themselves thoroughly possessed: and that it was he, would give them wherewith to sacrifice (if it should please him to show himself favourable, and propitious to that sacrifice of his) now as soon as the Altar was made ready, and the wood prepared and laid upon the same, and all things were in a readiness, he addressed his speech unto his son and said thus. My son, I have oftentimes demanded at God's hands that he should give thee life, by my Abrahamsoration at such time as his son should have been sacrificed. infinite intercessions and prayers, and ever since thou wert borne into this world, I have intermitted no care and diligence in thine education, neither have I thought that in any thing I might be made more happy, then that departing out of this world, I might see thee at man's estate, and leave thee the heir and Lord of all my substance: but since it hath pleased God, that I should be thy father, and that the same God likewise now thinketh good that I should forsake thee, put upon thee a constant mind, and take in good part that thus thou must be sacrifiecd: for in so doing I fulfil the comm●…dements of God, who requireth at our hands that we do him this honour, for the favours which he hath bestowed upon me, in assisting me, and in familiar manner conversing, and associating me both in war and peace. Since therefore that being borne, thou art to die, (not after the accustomed manner of the living) but being offered in sacrifice, by thine own father, to the general father God: I deem it reasonable, that since it seemeth good unto him that thou depart out of this life, (not by sickness, nor by war, nor by any other inconvenience, that naturally happeneth unto men) that it is behoveful also that thou render thy soul unto him in the midst of prayers, and the celebration of this sacrifice, to the end he may receive and seat thee near himself: Thou shalt be my purveyor and stay of mine age (which is the cause for which I have nourished thee, if thou leave me God for my purveyor and comfort in thy place: Then Isaac with a noble heart, (like the gracious son of so godly a father) Isaach●… answer. heard all that which his father said with great contentment, and answered, that he would rather never have been borne, then that he should once neglect the ordinance of God and of his father: or show himself negligent to submit his will to both their pleasures, considering that if his father only should command the same, he should do very evil if he disobeyed him: which said, he marched towards the Altar, and offered himself to the slaughter: which had surely happened at that instant, if God had not regarded him: for with a loud voice he called Abraham by his name, commanding him that he should not kill his son, averring that he had not given him that commandment, because he took pleasure in human blood, neither for that by such impiety he would deprive him of that son, of whom it was his pleasure to make him the father, but that by this act he intended to prove his affection, to see whether being commanded such a thing, he would be obedient, and for that he had made trial of his faith and readiness, and his unspeakable piety, he did not repent him of that good he had done unto him: that the time should never be wherein he would forget to have care of him, and his race, whensoever he should pray unto him, and that when the course of his years were happily overpast, he should leave a great signiory to those of his children, which should be good and legitimate. He told him moreover, that he would multiply the race in divers Nations, and that he would bestow great benefits upon them, and that the memory of the chief of his offspring should be everlasting, & that when they had gotten the country of Chanaan by arms, they should be envied by all men for their greatness. After that God had spoken after this manner, it pleased him on the sudden (no man knoweth how) to cause a Ram to be seen, and found there about for the sacrifice, and thus (being delivered from all evils and inconveniences beyond God offereth a Ram to Abraham to sacrifice in steed of Isaac. their expectations, after they had heard so many promises of so many blessings) they embraced one another, and celebrated the sacrifice; which done, they returned towards Sara in safety, and past the remnant of their lives in happiness, God giving them his blessing in whatsoever they undertook. CHAP. XV. The death of Sara Abraham's wife. NOt long time after this, Sara died, after she had lived one hundredth twenty and seven The year of the world. 2087. before the Nativity of Christ. 1877. Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 23. Genes. 23. The age of Sara. 127. years; and was buried in Hebron: (for the Chananeans freely offered them free burial) yet Abraham chose rather to buy a place to bury in, of Ephrem a certain Citizen of Hebron, for four hundredth sickles, where the monuments both of him and his posterity are builded. CHAP. XVI. How the Nation of the Troglodytes came of Chetura the wife of Abraham. AFter this, Abraham married Chetura, by whom he had six children, strong in travel, and Gen. 7. 25. 1. The original of Troglodytes excellent in wisdom: namely Zembranes, jazar, Madar, Madian, Lousoubac, Suus, who likewise had sons, Suus, had Sabacan & Dadanes. Of Dadanes issued Latusimus, Assurus, Luures. The children of Madan were Epha, Ophres, Anochus, Ebidas, Eldas. Of all these children and their successors Abraham gathered and established the Colonies which possessed the country of the Troglodytes, and all the country of Arabia the happy, whose confi●…es extend even unto the red sea. Some report that this Ophres conducted an army into Libya and possessed Libya called Africa. Alexander Polyhistor. the same: and that his successors (making their abode in that country) called it by the name of Aphrica. And this my opinion is confirmed by Alexander Polyhistor who writeth after this manner. Cleodemus the Prophet who is also called Malchus, & hath written the acts of the jews, according as Moses their lawmaker hath compiled the same in writing) saith, that of Chetura there were divers children borne unto Abraham, and he nameth three by their names, to wit, Apher, Surim and Iapher; and that of Surem the Assyrians took their name: of the two others Apher and Iapher the City of Africa and the country of Africa take their names. That they warred with Hercules against Lybia and Antaeus, and how Hercules having taken Ophra his daughter to his wife, had begotten of her Dedor who was father to Sophon, from whom those Barbarians that are called Sophaces have taken their name. But Abraham knowing that he should provide a wife for Isaac his son, being almost forty Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 24. Isaac marrieth Rebecca. The manner of swearing among the ancient Jews. years old, sent the oldest servant of his family to betrothe and entreat for Rebecca the daughter of the son of Nachor his brother for Isaac, and bound him to the performance thereof (with great oaths celebrated according to these ceremonies, which were that laying their two hands one o'er another's theighes, they should call God to witness of there intent) he sent also strange presents unto them, such as were seldom seen in those parts: he then departing from him was long time upon the way (because that in winter time it is troublesome to travel through In the year of the world. 2089. before Christ's Nativity. 1875. Mesopotamia, by reason of the deep bogs, & in summer for want of water) besides the robberies of the country, which strangers & travelers could not possibly escape, except they stood upon their guard, & h●…d convoy. Hereupon at length he arrived and entered a City called Carras, & being in the suburbs of the same, he encountered with divers damsels that went to fetch water, whereupon he inwardly besought God, that if the marriage were pleasing in his sight, he might find Rebecca amongst them, for whose cause Abraham had sent him thither to require her in marriage for his son: and that he might know her by this sign, that ask all the rest for water, they should refuse him, and she only should satisfy him. Tormented and tossed with these thoughts, he approached the well, and required those virgins that they would gi●…e him drink, which they denied him, saying that they could not get water but with great labour, which they must bear into their houses, and not lavishly bestow on others: whereupon one amongst them reproved the rest for that discourtesy, which they used towards the stranger, saying, that they had never been conversant amongst men, that refused to give him water that requested it, whereupon she gave him drink with an amiable countenance, and he conceiving good hope of all his business, yet being further desirous to know the event of the matter, he praised the honesty and courtesy of Rebecca who had not refused to travel in her own person to satisfy his necessity, ask her of what parents she was, terming them happy that had such a daughter, praying God that it might please him to grant them the good hap to marry her to their contentment, and match her with a man of honest reputation, by whom she might be plentiful in good and lawful children: Rebecca made no difficulty to tell him the names of her parents, (the better to gratify him) neither concealed she her own name, but answered in this sort. I am called said she Rebecca, my father was named Bathuel, who is long since dead. Laban is our brother, who together with my mother hath care of The year of the world, 2089. before Christ's Nativity, 1875. Rebecca grows acquainted with Abraham's servant. all our family, and hath the charge and protection of my virginity. Which when he understood he rejoiced at all that which had happened unto him, and was comforted w●…th those things which he had heard, perceiving manifestly how God had prospered his journey. Whereupon drawing out a jewel (with certain other ornaments, such as virgins take delight to wear) he offered them unto the maid, telling her that he gave her these presents in requital of that kindness she had offered him in satisfying his thirst, for that she amongst so many other virgins had only showed herself affable and gracious, requiring her that he might be entertained in her brother's house, (by reason that night had deprived him of the means from traveling any further) and that he was charged with certain jewels of an espoused of great price, which in no place (as he said) might be in more safety then in their custody, whom in effect he had found so courteous & honest: assuring her that the virtue which appeared in her, gave him sufficient testimony both of the courtesy of her The talk which Abraham's servant had with Rebecca. mother and brother, who would not (as he supposed) take it in ill part if he were entertained: to conclude, that he would in no ways be chargeable unto them, but would pay for his lodging and expenses. To this Rebecca answered, that he had reason to conceive a good opinion of her parent's humanity, but yet did in some sort prejudice them in suspecting their liberality, assuring him that his entertainment should in no sort be mercenary but voluntary, and free & according to heir affection. Yet first (said she) I will certify my brother Laban hereof, and afterwards guide and entertain you in our house: which done, she conducted him into their tent commaund●…g her brother Laban's servants to take care of his Camels, as for himself she entertained and feasted him at her brother Laban's table. When supper was past, he spoke both to the brother and mother of the virgin after this manner. Abraham the son of Thares is your cousin. For Nachor (good mistress) the grandfather of your children was Abraham's brother of one and the same father and mother. He now sendeth me unto you, requiring you to give this Damsel for wife to his legitimate and only son, educated and brought up to be heir of all his substance: whom although he might have In the year of the world. 2124 before Chri●… Nativity. 1840. matched with the richest maidens of his country, yet hath he refused all of them, desiring rather to impart this honour to one of his kindred and nation: set not light therefore his good affection and desire. For besides all other blessings and good fortunes, which have happily befallen me in this my journey, I have by God's especial providence, found out both the maid, and your house. For at such time as I drew near the City and beholding many virgins that went a watering, I besought God that I might light upon this maiden, and he vouchsafed me my desire: Rat●…fie therefore on your part this marriage contracted by God's providence, and honour Abraham Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 28. Genes. 24. in granting your consent by this your daughter's marriage, whom I am sent to request at your hands, with most entire affection. Now they in that they both allowed a thing so behoveful, and perceived also that it was conformable to the will of God, they sent their sister unto him under the conditions demanded: and Isaac then married her at such time as he had the managing of Abraham's affairs, by reason that the other sons of Abraham were already departed to take possession of their Colonies. CHAP. XVII. Of Abraham's death. AFew days after this Abraham deceased (a man full of virtue until his last end) and Abraham died after he had lived 175. years. honoured by God (according to that entire love he had to virtue) with great affection. All the days of his life contained one hundredth seventy and five years, and he was buried in Hebron with his wife Sara, and by his sons Isaac and Ishmael. CHAP. XVIII. Of Isaac's sons Esau and jacob, and of their Nativity and education. AFter the death of Abraham, Rebecca (Isaac's wife) waxed big with child, and the Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 26. Gen. 25. time of her reckoning being near at hand, Isaac was sore troubled, and sought counsel at God's hands: who answered him, that Rebecca should bring forth two twins, and that of those two sons, two nations should be derived, both which should be called by their names, and that he who seemed to be the least of them, should grow to be the greatest: not long time after (according as God had foretold him) she was brought a bed of two twins, the eldest of The year of th●… world. 2124. before the birth of Christ. 1840. whom was very hairy from the top of the head unto the sole of the foot: and at such time as he issued out of his mother's womb, his younger brother held him by the heel. The Father loved the elder, who was called Esau and Seir by reason of his hair, (which the Hebrews call Seir in their language) but the younger who was called jacob, was dearly beloved by his mother. Now for that a great famine reigned in that country, Isaac (having resolved to retire himself to Egypt, by reason of the abundance and plen●…ie of that country) he went and dwelled at Gerat, according as God had commanded: In which place king Abimelech received and entertained Isaac came unto Gerat. Gen. 26. him (according to the law of hospitality, and the league of friendship which was betwixt Abraham his father and him.) In the beginning therefore, he showed unto him great signs of friendship; but afterwards the envy he had conceived, hindered him from persisting in the same: for perceiving that God was favourable unto Isaac, and had an especial care over him, he drove Abimelech expelleth Isaac being moved the●… eunto by envy. Fauc●…. him out of his country: but he perceiving well that envy had altered him, and that Abimelech began to be changed, he retired himself not far from Gerar into a place called the S●…aights; and as he there digged to find out a watering, Abimelechs' shepherds came and set upon him, & hindered him in such sort as he could not finish his purpose: and for that he purposely retired from them, they verily supposed they had gotten the victory: Anon after, when he began to dig in an other place, other shepherds of Abimelech, outraged him anew, as at the first: for which cause he left this fountain imperfect also; expecting with ripe judgement a more convenient opportunity, which was afterwards offered him by reason that the king gave him leave to dig, whereupon he laboured out a fountain, and called it by the name of Rooboth, which signifieth large. And as touching the other two, he called the first of them Es●…on, which is as much to say as strife: and the other Sienna, which signifieth hostility. Thus increased he daily more and more both in power and riches. But Abimelech supposing that his affluence would be many ways hurtful unto him, and remembering himself that he had not faithfully entertained friendship with him, but in some sort given occasion of suspicion, by means of some hard measure: fearing lest hereafter the injuries fresh in memory, should more distract him then their old and ancient plighted friendship; and misdoubting his revenge, he repaired unto him, and contracted a new league of amity with him, leading with him one of his A●…imelech ●…eneweth friendship with Isaac. chiefest captains, as an arbiter between them, by whose means he obtained whatsoever he required, so courteous was Isaac, and so ready in memory of his father's old covenant to forgive new injuries. And so Abimelech having obtained his purpose, returned to his house. Esau one of the two sons of Isaac (whom the father especially beloved above all the rest) having attained the age of forty years, took to wives Ada the daughter of Edom, and Alibama Esau his wives. the daughter of Esebeon, two princes of the Chanaanites (and that of his own ●…uthoritie, without his father's advise or privity) (who would not have consented, had the matter been remitted unto him, because he held it inconvenient to mix and join him, or his, in affinity with any dwellers or inhabitants of the country. (This notwithstanding, he would not displease his son by commanding him to give over his wives: but determined with himself to conceal and keep the matter silent. When Isaac was waxen old and wholly deprived of his sight; he called for Esau his son and Genes. 27. said unto him: That although he had not any default or blindness in him, yet his age would hinder him to deny that service, which he both aught and wished to do: and therefore he willed him to go on hunting, and that he should make ready some meat for him, that he might eat, Isaac sendeth Esau on hunting. The year of the world, 2186. before Christ's nativity, 1778. and after his repast, he might pray unto God that it would please him to be assistant unto him all his life time, and be a comforter and aid unto him: protesting moreover, that si●…ce he was uncertain of the hour of his death, he thought good to bless him, and by his prayers to procure God's mercy towards him, before he slept with the dead. Hereupon Esau went on hunting: but 〈◊〉 in the mean time (desirous that Isaac's blessing should light upon her son jacob) contrary to her husband's intent and mind, commanded him to go, and kill two kids, and prepare a repast for his father. jacob being obsequious and obedient to his mother in all things, fulfilled her command, and as soon as the meat was ready, he wrapped his arms and covered his jacob by his mother●… counsel stealeth his brother's blessing. hands with the goats skins, hoping by the hairiness thereof, to make his father believe that he was Esau. For being his brother at one and the same birth, he resembled him in all things except in this thing only: but fearing lest he should be surprised in his subtlety before his father Isaac had finished his prayers, and in steed of his blessings he might be loaden with his curses, he presented the meat unto his father. But Isaac perceiving some alteration in his voice, calleth his The year of the ●…ld 2186. before Christ's Nati●…itie. 1778. son, who stretching out his hands unto him covered with the kids skins▪ Thou art (saith he) more like unto jacob in thy voice, but by thy hairiness, thou seemest unto me to be Esau. Thus suspecting no deceit, and having already eaten, he addressed himself to pray, and called upon God saying. O Lord of all ages, and maker of all creatures, thou hast promised great blessings unto my father, and hast given me many and present felicities, and hast vowed that thou wouldst be merciful unto my posterity, and plentifully power upon them more and more ample benefits: let this thy favour, I beseech thee, be continued towards me; neither despise thou me by reason of this my present weakness, which is the cause that I have more need of thy help. Save and keep this my son by thy clemency, warrantise him from all evil, give him a happy life, and possession of all blessings and benefits which are in thy power to bestow upon him: make him fearful to his enemies, and gracious to his friends. Thus prayed he unto God, thinking he had blessed Esau. Scarce had he finished his prayers, but Esau returned from hunting, which though Isaac perceived, he was no ways moved with displeasure, but held himself silent. Esau besought him Esau required a blessing. that he might obtain as much as he had vouchsafed his brother: but Isaac denied him, in that he ha●… bestowed all his blessings upon jacob: for which cause Esau lamented and wept. His father (a●…ted and moved by his tears) foretold him that he should excel in hunting, in force of body, in arms, and other such exercises, whereby he should purchase immortal glory both to himself and his posterity, yet notwithstanding that he should be his brother's vassal. But for that jacob Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 27. feared lest his brother should seek to be revenged of him for robbing him of his father's blessing, he was by his mother's means delivered from this peril. For she persuaded her husband to take jacob a wife near allied unto her out of Mesopotamia. Esau at that time had married an other wife called Bassemath the daughter of Ishmael: for neither Isaac nor his were well affectioned towards the Chanaanites: but were offended by reason of his former espousals. For which cause Esau to give them contentment married Bassemath, whom afterward he loved more entirely than all the rest. CHAP. XIX. How jacob fled into Mesopotamia for fear of his brother. But jacob being sent into Mesopotamia by his mother, under hope to marry the daughter Gen. 28. of Laban her brother (whereunto Isaac consented through the counsel of his wife) passed through the country of Chanaan. And for that there was a conceived and open hatred betwixt Isaac's people and the inhabitants of Chanaan; he would not take up his lodging amongst any of them, but lay abroad in the fields, resting his head upon stones, which he had heaped together in steed of a pill●…v: and during the time of his rest, this vision following was presented unto him. It seemed vn●… him, that he saw a ladder, that extending itself from the Jacob's ladder. earth, reached up unto heaven, along the steps whereof there descended certain resemblances more excellent to look on, than the ordinary port of human nature could impart; and on the top thereof God manifestly appeared, and calling him by his name, spoke unto him after this manner. jacob, sure thou art the son of a good father, and descended from a grandfather renowned God speaketh unto jacob. and famous for his great virtue: thou must not be daunted, or appalled by thy present travels; but rather be confirmed in hope of future good hap. For by mine assistance thou shalt be blessed, a●…d endowed with many benefits. For I am he that brought Abraham hither, from the country of Mesopotamia, at such time as he was pursued by his kinsmen: I have also made thy father happy, and will be no less gracious and favourable unto thyself. Be confident therefore, and prosecute thy journey under mine assistance. The marriage which thou pursuest shall have a happy issue, and thou shalt have good children, who in number shall grow infinite, and shall likewise leave after them a plentiful and famous posterity, and I will give them the sovereignty over this country, both to them and their successors, and they shall people and replenish both the earth and the sea, as far as the sun enlighteneth the world. Let not therefore any danger dismay thee, nor travail discomfort thee: for besides all this, whatsoever thou shalt undertake, I will not cease to assist thee. These things did God foretell unto jacob, who very highly rejoicing at that which he had seen, and that which had been denounced unto jacob voweth a sacrifice unto God & calleth the place Bethel which is the house of God. him, anointed the stones on which the promises of so many blessings had been made, and vowed to offer sacrifice unto God on the same, if at such time as he had attained the good he sought, he should grant him the grace to return in health and safety into his country: which as soon as he returned back he performed, offering unto God the tenth of all that which he The year●… of th●… world. 2186. before the Nativity of Christ. 1778. Gen 29. jacob arriveth at Charran in Mesopotamia among his mother's kindred. had given him. And as touching the place where this vision appeared unto him he hallowed it, and called it by the name of Bethel, which in the Greek tongue signifieth the house of God. Continuing thus his journey into Mesopotamia he traveled so long, till at last he arrived at Charran, and having met in the suburbs of the City with certain shepherds and young men accompanied with young maidens, sitting near to a certain fountain, he drew near unto them, desiring them to give him drink: and falling in discourse with them, he asked them whether they knew one that was called Laban, and whether he were yet alive. All of them answered that they knew him well, and that he was a man of that reputation that his name could not be concealed, that his daughter was accustomed to feed her flock with them, and that they wondered that she was not as yet arrived: of whom (said they) thou mayst perfectly understand all that which thou desirest to know. Whilst thus they passed the time in talk, the Damsel drew near accompanied with her shepherds: whom one of the company informed that jacob was inquisitive after her father; who, rejoicing after the manner of young maidens, asked him what he was, and whence he came, and what necessity had driven him thither? wishing she had the means to supply whatsoever his necessities required. jacob being overcome, not by the force of affinity, Jacob's talk with Rachel. Rachel's excellent beauty. or by her good behaviour and courtesy, but with the love of the maiden was inflamed seeing her so fair and matchless in beauty, said unto her. If thou art the daughter of Laban there is a greater and more ancient conjunction betwixt both thy father, thyself and me, then either thy years, or my birth can attain unto. For Abraham, Aran and Nachor were Thare●… sons; Bathuel thy grandfather was Nachors son, Isaac my father was the son of Abraham, and Sara daughter of Aran: there is yet a nearer and dearer bond of friendship wherewith we are linked one unto another. For Rebecca my mother is sister unto Laban thy father, borne of one father and mother; so that you and I are cousins: and therefore now am I come at this present to salute you, and renew that ancient love which our alliance requireth at our hands. But she remembering her of all those things which her father was wont to report and discourse of Rebecca, and knowing that her parents were desirous to hear some news from her, she wept for joy, remembering her of the love of her father, & hung about his neck, and embraced the young man, and after she had saluted him she said unto him. Thou bringest a most desired & great pleasure to my father & all his family, who never forgetteth thy mother, but often times maketh mention of her: & would esteem it a great felicity to hear tidings from her. Then desired she him presently to follow her to her father, lest any longer he might be deprived of so desired a pleasure. This said, she brought him unto Laban, where being acknowledged by his uncle, he both by that means lived securely amongst his friends, as also brought him great contentment, by his unexpected access unto them. Some few days after this Laban told him that he took so much contentment in Jacob's talk with Laban. The year of ●…he world. 2193. before Christ's birth 1771. his presence, that he could not express it in words, yet required he him to manifest the cause that had induced him to leave his father and mother in their extreme age, at such time as they had most need of him, to find him out; moreover he promised him all assistance and favour in whatsoever cause he had to make use of him. Whereupon jacob discoursed unto him the whole matter, that Isaac had two sons, himself and Esau, that his brother (in that by his mother's devise and counsel, he had defrauded him of his father's blessing) sought and desired to kill him, as he that was the ravisher of that principality from him that was destinated unto him by God, and the surprise of all his fathers other intended vows, that this, as also his mother's command was the cause why he came thither: by reason they are all brothers, and by reason that in especial his mother was their nearest a kin; telling him that next after God he hoped to find his greatest assistance and help by the means of his uncle. Whereupon Laban promising unto him whatsoever humanity he could imagine (as well in respect of their common ancestors, as for the love he bore unto his mother, towards whom although she were absent, he would express his good affection, in showing himself well affected towards him that was there present:) he told him then that he would give him the charge of his flock, and make him master over all his shepherds, and that when he should think good to return back again to his friends, he should depart with such rewards and honours as might well beseem a friend so nearly allied unto him as he was. Which when jacob understood, he answered that he would willingly endure any sort of labour in Laban's service, and that his devoir towards him would be a delight to himself, jacob for recompense requireth. Rachel for his wise. but that in am of his labours he required Rachel to wife, who deserved to be honoured by him with no less title for many causes, but in especial for that she had brought him thither: avowing that the love which he bore unto her was the cause why he used those speeches. Laban (being highly delighted and contented with this his discourse) granted him his consent in the The year of the world, 2193. before Christ's Nativity, 1771. marriage, telling him that he could not have wished for a better son in law: and that if he would sojourn a while with him, he would make him Lord of all that his heart desired, especially for that he was no ways minded to send his daughter among the Chananites; and that it repented him that (by reason of marriage) his sister had been drawn thither. jacob co●…descended upon these conditions, and covenanted to abide with him for the space of seven years (for he determined to serve his father in law during that term of years, to the end that having made proof of his virtue, it might the better appear what he was.) Now the time which was covenanted between them being expired, and jacob expecting the contented possession of his love which was promised him, Laban prepared a nuptial feast, and when the night drew on and jacob lest suspected, lacob in steed of Rachel lieth with Lea. he bringeth his daughter less fair in face, and more elder in years, and layeth her by him, who deceived with the darkness, and for that he had drunk liberally, lay with her: but the day after discovering the deceithe questioned with Laban and accused him, who asked him pardon, alleging the necessity which enforced him to do that which he did. For he had not brought in Lea under intent to deceive him, but that the custom of the country compelled him thereunto, yet that the same should no ways hinder him, but that he should enjoy Rachel, and receive, see, and have use of her after seven years more were fully expired. Herewith jacob grew pacified, and suffered himself to be persuaded (in that the love which he bore unto Rachel suffered him to do no other ways) and when the other seven years were expired, he married Rachel. Now both of these had two chambermaids which their father had given them, Leas maid was called Zelpha, and Rachel's Bala, who were no slaves but only subjects. Lea was touched with great grief in that jacob bore greater affection to her sister then to herself, bethinking her oftentimes, that if she might have children, she should be better esteemed and beloved by her husband: for which cause she continually besought Almighty God that it might please him to give her issue: whereupon it happened that God gave her a son, and Jacob's affection was turned towards her, for which cause she called him Reuben: that is to say, the son of Vision, because she had obtained him thorough the mercy of God. After him she bore three children, Simeon (whose name signifieth that, God had heard her) The explication & names of Jacob's sons. Gen. 30. Rachel brings in jacob to Bala. Levi, (which is as much to say, as the firmness of society) and last of all juda, (which signifieth thanksgiving.) At that time Rachel fearing lest she should lose the better part of her husband's love, by reason of the fertility and fruitfulriesse of her sister, caused her chambermaid Bala to lie with him, by whom he had a son called Dan, that is to say, the judgement of God: and after him Nepthalim (which signifieth ingenious) (by reason that she had used subtlety to requite her sister's subtlety.) In like sort of Zelpha he begat Gad (which signifieth adventurous) Lea bringeth in Zelpha. and after him Aser (that is to say, good hap bringer) because that Lea was more honoured by the multitude of her progeny. Reuben, the eldest of all the sons of Lea, brought his mother apples of Mandragora, which The year of the world. 2206. before Christ's birth 1758. when Rachel had perceived, she desired her to give her a part thereof in that she longed to taste of the same: whereunto Lea would yield no consent, replying that she ought to contenthe●… self, in that she had the prerogative in love in respect of both their beloved, which was jacob. Rachel mollifying the heart of her sister with kind words said unto her, that she would be content that jacob Gen. 31. should lie with her for that night: which jacob performed for the love of Rachel, & Lea once more had children, namely Isachar which signifieth, Come by hire, and Zabulon, which importeth a pledge of good will; besides whom she had a daughter also called Dina. Not long after this; Rachel lay with jacob, and brought forth a son who was called joseph, which name signifieth an addition. During all this time (which was for the space of twenty years) jacob had the government of his father in laws flocks: but afterwards he thought good (accompanied with his wives) to return to his own inheritance; which when his father in law apperceived, he would jacob with his wives, childré and flocks fly without his father's privity. Rachel beareth away with her, her father's household gods. Labon pursueth jacob, but God delivereth him from his purpose. in no sort give his consent thereunto, for which cause he covertly determined to forsake him. To this intent he made trial of his wives to see how they were affected towards his flight, who heartened him by their consents, insomuch as Rachel having surprised all the Images of those Gods which were honoured in that country, fled away with her sister, who both of them led with them all their children on both sides, their handmaids with the rest of all their substance: jacob also drove away the moiety of the cattle without the witting or will of Laban. Rachel also bare with her the Images of the Gods, althongh she had been taught by jacob to contemn them and yield them no honour: but she supposed that if Laban pursued and overtook them, in having recourse to them she might obtain pardon. But Laban a day after the departure of jacob and his wives had notice thereof; and being therewith sore aggrieved, he pursued after them, intending to The year of the world. 22●…. before the Na●…itie of Christ. 1758. assail them by force, and on the seventh day he overtook them upon a certain hill where they sat them down to take their rest, in that it was evening: but God appearing to him in a dream gave him counsel to use no violence, neither towards his son in law, nor his daughters; but rather to pacify his ire towards them, and to listen to a peaceable accord betwixt himself and jacob: assuring him that if in contempt of Jacob's weaken esse he should lift up his arm to assail him, that he himself would join with jacob to yield him succours. The next day, after that Laban had received this Oracle from the mouth of God, as soon as it was day he called jacob unto him, to the end they might confer together (hiding nothing from him which the night before he had beheld in his dream.) As soon as jacob was come unto him under safe conduct, he began to accuse him; alleging that he had received him into his house, at such time as he came unto him being poor and naked of all means: and how he had Laban's accusation against jacob. given him great abundance of goods. I have (saith he) given thee my daughters in marriage, hoping by that means to increase thy love towards me more and more; but thou hast had neither respect of thy mother, neither of the acquaintance or parentage betwixt thee and me, neither of the wives which thou hast espoused, neither of thy children whose grandfather I am; but hast dealt with me after an injurious and hostile manner, driving away that which appertained unto me, seducing my daughters to abandon him that begat them, and carry away my household gods with them, which both I and my predecessors have served and honoured; and even as much as men of war would not have done unto their enemies, that hast thou done unto me: yea thou that art my kinsman, my sister's son, the husband of my daughters, my pledge Jacob's answer: to Laban's objection. and my familiar servant, hast dealt thus with me. On the other side jacob alleged for himself, that God had not only made impression in his heart, but that all men also are wholly addicted to the love of their country; and that after so long space of time, it seemed good unto him to visit his native soil. And as concerning that crime (saith he) which thou objectest against me, as touching the prey, if any other but thyself be judge, thou shalt be convicted to have dealt injustly with me: for whereas thou oughtest to have rewarded me, for the maintenance and increase I have made of thy goods, hast thou not done us great wrong to envy us a little part and portion thereof? And as concerning thy daughters, know this that they have not followed me, by reason they have been conveyed away by subtlety, but under that love and duty which married wives bear unto their husbands: they do not therefore only follow me, but they come after their children. These things alleged he for himself. Further he replied and accused Laban, because that being his mother's brother, and having given his daughters to wife, he Jacob's accusation against Laban. had notwithstanding bitterly vexed him by his severe commandments, under which he had been obedient during the space of twenty years, that the troubles he had endured under colour of marriage with Rachel had been cumbersome unto him; yet notwithstanding that it was but a trifle in respect of that which he suffered afterwards, which, had he borne him an envious affection or hostile hatred, he could very well have escaped. In effect Laban had dealt most Laban's subtle dealing with jacob. maliciously with jacob. For seeing that God assisted him in all that he enterprised, Laban promised to give him all the cattle that were borne white, and sometime that which was brought forth black: and when as that which jacob had named and chosen did increase, than did not Laban perform his promise unto him, but deferred him over to the next years increase, by reason he had always a respect of the greater flock, and promised that which he hoped would Laban's covenant with jacob. Genes. 32. not come to pass, and which if it fell contrary, he was ready to infringe. And as touching the gods, he told him that he might make search for them. This condition did Laban accept, but Rachel understanding thereof, thrus●… the said gods into a sack, and made them to be carried on a Camels back, and she sat upon them, saying, that she was indisposed, by reason at that time she had her natural purgations. And for this cause Laban desisted from searching any further, supposing his daughter being so affected would not conceal or set herself so near things that were so sacred: and he made a covenant with jacob, that none of them should call to remembrance the interchangeable unkindnesses that had passed betwixt them, but that he should cherish his daughters, all which they bound with an oath. This covenant was made upon a certain mountain, where they reared a pillar in the form of an Altar, whence it came to pass that this pillar was called Galaad, that is to say, the hill of witness, from whence the country of Galaad hath taken his name even until this day: and after that the alliance was made, and they had banqueted together, Laban returned back again into his own country. But as jacob travailed towards the country of Chanaan, he encountered many visions, which The year of the world. 2206. before Christ's Natiu●…. 1758. presaged unto him good hope and fortunes to come; and he called the place where this thing happened, the Field of God. And being desirous to know how his brother ●…sau was affected towards him, he sent messengers before him to sound and gather the exact truth thereof, by reason he stood in fear lest the memone of his old discontent should be renewed: charging his jacob sendeth messengers to his brother Esau. messengers to signify unto Esau, that jacob (deeming it to be a thing inconvenient to live with his brother, who was displeased with him) had of his own free-will forsaken: the country, and th●…t at this present he was upon his return, thinking that the length of time were sufficient to proo●…e a reconcili●…tion between them. He therefore led with him his wives and children, with all those riches which God had given him; offering himself unto Esau with all that of most esteem which he had, by reason that he thought it the greatest benefit that might happen to him, to impart unto his brother a part of those commodities, which he had received at God's hands. All which they signified unto Esau, who rejoiced very much thereat, and went forth to meet his brother, accompanied with four hundred armed men. But jacob hearing that he Genesis 38. marched forward to meet him, attended by so many men at arms, was very much afraid: yet fixing his confidence in God, he provided for the time, lest any detriment should happen unto him, studying every way to defend both him, and his from invasion. Whereupon dividing his ●…oupes, he caused some to march before, and the rest to follow speedily after: so that if any did assault the first, they might retire themselves to the troop that followed. After this manner having ordered all things about him, he sent certain with presents to his brother, namely with beasts of charge, and a great number of divers kinds of four-footed beasts, (which for their rareness might work more content and admiration in those to whom they were presented.) All these marched one after another, to the intent, that being encountered thus in ranks, they might seem to be of greater number than they were: to the end, that if as yet there remained any discontent in the heart of Esau, these presents might serve to mitigate the same. He commanded them also that marched foremost; that they should use courteous salutation jacob reconcileth his brother with rewards. jacob wrestleth with an Angel and is called Israel. towards Esau. Having thus all the day disposed his troops, as soon as the night was come, he caused all his companies to march, who passed the river of jaboch: but jacob, who was left hind most, was encountered with a vision, in which he wrestled with an apparition, and he became victor. Now this vision spoke unto him, exhorting him to rejoice at that which had happened unto him, assuring him that he had not achieved an easy matter, but that he had surmuonted an Angel of God, which was a sign of great good which should befortune him, and that his posterity should be invincible, and that never man whatsoever he were, should overcome him: commanding him to call his name Israel, that is to say according to the Hebrews, a resister of an Angel. These things were foretold unto jacob upon his request, who perceiving also that he was an Angel of God, prayed him to inform him of that which should happen unto him: which the vision did, and afterwards vanished. jacob took great pleasure thereat, and called the place Phanuel, that is to say, the face of God: and for that in w●…astling he had hurt his broad nerve, he afterwards abstained from eating of the same, and by reason thereof our nation do never feed thereon. Now when he had intelligence that his brother nearly approached him, he commanded his wives that they should march forward every one with their handmaidens, to the end that they might from a far behold the fight of the men, if so be that his brother should assail them. But jacob saluteth his brother Esau. himself he humbled in reverencing his brother, who drew near unto him, without intent of circumvention: and Esau saluted him, and inquired of him as touching the companies of women and children, and after he understood how all went, he was desirous to lead them to his father. But jacob excused himself, by reason of the weariness of his cattle, and Esau retired to Sa●…r where Gen. 34. he made his abode, and had imposed that name on that country, by reason of his thick hair. jacob also retired himself to a place, which at this day also is called the Tents, and from thence jacob cometh to Scenas. The history of Dina, Jacob's daughter. into Sichem, a city of the Chanaanites. Now at such time as the Sichemites celebrated their feast, Dina which was Jacob's only daughter, went into the City to see the bravery of the women of that country. But Sichem the son of king Emmor ravished her, and deflowered her: and being surprised with her love, he besought his father that he might take her to wife: who listening there unto, went unto jacob, praying him to join Dina his daughter, in lawful marriage, with his son Sichem. jacob (nor daring to contradict him by reason of his authority and quality) and on the other side, not thinking it to be either a thing lawful, or convenient to match his daughter with a stranger, required at his The year of the world. 2206. before Christ's birth 17●…. hands a time of deliberation to consult thereupon. Hereon the king departed, hoping that jacob would listen to the marriage. But jacob having discovered unto his sons the ravishment of their sister, and the request of Emmor, desired them to deliberate amongst themselves what thing was to be done ●…n the matter: whereupon some held their peace, not knowing what to say; but Simeon and Levi (the brothers of the same womb, with their sister) complotted together this practice. In as much as it was a festival, and that the Sichemites intended nought but pleasure and banqueting, they issued by night upon their first guards, and killed them that were a bed; and from thence entering into the City, they killed all the males (and with them the king and his son) Simeon and Levi kill the S●…chemites. Genes 35. but to the women they offered no violence. Which being executed without the knowledge of their father, they brought their sister back again. jacob was very much astonished at this accident so strangely executed, and was wroth with his children: but God appeared unto him and comforted him, and commanded him that he should purify his tents, and accomplish those sacrifices which he had vowed to perform, at such time when first he went into Mesopotamia, and the vision appeared unto him. Whilst then he cleansed those which followed him, he found the Gods of Laban, which beside his knowledge Rachel had stolen, and hid them in Sichem in the earth under an Oak. jacob digging up Laban's god●…, goeth and sacrificeth at Bethel. Rachel dieth in childbed. Hedio & Ru●…finus. chap. 28. Afterwards departing from thence, he sacrificed in Bethel, where he had seen the vision; at such time as he first of all took his journey into Mesopotamia: and as he travailed in the land of Ephrata, Rachel died in childbed, and was buried there: (and she only hath not enjoyed the honour, which is done in Hebron to those of her parentage.) After he had made great lamentation, he named the child which she bore at that time, Benjamin, (by reason of the dolours which happened unto his mother). These are all the children of jacob, twelve males and one daughter, of whom eight were begotten on his lawful wives, six of Lea, and two of Rachel, and on their chambermaids, four; two of each of them, whose names I have heretofore recorded. From thence went jacob to Hebron a City of Chanaan, where Isaac made his abode, and they lived but a small time together, because Rachel was dead and departed from him. CHAP. XX. Isaac dieth and is buried in Hebron. ISaac died a little time after the arrival of his son, and was buried with his wife by his The year of the world, 2230. before Christ's birth, 1734. Isaac dieth 185 years old. Gen. 35. son in Hebron, among their fathers. This Isaac was a man beloved of God; and guided by his especial providence. After the decease of Abraham, he lived a long time: and after he had passed his life in all virtue for the space of 185. years, he deceased. THE SECOND BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 2. book. 1 How Esau and jacob, Isaac's sons, divided their habitations, and how Idumaea fell to Esau's lot, and Chanaan to Jacob's. 2 How joseph the youngest of Jacob's sons, by reason of his dreams which foretold his future felicity incurred his brother's envy. 3 How joseph was sold by his brethren into Egypt, and grew in great authority in that country, and how at length he had his brothers under his power. 4 How jacob with all his progeny came unto his son. 5 Of the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt, for the space of 400. years. 6 How under the conduct of Moses, they forsook Egypt. 7 How the red sea divided itself, and gave the Hebrews a passage at such time as they fled out of Egypt. CHAP. I. How Esau and jacob, Isaac's sons, divided their inheritance: and how Idumaea fell to Esau's lot, and Chanaan to Jacob's. The year of the world, 2230. before Christ's Nativity, 1734. Isaac's sons departed their habitations. BUT when Isaac was dead, the sons divided their habitations among themselves, and were neither of them content with that which they inherited by their father: but Esau leaving the City of Hebron to his brother, went and dwelled in Seir; and was Lord of the country of Idumaea, which he named by his name (for it was surnamed Edom) for the occasion which followeth. He being very young, returned one day sore wearied, travailed, and hungry from hunting; and finding his brother dressing for himself a mess of lentil pottage, which were very red in colour, and further increased and incensed his appetite; he required them at his hands, that he might eat them. But he taking the opportunity and occasion of his brother Esaues hunger, constrained him to forsake his birthright, and to sell him the same, on condition, he should give him what to eat. Esau then transported with famine, surrendered Esau the first begotten, s●…lleth his birth right. Esau called Edom. Gen. 36. Esau's sons and posterity. unto him his birthright, and confirmed it with a solemn oath. And thereupon, his equals in age, in way of mockery, called him Edom, by reason of this red meat: for Edom in Hebrew, signifieth Red. His country likewise was called Edom: but the greeks, to the end they might make the name more currant, called it Idumea. He became the father of five children, of whom he had three by his wife Alibamma, whose names were jaus, jolamus, and Choraeus: as touching the other two, Aliphaces was the son of Aza, and Raguel of Mosametha: these children had Esau. Aliphaces had five legitimate children, Theman, Omar, Ophus, jotham, Ocavaxes (for Amelech was illegitimate, borne by one of his concubines, whose name was Themana.) The●…e dwelled in that part of Idumaea, which is called Gobolitus; and in that part, which by reason of Amelech, is called Amelechitis. For Idumaea being in times past a land of great extent, continued the name of Idumaea through the whole country: and the particular p●…ouinces of the same, kept the names of those that first inhabited the same. CHAP. II. joseph the youngest of Jacob's children, is envied by his brothers. But jacob attained to that felicity, that scarcely any other hath been so happy; for he The year of the world. 2206. before Christ's birth 1658. surpassed all the inhabitants of that country in riches: and by reason of the virtues of his children, he was both envied, and regarded. For they were accomplished in all perfections, animated and endowed with stout hearts; prepared to execute any work of the hand, and to endure all sorts of travel: finally, all of them were furnished with knowledge and providence. But God had such care of him, and so diligently procured and furthered Gen 37. Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 2. his good fortunes, that that which seemed unto him to be grief-full and contrary, he brought to an issue prosperous for him; and increasefull for his riches: and brought to pass, that both he and his children were the first motive to our ancestors to forsake the land of Egypt, for that cause which here ensueth. jacob having begotten joseph of Rachel, loved him entirely, both in respect of the beauty of his body, as also of the ornaments and virtues of his spirit: and besides both these, his prudence, wherein he outstripped all his other brothers. This cordial affection Jacob's sons hated their brother joseph. of his father, moved envy and hatred amongst his brothers towards him. And besides these, the dreams which he had seen, and told both to his father and brethren; which foreprophecied unto him a singular felicity. For it is the common custom of men to be jealous of their prosperity, with whom they are familiar. Now the visions which joseph saw in his dream, were these. Being sent by his father in the company of his brothers, to reap come in the time of harvest, he saw a vision (far different Joseph's dream. from those which accustomably happen in sleep) which (as soon as he awoake) he told unto his brethren, to the end, they should interpret it. He told them therefore, that him thought in his dream the night past, that his sheaf of corn was settled in a place where he had fixed it, and that theirs ran towards his, and worshipped the same. Which vision of his, seemed to foretell him of his ample fortune; and how he should obtain the Lordship over all of them: But they concealed all these things from joseph, making show that they could in no sort interpret the dream: but being by themselves apart, they breathed forth contrary imprecations; wishing that nothing of that which they interpreted as touching his dream, might take effect, but persevering The year of the world. 2206. before the birth of Christ. 1758. Joseph's dream of the Son, Moon and Stars. more and more in envy and hatred towards him. But God (opposing his power against their envy) sent joseph a second and more strange vision. For he dreamt that the sun, the moon, and eleven of the stars descended down to the earth, and humbled themselves before him. Which vision he revealed to his father in the presence of his brethren (without suspicion of any hatred in them towards him) and besought him to interpret unto him the meaning thereof. Now as touching jacob, he greatly rejoiced at this dream, by The interpretation of Joseph's dream. reason he conceived in his mind the interpretation thereof, and (in comparing and alluding his conjectures not rashly, but with prudence) he rejoiced at those great matters which were signified by that dream: which foretold, that his son joseph should be highly fortunate, and happy; and that the time should come in which his father, mother, and brethren should honour him, and worship before him. For he compared the moon (which ripeneth and increaseth all things that grow) to his mother: and the sun (which giveth form and force) to his father. And as touching his brothers, who were eleven in number, he compared them to the eleven stars, (which received their force both from the sun and moon.) Neither did jacob without judgement and consideration so interpret this vision. But Joseph's brothers were highly aggrieved at this presage, conceiving as heinously and hatefully thereof, as if this felicity had been portended to a stranger, and not to their brother, with whom they might equally partake his good fortunes Joseph's brothers complot his death. whatsoever, being as well allied in felicity unto him as in consanguinity. Whereupon they resolved on his death and destruction, and having complotted these counsels amongst themselves, and gathered in their harvest, they retired themselves with their flocks towards Sichem Sicima a fit place to graze in. (which was a part of that country) very fit to nourish and feed their cattle, where they kept their flocks without giving any notice of their departure to their father. But he perceiving that no man came from the herd, that might tell him any tidings, being sorrowful and careful of his sons, he sent joseph to the flocks, to understand how they did, and how their affairs prospered. CHAP. III. How joseph was sold into Egypt by his brethren, and grew in great credit in that country: and how his brethren at length were under his subjection. But as soon as they saw their brother coming towards them, they rejoiced, not as at joseph cometh unto his brothers, who resolve to murder him. the arrival of one of their household friends sent unto them by their father, but as if their enemy had encountered them; who by the will of God was delivered into their hands. They therefore mutually agreed to put him to death, and not to let slip the present opportunity. But Reuben the eldest amongst them seeing their disposition and conspiracy to kill him, endeavoured Reuben dissw●…deth his brother's death. to dissuade them; setting before their eyes how heinous and wicked the enterprise was, and what hatred they might incur thereby. For (said he) if before God and before men it be a wicked and detestable thing to lay hands on, and to murder a stranger: how much more heinous a crime will it be held for us, to be convicted to be the murderers of our brother? whose death will heap sorrow on our father's head: and draw our mother into great grief and desolation through the loss of her son, robbed and bereft from her beyond the ordinary course of men. For which cause he prayed them to be advised in these things, & that they would consider in their minds, what thing might happen, if this child, who was fair, virtuous and young, should be done to death: praying them to give over this unnatural resolution, and to fear God, who was both the judge and witness of their deliberation intended against their brother: and that if they would desist from this heinous act, God would take pleasure in their The year of the world, 2217. before Christ's natiui●…, 1747. repentance and reconcilement; but if they proceeded in their enterprise, he assured them that he would punish them like fratricides; since nothing is hidden from his providence, whether it be committed in the desert, or attempted in the City. For wheresoever men are, there is it always to be thought, that God likewise is. Further, that when they should have perpetrated this fact, that they should always have their consciences as an armed adversary against them, which never would forsake them, whether they were good, or whether such as theirs would be, if they should fortune to murder their brother. Furthermore he alleged, that it was an impious fact to kill a man's own brother, although he had done him injury; and much more meritorious to forgive a man's friend, that had offended against him. Moreover he said, that joseph had done them no wrong, whose tender years rather required care and compassion at their hands, than hate and tyranny. Besides that, the cause of his slaughter would aggravate their offence, The year of the world 2217. before Christ's Naetivitie. 1747. if it should be known that for envy of his future felicity they should take away his life; all which good hap they likewise might participate by reason of consanguinity, and that it was their duty to think, that whatsoever blessing God imparted to, joseph was theirs; & that for that cause they were to imagine, that God would be more displeased against them, if they should endeavour to deprive him of his life, whom he had esteemed and adjudged worthy of prosperity to come. Reuben alleging these and many other things, besought them and laboured to divert them from shedding their brother's blood, but seeing that all these his motives could in no sort mollify them, but that they hastened the rather to commit and perpetrate the murder; he counseled them that at least wise they should allot him some milder kind of death. Telling them that he endeavoured all what in him lay at the first to dissuade them, but since it was thoroughly resolved among them that he should not live, that less mischief should follow of it, if they would be ruled by his counsel, for by that means their will should have effect, yet a more mild and less hurtful in comparison of murder: that it were better for them to Reuben persuadeth them to cast joseph into a pit. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 3. temper their hands, and keep them immaculate, by casting him into the next pit, and there leaving him in the hands of death: to this counsel all of them agreed. So Reuben took joseph and bound him with cords, and let him down easily into a pit which was dry, which done, he departed to seek out a more convenient place for pasture. But when Reuben was gone, juda one of Jacob's sons (espying certain merchants of Arabia, Genes 37. 39 of the country of the Ismaelites, who from the country of Galadena carried Spicery and Syrian merchandise into Egypt) he counseled his brothers to draw up joseph out of the well, and joseph by judas counsel is sold to the Arabian merchants. to sell him to those Arabians, assuring them that by that means it would come to pass that joseph should die, the farther off from them amongst strangers; and as touching themselves, they should be exempt from that pollution: which counsel of his being commended by them all, they drew joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Arabians for the sum of twenty silverlings, at such time as he was seventeen years of age. Now had Reuben resolved in himself to save joseph without his brother's privity, for which cause coming by night unto the pit, he called him with a loud voice, & seeing that he gave him no answer, he began to conjecture with himself Reuben by night cometh to the pit. that his brethren had done him to death, he reproved them therefore very bitterly; but after they had told him what was become of him, he gave over his mourning. After these things were thus brought to pass, the brethren consulted amongst themselves in what sort they might clear themselves from their father's suspicion, and conclude among themselves to tear the coat wherewith joseph was attired, at such time as he came unto them, and which they had taken from him, when they cast him into the well, to the end that having defiled it in the blood of a Goat, they might afterwards bear it unto their father and show it him, to the end he might suppose that joseph was slain by wild beasts; which done, they came unto the old man (not altogether ignorant of his sons misfortunes) and told him that they had not seen their brother joseph, neither could they assure him what mishap had befallen him; but that notwithstanding they had found his jerkin altogether bebloudied and torn, which made them suspect that he was slain by some wild beasts, if so be he were sent unto them attired in that coat. But jacob (that hitherto expected and hoped for more successful tidings, in that he supposed Joseph's brothers persuade his father that he is devoured by wild beasts. and hoped that joseph had only been captive) gave over this opinion, and took the coat for a most assured testimony of his sons death; for he knew that he was appareled therewith at such time as he sent him to his brothers, for which cause he lamented joseph, from that time forward as being dead, and as if he had not any more sons. And such was the grief of his heart, that he conceived no consolation in the rest, but suffered himself to be persuaded by the brothers, that joseph had been slain by savage beasts: he therefore sat him down being clothed in sackcloth, and charged with sorrow; and neither could his sons by their jacob be waileth joseph for dead. joseph is sold in Egypt to Putifar. counsels mitigate his moans, nor he himself remit the rigour of his jamentation. Now joseph was sold by the merchants and bought by Putiphar (an Egyptian Lord, and a steward of King Pharaos' household) who held him in high estimation, and trained him up in all liberal sciences, suffering him to live not after a servile, but liberal manner, and committing unto his charge the care of all his household, all which favours he made use of. Yet was he no ways diverted by these his privileges and promotions from his innated virtue; testifying hereby, that prudence doth not submit to adverse fortune, if a man use the same orderly, and not at that time only when fortune fawneth and flattereth. Putifars wife soliciteth joseph to lie with her. It fortuned not long after, that his master's wife was enamoured with him, both in respect of his beauty, as also of his dexterity and diligence, supposing that if she opened her mind The year of the world. 2217. before the Nativity of Christ. 1747. unto him, she might the more easily enjoy him, and that he might esteem it a part of his felicity, to be beloved by his mistress. All which she supposed and imagined, having only regard of that servile condition, wherein at that present he was, and not of his manners which continued always entire; notwithstanding any change that could happen unto him: for which cause she discovered unto him her desire, and desired him to grant her an amorous encountrey; but he refused her demand, alleging that it were a most wicked requital of him towards his master, if it should come to pass that he who had bought him, & so greatly honoured him, should receive so great an injury and outrage: for which cause he exhorted her: to conquer her appetite, depriving her of all hope of ever compassing her concupiscence, alleging unto her, that desire is then less active when hope is extinguished; avowing that he had rather suffer all the mischiefs that might be imagined, then to consent or condescend unto her in that wickedness. And although (said he) it be undecent for a servant to contradict the will of his mistress, yet that the filthiness of the fact did dissuade him from attempting the same. But this his repulse did more and more inflame her, for that she supposed that joseph should not deny her: and her disordinate affections increasing daily, she devised and complotted a new means in hope to bring Putifars wife complotteth a second subtlety to allure joseph. her love to her desired issue. Whereas therefore a solemn and public feast was at hand, wherein according to custom, the Ladies were wont to dignify the solemnity by their assistance: she feigned a sickness, persuading her husband thereunto, hoping by that means she might have the better opportunity (in being solitary and alone) to solicit joseph, which falling out accordingly (as she had herself desired) she began to court and compass him by these flattering and fawning allurements and persuasions. Telling him that he had done well if upon her first request he had obeyed her without any contradiction, in respect of her dignity who required the same, & her incredible passion which had so far commanded her, that notwithstanding she were his mistress, she should indignify and forget herself so much as to solicit him: that now he should behave himself more wisely and better, if in amends of his forepast obstinacy he now at last would consent. For if he respected this her second summons, it was far more affectionate and importunate than the former, for (saith she) I have feigned sickness to this end, to solicit and prefer thy company before a public triumph. Or if at first thou didst mistrust me, thou mayst hereby conceive that I do not maliciously tempt thee, in that I yet continue in the same affection. For which cause either make choice of this present pleasure, and be obsequious to her that loveth thee, under hope of further preferments, or be assured of my hate and revenge if thou preferrest thy opinion of chastity before my favour. For be assured that thy chastity shall profit thee nothing, if I shall accuse thee to my husband, and avow that thou hast sought to violate me: for although thy allegations be more true, yet shall my words be of more force, and my accusations more acceptable in Putifars ears then thine. But neither by these words, nor her tears the witnesses of her vows, could joseph be perverted, neither could remorse overworke him, nor terror compel joseph once more repulseth the assaults of her lust. him to forsake his purposed chastity, but that he constantly resisted against those injust afflictions, wherewith she threatened him: choosing rather to suffer any misery whatsoever, then to be prisoned with the possession of her offered adulteries, being well assured that he was worthy of extreme punishment, if on a woman's entreaty he should condescend to any such treachery. He likewise admonished her of her duty, alleging the laws, rights, and customs of matrimony, willing her rather to respect them, than her momentany lust: for that the one was speedily followed with repentance, proceeding suddenly of grief, not amendment of sin, with a continual and great fear likewise, lest the fact should be discovered: whereas the company she might have with her husband, was void of danger, and attended by a conscience, as well before God as men. Moreover, that it was more convenient for her to govern and command him as his Lady & Mistress, rather than to be shamed in making him the secretary of their common sin: for that it is more convenient to be assured in the confidence of a good life, then in secret to commit sin. In these and such words sought he to abate the brunt of her furious affections, and to revoke her from her depraved fancies, to submit to the law of reason; but she, the more instantly he dissuaded, the more earnestly invaded him; and where by no means she could pervert him by words, she laid violent hands upon him, to constrain him perforce: but joseph (unable to endure any longer the intemperancy of the woman, leaving his garment joseph leaving his raiment behind him fled from the adulteress. behind him whereby she held him) broke suddenly out of the chamber. She partly impelled by the grief of repulse, partly affrighted with fear, lest her lasciviousness should be made known to her husband, decreed first of all falsely to accuse joseph, and by this means to take revenge The year of the world, 2217. before Christ's Nativity, 1747. upon him; holding it to be a craft worthy a woman's wit, to anticipate and first of all accuse her accuser. She therefore sat her down sad and perplexed, colouring the grief of her defrauded lust under the cloak of indignation for her attempted honour, and violated chastity. Now when her husband came home, and (being troubled in mind to behold these her agonies) demanded the cause thereof: Live thou no longer (said she) my husband, except thou The adulteress accusation against joseph. rigorously punish that wretched slave, who attempted to violate thy bed, forgetting both what he was when he came into thy house, & with how great benevolence thou hast entertained him, yea who was to be esteemed more ingrate than ingratitude, except every way he approved himself faithful unto thee: yet hath he not forborn to offer injury, no not to thine own wife; and that which is more, on a holy day, & in thine absence; whereby it manifestly appeareth that the moderation which hitherto he pretended, rather proceeded of servile fear, then native modesty. And that which hath the more emboldened him, is in that (besides all hope, and beyond his merit) thou hast favoured him: for seeing all thy goods were committed to his trust & dispensation, and perceiving that he was preferred before all thine ancient servants, he thought it lawful likewise for him to attempt and outrage thy wife: and to procure more credit to her words, she produced his garment, which (as she said) he left behind him at such time as he sought to violate her. But Putiphar entangled by the words & tears of a woman, and attributing too much to his wives dissembling love, omitting the further and faithful inquisition of the truth, after he had first of all praised his wives faith & loyalty, he cast joseph thus condemned of heinous wickedness into the prison of malefactors, esteeming his wives chastity, and commending it the more, in that he was now made a witness of her approved honesty. joseph is cast into prison. Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 4. Gen. 39 But joseph committing his innocency unto God, neither took care how to excuse himself, neither to express how the matter fell out: but silently suffering the necessity of his bonds, he was only comforted with this one hope, namely that God was more powerful, than they that had imprisoned him: whose providence he presently experimented. For the keeper of the prison Joseph's patience in bonds. The keeper of the prison dealeth friendly wi●… joseph. considering both his faith and diligence in all that wherein he employed him, as also the dignity of his form, loosed him out of bonds, and by that means in some sort lessened his misery, giving him also an allowance more liberal than the rest of the prisoners had. Now when they that were in the prison (as often as they had intermission from their labour) conferred together (as men in misery are wont to do) and questioned among themselves of the cause of their damnation: a certain butler near about the King (condemned by him in displeasure to be cast into Irons) grew familiar with joseph; and for that he accounted him to be a prudent and provident man, he told him his dream, praying him that if any presage might be gathered thereby, that he would expound it unto him, lamenting his misfortune, who not only was persecuted by the king's displeasure, but also when he should take his rest, troubled from heaven by dreams. For he said that in his sleep he beheld three great clusters of grapes, hanging on three several branches of a vine, which were all ripe and ready to be gathered, and that him thought he pressed them into a cup which the king held, and that afterwards having strained the must, he offered it to the King, and that he willingly drank thereof: now when he had showed him his dream, he desired him that if he had any knowledge given him from God, he would vouchsafe to interpret his vision unto him. joseph answered him that he should be of good courage, willing him to expect, The butler's dream expounded. The year of the world. 2238. before Christ's birth 1736. for that within three days he should be delivered from his bonds, and be admitted again to the king's service, and restored to his former credit. For he interpreted that the vine bringeth forth a fruit very good and profitable for man's use, for that by the mediation thereof faith and friendship is fixed and confirmed amongst them, and discords dissolved: furthermore that troubles and sorrows were assuaged by the use thereof, in stead of which pleasures succeeded. This said he, as thou tellest me that the king received being pressed out by thy hands. Know therefore that thou hast a good dream offered thee, and that it signifieth thy deliverance from misery within three days, according to the number of those clusters which thou gatheredst in thy dream. Remember me therefore I pray thee, as soon as the event hath approved this my prediction to be faithful and unfeigned; and when thou art at liberty, forget us not that are left here to lie in misery, who departest to enjoy thy foretold felicity; for I am not here thrust into bonds for my wickedness, but I am punished like a malefactor for my virtue and modesty, in that I rather respected the honour of the house in which I lived, and his credit who committed me to ●…n the year of the world. 2228. before Christ's Nativity. 1726. prison, than mine own pleasure. And thus the butler as it became him, rejoiced at the interterpretation of his dream, and expected the event. Now a certain other servant, who had the command of the king's bakers, and living in the same prison with the butler, conceiving some The year of the world. 2228. before the birth of Christ. 1736. The Baker's dream. hope thorough Joseph's so happy interpretation (for that he likewise had seen a vision) desired him to expound unto him what interpretation was to be had of a dream, which he had the night past, which he expressed in these words. Me thought (said he) that I carried three baskets on my head, of which, two were replenished with bread, and the other with flesh (and divers other kinds of acares, such as are prepared for kings.) But the birds of the air hovering round about me, devoured all the victuals, being nothing appalled by me, although I drove them from thence. Which said, he expected a presage no less fortunate than the former. But joseph (after he had conjectured upon the circumstances of the dream, and foretold him The exposition of the Baker's dream. that he would rather have informed him of more successful fortunes, than his dream did intend:) told him that he had only two days left him, wherein he was to live. For these were designated by the two baskets: but by the third, that he should be hanged and devoured by the fowls, which he could not drive from him. Neither did it otherwise fall out with both of them, than joseph had foretold: For upon the prefixed day, the king (celebrating the feast of his nativity) commanded that the baker should be hanged: but as touching the butler, he delivered him from his bonds, & restored him to his former office. But God delivered joseph (after he had Genes. 41. for the space of two years spent his time in the misery of the prison: and was in the mean space no ways assisted by the ungrateful butler) by preordinating this means and manner of his liberty. Whereas king Pharaoh had that night in his sleep seen two visions, and had also received the interpretation thereof, forgetting the one, he only remembered him of the dreams, which Pharaoh the King of Egypt's dream. in his opinion had no fortunate signification. Whereupon early in the morning (calling before him the learnedst amongst the Egyptians) he required the interpretation thereof. Now when he could in no sort be satisfied by them, the king was the more and more moved: which when the butler apperceived, he remembered him of joseph, and of his wisdom and prudence in these sorts of conjectures; and repairing unto the king told him of joseph and of his vision, and the event thereof, which he had whilst he was in prison, together with Joseph's interpretation; and how the same day, the master of the bakers condemned to the gallows, gave greater credit to his predictions: how he was kept prisoner as a slave by Putifar the master of his household, and that he said how amongst the Hebrews he was descended of good and honourable parents. Command him therefore (said he) to be sent for, neither despise the man for his present misery, for thou mayest manifestly understand by him, the signification of thy dreams. Whereupon the king sent for him presently, and friendly taking him by the hand, he spoke unto him after joseph is delivered from bonds this manner: Good young man, in that I understand by the report of my servant, that thou art prudent; show me the interpretation of my dreams in such manner as thou discoveredst his unto him, and thou shalt do me a high pleasure: but beware thou neither conceal any thing for fear, or speak aught for flattery, or to feed me with falsehoods, but tell me all things truly, although they shall in a sort breed my discontent to hear them. Me seemed that I walked by a Pharaos' dream of the seven kine. river side, and that I saw seven well fed and very fat kine, which retired themselves from the flood into the pasture: and again, me thought that seven others came from the pasture to encounter them, who were very lean and ugly to behold, who when they had devoured the seven others The year of the world, 2231. before Christ's nativity, 1733. that were fat and great, yet never the more increased, but were all of them miserably vexed with hunger. But after this vision being awaked out of my sleep, and troubled in my mind, thinking with myself, what that vision might signify, being seized by little and little by a pleasant slumber, I fell a sleep once again. And again, I saw a vision more prodigious than the former, The year of the world. 2238. before Christ's birth 1726. which doth likewise trouble and terrify me the more. For I saw seven ears sprung out of one root, that hung down and bowed their heads, because they were loaden with grain ready to be reaped: after which, there appeared seven other, weak, and languishing for want of dew, who devouring those other great and full ears, left me highly astonished. Hereunto joseph answered: This dream (O king) although it hath been seen in two figures, yet so it is that it importeth The interpretation of Pharaos' dream. one and the same accident, which is to ensue. For both those oxen (which are creatures borne and bred up for the plough and labour) which you saw devoured by the leaner, and those ears of corn consumed by the weaker; foresignify a famine & scarcity in Egypt for so many years, as there were Oxen and ears of corn in good plight: so that the fertility of these good years shall be consumed by the sterility of so many other years, according to their number; and there shall be such scarcity of necessary provision, that it shall be hard to prevent and supply their defects, all which is signified by those seven lean kine, who, having devoured the good, could not be satisfied by the same. All these things God foretelleth unto men, not to the end they should be terrified and affrighted; but that being forewarned, they might provide for themselves, to The year of the world, 2238. before Christ's birth 1726. By Joseph's counsel the succeeding scarcity is made more tolerable. the end they might more easily prevent the imminent danger If therefore thou shalt lay up and store the abundance of the plentiful years, Egypt shall not feel the penury that shall follow. And when as the king (admiring at Joseph's prudence and wisdom) demanded after what manner he might provide in the time of plenty, how to prevent and redress, the future sterility: he warned and counseled him, that the Egyptians should use parsimony, and that that which remained of those years superfluity, might be reserved for future necessities. He counseled him also to bind the husbandmen, that they should hoard up their corn in their barns, and only to distribute to the people as much as was sufficient, and no more. Hereupon the king (not only praising Joseph's counsel, but also his interpretation of his dreams) made him Lord and commissary of all the store; and commanded him to provide whatsoever he thought necessary in that behalf, either of his own or of the people's: assuring him that he thought no man more necessary to execute this counsel, than himself who was the author thereof. Having therefore joseph is entitled by Pharaoh to great honours. this authority given him by the king to use his own signet, and to be clothed in purple, he was conducted thorough all the country upon a chariot: and he assembled the labourers of corn, and distributed to every one by measure, that which they wanted for seed corn, and for their nourishment, without letting any man understand for what cause he did it. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. About this time had he already attained to thirty years old, being held in great honour by the king, and was for his incredible prudence, surnamed by him Psontom phanechus, which signifieth the discoverer of hidden things: he was also honoured with a wife of great dignity, for by joseph marrieth a wife in Egypt on whom he begat Manasses & Ephraim the procuration of the king, he took to wife a virgin, daughter to Putifar the Heliopolitan priest, whose name was Asaneth, by whom he begat children also, before the famine began in Egypt. The elder of whom was called Manasses, which signifieth Oblivion (because attaining better fortune, he grew in oblivion of his former misery:) but the younger was called Ephraim (which signifieth return, for that he was restored to the liberty of his ancestors.) Now when as according to Joseph's interpretation, the seven years of plenty and affluence were overpassed in Egypt; the eight year of famine began to infest the land: and for that the evil was unexpected, The famine in Egypt. the headlong multitude grievously travailed with hunger and misery, began to flock about the king's gates and garners. Hereon the king called for joseph, who presently distributing grain to those that wanted it, became without controversy, the father and conserver of the commonalty. Neither did he only make merchandise with those that inhabited that country: but with strangers also, deeming that the whole race of mankind was allied the one with the other; and that it was convenient, that such as wanted should be succoured by their means, who had better fortune. And because the same calamity both oppressed Chanaan and other kingdoms of the world, jacob also sent all his sons into Egypt to fetch come; (as soon as he understood that jacob sendeth his sons into Egypt to buy wheat. strangers also had liberty to traffic in that place) only with himself he retained Benjamin, whom he begat on Rachel, and who was brother german unto joseph: who as soon as they arrived in Egypt, repaired unto joseph, beseeching him that they might be permitted to buy come, (for nothing was done without his express command) for even then found each man fit occasion Genesis 42. to honour the king, when they bethought themselves how to honour joseph. He taking knowledge of his brothers, who thought on nothing less than of him (by reason that in his youth he was sold away by them, and age had altered the lineaments of his face; and beside, no one of them might suspect that he had attained to so great dignity): determined to try and tempt them, to the end he might the better gather how they were affected. For he both denied them his licence to buy come, & commanded them also to be apprehended for spies, telling them that they were gathered of divers nations, and they feigned kindred: for how can it be (saith he) that a private man should bring up so many worthy sons, which felicity scarcely and very seldom is granted unto kings? This did he, to the end he might gather some intelligence of his joseph soundeth his brothers to the end he might understand his fathers and Benjamins estate. Rubens answer unto joseph, both for himself and his brothers. father, and in what estate he lived, during the time of his absence; and what was become of Benjamin his brother: for he was sore afraid, lest they had offered the same hard measure to the lad, which they had inflicted on him. But they were strooken with a mighty fear, bethinking them on their imminent peril, supposing that they had travailed this long journey all in vain: & for that they saw their accusation must be answered; Reuben the eldest of them, began after this manner to plead their common cause. Neither are we come hither (said he) as spies, neither under pretence to indomage the king; but dire famine (whose fury we seek to prevent) hath compelled us to come into this country, grounding ourselves on your humanity; who (as we have heard) have not only made offer of sale of come, and means of sustenance to your citizens: but also unto all strangers. And that we are brothers and borne of the same father, our very countenances The year of the world. 2238. before the Nativity of Christ. 1726. testify no less, in that they vary not very much the one from the other. Our father by name, is jacob; by nation, an Hebrew: who begat us his twelve sons on four women, who while they all were in safety, our affairs were fortunate and prosperous: but one of them being dead, whose name was joseph, our domestical fortunes began to grow to ruin. Our father languisheth in continual lamentations, whose tears do no less afflict us, then in times past the untimely death of our dearest brother did affect us. Now are we come to buy corn, having left in our father's custody the youngest of our brothers called Benjamin: That thus it is, if so thou please to send any one unto our house, thou mayst be assured. Thus spoke Reuben both on his own and his brother's behalf, whereby he might exempt from joseph his sinister opinion of them, who knowing that both his father and brother were in health, commanded them to be shut in prison, under pretence joseph commandeth his brothers to prison. to call them to further examination upon his better leisure. Some three days after (calling them before him) he began thus: Since (saith he) you protest that you came not hither into this kingdom on purpose, either to prejudice the King, or work treasons towards the state; and that you pretend yourselves to be the sons of one father: you shall induce me to believe that your allegations be true, if leaving some one with me as pledge of your loyalties (who shall be well entertained) you bear hence your desired corn unto your father, and return again unto me, bringing with you your brother, whom (as you say) you left behind you for this shall be an argument that you feign not. Amazed at these words, and supposing that their extreme calamity was at hand, they lamented their fortunes, oftentimes expostulating amongst themselves, that the dire revenge of their brother oppressed with undecent tyranny, was fallen upon them. Moreover Reuben reprehended their too late and unprofitable penitency, saying, that those afflictions Joseph's brothers repent them of that evil they had done unto him which God (the just revenger of innocency) had inflicted on his impious brothers, were constantly to be borne. After this manner spoke they one unto another, supposing that no man was present who understood the Hebrew tongue: and they all lamented being inwardly touched with the words of Reuben, and condemned their perpetrated wickedness, as if they had not been the authors of the fact, for which at that time they thought that God did most justly punish them. joseph beholding them in this perplexity, unable to dissemble any longer his brotherly love, in that the tears already began to burst out of his eyes, which at that time he desired to conceal, he departed from among them. Not long after returning again unto them, he retained Simeon with him, who in the mean joseph sendeth away his brothers, and only retaineth Simeon. time should remain as pledge with him until their back return, and giving them licence to buy their corn, he commanded them to depart: giving withal a special commandment to one of his servants, that the money which they had brought to buy corn, should secretly be shut up into their sacks, and they permitted to depart; all which his servant performed. But Jacob's sons returning into Chanaan told their father all that which had happened unto them in Egypt, and how they were attached for spies, and traitors to that country; and that when they protested that they were brethren, and that the eleventh was left at home with their father, they would not believe them: moreover that Simeon was left pledge with the governor, until Benjamin came thither to give testimony of their truth: whereupon they desired their father, that without contradiction or sinister conceit, to send their younger brother with them. But jacob was displeased jacob is sore grieved for Simeons' absence, and because Benjamin should depart from him. Genes 39 with that which his sons had done; and whe●…as he was not a little grieved that Simeon was left behind, he thought it worse than death also to be deprived of Benjamin; and neither could Reuben with his prayers (offering his sons for pledges, that if any sinister fortune should fall upon Benjamin by the way, the Grandfather might revenge him on his children) persuade jacob to yield consent: but they uncertain what to do, were more and more terrified, in that they found their money enclosed in their sacks of corn. Now when corn began already to fail them, jacob being compelled by force of famine, determined to send Benjamin with his other brothers: for it was unlawful for them to return into Egypt, except they kept their covenant. And whereas necessity pressed them daily more and more, and his sons ceased not instantly to call upon him; yet as yet was he doubtful and unresolved: at last juda a man vehement by nature, began more liberally to reprove his father, in that he was too careful of his brother, to whom Jacob's sons but in especial juda urge their father to send Benjamin with them. nothing might happen without the will of God, whether it were abroad or at home: and that without reason he had care of his son Benjamin, in such sort as it was not possible for them to get aught out of Pharaos' country which was necessary for their nourishment; that he ought also to have care of the life of Simeon, lest whilst he dallied and delayed to send Benjamin on the journey, Simeon in the mean time should be slain by the Egyptians. Moreover he exhorted him to commit the care of his son unto God, promising to bring him back again in safety, The year of the world. 2238. before Christ's Nativity. 1726. jacob sendeth his sons with presents into Egypt. or else to die together with him: Moreover he said, that certain gifts gathered from the profits of Chanaan, as the juice of Mirabolans, Stacte, Terebinth, and Honey, should be sent as presents unto joseph, together with the double price of their come. Thu●… shedding tears on both sides, they depart from their father, leaving him miserably tormented for the health of his sons, & chose suspecting with themselves, least thorough his absence their father should be slain with sorrow. In this perplexity spent they a whole day. At last the old man remained in his house wholly afflicted, and they travailing into Egypt, did mitigate their present grief with the hope of better fortune; where no sooner were they atrived, but they repaired unto joseph, being sore afraid lest it should be laid to their charge, that under colour of fraud and deceit they had carried away with them the price of their former come; which presently before Joseph's steward they carefully excused, saying, that they found the money among their wheat at such time as they emptied their sacks, which now in discharge of their truth they had brought back again: but he denying that he ever miss their money, & they being delivered from this fear, began to be more secure; so that Simeon was suddenly set at liberty to converse among his brethren. Now when joseph was returned from the service of the King they offer him presents, and requiring of them Jacob's sons arrive in Egypt, and Simeon is set at liberty. how their father did, they answered that he was in health: then perceiving that Benjamin was yet alive, whom he saw among them, he asked whether that were their younger brother, and hearing that it was he, he only uttered these words, that God had the providence of all things, and departed from them being unwilling that any of them should see him shed tears, which he could not any longer contain. Inviting them afterwards unto a banquet, he commanded them to sit down in order according as they were wont to do when they were with their father, joseph unknown to his brethren saluteth both them and Benjamin. and whereas he kindly entertained all of them; he honoured Benjamin with a double share. After the banquet, at such time as they were all laid down to rest, he commanded the Steward to measure out the wheat, which every one should bear away with him, and to hide the price thereof again in their sacks; but in Benjamins sack he commanded him to shut his cup wherein he most delighted: which he therefore did, with intent to make trial of their loves towards Benjamin, and whether they would stick unto him being accused of theft, or leaving him behind as a malefactor, return unto their father, as if the matter no ways touched them. Which being done according as he had commanded it, early in the morning all Jacob's sons arose, and taking with them Simeon, departed onwards of their journey, rejoicing as well at his restitution, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 6. Gen. 44. joseph temp●…eth Benjamins brothers, whether they would assist him. Joseph's brethren are stayed in their journey. Jacob's sons are accused of theft. as Benjamins return, whom they both promised and protested to bring back again to their father; when behold suddenly a troop of horsemen roundly beset them, amongst whom was that servant who had hid the cup in the sack. Now they being troubled by this sudden incursion, and ask them why they set upon them whom they so lately had both invited & entertained so honourably? the Egyptians answered and exclaimed against them, calling them wicked men, who forgetting their late benefits received, and Joseph's gentleness and humanity, were so wicked as to return him injuries for his courtesies, threatening them that they should be punished for their theft: and telling them that although for a time they had deceived the minister of the table, yet could they not deceive God; and again, ask them whether they were well in their wits, in supposing that for this offence they should not be incontinently punished. In these or such like speeches the servant insulted over them. But they, who nothing at all suspected this subtly, accused him, saying, that they wondered at the man's intemperancy, who durst so rashly accuse them of theft, who did not keep back, no not the price of their corn which they found in their sacks, whereas none but themselves knew aught of that money, so far were they from purposely offering any wrong: yet in that they thought this inquisition would better satisfy them, than denial, they bid them search their sacks; offering themselves each of them to suffer punishment if any one of them were found guilty of the theft. This search which they offered, the Egyptians accepted, yet referred they the punishment to be inflicted only on him who had done the injury. Afterwards beginning to search, and orderly looking into each man's sack, at last they came unto Benjamins, not for that they were ignorant that the cup lay hid in his sack, but that they might seem to discharge their duty more cunningly: now all the rest being secured in themselves, they only as yet were careful of their brother Benjamin; they hoped also that he would not be found guilty of falsehood, for which cause they more freely upbraided their persecutors, objecting unto them how thorough their importunity they had been hindered the better part of their journey. Now as they searched Benjamins sack, they found the cup, whereupon all the brothers began to mourn and lament, both bewailing their brother's fortune, who was like presently to suffer death for the theft; and their own mishap, who having The year of 〈◊〉 world. 2238. before the 〈◊〉 of Christ. 1726. plighted their faiths unto their father for Benjamins safe return, were compelled to falsify the same thorough this present accident. And that which further increased their grief, was, that when as they most of all hoped to be free from dangers, they were by fortunes envy thrust into so great calamity: confessing themselves to be the authors both of their fathers, and this their brother's misfortune; who never ceased to importune and compel their father (although he were unwilling and resisted) to send the child with them. Now the ho●…semen having la●…d hands on Benjamin, led him unto joseph; whom his brothers presently followed. Who beholding his brother thrust into prison, and the rest bemoaning Benjamin is attached for the●…. them round about him in mourning habits: Have you, said he (o most wicked men) either so contemned my humanity, or God's providence, as that you durst attempt & offer such an heinous injury against him, who enterta●…ned you with hospitality, and dismissed you with benefits? To whom they answered, that they were ready to suffer punishment for Benjamin, calling again to their remembrance Joseph's iniu●…ies, saying that he was happy, who delivered by death from life was exempt from all calamities; and that (if he lived) God inflicted that plague on them for his sake. They said also, that they were the plague and great misfortune of their father, because that (to his former sorrow, which he had conceived even until that time of Joseph's death) they had also annexed this new misery: neither did Reuben desist to reprehend them in bitter manner of that wickedness which they had committed. But joseph told them that he dismissed them all (saying that their innocency was approved unto him) and that he only would be contented with the lads punishment: For (said he) neither is it reasonable that he should be delivered for the love of those who had not offended: neither that they should be punished for him, who had done the theft. He commanded them therefore to depart, and promised them safe conduct on their way. Whilst all of them were grievously wounded with these words (so that scarcely one of them could speak for sorrow) juda (who had persuaded his father to send Benjamin with them, and who amongst the rest was a man of confidence) purposed to expose himself to all danger, under resolution to deliver his brother from peril: whereupon he addressed himself to joseph and spoke judas oratió unto joseph for Benjamin. thus. Dread Lord (quoth he) we confess that we are all ready to suffer punishment (although we have not all of us committed the offence, but only the youngest amongst us) and although we suppose his life to be almost desperate, yet our only hope as yet resteth in your goodness and clemency. For which cause we beseech you, that you will not only have compassion of us, but of your own nature, and that in this cause you would be pleased to take counsel, not of your just indignation, but your native goodness governing your wrath with a great mind, to which vulgar men both in great and small occurrences, are wont to submit. Consider, I pray you, whether it stand with your dignity to kill those, who present themselves to be punished, & desire in no sort to live, except it be by the benefit of your mercy. Suffer not yourself to be deprived of this honour: that after you have delivered us from famine and liberally furnished us with come, so of your mercy likewise you have permitted us to return unto our family, being traveled by the same peril, and to bring them home sustonance. For one and the same bounty is it to continue them in life, who are traveled with famine; and to forgive them death, who have merited it by their offences: to whom their wickedness hath envied that bounty which you have heroically extended towards them. It is one and the same grace imparted by you in divers manners. For thou shalt save those whom thou hast fed; and that life which thou wouldst not suffer to fail by force of famine, thou shalt redeliver and give again: whereby thy clemency may be more commendable, whilst both thou givest life, and those things likewise whereby life is maintained. Moreover, I think that God himself hath given thee this means to express thy virtue, that it may appear that thou settest lighter by the injuries offered unto thee, then by thy will to do good; and that thou art not liberal to them only, who are poor and innocent. For although it be a great praise to yield succour in adversities; yet is a prince no less honoured by his clemency, especially in a cause that concerneth his particular interest. For if they that remit small offences, are followed by deserved praise; what is it to restrain a man's ire in a capital crime? doth it not most nearly approximate the divine clemency? And had I not good experience by Joseph's death, how grievously my father digesteth the want of his children, I would not so earnestly entreat for his safety, but so far forth and no otherwise, but as it might redound to the praise of thy clemency; and were there not some to whom our death would bring both grief and discontent, we were willing all of us to suffer punishment. But now whereas we have not so much commiseration of ourselves (although as yet we be but young, and have not much tasted the pleasures and fruit of this life) as of our wretched parents being drowned in years and cares, we offer up The year of the world, 2238. bef●…e Christ's birth 1726. unto thee these our prayers in his name also, and beseech thee to grant us life, though at this day we are under thy justice for our offences. Assuredly he is a good man, and begat us, that we should be like unto him: worthy is he never to taste or to be tried by any such calamity, who now thorough our absence is discruciate with care and sorrow. Now if so be he should receive any tidings either of our death, or the cause thereof; he will not endure any more to live: the infamy of our deaths will shorten his days; and make his death by this means more unhappy, who rather than he should hear the rumours of our shame, would hasten his death in supposing them. All these well considered, (although thou art justly moved by this offence;) remit the revenge unto our father, and rather let thy pity towards him, than our iniquity towards thee, prevail with thee. Impart this honour to his old age, which if it be deprived of our presence, neither will, nor can desire to live; yield this respect to thy father's memory; yea ascribe it to the very name of a father, wherewith thou art honoured: so God the father of all men, will bless thee in that name, and fortunate thee in thy increase: whom also thou shalt honour, if in respect of that common name, thou take compassion of our father, in considering the sorrow that he shall endure, if perhaps he shall be deprived of his children. It now lieth in your power to give us that, which you may deprive us of, by that power which God hath given you: and in doing us this favour, you shall imitate the nature of God; and in this respect become like unto him. For since it lieth in your power to do both the one and the other, it were better thou didst good then evil, and contenting thyself with thy power, not to remember or urge thy revenge: but only to think that thy power was given thee, to keep and conserve men; and that the more mercy Power given to save. thou extendst towards many, the more honour thou redoublest on thy head: now it lieth in thy power by for giving our brother's error to give us all life. For neither can we be safe, except he be saved; ne●…ther may we return home unto our father, except he return: but here must we suffer whatsoever our brother suffereth. Neither do we crave any other mercy at thy hand (dread prince) if we be repulsed in this, but that thou wilt inflict one and the same punishment on us, in no other manner, then as if we had been partakers of the felony: for this were more better for us, then that we ourselves thorough sorrow, should offer violence to our own souls. I will not allege or urge his youth, or judgement as yet unripened, neither will I infer that pardon is usually granted unto such: but here will I make an end, that whether we be condemned in that I have not sufficiently pleaded his cause, or whether we be absolved; we may wholly ascribe this grace to your favour and clemency: to the bounds of whose praise this likewise shall be added, that not only thou hast saved us, but also in pardoning us of the punishment which we have justly deserved, hast had more care of us than we ourselves. If therefore it be thy pleasure to adjudge him to die, suffer me to suffer for him, and send him back unto our father: or if it please thee to retain him for thy slave, I am more fit than he to do all sorts of services, as you may perceive; and am ready to suffer all that which may be inflicted on me. When juda had spoken thus, he humbled himself at Joseph's feet, endeavouring as much as in him lay, to mollify Gen. 40. and appease his ire; in like sort also all the other brothers prostrated themselves, offering themselves to die for Benjamin. But joseph conquered with pity, and unable any longer to personate a displeased man, sent away joseph maketh himself known to his brethren all those that were present, and being alone with them, discovered him●…elfe unto his brothers: and in this sort to them only he disclosed himself and said. I cannot but commend the piety and love which you bear unto your brother, which I find to be greater than I did expect, gathering my conjectures from those things which in times past have happened unto me. For to this end have I done all this, that I might make trial of your brotherly benevolence: whereof since you have given me a notable proof, I will not ascribe that which you have done unto me to your natures, but rather wholly to the will of God, who hath at this present furnished you with all things which are profitable for you, and will hereafter give you greater things, if he withdraw not his favourable hand from us. When as therefore I understood of my fathers rather desired then hoped health, and found you to be such as I desired you should be towards your brother, I freely forget those injuries which in times past were done unto me: rather making choice to give you thanks as the ministers of God's providence, that against this time provided for our common profit, then remember me (as then it seemed unto me) of your pretenced malice. I therefore pray you, that forgetting those things which are past, you will be of courage and wax confident, suffering willingly the good event of an ill intent, neither that blushing at your former faults, you should be any ways amated. Let not therefore the evil sentence which in times past you pronounced against me, any ways trouble you, since you perceive i●… hath wanted effect In the year of the world. 2●…38. before Christ's Nativity. 1726. but rejoice ye at these works of God, and gone and tell your father that which you have seen, for fear lest he being consumed with immoderate care of you, I myself be deprived of the chiefest fruit of my feliciti; before he come to my presence and be made partaker of those benefits. Wherefore depart you, & bringing with you him, your wives, and children, and all your kindred, come back unto me: for it were inconvenient (my dear brethren) that you should not be partakers of my felicity, especially since this famine is as yet to continue for the co●…e of five years. This said, ●…eph embraced his brethren: but they were wholly confounded in tears and sorrow, and the grea●…er was their repentance, in that they had sinned against so kind a brother. After all this, there followed a banquet. And the king understanding that Joseph's brethren were arrived, (as if some good fortune had befallen him) right heartily rejoiced, and he gave them chariots The king rejoiceth to know that Joseph's brother●… were arrived. Hedio & Ru●…nus, ch. 7. al. 4, jacob rejoiceth to hear the promotions and honours of joseph. laden with corn, and gold and silver, with other presents to present their father with, who enriched with divers gifts (some by their brother unto his father, other some to themselves, but in especial to Benjamin) they returned home into their country. But after that jacob understood by his sons in what estate his son joseph was, that he had not only escaped from death (which he had so long time bewailed) but also that he lived in high prosperity, and ministered to the king of Egypt, and had wellnigh the whole government of the kingdom under his hands: he easily believed all things that were told him, & acknowledged the great works of God, and his goodness showed unto him, although for a time it seemed to be intermitted. And a little time after, he addressed himself to go and visit his son joseph. CHAP. FOUR How jacob with all his progeny departed unto his son. But when he arrived near the fountain of Covenant; he offered in that place a sacrifice unto God; and fearing lest his children should inhabit Egypt, by reason of The year of the world. 2239. before the birth of Christ. 1725. the fertility of the place, and that his posterity by not returning back into the land of Chanaan, should lose the possession of that which God had promised them; and furthermore, doubting lest that his journey into Egypt, being by him enterprised against the will of God, should be ominous unto his children; and suspecting likewise lest he should die before he came to Joseph's presence: he was wonderfully perplexed in mind. Whilst thus he rumina t and examined these things in his thought, he was surprised with a heavy sleep, during which Genes. 46. God appeareth to jacob abou●… the fountain of covenant. time God appeared unto him and called him twice by his name: who ask who it was that called him, God answered: Dost thou not acknowledge (O jacob) that God, who hath both protected thee and thine ancestors, and succoured you all in your necessities? who contrary to thy father's purpose made thee Lord of his family, and when as by thyself thou didst travel into Mesopotamia, I brought to pass, that being matched in wedlock very happily, thou returnedst into thy country back again, being blessed with many children, and stored with much riches. I also kept thy progeny in safety, and when it seemed thou hadst lost joseph, I raised him to that high step of dignity wherein now he liveth; and made him the next in person to the king of Egypt. And now also am I come unto thee unto this end, that I may guide thee in this thy journey, and that I may fo●…ell thee that thou shalt leave thy life betwixt the hands of joseph, and that thy posterity shall be mighty and famous for many ages, and shall posses●…e that land, the empire whereof I have promised them. Assured and made confident by this dream, he more willingly ●…astened, both he, his sons, with all their progeny into Egypt, whose number amounted jacob with his ●…onnes and nephews depart into Egypt. to the sum of 70. Their names in that they are somewhat hard, I had not written down, except it were to satisfy some, who contend that we are Egyptians and not Mesopotamians, The sons of jacob therefore were twelve in number, of whom joseph came thither long before them. Now are the rest to be reckoned up, with every one of their progenies. Reuben had four sons, Jacob's progeny. Anoches', Phalles, Essaron, and Char●…sus. Simeon had six, jumilus, jaminus, Puthodus, jachenus, G●…r, Saar, Levi also had three, ●…lsemis, Caathus, and Mararis. juda had likewise three, Sala, Phar●…s, Zara; with two sons of Phares, Esrom and Amyrus. Issachar had four, Thulas, Phruras, jobus, and Samaron. Zabulon had three, Saradus, Elon, and janel. And these were the children ●…e had by Lea, who also led with her Dina her daughter: the number of whom amounteth to 33. But Rachel had two sons, of which the elder who was called joseph, had likewise two, Manasses and Ephraim. But Benjamin had ten, Bolossus, Baccharis, Asabel, G●…a, Naemanes, Ises, Aros, Nomphthis, Optais, and Sarodus. These fourteen added to those abovenamed, make up the number of forty seven. And this was the legitimate issue of jacob. But on Bala Rachel's handmaid The year of the world, 1293. before Christ's birth 1725. Dan and Nephthalim, who was attended by four sons, Eleinus, Gunes, Sares and Hellimus. But Dan had only one son called Vsis. Now if those be added to the above named, they make up the number of 54. But Gad and Asser were borne by Zelpha Leas handmaid, of these Gad was attended by seven sons: Zophonias, Vgis, Sunis, Zabros, Erines, Erodes and Ariel. Asser had one daughter and six male children, whose names were jomnes, Essus, jubes, Baris, Abarus, Melmiel. These fifteen being added to the foresaid fifty four, make up the number abovenamed, together with jacob. But joseph understanding that his father was at hand (for juda posted before to give him notice thereof) he went out to meet him, and encountered him near to a town called Heros, who was seized with such extreme and unexpected joy, that he had almost expired; jacob almost dec●…ased for joy. but joseph recomforced him, being himself almost endangered thorough extreme joy, yet not in such ecstasy & extremity as his father: afterwards desiring him to march softly onward, he taking with him his five brethren hasted unto the King, signifying unto him that his father with all his family were arrived. Who no sooner understood thereof, but that he joyfully asked joseph in what studies joseph with his five brethren re●…orteth to Pi●…arao. he took delight: who answered him that his exercise was keeping of cattle, and that he had no other trade. And this answer made he to the intent they might not be divided one from another, but that living altogether, they might take care of their father another reason was, least emulation should happen betwixt them and the Egyptians, if so be they should be conversant in the same studies; for it was not lawful for that nation to exercise the shepherds trade. Now when jacob was brought into the King's presence, and after he had done him reverence, and prayed God G●…sis 47. jacob talketh with Pharaoh and is appointed to inhabit Heliopolis. for the prosperity both of him and his Realm; Pharaoh asked him how long he had lived: and when he understood that he was a hundred and thirty years old, he admired at the age of the man: and after he had certified him that his ancestors had lived far longer time, he commanded him and his sons to dwell in Heliopolis, where also the king's shepherds had their pastures. But the famine increased in Egypt, and the evil augmented more and more, by reason that Nilus The famine in Egypt. did not overflow the earth, neither extended his arms over the same: on the other side God ra●…ned not upon the earth: moreover in that the evil was unsuspected; it was more grievous especially to the commonalty, who had laid up nothing, neither did joseph give them come without ready money; which when they began to want, they exchanged their cattle and slaves for come; but they that had lands, sold a certain portion thereof unto the king for their provision. The year of the world, 2245. before Christ's birth 1719. And when as by this means all these possessions ca●…e into the king's hands, they went to inhabit the one here, the other there, to the end that the King might be more assured of the possession of their land: the sacrificers only were excepted, to whom the lands which they had, remained entire. A great p●… redounded to the king by this famine. Finally, this necessity reduced both the bod●… & minds of the wholenation into servitude after such a manner, that they esteemed no labour or means unseemly, that might serve them towards the maintenance of their sustenance. But when the famine ceased, & the earth watered by the overflow of the flood, began to regather her former fertility; joseph visiting every city of the kingdom, and assembling the multitude in every one of them, restored them the profits of th●…se lands which they had sold unto the king, & exhorted them to manure the same in no worse manner than they would do their own; commanding them to pay the fifth part unto the King, which was due unto him by his prerogative & kingly right. Who rejoicing at this unexpected restitution earnestly intended joseph commanded them to pay the fifth part of their profits to the king. and prosecuted their tillage, and by this means not only Joseph's authority, but also the p●…oples hearts were not a little tied unto the King: and the inheritance of the fifth part of the pro●…s remained with the Kings that succeeded and all their posteri●…e. But jacob after he had lived seventeen years in Egypt, ended his life betwixt the hands of his sons, having first besought God to give them prosperity and abundance, and prophesied that every one of their posterity should attain to the possession of a part of the land of Chanaan, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. all which not long after came to pass. Besides, praising his son joseph for that forgetting the injuries done unto him, he had bestowed divers bene●…s on his brethren, yea and such as well beseemed his benefactors; he commanded his sons, that they should admit joseph sons Ephraim and Manasses into their number, at such time as they should divide the land of Chanaan, as hereafter it shall be declared. Last of all, he prayed them to bury him in Hebron. And he died jacob died when ●…e was 147. years old. at such time as he had lived one hundredth and fifty years wa●…ing three, being second to none of his ancestors in piety, and obtained the reward which he ought justly to possess, in that he was a man adorned with so many virtues. But joseph by the King's permission went and transported his father's body into Hebron, and there buried it very magnificently. But his brothers jacob is buried in Hebron. fearing to return with him, and refusing to follow him, in that they suspected their father being dead, that he would be revenged on them in that they had not any friend left alive, under whose The year of the world. 2311. before the Na●…uitie of Christ. 〈◊〉. joseph dieth when he was 110. years old. favour they might hope for pardon, he commanded them, that laying their suspicions aside they should suspect no evil: and having brought them back again with him, he gave them great possessions; neither did he ever intermit to entertain them with botherly kindness. But he likewise died, when he had lived one hundredth and ten years; a man endowed with admirable virtue; and prudent in all affairs, and moderate in his government: by which means it came to pass that neither his foreign birth, neither his calamities whereof we have spoken, did any ways hinder him, but ●…hat he was exalted and continued in high dignity. The rest of his brothers also, having Ioseph●… ho●…es translated into Chana●…n. spent their lives in happiness, died in Egypt, whose bodies their sons and nephews transported and buried in Hebron: but Joseph's bones were afterwards translated by the Hebrews into Chanaan, at such time as they departed out of Egypt into Chanaan: for hereunto had he bound them by oath. But in that I am to declare this, and other actions of this Nation, I will first of all show the cause why they departed out of Egypt. CHAP. V. Of the affliction which the Hebrews endured in Egypt, for the space of four hundredth years. THe Egyptians are a Nation addicted unto delicacy, and impatient of labour, subject The history of the book of Exodus. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 Exod. 1. The envy of the Egyptians towards the Hebrews. The year of the world, 2353. before Christ's natiuit●…. 1611. The Hebrews insupportable servitude. only to their pleasures, and affecting gain: whence it came to pass, that bearing hatred toward the Hebrews, and envying their happiness, they were very evilly disposed towards them. For seeing the race of the Israelites flourish and to abound in riches, which they got by their labour and industry, they conceived an opinion that their advancement and increase, would be the overthrow and decrease of the Egyptians; so that at length they forgot the benefits which joseph had done unto them: and after the royalty was transported into an other family, they committed divers outrages against the Israelites, and complotted against them in what manner they might more grievously afflict them. For they were enjoined by them to cut Nilus into divers trenches, and to e●…iron their Cit●…es with walls, and to build fortifications and banks, whereby the inundations of the flood might be diverted. They also vexed our nation in building their high and vain Pyramids, compelling them to learn divers arts, and to accustom themselves to endure labour; and in such afflictions led they their lives for the space of 400. years, the Egyptians studying nought else but to tyre the Israelites with continual labour, & our country men endeavouring themselves always to perform far more, than was expected from them. Living thus in this estate, there grew afterwards an other occasion, which instigated them the more to seek the ruin and desolation of our Nation. For one of the sacred secretaries (to whose predictions those kind of people do very much attribute) foretold the King, that about that time there should be one bred and borne amongst the Israelites, that in The prophecy as touching Moses. time to come should grievously afflict the estate of the Egyptians, and wondrously enhance the good hap of the Israelites; who should su●…passe all other in virtue, and purchase to himself immortal glory, if so be he should attain to ●…ns estate. Wherewith the King being greatly terrified, he published an edict by the advise of this secretary, that whatsoever male child should be borne amongst the Israelites, he should be cast into the flood to be drowned: he commanded likewise the Egyptian midwives diligently to observe the time when the Hebrew women traveled Pharaoh commanded that all the male children of the Israelites should be done to death. with child, carefully to keep & mark their children at such time as they were delivered, For it was enjoined them that they should be brought to bed by such midwives, who by reason of consanguinity with that Nation, should not transgress the king●… commandment. He enacted also a law with a penalty, that if any should be so bold to conceal their children, both they and all their family should be done to death. Great was this their calamity, not only in that respect, because they were deprived of their children, and for that the parents themselves were made the ministers to murder their own children, but foreseeing also the future time they were intolerably dismayed, expecting nought else but the certain and fatal ex●…pation of their wholenation, by reason that when the children were s●…ine, the parents themselves not long after were ass●…ed to die: thus conceited they in themselves into what extreme misfortune they were fallen. But no man whosoever, although he complot never so many stratagems, can resist the will of God. For Exod 2. both the child, of whom the sacred secretary had fore-prophesied, was secretly brought up undiscovered by the king's spies, and approved by the events of his life, that he was no false Prophet. Amarames an Hebrew borne & a noble man amongst his Nation, fearing both the pub like peril, lest the wholenation should be brought to nothing thorough the want of issue, and his own private misfortune, whose wife at home was big with child and ready to lie down; was The year of the world, 2373. before Christ's Nativity, 1591. Amarames Moses father prayeth God to be merciful to the Hebrews. troubled in his mind, and uncertain what to do. For which cause he made his recourse unto God, beseeching him that at the length he would have mercy on those men of whom only he had been perpetually honoured; and that it would please him to bring to end the present affliction which threatened the whole nation with utter ruin and destruction. But God being moved unto mercy by his most humble prayer appeared to him in a dream, and recomforted him, commanding him to be confident: telling him that he had in memory the piety of his auncecestors, and that he would for ever remunerate them, even as in times past he had been gracious to their forefathers. For it was he that had increased their posterity, and multiplied them to so mighty a nation, that by his favour Abraham departing alone out of Mesopotamia into Chanaan, besides other felicities, had issue by his wife that was before time barren, and left ample possessions to his successors: to Ishmael, Arabia; to Chaeturas children Troglottida, and to Isaac Chanaan. Neither can you ever forget without note of impiety and ingratitude, the attempts also which were happily achieved in war by my means: but Jacob's name also is renowned amongst foreign nations, both in respect of the felicity wherein he lived, & also for that prosperity which by hereditary right happened unto his posterity, who taking their original from 70. men that accompanied their father into Egypt, are now increased to the number of six hundredth thousand: know therefore now also, that I inwardly and heartily affect your public security, and privately thy glory. For this child, for fear of whose nativity the Egyptians have condemned all your children unto death, shall be borne unto thee: he neither shall be discovered by the constituted spies, and after he hath escaped beyond all expectation, shall he be brought up, and in his time shall he deliver the Hebrews from the thraldom of the Egyptians, and shall obtain an eternal memory, for this his famous action, not only amongst his own nation, but also amongst strangers: for this favour will I extend unto thee, and on thy posterity that followeth after thee; he shall also have such a brother who shall deserve both in himself, and in his posterity to inherit the priesthood for ever. After these things were declared in a vision unto Amram, he awaked and told it to his wife jochabel, and by reason of the prediction of this dream, their suspicion and fear the rather increased more and more: for they were not only pensive in respect of their child, but also by reason of the future great good fortune that was promised them. But anon after Moses birth. the woman being brought a bed, gave credit to the Oracle; who had so easy and gentle a labour, that she beguiled the overseers & spies, in that she felt none of those throws which do commonly afflict such as are in labour: so that she nourished the infant three months secretly in her house, without being in any sort discovered. But afterwards Amram fearing to be surprised, & sore doubting lest he should incur the king's displeasure, if the matter were discovered, whereby both he and the child should be made away, and Gods promises should be frustrate; he had rather wholly commit the safety of his son to his providence: supposing that if the boy were hidden, which notwithstanding would be hard to effect, yet that it would be troublesome unto him to live in continual peril both of his own and his sons safety: moreover, he thought that God would purvey some means of assurance, to the intent that nothing of that which he had foretold might be proved false. Grounding himself on this resolution, they prepared and made a cradle of sedge, after the manner of a couch, so great as it was sufficient to lay the child in at ease, and having pitched it on every side lest the water should pierce the same, they put the child into it, and suffered him to float along the stream in committing him to the mercy of God. Whilst in this manner Moses ●…ast into the flood. it was borne down by the stream. Mariam, the sister of the young infant, by her mother's command went along the bank on the other side of the river, observing whither at length the basket would be carried, and where it did arrive. At that time God manifestly declared, that nothing is achieved by man's wisdom, but that all things are brought to pass by his omnipotent bounty, and that they who for their profit and particular security seek the ruin and destruction of others with never so much subtlety, care, and diligence; yet are they often times deceived in their expectations: again, that they that submit their wills unto God's will, are warranted from all wrongs by such means as were never thought on; which may most manifestly be perceived by this child. Thermuthis the king's daughter walking along the river side, espied this basket carried away by the Thermuthis Pharaos' daughter causeth Moses to be taken out of the ●…uer. course of the stream, & presently commanded certain swimmers to draw the cradle on dry land, and bring it before her: who executing her command, she opened the basket and beheld the child, who in that he was fair and well featured did greatly delight her. For God so loved and favoured Moses, that he caused him both to be nourished and brought up by them, who for fear lest he should be borne, had decreed to destroy all the rest of the race of the Hebrews. The year of the world. 2273. before the birth of Christ. 1591. Thermuthis therefore commanded them to fetch her some one nurse, who might give the child suck; who refusing the same, and all other nurses whatsoever that were sent for to suckle him: Mariam as if by good fortune and not of set purpose, she had light into their company, began to speak thus unto Termuthis. In vain (said she) O Queen, dost thou endeavour whilst thou strivest to give this babe suck by any but an Hebrew nurse, for he will not accept it: but if thou call unto thee a nurse of the same nation, and agreeable with his nature, doubtless he will take the nipple. This speech of hers being both heard and plausibly accepted; the Queen commanded her to execute the same, and to bring her an Hebrew woman that gave suck: which she diligently performing, returned and brought her mother with her, whom none of the assistants knew, who presenting her breast unto the child he willingly took the dug; so that upon the The year of the world, 2376. before Christ's nativity, 1588. Moses whence he received his name. Moses the seventh after Abraham. Queen's request the nourishment of the child was wholly committed unto her. And by reason of this accident, and for that he was cast into the river, he was called Moses; for the Egyptians call water More, and saved, yses; so this name composed of these two, was imposed on this child, who afterwards without exceptions became the wisest man among the Hebrews, according as God had afore prophecled. For he was the seventh after Abraham; for he was amram's son, and Amram son unto Cathus, and he to Levi, and Levi to jacob; who took his original from Isaac the son of Abraham. He had a iudgementriper than became his age, for even amongst his childish delights he showed himself more discreet than all his equals, and in whatsoever he did, it gave testimony that at such time as he should attain to man's estate, he would manage mighty things. When he was but only three years old, God adorned and endowed him with an admirable audacity. He was so fair and amiable, that there was not any one how austere and inhuman soever he were, which but in beholding him would not be astonished: and it chanced also that divers, who encountered him as he was borne thorough the streets, turned themselves about to behold him, and intermitted their other affairs only to look upon him: for the admirable and innated beauty which was in this infant, did ravish all those that beheld him. Whence it came to pass that Thermuthis in that she had no other issue, adopted him for her heir, Moses the adopted son of Thermuthis daughter unto Pharaoh. and conducting him unto her father, she presented him before him, saying, that she was careful of a successor, by reason God had not vouchsafed him to have any issue. For (saith she) I have brought up this infant no less excellent in wit then divine in beauty, and have received him miraculously by the bounty and grace of Nilus, whom I have decreed to adopt my child, and to establish him as successor to thee in thy kingdom. This said, she delivered the infant into her father's arms: who after he had embraced and hugged him at his breast (to give his daughter the more content) he put his Diadem upon the child's head: but Moses pulling it from his head after a childish manner, cast it on the ground, and spurned it with his feet; which act of his was supposed ominous to the Realm, and dangerous for the King. Whereupon the sacred secretary (who had foretold that his nativity would be the destruction of the Egyptians) willeth them to kill the child, and enforced himself to enact it, crying out with a loud voice and speaking unto the King after this manner: O King, this child by whose death God promiseth us securirie, hath already confirmed the presage, insulting over thy kingdom and spurning at thy Diadem. Take from the Egyptians that fear which they have conceived thorough him, by his death: and from the Hebrews that hope, which they build on his courage & life. But Thermuthis hastily conveyed and snatched him thence, and the King was not over forward to lay hands on him, by reason that Moses delivered from death. God dispensed all things in that sort, in that he had a care of Moses preservation. He was therefore very carefully brought up, and in respect of him the Hebrews in general were replenished with good hope; but to the Egyptians his education both was suspected and grudged at: but by reason that if the lad should have been slain, there was not any one either a kin or adopted, or otherwise whatsoever, that had regard of the estate of the Egyptians, they abstained from his slaughter. Being therefore thus borne and after this manner brought up, at such time as he increased in years, he evidently by his virtue made it known unto the Egyptians, that he was borne Hedio & Ruffinus chap. 10. al. 7. to abase their pride, and to exalt the Hebrews by this occasion which ensueth: The Aethiopians, who confine upon Egypt, having spoiled and destroyed the country round about them, spoiled and made pillage of all the goods of the Egyptians; who incensed against them for the wrongs and injuries which they had offered, levied an army, intending to revenge them of that The Egyptians war against the Ethiopians. disgrace which their enemies had offered them: but in the battle they were all put to flight, so that some of them were slain; and the rest shamefully flying, returned with ignominy worse than death, into their own country. The Ethiopian made proud with this good fortune, instantly pursued them; and supposing it a cowa●…dly part in them, not to take the benefit of The year of the ●…ld 2376. before Christ's Nati●… 1588. their present good fortune, and conceiving an assured hope of conquering Egypt, they generally wasted the same: and having tasted of the sweetness of pillage, without any temper or moderation in their victory, they were incensed to attempt greater matters. And whereas they perceived, that having wasted all their neighbour regions, no man durst sally out to encounter them in arms, they marched forward toward Memphis, even unto the sea, arriving near no City that either had the heart, or durst make head against them. By which calamities the Egyptians being oversore oppressed, they send one to take counsel of the Oracle, in what manner they might prevent their miseries; and when as an answer was given them, that they should choose an Hebrew to assist them in the wars: the king commanded his daughter to give them Moses, who The Egyptians require Moses to be their Captain. together with the Empire, might govern the whole army. She taking an oath of the king, that no injury or violence should be offered him, delivered him into his hands; esteeming it to be a great good fortune for Moses, that he was called to the succours of her country: and chose she blamed the Sacrificers, who were not ashamed to demand his aid and assistance, whom they had forejudged, and adjudged to be slain as their common enemy. But Moses exhorted by Thermuthis and the king, willingly took the charge upon him. Whereat the Priests of both nations were very joyful; for the Egyptians hoped, that when by his virtue and valou●… he had overcome their enemies, they afterwards might more easily dispatch & murder him, by some treason and sinister means: and the Hebrews conceived a hope, that they might depart out of Egypt, by reason that Moses was the General of the army. Moses therefore making haste, before such time as the enemies had any notice that he was dislodged, he levied his army, and conducted them (not along the banks of the river) but through the main land; wherein Moses marcheth against the Ethiopians he made manifest his most admirable prudence. For the journey by land being very dangerous, by reason of the multitude of serpents (for the country thereabouts breedeth up all sorts of them, and some of that kind, as the like thereof are not seen in any place else, all different in propriety, malignity, and horrible form: and amongst these likewise there are some winged, and apt to fly, who not only offend those that they encounter on the earth very privily, but also tower very high in the air, who hover about to hurt those that are not aware of them) he for the security of his army, and to the end he might march without any inconvenience, invented this marvelous and admirable stratagem. For he caused two paniers of sedge to be made, in form of coffers, and filled them with certain birds which were called Ibes, who are mortal enemies to serpents, and before whom the serpents flee: and sometimes in flying from them like Hearts, they are laid hold of, and swallowed by them. Otherwise these birds are managed and made tame, and are not harmful to any but to serpents, of whom I will now cease to write any further, because the greeks do already know what kind of bird it is. When as therefore he arrived in the country of serpents, he let fly his Ibis against the venomous beasts, and made use of them to encounter the other; and when he had marched in this sort, he attained and surprised the Ethiopians, before they suspected him; and suddenly c●…arging them, he overcame them in battle, spoiling them of the hope they had to conquer Egypt; The victory which Moses and the Egyptions had ag●…inst the Ethiopians. and entering the towns of Ethiopia, he razed them, and made a great slaughter of the inhabitants. The Egyptian army having tasted the happy success that happened unto them under the conduct of Moses, intermitted not their occasion, especially for that they saw that the Ethiopians were well-nigh conquered, or rather wholly destroyed: and in the end having driven them even unto Saba, the chief city of Ethiopia (which Cambyses called Meroe, for the love which he bore unto his sister, who was so called) they besieged them. The City was strong, and very hard Saba their chief city besieged. to be assailed, by reason of the river Nilus, which environed it round about: on the other side, the rivers of Astapus and Astaborra did flow in so freshly, as they could neither break the course of the water, nor wade over the stream: for the city is builded in an Island, environed with a strong wall round about, having great rampires betwixt the rivers and the walls built, to resist the inundations of the waters; which are the cause that the City may be very hardly taken, although the opposite army had found means to pass the water. Now when Moses was very sore grieved that his army profited nothing, by reason that the enemies durst not encounter them in open field: behold what a chance happened: Tharbis the daughter of the king of Ethiopia Tharbis the 〈◊〉. of Ethiopes daughter requireth love and marriage at Moses hands. beholding Moses, at such time as he approached with his army near unto the walls of the City, and seeing how valiantly he fought and behaved himself, and wondering at the exploits and enterprises which he made (which was the cause that the Egyptians, almost despairing of their estates and liberty, were grown so forward; and how the Ethiopians, not long before esteemed the conquere●…s, and happy in their warlike exploits and fortunate executions, were in the The year of the world. 2376. before Christ's birth 1588. greatest extremity of danger; she was surprised with his love: and for that this passion augmented more and more in her, she sent unto him seven of he●… most faithful and household servants to offer him her love, and entreat with him of marriage. The which he accepted, under that condition that she should deliver the City into his hands, promising her under a solemn oath, that at such time as he were master thereof, he would take her to wife without falsifying or breach of his promise. The matter was no sooner motioned, but the effect followed; so that having surprised & conquered the Ethiopians, and after he had gi●…en thanks unto God, Moses accomplished The year of the world. 2400. before the birth of Christ. 156●…. the marriage, and sent the Egyptians back again into their country. Who conceived an occasion of hatred against Moses, because he had been the cause of their safety; and began seriously to consult and devise amongst themselves, how they might betray him, s●…pecting lest he by reason of the happy success he had had, should begin to quicken and revive some alterations in Egypt: they accused him therefore of murder before the King, who already The Egyptian●… seek to betray Moses. of himself had him in suspicion, as well in respect of this hatred he bore him for his noble carriage and courage, during such time as he was general; as also for the fear he had conceived of the destruction of Egypt foretold by his priests; who incessantly incited him against Moses, so that the King was upon the point to lay hands on him and m●…rther him. But he having intelligence of those his practices, escaped and fled secretly, flying from his presence Exod. 2. The year of the world. 2413. before Christ's birth 1551. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. ●…l. 8. Moses flieth to the City of Mad●…n. thorough the desert, by which the enemies least suspected that he should have fled: and although at no place in his journey he found victuals to sustain him, yet overcame he his penury by his patience. And arriving near a City of the Madians, situate upon the snoare of the red sea (that was named by one of Abraham and Chaeturas sons) he sat him down near unto a fountain refreshing himself, and taking his ease after his laborious journey: for it was abo●… noonested, and the City already appeared in his sight. In this place there befell an occasion unto him, derived from the manners and custom of living among the inhabitants of the country; by which he both expressed his virtue, and found an opportunity to better his estate. For whereas that Region is sore travailed with want of water, the shepherds had a custom to strive which of them should first possess the pits, for fear lest the water should be quite consumed by others, before that they and their cattle had quenched the●… thirst. To th●…●…taine therefore there cam●… seven virgins, which were sisters and daughters of Raguel 〈◊〉 ●…st, whom the inhabitants of that place held in great estimation, who had the charge to attend their father's flocks, for that it is the exercise wherein the Troglodytes are wont to exercise their women. These hasted themselves to draw sufficient water for their troops into the ●…oughes, expressly made to receive the water; & when in the mean time the shepherds came and surprised them, Moses ass●…teth 〈◊〉 daughte●… against the shephea●…ds. and drove away the virgins, to the end they might be masters of the water: Moses suppos●…ng it a matter unworthy his honour, to suffer this o●…rage, and to endure that by violence men should deprive virgins of their right and interest; he drove away the shepherds, who would have enjoyed that which appertained not unto them, and gave necessary succours to the dismayed maidens. Who as soon as they were returned into their father's presence, told him the outrage that was done them by the shepherds, and the succours that they found by the hands of a str●…nger, beseeching him that the courtesy which he had shown unto them, should not be 〈◊〉, but that in some sort he might receive recompense. The father commending his daughter's thankfulness towards their been factor, commanded them to bring Moses into his presence, to the end he might remunerate him according as he deserved. As soon as he came into his presence, Raguel told him how his daughters had given him to understand, how kindly he had assisted the●…, and having his virtue in admiration; he said that he had not adventured himself, not done kindness to those that were without sense of the courtesies that were showed unto them, but unto those who were capable to give him thanks, yea so ready to requi●…e him, that the greatness of their requital should far surpass the measure of his humanity. He therefore adopted him for his son, and gave him one of his daughters to wife, and made him Raguel marrieth one of his daughters to Moses. He●…o & Ru●…nus, ch. 12. ●…l. 9 ●…tendent and master of ●…s flocks (in which in times past ●…e wealth and riches of for●… nations consisted:) Moses having obtained this good fortune at jetheglaeus hands (for such was Raguel●… su●…ame) he abode there with him and attended his flocks. But not long after he led his ●…attell to graze near to the mountain S●…, which is the highest of all those that are in that quarter, and good for pasturage, by reason of the wholesome herbs that grow there about, which no●…standing was not fed upon before that time, because the shepherds durst not frequent there about, by reason of their opinion that dwelled in that country, who said that God inhabited that mountain: there happened there unto him a marvelous prodigy, which was, that The year of the world, 1454. before Christ's Nativity, 1510. Exod. 3. God appeareth to Moses in the bush. God convinceth Moses & the Israelites by miracles, to the end they might put trust in his promises. a flame of fire seemed round about him in a bush, without offensing either the green herbs, or the flowers, or the bows charged with fruit, although the flame were both great and vehement. He not a little amazed at this unexpected spectacle, at last grew more and more amazed when as he heard a voice issuing out of the fire, which called him by his name; taxing and accusing him of boldness, in that he was not afraid to tread upon that ground, which hitherto was unaccessible, and religiously reverenced, and unhanted by men; counseling him that he should depart a far off from the flame, and content himself with that vision: for although that he were a virtuous man, and descended from great personages, yet that he ought not to be curious to make further search into the same. The same voice also told him, that the honour and glory which he obtained amongst men, was by the assistance of God; charging him to be of good courage, and to repair into Egypt, for that in that place he should be captain and guide of the Hebrew nation, and should deliver that people which were therein, from the outrage & servitude which they suffered. For (said the voice) they shall inhabit this happy country, wherein your father Abraham hath dwelled; and they shall enjoy all sorts of blessings under the conduct of thee and thy prudence. Moreover it commanded him, that having brought the Hebrews out of Egypt, he should offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, at such time, as he should arrive again in that place. And such was the Oracle which he received from out of the flame. Moses altogether ravished at that which he had both heard and seen, spoke thus: O Lord, it were madness in me, and no prudence, if I should distrust thy power the which I reverence, and which as I know hath been manifested unto my predecessors: notwithstanding I stand in doubt how I, who am a man of no eloquence and of less force, should persuade my brethren by my words, to forsake the country wherein they inhabit, to follow me into that country whither I will conduct them: And although they should be persuaded to do the same; how can I force Pharaoh to permit them to depart from thence, by whose labours and travels, the Egyptians are daily increased in goods and riches? Whereupon God gave him to understand, that he should take unto him a good courage, and promised him, that he himself would assist him, and that if he had need of eloquence, he would bestow upon him the faculty of persuasion; or if he were driven to act any thing, that he would redoible his forces; commanding that in confirmation of those promises he had made Moses rod is turned into a serpent. him, he should le●… f●…ll his staff upon the ground: which having done, a Dragon began to creep upon the ground, and in turning and rolling himself, lifted up his crest on high; making semblance to defend himself against those that should assail him: and again, a little while after became a staff again. Afterwards he commanded him to put his hand into his bosom, and no Moses hand is made white. sooner had he obeyed, but that he drew it out altogether white, & in colour resembling chalk: & a little while after it recovered his ordinary form. Moreover, he further willed him to draw Moses cowreth water on the earth, and it turneth to blood. water out of the next well, and to power it on the ground, and he saw it turned into a bloody colour. Amazed at these accidents, he was commanded to be of good courage, and assured that he should have great assistance. Moreover, that he should use these signs before all men, to the end (said God) that all may believe that being sent by me, thou dost all this according to my commandments. Furthermore I enjoin thee, that without any further delay, thou haste Moses is sent into Egypt, to deliver the Israelites. thee into Egypt; and that thou ●…ell day and night, without losing time, without delaying any more to succour the poor Hebrews grievously afflicted in Egypt. Moses having no cause to distrust that which God had promised him, and being confirmed by these things whereof he was both an eye witness, and auditor; he required God, that if there were any occasion to express the like power in Egypt, he would vouchsafe to further the effect; beseeching him further that he would not conceal his name from him, to whom he had participated the hearing of his voice, and the sight of his presence; that it might please him therefore to declare unto him his name, to the end that when he should offer sacrifice unto him, he might call upon the same, God declared unto him his name, which before time had been concealed amongst men, and of which also it is not lawful for me to speak. Moses wrought these signs not only at that time, but also when or wheresoever he thought it requisite: by all which he gave further credit to the fire which had appeared unto him, and assured himself that God would be his favourable defender, that he would deliver his brethren, and entangle and enwrap the Egyptians in great calamities. And after that he had understood that Pharaoh King of Egypt was dead (during whose life he Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. ●…3. al. 10. fled from thence) he requested Raguel that he would give him leave to depart into Egypt, for the profit of those of his nation; and taking with him Sephora (who was Raguel daughter and his married wife) and Gerson and Eleazar his children which he had by her, he departed to go into Egypt. Now this name of Gerson in the Hebrew tongue signifieth, Foreign; and Eleazar The year of the world. 2454 before Christ's birth 1●…10. Moses departeth from Madian to go into Egypt. Moses two sons Gerson & Eleazar. Moses entertained by the Hebrews showeth them his miracles. signifieth, favoured by God, in memory that Moses had escaped from amongst the Egyptians, by the assistance of the God of his fathers. And as he approached near the mountains, Aaron his brother by the commandment of God came forth to meet him, to whom he declared all that which had happened unto him in the mountain, and that which God had given him in charge. And as they passed onward of their way, the men of greatest estimation amongst the Hebrews (having intelligence of his coming) came out to meet him, to whom Moses presented the abovenamed tokens, by reason that he could not persuade them by words: and they being astonished at that which they had seen him do, beyond their expectation; waxed confident, and conceived a good hope of all things, seeing that God had a care of their safety. When he perceived that the Hebrews were ready to obey him, and that they protested to follow him in all that which he should command them, through the earnest desire they had to be at liberty: he presented himself before the king, who had newly undertaken the government, and showed him the great benefits he had done unto the Egyptians, at such time as they were despised by the Ethiopians, who had spoiled all their country; and how he had spared no travel, but sustained all the charge of the war, as if it had been waged for his own proper nation. On the other side, he opened unto him the dangers which he had injustly suffered for his recompense: he afterwards discoursed unto him that which had befallen him near unto the fountain of Sinai, Exod. 5. 7. Moses persuadeth the king of Egypt to dis miss the Israelits. and the talk which God had in that place with him; and the signs in particular which had been showed unto him, in confirmation of those things whereunto he was enjoined; exhorting the King not to mistrust or impeach the ordinance of God. The King hearing this, began to mock him: but Moses made him see in effect the signs, which were showed unto him near to the mountain of Sinai. But the King waxed wroth, and grievously reviled him, accusing him for that in Moses showeth Pharaoh his miracles. times past he fled away for fear to be slain in Egypt, and at this present returned thither under a subtle pretext, cloaking his craft with magic, and enchantment the more to affright him. And at the same instant he called into his presence the priests of Egypt, to let them see those signs, and to make it manifest that the Egyptians were exercised in those sciences: and that he only was not master in those things, the which he boasted to perform by God's power, but that they were but deceits & shadows of marvels to deceive the multitude: whereupon the priests cast down their rods, and they became serpents. Moses being nothing moved herewith, said: O King, I despise not the wisdom of the Egyptians, but I protest that that which I have done, doth so far surpass all their magic and art, as there is difference between divine and human things: I will therefore show you, that that which I do, is not by enchantment, nor under colour of apparent verity, but by the providence and power of God. This said, he cast his rod upon the ground, commanding it to change itself into a serpent, whereunto it obeyed, and wandering here and there, it devoured all the rods of the Egyptians which seemed to be serpents, until they were all of them consumed; and that done, Moses took his staff into his hand again, Moses ●…od devoureth the rods of the Egyptians. and it reassumed his pristine form. But the King being never the more astonished, (but the rather incensed at that which was done) said, that this wisdom and subtlety of Moses should profit him nothing, which he used in disgrace of the Egyptians. He commanded therefore the overseer of the works, who had the government over the Hebrews, that he should remit nothing Pharaoh enjoineth the Hebrews to more grievous tasks. of their labour, but that he should oppress them with more tedious and grievous tasks, than they were wont to be put unto: whereupon (where he was wont to allow them straw to make their tile with) he forbore after that time to give them that allowance, and taxing them in the day time to follow their work, he appointed them by night to find and bring in their straw, doubling thereby the weight of their former labour. Notwithstanding all this, Moses would neither desist from his purpose, in regard of the kings threatening, nor the continual cry of his countrymen, neither was in any sort appalled thereat; but with a confident and unappauled mind (in regard of both) he wholly intended this, to restore his countrymen to their desired liberty. He therefore once again accosted the King, persuading him to dismiss the Hebrews, to the end they might repair unto the mountain Sinai, and sacrifice unto God in that place: for no less Exod. 6. Moses once more persuadeth the king to dismiss the Hebrews. (saith he) hath he commanded, neither can any resist his will. For which cause he advised the King to endeavour himself (lest he should seem to contemn his favours) to grant the people free passage, for fear lest if he should secretly forbid them the same, he might accuse and condemn himself to suffer that which they in reason ought to endure, who resist the will and works of God: for to those that stir up the wrath of God against themselves, all kind of mishaps do flock and flow on every side: The earth befriendeth them not: neither smileth the ●…yre upon them, their children are not begotten according to nature; but all things oppose themselves as enemies The year of the world 2454. before Christ's Natiutie, 1510. and contraries against them. Moreover he added, that the Egyptians should feel the plague, after that the people of the Hebrews should (in despite of their resistance) depart out of their country: but in that the King despised these words of Moses, and would not be converted, most grievous plagues fell upon the land of Egypt. (The which I will particularly set down, by reason that at that time the Egyptians suffered those things, which never before that time happened to any other people; and for that cause likewise that I may testify and declare, that Moses hath not falsified or erred in any thing that he hath done: and beside, for that it is expedient for men to learn & do those things which are agreeable to gods will, for fear lest he being provoked and incensed against them, should punish them for their unjustice.) For first of all by the commandment of God, the rivers overflowed with blood, neither was it possible for them to drink (notwithstanding they had no other fountains of water) neither was the water The first plague of the Egyptians, water turned into blood. Exod. 7. only coloured like blood, but when as likewise any one drank thereof, it engendered & procured in him divers dolours, and grievous gripings. Such was the water to the Egyptians, but to the Hebrews it seemed good and sweet in taste, without any ways changing the nature thereof. Hereupon the King (not knowing what to do, and seeing this strange accident, and being afraid by reason of the Egyptians) permitted the Hebrews to depart: but no sooner was this plague ceased, but he presently changed his mind, and would not permit them liberty to depart: for which cause God (seeing his ingratitude, and that he would not be warned, notwithstanding he had delivered him from the former calamity) he inflicted an other plague upon Exod. 8. 9 another plague of frogs. the Egyptians. He therefore sent an infinite number of frogs upon them, that covered and infected the whole country, and the rivers were so packed and stored with them in such manner, that they that drew water to drink, found it altogether infected with the putrefaction of them, dying & rotting in the waters: so that the whole country was full of filthy mud, by reason of the frogs that defaced & died on the same. They corrupted also their meats, mingling themselves in their houses amidst their meat and drink, & creeping amidst their chambers; from whence an odious stench exhaled by reason of the multitude of frogs that lay dead. Now when the Egyptians saw themselves so sore pressed with these evils, the King commanded Moses that he should take the Hebrews, & that he should depart: and as soon as he had spoken this, the multitude of frogs vanished and appeared no more, neither on the earth nor in the water, but that they retained their accustomed nature. No sooner was the earth delivered from this curse, but Pharaoh forgot the cause thereof, & retained the Hebrews anew: & (as if he had a desire to experiment the manner of divers miseries) he denied them that issue which before time he had granted them, rather enforced thereunto by his fear, then forward good liking. For this cause God once again rewarded his fraud, by sending him another plague: for a multitude of louse swarmed from the bodies of the Egyptians, The third plague, louse. whence the wretched men perished wretchedly; neither could they exterminate that race, either by bathe or inunctions. The king troubled with this calamity, & fearing the ruin of his people, and bethinking him of the shameful end thereof, he was constrained to remit the better part of his malignity. For as touching the Hebrews he permitted them to depart, but (after the plague was appeased) he required at their hands that they would leave their wives and children behind them for pledges till their return: and by this means he provoked God's wrath more heavily against him, in that he supposed to delude his providence: as if it had not been God, who (in the Hebrews behalf) had punished them, but Moses that had plagued the Egyptians. For God filled their country with many and divers sorts of beasts, (the like whereof before that time had not been seen in that country) which killed them up, so that the earth became desolate and unmanured, and if any one amongst them escaped from death, they were The fourth plague, venomous beasts. afterwards destroyed by sickness. But notwithstanding all these, the King still continuing obstinate in his wickedness, and disobedient unto God, permitting only that the women and men should depart, & that their children should be left behind them: but God desisted not to punish his wickedness by divers and most grievous plagues, far more tedious than the former, yea The fifth plague, the plague. such as were dispersed over all the people. For their bodies were grievously tormented with ulcers, and corrupted inwardly; and after this sort the greater part of the Egyptians perished: but whenas the King was neither moderated, The six plague, borches. The seventh plague, hail. nor mollified by this plague, God reigned down hail upon them (which never before that time was engendered in the air of Egypt, & further so great, or rather greater than that, which falleth to the Northward, near to the Pole Attic in the midst of the spring) and spoiled all their The eight plague, Grasshoppers. fruit. After which an army of grasshoppers devoured all those buds and fruits which were unoffenced by the hail; so that all the hope which the Egyptians had of their harvest or fruit, The year of the world. 2454. before the Nativity of Christ. 1510. was utterly overthrown. These aforesaid afflictions had been sufficient to persuade a man of the meanest wit (except he had been a reprobate) to grow wise, and make use of that which was most profitable for him. But Pharaoh knowing the causes of the same, enforced himself to resist God, not only thorough imprudence, but for malice; so that voluntarily he betrayed his commonweal. He therefore commanded Moses, that he should lead away the Hebrews with their wives; but that they should leave their substance behind them for a pray, in that they complained, that after all these calamities they had nothing left them. To whom Moses answered, that he demanded an unlawful matter, by reason that they were to offer sacrifice unto God of their prey or booty. Now whilst the time was spent in these consultations, darkness altogether devoid of light overspread the land of Egypt, where through they died miserably in closing their eyes, by reason of the thickness thereof; so that they were afraid lest the fog should The ninth plague, darkness. choke them: which being dispersed, after three days and so many nights, Moses seeing that Pharaoh would not repent nor let the people of Israel depart, he came unto him and spoke after this manner. As long as you shall resist the ordinance of God (who commandeth you to suffer the Hebrews to depart) there is no means, whereby you may be exempted from these mischiefs in doing that which you do. The King enraged at these words, threatened him to cut off his head, if once more he durst appear in his presence, to motion unto him any such matter. Moses answered him, that he would no more speak unto him as touching this matter; Pharaoh driveth away Moses. Exod. 10. 11. 12. but that both himself and the chiefest among the Egyptians would exhort the Hebrews to depart: which said, he forsook his presence. But God intending to express that he meant yet once more to plague the Egyptians, and to constrain them to deliver the Hebrews: he commanded Moses to declare unto the people, that they should have their sacrifice in a readiness, and having prepared it the thirteenth day of the month Xanthicus, to celebrate the same the 14. of the said month (by the Egyptians called Pharmuth, and by the Hebrews Xanthicus amongst the Macedons is April, as Suidas testifieth. Nisan, and Xanthicus by the Macedonians) and that he should lead forth all the Hebrews, bearing with them all their goods. Whereupon he who had the Hebrews already in a readiness to depart, and had distributed them by families, kept them in one place, and in the same order: but when the fourteenth day was come, all of them addressed to depart, made sacrifice, and with the blood of the lamb purged their houses, besprinkling them with branches of Isope. And after they had supped, they burned the flesh that remained, as being on the point to address themselves to depart. Whereupon even at this day we retain the said custom to The Hebrews passover signifieth, a passage. sacrifice in like sort; and do call this solemnity Pascha, which is as much to say, as the passage, by reason that on that day God leaving and overpassing the Hebrews without harm, struck the Egyptians with sickness: for that plague in the night time cut off all the first begotten in Egypt, so that by multitudes they that dwelled round about the palace assembled them in the presence of the King, and besought him to let the Hebrews go: for which cause Pharaoh calling for Moses, The tenth plague the first begotten amongst the Egyptians, both man & beasts die. The Israelites depart out of Egypt. gave order that they should depart the country, supposing that assoon as they were gone, Egypt should no more be afflicted with such like plagues. Moreover, they honoured the Hebrews with presents, partly to the end they should depart with the more expedition, partly for the neighbourhood and acquaintance sake which they had one with another. And as they departed the Egyptians wept, and repented them of the evil usage they had showed unto them: but they took their way towards Latopolis at that time desert, and in which place afterwards Babylon was builded, at such time as Cambyses destroyed Egypt. The third day they came unto Beelzephon near unto the red sea, and for that they wanted victuals, by reason of the desert, they tempered their meal with water, and hardened it with a little heat, and made cakes, with which they sustained themselves for the space of thirty days: for they had not brought any more victual out of Egypt, but as much as would serve them for that time, and that which they had they dispensed The feast of the Azymes. very sparingly, rather feeding for necessity, then eating with satiety. For which cause in memory of that want, we celebrate a feast for the space of eight days, which we call the feast of Azymes, that is to say, of unleavened bread. But it is not easy to number the multitude of them The number of the children of Israel. that dislodged, if we consider the women and children; but of those that were of full age, and fit to bear arms, they were in number six hundredth thousand. CHAP. VI The year of the world, 2454. before Christ's birth 1510. The Hebrews depart out of Egypt under the conduct of Moses. THey therefore forsook Egypt the fourteenth day of the month Xanthicus, four hundredth and thirty years after Abraham our father came into Chanaan, and in the The time of their departure out of Egypt. Ex●…d. 12. Joseph's bones. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 14. al. 11. The Egyptians pursue the Hebrews. two hundredth and fifteenth year after jacob was transported into Egypt, the eightith year of Moses age, who had Aaron to his brother three years elder than himself. They carried also with them the bones of joseph, according as he had commanded his sons. But the Egyptians repented themselves, because they had suffered the Hebrews to depart: the King also was very sore moved, supposing that which was fallen upon them had happened by Moses means, and they all concluded to pursue and follow after them. They therefore armed themselves, and furnished them with all their habiliments of war, intending to pursue them under intent to bring them back, if they might overtake them: for they said that God would no more be displeased against them, for that already they had given them leave to depart. They hoped likewise very easily to bring them under subjection, because they were all of them disarmed and wearied with travail. They therefore inquired of every one which way they held, and hasted themselves to follow them, although they knew the Region was very hard to travel in, not only for those that were to march in troop, but also for those that were to journey one by one. And therefore did Moses conduct them this way, to the end that if the Egyptians should repent them of their dismission, and should haste them to pursue them, they might receive the reward of their wickedness, and the breach of their promise: He chose this way likewise, lest the Palestines should understand of their departure, by reason they were displeased against the Hebrews, because Why Moses conducted them thorough Palestine. of an ancient grudge which they bore them. Now doth Palestine confine and border upon Egypt, and therefore led he them not by the way that directly leadeth thither: but he intended to bring them into Chanaan, by conducting them far about, and thorough many calamities, to the end that afterwards he might lead them to the mountain of Sinai, where they might offer sacrifice, according to God's commandment. As soon as the Egyptians overtook the Israelites, they prepared themselves to fight, trusting themselves to the number which they had, and shut themselves into a place of security. For with them there served six hundredth chariots, with fifty thousand horsemen, and two hundredth thousand armed footmen. They had also stopped the passages, wherethrough they thought the Hebrews might escape, The Israelites are encompassed by the Egyptian multitudes, and depart to the red sea. Exod. 14. enclosing them betwixt unaccessible rocks, and the sea; on which place there abutteth a mountain, unfrequented by reason of the dangerousness of the way, and by this means they excluded them from all hope of escape or flight. For on the one side they were shut in by the mountain that extended itself even unto the sea, and on the other side by their camp pitched and embattled before their faces, to cut them off from the champion, if so be they intended to fly that ways. Seeing therefore that they were in no security, but were hemmed in by the importunity of the place, and by the reason of their want could not endure the siege, and The perplexity of the I●…raelites being enclosed by the Egyptians. for that they could not find any issue to fly from their enemies; neither although they greatly desired to fight had they means to defend themselves, because they were disarmed; finally, when as they perceived that there was no hope of safety left them, but only by their abject submission: they began to accuse Moses, forgetting those prodigies, whereby God had forepromised them their liberty; and so far forgot they themselves, that after having stoned the prophet, and thorough incredulity contemned God's promises, they were resolved to yield themselves subject to their former thraldom. For they were exasperated by the tears of their wives and children, who expected nothing but death, seeing themselves begirt with rocks, seas, and soldiers; and left destitutè of all hope of flight. But although the multitude were exasperated against Moses, yet ceased he not to take care of them, and to think on God; laying before Moses exhorteth the people to put their trust in God. their eyes that which he had said in times past, as touching their deliverance, and assuring them that God would not suffer them to be subjecteth or overthrown by their enemies, and standing up in the midst of them he said: If your affairs had hitherto been managed by men only, it were not amiss in you to distrust them, lest hereafter they should not bring them to their determined and your desired issue. But in that at this time you distrust the providence of God, this showeth you to be without sense or understanding, considering it is he that hath made you see all those things which he hath promised you by me, tending to your salvation and deliverance; yea even at that time when you yourselves expected it not: you rather ought to hope that God will help and assist you in these difficulties, who hath brought to pass, that you are now in this In the year of the world. 2454. before Christ's Nativity. 1510. straight, to the end that when he shall have delivered you from these extremities; from which neither you yourselves, nor your enemies suppose that you may escape, he may show his force and providence in your behalf: For God is not accustomed to yield his favourable assistance when the dangers are only easy and supportable, but in those wherein all human When God is most ready to help us. hope is void and exhausted. Therefore repose yourselves and stay your fortunes upon such a helper, who can make great things of small, and maketh the strongest feeble. Fear not the force and power of the Egyptians; neither, for that you have the sea and mountains before you, which permit you not to fly from them, despair of your lives: for God (if he please) can turn the mountains into plains, and change the sea into dry land. CHAP. VII. The Hebrews are pursued by the Egyptians, the sea divideth itself, and giveth passage to the Hebrews. THis said, he conducted the Hebrews towards the sea in the sight of the Egyptians. For they were within sight of them, being very much wearied with pursuit and travel, and made their account that it should be best for them to remit the combat until the next day. But when Moses was arrived upon the bank of the sea, he took his rod and called upon God, and implored his aid and succours in these words. O Lord, thou too well knowest Moses prayer unto God. that it is impossible for us by force o●… man's policy to escape these extremities: but thou art he only that canst save this company, who have forsaken Egypt, following thy commandment. And since of ourselves we have not any hope or means, we only recommend ourselves unto thy providence, assuring ourselves, that by that means only we may be delivered from the pursuit and hatred of the Egyptians: Send us therefore speedily thine assistance, to the end that thy power may be known in our weakness. Relieve, encourage, and hearten thy people, assuring them of their safety, who through thi●… distrust have sinned against thee: we are environed with difficulties, which notwithstanding thou canst make easy. For the sea is thine, and th●…s mountain that encloseth us; the which shall open, and the sea also divide itself into firm land, if thou commandest them. We may likewise fly through the air, if it please thy power to deliver us in that manner. Having made his request unto God after this manner, he struck the sea with his rod; which suddenly dividing itself at that stroke, and retiring backwards, left a dry passage through the midst thereof, wherethrough the Hebrews might escape. The red sea divideth itself. Moses seeing how God had made himself known, and how the sea had forsaken the land, and left his native channel; he first of all marched through the same, and commanded the Hebrews to follow him, marching through that way which God had in his divine power provided for them, willing them to rejoice at the danger which attended their enemies, and to The Hebrewe●… pass through the red sea, the Egyptians are drowned therein. give God thanks for the uriexpected succours he had sent them: who were not negligent, but marched boldly forward. At the first the Egyptians supposed them to be mad, and that they did headlong cast themselves into manifest perdition: but when they perceived that they were forwardly entered without danger, and that they encountered no danger or let, they dislodged and followed them, as if the sea ought to have given them issue also; and having set their horse in the vanguard, they began to descend, and enter the way of the sea. The Hebrews percei●…ing that they spent the time in arming themselves, hasted them to fly to the opposite shore, where they arrived without any disturbance; which made their enemies more bold, supposing that no evil should happen unto them. They supposed not that this path was made expressly for the Hebrews, but entered the same, as if it had been a common beaten way, forgetting that it was made to save the Hebrews from danger, and not themselves, who sought to ruinate them. But as soon as all the Egyptian army was entered thereinto; the sea returned to his old course, and with winds and waves overwhelmed the Egyptians. The showers from heaven fell upon them, vehement thunders rattled from the air, intermixed with flashings, and the lightnings tempested upon them. In brief, there was nothing that through the wrath of God might be inflicted upon men, which at that time happened not unto them. For besides all that which hath been spoken, an obscure and dark night surprised them, in such sort as they were all of them drowned; and there remained not one of them to bear back the tidings of their misfortune: That the Hebrews could not contain themselves, such joy they had conceived through this their unexpected deliverance, and the total ruin of their enemies: so that they assuredly The year of the world, 2454. before Christ●… b●…th 2510. persuaded themselves that they were delivered; by reason that they, who had made them slaves unto them perforce, were exterminated; and for that they had God so visibly assistant unto them. When then they had escaped this danger, and perceiving likewise that their enemies were in this sort punished, yea and after such a manner as the like punishment hath never been heard of amongst men; they all of them during the whole night sung hymns and songs of rejoice. Moses likewise composed an Ode in Hexameter verse, containing the praises of God, and a thanksgiving for the favour he had done unto them. All these things have I particularly Exod. 15. The Israelites with Moses sing songs for their deliverance. The sea of Pamphilia divided itself for Alexander's soldiers to pass there thorough, The wind and tide drive the Egyptian arms into the Hebrews camp. declared, according as I have found them written in holy scriptures. Neither ought any man to marvel at this so wonderful a discourse, that thorough the sea there should a passage be found to save so many persons in times past, and they rude and simple, whether it were done by the will of God, or that it chanced of itself; since not long time ago, God so thinking it good, the sea of Pamphilia divided itself to give way to Alexander King of Macedons soldiers, having no other passage to destroy the empire of the Persians. The next day the Egyptians arms transported by the force of the stream, were cast a shore into the army of the Hebrews: which when Moses perceived that it was done by the providence of God, to the intent they might not be disarmed; he gathered them together, and furnished the Hebrews therewith, who afterwards led them to the mountain of Sinai to sacrifice unto God, and he offered him thanksgiving for their deliverance in the behalf of the people, according as he himself had before time commanded him. THE THIRD BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 3. book. 1 How Moses conducted the people out of Egypt to the mountain of Sinai. 2 Of the slaughter of the Amalechites and their confederates, and of the pray which the Israelites attained thereby. 3 raguel's counsel unto his son in law Moses. 4 Moses ascending the mountain of Sinai, bringeth down the Tables of the ten commandments, which he had received at God's hands, to the people. 5 Of the Tabernacle made by Moses in the desert, resembling a portable Temple. 6 Of the Ark wherein Moses enclosed the Tables of the Law. 7 Of the golden Table and Candlestick, and of the Altars of the Tabernacle. 8 Of the apparel both of the high Priests and the inferiors. 9 Of Aaron's Priesthood, and of that which was ordained as touching the foastes and Sacrifices. 10 The Laws of Sacrifices, and Purifications. 11 The laws and customs of war. 12 Sedition against Moses, by reason of the want of victuals, and the punishment of the seditious. 13 Of the spies who having seen and searched the country of Chanaan, and returning back again to the Israelites, amated them with fear. CHAP. I. The years of the world. 2454. before the Nativity of Christ. 2510. How Moses conducted the people out of Egypt to the Mountain of Sinai. THis new and unexpected deliverance of the Hebrews from their danger, was not alittle obscured by the weariness and tediousness of their journey, The Israelites in the desert are distressed for want of water. which they endured in their travel towards the mountain of Sinai: by reason that the country was desert and inhabitable, destitute of victuals, and wholly deprived of waters; and not only barren of that which served for the sustenance of men, but also every ways destitute of pasturage and provision for cattle: for it was not only dry and utterly destitute of water, but also deprived of all means to nourish and increase fruit. Now they were enforced to prosecute their way thorough this country, by reason they could not otherwise choose; so that they were constrained to bear with them the water which they had drawn before such time as they entered the desert, according as their Captain and Conductor had commanded ●…hem: which being spent, they digged pits, out of which they drew water with great difficulty, by reason of the sterility of the country: and further, the water which they found in those places was bitter, and no ways fit to drink, and that which was worse, very little in quantity. Travailing onwards of their journey after this manner, they arrived about the evening in a certain place, which by reason the waters thereabout were brackish, they called Mara, that is to say, bittemesse: there wearied with their travel and their provision failing them, they began to be travailed with necessity; Mara signifieth bitterness. Exod. 15. so that they resolved to stay in that place; and the rather in that they found a certain pit there, which although it were insufficient to satisfy so great an army, yet for that they found it in that country, it yielded them no little consolation. For they were given to understand, that if they traveled onwards they should find no water; and as touching the water of that pit; it was so bitter and unfit for their drinking, that it neither was agreeable with men's taste, nor supportable by their very cattle likewise. Whereupon Moses seeing them so discomforted, neither knowing in what sort to satisfy them, in that he had not to deal with an opposite army or enemy to the end to enforce, and to repel them with valour; and for that he manifestly perceived that not only a troop of valiant men, but also a multitude of women and children were like to perish: he was very sore perplexed not knowing what to do, and on himself he heaped the calamity of them all; as if himself only were to bear the heavy burden of their misery. For all of them had their recourse unto him, and to no man else; the women besought for their children, the husbands entreated for their wives, beseeching him to take compassion of their desolations, and to furnish them with some means to escape their misery. He addressed himself therefore Moses beseecheth God to change the bitter waters into sweet. in most humble manner to beseech almighty God, that it might please him to convert the evil quality of the water, and to make it potable: which grace and favour he no sooner obtained, but he took the end of his staff, and cast it at his feet, and afterwards broke it in the midst, and cloven it longways, and cast it into the pit; giving the Hebrews to understand, that God had heard their prayers, and that he had promised them to give them that water they desired, if so be they would obey him, and with alacrity and diligence perform that which should be commanded them. And when they were inquisitive of that which they ought to do, to the intent the water might be changed, he enjoined every one of them, that was of best strength and ability amongst them, to draw water; giving them to understand, that so soon as they had drawn out great store of water from the pit, the rest that should remain, would be very good and convenient to be drunk: wherein they traveled in such sort, that the water agitated and purified by often drawing, became potable, and refected the weary multitude. Hereupon dislodging from that place they came to Helim, a country that a far off seemed very pleasant, by reason The Israelites came to Elim where they began to murmur against Moses for want of sustenance. that it was planted with Palm trees; but the nearer they approached it, the more tedious they found it (for there were no more than seventy palm trees in that place, and they not very tall or well grown, by reason of the dryness and barrenness of that country: for they were not watered by the fountains, whereof there were twelve in that place, neither did any one of them yield any moisture, to give them sustenance) so that endeavouring themselves to dig up the sand, they could light on no veins of water, and if perhaps any little deal appeared, it was so troubled by their digging as it became unfit to be tasted: neither did the trees bear any store of fruit, by reason of the want of water. For which cause the whole multitude began to murmur against their guide, ascribing all the cause of their calamities and miseries unto him. For having marched The year of the world, 1454. before Christ's Nativity, 1510. Exod. 16. for the space of thirty days, they had consumed all that which they brought with them, and conceiving in their imagination that there was no remedy, they were wholly surprised with despair. Bethinking them therefore only o●… that evil which was before their eyes, and forgetting the marvels which God by the ministery and prudence of Moses had made them both see and partake, they conceived hatred against him, and were ready to stone him to death, as if he had been the author of that calamity which oppressed them. But he perceiving the multitude so enraged and incensed against him, strengthened himself in God, and warranted by the testimony of a good conscience, and the uprightness of his actions, ●…hee came out into the midst of them; who reviled him, and had gathered stones to cast at him. And for that he was adorned with a singular grace and alluring countenance, and endued with pleasing eloquence, and fit to pacify the popularity, he began to appease their wrath; exhorting them not only to forget their present difficulties, but also to remember their forepast blessings, ●…ot permitting that the travel which they endured at that time, should drive out of their remembrance the graces and great good turns, which they had received at God's hands. He willed them likewise diligently to expect their deliverance from that extremity, by the providence Moses exhorteth the people to remember those benefits they had received at God's hands. of God, who (as it was very likely) made trial of their virtue, to see what perseverance they had, or whether they kept in their remembrance those things which had happened unto them; or whether forgetting their forepast pleasures, they would suffer themselves to be swallowed with their present misery: he willed them therefore to take heed, least through their impatiency and ingratitude, they should be found unworthy of God's favour, who both neglected his will, by whose direction they were brought out of Egypt, and sore threatened and hated him, which was God's minister, especially since hitherto they might no ways complain of him in any thing, which he had undertaken to execute by the commandment of God. Then reckoned he up particularly unto them, how the Egyptians were overthrown and Moses reckoneth up unto the people all the bene●…ts which God had done unto them. afflicted, whilst contrary to Gods will they endeavoured to detain them; how the same river which to them was bloody and unprofitable to drink of, to themselves became both sweet and po●…able: likewise how the sea retired itself, and furthered both their flight and passage, wherein they saw themselves secure and free from danger. And chose, their enemies destroyed, overthrown and drowned; and how even until that day being disarmed, they were by God's providence both furnished and fortified abundantly. Again, how often God had delivered them from apparent death and danger, besides all men's opinion, who being all and always omnipotent, gave them at that time, no not the least suspicion of his assistance. For which cause they were to suffer all things patiently, and to imagine with themselves that the succour, although it were deferred, was never too late, which was received before such time as the danger had prevailed: and so to think that God contemned not their perils, but that he made trial of their fortitude and free love, to see whether they were able and willing to abide the want of meat and drink; or rather whether after the manner of bruit beasts, they had liefer be trained in servile travel, to the end they might be glutted like them, and made the better able to endure their labour. To conclude, that he nothing feared his life (because that being unjustly slain, no evil could happen unto him) but that he was fearful of their safety, least lifting up their hands to stone him, they should be thought to oppose themselves against God's ordinance. Thus pacified he them, and mollified the fury they had conceived to endanger his life; and so much prevailed he, that they repented them of that enterprise, whereby they sought to endanger him. And for that he knew that they had some reason to be thus moved, he addressed himself to prayer and supplication, and ascending a certain rock, he required Gods help to relieve their infirmities, wants, and afflictions, in Moses imploreth God's help. whose hands only the sa●…ation of the people consisted, beseeching him in mercy to forgive the people being exasperated with extreme miseries, and by reason thereof distracted & withdrawn from their duty: whereupon God promised him to have care of the people, assuring him to send them a speedy & present deliverance. Which when Moses understood, he came down unto the multitude, who perceiving him altogether refreshed with joy, by reason of those promises which he had received at God's hands, exchanged their dulsome lamentations, into a habit of delight. He therefore standing up in the midst of them, told them that he brought unto them a most speedy remedy for their present necessity: and not long after, a number of Quails (which about the gulf of Arabia multiply and increase more than any other sorts of birds) flew and crossed the seas; and being wearied in their flight, and accustomably accosting and flying near to the ground, came and fell amidst the camp of the Hebrews: who caught them as a provision In the year of the world. 2454. before Christ's Nativity. 1510. God sendeth quails into the Hebewes army. prepared for them by God, and ordained to extinguish their famine. Whereupon Moses once more addressed himself to call upon God, yielding him thanks for the present and the future good he had promised him. Who being after this manner fed and refreshed, were presently supplied with a new kind of food: for at such t●…e as Moses stretched out his hand and prayed v●…o God, a dew descended from heaven that thickened betwixt his hands, which for that he supposed it, to be an otlier kind of sustenance sent them by God, he tasted the same; and taking pleasure for that the peop●… knew not what it was, but thought God feedeth the Israelites with Mann●…. it to be snow which fell in that place, according to the season of the year, he taught them that it was no dew falling from heaven as they supposed, but that God had sent them that grace ●…e conservation and nouriture of their bodies; and having eaten thereof, he gave them of it, 〈◊〉 the end he might strengthen their belief: who tasting the same in like manner as their chieftain had done, were greatly refreshed with the sustenance. For in sweetness and pleasure it equalled the honey, in odor Bdellium, and in form and greatness: the grain of a Coriander seed: of which every one gathered, and by commandment it was enjoined that every one of them should particularly gather every day the measure of an Assaron, which is the tenth part of an Epha, A commandment how mu●…h Manna should be gathered. to the end that no one should be scant●…ed of this food: which was done to that end, lest the weaker should want, whilst the stronger thorough avarice should gather more than sufficed them. And if any one contrary to the prescript command, had ga●…hered more than was permitted him, although he toiled and traveled more than any of them, yet was his portion ●…o ways increased by that means. For whatsoever (beside the appointed measure of the Assaron) remained till the next morning was of no value, thorough bitterness, and was putrefied thorough worms: so divine and admirable was this kind of food, and of that nature, that who so had sufficient thereof, needed no other sort of sustenance. Moreover even in these our days all that country is bestrewed and bedewed with that kind of aliment, which God in favour of Moses sent for the people's sustenance. The Hebrews call it Manna, for in our tongue Man is an interrogation, signifying what is that? Thus lived they then joyfully, being sustained by this kind of meat sent them Manna what it signifieth. Exod 17. The Israelites fed 40. years space on Manna. The Israelites arrive at Raphidim, and are travailed with▪ thirst. from heaven, and used the same for the space of forty years; during that time which they lived in the desert. But afterwards when they were dislodged from that place, and encamped near to Raphidim, they were extremely travailed with thirst: where upon their first arrival they found some few springs, but afterwards they found the land wholly destitute of water. They therefore once more were incensed against Moses: but he withdrawing himself apart from the fury of the people, converted himself unto God in prayer, beseeching him that as he had given them food in their necessity, he would now also give them drink at that present, wherein they were well nigh choked with thirst, praying him to provide them of drink also, or otherwise that their meat was unprofitable to them: whereon God presently granted his prayer, promising Moses that he would give him a fountain and abundance of water from that place from whence he lest expected it. Hereon he commanded him, that striking upon the rock with his rod, which was thereby hard at hand, he should from thence seek that which they demanded and wanted, assuring him that every one without travel or labour should have sufficient therefrom: which counsel when Moses had received from God's hands, he returned unto the people who expected him, and had their eyes fixed upon him: for at that time they beheld him descending from the rock where he had made his prayer. No sooner was he arrived, but he told them that God would in like sort deliver them from that necessity, and would graciously grant them an unexpected relief; telling them that a flood should suddenly break from the rock: but they being amazed at that which they heard, and doubting least tired with thirst and traveled by journeys, they should be enforced to hew and cleave the rock: Moses struck the same in such sort with his rod, that he divided it in sunder, and delivered out most clear and pure water in great abundance. The people were very sore astonished at this so strange accident, so that beholding the water, their Moses striketh the rock with his rod, and there issueth water. thirst was quenched. They afterward drunk of the water, and found it very sweet and pleasant, resembling in the goodness of it, the divine bounty & power of the giver thereof. For this cause they highly esteemed Moses, seeing that God had honoured him in this sort, and they acknowledged God's providence and their thanksgiving by their sacrifices, humbly thanking him for the care he had over them. The sacred scriptures likewise, which are kept and consecrated in the Temple, testify that God had foretold Moses also that water should in this sort issue from the rock. CHAP. II. The year of the world 2454. before Christ's Nati●…tie. 1510. How the Amalechites and their associates were overcome, and how great a pray the Israelites obtained thereby. But when the renown of the Hebrews waxed great, and was spread in the ears of all men (so as the brute thereof was heard in every part) it came to pass that the inhabitants Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2. of that country were in very great fear: whereupon (sending embassages the one unto the other) they mutually incited themselves to expel and utterly ruinate the whole nation. Amongst the rest those of the country of Gobol; and the City Petra (who are called Amalechites, a nation very warlike, and more active than the rest) were the chief agents in this expedition; whose Kings both encouraged one another, and whetted their neighbour nations Exod. 17. The Amalechites war against the Israelites. to the Israelites destruction; telling them that a foreign army, flying from the thraldom of the Egyptians, had invaded their country, whose increases were not a little to be suspected: counse●…ng them (before they had gathered head, and ●…couered more means, and a country to dwell in, and withal waxed more confident by reason of their forbearance) to charge them first; rather then to expect their increases, and so to oppress them: esteeming it to a better point of wisdom to repress their insolency and forwardness in the desert, then to expect whilst they were possessed of strong Cities, & rich means. For this (said they) is the part of wise men, to resist the uprisings and power o●… their adversaries; and not to expect, whilst by daily exploits they more & more increase; & rather to provide to prevent, then deliver themselves from peril. After these embassages, it was decreed by general council, that they should endeavour to confront and assault the Hebrews. These determinations and designs of theirs amated and troubled Moses very much, for that he expected no hostility. When therefore he perceived that the people were affrighted, and amazed to see themselves (being wholly unprovided) to be charged by so strong and well furnished an army; he recomforted them, and willed them to bethink themselves of God's promises, who by his power had set them at liberty; assuring them that they should overcome all those that made party and head against them to destroy them: wishing them to think, that though they were inferior unto their enemies in weapons, wealth, money, and munition, and such like; yet since they had God to friend, and ready to fight for them against Moses encourageth the people to expect nothing else but victory. their enemies, that they ought to conceive such courage, as if they were furnished with far more than human supplies. Alleging further, that they were not ignorant how great an assister God was, having had so often trial of his goodness in their greatest dangers, whom both he knew to be an enemy to their enemies, and favourable to their proceedings: which favour of his he most manifestly expressed, by his miraculous deliverance of them from hunger and thirst, by yielding them free escape when they were shut in by sea and mountains; and that which should most animate them to the fight and victory at that time was, that after this plunge they should want nothing that appertained to a more commodious and peaceable life. Moses thus having encouraged the people by his words, he called unto him the chiefest of the tribes, and every one of them that had the charge of them, both in private and public assembly; commanding the younger to obey the elder, and the elders to be obedient to their General. But they contemning their danger, and desirous of fight, hoped that this conflict would prove the final end of their calamity: for which cause they instantly besought Moses to lead them forth against the enemy, praying him not to dull the alacrity of the soldiers, by any untimely delay. Whereupon (choosing out amongst the whole multitude, such as were most fit for war) he chose jesus the son of Naveus the Ephraimite to lead them, a man valiant in arms, and provident in josuah made captain over the Israelites. counsel, and exceeding in piety, and not degenerating in that respect from Moses his master. He also in such sort disposed certain bands that he might not in any sort be cut off from water; he left also so many as might guard the multitude, & keep the camp and weak company. Thus stood they all the night long in a readiness to take arms, such as they had fitted for them, expecting their captains, who should lead them out to fight as soon as Moses should command them. On the other side Moses slept not, but instructed josuah how he should conduct the army. And as soon as the day appeared, he encouraged josuah to show himself such a one in that battle, as both the place where with he was honoured, and the cause for which they fought, required; wishing him by his prowess and good deserts to give life and courage to his soldiers that followed him. He likewise exhorted the chiefest of the Hebrews in particular, and in general heartened and emboldened all other that entered the battle. And as touching himself (after he had thus disposed the army, by words and effect) he retired The year of the world. 2454. before Christ's birth 1510. himself unto a mountain, committing the army to God's protection, and josuahs' conduct. Then encountered the armies on both sides, and everieone foug●…t most valiantly, neither wanted there encouragements on either sides; and as long as Moses lifted up his hands, the Hebrews had the better against the Amalekites. B●… for that he was unable continually to support the same, (and because he thoroughly perceived: and observed, that as often as he held down his hands, so long the enemies drove the Israelites to re●…eat) he willed his brother Aaron, and Vron (his sister Mary's husband) to stand on each side of him, and sustain his hands and succour him, for fear his forces should fail him. Which when they had performed, the Hebrews by main force overcame the Amalechites, so that all of them had been slain, if so be the chase had continued, and had not been cut off by the approach of the night. At this time our predecessors obtained a most happy and necessary victory. For they had the upper hand over them that were embattled agai●…st them; and astonished and amated the nations round about, and got great strength and riches by their travel: for being seized of the enemy's camp, they generally gate great riches; and particularly were all of them relieved, whereas before that time they had not necessary means to maintain themselves. And this victory of theirs was the cause of their very great good fortune, not only for the present, but also for the time to come. For not only had they their enemy's bodies under their subjection, but also their spirits; so as they were feared by all the nations round about. And they multiplied both in strength, and riches: for there was a great quantity of gold and silver taken in the camp. divers vessels likewise and tables of brass we●…e found therein: likewise great quantity of tissue work and excellent furniture for arms. Moreover, they had all their baggage, tents, The Israelites recover a g●…eat pray in the camp of the Amalec●…es. harness, and horses, and generally the whole provision of an arranged battle became their prey. Then after also they became more virtuous, and industrious then before; supposing that the end of all actions was obtained by industry. Thus ended this battle. The next day Moses caused the enemies that were slain to be rifled, and gathered the scattered arms of those that fled. The distribution of the ●…poiles & pray. He honoured them also that had bravely demeaned themselves in the battle, & praised the Captain josuah in public, whose honour was confirmed by the applause of the whole army. There was not one Hebrew that perished that day, and so many of the enemies were there put to the sword, as their number cannot be expressed. He offered likewise a sacrifice of thanks giving unto God, and erected an altar unto him; and dedicated it to God the victor. He prophesied moreover, that all the Amalechites should be utterly extinguished, so that none of them The prediction of the utter ruin of the Amalechites. should be left alive, in that they had assaulted the Hebrews, & that in the desert, and at such time as they were in affliction. He feasted the General in like sort. This issue had this battle, which was the first that was levied against them, or dur●…t assault them, since their departure out of Egypt. But as soon as Moses had celebrated a fe●…st in memory of the victory, to the end he might give the Hebrews some repose after the battle abovenamed, he caused them to march in array; for now at that time they had many armed soldiers. Thus passing onwards by The Israelites come to the mountain of Sinai. little & little, they arrived the third month after their departure out of Egypt, near to the mountain of Sinai, where (as before time it hath been declared) Moses saw the vision in the bush, and other such like wonders. CHAP. III. What counsel raguel gave to his son in law. WHen Raguel Moses father in law understood of this his good success, he came with great He●…o & Ruffinu●…. chap. 3. Exod. 10. Raguel cometh to Moses to the desert of Sinai. joy unto Moses, under purpose to salute him, his daughter Zephorah, and her children; who (greatly reioucing at his arrival) prepared a sacrifice, and feasted the people near unto the bush which could not be consumed by fire; and in the banquet time the people was distinguished, according to the order and place of every family. But Aaron with the assistance took Raguel, and they sung praises unto God, ascrib●…g to him both the means and manne●… of their liberty. They also spoke much in honour of their General, by whose virtue all things had had so fortunate an issue. Raguel on his side highly praised the people, and dignified Moses their Governor, by whose prudence so many good and valiant men were g●…ded. But on Hedio & Ruffinus. ch. 4. the next day Raguel seeing Moses oppressed with the multitude of business (by reason that he decided all their debates that appealed unto him, who were thus persuaded of him, that at Raguel, otherwise called that time they were only rightly censured, when Moses gave the sentence; and they that were jethro, Moses father in law, counseleth him to choose judges amongst the Israelites. The year of the world, 2454. before Christ's Nativity, 1510. condemned by him, endured the verdict patiently, knowing that their cause was by him decided rather by the rule of justice, than the instinct of amerce) he for that time kept silence (in that he was loath to hinder them, who any ways pretended to receive any fruit of the virtue of his son in law.) But when he found him at convenient leisure, he withdrew him apart, and told him betwixt them twain, that which he ought to do; counseling him that he should discharge himself of that pain, concerning affairs of so little consequence, and reserve only to himself those affairs which were of the greatest importance, and concerned the public estate of them all. For that there were divers persons amongst the Hebrews to be found, who would be capable and sufficient to hear and determine the pleas; but touching the care of so many thousand souls, no man could undertake it, except he were another Moses. Knowing therefore (said he) thy virtue, and how worthily thou hast behaved thyself towards the people, being the Minister of God, as concerning their safety: suffer them to comprimit amongst themselves those actions and quarrels that fall amongst them; and reserve this interest to thyself, that thou mayst wholly intend the service of God, whereby thou mayst more easily exempt the people from their present necessities. If therefore thou givest credit to my counsels in human affairs, thou shalt make diligent search and musters of thy whole army, and thou shalt establish Chieftains that shall govern over ten thousands, and thousands, and five hundreths, and over fifties, and shalt ordain Governors over them, who dividing them by thirty, twenties, and tens, may conduct and govern them: and let some be appointed amongst them, who may receive their titles, according to the number and names of those he commandeth. Who being approved by the whole company, to be of good fame and upright conscience, may censure and compound all their differences; and if any controversy shall fall out amongst any of them in authority, they shall refer the deciding of that difficulty to thine own person. By this means neither shall any one of the Hebrews be defrauded of his right, and thou thyself serving God without molestation, mayst procure God to be more favourable unto thine army. This counnsell of Raguel highly contented Moses, so that he fulfilled all that whereunto he Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. Moses alloweth his father in laws advice. had suggested him, not concealing the invention of this policy, neither attributing it to himself, but declaring publicly unto all men, that his father in law was the inventor thereof. He hath likewise written in his books, that Raguel was the author of this government; accounting it no less honour to attribute praise to those that deserve it, than shame to usurp upon another man's desert; so that hereby you may conjecture his virtue, of which hereafter in many places we have more to say. Moses afterwards assembling all the people, told them that he would ascend the mountain of Sinai to talk with God, to the end that he might afterwards return unto them, and impart unto them whatsoever profitable thing he had received from him in their behalf. He likewise commanded them to pitch their tents about the mountain, and to have it in reverence, by reason of the Proximity of God. CHAP. FOUR Moses ascendeth the mountain, and receiveth the Tables of the ten Commandments at God's hands, and gave them to the people. THis said, he ascended the mountain Sinai (which is the highest beyond comparison of Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 6. Moses ascendeth the mountain of Sinai. all that country, and which, by reason of his strange height, and for his steep and unaccessible ragged rocks, is not only unfrequented by men, but also may not be beheld, by reason it traveleth the eye.) Further, for that it is reported, that God converseth and dwelleth on the same, it is held sacred by the inhabitants, and dreadful and unaccessible to all that behold it. But the Hebrews, according to the commandment of the Prophet, removing their tents, pitched them at the foot of the hill, suspending their judgements, and expecting the execution of the promises of those goods which Moses had foreprophesied unto them, at such time as he returned from God. And in the mean space, while they expected their guide, they kept holy day, and feasted, and purified themselves for the space of three days in all sorts of purification, and abstinence from the company of their wives, following that which Moses had commanded them. They besought God also that he would be favourable and assist Moses, and by his means to bless them with some favour, that might make their life good & happy. They banqueted also in great pomp, and their wives and children were richly attired: Now after they had feasted forty days space, on the third day before sun rising, a cloud covered all the Hebrews The year of the world. 2454 before Christ's birth 1510. Horrible lightnings about the mountain of Sunai. camp (a thing before time unseen by them) and environed all the place where they pitched their pavilions. And although all the rest of the country had a clear and untroubled sky; yet thereabout violent winds were raised, and hideously roared, and a tempestuous rain succeeded them; and thunderclaps dreadful to hear, and lightnings horrible to behold, signified that God was there present, and that Moses (with good success, and for their profit) had conferred with him. Let those that read this judge thereof, as it shall please them: but as touching myself, it is not any ways lawful for me to depart in any sort from that which is written in holy scriptures. That which the Hebrews both heard and saw, in that it was strange and unaccustomed unto them, troubled them greatly Furthermore, the report that was published as touching that mountain, that God repaired and dwelled on the same, marvelously amated their spirits: they therefore sad and pensive, contained themselves within their rents, thinking that Moses was destroyed thorough the wrath of God, and expecting no less misery themselves. But whilst they were thus troubled in thought, Moses presented himself unto them (with a countenance full fraught with a pleasing majesty, and looks so contented, as they testified the inward consolation of his mind) whom they no sooner beheld, but suddenly all their fear vanished, and in place thereof a hope of some great good hap succeeded, and withal the air upon his arrival recovered his former clearness and serenity. Hereupon he summoned the people to a solemn and general assembly; to the end he might report, and they hear, what commandments God had given Moses oration to the Israelites. them by him: no sooner were they assembled, but he (from an upper place, to the end that all the people might both see and hear him) stood up and spoke after this manner. Know (saith he) you Hebrews, that Almighty God, as he hath never neglected my prayers hitherto; so at this time also hath he entertained me (being your truchman and messenger) very graciously; & behold himself here in presence in your company, and propitious to your supplications; ready to provide you of meat to sustain your bodies, and order and dispose your policy to make it lasting and happy: now although that you see me, and that a human tongue speaketh unto you, yet despise not my words, no more than you do his works already executed and testified upon our nation. For if you consider the worth and wonder thereof, you shall conceive his greatness that hath brought them to pass, and hath never denied to talk with me, & hear me when I spoke for your profit. For it is not Moses the son of Amram and of jochabel, but he it is that constrained Nilus to flow with blood, and that thorough divers plagues hath tamed the pride of the Egyptians: it is he that hath given you passage thorough the midst of the sea: it is he that hath furnished you with meat prepared from heaven, at such time as you were in extremity: it is he that made water spring out of the rock to cool your thirsts, at such time as you were in necessity: it is he, by whom Adam had the possession and fruition both of the fruit of the earth, and the fishes of the sea: By him No escaped from the Deluge; by him our ancient father Abraham of a wandering pilgrim, became an inhabiter of the land of Chanaan: by him Isaac was borne at such time as his father and mother were old: by him jocob hath been ennobled by the virtue of his twelve sons: by him joseph became Lord over all the forces of the Egyptians: He it is that graciously imparteth these words unto you by me his messenger; let therefore these wholesome laws of his be holy and inviolable amongst you, and more dear unto you then either your wives or children; for in observing the same, you shall lead a happy life, enjoy a fruitful country, a calm sea, and a progeny made happy according to the laws of nature: finally you shall become always dreadful unto your enemies. For I have talked face to face with God, and have heard his immortal voice; so dearly beloved are you unto him, and so careful is he of the prosperity of your nation. This said, he conducted the people (both men, women and children) to the end they might hear God talk unto them, and teach them what to do (for fear the law should have been in lesser regard, if it had been presented to their understandings The people of Israel heareth. God speaking unto them from the mountain of Sinai. by a human tongue) they all of them therefore heard his voice descending from the mountain, so that every one understood the same. But these precepts which Moses left registered in two Tables, it is not lawful for me to express in so many words, and therefore I will only express the sentences. For he teacheth us: First of all that there is one God, who is only to be worshipped. The Ten commandments. Exod 20. Deuter. 5. Secondly, that no Image of any creature is to be adored. Thirdly, that no man ought to swear rashly. Fourthly, that the seventh day is not to be profaned by any work. Fiftly, that father and mother should be honoured. Sixtly, that we should abstain from murder. The year of the world 2454. before Christ's Nativity. 1510. Seventhly, that adultery is not to be committed. Eightly, that no man ought to steal. Ninthly, that false witness must not be borne. Tenthly, that no man ought to covet his neighbour's goods. When the multitude with great joy had heard God himself speak unto them (according Exod. 21. as Moses had foretold them) he dismissed them, and each one departed to his tent. But some few days after they presented themselves before his pavilion, beseeching him that he would bring them those laws, which he had received at God's hands: He●…o the intent to gratify them, opened the laws, and prescribed unto each of them what they ought to do at the same time (as in due place it shall be expressed.) But the greater part of the laws I defer till an other time, meaning in private to comment thereupon. About the very same time Moses once more ascended the mountain of Sinai (having premonished the people thereof) and ascended the same in Exod. 24. their sights: but when the time seemed tedious unto them (for he was sequestered from them for Moses remained on the mountain forty days & forty nights. the space of forty days) they were in great fear, lest some inconvenient had happened unto him; neither were they so much aggrieved at that which had chanced unto them, as for that they were persuaded of the death of Moses. For there fell a contention amongst them, the one affirming that he was dead and devoured by wild beasts (which was their opinion, who conceived a hatred against him) the other said that he was ravished up unto God: But they of the wiser sort among them, who took no pleasure to hear any one of these them suspicions, contained themselves; being equally affected in respect of both the opinions; for that the one seemed not to be estranged from human chance, and the other had some correspondence with the virtues of the man: so that they endured his fortune with an equal mind, and lamented their own mishap, in that they were deprived of such a governor and patron as he was, and whose like they thought it a matter impossible to find: neither did their care suffer them to hope; neither deprived of hope could they choose but complain: neither durst they remove their tents, in that they were commanded to expect his return. At length (when forty days and forty nights were past) he Moses fasted forty days & nights. returned unto them; having (during that time) tasted no mortal sustenance: and by his arrival the whole host was replenished with great joy; whom he certified that God's providence was always assisting them, and that during the term of those days, he had learned the means how they should live civilly, orderly, and blessedly: telling them that God commanded them to make him a Tabernacle, whereinto he would descend as often as it pleased him, which also in their travel they might carry about with them; so that they should have no more need to ascend unto Sinai, but that he himself might come and lodge with them, and be assistant to their prayers. He told them likewise the measure and order of the said Tabernacle, and that there wanted nothing but that they presently addressed themselves to the building thereof. This said, he showed them the two Tables, containing the ten commandments written therein, in each of Moses two Tables. Exod. 35. them five: now were these written by the hand of God. They all of them (rejoicing at that which they had heard and seen) ceased not to employ themselves to their uttermost: so that they brought in silver, gold, brass, and store of wood fit for building, and which would not be worm eaten, the hairs of goats, and the skins of sheep, the one died azure, and the other white; wools of the same colour, fine linen, stones enchased in gold, wherewith men were accustomed to deck themselves, with great quantity of perfumes. Such was the matter of the Tabernacle, which was made like to a portable & moving Temple: this stuff being thus gathered together, & The Israelites with great joy address themselves to the building of the Tabernacle. Exod. 36. Beseleel and Eliab are workmasters of the Tabernacle The people are restrained byedict, from brin ●…ing any more offerings toward the building of the Tabernacle. collected with so great affection (according to each man's utmost ability) he appointed workmasters according to the commandment of God, but such as the like might not have been chosen, although the matter had been committed to the people's suffrages: their names are now likewise extant in the volumes of the sacred scriptures. Beseleel of the tribe of juda, the son of Vron of the tribe of juda, & Mary Moses sister: and Eliab the son of Isamach of the tribe of Dan. The people showed themselves so forward in the finishing of this work, that Moses was compelled to restrain them, causing it to be proclaimed, that they had sufficiently gathered for the work already: for the workmasters certified him no less. They therefore addressed themselves to finish the Tabernacle being particularly instructed by Moses of the measure and greatness thereof, and how many vessels they ought to have, according to the model which god had proposed to Moses. The women also strove with emulation to exceed each other in the making of the vestures of the priests, and other things which were convenient for that work, to the end to honour the service of God. CHAP. V. The year of the world. 2455. before the Nativity of Christ. 1509. Of the Tabernacle made by Moses in the desert, resembling a portable Temple. NOw when all things were prepared for this work, as gold, brass, and woven work, Moses commanded them to feast and sacrifice each one according to his ability, and set forward the building of the Tabernacle. First of all therefore he measured the outward Exod. 36. Hedio & Ruffinus chap 7. Moses erecteth a Tabernacle in the desert. court, which in breadth contained fifty, and in length one hundredth cubits, in such manner as followeth. He raised pales of five cubits high, and twenty in length from the one side to the other, and ten in breadth; in the hindside to every one of these pales or posts there were fastened rings, the chapters whereof were silver, and the bases thereof of gold, and the lower parts of these resembled the points of a spear made of brass, and fixed in the earth. Thorough the rings The first court of the Temple. there passed certain cords of five cubit's length, which on the one side fastened in the ground with brazen nails of a cubit's length, did fasten each of the pales, and defended the Tabernacle against the force of winds. Then was there a most fine silken curtain drawn about the Iame, which hanging from the chapters of the bases and enclosing all that place, seemed to differ in nothing from a wall. And after this manner were the three sides of the enclosure arounded. But the fourth side, being of fifty cubits, was the front of the whole frame; the door whereof was twenty cubits wide, having on both sides double bars in stead of posts; and these also were of silver, except the bases which were of brass; and on both sides there stood three bars well fastened, which were also hung round about with a curtain of woven silk: but at the gate there hung a vail of twenty cubits long, and five deep, woven of purple, violet and fine silk, embroidered with divers flowers, without any figures of sensible creatures: within the gates there was a brazen Ewer with a foot of the same metal, wherein the priests might wash their hands and feet. And after this manner was the enclosure of the court. In the midst hereof he placed the Tabernacle, turning it toward the East, that the rising sun might shine upon it: the length thereof was thirty cubits, and the breadth twelve; the one of the walls thereof was towards the South, an other towards the North, but the hinder part was towards the West; and it was as high as long; and on each side there were twenty wooden planks four square, and joined together, four fingers thick and a cubit and a half broad, lined both within and without with plates of gold; and every board had two hinges, which were put thorough the two bases that were of silver, & in their sockets received the hinges of the boards: the planks of the west wall were six in number, and guilded both within and without, all of them so closed together as it seemed to be but one wall. But on both the sides there were certain boards nearly joined together, which in breadth contained the measure of one cubit and a half; and in thickness, the third part of a hand breadth; and so made up thirty cubits: but six boards made up the nine cubits of the hinder wall, to which were joined other two boards cut half a cubit broad, which they placed in the corners in stead of whole ones: every board had rings of gold fastened to the outward front thereof, riveted in order, and answering one another on every side. Thorough these rings were put certain bars which were covered with gold, every one five cubits long, which joined the boards together: and the end of every bar was put into the beginning of the other after the manner of a box. And on the back side of the walls of the Tabernacle, there was one rank of bars placed long-wise, passing thorough all the planks, in which by hooks or haspes, the sides of either were held together, and riveted and fastened one within the other; by which means the Tabernacle was secured from the force of winds and kept steady, and immovable. Within, the length thereof was divided into three parts: next to one part thereof containing ten cubits, on the inside were placed four pillars made of the same work and matter, planted on like bases, and distant one from the other by equal spaces overthwart; beyond these was the secret place, The rest of the Tabernacle was for all the priests; and this tripartite division of the Tabernacle resembled the nature of the world, for the third part (which was contained within the four pillars, to which the priests had no access) did in a manner represent heaven the seat of God: but the space The Tabernacle. of twenty cubits (which was only permitted to the priest, and was unaccessible to others) resembled the sea and land. In the front where the entrance was, they placed five pillars upon brazen bases; after these, the curtains were spread about the Tabernacle, woven of silk, and embroidered with purple, violet and scarlet colours; the first of these was spread ten cubits every way, & was drawn about the pillars, which separated the Adyt from the other space; and severed it from the sight of men; and all this Temple was called holy. As for the Adyt that was situate beyond the four pillars, it was called the Sanctum sanctorum, or holy of holiest: and The year of the world, 2455. before Christ's Nativity, 1509. this curtain or vail was pictured with all sorts of flowers which the earth bringeth forth, and diversified with all that which might give it ornament: but that there were no figures of living creatures to be found therein. The second vail equalled the first in greatness, workmanship, and colour; and encompassed the five pillars of the entry, which reaching from the top to the midst of them, and fastened to each of them by a certain ring, gave access to the Priests that entered the same: To this almost was there annexed on the outside another vail of like bigness and woven of linen, drawn upon cords from the one side to the other, by means of certain rings; which was sometimes spread, and other times (especially on the holy days) unspread, lest it should hinder the people's sight: on the other days (especially such as were cloudy) it was spread, and served for a coverture to defend the painted vail from the weather. Since, that custom hath continued after the building of the Temple, that another such like vail (as this) should be spread in the entrance. Besides this, there were ten other veils four cubits broad, and twenty eight cubits long, with certain golden hooks, enchased the one within the other, to the end to conjoin them, so that they seemed to be one; which being spread did cover the Tabernacle in the upper part, and the walls on the sides and behind; not extending The Sanctuary to the earth within the compass of a foot. Moreover there were eleven other hangings of equal breadth, but longer, namely, every one of them of thirty cubits, woven with as great art of hairs, as the other out of wool: which covering all the rest extending to the earth, resembled the form of a bed chamber, one of them covered and extended from the front, which being the eleventh, was annexed to this use: these also were covered with certain skins sowed The signification of the division of the Tabernacle. together, which protected the fame against the storm and injury of rain: for which cause, to them that beheld it from far, it seemed a thing most worthy of admiration. For the colours of the Tabernacle did in no other sort shine, then as if a man should have beheld the heavens. But the veils of hair and skins hung after such a manner, as that did about the entrance of the Tabernacle, set to resist the force and outrage of storms and tempests. CHAP. VI Of the Ark, wherein Moses placed the Tables of the Law. AFter that the Tabernacle was after this manner builded, they erected also an Ark, which was dedicated unto God, of a certain wood that was naturally strong, and such as was Exod. 37. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. permanent and resisted corruption. This in our native tongue is called Heoron, framed after this manner. The length thereof was of five handfuls, and the breadth and height of three handfuls; and both within and without it was covered with golden plates, and it had a cover fitted with golden hinges, equal on every side. And to every side in length there were fastened two rings of gold, driven and riveted through the whole wood, and through them certain bars of gold were thrust, that whensoever there were any need, it might be carried any ways: for neither was it borne on beasts backs, but the Priests bore it on their shoulders. On the cover thereof there were two semblances planted, which the Hebrews call Cherubins (which are winged Cherubin. creatures, of a strange form, the like whereof were never seen by any man) which Moses saw figured on God's seat. In this Ark he placed the Tables containing the ten commandments: The Tables of the law placed in the Ark. in every one five, and in every page two and a half: and this Ark hid he within the Sanctuary. CHAP. VII. Of the Table and Candlestick of gold, and of the Altars of the Tabernacle. IN the Tabernacle he placed a Table not unlike to that at Delphos, two cubits in length, and one in breadth, and of the height of three handfuls: the feet thereof, from the Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 The Table. midst downwards were like those feet which the dorians set unto their beds; but that which ascended from the other half upwards, was square: The body of this Table was arounded with a border standing out four fingers length, and in every of the feet there were rings fastened about the top of the foot, to which were annexed on both sides two things after the manner of handles, guilded and framed of most firm wood, which were not thrust through the circle on both sides like bars, but with a button took hold of the upper border of the Table, and beneath comprehended the ring of the foot, being a means to transfer it whithersoever need required. This was wont to be placed in the Temple towards the North wall, not far from The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. the Sanctuary: and on it were placed twelve unleavened loaves, set six by six the one over against the other, and made of two Assars of the purest wheat, which measure of the Hebrews contained seven Cotylas of the Athenians; and above these loaves two golden pots filled with frankincense; but after seven days other loaves were set in their place on that festival day, which we call the Sabbath. The cause of which ceremony shall hereafter be declared by us. Hard Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. The golden candlestick. by this Table near the South wall, was placed a Candlestick of molten gold (but not solid) of one hundred pound weight (this weight the Hebrews call Cinchares, the Grecians frame it a Talon in their tongue) and it was wrought with bowls, lilies, pomegranates, and little cups; then arising upwards from one base, it was divided into seven branches, according to the number of the Sun and the rest of the Planets: it stretched out likewise into seven heads, having orderly correspondence the one with the other, on which were planted seven candles, according to the number of the seven Planets, which branched out towards the East and South, in that the Candlestick was set sidelong. Between this and the Table (as I said) was a little Altar erected for incense, made of lasting wood likewise, and covered on every side with The Altar of incense. a solid plate, being a cubit broad from every corner, and twice as high, on which there stood a little hearth environed with a golden crown on every side, in which were rings with their bars and staves, whereby it might be borne by the Priests in the way. There was another Altar of wood also before the door of the Tabernacle, covered with plates of brass, five cubits Exod. 38. square, and three high, decked with gold in like sort, and plated with brass, the hearth whereof was made after the manner of a grate: for the earth received whatsoever fire fell from above by reason there was no base there under, but near unto the Altar there were tunnels and pots, and censers, & cups, with other instruments made for the divine service, all which were of pure gold. CHAP. VIII. Of the vestment, of the Priest, and of the high Priest, Such was the Tabernacle with all that belonged thereunto. Now remaineth it for me Hedio & Ruffinus, ch. 11. Exod. 39 The Priest's vestures. to discourse as well of the vestments of the other Priests, which they call Chaneas, as of the Priest, whom they name Sar-Hazabachin, signifying thereby the high Priest. And first of all as touching the ordinary Priests. When as the Sacrificer (purified according to the purification which is ordained by the Law) addresseth himself to sacrifice; he first of all investeth himself with Manachasses (which is as much to say, a truss or restrainer, which is a kind of breech, Manacasses. or slop, covering the privities, made of woven silk) wherethrough he thrusts his feet, as in a pair of upper breeches, and fastens the same about his loins: On this he casts a linen shirt or surplice, made of double linen (which we call Chetomene) and that word signifieth a linen garment or surplice: for we call linen Cheton (that kind of garment is a coat Chetomene. coming down to the ankles, bound to the body (having narrow sleeves about the arms) which is tied upon the breast a little beneath the armholes, with a girdle four fingers broad, inwardly void, so wrought as it seemed to be like a serpent's skin.) It is likewise pictured with red, purple, Hyacinthine & silken flowers, but the ground is only silk; which being twice doubled about his breast, extendeth down to his ankles at such time as he desisteth from sacrifice, (and this seemed they to wear in way of ornament) but when as he is to minister in sacrifice, than (lest blown up by the wind, it should hinder his work) he casts it on his left shoulder. This girdle Moses calleth Abaneth, and we by a word borrowed from the Babylonians, name it Emian (for so call they it.) This coat was in no manner pleated, and in the neck hath a broad opening, Abaneth. fastened about the two shoulders with clasps, from the edge of the collar to the breast and the midst of the back: This call they Massabassanes. But on his head he weareth a hat (not made with a high crown, neither comprehending the whole head, but somewhat more than Massabassanes. the half:) this is called Masnaemphthes; which is decked and dight after such a rate, that it seemed a Chaplet made of thick Ribbon, or of woven linen often times doubled and sowed, Masnaempthes which in the upper part is covered with another linen, descending to the front, hiding those seams of the Ribbon which were unseemly to be beheld; this is curiously fitted, lest during the time of sacrifice it should slip off. Such in general were the ornaments of the Priests. The high priest also useth the very same (omitting none of those things which we have The high priests ornaments. Methir. reckoned up) but beside the ●…est he put on a Hyacinthine coloured coat, extending in length to his hams (which our country call Methir) this girdeth he unto him with a girdle of divers colours (not unlike the former) but that it is studded with gold: but the skirt of the vesture is The year of the world 2455. before Christ's Nativity. 1509. bordered with fringes, sowed together, to which are tied certain counterfeit pomegranates with certain golden bells, properly disposed; so that between two Pomegranates, there is placed a bell, and between two bells one pomegranate. This coat is not made of two pieces (as having seams on the shoulders, and on the sides) but a long vail woven and left open in the collar, not a thwart but longways, from the breast to the midst of the back. To it is a ribbon or hem fastened, lest the opening should be perceived: it is likewise open in that place where the hands should be put out. Besides these vestures, he hath a third called an Ephod (resembling Ephod. a Grecian frock, that is made after this manner.) It is woven of divers colours, intermixed with gold; in the midst of the breast there is a space left open: the sleeves are made in such a manner, and all the rest in such sort composed, that it seemeth to be a coat: in this void space thereiss a piece enchased of the bigness of a span long, embroidered with the same colours, gold, and flowers as the Ephod is. This piece is called Essen, that is as much to say, as Rational (which wholly filleth the space that was left void by them that have woven the Ephod.) And this piece is joined Essen seu Logion. with the Ephod, and to every corner thereof with buckles of gold, which are tied with a lace of Hyacinth applied to tie them together with these buckles. And to the end the space between the buckles be not slack, they filled the future with a Hyacinthine thread: but on either shoulder two Sardonix stones enchased in gold (in stead of buttons) do tie the hood or Ephod; in these are engraven the names of Jacob's sons in Hebrew Characters in either stone six: so that the elder of them were placed on the right shoulder. Moreover twelve precious stones distinguish the Essen or Rational itself, of excellent greatness and beauty, which for their inestimable price could not be bought by any private man. They were enchased three and three in four ranks in certain crowns of gold, to the end they might not fall out: in the first order was a Sardonyx, a Topaz, and a Smaragd: in the second, a Carbuncle, a jaspis, and a Saphir: in the third, a Lyncurius, an Amethyst, and an Agate: in the fourth, a chrysolite, an Onyx, and a Berill stone. In these were the names of Jacob's sons engraven, whom we esteem for the first authors of our tribes (every stone being honoured with a several name, according to the order of their birth.) But whereas these rings (whereof before we have spoken) are weak and cannot sustain the weight of the precious stones, they made other two greater in the top of the Rational inclining toward the neck ward, being eminent above the texture, which might receive the golden chains that were made, which met at the top of the shoulders to be fastened with the little chains, the end whereof was crooked, and conveyed certain pipes, put thorough the rings, and were more prominent than the brim behind the Ephod, to fasten the Rational, to the The high priests triple golden crown. end it should neither sway this ways nor that ways. To the same Rational also was there a girdle sowed, distinguished with the said colours & gold, which comprehending the whole, and again knit upon the seam was suffered to hang downwards. And as touching the fringes, they were shut in hollow loops of gold from the one end unto the other. Now his hat was such as the other priests used, on which there stood an other sowed thereto, and flourished with Hyacinthine: this after a triple order was environed with a golden crown, in which there were divers vessels of gold made after such a sort as may be seen in that herb which we call Daccharus, and amongst the Grecian herbalists, Henbane. And lest any man that hath heretofore seen the same, should be ignorant of the nature thereof or rather knowing the same, hath not seen the herb itself; I have thought good to set down the description thereof in this place. This herb is of the height of three spans, it hath a root like a Turnip or Na●…ew (and he shall not err, that in regard thereof shall compare it therewith) it hath leaves that resemble Smallage or Rocquet: this out of the stem thereof yieldeth forth a certain bud cleaving to the branches of it, invested with a coat, which it casteth off when the fruit waxeth ripe. This bud is as big as the joint of a little finger having a circumference like unto a cup, which I will describe more fitly, once again that the ignorant may the better discover it. In the lower part thereof about the bottom it resembleth in roundness a half bowl; and according as it groweth every part thereof is straightened, until being again dilated in the extremity or brim thereof, it end in a partition, not much unlike to a pomegranate cut in the midst, to which there is annexed and groweth a round cover as if turned and framed on purpose, having those eminent clefts (as I said) like to the midst of a pomegranate, resembling the pointed and sharp thorns, and pricking blades. Now it containeth a certain fruit under the cover, and in the whole cup is like to the seed of the herb Sideritis, his flower is not much unlike that which springeth from the poppy. Such was this crown Sideritis. about the neck and the two Temples, for these cups came not near the front or brow. For on the same there was as it were a bend of gold, on which the name of God was engraven. Such In the year of the world. 2455. before Christ's Nativity. 1509. were the ornaments of the high priest. I cannot therefore but greatly wonder at the strange and causeless malice, which other nations have conceived against us, as if we were injurious against the divine majesty, which (they say) they so much honour. For if a man mark the composition of the Tabernacle, and examine the habit of the high priest, and consider all the necessaries which we use in celebrating the divine service; they shall find that our lawmaker was a man of a divine spirit, and that we without any desert are injuried by other nations. For if without partiality a man will duly examine it, he shall find that all things have been done to represent and figure the world. For the Tabernacle The signification of the fabric of the Tabernacle, & the priest's ornament. is of thirty cubits, divided into three parts, whereof two are left for the sacrificers as a place profaned and common, signifying the land and sea wherein all sorts of creatures are conversant. But the third part is sequestered and reserved for God alone: in like sort as the heaven is unaccessible by men. The table on which the twelve loaves were placed, signifieth the year divided into twelve months. The candlestick made of seventy pieces, signifieth the twelve signs, thorough which every one of the seven planets pass: the seven lamps that were therein represented the seven planets. The veils made of four several kinds of stuffs resembled the four Elements. For the linen seemed to represent the earth, from whence it was drawn and derived. The purple resembled the sea, because the purple colour is made of the blood of a shell fish called Murex. The Hyacinth signifieth the air: and as touching the Scarlet, it signifieth the fire. The tunicle likewise of the high priest demonstrateth the earth, for it is made of linen. The Hyacinth showeth the pole: the Pomegranates resembled the lightning; as the bells, the noise of the thunder. The sircot showeth that the whole world is compassed of four Elements resembled in his four colours, to which gold is annexed (as I interpret it) for that light is annexed to all things; Essen also is planted in the middle thereof, in such sort as the earth obtaineth the middle place of the world. Likewise the girdle wherewith he is girt resembleth the sea, which enfoldeth and begirteth all things. The two Sardonix stones (set as buttons or loops in the high Priests garment) signify the Sun and Moon: the number of the gems are alluded to the number of the months, or the twelve houses, or the equal number of the parts of that circle, which the Grecians call the Zodiac (he shall not much err that followeth either the one, or the other of these opinions.) The cap likewise hath an allusion to heaven, by reason of his azure or Hyacinthine colour, for otherwise the name of God might not be placed therein. For it was beautified with a crown of gold, to signify the light wherein God highly delighteth. Let this suffice for the present, for that which we shall discourse hereafter, will furnish us with sufficient and ample matter to show and set out the virtue of our lawmaker. CHAP. IX. Of Aaron's priesthood, and the laws which appertain to the feasts and sacrifices. AFter these things abovesaid were finished and left as yet unconsecrated, God appeared unto Moses, commanding him to establish Aaron his brother in the priesthood (who Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 12. Exod 28. 29. 30. 40. God elected Aaron. Moses brother for high priest. in respect of his virtue, deserved that title of honour above all the rest.) For which cause Moses (assembling the congregation) discoursed unto them his virtues, and discovered his good affection, and reckoned up unto them how many dangers he had suffered in their behalf, (whereof each of them gave ample testimony, declaring the forward zeal and love they always bare unto him) whereupon he spoke unto them after this manner. The work is now brought to such an end as it hath pleased God, and hath been possible for us: and for that you know we are to receive him into this Tabernacle, we ought above all things to have an especial care in the election of such a one, who shall make sacrifice and supplication for us. Touching myself, if the matter depended on my private choice, I should esteem no man more worthy than myself to execute this function, both for that naturally men love themselves, and for that I am well assured, how many travels I have supported for your safety sake: But God himself hath judged Aaron worthy of this honour, and hath chosen him for his high priest and sacrificer, in that he excelleth all other of us in equity and justice: commanding that he should be invested with the rob consecrated to God, and that he should take charge of the altars and sacrifices. He shall make prayers for you unto God, who will hear them willingly, by reason that he hath care of your race, and will receive them proceeding from a parsonage whom he himself had elected. These words of his were grateful unto the people, and they all of them approved the The year of the world, 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. election which God had made. For Aaron was more capable of that honour then any other, both by reason of his race, as also in regard of the prophecing spirit and virtue of his brother: he had at that time four sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleasar, and Ithamar. But whatsoever remained of those things which were gathered for the building of the Tabernacle, was employed to Aaron's sons make veils to cover the Tabernacle, Candlestick, Altar, and the other instruments, to the end that in their travail they should not be soiled, either by rain or dust. And having once more Exod. 36. assembled the people together, he commanded them to offer every one of them half a sickle; (now the sickle is a kind of Hebrew coin, that is as much in value as four Athenian drams) whereunto they obeyed willingly, so that the number of them that offered was six times one Sickle. The number of the Israelites betwixt 20. and 50. years of age. hundredth thousand, five hundredth and fifty: and they that brought this money were such as were of a free condition, and betwixt the years of twenty and fifty; and that which was received, was employed in the necessaries of the Temple. Then did he purify the Tabernacle, and the priests in manner and form following. He took the weight of five hundredth sickles of chosen Myrrh, and the like quantity of Ireos, of Cinnamon, and of Calamus (which is a most The holy ointment. odoriferous drug) the half of the said weight; and he caused all these to be beaten and infused in a Hin of oil of olive, others write palm (this Hin is one of our measures containing two Choas of Athens) all which he mixed & boiled together, according to the art of perfumers, and he made thereof a most odoriferous ointment: which he took and anointed the priest The sacrifices. withal, and all that which belonged to the Tabernacle, to the intent to purify them; offering many and sundry sorts of beasts of great price to sacrifice within the Temple upon the Altar of gold (whereof I forbear to speak any further, for fear I should grow offensive and tedious to the readers.) Twice a day before the sun rise, and sun set, they were to burn incense, and purify the oil and refresh the lamps, whereof three ought to burn every day upon the sacred Candlestick in honour of God, and the rest were lighted in the evening. Amongst them that wrought and finished these things, Beseleel and Eliab were the most excellent and expertest workmen: for whatsoever had been enterprised by others, they in their art polished and perfected; Beseleel. and they of themselves found many new things of their own invention (yet was Beseleel judged the most excellent of them two.) All the time employed in this work, was seven months, and at that time was the year accomplished, which began at their departure out of Egypt. In the beginning of the second year, in the month which the Macedonians call Xanthicus, and the Hebrews Nisan, upon the new moon they dedicated the Tabernacle with all things belonging thereunto (according as I have Exod. 45 The Tabernacle was dedicated on the first day of April, the second year after their departure out of Egypt, the year after the creation of the world. 1455 before Christ's birth. 1509. made mention.) And God presently testified that both their gifts were gracious in his eyes, and the Hebrews labours fruitful and pleasant in his sight, testifying his presence in that Temple after this manner: Whereas the heaven was otherways clear and fair, over the Tabernacle only there was a cloud, not wholly thick like a winter storm, nor obscure; and yet not so thin as a man could see thorough the same, from whence there descended a dew that gave testimony of God's presence unto them that had will, and belief. Moses honoured the workmasters that made the work, with such rewards as appertained unto them by desert; and sacrificed according as God had commanded him in the door or porch of the Tabernacle, a Bull, a Ram, and a Kid for their sins (but with what ceremony these things are done, I will declare when I entreat of sacrifices, as also what offerings are to be burned by fire, and according to the law are allowed to be fed upon) and with the blood of the slaughtered beasts he besprinkled the vestment of Aaron, and purified both him and his children with fountain water and the precious oynt●… 〈◊〉 to the end they might be sanctified to God. And for seven days space he consecrated both themselves, The dedication of the Tabernacle and the Priests. Leuit. 8. and their vestments and the Tabernacle, with those things which appertained thereunto, with that oil whereof I have before time foretold you, with the blood of Bulls, and Rams slain every other day after their kind. But on the eight day he proclaimed a holy day and festival to all the people, and decreed that every one of them should particularly sacrifice according to his ability, and they with emulation (striving to exceed one another) obeyed him, and offered up their sacrifices according as it was commanded them. Whilst thus the sacrifices were upon the Altar, suddenly there issued a fire from them, which kindled of itself, the flame whereof resembled the light or brightness of lightning; and consumed Leuit. 9 The sacrifice is consumed of itself. Leuit. 10. all that which was upon the Altar. At that time there happened an inconvenient to Aaron, which although it somewhat moved and amated his fatherly patience, yet digested he it with a constant and generous mind: for he was a man of much constancy, and such a one as knew that nothing could befall him without the prescience and providence of God. For of those four sons The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. (which I told you that he had) the two elder brethren Nadab and Abihu, bringing sacrifices unto the Altar (not such as were appointed by Moses, but of that sort they were accustomed to offer before times) were burned by the violent flame that issued from the Altar, seizing both their breasts and faces, in such a sort, as by no means possible that might be extinguished; so Nadab and Abihu Aaron's sons burned. that at length they died. Moses commanded both their father and brothers to take their bodies, and carry them out of the host, and bury them sumptuously: all the people wept and were amazed very much at this their death, so strange and unsuspected. But Moses ordained that neither the father, nor his sons should lament; but that they should rather make estimate of God's honour, then of their own misfortune: for Aaron was already invested in the sacred rob. But as touching Moses, he refused all honours which were offered him by the people, neither applied he himself unto any other thing but to the service of God: neither did he ascend any more up to the mountain of Sinai, but entered into the Tabernacle to take counsel at God's hands in those things, whereof he had need to be informed. He demeaned himself like a private man, not only in his apparel, but in all other things, and lived very popularly, persevering in that familiar and civil course of life, and challenging no privilege above any man, but only in those things which pertained to the administration of the common weal. Besides these, he reduced under writing both the laws and ordinances as touching Policy, in due performance whereof if they should live, they should be both agreeable to God, and live without cause of controversy the one against the other. And all this established he, following those directions which God had instructed him in. But now will I return and bend my style to discourse upon that which I have omitted in the ornament of the high priest: for this apparel of theirs leaveth not any occasion to false prophets, to execute their wicked impostures: and if there be any such, as dare intermeddle with that which appertaineth to God's majesty, this habit maketh them know, that it is in God's power to be present with the sacrificers, at such time as it pleaseth him; and to be absent when him listeth: which God would have made known not only to the Hebrews, but to all those strangers, who by any occurrence might be eye witnesses of the same. For of those stones which the high Priest bare or his A miracle of the stones in the high priests vestment. shoulders (which were Sardonixs', whose nature is so notorious to all men, that it were unnecessary to reveal it) the one shined at such times as there was any offering, & that other which was fastened on his right shoulder, shined very clearly at such time as God was present at the sacrifice, and cast his rays a far off, that it might be perceived by those that beheld the same, both contrary to his nature and custom: which truly deserveth admiration amongst all men, except those who thorough contempt of religion, do hunt after an opinion of wisdom. But that which I will now speak of is more to be admired at, which is, that by the twelve stones which the high priest bare (sowed and inchased in his Rational in the midst of his breast) God was want to foresignify victory to those that were addressed to battle. For such brightness lightened out of them, even before such time as the army did dislodge or enter skirmish, that it was notoriously known to the people, that God was present and ready to assist them: for which cause the Greeks making account of our manner of living, in that they had no power or reason to contradict it, have called that Rational which we term Essen (moved there unto by this express miracle which may not be contradicted.) This Rational and the stone Sardonix gave over to shine two hundredth years before I began to write these Antiquities, by reason of God's wrath which he had conceived through the breach of his laws (of which at another time I will more fitly entreat, and at this time continue and prosecute my intended discourse and purpose.) After the Tabernacle had been thus consecrated, and that which appertained to the priests was set in order, the people was persuaded that God dwelled with them in his Tabernacle, and began to sacrifice and sing hymns of praises, as to him that had driven The sacrifices and gifts of the Princes of the tribes. Num. 7. far from them all suspicion of evil, and from whom they expected in time to come far better and more prosperous things; and both in general and in particular they offered gifts unto God according to their tribes: for the governors of the tribes (assembling themselves together two by two) prepared a chariot and a yoke of oxen, so that there were six chariots to bear the Tabernacle by the way. Furthermore every one of them offered a vial and a censor, and a coffer to keep incense in, which was esteemed to be worth ten Dariques, and this was filled with odoriferous perfumes, and the censor was of silver, and both of them together weighed two hundredth sickles; yet on the vial there were but 70. employed: and both the coffer and vial were filled with meal steeped and moulded in oil, which they were want to The year of the world, 2455. before Christ's Nativity, 1509. use at the Altar, at such time as they offered sacrifice. They offered likewise a Calf, and a Ram, with a Lamb of one year old, for a burnt sacrifice; and a Goat for a sin offering. All the other governors likewise brought every one of them their sacrifice called salutary, for every day two Oxen and five Rams, with a Lamb and a Goat of a year old, and sacrificed them during the term of twelve days every day one. But Moses ascended no more the mountain of Sinai, but entered into the Tabernacle, where he was instructed by God of that which he had to do, and what laws he ought to make, which are so good and laudable as they ought not to be attributed to human wisdom: They have been faithfully observed likewise always, because they are supposed to be received from God. So that not any one of his laws have been transgressed by the Hebrews, neither in peace (at such time as they lived to their content) neither Moses asketh counsel of God in the Tabernacle. in war, at such time as they were afflicted therewith. But I will now cease to speak of these laws, being resolved to compose an other treatise as touching the same. CHAP. X. The ordinances of Sacrifices and Purifications. NOw will I only reckon up a few things as touching the purifications & sacrifices (in that we have begun to talk of sacrifices.) The sacrifices are of two sorts, the one of them is Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 13. al. 12. Two kinds of sacrifices. made for a private person; the other for the people in general: and these are made in two manners; for in the one, all is consumed which is upon the Altar, which for that cause are called Holocausts, that is to say, Burned. The other are of thanksgiving, and they are made with banquets of those that sacrifice. But first of all I will speak of the first kind. The particular Holocautoma. Leuit. 1. person that offered a burnt offering, killed an Ox, a Lamb, and a Goat of one year old, (yet is it lawful to kill oxen more elder.) But all those creatures which must be consumed by fire, aught to be males; and after their throats are cut, the priests besprinkle the Altar round about with the blood; then dress they the beast, and cut it in pieces, and powder it with salt, and lay it on the Altar already charged with cleft wood, and flaming fire: then after they have well cleansed the feet and entrails, they lay them with the rest; and the priests take the skins. Such is the manner of a burnt offering or Holocaust. They that offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, kill likewise such sorts of beasts without spot, and more than a year old; both male and female: and A sacrifice of thanksgiving. after they have cut their throats, they sprinkle the blood on the Altar: then take they the reins the cawl, and all the fat; with the lobe of the liver, and the tail of the mutton, and lay it on the Leuit. 4. 5. Altar; but the breast, and the left leg is left to the priests: and as touching the rest of the flesh, the priest's banquet therewith for the space of two days; and if then there remaineany thing thereof it is burned. The same custom and ceremony likewise is observed in the sacrifice for sins: but those that are not of ability to offer the greater offerings, offer up two Pigeons, or two Turtles, the one of which the priests have to feast withal, & the other is consumed with fire. We will entreat more expressly of the sacrifices of such beasts, at such time as we shall discourse upon sacrifices. For he that hath sinned upon ignorance offereth a Lamb, and a she Goat at the same The sacrifice for sin. time. The priest besprinkleth the Altar with the blood thereof, not in such manner as it is said heretofore, but the horns of the Altar only: and on the Altar they offer the kidneys, and the rest of the fat, with the lobe of the liver: the priests carry away the skins, and eat the flesh within the Temple the very same day; because the law permitteth them not to reserve any thing till the next morrow: he that hath sinned (and that knoweth it in himself without the knowledge or The sacrifice of him that hath sinned wirtingly. Leuit. 4. 9 privity of any other man) offereth a Lamb according as the law commandeth, the flesh whereof is in like sort devoured by the priests the same day: but if the governors offer for their sins, they sacrifice in like manner as private men do, and are different from them in that they bring a Bull, or a male Kid. The law also ordaineth, that in sacrifices both private and common, there should be fine flower brought, for a Lamb, the measure of an Assar; for a Ram, The custom observed in sacrifices. the measure of two; with a Bull, three; which flower is first of all mingled and wrought with oil, and set upon the Altar to be sanctified. They that sacrifice likewise do bring oil, the half part of a Hin for a Bull; for a Ram, the third of the same measure; and for a Lamb, the fourth part: this Hin is an Hebrew measure, which containeth two Attic Choas: they brought also the like measure of wine as of oil, and poured out the wine near to the Altar. And if any without sacrificing offer up fine flower, he putteth the first fruits upon the Altar, that is to say one handful, and the rest is taken by the priests for their maintenance, either fried (for they are kneaded in oil) or with loaves made thereof: but whatsoever the priest offereth, The year of the world. 2455. before the Nativity of Christ. 1509. Leuit. 2. all that must be burned. The law likewise forbiddeth to offer any beast whatsoever that day that it is borne, or to kill it with his dam, or in any other sort before it hath fed twelve days. There are also other sacrifices made for deliverance from sickness, or for other causes; in which sacrifices they employ wine or liquor with that which is offered, of which liquors it is not lawful to reserve any thing against the next morrow, when the priests have taken that portion which belongeth to them, and sufficeth them. The law commandeth that on the common purse there be every day killed a Lamb of a year old, the one in the morning, the other at the shutting Num. 28. 29. up of the evening: and on the seventh day, which is called the Sabaoth, that two should be offered in that manner as hath been declared. And on the new moon besides their daily offerings they sacrifice two Oxen, seven yearling Lambs, and a Weather and a Kid, for the abolition of those sins which are committed thorough forgetfulness. On the seventh month (which the Macedonians call Hiperberete) besides the abovenamed, they sacrifice a Bull, one Mutton, seven Lambs, and a Kid for sins. The tenth day of the same month according to the Moon, The sacrifice of the month of October. they fast till the evening, and on the same day they sacrifice a Bull, two Muttons, seven Lambs, and a Goat for a sin offering: besides which they bring two Kids, one of which is sent alive out of the limits of the camp into the desert (on whom all the evil may fall, if so be any be threatened to the people) the other is borne without the camp into a clean place, where it is burned with the skin, being not any ways purged: with this they burn a Bull which is not allowed out of the common charge, but by the proper costs of the priest. This Bull being opened and slain, & the blood thereof (with that of the goat) being carried into the Tabernacle, he besprinkleth the cover thereof with his finger seven times, & the pavement as many times, and the Tabernacle and the Altar of gold, and all the rest about the great Altar, which is abroad in the court. Besides that, they set on the Altar the reins, and the fat with the lobe of the liver, and the priest offereth unto God a Mutton for a burnt offering. The fifteenth day of the said month (at such time as it draweth towards winter) he commanded them to plant Tabernacles every one in his The feast of Tabernacles. Exod. 29. Leuit. 23. Deut. 21. 31. family against the instant cold weather which the increasing year was wont to bring, & that when they should enjoy their country, and should enter that City which they should hold for their Metropolitan (by reason of the Temple which should be there builded) they might celebrate a feast during eight days space in offering burnt offerings and sacrifices unto God: and that in witness of their thanksgiving, they should bear in their hands a branch of Myrtle, and of Willow tied together with wool, and a bough of Palm likewise, to which a Peach was fastened; and that the first day they should sacrifice thirteen Oxen, and fourteen Lambs, and two Sheep, with a Goat for a sin offering. Those days that ensued they sacrificed likewise a like number of Lambs, and Weathers, with a Kid, and in rebating day by day the number of Oxen, they come back to the seventh. The eight day they cease from work, on this day (as we have said) they sacrifice a Calf, a Ram, and seven Lambs, and a Kid for a sin offering: and it is the custom of the Hebrews to perform these sacrifices at such time as they pitch their Tabernacles. In the month Xantique (which we call Nisan) which is the first month of the year, the fourteenth day after the new Moon, the Sun being in Aries (for at that time were we delivered out of Egypt) he ordained that every year we should do sacrifice, which we call the Passeover, which (as I said) was celebrated the same time that we departed out of Egypt. This solemnity of Easter we celebrate by companies, without reserving any thing of that which is offered till the next day. The Exod. 12. 13. 23 Levit 23. Deut. 16. The Easter was the 14. of April. fifteenth day the feast of unleavened bread followeth the solemnity of the Passeover, & during those seven days, it is unlawful to eat any le●…ened bread, and every day are slain two Bulls, one Ram, and seven Lambs, which are all consumed with fire, to which there is added a Kid for a sin offering, for a several days banquet to feast the priests with. The second day of this feast of unleavened bread (which is the sixteenth of the month) they begin to enjoy the fruits that are mowed, and before that time untouched: and for that it is very convenient that God should be honoured with the first fruits thereof, from whom they receive such abundance, they offer the first fruits of Barley after this manner. After they have dried a handful of the ears, they beat or thrash it, and cleanse the Barley from the chaff, and offer an Assar of the same upon the Altar unto God, and after they have cast a handful of the same on the Altar, they leave the rest Leuit. 2. The first fruits. for the priests use: and from that time forward it is lawful for them to reap as well in public as in particular. With these first fruits they sacrifice unto God a Lamb for a burnt offering. Seven weeks after the feast of the Passeover (that is forty nine days) on the fiftieth (which the Hebrews by reason of the number, call Asartha) they offer unto God a leavened bread made of The sacrifice of Pentecost. wheat flower of the quantity of two Assars, and sacrifice two Lambs, which are only offered The year of the world, 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. What is observed in every feast and sacrifice. The bread of proposition. up to God; and afterwards are prepared for the Priest's dinner; and it is not lawful for them to reserve any thing thereof until the next day. But the burnt offerings are of three Calves, two Weathers, and fourteen Lambs, besides two Kids for a sin offering. There is not any feast wherein they offer not a burnt offering, and desist not from all manuel labour: but in every one of the same there is ordained a certain sort of sacrifice which they ought to do; and it is presently ordered, that they rest from their labours, and after sacrifice fall to banquet. On the common charge they offered unleavened bread of twenty four Assars of flower; and those loaves they baked two by two the day before the Sabbath, and the day of the Sabbath in the morning they bring it, and set it on the sacred Table, opposing six to six, the one against the other; and upon them are imposed two platters full of incense; and these things remain after this manner till the next Sabbath; and then set they new in the place of the first, which are given to the Priests for their maintenance. The incense is cast into the sacred fire in which the burnt offerings are consumed, and in place thereof there is new incense put. The Priest also sacrificeth on his own charge flower mingled with oil, and a little baked by fire, and this doth he twice every day, and bringeth to the Leuit. 8. Num. 3. fire half an Assar of flower in the morning, and the other half in the evening. But I will entreat hereof more expressly hereafter, & for the present me thinks I have sufficiently spoken already. Moses separated the tribe of Levi, and exempted them from the other people, to the end they might be consecrated unto God; and he purified them with living fountain water, and purged The tribe of Levi sacred to God. them with solemn sacrifice, and committed the Tabernacle to their charge, with all the holy things pertaining thereunto, and all the rest which had been made for the cover of the Tabemacle, to the end they might be ministers to the Priests their superiors, who were already consecrated to God. After this he distinguished the beasts also, namely those that were to be eaten, from those which were to be forborn and abstained from (of which we will speak at such time as occasion is Unclean things. Leuit. 12. 13. 14 & 15. offered us, and will bring proofs; and the reason which induced him to ordain, that some were proper to feed upon, and for what cause he would that we should abstain from other some) He hath generally interdicted all use of blood in meats, esteeming the blood to be the soul and spirit of beasts. He hath also generally prohibited to eat the flesh of those beasts that died by themselves: likewise the call and fat of goats, of sheep and oxen. He thrust them likewise out of the company and conversation of men, who were leprous, & such as were troubled with the flux of What men are unclean. their seed. And as touching women that have their sickness, he sequestered them for the space of seven days, after which it was lawful for them to converse indifferently the one with the other. The like decreed he of those that had assisted the burial of a dead man, whom he permitted, to converse with other after seven days were expired. It was a thing also decreed by law, that he that was surprised with uncleanness and unpurified beyond the number of those days, he should sacrifice two Weathers, one of which should be purified, and the other given to the Priests. The like sacrifice is made for him that hath had unnatural pollution, who first washeth Gonorrliaea. himself in cold water. The like must they offer that have use of their lawful wives. He altogether drove the leprous out of the city, not permitting them to frequent any man's company, Of Lepers. but esteeming them as men little differing from the dead. And if any one by his prayers made unto God, was delivered from this disease, and his skin reduced to his native colour, such a one presented himself before God in divers oblations and sacrifices, of which we will speak hereafter. For which cause they are worthy to be laughed at, who say that Moses fled out of Egypt, because he was a leper, and that he conducted with him other such as were traveled with that Against them that object against Moses and his followers, that they fled out of Egypt for leprosy. disease, and brought them into the land of Canaan. For if that were true, Moses had not made these ordinances to his own prejudice, which if other had proposed, it behoved him to have opposed himself against them: especially since amongst divers other nations there are lepers●… who are held in great honour, and who are so far from disdain and contempt, as that they have been made Generals of most notable armies, and elected for Governors of commonweals, having liberty to enter the Temples, and to be present at the sacrifices. What therefore hindered Moses (if he had been polluted with the like hateful sickness) to make such laws, and ordain such statutes among those people, who honoured and obeyed him; whereby such as were therewith infected might be preferred? By which it is manifest, that those things that are objected against him, are rather of malice then probability. But Moses being clean from such sickness, and conversing amongst his countrymen which were untainted, made these ordinances for them that were sick, having regard to the honour of God. But of these things, let each man censure as best liketh him. He forbade that women should enter into the Temple after their deliverance, or to assist the In the year of the world. 2455. before Christ's Nativity 1509. He ●…o & Ruffinus, chap. 14. The laws of women that are brought a bed sacrifice, until forty days were expired (if they had been brought a bed of a son) but if it were a daughter, he willed that the number of the days should be doubled; and that when they should enter, they should present their offerings unto God, and to the Priests that offered them. And if any one suspected that his wife had committed adultery, he brought an Assar of grinded barley, and cast a handful thereof before God, and the rest was reserved for the maintenance of the Priests: and then the Priest placing the woman in the porch which is right over against the Temple, and taking the cover from her head, writeth the name of God upon a skin, and maketh her swear that she hath not played false with her husband; and wish if she had transgressed Num. 5. The laws of adultery and jealousy. thè bounds of chastity, that her right thigh might be put out of joint, her womb might rot, and that death might follow thereupon: but if (through entire love and jealousy proceeding therefrom) her husband had been inconsiderately drawn into that suspicion, that she might within ten months bring forth a male child. And after such an oath ministered unto her, the Priest wipeth out the name of God that was written on the skin, and wringeth it into a vial; and then taking of the earth of the Temple, according as he findeth it, and having mingled the same, giveth it the woman to drink; and if she hath been unjustly accused, she continueth with child, and beareth her fruit her full time: but if she hath falsified her faith to her husband, Of adultery and incest. & forsworn herself before God, then dieth she a shameful death; for her thigh is numbed, & her womb grows full of water. See here how Moses hath provided for these sacrifices at the purifying of a woman. He furthermore made these laws which ensue. He generally forbade adultery, Exod. 22 Deutero. 17. Leuit. 18. 20. 21 29. judging it to be a great good hap, if men demeaned themselves honestly in mariagen: & that both in politic estates, and private families it was a thing most profitable, that children should be borne in lawful matrimony. The law also forbiddeth a man to have the use of his mother (for that it is a thing most abominable) and likewise prohibiteth him to keep unlawful company with his father's wife, his Ant, and his sister, or his sons wife: and detesteth it as a most heinous and hideous offence. It prohibiteth also the use of a woman when she hath her monthly sickness; the use of beasts also, especially the male, by reason that such affections are abominable: and against the transgressors of these laws he established most strict and mortal punishments. He willed also that the Priests should be twice more chaste than the rest, for he not only forbade them that which he prohibited others; but moreover he enjoined them not to marry those that had been abandoned, or Leuit. 21. slaves, or prisoners, or victuallers and taverners, forsaken by their husbands for any occasion whatsoever. And as touching the high Priest, he permitted him not to match with the widow What wife the high Priest might marry with. of him that was dead (although it were made lawful for the other Priests) and granted him only liberty to take a virgin to his wife, and to keep her. The said high Priest is also forbidden to approach a dead man (although the other Priests are not scantled of that liberty to approach their brothers, fathers and mothers, and children deceased) Willing that they should be simple in all kind of simplicity. He likewise ordained, that the Priest which should not be sound in body, should be maintained by the other Priests, but in the mean time that he should not approach the Altar, neither enter into the Temple: willing that not only they should be neat in that which concerned the divine service, but also that they should study and endeavour to be the like in all the actions of their life, to the end that no man might reprove them. For which cause they that bear the habit of the Priests are unreprovable, and in all things pure and sober, being forbidden to drink wine as long as they ware the priestly vesture. They were willed also to offer up entire sacrifices, and no ways maimed. These statutes did Moses decree, and make during his life time. And afterwards he devised others also, at such time as he remained in the desert; which both the people might practise in that place; and then also when they had possessed the land of Canaan. He gave Leuit. 25. The law of every seventh year. rest unto the earth the seventh year; so that it was neither tilled nor planted (in like manner as he had commanded them to rest from their labours on the seventh day of the week) and he ordained, that the fruits which the earth of itself brought forth, should be common to all those that would make use thereof, as well to those of the country, as strangers, without any forbidding or reservation. He likewise decreed that his should be done after the seventh week of years, which containeth the space of fifty years, which the Hebrews call jubilee, in which the debtors are acquitted by their creditors, and the bondmen made free, who being of the people (and for that they had forfeited against some one law) had been punished, being handled after the manner ofslaves, and not put to death; and to those, who from the beginning had been possessors of lands, they were restored unto them in this manner following. The jubilee being at hand (which word The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's Nativity. 1509. The year of jubilee. signifieth liberty) both he that sold, and he that bought the land, meet together, and cast up the account of the profits and expenses that have been reaped & bestowed on the land; and if it be found that the profits do amount, he that sold the land repossesseth it: but if the charges exceed the value of the profits, he restoreth the surplusage to the buyer that is due unto him, and retaineth the land to himself. And if the profits and expenses are answerable the one unto the other, the restitution is made to him that had the ancient inheritance. He ratified likewise the same law in houses that were bought in Villages or Cities. For if he that sold, counted down the money he had received before the year were finished; he compelled the purchaser to restore him his house: and if he stayed till the year were fully finished, the possession and free purchase remained unto him that bought it. Moses received this disposition of his laws from God, at such time as his flocks fed at the foot of the mountain of Sinai, and he gave them in writing to the Hebrews. CHAP. XI. The laws and customs of war. AFter that these laws had been after this manner digested, Moses addressed himself to the affairs and laws of war (for thinking him of those battles which should follow.) Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 15. al. 12. Num. 1. Moses numbereth the people. He therefore commanded the governors of the tribes (the tribe of Levi only excepted) to take a precise view and musters of those men that were capable and able to bear arms (for the Levites were sacred and exempt from those functions) and the search being made, there were found six hundredth and three thousand, six hundredth and fifty fight men betwixt the years of twenty, and fifty. But in stead of Levi he chose Manasses the son of joseph; and Ephraim for his father joseph: for so much had jacob entreated at Joseph's hands that he would give him his sons, that he might adopt them (as it hath been aforetime declared.) Num. 2. 3. 4 When they pitched the Tabernacle, it was planted in the midst of the camp, guarded and defenced with the tribes which were encamped three by three on every side. There were certain ways or paths likewise laid out between them, and a market place was quarteraed out, and shops The dispofition of the army. for all sorts of merchandise disposed by order, and workmen and artisans of all occupations, travailing in their shops; so that to look upon it, it resembled a City that marched and encamped. The Priests first were planted next unto the Tabernacle, and after them followed all the community of the Levites (for there was a view also made of them, accounting all the males exceeding the age of thirty days, and they were counted to be twenty and three thousand, eight hundredth and eighty.) And when it chanced that a cloud descended upon the Tabernacle, than rested they, as if God thought good to rest in that place; and if it departed from the same, than A cloud on the Tabernacles. removed they likewise. He invented also a certain kind of Cornet made of silver, and framed after this manner. In length it was almost a cubit, and it was like the narrow whistle of a Fife, Num. 9 but a little more thicker, yet netheless it was wide enough for the space of the mouth, to the end to receive the breath, and the end thereof was made like a little Bell, in form of a Trumpet. They Num. 10. Two trumpets made of silver. call it in the Hebrew tongue Asosra. There were two of them, whereof the one of them served to assemble and call the people to public assemblies; and the other to convocate the governors when they were to consult upon affairs of estate: and if both of them were sounded, than all of them in general gathered together: When the Tabernacle was removed, this manner was observed. Assoon as the first charge was sounded, they that were encamped towards the East, The order of the army with the Tabernacle. first of all dislodged: at the second charge, they to the southward disincamped; then was the Tabernacle unpitched, and carried in the midst, six of the tribes marching before, and six of them after: the Levites were all about the Tabernacle. And when they sounded the third time, the quarter towards the Westward removed: and the fourth was that to the Northward. They made use also of these Cornets in the divine service, with which they ordered the sacrifices on the Sabbath and other days. Then also was the first Passeover celebrated with solemn offerings after their departure out of Egypt, they being in the desert. CHAP. XII. The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. Sedition against Moses through the scarcity of victuals, and the punishment of the Rebellious. NOt long after this they removed their camp from the mountain of Sinai; and after Hedio & Ruffinus, ch. 16. al. 13. Num. 11. Sedition against Moses. certain encamp (of which we will speak) they came to a place which is called Iseremoth, where the people once more began to ruminate and revive their seditions, and lay the fault of their laborious pilgrimage upon Moses, objecting that by his persuasion they had left a fertile country, and now not only that they were destitute of the plenty thereof, but also in stead of hoped felicity, forced to wander here and there in extreme misery, and traveled with want of water: and that if Manna likewise should in any sort fail them, they were like all of them without question to perish for want of sustenance. Hereunto annexed they divers contumelies, which were every where inflicted against him, being a man of so great desert and consequence. Mean while there arose one amongst the people, who (admonishing them of the forepast benefits received by the hands of Moses) counseled them to be of good courage; assuring them that at that time they should not be frustrate either of that hope or help, which they expected at God's hands. But the people were the rather incensed against him by these words, and more & more whetted their spleanes against the prophet; who seeing them so desperate, willed them to be of a good courage; promising them, that although by injurious speeches he had undeservedly been offenced by them, yet that he would give them store of flesh, not for one day only, but also for many. But they being incredulous (and some one amongst them demanding how he could make provision for so many thousand men) God (saith he) and I, although we be evil spoken of by you, yet will we never desist to be careful for you, and that shall you shortly perceive. Scarce had he spoken this, but that all the camp was filled with quails, which they hunted for by heaps. Yet God not long after that, punished the insolency and slander of the The Israelites obtain quails in the desert. The graves of concupiscence Hebrews, by the death of no small number; for at this day the place retaineth his name, which for that cause was imposed thereon, and it is called Cabrothaba, as if you should say, the monuments of concupiscence. CHAP. XIII. Of the spies that were sent to search the land of Chanaan, and how returning to the Israelites, they amated them with fear. But after that Moses had led them out of that place, and had brought them into a country Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 17. al. 14. Num. 13. 14. not so apt for habitation (not far from the borders of the Chanaanites, which is called the jaws) he called the people to a council, and standing up in the midst of them, he spoke after this manner. God (saith he) having decreed to grant you two great benefits, namely the liberty and possession of a happy country, hath granted you already the possession of the one, and will shortly make you partakers of the other. For we are upon the borders of Chanaan, from whence both the Cities and Kings are so far from driving us, as the whole nation being united together is not of power to expel us. Let us therefore address ourselves very confidently to attempt the matter: for neither without fight will they Moses sendeth spies to search the land of Chanaan. resign the title of their country unto us; neither without great conflicts may we obtain the palm of victory. Let us therefore send out certain spies to search into the secrets of the country, and such as may conjecture how great their power is: but above all things, let us be at unity one with another, and let us honour God, who assisteth us in all dangers, and fighteth for us. After that Moses had spoken after this manner, the people (applauding his counsels) chose twelve out of the most noblest families of the tribes, to go and search the country, out of every tribe one; who beginning from the parts extending towards Egypt, visited all the country of the Chanaanites until they came to the City of Amathe, & the mountain of Libanus: and having searched out both the land and the nature of the inhabitants, they returned home again, having consumed forty days in those affairs. Moreover, they brought with them such fruits as the country yielded, & by the beauty thereof & by the quantity of those riches (which they reported to be in that country) they encouraged the hearts of the people to fight valiantly: but on the other side they dismayed than with the difficulty of the conquest, saying, that there were certain rivers impossible to be overpassed, both for their greatness & depth: that there were therein also inaccessible mountalnes, and Cities fortified both with walls and bulwarks: moreover they told them, that in Hebron they The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's Nativity. 1509. found a race of Giants. And thus these spies (when as they had found all things far greater amongst the Chanaanites, then to that day they had seen since their departure out of Egypt) they of set purpose by their fear brought the rest of the multitude into a dangerous suspicion and perplexity. Who conjecturing by their discourse that it was impossible to conquer the land, dissolving The spies drive fear into the Israelites. the assembly returned each one to their houses, lamenting with their wives and children, saying that God had only in words promised many things, but that in effect he gave them no assistance: moreover they blamed Moses, & reviled both him and his brother Aaron the high priest. The murmur of the people against Moles. And thus spent they all the night in disquiet, urging their discontents, both against the one and the other: but on the morrow they reassembled their council under this pretence, that stoning Moses and his brother, they might return back again to Egypt from whence they came. Which event, when two of the spies greatly suspected (namely jesus the son of Nave of the tribe of Ephraim, and Caleb of the tribe of juda) they went into the midst of them, and appeased the josuah & Caleb appease the people. multitude, praying them to be of good hope, and not to challenge Almighty God of deceit, by yielding certain slight belief to some, who by spreading vain rumours of the affairs of Chanaan, had terrified the credulous multitude; but rather that they should follow them, who both would be the actors and conductors also of them in the conquest of the country: and that neither the greatness of the mountains, nor the depth of the rivers could hinder them, that like valiant men were prepared to attempt, especially God being their guide, and ready to fight for them in that battle. March forward therefore (said they) and laying aside all fear (and being assured of the divine succours) follow us with a bold courage whither soever we lead you. With these words laboured they to appease the insulting multitude. In the mean while Moses and Aaron falling prostrate on their faces, besought God (not for their own safety) but that it would Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 18. al. 14. please him to restore the despairing multitude to a better mind, who were troubled with so many present and instant necessities. Whereupon suddenly a cloud appeared on the Tabernacle, and gave testimony that God was there present: which when Moses perceived (drawing his spirits unto him) he pressed into the presence of the multitude, and told them how God was incited and whetted to take punishment of the outrage which they had committed against him; yet not so severely as the iniquity of their sins deserved, but in that discipline which fathers are accustomed to use for the instruction of their children. For at such time as he stood before God in the Tabernacle, and besought him with tears for the safety of the multitude, God had recounted unto him, how many benefits and favours they had received from him, and how ungrateful they showed themselves towards him: and that at the present being transported with the fear of the spies, they had esteemed their reports more true, than his promises. Notwithstanding all which, that he would not utterly consume them all, nor exterminate their whole race (whom he had honoured above all the nations of the earth) but that he would not grant them the grace to conquer the land of Chanaan, neither make them partakers thereof, but would The Israelites should wander in the desert 40. years. bring to pass that they should live in the desert without house or City for the space of forty years, for punishment of their transgression. Yet hath he promised (said he) to give the country to your successors, whom he will make Lords of their goods, and heirs of those possessions which you have envied yourselves. After that Moses had discoursed these things after this manner, according to the ordinance of God, the people were in great sorrow and calamity, and besought Moses that he would appease The repentance of the people. God's wrath conceived against them; beseeching him that forgetting their faults that were passed in the desert, he would make them Lords of their enemy's Cities Moses answered them, that God was not incited against them according to the manner of human weakness, but that he had given a just sentence against them. In this place it is not to be supposed, that Moses (who was but a man only) did appease so many multitudes of displeased men, but that God assisted him, and brought to pass that the people were conquered with his words (having by divers disobediences, and by the calamities whereinto they were fallen, known that obedience was both good and commendable.) Furthermore, for that Moses was admirable for his virtue, and the force proceeding from his faith: of whom not only they have spoken, who lived in his time, but even at this day there is not any one amongst the Hebrews, who (as if Moses were now here present to Moses a man of great authority. chastise him) if he ran astray, would not obey the ordinances made by him, although he might make breach of them in secret. There are beside divers great and evident signs of the more than human virtue which was in him, and amongst the rest this was not the least, that certain strangers travailing out of the Regions beyond Euphrates a four months' journey, to their great charges and with no less peril The year of the world. 2455. before the Nativity of Christ. 1509. to honour our Temple, and offer sacrifice; yet could they not obtain licence or permission to offer, in that by our laws it was not lawful for them to do it: and some other without sacrificing (other some the sacrifice half finished, the rest not permitted to enter the Temple) have returned back again to their own homes, without finishing their purposes, choosing rather to obey Moses law, than their own wills: yet being reproved therein by none but their own consciences. So much did the opinion once conceived of this man prevail, that he is esteemed more than a man, who is supposed to have received laws from God, and to have delivered them to men. Of late also (not long before the wars of the jews, during the Empire of Claudius, and Ishmael being high priest amongst us) when as so great a famine oppressed our nation, The great scarcity during the Empire of Claudius. that an Assar was sold for four drams, and there was brought to the feasts of Azymes the quantity of seventy Cores (which make thirty Sicilian, and forty Athenian Medin ni, which are two bushels of ours almost) some of the priests were not so bold as to eat one grain of Barley, notwithstanding the country was in that extremity, fearing the law, and God's displeasure extended always against sins concealed. For which cause we ought not to wonder at that which happened at that time, considering that the writings left by Moses are in such force, even at this day, that they themselves, who hate us, confess that he that hath instituted our government is God, by the means and ministery of Moses and his virtue. But of these things let every man think, as it pleaseth him. THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 4 book. 1 The fight of the Hebrews with the Chanaanites, and their overthrow by them, without Moses knowledge. 2 The sedition raised by Chore against Moses and his brother for the Priesthood. 3 How the authors of the sedition were slain by God's judgement, and the Priesthood confirmed to Aaron and his sons. 4 What chanced to the Hebrews in the desert for the space of 38. years. 5 How Moses overcame Schon, and Og Kings of the Amorites, and overthrew their armies. 6 Of the prophet Balaam. 7 The victory of the Hebrews against the Madianites, and how the country of the Amorites was granted by Moses to two and a half of the Tribes. 8 Moses laws, and how he was taken out of the world. CHAP. I. The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's Nativity. 1509. The fight of the Hebrews with the Chanaanites, and their overthrow by them without Moses knowledge. Whilst thus the Hebrews passed their life in great penury and perplexity in the desert, groaning under the burden of their grievous Num. 14. The Israelites without Gods or Moses command devise how to assail the enemies. afflictions; there was nothing that more distracted and distempered them than this, that God had forbidden them to hazard or enter battle against the Chanaanites: neither would they now any longer give ear unto Moses (who persuaded them to peace) but waxed confident in themselves, that both without his conduct and counsels, they might easily obtain victory over their enemies: and accused him likewise, as if he sought after no other thing, but that they being daily pressed with great wants, should be enforced continually to depend upon his counsels. Whereupon they embattled themselves against the Chanaanites, presuming with themselves, that God would succour them, not only in regard of Moses; but also for that he had a general care of their nation, ever since the time of their forefathers, whom he had always held under his protection; and by reason of whose virtues he had already granted them liberty. They said likewise, that if they would take the pains at that time and endeavour themselves, that God would always fight with them: protesting that they were able to overrun the nations, although they were but themselves; yea although Moses would endeavour to estrange God from them. In a word, that it was behoveful, that all of them should be Lords of themselves, and that being recomforted and redeemed from the servitude of Egypt, they ought not to suffer Moses to tyrannize over them, or to conform their lives to his will, under this vain belief, that God had only discovered to Moses that which was behoveful for them, by reason of the affection which he bore him: As if all of them were not derived from the loins of Abraham, and that he only were the motive of all, in foreknowing the things that should happen unto them, by particular instruction from God? That even then they should seem to be wise, if (condemning his pride, and fixing their trust upon God) they would take possession of the country which he had promised them, in spite of Moses contradiction; who for this cause hindered them, setting the name of God before them: that therefore putting before their eyes their necessity and the desert, which daily more and more aggravated their misery, they should endeavour themselves courageously to sally out against the enemy the Chanaanites; alleging that God would be their guide: so as they had no reason to expect the assistance of their lawmaker. At last when this sentence was approved by a general allowance, they flock out in multitudes against their enemies, who neither affrighted by their fierce assault, neither terrified with their infinite multitude, valiantly resisted them, who desperately charged them: so that (the better part The Chanaanites put the Hebrews to flight. of the Hebrews being slain) they pursued the rest (enforced shamefully to turn their backs) even unto their camp. This overthrow (happening beside all men's opinion) wondrously dejected the minds of the multitude, that they grew desperate of all future good fortune, concluding that God had sent and inflicted that plague upon them, because without his counsel and favour they had enterprised the battle. But when Moses perceived that both his own countrymen were dismayed with the overthrow which they had, and the enemy was waxen proud with their late victory, fearing likewise lest (not content with their present success) they should attempt further; he determined to retire his forces back again into the desert. And whereas the people promised thereafter to be obedient to him (being taught by their own misery, that nothing would fall out prosperously unto them without the counsel and conduct of their guide) they disincamping themselves, retired into the desert under this resolution, that they would no Moses retireth the people into the desert more attempt the battle against the Chanaanites, before they received a sign of their good success from heaven. But even as in a great army it accustomably falleth out (especially in time of trouble) that the common multitude wax headstrong and disobedient to their governors; so did the like also happen amongst the jews: for whereas they were in number six hundredth thousand, and even in their better fortunes seemed disobedient to their governors, so much the more were they exasperated by their wants and misfortunes, both amongst themselves, as against their governor. For which cause there arose so great a sedition, as neither amongst the Greeks or Barbarians the like was ever heard of: which things without doubt had overthrown them (being brought into so desperate an estate) except Moses (forgetting the injury he had received, Sedition against Moses. which was no less than a pretence to stone him to death) had succoured and relieved their distressed The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. fortunes. Neither did God utterly abandon the care of them, but although they were contumelious against their lawmaker, and transgressed also against the laws which he had delivered them by Moses; yet delivered he them out of that dangerous sedition, of which (without his especial providence) there could be expected no other but a lamentable issue. This sedition, as also how Moses governed the estate when the troubles were ended, we will now declare, having first expressed the cause thereof. CHAP. II. The sedition raised by Chore against Moses and his brother for the Priesthood. CHores (a man noble in birth, and famous for his wealth amongst the Hebrews, and endowed Numb 16. Chore endeavoureth to persuade the multitude to mutiny against Moles. with a certain kind of popular eloquence) seeing Moses placed in the highest estate of dignity, was sore troubled and oppressed with envy. For although he were of the same Tribe and kindred; yet thought he it to be a great indignity in himself to be held his inferior, being both more enabled in riches, and nothing inferior in parentage: For which cause he began to mutiny and murmur amongst the Levites (which were of the same Tribe with him, and his kinsmen) telling them (in vehement discourse) that it was not to be suffered nor permitted, that Moses, under a pretext of certain divinity, should by ambitious policy (to other men's prejudice) only study his own glory: showing them how of late without all law and right he had given the Priesthood to his brother Aaron, and distributed other dignities at his own pleasure like a king, without the allowance and approbation of the people: That this injury done by him was not to be endured, by reason that so covertly he had insinuated himself into the government, that before he might be espied, the people should be brought under servitude. For he that knoweth himself to be worthy of a government, striveth to obtain the same by kind persuasions and consent of the people, and not by force and violence: but they that despair by good means to attain thereunto, do notwithstanding abstain from force, lest they should lose the opinion of their goodness and honesty; yet endeavour they by malicious subtleties to attain thereunto. That it concerned the commonweal to extinguish and root out the subtle insinuations of such men, lest of private, they should at last grow public enemies. For what reason (said he) can Moses yield, why he hath bestowed the Priesthood on Aaron and his sons? For if that God had decreed that this honour should be bestowed on one of the tribe of Levi, there were more reason that I should have it, who am of the same kindred with Moses, and who surpass him both in riches & age: And if this honour appertained to the most ancient of the Tribes, that those of Rubens loins ought by right to enjoy it, namely Dathan, and Abiram and Phalal, who are the most ancient of that Tribe, and the most powerful in riches. These things Alias Balas. spoke Chores (under colour and pretence of the weal of the commonweal, but in effect only to raise a tumult amongst the multitude, and intrude into the office of the high Priest. This Discourse of his passing by little and little from one ear to another amongst the multitude, and multiplied by the envious, and such as maligned Aaron, at last brought the whole Tribes into a mutiny: so that two hundred and fifty of the chiefest Nobleses grew at length to be partakers of Two hundred and fifty men follow Chores faction. They cry out to stone Moses chore's conspiracy, and all of these enforced themselves to take away the Priesthood from Moses brother, and to transfer it to him. The people likewise were in such sort incensed, as that they sought to stone Moses; and ran all of them by confused heaps with noise and uproar, crying out before the Tabernacle of God, that the tyrant was to be cut off, & the people delivered from thraldom, who under pretext of religion, had insupportable thraldom imposed on them: For if it were God that had chosen him to be high Priest, he would have preferred such a one to the dignity who had been worthy, and would not have departed it to those who were far inferior to others; that if he had decreed to bestow it on Aaron, he had remitted the commission of his election to the people, and not left the disposition thereof to his brother. Moses, who long before that time had perceived Chores treacherous slander, and saw the people very sore incensed; was notwithstanding nothing at all abashed thereat: but being resolved in his conscience that he had governed the estate uprightly, and well assured that his brother obtained the Priesthood (not by his favour but God's election) he came into the congregation, where he uttered Moses oration to seditious Chore. no one word against the people, but addressing himself to Chore, he expostulated with him, and accused him in as much as was for him possible; being (besides his other qualities) fashioned and composed by nature, eloquently to speak in public assemblies. I think (saith he) The year of the world, 1455. before Christ's Nativity, 1509. Chore, that both thou and every one of these (pointing with his finger at the two hundred and fifty men of his faction) are worthy of honour: yea I contemn not the rest of this assembly, (although they are not to be compared with you in riches, and other endowments.) For neither doth Aaron therefore possess the Priesthood because he is richer (for thou hast more ample possessions then either of us) neither because he is more noble (for God hath equally imparted the same unto us all, having given us one and the same Grandfather) neither have I been moved thereunto by brotherly affection, to bestow that on him which was due unto others. For had I not respected God and right in disposing of this dignity, I had not forgotten myself, to further and prefer another, since there is no man more near myself then myself, or whom I had rather wish well to, then to myself: for what wisdom had it been for me, to expose my self to those dangers which they incur, who make breach of laws, to suffer another man reap the fruits of my impiety? But God forbid that my conscience should be stained with any such sin: neither were the fault mine also would God leave it unpunished; neither in me, who should contemn him, neither in you, for that you were ignorant of that you ought to do, & of that which was grateful in his sight. He himself it is that hath chosen the high Priest, and by this means hath acquitted me of that accusation, that in this respect might be objected against me. For although Aaron hath obtained this degree (not by my favour, but by Gods own appointment) yet notwithstanding he referreth and remitteth the matter to the public disposition and order of you all, neither requiring he any prerogative (for that he hath already exercised the charge, or for that at this present it is granted him to intermeddle with the same) but esteemeth it to be the greatest good fortune that may befall him, to see your mutinies and seditions cease; although with the loss of that honour, which he hath received from your own election: for neither have we injured God's will, in this that we also wish your assent and allowance; but that which of his own accord he hath given, it was not lawful to refuse with a safe conscience: As reciprocally it is a thing most reasonable, that they which receive it should always enjoy it, since God himself had given them both the assurance and confirmation. God therefore shall once again determine who amongst you shall be chosen to offer sacrifice unto him, and to take charge of those things which appertain to piety. For it is a most absurd matter that Chore should have power to desire a dignity, and that God should be deprived of that authority to dispose the same as best liked him. Cease therefore to mutiny amongst yourselves, and to be troubled upon these occasions: and let every one of you that desire the Priesthood, to morrow bring each of you his censor with perfumes, and fire from his house. But thou o Chore, give place unto God, and expect his election, neither arrogate to thyself a greater authority than God hath, but come thou also amongst the rest thy competitors in this honour, to hear his judgement. Neither see I cause why Aaron should not be there also present to be judged with thee, in that hitherto he hath virtuously and uprightly behaved himself in the execution of that office, and is likewise of the same tribe and race that thou art of. You shall likewise offer incense in the presence of all the people, and when the perfume shall be passed, let him whose sacrifice shall be most acceptable in God's sight, be declared and published for the high Priest: so shall I be acquit of that slander which is wrongfully urged against me, whereby I am charged to have (upon my particular grace and favour) bestowed the officer of the Priesthood on my brother. After that Moses had spoken in this manner the people gave over murmuring, and forbore to suspect Moses, allowing in themselves all that which had been spoken, as being profitable for the common weal: so that hereupon they dismissed the assembly. CHAP. III. How the authors of the sedition were slain by God's judgement, and the Priesthood confirmed to Aaron and his sons. THe next day the people reassembled themselves together to assist the sacrifice, and to Rufin. chap. 1. Numb. 16. hear the strife decided amongst the Competitors; neither was this assembly without tumult: For the whole multitude were in suspense in expectation of the event, and some of them were desirous that Moses might be convicted of deceit. But such as were of the wiser sort amongst them, desired an end of the sedition: for they feared least the common weal should be utterly ruinated, if the tumult should proceed any further. The multitude likewise (being naturally desirous of novelty, and prone to speak evil of their Magistrates) were diversly disposed The year of the world. 2455. before Christ's Nativity. 1509. upon every occurrent. Moses also sent his servants to Abiram and Dathan, to summon them to appear (according to the covenants and accord) to attend the issue of the sacrifice. But their answer was, that they would not obey him, neither that they would any longer permit that Moses by his subtle and sinister devices, should signiorize over the people. Which when Moses understood, he took divers of the Elders amongst the people with him, and being no ways moved with Dathan and his contumacy, he came unto him (being willingly attended by those who were drawn to accompany him.) Now when Dathan and his friends understood that Dathan and Abiram rebellious. Moses with the Nobles came unto them, both they, their wives and children assembled themselves before the Tabernacle, expecting that which would ensue. They came likewise guarded with their servants, who were armed to oppose themselves against Moses, if so be he should offer them any violence: But no sooner drew he near unto them, but that lifting up his hands unto heaven, he cried out with a loud voice in the hearing of the whole multitude, and prayed after this manner. O God (said he) thou Lord overall that which either heaven, earth, or sea containeth, Moses prayer unto God. thou art a sufficient witness with me of all mine actions for that I have managed all things by thy will; and thou art he who hast given me power to execute my purposes: thou that always in commiseration of the Hebrews hast been my perpetual help and assistance: hear this my prayer. For nothing that is either done, or thought, is hidden from thee: for which cause I hope thou wilt not disdain to testify and justify my truth, and manifest the ingratitude of these men. Thou dost exactly know the antiquity of my race, not for that thou hast heard it, but for that thou hast seen and assisted it; in effect, now also testify the truth for me in those things which these men (although they know they contrary) are not ashamed to impute unto me. At such time as I led a peaceable life, and that by my virtue and thy counsel, and my father in law raguel's favour, I had sufficient to live upon; I forsook the possession of my goods, and the fruit on of my peace, to engage myself in these miseries, which I have suffered for these men: and first of all for their liberty, and now likewise for their safety, I have most readily undertaken grievous travels. Now therefore since I am grown into suspicion amongst those men, who by my care and providence have escaped so many mischiefs and miseries; thou that appearedst unto me in that fire on the mountain of Sinai, and vouchsafedst both to speak unto me, and to confirm me by the sight of miracles; that in thy name sent'st me a messenger into Egypt; that hast abated the great fortunes of the Egyptians and hast given me means to escape from their servitude; and hast made Pharaoes' power and army inferior to my fortunes, that when we were ignorant of our way gavedst us a passage through the sea, in whose bottom and womb afterward the Egyptians were drowned; that gavedst us arms, when we were unweaponed; that madest the bitter water savoury and fit to be drunk of; and in our scarcity of water enforcedst drink for us out of the bowels of the hard rock; when we found no meat on the land, didst send it us from the sea; moreover (as a thing never before heard of) affoordedst us meat from heaven, and hast established our estate with laws and customs: Be thou, o Lord, my judge in all things, and my unpartial witness, that neither I have been corrupted by any bribe of any particular Hebrew, to favour injustice, neither that I have suffered a poor man in his just cause to lose his right against a rich adversary. And now having administered the common weal with all sincerity, I am called in question for a crime, whereof I am altogether guiltless, as if I had bestowed thy Priesthood on my brother for private affection, and not for thy command sake: make it known that all things are dispensed by thy providence, and that nothing is brought to effect by casualty, but by thy especial ordinance: And to express that thou hast care of the Hebrews, testify the same by thy just punishment inflicted on Dathan and Abiram, who accuse thee to be insensible and boast that thou art circumvented by my subtleties. But thou shalt make thy revenge more notorious against the unbridled detractors of thy glory, if they perish after no common manner, lest any man should suspect that they suffer nothing inhuman: but let the earth which they unworthily tread upon, open itself and swallow them up both with their families and faculties. By this means both thy power will manifestly appear unto all men, and thou shalt leave an example to posterity, that no man hereafter shall dare to think otherwise of thy majesty then becometh him, & my ministery shall be approved to proceed from thy direction. But if those crimes be truly urged which are enforced against me, then let the curses return and light on mine own head, and let those whom I have cursed live in safety. And thus exacting a punishment from those that disturb thy people, keep the rest of the multitude in peace, concord, and observation of thy commandments, secure and void of that punishment which is due unto wicked men, for that it is contrary to thy justice, that the innocent multitude of the Israelites The year of the world, 2455. before Christ's birth 1509. should answer their misdeeds, and suffer their punishments. Whilst he spoke these words, and intermixed them with tears, the earth instantly trembled, and shaking began to remove (after such a manner, as when by the violence of the wind a great billow of the sea floateth and waltereth.) Hereat were all the people amazed. But after that, a horrible and shattering noise was made about their tents, the earth opened, and swallowed up both them and all that which they esteemed dear, which was after a manner so exterminate, as nothing remained of theirs to be beheld. Dathan and Abiram swallowed up. Whereupon in a moment the earth closed again, and the vast gaping was fast shut, so as there appeared not any sign of that which had happened. Thus perished they all, leaving behind them an example of God's power and judgements. And this accident was the more miserable, in that there were no one, no not of their kinsfolk or allies that had compassion of them: so that all the people whatsoever, forgetting those things which were passed, did allow God's justice with joyful acclamations, esteeming them unworthy to be bemoaned, but to be held as the plague & perverters of the people. After that Dathan with his family was extinguished, Moses assembled all those that contended for the Priesthood together, committing again the election of the priesthood unto God, concluding that the estate should be ratified to him, whose sacrifice was most acceptable in God's sight. For which cause the two hundred and fifty men assembled themselves, who were both honoured for the virtue of their ancestors, and for their own abilities far greater than theirs: with these also stood Aaron and Chore, and all of them offered with their censors before the Tabernacle, with perfumes such as they brought with them, when suddenly so great a fire shone, as neither the like was ever kindled by man's hand, nor usually breaketh from the bowels of the burning earth, neither was ever quickened in the woods, split and borne down in the summer time by a southern breeze, but such a one as seemed to be kindled in heaven most brightsome and flaming, by force and power whereof those two hundredth and fifty (together with Chore with two hundredth and fifty men is consumed with fire. Chore) were so consumed, that there scarce appeared any relics of their carcases: Only Aaron remained untouched, to the end it might appear that this fire came from heaven. These things thus brought to pass, Moses (intending to leave a perpetual memory to posterity of that punishment) to the end they should not be ignorant thereof, commanded Eleazar the son of Aaron to consecrate their censors affixed to the brazen Altar, that by reason of this monument, all men might be terrified, who think that the divine power can be circumvented by human policy. CHAP. FOUR What things happened in 38. years space to the Hebrews in the desert. AFter that by so evident an argument it appeared very sufficiently, that Aaron neither by sinister insinuations, neither by the favour of his brother, but only by God's election had obtained the Priesthood; he ever afterwards held it without any contradiction: yet Num. 17. for all this, the sedition was not sufficiently ceased, but that it broke out with a more urgent fury then at first: for it took his original from such causes that it might easily appear that it would be of long continuance. For whereas this persuasion had once taken root in the hearts of men, Another sedition against Moses. that nothing is brought to pass without God's will, they imagined that God wrought these things in favour of Moses; to him therefore imputed they all these things, as if God had not punished those men thorough the hate he bore against their sins, but only on Moses solicitation: and they were sore aggrieved that Moses (having given this maim unto the people, by the loss of so many noble men, that only perished thorough the zeal they bore to God's service) not only had done them open wrong; but that which was more, had assured the Priesthood to his brother after such a manner, that thereafter no man durst oppose himself to purchase the same; seeing how unfortunately those others were overthrown by a violent death. Moreover the kinsmen of those that were slain, solicited and stirred the people, praying them to restrain the pride and overgreat power of Moses, in that it lay in their power easily to perform the same. But Moses perceiving that the people was incensed, and fearing lest once more they should bethink them on some innovation; whereby some great misfortune might succeed, he assembled them together, and gave audience to their accusations, without replying any ways (for fear he might the more incense them) he only commanded the heads of the tribes, that each of them should bring a rod, wherein the name of each tribe should be written, promising that the Priesthood should remain with them, in whose rod God should show any sign. Which judgement of his being allowed by all men, both they, and Aaron brought theirs with their inscriptions; and Aaron had The year of the world. 2455. before the Nativity of Christ. 1509. Aaron's rod fructifieth. written in his the tribe of Levi. These Moses took from them, and laid them in God's Tabernacle: the next day he brought them forth every one of them (which were easily known to be those which the Princes brought, & the rest of the people had marked) and they saw that all theirs remained in the same form which the day before they retained, when Moses took them; but out of Aaron's rod there grew branches and buds: and that which is more to be wondered at, it bore ripe Almonds, which in a rod of that kind of wood was admirable and miraculous. The people amated at the novelty of this spectacle (dismissing their hatreds wherewith they both prosecuted Moses and Aaron) became wholly amazed and drawn into admiration of God's judgement, and forbore any more to repugn against God, or to oppose themselves against Aaron's Priesthood. And thus three times confirmed by the approbation of God, by all men's consent he became high Priest, and the people of the Hebrews turmoiled with long seditions, at last by this means grew settled in peace and quietness. But after that Moses had made the tribe of Levi (which He●…o & Ruffinus. chap. 3. 4 Num. 18. 35. Leuit. 14. 18. 28. was dedicated to God's service) free and exempt from warfare (for fear least being occupied in providing themselves necessaries for their maintenance, they should grow negligent in executing their duties in sacrifice) he ordained that after the land of Chanaan was conquered by their forces and God's favour, that of the Cities they should conquer, they should distribute forty The revenues of the Priests. eight of the best & fairest on the Levites, & certain lands abutting on their Cities, to the quantity and space of two thousand cubits. Moreover, he commanded that the tenths of all the yearly fruit that was gathered by the whole people, should be given and bestowed on the Levites and Priests; and ever after this tribe had their solemn revenues. Now must I declare what things are proper to the Priests. Of the forty eight Cities which were granted to the Levites, he commanded them to grant thirteen to the Priests; and that of those tenths which they received of the people, they should pay unto them a tenth share. Besides, he gave charge that the people should offer up unto God all the first fruits of whatsoever the earth yielded them: and that the first borne of four footed beasts dedicated for sacrifice, if it were a male, should be delivered to the Priests to sacrifice, to the end they might be nourished with all their family in the sacred City of jerusalem; and that they which are not fit to be sacrificed to God, should be eaten by them according to the use and custom of the country, the owners paying in am of a firstling a sickle and a half, and for the first borne of a man, five sickles. He allotted them likewise the first fruits of sheep-shearing, and ordered that the bakers should offer them some cakes. But they that consecreate themselves by vow, and are called Nazarites (nourishing their hair, and tasting no Num. 6. Of the Nazarites. wine) when as they consecreate their hair, were bound to offer it unto the Priests. They likewise who call themselves Corban, which is called the gift of God, if they desire to be dismissed from that ministery (whereunto by voluntary vow they bound themselves) must pay money to the Priests, for a woman thirty sickles, for a man fifty; and that those that had not so much money should be left to the discretion of the Priests. And if any man should kill (for his private feast) The year of the world. 2493. before the birth of Christ. 1471. any beast, and not for God's service, yet that he ought to offer unto the Priest the breast and leg of the beast. This is that allowance which Moses ratified to the Priests, and besides this, whatsoever the people offered for sins (as we declared in the next precedent volume.) And what soever was contributed by the people to the order of the Priests, he commanded that both their wives, children and servants should be made partakers of the same (only except those things which were offered for sin offerings, for these things the Priests only themselves eat up in the Temple the same day.) After that this policy was in this sort ratified by Moses, & that the Num. 20. Moses Embassage to the Idumaeans. mutiny was appeased, he removed his camp, and with all his forces came to the borders of Idumaea, where he sent Ambassadors to the King thereof, requiring him to grant him and his free passage (and offering him such and so sufficient pledges, as he should esteem and reckon of, to assure him that no violence or injury should be offered; assuring him to make payment for whatsoever victual or drink, either he or his army should receive) But he setting light by their Embassage, denied them passage, and with a well furnished army marched forth against Moses to withstand him, if contrary to his will he should attempt to pass thorough his country. And for that God had not counseled Moses to begin the combat, if he were enforced by the enemy, he retired back again, determining to seek his passage athwart the desert. At that Mariam Moses sister Num. 19 dieth. The manner of purification. time died his sister Mary, the fortieth year after their departure out of Egypt, and the first Moon of the month Xantique: she was magnifically entombed at the common charge, on a certain mountain called Sein: and after the people had mourned for her forty days, he purified them after this manner. The Priest taking a young heifer (which had never as yet borne yoke nor laboured) in colour wholly red, led him a little apart from the camp, in a most clean place, The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's Nativity. 1471. and there cut his throat, & with the blood thereof taken on his finger, he seven times besprinkled the Tabernacle of God; and after he had consumed in fire the whole heifer, with his skin and entrails, he cast a branch of Cedar into the fire with a little Hyssop, and red wool, and wholly gathered up the ashes thereof. A man that is cleansed putteth it in a clean place, and they that are unclean by means of one that is dead, put a little of these ashes into a fountain with Hyssop, and after they have mixed the ashes in the fountain, they besprinkle themselves three times, and on the seventh day, and after that are they purified. He likewise ordained that the like purification should be used, when a man should take possession of his inheritance. But after the army (that had so long mourned the dead sister of the general) were thus purified, he led them thorough the desert into Arabia; and arriving in a place (which the Arabians Num. 20. account for their Metropolitan city, in times past called Arce, and at this present Petra) which is environed with a high mountain; Aaron ascended the said mountain, & Moses showed him the place, where he should yield up his soul unto God; and in the sight of all the army standing on a high place, he put off his stole, and gave it to his son Eleazar, to whom by eldership the succession appertained: and thus (in the sight of the people) he died in that very year wherein he lost his sister; and in the hundredth, twenty and third year of his age: he departed on the new moon, in the month of August (called by the Athenians Hecatombeon, by the Macedonians jous, and Sabba by the Hebrews.) The people mourned for him for the space of forty days, Ruffinus. ch. 4. Hedio. chap. 5. Num. 21. and then desisted. Moses displaced his camp from thence, and pitched his tents near unto a river called Arnon (which springeth from the mountains of Arabia, and runneth along the desert, and then entereth into the Asphaltique lake, separating the Region of the Moabites from that of the Amorites.) The country is fertile and sufficient to yield fruit to all the inhabitants in great foison: to Sehon King of this country Moses sent Ambassadors, requiring passage thorough his kingdom, under such assurance as should best please him, that no wrong should be offered, Moses sent Ambassadors to Sehon, king of the Amorits. neither to his country, nor the inhabitants thereof, assuring him to pay the price of what soever his soldiers took either in victuals or water. But Sehon refused him, and arming his people, pitched his tents on the banks of Arnon, being ready to repulse the Hebrews if they presumed to pass the river. CHAP. V. Moses overcometh Sehon and Og, Kings of the Amorites, and distributeth their country by Lot unto two Tribes, and a half of the Hebrews But when Moses perceived that the Amorites were disposed to hostility, for which cause supposing that the injury and contempt was not to be endured, and seeing the Hebrews were an intractable kind of men (and such as either by idleness or want, might be easily Num. 21. The Hebrews address themselves to fight against the Amorites. persuaded to renew their former seditions and tumults, and being willing to prevent all these occasions) he asked counsel at God's hands, whether he would permit him to enforce his passage by the sword. Now when God had allowed his purpose, and besides that promised him the victory, he was greatly confirmed in hope, and animated and encouraged his soldiers, telling them that the time was now come, wherein they might enterprise their long desired war with God's favour, and his approbation and encouragement: who rejoicing at this liberty that was granted them, suddenly took arms, and in a set battle hasted to charge the enemy. On the other side the Amorite (as soon as he saw them march forward, and begin the onset) forgetting his former fierceness was both himself terrified, and his soldiers likewise (who before the sight of their enemies were as cruel and bloody as Lions) now waxed as fearful and as meek as Lambs. So that they scarcely had endured the first assault, but that they fled, reposing the whole hope of their prosperity in their retreat: they trusted likewise to their walled towns (which notwithstanding The Hebrews overthrow the Amorites, and put them to flight. did nought at all avail them.) For no sooner did the Hebrews perceive that their enemies began to trust their feet and that their ranks were broken, but they more freshly pursued them, and brought them into extreme fear: so that being utterly put to flight and dispersed upon the field, they were enforced to fly unto their Cities. Yet ceased not the Hebrews to pursue them more fiercely, but began more and more to molest them with those kind of weapons wherein they were exercised before time: for being expert and well trained in the sling and bow, and perfect in casting the dart, and nimble in body (by reason of their light armours) they ran after their enemies, and with their shafts and bows shot at those which were a far off, and might not be The year of the world, 2493. before Christ's Nativity, 1571. overtaken. So that there followed a most huge slaughter, and they that escaped were grievously wounded: yet were they more afflicted with thirst then any other hostility (in that it was summer time) so that all those that went to refresh & cool their thirst at the river (besides all those that had turned their backs to fly) were pursued with all kinds of missile weapons and darts, until they were all slain. The king Sehon himself also was slain in this fight. And the Hebrews spoilt those that were slain, & carried away great store of pillage. They had likewise Sehon king of the Amorites slain. great foison and abundance of all kinds of fruits (in that the harvest was not as yet gathered.) Thus passed the Army through the whole country, foraging and spoiling the same without any resist; by reason that the enemy was discomfited, and that all his forces in war were defeated. This was the destruction which happened to the Amorites, who neither used their counsel The Hebrews possess the land of the Amorites. prudently, nor managed their war valiantly. But the Hebrews occupied their country (situate between three rivers, after the manner of an Island) For the banks of Arnon do terminate the Southern coasts thereof, and jobacchus the Northern, which flowing into jordan, loseth his name: now the Western coast is watered by the river of jordan. Amidst this prosperous estate The situation of the land of the Amorites. Og king of Basan is slain with his army. of the Israelites, there arose a new enemy against them, called Og king of Galadine, & of the countries of Gaulanitis, who came as a friend and companion to assist Sehon; who seeing his fortunes and estate so desolate and desperate, yet in hope to obtain the victory, determined to make trial both of his own men's virtue, and his enemy's valour: which hope of his failed him, for he both died in the battle, and his whole host was likewise discomfited. But Moses no sooner overpassed the flood of jobacchus, but that entering Ogs kingdom, he overthrew one city after another, and destroyed all the inhabitants thereof (who for riches and fruitful pastures exceeded all other men of that country.) Og also was a man of a most heroic and high stature, and nothing inferior thereunto either in strength or virtue; the argument of whose strength and stature was extant in the sack of the chief city & palace of the country of the Ammonites, called Rabatha, where there was an Iron bed found of four cubit's breadth, and nine in length. The fall of this man did not only further the present felicity of the Hebrews, but also became the cause of many their future and more fortunate successes: for they took sixty well fortified cities which were under his government; and what with their privy praies and public pillage, they were all enriched. After this Moses removed his camp towards jordan, and pitched it in a broad plain near unto the city of jericho (which is rich and fruitful, and aboundeth with palm trees and balm) And now were the minds of the Israelites in such sort confirmed, as they desired nothing Ruffin. cap. 5. Hedio cap. 6. more than war and battle; and Moses thinking good to make use of this their forwardness, (having sacrificed to God in way of thanksgiving, and feasted the people) he sent part of them Hierico. armed to destroy the country of the Madianites, and to spoil the cities of that region, the cause of which war had this original. CHAP. VI Of the Prophet Balaam. WHen Balac king of the Moabites (who was both an old friend and confederate with the Madianites) saw the Israelites increase to such greatness, he began to suspect the security Num. 22. 23. 24 of his own fortune and estate: for he knew not that God had inhibited the Hebrews to cover to possess any other country but the land of Canaan, and therefore more rashly then prudently he bethought him of new matters; and for that he durst not assail them in battle, whom he knew to be puffed up with the success of many victories (yet desirous to hinder them from proceeding any further) he sendeth Ambassadors to the Madianites to consult with them, as concerning their common profit. They knowing that beyond Euphrates there was a famous Divine called Balaam (who was their especial friend) sent some of their most honourable princes together with balac's Ambassadors, beseeching him that he would come unto Balacs' king of the Moabites embass. ge to the Madianite. Balacs and the Madianits embassage to Balaam. them and curse the Israelites. The Prophet entertaining the Ambassadors with great humanity, and feasting them at his own table, asked counsel of God as touching that which the Madianites had required at his hands: but seeing that God forbade him to obey them, he returned unto them and told them that he wanted not will to gratify them, but that God withstood him; to whose mercy he ascribed the glory which he had hitherto gotten by true predictions and prophecies: for that army which they desired should be cursed, was dearly beloved by God. For which cause he gave them counsel, that seeking out the Israelites, they should make peace with them under whatsoever conditions: which said, he dismissed the Ambassadors. But the Madianites The year of the world, 2493 before Christ's birth 1471. The second Embassage to Balaam. The Angel resisteth Balaam. The Ass speaketh to Balaa. Balaam is reproved by the Angel. (being instantly requested by Balac) once more sent their Ambassadors unto Balaam to that purpose; who desirous to satisfy them in their demands, consulted with God. But God (offended with him) commanded him to assent to the Ambassadors: and he supposing that God had indeed licenced him therein, departed onward with the Ambassadors. But as he traveled upon the way, the Angel of God came & met him in a certain narrow way, between two mounds or walls made of stones; which when the Ass perceived whereon Balaam was mounted, he started out of the way and thrust Balaam, and crushed him against one of the walls; and neither by the strokes which his rider gave him (being sore grieved by his bruise) nor by any other means might he be drawn forward. And when as neither the Angel forsook the way, neither the Prophet gave over tormenting the Ass, at length the beast falling down by the will of God, spoke to Balaam in a human and articulate voice; blaming him, for that having never before that time received damage by him, he had so cruelly tormented and beaten him; considering that he understood not that God did prohibit him from the performance of that which he desired. Whilst thus he was troubled with the prodigious speech of the Ass, an Angel appeared unto him, blaming Balaam, and telling him that the Ass was not in the fault, but that he hindered his journey, by reason he attempted it against Gods will. Hereat the Prophet terrified, addressed himself to return back again: but God commanded him to prosecute that journey which he had intended, charging him to declare and do that which he should advise and instruct him in. After that God had given him this charge, he went unto Balac, who entertained him honourably, and caused him to be brought to a certain mountain, from whence he might behold the Balaam cometh to Balac. Hebrews camp. Balac also himself being royally attended, accompanied the Prophet, conducting him honourably unto a certain mountain, which overhung the Israelites, being threescore furlongs from their camp. Which when he perceived, he caused the King to build seven Altars, on which he laid seven Bulls, and seven Rams. All which being readily executed by the Balaams' prophecy of the people of Israel. King, he offered a burnt sacrifice, to the end he might presage and foreprophecie the victory: which done, he spoke after this manner. Happy are you, on whom God bestoweth so large a blessing and abundance of riches, and vouchsafeth you his providence for your perpetual guide and assistance. Because there is not any sort of men, before whom in innocency of manners and study of honesty and virtue, you are not to be preferred: your successors also shall have a more famous posterity, because amongst men God only favoureth you, and taketh care that no nation under the Sun shall either exceed or equal you in happiness. You shall likewise possess that land whereto he hath sent you: and your posterity shall be perpetual Lords thereof; and the glory of your name shall fulfil both the whole earth and sea; and so shall your nation be multiplied, that there shall be no nation of the world that snall not be intermixed with your blood and line. Blessed are you (most worthy army) and deserving great admiration, having your increase thus multiplied by the means of one parent. For the land of Canaan at this present shall entertain you, but in little number; but know that hereafter the whole world is destinated for your habitation: so that both in the Islands and in the continent you shall live in so great number, that you shall equal the stars of the firmament. And whereas you are like to grow so innumerable, yet notwithstanding he shall not suffer you to want the utmost of plenty and abundance; neither in war shall he cease to animate and lead you against your enemies. Let your enemies resolve to take arms and to assault you, yet shall there no one return from them to bear message of the victory, or to bring glad tidings to their wives and children. This prudence and prowess is given you by God's providence, who only can and may abase the power of greatness, and repair the weakness of obscurity. Thus spoke the Wizard in his prophetical Balac being displeased reprehendeth Balaam. spirit, being transported beyond himself, and ravished with a supernatural fury. But Balac was sore incensed against him, exclaiming that he had not kept covenant, although by great rewards he had been by his Confederate drawn thither to curse them, urging it against him, that in steed of execrations against them, he had published their piety and praises. To whom the Prophet made this answer: Thinkest thou (said he) that it lieth in our power, as often as destinies are Balaams' answer. to be discovered, to speak or conceal what we list, at such time, as God speaketh in our mouths? No, he himself uttereth those words which him listeth, and publisheth those oracles by us, which neither we know, nor ever thought upon. Verily I sufficiently remember whereunto I was persuaded by the solicitation of the Madianites, & for that cause came I hither, to execute that which they extorted from my hands; but God is more powerful than my will, who contrary to the will of God, and for the particular favour of men, had purposed to speak otherwise: but as soon The year of the world, 2493. before Christ's Nativity, 1471. as he entereth into our hearts, there remaineth no more of ourselves in ourselves. Truly I had determined in myself to speak nothing in their praises, neither was it in my mind to reckon up what God had decreed to bestow upon that nation, but the favourable power which befriendeth them, & studieth nothing more than the felicity & glory of that nation, hath in his prescience put these words into my mouth: now therefore (since it is my desire to gratify both thee, & the Madianites, whose prayers I ought not but admit) go to let us erect new Altars, & prepare fresh sacrifice, and make trial if perhaps God will be moved to grant me licence to curse these kind of men. Hereunto Balac gave his consent, yet did not God ratify those his imprecations made against the Israelites, notwithstanding he had sacrificed twice; so that falling on his face, he declared the occurrences Num. 25. Balaams' prophecy of things to come. of their kingdoms and commonweals, of most esteem (of which some one were not as yet built) and such things likewise as should thereafter happen to those men both by land and sea, even to our days: out of all which things (accomplished according to his predictions) we may gather most assuredly that, which of his prophecy is to be fulfilled, will surely take effect. Balac being sore displeased because the Israelites could not be cursed, sent Balaam back again without honour: who returning homewards (at such time as he came unto Euphrates) called Balac Balaams' counsel against the Hebrews. and the Princes of the Madianites, & spoke thus unto them. Balac and you Princes of Madian, it behoveth me to gratify you (although it be against the will of God) for which cause give ear unto me: All the sorts of death that may be to the uttermost, cannot extinguish the race of the Hebrews, neither by war or pestilence, or famine, or any other chance may they be ruinated: for God hath care to preserve that nation from all evil, so that no slaughter can fall upon them, whereby the whole multitude shall be extinguished: yet in the mean while some things may not be avoided, whereby afflicted for a time; they may presently flourish more than they did before, being by such a chastisement reduced to better health. For which cause if you seek to obtain some short victory over them; by this my counsel you shall bring your wishes to effect. Send me the fairest of your daughters, as trimly decked and beautified as is possible, who by their beauty may conquer, and by their love allure their hearts; let these wander about their camp, and offer themselves to entertain a familiar embrace, if by the young men they shall be solicited thereunto: and as soon as they shall espy them to be surprised with desire, let them suddenly break from them, and when as they shall be required by them to stay, let them not yield, except they will be persuaded to forsake their country laws, and the service of God from whom they received them, and honour the gods of the Madianites, and Moabites. For by this means shall they incense God's wrath against themselves. Which when he had certified and admonished them of, he departed. Now when the Madianites (according as they were counseled) sent out their daughters, the younger sort of the Hebrews were entangled with the beauty of the damsels, and The daughters of the Madianites come to the camp of the Hebrews. growing in talk with them, they prayed them that they would not envy them the opportunity to reap the pleasure and enjoyment of their beauty, neither that they would disdain their intercourse: they willingly both admit the words, and the embraces of the young men, and having well heat them with dalliance, they addressed themselves to leave them in the heat of their desires. Whereupon they discomforted at the women's departure did instantly entreat them, that they should not in that sort forsake them, but that in hope of future marriage and possession of their greatest goods, they should remain and dwell with them. These promises they confirmed with oaths, and sealed with tears, calling God to witness (the rather to persuade and conform them unto mercy) where upon they (after they perceived that they were surprised, and besorted with their company) answered after this manner. Valiant young men, we want not at home neither ample faculties, or the affections of our, parents, and domestical friends; neither edme we hither unto you for want of these things; neither admit will your prayers, in that we mean to make sale of our beauties but being persuaded that you are honest men, we have not disdained to entertain you with this gracious hospitality, in that we see ye had need thereof, and for that cause have we showed ourselves courteous unto you: now therefore because you say you love us, and that you are sore aggrieved at this our departure, we have thought good not to gainsay your entreaties: if therefore you will plight your faith, and promise us marriage (which thing only is that which must satisfy us) we will willingly live with you as your lawful wives; but we fear least when your lusts are satisfied, you should with injury and continuely send us back again to our parents: to which suspect of ours it becometh you (if you so please) to give a lawful pardon. But they promised to give their faith in what manner soever, & refused no condition (by reason of their extreme love.) Well then (said the virgins) since that you are so pleased, and that you have manners so different from others, that you also use your proper meats according The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's Nativity. 1471. The daughters of Madian allure the Israelites to idolatry. to your peculiar manner, neither can you endure that your drink be common with other men's; it behoveth you if you will live with us to adore our gods. For by no other argument may you persuade us that your love is unfeigned, except you honour as we do the same gods: neither shall you be blamed if you honour the Gods of that country into which you are come, considering that our gods are common unto all nations, whereas your god is adored by none other but yourselves. It behoved you therefore (said they) to conform yourselves in opinion with other men, or that you seek out an other world, wherein you might live solely according to your particular policy and religion. The Hebrews blinded with the love which they bore unto the virgins, conceived well of their The Hebrews blinded with the love of the women, revolt from the laws of their fathers words, & consented to that which they said, suffering themselves to be seduced according as they were invited; so that they transgressed the ordinances of their fathers in following strange gods, to whom they purposed to do sacrifice according to the manner of the country. They took pleasure also to eat strange kinds of meats which were prohibited them by the law, & addicted themselves to all kinds of pleasure, according as the women persuaded them; so that the whole army was infected with a dissolute disorder (amongst the younger sort) & a worse mutiny arose thereby then the precedent, wherethrough it was to be suspected, lest the whole course of law and government should be perverted. For the youth having once had a touch of these foreign & lascivious fashions were unsatiably transported with the same: and if there were any more excellent than others in nobility, they together (with the rest of the multitude) were recklessly corrupted. Zambrias also of the tribe of Simeon (& one of the Princes among them) marrying Chosby the Madianite (daughter Zambrias and Chosbi. Moses accuseth the Israelites of idolatry and voluptuousness unto Vri a governor of that country) at the commandment of his wife, & in contempt of Moses laws, for her sake did sacrifice after a foreign manner, & contrary to the law disported with his foreign wife which was a stranger. During this estate of affairs, Moses being afraid lest some more grievous mischief should succeed, called the people together, accusing no man in particular, (for that he was unwilling to draw them into desperation, who whilst they think they lie hidden, may be reduced to a better mind) but he told them that it was a thing unworthy & ill beseeming themselves or their elders, that they should set more by their pleasures, then by God and their religion. That it behoved them whilst they had time, to repent themselves, & that they showed themselves to be valiant men, not by contempt of laws, but by appeasing their disordinate desires. Besides he told them that it was an absurd thing, that whereas in the desert they lived modestly, they should now in a plentiful country grow so dissolute and disordinate, as to lose that by affluence, which they had got by temperance. In such like speeches he endeavoured to correct the youth, and to reduce them to a better mind: whereupon Zambrias rising up, spoke after this manner. Moses (saith he) use thou thine own laws (whereunto by long use thou hast added Zambrias oration against Moses. strength and confirmation) which hadst thou not done, oft times ere this hadst thou suffered punishment, and learned (to thine own misery) that the Hebrews were not to be deluded: for myself thou shalt never tie me to thy tyrannical decrees, for hitherto hast thou endeavoured nought else, but under pretext of law & religion to bring us into servitude and subjection; and thyself by thy subtle and sinister means, to honour and sovereignty; taking from us the pleasures and liberty of our lives (things that belong to free men, and such as appertain or live not under any man's government.) For this should be worse than an Egyptian thraldom to punish every man by thy laws, according to thine own pleasure; whereas thou thyself art more worthy to be punished, in that thou disanullest that thing which is approved by all men's consent: and desirest that thy decrees should be of more force, than all the resolutions of all other mortal men whatsoever. But I (as touching that which I do) in that I suppose it to be well done, am not afraid to confess it in this assembly, namely, that I have taken a stranger to wife: thou hearest mine actions from mine own mouth, as from a free and resolute man, neither do I desire that they should be hidden. I likewise sacrifice to the gods contrary to our custom, because I suppose it to be both just and necessary, that from many I seek the truth, and (not depending as it were upon a tyranny, or living thereunder) to build my faith upon one only: for no man shall please me, that will have more interest in mine actions then myself. Whilst Zambrias alleged this both for himself, and other of his faction; the people silently expected the issue of this audacious boldness, especially for that they saw their lawmaker would not contend any longer, lest he should make an insolent man more outrageous; for he feared least divers such in imitation of him growing impudent in their speeches, should stir up tumults amongst the people: so that the assembly for this time was after this manner dissolved, and perhaps this mischief had taken further head, except Zambrias had been suddenly cut off, by such a means as ensueth. Phinees (both The year of the world, 2493. before Christ's Na●…itie, 1571. in respect of other things, as also the dignity of his father, the chiefest among the youths, and the son of Eleazar the high Priest, whose great uncle Moses was) was grievously discontented with Zambrias contumacy, and least by his impunity the law might grow into contempt, he resolved to be revenged upon the transgressors, being well assured how ●…uch the example of great men prevaileth on both parts: and whereas he was of so much strength of mind and of body, as that he would not attempt any thing rashly which he would not bring to issue, he repaired to Zambrias tent, and at one stroke slew both him and Chosbi his wife. By whose example the rest Phinees thrusteth Zambri, and Chosbi thorough at one time. of the youth (being exasperated by this his worthy act) enforced themselves to do justice on those that had committed the like offence; so that they slew a great part of them by the sword, and the rest by the pestilence (which was inflicted by God's judgement on them) were utterly rooted out. Neither spared he those, who though by reason of consanguinity theyought to have restrained & dissuaded their kinsmen from lewdness, yet had rather either dissemble or kindle their lust in them, than counsel them; neither intermitted he from punishing those men till fourteen thousand of them were done to death by sickness. For which cause Moses (being incensed against the Madianites) Otherwise. 240●…0. Moses sendeth forces against the Madianites. scent out an army to destroy that nation (of which expedition we will presently discourse, after that we have annexed that which was omitted in this history.) For reason would that we should not pretermit to praise the design of our law maker in this behalf. For in regard of Balaam, (sought out by the Madianites under the intent to curse the Hebrews, although he could not do it, being hindered therefrom by the providence of God, who notwithstanding gave that counsel to the enemy, by means whereof within a little space a great multitude of the Hebrews were corrupted in their course of life, and divers have been grievously plagued with sickness) in regard I say of this Balaam, he hath greatly honoured him in chronicling his predictions in his writings. And although it had been easy for him to have deprived him of the glory, and to have appropriated it to himself, by reason that there was not any witness that might contradict him; yet neglected he not to give testimony of him, and to make mention of him in his writings: Yet let every one think of this according as it shall seem good unto him. But Moses (as I began to say) sent an army of twelve thousand men against the Madianites, choosing out of every tribe one thousand soldiers, and appointed Phinees captain over these forces, by whose industry (as a little before I have declared) both the laws were satisfied, and Zambri (that broke the same) was punished. CHAP. VII. The Hebrews fight against the Madianites, and overcome them. But the Madianites (having intelligence that their enemies drew near unto them, and that they were not far o●…f from their borders) gathered their forces together, and beset Hedio cap. 9 Ruffinus. ch. 5. all those passages of their country, by which they thought their enemy might break in, addressing themselves to repulse them with force and valour: but no sooner did Phinees with his forces charge them and set upon them, but that (upon the first encounter) so great a multitude of the Madianites was slain, that the number of the carcases might not be accounted: Five kings of the Madianit●… slain. Otherwise Areceme or Arcae. neither were their kings in like sort saved from the sword. These were Og, Sures, Robeas, Vbes & the fifth Recemus (from whom the chiefest City of the Arabians deriveth his name, and at this day retaineth the same, and is called Receme, which the Grecians had rather call Petra.) The Hebrews having thus put their enemies to flight, foraged the whole Region, and carried and drove away with them a great pray; and killing all the inhabitants thereof both men & women, they only spared the virgins (for this command had Phinees received from Moses hand●…) who returning home with his army in safety, brought with him a memorable and mighty pray of Oxen, fifty A great pray gotten from the Madianites. and two thousand, sixty and seven: of Asses, sixty thousand: of golden and silver vessels a great number (which those of that country were wont to use in their domestical affairs.) For by reason of their great riches, they lived very delicately: there were also led captive from thence about thirty thousand virgins. But Moses (dividing the prey) gave the fiftieth part thereof to Eleazar and the Priests, and to the Levites another fifty: as for the remainder he distributed it N●…. 27. Deut. 3. Moses appointeth josuah for his successor. amongst the people. Whence i●… came to pass, that ever afterwards they lived in great security, having gotten riches by their ver●…ue, and peace also to enjoy the same. Now for that Moses was well stricken in years, he appointed jesus (who if need were might succeed him in the offices, both The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's Nativity. 1471. of a Prophet and a Prince and governor; for God had so commanded that he should make choice of him) to be his successor in the principality. For he was most expert in all divine and human knowledge; being therein instructed by his master Moses. About that time the two tribes of ●…d and Reuben, with the half tribe of Manasses (being abundantly stored with cattle, and all other manner of riches) by common consent besought Moses, that he would give and assign to them in particular the country of the Amorites, which not long since they had conquered by the sword, for that it was full of rich pastures. But he (suspecting least surprised with fear, they did detract and withdraw themselves from the battle of the Chanaanites, and that under pretext of the care of their cattle, they covered their sloth) highly taunted and controlled them, saying, that they were fearful dissemblers: Num. 32. The tribes of Reuben, G●…d, and the half of Manasses, require the l●…d of the Amorites. He accused them likewise, that their desire was to possess that land which was conquered by the common valour of the people, to the end they might lead their lives in idleness and pleasure; and that bearing arms with the rest of the host, they would not help to possess the land beyond jordane which God had promised them, by overcoming those nations which he commanded them to account for their enemies. Who perceiving that he was displeased (lest he should seem to be deservedly incensed against them) answered, that neither thorough fear they fled danger, neither by reason of sloth esteemed labour, but only shot at this, that leaving their prey in commodious places, they might be more fit to enter conflict: saying, that they were ready (if so be they might receive Cities for the defence and receipt of their wives, children, and substance) to follow the rest of the army whither soever they were conducted; and to adventure their lives with them for the common success. Whereupon Moses (allowing their forwardness, and assembling Eleazar the high Priest, and jesus, with the rest of the Magistrates) granted them the land of the Amorites, with this condition, that (together with the people joined unto them in c●…nsanguinitie) they should warfare against their common enemy, till all things were accomplished according to their desires: and by this means having received that which they demanded, and building them walled Cities, they left their children, wives, and substance in the same. Moses also builded ten Cities in that Region (which are to be reckoned in the number of those forty and eight) Num. 35. Deut. 4. 43. jos. 20. in three whereof he appointed sanctuaries and places of refuge, which they only might take benefit of, who fled thither for chaunce-medlie; and he appointed them their term of exile till such time as the high Priest died, under whom the manslaughter was committed: at such time they might safely return into their country. And during the time of their exile, it was lawful for any of the kin, to take revenge against the offender by his death, only at The Cities of refuge. such time as he found him without the City of refuge, and that right he only ratified to those that were akin, but not unto others. Now the Cities of refuge were these: in the confines of Arabia Bosora: in the Region of Galadena, Arimanum: in the country of Bataneades, Gauladeaman: And after the conquest of Chanaan so many Cities of the Levites (by the commandment of Moses) were appointed to that end that they might give refuge and habitatior to such sort of offenders. At that time when one of the Magistrates called Salpades, of the tribe of Manasses, was dead (and had only left behind him children of the worse sex) the governors of the tribe came unto Moses, and asked his counsel, whether in the distribution Num. 27. 36 The daughters of Salpades have their inheritance in their father's place. of the lands, they should levy out any part of portion for them: who answered them, that if they married within their tribe, they should have their dowry; but if they made choice to handfast themselves in an other tribe, that then they should lose their patrimony in their own: and for this cause made he this ordinance, to the end that every tribe should continually possess his proper inheritance. But whereas now there remained but thirty days only, to fulfil the number of those forty years since their departure The history of Deuteronomy. out of Egypt, he (summoning an assembly in that place near to jordan, where now the City of Abila is situate, environed with a field beset with Palm trees) as soon as he Ruffin, cha. 5. Hedio. chap. 8. Deut. 4. saw the people addressed to hear him, spoke unto them after this manner. CHAP. VIII. The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's birth 1471. Moses Laws, and how he was taken out of this world from the company of men. MY dear friends and fellow soldiers, companions in my long travel, since it is so thought requisite by God, and mine age (attaining to the full number of one hundredth and twenty years) requireth no less, but that I must depart out of this life; and since Moses oration unto the people before his death. it seemeth not good in God's sight, that either I should be agent; or assistant in your affairs beyond jordan: I have thought it requisite that (in as much as appertaineth to your felicity) I should not now also fail or default in my duty towards you; but that according to the grace that is given me, I should provide, that by laying open the way unto you that leadeth to the same, I may seem worthy amongst you to merit eternal glory & memory. Give therefore ear unto me, that when as I have first declared unto you, wherein both your felicity and the happiness of your posterity consisteth, and have left this perpetual testimony & monument of my entire love towards you, I may willingly depart out of this life: for well I know that I deserve to be credited by you, both for that before times I have incessantly (in studying for your profits) never deceived you, as also for that the soul (being ready to be separated from the body) becometh more accomplished in all virtue and verity. Ye sons of Israel, there is but one only cause whereby men attain unto felicity, to wit, the favour of God, which he is only able to give to those that deserve it, and to withdraw if from those that offend him: towards whom if you continue dutiful (according as he requireth, and in such manner as I according to his direction, do institute you) you shall never fail to multiply in virtue, and to draw all men into emulation of your happiness, and that which is more, those goods which you have now obtained shall be perpetual, and that which you want shall shortly be plentifully bestowed on you. Only endeavour you yourselves to be subject to Gods will, and obedient to his commandments: and neither propose unto your Moses exhorteth the people to be obedient to Gods will. selves any other laws than those I have given you, neither thorough contempt innovate any thing in your religion. Which if you shall perform, you shall excel all other nations in war, and grow invincible against your enemies: for by God's assistance all threats are easily contemned. Moreover there are great rewards (in all the course of life) proposed unto virtue, and she herself to herself is a chief and especial reward: beside, by her all other blessings are easily obtained, which if you entertain amongst yourselves, you shall both lead a blessed life & obtain immortal glory, not only amongst strangers, but also in all posterities. These things are you to hope upon, if neither you yourselves violate those laws which (by God's command, and mine industry) The promise of God's assistance. are set down unto you, neither suffer any other to violate the same, but in yourselves continually meditate upon the understanding & use thereof. As for myself, I depart this life in fullness of joy, rejoicing at these your good fortunes, & commending you all to the laws of piety and prudence, & the virtue of your guides & magistrates, who hereafter are to take care of your safe●…ie and felicity. God likewise, under whose conduct you have lived (and to whose favour you owe whatsoever profit you have received by me) will not fail to take care of you, but (as long Obedience to the Magistrates. as you shall honour both him and piety, so long shall you remain in security under his protection: neither shall you want such men, who shall give you ghostly instructions, whose counsels if you obey, you shall be fortunate (namely Eleazar the high priest, & jesus, with the Senate and Magistrates of the tribes) towards whom beware that you grow stiff-necked, knowing and remembering this, that he that is instructed to obey well (when he shall attain unto dignity) will govern well. Neither suppose you that liberty consisteth herein, if you mutiny against the commandments of your Princes: for hitherto have you reposed your liberty in your contumacy towards your benefactors; from which sin if hereafter you shall bless yourselves, you shall see your estate wax still more flourishing, and fortunate: And God forbid that you should ever be so exasperated against these, as you have been sometimes incensed against me. For if you remember yourselves, I have been more oftentimes in hazard of my life by your means, then by the enemy: Which I speak not therefore unto you to vpb●…aid you therewith; for I would not leave you afflicted with the remembrance hereof, at the hour of my death, (who even at that time entertained the injury with a quiet mind) but to the end that being by me admonished, you should henceforward be wiser in those things which hereafter shall concern you; and lest you should grow contumelious against your governors, being made proud with the affluence of your riches, which you shall enjoy at such time as you have overpassed jordan, and conquered Chanaan. Otherwise if made more insolent by these blessings you fall into contumacy and contempt of virtue, God's favour will never The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's Nativity. 1471. be extended towards you; whom if by your sins you shall incense against yourselves, you shall both lose the land which you have conquered by your courage (by being shamefully oppressed by your enemies) and being dispersed over the face of the whole earth, you shall fill both the land and sea with your servitude; which if it should come to pass, than were it too late to repent you, that you have not observed the laws of your nation. Wherefore (to the intent to avoid this danger, and for fear you violate the same) suffer not any of your enemies, after your victory is once gotten, to live; and think it more conducible for your affairs, for fear least living with them, and entangled in the like studies & delights, you corrupt The Israelites are commanded to kill their enemies, and destroy their idols. and deprave your country laws and institutions. Moreover, I command you to destroy their woods, their altars, and temples, as many soever as you shall meet with, and so to raze them both with fire and flame, as there may not remain any token or memory of them any more: For so shall you more safely maintain your estates. But least through ignorance of better things, your nature be depraved by the worse, by God's commandment I have written you laws, and a form of administration both of the common weal, and your private estates; from which if you shall no ways divert or wander, you shall prove the most fortunate people of the earth. When he had spoken these things, he delivered them a book, containing in writing their laws, Moses delivereth the I●…raelites a book wherein their laws and manner of life was written. and customs of good life: which when they had heard and received, they melted in tears, and now lamented they both for the loss of their Captain, as also for that they remembered them how many perils he had suffered, and how diligently he had procured their safety and security: & they grew careful of the time to come, for that they were not like to recover so good a Prince: and they suspected likewise that God would not hereafter be so favourable unto them, in that they had not a Moses to pray for them. Besides, they repented them of those things which (through fury) they committed against him in the desert, and were grievously sorry; so that all the people (breaking out into tears) would admit no consolation. But Moses recomforted them, and prayed them to give over weeping, & encouraged them to receive their laws: and so for this time dissolved the assembly. But now before I address myself to manifest the rest, I have thought it meet to insert in this place the laws of this lawgiver, worthy both his majesty and virtue: ●…awes made by Moses. Ru●…finus. ch. 7. The excuse of the Writer of this History why he innovated the order of the laws. whereby the Reader may know what our laws have been, even from the first time, and institution of our common weal. For all those things are extant which this man wrote, for that we need not feign or affix any thing in way of ornament: we have only renewed the order, and those laws which he scatteringly set down according as he received them from God, we have generally digested into their places: whereof I thought good to admonish the Reader, for fear lest hereafter any of our Tribes coming to the view hereof, should rashly accuse me, for that I had not scarce faithfully delivered the writings & institutions of Moses. Now will I reckon up those laws in especial, which appertain to the public institution and rites of our Nation: but those things that concern private customs and contracts, either betwixt ourselves or foreign nations, I have deferred to be discoursed of in that commentary, wherein (by God's assistance) I intent to debate of our manners and method in sacred causes. After that you have gotten the land of Canaan, built your cities, and have begun in security Item the Israelites shall live in the land of Canaan. A sacred city and Temple in Canaan. to reap the fruit thereof; in observation of these commandments, you shall gratify God highly, and establish your achieved felicity. Let there be one sacred city in the region of Canaan, situate in a famous & fertile place, which God shall make choice of for himself, and his Prophets: In the same let there be one only Temple built, and one Altar erected of rough and unpolished stones, & such as are gathered here and there, which shall be conveniently placed and finished with decency, as touching the outward ornament: and let not the ascent of the same be made by degrees, but let the earth be easily and fitly raised. But in any other City let there neither be Altar, nor Temple: for God is one, and the Hebrew nation is one. Whosoever shall blaspheme God, let him be stoned to death, and hanged for a day, and be afterwards ignominiously Blasphemy against God. and obscurely buried. Let all the Hebrews from their several provinces assemble themselves thrice in the year in the sacred City and Temple; that they may give thanks unto God for the benefits they Leuit. 4. Deut. 16. Thrice in the year the Hebrews ought to meet. have received, and that they may by their prayers demerit his graces in future time; and that by their conversation and mutual entertainments, they may increase their benevolence and love the one towards the other. For it is behoveful that they should know one another, who are of the same stock, and are delighted in the same studies. And this very fitly falleth out by their meetings after this kind of manner, whilst both the countenance and discourse as yet taketh deep root in men's minds; as chose, they that never meet, it behoveth them to be strangers The year of the world, 2493. before Chri●…s Na●…tie, 1571. Tenths. De●…. 18. the one unto the other. Besides, let the tenth part of the fruits (besides them that are due to the Priests and Levites) which you are accustomed to sell in your markets (being reduced into ready money) be spent on sacrifices and banquets in the sacred City. For it is requisite to celebrate feasts in God's honour of the fruits of the earth, which we have received from his hands. Let no sacrifice be made of the hire of an harlot: for neither doth any thing delight God which is annexed with injury; neither is there greater uncleanness, than the shameful and unlawful The hire of a harlot. mixture of our bodies. Likewise, if any man take reward for covering a bitch (whether she be for the chase, or for the flock) it is not lawful to make sacrifice unto God thereof. Let no man speak ill of those gods which other countries and Cities suppose to be gods. Let no man spoil any strange Other gods. Deut. 22. Linen and woollen. Deut. 11. The book of the law is to be read on the fea●…t of the Tabernacles. Temple, nor take that which is dedicated to any god. Let no man wear a garment woven of linen and woollen, for it belongeth only to the Priests. Every seventh year, when the people shall be assembled together in the sacred City to sacrifice upon the feast of Tabernacles, at such time as the feast approacheth, the high Priest from a high pulpit (from whence he may be heard by the whole multitude) shall read the law unto all of them: so that neither women nor children shall be exempted from the hearing of the same, no not the very slaves and bondmen. For it is requisite that they retain the perpetual memory thereof always imprinted in their minds: for so shall they sin the less, in that they understand what is decreed in the law. The laws likewise shall be of more force in the consciences of those that shall offend, whilst they infix in the minds of those that hear them, their doctrines intermingled with menaces: so that the will to perform the law shall never be inwardly extinguished; & besides that the remembrance will live in them, how many plagues they incur by contempt thereof. Let children in especial learn the laws, than which discipline there is not any more honest, neither Children shall learn the law. Deut. 6. more conducible unto felicity. Twice in the day, in the morning, & in the evening about bed time, let God be honoured for his benefit of our deliverance out of Egypt. For it is a thing in ●…ture reasonable, to give thanks unto God as well in acknowledgement of the goods which we have before time received, as in expectation of his future mercies. The chief of these also are to be written over our doors, and worn on our arms: and those things which declare his Th●… signs of the law. power and beneficence, are to be borne about written on the head and arms, that every way God's bounty may be seen towards his people. In every City or township let there be seven governors, such as are approved in virtue and famous for their justice: let each one of these magistrates The seven P●…dents. Honour to the Magistrate. have two ministers of the tribe of Levi. Let those that are appointed judges in the Cities be held in high reputation: so that in their presence no man presume either to urge contumelies, or injurious speeches: for so shall it come to pass that men accustomed to do reverence, shall also exercise themselves in piety, and grow so much the farther from contempt of God and his power. Whatsoever seemeth good to the judges to decree, let that be held inviolable; except it be apparent that they be corrupted with money, or that they may be manifestly convicted of a wrongful judgement. They ought likewise to judge without respect of lucre or dignity, and prefer justice before all other things: for this injury sorteth out to God's contumely, as if it were to be supposed, that he is to be suspected to be weaker than they, for whose sake they wrest the The office of judges. law contrary to equity: for God's power is justice; he therefore that giveth judgement in favour and partiality of great men, he maketh them greater than God himself. And if the judges cannot justice is God's power. determine of the matter in question (as it oftentimes falleth out) let them refer the cause to the sacred City, and then shall the high Priest and the Prophet, with the assistance of the Senate, determine that which shall be convenient. The testimony of one witness shall not be received, but of three, or at leastwise of two, whose testimony shall be made good by the examination of their behaviour and life. As for women, it Deut. 19 is not lawful for them to bear any witness; by reason of the levity and temerity of that sex. Neither is it lawful for a man servant to bring in testimony, by reason of his degenerate and ignoble The punishment of a fall witness. Deut. 21. mind: for it is to be suspected, that either for lucre sake, or for fear, he will depose an untrue testimony. And if any false witness shall fortune to be believed, and he afterwards be convicted of perjury, let him be subject to that penalty, which he should have endured that should have been cast by his false accusation. If manslaughter be committed in any place, and the offender may not be found out, neither there appear any likelihood, that the man is slain of malice, Of homicide committed. let there be a diligent and careful inquisition made (with rewards prefixed to the discoverer) but if no probabilities or conjectures may be gathered, then let the magistrates of the The year of the world, 2493. before Christ's birth 1471. next Cities (that adjoin the place where the slaughter is committed) and the ancients of the same, assemble together, and measure from the place where the dead body lieth: and let the township that is found to be nearest, and the inhabitants thereof, buy a Heifer which they shall bring into a place unlaboured and unplanted, where they shall (after they have cut the nerves of the neck) kill it, and the Priests, the Levites and ancients of the City shall wash their hands in the blood: then shall they lift up their hands over the head of the said Heifer, and cry out with a loud voice, that they have their hands clean from that homicide, the which they have not done, neither were they present at such time as it was perpetrated; and they shall call upon the mercy of God, beseeching him not to permit that any such grievous accident ever fall out in their country. The government of the Peers is the best kind of regiment of all other sorts of government, take you therefore heed that you desire no other form of policy, but retain and continue the Aristocracy the best kind of government. Deus. 17 same, having no other superiors but the laws; and managing your affairs by yourselves. For it sufficeth you that God is your Prince. Yet notwithstanding if you shall grow in desire to have a King, see that you elect one of your own nation, that he in all things be studious to procure justice and all other virtues, persuading Of the election of a king. himself that God and the laws are most upright: Let him not undertake any thing without the advice of the high Priest, and the counsel of the elders. Let him not have divers wives, neither let him hunt after huge treasures, nor multitudes of horse: for fear least possessing them, he become so insolent, as that he raise his power and will above the laws: and if you see him affectioned unto these things, beware lest he grow more puissant than is expedient for you. It is not lawful for any man to remove the land marks, neither of his own land, or any other man's whatsoever; for by this means is the peace conserved: Let each one therefore forbear Deus 19 The bounds of lands are not to be removed to remove them, because they are as the voice of God, assured for ever. For wars and soldiers are raised thereby, when such as would augment their inheritance, strive always to enlarge the bounds of their dominion: And they that are so hardy to remove the same, are not far from contempt of the laws. He that shall plant a piece of ground, and the trees begin to fructify before the fourth year, the first fruits thereof shall not be offered unto God, neither shall any man eat thereof, by reason Leui●…. 25. The plants that are not of four years growth are prohibited. that the time is inconvenient, and permitteth not that the trees should fructify as yet; and nature herself is as it were enforced before her time, whereby the fruit is neither convenable for God, nor convenient for the use of man. But all that fruit that shall grow in the fourth year (for then is the time that the trees should bear) shall be gathered and brought into the holy City (together with the tenth of all other fruits) and they shallbe eaten during the feast which the Lord thereof maketh to his friends, and with Orphans and Widows: But in the fifth year it shall be lawful for him to gather the fruit for himself. Sow not a field that is planted with vines, for it sufficeth that it nourisheth one sort of plants: so that it needeth not to be laboured and manured with the plough. The land is to be ploughed Vines to 〈◊〉 planted. The law of the plough. with Oxen: neither are any other sorts of beasts to be yoked with them, but the tillage must always be performed by beasts of the same kind. The seeds also ought to be clean and without any mixture; so that two or three sorts ought not to be sowed together: for nature alloweth not a commixtion of things that are different. It is not lawful also to cover the female with a male of an other kind: for it is to be feared that this filthiness should draw men to forget themselves; and grow in contempt of that sex which is appropriate unto them: for it often falleth out, that from small beginnings things wax worse and worse. For nothing aught to be admitted, by the imitation whereof, there might chance to grow any maim in policy: for which cause the laws dissemble not (no not the lightest) things, to the end they may no way seem to be deficient in their nature. They that mow and reap corn, ought not to glean, but to leave some ears for those that are in necessity, to the end to succour them. They likewise that plant vines, aught to leave some clusters for the poor, and some fruit on the Olive trees, to the intent that they that have none of these, may gather some little thing for their relief: for the owners of the field shall not reap so much profit by the sparing inning of their corn, as may be compared with the good and profit Some glean are to be left for the poor in the field. which the poor shall reap by their gleaning: for God will bring to pass that their land (who regard not their particular profit, but shall have care of the nourishment of those that are in necessity, shall be far more fat and fertile to bring forth and nourish her fruit. Neither is the mouth of the Ox to be mouzled, at such time as he treadeth the corn in the The year of the world. 2493. before the Nativity of Christ. 1571. De●…. 25. Oxen ●…eading or g●…inding. Trauelle●…s a●…e not to be d●…uen away from ripe fruits. mow: for it standeth not with reason, that they who have been partakers of the labour, and have traveled for the increase of the fruits, should be bridled from the use and benefit thereof. Neither ought the travailer also in his journey to be denied to gather and taste the fruits of Autumn; but he is to be permitted to take his fill, as if they were his own, whether he be of the country or a stranger, who shall depart joyfully, in that they have been made partakers of such fruit; but it is not lawful for them to carry any away with them. They likewise that gather grapes, ought not to forbid any man to taste of them as they bear them to the press: for it is an unjust thing, that the goods which are given by the will of God for the sustenance of man, should be denied them that desire to taste the fruit which God giveth in due season, and must suddenly pass away. They likewise are to be invited, that through shame make nice to touch the same, yea and to be entreated to take part (if they be Israelites) for such are companions and masters, in that they are of the same race; and if they travel into any place they ought to be entreated to take part of those benefits which God presented unto them according to the season. For it is not to be supposed, that that is ill employed, which in way of courtesy a man permitteth another man to take, since it is God that furnisheth and giveth the abundance and fo●…son of all things, not to the end to enjoy them in private, but also to bestow them willingly; and he it is that by this means would declare unto other people, the good will he beareth to the people of Israel, and the felicity whereof he maketh them partakers, by reason that in that abundance which they have, his will is that other men should have part thereof. But whosoever shall do the contrary, let him be chastised Thirty nin●… stripes. for this his dishonesty, and in public receive thirty nine stripes (if he be a free man) for that making himself a slave unto his gain, he hath dishonoured his excellent quality. It shall very well become you (said Moses) since you have tasted miseries both in Egypt and the desert; that you have care of those who are in like estate; and for that you are made rich by God's mercy and providence, it behoveth and becometh you to impart somewhat to the indigent, who at the present are in that estate in which you were. Besides the two tenths which I commanded you yearly to pay (the one to the Levites, and The tenth for the poo●…e. The first fruits Deu●…. 26. the other for your festivals) you shall for every year annex a third, to be distributed amongst the poor, to women, widows and orphans. Incontinently after a man hath gathered his first fruits, he shall bring them to the Temple; & after he hath given thanks unto God (for that the land which he hath given him in possession hath brought forth fruit) and as soon as he hath accomplished that sacrifice (which the law commandeth him to make) he shall give the first portion to the Priests. And after he hath done all that which concerneth him to do (as well the tenths unto the Levites, as also those other things which were ordained for the feasts, and first fruits) being ready to return unto his home, let him stand upright near unto the Temple, and above all things, give thanks unto God, that having delivered them from the grievous servitude of Egypt, he hath given them a plentiful and ample land to enjoy: and making protestation that he hath paid the tenths according to Moses law, let him beseech God that he will be favourable both to himself in private, and the Hebrews in public; and that he will continue those goods unto him which hitherto he hath bestowed upon him, and of his great goodness and mercy vouchsafe to increase them. Let those that are of full years to be married, match themselves with virtuous virgins, and Of marriage. such as are borne of honest parents. And he that will not take a virgin to wife, let him not abuse himself with one that is married to another man, lest he breed discontent and sorrow in her first husband. Let not free men match themselves with such as are servants, no not although they be Free men ought not to marry servants. thereunto moved by love. For it is a thing worthy and besitting honour, to surmount a man's affections. Let no man meddle with an Harlot (whose sacrifice God refuseth, by reason of the filthiness The marriage of an harlot. of her body.) For the children shall be of a free heart, and addressed in virtue, not if they be engendered in villainous and unlawful concupiscence; but if they be begotten and borne by a free father and mother. If any one that is married for a virgin, be afterwards found to the contrary, let her be brought before the judge, and let him produce all the signs that he can, The penalty of a woman married for a virgin, and not found so. and let the new married wives 'cause be defended by her father, or brother, or by them who next unto them shall seem to be her next in blood; and if the damosel be found to have committed no crime, let her return & dwell with him that hath accused her, who cannot any more refuse her, except she give him great occasions, whereunto she cannot contradict. But he that Deu●…. 24. without cause and rashly shall accuse and slander his wife, he shall be punished with thirty nine The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's Nativity. 1471. stripes; and in way of amends shall pay fifty sickles to her father. But if it be proved that she hath been deflowered; and hath been common, then shall she be stoned to death, for that she hath not chastely conserved her virginity, till the time of her lawful marriage; and if she be of the race of the Priests, she shall be burned alive. If any man have two wives, the one of which he holdeth in great honour and amity, either for love, or by reason of her beauty; and that the other be not in the like condition and estimate; Deut 21. The first begotten should hold his right. if the son of her that is better beloved, demandeth to have the prerogative of the elder, which is two portions of that which cometh to all the rest by his father's patrimony (for so much import our ordinances) and challengeth the same by reason that his father more dearly loveth his mother then the other, let it not be granted him. For it is an act against justice, that the eldest should be deprived of that which appertaineth unto him, because his mother's condition is inferior to that of the others, by reason of his father's affection. Whosoever shall violate a maiden being betrothed to another man (if by persuasion she hath consented to lie with him) let her die with him. For they are both of them equally guilty The punishment of adultery, or rather ravishing, Deut. 22. of sin: the man, because he hath persuaded the maiden to suffer an insufferable dishonour, and to prefer her lust before an honest marriage: and the maid, for suffering herself to be overcome, and abandoning her body to villainy either for lust or lucre's sake: But if meeting her alone he enforce her, and she have none to succour her hard by, let him die alone. He that shall deflower the virgin that is unmarried, he shall take her to wife: but if he condescend not to the father to entertain her in wedlock, he shall pay fifty sickles for amends of The deflowering of a virgin the injury. If any man pretend to separate himself from his wife for certain causes, such as ordinarily happen amongst married couples: let him confirm it in writing, that he will never more entertain her again, and so may she marry again unto another, and refuse the former husband: And if it happened that she were evil entreated by the second, or that he being dead, the first would take her again in marriage, it is not lawful for the wife to return unto him. If the brother of him that is deceased without issue, take to wife her whom his deceased brother had married; and that the son which was borne by this second wedlock, beareth his name: let Leuit. 25. The wife of the dead brother married. him be brought up as the successor of his inheritance (which thing is granted for public profit sake to the end that families should not come to ruin, and that the goods should remain to those of the same kindred.) Furthermore it is allowed for the comfort of afflicted women, that they may be joined in marriage with the next akin of their first husbands: but if the brother will not take her to wife, she shall repair unto the Senate and make this protestation, that the brother of her deceased husband will not entertain her (although she had desired to remain in that line, and bring forth infants unto him) protesting that by him only the memory of her deceased husband was dishonoured. And when the Senate shall have examined the cause why he estrangeth himself from this marriage, his excuse shall be allowed of how great or slight consequence soever it be; and then shall the widow unloose his shoe, and spit in his face, and tell him that he hath deservedly suffered these things, in that he hath injured the memory of his dead brother: and thus shall he depart out of the court, being defamed for his whole life time, and the woman may marry whomsoever she list. If any man take a virgin prisoner, or such a one as hath been already married, and be desirous to take her to his wife, it is not lawful for him to touch or approach her before such time as Marriage with a bondman. Deut. 21. she hath been shaven, and (having put on her mourning apparel) hath bewailed her parents, or friends slain in battle: but after she hath in this sort assuaged her sorrow, she may afterwards addict herself to mirth and marriage. For it is a matter both honest and just, that he that entertaineth her to have issue by her, should condescend unto her will in all that wherein he might gratify her, and that he should not only addict himself to the pursuit of his pleasure: when as then The lamentation & mourning of thirty days. the thirty days of mourning shall be expired (for that time is sufficient for the wife to bewail her friends in) then may she hearken after marriage: and if after he hath had his pleasure with her, it fortune that he mislike her, and will not accept her for his wife, he can no more make her his slave, but she may go whither soever she pleaseth, for that she beareth with her, her liberite. All those young men that shall make no reckoning of their fathers and mothers, and that shall not do them that honour which belongeth unto them (whether the same proceed of shame, or Deut. 21. Disobedience. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. spring from folly, by which means they grow to neglect their duty) these first of all shall be admonished by discreet counsel of their parents (who are by nature appointed sufficient judges The year of the world. 2493. before the Nativity of Christ. 1571. in that behalf) who shall signify unto them, that they were matched together in matrimony, not for their pleasure's sake, neither that by uniting their possessions, they might become the more richer; but to the end they might beget children, who might nourish them in their age, and minister unto them in their necessities. That they had received them at God's hands with great thanksgiving and infinite joy, and brought them up with great care and diligence, sparing nothing that might appertain to their sustenance or instruction. Now therefore (shall they say, surely the follies of youth are to be pardoned) let this suffice you that hitherto you have forgotten your duty: for which cause, remember yourself, and grow wise: thinking with yourself that God is grievously offended against those who disobey or disdain their parents, by reason that he himself is the father of all mankind, who seemeth to be prejudiced in himself, in that dishonour which is done unto those that bear his name, at such time as they receive not such duty from their children's hands, as he commandeth. The law likewise inflicted an mevitable punishment against such, which thou oughtest with all providence to prevent and not incur. If by these medicines the unbridled irregard of youth may be healed, let no man either impute or reproach him in his submission: for in so doing, the lawmaker shall be accounted merciful, and the parents shall be held to be happy, when as they see that their son or daughter is exempt from punishment. But if such speeches and instructions of the father are set light by the son, let the laws be irreconcilable enemies against such continual outrages committed by the children against their parents, and let them drag them out of the City in the sight and presence of all the people, and there let him be stoned to death: and after the offender hath lain there a whole day in the sight of the people, let him be interred and buried by night. In like manner ought they to be buried, who for any occasion whatsoever are condemned and executed by justice. Let the enemy also be interred after the same manner, and let no dead man lie unburied after such time as he hath been judged, and hath satisfied the laws. Enemies to be buried. Deut. 23. It is not lawful for any Hebrew to lend upon usury, whether it be meat or drink: for it is an unjust thing to make profit of the forumes of the tribes; but it is better to succour their necessities; and impute their thanksgiving and God's retribution, to be a gain unto them, which are wont to follow such kind of benefits. But they that have borrowed either money or any fruit, either dry or moist; when as by the favour and assistance of God, they shall reap their own That which is borrowed must be paid. Deut. 24. A pledge. harvest and gather their fruit, let them make a willing restitution to those that have lent them, as if they laid them up for themselves, to possess them at such time as they had need of them. But if there be any so impudent as they will not make satisfaction, let no man enter into their houses to take a pawn, before the judges have given order that the pledge should be demanded before their door; and the debtor without contradiction shall bring it unto him, being assisted by the majesty of the law. If he of whom the pledge is taken have sufficient ability, the creditor may retain the gage, till such time as he be paid: but if he be poor, he shall restore him his pawn before the sun set; and especially if it be any garment whereon he is accustomed to sleep: for God doth naturally bestow his mercy on those that are poor. It is not lawful to receive in way of gage either a mill, or aught else that belongeth thereunto; lest any debtor should be deprived of the necessary instruments to provide his victuals with, and he should endure any evil thorough poverty. Let him that committeth any theft be punished with death, but he that hath stolen either gold or silver, let him restore it twofold. If any man kill such as break into Theft. their houses to rob them, or they that break their walls, let not such a one be punished. Who so shall steal a beast shall restore four for it, except it be an Ox, for which one shall satisfy fivefolde and if the thief want means to pay this penalty, let him be their slave against whom they have trespassed, and at whose suit they are condemned. If any one be sold unto one of his own tribe, let him serve him seven years, and at the seven years end, he shall depart with liberty: An Hebrew slave is to be set at liberty after seven years. but if during the time that he remaineth with the buyer, he beget any child upon a female fellow slave, and that he be willing to serve by reason of the good affection and great amity that he beareth unto the house, in the year of lubile (which happeneth every fiftieth year) let him be set at liberty, leading away with him his children, & wife, with their freedom. If any man find money or gold by the way, let him seek out him that hath lost it, and make known the place where he Goods that are sound. found it, to the intent he may restore it, knowing that the profit is not good, which cometh and accrueth by an other man's injury. The like is to be done with beasts, for if any man find them strayed in the desert, if he find not out the owner, let him presently keep it by him, taking God to witness that he will not detain with him an other man's goods. If any man find an other man's beasts bemired or bebogd, let him not pass further, but secure them: or if he find them The year of the world. 2493. before Christ's Nativity. 1471. travailed with foul weather, let him endeavour himself to save the same, and help him that is the owner, not sparing or making nice of any labour. Let each man direct the ignorant travailer in his way, and set him in the right path if he wander, without deluding him, or hindering him in his necessities, or misleading him in his journey. Let no man speak ill of him that is either absent or deaf. If any man be strooken in a quarrel, and it be not with a weapon, let him that struck him be presently punished in receiving the like Deut. 22 The law of violence. outrage, as he hath offered him. But if he be carried into his house, and lie sick upon it divers days, and in the end die thereof, he shall be exempt of the penalty. But if he escapeth, and during the time of his sickness hath been greatly hindered and charged; then let him that struck him pay all the charges he hath been at during the time he kept his bed, and satisfy the Physicians. He that with his foot shall strike a woman with child, if the woman miscarry, he shall be by the judges amerced in a sum of money: for that he hath lessened the number of the people by the loss of him that is dead in his mother's womb. Let him likewise be condemned to pay a sum of money unto the husband. But if the woman die of the stroke, he that offered the violence must die the death also, by reason that the law justly ordaineth, that life should be satisfied with life. Let not any one among the Israelites use any mortal poison, nor any drug that may do hurt unto any man: and if any man be found with such things about him, let him die, dying that death Poison. which he determined they should suffer, for whom he had prepared the poison. Who so hath maimed any man, or pulled out his eye, let him in like manner be maimed and blinded, being deprived Talions law. of the same member of his body whereof he hath deprived another man; except he that is maimed had rather have a pecuniary amends, by reason that the law remitteth it to the election of the offender to estimate his injury, and if he will be more severe he may. If any one have an Ox that striketh with his horn, let him kill him: and if the same Ox striketh and killeth any Of an Ox striking with his horn. man in the field, or mow, let him be stoned to death, and let no man eat the flesh thereof. And if it be approved that the master which oweth the same hath heretofore known the quality of the beast, and hath not taken order he should do no harm, let him also he put to death, as being the author of the murder committed by the Ox. But if the said Ox kill a slave, either male or female, he shall be stoned; and the owner thereof shall pay thirty fieles to the master of the slave that is slain. If one Ox be strooken by another, so as he die thereof, let both of them (both that which is dead, and that which struck the other to death) be sold, and the price thereof shall be departed equally betwixt both their owners. They that dig a pit or cesteme, must be careful that they enclose and fence it in with planks or bars, not to hinder any man from drawing water, Deut. 21. A pit. but least any man by misfortune should fall into the same. And if any man's beast shall fall into the same (and it undefenced) the owner of the pit must pay to the owner of the beast the price thereof: and ever after let it be covered as it were with a wall; for fear lest any thereafter fall into the same. Let him that receiveth any thing in trust keep it carefully, as a thing sacred and Deut. 24. divine; and let neither man nor woman attempt to alien that which is committed to his custody, although thereby he might gain an infinite sum of gold; and although there were not any man that could convince him thereof. For since that generally the conscience knoweth the same, every one ought to endeavour himself to deal uprightly; & supposing himself to be a sufficient witness against himself, let him do those things which are laudable in the sight of men, but in especial that which is pleasing to God; from whose sight no wrongful dealing is concealed: if notwithstanding he to whom this trust is committed (without any fraud on his part) shall chance to lose the thing that is so left in trust; let him present himself before seven judges, and there take an oath that nothing is lost by his will or witting; & that he hath not converted any part dierof to his own use, whereupon let him be dismissed without any further enquiry. But if he have made use of the least part of that which hath been committed to his charge & trust, and that he happen to lose it, In the same place. he shall be condemned to restore all that which was committed to his keeping. As it hath been ordained in respect of matters in trust, the like is decreed as touching hire which is due unto the labourer; and let each man take heed lest he defraud a poor man of his hire, knowing that Hire. God gave him his hands in stead of lands and other possessions. For which cause the payment of hire ought not to be deferred, but satisfied the same day, by reason that God permitteth not that the labourer should lose the fruit of his travel. The children shall not be punished for the misdeeds Children are not to be punished for their parents offences. of their parents, but if they be virtuous and are begotten by lewd fathers, they rather merit that men should have compassion of them, then that they should hate them: neither are the offences of the children to be imputed to the parents, by reason that youth oftentimes engageth The year of the world, 2493. before Christ's Nativity, 1471. eunuchs. itself in those follies, which he neither learned by examples, nor for which he endureth not to be reproved. eunuchs are to be detested, and their companies to be fled, because they deprive themselves of manhood, and the gift of begetting children, which God hath given unto men for the increase of mankind. Such people therefore are to be driven far from us, and esteemed wholly inexcusable, who kill their children before they be borne. For it is a matter very manifest, that their spirits being effeminate, their bodies also are degenerate. Each thing also that is monstrous to behold, is to be driven away: neither is it lawful to geld either men or beasts. Let this be the disposition of those laws, wherewith you shall be pollicied and governed in time of peace, and God be favourable unto you, and give you grace to use them in good order, and without confusion. And since it cannot otherwise be but that human affairs must sometimes fall into troubles and dangers, somewhiles beyond desire and expectation, and otherwhiles of set purpose: I will briefly set you down certain laws as touching that point, to the intent that being fore instructed of that which you ought to do, you may have abundance of wholesome remedies, and being well provided and instructed in that which you ought to do, you may prevent and not fall into any danger and calamity. God grant that you may enjoy the country (which he hath given you) in contempt of travels, and in exercise of virtues: and that you may possess the same in security and peace, and that strangers may not levy armies to overthrow you, and that no civil mutiny may be raised amongst you, which may bring to pass that that, which hath been well ordered and decreed by your ancestors, do come to nought, when you shall happen to commit the contrary. Live therefore, and persist you to conform yourselves to those laws, which both God hath approved for good, and hath also given you. But if perhaps yourselves at this present, or your successors hereafter, shall fortune to entertain and undertake a war, God grant it may happen without The laws of war. Deut., 20. heralds to be sent. the confines of your country: But if the matter must needs be tried out by the sword, you shall send certain heralds to your destinated enemies. For before you enter battle, it shall be requisite first of all to parley with them, and to declare unto them that you have a great army, and horses, and weapons, and (besides all these) that you have God's favour and assistance: who shall require them therefore that you may not be enforced to war against them, nor to make booty of their goods, and to carry them away in spite of their resist. If they condescend unto any reasonable conditions, then entertain peace; making your account that they are stronger than you be: but if they will needs offer you injury, you shall lead forth your army against them, having God for your General and sovereign conductor; and for his Lieutenant, him whom you yourselves have chosen; surpassing all the rest in valour. For whereas there are divers commanders, it falleth out that that which ought necessarily and readily to be executed, is hindered; and commonly the issue is unfortunate, where there are divers commanders. Let your army be generally levied of men that are strong in body, and hardy in courage, and sequester from your army him that is fearful, lest such men happening to fly when they ought to fight, do give your enemies the advantage. Let them also be free from war, who having built them a new house, have not enjoyed the same for a years space; as also he, that hath planted a vineyard and hath not gathered the fruit thereof; and besides these, he that hath wedded a wife, and hath not as yet brought her home to his house: lest being transported with the desire of these things, and reserving themselves to their forsaken pleasures, in the behalf of their wives, they fight but faintly and coldly. But when you have brought your army into the field, take heed you commit no outrage: and when you shall assault any Cities, if you fortune to have any need of matter to make engines of; grub not the land, neither see you cut down the fruitful trees, but spare them, remembering you Fruitful trees are not to be cut down. that they are planted for the good of men, and that if they could speak they would accuse you, alleging that without cause of war they are ill entreated against all right: and that if they had the power to depart from thence, they would dislodge and remove into another country. But when the battle is ended, and the day is yours, kill all those enemies that resisted you in the skirmish, the rest reserve as your tributaries (except the people of the land of Chanaan, for The Chanaanites are wholly to be extinguished. Deut 30. 31. 32 33. 34. Moses song and blessing. they with all their families are to be ruinated.) Beware also (but especially in war) that neither a woman use a man's apparel, neither a man a woman's raiment. These are the laws which Moses left. He gave them likewise certain institutions (which he had written forty years before that time) whereof we will speak in an other treatise. Some few days after (for he assembled the people six days one after the other) he gave them his blessing, and pronounced his maledictions against those which should not live according to his laws, but should transgress the determinations The year of the world, 2493 before Christ's birth 1471. thereof: He read also unto them a Poem of six measures (which he had enregistered in the holy book) containing a prediction of things to come, according to which all things have and do fall out, without varying any ways from the truth and verity. These volumes and the Ark, gave he unto the Priests; in which he also placed the ten commandments written in the two tables. He committed also unto them the custody of the Tabernacle. He likewise exhorted the people that (at such time as by force they had conquered the promised country, and were planted therein) they should not forget the injury which the Amalechites had done unto them, but that they should lead forth their army against them, and take vengeance of the wrongs The Amalechites to be punished. they had done them, at such time, as they were in the desert. And commanded them that as soon as they had taken the country of Chanaan, they should exterminate and extinguish all the people. He willed them also to erect an Altar toward the rising of the sun (not far from the city of Sichem, between two mountains, the one Garizim, on the right hand; and the other called Gebal, on the left) and that distributing the people into two parts (six tribes in every part) they should plant them on the mountains. And he commanded that the Levites and Priests should be with them, to the intent that they first of all that were upon the mountain of Garizim, should beseech God that he would multiply his blessings upon them that should be zealous of his service, and careful of the conservation of his laws, without diverting from that which Moses had commanded. The six other also were appointed to answer the like: and when as likewise these six last had prayed the six first were to answer them, and confirm that which they had pronounced. This done, they pronounced maledictions against the transgressors (each one answering other) in ratification of that which had been spoken. He reduced also under writing these blessings and curses, to the intent that the memory thereof might never be suppressed or extinguished by time, which he also (being near unto his death) caused to be written in the Altar on the one side thereof, in that part which extended itself toward the place where the people stood, at such time as they sacrificed and offered burnt offerings. Since which day there were no more sacrafices offered in that place: because it was contrary to law. Thus did Moses establish, Deut. 29. and these the Hebrew nation observe continually and unviolably, even unto this day. On the next morrow, he reassembled all the people, themselves, their wives, and children: he likewise commanded that the slaves should be there present, binding them by an oath that they Moses bindeth the Hebrews by an oath to keep the law. should maintain & keep the laws, and that diligently tying themselves to the will of God, they should not so much esteem either their kindred, or means of perils, or any other cause whatsoever, as that thereby they should be driven to neglect their laws, or depart from the ordinances thereof: but whether it were any one of their kindred, or any City whatsoever, that would seek to alter and disturb the same, or strive to weaken the estate thereof, that both in particular and in public, they should expose themselves and endeavour to punish them: and if they should fortune to take such a City, that they should raze and utterly deface the same; and if it were possible not to leave one stone upon another, but to destroy the foundation. But if they were too feeble to take such a revenge, yet that they should make it known that they were not consenting to their impiety. Hereunto the whole people subscribed and sealed it with an oath. He afterwards told them, how the people should know when the sacrifice were agreeable unto God, and how they ought to march out to battle, taking a sign of the stones of which I have forespoken. josuah likewise, during the life and in the presence of Moses, foreprophecied whatsoever he intended to perform for the profit of the people, either abroad in the administration of war, or home in prescribing laws; and preparing them to an order of life (which was newly prescribed them) he told them that by instructions from God he foreprophecied, that if they violated their country religion, they should not escape their destruction; for that both their country should be filled with foreign arms, and their Cities sacked, and their Temple burnt, & that they themselves should be sold under the spear, & that they should serve a nation which would not be moved or touched with commiseration of their afflictions and miseries; and that at length they should too lately and unprofitably repent them of their error: yet that God their establisher should restore Cities to the Citizens, and a Temple to his people: And that it should come to pass, that they should not lose this only one time, but also very many times. Then did Moses also exhort jesus that he should lead his army against the Chanaanits, promising him that God would be assistant in his actions, prophesying besides much good hap unto the people. Moses exhorteth josuah. Since that (saith he) I go unto mine ancestors, and that God hath prefixed this day and time The year of the world. 2493. before the Nativity of Christ. 1471. Deut 31. Deut. 33. 34. of my departure, I protest before you, that living as yet and standing in your presence. I give him thanks for the care and providence, which he hath hitherto had of your affairs, not only in propulsing your adversaries, but also in largely imparting his blessings unto you, and for that he hath always favourably helped me whilst I endeavoured by my labour and care to reduce your fortunes to a better state: And that which is more, it is he that hath given both the entrance and the issue; making use of me but as his committee and servant in all that good, which he would should be done unto his people. For all which things I have thought it requisite, that (in departing from you) I should bless the power of God, who in time to come shall have the care and charge of you: And to acquit myself of that debt, I leave you this in remembrance, which is, that you ought to serve and honour him, and reverence the ordinances which he hath given you, whereby (continuing his favours towards you) he will grant you grace to conserve and keep this excellent gift. Truly that lawmaker (that were no more than a man) would be greatly displeased and highly discontented with those men, who should violate his ordinances, and should set them at naughts: do not you therefore tempt God, who is provoked unto anger, when those laws, which he himself hath established and given you, shall be contemned and neglected. Whilst Moses pronounced these his last words, and discoursed unto the tribes their several The Hebrews lamentation at Moses death. destinies, the whole multitude broke into tears; and the women beating their breasts, showed and expressed the sorrow they had conceived at his death. The children likewise lamented, making it known that they could not be masters of their own sorrow, because that in their tender years they had understood the virtue and famous acts of Moses; and betwixt the elder and younger sort, there was as it were a conflict who should weep more bitterly: for the one understanding of how worthy a governor they were deprived, lamented the time to come; and the other were perplexed, because they should then forsake him, before they had sufficiently tasted and made trial how great his virtue was. But how great the compassion and complaint of the people was, a man may make conjecture by this that then befell the Prophet. For although he were assuredly persuaded, that a man was not to lament upon the instant of his death (in that it chanced unto him both according to the will of God, and the law of nature) yet he beholding the affection of the people could not temperate and restrain himself from tears: And whilst he was borne thither where he vanished out of their sight, all of them followed him, wetting their faces and bosoms with flowing tears. Then did Moses (beckoning with his hand) warn them from a far off, that they should stand still and keep their places, & exhorted them that were nearest him, by word of mouth, that they should not follow nor prosecute him any further with tears, for fear lest they should make his departure tragical and lamentable. Only the Senate led him forth, and Eleazar the high Priest, and the chieftain jesus. And when he was arrived upon the mountain called Abarim (which is very high, and situate near unto jericho, and from whence he might discover the greater part of the land of Chanaan) he dismissed the elders: and whilst with mutual embraces he took his last leave of Eleazar and jesus, and discoursed with them, a cloud suddenly environed him, and he was taken away into a certain valley: but in the scripture he writeth that he died, fearing least for the excellency of his virtue, they might report that he was ravished and taken away by God. The whole time of his life was one hundredth and twenty years, the third part whereof he spent in government (one month only Moses when he died was 120, years old. exempted.) He died the last month of the year, & the first day of that month which the Macedonians call Dystrus, and our countrymen Adar. Of all men the wisest that ever was, and who in execution of his good counsels had no man to equal him. Moreover in eloquence he was incomparable, Amongst the Hebrews Adar is the 12. month, but amongst us it is called March. and in dexterity and grace to entertain and persuade the people, he had no second: and so were his affections always leveled and limited by his wisdom, that he seemed utterly to want them, and that only he knew the names of those passions which he perceived to be too active in other men. In his government he was matchless, in his prophecies peerless, so that all the orations that he made seemed to be Oracles. For which cause the whole multitude mourned for him during the term of thirty days: neither were the Hebrews ever seized with so extreme grief, as they were at that time when the Prophet died; neither did he only leave behind Moses was a good governor, and a great prophet. him a present desire of him, but a great estimation amongst all men, who have ever chanced to read and examine his writings, whilst by them they make estimate of his virtues. And these are those things which I thought good to be spoken of the death of Moses. THE FIFTH BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 5. book. 1 How jesus General of the Hebrews, having overcome and slain the Chanaanites, divided their land amongst the Tribes by Lot. 2 How after the death of the General, the Israelites (neglecting the ordinances of their forefathers) fell into extreme calamities, and thorough a civil war that was raised amongst them, there were but 300. of the tribe of Benjamin left alive. 3 How for their impiety the people of Israel were delivered by God into captivity under the Assyrians. 4 Their liberty by Cenizus. 5 How the people once more were overcome by the Moabites, and exempt from servitude by Iodes otherwise called Ehud. 6 How they were brought under the subjection of the Chanaanites, and restored to their liberty by Barac. 7 How the Amalechites (having entered the country of the Israelites, and conquered them) possessed and spoiled the same for the space of seven years. 8 How Gedeon delivered the people. 9 How some successors of Gedeon waged war against the neighbour nations round about them. 10 Of Sampsons' strength, and what mischiefs he did in Palestine. 11 How the sons of Eli the Prophet were slain in battle by the Palestines. 12 How Eli (hearing of the death of his sons, and the loss of the Ark) fell down from his throne and died. CHAP. I. How jesus General of the Hebrews, having overcome and slain the Chanaanites, divided their land amongst the tribes by Lot. AFter that Moses had been taken from amongst men (after the manner as I have The year of the world. 2494. before Christ's Nativity. 1470. declared) and that all whatsoever he had ordained, was duly performed, and his funeral obsequies were at an end: jesus commanded the people to prepare themselves, and to march forward into battle. He sent espials likewise into jericho, who might both sound their minds, and discover their forces: jesus sendeth spies into jericho. presently after he dislodged, and encamped in the open field, intending with all expedition to pass the river of jordan, as soon as any opportunity offered itself. Then assembled he together the Princes of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasses (for to this half tribe the country of the Amorites was given for an habitation, which was the seventh part of Chanaan) and remembered them of that which they had promised unto Moses, entreating them (in memory and favour of him, who in the last period of his life was not wearied to take care of their commonweal, and public profit) speedily and willingly to jesus calleth to memory & reckoneth up what the tribes of Gad. Reuben, and Manasses had promised Moses. Num 13. perform that which they had promised unto him: who showing themselves ready and willing, to perform that which he commanded them, he armed and arranged fifty thousand men, that were his followers, and afterwards (departing from the City of Abila) he drew towards jordan, and marched forward some sixty furlongs. As soon as he was encamped, the spies returned again and presented themselves unto him, certifying him of the whole estate of the Chanaanites. For being unknown and unsuspected, upon their first arrival they observed and viewed the walls and strength of the City at their pleasure, searching which of The spies survey jericho. them were more or less defensed, and which of the gates were easiest or hardest to assault; neither did any of those that met them, offer any offence unto them: Whilst they thus pried into, and viewed every place, the Citizens interpreted their diligence to be The year of the world. 2494. before the Nativity of Christ. 1470. rather an accustomed curiosity of strangers, then suspected them that they intended any hostile stratagem. About the shutting in of the evening they retired themselves into a certain hostrie that adjoined the walls, into which they had been directed to take their repast: and whilst after supper time they consulted upon their return, the King was given to understand (as he sat at his supper) that certain Spies sent out of the Hebrews camp, had surveyed the City, and taken up their lodging in Rahabs' house, where they supposed to conceal themselves till they might gain them opportunity to depart. Whereupon the King sent a speedy commandment and officers to apprehend them, to the end that being brought before him, he might by torture extort from them the cause and reason why they came into his City. Of whose approach, when Rahab had gotten some private intelligence, she hid the Spies under certain Rachab hideth the spies. packs of linen, which she dried near unto the walls, and told them that were sent by the King, that certain strange guests a little before Sunset had supped in her house, but that they were departed; who if they were suspected by the King, as such as intended any detriment to the common weal, they might with little labour and pursuit be easily surprised in their way. They hearing the woman speak after this manner, and imagining no subtlety or deceit in her, returned back again without searching the hostrie. But after they were busied and traveled in the pursuit and search after them every way, and tracting of every path, whereby they might be suspected to travel towards jordan, and perceiving no sign of their flight, they desisted any further to pursue them. No sooner was the tumult appeased, but Rahab called forth the Spies, and told them the dangers to which she had exposed herself for their security sake (for had she been convinced to have concealed them, she might by no means have escaped the punishment of the King, but that both she & all her family had miserably perished:) She therefore required them, that at such time as they should be Lords of the country of Canaan, and had both the occasion and power to requite her courtesies, that they would have her in remembrance. This said, she dismissed them (to the end they might return home again.) But before their departure she took an oath of them, to warrantize both herself and all that which appertained unto her, at such time as they should become Masters of the city, and had destroyed all the citizens thereof, according to the arrest & sentence given against them; which she knew should come to pass, having certain apprehension of the same, by certain signs and tokens from God: whereupon for the present with many thanksgivings they protested, and for the future avowed and swore unto her, to acknowledge her kindness not in words, but in deeds. At such time therefore as she should perceive that the City was ready to be surprised, they counseled her that she should retire all her substance, and all those that appertained unto her, into her house; and that before the door thereof she should spread some crimson garment, to the intent that the General perceiving the same, might inhibit the soldiers from pillaging and spoiling her house: For said they) we will give him notice hereof (by reason of that willing forwardness that hath been in thee to save our lives) and if by misfortune any of thy friends die in the combat, do not impute the fault unto us; and we beseech God (by whom we have sworn) that he be not displeased with any of us, except against such as falsify their oaths. Having after this manner accorded upon the covenant, they let down one another from the wall; and when they were arrived in safety among their nation, they recounted unto them all that which had happened since their arrival in the City. josuah hereupon declared unto Eleazar the high Priest and the rest josuh. 3. jesus passeth jordan with his army. of the Elders, what oath his Spies had sworn unto Rahab, who all of them ratified the promise they had made. But the General was pensive and sore troubled, for that he knew not which way he might pass the river of jordan, by reason that for the present it was very deep and without bridges. For before that time there was not any bridge built thereupon; and if they would have built one, the enemy would have interrupted them: and further besides that, there were not any places convenient to stay in. But God made him a promise that he would make the waters fall, and give them passage therethrough. josuah therefore encamped his host for the term of two days (to the end he might pass over his whole Army, and the rest of the people, after this manner following.) The Priests marched before with the Ark. After them went the Levites bearing the Tabernacle, and those vessels which were destinated for sacrifice. Then followed the josuah. 4. 3 whole multitude, distinguished in their Tribes, having enclosed within their battles the women & children, whereby they might be the more secure from the force of the flood. But when as the Priests had marched foremost, and found the river passable, and that the water was decreased, and that the current thereof was not so violent, neither the billows so incensed, but that in the bottom there was good footing (for that the gravel and sand was not quick but settled) The year of the world, 2494. before Christ's birth 1470. then all of them without fear passed over the ford, finding all things assuredly performed unto them, which God had both foreprophesied, and promised unto them: but the Priests kept them in the midst of the channel until the multitude were passed over, and were in security, and when as every one had go●…en the other bank, the priests issued out, permitting the river to flow according to his free and ordinary course: which pleasantly flowing grew to that greatness and swiftness which it retained at the first. Now when the Hebrews had marched fifty furlongs, they encamped themselves some ten furlongs from Hiericho. But jesus building an Altar of stones (which every one of the Princes of the tribes had gathered out of the channel of jesus buildeth an Altar on the other side of jordan. The Israelites celebrate Easter, enjoy the fruits of the earth, and cease to feed on Manna. jordan, according as the Prophet had commanded) to the end it might be a monument of the prodigious restrainment of the flood, and on the same he sacrificed unto God, and the solemnity of the Paschal was celebrated in that place; and at that time they, who in times past were in great necessity, were largely furnished with all plenty and abundance: for they did reap the corn of the Chanaanits (which at that time was ripe) & carried away the rest for a pray. In the same season likewise their nourishment of Manna failed them, whereon they had fed for the space of forty years. And whereas the Israelites did all these things with security and freely, and the Chanaanites never sallied out against them, but appalled with fear, shut themselves up within their walls; jesus decreed and resolved to besiege them in their cities: so that on the first day of the feast, the Priests bearing the ark, and guarded on every side with troops of armed men drew near unto the City, josuah. 6. jesus with his army walketh about the city. sounding their seven horns: and exhorting their soldiers to behave themselves manfully, they walked about and environed the walls round about, being attended both by the Senate and Elders, neither did they any other thing but blow their horns, and so returned back into their camp. Which when they had done for the space of six days, on the seventh josuah assembled the army and all the people, bringing them joyful news of the City, which that day should be surprised without labour (the walls falling down of their own accord, and without man's hand, and yielding them free passage and entrance into the City) and he encouraged them to kill all those whom they met withal, and not to give over the slaughter of their enemies, although they were weary, neither to be moved with compassion, nor alured from the slaughter and execution by desire of pray, or to permit the enemy in any sort to fly, but that they should extinguish and root out all that which breathed and had life, reserving nothing for pray or private profit. He commanded likewise that all that which was found (either of gold or silver) should be brought into one place, & reserved to be the first fruits of the happy works of God; and after the surprisal first of the City, that only Rahab with her kindred should be saved, by reason of the oaths which the spies had sworn unto her. This said, he arranged his host, and made them approach jesus commandeth that none but Rahab and hers should be saved. the City, than did they once more walk round about the City, the Ark marching before them, and encouraging the army to valour by the sound of their Cornets. And after they had environed the walls seven times, and had a little reposed themselves, the walls fell (whereas then neither the Hebrews had enforced any engine against them, or used any other violence.) So that they entering into the City slew all those that were therein, who were already discomforted by the sudden The walls of jericho fall down of themselves. and unexpected overthrow of their walls, and thorough their sudden fear made unapt to fight, so that they were slain amidst their streets, finding neither refuge nor relief to succour them: yea so were they fleshed in the slaughter, that they neither spared women nor children, but jericho is taken the men slain, the city destroyed, and burnt: Rahab and hers reserved. filled the City with dead carcases, which at length being set on fire, served them for a funeral flame to consume them in, and with equal fury ravaged and burnt the fields. Only Rahab and her household (who kept themselves within her hostrie) were saved by the spies, who brought to josuahs' presence, he gave her thanks for saving his spies, and promised her that he would reward her courtesies, and anon after gave her possessions, and ever after held her in great honour. All that of the City which the fire spared, the sword consumed. And josuah pronounced curses against those, who should afterward endeavour to erect that which he had ruinated: namely that he that should lay the first foundation, should be deprived of his first begotten son, and he that should finish the work might lose his youngest son; neither pleased it God that this imprecation of his should be frustrate, as hereafter it shall be spoken. At the surprise and sack of this City, there was gathered an infinite quantity of gold, silver, and brass; so that no man broke the Edict, or sought any prey or lucre thereby for himself. These spoils jesus delivered unto the Priests, to be laid up in the treasury, and after this manner was the city of jericho destroyed. But Achar the son of Zebed of the tribe of juda, having gotten a royal pall altogether embroidered with gold, with an ingot of gold of three hundredth sickles in weight, and thinking in himself that it were a very fond thing, that the profit he had made by the hazard of his life, should be taken The year of the world. 2494. before Christ's birth 1470. jos. 7. 8. Achar hideth certain parts of the pray contrary to God's commandment. Galgal signifieth liberty. josuah. 5. The Israelites are put to flight by the Ainites. from him and presented unto God, who had no need thereof, digged a deep pit in his tent, and buried his spoils therein, thinking by this means to defraud God, and deceive his companions. At that time their tents were pitched in a place which was called Galgal (which signifieth Enfranchised, because that having past the river jordan they knew that they should be delmered from the affliction of Egypt, and the penury of the desert.) But some few days after the destruction of jericho, josuah sent out three thousand armed men against Ainan (a City situate a little above lericho) who encountering with the Ainites in battle, and by them put to flight, lost thirty and six of their company. The news of which disaster being brought into the camp, the Israelites were seized with exceeding grief, not only for the men they had lost (which were all of them valiant men and worthy of honour) but also by reason of the despair they conceived of their future success. For being already persuaded that they were masters of the field, and that their army should be always warranted and safe at such time as they should fight (according as before times God had promised them) they saw (contrary to their opinion) that their adversaries had taken heart; insomuch as clothing themselves in sackcloth upon their raiments, they spent all the day in tears & lamentations without tasting any meat; so grievously were they afflicted with the inconvenient that had happened. But josuah perceiving the army discomfited after this manner, josuahs' prayer unto God. and conceiving some sinister hope of their estates, boldly addressed himself unto God saying. We have not been induced by our own temerity to attempt the conquest of this land by force, but we have been hereunto encouraged by thy servant Moses, to whom thou hast promised by divers signs that thou wouldst give us this country to inhabit in, & that our army should have always the upper hand in battle, and of these thy promises we have often times experimented the event. But now beyond all expectation (having received an overthrow and lost some of our soldiers) being terrified by this accident, and suspicious of thy promises to Moses, we both abstain from war, and (after so many enterprises and entrances of war) we cannot hope of any fortunate or successful proceedings. Be thou therefore assistant unto us, O Lord (for it lieth in thy power) & by thy mercy relieve our present sorrow with a largesse of victory, & take from us the thought of despair wherein we are too far plunged. josuah lying prostrate on his face made this prayer unto God, who presently answered him, that he should arise; commanding him to purge the army God's answer to losuahs prayer. of that pollution that had happened therein, and of a theft committed by one of the multitude, who was so hardy as to violate and conceal those things which were ●…onsecrated unto him, assuring him that that cause was the means of the present calamity: but that as soon as he had searched out, and punished the sacrilege, the Israelites should become fortunate and obtain the victory. This Oracle josuah declared unto the people, and calling for the high Priest and the Magistrates, he cast lots upon the tribes, and when as the lot had fallen on the tribe of juda, it was again cast by kindreds; and when again the sacrilege was found to be committed in Zacharias kindred, they examined the same once more man by man, and found out Achar: who having no means to deny the same, and being discovered by God himself, confessed the fact, and Achar found out by Lot and punished. brought forth those things, which he had concealed: Whereupon being presently put to death, he was by night buried after an ignominious manner, according as he deserved it. But josuah having purified the people, led them forth against Ainan, and laying an Ambuscado by night time above the City, early in the morning he drew the enemy out to fight, who boldly broke forth (being encouraged by their former victory) but josuah making a show of retreat, drew them farther off from their City (forming in them an imaginary hope that the Israelites fled, and that they should gain a second victory over them.) But when josuah suddenly made a stand, and freshly charged them, and gave a signal unto those that lay in ambush, they were incontinently addressed Ainan sacked and burnt. and encouraged to fight, and with all expedition entered the gates of the City, on the walls whereof there stood divers of the inhabitants, being eye witnesses (as they thought) of their achieved victory. In this manner was the City taken, and all they that were therein, were slain: and josuah on the other side enforced those in such manner (with whom he maintained skirmish) that they turned their backs, and fled towards the City, as if it had been in the same estate as they left it: but when they perceived that it was surprised, and saw both it, their wives, and children consumed with fire, they scattered themselves about the fields, not being able to rally themselves, by reason of their disturbance and disorder. After this overthrow of the Ainites, there were a great number of women, children, and bondslaves taken captive, and store of all sorts of movables. The Hebrews also became Lords of much cattle, and gathered The pray distributed amongst the people. a great quantity of silver (for the country was rich.) All which josuah (upon his return to Galgal) distributed amongst the soldiers. But the Gabeonites (who dwelled not far off from jerusalem) The year of the world. 2494. before Christ's Nativity. 1470. josua. 9 understanding what had happened to them of Hiericho (and seeing the estate of the Ainites, and fearing least the like misfortune might fall upon them) thought it not good to offer treaties of peace to josuah, supposing they should find no tolerable conditions at his hands because they knew that he warred under that resolution, utterly to root out and extinguish the nation of the Canaanites from off the earth. They therefore made a league with the Cepherites, and Cathierimites their neighbours, telling them that they should not escape the danger if so be it so fell out that the Gabeonites were first taken by the Israelites: but that if they were united together, they might both resist the greatness, and avoid the dangers of them. Which counsel of theirs being accepted, they sent Ambassadors unto josuah (such men as they thought The Gabeonites send Embassors to jesus to be both most capable and wisest amongst them in the affairs of commonweal) to the intent to entreat a peace betwixt them and the Israelites: who knowing that it would be very dangerous for them, if they should say that they were Canaanites; & that on the contrary side, they should avoid the danger, if they protested that they had no community or alliance with them, but that they dwelled far off from them; told josuah that (being incited by his fame) they had undertaken a long journey, the truth whereof he might conjecture by their habits: for upon their setting forth their garments were new, and now by their long journey quite worn (for they had purposely put upon them old raiment, to the end it might be suitable to their subtle insinuation.) Standing up therefore in the midst of the multitude (attired after this manner) they told them The Gabeonites oration to the Hebrews. that they were sent by the Gabeonites, and the neighbouring Cities thereabouts (far disjoined from that country) to articulate and ratify a peace between them, according as they have been accustomed to proceed in their accords: For knowing well that the country of Canaan was given unto them by the grace and gratuity of God (to the end they should be maste●… and possessors thereof) they were much rejoiced thereat, and required them to be received as their confederates. By these words, and tokens of their garments, and intimation of their long journey, they persuaded the Hebrews to entreat an accord and amity with them. And the high jesus maketh a covenant with the Gabeonits. Priest Eleazar with the council of the Elders swore unto them, that they should be reputed for friends and allies, and that no unjust action should be enterprised against them; the people likewise approved their oaths. But josuah encamping with his Army upon their confines, and understanding that the Gabeonites dwelled not far off from jerusalem, and that they likewise were of the race of the Canaanites, he sent for the principal and princes amongst them, and complained and up braided them of their deceit: whereunto they answered, that they had no other means to procure their safety and security, and for that cause (and their necessity sake) that they had sought their refuge thereby. Whereupon he called unto him Eleazar the high Priest and the council of the Elders, who told him that he might not infringe the oath which they had made The Gabeonites are appointed to public ministries. josuah. 10. The king of jerusalem moveth war against the Gabeonites. unto them, but that he might depute them to serve the public ministries. Whereupon they were adjudged to attend on these services: and by this means delivered they themselves from their imminent peril. But for that the king of jerusalem was sore incensed against the Gabeonites (for that they had revolted, and submitted to jesus) he assembled together the Kings of his neighbour nations, to make war against them. The Gabeonites perceiving the danger they were in, and how the enemy was prepared to assault them (and how to that intent they had pitched their tents near unto a certain fountain not far off from the City) they required jesus to assist and defend them. For their affairs were in that estate, that they expected death from the hands of their friends: & chose hoped for help to be warranted by those Hebrews, with whom they had contracted amity (notwithstanding that they arrived in that country to destroy the whole nation of the Canaanites) josuah therefore (hastening onward with his whole army to give jesus driveth them of jerusalem to flight. them assistance, and marching both day and night) early in the morning charged the enemy (at such time as he intended his assault) and having put them to flight, he pursued them by a steepy tract, which place is called Bethora, where he knew that God had fought for him (as it appeared manifestly by the thunder, lightning and hail that fell at that time, far bigger than was accustomed.) The day likewise (the like whereof was never heard of before) was lengthened, least by the speedy approach of the night the enemy should escape from the victor: whereupon it came The Sun stood still. to pass that jesus took all those five Kings in a certain cave near Makkedah, where they were hidden, and condemned them all to the death. And that the day at that time increased above common custom it is extant & registered in the sacred volumes, which are reserved in the Temple. When after this manner the Kings that invaded the Gabeonites were slain and conquered, Five kings slain. josuah 11. jesus led his Army into the mountains of Canaan, where having made a great slaughter of men, and taken a rich booty, he brought back his army into Galgal. Now when The year of the world, 2494. before Christ's Nativity, 1470. The kings of the Chanaanites move war against the Hebrews. the renown of the Hebrews valiant acts, and the admirable number of those that were slaughtered, were bruited and scattered far and near amongst the neighbour nations; they were surprised with a sudden fear: so that the Kings of the Chanaanites that bordered upon Libanus, and they also of the plain of Cha●…an, joined themselves confederates with the Palestines, and all of them were incensed against them, and encamped near unto Berotha (a City of the higher Galilee, not far from Cedesa, which is also situate in the land of Chanaan.) The whole army of them consisted of three hundredth thousand footmen, ten thousand horsemen, and twenty The huge army of the Chanaanites. thousand chariots. This great multitude of the enemy astonished josuah, and the Israelites, and (by reason of the assured fear wherewith they were seized) they conceived but little hope of obtaining the upper hand: but God reproached him, and up braided him of that his timidity; and for that they suspected themselves to be scarcely secured under his protection, he promised them likewise that he would overcome their enemies, and make their horses unprofitable, and would consume their chariots by fire. josuah therefore was emboldened by these promises from God, and marched out against his enemies, whom he surprised on the fifth day. The encounter was strong, & the slaughter so great, that they who should but hear the same would scarcely believe it: many also were slain in the pursuit; so that (a few only excepted) the whole army was put to the sword. The Kings also were all of them slain, and of their men there remained not any All the kings of the Chanaanites slain, josuah spoileth the whole land of Chanaan. one alive. josuah also commanded that their horses should be slain, and he burned their chariots, & securely marched thorough the whole country: so that no man durst sally out, or make head against him. He besieged likewise their strong places, and killed all those whom he might apprehend. Now when the fifth year was fully finished, and not any one of the Chanaanites were left al●…e (except such as were fled into their Cities and forts of defences) josuah once more retired his camp toward the mountains, and placed the sacred Tabernacle in the City of Siloe (which seemed to be a very convenient place, by reason of the beauty of the same, where the ark might remain till such time as their affairs of estate permitted them to build a Temple.) From thence he departed with all the people to repair unto Sichem, and there builded he an Altar in that place (according as before time Moses had commanded and enjoined) and having divided his army, he planted the half of them on the mountain of Garizim, and the other josuah divideth his army into parts. half on the mountain of Gebal (on which also there is an Altar) with the Levites and the Priests, and after they had sacrificed and done their execrations, and engraven them on the Altars, they returned into Siloe. Now insomuch as josuah was well strooken in years, and very well perceived that the cities of the Chanaanits were hardly to be assaulted (both in respect of the places wherein they were situate, as also for the munitions, wherewith (besides other advantages of nature) their The year of the world. 2499. before the birth of Christ. 1465. Hedio & Ruffinus. ch. 3. jos. 13. 14. 18. walls were strengthened and fortified: for the Chanaanites having intelligence of the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt, and how they hastened thitherward, to the intent utterly to extinguish and overthrow that nation, spent all that time in defencing and fortifying their Cities) he assembled all the people in Siloe, where when (with mutual and frequent concourse) they were assembled, he declared unto them the happy success (which till that time) had befallen them; and the brave executions worthy in their events to challenge God for their author; furthermore the excellency of the ordinances under which they lived, alleging that the thirty one kings which had been so hardy as to encounter them hand to hand, had by them been overcome: that all the army that had undertaken to overthrow them in battle, was wholly discomfited, so that there remained not any memory of them. But for that certain of the Cities were taken, and the rest better defenced, & for this cause more obstinate; had need of a longer assault and exp●…gnation, he thought good that they (who had been drawn from out the country situate beyond jordan to be associates in this common cause of conquest, and by reason of affinity had josuah commandeth the dividing of the country, & counseleth that the two tribes and a half should be dismissed. made themselves copartners and companions in their perils) should be sent back into their own country with all complement of thanks, and gratuity. Afterwards, that some one of each tribe of approved uprightness and loyalty; should be picked out, who levying out and surveying the country, might faithfully and without fraud report the greatness thereof. This sentence was approved by the whole multitude, and thereupon divers men were sent (accompanied with such as were skilful in Geometry, who in respect of their science could neither err, nor be deceived) to measure out the land, according to the goodness thereof. For the nature of the land of josuah sendeth certain men, to measure and divide the land. Chanaan is such, that there are great plains very fruitful, and which (being compared with other places) might be esteemed happy and fruitful in all sorts of fruit: but if they be compared with the other countries of jericho, and the land about jerusalem, they seem to be nothing worth: for although in generality the whole country be small, and for the greater part mountainous, The year of the world. 2499. before Christ's Nativity. 1465. josuah. 9 yet in respect of the abundance, bounty, and incredible beauty of the fruits thereof, it is second to no other whatsoever. For this cause he thought good that the portions should rather be estimated according to their value, them their measure; by reason that oftentimes one plough land was worth one thousand other. Those which were sent were ten in number, who (having travailed over the whole country and surveyed the same) returned again to Siloe, at the end of six months, where the Ark was kept. Then josuah (taking unto him Eleazar with the Elders, and Princes of the tribes) divided the Region amongst nine tribes, and the half part of the tribe of Manasses (having an unpartial josuah divideth the Region of Chanaanto thenine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasses. respect of the greatness of every tribe) and when as each man's lot was cast, there fell to judah's part all the higher judaea (which extendeth itself in length even unto jerusalem, and in breadth to the lake of Sodom; to which likewise were annexed the cities of Ascalon and Gaza.) The tribe of Simeon (which was the second) obtained a part of Idumaea, confining upon Egypt and Arabia. The Beniamites had that country which extendeth from jordan unto the sea in josua. 16. 17. 18 length, and in breadth unto jerusalem and Bethel: and this portion was very small (by reason that the country was good) for it contained the Cities of jericho and jerusalem. The tribe of Ephraim was allotted his portion in length, from jordan unto Gadera; and in breadth from Bethel unto the great plain. The half tribe of the Manassites was valued from jordan to the city of Dor in length, and in breadth unto Bethsan (which is at this day called Scythopolis.) After them Isachar had the mount of Carmel, and the flood of jordan, for their limits and terms of his length, and the mountain Itabir for the bounds of his breadth. The Zabulonites were allowed that country, which stretcheth out as far as Genazereth, and that abutteth on the mountain Carmel, and the sea. The country which is betwixt Carmell and Sidon, was adjudged to the Asserites, in which portion was comprised the City of Arce, which is also called Actipus. The Nephthalites possessed that quarter that stretcheth out from the East unto the City of Damascus, and the lower Galilee as far as the mountain of Libanus, and the head of jordan, that issueth from the same, on that side where are the borders of the City of Arce on the North side. To them of Dan was assigned the valley that is extended to the Westward, and is terminated by the Supra lib. 4. chap. 7. Cities of Azoth and Dor, that containeth all the country of jamnia and Gitta, from Abaron even unto that mountain where beginneth the tribe of juda. After this manner did jesus divide the country of the six nations (bearing the name of Chanaan) and gave it in possession to nine tribes and a half. For Amorrhaea (so called by one of the sons of Chanaan) had been Num. 32. josuah. 13. already taken by Moses, and assigned by him to two tribes and a half, as I have already heretofore declared. But all the quarter of Sidon, of the Aruceans, Amatheans and Aritheans were not comprised in this division, neither was it tilled. But jesus seeing himself overburdened with years, and unfit to execute in his own person those counsels, which he had concluded upon; and foreseeing that the Govemours of the people which should succeed after him, would be negligent in procuring the common profit) commanded every several tribe in particular, that jesus severally commandeth everl tribe to root out the race of the Chanaanites. (when they should possess the country thus distributed amongst them) they should not suffer any one of the race of the Chanaanites to live. For Moses had before time told and persuaded them, that their security and the maintenance of the customs of their forefathers consisted in that one point) which he had likewise leamt by his own experience. Further, that they should deliver unto the Levites thirty and eight Cities, because they had already ten in their possession, within the land of Amorrhea: three of which were ordained for Cities of refuge to those that fled: (for he advised them with all consideration and care to omit nothing of that which Moses had commanded them) of the tribe of juda Hebron; of that of Ephraim, Sichem; and of Nepthali, Cedesa: which is a place in higher Galilee. Moreover he distributed unto them the surplusage of the pray which was very great, so that not only in public, but in private, they got no small The eities of refuge. Num. 35. Deut 4. josuah. 20. The distribution of the pray. josuahs' oration to those that dwelled on the other side of lordan, and had served with the rest. quantity of substance, for there was so much gold and raiment, and household stuff, and so great store of cattle and horses, as the number may not be comprehended. After which he assembled the whole army, and to those that were planted on the other side of jordan (who had borne arms with the rest, and were in number no less than fifty thousand) he spoke after this manner. Since God (the father and master of our Hebrew nation) hath given this country into our possession, and hath promised (that at such time as it shall be conquered) that he will continue and conserve the same in our possession, and since likewise you have willingly and forwardly asassisted us in all our necessities and dangers (according to God's command and direction) it is requisite at this present (since there remaineth not any further matter wherein we have need The year of the world. 2499. before Christ's birth 1465. to employ you) that we dismiss you, and abuse not your forwardness and readiness any further, (by reason we are assured that if hereafter we shall have need of you, you will with no less endeavour and willingness be as industrious to do us kindness.) We therefore yield you hearty thanks for that you have vouchsafed to be companions in our perils: and we require you, that you will persevere in this your mutual benevolence, remembering you of your friends, and how you have gotten your possessions by our help, as we (by God's favour and your assistance) have attained to this our present felicity. Neither hau you adventured without some reward of your travels: for in this your warfare you are enriched, and shall bear away with you a great prey both of gold and silver: and besides all these, our benevolence and love, tied into you with all alacrity and readiness when soever you shall have cause to use us. For you have neither forgot nor set light by Moses command before he departed out of this life, and have spared no endeavour, whereby you might ally and tie our affections to you: we therefore dismiss you to your own possessions in complete fullness of your delight, praying you to remember yourselves only of these things, that you will suppose that no term can terminate our kindred: Neither (by reason of the intercourse of the river jordan betwixt you and us) suppose you us to be any others then Hebrews. For all of us (both those that dwell on this side, and on the other side of jordan) are the posterity of Abraham: and one and the same God hath brought to light both yours and our progenitors, whose laws and religion (instituted by Moses) are diligently to be observed: for by this means, he will become our helper and favourer; as on the contrary side (if we shall degenerate from his statutes) he will be an enemy against us. After he had spoken unto them after this manner, he embraced in particular all those that were in dignity, and in general the whole people. This done, he stayed in that place, but the rest of the whole people conveyed Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. josuah. 22 The Israelites after they had passed over lordan builded an Altar on the bank thereof. them onward with tears, and they departed the one from the other with great grief and remorse. But after that the tribe of Reuben and of Gad, and the rest of the Manassites had passed over jordan, they builded an Altar upon the bank of the river, that might serve for a memorial to posterity, and a token for the present of the conjunction, which they had with those that dwelled on the other side of jordan. But when the tidings hereof came unto their ears that dwelled on the further side of the river, and that they knew that they had builded an Altar, but notwithstanding were ignorant of the respect and cause they had in building it, they supposed that seeking to innovate their religion, they would introduce the service of foreign and false gods; and being rashly stirred up with this suspicion of the violation of their religion, they put themselves in arms with this resolution, to revenge themselves of those who had builded that Altar, and to take punishment of them for that they had forsaken the laws and ordinances of their forefathers. For they supposed that they were not so far to respect their parentage or dignity (who were accused) as to forget the will of God, and that service which was agreeable in his sight: for which cause (being in this manner incensed) they prepared themselves to the expedition. But josuah and the high Priest Eleazar, with the rest of the Elders restrained them, counseling them first of all to sound their deliberation, and afterward (if it should be apparent unto them that they did it under a sinister intent) at that time they might lawfully invade them by the sword. The embassage of the ten tribes to the rest of the Israelites. Hereupon they sent Phinees the son of Eleazar, and ten other of the most noblest amongst the Hebrews, as Ambassadors unto them, to know what the intent and reason was, why they had builded that Altar on the bank of jordan. Now when these Ambassadors had passed the flood, and were come amongst them, they summoned Phinees oration to the Rubonites. an assembly, and Phinees standing up in the midst of them, spoke after this manner. You have committed so heinous an offence (saith he) as there is no question either to reprove or punish the same hence forward in words: yet notwithstanding we have not upon the instant taken arms, neither assaulted you in battle, or had reference or regard to the heinousness of your crime, to the intent to punish you, but we have been sent unto you as Ambassadors (in consideration of our alliance) & for that (as we suppose) you may be drawn by good persuasions to the acknowledgement and detestation of your misdeeds, to the end that when we are informed of the cause that hath induced you to erect this Altar, it might not be thought that we have headlong thrust ourselves into arms against you, if under an holy affection you have builded the same: and if it appeareth otherwise, that the offence is justly imputed and grounded against you, we may take revenge of the same, according as reason requireth. For scarcely could we believe that you (who are inwardly grounded in the knowledge of God, and who are hearers of those laws which he himself hath given you) should (since your departure from us, and upon your arrival in your own patrimony (which you have obtained by lot by the means of his grace, and peaceably The year of the world. 2499. before Christ's Nativity. 1565. enjoy by the power of his providence) should forget him, so soon as to forsake the Tabernacle, Ark, and Altar, which we have by hereditary right received from our progenitors, and introduce strange gods, to the intent to be partakers of the impieties of the Chanaanites. But if you repent your misdeeds, and plunge yourselves no further in so great madness, but reclaim your thoughts, and reverence your domestical and ancient laws, the pardon is granted you: but if you obstinately persist in your wickedness, we will refuse no travel for the maintenance of our laws, but passing the river in defence both of them (or to speak more fitly) of our God, and accounting you no less hateful and impious then Chanaanites, we will utterly root out and race both their memory, and your posterity together. For do not suppose this, that because you have passed the river, you are exempt from God's power, because in what place soever you be, you are numbered amongst them that appertain unto him; and it is impossible for you to avoid either his power, or his vengeance: And if you think that the place is an impediment and let unto you from following the better course, it were better for you to make a new division of lands, and leave this region to be converted into pastures. It behoveth you therefore to grow better advised, and that changing your purpose, you desist from innovation: Whereunto we exhort you by that love which you bear to your children and wines, and beseech you by the respect you hold of that which is most dear unto you, that you enforce us not to wage war against you, who are wholly unwilling to listen to your injuries. Resolve yourselves therefore in this present matter, assuring yourselves that therein consisteth the issue, whether you had rather perpetually enjoy your peace and affections by our persuasion, or expose both you and yours to the peril of a bloody war. After that Phinees had finished this his oration, they that were the Peers and principals of The Rubenites answer. the assembly, gave this answer in defence of the common cause. Men and brethren, neither will we neglect our kindred, neither innovate any thing in that religion, of which we make a reverend account: we know that there is one God common unto all the nation of the Hebrews, and acknowledge also his brazen Altar which is before the Tabernacle, and no other but that shall receive our sacrifices. As for that which we have now erected, and that breedeth in you at this present a cause of suspicion, we built it not to the intent to pacific God by sacrifices, but that it might remain as a perpetual argument of our friendship, and might admonish us of our country religion, not to the end you should suspect it were an induction toward the violating of religion: And that this was the only cause which alured and induced us to build the same, we only challenge God for our faithful witness (for which cause hereafter conceive a better opinion of us) and God forbid you should suppose us to be so besotted in that sin, of which, whosoever of Abraham's posterity is guilty, and whosoever shall degenerate from the manners and customs of his forefathers, may not expiate that crime without a capital punishment. As soon as Phinees had heard these things, and praised their constancy; he returned unto jesus, and declared all those things unto the people, who rejoicing (in that they had no occasion to levy men, nor cause of civil war or bloodshed) offered unto God their sacrifices of thankgiving, and presently dissolving the assembly, each man returned unto his own home, but jesus chose his habitation in josuah dwelled in Sichama. Sichama. Twenty years after, josuah being extremely old (calling unto him the most honourable of every City, and both the Elders and Magistrates, and as many of the people as might commodiously be assistant) spoke unto them after this manner. First he called unto their josuahs' exhortation at his death, to the magistrates and Elders amongst the Hebrews. remembrance the divers benefits which God had bestowed upon them, by means whereof from their poor and afflicted estates, they had attained to so great riches and glory: then exhorted he them, that they should endeavour themselves hereafter in such sort as God might hold and continue his merciful hand over them; since they knew, that his benevolence could be allied unto them by no other means, but by their good endeavours he further alleged, that it was his duty before he departed out of this life to admonish them of their duty; last of all he required them that they should accept of that his good admonition, and should be perpetually mindful of the same. After this his oration he paid the due of nature, and died in the hundredth and tenth year of his life, whereof he spent forty as minister under Moses their magistrate, and after his josuh, 23. 24. josuahs' death. death, governed the commonweal twenty five years: a man of incomparable both prudence and eloquence. Moreover strong and expedite in matter of government, and both good and profitable in affairs of peace; finally most exact in all sorts of virtue: he was buried in a City called Thamna belonging to the Tribe of the Ephraimites. About the same time likewise died Eleazar the high Priest (leaving the inheritance of the Priesthood to Phinees) the monument Eleazar's death laid on his sepulchre is extant in the City Gabatha. After their deaths Phinees being demanded The year of the world. 24●…. before the Nativity of Christ. 14●…5. judg. 1. by the people what Gods pleasure was, and to whose charge the affairs and wars against the Chanaanites should be committed, answered them that God commanded them to give the government to the tribe of juda, which by election choosing Simeon and his, they for their associates undertook the war under this condition, that when they had utterly rooted out the remnant of the Chanaanites out of their own dition, they should likewise employ themselves to extinguish all the relics of that race amongst the other tribes. CHAP. II. How the Israelites after the death of their Emperor, forgetting the religion of their forefathers, fell into extreme calamities: and how thorough a civil war raised amongst them, therewere only 600. of the tribe of Benjamin left alive. But the Chanaanites (whose estate at that time was in sufficient security) expected them with a great host about the City of Bezeca, having their army conducted by the Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. al. 2. king of that place called Adoni-Bezec, which name signifieth Lord of the Bezecenites: (for Adoni in the Hebrew tongue is as much to say as Lord) now these men promised unto themselves the upper hand, by reason that josuah was deceased. Against these (of whom I have forespoken) the two tribes sought very valiantly, and slaying ten thousand of them (whilst they pursued the rest) they took Adoni-Bezec captive, who having his hands and feet cut off, acknowledged the divine justice: for he confessed that he had used seventy and two kings before Ten thousand Chanaanites flame, and Adoni-Bezec taken. The year of the world. 2525. before the birth of Christ. 1439. jos. 11. times after the same manner. In this plight they conducted him near unto jerusalem, where departing out of this life they buried him. Then overran they the country, sacking and taking the Cities, and after they had divers of them in their possession they besieged jerusalem, and entering the lower City thereof, they put all the inhabitants to the sword. But the higher town was very hard to be assaulted (by reason of the fortresses and strength of the walls, and the natural and strong situation of the place) which was the cause that they levied their camp to go and besiege Hebron, which they took, & slew all those that were therein. In that time there were some remainder of the race of Giants, who in that they were greater in stature, & unlike unto other men, were horrible to behold, and terrible to be heard. Their bones are to be seen as yet at this day, which for their highness surpass all credulity or conceit. This City was given in way of honour to the Levites with two thousand cubits of land, or there about: and as touching the rest of the country, it was freely given to Caleb, according as Moses had commanded it (this was one of those spies which Moses sent to overlook the land of Chanaan.) They gave lands and possessions jethro's posterity who was the father of Moses possested of lands. likewise to jethro the Madianites posterity (who was father in law to Moses) for that they had forsaken their own territories, and annexed themselves to the Israelites, and had been with them in the desert. The tribe of juda and Simeon took those Cities of the mountainous country of Chanaan, and those that were in the plain near unto the sea coast (namely Ascalon and Azoth.) But as touching Gaza and Accaron, they escaped: for these Cities being in the plain, and defenced with a great number of chariots, repulsed those that assaulted the same to their disadvantage. So these two tribes having had good success in wars, retired themselves into their Cities, and laid aside their weapons. As touching the Beniamites to whom jerusalem appertained, they received the inhabitants The Israelites overcame 〈◊〉 the Chanaanites at one time. thereof as their tributaries, so that all of them being in peace, and the one ceasing from slaughter, and the other assured from danger, both of them employed themselves in manuring the country. The rest of the tribes did the like, conforming themselves according to the example of the Beniamites; and contenting themselves to receive their tributes, they suffered the Chanaanites to live in peace. The tribe of Ephraim (besieging the City of Bethel) could not see such an end of their design, as the length of time and the travels they had taken in the siege required: and The Ephraimites recover Bethel by a stratagem. although they were very much toiled and wearied with the same, yet desisted they not the continuance of the siege. At last they took one of the City (who issued forth to find out certain necessary things that he wanted) whom they assured that if he would deliver them the City, they would save him, and grant life and liberty likewise to all them that were of his lineage; who swore unto them that he would deliver the City into their hand: which when he had performed, both he and his were wholly warranted; but all the rest of the inhabitants were put to the sword. From that time forward the Israelites behaved themselves more mildly towards the enemy, and employed them in tillage of their lands, and husbanding their fruits: and being grown in riches The year of the world, 2525. before Christ's birth 1439. Hedio & Ruffinus, ch. 6. all 3. The Israelites omit war. they followed the delights and pleasures of the world, yea in such sort grew they dissolute, that they had no mind neither of their policy, nor the laws of their forefathers. Whereupon God was grievously incensed against them, who gave them to understand first of all, that contrary to his command they had spared the Chanaanites: & afterwards, that those Chanaanites in time to come should exercise great cruelties against them. And although they were astonished at that which was declared unto them, yet notwithstanding they took no pleasure in feats of arms, both for that they had received many profits by the Chanaanits, as also for that (being effeminate thorough delights) they were unapt for labour. It happened them at such time as their Aristocratical government was corrupted, and that they respected not their elders, or any other magistrates before time ordained, and were extremely addicted unto gain, & infinitely took pleasure therein; that amidst their greatest security, a grievous mutiny and commotion was once more raised amongst them, so that at length they fell at odds one with another, on that occasion which ensueth. A certain Levite and one of them of the common sort, that dwelled within the dominions of the Ephraimites, took a wife that was borne in the City of Bethleem, which pertaineth to the judg. 19 The history of the Levites wife. tribe of juda, whom (by reason of her incomparable beauty) he most entirely loved; and found himself much aggrieved, for that he found not her affection answerable to his love: at last his passion so much prevailed with him, as they grew at odds, and fell into contentious mislikes, whence at last it fell out that the woman (tired with disquiet) forsook her husband, and went and dwelled with her father: The husband sore aggrieved thereat (by reason of the love which he bore her) came unto her father's house and appeased the differents, and was reconciled unto her: There abode he for the space of four days, being friendly entreated and entertained by his wives father and mother. On the fifth day, he thought good to return to his own dwelling, and both of them departed about midday (by reason that the father and the mother gave them a loath farewell, and consumed the better part of the day in entertainment.) They had a servant which followed them, & an ass likewise, on which the woman was mounted. Now when they had traveled the space of thirty Stadia or furlongs, & that they drew near the city of jerusalem: their servant counseled them to take up their lodging in some place, for fear least by their The year of the world. 2526. before Christ's birth 1438. Thirty stadia are four Italian miles. Two Italian miles & a half late travel they might fall into some disaster, the rather for that they were not far from the enemy's country, and that the present time was such, as might make those things that were most assured, suspected. But this opinion of his pleased not his master, who would not lodge amongst those of a foreign nation (for the city pertained to the Chanaanites) but his intent was to pass further, and travel yet twenty furlongs more, to take up his lodging in one of their cities. This advise of his being allowed, they came to Gaba of the Tribe of Beniemin, when it was late: and whereas they found no man in the market place that might lodge them; at length a certain old man, returning out of the country to his house (who was by birth an Ephraimite, and dwelled in that City) meeting with him, asked him what he was, and for what cause so late as it was he sought for his supper? He answered, that he was a Levite, and that he brought his wife with him from her father and mother, and was returning to his house, which was amongst the Tribe of Ephraim. The old man having regard unto parentage (by reason that he was of the same tribe, and that by good hap they had after that manner met the one with the other) lodged him in his The horrible wickedness of the Gabeonites. own house. But certain young men amongst the Gabeonites, perceiving the woman in that place, were ravished in admiration of her beauty and good graces, and getting some notice afterwards that she had been brought thither as a guest, they set light by him (by reason of his weakness and age, and the small retinue that he had in his house) and came & knocked at his door. The old man required them to depart, and that they should offer him no violence, nor to her outrage. But chose they importuned him to deliver them his guest, and that done they promised him in no sort to procure his further molestation. But although that the old man alleged that she was of his parentage, and that her husband was a Levite, and that they should commit an heinous offence, in sinning for their corrupt pleasures sake against the laws: yet had they no regard of equity, but mocked him, menacing him likewise to murder him, because he hindered them from satisfying their lust. Finally, he was driven to that exigent, that (to the intent they should not offer violence to his guest, and a stranger) he abandoned and prostituted unto them his own daughter, supposing it to be a less inconvenient to let them satisfy their unbridled concupiscence on her, then that his guest should suffer any villainy; at leastwise he made this account, that by this means he should not be guilty of any injury done unto them. Notwithstanding all this, they intermitted not to solicit and urge the delivery of the woman (being incennsed in unbridled lust towards her.) chose he besought them that they would not be so The year of the world, 2526. before Christ's Nativity, 1438. audacious as to violate the laws: but they seconded their disordinate desires with extreme violence, and ravished her perforce, and led her to their own lodgings. Afterwards (when as during all the night time they had lewdly appeased their lusts on her) they thrust her out of doors from them upon the break of day. But she being wholly desolate, and discomforted by this disaster, returned to her lodging, and both by reason of the agony which she had suffered, as also for the shame that hindered her from appearing before her husband, who would be incredibly and extremely tormented with that accident, she fell down and gave up the ghost. Her husband supposing that she was only seized with some sound sleep (not suspecting any other inconvenient) thought to awake her, with that deliberation to comfort her, because she had not willingly condescended to their violences and lusts, but maugre her resist was ravished by them, and taken out of his lodging. But so soon as he perceived that she was dead, he moderated his affections, considering the extremity of his evils, and laying the dead body upon his Ass, he carried it to his house; where he no sooner arrived, but that he divided and cut the same into twelve pieces, which he sent to the twelve tribes of Israel; commanding them that bore the same to tell The Levite divideth the body of his wife into 12. parts, and sent them to the 12. tribes, judg. 20. every tribe, who they were that were the authors of the death of his wife, and what villainy they had practised against her. The tribes were very much discontented at that which they both saw, and heard (having never before that time heard of any the like adventure) and incensed with extreme displeasure (and yet just) they assembled themselves in Siloe, and being arranged before the Ark, they resolved suddenly to take arms, and to assail the Gabeonites as their capital and mortal enemies. But the elders withheld them, declaring unto them that they ought not after that manner enterprise a headlong war against their brethren, before they had conferred and debated the cause with them, and examined the crimes whereof they were accused; the rather, for that the law permitteth not any war (no not against strangers) before an enterparle & embassage, which might reclaim those that were held culpable & reduce them to reason. For which cause they told them that they should conform themselves both according to the letter of the law, and the bond of brotherhood, to send certain messengers to the Gabeonites to demand at their hands the authors of that villainy, to the end that when they were delivered, they might take their satisfaction by their punishment: but if they should not regard that which was demanded, then that it was lawful for them to assail them with open war. Hereupon they The Israelites send Embassa. dours to the Gabeonites to require those at their hands that had committed the rape. They deny to yield them up, hereupon the Israelites make an oath never to match their daughters with any one of them tribe of Benjamin, and they levy and lead out against them an army of four hundredth thousand men. Twenty two thousand Israelites slain in battle. Eighteen thousand Israelites more slain. The Israelites place one half of their battle in ambush, and as if they fought with disadvantage they retired by little and little. sent certain messengers to the Gabeonites to accuse those young men that had perpetrated that indignity against the woman, to demand them at their hands, to the intent they might suffer condign punishment by death for the breach they had made of the law. But the Gabeonites would not yield up the young men, supposing it to be an indignity for them for fear of war to be obedient to other men's commandments, by reason that they thought themselves no ways inferior unto others in feats of war, both in respect of their number, and the courage both in the one and the other. The rest of the tribe also made great preparation, by reason they were all of them resolved, & united together mutually to defend themselves against whosoever should assail them. After that the report of the Gabeonites answer was brought unto the Israelites, they swore an oath the one unto the other, that none of them would give their daughters in marriage to a Beniamite, promising each of them to issue & make war against them: against whom they were more incensed, than our predecessors have been animated against the Chanaanites, as we have been given to understand. They speedily therefore levied & led into the field an army of 400000, men against them. The Beniamites host consisted of 26000. armed men, and 600. others, fifty of which were expert in shooting, and fight with the left hand. The field was fought near to Gaba, wherein the Beniamites put the Israelites to flight, who were slain to the number of twenty & two thousand, and more of them had been slaughtered that day, had not the night suddenly overtaken them and ended the skirmish. Thus did the Beniamites joyfully return unto their cities, & the Israelites were discomforted thorough their unexpected calamity. The next day they once more renewed the battle, and the Beniamites had the upper hand once again: so that the Israelites lost eighteen thousand men more, and by that mean forsook their camp thorough fear, and retired to Bethel, which was not far off from the place. The day after they fasted, and besought God (by the mediation of Phinees the high Priest) that it would please him to appease his wrath against them, and that contenting himself with the two overthrows which he had sent them, he would now at last both give them victory and valour to encounter their enemies. All which God promised them by the prophecy of Phinees. Whereupon they divided their army into two parts, and laid the one thereof in ambush near unto the City. In the mean time (whilst the other half that made head against the Beniamites retired themselves, to the intent their enemies should assault The year of the world. 2526. before Christ's Nativity. 1438. them) the Beniamites suddenly issued, and set upon them that orderly retired, and the more they retired (under purpose to draw them the further from the town) the more eagerly the enemy insisted: so that all they likewise, who thorough age and weakness were left in the City, sallied out as companions and sharers in the future prey. But when as they were drawn far enough from the City, the Hebrews stayed, made head and fought against them. Then gave they a sign to those that were in ambush, in such sort as was accorded amongst them: who suddenly issuing out together, rushed in upon their enemies with a huge cry. Who seeing themselves so suddenly surprised knew not what to do, but retiring themselves into certain Baricadoes, they defended themselves with arrows, but all of them were slain (except it were six hundredth) who making head, and closely filletted and embattled together, thrust themselves desperately into the midst of their enemies, and by this means escaped they into the mountains hard by, where Five and twenty thousand Beniamites slain, & only six hundredth escapealive. labes & other Cities of the Beniamites burned. jud. 21. they encamped. All the rest to the number of twenty five thousand or thereabouts were slain. And the Israelites burned Gaba utterly, & slew both the women and children. They exercised no less justice on the other cities of Benjamin (so much were they fleshed and transported with fury) And for that Iabes (a City of Galaad) would not join with them in battle against the Beniamites, they sent twelve thousand chosen men out of their companies to destroy the same, who slew all those that might bear arms, with their wives and children, except four hundredth virgins. So much grief and fury had they conceived thorough the accident that chanced to this woman, and the despite they had conceived against the Beniamites for provoking them unto arms: which fury when it was somewhat appeased, they repented themselves, reputing themselves to be deprived of one tribe: And although they thought them justly oppressed in battle (by reason they had offended against the laws of God) yet celebrated they a fast in the behalf The Israelites revoke the six hundredth that were fled. of the dead. They sent Ambassadors also, and revoked those six hundredth that were fled, and held a certain rock in the desert which was call Rhoa. The Ambassadors complained not only for that the war had extinguished them, but also for that the Israelites had lost their parents: and by these persuasions they prevailed so much, that they bore their cross and loss with less grief; and they came unto them & besought them that they would not give sentence of the total extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. We grant you (said they) the revenues of your whole tribe, and as much booty as you may drive away. But they acknowledging their injustice, and that they were condemned by the iustiudgement of God, returned into the possessions of their tribe, and the Israelites gave them in marriage those four hundredth virgins of Iabes: and for the rest The Israelites gave the Beniamites the four hundredth virgins of labes in marriage (which were two hundredth) they deliberated with themselves how they might provide them of wives, to the intent they might have issue. And when as before time in the beginning of their war it was decreed by an oath, that none of them might match his daughter with any of the tribe of Benjamin; there were some of them that thought good that the oath might be dispensed withal (by reason it was grounded upon wrath, & not on judgement) alleging further, that they should do nothing contrary to the will of God, if they might save a tribe which was in danger When & how an oath ought to be kept. utterly to be extinct. That perjuries were dangerous and noisome, not at such time as they are enforced by constraint, but when they are practised with an intent to do evil. But when as the Elders reclaimed hereagainst (abhorring the mention of perjury) there arose up a certain The Beniamites are permitted to ravish them wives. man amongst them, that said he had a policy, whereby without breach of oath the Beniamites might light upon wives. And being commanded by the Senate to express the same, we have a custom every year (said he) to assemble and keep a feast at Siloe, and for companions in those our congregations we have both our wives and daughters: as many of these as they can ravish, let the Beniamites lay hold of, without reproof (neither being inhibited nor encouraged by us) and if their fathers shall be displeased therewith, and shall require revenge, we will say that they are in the fault who have negligently kept their daughters, & that we ought not too much to whet our wrath against the Beniamites, for that we had too much already used and abused the same towards them. This sentence was allowed by all of them, and it was decreed, that it was lawful for the Beniamites to ravish and violently take to themselves wives amongst them. Now when the feast was at hand, the two hundredth Beniamites (of whom we have spoken) came two by two, and three by three, and lay in ambush near unto the City (amongst the vines and other thickets, and close places, in which they might hide themselves to surprise the Damsels.) Now they suspecting nothing, securely and pleasantly wantoned on their way: but the young men breaking from their ambush, laid hold of them (being scattered and divided here and there) and after they had married them, they departed home to labour their land, and began to study anew how to recover their former good hap. Thus the tribe of Benjamin (which was wellnigh utterly The year of the world. 2526. before the Nativity of Christ. 1438. exterminated) was restored to his former dignity after this manner, by the wisdom of the Israelites: and it incontinently flourished and increased in a little time, as well in number of men as in all other things. Thus finished this fatal war. The like accident happened to the Tribe of Dan, which fell into the like encumbrance for this Hedio & Rufsinus, chap. 7. al. 4. cause which ensueth. The Israelites about this time having forgotten the exercise of arms, and being only occupied in tilling, and trimming their land: the Chanaanites (in contempt of that nation) raised forces, judg. 18. The tribe of Dan oppressed by the Chanaanites. not for that they were afraid of their own estates, but to the intent that overlopping the Hebrews with some memorable overthrow, they might more securely inhabit their Cities thereafter: and conspiring together (and arming a great number of footmen; and joining to them certain chariots) they drew Ascalon and Accharon (two cities within the Lot of juda) into their confederacy, and divers other cities of the Champion country: so as they of Dan were driven into the mountains, having no place in the champion where they might peaceably inhabit; who (for that neither in war they were able to confront them, neither had sufficient habitation for the number of men, which they had) sent five men of their tribe into the Champion country and Midland, to spy if they could find any place that were fit and convenient for them to establish and fix their Colonies in. These traveled a days journey not far from the mountain of Libanus, and more lower then are the sources of jordan, bordering upon the They of Dan seek out a place to inhabit. great plain of the City of Sidon. In which place (having observed that the land was good and fertile in all sorts of fruits) they made it known unto their people, who travailing thither with their army, builded a city in that place called Dan (by the name of the son of jacob so called, and in honour of the tribe of Dan.) Many adversities befell the Israelites from that time forwards, both for that they were unexercised in travail, and for that they contemned piety. For having once forsaken the observation of their ordinances, they suffered themselves to be devoured in pleasures, living according to their own appetites: so that they gorged and glutted themselves with those vices, which were most of all accustomed and usual amongst the Chanaanites. CHAP. III. How the people of Israel by reason of their wickedness, were by God delivered to the servitude of the Assyrians. FOr this cause the wrath of God was kindled against them in such sort, as (thorough their negligence) they lost the good which they had gotten by infinite travail. For Schisart judg. 3. The Israelites oppressed by Schisar. king of the Assyrians levied an army against them, who killed a great number of their men in the fight, and either by force, or composition, took divers of them prisoners; and brought their city under his subjection. divers also willingly submitted themselves unto him, (thorough the fear they had conceived) and they paid tributes exceeding their powers, enduring all kind of outrage for the space of eight years, after which they were delivered by these means following. CHAP. FOUR Their liberty restored by Cenizus. A Certain man of the Tribe of juda called Cenizus, a man of execution and of brave Ibidem. Cenizus or as the holy scripture speaks, his son Athniel reigned eight years. courage, was advertised by a voice from heaven, that he should not permit the Israelites in that sort to be reduced into so extreme necessity, without taking care for them, but that he ought to adventure himself to set them at liberty. For which cause, calling unto him some few companions of his perils, who were discontented with their present estate, and desired a change, he first of all discomfited the garrison which Schisart had placed over them: and so much was he furthered with his first success, that the number of his followers increased more and more, so that they seemed sufficient to equal the enemy in open field: whereupon encountering him in one battle, they overcame him, and recovered their liberty; and the rest of the scattered and confused army retired themselves toward Euphrates. Now after that Cenizus had by this effect given proof of his valour, he received the government at the people's hands, and exercised the office of judge forty years, at the end whereof he died. CHAP. V. The year of the world, 2526 before Christ's birth 1438. How the people were again made subject to the Moabites, and how by Iodes they were exempt from servitude. AFter whose death (the government and seat being void) the affairs of the Israelites began again to fall to ruin, and the rather for that they neither yielded due honour unto Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. judg. 3. Eglon king of the Moabites conquereth the Israelites. God, neither obedience to the laws: whence it came to pass, that Eglon king of the Moabites (seeing the disorder of their policy) set them at nought, so that he waged war against them, and overcame them many times. And for that he was a prince of greater forecast than any of his predecessors, he fought against them and weakened their forces, and constrained them to pay tribute. This man (translating his court to jericho, and proud in his victories) omitted no means whereby he might vex and molest the people: so that they lived for the space of 18. years in great misery. But God (being moved with their calamities, and supplications) delivered them The year of the world. 2534. before Christ's birth 1430. Iodes or Ehud insinuateth himself into eglon's familiarity. from their intolerable thraldom after this manner. Iodes the son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin (a young man, both addressed by valour of mind, and strength of hand to attempt any worthy action) dwelled at jericho. This man insinuated himself into eglon's familiarity, and by presents and gifts entertained and courted him in such sort, as he was well beloved and esteemed amongst all those courtiers that were nearest about the king. It chanced one day, that bearing certain presents unto the king (attended by two of his household servants) he secretly girt a dagger to his right thigh, at such time as he entered into the king: now it was about midsummer and midday likewise, whereby the watch was grown the more careless and slothful, partly by reason of the heat, and partly for that the guard were occupied about their dinner. The young man therefore offering his presents unto Eglon (who at that time disported himself in a certain summer chamber) began to discourse with him. Now they were both alone (by reason that the king resolving to talk familiarly with Iodes, had sent away his guard, and sat him down in a seat:) but Iodes fearing, lest failing to stab home enough, he should not give him a fatal and deadly wound, required him to rise, telling him that he had a dream to report unto him by the commandment of God. Whereat he rejoicing very much, leapt from his seat; whereupon Iodes stabbed him to the heart: and leaving the poiniard sticking in his wound, he escaped and locked Iodes killeth Eglon. the door after him; the guard making no noise at all, supposing that the king had laid him down to rest. But Iodes giving private notice hereof to them of jericho, offered himself to be their leader in the recovery of their former liberty: who (willingly accepting thereof) presently took arms, and sent trumpets to publish the same thorough the whole country: (for after that manner were they wont to assemble the people.) They that were about Eglon were wholly ignorant of that which had happened: but about the eeven-tide (fearing lest some mishap had befallen him) they entered into the place where he was, & found him dead; whereat they were greatly astonished, so as they knew not what to do. For before they had assembled their forces together, the Israelites fiercely charged them, and some they killed instantly; the rest that were ten thousand The Moabites put to flight & slain by the Israelites. in number, betook then selves to fly, under hope to recover their country of Moab: but the Israelites (having before that, laid and fortified the passages of jordan) pursued them and slew them: so that divers of them perished in the Ferry, and not one of them remained that escaped their hands. By this means the Israelites were delivered from the servitude of the Moabites: and for this cause Iodes was advanced to the government of the people. Finally, after he had lived for the space of fourscore years, he died. A man (besides the act of late rehearsed) worthy of praise in all other things. After him Sanagar the son of Anath was elected governor, The year of the world. 2614. before the birth of Christ. 1350. and in the first year of his reign, he left this life to partake the fruition of another. CHAP. VI How the Israelites were brought under the subjection of the Chanaanites, and ransomed from servitude by Barac. But the Israelites (in no sort reclaimed or reconciled by their forepast calamities) fell Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 judg. 4. jabin king of the Chanaanites, subdueth the Israelites. again into their former impiety and disobedlence: and before they had sufficiently shaken off the servitude of the Moabites, were subjecteth unto jabin king of the Chanaanites. This man kept his residence imperial at Asor (a City situate on the lake of Sachonites) he had in pay thirty thousand four, and ten thousand horse: and besides these, he had three The year of the world 2614. before Christ's birth 1350. Sylares or Sylara the captain of the host thousand warlike Chariots. Over all this huge army commanded Sisares (an especial man amongst the king's favourites) who encountering with the Israelites, brought their affairs into so desperate an estate, that they willingly (for their own security sake) accepted servitude, and paid tribute (whereunto they were enforced through the austerity of their subjection, almost for the space of twenty years, not daring to lift up their heads) all which fell upon them by the will of God, to the end he might punish the too great contumacy and ingratitude of that nation. Who at length repenting themselves, and acknowledging the cause of their calamities (namely that it proceeded from the contempt of their laws) they repaired to a certain Prophetess called Deborah (which name in the Hebrew tongue signifieth a Bee) beseeching her that by Deborah the Prophetess. her prayers she would endeavour to provoke God unto mercy (to the intent he should not suffer them so to be oppressed by the Chanaanites.) Hereupon God (being inclined to take compassion on them) granted them help, and appointed Barac to be their governor (a man of the Barac appointed Emperor against the enemy. tribe of Nephthali, whose name signifieth lightning.) Deborah therefore sending for Barac commandeth him to pick out, and muster ten thousand chosen men, and lead them forth against the enemy: alleging that they were sufficient to obtain the victory which God had promised by his Oracle. But Barac denying to undertake the government, except she also would administer the same with him, she moved therewith, spoke thes: Wilt thou (said she) surrender the dignity which God hath given thee to a woman? well I will not refuse it. Whereupon levying ten thousand men, they pitched their tents near to the mountain of Itabyr. Sisara at that time (according as the king had commanded him) presently marched out to meet them, and encamped himself not far from the enemy. But Barac and the rest of the Israelites (being terrified with the multitude of the enemies) was encouraged by Deborah, who commanded them Deborah and Barac charge the enemy. that very day to enter and undertake the battle, assuring them that the victory should be theirs, and that God would both assist and help them: whereupon they charged the enemy, and there suddenly fell a storm of rain mixed with hail, which the wind drove against the faces of the Chanaanites, and took away their sight, making those that carried darts, and such as served with the sling, unprofitable in their service: the Targeteers likewise having their hands benumbed with cold, could scarcely wield their swords. But the tempest beating on the backs of the Israelites, not only wrought them less offence, but made them also more forward (being whetted thereunto by the manifest sign of God's favour and presence:) Whereupon disarraying and breaking thorough their enemy's battle, they made a great slaughter of them, so as part of them fell by the weapons of the Israelites: the rest were overrun by their own horsemen and chariots. Sisara also as soon as he saw his soldiers turn their backs (leaping from his chariot) Sisara slain with his host. fled away hastily, till at last he arrived in the tent of a woman of Cenetis called jael, who being desired by him to conceal and hide him, entertained him: and whereas he required drink she gave him sour milk, which when he had overgreedily drunk, he fell a sleep: and whilst he so lay buried in his slumbers, jael took a mallet and drove an iron nail thorough his temples, jael killeth Sysara with an iron nail. and fastened him to the pavement: and anon after, when barac's soldiers came unto her, she showed him unto them, in such manner as he was nailed. And thus a woman (according as Deborah had foretold) was the author of this victory. But Barac leading his army to Asor, slew jabin Barac governed the Israelites 40. years. that came out against him: and having slain the king, and leveled the city with the ground, he governed the Israelites for the space of forty years. CHAP. VII. How the Amalechites over coming the Israelites, destroyed their country for the The year of the world, 2654. before Christ's birth 1310. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. judg. 6. The Madianites confederate with the Amelechites overcome the Israelites in a great battle. space of seven years. But when Barac and Deborah were dead, about the very same time and hard after, the Madianites (accompanied with the Amalechites and Arabians) armed themselves against the men of Israel; and encountering them in open field overcame them in a great battle, and (destroying their fruits and harvest) led away a great pray, and when as they continued these their incursions for the space of seven years, they compelled the Israelites to forsake the Champion, and fly unto the mountains: who digging them dens and houses under the earth, kept all that secretly hidden which they had reserved & conveyed from the fury of the enemy. For the Madianites invading them in the summer time, permitted the Israelites to ply their husbandry in the winter, to the intent they might spoil and depopulate their country the more. Thus lived they in perpetual famine and want: neither was there any other The year of the world. 2654. before Christ's Nativity. 1310. hope or succours left them, but only by prayers and supplications unto God. CHAP. VIII. How Gedeon delivered the Israelites. ABout that time, Gedeon (the son of jasus, one of the chiefest of the tribe of Manasses) ground certain sheaves of corn which he had secretly conveyed into his press: for he durst not bring them openly, for fear the enemy should have espied him. To him appeared God commandeth Gedeon to deliver the Israelites from the Madianites judg. 7. there a vision in the form of a young man, which said unto him, that he was happy and beloved of God: and that a certain sign of his good hap should be, that he should use his press in steed of his grange; willing him to be of good courage, and to endeavour himself to recover his country's liberty. Gedeon answered, that it was impossible, by reason that the tribe whereof he was descended, had very few men in it; and that he was too young and feeble to think on affairs of so great consequence: but God promised him to supply his necessities in whatsoever he held himself deficient; and assured him (under his conduct) that he would give the Israelites the victory. These things Gedeon communicated with certain young men, who willingly believing the Oracle, answered, that for the present they had ten thousand soldiers in a readiness, most ready to attempt any thing in regard of their liberty. But God appeared to Gedeon in a dream, and told him that men naturally were lovers of themselves, and haters God commandeth Gedeon to choose a few men. The victory is to be attributed to God. of those who were excellent in virtues: so that if there grow any question of victory they forget God, and appropriate the same unto themselves, saying; that they are many, and all valiant men at arms. To the end therefore that they may conceive his handy work in their deliverance, he counseled him that about the mid-time of the day, at such time as the heat was most vehement, he should conduct his army to the river; and that being there, he should diligently observe those that bowed themselves to drink, which he might esteem for men of valour: but all those that drank hastily and with noise, should be marked as men fearful and afraid of the enemy. Gedeon did according as God had commanded him, and there were found three hundredth men that lifted water to their mouths with their hands, with fear and trouble: God willed him that he should assail the enemy with those three hundred, promising that he would give him the victory. About this time were they encamped upon the bank of jordan, ready to pass the ford the next morrow. But Gedeon was sore troubled, by reason that God had before times told him that he should assail the enemy by night: but God willing to deliver him of this fear, commanded him to take one of his soldiers with him, and enter the Gedeon repaireth to the enemy's tents, and by them in confirmed by a dream. camp of the Madianites, assuring him that he should be both advised and encouraged by themselves: whereunto he obeyed, and for his better assurance, he took with him one of his servants: Now as he drew nigh a certain tent, he perceived that they that were within the same were awake, and that one of them with a loud voice, told his companion the dream which that night he had had; which Gedeon overheard, and thus it was. Him seemed that he saw a barley cake (so loathsome as no man would feed upon the same) which rolled thorough the camp, which first overthrew the king's tent, & afterward the tents of all his soldiers: alleging that this vision signified the loss of the whole army. Annexing to this his allegation the reasons that induced him thereunto; namely that of all sorts of corn barley is most contemptible; and amongst all the nations of Asia, there were not this day any people to be found more disgraced and contemned then the Israelites, and that in this respect they resembled barley. That which at this day seemeth to encourage them is Gedeon, and the army that is with him: and whereas this cake turned to overthrow our tents, I fear me lest God hath given some sign of victory unto Gedeon. Gedeon (having overheard all these things) conceived good hope, and attempted with a valiant heart, and presently commanded his domestical servants to arm themselves, discoursing unto them the vision which appeared to their enemy: whereupon they speedily prepared themselves at his commandment, ruminating and hammering in their minds upon that discourse which he had declared unto them. About the latter watch of the night, Gedeon led forth his army, and divided them into three bands, and in every band he put a hundredth men: all of these bare in their hands empty pots, in which were hidden burning torches, in such sort as the enemy might not discover them when they sallied out: moreover they bore rams horns in their Gedeon with three hundredth attempteth the fight. right hands, which they used in steed of trumpets. The adverse army took up much ground (by reason that they had a great number of Camels, and were distributed by nations) yet notwithstanding The year of the world, 2054. before Christ Nativity, 1310. were all of them comprehended in one enclosure. The Hebrews having had instructions from their captain what they ought to do, at such time as they approached near unto their enemies, and the sign of battle was given, they sounded their horns, and broke their pots, and with their flaming lights broke into the enemy's camp; crying victory, victory, by the assistance of God, and the strength of Gedeon. Hereupon such a trouble and fear surprised the enemy, as they lay a sleep (for this accident fell out in the night time, and God disposed all things to this issue) that few of them fell by the Hebrews sword, but they themselves slew one another in great numbers (by reason that they were different The Madianites and their confederates kill one another. in language.) For confusedly encountering one another, they massacred all those that encountered them, supposing them to be enemies. When the rumour of this slaughter, and Gedeons' victory came unto the ears of the rest of the Israelites, they armed themselves, and pursued and overtook the enemy (being entangled and circumvented in certain places made unpassable thorough many running brooks) so that being environed on every side, they were all of them put to the sword, amongst which were their two kings Oreb and Zeb. The rest of the chieftains trouping onward with their soldiers to the number of eighteen thousand or thereabouts, encamped not far from The Israelites pursue their enemies, and kill Oreb and Zeb. judg. 8. Gedeon taketh Zeeb and Ezarbon. One hundredth and twenty thousand Madianites with their confederates slain. the Israelites: but Gedeon was no ways astonished hereat, but pursuing them valiantly with his whole army, & charging them desperately, he discomfited all the rest of the enemies, & led away captives those chieftains which remained, namely Zeeb & Ezarbon. There died in this battle of the Madianites and Arabians their allies to the number almost of six score thousand: besides that the Hebrews took an inestimable pray of gold, silver, apparel, Camels, & other horses. But Gedeon returning into his country, Ephraim slew the rest of the kings of the Madianites: naitheles the tribe of Ephraim being displeased with his happy execution, resolved to make war against him, accusing him for that he had not made them privy of his stratagem intended against the enemy. But Gedeon being a temperate man, and endowed with all kind of virtue, gave them this modest answer, that it was not he that by his own direction had set upon the enemy, but that it was Gods only handy work: notwithstaning that the victory was no less theirs, than his or those his followers that achieved the enterprise. And with these his words appeasing their wrath, he no less profited the Hebrews thereby, then by his valiant actions, by reason that he delivered them from a civil war, whereunto they had fallen, if his discretion had not prevented it. This tribe was punished for this outrage offered to so noble a parsonage, as we will declare hereafter in his place. Gedeon labouring to dismiss himself of the government, was forced to The year of the world, 2292. before Christ's nativity, 1270. Gedeon reigned 40. years. continue the same, and ruled the Israelites for the space of forty years, doing justice to every one that required the same at his hands, and deciding their controversies (so irrevocable and certain was that esteemed which he had decreed.) Finally he died when he was very old, and was buried in the country of Ephraim. CHAP. IX. How some of Gedeons' successors made war with the nations round about them. GEdeon had seventy lawful sons begotten on divers lawful wives: he had likewise one Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 1. judg. 69. Abimelech killeth 69. of his brethren. bastard by his concubine Druma, which he called Abimelech, who after the decease of his father, retired himself to Sichem (where his mother was borne) there (assisted with money by his mother's kindred, & backed by them who were men resolute & addressed to all facinorous actions) he returned unto his father's house, where he slew all his brethren (except jothan, who by good hap saved himself by flight) now when as Abimelech had once obtained the tyranny, he ruled all things according to his lust, and neglected the ordinances and prescript of law, hating all those that in any sort were maintainers of equity. One day therefore whilst there was a solemn feast held at Sichem (whereunto the whole people were usually wont to resort) jothan his brother (who as we said, saved himself by flight) climbing the mountain of Garizim, which jothan by an allusion upbraideth the Sichemites of their ingratitude towards Gedeon. The counsel, of the trees in choice of a king. overhangeth the City of Sichem, with a loud voice (which might easily be overheard by the people, and in a general silence of the whole multitude) he besought them that they would hear him in a few words, and when as they intentively listened with a greater and more reverend silence: He told them in times past the trees were accustomed articulately to speak after the manner of men, and that (in a certain assembly wherein they were to consult of their government) they besought the fig tree to accept the sovereignty over them, which when she refused, and pleaded in his own behalf that he was contented with that honour which he reaped by the The year of the world. 1694. before Christ's Nativity. 1270. means of the fruit which he bore, & sought not further. The trees surceased not to seek an other prince, resolving with themselves to ascribe that honour to the Vine, which in as many words as the Fig tree refused the same: and no less did the Olive tree: At last they preferred their humble protestation of election to the great Bramble (whose wood is good for firing) he answered if you do unfeignedly require me for your king, repose yourselves under my shadow; but if you intent treasons against me, there shall a fire issue from me and consume you. These things, said jothan, I report unto you not to move you to laughter, but for that you (having received many benefits at the hands of Gedeon) suffer Abimelech, who in spirit differeth nothing from the fire to usurp the Princedom after the slaughter of my brethren. When he had spoken after this manner he departed, and for three years space lived hidden amongst the mountains, flying the power of Abimelech. Neither did there many days overpass, but that the Sichemites (being The Sichemites banish Abimelech. moved with compassion and just revenge in respect of the murder which was committed upon the sons of Gedeon) banished Abimelech out of their City, and the whole tribe. Whereupon he resolved to do some mischief to both the City and Citizens: and for that their vintage was at hand, & they durst not gather the fruit, fearing lest they should receive some injury at the hands of Abimelech. By good hap about that time a certain Prince called Gaal retired thither with a troop of soldiers and his kindred, him did the Sichemites beseech that he would grant them a convoy, whilst they had gathered in their harvest: which request of theirs being accepted by Gaal, they issued out with their forces, being seconded by him and his, and securely brought in their fruits, and feasting one with another in companies, they were so bold as to scoff at Abimelech, and the chiefest of his followers: and the chiefest of those strangers among them, that came into the city to their assistance, surprised by Ambuscado divers of Abimelechs' people & slew them. But Zebel one of the Sichemites and Abimeleches host signified unto him by a messenger, how Gaal incited the people against him, inviting him to lie in wait for him near about the Abimelechs' practice against the Sichemits. City, promising him that he would bring Gaal thither, to the end that he might easily revenge him of that injury which his enemy had offered him. Which done, he promised to work so wisely that he would reconcile him to the people's favour again, and whenas Abimelech had chosen a place fit to lie in ambush, and Gaal with Zebel too carelessly lived and walked in the suburbs, at length he suddenly espying certain armed men, cried out to Zebel, that he had discovered the enemy, whereunto Zebel replied that they were the shadows of rocks: but Gaal drawing more near unto them, and perceiving apparently who they were, answered Zebel, that they were no shadows, but ambushes of men. Whereunto Zebel replied, dost not thou object cowardice to Abimelech, why therefore showest thou not thy great valour in fight with him? Gaal confusedly amazed, assailed the soldiers of Abimelech, in which conflict certain of his followers were slain, and he himself fled into the City (giving example unto the rest to follow him.) Hereupon Zebel laboured that Gaal might be expulsed out of the City, accusing him of his cowardly Gaal put to flight by Abimelech, is banished out of Sichem. encounter with the soldiers of Abimelech. Now when as the same Abimelech had afterwards gotten certain intelligence, that the Sichemites would issue anew to gather to their vintage, he laid an ambush near unto the City. And no sooner were they issued, but that the third part of his troops surprised and seized the gates to cut them off from their return, that thought to re-enter; the rest ran after those that were scattered here and there: so that there was a great slaughter on every side, and the City was ruinated even unto the very foundations (for they could not withstand the siege) and they sowed salt upon the ruins thereof. Thus perished all they that were in the City of Sichem. But they that escaped thorough the country, Sichem taken and sacked and razed to the ground. and had avoided the danger, assembled and fortified themselves upon a strong rock, and there encamped and began to defence the same. But as soon as Abimelech had notice of their intention, he hasted thither with his forces, and environed the place with faggots of dry wood (carrying them thither in his own person, and encouraging thereby those of his army to do the like) so that the rock was incontinently compassed with wood. Whereunto he set fire round about, and The Sichemites flying are burned upon a rock. in an instant it flamed and burned vehemently, so as none of them were saved, but all of them perished with their wives and children, to the number of fifteen hundred men, besides many other of the weaker sort. This calamity happened to the Sichemites (in so grievous a measure that there is not any grief sufficient to deplore it) were it not that that so horrible misfortune fell upon them, by reason of their ingratitude they had showed to so upright a judge, and so gracious a benefactor. Abimelech alaid the courage of the Israelites by this encounter and conquest of the Sichemites, and gave sufficient testimony that he aspired more higher, and that he would never terminate his violence until he had utterly extinguished them. He therefore led forth his army The year of the world 2694. before Christis birth 1270. Abimelech taketh Tebe●…. against the Tebeans and their City, which he tookè: but in that town there was a great tower, whither all the people had retired themselves, and whilst he prepared himself to besiege the same, and approached likewise near unto the gates, a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone at him, and hit him on the head: which was the cause that Abimelech called at that time for his squire, commanding him to dispatch him, to the intent it might not be reported that he died by the hands of a woman. His squire did according as he had commanded him, and revenged A woman woudeth Abimelech and his squire killeth him. on Abimelech (by putting him to death) the cruelty he had committed against his brethren, and the tyranny executed upon the Sichemites; on whom all these misfortunes fell according as jothan had foretold them. As soon as Abimelech was slain, all the army was dispersed, and every one returned unto his dwelling place: and jair the Galeadite of the tribe of Manasses Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 12. al. 19 judg. 10. took upon him the government. Amongst other conditions of this man, these were of the greatest note, that he was rich, and had thirty worthy sons, all expert upon horse back, and exercised the magistracy in the country of Galaad: he (after he had governed the people for the space of twenty years) died, when he was very old, and was honourably entombed in Chamon a city of Galaad. From this time forward the policy and estate of the Hebrews grew The year of the world. 2697. before Christ's birth 1267. Thola reigned 23. years. After him lair 22. years. more and more disordered, and the laws began to be neglected: Whence it came to pass that the Ammonites and Philistines (setting light by them) destroyed all their country with a great army, during which time they occupied all the land on this side jordan, and so much were they heartened, as that they pressed further, and possessed the better part on the other side of the river, and conquered the same. Whereupon the Hebrews being brought to more moderation by these their adversities, had their recourse unto God by prayers and sacrifices, requiring him that it might please him to moderate his wrath, and that having regard and respect of their supplication, he would be pleased to stay his heavy hand over them. This submission of theirs prevailed with God, who inclined himself to assist them. Whilst therefore the Ammonites led their army into Galaad, they of the country arose to meet and fight with them, being disfurnished of a governor to conduct them. Now there was a certain man called jeptha, of great estimation, The year of the world. 2719. before the birth of Christ. 1245. The Israelites oppressed by the Ammonites and Palestines. as well for the virtue of his ancestors, as his own particular valour (the rather for that he had been trained and maintained in warlike service.) To him they sent a messenger, requiring him that he would assist them; promising him, that he should continue in the government during the term of his life. But he was nothing mollified with this their request, but reproachfully objected against them, that they had abandoned him at that time, when as his brothers had done him open wrong: for (by reason he was not their brother by the same mother, but a stranger, begotten on a woman which their father had entertained for his paramour, they had driven him out of their family, setting light by him, by reason of his base birth) yet notwithstanding he had lived in Galaad, receiving all those into wages which came unto him, of what place soever they were. But after they had besought him, and sworn unto him that he should continue in the government, The year of the world. 2742, be Christ's birth. 1222. jeptha is created the judge of Israel. he became their general in war, and speedily (providing and foreseeing whatsoever was necessary) he encamped himself near unto Maspha, and sent Ambassadors to the Ammonites, accusing them for invading a country that belonged not unto them. They chose blamed the Israelites, for that they were fled like fugitives from Egypt, and commanded that the Israelites should depart out of Amorrhaea (which was their ancient patrimony.) jeptha answered that they had no reason to accuse their ancestors, in respect of Amorrhaea: but rather that they ought to give them thanks, for that they hac permitted them to enjoy the country of Ammon, by reason it was in Moses power to have commanded the same. In a word, they were The year of the world, 2760 before Christ's birth 1204. resolved not to forsake the country which God had both given and purchased for them, and which they had held in their possession for the space of three hundredth years, alleging that he would defend the same against them by dint of sword: with these words dismissed he the Ambassadors of the Ammonites. Then besought he God that it might please him to grant him victotie: jeptha maketh a vow. and he made a vow, that if he returned unto his house whole and in safety, he would offer up in sacrifice, that of his which he should first meet withal in his return: whereupon encountering the enemy he defeated him, and pursued him, killing those that fled continually till he came to the City of Maniathen. Then entering the country of the Ammonites, he destroyed divers He overcometh the Ammonites. Cities, and led away a great pray, and delivered and ransomed divers slaves of that nation, who had endured that servitude for the space of eighteen years. But as he returned homeward, he fell into such an inconvenient, as was no ways answerable to his noble actions. For his only daughter (of the age of eighteen years) came out to meet him: whereupon resolving and melting himself into tears, he began to check her for that so hastily she had issued forth to meet The year of the world 2760. before Christ's Nativity. 1204. him, by reason he had consecrated the first thing he met withal to God. But this accident was no ways displeasant unto the Damsel, but that she willingly died, both for the victory of her father, and the deliverance of her brethren: she therefore besought her father that it would please him to grant her two months before she should be sacrificed, to the end she might lament her youth with her companions: and that after that term, her father might acquit himself of that vow which he had made. jeptha granted her the term and time she had limited, which being expired, he sacrificed his daughter for a burnt offering: which oblation of his was neither conformable to the law, nor agreeable unto God (by reason he examined not in his understanding jeptha sacrificeth his daughter. before ●…ee committed the act, how it would be taken by those that should hear the report thereof.) The tribe of Ephraim hearing of his victories, would have sent out men of war against The Ephaimites are incensed against jeptha. jud. 12. him (by reason he had not communicated his enterprise against the Ammonites with them, but had only reserved the prey, and usurped the honour of the execution to himself) whereunto he answered first of all, that being of his kindred, they could not be ignorant that both he and his were assailed by war; and had beside that also been required to give them their assistance, whereunto they had answered very faintly, and being requested would not be present. Secondly, he told them that that which they undertook was both unlawful and most wicked, in that (not daring to confront or assail the enemy) they made no bones to set upon and assault their own brothers and familiars, threatening them that if they governed not themselves, he would (by the assistance of God) be revenged on them. But these words of his were both neglected and despised, so that he was forced to arm himself against them, and with an host of men sent from Galaad, he made a great slaughter, partly in pursuing those that fled, partly also in preventing Almost forty thousand of the Ephraimites slain. jeptha dieth. Apsan was for seven years space the judge in Israel. Elon reigned ten years. their passage who fled unto jordan, and the number of those that were slain amounted to forty thousand or thereabouts. But after that jeptha had governed six years he deceased, and was buried in Sebei, in the place where he was borne, and in the country of Galaad. After his decease, Apsan took upon him the government. He was of the tribe of juda, of the City of Bethleem, and had sixty children, thirty males & thirty females, which he left all alive and married: he died when he was very old, without performing any thing worthy either recital or memory, during the space of his seven years government: he was buried in his country. Elon a Zabulonite his successor differed nothing from him in the same, & during the term of ten years wherein he governed, The year of the world, 27●…3. before Christ's nativity, 1191. Abdon judge. he achieved nothing that was worthy commendation. Abdon the son of Elon (of the tribe of Ephraim of the City of Pharathon) was declared sovereign judge after Elon, and is renowned only for his felicity in his children (by reason that the estate was in peace and security, and that he exploited nothing worthy glory) he had forty sons, who had thirty other children, and he road accompanied with these seventy, who were all of them expert on horseback. He left them all alive, and died when he was very old, and was magnifically buried in Pharathon. CHAP. X. Of Sampsons' valour, and how many mischiefs he did unto the Philistines. AFter his death, the Philistines had the upper hand over the Israelites, and exacted tribute from them for the space of forty years. From that misery were they ransomed after this manner: Manoach (an excellent man, and one of the chiefest of the tribe of The Israelites are overcome by the Palestines. Dan, recounted without exception for the only esteemed Prince amongst them) had a wife most famous for her beauty, and excellent amongst all other of that time; yet had he no children by her: whereat he was very sore displeased: and for this cause he made his continual Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 13. al. 10. prayers unto God (departing with his wife to his country farm) beseeching him that it might please his majesty, to grant him some lawful heir and successor (now the place whither they resorted was situate in a broad plain.) Furthermore he loved his wife so exceedingly, that he almost doted on her, and for this occasion he was extremely jealous of her. Whilst thus the woman lived solitarily by herself, an Angel of God appeared unto her in a vision, promising The year of the world. 2783. before Christ's birth 1181. The Angel foretelleth Sampsons' birth. her a goodly, fair and puissant son, who denounced unto her the pleasant message of the birth of her child, which God by his providence would bestow upon her, who should be goodly and admirable in his forces, and under whom also as soon (as he should attain to man's estate) the Philistines should endure many overthrows: exhorting her not to cut his hair, commanding likewise that he should taste no other drink but water (because that God had so commanded it:) The year of the world 2783. before the Nativity of Christ. 1181. and after he had finished these sayings, he departed according to the pleasure of God. As soon as her husband returned home again, she told him all that which the Angel had said unto her, who was amazed at the beauty and greatness of the young messenger, who appeared unto her after so strange a manner, as Manoach was almost spent with jealousy and suspicion (which such a passion is wont to engender.) But she desirous to mitigate his discontent, and that distrust which he had vainly and unadvisedly conceived; besought God that it might please him once more to send his Angel unto her, to the intent that her husband might see him. Whilst therefore they lived in this sort out of town, the Angel presented himself again (thorough the grace of God) and appeared unto the woman (being apart from her husband.) But she besought him The Angel appeareth once more unto Manoach. to abide until such time as she had called her husband: which when she had obtained, she went and fetched Manoach, who notwithstanding was not delivered of his suspicion: but required him that he would relate again unto him all that which he had signified to his wife. The Angel answered him, that it sufficed that she only knew it: whereupon he asked him what he was, to the end that when his son should be borne, he might both give him presents, and present him thanks. The Angel answered, that he had no need thereof, by reason that he had not brought that good news of the birth of his son for any necessity that he had: Manoach besought him to stay and receive some token of kindness: but he would not consent. Finally, being instantly pressed to abide and receive some gift: Manoach killed a kid, and commanded his wife to roast the same. And when as all things were in readiness, the Angel commanded them to lay the bread and flesh upon a rock without dishes: which being done, he touched the flesh with a wand which he bore in his hand, and suddenly a flaming fire consumed both the bread, and flesh; and the Angel was seen to ascend up into heaven in the smoke as it were in a chariot. Manoach was afraid lest some inconvenient should happen unto him, by reason that they had in that sort seen God: but his wife recomforted him, by reason that God had appeared unto them for their profit sake. Anon after she became big with child, and observed all that which had been commanded her, and when the infant was borne she called his name Samson (which is as much to say, as strong) who presently endowed with an excellent beauty both of mind and body, using Sampsons' birth. judg. 14. his hair unshorn, and sobriety in his diet, he seemed to make show in himself of some prophetical, and more than human forwardness. It happened one day that there was a solemnity celebrated in Thamna a City of the Philistines, whither Samson resorted with his father and mother, and was surprised with the love of one of the damsels of that place, requiring his father and mother that this maiden might be given him in marriage: which they refused to do; alleging that she was not of the same lineage that he was of, and that God would provide him of a match to the good and profit of those of his nation: but in the end he prevailed so much, that he espoused the maiden. Now as he ordinarily walked to her parents, it happened one day, that being disarmed, he met with a Lion upon the way, whom he grasped and strangled with his hands; and having slain him, he cast the body of the beast into a wood not far distant from the high way. another day, and at another Sampsons' teareth a lion in pieces with his hands. time, returning in like sort to the damsel, he found a swarm of Bees which went and made their honey and habitation in the breast of the same beast, and he took three honey combs which he carried with other presents unto his betrothed. After this he invited the Thamnites to the celebration Samson marrieth one of the daughters of the Palestines. of his marriage, who (for that they suspected his forces) under colour to do him honour, chose out thirty of their strongest and valiantest young men, whom in words they assigned for his companions, but in effect appointed for his guardians; to the end he might not attempt any commotion at such time as he had drunk deeply: and there was nothing intended but sport, according as it is the custom in other such like occasions. To whom Samson said, I will propose a question unto you, which if any one of you can resolve, I will give each of you a fine linen shirt, & other vestments in reward of your prudence. They being very desirous both to be reputed wise, as also to gain the reward which was proposed, willed him to propound his question: which he did in these terms. He that devoureth all, and that of himself is unpleasant Samson propoundeth a riddle to the Thamnites. to be fed upon, hath brought forth a most pleasant kind of meat. They traveled for the space of three days to find out the sense thereof, but they could not: and therefore they required Sampsons' best beloved, that she would sound the secrets thereof, and disclose the same unto them; which if she failed to perform, they threatened to burn her to death. Samson at the first (notwithstanding all her flatteries and solicitations) denied to tell it her: at last she urged him so instantly, and shed so many tears (telling him that if he did not expound the question unto her, that she would take it for a certain sign that he hated her) that at last he told her what happened The year of the world, 2791. before Christ's birth 1173. Sampsons' wife discovereth the riddle to the Thamnites with the Lion which he had slain, and how in him he had the three honey combs which he brought unto her: and (suspectless of either fraud or guile) he deciphered the whole story unto her, and she afterwards reported the same to those that had besought her in that behalf. When as therefore the seventh day was come wherein the question was to be decided, they assembled themselves together about sun set, and said: There is nothing more irksome to meet withal then a Lion, neither any thing more pleasant to taste, than honey: Whereunto Samson replied, that there was not any thing more fraudulent than a woman, for she it is that hath reported my Samson killeth certain Ascalonites & his wife marrieth with an other. judg. 15. words unto you. Notwithstanding all this, he delivered that which he had promised them out of that booty, which he had taken from certain Ascalonites, whom he encountered upon the way. From that time forward he forsook this marriage, and the woman (the more to despite him) married one of his friends, who had in his behalf first solicited the marriage. Samson (being the more incensed by this injury) resolved to revenge himself both on her, and the whole nation: For which cause in the summer season (when the corn was ready to be reaped) he took Samson burneth the Palestines fruit. three hundredth foxes, to whose tails he fastened flaming torches, and drove them into the Philistines fields of corn, consuming by this means all their harvest hope. The Philistines understanding that Samson had done this, and conceiving the reason that induced him to execute this action, sent their garrison of Thamna, and burned this woman alive with all her kindred, as the authors of that loss that had happened unto them. After that Samson had slain divers Philistines in the country, he went and dwelled at Etam (which is a strong rock in the tribe of juda.) For which cause the Philistines assailed that tribe, who certified them that there was no reason why they should suffer for those offences which were committed by Samson, and that in especial, because they paid them tribute. The Philistines replied, that except they would not be maintainers of this act of injustice, they should deliver Samson unto them. They therefore (desirous that the Philistines should have no cause of quarrel against them) came unto the rock to the number of three thousand men, or thereabouts, and blamed Samson for those actions which he dared to commit against the Philistines (a people that might endamage all the nation of the Hebrews) alleging further, that they came to the end to take, surprise, and deliver him into the Philistines hands, praying him to submit himself voluntarily to that their resolution. Samson made them swear that they would do him no further injury, but deliver him only unto their enemies, and that done he descended from the rock, surrendering himself to the hands of those of juda, who bound him with two cables, and led him away to deliver him to the Philistines. Now being arrived in a certain place, which before that time had no name, and at this present Samson is delivered to the Palestines. is called the Maxilla, that is to say, a jaw (by reason of the valour which Samson showed in that place) and approaching near the Philistines camp, shouting and rejoicing in their presence, (by reason that they had faithfully executed that which they willed them) Samson broke his bonds, and catching up the jaw of an Ass which he found at his feet, and marching forth against Samson with the lawbone of an Ass killeth a thousand men. the Philistines, he slew and beat down to the number almost of two thousand of them, putting all the rest to flight and confusion. Samson (becoming more elate after this execution than he ought to have been, and confessing not that it was done by the assistance of God, but attributing the same to his own virtue) gloried, that with the jaw of an Ass he had partly slain, and partly constrained the enemies both to fear and fly. But being seized with an exceeding Samson by his prayers causeth a fountain to break out of a rock. thirst, he reknowledged and confessed that man's force is of no force, and protested that all aught to be ascribed to God, whom he besought that he would not be displeased with that which he had spoken, but that it might be remitted, and himself delivered from the present danger. Whereupon God heard his prayers, and caused a pleasant and abundant fountain to issue and spring from the foot of a rock: for which cause Samson called the place Maxilla or jaw, which name continueth even unto this day. After this battle Samson set light by the Philistines, and went to Gaza where he sojourned in an Inn. The governors of the City understanding of his arrival, set men to keep the gates, to the end he might not depart without their knowledge. But Samson (being no ways ignorant of that which they intended against him) arose about midnight and carried away the gates, with the hinges and locks and all the furniture of the same, Samson beareth away the gates of Gaza. and laying them on his shoulders, carried and cast them on the mountain Hebron. Not long after that he transgressed the ordinance of his fathers, and corrupted his domestical manner of living, conforming himself to the fashions of the Gentiles, which was the source and offspring of all his ruin. For he was surprised and entangled with the love of one that was called Dalila (which was a common strumpet amongst the Philistines.) To her resorted the governors of the Philistines, and by promises wrought so much with her, that they wrought her to work out of The year of the world, 2791. before Christ's Nativity, 1171. Dalila the strumpet soundeth Samson to find our wherein his strength consisted and is dcluded. him wherein his force consisted, & what the cause was that he might not be apprehended by his enemies. She (conversing with him in drinking and keeping him company) told him that she marveled at his actions, and by subtle insinuations practised to understand the manner and cause that made him so excellent in virtue. But Samson (that as yet was subtle, stayed and well governed) in counter check of her craft answered her: that if he were tied with seven vine branches that were young and pliant, he should become the most feeblest amongst men. Whereupon for that time she contented herself; and having given notice thereof to the governors of the Philistines, she had in her house certain men of war; then when he was drunk and a sleep, she bound him as strongly fast as might be possible, and suddenly waking him told him that certain soldiers were at hand to assail him: but Samson broke his bonds of the vine branches, and addressed himself to repulse the assaults of those that lay in weight to offend him. The woman frustrate of that hope which she expected, not longtime after that (getting a fit opportunity, in that Samson conversed continually) began grievously to complain against him, for that distrusting her love and constancy, he had concealed that from her which she most of all desired to know, as if she had been insufficient to conceal that which might any ways concern the fortune and safety of her beloved: But he deceived her the second time, and said unto her, that if he were tied with seven cords, he should lose his force. Which when she had done, and found a contrary issue to her expectation, the third time Samson told her, that if she plighted his hair with a fillet, he should be weakened: and having experimented that also, she found that it was false. Finally (for that a great misfortune attended upon him) she besought him so much, that at last he condescended to gratify her, and spoke unto her after this manner. God hath care over me, and I am by his especial providence bred and brought up: for this cause I Samson discovereth to Dalila wherein his strength consisted, his eyes are pulled out and he is led away prisoner. The year of the world, 2811. before Christ's birth 1153. nourish this hair, for that God hath commanded me not to cut the same, because my force shall endure and augment as long as these locks shall endure and grow. Which when she understood, she shaved off his hair and betrayed him to his enemies, whose forces at that time he was too feeble to resist, who plucked out his eyes, and led him away bound. But in space of time his hair grew again, and at such time as the Philistines celebrated a public feast (wherein the princes and peers banqueted and entertained one another in one place, which was a house, the cover whereof was sustained with two pillars) Samson was sent for, and brought to the feast, to the end they might mock at him in the midst of their feasts and drunkenness. But he taking it more grievously than all other the evils which he endured, that he might not revenge himself on those that thus injuriously did injure him: he wrought so much with the boy that led him, that he approached and took hold of the foresaid pillars, telling him that he had great need to repose himself, considering the travail that he had sustained. As soon as therefore he got hold on them, he shook them in such a sort, as they were overturned, & the house fell upon those that Samson with three thousand Palestines is slain. Samson ruled twenty years. were therein, who died to the number of three thousand men: with these also died Samson, who finished his days in this sort, after he had commanded over Israel for the space of twenty years. He was a man of great virtue, force, and magnanimity: and especially in that which concerneth his end, he meriteth to be admired at, because that even unto his latter hour he was animated against the Philistines. And whereas he was alured and besotted by a woman, it ought to be attributed to human nature, which is so weak that it cannot resist sin: otherwise in all other things, we ought to yield testimony of his virtue. His kinsfolk took his body and buried it in Sarasa his country, by his parents. CHAP. XI. How the sons of Eli the high Priest, were slain in battle by the Palestines. AFter the decease of Samson, Eli the high Priest took upon him the government over Ruth. 1. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 14. A famine in the days of Elimine the Israelites. During his time there was a great famine, and Elimelech unable to endure the misery thereof, came from Bethleem a City of the tribe of juda to inhabit in the country of Moab, bringing with him Naomi his wife, and Chelion and Maalon his sons, whom he had by her. Now when as his affairs had fallen out with as fortunate success as might be desired, he married his sons to certain daughters of the Moabites, Chelion unto Orpha, and Maalon to Ruth. Some ten years after, Elimelech and his sons died, the one after the other. By which mishap Naomi being cast into great sorrow and destitute of their company, whose dear familiarity she had preferred before the love of her country: changing her resolution (according to those occurrences that had happened her) she determined to return unto her The year of the world. 2811. before Christ's Nativity. 1153. friends, by reason she had received intelligence that her country at that time was in good estate. But her daughter in laws could no ways endure to be separated from her, and will she nill she, they would needs accompany her: but she wishing them a more happy marriage then that which they enjoyed with her sons, and in all other things prosperity, and protesting unto them that there was no ability in her to do them good; she besought them that they would stay in that place, and not (desiring to follow their wretched mother in law in an uncertain event) to lose the certain pleasure and peaceable fruition of their country. These her persuasions took effect with Orpha: but Ruth (resolved in no sort to forsake her) attended on her mother Naomi after the decease of her husband & sons departeth with Ruth into her own country. Ruth goeth into Bethleem. Ruth 2. in law (as an assured and future companion of whatsoever fortune should fall upon her.) Now when as both of them were arrived in Bethleem, Boos (Abimelechs' kinsman) entertained them in his house: and whereas the Citizens called her by the name of Naamis, she said unto them, that it was more seemly for them to call her Mara (for Naomi in the Hebrew tongue signifieth good hap, and Mara is as much to say as bitterness.) Whereas then it was harvest time, Ruth by the permission of her mother, went out into the fields to glean, and gather corn for her sustenance: and it fortuned that she met by good hap in the fields with Boos, who came thither likewise not Boos friend to Naomi and Ruth. long after; who beholding her, inquired and questioned with the chief reaper as touching the woman. Now had he a little before that time understood by her, her whole estate, which he declared unto his master, who gave her thanks for the good affection which she bore unto her mother in law, and of the care she had of her deceased son, whom Ruth had married, wishing her in effect all good fortune, and not suffering her to glean, he permitted her to reap and to gather all that which she might, commanding his master-reaper that he should no ways let her from taking whatsoever she pleased: giving order likewise that when the reapers should take their refection, they should give her both meat and drink. Now when as Ruth had received grain at their hands, she reserved it for her mother in law, and came home at night and brought her the sheaves. In like manner Naomi had reserved a portion of certain victuals for her, which in way of honour her neighbours had sent her. Upon her return Ruth reported unto her all those words that Boos had said unto her: and Naomi gave her to understand that Boos was of her kin, & that it might be that he was moved by devotion towards God to have care of her. Some other days after, Ruth issued again with Boos handmaids to gather her glean. And certain days Ruth 3. after (and about that time that they threshed barley) Boos came and slept on the floor: which when Naomi understood, she bethought herself of some subtle practice, whereby she might make Ruth lie with him (presuming that it would be a very good fortune for the young woman Ruth by her mother in laws persuasion lieth at Boos feet. if they might grow in acquaintance together) for which cause she sent her to sleep at his feeto. Ruth (that made it a conscience to contradict her mother in law in whatsoever she commanded her) repaired thither, and upon her first arrival Boos perceived nothing (because he was fast asleep:) but when he awaked about midnight, and felt that there was some body that lay fast by him, he demanded what she was: whereupon she told him her name, requesting him as her master, that he would permit her to repose in that place for that time. But early in the morning before the servants began to fall to their work, he commanded her to arise, and to take as much barley with her as she could bear, to the end she might return unto her mother in law, before that any man might perceive that she had slept in that place (because it is wisdom to avoid slander, especially at such time when there is occasion offered for a man to speak ill.) Touching the rest (said he) the matter standeth thus: Thou hast a kinsman (said he) that is more near thee in blood than I am; thou must inquire of him, if it be his pleasure to take thee to his wife: & if he saith that he liketh thee, thou then must necessarily submit unto him: but if he refuse thee, I will take thee for my wife, according as the law intendeth. Now when she had reported these Ruth 4. news unto her mother in law, she gathered courage and conceived hope that Boos would take care of her. Thereupon Boos came into the City about noone-days, and called a council of the Elders, and sent for Ruth and his kinsman, to whom in person he spoke thus: Dost thou possess the heritage of Abimelech and his successors? Who when he had publicly declared that he was seized thereof in right of proximity, according to the ordinance of the law: Boos replied. Thou must not (saith he) only observe the laws in part; but thou must precisely execute them according as they are. For behold here a young woman, whom it behoveth thee to marry according to the law, if thou wilt be inheritor of his possessions. But he surrendered Boos exhorteth his kinsman to marry Ruth. unto Boos, not only the possessions, but also the woman; by reason that Boos was allied also to those that were dead, and especially for that the said kinsman had already both wife and children. Boos therefore (having first of all taken witness of all the council) called for the woman, The year of the world. 28●…1. before the Nativity of Christ. 1153. and willed her to draw near unto her kinsman, and to unloose his shoe, and strike him on the face (according as the law had ordained) which done, Boos espoused Ruth, by whom (about a year after) he had a son which Naomi brought up, and by the advice of the women she called his name Obed (because she had nourished him in her age: for Obed in the Hebrew tongue signifieth a slave.) Obed begat jesse, and jesse David, who was king, and Boos begetteth Obed David's grandfather upon Ruth. 1 King. 2. who left the Realm unto his successors for one and twenty generations of men. I have been enforced to declare these things as touching Ruth, because I have an intent to declare the power of God, to whom it is possible to raise men from obscurity to the highest tip and tittle of dignity, as he hath chosen David, who descended from these of whom I have spoken. The affairs of the Hebrews were at this time in very poor estate, and they armed themselves Ophni and Phinees the wicked sons 〈◊〉 Eli the high Priest. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 15. al. 12. anew against the Philistines upon this occasion. The high Priest Eli had two sons Ophni and Phinees. They against all right and law (offering outrages to men, and urging impieties against God) suffered no sin to overslip them which they committed not: for they took presents (partly in way of honour, partly ravished by force and rapine.) And as touching those women that came unto the Tabernacle in way of devotion, they abused them, and ravishing some against their wills, and corrupting some other by presents, they so lewdly lived, that their life seemed to be a true and licentious tyranny: for this cause their father was sore displeased with them, but the people were so much the more overburdened with grief, because as yet they perceived not that God's punishment should so suddenly fall upon them. But incontinently after that God had declared to Eli and the Prophet Samuel (who about that time was very young) what mishap should fall upon Elies' children, he mourned over them, as if they had been already dead. (But I will first of all declare somewhat unto you as concerning the Prophet Samuel, and afterwards will I speak of the children of Eli, & what inconvenient fell upon all the Hebrew nation.) Elcana was a Levite of base condition, living in Ramatha a part of Ephraim: he had married two wives, the one called Anna, the other Phenanna: by Phenanna he had children; yet notwithstanding loved he Anna very entirely, although she were barren. Now as Elcana with his wives repaired to Silo, Anna the wife of Elcana requireth a son at God's hands. The year of the world. 2818. before Christ's birth 1146. where the Tabernacle of God was resident (as we have before declared) to the intent to offer sacrifice in that place: whilst I say, during the festival he distributed the portion of his meat to his wives and children, Anna (beholding the children of his other wife sitting round about their mother) began to weep and lament with herself, because she was without issue and alone. And after that by her grief she had overcome all that consolation which her husband could give her, she went unto the Tabernacle to beseech God that it might please him to give her a son, and make her a mother; promising that her first begotten son should be dedicated unto the service of God, and should lead a particular life far differing from that of other living men. And for that she employed long time in making her prayers, the high Priest Eli, who sat before the Tabernacle, commanded her to depart from thence, supposing that she had tasted too much wine: but after that she had told him that she drunk nothing but water, and that (being oppressed with grief) she was come into the Tabernacle to beseech God that it might please him to grant her children; he exhorted her to be of good courage, promising her that God had heard her prayers: whereupon she returned to her husband replenished with good hope, and took her repast with joy and gladness. When as then they returned to their own house, she began to wax big with child, and at last she bore a little young son, whom she called Samuel (that is to say, Requested at God's hands.) Afterwards they returned to offer sacrifice and give thanks unto God for the birth of the child, which God had given them, and to bring their tenths: whereupon the woman (remembering her of the vow she had made in his behalf) delivered him into the hands of Eli, and consecrated him unto God to be his Prophet. For which cause they suffered his hair to grow, and he drank nothing but water, and Samuel was nourished and brought up in the Anna bare Samuel to Elcana her husband. Temple: Elcana had by Anna other sons and three daughters. But as touching Samuel (incontinently after he attained to the age of twelve years) he prophesied. On a certain night therefore whilst he slept, God called him by his name: and he supposing that the high Priest had wakened him, came unto him: but he told him that he had not called him. This notwithstanding, God continued to call him three times: whereat Eli being sore amazed, he said unto him, Samuel, I neither now at this present, nor before this time have spoken unto thee, but it is God that calleth 1. King. 3. thee, answer him therefore, and say here I am. Now it chanced that he heard the voice of God once more; and he required him that it might please him to speak, and he would answer, not failing any ways to do him service in that wherein he should command him. Whereunto God The year of the world, 2818 before Christ's birth 1146. God foreshowed Samuel of the death of Eli and his sons Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 16. 1. Reg. 4. answered saying: since (saith he) thou art here, know that so great a calamity shall fall upon the Israelites, that there is not any tongue that may express the same, or man that may believe it. The sons of Eli shall die, and the Priesthood shall be transported into the family of Eleazar: For Eli hath more loved his children then my service, and more than was expedient for them. Eli enforced the Prophet by imprecations to declare unto him that, which he had heard. But Samuel (for fear he should discomfort him) would not disclose the same unto him, which made him the more assured of the intended and imminent death of his sons. And because that which Samuel prophesied in effect proved true, his reputation increased daily more and more. In that time the Philistines (leading out their army against the Israelites) encamped near The Palestines kill four thousand of the Israelites. The year of the world, 2850. before Christ's birth 1114. unto the City of Amphec, and for that the Hebrews were negligent to withstand them, they passed further into the countries thereabout: so that in fight with their enemies, the Philistines at last got the upper hand, and slew the Hebrews, and had them in chase for the space of four miles, pursuing the rest of those that fled even unto their own tents. Whereupon the Hebrews grew jealous and afraid of their whole estate: and therefore sent they to the council of the Elders and the high Priest, praying them to bring the Ark of God with them, to the end that (having it in presence with them) they might strike the battle and overcome their enemies. But they bethought them not that he, that had pronounced the sentence of their calamity against The Hebrews bring the Ark into the battle them, was greater than the Ark which was made for him. The Ark than was brought, and the sons of Eli attended it, whom their father had expressly commanded, that if it so fell out that the Ark were taken, they should never more come before his presence, except they would die. Now Phinees executed the office of the high Priest, by the permission of his father, by reason he was very aged. The Hebrews (because of the presence of the Ark) conceived very great hope and assurance, that they should have the upper hand of their enemies. The Philistines likewise were sore amazed, fearing the presence of the same: but the issues were not answerable according to the one or the others expectation. For when they joined battle, the victory which the Hebrews hoped should be theirs, fell unto the Philistines; & the loss which the Philistines feared, fell upon Ophni and Phinees with thirty thousand are slain. and the Ark is surprised by the enemy. the Hebrews, who at last perceived that they had reposed their confidence on the Ark all in vain. For as soon as their enemies, and they fought pell mel with them, they turned their backs and lost about thirty thousand men, amongst whom the sons of the high Priest were slain, and the Ark was taken and carried away by the enemy. CHAP. XII. Eli understanding of the loss of his sons, fell from his seat and died. AS soon as the news of this overthrow was brought into Silo, and that it was certainly known that the Ark was taken (for a young Beniamite, who was at the execution, was come to bring tidings thereof) all the City was filled with sorrow: and Eli the high Eli understandeth of the loss of his sons, and the surprisal of the Ark. Priest (who sat in one of the gates on a high throne) understanding the lamentation, and judging that some disaster had befallen his people; sent to seek out this young messenger, by whom he was advertised of that which had happened. This accident of his sons and the army he bore with great moderation, because that before that time he had understood by God what should happen (for those adversities which are least suspected do more grievously oppress us, at such time as they happen:) But when he knew that the Ark was surprised, and in the enemy's hands, by reason that it happened beyond his expectation, he was in such sort attainted with grief, that Eli hearing of the loss of the Ark died. he suffered himself to fall from his throne upon the ground where he died: he lived ninety and eight years in all, and had spent forty of them in the government of the people. The same day died the wife of Phinees the son of Eli, who had no more power to live when she understood of the misfortune of her husband: for she was with child at such time as the message of this his death was brought unto her, and she brought forth a son in the seventh month, which lived and was called Ichabod (which signifieth ignominy) by reason of the infamy Phinees wife bare Ichabod and died. received at that time by the army. Eli was the first that governed among the successors of Ithamar, one of the sons of Aaron: for before that time the house of Eleazar was possessed of the Priesthood (the son receiving The year of the world. 2850. before Christ's birth 1114. The genealogy and progeny of Eli the high priest. it from his father) Eli transferred it to Phinees, after him Abiezar his son occupied the place, and left it to his son Boci, whose son called Ozes received it, after whom Eli (of whom we speak at this present) took the same, whose posterity retained that dignity till the time of the reign of Solomon: for at that time the posterity of Eleazar were reinstalled. THE six BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 6. book. 1 How the Palestines compelled by pestilence and famine, sent the Ark of God back again unto the Hebrews. 2 The victory of the Hebrews under the conduct of Samuel. 3 How Samuel when his strength failed him thorough age, committed the administration of the affairs to his sons. 4 How the people being offended with the manners of samuel's sons, required a King that might rule over them. 5 Saul by God's commandment was anointed King. 6 Saul's victory against the Ammonites. 7 The Palestines assailing the Hebrews, are overcome by them in battle. 8 The victory of Saul against the Amalechites. 9 Samuel translateth the Royal dignity unto David. 10 The expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrews. 11 David's single fight with Goliath, and the slaughter of the Palestines that succeeded. 12 Saul admiring David's fortitude, giveth him his daughter in marriage. 13 How the King sought David's death. 14 How David oftentimes hardly escaped from the king's treasons, yet having him twice in his power how he would not hurt him. 15 The Hebrews are overcome in a great battle by the Palestines, wherein Saul the king, and his sons fight valiantly are slain. CHAP. I. How the Palestines compelled by pestilence and famine, sent back the Ark of covenant unto the Hebrews. AFter that the Philistines had gotten the victory over the Hebrews, and taken the sacred Ark (as we have before this declared) they brought it with other their spoils unto the City of Azot, and placed it in manner of a trophy in the Temple of Dagon their Idol. But on the next day after (when early in the morning they came and entered into the Temple to adore their god) 1. King. 5. Hedio & Ruffinus. ch. 1. The sacred Ark is carried into the Temple of Dagon. They of Azot are horribly plagued for taking away the Ark. Mice devour the fruit of the country of Azot. they found him fallen from that base or pillar that sustained him, and lay along upon the ground, his face upward before the Ark; whereat being sore moved, they took and fastened him in his former place: and whenas they came very oftentimes thither, and always found him prostrate, and adoring before the Ark, a great fear and perturbation invaded the whole people. At length a grievous plague, not only ranged in the City of Azot, but also seized on all the inhabitants of the country. For the people being suddenly taken with the flux, died in great torment, and some of them vomited up their bowels, being corrupted and corroded with the disease. Besides this, the whole land swarmed with mice, who destroying all things, neither spared the corn, nor any other fruit. The Azotians being thus overpressed with these calamities, and unable any longer to endure the same, understood that the Ark was the the cause thereof, and that neither the victory, neither the surprisal Thereare of the world. 2350. before Christ's Nativity. 1●…4. of the same, had any ways procured either their good or profit. They therefore sent unto the Ascalonites, requiring them that they would receive the Ark into their City, who (willingly condescending to their embassage and demand) received the Ark, and were presently plagued with the same sicknesses and mishaps which the Azotians had suffered. For together with the Ark the calamities also were translated, for which cause it was likewise sent from this place into an other, with whom it remained but a little while: for the inhabitants of that place being afflicted by the same grievances which the other endured, sent it to their neighbour Cities, so that after this sort the Ark was conveyed to five Cities of the Palestines: (exacting as it were by those plagues a tribute in every one of them of violated religion) who wearied with so many evils, and made examples unto others not to entertain the Ark, which so grievously recompensed those that received the same, perceived that there was no other ways 1. King. 6. left them but to find out some good means to rid themselves of the same. Whenas therefore the Princes of the five Cities, of Geth, Accaron, Ascalon, Gaza, and Azot were assembled, they consulted amongst themselves what were best to be done, and first of all they resolved to send Consultation about the Ark. back the Ark unto those to whom it appertained, whose captivity God did revenge in that with it many plagues entered into the same Region, & ceased not to waste both their men and their country. There were some that said that this resolution was unseemly to be executed, denying that these things should be imputed to the captivity of the Ark (whose power if it were so great as they intended, or if God had any ways care of the same; he would never have permitted it to have fallen into the hands of men of a contrary religion) persuading them to digest these misfortunes with an equal mind, and so to think that all these things were nothing else but the effects of nature, which in certain periods of times is wont to ingenerate in men's bodies, in the earth, and in plants (and in other things subject to her power) these kinds of alterations and mutations. But the counsel of those men, that had approved their understanding and wisdom in times past, was preferred before their opinion. For the assistance supposed that in this deliberation, as also their opinion and counsel was most convenient. They therefore advised that the Ark should be sent back and not retained, and that the five Cities should dedicate five golden statues in testimony of their gratuity, because they had been preserved by his favour from that plague, from which by human remedies it was impossible to escape: they annexed also so many golden mice unto them, like unto those that spoilt their country; all these locked in a chest and laid upon the Ark, they commanded that a new Cart should be built, and that they should yoke and tie to the same certain kine that had new calved, locking up their calves from them, lest they should be an impediment to their dams, and (to the intent that thorough the desire to see their young) they should haste the faster. That done, that driving the chariot and them, they should leave them in a place that had three ways, and suffer them to draw that way that them listed: and if they took the way of the Hebrews, and should travel towards their country, they then should assure themselves that it was the Ark which was the cause of their evils; but if they drew another way, let them (said they) be driven back again, being most assured that the Ark hath no such virtue in it. This counsel was approved The conclusion of the counsel as touching the sacred Ark. by every one of the assembly, and presently effected: so having prepared all those things whereof we have spoken, they brought the chariot into a high way that extended three ways, and leaving it in that place they returned back again. CHAP. II. The victory of the Hebrews under the conduct of Samuel. NOw when the kine entered and kept the right beaten way, and travailed therein no otherways then if some men had led them, the governors of the Philistines followed after The year of the world. 2851. before the birth of Christ. 1113. The sacred Ark cometh to Bethsama The gratulation of the Bethsamites upon the artivall of the Ark. them, desirous to understand whither they would travel, & in what place they would rest both themselves and the chariot. There is a borough in the tribe of juda called Bethsama, towards which they drew: and although they had a very fair plain before them, yet would they not travel any further, but rested the chariot in that place. The inhabitants came unto this spectacle, and greatly rejoiced thereat: for although it was summer time (wherein every one busied himself in gathering in the fruits of the field) yet so it was, that when they perceived the Ark, they were so transported with the pleasure that they had, that they laid aside the work which they had in hand, and ran presently unto the chariot. Then taking down the Ark and the coffer (wherein The year of the world, 285●…. before Christ's Nativity, 11 13. the statues of gold, and golden rats were) they laid them upon a certain rock in the field, and after they had solemnly sacrificed and royally feasted together; they offered up both the chariot and kine for a burnt offering unto God. Which when the Princes of the Palestines perceived, they returned back again into their own country. But God's indignation and displeasure was Ruffinus writeth that God struck 70. of the greatest, and 50000 of the common sort as it is, 1. Kin. 6, 1 Kin. 7. whetted against the Bethsamites: so that seventy of them were slain, by reason they had touched the Ark, and with profane hands (not being Priests) attempted to sustain it. For which cause the inhabitants thereabouts lamented their loss, and mourned for that their countrymen were extinguished by no fatal death, but by a punishment and plague sent from God, lamenting in particular every one of their alliance. And supposing that they were unworthy that the Ark should remain with them, they sent messengers to the governors and the rest of the Hebrews, to let them understand that they had recovered the Ark out of the hands of the Philistines; who being made privy to every accident, placed the same in Cariathiarim a City bordering upon the Bethsamites. In that place there dwelled a man of the race of the Levites called The Ark is transferred into Cariathiarim. Aminadab (who had the honour and reputation of a good man, and was renowned for his good and godly life) to his house directed they the Ark, as to a place agreeable unto God, because there dwelled in the same a man of so much virtue. His sons had the charge of the Ark, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 2. I he punishment of the Israelites. and continued in that service for the space of twenty years, during which time it remained in Cariathiarim, after it had only remained 4. months with the Philistines. During the time that the Ark was in the City of Cariathiarim, all the people converted themselves unto God with prayers and sacrifices, showing great devotion and forwardness in his service. The Prophet Samuel perceiving this their readiness in courage, and supposing he had got a fit occasion to exhort samuel's oration to the people. them unto liberty, and those profits which consequently follow the same; and applying his speech unto the opportunity, time, & affairs, spoke unto them such words as sounded to this effect. Ye men of Israel, since at this present the Philistines cease not to molest you, and God beginneth to show himself merciful and favourable unto you: it behoveth you, not only to be touched with a desire to recover your liberty, but also to endeavour yourselves to purchase the same in effect. Beware therefore least thorough your own manners you make yourselves unworthy thereof, and let each one of you endeavour to follow justice; and expulsing all sin out of your minds, convert yourselves in all purity unto God, and persever constantly in his service. For samuel's exhortation to the people, as touching their repentance. in doing these things, you shall shortly obtain all felicity, and especially purchase unto your selves a new liberty, and an assured victory against your enemies; which neither by arms, neither by the strength of your bodies, neither by the multitude of your armies, you were able to obtain: for God hath not proposed rewards for these things, but for virtue and justice, who (trust me) will not deceive your expectation, nor fail in the execution of his promises. When he had spoken after this manner, all the people testified their consent in good words, showing the pleasure they had conceived by his discourse; promising to do that which should be well liking and agreeable unto God. Whereupon Samuel assembled them the second time in the city of Maspha (which word signifieth conspicuous) there erected they an altar and sacrificed unto God, and after they had fasted for a days space, they publicly addressed them to call upon the The year of the world, 2871. before Christ's nativity, 1093. The prayers, supplications and fasts of the Israelites in Maspha. name of God. The Philistines in the mean space, who were assembled together in the same place, had an inkling of that which the Hebrews did, and being certified of this assembly came with a great army and many forces, intending to entrap the Hebrews, who neither expected or were prepared for them. This sudden attempt of theirs sore dismayed and troubled the Hebrews: so that they repairing and running unto Samuel, told him that their hearts failed them thorough fear, and their minds were troubled thorough the remembrance of those precedent losses which they had received: For which cause they ought to hold themselves in quiet, for fear lest the enemy should enforce his power against them. Whilst (said they) thou hast led us hither to pray, acrifice, & offer up our vows unto God, they are encamped near unto us, being ready to surprise What things in warfare are to be opposed against the enemy. Samuel comforted the people us that are naked and disarmed: we have no other hope therefore of our security, but that proceedeth from thee and God; who being moved by thy prayer, may give us means to escape from their hands. Samuel in way of answer wished them to be of good cheer, promising them that God would yield them some testimony of his assistance: whereupon sacrificing a sucking lamb for the people, he besought God that it might please him to stretch forth his right hand for them in this battle against the Philistines, and that he would not permit them to fall this second time into the enemy's hands. To these prayers of his God listened with intentive ears, and accepted samuel's sacrifice and prayer. their humble hearts and dutiful observance, smiling upon their offering, and promising them both force, and victory. But before the sacrifice was wholly consumed with flame, and the ceremonies The year of the world. 2871. before Christ's Nativity. 1093. The sacrifice devoured by celestial firm a token of God's assistance. A horrible earthquake among the enemies. performed; the enemies arranged their battles in the Israelites sight, supposing that the day was already theirs, in that they had intercepted the jews who were unprepared for the fight (who were not only disappointed, but also assembled in that place to no such end.) But the matter fell out far contrary to that which they expected (and had they been foretold the same, they had scarcely believed it.) For first of all by God's commandment the earth trembled under their feet, and with uncertain pace they knocked their heads the one against the other; some likewise were suddenly swallowed up by the earthquake: at length astonished by often flashes, and having both their eyes and hands half blasted and burned by the fiery lightnings that fell (so that they could not wield nor manage their weapons) they reposed all their hope and confidence in flight. But Samuel seeing them in this sort dismayed, suddenly set upon them, samuel's victory over the enemy. and killing many of them, he ceased not to pursue the rest as far as a place called Corraeus, where he fixed and erected a stone or trophy, as a mark both of his own victory, and the enemy's flight, and called the same the strong rock; as a witness of the force that God had given him against the Philistines; who after they received this overthrow, sallied not out any more against the Israelites. But remembering themselves of their fear and those accidents that fell upon them, they remained in peace, offering no further invasion: for the confidence which the Philistines had before that time conceived and gotten against the Hebrews, translated itself and remained with the Hebrews ever after this victory. And Samuel led forth his army against Samuel recovereth those lands which the Israelites had lost. them, and slew a great number of them, and for ever abased their pride, taking from them that country which before times they by conquest had cut off from the inheritance of the jews, which country extendeth itself from the frontier of Geth, to the City of Accaron: and the rest of the Chanaanites at that time had peace with the Israelites. CHAP. III. Samuel weakened by reason of his old age cannot any longer govern the estate, and committeth it to the administration of his sons. NOw when the Prophet Samuel had reduced and brought the people to a good form of government, he assigned them a City whither they might appeal and decide those differents Samuel prescribeth laws and disposeth the judgement seat in several cities. that might fall out amongst them: and as touching himself, he travailed twice every year from city to city, to administer justice unto them, and continued the maintenance of this policy for a long time. But as soon as he perceived himself to be overburdened with years, and unapt to execute his ordinary offices, he reserved the government and superintendence Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 3. 1. King. 8. Samuel committeth the government and care of the commonweal to his two sons locls and Abia. of the people to his sons, the elder of whom was called joel and the younger Abia; and he commanded that the one of them should make his seat of justice in Bethel, and that the other should give audience at Bersabe, dividing the people, and attributing each part to his particular judge. In these was there a manifest example and infallible testimony, that children are not always borne like unto their fathers: but that sometimes of evil parents there are good children bred, as chose at that time of a good father there were evil sons begotten. For forsaking the instructions of their father, they followed a quite contrary course; and oppressed justice thorough corruptions and rewards; and swallowed up and surfeited in delights and pleasures, they both contemned the will of God, and the instructions of their father, who had no other care, then that the people should study to live well, and uprightly. CHAP. FOUR How the people being displeased with the manners and government of the sons of Samuel demanded a King. WHen as therefore the people perceived, that the sons of the Prophet had committed The Israelites report unto Samuel the lewd behaviour of his sons and beseech him to nominate a king that may reign over them. so many outrages against their laws and policy, they were very sore displeased, and had recourse unto their father where he dwelled in the City of Ramatha; where reckoning up unto him the misdemeanours of his sons, and how thorough the multitude of his years, he was unfit according to his accustomed manner to administer the affairs of the common weal, they earnestly entreated and besought him, that he would nominate and elect some King over them, who might both command their nation and Empire, and exact due punishment on the Palestines, for their many and too oftentimes offered injuries. This resolution of The year of the world 2871. before Christ's birth 1093. the people grievously tormented samuel's mind, who by reason of his innated and upright justice misliked of the kingly authority, as a style and state too imperious: for he greatly delighted himself in the Aristocracy or government of the elders, deeming no estate more conducible, or available for the security and prosperity of the people, then that was. And so did this matter Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. Samuel is discomforted thorough the people's demand. Samuel is comforted by God. distemper and distract this man, as by reason of his care he could neither taste food, nor entertain sleep: but all the night long tossed and tumbled in his bed, during those tmies complotting & imagining many things in his mind. Whilst these his indispositions continued, God appeared unto him, & comforted him, willing him not to be aggrieved at that which the people had required: but that he should suppose that this injury, not only concerned him, but God himself, whom they disclaimed also for their king and sole governor over them. The effect whereof they had complotted, from the day that they departed out of Egypt: but ear it be long (said he) they shall repent themselves, yet shall not their repentance undo that which shall be done; and it shall appear by those counsels they have taken, that they have been contemners & ingrateful toward me by their own confession, and towards thee also which hast been their Prophet. I will therefore that thou choose them a king, and such a one as I shall nominate unto thee, God commandeth Samuel to create a king. (after thou hast advertised them what evils they shall endure, at such time as they shall have a King) and hast publicly declared unto them, what inconvenients follow the change which so vehemently and unhappily they pursue. When Samuel understood these sayings, he assembled the people about the break of day, and protested publicly unto them, that he would establish them a King. But saith he, before I shall effect that which you request, I must expose and declare unto you what estate you shall live in, being under the subjection of royalty; & how many Samuel expresseth unto the Israelites those inconveniences they shall suffer under a king. and grievous evils you shall be pressed withal, by those Kings that shall govern you. Know therefore first of all, that they will take your children from you, & make some of them coachmen, and other some their horsemen and archers of their guard others their posts, and tribunes and centurions; some likewise their handicraftmen, and armourers, and chariot-makers, and smiths, and forgers of other sorts of weapons, besides husbandmen of his fields, and ploughs, and diggers of his vineyards: neither is there any thing which they shall not be compelled to do after the manner of bondslaves, that are bought with money. They shall take your daughters also, and make them their perfumers, cooks and bakers; and they shall employ them in all servile offices, whereunto their chambermaids are to be employed either by stripes or torture. They shall take from you your substance, and give it to their eunuchs, and guard. They shall take your slocks, and distribute them amongst their servants: In a word, you and all yours shall serve one king, and shall be of no better reckoning then the slaves of his household. When you shall endure these pains, then shall you call to remembrance all these things which I have told you, and with repentance you shall beseech God, that he will have mercy upon you, and give you a speedy deliverance from the servitude of your kings: but he shall not respect your prayers, but neglecting and repulsing them, shall suffer you to bear the penalty of your evil counsel. Although these future inconveniences were foretold them, yet did the people neglect and set light by them: and not suffering that sinister opinion which before that time they had conceived in their minds, to be altered or frustrated in them, they insisted with all obstinacy; requiring (without any care of future mishaps) that they might have a king created over them, because (as they said) it was very necessary that they should have a king that might wage war with them, to revenge them on their The people obstinarely persevereth in craving a king. enemies, and repress their adversaries forces, and that there was no absurdity in it, but that they might be governed in the same sort as their neighbours were. Samuel perceiving that his persuasions could prevail nothing at all with them, and that they could not be diverted from that resolution wherein they persisted, he spoke thus: Go your ways for this time every one of you unto your houses, and I will cause you to be assembled when the cause requireth, and when God shall have informed me what king he will give you. CHAP. V. Saul by the commandment of God is declared King. THere was a certain man of the tribe of Benjamin, noble in birth, and commendable The year of the world, 2880. before Christ's nativity, 1084. 1. King. 9 in manners called Cis, who had a young son fair in face, great in body; having a spirit and judgement far more excellent than were the lineaments and perfections of his body, whose name was Saul. This Cis having fair Asses, wherein he took more pleasure than in any other kind of cattle, had lost certain of them which were strayed from the rest of his The year of the world. 2880. before Christ's Nativity. 1084. Saul seeketh the Asses that were lost. flock: whereupon he sent his son accompanied with a servant to search & seek them out; who having traversed and travailed in quest of them thorough all his father's tribe, journeyed thorough the rest of the tribes, without any hope or inkling of them: for which cause he determined to return home again, for fear lest his father should conceive some care and grief in his absence. Whilst then he arrived near unto the City of Ramatha, the servant that followed him, certified him that there dwelled a Prophet in that place, to whose foresight the knowledge of the truth was subject, towards whom he counseled him to address himself, with assurance and confidence, that by him he should understand what was become of his Asses. Saul replied, that he had no means lest to recompense the Prophet, by reason they had consumed all the money they had brought forth with them in their journey. His servant told him that he had as yet the fourth part of a sickle, which they might give him: but they were both of them deceived, in that they were ignorant that the Prophet was not to be bribed. When as therefore they drew near unto the gates of the City, they met with certain maidens that went out to fetch water, of whom Saul asketh where the Prophet dwelleth. they demanded where the Prophet dwelled: who gave them directions, telling them that they were to make haste before that he were set down to supper, by reason he at that time entertained divers guests, and he himself was first wont to sit down at the upper end of the table. Samuel had invited this company, by reason that all the day long he had instantly besought God, that he would declare unto him, who it was that should be established king, and God also gave him to understand that he would inform him the next day after, and that about the same hour he would send a young man unto him of the tribe of Benjamin. For this cause Samuel sat in his house expecting the assignation, which being come, he came down under pretence to God certifieth Samuel whom he should create king. go to supper, and in the way he met with Saul. At that very instant God signified unto Samuel, that it was he whom he should elect Prince and governor over the people. Saul addressing himself unto Samuel, besought him that he would show him the Prophet's lodging, by reason that he was a stranger and knew it not. Samuel told him that himself was the Saul cometh unto Samuel. Samuel certifieth Saul how he shall enjoy the kingdom. Samuel conducteth Saul unto the banquet. man to whom he spoke, and led him to the banquet; assuring him that his Asses (in search of whom he had travailed so long) were in safety, and that all men's goods were at his command. Saul answered: My Lord, I am too base to hope or expect so much; and further, my family is the least of all the families: you therefore jest and mock at me, in speaking of such things as surpass my condition. The Prophet took him by the hand, and brought both him and his servant to the table, and placed him above all those that were invited, who were to the number of seventy. Samuel commanded that the royal portion should be set before Saul: and when the hour of bed time came, all the rest arose and departed to their houses, but Saul and his servant lodged that night with the Prophet: and as soon as it was day, Samuel awaked Saul, and departing with him out of town, he commanded him to send his servant before, and to remain himself with him behind, because he had certain things to impart unto him in private. Hereupon Saul sent away his servant, and Samuel taking a cruet with oil, poured the same upon the young man's head, and embracing him said: Be thou King elected by God against the Philistines, and 1. King. 10. Samuel anointed Saul king. for the defence of the Hebrews. Thou shalt have this sign which I now shall inform thee of, of thy future honour. When thou shalt be parted from hence, thou shalt overtake three men in the way, who travel to Bethel to adore and sacrifice unto God: the first of which, thou shalt Samuel in way of confirmation telleth Saul what shall befortune him in his journey. see bearing three loaves, the second shall bear a goat, and the third shall follow carrying a glass of wine. These shall embrace thee and caress thee: they shall give thee two loaves, and thou shalt receive them. And from thence shalt thou depart unto that monument that beareth the name of Rachel, where thou shalt meet with a messenger, that shall certify thee that the Asses are found. From thence coming unto Gabatha, thou shalt find the Prophets assembled in their congregation, and being ravished by the spirit of God, thou shalt prophesy amongst them: so that whosoever shall behold thee, shall be ravished in admiration, and shall say: whence cometh it to pass, that the son of Cis hath attained to so good fortune? and when thou hast had these signs, know that God shall be with thee: salute thy Father and thy kinsmen in my behalf. Hereafter thou shalt repair and be sent unto me unto Galgal, to ofter sacrifices of thanks giving unto God. Having in this manner told and foretold him that which is forespoken, he gave him licence to depart, and all these things happened unto Saul, according as the Prophet Samuel had prophesied unto him. When Saul was arrived at Abenars house, who was his uncle, whom he loved above all the rest of his other familiars: Abner questioned with him about his voyage, and as touching those things which had chanced unto him: and Saul hid nothing from him, but point by point informed him of all that which had happened unto him, during his being and abode The year of the world. 2880. before the Nativity of Christ. 1084. Saul concealed his royal dignity. The unconstancy of man's love. with the Prophet Samuel, and how he had declared unto him the recovery of his Asles: but as touching the royalty and those things that concerned the same, he concealed them; supposing that if it should be made known, it would not be believed; but that he should reap hate thereby. For although he were both his friend and cousin; yet thought he it more secure and convenient for him to bury the same in silence, reputing (as I suppose) in himself the infirmity of man's nature, that no man is constant in love, but although by manifest assistance from God felicity fall upon any man, yet other men do grieve & repine that any one should be preferred before them. After this, Samuel assembled the people in the City of Maspha, where he framed his speech in such sort as he certified them of those things which he had received from God, namely, that he having procured their liberty, and brought their enemies in subjection under them; next how samuel's oration to the people as concerning Saul. they were forgetful of so many benefits, and had degraded God of his royalty; as if they were ignorant, that the greatest good that might happen unto men, is to be governed by him that is the sovereign good; how they had determined to have a man to their King, who according to his pleasure & appetite, or according to the unbridled bent of his passion, would use them like slaves made subject unto him, and would usurp upon their goods without forbearing any thing whatsoever; that men are not so studious to maintain their handy works and labours, as God, who hath an inestimable care of those whom he hath created. Notwithstanding (saith he) since you have thus determined, and are after this manner resolved, and that the outrage which you have enterprised against God, prevaileth with you, set yourselves all of you in order according to your tribes and families, and let each of you cast your lots. To this the people condescended, and the lot fell on the tribe of Benjamin, which being cast the second time light on the family of Lot's cast thorough every tribe & family. Metri, and afterwards being approved by the people it fell to Saul's lot, who was the son of Cis, to have the kingdom. The young man, who before that time knew what should happen, had stepped aside, to the intent (as I suppose) that it might not seem that he had desired this dignity: and such moderation & temperance showed he in this matter, that although it so fell out that divers cannot conceal the joy they conceive, if any face of felicity smile upon them, burr manifest Saul's modesty and temperance in undertaking the government. Saul hideth himself from the presence of the people. the same unto all men; yet notwithstanding he not only was void of vain appearance (although he were to be King and Lord of so many worthy people) but that which is more, he stole away from the presence of those men over whom he should command, and so handled all things that he made them seek after him, and travel to find him out. Whilst therefore they carefully sought & knew not what was become of Saul, the Prophet prayed God that he would show them where he was, & that he would bring him into their presence: whenas therefore he was informed by God in what place he remained; Samuel sent out certain messengers to conduct him thither, & assoon as he came amongst them Samuel set and placed him in the midst of the people: now Saul of a high slature. was he more higher than any of the company by the shoulders; and had a kingly and goodly shape and appearance: then spoke the Prophet after this manner. God hath given you this man to be your King, behold how he surpasseth you all, and showeth himself worthy to be your Prince. Saul saluted by the people for their king. But assoon as the people had cried God save the King; the Prophet, who had reduced into writings all those mischiefs that should befall them, red the same unto them in the hearing of the King, and put the book into the Tabernacle of God for a perpetual testimony unto posterity of those things, which in future ages should succeed, according as he had foreprophecied, which done, Samuel dismissed the people and returned to the City of Ramath, which was his country. divers attend on Saul, other some cōtemn●… him. But Saul departing unto Gabatha, divers worthy men gave their attendance on him, and did him the honour that appertained unto a king. But divers seditious and loose companions, who set him at naughts, both mocked them and those things which they did, neither brought they any presents unto Saul, neither seemed they either in affection or in word, any ways to respect their King. A month after his installment there fell a war betwixt him and Naas King of the Ammonites, which was the original of that honour which was generally attributed unto him by the Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 5. 1. King. 〈◊〉. whole multitude: this Naas had offered divers outrages unto those jews that dwell on the other side of jordan. For he had traversed the river with a great and huge army levied against them, & had overcome divers of their Cities. For at that time he used force and violence against them, & to the intent that they might not rebel, neither deliver themselves from his subjection, he used this subtlety and prevention to cut off all colour and occasion from them of opposition. For to those that surrendered themselves, & subscribed to his mercy, & to those that were taken captives, or conquered in the wars, he plucked out their right eyes: and this did he to that intent that when they should defend themselves, they should have their left eyes covered with their bucklers, and by The year of the world, 2880. before Christ's birth 1084. Saul's war against the Ammonites. that means be made unapt to enter battle. The King of the Ammonites having after this manner dealt with those on the other side of jordan, he led his army towards the Galaadites, and encamped near unto their chief City called Iabes, to which he sent heralds to summon the inhabitants to surrender the same under these conditions: Either to suffer their right eyes to be pulled out, or else by enduring the siege, to see the final overthrow both of themselves and of their City: wishing them to make choice of which they list, whether they would lose a little part of their body, or hazard both their fortunes and lives at once. The Galaadites, terrified with this so doubtful and dreadful an election, neither durst return an hostile or peaceable answer, but asked truce for seven days, to the end, that sending their messenger to their kinsfolk, they might crave their aid: which if they could obtain they would war; and otherwise they promised to submit themselves unto the enemy under what condition soever were best pleasing unto him. Naas, that neither cared for the Galaadites, neither for their answer, granted them that Naas king of the Ammonits offereth unjust conditions of peace to the Galaadites. The Ambassadors of the Galaadites to the Israelites. time of truce which they demanded, and permitted them likewise to crave assistance at all their hands, who were their associates. Whereupon they presently sent messengers from city to City, and certified the Israelites of all that which Naas had done unto them, and the extremity whereunto they were reduced. The Israelites having before time understood in what estate they of Iabes were, had grievously lamented and conceived great displeasure thereat; but the fear that afflicted them, suffered them to assist their friends in no other manner then by commiseration: yet as soon as their messengers arrived in the City where Saul was, and that they had recounted unto him the dangers wherewith the jabasites were oppressed; the people were as in times past moved with compassion. For they lamented the misery of their parents: but as touching Saul, he returning from the fields into the City, perceived the inhabitants drowned in their tears, and inquiring of them for what cause they were so confused and abashed, he was certified of that, which the messengers had reported: and on the instant he was ravished by a divine motion, and sent the Ambassadors back again to those that sent them, promising that within three days he would come and succour them, and that he would have the upper hand of the enemy before Saul promiseth assistance to the jabasites. sun rise, to the end that the rising sun might behold them victorious, and delivered from all fear. Mean while he commanded some of them to make stay with him, to the intent they might guide and direct him in his way. CHAP. VI The combat and victory of Saul against the Ammonites. Soul desirous to incite the people to issue out and make war upon the Ammonites, to the intent under a penalty he might assemble them with more readiness, he houghed his Saul's serious exhortation and command for war. own oxen, and threatened all those whom he met withal to do the like unto theirs, except the next day they presented themselves with their arms upon the bank of jordan to follow the King and the Prophet Samuel, and march unto the place whither by them they should be conducted. The fear of this penalty published among the tribes made them gather to head about the same time, so that all the assemblies of the people were mustered in the City of Bala. In this survey 1. Reg. 12. besides those of the tribe of juda, there were numbered seven hundredth thousand men, and of the tribe of juda in particular there were seventy thousand. Having therefore passed jordan, and marched some ten cables length of Nilus (which is about some three leagues) all the night Ten Schaeni or cables length of Nilus' so-called by the cords that drew the ships up Nilus, make 37. Italian miles. Saul killeth the Ammonites, and Naas their king. Saul made his name famous amongst the Hebrews. Saul is praised by the people. time, before the sun rise he attained the place whither he intended to conduct them, and dividing his army into three parts, he assailed the enemy on every side that expected no such encounter, and fight valiantly against them, he slew divers, and amongst the rest Nahas king of the Ammonites. This victory made Saul's name famous amongst all the Hebrews, so that he was wonderfully praised and honoured for his valour: so that if before that time any one had contemned him, at that time they changed their opinions, and honoured him, and accounted him the worthiest of them all. For he was not satisfied to redeem and deliver those of Iabes, but he entered the country of the Ammonites also, and foraged the same with his army, and utterly overthrew them: and after he had obtained a great booty and pray, both he and his victoriously & magnifically returned to their dwelling places. The people highly pleased with this noble action achieved by Saul, rejoiced because they had chosen them so noble a King, and exclaimed against those that said, that it would be discommodious and unprofitable for their commonweal, saying, where are now these murmurers, let them be put to death: with other The year of the world, 2880. before Christ's Nativity, 1084. Saul's lenity against his adversaries. such like words that a people besorted with some good success, is wont to speak and enforce against them that set light by the authors & inducers of the same. Saul received great content and comfort thorough this good liking and allowance of the people: yet notwithstanding he swore that no one of their tribe should be put to death that day, because it would not seem convenient nor agreeable, that the victory which was given them by God should be mixed with the blood of their brethren; but rather that it was more decent and comely, that the time should be spent in feast and jollity. Hereupon Samuel told them, that it behoved them to confirm the kingdom to Saul by a second election, and to that end, they assembled together in the City of Galgal, according as he had commanded them: and there in the sight of all the people Samuel anointed Saul the second time with the consecrated oil, and proclaimed him king ar●…ew. Thus was the Aristocracy and government of the better sort amongst the Hebrews, turned into a Saul once more anointed king by Samuel. The distinct governments of the Hebrews. Monarchy. For under Moses and his disciple jesus, who governed the Empire and army at that time, the nobility and elected worthy men ruled the state. After whose death for the space of 18. whole years, the people was without government, the commonweal not long after reassumed her pristine policy, and the government was given unto him, which was esteemed the most valiant in war, and the most upright in doing of justice. All which time for this cause hath been called the time of the judges. After this the Prophet Samuel assembled the people, and spoke unto them after this manner: I conjure you by that great God that hath given life to those two brothers (I mean Moses and samuel's justification of himself in the presence of the people. Aaron) and that hath delivered your forefathers from the Egyptians, and their tyranny, that without any affection either of fear or shame, or instigation of any other passion, you truly testify whether I have committed any sinister or wicked act, either for profit sake, or for avarice, or favour. Reprove me, if I have taken away any man's calf, or sheep, or any other thing-whatsoever, but that which I might lawfully take for my relief and sustenance, and at such hands as willingly offered me the same; or if I have drawn any man's beasts to my use, or used his cattle to my profit and his hindrance: in these and such like, if I have offended any man, let him now accuse me in the presence of the king. All of them cried out with one voice, that no such default had been committed by him, but that he had governed their nation in holiness and justice. After that the people had thus publicly testified in the behalf of Samuel, he said unto them: Since you have liberally & freely protested, that you have no cause of wrong to urge or enforce against me, hear, I pray you, that wherewith I can justly accuse you of. You have grievously offended against the majesty of God, in that you have required a king at his hands: you should have rather remembered, that your old father jacob accompanied only with his 70. sons came into Egypt, constrained Samuel expostulateth with the people, and objecteth their sins & ingratitude. thereunto by famine, and that in that country divers thousands of persons issued from his loins, whom the Egyptians kept in captivity, offering them extreme outrages: And whenas your fathers called upon God, how he wonderfully delivered them from the necessities wherein they were, without giving them any king, contenting themselves with two brothers Moses and Aaron, who brought and conducted you into this country which you possess at this present. And although you participated these benefits by the hands of God, yet notwithstanding you have not forborn both to forget religion, and neglect piety. This notwithstanding, at such time as you have been conquered by your enemies, he hath set you free, gracing you first of all with the overthrow of the Assyrians & their forces: secondly, giving you victory over the Ammonites, and Moabites: and finally over the Philistines. Now these great exploits were performed by you, not under the conduct of a king, but by the direction of jeptha and Gedeon, what folly therefore hath bewirched you to make you fly from God, and to seek to live under the subjection of a king? But I have named such a one unto you, whom God hath chosen to be your governor. Notwithstanding to the intent that I may give you a manifest testimony, that God's wrath is whetted against you, because you have desired to have a king; I will strive to express it unto you, by visible signs done by God himself. I will therefore require of God that he will make you see in this place, and in the hart of summer such a storm, that there is not any one of you that hath ever seen the like thereof: Scarce had he spoken the words, but that suddenly there fell great store of lightning, thunder and hail, in approbation of that which the Prophet had said: so that amazed and transported with fear, all of them confessed that they had offended. They notwithstanding professed A huge tempest falleth upon samuel's prayer. that their error was of ignorance, not of obstinacy, and besought the Prophet that with a good and fatherly affection, he would beseech God to appease his wrath towards them, and forgive them their offences at that present, which to their other grievous negligences they had annexed, and whereby they had transgressed his holy will. All which Samuel promised them to The year of the world. 2880. before Christ's Nativity. 1084. do, and besought God that it would please him to pardon them the error which they had committed in that behalf, and that it would please him to be appeased by his prayers. Besides this, he exhorted them to live uprightly, and to keep in their continual remembrance what evils had happened unto them, for that they had forsaken the way of virtue; and what wonders God had done, and what laws he had given by Moses, all which they ought to meditate on, if they desired to be in safety, and live happily with their king. But if they should contemn the same, he An exhortation to the consideration of God's assistance and benefits bestowed on the Israelites. foretold them that both themselves & their kings should be grievously punished. Samuel having prophesied these things unto the Hebrews, dismissed them to their own dwellings, after he had confirmed the kingdom to Saul the second time. CHAP. VII. The Palestines assailing the Hebrews, are overcome in battle. But when the king had mustered his men, and chosen out three thousand of the choicest soldiers, he appointed two thousand of them for the guard of his person, & with them went Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. Saul elected two thousand for his own guard, and one thousand for Jonathan's. Saul overcometh the Philistines. & dwelled at Bethel. The rest he gave in charge to his son jonathan, & sent them into Gaba to attend and guard him there, who followed by them valiantly overcame a garrison of the Philistines near unto Gebal. For the Philistines of Gaba having gotten the upper hand over the jews, had taken their arms from them, and seized and fortified both with men and munition the strongest Cities of their country; prohibiting them to bear arms, and in general from the use of any iron: by reason of which inhibition, if their husbandmen had at any time need of any iron work, as of ploughshares, mattocks, or any other such instrument fit for mannuring or tillage of their lands, they were enforced to fetch it and get it forged amongst the Philistines. Now when the Philistines had gotten some intelligence that their garrison was after this manner defeated, they were wonderfully moved, and supposing amongst themselves that the injury The Philistines prepare to invade the Israelites. and outrage was in no sort to be suffered, they armed themselves against the jews, and went out embattled with three hundredth thousand footmen, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horse, encamping with their whole host near unto the City of Machmas. Which when Saul the king of the Hebrews understood, he marched towards the City of Galgal, and as he travailed thorough the country, he animated and encouraged the people to recover their liberty, proclaiming war against the Philistines: whose forces he so little feared, as he mocked thereat, saying, that they deserved not to be feared for their multitudes, nor any danger which might acrewe by their encounter. But when Saul's soldiers were certified of the true number of their enemies, they were wholly discomforted, so that some of them hid themselves in dens and places under The Israelites dismayed at the report of the army of the Philistines. the earth, othersome fled on the other side of jordan into the country of the Gadites and Rubenites. But Saul sent for the Prophet, resolving to consult with him upon the estate of the war, who gave him answer that he should attend in the same place where he was, and that he should prepare beasts for sacrifice, because that within seven days he would come unto him and sacrifice on the seventh day, which done, he might encounter the enemy. According to this direction of the Prophet he expected, yet observed he not entirely all that which Samuel had enjoined him. For when he perceived that he was somewhat slack in coming, and that his soldiers waxed weary, he took the beasts that were prepared for the sacrifice, and offered a burnt offering: but afterwards Saul sacrificeth contrary to God and the Prophet's direction. Samuel accuseth Saul. understanding that Samuel was arrived, he went out to meet him, and do him honour. Samuel told him, that he had done amiss, by reason he had neglected that which was commanded him, presuming before his arrival (who was sent thither by the conduct and will of God) to offer prayers and sacrifice for the people: in which action of his, he both discovered his rashness, and disorder in sacrificing. Saul excused himself, alleging that he had stayed during the term of seven days which were appointed him: urging further that necessity, and the depart of his soldiers, together with the fear of the adverse army which were in Machmas, and the intelligence he had received that Samuel was gone to Galgal, had induced him to offer sacrifice: Samuel replied saying. Thou hadst done more advisedly, if thou hadst obeyed, and not contemned God by thine overhaste, whose minister and Prophet I am: for by thine obedience thou mightest both have gotten an assurance and continuance of thy kingdom to thyself, and succession to thy posterity. This said, being displeased with that which had happened, he retired back to his own house, and Saul with six hundredth soldiers (only accompanied with his son jonathan) The year of the world. 2880. before the Nativity of Christ. 1084. Hedio & Ruffinus. Galgala. The Palestines spoil the country of the Hebrews. came unto the City of Gabeon. The greater part of these men were disarmed, by reason that the country was entirely destitute of iron, and workmen that were expert and skilful in forging & making armour: for the Philistines permitted them not to have any, as we have declared a little before. These dividing their army into three battles, invaded the country of the Hebrews by so many ways, destroying and foraging all things both in the sight of king Saul, and of his son, who neither could inhibit their incursions, nor by reason of their multitudes make head against them. Both he therefore and his son and Achias the high Priest, sat them down upon a hillock, and seeing the country spoiled round about them, they were much dismayed. But Saul's son conspired and concluded with his esquire and harness-bearer, to enter secretly into the enemy's camp, and raise an uproar and alarum in the same; who willingly promising 1. Reg 14. jonathan with his harness bearer do privily enter the enemy's camp. and offering him his service to adventure with him in all occasions and places, with the hazard of his life: they both of them descended from the mountain, and marched directly towards the enemy's camp, who had pitched their tents on a high pointed rock, which extended itself in length with three Angles, and was each way begirt with a bank, as it were a wall and fortification against the incursion of their enemies. For which cause they kept their watch somewhat too carelessly, because the place was fortified by nature: so that no man might ascend or assail them, but with disadvantage. When as therefore they had gotten near unto the camp, jonathan encouraged his companion, and animated him to assail the enemy after this manner. If (saith he) they espy us and will us ascend, let us take this summons of theirs for an assured token of victory: but if they hold their peace and call us not, let us return back again. As therefore they approached the enemy's host about the beginning and brie of day, the Philistines said the one unto the other: the Hebrews creep out of their caves and dens. Then cried they out to jonathan and his harness-bearer, saying: Come hither, come hither unto us, to the end we may plague you according to your audacious enterprise. Saul's son quickly taking hold of these their words, and esteeming them for an ominous and assured token of victory, departed with his esquire from the place where they were first discovered; answering them that he would shortly visit them. So withdrawing himself on the other side of the rock, which by reason of the situation thereof was left unguarded, overcoming the difficulty of the place with great labour; at last they attained the place where the enemy was, whom they found asleep, and assailing jonathan slayeth a certain number in the enemies camp, the rest invade one another, and are put to flight. them slew twenty of them, and filled the whole army with terror and amazedness: so that casting away their weapons they fled amain: some other, being ignorant which were either their friends or foes, invaded one another as enemies. For imagining with themselves that only two Hebrews durst never ascend and enter their camp, they addressed themselves to their mutual murder and slaughter: so that some of them were slain, others fled to escape the sword and fell headlong down the rocks. But when as the king's espials had told him what confusion and disorder was befallen in the camp of the Philistines, Saul demanded whether any of his company were absent, and hearing that his son and his harness-bearer were missing, he commanded the high Priest, that attired in his pontifical ornamen, he should prophecy that which should Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 7. Saul hearing that there was a tumult in the Palestines camp, sallieth out upon them. succeed, who assuring him that he should obtain the victory over his enemies, he sallied out and assaulted the Philistines, and ran upon them, who were thus confused and disordered, and whetted the one against the other. To him there flocked in great multitudes such, as before times were fled into dens and places under ground, as soon as they heard that the victory inclined on Saul's side: so that gathering together to the number often thousand Hebrews, he pursued his scattered enemies thorough all the country. But afterward, a great inconvenient happened unto Saul, proceeding from the joy he had conceived by this victory (for commonly such as are blessed by such good fortunes, are not masters of their own affections and reasons) or rather proceeding from his ignorance. For intending to satiate himself with revenge for all those injuries he had received from the Philistines, he published an imprecation or curse amongst the Hebrews against any one whomsoever, that intermitting the chase and slaughter should take sustenance before night, purposing until dark night neither to give over pursuit or slaughter. This execration thus published by Saul, it chanced that his son that had not as yet heard of the imprecation of his father, nor the general ratification and allowance of the same by the people, Saul's edict unwittingly broken by jonathan. falling into a certain grove belonging to the tribe of Ephraim, wherein were many swarms of bees, he by chance light upon a honey comb, and pressing the honey thereout, afterwards did eat the same. Afterwards having intelligence that his father had under a grievous penalty of execration, forbidden any man to taste any sort of meat before sun set, he gave over eating further: yet said he, that his father had done amiss therein in publishing that prohibition, by reason The year of the world, 2880 before Christ's birth 1084. that if they had received sustenance, they might with greater force and forwardness pursue the enemy that fled, and overtake and slaughter them in greater number. Killing therefore many thousands on the Palestines party, about the evening they began to ransack and spoil the camp of the Philistines, and bore away from thence great spoils, and a wonderful number of cattle, part of which were slain and eaten with the blood, contrary to law. Which when the Scribes had certified and signified to the king, how the people had offended against God, by The Hebrews feed on bloody flesh. slaughtering the beasts and eating the flesh of them, before it was either washed or purified from the blood: Saul commanded that a great stone should be rolled into the midst of the place, and commanded the people to kill and sacrifice their beasts upon the same: and that they should forbear to eat the flesh with the blood, because it was not agreeable unto God. All which was performed according as the king had commanded; and Saul erected an altar in that place, on which he offered a burnt sacrifice unto God. This was the first altar that he erected. But Saul being desirous incontinently to assail the enemy's camp, and sack all that was therein before the day spring, whilst his men of war diligently followed him, and showed great forwardness in the execution of his command: the king asked counsel of the high Priest Achitob, whether God would give him the victory, and permit those that should enter the enemy's camp, to return from thence with victory. The high Priest certified him that God returned him no answer: which when he understood; It is not without cause, said he, that God is thus silent, who heretofore was wont to give a willing answer in that which we ought to do: but there must needs be some hidden sin in us, that breeding an offence in him, procureth him to be silent. But I swear by the same God, that although mine own son jonathan hath committed that sin, to the end I may appease God, I will with no less severity execute him, than any one stranger that is neither by alliance nor affinity tied unto me. Now when the people cried out and encouraged him to the performance of that he had spoken, he presently assembled them in one place, and he standing Saul trieth by lot who hath displeased God. with his son apart, began by casting lots to find out him that was faulty. Now when the lot fell on jonathan, he asked him what he had committed, and what crime in his own conscience he was guilty of. To whom he answered, I know no other thing, but that yesterday being in pursuit of the enemy, and ignorant of thine edict, I tasted of a honey comb: but Saul swore that he would slay him, setting more by his oath, then either by kindred, nature, or affection. He Saul intendeth to kill his own son, being prepared and resolute to die. nothing astonished with his present peril, with a generous and dreadless mind presented himself with this reply: O father (saith he) I entreat no favour at thy hands: for I will willingly submit to that death, which may discharge thee of thy vow, the more contentedly because I have seen so famous a victory: For I shall die thoroughly contented to see the insolency of the Palestines overmastred by the power of the Hebrews. This valour and courage of the young man moved the whole multitude to remorse and commiseration: so that they swore all of them that they would not suffer that jonathan, who was the author of so famous a victory, should be slain: The Israelites rescue jonathan from his displeased father. and therefore rescued they the young man from his displeased father, and made vows unto God to the end he might pardon him that fault. Saul after he had slain about sixty thousand of his enemies, returned with victory to his own home, and reigned afterwards very happily, and overcame by force the Ammonites, Philistines, Moabites, Idumeans, Amalechites, and king Oba that dwelled near about him. He had three sons, jonathan, josuah and Melchi; and two daughters, Merob and Michal. The general of his army was Abner, the son of his uncle called Ne'er: Oba or Soba. for Ne'er and Cis Saul's father, were brothers and sons of Abiel. He was very rich both in horse and chariots, and against whatsoever enemy he marched forth, he always returned with victory: so that he reduced the affairs of the Hebrews to a happy estate, and so much increased Saul always conqueror. their power that they wear feared by all those nations that neighboured upon them. But the chiefest of the youth, that either prevailed in strength, or exceeded in beauty, he chose to be of his guard. CHAP. VIII. Saul's victory against the Amalechites. But Samuel coming unto Saul, told him that he was sent unto him by God, to admonish him how he had chosen him above the rest, and preferred him to the kingdom: Hedio & Ruffinus. ch. 8. 1. Reg. 15. & for that cause that it behoved him to be obedient unto him in all things, because he ruled the people; but God both kings, kingdoms, and all things. Thus therefore (said he) doth God command thee. Since the Amalechites offered many injuries unto the Hebrews in The year of the world 2883. before Christ's birth 1081. Samuel by God's commandment addresseth Saul to make war upon the Amalechites. Saul mustering his people, findeth in the tribe of juda only thirty thousand men the desert, whilst in their departure out of Egypt, they traveled into that region which they now inhabit: it behoveth thee to punish them by a most just war; and having overcome them, that thou utterly extinguish their memory, without regard of either sex or years; and this revenge shalt thou execute upon them in repayment of those injuries they in times past offered to our forefathers. Neither shalt thou spare either beast or horse, or flock to apply them to thy profit or particular use: but thou shalt consecrate all unto God, and according as Moses commanded it, deface the name of the Amalechites from of the earth. All these things did Saul promise to perform, and supposing obedience consisted in this, not only in the acting, but also the speedy execution of that which was enjoined him, he presently assembled all his forces together, and mustering his soldiers at Galgal, he found about forty thousand besides the tribe of juda, which of itself afforded and allowed thirty thousand chosen men: with these did Saul enter the country of the Amalechites, and laid divers ambushes near unto a river, not only to afflict them with open and hostile war, but also to enclose and surprise them at unwares, and kill them amidst their high ways: He charged them therefore and put them to flight, and discomfited Saul raseth the cities of the Amalechites. their whole army, pursuing them that fled. Which execution of his, having that answerable success (according as God had promised him before) he marched onwards, and besieged the Cities of the Amalechites, and overcame some of them by battery, some by mines and countermures raised on the outside: other some by famine and thirst, and divers other ways. And in those Cities which he overcame, he neither spared women nor children, neither supposing their murder to be cruel, neither inhuman: first for that he executed it upon his enemy; next for that he did nothing but according to God's commandment, towards whom his disobedience might redound to his utter overthrow. He took Agag prisoner also, who was the king Saul taketh Agag the king of the Amalechites prisoner, and keepeth him alive contrary to God's commandment. of the Amalechites, whose beauty and parsonage seemed unto him so well proportioned and perfect, that he wondered thereat and thought him worthy to be kept alive; and that not by God's commandment, but overcome by his own affection, usurping upon an ungranted privilege of mercy to his own prejudice: For God so hated the Amalechites, that he spared not their infants, who ought in natural compassion to have been more pitied than the rest. But Saul kept alive the king of his enemies and the author of all the Hebrews evils, setting more by his beauty than God's commandment. This sin of his the people presently imitated: for they spared both horse and other kind of cattle, and made pray of them, notwithstanding that God had charged them to reserve nothing. They carried away with them all other movables and riches, The people contrary to that which god had ordained drive away the horse and cattle of the Amalechites. and only consumed those things which were of smallest value by fire. This victory had Saul over those people that dwell betwixt Pelusium, which is a City on the borders of Egypt, unto the red sea. But he meddled not with the Sichemites, which inhabit in the midst of the Madianites, whom before the battle he had commanded to retire themselves, lest they should partake the calamities of the Amalechites: for in that they were allied unto them, by reason of Raguel Moses father in law; the Hebrews had cause to procure their safety. Saul having obtained this victory & rejoicing at his good success, returned to his own home as full of content, as if he had pretermitted nothing of that, which God had commanded him by the Prophet Samuel before his war with the Amalechites, but as if he had precisely observed all that which was enjoined him. But God was sore displeased, both for that the king of the Amalechites was preserved, and for that the people had made pray of their cattle: for both these actions of theirs Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 God displeased with Saul's disobdience. were expressly against God's permission. For it was not to be tolerated no not in a mortal king, that they should neglect and contemn his laws and decrees, by whose only means they were furthered and favoured in their victory. For which cause God told the Prophet Samuel, that he repented him in that he had chosen Saul for their king, considering that he infringed his commandments, and governed himself according to his own appetites. When Samuel heard these words, he was sore troubled, and besought God all the night long, that he would appease his wrath and displeasure conceived against Saul: but notwithstanding all the importunities and Samuel striveth to reconcile Saul unto God. prayers which the Prophet made for him, God would in no sort be reconciled, because it was inconvenient that the sins, which were committed by Saul, should be remitted by samuel's submission and intercession. For sin never more augmenteth and increaseth, than when such as are offenced are too remiss in their punishments: for whilst they would be reputed both for Too much indulgence and lenity confirmeth the wicked in their ungodliness. good and merciful, they themselves both unwares and unwitting become the authors of sin. When as therefore God had denied the Prophet his request, and it manifestly appeared that no prayers or supplication might appease him; as soon as it was day, Samuel repaired to Saul, who at that time remained in Galgal. Now as soon as the king apperceived him, he ran unto him The year of the world. 2883. before Christ's Nativity. 1081. and embraced him, saying: I give God thanks for the victory; and all those things which he commanded me, I have performed. But Samuel replied and said: How cometh it then to pass, that I hear this bleating of sheep, and bellowing of beasts thorough the army? Saul answered, that the people had reserved that cattle for sacrifice; and that besides them, all the nation of the Amalechites was exterminated according as God had commanded, and that there was not any one remaining, but that he only had reserved the king, whom he would cause to be presented before him, to the end they might consult together what should be done with him. Hereunto the Prophet answered: That God took no pleasure in sacrifices, but such as were good and just, and such (said he) are they that are according to his will and commandment; since no action Samuel chideth Saul. may be reputed good, but in respect of the reference it hath to Gods will: for God refuseth, not him that sacrificeth not, but him that disobeyeth him. For he willingly accepteth not those sacrifices, that are offered unto him by those that submit not themselves unto him, and offer not unto him the true and only offering; yea though they present divers and many great sacrifices, The contempt of God wherein it consisteth A pleasing and acceptable sacrifice unto God. and bring him sundry jewels of gold and silver, but rejecteth such things, and respecteth them not as pledges of piety, but testimonies of wickedness: But he taketh pleasure in those only that observe that which he hath pronounced and commanded, making choice rather to die, than any ways to infringe the same: not seeking that sacrifices should be offered unto him; but if they be offered, although of small and no value, yet are they more acceptable unto him in poverty and obedience, than all those which the richest hand, or strongest fortune can afford him any ways. Know thou therefore (said he) that thou hast incurred God's displeasure, in that thou hast contemned and neglected his commandments: for how canst thou think that he will regard thy sacrifices with a gracious eye, which he himself hath adjudged to utter perdition and ruin, except thou think that to offer such things unto God, be in effect no less then to seek out death: Be assured therefore of the loss both of thy kingdom and power, which Samuel telleth Saul of God's displeasure, & the loss of his kingdom. Saul confesseth his sin, and craveth pardon, which not withstanding is denied him. hath in such sort transported thee, that thou hast contemned God, who bestowed the same upon thee. But Saul confessed that he had sinned and done amiss, in that he had not obeyed the words of the Prophet; yet alleged he that he was compelled to do the same, in that he durst not restrain the soldier, who was whet and kindled upon the prey: but, said he, be favourable and merciful unto me, for her after I will take heed lest I fall into the like sin: and he besought him that he would stay with him so long whilst he might offer a peace offering in his behalf. But he that foresaw and knew that God would be moved by no sacrifice, began to depart. CHAP. IX. Samuel proclaimed David King. But Saul willing to retain Samuel, took hold of his garment, and for that the Prophet Saul striving to stay Samuel rent●…th his garment. hastily withdrew himself, he tore away a part thereof, by reason that Samuel violently withdrew himself from him. To whom the Prophet said, that in like sort his kingdom should be rend from him, and that another who was more honest and upright, should take possession thereof: for God continued in his determination intended against him, because that to change & vary opinion is human passion and not divine puissance. Saul answered, that he had grievously sinned, but that it was impossible for him to recall that which was done: he notwithstanding besought him, that in the presence of the people he would as yet do him honour, at such time as he should walk with him, & cast himself before the presence of God: which Samuel condescended unto, and went with him to adore God. After this, Agag the king of the Amalechites was brought before Samuel, who heard him lament and complain that death was very bitter and tedious; to whom he answered in this manner following. As thou hast caused Hedio & Ruffinus. ch. 10. The king of the Amalechites is slain by samuel's command. 1. Reg. 16. God sendeth Samuel to Bethleem to anoint David king. divers mothers amongst the Hebrews to weep and lament the loss of their children; so shalt thou cause thy mother's sorrow and torment for thy death, which said, he presently commanded that he should be put to death in Galgal: as for himself he returned back again to the city of Ramath. But the king, perceiving in himself into how many mischiefs he had fallen by his offences committed against God, departed to his chief city called Gaba (which name signifieth a hillock) and from that day forwards he nevermore came into the prophet samuel's presence, who was heartily sorry for his fall: But God commanded him to give over his care, & that taking with him the sacred oil he should repair to the city of Bethleem to jesse the son of Obed, and that there he should anoint one of his sons for king according as he had commanded him: & when as the Prophet The year of the world, 2883. before Christ's Nativity, 1081. said that he was afraid, lest Saul getting notice thereof, should either by treason or open force seek to slay him, being encouraged & assured in his attempt, he came to the forenamed town. In that place was he saluted with great concourse of people, & each of them inquired of him to what intent he repaired thither: who answered them that he came to offer sacrifice unto God. Now when the oblations were performed, he invited jesse and his sons to banquet with him, and beholding the eldest of them to be fair and well proportioned, he conjectured by his stature and seemliness, that it should be he that was to be elected king; but in this matter he attained not the scope of God's providence. For demanding whether he should anoint that young man, God respecteth not the beauties of the body, but the perfections of the mind. whom in admiration he thought so worthy of the kingdom: it was answered him that men saw not in such manner as God doth. For thou (said he) beholding the beauty of the young man, supposest him worthy of the kingdom: but I prize not royalty and government of estate, by the beauties of the body, but by the virtues of the soul: and him require I that is perfectly furnished herewith, and hath his mind beautified with piety, justice, obedience and fortitude. Upon these words Samuel commanded jesse to bring all his other sons into his presence, who presented him with five others, the eldest of which was called Eliab, the second Aminadab, the third Sala, the fourth Nathaneel, the fifth Rael, and the sixth Asam. Now when the Prophet beheld these Jesse's sons being goodly in parsonage, were not to be perferred to the sovereignty likewise no less beautiful men than was the eldest, he asked of God which of them he should choose for king; he answered him that he should choose neither of them: for which cause he inquired of jesse whether he had any other sons besides them, who told him that he had one which was called David, who had the care and custody of his flocks. Him did the Prophet suddenly command him to send for, alleging that it was impossible for them to sit down to the banquet, except he were present. Now when David was arrived according as his father had commanded him, Samuel seeing him fair in colour, quick in eye, and otherways answerable to his natural ornaments: This is he (said he in private to himself) who is accepted and elected by God to be our king. This said, he sat down at the table, and made the young man sit above him, and both jesse his father and his other brethren. Afterwards taking the cruet of oil in the presence Samuel anointeth David king. of the said David, he anointed him and told him in his ear, how God had chosen him to be king, and exhorted him to study justice, and to be obedient to that which should be commanded him, assuring him by that means, that his kingdom should be of long continuance, his family and stock should be famous and renowned, & that he should overcome the Philistines, and conquer those nations against whom he should fight, & obtain glorious renown in his life time, and leave the same to his successors as an inheritance. Samuel having made this exhortation departed from him, and the spirit of God abandoned Saul, and entered into David, so as he began God's spirit forsaking Saul, descendeth on David, who beginneth to prophecy. to prophecy, by means of a divine spirit whereiwth he was seized: whereas on the other side Saul was tormented with strange passions of the evil spirit, whereby he fell into strange suffocations, and straunglings: so as his Physicians could not invent any remedy for him, but gave counsel that search should be made, if a man might be found that were expert and cunning in singing & playing on the harp, to the end that when the evil spirit should assault & trouble him, he might stand at his head, and both with voice and instrument sing sacred hymns before him. And when as the king had given present and speedy command, that such a one should be sought after, one of those that were assistant told him that he had seen in Bethleem a son of Jesse's, a young man of excellent feature; and besides his other good parts and bringing up, very cunning both in song and playing on the harp: and besides that, addressed enough and toward in feats of arms. He therefore sent messengers to jesse to command him to withdraw David from the folds, and to send him unto him, because that having heard report of his beauty and valour, he was desirous to see him. This command of his did jesse obey, and sent his son with presents unto Saul the king, who greatly rejoiced upon his arrival, and made him his pensioner, and honoured Saul maketh David one of his pensioner, or guard. him divers ways. For he was refreshed by him, and was his only physician against the vexation of evil spirits, at such time as they seized and possessed him: for by reciting and singing Psalms upon his Harp, he restored the king to his right mind: he therefore requested jesse that he would suffer him to live with him, and attend upon him because he was so much delighted with his presence, whereunto he condescended, permitting him to dwell with the king. CHAP. X. The year of the world. 2883. before Christ's Nativity. 1081. A second expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrews. NOt long time after this, the Philistines assembled themselves, and gathered together Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. 1. Reg. 17. Another expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrews. Goliath a man of prodigious statute amongst the Palestines. great companies of men of war, with whom they assailed the Israelites, and subdued all that which is between Sucoth and Azeca, where they encamped. Saul on the other side led forth his army against them, and encamping himself upon a certain mountain, he constrained the Philistines to dislodge from their first camp, and entrench themselves upon an other mountain right over against that where he pitched his tents. The camps being thus separated the one from the other, there was a valley that extended itself between both the armies: Into this there descended a certain man called Goliath, a Gittite, of huge stature, being four cubits and a span length in height, having his limbs covered with huge and mighty armour: for his curets which he bore on his back weighed five thousand sickles; his helmet and pouldrons were of brass, made fit to cover his massy members; his spear which he bore in his hand was no light lance, but he bore it on his shoulder, & the head thereof weighed 600. sickles, and after him there followed divers men bearing arms. Now when he came betwixt both the armies, he stood up & cried with a loud voice, addressing his speech to Saul and the Hebrews in these terms: Hebrews, Goliath challengeth a single combat at the Hebrews hands. what need you to hazard the doubtful fortune of war, single me out an adversary, and let us determine by our two hazards on whose side the victory and conquest shall fall: so that whosoever soldier shall be over come, let his party be adjudged subject to their sides who have the victory: for it were better that some one among you then the whole army should be brought in hazard. When he had spoken thus, he returned back to his own camp. The next day he came forth again and used the same words, and thus for forty days space ceased he not to defy the Hebrews in such like words, and under the same conditions: so that both Saul and all his army were displeased, and kept themselves always ready and arranged in battle, although the fight was begun on neither side. During the time that Saul addressed himself to this expedition, he sent David back again to jesse his father (contenting himself with his other three brothers, who at that time served under his royal standard) whereas he intended his intermitted care of Saul sendeth David back again to his father. keeping his flocks: But whilst the war was rather protracted then performed, whether his father had sent him to carry victuals to his brothers, and to know how their affairs went in the army; and whilst that David devized with his brothers as touching those things which his father had committed to his charge, he heard the Philistine blaspheming and railing upon the Hebrew army, and was therewith so greatly moved that turning himself unto his brothers, he told them David desireth to fight with Goliath. that he was ready and addressed to fight hand to hand against that enemy. But Eliab the elder brother reproved him for so speaking, telling him that he was more hardy than became his age, and that he knew not what concerned those matters, willing him to return unto his father and intend his flocks. David for the reverence he bore unto his brother departed from thence, and meeting with certain soldiers said unto them, that he had a will to encounter that proud challenger: which they presently signified unto Saul, who incontinently sent to seek him out. Now when he came before his presence, he asked him what he intended to do: O king (said he) let not thy courage be abated, nor thy fear overmaster thee. For I am he that will abate the pride of this enemy, and encounter and enter combat with him, and how great and high soever he be, how clate and fierce soever he show himself, I will subdue him, and turn his terror to derision; and so much the more shall thy glory and the honour of thy army be enhanced, by how much so great and expert a man at arms shall be subdued by a young man, and an unexperienced soldier. Saul amazed at his hardiness and great courage; yet notwithstanding suspecting him by reason of his years; told him that he was too feeble, to encounter a man so expert in feats of arms, whereunto David made this answer. That which I promise you my sovereign, is under the assurance which I have in God, which heretofore I have proved, and the succours which at other times I have received at his hands. For whilst I fed my father's flocks, I redeemed David redeemed a lamb from the laws of a lion, and slew him, David killed a bear. a lamb that was ravished out of my fold, out of the lions jaws; and catching the wild beast by the tail, that with open mouth assaulted and sought to devour me, I bet him to the ground, and slew him. Neither with less success invaded I a bear that set upon my flock; and as light do I set by this monster also: who vomiting out his slanderous railings both against God and men, shall neither escape the divine arm of justice which he so wickedly provoketh, neither fly from my hands, who am prepared to ●…counter him. So much prevailed this forward readiness in the young man, that the king beseeching God's The year of the world 1883. before Christ's birth 1081. David laying aside those arms wherewith he was furnished to fight with Goliath, marcheth forward with his sling against the enemy. assistance to second his courage, furnished him with a royal armour, a sword and a helmet, and sent him forth to the battle. But David feeling the weight of his armour, and seeming rather to be loaded then defenced with the same, said unto him: Let these arms (O king) serve to enclose and defence thy body, who art able to bear them, and suffer me I beseech thee, who am thy servant, to fight according to mine own fantasy. He therefore laid-by his armour, & took a staff in his hand, and five stones which he gathered on the banks of the torrent, which he put in his scrip, his sling he bore in his right hand: and being thus armed, he marched forward to encounter his enemy. Now when the Barbarian saw him thus furnished, he so much contemned him, that in way of scorn he asked him, whether he thought him to be a dog, that he thus came forth to fight with him, with weapons fit to scar dogs. Nay (said David) I esteem thee worse than a dog: which so much perverted Goliahs' patience, that he cursed the name of his God, thundering out threats, that he would cast out his carcase to be devoured by the beasts David drawing near his enemy is contemned. of the field and the birds of the air. But David answered, Thou comest against me with thy sword, thy javelin and curets: but chose, I march out against thee under the warrantise and protection of God, who shall destroy thee by my hand; and with thee, thy whole army: for David's talk with Goliath before the combat. this day will I take thy head from thy shoulders, and cast the rest of thy body to the dogs whom thou resemblest, and all men shall know that God is the Prince of the Hebrews, and that our arms and forces are the cares that it pleaseth him to have of us, and that all other furniture of war is unprofitable, except it be assisted by God. The weight of the Philistines arms hindered him from marching readily: so that he marched foot by foot towards David, contemning him, and trusting that he should kill him easily, both for that he was disarmed, as also because he was young and tender in years. CHAP. XI. The single combat betwixt David and Goliath, and the slaughter of the Palestines that followed after. david set forward to make head against his enemy, being assisted by a companion whom he saw not, which was God; drawing therefore one of the stones, which he had gathered on the banks of the torrent, out of his scrip, and having fitted it in his sling, he forced David's victory against Goliath The I alestines fly and are discomfited. it against Goliath; and gave him such a stroke on the forehead, that he pierced him to the very brain: so that Goliath fell down suddenly dead, and he running upon him as he lay sprawling on the earth, cut off his head with his own sword: for he himself ●…ad none. As soon as he was strooken down, discomfiture and flight seized all the army of the Philistines: for seeing the most esteemed warrior amongst them overthrown and slain, they began to suspect the general issue of their war, and resolved to retire from thence; so took they their flight in disorder and confusion, supposing by that means to deliver themselves out of dangers. But Saul and the whole army of the Hebrews sallied out against them, with great shouts and cries, and in the pursuit made a great slaughter of them, and drove them to the borders of Geth and the gates of Ascalon. In this battle there died on the Philistines side above thirty thousand, and Thirty thousand of the Palestines slain. the rest that were hurt and wounded, were twice as many. Saul returning back into his camp pillaged and burnt their tents: but David bore Goliahs' head into his pavilion, and hung his sword in the tabernacle, and consecrated the same unto God. But Saul afterward conceived a privy hatred against David, upon this occasion which ensueth: For whereas he returned triumphant like a conqueror with the army, and the women and maidens singing and dancing to their cymbals and timbrels, in way of honour came out to meet him. The women sung, that 1. Reg. 18. Saul privily hateth David. Saul had slain divers thousands of the Philistines; and the virgins answered, that David had slain divers ten thousands. Which when Saul understood, and saw that the lesser testimony of thousands was referred to him, and that the ten thousands were attributed to David, he supposed that after so glorious a renown, there wanted nothing for David, except to be king. For which cause Saul from one of his chief nobles maketh David a tribune, to the end that being often drawn out by the enemy he might be slain. he began to fear and suspect him: so that by reason of the fear he had of him, he thought that he was too near his own person, and therefore from being one of the chiefest in authority about him, which was to be one of his chiefest commanders and guard, he made him captain over a thousand, rather respecting his own security, than the others honour; to the intent, that being often charged by incursions of the enemy, he might by some disaster be deprived of his life. But David having in all places the assistance of almighty God, returned always with good success and happy issue: so that for the excellency of his valour, the people entirely The year of the world. 2883. before Christ's Nativity. 1081. Saul's daughter in love with David. Saul subtly objecteth David to slaughter under a colourable condition of slaughtering the Palestines, Saul under covenant of 600. Philistines heads promiseth David his daughter. loved him: And Saul's daughter also, that was about that time marriageable, began to be enamoured with him, and so great and apparent was her affection towards David, as the certain notice thereof came unto her father's ears, who was sore displeased therewith; yet hoping by that means the sooner to entrap him, he gave ear thereto with some show of allowance, and told them who discovered their loves unto him, that he would willingly give him his daughter to wife, under pretence that the enjoying of her might be the means of his utter overthrow. For (said he) I am content to give him my daughter in marriage, under that condition, that he bring me six hundredth enemies heads; and he desirous to get so high and famous a reward, and in like sort to obtain honour by an act both so dangerous and admirable, will undertake the execution thereof, and shall be slain by the hands of the Philistines, and that intention which I have conceived against him, shall succeed according to mine own hearts desire: for I shall be delivered of him, in sending him out of the world, not by my means, but other men's hands. Further, he charged his Courtiers to sound and seek out David's resolution, and how he was affectioned towards marriage: who began to devise with him, telling him that the king bore him a most entire favour, and that the people admired him, and how they would procure him the marriage of the king's daughter. Whereunto David replied: Think you it to be a small matter to be son in law unto the king? for myself I esteem otherwise, considering in especial mine own base condition, who have neither reputation nor any honourable quality. When Saul's servants had related unto him what answer David had made them: Tell him (said he) that I neither want goods nor presents (for that were to expose my daughter to sale, and not to match her with a husband.) I seek for a son in law that hath valour, and that is adorned with all virtue, such as is manifest and apparent in thee: and my desire is, that for the dower of my daughter, thou give me neither gold nor silver, nor any other valuable wealth out of thy father's house; but the punishment of the Philistines, and six hundredth of their heads, which shall be the most desired and accepted dower thou canst present me with. My daughter also requesteth above all the dowers, that may accrue unto her by order of law, to be married to such a man that is so ennobled and famous by the overthrow of his enemies. When these words were reported unto David, he was very joyful, thinking that Saul spoke sincerely of this affinity, and without delay or taking counsel or deliberation, whether the thing were easy or impossible for him to execute, he incontinently departed with his company to go and find out the enemy, and execute the condition, under which the marriage was promised him. For it was God that made all things easy and possible to David: for after he had slain divers of them, and cut off six hundredth of their heads, he returned and presented them to the king, and in consideration thereof, required the performance of his marriage. CHAP. XII. Saul admiring David's fortitude, giveth him his daughter to wife. But Saul that could not fly from his promise (for fear lest it should be a great dishonour 1. Reg. 19 Saul marrieth Michol to David. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 〈◊〉. Saul resolveth to kill David. jonathan loveth David, and showeth him his father's determination, and counseleth him to have care of his safety, and stand on his guard. for him to be found a liar, or to have promised David his daughter under colour, either to murder him, or to draw him to the execution of things that were impossible) delivered his daughter Michol unto him. But his intention was not to continue long in that mind. For perceiving that David was gracious in God's sight, and in good reputation amongst the people, he was afraid of him: and being unable to conceal his fear he had conceived, to be deprived of two things of such consequence, as were his kingdom and life, he resolved to kill David; giving commission to his son jonathan and divers other of his servants to execute the same. But jonathan amazed to see this change in his father in steed of the singular good liking he had of David in times past, sought to hurt David not in any slight sort, but by endangering his life: and on the other side being singularly affected towards him, and respecting of his virtue, he communicated the secret and deliberation of his father with him, counseling him to have care of himself, and to fly upon the next morrow, and that in the mean time he would go and salute his father, and as soon as the occasion presented itself, he would speak and confer with him, to know the cause of his conceived displeasure against him, to the intent he might pacify the same: supposing it to be a matter unreasonable that he should be deprived of life to whom the people were so much indebted, and who in particular was his esteemed and vowed friend: yea in respect of his former merits, although he were found guilty of many heinous offences, The year of the world. 2883. before the Nativity of Christ. 1081. yet ought he to obtain a deserved pardon. I will tell thee afterward (said he) what my father's resolution is. David gave credit to his wholesome counsel, and retired himself from the presence of the king. CHAP. XIII. How the King practised to murder David. THe next day after, jonathan came unto Saul, and finding him merry and well disposed, jonathan reckoneth up unto his father the good deserts of David, praying him to pacific his displeasure conceived against him. he began to speak unto him to this effect, as concerning David. In what fault (O Father) either great or small have you found David guilty, that you have ordained & commanded him to be done to death? who is such a man as for the conservation of your own person, hath been very profitable, and besides that hath prejudiced the estate of the Philistines, and enhanced the honour of the people of the Hebrews, and hath delivered them from that disgrace and mockery, wherewith they have been kerbed for the space of forty years: so that he only hath dared, and opposed himself against the proud defies of the enemy; and since that time hath brought so many of the Philistines heads as was commanded him, in recompense whereof he hath had my sister to wife: so that his death should be a great displeasure unto us, not only by reason of the virtue wherewith he is endowed, but also thorough occasion of his alliance with us in blood and consanguinity. For by his death your daughter shall partake part of the injury, by reason that she shall suffer the incommodity of widowhood, before she hath tasted the fruits and commodities of marriage. Way these things, and pacify your displeasure, and do no wrong unto such a man, who first of all hath been the author of your so good and great fortunes, as is the conservation of your person at such time, as you were possessed and tormented with evil spirits: and hath brought to pass that your furies are allayed: and secondly, hath revenged you of your enemies. For it is a thing unworthy either your majesty or the name of a man, to forget good deserts. With these words was Saul pacified, so that he swore unto his son that he would jonathan certifieth David how he hath pacified his father. not injure David: for his just persuasions and arguments were more stronger, than the choler and fear of the king. jonathan sent to seek out David, and told him these good and happy tidings from his father, and brought him unto him, where he lived and remained in sort as he did before time. CHAP. XIIII. How hardly David escaped the ambushes that were often laid for him by the king, yet having him twice at advantage and in his power, would not murder him. ABout the same time, whilst the Philistines led forth their army anew against the Hebrews, David hath a great victory against the Palestines. Saul sent out David against them accompanied with his forces, who encountering them slew a great number of them, & returned unto the king with a great victory. But Saul entertained him not, both as he deserved, and the happy exploit achieved by him did merit; but despited and envied his good actions & honourable deserts, as if David's happy success had been Saul's disadvantage and prejudice. But at such time as the evil spirit returned anew and both seized and vexed him, he lodged him in his own chamber where he lay, and having at that time a javelin in his hand, he commanded him to play on his harp & to sing hymns. Now whilst David executed that his commandment, Saul stretching out his arm threw his dart at him: but David foreseeing it, avoided the stroke, and fled into his own house, where he sojourned all Saul darteth his jauclin at David. the day long. Now when the night was come, the king sent out certain of his servants to watch his house for fear lest he should escape, to the end that the next day being drawn and appearing in judgement, he might be condemned and put to death. But Michol David's wife and Saul's daughter, having intelligence of her father's intention, ran unto her husband, telling him in how great peril both he and she were, who without his presence neither could nor would live any longer. Beware (said she) lest the sun find thee in this place, for he shall no more behold thee here hereafter. Fly therefore whilst the present night offereth thee opportunity, which God doth lengthen for thy safetie-sake: for be assured that if thou be'st surprised in this place, my father will make thee die a miserable death. This said, she let him down by a window, and so saved him; and incontinently after, she prepared his bed, and trimmed it as if he lay sick therein, and under the covering thereof, she laid the liver of a new slanghtered Kid: and when The year of the world, 2883 before Christ's birth 1081. Michol persuadeth the king's servants that David is sick. her father had sent the next morning to apprehend David, she answered that he had been sick all the night long: then discovering the bed that was covered, she gave them to understand that David was laid therein, making them touch the coverlet under which the liver stirred, and made them believe that the liver that lay there was David, who panted & breathed very hardly. Which being signified unto Saul, he commanded that he should be brought unto him in that estate wherein he was, because he was resolved to put him to death. But when Saul's messengers were arrived and returned thither, and had discovered the bed, they perceived Michols subtlety, and went and certified the king thereof: who reproved her very grievously for that she had saved his adversary, and deceived her father. But she defended herself with words full of good appearance, saying, that David had threatened to kill her, and how for that cause, and by the impulsion of fear, she was drawn and induced to aid and save him. For which cause she ought to be pardoned, since by constraint and not of set purpose she had furthered his escape. For (said she) Michol excufeth herself for delivering David. I think that you seek not so greedily after the death of your enemy, as you prefer the same before the safety and security of your daughter. On these persuasions Saul pardoned his daughter. David delivered from this peril came unto the Prophet Samuel to Ramatha, and told him what ambushes the king had laid for him, & how hardly he had escaped death by the stroke of his David expresseth to Samuel how the ●…ing was affected towards him. javelin; whereas in all things that concerned Saul, he had always showed himself obedient: again how he had never ceased to war upon his enemies, and had by God's assistance been fortunate in all things, which was the cause that Saul was so displeased with him. The Prophet informed of Saul's injustice forsook the City of Ramath, and led David to a certain place called Saul sent armed soldiers to apprehend David, who began to prophecy, and he himself likewise coming thither prophesieth. 〈◊〉. Reg. 20. Galbaath where he remained with him. But as soon as Saul was informed that David was retired and accompanied with the Prophet, he sent out certain soldiers to lay hands on him, and bring him unto him: who repairing to Samuel, and finding the congregation of the Prophets, were seized with the spirit of God and began to prophecy. Which when Saul understood, he sent out others, who had the like encounter with the first. For which cause he sent out others, and seeing the third company prophecy likewise, he was in the end so much despited, that he came thither in his own person. And when he drew near the place before that Samuel saw him, he made him prophecy so that Saul coming towards him, was seized by abundance of the spirit: so that he was ravished out of himself, and having despoiled himself of his raiment, he lay David complaineth unto jonathan of his father's injuries, jonathan exculeth his father. prostrate all the day and the night long in the presence both of Samuel and David. David departed from thence, and went unto jonathan, to whom he complained of those ambushes which his father had laid to entrap him, in telling him that notwithstanding he had never committed either injury or fault against his father, yet did he earnestly pursue him to put him to death. jonathan persuaded him that he should neither rashly suspect these things, nor be over-credulous in those reports which perhaps might be brought unto him, but that he should trust him only, who was assured that his father intended no evil against him: For if he had, he would have told him, who is never wont to act any thing without his counsel. But David swore unto him that it was so, and besought him that he would believe his unfeigned assertions, whereby he might the more easily procure his security, least contemning his words, and supposing them to be feigned and frivolous, he should by his death be ascertained of the sight and truth thereof: For he assured him that his father for that cause did not communicate his counsels with him, because he was assured of the love and friendship that was between them. jonathan sore aggrieved, that David was so persuaded, David desired jonathan to sound his father how he was affected towards him. and Saul's intention was such, asked him what he desired at his hands, or wherein he might show him friendship? David said unto him, I know that thou wilt further me in what thou mayst, and refuse me in nothing. Now to morrow is the first day of the month, in which I was accustomed to dine at the king's table, and if thou thinkest good I will depart out of the City into the field, where I will lie hidden: if he ask for me, thou shalt say I am gone into the country of Bethleem where my tribe solemnizeth a feast; thou shalt certify him also that thou hast given me leave. And if he say God speed him, which is an ordinary wish that friends use to such as go a journey, know that he hath no hidden rancour, nor secret malice conceived against me; but if he answer otherwise, it shall be an assured testimony that he complotteth some mischief against me, and this shalt thou ascertain me of, as both becometh my present calamity, and our mutual friendship, which by vowed oath thou being my Lord, hast plighted with me who am thy servant: And if thou think me unworthy of this favour and injurious towards thy father, without expecting the sentence of his justice, kill me now at this present with thine own sword. These his last words so grievously struck jonathan to the heart, that he promised him to accomplish his request, assuring The year of the world, 2883. before Christ's Nativity, 1081. him to certify him if he any ways could perceive that his father was ill affected towards him; and to the intent he might the better be believed, he caused him to walk forth with him into the clear and open air, and there swore unto him that he would not pretermit any thing that might tend to the conservation of David. For (said he) that God that filleth and moderateth jonathan confirmeth his friendship towards David with an oath. all things in this wide spread universe, and who, before I speak, knoweth my mind: he I say, shall bear witness of that accord which shall be ratified between thee and me, that I will not cease to sound my father till such ●…ime as I know and have conceived his intention, and that I have entered into his secrets to know what sickness his soul is seized with; and that when as I shall apprehend the same, I will not conceal it from thee, but give thee notice thereof, be it that he be appeased or displeased against thee. The same God knoweth how incessantly I beseech him to be assistant unto thee, as also he is at this present: and that he abandon thee never, but make thee Lord over thine enemies, yea though it were my father, or myself. Only remember me in this point, that after my death (if I chance to die before thee) thou take care of my children, and be as favourable towards them, as I am affected to theeward at this present. After he had sworn this oath, he dismissed David; willing him to conceal himself in a certain place of the plain, jonathan giveth David certain signs whereby he should know whether his father were displeased with him. where he ordinarily exercised himself: For that as soon as he understood his father's mind, he would return thither with his Page, and if (saith he) having shot three shafts at the mark, I shall command my Page to gather them, and bring them back again to me, for that they are right before him, know thou that thou art to expect no evil from my father: but if thou hearest me speak to the contrary, think thou that my father is incensed and misaffected towards thee; yet howsoever it happen, I will do my best, that nothing shall befall thee otherways then we expect and wish. Be thou therefore mindful of these things at such time as thou shalt obtain thy happy days, and be thou favourable unto my children. David being confirmed by Jonathan's promises, retired himself to the appointed place. The next day after, which was the solemnity of the new moon, after the king was purified according to the custom, he sat down to take his repast: Now when his son jonathan was set on his right side, and Abner the General of his Army on the left, Saul perceived David's place was void, and spoke not a word, supposing that he was absent from that company by reason he was not purified since he had the company of his wife; but seeing the second day of the new Moon that he was absent likewise, he asked his son jonathan why Jesse's son both the day before, and at that instant, was not present at that fast; Saul questioneth about David's absence, jonathan by his answer as●…eth to know his father's mind. who answered him, that he was gone into his country (prosecuting the story, according as it had been concluded between them) alleging that his Tribe celebrated a feast, and that he had permitted him to assist the same. Further (said he) he invited me to the banquet, and if it stand with your pleasure, I will assist the feast: for you know how entirely I love the man. At this time knew jonathan the displeasure his father had conceived against David, and perceived most apparently how heinously he was affected: for Saul could not conceal his choler, but began to rail upon his son, calling him rebel and his enemy, and companion and confederate with David, telling Saul discovereth his 〈◊〉 hate against David. him that he showed reverence neither to him, nor to his mother, since he was so minded: and that he would not believe, but that, as long as David lived, their royal estate should be always in continual disturbance: He commanded him therefore to bring him before him, to the end that he might do justice upon him. jonathan replied, What evil hath David committed, for which he should be punished? Hereupon Saul not only expressed his choler in words and jonathan ●…cusing David to his father is almost slain with a javelin by him. jonathan flieth from the banquet. disgraces, but taking hold of a javelin, he assaulted him, and would have slain him: but he miss his purpose, by reason he was retained by his friends. At that time did jonathan clearly discover the hatred that Saul bore towards David, and how instantly & furiously he sought his ruin, since wellnigh for David's sake he had slain his own & eldest son. Then did jonathan withdraw himself from the banquet, seeing with how little profit he had pleaded, and so much was he grieved that he ceased not to weep, and the rather since wellnigh his father had unkindly slain him: And seeing that David was adjudged to die, he passed all the night long without sleep, and about the day spring he departed out of the City to the appointed field, making a show that he walked out to take his exercise, but indeed it was to discover unto his friend the intent which his father had, according as it was covenanted between them. After that jonathan had done that which he had promised, & sending back his Page into the city, he came unto David both to see and speak with jonathan and David meet in the field. He dio & Ruffinus. chap. 13. 1. Reg 21. him in private: who as soon as he perceived him, cast himself prostrate at Jonathan's feet, calling him the conserver and maintainer of his life. But jonathan lifted him up from the earth, so that both of them embracing one another, and intermixing their mutual kisses for a long time, lamented their years with warm tears, and their unfortunate friendship with bitter sighs: The year of the world. 1883 before Christ's Nativity. 108●…. they bewailed likewise their future separation no less grievous unto them, than death itself. Finally, scarcely giving any truce to their abundant tears, and exhorting one another to have in perpetual remembrance their plighted faiths and promises, they departed the one from the other. David flying from the king and the war which he made against him, retired himself to the city of Nob to Achimelech the priest, who seeing David come alone unto him without either friend David cometh to Naban or Nob to Achimelech the high Priest, or servant, was amazed; and desired to know the cause why he thus wandered without any attendance. David told him that the king had sent him about some secret execution, which might not be communicated unto him, although he were desirous to know it: and as touching my servants (said he) I have commanded them to attend me in this place. He further required him, that he would give him such things as were necessary for his voyage that he had to make, wherein he might perform the part of a friend, in succouring him at such time as he had need of him. Which when he had condescended unto, he requested him to give him some arms, either sword or javelin (now in this place was there present one of Saul's servants that was called Doeg, a Syrian by nation, and the pastor of the king's mulets.) The Priest answered him, that he had no such David receiving Goliahs' sword, flieth to Geth, to Achis king of the Palestines. thing by him except it were Goliahs' sword, which he himself had hanged in the Tabernacle and dedicated unto God, at such time as he slew the Philistine. David having gotten it, fled out of the country of the Hebrews, and went unto Geth, a country of the Philistines, wherein Achis was king. There being known by the king's servants, he was discovered and noted to be that David, that had slain many thousand Philistines. David fearing to be put to death by him, and suspecting lest he should fall into the same danger which he had escaped by flying from David counterfeits madness to escape the fury of Achis. 1. Reg. 22. Saul, counterfeited himself to be foolish and mad: so that the some frothed and issued out of his mouth; and counterfeited in all things so cunningly, that he made the king of Geth believe most steadfastly that he was besotted and frenzy in his sickness. For which cause the king was wroth with his servants in that they had brought him a madman, and commanded them with all expedition that might be, to drive him out of his country. Having in this sort escaped out of the country of the Geths', he transported himself into the tribe of juda, and being in the cave of Adullam, he sent unto his brothers to let them understand that he was there, who came unto him with all their lineage, and divers others that either were in need or stood in fear of Saul, resorted unto him, saying, that they were ready to perform whatsoever he should command them: all which amounted to the number of four hundredth or thereabouts. David therefore being thus assured, by reason of the succours and forces that come unto him, dislodged from thence & went to the king of the Moabites, beseeching him that he would be pleased to entertain his father and mother in that country, until such time as he understood what should be the issue or end David repairing to the king of the Moabits, committeth his father and mother to his protection. David cometh to Saron. Saul feareth David. of his affairs. The king vouchsafed him this favour, and did them great honour all the time they were in his country. And as touching David, he having received instructions by the commandment of the Prophet to abandon the desert, & to sojourn in the tribe of juda: he obeyed him, so that coming to Saron, he made his abode in that place. But when Saul had understood that David had been seen with a number of men, he fell into an extraordinary fear and trouble of mind: for knowing both the understanding and courage of the man, he thought inwardly with himself that he would attempt no action that was not great, and such a one as might not only endanger his kingdom, or at leastwise breed him much difficulty & labour. For which cause, assembling his friends and captains, and those of his tribe in Gaba where he kept his royal court, there sitting in a place called Aror, where all his honourable and civil magistrates, with the rest of his captains and soldiers environed him round about, he spoke unto them after this manner. Beloved friends, I know that you can bear witness of my bounty, and how I have advanced some of you to honours, signiories and possessions, and have preferred you to the chiefest dignities and prerogatives amongst the people. Now would I know of Saul's oration to his captains, friends and estates against David. you whether you hope or expect from the son of jesse greater bounty and larger benefits, than I have bestowed upon you: I know that all of you are confederated with him, and that my son jonathan likewise is of the same faction, and hath persuaded you to follow and favour him. For I am not ignorant both of the oaths and covenants that are passed twixt him and David, and am well assured that he is both a counsellor and assister unto him in whatsoever he undertaketh against me: yet are none of you touched with these cares, but intending your own quiet, you expect the event of these matters. When the king had spoken thus, there were none of the assistants that replied: only Doeg the Syrian master of the king's mulets, arose and said: That he had seen David in the City of The year of the world. 2883. before the Nativity of Christ. 1081. Doeg telleth Saul how he saw David in Noba with Achimelech. Saul reproveth Achimelech for furnishing David with victuals and arms. Achimelech●… Apology to Saul's accusation of treason. Nob, who resorted to the high Priest Achimelech, to ask counsel of him as touching his affairs; that there he had received those things that were needful to furnish him in his voyage, and Goliahs' sword likewise; and how he was safely conducted towards the place whither he pretended. to go. Hereupon Saul sent for the high Priest and all his kindred, and spoke thus unto him. What wrong or displeasure have I done thee, that thou hast entertained the son of jesse? and hast delivered him victuals and arms; to him, I say, that seeketh but the means to possess himself of my kingdom? What answer hast thou made him as touching those demands he presented thee, in regard of his future fortunes? for thou hast not been ignorant that he fled from me, and what hatred he beareth against both me & my family. The high priest denied none of these things, but freely confessed that he had delivered him such things as were reported, but not with an intent to gratify David, but the king: for I entertained him (said he) not as thine enemy, but as thy faithful minister and tribune; nay which is more, as thy son in law, and such a one as was tied unto thee by near alliance. For who would have thought, that he, who was entitled to so much honour by thee, should be thine enemy: nay rather, who would not esteem him for thy savourite and nearest friend? And where as he asked counsel of me as touching Gods will, this is not the first time, I have answered him, but oft & many other times have I advised him. And where as he said, that he was sent by thee about some hasty and secret business, should I have refused him those supplies which he required at my hands, I might have been judged rather to have done injury to thy majesty then to him. For which cause thou art not to suspect or think evil of me, or if thou hast received any advertisement, that David at this time intendeth some trouble & innovation against thee, oughtest thou to think that by reason of the courtesy I have showed him, that I either favour him or maintain him against thee: for what I bestowed, I employed as on thy friend, thy son in law and thy tribune; and whatsoever courtesy he received from me, it was done unto The unjust slaughter of Achimelech with his whole family. Noba the city of the priests it burned, and all the inhabitants slain. Sup li. 5. ca 11. 1. Reg. 2. & 3. thee. Notwithstanding all these just allegations, yet could Saul be no ways induced to believe them: but chose, his vehement fear made him suspect the true justifications of Achimelech: so that he commanded certain armed men that were about him, that they should put both him and all his family to the sword, But when they held it no less than sacrilege, to violate by violent death such as were men consecrated unto God: Saul commanded Doeg the Syrian to perpetrate the slaughter, who joining to himself certain other sacrilegious and impious men, he murdered Achimelech and all his race, who were in number three hundredth, thirty and five men. He further sent to Nob the city of the Priests, and put all of them unto the sword, neither sparing woman nor child, nor having respect unto any other age, but consumed the whole City with fire, only one son of Achimelech escaped, who was called Abiathar. All which befortuned according as God had foretold the high priest Eli, saying, that by reason of the transgression of his two sons, his posterity should be extinguished. A manifest exemplification of that proveth. Honour's changeth manners. This cruel and malicious act perpetrated by king Saul (in extinguishing all the race of the sacerdotal order, without compassion either of infants, or reverence of old age: this destruction of his of that City, which God had chosen to be the country and common nurse of the Priests and Prophets, and which he elected to be a receptacle and refuge of all that sort of men) manifestly expresseth and declareth unto all men, how depraved and corrupt the minds of men Note di●…gerly. are. For so long as they are humble, and limited by a base and private estate, because they neither dare nor can have liberty to give scope to their unbridled natures: they seem to be good and just men; and make show of a wonderful study of justice, accompanying the same with piety, and are persuaded that God is present in all our actions: finally, that he beholdeth all our cogitations. But no sooner have they attained to power and empire, laying aside their former and reformed manners, and taking upon them as it were in a stage play, both a new habit and an other parsonage, but they are devoured in all audaciousness and insolency, and contempt of both divine and human laws. And when as to overcome their envy that had most need of piety and justice; and when as not only all their actions; but also their wills are exposed to all men's eyes, than most of all, as if either God dissembled, or feared their power, they exercise their tyrannies upon their subjects, and whatsoever they decree, either thorough vain fear, hatred or unreasonable favour, that suppose they both to be ratified by men, and allowed by God: being altogether deprived of either respect or reason of those things that are to come. For whatsoever they be that spend their many and unexhausted labours in their service, those do they first prefer: and afterwards when they have loaden them with the burden of dignities, they thorough envy not only deprive of those dignities; but thorough slander also do oftentimes oppress them, not considering how deservedly they oppress, but only giving credit without The year of the world, 2883 before Christ's birth 1081. proof to rash and scandalous detractions, executing and satiating their rage, not on those they ought to punish, but those that may most easily be depressed and overthrown. The manifest example hereof appeareth unto us in Saul the son of Cis, who after the government of the nobility was extinct, and the supreme magistracy of judges was disannulled, being the first created king of the Hebrews, only for that he suspected Achimelech, he slew three hundredth priests and prophets, and after he had slain them destroyed their city with fire; and as much as in him lay, deprived the high temple of God, not only of priests but sacred ministers; and after so hideous a slaughter, neither spared their country nor any one of their offspring to be left alive. But Abiathar Achimelechs' son, who only escaped with life amidst all his slaughtered family, flying Abiathar escaping from Saul's hands, telleth David of the slaughter of Achimelech his father and of the priests. unto David, declared unto him both the overthrow of his family and the death of his father. David answered him, that he expected no less than that which happened, at such time as he espied Doeg there, who as his mind gave him would not fail to reprove and scandal Achimelech to Saul, yet took he it on him that the misfortune happened unto his friend by his means: he therefore prayed him to remain with him, because he could not be concealed or secured in any place better than with himself. About the same time, David understanding that the Philistines made a road into the country of Cilla, and prayed the same, determined to assault them, if after the Prophet had asked counsel David defendeth Cilla against the incursions of the Palestines. 1. Reg 23. of God, he should be by the oracle animated to the performance thereof: which accordingly falling out, he sallied out accompanied with his friends, and set upon the Philistines, and made a great slaughter of them, and recovered a very rich pray, and gave convoy to the Cillans, till such time as they had safely gathered in and housed all their corn and fruit. The rumour of this his exploit was presently brought unto Saul: for this noble act and happy execution was not only not shut within the limits of the place wherein it was performed, but the renown thereof was dispersed every where both in other men's ears as also in the kings, and both the action and the author thereof were highly commended. Saul was very joyful to hear that David was in Cilla, and said thus: God hath delivered him into my hands, by enforcing Saul seeketh to besiege David in Cilla. him to shut up himself within a city enclosed with walls, gates, and bars: whereupon he suddenly gave commandment that all the people should march against Cilla, and besiege the same and surprise or kill David. But David having intelligence hereof, and advertised by God that if he stayed among the Cillans, they would deliver him into the hands of Saul, he took with him his four hundredth men, and retired himself from the City into the desert, and encamped on a defenced David admonished by God flieth from his danger. David came with his army to Caena or Ziphia, where jonathan cometh unto him comforteth him and reneweth his covenant. hill called Engaddi: so that the king being advertised that he was fled from the Cillans, ceased to issue out in arms against him. From thence David departed to a certain place of the Ziphians, where jonathan Saul's son met with him, and after he had embraced him, he exhorted him to be of good cheer, and to conceive an assured hope of future good fortune, and not to give place to his present miseries, by reason that he should obtain the kingdom, and should have the whole power of the Hebrews subjecteth unto him, but that such things were not-wont to happen, except they were accompanied with great travails: and after they had once more renewed the oath of mutual and lasting amity and faith between them, during all the time of their lives, calling God to witness with imprecations against him, that should contradict or in any sort change those conventions; jonathan left David somewhat eased in heart, and disburdened of his conceived fear, and that done, returned to his own home. But the Ziphians intending to gratify Saul, told him that David was amongst them, and promised him to deliver him The Ziphians certify Saul of David's abode in their country. prisoner into his hands, if so be he would issue out against him: in so much as if he would seize all the straits of the country, it should be impossible for him to fly into any other place. The king praised their forwardness and promised them to requite their loyalty, and to remunerate them shortly for this their good affection, and withal sent out certain men to seek out David and to beak over the forest, promising them that shortly he would follow after them. Thus did the governors & princes of the Ziphians offer themselves unto the king to search out and apprehend him, expressing their affection therein, not only in outward show, but also with their whole power labouring what they might, that surprising him they might deliver him to the king's hands. But their injust desire had as infortunate success, who being to incur no peril by concealing him from pursuit, promised to betray into the king's hands thorough adulation and David hearing of the kings coming, flieth to save himself. avarice, a man that was both virtuous and wrongfully persecuted to death by his enemies. For David being made privy to their malice, and ascertained of the King's approach, leaving those narrow straits wherein they then encamped, escaped to a certain rock which is situate in The year of the world. 2883. before Christ's birth 1081. Saul pursueth David, and having circumvented him had taken him, had not he received news that renoked him. the deserts of Simon: Neither desisted Saul to pursue him, for knowing by the way that he had overcome the straits, he came to the other side of the rock, & David had surely both been taken and circumvented, had not the king been revoked by fearful tidings, which assured him that the Palestines had forcibly entered and spoiled his kingdom. For he thought it more convenient to revenge himself on those his hostile and sworn enemies, and to give succour to his country and people, being ready to be spoiled and wasted, then under desire to lay hands on a private enemy, to betray both his country & subjects to their swords; and thus was David saved beyond all expectation, and retired himself to the straits of Engaddi. But after that Saul had repulsed the Palestines, certain news was brought him that David dwelled in the straits of Engaddi: whereupon presently taking with him three thousand of the choicest men in all his army, healed them speedily to the forenamed place, and being not far from thence he perceived near unto the high way, a deep, hollow, large, long and open cave, whereas David with his four hundredth men might be hidden, and descended himself alone into the cave to disburden the necessities of nature. This was presently discovered by one of David's followers, who told him that God had presented him a fit opportunity to revenge him on his enemy, and counseled him to cut off Saul's head, and discharge himself thereby of much trouble, and torment; who arising and finding him out, only cut off the lap of the vesture wherewith Saul was attired, and presently thereupon repent himself, saying, that it were a wicked deed in him to kill his lord, whom God by election had raised to the estate of Majesty and Empire. For (said he) although he be unjust toward me, yet ought I not to be injurious towards him. But when Saul was issued out of the cave, David went out after, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Saul that he would give him audience: who turning back unto him, he cast himself prostrate before his feet, and humbled David cut off the lap of Saul's garment. David upbraideth Saul for his subtleties to seek his death who was innocent. him on his face according to the custom, and spoke after this manner. How unworthy is it for thee O King, that opening thy ears to scandalous backbiters, and giving trust and credit to vain & loose men, thou suspectest thy most tried friends, whom thou rather oughtest to judge by their sincere and upright actions: for words may be either false or true, but the mind may be discovered by none more apparent arguments then by men's actions: as at this present thou mayst judge whether thou hast rashly believed them, that make me guilty before thy Majesty of that crime, that was never yet so much as thought upon, and have so much exasperated thee against me, that day and night thou thinkest on nothing more than my destruction. Seest thou not now how vain thy opinion is, whereby they persuade thee, that I am an enemy of thy house, and earnestly desirous of thy death. Or with what eyes thinkest thou doth God behold thy cruelty, who requirest his death, who having occasion and opportunity offered him to be revenged on thee, spareth thy life, whose life were it in thy hands were assuredly lost: for as easily might I have cut off thy head as this lap of thy garment (and therewithal in confirmation of his words, he showed it him) yet did I forbear this just revenge, yet chose art not thou afraid to exercise thy unjust tyrannies against me. But God shall bear witness hereof, and shall approve which of us Saul acknowledgeth his malice & David's innocency, and requesteth him that when he hath obtained the kingdom, he would be favourable to his family. both are of more peaceable behaviours. Saul amazed to see how strangely his life had been preserved, and ravished to consider the natural mildness and moderation in David, began to weep, and David wept also: but Saul said that he had greater cause to lament than he. For (said he) by thy means have I received many benefits, and thou at my hands hast been repaid with infinite injuries. This day hast thou testified that thou retainest the ancient justice of thy progenitors, who commanded that their enemies should be dismissed with life, at such time as they were surprised in the desert: now am I thoroughly persuaded that God hath reserved the kingdom for thee, and that the Empire of all the Hebrews attendeth thee. Assure thou me therefore by an oath, that thou wilt not exterminate my race, neither remember thee of those injuries I have done unto thee, but that sparing my posterity, thou warrantise and keep them under thy protection. David swore unto him according as he had required, and suffered him to return into his Realm, and both he and his companies retired themselves to the straits of Maspha. About the same time died Samuel the Prophet, a man who by his merit was in great estimation amongst the Hebrews, the famous testimony of whose virtue, and the people's observation towards him was samuel's death and burial. 1. Reg. 25. expressed in this, in that they celebrated his funeral, and set out his sepulchre with great pomp, and when they had performed his rites, they buried him in Ramath his country, and lamented him many days, not after the manner of a common or foreign misery, but as if each one of them had in particular a prejudice and loss to lament for. For he was a man that was naturally framed to all justice and goodness, and for these his virtues most acceptable unto God. He governed the people after the death of Eli the high Priest, first in his own person for the space The year of the world. 2883. before Christ's Nativity. 1081. of twelve years, and afterwards during the reign of Saul eighteen years, whose death happened (as I said) about this time. But in those places where David at that time remained, there was a certain Ziphian in a town called Emma, a man very rich, and Lord of much cattle. For he had a troop of three thousand sheep, and a heard of a thousand Goats. On these did David command his people to commit no waste, neither thorough desire, nor necessity, nor hope of concealment, they should do him any hurt. Charging them moreover that they should offer Nabals' flocks spared by David. no wrong unto any man, because that to violate and take another man's goods was both unlawful and wicked, and contrary to God's commandment. He instructed them in this sort, imagining with himself that he should gratify a good man, and such a one as deserved to be in like sort favoured: but Nabal (for such was his name) was a rude and currish person, leading his life in hunting. Yet had he a wife that was good, wise and fair. To this Nabal did David send ten of his servants about the time of his sheep-shearing David's embassage to Nabal to require relief, and his currish answer. both to salute him, as also to wish him all good, and to beseech God that for divers years, he would grant him grace to do the like. Mean while he requested him that he would impart unto him somewhat of that which was in his power, when as his shepherds could inform him, that having long time remained in the desert, we have (said they) been so far off from doing your flocks any harm, as we have rather seemed to be their shepherds and keepers: they promised him likewise, that whatsoever courtesy he should show unto David, he should bestow it on a mindful and thankful parsonage. Thus spoke the messengers unto Nabal: but he answered them very discourteously, and rudely demanding of them what that David was, and being informed that he was the son of jesse: Now (said he) these fugitives and slaves forsaking their masters, live proudly and insolently. David hearing of this report was grievously displeased, and commanded four hundredth of his men to take up their weapons and follow him, commanding two hundredth to keep the baggage (for at that time he had six hundredth) and in this equipage marched he forward against Nabal, swearing that that very night he would utterly exterminate & David sallieth out against Nabal with 400. armed men. root out all his race, and ransack all his riches. Neither was he only displeased for that Nabal was ingrateful towards them, without respect of that humanity which they had showed towards him and his, but also for that without any cause or injury offered, he had injured & outraged him in words. In the mean while certain shepherds that attended Nabals cattle, told their mistress their masters wife, that David having sent unto her husband to require some small courtesy, had not only obtained nothing, but also received insupportable injuries, whereas till that day he had suffered his flocks to be untouched: telling her that that insolency of their Lord might breed them all much woe and misery. Which when Abigal heard (for so was the woman called) she loaded divers Asses with all sorts of presents (without making any motion to her husband, who Abigal Nabals' wife appeaseth David with presents. was so drunk that he was insensible) and went towards David. As therefore she descended the straits of the mountain, David encountered her, marching towards Nabal, accompanied with four hundredth men: As soon as Abigal perceived him, she leapt from her Steed, and falling upon her face, she prostrated herself before him, beseeching him to forget Nabals words, knowing that Nabals nature was answerable to his name. For in the Hebrew tongue Nabal signifieth folly: she excused herself likewise, saying, that she saw none of them that were sent unto her husband. For which cause she said, I beseech thee grant me pardon, and give God thanks, Nabla signifieth a ●…oole. that by my means he hath hindered you from polluting your hands in innocent blood: for if thou remain pure and innocent from bloodshed, he shall exact a punishment at their hands that have hurt thee. For those misfortunes that attend on Nabal, shall fall on the heads of thine enemies: only be thou favourable unto me in accepting these my humble presents, and for my sake remit that wrath which thou hast justly conceived against my husband: for clemency and humanity becometh him whom the fates have destinated a kingdom. David accepting her presents, gave her an answer after this manner. Women (said he) God of his goodness hath this day brought thee hither, otherwise thou hadst not lived or seen the next morning. For I have sworn that this night I would overthrow thy house, and leave none alive of that ungrateful man's family, who hath so contumeliously abused both me and mine: but now God hath put thee in mind wisely to prevent and pacify my wrath. As touching Nabal, although at this present he be exempted by thy means from punishment, David's prophecy of Nabal yet shall he not escape, but he shall lose his life: for his manners upon an other occasion shall be the cause of his ruin. This said, he dismissed Abigal, who returning to her house, and finding her husband amidst his other companions, loaden and overwhelmed in wine, told him nothing The year of the world, 2889. before Christ's Nativity, 1075. Nabal conceiveth so much sorrow and fea●…e for his immodesty against David that he dieth Apoplec●…ique. An example of God's providence that no sin can escape unpunished. David marrieth Abigal Nabals' wife. Saul marrieth his daughter Michol to an other husband 1. R●…. 26. The Ziphians once more labour to betray David in their country. David once more attended by two entering into Saul's camp, stole away his dart & his pitcher of water. at that time of that which had happened: but the next day when he was sober, certifying him thereof, he lost all his forces, and his body became mortified thorough the grief he conceived at her words: so that some ten days after and no more, he departed out of this life. Which when David understood, he said that he was deservedly punished by God, because that his own wickedness was the cause of his punishment, and that he was afflicted, and yet his hands who received the injury were undistained with blood: and by this example he learned that no wicked man can escape God's judgement, and that all human affairs are not rashly disposed, as if neglected by God, but that the good are rewarded with goodness, and the wicked punished according to their wickedness. He afterwards sent messengers to his wife, and caused her to come unto him, to the intent he might marry her, and take her to his wife. She answered the messengers, that she thought herself unworthy to lie at his feet: notwithstanding she repaired unto him with all her furniture and means whatsoever, and was married to David, having obtained that degree of honour, both in that she was modest and just, as also for that she was beautiful. Now David had a wife before her, whom he had married out of the City of Abesar. As touching Michol the daughter of Saul, and otherwhiles his wife, Saul gave her to wife at Lissa to the son of Phalti of the City of Gethla. After this, certain Ziphians coming unto Saul, told him that David was returned again into their country, and that if it pleased him to assist them, they might easily apprehend him. Whereupon Saul issued with three thousand armed men, and being surprised by night, he encamped in a certain place called Sicelleg. When David was certified that Saul was issued forth against him, he sent out certain spies, whom he gave in charge to bring him intelligence into what place at that time Saul was retired, who ascertaining him that he was at Sicelleg; he watched all that night without the knowledge of any of his followers, and went into Saul's camp, attended only by Abisai his sister Saruias' son and Achimelech the Chittite. Now whilst Saul was a sleep, and both his general Abner with all his soldiers wholly devoured in drowsiness, David entered into the king's camp, and although he knew the king's pavilion, by reason of his javelin that stood at the door thereof, yet slew he him not, neither permitted he Abisai, who was both willing and addressed to execute the slaughter, to perform it. But this he said, that although the king were evil, yet notwithstanding it were a strange and undecent thing for him, to slay him who was Gods elected: for that it was Gods right to take revenge on him, who had given the kingdom: and thus restrained he the others unbridled fury. Yet to the intent he might certify the king, that having the opportunity to slay him, he had spared his life, he bore away with him his javelin, and the pitcher of water that stood by Saul whilst he slept, without the witting or knowledge of any of the camp; so much were they devoured and overhaled with sleep. He therefore departed thence in all assurance, having executed all that which either the time or his courage would permit him to do. But after he had passed the river, and had attained the top of a mountain, from whence he might be easily heard, he cried out to Saul's soldiers and their general Abner so strongly, that he awaked them from their sleep, and calling upon Abner as well as the common sort of soldiers, the general asked who it was David vp●…deth ●…ner 〈◊〉 Sau●… general for suffering his king's javelin and pitcher of water to be taken from him. that called him? to whom David answered, It is I, the son of jesse, your fugitive: but, said he, how cometh it to pass, that thou who art so great, and in chiefest authority about the king, hast so small respect and guard of his person? Thy sleep is more pleasant unto thee than thy watch for his conservation. Assuredly this act of thine deserveth a capital punishment, because thou neither hast discovered me, nor any others before we entered the camp, or approached the ●…ing. Seek for the king's javelin and his pitcher of water, and thou shalt perceive in what great danger he hath been, even in the midst of you, without any notice or discovery of yours. Saul perceiving that it was David's voice, and conceived how that being in his hands (whom he had surprised in the depth of sleep, thorough the negligence of his guard) he had not slain him, but pardoned Saul praiseth David, and willeth him to be of good courage, and exhorteth him to return to his own house. him his life, although it justly lay in his power to take his head from him: he said, that he gave him thanks, and acknowledged his life from him, exhorting him to be assured, and without suspect of any evil to return home unto his house, because he was persuaded, that he loved not himself so much, as he was entirely affected by David: notwithstanding that he had pursued him, and for a long time past had chased him like a fugitive, constraining him also by divers afflictions and great torments of spirit, to be abandoned from his nearest parents and friends: yea from David himself, who might have preserved him, and who had given him divers demonstrations of his good will towards him, and by whom he had been often times preserved; whom notwithstanding he ceased not to pursue unto the death, who chose desired nothing more The year of the world. 2889. before Christ's Nativity 1075. David declareth his innocency to Saul. than his life. Hereupon David willed him to send some one of his servants to bring back his javelin and pitcher of water: protesting that God should be judge of both their natures, manners & actions, who knew that that day also he had spared his enemy, whom if he had so thought good he might have extinguished. Saul having this second time escaped from David's hands, returned to his royal house. But David fearing lest if he sojourned in that place he should be entrapped by Saul, thought good to retire himself into the country of the Philistines and sojourn there. So that accompanied with six hundredth men which he had with him he transported himself to Achis king of Geth, one of their five Cities, who received him with all his people 1. Reg. 27. Saul desisteth to persecute David. David with six hundredth men and his two wines went into Palestine to Achis king of Gitta. David requireth a certain place at the king's hands to make his habitation in. The king giveth him Siceleg. David spoiled the Sarr●…es & Amalechites, and giveth part of the pray to the king, persuading him that he took it from the jews that inhabited the South plain. and gave him a place to dwell in: so that he abode in Geth, having with him his two wives Achimaas and Abigal. Which when Saul understood, he made no more account to send or sally out against him, because that two several times he had been in danger of his life at such time, as he pursued him to entrap him. David held it not convenient to remain in the City of Geth, and therefore requested the king of the Philistines, that since he had courteously entertained him, it might please him likewise to do him the favour to assign him a certain place in his country, where he might make his habitation, because he feared to be chargeable to him, if so be he remained in the City. Achis assigned him a village called Siceleg, which David after he obtained the kingdom, loved and honoured, holding that for his own demain, as his own children and heirs did after him. But hereof will we speak in an other place. The time that David lived amongst the Philistines and in the town of Siceleg, were four months and twenty days, during which time by several and secret excursions against the bordering Sarrites and Amalechites, he spoiled their country and returned back again with a great booty of oxen and camels: yet brought he thence no bondmen, lest Achis by their means should have intelligence of his enterprise. He sent likewise a part of the pray unto the king, and when he demanded from whom he had taken the same, he answered that he had taken it from the jews that dwelled Southward and in the plain, persuading him that he had done no loss: so that Achis conceived an opinion, that since David warred against his own nation all the time of his abode with him, he would be a faithful servant unto him. About the same time the Philistines, having determined to lead forth their army against the Israelites, sent out to their allies, requiring them to assist them in that war, and to make their Rendezvous at Renga, to the intent that being there assembled they might dislodge and assail the Israelites. Amongst their other auxiliary companies, Achis had requested David to assist him, with his six hundredth soldiers, which he promised him willingly to perform, telling him that the opportunity was now come wherein he might requite his courtesy, and the hospitality he had showed him. Achis promised him that after the victory, when as all things had succeeded according as he desired, he would prefer David to the guard of his person, thinking by the promise of this honour and trust, he might augment David's forwardness and affection towards him. CHAP. XV. The Philistines renew their war against the Hebrews, and obtain the victory, and Saul with his sons are slain in the battle. But Saul about this time had banished all diviners and enchanters, and in general all such as were tellers of fortunes, reserving none within his country, but the Prophets. The year of the world, 2890. before Christ's birth 1074. Saul banisheth all diviners & enchanters out of his kingdom. Saul hearing the Philistines made head against him, asked counsel of God. When as therefore he understood that the Palestines were already up in arms, and strongly encamped near to the city of Sonna sciruate in the plain, he marched forward & made head against them with all his forces. And as soon as he drew near to the mountain of Gelboa, he encamped right over against the enemy. Now when his army discovered their great forces, they were much discomforted, & no sooner beheld it but were amazed. Being therefore sore troubled herewith, he sought counsel at God's hands as touching the event of the battle, & seeing he returned him no answer, his hart more & more failed him, in that he manifestly perceived what sinister success would betide him, if God should not assist him in the conflict. He therefore commanded that they should search him out some Pythonissa or cunning enchantress, who invocated and raised the spirits of the dead, to the end that by her means he might know if his wars should have that success which he pretended (for the diviners which give answer by the belly, which the greeks call Engastrimythes declare their adventures to those that ask them.) And when as by the report of a certain familiar friend of his, he was advertised that there was such The year of the world. 2890. before Christ's birth 1074. Saul repaireth to Endor to ask counsel of a 〈◊〉. a one at Endor, unwitting to his whole arm, and laying aside his royal habits, and attended only by two whom he esteemed for his most faithful servants, he repaired to Endor to this woman, requiring her to divine and raise up the spirit of him whom he should name. The woman denied and said, that she ought not contradict the king's edict, who had driven out of his realm all such sort of soothsayers, telling him that he did not well, that having received no wrong at her hands, he should thus sound her and seek to bring her in lapse of the king's laws, & cause her to be punished. But Saul swore unto her, that no man should know thereof, and that he would not discover her divination to others: briefly that she should incur no danger thereby. After than that by his oaths and protestations he had persuaded her, that she should have no cause to fear, he commanded her to raise the spirit of Samuel. She not knowing what Samuel Saul commandeth the witch to raise samuel's ghost. was, called him from hell, and he suddenly appeared. But when she perceived that it was an honourable man and of divine semblance, she was sore troubled; and being wholly discomforted with this vision, she turned and said unto the king: art not thou Saul? for Samuel had certified her no less. Saul confessed that it was he, and asked her for what cause she seemed to be so much troubled: she answered, that she saw a man ascend that resembled God. Saul commanded her to declare unto him his shape, habit and age: and she gave him to understand that he was a reverend old man, attired in the vestment of a high priest. By these marks Saul knew that it was Samuel: whereupon prostrating himself on the earth, he adored and saluted him. The spirit of Samuel asked him for what cause he had troubled and raised him? To whom he complained and Saul complaineth him of his miseries to Samuel, and asketh his advise. lamented that he was enforced thereunto by necessity: for that a grievous host of his enemies were at hand, and that void of counsel he was forsaken by God, having from him no prediction, either by prophecy or dream: for which cause (said he) I made my recourse unto thee, who hast always had care both of me and my fortunes. But Samuel foreseeing that the king's death was hard at hand, answered him that it was in vain for him to question with him, as touching those things that should happen, since thou knowest that thou art forsaken by God. Know therefore samuel's ghost certifieth Saul of the event of his battle against the Philistines. (said he) that David shall possess the kingdom, and that it is he that shall establish the estate by arms: but as concerning thyself, thou shalt lose both thy kingdom and thy life, because thou hast disobeyed God in thy war against the Amalechites, and hast not observed his commandments, according as I foretold thee at such time as I was alive. Know therefore, that thy people and host shall be discomfited by the enemy, and that both thou and thy sons shall be to morrow slain in the battle, and be with me. When Saul understood these things, he became speechless, thorough the sorrow wherewith he was seized, and fell down on the pavement, either for that his forces failed him thorough sudden grief, or for his want of meat; because that Saul through sudden sorrow sell in a swoon. The enchantress entreateth him to refresh himself and take some refection. neither that night, nor the day before, he had vouchsafed his body any refection or sustenance. At length, hardly recovering himself out of his swoon, the woman importuned him to receive some sustenance, beseeching him to do her that favour in recompense of her unexpected divination; which though interdicted, she had adventured to perform for his sake (before she were ascertained that it was he that had forbidden them) in consideration whereof, she prayed him that sitting down at the table, he would refresh himself with some sustenance, to the end he might be the more able to return unto his army. And although he resisted and utterly refused to eat, in that he had no appetite, and was utterly desperate; yet so effectually importuned she, that finally she persuaded him to receive some little nourishment. And whereas she had but one calf An example of courtesy and liberality in the enchantress. which she bred up in her house with some particular care (for she was but a poor woman and had no other riches) yet spared she not to kill it, and dress the flesh for Saul & his servants. Thus refected, Saul returned back again into his camp. The courtesy of this woman deserveth to be praised: for although she knew that the king had prohibited her art, whereby both she and her family sufficiently maintained themselves: and although before that time she had never seen Saul, yet so it is that without remembering her that it was he by whom her art had been condemned, she entertained him not as a stranger, or like the man she had never seen before; but had compassion of him and comforted him, exhorting him to eat, although he refused it, and presented him willingly and heartily with that little, which she had in her poverty. All which she did not under hope of recompense, or expected preferment (knowing well that Saul should shortly lose his life) nor according to the ordinary course of men, that naturally honour those that have bestowed some dignity upon them, and become serviceable to those from whom they pretend to draw some profit hereafter. She therefore ought to be imitated, and in her appeareth an excellent example of bounty, approving that there is nothing more worthy praise, then to relieve The year of the world. 2890. before Christ's Nativity. 1074. those that are in necessity; neither any thing more becoming men, or whereby we may obtain God's favour and graces better, then by it. Thus much sufficeth at this present, in respect of this woman. But now methinketh I shall do well if I insert in this place, and in these my writings, another eaxmple both profitable to people and nations, and in especial an incitation to noble men, and such as are borne unto glory to follow virtue, which also shall express what honour is, and exemplify how a man may eternize his memory, which ought to engender in the hearts of kings of nations, and of governors of commonweals a singular desire and affection to addict themselves to noble actions, and to encourage them to entertain dangers, yea death itself; and teach them to endure all difficulties whatsoever for their country's cause. To which intent, the history of Saul the king of the Hebrews yieldeth me matter most incident josephus praiseth Saul for a worthy and valiant king in that foreknowing his danger and death, he exposed himself to assuredperil to this purpose. For although he knew that which should befall him, and that his death was at hand (according as it had been foretold him) yet resolved he not to avoid the same, neither so loved he his life, that for the conservation thereof, he would deliver up his people into the hands of their enemies, nor dishonour his royal dignity: but himself, with his children and all his household, exposed themselves to danger; thinking it more honourable to die with them in fight for his subjects, and far more expedient that his children should die like valiant men, then to leave them alive in incertitude of estate whereinto they might fall, supposing that he should have sufficient successors of his race, if he left behind him a perpetual memory and praise both of him and his. For which cause (in my opinion) he was both just, strong and prudent, and if any one either is or hath been like unto him, I suppose that it becometh all men to give testimony of such a man's virtue. For I think that the Historians and ancient Writers have not worthily entitled them with the style of valiant men, who attaining some worthy actions, attempted war under assured hope of victory and safety, but they only that imitate Saul may deservedly be called just, praiseworthy, courageous, hardy, and contemners of all dangers. For what great thing is there in undertaking the common hazard of war, and tossing twixt hope and fear to use fortunes favour if she fawn upon us? but chose, I count it an assured sign of a valiant man, when as without conceit of hope of any goodness, and knowing his death at hand, and assured in his conflict, is not afraid nor dismayed with such apprehensions, but seeketh out with an invincible courage his most assured hazard. This is the praise of our Saul, who is an example to all true lovers of glory, that if they have regard to leave an honest memory to their posterity, they should upon the like opportunity propose the same resolution to themselves: but in especial kings, who, by reason of the excellency of their degree, ought not only forbear to be evil, but also strive to be excellently virtuous. I could likewise say more of this generous argument of Saul's valour, but lest I should seem too affectionate, I will return to our former 1. Reg. 29. purpose. After that the Philistines were thus encamped (according as hath been afore-spoken) and had numbered their forces according to their nations, kingdoms, and governments, king Achis issued Achis leadeth out David with him against the Hebrews, and is reproved by the chi●…taines of the Palestines for so doing. in the rearward with his particular company, whom David followed accompanied with his six hundredth soldiers: whom when the chieftains of the Philistines beheld, they asked the king whence those Hebrews came, and what their leaders name was? Who answered them that it was David, who fled from Saul his master, and how he had entertained him being fled from him: again how David in recompense of the good he had received at his hand, and to revenge him on Saul, was ready to fight for them against him. But the chieftains blamed him, because he had chosen an enemy for his associate, counseling him to dismiss him, for fear lest he should secretly perform some strange stratagem against his confederates, because (said they) he hath a fit opportunity to reconcile himself to his master. They therefore willed him to send David back with his six hundredth soldiers, unto the place which he had given him to inhabit, because it was the same David of whom the damsels made songs, singing in praise of him, that he had slain many thousand Philistines. When the king of Geth understood these things, he thought their counsel to be laudable, for which cause calling David unto, himhe said unto him. I protest unto thee (said he) that I bear a most singular affection and good liking towards thee: and for that cause I have called thee out to assist us in this battle; but our captains allow not of my resolution: for which cause retire thyself to the place which I have given thee, without conceiving any evil suspicion of me. There shalt thou be in garrison to forestall the enemy from foraging our country: and in so doing thou shalt partly assist us in the war. hereupon David departed unto Siceleg, Achis dismisseth David. according as the king had commanded him. But during the time that David was in camp, and attended on the Philistines war, the Amalechites The year of the world. 2890. before the Nativity of Christ. 1074. The Amalechites in David's absence spoil and burn Siceleg, and carry away the pray, arose and took Siceleg by force, and burned the City: and after they had gathered a great booty both in that place, and in other villages of the Philistines country, they retired back again. Now when David arrived at Siceleg and found it wholly ruined and spoiled, and seeing likewise that his two wives, and the wives of his companions were prisoners together with their children: he presently rend his raiment, and began to weep and lament with his companions; yea so much was he afflicted, that he had scarce any tears left him to bemoan himself: beside this, his companions amated with the captivity of their wives and children, were ready to stone him to death; accusing him that he was the cause of all that which had happened. But when as his grief was after a manner aslaked, and he somewhat returned to himself, he lifted up his heart unto God, and commanded the high Priest Abiathar to put on the Ephod, and ask counsel David taketh counsel of God whether he will assist him to recover his wives and goods out of the hands of the Amalechites. of God; and that done, to declare unto him whether by his assistance he might overtake the Amalechites, if so be he should pursue them; and whether he should recover his wives and children that they had led away, and revenge him of his enemies. As soon as the high Priest had certified him that he might pursue them, he sallied out with six hundredth soldiers, and pursued the enemy: and drawing near unto the river, he found a certain straggler an Egyptian by nation, wholly discomforted and feeble thorough want and famine wherewith he was pressed, having for three days space wandered in the desert without any sustenance; whom after he had refreshed with meat and drink, and recomforted, he asked him to whom he belonged, and what he was. The Egyptian told him his nation; and how he had been left in that place by his master, because that thorough his weakness it was impossible for him to follow them. He confessed likewise, that his master was one of the number of those that had burned and sacked, not only other quarters of judea, but Siceleg also. David taking this man for his guide overtook them, finding some of David guided by an Egyptian slave overtaketh the Amalechites. David assaileth the Amalechites, and maketh a great slaughter of them, and recovereth the whole prey. them lying on the earth; others banqueting and following drunkenness, and almost senseless by overdrinking: so recovering both his booty and pillage, and suddenly setting upon them, he made a great slaughter. For they being naked, and suspecting no such inconvenient, and wholly addicted to frolic drinking and feasting, were all of them easily defeated: divers likewise amongst them were slain as they sat at their meat; others likewise were slaughtered whilst they caroused the one unto the other; and some of them perished being loaden with sleep, & gorged with wine. They likewise that were completely armed, intending to make resistance were as easily slain, as they that lay naked upon the earth: Thus David's men abode with him from the first hour of the morning till the evening, doing nought else but kill & murder, that that only four hundredth of the Amalechites escaped, who likewise fled being mounted on their Dromedaries. So recovered he all that which the enemy had ransacked, and amongst other things he released both his own wives & those of his companions. Whereupon they returned to the place where they had left the other two hundredth, which might not follow them, because they were appointed to guard the baggage: To these, the abovesaid four hundredth would not grant a part of the booty and profit, because they had not (as they said) followed the enemy with them, but showed themselves David comp●…mitteth the debate betwixt those that pursued the chase, and those that keptt he baggage touching the pillage. 1. Reg. 31. slack in the pursuit; alleging that they ought to content themselves with the recovery of their wives. But David said, that the sentence which was pronounced by them, was both evil and unjust: for since God had granted them the grace to defeat their enemies, all of them merited to have part in the profit, which ought equally to be divided amongst them, both amongst those that had fought, and amongst those likewise that stayed behi●…d to guard the baggage. And from that day forward this ordinance hath been held firmly amongst them, that they that keep the baggage, should have equal part and portion of the pray with those that should go out to the battle. But when David was returned to Siceleg, he sent unto all his familiars and friends of the tribe of juda, a several part of the spoil: In this manner was Siceleg sacked and burned, and thus were the Amalechites discomfited. But the Philistines assailed, and fought a bloody battle with Saul and his followers, wherein the Philistines had the upper hand, and slew a great number Saul and his sons seeing their army overcome by the Philistines are desperately dismayed and slain. of their enemies. Saul king of Israel with his sons fought therein very valiantly, and with stout hearts, seeing that all their honour consisted in that only point to die nobly, and to hazard themselves against all camisadoes of their enemies. For since the Philistines bent all their forces against them, they saw no means of recovery, so that encompassed by them they died in the midst of them, and yet before their death slew a great number of the Philistines. There were there present Saul's three sons jonathan, Aminadab, and Melchi, who being defeated, all the Hebrew army turned their backs: so that being instantly pursued by the enemy, there fell a great disorder, confusion and slaughter amongst them. Saul fled also, although he The year of the world. 2890. before Christ's Nativity. 1074. had about him a strong squadron of men. And although the Philistines marshaled forth against him a multitude of archers, that shot many darts and arrows at him; yet were they all but a very few repulsed: and although he had fought very bravely, having received on him divers wounds, yet being unable to support the pain and grief of his wounds, and travailed with shortness of breath, he commanded his esquire to draw his sword, and to thrust it thorough his body before he should be surprised alive by his enemies: which his esquire refused to do, not daring to lay hands upon his master. For which cause Saul drew his own sword, and settled the point to his breast and cast himself thereon: but unable to force it home Saul striveth to kill himself, and being unable useth the assistance of a young Amalechite. enough, nor make it by goring himself thereon to pierce quite thorough him, he looked back and perceived a young man hard beside him, of whom he demanded what he was, and hearing that he was an Amalechite, he requested him, that since himself was unable to pierce himself with his own hands, that he would leave upon him, and make the sword pass thorough him, and bring him to that death which he so earnestly desired: which he did, and having taken from him the gold which he had about his arms, and the royal crown likewise, he fled away. The Esquire seeing Saul dead, suddenly slew himself: Not one of all the kings guard escaped, but all of them were slain near unto the mountain Gelboa. When they that inhabited the valley on the other side of jordan and in the plain, had intelligence that Saul and his The Hebrews that inhabit the valley beyond jordan, leaving their towns fly to defenced cities sons were dead, and with them a great number of their nation was slain, they abandoned their Cities and fled to others that were more defenced. The Philistines finding these City's destitute of inhabitants, encamped therein. The next day whilst the Philistines spoiled the dead, they found the bodies of Saul and his sons, which they spoiled & beheaded; sending their heads round about the country, to make it known that their enemies were defeated. They offered The Palestines hung up the bodies of Saul and his sons. up their arms also in the temple of Astaroth; and as for their bodies they hung them on the walls of the City of Bethsan, at this day called Scythopolis. When they of Iabes a City of Galaad understood how the Philistines had thus cut off the heads of Saul and his sons, they were sore moved, and thought it became them not to be so careless of them, but that they should be rescued. For which cause the most valiant and hardy amongst them (for that City bringeth up men both valiant in heart and strong in body) departed and marched all night long, so as they attained Bethsan, and approaching near the walls took down the body of Saul and his sons, and carried them unto Iabes, without any resistance of the enemy, in that they durst not attempt the rescue. These jabesians lamented over their dead bodies and made public lamentations, and buried them in the fairest place of their country, which place is called The Citizens of jabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons, and both bury and lament them. Arar. They mourned after this manner weeping both men, and women and children, and beating their breasts, and lamenting the king and his sons, and tasting neither meat nor drink. This was the end of Saul, according as Samuel had foretold him, because he had disobeyed God in his war against the Amalechites, and for that he had slain the race of Achimelech, and Achimelech himself also, and destroyed the City of the Priests. He reigned during the life of Samuel for the space of eighteen years, and twenty two years after his death. Thus finished Saul his life. THE SEVENTH BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 7. book. 1 David is created king of one tribe in Hebron, over the rest Saul's son obtaineth the sovereignty. 2 Isboseth is slain by the treachery of his domestical servants, and the whole kingdom cometh unto David. 3 David having surprised the City and citadel of jerusalem, driveth the Chananites from thence, and causeth the jews to inhabit the same. 4 David assailed by the Philistines, obtaineth a famous victory against them near unto jerusalem. 5 David overcoming the neighbouring nations, imposeth tributes on them. 6 They of Damascus are overcome by David. 7 How David overcame the Mesopotamians. 8 How thorough the intestine wars of his family David was expulsed out of his kingdom by his son. 9 Absalon marching out with his army against his father, is overthrown. 10 The happy estate of David restored again into his kingdom. 11 David in his life time, anointeth and createth his son Solomon king. 12 The death of David, and how much he left his son towards the building of the temple. CHAP. I. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron, over the rest Saul's son obtaineth the sovereignty. THIs battle was fought on the same day that David returned conqueror The year of the world. 2891. before Christ's birth 1073. 2. Reg. 1. An Amalechite certifieth David of Saul's death, and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and crown. to Siceleg, after he had subdued the Amalechites. But some three days after his return, he that slew Saul and had escaped from the battle, having his garment rend and ashes cast upon his head, came and cast himself prostrate before David: and being demanded from whence he came, he answered, from the battle of the Israelites; and certified David of the unhappy issue thereof: telling him how divers thousands of the Hebrews were slain, and how Saul himself and his sons were done to death in the conflict. He likewise gave him to understand, how he himself retreated amongst the Hebrews, and was present at the flight of the king: confessing likewise that he was the author of his death, under purpose to redeem him from the hands of his enemies: For (said he) Saul having cast himself upon the point of his sword, was so weak, by reason of the agony of his wounds; that he could not dispatch himself. Furthermore, he produced the testimonies of his death, the gold about his arms, and the royal crown which he took and brought from him being dead. David perceiving no cause whereby he should suspect his death, whereof he had most evident and infallible testimonies, rend his David lamenteth Saul and Jonathan's death. garments, and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions. And the more was he overpressed with sorrow, by reason of the loss of his most dear friend jonathan, whom he acknowledged to be the author and conserver of his life: And so virtuous and affectionate showed he himself towards Saul, that although he had oftentimes been in danger to have been slain by him, yet was he sore aggrieved at his death: and not that alone, but he likewise executed him that slew him, telling him, that he himself had accused himself for slaying the king, declaring thereby that he was the son of an Amalechite, and commanded that he should be put to David commandeth the Amalechite to be slain that killed Saul. death. He composed likewise lamentations and Epitaphs in praise of Saul and jonathan, which are as yet extant at this present time where in I live. After that he had thus honouted the king, and performed his lamentation and obsequies, he asked counsel of God by the means of the Prophet, what City of the tribe of juda he would give him to inhabit in: who answered him that he would give him Hebron. For which cause he forsook Siceleg, and came and dwelled in The year of the world, 2891 before Christ's birth 1073. David by God's commandment cometh and dwelleth at Hebron, and is declared king of the tribe of juda. David praiseth the jabesines for burying Saul and his sons. Abner the son of Ne●… crowneth Isboseth Saul's son. Abner leadeth out his army against the tribe of juda, joab with all David's army issueth out to meet him. Twelve soldiers fight, and kill one another, and Abners' side are overthrown. Azael joabs brother pursueth Abner. Hebron, and brought thither his wife and soldiers. All the people of the aforesaid tribe resorted thither unto him, and proclaimed him king: where understanding how the jabesins had buried Saul and his sons, he sent ambassadors unto them, both to praise and approve their actions, promising them that both he allowed their act, and would remunerate their devoir which they had extended toward the dead: giving them likewise to understand, that the tribe of juda had chosen him for their king. But Abner the son of Ne'er General of Saul's army, a man of execution, and of a noble disposition, understanding that Saul and jonathan and his two other brothers were dead, came into the camp, and bringing with him the only son of Saul that was left, whose name was Isboseth, he passed on the other side of jordan, and proclaimed him king of all the people except the tribe of juda. He appointed likewise for his royal seat and place of residence, a certain country called in Hebrew Machare, that is to say, the camp. From thence went he with an elected band of soldiers, with a resolution to fight against those of the tribe of juda, in that he was displeased with them, because they had made choice of David for their king. Against him marched out joab the son of Suri and of Saruia David's sister, general of his army, to encounter him, accompanied with his brothers Abisai and Azael, and all David's soldiers: and arriving near a certain fountain of Gabaa, he arranged his army in that place to enter battle. And when as Abner said unto him, that he desired to make trial whether part had the better soldiers, it was accorded between them, that twelve for either side should be chosen out to determine the challenge, who marching out into a certain place betwixt both the hosts, and having darted their javelins the one against the other, came at last to the sword, where mutually assailing, hewing, and butchering one another both in their heads, sides and bowels, they all of them at last fell down dead, as if the plot had been determined between them. Which done, the two armies joined in like sort, and after a cruel battle Abner with his followers were discomfited: who speedily flying were incessantly pursued by joab, who in his own person insisted and exhorted his other soldiers to pursue them hastily, without suffering any of them to escape. But amongst the rest, joabs brothers were hot upon the chase, and the youngest of them called Azael gave especial testimony of his forwardness, thorough that swiftness in running wherewith he was endowed: for he ran not only more swift than other men, but outstripped horses also in their race. Whilst thus he pursued Abner with great vehemency and headlong course, Abner in his flight killeth Azael. without turning either on the one side or on the other; Abner turned back upon him, and intending to dignify him for his forces; he first covenanted with him for one soldiers armour, and another time seeing that he could not be persuaded to stay, he prayed him to arrest himself and pursue him no further, for fear least being enforced to kill him, he should be deprived of the courage to behold his brother joab: But perceiving that he made no account of his words, but that Azael instantly insisted to pursue him, Abner flying and turning himself back, struck him with a javelin which he had in his hand, in such sort as he presently died. But they that pursued Abner likewise arriving in the place where Azaels body unaduenturously fell dead, stayed round about him, and surceased to pursue the enemy any further. But joab and his brother Abisai outstripping the body with swift running, and conceiving a more mortal hatred against Abner, for that he had in this sort slain their brother; they pursued him until sunset, with admirable swiftness, joab & Abisai pursued Abner till sun set. and incredible alacrity unto a place called Dumaton: There mounting upon a hillock, he saw Abner with the tribe of Benjamin flying from him; who began to cry out unto him and say, that men of the same tribe should not be so whetted and incensed the one against the other. That their brother Azael was in the fault, because that although he had exhorted him to cease from running after him, yet could he not persuade him, and that for the same cause he had both strooken and slain him. joab wisely digesting these his sayings, and accepting joab sounding a retreat restraineth his soldiers. of them as of wholesome and friendly advertisements and counsels; he commanded the trumpet to sound retreat, and surceased to pursue them any more, and encamped for that night in the same place: during which time, Abner traveled without ceasing, and having passed over jordan, returned to his camp to Isboseth Saul's son. The next day joab surveyed the dead, and caused them to be buried. Those that were found dead on Abners' side were about three hundredth and sixty men; and on David's side nineteen, over and beside Azael, whose body joab and Abisai How many on each side died in the battle. 2 Reg 3. The beginning of civil war amongst the Hebrews. took with them, and carried it unto Bethleem, and after they had interred it in the tomb of their ancestors, they repaired to Hebron unto David. From that time forward there arose a civil war amongst the Hebrews, that endured a long time, in which David's followers had always the upper hand, and never adventured the hazard of the field without returning with some adventage; whereas the son of Saul and his partakers had almost every day the worse. David The year of the world. 2891. before the Nativity of Christ. 1073. David had six sons borne in Hebron Abner bridled and governed the multitude so that along time they were subject to Isboseth. at that time had six sons by so many wives, the eldest of them was called Ammon the son of Achimaas, the second was Daniel the son of Abigal, the third was called Absalon the son of Machama the daughter of Ptolomey king of Gessur; the fourth was Adomas the son of his wife called Aggite: the fifth and the sixth were called Gerthessa and Gala. But after this civil war was begun, and that the kings on both sides had oftentimes encountered and fought together; Abner general of the army for king Saul's son, a prudentman, and one that was beloved by the people, endeavoured all that in him lay, that the whole country might be commanded by Isboseth, and in effect they all submitted unto him for a certain time: but when as it afterwards fell out that Abner was charged and accused to have kept company with Rispa Saul's concubine, the daughter of Sibath, and that Isboseth likewise had reproved him for the same cause, he conceived a great grief and despite, supposing that he had great injury done unto him, considering how careful he had been, and was of the king's estate: for which cause he threatened him to establish the kingdom to David, and to make him know, that it was neither his virtue nor prudence that made him sovereign over the tribes on that side jordan, but that his faith and warlike conduct was the cause thereof. For which cause he sent unto Hebron to David, requiring him by an oath to accept of him as his confederate and friend, promising him to persuade the people to forsake Saul's son, and Abner sendeth ambassadors to David in Hebron to ●…e a covenant with him. David requireth his wife Michol at Abners' hands. Abner consulteth with the ●…lders and governors of the army to revolt to David. to proclaim him king of the whole region: David swore unto him, according as he had required, and was very glad of that embassage that Abner had sent unto him, and the rather for that under assured testimony of their accords, he had preserved Michol David's wife (whom he had purchased with the price of divers great dangers, and with six hundredth heads of the Philistines presented to his father Saul, to the end he might enjoy her) which Michol Abner had sent him back, having taken her from Phalti, who had since that time espoused her: whereunto Isboseth also was assistant, to whom David had written that it was reason that he should recover his wife. Abner therefore assembled all the elders and governors of the people, and told them that at such time as heretofore they were ready to forsake Isboseth, & to submit themselves to David, he had dissuaded them from that intent; but at this present if they had the will, he would condescend unto them, because he was assured that God had chosen David (by the mouth of Samuel the Prophet) to be king over all the Hebrews: and had foretold that he should punish the Philistines, and should overcome them, and bring them under his subjection. Which when the elders and governors understood, and were assured likewise that Abner would subscribe to their resolution as touching the estate, they all of them determined to submit themselves to David. Abner seeing them thus resolved, did afterwards assemble all the tribe of Benjamin (out of which the archers The elders & captains persuaded by Abner ●…llow David. The Beniamites accord with Abner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to David and certifieth him there o●… Abner being kindly entertained by David is friendly lie dismissed. of isboseth's guard were chosen) and told them the like, and perceiving that they contradicted him no ways, but submitted themselves unto his pleasure, he gathered about twenty of his familiar friends, and resorted unto David to receive in his own person David's oath: Both for that each man in his own affairs reposeth greatest confidence in himself, as also to give him intelligence what speech he had held with the elders and the whole tribe. David received and entertained him very kindly, and magnificently and sumptuously feasted him at his table for many days, praying him that he would depart, and return and bring the people with him, to the end that in their presence and sight, he might deliver him the government. When David had dismissed Abner, some little time after his departure; joab the general of David's army came to Hebron, and knowing that Abner had been with David, and that but some little time before he was departed from him, with accords and promises made unto him that he should be governor; he feared lest that if David should place him in honour and dignity, and should make Abner (who was a man otherways exercised in affairs and politic to prevent occasions) as it were his companion in the kingdom, that the said joab should be degraded, and deprived of his office; he took upon him a cursed and froward resolution. For first of all he laboured to detract and make him odious in the king's ear, counseling him to stand on his guard, and not to give ear unto Abners' promises, who under colour & subtlety sought to establish the kingdom unto Saul's son: alleging that he came unto him under colour and ca●…tele, intending then to leave him, when his hopes were satisfied and affairs disposed: But perceiving that these his subtleties took little effect with David, and considering with himself likewise that he moved him in no sort, he attempted a more perilous exploit than the former. For resolving with himself to kill Abner, he sent out certain men after him, whom he gave in commission that as soon as they should overtake him, they should urge their interparlee in the name of David, alleging that they had something to communicate with him as touching the estate, which he had forgot to certify him of. When Abner had heard the words of these messengers (who overtook him in a place called The year of the ●…orld. 2899. before Christ's Nativity. 1065. Besira, some twenty furlongs off of Hebron) he struck out of the way without suspicion of his future disaster; & joab going before him, embraced him with great love, and like an affectionate friend (for such as enterprise any wicked action do often and subtly dissemble and make show of honesty, to the end to expel out of the innocents mind all jealousy or evil suspicion) where singling him from his other company, and making a show to inform him of certain secrets, and having drawn him into a by-way besides the wall, accompanied only with his brother Abisai, he drew his rapier and thrust it into his short ribs: Of which wound Abner died, surprised by the treason of joab; who pretended and coloured that act of his, with the revenge and death of his brother Azael, whom Abner had slain upon the chase in the first war at Hebron; but in truth it was but the suspicion of his greatness and honour, fearing lest he should be deprived, and Abner inseated by obtaining the next degree of honour unto David. Hereby may a man Men inclined to ambition and avarice date all things. conceive how many and how mighty things men attempt and hazard for their avarice and ambition sake, and to the end they may not be inferior unto any others in those matters. For when as they desire to attain riches and honours, they achieve it by ten thousand mischiefs; and at such time as they fear to be dispossessed, they strive to continue their estates by means more pernicious, because they think it to be the less sin, and that the calamity is less active, rather not to have obtained to any greatness and power, then after the possession thereof, to fall into disgrace. Thence it cometh, that all of them intend and practise many hazards and difficult encounters, thorough the fear they have to lose their degree. But it sufficeth to have briefly touched this point. David having notice of the murder of Abner conceived a great grief in his heart, and called all his assistants to witness, lifting up his hands unto God, and protesting that he was no partaker of the murder, and that Abner had been slain without his commandment or will. He likewise uttered most grievous curses against the murderer, his house and accomplices, by which he wished them to be subject to the fatal penalty of murder: for he greatly suspected lest he should be held in suspicion to be a party in that which had happened unto Abner, contrary to his faith, oath and promise, which he had passed unto him. Moreover, he commanded David with the whole people bewail Abner and honour his funerals: that all the people should weep and lament for him, and that the funerals of his body should be honoured according to the accustomed fashion, in renting of garments and putting on sackcloth: and that the same should be done the coffin being carried before, which both he and the chiefest governors of the Israelites followed, beating on their breasts, and shedding tears, and testifying the love which they bore unto him during his life, and their displeasure to see him dead, who had been murdered contrary to their will and intention. He was entombed in Hebron with great magnificence, and Epitaphs composed in his praise by David himself, who setting himself on the tomb first of all lamented, and gave others cause of lamentation. And so much was he confused at the death of this Abner, that he swore to forbear all kind of meat until the sunset, notwithstanding all the instances of his friends, who urged him to take refection: which act of his purchased him much good will and love amongst the people. For they that loved Abner were very glad to be witnesses of that honour which he did him in his death, and that faith which he David salveth his honour, and avoideth the suspicion of Abners' death. maintained in honouring him, every way according to the custom, as if he had been his kinsman or friend, and not embasing him with a wild and contemptible tomb, as if he had been his enemy. And in general, all of them were so glad of the courtesy, sweetness and royal nature of king David, that they esteemed in the like case, that he would have the like estimate of them, as they saw him have of deceased Abner. And by this means David happily maintained his credit, and increased the people's good opinion of him, escaping thereby the suspicion and conceit that he might in some sort have been accessary to his death. He protested also unto the people, that he conceived no small grief at the loss of so good a man, declaring thereby that it was no small stain unto the state of the Hebrews to be deprived of him, who had the means to maintain their peace by his good advise, and to ratify the same by his executions and warlike valour: But God (said he) who hath care of all things shall not suffer him to die unrevenged: And he it is that shall bear me witness, that it lieth not in my power to punish joab and Abisai, who have greater credit in the army than myself; yet shall they not escape God's justice for this fault. Thus ended the life of Abner. CHAP. II. The year of the world, 2899. before Christ's Nativity, 106 5. Isboseth is slain thorough the treason of his friends and followers, the whole kingdom descendeth to David. WHen Isboseth Saul's son had notice of Abners' death, he was sore displeased, not only for that he perceiving himself to be deprived of his near kinsman, but also of so great a Hedio & Ruffinus ●…hap. 〈◊〉, 2, Reg 4. parsonage as had settled the crown on his head. Neither did he himself long time remain alive after him: but by the sons of jeremon Banaoth and Thannus, he was traitorously done to death. These two being Beniamites, and of the chiefest nobility amongst them, made their reckoning that they would make away Isboseth, and thereby obtain great recompense at David's hands, supposing that such an act of theirs would get them the chiefest place and dignity in the army, or some other credit: For which cause finding Isboseth alone in his house about midday laid on his bed and asleep, and unassisted by any of his guard, and perciving likewise that the porter was fast, who thorough his travail and other business (by reason of the extreme heat) was laid down to rest: they entered into his lodging whereas Isboseth was a sleep, and slew him; and having cut off his head, they traveled all the night and day long, as if they fled from those whom they had offended, and sought their reskues from them, who would succour and assure them from peril: and when they came to Hebron, they presented David with isboseth's head, offering themselves as his most dutiful liegemen to do him service, who had delivered him of an enemy, and made away an adversary against his royalty. But David allowed not their act in such sort as they hoped: but spoke thus unto them. O cursed men, said he (on whom I intent presently to execute justice) have Isboseth. hand is brought to David. David's sharp invective against then urtherers of Isboseth, and their punishment. you not heard how I punished him that murdered Saul, and brought his royal crown unto me? Yea although he slew him upon his own instant request, and to the intent the enemy should not surprise him alive? Were you of that opinion that I was changed, and that I am not the same that I was, but that I take delight to be partakers with you in your mischiefs, or that I will countenance them, as if these acts of yours (who are murderers of your Master) were laudable in you; in you I say, who have slain a good man on his bed, that injured no man, but was your benefactor, and who had both cherished and honoured you: nay rather assure yourselves that you shall be punished in his behalf, and shall yield me satisfaction by the loss of your lives, because you have thought that isboseth's death would work my contentment: for you could not in any sort dishonour me more, then by conceiving such an opinion of me. Which said, he adjudged them to die by the most cruel torments that might be imagined, and with all the honour that he might, he caused isboseth's head to be interred in Abners' tomb. These murderers being thus done to death, all the chiefest of the people repaired to David unto Hebron (both they that commanded over thousands, as such also as were governors) and 2. Reg. 5. The nobles of the Hebrews retaire to David to Hebron, and declare him king. submitted themselves unto him, reckoning up the good affection they had borne him, both during Saul's life time, as also the honour which they had never discontinued to bear him since the first time that he was Colonel over a thousand, especially for that he had been chosen by God thorough the mediation of the Proph●… Samuel, to be their king, and his children after him; declaring unto him that God had given him the country of the Hebrews, to defend the same, and discomfit the Philistines. David accepted their promptitude and affection, exhorting them to persist, assuring them that they should never repent themselves of their obedience, and after he David entertained the nobles kindly. The armed soldiers that came to David had banqueted and entertained them, he sent them to assemble all the people. Of the tribe of juda there came together about six thousand eight hundredth men of war, bearing for their arms a buckler and a javelin, who before that time had followed Saul's sons, and besides whom the tribe of juda had assigned the kingdom to David. Of the tribe of Simeon, seven thousand & a hundredth or somewhat more: of that of Levi 4700. whose chieftain was jodam, with whom was Sadoc the high priest accompanied with 20. & two governors of the same lineage. Of the tribe of Benjamin 4000 men of war: for this tribe were as yet of opinion that some of the heirs of Saul should reign. Of that of Ephraim 20800. both strong and stout men. Of that of Manasses almost the half as many, namely 8000. Of that of Issachar 200. who were skilful in divination, and 20000. men of war. Of that of Zabulon 20000. chosen fight men: For only this entire tribe was wholly at David's command, who were armed in like manner as they of Gad were. Of the tribe of Nepthali there were 1000 chieftains, famous for their valour, and armed with shield and javelin, attended by an infinite number of their tribe. Of the tribe of Dan there were 27000. chosen men. Of that of Aser 40000. Of the two tribes on the other side of jordan, and of the half tribe of Manasses six score thousand armed men, with buckler, javelin, murrion and sword: The rest of The year of the world 1899. before Christ's Nativity. 1065. the other tribes also wore swords. All this multitude was assembled together in Hebron before David, with great provision of victuals and wine, sufficient to sustain them all, who all of them with one consent appointed David to be their King. Now when the people had mustered and banqueted for three days space in Hebron, David dislodged from thence with his whole host, and Hedi●… & Ruffinus, chap. 3. repaired to jerusalem. But the jebusites, who at that time inhabited the city, and were of the race of the Chanaanites, shutting up their gates against his coming, and placing on their walls as many as were blind and lame, or maimed in any other sort, in contempt of him, scoffingly jested and said, that these were sufficient to keep out the enemy: so much trusted they to their fortifications. Wherewith David being sore displeased, began to besiege jerusalem, and using all diligence The siege of jerusalem undertaken by David David surpriseth the lower town. David gett●…th the v●…per town. The valour of David's soldiers & in especial of joab. and industry to surprise the same, he incontinently expressed how strong he was, checking thereby other men's pride, who perhaps would have done the like unto him, and afterwards took the lower town. And for that the higher town was as yet unsurprised, the king resolved to encourage his men of war to show themselves valiant, promising them honours and recompense, proclaiming that he would make him General over all the people, that should first of all scale, ascend, and seize the wall. Whilst thus they enforced themselves to mount without refusing any travel (thorough the desire they had to obtain the government that was promised) joab the son of Saruia was the forwardest amongst the rest, and having got upon the wall cried unto the king, requiring him to grant him the general government. CHAP. III. David having taken jerusalem by force, casteth out all the Chanaanites from thence, and delivereth the City to be inhabited by the jews. AFter therefore he had cast out the jebusites out of the higher City, and repaired jerusalem, he called it the City of David, and remained therein all the time of his reign: so Da●…id expelleth the Iebus●…tes out of the town and city of jerusalem. that the whole time that he ruled in Hebron over the sole tribe of juda was seven years and six months. But after he had establ●…shed jerusalem for his royal City, his fortunes daily more and more increased, because God both furthered, and bettered them. Hiram also King of Tire sent unto him, and made a league of amity with him: he presented him likewise with presents of Cedar wood, and workmen and masons, to build him a royal house in jerusalem. Now The league of ●…hip betw●…●…iram & Da●…id. when the king had seized the higher City, he annexed the rock thereunto, and made one body of twain; and having walled it in, he gave the government thereof to joab. This king was the first that drove the jebusites out of jerusalem, and called the same by his name. For from the How jerusalem was called Solyma, and what mention Hom●… made thereof. time of Abraham our forefather, it was called Solyma: neither want there some that infer that Homer under that name intended jerusalem. For in the Hebrew tongue, Solyma is, as much to say, as Security. All the time from the exploit of war made by josuah against the Chanaanites, and since the division of the country (during all which time the Israelites could not drive the Chanaanites out of jerusalem) until such time as David took the same by force, were five The years since Io●…ua●…s conquest to this time 515. O●…phon a jebusite friend to David. 2. Reg. 24. David's sons borne in jerusalem. hundredth and fifteen years. But in this place, I will not forget one Orphon, a rich man amongst the jebusites, who for that he was well affected towards the Hebrews, was not put to death in the surprisal which David made of jerusalem: but (as I will shortly hereafter declare) was graced and greatly honoured by the king. David espoused other wives besides those which he had; besides many other concubines: By them he had eleven sons, whose names are these which follow, Amnas, Emma, Ebamatha, Solomon, jebar, Eliel, Phalna, Ennapha, jenaah, Eliphal: besides these he had a daughter called Thamar. Nine of these were begotten on noble mothers, but the two last (which were named by us) were the sons of concubines. But Thamar was Absalon's sister by the same father and mother. CHAP. FOUR David assailed by the Palestines, obtaineth a famous victory against them, near unto jerusalem. NOw when the Palestines knew that the Hebrews had created David king, they led forth their army against him towards jerusalem, where encamping themselves in the valley of Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. the Giants (which is a place not far off from the City) they in that place expected the encountrey. But the king of the Hebrews, who was wont to do nothing inconsiderately without God's advise, commanded the high priest to prophecy and foretell, what success and event The year of the world. 2899. before Christ●…●…rth 1065. The Palestines moving war against David are partly stain or put to ●…light. The Palestines invaded the Hebrews with a mighty army gathered out of sundry nations. the war should have, who after he had informed him that God smileth on & favoureth their attempts, he presently drew out his army against the enemy: and striking the battle, he suddenly assailed the enemies on their backs, and partly slew them, and partly put them to flight. But let no man suspect that the army of the Palestines was either small in number, or weak in courage, (which at that time assailed the Hebrews) in that he conjectureth in his mind that they were easily overcome; without either attempting or performing any noble or memorable action. For he is to know that all Syria, Phenicia (and all other warlike nations beyond them) bare arms with them, and were confederates in this war: which was the only cause, that notwithstanding they were so many times overcome, and had lost divers thousands of men, that they desisted not to assail the Hebrews with more great force: and that which is more, having been defeated in the battles before recited, yet forbore they not to assail David a new with thrice as much power as before, or to encamp in the same place. For which cause David took counsel of God once more, what the issue of this battle should be: and the high Priest told him, that he should encamp in the forest called Tears, because it was not far off from the enemy's camp, and that he should not depart from thence, neither attempt them in battle, before the trees did shake without any agitation or breath of wind. Whereupon as soon as the trees shook, and the time which God had appointed was come, without any delay, he issued out to enjoy a prepared and manifest victory. For the squadrons of the enemy were disarrayed, and incontinently betook them to flight, and were swiftly followed and slaughtered, until the City of Gerar (which is a frontier town of their country) and their camp was thoroughly ransacked, wherein there were The Palestines flight. 2. Reg. 6. found great riches, and amongst all other things their Gods were beaten to pieces. The battle being brought to this end, it seemed good unto David (by the counsel of the Elders and Colonels over thousands) that all the flower of their youth should be assembled from all the parts of the country, every one according to his tribe: Secondly, that the Priests and Levites should repair to Cariathiarim, and bring from thence the Ark of God, and convey it to jerusalem; David's command as touching the transportation of the Ark. to the end that when it should be there, the service of God might thereafter be celebrated in that place, & other sacrifices and honours agreeable to the divine majesty might be performed: And had the same been done during the life of Saul, no inconvenient had fallen upon them. When as all the people were assembled (according as it was decreed by him) the king came forth to transfer the Ark, which the Priests carrying out of Aminadab's house, they laid it upon a new wain, which (together with oxen) their brothers and children drew. The king marched foremost, and after him all the people praising God, a●…d tuning all sorts of melody then usual in that country; with diversity of sounds of instruments, of Dances, and Shawms, Trumpets, and Clarions: and in this manner conducted he the Ark into jerusalem, But when they were come to the threshing floor of Chidom (which is a certain place so called) Oza died, thorough Oza stretching out his hand to stay the Ark, is suddenly strooken dead. the wrath of God: for the oxen stumbling that drew the chariot; and the Ark somewhat shaken, he stretched out his hand with intent to sustain the same; and because he was no Priest, God struck him till he died. The king and the people were sore aggrieved at the death of Oza, and the place where he died is called to this day Ozas Striking. David fearing, lest if he should retire the Ark with him into the City, the like hap should attend him that had befallen Oza (who was in that sort done to death, for that he had only thus stretched out his hand) he placed it not with him in his own house within the City, but commanded that it should be left in the possession of one called Obed, by descent a Levite, and in behaviour a man good and virtuous where it remained for three months' space, during which time his house was blessed with all David placeth the Ark in Obed. Edomes house, who prospereth there through in all felicity. The Ark transported into David's house and placed in a tabernacle. David is mocked by his wife Michol. worldly goods and goodness. The king being ascertained what advantages had befallen Obed, (who of a poor and needy man was suddenly become very rich, so that all men had their eyes fixed on him, & they that heard speak of his house envied him) he assured himself that no inconvenient would befall him: for which cause he retired the Ark into his own house, which was carried by the Priests, and seven quires of singing men disposed by the king went before the same: The king himself likewise touched, and played upon the Harp, so that Michol David's wife and Saul's daughter, seeing him entertaining himself after that manner, mocked at him. The Ark then being thus carried, was placed in a Tabernacle orected and dressed by David, who offered most magnificent sacrifices of all sorts, and forgot not the sacrifices for prosperities: he feasted all the people likewise both men, women and children, distributing unto every one a cake, a morsel of roasted meat, a cake fried in the pan, and a portion of the sacrifice: and after he had thus feasted the people, he dismissed them, and retreated himself into his own house. But Michol his wife (and daughter to king Saul) drawing near unto him upon his return, besought God The ●…re of the 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 be●… Chri●… b●… 10●…4. for him, that it might please him in all other things she might express unto her husband all that, which became her entire and unequalled love towards him: but in this she blamed him, because that being so great and mighty a king as he was, he had dishonoured himself in dancing, despoiling himself, and discovering partly that which became him not, doing all this in company of his servants and handmaids. To whom David answered, that he was not ashamed in performing a thing so acceptable unto God as that was, who had honoured him more than her father, & placed him above all others, assuring her that he would play & dance oftentimes after that sort, without care whether his demeanour pleased either her or her chambermaids. This Michol (of whom we entreat) had no children by David, but being married again to another (to whom her father had betrothed her after he had ravished her from David) she bore five sons, of whom we will speak in their place. The king perceiving how by God's assistance his affairs prospered daily more & more, thought that it should be a heinous offence in him, if he should dwell in houses made of Cedar, high and well builded, and neglecting the Ark suffer it to remain under a pavilion: 2. Reg. 7. David decree. eth to build a tem●…le unto God. for which cause he conceived a desire to build a Temple unto God, according as Moses had foretold: and to this intent consulted he with the Prophet Nathan, who willed him to perform all that which he was minded to accomplish, assuring him that God would be each way assistant unto him: for which cause he was very heartily affected towards the building of the Temple. But the same night God appeared unto Nathan, commanding him to certify David, that he accepted his will, and that his affection was agreeable unto him (considering in especial that no one God certifieth David by Nathan that Solomon should build the temple before him had a thought to perform the like:) yet notwithstanding (although his deliberation were such) he permitted him not to finish the same, by reason he had followed many wars, and had imbrued his hands in the blood of many of his enemies. But after his decease (which shall happen after he hath lived a long and prosperous life) his son called Solomon (to whom he shall leave the kingdom after his death) shall cause a Temple to be built unto him, promising him to assist and favour the said Solomon (even as the father doth his son) and that he would continue the royalty in his heirs and their successors: And that if they shall happen to offend him, he will only punish them with sickness and sterility. David understanding these words which were delivered him by the Prophet, was very joyful, by reason that the royalty was firmly D●…uid giveth G●…d thanks ●…or the blessings which were promised him by Nathan. assured to his heirs, and for that his house should be famous and renowned; and presenting himself before the Ark, he prostrated himself and adored, and gave God thanks for all the benefits he had bestowed on him, for that from a poor and humble shepherd, he had raised him to so great a height of majesty and glory, and for that he had promised to have care of his posterity as erst he had had of the Hebrews and their liberty. This said, after he had sung hymns unto God, he departed. CHAP. V. David overcoming the neighbouring nations, imposeth tributes on them. NOt long time after this, David thought it requisite to make war upon the Philistines, partly to the intent he might avoid the suspicion of sloth and idleness, and partly that having Hedio & Ruff●…us. chap. 5. David warreth against the Palestines, and ●…keth a great part of the in●…eritance from them. 2. Reg 8. A great slaughter of the Moabites, David overcometh the king of Sophona. (according as God had foretold) discomfited his enemies, he might leave a peaceable kingdom to his posterity after him. He therefore assembled his army anew, commanding them to be in a readiness to march forward to the war: whenas therefore he supposed that the army was addressed, he departed out of jerusalem, and made a road upon the Philistines, whom he overcame in battle, and took a great part of the country from them, by means whereof he enlarged the frontiers of the Hebrews, and translated the war, and led forth his forces against the Moabites, whose army being divided into two parts, was by him defeated and overthrown, and the rest were taken prisoners, and tributes were imposed on them, which they were bound to satisfy every year. Afterwards he led out his host against Adarezer son of Ara, king of Sophona, and waging battle with him near unto the river of Euphrates, he slew about twenty thousand of his footmen, and some five thousand of his horse: he took also almost a thousand of his chariots, the greater part whereof was wholly consumed, and one hundredth of them only reserved to his own use. CHAP. VI The year of the world, 2904. before Christ's Nativity, 1064. They of Damascus are overcome by David. ADad king of Damascus and of Syria, understanding that David had made war on Adarezer Adad king of Damascus and Syria is overcome by David in battle. Nicholaus the historiographer maketh mention of king Adads' war with David. (who was both his friend and confederate) issued forth with great forces to be assistant unto him, and to deliver him from his enemies according as he expected. But entering field, and waging battle with David near unto the river of Euphrates, he was overcome and lost a great number of his soldiers: for in that battle there were stain on his side by the Hebrew enemy, to the number of twenty thousand, and the rest fled. Of this king, Nicholas the Historiographer maketh mention in the fourth book of his histories, in these words. Since and long time after, a certain man of that country called Adad governed in Damascus, and over the rest of Syria (except Phoenicia) who making war against David king of judaea, and having oftentimes fought with him, in his last encounter (wherein he was overcome near unto the flood Euphrates) he showed himself more resolute than all other kings in force and valour. Moreover he speaketh of his heirs, how after his death, they succeeded him both in royalty and name, the one after the other, and saith thus. He being deceased, his sons reigned for ten generations after him, each of them receiving from their father, the same name and the same kingdom, after the manner of the Ptolemy's of Egypt. The third of these being more mighty than the rest, and desirous to revenge himself in war of these injuries, which were offered Of an other king of Syria that spoiled Samaria. 3. King 20. David imposeth tribute on the Syrians whom he subdued. 2. Reg. 8. jerusalem spoiled by Sy●…ac king of Egypt. unto his grandfather, led forth his army against the jews, and destroyed the country called at this day Samatia. Wherein he varied not any ways from the truth: for he of whom he speaketh, is that Adad, that made war in Samatia, during the reign of Achab king of Israel, of whom we will speak hereafter in his place. But when David had led forth his camp against Damascus, and against the rest of the country of Syria, he reduced them all under his obeisance, placing garrisons amidst their country, and imposing tribute upon them, which they should pay unto him. He dedicated also to God in the City of jerusalem, the golden quivers and armours which Adads' guard were wont to wear; which afterward Syssa king of Egypt took at such time as he warred against Roboam his Nephew, and carried away great riches out of the temple of jerusalem, as it shall be declared hereafter, when as we shall come to entreat of that matter. This king of the Hebrews being inspired by God (who made him prosperous in all his wars) encamped before the goodliest Cities Adarezer had, that is to say, Betthea and Machon, which he besieged, took, and spoiled, where there was found great store of gold and silver and 3. Reg. 14. The pray tha●… was made in the war. 2. Reg. 8. The king of the Amathe●… requireth a league at David's hands. of brass, which was of more estimation than gold, whereof Solomon made that great vessel called the Sea, and other fair laver, at such time as he adorned and furnished the temple of God. When the king of Amath understood of all that which had happened to Adarezer, and how his power and forces were destroyed, he grew afraid of his own estate, and resolved with himself to make a league & confederacy with David, before he might come out against him, and to that intent he sent his son Adoram unto him, to testify and express what contentment he had received, for that he had defeated Adarezer his enemy, and to contract with him amity and confederation. He seht him presents also, namely, vessels of antic work of gold, of silver, and of brass: whereupon David made a league with Thani (for so was the king of Amath called) and received the presents that were sent unto him; and afterwards dismissed his son with convenient honour, both for the one and the other: and consecrated that to God which he had sent him (together with the gold and silver, which he had taken from other cities and nations that were subject unto him.) For God did not only so far favour him, as to make him victorious and happy in his own wars; but having also sent Abisai joabs brother the lieutenant of his army against the Idumeans, he likewise granted him victory: for Abisai slew in the battle about eighteen thousand David ●…ompelled the Idumeans to pay tribute by the pole. The distribution of offices. 2. Reg. 9 of them, and filled all Idumaea with garrisons, challenging a tribute throughout the country by the pole. This king loved justice of his own nature, and exercised judgement according to verity. He had for his lieutenant general in all his armies, joab, and appointed josaphat the son of Achilles' chief over the Registers. After Abiathar, he established Sadoc of the house of Phinees for high priest, who was his friend. Sisa was his secretary: Banaia the son of joiada was captain over his guard, and all the elders were ordinarily about him to guard and attend him. He remembering himself also of the conventions and oaths that were passed twixt him and jonathan the son of Saul, and of 〈◊〉 ●…itie and affection that had been between them (for besides all other graces which he had, he most freshly retained them in memory, from whom in times past he had received any friendship.) He caused a search to be made, if any one of the house and family The year of the world 2900. before Christ's Nativity. 1064. David maketh an enquiry if any of Jonathan's kindred were left alive. of jonathan were left-alive, to the intent he might remunerate the friendship which he had received at Jonathan's hands. Where upon a certain man was brought unto him (who was enfranchised by Saul) that might inform him what one of his race was alive: who asked him if he could name him any of Jonathan's sons then living, whom he might make partaker of those courteous favours & graces, which in times past he had received by jonathan. Who answered him, that he had one son remaining, whose name was Mephiboseth, who was lame of his legs; for that at such time as the news came that both his father and grandfather were slain in the battle, his nurse fearfully snatching up the child and flying, suffered him unfortunately to fall from her shoulders, and so hurt him. When as then he was advertised where, and with whom he was brought up, he sent unto the city of Labath to Machir, with whom Mephiboseth was kept, & commanded him to be brought unto him. Now when he came to David's presence, he cast himself prostrate on his face to do him reverence: but the king exhorted him to be of good courage, and to hope hereafter for better fortune, and gave him his father's house with all the possessions that were purchased by Saul his grandfather, appointing him to sit and feed with him at his own table; yea to eat of his royal provision, not letting one day slip wherein he accompanied him not at meals. David giveth Mephiboseth his father Ionat●…ans house & Saul's inheritance. The young man did him reverence, humbly thanking him for the gracious words, and royal offers be had made unto him. At that time David called for Siba, and certified him how he had given Mephiboseth his father's house and all Saul's purchases, commanding him to manure and husband his possessions, and to have care of all things, and to return the revenue to jerusalem, for that Mephiboseth was every day to take his refection at his table, charging both him & his 15. sons, and 20. servants; to do him service. After the king had thus disposed of him, Siba did him reverence, and after he had protested to perform whatsoever he had given him in charge, he departed, David committeds the disposing of Mephiboserhs lands to Siba, and commandeth him to make the return of his revenues in jerusalem. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. 2. Reg. 10. David sendeth ambassadors to comfort the son of the king of the Ammonites, who are basely abused. and Jonathan's son remained in jerusalem, where he lived at the king's table, and was entertained and tended as carefully, as if he had been his own son: he had a son also called Micha. These were the honours that those children which survived after jonathan and Saul's death, receined at David's hands. About the same time died Naas king of the Ammonites, who during his life time was David's friend, and his son succeeded him in his kingdom, to whom David sent ambassadors to comfort him, exhorting him to digest his father's death with patience, assuring him that he would express no less love towards him, than he did unto his father. But the governors of the Ammonites entertained this embassage very contumeliously, and not according as David had kindly intended it, and murmured against their king, telling him that they were but spies sent by David to seek into his forces, and discover the strength of his country, under a pretext of humanity, counseling him to stand upon his guard, and not to give ear to his protestation, least being deceived, he should fall into some remediless inconvenient. Naas king of the Ammonites, supposing that his governors spoke nothing but truth, outraged the ambassadors that were sent unto him with great injuries: for causing the half of their beards to be shaven close by the chin, and cutting away the half of their vestments, he sent them back again, returning their answers not in words, but in deeds. Which when David saw, he was grievously David is sore displeased with the injury offered to his ambassadors intending revenge. The Ammonites hire their confederates and prepare for the war against David. displeased, and made it known that he would not suffer that mockery and injury so easily to be digested, but that he would make war on the Ammonites, and revenge those indignities that were offered to his ambassadors. The friends and governors of Naas considering how they had violated and broken the peace, and how for that occasion they deserved to be punished; prepared for the war, and sent one thousand talents to Syrus king of Mesopotamia, requiring him that he would be their confederate in that war, and receive their pay: they requested the like of Subas: these kings had 20000. footmen in camp. They hired also with their money the king of the country called Michas, and the fourth called Istob, which two had with them 12000. thousand soldiers. CHAP. VII. How David overcame the Mesopotamians. But David was no whit amated, neither with the confederacy, nor force of the Ammonites, David sendeth out joab with the choicest flower of his army against the Amalechites. but trusting in God, resolved that the cause of his war was just: for which cause he continued in revenge of those outrages which he had received by them. Having therefore mustered under joab the flower of his whole army, he commanded him to depart and make war upon them, who came and encamped himself before their chiefest City called Aramath; which when the enemies perceived, they issued forth and arranged themselves in battle not altogether, but in two several parts.) For their confederates and allies were encamped apart The year of the world. 2910. before the Nativity of Christ. 1054. joab and Abisay's armies. in the plain, and the Ammonites stood in battle array near unto their City gate, to make head against the Hebrews. joab perceiving this, used this stratagem to countervail their complot: for he chose out the ablest and stoutest of his men to serve under him against Syrus, and the other kings confederates with him, and gave the rest unto his brother Abisat, commanding him to oppose himself against the Ammonites whilst he charged the rest: willing him, that if he perceived that the Syrians were stro●…er than he was, and did put him to the worst, to displace his squadron, and to succour him; promising to do the like, if he perceived him to be overpressed by the Ammonites. Whenas therefore he had exhorted his brother to behave himself valiantly and virtuously, and to take heed lest he should light on some dishonour, he sent him before to charge the Ammonites; and he on the other side assailed the Syrians, who valiantly resisted him for a little space: yet notwithstanding joab slew many of them, and finally constrained them to turn their backs. Which when the Ammonites perceived (who were afraid of Abisai and his people) they retreated likewise, and (conforming themselves according to the example of their allies) they took their flight into the City. By which mean joab having obtained joabs victory. the upper hand over his enemies, returned in triumph, and with victory unto the king to jerusalem. Yet were not the Ammonites wholly weakened by this loss, for although they had by their lamentable experience a certain knowledge that the Hebrews were stronger than themselves, yet would they by no means listen after peace. They therefore sent unto Chalama king of the Syrians on the other side of Euphrates, whose confederacy they attained by bribes and huge sums of money. This king had one, who was called Sabecus, for his lieutenant general, and under him The Syrians with the Ammonites assemble themselves against David. fourscore thousand footmen, and ten thousand horsemen. David understanding that the Ammonites drew to head, and intended anew to bear arms against him, he surceased to prosecute the war against them by his lieutenants, & himself in person with all his forces passed over the river of jordan, and went out against them; and at last meeting and fight with them, overcame them, killing wellnigh forty thousand of their footmen, and seven thousand of their horsemen: he hurt Sabecus also Chalamas Lieutenant, who likewise died of that wound. The issue of this combat being thus, the Mesopotamians yielded themselves unto David, and gave him many great The Mesopotamians submit themselves to David. and magnificent presents. He therefore, by reason of the winter retired himself for that time to jerusalem, but incontinently upon the spring time he sent out his Lieutenant joab once more to make war upon the Ammonites, who overrunning their country, utterly spoiled it, and shut them up in Aramath their principal city, which he overcame & entered. About this time it so fell out, that David (notwithstanding he were a just man, & one that feared God, & an exact observer Aramatha besieged. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. 2. Reg. 11. of all the laws and ordinances of his forefathers) fell, and offended God most grievously. For as he walked on the top of his royal palace; from the time of midday until the evening (for betwixt these times he used accustomably to walk) he perceived a woman of incomparable beauty, and supassing perfection, whose name was Bethsabe, who in her house bathed herself in a clear and pleasant fountain: and being devoured and ravished with her beauty, he could not refrain his concupiscence, but sending for her, took the spoil of her beauty and chastity: and David's adultery. Bethsabe certifieth the king that she is with child. David sendeth for Urias, and willeth him to repair home unto his wife, which he doth not. by that means got her with child. Which when she perceived, she sent unto the king, beseeching him to bethink himself of some means whereby her shame might be concealed, and her life (which was in hazard by the law for her adultery) might be preserved. Who thereupon sent for Urias (Bethsabes husband and one of joabs soldiers, who at that time was at the siege of Aramath) and questioned with him upon his arrival, as touching the estate of the siege & of the army: who answering him that all things were fallen out according as he could wish; David took a portion of his own supper and gave it him, willing him to repair unto his own house, and repose himself with his wife. But Urias did nothing less, but slept amongst his fellow soldiers near unto the person of the king. Which when David understood, he asked him wherefore he repaired not to his own house, according to the custom of husbands that had been long time absent upon a long voyage, and why he entertained not his wife from whom he had been sequestered so many days? Urias' replied, that it became him not either to repose or take pleasure with his wife, whilst his companions and general lay upon the bare ground in the enemy's country. Which said, David commanded him to sojourn there all the day long, to the end that on the next morrow, he might send him back again to joab. That night the king invited him to supper, and although he were made drunk thorough the abundance of wine he received (which the king had purposely caused to be given him) yet notwithstanding he slept at the king's gate without any desire to repair home unto his wife. Herewith the king was much despited, so that he wrote The year of the world. 2910. before Christ's Nativity 1054. David w●…eth unto joab to puni●…h Urias. unto joab, commanding him to punish Urias, because he had offended him: and to the end that this intent of his should not be discovered, he suggested him both in the means and manner of the prosecution of his death, enjoining him to place him in the rank of greatest danger, and in face of the enemy, to the intent that in the fight his person might be endangered, abandoned and left alone, whilst they that fought next unto him retired when they saw him charged. Whenas he had thus written and sealed up the letter with his own seal, he delivered it to Urias to bear unto joab, who receiving the same, and conceiving the king's pleasure, placed Urias in that quarter where he knew the enemies would fight most desperately, appointing him joab setteth Urias in a dangerous place to encounter with the enemy. Urias' i●… set with some associates to attempt the siege, the Ammonites sallying out his company forsake him. out certain of his best soldiers to second him, with purpose, that he would come and succour them with all his power, to the end he might break thorough the wall and enter the City. Urias (who was a noble soldier, and for his valour had gotten great honour by the king, and reputation amongst all those of his tribe, and took delight to be employed in hazardous attempts, and refused no danger) valiantly accepted the execution: But joab gave private intelligence to those that were ranked next unto him, that when they should see the enemy sally out with greatest fury, they should abandon Urias. When as therefore the Hebrews drew near unto the City, the Ammonites feared lest the enemy should speedily scale and enter the City on that side where Urias was ranked: for which cause they picked out a squadron of the most resolute men amongst them, and setting open their gates, suddenly with swift course, force & violence, they cast themselves upon their enemies. They that were near Urias seeing them draw near, retired back again, according as joab had before hand commanded them: but Urias being ashamed to fly, or forsake his rank, expected the enemy, and valiantly encountering him, he slew divers of them; but at last being enclosed and shut in the midst of them, he was slain, and with him some other of his companions perished in the conflict. This done, joab sent messengers unto the king to certify him, that not enduring the delay of the siege, and assailing and scaling Urias' with some others is slain, and the king is certified thereof. the walls, he was compelled to return back into his camp, with loss of some men, and repulse from the City; yet had he commanded the messengers, that if they perceived the King to be displeased with the news, they should g●…ue him to understand that Urias was dead. The King hearing this discourse (according as joabs messengers had delivered it) made a show to be displeased, saying, that it was a fault in him that he had so nearly approached the wall, alleging that he might have done far better, to have taken the town by mine or engine: urging in David is displeased with the news of his overthrow. way of example the act of Abimelech Gedeons' son, who intending to surprise by force a tower that was within the City of Tebez, was strooken with a stone which was cast at him by an old woman: whereupon he that was a valiant man for entering an action ouer●…ash and dangerous, shamefully died. In remembrance of whose disaster, they ought to have been more wary, and not to have approached the wall of the enemy so nearly. For it is a very good point in war, to have in memory both fatal and fortunate successes, to the end that when a man is in the like dangers, he may follow the one, and fly the other. Whilst thus he rebuked them, the messenger certified him of Urias' death, which did somewhat appease him: So that he commanded them to tell joab, that it was but an human accident, and that such was the nature of war, that sometime the one side had the better, and sometime the other: to conclude, that he David is appea●…ed hearing at Urias' death should provide for the siege, and take care lest hereafter they should receive any further loss; counseling him by trenches and engines to ruinate the wall, and commanding that all those that were in the town should be put to the sword. The messenger thus dismissed, reported all these things unto joab, according to the King's commandment. But Urias' wife, having notice of the death of her husband, wept and mourned for him divers days: and when the dole and lamentations were finished and performed to the dead; the king espoused her incontinently, and David marrieth Bathsaba, and beareth him a Son. she bore him a man child: yet God beheld not this marriage with a favourable eye, but was wroth with David, and appearing to the Prophet Nathan in a dream, he blamed the king very sore: Now Nathan who was a wise and experienced man, knew well that when kings are displeased, they suff: themselves rather to be overcome by passion, then by reason: for which cause he determined to conceal the menaces and threatenings that God had made for that time: and discoursed of other profitable matters with David after this manner, requiring the king that it would 2. Reg. 12. please him to censure and deliver his opinion in the same. Two men (said he) dwelled in one and the same City: the one of them was rich, having many troops of great and small cattle; the other that was poor, had but one only sheep, which he nourished with his children, sharing him out a part of that whereon he fed, and loving her as tenderly as a man would do his only daughter. The year of the world 2910. before Christ's birth 1054. Nathan prophesieth 〈◊〉 David's punishment, and sharply rebuketh him: he is condemned by his own mouth, and 〈◊〉 himself. It happened that this rich man had a stranger that repaired to his house, for whose entertainment he would not suffer any one of his own beasts to be slain, but sent a violent messenger, who took away the poor man's sheep, and caused it to be dressed to entertain his guest. This report of nathan's displeased the king very sore, in so much as he swore unto him, that he that had been so bold to commit such an act, was a wicked man, and that reason required that he should restore him fourfold, and that after he should be put to death. Whereunto Nathan replied, saying, that it was he that deserved this punishment, who had given sentence against himself, in that he had presumed to commit so grievous a sin. Moreover, he certified him of God's displeasure, who notwithstanding he had made him king over all the Hebrews, and Lord over all the nations round about, which were divers and great; and who besides these things had warranted him from the hands of Saul, and had given him wives, whom he had espoused justly and lawfully, was so despised and dishonoured by him, that he had espoused and kept by him an other man's wife, and caused her husband to be slain, and betrayed him unto his enemy. For which sins of his, he pronounced that he should be punished by God, and his wives should be violated by one of his own sons, who should likewise lay a snare for him: so that he should suffer a manifest plague for the sin he had committed in secret. Moreover (said he) the son which thou shalt have by her, shall shortly die. After the king had received this message, he was sore troubled; and being confused, he powered David confesseth his sin, and obtaineth pardon at God's hands. forth tears & sighed for sorrows, confessing that he had done wickedly: for undoubtedly before this time he had always feared God, and had never in his life offended him, but in that act with Urias' wife. Whereupon after his submission, God was appeased and took compassion of him, promising him to continue both his life and kingdom, and that he would be no more displeased with him, if so be that he repented him of the sin he had committed. After that Nathan had declared these things unto David, he departed unto his own house. But God inflicted a grievous sickness on the infant that was borne by Bethsabe: for which cause the king was sore aggrieved, and for seven days space would take no refection: notwithstanding that he was earnestly instanted David fasteth seven days lamenting and mourning for his son. thereunto by his household servants. He put on likewise a mourning habit, and laid himself on the ground upon a sack; beseeching him that it would please him to grant him the child's life, towards whose mother he bore so exceeding love and affection. But when the infant was deceased about the seventh day of his sickness, his servants durst not certify him thereof, supposing that if it should come unto his ear, he would the more obstinately abstain from eating, & the care of his person, and should be in danger by reason of his disordinate grief for his child, to procure and hasten his own death, considering he had so vehemently been afflicted and tormented for his only sickness. But the king perceiving by their looks that his servants were troubled, and that they concealed some fatal harm, and gathering thereby that his son was dead: he called unto him one of his officers, who certifying him of the truth, he arose and washed himself, and put David being certified that the child was dead, ●…eth and wa●…ing taketh sustenance on a white garment, and presented himself before the tabernacle of God, and commanded his dinner to be made ready. Whereat his friends and servants were very sore amazed, and wondered why he having done none of these things during the child's sickness, should now after his death do all these things at once; they besought him therefore that it might be lawful for them to demand the cause of these his proceedings. To whom he answered, that he would teach and discover that unto them, of which they were ignorant. Understand you not (said he) that while David yieldeth a reason why during the child's life he sa●…ed, and why being dead be took refection. Salo●…on was borne by Bethsabe, joab by letters soliciteth the king to come to the surprisal of Rabatha David surprising Rabatha by force giveth it for a pray to his soldiers. the child was alive, and I had hope of his recovery, I omitted no means whereby I might move God unto mercy? but now after that he is dead, it were in vain for me to spend myself with unnecessary grief. Which when they heard, they praised the wisdom and consideration of the king. After this he knew Bethsabe his wife, who became with child, and was brought a bed of a son, who (by nathan's direction) was called Solomon. Meanwhile joab pressed the Ammonites with a sore siege, and cut off their water and other commodities and things necessary; so that they were wellnigh famished for want of victual and provision: for they drew their water from a little spring in such sort, that they feared lest if they should use it to their own contentment, it would be suddenly dried. He therefore wrote unto the king, and certified him of the estate of the City, and exhorted him to come in person, and be present at the surprisal thereof, to the intent that the victory might be famed by his name. The king understanding that which joab had written, allowed of his readiness, goodwill, and faith; and taking with him all the forces which he had, he came to the taking in of Rabatha, which being by him forcibly surprised and given in pillage unto his soldiers, he retained for himself the crown of the king of the Ammonites weighing a talon of gold, in the midst whereof was enchased The year of the world, 2910. before Christ's birth 1054. a Sardonyx of great value, which David wore upon his head. He found likewise in that city divers spoils of great price: but as touching the inhabitants, he put them to the sword, and did the like in all the Cities of the Ammonites which he took by force. But after that the king was returned unto jerusalem, there fell a grievous accident in his family upon this occasion. He had a daughter at that time which was a virgin, fair and beautiful, and surpassed all other women Hedio & Ruf●…s. chap. 8. 〈◊〉. Reg. 13. in admirable perfections, whose name was Thamar, borne by the same mother that Absalon was. Of her Amnon the eldest son of David became enamoured, and for that he could not enjoy her at his pleasure (by reason of her virginity, and the hand that was had of her) he grew so melancholy that his body dried up, and his colour changed thorough the very grief that consumed him. A certain cousin and friend of his called jonathan (a man of great reach and quick The year of the world. 2912. be●… Christ birth ●…052. understanding) perceiving this his passion, and noting every day how Amnons' beauty and strength decayed and wasted, he came unto him and asked him the cause thereof, alleging that that indisposition of his seemed to proceed from some amorous affection. Which when Amnon confessed, and how he was grown passionate thorough the love he bore unto his sister by the father's Ionatha●… counseled Amnon how he might enjoy his love. side, jonathan suggested him both the means and invention to compass his desires: for he persuaded him to counterfeit himself to be sick, and that if his father came to visit him, he should desire him to send his sister to minister unto him, by which means he should easily and speedily be delivered of his sickness. This counsel of his was plausible in Amnons' ears, who presently counterfeited sickness, and laid him down on his bed (according as jonathan had advised him:) and when David was come to visit him, he required him to send his sister unto him, which he did. She being arrived, he prayed her with her own hands that she would temper and fry some fritters for him, because they would the more content him, if they were of her own making: for which cause she in her brother's presence tempered the flower, and made certain cakes and fried them in the frying pan, and presented them unto him: but he tasted them not, but commanded all his servants to retire themselves out of his lodging, because he intended to take his rest without noise or trouble. As soon as this commandment of his was performed, he prayed his sister to bring the meat into his most retired and privy chamber: whereunto the damsel condescended: whereupon he suddenly surprised her, & began to persuade her, to grant Amnon persuadeth his sister to submit to his lust. Amnon notwithstanding his sisters resist violateth her. him her company. But the virgin exclaiming, said unto him: Forbear my brother, forbear to offer me violence: for it is a heinous sin to perpetrate so foul a fact. Give over this thy most hateful concupiscence, which will breed nought else but disgrace and infamy to our whole family; or if thou hast not the power to resist the same, require me at my father's hands, and extort not mine honour from me by force. But he enraged with love, neglected all these sayings, and wholly poisoned with the sting of disordinate passion, ravished and violated her, notwithstanding all her resist. And as soon as he had aslaked his lustful desire, a certain hatred entered into his heart, which extorted from his mouth many injurious words against Thamar: so that he commanded her to arise and depart. She answered, that this second outrage was more heinous than the former; for that having violated her, he would not suffer her to remain there until night time, but thrust her out incontinently by day time, and during the light, to the end she might meet with such as might testify her dishonour: Notwithstanding all these just reasons of hers, he commanded his servant to drive her out of the doors. She strangely aggrieved at the outrage and violence that had been offered her, tore her garment (which was such as the noble and princely virgins were wont to wear) and strewed ashes on her head, running thorough the City with cries and lamentations, wherein she expressed what wrong had been done unto her. With her thus distracted, her brother Absalon met, inquiring of her what evil hap had befallen her. To whom she reported all the injury which her brother Amnon had done her: whereupon he exhorted her to pacify herself, and to suffer moderately whatsoever had befallen her; and not to suppose her Absalon comforteth his sister Thamar. self to be indignified by any act of their brother. Whereunto she condescended, forbearing her exclaims, and surceasing to publish the injuries she had received in the ears of the people. And Absalon invited his father and brethren to his sheep-shearing, and commandeth his servants to kill Amnon, being overcharged with wine & sleep. thus remained she a long time with her brother Absalon in the quality of a widow. David having intelligence of that which had happened, was sore displeased, notwithstanding he loved Amnon very entirely who was his eldest son, and would not disquiet him: but Absalon hated him extremely, expecting (without any word speaking) for some fit opportunity, wherein he might revenge himself on the ravisher. Now when as two years were expired since his sister was both derided and deflowered, it chanced that Absalon intending a sheep-shearing in Belsephon, a City of the tribe of Ephraim, invited his father and brethren to come and banquet with him. But when the king refused to go, for fear lest he might be chargeable unto him: Absalon The year of the world. 2912. before the Nativity of Christ. 1052. insisted & persuaded him to send his brothers thither, which he granted. Hereupon Absalon commanded his servants, that when they should see Amnon charged with wine and sleep, they should suddenly (upon a sign given by him unto them) kill him without fear or regard of any person. CHAP. VIII. How thorough the domestical discord of his family, David was banished by his son out of his kingdom. AFter that Absalon's servants had thus executed his commandment, a trouble and fear seized all the rest of his brethren, in so much as they suspected their own persons: for David is certified that all his sons are slain by Absalon. which cause mounting themselves on horseback, they posted in all ●…te towards their father. But a certain man outstripping them in the way, reported unto David that Absalon had slain all his sons. Who surprised with a bitter and mortal fear, in supposing that such a number of his children should be slain, and that by their own brother, neither inquired the cause or any thing else which might be sifted out in so grievous an inconvenient that had happened, but gave himself over to extreme and strange discomforts, and renting his garments laid him down on the earth, bewailing all his children, both those that were slain; 〈◊〉 him also than had slain them. But jonathan the son of Sama his brother, exhorted him to moderate and bridle his passion, jonathan comforteth David contradicting his fear, in respect of all his sons, and only upon just sur●…e suspecting Amnons' death telling him that he could not be persuaded that the rest of his children were slain, in that he could conceive no probable cause of conjecture. But as touching Amnon there needed no question, for that it was very like that Absalon (by reason of the injury which was offered unto his sister Thamar) would hazard himself to kill him. Mean while a great trample of horses, and a confused troop of men broke off their discourse. These were the king's sons who returned in post from the banquet: Against these the father issued out, accompanying their doleful tears with a heavy and sorrowful countenance, and seeing (beyond all hope) how they, whom a little before he supposed to be lost, returned in safety, they were all of them on every side given over to tears and lamentations; the brothers bewailed their mangled brother, the king his murdered David's sons re●…ort unto their father, Absalon f●…ieth to his grandfather. son. But Absalon fled unto Gessur (unto his grandfather on the mother's side, and lord of that place) and sojourned with him three whole years: at the end whereof David determined to send for his son Absalon, not to the intent to punish him, but to retire him unto him (by reason that the indignation he had conceived against him, was at that time aslaked.) joab also furthered this his resolution by all means that were to him possible: For he caused a certain old woman attired in mourning habit to present herself before David, who said unto him, that betwixt her two 2. Reg. 14. Absalon by the subtlety of a woman, and the se●…ing on or joab is renoked from banishment unto Ieru●…alem. sons that lived in the country, there happened such a different, that falling to handy-strokes they were so whet the one against the other, that not enduring to be parted, the one of them in such sort wounded the other, that he died; and for that the kinsmen were sore moved against the murderer, and sought without mercy to deprive him of life, she humbly besought the king that he would give her her sons life, and not deprive her of that hope that remained her to sustain her old years with; which he should bring to pass, if so be he prohibited those that would kill her son from executing their intents: for that except it were for fear which they had of him, they would by no means be withdrawn from their fatal and bloody resolution. Now when as the king had granted her request, the woman began once more to break into these speeches: I most humbly thank your majesty (said she) who have had compassion of mine age, and do so providently foresee that I be not deprived of my son; but to the intent I may be the better assured of thy humanity, I beseech thee (O King) first of all pacify thy displeasure conceived against thy son; and be no more incensed against him: For how can I persuade myself that you will do me this grace, if you yourself even until this day continue your displeasure conceived upon the like occasion against your son? For it is contrary to the rules of wisdom, to add to the remediless loss of one son, the hapless death of a father's living hope. Upon these words the king began presently to suspect that joab had suborned this woman, and understanding no less by the old woman's report, he sent for joab, and told him that he granted him that which he desired, commanding him to send for Absalon, assuring him that his displeasure was pacified, and choler assuaged. joab cast himself down prostrate before the king, and reverently receiving his word of reconciliation, wentunto Gessur and set Absalon from thence with him, and brought him to jerusalem. The king understanding that his son drew near, sent out a messenger to meet him, commanding that as yet he should not presume to press into his presence, because he was not The year of the world. 2912 before Christ's Nativity. 1052. Absalon revoked by his father, 11 commanded for a time to fly his presence. disposed to behold him so suddenly. Who understanding the will of his father, forbore to show himself unto him, and went and dwelled amongst his own familiars and household servants: Neither was his beauty any ways interessed by the sorrow he had conceived, nor for that his entertainment was far different from the bringing up and nourishing of a prince's son; but he rather excelled and grew more famous thereby: so that for beauty and goodliness of parsonage he exceeded all those that lived more deliciously and daintily: his glibband or hair was so thick that it could scarcely be pulled in eight days, and weighed two hundredth sickles which amount to five pound. He lived also two years in jerusalem, and was the father of three sons, and one fair daughter, which Roboam the son of Solomon afterwards took to wife, of whom he begat Absalon's children borne in jerusalem. 2. Reg. 13. joab urged by the burning of his houses reconcileth Absalon to his father. The year of the world, 2●…. 16. before Christ's birth 1048. a son called Abia. In process of time he sent messengers unto joab, that now at length he would pacifice his father, and beseech him to admit him to his presence, that he might both see and submit himself unto him. But because joab made small reckoning of these his motions, he sent of his servants, and commanded them to burn and spoil joabs possessions that abutted upon his: who hearing of that which had happened unto him, resorted unto Absalon, accusing him and questioning with him for what cause he had done him this injury. To whom Absalon answered: I have (said he) invented this stratagem to make thee come unto me, seeing thou madest small account of my commissions, whereby I have charged thee to reconcile me unto my father. And at this present I beseech thee that thou wilt move my father in my behalf; otherwise I shall think my return more grievous than my banishment hath been, if so be my father shall as yet continue his displeasure. joab was persuaded thorough the compassion he conceived of the necessity wherein he saw him, and went and solicited the king, with whom he so effectually debated as touching Absalon, that altering his contrary disposition, he graciously and speedily sent and called for him. As soon as he came unto his presence, Absalon cast himself prostrate on the Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 ground, demanding pardon for his offences: But David raised and lifted him up, and promised him that from thenceforth he would no more upbraid him with those misdeeds. After all things had thus fallen out, Absalon within a little space assembled a great number of horses and chariots, and entertained fifty men for his guard, and every day early in the morning presented himself before the king's palace, and talked with those that resorted thither, about the trial of their differents; and whereas some of them were condemned, he talked with them according as he found them affected, alleging that his father had no good counsellors, & that perhaps he himself Absalon subtly affecteth his father's kingdom. had in some things judged amiss: and by these means endeavoured he to get the goodwill of all men, telling them that if he had the like authority, he would make them know by proof what his equity was. Having by these plausible persuasions drawn the hearts of the common people unto him, he thought himself already seized of their services in whatsoever he intended. Some four years The year of the world, 29●…0. before Christ's nativity, 1044. after his reconciliation, he came to his father David, requiring of him that he might go to Hebron & sacrifice unto God; according as he had vowed at such time as he fled from his presence. Which request of his when David had granted him, he resorted thither being attended with great affluence and concourse of all the people (by reason he had appointed divers to meet him in that place, amongst whom was Achitophel the Gelmonite, one of David's counnsellers, and 200. others of jerusalem, who altogether ignorant of his enterprise, assembled themselves in that place to be assistant to his sacrifice:) by all whom he was declared king, according as he himself Absalon proclaimed king. had commanded them to do. When the news hereof came unto David's ears, and he was thoroughly ascertained beyond all conceit, how his son had behaved himself; he suspected and doubted his impiety and arrogancy, wondering that he should so soon and so lewdly forget himself of the pardon, which he had obtained for his enormous and heinous crimes; and contrary to all law plunge himself and hazard his reputation in more grievous offences, as first of all to pervert the estate of the kingdom which God had established: and secondly, in complotting to deprive and degrade his own father. For which cause he determined to fly to the other side David departed out of jerusalem. of jordan, conducting with him his most inward and hearty friends, to whom he reported the unbridled fury of his son, remitting all things unto God who judgeth all things; and leaving the government of his royal house to the disposition of his six concubines, he departed from jerusalem. David flying prohibiteth the high Priests to follow him, to the intent to give him telligence of that which did pass. With him issued an affectionate and great number of people; besides those six hundredth soldiers, who had followed him in his banishment during Saul's life time. And although the high priests Abiathar and Sadoc with all the Levites had concluded to depart with him, yet persuaded he them to abide with the Ark, assuring them that God would deliver them: yea although the Ark were unremoved from his place. He commanded Abiathar likewise to send him private intelligence of each occurrent that should happen, reserving with him for his entire and inward The year of the world, 2920. before Christ's Nativity, 1044. Ethaeus departeth with David. counsellors Achimaas the son of Sadoc, and jonathan the son of the abovesaid Abiathar. But Ethaeus the Gittite by no persuasions of the king could be induced to stay, but contrary to his command followed him, whereby he more manifestly expressed his affection towards him. But as he mounted and ascended on his bare feet upon the mountain of Olivet, and all they of his train followed him (intermixing their travel with bitter tears) a certain messenger came and certified him that Achitophel was with Absalon, and held on his side. Which report aggravated Achitophel revolteth from David, and followeth Absalon, whose counsels David striveth by prayer to make frustrate. Chusai is persuaded to submit to Absalon and to Achitophel's counsels and increased his grief: so that he besought God that it might please him to alienate the affection of Absalon from Achitophel, for fear lest if he should give him some sinister counsel, he might easily be persuaded thereunto; because that Achitophel was a man of ripe judgement and ready execution in all that concerned him. As soon as he came unto the top of the mountain, he beheld the city: and as if he had utterly been banished from his kingdom, he began with abundant tears to call upon God. There met he with Chusai his sincere and unfeigned friend, whom when he beheld with his garments rend, with ashes on his head, and lamenting the unhappy change which he then beheld: David cheered him, and exhorted him to be no ways discomforted; and finally besought him to return unto Absalon, as under a colour that he had forsaken his part, where diligently prying into his secrets, he might oppose himself against Achitophel's counsels, because he might not so much pleasure him in keeping him company, as in staying with Absalon. Chusai being after this manner persuaded by David, returned back to jerusalem, where presently after he encountered with Absalon, who repaired thither. In the mean time David marching onward a little further, chanced to meet with Siba mephiboseth's servant, & purveyor of all those goods which David had given him (for that he was Jonathan's son, who was the son of Saul) 2. Reg. 16. Siba accusing his master wrongfully is made owner of his riches. This man drove before him two Asses loaden with victuals, which he presented to David and his company, to refresh themselves with; and being demanded where he had left Mephiboseth? in jerusalem (said he) where he expecteth to be chosen king thorough the occasion of those troubles that had happened, & in memory of the benefits that divers men had received at Saul's hands. David displeased with that which he heard, gave Siba all those riches wherewith he had gratified Mephiboseth in times past, deeming him more worthy of the same then Mephiboseth. Wherewith Siba was very highly contented. When David drew near unto a place which is called Choran, a certain cousin of Saul's called Simei, the son of Gera, came out against him, and cast stones at him, and reviled him; and the more David's friends environed and defended him, the more obstinately persevered he in his Semeies' reviling of David. reproofs and scandalous railings: calling him murderer, and captain of the wicked, charging him like an impure and execrable man to get him out of the kingdom, giving God thanks for that he had deprived him of his kingdom by the means of his own son, and in punishment of those crimes which he had committed against his own master. This his so cruel and unbridled liberty, moved all David's followers to displeasure; so that all of them were prepared to revenge them on Simei; and amongst the rest Abisai would have slain him: but David pacified his displeasure, willing him to forbear, for fear (said he) lest to our present miseries we annex a further and new occasion. For in as much as concerneth myself, I set light by this mad dog, David forbiddeth to kill Simei. & refer the matter unto God, who is the cause that he is thus desperately bend against us: Neither is it to be wondered at that I suffer these outrages by him, since mine own son is so wicked as he taketh a felicity to disdain me: but it may be that God will have compassion on us, & if he please we shall have the upper hand over our enemies. He therefore walked onward on his way, not caring what Simei said, who ran on the other side of the mountain, railing & reviling at him. When David was arrived on the bank of jordan, he mustered and refreshed his army, who were sore wearied: mean while Absalon entering jerusalem with Achitophel his counsellor, was saluted and applauded by the whole concourse of the people, & amongst the rest David's friend came unto them, who prostrating himself before Absalon's feet, wished him both prosperity and perpetuity in his kingdom. Him did Absalon ask how it came to pass, that he who was reputed to be one of David's most endeared friends, and esteemed always to be most loyal and faithful Chusai under a colour offereth his service to Absalon. unto him, should at that time (when most occasion was proffered him to express his loyalty) abandon him and submit himself to his enemy? To him Chusai answered both readily and wisely, that it became him to follow God, and the good will of the people. Since therefore (said he, my sovereign) that both these are for you, it concerneth me to follow you, because you have received the kingdom from God: If therefore you esteem me to be your faithful friend; I will approve unto you my loyalty and true affection in like manner, as in your knowledge I have testified in effect unto your father, who ought not to be displeased at The year of the world 29●…0. before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1044. Achitophel ●…th Absalon to lie with his father's concubines. that which had happened, since the kingdom is not transported into an other house, but remaineth in his own family, because he who was his son received the same. By such like words he reconciled himself to Absalon, whereas before that time he was inwardly suspected. Hereupon Achitophel was sent for to consult with him about their affairs in hand: who gave him counsel to abuse all his father's concubines, and make them his own. For (said he) from that time forward the people will believe that you and he will never be reconciled; and will be more ready to bear arms and invade your father for your sake. For hitherto (said he) they have unwillingly professed themselves to be his enemies, suspecting lest a peace should ●…e concluded betwixt the father and the son. Absalon believing this advise of his, caused a Tent or royal Pavilion to be pitched in the sight of all the people, whereinto he entered, and had the company of his father's concubines. All which fell out, according as the Prophet Nathan had foretold, at such time as he certified David, that his own son should make war against him. CHAP. IX. Absalon's war against his father, his death, and the discomfiture of his army. WHen Absalon had done that which Achitophel had instructed him in, he requested him once more to counsel him concerning that war which he had enterprised against 2. Reg. 17. Achitophel's counsel persuading Absalon to pursue David chusai's opposition. his father: who required ten thousand chosen men at his hand, promising him to kill David, and to bring all the rest that were in his conduct under his subjection: assuring him that Absalon's kingdom would be then established, when David's head were cut off from his shoulders. When this advise of his had highly contented him, he sent for Chusai, who was the chiefest amongst David's friends (for so David himself had termed him) to whom he discovered the advice which Achitophel had given him, & required him to give his opinion what he thought thereof: who knowing very well that if Achitophel's counsel were followed, David should be in danger to be apprehended and slain, enforced all his arguments and counsels to the contrary. For (said he) my Liege, you are sufficiently informed both what your father's valour is, and their virtue that accompany him; who hath fought many battles, and hath had the upper hand over all his enemies. It is to be feared also lest he at this present be encamped in the field. For he is well exercised in leading armies, and to prevent any stratagems, whereby the enemy may invade him, and about the evening he hath perhaps left his men hidden in some straight, or in ambush behind some rock: and if our men shall assail him, his soldiers will by little and little retire, and afterward recovering courage, by reason that the King shall be near unto them, they will charge us afresh; and during their medley, your father will suddenly break out of his ambush, and encourage his own men, and discomfort yours: wisely therefore examine mine advice, and if you find that it be good, neglect that which Achitophel hath given you. Send me thorough all the country of the Hebrews, commanding every one to take arms & march out against your father: and when you have gathered together these forces, be you yourself in person the general of the army, and commit it not to an other man's charge, and assuredly expect to have an easy victory over him, if you assail him in the open field, for that he is accompanied with a very few men, and yourself are attended chusai's counsel accepted, Achitophel's 〈◊〉. by many thousands, who at least wise if they love you and will show a good affection towards you, may easily rid you of that enemy. And if so be your father shut himself up in any City, we will and may subvert the same by mines and engines. This advise of his seemed to be better than that of Achitophel's, so that Absalon preferred the same. For it was God that put this thought into his heart, to neglect Achitophel's, and respect chusai's counsel. Now when Chusai had thus prevailed, he presently repaired to the high Priests Sadoc and Abiathar, certifying them what Achitophel had complotted, and how he had contradicted him: finally how his opinion had taken place, giving them in charge to send private intelligence unto David thereof, and to inform him of his sons resolution, wishing him with all speed to pass over the river of jordan, for fear lest Absalon being informed of his abode in that place should make haste and pursue him, and overtake him before he might recover a place of security. Sadoc and Abiathars sons sent unto David. Now had the high Priests before hand provided that their sons should lie hid without the City of set purpose, to the end they might be sent unto David to inform him how matters went. They therefore sent a trusty servant unto these, who brought them news of Absalon's deliberations, with express commandment to inform the King thereof with all speed, who presently upon this intelligence like good and faithful ministers, posted with all speed to The year of the world. 2920. before Chris●… birth 1044. ●…he high Priests so●… being pursued are hidden by a woman in a pit. report their father's news unto the king. But scarcely had they traveled two furlongs, when certain horsemen discovered them, and brought news thereof unto Absalon, who presently sent out scouts to apprehend them: which when the children of the high priest perceived, they forsook the high way, and incontinently retired themselves into a certain village near unto jerusalem, which is called Bocchura, where they besought a certain woman to hide them and shut them in some place of security, who let them down into a pit, and covered the mouth thereof with bundles of wool. She being demanded by those that pursued them whether she saw them, denied the same, saying, that as soon as she had given them drink, they departed from her presently; assuring them that if they presently and speedily pursued them, they might easily apprehend them: but after they had long time followed and could not find them, they returned from whence they came. The woman David informed of Absalon's deliberation passeth himself & his whole army over jordan by night. Achitophel perceiving his counsel was despised hung himself. perceiving that they were departed, and that there was no cause of fear, lest the young men should be surprised, she drew them out of the pit, and set them onward of their way: who, with as great speed as was possible, resorted unto David, and declared unto him exactly what Absalon's deliberation was. Hereupon David passed the flood jordan presently with all his men, and although it were night could not be withdrawn by reason of the darkness. But Achitophel seeing that his opinion had been reproved, took his horse and suddenly repaired unto his country of Gelmone, there calling together his household servants before him, he discovered unto them what advise he had given Absalon; which since he had not accepted, he told them that shortly they should see him dead, alleging that David would have the upper hand in the war, and should return into his kingdom. It is better therefore (said he) for me with a great mind, and as it becometh a valiant man, to depart out of this life, then to submit myself to David's punishment for partaking with Absalon, and giving him counsel. This said, he retired himself into the most secret part of his house, and hung himself, being both his own judge and executioner: after which, his kinsmen cut him down and buried him. But David (as we David cometh to Mahanaim where he is royally entertained by the peers. said) having past jordan, came and encamped in a strong City, the most defenced in that country: there was he entertained with great benevolence by all the noble men of that country, partly moved thereunto by the man's present necessity, partly thorough the reverence of his former felicity. These were Berzillai the Galaadite, Siphar the governor of the province of the Ammonites, and Machir the chief of the country of Galaad, who gave David and his whatsoever they wanted in abundance: so that they lacked neither beds, nor bread, nor flesh, but were plentifully stored with all things. They that were sick and wearied also, wanted nothing that either might serve for repose or refection. In this estate remained he. But Absalon assembled a Hedio and Ruffnus ch. 10 2. Reg. 18. Absalon passeth over jordan. great multitude of people to make war upon his father, and after he had passed jordan, he pitched his tents near unto his fathers, within the country of Galaad, and made Amasa general of his army, opposing him against joab his chosen: For Amasas father was jethar, and his sister was Abigail, sister to Saruia mother to joab. When David had mustered and numbered his forces, and found that he had forty thousand fight men, it was thought fit presently to hazard battle, and not to expect till Absalon should charge upon them. He therefore ordained Colonels over thousands of his men, and divided them into three squadrons: the one of which he gave in charge to joab; the second to Abisai his brother; and the The division of David's ar●…ie. David's ●…ends dissuade his presence in the battle. third to Ethaeus his familiar friend (who was of the City of Geth.) In this battle his friends would not admit his presence (and that upon good and deep consideration) for they said that if they should be defeated in his company, they should utterly lose all good hope: but if one squadron should be overcome, the rest might have their recourie unto him, who might assemble unto them and strengthen them with greater force; the rather for that the enemies would always think it likely, that he had some other army with him. This counsel of theirs seemed pleasing unto him, for which cause he remained within the City. But at such time as he sent out his friends unto the battle, he besought them that (in remembrance of all the benefits and favours he had bestowed on them) they would both show themselves courageous and faithful men in the fight, and that having obtained the victory they would spare his son, for fear lest his death should increase and redouble his discontents. Thus praying God to give them victory, he dismissed them to enter David commandeth them to spare his son. The battle betwixt joab and Absalon. battle. But when as joab had planted his army right over against the enemy, and had extended them on the plain, having a wood upon their backs; Absalon also drew out his army against him; so that encountering and valiantly fight the one against the other, they performed many notable exploits on both parts: the one hazarding themselves in all dangers, and employing all their affections, to the intent that David might recover his kingdom: the others The year of the world, 2920 before Christ's birth 1044. neither refusing to do or endure any thing, so that Absalon might not be deprived, or exposed to his father's punishment and displeasure for his insolent attempt. Besides that, they held it an indignity for them, that being so great in number as they were, they should be surmounted by such a handful of people as followed joab: deeming it to be an utter disgrace unto them, that being so many thousands of them in arms, they should be discomfited by David's foullowers. But joab and his men being more skilful and trained in feats of arms then the rest, discomfited and broke Absalon's army: so that they fled thorough woods and steepy places. David's soldiers The f●…ight and overthrow o●… Absalon's 〈◊〉. pursuing after them took some, and slew other some; so that both in flight and fight, a great number of them were put to the sword: For there fell that day about twenty thousand men. But all David's troops freshly set upon Absalon, who was easily known by reason of his absolute beauty, and high stature: he fearing to be surprised by his enemies, mounted upon the royal mule, and fled in great haste. And for that by swift motion of his body, his locks were scattered abroad, his bush of hair was entangled in a thick and branchy tree, where he hung after a strange manner, and his mule ran onward with great swiftness, as if she had as yet borne her master on her back: but he hanging by the hair amidst the branches, suddenly fell into his enemy's hands. This when a certain soldier apperceived, he brought news thereof unto joab, who promised him to give him fifty sickles, if he would kill him. The soldier answered, that if he would give him two thousand he would not commit such a murder on the son of his sovereign, the rather for that in the presence of them all, David had requested them to spare him. Hereupon joab commanded him to show him the place where he had seen Absalon hang, who no sooner discovered him, but thrusting a javelin to his heart, he slew him. That done, joabs Esquires joab killeth Absalon. arrounding the tree took him down, and casting him into a deep and obscure pit, they overwhelmed him with stones: so that in appearance it seemed to be a tomb, or some great high and stately monument. After this when joab had sounded the retreat, he withdrew his soldiers from pursuit, supposing it to be an innaturall thing for one countryman to flesh himself upon another. Absalon had erected in the royal valley two furlongs distant from jerusalem a marble pillar, which he had entitled by the name of Absalon's Hand, saying, that when his children Absalon's marble pillar. should be dead, his name should remain in that pillar. Now he had three sons, and a daughter which was called Thamar, as we have said heretofore, who was married unto Roboam david's Nephew, and had by him a son called Abia, who succeeded his father in the kingdom: Of whom we will speak more conveniently in his place. CHAP. X. The happy estate of David being restored unto his kingdom. AFter that Absalon was slain, all the people returned privately to their own houses: but Achimaas the son of the high priest Sadoc drew near unto joab, requiring his licence Chusai sent to certify David of the victory. to repair unto David, and to certify him of the victory, and how by God's help and providence he had obtained the victory. This did the general deny him, telling him that it was not convenient that he, who before times was wont to bring joyful news, should now certify the king of his sons death. He therefore commanded him to stay, and calling Chusai to his presence, he gave him commission to certify the king of that which he had seen. Achimaas requested him the second time that he would suffer him to go, promising him that he would make no mention but of the victory; and that as touching Absalon's death, he would not utter any thing: whereupon he dismissed him also, who choosing the shorter way (which he only knew) outstripped Chusai. Now as David sat in the gate of the City (expecting some messenger that might certify him of the success of the battle) one of the Sentinels perceiving Achimaas that came running hastily, and unable to discover who it was, told David that he saw a messenger coming towards him, who answered that it was some one that brought joyful news. Anon after he told him that a certain other messenger followed: To whom David answered likewise, that it was one that brought glad tidings. And when the watchman perceived that it was Achimaas Sadoc the high priests son, and that he was near at hand, he ran first of all and certified David, who was very glad thereof, saying that he brought some good and desired news as touching the event of the battle: and no sooner had the king spoken the word, but Achimaas entered and humbled himself upon his face before David, to whom he reported that his army had the victory. Being afterwards demanded what was become of Absalon: He answered, that he incontinently departed The year of the world, 2920. before Christ's Na●…ie, 1044. from the camp as soon as the enemies were put to flight, yet that he heard a certain cry of soldiers that pursued Absalon: and further than that he knew nothing, because by joabs commandment he was speedily sent away to bring tidings of the victory. When Chusai was come and had humbled himself before the king, and had declared unto him the success of the battle, the question was asked how Absalon did? Whereunto he answered, The like fortune happen to thine enemies (O King) as hath happened to Absalon. These words quite extinguished the delight David hearing of Absalon's death by Chusai grievously bewaileth him. and joy that David conceived in the victory, and wholly amated his faithful soldiers: for as touching the king, he ascending the highest part of the City bewailed his son, beating his breast, tearing his hair, and afflicting himself in all kinds, and after such a sort, as may not be expressed; and crying out in a most mournful manner: My son (said he) would God my son that I were dead with thee, that I might be with thee. For whereas of his own nature he was a very loving man, yet loved he Absalon above all other most tenderly. When the army and joab were informed that David lamented his son in this sort, they had this respect, that they would not enter the City after a triumphant and victorious manner: but they entered hanging their heads, and weeping all of them most tenderly, as if they had returned 2. Reg▪ 19 joab and his army enter the city in mournful manner. from some discomfiture. But when as the king having his head covered, persevered in his desire to bewail his son, joab entered in unto him and said: O King, you consider not that in this behaviour of yours, you dishonour yourself: for it is to be thought that you hate those that love you, and expose themselves to all perils for your love; yea that you hate yourself and your own succession: and that chose you love your most mortal enemies most entirely, since you bewail David is taxed for lamenting his Son, and upon joabs persuasion 〈◊〉 himself unto the people. them that were no less, & who are justly deprived of their lives. For if Absalon had had the victory, and had possessed the kingdom in assurance, there had not any one of us been left alive that love you; but had all of us suffered a most hated death; nay and in the first rank yourself and your own children: neither would they being our enemies have lamented, but laughed at our deaths; yea they would punish them likewise who should have any compassion of our miseries: Yet art thou not ashamed to lament after this manner, for such a man as most extremely ha●…ed thee, who notwithstanding he were thine own son, was so ungrateful and ungracious towards thee. Desist therefore from thy unjust lamentation, and offer thyself in presence to thy well-deserving soldiers, and give them thanks, that by their virtue have obtained thee this victory: otherwise if thou continue as thou hast began, this day will I translate both the kingdom and the army from thee, and give thee occasion more grievously and truly to lament thee of thy misfortunes then thou didst before. By these words joab pacified and allayed the king's lamentations, and drew him to the care of his common weal: For clothing himself in a royal habit, whereby he might seem more gracious in the sight of his soldiers, he sat him down in Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. the gate: so that all the people hearing thereof, flocked out to salute him. Whilst these things passed after this manner, they that remained alive of Absalon's army returning home unto their houses, sent their messengers to every corporation, advertising them how many benefits they had received at David's hands, and how after many and grievous wars he had brought them to a secure liberty, and how injustly expelling him, they had committed the kingdom unto another. The kingdom of Israel is once more offered unto David. For which cause it behoved them, that since he was dead whom they had chosen, to make their supplication and submission unto David, that dismissing his wrath, he would receive the people into his favour, and according as before time, so now also he would vouchsafe them his pardon and protection. Of these things sundry intelligences came unto the king's ears, so that by express letters he commanded Sadoc and Abiathar the chief priests, that they should certify the princes of the tribe of juda, that it should be a great indignity for them that other tribes should prefer David to the kingdom before them, especially since he was both of their tribe, and their David not only giveth Amasa his pardon, but maketh him general also of the whole army. The tribe of juda cometh as far as jordan to meet with David, and make a bridge over the flood. kinsman also. In like manner he commanded them to speak with Amasa the general, and expostulate with him, why he who was his Nephew by the sister's side, did not persuade the army to recommend the kingdom to his hands: willing them to assure him that he was not only to hope for pardon for that which had happened, but also for the government of the whole army, according as Absalon had granted him. Hereupon the high priests not only conferred with the princes aforesaid, but also informing Amasa what the king had promised in his behalf, whereby they drew him to their faction. And first of all those of his own tribe revoked David very instantly into the kingdom; the rest of the Israelites by their example and Amasas authority, did the like also; and these ambassadors flocked unto him to receive him into jerusalem. But wonderful and praiseworthy was the diligence of the tribe of juda, who went out as far as the bank of jordan to meet with him, with these came Simei the son of Gera, with a thousand men, The year of the ●…orld 29●…0. before Christ's Nativity. 1044. Simei is pardoned. which he had brought with him of the tribe of Benjamin. Siba likewise Saul's freeman came thither with his fifteen sons, and twenty servants: who made a bridge over jordan, that the king might the more easily pass over both himself and his army. As soon as he came unto jordan, he was saluted by the tribe of juda: and Simei marching onward on the bridge, & prostrating himself at the king's feet, asked pardon of his offences, and besought him to remit his displeasure: and that in recovering his authority, he would not first of all do justice on him, but that he should remember this also, that he being induced by the repentance of his error, did with the foremost march out to meet him upon his return. Whilst thus he besought and lamented, Abisai joabs brother spoke after this manner. Why should he not die that hath thus villainously outraged the King, whom God hath established? But David turned back unto him and said: ye sons of Servia, will you never cease to hatch new troubles; and to add new divisions to your former commotions? Know you not that this is the first day of my reign? for which cause I swear an oath that I will pardon all them that have committed any impiety against me, and that no one man shall depart from me in my disfavour. For which cause be of good cheer Simei, & fear thou not that I will seek thy blood. Whereupon he adored the King, & marched onward before him. After this Mephiboseth Saul's nephew came out to meet him, clothed in a desolate & sorry raiment, having his hairs hanging down in a neglected and sorrowful manner. For since the time that David fled & fosooke the city, he had in such sort been distressed, that he neither had trimmed his hair, nor changed or cleansed his garment, supposing this calamity & deposition to touch him as nearly, as it did the king: and further, in that by Siba his steward, he had been unjustly detracted & accused Mephiboseth purgeth himself of Sibas slanders. to the king. After he had prostrated himself, and adored the king, David asked him for what cause he forsook him in his troubles, and offered not himself to accompany him in his flight? Who answered, that it was the wickedness of Siba, who was the cause thereof: for he (said he) being commanded to prepare my necessaries for that journey, neglected the execution thereof, contemning both me and it, as if I had been some abject slave: Otherwise had I had the use of my feet, and the means to have waited on thee in thy journey, I had never endured to have forsaken thee. Neither was he contented (my liege) to hinder my devout service towards thee, but furthermore he hath maliciously incensed your majesty against me: yet know I well that your wisdom will not admit or give credence to his detractions, both for that you are just, as also for that God and truth which you only aspire to, are only beloved by you. For whereas during my grandfathers days, you were always conversant amongst the most difficult dangers, and followed and attempted by him, and whereas all our posterity by that means deserved to be utterly extinguished, yet have you used both moderation and meekness, especially in forgetting those indignities; at such time as the memory thereof afforded you means to punish them. And notwithstanding all these things, you have entertained me like your friend, feasted me at your daily table, and dignified me with no less honours, then if I had been one of your nearest and dearest kinsmen. When David had heard these things, he neither thought good to punish Mephiboseth, neither to examine whether Siba had wrongfully accused him, but after he had certified him David pardoneth Mephiboseth, and restoreth him to the half of his possessions Berzillai excuseth himself, and will not resort to ●…erusalem. that he had given Siba all his goods: yet did he pardon him, and promise him the restitution of half his possessions: Whereunto Mephiboseth replied. Let Siba (saith he) possess the whole, it only sufficeth me that I see your majesty restored again into your kingdom. After this, David invited Berzillai the Galaadite (a virtuous man and of great authority, and by whose bounty during the time of his war he was assisted, and who had attended him as far as jordan) to accompany him unto jerusalem, promising him to make no less account of him then of his father, and assuring him liberally to allow him in all things that concerned his honour and age. But he being desirous to live in private, besought his majesty to dismiss him from the court, because (as he said) his age was so extreme as it made him unapt for courtly pleasures, considering that he had attained to the age of fourscore years: alleging that it better became him to think of death, and the departure out of this world. For which cause he besought David to favour him so much as that he might govern himself according to his own desire, because that by reason of his age he neither knew how to savour meat nor drink: beside, for that his hearing was lost, so that he could not distinguish nor discern the sound of instruments, wherein they who converse in King's Courts do most usually take such delight. To this David replied, since (said he) thou dost so instantly request me to give thee leave to depart from me, I dismiss thee: but leave thou thy son Achimaas with me, who shall be master of my many favours. Hereupon Berzillai left his son with him, and taking leave of the king (with prayer that God would grant him the fullness of all his desires) he returned to his own house. But David went The year of the world. ●…920. before the Nativity of Christ. 1044. The tribe of joda's acculation, and excuse, for that without the knowledge of the other tribes they had gone out to meet the king. unto Galgal (having already the half part of the people with him, and the whole tribe of juda.) Thither resorted then unto him the chief governors of that country, attended by a great multitude of people, complaining upon the tribe of juda, for that unwitting to the rest they had resorted to him, when as by a mutual consent they should all of them have met him together. But the Princes of the tribe of juda requested them in no sort to misconstrue their prevention of them. For that by reason of alliance they had done this office, whereby being tied unto him they were bound with more fervent study to do him service: for neither in respect of that diligence of theirs received they any rewards, whereby they that came after should think themselves preiudizde in profit. This answer of theirs the Princes of the tribes took not in good part, but thus they spoke unto their brethren: We wonder (said they) that you only challenge the king to be your kinsman, as if he were not to be accounted an ally unto us all, whom God hath equally placed to be governor over us all? whenas therefore the whole people consisteth of eleven parts, you only are but one; beside, we are your elders: so that you have not dealt uprightly in that you have secretly and covertly sought out the King. Whilst the governors in this 2. Reg. 20. Siba a seditious person incenseth the people to rebeil against the king. David's concubines whom Absalon had disloured are sequestered from him. sort debated the matter with them, a certain wicked and seditious person called Siba, the son of Bochri of the tribe of Benjamin, standing up in the midst of the people began to cry out with a loud voice, and to exclaim after this manner. We have no part with David, nor inheritance with the son of jesse. This said, he sounded a trumpet, and proclaimed war against the king; so that all men followed him, and forsook David. Only the tribe of juda remained with him, and established him in the royal throne in jerusalem: where removing his concubines (which his son Absalon had known) out of his palace, he never after that time had any company with them. After this he declared Amasa general of the army, and placed him in the same degree which joab had, near unto the person of the King: commanding him that he should assemble the greatest forces that he might out of the tribe of juda, & that within three days he should return unto him, to the end that having delivered him both the army & the place of general, he might send him to make war upon the son of Bochri. After that Amasa was departed, and employed his time in gathering up his army; the king seeing that he failed to return upon the third day, told joab by reason of amasa's delay is lent out against Siba by David. joab that it was not good to permit Siba to gather a greater head by delay, & thereby breed us more trouble and molestation than Absalon had done. For which cause (said he) stay thou not but take unto thee those forces which thou hast in a readiness, and my six hundredth men with thy brother Abisai, and pursue thou the enemy, and in what place soever thou meetest him, by all means endeavour thyself to give him the battle. Hast thee therefore, and overtake him, for fear lest he seize some of our strongest Cities, and thereby procure us much travel and labour. joab with all expedition obeyed his commandment, and took with him the aforesaid six hundredth, with his brother Abisai, and commanded all the forces that were in jerusalem to follow after him, and in this array issued he after Siba. Now when he came unto Gabaon (a burrow some forty furlongs distant from jerusalem) Amasa came & met with him, & brought with him great forces. joab having his sword girt by his side, and his curets on his back, whilst Amasa came onward to salute him, subtly and of set purpose let his sword slip out of his sheath, and taking it up from the ground with one hand he drew near unto Amasa, under pretence joab killeth Amala. to kiss him on the chin, and suddenly thrust the sword that was in his other hand into his belly, and slew him. Which action of his was both heinous and detestable, proceeding from a jealousy he had conceived against a good young man & his cousin, who had in no sort offended him, and only by reason of the estate of general, which the king had given him; and because David had equalled him in honour with him, for which very cause before that he had slain. Abner. Notwithstanding this act of his seemed in some sort pardonable, by reason of the pretext which he pretended of the wrong done unto his brother Azael, yet was not this a sufficient colour to excuse the murder of Amasa. When this was done, he pursued Siba, and left a certain man to wait upon the body of Amasa, who had commandment given him to proclaim with a loud voice thorough the whole army, that he was justly and deservedly slain, commanding those that bore any favour to the king's title, to follow their general joab and his brother Abisai. Now whilst his body lay thus in the way, & all the multitude (as it is usual in such like accidents) flocked round about it, he that had the charge of the body took it up, & bore it into a certain place far out of the way, & covered it with a garment: which done, all the people followed joab. Now whilst he pursued Siba thorough all the region of the Israelites, a certain man told him that he had retired himself into a certain strong city called Abelmacha; where he no sooner arrived, but that he begird the City, and entrenched it round about; commanding his soldiers to undermine The year of the world. 2920. before Christ's Nativity 1044. joab besiegeth and shutteth up Siba within Abelmac●…ea. A woman rebuketh joab for seeking the subversion of the city which he rather ought to protect. joabs conditions of peace proposed to the besieged. and overthrow the walls: for he was sore displeased because they had shut the gates against him. But a certain honest and prudent woman, seeing her country in extreme peril, ascended the walls and called joab and his soldiers to a parley, who coming forth to confer with him, she spoke after this manner: God (saith she) ordained kings and generals of armies, to the end they might destroy the enemies of the Hebrews, and plant amongst them an universal and perpetual peace; but you enforce yourselves to destroy one of the mother Cities of Israel, that hath in no sort offended you. joab prayed God to be favourable unto them, and said that for his own part it was not his meaning that any one of the City should die, neither his pretence to race and deface so famous a City; his intent was only, that if Siba the son of Bochri, and the king's adversary were delivered into his hands to do justice on him, to levy the siege, and to cause his army to retire from thence. When the woman had heard what joab had said, she prayed him to stay a little while, promising him incontinently to cast his head over unto him. Whereupon she came down amongst the assembly of the Citizens, to whom she spoke after this manner: Wretched men that you are, will you miserably suffer your wives and children to be slain for a wicked man's cause, and a stranger whom ye know not? will you admit him in place of David your king, from whose hands you have received so many benefits? think you that one only City can resist so huge an army? After this manner persuaded she them to cut off Sibas head, The punishment of Siba. and to cast it into joabs camp: which done, joab commanded the retreat to be sounded, and levied the siege, and returning back into jerusalem, was once more declared general of all the people. The king also appointed Banaia captain of his guards, and of six hundredth soldiers. Adoram was made treasurer to gather in the tributes. Sabath and Achilaus had the charge of remembrancers. Offices distributed by David Susa was made secretary. Sadoc and Abiathar were made the high priests. After this it happened that the country was afflicted with a famine: For which cause David besought God that he would have compassion on his people, and that it might please him to manifest not Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 12. only the cause, but also the remedy of that malady. The Prophets answered him, that God 2. Reg. 21. A famine inflicted on the Israelites for breach of oath. would be revenged of the wrong done unto the Gabeonites, whom king Saul had deceived and traitorously slain, without respect of the oath, which the governor josuah and the elders made unto them. If therefore he would suffer the Gabeonites to revenge the death of their slaughtered friends according to their desire, God had promised to be appeased, and to deliver the people from their imminent & presentevils. As soon as he understood by the prophets what God required, he sent for the Gabeonites, and asked them what it was which they required: who wished him to deliver into their hands seven of Saul's sons to take their revenge on them: whereupon the king made search after them, only sparing and protecting Mephiboseth the son of jonathan. When the Gabeonites had laid hold on these seven, they executed them according to Seven ●…en of Saul's kindred delivered to the Gabeonits to be punished. their pleasures: and thereupon God incontinently sent down rain and disposed the earth to bear fruit; moistening and allaying the drought forepast, so that the land of the Hebrews recovered again his pristine fruitfulness. Not long after the king made war upon the Philistines, and at such time as the battle was stricken, and the enemies turned their backs, it chanced that the king hotly pursuing the chase was left alone; and discovered in his weariness by one of the enemies called Acmon, the son of Araph of the race of the Giants, who beside his sword had a javelin, the point whereof weighed three hundredth sickles, and a corselet tissued with chains, David in hazard of his life is delivered by Abisai. who returning back charged David very violently, with an intent to kill the king of his enemies, by reason that he saw him spent with travel. But about the same instant Abisai joabs brother arrived in the place, who stepped between them and rescued the king, and slew his enemy. The whole army for a little space were grievously discomforted, in regard of the danger wherein David persuaded to abstain from war. the king had been, and the governors swore that he should never afterwards enter into battle with them, for fear lest he might fall into some disaster, by reason of his readiness and valour, and by that means should deprive the people of those gifts which were in him, which he had already made them feel, and whereof hereafter they should be made partakers, if God should vouchsafe him a long and blessed life. The king having intelligence that the Philistines were assembled David's valiant captains. Sabach. in the city of Gazara, sent out an army against them, in which Sabach the Hittite, one of David's redoubted and picked soldiers behaved himself very valiantly, and gate great reputation: for he slew divers of them that vaunted themselves to be of the race of the Giants, and that were very proud and puffed up with presumption of their valour, and was chief author of that victory which the Hebrews had. After this last received loss, the Philistines once more hazarded their fortunes in war, against whom when David had sent out an army, Nephanus his kinsman showed himself very valiant: The year of the world. 2924. before Christ's birth 1040. Nephanus▪ For fight hand to hand against him that was accounted the most valiant champion amongst all the Philistines, he slew him, and put the rest to flight; of whom very many died in that battle also, In process of time they reincamped near unto a City not far from the frontiers of the country of the Hebrews: In which army of theirs there was a man six cubits high, who had on either foot and either hand, a finger more than the accustomed bequest of nature afforded him. Against him jonathan the son of Sama (one of those that were sent by David in this army) fought jonathan. hand to hand & slew him: so that approving himself to be the means of that victory, he bore away the honour of the battle, and praise of his valour: for this Philistine boasted likewise that he was descended from the race of the Giants. After this battle they warred no more on the Israelites. Hereupon David delivered from war and danger, and ever after enjoying a perfect peace, composed Odes and hymns in praise of God, in divers kinds of verse: for some are of three, other 2. Reg 12. David a poes. David's instruments of Music. some are of five measures. He made instruments also, and taught the Levites to praise God upon them, on the Saboth days and other feasts. The form of these instruments was after this manner. The Cinnare is composed of ten strings, and is played upon with a bow. The Able containeth twelve sounds or cords, and is stricken with the fingers. The Cymbals were large and great and made of brass, of which it sufficeth in this sort to make some mention, lest the nature of those instruments should wholly be unknown. Now all those that were about the king were valiant men: but amongst all the rest, there were eight most notable and heroic men. The noble 2. Reg. 23. David's thirty eight champions actions of five of which I will declare, because they might suffice to exemplify the virtues that were in the other that remained: for they were capable to govern a country, and to conquer divers nations. The first of them was Issemus the son of Achemaeus, who having very oftentimes Issemus. thrust himself into the midst of his disordered enemies, never gave over fight till he had slain nine hundredth of them. After him was Eleazar the son of Dodeias, who had accompanied the Eleazar. king in Sarphat. He in a certain battle (wherein thorough the huge multitude of the enemies, the Israelites were affrighted and put to flight) only kept his place and affronted the enemy, and rushing in amongst them made a great slaughter of them: so that thorough the great quantity of blood which he shed, his sword stuck fast to his hand; and the Israelites seeing the Philistines put to flight by him, came down and ran upon them, and obtained a miraculous and famous victory over them. For Eleazar slaughtered those that fled, and the rest of the army followed and spoiled those that were slain. The third was the son of Ilus called Sebas, who fight against Sebas. the Philistines, in a place called the jaw (and seeing the Hebrews to be afraid of their power, and almost out of heart) resisted them alone, as if he had been an arranged army, and slew some of them, and pursued and put the rest to flight, in that they were unable to sustain his force and violence. These three exploited with their own hands these executions of war. About that time that the king lived in jerusalem, the army of the Philistines came out to make war upon him, and David (as we have declared heretofore) was gone up into the higher city to ask counsel of God, what the event of that war should be, and the enemies being encamped in that valley (that extendeth itself as far as Bethleem, a City some twenty furlongs distant from jerusalem) David said to his companions: There is very good water in the place where I was born, and especially that which is in the pit which is near unto the gate, if any one will bring me of Three champions pass thorough the enemy's camp and drew water in Bethleem, and brought it ●…nto David. that water to drink, I shall esteem it more than if he gave me great riches. These three men hearing these words, instantly ran out, and past thorough the enemy's camp, and went to Bethleem, where having drawn water, they returned back unto the king, sallying thorough the midst of their enemies, bringing news that the Philistines being afraid of their hardiness, and great courage, kept themselves upon their guard, not daring to charge them; notwithstanding their small number. But the king tasted not of this water which they brought him, saying that it was bought with the danger of men's lives, and therefore that it was no reason he should drink thereof, but he powered it out as an oblation unto God, giving him thanks because he had delivered his servants. After these three followed Abisai joabs brother, who slew six hundredth of the enemy Abisai. in one day. The fifth was Banaia of the race of the Levites, who being defied by certain brothers, famous amongst the Moabites for their virtue, overcame them. Moreover, a certain Banaia, Egyptian of a wonderful stature, having defied him (notwithstanding the said Banaia was naked and the other armed) yet charged he him, and took away his javelin and slew him. To Banaias slew an Egyptian with his own spear. these foresaid acts of his, a man may annex this as the most valiant, or very nearly equalling the rest. For it came to pass, that after a certain snow a Lion tossing amidst the flakes thereof, fell into a pit (whose mouth was so narrow, that a man could not discern where it was, especially for that at the same time it was covered with snow) where being enclosed, and seeing no means The year of the w●…d, 2924 before Christ●… b●…h 1040. Banaia slew a Lion. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. 2. Reg 24. David ●…endeth loab to muster the people. to escape, he roared out amain: which when Banaia who passed that way heard, he followed the voice, and drew near unto the place; and afterwards went down into the pit, where with a staff he bore in his hand he fought with, overcame, and slew the Lyon. The thirty three other were of like valour and virtue. But King David being desirous to know how many thousands of men he could number amongst the people, and forgetting the commandment ordained by Moses (who had given order that if the people had been numbered, there should be paid unto God for every head half a sickle) he commanded joab to go and number all the people: and although joab had manifestly proved unto him that it was a thing no ways necessary; yet could he not persuade him, but that he enjoined him with all expedition, to set forward on his way, and muster the people of the Hebrews. Hereupon joab took with him the principals of the Tribes and Scribes, and after circuited all the country of the Hebrews, to know how many men there were, and at the end of nine months and twenty days, he returned to jerusalem to the king, and presented him with the list of the people, the tribe of Benjamin only excepted (for he neither numbered that tribe, nor the tribe of Levi.) This done, the king perceiving that he had displeased God, was very sorrowful and pensive. The sum of the Israelites that were numbered. The rout of the other Israelites was of nine hundredth thousand men, able to bear arms, and to follow the war, besides that the only tribe of juda contained 400. thousand men. When the Prophets had certified David how God was displeased with him, he began to pray & beseech him that it might please him to appease his wrath, and to pardon his offence. Hereupon God sent the Prophet Gad unto him, who brought him the choice of three things, willing him to make election which of the three he would endure, either that famine for seven years space should reign in his countries; or that war for three months space should afflict the same, wherein he should have the worst; or that the plague and pestilence should for three days space range amongst the Hebrews. Being thus distraught and troubled by reason of his difficult election, amidst these imminent miseries; and the Prophet urging him to return a short answer, whereby God might be satisfied: the king bethinking him that if he should ask famine, he should rather seem to respect his own security, than the commonweal, in that no danger might by that means touch him, for that he had great store of corn in his barn, and they unfurnished; and if for three months he should make choice to be overcome by the enemy, in that case also he might seem to have care of himself, in that he had many strong Castles and a valiant guard of men to attend David having election of three sorts of punishment chose the plague. his person: he therefore made choice of a plague, that was both as incident to the prince, as the subject; wherein each man was touched with equal and imminent fear, saying, that it was better to fall into the hands of God, then into the hands of his enemies. When the Prophet had received this answer from him, he reported it unto God; who sent a plague and mortality amongst the Hebrews, whereby they died after divers manners: so that it was very hard to discern the malady, which being but one in kind, yet notwithstanding seized the people by ten thousand causes, and unknown occasions. For one of them died after another, and the sickness surprising them at unwares, brought a sudden dissolution of the spirits, and swooning upon them; so that some of them gave up the ghost with grievous torments, and most strange dolours. Others were presently parched up thorough the burning agonies they endured, and (unrecoverable by any counsel or remedy) consumed away amidst their languishing fits and tortures. Others died strangled, having their eyes suddenly darkened and blinded. Othersome giving order for the burial of their household servants, died before they were thoroughly interred; and from the day break A huge slaughter of those that died of the past●…lence that was i●…flicted by God. David prayed for the innocent people. (at which time the pestilent mortality began to rage) until dinner time, there died seventy thousand persons. And now had the Angel of God stretched out his hand over jerusalem ready to inflict punishment thereon, when as the king put on sackcloth and prostrated himself on the ground, beseeching and praying God that it would please him to surcease his wrath, and be pacified with the number of those that were already consumed by the pestilence. Whilst thus he prayed, lifting up his eyes, he beheld the angel of God hovering in the air over jerusalem, with his naked sword: whereupon he besought God and said, that it was he that was the shepherd, who had deserved to be punished, and not his flock; who ought to be favoured in that they had not any ways offended, praying him to satisfy his displeasure upon him and his posterity, and to spare the people. Hereupon God accepting this prayer, surceased the plague, and sent the Prophet Gad unto him, commanding him that he should presently repair to the threshing floor of Oronna the A commandment to ●…ld an Altar. jebusite, and there build an altar, on which he should offer sacrifice unto God. Which when David understood, he neglected not this ordinance, but went presently to the appointed place. The year of the world. 2930. before the Nativity of Christ. 1034. Oronna the jebusite, supra lib. 7. ch. 3 called Orphona. Oronna giveth David his floor. The sum that was paid for the threshing floor. When Oronna (who threshed his come) saw the king (accompanied by his sons) coming towards him, he ran out to meet him, and humbled himself before him. This man was by nation a jebusite, and one of the greatest friends that David had (by means whereof he left him unspoiled at such time as the fortress of the jebusites was taken, as we ha●… heretofore declared.) Oronna asked him for what cause his Lord came thus unto him, who was his servant? David answered him that it was to this intent, that he might purchase his threshing floor, to the intent that he might build an Altar in that place, and offer sacrifice unto God. Oronna replied, that both his floor, chariots, and oxen were the kings to offer up for a burnt sacrifice, beseeching God that he would graciously accept that offering. To this the king answered, that he highly esteemed his simplicity and magnanimity, and that he favourably respected the offer he had made him, yet that it was his pleasure that he should receive the price of the same, because he held it an inconvenient to offer sacrifice unto God upon other men's charges. To this Oronna answered, that his Majesty might do as best pleased him. Hereupon he bought the foresaid floor of him for fifty sickles. Then erected he an Altar in this place, The place of the Altar that was built. Gen 22. Supra li. 1. ch. 13 and offered sacrifices thereon, as well burnt offerings as other sacrifices for prosperity: and by this means the divine majesty was appeased, and ever after showed himself favourable. (Now this place was the very same, whereto Abraham in times past had brought his son Isaac to offer him up for a burnt sacrifice unto God, and as he was about to sacrifice him, a Weather upon the instant presented itself near unto the Altar, which Abraham offered up in steed of his son, as we have heretofore made manifest.) David seeing that God had heard his prayer, and favourably accepted his sacrifice, decreed that in that place the general Altar of the people should stand, and that on the very same floor he would build a Temple unto God: which words of his God afterwards ratified. For sending his Prophet unto him, he certified him that his son that should succeed him, should build a Temple. After Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 14. The workmen allotted for the building of the Temple. this prophetical declaration, the King commanded to number the inhabitants of jerusalem, and it was found that they were one hundredth and fourscore thousand men: of which number he appointed eighty thousand to intend the hewing of stones; and ordered that the rest of the common people should bear stones unto them: and he appointed three thousand and five hundredth, who should govern them, & have the overseeing of the works. He gathered 1 Paral. 22. David gathereth great store of iron, brass & wood. also a great quantity of Iron and brass, to work upon, with store of huge and mighty Cedar trees, which they of tire and Sidon sent him, whom he had put in trust to furnish him therewith; telling his friends that he made that preparation at that time, to the intent that when his son should fortune to govern after him, he might have stuff in a readiness for the building of the Temple: and to the intent that he being as yet young and unexperimented, should not be troubled with the gathering thereof, but having all things in a readiness, might finish the building of the Temple. CHAP. XI. David during his life time surrendereth the kingdom to▪ Solomon. THen calling unto him his son Solomon, he charged him that after his decease, and his instalment in the kingdom, he should build a temple unto God: telling him that though The building of Salomon's Temple is commanded. he had both a will and intent to perform the same; yet that he was contradicted by God, for that he had been soiled with slaughters, and brought up in war. Adding further, that it was foreprophecied unto him, that the finishing of that edifice was by God's ordinance reserved to his younger son that should be called Solomon, whom God should no less tender and care for, than the father doth his son: and how the whole land of the Hebrews should be made happy under this Prince; and among all other benefits, that they should have peace (which is an especial prerogative and blessing) and not only be freed from foreign wars, but also from civil dissensions. For which cause (said he) since by God thou wert appointed King before thou wast borne, endeavour thyself to be capable and worthy to be conducted by his providence, by honouring David coun●…elleth Solomon ●…o honour God. piety, justice and fortitude, & keeping those his ordinances and laws, which he gave us by Moses, and not permitting others to transgress the same. And as touching the temple (which he will that thou shalt build when thou shalt obtain the kingdom) enforce thyself to discharge that duty towards God: neither be thou dismayed or afraid at the greatness of the work. For before I shall depart out of this world, I will set all things in a readiness for thee. Know therefore that I The year of the world. 2930. before Christ's Nativity 1034. The treasure that was gathered towards the building of the Temple. The assistants that Solomon had in building the temple. The commandment as touching the Ark, and laying up all other sacred utensils within the Temple. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 15. David groweth old and numb. Abisace warmeth him. have already gathered ten thousand talents of gold, and an hundredth thousand talents of silver; of brass and iron there is as much, which is a thing innumerable; of stone and of wood, a matter most incredible. Moreover thou shalt have many thousands of masons and carpenters, and if ought be defective besides these, thou shalt thyself make provision thereof: when thou hast performed this, thou shalt be gracious in gods sight, who shall be thy sovereign and safe conductor. He exhorted also the governors of the people to set to their helping hand, and yield their assistance to his son in finishing this work, & in furthering the service of God without suspicion of any inconvenient; assuring them that they should enjoy a firm peace, and a flourishing estate (such blessings as God bestoweth upon those that study after piety and justice.) Moreover he charged him to place the Ark within the Temple at such time as it should be finished, with all other sacred utensils; for the receipt whereof the Temple should long since have been builded, had not their forefathers neglected Gods command, who had enjoined them, that at such time as they should possess their enemy's land, they should build him a Temple. These were David's exhortations, not only unto his son, but also to the other Princes. Now when David was very old, so that by reason of his years his body was so cold and benumbed, that notwithstanding the many coverings and clothes they laid upon him, yet could he not be her or warmed: his Physicians assembled themselves together and consulted, and at last conluded, that one of the fairest virgins that was in the country, might be chosen out to lie with the king: because by this means she might warm his i'll limbs, and comfort his decaying heat. Whereupon after search made, they found out a Damsel called Abisace which surpassed all other in beauty, who slept with him and warmed him: for by reason of his age, he was unable to have the use of a woman. But of this virgin hereafter we shall make further mention. The fourth son of David was a goodly tall young man, called Adonias, the son of Aegistha, who (resembling Absalon in complexion, and ambition) began to usurp with a deliberation 3. Reg. 1. Adonias affecteth the kingdom. to make himself king, and amongst his ordinary discourses which he used to his friends, he said that it behoved him to take possession of the kingdom. To this intent he prepared many chariots and horses, and fifty men to attend him for his guard. His father certified of these his proceedings, reproved him not, neither crossed this his deliberation; neither demanded of him likewise, wherefore he presumed to attempt such unseemly actions. Of this his revolt he had The year of the world. 2931. before Christ birth 1033. for his coadjutors joab the general, and the high Priest Abiathar: but they that contradicted him were the high Priest Sadoc, and the Prophet Nathan, and Banaia the captain of the guard, with Simei David's friend: besides all other the valiant men at aries. Whereas therefore Adonias made a banquet out of the City, and in the suburbs near unto the fountain of the park royal, he invited all his brethren unto the same, except Solomon; and took with him joab and Abiathar, with the governors of the tribe of juda: but as touching Sadoc, the Prophet Nathan, Banaia, & the rest of the contrary party, he called them not unto the banquet. This did the prophet Nathan tell to Bethsabe Salomon's mother, certifying her that Adonias was made King without Bethsabe by Nathans persuasion certifieth Daiud of Adonias usurpation, the knowledge of David, advising her both to have care of her own security, and the estate & majesty of her son (who by reason of Adonias usurpation was like to be supplanted) wishing her in person to certify the king thereof: and further promising, that whilst she debated these things with the King, he would come in in the mean while, & confirm that which she had said. Bethsabe being thus persuaded by Nathan, came unto the King, and humbling herself before him (& afterwards requiring licence to speak unto him) she certified him of all those things that had happened, according as she had been advised by the Prophet: particularly deciphering unto him what banquet Adonias had made, and what guests he had invited (namely Abiathar and joab, with the rest of his sons, except Solomon and his particular friends) urging this furthermore, that the people expected, who it should be whom David would nominate to succeed him: for which cause she earnestly besought David that he would provide & foresee, that he who should succeed him in the government, should neither seek her blood, nor the death of her son Solomon. Whilst Bethsabe discoursed after this manner, the chamberlains gave the king to understand that Nathan attended to speak with him. Whereupon David commanded that he should be called in, and as soon as he was entered, he asked the king if that day he had appointed Adonias to govern and succeed in the kingdom after him? for that (said he) he hath made a sumptuous feast; where unto he hath invited all thy sons, but Solomon; thither also hath he called joab: where after the great cheer and banqueting, they have proclaimed and cried, long live King Adonias. Furthermore (said he) he hath neither invited me, nor the high Priest Sadoc, nor the captain of the guard Banaia. It therefore behoveth thee to let us know, if this be done by thy The year of the world, 2931. before Christ's Nativity, 1033. approbation and allowance. As soon as Nathan had made an end of his speech, David commanded that Bethsabe should be called in (who had retired herself out of the king's chamber, at such time as the Prophet entered into the same.) As soon as Bethsabe re-entered the chamber, David said unto her, I swear unto thee by that great God, that thy son Solomon shall reign after me, according as before this The kingdom is confirmed to Solomon by an oath. time I have already sworn unto thee, and he it is that shall sit upon my throne, yea even this present day. Upon these words Bethsabe humbled herself, and besought God to grant the king long life. Whereupon he called for Sadoc the high priest, and Banaia captain of the guard, and gave them in charge to take the Prophet Nathan with them, and all the men at arms that attended him in court, charging them to mount his son Solomon upon the royal Moil, and to conduct him out of the City near unto the fountain of Gehon: in which place (after they had anointed him with holy oil) he willed them to proclaim Solomon king, commanding the high priest Sadoc and the Prophet Nathan to see his will performed; charging those that followed him thorough the City with sound of trumpet and a loud voice to cry out, that Solomon was seated for ever on his father's throne, to the intent that all the people might understand that by his father's consent he was declared king. But as touching Solomon, he gave him instructions how he ought to behave himself with piety and justice, in the government of all the people of the Hebrews, and of the tribe of juda. After this, Banaia besought God that it would please him to be favourable unto Solomon, and with all expedition Solomon was mounted upon the king's mule, and conducted out of the City near unto the fountain; where (after he had been Solomon is anointed king, and placed in his father's throne. anointed with oil) they brought him back again into the City with joy and applause, wishing him a long and prosperous government: then reconducting him to the king's palace, they placed him in his throne; and on the instant all the people began to celebrate banquets & feasts, and to disport and rejoice themselves with dances and instruments of music: so that by reason of the multitude of instruments both the earth and the air resounded therewith. So that Adonias and they that banqueted with him, hearing the noise, were all of them sore troubled; and joab in particular said, that those tunes and trumpettings did no ways content him. Whilst thus they sat at the banquet, and every man thorough amaze forbore to eat his meat, (being distracted thorough variety of thoughts) jonathan the son of Abiathar came hastily in amongst them. This young man did Adonias most willingly behold, and said that he was a messenger of some glad tidings: but chose he recited unto them all that which had befallen Solomon, or had been decreed by David. Whereupon Adonias and all his guests forsook the banquet, and suddenly fled every man unto his own house. But Adonias fearing the king's displeasure Adonias for fear of the king's displeasure flieth from his banquet, and taketh hold of the horns of the Altar. (by reason of his ambition and arrogancy) ran unto the altar, and laying hold of it after the manner of a suppliant, hung thereon, according as he in reason had cause to do. Now when these tidings were brought unto Solomon, and what he had done, and how he required that Solomon would assure him, that he would nevermore call to memory that which had happened, but pardon his offence: Solomon answered him graciously and moderately, and pardoned him that fault; notwithstanding with this caution, that if hereafter it should appear that he intended or acted any rebellion, it should be Adonias himself, who should be the author of his mischief: with this answer he sent some to deliver him from the altar. When as therefore he came into Salomon's presence & had saluted him, he was commanded to repair home unto his house, without suspect of any inconvenient: yet by the way was he admonished to behave himself uprightly, for the time to come, if in any sort he either respected his credit or profit: But David willing that his son should be accepted for their known and anointed king amongst the people, assembled the governors in jerusalem, with the Priests and Levites; and first of all taking the number David numbereth the Levites, and distribuiths their offices. of them, he found thirty three thousand men that were above thirty three years old; twenty & three thousand of which, he appointed to take charge of the building of the temple, six thousand to be judges and Scribes, with the like number of musicians to play upon instruments, who were furnished by David (as we have heretofore declared) and distributed by him according to their families. So that separating the Priests from the rest of their tribe, he found four and twenty 1. Paral 13. The division of the Priests into 24. kindreds, 2. Paral. 24. families of them, sixteen of the house of Eleazar, and eight of the house of Ithamar, giving order that one only family should for the space of eight days perform God's service. And thus were all the families distributed by lot in the presence of David, of the high priests Sadoc and Abiathar, and of all the governors. The first family that ascended the temple was written first, the second next, and so successively the rest, to the number of four and twenty (and this law remaineth The year of the world 2931. before Christ's Nativity. 1033. He divided the Levites into 24. parts. Moses posterity appointed to keep the divine treasure. in the same sort even unto this day.) He made also twenty and four divisions of the tribe of Levi (who ascended according as they were chosen by lot, in the same manner as did the priests, every eight day.) He honoured in particular those of Moses posterity: for he appointed them to be keepers of God's treasury, and of those presents which the kings should offer. He enacted also, that all (as well Levites as Priests) should serve God day and night, according as they were commanded by Moses. That done, he distributed his whole army into twelve companies, with their governors, centurions and conductor: every squadron contained four and twenty thousand men, whom he appointed to guard and attend king Solomon, for the space of thirty days (continuing from the first until the last, with their captains over thousands, and centurions.) He likewise established those men in office and authority over every squadron, whom he 1 Paral. 26. The army divided into 12 parts. 1. Paral. 27. David assembling the governors of the tribes commendeth his son Solomon to them. 1. Paral. 28. knew to be most resolute and virtuous. He appointed also surueiros, who should have the charge of the treasure, of the burroughs and fields, and of the cattle (whose names in mine opinion it were unnecessary to declare.) After that every one of these things were in this manner disposed, he summoned all the governors of the Hebrews (and in general all those that had any commission over the affairs or domains of the kings) to a general assembly, and seating himself in a high erected throne, he spoke after this manner. My brethren and countrymen, I am desirous that you should know, that having determined with myself to build a temple unto God, I have made provision of a great quantity of gold and silver, the sum whereof amounteth to a hundredth thousand talents: but God by the Prophet Nathan hath forbidden me to build the same, by reason of your wars, and for that my hand hath been soiled with the slaughter of enemies, and hath commanded that my son (who shall succeed me in my kingdom) shall erect a temple unto him. Now therefore since you are ascertained that amongst the twelve sons of jacob, juda, by the general consent of them all, obtained the principality; & that I amongst my six brethren have been preferred & placed by God in the kingdom, and notwithstanding no one of them supposeth himself to be injured: so do I also request that Solomon having obtained the empire, my other sons, neither in respect of him, nor amongst themselves nourish any unnatural hatreds and seditions, but knowing that he is chosen by God, they may willingly subject themselves to his dominion. For whereas if God so pleaseth, it is not to be misliked to submit ourselves to foreign subjection, how much more are ye bound to congratulate and favour your brother no otherwise, then if you were partakers of the same honours with him? Truly I desire nothing more than that God's promises may be brought to effect, and that that felicity which attendeth this region (under the government of Solomon) may presently be dispersed, & perpetually endure in this country: Which without doubt will so fall out, and all things shall happily succeed, if thou my son be a maintainer of piety and justice and the ancient laws, and ordinances of thy progenitors, otherwise if these be neglected, there is no other thing to be expected but mortality and misery. After he David giveth his son the model of the Temple had finished these sayings, he gave his son the plot and model of the building of the Temple, with all the foundations both of the houses and chambers, together with the number, height and breadth of the same. he also limited the weight of those vessels that were to be fashioned either of gold or of silver, exhorting him to employ all his care and diligence in performance of the same. He encouraged likewise the governors and the tribe of Levi to assist him, both for that his years had not as yet obtained their ripe maturity, as also for that by God's divine providence he was admitted and elected king, and was appointed to build the temple, assuring them that the building would be very easy and no ways laborious; considering that he had prepared a great number of talents of gold, and far more of silver, and wood, besides a great multitude of carpenters and hewers of stone, a great quantity likewise of Emeralds, and other sorts of precious stones. Lastly, he told them that now also for the present, he would bestow on them to that use, other three thousand talents of pure gold, out of his own treasury to adorn the holy place, and The princes of the people gave a huge sum of gold silver, brass & precious stones towards the building of the Temple. the chariot of God, and the Cherubims, that should stand upon the Ark, and cover it with their wings. Now when the king had spoken after this manner, all the governors, priests and Levites according together, showed a great readiness, and made many signal and heroical offers. For they tied themselves to bring five thousand talents of gold and ten thousand stateres; of silver a hundredth thousand, and of iron many thousand talents; and if any one of them had a precious stone, he brought it and delivered it to the treasurers custody, who was called jalus, being one of Moses posterity. This thing highly contented all the people, and David (seeing the affection and readiness of the governors and priests, and in general of all the rest) began to bless God with a loud voice, calling him the creator and father of this whole world, the fashioner both of divine and human things, and the precedent and governor of the Hebrews, and their felicity and The year of the world 2931. before Christ's birth 1033. the kingdom by him committed unto him. After this, he prayed for all the people that they might be bountifully blessed, and privately he besought God to give his son a good and just mind, furnished and adorned with all virtue. He commanded the people likewise to sing praises unto God: which they performed, and prostrated themselves upon the earth, and afterwards gave thanks unto David, for all those benefits they had received during the time of his government. The next day in way of sacrifice unto God, they offered up a thousand calves, a thousand 1 Par. 29. The ●…fices and ●…stiuall solem●…ed upon Salomon's coronation. rams and a thousand lambs for sacrifice and a burnt offering: in way of peace offerings also, they slew many thousand other beasts. The king celebrated a feast all that day with the whole people, and Solomon was anointed with oil the second time, and proclaimed king. Sadoc also was established high priest of all the people, and Solomon was conducted into the king's house, and placed in his father's throne, and from that day forward they obeyed him. CHAP. XII. The death of David, and how much he left his son towards the building of the temple. NOt long time after this, David fell sick thorough age, and knowing that he should depart Hedio & Ruffinus ch 16. 3. Reg. 2. David's last counsel to Solomon. out of this world, he called for Solomon his son, and spoke unto him after this manner following. My son, I must now depart and sleep with my fathers, and enter the common way, which both they that now live, and those which come after shall tract; from whence we may not return, neither behold and revisit those things that are done in this life. For which cause, whilst I yet live and draw onward to my death, I earnestly exhort thee (as heretofore I have counseled thee) that thou behave thyself justly towards thy subjects, and devoutly towards God, that hath honoured thee with this kingdom; charging thee to keep his precepts and laws which he hath given us by Moses, and to take heed lest either surprised by flattery, or misled by favour, or seduced by covetousness or any other sinister affection, thou be drawn to neglect and forsake the same: for thou canst by no means continue in God's favour, except thou keep his laws, for otherwise he will withdraw his providence from thee. But if in such sort as it becometh thee and we wish, thou behavest thyself towards him, thou shalt continue the kingdom in our family; and no other house at any time but our own, shall obtain the dominion over the Hebrews. Remember likewise the iniquity of joab, who thorough emulation David willeth Solomon to punish joab. slew two good and just generals, Abner the son of Ne'er, and Amasa the son of jethram: punish him according as thou thinkest meet, for that hitherto he hath escaped punishment, by reason he was stronger and more powerful than myself. I commend also unto thee the sons of Berzillai the Galaadite, whom for my sake advance to honour, and adorn with dignities: not in bestowing David commendeth Berzillai sons to Solomon. How Simei should be punished. any benefits on them, but in repaying those courtesies I have received, which their father with a liberal hand bestowed upon me during the time of my banishment, and for which he made us indebted to him. As touching Semei the son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin, who during the time of my flight, and at such time as I retired myself into my camp, injured me with great outrages, and afterwards came out to meet me near unto jordan, and took assurance of me, that for that time I should not punish him; at this present seek you after him and do justice upon him. After he had thus exhorted his son, and had communicated with him all his affairs, both as touching his friends, as those also whom he thought worthy of punishment, he gave up the The years of the age and reign together with the virtues of David. ghost (after he had lived seventy years, and reigned in Hebron a City of juda for the space of seven years and a half, & thirty three in jerusalem over the whole nation.) He was a just man, adorned with all virtue, requisite in a king that should have the government of so many nations. For he was valiant beyond comparison, and in those battles which he fought for his subjects: he was the first that thrust himself into danger, and exhorted his soldiers to behave themselves valiantly, not commanding them like their governor, but travailing and fight with them as their fellow soldier. He was sufficient both in knowledge and foresight, both how to accept of the present, and how to manage his future occasions: he was moderate, and just, courteous, and favourable to those that were afflicted, and both just and gentle, which are those ornaments wherewith princes ought to be beautified: and in this great authority wherein he was placed, he stepped not any ways awry, but in respect of Viras' wife. He left as much or rather more riches behind him, they any other king of the Hebrews, or other nations had done. His son Solomon buried him most royally in jerusalem, with all those ceremonies which were accustomed in royal obsequies, The year of the world, 2923 before Christ's birth 10●…. The sumptuous sepulchre of David. Hircanus ta●…th a huge sum of money out of David's tomb. Herode spoileth David's sepulchre. & amongst other things he buried a great and huge value of riches with him, the incredible estimate whereof may be conjectured by that which followeth. For one thousand three hundredth years after, the high Priest Hircanus being besieged by Antiochus surnamed the wicked (who was Demetrius son) & willing to gratify him with some sum of money (to the intent he might levy the siege, and transport his army some otherways) and unable to levy money by any other means, he opened one Cabinet of the monuments of David, from whence he drew three thousand talents which he delivered to Antiochus, and by this means delivered the City from the siege (as we have declared in an other place.) And again a long time after this, Herod also opened an other Cabinet, from whence he took out a great sum. And as touching the tombs of Princes no man defaced them, because they were most magnificently builded, for fear lest they should be esteemed destroyers of monuments. But for the present it sufficeth that I have certified thus much. THE EIGHTH BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 8. book. 1 How Solomon obtaining the kingdom, expelled his enemies. 2 Of the riches, prudence and wisdom of Solomon, and how first of all he builded the Temple in jerusalem. 3 How Solomon being dead, the people revolted from Roboam his son, and made Hieroboam king of the ten tribes. 4 How Susac king of the Egyptians sacking jerusalem, carried away the riches of that City into Egypt. 5 The war of Hieroboam against Abiam Roboam's son, and the slaughter of his army, and how Bassanes the rooter out of hieroboam's posterity occupied the kingdom. 6 The irruption of the Aethipians into the land of the Hebrews under Asa, and the overthrow of their army. 7 Basans stock being wholly rooted out amongst the Israelites, Zamri ruled in Israel with his son Achab. 8 Adad king of Damascus and Syria, encamping and fight two several times against Achab, is overthrown. 9 Of josaphat king of jerusalem. 10 Achab being provoked to war by the Sryans is overcome and slain in the battle. CHAP. I. How Solomon obtaining the kingdom expulsed his enemies. WE have declared in the former Book what David was, how great his The rear of the world. 2931. before Christ birth 1033. 3. Reg. 2. Solomon king of Israel after David's death. virtue hath been, what profits and benefits those of his nation received by him, what wars and battles he worthily exploited, and how happily at last (through extremity of age) he departed out of this life. But after that Solomon his son (being at that time very young) had obtained the kingdom, and was placed in his father's throne (according as David had determined, and the divine power had decreed) the whole people (according to the common course in the election of new Princes) with happy acclamations wished him perpetual felicity in all his affairs, and after his well governed estate and royalty, long, many & prosperous years. But Adonias, who during his father's life time thought to possess and seize himself of the royal estate, came unto the king's mother, and with The year of the world, 2931. before Christi Nativity, 1033. all humility & reverence saluted her. To whom Bethsabe said, that if there were anything wherein she might stead him, he should manifest it unto her, and that she would grant it him willingly. Whereupon he began to say, that it was a thing very well known that the kingdom appertained unto him, both in regard of his age, as also in respect of the favour and good liking of the people: but since that it had been transferred unto Solomon her son by the will of God, he was content therewith, and would be his servant, being very glad of the fortunate success of his affairs. He therefore besought her that she would solicit Solomon in his behalf, and persuade him to give him Abisace to wife, who had slept with David, for that he had not had any carnal Adonias requireth Abisace to wife. company with her by reason of his age, and that as yet she was fully possessed of her virginity. Bethsabe promised him to further his suit to the utmost of her power, and willingly to employ her self toward the accomplishing of the marriage, both for that the king was willing to gratify her in whatsoever she should desire; as also for that she would instantly entreat him: so that he departed from her with assured hope of good success in respect of his marriage. Hereupon presently did Bethsabe address herself to the king, intending to certify him both what Adonias had requested, and what she had granted. When tidings came to Solomon that his mother came to visit him, he went out to meet her, and embraced her, & afterwards conducting her into the place where the royal treasure was, he sat him down, and commanded his servants to place a seat on his right hand, for his mother, who settled by him spoke unto him after this manner. My son, vouchsafe me one favour that I shall request at thy hands, and send me not hence discontended, and confused thorough thy refusal. Solomon answered her, that she should command him, by reason that duty tied him to the satisfaction and favour of his mother's suits, reproving her for that insinuation she had used, by reason that thereby she evidently expressed that she was not thoroughly assured to obtain her demand; but that she feared the refusal and repulse in the same: she therefore required him to give the Damsel Abisace for wife to Adonias his brother. The King displeased at this her suit dismissed his mother, alleging that Adonias hammered high thoughts in his head, & that he wondered that in requiring Abisace to wife, he had not requested Solomon likewise to give him place in the kingdom: for Adonias was elder than he, and had more mighty friends than he had; namely the general joab and the high Priest Abiathar. For which cause he incontinently sent Banaia captain of his guard to kill Adonias his brother. Then calling unto him the Adonias is slain. Abiathar is dispossessed of the priesthood high Priest Abiathar: The pains (said he) that thou hast endured by accompanying my father David, and attending and bearing the Ark with him, make thee escape from death: yet notwithstanding for that thou hast been an assistant to Adonias, and followed his faction, I condemn thee to depart from my presence, charging thee not to see my face any more, but to retire thyself to thine own house, and there to live in thy country until thou hast ended thy days: for having in this sort neglected me, it is not convenient that thou shouldest be in honour with me. For this cause was the house of Ithamar deprived of the priestly dignity (according as God had foreprophecied to Eli one of the ancestors of Abiathar) and translated to the race of Phinees, and established in Sadoc. Those of the race of Phinees, who led a private life all that time that the Priesthood remained in the family of Ithamar (whereof Eli was the first) were these, Boccias the The genealogy of the high Priest Sadoc. son of joseph, joatham the son of Boccias, Maraeoth the son of joatham, Aropha the son of Maraeoth, Achitob the son of Aropha, Sadoc the son Achitob, who was the first high Priest under king David. joab having tidings of the death of Adonias was seized with sudden and extreme fear: for he loved him more than king Solomon, and by reason of that friendship which he bore unto him, he justly and upon good grounds apprehended his own danger, and in this respect he fled unto the altar, hoping in that place to be secured in regard of that reverence which the king bore unto God. But when joabs resolution was made known unto the king, he sent Banaia unto him with commission to bring him from the altar, and to conduct him to the judgement seat, that he might in that place justify his actions: But joab said that he would never abandon the Temple, but that he had rather die in that place than in another. When Banaia had certified the king of this his answer, he commanded him to cut off his head in the same place, according as he required, and that in that sort he should be punished by reason of the two murders, which he had cursedly committed upon the persons of Abner and Amasa: commanding that his body should be buried in the same place, to the end that his sins should never depart from his race, and that both David and Solomon might be held guiltless of the death of joab. This command of his Banaia joab is slain, Banaia is substituted in his place. executed, and was afterward made general of all the men of war. Moreover the king established Sadoc solely in the place of Abiathar whom he had deposed. He commanded Semei also The year of the world 29●…1. before Christ's Nativity. 1033. Sadoc obtaineth Abiathars place in the Priesthood. Simeys punishment and death. to build him a house in jerusalem, and to keep himself therein, without passing the flood of Cedron: for if he chanced to break that commandment, the penalty which he should incur, should be no less than death; and to the more serious performance of this his injunction, he tied him by a solemn oath. Semei thanked Solomon for the charge he had imposed on him, and swore that he would fulfil the same: so that forsaking his own country he came and dwelled in jerusalem, where after he had sojourned for the space of three years, it happened that he had news that two of his fugitive slaves had fled, and retired themselves in Geth: whereupon he went to find them out, and no sooner returned he back again with them, but that the king had intelligence that he had neglected his commandment; and that which is more, that he had broken that oath which he made unto God: wherewith he was wroth. For which cause calling him unto him, he spoke after this manner: Hast thou not sworn (said he) that thou wilt no ways abandon or issue out of this City to depart into an other? Truly thou shalt not escape the penalty of thy perjury, but I will see justice done upon thee for the same, and for those outrages thou didst offer unto my father during his flight, at which time thou didst show thyself to be a wicked man in all things: to the end that thou mayest understand that the wicked receive no privilege, although that their punishments be for the present deferred, but at such time as they suppose themselves to be assured (because they have suffered no punishment) their punishment is augmented and made more grievous, than it had been if they had presently been executed for their offences. Whereupon Banaia slew Semei, according as he was commanded. From that day forward Solomon Hedio & Ruffinus chap. 2. 3. Reg 3. Solomon marrieth the king of Egypt's daughter, and establisheth the kingdom. had his royal estate secured, and after that his enemies had received condign punishment, he took to wife the daughter of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and afterwards builded the walls of jerusalem, far greater and more stronger than they were before: and all the rest of his life, he governed his commonweal in peace; so that his youthly years hindered him not from the observation of justice, and the maintenance of laws, neither excluded the remembrance of that which his father had charged him at the hour of his death: but behaving himself in all things exactly, he executed the affairs of his kingdom with that circumspection, that such, as excelled him in years and were advanced in prudence, could not surpass him. CHAP. II. Of the wisdom, prudence, and riches of Solomon, and how first of all he builded the Temple in jerusalem. AS soon as he came to Hebron, he determined to pay his vows unto God, on that brazen altar which was erected by Moses, and sacrificed thereon in burnt offerings a thousand God appeareth to Solomon by night in a dream and willeth him to ●…ke that which most of all he desired. head of cattle; which honourable devotion of his was most acceptable unto God. For the very same night, after he had appeared unto him in a dream, he commanded him to ask whatsoever blessing (as he imagined) sufficient to recompense this his piety. But Solomon required a most high and excellent thing, which God doth most liberally bestow, and men in like sort very happily receive. For he demanded neither gold nor silver, nor any otherkind of riches (such as a youthly man would require) for these are only affected by the common sort, when the other are only worthy of the divine magnificence: But give me (said he) O Lord a ripe judgement and a good understanding, to the intent that by these means, I may administer justice to this people with truth and equity. With this demand of his God was greatly delighted, and promised Solomon requireth wisdom at God's hands who with it giveth him riches and honours also. him to give him all other things whereof he had made no mention, namely riches and glory, and above all these such an understanding and wisdom, as no one man either king or private hath had before him. Moreover, that he would continue the kingdom in his family for many ages, if so be that he continued in the ways of justice, and obeyed God in all things, and walked in his father's ways in imitating his chiefest virtues. After that Solomon had received these blessings from God, and was made happy by these promises, he forsook his bed, and worshipping God returned unto jerusalem, where he offered great sacrifices before the Tabernacle; and magnifically feasted all those of his household. About the same time a very difficult judgement was brought him to decide, the resolution whereof, was very hard to be discovered. And I have thought it necessary to declare the occasions whereon at that present the debate was grounded, to the end that the readers may understand the difficulty of the cause in question, and that if they happen at any time to be assistant in such like affairs, they might draw as it were from the counterfeit of this king's wisdom, a perfect model whereby they may directly shape an answer to such demands as shall be offered them The year of the world. 2931. before the Nativity of Christ. 1033. Two women accuse one an other for ●…chaunge of their children. Two women of loose and lustful conversation came unto him, one of which (who seemed to have suffered the injury) began after this manner: I, O king (said she) and this woman dwell together in one chamber; but so it fortuned that both of us on one day and at the same hour, bore each of us a son: some three days after we were brought a bed, this woman lying by her infant, hath in sleep overlaid it and stifled it, and hath taken my child from between my knees and laid it by her, and settled the dead child whilst I slept, in my bosom. Now on the morrow when I thought to offer the teat unto mine infant, I found not mine own, but perceived that her child lay dead by me: for I knew it, because I had exactly marked it. This my child I have redemanded at her hands, and because I could not recover it, I have made my recourse unto your majesties justice, O king: for in that we were sole women, and she is obstinate and feareth not to be convicted by any, she persisteth in her obstinate denial of the same. After the king had heard this her demand, he inquired of the other if she had any thing to answer unto this accusation. But she denying the act, and averring that the child which remained alive, was hers; and that the dead one appertained to the other: and besides that, since no man appeared that might determine the controversy, but all the assistance were amazed at the obscurity and difficulty of the debate; the king at last bethought him of this policy. He commanded that both the children should be brought before his presence, as well the living, as the dead; and calling one of his guard Solomon commandeth both the children▪ to be divided into two parts. unto him, he commanded him with his naked sword, to cut both the children into two parts, to the intent that both of them might take the half of the living, & the other half of the dead child. This sentence of his was secretly condemned by all the people, accounting it very childish. In the mean time the true mother began to exclaim, and desire that the matter might not pass so far, but rather that they should give the whole child that was alive, unto the other: for that it sufficed her, so as she might see him live, that he might be supposed to be an others. The adverse part offered Solomon by the speech and gesture of the women discovereth the true mother. herself to behold the division of the infant: and moreover required that the true mother should be punished. But the King conjecturing by the discourse both of the one, and of the other, which of their meanings was most unfeigned; adjudged the infant unto her that cried first, (for that in equity she was the true mother) and condemned the wickedness of the other, who had murdered her own child, and laboured as much as in her lay to procure the death of her companions innocent infant. All the people took this judgement for an assured proof and sign of the king's prudence and wisdom; and from that time forwards they respected and honoured him as one that was endowed with a divine spirit. The chiesetaines and governors under him thorough all the kingdom were these: Vri governed the country of Ephraim, wherein Salomon's governors and captains. was comprised the rule of Bethleem. Aminadab commanded over the quarter of Dura, and the sea coast, and had espoused the daughter of Solomon. The great plain was subjecteth to Banaia the son of Achila, who governed likewise all the country that extended towards jordan. Gabar 3. Reg 4. commanded the Galaadites and Gaulonites; as far as the mountain Libanus, and had under him sixty great cities, and forts. Achinadab governed all Galilee as far as Sidon, and had espoused also one of Salomon's daughters called Basima: Banacat had the country that confineth the sea near to the City of Arce: Saphat, the mountains Itabyr and Carmel, and the land of Galilee as far as jordan: Sonbeia governed the whole land of the Beniamites: Tabar had all the gouernmen●… 〈◊〉 the other side of jordan, and was elected governor general over them all. Thus about this time did the Hebrews wonderfully increase in riches, and the tribe of juda waxed opulent, by reason that the people addicted themselves wholly to the tilling, and manuring of their lands. For their peace was under such assurance, that being distracted by no warlike tumults, and besides that fruitfully enjoying a most desired liberty, they especially intended this The happy peace of the Israelites in Salomon's time. thing only, to increase their private and particular estates. The king also had other governors who ruled the Syrians, and commanded other strange nations, which are extended from Euphrates as far as Egypt, who gathered the tribute of those nations for the king. These Barbarians every day furnished the king for his own table and the maintenance of his household, with Salomon's daily expenses. thirty Cores of fine flower, and sixty of the courser: ten fat oxen, and twenty grass beeves, with a hundredth fat lambs. All which things besides venison and buffalles taken in chase, birds, and fish were furnished daily by the Barbarians to serve the king's household. He had likewise a great number of chariots, so that he had forty thousand mangers wherein his coach horses fed; Salomon's chariots and horsemen. and besides these he had twelve thousand horsemen, half whereof kept always about the king in jerusalem, the rest were billeted in divers villages belonging to the king, and remained there. And they that had the charge to furnish the king's expenses, provided likewise necessary provender for the horses, conveying it to that place wheresoever the king sojourned. But so great was The year of the world. 2931. before Christ's Nativity 1033. Salomon's prudence and wisdom. the wisdom and prudence which God had bestowed upon Solomon, that he surpassed all his progenitors: and the Egyptians likewise, who are esteemed the wisest of all men, were far behind him in wit. For he excelled all those that in that time were in the greatest account amongst the Hebrews, whose names I will not omit; and these they were, Ethan, Eman, Chalt, and Dodan the son of Imaon. He composed also a thousand and five hundredth books of odes and canticles, and thirty thousand books of Parables and Similitudes: for to every kind of plant he alluded his parable from Hyssop, unto the Cedar. The like did he of all living creatures that feed on the earth, swim in the waters, or fly in the air; for none of their natures was he ignorant of: Salomon's method in conjuration whereby he cast out devils. The author in this place abuseth the gifts of God bestowed on Solomon in extending them to those arts which are sorbidden by the express word of God. A jew casteth out devils. neither had he omitted to search the faculties in particular; but examined & discoursed on them all, and had an inward speculation and knowledge of their several and secret properties. He obtained also by inspiration the art of Magic, for the profit and health of men, and the exorcising and casting out of devils: for he devised certain incantations, whereby the diseased are cured, and left the method of conjuration in writing, whereby the devils are enchanted and expelled; so that never more they dare return: And this kind of healing to this day, is very usual amongst those of our nation. For I saw a certain popular and private man amongst the Hebrews, in the presence of Vespasian, his sons, tribunes, and other soldiers, that cured divers that were possessed. And the manner of his cure was this: He applied to the nose of the Demoniac a ring, under the seal whereof, was a root of those things that Solomon had declared, which drew the devil out of the nostrils of the sick, as soon as he smelled the root: and as soon as the man was fallen, he adjured him never more to return, intermixing some mention of Solomon, and rehearsing those incantations that were invented by him. After this, the said Eleazar being desirous to show unto them that were present, the efficacy of his art, he set a pot or pitcher of water not far from the place where the possessed stood, and commanded the devil at such time as he forsook the man to overturn the pot, and thereby to give a sign unto the assistants that he had forsaken the possessed: which act of his manifestly declareth how great the science and wisdom of Solomon was. For which cause I thought good in this place to make mention thereof, that the worthy nature of this king might be known unto all men, and how beloved he was of God, and how surpassing in all kinds of virtue. When Hiram king of tire understood that Solomon succeeded his father in the kingdom, he was glad thereof (for he was David's friend) for which cause he sent messengers unto him to salute him, and to congratulate with him of that good which had happened unto him, by whom Solomon returned an answer in these terms. Solomon to Hiram the king: Know thou, that my father having a will to build a temple unto God; hath been withdrawn from the performance thereof, by the continual hiram's ambassadors to Solomon. wars and troubles he hath had: for he never took rest before he either had defeated his enemies, or made them tributaries unto him. For mine own part, I thank God for the peace which I possess, and for that by the means thereof, I have opportunity (according to mine own desire) to build a temple unto God: for he it is that foretold my father that this house should be builded during my reign. For which cause I pray you send some one of your skilfullest men with my servants to the wood Libanus, to hew down trees in that place: for the Sidonians are more skilful in 3. Reg 5. Solomon requireth carpenters and workmen from Hiram. hewing and preparing timber then our people are, and I will pay the cleavers of wood according to your direction. When Hiram had read this letter, he was very glad to p●…e the contents of the same, and wrote back again unto him to this effect. The king Hiram unto king Solomon: Thou hast cause to thank God, in that he hath delivered thy father's kingdom into thy hands, to thee I say, who art a man wise and full of virtue. For which cause since no news can come unto me more gracious, nor office of love more esteemed than this, I will accomplish all that thou requestest: for after I have caused a great quantity of Cedar and Cyprus wood to be cut down, I will send it thee by sea by my servants, whom I will Hiram promiseth Solomon wood, and in steed thereof requireth corn. command (and furnish with convenient vessels of burden) to the end they may deliver the same, in what place of thy kingdom it shall best please thee, that afterwards thy subjects may transport them to jerusalem. You shall provide to furnish us with corn, whereof we stand in need, because we inhabit an Island. The copies are yet at this day kept, not only by those of that nation, but also by the Tyrians: so that if any man desire exactly to know that they be, let him search the public records of the Tyrians, and he shall find in them matters accordant to that we have said. All which I say, to that end that the readers might be assured, that I outstrip not the truth in any sort, and that I insert not in this history matters that are merely apparent & deceitful, and only fashioned for delight; neither fear I that any man shall examine my writings; neither desire I likewise that every The year of the world. 2931. before Christ's birth 1033. The truth of Joseph's history man give credit at the first sight to the same, or that I be held blameless in suffering myself any ways to vary or unproperly dilate aught in this history: but chose if I cannot approve the truth by demonstration, and sufficient testimonies, I desire not to be allowed. As soon as Solomon had received these letters from the King of the Tyrians, he praised his facility and benevolence, and presently sent him that which he demanded: every year therefore he sent him two thousand Cores of wheat, and the like number of Bads of oil (this Bad containeth seventy and The king sendeth H●… great quantity of wheat, oil, and wine. two sextaries.) He gave him also the like measure of wine. From that time forward the friendship betwixt Hiram and Solomon increased more and more, so that both of them protested that it should continue for ever. The king imposed on his people the tribute of thirty thousand workmen, whom he gave in charge to travel continually, and distributed them very discreetly. He ordained that ten thousand of them should cut wood in Libanus for the space of one month; and that then they should rest two months; returning every man unto his own dwelling place: until such time as the twenty thousand had in their turn accomplished the task in the time that was prefixed unto them, and then the first 10000 renewed their work, & followed the same in The order of the carpenters in Libanus. the fourth month. Ador●… was constituted superintendant over this tribute. Besides these, there were 70000. men appointed to carry stones & wood, who were the inhabitants of that country, which David had left. There were four score thousand hewers of stone, over whichwere 3200. commissaries: these had the king commanded to cut the greatest stones to make the foundations of the temple, which after they had hewed and prepared in the mountain, he commanded should be The order of the malons and other workmen. drawn and brought into the City, and not only commanded he his countrymen to perform this, but those workmen also that were sent him by Hiram. Solomon began this building in the fourth year of his reign, in the second month which the Hedio & Ruffinus ch 9 3. Reg. 6. Macedons call Artemisium, and the Hebrews jar; five hundredth ninety and two years after the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt; one thousand and twenty years, since the arrival of Abraham in Mesopotamia; one thousand four hundredth and forty years after the Deluge: And since Adam the first man until Solomon (who builded the Temple) all the years that are passed, have been three thousand one hundredth and two. But the beginning of the building of the Temple happened in the eleventh year of the reign of Hiram, who governed in tire, and When the building of the temple began. The depth of the foundations of the temple. since the first time that tire began to be inhabited until the said building of the temple, there passed two hundredth and forty years. The king therefore laid the foundations of the Temple, and made a most deep trench, and fortified it with most strong stones, which might be able to resist all the injuries of time. These stones were so closely joined the one unto the other, that for the strength of the foundations, they might serve to make the base and ground, both to fortify the work, as also to sustain that which should be builded thereupon, either for embellishment or weight of the charge: neither could the foundations be of less strength and hugeness, which were to sustain a sumptuous pile of that height, greatness, magnificence and ornament. The walls were made of white stone, and continued of the same matter even until the roof. The height of the Temple was sixty cubits, and the length as much, and the breadth twenty. Over that was another edifice, having the like dimensions; so that the whole height of the Temple was sixscore The height, length, and breadth of the temple. The porch before the temple. The cells which were builded in the circuit of the temple. cubits: and the entry thereof was to the Eastward. The porch that gave entry thereinto had twenty cubits in length (which was the breadth of the Temple) and in breadth ten cubits: and the height thereof was of sixscore cubits. About the Temple were builded thirty celles, which environed the circuit of the same on the outside, and served to sustain all the edifice; for that they were of that number, and passable the one into the other. The entries were made after the same manner, from whence a man might easily pass from the one to the other. Every one of these Cells had twenty and five cubits in breadth, and as many in length, and twenty in height: and above them there were other builded: and others likewise above these of like number, & dimension; so that they were almost as high as the other buildings. Over these there were no buildings, only this, they were covered with Cedar: Every Celestina had his cover apart, & had no dependence on the other roofs. The rest of the building of the temple was covered with long beams, mortized the one within the other, which sustained the whole: so that the walls being in this manner fastened the one unto the other, were the more stronger. To these beams were there fastened certain roofs of the same stuff, which were curiously polished, carved and guilded. The walls on the inside The beams and walls beautified with gold. were covered with Cedar planks intermixed with gold: so that all the Temple shined, and the burnished gold lightened, and dazzled their eyes that entered into the Temple. All the whole building of the Temple was most artificially made of stones most exactly carved, and most closely and cunningly joined together: so that they that curiously pried into the same, could not any ways observe any stroke of the hammer, nor other workman's tool, but all the whole mass seemed The year of the 〈◊〉, 2933 before Christ's birth 1031. to be a natural, and no artificial frame; and rather gathered in that place of itself, then garnished by the hands of cunning workmen. As touching the ascent into the higher part of the Temple, the king in that sort devised it, that in the thickness of the wall he included a pair of winding stairs to that purpose. This part had not a great gate towards the Eastward as the lower had, but in the sides there were little doors made: All the whole temple both within & without was Winding stairs. covered with Cedar planks, tied together with strong chains to fortify and strengthen the same. The Temple inwardly was divided into two parts, the one whereof contained the sanctum sanctorum, of twenty cubits (which was unaccessible) the rest of the space, of forty cubits, was consecrated to the use of the Priests. And in the midst of the wall made he two gates of Cedar, enriched The temple divided into two parts. with store of gold, & divers curious carved works, & hung them with tapestry: wherein were embroidered divers flowers of hyacinth, purple, & scarlet intermingled with most pure, white & delicate linen. He placed also upon the holy of holiest (which was 20. cubits broad, & as many long, 2. Cherubims of massy gold, each one five cubits high, & each of them had two wings that were spread 5. cubits broad, by which means they were not far distant the one from the other, but that the one of Two cherubims. their wings touched the southern wall of their sacred place, & the other the northern wall: the other wings that touched one an other, served for a cover for the Ark which was placed between them both. But what the figure of the Cherubins was it is impossible to express: he made the pavement The pavement gates and all other things in the temple beautified with gold. of the Temple also, of plates of beaten gold. To the gate of the Temple also he fastened convenient doors 20. cubits high, answerable in height to the wall, & covered with plates of gold. In a word, he left not one place either within or without the Temple, that was not garnished with gold: he likewise adorned the outside of the gates as he had done the inside. But the gate of the porch had no such ornament. After this Solomon sent unto Hiram king of tire for one, who was a cunning workman called Vram, the son of a woman of the line of Nephthali; and of Urias the Israelite. Solomon sendeth to Hiram for Vram a cunning workman. This man had great knowledge in all kind of works, but his especial excellency was in working gold, silver and brass, who made all that which concerned the Temple, according as the king commanded. He made two pillars of brass four fingers thick, and eighteen cubits high, and twelve in the circumference: on the chapters of each of them, he planted a founded lily of five cubits in height, which he environed with certain grates made of brass after the 3. Reg. 7. manner of interlaced nets, which covered the lilies on each side, of which there hung down two hundredth pomegranates in two ranks. These pillars placed he in the entrance of the porch, the one on the right hand called jachin, the other on the left called Boz. He founded also the brazen sea made after the manner of a Hemisphere, & this vessel was called the sea, by reason of the hugeness thereof. For it was a laver that by measured line was ten cubits broad, the thickness of a hand; the midst thereof was sustianed with a pillar ten times twisted, whose bigness was a cubit. This laver A vessel called the brazen sea. was sustained by twelve heifers, which by three & three were placed directly opposite against the quarters of the four winds: and the hindermost part of these heifers were set somewhat stooping, to the end that this round and ample vessel might be the more surely supported by them. This sea contained three thousand Bads. He made also ten brazen bases four square, for the laver, each one in length five cubits, in breadth four, in height three, thus were the parts of this Ten brazen bases of the laver. work severally fashioned. There were four little pillars square, and erected at every corner one, in which the sides of the bases were adjoined, and divided into three sorts, according to the place distinguished between the joints, with Images, here a Lion, there a Bull, and in an other place an Eagle. The pillars likewise were adorned with the same engraving: and all this whole work hung upon four wheels, which were made of cast work, which had certain naves or spokes a cubit and a half in the Diameter: and it was a wonderful thing to see the circumferences of them, how cunningly they were wrought, and properly settled to the sides of the bases by their naves, or strakes. They were thus made: the corners or angles on the upper part were sustained by certain shoulders made after the manner of extended hands, on which was there placed a spire, to which the laver was fastened, being upheld by the paws of a Lion, and an Eagle, which were fashioned & so properly united, that they that beheld them would have supposed them rather to be natural creatures, than otherwise: and betwixt them also there were certain palm trees figured. Such was the composition of the ten laver. Moreover he made ten other brazen laver after the manner of a round cockle shell, each of which contained forty Choes: for they were in height four Ten round laver. cubits, and from brim to brim there were likewise four cubits: which laver he placed upon ten bases or feet called Mechonoth, five of which stood on the left side of the Temple, that extended to the northward, the other five on the right hand toward the southward, yet so as they affronted the East. Here likewise placed he the sea full of water, to the intent that the priests entering into the temple, might wash their hands and feet before they went up unto the The year of the world. 2933. before the Nativity of Christ. 1031. The use of the sea, and the other ten laver. The Altar and vessels appertaining to the same. altar. The other laver served to wash the inwards and feet of those beasts that were sacrificed. He bu●…lded, likewise a brazen altar of twenty cubits long, and as many in breadth, and ten in height, to offer burnt offerings thereon. He made likewise all the vessels that belonged thereunto of brass, as kettloes, water pots, hooks and forks, and such like, that in brightness equalled the pure gold. The king also dedicated many tables, and amongst these, one great one of gold (on which the sacred bread was laid) the rest not far inferior, yet made after divers manners, held ewers and platters of gold, to the number of twenty thousand; and of silver forty thousand. He made likewise ten thousand candlesticks (according as Moses had commanded) whereof one he dedicated in the temple, that according to the law it might give light there in the day time. He made a table also, on which the loaves of bread were laid, on the north side of the temple hard by the candlestick, which was placed towards the southward. The altar of gold was planted betwixt them both. All which things were enclosed in that part of the temple that contained forty The Table of sac●…ed bread. The candlestick. The cups and vials. The bowls. The censors. cubits, before the tapestry of the holy of holiest, where the Ark should be placed. The king also caused fourscore thousand pots, and a hundredth thousand ewers of gold, and twice as many of silver, to be made; and fourscore thousand plates of gold, and twice so many of silver, to offer the kneaded flower in them upon the altar; and threescore thousand cups of gold, and twice so many of silver, to lay the flower mingled with oil thereon; and two thousand measures of gold, and twenty thousand of silver, resembling a Hin or an Epha of Moses. Twenty thousand of Censors also all of gold, wherein the perfume was burnt, to hollow the temple: & other censors likewise in which they carried fire from the great altar, and laid it on the lesser which was within the temple, to the number of fifty thousand. He prepared also a thousand vestments for the use of Priest●… garmē●… the priests, with their surcots, heads, pectorals, and with their precious ouches, notwithstanding there was but one crown wherein Moses had written the name of God, which hath continued even until this day. He made also ten thousand stoales for the priests of fine linen, with scarlet Instruments of music. girdles; for every one of them, two hundredth thousand trumpets according to the ordinance of Moses, & forty thousand instruments of music to record and praise God with (as the psaltery; and harp of a mixed matter, the fifth part gold, and the fourth part silver.) All which Solomon most magnificently prepared for the service of God, sparing no cost, but employing himself to the uttermost of his power, toward the ornament of the temple which he beautified, and endowed with all these treasures. He environed the temple likewise with a certain wall some three cubits high, which in our tongue we call Gison, to exclude the profane multitude, and admit none but the priests only. Without this wall there stood a temple foursquare with great and broad Isles, which The enclosure before the temple. The Fan●…. opened with very great gates, every one according to the quarter of the wind; and the doors thereof were covered with gold. Into this place all the people that were purified might enter, and they likewise that kept the ordinances of Moses. It may not be spoken or scarcely belee●…d, although it were seen, how admirable that exterior temple was: for he filled huge trenches, which by reason of their immeasurable depth, could not be looked down into without vehement apprehension of fear (for they were four hundredth cubits deep) yet notwithstanding he filled The huge trenches where: in the foundation of the temple was laid filled. them, and raised them to the height of the hill, whereon the temple was built; and by this means it came to pass, that the walk without the temple, was equalled with the foundation of the same. This did he begirt with double porches, sustained by pillars of rich stone; the roof whereof were of polished Cedar, and the gates were of Massive silver. After that king Solomon had in seven years finished these so huge, fair, and magnificent buildings, and all the other necessaries which he had bestowed upon the temple, and declared thereby Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4 3. Reg 8. his great riches, and confirmed his readiness to be such, that that which at the first sight might require a man's whole life to finish, he accomplished in few years, in respect of the greatness of the temple: He wrote unto the governors and elders of the Hebrews, commanding them to assemble all the people in jerusalem to behold the temple, and to bring in the Ark of God; and although this assembly was publicly proclaimed; yet scarcely did the people make their appearance Salomon's temple was consecrated in the month of October. in jerusalem before the seventh month, which we call Thuri, and the Macedonians Hyperberete. About this time fell the feast of Tabernacles, which the Hebrews most religiously observe and honour with great festivals. They therefore took the Ark and Tabernacle that Moses had before time made, with all those necessaries which appertained to the divine service, The Ark is carried into the temple. and bore them into the temple. The king and all the people with the Levites marched before, having their cattle ready to sacrifice, and filling the way with offerings, and the blood of divers slaughtered beasts, burning an infinite quantity of perfumes, wherewith the air was filled round about, the sent whereof dispersed itself far and near, to make it known that God would be The year of the world. 2941. before Christ's Nativity 1023. The Priest's place the ark of God in the sanctuary, and in it the tables of stone wherein the ten commandments were written. The candlestick, table, and altar of gold. The b●…asen altar. A cloud in the tabeinacle. present in that new builded and consecrated place (if we may so speak of divine things after a human manner.) Thus ceased they not to sing and dance until they came unto the temple: and after this sort conducted they the Ark. But when as it was to be carried into the holy of holiest, the rest of the multitude departed, and the Priests only placed it under the two Cherubims, who embraced it with their wings, as if it had been covered with a pavilion or some canopy: for they had been expressly fashioned after that manner by the workman. The Ark contained nought else but the two tables of stone, in which were kept in writing the ten commandments pronounced by God on the mount Sinai. For as touching the candlestick, and the table, and altar of gold, he placed them in the temple before the most holy of holiest, in places correspondent to those where they stood, when they were in the Tabernacle. Then offered they the ordinary sacrifices, and placed the brazen altar before the temple near unto the gate: so that when it was opened, the other stood in sight, and a man might see the service and magnificence that was used in the sacrifices. And as touching the other utensils, he gathered them altogether, and placed them in the temple. But after the priests (having given order for all things about the Ark) were departed from thence, suddenly there fell amidst the sanctuary a thick cloud, not pitchy nor such as resembleth winter clouds loaden with rain; but diffused & temperate, which darkened the sight of the priests, so that they saw not one another. But thereby every man's mind was easily induced, and his opinion confirmed, that God was descended into the temple, and willingly dwelled in the same: In effect all men had no other opinion: But king Solomon arising Salomon's prayer unto God. Godimmeasurable. The cause why the temple was builded. God is true in his promises. from his throne wherein he was seated, addressed his prayers unto God, in such words as he thought both to be agreeable to the divine nature, and convenient for him to use: O Lord (said he) thou hast an eternal house, neither are we ignorant that thou hast builded this whole mass of the univers for thyself, which consisteth of heaven, earth, air, & sea: which thou altogether fillest, yet art thou not contained by them. But therefore have we adorned and erected this temple to thy name, to the end that we might offer up our sacrifices & prayers in the same, and send them up to heaven (as a sweet sacrifice) to obtain thy favour, assuring ourselves that thou art here present also, and will't never be absent from this place. For whereas thou seest all things, hearest all things, yet forsakest thou not us all: neither dost thou abandon the place where thou dost worthily inhabit; but rather thou art always near unto all men, but in especial present with those that think on thee day and night. These words spoke he looking upwards towards God, & afterwards addressing himself unto the people, he spoke unto them as touching his power and providence, how he had foretold his father David of all that which should happen, the greater part whereof was already accomplished, and the rest was shortly to succeed. Furthermore, he declared how God himself had given him his name before he was borne, and that it was known how he should be called: and how at such time as he should be king after the decease of his father, he should build him a temple; which things they saw brought to pass according as they were foretold: for which they ought to give God thanks, and not to lose any hope of any of those things that had been promised them, in regard of their happiness, having occasion of belief by the sight of those things which they then beheld. When the King had spoken after this manner unto the people, he turned again and beheld Salomon's prayer, wherein he thanketh God for his benefits, and beseecheth his future protection. the temple, and lifting up his hands towards the people he began thus: It is impossible (said he) for men to yield effectual thanks unto God for those benefits they have received of him: for God (who is more abundant than all men) hath no need of them: But (O Lord) it behoveth us, that since of thy grace thou hast made us more excellent than other living creatures, we should bless and give thanks unto thy majesty, and in especial it concemeth us to honour thee for the benefits thou hast bestowed on our family, & all the Hebrew nation. But with what other means than ought we to appease thee when thou art displeased, and when we are to entertain thy mercy, then by that voice which we draw from the air, and which as we know mounteth back again into the air? I ought therefore first of all to give thee thanks in respect of my father, whom from obscurity thou hast raised to high majesty: next for that thou hast fulfilled all those things which thou hast foreprophessed of me, until this present day; I beseech thee for the time to come to furnish me with those things, that thou mayest give unto men that are dear unto thee, which is, that thou increase our house every way, according as thou hast promised my father David to perform during his life, and at such time as he was near unto his death: namely, that the kingdom should continue in our family, and that his race should multiply in innumerable successions. Bestow thou this benefit upon us, and bequeath unto all mine, that virtue wherein thou takest delight. Moreover I beseech thee that a portion of thy spirit may come and dwell in The year of the world, 2941. before Christ's Nativity, 1023. Solomon humbly beleecheth God that he will protect this temple as his own house. this temple, to the intent that we may understand that thou dwellest upon earth: for not only this temple but the whole heaven, and the depth of things that are under the same, are too little for thy habitation. I beseech thee therefore that it may please thee to continue it for thine own, to the end it may never be destroyed by the enemy, but that thou wilt always have care of it, as of thine own peculiar inheritance. And if it shall so fall out that thy people run astray, and that afterwards being punished by thee, by some punishment of dearth, pestilence, or any such chastisement (by which thou reclaimest those that offend thee to the observation of thy laws) they have recourse unto this temple, assembling, beseeching, and requiring thee of mercy; hear them I beseech thee, as being present in this place, and have compassion on them, and deliver them from their adversities. Neither do I only entreat thee for the Hebrews when they shall He prayeth that ●…angers may be heard a●… 〈◊〉 this place. have offended thee: but if it happen that any one arrive here from any part of the world, of what country soever he be, to demand and require the fruition of this mercy, hear thou him I pray thee, and grant his request: For by this means all men shall know, that it is thy will that thy house should be builded in this place, and that we are not inhuman by nature, but that we have desired that thy help and the communication of thy blessings should be bestowed, not only on those of our nation; but also on all the world. This said, he cast himself flat upon his face, and continued in prayer a long time, and afterwards rising again, he offered sacrifices upon the altar, and having filled the temple with entire offerings, he knew most evidently that God did gratefully account and accept of his oblations: for a fire trilling thorough the air, and lighting upon the altar in the sight of all men, consumed and devoured the sacrifice. When this vision had happened, the people manifestly conjectured that God's abode should be in that temple, & with great A 〈◊〉 from heaven consumeth Salomon's sacrifies. 3. Reg. 8. joy humbled themselves on their faces, and lay prostrate on the pavement. But the king began to praise God, and incited the people to do the like, considering they had already received the testimonies of his mercy, exhorting them to pray that he would be always merciful unto them, and that he would keep them for ever in cleanness & uncorrupt minds, and that they might justly and religiously lead their lives in observing those commandments which he had given them by Moses. For in so doing the people of the Hebrews should prosper and grow more happy, than all the nations of the world. Moreover he exhorted them to keep in their remembrance those means, by which the benefits they possessed had been gotten, assuring them that by the same Solomon exhorteth the people to praise God, and to give him thank, and to pray unto him. they should retain continuance, increase, and multiplication thereof. For they ought to think that they received them not, but for their piety and justice; and that it was all one for men to get that which they wanted, and to keep that which was gotten, without defaulting in any thing. When the king had spoken after this manner unto the people, he dismissed the assembly (having first of all accomplished the sacrifices both for himself and the people, by offering up twelve thousand oxen and sixscore thousand sheep.) For than first of all was the temple imbrued with the blood of the slaughtered sacrifices, and all the Hebrews with their wives and children, were banqueted 3. Reg. 8. Salomon's sacrifices in the dedication of the Temple. The feast of Tabernacles. The king dismisseth the people. therein. The king also feasting with the whole people, celebrated the solemnity of the Tabernacles for the space of fourteen days in great pomp and magnificence. And when as all things were sufficiently performed, and nothing was deficient that concerned the service of God, every one (dismissed by the King) departed to his own dwelling place, giving him hearty thanks for the care he had of them, and for the works he had done for them, praying God that it might please him to grant their king Solomon a long life. And thus they returned home with joy, praising and singing hymns unto God, so that they rid their way, and returned to their families with great pleasure, and without any travel. After than that they had conducted the Ark into the temple, and had beheld the greatness and beauty of the same, and had celebrated 3. Reg. 9 God appeareth again to Solomon, and promiseth him all blessings if he swerved not from his father's precepts. most excellent sacrifices, and made great solemnities, they returned every one unto his City. But a vision that night appeared unto the king during his sleep, which gave him assurance that God had heard his prayer, and that he would keep his temple and dwell in the same for ever, (if so be his posterity and all the people addicted themselves to live virtuously,) promising himself in especial, that if he continued in the observation of those advertisements which his father had prescribed him, he would raise him to the full infinity of felicity, and those of his posterity should obtain the royalty over all the country; & over the tribe of juda: but if he forgot A grievous commination against the Israelites, if they fall from the way of righteousness. the exercises of piety, and exchanged them for the service of strange Gods, he would pluck him up by the roots, without leaving any remainder here to reign after him. Neither should the people of Israel remain unpunished, but should be exterminate by infinite wars and adversities, and be cast out of the country which he had given unto their ancestors, and become banished men, and runagates in a foreign land. And as concerning the Temple which is builded at this The year of the world 2941. before Christ's Nativity. 1023. present, I will (said he) deliver it to the enemies to ransack and burn it, and the City shall be destroyed by the hands of the enemies: and their miseries shall be so notorious thorough the world, and to such extremity shall they be driven, as it shall hardly be believed: so as their neighbours round about them, hearing tidings of their calamities shall be astonished, and shall seek out the cause why the Hebrews are thus hated by God, who before times have been so advanced by him in riches and honours: and they shall understand thereof by those that survive, in hearing them confess their sins; and the transgressions they have committed against the ordinance of their forefathers. These things that were declared unto him in a dream, are registered in the sacred letters. Seven years after the Temple had been thus builded (as it hath been heretofore declared) he began the building of his Palace, which he scarcely finished in thirteen years Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 5. Salomon's palace finished in thirteen years. space (for he was not so intent and earnest in building thereof, as he was in the structure of the temple.) For although the temple were very great and of incredible and marvelous magnificence, yet so it is that God (for whom it was made) assisting the workmen, it was thoroughly finished within the term of the years aforesaid. But the royal Palaces being far lesser than was the temple, were builded more slowly, because the stuff had not been prepared so long time before, neither with so great affection; and the rather, because the palaces that were builded, were not for God, but for kings: Notwithstanding this house was builded very magnificently, according as the wealth of the country and the power of the Hebrew king required. But it shall not be amiss if I declare all the order and disposition of the same house, that by the description thereof the reader may both gather and consider the whole amplitude thereof: It was a great & goodly lodging, sustained by divers pillars, prepared to receive & contain much people at the time of their assemblies, wherein they entreated of affairs and held pleas. It was a hundredth cubits in length, and in breadth fifty, and in height thirty, comprised under sixteen square pillars The haul. The tribunal. covered with Corinthian work, with stairs of the like measure, and carved gates both pleasant for sight, and fit for fortification. In the midst of this space, and hard by the temple, there was another square Pavilion thirty cubits large, sustained with strong pillars, within which there was a magnificent tribunal, on which the king sat to give judgement: unto which there was annexed an other palace prepared for the Queen. All the chambers as well those that were ordinarily in use, as those for recreation after he retired himself from public affairs, were adorned The Queen's house and other palaces of pleasure. The ornaments of Salomon's palace. with planks of carved Cedar, and were builded partly of stone ten cubits square, partly of curious marble, and very rarely and cunningly wrought (such as are wont to adorn Temples and palaces) and are found out by the most curious and cunning Masons. And that which made it more beautiful, were three panes of tapistry, and the fourth admirable for the artificial engraving: for the workmen had made therein trees and plants of divers sorts, shadowed with their Chambers of pleasure with household stuff of gold. branches and leaves, hanging in such sort, that to behold them, a man would have thought that they shook, the workmanship was so exquisite and curious that covered the stone. The rest, as far as the roof, was enchased, and flourished with divers antiques and pictures. Furthermore, he builded other places of pleasure, with very long porches to beautify the palace; amongst which, there was one most magnificent to make banquets and feasts in, which altogether was adorned with gold: and all the necessaries belonging thereto, and to the entertainment of those that banqueted, were of gold. It is a great matter to number the hugeness and variety of these royal lodgings, both greater and lesser, of those that were hidden under the earth, as of those, which being lifted up in the air, did most apparently manifest their beauty: The pleasant 3. Reg. 10. arbours likewise delightful to behold, and most contenting in summer, for that they were covered and warranted from the heat. To speak in a word, all the building was made of white marble, of Cedar, of gold, and of silver, the floors and walls were figured with diversity of flowers and of precious stones, inchaced in gold, after the manner of the Temple of God, which shined with such like ornaments. There was likewise erected a most mighty throne, made in form of a tribunal, with six steps of pure ivory: on each side of which there stood two ramping Salomon's throne made of ivory. 3. Reg. 5. lions, and the like number were placed above. The stage of the Throne was after the form of hands, that laid hold on the king: and he sat upon a half Ox looking backwards: and this throne was all environed with gold. Solomon builded all this that hath been spoken of, in the space of twenty years, being furnished by Hiram king of the Tyrians for these his buildings, with great sums of gold, and far more greater of silver, besides a quantity of Cedar and Pine trees. Solomon also remunerated him, and gave him great presents, and sent him every year sufficient of corn, wine and oil (as The year of the world. 2941. before Christ's birth 1023. Salomon's gratuity to Hiram for the benefits he received. 3. Reg. 9 3. Reg 5. Solomon interpreteth certain hidden questions sent unto him by Hiram. Menander the Historiographer maketh mē●… of Hiran and Solomon. we have heretofore declared) whereof he stood in great need, by reason that his country was an Island. And besides that, he gave him twenty cities in Galilee, not far distant from tire. Hiram having visited them, and not well pleased with them, sent unto Solomon to certify him thereof, that he had no use for his cities: and from that time forward they were called the country of Chebal, which is as much to say in the Phoenician tongue, as Unpleasant. Hiram likewise sent unto Solomon certain mysteries and difficult questions, requiring him to decide the same, and to dissolve those doubts and difficulties that occurred in his demands. Solomon being a man of ripe judgement and understanding, pretermitted none of them; but after he had attained their resolution in his own opinion, and had gathered the sense, he expressed and opened the same. Of these two kings, Menander (who translated the antiquities of the Tyrians out of the Phoenician tongue into the Greek) maketh mention, speaking after this manner. After the decease of Abibale, Hiram his son succeeded him in the kingdom, who lived fifty and three years, and reigned thirty and four. He annexed the field which is called Ample, unto the Island, and dedicated a golden pillar in jupiters' Temple. He also caused a great quantity of wood to be hewed down in the mountain Libanus, to make covers and roofs for temples. For having pulled down some ancient temples, he builded that of Hercules, and that of Astrate, and made this first building of Hercules in the month Peritien, and made war against the Eucecans, who refused to pay their tributes; and after he had once again brought them under his subjection, here turned to his own palace. In his time lived the young son of Abdimon, who always resolved those questions which Solomon king of jerusalem proposed. Dius also maketh mention of him Dius maketh mention of Hiram. in these terms. After the decease of Abibale, his son Hiram reigned: he it was that fortified the quarter of the City to the Eastward, and enlarged the same, and conjoined the temple of Olympian jupiter to the City, which before that time was in an other place, and filled all the place between them with earth, and adorned it with pendants of gold: and afterwards going up to Libanus; he hewed down timber to build temples withal. He said also, that Solomon reigning at that time in jerusalem, sent unto Hiram certain subtle questions, demanding the exposition Dius of Solomon. thereof under this condition, that if he declared them not, in way of penalty he should pay a great sum of money; and afterwards that a certain Tyrian called Abdimon, expounded that which had been proposed: and in am thereof proposed certain others, which Solomon could not expound, and for that occasion he paid a great sum of money unto Hiram. This is it that Dius writeth. The king seeing that the City wanted both bulwarks and towers to secure the same, and that the strength of the same was no ways answerable to the dignity thereof, he repaired the walls, Solomon repaireth the walls of jerusalem and erecteth towers. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 6. Solomon buildeth certain cities. Azor, Magedon, Gaza. and erected great towers on the same. Moreover he builded certain Cities, which deserve to be memorised among the most renowned, namely Asor and Magedon, and for the third, the city of Gaza in the country of the Philistines: against which Pharaoh king of Egypt led out his army, and took it by force, and after he had put all the inhabitants thereof to the sword, he destroyed the same, and afterwards he gave it in dower unto his daughter, which married with Solomon. For which cause the king fortified it, seeing it to be already sufficiently defenced by nature, and that it stood very commodiously for the war, and to hinder the invasions of the enemy that might happen. Not far from thence he fortified two other Cities, whereof one was called Betachor, and the other Baleth. Besides these he builded others, which were Cities of recreation and pleasure, by reason of the good temperature of the air, and the pleasantness of the fruits, and in especial Betachor, Baleth. the sweet streamie rivers, wherewith they were watered. Afterwards, entering into the desert that is above Syria, & conquering the same, he builded an other great city two days journey distant from the higher Syria, a days journey from Euphrates, and six from the great Babylon. The cause why this City was inhabited far from the civil and peopled quarters of Syria, was, because in no place of the lower country there was water to be found, & in this City only there were fountains and springs. He therefore builded this City, and begird it with strong walls, and called it Thadamor (which is the name which the Syrians term it by, even at this day: and amongst the greeks it is called Palmyra.) And these were Salomon's works in that time. But for Thadamor or Palmyra. that there are divers that demand the question how it cometh to pass, that all the kings of Egypt that have been since Minaeus the founder of Memphis, and who reigned divers years Why the Egyptian kings were called Pharaohs. before our great ancestor Abraham, who (I say) have been till Salomon's time, for the space of more than thirteen hundred years, have been called Pharaohs, deriving that name from one that reigned in the mid time between both: I have thought it requisite to manifest the same to the intent to resolve that doubt, and express the cause of that name. The name of Pharaoh amongst The year of the world, 2953. before Christ's birth 1011. The Egyptian kings called Pharaohs. Ptolemei. Caesares. Herodotus writeth not the names of the Egyptian kings. Nicaule queen of Egypt, and Ethiop cometh to Solomon. the Egyptians, signifieth as much, as King. But I think that from their childhood they had other distinct names; and that afterwards when they are created kings, they take upon them that name, which in their mother tongue signifieth no less, than Authority. For the kings of Alexandria having been before time called by other names, at such time as they are introduced into the kingdom, they are called Ptolemies, by the name of their first king. The Roman Emperors likewise, notwithstanding they have other names at the time of their birth, yet are they called Caesars; because the sovereignty and honour whereunto they are raised, imposeth that title on them: and the name that was given them by their fathers is no more retained. For this cause it is (as I think) that although Herodotus of Halicarnasseus saith, that since Minos the founder of Memphis, there have been three hundredth and thirty kings of Egypt; yet declareth he not their names, because they were called Pharaohs. For when after these a woman had obtained the kingdom, he calleth her by her own proper name, Nicaule: Whence it appeareth, that the men who have been kings, were usually called by this name, and that it had not been communicated unto this woman: for which cause it was necessary to declare her own first name. For mine own part, I have found in the books of our nations, that since Pharaoh, who was father in law to Solomon, no one of the kings of Egypt have been called by that name: and that some little while after, the aforenamed woman came unto Solomon, who reigned in Egypt and Aethiopia: of whom a little after we will make some discourse. And at this present I have made mention of it, to make it known that our records and the Chronicles of the Egyptians, accord in many things. But King Solomon conquered the Chanaanites (which till that time were not under his subjection) and those that inhabited the mountain Libanus, as far as the City of Amath, and made them tributaries, and chose out amongst them every year such, as he might employ in 3. Reg 10. Solomon compelleth the remainder of the Chananites to pay tribute. servile actions, and in domestical business, and tillage of the sand. For no one Hebrew was a slave, neither was it convenient, that since God had subjecteth divers nations under them (whom they might make slaves of) that they should tie those of their own nation to that bondage; who were all of them employed in arms, and rather took delight to mount chariots, and to ride horses, then to drudge like slaves. Over the Chanaanites (whom he employed in his service) he appointed five hundredth and fifty commissaries, who had their charge and authority from the king, and tasked them to those works and handy-labours wherein they employed them. He builded The thraldom of the Chananites. 3. Reg. 10. a navy also in the gulf of Egypt, in a certain place of the red sea called Asiongaber, which is named Berenice, not far from the City of Elana (which country in times past appertained to the jews.) And toward the building of this navy, he obtained of Hiram king of tire a very convenient furtherance: for he sent him modles of ships, and men that were skilful in navigation, whom he charged to sail with his procurers and factors, to the country at that time called Ophir, and at this present the Land of gold, in the country of India, to bring gold from thence: who returned back again unto the King, after they had gathered about four hundredth talents. About this time the Queen of Egypt and Aethiopia (a woman adorned with wisdom, and The queen of Egypt and Ethiope reforteth to Solomon. admirable in all other things) having heard of the renowned virtue and prudence of Solomon, was touched with a desire both to see him, as them also that were reported daily to attend him: and for that cause, came in person unto the king, under purpose to confirm her belief by experience, and not by hearsay. For oftentimes report is no other thing, but a false opinion, which is believed by one or other, and is but only grounded on relation. She therefore resolved to come and see him, & especially to make trial of his wisdom, which she narrowly sisted, by proposing certain difficult questions unto him, which she had conceived in her mind. She therefore repaired unto jerusalem with great pomp, glory, and riches; for she brought with her certain Camels charged with gold, odours, and precious stones of great value. After that the King had graciously entertained her, and honoured her in all things, he easily comprehended in his mind those doubts which she had proposed unto him, and gave her a more speedy solution of the same, then might be expected: so that she was ravished with the incredible wisdom of Solomon; knowing by effect that it exceeded the report which she had heard of him. But in especial she wondered The queen of Ethiope wondereth at Salomon's wisdom at his palace, considering the greatness and beauty thereof; and above all, the rich furniture and curious architecture of the same; wherein she perceived the great wisdom of the king: But above all the house called Liban, and the magnificence of his ordinary table, and the apparel and service of the same, made her astonished. The attire of his servants likewise, and the goodly order which they observed in their service; moreover the sacrifices that were every The year of the world, 2953. before Christ's Nativity, 1011. day offered up unto God, and the care and diligence of the priests in discharging their offices; ravished her more than all the rest, when she observed them daily: and not able to contain herself within the terms of astonishment at that she saw, she manifestly expressed how wonderfully she was affected, expressing to the king in her plain and public discourse, that she knew not what The queen of Ethiope praileth Salomon's wisdom. to think of those things which she had beheld. O King (she said) all that which a man knoweth by hearsay may be misbelieved. But the renown which is come unto our ears as touching your riches, both those which you have in yourself (I mean your wisdom and prudence) as those also which your kingdom hath brought you; is neither false nor feigned; which notwithstanding, yet doth it make your felicity far less than that which I see before mine eyes: for report dependeth only on hearsay, neither giveth it so certain a notice of things, as the sight discovereth and representeth when one is near unto the same. For mine own part in that I gave no credit to the greatness & multitude of that I have heard, I have seen far more than I could expect, and repute the people of the Hebrews to be most happy, and your servants and friends most blessed, who are continual witnesses and hearers of your wisdom. And each one of you ought to give God thanks, that he hath so much loved this region & the inhabitants thereof, that he hath established you in the royal seat. I will discover likewise, how besides her words she expressed her affection she bore unto the king, in testifying the same by divers presents which she The Queen giveth Solomon many sumptuous presents. offered unto him. For she gave him twenty talents of gold, & an innumerable quantity of sweet odours and precious stones. It is said likewise that we have that plant which distilleth balm, and which our country bringeth forth at this day, by the gift of this Princess. Solomon for his part requited her bountiful presents with the like, which she made choice of according to her own liking: Solomon remunerateth the Queen's bounty. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. for there was nothing which she could require, which he granted not unto her: showing himself most ready to give her satisfaction with a liberal and royal hart. When the Queen of Egypt and Aethiopia had received these favours at the king's hands (according as it hath been spoken) and he likewise had magnificently requited her, she returned back again into her own country. About the same time there was brought unto the King from the country called the Region The precious timber that was brought to Solomon. of gold, a quantity of precious stones and of pine trees. This wood was employed to make supporters in the temple, and in the king's house, and to make instruments of music likewise, as haps and Cymbals, on which the Levites might praise God. Amongst all the gifts that were ever presented unto Solomon, that which was given him at that time, was most excellent in greatness and beauty. But let no man think, that the Pine wood (which we speak of) had any resemblance with that which we call by that name at this day, or which the merchants to delude their chapmen, sell for the same. For they are like unto fig trees, but that they are more white & clearer, which I thought good to manifest in this place, lest any man should be deceived thorough ignorance, in discerning the one from the other: because the affairs of Solomon have drawn us to make mention of this matter. The weight of gold which this navy brought unto the king, was six hundredth, sixty and six talents: besides that which the merchants bought themselves, or that which the Kings and princes of Arabia had sent unto him in way of present. This gold caused he to be molten down, and made thereof two hundredth targets, each one weighing six hundredth sickles, and three hundredth bucklers, each of them weighing three mines of gold, and placed and hung them in the lodging of the wood of Libanus. He caused also divers vessels of gold, & precious stones to be made for the use of his table, laboured with as curious conceit as might be; the rest of his necessaries also were of gold: for nothing was either bought or sold for silver. For the King had many ships upon the sea called Tharsis, which upon his command carried divers merchandise into the remote countries, by vent whereof they brought him home much gold and silver, and much ivory and Aethiopian Moors and Apes, and this navigation in sailing to and ●…ro, was finished in three years. The renown and fame also of Salomon's virtues and wisdom, spread far and near thorough out all nations: so that the kings of what country soever they were, Salomons ships spent three years in their journey. Many kings present Solomon with sundry presents. The horses and other gifts presented to Solomon. had a desire to see his presence, because they believed not the report, and desired to manifest their affection to him by magnificent presents. They therefore sent him vessels of gold and of silver, scarlet robes, and all sorts of aromatic drugs, horses and chariots, moils and sumpterhorses, wherein (as it was reported unto them) the King took pleasure, by reason of their force and beauty: so that to the number of horses and chariots which he had before, there were annexed four hundredth more, which had been sent him in way of present. For before that he had a thousand chariots, and twenty thousand goodly horse, excellent for shape and swiftness: so that the like were not to be found that were comparable with them for beauty and pace. And that which gave them the greater grace was, that they had squires to back them, who were in their pride of The year of the world 2953. before Christ's Nativity. 1011. youth of goodly parsonage to behold, and surpassing all other in height, having long locks which they daily intermixed with wires of gold, that when as the sun did reverberate his beams upon their heads, they should be more glorious and bright. The king mounted on his charior and appareled in a white raiment, was accustomed to ride abroad about the sun rise, environed with these young armed men, having bows and quivers. There was a certain place called Ittan, some eight leagues distant off of jerusalem, delightful and enriched with gardens and pleasant fountains of water, whither he usually and willingly Ittan. retired himself for his pleasure, using in all things a most admirable providence & promptitude, and taking pleasure in those things that were well contrived. He forgot not likewise to make causeyes, but caused the high ways that led to jerusalem (where he made his abode) to be paved The ways about jerusalem paved with flint. The cities of Chariots. The abundance of silver in Solomon's time. Egyptian horses. with black stone, both to the intent to make them more accessible for those that travailed to and fro, as to show the magnificence and riches of his government. He then divided his chariots and placed them in such sort, that in every City there was a prefixed number, and some few he kept about himself, and those Cities he called the cities of Chariots: he stored jerusalem also with abundance of silver, so that it was as plentiful as stones; and with Cedar wood (whereof before that time there was no quantity) he so stored the country, that it was as plentifully to be had as wild figgetrees. He commanded the merchants of Egypt also, to buy him certain chariots drawn by two horses, for the price of six hundredth drams of silver, which he sent unto the kings of Syiria, and to those on the other side of Euphrates. Now although he were the most magnificent and entirely beloved of God, surpassing both in prudence and riches all those that before him had the government over the Hebrews; yet continued he not in this estate until the end. For forsaking the observation of the ordinances of his fathers, his latter years were not correspondent to his former conversation, which heretofore we have declared: for he grew altogether dissolute & immoderately given over to women, and was not content only with those of his own country, but took also strange women for his wives, as 3. Reg. 11. Solomon marrying strange women is seduced by them. Sidonians, Tyrians, Ammonites and Idumeans, whereby he transgressed the laws of marriage instituted by Moses, who inhibited to marry with those of foreign nations. Afterwards he began to honour their gods also, to gratify and express the love which he bore unto them: which thing the lawmaker foreseeing, he had forbidden the Israelites to marry with those that were not of their own nation, for fear least conforming themselves unto foreign fashions, they should fall and transgress the ordinances of their forefathers; and undertake to honour those gods, and forsake and forget the honour due unto the true God. But Solomon transported with these brutish pleasures, made no account of these things, but took him wives of the daughters The rear of the world. 2964. before Christ's birth 1000 of princes and nobles, to the number of 700. and three hundredth concubines, besides the daughter of Pharaoh king of Egypt: By which means he was excessively overcome by them, in so much as he followed their examples, and was forced to give a testimony of the good will and extreme affection that he bore them, in ordering his life according to the fashion of their countries. As therefore he increased in years, and his judgement grew weak, he was in such sort misled, that he could not retain in memory the customs of his country, but grew more and more in neglect of God, and continued the worship of those gods which were introduced by his wives. Before all this he chanced to sin and default in the observation of the law, at such time as he made the similitudes of beasts of brass to underprop the vessel called the great sea, and those of Lions, which he caused to be set unto his throne: For that action of his ill beseemed him, who had a most excellent and domestical example of virtue in the person of his father, besides the glory that he had left him, by being a faithful servant of God; whence it came to pass, that by neglecting to follow his steps (notwithstanding that God had exhorted him thereunto by appearing unto him at two several times) he died most ignominiously. There came therefore unto him a prophet sent from God, telling him that his sins were manifest and The punishment inflicted on Solomon far honouring strange gods. notorious in God's sight, threatening him that ere long he should repent the wickedness he had committed. Yet notwithstanding the realm should not be taken from him during his life, because God had promised David that he should be his successor in the same: but after his decease his son should bear the penalty of the same; not so as all the people should revolt, but that he would give ten tribes unto his servant, and leave two unto the grandchild of David, because he had loved God, and by reason of the City of jerusalem where it pleased him to make his habitation. When Solomon heard these things, he sorrowed; and was sore troubled in that all his felicity (for which he toforetime was admired) began to decline. Neither passed there long time after The year of the world 2964. before Christ's birth Aooo. Ider enemy to Solomon. this denunciation of the Prophet, but that (God so pleasing) there rose up an enemy against him, who was called Ader, by nation an Idumaean, and of the princely stock, who upon this occasion grounded his rebellion and insurrection. For at such time as joab general of David's army, had conquered Idumaea, and in the space of six months defeated all the youth, and those that were capable to bear arms, he fled unto Pharaoh king of Egypt: who entertained Ader fled into Egypt. him very courteously, and gave him an house, and lands for his maintenance, and loved him dearly when he came to man's estate: so that he married him with Taphines his wives sister, on whom he begat a son, who was brought up with the king's children: who having intelligence in Egypt of David and joabs death, addressed himself unto Pharaoh, and besought him to give him leave to repair into his own country. The King asked him what he wanted; Ader beseecheth Pharaoh to dismisle him that he might return into his country. or what the cause was that moved him, to be so hasty to forsake him: Notwithstanding therefore that he importuned and requested him divers times, yet prevailed he nothing with him for that time. But when Salomon's fortunes began to decline (by reason of his iniquities above mentioned, and the wrath of God provoked against him:) Ader by God's permission came into Idumea, after he was licenced by Pharaoh to depart. But being unable to move the people Ader returneth into Idumaea, and from thence departeth into Syria. Raas and Adet enemies to Solomon. to revolt from Solomon, by reason of the strong garrisons he held, and knowing that without hazard of his own person, he could move no alterations or innovation in that place, he departed from thence, & went into Syria, where confederating himself with a certain man called Raas (who was fled from his master Adarezar king of Sophene, and lived like an outlaw in that Region) he contracted friendship with him, and a great sort of outlaws and thieves that were his followers, and went into Syria, and taking seizure of that country, proclaimed himself king thereof. From whence making excursions into the lands of the Israelites, he spoiled and pillaged the same, during Salomon's life time. Thus were the Hebrews enforced to sustain these outrages at Aders hands. Moreover a certain man called jeroboam the son of Nabat, by nation a jew, rebelled jeroboam rebelleth against Solomon. against Solomon, and raised his hopes above his estate, persuaded thereunto by a prophecy that concerned him, and incited him unto the action. For being left very young by his father, and carefully instructed by his mother, as soon as Solomon perceived him to be of a noble and courageous spirit, he made him commissary over the building of the walls, at such time as he immured and fortified jerusalem. In this office he behaved himself so well, that the king thought very well thereof, and in way of recompense gave him the estate of General over the tribe of joseph. Towards which, whilst he traveled from jerusalem, a certain Prophet met him upon the way, Achias the Prophet sore-telleth that he should be king over the ten tribes. (who was of the City of Silo called Achias) who approaching near unto him, and saluting him, drew him out of the way into a place, where none but themselves were present, & there renting the garment which he wore upon his back into twelve pieces, he commanded jeroboam to take ten, telling him that God had so decreed, and how he would rend the government from Solomon, and reserve only one tribe unto his son, with that other which was annexed unto it, by reason of the promise made unto David; and to thee (said he) he giveth the other ten, because Solomon hath offended God, and addicted himself to the love of strange women, and the service of foreign gods. Now since thou knowest the cause wherefore God hath alienated the kingdom from Solomon, be thou just, and observe thou the laws: for if thou behavest thyself in such sort as thou knowest David did, a great reward of thy piety, and recompense of thy observance attendeth thee: so that thou shalt become as mighty as David hath been before thee. jeroboam confirmed in great hopes by these words of the Prophet, being by nature haughty, in years young, and besides that, desirous of authority; he took no rest, but being possessed of the place of general, and remembering himself of that which had been told him by Achias, he presently began to persuade the people to revolt from Solomon, and to choose him for their king. Solomon hearing news of this his deliberation and enterprise, sought the means to jeroboam flieth into Egypt and remaineth there until Salomon's death. lay hands on him, and to put him to death: but jeroboam preventing him, fled unto Susac king of Egypt, with whom he remained until the death of Solomon. And thus for that time escaped he punishment: and thus was he reserved to the fortune of a kingdom. CHAP. III. The year of the world. 2964. before Christ's Nativity. 1000 After the death of Solomon the people revolt from Roboam his son, and proclaim Hieroboam king of the ten tribes. But when Solomon was very old, he died, after he had reigned fourscore years, and lived ninety four, and was buried in jerusalem; of all kings the most happy, rich, and The death of Solomon. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 8. al. 4. 3. Reg. 12. prudent (except that sin whereunto he was drawn by women in his old age) of whom and those calamities that presently after befell the Hebrews, we have sufficiently spoken. After the death of Solomon, as soon as his son Roboam (whom he begat upon an Ammonitish woman called Nooma) succeeded him in the kingdom, the governors of the people sent certain messengers into Egypt to recall jeroboam, who arriving in the City of Sichem, Roboam came thither also, resolving himself in that assembly of the Israelites to take the kingdom upon him by the people's consent. To him therefore the Princes of the people resorted with jerobod, beseeching him The people: require Roboan to mitigate their burden. that he would remit somewhat of their servitude, and show himself more merciful than his father had been: for that under his government they had been sorely oppressed, assuring him that by that means his kingdom should be the more assured, if so be he had rather be beloved then feared. He some three days after promised them to return an answer to their demands, and by that means drew them into suspicion, that upon the motion he misliked of the offers they had proposed: for they thought that it became his years to be affable and ready to deserve well, yet remained there some hope in them, that they had not presently suffered the repulse. Mean while he calling about him his father's friends, consulted upon the matter, what answer he should give the people: who for that they wished his welfare, and knew the nature of the people very well, The wholesome advise of the elders. The year of the world. 2971. before Christ's birth 993. Roboam rejecteth the advise of the elders and followeth the counsel of the younger. persuaded him to speak familiarly unto the people, and remitting a little of his kingly austerity, to apply himself to the favour & good liking of the multitude: for that by this his affability he might the more easily draw their hearts unto him, because that by a natural inclination subjects take delight in those kings that are courteous, who with a certain decent familiarity entertain themselves amongst them. But Roboam rejected this counsel of theirs (which was both good and profitable in all occasions, but especially at such time when it is upon the point to be inseated in a kingdom) and that not without God's providence, since contrary to all reason he neglected the right course, and followed the perverse: so that calling unto him certain young men of his own humour and disposition, he certified them what the Elders had counseled him, and willed them to discover their opinion in that matter: but neither their age, nor God's permission suffered them to know that which was expedient. For which cause they counselled him to answer the people, that his little finger was more great than the loins of his father, and that if they had experimented & endured grievances under him, that he would be far more rigorous, and that if his father had chastised them with the stroke of the whip, that they should expect to be punished by him, with rude torments. The king delighted herewith, supposed the answer to be answerable to the dignity of his Empire. Whenas therefore the people were assembled on the third day to hear his resolution, and all of them were in suspense, expecting and desirous to hear him speak, from whom they hoped nought else but sweetness: Roboam contemning the counsel of his friends, proposed unto himself that of the young men. All which happened by the will of The Israelites moved with their ●…pulse revolt from Roboam. God, to the end that that which Achias had prophesied might be fulfilled. They touched by these his answers no less then if they had been wounded with the sword, conceived a most hearty grief, and were displeased with him, and no less moved, then if they had already felt the mischief that was threatened: so that they began all of them to cry with a loud voice, That from that time forward they had nothing to do with David's alliance, neither with his succession, telling him that they would only leave the temple his father had builded unto his charge, and threatening him to abandon him. Furthermore they were so heinously and grievously incensed, that (Roboam having sent unto them Aduram the superintendant of the tribes to pacify their wrath, and to persuade them to pardon his youth, if he had spoken any thing lightly, and unrespectively unto them) they could not endtire to hear him speak, but slew and wellnigh overwhelmed him with stones. Which when Roboam perceived (supposing that it was himself, who in the person of his officer was put to death, and stoned by the people) he feared least in effect his life, and the fortune of his kingdom should fall into the like disaster. For which cause he suddenly ascended his c●…iot and fled to jerusalem, where the tribe of juda, and that of Benjamin (by their common suffrages) made him King. But as touching the rest of the people, from that day The year of the world. 2971. before the Nativity of Christ. 993. Roboam intéding to make wa●…e on those tribes that ●…uolted is inhibited. forward they revolted from the successors of David, & proclaimed jeroboam King of their estates. Roboam the son of Solomon being sore displeased herewith, assembled the two tribes of his obeisance, with an intent to muster one hundredth and fourscore thousand chosen men, to make war on jeroboam and his people, and to enforce them by war to acknowledge him for their Sovereign. But God restrained him by the means of a prophet, who forbade him to make war; saying, that it was ill besitting that war should be waged betwixt two parties of one nation, and the rather for that this their revolt had happened by the will of God: by which means and persuasion he dismissed his army. But first of all I will rehearse that which jeroboam king of Israel did, and afterwards subsequently I will declare the acts of Roboam King of the two Tribes, & thus shall the course of the history continue in due order every ways. After that jeroboam had planted his royal court in the City of Sichem, he made his ordinary The court and palace of jeroboam. abode in that place, except that sometimes he sojourned in the City of Phanuel. Not long after this the feast of Tabernacles being at hand, jeroboam (supposing that if he permitted the people to go up and worship God in jerusalem, and solemnize the feast in that place, they might either repent themselves of their revolt, or being retained and withdrawn by the temple & service that was celebrated therein, they might be persuaded to forsake him, and submit themselves to their first King; and by that means he might be drawn into danger of his life) he practised and plotted this invention. He caused two golden calves to be cast, and builded two several Why jeroboams: calves were made. temples, the one in Bethel, and the other in Dan (which is situate near unto the source of little jordan.) In each of the chapels of these two towns, he placed one of these calves, and afterwards assembling the ten tribes that were under his subjection, he spoke unto them in manner following: My friends and countrymen, I know that you are not ignorant how God is in all places, and that there cannot be any place wherein he assisteth not, nor time wherein he heareth and beholdeth them not, that serve him with true affection: For which cause I think it not convenient, that you go up unto jerusalem at this time, which is a City enemy unto us; neither that you make so long a journey in way of devotion: for it was a man that builded that temple, even jeroboam persuadeth the people to Idolatry. as I have consecrated two golden calves, the one in Bethel, and the other in Dan, to the end that every one of you that inhabit near unto these Cities, transporting yourselves to the same, may adore God. Neither shall you want priests or Levites: for I will elect some such among you, to the intent you have no more need of the Tribe of Levi, or the sons of Aaron. Whosoever therefore amongst you would be a priest, let him offer calves and muttons unto God: which as it is reported Aaron the first priest did. By such like speeches seduced he the people, and caused them to fall from their forefather's religion, and transgress the ordinances of their country, and this was the beginning of all those mischiefs that afterwards fell upon the Hebrews: by which means being overcome in war, they fell into captivity and subjection of strangers, (whereof we will entreat further in place convenient.) Now when the feast of Tabernacles (which happened in the seventh month) was at hand; he himself intended to celebrate in Bethel after the same manner, as the two other tribes had feasted in jerusalem, and erected an altar before the calf, The neglect of God's service is the cause of all evil. and was himself the high priest, ascending up to the altar being assisted by the priests. Now at such time as he was about to sacrifice, and to offer up burnt offerings in the sight of the people, there came a Prophet and stood by him called jadon (sent from jerusalem by the commandment of God) who standing up in the midst of the people, and in the hearing of the king, turned himself towards the altar, and spoke after this manner: Thou Altar, Thou Altar (thus saith 3. Reg. 13. The prophecy against the Altar in Bethel. The prophecy is confirmed by a miracle. the Lord) there shall a man rise of the Tribe of David called josias, he shall kill upon thee the false prophets of his time, and shall burn the bones of the deceivers and seducers upon thee: And to the intent that each man may believe that this prophecy is true, it shall be confirmed by a prodigy. This Altar shall suddenly break, and the far of the sacrifices that are laid thereon shall be powered on the ground. jeroboam displeased with these words of the Prophet, stretched out his hand, commanding them to lay hold on him. But the hand that he stretched out, became instantly withered, so that he could no more draw it back again to himself, but held it hanging down astonished and mortified. On the other side the altar cleft in twain, and all that was thereon fell down (according as the Prophet had foretold.) The King perceiving that the man had a true and divine spirit of Prophecy, besought him to pray unto God, that his hand might be restored him again in his full strength and vigour: which he performed: so that his hand recovered again his natural ability, wherewith jeroboam was very much contented, and invited the Prophet jeroboams withered hand restored. to dine with him. But jadon answered him and said, that he neither might enter into his house, nor taste any bread or water within the City, because God had prohibited him: furthermore The year of the world 2971. before Christ's Nativity. 993. he told him that it was not lawful for him to return the same way that he came. But the King admiring at the continency of the man, began the more seriously to suspect his estate, and (conjecturing by those things which he had both seen and heard) he divined the assured disaster of his estate and fortunes. There dwelled in that City a certain false prophet, whom jeroboam held in great honour (in that he soothed him up in whatsoever was best pleasing to his ears.) This man at that time lay sick upon his bed, being faint thorough age; and when he was informed by his son that there was a prophet come from jerusalem, and what wonders Hedio & Ruffinus. ch. 9 he had wrought, and how jeroboam by his prayers recovered again his withered hand; he fearing lest the King should make more account of this stranger, then of himself, commanded his sons presently to saddle his Ass, and to have him in a readiness against his departure. Which when they had hastily performed, he mounted thereon, and went after the prophet, whom he overtook, where he rested himself under a thick and shadowy Oak; and upon the first incountry, saluted him, and afterwards expostulated with him, for that he had not visited him, neither accepted of that hospitality which he willingly would have afforded The Prophet is brought back by the subtlety and fraud of the false Prophet. him. jadon answered him, that God had interdicted and charged him not to taste any kind of sustenance in any man's house, that dwelled within that City. Truly, said the other, with me thou mightest eat, for I also am a prophet, and honour the same God that thou dost: and now also come I unto thee by his commandment, to conduct thee back again into my house, & to entertain thee with a friendly dinner. These words of the false prophet made jadon credulous so that he returned back again with him. But as they sat at their banquet and were making merry together, God appeared unto jadon and said unto him; that since he had broken his commandment, he should suffer punishment for the same: and withal expressed unto him the manner, which was, that in his return homewards, he should be torn in pieces by a Lion; and that he should not be buried in the monument of his fathers. This thing happened in my opinion by the will of The disobedience of the Prophet, his punishment and burial. God, to the intent that jeroboam should not respect jadons' words, who had been found a liar. As therefore jadon returned back to jerusalem, a Lion met him on the way, and tore him in pieces from his Ass and slew him, yet offered he no violence to the Ass that bore him, which he preserved with the body of the prophet standing fast by the same, until such time as certain passengers beholding the spectacle, brought news thereof into the town unto the false Prophet, who sent his sons to bring back the body: which by their assistance he honourably buried, charging them that after his death they should bury his body by him, assuring them that all that which he had prophesied against that City, against the altar, the priests, and false prophets, was very true. And as touching himself, he commanded that after his decease they should bury him by him, because that being buried with him, there might no difference be made betwixt their bones, and his tomb might be more honoured. When as therefore he had interred jadons' prophecy is detracted to jeroboam by the false Prophet. the prophet and given his son these things in charge (being other ways a most wicked and impious man) he addressed himself unto jeroboam, and said unto him: Why art thou troubled at the words of this mad man? The King told him all that which had happened about the Altar, and his hand, and assured him that he accounted him a true and divine prophet, and one sent by God. But the false prophet began most maliciously to overthrow his opinion, & disguise the truth of that which had happened, by his persuasive words. For he enforced himself to infer, that his hand was astonished thorough the travel he had taken in bearing the sacrifices, and that after he had a little rested, that it came into his own natural estate again: & that the altar being freshly built, and divers great sacrifices loaded thereupon, it cloven in twain, & fell down thorough the weightiness of the charge. Consequently he declared unto him the death of him, that had fortold these signs that were to come, and how he had been slain by a Lion: For which cause he persuaded him to think that he in no sort was a Prophet, neither any ways partaking with the truth of prophecy. By such like allegations he made the King believe that which he said, and having wholly distracted his thoughts from God and good works, and observation of God's laws, he drew him to all wickedness and impiety: by which act of his he outraged God, and offended his laws, and sought daily after no other thing, then to invent some new and cursed wickedness, that was far more heinous than all that which before time he had attempted. This is all that at this time we have to write, as concerning jeroboam. As touching Roboam Salomon's son (who was King of the two Tribes, as we have before Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. Roboam's defenced cities. 〈◊〉. Paral. 11. this declared) he builded these great and strong Cities, Bethleem, Itama, Thecos, Bethsur, Socoth, Odolam, Epan, Maresa, Zipha, Adoraim, Lachis, Zicha, Saraim, Elon, and Hebron, which being within the confines of juda, he builded first. He builded also other great Cities in The year of the world. 29●…1. before Christ's birth 993. the country of the Beniamites, which he walled, and placed garrisons and governors in every one of them, and great store of corn, wine and oil: and generally in every City he made a great storehouse with all sorts of provision, and victuals, with an infinite number of targets and lances. To him the Priests and Levites annexed themselves, who were dispersed thorough Israel, who came and dwelled in jerusalem. For they took no pleasure to adore by compulsion those calves that jeroboam had erected; and during the term of three years, they increased the kingdom The godly Israelites return to Roboam. of Roboam: who being married to one of his own line had three children, and was afterwards married also with Maacha the daughter of Thamar daughter to Absalon, who was of his parentage likewise, of whom he begat his son called Abiah. He had also divers other children by other women; but above all the rest, he loved Maacha most entirely. He had eighteen legitimate Roboam's wi●…es and children. wives, married unto him according to the law, and thirty concubines: he had eight and twenty sons and threescore daughters, and declared for his successor in the kingdom Abiah 〈◊〉 son of Maacha, and committed all his treasures and strong sorts unto his hands. But mortal men most usually are corrupted by the untoward flatteries of wavering fortune, as appeareth by this King. For Roboam seeing his kingdom thus increased, he bent himself to all unjust and impious actions, and contemned the service of God: the people also conformed themselves to his impieties. For the life of the subject is oftentimes perverted, by reason of the corrupt and dissolute life of their princes; and those that are inferiors, beholding the riot of their superiors, will easily be withdrawn from all modesty, and follow those vices they profess, as if they had been their professed virtues: for should they do the contrary, they should seem to disannul and mislike the actions of their Princes: As it happened under the government of Roboam, Regi●… ad exempium totus comp●…itur orbis. wherein the subjects addicted themselves to impiety, and all errors: for they would not make profession of honesty, for fear lest they should seem to study the means to be offensive unto the king. CHAP. FOUR Susac king of Egypt after the spoil of jerusalem, transporteth the riches of that City into Egypt. But God sent Susac king of Egypt to take vengeance for that excess, which was committed Alias, chap. 5. Susac invadeth judea with great forces. against his majesty by Roboam (whose actions Herodotus wrongfully ascribeth to Sesostris.) For this Susac in the fifth year of Roboam's reign, assembled a huge army of divers thousands of men, and brought them out against Roboam: wherein it is reported that he had twelve hundredth chariots, threescore thousand horsemen, & four hundredth thousand footmen. The greater part of these were Libian, and Aethiopians: breaking in therefore into the Hebrews country with this power, without stroke-striking he seized the strongest places of the kingdom of Roboam, and fortified them, and at last came and encamped before jerusalem. jerusalem besieged. Samaeas the Prophet reprehendeth the jews of their impiety. 2. Paral. 2. Samaeas comforteth the people. But Roboam and his associates, seeing themselves begirt with a strong siege on every side by Susacs' army; at last had his recourse unto prayers: yet could he not move God to incline and favour him with the victory. For the prophet Samaeas threatened and told him, that God would abandon both him and his, in like sort, as they had forsaken him and his service. Which when they heard, they suddenly lost their hearts, and seeing no means to escape, they all of them began to confess that God had justly forsaken them, because they had showed their impiety against him, and had perverted all his laws. But God seeing them thus disposed, and making confession of their sins, said unto the prophet, that he would not utterly destroy them: yet notwithstanding that he would deliver them into the hands of the Egyptians, to the end that they might learn whether it were more difficult to serve God, or men. When as therefore king Susac had without bloodshed or resist taken and surprised the City, and was received into the same by discomforted Roboam; he kept not those conventions that were made betwixt them, but spoilt the temple, jerusalem and the temple are spoiled. and took away with him those treasures that were dedicated unto God, and the service of the King, ravishing from thence innumerable thousands of gold and of silver, not leaving any thing behind him. He carried away also those targets and bucklers of gold, which were made by King Solomon: neither left he behind him the quiver of gold, which was offered by David, and received by him of the king of Sophena: Which done, he retired back again into his own country. Of this expedition Herodotus of Halicarnassus maketh mention (who differeth only in the 3. Reg 1●…. What Herodotus wrote of this expedition. name of the King) and saith that he assailed divers nations, and subdued Palestina and Syria, and took many men prisoners without any resist: whereby it is manifest that he meaneth no less than The year of the world. 2975. before Christ's Nativity 989. Roboam for the golden shields and bucklers maketh new of beasse. Roboam dieth and Abias reigneth after him The year of the world. 29●…8. before Christ's birth 976. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. 3. Reg. 14. jeroboams impiety. that our nation hath been overcome by the Egyptian. For he saith that in their gates who yielded themselves up unto him without enforcement, he erected pillars which were figured with the secret parts of a woman. But our king Roboam yielded up the City into his hands without contradiction. It is said that the Aethiopians have learned of the Egyptians the use of circumscission of the prepuce. For the Phoenicians and Syrians, that are in Palestine, confess that they have learned it of the Egyptians. But it is a matter very manifest that no other are circumcised in Palestine of Syria, but ourselves. But let each one speak of these things, according as him list. After the retreat of Sisac, king Roboam made shields and bucklers of brass, in steed of those of gold, and gave the like number unto his guard, and in steed of living in a brave army, in a royal and princely estate, he reigned after a servile & fearful manner, being all his life time enemy to jeroboam. He died after he had lived fifty seven years, whereof he reigned 17. He was a haughty and undiscreet man, who lost his estate, because he would not give credit to his father's friends: He was buried in jerusalem in the sepulchre of the kings, and his son Abias succeeded him in his reign at such time, as jeroboam had already reigned eighteen years over the ten tribes. Thus were these things terminated. It behoveth now at this present to declare that which jeroboam did afterwards, and how he died. He observing no mean or end of his impiety, employed himself continually in making of Altars and high places, and presumed to ordain common sacrificers. But God withheld not long time to heap the punishment of those his impieties on the head of him, and of all his posterity. Whereas therefore his son Obimes was sick about that jeroboams son falleth sick, his mother is sent to Achias the Prophet. time, he commanded his wife to lay aside her royal garment, and to apparel herself like a common woman, and afterwards to go to Achias the Prophet, assuring her that he was admirable for his knowledge in foretelling things to come, and had foretold him that he should be king: for which cause he willed her to repair unto him after the manner of a stranger, and inquire of him if her son should escape that sickness. Whereupon she disguised herself according as her husband had commanded her, & came unto the City of Silo where Achias dwelled, & as she was upon entering his house (notwithstanding he had lost his sight thorough age) God appeared unto him, and certified him in these two points: first that jeroboams wife came unto him: and next, all that he should answer to her demand. At such time therefore as she entered into his house after the guise of a common and strange woman, Achias cried with a loud voice. Enter thou wife of jeroboam, wherefore hidest thou thyself? Thou canst not hide thyself from God, who hath certified me of thy coming, and hath informed me what answer I shall give unto thee. He therefore said unto her, that she should return unto her husband, and certify him of God's answer to this effect: Of little and nothing that thou wert, I have made thee great; and having dismembered the kingdom from David's posterity, I have given it unto thee: but thou hast forgotten the same; & having forsaken my service, hast molten down new gods whom thou The punishment of jeroboam and the misery of the people foreprophecied. honour'st: so also will I exterminate thee, and abolish all thy posterity, and cast them off for a pray unto dogs, and fowls of the air. For I will constitute a king over my people that shall leave no one of jeroboams race alive. The people also shall have part of this punishment, and shall be deprived of this their fruitful country, and be scattered among the regions on the other side of Euphrates, because they have followed the impieties of their king, and adoring those gods that were forged by him, have given over my sacrifice. And as concerning thyself (O woman) haste thee, and certify thy husband of these things. For thou shalt find thy son dead; for no sooner shalt thou enter into the City, but he shall finish his days. He shall be buried with the lamentation of the whole people in general. For he only was good of all the race of jeroboam. When Achias had finished his prophecy, the woman started back sore troubled and dismayed thorough the danger of her son, and went lamenting onward on her way, wounded with the future death of him, and by reason of her so earnest affection she was afflicted with incredible torments. The haste which she used was importunate, because of her son whom she should see dead; by so much the sooner she hasted homeward, but it behoved her to use expedition in the behalf of her husband. Whenas therefore she was arrived, she found her son expiring, as the Prophet had foretold her, and recited the rest unto jeroboam. CHAP. V. The year of the world, 2988. before Christ's Nativity, 976. jeroboams expedition against the son of Roboam, the overthrow of his army, and how Bassanes rooted out the whole posterity of jeroboam, and made himself king. But jeroboam was nothing moved herewith, but levied a great army with an intent Alias, chap. 6. The expedition of jeroboam against Abias king of juda. Abias levied an army against jeroboam. to make war against Abias the son of Roboam, who had obtained his father's kingdom over the two tribes. For he despised him, because he was young in years. This notwithstanding, the young king was no whit dismayed (although he understood of jeroboams coming) but with greater wisdom than was incident to his years, and beyond all expectation of his forward adversary, he levied an army of two tribes, with which he encountered jeroboam at the mountain of Samaria; where encamping his host near unto him, he provided all things in a readiness that were requisite for the battle, and had with him four hundredth thousand fight men, but jeroboam had twice as many. Now when the armies were arranged, and expected to give the alarum and charge, Abias stood up in a certain high place from whence he might be seen and heard, & making a sign with his hand, he required that jeroboam, and the people would first of all hear him peaceably, which granted to him, & each one attending in silence, he broke out into these words. There is none of you but knoweth, that. God hath promised the kingdom to David and his posterity for ever. I therefore greatly admire how you Abias, oration to the Hebrews, wherein he upbraideth them of their superstition, and forsaking of their religion. have revolted from my father to submit yourselves to jeroboam his servant, whom at this present you accompany to war against those whom God hath ordained to reign, and to take the kingdom from them, the greater part whereof jeroboam usurpeth injustly even at this day, and which as I suppose he shall not enjoy long time. For he shall be punished by God, and shall cease to contradict his laws, and to dishonour them as he doth continually, in persuading you to do the like. You have received no injury at my father's hands, but by reason that he was misled by the sinister counsels of certain wicked persons, & spoke unto you certain words which in appearance seemed unfitting in your ears, you have forsaken him in your displeasure: but in effect you have separated yourselves from God and his commandments. Truly you should have pardoned a young man untrained and untaught in oratory, not only for the rude words which he used, but although his youth and ignorance should have moved him to commit some churlish and indiscreet action or error, yet should you have endured the same. For the father's demerits ought to serve and satisfy the children's defects. But you have had no regard of all this, neither then nor at this present, but lead forth a great army against us. But whereupon ground you the hope of your victory? Is it on your calves of gold? is it on your Altars on the mountains? which are witnesses of your impiety and irreligion. Is it your great number that surpasseth ours by far, that maketh you confident? Truly the force of many thousands is of no value, whereas the army fighteth in an unjust quarrel. For in only justice and piety towards God, consisteth the most assured hope of obtaining victory over a man's enemies, which must needs be on our side, who observe at all times the ordinances and services of our God, whom men's hands have not fashioned of corruptible matter, nor the subtlety of a cunning king could not forge to deceive a commonalty, but such a one whose work is the beginning and ending of all things. I therefore advise you that presently you repent yourselves, and that taking a better way you desist from your war, and acknowledge the laws of your forefathers; finally those ordinances, which have advanced you to so great felicity. Thus spoke Abias to the people. But whilst he yet continued his discourse, jeroboam sent certain of his soldiers by byways to enclose Abias within two strieghts, before his followers could discover them. Now when Abias was thus enclosed in the midst of his enemies, his army began to be discomforted, and to lose their courage: but he encouraged them and exhorted them to put their trust in God, who could not be enclosed by his enemies: so that all together having called upon God to assist them, and after that the Priests had sounded the trumpet, they thrust in amongst their enemies with a great shout, and God so blinded the understanding and abated the force of jeroboams soldiers, that they fled, and those on Abias side had the upper hand. Never was there war recorded by the historians either amongst the greeks, or Barbarians, that was pursued with so great a slaughter as the army of jeroboam: whereby it appeared that this wonderful and admirable victory came from God. For they discomfited five hundredth thousand of their enemies, and took their most defenced places by force, and spoiled them. Bethel and Ithan also with their ●…ds and signiories belonging unto them: so that as long as Abias lived, jeroboam was never after of force to raise any power The year of the world, 2988. before Christ's birth 976. The death of Abias. 3. Reg. 15. Asa king of juda. The year of the world, 2991. before Christ's nativity, 973. The year of the world. 2992. before Christ birth. 972. The year of the world. 2993. before Christ's birth 971 since the loss he received. Abias survived, after this his victory, only for the space of three years; and was buried in jerusalem, in the Sepulchre of his ancestors, leaving twenty two sons and sixteen daughters behind him, all which he begat on sixteen women. His son Asa succeeded him in the kingdom, whose mother was called Maacha: under his government the country of Israel enjoyed a firm peace for the term of ten years. This is that which we have observed of Abias, son of Roboam, the son of Solomon. jeroboam the King of the ten Tribes died likewise, after he had reigned twenty two years, and Nadab his son succeeded him at such time, as Asa had already reigned two years. The son of jeroboam governed two years, resembling his father in impiety and wickedness. During these two years, he made war against Gabaa a City of the Philistines, and encamped thereabout to surprise it by force: but being betrayed by the treachery of a certain friend of his called Baasa the son of Machil, he died. This Baasa taking possession of the kingdom, exterminated all the posterit●… of jeroboam: and it came to pass that they of jeroboams race that died in the City, were torn in pieces, and devoured by dogs; and they that were in the fields, were made a prey unto birds, according as God's prophet had pronounced. By this means the house of jeroboam suffered a deserved punishment, for their impiety and wickedness. CHAP. VI The Aethiopians besieged jerusalem during the reign of Asa, and are overcome: But Asa King of jerusalem was a man of upright and honest life, and such a one as feared God, neither did he, or enterprised he any thing, that had not a natural relation to piety, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 12. al. 8. Asas piety. and the prescript of the laws. He corrected whatsoever was vicious and irregular in his kingdom, redressing whatsoever was erroneous in the same, and purging it from all impiety. He had an army of three hundredth thousand men of the Tribe of juda, armed with bucklers and javelins, and two hundredth and fifty thousand of the Tribe of Benjamin, bearing bucklers and bows. After he had reigned ten years, Zaraeus King of Aethiopia came out against him, with a great army of nine hundredth thousand footmen, and one hundredth thousand horsemen, with three hundredth chariots, and destroyed all the land as far as Maresa, a City of juda: in which place Asa came and met with him, and opposed army against army in the valley of Saphath, not 3. Reg 15. The Ethiopians war against Asa. far from the City. Where seeing the great number of the Aethiopians, he besought God that he would give him the victory and slaughter of divers thousands of his enemies: for he said that he came out against Zaraeus, not assuring himself in any other thing, except only of God's assistance, who had the power to make a handful of men superiors over many, and the feeble to overcome the mighty. Whilst Asa prayed thus unto God, a certain sign of vi●…orie was given him; so that rejoiced and confirmed in that God had given him a token 〈◊〉 he would assist him, he assailed 2. Paral. 14. The year of the world, 3000. before Christ's birth 964. his enemies and slew a great number of the Aethiopians: as for the rest that were put to flight, he pursued them as far as the country of Gerar; and after they had conquered their enemies, they sacked the City of Gerar, and brought from thence a great mass of gold, and a huge quantity of booty, with Camels, dromedaries, and herds of divers kinds of cattle. When Asa and his had thus by this means obtained at God's hands such a victory and so great riches, they returned Asas victory. back again to jerusalem: and when they drew near unto the City, the prophet Azarias came out to meet them, who stayed them, and began after this manner to speak unto them: That since they had obtained from God so notable a victory, they ought to behave themselves like virtuous men, and such as feared God, conforming themselves unto his will in all things, The exhortation of Azarias the Prophet. protesting that if they persisted in the same, God would give them the continual victory over their enemies; and besides that, happy life: but if they forsook the service of God, that all things should fall out contrary unto them. That the time should come, when neither true prophet or priest should be found amongst them, that should instruct them in righteousness, when their 2. Paral 15. Cities should be overthrown, and their nation should be scattered over the face of the whole earth, and live like wanderers and vagabonds. In the mean while therefore, while they had time, he counseled them to live uprightly, wishing them that they would not deprive themselves of that favour which God bore unto them. When the King and all the people heard these words, they were very joyful, and every one both in general and particular, were careful to serve God. The King also sent out certain deputies over the country, who were charged to see the laws duly The year of the world. 3000. before the Nativity of Christ. 964. Religion renewed in Israle. basa's impiety, 3. Reg. 16. A prophecy against Basa. observed and executed. In this estate were the affairs of Asa king of the two Tribes. Now will I return to Basa King of the multitude of Israel, who (having slain Nadab the son of jeroboam) usurped the kingdom. He made his abode in the city of Thersa, and reigned four and twenty years, showing himself more wicked & impious, than either jeroboam or his son had been. He plagued the people many ways, & dishonoured God very greatly, who sent the Prophet Gimon unto him, to foretell him that his whole race should perish, and that his house should be persecuted with as many miseries as himself had inflicted on jeroboams posterity: because that having received the government from God, he showed himself ungrateful unto him for his goodness, and governed his people impiously and unjustly: whereas justice and piety are both profitable unto those that practise them, and well-pleasing unto God. Further, in that he had conformed himself in life, to the dissolute course that jeroboam used, and was wholly contaminated with all his vices, he might assure himself that resembling him in wickedness, he should undoubtedly equal him in punishment. When Basa heard all those evils (that should shortly fall on him and his posterity, by reason of his wickedness) he redeemed not the time, neither endeavoured himself to gain the reputation of a reconciled life, or to obtain pardon at God's hands, by repenting himself of his forepast sins: but even as they that have a recompense proposed unto them to make them more affectionate in exploiting any thing, do diligently endeavour themselves to perform the same: so Basa, notwithstanding the prophet had foretold him of that which should happen, persisted in his wickedness as if it had been in virtue, and became worse and worse, to the utter ruin and confusion both of him and his household: and daily addicted himself unto all wickedness, with no less greediness, then if he had enterprised to bear away the honour in such a combat. In the end he assembled an army, and assailed Ramath once more, which was a great City some four leagues distant off of jerusalem, which he took, and determined to leave a garrison therein, and fortify the same; with a resolution, from thence to make Basa surprised Ramath, and fortifieth it. The year of the world. 3006. before Christ's birth 958. Asa inciteth those of Damascus to invade Bala. The year of the world. 3016. before the birth of Christ. 948. Alias. chap 9 The death of Basa. his roads into asa's kingdom. But Asa fearing the invasion of his enemy, and considering that the soldiers who were left in Ramath, did most grievously spoil all the dominions that were under him, sent ambassadors to the King of Damascus with gold and silver, to induce him to a society in war, and to renew that amity between them, which was confirmed betwixt both their fathers. Who willingly received those treasures that were sent him, and made a league with him, and broke the truce which he had with Basa: so that he sent the governors of his dominions against those Cities that were under basa's subjection, with commandment to destroy them. Of these they burned some, and ransacked other some, amongst which were Elon, Dan, and Abellane. Which when the King of Israel understood, he gave over the fortifying of Ramath, and with all expedition returned to yield those of his subjects his assistance, who were utterly distracted. But Asa in the mean while builded two strong towns, Gabath and Maspha, of that stuff which Basa had prepared to build withal. Basa afterwards (prevented by the common debt of death) had no more opportunity to make war against Asa. He was buried in the City of Arsane, and his son Ela succeeded him in the kingdom, who after he had reigned some two years, was traitorously slain by Zamri a captain of a half regiment of horsemen. For whilst Ela banqueted with Osa, who was the steward of his house, Zamri wrought so effectually, that he persuaded some of his horsemen to assault Ela, who at that time was alone and destitute of men of war and captains, for that all of them were at the siege of Gabathon a City of the Philistines. CHAP. VII. basa's offspring being extinct among the Israelites, Zamri reigned in Israel; and after him Amri, and his son Achab. AFter that Ela was slain, Zamri took the Kingdom upon him, and wholly rooted out basa's posterity (according as the prophet Gimon had foretold.) For after the same manner The year of the world, 3017. before Christ's birth 947. basa's stock destroyed. was his family utterly overthrown for their impiety, as jeroboams progeny was extinguished for their iniquity (as we have toforetime declated.) For the army which b●…●…ged Gabathon, hearing news of the King's death, & that Zamri had murdered him, and seized the kingdom, they made Amri general of the army, and anointed him for their king: who levying the siege before Gabathon, came before the royal City of Thersa, which he besieged and took perforce. Zamri seeing the City destitute of defence, had retired himself into the most secret and retired place of the palace; where setting it on fire he burned both himself and it, after he The year of the world 3017. before Christ's Nativity. 947. divers factions of the people. Amri king of Israel▪ The year of the world, 3021. before Christ's birth 943. had reigned seven days. Suddenly after this, the Israelites fell at controversy amongst themselves, because that some of them sought to prefer Thaman to the kingdom, and others were wholly addicted to Amri; but they of Amries' side had the better, and being of the better sort slew Thaman, and made Amri sovereign over the people. The thirteenth year of Asa, Amri began his reign, and was King for twelve years space; six years governed he in Thersa, and six in Mareon (which the greeks call Samaria) himself imposed this name of Samaria, calling it by the name of Samar, who had given him the land on which he builded this City. He differed in nothing from the other kings his predecessors, but in that he was worse than any of them: for all of them busied their heads on this thing only, that by daily impieties they might alien the people from God. For which cause God being displeased, caused the one of them to cut off the other; and finally extinguished both the posterity and name of one another. This Amri died in Samaria, and Achab his son was his successor. Amri dieth, and Achab his son succeed him. The year of the world. 3028. before Christ's birth 9●…6. Alias, chap. 10. Asa dieth, josophat succeed him. Hereby a man may truly and easily perceive, what care the divine majesty hath of human affairs, and how he loveth the virtuous, and utterly rooteth out the vicious. For the kings of Israel through their impiety in a short and successive course the one after the other, were cut off and confounded with all their families. But Asa (king of jerusalem and the two Tribes) living happily in the favour of God, for his piety and justice attained to a reverend and old age, and after he had reigned one and forty years, he died a good death. And after his decease, josaphat his son (whom he begat on his mother Abida) succeeded him; who in all things that concerned either piety or fortitude, seemed to emulate and equal his grandfather David, according as it shall be declared hereafter. But Achab King of Israel made his abode in Samaria, and governed the kingdom for the space of twenty two years, without any alteration of those ordinances which his progenitors kings of Israel had established; but that he exceeded them daily in complotting worse wickedness. For he imitated all their impieties and wickedness (but especially the apostasy of jeroboam) for he adored those calves that were erected by him; and besides that, he added far worse impieties than the former. He took to wife jezabel the daughter of Ithobal King of the Tyrians and Sidonians, of whom he learned to adore the gods of her nation: for The year of the world. 3031. before the birth of Christ. 933. jezabel. 3. Reg. 17. The dearth of victuals prophesied to the Israelites. she was a busy and audacious woman, and of such immeasurable madness, that she fear not to build a temple in honour of Bel the god of the Tyrrians, and to plant a wood furnished with all kind of trees, and to ordain priests and false prophets also in honour of that God. The king also took delight to have these kinds of men oftentimes about him, exceeding all other kings before him in madness and malice. To him came a certain prophet sent by the Almighty God, that was borne in Thesbon in Galaad, telling him that he foreprophecied, that neither dew nor rain should fall on the earth a long time, until that himself, who was prepared to depart from him, should appear again unto him: and binding the same with an oath (for the better confirmation thereof) he retired himself to the Southward, where he lived by a certain river, from whence he fetched his drink: for his meat was daily brought him by certain Crows. Now when the river The year of the world. 3037. before Christ's birth 927 thorough want of rain was waxen dry, God commanded him to repair unto Sareptha (a City not far from Sidon and tire, and situate in the midst between them both) where he should find a widow woman, who should furnish him with food. As soon therefore as he drew near unto the gate, he saw a woman that lived by her labour, gathering of sticks; and God gave him to Crows feed Elias. The widow of Sareptha entertaining Elias neither flower not oil fail. understand, that it was she who should nourish him. Whereupon he came unto her and saluted her, praying her that she would bring him some water to cool his thirst; and as she was ready to depart, he called her back again, and willed her to bring him some bread also. Whereupon she swore that she had nothing in her house, but a handful of flower and a little oil, and that she was come forth to gather sticks, to the end she might bake the same, and make bread for herself and her son, and when they had eaten the same, they must needly perish thorough famine, because they had not any thing more left them. Go, said the prophet, and be of good courage, and conceive better hopes, and when thou hast prepared meat for me, bring it me: for I tell thee that thy pitcher of meal shall neither fail, nor thy pot of oil be empty, until that God send rain upon the earth. When the Prophet had spoken thus, she approached near unto him, and performed that which he commanded, and she herself had sufficient to feed upon; and she gave the rest unto her son and to the prophet: so that they wanted nothing so long as the drought continued. Menander of the famine during the time of Elias. Menander maketh mention of this default of rain in the acts of Ithobal king of the Tyrians, speaking after this manner. In his time there was a season without rain, from the month of October until October in the next year after, but upon his supplication and request there fell The year of the world, 3037. before Christ's Nativity, 927. great store of thunder. He builded the City of Botris in Phenicia & Auzate in Libya. Doubtless he expressed hereby the drought that happened in Achabs' time: for about that time Ithobale reigned over the Tyrians, as Menander testifieth in his history. This woman (of whom we have spoken heretofore, that nourished the Prophet) seeing her son fallen sick, & lying senseless, as if he had been already dead, or yielding up of the ghost; wept, & broke out into such passionate laments, as were answerable to her desolate estate, & said, that the cause of her misfortune was, in that the Prophet was come into her house, and had discovered her sins, and that for the same cause her son was dead. But he recomforted her, and willed her to be of a good courage, and commanded her to bring the child unto him, assuring her that he would restore him to life. Now when Elias restoreth the w●…wes son to l●…e. she had brought him, he took the child and bore him into his lodging where he remained, and laid him on his bed, & cried out unto god saying, that he had but slenderly recompensed her that had received and nourished him, if so be her son should be taken from her: he therefore besought 3. Reg. 18. him, that he would return the soul into the body, & restore life unto the infant. Whereupon God having compassion on the mother, and being willing to gratify the Prophet, and to the intent that no man might suppose that he came unto her to endamage her; he restored the child to life beyond all expectation. For which the mother gave thanks unto the Prophet, saying, that by this means she was thoroughly persuaded, that God had spoken unto him. Not long after he sought out Achab, according as God had commanded him, to let him understand that he should have rain. At that time the famine reigned over the whole country, and there was great want of necessary victuals; so that men did not only faint for want of bread, Elias is sent by God to prophesy fault to Achab. The year of the world. 3040. before Christ's birth 924. Achab seeketh for Elias. Obediah cōcealeth and sustaineth a hundredth prophets but the earth also, for want of rain, could not bring forth that which was requisite for the sustenance of horses and other cattle. The king therefore calling Obediah unto him (who was the master of his herds) he commanded him that he should each way seek out for fountains and brooks, willing him that if he found out any grass, he should mow the same, and give it to his cattle for their sustenance. And whereas by his command the Prophet Elias was sought in divers places, and could not be found: he willed Obediah also to follow him. So taking both of them several ways, the king followed one, and the master of the cattle an other. This Obediah was a godly and virtuous man, who when the Prophets were put to death, hid one hundredth of them in dens, and sustained them with bread and water. After this man was departed from the king, Elias met with him and asked him what he was: which when he had certified him, he humbled himself on his face before him. Elias commanded him to repair unto the king, and to certify him that he was hard at hand. Obediah asked him wherein he had offended him, that he would make him a minister and messenger unto him, who had sought to kill him, and had by-laid the country to apprehend him? For there was not any straight whither he sent not some of his men to find out Elias, with charge, that if they found him, they should put him to death. Now it may so be (said he) that whilst I repair unto the king, the spirit of God wherewith thou art fulfilled will carry thee away, and the king not finding thee here and frustrate of his desire, will revenge himself on my head. Be thou not therefore so secure by my danger, whereas thou mayst know how careful I am of such holy men as thou art, who have delivered a hundredth Prophets from jezabels' fury, and now at this time conceal and sustain them in secret places. Notwithstanding all these words, Elias commanded him to repair unto the king, and to cast off all fear, swearing unto him by an oath, how that day he would make himself seen and known unto Achab. When Obediah had certified the king that Elias was at hand, Achab went out to meet him, and being fraught with indignation said unto him. Is it thou that heapest so much mischief on the Achab accuseth Elias of impiety. Hebrews heads? Art thou the man that art the cause of this sterility? To whom Elias replied without flattering him any ways, that it was he and his race that were the occasions of these mischiefs, because they had brought strange Gods into their country whom they adored, and had forsaken the true God, who was and is only to be worshipped. He therefore willed him presently to assemble all the people on the mount Carmel, & bring with him his wife and her prophets, whose number he reckoned up: the Prophets likewise of the woods, who were in number four hundredth. Whenas therefore all of them being summoned by the king were gathered together Elias reproveth the superstition of the people. in that place: Elias stood up in the midst of them and said. How long will you live thus, having both your souls and opinions dismembered and divided? For if you think that the Hebrews God is the true and only God, why follow you him not? and why keep you not his commandments? But if you think that the honour belongeth not to him, but to foreign gods, follow you them. When Elias perceived that the people replied nothing hereunto, he The year of the world, 3040 before Christ's birth 924. prayed them (in confirmation of that infinite and distinct power of God from that of strange Gods) that whereas he was but one only Prophet of the true God at that time present, and the other were four hundredth that worshipped the false; that he might take an Ox and kill the same, and lay it upon wood, without putting any fire thereto to consume the sacrifice; and that they also might do the like, and call upon their gods, and beseech them to send down fire to consume their sacrifice: which if they should do and confirm the same by miracle, that then the true nature of their gods should be known. This counsel of his was generally allowed. Whereupon Elias commanded the false Prophets first of all to choose themselves an Ox, and to kill the same, and afterwards to call upon the assistance of their gods: and when it manifestly appeared that their prayer and invocation was of no force; Elias began to mock them, saying, why call you not out upon your gods with a loud voice, for it may be they are on some voyage, or else happily they sleep? Whilst thus they had invocated from the morning until midday (cutting themselves with knives and lances, according to the custom of their country) Elias that was to make his sacrifice, commanded the false Prophets to stand aside, willing the people to draw near unto him, and observe, for fear least secretly he should convey fire under the wood. When the people Elias doctrine and office confirmed by miracle. were approached, he took 12. stones, according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel, and made an Altar, and digged a deep trench round about the same; and afterwards heaping wood upon the Altar, and laying his sacrifice thereupon, he commanded them to fill four tuns with fountain water, and to power it upon the Altar in such sort, as the trench might receive & drink up the water. Which done, he began to pray and call upon God, beseeching him that it might please him to manifest his power unto his people, who had so long time run astray: no sooner Fire from heaven devoureth the sacrifice. had he finished his prayer, but fire fell from heaven upon the Altar in the sight of all the people, and consumed all the sacrifice; so that the water was consumed, & the place dried up. Which when the Israelites beheld, they fell down on their faces upon the earth, adoring one only God: confessing Bells priests slains. him to be the most mighty & only true God, and avowing that all other were but forged names, and fruits of an evil and truthless opinion; and laying hands themselves upon their false Prophets, they slew them by the commandment of Elias. He willed the king also to depart, and take his refection, and to take care for nothing, because he should very shortly see that God would send Elias foreprophecieth rain him rain; and thus departed Achab from him. But Elias ascended the top of the mount Carmel, and sat him down on the earth, leaning his head upon his knees: whilst thus he sat, he commanded his servant also to get up upon a certain rock, and to look towards the sea, and to tell him if he saw any clouds arise in any part (for till that time the air had been always clear.) His servant having often ascended the rock, and returned him answer that he sawnothing: at length mounting up the seventh time, in descending he returned him this news; that he saw some black appareance in the air, not much unlike unto a man's footstep. When Elias understood this, he sent unto Achab, wishing him to retire himself within the City before the rain fell: who had no sooner recovered the City of jezrael, but that the air was presently clouded and covered with a shower, and a vehement wind intermixed with rain fell upon the earth, and the Prophet seized by the spirit of God ran with the king's chariot as far as jezrael a City of Asser. When jezabel Achabs' wife had notice what wonders Elias had performed, and how he had slain her Prophets, she was sore displeased, and sent messengers unto him, threatening him in like sort to 3. Reg. 10. revenge herself on him, as he had slain her Prophets. Which for that Elias feared, he fled into the City of Bersabe, which is upon the borders of the tribe of juda, bounding upon Idumaea, in which place he left his servant, and retired himself into the desert: where whilst he prayed God, Elias flieth from jezabel. that he would take him out of the world, by reason he was not better than others, for which cause he should desire to live after them; he fell asleep under a certain tree, and after that some one God's care for his servants had awakened him, he arose and found bread and water ready prepared by him. Whenas therefore he had eaten and was recomforted, he went unto the mount Sinai (where it is said that Moses received the laws from God) where finding out a hollow cave, he entered into it, and remained God speaketh to Elias in the desert. therein. And being demanded by a certain voice which spoke unto him, he knew not from whence, wherefore he remained in that place, and forsook the City? he answered, for that he had slain the Prophets of the false gods, and for that he had persuaded the people that there was but one only God, who ought to be honoured by all men; and that for this cause he was sought for by the king's wife, that he might be done to death. The voice replied again, and commanded him to show himself openly, assuring him that he should understand that which it behoved him to perform. Hereupon as soon as it was day, he forsook the cave, he heard an earthquake, and saw a The year of the world 3040. before Christ's birth 924. lehuking of Israel. Elizeus calling light: and after all things were appeased, the heavenly voice which proceeded he knew not from whence, willed him, that he should in no ways be discomforted with that which he saw: for that no one of his enemies should have power to hurt him; charging him to return unto his house, to the intent to proclaim jehu the son of Nimsi king of the people, and Azael of Damascus king of the Syrians; certifying him that in his place, Elizeus of the city of Abela should be prophet; and that the wicked people should be destroyed, the one by Azael, & the other by jehu. When Elias had heard these things, he returned into the country of the Hebrews, and met Elizeus the son of Saphat at the cart, and with him divers others driving before them twelve couple of oxen: him did he approach, and cast upon him his garment, who instantly began thereupon to prophetize, so that forsaking his oxen, he followed Elias. Yet required he him, that before his departure, he might take leave of his parents; which licence when he had obtained, he committed them unto God and followed Elias, attending on him during all the term of his life like his disciple and servant. This issue had the affairs of this so excellent a Prophet. But a certain Citizen called Naboth Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 14. al. 11. 3. Reg. 21. The story of Naboth, who was stoned to death for denying Achab his vineyard. of the City of Azar, had a vineyard near unto the lands of Achab, who required him that he would sell him the same, at what price he thought convenient at his own election, to the intent he might annex the same to his own lands, and make them all but one possession: wishing him, that if he would not sell it him for silver, to choose in exchange thereof, any one field of his that best liked him. Naboth answered him, that he would not do it, but that he intended to gather the fruit of his own land himself, which he had received as an inheritance from his father. The King no less tormented than if he had lost his own inheritance (in that he might not be master of an other man's patrimony) would neither wash nor receive any sustenance. For which cause jezabel his wife questioned with him as touching the cause of his discontent, and how it came to pass that he neither washed, dined, nor supped: who told her of Naboths' rude behaviour, and how having used all just and reasonable composition unto him, in abasing himself more than his royal authority permitted, he had been outraged by him, in that he obtained not the thing which he requested at his hands. Hereupon jezabel willed him to be of good cheer advising him, that dismissing his displeasure he should continue his ordinary entertainment, because she herself would take upon her to revenge him on Naboth. Whereupon she presently sent letters in Achabs' name to the governors of the country, whereby she enjoined them to celebrate a fast, and to assemble the people, charging them that in that place Nabotl should have a seat prepared for him, by reason of his birth & nobility; willing them afterwards, that suborning three impudent and false witnesses to depose against him, that he had blasphemed against God and the king: they should by this means and for this occasion, cause him to be stoned and put to death by the people. All which was performed, according as the Queen had written, and Naboth (convinced by false witness, for scandalising both God and the King) was stoned by the people and put to death. When jezabel had tidings hereof, she repaired to the king's presence, and told him that he should enjoy Naboths' vineyard; and disburse nothing for the same. But God displeased with this her wickedness, sent the Prophet Elias purposely to meet with Achab in Naboths' ground, and to tell him that he injustly possessed the lawful inheritance of a Elias prophesieth what revenge God will take of Achab and jezabel. legitimate heir, whom he had done to death: As soon as the King perceived that he came unto him, supposing it to be unseemly for a king to be reproved, he first of all confessed the fault, and offered him to make restitution according to his arbitrement. Then did the prophet foretell him that in the same place where Naboths' carcase was consumed by dogs, that both his and his Queen's blood should be shed, and that all his race should be destroyed, for that they durst commit such an impiety, and so wickedly slaughter against all law, so good and guiltless a Citizen. At length Achab upon these words was seized with displeasure, & repent for the offence he had committed: so that appareling himself in sackcloth, and walking barefoot, he tasted not any Achabs' repentance. meat, but confessed his sins, under hope to appease God's wrath. For which cause God certified him by the Prophet, that during his life time the punishment of his race should be deferred, because he had repent him of his misdeeds: but that the threats and menaces should take effect in his sons time; all which Elias signified unto the king. CHAP. VIII. The year of the world. 3040. before Christ Nativity 924. Adad King of Damascus and Syria, fighteth at two several times with Achab, and is overthrown by him. Whilst Achabs' affairs were after this manner disposed, the son of Adad (that reigned over the Syrians, and those of Damascus) assembled the forces of his whole country, 3. Reg. ●…0. Adads' war against Achab and associated with himself two and thirty other kings, with whom he came and made war against Achab. Who being far inferior to him in forces, came not out into the open field to bid him battle, but closing up his soldiers in his strongest cities, he himself retired into Samaria (which was begirt with a very strong wall, and generally very hard to be surprised.) For which cause the Syrian (taking his army with him) resorted to Samaria, and encamping before the same, intended to scale and batter the City. But first of all he sent a Herald to Achab, to require him to give audience to his ambassadors which he would send unto him, by whom he should be certified what his resolution was. As soon as the King of Israel had granted them free access, the ambassadors came, and (according to the king's directions) required that Achabs' The Syrians emballage to Achab. goods, his children, and wife should be at Adads' command: which if he would confess, and suffer him to seize so many of them as best liked him, he would levy the siege and batter the City no more. Achab gave the ambassadors commission to certify the King of Syria that both himself, and all whatsoever was his, was at his command. Upon which answer the King sent a second message unto Achab, enjoining him the next day to admit such of his servants, as he should send unto him, to search his royal palace, and the houses of his friends and kinsmen, and take from thence that which was best liking, and in greatest estimate with them, and leave the rest with him whereof they made least reckoning. Achab amazed at this second embassadge of the King of Syria, assembled his people, and certified them, that he was ready to deliver up into the enemy's hands his wives, and children, for their safety and repose; and to abandon all that likewise which was in his possession (for that the Syrian had demanded no less at his hands in his first embassage.) But that now he required that his servants might be admitted to ransack all their houses, to the end they may leave nothing therein that was worthy regard, willing by this means to take a pretext of making war, knowing well (said he) that I will spare nothing that is mine for your safety. At this present he proffereth and seeketh occasion of hostility, proposing unto you a thing, which is unpleasing to you all, as touching your goods: notwithstanding, I will do whatsoever you shall think good of. To this the people answered, that they could not endure that any of his demands should be listened unto, or respected; but that the King should prepare for war. Whereupon he called for the ambassadors and dismissed them with this answer, That they should report unto their master, that Achab persisted in those things, which first of all were required by him (because he had a desire of His answer to the Legates. the conservation of his subjects:) but as touching his second demand, that he would no ways condescend thereunto: and thus sent he them away. When Adad heard this answer, he was sore moved, & sent unto Achab the third time, threatening him that his soldiers should make a bulwark more higher than the walls (he so much trusted in) yea though only each of them should bring but a handful of earth with them (which boast he used towards him to terrify him, and to express thereby how great a multitude of men he had to oppose against him.) But Achab answered, that he ought not to glory in his army, but that his true glory was, when he had the better in the battle. When the ambassadors were returned back, they found the King at dinner with 32. kings A lad●… confidence in his soldiers. his allies, to whom they made report of Achabs' answer. Hereupon Adad gave commandment to begird the City with palisadoes, and to raise bulwarks of earth, and busily to intend the siege. Whilst these things were in hand, Achab was grievously troubled, and all the people with him: but at length he grew confident, and cast off all his sear thorough the arrival of a certain Prophet, who said unto him, that God promised to deliver all those thousands of soldiers, and The Israelites God promiseth victory against the Syrians. his boastful enemies which he beheld, into his hands. The same Prophet being afterwards demanded by him, by whose means this victory might be gained? He said, that it should be by the sons of the governors, whom the King himself should lead forth, by reason of their unexperience. Achab therefore calling unto him the governors sons, found that their number amounted to two hundredth thirty & two: and having notice that the Syrians intended nought else but pleasure and banquetring, he opened the City gates, and sent these young men out against them. Now when the sentinels of the adverse part had discovered them, they certified Adad thereof, who sent out certain soldiers against them, commanding them that if they were come out The year of the world. 3040. before the Nativity of Christ. 9●…4. in warlike sort to bid the battle, they should bring them unto him fast bound; and if they came in peace, they should do the like. Now had Achab within the City arranged another army, and kept them in a readiness. When as therefore the young men had charged the Syrian guard, and slain a great number of them, and had pursued the rest even unto their own camp; Achab spying his present victory and advantage, caused his whole army to break forth; who giving an unsuspected charge upon the enemies, discomfited the Syrians (who little expected for such a stratagem from the Hebrews) and assailed them disarmed and drunken: so that they left both Achabs' victory against the Syrians. armour and weapon behind them, and fled from their camp; and their king likewise was so hotly pursued, that he scarcely had opportunity to save himself by the swiftness of his horse. Achab made a long chase in following the Syrians and slaughtering them that fled: he spoilt their camp likewise, and carried thence great riches, and a huge quantity of gold and silver. He took Adads' chariots and horses also, and with them returned back into the City. But whereas by the advice of the said prophet, he was persuaded to prepare and keep an army in readiness against the next year (for that the Syrian was like, nay rather resolved to charge him again) the King intermitted no preparation that concerned the war. For Adad (being escaped from the fight with those few forces that remained after the battle) consulted with his friends, how he might war against the Israelites. Who advised him from thence forth never more to fight with than in mountainous places, for that their God was powerful upon the mountains, and for that cause they had been overcome by them: but if he fought with them in the plain, both h. and his should be assured to have the upper hand. Moreover they counseled him, that he should dismiss those kings that he had confederated with him, to the end that each of them might return into his own country, and that in their steed he should retain their forces, over which he should ordain Chieftains: besides (to supply their places that were lost) they advised him to levy horsemen and chariots thorough all his country. Adad supposing that they Adad's second expedition against the Israelites. The year of the world. 3041. before Christ's birth 923. had discreetly counseled him in this matter, ordered and levied his army according as they had advised him. And as soon as the spring-time was come, he assembled his army, and led them forth against the Israelites; and arriving near unto the city of Ap●…iec, he encamped in a plain field. But Achab with his forces (marching out to meet with him) pitched his tents and arranged his battle near unto him (although he were far inferior both in force and number.) To him the prophet appeared anew, telling him that God would once more have the victory, to make it known that his power was not only in the mountains (as the Syrians persuaded themselves) but in the plains also. Thus continued both the armies, opposed and encamped the one against the other, for the space of six days. On the seventh, when the enemy forsook their trenches early in the morning, and placed themselves in battle ray; Achab drew out his army and affronted them, and presently charged them: where after a long and dangerous fight betweeve them, the enemies were put to flight, and many of them slain in the chase. For some of them were entangled with their own chariots, othersome slew one an other pellmell; and some few of them found the means to fly unto their City of Aphec, who perished likewise to the number of seven and twenty thousand (being slain by the ruin of the walls that fell upon them) besides one hundredth thousand men that gave up the ghost in that fight. But Adad attended by some of his faithful friends, went and hid himself in a certain cave under the ground: who protesting unto him, and concluding amongst themselves, that the kings of Israel were courteous and merciful, and that there was hope of pardon to be had (if after the manner of suppliants they might be attired and sent unto him) Adad permitted them: Whereupon they incontinently presented themselves to Achab clothed in sackcloth, and having their heads wreathed about with cords (according to the manner of suppliants amongst the Syrians) telling him that Adad besought his majesty to grant him his life; promising on his behalf, that from thenceforth he would always continue his servant, and acknowledge his favour. Achab answered them, that it highly contented him Adad is received into favour by Achab and dismissed upon condition. that their king was as yet alive, and had escaped from the fury of the fight, offering him by them that good will and honour, which one brother ought to show unto another. After this they drew an oath from Achab, that he should offer him no wrong, if so be he discovered himself unto him, and withal presently resorted unto Adad; whom they drew out of the place where he was hidden, and afterwards brought him unto Achab, who was mounted upon a chariot. Adad prostrated himself before him: but Achab stretching out his hand made him incontinently mount up with him into his chariot, and kissed him, willing him to be of good courage, assuring him that he should receive neither injury nor injustice at his hands. Hereupon Adad gave him thanks, protesting that during his life time he would never be forgetful of his favours: promising him moreover The year of the world ●…041. before Christ's Nativity. 923. to restore unto him those cities which his predecessors, kings of Syria, had taken from the Israelites. He likewise gave him power to come into Damascus (in like manner as before time his ancestors had the credit to repair unto Samaria.) When these accords were made and confirmed by oath, Achab gave him many worthy presents, and sent him back into his kingdom. Thus ended the war betwixt Adad and the king of the Israelites. After this a certain Prophet called Micheas came unto another Israelite, commanding him to wound him upon the head, assuring him that God was so pleased, and had so commanded him. When as this Israelite would in no sort condescend hereunto, he prophesied unto him, that since he had disobeyed God's commandment, he should meet with a lion, which should rend him in pieces. Which coming to pass, according as it was foretold, the Prophet addressed himself again unto another, commanding him to do the like: and when he had wounded him in the head, he bound up the wound & came unto the king, telling him that he had been in war, & had received a prisoner in charge from his captains hands: and how that (his prisoner being fled from him) he feared lest he that had committed him to his charge, should for that cause take his life from him; the rather for that he had threatened no less. Achab answered him, that he was justly condemned. Whereupon Micheas discovered his head, and made it known who he was. And to this intent used the Prophet this policy, that his words might be of greater force and value. For he told the king that God Achab was reproved for dismissing Adad. would bend himself against him, because he had permitted the blasphemer Adad to depart unpunished; assuring him, that God would cause him to be slain by Adad, and suffer the people of Israel to be slaughtered by the Syrian army. The king displeased with the liberty and free speech of the Prophet, commanded him to be cast into prison: and being vehemently affrighted with The reward of learned preachers. this his prediction, he departed home unto his house. CHAP. IX. Of josaphat King of jerusalem. HItherto have we spoken of Achabs' estate: but now must I return unto josaphat king of jerusalem; who having enlarged his kingdom, and planted garrisons in those cities that The year of the world. 3042. before Christ's birth 924. josaphat's piety. 3. Paral. 17. were subject unto him (and in those likewise which his grandfather Abiah had possessed in the portion of Ephraim, at such time as jeroboam reigned over the ten Tribes.) This king had perpetual assistance and favour at God's hands, in that he was a just & virtuous Prince, studying day and night for nothing more, than how he might please and honour God. The kings his neighbours round about him honoured him with presents: so that his riches were great, and his honours excellent. In the third year of his reign he assembled the governors and priests of his country, enjoining them to ride their circuit about the provinces, and to teach the inhabitants of every city the law of Moses, training them up in the observance thereof, and in the study of piety. Which all the Citizens embraced and entertained so willingly, that they seemed to emulate and strive the one with the other, which of them should exceed the rest in the service of God. The Nations likewise that dwelled round about him, loved josaphat, and were at peace with him. The peace in josaphat's time josaphat's army. The Philistines also paid those tributes which were imposed on them. And the Arabians furnished him every year with six hundredth and thirty lambs, and the like number of kids. He fortified also other great cities of importance, & made preparation of munition of war and arms against the enemy. He mustered in the tribe of juda three hundred thousand men, over whom he placed Edraus General, and two hundred thousand under the conduct of johanan. Who besides these had two hundred thousand Archers on foot of the tribe of Benjamin. Another Chieftain called Ochobat levied and led for the king one hundred and fourscore thousand men armed at assay (besides those which he sent into the defenced cities.) He married his son joram to Athalia the daughter of Achab king of the ten tribes. And not long after (resorting to Samaria) Achab received him very courteously, and magnificently entertained his army with bread, wine, and flesh in all abundance: requiring him to yield him his assistance against the king of Syria, to the intent he might recover the cirie of Ramath in the country of Galaad, which Adads' father had won and conquered from his father. josaphat promised to assist him: and being josaphat's expedition with Achab against the Syrian 〈◊〉. 3. Reg. 22. no ways inferior unto him in force, he sent his army from jerusalem to Samaria. When these two kings were departed out of the city, and each of them were seated upon their thrones, they distributed their pay to every one of their soldiers. At that time josaphat commanded, that if at that present there were as yet any prophets amongst them, they might be sent for, to give notice what the issue should be of this their war against the Syrians; and whether they thought The year of the world 3047. before Christ's birth 917. it good to make war against them, by reason that at that time there was amity and peace betwixt Achab and the Syrians, confirmed for the space of three years, since the time that he took Adad prisoner and delivered him, to that present. CHAP. X. Achab fighteth against the Syrians, and is over come and slain in the battle. HEreupon Achab called for the Prophets (who were in number four hundredth) and commanded The false prophets prophecy plausibly. them to inquire of God whether he would give him the victory in that battle which he enterprised against Adad or no, and whether he should recover the City which he intended to besiege? Who answered and counseled him to hazard the battle, in that he should have the upper hand over the Syrian; and should take him prisoner as he had done before time. josaphat understanding by their words that they were false Prophets, asked Achab if he had not any other Prophet of God, who might more exactly certify him of that which might succeed. Achab answered, that he had one as yet remaining, but that he hated him because he prophesied nought else but mishap and misery unto him, and had foretold him that if he should fight against the Syrian, he should be overcome and slain; and for that cause he held him at that time in prison, signifying unto him that his name was Micheas the son of Imlah▪ josaphat required that he might be brought into his presence (which was accordingly performed by one of his eunuchs; who by the way certified Micheas, that all the other Prophets had prophesied to the king victory.) But Micheas told him that it was not lawful for him to lie against God, but that it concerned Micheas the true prophet. him to speak that which God should inform him of, concerning the king. As soon as he came before Achab, and was adjured to speak the truth, he said that God had showed him the Israelites put to flight, and dispersed by the Syrians, that pursued them no otherwise then sheep without their shepherd. All which signifieth no less (said he) but that the rest of the people returning home in safety; Achab only should be slain in the battle. When Micheas had spoken after this manner; Achab turning himself towards josaphat, said unto him, I told you before this, how this fellow was affected towards me. But Micheas constantly avowed, that he prophesied nothing but that which God had commanded him to speak, assuring Achab that he was solicited by the false, Prophets unto war under hope of victory, whereas he should assuredly perish in the battle. These words of his made Achab much discomforted. But Sedechias one of the false Prophets stepped forth, and exhorted him to set light by Micheas words, the rather for that he spoke untruly. And in confirmation of this his allegation he alleged Elias (who was a far more skilful Prophet in foretelling things to come, than Micheas was) yet that the same Elias had foretold that the dogs should lick Achabs' blood in the City of jezrael in the field of Naboth, because Naboth had been stoned to death by the instance of Achab. Whereby it appeared manifestly, that since he contradicted a Prophet so excellent as he was, he lied in saying that the king should die within three days. Moreover (said he) it shall appear whether he be truly sent from God or no, if as soon as he shall receive a buffet from me, he cause my hand to wither, according as jadon made jeroboams hand shrink, at such time as he thought to apprehend him. For I think (said he) O king, that thou art assuredly informed hereof: which said he struck him, and for that no inconvenient fell upon him, by reason of that his audacious attempt, Achab assured himself, and recovered his courage▪ & forwardly set forth against the Assyrian army. For as it is to be supposed, the will of God was of such power, that it caused the false Prophets to triumph over the true: which was the cause that the false prophets were trusted more than the true, to the intent that God's preordained will might be fulfilled. But Sedechias made him iron horns, and said unto Acha●…, that God by them signified unto him that he should ruinate all Syria. But Micheas prophesied to the contrary, that within very few days Sedechias should walk from cane to cave to hide himself, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 15. and avoid the punishment of his falsehood. Achab displeased hereat, commanded that he should be led thence, and kept prisoner with Achmon the governor of the City, yielding him no other allowance but bread and water for his sustenance. Thus marched these two kings with their armies against Ramath which is in Galaad: which when the king of Syria understood, he drew his army into the field, & came out to meet with them, and encamped near unto Ramath. Now was 3. Reg. 22. al. 〈◊〉 Achab and josaphat's war against the Syrian. it concluded betwixt these two confederate kings, that Achab should enter the battle in a private habit, and josaphat should be invested with the royal ornaments, and supply Achabs' person in the battle, to the intent that Micheas prediction might be made frustrate. But notwithstanding this The year of the world. 3●…47. before Christ's Nativity 917. popular disguise, God's justice prevented him: for Adad king of Syria commanded his army, that they should put no one of the enemy to the sword, but only the king of Israel. As soon as the charge was given, the Syrians perceiving josaphat in the front of the army, and conjecturing that it was Achab, they made head altogether against him, and having environed and pressed him very nearly, they perceived that it was not he: for which cause they retired back again. But although they had fought from the morning until the evening, and had the upper hand; yet flew they no man (because they sought after no other but Achab to put him to the sword) whom notwithstanding they could by no means meet withal. At length one of Adads' servants called Aman, shot at random amongst the enemies, and by fortune hurt Achab in the breast, and shot him thorough the lungs. This hurt of his concealed he from his soldiers, for fear lest they should be discomforted. For which cause he commanded his coachman to drive his chariot out of the battle, for that he felt himself grievously and mortally wounded: and although Achab wounded by an arrow in the battle dieth. he were terribly pained, yet sat he in his chariot until sun set; at which time his heart failed him, and he gave up the ghost. When night came, the Syrian army withdrew themselves into their camp, and receiving tidings by an Herald, that Achab was dead, every one retired home unto his house: but Achabs' body was conveyed to Samaria, & interred in that place. As for his chariot, it was washed in the fountain of jezrael, because it had been bebloudied, by reason of the king's hurt, whereby the truth of Elias prediction was ratified, and confirmed: for the dogs The dogs lick Achabs' blood according to Elias prediction. licked his blood; & from that time forward the common women continually washed themselves in that fountain. He died also in Ramath (according as Micheas had foreprophecied) Whereas therefore all things befortuned Achab, according as two prophets had foretold him, it appeareth that we ought to honour and magnify the majesty of God in all places, and to reverence his prophecies delivered by them, and to ascribe always more credit unto them, then to the vain & The Oracles of the prophets are to be reverenced. plausible speech of such as curry favour; and no less to respect them, than things of infinite profit, since by them we are divinely admonished what we ought to take heed of. It behoveth us also to consider what force the ordinance of God is of, by examining those things which befell Achab. For it is impossible to avoid the preordinance of God, notwithstanding that men flatter and nourish themselves with vain hopes, which inveigle them so far, that finally they are overtaken in the snares thereof. For this careless inconsideration was fatal to King Achab, in that he believed not his death which was foretold him; but being deceived by the flattering persuasions The matchless necessity of fate. of false Prophets, ran headlong upon his own danger and death. After him succeeded his son Ochozias. THE NINTH BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 9 book. 1 joram Achabs' son overcometh the Moabites in battle. 2 joram King of jerusalem obtaining the crown, killeth his brothers and his father's friends. 3 joram's army is overthrown by his enemies, and his sons are slain, only one excepted; at length he himself dieth a miserable death. 4 The king of Damascus warreth against the king of Israel. 5 joram with all his posterity is slain by jehu, Ochosias' king of jerusalem is slain also. 6 jehu reigneth amongst the Israelites in Samaria, and his posterity after him till the fourth generation. 7 Athalia reigneth five years in jerusalem, and after she is slain by the high priest, joas Ochosias' son is proclaimed king. 8 Azael King of Damascus gathereth an army, first against the Israelites, and afterwards against jerusalem. 9 Amasias King of jerusalem maketh war against the Idumeans and Amalechites, and obtaineth the victory. 10 Amasias making war against joas king of the Israelites is overcome. 11 Ozias overcometh the nations round about him. 12 Rasin or Rabe king of Damascus vexeth the inhabitants of jerusalem with war, Achaz their king is compelled to call the king of Assyria to assist him. 13 The King of Assyria taketh Damascus by force, and slayeth the king, and translateth the people into Media, and planteth other Colonies in the same. 14 Salmanazar taking the king of Israel captive, translateth ten of the 12. Tribes into Media, and causeth the Cuthaeans to inhabit their region. CHAP. I. joram Achabs' son, overcometh the Moabites in battle. AS soon as King josaphat was returned back again to jerusalem (from the war wherein he had given succour to Achab against Adad the King of Syria, The year of the world, ●…048. before Christ's Nativity, 916. 4. Reg 3. 2. P●…. 19 20. jehu the Prophet reprehendeth josaphat for helping Achab. josaphat reneweth the true service of God. josaphat placed judges and Magistrates in every city. as we have heretofore declared) the Prophet jehu (in his return) came forth and met him, and reproved him because he had given Achab (who had been a man both impious and wicked) his assistance, assuring him that God was displeased with that his confederacy; yet notwithstanding that he of his goodness had delivered him from his enemies, although contrary unto his duty, he had demeaned himself unjustly. After this admonition josaphat began to celebrate sacrifices, and to offer up thanksgivings and peace offerings unto God: Which done, he road in progress and circuit round about those countries that were under his dominion, giving order that the people should be instructed in those ordinances which were delivered from God by the hands of Moses, and exhorted his subjects to the practice of piety, contained in the same. He planted judges likewise in every city, commanding them to execute justice unto the people, without respect of any thing, but only justice. He charged them likewise, that they should not be corrupted with rewards, or seduced by dignity, riches, or nobility, but that they should do justice indifferently unto all men, knowing that God seeth all things, how secretly soever they be carried or contrived. Having in this sort ordered every thing in each City of the two Tribes, he returned again into jerusalem, where he likewise chose judges from amongst the Priests and Levites, and the Elders among the people, exhorting them in all things to give upright and exact judgement. And if they of other cities had any causes of greater consequence (which should be referred to their final determination) he charged them with earnest industry, to decide them with as upright and just measure as might be: for that it was very convenient that the most exact and accomplished sentences should be delivered in that City, where as God had his temple, and the King made his ordinary abode. Over all these he placed his two friends, Amasias the Priest, and Zabadias of the Tribe of juda. After this manner did the King dispose of his estate. About this very time the Moabites and Ammonites (and with them their confederates a The Moabites and Ammonites war against josaphat. great number of Arabians) assaulted and assembled themselves against him, and encamped themselves near unto Engaddi (a City situate near unto the lake Asphaltites, and distant from jerusalem some three hundredth stounds) in which place flourish those goodly and wholesome Palmtrees, whence distilleth the pure and perfect liquor of balm. When josaphat had intelligence that the enemies had passed the lake, and were already far entered into his country, he was afraid, and assembled the people of jerusalem in the temple, and standing upright, and turning his face toward the propitiatory, he besought and requested God that he would give him power and josaphat's prayer in the temple of jerusalem for victory. force to overcome his enemies. For such had been the form of their supplication, who in times past builded the temple: namely, that it might please him to fight for that City, and oppose himself against those that durst attempt or assault that place, to the intent to dispossess them of that country which he himself had given them in possession, and in pronouncing this prayer he wept: and all the people likewise both men, women and children made their requests unto God. Presently upon this, a certain Prophet called jaziel arose up in the midst of the congregation, and jaziel the prophet assureth them of victory. cried out, and certified both the people and the King, that God had heard their prayers, and promised them to fight for them against their enemies, enjoining them the next day to sally out in arms, and go & make head against their adversaries, whom they should encounter in the mountain situate betwixt jerusalem and Engaddi, in a place called the hillock of Sis (which place in The year of the world, 3048 before Christ's birth 916. Hebrew signifieth Eminency) willing them not to fight against them, but only to arrest in that place, and see how God would fight and make war for them. When the Prophet had spoken these words, the king and all the people prostrated themselves upon their faces, giving thanks unto God and adoring: mean while the Levites sung continual hymns, with instruments and voices. About the beginning of the day, the king departed into the desert that is under the City of Thecoa, advising the people to believe all that which the prophet had said unto them, and not to arrange themselves in battle ray, he commanded the Priests to march before them with The manner and weapons whereby josaphat overcame his enemies. their trumpets, and the Levites that they should sing hymns and thanksgivings unto God, as if (said he) our country were already delivered from our enemies. This advise of the kings seemed pleasing unto them all; so that they performed whatsoever he counseled them. But God sent a great terror and disorder among the Barbarians: so that supposing themselves to be enemies the one against the other, they slew one an other in such sort, that of so great and huge an host there was not one that escaped. But josaphat looking down into the valley (wherein the enemies had pitched their tents) and seeing it full of dead men, rejoiced greatly at the unexpected The Ammonites and their confederates kill one another. succours that God had sent him, who had given them the victory, not by the dint of their own swords, but by his providence and power only. He therefore permitted his army to make pillage of the enemy's camp, and to spoil the dead; and so great was the multitude of them that were slain, that scarcely they could gather the spoils of them in three days space. On the fourth day the people assembled together in a valley and hollow place, where they blessed God for the power The spoils of the Ammonites. and succours he had sent them, by reason whereof the place was called the valley of Benediction. From thence the king led back his army into jerusalem, and for divers days he spent the time in offering sacrifices, and making feasts. After this discomfiture of his enemies was published The fame and praise of josaphat in every place. abroad in the ears of foreign nations, they were all of them afraid, supposing that God did manifestly express his power, and extend his favour towards him. And from that time forwards josaphat lived in great glory, in justice, and piety. He likewise was a friend to the King of Israel that reigned at that time, who was Achabs' son, with whom he adventured in a voyage by sea, intending to traffic with certain merchants of Tharsis, but he had a great loss: for Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 2. Ochozias Achabs' son king of Israel. his ships were cast away by reason they were overgreat; and for this cause he had never more mind to exercise navigation. Hitherto have we spoken of josaphat king of jerusalem. But as touching Ochozias Achabs' son, who reigned over Israel, and was resident in Samaria: he was a wicked man, and resembled his father and mother every way in his impieties, and was nothing inferior to jeroboam in wickedness, who first fell from God, and made the Israelites revolt from him. The tenth year of his reign, the king of the Moabites rebelled against him, and denied to pay him those tributes which he was wont to pay unto Achab his father. But it came to pass, that as Ochozias ascended the stairs of his palace, he fell down from the top thereof: and being sick of the fall, he sent to Accaron unto the God called the Myiodis or fly, 4. Reg. 1. Ochozias having a grievous fall, seeketh to be informed of a false Oracle, and is reproved by Elias. to inquire whether he should recover that sickness or no. But the god of the Hebrews appeared to Elias the Prophet, and commanded him to go and meet those messengers that were sent by Ochozias, and to ask them if the people of the Israelites had not a god, but that their king sent to foreign gods to inquire of his health? and to charge them to return and declare unto their king, that he should not escape that sickness. Elias did that which God had ordained; and the messengers of the king having understood that which was declared unto them, returned back again with all expedition unto him. Ochozias marveling much at their sudden repair, asked them the cause thereof: who answered him, that a certain man came unto them, who forbade them to pass any further, but to shorten their way to let your majesty know (said they) from God, that your sickness shall wax worse and worse. Hereupon the king commanded them Elias form and habit. to describe what manner of man he was that spoke these words unto them: who answered, that he was a hairy man girded with a leathern belt and understanding hereby that it was Elias, he sent a captain with fifty soldiers unto him, commanding him to bring the Prophet prisoner unto him. This captain that was sent, perceiving Elias sitting on the top of a mountain, commanded him to come down and repair unto the king, who had sent for him; which if he performed not presently and willingly, he threatened him to make him do it perforce. Elias answered and said unto him: To the end thou mayest know by thine own experience that I am a true Propht, Ochozias soldiers fear to fetch Elias are consumed with lightning I will pray that fire may fall from heaven, and consume both thee and thy soldiers. And incontinently after Elias had prayed, lightning fell down from heaven and consumed both the captain and his soldiers. When the King had tidings of this loss, he was sore displeased, and sent another Captain The year of the world. 3048. before the Nativity of Christ. 916. to Elias with the like number of soldiers as the first had, who threatened the Prophet that if he would not willingly come down, he would violently pull him thence; but Elias prayed that fire might fall from heaven, and incontinently both he and his were consumed in like manner as the first. When the King had understanding likewise how his second messengers had sped, he sent a third unto him, who being a discreet man, and courteous in condition, arriving in the place where by chance Elias was, he saluted him very courteously and said unto him, that contrary to his own will, and to no other purpose but to fulfil the king's pleasure, he was come unto him; and that they that were sent with him, came not thither voluntarily, but by the same command: He therefore required him to have compassion both of him and of his soldiers, and to vouchsafe to come down, and to come after them unto the King. Elias took pleasure in this his discreet and courteous demeanour, so as he descended and followed him. As soon as he came before the king's presence he prophesied, and told him that God said, that since he had despised him, and The year of the world. 3049. before the birth of Christ. 915. Ochozias dying without issue, ●…am his brother reigned in his steed. so lightly accounted of him as if he had been no God, or else such a one as had no power to foretell him any truth as touching his sickness, but that he had sent to the gods of the Accaronits to demand of them as touching the success of his sickness: Know (said he) that thou shalt die. And not long time after (according to the prophecy) he died in such manner, as Elias had foretold him, & his brother joram succeeded him in the kingdom: because he departed without issue. This joram was a wicked man also, and as impious as his father: for abandoning the service of the true God, he adored strange gods. In all things else he was a man of execution. In his time Elias was no more seen amongst men, and until this day no man knoweth what his end was. But he left a disciple behind him called Elizaeus (as we have heretofore declared.) It is written in holy writ as touching Elias, and Enoch who was before the Deluge, that they vanished: for Elias according as Enoch, was taken from the sight of men. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 3. 4. Reg. 3. Eli●…aeus. joram asketh a●…d against the Moabites. no man hath known of their deaths. After that joram had taken possession of the kingdom, he resolved to make war upon Misa the king of the Moabites (who paid Achab his father before him the tribute of 200000. sheep bearing wool) Whenas therefore he had assembled his forces, he sent unto josaphat, requiring him that since he had been his father's friend, he would likewise second and send him aid in his intended war against the Moabites, who had as then newly revolted from his government. josaphat not only promised him to yield him succours, but moreover he assured him that he would draw the king of Idumaea (who was his subject) into their association. When joram understood these things by those whom he had sent unto josaphat, he took his army with him and repaired to jerusalem, where he was magnificently received and entertained by the King of that City: where after they had concluded to march thorough the desert of Idumaea, and that way to charge the enemy (in that they expected nothing less than to be endangered on that side) these three kings departed together from jerusalem, namely the king of jerusalem, the king of Samaria, and the king of Idumaea. Now when they had marched some seven days journey, they found a great sarcitie of water amongst them both to water their horses, & to refresh their whole army, by reason that their guides had led them astray out of the high way: so that they were in great want, and in especial joram, who by reason of the necessity wherewith he was pressed, cried unto God, expostulating with him for what offence of his he would Want of w●… in the Hebrew army. betray three such kings, as were there present into the hands of the king of Moab without stroke strooken. But josaphat, who was a virtuous man, encouraged him, and sent into the army to know whether there were any Prophet of God that had followed them to the battle, to the intent (said he) that we may understand by God what we ought to do: and whereas one of the servants of joram said, that he had seen Elizaeus the son of Saphat the disciple of Elias, all the three kings (by the solicitation of josaphat) resorted unto him: now when they drew near unto The kings seek for counsel at Elizaeus hands. the Prophet's tent (which he had pitched apart from the rest of the company) they asked him what should become of the army, and joram in especial questioned with him? To whom Elizeus answered, that he had no reason to solicit him in this sort, but to repair unto his fathers and mother's Prophets, who would certify him the truth. Notwithstanding joram entreated him that he would prophecy, and continue the preservation of the army, and the defence of his life: but Elizeus swore by the living God, that he would answer him nothing, except for josaphat's sake, who was an upightman, and such a one as feared God. Afterwards calling unto them a certain Elizaeus foreprophecieth store of water, and their victory. man that could cunningly play upon instruments (for so had the Prophet commanded) whilst he sung, Elizeus was ravished with a divine spirit, and enjoined the kings to make certain trenches in the channel of the river: for (said he) you shall see the river full of water without either wound, cloud, or rain: so that both the whole army and all their cattle shall be saved, and sufficiently sustained: and God will not only bestow these benefits on you, but will give you The year of the world 3049. before Christ's Nativity. 915. the upper hand of your enemies also; and you shall surprise the fairest and strongest Cities of the Moabites; and you shall cut down their trees, ruinated their country, and fill up their fountains and rivers. When the Prophet had spoken thus, the next day before sun rise the river flowed abundantly with water: for some three days journey off, God had suffered a very strong and settled rain to fall in Idumaea; so that both the soldiers and their horses were sufficiently refreshed and watered. When the Moabites were informed that the three kings came out against them, & took their way thorough the desert, their king presently assembled his army, and commanded them to keep the passages of the mountains, to the end they might hinder the enemy from entering their country unawares. Who beholding about the sun rise, that the water of the river A wonderful blindness of the enemy grounded on the redness of the water that flowed. was blood red (for at that time it arose in the country of Moab, and at this hour the water is red) they conceived a false opinion, that the three kings being pressed by thirst, had slain one another, and that the river flowed with their blood. Being in this sort seduced with this imagination, they besought the king to give them leave to gather their enemy's spoils: which when they had obtained, they altogether inconsiderately matched forth as if to a pray already prepared for them, and came unto the king's camps under hope to find no man to resist them. But their hope deceived them: for their enemies environed them round about, and some of them were cut in pieces, the rest turned back and fled towards their own country, and the three kings entering into the territories of the Moabites destroyed their Cities, pillaged the champion country, disfigured their enclosures, filling them with stones and mud taken out of the river, cut down their fairest trees, stopped up the sources of their waters, and leveled their walls with the ground. The king of the Moabites himself, seeing himself pursued and besieged, and that his City was in danger to be taken perforce, sallied out very valiantly with seven hundredth men, hoping by the The victory of the Hebrews against the Moabites. swiftness of his horse, to break thorough the Israelites camp on that side where he thought it was least defenced. Which when he had attempted and could not execute, because he charged on that side which was the best defended, he returned back again into the City, and committed a desperate and hateful action: for he took his eldest son, who ought in right to succeed him in the kingdom, and set him on the wall of the City, and in the sight of all his enemies offered him for a burnt sacrifice unto God. The kings beholding this woeful spectacle, were moved with The king of the Moabires sacrificeth his own son. compassion of his necessity, and overcome with humanity and mercy, levied the siege, and returned back again into their countries. After that josaphat was returned into jerusalem, he enjoyed a peaceable government, but lived not long time after this exploit, but died when he was threescore years old, in the five and twentieth year of his reign, and was magnificently josaphat's death. buried in jerusalem, according as the successor of David's virtue and kingdom ought to be entombed. CHAP. II. joram obtaining the kingdom of jerusalem, slew his brothers and his father's friends. HE left behind him divers children, the eldest of whom he appointed his successor in the kingdom, who was called joram (as his uncle was, who was his mother's brother and The year of the world. 3050. before the birth of Christ. 914. joram josaphat's son king of jerusalem. 4. Reg. 4. Achabs' son whilom king of Israel.) The king of the ten lines returning back unto Samaria, kept with him the Prophet Elizaeus, whose actions I will here recite, because they are notable & deserve to be registered in writing, according as we have gathered them out of holy scriptures. Obedias' wife (who was sometime steward of Achabs' house) came unto him and told him, that he was not ignorant that in that persecution wherein jezabel sought to murder the Prophets, how her husband saved one hundredth of them, for whose private maintenance he had borrowed much money of other men, and that now he being dead, his creditors strove to draw both her and her children into servitude. For which cause she besought him in consideration of this act, to have compassion on her husband, and to yield her some succour. Hereon Elizeus asked her if she had any thing in her house: who answered him, that she had nothing but a very little oil left her in a earthen pot. Whereupon the Prophet commanded her to depart, and to borrow divers empty Elizaeus commandeth the widow to fill her empty vessels with oil. vessels of her neighbour: that done, he willed her to lock up her doors; and to pour oil into the vessels, in that it was God's pleasure to fill them all. The woman did according as he had commanded her, and all the vessels were found full, so as none of them were empty: whereof when she had certified the Prophet, he advised her to go and deliver her oil, and pay her debts, and when all was paid, he assured her that there would be some remainder, that might serve to The year of the world, 3050. before Christ's Nativity, 914. Elizeus adviseth joram to avoid Adads' ambush, who lay in wait to kill him. sustain both her and her children. By this means Elizeus discharged the widow of her debts; and that trouble which her creditors intended against her. He admonished joram likewise, by certain messengers, that he should take heed of a certain place wherein the Syrians lay in ambush, intending to slay him: by means of which admonition the king went not out on hunting. But Adad being sore displeased, because his ambushment was discovered, began to suspect his own followers: whereupon calling unto him his household servants, he maliciously termed them traitors; and furthermore threatened them with death, for that they had discovered a matter, which was only committed to their trust, unto his enemy. Whereupon one of the assistants told him, that he ought not to conceive that false opinion of them, neither suspect that they had discovered his intended ambush to cut off his enemy: but rather that he ought to conceive, that the Prophet Elizeus had discovered and discoursed all that which was intended against him. Whereupon he sent out his soldiers with an express charge, to know in what City Elizeus made his ordinary abode, who returning back, brought 4. Reg 6. Elizaeus is besieged in Dothaim by his enemy. him news that he remained in Dothaim: For which cause Adad sent a great number of horsemen and chariots to Dothaim to lay hold on Elizeus, who begird the City by night, and laid watch round about the walls, that no man might escape them. Early in the morning when the Prophet's servant had notice hereof, and was advertised that the enemies sought to surprise Elizeus, he fearfully hasted and discovered their intent unto his master; who encouraged him and commanded him to shake off his fear, for that he held himself both secured & assured of God's help: whereupon he prayed God that at that present he would show his power and assistance both toward the relief of his necessity, and the confirmation and encouragement of his servant. At that time God hearing his prayer, presented to the Prophet's servants sight a number of chariots, The Angels about Elizaeus the prophet and horsemen that environed Elizeus: so that he laid his fear aside, and was assured when he perceived these succours. That done, Elizeus besought God again that he would blind his enemy's eyes, and to cause a thick cloud to fall upon them, to the end they might not discover him. Which done, he presently thrust himself amongst the thickest of his enemies, demanding of them whom they came to seek for? They answering him that they sought for the Prophet Elizeus: he promised them to deliver him into their hands, if so be they would come with him into the City where he was. They blinded in eyes, and depraved in understanding by God, followed the Elizeus leadeth the Syrians blinded into Samaria where by his persuasion they are courteously entertained and presented by joram, and sent home. Prophet willingly, who marched before them. When as therefore Elizeus had brought them into Samaria, he willed king joram to lock the gates and to environ the Syrians with his soldiers. This performed, he prayed God that he would clear the Syrians sight, and take away the cloud that obscured their eyes: who being delivered from their blindness, perceived that they were in the midst of their enemies. Whereat being sore astonished, and uncertain whence this divine and unexpected act had befallen them, King joram asked the Prophet whether he should kill them with darts. But Elizeus forbade him to do so: for (said he) it is a just and convenient matter, that they who are taken by order of war should lose their life, but that they had done no evil unto his country; but by God's providence came thither without their own knowledge: for which cause he counseled him to give them presents and present them meat, and afterwards to suffer them to depart without any injury. joram giving credit to the Prophet's words, entertained the Syrians magnificently and with great humanity, and sent them back unto Adad their king, to whom upon their arrival they declared all that which had happened unto them. Adad astonished at this unexpected event, and wondering at the apparition and power of the God of the Israelites; last admiring the Prophet whom God so wondrously assisted; he concluded from that time forward, never more to attempt the king of Israel in secret, because he feared Elizeus: but concluded to make open war Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. against him, hoping to have the upper hand of his enemies, by means of the great number and force of his army: So that he issued out with a mighty power against joram, who supposing himself to be overmatched by the Syrian army, locked himself up within Samaria, putting his trust and confidence in the fortification and strength of the walls thereof. Adad hoping to surprise the city if not by engines, at leastwise by famine & default of things necessary, drew near unto Samaria Samaria besieged by the Syrians. to besiege it. But joram was so destitute of convenient supplies, that by reason of the incredible want of victuals, an Ass' head was sold in Samaria for eighty pieces of silver, and a measure of pigeon's dung at five pieces of silver, which they used in steed of salt: neither was there any thing that more troubled the king, then that he feared least some one constrained by famine, should deliver or betray the City unto the enemy. For which cause he every day walked the round about the walls, and visited the sentinels of the City, for fear lest any one should lie hidden The year of the world, 3050 before Christ's birth 914. within: and with all care and diligence he gave order, that if any one had such a sinister intent, the means to execute the same should be taken from him. And whereas a certain woman cried out unto him, Have mercy upon me (O King) he incensed with wrath, and supposing that she asked him some meat, began to rail on her, telling her that he had neither grange nor press whereby he might any ways supply her necessity. The woman answered him, that she had no need thereof, and that she was not troubled for want of food, but only desired that he would determine a debate betwixt her and an other woman: Whereupon he commanded her to express and declare what she required. Hereupon she said, that she had made an accord The famine so great in Samaria, that women eat their own children. with an other woman her neighbour and friend, that since the famine and scarcity was such, as they could find no redress for the same, that they should kill their children (for each of them had one) and in this sort should nourish one another every day. As for myself (said she) I have first of all strangled mine, and we have both of us yesterday eaten thereof: but now she will not do the like, but breaketh the accord betwixt us, and concealeth her child. joram was grievously tormented to hear these words, and rend his garments, and cried out with a loud voice, and afterwards joram threateneth Elizaeus death. 3. Reg. 7. wholly enraged against the Prophet, he devised in his heart to put him to death, because he prayed not unto God to grant him means to escape those evils that environed them round about: so that he sent a man presently to cut off his head; who prepared himself with all expedition to the slaughter. But Elizeus was not ignorant of this resolution of the kings: for sitting at home with his disciples in his house, he told them that joram the murderers son sent a man to take away his head: but (said he) when as he that hath the matter in charge shall come hither, suffer him not to enter, but make him attend and stay at the gate; for the king will follow him, and will resort unto me in his own person, having altered his resolution: and they according as they were commanded, shut him out of the doors whom the king had sent. joram repenting himself of that displeasure which he had conceived against the Prophet, and fearing lest he that had the commission to murder him should speedily execute the same, hasted himself all that he might to hinder the slaughter, and save Elizeus. When as therefore he came into his presence, he accused him, for that he had not besought God to deliver them from those many evils which they suffered, considering that he himself was an eyewitness, they were miserably consumed by them. Elizeus promised him the next day (about the same hour that the king came unto him) that he should have so great abundance of victuals, that two measures of barley should be sold in the market for a sickle, and a measure of flower for a sickle. By these words of his, the king with all his attendants were wonderfully comforted, and made no difficulty to believe the Prophet, because that before time they had been ascertained by their experience of the truth of his prophecies; and the expectation of this day was the cause that the necessity and misery of the present was more patiently endured. But a certain friend of the kings, and the governor of the third part of his army (on whose shoulder the king at that time happened familiarly to lean) spoke unto him after this manner: Prophet, thou tellest us incredible matters: for as it is impossible that God should rain down heaps of barley and 4. Reg. 7. flower from heaven, so cannot that which thou speakest come to pass. To whom the Prophet replied: Thou thyself (said he) shalt see the issue hereof, but shalt partake no part thereof. Which prediction of his had a most certain effect, according as hereafter it appeareth. It was a custom in Samaria, that they that were defiled with a leprosy should live without the City walls, for fear lest their conversation might infect others: And at that time also there were some who for this cause had their dwelling without the gate. These, for that (by reason of the extreme famine that reigned within the City) they received no relief or sustenance out of the same, and whether they had licence to return into the City, or whether they contained themselves in their houses, they knew that they should assuredly perish by famine, decreed amongst themselves to submit themselves to the enemy's mercy, to the end that if they spared them, they might live; and if it happened otherways, that they might die with less torture. Now having resolved upon this deliberation amongst themselves, they repaired by night unto the enemy's camp. At that time God began to terrify and trouble the Syrians, and to fill their ears with a noise of chariots The enemy's flight by reason of a terror that God sent among them. and arms, as if an army had violently charged them. Whereupon they grew suspicious, and were so moved, that they forsook their tents, and ran unto Adad, and told him that joram King of the Israelites had entertained the king of Egypt, and the king of the Isles for his confederates, whom he led out against them, and how already they had heard the noise of them that approached to bid them the battle. Adad (whose ears w●… filled with no less rumour than those of the people) was amated and amazed at their sayings: so that all of them abandoned their camp, The year of the world. 3050. before Christ's birth 914. their horses, beasts of carriage and riches, and betook them to flight with disorder and confusion. Those leape●…s that were retired from Samaria into the enemy's camp (and of whom we have heretofore made some mention) being near unto the camp, perceived that there was great silence in the same, and no less abundance of all things: for which cause approaching the same, and entering into a tent, they found no body therein: for which cause they fell to eating and drinking; and that done, to bear away a quantity of raiment, and gold which they hid without the camp. Afterward resorting to an other tent, they bore away likewise that which was therein, and did the like by four others without any encounter or contradiction of any man: and conjecturing thereby that the enemies were retired, they began to accuse themselves, because they had not given notice thereof to joram and the inhabitants of Samaria. For which cause drawing near unto the walls of the City, they cried out unto the watch, giving them to understand in what state they The lepers certify the Samaritans of the flight of their enemies. had found the enemy's camp, who signified no less to joram's guard, so that at last it came unto his ears. Whereupon he presently sent for his friends and captains, and told them that the departure of the Syrians made him suspect some stratagem or ambush: for they (said he) having lost their hope to surprise us by famine, are retired under an intent, that when we shall issue and fall a spoiling of their camp, they may come upon us, and kill us; and afterwards take our City without any stroke strooken. For which cause (said he) I advise you to keep good guard within the City, and let this retreat of our enemies make us the more considerate. Some one of his counsel praised this advise of his, and allowed his foresight, advising him to send out two scouts upon horseback, to search every quarter betwixt that and jordan, to the end that if they should Spies sent abroad. be taken and slain by the enemy's ambushment, their fall might be a precedent to the whole army to stand upon their guard (for fear lest they should be surprised in like manner:) urging this for a conclusion, that the loss of two horsemen should not be very great, since perhaps they might otherways have been cut off by famine. This advise of his was allowed by the king, and ratified by his assistance: so that presently there were two spies sent out, who road along without encountering any enemy; but they met with great quantity of victuals, and arms cast away and abandoned by the Syrians, to the intent they might fly away the more lightly. Which when The enemy's camp spoiled by the Samaritans. the king understood, he suffered the people to issue out, and spoil the camp, who recovered things of no small value therein, but much gold and silver, and troops of all sorts of cattle: and besides that, they found so great a quantity of wheat and barley, that had they dreamt thereof, they could not hope or imagine the like. Thus were they delivered from all their precedent afflictions: for there was so great quantity of corn, that two measures of barley were sold but for one sickle, and a measure of wheat flower for a sickle, according as Elizeus had prophesied. Now The truth of God's oracles. The punishment of incredulity. 4. Reg. 8. the measure which we call Sat containeth an Italian bushel and the half. But the captain of the third part of the army, was he only that enjoyed no part of this benefit: for being appointed by the king to have the keeping of the gate, and to restrain the multitude from headlong pressing out, for fear least thrusting one an other, some of them should be trodden under foot and slain, he himself was trodden upon and slain (according as the Prophet had foretold) for that he only amongst the rest, would not give credit to that which he had said, as touching the great abundance of victuals that should happen. When Adad king of the Syrians was safely returned to Damascus, and knew that God had suffered such a confusion and fear to fall both on him and his army, and that it had not happened by reason that the enemy sallied out upon him; he was sore discouraged to see that God was so displeased with him, and through anguish and agony of mind fell sick: And for that (at that very time) Elizeus was come into Damascus; Adad understanding thereof, sent Azael (who was one of his most trusty servants) unto him to present him, and to consult with him upon his sickness, whether he should recover or no. Hereupon Azael loaded forty camels with the most fairest and most honourablest presents, Elizeus is sen●… unto by Adad▪ to inquire counsel of him as touching his sickness. that either Damascus, or the princes royal court afforded; and repairing to Elizeus, saluted him very courteously, telling him that he was ●…nt unto him by king Adad, first of all to present him, and afterwards to ask counsel of him 〈◊〉 touching his malady, whether he might easily be healed. The Prophet commanding the messenger to carry no evil tidings unto the king, did notwithstanding tell him that he should die. A●…ael hearing thereof was sore grieved, and Elizeus himself began to weep, so that the tears fell from his eyes abundantly, in that he foresaw how many evils the people should suffer after the decease of Adad. And when as Azael demanded him the cause wherefore he was so discomforted? I weep (said he) for the compassion that I have of the people of Israel, by reason of those calamities which they shall endure by thy means▪ The year of the world. 3055. before Christ's Nativity 909. The prophecy of Adads' death, and Azaels government. For thoushalt kill the better sort of them, and shalt burn their strongest Cities: thou shalt murder their infants, and dash them against the stones, and shalt open the women's wombs that are with child. Azael answered, what force is there in me to execute these things? Elizeus said unto him, that God had certified him that he should be king of Syria. When Azael was returned back unto Adad, he signified nothing unto him but glad tidings, as touching his sickness: but the next day he cast a wet net upon him & strangled him, and seized the kingdom into his own hands. This Prince was a man of execution, and well beloved amongst the Syrians, and common people of Damascus, who even until this day honour Adad and Azael his successor as gods, by reason of their benefits and those temples which were builded by them, which Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. adorn the City of Damascus. For every day do they celebrate feasts in memory of these kings, and honour them, by reason of their antiquity, not knowing that they were modern, and such as reigned not passed eleven hundredth years since. But joram king of Israel hearing of the death 4. Reg. 8. of Adad, began to give over his fear, and cast off that suspicion which he had conceived of him, joram's impiety. rejoicing that yet at last he might have liberty to live in peace. The other joram king of jerusalem (for he likewise was so called, as we have heretofore declared) by murdering of his brethren and his father's friends, who were governors, obtained the kingdom, and became so wicked and impious, as he differed in nothing from the kings of Israel, who transgressed the first laws and ordinances of the Hebrews, and perverted the service of God. For Athalia Achabs' daughter his wife taught him to execute divers mischiefs, and amongst the rest to adore strange The year of the world. 3057. before Christ's birth 907 gods. This notwithstanding God would not altogether abolish his race, by reason of his promise made unto David, yet intermitted he not daily to introduce new impieties; and soil the ancient laws of his forefathers with new corruptions. Mean while it came to pass that the Idumaeans The Idumae●…s revolt. revolted and slew their king, who had been before time subject unto josaphat joram's father, and in his place established an other to their own liking. For which cause joram invaded Idumaea by night with his horses and chariots, and spoiled the country round about his kingdom, without passing any farther: yet profited he nothing in so doing, for all of them revolted from him, and amongst the rest the inhabitants of the country of Labina. But so great was the fury of this man, that he constrained the people to ascend the high mountains, and adore strange gods. Yet whilst he behaved himself in this manner, and utterly rooted out of his thought the laws of his forefathers, there was a letter brought unto him from the Prophet Elias, which ●…ertified him that God would do great justice upon him, because he had forsaken the ways of his forefathers, and followed the impieties of the kings joram's wickedness reproved by Elias letters. of Israel, constraining the Tribe of juda and the inhabitants of jerusalem to forsake the pure service of their God to serve Idols, 〈◊〉 Achab had constrained the Israelites to do. Furthermore, because he had murdered his brethren, and slain upright and virtuous men: The Prophet likewise certified him by letters, what punishment he should endure, namely the ruin of his people, the death of his wives and children, and lastly his own death: which should happen unto him by a sickness in his belly, wherewith he should be so tormented, that his entrails strangely rotting within him, should drop out of his belly, and that he himself should see his misery; which should be such as neither might be recovered by medicine, or should ever leave him until he had finished his days. These things did Elias denounce unto him by his letters. CHAP. III. joram's army is discomfited, his sons are slain, except one: and himself finally dieth a miserable death. NOt long after the Arabian army that dwell towards Aethiopia, confederating themselves The expedition of the Arabians against joram. 2. Paral. 21. The year of the world. 3060. before Christ's birth 904. with other Barbarians, invaded joram's country, and spoiled the same, and ransacked the king's house, and slew his sons and daughters, and left him but one only son called Ochozias, who escaped from his enemy's hands. After this 〈◊〉 he himself was strooken with a long sickness, according as the Prophet had foretold him, for God powered his displeasure▪ upon his entrails: whereupon he died miserably, seeing them fall out of his belly. The people likewise handled his body ignominiously, supposing as I think, that being cut off in that sort by God's displeasure, he was unworthy of royal funeral, for he was not buried in the sepulchre of the joram's death. The year of the world. 3060. before the Nativity of Christ. 904. kings, neither was there any honour done unto him. He lived forty years, and reigned eight: and they of jerusalem made his son Ochozias king. CHAP. FOUR The king of Damascus warreth against the king of Israel. IOram king of Israel, hoping after the death of Adad to recover Ramath in Galaad from Hedio & Ruffinus chap 6. joram's expedition against Ramath. 4 Reg. 9 the Assyrians, after he had made greater preparation and apparation for the war, he led his army against the same. In this siege he was hurt by an arrow which was shot by a certain Syrian, but not unto the death, and retired himself into the City of jezrael until he were recovered of his wounds (leaving behind him his whole army at the siege of Ramath under the conduct of jehu the son of Nimshi, who took the City by force) intending upon his recovery to make war against the Syrians. But the Prophet Elizeus scent one of his disciples to Ramath, & gave him the holy oil, and willed him to anoint jehu, & to say unto him that God had chosen jehu by God's commandment anointed king. and anointed him for king: and after he had informed him likewise in certain other instructions, he commanded him to depart after the manner of one that flieth, making no man privy of his departure●…. When this disciple of his came unto the appointed City, he found jehu sitting in the midst of the captains at war (according as Elizaeus had told him) and drawing near unto him, he told him that he would communicate certain secrets with him, for which cause he arose and followed him into his chamber. Whereupon the young man taking out the oil poured it on his head, saying, that God had chosen him to exterminate the race of Achab, and revenge the blood of the Prophets unjustly murdered by jezabel: and that both he and his house might be brought to nought in like sort, as the sons of jeroboam the son of Nabat, and the children of Basa were extinguished for their impiety; so that no one of the race of Achab might survive in the world. As soon as he had spoken thus, he issued out of the chamber with all speed, endeavouring that he might not be discovered by any of the army. Now when as jehu was come out, he returned to his place where he sat with the captains, who demanded of him, & besought him to declare unto them, wherefore the young man came unto him (alleging that they supposed him to be out of his wits.) Truly (said he) you have divined well: for he hath talked unto me after the manner of a mad man: wherein (they desirous to understand wherefore he came, and beseeching him to express the cause) he told them what he had said unto him, namely, how God had chosen him to beking over the people. As soon as he had spoken these words, every one of them cast off their garments & spread them before him, and sounding a trumpet, they proclaimed jehu king; who assembling his army, determined to conduct them toward the City of jezrael against joram (who lay there to recover his wound which he had received at the siege of Ramath in Galaad, as we have heretofore declared.) Thither also was resorted in way of friendship and consanguinity, Ochozias king of jerusalem both to visit joram, and to see how he was recovered of his wound: for he was his nephew and son unto his sister, as we have said before. jehu desirous to surprise joram and his followers on the sudden, made an ordinance, by which he prohibited that none of his soldiers should run before to give any intelligence of his repair unto joram; alleging that it should be a manifest demonstration of their good will towards him; whereas chose, they that did otherwise, declared that they held him not for their king. CHAP. V. joram with all his race is slain by jehu, Ochozias king of jerusalem is likewise slain with him. THe men of war were very joyful to execute this his ordinance, and guarded the ways, to the intent that no man might secretly steal into jezrael, and bear tidings to the inhabitants of that which had happened. Mean while jehu attended by certain of his choicest horsemen, and mounted ●…n his own person upon a chariot, marched towards jezrael. And when as he drew near unto the City, the sentinel that was appointed by joram to discover those that repaired to the City, perceived jehu resorting thither with a multitude of attendants, and told joram that a troop of horsemen were at hand. Whereupon a scout was sent out to discover who they were; who drawing near unto jehu, asked him what news there was in the army, telling The year of the world 3060. before Christ's Nativity. 904. him that the king was desirous to know the same: jehu willed him to take no care thereof, but to follow after him. The sentinel perceiving this, certified joram that the messenger whom he had sent, trouped along with them that came, and followed their general. Whereupon the king sent out a messenger the second time; and jehu commanded him to attend him as he did the first: which the sentinel signified to joram likewise, who finally mounted his chariot to go out and meet them, accompanied with Ochozias king of jerusalem, who (as we have said) was come into the City, to see how the king recovered upon his hurt, because he was nearly allied unto him. But jehu marched on softly & in goodly array, till joram meeting with him in the field of Naboth, asked him how the army did? Who in steed of answer, reviled him bitterly, and called him the son of a poisoner & of a harlot. For which cause joram (fearing his turbulent spirit, and suspecting lest he hammered upon some sinister intent) turned his back, and fled away as swiftly as his chariot could be driven; telling Ochozias, that they were both of them craftily surprised by treason: but jehu flung a dart at him & pierced him thorough, and cloven his heart. For which cause joram instantly fell upon his knees, and died. Hereupon jehu commanded Badac (who governed the third part of his army) to cast joram's body into Naboths' field, remembering him of the prophecy of Elias joram's slaughter. foretold by him to Achab, who murdered Naboth, namely, that he and his race should die in that field. For sitting behind Achabs' chariot, he heard these words pronounced by the prophet: In The truth of E●…ias prophecy. effect it so fell out as he had prophesied. When joram was fallen down, Ochozias was afraid to be slain: for which cause he turned his chariot to take another way, hoping that jehu would not discover him. But he was pursued and overtaken in a certain steepy way, and was hurt with an arrow: whereupon he forsook his chariot, and being mounted upon a swift horse, he posted to Maggedo, where after his wounds had been searched and dressed some few days, he deceased, The death of Ochozias king of jerusalem, and his burial. and was carried to jerusalem and buried there, after he had reigned one year, and surpassed his father in wickedness. CHAP. VI jehu reigneth over Israel, and keepeth his court in Samaria; and after him his progeny, to the fourth generation. AT such time as jehu arrived at jezrael, jezabel being on the top of a tower in her princely robes, cried out: O trusty servant (said she) that hath slain his master! He looking A famous example of God's judgement. upward, asked her what she was, commanding her to come down unto him: at length he charged her eunuchs to cast her down from the top of the tower; who in her falling bebloudied the walls: and no sooner fell she upon the ground, but that her body was trampled under the horses feet, until she died. That done, jehu repaired to the palace with his friends, and reposed himself therein, commanding his servants that they should bury jezabel (in respect of the royal race from whence she was descended) but they to whom the charge of the obsequies were committed, found no part of her body, but her hands and head, for all the rest was devoured by dogs. jehu certified hereof, wondered at the prophecy of Elias, who had foretold that jezabel 4. Reg. 10. should die in that sort in jezrael. Now in that Achabs' seventy sons were brought up in Samaria, jehu sent two letters, the one unto the masters of the infants, the other to the governors of the City, giving them to understand, that they should choose one of the most virtuous amongst Achabs' children, to reign as king over them, because they had a multitude of strong chariots, horses, armour, men, & strong Cities; to the end that in so doing, they might take revenge on those that slew their lord and master. (This did he under a colour to sound how the Samaritans were affected towards him.) When the governors and tutors had received these letters, they were afraid, and made account that they could prevail nothing against him, who had prevailed already against two mighty kings. For which cause they wrote back unto him, acknowledging him for their sovereign; and offering themselves in all duty, to be under his subjection. Whereupon jehu sent back unto them again, commanding them that (to express their obedience) they should send him the Achabs' 70. children slain in Samaria. heads of Achabs' children, divided from their shoulders. Which command of his they failed not to execute, but presently packed up the heads in panniers, and sent them unto him to jezrael. As soon as they were brought thither, tidings thereof was carried to jehu, as he sat at supper with his friends, who commanded that they should be laid in two heaps, at the City gates on either side thereof. Which done, he issued out as soon as it was day to see them; and beholding them, he began to tell those that accompanied him, that he had voluntarily armed himself against his The year of the world. 3060. before Christ, birth 904. master, and slew him: but as touching those whom they saw there, he had no ways laid hands on them. His only intent was, that all men should know, that all that which happened unto Achabs' race, was done by the ordinance of God, and that his house was destroyed according as Elias had foretold. And after he had slain and dispatched both these and all those that were found to be of Achabs' race amongst the Israelites, he went unto Samaria: and meeting by the way with Ochozias household servants (who was king of jerusalem) he asked them whither they went? who answered The roting out of Achabs' line. him, that they went to salute joram and their king Ochozias (for they knew not as yet that they were both of them slain.) Hereupon jehu commanded his servants to lay hands on them, and put them to the sword, notwithstanding they were forty two in number. After them he met The slaughter of Ochozias servants. jonadab. with a virtuous man called jonadab (who in times past had been his ancient friend) who embracing him, praised his forwardness, in that he had performed all things according to the will of God, in abolishing Achabs' house. jehu caused him to mount up with him in his chariot, and accompany him to Samaria, telling him that he should well perceive, that he would spare no one wicked man, but would punish all the false Prophets, and tellers of lies, and abusers of the people, who had made them forsake the true service of God, and adore strange gods: because the most laudable and allowed spectacle that might encounter a good man's eye, was to see the punishment of the wicked. jonadab persuaded by these words, mounted up into his chariot, and went with him to Samaria; and after jehu had sought out Achabs' kindred, he put them to death: and intending that no one of his false prophets and priests should escape his hands, he assembled them together by a subtle policy. For gathering the people together, he protested that he would have twice as many gods as Achab had had, willing that all the priests & ministers that belonged unto them, should present themselves, for that he intended to celebrate rich and magnificent sacrifices to Achabs' gods; protesting that whatsoever Priest should be absent, he should lose his head. Now this god whom Achab honoured, was called Baal. Having in this sort assigned a day wherein he would offer sacrifice, he sent thorough all the country of Israel, charging all Baal's priests to repair unto him, and commanding that each of them might have their vestments given them. As soon as they were appareled; he resorted to his lodging, accompanied with his friend jonadab, and commanded that a search should be made amongst them, to espy whether any one of contrary quality or condition were meddled with them; for that he intended that no stranger should be amongst the priests. When as therefore he understood that none but the priests were in that assembly, even at such time as they began to offer sacrifice, he caused them to be enclosed by fourscore soldiers (whom he esteemed to be most trusty) whom he commanded to kill the false prophets, and to punish them according to the custom of their forefathers, which had already The slaughter of Baal's priests. too long time been neglected, dreadfully threatening all those, who should any ways intermit to root out the name and memory of these wretches out of the world. They therefore slew all these priests, and environed the king's palace, and in so doing, cleared Samaria of foreign gods. This Baal was the God of the Tyrians (for whom Achab builded a temple in Samaria, intending Baal God of the Tyrians. thereby to content Ithobaal the king of the Tyrians and Sidonians) to whom he assigned priests, and honoured him with all sorts of sacrifice. After this Idol was exterminated, jehu suffered the Israelites to adore golden calves. When this execution was performed in punishing the wicked, The kingdom promised to jehus posterity. God (to whom this action of his was acceptable) told jehu by his Prophet, that his children should obtain the kingdom of Israel to the fourth generation. This was jehus estate. CHAP. VII. Athalia reigned five years in jerusalem, and after she was slain by the high priest, joas is proclaimed king. AThalia Achabs' daughter, hearing news of the death of her brother joram, and her son Ochozias, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. 4. Reg. 11. Athalia rooteth out all the royal blood, only joas Ochozias jon is saved. together with the utter ruin of all the royal posterity, bethought herself to extinguish David's memory, & in such sort to root it out, that no one of that line should remain alive to enjoy the kingdom hereafter: which when she had concluded in her heart, she began to put it in execution. Yet notwithstanding one of Ochozias sons escaped her bloody hands, by this means that ensueth. Ochozias had a sister by his father's side, whose name was josabetha, who was married to joiada the high priest; who entering into the king's palace, and finding joas at that time but one year of age hidden with his nurse amongst the dead, she took both him and his nurse, and locked them up in a closet within the temple, where joiada her husband and she did secretly nourish them for the space of five years, during which time Athalia reigned in jerusalem The year of the world. 3060. before Christ's Nativity 904. joas by joiadas means who was the high Priest, is createdding. over the two tribes. About the seventh year, joiada entered into discourse with five centurions, and persuaded them to oppose themselves with mutual consent against Athalias proceedings, and to assure the kingdom to little joas. Whereupon giving and receiving faithful promises of secrecy the one unto the other, they confidently addressed themselves to execute their intended purposes, after this manner: They whom the high priest had chosen to execute this act, went thorough all the country, and gathered the priests and Levites together, with all the governors of the tribes, and afterwards returned and brought them to jerusalem to the high priest, who made them swear an oath, that they would keep secret that which he should inform them of, as a thing that required silence, and men of execution to perform the same. As soon as he had assured them by oath, he brought forth the little child whom he had nourished (who was of David's line) and said unto them: Behold your king, who is of that race which (as you know) was chosen by God to reign over you for ever: I therefore think it fit that the third part of you guard and keep him within the temple, and that the fourth make their watch round about the same. another company shall have the guard of the great gate that leadeth to the palace: As for the rest of the people, let them remain disarmed within the temple, and suffer no armed man to enter thereinto, except the priest only. He appointed also an other company of priests and Levites to be about the king, with javelins, and drawn swords, charging them that whosoever durst be so bold to enter the temple armed, they should presently put him to the sword; and laying all fear aside, to attend The year of the world. 3067. before Christ's birth 897 the safety and guard of the king's person. They being obedient to that which the high priest had commanded them; in effect expressed their readiness: whereupon joiada opening the Arsenal, (which in times past was prepared by David) distributed amongst the centurions, Levites and Priests all the javelins, quivers, and all other sorts of arms that were therein, and disposed all them that were armed round about the people, joined hand in hand to impeach any one from entering in amongst them that were not of their faction. Afterwards bringing out the infant joas into the midst of the company, they set the royal crown on his head, and joiada after he had anointed him with oil, proclaimed him king: whereupon all the people rejoiced and clapping their hands, cried out, God save the King. Athalia hearing this noise and applause beyond all hope, was greatly troubled, and with those soldiers which she had about her, she hastily issued out of the palace, and arriving in the temple the priests admitted her: as for the rest of the men of war that followed her, they that by the high priests ordinance circuited the temple, would not suffer them to enter with her. Now when Athalia saw the child standing before the Tabernacle with the royal crown on his head, she rend her garments, and storming thorough despite, she cried out and commanded that the traitor should be slain, that had thus betrayed her and sought to dispossess her of her kingdom. But joiada called the centurions, and commanded them to carry Athalia out unto the brook Cedron, and Athalias punishment. there to kill her (because he would not permit that the temple should be defiled with her cursed blood.) Moreover he charged them, that if any one should attempt to rescue her, they should kill them likewise. Hereupon, they (that were appointed to execute this his command) took her, and led her without the gate of the king's mules, and there slew her. After that Athalia was in this manner executed, joiada assembled the people and the men of war in the temple, binding them all by an oath, to yield the king their faithful service, and to procure the prosperity and increase of his kingdom. Secondly, he made the king swear in like manner, that he would maintain The king and the people joined by oath to serve God. the service of God, and in no manner disannul Moses laws. That done, they ran unto Baal's temple (which Athalia and her husband joram had built to the dishonour of God, and their forefathers, and for the honour of Achab) and leveled it with the ground, and put to death their high priest called Mathan. The charge and guard of the temple, joiada committed to the priests and Levites, according to the order established by David, with commandment twice a day to offer their ordinary burnt offerings, and consequently to make perfumes according to the The restoring of God's service. law. He appointed also certain of the Levites to be porters to guard the temple, to the intent that no unclean thing should enter the same unespied: and after he had ordained these things with the Centurions and governors and with all the people, he took joas and led him out of the temple, and attended him to the palace, and having placed him in the royal throne, all the people cried, God save the king, & banqueted and feasted for divers days. Thus after the death of Athalia the city was in quiet. joas was 7. years old at such time as he was made king, his mother joas piety during joiadas time. was called Sabia, & was of the town Bersabe. He carefully observed the laws, and highly affected the service of God all his life time: and when he grew to man's estate he married two wives, The year of the world, 3067. before Christ's Nativity, 897. 4. Reg. 12. which the high Priest gave him, by whom he had sons and daughters. This is all that I have thought good to declare as concerning joas, both how he escaped Athalias treasons, and obtained the kingdom. CHAP. VIII. Azael King of Damascus levieth an army, and first of all assaulteth the Israelites, and after marcheth forward against jerusalem. But Azael king of Syria making war against the Israelites; and against their king jehu, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. 4. Reg 12 13 The war between Azael and jehu. destroyed the country on the other side of jordan, and all the eastern tract inhabited by the Rubenites, Gadites, and Manassites. Furthermore he burned & spoiled Galaad, and Bathanaea, violenting and outraging all those that he met withal. For jehu went not out against him to resist him, but (being become a contemner of God, & a despiser of piety, and his laws) he died after he had reigned seven and twenty years over the Israelites: he was buried in Samaria, and left behind him joas his son to succeed him in the kingdom. But joas king of jerusalem conceived a certain desire to renew the Temple: for which cause calling unto him joiada the high Priest, he commanded him to send thorough all the country the Levites and Priests, and to The year of the world, 3089. before Christ's birth 875. levy upon every one of their heads half a sickle of silver for the building & reparation of the temple, which was fallen into decay in joram, Athalia, and her followers, times. But the high Priest would not obey him herein, knowing well that no man would willingly disburse money. But in the three and twentieth year of his reign, the king sent both for joiada, and the Levites also, and expostulated with them for disobeying his commandment, enjoining them from that The restoring of the temple. time forth to provide for the building of the Temple. Whereupon the high Priest used present dispatch in levying the money, wherewith the people were highly contented. He therefore made a chest of wood closed on every side (except that on the upper lid thereof, there was a little cranny left open) which he placed near unto the Altar, commanding that every one should offer according to his devotion, and put in his offering thorow●… the cranny into the coffer, to be employed in the repairing of the Temple; whereunto all the people showed themselves affectionate: so that they gathered together a great quantity of gold and silver, with great zeal; and when the coffer was filled it was emptied, and the account thereof taken and sumde up by the secretary, and high Priest in the king's presence, and afterwards all was brought together into one assigned place, which order was observed every day. And when as it was supposed that there was sufficient money gathered, the high Priest joiada and king joas hired masons, and carpenters, and prepared great beams of excellent timber. After that the Temple was repaired, they employed the remainder of gold and silver (which was of no small quantity) to make cups, pots, and vessels, and other utensils: and every day offered they sacrifice of great value upon the Altar, and this custom was continued so long as joiada lived. But after his decease (which happened in the hundredth and thirtieth year of his age, after he had lived a just and upright life, and was interred joas in pie tie after joiadas death, and how he was reproved by the Prophet. 2. Paral. 28. in the sepulchre of David in jerusalem, because he had established the kingdom in David's posterity) king joas had no more care to serve God, and with him the rest of the governors of the people were corrupted in contradiction of the laws and ordinances, which they knew were very convenient for them. For which cause God being provoked by this change, and incensed against the king, and the rest, sent his Prophets unto them to protest, to expostulate with them for their offences, and to withdraw them from their iniquity. But they pursued sin the more vehemently; so that neither the punishments, by which they, who had offended God before times, had been plagued, with all their posterities; neither all the advertisements given them by the Prophets, could induce them to amend, or to forsake those sins wherein they were engaged: but that which is worst; King joas stoned Zacharie joiadas son, and put him to death in the Temple, forgetting himself most ungratefully of the benefits he had received by his father. And the occasion was, for that Zachary having received a charge from God to prophecy, came into Zachary stoned to death. the midst of the people, and counseled both them & him to follow justice, foretelling them that they should be grievously punished, except they did believe. This Zachary did at his death call God to witness and judge of those calamities he endured, in dying grievously and violently for the good counsel which he had given them, and the benefits which his father had in times past done unto joas. But many days passed not before the king suffered due punishment for these misdeeds. For Azael king of the Syrians invaded his country, and after he had first of all ruinated The year of the world, 3089. before Christ's birth 875. Gitta, he marched forward with an intent to besiege him at last in jerusalem. joas desperate of all succours, emptied all the treasures of God, and those of the kings, and took away the presents, that were hung up in the Temple, and sent them to the Syrian, redeeming the siege by this means, lest he should be drawn into hazard to lose all. The Syrian pacified with such and so The spoil of the temple. great riches, and abundant treasure, suffered not his army to pass to jerusalem. After this joas was seized with a grievous sickness, and (to the intent that the death of Zachary the son of joiada joas death. The year of the world. 3105. before Christ's birth 859. might not escape unrevenged) his friends conspired against him, and he died by their hands. He was entombed in jerusalem, but not in the sepulchre of his ancestors, because he had fallen from God: He lived seven and forty years. CHAP. IX. Amasias king of jerusalem made war against the Idumaeans and Amalechites, and obtained the victory. AMasias his son succeeded him in the kingdom. But in the one and twentieth year of joas reign joachas, the son of jehu, took possession of the kingdom of Israel in Samaria, 4. Reg. 14. Amasias king of jerusalem. and was seized thereof for the space of seventeen years. But he followed not his father's steps, but rather behaving himself impiously, according as his predecessors The forces of Israel weakened and restored by God. The year of the world. 3089. before the birth of Christ. 875. in the kingdom, & contemners of God had done; For which cause the king of Syria subdued him, and cut off a great part of his dominions, and took his greatest cities from him, and defeated his armies: so that at length he had but ten thousand footmen, and five hundredth horsemen. All which happened to the Israelits (according to the prophecy of Elizeus, which he foretold unto Azael at such time as he prophesied unto him, that he should reign over the Syrians, and them of Damascus, after that he had murdered his master.) joachas being in this extremity, had his recourse to God in prayer and supplication, beseeching him that it might please him to deliver him from the hands of Azael, and not to suffer him to be under subjection and thraldom unto him. God (that respecteth the repentant, as if they had been innocent, and that gently checketh those, whom he might utterly exterminate, if he so pleased) gave him assurance against this war and danger, so that the country (having obtained peace) recovered presently her former estate and prosperity. When joachas was dead, his son succeeded him in the government, and began to reign over the Israelites in Samaria in the seven and thirtieth year of joas king of juda. (For this king of joas king of Israel and Samaria. The year of the world. 3103. before Christ's birth 861. Israel was called joas, as well as he that reigned in jerusalem) he govemed the kingdom sixteen years. He was a good man, and had no correspondence with his father in disposition. About this time Elisaeus the Prophet was very old, and fell sick: to him resorted the king of Israel to visit him, and finding him in the extremity, and past hope of recovery, he began to weep and lament himself, calling him his father, and his armour, because that during his life, he had never occasion to use the sword against the enemy; but that by means of his predictions, he had always the upper hand of them without stroke striking: that now he departed this life, and left him disarmed to the mercy of the Syrians, & other his enemies; so that he had neither security of liberty, not life, but that he rather wished to die with him, then to live in those dangers. Elizeus being moved with these his complaints comforted the king that lamented in this sort, and commanding him to draw his bow that he had brought with him (for the king had bend the same) Elizeus said unto him, draw, and he shot three arrows, and gave over at the fourth. Oh Eliz●…us foretelleth that joas should overcome the Syrians thrice. Eliz●…us death and the raising of a dead man to life that was cast into his tomb. said Elizeus, if thou hadst shot more arrows, thou hadst utterly ruinated the kingdom of the Syrians, and since thou hast contented thyself with three shoots only, thou shalt overthrow the Syrians in three battles, which thou shalt fight against them, and shalt recover the country they have taken from thy father. After the king understood these things he departed, and not long after the Prophet died (who was renowned for his justice, and manifestly beloved of God, who showed miraculous and incredible works by his prophecies, and such and so worthy as the Hebrews ought to keep them in perpetual remembrance) and was buried magnificently (according as it behoved a man, who was so highly favoured by God as himself.) It chanced about that time, that certain thieves having cast the body of a man that was murdered by them upon the body of the Prophet where he lay buried, the dead body returned to life. This is all that which we have to speak as touching Elizeus both in respect of his prophecies during his life joas treble victory. time, as of that which happened after his death, in witness of his divine power. After the death of Azael king of Syria, Adad his son obtained the kingdom, against whom joas king of Israel made war, and having over come him three times, he recovered all that country, those cities, The year of the world. 3●…03. before the Nativity of Christ. 86●…. and towns of the country of Israel, that Azael his father had conquered before him. (All which came to pass according as Elizaeus had prophesied.) After that joas had forsaken this world for another, the kingdom fell to jeroboam his son. CHAP. X. Amasias making war against joas king of Israel, is overcome. THe tenth year of the reign of joas king of Israel, Amasias reigned over the Tribe of Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 Amasias king of jerusalem. juda in jerusalem: his mother was called judan, and was a citizen of jerusalem. He was wondrously careful to maintain justice (notwithstanding he was very young. And having taken upon him the government of the kingdom, he resolved with himself, that he ought first of all to revenge the death of his father joas, who was traitorously slain by his friends: he therefore laid hands on them, and put them all to the sword (yet extended he not his displeasure to their children, but conformed his actions according to the laws of Moses; which saith, that it 4. Reg. 14. De●… 24. is not lawful to punish the children for their father's offences.) He afterwards levied an army of the Tribes of juda and Benjamin, and chose the men that were in their flowering years, and about twenty years of age: the number of whom amounted to three hundredth thousand men, whom he divided into Centuries. He sent also to the king of Israel, and waged a hundredth thousand of his armed men for a hundredth talents of silver, because he intended to make war upon the Amalechites, Idumaeans, and Gabelites. Now whilst he made this preparation, and was in a readiness to undertake this exploit; a certain prophet counseled him to dismiss the Israelites The year of the world. 3106. before Christ's birth 858. that he had with him, because they had no piety in them, signifying unto him from God, that if he were followed by them in that war, he should be overcome: and chose, that he should have the upper hand over his enemies, if he fought with a few men, according to God's direction. Hereupon the King was sore moved (because he had already paid the Israelites their wages) but The dismission of the Israelits. 2 Paral. 25. Amasias victory over the Amalechites. the prophet ceased not to exhort him to do that which was pleasant in God's sight, who would give him silver in abundance. For this cause he dismissed them, telling them that he freely gave them their pay; and he with the forces of his kingdom marched out against those nations, and fought with them, and over came them, and slew ten thousand of them, and took no less number of prisoners alive (whom he afterwards caused to be led to a high rock that bounded upon Arabia, and from thence cast them down headlong) and from all these nations he recovered a great booty, and brought home much riches. Whilst Amasias stood upon these terms, the Israelites (that had taken wages of him, and were cashiered by him) conceived a displeasure against him, supposing themselves to be injured by him, as if he had dismissed them for men of small resolution. For which cause they invaded his country, and spoilt it as far as Bethsemer, and carried away a great quantity of cattle, & slew three thousand men. This victory and prosperity made Amasias proud, so as he began to forget God, who was the author thereof, and continued the honour of those gods which he brought from the country of the Amalechites. For which cause a prophet came unto him and said, that he wondered that he should esteem them for gods, who had so little availed them who honoured Amasias i●… reprehended●…y a proohet for his idolatry. them, and had delivered them into his hands; so that divers of them were put to death, and divers led away prisoners, which they themselves had brought unto jerusalem, according to the custom of war. These words moved the King unto displeasure, so that he commanded the prophet to silence, threatening him to punish him, if he intermeddled with his affairs any more. Who answered him, that he would no further urge him; yet withal he foreprophecied unto him, that God would not suffer this his innovation to rest unpunished. Anon after, Amasias (not able to keep a moderation amidst his affluence and prosperity: but waxing more insolent against almighty God, by whom he possessed the blessings he enjoyed) in height of his pride wrote to joas king of Israel, commanding him and his to yield him homage, according as in times past the Israelites were subject to David and Solomon, threatening him, that if he refused to do him voluntary service, he would enforce him to decide the different by arms: to whom the Israelite replied thus. King joas to King Amasias. There was in the mountain of Libanus a cypress tree of great height, to whom a little thistle wrote, demanding of him his daughter in marriage for his son. But during this interparlee betwixt them, there came a certain wild beast, that trod down the thistle. Let this example admonish and dissuade thee from attempting of too mighty matters, neither growing proud of thy last victory against the Amalechites, least thorough thy presumption thou expose The year of the world 3106. before Christ's Nativity. 858. Amasias expedition against joas king of Israel. both thy life and fortune to the incertain hazard of war. When Amasias had perused this answer of his, he was the more whetted unto war (God also as it seemed pricked him forward, to the intent to chastise those iniquities that were committed by him.) When as therefore he had drawn his army into the field, and both the armies were upon the point to wage the battle, a sudden fear and discouragement seized him (such as God in his displeasure is accustomed to inflict) which made Amasias army turn their backs: so that (by the apprehension they had conceived) they were scattered before they came to handy strokes; and Amasias being left alone, was taken prisoner. Him did joas threaten, that except he persuaded the inhabitants of jerusalem to open their gates, and to receive both him and his army into the City, he would put him to death. For which cause Amasias (constrained by necessity and fear of death) wrought so Amasias taken prisoner by the king of Israel much as his enemies were received into jerusalem, who made a breach of three hundredth cubits in their wall; and there-thorow Amasias was led captive into jerusalem. In this manner was joas made master of the City, who afterwards carried away the treasures of the temple, and took away jerusalem ruinated. the gold and silver, that Amasias had in his palace, and having in this sort ransomed him from captivity, he returned back again into Samaria. This happened in the fourteenth year of the reign of Amasias, who afterwards fled into the City of Lachis, to avoid the conspiracy The temple spoiled. of his domestical friends, by whom notwithstanding he was surprised, and slain by them that were sent to do the deed: his body was brought and royally entombed in jerusalem. Thus died Amasias slain Amasias for introducing innovations in contempt of God; he lived fifty four years, and reigned twenty and nine: his son Ozias succeeded him in the kingdom. CHAP. XI. How Ozias overcame his neighbour nations. But in the fifteenth year of the reign of Amasias, jeroboam joas son began to reign The year of the world, 3120. before Christ's birth 844. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. 4. Reg. 14. The enlargement of the kingdom of Israel. over the Israelites in Samaria, and enjoyed the kingdom for the space of forty years. This King dishonoured God, and offended him grievously in observance of Idols, and divers absurd and strange actions, by which he heaped ten thousand mischiefs and miseries on the Israelites heads. To him came there a certain prophet called jonas, who prophesied unto him, that he should make war against the Syrians, and that he should overcome them, and enlarge his kingdom to the northward, as far as the City of Amatha; and to the southward, as far as the lake Asphaltites (for these in times past were the limits of the country of Chanaan, according as the general josuah had confined them:) jeroboam encouraged by this prophecy, led forth his army against the Syrians, and spoiled all their country (according to the prophecy of jonas!) And for that I have promised to yield an exact history in writing of all those things that happened in our nation, me thinks it shall not be amiss to declare that, which I have found written of this prophet in our Hebrew Chronicles. This man (being commanded by God to repair unto the kingdom of Ninus, & to proclaim that which should happen to the City of Ninive; namely, that the government thereof should be abolished) thorough fear which he conceived, repaired not thither, but fled from God's presence into a City called joppa; where finding a ship, he entered the same, and sailed towards Tharsis in Cilicia. But there arose so vehement a tempest upon the sea, that the vessel was ready to be drowned, and both the mariners, master, and owners of the ship, made their vow of thanksgiving unto God, if they might escape from this tempest: but jonas hid himself, and covered his face, performing no such matter as the rest had jonas. 1 jonas sent unto Ninive flieth the presence of God, and ascending a ship is cast in a strome into the sea. done. Whereas therefore the turbulent waves incensed by violent winds, increased more and more; the mariners & passengers began to imagine amongst themselves, that some one of them in that bark had caused that tempest: whereupon they agreed amongst themselves to cast lots, to know which of them were the occasion of their danger. Which done, the lot fell upon jonas, who being demanded whence he was, and for what business he traveled: answered them, that he was an Hebrew by nation, and a Prophet of the most high God; and counseled them, that if they would be warranted from that danger, they should cast him into the sea, because it was he only that was the cause of that tempest. Notwithstanding this confession of his, they durst not perform that which he desired, supposing that it would be an act of great impiety, in that sort to thrust a stranger into that manifest perdition, whose life had been committed to their trust. But for that the storm more and more increased, and grew so vehement, that they wanted very little of imminent shipwreck; and being beside that incited by jonas himself, and whetted on likewise by the fear they conceived, to lose their lives, they cast him into the sea: whereupon The year of the world, 3120. before Christ's Nativity, 844. jonas cast into the sea is devou red by a whale, and cast upon the coast of Ninive foretelleth them of the loss of their empire. jonas. 2. 3. 4. Reg. 14. 15 suddenly the storm ceased. It is likewise-said, that being swallowed up by a great fish (for the space of three days and three nights) he was at the last vomited out and cast by the same fish upon the shore of the Euxine sea alive, and without any maim in any of his members. There besought he God that he would pardon him the sin which he had committed: and afterwards he resorted to the City of Ninive, where ascending a place from whence he might be heard, he published with a loud voice unto them, that they should lose the Empire of Asia: which after he had pronounced, he returned back again. This recital have I made according as I have found it registered in writing. King jeroboam having passed all his life time in prosperity, and reigned for the space of forty years, departed this life, and was entombed in Samaria, and Zacharie his son succeeded him in his kingdom. At the same time, Ozias the son of Amasias reigned in jerusalem over the jeroboams death. Ozias king of juda. The year of the world, 3136. before Christ's birth 828. two tribes, after that jeroboam had already reigned fourteen years; his mother was called Achia, and was of the City of jerusalem. He was a man of a good nature, and such a one as loved justice, of noble courage, and very laborious in providing for all occurrences: he made war against the Philistines, and after he had overcome them in battle, he took Ita, and Amnia, two of their strong forts, and razed them. This exploit done, he set upon the Arabians that neighboured upon Egypt, and after that (having built a City upon the red sea) he planted a garrison therein. He afterwards discomfited the Ammonites, constraining them to pay him tribute, and Ozias expedition, and the repaiting of the city. subdued all as far as the marshes of Egypt. After that, he began to provide for the City of jerusalem: for he built it a new, and repaired the walls thereof, that had been beaten down or decayed, either by continuance of time, or by the negligence of those kings who were his predecessors: he repaired those also, which the King of Israel had beaten down, at such time as having 2. Paral. 26. taken Amasias prisoner, he road in triumph into the City. Besides this, he erected a number The year of the world, 3150. before Christ's nativity, 814. Ozias riches and army of towers, each of them one hundredth and fifty cubits high. These enclosed he with walls to set garrisons therein, and in divers barren places he caused divers fountaine-heads to be made: for he had an infinite multitude of beasts of carriage and other cattle, in that the country was fit for pasture. He took pleasure also in tillage, for which cause he was often busied about his land, in trimming, sowing, and planting the same. He had about him a chosen army, to the number of three hundredth and seventy thousand fight men, whose generals, conductors, and captains, were valiant and invincible men, and were in number two thousand. He taught his soldiers to march in a square battle (in manner of the Macedonian Phalanx, arming each of them with swords, targets, and corselets of brass, with arrows and darts. He made also great preparation of divers engines to batter Cities, and to shoot stones and darts, besides divers hooks, and other such like instruments. But whilst he was intent on these studies and preparations, he grew insolent and proud, and being puffed up with mortal arrogance, he contemned the immortal force, which endureth for ever (which is piety towards God, and the observation of his commandments.) For which cause he was overthrown by his prosperity, and fell into his father's sins, thorough the happiness and greatness of his estate, wherein he could not moderately contain himself. So that upon a certain solemn feast day wherein all the people were assembled together, he attired himself in the high priests vestments, and entered into the temple to offer sacrifice unto God upon the golden altar (which notwithstanding the high Priest Azarias, Ozias transgresseth his vocation, and is punished with a leprosy and compelled to depart out of the city. The year of the world. 3170. before Christ birth. 794. accompanied with fourscore Priests) inhibited him the same, telling him that it was not lawful for him to sacrifice, in that it was only allowed in those that were of the posterity of the hic Priest Aaron. Whilst after this manner Azarias expostulated with him, commanding him to go out of the temple, and not to contradict the ordinances of God; the king waxed wrath, and threatened to take his life from him, except he kept himself quiet. Whereupon there fell a great trembling and earthquake, and the temple cleft in twain, and a great light of the sun entered thereinto, and reflected on the king's face in such manner, that all his body was instantly covered with a leprosy, and before the City (in a place called Eroge) the half of a mountain (that stood to the Eastward) broke and fell, and rolled and removed for the space of four stadia, towards the oriental mountain, where it rested: so that the public ways were shut up, and choked, and the king's gardens of pleasure were wholly ruinated and disfigured. When the Priests beheld the king's face covered with a leprosy, they told him what inconvenient had happened unto him, and enjoined him to depart out of the town, according to the custom of men that were polluted. Whereupon he (wholly confused at so grievous an accident, and having no more audacity to speak) obeyed the commandment that was given him, enduring a pitiful and lamentable punishment The year of the world, 3170. before Christ's birth 794. for being elate and proud more than became humanity, and for that he committed such impiety against God. He therefore remained without the City for a certain time, and led a private life, and his son jotham succeeded him in the kingdom. Finally he died thorough grief and discontent, after he had accomplished threescore and eight years, whereof he reigned fifty two, and was only buried in his garden. Zachary jeroboams son having reigned six months over the Israelites, was slain by treason complotted against him by a familiar friend of his called Sellum, the son of Iabes, who Zacharias slaughter. 4. Reg. 35. possessing the kingdom after him, enjoyed not the same above thirty days. For the general Manahem (being at that time in the City of Tharsa, and understanding of that which had happened to Zachary, departed thence with all his force, and came to Samaria, and in a battle which he fought, he slew Sellum: And afterwards obtaining the crown, he went from thence towards the City of Tapsa, the inhabitants whereof locked and barred their gates against him, and would Manahem king of Israel. The year of the world. 3174. before the birth of Christ. 790. The Tapsians slaughter. not receive him: in revenge whereof he spoilt all the country round about, and took the City by force, & (being highly incensed against the Tapsians for their insolence) he put them all to the sword, not sparing their little children (which was an incredible & barbarous cruelty in him.) Manahem reigned in this manner for the space of ten years, continuing a most cruel and unbridled tyranny over the people. Afterwards being assailed by Phul king of the Syrians, he went not out against him, neither practised to resist him, but procured his peace for the sum of a thousand talents of silver, which in way of composition he paid unto him. The people furnished Manahem with this sum in way of contribution, paying fifty drachmas a piece. Anon after he died, and was buried in Samaria, leaving behind him a son to succeed him in the kingdom, Peace bought with money. The year of the world. 3185. before Christ's birth 779. Phaceias. The translation of the Israelits whose name was Phaceias, who imitating his father's cruelty, possessed the sovereignty but two years: for he was slain at a feast in the midst of his friends, by a treason practised against him by Phaceias the son of Romelias, who enjoyed the kingdom for the space of twenty years, addicting himself to all impiety and wickedness. But Teglaphalassar king of Assyria, led forth his army against the Israelites, and spoiled all the country of Galaad, and that beyond jordan, and Galilee, Cydida and Asor also, and led all the inhabitants thereof prisoners, and transported the kingdom to himself. This is that which we have thought good to write as touching the king of Assyria. The year of the world. 3187. before Christ's birth 777. jotham's piety. jotham the son of Ozias reigned in jerusalem over the tribe of juda: he was the son of a daughter of jerusalem called jerasa. There was no virtue deficient in this king, for he was devout towards God, just towards men, and careful to repair the City: for he willingly employed himself in restoring that which had need of reparation and ornament. He built galleries, and porches about the temple, and repaired the walls that were fallen down: he erected huge and impregnable towers: in a word, he restored all that which was deficient in his kingdom. He made war upon the Ammonites, and overcoming them in battle, he made all their nation tributary, & constrained them to pay him yearly a hundredth talents, and ten thousand Cores of wheat, and as many of barley, and his kingdom in such sort increased, that he was redoubted abroad, and happy at home. Now about the same time there lived a certain Prophet called Naum, who Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. The prophecy of the destruction of Ninive. Naum. 2. prophesied the overthrow of the Assyrians, and of the City of Ninive, and spoke to this effect. All the people thereof shall be tossed and troubled, and be put to flight; and shall say the one unto the other. Stay and abide, take gold and silver, and there shall be none that will receive it. For they shall have more care to save their bodies, than their goods: for there shall be a great debate amongst them with lamentation: their members shall lose their vigour, & their faces shall be altogether swart thorough fear, where shall the repair of the lions be? or where shall the mother of the lion's whelp rest her? Ninive (God saith unto thee) I will destroy thee, neither shall the lions that issue from thee, govern the world any more. To this effect did he prophecy, & spoke many other things to this intent, which it concerneth not to repeat. For I have omitted it purposely, because I would not be troublesome to the readers. But all those things which he forespoke as touching Ninive, came to pass one hundredth and fifteen years after. But this is sufficient for the manifestation of this matter. CHAP. XII. The year of the world. 3204. before the Nativity of Christ. 760. Rasin King of Damascus maketh war against jerusalem, Achaz sendeth for the King of Assyria to assist him. AFter that jotham had lived one and forty years, and reigned sixteen, he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of the kings: after him the kingdom fell to Achaz his son, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. Achaz impiety The sacrifice of his son. who was a contemner of God, and a transgressor of the ordinances of his forefathers, and conformed himself to the customs of the kings of Israel: for he erected Altars in the City of jerusalem, and sacrificed unto Idols, offering up his own son unto them (after the manner of the Chanaanites) and perpetrated divers such like offences. During these impious idolatries of his, Rasin King of Syria and Damascus, and Phaceias King of Israel made war against him (for these two were confederates) leading therefore both their armies against jerusalem, they besieged it a long time, yet profited nothing, by reason the walls were very strong. But the King of Syria having seized the City of Elath, near unto the red sea, and slain all the inhabitants thereof, planted Syrians therein, putting all the garrisons The punishment of impiety. Esay. 7. likewise to the sword, and all the jews round about, and carried away with him a great booty into Damascus, and afterwards returned home with his army. The King of jerusalem understanding that the Syrians were retired, and supposing himself to be sufficient to fight against the king of Israel, led forth his forces against him, and was overcome in 4. Reg. 16. battle (because that God was incensed against him for his wickednesses, which were both detestable and infinite.) For in that battle the Israelites slew about sixscore thousand men: amongst whom was Zacharias the son of Achaz, whom the general of the army of the Israelites The slaughter of the army of juda. called Amias slew, with Ericam the governor of the whole Realm, and he took Elcan the general of the tribe of juda prisoner also. They led away likewise a great number of women and children, with a great booty, and afterwards returned unto Samaria. At that time there was a certain Prophet living in Samaria, whose name was Obel, who coming out to meet the army, cried with a loud voice unto the people, that the victory which they had, did not happen unto them thorough their valour, but by reason of the wrath of God conceived against Achaz king of juda. He furthermore reproved them, for that not contenting themselves with the good hap of that victory, they had so far presumed as to hold them of juda and Benjamin prisoners, who were of their own alliance: he therefore counseled them to send them back unto their houses, without any injury by unjustice offered unto them; threatening them, that if they did the contrary, they might be assured that God would punish them. After this admonition, the Israelites assembled themselves together to consult upon this 4. Reg. 16. The Israelites by the prophet's advice dismiss those prisoners they had taken of the tribes of juda and Benjamin. matter, at which time Barachias (one of the principal governors of the state, and three others with him alleged, that it was not lawful for the Citizens to lead their prisoners into the City, for fear (as they said) that God should utterly extinguish them all. For those sins (said they) which we have already committed, and against which the Prophets have exclaimed, are cause enough to incense God; so that we have no cause to annex new impieties to the precedent. When the soldiers heard these words, they permitted them to execute all that which they held convenient to be done. For which cause the above named took the prisoners, and discharged them, and entertained them courteously, and gave them means and money to furnish them in their journey, and sent them home without offence: and besides that, these four persons conducted them onwards of their journey, as far as jericho, and when they drew near unto jerusalem, they returned back to Samaria. CHAP. XIII. The King of Assyria taketh Damascus by force, killeth their king, translateth the people into Media, and planteth new colonies in Damascus. WHen king Achaz had received this overthrow by the Israelites, he sent unto Theglaphalasar king of Assyria, requiring him to assist him in the war which he intended against The year of the world, 3207. before Christ's birth 757. the Israelites, Syrians, & them of Damascus; promising to give him great sums of money, and at that present also he sent him very bountiful presents: Who after he had considered on the embassage, came forth with his army to assist Achaz, and spoiling Syria, and sacking Damascus, he slew Races their king also, and transported them of Damascus into the higher Media, The year of the world, 3207. before Christ's birth 757. 4. Reg. 16 17. The translation of the Israelites. Achaz giveth the gold and silver of the temple to the king of the Assyrians. and sent certain people of Assyria into Damascus. He wrought much mischief likewise in the country of Israel, and led away a great number of prisoners from thence. After that the Syrians had been subdued and weakened after this manner, Achaz took all the gold and silver that was in the king's treasury, and in the temple of God, and carried it unto Damascus, and gave it to the king of Assyria, according to those promises he had made him, and after much gratuity and thanksgiving, he returned back again to jerusalem. This King was so senseless and ignorant of his own profit, that although he were overpressed by war by the Syrians, yet ceased he not to adore their gods, but persisted in their honour, as if he expected the victory by their means. And although he were overcome again, yet intended he the honour of the Assyrian gods; choosing rather to reverence any, than the true God, whom his forefathers worshipped: Yea so far grew he in contempt and neglect of all true piety, that at length he shut up the temple gates, and prohibited the ordinary sacrifices, having before Achaz shutteth the doors of God's temple, and honoureth strange gods. Achaz death. The year of the world, 3215. before Christ's birth 749. Oseas impiety and punishment. that taken all the precious presents out of the same. After he had in this sort committed these outrages against God, he died, when he was thirty & six years old; and after he had reigned sixteen years, and left his son Ezechias to succeed him in the kingdom. At that very time died Phaceias King of the Israelites, by the means of a certain conspiracy, which Oseas his intended friend, wrought against him: who held the kingdom for the space of nine years, showing himself both to be wicked, and a contemner of God. Against him Salmanasar King of Assyria moved war, and overcame him because God was not favourable unto him, neither assistant in his enterprises: he was therefore subdued, and constrained to pay a certain tribute imposed upon him. The fourth year of the reign of Oseas, Ezechias the son of Achaz, and Abia a Citizen of jerusalem, reigned over the two tribes. He was a man of a virtuous disposition, and one that loved justice and piety: for as soon as he came unto the kingdom; he resolved with himself first of all that the chiefest and most necessary and most profitable thing that might be, was the Hedio & Ruffinus. chap 14. 4 Reg 17. The piety of Ezechias king of juda. establishment of the service of God. When as therefore he assembled the people, the Priests, and the Levites, he began to discourse and devise with them, in these or such like words. There is no one of you but knoweth, that for my father's offences, and for your irreverent regard and service towards God, ye are fallen into many and mighty calamities, because thorough your extreme madness, you have suffered yourselves to be persuaded to adore those, whom he esteemed to be gods. Since therefore you have learned (to your own misery) how pernicious a thing impiety is, I exhort you (that forgetting the same) you purify both yourselves, your Priests, and your Levites from your former pollutions, that yet at length you may assemble together, and open the temple, and cleanse the same with ordinary sacrifices, to the end it may be restored to the ancient honour which erst it possessed: for by this means we shall have God favourable unto us, when his wrath shall be appeased that was kindled against us. As soon as the king had spoken after this manner, the Priests opened the temple, and after they had gathered the sacred vessels, and cast all uncleanness out of the same, they offered sacrifice upon the altar, according to the custom. Afterwards the king sent to all the provinces under his dominion, and gathered together the people of jerusalem, to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread (which had been intermitted Ezechias ambassadors that were sent to the Israelites to exhort them to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread, are slain by them. a long time thorough the impiety of the kings his predecessors.) He sent also unto the Israelites, exhorting them to forsake the customs which of long time they had wickedly observed, and to return to the true and ancient manner of serving God, certifying them that he would permit them to repair to jerusalem, to celebrate the feast of unleavened bread, promising them that he himself would solemnize the same with them also: protesting that he did this; not in respect of his own profit, but thorough the desire he had to further their felicity, who should be happy if they obeyed this his counsel. When Ezechias ambassadors came unto the Israelites, and had delivered unto them the message that they had in charge: so far were they from conformity, that they mocked them, 2. Paral. 29. 30 and esteemed them to be mad, and spit upon those Prophets that exhorted them to piety, and foretold them the evils they should suffer, unless they subscribed to the service of God; and finally they laid hold on them, and put them to the sword. And not contenting themselves with this presumption, they yet attempted far worse things, and never gave over until that God (in punishment of their impiety) made them subject under the hands of their enemies, as shall The word of God is never without fruit. appear manifestly hereafter. But divers of the tribes of Manasses, Zabulon & Issachar (respecting the good counsels of the Prophets) submitted themselves to the service of God, and repaired all together to jerusalem to King Ezechias to honour God. As soon as they were arrived there, Ezechias ascended into the temple accompanied with the governors, and all the people, and offered The year of the world, 3218. before Christ's Nativity, 746. Ezechias sacrifice. there seven bulls, seven rams, and as many goats: and after that he, and all the governors had laid their hands upon the heads of the sacrifice, they delivered them to the Priest, according as it appertained to them, and they sacrificed and made burnt offerings of them. The levites also (assisting round about with instruments of music) sung hymns and songs unto God, according as they had been taught by the ordinance of David: The other Priests had trumpets, with which they reported to the tune of their hymns. Which done, the king and all the people cast themselves prostrate upon the ground, and adored God; and afterwards sacrificed seventy oxen, a hundredth sheep, and two hundredth lambs. The King likewise bestowed six hundredth oxen, and three thousand sheep upon the people to feast withal. And when as the Priests had joyfully performed all things (according to the custom contained in the law) the King took great pleasure and banqueted with the people, giving thanks unto God. And when the feast of unleavened bread was come, they sacrificed the Passeover, and during the seven other days, they offered up their other sacrifices. The King gave in way of gratuity unto the people (besides that which had been offered) two thousand oxen, and seven thousand sheep. The governors did the like, and gave the people a thousand bulls, and one thousand four hundredth sheep: and thus was the feast solemnised, which had not been so magnificently and devoutly celebrated since Salomon's time. When the solemnity of the feast was past, they journeyed and went thorough the country, and purified it. They purged the City likewise of all uncleanness of Idols, and the Reformation of God's service. The year of the world. 3224. before Christ's birth 740. King ordained that the daily sacrifices should be made according to the law upon his charge. He enacted also that the people should pay the tenths to the Priests, and Levites, with the first fruits, to the intent they might wholly intend piety, and never estrange themselves from the service of God. By which means it came to pass, that the people brought all kind of fruit to the priests and Levites, which the king put up in certain storehouses, which he had built, to be distributed to every one of them, their wives, and children, and by this means they returned again to their former purity in religion. After the King had disposed all things in this sort, he made war upon the Philistines and overcame them, and seized all their Cities (between Gaza and Geth.) About this time the king of Assyria sent unto him and threatened him, that if he would not pay The king overcometh the Philistines. Ezechias forsaketh the service of the king of Assyria. him those tributes which his father before him had paid unto him, he would destroy all his country. Nevertheless Ezechias set light by his threats, assuring himself in that piety and zeal he bore towards God and in the Prophet Esay, by whom he was exactly instructed as touching all those things that were to succeed. And for this present it shall suffice that we have spoken thus much of this king. CHAP. XIIII. Salmanasar slayeth the king of Israel, and leadeth the Israelites captive into the country of Media. WHen tidings was brought to Salmanasar King of Assyria, that the king of Israel had privily sent unto Soan king of Egypt, to request his assistance in war against the Assyrian, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 15. he was sore displeased; and drew forth his army against Samaria in the seventh year of the reign of Oseas. But the King of Israel withstood his entrance into the City, by which means he was besieged therein for three years space, and finally Samaria was taken by force in the ninth year of Oseas, and the seventh of Ezechias reign. At which time all the kingdom of 4. Reg. 17. Israel was destroyed, and all the people transported into the countries of Media, and Persia; and amongst the rest king Oseas was taken prisoner. The King of Assyria caused certain nations of a country, which (by reason it abutted upon a certain river in Persia called by that name) was called Chut, to remove their habitation, and to dwell in Samaria, and inhabit the country of The Israelites removed from their possessions are translated into the region of the Chuthites. Israel. As for the ten Tribes of Israel, they were transported out of their country (nine hundredth forty seven years, since their predecessors departing out of Egypt possessed the country of Chanaan; eight hundredth years after the government of josuah; and two hundredth and forty years, seven months, and seven days, since they revolted from Roboam David's nephew, to give the kingdom to jeroboam.) This was the end of the Israelites, who transgressed the laws, and disobeyed the Prophets, who foretold them of that calamity which should happen unto them, except they repented them of their impieties. The sedition that they moved against Roboam establishing his servant for their king, was the original of their mischiefs. For jeroboam committing impiety against God, and they imitating his wickedness prevailed so much, as the majesty of God grew displeased with them, so that he punished them according as they deserved. But the The year of the world, 3224 before Christ's birth 740. The Tyrians Chronicles touching the wars of Salmanazar against the Tyrians written by Menander. King of Assyria ravaged and spoiled all Syria, and Phoenicia with his army, & his name is found written in the Chronicles of the Tyrians: for he made war against the Tyrians, at such time as Elulat reigned in tire, whereof Menander maketh mention, who wrote the history of tire, and hath translated their Pantarches into the Greek tongue. The King Elulat (said he) reigned six and thirty years, and pursued the Chuteans that were revolted from him by sea, and made them subject. Against whom the King of Assyria sent forth his army, and invaded all Phoenicia, and afterwards having covenanted a peace with them, he returned back again. The Cities of Sidon, Arce, and Paletyr, and divers other cities revolted from the Tyrians, and submitted themselves to the king of Assyria. For this cause, and for that they of tire did not obey him, he drew his army forth once more against them; and he was furnished by the Phaenicians with sixty ships, and eight hundredth rowers. The Tyrians charging these ships with twelve of their vessels, overthrew the navy of the Assyrians, and took about five hundredth men prisoners: which act of theirs, wonderfully increased their honour. But the king of Assyria returning back again, planted a garrison upon the river, and fortified the fountain heads to the intent the Tyrians might draw no water, which act of his (continuing for the space of five years) they were enforced to find & dig new fountains to sustain themselves. These things are written in the registers of the Tyrians themselves, as also the exploits of the king of Assyria against them. But these Chuteans & new inhabitants, of Samaria (for to this day their name remaineth there, as having been brought from the Region of Chut which is in Persia, where there is a river of that name) for that they were of five nations, they brought with them each of them the god whom they honoured in God's displeasure against the idolatrous Chuthites their nation, to the number of five gods, whom they served after the manner of their country. Whereupon the true and supreme God was grievously displeased, and provoked against them: for a plague fell amongst them, that consumed them in such sort, that they could find no remedy, until such time as they had notice that it behoved them to adore the great God, and that therein consisted their safety. They therefore sent unto the king of Assyria, requiring him to send them Priests from amongst the Israelites, whom he had led away prisoners in war. Which The Chuteans embrace the service of God and in prosperity claim kindred of the jews. done, they learning the law, and the manner of God's service by them, began very diligently to observe both: by which means the plague ceased suddenly. And now even unto this day continue they in the same Religion, and are called by the Hebrews Chuteans, and Samaritans by the greeks. These as often as they find the jews in prosperity, call them their cousins (according to the variety and changes of time) but if they perceive their fortunes to be on the declining hand, then abjure they consanguinity, and renounce any lawful parentage or amity, and say that they were planted in the country, and drawn thither from a foreign nation. But in time and place convenient, we shall speak of them more amply. THE TENTH BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 10. book. 1 Senacharib King of Assyria, besiegeth Ezechias in jerusalem. 2 Ezechias having lived for a certain time in peace; dieth, and leaveth his son Manasses to succeed him. 3 The Kings of the Chaldees and he of Babylon, war against Manasses, and led him away prisoner. 4 The history of King josias. 5 josias death in battle, who hindered the King of Egypt from leading his army against the Babylonians, and the event thereof. 6 The army of Nabuchodonosor cometh into Syria. 7 Nabuchodonosor putteth joacim to death, and maketh joachin King. 8 Nabuchodonosor changeth his purpose, besiegeth joachim, and is reconciled under composition. The year of the world. 3231. before the Nativity of Christ. 733. 9 Sedechias is appointed king over jerusalem. 10 jerusalem is taken, and the people translated into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor. 11 The successors of Nabuchodonosor: the destruction of Babylon by Cyrus' king of Persia. CHAP. I. Senacherib King of Assyria besiegeth Ezechias in jerusalem. IN the fourteenth year of the reign of Ezechias King of the two Tribes, Senacherib King of Assyria drew forth a huge army against him, and surprised 4. Reg. 18. The destruction of judaea. all the Cities of juda and Benjamin by strong hand. To him Ezechias sent ambassadors; promising him obedience, and such a tribute as it should please him to impose. When Senacherib had heard and considered upon the ambassadors instructions, he resolved on peace, and accepted Ezechias offer, promising that he would depart in peace as soon as he had received three hundredth talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold: swearing an oath unto the ambassadors, that under these conditions he would depart away without offering any outrage. Ezechias giving credit to these words of his, emptied the treasuries, and sent the prefixed sum The oath of Senacherib, and his breach thereof. to Senacherib, hoping to be delivered from his enemy, and the hazard wherein his country stood. But the Assyrians having received the money, set light by their promises; so that Senacherib went in person to make war against the Egyptians and Aethiopians, and left Rapsaces his general in judaea with a great power, accompanied with two of his chiefest minions and courtiers, with commission to spoil jerusalem: The names of these two were Tharata and Anachares. As soon as they were encamped near unto the walls, they sent unto Ezechias and commanded him to come and speak with them: but he thorough fear which he had conceived, went not unto them, but sent three of his most familiar friends, Eliacim the superintendant of his realm, Sobna and joachus that had the commission of his registers. These three presented themselves before the chieftains of the Assyrian army: whom when Rapsaces had beheld, he commanded them to return unto their master, and to tell him that the great king Senacherib was desirous to know under what hope he thus neglected his government, and obstinately refused to obey him and receive his army into the City? Is it perhaps, because he hopeth the Egyptians will have the upper hand of the king's army? If that be his hope, doubtless he is deceived, showing himself to be like unto a man that stayeth himself upon a broken reed; by which he is not only not sustained, but in his fall also, hath his hand pierced therewith. He likewise wished him to conceive, that this his expedition was not without the will of God, who, as in times past hath given them victory over the Israelites; so now also is pleased to humble Ezechias, and to make both him and his subjects stoop under the Assyrian government. Whilst Rapsaces Rapsaces' persuasion, to cause Ezechias submit. spoke thus in the Hebrew language (wherein he was very skilful) Eliacim (searing lest the multitude should be strooken with fear upon the hearing of these words) besought him to speak in the Syriack tongue. But he sufficiently instructed what it was that he feared, answered him with a louder voice in the Hebrew tongue, and told them that they ought to give ear unto the king's commandment, and to yield themselves to his mercy, because it concerned their security. I am not ignorant (said he) that both you and your King do persuade the people under a vain hope, and fraudulently allure them to beat arms against us. But if your valour be aught at all, and you suppose that you can levy the siege from your walls, I am ready to furnish you with two thousand horse, give you us so many horsemen to approve their valours: but you cannot give them that you have not. Why therefore delay you? why yield you not to those that are too strong for you? and are able even in spite of your resist to ransack your city? whereas you know that a willing submission is always secure? chose whereas duty is enforced, there wanteth no peril of calamity. When both the Ambassadors, and the people had heard that which the Assyrian had spoken, they reported the same to Ezechias, who incontinently cast his royal garments off, and clothed himself in sackcloth, carrying the countenance of a disconsolate man, and casting himself 4. Reg. 19 Ezechias in adversity hath recourse to God, he is consorted by Esay. prostrate upon the earth after the manner of their country, he besought God to be assistant unto him, since all other hope was vain. He sent also certain of his friends, and some Priests unto the Prophet Esay, requiring him to pray unto God, that since the sacrifice was offered unto him for public security, it might please him to frustrate the enemy's hopes, and to have pity and The year of the world. 3231. before Christ's Nativity 733. compassion on his people. When the Prophet had performed no less than he required, he received an answer from God, by which he assured the king, and all them that were about him, foretelling them that the enemies should be overcome without stroke strooken, & should retire with shame, and not with that advantage which they bragde of at this present, because God had already determined how they should be overthrown. He foreprophecied also, that Senacharib himself (the king of Assyria) should fail of his enterprise in Egypt, and that upon his return to his own court, he should be slain. At that very time the Assyrian wrote letters to Ezechias, in which he called him fool and mad man, to think that he could warrantise himself from being his slave, yea his in especial, who had conquered divers and far greater nations: threatening him with utter ruin at such time as he should surprise the City, if he opened not the gates of jerusalem willingly, to entertain his army. When Ezechias had read these letters, he set light by them, by reason of the confidence he had in God: and having opened them, he spread them in the temple. And whilst he renewed his prayers unto God for the salvation of the City, and his subjects, Esay the Prophet told him that his prayer was heard: that hereafter likewise they should manure their lands in peace & security, & should enjoy their possessions without fear. Not long after, the king of Assyria having but cold success in his expedition against Egypt, returned back again without doing any thing, for this cause that ensueth. He had lost much time in the siege of Pelusium, & at such time as he had already raised certain bulwarks as high as the wall, so that he wanted nothing but to give the assault; news was brought him that Tharsices king of Aethiopia brought an army to rescue the Egyptians, with an intent to take his way thorough the desert, and suddenly to charge the Assyrian army. Senacharib troubled with these tidings, speedily departed thence with his army. But Herodotus saith, that he made war with Vulcan's priest, especially Herodotus of Senacharib. for that he was both a king and a priest: Besieging Pelusium (said he) for this cause he gave over the siege. The King of Egypt called to his God for assistance, by whose power the Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 11. Arabians suffered much misery. But in this also he erreth, in that he setteth down the Arabian for the Assyrian. In one night (said he) there was such a multitude of mice, that they gnew all the enemies bows and other arms: whence it came to pass, that the king being disarmed withdrew his siege from Pelusium. But Berosus a writer among the Chaldees maketh mention of Senacharib, and how he reigned amongst the Assyrians, and troubled both Asia and Egypt with war, and declareth the manner in these words. But Senacharib returning from the Egyptian war, came before jerusalem, and received the army that was there, at the hands of his governor The punishment of Senacharib, for displeasing God. Rhabsace, and God caused a pestilent sickness to fall upon his army, which was so violent, that the first night of the siege there died one hundredth fourscore and five thousand men, with their governors and chieftains. With which loss he was so affrighted, and troubled, that fearing to lose all his army, he fled with those that remained, & retired himself into his kingdom to the city called Ninive, where after he had lived for a time, he was traitorously slain by Adramelech, and Selenar his two elder sons: and being dead, was carried into his own temple called Arusche, and his children were driven out of the kingdom for committing the murder, and retired themselves into Armenia, and Asseradochus succeeded Senacharib. Such was the end of the Patricides. Assyrian army that came before jerusalem. CHAP. II. Ezechias having for a time remained in peace, dieth: and leaveth his son Manasses to succeed him. KIng Ezechias (being in this sort beyond all hope delivered from his fears) offered thanksgiving and sacrifices unto God, with all the people, acknowledging that there was no other Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 3. cause that had slain part of his enemies, and put the rest to mortal fear, neither that had delivered jerusalem from thraldom, but only God's succour and assistance. And whilst he altogether intended and was occupied about the service of God, he fell sick of a grievous disease, 4. Reg. 20. so as the Physicians despaired of his health, and his friends expected nothing but his death. This sickness of his was accompanied with a grievous care, because he had no children, and saw that he was now to depart the world, and to leave his house desert, and his kingdom desolate. Ezechias sickness and the prolongation of his life assured by miracle Being therefore in this sort toiled with discontents, he lamented and besought God, that it would please him to lengthen his life a little time, until he had children to succeed him, and that he would vouchsafe that his soul might not be taken from him, before he were the father of a son. Hereupon God taking compassion of him (and the rather, because he was not grieved for The year of the world, 3231. before Christ's Nativity, 733. that the pleasures of his kingdom were taken from him; but for that he sought for a lawful heir to succeed him in the princedom) he sent the Prophet Esay unto him, to assure him, that after three days he should be recovered of his sickness: and that after he had lived some fifteen years more, he should depart out of this life, and leave a lawful heir behind him. When the Prophet (according as he was commanded) had brought these tidings to the king; he doubted both the unexpected messenger, and the mightiness of his disease: for which cause he required some prodigious sign at Esatas hands, to the intent that he might certainly believe, that he was sent as a messenger from God unto him for the truth of those things, which either exceed our hope, or reason, are wont to be confirmed by these means. Whereupon Esay asked him what sign he required, and it should be given him. For which cause he requested, that since the declining sun had already advanced his shadow ten degrees within the royal lodging, he would cause it to return unto the place where it was before, and overrun again the same lines of shadow. On this occasion the Prophet besought God, that it would please him to confirm the king by this miracle: who seeing that which he desired, was suddenly delivered from his sickness, and ascended the temple to worship and praise God. At that time it happened, that the monarchy of the Assyrians was destroyed by the Medes, (whereof I will speak in another place.) Anon after, ballad King The Assyrian Monarchy destroyed. The embassage of the king of Babylon to Ezechias. of Babylon sent an Ambassador to Ezechias with presents, calling him his ally and friend: who receiving his messengers, willingly feasted them, and showed them his treasures, his arsenal, and all other magnificence that he had of gold and precious stones, and after he had given them presents for ballad, he dismissed them. Whereupon the Prophet Esay came unto him, ask him from whence those ambassadors came? To whom Ezechias answered, that they were of Babylon, & came unto him from the king, telling the Prophet how he had showed them all that which he had, to the end that having seen and observed his riches and power, they might afterwards certify their king thereof. Whereunto the Prophet replied, saying: Know thou that within a little The captivity of Babylon foreprophecied by Esay. The year of the world. 3232. before Christ's birth 732. time thy riches shall be transported into Babylon, and thy children shall be made eunuchs, and (being no more men) shall be slaves unto the King of Babylon. All which God gave him to understand before it happened. For which cause Ezechias was sore troubled, to hear these tidings, saying, that he desired that his people might not fall into those miseries: but since it was impossible to change the decree of God, he required that he might have peace during his life time. Of this ballad king of Babylon, Berosus maketh mention. This Prophet truly divine, and admirable for the verity of his prophecies, is accounted to have spoken nothing that was untrue, but to Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. have left in writing all that which he prophesied: the truth whereof, hath afterwards in effect appeared to posterity. Neither did he alone perform this much, but besides him, twelve others have done the like, and all that which is happened unto us, either good or evil, hath fallen out truly according to their prophecies. But hereafter we will speak of every one of them. Now when as Ezechias had lived his prefixed time (according as we have forespoken) and governed his kingdom Ezechias death. in peace, he died when he was fifty four years old, and in the nine and twentieth year of his reign. CHAP. III. The Kings of Chaldaea and Babylon war against Manasses, and take him prisoner. HIs son Manasses (the son of Achiba, a woman borne in jerusalem) succeeded him in 4. Reg. 21. Manasses impiety and cruelty. The year of the world. 3247. before Christ's birth 717. the kingdom. This man forsook his father's ways, and followed sinister customs, expressing in his manners all kinds of mischief, not omitting any impiety, but addicting himself to all the iniquities of the Israelites, who were destroyed because of their sins committed against God. He was so impudent as he spared not to pollute the very temple of God, the City, and the whole country: for making his entry in despite of God, he slew afterwards all those that were virtuous men among the Hebrews. And although he had no want of Prophets; yet so it is, that he killed every day some: so that jerusalem was overflown with blood. For which cause God being provoked unto wrath by these his so heinous offences, sent divers Prophets the one after the other, both to the king and to the people, by whom he threatened to inflict the same Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. Alias cap. 4. calamities upon them, which (for contempt of religion) the Israelites their brethren had a little before that suffered. But they unwilling to give trust to these speeches of theirs (whose admonitions had they respected, they might have avoided their imminent evils) at length in effect experimented the truth thereof. For whereas they persevered in their accustomed and dissolute manners, The year of the world 3247. before Christ's Nativity. 717. Manasses surprised and led prisoner into Babylon. and after his repentance restored to his kingdom. The year of the world. 3288. before Christ's birth 676. Manasses purifieth the city and consecrateth the temple again. God incensed the king of Chaldaea and Babylon against them; who sending his army into judaea, and spoiling the whole region, at length surprised and led away Manasses prisoner, and made him subject to what punishment it should please them to inflict upon him. At last the wretch (taught by his own mischief) acknowledged his sin, and humbly besought God in prayer, that he would make his enemy courteous and merciful: neither did God show himself inexorable; but having compassion on his miseries, gave care unto him, and after some space of time, the Babylonian sending him home, restored him to his former government. As soon as he was returned back to jerusalem, he began (as much as in him lay) to show the fruits of repentance, and to fear God in all things, cleansing his spirit of all those sins, whereunto before time he was addicted. He purged the temple also, and cleansed the City; and from that time forward, he addicted himself wholly to think how he might give God thanks, for that he had thus retired him from ruin, and how he might pass all the remnant of his life in his favour. He taught the people likewise to do the like, telling them what miseries they had endured within a few years, for that they had demeaned themselves impiously. He repaired the altar also, and according to Moses prescript offered thereon solemn sacrifices, and after that he had purua●…ed those things that concerned the service of God, as it appertained; he bethought himself likewise of the security of the City of jerusalem, and carefully repaired the old and ruined walls, annexing also an other enclosure thereunto, and erecting high towers likewise, furnishing the same with munition and victual sufficient for a City of defence. And so much was he changed during The year of the world. 3302. before Christ's birth 662. Manasses death. the rest of his life, that he was held most happy; and after the time he began to serve God, divers took example of virtue by imitating him. After he had lived sixty and seven years, he died in the five and fiftieth year of his reign, and was buried in his garden. His kingdom came into the hands of his son Amos, the son of Emalsema, of the city of jabath; who imitating his father's youthly course, was slain in his own house, by a conspiracy plotted by his Amos king of juda a wicked prince. own household servants, after he had accomplished the years of four and twenty, and reigned two. After his death the people slew his murderers, and he was buried with his father, and the kingdom was given to his son josias, who was only eight years old. CHAP. FOUR The year of the world. 3304. before the birth of Christ. 660. josias king of judae. 4 Reg. 22. josias restoreth the true service of God. The fear of the world, 3307. before Christ's birth 657. The History of josias. IOsias mother was of the City of Boseeth, and was called jeda: he was a man of a good nature, and of his own instinct inclined to virtue, conforming himself to the customs and manners of his progenitor David, both in the scope and rule of all his life. When he grew to be twelve years old, he gave manifest approbation of his piety and justice: for he drew the people to a conformable course of life, and to the detestation and abolishing of Idols, that were no gods, and to the service of the only and true God of their forefathers. And considering the actions of his predecessors, he began to rectify them in that wherein they were deficient, with no less circumspection, then if he had been an old man; and that which he found to be correspondent and advisedly done by them, that did he both maintain and imitate. All these things did he both by reason of his innated wisdom, as also by the admonishments and counsels of the elders: for following orderly the laws (both in respect of public policy, as also in religion) he walked uprightly, in that by observing them he could not err. For circuiting both the City and the whole country, the king razed down and defaced the woods that were josias rooteth outidolairie. The year of the world. 3321. be fore Christ birth. 643. judges. The zeal of the people in the reparation of the temple. made for strange gods, and overthrew their altars; and all those gifts that had been offered unto them by his predecessors, were defaced in a mockery: and in this manner caused he the people to return to the service of God, and to forsake the honour that they did unto Idols. He offered likewise the ordinary sacrifices and burnt offerings upon the altar, and established judges and magistrates to determine public debates, and to do each man right, charging them to have no less respect of equity, than they had of their own lives. He sent also thorough all the country, commanding all those that would be contributors, either in gold or silver, towards the reparation of the temple, should bring in their benevolence according to their wills, and faculties. And when all the money was gathered together, he appointed superintendents, both over the temple, as also over the charges that were defrayed in the reparation thereof: namely, Amasias, who was already governor of the city, and Saphan the secretary, and joata Committee over the registers, with the high Priest Elcia: who with all expedition and diligence provided workmen, and all that which was requisite for the building, and began the work. This sudden and speedy reparation The year of the world. 3321. before Christ's birth 643. of the temple gave a manifest testimony of the king's piety, who when he had attained to the eighteenth year of his age, sent Elcia the high priest, and caused him to melt down the remainder of the money that was given towards the building of the temple, and to make vessels, cups, and ewers for the service of the altar. He commanded also, that all the gold and silver that was in the treasury should be brought forth, and employed after the like manner in cups, and other vessels. Now whilst the high Priest searched the treasury, he found the sacred books of Moses in Moses sacred books found in the temple. the temple, which he brought and delivered to the scribe Saphan; who after he had perused the same, presented them unto the king, giving him to understand that all that which he had commanded was accomplished: besides that, he read the books unto him. Which when the king had heard, he rend his clothes, and called Elcia the high Priest unto him, and the scribe Saphan, with certain other of his inward friends, and sent them unto the Prophetess Olda the wife of Sallum, Olda the prophetess sent unto by josias. a man in high dignity, and famous, by reason of his nobility: commanding them that when they came unto her, they should endeavour to appease God's wrath, and labour to recover his favour; because it was to be feared, that by reason that their ancestors had transgressed the The pophecie of the jews misery. laws of Moses, they should be in danger to be dispossessed of their country, and abandoned by all men, should at length perish miserably. When the prophetess had heard the king's commandment, she willed those that were sent unto her to return unto the king, and to certify him from her, that God had given a sentence against them, which might not be revoked, by any prayers whatsoever; namely, that since they had transgressed the law of Moses, the people should perish, and should be cast out of their country, and deprived of all their goods that they had, and for that they have not grown to amendment in so long time; notwithstanding the prophets had exhorted them to repentance, and had foretold the punishment of their impieties, which should happen unto them, to the end that they might believe that God is God, and that he faileth not in any thing that he hath foretold by his prophets. Furthermore she said, that he forbore as yet to send these afflictions upon them, for josias sake who was a virtuous man: but that after his decease God would pour his intended punishments upon the people. This prophecy of the woman they signified unto the king, who sent into all parts and assembled the people in jerusalem, commanding the Priests and Levites, and generally all men without distinction of age, or person 4 Reg. 23. A lively image of a godly prince. to be present in that convention. Now when they were assembled, he first of all caused the sacred books to be read, and afterwards standing aloft upon his throne, he caused all the people to swear and promise that they would serve God, and keep Moses laws. Whereupon all of them did willingly approve whatsoever he said, promising to do that whereunto they were exhorted. And therewithal offering up present sacrifices unto God, they besought him to show himself favourable and merciful towards them. The king likewise commanded the high priest that if there were any necessary in the temple which were made by his predecessors in honour of Idols and strange Gods, he should cast it out. And after that a great quantity was found therein, all of it was gathered together and burnt, and the ashes afterwards were scattered here and there. And as touching the Priests (that appertained to Idols that were not of the race of Aaron) he put them to death. When these things were thus executed in jerusalem, he came afterwards to the plain country; and all that which jeroboam had erected there in honour of Idols, he utterly The truth of the divine oracles. 3. Reg. 13. defaced it, and the bones of the false Prophets were burnt upon the altar that jeroboam had builded. This had the prophet foretold that came to jeroboam, at such time as he offered sacrifice, and told him in the presence of all the people, all that which should happen: namely, that one of David's posterity called josias, should do these abovenamed things: which prophecy took effect three hundredth, sixty and one year after. After this, King josias transported himself to the Israelites (who had avoided the captivity and servitude of the Assyrians) and persuaded them to forsake their impieties, and the services they had performed to strange Gods, and to honour the sovereign and true God of their fathers, and to cleave unto him. He made a search also thorough every house, borough, and city, fearing least as yet there should be any Idol hidden. He likewise sought out the chariots that were made by his ancestors, in honour of the sun, and all that which was adored whatsoever it were, and utterly abolished the same. After he had in this sort purged the country, he assembled all the people in jerusalem, where he celebrated the feast of unleavened bread, and the solemnity of Easter. Towards the performance whereof, he gave the people young kids and lambs, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks for burnt offerings: and the chief amongst the Levites distributed amongst the The celebration of the passover. other Levites five hundredth lambs, and five hundredth bullocks. Having therefore such an abundance of beasts they sacrificed according to the law of Moses (the priests taking charge thereof, The year of the world 3321. before Christ's birth 643. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 Alias cap. 5. and confirming the rest of the people by their example) Neither was there ever such a solemnity kept by the Hebrews since the time of Samuel the Prophet; because all things were done according to the laws and ancient customs, which were observed in the time of their fathers. After this josias lived in peace, riches, honour, and estimation amongst all men: and thus finished his life. CHAP. V. divers exploits of Nechao. NEchao King of Egypt having gathered great forces, conducted his army towards the flood Euphrates, to war against the Medes and Babylonians, who had destroyed the The year of the world. 3334. before Christ's birth 630. The Egyptians work their passage thorough judaea. empire of Assyria: for Nechao affected the government of all Asia. Now when he drew near unto the City of mend (which was under josias subjection) King josias denied him passage, and would not suffer his army to march thorough his country. For which cause Nechao sent a Herald unto him, to let him understand, that it was not against him that he made war, but that he bent his course towards Euphrates: for which cause he wished him in no sort to hinder his intended journey, lest thereby he should be constrained to make war upon him. But josias respected not this demand of his, but resolved himself to hinder his passage thorough his country: And truly I suppose that the destinies pricked him forward to this arrogance, to the end he might have some occasion to do something against Nechao. For whilst he disposed his army, and road from one band to an other, being mounted upon his chariot, he was strooken with an 4. Reg. 23. arrow that was shot by a certain Egyptian, which cooled and tempered the spleen he had in war. For feeling himself sorely overpressed with pain, by reason of his wound; he commanded his army to retire, and returned himself to jerusalem, where he died of his wound, and was josias death. buried with his fathers with great magnificence, after he had lived nine and thirty years, and reigned thirty and one. For him the people mourned with great heaviness, lamenting and sorrowing for many days. The Prophet jeremy also made a deploration over him in lamentable An Epitaph written by jeremy on josias verse, which is as yet extant even in these days. This Prophet left in writing those evils that should afterwards happen unto the city, and the captivity wherewith we are entangled at this present, and the surprisal of Babylon. Neither hath he alone foretold the same: but the Prophet Ezechiel hath likewise done the like; who first left two books written of the same argument. These two Prophets were of the race of the Priests. But jeremy kept in jerusalem, from the fourteenth year of the reign of josias, until the destruction of the City and temple; as in 2. Paral. 25. jeremy prophesieth the captivity. of Babylon. In what time jeremy lived. joaz king of juda. 4. Reg. 23. 2. Paral 36. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. Alias. chap. 6. Eliacim called joachim made king of juda. The year of the world. 3335. before Christ's birth 629. time and place convenient we will declare, setting down those occurrences that happened to this Prophet. After the death of josias (heretofore mentioned) his son joaz succeeded him in the kingdom, at such time as he was twenty and three years old, who reigned in jerusalem; his mother's name was Ametala: he was a man full of impiety, and of a malignant and perverse nature. The King of Egypt returning from the war, sent unto joaz, commanding him to meet with him in Samath a City of Syria, where he was no sooner arrived, but he kept him prisoner, committing the kingdom to Eliacim his brother (on the father's side) who was his elder brother likewise. He changed his name also, and called him joachim: he imposed attribute also on judaea, of one hundredth talents of silver and a talon of gold, which joachim paid. And as touching joaz, he led him into Egypt, where he finished his days, after he had been king three months, and ten days. Now joachim's mother was called Zabuda, of the City of Abuma. He was a wicked person, and of a malignant nature, having neither piety towards God, nor respect of equity towards men. CHAP. VI nabuchodonosor's army cometh into Syria. IN the fourth year of his reign, a certain man called Nabuchodonosor possessed the The year of the world. 3336. before the birth of Christ. 628. Nabuchodo nosor king of Babylon warreth against the Egyptians. kingdom of Babylon; who at that time went out with a great army against Carchabesa (a City situate near unto Euphrates) resolving with himself to fight against Nechao king of Egypt, under whose power all Syria was subject. Nechao understanding of the Babylonians intent, and how great his army was, made very little account thereof, but with a huge army addressed himself towards Euphrates, with an intent to repulse Nabuchodonosor. But he was overcome in battle, and lost divers thousands of his men. Whereupon the Babylonian The year of the world. 3336. before Christ's birth 628. (passing Euphrates) seized all Syria as far as Pelusium (judaea only excepted.) The fourth year that Nabuchodonosor reigned over these conquered countries, & the eight year of the reign of joachim over the Hebrews, the Babylonians led forth his army against the jews, with a mighty power, threatening them to use all hostility, except joachim would pay him tribute. joachim fearing his threats bought his peace with silver, and paid him for three years space the tributes that were joachim passeth Nabuchadnezzar tribute. 4. Reg. 24. imposed on him. But in the third year (understanding that the Egyptian was up in arms against the Babylonian) he denied the payment of the tribute; notwithstanding he was frustrated of his hope, for the Egyptians were not so hardy as to make war. All which the Prophet jeremy The year of the world. 3343. before Christ's nativity, 621. daily foretold him, signifying unto him that he builded his hope in vain upon the Egyptians, and that it would fall out that the City should be overthrown by the king of Babylon, and joachim himself should be delivered prisoner into his hands. But because there was no means for them to escape this justice, all that which he said was nothing available. For notwithstanding Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. joachim revolteth from the king of Babylon. the people and governors heard thereof, yet made they no reckoning of the same; but were displeased with those counsels which he proposed unto them, accusing jeremy as if he took pleasure to utter and publish ominous and adverse presages against the king: they likewise called him in question before the king's counsel, and required that he might be condemned. Whereupon some of them gave sentence against him: the rest reproving the advise of the elders that were thus addicted, took a more discreet course, and caused the Prophet to depart out of the king's house, forbidding his adversaries to do him any mischief: they protesting that he had not only foretold the future calamities of the city, but that many before him had done the like, as Micheas and divers others; & yet that no one of them had suffered any evil by the kings of their time, but that chose Micheas had been honoured as a Prophet sent from God. By these words they The year of the world. 3345. before Christ's Nativity 619. jeremy foretelleth the destruction of jerusalem. jer. 22. appeased the people, and delivered jeremy from the death intended against him. This man wrote all his prophecies, and read them to the people in their fasts, and assembled them in the temple in the ninth month of the fifth year of the reign of joachim, which book he had composed touching that which should happen unto the City, the temple, and the people. When the governors heard the same, they took the book from him, and commanded that both he and his secretary Baruch should withdraw themselves out of the sight of men: and they took the book, and presented it unto the king; who in the presence of his friends, commanded his secretary to read the same: and after he had heard the contents thereof, he waxed wondrous wrath, and renting it in pieces, cast it into the fire, intending that it should never be seen. He sent out likewise a strict commission to seek out jeremy and his secretary Baruch, and to lead them out to be punished. But they had prevented his indignation. CHAP. VII. Nabuchodonosor putteth joachim to death, and establisheth joachin in the kingdom. NOt long after this, he went out to meet the king of Babylon, who was marched out to make war against him: and being incredulous and careless of the Prophet's predictions, nabuchadnezzar's entertainment into the city, and his cruelty. 4. Reg. 24. 2. Paral. 36. joachin or jechonias king of juda. he opened the gates unto him, supposing that he intended him no evil. But when the Babylonians were entered into the City, the King observed not his promises, but put all such to death as were in the flower and beauty of their years, and spared none of the inhabitants of jerusalem: with them also he slew their king joachim, and caused his body to be cast from the top of the walls, and vouchsafed him no sepulture, establishing joachin his son King of the country, and of the city. Moreover he took three thousand of the most honourable Citizens of jerusalem prisoners, and led them to Babylon with him, amongst whom was the Prophet Ezechiel, at that time very young in years. This was the end of king joachim, who lived thirty six years, and reigned eleven. joachin that succeeded him in the kingdom was the son of Nosta of jerusalem, and reigned three months and ten days. CHAP. VIII. The year of the world. 3346. before Christ's Nativity. 618. Nabuchodonosor changeth his purpose and besiegeth joachin, and receiveth him under composition. AS soon as the Babylonian had bestowed the kingdom of judaea on joachin, he was seized with a sudden fear, which made him suspect lest joachin remembering himself Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 of the injuries he had done unto him by the murder of his father, might draw the country into rebellion, and revolt against him. For which cause he sent out certain forces and besieged joachin in jerusalem; who being a man of a good nature and of an upright heart, was loath 4. Reg. 25. to forsake the City in that danger without a governor, considering that it was for his cause that the common weal was in that hazard. For which cause, taking his wife and his nearest akin with him, he delivered them into the hands of the captains that were sent against him, receiving an oath from them, that neither they nor the City should receive any harm. But this promise continued Nabuchodonosor a truce ●…eaker. not a year: for the King of Babylon observed it not, but commanded his captains to imprison all the youth and artificers that were in the City, and to bring them bound unto him. The number of them was ten thousand eight hundredth thirty and two persons, besides joachin, his mother, and his near allies, whom they took prisoners. CHAP. IX. Sedechias is made King over jerusalem by the Babylonian. IN steed of joachin, he appointed Sedechias his uncle king of jerusalem, whom he bound by an oath that he should govern the country without any innovation, or partial favour towards the Egyptians. This Sedechias was one and twenty years old, at such time as he came unto the kingdom, and was joachim's brother by the mother's side: he was a contemner of all laws, and a perverter of ordinances. For the young men that were about him Sedechias king of jerusalem seduced by his courteours & false prophets, giveth no ear to jeremy. were without the fear of God, and all the people under his dominions committed whatsoever outrages were best liking unto them. For this cause the Prophet jeremy came unto him, protesting oftentimes against him, and denouncing, that (if he renounced not all those impieties and iniquities he used, and addicted not himself to that which was just, but gave ear unto his governors, amongst which there were many wicked men, and to those false Prophets that misled him, trusting that the Babylonians should not make war against his City, but that the Egyptians should levy an army and overcome them) that then he should incur much misery: for (said he) they have no truth in their sayings, and those things also which they pronounce, are not to be spoken. Whilst Sedechias gave ear to these discourses of the Prophet, he was persuaded, and acknowledged all that to be true which he had spoken, & very profitable both for him, & his people: Ezechiel prophesieth the destruction of the temple. but anon after his friends corrupted him, & diverted him according to their own opinions. Ezechiel also at the same time had prophesied in Babylon all those calamities which were to fall upon the temple, & sent notice to jerusalem of that which he had received from God. Notwithstanding Sedechias gave no credit to his prophecies, by reason that all the Prophets were accustomed to accord in all things the one with the other, as touching the surprisal of the city, and the imprisonment of Sedechias: but Ezechiel differed in this, that he said that Sedechias should not see Babylon; The year of the world. 3354. before Christ birth. 610. Sedechias revolt from the Babylonian. Hedio and Ruffinus, chap. 10. The king of Egypt coming to rescue the king of jerusalem, is overthrown by Nabuchodonosor with all his army, and driven out of Syria. notwithstanding that jeremy had prophesied, that the king of Babylon should lead him away prisoner in bonds, because therefore these two accorded not in their sayings; he concluded that the matter wherein they agreed, was of no consequence. Notwithstanding all things happened unto him according as the Prophets had pronounced, as we will declare in a convenient place. After that he had continued his alliance and friendship with the king of Babylon for the space of eight years, he broke the league that was between them, and confederated with the Egyptians (under hope that they should overcome the Babylonians.) Which when the king of Babylon understood, he led forth his army against him, and destroyed his country to the uttermost: so that after he had taken his Cities of defence, he finally planted his army and besieged jerusalem. The Egyptian perceiving the estate wherein his ally Sedechias was, levied a huge army, and came into judaea, with an intent to raise the siege. Whereupon the Babylonian withdrew his army from jerusalem to encounter with the Egyptian, and fought with him, and overcame him in battle, and pursued him with such alacrity, that he put him to flight, and drove him altogether out of Syria. As soon as the Babylonian was dislodged from jerusalem, the false prophets deceived Sedechias, telling him that the Babylonian should never more return to make The year of the world. 3346. before the Nativity of Christ. 618. Sedechias seduced by false prophets The prophecy of the captivity of Babylon and the delivery. jer. 25. 29. 37. war either against him or his nation; and that he should never any more depart from his house in Babylon; and that they who had been led away captives, should return home again, loaden with those vessels of the temple which the king of Babylon had taken from them. But the Prophet jeremy presenting himself before the king, prophesied the contrary to these impostures, assuring both him and the people, that no profit could befall them by means of the Egyptians, for that the Babylonians should overcome them, and should return and encamp before jerusalem, and besiege the same, and destroy the people by famine, and lead them away prisoners that were remaining, and carry away all their substance; & that after they were seized of the riches of their temple, they should finally burn the same. As for the City, they should raze it: and (said he) they shall keep us captive for the space of seventy years: And from this servitude the Persians and Medes shall deliver us, at such time as they have gotten the Empire out of the hands of the Babylonians: then shall they send us back again into our country, and we shall build our temple anew, and establish the City of jerusalem. divers men gave credit to these words of jeremy; but the governors and contemners of God, entreated him very cruelly, as if he had been a man transported out of his sense. And whereas he had an intent to visit his native country Anathoth, some twenty stounds off of jerusalem, one of the magistrates encountering him in his journey, & laying hold on him, retained him, loading him with this slander, that he went & stole away to submit himself to the Babylonians. But jeremy answered, that he was falsely accused, & that he repaired only to the place where he was borne. This Prince giving him no credit, arrested him, and brought him before the judgement seat, where he sustained all sorts of outrages & torments, and was shut up in prison to be punished, & remained there for a time, suffering The year of the world, 3354. before Christ's birth 610. jerusalem besieged. 4 Reg. 25. jer. 39 Two mighty enemies, Famine and pestilence. jeremy persuadeth them to yield. the extremity of wrong and injury. The ninth year of the reign of Zedechias, and on the tenth day of the ninth month, the King of Babylon came and encamped the second time before jerusalem, and entrenched himself round about the same, for the space of eighteen months, and laid battery and siege thereto, with as great spleen as might be possible: And they that were besieged therein, were encountered with two most heinous afflictions, famine, and most grievous pestilence. At this time the Prophet jeremy being in prison, held not his peace, but cried with a loud voice, and preached, and exhorted the people, willing them to entertain the Babylonians, and to open their gates unto them: because that in so doing they might warrantise themselves with all their families, whereas otherways they were assured of destruction. He foretold them also, that if any one remained in the City, he should most assuredly either perish by famine, or the enemy's fury: but if so be they submitted themselves to the enemy's mercy, they should escape from death. But those governors that heard him speak after this sort, gave him no credit, in that they were not as yet pressed with the danger: for which cause they came unto the king, and after a despiteful manner, told him all that which had been spoken, accusing jeremy, and reproving him for a mad man; urging this, that he had abated their courage, and by his woeful predictions, had weakened the hearts of the people, which were otherways ready to fight for him and their country, by reason that he flying unto the enemy, menaced them with the surprisal and utter ruin of their City. But the king in regard of the natural humanity and justice that was The reward of godly preachers in this life. in him, was not any ways whetted in respect of his own interest; yet to the intent he might not seem to be utterly opposed to the governors, by contradicting them, he delivered the Prophet into their hands, to deal with him howsoever they pleased. Who having obtained this liberty from the king, entered the prison on the sudden, and laying hold on jeremy, they let him down into a pit full of mud, to the intent he might die in that place, and be strangled by the ordure: in effect, he was set therein up to the neck. But one of the king's servants (an Aethiopian by nation) certified the king of the Prophet's affliction, assuring him that his friends and governors did not justly, so to thrust and bury the Prophet in the mud, and cursedly to conspire against him, tiring him with bonds and tortures worse than death. For which cause the king hearing this news, was sorry that he had delivered the Prophet to the governors, and commanded the Aethiopian to take thirty men of his court with him (with cords and such other things necessary, as might concern the safety of the Prophet) charging him with all expedition to deliver him from that captivity. Hereupon the Aethiopian furnished with men and necessary means, drew the Prophet out of the mud, and dismissed him without any guard. That done, the king sent for Sedechias neglecteth the prophet's good counsel for fear of the governors. him in secret, demanding of him if he had any message to deliver him from God, praying him to let him understand what soever he knew as touching the success of the siege. The Prophet's answer was, that although he should tell him, yet it would not be believed; & that if he should exhort him, he would not give ear or listen unto him. But (said he) O king, thy friends have condemned The year of the world, 3354 before Christ's birth 610. me to death, as if I had been a most wretched malefactor. But where are they now at this present that have deceived thee, and bore thee in hand, saying, that the Babylonian would not come and besiege thee? Now will I take heed how I tell thee the truth, for fear lest thou condemn me to death. Hereupon the king swore unto him that he should not die, neither that he would deliver him into the hands of the governors: for which cause jeremy grounding himself upon the faith which he had plighted unto him, counseled the king to yield up the City to the Babylonian, because that God had willed him to signify unto the king, that if he would save his life, and avoid the imminent danger, and save his City from utter ruin, and preserve the temple from burning, he should submit; or otherwise, that none but he should be the cause of all these evils that should happen unto the City and Citizens, and of that calamity that should confound both him and all his family. When the king heard this, he told him that he would do according as he had counseled him, and perform whatsoever he thought necessary to be done: but that he feared his friends, who were already of the Babylonian faction, least being accused by them, he should be delivered (by their means, and the king's displeasure) unto death. But the prophet encouraged him, telling him that his fear was in vain; assuring him that he should suffer no evil, if so be he yielded up the City: and that neither his wife, nor children, nor the sacred temple should either endure disaster, death, or overthrow. Upon these words the king dismissed jeremy, charging him to communicate the counsel that was held between them to no one of the Citizens, no not to the princes, if so be they should light on any inkling of their conference, or ask of him whether the king had sent for him: advising him to answer, if so be they were inquisitive that he resorted to the king, to request him that he might be no more imprisoned: all which the Prophet performed, for they instanced him very much to know, for what cause the king had sent for him. CHAP. X. jerusalem is taken, and the people carried into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor. Mean while the Babylonian continued his violent siege against the City of jerusalem, and having raised towers upon certain bulwarks, he drove away by this means all those jerusalem besieged eighteen months and at length taken. that approached near unto the walls: he raised also (round about the circuit of the City) divers platforms, that equalled the walls in height. Mean while the City was as valiantly and courageously defended by the inhabitants, for neither pestilence nor famine plucked down their spirits: And although that within the City they were tormented with these scourges, yet were not their resolutions distracted by the war, neither did the enemy's inventions astonish them, nor their engines affright them; but that they invented new countermines: so that all the battle betwixt the Babylonians and jews seemed to be a trial both of valour & art; whilst these by the one do assuredly hope to surprise the City, and the other thought their safety consisted herein, if they ceased not by new inventions to frustrate their enemy's endeavours: And in this estate continued they both for the space of eighteen months, until they were consumed by famine, and by the darts that were shot against them by those that shot from the towers. At length the City was taken by the princes of Babylon (in the eleventh year of the reign of Zedecias, the ninth day of the fourth month) who were put in trust by Nabuchodonosor to perform the siege. For touching his own person he made his abode in the City of Reblata. Now if any The year of the world. 3356. before Christ's birth 608. man be desirous to know the names of them that had commandment at such time as jerusalem was surprised, these they be, Nergelear, Aremantus, Emegar, Nabosar, and Echarampsar. The City being taken about midnight, the princes of the enemy's army entered into the temple: which when Zedecias understood, he took his wives and his children, with the princes and his friends, and fled thorough a great valley by the desert: which when the Babylonians understood by certain jews that were revolted, and had submitted themselves unto them, they arose early Sedecias flieth by night, and is suprised by the enemy. in the morning to pursue them, and overtook and surpised them near unto jericho. Whereupon those princes and friends of Zedecias that had taken their flight with him, seeing the enemies near unto them, forsook him, & scattering themselves here and there, concluded each of them to save himself. When as therefore the enemies had apprehended him, who was attended by a few followers only, and accompanied by his children & wives, they brought him unto the king's presence, who no sooner beheld him, but he called him wicked and perfidious, and upbraided him with breach of his promise, and contempt of his majesty, to whom he had sworn he would The year of the world, 3356. before Christ's Nativity, 608. keep it to his use. Furthermore he reproached him for his ingratitude, in that having received the royalty from his hands (which he had taken from joachin to bestow it on him) he had notwithstanding employed all his forces against his benefactor. But (said he) that great God that hateth thy treachery hath delivered thee into my hands: and when he had spoken these words, he caused Zedechias friends and children to be slain before his eyes, with all his other prisoners: afterwards Sedechias hath his eyes pulled out, and his children slain before his face. commanding his eyes to be plucked out, he led him to Babylon. All which happened unto him, according as the prophets jeremy and Ezechiel had foretold him: namely, that he should be surprised and brought before the king of Babylon, and should speak with him face to face, and should see him with his eyes (for so had jeremy prophesied) but being made blind and conducted to Babylon, he should not see the City of Babylon (according as Ezechiel had foretold.) All which may sufficiently express to those that know not the nature of God, how divers and admirable his judgements be, in disposing all things in good order, and presignifying those things that are to come, even as in this place there appeareth a most signal example of humane error and incredulity, by which it was not lawful for them to avoid their future calamity, neither shun their unremovable destiny. Thus was the race of the kings extinguished How many and how long the kings reigned that were of David's line. that descended from David; who were in number one and twenty, that reigned after him. All of them together governed five hundredth and fourteen years, six months and ten days: adding thereunto the twenty years of the first king Saul, who was of an other tribe. After this, the Babylonian sent Nabuzardan general of his army unto jerusalem to spoil the temple, giving him in charge to burn both it, and the king's palace, and to race and level the City with the ground; and afterwards to transport the people into Babylon. Who arrived there the eleventh The temple the palace, and the city spoiled and burnt. year of the reign of Sedechias, spoiled the temple, & carried away the vessels that were consecrated to God's service, both those of gold, as also them of silver: he took likewise the great laver that was given by Solomon. The columns and pillars of brass, with their chapters likewise, and the tables and candlesticks of gold, and after he had borne away all things, he burned the temple the first day of the fist month of the eleventh year of Sedechias reign, which was the eighteenth of nabuchodonosor's government. He burned also the kings royal palace, and razed the City. This temple was burned 470. years, six months, and 10 days after the foundation thereof: & in the year 1062. six months & ten days, after the departure of the people out of Egypt: & 1950. years, six months & ten days, after the Deluge: from the creation of Adam until the ruin of the temple, there were three thousand; five hundredth and thirteen years, six months and ten days. Thus have we set down the number of the years, and orderly expressed what, and in what time every thing hath been performed. The general for the king of Babylon having destroyed the City, and transported the people, took prisoners the high Priest Sareas, and The captivitle of Babylon. his fellow in office the Priest Sephan, with the governors and keepers of the Temple; which were three; the Eunuch also which had the charge over the rest, and seven of Sedechias friends and his secretary, besides sixty other governors, all which (together with the vessels which he had pillaged) he sent to Reblatha a City of Syria, unto the king of Babylon; who commanded in that place that the high Priest and governors should be beheaded: as for the rest of the prisoners and Sedechias the king, he carried them with him to Babylon: he sent also in bonds, with the rest, josadoch the son of Sareas the high Priest, whom he had put to death in Reblatha (as we have heretofore declared) And for that we have reckoned up the race of the kings, & set down likewise what they were, and how long they continued, me seemeth that it shall not be unnecessary to recite the names of the high Priests, and to report who they have been, that have administered the priesthood under the kings. Sadoc was the first high Priest of the temple builded by Solomon: The high Priests in jerusalem. After him his son Achimas succeeded in that honour, and after Achimas Azarias, after whom succeeded joram, and after joram joschua, after joschua Axioram, who had for his successor Phideas, to Phideas succeeded Sudeas, to Sudeas julus, to julus jotham, to jotham Urias, to Urias Nerias, to Nerias' Odeas, to Odeas Saldum, to Saldum Elcias, to Elcias Sareas, to Sareas josadoch, who was carried away prisoner into Babylon: all which have succeeded in the priesthood by lineal descent. When Nabuchodonosor was come to Babylon, he shut up Sedechias in prison, Sedecias death where he kept him until he died, and after his death he honoured him with a royal tomb. He likewise offered the vessels that he had taken out of the temple of jerusalem unto his gods, and caused the people to inhabit the country of Babylon, delivering the high priest from his Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. bonds. The general Nabuzardan that led the people away captive, left the poorer sort in the country of judaea, & those also that voluntarily yielded themselves unto him, over whom he appointed Godolias the son of Aicam governor (a man that was both upright and noble) commanding The year of the world. 3356. before Christ's birth 608. Godolias captain of the fugitives. jeremy set at liberty by the Baby lonian, and richly offered and presented. them to till the land, and to pay their assigned tribute to the king. He drew the Prophet jeremy also out of prison, persuading him to repair with him to the king of Babylon, telling him that he had received express commandment from the king, to furnish him with all things necessary for that journey; but if he were not contented to repair to Babylon, he should declare to him in what place he would make his abode, to the intent he might certify the king thereof. But the Prophet would not follow him, neither depart or sojourn in any other place, desiring rather to live amidst the ruins of his country, and among the piteous relics of his poor nation. When the general Nabuzardan understood his resolution, he gave charge to the governor Godolias (whom he left in judaea) to have care of him, and to furnish him with all that which he wanted; and after he had gratified him with presents, he departed. Mean while jeremy dwelled in the City of Masphath, praying Nabuzardan that he would send him his disciple Baruch (the son of Neria, a man of a noble family, and excellently learned in that country language.) Now when as these that during the siege of jerusalem were retired out of the City, understood of the Baruch dismissed out of prison. The jews resort to Masphath to Godolias. retreat of the Babylonians, they assembled together from all parts, and came to Masphath to Godolias, under the conduct of john the son of Careas, and jezanais and Sareas, and others. And besides these, a certain man called Ishmael of the blood royal, a wicked and fraudulent man, who during the siege of the City, had retired himself to Bathal king of the Ammonites, and had sojourned with him during all the troubles. Who being in this sort assembled before him, Godolias counseled to remain in that country without any fear of the Babylonians, promising that in manuring their land they should incur no inconvenience. All which he confirmed unto them by an oath; adding further, that if any disturbance were offered to any man, he would readily assist him. He gave each one this advise likewise, to inhabit any City that best liked them; promising them to send them thither, with such things as appertained to them, to build them houses and furnish their habitations; promising them that when time served, he would make their provision of corn, wine, and oil, for their maintenance during the winter time: which when he had proposed these conditions unto them, he gave them leave to depart, and inhabit the country wheresoever they best liked. Now when the rumour ran amongst the people of judaea, that Godolias had thus curreously entertained those that were fugitives, and how he had permitted them to inhabit and till the country (provided that they paid their tribute to the Babylonian) divers of them repaired incontinently to him, and inhabited the country. And john and the other governors being with him, and assured both of his clemency and courtesy, begun entirely to love him. For which cause they told him, that Bathal king of the Ammonites had sent Ishmael to murder him by some treachery, that by that means he might have the dominion over the Israelites that remained, in that he was of the blood royal. Assuring him, that the means of his deliverance from that treason, was, if so be he would command them to kill Ishmael in secret: assuring him on the contrary side, that they feared, that if Ishmael should happen to kill him, their whole nation that remained, was like to fall to utter ruin. But Godolias told them plainly, that these stratagems they intended, were practised against a man that had received pleasure at his hands; and that it was not likely that he whom he had succoured during the time of his necessity, would be so wicked or impious against his benefactor, as to attempt to murder him, whom in any occasion or necessity he could not but to his great shame and indignity, either fly or forsake. Yea, said he, although those things are true which you inform me of, yet had I rather die, then oppress a man that hath committed his life to my trust. For which cause John and the rest (seeing their persuasions were in vain) departed from him. Some thirty days after, Ishmael (accompanied with ten men) came to Masphath to Godolias, who received them with presents and magnificent entertainment, so that to express to Ishmael and his companions how heartily they were welcome, Godolias drunk so hard that he was somewhat overseen with wine. Now when Ishmael perceived him to be in that key, and overloaden with drink and sleep, he stepped unto him with his ten associates, & cut both his throat and theirs, who kept him company at the banquet: after which murder, he issued out by night and slew all the jews that were left in the city, & those Babylonian soldiers also that were left in garrison in that place. The next day there came fourscore men of the country to Godolias with presents, being utterly ignorant of that which had happened. Ishmael knowing them, called them unto him, as if he intended to bring them to Godolias, and as soon as they were entered, he locked the court and slew them, and afterwards cast their bodies into a deep ditch, to the intent they might not be discovered. Of this number there were some that escaped, who besought him that they might not be put to death, before they The year of the world. 3356. before the Nativity of Christ. 608. had delivered certain movables, garments, and corn that they had hidden in the field: which when Ishmael understood, he spared them: But he kept them prisoners that were in Masphath with their wives and children, in the number of whom were the daughters of Sedecias, whom Nabuzardan had left with Godolias. This done, he retired back again to the king of the Ammonites. john and the governors of his company, understanding of the acts committed by Ishmael in Masphath, and above all, of the murder of Godolias, they were wonderfully displeased: so that each of them assembling his private force issued forth to pursue and persecute Ishmael, whom they overtook near unto a fountain in Hebron. The prisoners that were with Ishmael, seeing john his confederates, took courage, supposing that it was some succours that came to help them, and forsook him that led them, and began to join with john's followers: and thus fled Ishmael with his eight men, to the king of the Ammonites. john gathering together all those whom he had rescued from Ismaels' hands, both eunuchs, women, and children, retired into a certain john releaseth limaels captives. place called Mandra, where he sojourned all that day, resolving from thence to depart into Egypt, fearing lest the Babylonians should put him to death, if they should remain in judaea, for that they would be displeased with the death of Godolias, whom they had planted in the government. Being thus plunged and perplexed with these deliberations, they addressed themselves to the john asketh counsel of God, and being informed refuseth the same. Prophet jeremy, beseeching him to inquire of God, and to certify them, what it behoved them to do in this their doubtful estate, binding themselves by an oath to do that which jeremy should command them. Hereupon the Prophet promised that he would ask counsel of God for them: and some ten days after, God appeared unto him, and willed him to certify john, the governors, and the rest of the people, that if they inhabited judaea he would assist them, and have care of them, and keep them so, as the Babylonians (whom they feared) should do them no harm: but if they departed into Egypt, he would abandon them, and would be so incensed against them, that he would thrall them in the like misery, as their brethren had endured in times past. Whilst the Prophet thus warned them from God, they would not believe him, in that he commanded them to remain in that place by God's prescript ordinance: but they imagined that under a false pretext of God's command, he had counseled them thereto, but that in effect jer. 42. 43. he spoke in favour of his disciple Baruch, persuading them to stay there, to the end they might be consumed by the Babylonians: contemning therefore the counsel which God gave them by the Prophet, both john and the rest of the multitude went into Egypt, and led with them both The prophecy of the Babylonian army, and the jews captivity. Baruch and jeremy. Whither they were no sooner come, but God told the prophet that the Babylonian should lead his army into Egypt: for which cause he willed him to foretell the people that Egypt should be destroyed, and that they should partly be slain in that place, and partly led captive to Babylon. Which came in like manner to pass: for in the fifth year after the destruction of jerusalem (which was the three and twentieth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor) Nabuchodonosor in his own person led his army into Coelosyria, and having conquered the same, he made war upon the Ammonites and Moabites. And after he had brought these nations under his obeisance, The year of the world. 3361. before Christ birth. 603. he went and sought against the king of Egypt and overcame him: and after he had slain their king that governed at that time, and planted an other in his place, he afterwards took the jews that he found in that country, and carried them prisoners into Babylon. By this means we have learned, that the state of the Hebrews being brought to this point, hath been translated twice to the other side of Euphrates. For the people of the two tribes were captived by the Assyrians, during the reign of Oseas; and consequently that of the two tribes, under Nabuchodonosor king of the Babylonians and Chaldees, upon the taking in of jerusalem. True it is that Salmanazar after he had displaced the Israelites, planted the Chutheans in their place, who beforetime inhabited the innermost of the countries of Persia and Media, and were called Samaritans, according to the name of the place which they inhabited: but the Babylonian having led the two tribes prisoners, hath not planted any other people in their places. For this cause judaea, jerusalem, and the temple, remained desert for the space of seventy years: and all the time that passed between the captivity of the Israelites, until the destruction of the two tribes, was a hundredth and thirty years, six months, and ten days. But Nabuchodonosor chose the most noblest young men amongst the jews (and such as were allied to king Sedecias, and esteemed likewise for the good disposition and fair proportion of their bodies and faces) and committed them to masters to be instructed, commanding that every one of them should be gelded, according as they were accustomed to deal with young children of other nations, whom he subdued by force. He allowed them victual from his own table, and they were The year of the world, 3361 before Christ's birth 603. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 12. Dan 1. daniel's forwardness and his fellows towardness in studying wisdom and good letters. taught and instructed in the disciplines of the country, and in the Chaldeetoong. These were very apt to learn wisdom: and for that cause he commanded that they should be trained up in the exercise thereof. Of these there were four of Zedechias kindred, fair in body, and virtuous in nature, who were called Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias; whose names the Babylonian changed, and willed them to be called by other names, distinct and different from their own: Daniel was called Balthasar; Ananias, Sidrach; Misael, Misach; and Azarias, Abdenago. These did the king esteem very highly for their excellent nature, and for the great affection that they had to attain unto learning and wisdom, wherein they profited greatly, and were for that cause highly reckoned of by him. And whereas Daniel and his kinsmen thought good to live austerely, and to abstain from those meats that came from the king's table, and in general from all things that had life, they went unto Askenas the Eunuch (who had the care and charge over them) beseeching him to convert those meats to his own use, which were sent them from the king's table, and to allow them herbs and dates, and such things as had no life; because they intended to hold that course of life, and to forsake all other. Askenas told them, that he was ready to condescend unto their demands; but that he feared, least being called for by the king, they should be found to be lean in body, and discoloured in face (for without doubt in following that diet, they must needly lose their colours, and be less disposed in comparison of others) which might be the cause to bring him into hazard of his head. They perceiving that Askenas intended nought else but his security, persuaded him to allow them but ten days of approbation, under condition that if by that regiment of diet their habitude of body should not be any ways altered, they might continue in that fashion of life and diet, which they had intended from that day forwards: but if they should be found lean and weak, and less proportionable (than they that said upon the king's allowance) that then they should return to their accustomed diet. Now it so fell out, that not only their bodies were better in growth, but they seemed rather better fed, and of a taller statute than the rest: so that they that lived upon the king's ordinary, seemed lean and wearish; where as Daniel and his companions made show as if they had been nourished with dainties, and brought up in abundance. From that time forward, Askenas took all that which was allowed the four young men from the king's table, and boldly kept it to himself, giving them in steed thereof, the diet that they chose and delighted in. They having their spirits more pure and subtle to comprehend their master's instructions, and their bodies more strong to endure labour (for their spirits were not charged with diversity of meats, nor their bodies effeminated for the same cause) attained the more readily to all that doctrine that was taught. them by the Hebrews and Chaldees: Daniel especially having profited in wisdom, studied the interpretation The year of the world, 3363. before Christ's nativity, 601. Dan. 2. Nauchodonosor dreaming, forgetteth his vision sendeth for the magitions not able to discover his doubts, he threateneth them with death. of dreams, and God appeared unto him. Two years after the surprisal of Egypt, king Nabuchodonosor dreamt a wonderful dream, the issue whereof God made him see in a dream: but he forgot the same when he arose out of his bed. And for that cause sent he for his Chaldees and divines, telling them that he had dreamt a dream, but that he had forgot the same; commanding them to declare unto him what the dream was, and the signification thereof also. Whereunto they answered, that it was impossible for men to sound out the secret thereof; notwithstanding they promised him, that if he would declare his vision unto them, they would cause him to understand the signification thereof. Hereupon Nabuchodonosor threatened them with death, except they represented his dream unto him; and they protesting that they could not fulfil his request; he commanded them all to be slain. But Daniel hearing how the King had condemned all the sages to death, and knowing that both he and his companions had part in that danger, addressed himself to Ariochus the captain of the King's guard, requiring him to inform him, for what cause the king had adjudged the Chaldees and sages to be put to death: And having intelligence what had happened as touching the dream, & how the king by forgetting the same, had charged them to inform him therein, & how they had answered that it was impossible for them to perform the same, and how thereby they had provoked the king to displeasure: he besought Ariochus to go unto the king, and to procure one nights reprieve in the behalf of the Egyptians and Chaldees, in that he hoped during that night time to beseech God and entreat from him both the dream and the signification thereof. Hereupon Ariochus told the king what Daniel had requested, who respited the execution of the Magicians for that night, until he might see what would become of daniel's promise: who retiring himself with his companions into his chamber, besought God all the night long to manifest unto him the dream, and deliver the Magicians and Chaldees from the king's wrath, with whom both he and the rest of his companions were like to die, except he might know what the king had dreamt the night past, The year of the world. 3●…63. before Christ's birth 601. and what was the interpretation thereof. Whereupon God (having compassion of the danger wherein they were, and taking pleasure in daniel's wisdom) signified unto him both the dream and the signification thereof, to the intent the king might be resolved in the meaning thereof. Daniel having received the truth from God arose very joyfully, and certified his brethren, The vision and the Rovelation thereof opened to Daniel. (who had already lost all hope of life, and thought on no other thing but death) and gave them courage and hope of life. Having therefore rendered thanks unto God, for that he had had compassion of their young years, as soon as it was day he went unto Arioch, requesting him that he might be brought to the king's presence, certifying him that he would open unto him the dream which he had seen the night past. Now when Daniel was brought unto the king's presence; he besought him that he would not esteem him to be more wise than the other Chaldeans and magicians in that, whereas none of them could expound his dream, he did attempt to express the same: for that came not to pass, by reason of his experience, or for that he was more industrious than they were, but (said he) God hath had compassion on us that were in danger of death; and at such time as I requested him to grant me, and my country men life, he hath certified me both of your dream, and the signification thereof. I was not so much aggrieved for that in our innocency we were adjudged to death by thee, as afraid of thine estimation and glory, which was hazarded by condemning so many and so innocent and just men to death: whereas that which you have required of them savoureth nothing of human wit, but is the only work of God: Whilst therefore thou thoughtest in thyself, who it was that Daniel telleth the king his dream, and the enterpretation thereof. should command the whole world after thyself, at such time as thou wert asleep, God intending to let thee know all those that should govern after thee, presented thee with this dream. It seemed unto thee that thou sawest a great statue, whereof the head was of gold; the shoulders and arms of silver; the belly and thighs of brass; and the legs and feet of iron. Thou beheldst after that, a great stone (that was drawn from a mountain) that fell upon the statue, and beat down and burst the same, and left no whole piece thereof: so that the gold, silver, iron, and nabuchodonosor's dream of the four monarchs of the world. brass were powdered as small as dust: whereupon a violent wind seemed to blow, which by the fury and force thereof, was borne away and scattered into divers countries: on the other side the stone grew so mighty, that it seemed to fill the whole earth. This was that vision that appeared unto you, the signification whereof is expressed after this manner. The head of gold signifieth yourself (and those kings of Babylon that have been before you.) The two hands and shoulders signify that your Empire shall be destroyed by two kings, the one part by the king of the east, clothed in brass, whose force shall be abated by an other power, resembling that of iron; and he shall have the power over the whole earth, by reason of the nature of iron which is more strong than gold, silver, or brass, he told the king also what that stone signified. But for mine own Daniel and his fellows advanced to honour. The year of the world, 3364 before Christ's birth 600, part; I thought it not expedient to express it in this place: because the only but and intent of my writings is only to register such things as are past, and not such matters as are to come. But if any man have a desire to know these things, and cannot bridle his curiosity, but will understand such matters as are hidden, let him ●…ead the book of Daniel, which he shall find amidst the sacred scriptures. When king Nabuchodonosor had heard these things, and remembered himself of his dream, he was astonished at daniel's wisdom, and casting himself prostrate on the earth after the manner of those that adore God, he embraced Daniel, giving direction that sacrifice should be offered unto him, as if he were God. Moreover he called him by the name of God, and committed the The king's edict for honouring the golden statue. Dan. 3. administration of his whole kingdom to him and his companions, who by reason of the commotions and conspiracies of their maligners and detractors, happened to fall into most eminent and dreadful danger, upon this occasion that ensueth. The king built a golden Image sixty cubits high, and six in bigness, and erected it in a great plain near unto Babylon, and being ready to dedicate the same, he assembled all the governors and princes of his countries, commanding then first of all, that as soon as they should hear the trumpet sound, they should prostrate themselves on the earth to adore the statue; threatening that whosoever should do the contrary, he should be cast into a burning furnace: whereas therefore all of them adored the statue upon the sound of the trumpet. Daniel and his companions utterly refused to perform that duty, alleging for their justification that they would not transgress the laws of their country: for Daniel and his kinsmen refusing to adore the statue are cast into the furnace. which cause being apprenended, they were instantly cast into the furnace of fire, and (protected therein by God's providence) escaped death beyond all men's expectation. For the fire touched them not, neither could it burn during their abode in the furnace. For God so fortified their bodies that they could not be consumed by fire: which accident made them in greater estimation The year of the world 3364. before Christ's Nativity. 600. with the king, for that he saw they were virtuous and beloved by God: and for that cause they were highly honoured by him. Not long after this, the king saw an other vision in his sleep, which signified unto him, that being cast from his empire, he should converse with savage beasts, and that having lived in that estate in the desert for the space of seven years, he should recover The year of the ●…ld, 3369. before Christ's na●…uitie, 595. his kingdom again. Having had this dream, he assembled the Magicians once more, demanding their answer, and the signification thereof. But it was impossible for any one of them either to find out, or declare the intelligence of this dream unto the king: only Daniel discovered the same, and the effect was answerable to his prediction. For the king passed the forelimited time Dan. 4. The dream and exposition thereof. in the desert, so that no man durst intermeddle with the affairs of estate during seven years. But after he had called upon God, that it would please him to restore him to his kingdom, he repossessed the same again. Let no man in this place accuse me for reporting these particularities, according as I have found them written in holy books: for in the entrance of my history I have answered those objections: so that I have openly protested, that I will only faithfully translate the Hebrew Histories into the Greek tongue; & according to my promise, relate that which is contained therein, without adding any thing of mine own, or concealing aught of an other man's. After that Nabuchodonosor had reigned forty three years, he died: he was a man of execution, and more happy Nabuc●…odosors death. than any of his predecessors. Berosus maketh mention of his acts in the third book of his Chaldaique history, where he speaketh thus. His father Nabuchodonosor, having notice that the governor whom he had appointed over Egypt, & the neighbouring parts of Coelosyria & Phoenicia, The year of the world, 3381. before Christ's birth 583. Berosus of Nabuchodosor. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. was revolted from him (being at that time in himself unable to endure the troubles of war) committed a part of his forces unto his son Nabuchodonosor, who was in the flower of his age, and sent him forth against him: who encountering the rebel, and fight with him, overcame him, and brought the country under his subjection. Mean while Nabuchodonosor the father died, of a sickness in Babylon, after he had reigned one and twenty y●…ares. Nabuchodonosor the son, having notice of his father's death, gave order to the affairs of Egypt, and the rest of the country, and committing the care and transportation of the jews, Syrians, Egyptians, and Phaenicians to his friends, to bring them to Babylon with his army and carriage, he with a few men made hasty journeys thorough the desa●…t. And when he had taken the administration of the kingdom upon him (which in his absence was in the hands of the Chaldees, and by their chieftain was reserved until his return unto his use) he became Lord of all his father's Empire. When his prisoners were arrived, he assigned them convenient dwelling places in the country of Babylon; and with the spoils of the war, he magnificently repaired and decked the Temple of Bel, & other places. He enlarged the old City, and repaired & beautified it with other buildings: by means whereof, they that would besiege the same, were hindered from cutting off of the currant of the river, to the prejudice of the inhabitants. He environed it inwardly with a treble wall, and outwardly with as mig●…tie and as many enclosures, and made all of burnt brick. The walls were magnificently builded, & the gates bravely adorned in manner of temples. He caused a palace to be builded near unto his father's ancient palace: the magnificen●… and ornament whereof, I am too weak witted to express; only this thing most memorable, 〈◊〉 ●…ue thought good to note down, that these huge, great and pompous buildings were finished in fifteen days. In this palace he had vaults raised so high, that in outward appearance they seemed to be mountains, on which all sorts of trees were planted. He devised and prepared also a goodly garden, and called it the hanging garden, because his wife (having been brought up in the country Megasthenes of Nabuchodonosor. D●…ocles. Philostratus. of Media) desired to have a place conformable to that of her birth. Megasthenes in the fourth book of his Indian History, maketh mention of this garden in that place, where he enforced himself to prove, that this King surpassed Hercules in valour and execution of worthy actions. For he said, that Nabuchodonosor overcame the chief City of Libya, and a great part of Spain. Diocles in the second book of his Persian History, and Philostratus in his Phae●…ician and Indian History, make mention of this King, saying, that he overcame the City of tire at the end of thirteen years; at such time as Ithobal reigned over the Tyrians. This is the sum of all that which the Historiographers write as touching this King. CHAP. XI. The year of the world, 3382. before Christ's Nativity, 582. nabuchodonosor's successors, the destruction of Babylon by Cyrus' King of Persia. AFter nabuchodonosor's death, his son Euilmerodach obtained the kingdom, who incontinently delivered jechonias king of jerusalem out of prison, and held him in the Euilmerodach releaseth lechonias from his long imprisonment. 4. Reg 25. jerem. 52. Niglisar. Labosardach. Balthasar or Naboandel king of Babyl●… number of his most esteemed friends, and gave him presents, and committed the government of the palace of Babylon into his hands. For his father had not kept his promise with jechonias, when he surrendered himself, his wife, children, and friends into his hands, in the behalf of his country, and to the intent that the City of jerusalem should not be razed by those that besieged it, as we have heretofore declared. Euilmerodach died in the eighteenth year of his reign, and Niglisar his son obtained the kingdom, which he possessed forty veeres, and afterwards died. After him the succession of the kingdom came unto his son called Labosardach, which continued in him but for the space of nine months, and after his death it came unto Balthasar, who by the Babylonians was called Naboandel. Against him Cyrus' king of Persia, and Darius' king of Media made war; and at such time as he was besieged in Babylon, there happened a marvelous and prodigious spectacle. Balthasar sat upon a certain festival in a royal chamber, where he was served with great The year of th●… world. 3421. before Christ's birth 543. store of vessel fit for his majesty and royalty; and with him at the banquet there sat his concubines, and most intirest friends. At which time (to show his magnificence) he caused those vessels to be brought out of the temple of his God, which Nabuchodonosor his predecessor (fearing to employ to his own use) had stored up in his Idols temple. But Balthasar was so puffed with pride, that he drank out of them, and employed them to his uses. Now so came it to pass, that whilst he quaffed and blasphemed the name of God, he saw a hand issuing from a wall, which Dan. 5: Balthasar see●…h a hand thrust out of a wall and writing certain syllables. The year of the world. 3425. before the birth of Christ. 539. wrote in the same certain syllables: by which vision being somewhat terrified, he assembled his Magicians and Chaldees, and all that sort of people (who amongst those barbarous nations made profession to interpret prodigies and dreams) to the intent they might signify unto him the meaning and understanding of that writing. Now when these Magicians had told him that they could in no sort sound or understand the same, the king was sore vexed and toubled at this unexpected vision: whereupon he caused it to be proclaimed thorough his country, that whosoever should read that writing, and declare the meaning thereof, he would give him a golden chain, and a purple rob (such as the king of Chaldees wore) and besides all this, the third part of his Empire. After this proclamation, the Magicians assembled together with greater concourse, and were far more diligent and inquisitive to find out the signification of the writing: but they were no less grounded therein then they were at the first. Mean while the king's grandmother seeing him wholly amated in mind, began to comfort him, and to tell him that there was a certain man amongst the prisoners of juda, led thither at such time as Nabuchodonosor destroyed Babylon, whose name was Daniel, a man wise and expert in searching out of things that were impossible and only known unto God, who evidently expounded that which Nabuchodonosor required, at such time, as no other man could satisfy his demand. Whereupon the king called him unto his presence, and telling him what proofs he had heard of his wisdom, and of that divine spirit that was in him, and how he only was fit to interpret those things which otherwise were obscured from other men's knowledge; he prayed him to inform him what that hand writing signified, promising him in reward thereof a purple garment, a golden chain, and the third part of his Empire: to the end that being honoured with these titles for his wisdom, he might grow famous amongst all men, who demanding the reason, should know the intent why he was honoured. But Daniel (refusing all these presents of his, in that the wisdom that is given from above is not corrupted thereby, but is freely answerable to those that have need thereof) told him that that writing did foretell him the end of his life, because he had not learned to fear God, neither to lift his thoughts higher than human nature: notwithstanding he had seen the chastisement wherewith his predecessor had been punished, for the outrages he committed against God. For that Nabuchodonosor having been driven to lead his life among beasts by reason of his impieties, after divers requests and supplications had obtained mercy, and was returned unto human conversation, and into his own kingdom; for which cause all the time of his life he praised almighty God the governor of all things: whereas he had omitted to do the like, and had blasphemed the name of God in divers sorts, and had swilled both himself and his concubines in the vessels dedicated to God: For this cause God was displeased with ●…he year of the ●…rld. ●…25. before Christ's birth 9●…9. Daniel interpreteth the writing to the king. The king performeth his promises to Daniel. him, and certified him by this writing, what end he should expect. Whereupon he expounded the writing in these terms: Mane (which is as much to say, as number) showeth that God hath numbered the days of thy life and dominion, which shall endure but a little while. Thekel signifieth a balance; God therefore (said he) weighing thy government showeth that it shall be overthrown: Phares, this word signifieth a fragment, God shall break thy kingdom, and shall divide it amongst the Medes, and Persians. When the king had heard this interpretation, he was very sorrowful (according as the nature of things so disastrous, and so apparent required.) Notwithstanding he delayed not to perform those presents which he had promised the Prophet, although (as he well perceived) the words aboaded him ill, and gave him all that which he promised him, considering with himself, that it was his own destiny that he ought to accuse, and not Daniel, who like a virtuous man had declared the truth of things: notwithstanding they were Babylon surprised by Cyrus' king of Persia. very unsavoury in his ear. Not long after, this Balthasar and the City were overthrown and taken by Cyrus' king of Persia and his army. For this was that Balthasar, under whom, and in the seventeenth year of whose reign, the surprisal of Babylon happened. This as far as I could gather, was the end of king nabuchodonosor's posterity. Darius (who with his ally Cyrus) had destroyed the estate of the Babylonians, was threescore and two years old at such time as he took Babylon. He was Astyages son, and is otherways called by the greeks. He took the Prophet Daniel, and led him with him into Media, and kept him near unto him, doing him much honour: for he was of the number of the three governors whom he constituted over three hundredth and threescore provinces; for so had Darius commanded it. Now Daniel being thus honoured and beloved by Darius, and only trusted by him in all things, for that God was with him, was grievously hated: for they are most heinously hated, who have greatest interest in Princes favours. Whereas therefore they that were jealous of the good esteem which he had with Darius, sought occasion to calumniate and backbite him, he warily cut off all opportunity thereof: for he would neither be bribed with silver, nor corrupted The force of envy. daniel's honour and uprightness. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 14. Dan. 6. with presents, supposing it to be an act of much dishonesty, to receive gifts after a man had done any courtesies. He therefore gave his maligners no manner of ground to detract from his reputation. Yet notwithstanding, they seeing they could find no hole in his coat, whereby his honour might be touched, blamed, or calumniated, they sought out a new means to disgrace him. For they perceiving that Daniel did thrice every day make his prayers unto God, they supposed that they had found a just pretext to work his ruin: For which cause they came unto Darius, certifying him that the princes and governors had concluded to gither to this effect: That for thirty days space an intermission should be granted to the people; during which time, it was neither lawful for them to demand any thing, neither of himself, or of any man or God whatsoever; and if any man should attempt any thing against this common decree, it was ordered that he should be cast into the lions den. But the King perceiving not the drift of their malice, nor how they sought by this devise to entrap Daniel, told them that he liked of the decree, and promised to confirm the same, and propounded a public edict, wherein the prince's resolutions were ratified. Now whilst all men endeavoured thorough sear, carefully and diligently to observe this edict, Daniel set light thereby, and according to his accustomed manner standing in all men's sight, he worshipped his God, and prayed unto him. Whereupon, the princes (having got that occasion which they long expected) came readily unto the king, & accused Daniel for that he only amongst the rest had presumed to infringe their decree: urging moreover, that he did it not for the religion sake that was in him, but because he was observed and watched by his maligners. And for that they feared least Darius by reason of the great affection he bore unto Daniel, should be ready to pardon him (notwithstanding he had transgressed their edict) they concluded upon no milder judgement, but that he might be cast into the lions den, according to the form of the edict. Darius' hoping that God would deliver Daniel, and that no harm should befall him by the jaws of wild beasts, exhorted him patiently to endure that adventure. Now Daniel cast into the Lion's den. as soon as he was cast into the den, the king sealed up the stone that closed the mouth thereof, and departed, spending all that night without repast or repose, so grievously was he distempered in daniel's behalf. And when the day was come, as soon as he arose he came unto the den, and finding the seal unbroken wherewith he had marked the stone, he opened the same, and called unto Daniel with a'loud voice, ask him if he were whole and in safety. He hearing the king speak, answered that he had received no hurt: whereupon Darius commanded that they should draw him out of the lions den. His adversaries perceiving that Daniel had escaped all inconveniences (because that God had taken care of him) would not that he should escape: and thereupon The year of the world. 3425. before Christ's birth 539. daniel's enemies rend in pieces by the Lions. told the king that the Lions did neither touch nor approach Daniel, because they had been fed and gorged before. For which cause, the king displeased with their injurious malice, commanded a quantity of flesh to be cast unto the Lions; and when they were glutted, he willed that daniel's enemies should be cast among them, to the intent he might know whether the Lions would touch them or no, when they were gorged. At which time Darius saw very manifestly, that God had by his power warranted Daniel from death. For as soon as the nobles were cast into the den, the Lions spared not one of them, but tore them all in pieces, as if they had been hungry and without meat. I suppose that these Lions having been a little before glutted with meat, did not annoy these men by reason of their famine; but I rather judge that their malignity did whet on their fury: for when as God so pleaseth, unreasonable creatures do justice upon malignant and envious men. daniel's adversaries being in this sort exterminated and destroyed, Darius gave notice hereof to all the subjects of his provinces, praising that God whom Daniel adored, saying, that he was the only true God, who had all power: he honoured Daniel likewise with especial regard, esteeming him amongst the chiefest of his familiars. He therefore being thus famous and admirable (because he: was beloved by God) builded in Ecbatane in the country of the Medes a magnificent castle, and a marvelous monument that remaineth even unto this day, which seemeth to those that look thereon, that it is but newly builded, and made but that very day which they behold the sarine; the beauty thereof seemeth so living and perfect, as that continuance of time doth in no sort deface it. For it fareth with buildings as with men, they wax old and are enfeebled by years, and lose their beauty; at this day all the kings of Media, Persia, and Parthia are entombed in this Castle, and the charge thereof is committed to a priest; who is a jew: and this custom continueth even until this day. Neither is that to be buried in silence, which is worthy especial admination in this man: For all exceeding felicity that was incident to a most famous Prophet, attended him; and during his whole life time he was both most highly honoured by kings, and reverenced by the common sort: and after his death his memory is perdurable. For all the books which he left in writing, are red amongst us even at this present; and we have been persuaded by the reading thereof, that Daniel had conference with God. For he hath not only prophesied of things to come (as other Prophets have done) but also hath determined the time wherein those things should happen. And whereas other Prophets daniel's prophecies. were accustomed to foretell adversities, and for that occasion were misliked both by princes and their people; Daniel foretold them always good success: so that he hath drawn unto him the good will of all men, by reason of those pleasing predictions that he pronounced; and by the issues thereof he hath obtained a testimony of truth, and a reputation likewise of divinity, and hath left us certain writings, by which he hath manifestly declared the immutability and exact certainty of his prophecies. It is said, that being at Susa the Metropolitan City of Persia, at such time as he walked abroad attended by his familiars, that there fell an earthquake with a great noise: so that he was left alone, and all his companions fled from him. And that thereupon being sore troubled, he fell upon his face, and both his hands: at which time some one touched him, and commanded him to stand up, and to see that which should happen to his countrymen after divers ages. Being therefore raised upright, there was a great ram showed unto him, that had divers horns, the daniel's vision of the Ram and Goat, by whom the king of Media, and Persia were prefiguted. last whereof was the greatest of all. Afterwards he looked towards the west, and perceived a goat carried thorough the air, that butted at the ram, and having encountered him twice, had beaten and trampled him under his feet. Thirdly, he saw a goat, in whose forehead there grew one great horn only: which being broken, four others broke out in steed thereof, bending each of them towards the four winds of the world. He hath written also, that from them, there shall arise another little one also, which as God (who presented the vision to him) told him, being grown to perfection, should war against the whole nation of the jews, and take the City by force, and confound the estate of the temple, and hinder the sacrifices, for one thousand two Dan. 2. hundredth ninety and six days. Daniel writeth that he saw these things in the field of Susa, and hath declared that God himself told him what that vision signified, which was, that the Ram signified the kingdoms of the Persians, and the Medes: His horns signified the kings that were to reign in those kingdoms; and that the last horn signified the last king, who should surpass all the rest in riches and glory. That the goat signified, that there should come a certain king among the greeks, who should fight at two several times with the Persian, and should overcome him in war; and afterwards possess the whole government: And that by the great horn that grew in the front The year of the world 3425. before Christ's Nativity. 539. of the Goat, the first King was represented; and how that after he was taken away, four other should spring thereout. And whereas every one of these turned themselves toward the four corners of the world, it was a sign that after the death of the first, he should have four successors, that should depart the kingdom between them: who neither should be his allies or children; yet such notwithstanding as should command the world for many years: That from them, there should arise a certain King that should oppose himself against the Hebrew nation, and their laws, and should overthrow their policy; spoil their temple, and be a let that for three years space the sacrifices should not be solemnised. Now so hath it happened, that our nation hath been so handled under Antiochus the famous, as Daniel had foreseen, and hath written divers years before, all that which should happen. At the same time Daniel wrote as touching the Empire of the Romans, how it should destroy our nation: and hath left all these things in writing, according as God declared daniel's predictions of the Roman Empire. Dan. 9 them unto him; so that they who read and consider those things, that have happened, admire Daniel for the honour that God dignified him with, and find thereby that Epicures err, who drive all divine providence from humane life, and affirm that God governeth not the affairs of the world; or that the world is administered by a happy and incorruptible essence, which causeth all things to continue in their being: but say, that the world is managed by itself, by casualty, without any conductor, or such a one as hath care thereof. For if it were so, and that it were destitute of a sovereign governor (as we see ships destitute of their pilots to be drowned by the winds; and chariots that have no drivers to conduct them, to be at one against another) even so should it perish, and should ruinate itself by such an irregular motion. By these things therefore that Daniel hath foretold, I judge that they are far estranged from the truth, that affirm that God hath no care of humane affairs; for if we The Epicures error convicted. see that all things happen casually, then happen they not according to his prophecy. But I have written hereof according as I have found and red, and if any one will think otherwise, let him continue his opinion as long as him list. THE XI: BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 11. book. 1 Syrus King of Persia dismisseth the jews from Babylon, and permitteth them to return into their country, and contributeth towards the raparation of the Temple. 2 The King's governors hinder the building of the Temple. 3 Cambyses commandeth the jews that they should not build the Temple. 4 Darius Hystaspis son buildeth a Temple for the jews. 5 The bounty of Xerxes (Darius' son) towards the Hebrew nation. 6 How during Ataxerxes reign, the whole nation of the jews were almost extinguished thorough Amans treachery. 7 Bagoses General of Ataxerxes, the youngers' army, doth much injury to the jews. 8 How bountiful Alexander of Macedon was unto the jews. CHAP. I. The year of the world. 3426. before the Nativity of Christ. 538. Cyrus' King of Persia dismisseth the jews from Babylon, and permitteth them to return into their country, and contributeth towards the building of the Temple. THe first year of the reign of Cyrus (which was the seventith after that our The end of the Babylonian captivity after seventy years. 1. Esd. 1. 3. Esd. 2. The edict of Cyrus' king of Persia. nation was translated from judaea to Babylon) God had compassion of the captivity & calamity of his poor afilicted people: & even as he had foretold them before the destruction of the City, that after they had served Nabuchodonosor and his posterity for seventy years, he would again restore them to their country wherein they were borne, where they should build a Temple, and enjoy their former felicity: so brought he it to pass. For he awakened the spirit of Cyrus, and made him write his letters throughout all Asia to this effect. Thus saith the King Cyrus: Since the Almighty God hath made me king of the whole world; I am persuaded that it is he whom the jewish nation do adore: for he hath declared my name by his Prophets before I was borne, and hath said that I shall build his Temple in jerusalem, which is Esay. chap. 44. 45. his prophecy of Cyrus in the country of judaea. Now Cyrus knew these things by reading of a book of prophecy written by Isay, two hundredth & ten years before his time. For (he saith) that God did secretly reveal these things unto him, speaking to this effect. I will that Cyrus, whom I have declared King over many nations, shall send my people back into their country of judaea, and shall build my Temple. These things did Isay foretell one hundredth and forty years before the ruin of the Temple. Cyrus' in reading these things (being ravished in admiration of the Majesty of God) was surprised with an affection and zeal to finish that which was written. He therefore called for all the men of greatest reckoning among the jews that were in Babylon, and told them that he Cyrus permitteth the jews to return into their country to build their temple & city gave them licence to return into their country, and to repair the City of jerusalem, and erect the Temple of God; promising them that he himself would assist them. And to that effect he wrote unto his governors, and princes of those countries that confined upon judaea: charging them to contribute both gold and silver toward the building of the temple, and to furnish them with cattle for the sacrifice. After that Cyrus had certified the Israelites of this his intent; the Princes of the two tribes of juda and Benjamin, with all the Levites and Priests departed thence, and repaired to jerusalem: Nevertheless divers of the jews remained in Babylon, in that they were loath to abandon those possessions they had gotten. As soon as they came unto the King's friends, they afforded them both favour and aid, and furnished them with necessary matter to build the temple, some of them with gold, other some with silver, and the rest with a certain number of oxen and horses. Thus paid they their vows unto God, and offered the sacrifices according to the ancient custom, as if the City had been new builded again, and the The vessels belonging to the temple sent back from Babylon to jerusalem. ancient service of God but newly awakened. Cyrus' sent them back also those vessels consecrated to God▪ 〈◊〉 king Nabuchodonosor had sent into Babylon after he had spoiled the temple; and delivered them to Mithridates his treasurer, commanding him to carry and commit them to Abassars' hands, who should have the custody thereof, until the temple were builded, to the end that at such time as it were complete, he might deliver them to the priests & princes of the people, to be restored again to the service of the Temple. He sent letters also to the governors of Syria to this effect: Cyrus' King of Sisine and Sarabasane, health. I have permitted those jews that inhabit my country, to return into their native country, and to re-edify their City, and erect Cyrus' mandate to the princes of Syria the temple of God in jerusalem, in the same place where it stood before. I have also sent my treasurer Mithridates and Zorobabel the Prince of the jews, with express charge and authority, to lay the foundations of the same, and to build it sixty cubits in height, and as many in breadth, making three Isles of hewn stone, and an other of such timber as the country affordeth; the Altar likewise, whereupon they may offer sacrifice unto God: and my pleasure is that the charge of all these things come out of my coffers. I have also sent back those vessels which Nabuchodonosor took out of the temple; and have delivered them to the treasurer Mithridates, and to Zorobabel the Prince of the jews, to be conveyed to jerusalem, and restored to the temple of God: the number whereof I have hereunder subscribed. Fifty laver of gold, and four hundredth of silver; fifty pots of gold, and four hundredth of silver; fifty golden sieves, and five hundredth of silver; thirty Ewers of gold, and three hundredth of silver; thirty great viols of gold, and two thousand four hundredth of silver; and besides all these, one thousand other great vessels. I release them also of the tribute which their predecessors were accustomed to pay, The year of the ●…orld, 3426. before Chriss birth 538. namely, the levy of cattle, wine and oil, and of two hundredth five thousand five hundredth drachmas; and two thousand five hundredth measures of wheat, yielding fine flower. Commanding these necessary furnitures to be delivered them out of the Tributes of Samaria; and the Priests shall offer up these sacrifices in jerusalem according to the ordinance of Moses: and during their sacrifice they shall make prayers unto God for the preservation of the king, and his house, to the end that the Empire of the Persians may be still permanent. And my will is, that they that disobey and contradict these things, shall be hanged on the gibbet; and that their goods be confiscate. These were the contents of his letters. Now the number of those that returned The number of the jews that returned from the captivity of Babylon to jerusalem. together from the captivity into jerusalem, was forty two thousand four hundredth sixty two. CHAP. II. The Governors for the King do hinder the building of the Temple. Whilst these men laid the foundations of the Temple, and were very affectionately busy Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2. 1. Esd. 4. The Samaritans inhibit the jews from building the temple. Alias cap. 3. The letters of the Samaritans and others written to Cambysis as touching the re-edifying of the city and temple of jerusalem. about the building thereof, the nations that bordered upon them, and in especial the Chuteans (whom Salmanazar king of Assyria sent from Persia and Media to inhabit in Samaria, at such time as he translated the people of the ten tribes) incited the princes and governors, to interdict the jews from raising and building their city, and re-edifying the temple. Who corrupted with silver, sold their negligence, and delay to the Chuteans, which they used in those buildings. For Cyrus intending his other wars, was ignorant hereof, and having conducted his army against the Massagetes, it was his hap incontinently to finish his life. When as therefore Cambyses his son had obtained the kingdom, they of Syria and Phoenicia, the Ammonites, Moabites, and Samaritans wrote their letters to Cambyses in these terms. O King, thy servants Rathimus the secretary, Semelius the Scribe, and those men that are counsellors in Syria and Phoenicia, give thee to understand, that those jews that were led captive into Babylon are returned back into this country, and do build a wicked and rebellious City, and repair the places and walls of the same, and re-edify their temple likewise. Know therefore that if these things be permitted to be finished, that they will no more endure to be thy subjects and tributaries, but will oppose themselves against their kings, holding it more fitter to command then to obey. We have therefore thought good that whilst they are thus on working, and affectionate in rearing their temple, to write unto your majesty, to the intent you may not neglect to examine The year of the world. 3435. before Christ's birth 529. your father's records, wherein you shall always find that the jews have been rebels, and enemies to their kings; and that their City hath been for this cause laid desolate until this present. We have thought good to signify thus much to your majesty, which perhaps is unknown unto you, because that if this City be once more reinhabited and enclosed with a wall, your way is shut up from passing into Coelesyria and Phoenicia. CHAP. III. Cambyses inhibiteth the jews to build the Temple. WHen Cambyses had read this letter (in that he was by nature both wicked and malicious) he grew inwardly jealous, and displeased at the contents thereof, and wrote back again after Cambyses answer wherein he inhibiteth the jews from building the city or temple this manner. The King Cambyses to Rathymus the secretary, of his casual events, and to Belsem and Semelius scribes, and to all his other counsellors and inhabitants in Samaria & Phoenicia, health. Having red your letters, I have commanded the records of mine ancestors to be examined, and I find that the City of jerusalem hath been always enemy to their kings, and that the inhabitants thereof have always raised sedition and wars. I have likewise found, that their kings have been mighty, and violent, and that they have vexed Syria & Phoenicia with continual tributes. For this cause I have ordained, that the jews shall not be permitted to re-edify: their City, for fear lest their malice should augment by such occasion which they have continually used against their kings. Incontinently after the receipt and reading of these letters, Rathymus and the s●…ibe Semelius, and those of their faction, took their horse and road hastily to jerusalem, leading with them a great number of people, prohibiting the jews from the building either of their City or temple. Thus was this work interrupted until the second year of the reign of Darius' king of Persia, for the space of nine years. For Cambyses reigned six years, during which time The year of th●… world 3443. before Christ birth. 521. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 al. chap 4. Darius' the son of Hystaspis made emperor of the Persians. he subdued Egypt, and upon his return from thence, he died in Damascus. And after the death of Cambyses, the Magis that held the Empire of the Persians for the space of one year being taken away, the seven families of Persia made Darius (the son of Hystaspis) king. CHAP. FOUR Darius' the son of Hystaspis causeth the Temple to be builded. THis Darius, during the time that he lived a private life, made a you unto God, that if he obtained the kingdom, he would send back unto the temple of jerusalem all those 1. Esd. 5. 6. Darius voweth to send the sacred vessels to jerusalem. Zorooabel. vessels, which were as yet remaining in Babylon. It fortuned that about the same time, Zorobabel, who was appointed governor over the captive jews, came unto him from jerusalem. For he was the king's ancient friend: for which cause he with other two were chosen to be of his guard; and obtained thereby that honour which he expected. The first year of the reign of Darius, he entertained all his courtiers with great pomp, and magnificence both those of his household, as they also that were his governors and Princes of Media and Persia, and the commanders in India confining upon Aethiopia, with all the chieftains of his army in one hundredth, twenty & seven provinces. Now after they had made great cheer, and were full of wine, they departed each of them unto their lodgings, to betake themselves to rest: But king Darius laid in his bed, reposed very little all the night long, but passed the time without sleep, for which cause Dar●…us propoundeth three questions to three of his guard. 3. Esd. 4. seeing he could take no rest, he began to devise and discourse with three of his guard, promising him that should most truly and aptly answer those questions that he should demand, to grant him licence in way of reward to wear a purple garment, and to drink in golden cups, to lie on a gilded bed, and to ride in a chariot harnessed with gold, and to bear the Tiara or linen wreath, and wear a golden chain about his neck, and sit in the next place unto the king; and should likewise be called his kinsman in regard of his wisdom. After he had made these large promises, he demanded of the first, whether wine were the strongest? of the second, whether the king were stronger? of the third, whether women, or truth, were the most strongest of the three? And as soon as he had delivered them these questions to deliberate upon, he laid him down to rest. Upon the next morrow he sent for the princes, chieftains, and governors of Persia and Media, and afterwards sitting aloft in that throne from whence he was accustomed to determine the differents among his subjects, he commanded those three young men of his guard in the presence of that princely assistance, publicly to yield their resolution of those questions he had proposed unto them. Whereupon the first of them began after this manner to express the force of wine. Noble princes, when I consider the force of wine, I find nothing that may surmount the same. For wine The first expresseth the power of wine. entangleth and deceiveth the understanding, and maketh the prince's understanding like to the poor man's, who is abandoned; and giveth the slave that freedom in discourse, which appertaineth to men of greatest liberty: It maketh the poor resemble the rich: It changeth and transformeth the soul, assuageth the miserable man's grief, and maketh the indebted forget their bonds, and to think themselves very rich; so that they ruminate on no abject things, but talk of talents, and such things as appertain unto the richer sort: it causeth them to lose all apprehension both of princes and kings, and taketh from them the remembrance of their friends and familiars: It armeth men against their greatest friends, and maketh them suppose their nearest well-willers to be strangers; and when the wine concocted by night and sleep hath forsaken them; they rise and know not what things they have committed in their drunkenness. When the first of them had in this sort declared his resolution, as touching wine, he was silent; The second extelleth the king's power. 3. Esd 4. and the next began to speak of the king's force, showing that it was of mighty consequence, and more powerful than any other thing that seemeth to have force and intelligence; and thus handled he the subject of his demonstration. Kings (saith he) have dominion over men, who have the ability to enforce the earth, and at their pleasure can command the sea to serve them: Kings have power and dominion over those men who master and command the untamed and mightiest creatures; it therefore appeareth that their force and puissance exceedeth all these. If they command their subjects to wage war, and to expose themselves to danger, they are obedient: and if they send them out against their enemies, they willingly obey them by reason of their force: By their ordinance they level mountains, beat down walls, and race towers. And if they command their subjects to kill or to be killed, they resist not for fear lest they, should seem The year of the world 3443. before Christ's birth 521. to transgress the king's commandment. When they have obtained the victory, all the glory and profit of the war redoundeth unto the king. They likewise which bear no arms, but intent the tillage of the earth, after they have travailed and supported all the toil of their tillage, reap and gather the fruits, to the end to pay the King his tribute: And if he will or command any thing, it must needly be performed without any intermission or omission. Furthermore, when the king is addicted to any pleasures, or intendeth to enjoy his pleasant and delightful rest, during the time that he sleepeth, he is guarded by them that watch, who are as it were tied unto him, thorough the fear and awe they have of him: For not one of them dare forsake him when he sleepeth, nor depart from him to follow their own affairs; but intent those services only which he thinketh necessary, which is the guard of his person. Who therefore will not esteem the king's sources to be greater than any others, since so many people obey him in whatsoever, and whensoever he commandeth? After he had spoken to this effect; Zorobabel, who was the third, began to justify in respect of Zorobabel the third, expresseth the power of women, and at length attributeth the palm unto truth. women and truth, and spoke after this manner. True it is, that wine hath much force, and no less true that all men obey the king; yet far more mighty is the power of a woman. For by a woman the king was bred, and brought into this world, and those men that plant the vineyards where wines do grow, are borne and nourished by women; and generally there is not any thing which we enjoy not by them. For they weave us garments, they have the care and custody of our houses; neither is it possible for us to be severed from women. Yea they that possess much gold and abundance of silver, and other things of great and inestimable price; only upon the sight of a fair woman forsake all these things, and will follow after the beauty which they beheld, and for the only possession thereof, content themselves to lose all things. We forsake likewise our father and mother, and the country that hath bred us, and forget our friends for our wives sake; yea we will willingly content ourselves to die with them. Yet is there a greater and further demonstration of the most mighty power of a woman. For what soever we travel for, all the pains that we endure both by land and sea, to the intent we may reap some fruits of our labours, do we not carry all this to give unto our wives, as unto those who are our mistresses? I have seen the king likewise, who is so great a lord, endure a stroke on the ear, by Apame the daughter of Rhapsaces his concubine, and patiently endure when she took the diadem from his head, and set it on her own. When she laughed, he laughed; and when she was displeased, he was displeased: and according as her passion changed, so flattered he, and humbly submitted his affections to her pleasures, according as he saw her passionate or pleased. But whilst the Princes in way of admiration beheld one another, he began to discourse of truth, saying: I have already declared what the force of women is, yet notwithstanding both the king and they are more feeble than truth. For whereas the earth is huge and mighty, the heaven likewise of an immeasurable height, and the sun of unspeakable celerity; and whereas the will of God both governeth and moveth these things (because God is just and true) it therefore followeth, that truth is the most mightiest of all things, against which injustice may no ways prevail. Furthermore all other things notwithstanding they seem to be of value, yet are they mortal and of little continuance: but truth is immortal and everlasting. Moreover, all those things which we receive thereby, are neither mortal, neither subject to the injuries of time, fortune, or alteration; but continue just, and lawful, and separated from all stain of injustice. When Zorobabel had spoken after this manner, he made an end of his discourse: whereupon all the assembly began to pronounce that his assertions were of most value, and that only verity had an immutable force, and an indeterminable continuance. Whereupon the king commanded him to ask what he would, as touching that which he had promised to give, because he intended to grant it him, as to the wisest, and best learned amongst the rest. For (said he) thou shalt Zorobabel obtained both praise & great rewards by his good discourse Darius being put in memory of his vow, commandeth that the temple should be restored. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. sit henceforth next unto me, and shalt be called my familiar. When the king had spoken thus, Zorobabel called to his remembrance the vow that the king had made, if so be at any time he obtained the kingdom, namely, that he would build jerusalem, and the temple of God, and restore those vessels likewise, which were taken away by Nabuchodonosor, and carried into Babylon. For this (said he) O king is my request which you permitted me to ask, and you promised me to grant at that time as I was judged wise and well lettered by you. The king took great pleasure at these words of his, and arising from his throne kissed him. He wrote also unto his governors and princes, that they should send away Zorobabel, and those of his company to build the temple. Moreover he sent letters to them of Syria and Phoenicia, commanding them to cut down the Cedars of Libanus, and to send them to jerusalem The year of t●…e world. 3443. before the Nativity of Christ. 521. Darius' letters for the liberty. possession and erection of the temple granted to the jews. 1. Esd. 6. towards the building of the City; publishing a law that all jews should be made free, if so be they would resort into judaea; forbidding all commissaries and Princes to impose any charge upon the jews, for the necessities of the kingdom; permitting that all the country which they might occupy, might be inhabited by them, and exempt from tributes: commanding the Idumaeans, Samaritans, and Coelesyrians to restore those lands unto the jews which they unlawfully held, and the other lawfully claimed for their inheritance: And besides that, to deliver them in way of contribution fifty talents of silver towards the building of the temple, permitting them to offer their ordinary sacrifice. He likewise commanded that all. the necessaries and vestments, which either the high Priest, or the ordinary sacrificers used in the service of God, should be furnished at his charges. He willed also that the Levites should have instruments of Music delivered unto them, to praise God with; and that certain portions of land might be allotted for them that had the guard of the City, and the temple. Moreover he allowed them a certain sum of money every year for their ordinary maintenance. After this, he sent back all those vessels which Cyrus before time had resolved to restore unto jerusalem. When Zorobabel had obtained these things abovenamed at the king's hands; he issued out of the palace, and lifting up his eyes unto heaven; he began to give God thanks for the wisdom and victory he had granted him, & for the good success he had given him in Darius' presence. For (said he) O Lord, if thou hadst not been favourable unto me, I had not obtained it. After he had at this time, & in this sort given thanks for the present, & prayed God to show himself always favourable hereafter, he repaired to Babylon, and told his countrymen what good news he had received from the King: who heating the same, gave God thanks also, who had restored them once Glad tidings brought to the jews. more to the possession of that country wherein they were borne: and they fell to feasting and banqueting for seven days space, for the restoring unto their country, as if they had solemnised the feasts of their birth days. Anon after they made choice of those governors and common sort, that (with their wives, their children, and horses) should return unto jerusalem, who by the assistance of Darius' convoy, performed their journey to jerusalem with joy and consolation; The jews depart from Babylon to jerusalem. 3. Esd. 5. playing on their Psalteries, Flutes, and Cymbals; and were after this manner conducted on their way, with delight, by the number of those jews that remained as yet in Babylon. Thus therefore went they forward, being a certain and determinate number of every family. I have not thought it meet to repeat these family's name by name, for fear I should confound my story, and lest the readers should any ways be distracted or interrupted in their readings. Notwithstanding the whole number of those that went, and were above twelve years old of the tribes of juda and The number of the jews that went ou●… of Babylon. 3. Esd. 2. Benjamin, were four millions, six hundredth, twenty and eight thousand. There were likewise four thousand and seventy Levites: And of their wives and children together, forty thousand, seven hundredth, forty and two. Besides these, there were of singers of the tribe of Levi, one hundredth, twenty and eight; of porters, one hundredth and ten; and of sacred servants three hundredth, twenty & two. There were certain others likewise, that pretended that they were of therace of the Israelites, yet could they not give testimony of their descent; the number of whom were six hundredth, fifty and two. Of the number of priests, they that had espoused wives (whose genealogy could not be derived, and who were not found also in the genealogies of the Priests and Levites) they were about five hundredth, twenty & five. The multitude of servants that followed or attended on them, were seven thousand, three hundredth, thirty and seven. There were also two hundredth, forty and five singers of men and women: four hundredth, thirty and five Camels; and five hundredth, twenty and five other beasts to bear their carriage. The conductor of this above named multitude, was Zorobabel the son of Salathiel; descended of David's line, and of the tribe of juda; and jesus the son of josedech the high priest: besides Zorobabel chieftain and jesus high priest of this company. which were Mardochaeus & Serebaeus, who were chosen by the people to be their governors, who contributed one hundredth pounds of gold, and five hundredth of silver. Thus the priests and Levites, and a part of all the people of the jews which were then in Babylon, were conducted to dwell at jerusalem; the other part of them following a little after returned every one into his own country. The seventh month after their departure out of Babylon, the high priest jesus, and the governor Zorobabel sent messengers thorough all the country, and assembled the people from all quarters of the region, who with all alacrity and expedition repaired to jerusalem. There erected 1. Esd. 3. they an Altar in the same place, where before time it was builded, to the end they might offer lawful sacrifices thereon, according to Moses law: in which action of theirs, they yielded little content to their neighbour nations, who in general were incensed against them. They ceebrated The year of the ●…orld, 3443 before Christ's birth 521. The feast of Tabernacles. also at that time the feast of tabernacles, according as the lawmaker had ordained: afterwards they offered oblations, and continual sacrifices, observing their Saboths' and all holy solemnities. And they that had made any vows performed the same, and sacrificed from the new moon until the seventh month. After this they began to build the temple, and delivered great sums of money to the hewers of stone, and masons; and gave strangers their ordinary diet, who brought them stone and timber. For it was an easy matter for the Sidonians and an The temple began to be built. act well pleasing unto them; to bring wood and timber from Libanus, and to bind it, and gathering it together in rafters to ship it, and land it at the port of joppa. For Cyrus had before time given them that commandment, and now the second time they were en●…yned thereunto by Darius. The second year after their arrival in jerusalem, the jews assembled together in the second month, and the building of the temple went forward; so that having laid the foundation thereof in the first day of December, they builded upon the same the second year. Over this work those Levites that were above twenty years of age, were overseers; with them also was jesus, and his sons and brothers joined, and Zolimiel the brother of juda the son of Aminadad, and his sons. And thorough the diligence that these overseers of the temple used, it was sooner finished, than it was expected: As soon as the sanctuary was builded, the priests appareled in their accustomed habits, and the Levites, and the sons of Asaph arose, and with trumpets praised God, according as David first of all had set down the manner of his service. The priests and Levites with the elders of the tribes (calling unto their minds how great and precious the first temple was, and beholding that which was builded upon the present, far inferior to the precedent, & perceiving how much the ancient wealth & dignity of the temple was abased, they were confosed thereat, and being unable to overcome their passion, they burst out into lamentations and tears. But the people were contented with that which they beheld, and without any estimate or mention of the former temple, they tormented not themselves in comparing the one with the other; neither thought they upon the difference and bigness betwixt the present and that which stood in times past: yet notwithstanding the elders lamented, and the priests complained, that the new erected temple was far less than the former; yet the noise of the trumpets drowned their laments, and the joyful applauses of the people their mournings. The Samaritans hearing the noise of the trumpets, ran out to know the cause thereof, in that they were lewdly affected towards the tribes of juda & Benjamin; & understanding that the jews which were returned from Babylon had re-edified the temple, they addressed themselves to Zorobabel and jesus, and to the chief governors of the families, requiring them that it might be The Samaritans desirous to further the building of the temple are rejected. lawful for them to repair the temple with them; and to have part in the building thereof. For (said they) we honour God no less than you, we pray unto him and adore him; we conform ourselves to your customs ever since the time that Salmanazar King of Assyria removed us out of Chuthea and Media hither. To these demands of theirs, Zorobabel and jesus the high priest and the governors of the tribes answered, that it was impossible for them to admit their assistance in the building of the temple, for that they had received their first commandment from Cyrus to perform the same, and afterwards from Darius: notwithstanding they gave them licence to adore therein, offering them that the temple should be common to both, if they pleased: yea and accessible to all other nations, that would repair thither to adore God. The Chutheans (for so were the Samaritans called) hearing this answer, were sore offended; and persuaded the other The Samaritans suppose to hinder the building of the temple. nations of Syria to requite their princes (who continued their authority since the time of Cyrus, and afterwards ruled in Cambyses time) to hinder the building of the temple; and to delay the jews, who were so intent and busy in their work. Whereupon Sisin governor in Syria and Phoenicia, and Sarabazan, accompanied with others, came unto jerusalem; and demannded of the chieftains of the jews, by whose permission they builded the temple, which rather seemed to be a fort then a temple, and for what cause they fortified their City with gates and so strong walls? Zorohabel and jesus the high Priest answered, that they were the servants of the The Syrian princes examine the cause why the jews repair their city and temple. living God, and that their temple had been built by one of their kings, who was opulent and surpassed all other in virtue, that after it had continued long time in venerable estimation (by reason their fathers had committed impiety against God) Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon and Chaldaea, having taken the City by force destroyed the same; and after he had spoiled the city he burned it, and transported the people captive into Babylon. But after that Cyrus' king of Persia had obtained the kingdom of Babylon, he commanded The year of the world. 3444. before Christ's birth 520. 1. Esdras. 5. by his express letters sealed with his royal seal, that they should re-edify the temple, and ordained that all that which Nabuchodonosor carried from thence, as well gifts as vessels, should be delivered to Zorobabel and the treasurer Mithridates, to be conveyed to jerusalem, and be placed again in the temple, as soon as it should be builded. And he commanded also, that it should be presently re-edified, willing Abassar to repair to jerusalem, and give order for all that which was requisite; who resorting thither as soon as he had received Cyrus' letters, did speedily lay the foundations anew. From that time forward until this present it hath been continued; but the subtlety and malignity of their enemy had wrought so much, that as yet it remained imperfect. If therefore it please you, and you think it good, signify that you hear, by your letters to Darius, to the end that examining the registers of the kings, he may find that we are not faulty in any thing of that which we have said. When Zorobabel and jesus had answered to this effect; Sisin and they that accompanied him, thought not good to hinder the building, until such time as they had certified Darius hereof: for which cause they wrote unto him presently. Hereupon the jews were much discomforted and troubled, fearing lest the king should change his mind in respect of the building of jerusalem and the temple. But two Prophets Aggeus and Zacharie (who were amongst them) began to persuade them, willing them to fear no disaster from the Aggeus and Zachary the Prophets. Persians, because God had assured them: for which cause, the people gave credit to the Prophets, and diligently intended their building, and intermitted no one day. When the Samaritans had in this sort written to Darius, and accused the jews unto him for fortifying their City, and re-edifying their temple; and how it seemed to be rather a fort, than some sacred place, and had further alleged that it would be no profit unto him, and moreover The Satharitans endeavouring to hinder the reparation of the temple and city do further it the more. had produced Cambyses letters, by which they were forbidden to build the temple; he understood that the re-establishment of jerusalem stood not with the security of his state. But when he had read Sisins letters and his associates, he commanded that the Panchartes and Chronicles of the kings should be searched, how the matter hath past; and there was found in Ecbatane a City of the Medes, in a tower a certain book, in which these things were written. The first year of the reign of Cyrus, commandment was given to build the temple of jerusalem, and the altar therein: It was likewise decreed, that the height of the temple should be sixty cubits, and the Cyrus' decree as touching the temple and the jews. breadth as many; three stories of hewed stone, and one story of the wood of that country: and it was ordained that the expense of that building should be deducted out of the king's revenues. Moreover he commanded, that restitution should be made unto the inhabitants of jerusalem, of those vessels that were taken away by Nabuchodonosor, and carried away to Babylon: And the commission to effect all these things was given to Abassar, governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and The year of the world. 3450. before Christ's birth 514. his companions, to the end that they might depart from these places, and the jews might be permitted to build therein. Furthermore, he ordained that the charge of this pile and building should be gathered out of the tributes of his countries, and that they should furnish the jews with bulls, weathers, lambs, goats, flower, oil, and wine, and all other things which the Priests should think meet to offer sacrifice, to the intent that they might pray for the preservation of the king of Persia: commanding that they that should transgress or contradict this commandment of his, should be laid hold on, and hanged on a gibbet, and that their goods should be confiscate to the king's use. Moreover he besought God, that if any man went about to hinder the building of the temple, that he would punish him and strike him, and restrain his wickedness 3. Esdras. 6. thereby. When Darius had found these things written in his Panchartes and Chronicles, he wrote back to Sisin and his companions in this form: King Darius to Sisin, and Sarabazan, with their associates; health. Having found amongst the memorial of Cyrus the copy of your missive; I Darius' epistle to the prefects of Syria. have sent it you, and my pleasure is that the contents thereof be executed. Fare you well. Sisin and his associates being c●…tified of the king's pleasure, resolved themselves conformably to execute the same: and taking the care of the sacred buildings upon them, they assisted the Princes and magistrates of the jews in such sort, as the building of the temple was finished with great diligence, by the instigation of the Prophets Aggeus and Zachary, according to God's commandment, and by the directions of the kings Cyrus and Darius; so that it was finished within seven years. In the ninth year of the reign of Darius, and the three and twenty of the eleventh month, called by us Adar, and by the Macedonians Distre; the Priests and Levites, and all the rest The finishing of the temple. of the people offered sacrifices for the renovation of their former felicity, after their captivity, and for their new temple also: sacrificing one hundredth bulls, two hundredth sheep, four hundredth lambs, twelve goats, according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel; and for the sins of each of them. The Priests and Levites also (according to the laws of Moses) appointed The year of the ●…orld 3450. before Christ's Nativity. 514. The temple dedicated 23. of March, or as it is in the first of Esdras 6. dedicated the third of March. The passover celebrated. porters to every gate. For the jews had builded galleries round about, and within the temple. Now when the feast of unleavened bread (which is the feast of Easter) drew near, in the first month called Xanthicus by the Mecedonians, and Nisan by the Hebrews, all the people of the towns round about jerusalem resorted thither, and celebrated the feast; purifying both themselves, their wives, and children, according to the ordinance of their forefathers: And after they had solemnised the feast called Easter, or the passover in the 14. moon, they banqueted for seven days space, sparing no cost how great soever it were. They offered burnt offerings also, and sacrifices of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's goodness that had brought them home into their native country, to live according to the laws of their forefathers, and had made them gracious in the king of persia's eyes. Thus dwelled they in jerusalem in all joy, sacrificing and serving God with great affection, and living under the government of their nobility. For the The form of commonweal in jerusalem. chiefest authority remained in the high Priests, until the Asmonaeans obtained the kingdom: for before the captivity of Babylon, they were under the government of kings, who began from Saul and David's times, about some five hundredth, thirty, two years, six months, and ten days; and before their kings certain governors called judges reigned: and under this sort of policy lived they more than five hundredth years; from the death of Moses and josuah. See here the estate of the jews delivered from their captivity, during the days of Cyrus and Darius. True it The Samaritans mighty enemies of the jews. is that the Samaritans were their mighty and malicious adversaries, and did them many mischiefs, trusting in their riches, and pretending themselves to be the Persians kinsmen, because their original proceeded from thence. For they refused to pay that tribute, which the king had commanded them to disburse unto the jews to make their sacrifices, and had their governors likewise affectionate and forward to further their malice; neither was there any of them idle or negligent in working them mischief, either in themselves, or by others. For which cause, the jews determined to send Ambassadors unto king Darius, to accuse the Samaritans; and to that intent Zorobabel and four others were sent. As soon therefore as the king understood by these Ambassadors, what crimes and accusations they had brought against the Samaritans, he dispatched The embassage of the jews to Darius. The year of the world, 3464. before Christ's Natinitie, 500 A commandment to supply the charge of the building of the temple and sacrifices. his letters, and addressed them to the governors and counsel of Samaria; the tenor of which letters was to this effect. King Darius to Tangara and Sambaba governors of Samaria, to Sadrach and Bobelon, and to their companions our servants being in Samaria, health. Zorobabel, Ananias, and Mardocheus, Ambassadors in the behalf of the jews, accuse you to be perturbers of the building of their temple; alleging, that you refuse to discharge that, which by my decree you ought to furnish them with, for the charge of the sacrifices. My will is therefore, that upon the sight of these letters, you deliver out of the royal treasury in Samaria, appointed for the tributes, all that which shall be necessary for them to perform their sacrifices, upon the request of the Priests, to the intent they let pass no day without sacrifice and prayer unto God for me, and for the Persians. This was the contents of his letter. CHAP. V. The beneficence of Zerxes Darius son, towards the jews. AFter Darius' death, his son Zerxes succeeded him, not only as heir in the government Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 5. 〈◊〉. Esd. 7. Xerxes' king of Persia. Esdras learned in the law. of his kingdom, but also as successor unto his piety and devotion towards God: for he no ways changed those institutions of his fathers that concerned religious service, but with great benevolence favoured all the jews. During his reign Ioacim the son of jesus was high priest: Amongst them also that remained in Babylon, there lived a high priest with the jews in that place called Esdras; a just man and one of great reputation amongst the people: and whereas he was very skilful in the laws of Moses, he obtained great friendship with the king. This man intending (with certain other jews of Babylon) to make his repair unto jerusalem, besought the king that he would vouchsafe to bestow his letters of commendations to the governors of Syria in his behalf. Whereupon the king wrote his letters patents of grace, Xerxes favoureth the jews. certifying his favour toward Fsdras, to the princes in those parts, to this effect: Zerxes king of kings, to Esdras the high priest, and reader of the divine law, health. It is decreed by me and seven other of my counsel, that whosoever in my kingdom of the Israelites, their Priests, or Levites will repair with thee unto jerusalem, he may freely perform the same with my good licence, The year of the world. 3506. before Christ birth. 458. and revisit judaea according to the law of God: bearing with you those presents unto the God of Israel, which both I and my friends have vowed. I likewise give thee licence to take with thee all the gold and silver whatsoever, that any of thy nation living here in Babylon will offer up unto God, to buy offerings to be sacrificed upon the altar of thy God: and to make whatsoever vessels of gold or silver, which either thou or thy brethren shall think meet. Those sacred vessels also which are given thee, thou shalt dedicate unto thy God, and if there be aught else requisite in this behalf, that according to thy wisdom shalt thou provide, and the charges shalt thou receive out of my treasury. I have also commended thee to the treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia; and have written to them, that whatsoever Esdras the priest and reader of the law of God shall require, they shall presently deliver it him. And to the end that God may be favourable to me and my children, my will is, that a hundredth measures of wheat be given unto God, according to the law. I command you also that are magistrates, that you exact nothing, neither impose any taxations on the Priests, Levites, sacred singing men, porters, or holy officers. But thou Esdras (according to the wisdom given thee from above) shalt appoint judges, who shall in Syria and Phoenicia execute justice unto the people, according to the science of the law. Teach thou likewise freely all such as are ignorant, so that whosoever violateth either Gods or the king's law, he may be fined, or else condemned to death, as not sinning thorough ignorance, but of contumacy. Farewell. When Esdras had received this letter, he was wonderfully contented, and began to adore Esdras assembled the jews that dwelled in Babylon. God, confessing openly that it was he, who was the author of that favour he had received at the king's hands: for which cause he said, that the only thanksgiving appertained to him. And after he had read this letter unto the jews that were at that time residentin Babylon, he kept the original, but sent the copy to all those of his nation, being in the country of the Medes: who understanding of the king's affection towards God, and his favour towards Esdras, were very joyful; and divers amongst them took their goods and came unto Babylon, desiring to return to jerusalem: but all the rest of the Israelites would not abandon or leave their quiet dwelling there. For which cause it came to pass, that two tribes were under the obedience of the Romans in Asia and Europe: but the ten tribes were on the other side of Euphrates, even until this day; being many infinites of thousands, whose number may not be comprehended. With Esdras there departed a great number of Priests, Levites, porters, singing men, and servants of the temple. Now after that he had assembled those of the captivity, that inhabited on this side Euphrates, and sojourned there three days, he commanded them to solemnize a fast, and to pray unto God for his preservation, and that no evil might happen unto him; and that neither their enemies nor any other might do them any violence. For Esdras had foretold the king that God would be their protector, and that therefore he required no convoy of horsemen at his hand for his security. After that they had recommended themselves unto God, they set forward on their way, the twelfth day of the first month, of the seventh year of the reign of Zerxes, and arrived in jerusalem Esdras repaireth to jerusalem and committeth the vessels and other precious presents to the treasurers hands in the fifth month of the same year. Whereupon he incontinently presented unto the treasurers (who were of the race of the Priests) the silver that was consecrated, namely, six hundredth and fifty talents, and silver vessel a hundredth talents, of vessel of gold twenty talents, of brazen vessel (more precious than gold) weighing twelve talents. These were the presents of the king and his friends, and of the Israelites that dwelled in Babylon. When Esdras had delivered these abovenamed presents unto the hands of the priests, he offered burnt offerings unto God, according to the law, namely, twelve bulls for the public conservation of the people, 72. rams and lambs, & twelve goats for the expiation of sin. And after them he delivered the king's letters to his princes and governors in Coelosyria and Phoenicia, who being constrained to execute that which was enjoined them by the king, honoured the nation of the jews, and supplied them every ways in their necessities. This counsel had Esdras himself given of their departure. But in my opinion God (having regard of his wisdom and integrity) did happily advance his deliberation. Not long after this, there came certain men unto him, complaining that some of the people, Priests, and Levites▪ had transgressed against the policy, and broken the laws of the country, for that they had espoused certain strange women, and confounded the race of the Priests: requiring him that he would have an inward regard to God's ordinances, for fear lest he (conceiving a general hatred against them all) should send them anew some grievous calamities. For which cause Esdras devoured with sorrow, incontinently rend his clothes, and tore his hair, and pulled his beard, and cast himself upon the ground, because the principals amongst the people The year of the world. 3506. before Christ's birth 458. had part in that offence. And for that he feared lest if he should command them to forsake their wives, and those children they had begotten by them, he should not be obeyed, he persisted in grief, and lay continually couched upon the ground. Whereupon all those resorted unto him, who were not guilty, and wept and lamented with him, for that which had happened. Whereupon Esdras (raising himself from the earth, and lifting up his hands to heaven) said, that he was ashamed to look thereupon, because the offences of the people were so heinous; Esdras prayers for the Levites that had married strangers. 〈◊〉. Esd. 9 who had forgotten the inconvenients that had befallen their forefathers for their impieties, beseeching God that he would reserve some remainder and seed of the adversity and captivity, which at that time happened unto them, & that he would once more establish than again in jerusalem their native country: that he would take compassion of them, and grant them pardon for those sins which at that present were committed by them: for which though they deserved death, yet hoped they in the mercies of God for their deliverance. Whilst thus both he and those that came unto him lamented round about him, with their wives and children. a certain man called Achonius, one of the principal men of jerusalem, repaired unto him, and said, that they had sinned, because they had espoused strange women, and persuaded Esdras to adjure them all, to banish both them and the children begotten by them; wishing that they, who obeyed not the law, might be punished. Esdras (persuaded by these words) made all the Princes of the Priests, Levites, and tribes of Israel swear, that they would dismiss their wives and children, according to the counsel of Achonius. And as soon as he had received their oaths, he departed from the temple unto john's house the son of Eliasib, and there spent he all the day without tasting any meat (by reason of the grief which so inwardly he had conceived.) Whenas therefore it was published by edict, that all they that were returned from the captivity, should repair within two or three days to jerusalem (under the penalty that they, who defaulted therein, & came not within the prefixed time, should be held as excommunicate, and their goods confiscate to the public treasury of the temple, by the ordinance of the Priests) they of the tribes of juda and Benjamin came thither within three days, on the twentieth day of the ninth month, called by the Hebrews Thebeth, & by the Macedonians Apellaeus. And assoon as they were seated in the upper part of the temple, in the presence and assistance of the Elders, although the weather was very intemperate, by reason of the frost; Esdras arose and reproved them for that they had transgressed the law, in taking wives unto them, who were not of their nation: for which cause he told 〈◊〉. Esd. 10. them (that if they would perform a matter that were agreeable unto God, and profitable for themselves, they should dismiss such wives. Whereupon with a loud voice they all cried, that they would do it willingly: but that there was no small number of them, and that the time was winter, and the matter of that consequence, as one or two days could not end it: For which cause they thought it very needful, that the execution were deferred for a while; and that at the length some of the Princes, who were free from that sin, with certain other chosen Elders of every place, should make inquisition of them that had married wives contrary to the prescript of the law. Which being approved by them, about the new moon of the tenth month, this inquisition 〈◊〉 began, which continued until the new moon of the month ensuing: and there were many of the family of jesus the high Priest, and of Priests, Levites, and Israelites, that (making more account of the observation of the laws, then of the natural affections of their wives and children) did presently put away their wives, and those children they had by them, and sacrificed certain Rams for a peace offering unto God: whose names it were a needless matter to reckon up in this place. When Esdras had in this sort reform the error committed by such marriages, he so corrected the evil custom thereof, that this reformation continued firm and irrevocable for ever. In the seventh month, they solemnised the feasts of Tabernacles, whereto when all the people were resorted, they all gathered together in an open place of the temple towards the gate that looketh eastward, requiring Esdras that he would read Moses ordinances unto them, which he performed, and standing up in the midst of the multitude, he read the law unto them from the morning The reading of Moses law. 2. Esd. 8. until noon. By which reading not only for the present, but for the time to come, they learned that which was just; and also calling to memory that which was past, they were so discomforted, that the tears fell from their eyes, in thinking with themselves, that if they had kept the law, they had not suffered any of those evils, by which they had been tormented. But Esdras beholding them in that estate, willing each of them to repair homeward, and to weep no more, because that day was a solemn and holy day, wherein they ought not to weep, because it was forbidden: He rather commanded them to intend their feasts and pleasures, assuring them that the repentance The year of the world. 3506. before Christ's birth 458. and grief of those faults that were committed by them in times past, aught to serve them and instruct them to assure and defence themselves, to the end that hereafter they commit not the like. They following Esdras exhortation, began to celebrate the solemnity, and continued their feasts in their tabernacles during eight days. After which time they returned every one unto his house, praising God in hymns; and thanking Esdras for the amendment of those unlawful marriages that had happened in their policy: who after he had gotten great honour 2. Esdras. 1. among the people, finished his life, being laden with years, and was buried honourably in jerusalem. About the same time also died Ioacim the high Priest, whose, son Eliacim succeeded in his place. After this it came to pass that a certain man that was one of the captive jews, & king Xerxes' butler called Nehemias, walking before the City of Susa (which was the Metropolitan City of Persia) heard certain strangers that came from far; who upon their entry into the City devised the one with the other in the Hebrew tongue; for which cause he drew near unto them, and asked them whence they came. Who returning him this answer, that they came from judaea: he began to demand of them again, of the estate of jerusalem, their native City, and how the people fared. To whom they answered, that they were in very bad estate, and that their City walls were converted to dust and razed, & that the nations round about them afflicted the jews with many outrages, in making inroads into their country, and spoiling them daily, not sparing them by night; so that divers of them were led away prisoners; yea some Citizens of jerusalem; and that daily the high ways were found full of dead bodies. Hereupon Nehemias The year of the world, 3519. before Christ's nativity, 445. began to weep (thorough the inward compassion he had of his distressed brethren) and looking up towards heaven: How long (said he) O Lord, wilt thou see our nation thus afflicted without taking care of us? Behold how we are made a prey unto all men? whilst thus he walked before the gate and lamented bitterly, news was brought him that the King was ready to sit down to his meat: For which cause he gave attendance according to his office, and served the king dutifully, during his time of repast. As soon as supper was done, the King grew pleasant and joyful, and casting his eyes upon Nehemias (whom he perceived to be heavy and disconsolate) he asked him what he ailed? Nehemias (after he had besought God to give him grace and persuasive speech to discourse unto the king) answered. O king, how is it possible that I should be other but discomforted, and that grief should not pierce even unto the very centre of my soul, when I hear that the walls of jerusalem (which is my native country) were leveled with the ground, and the sepulchres and monuments of my predecessors are defaced, and the gates of the City are burned? do me therefore this grace, that I may resort thither, and repair the same, and finish the rest of the building of the temple. This said, the King gave ear to his request, and promised him his letters, assuring him that he would address them to the governors, commanding them to do him honour, and to furnish him with all things necessary, to accomplish that which he intended. For which cause (said he) cease thou to be sad, and do thy service willingly. Hereupon Nehemias adored God, and thanked the king, for the promise he had made him; and therefore by the pleasure he conceived, he cleared that confusion and sorrow, that before that time he bate in his countenance. The next day the King called for him, and gave him letters unto Sadeas the governor of Syria, Phoenicia and Samaria, in which he commanded him to honour Nehemias, and to furnish him with all things necessary for that building which he intended. As soon as he came to Babylon, he took divers of his countrymen with him, who willingly followed him, & went with him unto jerusalem Nehemias having gotten licence, and authority to build the walls of jerusalem inciteth the people thereunto. 2. Esd. 2. in the five and twentieth year of the reign of Xerxes, and after he had presented his letters before God, he delivered them to Sadeas; and the other governors. Afterwards assembling the people in jerusalem, he stood up in the midst of them, and spoke unto the whole congregation to this effect. You men of jury, there is none of you but knoweth that God hath our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and jacob in perpetual memory, and that in regard of their justice, he hath never failed to have care of us: by his mercy likewise I have received the favour from the king to repair your walls, and finish the rest of the temple. I therefore pray you (who are assuredly persuaded of the envy and hatred the neighbouring nations bear unto you, who hearing that we are intent and busy in our building, will overpress us, and labour by all means possible to hinder us) first to assure yourselves in God's providence, who will oppose himself against the hatred which they bear us, and afterwards to intermit neither day nor night in prosecution of the building, but with all care continue the work in that the opportunity of the time doth challenge our diligence therein. After he had spoken to this effect, he gave order that the governors should take The year of the world 3519. before Christ's Nativity. 445. the measure of the wall, and distribute the task amongst the people, according to the burroughs and towns, and according to every man's ability: and after he had promised to employ both himself, and all his family therein, he dismissed the assembly. Hereupon the jews (incited by his authority) addressed themselves to the work; which name of jews was first imposed both on them and their religion by reason of the tribe of juda, who first of all came into these places. The Ammonites, Moabites, Samaritans, and all the inhabitants of Coelesyria, understanding the walls were raised, with such haste and diligence, were sore aggrieved, and resolved with themselves to lie in ambush, and to hinder them in their deliberations; so that they slew divers 〈◊〉. Esd. 4. 6. jews, and sought the means likewise to murder Nehemias himself; and having hired certain strangers with money to commit the fact, they laid in wait for him. They bred also a fear and trouble amongst them, by spreading certain rumours, that divers nations intended to make war against them: by which reports (being too much distracted) they desisted somewhat in the prosecution of their building. Yet none of these things could weaken Nehemias diligence or resolution, The ardent care in building the walls of jerusalem. but that (keeping a court of guard round about him) he instantly prosecuted his purpose, setting light by all occurrents; so great was his affection to accomplish his intent. And for that cause did he carefully and intentively stand upon his guard, not for that he feared death, but for that he believed that after his departure the jews would not finish the building of the walls. He commanded afterwards that the workmen in their travel should have their furnitures fast by them, so that both Masons and labourers carried their swords. Moreover, he gave order that they should have their targets by them; and he placed certain trumpeters, some five hundredth foot distant the one from the other, charging them that as soon as they discovered the enemy from any part, they should incontinently sound the alarum, and give notice unto the people to arm themselves, and prepare for the fight, for fear they should be surprised and found naked. He himself also walked the round about the city by night time, with an indefatigable courage, and without either eating or sleeping at his pleasure, but only for necessity sake: and this labour endured he for the space of two years, and three months: For the wall of jerusalem was builded again in that time, in the eight and twentieth year of the reign of Xerxes, and in the ninth month. After the City was fortified, Nehemias and the people offered sacrifices unto God, and The walls of jerusalem finished. The year of the world, 3527. before Christ's Nativity, 437. spent eight days in feasting. When the rumour was spread abroad that this building was finished, the inhabitants of Syria were sore displeased. But Nehemjas perceiving that the City was weakly manned, besought the Priests and Levites to forsake their dwellings without the City, and to come and dwell within, and to that intent he builded them houses upon his own charge. He ordained likewise, that they that intended their husbandry, should bring the tenths of their fruits unto jerusalem, to the intent that the Priests and levites by enjoying their continnal maintenance, Provifion for the priests. might intermit no time in the service of God, wherein he was willingly obeyed. By this means the City of jerusalem was very well peopled. After that Nehemias had honourably 2. Esd. 10. The death of Nehemias. executed divers other worthy actions, deserving praise, he died at such time as he was loaden with age. He was a man of a good nature, just and highly affectionated towards his country: he left the City of jerusalem encompassed with a wall, for a perpetual memory of his love unto his country. All these things happened during the reign of Xerxes. CHAP. VI How during the reign of Artaxerxes, the whole nation of the jews were in danger to be extinguished by Amans treachery. AFter the death of Xerxes, the kingdom fell to Cyrus his son, who by the Grecians was called Artaxerxes. Under his government all the race of the jews both men, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 6. Esiher. 1. women, and children, were in danger to be utterly exterminated: the cause whereof I will hereafter declare. But first of all it behoveth me to speak somewhat of the king, and to declare how it came to pass, that he married an Hebrew woman of the blood royal, by The year of the world, 3543. before Christ's nativity, 521. whose means (as it is said) our nation was preserved. After that Artaxerxes had taken the kingdom upon him, and established governors over one hundredth, and seven and twenty provinces from India, as far as Aethiopia: in the third year of his reign, he entertained and feasted all his friends with great magnificence, the nations of Persia likewise with their governors (according as it became a king so opulent, who was prepared for one hundredth and eighty days The year of the world. 3543. before the Nativity of Christ. 421. to make show of his wealth and bounty.) He feasted after this, for the space of 7. days the Ambassadors of all nations in his City of Susa, and the setting forth of the banquet was such, as ensueth. He sat in a tent, whose pillars were of gold and silver, covered with linen and scarlet veils, which were of that greatness, that divers thousands of men might take their refection therein. All the acates were served in in vessels of gold, enriched with precious stones very glorious to behold. The king likewise commanded his servants (that attended the feast) that they should enforce no man to drink, by filling continually, according to the manner of the Persians, but to permit every one of the guests to drink according to his discretion. He sent also thorough out all the country, commanding a cessation from all labour, and that every one should make holiday for many days in honour of his royalty. The Queen Vasthi also made a banquet unto her women Assuerus sendeth for Vasthi to grace his feasts, she refuteth, and therefore is cast off by him. The year of the world, 3545. before Christ's birth 419. in the royal palace. Now whereas the king was desirous to show the majesty of his queen to those he had invited, he sent unto her, commanding her to resort unto the banquet in more royal manner then the rest of her attendants: but she too curiously tied to the observation of the law of the Persians (which forbiddeth women to be seen by strangers, went not unto the King: and notwithstanding he sent his eunuchs divers times unto her, yet persisted she in her refusal to come unto him. Whereupon the king (moved with displeasure) gave over his banquet, & arising therefrom he called unto him his seven counsellors, to whom (according to the use of the Persians) it belonged to expound the laws, and accused his wife, telling them how grievously he had been wronged by her, for that being sent for by him divers times to accompany him at his banquet, she had every way refused to obey him: He therefore commanded them to declare their opinion, what punishment appertained to her. One amongst them called Muchaeus answered, that the injury was not only offered unto him, but to all the Persians, who being after that manner despised by their wives, were like to pass their lives ignominiously, for that no one of them would acknowledge duty towards their husbands, taking their example from the Queen's disobedience, which she showed towards him, who was the governor over all. Whereupon he concluded, that she that had thus dishonoured him, should be grievously punished: which done, he thought it meet that this ordinance of the kings might be published thoro●… all nations, that Queen Vasthi should be separated from his bed, and another woman chosen in her place. But the king, who vehemently loved her, and could hardly endure to be separated from her, knowing that he could not keep her contrary to law, was wholly devoured in sorrow, for that he might not be master of that which he desired. Which when his familiars perceived, they counseled him to forget the memory & love of a woman so unprofitable, & to send and seek out thorough all his countries for the fairest woman amongst them, whom he might choose and take to wife, that surpassed all others in beauty: for that by the interview & company of an other woman, the great affection which he bore unto Vasthi, might be extinguished. The king allowing and ratifying this counsel of theirs, sent out certain messengers and deputies, commanding them to bring unto his presence the fairest virgins that were to be found in his kingdom: when as therefore they had assembled a great number of them, they found in Babylon a young orphelin (without either father or mother) who was brought up under her uncle (whose name was Mardocheus) of the tribe of Benjamin, and one of the greatest men amongst the jews. It came to pass, that this Esther (for such was her name) was judged to be the fairest amongst the rest, who for her amiable countenance made all men stand at gaze to behold her. She therefore was delivered in charge unto one of the eunuchs, who carefully attended her with all the diligence that was possible, decking her with odours and precious perfumes, according to the custom of noble women; and after this manner were four hundredth virgins entertained for the space of six months. Now when he that was put in trust with this commission, thought these virgins to be sufficiently prepared, and that they deserved to approach the prince's bed, he sent every day one unto the king, to keep him company: who after some embraces sent her presently back again unto the Eunuch. But when as Esther came unto his presence, he settled his affection on her more than on all the rest, and being surprised with her love, he took her for his lawful wife: and the nuptials were solemnly The year of the world. 3549. before the birth of Christ. 41●…. The maiden Esther made Queen. Esther. 2. Mardocheus came from Babylon to Susa. celebrated in the seventh year of his reign, and in the twelfth month called by us Adar, and generally February: and he sent posts thorough all his kingdoms to proclaim a feast in honour of his marriage: he himself also feasted the Persians, and Medes, and the Princes of the nations, for a whole months space for the same cause. At such time as Esther entered into the royal palace, he set a diadem upon her head, and so lived with her, that he never questioned with her either of her birth, or nation. Her unele also came from Babylon to Susa (the chief city of Persia) where every day he walked before the palace gate, inquiring how Esther did: for that he loved The year of the world, 3●…49 before Christ's birth 415. The king's command that no m●…n ●…uld app●…oth his th●…e except h●…●…re called 〈◊〉. 4. M●…chtus d●…couereth the 〈◊〉. Esther, 2. her as dearly as if she had been his own natural daughter. Now the king had made a law that no man should approach his presence, except he were called; during the time that he was in his throne; & round about his seat there stood certain officers with their axes; ready to punish those, who being uncalled should attempt to approach the throne. The king himself sat aloft, and holding in his hand a golden sceptre, whensoever he intended to save the life of any one that approached his throne uncalled, he stretched forth the same, and touched him therewith: who being thus touched by these means avoided the penalty of death. And as touching these things we have sufficiently spoken in this place. Not long after this, when as Bagathous and Theodestes, two of the king's eunuchs, had conspired against him; Barnabazus, who was of the Hebrew nation and one of their servants, disclosing their treason, discovered it to the Queen's uncle Mardocheus, who by her means made the king privy to their conspiracy. Who sore troubled herewith, found out the truth by examination, and after he had commanded them to be executed on the gibbet, he for that time gave no recompense to Mardocheus for the safeguard of his life: he only commanded his name to be registered and chronicled in his commentaries, commanding that he should attend in the palace, and be esteemed for one of the kings most inward friends. Now as often as Aman (the son of Amadath an Amalechite) came unto the palace to visit the king, all those that were either Persians Aman being▪ ho●…ured by all men is neglected by the jews. Esther 3. or trangers (according to the kings especial direction) did him honour: But Mardocheus showed him no honour (both by reason of that upright judgement that was in him, as also for that the laws of the jews f●… bade the same.) Which when Aman had observed, he demanded whence he was? and understanding that he was a jew, he was much displeased, saying in himself, that the Persians who were of freer condition, cast themselves prostrate before him, and he that was but a slave disdained to do the like. Intending therefore to revenge himself on Mardocheus, he thought it not sufficient to procure his punishment at the king's hands, but resolved wholly to exterminate his race (for he was by nature a capital enemy of the jews, by reason that the Amalechites, from whom he challenged his descent, had been wholly ruinated by them.) For which cause, he addressed himself unto the king, and accused them, saying that there was a certain cursed nation spread thorough his whole kingdom, insociable, and abhorring the customs of other men, who used divers laws and ceremonies hateful both for their manners, and studies to all the rest of his subjects, and all mortal men. This nation (saith he) if thou wilt do a gracious and acceptable favour unto thy people, thou shalt utterly extinguish, and leave neither captive nor slave alive amongst them. And lest your majesties tribute should be any ways impaired by these means, I promise you of mine own revenues forne thousand talents of silver, desiring rather willingly to forbear so much money, then that your kingdom should be unpurged of such a cursed race of men. When Aman had made this his request, the king answered, that he forgave The de●…ruction of the jews granted unto Aman. him the money, and that he permitted him to deal with that nation as best him liked. When Aman had obtained this his desire, he presently sent an edict thorough all nations in the king's name, and to this effect. The great king Artaxerxes unto his governors of a hundredth, and seven and twenty provinces, extending from India as far as Aethiopia: Health. Having obtained the Empire over so many nations, and extended my dominion over the world, according to mine own pleasure, without being constrained to offend any of my subjects, by using our power more proudly and importunately then becometh us, but showing ourselves favourable and merciful in providing for their peace, and plentiful estate, we have searched out the means thereof, to the intent that we might perceive the fruit. Being therefore admonished by my friend Aman (who for his wisdom and justice is more honoured then all others by me, and for his approved fidelity, hath the second place in authority next me) that there is a certain race of men intermeddled among you, enemies to all humanity, using none but their own laws, and such as are different from others, disobedient to their kings, and of depraved manners and customs, that neither allow our monarchy, nor further our affairs: I will and command, that they (being made known by Aman, a man whom we hold as dear as our father) be slain, with their wives, and children; so as you spare none of them, attributing more unto your own mercy then our edict: and this command we to be done the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of this present year, that in one day cutting off all our enemies, hereafter it may be lawful for you to live in peace and security. This edict being spread thorough all places of the country, and published in every city; all men addressed themselves against the prefixed day, utterly to exterminate the jews: and no les diligence was there used in Sufan the Metropolitan city. Mean while the King and Aman feasted, and made good cheer, whilst the City hung in The year of the world. 3549. before Christ birth. 415. The lamentation of the jews upon the hearing of this edict. Esther. 4. suspense, being troubled with the expectation of the event of that which should follow. But Mardocheus having intelligence hereof, rend his garments, put on sackcloth, and cast ashes on his head, walking thorough the City, and crying that their nation had not committed any crime that deserved death: and using these or such like speeches, he came unto the King's palace, & stood before the gate, because it was unlawful for him to enter thereinto in that habit: The like also did the jews that were in the Cities, where those edicts had been published against them, weeping & lamenting their miseries. But when the news hereof was brought unto the Queen, that Mardocheus stood before the palace gate in a lamentable estate, she was sore troubled, & sent certain of her servants unto him to command him to exchange his attire; but they could not persuade him to put off his sackcloth, because the inconvenient, for which he had put it on, was not overpast. She therefore called unto her her Eunuch Acratheus, and sent him unto Mardocheus, to know what hateful accident had befallen him, that made him put on this desolate habit, and pour forth those lamentable tears (notwithstanding she had instantly prayed him to disrobe him of the one, and dry up the other.) Hereupon Mardocheus told the Eunuch of the edict made against the jews, and sent by the king unto all his provinces; the offer of the money that Aman likewise had tendered to the king, whereby he had bought the utter ruin of his nation at the king's hands. The year of the world. 3●…54. before Christ's birt●… 410. Moreover he gave him the copy of that which had been proclaimed in Susan, to be delivered unto Esther: whom he commanded to beseech the king, and to esteem it no dishonour to put on an abject and base garment, to save her nation, and to preserve the jews from that death, whereunto at that time they were exposed: for that Aman the next in honour to the king, had accused the jews, and incensed his majesty against them. When Esther understood this, she sent again unto Mardocheus, giving him to understand that she was not called for by the king, and that whosoever entered unto him, and was not called, should die, except the king would warrantise him by stretching out his golden sceptre: for he, unto whom the king extended that favour, although he were not called unto him; yet suffered he not death, but obtained pardon. When these things were reported by the Eunuch from Esther unto Mardocheus, he commanded him to tell her, that she ought not so much to tender the particular respect of her life, as the lives of her whole nation; assuring her, that if at that present she had not care of them, their succours should wholly proceed from God by some other means then this: but she and her father's house should be destroyed by them, whom she had contemned. Upon this reply, Esther sent the same messenger back again unto Mardocheus, commanding him to repair unto Susan, and to Fasting & prayers unto God for the safety of the people. call a general assembly of all the jews that remained there, willing them for three days space to fast and abstain from all kind of meat for her safety, and that both herself and her servants would do the like, promising them that at that time she would present herself to the king, notwithstanding his contrary edict; and that if she must needs die, she would willingly endure it. Mardocheus following this direction of hers, caused the people to fast, and to pray unto God for her: he likewise himself besought him that it might please him at that present to have compassion their desolate and distressed nation; as before that time he had oftentimes had care of them: and that as he had pardoned them at such time as they had offended; so now also at this present he would deliver them from that perdition which was denounced against them. For that they were not in danger to die infamously for any offence of their own, but because he only had incensed Aman unto displeasure, in that he would not adore him, or perform that honour unto him, which is only due to God: for which cause in despite he hath imagined this thing against them, who would not transgress the divine ordinances. The people likewise prayed to the like effect, beseeching God that he would have care of their preservation, and warrantise the Israelites in what place soever they were from the misery at hand, which was before their eyes, and already expected by them. Esther also besought God (according to her country manner) casting herself prostrate on the earth, clothed in sackcloth, and abstaining for three days space from meat and drink, and what thing soever else was delectable, beseeching God to have compassion upon her, that when she presented herself before the king she might have words fit to persuade and mollify him, and grace and beauty far more amiable than ever she had, to the end that by these two means she might be the better enabled to appease the king, if so be he were displeased against her; and to succour her brethren agitated and tossed in extreme danger, wherethrough the king might enforce his hatred against the enemies of the jews, and take compassion Esther resorteth to the king to solicit him in the behalf of the jews. of their imminent danger, which without his prevention would surely fall upon them. After she had in this sort for three days space both fasted and prayed, she cast off her mourning attire, and changed her habit, attiring herself like a majestical Queen, having two of her servants on whom she leaned, and the third that followed her carried up with the tops of her fingers her The year of the world. 3554. before Christ's birth 410. train, which was large and trailed on the ground: and in this equipage came she unto the king, having her cheeks stained with crimson blushes, making show of majesty mixed with beauty, & not altogether estranged from fear. But when she beheld the king sitting aloft in his throne, glorious in his garments distinguished with gold, and adorned with pearl, and rich stones, a certain fear suddenly fell upon her, and by chance he had cast a frowning and ireful look on her; whereupon being presently astonished, her members failed her, her colour faded, and she fell betwixt her handmaid's arms in a swoon. Hereon the king (by the will of God, as I verily esteem) changed his affection, and (suspecting least fear should cause his wife to fall into some grievous accident) he suddenly leapt from his throne, and embracing her with both his arms, he raised her up, and kissed her, and spoke comfortable words unto her, praying her to be of good courage, and not to suspect any sinister misfortune, for that she came unto him without any motion of his: That the ordinance was only made for his subjects: for which cause he willed her (who was equal in govemment with him) to sear nothing: whereupon he took his sceptre in his hand, and laid it on the Queen's neck (according to the law) enforcing himself to deliver her from all fear; by which means she recovered her vigour and courage, and spoke after this manner. O king (said she) I cannot easily express unto you the inconvenience that is suddenly fallen upon me: For as soon as I beheld the great, fair, and redoubted majesty of your person, my spirits forsook me, and my heart failed me. Now whilst she spoke these words with pain and feebleness, the king was touched with compassion; so as he animated and encouraged her, and commanded her to expect nothing but good; yea (said he) if thou demandest the half of my kingdom, I will grant it thee. But Esther only requested this at his hands, that only he and his entire friend Aman would vouchsafe to grace her with their presence at her banquet: which the king readily granted her. Now when they were come unto the banquet, and in the midst of their cups, the king commanded Esther to ask what she would, and he would grant it her, assuring her that he would refuse her in nothing; yea although she demanded the half of his kingdom. But she deferred to discover her suit until the next day, requiring him once more to repair with Aman unto her banquet. When the king had promised to revisit her, Aman departed with great joy, for that he alone had the credit to banquet with the king and Esther, and no other had ever obtained the like honour amongst any kings of that dominion. But in his return, perceiving Mardocheus in the court, he was sore moved, because that (notwithstanding he had looked upon him) he had not done him honour: when as therefore he came home unto his house, he called Zaraza his wife, and his friends, and told them what honour (not only the king but the queen also had done him; and how he only with the king had supped that day with the queen; and was invited the next day also to banquet with the king and her: notwithstanding he told them that he was discontented, because he saw Mardocheus the jew in the court. Zaraza his Amans hatred against Mardochaeus. wife told him, that he should cause a gallows to be raised of fifty cubits high, and that the next day he should demand licence of the king, that Mardocheus might be hanged on that gibbet. Aman praising his wives counsel, commanded his servants to prepare the timber, and erect the gallows in his court, to the end to hang Mardocheus thereon: which they diligently performed. But God mocked at Amans cursed hope, and knowing certainly what should happen, took pleasure to see it prepared. For the very same night he deprived the king of sleep, who very loath to spend the time idly whilst he was awake, but to employ it in some thing that was profitable for his kingdom, he commanded his secretary to bring him the Chronicles of the kings A laudable custom in a king. Esther. 6. his predecessors, and of those things that were done by himself, and to read the same. When as therefore they were brought and read, he found that a certain man whose name was there set down, had received a great possession for reward in reacknowledgment of his virtue. He red likewise of an other that had obtained recompense for his fidelity; and consequently of others; till at last he came to the place where the eunuchs Bagotheus and Theodestes were noted down, for a secret conspiracy against the person of the king; and how it was discovered by Mardocheus. Now when the secretary (having only recited this accident) turned over to an other history, the king stayed him, and asked him if he found therein written, that he had given any recompense to Mardocheus: He answered, that he found nothing set down. Whereupon the King commanded him to give over, and inquired of those to whom that office appertained, what hour of the night it was, and knowing that the morning was already discovered, he commanded that some one should certify him, which of his familiars attended before the palace: at this time it chanced that Aman was found there, who repaired thither sooner than he was accustomed, with an intent to beseech the King, that it might be lawful for him to put Mardocheus to death. The year of th●… world. 3554. before the Nativity of Christ. 410. Now when the officers had brought the king tidings that Aman was before the palace; they were commanded presently to call him in. As soon as he came into the king's presence, he said unto him: Knowing that thou art my affectionate and only friend, I prithee give me thy counsel, how I may condignly honour him, according to my greatness, whom I do most affectionately love? Aman thinking the advice he should give, should be given for himself (because he supposed that he only was beloved by the king more than all others) counseled him that which in his opinion was the best, in this manner. For (said he) if you intent to invest the man with glory, who (as you say) is beloved by you, cause him to be mounted upon a brave horse, and let him be appareled in a royal habit, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and let some one of thy chiefest friends march before him, and proclaim thorough out the City, that thus is the man honoured whom the king loveth. Aman gave this counsel, in that he hoped that it should be his own fortune. But the king (highly contented with this his advise) turning towards him, spoke thus unto him: Thou hast a horse, a garment, and a chain, seek out therefore the jew Mardocheus, and give them him, and match thou before him, making this public cry: For (said he) thou art mine inward friend, and it is very decent that the execution of that thing be committed to thy trust, which thou hast so faithfully counseled. And this command I to be done, in this sort; because Mardocheus hath been the preserver of my life. Aman hearing these words, beyond all expectation was confused in his spirit, & being wholly discomforted, knew not which way to turn him: he therefore issued out, having with him the horse, the purple habit, and the chain of gold. Meeting therefore with Mardocheus before the palace, who was clothed in sackcloth, he enjoined him to lay his mourning habit aside, and to clothe himself in purple. But he (who was wholly ignorant of that which had happened, and supposing that he mocked him) said: O thou wickedest man amongst men, dost thou thus mock at our afflictions? Notwithstanding being afterwards informed that the king had bestowed this honour on him for saving Honour offered to Mardochaeus. his life, and discovering the treachery of those eunuchs that would have slain him, he put upon him the scarlet habit that the king wore ordinarily, and put the chain about his neck, and afterwards mounting his horse, he went round about the City, Aman also walking before him, and crying, that thus should be dealt and done with him whom the king honoured, loved, and thought worthy of estimation. Now after they had circuited the whole City, Mardocheus gave his attendance on the king, but Aman came not in presence; so much was he ashamed at that which had happened: for which cause he repaired home, and told his wife and friends, with tears, of all that which had happened; who told him, that it was no ways possible for him to revenge Esiher. 7. himself as yet on Mardocheus, because God was with him. Now whilst they were discoursing and debating this matter together, esther's eunuchs came to hasten Aman to the banquet, and Sabuchadas one of the eunuchs seeing the gibbet erected in Amans lodging (whereon he intended to execute Mardocheus) demanded of one of the servants, wherefore it was raised up: and understanding that it was for the queen's uncle, whom Aman would require at the king's hands, to the end he might put him to death, for that time he held his peace. But when the king being seated with Aman at the banquet, required the Queen to declare what she would require that he might grant her, she began to lament the danger of her people, saying, that she with her whole nation were made a prey to the sword, and that for that cause she broke out into that discourse: For (said she) I had not troubled your majesty, neither had I been aggrieved, if you had commanded that all the jews should be sold, and led away captives to extreme misery; for that affliction might have been borne: she therefore prayed him to redeem them from those miseries. When as therefore the king demanded who it was, that practised that tyrannic: she began publicly to accuse Aman, saying, that he alone was that wretched and envious man, who had complotted their tragedy. Hereupon the king was very sore troubled, and rose from the banquet to depart into the garden: then began Aman to pray and beseech Esther to forgive him his offence, for that at that present he was in a dangerous estate. Now Aman having all his treacheries and cruelty discovered in the banquet is adjudged to the gallows. whilst he was fallen upon her bed to beseech her favour, the king entered, and grew the more displeased at that he saw, and said: O thou cursed amongst men, darest thou attempt to enforce my wife? Aman was wholly confounded with this question; so as he had not a word to answer him. Hereupon the Eunuch Sabuchadas stepping forth, accused him for that he had found him in his lodging erecting a gibbet for Mardocheus, assuring the king that one of his household servants had told him it, at such time as he was sent to call him to the banquet; alleging moreover that the gibbet was fifty cubits high. Which when the king understood, he adjudged Aman to no other death, but that which he intended against Mardocheus; and thereupon presently commanded The year of the world, 3554 before Christ's birth 410. Esther. 8. that he should be hanged upon the same gibbet, until he were dead. And in this place it behoveth me to admire the majesty of God, in considering what his wisdom and justice is, in that he not only punished the wickedness of Aman (as he had deserved) but also caused him to fall into the same snare which he had prepared for an other man. Thus died Aman, who had unjustly abused the king's friendship: as for his goods they were given unto the Queen. After this, the king called for Mardocheus unto him (for already he had notice that he was his wives uncle) and gave him the ring which he had given unto Aman: the Queen likewise gave Amans goods bestowed on Mardochaeus. him his goods, and required the King to deliver the nation of the jews from that dismay whereinto they were fallen, thorough the peril of their lives: letting him see those letters which were sent by Aman the Amadathite thorough all his countries, assuring him that she could not live to behold the death of her brethren, and the total ruin of her country. The king assured her, that he had undertaken nothing that might discomfort her, avowing to her, that he would not contradict her will, wishing her to write herself in the king's name all that, which she would have done in the behalf of the jews; promising that when she had done the same, he would seal it with his own seal, giving her authority to send the same thorough all his realms: to the end that they that read those letters, confirmed by the king's seal, should not any ways contradict the execution of the same. Whereupon he sent for his secretaries of estate, commanding them to write unto the magistrates of all the nations as touching the jews, and to the princes and governors of one hundredth, twenty and seven provinces, from India as far as Aethiopia. The contents of which letters were these: Artaxerxes the great King to the governors and those that faithfully rule under us; Health. Many men being puffed up with pride, by reason of the many and mighty The king's letters for the security of the jews. benefits and honours, which they receive thorough the too lavish liberality of their benefactors, do not only exercise their pride towards their inferiors, but also are not afraid to wax insolent against them, who are the authors of their benefits, extinguishing as much as in them lieth, all gratuity that hath ever been amongst men, and being corrupted with unexpected felicity abuse those graces against them, by whom they have gotten the same, in effect no ways fearing God, whose power they suppose they can deceive. On the other side, other some enhanced to the administration of the common weal, and giving place to the hatred they have conceived against some particular men, deceive their princes, and by false accusations and detractions provoke and kindle their wrath against those, who have not done amiss: whence it cometh to pass, that they are sometimes in extreme danger to lose their life. The proof whereof appeareth not only in ancient histories (the knowledge whereof we have only obtained by hearsay) but by that likewise which hath been audaciously attempted before our eyes; so that hereafter we ought not to give credit to detractions and accusations, nor to such things as men enforce themselves to persuade: but it behoveth every man to judge according to the truth of that he knoweth, and to punish that which is faulty, and to pardon that which requireth pardon, in considering the acts, and not the words that are spoken. For it is most notorious unto all men, that Aman the Amadathite (an Amalechite by nation, and by that means a stranger, and not of the Persian blood, but entertained by us) hath in all things enjoyed the fruit of our bounty hitherto; so that he hath been called our father, honoured by all men, and obtained amongst all men, and in all things the second place of honour after us: yet could he not equally make use of his good hap, neither with prudent advice entertain the greatness of his felicity; but hath sought the means to deprive Mardocheus of his life, who preserved mine, seeking by his fraud and malice to practise the ruin of Esther the companion of our life and kingdom; and by this means striving to dispossess me of my most faithful friends, he determined to transfer the kingdom unto others. Touching myself, in that I know that the jews, who are by this wretch destinated to die, are no wicked men, but such as live under a well pollicied government, praying God continually that it would please him to continue the kingdom in us, and our successors: I absolve them not only of that penalty, contained in my former letters sent by Aman (which by these presents I utterly disannul) but my pleasure likewise is, that they be had in all honour. As for him that practised these things against them, I have caused him and all his race to be hanged before the gates of Susan, according to the just judgement of God inflicted on them for their offences. My will and pleasure therefore is, that the copy of this letter be sent thorough all the countries of our obeisance, to the intent that the jews be suffered to live, according to their own laws, in peace; and that assistance may be given them, to the end they may revenge themselves of those, who have offered them outrage in their adversity. And I command that this be done the thirteenth The year of the world. 3554. before Christ's birth 410. day of the twelfth month called Adar, which is the day that God ordained for their preservation (when as they were appointed to be slain) which day I desire to fall out fortunate to those that love us, and a monument of revenge on those that pretended our ruin. My pleasure likewise is, that all men, cities and nations should know, that whosoever shall neglect, thorough obstinacy, to fulfil the tenor of this my mandate, he shall be pursued with fire and sword: and let these copies be set up throughout all our dominions, and let each man of the jews upon the prefixed day, prepare himself to be revenged on his enemies. As soon as the Posts had received these letters, they presently mounted on horseback, and road each of them his appointed way, and Mardocheus being clothed in a royal habit, and adorned with a crown of gold on his head, and a chain of gold about his neck, issued forth: and The jews revenge them on their enemies. the jews of Susan, seeing him thus honoured by the king, supposed that his good hap was an assurance of their own: and when the king's letters were published, a joy as it were a bright beam of consolation environed the Hebrew nation, as well those that were in the city of Susan, as they that were amid the country; so that divers men of other nations circumcised themselves, for fear they had of the jews, supposing that in so doing they should be in security. For the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (by the Hebrews called Adar, and by the Macedonians Distre) the Posts that carried the king's letters certified them, thatthey should exterminate their enemies on that very day, whereon they themselves were in danger to be exterminated. The governors likewise of the provinces, the lords, kings, and secretaries, did honour to the jews: for the fear they had of Mardocheus constrained them to moderate themselves; and after the king's letters were published thorough all the country, it came to pass, that the jews slew about five Esther. 9 hundredth of their enemies. But after the king had declared unto Esther, the number of the dead that perished in the City, suspecting with himself what might happen thorough the whole country, and had likewise questioned with her if she requested any further matter, promising her that he would see it executed: she besought him that it might be lawful for the jews to revenge them yet once more the next day upon their enemies, and to hang Amans ten sons upon the gibbet: which the king (being loath to contradict Esther) permitted the jews to do: they therefore returning the fourteenth day of the month Distre, slew about three hundredth more of their enemies; yet aliened they not in any sort the smallest portion of their goods. Furthermore, the jews slew in the Champion country, and in the Cities, about seventy five thousand of their enemies, whom they dispatched the thirteenth day of the month, and solemnised the day following. The jews that were at Susan, assembled themselves likewise on the fourteenth day of the month, and banqueted the whole day. Whence it cometh to pass, that all the jews which are throughout the world, keep and solemnize this day for a festival, and send presents the one unto the other. Mardocheus also wrote unto the jews, who lived under the Empire of Artaxerxes, commanding them to observe those days, and to solemnize them; willing them to charge their successors to do the like, to the end that this feast might continue for ever, and outlive all oblivion. For since on that day they should have been made away by Aman, they should do well if after they had escaped that danger, and taken revenge on their enemies, the very same day they should observe the same to give thanks unto God: For this cause the jews keep a solemn feast on these days and call it Purim, as who should say, Lots. But Mardocheus was great Phrurae ●…festa. Mardocheus authority. and mighty with the king, administering the kingdom with him; he had also a part of the greatness of the Queen: and for this cause the affairs of the jews had better success, than was hoped for. See here how matters passed, during the reign of Artaxerxes. CHAP. VII. Bagoses General of Artaxerxes the youngers' army, offereth many outrages to the jews. AFter the death of Eliasib the high Priest, judas his son succeeded in the office. And The year of the world. 3560. before Christ's birth 404. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7●…: The revenge taken on john for slaying his brother. after his death john his son obtained the place; in whose time Bagoses general of Artaxerxes army polluted the temple, and made the jews tributaries; so that before they could offer their ordinary and daily sacrifices, they were compelled to pay for every lamb fifty drachmas, which happened upon this occasion. john had a brother called jesus, whom Bagoses favoured, and promised to give him the high priesthood. jesus won by these persuasions, quarreled with his brother john, who was so much provoked against him, that he slew his brother jesus in his choler. It was a thing very strange, that john being a priest, should commit such, an The year of the world 3●…84. before Christ's Nativity. 380. impiety against his brother; and yet far more strange in that so cruel an act, and an offence so impious hath neither happened amongst greeks nor Barbarians. God also left it not unpunished, but for the same sin the people were reduced under captivity, and the temple was polluted by the Persians. When Bagoses had intelligence, that john (the high Priest among the jews) had slain his brother jesus in the temple, he resorted thither in all haste, and began to utter, and break forth into bitter threats against the jews: Have you (said he) been so bold as to commit murder in your temple? And when he thought to have entered into the same, they hindered him. Whereupon he replied: Am I therefore more polluted than the body that leth dead in the temple? and having spoken thus, he entered thereinto, and for the space of seven years Bagoses being The year of the world, ●…599. before Christ's Nativity, 365. jaddus high priest, whose brother Manasses marrieth Sanaballaths daughter. The year of the world, 3608. before Christ's nativity, 356. thus animated against the jews, punished them for murdering jesus. After that john was deceased; jaddus his son was made high Priest; who had a brother called Manasses: Sanaballath sent by the later King Darius to govern Samaria (for he also was of the race of the Chutaeans, from whom issued the Samaritans) knowing that jerusalem was a famous City, and that the Kings thereof wrought much trouble unto the inhabitants of Assyria, and Coelesyria; he willingly married his daughter Nicazo to this Manasses, with an intent that this marriage should be as a pledge of his good will to all the nation of the jews. CHAP. VIII. What benefits Alexander King of Macedon bestowed upon the jews. ABout that time, Philip king of Macedon died in the city of Aegaeas, being traiterousle slain Alexander made king after Philip his father king of Maced on. by Pausanias the son of Cerastes of the race of Orestes; and his son Alexander succeeded him in the kingdom: who passing over Hellespont, gave battle unto the huge army of Darius near the river Granic, and there obtained a famous victory. And hereupon he also invading the country of Lydia (after he had conquered jonia, and overrun Caria) finally set upon the quarters of Pamphilia, as it is declared in an other place. But the elders of jerusalem were sore displeased, for that jaddus brother, who was at that time high Priest, and had married a foreign woman, should be companion and associate with him in the priesthood; so as they mutined against him. For they supposed that that marriage would be but a means to animate The year of the world, 3629. before Christ's birth 335. those, who had a mind to profane marriages, & prove an inducement to other to communicate in marriage with strangers: remembering them that the cause of their evils, and first captivity was, because some of them had fallen, and offended by coupling themselves with women of foreign nations. They therefore commanded Manasses either to forsake his wife, or else never more to approach the Altar. The high Priest likewise being incensed against his brother, as well as the people, The year of the world. 3630. before the birth of Christ. 334. drove him in like manner from the sacrifice. For which cause Manasses (addressing himself to his father in law Sanaballath) told him that although he loved his daughter Nicazo very entirely; yet would he notwithstanding condescend for her sake to be deprived of the priesthood (which was the greatest dignity that could be among their nation, and which had ever continued in his race. Whereupon Sanaballath answered and promised him, that he would not only continue him in the priesthood, but also would give him the power and dignity of the high priesthood, Manasses under hope of greater fortunes retaineth the for rain wife he had. and make him governor of all places where he commanded, provided the marriage solemnised betwixt his daughter and him, were continued. He furthermore assured him that he would build a temple (resembling that in jerusalem) upon the mountain of Garizim which was the highest among the rest, permitting him to do the same with Darius' consent. Manasses puffed up by these promises, remained with Sanaballath, and grew in hope that he should obtain the priesthood by Darius' means: for Sanaballath was very old. Whereas therefore divers other, both Priests and common people, among the Israelites, were entangled in such like marriages, there arose no small commotion in jerusalem. For all they of this condition retired themselves to Manasses, The Apostasy of the priests. whom Sanaballath furnished with money, and lands to till, and houses to inhabit in all sorts, to favour the intent of his son in law. At the same time Darius understanding that Alexander, having passed the Hellespont had overcome those governors, whom he had established near unto the flood Granicus, and that he passed further, spoiling of his country, he gathered together both his horsemen and footmen, Hedio & Ruffinus, ●…hop. 8. resolving to make head against the Macedonians, before they should gain all Asia: he therefore passed Euphrates, & mount Taurus in Cilicia, to encounter & fight with his enemies in the country. Sanaballath joyful of Darius' descent, incontinently told Manasses that he would fulfil his promises, The year of the world. 3630. before Christ birth. 334. as soon as Darius should return from the conquest of his enemies. For not only he, but also all the Asians persuaded themselves most assuredly, that the Macedonians would not abide the battle against the Persians, by reason of their great multitude; but it fell out altogether contrary to their expectation. For the Persian encountering with the Macedonian was overcome, and Alexander's victory against Darius. after he had lost the greater part of his army, and left his mother, wife and children prisoners, he himself fled into Persia. Alexander arriving in Syria, seized Damascus, took Sidon, and besieged tire: and by his letters sent unto the high priest of the jews, he required him to send him some supplies in his war, and to sell his army victuals for their money; assuring him that if he desired the friendship of the Macedonians, he would give him that tribute which he paid to Darius, besides other good turns. The high priest answered Alexander's messenger, that he had sworn unto Darius never to bear arms against him, during his life time; against which oath of his, he would never work any indignity. Which when Alexander heard, he was sore displeased, and resolved notwithstanding to continue the siege at tire, until such time as it was taken; yet threatened he that as soon as he had taken the same, he would lead forth his army against the high priest, to the end that all men might know to whom they ought to keep their faith. For which cause sparing no labour) he overcame tire, and after he had given order to the estate thereof, he came unto Gaza; and took it with Babemeses the captain of the garrison that held it. But Sanaballath finding a fit opportunity to make himself great, forsook Darius, and followed Alexander, leading with him eight thousand of his subjects, and finding him upon the beginning of the siege of tire, he offered to surrender him all those places wherein he commanded, acknowledging him for his Lord more willingly than he had done Darius. Alexander accepted him willingly: whereupon Sanaballath freely informed him of the whole estate; giving him to understand that Manasses (who was brother to jaddus the high priest of the jews) was his son in law, who with divers of the same nation, were desirous to build them a temple in the countries under his dominion, assuring the king of much profit thereby, because in so doing the force of the jews should be dismembered into two parts, and they might not conspire together to make any new insurrection or trouble, as in times past they had done during the government of the kings of Assyria. When Sanaballath had permission from Alexander to build this temple, with the greatest speed he might, he finished the same, and made Manasses the high Priest thereof, supposing that it Manasses enjoyeth his desire. was the greatest advantage that might happen to his daughter's children. Seven months after the surprisal of tire, and two after the taking in of Gaza, Sanaballath died. Alexander also razed Gaza, and prepared himself to come suddenly upon jerusalem. Which when the high priest jaddus understood, he was much grieved, and sore afraid, not knowing how to grow in favour with the Macedonians: and on the other side knowing that the king was displeased against him (because before time he had disobeyed him:) He therefore commanded the people to make their prayers unto God, and he in his own person offered sacrifice; requiring God that it would please him to be a shield of defence, and succour to their nation, and to deliver them from those imminent dangers wherein they were plunged. But the next night following whilst he slept, God appeared unto him, and willed him to be of good courage, and commanding him that as soon as he had circuited the walls, he should open the gates boldly, and command the rest of the people to attire themselves in white, and that accompanied with them, he should march forward in those priestly ornaments, which were ordained by the law, to the end that in this equipage they might go and meet with Alexander, without apprehension of any future evil, because that God had prevented the same. As soon as he awaked from his sleep, he was very joyful, and certified the rest of this prediction of God; and performing that which had been commanded him, he expected in this manner the approach of the king: and when he knew that Alexander intending to befiege jerusalem meeteth with the high priest and people in white, and is honourably received by them, and doth them honour in memory of his vision that appeared unto him in the like habit. he was not far off from the City, he marched forth to meet him, accompanied with the Priests, and a multitude of other people, presenting a most royal manner of entertain, and far different from that of other nations, near unto a place called Sapha; which word signifieth a watch (by reason that from that place a man may discover the City and Temple of jerusalem.) The Phaenicians and Chaldaeans that were of Alexander's train, grounding their hopes upon his displeasure, made their attempt to sack the City, and to hew the high Priest in pieces: but it fell out quite contrary. For Alexander espying the people from a far in white raiments, and the Priests going before them in their fine rochets, and the high priest attired in a rob of purple, bordered with gold, having his mitre on his head, and his plate of gold, wherein the name of God was written, Alexander himself marched forward before the rest of his company, and fell prostrate on his face before that Name, saluting first of all the high Priest; and at the same instant The year of the world. 3630. before Christ's birth 334. all the jews together saluted the king with one voice, and circled him in round about. The kings of Syria & the rest that saw that which happened, were wonderfully astonished, and thought that the king was out of his wits: Parmenio only drew near unto him, and asked him what he meant to adore the Priest of the jews, whereas all other men adored him. To whom he answered; I do not adore him, but that God whom the Priest worshippeth: for in my sleep I saw him in such a habit, as I see him in at this present, at such time as I was in Dio a City of Macedonia: and whilst I consulted with myself by what means I might attain to the conquest of Asia, he counseled me to make no delay, but to march forward boldly, assuring me that it would be he that would guide both me and mine army, and would deliver the Empire of the Persians into my hands. Since that time I have not seen any one attired after the same manner: and at this present beholding this man, and remembering me of the vision, and exhortation that he gave me in my sleep, I hope that mine army being conducted by divine providence, I shall overcome Darius, and discomfit the Persians; and that my purpose shall have a happy issue. When he had answered Parmenio in this sort, he gave the high Priest his hand, and went with him into the City, being conducted by the priests: after this, when he came unto the temple, he Alexander's sacrifice in the temple, the confirmation of his conquest by daniel's prophecy, his bounty to the jews. offered sacrifice, according to the high priests direction, whom he honoured likewise with very great reverence. And when as likewise jaddus showed him the prophecy of Daniel, wherein he declared that a certain man of the nation of the. Greeks, should destroy the estate of the Persians, and that in his opinion it should be he: thereof Alexander was very joyful, and dismissed the multitude that attended him for that time. The next day assembling the jews, he commanded them to demand certain favours at his hands: whereupon the high priest answered, that he required the exercises of the ordinances of their forefathers, and that every seventh year they might be exempted from tributes. Which was granted them fully. They besought him likewise, that by his permission the jews that were in the countries of Babylon and Media, might live according to their laws: And he promised them willingly to do all that which they desired. He made proclamation also among the people, that if any one of them would bear arms with him (in living according to the custom of their nation) he was ready to receive them with him, and divers took pleasure to serve under him in the wars. After that Alexander had in this sort demeaned himself in jerusalem, he marched with his arm/ against the neighbouring Cities, and wheresoever he went, he was received with great affection. But the Samaritans, whose Metropolitan City at that time was Sichem (situate near unto the mountain of Garizim, in which there dwelled divers jews also, that were revolted from their nation) seeing how magnificently Alexander had entertained the jews, they resolved to demean themselves like jews. For such is the nature of Samaritans (as we have declared The Samaritans be kinsmen to the jews in prosperity, strangers in adversity. heretofore) that when the jews are in affliction, they deny all acquaintance with them, (wherein they confess the truth:) but when they perceive any beam of good adventure shining upon them, suddenly they vaunt of their alliance, saying, they are near akin, and of the race of Ephraim and Manasses the sons of joseph. They came therefore to the king's presence, and met him near unto jerusalem, with great magnificence, and demonstration of singular affection towards The ●…eare of the world. ●…632. be fore Christ's birth 332. him. And after that Alexander had entertained them, they of Sichem approached near unto him (being accompanied with those men of war that Sanaballath had sent unto the king) beseeching him that he would visit their City and honour their temple with his presence: whereupon he promised that at his return he would visit them. They required him also, that he would acquit them of the tribute of the seventh year, because they did not sow in the same. He asked them who they were that made that request? They answered him, that they were Hebrews: but that they were called Sichemites by the Sidonians. He asked them again, if they were jews? and they said, they were not. Well (said he) I have made this grant unto the jews: when as therefore I shall return, if I be more particularly informed, I shall do that which shall be held requisite. Thus dismissed he the Sichemites, but he commanded Sanaballaths men of The temple on the mount of Garizim. Onias' son of jaddus high priest. The year of the world, ●…635. before Christ's Nativity, 329. war to follow him into Egypt: promising in that place to impart possessions unto them by lot; which afterwards he did (enjoining them to live in garrison in the City of Thebais, to make good that country.) After Alexander's death, his Empire was divided amongst his successors, & the temple builded near unto the mount Garizim remained entire. And if any one were accused in jerusalem for eating unlawful meats, or for transgressing the Saboth, or for any such like fault, he fled unto the Sichemites, saying, that he was accused unjustly. In that time deceased the high priest jaddus, and Onias his son succeeded him. This was the estate of them of jerusalem at that time. THE XII. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 12. book. 1 Ptolomey the son of Lagus is made lord of jerusalem, and the rest of judaea by a stratagem, and leadeth divers jews with him prisoners into Egypt. 2 Ptolomey Philadelphus translateth the laws of the jews into the Greek tongue, and dismissing divers captives of that nation, he dedicateth many presents in the temple of God. 3 In what estimation the jews were with the Kings of Asia, and how the freedom of those Cities they built, was granted them. 4 joseph the son of Tobias driveth away the jews imminent calamity, by reason of his friendship with king Ptolomey. 5 The friendship and society between the Lacedæmonians, and Onias the high Priest of the jews. 6 The jews distracted by seditions call Antiochus to their assistance. 7 How Antiochus leading his army to jerusalem, and possessing the City spoilt the Temple. 8 Antiochus forbidding the jews to use the laws of their forefathers, only the son of Asmonaeus called Mathias contemned the king; and put his captains to flight. 9 Mathias being dead, judas his son succeeded him. 10 Appollonius a captain of Antiochus is overcome in jewry and slain. 11 The overthrow and death of Lysias and Gorgias sent out against the jews. 12 How dividing their armies, Simon overcame the Tyrians and Ptolemaidans, and judas the Ammonites. 13 The death of Antiochus Epiphanes among the Persians. 14 Antiochus Eupator overthrowing the army of the jews, besiegeth judas in the temple. 15 Antiochus giving over his siege, plighteth a league of friendship with judas. 16 Bacchides a captain belonging to Demetrius being sent with his army against the jews, returneth back to the King, without the dispatch of his business. 17 Nicanor elected captain after Bacchides and sent out against the jews, is slain with his whole army. 18 Bacchides sent out once more against the jews overcometh them. 19 How judas being overcome in battle, is slain. CHAP. I. Ptolomey the son of Lagus overcometh and surpriseth both jerusalem and judaea by a stratagem, and leadeth away divers of the jews prisoners into Egypt. ALexander King of Macedon having overcome the Persians, and established The death of Alexander, and the ware of his successors. the estate of the jews (according as it hath been spoken) he departed this life. Whereupon his dominions and kingdoms fell into divers men's hands: Antigonus was lord of Asia: Seleucus of Babylon, and the bordering nations: Lysimachus had Hellespont: Cassander Macedon: and Ptolomey the son of Lagus held Egypt. Now when as these men were at discord amongst themselves (whilst each of them affected the sovereignty, & fought the one with the other) divers great and continual wars grew to head, which afflicted many The year of the world. 3643. before Christ's birth 32●…. Cities: whereby it came to pass, that many of the inhabitants thereof died in fight, and all Syria likewise under Ptolomey the son of Lagus (who beyond his merit was called Soter, that is as much to say, as a Saviour) lived in little safety. He it was that seized jerusalem by a stratagem, and policy: for he entered the City upon a Saboth day, under pretext to offer sacrifice; and The year of the world 3643. be fore Christ's Nativity. 321. jerusalem surprised by policy, and the jews led away captive. whilst the jews suspected nothing, but spent the day in idleness and quiet, he surprised the City without resist, and overpressed the Citizens with hateful captivity. Agatharchides the Cnidian (who wrote the acts of Alexander's successors) witnesseth no less, reproaching us of superstition, as if intending thereby, that by that means we lost our City. He writeth to this effect. There is a certain nation, which are called jews, who inhabit a city which is called jerusalem, both strong and mighty. They suffered it to fall into Ptolemy's hands, because they would not stand upon their guard, and thorough their importunate superstition, they permitted themselves to be subdued by a tyrant conqueror. See here what Agatharchides saith in this place of our nation. But Ptolomey leading away with him divers prisoners of the better quarters of judaea, and the places near unto jerusalem, of Samaria and mount Garizim, sent them into Egypt to inhabit there: and being assured that those of jerusalem were most firm in maintaining their oaths and promises, according as it appeared by their answer made to Alexander, when as after the discomfiture of Darius, he sent Ambassadors unto them: he put divers of them into his garrisons, giving them the same privileges in the city of Alexandria, which the Macedonians had. After he had received their oath, that they should be faithful unto his successors, in memory of the great trust and favours he had bestowed on them, many of the other jews likewise of their own accord went into Egypt, partly alured thereunto by the plenty of the country, partly by the liberality of Ptolomey towards their nation. Yet were there continual Sedition betwixt the jews and Samaritans as touching the temple seditions betwixt their posterity and the Samaritans: for that they would keep and maintain the customs and ordinances of their forefathers; whereupon divers wars arose amongst them. For they of jerusalem said, that their temple was the true sanctuary of God, and would that the offerings and sacrifices should be sent thither: the Samaritans chose, commanded them to be brought to the mount Garizim. CHAP. II. Ptolomey Philadelphus causeth the laws of the jews to be translated into the Greek tongue: and dismissing many captive jews dedicateth many presents in the temple of God. AFter him Philadelphus succeeded in the kingdom of Egypt, and held it for nine & thirty The year of the world 3680. before Christ's nativity, 284. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2. The library of Ptolomey Philadelphus. years space. He it was that translated the law into the Greek tongue, and delivered the jews from that servitude, wherein they were enthralled in Egypt, to the number of sixscore thousand, upon the occasion that ensueth. Demetrius Phalereus master of the king's library, endeavoured to his uttermost to gather up all sorts of books that were in the world, and bought all that which was agreeable to the king's intent, who above all things was curious to assemble diversity of books. He being one day demanded by the king, how many thousands of volumes he had already gathered: he answered him, that he had already assembled about some two hundredth thousand volumes: but that shortly he would gather to the number of five hundredth thousand. Besides he certified him, that he had been lately advertised that there were divers volumes among the jews, wherein many things as touching their laws and policies were written, which were worthy of note, and deserved to be put in so memorable and famous a library as his was: which being written and set down in the Hebrew tongue, were very laborious and difficult to those that should attempt to translate them into the Greek tongue. For their characters seem to have some reference to the Syriac, and their pronunciation likewise not much dissonant from the same: and notwithstanding they have their phrase proper and peculiar unto themselves. For which cause there was no impediment, but that they might be translated: for the king defraying the charge, might easily cause it to be done, to the end that being faithfully translated, they might be afterwards placed in his library. Hereupon the king praising Demetrius care in collecting and gathering books, wrote unto the high Priest of the jews, commanding that this translation might be finished. In the mean time a certain man called Aristaeus, who was entirely beloved and befriended by the king, by reason of his modesty, and had divers times before that present resolved with himself to solicit the King, to dismiss all the jews that were in his kingdom, supposing that at that instant he had fit opportunity offered him to make his request, he spoke unto Sosibius the Tarentine, and Andrew the chief captains of the king's guard, beseeching them to favour him in that which he intended to move the king in. Having therefore sounded the affections of these noble men, he addressed himself unto the king, and spoke unto him after this manner: Since my sovereign, it behoveth The year of the world. 3684. before the Nativity of Christ. 280. us not to deceive ourselves by dissimulation, but it necessarily importeth us to discover the truth: whereas we have concluded with ourselves, not only to transcript, but also to translate the laws of the jews, the rather to perform some acceptable service to your grace, what honest pretext is there left for us to attain thereunto, as long as there are so great a number of jews kept in thraldom in thy kingdom? You shall therefore do a work answerable to the greatness of your courage and benignity, if you deliver them from their misery, considering that he who gave them their laws is God, who governeth your kingdom (as by diligent inquisition I have certainly apprehended) for both they and we adore one God creator of all things, whom we call by the name of jupiter, forasmuch as he maintaineth our life, and the lives of all men. For that honour therefore which you owe unto God, send back these people into their country, and permit them to inhabit the same, who amongst all men are most singularly affected to their religion. Neither hath your Grace occasion to suspect, that I offer these supplications and prayers unto you in their favour, and for their profit, because I am either allied or descended of any of their tribes: But whereas there is but one God, who is the maker of all men, and I myself am assured, that he taketh pleasure in those men that addict themselves to beneficence, this is the only cause that induceth me to make this request unto you. When Aristaeus had ended this discourse of his, the king beholding him with a cheerful and pleasant countenance, asked him how many thousands he thought they were, whose liberty he required? Andrew (being hard at hand) answered, that there were more than one hundredth and twenty thousand. Whereupon the king replied, is this demand Aristaeus a matter of small consequence, which thou requirest? Sosibius and the other assistants answered, that this reacknowledgement which he made unto God, who had given him the kingdom, was worthy the greatness of his courage; so that rejoicing at this their content, he charged them at such time as they delivered the men of war their pay, they should over and above the same, pay every one of them that had prisoners with them, six score drachmas: and as touching the request made by them, he promised them to dispatch his letters patents, in most ample manner, to bring a happy issue to Aristaeus suit; or rather to satisfy the will of God, which was especially to be respected. Whereunto conforming himself, he sent out his proclamation; The king of Egypt's proclamation touching the liberty of the jews solicited by Aristaeus. certifying thereby that he not only set them at liberty, who had been brought thither by his father, or those of his army who attended him; but them also who before time had been in his kingdom; or that sithence likewise had been brought thither: and notwithstanding it was told him that the money that would be required for their ransom would amount to more than four hundredth talents; yet ceased he not to confirm that which he had promised. But that it may more plainly appear how great his royal magnificence was, I have thought good to insert in this place the copy of his edict, which he sent abroad to this effect. Whosoever of you that in my father's service (by bearing arms under him) have made any roads into Syria and Phoenicia, and after the conquest of judaea have taken any prisoners, and brought them to our Cities and countries, with an intent to sell them: all they also, who have heretofore detained any, or at this present have any such captives in their possession, they are to set them at liberty that live under their thraldom, receiving for the ransom of every person six score drachmas: namely the men of war, at such time as their wages shall be paid them: as for the rest, they shall receive their money out of the king's treasury. For I am of that opinion, that contrary to my father's mind, and against all right, they have been taken prisoners, and that their country hath been in this sort evilly entreated, by the insolency of the soldiers, who have thought to make their profit and merchandise by them, in transferring them into Egypt. Having therefore an especial respect of justice, and intending to show mercy to those who are wrongfully oppressed, I command that all those jews, who are detained in servitude be discharged, and that they who held them captive receive the ransom published by us; so as no deceit or fraud be used therein. And to the end that our ordinance be exactly and fully fulfilled, our will is, that this edict of ours be publicly proclaimed three days after it shall come unto your hands; and that those, who hold such prisoners in their possession, declare how many prisoners they hold. For we suppose, that in so doing it shall redound to our profit. Moreover it shall be lawful for any man that will, to accuse the contemners of this decree, and our pleasure is that such as contradict the same, shall have their goods confiscate to the King's uses. When this edict of the Kings published to this effect, was proclaimed abroad, and that only point was omitted, that concerned those that before time had been, & afterward the second time were led away prisoners, in whose behalf he had given no direction; he showed himself most bountiful in like manner toward these: And gave order that the number and tally should be speedily gathered, and the money The year of the world, 3684 before Christ's birth 280. distributed to the committees, & treasurer's appertaining to him. Which being speedily performed in the space of seven days, all the king's ordinance was accomplished, and there was laid out for the ransoms of them all to the sum of more than four hundredth and sixty talents: For the masters exacted sixscore drachmas for the children also, grounding themselves upon the king's edict, by which it was ordained that for every person they should have that sum, extending the same even unto the children. These things being thus magnificently exploited, according to the king's command, he gave Demetrius in charge to make a decree, as touching the translation of the books of the jews. For the king did nothing rashly, but administered all things with great wisdom, and circumspection; and for that cause the copy of Demetrius suggestion, and the letters sent to this effect, are orderly registered, and recorded in writing. The number likewise of the presents that were sent, and by whom they were offered: so that who soever shall behold the same, he shall incontinently judge by the curious workmanship the high perfection of the workman, and by the excellencies of the pieces he shall incontinently know by whom each of them was fashioned. The copy of the advice and suggestion made by Demetrius is this: Demetrius to the great king: Health. Most mighty Prince, since you have committed the trust unto me to find out Demetrius' exhortatory letter to Ptolomey as touching his library. those books that are deficient in your library, and to search for such volumes as hitherto have been hid from my sight, to the end that I might gather them and perfect them, and that those which are lost, might be restored with all the diligence that thereunto belongeth, after that I had used herein all the care that in me was possible; I give you to understand that amongst others, we want the books of the laws of the jews. For in that they are written in Characters and Hebrew words, we have had no notice thereof, where through they have been more negligently handled than was behoveful: for that until this day it hath never happened, that any Prince's thought hath extended so far. It therefore behoveth thee to have them exactly interpreted: for since that those laws proceeded from God himself, it is most certain that of all other laws in the world they are the wisest and incorruptest. For which cause, Hecataeus the Abderite saith, that neither Poets nor Historians have made any mention of them; neither of those, who have been policied and governed under the same: because in themselves they are pure, and are not to be declared by impure lips. May it therefore please your Majesty to write unto the high Priest of the jews, commanding him to send you six Ancients of every tribe, such as he shall know to be most expert in their law, by whom we may clearly apprehend the sense contained in those books, to the end that having the faithful interpretation of those things that are contained therein, we may collect and gather them together to the full satisfaction of your majesties desire. When the king had in this sort been both advised and suggested, he wrote unto Eleazar the high The king's liberality towards the jews. Priest of the jews, as touching this matter: giving him likewise to understand of that liberty by him granted unto the jews that were in his kingdom: He sent him also fifty talents of gold, to make cups, ewers, and vessels, with an infinite number of precious stones, commanding his coferers, who had the charge of his jewels, to suffer the workmen to choose what stones they best liked. Furthermore he willed that a hundredth talents should be given for the sacrifices and oblations, and other uses of the temple. But after that I have declared what was the copy of the letter sent unto Eleazar the high Priest, and the manner how he obtained that sacerdotal dignity; I will set down both the rich presents, and their curious workmanship After the death of Onias the high Priest, his son Simon surnamed the Just, succeeded him in his place, who for that cause was so called, by reason of the piety which he showed toward God, & the good affection which he bore unto his countrymen. This Simon dying, & leaving behind him one only son, of young & tender years who was called Onias: his brother (which was this Eleazar of whom we speak at this present) took upon him the priesthood, and to him wrote Ptolomey in such manner as is hereafter expressed. King Ptolomey to the high priest Eleazar, Health: Whereas Prolomeis' epistle to Eleazar for interpreters to translate the Bible. divers jews dwelled in my kingdom, whom my father hath honoured (though during the reign of the Persians they were drawn thither as prisoners) some of whom he hath established to be chieftains in war, under honourable wages & conditions: To other some borne in his time in Egypt, he hath committed his forts and garrisons, to the end they might be respected among the Egyptians. After that I have been called to the government, I have behaved myself graciously towards all men, and especially towards those of your nation, of whom I have delivered more than one hundredth thousand out of captivity, disbursing their ransom out of mine own coffers: I have likewise inrouled some of those that were of age in the companies The year of the world. 3684. before Christ's birth. 280. and bands of my men of war: I have received some into my court, whom I took to be faithful and loyal, and in my opinion well worthy of such preferment: supposing that the most acceptable and the dearest present I might offer up unto God, for his providence extended toward me in advancing me to the kingdom, was to perform the same. And being desirous not only to gratify them, but also all those jews that are in the whole world, I have determined to cause your law to be translated, that after it hath been transcripted out of Hebrew into Greek, I might place it in my library. You shall therefore do well, if you choose me out six disereet and learned men of every tribe amongst you, who are already stepped in years, and send them unto me, who by reason of their age shall be well instructed in your laws, and sufficiently enabled to expound the same. For in so doing, I shall accept it at your hands, as a great honour. For this cause I send unto you Andrew the principal captain of my guard, and Aristaeus also (whom we especially honour) to confer with you: by whom I have sent you one hundredth talents of silver, as the first fruits of those gifts and sacrifices, which we intent to offer in the temple. You shall do us an especial favour, if you signify your mind unto us by your letters. As soon as Eleazar had received the king's letters, he returned him an answer full of honour Eleazar's letters in answer to Prolomey. and affection, according to the tenor which ensueth. The high Priest Eleazar to king Ptolomey: Health. If you, your Queen Arsinoe, and your children be in health, all our affairs likewise have no less fortunate success. We have received your princely letters with no small joy, and have both read and considered upon the contents thereof; we have also published them in the presence of all the people, and have declared unto them your piety towards God, and have showed them those viols which you sent us, twenty of gold, and thirty of silver; with five vessels, and a table which in way of present you have sent unto us. We have likewise showed them those hundredth talents which Andrew and Aristaeus (very virtuous and excellently learned men, and honoured by you amongst your dearest friends) have brought unto us, to be employed in sacrifices and other necessities of the temple. Know therefore, that whatsoever standeth either with your content or profit, we will enforce our own natures, to the end we may acknowledge the benefits, which you have divers ways bestowed upon our nation. We have therefore duly and continually offered sacrifice for you, your sister Arsinoe, your children and friends: the people likewise have prayed that God would send you happy success in whatsoever you desire, that your kingdom may be continued in peace, and that the translation of our law may be accomplished in such sort, as you desire, for your own commodity. To that intent we have chosen fix Elders out of every tribe, whom we send unto you, together with the original of our law. Our request is, that according to your accustomed piety and justice, you return us both our laws and these interpreters in safety, as soon as they have satisfied your expectation. Fare you well. This is the answer which the high Priest sent unto him. Yet have I thought it to be a matter merely unnecessary to set down the names of the seventy two Elders in particular, who were sent by Eleazar together with the law, notwithstanding they are set down in the Epistle. Yet think I it not amiss, to recite the excellency and fashion of those presents that were sent by the The description of those presents which Ptolomey dedicated in the temple of jerusalem. king, and offered up unto God, to the end that all men may know how zealous he was towards the service of God. For in performance thereof, he spared no immeasurable expense, but continually assisted the workmen, and examined their workmanship, to the end that nothing might be carelessly finished, or negligently performed. I will therefore set down (as near as in me lieth) the excellency of every piece (although it may be thought that the course of history requireth it not) but therefore will I discourse the same, because my desire is by so doing to express unto the readers, how great the liberality and generosity of the king hath been. And first of all I will begin to describe the table. The king desirous to make it great in all dimensions, desired to know the greatness of that The golden table. which was at jerusalem, to the intent that he might cause it to be far greater. And having certain notice how great it was, and that there was no let but that he might make his far greater, he said that he would have it five times greater than the other: but that he feared, least being so great it would be unfit to offer sacrifice thereupon; and his intention was, that the oblations, which he offered, should not only serve for show, but that they might also be somewhat proper for the use and service of the temple. For this cause, concluding that the first was of sufficient and convenable measure, he resolved that his should not exceed the other in greatness; but that equalling the same in quantity of gold, it might exceed the other in variety and beauty of workmanship. For he was ingenious to observe the nature of divers things, and to invent new and unexpected fashion: so that by his ripe judgement, he showed the workmen such inventions, as before The year of the world. 3684. before Christ's birth 280. time had not been in use; and commanded them to make and finish them, having always an eye to the model, that he had proposed them to work by. He undertook therefore to make the table of two cubits and a half in length, of one in breadth, and of one and a half in height, all of massive gold: about the which there was made a border, a hand breadth large; enriched with moving waves, on which there was a bend graven with admirable art, appearing on three sides: For being triangulary, every angle presented the same engraving; so that when it was turned, it seemed that one and the same, and no ways different figure, represented itself: within the inside of this border it was inchased with divers goodly figures, but on the outside it was far more excellently beautified and wrought, because in that part it was most open to the eye. For this cause the upper part of the table appeared to be of two parts, and of three angles, which (as we said) were apparent at such time as the table was turned, each one seeming of equal magnitude with the other. Upon the graved bends there were precious stones inchased, distant by equal proportion the one from the other, and fastened by golden buttons tied by loops. The sides of the borders (which presented themselves to the eye) were beautified with rich stones, disposed after the manner of an oval; and there was a border of golden twigs engraven round about the table: under the ovals there was a crown garnished with clusters of divers sorts of fruits, the clusters of grapes hung down, the spikes of corn stood upright, and all was enclosed with pomegranates, and the precious stones were enchased in gold thorough the whole circuit of the table, to represent each sort of fruit in their native colours. There was also a rank of ovals under the crown, not unlike unto the former, made of gold: so that on both sides, both the variety and delicacy of the work appeared, both in the bends and borders; as also in the table, in which there appeared not any difference, on whatsoever side it was turned; and from the top unto the lower foot one & the same workmanship appeared. For it had a plate of gold some four fingers broad, comprehending the breadth of the table, on which the feet of the same were stayed, which were afterwards fastened to the border by buttons and clasps of gold, to the end that the excellent and curious workmanship might the better be seen, and that on what side soever it were turned, it might always seem the same. They engraved also on the same a labyrinth, in the midst whereof there were divers kinds of precious stones, shining like stars; and amongst the rest there were Rubies and emeralds of most orient brightness, as also all other sorts of stones that either are esteemed or desired for their beauty or price. near unto this labyrinth from the one end unto the other, there went certain corded pleites in the middle like unto a Rhombus or Loseng, upon which there were certain pieces of Crystal and Amber, enchased and placed the one by the other in equal distance, and proportion: which gave a marvelous contentment to whomsoever beheld the same: The Chapters of the feet were made after the form of a lily; the leaves whereof bend themselves under the table, whereas other ways the stalk seemed to be stretched out strait. The base of the same was an hands breadth large, adorned with a carbuncle in every part. The breadth thereof was eight fingers, on which all the plate of the feet was stayed; and on every one of them was there engraven by curious workmanship ivy, and vine branches loaden with clusters of grapes; so made to life, that they seemed to be very grapes in deed. For the whole was so subtle and delicate, that when the wind blewe, the workmanship waved and was carried up on high; so that it seemed that these fruits were rather natural, then counterfeited by art. The work was made after a new fashion, as if it consisted of three pieces, and notwithstanding it was so well shut and closed together, that the seams and joints might not any ways be seen. The thickness of the Table was no less than half a cubit. See here what this present was, which through entire affection the king presented; wherein the price of the stuff, the diversity and beauty of the workmanship, and the excellency of the engraving was accomplished in perfection. Moreover, in this he so far enforced himself to perform so much, that if it might not surpass the other which was already in the temple, at leastwise in art, new invention and excellency of project, it might be far more excellent and admirable. He gave beside this, two vessels of gold, scaled from the bottom as far as the half part of the cup; and besides that, enriched with divers precious stones curiously and diversly enchased. Two golden standing cups. And in the midst of them there was a labyrinth a cubit high, made of all sorts of precious stones; and at the foot thereof were engraved spires, after the manner of twigs; and fast by them a certain fold like unto a net made in oval fashion, that ascended even unto the brims. The midst thereof was filled with little targets, of the greatness of four fingers, made of precious stones, and round about the edges thereof were lilies, ivy, flowers, and vines with their clusters of grapes engraven round about. This was the beauty and excellency of those two cups, The year of the world. 3684. before the Nativity of Christ. 280. Two silver standing cups. Thirty viols. each of them containing twenty and four pints. There were also others made of silver, so transparent, as if they had been of the purest crystal, thorough which all those things that were put into them, were naturally and manifestly discovered. He caused also thirty ewers to be made, in which all the gold that was not covered with precious stones, was shadowed with ivy leaves, and vine branches most curiously engraven, and all these things were not only miraculously wrought by the wonderful cunning of the workmen; but were in like sort seconded by an ambitious diligence of the king, who thinking it not enough that without parsimony he had undertaken Ptolemy's charge and diligence in the finishing of his presents. the charge, did oftentimes (forsaking his more serious affairs) visit the shops, and examine the works; and that which more and more increased their diligence, was, for that they saw him so intent upon the business, which made them the more earnest upon their work. And these were the presents which were sent by this king to be dedicated in the temple of jerusalem. All which being consecrated and laid up in the temple by the high Priest Eleazar, after he had greatly honoured those that brought them thither, and delivered into their hands certain presents to be tendered in his behalf unto the king, he dismissed and sent them back again. No sooner were they arrived in Alexandria, but the king (having notice thereof, and how the seventy two Elders were come with them) he sent to seek out his Ambassadors Andrew and Aristaeus, The 70. interpreters coming to Alexandria are royally entertained. who came and presented him with letters from the high Priest Eleazar, and answered him to all that which he demanded of them face to face. And being desirous to communicate with the Elders that came from jerusalem to expound & interpret the law, he contrary to his ordinary custom and manner, dismissed all those that resorted thither for their particular affairs, to whom he was accustomed to give audience every fifth day; as it was his ordinary manner also to give monthly satisfaction to foreign Ambassadors. Having therefore for that time dismissed them, he kept those by him whom Eleazar had sent unto him; who coming to his presence (accompanied with those presents which the high priest had delivered them to present unto him, with the original wherein the law was written with golden letters) he asked them where their books were: and they discovering and opening them, showed them unto him. After the king had seen them, he was very much astonished, to see the membranes & parchments so delicate, and to behold the whole form thereof so perfectly conjoined, that it was impossible to discover the seams: and he told them that he gave them thanks for that they were come unto him, & more great thanks unto him that had sent them; and the greatest and most especial thanks unto God, who was the author of these laws. Whereupon the Elders and those that assisted them, cried out altogether, and wished that all good hap might befall the king: who, thorough the excessive joy that he conceived, burst out into tears: For naturally extreme joy and most grievous sadness have like effects. After he had commanded that these books should be committed to their trust, who were deputed to that office, at length he saluted the Elders, telling them that it was very behoveful for him first of all to debate with them upon the matter, to which intent he had sent for them: and afterwards to give them entertainment: in a word, he confessed unto them, that their access was so grateful unto him, that he promised them, so long time as he lived, he would every year renew and honour the memory of the same (and by good hap it was the very same day wherein he overcame Antigonus by sea.) His pleasure was also, that they should be his guests, and he caused divers goodly lodgings to be assigned them under the Castle. Nicanor likewise, who had the charge to entertain strangers, commanded Dorotheus (who was ordinarily employed in the same) to prepare for every one of them such things, as were necessary for their diet and entertainment. For so was it ordained by the king, that in every City that had any particularity in their manner of life, there should be a commissary appointed to provide for foreigners that arrived in that place, to the intent they might be entreated according to their customs: intending thereby that their entertainment should be the more agreeable unto them, and that they might be the less tired with foreign novelties. This custom of his was put in practice at this time, by Dorotheus care and exact diligence, who in his own person disposed all that which was necessary for that hospitality. He prepared two places to banquet in, in two several parts (according as the king had commanded him) so that some of them might sit on either side of him; and the rest might be placed near unto his table, omitting nothing of that which concerned either their honour or kind interview. When they were in this sort placed, the king commanded Dorotheus to entertain them in like manner, as he was wont to do those, who repaired unto his court from judaea. Hereupon he dismissed the Egyptian priest, and other that were wont to make the ordinary prayers: which done, he commanded that one of the elders called Eliseus (who in like sort was a Priest) to bless the table: whereupon he standing The year of the world, 3684 before Christ's birth 280. The banquet that Ptolomey made for the jews and their prayers before meat. upright in the midst of them all, besought God to bless both the king & his subjects with all happiness. Whereupon there arose an applause and acclamation of all men, intermixed with joyful delight; which being ceased, they fell to their banquet, and made good cheer, with that which was set before them. When the king had held his peace so long as he thought convenient, he began at last to play the Philosopher, ask of every one of them certain questions in Physic, praying them to decide and discuss the same: and when as each of them in order had very pertinently answered to the question that was propounded unto them, the King took great pleasure therein, and for twelve days space he continued this feast. Who so desireth to know the questions that were proposed unto them in particular, let him read the book which Aristaeus hath written to that effect. In a word, the king was not only astonished at their answers, but the Philosopher Menedemus also, who having affirmed that all things were administered by divine providence, and that it appeared what the virtue and excellency of this discourse was, this questioning debate was finished. But the king protested in their presence, that their access had infinitely contented and instructed him, in that by their means he had obtained the good hap to be informed by them how to goveme his kingdom. Whereupon he commanded that each of them should have three talents given him, and that they might be conveyed to their lodgings. Some four days after Demetrius took them with him, and led them over that trench of the sea, that containeth seven furlongs, and that bridge which coupleth the Island with The translation of the Bible into the Greek tongue. the continent, and towards the northermost end thereof, he assigned them a lodging remote from all noise, and fit for contemplation: to which place after he had brought them, he besought them, that since they had all those things that were necessary for the interpretation of their laws, they would intend the same without any discontinuance of the work, until they had brought it to perfection; and they for their parts employed all their labour and diligence that was in them possible, to the end the interpretation might be exact, intending only and continually this labour from the morning until three hours after noon: after which time they employed the rest of the day in their refections; and to that end they were furnished in all abundance with all sorts of victuals. Over and beside, Dorotheus presented them with a part of divers dishes, which were prepared for the King: for so had his Majesty commanded it. Thus every morning entered they the King's palace, and after they had saluted him, they retired themselves to their accustomed place; and after they had washed their hands in the sea water, and were purified, they set them down in that manner to proceed and prosecute their translation. Now when the law was fully interpreted, and the work was fully finished in the space of seventy and two days: Demetrius assembled all the jews in that place where the law had been translated, and caused it to be read over in the presence of the interpreters themselves. Which done, the assembly approved the exposition of the interpreters: and praised Demetrius, by whose suggestions, and invention they enjoyed so great a good. They requested likewise, that this exposition should be perused, and over-red by the Nobles and governors. After this, both the Priest, the Elders of the interpreters, and the magistrates of the people required, that since this translation was so happily achieved, it might remain unaltered; so that no jot thereof might be changed. Which resolution being allowed by all men, it was ordered that if any man perceived any thing in that translation, which was either extiperant or deficient, he should consider thereupon and give notice thereof, to the end it might be corrected: dealing herein very discreetly, to the end that that which had once been adjudged good, should continue inviolable for ever. The king therefore was highly contented, seeing his endeavours and purpose in that behalf so happily and profitably finished: but above all things, he took pleasure in reading of the law, admiring at the deep conceit and wisdom of the lawmaker, and began to question with Demetrius, by what means it came to pass, that neither any Poet, nor Historiographer had made mention of that law, notwithstanding that in itself it was so admirable. To whom Demetrius gave this answer: that no man was so hardy to touch that work, by reason that it was divine and every way venerable: assuring him also, that certain men who had attempted to set their hands thereto, had been punished by God: giving him to understand, how Theopouspus God's justice upon those Ethnics that intermeddled with the sacred scriptures intending to reduce certain contents of that law into his history, had been distraught in mind for more than thirty days, & that having some intermission of his fit, he appeased God by prayer; thereby easily conjecturing what was the cause of his malady. Moreover, he was certified by a vision that appeared unto him in his sleep, that this inconvenient befell him, in that he had too curiously searched into sacred and divine matters, and had intended to communicate the same with profane men: from which enterprise since he had desisted, he recovered his right wits again. The year of the world. 3684. before Christ's birth 280. He likewise insinuated further, that Theodectes the tragic Poet, intending to make mention in some of his peomes of a certain history written in the sacred scriptures, was strooken blind; and acknowledging the cause hereof to proceed from his audacious presumption, he was restored to his sight after he had appeased God's displeasure. When the king had considered on these words, according as Demetrius had discoursed them unto him, he prostrated himself on the earth, and commanded that the books should be carefully kept, to the end they might continue in their pure integrity. Furthermore he exhorted the translators to repair oftentimes unto him from judaea, assuring them that in so doing the matter would redound both to their honour and profit; telling them that for that time he thought good to dismiss them: but when they should return unto him again of their own motion, The presents which the king bestowed upon the interpreters, and those he sent to Eleazar. they should obtain all that which their wisdom deserved, or his magnificence might impart unto them. This said, he gave them leave to depart, after he had given each of them three several suits of apparel, two talents of gold, & a cup that was in value worth a talon, & a certain bed or curious seat to sit and banquet upon. This gave he them for themselves. But to Eleazar the high Priest he sent by them ten couches, whose feet were of silver, and the furniture correspondent, and a vessel of thirty talents. Ten purple robes likewise, and a magnificent crown, and one hundredth pieces of fine linen: and besides that, he sent in way of present unto the temple ewers, basons, and two golden vessels: beseeching Eleazar by his letters, that if any one of his subjects had a will to come unto him; he would permit him, asluring him that he would highly esteem the conversation of so learned men: and that he had riches which he would employ with great pleasure in such affairs. See here how Ptolomey Philadelph esteemed and honoured the jews CHAP. III. How the Kings of Asia honoured the nation of the jews, and gave them liberty and freedom to dwell in those Cities that were builded by them. THey received honour likewise at the hands of the kings of Asia, because they had borne Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 3. The immunit●…es and privileges granted the jews by Seleucus Nicanor king of Syria. arms under them. For Seleucus surnamed Nicanor, highly respected them, & permitted them to dwell in those cities, which he built in Asia & lower Syria; yea in Antioch likewise which was the Metropolitan and chief City. Moreover he ordained, that they should be held in as great estimation, as either the Macedonians or greeks that inhabited therein: so that even unto this day that order is continued (as it appeareth by this) for that the jews refusing to anoint themselves with foreign oil, do receive a certain sum of money from the masters of the exercises in am of the oil. Which when the people of Antioch intended to abolish, during The privilege in Antioch continued to the jews. the present war, Mutianus at that time governor of Syria, opposed himself against them. Again, when as Vespasian and his son Titus had conquered the world, although the Alexandrians and Antiochians required them, that the privileges that the jews enjoyed might continue no more; yet could they not obtain the same. Whereby the humanity and valour of the Romans may appear, and in especial of Vespasian and Titus; that notwithstanding they had been so travailed by the wars of the jews, and were so bitterly incensed against them, for that they had not by laying down their arms submitted themselves, but had continued war against them to the uttermost; yet deprived they them not of their aforesaid privileges, but surmounted their displeasure, which they had long before conceived against them: and in like sort had not regard to the request of two so puissant cities, as Alexandria, & Antioch were. In such sort as they granted nothing in favour of them, neither ordained any thing in disfavour of those whom they had overcome in war, to the intent to abolish one only jot of those privileges which they had in times past; but said that they that had resisted them by arms, and who had been overcome, were sufficiently punished for their obstinacy: and as touching those that had not committed any offence, they saw no reason to deprive them of their rights & prerogatives. We know likewise, that Marcus Agrippa was of the same opinion, as touching the jews. For whereas the jonians were seditiously bend against them, and besought Agrippa that it might be only lawful for them to make use of the privilege, which Antiochus Seleucus nephew (whom the Greeks entitled by the name of God) had given them; requiring that if the jews were of their blood, they might be tied to adore the same gods which the jonians worshipped. When as therefore this matter was referred to the determination of the judges, the jews had the day, and obtained The year of the world 3684. before Christ's Nativity. 280. the liberty to live according to their own laws and customs: and he that at this time pleaded their cause, was Nicholas Damascene. For Agrippa pronounced, that it was unlawful for them to innovate any ways: And if any man desire to have exact knowledge hereof, let him read the hundredth twenty three, and twenty fourth book of the histories of Nicholas. Neither ought this judgement of Agrippa's to seem in any sort strange, for at that time our nation had not by any wars procured the Romans displeasure. But upon just occasion may a man admire the magnanimity of Vespasian and of his son Titus, who behaved themselves with such moderation after so great a war, and so grievous battles, as they had fought against us. Now will I return to my purpose, from whence I have digressed. At such time as Antiochus the great reigned in Asia, the country of jewry was grievously spoiled, and both the jews Antiochus the great king of Asia and Syria vexeth the jews. and the inhabitants of Coelesyria endured many miseries. For Antiochus making war against Ptolomey Philopator and his son, called Ptolomey the Famous, they were pitifully perplexed. For whether Antiochus either overcame or was overcome, they were continually spoiled: so that betwixt the prosperity & adversity of Antiochus, they fared like a ship tossed and tormented with a storm. Finally after Antiochus had overcome Ptolomey, he conquered jewry. After the death of Philopator, his son sent a great army into Coelesyria under the conduct of Scopas, who seized a The year of the world, 3742. before Christ's nativity, 222. great number of those Cities; and our nation also was enforced by war and conquered by him. Not long after this, Antiochus fought with Scopas, near unto the flood jordan, and obtained the victory, discomfiting the greater part of his enemy's army; at which time Antiochus recovered again those Cities of Coelesyria, which were before time surprised by Scopas. He took Samaria also: which when the jews perceived, they submitted themselves of their own accord unto him, and having entertained him in the City of jerusalem, they gave both his army and his Elephant's abundance of provision, and willingly assisted him with their forces, to subdue those garrisons which Scopas had planted in the fortresses of the higher City. For which cause Antiochus supposing it to be a matter behoveful for his honour, to acknowledge and remunerate the affection and forwardness, which the jews had expressed in his service, wrote unto his captains and friends, signifying unto them how forward the jews had been in his wars: and to express likewise what gifts he intended to bestow upon them. Hereafter I will insert the copy of his letters, which he wrote in favour of them, after I have recited that which Polybius the Megalopolitane writeth, answerable to this purpose, which I will recite out of the sixteenth book of Ptolomey Epiphanes king of Egypt warreth against the kings of Syria. The year of the world. 3760. before Christ's birth 204 Polybius the Megalopolitane of Scopas Ptolemy's captain. Antiochus' Epistle to Ptolomey as touching the liberty of jews. his histories. Scopas (saith he) the general of Ptolemy's army, marching towards the midland, did in one winter overcome the whole nation of the jews. He reciteth also in the same book, that after that Scopas had been overcome, Antiochus seized Bathanaea, Samaria, Abila, and Gadara; and anon after the jews, which dwelled at jerusalem where the temple was, joined themselves with him: and although we are to speak more amply and particularly of that apparition that happened near unto the temple; yet notwithstanding we will refer the recital thereof until an other time. This is that which Polybius hath written. But to return unto our purpose: I will recite in this place the copy of those letters which were sent by the King. King Antiochus to Ptolomey; Health. Whereas the jews have given us a most apparent testimony of their affection towards us, since the first time of our entrance into their country, and have magnificently entertained us at such time as we were in person before their City, by presenting themselves before us with all their Elders; and have also furnished us largely with all that which was necessary for our soldiers and our Elephants; and have likewise taken arms with us against the Egyptian garrison: we have thought it a matter answerable to our honour, to afford them some satisfaction in repairing their City, ruinated by human casualties, to the intent it might be inhabited and peopled again, by gathering together those jews that are scattered abroad in divers places, and planting them again in the same. And in especial (to the end that the service of God may be renewed) we have set down a certain sum of money to be employed in sacrifices, and in buying beasts for their offerings, wine, oil, and incense; that is to say, twenty thousand sickles of silver; and for fine flower according to the law of the place, one thousand, four hundredth and sixty measures of wheat, and three hundredth, seventy and five measures of salt. And my will is, that all these things that are abovenamed, be delivered unto them according to the form of our ordinance. We likewise command, that the work of the temple be finished with the galleries, and other necessary buildings; and that all the stuff of timber be brought out of judaea and other places, and especially out of Libanus, without any tax or tallage: which exemption also shall take effect in all other necessaries that are requisite towards the reparation of so famous a temple. My pleasure likewise is, that all they of the same nation govern their estate, according The year of the world. 3760. before Christ birth, 204. to their own laws. Let the ancient Priests and Scribes of the temple also, and the singing men be freed from all taxations, that are paid by the paul, and the tributes of the crown, and all other whatsoever. And to the end that the city may be the sooner builded, I grant unto all them that inhabit the same at this present, or that hereafter shall transport themselves thither within the month of October to inhabit, the same exemption of all charges for three years space. We forgive them moreover the third part of their tributes, to the intent they may recover themselves of their losses. We will also that those Citizens that have been forcibly led from thence into servitude, be set at liberty, both they themselves as also those that are of their alliance; commanding their goods to be restored unto them. Farewell. These were the contents of this letter. And to yield the more honour unto the temple, he sent an edict thorough all his kingdom to this effect: That it should not be lawful for any stranger to enter within the enclosure of the temple, without the jews permission; except those that should The edict of Antiochus the great in honour of the temple. be purified, according to the law and custom of the place. That no man should bring into the City any flesh of horse, mulet, wild or tame asses, leopards, foxes, or hares, or generally of any cattle prohibited to be eaten by the laws of the jews. That it should not be lawful likewise for any man to bring their skins into the City, or to nourish any such beasts in the same; but that it might only be lawful to use those beasts which might be sacrificed unto God, according to the law of their ancestors. That whosoever should contradict those inhibitions, he should pay 3000. drachmas of silver unto the Priests. Furthermore to express his piety and fidelity towards us, at such time as he heard of the troubles that happened in Phrygia and Lydia, he wrote also unto Zeuxis governor of one of the higher provinces, and his entire friend, commanding him to send certain of our nation from Babylon to Phrygia, writing unto him to this effect. King Antiochus to Zeuxis his father: Health. If thou art well, I am glad of it: I likewise am no less healthy. Understanding that those of Lydia and Phrygia are newly grown to rebellion, I have thought good (according to my duty) to prevent the same: and whilst I consulted with my friends Antiochus' Epistle to Zeuxis, in which he maketh honourable mention of the jews. what was to be done, it hath been thought fit that two thousand families of the jews, with all their households should be sent thither, all which should be drawn out of Mesopotamia and Babylon to plant them in garrisons, and places of security. For I am persuaded of their good affection and zeal towards us, both in respect of their devotion towards God, as also for the testimony which our predecessors have borne of them; namely, that they are faithful, and ready to execute that wherein they are employed. And although it be a difficult matter to remove them, yet resolve I myself that it shall be done; and withal I permit them to live according to their laws. Now when as they shall arrive in that place, thou shalt bestow on every one of them places The year of the world. 3764. before Christ's birth 200. to build them houses on, with sufficient lands both for tillage and to plant their vineyards in: for which they shall pay no tribute for ten years space: and during such time as they may gather of their own for their sustenance, they shall be allowed their provision of corn for them and their servants. Our will is also that they, who shall be employed in necessary affairs, be sufficiently provided of that they need, to the intent that being so bountifully dealt withal by us, they may show themselves the more affectionate in that which concerneth us. Thou shalt give order also to the uttermost of thy power, that this nation be no ways overpressed, or interessed by any man. Farewell. Hitherto have we sufficiently declared, what friendship Antiochus the great bare unto the jews. After this Antiochus contracted alliance and friendship with Ptolomey, who gave him his daughter Cleopatra in marriage, and assigned him for her dowry Coelesyria, Samaria, judaea, and Phoenicia; and for that these two kings divided the tributes Antiochus' friendship and confederacy with Ptolomey The Samaritans molest the jews. The year of the world, 3770. before Christ's Nativity, 194. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. Onias the h●…gh priest provoketh the king of Egypt for non payment of his tribute. between them, the chiefest in authority in every province, redeemed the exaction of their country, and paid the sum agreed upon to the king's treasury. At that time the Samaritans puffed up with their prosperity, vexed the jews, spoiling their country and leading them away prisoners perforce. This happened under the high Priest Onias. For after the decease of Eleazar, Manasses his uncle obtained the Priesthood; and after the death of Manasses, Onias the son of Simon surnamed the Just, enjoyed this dignity. Simon was brother to Eleazar, as I have heretofore declared. This Onias was of no great capacity, and withal was very covetous: by which means he failed to pay the twenty talents of silver, which his predecessors were wont to pay to the kings of Egypt, of that tribute which the people paid unto him. Whereupon Ptolomey Euergetes, the father of Philopator, was grievously incensed against him; so as he sent an ambassador to jerusalem to accuse him, for that he failed to pay his accustomed tribute, threatening him, that if hence forward he received it not, he would divide his country amongst his soldiers, and send them to inhabit the same. When the jews were ascertained of his complaints, The year of the world. 3770. before Christ's birth 194. they were confused, and amazed: but Onias was no whit moved thereby, because he was wholly given over to covetousness. CHAP. FOUR joseph the son of Tobias preventeth the imminent calamity of the jews, and becometh Ptolemy's friend. But a certain man called joseph, the son of Tobias, and of Onias' sister, who was the high Priest, being young in years (but honoured in jerusalem for his wisdom, foresight, The taxation of the high priest for offending the king. and justice) having certain notice by his mother of the arrival of this Ambassador, came unto the City (for he had been ablent in the village of Phicala where he was borne) and sharply reproved Onias his uncle on the mother's side, for that he did not any ways provide for the security of his Citizens, but sought to draw his countrymen into a general hazard, for that he retained in his hands that money which was levied for the tribute: Whereby he told him that he had obtained the government over the people, and purchased the high priesthood. And that if he were so bewitched with money, that for the love of the same he could have the patience to see his country in hazard, and behold his Citizens also suffer all that which cruelty could inflict upon them; he counseled him to repair unto the king, and to require him to bestow the whole or the half of the Tribute upon him. Hereunto Onias answered, that he would no more execute the government, and that if it were possible for him, he was ready to give over the priesthood, and that therefore he would not repair unto the king, because he was not any ways moved with these occurrences. Whereupon joseph asked him, if he would permit him in the people's behalf to go Ambassador unto Ptolomey. Whereunto Onias answered, that he gave him free leave. Upon this occasion joseph went up into the temple, and summoned the people to a general The king's ambassador honourably entertained, who reporteth Joseph's liberality upon his return into his country. assembly, exhorting them to be no ways troubled, and to conceive no fear thorough the negligence of his uncle Onias, requesting them to be confident in heart, and estranged from all sinister suspicion; promising them that he himself would go in Embassage unto the king, and faithfully plead their cause before him, and persuade him that they had committed no insolent neglect, or contempt against his majesty. Which when the people understood, they gave joseph hearty thanks. Whereupon he presently came down from the temple, and honourably entertained the Ambassadors that came from Ptolomey, and having presented them with gifts of great price, and feasted them magnificently for many days, he sent them back unto their Prince; assuring them that he himself would in person follow them. And the rather was he incited to this journey, because the Ambassador had persuaded him to repair into Egypt, under such assurance, that he would obtain all his requests at Ptolemy's hands; the rather for that he was won with the young man's free spirit and noble entertainment. Assoon as the Ambassador returned into Egypt, he certified the king of Onias' ingratitude, and Joseph's humanity; certifying him that he would come in person to entreat pardon for the people, for that offence they had committed against him; and the rather, for that he was in especial authority among the people: and so far usurped he upon Joseph's praises, that both the king and the Queen Cleopatra had a good opinion of him, notwithstanding he was as yet absent. But joseph sent unto Samaria unto his friends, and borrowed money, making his preparation for his voyage. Having therefore furnished himself with apparel, vessels, and horses, with the expense of almost twenty thousand drachmas, he arrived in Alexandria. At that very time it chanced that the Princes, and governors of Phoenicia and Syria repaired thither to buy their tributes: for the king was accustomed every year to sell them to the men of most respect in every City: These meeting with joseph on the way, began to mock at his baseness and poverty. But when he came to Alexandria, and had intelligence that the king was at Memphis, he set forward and went out to meet him. When as therefore the king, accompanied with the queen and Athenion his friend, who had discharged the place of Ambassador in jerusalem, came riding onward in his chariot; Athenion (who had been honourably entertained by joseph) perceiving him upon the way, certified the king that it was he, of whom he had spoken upon his return from jerusalem; protesting on his behalf, that he was both a good and honourable young man. Whereupon Ptolomey embraced him above the rest, and made him mount his chariot. Where he was no sooner seated, but the king began to accuse Onias for that which he had committed. But joseph said unto him: Pardon him, O King, and have respect to his old old years. For you know that ordinarily old men & young children have one and the same understanding; but for our The year of the world. 3770. before Christ's birth 194. selves; who are young, you shall have what you please to require without any pretext or cause of discontent. Hereupon the king took pleasure in the good behaviour and pleasant discourse of the young man, and began to love him the more, as if he had received a present attestation of his wisdom: whereupon he commanded that he should be lodged in his own palace, and that daily he should accompany him at his princely table. As soon as the king came back to Alexandria, the Lords of Syria seeing joseph sitting near unto the king, were sore displeased; and the day drawing near wherein they were to receive the assurance of their tribute, they that were of the greatest reckoning in their country farmed the same; so that the tributes of Coelesyria, Phoenicia, judaea, and Samaria, amounted together to eight thousand talents. Whereupon joseph arising, blamed the farmers for that they had plotted amongst themselves to beat down the price of the tributes, promising to give the double; and that he would likewise return the forfeitures that were levied upon the goods of such as offended; which were farmed together with the tributes. The king gave ear to this discourse of his with great content, and said, that he The tributes of Coelesyria committed to joseph. approved the sale of these tributes unto joseph, who in this sort augmented his revenue. When as therefore he was demanded whether he could give sureties: he made him answer with a bold courage: O king (said he) I will give thee such pledges, as are both worthy and honourable, and such as you cannot mistrust. Whenas therefore the king instanted him to produce them: I w●… (said he) O king, present thee for sureties, thyself, & the Queen thy wife, that one of you may be a surety for me to the other. Ptolomey smiling hereat, granted him the farm of the tribute, without further surety. This favour of his displeased those governors of the Cities that were come into Egypt, in that they saw themselves contemned and constrained to return with shame unto their houses. But joseph obtained two thousand footmen from the king, to the end to enforce the tribute from those Cities, who were negligent in their payments: and after he had borrowed five hundredth talents of the king's friends in Alexandria, he departed into Syria. As soon as he came to Ascalon, he demanded the payment of the tribute at the Citizen's hands, which they not only refused to perform, but moreover upbraided him with injurious words. For which cause laying hold on about some twenty of the principals among them, he put them to death: and having gathered their substances together, he sent the King some thousand talents, certifying him of that which he had done. Ptolomey admiring at his wisdom, and allowing of his execution, permitted him to dispose of all things at his pleasure. The Syrians understanding hereof, were sore abashed; and perceiving that the Acalonites were slain by The Ascalonites and Scythopolitans punished for their contempt. joseph, thorough the severity of his justice and their disobedience, they opened him the gates, and received him willingly, and paid him their tributes. Whereas also the Scythopolitanes in way of contumacy refused to lay down, according to order, their accustomed tributes; he slew the chiefest amongst them: the confiscations of whose goods he sent unto the king. When as therefore he had gathered much silver, and made great gains of the purchase of the tributes, to the intent to establish and make his power of more continuance, he liberally employed his gettings; considering with himself that it was a part of wisdom to keep and entertain his good hap, by those riches which he himself had gotten: For he sent many presents both to the King and Queen, and bestowed liberal bounty both on their familiars and favourites, and also on all those which had any authority, credit or favour in the court, to win and bind them unto him by his benevolence. And in this felicity of his continued he the term of twenty two years; during which time he was the father of seven children by one wife, and of an other called Hircanus, Joseph's wealth and children. whom he begot on the daughter of his brother Solymius, whom he married upon this occasion which ensueth. Walking upon a time in Alexandria in the company of his brother (who led with him his daughter already marriageable, to the intent to bestow her upon some jew of good quality) whilst he sat at meat with the king, there entered into the banquet a certain fair damsel, trained up in dancing; with whom growing enamoured, he told his brother thereof, praying him that since by the laws of their country it was forbidden that a jew might marry with a stranger, that he would hide his fault, and be a faithful assistant unto him, to the end that he might enjoy her whom his heart desired. His brother promised him to show his willing forwardness herein; and in the mean time he adorned and decked his own daughter, and brought her by night unto his bed: whereupon he lay with her (not knowing who she was, by reason he had drunk overmuch) and had her company. Which coming to pass divers times, he was as yet far more burningly inflamed with the love of this dancer, and told his brother that he was in danger to The year of the world 3770. before Christ's Nativity. 194. be enamoured all his life time; and that notwithstanding the king would not grant her unto him. His brother told him, that he ought not to vex himself, promising him that he should assuredly enjoy her whom he loved, and that already she was his wife; opening unto him how all things had happened, and how he had rather wrong his own daughter then to suffer his brother to fall into dishonour. After that joseph had praised the kind & natural affection of his brother towards him, he took his daughter to wife, who bore him a son called Hircanus, as it hath been said. Who being thirteen years old, gave testimony of that natural spirit, and dexterity that Hyrcanus' offspring and towardness. was in him; by reason whereof his brethren conceived a certain hatred against him, the rather for that he excelled them in all things, and had such parts in him, as might draw them to emulate him. Whereas therefore joseph was desirous to know which of his children had the ripest judgement, and understanding; he sent them one after another to those masters, who were most renowned for science in that time; but all of them returned back unto him rude, and illettered, by reason they were negligent and idle. Whereupon he sent Hircanus the youngest of them after all the rest, into a desert place distant from the high way some seven days journey, and gave him with him three hundredth couple of oxen, to sow the ground in that barren place, hiding from him before his departure the yokes that should couple them together. When as therefore he came unto the place, and perceived that the yokes were missing, he asked advise of some of the husbandmen: who counseled him to send some one back unto his father to fetch the couples. But he supposing that he ought not to lose so much time as would be spent in sending back a messenger, devised a cunning expedient stratagem, more than might be expected from one of his years. For he caused ten couple of oxen to be slain, and distributed the flesh amongst his workmen, and made them cut the skins, and fashion couples thereof, and having yoked his oxen, he caused the land to be manured, according to his father's direction; and afterwards returned home unto him. Who loved him the more entirely, by reason of his wisdom, and the subtlety of his understanding; praising beside that his resolution and execution, esteeming him the more, for that he was his only true son, to the general discontent of the rest. Whenas therefore news was brought unto joseph, that about that time king Ptolomey was blessed with a young son, and how all the chiefest Lords of Syria, and the countries under his obeisance, repaired to Alexandria in great pomp to celebrate the birth day of the king's son; he being of himself unable (by reason of his age) to repair thither, he sounded his children, whether any one of them would go and visit the king. Whenas therefore the elder sons had excused themselves, and made refusal to undertake the journey, pretending that they were of insufficient ability to perform the message, and all of them gave counsel that their brother Hircanus might be sent: joseph took great pleasure thereat, and calling for Hircanus, asked him if joseph sendeth his son Hircanus to Ptolomey. he would go to king Ptolomey; who promised to undertake the journey, and told his father that he needed no great sum of money to perform the voyage; because in the way he would travel frugally, and content himself for the whole expense with ten thousand drachmas. joseph was very glad to hear of his son's prudence; and after Hircanus had kept silence for a while he counseled his father, that he should not present the King with any thing out of judaea, but that he should write unto his factor in Alexandria, commanding him to deliver such sums of money as he thought convenient to buy that which he found to be most magnificent & of best esteem in that City. joseph imagining with himself, that perhaps he would only employ some ten talents in presents, and allowing his sons counsel, wrote unto his factor Arion (who had the The year of the world. 3780. before Christ's birth 184. Treason intended against Hircanus. use of almost three thousand talents of his in Alexandria.) For gathering up his money in Syria he was wont to send it thither; and as oft as the prefixed time came wherein the king's tributes were to be paid, he commanded Arion to defray the same: Having therefore letters of credence unto him, he journeyed towards Alexandria. Whereupon his brethren wrote presently unto all the king's friends, that by some means they would make him away. As soon as he was arrived in Alexandria, and had delivered his father's letters to Arion; Arion asked him how many talents he would have? hoping that he would crave but ten, or some little overplus: but when Hircanus had told him that he had need of a thousand, he waxed wroth; and reproved him for his prodigality, telling him how his father had gathered his goods with much travail, and thrifty sparing; and refusing his demands, he prayed him to imitate his father's example who had begot him: and in a word he told him, that he would deliver him no more than ten talents; and that for no other use, then to buy gifts to present the king withal. Whereupon Hircanus waxing angry, caused Arion to be kept in prison: All which his wife certified to Cleopatra, praying her that she would moderate the young man (for Arion was in great estimation with the The year of the world. 3780. before the Nativity of Christ. 184. Hircanus' apology of his actions. Queen) who for this cause acquainted the king with the matter. Whereupon Ptolomey sent for Hircanus, and said unto him; that he marveled that being sent unto him from his father, he had not as yet visited him; and besides that, he had committed his father's agent to prison: he therefore commanded him to yield him a reason thereof. Whereunto he answered, that there was a law among the jews, that no man should taste of the sacrifices that had not first of all visited the temple, and sacrificed unto God; and that in that respect he had not hitherto visited his majesty, because he expected certain presents to present his highness with from his father, who was his bounden servant. Furthermore, he alleged, that he had punished his father's servant, because he had disobeyed his commandment, which he ought not to do, whether his master were either noble or ignoble: and if (said he) we chastise not such men as they have deserved, expect (O King) that you also shall be neglected by your subjects. When Ptolomey heard these words, he began to smile, and wondered at the magnanimity of the young man. Arion perceiving that the king held himself satisfied, and that he was like to have no assistance at his hands, delivered Hircanus the thousand talents, and by this means was he set at liberty. Some three days after, Hircanus came and saluted both the king and Queen, who entertained him graciously, and feasted him kindly, for the affection sake which they bore unto his father. He privily enquiring among the merchants, bought one hundredth young lads well lettered, and in the flower of their age, paying a talon for every one; and the like number of virgins for so many talents. Being therefore invited to a banquet by the king, with all the Princes and other Lords, he was placed beneath them all, because that (by reason of his young years) they that assigned the places, according to every man's dignity, made small account of him. Now when as all the guests, after they had eaten their meats, laid all their bones before Hircanus, so that the table was loaden round about him, a certain pleasant fellow of the Kings called Triphon (whose merry conceits and jests the king very willingly listened unto) during the time he was at meat, being solicited by those that were at the table, came unto the king and said unto him. See here my liege, what store of bones are before Hircanus: hereby you may conjecture, that his father hath fleeced all Syria, as he hath bared these bones of flesh. The king laughing Hircanus' jests. at Triphon's words, asked Hircanus how he came by so many bones before him? Not without great cause (said he) O king; for dogs devour the flesh with the bones, as these do (in which speech he glanced at those who sat with him at the table, because they had no bones before them) but men eat the flesh, and cast the bones away, as I do, because I am a man. The king wondering at his discreet answer, commanded all the rest to applaud him, in approbation of his witty urbanity. Hircanus' sounding what other men would give, gavemore then the rest, for which he receiveth another kingly reward. The next day he sought out all the king's friends, and the principals in court, and saluted them one by one, inquiring of their servants, what presents they would court the king with upon the birth of his son? Who told him, that some of them would give twelve talents, and othersome that were in dignity, would present him according to their ability. Whereupon Hircanus made a show of discontent, in that he wanted power to offer such a present, pretending that he had no more but five talents. All which these servants presently reported to their masters: who were very joyful thereat, for the hope they had conceived that joseph should be blamed, and would offend the King thorough the abjectness of his present. Now when the day of the solemnity was come, and they likewise that pretended to present the king most magnificently, offered no more than twenty talents: Hircanus presented the hundredth young Lads he had bought, to the King, and the virgins unto Cleopatra: for whom he had paid a talon by the paul. At this unexpected magnificence of his gift, all men were amazed: but beside this, he gave gifts of divers talents to the King and Queen's favourites and servants, and their attendants; whereby he warranted himself from the danger that might fall unto him by their means. For the brothers of Hircanus had written unto them, to murder him. Ptolomey was highly delighted in the great magnificence of this young man, and willed him to ask whatsoever gift he best liked at his hands. But he required no other thing, but that it would please the King to recommend him, by his letters, to his father and brethren. When as therefore the king had singularly honoured him, and had given him many bountiful rewards, he wrote unto his father, and his brethren, and all his governors, and commissaries, and in that sort sent him away. His brothers hearing news how he had in all things highly contented the king, and that he returned with great glory, they issued Hircanus' brothers assailing him on the way, are slain and discomfited. out to meet with him, with an intent to murder him, with their father's knowledge. For he being displeased with him, by reason of his above named large expense, had no care to warrantize him: yet concealed he his discontent for fear of the king. But when his brothers came and encountered him on the way, he slew divers of those that accompanied them, and two of his brethren The year of the world, 3780. before Christ's birth 184. also were left slain upon the place, and the rest fled to jerusalem unto their father. And when as upon his repair unto jerusalem, he perceived that no man entertained him, he waxed afraid, and departed presently from thence to the other side of jordan, where he passed his life in receiving and gathering the tributes of the Barbarians. In that time Seleucus surnamed Soter the son of Antiochus the great reigned in Asia. At that time also died joseph, Hircanus' father, who was a man of good conceit and great courage; who established the people of the jews in their entire Joseph's death. Onias, and after him Simon his son high priest. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. peace, and had released them from provertie and many desasters, and had held the tributes of Syria, Phoenicia, and Samaria for the space of twenty two years. His uncle Onias died also about the same time; leaving the priesthood to his son Simon; after whose death, his son Onias was made high priest: to whom Arius king of Lacedaemon sent an ambassade and letters, the copy whereof hereafter ensueth. CHAP. V. The friendship and society of the Lacedæmonians, with Onias the high Priest of the jews. ARius King of Lacedaemon, to Onias' Health: We have found out a certain writing wherein The letter of the king of Lacedaemon to the high priest of the jews. 1. Machab. 12. it is recorded, that the jews and Lacedæmonians are of the same race, and both of them descended from Abraham. It is therefore requisite, that since you are our brethren, that you give us to understand wherein we may pleasure you. The like will we do also, and will repute that which is yours to be ours; as that which is ours, shall in community be yours. Demoteles our messenger bringeth you our letters folded in square, the seal whereof is an Eagle holding a Dragon in hertalous. These were the contents of the Lacedæmonians letters. After the death of joseph it came to pass, that the people began to mutiny in the quarrel of his children. Sedition amongst the people after Joseph's death. For the elder brethren made war against Hircanus, who was the younger, by means whereof the people were divided: The greater part of them followed the Elder faction, and the high Priest Simon also, by reason of his affinity with them, followed their party. Whereupon Hircanus resolved to repair no more unto jerusalem, but fixing his habitation on the other side of jordan, he made continual war against the Arabians, slaying a great number of them, and taking many prisoners. He builded a huge tower of white marble from the bottom to the top, and on the same planted he the figures of many living creatures in sculpture of great height. Hircanus afflicteth the Arabians with continual war. Hircanus buildeth a strong tower. About the same he drew and forced a deep trench of flowing water; and having hewed the front of the rock that stood opposite against his building, he made divers caves therein, many furlongs long. He made also divers chambers therein, both to eat, sleep, and dwell in. He drew thither likewise currants of springing water, in so great abundance, that it gave much delight to those that dwelled there, and great ornament to the whole building. The mouth of every cave was so little, that but one only man could enter at once, which he therefore made so narrow, because they might the better serve for his security and refuge; that if so be he were at any time assailed by his brethren, he might avoid the danger of surprisal. Moreover, he builded many huge halls, which he adorned with great and goodly gardens, and this place thus builded, was called by him tire: and is situate between Arabia and judaea, on the other side of jordan, not The year of the world, 3790. before Christ's Nativity, 174. Antiochus Epiphanes king of Syria. The sons of Prolomey Epiphanes, Philometor and Physcon. Hircanus killeth himself. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 6. 1. Macchab. 1. jesus created high Priest by Antiochus Epiphanes. jesus deprived of the priesthood. far from the country of Essebonitis. He commanded in this country some seven years, all that time that Seleucus reigned in Syria. After whose death, his brother Antiochus, surnamed Epiphanes, obtained the kingdom. Ptolomey also King of Egypt (who was likewise called Epiphanes) died, and left two children very young behind him, of whom the eldest was called Philometor, and the younger Physcon. When as therefore Hircanus perceived that Antiochus grew mighty and strong, and feared to be punished by him for his executions done against the Arabians, he slew himself with his own hands, and Antiochus enjoyed all his goods. CHAP. VI A mutiny of the rich jews the one against the other. ONias the high Priest being dead about this time, Antiochus gave the priesthood to jesus his brother. For that son, unto whom Onias had left the succession, was as yet very young (of whom we will speak in convenient time and place.) This jesus (Onias' brother) was deprived of the priesthood, thorough the king's displeasure conceived against him, who gave it shortly after to his younger brother called Onias: For Simon had three sons, who, as we The year the of world. 3790. before Christ's birth, 174. Onias' surnamed Menelaus substituted in his place. The wars betwixt jason and Menelaus. Apostates from the jewish religion. have declared, successively possessed the priesthood: this jesus caused himself to be called jason, as his other brother caused himself to be called Menelaus, whereas his name was Onias. But jesus, who had first of all been established in the place of the high priest, arose against Menelaus, who was elected in the place after him. The people therefore were divided into factions, and Tobias sons were on Menelaus' side: but the greater number of people followed jason: so that Menelaus and the sons of Tobias being grievously vexed by them, retired themselves to Antiochus, giving him to understand, that it was their intent to forsake the religion and ordinances of their fathers, and to follow that of the kings, and to live after the manner of the Greeks; exhorting him to give them licence to erect a place of Exercises in jerusalem. Which when Antiochus had granted them, they so demeaned themselves, that there appeared no more sign of Circumcision in them; so that at such time as they were naked, there was no difference between them and the greeks, and neglecting all the ordinances and customs of their country, they conformed themselves to the behaviour and manners of other nations. Antiochus having all things in his kingdom, according to his hearts desire, resolved to make war in Egypt; desiring to be possessed of the same, both for that he contemned Ptolemy's sons age, (who were as yet weak) as also for that they were not as yet capable to manage their so mighty estates. Arriving therefore near to Pelusium with a great power, he circumvented by a subtle policy the young Ptolomey Philometor, and subdued Egypt: for after he had besieged Memphis and taken the same, he came to Alexandria, with an intent to besiege the City, and to lay hold of the king who was therein. But he was driven, not only from Alexandria, but also out of all Egypt, by the Antiochus' enforced to depart out of Egypt. The history of Antiochus Epiphanes. summons that was sent him in the name of the Romans, who commanded him to depart, and dislodge his army out of that country, as we have heretofore declared in an other place. Now will I more largely and particularly discourse the acts and gests of this king, who overcame judaea, and spoiled the temple: For having only made a brief mention of him in my former works, I think it necessary in this place to make a more exact recital of his History. CHAP. VII. Antiochus leadeth out his army against jerusalem, taketh the City and spoileth the Temple. AFter that King Antiochus was returned out of Egypt, and for the fear of the Romans had forsaken that country, he led his army against jerusalem, and encamped Antiochus entering jerusalem spoileth the temple. The year of the world, 3796. before Christ's birth 168. before the City, and surprised it by surrender, in that the gates of the City were set open unto him by those of his faction: all which happened in the hundredth, forty and third year of the reign begun by Seleucus. Now when he faw himself Lord and master of jerusalem, he slew divers of the contrary faction; and after he had gathered together many great and rich spoils, he returned back to Antioch. This misfortune happened some two years after the surprisal of the City, in the hundredth, forty and five year of the reign of that family, on the five & twentieth day of that month which we call Chasleu, and the Macedons Apellaeus, the Romans December; in the hundredth, fifty & three olympiad; at which time he neither spared The year of the world. 3798. before Christ's birth 166. them, who gave him peaceable entrance, and opened him the gates, and effected him the means to spoil the inestimable riches of the temple, with greater freedom: but being no less tyrannous to the friend, then to the offender, he spared neither. For having seen what quantity of gold was in the temple, and how huge a number of presents and precious ornaments were in the same, he was so overcome with covetousness, that he broke and violated all conventions and conditions. After therefore he had spoiled the temple, and carried away the vessels dedicated unto God, the golden candlestick, the golden altar, the table of show bread, the censors, and pulled down the curtains made of fine linen and scarlet; after he had emptied the treasures that were hidden, and left nothing behind him of any value: he drowned all the jews in grievous lamentations. For he inhibited and forbade them to offer their usual and daily sacrifice unto God, according to the prescript order of the law: and after he had spoiled the whole City, he slew a part of the inhabitants, and carried away the rest of them into captivity, with their wives and children, to the number of ten thousand. Furthermore, he burned the fairest buildings of the City, and razed the walls, and raised a fortress in the lower City. For the temple was as it were a high citadel, commanding the rest. For this cause, having enclosed it ●…ith high walls and towers, he planted a garrison of Macedonians therein, with whom remained the rabble and The year of the world. 379●…. before Christ's birth 166. Antiochus abrogating Gods law thorough extreme tyranny enforceth the jews to Idolatry, and fortifieth the temple. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. scum of the wicked Apostate Iewes, who were given over to all impieties, and who also afflicted their fellow Citizens with many and mischievous injuries. The King also commanded that an Altar should be erected in the temple, on which he caused swine to be slaughtered, offering sacrifice contrary to the religion and ordinance of the jews. He constrained them likewise to forsake their devotion towards God, and to adore those Idols whom he reverenced for Gods, building in every City and Burrow both Temples & Altars, on which he ordinarily caused swine to be offered. He forbade them likewise to circumcise their children, threatening to punish him whosoever he were, that was found to do the contrary. Moreover he chose certain oversecrs that should constrain them to fulfil his commandment; so that a great number of jews, some of their own accord, othersome for fear of the threatened punishment, endeavoured themselves to satisfy the king's decree. But those men who were of upright hearts, and valiant minds, little respected these menaces: For having more respect to their laws and customs, then to the torments wherewith they were menaced, if they performed not the edict; they were beaten, and exposed to most cruel punishment, for many days, amidst the which they yielded up the ghost. For after they were whipped and maimed in their bodies, they were crucified and tortured alive: they strangled the women also with their circumcised children, whom according to the Kings command they hung about the necks of their parents, who were crucified: And if in any place they found any sacred scripture, they defaced & burned it, and they with whom it was found, were put to a most cruel death. The Samaritans seeing this affliction of the jews, claimed them no more for their kinsmen, The devil seekehth to abolish the Bible. The variable wits of the Samaritans which made them so odious in the sight of the jews. and called their temple of Garizim no more the temple of God, but (as we have heretofore declared) they showed their own corrupt and unconstant natures, and challenged their descent from the Medes and Persians, as in effect they were: for which cause they sent ambassadors to Antiochus with letters to this effect. To King Antiochus the mighty God, the suggestion of the Sidonians that dwell in Sichem. Our ancestors enforced by the continual pestilence that ranged in their country, and induced by a certain ancient superstition, have been accustomed to observe that day as festival, which the jews call their Sabbath; and having builded on the mount of Garizim a temple, and dedicated it unto a god, who hath no name, have offered up in the same The year of the world. 3799. before Christ's birth 165. divers and solemn sacrifices. But since that you have inflicted punishment on the jews, according as their wickedness deserveth, the commissaries of the King supposing that we were tied to their customs (by reason of some alliance between us) couple us with them, and charge us with the same accusations: whereas we are borne Sidonians, as it appeareth by the rowles of our commonweal. We therefore beseech you, who are our benefactor and Saviour, to command your governor Apollonius, and your steward Nicanor, not to molest us any more, by charging us with those accusations which appertain unto the jews: who neither are tied unto us by alliance, neither accord with us in manners; but that our temple, which hath not hitherto born the name or title of any God, may now be called the temple of jupiter of Greece: by which means we shall be delivered from all trouble, and being at liberty to intend our affairs, we may the easier and more willingly pay you greater tributes. To this request of the Samaritans the King answered, sending them back their own letter: King Antiochus to Nicanor; Health. The Sidonians of Sichem have sent us this suggestion; which we annex unto these our letters. Since therefore they, who were sent unto us to this intent, have sufficiently approved both to us and our counsel of friends, that they are utterly strangers unto those crimes, wherewith the jews are charged, and are desirous to live according to the laws of the Grecians, we absolve them in as much as concerneth this cause, and their temple, which hereafter shall be called by the name of jupiter of Greece: we have written to the like effect also to Apollonius our Magistrate. Given the forty and six year, and the eleventh of the month Hecatombaeon, which signifieth August. CHAP. VIII. Antiochus forbiddeth the jews to use their laws, only Mathias the son of Asmonaeas contradicteth him, and obtaineth the victory against Antiochus captains. AT that same time there dwelled a certain man in Modin (a village of jury) whose name was Mathias, who was the son of john, and who was the son of Simon, the son of Asmonaeus a Priest of the rank of joarib, borne in jerusalem: This Mathias had five sons, john called Gaddis, Simon called Matthes, judas called Machabaeus, Eleazar named Auran, and The year of the world. 3799. before the Nativity of Christ. 165. The zeal and piety of Mathias and his sons. jonathas called Apphus. This Mathias oftentimes complained unto his sons, as touching the miserable estate of their commonweal, the sack of their City, the sacrilege of the temple, and the miseries of the people, telling them that it were better for them to die for the law, then to live in ignominy. When as therefore the commissaries deputed by the King, came unto the Borough of Modim, to constrain the jews to perform that which was enjoined them, and to command them to sacrifice, according to the ordinance; requiring Mathias (who surpassed the rest in honour, and other qualities, but in especial in excellency of descent and nobility) to begin first of all to offer sacrifice, to the end that the rest might follow him and be induced by his example; promising him that in so doing, the King would honour him greatly. Mathias answered thereunto, that he would in no sort commit that idolatry, assuring them that notwithstanding all other nations of the world, either in respect of love, or for fear of justice should obey the edicts of Antiochus; yet that neither he, nor any of his children could or would be induced to forsake their father's religion. Now as soon as he had returned this answer, and held his peace, a certain jew stepped forth to offer sacrifice, according to Antiochus' ordinance; wherewith Mathias was in such sort displeased, that both he and his sons fell upon him, and with their swords An Apostata slain by Mathias. hewed him to pieces. He slew Apelles the king's captain likewise, with certain other soldiers, who would have withstood him. And not content herewith, he overthrew the Altar, crying out with a loud voice: If (said he) any one be affectioned to the laws of his fathers, and the service of God, let him follow me: and this said, he suddenly retired himself into the desert with his sons, leaving the borough utterly dispossessed. The rest doing the like, retired themselves into the desert, Mathias with his sons Hieth into the desert with their wives and children, and made their habitation in certain caves. The King's captains having intelligence hereof, gathered those forces that were at that time in the Citadel of jerusalem, and pursued the jews into the desert. And having overtaken them, they laboured first of all to make them submit themselves, and to make choice of that which stood with their profit, rather than to endanger themselves, and enforce them to chastise their disobedience, with blood in war. But the jews respected them not a whit, but contradicted them in their demands, who had already concluded and resolved among themselves, rather to die then commit such an impiety: For which cause they (who omitted no opportunity) assailed the jews on a Sabbath day, and burned them within their caves, who neither resisted their enemies, nor so much as closed up the mouths of their caves: And therefore abstained they from all defence by reason of the day, resolving with themselves in no sort to violate the Sabbath day (for we are commanded to The jews are slain on the Sabbath day, which slaughter maketh Mathias more weary. cease from all labour, on that day.) There were therefore about some thousand stifled in their caves, accounting both men, women and children. Yet notwithstanding divers escaped, who joined themselves with Mathias, whom they appointed likewise for their captain; who declared unto them that they ought to fight on the Sabbath day, assuring them that if they did it not, but scrupulously observed the law, they themselves should be enemies unto themselves, if perhaps the enemy should assail them that day, and should not stand upon their guard: for by that means they should be destroyed without resist. By these words he persuaded them to do as he had said: and until this day it is a custom among us, that if need require we make no difficulty to fight on the Sabbath day. Mathias therefore having assembled a sufficient number of men about him, destroyed the Altars, and slew those that had forsaken their religion, as many of them as he could lay hands on. For divers were scattered here and there among the nations, Mathias rooteth out all Idolatry. for the fear they had; these commanded he to circumcise their children that were not circumcised; driving those from every place, whom King Antiochus had ordained to see his law executed. After therefore Mathias had governed for the space of one year, he fell sick of a most desperate disease; for which cause he called for his sons, and spoke unto them after this manner. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 8. My sons, I must now walk the way that is destinated unto all men: I therefore recommend and exhort you to follow my deliberation, and diligently to observe the same, remembering you of the intent of me your father, who have begot and nourished you, which is, to maintain the laws of our country, and to establish our estate, which is upon the point to be overthrown, Mathias exhorteth his sons to piety, fortitude and concord. except you submit unto those who either voluntarily or forcibly betray the same: show yourselves therefore to be worthy sons of me who am your father; strengthen your hearts with courage to overcome all force and necessity; thinking with yourselves, that if God see that you be such, he will not forsake you, but taking pleasure in your virtue, he will once more grant you the favour to recover your former peace and liberty, and will establish you in assured possession of your ancient laws. True it is, our bodies are mortal and subject unto destiny, but the memory The year of the world, 3799 before Christ's birth 165. of our virtuous actions are enfranchised by immortality: being therefore stirred up with the love thereof, strive and bestir yourselves to obtain honour, to the end that projecting mighty things, you make no difficulty to hazard your lives in the execution of the same. Above all things, I exhort you unto concord, to the end that in whatsoever one of you shall be found more naturally apt and fitted then another, he may prosecute the same without any contradiction of the rest. I charge you also to observe and obey your brother Simon (who is a politic and valiant man) in whatsoever he shall counsel you. As touching your chieftain, you shall serve under Machabaeus, because he is both valiant and strong: for he shall revenge the injuries and outrages, which have been done to our nation, and put our enemies to flight: second him therefore with men of valour, and such as fear God: and by this means you shall augment your forces. CHAP. IX. Mathias dieth, and his son judas succeed him. AFter Mathias had spoken in this sort unto his sons, and prayed God to favour their 〈◊〉. Macchab. 3. Mathias death judas Machabaeus appointed governor. enterprises, and to restore the people to their ancient policy, and the accustomed fashion of their life, which they had in former times continued and observed; he died anon after, and was buried in Modin. And after the people had grievously lamented and mourned for him, for a certain time; and performed publicly such honour in his funerals, as was agreeable to his estate: his son judas Machabaeus took upon him the government of the wars, in the hundredth, forty and sixth year; and by the assistance both of his brethren and other jews, he drove the enemies out of the country, and put those of his own nation to death, who had forsaken their religion, and purged the country of all uncleanness, which had been brought into it. CHAP. X. Apollonius general of Antiochus army, cometh into jewry, and is discomfited and slain. WHen Apollonius, who was Antiochus general in Samaria heard hereof, he gathered his army together, and invaded judaea: against whom Machabaeus made head, and overcame Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 9 judas Machabaeus overcometh Apollonius in battle. Seron governor of Coelesyria is put to flight in judaea him in a battle, wherein there died many, and among the rest Apollonius; whose sword Machabeus got as his part in the spoil. There were a great number of them also who were wounded, and much booty was taken in the enemy's camp: after which execution enriched with spoils, he retired himself. But Seron governor of Coelesyria hearing hereof, and understanding that divers had joined themselves with judas, and that he had already about him a sufficient power to keep the field, and bid the battle; he thought that it concerned him to begin to punish those, who resisted the king's Edicts. For which cause after he had assembled all the forces that he had, and besides them hired certain apostate or fugitive jews, he marched forth against judas, and came as far as Bethoron a village in jewry, where he encamped. judas also came out to meet with him, determining with himself to bid him battle: and seeing that his soldiers would hardly be drawn out to fight (both by reason of their inequality of number, as also for that they had eaten no meat, but had fasted a long time) he encouraged them, saying, that the means to obtain victory, and to have the upper hand over their enemies, consisted not in the greatness of their number; but in their devotion towards God: whereof they had a most evident example in their forefathers, who had oftentimes defeated with a small number of men divers thousands of their enemies, because they fought for justice, for their law, and for their children: for the greatest force (said he) that a man may have, is to be innocent and without injury. By these words persuaded he his soldiers, so that without any fear of the multitude of their enemies, they all together ran upon Seron, and encountering with him, they discomfited the Syrians. For their chieftain being slain, all the rest betook them to their heels, in which thing only consisted the safety of their lives. judas therefore, pursuing them as far as the Champion, slew about eight hundredth of them. The rest saved themselves in those quarters that bounded upon the sea. CHAP. XI. The year of the world. 3799. before Christ's birth 165. Lysias and Gorgias lead their armies into jewry, and are overthrown. WHen King Antiochus heard these tidings, he was highly displeased at that which had happened: he therefore assembled all his forces, and hiring divers strangers and mercenary Antiochus' preparation to invade judaea. Islanders, he prepared himself to invade judaea about the spring time. But after the muster of his army, when he truly found that his treasures failed him, and that he was in great scarcity of money (for all his tributes were not truly paid him, because the nations were rebellious) being likewise in his own nature a man of a great and magnificent spirit, that could not be contented with that which he then had, he resolved first of all to go into Persia, to gather his tributes. He therefore left the charge of his affairs with Lysias (a man very much esteemed by him, and such a one as governed all the country from Euphrates, as far as the borders of Egypt, and the lower Asia) giving him likewise a part of his army and some of his Elephants. To him had the King given charge to see his son Antiochus well and carefully trained up, until his return: commanding him expressly, that when he had conquered judaea, he should make Antiochus committing his kingdom, provinces and son to Lysias charge, departeth into Persia. the inhabitants thereof his slaves, and sell them to those that would give most, and destroy jerusalem, and utterly abolish that race. The king having given this charge to Lysias, led forth his army towards the country of Persia, in the hundredth, forty and seventh year: and after he had passed Euphrates, he marched onward toward the governors of the higher country. As for Lysias he chose Ptolomey the son of Dorymenis, Nicanor and Gorgias (men of great power and authority amongst the king's friends) and gave them forty thousand footmen, and seven The year of the world, 3800. before Christ's birth 164. thousand horsemen, to invade jewry. Who marching as far as the City of Emaus, encamped in the plain field, and strengthened their army with divers allies out of Syria, and of the countries thereabouts, and with divers jews also, who were Apostates. There came also certain merchants with them, with an intent to buy those that should be taken prisoners, bringing Gives with them to manacle those that should be apprehended, & money to pay for them. When judas had viewed the camp, and numbered the enemy, he encouraged his soldiers, exhorting Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 10. Ptolomey, Gorgias, and Nicanors war, in judaea. them to repose their confidence and hope of victory on God, willing them to invocate and call upon him, according to their law, and that clothing themselves in sackcloth they should humble themselves according to their accustomed manner in such extreme dangers, and call upon God with supplications and prayers; and that in so doing God would have compassion on them and give them force to stand against their enemies, and put them to shame. When as therefore he had arranged his battle, according to the ancient custom of his country, by thousands and hundreths, and sent away those that were newly married, and such as had newly bought possessions, for fear lest such men being too niggard of their li●…s, or distracted by such affections, should not fight courageously: he stood up in the midst of them, inciting his soldiers to fight valiantly, in these or such like words. My countrymen and companions, never have we hitherto had any occasion more necessary, wherein we ought to express our courages, and contemn our dangers, judas oration to his soldiers. them at this present. For at this time, if you fight courageously, you may recover your liberty, which of itself is so acceptable unto you all, that being of itself most desired, ought the rather more earnestly to be affected, because by it only you shall win the means to serve God. As therefore you shall be disposed at this time, you may obtain the same, and withal enjoy a happy life (which consisteth in living according to our laws and ancient customs) if you behave yourselves valiantly: but if you prove cowards in fight, you are to expect no worse than the extremity of infamy, and hope no less than the utter extermination of all your race. Think therefore with yourselves, that if you fight not, you must die: and on the other side, assure yourselves that in fight for your liberty, for your laws, and for piety, you shall obtain immortal glory: Prepare your courages therefore in such sort, that to morrow morning you may bid your enemy's battle. Thus spoke judas to his army, to encourage them. Whilst thus he was intent about the future battle, certain tidings was brought him, that 1. Machab. 4. Gorgias was sent with one thousand horsemen, & five thousand footmen, to the end that (under the conduct of some fugitives) he might by night time, and when he least suspected him, set upon him: Whereupon he decreed the very same night to break into the enemy's army, especially for that he knew that their forces were divided. Having therefore refreshed both himself & his army somewhat lively, and left a number of fires in his camp, he marched all the night, and sought out the enemy, who was at Emaus. Gorgias perceiving that the jews had forsaken their camp, supposed that they were retired for fear into the mountains to hide themselves: For which The year of the world 38●…0. before Christ's Nativity. 164. causes travailing onward, he determined to search diligently in what place they might be. But early in the morning, judas accompanied with three thousand men (who were slenderly armed by reason of their poverty) showed himself unto his enemies, who were at Emaus; and after he had surveyed and seen their warlike discipline, and mighty number, and how soldierlike they were encamped, he exhorted his followers, telling them that it concerned them to fight, notwithstanding they should be naked: for although they were in that estate, yet God (who took pleasure in the greatness of their courage) had already given them the victory against a number of armed soldiers: and suddenly he commanded the trumpets to sound, so that rushing in upon his enemies on the sudden he dismayed them, and discomforted their hearts. And after he had slain divers of them who resisted, and put all the rest to flight, he pursued them as far as Gadara; and the plains of Idumaea, of Azot, and of jamnia. In this encounter there died judas overcometh Lysias army. about some three thousand of the enemy. Notwithstanding judas would not permit his soldiers as yet to take the benefit of the spoil, because they were as yet to fight against Gorgias and his army; assuring them, that as soon as they had valiantly executed the same, it should be lawful for them to make their booty, without fear, because they should have no further enemies either to fear or expect. Whilst he spoke in this sort unto his soldiers, they that were with Gorgias discovering from the top of a certain hill, perceived that the army that was left behind them, was put to flight; and that their camp was on fire: for although they were far off, yet did the smoke assure them of the same. When these men understood that the matter had fallen out in this sort, and perceived that judas and his fellows in battle ray expected their coming, they feared, and betook them to flight. When as therefore judas perceived that Gorgias troops were discomfited, without stroke stricken, he went out to gather the pillage; and after judas gathere●… a huge 〈◊〉. he had gotten together great store of gold, silver, scarlet, and purple, he returned to his dwelling place, with joy, praising God for their happy success: For this victory did not a little advantage them, towards the attainment of their liberty. But Lysias being confused at the discomfiture 〈◊〉 once 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and lo●… five thousand of his soldiers. of those whom he had sent, assembled an other army of almost threescore thousand chosen men, and five thousand horsemen, to invade judaea. After he had therefore made his entry by the mountains, he encamped in Bethsura a village of judaea. judas having knowledge thereof, came forth against him, accompanied with ten thousand men; and discovering the number of his enemies far to exceed his (after he had besought God by prayer that it would please him to fight with him) he charged the vanguard of the enemy with so great force, that he discomfited them, and slew about some five thousand of them, leaving the rest in great fear. Lysias knowing the resolution of the jews, and how they were priest to die, except they might live in liberty; on the other side redoubting their desperations, more than their forces, he gathered together the rest of his army, and returned back to Antioch: where he sojourned, hiring many foreign The temple of jerusalem. The year of the world, 3801. before Christ's birth 163. soldiers, to make a greater army and preparation to invade jewry with all. After that Antiochus captains had been discomfited so many times, judas assembled the people together, and told them, that after they had obtained so many victories thorough the mercy of God, it behoved them to ascend up unto jerusalem, and to purify the temple that was desolated; and to offer those sacrifices ordained by the law. Ascending therefore thither with a multitude of people, he found the temple desert, and the gates thereof burned, and grass growing within the same, thorough desolation. Being therefore confused with so piteous a spectacle, he began to weep with all those that accompanied him: And having chosen out certain of his best soldiers, he commanded them to enforce the garrisons that were in the fortress; whiles he himself purged the temple. Which command of his being most exactly and resolutely fulfilled, he sent for new vessels, a candlestick, a table, an altar of incense, all made of gold. He put also veils or hangings to the doors, accustomed to be spread abroad; and set gates to the temple. And having thrown down the altar of burnt offerings, which had been profaned by Antiochus, he builded a new of all sorts of stones, neither hewn, nor hammered according to art. The five and twenty day of the month of Chasleu (with us September) there were lights set upon the candlesticks, and perfumes laid upon the altar, & loaves imposed upon the table, and sacrifices offered upon the new altar. All The temple left desolate for three whole years space. Dan. 12. which happened the same day three years wherein before time the sacred Religion was changed into profane and hateful impiety. For the temple was ruinated and left desolate by Antiochus, and remained in that estate for the space of three whole years. For this desolation happened in the hundredth, forty & fifth year, and the five and twentieth day of the month called Apellaeus or August; in the hundredth, fifty and three olympiad: and the temple was repurged on the same day, in the year one hundredth, forty and eight; and the hundredth, fifty and fourth olympiad. The year of the world. 3801. before Christ's birth, 163. This desolation of the temple happened, according as Daniel had foreprophecied, four hundredth and eight years before: for he declared evidently that the Macedonians should destroy the same. After that judas had re-established the service of the temple, both he and his countrymen solemnised The festival solemnised for the re-establishment of the temple. a feast for eight days, omitting not any kind of honest pleasure, banqueting them sumptuously and magnificently, and honouring God in Hymns and Psalms. Thus rejoiced they at this re-establishment, seeing that contrary to all hope after so long time, they had recovered the customs of their country, & their ancient religion: so that a decree was made for those which should come after, whereby it was commanded, that for the space of eight days the rebuilding of the temple should be solemnised, with the ceremonies and ancient ordinances: and ever since that time until this day we celebrate this feast, called the feast of Lights. For this cause in my opinion, for that this so great felicity began to shine unto us as a light, contrary to all hope. He enclosed the City likewise with a wall, and builded high towers thereon, in which he planted garrisons against the incursions of the enemies. He fortified the City of Bethsura also, that it might serve as a fort against the enemy. Whilst these things passed thus, the nations round Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 21. Mach. 5. judas maketh continual war with the neighbouring nations. about displeased with the re-establishment and force of the jews, oppressed divers, whom they surprised by ambushes and treachery. On those judas made continual war to hinder their incursions, and to make them partakers of those evils they had inflicted upon the jews. So that invading Acrabathan he slew the Idumaeans that were descended from Esau, and brought away a great pray out of their country, and shut up the sons of Baan their prince, who lay in wait for the jews; and having besieged them, he overcame them, setting fire on their towers, and killing all the men that were therein. After this he departed from thence, and made war upon the Ammonites, who had a great and mighty army, under the conduct of Timotheus. These did he encounter with and overcome, and took their City of jazor, and burned it, and led away their wives and children into captivity, and afterwards returned into judaea. The neighbouring nations hearing of his departure, assembled themselves together in Galaad against the jews, who inhabited the frontiers of Galaad, who having retired themselves to the fort of Dathema, sent letters unto judas, giving him to understand that Timotheus intended to surprise the place whereunto they were retreated, and requested him to deliver them from this danger. And whilst he was reading of these letters, certain messengers came unto him out of Galilee, giving him to understand, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 11. that they were assaulted by the inhabitants of Ptolemais, tire, Sidon, and other people thereabouts. CHAP. XII. judas fighteth with the Ammonites, Simon against the Tyrians, and others, whom he discomfiteth. IVdas bethinking himself of that which best concerned him in these two urgent and instant occasions, commanded his brother Simon to take three thousand chosen men with him, and to go and succour those jews that were assailed in Galilee: and himself accompanied with jonathan his other brother, and eight thousand fight men, repaired unto the country of Galaad; leaving the government of the rest of the forces in the hands of joseph the son of Zachary, and with Azarias, commanding them to have a careful and diligent eye to judaea, and not to enter battle with any one, until his return. Simon arriving in Galalee, fought against his enemies, and discomfited them; and afterwards pursuing them that fled as far as the gates of Ptolemais, he slew about three thousand: and after he had gathered the Simo overcoming his enemies in Galilee, delivereth the jews that were captive. judas and jonathas succour the jews besieged in Galaad. spoils of such as were slain, he set many jews at liberty, who were prisoners, and having restored them their goods, retired himself back again to his country. But judas Machabaeus, and jonathan his brother having past jordan, and marched on the other side thereof for the space of three days, encountered with the Nabatheans, who peaceably came out to meet them; by whom he understood the estate of those that were in Galaad, and how divers of them were in extreme penury, enclosed and besieged in Castles and Cities of the country by their enemy. Who likewise besought him to make haste and encounter the strangers, & to seek the means to save their countrymen. For this cause he returned into the desert, & first of all assailed the inhabitants of Bosra, and took their City, and set it on fire, killing all the men that were therein, who were able to Bosra taken and burnt. bear arms. Neither was he contented therewith, but when night drew on, he marched towards another Castle where the jews were enclosed, and shutvp by Timothy and his army; and attaining The year of the world. 3801. before Christ's birth 163. judas succoureth the besieged jews. the same about the morning's brie, he surprised the enemy, at such time as they were raising their ladders to scale the walls, and addressed their engines for battery: whereupon he caused the trumpet to be sounded, and after he had encouraged his people to fight▪ valiantly and faithfully for their kinsmen and friends being in great danger, and had distributed his forces into three battalions, he set upon the enemy's rearward. Timotheus soldiers perceiving that it was Machabaeus, whose valour & good hap they had already approved to their great loss, they without delay took themselves to flight. But judas with his army followed after them, & slew about eight thousand of them, and marching towards Malla (a City of the enemies) he surprised the same, and Timothy's soldiers slain. Malla taken and bu●…nt. Chaspoma and Bosor taken Timothy gathereth new forces, and is overcome by judas. slew all the men therein, and afterwards consumed it with fire. After this departing thence, he took and destroyed Chaspoma, Bosor, and divers other places in Galaad. Anon after Timothy levied an other great army, and drew out with him all his allies to his succour, and a number of Arabians, whom he had hired for wages: with this army of his passed he the flood, and encamped near unto a town called Rapha; exhorting his soldiers to behave themselves like valiant men against their enemies the jews, & to hinder their passage over the stream: foretelling them, that if they should win the passage, both he & his were assured of the worst. judas understanding that Timotheus was prepared to fight, took with him all his forces, & marched hastily against the enemy; so that having passed the river he set upon them, killing divers of them that resisted, & grievously affrighting the rest, who casting away their arms, were constrained to fly. There were some of them, who saved themselves by swiftness of foot: and some also, who retired themselves into a temple called Carnain, where they were in hope to be secured and so to escape: but after that judas had taken in the City where the temple was, he slew them, and burned the same, enforcing his enemies to suffer divers and dreadful sorts of death. After this execution, he led away The jews are brought out of the country of Galaad into Iu●…aea. Ephron besieged & burnt with him from Galaad all the jews, their wives and children, and substance, and brought them with him into judaea. When as therefore he drew near unto the town of Ephron, which was situate directly in his way, so that it was impossible for him to march any other ways or return home, except they leveled their way (which they refused to do) he sent Ambassadors unto the inhabitants to pray them to open their gates; and to grant him free passage thorough their City. For they had made Baricadoes of stones to cut off the passage. When as therefore the Ephronites would give no ear unto him, he besieged their City for a day and a night's space, and took and burned the same, and slew all the men that were therein, and afterwards drew onwards on his way; and so great a number was there of those that were slain, that he marched upon the bodies of dead men. After they had past jordan, they came into a great plain, wherein the City of Bethsan (by the greeks called Scythopolis) confronted their eyes; from whence they departed and came into judaea with joy and gladness, singing and praising God, and using their accustomed An admirable victory of judas Machabaeus, who in all these conflicts lost not one man. joseph and Zachary overcome by Gorgias, lose two thousand ●…olgiers. pastimes and songs of victory. This done, he offered up sacrifices of thanksgiving for their happy success, and the safety of his army; for that in all those battles and encounters he had not lost one jewe. In the mean while two captains, to wit, joseph the son of Zachary and Azarias, who were left for the garrison of judaea (whilst Simon went into the country of Galilee against those of Ptolemais, and judas and jonathan his brother were in Galaad against the Ammonites) desirous also for their part to obtain the honour and reputation of valiant men of war by some notable exploit; took their forces, and went towards jamnia. Against these issued out Gorgias, who was governor in that place, and charged them in such sort, as the jews lost some two thousand men, and fled as far as the marches of judaea. This mischief fell upon them, because they had disobeyed judas commandment, who had prohibited them to fight with any before his return. For besides many other projects of his warlike prudence, this is to be wondered at, that he foresaw that if they should attempt any thing contrary to his command, they should have but bad success therein. judas and his brethren making war against the Idumaeans, gave them no respite, but continually charged them on every side: they took also the City of Chebron, and destroyed all the fortifications in the same, and burned the towers, spoiling all the country of Chebron and Marissa besieged. the enemies, and razed the City of Marissa likewise. Afterwards coming to Azot, they took and spoiled it, and carried away a great quantity of booty from thence, and returned back into judaea in safety, joyful of their victory. CHAP. XIII. The year of the world. 38●…1. before Christ's birth 163. The death of Antiochus Epiphanes in Persia. AT that time Antiochus travailing along the higher countries of his kingdom, understood Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. 1. Mac. 〈◊〉. Antiochus' desirous to spoil Diana's temple, besiegeth Elymias, and is shamefully repulsed to Babylon. The year of the world. 3802. before Christ's birth 162. that there was a very w●…althy City in Persia called Elymais, in which there was a rich temple of Diana, replenished with all sorts of presents: wherein also he was informed, that Alexander's arms and curets, who was Philip king of Macedons son, were reserved there of long time. Upon these considerations he was incited to repair unto Elymais, which he besieged and laboured to take by force. And for that the inhabitants thereof, were neither affrighted with his approach, nor terrified with his siege, but sustained the same valiantly, he failed of his purpose. For they drove him from their City, and sallying out upon him they pursued him so hotly, that he fled back to Babylon, and lost a great number of his men. Whilst thus he was discomfited, for that he had been frustrated of his hope, news was brought him of the overthrow of his captains, whom he had left to war against the jews, and how they of jewry were now the stronger, and had the upper hand. This trouble seconding his former discontent, he was surprised with despair, and fell sick; which sickness aggravated with other accidents, increased Antiochus Epiphanes burdened with cares falleth sick. in such sort, that he knew well that he should die: and for that cause he called for his most familiar friends, and certified them, that his sickness was violent and desperate, and that he was seized with such affliction, for that he had tormented the people of the jews, and destroyed their temple, committed horrible sacrilege, and contemned the reverence of God: and whilst thus Polybius Megalopolitan of the cause of Antiochus sickness. he spoke unto them, he gave up the ghost. So that I wonder at Polybius the Megalopolitane (who is otherwise praise worthy) for that he writeth that Antiochus died, for that he would have spoiled the temple of Diana in the country of Persia. For since he had only intended to commit sacrilege, but had not effected it, he merited not to suffer punishment for the same. And if it seemeth good unto Polybius, that Antiochus was punished by death for this occasion, it is far more likely to be true, that his death befell him for the sacrilege he had committed in the temple of jerusalem. But our purpose is not to argue against those that maintain, that Polybius reasons are of greater truth and consequence, then ours are. CHAP. XIIII. Antiochus Eupator discomfiteth the jews, and besiegeth judas, and shutteth him up in the temple. BEfore Antiochus gave up the ghost, he called for Philip one of his chiefest familiars, and made him governor of his kingdom. And having delivered the diadem into his hands, Antiochus appointeth Philip governor of his kingdom, and committeth his son Antiochus to his charge. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 14. Lysias createth Antiochus the younger king, and surnameth him Eupator. The Macedons in the castle of jerusalem do much harm ●…o the jews. judas Machabaeus besiegeth the castle. The fugitive jews fly out of the castle, and require Antiochus assistance. his royal rob, and his ring with other jewels, he charged him to bear and deliver them to his son Antiochus, requiring him earnestly to have care of his bringing up, and to maintain the kingdom in his behalf, until he coming unto the years of discretion, were fit to manage it himself. This done, Antiochus died the hundredth, forty and ninth ye●…re of the kingdom of Syria. After that Lysias had certified the people of the king's death, he p●…oclaimed his son Antiochus, whom at that time he had in his protection, king, surnaming him Eupator (according to the instructions that were given him.) About that time the garrisons and Apostates that were in the fortress in jerusalem did much mischief unto the jews. For setting upon those at unawares, who ascended the temple to worship and offer their sacrifice, they slew them: for the fortress commanded the temple. For these causes judas resolved to cut off these garrisons, and to that intent he assembled all the people, and besieged it. This enterprise was undertook in the year one hundredth and fifty, after that Seleucus had usurped the government of those countries. Having therefore made him certain engines, and raised divers rams, he industriously continued the siege: But divers of those Apostates that were revolted, and of that garrison, issued out by night, and assembling together such men as were of so malicious nature as themselves, they came unto king Antiochus, requiring him that he would not suffer them to be abused in such sort by those of our nation, nor so carelessly neglected by them, considering their disgrace grew by his father's service, for whose sake they had forsaken their own religion, & followed his laws and ordinances. Furthermore they inferred, that the fortress was in danger to be surprised by judas, and his associates, except some present succours were sent unto them. When Antiochus the younger had notice hereof, he was sore displeased, and sent for his captains and friends, commanding them to hire strange soldiers, and all those in his kingdom, who were of years to bear The year of the world 3803. before Christ's Nativity. 161. Antiochus marcheth into judae a with his army. Bethsura besieged. judas with his forces encountereth the king at Bethzacharia. arms; so that he gathered in short time an army of one hundredth thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and thirty two Elephants: and with this Equipage departed he out of Antioch, committing his army to Lysias direction. As soon as he came into Idumaea, he went up unto Bethsura a walled City, and very difficult to be surprised, which he besieged and begirt: but with such disadvantage, that the Bethsurians resisting him valiantly, and sallying out upon him, burned those preparations and engines which he had furnished for the battery of the town. When as therefore a long time was consumed about this siege, judas having intelligence of the king's approach, raised his camp from before the Castle of jerusalem, and marching forward to meet the enemy, he shut his army in a certain straight, in a place called Bethzacharia some seventy stounds distant from the enemy's camp. The king having tidings hereof, raised his siege from Bethsura, & marched towards the straight wherein judas army was enclosed, and about the morning he set his soldiers in battle array. He first of all caused his Elephants to march one after another thorough the straight (for that it was impossible for them to march in square.) About every Elephant were one thousand footmen, and five hundredth horsemen. These Elephants bore high towers on their backs, garnished with archers. Touching the rest of his forces, he caused them to ascend two several ways by the mountains, under the conduct of his most intirest friends, commanding them with a huge shout and cry to charge their enemies, & to discover their golden and brazen bucklers, to the end the reflection thereof might dazzle the eyes of the jews: whereupon the mountains resounded with fearful cries of Antiochus army: Yet was not judas any ways amated hereat. For entertaining the charge with a noble courage, he slew almost six hundredth of the forlorn hope. But Eleazar surnamed Auranes judas brother, seeing a huge Elephant among the rest armed with royal trappings, & supposing that the king was upon the same, he ran against him with a mighty courage; and after he had slain divers of them that environed the Elephant, and scattered the rest, he thrust his sword into the belly of the beast, and wounded him to the death: so that the Elephant falling upon Eleazar, slew him with the weight thereof; and thus nobly died this worthy man, Eleazar judas brother killeth an Elephant. judas returneth to jerusalem and Antiochus followeth him. The Bethsurites yield up their city. The temple of jerusalem besieged. overthrowing a great number of his enemies, thorough his infinite valour. judas seeing his enemy's forces so great in number, retired back to jerusalem to continue his siege: and Antiochus sent part of his army to Bethsura to surprise the same, and with the rest he himself marched onward to jerusalem. The Bethsurites being afraid of this mighty army of the king, and seeing their necessary provisions failed them, yielded up their City, after they had taken the king's oath, that they should receive no outrage. When as therefore Antiochus became Lord of this City, he offered them no injury; only he thrust them out disarmed from the City, and planted a garrison therein. He spent a long time also in besieging the temple of jerusalem, for that they who kept the same, defended it valiantly. For against every engine the king builded & raised up against them, they erected a counter-engine. Their only want was victuals, because their old provision was consumed, & the ground had not been manured that year, because it was the seventh, in which according to the law, the country & soil should not be stirred: which was the cause that divers of those that were besieged, fled secretly for want of victuals, insomuch that very few remained for the defence of the temple. In this estate were they who were besieged in the temple. When as King Antiochus and Lysias the general had received tidings, that Philip coming out of Persia, intended Antiochus hearing news of Philip's intent to invade Persia, giveth over his siege to meet him. to make himself master and lord of the country; they concluded to give over the siege for that time, and to march forward against Philip, without giving any inkling thereof either to his soldiers or captains. He only commanded that Lysias should communicate the same with the captains, without discovering of his deliberation or enterprise against Philip, and to tell them that for these reasons he levied the siege, first for the length thereof; next for the strength of the place; lastly for want of victuals; and for many affairs that required some circumspect and careful foresight in his kingdom. Furthermore, for that he thought it most expedient to capitulate with the besieged, and contract friendship with all the nation of the jews, promising and permitting them the exercise of their religion, because they only rebelled for that they were deprived of the same; and for that he was assured, that having the grant thereof, they would each of them return into their own countries. When Lysias had expressed and published these reasons; all the army and the captains approved the same. CHAP. XV. The year of the world. 3803. before the Nativity of Christ. 161. Antiochus giveth over his siege, from before the City, and entereth a league and alliance with judas. WHereupon Antiochus sent a herald to judas and those that were besieged with him, promising Antiochus maketh peace with judas. The wall of the temple defaced. Onias otherways called Menelaus, led away prisoner. them peace, with permission to live according to their religion. Which conditions they willingly entertained, and having taken an oath and assurance from the king; they surrendered up the temple. Whereupon Antiochus entered the same, and seeing it to be a place so well fortified, he contrary to his oath, commanded his army to level the wall that environed the same with the ground: which done, he returned to Antioch, leading away with him the high Priest Onias, who was called Menelaus. For Lysias had counseled the king to murder Menelaus, if he intended that the jews should line in peace, without any commotion: and the rather, because it was he only who was the author of all these evils, by reason of the counsel he had given to Antiochus his father, to enforce the jews to forsake their religion. The King for that cause sent Menelaus unto Beroea a City of Syria, where he commanded him to be put to death, after he had enjoyed the high priesthood for the term of ten years. He was a wicked and impious man, who for his only ambitious desire of authority had enforced our nation to revolt from their religion. Alcimus or lacimus made high priest. The year of the world, 3804. before Christ's birth 160. Philip slain by Antiochus. Onias the high priests son builded a temple in Egypt resembling that at jerusalem. As soon therefore as Menelaus was dead, Alcimus was made high priest, who was called jacimus. Now when Antiochus found that Philip had already conquered a great part of his country, he fought with him, and taking him prisoner, slew him. But Onias the son of the high priest (whom as we have heretofore declared, was left an Orphan in his infancy) seeing that the king had slain his uncle Menelaus, and given the priesthood to Alcimus, who was not of the race of the priests, and had transferred this honour into another family at the persuasion of Lysias, he fled unto Ptolomey King of Egypt, where being honourably entertained by the King and his Queen Cleopatra, he obtained a place in the Heliopolitane signiory, where he builded a temple like unto that which was at jerusalem: whereof we shall hereafter have more fit opportunity to speak. CHAP. XVI. Bacchides general of Demetrius army, cometh to make war against the jews, and returneth back again unto the king without performance of any thing. AT that time Demetrius Seleucus son fled to Rome, and took possession of Tripoli Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 15. 1. Machab. 7. Demetrius seizeth Tripoli and other cities of Syria, and killeth Antiochus and Lysias. in Syria, and after he had set the diadem upon his head, and had levied and hired certain soldiers, he invaded the kingdom: where he was received to the general content of all men, who submitting themselves unto him laid hold on the king Antiochus and Lysias, and brought them alive unto him; but he incontinently commanded that they should be put to death, after that Antiochus had reigned two years, as we have already declared in an other place. To this new elected king divers jews (banished for their impiety) and with them the high priest Alcimus made their resort: who in general accused their nation, and as principals judas and his brethren, objecting against them, that they had slain his friends, and all Alcimus the high priest, with Apostates accuseth judas before Demetrius. such as were on his side; and that among all those that were in the kingdom and expected his coming, some of them were slain; and that the rest being driven from their native country were banished into other places: requiring him that he would send some one of his friends to take knowledge of the outrages committed by judas and his brethren. Demetrius was much moved by these reports of theirs, and for that cause sent Bacchides (who was in times past much esteemed by Antiochus Epiphanes for his valour, and to whose government at that time all Mesopotamia was committed:) To whom he gave an army, joining with him the high priest Alcimus, with commission to kill judas, and his confederates. Bacchides departing from Antioch with his army, came into judaea, and sent a certain herald to judas and his brethren, to entreat with him upon certain articles of peace, because his intent was to surprise them by some subtlety and treachery. But judas smelling his drift, gave little trust unto him: for in that he came thither with so great an army, he easily conjectured that he intended no peace; but to make war: notwithstanding Bacchides killeth divers that trust his oath. some of the people gave ear unto the peaceable proclamation of Bacchides, and supposing that there was no sinister intent in Alcimus, who was their countryman, they submitted themselves under his government. Having therefore received an oath from them both, that neither The year of the world, 3804 before Christ's birth 160. Bacchides useth great tyranny in Bethzeth. Alcimus useth popularity and familiarity to win the people's hearts, and killeth all such as were of judas faction. they, nor any of their followers should any ways be endamaged by them, they committed themselves to their protection. But Bacchides setting light by his oath, slew three score of them; and by this breach of his faith towards these, he caused others (who intended to submit themselves) to forsake and fly his government. As soon as therefore he had removed his army from jerusalem, he came unto the village of Bethzeth, and there apprehending many of those which had fled, and some others among the people, he slew them all, commanding all those that lived in the country to obey Alcimus, to whom he left in that place for the guard of his person a part of his army: and that done, he returned unto Antioch to King Demetrius. In the mean while Alcimus intending to assure his estate and government; and supposing that it should be so much the better confirmed, if so be he could obtain the good will of the people, he used all kind of plausible & familiar speech unto them, and devising with every man pleasantly & graciously, he adjoined in short time great forces to those which he had before: amongst whom there were many fugitives and ungodly men, by whose help and assistance he marched thorough the country, killing judas resisteth Alcimus power. all those whom he found to be of judas faction. judas perceiving that Alcimus having gathered great forces, had already slain divers of the most uprightest men, and such as feared God in all his nation, he addressed himself also to overrun the country, and slew as many of Alcimus partakers, as he could meet with. Who perceiving in himself that he was unable to resist judas, made his account to recover Demetrius' favour. For which cause he repaired to Antioch, & incensed Demetrius Alcimus accuseth judas to Demetrius. grievously against judas, accusing him for enforcing many injuries against him: protesting that he should endure far more, except he were prevented and punished by a good army sent out against him. CHAP. XVII. Nicanor being sent after Bacchides to be chieftain of the war against judas, is discomfited with all his army. Demetrius' imagining, that if judas should increase in power, it should be some prejudice to his estate, he sent Nicanor his most entire and faithful friend, to make war against Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 16. Demetrius sendeth Nicanor against judas. Nicanor dissembling with judas laboured to surprise him him: (who was one of them also, who accompanied him in his flight from Rome.) Having therefore furnished him, in his own opinion, with a sufficient army, and able to make head against judas, he commanded him to spare no one of that nation. As soon as Nicanor came to jerusalem, he intended not incontinently to make war upon judas, but cast with himself to surprise him by some subtlety: to this intent he sent him a peaceable message, alleging that it was neither necessary not convenient for him to fight or hazard his fortune; protesting unto judas, that he would offer him no injury; and that he resorted thither with his friends, only to express the good affection of king Demetrius towards him, and how well he was affected towards the nation of the jews. judas and his brethren believed this false embassage of Nicanors, and suspecting no kind of sinister dealing, they gave him credit, and entertained both him and his army. When as therefore Nicanor had saluted judas, he conferred with him, and in the mean while gave a sign unto his soldiers to lay hands on him: who perceiving and discovering his treason betime, incontinently broke from him, and fled unto his soldiers. When Nicanor saw that his intent and subtlety was discovered, he resolved to make open war upon judas, and to bid him battle near unto a borough called Capharsalama: in which place obtaining the victory, he constrained judas to retire himself into the fortress in jerusalem. When as therefore Nicanor returned from the siege of judas in the temple of jerusalem, certain of the Priests and Elders went out to meet with him, and after they had done their reverence, they showed Nicanor threateneth the people that except they yield up judas he will destroy the temple. him those sacrifices, which (as they said) they intended to offer unto God for the king's prosperity and health. But he blaspheming, threatened them; that if the people did not deliver judas into his hands, he would destroy the temple upon his return, and with these menaces he departed out of the city. Which when the Priests heard, they began to shed abundant tears, praying God that it might please him to defend his sacred temple, together with those which called on his name therein, from the violence and outrage of their enemies. Whenas therefore Nicanor departing from jerusalem arrived near unto the borough of Bethoron, he encamped there; and to that place a great supply of soldiers came unto him out of Syria. Now judas was encamped in an other borough called Adas about thirty furlongs distant from Bethoron, having with him at the most not above one thousand men. Notwithstanding he exhorted his soldiers not to be afraid of the multitude of their enemies; neither to think with The year of the world. 3804. before Christ's birth, 160. judas and his followers put Nicanor and his soldiers to flight. themselves against how many they were to fight; but against whom, and for what recompense they were to fight, to the intent they might altogether courageously set upon the enemy, at such time as he should lead them forth to the onset. Whereupon assailing Nicanor, there arose a dangerous conflict between them; wherein judas had the upper hand: for he slew a great number of the enemy, and finally Nicanor himself fight courageously was slain; and as soon as he fell down dead, his army betook them to flight. For having lost their chieftain, they dispersed themselves, and cast away their weapons: judas speedily pursuing them, made a great slaughter, and by sound of trumpet certified them of the neighbouring villages, that he had discomfited the enemy. Whereupon the inhabitants there about understanding hereof, betook them to their weapons, and meeting with those that fled in the forward, slew them, so as no one escaped from this battle: notwithstanding they were to the number of nine thousand. This victory happened on the thirteenth day of the month Adar, as our countrymen Adar. March. call it, and the Macedonians Distre: And hereof each year there is both a solemn feast and memorial observed. From this time forward the nation of the jews were in quiet without any invasion, and lived in peace for a little time: but afterwards they were troubled with the like combats and dangers. Whereas therefore the high Priest Alcimus intended to beat down an old wall of the sanctnarie, which had been builded by the holy Prophets, he was Alcimus the high priest dieth. suddenly strooken by God; so that he incontinently lost his speech, and fell to the ground, and after he had endured many grievous torments for divers days, at last he died miserably: after he had enjoyed the Priesthood for the space of four years. After his death, the people with a general consent gave his place to judas. Who understanding of the great power of the Romans, and how they had conquered Gaul, Spain, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 17. 1. Macchab. 8. judas covenanteth a peace with the Romans. Carthage, Greece, and the Kings Perseus and Philip, and besides all these, the great King Antiochus; determined to make friendship with them; and sent Eupolemus the son of john, and jason the son of Eleazar his two entire friends unto Rome, to entreat the Romans to be their allies and confederates, and to write unto Demetrius, that he should give over to war against the jews. When the Ambassadors that were sent from judas, were arrived in Rome, the Senate entertained them; and after they had discoursed with them upon the occason of their Embassage, they accepted and concluded upon their alliance, and made a decree, the copy whereof was then brought into judaea, and the original reserved in The decree of the Romans touching society and friendship of the jews. the Capitol, engraved in a Table of Brass. Which arrest or decree of the Romans, as touching their alliance and good affection they bore unto the jews, contained these articles. That no man under the obedience of the Romans, should maintain war against the nation of the jews: neither should furnish them with victuals, ships, or silver, who should make war upon them. And if any enemies should assail the jews, the Romans should give them succours to the uttermost of their power. And that likewise if any one should make war against the Romans, the jews should succour them. That if the jewish nation would add or diminish any thing of that association, it should be done with the common advise of the people of Rome, and that that which should be ordained, should remain irrevocable. This arrest was written by Eupolemus the son of john, and by jason the son of Eleazar, at such time as judas was high Priest, and his brother Simon general over the army. See here, how the first amity and alliance was contracted between the Romans and the jews. CHAP. XVIII. Bacchides is sent once again into judaea, and obtaineth a victory. WHen as Nicanors death, and the discomfiture of his army was reported to Demetrius, he Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 1●…. 1. Mach. 9 Demetrius sendeth Bacchides with forces into Iury. Bacchides meeteth judas with 20000. soldiers. sent a new army into judaea, under the conduct of Bacchides: who departing from Antioch, and repairing to judaea, encamped in Arbela a city of Galilee, where having enforced, conquered, and taken a great number of those that were retired into caves, he departed from thence, and repaired in all haste to jerusalem. And understanding that judas was encamped in the village of Berzeth, he marched out against him with twenty thousand footmen, and two thousand horsemen. Now judas had not on his side in all above two thousand men, who perceiving the multitude of Bacchides soldiers were afraid; so that some of them forsaking their camp, fled away: by which means there remained no more with judas, but eight hundredth men. Seeing himself therefore abandoned by so many of his men, and pressed by his enemies, who gave him neither truce nor time to reassemble his forces, he resolved to fight with those eight hundredth The year of the world. 3804. before Christ's birth 160. judas with a small army intendeth to assail a mighty host. which he had: whom he exhorted to be of good courage, and to fight valiantly: but they answered, that they were insufficient to make head against so huge an army, and counseled him to retire, and to stand on his guard for that time, until he had gathered forces that might be able to confront the enemy. But judas replied to this effect: God forbid (said he) that the sun should see me turn my back upon mine enemies. And if by this means I meet with my death, and that I must needs spend ●…y last blood in this battle, I will never soil so many notable actions so worthily achieved, nor stain so much glory obtained with so great virtue by one ignominious flight. And having in this sort exhorted the small remnant of those soldiers that were with him, he commanded them that without any apprehension of danger, they should bend themselves altogether against the enemy. CHAP. XIX. judas overcome in the battle, dieth. But Bacchides drew out his army, and arranged them in battle, placing the horsemen on both the wings; his light armed soldiers and archers in the front of the army; and after Bacchides disposeth his army, and fighteth with judas. these a strong band, called the Macedonian Phalanx; and he himself led the right wing of the battle. And in this array he approached judas camp, and caused the trumpets to be sounded; commanding all his soldiers to give a great shout, & to charge their enemies. judas did the like, and encountered Bacchides; so that on both sides there was a most cruel conflict, which continued until the sunset. And when as judas perceived that Bacchides and the flower of his army fought in the right wing, he chose out a certain number of his most resolute followers, judas disperseth the enemy's army, killeth some, and at last is slain himself. and drew towards that quarter, and setting upon them, he broke their squadron; and afterwards thrusting into the midst of them he forced them to fly, and pursued them as far as the mount Aza. They of the left wing, perceiving the flight of those in the right, went after judas, and enclosed him on the backpart. He being unable to fly, and seeing himself enclosed by his enemies, resolved with his soldiers to fight it out. When as therefore he had slain a great number of his enemies, and being enfeebled more through weariness, then by the wounds received of them, he fell to the ground, and was himself at last slain likewise: adding this honourable manner of death to his former notable and valiant exploits. His soldiers seeing him dead, and having no governor of respect left amongst them after the loss of so valiant a captain, betook them all to flight. Simon and jonathan his brothers upon entreaty recovered his body, and carried it to Modim (a place where his father was buried) there was he interred by all the people, who wept for him divers days, and honoured him publicly according judas is buried in Modim. to the custom of their country. Such was judas end, who was a valiant man, a great warrior and very respective of the commandments of his father Mathias, having done and suffered all that he might for the liberty of his country. Being therefore after this manner adorned with virtue, he hath left behind him a perpetual renown of his worthy acts, and an honourable memory of himself obtained by the liberty, in which he re-established his nation, retiring them from the servitude of the Macedonians: who died also after he had discharged the office of the high priest, for the space of three years. THE XIII. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 13. book. 1 jonathan after his brother judas death, succeed him in the government. 2 jonathan having wearied Bacchides by war, compelleth him to draw to a league, and to depart away with his army. 3 Alexander the son of Antiochus Epiphanes, maketh war upon King Demetrius. 4 Demetrius sendeth an ambassador to jonathan with presents, persuading him to be of his faction. 5 Alexander by greater proffers than Demetrius did offer, and by offering the high Priests place to jonathan, draweth him to favour his faction. 6 Of the temple of God builded by Onias. 7 How Alexander after the death of Demetrius, highly honoured jonathan. 8 Demetrius the son of Demetrius overcoming Alexander, possesseth the kingdom, and plighteth friendship with jonathan. 9 Tryphon Apamenus after he had overcome Demetrius, reserveth the kingdom for Antiochus Alexander's son, who receiveth jonathan into favour. 10 Demetrius being overcome by the Parthians, Tryphon breaketh his covenant of peace, and laying hold on jonathan traitorously killeth him, and afterwards assaulteth Simon his brother. 11 How the nation of the jews committed both the priesthood & the government of the army to Simon 12 Simon driving Tryphon into Dora, besiegeth him, and entereth friendship with Antiochus surnamed Pius. 13 A debate arising between Antiochus and Simon, Cendebaeus the king's captain is driven out of the country. 14 How Simon was traitorously slain at a banquet by Ptolomey his father in law. 15 How Prolomies' endeavours being made frustrate, Hircanus obtained the government. 16 How Antiochus surnamed the Just, leading an army against Hircanus for three hundredth talents is both reconciled and tied in league of friendship. 17 Hircanus expedition into Syria. 18 How Antiochus Cyzicenus assisting the Samaritans is both conquered and enforced to fly. 19 Aristobulus was the first that set the Diadem on his head. 20 The acts of Alexander King of the jews. 21 The victory of Ptolomey Lathurus against Alexander. 22 Demetrius Eucaerus overcometh Alexander in battle. 23 The expedition of Antiochus Dionysius into jewry. 24 Alexander being dead, his wife Alexandra succeeded him in the kingdom. CHAP. I. jonathan after the decease of his brother judas, succeed him in the government. WE have declared in our former book, how the nation of the jews The year of the world. 3805 before the Nativity of Christ. 159. (after they had been under the subjection of the Macedonians) recovered their liberty: we have likewise discovered the great and grievous conflicts, which judas their captain performed, and in which he finally died in the behalf of their liberty: how likewise (after the death of judas) all the wicked Apostate Iewes, who had revolted from their religion, took courage, molesting and doing many injuries to the rest of their countrymen. Finally, how besides their malice, the famine invaded the country; so that divers being unable to sustain these two mortal scourges of famine and war; The year of the world, 3805 before Christ's birth 159. The jews compelled by the Apostates & by famine submit themselves to the Macedonians. Bacchides murdereth those of judas faction. were constrained to submit themselves unto the Macedonians. In the mean while Bacchides gathering together the false Apostates (who were fallen from the religion of the jews, with an intent to live after the profane manner of the Pagans) committed the government of the country unto them: who laying hold on judas friends and partakers, betrayed and delivered them to Bacchides: who first of all tormented and beat them at his pleasure, and afterwards put them to death. This so grievous affliction (than which the jews had never endured a worse, since their return from Babylon) was the cause that those of judas faction, who were yet alive, fearing the total and cruel ruin of their nation, addressed themselves to jonathan his brother, exhorting him to imitate his brother judas virtues, & to have no less care of his countrymen, than the other had; who fought for their liberty until his latest breath, requiring him not to abandon the government of his nation, especially in that 〈◊〉 miserable estate wherein they were plunged. jonathan answered them, that he was ready to die for them; and being in all things esteemed no less valiant and politic than his brother judas, he was proclaimed general and chieftain of the jews. Bacchides having notice hereof, feared lest jonathan should be no less infestuous to the king and Macedonians, than his brother judas before him had been; for which cause he sought the means to make him away by treason. But both jonathan and his brother Simon got intelligence jonathan by the public instigation of the jews undertaketh the government. Bacchides complotteth to betray jonathan and his brother. hereof; and having discovered his practice, they took all their families with them, and fled into the desert that confined the City jerusalem: and retiring themselves near unto a water called the lake of Asphar, they remained in that place. When Bacchides perceived that they mistrusted him, and were drawn thither; he went out against them with all his forces, and being encamped on the other side of jordan, he gathered his army together. jonathan knowing well that Bacchides came out to seek him, sent his brother john (surnamed Gaddis) unto the Arabians Nabatheans, to commit the trust of their goods unto their hand, until the end of the war betwixt him and Bacchides: for the Arabians were his friends. Whilst therefore john marched towards the Bacchides draweth out his forces against jonathan john the brother of judas is slain by Amars' sons. Bacchides assaileth jonathan on the Sabbath day, & loseth two thousand of his men. Nabatheans, the sons of Amaraeus laid an ambuscado for him (who were of the city of Medaba) and after they had furiously set upon him on the way, & laid hold on whatsoever he brought with him, they at length slew him and all his company: for which fact of theirs, they were shortly after punished by his brethren, as we will make manifest in that which afterward followeth. When Bacchides knew that jonathan was encamped in the marshes of jordan, he made choice of the Sabbath day to set upon him, hoping that he would not defend himself on that day, because of the prohibition of the law. But he contrary to his expectation encouraged his companions, & declared unto them how it concerned their lives to be valiant, for that it was impossible for them to escape, because they were shut up in the midst betwixt the flood and the enemy: for they had the enemy before them, and the flood on their backs. As soon therefore as he had made his prayer unto God, that it might please him to grant him the victory, he set upon the enemy with a stout courage, and slew a great number of them: and perceiving Bacchides how with great fierceness he set forward against him, he stretched out his right hand to strike him; but he preventing the stroke by stepping aside, jonathan and his companions leapt into the river, and so saved themselves by swimming over to the other side of jordan, because the enemies durst not pass the water to pursue them. Whereupon Bacchides returned incontinently to the Castle of jerusalem (after he had lost about some two thousand of his men.) After this, he fortified divers Cities (which were before t●…ne ruinated) namely jerico, Emaus, Betheron, Bethella, Thamnata, Pharathon, Techoa, and Gazara, and builded in every one of them certain towers, and great and strong walls, and afterwards he planted garrisons therein to sally out upon the jews and vex them; but in especial he fortified the citadel of jerusalem, in which he kept for hostages The castle of jerusalem fortified. the children of the principallest men of judaea. About that time there came a certain man to jonathan and his brother Simon, bringing them news that the sons of Amaraeus would solemnize their nuptials, and were to lead the bride Simon revengeth his brother john's blood on the sons of Amaraeus. from the City of Gabatha, which was daughter to one of the noblest amongst the Arabians: for which cause she should be conducted with great magnificence and sumptuous pomp. jonathan and his brother, supposing that a fit opportunity was offered them to revenge their brother's death, and to punish the Medabanes for the wrongs they had done unto their brother, they took with them the greatest forces that they could, and marched towards Medaba; where they lay in ambush under the covert of a mountain. But when they saw them that led the bride and accompanied the bridegroom, and a great troop of their friends likewise, according to the accustomed manner of marriages, they broke out of their covert, and put them all to the sword; The year of the world. 3808. before Christ●… birth 156. and after they had seized their jewels and all other booty of that company that followed them, they retired back again joyfully having obtained their purpose: and thus revenged they the death of their brother john upon the sons of Amaraeus. For not only these alone, but their friends that accompanied them, with their wives and children, were all of them slain, to the number of four hundredth. And in this manner Simon and jonathan returned into the marshes aforesaid, and abode there. But Bacchides having fortified all the garrisons of judaea, returned back unto the king. And at that time the estate of the jews was in peace for the space of wellnigh two years. But the wicked, and such as were revolted from the religion of the jews, seeing that jonathan Demetrius by the solicitation of the fugitives sendeth Bacchides against jonathan with an army. Bachides displeased with the Apostates for that they could not surprise jonathan killeth fi●…ie of them. jonathan and his brother besieged in Bethalaga. and his followers conversed in the country in great assurance, by reason of the peace, they sent certain Ambassadors unto king Demetrius, requiring him to send them Bacchides, who might apprehend jonathan, declaring that it might easily be done, and that in one night breaking in upon them, he might murder them all before they were aware. When Bacchides by the king's commandment came into jury, he wrote unto all his friends both jews & also his other allies, requiring them to lay hold on jonathan: but when by no policy nor prows of theirs, they were able to apprehended him (for that jonathan having notice of their ambushes, stood upon his guard) Bacchides the Macedonian was displeased with the Apostates or fugitives, objecting against them that they had deceived both the king and him, and laying hold on fifty of the principallest of them, he put them to death. But jonathan and his brother, with those of their company, retired themselves unto Bethalaga (a certain village in the desert) for fear of Bacchides, in which place he builded towers, and walls to keep his garrison in more security. Bacchides understanding hereof, took the army that he had with him, and those jews that were his confederates, and marched forward against jonathan; where battering those fortifications that were made by him, he besieged him for many days. But jonathan for all his busy siege and violence, was not awhit terrified, but resisted him valiantly; & leaving his brother Simon in the city to make head against Bacchides, he secretly stole out, and gathered a great number of soldiers that favoured his proceedings, and in the night time with valiant courage broke into Bacchides camp; and after he had there slain a number of them, he gave his brother Simon notice of his coming: who, assoon jonathas stealing out of the city assaileth Bacchides by night. Bacchides revengeth himself on the fugitives, and i●… enforced to retreat. as he heard the noise in the enemy's camp, hastily issued forth with his soldiers, and burned all the Macedonians engines, and for his part also made a great slaughter of them. Bacchides seeing that he was circumvented by his enemies, and that both before and behind he was pressed by them, being astonished at this so hard, sudden and unexpected encounter, was almost out of his wits; so sore was he confused at the issue of his siege, that fell out altogether contrary to his expectation: for which cause he discharged all his choler upon those Apostates, supposing he was abused by them, who had sent unto the king and had caused him to be sent thither:) and full gladly would he have returned home, could he but make an end of the siege without his dishonour. CHAP. II. jonathan constraineth Bacchides to make peace with the jews, and to depart out of the country. But jonathan knowing his deliberation; sent an Ambassador unto him to conclude a peace and amity betwixt them, with this condition; that they should each of them deliver up Mac 〈◊〉. Bacchides maketh peace with jonathan. jonathan liveth at Machmas punishing the wicked. those prisoners that were taken on either side. Bacchides supposing that his request would be to his great honour, and that a fit occasion was now offered him, whereupon he might raise his siege without any disgrace, promised jonathan his friendship; so that both of them swore from that time forward never to make war the one against the other; and each of them both received, and restored their prisoners. Thus returned Bacchides into Antioch unto his King, and after that retreat he never made war again upon judaea. But jonathan having obtained this security, went and dwelled in the town of Machmas, where administering and governing the commonweal, he executed such severe justice on those that were revolted from the religion of their country, that he cleansed the nation of all such kind of men. CHAP. III. The year of the world. 3813. before Christ's Nativity. 151. Alexander the son of Antiochus Epiphanes, maketh war against Demetrius. IN the hundredth and sixty year, Alexander the son of Antiochus the Famous came Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. Alexander the son of Antiochus Epiphanes cometh into Syria, and seizeth Ptolemais. into Syria, and seized the City of Ptolemais, by the treason of those soldiers that were therein; who were ill affected towards Demetrius, by reason of his arrogancy, which was such, that he granted no man access unto him: for being locked up in a royal fort defenced with four towers (which himself had builded near unto Antioch) he suffered no man to approach his presence, but was careless and wholly negligent in his affairs; living in pleasure and idleness: whereby he grew into great hatred amongst his subjects, as we have already declared in another place. Now when Demetrius knew that Alexander had seized Ptolemais, he gathered all his forces and marched forth against him. CHAP. FOUR Demetrius covenanteth a peace with jonathan. Moreover he sent Ambassadors unto jonathan, that might confirm an alliance and ratify Demetrius' war against Alexander. 〈◊〉. Machab. 10. a friendship betwixt them: for he determined with himself to prevent Alexander, for fear lest he capitulating with him first of all, should obtain his assistance. And this did he especially for the fear he had of jonathan, lest remembering those injuries he had before time received at his hands, he should oppose himself against him. He therefore sent unto him, requiring him to assemble his forces, & to make preparation for the war: commanding likewise, that those jews should be delivered into his possession, whom Bacchides had shut up for hostages in the fortress of jerusalem. After that Demetrius had demeaned himself in this sort, jonathan resorted to jerusalem, and in the presence of all the people, and of the garrison that was in the fortress, he read the king's letters; and after the reading thereof, the cursed and revolted jews that were in the fortress were sore afraid, seeing that the king permitted jonathan to levy an army, and to receive the hostages. But he receiving them into his hands, restored each of them to their fathers and mothers: and by this means remained jonathan in jerusalem, where he made divers reparations and buildings, according as him pleased. For he builded the City walls of hewn stone, to make them more forcible against the assaults of war. Which when they perceived The Macedonians forfaking their garrisons resort to Antioch. who were in the garrisons thorough out all judaea, they forsook them all, and retired back into Antioch, except they that were in the City of Bethsura, and those in the fortress of jerusalem: for they consisted for the most part of those jews that had abandoned their religion, who for that occasion feared to forsake their garrisons. CHAP. V. Alexander draweth jonathan to his party. But Alexander knowing what promises Demetrius had made unto jonathan, and being well assured how valiant he was, and how he behaved himself against the Macedonians; Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 8. moreover how he was vexed by Demetrius and his Lieutenant Bacchides: He told his friends and familiars that it was impossible for him to meet with a better ally at that time than jonathan, who had approved himself a valiant man against his enemies, and for particular causes bare hatred against Demetrius, from whom he had received many injuries, and on whom he Alexander endeavoureth to draw jonathan to his faction by presenting him with the high Priesthood. had wrought sundry revenges: for which cause if they thought it good to draw him unto their side against Demetrius; the time was veriefit to entertain, and confirm a mutual peace between them: which advise of his being approved by his favourites; he sent a letter unto jonathan to this effect. King Alexander to jonathan his brother, Health: We have long sithence understood of your valour and fidelity, which hath caused us to send our Ambassadors unto you, to entreat with you of alliance and amity betwixt us; and from this day forward, we elect and ordain you high Priest of the jews, & receive you into the number of our chiefest friends. Moreover in way of present, I send you a purple rob, and a crown of gold, exhorting you, that since you are thus honoured by us, you will in like sort yield us an answerable respect and friendshio. jonathan having received this letter invested himself in the habit of the high Priest, and the day of the feast of the Tabernacles, which was the fourth year after the death of his brother judas. The year the of world. 38●…3. before Christ's birth, 151. (For during all that time there had not been any high priest.) He assembled also a great number of soldiers, and caused a great quantity of armours and weapons to be forged. When Demetrius heard these news, he was much troubled, and accused himself of sloth and too much negligence in looking to his affairs, for that he had not prevented Alexander in the courteous entertainment of jonathan, but had suffered him to take the benefit of this occasion. He sent letters likewise to jonathan and the people, containing that which followeth: King Demetrius to jonathan, and to all the nation of the jews: Health. Since you have observed the Demetrius studieth by promises to assure himself of Jonathan's friendship. friendship that you bear unto us, and have not entangled yourselves with our enemies, notwithstanding their divers solicitations, we praise your fidelity, and pray you to persevere in the same estate, assuring you that you shall receive the like favours from us, in all integrity. For I will forgive you the greater part of the tributes and taxes that you have usually paid, either to the kings my predecessors, or to me; and from this time forward, I acquit you from those tributes you are to pay hereafter. And moreover, I release you of the price of salt, and of the gold which you were wont to give unto us for our crown. We likewise acquit you of the thirds of the fruit of your lands, and the half of the fruit of your trees, which heretofore you have been accustomed to pay me, to keep and hold them peaceably from this time forward. I acquit you also at this present for ever, of all that which the inhabitants of judaea, and the three provinces annexed thereunto, Samaria, Galilee, and Peraea, are bound to pay me; willing and commanding that the City of jerusalem be held sacred, and to have the right of the freedom, exempt from all tributes and tenths, both in itself, & also all the country belonging thereunto: And I commit the fortress in the same to the hands of jonathan the high Priest, permitting him to plant such a garrison therein, as in his opinion shall be held both honest and lawful; and such as will faithfully maintain it to his use. I will also that all the jews, who are imprisoned in my country, be set at liberty. Moreover, it is my pleasure, that no horses of the jews be taken up to run post for us. I grant also on the sabboth's, and other festival days; yea, three days also before every one of those feasts, liberty and freedom be used. And my will is, that the jews, who inhabit within my dominions, be likewise freed of all molestations. The like privilege grant I them that will bear arms with me, to the number of thirty thousand: who in what place soever they shall be, shall have no worse entertainment than mine own army: and part of them will I place in my garrisons; the rest shall be of my guard; and I will make them captains in my court, and will permit them to live according to the ordinances of their country, which they shall observe: and I will also that the three governments annexed to judaea be made subject unto the same laws. My pleasure is in like manner, that the high Priest shall take order, that no jew adore in any other temple then in jerusalem, and of mine own charge I give every year a hundredth and fifty thousand sickles of silver to be employed in making sacrifices: and that which shall be over and above those sacrifices, my pleasure is that it shall be yours. Moreover, I acquit the Priests and ministers of the temple, of the ten thousand drachmas of silver (which the kings levied on the temple) because they appertain unto the Priests who serve in the temple; as I have been rightly informed. I grant also to all those, who shall repair unto the temple of jerusalem, for refuge, and within the precincts thereof (whether it be for money due unto the king, or for any other cause) that they be acquit thereof, and receive not any damage in their goods. I permit also, that the temple be repaired and builded at my charge. My will is also, that the walls of the City be reedefied, and that certain towers be builded about the same, at my costs. Furthermore, if there be any places fit to build fortresses and strong holes in, through all the country of judaea, and to The battle between Alexander and Demetrius, and of Demetrius death. place garrisons in them, my will is that all this be done and fortified, at the charges levied out of mine own coffers. These are the promises and offers that Demetrius made unto the jews. But king Alexander having gathered great forces, as well of strange & hired soldiers, as of those who in Syria had revolted from Demetrius, led forth his whole army against the enemy, and after the ensigns were displayed and the onset given, the left wing of Demetrius compelled Alexander's soldiers that fought against it to fly; and his men pursuing them hard at heels spoiled their camp. But the right wing in which the king himself was, being forced to retire, was discomfited: and as for the rest they betook them all to flight; but Demetrius fight valiantly slew some of his enemies; and in pursuing other some, who could not endure his fierce assault, was in the end, by setting spurs to his horse, mainly carried into a deep and muddy bog, whereinto by misadventure his horse fell, and being unable to get out he was slain in that place. For being discovered by his enemies, they turned back upon him; and having enclosed him, they altogether shot their arrows against him, who being on foot and fight valiantly, was The year of the world 3813. before Christ's birth 151. at length slain, after he had received divers wounds, and was no more able to sustain himself. Thus died Demetrius, who departed this life the eleventh year of his reign, as we have discoursed in an other place. CHAP. VI Onias winneth the favour of Ptolomey Philometor, and obtaineth leave of him to build a temple in Egypt, which was called the temple of Onias. But Onias the son of the high priest called also Onias (who flying out of his country Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. Onias the son of Onias the high priest seeketh to build a temple in Egypt. lived in Alexandria, with Ptolomey Philometor, as we have heretofore declared) seeing all judaea destroyed by the Macedonians, and their kings; and intending in his heart to purchase an immortal memory, he determined to beseech the king Ptolomey and the queen Cleopatra by letters, that it might be lawful for him to build a temple in Egypt, resembling in all points that which was at jerusalem, and that he might have liberty to plant Levites and Priests in the same, of his own kindred: And hereunto was he especially moved, by a certain prophecy of Esay, who more than six hundredth years before, had foretold that a temple should be assuredly builded in Egypt, in honour of the almighty God by a Iew. Being therefore incited by this Oracle, he wrote a letter to Ptolomey and Cleopatra, to this effect: During The year of the world. 3814. before Christ's birth 150. the time that I was employed in your wars, and by God's favourable assistance have done you many services, I have visited Coelesuria and Phoenicia, and have been in the City of Leontopolis (which is in the territories of Heliopolis.) I have also visited divers other places, wherein the jews have temples against all right and honesty, which is the cause that they agree not among themselves: as also the like hath happened amongst the Egyptians, thorough the multitude of temples, and the great diversity of religions. And having found out a very convenient place near a Castle called Bubastis in the Plain, where there is store of all sorts of stuff for building & cattle fit for sacrifice: I beseech you that it may be lawful for me to purify the temple that is leveled in that place with the ground, and dedicated to no sacred power; and that in the place thereof it may be lawful for me to erect and build a temple in honour of the highest God, according to the pattern and the same dimensions of that temple, which is in jerusalem, for the preservation and prosperity both of you, your Queen, and children; and to the intent that those jews that dwell in Egypt may assemble and serve God therein: for that by how much the more there is unity and concord among themselves, by so much the more may they be disposed to your service. For to this effect is the prophecy of Esay, which saith thus: There shall be (saith he) a temple for our Lord God in Egypt: many other things also hath he foretold as touching this place. This is the effect of that which Onias wrote unto K. Ptolomey. And by his answer which he made hereunto, a man may easily conjecture what piety was both in him, and Cleopatra his sister, and wife. For they have returned the sin and transgression of the law, which through this means fell upon Onias' head, by this answer that ensueth. King Ptolomey and Queen Cleopatra to Onias the high Priest; Health. We have perused your letters, by which you require us to give you licence to cleanse the temple, that is defaced at Leontopolis, in the signiory of Heliopolis, in the place called Bubastis in the plain. We marvel very much that a temple builded in a place so unclean and full of execrable beasts should be agreeable unto God: but since that you inform us▪ that the prophet Esay did long time sithence prophecy the same, we give you licence, if it may be done according to the law, and with this condition, that we commit not any sin against God. Upon this answer, Onias (taking possession of the place) builded therein a temple, and erected an altar unto God according to the model of the temple of jerusalem, but far less, and A temple builded in Egypt by Ptolemy's consent. The wars of the jews li. 7. chap. 37. Sedition betwixt the jews and Samaritans as touching their temple. jesse rich. Yet think I it no ways requisite to declare the dimensions thereof, neither the vessels in the same, because I describe them particularly in my seventh book of the wars, and captivity of the jews: neither wanted there some Levites and priests, who being answerable to Onias in devotion and zeal, frequented the divine service▪ in that place, and renewed the ceremonies. But let this suffice for the present as touching this temple. But it came to pass, that the jews of Alexandria, and the Samaritans that brought in the service and worship of the temple upon the mount Garizim, under Alexander the great, fell at odds, and debated their differents before Ptolomey. For the jews said that the temple in jerusalem builded, according to Moses laws and ordinances, was the lawful temple; but the Samaritans The year of the world. 3814. before Christ's birth 150. maintained that that which was builded on mount Garizim, was the true temple. They therefore besought the king that it would please him to sit in judgement, with the assistance of his friends, to hear their allegations in this behalf, and to condemn the party unto death, who should be found faulty in his process. Now the advocates which pleaded for the Samaritans, were Sabbaeus and Theodosius: and Andronicus the son of Messalam defended the cause of those of jerusalem, and the other jews. And both of them swore both by God and by the King, that they would bring their proves according to the law, beseeching Ptolomey to adjudge him to death, whom he should find to have falsified his oath. The king therefore sat down with his friends, both to hear the cause, and determine upon their differents. But the jews of Alexandria were sore moved and displeased against them, that had drawn the pre-eminence of the temple in jerusalem into question, and were highly discontent that a temple so ancient and famous, and so esteemed and honoured thorough the whole world, should in such sort be dilgraced. When as therefore the day of audience was come, Sabbaeus and Theodosius suffered Andronicus to declaim first, who began to approve the lawfulness, holiness, and religion of the temple in jerusalem out of the law; and by the successive government of the high priests, who from father to son, and from hand to hand, had received this honour; therein alleging that all the kings of Asia had honoured the majesty of that place with presents and rich oblations: whereas neither in record of men, nor course of antiquity, the temple of Garizim hath been in any estimation. By these and such like words, Andronicus persuaded the king, that the temple of jeruusalem was builded according to the ordinance of Moses, inviting him to adjudge Sabbaeus and Theodosius to death. This may suffice as touching the differents of the jews of Alexandria; and such things as befell them during Ptolomey Philometors time. CHAP. VII. Alexander after Demetrius death honoureth jonathan greatly. AFter that Demetrius was slain in fight (according as we have heretofore declared) Alexander was king of Syria, who wrote to Ptolomey Philometor; requiring his daughter Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. 1. Mac 11. Alexander king of Syri●… marrieth Cleo patra Ptolemy's daughter in marriage, telling him that it was a matter answerable to his dignity, to contract affinity with him; first since he had obtained his father's empire by the favour of God: and next for that he had overcome Demetrius. Ptolomey yielding a willing ear to these his demands, and entertaining them with great pleasure, wrote back that he was very glad that he had recovered his father's kingdom; promising him to give him his daughter in marriage; giving him to understand, that he would meet him at Ptolemais, and bring his daughter unto him to that place, and there celebrate the nuptials. After he had written these letters, Ptolomey made his speedy repair to Ptolemais, and led with him his daughter Cleopatra; where meeting with Alexander (according to their appointment) he delivered him his daughter, with such a dowry of gold and silver, as well beseemed his kingly magnificence. Unto the solemnising of this marriage, Alexander by letters invited the high Priest jonathan, commanding him to repair unto him to Prolemais. Where, after he was arrived, and had both presented his service with other magnificent presents to both the kings; he was highly honoured by both, insomuch as Alexander constrained him to put off his ordinary garments, and to put on a purple to be, and after that to sit upon a royal throne: commanding his captains to march before him thorough the City; and to command by public edict, that no man should dare to speak any thing against him; neither offer him any cause of discontent in what sort soever. All which the captains performed; so that they, who purposely and maliciously repaired thither to accuse him, seeing the honour that was done unto him by this publication, fled away hastily, for fear lest some mishap should befall the. This king Alexander loved jonathan so entirely, that he afforded him the chiefest place amongst the number of his dearest friends. CHAP. VIII. The year of the world 3818. before Christ's Natinitie. 146. Demetrius the son of Demetrius over cometh Alexander, obtaineth the kingdom, and contracteth friendship with jonathan. IN the hundredth, sixty and fifth year (of the reign of the greeks) Demetrius the son of Demetrius (accompanied with divers hired soldiers, whom Lasthenes Candiot furnished him with) departed out of Candia, and came into Cilicia. Which news as Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 6. Demetrius the son of Demetrius passeth out of Greece into Cilicia and seeketh to make himself Lord of Syria. soon as Alexander heard, he was grievously vexed & troubled: for which cause he instantly posted from Phoenicia to Antioch, with intent to assure the affairs of his kingdom in that place before the arrival of Demetrius. He left behind him for his governor in Coelesyria Apollonius Davus, who coming unto jamnia with a great army, sent a messenger unto the high Priest jonathan, signifying unto him that it was not convenient that he only should live in assurance at his own ease and in authority, without submitting himself unto a King; and that it was a great indignity for him in all men's eyes, for that he had not enforced himself to stoop under the obedience of a King. For which cause (said he) deceive not thyself, neither hope thou by skulking in the mountains, or depending on thy forces to continue thy greatness; but if thou trustest to thy power, come down into the field, & encounter with me & my army in the plain, to the end that the issue of the victory may show which of us is most valiant. Be not thou so ignorant that the noblest of every City bear arms under one, who have always overcome thy predecessors. For which cause I challenge thee to meet me in that place where we may use our swords and no stones; and A man confident in battle. where the vanquished shall have no advantage by his flight. jonathan whetted by this bitter message, chose out ten thousand of his best soldiers, and departed from jerusalem accompanied with his brother Simon, and came unto joppes, and encamped without the City (because the Citizens had shut the gates against him) for they had a garrison planted in that place by Apollonius. But as soon as he addressed himself to batter the City, the inhabitants were afraid, for fear lest he should surprise the same by force, and for that cause they opened him the gates. Apollonius understanding that joppes was taken by jonathan, he took three thousand horsemen, and eight thousand footmen with him, and came into Azot; whence he departed, leading out his army with a sober march, foot by foot; & arriving at joppes, he retired back to draw jonathan into the field, assuring himself upon his horsemen, and grounding his hope of victory upon them. But jonathan issuing out boldly, pursued Apollonius as far as Azot: who finding himself in the champion field, tumed back upon him and charged him. jonathan was in no sort abashed to see the thousand horsemen, that Apollonius had laid in ambush near unto a certain stream, to the Apollonius fighteth with jonathan, and is put to flight. end they might charge the jews behind, but disposed his army in such sort, that his soldiers on every side turned their faces upon the enemy; commanding his mento defend themselves on both sides, fight with those that assailed them either in the vanguard or the rearward. This battle continued until evening, and jonathan had given his brother Simon a part of his forces, charging him to set upon the enemy's battle: as for himself, he drew himself and his soldiers into a form of a battalion resembling a Tortoise, to the end that being covered with their bucklers, joined the o●…e with the other, they might bear off the horseman's arrows, to which all of them showed themselves obedient. The enemy's horsemen shooting all their arrows against them did them no harm; for they pierced not as far as the flesh, but lighting upon the bucklers (enclosed and fastened the one within the other) they were easily beaten back & borne off, and fell down being shot all in vain. But when as the enemies were wearied with shooting from betimes in the morning until evening, and that Simon perceived they could charge no further, he set upon them with his soldiers so courageously, that he put them all to flight. The horsemen of Apollonius perceiving that the footmen were disar●…aid, grew heartless likewise; and wearied also for that they had fought until the evening, and having lost the hope that they had in the footmen, they took their flight in great disorder, and confusion: so that they broke their ranks of themselves, and were scattered thorough all the plain. jonathan also pursued them as far as jonathan pursued the enemy as far as Azot, and burneth Dagon●… temple, and killeth 8000. men. Azot, and taking the City by assault▪ he slew divers of them, constraining the rest that were in despair to fly into the temple of Dagon, which is in Azot; and taking the City by assault, he burned it with the villages round about, and spared not the temple of Dagon, but burned it and all 〈◊〉 that were therein. The number as well of those that were slain in the battle, as of those that were consumed by fire in the temple, was eight thousand men. Having therefore in this sort discomfited this army, he departed from Azot, and marched towards Ascalon: and as he was encamped without the City, the Ascalonites came out unto him, and both presented and honoured him. He willingly entertaining their good affection, departed from thence, and journeyed towards The year of the world. 3818. before the Nativity of Christ. 146. Alexander sendeth presents to jonathan. jerusalem charged with great spoils, which after his victory against his enemy, he drove before him after he had spoiled the country. As soon as Alexander heard that Apollonius the general of his army was discomfited, and forced to fly, he made a show that he was glad thereof, pretending that it was against his will that jonathan had been molested by war, who was both his friend and ally. Whereupon be sent an Ambassador unto him, to signify unto him how much he rejoiced at his victory, offering him presents and honours, with a chain of gold, such as the kings were accustomed to give to those of their kindred: he likewise gave him Accaron and the country thereunto belonging, to him and his heirs for ever. About the same time king Ptolemy Philometor set out an army by sea, and another by land, to Hedio & Ruffinus chap. 7. Ptolomey Philometor 〈◊〉 ●…to Syria with an army to assist his son in law Alexander▪ jonathan meeteth with Ptolomey, and is honourably entertained by him. Treason intended against Ptolomey, and discovered: for which cause he taketh away his daughter from Alexander, and giveth her to Demetrius for his wi●…e. repair into Syria, and to succour his son in law Alexander; and in his way all the Cities entertained him very affectionately, according as Alexander had commanded them, and conducted him as far as the City of Azot: in which place all of them exclaimed before him, and challenged justice at his hand, for that the temple of Dagon was burned and destroyed; accusing jonathan for the firing thereof, and the slaughter of many people therein. But Ptolomey hearing these accusations, answered them not a word: But when jonathan came forth to meet him at joppes, he courted him with royal presents, and all the honour that was possible, and after he had kept him company as far as the flood called Eleutherus he dismissed him, and sent him back to jerusalem. When Ptolomey was come to Ptolemais, he hardly escaped death, and that contrary to all expectation by Alexander's own complotting, and Ammonius his friend's mediation: Which treachery being discovered, Ptolomey wrote unto Alexander, requiring him that Ammonius might be punished for his treasons and conspiracies practised against him, which in their natures required a severe and cruel punishment. But seeing that Alexander delivered him not up into his hands, he conjectured and concluded, that he himself was the author thereof; and conceived a heinous displeasure against him. In like manner before that time, Alexander had offended the Antiochians, by the means of the said Ammonius, who had loaden them with many wrongs and incommodities: but in the end Ammonius was punished for these his ou●…agious misdemeanours, and disgracefully slain like a woman, whilst in a woman's attire, he fought to hide himself, as we have expressed it in another place. At that time Ptolomey began to accuse himself for bestowing his daughter in marriage on Alexander, and for resusing Demetrius to be his friend and confederate: so that he broke off the affinity that he had with him; and after he had withdrawn his daughter from him, he presently sent Ambassadors unto Demetrius to confirm a league of peace and affinity with him; promising him to bestow his daughter upon him in marriage, and to establish him in his father's kingdom. Demetrius very joyful to hear of this Embassage, accepted both of the confederation and marriage. There only remained one difficulty for Ptolomey to surmount, which was how he might persuade the Antiochians to admit Demetrius, against whom they were so grievously incesed, for the indignities which his father Demetrius had offered them; but this difficulty overcame he by this means that ensueth. The Antiochians hated Alexander, because of Ammonius (as we have expressed heretofore) and by that means were the more easily drawn to drive him out of the City. He perceiving himself to be thrust out of Antioch, came into Cilicia. Whereupon Ptolomey came unto Antioch, and was both by the Citizens and soldiers therein, ptoclaimed king, and was constrained to take two Diadems, the one as king of Asia, the other Ptolomey persuaded the Antiochians to accept Demetrius for their king, and reiused the Diadem of Asia. ask of Egypt. He was a man of a gentle and just nature, no ways ambitions; but such a one as prudently did forecast what was to ensue: st●…riuing by all means possible to avoid the hatred and jealousy of the Romans. For which cause (assembling the Antiochians together) he wrought so much with them, that at last he persuaded them to accept of Demetrius, assuring them that if he should receive that benefit at their hands, he would no more keep in memory those things that had fallen out betwixt them and his father: protesting for his own part, that he would instruct him both how to order the course of his life honestly, & to manage his public affairs rightly; and promising them that if he attempted to work them any inconvenient, he himself would be the foremost to chastise him; alleging for his own part, that he would content himself to be king of Egypt. And by this means the Antiochians were induced to receive Demetrius. But when as Alexander was departed out of Cilicia, with a g●…eat army, and was come into Syria, and had burned and spoiled the country of the Antiochians, Ptolomey accompanied with his son Demetrius (for he had already married his daughter unto him) issued out with their armies, and obtained a joint and mutual victory, by overcoming Alexander, who was The year of the world, 3818 before Christ's birth 146. Alexander being overcome flieth into Arabia, and is stain in that place. Ptolemy's death. constrained to fly into Arabia. It came to pass in that conflict, that Ptolemy's horse hearing the noise of an Elephant, was troubled and stumbled in such sort, as he threw his master on the ground: which when his enemies perceived, they ran all together upon him, and gave him divers wounds in the head, whereby he was in danger to have been slain, unless his guard had rescued him: notwithstanding he was so sick for four days space, that he could neither hear nor speak. But Zabel the potentate of Arabia beheaded Alexander, and sent his head unto Ptolomey; who being somewhat come unto himself after his wounds on the fifth day, and having some knowledge, heard and saw together a thing both delightful in his ear, and pleasant in his eye, which was the death and the head of his enemy. But some few days after he died himself, be●…ng full of joy in that he saw his enemies fall. This Alexander surnamed Balls, reigned for the space of five years, as we have elsewhere declared. Demetrius surnamed Nicanor, having obtained the kingdom, began thorough his malice to dismember Ptolemy's army, forgetting both the confederacy and affinity that he had with him, by reason of Cleopatra his wife, who was Ptolemy's daughter. But the men of war hating his ingratitude fled into Alexandria to warrantize themselves from his wickedness; notwithstanding they left the Elephants in his power and possession. But the high Priest jonathan having assembled an army of all the country of judaea, began to besiege the castle of jerusalem, where there was a garrison of the Macedonians, and a great number of wicked Apostates that were fallen from the jewish religion, who in the beginning set light by the engines that jonathan had raised to surprise the place, in the strength whereof they reposed too much confidence: But in the end, some of these miscreants breaking out by night, came unto Demetrius and certified him of the siege; who was sore displeased thereat, & taking a strong army with him, departed from Antioch to make war upon jonathan. At such time as he came jonathan appeaseth Demetrius by presents. to Ptolemais, he wrote to jonathan and commanded him to come unto him: notwithstanding jonathan gave not over the siege, but took the Elders and the Priests with him, with gold and silver, robes & a great quantity of presents to bear unto Demetrius, and when he had delivered them into his hands he appeased his wrath; and after he had received many honours at his hands, he obtained the confirmation of his priesthood, in as ample manner, as he enjoyed it du●…g the times of his predecessors: And although the miscreant Iewes accused him, yet did not Demetrius give them any credit. Moreover, jonathan requiring, that for the whole country of jewry, and for the three governments of Samaria, joppes, and Galilee, he might pay no more than three hundredth talents for tribute, he granted him a full exemption, and wrote his letters patents in these terms: King Demetrius to jonathan his brother, and to all the nation of the jews: Peace and joy.. We have sent you the copy of the letter, that we have written to Lasthenes our father, to the end you may know the contents thereof, which is this. King Demetrius to Lasthenes Demetrius' letters, to Lasthenes in which he bestoweth many privileges on the jews. his father: joy and Peace. Because the people of the jews are our confederates, and observe our ordinances, my intent is to requite their good affection, and to assign them the three governments of Apherema, Lydda, and Ramatha, with their appurtenances, which have been taken from Samaria and annexed to judaea. Secondly, we remit all that which our predecessors kings received of them that sacrificed in jerusalem: And other tributes likewise, which were gathered for the fruits of the earth and the trees; the tribute of the salt likewise, and the gold that was levied for the crown? so that henceforward nothing hereof be exacted at their hands, either for the time present or to come. See you therefore give order that the copy of these our present letters, be sent and delivered to jonathan, to be affixed in some open & conspicuous place in the sacred temple. See here what he wrote at that time. Demetrius perceiving that his country was in peace, and that he lived without fear of any war, he dismissed his army, and cashiered his soldiers; hiring only certain strangers (who were mustered out of Candy and other Isles) whereby Demetrius incurreth the hatred of his soldiers by abridging their pay in time of peace. it came to pass that his own soldiers conceived an envy and hatred against him, in that he gave them no wages: whereas his predecessors maintained them as well in peace as in war, to the end that they might be the more affectionate towards them; and that if need required to employ them, they might show themselves more ready and courageous to fight for them. CHAP. IX. The year of the world 3820. before Christ's birth. 144. Tryphon Apamenus overcometh Demetrius, and giveth the kingdom to Antiochus the son of Alexander, and plighteth friendship with jonathan. A Certain man called Diodotus, and by surname Tryphon (an Apamean by nation and general of Alexander's army) hearing what mutiny there was amongst Demetrius soldiers, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 8. 1. Machab. 11. Diodotus called Tryphon Apamenus requireth Malchus to commit Antiochus Alexander's ●…n to his charge. jonathan sendeth Emballadors with presents to Demettius, to request him to cassiere the forces in the castle of jerusalem and the fortresses there about. came unto Malchus the Arabian, who had the bringing up of Antiochus Alexander's son, and wrought as much as in him lay that he would commit Antiochus to his trust, to the intent he might make him king, and establish him in the sovereign government which appertained to his father. And although upon this first motion of his, he could hardly be drawn to believe it; yet not long after by the continual instance of Triphon he was persuaded to condescend, and suffered himself to be drawn by his persuasions. See here what this man pretended at that time. But jonathan the high Priest, desiring that they within the citadel of jerusalem and those wicked and Apostate jews, and in general all those that were in the garrisons throughout all the country, might be displaced and dismissed; he sent Ambassadors with rich presents unto Demetrius, beseeching him to cashier those that were in garrison in the fortresses of judaea: who not only promised him that demand, but also matters of far greater moment, after that war which he had then in hand, were determined. For the present troubles at that time, gave him no leisure to perform the same: he therefore prayed him for the right of their friendship to send him some of his forces, giving him to understand, that his army was revolted. Whereupon jonathan chose out three thousand fight men, and sent them unto him. But the Antiochians hated Demetrius, both because of the injuries they had endured under him, as also for the hatred they had conceived against his father, who had in like manner done them much wrong; so that they only expected and watched their opportunity, to expulse him. Understanding therefore that the succours that jonathan sent unto Demetrius were at hand; & foreseeing that in short time he would gather a great army, if they hasted not themselves to prevent him betime; they betook them to The rebellion of the citizens of Antioch, and the revenge taken on them by Demetrius. their weapons, and beset the king's palace after the manner of a siege, and guarded all the gates with an intent to lay hold on the king. Who seeing himself roundly beset by the armed multitude of the Antiochians, took those hired soldiers (with those whom jonathan had sent him) and charged them: but he was forced to retire and overcome by them, who were assembled in that place to the number of many thousands. For which cause the jews perceiving that the Antiochians had the better hand, they mounted upon the battlements of the palace, and from thence darted and shot against them, without any endomagement to themselves (by reason of the distance and height of the place where they were) notwithstanding they gauled the people grievously, in so much as they drove them from the houses near adjoining, which they incontinently set on fire, whereby the flame thereof was spread thorough the whole City; so that the houses that were closely builded the one by the other, and for the most part framed of wood, were burnt down to the ground. The Antiochians perceiving that they could not remedy the fire, nor extinguish the same, betook them to flight, and the jews chase them from house to house, pursued them after an incredible manner. When the king perceived that the Citizens of Antioch ran here and there to save their wives, and children, and for that occasion had given over the battle, he set upon them in a certain narrow straight, whereas divers of them were slain, and all at last enforced to cast down their weapons, and to yield themselves to Demetrius' mercy, who pardoning them their rebellion, pacified that sedition. After this he rewards the jews with part of the pillage, thanking them as the only authors of his victory. Whereupon he sent them back to jonathan, with no small acknowledgement and testimony of their prowess and virtue. But afterwards he discovered his evil nature towards him, and falsified his promises, menacing him to make war upon him except he paid him those tributes, which the people of the jews ought, and were wont to pay unto the kings his ancestors before time. And these designs of his had he executed, had not Tryphon hindered him: for he was enforced to turn those forces that he had prepared against jonathan, to make war upon Tryphon: who returning from Arabia into Syria, with the younger Antiochus (who at that time was under years) he set the diadem upon his head. All the army likewise that had abandoned Demetrius, for shorting them of their wages, came and followed him, and made open war against their master, and under Demetrius thrust out of Antioch. Antiochus and Tryphon fought with him and overcame him, seizing both his Elephants, and the City of Antioch. Whereupon Demetrius being wholly discomfited, fled into Cilicia. But The year of the world. 3820. before Christ's birth 144. jonathan for the favours & benefits he received at Tryphons and Annochus hands, offereth and performeth his best endeavours against Demetrius. the younger Antiochus sent Ambassadors and letters to jonathan, calling him his ally and friend, confirming the priesthood unto him, and allotted him the four governments annexed to judaea; and besides these, he gave him vessels of gold, a rob of purple, with permission to wear the same: he gave him also a pendent of gold, and enroled him amongst his chiefest friends, and created his brother Simon General of his army, from the marches of tire as far as Egypt. jonathan highly rejoiced at these favours of Antiochus, and sent ambassadors both unto him and Tryphon, protesting that he was their friend and ally, and that he would fight on his side against Demetrius, who neglecting those benefits which he had received (notwithstanding that in his necessity he had been succoured by him) returned him evil for good, which he had so kindly extended towards him. But after that Antiochus had granted him leave to levy a great army out of Syria & Phoenicia, to fight against Demetrius followers, he addressed himself incontinently into the cities, who received him very magnificently; yet did they not afford him any men of war. Coming from thence unto Ascalon, the Citizens in honourable array came out to meet him with presents; whom, together with the cities of Coelesyria, he exhorted to forsake Demetrius' part, and to follow Antiochus, to the end, that joining themselves with him, they might all of them combine their forces against Demetrius, and take vengeance of those mischiefs which they had oftentimes endured by his means: and which if they prudently examined, they had many reasons to prosecute their revenge. After he had persuaded these Cities to enter into confederation against Demetrius, he came to Gaza, to induce them likewise, and reconcile them to Antiochus. But he found the Gazeans to be of a far contrary disposition, then that which he expected; for they flatly resisted him: and although they were intended to forsake Demetrius; yet would they not join their forces, or submit their City to his government. For which cause jonathan besieged their city, and spoiled their country: for with the one half of his army he begird Gaza; and with the other half he overran the country, spoiling and burning the same. The Gazeans seeing these miseries which they were constrained to endure, and perceiving that no succours came unto them from Demetrius; but that their own overthrow was at hand, & their assistance far off; and that which was worse, most uncertain: they thought it to be the wisest part for them to forsake the one, and follow the other. Whereupon they sent messengers unto jonathan, protesting that they would be both his friends and confederates. For men do unwillingly take knowledge of their profit, before they have bought it to their sorrow; and that which they neglected at first, and was most expedient for them to perform before they were afflicted, that do they earnestly hunt after, at such time as they have been chastised. Upon this submission of theirs, jonathan received them into favour, and took pledges of them, & sent them to jerusalem; and from thence marched he along the country as far as Damascus. And whereas a huge host sent by Demetrius, came out against him, as far as the City Cedasa near unto tire and Galilee, making their reckoning to divert jonathan from Syria, by succouring and relieving those of Galilee, who were their confederates: jonathan went out speedily to meet with them, recommending the estate of judaea to the charge of his brother Simon. Who assembling all the power that was possible to be gathered throughout all the country, encamped before Bethsura, a strong fort in judaea; and besieged it (for Demetrius being before time seized thereof, kept garrison therein, as before this we have declared.) When as therefore Simon raised his bulwarks and fitted his engines Simon Jonathan's brother taketh in Bethsura. to assault the City, and employed all his study to surprise the same, they that were besieged waxed afraid, lest if he should take the town by force, they should lose their lives. For which cause, they sent an herald unto Simon, requesting him that he would permit them to depart out of Bethsura with the safety of their lives and goods, and go unto Demetrius: who satisfying their demands, they presently departed out of the City, and he planted a garrison therein of his own men, in place of the Macedonians. In the mean while jonathan, who was in Galilee, caused his army to dislodge from a place called the waters of Genezareth, where first he was encamped, & marched towards the plain of Azot, without any suspicion that his enemies had been planted thereabouts: When as therefore Demetrius soldiers had intelligence the day before that jonathan should march forward against them, they laid an ambush for him, which they placed near the mountain, preparing the rest of their forces to bid him battle in the plain. As soon as jonathan perceived their preparation to the battle, he arranged his army as conveniently as was possible; but when they that lay in ambush arose, and charged the jews upon their backs, they fearing to be enclosed, and consequently easily slain, began to fly; so that all of them abandoned jonathan, except some few to the number of fifty at the uttermost, & Mathias the son of Absalon The year of the world. 3810. before the Nativity of Christ. 144. jonathan putteth Demetrius soldiers to flight. and judas the son of Chapsaeus, the chieftains of the army; who boldly entering, and like desperate men charging the enemy in the vanguard with such fury, that they made them amazed at their valour, & by force of handy blows compelled them to trust to their heels. Which when they that fled from jonathan perceived, they rallied themselves and began to pursue them as far as Cedasa, where the enemies were encamped. Now when jonathan had obtained this famous victory, wherein there died about some two thousand of the enemy, he returned to jerusalem, and (seeing that by God's providence all things fell out according as he himself desired) he sent Ambassadors unto Rome, purposely to renew the ancient league that was made betwixt them, and the people of the jews: commanding his Ambassadors upon their return from Rome, to transport themselves to Sparta, and renew their common friendship and acquaintance also in that place. As soon as jonathan reneweth his friendship & confederacy with the Romans and Lacedæmonians. they were come to Rome, and had presented themselves before the Senate, they declared how they were sent from the high Priest jonathan, who required the revonation of their alliance. Whereupon the Senate granted all that which they had demanded as touching the amity of the jews, and gave them their letters of recommendation to bear unto all the Kings of Asia and Europe, and to the governors of all the Cities; commanding them to grant them free passage to return into their country. And in their return they passed by the Lacedæmonians, and presented those letters which jonathan had written unto them, the copy whereof contained matters to this effect. jonathan the high Priest of the Nation of the jews, and all the commonalty of the jews; To the ephors, Senate and people of Sparta: Health. If you be in health, and both your particular and public affairers have their desired success, The year of the world, 3821. before Christ's birth 143. we have that which we desire: For ourselves, we are in good disposition. For as much as heretofore we have received a letter by the hands of Demoteles, written from Arius your king to Onias our high Priest, making mention of that acquaintance and alliance, which is between you and us (the copy whereof we have hereunder inserted) and have received your letters with great content, and have with all kindly acceptance requited both Demoteles and Arius (notwithstanding we were not ignorant of this consanguinity long before, for that we were instructed therein by our sacred scriptures.) And whereas we have not first of all acknowledged you for our kinsmen, it was to no other end but for fear we should ravish the honour of ratifying the friendship between us, which we intended always should be yours. Since which time wherein we have contracted friendship with you, we have on our holy and solemn days sacrificed unto our God, beseeching him to continue and keep you in prosperity: and on the other side, in as much as we have been environed with many wars, caused by the disordered desires of our neighbours, we have neither thought it meet to be troublesome unto you, or to any other whatsoever. But now at this time, since we have obtained a happy issue of all these troubles, we have sent Numenius the son of Antimachus, and Antipater the son of jason, men honourable amongst our counsellors, both to the Romans & to you also; to whom we have given our letters to be presented unto you, in our behalf, to the end they might renew the amity which is between you and us: you shall therefore do well if you write back unto us, and certify us wherein we may steed you, in that we have ever had an earnest desire, and will to continued our love towards you, or aught else that concerneth your welfare. These Ambassadors of his were kindly entertained by the Lacedæmonians, who made a public ordinance as touching their association, and amity with the jews; which they delivered unto them. In this time were there three sects among the jews, who had different and contrary opinions as touching human affairs; the first was that of the Pharisees; the second of the Sadduces; Three sects of the jews. The Pharisees. The Essenians The Sdaduces and the third of the Essenians. The Pharisees affirm that some things and not all things, are directed by destiny; and that some other things were tied to men's election, whether they would perform them or not. The Essenians said, that destiny governed all things; and that nothing happened amongst men, that was not disposed thereby. The Sadduces avow that there is no destiny; and that humane affairs in that destiny is not, cannot be governed and disposed thereby: their only opinion is, that all things depend upon our own disposition; so as in respect of our good deeds, we are the authors thereof; and in respect of our evil, they are the fruits of our The wars of the jews. lib. 2. chap. 1●…. irregard. But hereof have I entreated more exactly in my second book of the wars of the jews. Demetrius' Captains desirous to abolish the dishonour of that discomfiture, and recover the loss that had lately befallen them, gathered together a greater power than the former, and went out against jonathan; who having intelligence of their coming, marched speedily to encounter The year of the world, 3821 before Christ's birth 143. Demetrius' captains once more make war upon sonathan, and seeing their purposes discovered fly by night. them near unto the plain of Amath: for he resolved to prevent their intended road into judaea. Encamping therefore some fifty furlongs off of the enemy, he sent out spies to discover of what force they were, and how they were encamped. Who, when they had by a most diligent view known all that possibly they could, returning took certain prisoners, and brought them away by night with them: by whose confession the intent of the enemies was discovered unto jonathan, which was, that they would set upon them on the sudden. But jonathan with a provident care speedily fortified his camp, and prepared all things necessary for defence, and placed a watch or Sentinel without his host, keeping his soldiers up in arms all the night, and exhorting them to be both valiant and ready, forasmuch as they must needs fight by night, to the end that they might not be surprised by the subtleties and policies of their enemies. But when the Captains of Demetrius understood that their intended purpose was discovered unto jonathan, they were in suspense, and knew not what counsel to take: for this troubled them, because they saw that nothing would fall out to their good, without the practice of subtle means to entrap their enemies: and supposing themselves not to be of sufficient strength to bid jonathan battle in the plain field; they therefore resolved to fly, and leave great fires through all their camp, to the end their enemies might think they were asleep: and so they discamped by night. On the morrow, when jonathan drew near their camp to bid them battle, and saw it abandoned, and conjectured thereby that they were fled, he followed after them; but he could not overtake them, because they had already past the flood Eleutherus, and were retired into their strong holds and places of security. Returning therefore from thence into Arabia, and making war on the jonathan marcheth into Arabia, and spoileth the Nahatheans. Simon his brother taketh joppes. jonathan and Simon repair the city of jerusalem and the fortresses of Iury. Nabatheans, he spoilt their country, took great booties, and led away many prisoners: and from thence came to Damascus, and sold all in that place. About this very time, Simon his brother (marching thorough out all judaea and Palestine as far as Ascalon; planted his garrisons in all those places, and fortified them both with men and munition: and finally came to jop, which he took by force, and planted a great garrison therein, because he was advertised that they of joppes intended to surrender the City to Demetrius forces. When Simon and jonathan had in this sort disposed all things, they came to jerusalem, and assembled the people together in the temple, and persuaded them to fortify the walls of the City, and to strengthen the enclosure of the temple that was ruinated, advising them to fortify the same with strong towers: and besides this, he caused another wall to be builded in the midst of the City, to warrantize the same against the garrisons of the Citadel, to the intent that by that means they might out off and stop up the passages to victual the sort. He advised them likewise, to build far stronger fortresses thorough out the country, than those that were already finished. Now whenas the people had allowed of this his good advice, jonathan gave order as touching all those things that concerned the buildings within the City, and set his brother Simon about the fortresses in the country. But Demetrius passing the river, came into Mesopotamia, intending at one time to take possession both of it and the City of Babylon, that being seized thereof, he might the better provide for all the occurrences of his kingdom. For the Greeks & Macedonians, who inhabited that country, had solicited him by often Ambassadors to come unto them, promising him to subscribe to his authority, and to war with him against Arsaces' King of the Parthians. He puffed up with those Demetrius maketh war upon Arsaces' king of the Parthians, and is taken prisoner. hopes, marched towards them with great speed, resolving with himself, that after he had overcome the Parthians (if he had any forces left him) he would wage war with Tryphon, and easily drive him out of the kingdom of Syria. Being therefore entertained by those of the country with great affection, he levied a great army, and assailed Arsaces'; but he lost the day, and himself was taken prisoner, as we have elsewhere declared. CHAP. X. Demetrius is taken prisoner, Tryphon breaketh the covenant of peace betwixt him and Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 2. Mac 11. 13. Tryphon labouring to transfer Antiochus' kingdom into his own hands, and fearing Jonathan's opposition traitorously complotteth his death. jonathan, and surpriseth and killeth him trecherousle, and afterwards maketh war against his brother Simon. WHen Tryphon understood that Demetrius affairs had so unfortunate an issue, he forsook Antiochus and his service; and complotted with himself how he might kill him and make himself king. But the fear that he had of jonathan Antiochus friend, hindered this intent of his: For which cause he resolved first of all to deliver himself of jonathan; and that ●…one, afterwards to make Antiochus the young king away. Having therefore concluded with himself to kill jonathan by some stratagem of treason, he came from Antioch to Bethsan (which The year of the world. 3821. before Christ's birth 143. the greeks call Scythopolis) whither jonathan came to meet him with forty thousand chosen men, supposing that Tryphon resorted thither to make war upon him. But he knowing that jonathan came thither with so much strength, wrought him by presents and counterfeit courtesies; commanding his captains to obey jonathan, thinking by that means to persuade him that he entirely and truly loved him, and to extinguish his suspicion, to the intent he might lay hold and entrap him, at such time as he had least suspicion of him. He counseled him to dismiss his army likewise, because having cut off all occasion of war, he had no reason to retain them, for that there was no suspicion of alteration. After this he invited jonathan to come to Ptolemais, and to bring with him some few of his soldiers, signifying unto him that he would deliver the City into his hands, and resign all the fortresses that were in the country to his possession; urging further, that he came into that country to no other end, but to perform it. jonathan suspecting no sinister dealing, and believing that Tryphon spoke of good and entire affection, discharged his forces, and took only three thousand men with him, whereof two he left in Galilee, and with one thousand repaired to Ptolemais unto Tryphon. But the Ptolemaidans shutting the gates as soon as he was entered (according as Tryphon had commanded them) took jonathan prisoner, The year of the world, 3822. before Christ's Nativity, 142. and slew all those that attended upon him. He presently sent also part of his army unto the two thousand that were left in Galilee, to the intent to put them all to the sword: but they having notice of that which had befallen their chieftain, taking up their arms, speedily departed out of Galilee. And although the soldiers of Tryphon exceeded them far in number, yet were they not so hardy as to try whether part were the stronger; because they knew that the jews were ready to expose themselves to all dangers to defend their lives: and so they returned back to him that sent them, without doing anything. CHAP. XI. The people maketh Simon general of their army, and declareth him the high priest. THey of jerusalem understanding of the surprisal of jonathan, and the loss of his soldiers, grievously lamented for this accident, that so great a man as he was, was taken from 2. Mac. 14. Jonathan's want lamented by all men. them, in that they feared (& that not without cause) that being destitute after his decease both of his valour and prudence, the nations that were round about them would seek their trouble and molestation: who having held themselves quiet in admiration of him, would at that time lift themselves up against them, and not only persecute them with war, but bring them into extreme danger of their lives. Neither did their expectation deceive them. For the neighbouring nations, understanding of Jonathan's death, began presently to make war upon the jews on all sides, as against those who had no longer any chieftain, under whose conduct they might wage war, and show themselves valiant. And Tryphon likewise having gathered forces, was determined The neighbo●…ring nations and Tryphon invade judaea. Simon Jonathan's brother assembleth the people, and animateth them. to ascend into judaea, to war against the inhabitants thereof. Simon perceiving that the Citizens of jerusalem were dismayed with the fear, which they apprehended of those rumours and new tumults of war, and being desirous to animate them against all incursions & attempts intended by Tryphon; assembled the people in the temple, and began to exhort them after this manner. You are not ignorant (men and brethren) how both I, my father, and brethren, have voluntarily offered ourselves unto death for your liberty. Since therefore, I have abundance of such like examples, and that it is the ordinary course of our family to die for our law and religion, there is no fear so great as can pluck out this resolution out of my heart, as it may plant such a desire of life in me, as to be drawn to forget all honour. Wherefore since you have such The year of the world. 3823. before Christ's birth 141. a chieftain and commander, as setteth light by all danger, whereby he may endure or act any thing for your safety; it behoveth you to follow me courageously to what place soever I shall conduct you. For I am of no better account than were my brethren, whereby I should spare my life; neither am I less than they, whereby I should thorough negligence and cowardice shun and forsake that which they have esteemed to be honourable, as is to die for the law and the service of our God. I will make manifest therefore by all the testimonies that I can, that I am their true and lawful brother; for I trust in God, that he will give me power to take vengeance of our enemies; and deliver not only all of you, but your wives and your children from the injury which they intent against you; and by the grace of God I will preserve the holy temple, that it may not be ruinated by their profane hands. I or I already perceive, that the profane nations set us at nought, and contemn you as if you had no chieftain: and I know already that they are marching The year of the world. 3823. before Christ's Nativity. 141. Simon succeed his brother's judas & jonathan. Simon sendeth jonathan Absaloms' son to ●…oppe to expulse the inhabitants thereof forward to fight with you. By these words Simon harmed the people, who were distracted with fear, so that they revived their spirits and conceived better hope. Whereupon all of them cried out with a loud voice, that Simon was their general, and that he was to succeed his two valiant brethren judas and jonathan in the government; and that as touching themselves, they would be obedient in all things that he should command them. He therefore assembled in one instant all the men at arms in that country, and hasted himself to repair the City walls, defencing them with high and strong towers, and sent a certain friend of his called jonathan the son of Absalon, with an army to joppes; commanding him to expulse the inhabitants of that city from thence, for that he feared lest they should submit themselves to Tryphon: As for himself he remained in jerusalem to secure the same. Tryphon departing from Ptolemais with a great army, came into judaea; leading his prisoner jonathan with him. Whereupon Simon with his army went out against him as far as Addida Tryphon by fraudulent promises under certain conditions persuadeth Simon that his brother should be set at liberty. (a City situate upon a mountain, at the foot whereof beginneth the champion country of judaea.) Tryphon knowing that Simon was made governor of the jews, sent messengers unto him, intending to cirumvent him by treason and policy; giving him to understand, that if he were des●…ous of his brother's enlargement, he should send him one hundredth talents of silver, and two of Jonathan's children for hostages, to assure him, that being set at liberty, he should not withdraw judaea from the obedience of the king. (For till that present he was held and kept prisoner, by reason of the money which he ought the king.) Simon was no ways ignorant of this cunning intent of Tryphons, but knew well enough that he should both lose his money, if he should deliver the same; and that his brother should not be enlarged, no though his children were delivered for hostages: on the other side he feared, lest the people should conceive sinisterly of him, as if he had been the cause of his brother's death, both by not delivering the money, neither yet the children: Having therefore assembled the army, he declared unto them what Tryphon demanded, telling them that the whole scope of his actions were nought else but traitorous stratagems and subtleties: yet notwithstanding he told them, that he had rather send both the money and the children to Tryphon, then by refusing his conditions and demands, to be accused to have neglected the life of his brother. Simon therefore sent both the money and children of jonathan: but Tryphon having received both, kept not his promise; but detained jonathan: and leading his army thorough the country, intended to pass by Idumaea to repair to jerusalem. He came therefore to Dora a City in Idumaea; and thitherward marched Simon to encounter with him, encamping always right over against him. They that were in the Castle of jerusalem, hearing news hereof, sent Tryphon word that he should hasten and come unto them, and send them munition: whereupon he addressed his horsemen, pretending that very night to ride unto jerusalem; but the snow about that time fell in such abundance, that it covered the way in such sort and was so thick, as the horses could not travel; which hindered his repair to jerusalem. For which cause he departed from thence, and came into Coelesyria; and speedily invading the country of Galaad, he put jonathan to death in that place, and after he had buried him there, he returned to Antioch. But Simon sent unto Basca and transported his brother's bones, and interred them in his jonathan is slain by Tryphon. country Modin in his father's sepulchre, and all the people mourned and lamented for him many days. Simon also builded a great monument of white and polished marble for his father and his brethren, and raised it to a great height, and garnished it round about with galleries and pillars Jonathan's monument. all of one piece, which was an admirable work to behold. Besides that, he erected seven Pyramids for his father, mother and brethren, for each of them one, so great and so fair, as they moved admiration in those that beheld them; and are as yet to be seen at this present day. So great was Simons care, that jonathan and the rest of his family should be honoured with so magnificent a sepulchre: which jonathan died, after he had exercised the place of high priest, and possessed the government for four years. Thus much as touching his death. As soon as Simon had taken possession of the high priesthood, by the election of the people, the very first year of his government, he acquitted the people of the tribute which they were The year of the world. 382●…. before Christ's birth 140. The jews discharged of tributes, Simons authority. wont to pay to the Macedonians. This liberty and exemption from tribute happened amongst the jews one hundredth and seventy years, since the time that Seleucus surnamed Nicanor obtained the kingdom of Syria. And in so great honour was Simon amongst the people, that in their private contracts and public letters, the date began from the first year of Simon the benefactor and governor of the jewish nation. For they prospered greatly under his government, and had the victory of all their neighbouring enemies round about them. For he destroyed the Cities of Gaza, joppes, and jamnia: he razed also the citadel of jerusalem, and leveled it with The year of the world. 3823. before Christ's birth. 141. Simon raceth the castle of jerusalem. the ground, to the intent the enemies might be never seized thereof any more, nor retreat themselves thither to endamage the city, as before time they had done. Which when he had brought to pass, he thought it not amiss, but very profitable, to level the hill whereon the Castle stood, to the intent the temple might be the eminentest place. All this persuaded he the people to do in a common assembly, laying before their eyes how many evils they had suffered, by the means of the garrisons, and how much they were like to suffer hereafter, if a stranger should once more be master of the kingdom, and build a citadel in that place. By these exhortations The year of the world, 3824. before Christ's birth 140. he persuaded the people to finish these works, and all of them began to travel without intermission both day and night, so that in the space of three years they plained the mountain, and wrought it down; and from that time forward there was nothing but the temple that commanded the City. See here what Simon performed hitherto. CHAP. XII. Simon besiegeth Tryphon within Dora, and contracteth alliance with Antiochus, surnamed the Devout. NOt long after the captivity of Demetrius, Tryphon slew Alexander the son of Antiochus, surnamed God, notwithstanding he had the care and charge of his education for four Hedio & Ruf. finus, chap. 10. 1. Macc●…b. 15. Tryphon murdering Alexander, obtaineth the kingdom. years, during which time he reigned; and spreading abroad a certain noise and rumour, that the young king in exercising himself fortuned to die, he sent his friends and familiars unto the men of war, promising them that if they would elect and choose him king, he would give them a huge sum of money; giving them to understand, that Demetrius was prisoner among the Parthians, and that if Antiochus his brother should obtain the kingdom, he would punish them divers ways, and revenge their revolt and rebellion, which they had committed by Tryphon having obtained dominion discovereth his corrupt nature Tryphons army submit to Cleopatra Demetrius wife, who married with Antio chus Soter and committed the authority to his hands. forsaking him. The army hoping, that if they bestowed the kingdom on Tryphon, it would redound highly to their profit, they proclaimed him king. But after he had attained the fullness of his desites, he showed how malicious and wicked his nature was. For at such time as he was a private man, he flattered the people and made show of moderation; and by such allurements he drew them to do what him listed: but after he had taken possession of the kingdom, he discovered his hypocrisy, and showed plainly that he was not unaptly called Tryphon, that is to say, a trifler or mocker. By which means he drew the hearts of the better sort from him: and as for his army, they grew so much in hatred of him, that they submitted themselves to Cleopatra Demetrius wife, who had at that time shut up both herself and her children in Seleucia. And whereas Antiochus, surnamed the Devout, and brother to Demetrius, was driven from place to place, and had not any City that would entertain him for fear of Tryphon, Cleopatra sent unto him, enuiting him both to be her husband, and to take the possession of the kingdom. And hereunto did she the rather draw him, partly for that she was thereunto persuaded by her friends, and partly for the fear she had, lest some one of Seleucia should betray the city to Tryphon. As soon as Antiochus was arrived in Seleucia, and that from day to day his forces increased, he marched forth into Hedio & Ruffunus chap. 11. Antiochus having driven Tryphon out of Syria, besieged him in Dora. Tryphons death. The year of the world. 3827. before the birth of Christ. 137. the field, and fought with Tryphon, and overcame him in battle, and drove him out of the higher Syria, and pursued him as far as Phoenicia: where after he had retired himself into Dora, a strong and impregnable Castle, he besieged him therein, and sent present Ambassadors to Simon the high priest of the jews, to confirm a friendship and confederacy with him. Simon very courteously accepted his demands, and presently sent Antiochus both money and victuals, sufficient to furnish his army at the siege of Dora, so that in short space he was accepted amongst the number of his entire friends. Tryphon flying from Dora to Apamea, was in that place besieged, taken and slain, after he had reigned three years. CHAP. XIII. After Tryphons death, Simon made war against Antiochus, and drove Cendebaeus out of judaea. But the innated avarice that was in Antiochus, and the malignity of his nature made him forgetful of those offices and services that Simon had done him: so that he sent Cendebaeus Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 1●…. his great friend with a mighty army to invade jewry, and to surprise Simon. But he having some privy intelligence of Antiochus treachery, notwithstanding that at this time he was very old, was in such sort moved with the injuries that Antiochus had done him, as animated The year of the world. 3827. before Christ's birth 137. Simon and his son expelleth 〈◊〉 out of jury. with courage more than became his age, he went himself to the war, as if as yet he had been but youthful: he therefore caused his son to march before with the picked soldiers of his army, and having left a number of his soldiers in ambush, in the hollow retreats of the mountains, he executed all his designs without failing in any one of them: so that after he had every way obtained the upper hand of his enemies he ever after enjoyed his government in peace, during the remainder of his life, and renewed likewise the confederacy with the Romans. CHAP. XIIII. Simon is traitorously slain by his son in law Ptolomey at a banquet. HE governed judaea for the space of eight years, and was at length slain at a banquet by the treachery of Ptolomey his son in law; who being seized of Simons wife and his The year of the world, 3830. before Christ's nativiti, 134. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. 1. Mac. 16. No faith nor trust, no not in sons in law. two children, and detaining them in prison, sent out certain of his train beside, to kill john the third son surnamed Hircanus. But the young man having-some inkling of their drift, retired himself speedily into the city, and avoided the danger that they complotted against him; assuring himself of the good will of the people, in consideration of the benefits they had received at his father's hands, and the hatred that they bore unto Ptolomey; who intending to enter the city gates was sharply repulsed by the citizens, for that they had already entertained Hircanus. CHAP. XV. How Ptolomey failing of his hopes, Hircanus obtained the Sovereignty. WHereupon Ptolomey retired unto a certain Castle, situate beyond jerico called Dagon: The year of the world. 3831. before the birth of Christ. 133. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 14. Ptolemy besieged by Hircanus knowing the power of natural affection keepeth his mother & brethren prisoners, whippeth them on the walls, and threateneth to throw them down. but Hircanus was made high Priest in his father's steed, who after he had recommended himself to God by the firstling sacrifices that he offered, marched out against Ptolomey his brother in law to make war upon him. Now when he was fully addressed to besiege the place whither Ptolomey was retired, he had the advantage in all other things, but only by the affection that he bore unto his mother and his brethren, he was overcome. For Ptolomey having taken them, and whipped them upon the walls in all men's presence, threatened Hircanus that unless he levied his siege, he would cast them down headlong from the top of the Castle: now whereas one way Hircanus had a great desire to enforce and surprise the place; so also on the other side he was wholly weakened, thorough the desire that he had to redeem those, whom he loved, from the enemy's tyranny. True it is, that his mother stretching out her hands, besought him that for her sake he should not give over valiantly to assault the place; but that he should be the more encouraged to surprise the fortress, and to lay hold upon his enemy, & be revenged on the wrong that was offered unto his decrest friends: alleging that she thought it better to die in the midst of a thousand torments, then that the enemy should escape unpunished who had been so manifest an occasion of their misery. When Hircanus heard his mother speak thus, he was more furiously incensed to give the assault: but as soon as he saw his mother so beaten and so sore wounded, his heart melted within him, and that servant desire which he before had to batter and beat down the city, was presently alaid and cooled; and so the pitiful compassion on his mother, surmounted and overcame his ireful affection of revenge. Whilst thus the siege was continued and prolonged, the year of repos●… celebrated among the jews was come: For they observed the seventh year, as the seventh day is observed in the week; so that by this occasion Ptolomey was delivered of this siege, who afterwards slew both Hircanus mother and brethren: which done he fled unto Zeno surnamed Cotyla, who at that time tyrannised The end of the histories of the Bible. in the city of the Philadelphians. CHAP. XVI. The year of the world. 3831. before Christ's birth 133. Antiochus the Devout maketh war against Hyrcanus, and upon the receipt of three hundredth talents contracteth alliance with him. Antiochus' calling to mind the manifold losses he had received by Simons means, invaded jury in the fourth year of his reign, and in the first of Hyrcanus' government, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 15. Hircanus is driven into the city by Antiochus. which was in the hundredth sixty and two olympiad. And after he had spoiled all the country, he locked up Hyrcanus within the City of jerusalem, which he had besieged with seven camps; yet with no advantage at all, both in regard of the strength of the walls, as in respect of the valour of the Citizens, as also the want of water which he had in his camp; which was notwithstanding remedied by a great fall of rain, which fell about the setting of the Pleyades in Pleyades the seven stars. the beginning of April. On the North side also where there is a great plain, Antiochus caused one hundredth towers to be erected every one three stages high, on which he planted certain companies of armed soldiers; who daily fought with the besieged, and who by the means of a double and deep trench, took from them all their commodities. They on their side made often sallies, and if they chanced at any time to charge the enemy on the sudden, they made a great slaughter: but if they were discovered, they retired soldierlike. But Hyrcanus considering the great number of people that were in the City, who rather consumed soldiers victuals then performed any service, he divided those that were unfit for war and sent them out of the City, The weaker sort are thrust out of the city. retaining only those with him, who were valiant and warlike. But Antiochus permitted them not to have free liberty to depart; so that wandering here and there between the walls and the camp, they were consumed with famine, and died miserably. When as therefore the feast of Tabernacles Antiochus affordeth seven days truce to celebrate the feasts of tabercles. was to be celebrated during these affairs, they that were within had compassion of their countrymen, and drew them within the walls, and entertained them within the City. At this time Hyrcanus sent a messenger to beseech Antiochus to grant him truce for seven days, by reason of the solemnity of the feast: whereunto he accorded for the honour which he bore unto God. Furthermore, he sent a magnificent sacrifice into jerusalem of Bulls with guilded horns, and vessels full of divers odours, with other vessels of gold and silver. Those that had the charge of the gates received the sacrifice at their hands that brought the same, and offered them in the temple. Antiochus himself also gave the soldiers certain meats to grace their festival, showing himself herein to be of a far better disposition than Antiochus Epiphanes, who after he had taken the City, caused swine's flesh to be sacrificed upon the Altar, and besprinkled the temple with the broth of hogs, making a confusion of the ordinances of the law of God, which was the cause that this nation rebelled and conceived a deadly hatred against him: but Antiochus of whom we we speak at this present, was by all men called Devout by reason of the incredible affection that he had to the service of God. Hyrcanus' acknowledging the bounty and affection he had towards God and his sacrifices, sent ambassadors unto him, requiring him that he would permit them to use the ancient policy of their forefathers. Whereupon the King sequestering all those far off from his company, who counseled him to destroy the jewish nation, who lived a part and had no acquaintance with others, made no reckoning of their words. And understanding that all the conversation of the jews was conformable unto piety, he answered the Ambassadors, that if the besieged would yield Hircanus maketh peace with Antiochus, and the siege is given over. up their arms and pay the tributes of joppes, and the other Cities that were out of judaea, and would receive a garrison, such as he should appoint; he would discharge them of this war. They accepted all other his conditions, but they consented not to receive a garrison, lest they should be enforced to entertain such with whom they could not converse; but in steed of the garrison they gave pledges, and paid five hundredth talents of silver, of which the king received three hundredth in hand, with the pledges; amongst which was Hyrcanus' brother: and after he had beaten down the cope and panes, of the wall, with the other battlements of defence; he raised the siege and departed. But Hyrcanus opening David's monument (who surpassed all other The year of the world, 3838. before Christ's Nativity, 126. Hircanus taketh a huge sum of money out of king David's tomb. Nicholas Damascene. kings in riches during his time) drew three thousand talents out of the same: whereby he took occasion first of all among the jews to entertain a foreign army. There was also a friendship & confederation betwixt him and Antiochus, whom he entertained in the city with all his army, and furnished him largely and magnificently with all that which was necessary for the same: And that which more is, Antiochus having enterprised an exploit against the Parthians, Hircanus marched also in his company. Nicholas Damascene beareth witness hereof, writing after this manner in his History: Antiochus erected a trophy near the flood Lycus, after he had overcome Indates general of the army of the Parthians, and abode there two days at Hircanus The years of the world. 3838. before Christ's Nativity. 1●…6. the jews request, by reason of a solemn feast at that time, in which it was not lawful for the jews to travel, wherein he is no ways mistaken. For the feast of Penticost was at that present the next day after the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for us neither in our sabboth's nor feasts to journey any ways. Antiochus fight against Arsaces' king of the Parthians lost the greater part of his army, and was himself slain. His brother Demetrius succeeded him in the kingdom of Syria, Antiochus' slain in the con●…ct against the Parthians. whom Arsaces had put in prison at such time as Antiochus came into the kingdom of the Parthians, as we have declared heretofore in an other place. CHAP. XVII. Hircanus leadeth his army into Syria. Hircanus' hearing news of Antiochus death, led forth his army with all expedition against the Cities of Syria, hoping to find them disfurnished both of garrisons and means of Hedio & Ruffinus chap. 16. Hircanus surpriseth divers cities of Syria, and layeth deso late the temple that was builded on the hill G●…zim. The year●… of the world, 3840 before Christ's birth 1●…4. The Idumaeans conquered by Hircanus admit circumcision, and the ●…awes of the jews. Hircanus maketh a league with the Romans. defence, as in effect it came to pass. He therefore took the City of Medaba at the end of six months, after that his army had suffered many calamities. Afterwards, he seized Samega, and the Cities thereabouts. The Cities of Sichem, and Garizim also where the Cutheans dwelled, who had a temple there made according to the model of the temple of jerusalem (which Alexander the great permitted Sanaballath to build in favour of his son in law Manasses, brother to the high priest jaddus, as we have heretofore declared) which temple was laid desolate two hundredth years after it was builded. Hircanus also took certain fortresses and Cities of Idumaea, as Adora and Marissa; and after he had subdued all the Idumaeans he permitted them to inhabit the country, under this condition, that they should consent to be circumcised, and to live according to the laws and religion of the jews. They thorough the desire they had to live in the place where they were borne, submitted themselves to be circumcised, and to live according to the customs and ordinances of the jews; and from that day forward they were comprehended within the number of the jews. Whilst thus Hircanus was high priest, he thought good to renew the amity betwixt the jews and the Romans; and to this effect he sent an embassage with letters unto the Senate. As soon as the Senate had received his letters, they made alliance with him, to this effect ensuing: Fanius M. F. Pr. assembled the Senate in the field of Mars the eight day of February, in the presence of L. Manlius L. F. Mentina, and C. Sempronius C. F. Falerna; concerning that which Simon the son of Dositheus, Apollonius the son of Alexander, Diodorus the son of Lison, men of good reputation and honour, and sent Ambassadors by the people of the jews, have proposed; who have dealt with us as touching the confederation and amity that this nation had with the Romans, and have likewise conferred as touching the affairs of estate, namely, that joppes and the ports thereof, Gazara and the fountains thereunto belonging, and those other Cities of the country, which Antiochus took from them, contrary to the decree of the Senate, should be restored unto them: and that it may not be lawful for the king's soldiers, to pass thorough their country, neither any of those provinces, that are under their government: and that those things which were attempted by Antiochus during this war, contrary to the arrest and decree of the Senate, should be declared void, to the end that the ambassadors sent in the Senate's behalf, may provide for the restitution of those things, which antiochus hath spoiled them The year of the world. 3844. before Christ's birth 120. of; and may rate and set down the damages, which the country hath received by this war. Item, that commendatory letters should be written in the behalf of the jewish ambassadors, to the kings and free people for their secure and safe return into their country. It hath been held convenient, to make and ratify this ordinance, to the end to renew friendship and confederation with men of so good respect, sent unto them by a nation so good and faithful towards them. And as touching the letters, the answer was; that they should be written, at such time as the affairs of the Senate would permit them any leisure; and that from this time forward, they would have care that no injury should be offered them. And the Praetor Fanius was commanded also to deliver the ambassadors money out of the common purse, to bear their charges home into their country: and thus did Fanius dismiss the Ambassadors of the jews, after he had given them silver out of the common treasury, with the decree of the Senate addressed to those that should conduct them, and give them assured convoy to return into their country.; And this was the estate of the affairs during Hircanus' priesthood. But King Demetrius. being sharply whetted to make war against Hircanus, could have neither The year●… of the world. 3844. before the Nativity of Christ. 120. time nor occasion to exploit the same, by reason that both the Syrians and his men of war were scarcely well affected towards him, because of his wickedness of life. For they sent Ambassadors to Ptolomey, surnamed Physcon, to require him to send some one of Seleucus race unto them, to take upon him the kingdom. Whereupon Ptolomey sent them Alexander surnamed Zebina, Demetrius being overcome by Alexander is slain. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 17. Alexander slain in the conflict betwixt him and Antiochus Gryphus. accompanied with an army; who waging battle with Demetrius put him to the worst, and constrained him to fly to his wife Cleopatra to Ptolemais: who neither accepting, nor entertaining him, he was constrained to retire himself from thence unto tire; where he was taken, and after he had suffered many miseries by the hands of his enemies, he finally died. Alexander having by this means obtained the kingdom, made a league of amity with Hircanus. And whereas it so fell out, that Antiochus surnamed Gryphus, the son of Demetrius made war against him, he was overcome and slain in the battle. When as therefore Antiochus had taken possession of the kingdom of Syria, he forbore to make war against the jews, for that he had intelligence that his brother by the mother's side (who was in like sort named Antiochus) assembled an army against him at Cyzicus. Remaining therefore in his country, he resolved to make preparation against his brothers coming, who was called Cyzicenus, because he was brought up in that City, and was the son of Antiochus called the Conserver, who died in the country of the Parthians, and who was brother to Demetrius the father of Gryphus, and it so fell out that both these brothers, were married to one and the same Cleopatra, as we have heretofore expressed. When The year of the world, 3852. before Christ's nativity, 112. Antiochus the Cyzicenian was arrived in Syria, he made war against his brother, which continued many years: during all which time Hircanus lived in peace (for presently after Antiochus death, he revolted from the subjection of the Macedonians) and from that time forward gave them no succours, neither as subject neither as friend; but his fortunes both augmented and flourished Hircanus whilst the brothers weaken themselves by civil wars liveth in peace. greatly during the time of Alexander Zebina, and principally during the reign of these two brothers. For the war, wherein they consumed one another, gave Hircanus an opportunity, to levy all the revenues of judaea, without any contradiction: so that by the same means he gathered infinite sums of money. For whilst the Cyzicenian destroyed his brother's country, Hircanus also made known his inclination and disposition: and seeing likewise that Antiochus was destitute of those succours he expected out of Egypt, and that both himself and his brother also (thorough their mutual discords) weakened one another's estates, he set as light by the one, as by the other. CHAP. XVIII. How Antiochus the Cyzicenian came to the relief of the Samaritans, and how being conquered, he fled away. FOr which cause he drew forth his army against Samaria (which was a strong City) and The year of the world, 3854. before Christ's birth 110. Hircanus besiegeth Samaria. is at this day called Sebaste, because it was re-edified by Herode, as we will make manifest in time and place convenient. He therefore began to be●… and batter the same with all diligence; animated thereunto, because of the extreme hat●… 〈◊〉 the Samaritans, in that only to please the kings of Syria they had offered many grievous outrages to the Marissens, who were extracted from, and allied with the jews. He therefore made a trench round about the City, with a double wall of eighty stounds, and committed the general command of this siege to his sons Antigonus and Aristobulus, who so diligently and valiantly behaved themselves, that the Samaritans being overpressed with extreme famine, were constrained to eat such things, as were unusual and unaccustomed amongst men: and to call Antiochus the Cyzicenian Antiochus seeking to 〈◊〉 lief the Samaritans, is overcome and put to slight by Aristobulus. to their rescous. Who readily repaired thither, but was repulsed by Aristobulus soldiers, and being pursued by the two brethren as far as Scythopolis, he hardly escaped; and they returning to their siege, freshly assaulted and besieged the Samaritans within their own walls: So that once more they were constrained to send Ambassadors to Antiochus for aid, who was their ally; who sent unto Ptolomey Lathyrus for about some six thousand men of war, who furnished him with them contrary to his mother's mind, who therefore had almost thrust him out of his dominion. As soon as he had received them, he made a road into Hircanus' country, and spoiled and foraged the same as far as Egypt. For he durst not bid him battle hand to hand, because he had not competent forces; but thought that in spoiling the country he might cause them to levy the siege, & forsake Samaria: but after he had lost a great number of his men by divers ambuscadoes of his enemies, he went unto Tripoli, committing the general charge of that war to Callimander and Epicrates, two of his captains. This Callimander more rashly then The year of the world, 3854. before Christ's birth 110. Ep●…tares corrupted with money, selleth Scythopolis & other places to the jews. Hircanus taketh Samaria. wisely attempting to set upon the enemy was himself slain, and his soldiers discomfited. And Epicrates given over to covetousness did openly yield up Scythopolis and other Cities into the hands of the jews: so that it was impossible for either of them to levy the siege. Finally after that Hircanus had continued his siege before the City for the space of one whole year, he became master of the same: and not contenting himself with the surprisal hereof, he utterly destroyed it; enforcing the rivers thorough the midst thereof; yea he ruined the same in such sort, that the mud and soil both of the water and earth took away all the appearance of the City; so that it seemed as if it had never been. Of this Hircanus there is a certain incredible matter committed to memory, namely, how during his high priesthood God had conference with him. For it is reported, that the very same day wherein his sons fought against Antiochus the Cyzicenian, whilst Hircanus is foretold by a voice in the temple of his son's victory. being himself alone, he offered incense in the temple, that he heard a voice, saying: that his two sons had at that present overcome Antiochus: all which he incontinently signified unto the people at the gate of the temple; and according as he had said, so came it to pass. See here what occurrences happened in Hircanus' time. About this very instant likewise, the affairs of the jews prospered not only in jerusalem and judaea, but also amongst the inhabitants of Alexandria; and finally in Egypt and Cyprus. For Queen Cleopatra rebelling against her son Ptolomey Lathyrus, appointed Chelcias and Ananias Chelchias and Ananias captains of Cleopatra's army. Strabo of Cappadocias' report of the loyalty of the jews. Hircanus groweth in discontent with the Pharisees. the sons of that Onias (who had builded the temple in Heliopolis, according to the pattern of that in jerusalem) her chieftains. And having committed her army unto their hands, she acted nothing without their advise, according as Strabo the Cappadocian witnesseth, speaking after this manner. divers of those who came with us, and of those who had been sent into Cyprus from Cleopatra, suddenly revolted to Ptolomey: Only the jews that were of Onias' faction, remained constant in their duty, because the Queen made great account and reckoning of Chelcias and Ananias their countrymen. Thus far Strabo. This great felicity and prosperity of Hyrcanus moved the jews to conceive a hatred against him, and especially the Pharisees opposed themselves against him. These Pharisees were one of the sects of the jews (whereof we have heretofore entreated) which sect was in so great credit with the common people, that when they deposed any thing, were it against the king or the high priest, they were presently believed. Hircanus had been one of their disciples, and was in like sort very much beloved of them. He therefore invited them to a feast, and entertained them with all humanity, and seeing that they were set upon a merry pin, he began to tell them that they knew his mind, how that he desired nothing more than to be just, and to square all his actions according to Gods will and direction, according as they themselves taught. He therefore required them, that if they perceived that he mistook himself in any thing, or that he wandered from the right way, they would by admonition redress the same. Whereupon all of them gave testimony of his perfect virtue. Wherewith he was highly contented. But one of the company called Eleazar, a man of a malicious nature, and such a one as delighted in mutiny, said unto him: Since you desire to hear the truth, if so be Eleazar the Pharisee upbraideth Hircanus that his mother was a slave. you affect the estimation of a good man, give over the place of priesthood, and content yourself with the government of the people. Hircanus' demanded of him the cause wherefore he should forsake the priesthood? Because (saith he) that we have heard say by our ancestors, that your mother was a captive during the reign of Antiochus the Famous (which notwithstanding was a false report.) Hircanus' hearing this, was sore moved against him; as also all other of the Pharisees, who were assistant in that place. Amongst the rest there was a certain man called jonathan, of the order of the Sadduces (who maintain an opposite opinion against the Pharisees) who was an The Sadduee jonathan incenseth Hircanus against the Pharisees. inward and dear friend to Hircanus, with whom he communicated the injurious speeches that Eleazar had spoken by him, who told him that (as he thought) Eleazar had spoken these words by the public consent of the Pharisees; and that he might discover the same most manifestly, if he inquired of them what punishment Eleazar had deserved for speaking after this sort. Hircanus therefore questioned with the Pharisees as concerning his punishment, telling them that he should very well perceive, that this injury had not been pronounced by the common consent of them all, if they condemned the offender to suffer a punishment proportionable to his offence. Whereupon they decreed, that he ought to be punished by imprisonment and scourging, for (said they) an injury done in word required no capital punishment: and to speak uprightly, they in their thinking censured severely enough of this fault, for that the Pharisees are naturally inclined to mercy, when there groweth any question of punishment. But Hircanus was sore offended with this their answer, and imagined that this Eleazar had spoken after this manner by the common instigation of the rest. This displeasure and conceived dislike of his, did jonathan aggravate The year of th●… world. 3854. before Christ's birth. ●…10. Hircanus forsaketh the Pharisees, and followeth the Sadduces. The constitutions of the Pharisees. to the uttermost, and handled the matter in such sort, that he drew Hircanus to forsake the Pharisees, & subscribe to the opinions of the Sadduces, abolishing their ordinances, & causing them to be sharply punished that observed the same. These practices of Hircanus incensed the people against him and his sons. But hereof will we speak in another place. At this present I will declare how the Pharisees have made many ordinances among the people, according to the tradition of their fathers, whereof there is nothing written in the ●…awes of Moses; for which cause the sect of the Sadduces rejecteth them, affirming that they ought to keep the written ordinances, and not to observe those that are grounded upon the tradition of the fathers: And great dispute and dissensions have been raised among them upon this occasion, because the richer sort only, and not the base sort of people, cleaved unto the Sadduces: but the Pharisees had the communality on their sides. But of these two sorts, and that of the Esseans, I have more exactly entreated Hircanus' death. The year of the world. 3861. before the birth of Christ. 103. in my second book of the wars of the jews. But Hircanus finally appeased this mutiny, and lived afterwards in much peace and happiness, and after he had most discreetly governed his princedom for the space of one and thirty years he died; leaving five sons behind him. This man was honoured by God with three great gifts, the gift of government; the gift of Priesthood; and the gift of prophecy. For God spoke unto him divers times by Oracles, & Revelations, and gave him the knowledge of things to come, which he in such sort foretold, that he declared that Hircanus' prophecy of his sons. his two eldest sons should not possess the principality any long time, whose end it shall not be amiss to set down in what manner it was, to the intent that the prophecy of their father may be the better known. CHAP. XIX. Aristobulus obtaineth the government, and first of all placeth the kingly Diadem on his head. The year of the world. 3862. before Christ's birth 10●…. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 18. Aristobulus Hircanus son was the first afer the captivity of Babylon that set the Diadem on his head, Aristobulus admitte●…h his brother Antigonus to be his copartner in the kingdom, and imprisoneth the rest of his brethren and samisheth his mother. AFter the death of their father, Aristobulus the eldest of his sons determined to exchange the principality into an absolute estate of a kingdom, and the better to attain thereunto, he first of all set the diadem upon his head, four hundred eighty & one years and three months, since the people of the jews were delinered from the seruitu●… of Babylon, and led again into their country. And for that Aristobulus amongst all his other brethren, loved Antigonus best of all, who was the heerest unto him in age; he accepted him as a companion in the government of the kingdom: but as touching the rest, he shut them up in prison. He locked up his mother likewise, who had contended with him as concerning the government (for that Hircanus had committed all things to her disposition) and so far extended his cruelty, that he ●…amished her to death in prison. After he had thus handled his mother, he slew his brother Antigonus also; (whom he pretended to love above all the rest, and whom (as he made show) he had made partner of his kingdom. From whom be estranged himself, by reason of some slanders and false accusations raised up against him, which at the first he gave no credit to, both for that the friendship which he bore unto him, made him slightly respect the 〈◊〉, as also for that he imagined th●… he was enviously slandered: It came to pass, that Antigonus, returning upon a certain time from the army with great magnificence, about the time of the feast of Tabernacles, chanced to repair thither at that very time, wherein Aristobulus happened to fall sick. Antigonus intending to celebrate the solemnity ascended the temple in great bravery, attended by some of his army, to make his especial prayers for his brother's health. Whereupon certain malicious wretches, desirous to break the concord that was between them, made use of this occasion, and of Antigonus magnificent pomp and good fortune●… and came unto the King, amplifying unto him in malicious words, what pomp and majesty he had showed i●… that solemnity, Antigonus' death complotted. Aristobulus 〈◊〉 incensed against his brother Antigonus. telling him that in these his actions; he deme●…ed himself in no so●… like a private man; but that all his action●… were leveled at a royalty: finally, that his intent was to enter the kingdom by force, and to kill him, in that he made his account that since he might be 〈◊〉 it was a great simplicity for him to have a companion. But Aristobulus although he would very hardly be induced to believe these reports; yet notwithstanding being desirous both to extinguish the suspicion, and to provide for his own security, he disposed certain of his guard in a dark and privy place under ground, and lodged himself in a certain tower called Antonia, commanding that no man should offer violence, except to those who entered armed: Giving a further charge to his guard, that if Antigonus entered armed, he should be slain. Which done, he first sent for his brother, willing him to repair The year of the world. 3862. before Christ's birth 102. Aristobulus Queen contriveth Antigonus death. unto him without weapons. Which when the Queen and they that complotted the murder of Antigonus understood, they persuaded the messenger to certify him the contrary, namely, that his brother expected (in that he made warlike preparation and furniture for war, that in that estate and pomp, and in those his royal and warlike accoutrements, he should come and visit him, to the end he might be an eye-witness of his brave furniture and preparation. But Antigonus suspecting no harm intended him, and relying on the good will of his brother, marched all armed on foot toward Aristobulus, to show himself in that bravery: and when he came right over against the tower, that is called Straton, where the passage was very dark, the king's guard slew him. By this accident a man may easily conjecture, that there is scarcely any power greater than that of envy and slander, and that there is not any thing that may sooner break off the good will and amity amongst brethren, than these two passions. And above all, there is an occasion The force of slander. offered us of great wonder in respect of one that was called judas of the sect of the Esseans, who in all those things that he prophesied varied in no sort from the truth. He seeing Antigonus come judas the Essean a prophet. up into the temple, cried out among his disciples (who frequented with him to be instructed by him in the method of prophecy) that he was weary of his life, because Antigonus security argued the vanity of his prophecy, by which he had foretold, that that very day he should be slain at Stratons' tower; whereas the place, where he should be murdered, was six hundredth stounds off, and the better part of the day was already spent: so that it could not be imagined, but that he should be in danger to have made a false prediction. Whilst he debated his doubts after this manner, and was wholly overcome with choler, news was brought that Antigonus was slain in a certain place under ground, which was called the tower of Straton, of the same name with that other that standeth near the sea, which was afterward called Caesarea; which ambiguity troubled the diviner. Incontinently after this accident, Aristobulus repented himself in that he had put his brother to death; & this repentance of his, was seconded by a most grievous The punishment of Aristobulus for the murt her of his brother. sickness, proceeding from the affliction of his spirit and detestation of that cruel murder: so that with grievous agony and torment he vomited blood, as if all his entrails had been torn in sunder. This blood so vomited by him, it fortimed (in mine opinion) by the divine providence of God, that a certain servant of his bearing it from his presence, by some trip of his foot happened to stumble, and shed the same in that very place, which had been soiled with the blood of slaughtered Antigonus. By which means they that beheld the same, raised a great cry, exclaiming that the Page had shed the blood in a convenient place. Aristobulus hearing this outecrie, demanded the cause thereof, and for that no man addressed himself to satisfy him, he was the The touch of conscience. more earnest to know it (according to the nature of men, who are always more suspicious and desirous to know those things, which are most concealed.) Finally, from words he fell to menaces, and never a man for fear of him durst tell him the truth. Whereupon he altogether dismayed and affrighted in his conscience, casting forth abundant tears, and loaden with grievous sighs, began toocrie out in thi●… manner: How then? Mine impious and detestable act is not hidden from God, h●… the sudden punishment of my brother's murder pursueth me: wherefore, O thou shameless body of mine, how long wilt thou detain my soul, which is due, and appertaineth to the ghosts of my mother and brother? Why dost thou not take it all at once such as it is, without expecting that I should sacrifice my blood, poured out so many times to those, whom I have so traitorously slain? Whilst he pronounced these words, he died. after he had The year of the world, 38●…. before Christ's birth 101. reigned one year. He was called Philelles, that is to say, a lover of the Greeks. Thus after he had prouted his country many ways, and subdued the jurreans, and joined the greater port of the country ●…o judaea; and had constrained them likewise, who should remain in that country, to be circ●…sed, and to live according to the laws of the jews, he died thus miserably. He was Aristobulus compelleth the Irureans to be circumcised, and to observe the jaws of the jews. ●…un by nature courteous, and very shame fast, as Strabo testifieth, speaking after this manner, by the authority of Timagenes. This was a courteous man, and profitable to his countrymen the Jews in many things: for he enlarged their country, and conquered a part of the nations of the I●…eans, whom he tied ●…to him by the bond of circumcision. CHAP. XX. The year of the world. 3863. before the Nativity of Christ. 101. The exploits of Alexander king of the jews. WHen Aristobulus was dead, Salome his wife 9whom the greeks called Alexandra) Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 19 Salome surnamed Alexandra Aristobulus wife maketh lamnaeus Alexander king. set his brothers at liberty (whom, as we have heretofore declared, he had shut up prisoners) and made jannaeus (who was called Alexander) king; who both in age and modesty surpassed all the other brethren; but such mishap had he, that from his birth day upward, his father had conceived so great a hate against him, that he never admitted him to his presence so long as he lived. The cause whereof (as it is reported) was this. When as Hircanus loved Aristobulus and Antigonus, who were his two eldest sons, with most entire affection, God appeared unto him in his sleep, of whom he demanded who should be he that should succeed him? Whereupon God presented unto his sight the semblance of Alexander: wherewith he grew discontent, in that Alexander executeth the one brother that affected the crown, and honoureth the other. he conceived that he should be heir of all his goods; and so much prevailed displeasure with him, that as soon as he was borne, he sent him out of his presence into Galilee, to be nourished and brought up in that place. But God hath apparently proved that he lied not to Hircanus. For after Aristobulus death, he taking possession of the kingdom, caused one of his two brethren to be put to death, who affected and laboured to make himself king: and as for the other, who resolved himself to live in idleness and pleasure, he honoured him greatly. After that he had established his estate, according as he thought it most expedient, he led Alexander besiegeth Ptolemais. forth his army against Ptolemais, and having obtained the upper hand in the battle, he couped up the men within their City, and afterward besieged and entrenched about the same. For amongst all the Cities of the sea coast, these two only, namely, Ptolemais and Gaza remained as The year of the world. 3864. before Christ's birth 100 Zoilus tyrant of Straton and Dora. yet unconquered, and there was no opposite left but Zoilus, who was seized of the tower of Straton and Dora where he governed. Whilst Antiochus Philometor and Antiochus Cyzicenus were thus at debate and war the one against the other, and consumed each others forces, the Ptolemaidans had not any succour from them. But whilst they were travailed with this siege, Zoilus (who held the tower of Straton and Dora) assisted them with that army he had under him, and gave them some succours, by reason that (since these two kings were whetted with intestine troubles and wars) he cast how to advance himself to the crown and sovereignty. For these two kings seemed to neglect their own dangers, resembling herein those wrestlers, who though being wearied with fight; yet are ashamed to submit unto their adversary, but give themselves a breathing time, that they may the better be heartened to encounter. The only hopes they had, were in the kings of Egypt and in Ptolomey Lathyrus, who held the Isle of Cyprus at that time (whither he retired himself after he had been driven out of his kingdom by Cleopatra his mother.) To him the Ptolemaidans sent Ambassadors as unto their ally, requiring him to come and deliver them from Alexander's hands, into which they were in danger to fall. These ambassadors persuaded him, that if he would pass into Syria, he should have both Zoilus to friend, and those of Gaza to his followers, in the rescue of the Ptolemaidans: and moreover, they assured him that the Sidonians and divers others would second him: and by this means so encouraged him with promises, that he hasted himself to set sail. But in the mean space Demaenetus (who was both eloquent and in great authority with the Citizens) made the Ptolemaidans change their resolution, telling them that it was much better for them to hazard themselves in some uncertain danger, wherewith the jews threatened them, then to deliver themselves into the hands of such a master, from whom they could expect nothing but manifest servitude. And moreover, not only to sustain a present war; but that which is more, an imminent war from Egypt: for that Cleopatra would not permit that Ptolomey should levy an army of the neighbouring nations, but would come against them with a great power, and would enforce herself also to thrust her son out of Cyprus. And as for Ptolomey, if he were frustrate of his hope, yet might he notwithstanding once more return again to Cyprus; where as they were to expect no less but extreme danger. Now although that Ptolomey being at sea, understood how the Ptolemaidans had changed their opinion, yet continued he his course onward, and landing in the port of Sycamine, he caused his army (who were of foot and horse to the number of thirty thousand men) to take land, and with them he approached Ptolemais; Zoilus and the Gazeans require aid against the jews at Ptolemy's hands. and perceiving that upon his encamping, they of the City admitted not his ambassadors, neither in any sort gave ear unto them, he was wondrously perplexed. But after Zoilus and they of Gaza were come unto him, requiring him to yield them assistance, for that their country was destroyed by the jews, and by Alexander: For which cause Alexander raised his siege from before The ye●…re of the world, 3864. before Christ's birth 100 Alexander persuadeth Ptolomey to cut oft Zoilus. Zoilus taken. Ptolemais besieged by Ptolomey. Ptolemais, for fear of Ptolomey, and retiring his army into his own country, he began to use this stratagem. For covertly he incited Cleopatra against Ptolomey; and openly he made a show of amity and confederation with Ptolomey: promising him to give him four hundredth talents of silver, provided that he would deliver him of the tyrant Zoilus, and assign those possessions held by him unto the jews. Ptolomey having made a peace and league with Alexander, did at that time willingly lay hold on Zoilus: but after that he understood that Alexander had sent and incensed his mother against him, he broke all accord, and went and besieged Ptolemais, that would not entertain him. After therefore he had left his lieutenants at the siege with part of his forces, he departed with the rest, to enter upon and spoil the country of judaea. Alexander perceiving Ptolemy's intent, assembled about fifty thousand fight men of his own country, Ptolomey taketh Azota town in Galilee. (or as some historians have written, eighty thousand) with whom he went out to fight against Ptolomey, who suddenly setting upon Azoch a city of Galilee on a Sabbath day, took it by force, and led away from thence ten thousand prisoners, and a great quantity of other booty. CHAP. XXI. How Ptolomey Lathyrus fought against Alexander, and obtained the victory. HE afterwards set upon Sephor a City near unto Azoch, from whence he departed with the loss of many men, with an intent to fight with Alexander, who came forth to make Ptolomey assaulteth Sephor. H●…catontamachi, or the warriors by hundreths. head against him, and met with him near unto jordan, in a place called Asophon, and encamped right over against the enemy. He had in his vanguard eight thousand men, whom he called Combatants by the Hundreths: who carried brazen bucklers. Ptolemy's forward also had bucklers after the same fashion, who perceiving themselves to be inferiors in other points, deferred the charge, and were loath to hazard battle. But Philostephanus the camp master did not a little encourage them: For he caused them to pass the flood, hard by which they were encamped, neither would he hinder Alexander from passing the same, making his account, that if the enemies had the river on their backs, he should be the more assured of them, that they should not warrantize themselves from the fight. In the beginning of the skirmish, each one of them fought, with answerable valour; so that a great number of them fell on both sides. But Philostephanus perceiving that Alexander's army had the better, he took a part of his followers, and speedily seconded those who were ready to retire themselves. The wing of the jews vanguard Alexander's overthrow. that saw themselves freshly charged, and not succoured by any means, began to fly; and so far were those that marched next them from yielding them assistance, that chose all of them became partners in one shameful flight. But they of Ptolemy's side behaved themselves far otherwise: for they pursued and flew them, and after they had wholly disarraied them, they charged them so hotly, that they blunted their weapons, and wearied their arms with killing them. It is reported that thirty thousand men were slain in the battle (Timagenes saith, fifty thousand) as for the rest, some of them were taken prisoners, and other some fled unto their houses. After that Ptolomey had obtained this victory, he overran and spoiled the whole Ptolomey to the end he might afflict the jews with more terror causeth his soldiers to eat man's flesh. country, and in the evening he quartered himself in certain villages of judaea, which he found full of women and children, and commanded his soldiers without respect of person, to cut their throats, and to chop them into pieces; and afterwards to cast the morsels into a boiling cauldron, and when they were well fod to eat the same: All which he acted, to the intent that they that were fled from the battle, and retired to their own habitations, should know that their enemies would eat man's flesh, that by this means they might redoubt them the more when they should behold them. Strabo and Nicholas report, that they demeaned themselves after this manner, as I have declared. And Ptolomey took Ptolemais also by force, as I have made known else where. Ptolemais taken by force. Cleopatra prepareth an army against her son. But Cleopatra perceiving how her son prospered, and how he had spoiled jewry without any prejudice, and subjecteth the City of Gaza to his command: she concluded with herself, that she ought not to suffer him to increase after that manner, considering it was upon the borders of Egypt, whose sovereignty he affected. For which cause, she suddenly marched out against him, with an army both by sea and land; committing the command of her whole sources to Chelcias and Ananias both jews; and sent the greater part of her riches into the Isle of Coos, with her nephews, and her testament, to be reserved and kept there in saseve. And after she had commanded her son Alexander to set sail toward Phoenicia, with a great navy, because the inhabitants The year of the world. 3864. before Christ's birth 100 of that country were revolted from her obeisance: she herself departed and came to Ptolemais, and besieged it, when she perceived that they refused to grant her entry. Ptolomey made haste to depart out of Syria, and to enter Egypt, hoping to be lord thereof at one time, when he should find the country disfurnished of men of war. But his purpose failed him. At that time it fortuned, that Chelcias one of the two Generals of Cleopatra's army, died in Coelesyria, being in pursuit of Ptolomey. Cleopatra having tidings of her sons enterprise, and that the success and fortune he expected in Egypt had failed him, she sent part of her army to drive him out of Ptolomey driven out of Egypt. Ptolemais besieged and taken by Cleopatra. the country; so that he was enforced to return back again out of Egypt, and to go and spend his winter at Gaza. Mean while Cleopatra besieged, and took the City of Ptolemais, whither Alexander resorted unto her, with great presents, and an answerable respect unto his fortune, who had been so untowardly handled by Ptolomey, having now no other recourse left him but to her favour and assistance. Upon his arrival, certain of her familiars counseled her to lay hands on him, and to seize the country; and not to permit that so great a number of jews and they so valiant men, should become subjects unto one man. But Ananias gave her counsel to the contrary, alleging that she should commit an act of great injustice, if she should depose him, who was her ally, from the government; who was beside that, very nearly allied unto her. For (said he) I would you should know, that by committing this wrong, you shall raise in all the rest of the jews a heinous hatred against you. Cleopatra conforming herself according to Ananias counsel, resolved with herself to offer Alexander no injury; but in steed thereof, she entertained Alexander's peace with Cle opatra reneweth The year of the world, ●…873. before. Christ's Nativity, 91. Alexander taketh Gadara. him as her ally and friend at Scythopolis a City of Coelesyria. Now when Alexander perceived, that he was discharged of the fear which he had conceived in respect of Ptolomey, he incontinently drew his army into Coelesyria, and after six months siege, took Gadara: he ●…lie shortly after Amath also (which is a great fortress belonging to the inhabitants about jordan) where Theodore the son of Zenon had hoardward up the richest & goodliest part of his substance: who surprising the jews at unawares, slew about ten thousand of them, and pillaged Alexander's baggage. This did not any ways astonish Alexander: but notwithstanding the disaster, he marched forward toward the Cities Raphia and Anthedon, which Herode afterwards called Agrippias situate on the sea coasts, and took them perforce; and seeing that Ptolomey was retired Alexander besiegeth Gaza. Apollodorus by night invadeth the camp of the jews. from Gaza into Cyprus, and that Cleopatra his mother was in Egypt, he besieged the City of Gaza, and spoiled all the country round about it, by reason of the displeasure which he had conceived against the Citizens, for that they had sought their assistance at Ptolemy's hands against him. Against him Apollodotus captain of the Gazeans made a sally by night, and entered the camp of the jews, having only with him two thousand strange soldiers, and one thousand of his own followers. And as long as the night lasted, the Gazeans had the upper hand, because that they made their enemies believe that Ptolomey was come to their rescue, and to assault the jews afresh: but as soon as the day appeared, and this opinion was found false, assoon as the jews were assured of the truth, they turned back upon them, and charging the Gazeans, they slew about some one thousand fight men of them. All this notwithstanding, they bethought them on no surrender, but stood out, being neither amated with loss of men, or lack of provision whatsoever, resolving themselves rather to endure any misery, then to submit themselves into the hands of their enemies: and that which made them more confident, was the hope of help which they expected from Aretas king of Arabia, who had promised no less. But it came to Aretas king of Arabia flattereth the Gazeans with hope of rescue. Lysimachus killeth his brother, Apollodotus, and betrayeth Gaza to Alexander. pass that Apollodotus was slain before his arrival, and the City taken. For Lysimachus his brother conceived a jealousy against him, by reason of the good opinion which the inhabitants had of him; and having slain him and gathered those fight men that he might, he yielded up the City unto Alexander, who at the first made a peaceable entry, but afterwards dispersed his soldiers, and gave them licence to execute all hostility against the Citizens: so that they acted their cruelty in every place, and slew many of the Gazeans: Neither died these Citizens ●…euenged, but so manfully behaved they themselves, that they butchered no less number of jews, than they murdered Citizens among them, Some of them likewise perceiving themselves to be alone, set fire upon their houses, taking away first that which was therein; to the intent that the enemy might be enriched with none of their spoils. Other some killed their wives and children with their own hands, meaning this way to deliver them from the enemy's servitude. But the Senators to the number of five hundredth, were fled into the temple of Apollo (for at such time as the enemy entered the town, they were by chance assembled in council) all these did Alexander put to the sword, and instantly razed and leveled that City with the ground which done, he returned to jerusalem, after he had spent one whole year at the siege before Gaza. The year of the world. 3873. before Christ's Nativity. 91. Antiochus Gryphus slain. Seleucus Gryphus son maketh war with Antiochus the Cyzicenian. The year of the world, 3874. before Christ's birth 90. Antiochus Eusebes putteth Seleucus to flight. Antiochus Seleucus brother fighteth against Antiochus the son of the Cyzicenian. Demetrius Eucaetus made king of Damascus by Ptolomey Lathurus. Cittons cast at Alexander. About this time Antiochus, surnamed Gryphus, died by the treason of Heracleon, in the forty and fifth year of his age, and in the nine and twentieth of his reign. His son Seleucus had the kingdom after him, who made war against his uncle Antiochus surnamed Cyzicenus, and having overcome and taken him, he slew him. Not long after Antiochus the son of Cyzicenus, and Antoninus, surnamed the Devout, came to Arade, and placed the Diadems upon their heads, and made war against Seleucus, whom they overcame in one conflict, and drove him out of all Syria; who flying into Cilicia, and arriving again in the City of the Mopseates, he exacted a sum of money at the Citizen's hands. But the people were so incensed, that they set fire on his palace; whereby it came to pass that both he and his friends were burned to dust. During the time that Antiochus the son of Cyzicenus reigned in Syria, another Antiochus Seleucus brother made war against him; but he was not only overcome, but both he and his army were put to the sword. After him, Philip his son took the Diadem, and governed in certain places of Syria. Mean while Ptolomey Lathurus sent to Gnidus for his fourth brother Demetrius Eucaerus, and made him king of Damascus. Against these two brothers Antiochus made a manly and valiant resist, but died very shortly after. For repairing to Laodicea to succour the Queen of the Galadenians, who made war against the Parthians, he died fight valiantly; and his two brothers, Demetrius and Philip possessed Syria, as hereafter it shall be declared. As for Alexander, a domestical sedition was raised against him; for the people arose and mutined at such time, as he assisted at the Altar to solemnize the feasts of Tabernacles, and during the time that he intended the sacrifice, they cast Citrons at him: for (as we have declared else where) the jews have this custom, that on the feast of the Tabernacles, each one bringeth a branch of palm, and of Citrons. They upbraided him also with many injurious speeches, reproaching him, that he had been prisoner in war; and that he was also unworthy of the honour of the Priesthood. Whereupon he being moved by these disgraces, slaughtered about six thousand men: and having made an enclosure of wood about the temple and the altar (as far as the place whereinto it was lawful for none to enter but the Priests) he kept there, to the intent the people might not apprehend him: he entertained also certain strange soldiers Pisidians and Cilicians. For in that he was at odds Amath destroyed. Obeda king of Arabia. with the Syrians, he made no use of them. After this having overcome the Arabians, he constrained the Moabites and Galaadites to pay him tribute, and destroyed the City of Amath whilst Theodore for fear gave over to resist him. But encountering with Obeda the king of Arabia, and being surprised and betrayed by an ambuscado in certain miry and unhaunted places, he was thrust by the press of the Camels into a deep trench (near to Gadara a village of Galaad) from whence he almost despaired to escape: notwithstanding avoiding that danger he came to jerusalem. And besides this his last mishap the people hated him, against whom he made war for the space of six years, & slew at the least fifty thousand of them: and the more he entreated them to compremit these heinous debates between them, the more grievous displeasure conceived they against him, because of the inconvenients they had suffered: so that when he demanded of them what they would have him to do: they all of them with one voice cried out, that he should kill himself. And thereupon they presently sent messengers to Demetrius Eucaerus, requesting him of his favour and assistance. CHAP. XXII. Demetrius Eucaerus overcometh Alexander in battle. HE coming onward with his army, & taking with him those who had incited him to the The year of the world, 3884. before Christ's nativity 80. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 20. Demetrius Eucaerus marcheth out against Alexander. Demetrius fighteth with Alexander, and hath the upper hand. Alexander in this fight loseth all his hired soldiers. enterprise, came and encamped near unto the City of Sichem. But Alexander gathering together some twenty thousand jews (whom he knew to be well affected towards him) with six thousand and two hundredth mercenary soldiers and strangers, marched forward against Demetrius, who led with him three thousand horsemen, and forty thousand footmen. Both on the one and the other side there fell out many subtle stratagems: the one of them striving on the one side to enueigle and withdraw the foreign soldiers, who were Grecians; and the other enforcing himself to reconcile those jews that were of Demetrius followers to his faction: but neither the one nor the other prevailed aught at all by these devices: so that finally they were driven to decide their quarrel by the sword; in which encounter Demetrius had the upper hand. For all the strangers that were on Alexander's side were every one hewed in pieces, after they had made sufficient proof both of their faith and valour. There died also many of Demetrius soldiers. But after that Alexander had fled unto the mountains, divers jews (to the number The year of th●… world. 3884. before Chriss birth. 80. Six thousand men resort unto Alexander. Alexander being assailed by the jews besiegeth the mightiest of them in Bethom. Alexander crucifeth 800. jews, and murdereth their wives & children in their presence. of six thousand) in commiseration of his desperate estate, and thorough the fear they had of Demetrius, resorted unto him; which when the conqueror heard, he retired himself. After this the jews made war against Alexander, and in divers losses which they received, there died a great number of them in divers combats: Finally after he had closed up the most strongest amongst them in the City of Bethom, he besieged them; and after he had taken the City, and brought them under his subjection, he carried them to jerusalem, where he perpetrated an unspeakable and cruel murder. For whilst he banqueted with his concubines, in the sight of them all, he commanded eight hundredth of them or thereabout to be crucified; and before their eyes whilst they yet lived he caused their wives and children's throats to be cur. All which he did to revenge himself of those wrongs which he had received: but he exceeded the bounds of humanity herein, notwithstanding they had rebelled against him, and reduced him into a most piteous estate, and put him in danger both of his life and kingdom. For being not content to assail and make war upon him with their own forces, they drew strangers also into his country against him: and finally, they overpressed him in such sort, that he was constrained to yield up into the king of Arabia's hands, the countries and cities that he had conquered from the Moabites and Galaadites, for fear lest they should join with the jews, and make war against him: besides other innumerable injuries and outrages committed by them against him. This notstanding it cannot be excused, but that he overshot himself herein; so that by reason of this his so enormous cruelty, he was called Thracidas, that is to say, as cruel as a Thracian: and this title continued among the jews. The soldiers of the contrary party, who amounted to the number Alexander surnamed Thracidas. of eight thousand, fled by night into strong and sure holds; and as long as Alexander lived, they were in exile. But at the last after he was delivered of all these troubles, he lived in quiet, and governed his kingdom peaceably all the remnant of his life. But Demetrius departing from judaea to Beroea, besieged his brother Philip with ten thousand footmen, and one thousand horse. But Straton Lord of Beroea allied to Philip, called Zizus Duke of the Arabians, and Mithridates Sinaces governor of the Parthians, unto his help; who repairing unto him with great forces, besieged Demetrius in his own trenches, in which they so enclosed him by continual shooting of darts, and want of water, that they constrained him, and those that were with him Demetrius besiegeth his brother Philip in Beroea to submit themselves to their mercy. When as therefore they had prayed the whole country, and were seized of Demetrius, they sent him prisoner to Mithridates, who at that time was King of Parthia. And as touching the Antiochians, as many of them as were found in the camp, were suffered to depart with the safety of their lives and baggage, and to return to Antioch. But Mithridates King of Parthia honoured Demetrius by all means possible, until such time as he was surprised with a sickness, whereof he died. Incontinently after the battle, Philip came into Antioch, and having obtained the kingdom ruled over Syria. CHAP. XXIII. The explaites of Antiochus Dionysius against judaea. AFter this, Antiochus called Dionysius (who was Philip's brother) came into Damascus to Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2●…. Antiochus' king of Damalco. Antiochus thrust out of his kingdom by his brother. The year of the world 3887. before the birth of Christ. 7●… obtain the soveraigutie therein, and there in short space accomplishing his affairs, got possession of the crown. When his brother Philip (who had an army in a readiness to invade the Arabians) had tidings hereof, he came to Damascus with great speed, and made him sirrender up the City, both by the means of Milesius whom Antiochus had left governor in the Castle, as also by the consent of the Citizens themselves. But Philip showed himself ungrateful toward Milesius, performing nothing of that which he had promised him, at such time as he delivered him the City, because his intent was, that the world should think that the fear of his power, and not Milesius savour was the cause of the surprisal of Damascus. Which act of his drew him into suspicion with Milesius, and was the cause that he lost the City again. For departing from thence to exercise himself at tile Milesius lock the gates against him, and kept the City for Antiochus. Who having intelligence of that which had befallen Philip, returned out of Arabia, & at that verse instant-led his army into judaea, in which there were eight thousand footmen, and eight hundredth horsemen. Alexander fearing his approach, made a deep trench Caparbasa called Antipatris. from Caparsabe (which is called at this day. Antipatris) as far as the sea of joppes (which was the only straight whereby he might be assailed) and made a wall furnished with wooden towers, with their courts of guard, distant the one from the other an hundredth and fifty furlongs, to keep back Antiochus. But he fired all these his fortifications, and made his army pass into Arabia The year of the world. 3884. before Christ's birth 80. Antiochus' death and the famine amongst his army. Are●…as king of Coelesyria. Cerraine cities taken by Alexander. thorough this straight. The king of Arabia retired upon the first assault; but afterwards he presently came into the field with ten thousand horsemen: whom Antiochus charged very valiantly, and in the onset lost his life (yet with victory) whilst he sought to succour a company of his men that were hardly laid to. After Antiochus' death, his army retired to the burrow of Cana, where divers of them died for hunger. After him Aretas reigned in Coelesyria, who was called unto that kingdom by those that held Damascus and hated Ptolomey the son of Mennaeus. Aretas led his army into jewry, and got a victory against Alexander near to Adida: which done, he retired out of judaea, upon a coposition made between them. Moreover, once more Alexander marched towards the city of Dion, and took the same. And afterwards he led his army against Essa, where Zeno had hoardward up his chiefest riches: and before he assailed the fortress he environed the place with three huge walls, which he builded round about it, and having taken it by force, he marched to Gaulana, and Seleucia: which when he had overcome, he made himself master of a valley called the valley of Antiochus, with the fortress of Gamala. And objecting many crimes against Demetrius the lord of those places, he dispossessed him of his government. Finally, after he had made war for the space of three whole years, he returned into his country, where the jews entertained him willingly by reason of the happy exploits which he had achieved. About the same time the jews were already possessed of the Cities of Syria, Idumaea, and Phoenicia; of the tower of Straton, Apollonia, joppes, jamnia, Azoth, Gaza, Anthedon, Raphia, The year of the world, ●…887. before Christ's Nativity, 77. The jews are Lords of the cities of the Syrians, Idumaeans and Phaenicians. Pella destroyed and razed. Alexander's sickness. Rhinocura, all which were near unto the sea: and in the firm land on the side of Idumaea, as Adora, Marissa, and all Samaria; the mounts Carmel and Itabyr; and herewith Scythopolis, Gadara, Gaulanitis, Seleucia, Gabala; and of Moab, Essebon, Medaba, Lemba, Orona, Telithon, and Zara; Antona of Cilicia and Pella. (This last City was razed by them, because the inhabitants would not promise to convert themselves to the religion of the jews) with divers other of the principal Cities of Syria also, which were conquered by them. After this, king Alexander fell sick, by the means of his surfeit and drunkenness; and for the space of three years he was travailed with a quartane ague. This notwithstanding, he was always in the camp, until such time as being wearied with travels, he died in the marches of the country of the Gerasens, at such time as he besieged Ragaba (which is a Castle situate on the other side of jordan.) The Queen perceiving that he was at death's door, and that there remained neither hope of life, nor recovery; she began to weep and lament, and to beat her breasts, because both she and her children were likely now to be left desolate, and in these words she bemoaned herself unto him. To whom wilt thou leave both me and thy children in the estate, wherein we be? or why should we survive or live one after another, considering that thou assuredly knowest, that the hearts of thy people are estranged from us? Hereupon the king comforted her, & gave her this counsel, that if she would assure the kingdom both unto her and her children, she should behave herself according to his direction, which was, first to conceal his death, and not to suffer his men of war to have notice thereof, until such time as she had taken this Castle. Which done, he advised her to repair to jerusalem in pomp, and triumph; and that being there she should bestow some authority upon the Pharisees, who should recount her praises, and obtain her favour amongst the people. For (said he) these kind of men are in great The year of the world. 3890. before Christ's birth 74. Alexander inst●…cteth his wife how she may ●…igne securely. The authority of the Pharisees among the people. estimation and credit with the people, and can do much hurt unto those they hate, and further them 〈◊〉 like sort very mightily, towards whom they are well affected: For the people easily believeth them, when they urge aught against any man, notwithstanding it be of envy; and that he himself also had incurred the displeasure of the people for their sakes, in that he had offended them. When as therefore (said he) thou shalt arrive in jerusalem, send thou for the chiefest amongst them, and pray them to come unto thee; and after you have showed them my dead body, use the most plausible speech that you can, and give them permission to dispose of my body how they list, whether it be their pleasure to interdict, and deny me funeral (in that they have received many indignities by me) or whether in a●…ngment of their displeasure, they will offer any ignominy to my body: and promise you them, that you will do nothing in the administration or government of the kingdom, but by their advise. If in this sort you shape both your manners and discourse towards them, it will come to pass, that I shall be buried by them with great magnificence (which otherwise I could not be by any other means) because they will offer no outrage to my body, no although you should permit them: and besides that, you shall reign in more assurance and quiet. After he had given his wife these advertisements, he gave up the ghost; after he had reigned seven and twenty years, and lived for The year of the world. 3890. before Christ's birth 74. Alexander's death. tie and nine. CHAP. XXIIII. After Alexander's death, his wife Alexandra governeth the kingdom. AFter that Alexandra had taken the Castle of Ragaba, she conferred with the Pharisees, according to her husband's counsel, and committed unto their discretion, not only that which concerned her husband's obsequies, but also the government of the kingdom: Alexander's funeral. whereby she not only appeased the displeasure which before time they had conceived against Alexander, but also obtained their good will and amity. They therefore came and declaimed amongst the people, making an oration of the acts and gests of Alexander, complaining every where, that they had lost a good king, and by the enforced praises that they used, they incited the people to great grief and lamentation: so that they buried him with more magnificence, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 22. Hircanus and Aristobulus Alexander's sons. than any king that reigned before him. This Alexander left two sons behind him, the one called Hircanus; the other Aristobulus; and by his testament committed the government of the kingdom to Alexandra his wife. For Hircanus was incapable to manage affairs; and rather delighted in peace and quiet; and Aristobulus, who was the younger, was both active and fit for government. The people were well affected towards Alexandra, because she had manifestly expressed how greatly she misliked her husband's misgovernment. She appointed Hircanus high priest Hircanus' high Priest. (both in regard of his age, as also for that by nature he was composed to peace and quiet) and committed all things to the disposition of the Pharisees, commanding the people to obey and observe them. She also renewed and confirmed that which Hircanus had disannulled, and the Pharisees (according to the customs of their forefathers) had introduced; so that she bore the name, and the Pharisees the authority royal. For they restored such as were banished to their estates, and delivered prisoners; and in all things they demeaned themselves like great Lords. Alexandra also for her part undertook the care of the common weal, and kept a great number of soldiers The Pharisees admitted to the administration of the commonweal are greedy of revenge. Aristobulus & his followers accuse the Pharisees of tyranny. in pay, and increased her power in such sort, that the tyrants round about her feared her, and delivered her hostages and pledges of peace. All the country was in quiet, only the Pharisees troubled the Queen, persuading her to put those to death, who had counseled king Alexander to put those eight hundredth to death (of whom we have forespoken) and they themselves afterwards slew one that was called Diogenes, and after him divers others, one by one: until such time as those in authority came unto the royal palace, accompanied with Aristobulus (who seemed to be displeased with that which had happened, and who if the occasion were offered, made show that he would not permit his mother to govern after that manner) and told her that which had happened, and in what dangers they had been, to express their duty and loyalty which they ought to their deceased master; and how for that cause they had been greatly honoured by him; requiring her that she would not utterly frustrate them of their hopes, which they expected in am of their service, that now they that had escaped from the danger of their foreign enemies, were in their houses murdered like beasts by their private maligners, without any relief or succours from any one. They furthermore urged, that if their adversaries would content themselves with those they had slain, they would endure their misfortunes patiently, by reason of the sincere affection they bore unto their lords: but if they must needly as yet suffer the like, they required that they might have licence to depart. For that they would not procure their safety, otherwise then by her consent: & would rather suffer a voluntary death near unto her royal palace, if they might not be spared: For that it would be a shame both for themselves, and for the Queen, if by her toleration, those, who had been her deceased husbands friends, should be thus vexed by them which were his adversaries. That Aretas king of Arabia and other princes would be glad of this news, to hear that she should estrange those persons far from her, whose names have been dreadful even amongst those neighbouring kings who have but heard the same. And if she had resolved to make more account of the Pharisee, favour, then of their service, they besought her that she would at leastwise distribute them in several Castles, for that rather than any mishap should pursue their sovereign Alexander's house, they were content to lead their lives in that contemptible and abject condition. Whilst thus they spoke, and exclaimed on the soul of Alexander, praying him to have compassion as well of those that were already dead, as of those who were in danger of their lives, the tears ran from the eyes of all the assistants: and Aristobulus (above the rest) was heartily The year of the world 3890. before Chr●… 〈◊〉. 74. discontent, and expressed the same by expostulating the cause with his mother. But they themselves were the cause of their own calamity, because that against all right and reason, they had permitted a headstrong and ambitious woman to reign over them, as if the king had no heirs reserved to succeed him in the kingdom. The Queen uncertain how to determine the matter at that instant, committed the charge of all her Castles unto their hands, reserving only Hyrcania, Alexandrion, and Machaeron, wherein the prince's movables and wealth Alexandra committeth the custody of the Castles to the jews. Aristobulus i●… sent to 〈◊〉 against Ptolemy. Tigranes' invading Syria, heareth 〈◊〉 of Lucullus pursuit of Mithridates, and returneth home. The year of the world. 3893. before Christ's birth 71. was kept. Not long after, she sent her son Aristobulus with a strong army, commanding him to draw his forces toward Damascus, against Ptolomey called Mennaeus, who was an ill neighbour unto that City: but he returned thence without achieving any memorable action. About the same time news was brought, that Tigranes' king of Armenia, invaded Syria, with five hundredth thousand men of war, intending shortly to set upon jewry. This rumour affrighted the Queen, and all the commonalty (and not without cause.) Whereupon she sent Ambassadors with many princely presents unto Tigranes, who besieged the City of Ptolemais. (For Queen Selena, otherways called Cleopatra, reigned in Syria, and persuaded the Syrians to deny Tigranes' passage.) But Alexandra's Ambassadors met with the king of Armenia, and besought him to conceive a good opinion of their Queen, and of all the whole nation of the jews: who received them willingly, praising them for that they had sought him out so far to do him honour, and put them in good hope. After the taking in of Ptolemais, it was told Tigranes that Lucullus pursued Mithridates (who was not as yet apprehended, for that he was fled into Iberia, which was the cause that Lucullus had entered Armenia, and foraged the same.) Tigranes' hearing this news, returned back into his country. After this, Queen Alexandra fell sick of a dangerous and noisome disease: whereby Aristobulus took occasion to intermeddle with the affairs of estate. Walking The year of the world. 3894. before Christ's birth 70. Alexandra's sickness, and Aristobulus attempt. therefore abroad one night attended by a trusty servant, he repaired unto those Castles, which were committed to the custody of his father's friends: for of long time he had misliked his mother's government, and now was the more afraid, that if she should happen to die, all her posterity should be made subject to the power of the Pharisees. For he well perceived how unapt his elder brother was to govern the kingdom, unto whom notwithstanding the succession appertained: only his wife, whom (accompanied with his children) he had left with Alexandra, had an inkling of this his intent. He therefore went first of all to Agaba, where Galestes one of the chiefest potentates commanded, who entertained him with great joy. The next day the The year of the world, 3897 before Christ's birth 67. Aristobulus seizeth the castles; and great con course of people resort to him. Queen hearing that Aristobulus was departed from court, yet little suspected she at the first, that he was retired to work some alteration in the state. But when as messengers came flocking one after another, and told her that after the first Castle, the second; and after the second, all the rest had consequently been surprised by Aristobulus: at that time both the queen and the whole nation were dismayed, fearing lest he should presently usurp the sovereignty; but above all they feared, lest he should revenge himself on those, who had outraged his familiars: and it was thought meet that both his wife and children should be committed to the Castle, that adjoined the temple. But from all parts round about resorted there soldiers to Aristobulus; so that he was attended like a king: for in the space of some fifteen days he took twenty and two forts, whither he made his retreats, and assembled an army of soldiers, and levied them amongst the lords that inhabit Libanus and Trachonitis: For the multitude hath always resort to the stronger side, supposing that if they submit thereunto willingly, and maintain and roiallize the same, that they shall draw some profit thereby, as being those that were the occasion of the confirmation of his monarchy. Hereupon the ancient jews and Hircanus repaired unto the Queen, humbly entreating her to take some mature counsel and good advice touching the present affairs, because that Aristobulus Hircanus and the elders inform the Queen, and accuse Aristobulus. Alexandra's death. The year of the world. 3899. before Christ's birth 65. her son was already well nigh lord of the whole country, since he had so many forts under his command: Furthermore, that it was inconvenient and undecent for them to consult without her express order, notwithstanding she were grievously sick, but that the impendent danger extorted the same. The Queen willed them to do that which they thought should be most profitable for the common weal; telling them that they had many means, for that their nation was mighty, great and strong; and had great store both of money and riches in the common treasury: certifying them, that because she knew that she had not long to live, she had no more reason to take care of those affairs. Anon after she had spoken thus, she died: after she had reigned nine years, and lived in all seventy and three years. This woman was adorned with greater excellency than could be expected from one of her sex, and expressed both in her The year of the world. 3899. before the 〈◊〉 of Christ, 65. actions and ordinances how fit she was to govern a kingdom, and how oftentimes men thorough imprudence overshoot themselves in affairs of estate. For making more account of the present then future occurrences, and neglecting all other things in respect of those which are requisite in a moderated government, she never upon any instigation whatsoever perverted justice; notwithstanding her family fell into such inconveniences, that the same sovereignty which she had obtained by divers dangers and travels, was not long after that ruinated and lost for her scarce effeminate desires. For she gave care unto those, who were ill affected towards her posterity, and left the kingdom destitute of such as were fit to govern: so that the government which she enjoyed during her life time, was after her death distracted with infinite troubles, and Alexandra's family in cu●… much trouble. calamities, wherewith her family was replenished. And notwithstanding her regiment after this manner, yet during her life time she kept the kingdom in peace. And thus died Alexandra. THE XIIII. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 14. book. 1 How after the death of Alexandra, her youngest son Aristobulus made war against his brother Hircanus for the kingdom; who obtaining the victory, compelled Hircanus to fly into a castle in jerusalem. And how after it was agreed and concluded between them, that Aristobulus should be king, and Hircanus live as a private man without dignity. 2 Of the race of Antipater, and how he purchaseth renown, great power and authority both to himself and his children; and of the flight of Hircanus to Aretas king of Arabia. 3 Aristobulus, being vanquished, is pursued as far as jerusalem. 4 Hircanus and Aristobulus send Ambassadors to Scaurus to request his aid and succour. 5 Aristobulus and Hircanus present themselves before Pompey, to debate their titles touching the kingdom. 6 Pompey is seized of the fortresses by a warlike stratagem. 7 They of jerusalem shut their gates against the Romans. 8 Pompey taketh the Temple and lower part of the city by force. 9 Scaurus maketh war against Aretas, and by the persuasion & solicitation of Antipater maketh aleague with him. 10 Alexander being overcome by Gabinius, retireth himself into a castle, where he is shut up and besieged. 11 Aristobulus escaping out of prison, flieth from Rome, who being taken again in judaea by Gabinius, is sent back prisoner to Rome. 12 Crassus warring against the Parthians, passeth through jewrie, and spoileth the Treasury of the Temple. 13 Pompey retireth into Epirus, and Scipio cometh into Syria. 14 Caesar's voyage into Egypt, wherein the jews do him faithful service. 15 Antipater's valiant acts, and the amity betwixt him and Caesar. 16 Caesars letters, and the Senate's decree, as touching the friendship betwixt the jews and Romans. 17 Antipater committeth the government of Galilee to his son Herod, and that of jerusalem to Phasaelus his other son; and how Sextus Caesar advanced Herode to great honour and dignity. 18 Cassius afflicteth jury, and exacteth eight hundredth talents. 19 Malichus poisoneth Antipater. 20 Herode putteth Malichus to death, by Cassius' commandment. 21 Antigonus the son of Aristobulus seeking to recover his father's kingdom by the aid of the King of tire, is discomfited and driven out of judaea by Herod. 22 Herod meeting Antonius in Bythinia winneth his favour with a great sum of money, to the intent he should give no ●…are to his accusers. 23 Antonius arriving in the province of Syria establisheth Herode and Phasaelus for tetrarchs. 24 The Parthians make war in Syria to restore Antigonus the son of Aristobulus to the kingdom. 25 The Parthians take Hircanus, and Phasaelus prisoners, and lead them away. 26 Herode at Rome is declared King of jury by the Senate. 27 Herode returneth from Rome, and fighteth against Antigonus. 28 Antigonus is discomfited by Sosius and Herode CHAP. I. How after the Contention between the two brethren touching the kingdom, it was agreed that Aristobulus should be king, and Hircanus live as a private man. WE have already entreated in our former Book both of the acts and The year of the world, 3899. before Christ's Nativity, 65. The office and duty of an Historiographer death of Queen Alexandra: it now remaineth at this present to prosecute and continue the sequel of our History, to the end that we neither omit any thing thorough ignorance, or bury aught in forgetfulness. For they that make profession to write Histories, and to recite such things as are observed by antiquity, ought not only studiously to conform their style, but also to beautify the same with the ornaments of eloquence, to the intent the reader may converse in their writings with the more delectation. But above all things they must have an especial care so exactly to set down the truth, that they, who know not how these things came to pass, may be the more duly and fitly informed. When as therefore Hircanus had taken upon him the high Priesthood, in the third year of the hundredth seventy and seventh olympiad, and in the year that Q. Hortensius and Q. Metellus Aristobulus and Hircanus strive for the kingdom. (called the Cretensian) were consuls at Rome: Aristobulus suddenly undertook the war against Hircanus, and fought with him near unto jericho: where a great number of Hircanus followers submitted themselves of their own accord to Aristobulus. Thorough which accident Hircanus was enforced to fly to the fortress of the higher city, wherein Alexandra Aristobulus mother had imprisoned both his wife and children (as before this it is specified) The rest of his faction for fear of his brother, who had gotten the victory, retired themselves within the enclosure of the temple, where they were besieged and taken. After this a peace was entreated of betwixt both the brethren, and their different was accorded in this manner: that Hircanus should pass the remnant of his life without intermeddling with affairs of estate, but should only intend his The peace betwixt Hircanus and Aristobulus. security and peace: and Aristobulus should command the kingdom. This league was ratified between them in the temple, and confirmed with oaths, conjunction of hands and embraces, in the sight of all the people: which being finished, Aristobulus retired himself into the palace; and Hircanus to Aristobulus lodging, to lead a private and quiet life. CHAP. II. Of the race of Antipater, and how he is advanced to high estate, and how Hircanus flieth to Aretas King of Arabia. But acertaine friend of Hircanus (by nation an Idumaean, and by name Antipater) being well moneyed, and by nature both factious and industrious, and thorough ambition but Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 〈◊〉. Antipater the Idumaean Hircanus friend. Antipater of judaea, as Nicholas Damascenus impli●…th, first called Antipas. badly affected toward Aristobulus, the rather for that he affected Hircanus' faction, began to stir much trouble. True it is, that Nicholas Damascene writeth of this man, that he was descended from the noblest amongst those jews who returned from out of Babylon into jury: but this he did of set purpose to gratify Herode Antipater's son, who by a casualty became afterwards King of the jews (as we will express hereafter in time and place convenient.) This Antipater was at the first called Antipas, according to his father's name, who (as it is reported) was made governor of all Idumaea by king Alexander and his wife: and afterwards made a league The year of the world. 3899. before Christ's birth. 65. with the Arabians, Gazeans, and Ascalonites, corrupting them, and insinuating himself into their favours by divers great presents bestowed upon them. This young Antipater considering with himself what Aristobulus power was, and fearing least some mischief might be fall him thorough the hatred the young king had conceived against him, he communicated with certain of Ant●…er incen●… the princes of the Jews against Aristobulus. the greatest reckoning amongst the Jews, and secretly and cunningly incensed them against Aristobulus; telling them that they had done amiss, both to see and suffer Aristobulus to detain the kingdom unjustly in his hands, and to dispossess his elder brother Hircanus, to whom by right of inheritance it appertained. He likewise accosted and sounded Hircanus ordinarily with these words; telling him that he lived in danger of his life, and would doubtless be overtaken; except he sought his own security, and fled his imminent peril: alleging, that Aristobulus friends would never cease to consult how they might shorten his life, to the end▪ that he might live in more security. To these instigations of his Hircanus gave small credit (for that of his own nature he was courteous, and could not easily be induced or seduced by detractions) but this negligence and carelessness in him, was the cause that he was accounted a silly and abject man. On the contrary side, Aristobulus was of a different and more heroic nature, being more actuie in performance, and careful in prevention. Now although Antipater saw that Hircanus made small accountof his instigations; yet ceased he not daily to invent and propose new surmises and accusations, urging Aristobulus hatred and practice to mu●…her him: and so much prevailed he by his importunity, that at last he persuaded him to fly to Aretas king of Arabia, promising him that in so doing, he would give him both aid, and assistance. Hircanus' having debated upon these conclusions, at last thought good to fly to Aretas (for that he knew that Arabia confined upon jewry.) Whereupon he first of all sent Antipater to Aretas, to take assurance of him that he should not betray him into his enemy's hands, if so be he should submit himself unto him, and require his assistance. When as therefore Antipater had received this assurance from the king, he returned to jerusalem unto Hircanus: and The year of the world, 3900. before Christ's nativity, 64. not long after that took him away with him, and departed the City by night, and afterwards with great journeys arrived at Petra, where Aretas kept his royal court. And for that he was inwardly familiar with the king he besought him to re-establish him in the kingdom of jewry, and wrought so much by his importunity and the presents which he gave him, that he persuaded Aretas to attempt the matter. Whereupon Hircanus promised, that if he confirmed him again in his royal dignity, he would upon the recovery of his realm restore unto him Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 3. those twelve Cities which his father Alexander had taken from the Arabians, the names whereof are these that follow: Medaba, Nabello, Livia's, Tharabasa, Agalla, Athona, Zoara, Orona, Marissa, Rydda, Lusa, Oryba. CHAP. III. Aristobulus being vanquished, is pursued as far as jerusalem. ARetas induced by these promises, was content to send forth an army against Aristobulus, Aretas maketh war against Aristobulus, and enforceth him to fly to jerusalem. The Arabian besiegeth Aristobulus in the temple. and himself in person conducted onward in that expedition fifty thousand men, both on foot and horse, and had the upper hand of his enemy in such sort, as divers after the attainment of this victory, of their own accord submitted themselves to Hircanus: and Aristobulus perceiving himself to be destitute of all his friends and followers fled unto jerusalem. After him the king of Arabia led his army with all expedition, and besieged him in the temple: In this siege the common people assisted Hircanus, neither were there any but the priests only that stuck to Aristobulus side. Whereupon Aretas marshaled the forces he had, and busily set the army both of jews and Arabians about the siege. Whilst these things were under these terms, the feast of unleavened bread, which we call the passover, was at hand, and The jews fly into Egypt. the princes of the jews forsaking their country were fled into Egypt. About that time, a certain man called Onias (such a one who for his virtue was beloved of God, and in times past had by his devout prayers and supplications in a time of drought, obtained rain from God) hid himself, perceiving that this sedition would be of some continuance. This man therefore being surprised and brought into the camp of the jews, they required him that as by his prayers he had obtained water; so at that time likewise he would by his imprecations incense God against Aristobulus, and his complices. But whereas he contradicted and excused himself, he was at last constrained by the people to perform their request; so that standing up in the midst of them he The year of the world. 3900. before Christ's birth 64. Onias' contradicting the jews petition is stoned to death. spoke after this manner. O God, King of the whole world, since they who are at this present here with me are thy people, and those that are besieged are thy priests; I humbly beseech thee, that when they shall require thee to be incensed against their brethren, thou wilt not hear them: and when as likewise they shall provoke thee against the other, thou wilt not respect them. Hereupon, a certain sort of reprobate soldiers amongst the jews, hearing these words of his, stoned him to death: but God incontinently punished this cruelty in them; and the murder of Onias so cursedly perpetrated, was revenged by this means which ensueth. At such time as Aristobulus and the priests were besieged, the feast of Easter or the passover fell out, during which time it was an usual custom amongst the jews to honour God with many sacrifices: Now for that they who were with Aristobulus, had not any beasts to offer up in sacrifice, they required the other jews which were without, that they might have some delivered unto them for their money. Whereunto it was answered, that if they would give one thousand drachmas for every head, they should have some delivered unto them. To this demand of theirs, Aristobulus and the priests that were with him, willingly condescended, and let down the prefixed price and delivered the same from the wall: but the others, after they had received the money, delivered them not those beasts which they required them to sell them for sacrifice; but so far were they given over to impiety, that Breach of faith, and the revenge thereof they falsified their oaths not only towards men, but defrauded God also, in denying that which they had promised toward the furnishing of the sacrifice. For which cause, the priests (being defrauded in this manner contrary to the oath and protestations of their adversaries) besought God to show vengeance on their countrymen, that had committed this heinous and periutious impiety: neither did God defer their punishment any long time, but incontinently after he sent a great and violent wind, that spoilt all the fruits of the country; so that a measure of wheat was sold for eleven drachmas. CHAP. FOUR Hircanus and Aristobulus send Ambassadors to Scaurus, to covenant their peace with him. Mean while Pompey sent Scaurus into Syria (himself being in person detained in Armenia Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. Hircanus and Aristobulus ambassadors unto Scaurus. in pursuit of the war betwixt him and Tigranes.) Now when as Scaurus came unto Damascus, he found that Metellus and Lollius had newly taken the City; for which cause he marched onward towards jewry: Where being arrived, certain Ambassadors came unto him in the behalf of Aristobulus, and others also in the name of Hircanus, requiring alliance and confederacy in the behalf of them both, and offering in either's respect a tribute of four hundredth talents. But Scaurus preferred Aristobulus promises, both for that he was a man of mightier substance and greater mind, and withal more moderate in his demand; whereas Hircanus was poor and covetous, and notwithstanding he demanded greater things than his brother did; Scaurus is presented. yet was his promise of less assurance: For it was a harder matter to subdue a City that was so defenced and strong, then to repulse a troop of runagate Nabatheans, and they scarcely well animated to prosecute that war. For these causes therefore he (receiving his money) levied the siege, commanding Aretas to return; which if he refused, he declared him an enemy to Rome. Aristobulus maketh war against Aretas and Hircanus. This done, Scaurus returned to Damascus, and Aristobulus led forth his army against Aretas and Hircanus, and fight with them in a place called Papyron he obtained the victory, and slew about some seven thousand of his enemies, amongst the number of which was Cephalius Antipater's brother. CHAP. V. How Aristobulus and Hircanus debate their titles in the presence of Pompey. NOt long time after this, Pompey came unto Damascus: and as he travailed thorough Coelesyria, Pompey cometh into Syria, and Aristobulus sendeth a royal present unto him. divers Ambassadors resorted unto him from all parts of Syria, Egypt and judaea. For Aristobulus sent him a present of great value, namely a golden vine of five hundredth talents price. Hereof Strabo the Cappadocian maketh mention in these words: There came an Ambassador out of Egypt, bearing a crown of four thousand pieces of gold; and an other from jewry, with a vine or garden, and the workmanship was called Terpole, that is to say, recreation: And this vine have we beheld at this day in the City of Rome in the temple of The year of the world. 3900. before the Nativity of Christ. 64. Antipater for Hircanus, and Nicodemus for Aristobulus come as ambassadors to Pompey. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. A castle destroyed in Apamea. Ptolomey Mennaeus fined at a great sum of money. jupiter Capitoline; having the inscription of Alexander king of the jews; and it was esteemed and valued at five hundredth talents. It is said, that Aristobulus prince of the jews sent the same. Strait after this, there came other fresh Ambassadors unto him (Antipater from Hircanus: and Nicodemus, from Aristobulus) who accused those that had taken money, namely Gabinius, for that he first of all had received three hundredth talents beside other presents: and secondly Scaurus, who had received four hundredth; alleging that by that means they had incensed them against him. He therefore gave direction, that they should repair unto him about the spring, each of them to justify and maintain their several rights: as for himself he drew his forces from their wintering places, and marched towards Damascus, destroying in his way a certain fortress which Antiochus the Cyzicenian had fortified in Apamea. He visited also the country of Ptolomey Mennaeus (who was a perverse and wicked man, and no ways differed from Dionysius Tripolitane) who was punished with the loss of his head, and was united also with him in friendship and affinity; yet acquitted of the death he deserved, by the means of a thousand talents ransom, which Ptolomey distributed amongst his soldiers for their pay. He razed likewise the Castle of Lysias (wherein a jew called Silas tyrannised) and passing by the Cities of Heliopolis and The year of the world. 3902. before the birth of Christ. 62. Aristobulus & Hircanus accused by the jews before Pompey. Chal●…is, and having likewise ascended the mountain (which is between them) he came to Coelesyria; and from Pella repaired to Damascus. In which place he gave audience to the jews, and their princes Hircanus and Aristobulus, who were at odds the one against the other, as touching their particular interests, as all the whole nation against them both; alleging that they would not be governed by kings, because their custom was to obey God's Priests, whom they honoured, affirming that these two brethren (who were descended of the race of priests, sought to draw their nation under a different form of government, to the intent to reduce ●…m under servitude. Hircanus' complained, for that being the elder borne, he had been deprived of his inheritance by Aristobulus, and had only but a small portion of the country allotted him, because Aristobulus had seized the rest by force. He complained likewise of those incursions, that both by land and sea Aristobulus followers had endamaged the frontiers with. For the people had not revolted, if he had not been a violent and turbulent man. To this accusation of his, a thousand of the principallest of the jews (drawn on by Antipater's persuasion) subscribed, who averred and justified the same. But Aristobulus answered, that Hircanus was dispossessed of the kingdom, Aristobulus Apology before Pompey. by reason of his incapacity and natural defects; alleging for himself, that the government was enforced on him by a necessity, for fear it should be transported to others: in effect, he protested that he challenged no other title, then that which his father Alexander had had. He brought in also for his witnesses certain arrogant young men, who were hated for their pomp, purple robes, their curiosity in painting and curling their hair, and bard horse, and other braveries which they presented, not like men that intended to expect judgement, but as if their pretence had been to make show of their pomp. After that Pompey had heard them, he condemned Aristobulus violence, but for that time he dismissed them (after some favourable and gracious conference) promising them that he would come into their country, and determine their differents, after he had seen the region of the Nabatheans: commanding them in the mean while to live in peace. He used Aristobulus likewise very kindly, fearing lest he should incense the people, and shut up his passage: which notwithstanding came to pass. For Aristobulus came into Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. the City of Delion, and from thence went into judaea, without respect of that which Pompey had commanded him. CHAP. VI Pompey maketh himself Lord of the Castles by a warlike stratagem. POmpey hearing this, was sore displeased therewith; and taking with him his army which Pompey marcheth out against Aristobulus. he had prepared against the Nabatheans (with the supplies he had in Damalco, and the rest of Syria, besides the other Roman companies that he had) he marched forth against Aristobulus: when as therefore he had left Pella and Scythopolis behind him, he came to Core▪ as (which is the entrance into judaea) drawing toward the heart of the country. There found Aristobulus descendeth from his fortress to con▪ far with Pompey. he a goodly Castle situate upon the top of a mountain called Alexandrion, whither Aristobulus was retired. For which cause he sent Ambassadors to invite him to come and parley with him: who persuaded by the counsel of many of his inward friends, in no sort to commence war against the Romans, came down unto him, and after he had debated his title with his brother, The ye●…re of the world, 3902. before Christ's Nativity, 62. Aristobulus delivereth the fortresses to Pompey's hands. Hedio & Ruff●…s. chap. 7. Mithridates' king of Pontus slain by his son Pharnaces. as touching the kingdom, Pompey permitted him to return again into his Castle. And this did he two or three times, always flattering Pompey thorough the hope he had of the kingdom, and making a show that he would be obedient unto him in whatsoever he would command him. Mean while he retired himself, and fortified the place, and made preparation for the war, for fear lest Pompey should transfer the kingdom to Hircanus. But when as Pompey commanded him that he should deliver up the fortresses that he held, and had written with his own hand to the captains of the garrisons (who otherwise would not have obeyed him) Aristobulus submitted, and in discontent repaired to jerusalem, with full intent to prepare for war. Not long after this, when as Pompey marched towards him with his army, certain messengers coming from Pontus certified him of Mithridates' death, who was slain by his son Pharnaces. CHAP. VII. They of jerusalem shut their gates against the Romans. WHen Pompey was encamped near unto jericho (in which place there were a number of Date trees, and where also groweth that balm which is the most precious of all other ointments, distilling from a little shrub, which is opened and slit by a sharp cutting stone) the next morning he marched towards jerusalem. At that time Aristobulus (being sorry Gabinius coming to receive the money Ari●…obulus had promised, hath the city gates shut against him. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 8. Pompey besiegeth jerusalem. The year of the world, 3903. before Christ's birth 61. for his misbehaviour) came unto him, offering him money, and promising him to receive him into jerusalem; he besought him (that dismissing public enmities and quarrels) he would peaceably do what him listed hereafter. Whereupon Pompey pardoned him, and condescended to his request, and sent Gabinius with his soldiers, both to receive the money, as also to enter the city; but his purpose failed him in both: for Gabinius returned, because he was excluded out of the city; neither received he any money, for that Aristobulus soldiers would not permit that any promise should be performed. Hereupon Pompey waxed wroth; so that after he had committed Aristobulus to prison, he went in person against the city, which was strongly fortified on every side, except toward the quarter that extendeth northward, which was easy to be beaten down: for this side is environed with a large and deep valley, compassing the temple, which is enclosed with a marvelous strong wall of stone. CHAP. VIII. Pompey taketh the Temple, and lower part of the City perforce. But within the City there grew a division and faction, by reason of the difference and dissident opinions of those that kept the same; for some thought good to yield up the city into Pompey's hands; othersome (that were of Aristobulus faction) counseled that the gates should be kept shut, and preparation for war should be made, for that the Romans detained Aristobulus prisoner. These later prevailing more than the rest seized the temple: and breaking down the bridge which was betwixt it & the City; addressed themselves to stand on jerusalem partly betrayed, partly besieged by Pompey. their defence. But the others not only delivered the City into Pompey's hands, but the royal palace also, who sent Piso his lieutenant thither with his forces to take possession thereof, & to plant his garrisons therein; and to fortify the houses near adjoining the temple, & whatsoever convenient habitation without the walls. First therefore Piso offered the besieged certain conditions of peace: which for that they refused, he fortified and shut them in on every side, being in all these his endeavours assisted by Hircanus. On the out side of the City, Pompey encamped with his army on the north part of the temple (which was the easiest and meetest side to be assaulted) on this side Pompey maketh preparation to besiege the temple. also there were certain high towers, and a huge trench, besides a deep valley tha●… begirt the temple. For towards the city all ways and passages were so broken up, that no man could either go up or down, and the bridge was taken away on that side where Pompey was encamped. Each day did the Romans travel earnestly to raise a mount, and cutting down all the timber round about them, & having fitly applied the same, the trench being filled up (although very hardly, by reason of the incredible depth thereof) the Rams and Engines that were brought from tire were addressed, with which they enforced and darted stones against the temple: and had not the ordinance of the country commanded to keep the Sabbath (which was the seventh day of the week) holy, and to labour in no sort on that day; the Romans had never been able to have raised their bulwark, if they within the temple had opposed themselves against them. For the law permitteth to defend themselves against their enemies, at such time as they are assailed & urged The year of the world, 3903. before Christ's birth 61. to fight, but not assail them when they intent any other work. Which when the Romans understood, they neither gave assault, nor proffered skirmish on those days, which we call Sabbaths: but they built their fortifications and towers, and planted their engines; so that the next day they were ready to put them in use against the jews. And hereby it is easy to conjecture, how incredible the piety of our nation is, & how studious & industrious they be in observing the divine laws. For notwithstanding any present or imminent fear, yet desisted they never to offer their solemn The jews intermitted not their sacrifice notwithstanding the siege. The taking of the temple. sacrifices: but twice a day in the morning & about the ninth hour the Priests offered upon the altar; & notwithstanding any difficulty or danger of the siege that might happen, they omitted not the course of their oblations. For at such time as the temple was taken (in the third month and on a fasting day in the hundredth seventy nine. olympiad, in the year wherein Caius Antonius and Marcus Tullius Cicero were Consuls) the enemy entered the temple by force, and slew those that withstood them. Yet notwithstanding all this, the priests ceased not to exercise their accustomed sacrifice: and neither the hazard of their lives, nor the great number of those that were dead, could force them to fly, but that they held it more convenient for them to endure all things that might happen in attending upon the Altar, them to transgress or vary one jot from their ordinances. And that this may seem to be no fable, or praise of their dissembled devotion, but the exact and perfect truth, all those that write the Histories concerning Pompey and his acts, do witness no less: amongst the number of which, are Strabo, Nicholas, & Titus Livius the Roman Historiographer the most famous among the rest. The greatest of those towers was battered by these engines, and fell, bearing a great pane of the wall to the earth with it, which was the cause that the enemies in multitudes broke in by the breach. The first that ascended the wall was Cornelius Faustus the son of Sylla, with his soldiers. After him mounted the Centurion Furius, accompanied with those that followed him, on the other side: and thorough the midst of the breach did the Centurion Fabius enter with a strong squadron. The whole circuit was filled with murders; and some of the jews died by the Romans swords; other some slew one another; the rest cast themselves down headlong from the steepy places: many likewise set fire on their houses, and consumed themselves therein, for fear they should behold the executions that were performed by their enemies. There died about twelve thousand jews, and very few Romans. Absolom also, who was Aristobulus father in law, and uncle, was taken prisoner. The religion of the temple likewise was not Twelve thousand jews a little profaned. For whereas before that time no profane man either entered or beheld that which was in the temple: Pompey and divers others that accompanied him, entered the same, and slain. Pompey entering the temple, neither toucheth or taketh away any thing. saw that which was not lawful to be beheld by any other but the high priests only. But although he found a table of gold, and a sacred candlestick, with divers other vessels and odoriferous drugs in great quantity; and whereas beside that, there was about two thousand talents of silver in the sacred treasury in the temple: yet touched he nothing thereof thorough the reverence he had of God, and herein he behaved himself answerably to his other virtues. The next day he commanded those that had the charge of the temple to purge the same, and to offer sacrifices Alias, cap. 9 Pompey ●…estoweth the Priesthood on Hircanus. unto God, according to the law; committing the high Priesthood to Hircanus hands, both for that he had stood him in great steed in many things, as for that he had hindered the jews, that were of the country, from joining themselves with Aristobulus. After this he beheaded the authors of this war, and honoured Faustus and the rest with cond●…gne gifts, who with great courage had first attempted and ascended the wall: As for jerusalem he made it tributary to the Romans, jerusalem tributary to Rom●… taking away from the jews those Cities they had conquered in Coelesyria, and assigning them a proper and peculiar government. After this he enclosed the nation within certain limits, whereas before time their dominions were of a large extent. Not long after this, he repaired Gadara, that not long before was destroyed: all which he performed in favour of Demetrius the Gadarenian his late servant and bondman. And as touching Hippon, Scythopolis, Dion, Gadara restored. Cities taken from the jews Samaria, Marissa, Azot, jamnia, and Arethusa, he restored them to the ancient inhabitants thereof, all which were situate in the heart of the land: besides Gaza, joppes, Dora & the tower of Straton (cities situate upon the sea coast, and ruinated before times with divers wars) he set at liberty, and annexed them unto the province. As for the tower of Straton, it was magnificently builded by Herode, and decked with gates and fair temples, and the name thereof was changed and called Caesarea. Thus Hircanus and Aristobulus thorough their dissensions and civil broils, were the cause of that servitude and misery that fell upon the jews. For we have lost our liberty, and have been subdued by the Romans. Besides that, we have been enforced to surrender up those cities unto the Syrians, which we before time by force of arms had conquered and gotten from them. And that which is to be lamented, the Romans in a little time have drawn The year of the world. 3903. before Chri●…s Nativity. 61. from us more than ten thousand talents: and the royalty which before time was an honour reserved for those that were of the race of the high priests, hath been bestowed on men of obscurity and community: whereof we will speak in place convenient. After that Pompey had given Ceelesyria to Sc●…urus, from Euphrates as far as to the frontiers of Egypt, with two legions of the Romans; he went into Cilicia, and from thence drew towards Rome, leading with him Aristobulus in bonds and his children (who were two sons, and two daughters) one of which called St●…rus precedent of Coelesyria. Alexander, escaped by flight; and as touching Antigonus (who was the younger) he was led to Rome with his sisters. CHAP. IX. Scaurus maketh war against Aretas. SCaurus led forth his army against Petra a City in Arabia, and for that the City might very hardly be besieged, he spoilt all the country round about. When as therefore Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 his army was pressed with famine, Antipater by the commandment of Hircanus, furnished him with come and all other necessaries out of jewry. Who being sent Ambassador to Aretas from Scaurus, in that he had sometime sojourned with him, persuaded him to contribute a certain sum of silver to war●…antize his country from pillage; and he himself also became pledge for three hundredth talents. This done, Scaurus finished the war, according to his desire, and with no less contentment to Aretas and his country. CHAP. X. Alexander overcome by Gabinius, retireth himself into a Castle, wherein he is shut up and besieged. NOt long after this, Alexander Aristobulus son made divers inroads into jewry: for The year of the world. 3904 before Christ's birth 60. which cause Gabinius came from Rome into Syria, and (besides other things worthy of memory which he achieved) he led forth his army against Alexander, for that Hircanus had not as yet sufficient power to resist him, being otherwise exercised in building the walls of jerusalem that were beaten down by Pompey; notwithstanding the Romans that were in jewry hindered him from performing the same. This Alexander travailing thorough the whole country, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. al. 11. assembled divers jews; so that in short time, having gotten together ten thousand footmen and fifteen hundredth horse with good munition, he fortified the castle of Alexandrion near unto the City of Coreas. He fortified Machaeron also in the mountains of Arabia. Gabinius therefore Castles forti●…ed. came forth against him, having sent before him Marcus Antonius accompanied with other chieftains of war, who armed the Romans of their train and the jews that were under their obedience, whose captains were Pitholaus and Malichus. They took also those allies whom Antipater had hired, and in this equipage came they to make head against Alexander. Gabinius also seconded them with his troops. Hereupon Alexander drew more near with his army towards jerusalem, where waging battle with the Romans, he lost about three thousand of his followers, and the like number of his men were led away prisoners. After this Gabinius repaired to Alexandrion, and invited those that held the same to depart, promising them pardon for the rebellion they had begun. And where as many of his enemies had encamped themselves before the fort, the Romans charged them: in which conflict Marcus Antonius was adjudged to have behaved himself very valiantlv, in that he slew divers of his enemies. Gabinius left a part of his army in that place, to the end that during the siege thereof, he might go and visit t●… country of judaea: he commanded therefore that all those Cities, which in his journey he ●…und either Gabinius causeth d●…ers cities in jury to be repaired that were defaced. desolate or destroyed, to be repaired: so that Samaria, Azot, Scythopolis, Anthedon, Raphia, Dora, Marissa and Gaza, with divers others, were new builded: so that thorough the obedience that was given to Gabinius command, it came to pass that the Cities were safely inhabited, which had lain long time before desert. And after Gabinius had behaved himself in this manner in the country, he returned to Alexandrion. Whilst therefore he thus insisted about the siege, Alexander sent Ambassadors Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 11. al. 11. Alexandrion & other castles ra●…ed. unto him, demanding pardon at his hand for his offences, and restoring into his hands the Castles of Hyrcania and Machaeron, and finally that of Alexandrion; which Gabinius leveled with the ground. And whereas Alexander's mother came unto him (who favoured the Roman faction, and whose husband and children were kept prisoners in Rome) she obtained all that which The year of the world. 3904. before Christ's birth. 60. she requested at his hands: and after he had carefully and friendly disposed of her affairs, he led Hircanus to jerusalem to take charge of the temple and priesthood. He ordained also five judgement seats and places of session, and divided the province into answerable parts: for the one answered in jerusalem; the second at Gadara; the third in Amatha; the fourth at jerico, and the Five presidial ●…eidges in Iury. fifth at Saphora, which is a town of Galilee. By this means the jews were delivered of their monarchy, and lived under an Aristocracy, or government of the nobility. CHAP. XI. Aristobulus escapeth out of prison and flieth from Rome, and is apprehended again by Gabinius in judaea, and led back prisoner to Rome. But Aristobulus flying from Rome, returned into jewrie, and determined to re-edify Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 12. al. 13. Aristobulus returning 〈◊〉 Ro●…e 〈◊〉 to re-establish Alexandrion. the Castle of Alexandrion, which not long since was ruinated. Against him Gabinius sent out certain men of war with their captains, namely Sisenna, Antonius and Servilius, both to keep him from the possession of the place, as to apprehend and surprise him likewise. For many jews resorted unto him, being drawn thereunto by the ancient reputation that he had: who desired likewise to work innovations. Pitholaus also (who was established lieutenant general in jerusalem) of his own accord came unto him, with a thousand men well armed: but the other that were retired within, for the most part were not sufficiently furnished with arms; for Aristobulus making his reckoning to seize Machaeron, dismissed those followers of his that were disarmed, and were unapt for any execution, and retaining only eight thousand well armed men, he took the field and marched thither. But the Romans pursuing and overtaking him, fought desperately with him, and overcame both him and his, notwithstanding Aristob●…s overcome in battle by the Romans. their valiant resist. Being therefore forced by the enemies, they were put to flight, and about five thousand of them were slain; and the rest dispersed wandering here and there, sought for their own private securities: but Aristobulus fled to Machaeron with more than a thousand followers, and fortified the place. And though his affairs had very slender success; yet lost he not his hope: But after he had endured the siege some two days, and received many wounds, he was taken Aristobulus sent back again prisoner to Rome with his son Antigonus. prisoner, and with his son Antigonus (who fled from Rome with him) led away captive by Gabinius. Such was the adventure of Aristobulus, that he was sent prisoner back again to Rome, and there kept in bonds after he had been king and high priest three years, and six months. A man in that dign●…ty both magnificent and magnanimous: yet did the Senate send ba●…e his children (according to the tenor of Gabinius letters) who had promised their delivery to their mother, at such time as she surrendered the Castles into his hands: whereupon they returned into Aristobulus sons discharged. jewry. But Gabinius intending to make war against the Parthians, and having already past Euphrates, changed his resolution, and determined to return into Egypt, and re-establish Ptolomey, as it is declared in an other place. In this expedition also he was furnished by Antipater's means, with victuals, money and munition; and by his advice those jews that inhabit Pelusium (who kept as it were the very entry into Egypt) were drawn into his society. When as Antipater relieveth Gabinius in his journey to Egypt to install Ptolomey. Alexander Aristobulus son usurpeth the Monarchy. Alexander overcome by Gabinius. therefore Gabinius returned back out of Egypt, he found all Syria full of tumult and rebellion. For Alexander Aristobulus son, taking once more possession of the kingdom, caused divers jews from day to day to revolt, and foraging the country with a huge army, he slew all those Romans whom he met withal, & besieged all those that fled into the mount Garizim. Gabinius seeing the affairs of Syria in that estate, sent Antipater before him unto them to appease these commotions, and to heal them of their frenzy, and if it were possible to reduce them to a better mind: for Antipater was a man of good discretion. In effect, he repairing unto them, moderated divers of them, and brought them under obedience: but it was impossible for him to reconcile Alexander, for he having thirty thousand soldiers with him, came forth to meet with Gabinius, with whom he fought, and was overcome, with the loss of some ten thousand of his men, near unto the mount Itabyr. After that Gabinius had ordered all things in jerusalem by Antipater's advice, he presently set forward against the Nabatheans, whom he overcame in battle. He sent back also Mithridates The conquest of the Nabatheans. Mithridares and Orsanes. and Orsanes (men of good reckoning among the Parthians) who had retired themselves unto him, causing a bruit to be spread, that they were fled with Gabinius. Now when Gabinius had performed great & magnificent exploits in war, he returned to Rome, surrendering the government to Crassus. Nicholas Damascene, and Strabo of Cappadocia (who differeth in nothing from Nicholas) have written of these expeditions of Pompey, and Gabinius in judaea. CHAP. XII. The year of the world. 3904. before Ch●…s birth 60. Crassus' going against the Parthians, passeth by judaea, and robbeth the sacred treasury. Crassus' intending to make war against the Parthians, came into jewry, and took away with him the sacred money (which Pompey had not touched, which amounted to the Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 13. al. 14. Marcus Crassus in his expedition against the Parthians taketh the treasure out of the temple of jerusalem. The year●… of the world, 3911. before Christ's birth 53. sum of two thousand talents:). He spoilt the temple also of all the gold that was in the same, to the sum of eight thousand talents. Furthermore, he bore away a wedge of solid gold, to the weight of three hundredth pounds, which pound amongst the jews containeth two pounds and a half. He that delivered him this ingot was a Priest, and the keeper of the sacred treasure, called Eleazar, who gave him the same upon no malicious intent (for he was a virtuous and just man) but whereas he had the custody of the tapestries of the temple committed to his hands (which both were admirable to behold, by reason of their beauty and esteem, and withal were in like sort tied and fastened to this beam) and perceiving that Crassus sought all the means that in him lay, to gather all the money he could, he fearing lest he should have seized on all the ornaments of the temple, gave him this beam for a ransom to redeem all the rest: binding him upon the delivery thereof by an oath, that he should not take any thing away that was in the temple, but should content himself with that only piece of great esteem and value, which he gave him. This beam was enclosed in an other hollow beam of wood; so that no man knew thereof but only Eleazar. Crassus therefore took this beam, as if he determined to leave all other things Crassus breaketh his oath. Whence the temple of jerusalem grew so rich. S●…abo of Cappadocia. in the temple; yet notwithstanding he falsified his oath, and carried away whatsoever was therein. Neither is it to be wondered at, that there was so great riches found in our temple, since all those jews that were dispersed thorough the face of the whole earth, and all those that feared God (both in Asia and in Europe) for a long time offered their presents in that place. The greatness and multitude whereof wanteth no testimony: neither is it feigned in way of ostentation, but divers other historians make mention thereof; and amongst the rest Strabo of Cappadocia speaketh after this manner. And Mithridates sent men into the Isle of Coos, to fetch from thence the money that queen Cleopatra had laid up there, and eight hundredth talents of the jews. But we have no public money, but that which is dedicated unto God. It is therefore a thing most manifest, that the jews that inhabit Asia, transported this money into Coos, for the fear that they had of Mithridates: For it is not likely that they, who inhabited judaea, and had a City so strong, and a temple so well defenced, should send their money to Coos. Neither is it credible likewise, that the jews remaining in Alexandria should do it, for that they feared not to fall into danger thorough this war of Mithridates. The same Strabo also saith in an other place, that at such time as Sylla passed thorough Greece to make war against Mithridates and Lucullus, he sent men to Cyrene, which was troubled by reason of the mutinies of our nation, wherewith the whole world was filled, and saith thus: There were four sorts of people in the City of the Cyrenians: One of them were Citizens; the second were Labourers; the third were Sojourners; and the fourth were jews, who at this present are intermingled thorough all Cities; neither is there an inhabited place throughout the world, neither was there any nation that inhabit the same, wherein these have not set foot and fortified. For both Egypt and Cyrene (being under the subjection of the same princes) and divers other regions conformed themselves to their customs, and nourished assemblies of jews, and advanced them, and more and more used the jewish ordinances. It appeareth therefore that there was a colony of jews in Egypt. Furthermore, in Alexandria a great part of the City is assigned to this nation. They have likewise their peculiar magistrate, who governeth the people, endeth, and decideth their differents, and maintaineth their contracts and ordinances, as if he governed in his own common weal. By this means this nation hath fortified and established itself in Egypt, for that the jews had their original amongst the Egyptians, and for that judaea is near unto Egypt, from whence the jews are descended: And as touching Cyrene, they have entered it, in that it confineth that country, which is under the obedience of the Egyptians (in like manner as judaea doth) or rather for that in times past it appertained to the same kingdom. Thus far Strabo. After that Crassus had disposed all things according to his own pleasure, he dislodged and marched forward to make war against the Parthians, where both he and all his army were destroyed Crassus' slain in Pa●…thia. Cassius resisteth the Parthians. (as it is declared in an other place.) As for Cassius, he retired himself into Syria, and took possession thereof, to the end he might affront the Parthians; who being proud of their victory lately obtained, made excursions so far: and coming to tire, he finally arrived in judaea, The year of the world, 3911. before Christ's birth 53. where upon his first entrance he took the City of Ta●…ichaea, and led away from thence thirty thousand prisoners. He put Pithola●…s also to death, for that he maintained Aristobulus faction. All which he did by Antipater's procurement and instigation, who was in great credit with him, Antipater's wife and children. and who also at that time was highly esteemed amongst the Idumaeans; amongst whom he married his wife, who was descended of one of the most famous families of Arabia, her name was Cypron, by whom he had these four sons: Phasaelus and Herode (who after was made king) joseph and Pheroras, and one daughter called Salome. This Antipater also made alliance with other princes, and especially with the Arabian, to whose custody he committed his children, during The year of the world. 3917. before Christ's birth 47. the time he made war against Aristobulus. But Cassius gathered another army, and marched towards Euphrates to make head against the Parthians, as it is specified and registered by other writers. CHAP. XIII. Pompey retireth himself into Epirús, and Scipio cometh into Syria. ANon after this Caesar (being Lord of Rome) after that Pompey and the Senate were fled on the other side of the Ionian sea, set Aristobulus at liberty, determining to send him into Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 14. al. 15. Aristobulus delivered out of prison i●… poisoned. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 15. al. 16. The slaughter of Aristobulus son. Syria, with two legions; as being a sufficient man to govern the state affairs in that quarter. Naitheles Aristobulus failed of his hopes and authority he expected at Caesar's hands: For Pompey's partakers prevented and poisoned him, wherethrough he died; so that he was buried by those of Caesar's faction. His body was kept embalmed with honey for a long time, until that Antonius sent it into jury to be entombed among the kings and princes. Scipio by Pompey's commandment caused Alexander Aristobulus sons head to be cut off, charging him with some misdemeanours which he had committed against the Romans, and after this manner finished he his days being executed in Antioch. Ptolomey the son of Mennaeus, who governed in Chalcis (at the foot of the mount Libanus) took his brothers, and sent his son Philippion to Ascalon to Aristobulus wife, commanding her to send her son Antigonus, and his daughters (one of which, called Alexandra, was beloved by Philippion, and married by him) but afterwards he being slain, Ptolomey Philippions father married her, and continued the careful maintenance of his brethren in law. CHAP. XIIII. Caesar's voyage into Egypt, wherein he was assisted by the faithful service of the jews. AFter Pompey's death, and that victory which Caesar had obtained against him, Antipater Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 16. al. 17. Antipater gathereth soldiers out of Syria for Caesar's service. (governor of judaea by the commandment of Hircanus) was very profitable unto Caesar. For whereas Mithridates the Pergamenian brought him certain supplies, and could not bring them on, by reason of an arm of Nilus passing thorough Pelusium; but was constrained to stay at Ascalon: Antipater came unto him, and brought with him three thousand soldiers, and so dealt with the princes of Arabia to associate them with Caesar, that by his means all they of Syria gave him their assistance, and never altered their affection that they bore unto Caesar. These were jamblicus a great Lord, and Ptolomey his son; & Tholomaeus the son of Sohemus, dwelling on the mount of Libanus, and wellnigh all the Cities. Mithridates' being departed from Syria came to Pelusium, where being repulsed and excluded by the Citizens, he besieged the City. Antipater in this war behaved himself valiantly, and after he had beaten down Antipater helpeth Mithridates to take Pelusium. The jews 〈◊〉 Onias' country are confederated with Caesar. a pane of the wall, he first of all set forward to enter the City. Whilst Pelusi●…m was in this estate, the jews that inhabited Egypt in the country of Onias, would neither grant passage to Antipater, nor Mithridates that marched towards Caesar. But Antipater, who was of their nation, persuaded them to take their parts, showing them the letters of the high Priest Hircanus, in which he invited them to be friends unto Caesar, and exhorted them to furnish his army in whatsoever they stood in need of; so that seeing that Antipater and the high Priest were accorded together, they submitted themselves. They that dwelled round about Memphis, hearing that they were thus Memphis in Egypt. united, sent for Mithridates also unto them, who came and received them into his favour. CHAP. XV. The year of the world 3917. before Christ's Natiniti●…. 47. The noble actions of Antipater, and the amity that he had with Caesar. WHen he was come to a place called Delta, he fought with his enemies in a place, which is called the camp of the jews: in which battle Mithridates led the right wing, and Antipater The conflict of the Egyptians with Mithridates at Delta Alias cap. 18. the left. When as therefore they came to handy blows, Mithridates' wing retired and fainted, & grew in danger to be wholly discomfited, had not Antipater (running with his soldiers along the bank of the river) obtained the upper hand of his enemies, by putting the Egyptians that were conquerors to flight, & restoring Mithridates. And so long pursued he them that he got their camp, and called back Mithridates, who chased the Egyptians, to take part of the pray with him, that he had recovered from the fugitive enemy. In this fight there fell eight hundredth on the enemy's side, and fifty on Aatipaters'. Afterwards Mithridates wrote hereof unto Mithridates commendeth Antipater's service to Caesar. Caesar, and certified him that Antipater was cause of the victory, and their preservation: so that Caesar from that time forward highly commended him, and in all this war he made use of Antipater in his most dangerous attempts: Whereby it came to pass that Antipater was grievously wounded in divers fights. Now after that the war was finished, Caesar sailed into Syria, and bestowed great honours as Caesar confirmeth Hircanus in the priesthood, and maketh Antipater a citizen of Rome. Strabo. A●…nius. Hyp●…rates. well on Hircanus to whom he confirmed the high Priesthood, as on Antipater, whom he made a free Citizen of Rome, and granted him full exemption of all charges in all places. divers men report that Hircanus himself was an agent in this war, and that he came into Egypt: whereunto acordeth Strabo the Cappadocian, speaking after this manner by the authority of Asinius; after that Mithridates had entered Egypt, with Hircanus the high Priest of the jews. The same Strabo in an other place speaketh thus by the authority of Hypsicrates, that Mithridates issued alone; and that Antipater was sent for into Ascalon, where he prepared three thousand soldiers, because he was governor of judaea, and encouraged the rest of the guernours; and Hircanus the high Priest also had a part in this war. Thus far Strabo. At that time came Antigonus, Aristobulus son unto Caesar, lamenting unto him the inconvenient that had befallen his father, and how he was slain by poison in his service, and how his brother had his head strooken off by Scipio; beseeching The year of the world. 3919. before Christ's birth 45. Antigonus Aristobulus son accuseth Hircanus, and Antipater before Caesar. Antipater's answer to his objection. Antipater made governor over Iudae●…. him to have compassion of him, who was excluded and thrust out of the kingdom. He accused Hircanus and Antipater also, for their tyrannical and violent government over their nation, and injuries offered to himself. Antipater being at that time present, answered for himself in those points wherein he was accused; declaring that Antigonus and his friends were factious and seditious men, protesting for himself how much he had travailed, and how many exploits he had executed, in the late war, whereof Caesar himself was a witness. Moreover he avowed that Aristobulus had been justly led twice into captivity to Rome, for that he had been always an enemy, and no ways well affectioned towards the Romans. And as for his brother, who was beheaded by Scipio, he averred that he was justly punished by him, for his Larcinies, and not injuriously and outrageously as he pretended. After that Antipater had spoken to this effect, Caesar declared Hircanus high Priest, and gave Antipater any government whatsoever best him liked, who according to his choice was appointed perfect in judaea. CHAP. XVI. Caesar's letters, and the Senate's decree as touching their amity with the jews. Moreover Caesar permitted Hircanus to repair the walls of jerusalem (according to his humble suit.) For after that Pompey had beaten them down, they lay leveled with the Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 17. all 18, Hircanus by Caesar's permission rep●…ireth the walls of jerusalem. The Senates, decree as touching their league with the jews. earth; and he commanded the Consuls at Rome, that this decree should be registered in the Capitol. The example of which ordinance of the Senate containeth matter to this effect. L●…ius Valerius the son of Lucius the Praetor, hath related to the Senate (assembled in the temple of Concord the thirteenth day of December) in the presence of L. Caponius the son of Lucius, and ●…ius P●…pyrius Quirinus; the requests made by Alexander the son of jason, Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Alexander the son of Dorotheus, Ambassadors in the behalf of the jews, men of good regard, and our allies, and proposed by them in renewing the ancient favours they have received from the Romans: and in testimony of the confederation; have brought us a viol and buckler of gold of fifty thousand crowns price, requiring our letters might be given The year of the world. 3919. before the Nativity of Christ. 45. them, addressed to the free Cities and the kings our confederates, to grant them passage thorough their countries and ports with all security, and without any offence. And we have thought good to make friendship and alliance with them, and to grant them all that which they require, in accepting the buckler brought by them. This happened in the time that Hircanus was high priest and prince, and in the ninth year of his princedom, in the month of july. Hircanus was in like sor●… honoured by the people of Athens, for many commodities and friendships Hircanus' honoured by the Athenian●…. that they received at his hands. They sent him also a decree which they ratified in his behalf, the tenor whereof ensueth: The year wherein Dionysius the son of Asclepiades was governor, and priest, in the month of july, and on the 20. day, this arrest or decree of the Athenians was delivered to the governors by the Praetor Agathocles. Eucles the son of Menander the Alimusian hath written it the eleventh of March in the assembly general, and placed it in the Theatre, and the suffrages were gathered by Dorotheus the high priest, with the chief assistants of the people. Dionysius the son of Dionysius published the same: Since that Hircanus the son of Alexander the high priest and the prince of the jews, continueth his good affection towards all the people, and in especial towards every Citizen of Athens, and hath showed them many friendships, receiving with all humanity those Athenians that come unto him, whether they resort thither as Ambassadors, or for any other particular occasion whatsoever, and sendeth them back after they have provided them of safe conduct, whereof we have heretofore had testimony by the report of Theodosius, the son of Theodorus Simeus; who hath made recital unto the people of his worthiness, and of the will he hath to do us all the good that is possible: We have thought it good to honour him by sending him a crown of gold in testimony of his courtesies, according to our custom and law; and by erecting a brazen statue unto him in the temple of Demus, and the Graces: Our will is also that this be proclaimed by a herald in the Theatre, during the Bacchanals, and at such time as the new Tragedies are played. Likewise in the solemnities Panathean and Eleusynian, and at the public exercises: we will also that the governors provide, that all that which we have advised for the honour, favour, affection and good will toward this man, as he hath well deserved, be diligently performed, to the end that thereby it may appear how our nation reward, & entertain such men as are virtuous; and to the intent, that the honour we impart unto him, may provoke others to be the better affected towards us. It is likewise decreed, that amongst all the Athenians there be certain Ambassadors chosen, who shall bear this Decree unto him, and exhort him to do whatsoever is profitable for our common good, seeing himself so much honoured by us. Let this suffice to express the honours bestowed on Hircanus by the people of Rome, and the Citizens of Athens. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 18. Caesar departeth out of Syria. Antipater pacifieth all occasion of commotion in judaea. The year of the world, 3921. before Christ's birth 43. After that Caesar had given order for the affairs of Syria, he returned back by sea. And as soon as Antipater had brought Caesar out of Syria, he returned into judaea, and suddenly builded up the walls which were before time defaced by Pompey; and in riding circuit about the country, he pacified the troubles, not only by menaces; but by counsels also, which he gave every one to live in peace; certifying them that if they submitted themselves to Hircanus their prince, they should live happily, and enjoy their possessions without any trouble: and that if they hoped to advance themselves by any new commotion (supposing by that means to profit themselves some way) they should feel that in steed of a governor, they had a master; and in steed of a king, they should find Hircanus a tyrant; and in steed of the Romans and Caesar to be their governors, they should feel and find them to be their most hateful enemies, for that they would not suffer, that any thing should be altered that they had established. By these and such like admonitions, he kept and continued all the country in peace. CHAP. XVII. Antipater committeth the government of Galilee to his son Herode, and that of jerusalem to Phasaelus his other son: and how Sextus Caesar advanceth Herode to great honours and dignities. ANtipater perceiving that Hircanus was slow and idle, he declared and appointed Phasaelus Alias, chap. 20. Antipater maketh Phasaelus governor in jerusalem, and Herode. in Galilee. his eldest son governor over jerusalem, and the country thereabout: As for Herode (who was very young, for he was not at that time above fifteen years old) he committed Galilee unto his charge, who although he were young in years, yet did not his tender age any ways prejudice him because he was of a noble spirit, and found out this sudden occasion to express that virtue that was in him. For having apprehended Exechias, The year of the world, 392●…. before Christ's Nativity, 43. Herode executeth Ezechias and his followers for robberies. Sextus Caesar governor of Syria. The form of Phasaelus his government. who was the prince of those thieves, who ranged over all Syria a long time with a great troop of outlaws, he put him to death with divers of his complices. Which act of his got him no little estimation and credit among the Syrians: for by that means he rid their country of all those robbers, according as they desired. He was therefore praised thorough the villages, and Cities for this act, as he that had given them peace, and assured possession of their estates. For this cause he was made known to Sextus Caesar, who was uncle to Caesar the great. Furthermore his brother Ph●…saelus was incited to follow his noble actions, and enforced himself to obtain no less reputation than he had; for which cause he strove to get the good will of the common people in jerusalem, & governed the city with such discretion, that he acted all things to each man's content, and abused not his power to any private man's injury: which was the cause that Antipater was honoured by the whole nation, with no less respect than if he had been their only Lord and sovereign. Yet did not this eminency of estate so far distract him, that he forgot the love and Antipater notwithstanding his high authority was always faithful to Hircanus. Antipater winneth the Romans hearts by Hircanus' money, and draweth the jews into hatred. The jews accuse Antipater and Herode before Hircanus. The year of the world. 3922. before the birth of Christ. 42. duty he ought to Hircanus (as in such like occasions it oftentimes falleth out) notwithstanding divers of the greatest amongst the jews (seeing Antipater and his sons so highly advanced both by the public favour of the whole nation, as also by the revenues, that they drew both out of jewry, as also by the employment of Hircanus' money) were grievously incensed against them. For Antipater had made friendship with the Emperors of Rome, and having persuaded Hircanus to send them money, he had appropriated the same unto himself, sending it not in Hircanus' name, but in his own; which though Hircanus knew, yet was he not moved therewith, but rather well contented. But that which most of all terrified the princes of the jews was, to behold the violent and audacious nature of Herode, who governed after a royal and tyrannical manner: For this cause they addressed themselves to Hircanus, and accused Antipater openly. How long (said they) will you dissemble and wink at those things that are daily practised? see you not that Antipater and his sons possess in effect the royal power and authority of the kingdom, and that you have only the name? Assure yourself that you are not out of danger in contemning thus both yourself and your kingdom. For Antipater and his sons are not now your substitutes, neither intent they your profit, or your country's good (whatsoever your opinion is of them) but they openly are known for lords and Commanders. For Herode (Antipater's son) hath already put Ezechias and his complices to death, and thereby transgressed our laws, which forbid to take away any man's life (how wicked soever he be) except he be first of all condemned to death by the council: and notwithstanding this, he hath been so bold, as to do justice without your authority. When Hircanus heard this, he grew wroth (for their mothers, whom Herode had slain, had incensed him by their continual exclamations in the temple, exhorting the king and people to call Herode to account before the council of that which he had done.) So that Hircanus moved by these women, called Herode to answer unto those accusations which were objected against him. Who made his appearance, forewarned by his father not to present himself after the manner of a private person, but well attended and accompanied to withstand all inconvenients. After Herode called in question appeareeth with a great train. therefore he had taken order for the affairs in Galilee (according as he thought meet in his own discretion) and that he himself was sufficiently accompanied to make his voyage, with such a guard as neither might terrify Hircanus with number, nor leave himself unsecured in danger, he resorted to jerusalem. Furthermore, Sextus Caesar governor of Syria wrote unto Hircanus to absolve him, adding threats to his persuasions, if so be he should perform the contrary; which gave Hircanus' occasion to deliver Herode in despite of the council and their intent; the rather also for that he loved him as entirely as his son. When as therefore Herode presented Sextus Caesar writeth to Hircanus to discharge Herode himself before the council with his retinue, all of them were astonished, and none of those that accused him in his absence, durst open their mouths to speak one word, but all of them kept silence, not knowing what to do. Now whilst they stood upon these terms, a certain man called Sameas, who was of upright conversation, and for this cause was not distracted with fear, arose and spoke to this effect. Dread king, and you honourable assistance, I could never yet remember, that ever any man which was called in question to defend his cause before us, hath appeared Same as one of the judges foretelleth Hircanus and his counsellors of their imminent death by Herodsmeans. in this equipage; and I suppose that none of you can say, that the like hath ever happened: but whosoever cometh into this place to receive judgement, he presenteth himself with humility and fear, with a countenance prepared to implore mercy, having his hair long, and his garment black: but this gallant Herode accused of murder (and for this occasion called before us) who could imagine that he should appear before us in a purple rob, having his hairs trimmed, and besides that, a guard of armed men about him? with an intent that if we condemn him, according to law, he may put us to death without law, that after he The year of the world, 3922. before Christ's birth 42. hath violated all right, he might escape and save himself. But I blame not Herode in this action, for that he hath a more inward regard of his particular profit, then of the law: but I accuse both you and the king, who have given him such assurance. Know therefore, that there is a sovereign God, that will one day punish both you and the king, and him whom you will deliver by the king's means. And so generally fell it out as he had said: For as soon as Herode had obtained the kingdom, he put all those of the council to death, and Hircanus himself likewise; only Herode honoured Sameas. Herode admonished by Hircanus saveth himself by flight, and appeareth no more in judgement. Sameas was exempted: for he held him in great estimation, because of his wisdom and justice, and because that at such time as the City was besieged by Herode and Sosius, Sameas persuaded the people to receive Herode, telling them, that by reason of their sins and offences, they might not escape from him; whereof we will speak in place convenient. Hircanus, perceiving that the judges were inclined to condemn Herode, deferred the sentence till the next day, and sent secretly unto Herode, counseling him to fly out of the City, assuring him that there was no other means to save his life. Thus posted he to Damascus (as if he fled from the king's presence) and presenting himself before Sextus Caesar, after he had assured his person, he resolved with himself that if the council should call him once more to his answer, he would not obey them. But after his departure the council were displeased with Hircanus, and laboured to persuade him, that all these things tended to his destruction: which he well perceived, yet knew he not what to do, he was so negligent and void of foresight. When Sextus had made Herode governor of Coelesyria (which estate he sold unto him for ready money) Hircanus was afraid lest Herode should make war against him: neither passed there Alias, chap. 21. Sextus Caesar selleth his precedents place to Herode for ready money. Herode marcheth against Hircanus with a great army, and is dissuaded from war by his father Antipater, and his brother Phasaelu●…. long time before the effect grew answerable to his fear. For Herode marched forth against him with a great army, supposing himself to be much wronged by the assignation he had sent him, and in that he was summoned to give a reason of his actions before the council. But his father Antipater, and his brother Phasaelus came forth against him to hinder his approach towards jerusalem, striving to appease his fury, and counseling him not to attempt any thing by way of action; but that contenting himself that he had threatened and affrighted Hircanus, he should not attempt any further against him, who had raised him to that high degree. They told him also, that it became him not only to remember that he was cited to answer, but that he was absolved also, and permitted to depart without danger or any violence. Moreover, that he ought to think, that God governeth the balance of war, and that the issue of battles is uncertain, and for that cause he ought not to expect the victory, if he made war against the king who was his familiar, and from whom he had received far more kindness, and no displeasure: who though he made some appearance and shadow of severity, touching the accusation intended against him, yet notwithstanding it proceeded not so much from him, as from his evil counsellors. Herode in some sort pacified by these persuasions, obeyed his father, supposing that it sufficed him in regard of his future hopes, that he had given the people so large a testimony of his power. This was the estate of the jews at that time. But Caesar arriving at Rome, prepared himself to set sail towards Africa, with an intent Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 19 Hircanus' ambassadors to Caesar. to make war against Scipio and Cato. To him Hircanus sent Ambassadors, beseeching him to confirm the amity and association that he had with him. But now at this present, I think it very convenient to declare all the prerogatives, and associations that the Romans and their Emperors have made with those of our nation, to the end that all other people might know, that the kings of Asia and Europe have been well affected towards us, and have made great account The jews much honoured by the kings of Europe & Asia. of our valour and fidelity. And although divers men lewdly affected towards us, believe not that which the Macedonians and Persians have written of us, because the same matters are not extant in all places, neither set down in public writings, but only amongst ourselves and some Barbarians; yet is it manifest that they cannot contradict the declarations made by the Romans, julius Caesar testified in a braien pillar that the jews were free citizens of Alexandria. julius Caesar's decree as touching the honours, immunities and privileges granted to th●… Iewes. which are manifestly affixed in public places in Cities; as likewise also at this present they are written in the Capitol in brazen pillars. julius Caesar in like manner in a brazen pillar erected by him, hath declared unto the jews that inhabited Alexandria, that they were free Citizens therein. And to the intent that these things may more manifestly appear, I will propose the decrees of the Senate, and of julius Caesar, made in favour of Hircanus and our nations. Caius julius Caesar Emperor, high Priest, Dictator the second Time, to the governors, Senate and people of the Sidonians: Health. If you are well, we are in health, both ourselves and our army. I have sent you the copy of an inscription, registered in favour of Hircanus Alexander's son, high priest ●…d prince of the jews, to the end it may be placed among your public monuments: and my will is, that it be engraven in a table of brass, both in Greek and Latin letters; the tenor whereof The year of the world 3922. before Christ's birth 42. is this that followeth: Because Hircanus Alexander's son the jew, both at this present as also heretofore, as well in peace as in war, hath expressed his fidelity towards us and our estate, as divers chieftains of our armies yield testimony of him; and for that in our last Alexandrine war, he seconded us in the battle with fifteen hundredth men; and having been sent by us to Mithridates, hath surmounted all those of his company in valour: For these causes my will is that Hircanus Alexander's son and his successors, be princes of the jews: and further, that they continue always in the high Priesthood, according to the ordinance and custom of their country: & that both he and his children be our associates; and be enrolled likewise amongst our chiefest friends: and that all that which appertaineth to the Priesthood, according to the ordinances of the jews, be attributed to him and his. And if there happen any different as touching the discipline of the jews, our pleasure is, that it be determined by him. And as touching the munitions of winter, and the money to be levied for the entertainment of soldiers, we think it not meet that they should be charged. The decrees made and granted by Caius Caesar being Consul are these. That the sons of Hircanus be Princes over the nation of the jews, and enjoy the places granted unto them. That the high Priest and Prince of the jews give favour and aid unto those that are offenced. That Ambassadors be sent to Hircanus the son of Alexander high Priest of the jews, to entreat of amity & association with us. That a brazen table be erected in the Capitol: and likewise at Sidon, at tire, and at Ascalon in the temples, wherein shall be engraven the contents hereof in Roman and Greek letters, to the end that all the treasurer's that are in the cities, and all other Magistrates may by this our decree understand, that they are our friends, and that their Ambassadors be entertained with kindness and presents, and that these edicts be sent into all places. Caius Caesar Emperor, Dictator, Consul, for the good of the Senate and people of Rome, hath granted to the honour, virtue, and humanity of Hircanus the son of Alexander, that both he and his children shall be High Priests in jerusalem, and of the whole nation, according to the rites and customs, whereby their ancestors have enjoyed the Priesthood. Caius Caesar, Consul the fifth time, hath ordained that they shall inhabit jerusalem, and build again the walls of the City; and that Hircanus (Alexander's son the high priest and prince of the jews) shall govern as best him liketh, and that every second year of their tribute, there be a Chore deducted out of the rent they owe, and that they be exempt from all other impositions, and tributes. Caius Caesar, twice Emperor, hath ordained, that the jews shall contribute every year for their cities, except lop; he acquitteth them also every seventh year (which they call the year of rest) because that therein they neither reap, nor sow, neither gather the fruits of trees. His further pleasure is, that every second year, they bring their tributes unto Sidon, which shallbe the fourth part of that which shall be sown; and besides this, that they pay the tenths to Hircanus and his sons, which they have paid to their predecessors, unto this day. Commanding that no man whether he be governor, captain, or ambassador, or any other whatsoever he be, levy soldiers within the country of judaea, or draw any thereout: neither exact any money, whether it be for garrisons in winter, or for any other cause, but that the jews be exempt from all troubles in all places, and enjoy all that which sithence they have had, bought, and possessed. It is our pleasure also, that the city of joppes be under their government (which they have ever enjoyed since the beginning of their friendship with the Romans.) We further grant, that Hircanus Alexander's son and his children, receive the tribute of that city (both by them, that till the land, as by the gates, entries, and issues of merchandizes that are transported unto Sidon) twenty thousand, six hundredth, seventy and five bushels every year, exempting the seventh year, which is called the year of rest, wherein they neither labour nor gather any fruit of the trees. It is the Senate's pleasure also, that Hircanus and the jews have those villages, which are in the great champion, which he & his predecessors have possessed, and that with the like interests that they held them before this; and that the same customs continue therein, whereby they held and governed them. Their will is likewise, that the same laws which have from the beginning been respectively observed between the jews and their high priests be continued; and what soever benefits were granted them by the consent of the Senate and people of Rome. Moreover it shall be lawful for those of Lydda, to use the same rites and privileges also. And as touching the demains, places, and habitations that have appertained to the kings of Syria and Phoenicia, The year of the world. 3922. before the Na●…itie of Christ. 42. by the gift made unto them at such time as they were allied to the Romans: the Senate I say ordaineth, that Hircanus the high priest & prince of the jews possess the same. It is lawful also for Hircanus and his sons, and their ambassadors sent by them, to behold the justs and combats, and to sit among the Senators, and that at all and every time or times wherein they shall require to be brought into the Senate by the Dictator, or by the master of the horse, they may have free entrance; and that within ten days at the most they receive their answer, if there be any decree ratified by the Senate. Caius Caesar, Emperor, the fourth time Consul, & the fifth time Dictator for term of life, hath ratified these things, as touching Hircanus the son of Alexander, the high priest and prince of the jews: Because that the generals my predecessors have testified as well in the provinces, as before the Senate and people of Rome, both of the good deserts of Hircanus' high priest and prince of the jews, and that nation also towards us and our state; and whereas both the Senate and people of Rome have gratified them for the same: we think it convenient also to have the same in memory, and to give order that Hircanus and his sons may be remunerated by the Senate and people of Rome, according to the measure of their loyalties and good deserts. julius Caius Caesar Roman Consul, to the governors, Senate and people of Patras: Health. The jews are come unto us to Delos, with some of the colonies of their countrymen in the presence of your Ambassadors, and certify us of a decree made by you, whereby you forbid them the practice and ancient use of their sacrifices and oblations: I think it not meet that you make any such decrees against our friends, and associates; neither that you forbid them to live according to their fashions and customs, or to employ their purses together in furnishing their feasts and sacrifices; since in Rome itself they are not interdicted or forbidden to perform the same. For at such time as Caius Caesar Consul had prohibited by Edict, that in celebrating the Bacchanals, no one should dance about the City; yet were the jews alone exempted from this inhibition: and neither have they been prohibited to contribute, neither to banquet together. Myself also in like case in the defence I have made to forbid all other sodalities, have excepted the jews therein, and have given them leave and licence to assemble and demesne themselves, according to the customs, ceremonies, and ordinances of their country. If therefore you have made any such decrees against our friends & associates, you shall do well to disannul them, by reason of the virtue of the jews, and the forwardness they have protested in performance of our service. After Caius Caesar's death, the Consuls Marcus Antonius and Publius Dolabella assembled M. Antonius, and P. Dolabella bring Hircanus ambassadors into the Senate. Dolobe●… letters ●…o th●… Ephesians. the Senate, and having brought in Hircanus' Ambassadors, they declared their requests, and contracted amity with them: the Senate likewise ordained, that each thing should be granted them that they required. And Dolabella having received Hircanus' letters, sent them throughout all Asia, and to Ephesus (which is the Metropolitan city of Asia) in these terms. The general Dolabella to the Princes, Senate, and people of Ephesus: Health. Alexander the son of Theodore Ambassador to Hircanus the high priest and prince of the jews, hath given us to understand, that his subjects cannot go on warfare, because it is not lawful for them to bear arms, nor to travel on the Sabbath day; as also for that they may not seek for their victuals and other necessaries (on that day) according to the custom of their country: for this cause I grant them exemption from the war in like manner as my predecessors have done; permitting them to use the ceremonies and rites of their country, assembling themselves to make their oblations and sacrifices, as their laws and customs require, in contributing to the offering of the sacrifices in the temple. And my will is, that you write to this effect to every city of the province. See here how Dolabella honoured Hircanus at such time as he sent his Ambassadors unto him. Lucius Lentulus Consul pronounceth, that the jews (that are citizens of Rome) and that observe Lucius Lucullus in the French, Lentulus in the Latin, being Consul maketh an edict in behalf of the jews. josephus conclusion concerning these edicts. and offer the sacrifices of the jews in Ephesus before the tribunal, be exempt from warfare, by reason of their religion. Given the nineteenth of October. There are beside these many other Edicts and ordinances made to the like effect, by the same generals, and by the Roman Senate in favour of Hircanus and our nation, and some other cities. In like sort there were divers decrees and writs sent unto the governors and rulers of the provinces touching our privileges: all which may be easily believed by those that shall read our History, with no prejudicate opinion, if they consider those that we have here inserted. For we have showed most express and lively testimonies of the friendship that we have had with the Romans, and such as at this day are affixed to pillars, and engraven in tables of brass in the Capitol; and that hereafter shall The year of the world, 3922. before Christ's Nativity, 42. remain affixed for ever: For which cause, I have thought it to be a frivolous and unnecessary matter to insert all in this place; and I think that there is not any man of so sinister judgement, that will not believe how much we have been esteemed by the Romans, as they have given testimonies by divers decrees published in our behalf; neither may any man suppose that we lie, considering the truth of that which we publish. Thus have we sufficiently declared the amity and association; that in times past we have had with the Romans. About this time it came to pass, that the estate of Syria was sore troubled upon Caecilius Bassu●… murdereth Sextus Caesar. the occasion that ensueth. Caecilius Bassus one of Pompey's partakers, laid an ambush for Sextus Caesar and slew him, and seizing upon his army, usurped the government: whereby there arose great war nigh Apamea. For Caesar's captains marched out against Caecilius, with great force both of foot and horsemen, to whom Antipater sent his sons with a power to second them (in remembrance of the benefits he had received at Caesar's hands) supposing it to be an act of justice, that the murderer should be punished for his so heinous offence. Now whereas this war Marcus succeed Sextus in Syria. Caesar slain by Cassius and Brutus. continued a long time, Marcus came and succeeded Sextus. Mean while Caesar was slain by Cassius and Brutus in the midst of the Senate, after he had commanded three years and six months, as it is expressed in an other place. CHAP. XVIII. Cassius afflicteth the jews, and exacteth about eight hundredth talents at their hands. AFter Caesar's death, the brand of civil war began to flame, and the greatest men of Rome travailed the one this way, the other that way to gather men of war. But Cassius came Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 20 Cassius cometh into Syria, and exacteth more than 700. talents of silver from the jews. Herode winneth Cassius heart by the money he levieth in Galilee. into Syria, with an intent to take the army that was near to Apamea, and having levied the siege he drew both Bassus and Marcus to be of his faction; and travailing from City to City; he gathered a number of soldiers, and much furniture, and imposed huge tributes: but especially he afflicted jewry, and exacted of that country more than seven hundredth talents of silver. Antipater seeing the state in so great fear and trouble, committed the exaction of the two parts of this money to his sons; the other he commanded to be assigned to Malichus, who was his enemy, and the other part unto an other. Herode first of all gathered that which was commanded him in the country of Galilee, and for this cause was greatly beloved by Cassius: for he being prudent and discreet, thought it no small policy at that time to win the Romans good will by other men's expense. Under the other governors the Cities were set to sale, together with their inhabitants: and amongst them these four were the chiefest, namely, Gophna, Emaus, Lydda, and Thamna: for Cassius sold the people thereof to them that would give most. Furthermore, Cassius was so much transported with Choler, that he had slain Malichus (so much was he moved The year of the world. 3923. before Christ's birth 41. Malichus layeth in wait to mu●…er Antipater, but forsweareth the same and is reconciled. against him) if Hircanus had not restrained his fury, by sending him one hundredth talents of his own money by Antipater. But as soon as Cassius was departed out of the country of judaea, he practised Antipater's death, supposing that his cutting off would assure Hircanus' state the more strongly. But Antipater was not ignorant of this his resolution; for having an inkling thereof, he got himself on the other side of jordan, and assembled an army of soldiers both jews and Arabians. Hereupon Malichus (who was a politic and subtle fellow) denied stoutly that he had intended any treason, purging himself with an oath before Antipater and his children, that he had never any such intent, especially for that he saw that Phasaelus h●…ld jerusalem▪ and Herode had an army at command. And in the end, perceiving the difficulty wherein he was, he reconciled himself to Antipater, and they agreed at that time that Marcus governed Syria: who perceiving that Malichus began to raise troubles in jewry, resorted thither, and the●… wanted little but that he had slain him, had not Antipater by earnest request obtained his life. CHAP. XIX. Malichus poisoneth Antipater. But imprudent Antipater saved Malichus to his own mischief: For when Cassius and Marcus had assembled their army, they committed all the charge into Herodes hands, Cassius and Marcus make Herode governor of Coelesyria. and made him governor of Coelesyria, and delivered him great forces both of foot and horse, and ships by sea: They promised him likewise the kingdom of judaea, after they had finished the war, that was at that time betwixt them and Anthony and Caesar the younger. Whereupon The year of the world, 3923. before Christ's birth 41, Malichus causeth Antipater to be poisoned Malichus mightily fearing Antipater's power, determined to make him away; and having corrupted Hircanus' butler with money (with whom both of them celebrated a feast) he made him away by poison, and afterwards assembling many men of war about him, he made himself master of the City. When Herode and Phasaelus understood of the traitorous conspiracy attempted against their father, they were grievously incensed against Malichus. But he denied all, and in especial abjured the intent or practice of the murder. Thus died Antipater a just and virtuous man, and such a one as dearly loved his country. But Herode, who was his younger son, incontinently resolved to revenge his father's death, and came forth with an army against Malichus: But Phasaelus, who was the elder, determined to cirumvent him by policy, for fear lest he should raise a civil war. He therefore accepted of Malichus justifications, and made a show that he supposed that he had in no such sort sought Antipater's death, and only intended his father's monument and funerals. Mean while, Herode resorting to Samaria, and finding it in desperate estate, restored the same, and pacified the dissensions that were amongst the inhabitants. Not long after (by reason of a feast) he came to jerusalem with his men of war. Whereupon Malichus being afraid of this his access, persuaded Hircanus that he should not permit him to enter into the City: whereunto Hircanus condescended, alleging for pretext of his defence, that amongst the holy people it was not lawful to intermixed a troop of polluted men. But Herode made small reckoning of them that brought him this news, and notwithstanding this command entered the City by night: whereat Malichus was much amazed. Whereupon, according to his wont dissimulations, he openly wept and bewailed the death of Antipater as his especial friend; but under hand he prepared a guard for his own safety. Notwithstanding it was thought meet by Herodes friends, to take no notice of this his dissimulation; but to make a show for their parts that they were well affected towards Malichus. CHAP. XX. Herode at the command of Cassius, killeth Malichus by policy. HEreupon Herode certified Cassius of Antipater his father's death, who knowing very well of what conversation Malichus was, wrote back unto Herode that he should revenge the death of his father: beside, he sent secret letters to the captains that were in tire, commanding them to aid and assist Herode in that so just execution which he intended. After therefore that Cassius had taken Laodicea and the inhabitants of the country came together, bringing with them crowns and silver to present him, Herode expected that Malichus in that place should receive his punishment: but he entering into suspicion of some like practice, at such time as they drew near unto tire in Phoenicia, attempted far greater things. For whereas his son was an hostage in tire, he entered the City with an intent to draw him thence, and afterwards to return into judaea. After this usurping upon that opportunity which he had by reason of Cassius troubles (who hastily marched forward to meet with Anthony) he determined to draw the people to an insurrection, and to make himself Lord of the country: but God disappointed his unjust purposes. For Herode being a man of ripe judgement, incontinently discovered his pretence, and sent one of his servants before, as if under purpose to prepare a banquet, because he had told him before time that he would entertain all his followers: but in effect, he sent him to the captains to command them to issue out with their daggers, and to meet Malichus; who marching forth and meeting him near unto the shore of the City upon the sea coast, stabbed him in that place with their daggers. Which act did so much astonish Hircanus, that thorough amaze he waxed speechless: and finally being much moved, he demanded of Herodes men, what accident had happened, and who it was that had slain Malichus? Whereof when they certified him, and how nothing was done without Cassius command: he answered that all things were well done, for that Malichus was a wretched man and a traitor to his country. See here how Malichus was justly punished for the wickedness he committed against Antipater. When Cassius was departed out of Syria, there arose a new tumult in judaea: for Faelix, who The year of the world. 3924. before the birth of Christ. 40. was left in jerusalem with an army, marched forth against Phasaelus, and all the people were in arms. For which cause Herode speedily repaired to Fabius' governor of Damascus, and intending to succour his brother, was prevented by a sickness: so that Phasaelus obtaining the victory by his own forces against Faelix, enclosed him up in a tower, whence afterwards he dismissed The year of the world. 3924. before Christ's Nativity. 40. Faelix assaileth Phasaelus in jerusalem, and is overcome by him. him under composition. Whereupon he presently and grievously rebuked Hircanus; for that being forgetful of divers benefits which he had received by him, he had given aid unto his enemies. For Malichus brother being at that time revolted, planted garrisons in divers fortresses, and namely in Masada, which was the strongest of them all. As soon as Herode therefore had recovered his health, he drew forth his forces against him, and dispossessed him of divers places that he held, and after suffered him to depart with his life and goods. CHAP. XXI. Herode discomfiteth Antigonus the son of Aristobulus, and driveth him out of judaea, seeking to recover his father's kingdom by the aid of the prince of tire. PTolomey Mennaeus drew unto him by force of his money Aristobulus son the young Antigonus, who had gathered a power, and hired Fabius, and was likewise drawn Ptolomey Mennaeus adopteth Antigonus Aristobulus son. by Ptolomey, under titles of consanguinity and adoption. With him joined Marion (whom Cassius had made Governor in tire:) For this man having occupied Syria by tyranny kept garrison therein. Marion also invaded Galilee, which confined his country; and having seized three strong fortresses therein, he kept garrisons in the same. Herode also marching forth against him, dispossessed him of them all; and graciously dismissed those Tyrians that had the keeping Herode expelleth Antigonus out of jury. Herode marrieth Ma●…āme Hircanus' niece by his daughter. Doris Herod's wife. thereof, bestowing benefits on some of them for the love he bore unto their city. And that done, he came and encountered with Antigonus, and fought with him; and overcame him before he had scarcely entered on the marches of judaea, and drove him from thence. When he was come to jerusalem, Hircanus and all the people honoured him with crowns: for already was he inserted into Hircanus' family, for that by promise he was his son in law, by which means he had more willingly undertaken his defence, for that he was to marry Alexander's the son of Aristobulus daughter, who was Hircanus' niece: on whom he begat three sons and two daughters. Before her also had he married a wife of his own nation, who was called Doris, on whom he begat Antipater his eldest son. CHAP. XXII. Herod meeting with Antonius in Bythinia, giveth him a great sum of money, to the end he should not give ●…are to those that would accuse him. Antonius' and Caesar having overcome Cassius near unto the City of Philippi; Caesar went from thence into France, and Antonius into Asia. And being in Bythinia, Ambassadors resorted unto him from all parts: Thither also repaired certain principal men among the jews to accuse Phasaelus and Herode, saying, that Hircanus had only the name, but he the authority of the kingdom. But Antonius greatly honoured Herode, who came unto him The judge corrupted with money. Hircanus' ambassadors present Antonius with a crown of gold & require the captive Iewes liberty sold by Cassius. to answer those accusations that they had imposed on him: for which cause they that were his opposites could obtain no audience: for Herode had bought that privilege from them with his money. As soon as Antonius was arrived in Ephesus, Hircanus the high priest and all our nation presently sent an Ambassador unto him, with a crown of gold; requiring him that he would write unto the provinces, that the jews whom Cassius had taken prisoners (contrary to the law of arms) might be set at liberty, and that their country (which was taken from them in Cassius' time) might be restored. Antonius supposing that the demands which the jews had proposed, were reasonable, wrote back presently to the high priest Hircanus and the jews; and sent an edict also to the Tyrians to this effect. Marcus Antonius Emperor to Hircanus high Priest and Prince of the jews; Health▪ If you are well, all goeth well. I and mine army are in perfect estate. Lysimachus the son of Pausanias, and joseph the son of Mennaeus, and Alexander the son of Theodore your Ambassadors, came unto me to Ephesus, and have renewed the same ambassade which they heretofore brought to Rome, and at this present likewise they have duly and faithfully acquitted themselves of the Antonius writeth to Hircanus as touching Brutus and Cassius actions and deaths. ambassade which they present in the behalf of you, and your nation, by giving us to understand what affection you bear towards us: so that I esteem you for our friend, sith I am given to understand how friendly you have behaved yourself towards us both in words and deeds, since we have had any knowledge of your good and honest conversation and piety. For at such time as The year of the world. 3924. before Christ's birth 40. our adversaries and enemies of the Roman nation spoilt all the country of Asia, and without regard of their oaths spared neither cities nor temples, we have opposed ourselves against them, not only for our private respect, but in the quarrel of the commonweal, to the intent to punish the authors of such offences committed against men, and of such impieties perpetrated against God: for which we suppose that the sun hath in a manner obscured himself, by beholding with unwilling eyes what an heinous offence was committed against Caesar. But we have gotten the upper hand of their impious enterprises, which are fallen upon Macedonia, as on the country and air, from whence proceed such detestable and ungracious designs: and we have likewise cut off the course of their desperate resolution, which made them encounter us near to Philippi a city of Macedonia, where we seized their places fortified by nature, and enclosed with mountains as if it were with walls, as far as the sea, in such manner as the passage was barred up, as it were with a gate, had not the gods given us way by resisting their unjust exploits, and furthering ours. Brutus likewise compelled to fly to Philippi, where being enclosed by us, he suffered the like ruin with his consort Cassius; and since they have been punished as they deserved, me seemeth that we are seized of peace, and that Asia hath had repose from war, and all the body thereof is relieved from a grievous malady, by the means of our victory. For which cause remembering us of you and your nation, to the end to increase your good fortunes, we will bethink us of that which shall be commodious for you; and we have already sent letters from city to city, to the intent that if any one among you, either captive or free man, have been sold to the utmost by Caius Cassius, or any of that army, they may be set at liberty. And our will is, that you make use of the bounty which we bestow upon you, both in ourself as in Dolabellas right, forbidding the Tyrians to molest you, and commanding them to restore all that which they have taken from the jews in goods or possessions. As for the crown which you sent me, I accept the same. Marcus Antonius Emperor, to the governors, Senate and people of tire: Health. I have Marcus Antonius writeth to the magistrates of tire to restore Hircanus and the jews their lands, goods, and liberty. been informed in Ephesus by Hircanus' ambassadors (who is high priest and prince of the jews) that you have seized their country, and spoiled the same, at such time as our adversaries held that province. But in as much as we have undertaken the war for the Empire, and that in defence of right & piety, we have punished these in grateful, disloyal and perfidious persons; our will is, that you suffer our allies to live in peace: and as touching that which you have obtained by our adversaries, our pleasure is, that you restore the same to those that are dispossessed. For no one of them hath obtained either province or army by the consent of the Senate; but have ravished them by force, and afterwards bestowed them on those who have been ministers of their impieties and injustice. But since they have been punished according to their deserts, we require that our allies may enjoy their own, without any impeachment: and if you hold any places at this present, which belong to Hircanus' prince of the jews (that were seized since the time that Caius Cassius by unjust war invaded our provinces) restore them unto him, without offer of any violence, to hinder him from the possession of his own. And if you have or pretend to have any right in them, at such time as I shall repair to those places, it shall be lawful for you to debate your right, and we will so judge as that our allies shall receive no wrong. Marcus Antonius Emperor, to the governors, Senate, and people of tire; Health. I have sent you my edict, which my pleasure is that you carefully look unto, and that you register it amongst your public records in Roman and Greek letters, and set it up in writing in an open place, to the end that it may be red by all men. Marcus Antonius Emperor and Triumuir in the presence of the Tyrians assembled for their public affairs, hath declared, that Caius Cassius during the troubles, by the assistance of his soldiers, hath ravished another man's province; and hath in like sort spoiled our allies, and hath ransacked the nation of the jews, who are friends to the people of Rome▪ and for that by our valour we have repressed his insolence, by our edicts and judgements we will correct his offences; to the end that all things may be restored to our allies, and that all whatsoever hath been sold, & appertained to the jews (whether they be prisoners or possessions) be restored to their masters, to the end that each man may be at liberty as he was before; and that each man's possession may be restored to his first owner. And my pleasure is, that whosoever disobeyeth this ordinance, he may be punished. And he that shall be convicted to have disobeyed the same, he shall be punished according to his demerit. He wrote to the like effect to the Sidonians, Antiochians, and Arabians, all which we will insert in a convenient place, to testify what account the Romans made of our nation. CHAP. XXIII. The year of the world. 3924. before Christ's birth 40. Antonius arriving in the province of Syria, maketh Herode and Phasaelus Tetrarches. AFter this Antonius retired himself into Syria, and Cleopatra came forth to meet him near unto Cilicia, and entangled him in her loves. At that time also, one hundredth Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 21. Cleopatra cometh into Cilicia to Antonius. Herode accused by one hundredth jews before Antonius. of the chiefest reckoning among the jews came once again in ambassade to him to accuse Herode, & his adherents: who to this end had chosen out the most esteemed Orator that might be found. Messala likewise undertook the defence of the young men that were accused, and made them answer. Hircanus also was there in person, who was already by marriage allied unto them. After that Antonius had heard both the one and the other in the city of Daphen, he demanded of Hircanus, which of both the parties governed the commonweal best? who returned him answer, that they, who were on Herod's side were most studious of the weal public. Antonius (who long since had borne good affection towards them, by reason of the ancient hospitality that he had received with their father, during the time that Gabinius was in judaea) established them both for tetrarchs, committing to their hands the affairs in judaea: And to this effect wrote he his letters and committed fourteen of their enemies Antonius maketh Phasaclus and Herode tetrarchs. to prison, whom had not Herode besought for their lives, he had condemned them to death. This notwithstanding, as soon as they returned from their ambassade, they could not contain themselves in quiet, but resorted once more unto Antonius to the number of one thousand, to the city of tire where Antonius sojourned. But Antonius (already corrupted by store of money by Herode and his brother, who commanded in that place) ordained that the Ambassadors of the jews should be punished, for that they had attempted and affected some innovation; A thousand jews repair to tire to accuse Herode, who are partly slain, partly wounded, and partly put to flight. where chose he confirmed Herodes government. At that time Herode, who walked by the sea side, came unto them, advising both them and Hircanus (who at that present was with them) to give over their appeal, for fear lest some grievous misfortune should befall them. Whereunto since they gave no regard, certain jews and inhabitants of that city, all at once ran upon them, who slew some of them, and hurt other some, and the rest taking their flight towards their country, ever afterwards contained themselves and lived in quiet, thorough the fear they had conceived. But when the people ceased not to exclaim and protest against Herode, Antonius was in such sort displeased, that he commanded all those whom he held prisoners, should be slain. The year after, Pacorus the king's son, and Barzapharnes a prince among the Parthians, invaded and seized Syria. And about this time died Ptolomey the son of Mennaeus; and his son Lysanias reigned in his steed, who plighted friendship with Antigonus the son of Aristobulus, The year of the world. 3925. before Christ's birth 39 who obtained this favour at his hands by the counsel and solicitation of a certain prince of great authority and credit with him. CHAP. XXIIII. The Parthians make war in Syria to restore Antigonus' son of Aristobulus to his kingdom. AFter this Antigonus promised the Parthians to give them one thousand talents of silver, Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 23. Antigonus promiseth the Parthians a great sum of money to install him in the kingdom. Pacorus sendeth horsemen to Antigonus in judaea. The jews inhabiting about mount Carmel join themselves with Antigonus. and five hundredth women, if so be they would deprive Hircanus of the kingdom, and restore it unto him, and withal put Herode and his friends to death. Yet did he not deliver them that he promised, notwithstanding the Parthians led their army into jury to restore Antigonus, to wit, Pacorus by the sea coast, and Barzapharnes to the landward. The Tyrians locked their gates against Pacorus, but the Sidonians and Ptolemaidans received him into their city. He sent a troop of horsemen into jury to discover the estate of the country, and to give succours to Antigonus. The chieftain of these horsemen was the king's butler; who in like sort was called Pacorus. But for that certain jews (inhabiting about the mount Carmel) joined themselves with Antigonus, & were prepared with him to invade his enemies, he conceived some hope that he might by their means reduce a certain part of the region under his government, which is called Drymae, and certain of his well-willers meeting him in the way, persuaded him to press forward as far as jerusalem; where being seconded by others (and his followers already much increased in number) they address themselves to assault the king's palace. And whereas those of the faction of the brethren brought present supplies, and the skirmish was maintained in the market place, the young men repulsed the enemy, and drove him into the temple. The year of the world. 3925. before Christ's birth 39 Penticost. Herode fighteth with his enemies in the suburbs. Pacorus chieftain of the Parthians entering the city persuadeth Phasaelus to go ambassador to Barzapharnes. Which done, they sent certain armed men into the houses near adjoining, to guard them: but the people rushing in upon them and seeing they were destitute of aid, burned both them and the houses wherein they were. But this iniquity of theirs was presently revenged by Herode, who in a skirmish that he had with them, slew a great number of them. And whereas there were daily assaults between both parties, the enemies expected until such time as the people assembled from all parts of the country, should repair to jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Penticost. Which being come, many thousands of men assembled about the temple, both armed and unarmed, who seized both the temple and the City (except the king's house only, which Herode made good with a few men of war. The wall thereof did Phasaelus his brother keep. But Herode with a company of his followers sallied out upon the enemy, who were planted in the suburbs, and fight valiantly against them, he put divers thousands of them to flight, whereof some retired themselves into the City; other some into the temple; the rest into a certain bulwark near at hand. In this battle also Phasaelus showed no little valour. But Pacorus conductor of the Parthians came into the City with some few horsemen at Antigonus request, making show that he came to appease the sedition, but the effect and scope of his coming was, to obtain the sovereignty for Antigonus. Furthermore, after that Phasaelus was come out to meet with him, and had courteously entertained him in his house, Pacorus persuaded him to go Ambassador with him to Barzapharnes, laying a bait under this pretence to surprise him. He suspecting no treachery, was easily persuaded (notwithstanding that Herode misliked the course) who knowing the perfidious manners of the Barbarians, exhorted him rather to assail Pacorus, and to assault and oppress his forces, when they were come unto him. Netheless Hircanus and Phasaelus undertook this ambassade, and Pacorus (leaving with Herode two hundredth horsemen, and ten of those whom they call free men) conducted the Ambassadors. Now as soon as they came into Galilee, the governors of the Cities in that country, came forth armed to meet them: Barzapharnes also at the first gave them friendly entertainment, and honoured them with presents; but anon after, he began to practise treachery. For Phasaelus and his attendants were conducted to a lodging that adjoined the sea; where hearing tidings that Antigonus had promised one thousand talents, and five hundredth virgins to the Parthians, he The Parthians complot treacheries against Phasaelus. began already to suspect the Barbarians. For a certain friend of his had given him an inkling, that there were treasons intended against him that very night, and that his lodging was privily beset with a guard. And surely they had been surprised, had they not expected that the Parthians (who were round about jerusalem) should be seized of Herode, fearing lest he having an inkling of their disaster, should betake himself to flight. And that this was true, they incontinently gathered by the guard that was set about them: For which cause there were certain of Phasaelus friends, who counseled him, that without any more delay, he should betake him to his horse and fly from thence: and amongst the rest Ofilius was most earnest, who had wrought out of Saramalla a rich Syrian (who offered them his ships that road hard by to further their flight) all that which they pretended. But Phasaelus would neither forsake Hircanus, nor leave his brother Herode in danger, but repairing to Barzapharnes he told him, that he did him wrong to use these sinister practices against them. For that if he had need of money, he was more likely to receive it at his hands, then from Antigonus: and howsoever he wrought, it was an intolerable injury to put Ambassadors to death, who came unto him under pledge of his honour, and had no ways offended him. But the Barbarian hearing these things, protested by an oath, that no one point of that which he had suspected, was true; but that he was only troubled with false surmises: whereupon he presently departed to Pacorus. CHAP. XXV. The Parthians lead away Hircanus and Phasaelus into captivity. AS soon as he was departed, certain of the Parthians took Hircanus and Phasaelus prisoners, who mightily detested their perjuries. But the Eunuch that was sent unto Herode, Hircanus and Phasaelus surprised by the Parthians. had commandment given him to entice and train him without the City walls, and afterwards to apprehend him. But Herode was forewarned of this treachery, by certain messengers (who were sent by Phasaelus to give him notice thereof) who being intercepted by the enemy in the way, and Herode getting notice thereof, he addressed himself to Pacorus (and those in greatest authority among the Parthians) as to them that were the masters: who subtly dissembled, The year of the world 3925. before Christ's Nativity. 39 The Parthians lay a plot to surprise Herod▪ 〈◊〉 discovereth i●…, and preventeth them by flight. notwithstanding they knew how all things went, telling him that he should do well to repair with them without the wall to go and meet those messengers, who brought him letters; who had not as yet been seized by their adversaries, but came to certify him of Phasaelus good estate. But Herode gave them no credit, because he was already other ways advertised of his brother's surprisal, and had also ●…rre greater suspicion of the Parthians by the solicitation of Hircanus' daughter, whom he had married. And although the rest made no account of her advertisements, yet Herode, gave credit unto her for that she was a most wise woman. Now whilst the Parthians were in deliberation what were best to be done (in that it was held no policy to make open assault upon such a man) they deferred the whole matter until the next morning. Whilst thus they were debating of their differents, Herode came unto them, who rather giving credit to that which he had heard as concerning his brother (and touching the treasons intended against him by the Parthians) then to his adversaries, as soon as it was night concluded to make use of the time, and to make away without staying any longer amongst those uncertain dangers, which his enemies intended against him. For which cause he fi●… with those men of war which he had with him, and mounting his mother, his sister and his betrothed, whom he was to marry (who was Alexander's daughter, the niece of Aristobulus) and her mother (who was Hircanus' daughter) and her younger brother, with all their family and train, he departed into Idumaea without espial or suspicion of the enemy. Amongst whom there was not one so hard or●…yron-hearted, who seeing such a pitiful spectacle could not be moved to compassion, beholding the mothers drag away their little children, and abandon their country with tears and complaints: and that which was worse, to leave their friends in bondage, without any hope of comfort or redress. But Herode mastered these misfortunes by his invincible courage, and for that he was a constant man in all fortunes, he exhorted every one of them whom he met in the way, to be of good Herode comforteth his friends in their flight. courage; and not to abandon themselves to immeasurable sorrow, for that by such means they might hinder his retreat, on which their sole and securest conservation depended: whereupon they for their parts endeavoured themselves to digest their griefs, according to Herodes exhortation. Mean while he hardly refrained from laying violent hands on himself, by reason of the chariot wherein his mother road, which overturned and had almost slain her: yea so much did this casualty terrify him (for fear lest the enemy in pursuit should surprise him during these Herode seeing his mother's chariot overturned is ready to murder himself. delays) as that he drew and prepared his sword to kill himself, had not some assistants and followers stepped in to him and stayed the stroke, beseeching him instantly not to forsake them & leave them subject to the enemy's violence: assuring him that it was not the part of a valiant man to respect his own private interest, and neglect his friend's peril. By these persuasions he was induced to hold his hands, both by reason of the apprehension of these words, which were spoken▪ unto him, as also for that he was overruled by the multitude of those, who would not permit his hand to execute his will: so that taking up his mother, and doing her all the service that the time permitted, he followed on his way, and with the speediest and nearest means he could, he retired toward the Castle of Massada, where in the way, he oftentimes fought against the Parthians that charged and pursued him, and returned always with victory from them. The jews also Herode retiring toward Massada is assailed by the Parthians. were not in peace with him during this his flight; for scarcely had he travailed sixty stounds out of the City, but that they assailed him in the high way: but he put them to flight and obtained the victory, not like a desperate man enforced thereunto thorough necessity, but like a discreet, well furnished and valiant soldier. So that in the very place where he obtained that victory against the jews (after such time as he was made king) he builded a most sumptuous palace, and near unto the same a city which he called Herodium. Whilst he remained at Ressa (a burrow of Idumaea) joseph his brother came forth to meet him, and to consult with him as touching their whole estate, and to know of him what should become of that great multitude that followed them, considering that they had no soldiers in pay, and the Castle of Massada (whither he pretended to fly) was too little to hold all the people: for which cause he sent away many to the number of nine thousand, willing them to disperse themselves here and there in the country of Idumaea; and for the better dispatch of their journey, he furnished them with victuals. As for himself he took with him his most able soldiers and inward friends, and repaired to the Castle of Massada, in which place he left the women and their train, to the number of eight hundredth or thereabouts: and furnishing the place with corn, water and other provisions The Parthians spoil the citizens of jerusalem, and destroy Marissa necessary, he went unto Petra the chiefest City of Arabia. As soon as it was day the Parthians sacked all that which appertained to the Citizens of jerusalem; and amongst other things they spoilt the palace; notwithstanding they meddled not with Hircanus' money, which amounted to The year●… of the world. 3925. before Christ's birth 39 Antigonus restored to the kingdom by the Parthians cu●…th off Hircanus cares to prevent his reinstallment in the Priesthood. some three hundredth talents. They left divers other things behind them also that appertained to Herode, and especially that which had been transported into Idumaea by his mature providence. Neither were the Parthians content with the spoil of the City, but they foraged all the country round about, and razed Marissa a very rich City. Thus Antigonus brought back into his country by the king of the Parthians, received Hirtanus and Phasaelus that were prisoners: yet was he vehemently displeased, because the women had escaped, whom according to his promise he intended to have delivered with the money: and fearing lest Hircanus thorough the favour of the people should be re-established in his kingdom (who was then prisoner in the custody of the Parthians) he cut off both his ears, depriving him by that means from enjoying the priesthood any more, by reason of that maim, because the law commandeth that they who are in that dignity, should be sound in all their members. But Phasaelus is to be admired for his great courage at this time: for understanding that he must needly die, he was no ways dismayed with death, but that which he held most miserable and dishonourable was, that he must needs die by the hands of his enemy. Seeing therefore that he could not dispatch himself by other means, (because he was bound and chai●…ed) he knocked out his own brains against a stone, and so ended Phasaelus dasheth out his own brains. Antigonus putteth poison into Phasaelus wounds in steed of curing him. his life (with as great honour as may be imagined in such a desperate estate) depriving his enemy of that power which he intended to practise in tyrannising over him at his pleasure. It is said that the wound being very deep, Antigonus sent privily surgeons to cure him; and that under colour of healing him, they should put poison into the same, wherethrough he might die. But before Phasaelus gave up the ghost, he understood by a certain woman that his brother Herode had escaped from his enemies: for which cause he endured his death with far greater cheerfulness and constancy, seeing that he left behind him such a man, as would revenge his death, and punish his enemies. But Herode was no ways discomforted with the greatness of those adversities which environed him round about, but was the more whetted on to find out new inventions, and to adventure dangerous attempts. For he went unto Malchus king of the Arabians Herode flieth to Malchus king of Arabia to borrow money (to whom before time he had showed much courtesy) hoping to receive the like of him in this time of his great necessity, and to draw some money from him either by loan or gift, according as he had often and very bountifully pleasured him. For being ignorant of his brother's death, he endeavoured himself to ransom him speedily from his enemies, by paying his ransom (which amounted to three hundredth talents) and for that cause he led with him the son of Phasaelus, who was only seven years old, to leave him in pledge amongst the Arabians for the sum that was demanded. But certain messengers came unto him from Malchus, who charged him in the king's behalf to retire back again, for that the Parthians had enjoined him that he should neither receive nor retain Herode. And this colourable pretence used he, because he Herode is commanded out of Arabia, and flieth into Egypt's from thence after some storms he repaireth to Rome, where he certifieth Antonius of thatwhich had befallen him. would not pay his debts: and hereunto was he persuaded by the advice of the greatest in authority among the Arabians, who pretended thereby to make themselves masters of that treasure that Antipater had committed to their custody. Herode answered them, that he repaired not into their country to give them cause of any trouble, but only to consult with him about certain matters of great importance touching his own estate, and that afterwards he was resolved to depart, and withdraw himself into Egypt as secretly as might be possible. He returned therefore to a certain temple, where he had left divers of his followers; and the next day he came to Rhinocura, in which place he heard tidings of his brother's death. But afterwards Malchus repented himself of his in gratitude, and speedily sent after Herode, but he could not overtake him: for he had gotten far onward of his way, and was already arrived in post near to Pelusium, where being denied his passage to Alexandria in those ships that were there, he addressed himself to the magistrates of the place, who highly respected and honoured him, and sent him to the City where Cleopatra was; who entertained him kindly: yet notwithstanding could she not persuade him to remain with her. Whereupon he repaired towards Rome (notwithstanding the winter and those grievous troubles that at the very same time afflicted Italy, as it was reported.) Embarking himself therefore to sail into Pamphilia, he was tossed with a most cruel storm; so that with great danger at last he arrived in Rhodes, having been enforced in the tempest to cast into the sea a good part of his substance. There met he with Sappinas and Ptolomey two of his endeared friends. He found also that the City of Rhodes had suffered much misery by Cassius wars: and although his means were very scant, yet profited he them in what he might, and caused their walls to be repaired, notwithstanding that by so doing, he greatly hindered himself. After that he caused a little frigot to be built, and embarked himself with his friends to repair into Italy, and arrived at Brundisium, and from thence went to Rome. The year of the world. 3925. before Christ's birth 39 The first to whom he discovered his misfortunes, was Marcus Antonius: to whom he reported all the occurrences in judaea, and how his brother Phasaelus was taken by the Parthians and slain; and how Hircanus was imprisoned with him. The manner also how they had established Antigonus king, under promise to give them one thousand talentes, and five hundredth of the fairest women, whom he intended to choose out of his own race. Lastly, how he stole away by night, and rescued them; and escaping his enemy's hands, had afterwards endured many pains and miseries. Furthermore, that his friends were in great danger, and left besieged; for which cause he had sailed by winter, and despised all dangers, only to seek for assistance at his hands, on whom depended his hope, and last refuge. CHAP. XXVI. Herode is made king of jury by the Roman Senate. Antonius' hearing all those alterations that had befallen Herode, had compassion of his misery (bethinking himself of the estate and condition of great men, who are Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 23. al. 25. Antonius' loved Herode, and hated Antigonus. Caesar Augustus Herodes friend. likewise subject to no less casualties) and the rather was he induced to do him good, both in remembrance of the friendship he had with Antipater his father, as also by reason of Herodes promises of certain sums of money, if so be he were made king by his means, as he had been before time declared Tetrarch. But that which most moved him hereunto, was the hatred which he bore unto Antigonus, whom he accounted to be a mutinons' man, and an enemy to the Romans fortune. On the other side Caesar was well inclined to succour him, both in regard of those armies which Antipater had brought into Aegyptin his father's service, as also because of the good hospitality and kindness that he had showed him in all things, as in especial to gratify Antonius, who was well affected towards Herode. Whereupon the Senate being assembled, Messala and Atratinus brought forth Herode, and after they had praised him, Herode admitted into the Senate, and declared king. and recited the benefits which the Romans had received by his father, and the great affection and good will which he bore to the people of Rome; they accused & declared Antigonus for the Romans enemy, not only for his ancient crimes, but also for that in contempt of the Romans he had received the kingdom from the Parthians. Whilst the Senate was sore displeased at the report of these things, Antonius arose, and declared openly before them all, that in furtherance of the Parthian war, it were not amiss that Herode should be made king: which opinion of his was generally allowed, and finally ratified. The principal demonstration of the love and affection which Antonius bore unto Herode, was, that he not only obtained him the kingdom, beyond all hope: for never thought he that the Romans would grant that dignity unto him, who were wont to reserve that honour to those of the king's blood; and therefore he intended to have demanded it for his wives brother Alexander, and nephew to Aristobulus by the father's side, and to Hircanus by the mother (which Alexander Herode afterwards put to death, as it shall be declared Herode intending the kingdom for his wives brother enjoyeth the same himself. in place convenient) but also for that within the term of seven days, he sent him out of Italy with the unexpected titles of his felicity. As soon as the Senate weas risen, Antonius and Caesar issued forth, leading Herode between them, and being accompanied by the Consuls and other magistrates went up into the capitol to do sacrifice, and to place there this decree the Senate had made as touching this matter. The Herode ascendeth the Capitol with Antonius & Caesar. first day of Herodes reign Antonius feasted him; and after this sort was he established king in the hundredth eighty and fourth olympiad, in the year wherein C. Domitius calvinus twice Consul, and Caius Asinius Pollio were Consuls. Mean while Antigonus besieged those that were in the castle of Massada, who were plentifully furnished with all things necessary (except it were water) for which cause joseph Herodes brother that was within, and two hundredth of his friends, had Herodes family besieged by Antigonus in Massada. concluded to fly unto the Arabians: for that they understood that Malchus had repent himself of the fault he had committed against Herode. But whilst they stood upon these terms, God powered down a huge rain on a certain night, that in short time filled their cestemes in such sort, as that they had no more necessity to fly; and from that time forward they waxed confident: and for that this abundance of water befell them by God's providence, they made a sally upon their enemies, in which they charged Antigonus soldiers after such a manner, sometime in open Ventidius under pretext to help joseph, fisheth to get money of Antigonus. field, sometime by covert assault, that they slew a great number of them. At that time Ventidius a Roman captain was sent into Syria to drive the Parthians from thence, & after their departure he arrived in jury, making show that he would assist joseph: but in effect all his pretence was to draw money form Antigonus. Being therefore encamped near unto jerusalem, and having drawn The year of the world. 3926. before the Nativity of Christ. 38. sufficient money from Antigonus, he retired himself with the greater part of his forces: and to the intent his deceitful dealing might not be discovered, he left Silo with a company of his soldiers: who likewise was honoured by Antigonus, for fear lest he should be cause of some new trouble before such time as the Parthians, whose coming he expected, should yield him aid. CHAP. XXVII. Herode returneth from Rome by sea, and fighteth against Antigonus. AFter that Herode was come from Italy by sea to Ptolemais, and that he had assembled no Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2●…. al. 16. Herode returning back out of Italy, leadeth forth his army against Antigonus. Herode assaulteth joppes, and taketh it. small number of soldiers both strangers and his own countrymen, he marched forward against Antigonus, and passed thorough Galilee. Silo and Ventidius also gave him assistance in this action, having received direction by Gellius from Antonius, that they should assist Herode to recover his country. But Ventidius was employed in appeasing the troubles that were raised in the cities by the Parthians: and as touching Silo he kept in judaea, having been corrupted by Antigonus. But the further that Herode daily marched into the country, the more and more increased his forces; and all Galilee (except a very few) submitted themselves unto him. Whilst therefore he marched forward toward Massada, (being urged thereunto in that he was to relieve his parents that were besieged therein) the city of joppes would not grant him passage: for the citizens thereof were his enemies: so that it behoved him first of all to ruinate the same, to the end he might leave no retreat or place of rescous for his enemy on his back, if so be he made towards jerusalem. Upon which occasion Silo laying hold, dislodged his army & made thitherward: whom when the jews did pursue, Herode sallied out with a small company, and put them to flight, and saved Silo, notwithstanding he fought very coldly and cowardly. Afterwards being seized of joppes, he hasted onwards to deliver his friends that were besieged in Massada; but part of the inhabitants submitted themselves unto him for the friendship Many submit themselves to Herode. they had borne unto his father; an other sort of them, for the honour that they bore unto him: the rest admitted his goue●…ment in acknowledgement of those benefits they had received from them both. But the greatest part was thereunto moved by the hope they had conceived of their new elected king, and the confirmation of his government. Thus by these means was his army mightily increased. Whilst thus he marched forward, Antigonus seized those places that were fittest to lay ambushes in, or to fight at advantages by the way (notwithstanding that by those means and stratagems he did but small or no hurt at all to his enemy; so that Herode raised the siege, & discharged his friends out of the castle of Massada: and after he had taken the fort of Ressa, he approached Ressa taken, & Massada delivered from the siege, after which Herode marcheth towards jerusalem. Herode proclaimeth about the walls of jerusalem that he repaired thither for the good of the people, & the commonweal. Antigonus upbraideth Herode that he is but half a jew, and of no kingly race. The enemy repulseth Herodes power from the wall. jerusalem being attended by silo's army, and by divers citizens of the city, who were afraid of his power. And when as he had pitched his camp to the westward of the city, those that kept the watch and guard on that side, shot their arrows and cast stones against him: divers likewise trouped forth and fought hand to hand against those that were planted there: For which cause first of all Herode caused proclamation to be made round about the walls, signifying unto them that he resorted thither for the common profit of the people, and for the conservation of the city, without intent of revenge or memory of any wrongs that his private enemies had offered him, promising his most free pardon to all those whosoever had heinously offended him: Hereunto Antigonus made this answer (turning his speech to Silo and the Roman soldiers) that contrary to all justice they gave the kingdom to Herode, who was a private man, and an Idumean (that is to say, a half jew) whereas it hath been a custom to bestow the same on them that are of the line of the Priests. For albeit at that present they were displeased with him, for that he was feazed of the kingdom by the means of the Parthians, and had resolved with themsel●… to dispossess him; yet that there were divers others of that royal race, who might be ma●… kings according to the law, who have no ways misdemeaned themselves towards the Romans; and moreover there are Priests, who should not be justly and uprightly dealt withal, if they should be deprived of that honour which appertaineth unto them. Whilst they debated the matter after this manner between them, and grew to hot and injurious taunts the one against the other, Antigonus commanded his men to assail those that were near unto the wall: who shooting many arrows with great courage against them, drove them easily from the tower they kept. At that time Silon gave manifest proof that he had been corrupted by money, for he suborned The year of the world, 3927. before Christ's Nativity, 37. Silon su●…orneth some of his soldiers to take an occasion to depart from jerusalem. Herode procured and furnished the army with victuals and 〈◊〉, ●…ion. divers of his soldiers, who cried out that they had want of victuals, and demanded greater pay for their maintenance, and requested that they might be placed in some convenient garrisons to winter in, for that the places round about the City were desolate; because all necessaries for maintenance of life had been taken away and wasted by Antigonus soldiers. Thus was the whole army troubled; so that each of them prepared themselves to dislodge. But Herode importuned and cried out upon the captains and soldiers that were under Silons' charge, telling them that it concerned them not to abandon him whom Caesar, Anthony and the Senate of Rome had sent thither: That for his own part he would give order that they should have abundance and foison of whatsoever they demanded; and incontinently departing from them (after he had presented them with this request) he deprived Silon of all colour and pretext of flight: for he caused an incredible quantity of victuals to be brought them; and commanded his friends that inhabited in the confines of Samaria, to bring them corn, wine, oil, cattle, and all other such provision from jerico, to the end that from that time forward the soldiers might want nothing. Antigonus was not ignorant thereof; so that he incontinently sent men throughout the country, who might intercept and surprise the pu●…ueiours and victuallers. Who following Antigonus Antigonus sendeth out soldiers to surprise Herodes victuallers. commandment, assembled a great number of soldiers near unto jerico, and encamping in the mountains, espied and watched those that brought the victuals. Mean while Herode lay not still, but took with him ten companies, five of Roman soldiers, and five of jews, with whom he intermixted some foreign soldiers, with some few horsemen, and came to jerico; where being arrived he seized the town, which was abandoned by the inhabitants, of whom five hundred with their wives and children were retired into the tops of the mountains, whom he took, and afterwards set at liberty: but the Roman soldiers entering into their houses, and finding them full of all sorts of movables, they spoilt the same. And the king having left a garrison in jerico, returned to his own place, dismissing the Roman army to go and winter in the countries lately surrendered unto him; namely, in Idumaea, Galilee, and Samaria. Antigonus also purchased this favour at Silons' hands by store of bribes, that part of his army was lodged in Lydda, The Romans sent to their garrisons to winter. all which he did to curry favour with Anthony. Whilst thus the Romans lived in all abundance and bore no arms; Herode would not be still, but sent his brother joseph into Idumaea, with one thousand footmen and four hundredth horse; and himself resorted to Samaria, where his mother and his other parents kept, who before time were departed out of Massada. After this he went into Galilee to surprise certain castles which were held by Antigonus garrisons, and being arrived at Sephoris (during a great snow) after that Antigonus garrisons were departed out of the foresaid castles, he found great abundance of all sorts of necessary munition. And there having notice of certain thieves, who Robbers. inhabited in caves, he sent a troop of horsemen, with three companies of footmen, against them: whom he commanded to do justice on those robbers (now the place where they kept, was not far from a burrow called Arbela:) and forty days after, he himself with all his army resorted Herode fighteth with his enemies in Galilee, and overcometh them, and bringeth all Galilee under his subjection. thither. Now whereas the enemy issued out against him with a hardy resolution, the left wing of his squadron retired and fainted; but he coming on with his main battle put them to flight, who were already almost masters of the field, and made those of his followers that fled, to turn their faces; and to pursue their enemies as far as the flood jordan: who fled some of them by one way, some by an other; so that he drew all Galilee under his subjection, except those that inhabited and held the caves. He distributed money also amongst his soldiers, and gave each soldier a hundredth and fifty drachmas, and far more unto their chieftains, and afterwards sent them to winter in garrisons near at hand. About this time Silon and his captains, who had passed the winter in the said garrisons, came unto him (for that Antigonus would no more furnish them with victuals:) for he gave them maintenance for no more time than a month, commanding those that dwelled round about them to spoil the country, and afterwards to retire themselves into the mountains, to the end that the Antigonus refuseth to victual the Roman army. Romans might be destitute of necessary maintenance, and by that means might be consumed with famine. Herode gave Phaeroras his youngest brother the charge of that provision, commanding him to enclose the fort of Alexandrion with a wall, who speedily brought to pass that the soldiers had all sorts of necessaries at commandment: he re-edified also the fort of Alexandrion which had been laid desolate. About that time Anthony sojourned in Athens, and Ventidius was in Syria, who having sent for Silon to accompany him against the Parthians, did first of Ventidius sendeth for Silon to war against the Parthians. all charge him to assist Herode in that war: and afterwards to excite the provincial confederates to further his war. But Herode dismissing Silon and his company to follow their destinated wars The year of the world. 3927. before Christ's birth 37. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 25. Herode leadeth his soldiers against those thieves that held the caves. Herode letteth down his soldiers from the top of the mountain in coffers. with Ventidius, did in his own person lead out his soldiers against those thieves that lived in dens. Now these cau●… were s●…uare in the most highest and inaccessible mountains, impregnable thorough narrow paths, environed with sharp rocks, wherein the robbers inhabited secretly, with all their families. King Herode caused a certain number of coffers to be made, fastened to iron chains, which he caused to be let down by an engine from the top of the mountain (because it was neither possible by reason of the steepiness of the hill to ascend; the same from beneath, neither from above to creep downward against them.) These chests were filled with soldiers, armed with great hooks to draw these thieves unto them, and to break their necks headlong from the height to the bottom. But the use of these coffers was dangerous, for it was necessary to let them down an infinite depth into the caves, especially for that the thieves had necessary munition among them: notwithstanding when they had gotten down, none of the thieves durst peep out of the mouths of their caves, but ●…enre constrained them to hold themselves quiet. But a certain soldier having girt his sword by his side; and taken hold of the chain with both his hands whereto the coffer was fastened; ●…de downen as far as the entry of the cave, and being displeased that no one issued out, he shot divers arrows at those that were within, and wounded them; and after that, with his hook he drew those unto him who resisted him, and tumbled them down headlong from the steepy rock: which done, he rushed in upon those that were within the cave, and slew many of them▪ and afterwards returned and rested himself in his coffer. divers hearing the groans of those that were wounded, were surprised with fear and despair of their life: but the night's approach was the cause that the matter was not fully achieved and many of them (receiving notice of the kings free pardon by a herald) submitted themselves. The next day they renewed and continued the same manner of fight, and divers issued out of their coffers to fight upon the outward entrances of the caves, into which they cast fire, which (for that there was great quantity of wood in the caves) did quickly burn. Within these caves there was a certain old man apprehended, with his wife and seven sons, who being required A certain old man killeth his wife and seven of his sons, and at last casteth himself headlong from the rock. by them that he would sister them to go and submit themselves to their enemies, took up the entry of the cave, and as his sons advanced themselves to issue out, he slew them, until such time as he had inassacred them all, and after them his wife; and finally, when he had cast their dead bodies down the rocks, he threw himself down headlong after them, preferring death before servitude. Yet before his death, he reviled Herode in bitter words, and upbraided him of his obscurity and ignoble race: and although Herode (who saw all that which had happened) stretched out his hand unto him and promised him pardon; yet would he not respect him; and by this means were all these caves entered, and the thieves therein taken. Now when the king had established Ptolomey captain over the soldiers in that region, he retired himself into Samaria, with six hundredth horsemen, and three thousand footmen, with a Herode retireth toward Samaria to fight with Antigonus. resolution to fight with Antigonus, & so to end their quarrel. But Ptolomey had but very slender success in his government: for they that before time had troubled the country of Galilee sallied out upon him, and overthrew him. After which execution they fled into the Marshes and unaccessible places, where they rob and spoiled all the country. But Herode returning and setting upon them punished them: for he slew some of them, and the rest were constrained to Herodo punisheth the rebels in Galilee. Ventidius overcometh Pacorus and the Parthians in battle. fly into strong places, where he besieging them and entering their fortresses perforce, slew the men, and destroyed their fortifications: and having brought this rebellion to an end, he condemned the Cities to pay him the sum of one hundredth talents. Mean while Pacorus was slain in war, and the Parthians were discomfited with him; which was the cause that Ventidius sent Machaeras to succour Herode with two legions▪ and 1000 horse, and that by the commandment of Antonius. But Machaeras was drawn by Antigonus (who corrupted him with money) and notwithstanding Herodes contradiction and dissuasion; yet resorted he unto him, alleging that he did it Machaeras killeth many jews. Herode resolving to depart to Antonius, and to accuse Machaeras is reconciled by him, and leaveth his brother joseph with an armi●… behind him. to look into his actions. But Antigonus suspecting his sudden approach, entertained him not; but caused him to be darted at, and driven thence; giving him to understand by his entertainment, what opinion he had of him, and how he was affected towards him: who at that time perceived plainly that Herode had given him good counsel; and that himself had misdone in misbelieving his advice: for which cause he returned to the City Emaus, and slew all those jews whom he met withal in the way, whether friends or enemies: so highly displeased was he at that which had happened. Herode sore moved hereat, came to Samaria resolving with himself to post unto Antonius to complain of these aggrievances; considering that he had no need of such associates, who did him more harm than his enemies; whereas of himself he was able to make good his war against Antigonus. But Machaeras hasted after him, requiring him to stay, and to travel The year of the world, 3927. before Christ's Nativity, 37. no further on that journey; or if he might not be diverted, he prayed him to leave his brother joseph behind him, who might with them make war against Antigonus. By these persuasions and instant entreaties of Machaeras, he was some what appeased: so that he left his brother joseph behind him, with an army; charging him no ways to hazard his fortune, or to fall at odds Herode repaireth to Antonius at the siege of Samosata, & in the way killeth many Barbarians. with Machaeras. As for himself he hasted toward Anthony, who at that time besieged Samosata (a City situate near unto Euphrates) having with him an army of his associates both horsemen, and footmen. When Herode was arrived in Antioch, he found divers men assembled there, who were desirous to go & seek out Anthony: but they durst not set forward on the way, for fear least certain Barbarians should set upon them, and kill them in their journey: these did jerode assure, and offered himself to be their guide upon the way. Now when they came to their second bait, some two days journey off of Samosata, the Barbarians laid an ambush for them, and had barred up the way with hurdles, and had likewise hidden certain horsemen thereabouts, who should lie in covert until such time as the passengers had recovered the plain. Now when the foremost were passed, the ambush consisting of about some five hundredth horsemen, suddenly charged Herode who was in the rearward; when as therefore they had broken the former ranks whom they had met, Herode with his troop that was about him incontinently repulsed them; and after he had encouraged his followers and whetted them on to the fight, he wrought so much, that he made those that fled to turn their faces, and to fight; so that the Barbarians were put to the sword on all sides. The king also pursued them so long, until at last he recovered that which had been taken by them, which was a certain number of sumpter horses and slaves. But being charged afresh by others, and they in greater number than those who encountered him at first, he likewise (rallying his forces together) charged and overcame them, and killing divers of them, he secured the way to those that followed after, who all of them acknowledged him for their preserver and guide. When he drew near unto Samosata; Anthony sent out his army in goodly array to meet and honour him, and with all to succour him, in that he had heard that the Barbarians had assailed Herode was honourably entertained by Antonius and his host. him. As soon as he came to Anthony's presence, he entertained him kindly; and after he had heard that which had befallen him in the way, he embraced him in admiration of his virtue, and did him great honour, as to him whom a little before he had raised to royal dignity. Not long after this, Antiochus surrendered the fort of Samosata to Anthony, and upon this occasion the war was ended. Whereupon Anthony committed the province with the army to Sosius, The year of the world. 3928. before the birth of Christ. ●…6. Sosius hath the army committed to his charge by Antonius who departeth into Egypt. joseph Herod's brother is slain by Antigonus. and after he had commanded him to succour Herode, he departed into Egypt. Sosius therefore sent two legions of soldiers before into judaea to succour Herode, and afterwards he followed with the rest of his army. In the mean while joseph died in jewry on this occasion that ensueth: For forgetting his brother Herodes commandment, which he gave him at such time as he repaired to Anthony, he took to him five companies of soldiers which Machaeras had left him, and marching towards jerico to gather in the fruits of the field, he pitched his tents upon the mountains: And for that the Roman troops were but newly levied, & consisted of those men who were untrained in the wars, and for the most part were gathered out of the country of Coelesyria: the enemies having advertisement hereof, assailed and surprised him in certain places of disadvantage, where there was a hot skirmish between them, in which joseph died, fight valiantly; and all his army was discomfited: for six companies of them were slain. After that the dead bodies were at Antigonus command, he cut off Joseph's head, which Phaeroras his brother ransomed for the price of fifty talents. Which done, the Galileans revolting from their governors, drowned The Galileans revolt from Herode. Machaeras fortifieth Geth. Herode departeth from Daphne a suburb of Antioch into Galilee. Herode fighteth with the Galileans, & overcometh them, and driveth them into a castle. Herodes partakers in the lake; so that divers commotions and troubles were raised in jewry. Machaeras he fortified the Castle of Geth. This misfortune of Joseph's was reported to the king, in a certain suburb of Antioch called Daphne, who before the tidings, had already conceived some suspicion and fear, grounded upon certain dreams, which gave him certain intelligence of his brother's death. Departing therefore from thence with all expedition, he arrived near to the mount Libanus, where he took about 800. men with him, and a Roman legion which he had, and from thence came to Ptolemais; from whence he departed with his army by night, and crossed Galilee with them. Whereupon the enemies came forth against him, and were overcome by him, and shut up in a fort, from whence they were departed but the day before; where Herode assailed them by break of day: But being unable to offer them any prejudice, by reason of the indisposition of the weather, he led his men into the villages near adjoining. But when Antonius second legion was come, and annexed to his forces; they that were within the fort were The year of the world. 3928. before Christ's birth 36. dismayed, and forsook the same by night. So that Herode marched with all diligence to jericho, with an intent to revenge his brother's death; and being encamped near unto the same, he banqueted and entertained the chieftains of his army; and after the feast was ended, and he had dismissed his company, he withdrew himself into his lodging. In The house wherein Herod solemnized his feast, fell down when the guests were gone without any man's detriment. Herode wounded by his enemies. Antigonus sendeth Pappus to Samaria. which place it appeared, how much God loved the king: for the roof of the house where he had solemnised his feast fell down, without hurt to any one whomsoever: for no man was left within it. Whence it came to pass, that each one persuaded himself, that Herode was beloved by God; considering he had avoided so great and unexpected a peril. The next day, six thousand of his enemies came down from the top of the mountains to fight with him, who affrighted the Romans, and their forlorn hope chased Herodes soldiers with darts, and stones, who was himself also hurt in the thigh with an arrow. Antigonus sent a captain to Samaria, whose name was Pappas, with some soldiers, intending thereby to signify unto his enemies, that he had more men of war than he needed. Pappus drew near to Machaeras the Roman captain: and as touching Herode he took five cities by force, and put some two thousand of them that were in garrison to the sword; and afterwards (having set the houses on fire) he went out to encounter Pappus; who was encamped in aborough called Isanas. divers that came from jericho & jury, submitted themselves to Herode, who drawing near the enemy (who marched forward with great hardiness) fought with him and overcame him, and being inflamed with a great desire that he had to revenge his brother's death, he pursued them that fled and slew them even within their borough. The houses were incontinently filled with men of war, and divers fled & hid themselves upon the tops thereof, who were at last taken; for the roofs Fight in the houses. of the houses were beaten down, and he saw that all was filled with soldiers, whereby divers were slain by stones that were darted at them from above, and afterwards cast and killed them by heaps: which was the most grievous spectacle of all those that had happened in those wars, to see an infinite number of bodies hidden one under another amidst the rooms of the houses. This exploit of Herode did very much abate the courage of his enemy, who hereafter expected far more worse fortune at his hands: For a man might have seen them fly away in heaps; and had not a sudden and forcible tempest fallen upon them, the triumphant army of Herode had incontinently entered jerusalem with assurance of victory, which had made a final The year of the world, 3929. before Christ's nativity, 35. end of all that war. For Antigonus each day bethought him how to fly away, and to forsake the city. But for that it was already grown dark, Herode commanded his soldiers to refresh themselves; and for that he himself was weary, he entered into his lodging to bathe himself: in which place he overwent a mighty misfortune, from which he escaped by God's providence. For (whereas he was naked and accompanied with one only servant to attend him) at such time as he bathed, there were a certain number of armed enemies hidden in that lodging, who Herode being alone and naked in his house escaped unhurt amongst many armed enemies. were fled thither for the fear they had: and during the time that Herode bathed, the first amongst them issued with his naked sword and got the door; and after him the second; and the third no less armed without offending the king, for the fear that they had of his presence: and content to escape in their own persons, without the prejudice of other men. The next day he sent Pappus head to his brother Phaeroras, who was slain by his own sword in revenge of the injury offered to joseph. When the tempest was done, he departed from thence, and approached near to Herode sendeth Pappus head to his brother Phaeroras. Herode besiegeth jerusalem. jerusalem, and encamped near unto the City. This was about the third year since he was created king at Rome, and encamping himself in the place which was (as he thought) fittest for battery; he addressed himself towards the temple side, resolving to batter and make breach in that place in like manner as Pompey had done before him. Having therefore erected three bulwarks in three places, he builded towers thereon by the assistance of many workmen; and by means of a great quantity of wood, which he caused to be cut down round about the place; and having Herode repaireth to Samaria to marry Alexander's, daughter. pointed such men as were of ripe judgement to oversee these works, he left his army well provided, and resorted to Samaria, to marry with the daughter of Alexander, who was Aristobulus son, to whom he was betrothed, according as I have heretofore declared. CHAP. XXVIII. The year of the world. 3929. before Christ's birth 35. Antigonus is discomfited by Sosius and Herode. AFter this marriage was solemnised, Sosius repaired thither thorough the country of Phoenicia, having first of all sent his army thorough the continent, he himself also resorted Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 26. al. 27. Sofi●…s and Herode lead a mighty army against jerusalem. thither with many aswell footmen as horsemen: thither also repaired the king from Samaria, with no small army, to annex himself with the old bands: for he had about thirty thousand men. All these assembled themselves together near unto the walls of jerusalem, and planted their siege nigh unto the wall of the city that extendeth towards the north●…. The army contained eleven legions of footmen, with six thousand horsemen: besides the succours that came from Syria. Of this army there were two generals, namely Sosius, who was sent by Antonius to succour Herode: and Herode himself, who made war for himself, with an intent that having dispossessed Antigonus (whom he had proclaimed enemy to Rome) he himself might be king in his place, according to the Senate's decree. Those jews that were within the enclosure of the walls (that is to say, almost all the nation) resisted the Herodians with great courage and affection, vaunting and boasting much of the temple of the Lord, and wishing all good hap and success to the people, namely, that God would deliver them from all dangers: and spoiling all provision without the city, that was either behoveful for the use of man or beast, by their secret thefts and excursions also they made the very besiegers destitute of relief and victuals. Which inconvenience Herode so well prevented, that he forstalled their means of theft, and laid ambushes in place convenient to cut them off. As for victuals he sent his footmen to fetch his provision from far; so that within a very little space they had abundance of all that which was necessary Herode preventeth the dearth in the camp. He erected also with no less carefulness three bulwarks, by the diligent labour of a great number of workmen: for it was summer time, & neither was the air incommodious or negligence of the workmen such, but that they presently furnished and finished them. Afterwards having raised their engines upon them, they battered the wall, with as much violence and diligence as was possible: notwithstanding all this, they did no ways amate those that were within (who for their parts used all the cunning that might be possible to defend themselves, and by divers sallies set fire upon the enemy's engines; and burned not only those that were half made, but those that were wholly perfected: and when necessity drove them to handy strokes, they showed no less valour than the Romans courage; but they were inferior unto them in skill and martial discipline. And when as the first wall was beaten down, they builded up a The jews without fear resist those that besieged them. new, and contermined against those mines that were made by the enemy; so that they fought under ground hand to hand. Thus using despair rather then courage, they sustained the war to the uttermost; yea notwithstanding they were besieged by a great army, and pressed by famine and want of victuals: for the year wherein this siege was continued, was the seventh, in which the earth was unmanured, which by us is called the year of rest. But finally twenty chosen soldiers first of all mounted upon the wall; and after them one of Sosius Centurions: for the first wall was taken in the fortieth day after the siege, and the second on the fift●…th, and some galleries were burned, which were near unto the temple: which (as Herod said) were burned by Antigonus, to bring him into more hatred amongst the jews. When the outward part of the temple, and the lower part of the city were taken, the jews fled into the temple, and into the higher The outward part of the temple, and the lower city taken. town, for fear they had least the Romans should hinder them from offering their daily and ordinary sacrifices unto God: and they sent ambassadors to their enemies, to require that it might be lawful for them only to bring in certain beasts to offer them for sacrifices. Which Herode their king granted them, hoping by this means that they would submit themselves & yield up the places: The jews fly to the upper city and the temple. But perceiving that his opinion failed him herein, & that they obstinately resisted him, to continue the sovereignty in Antigonus; he gave the assault, and took the City by force: where all things were incontinently filled with murders, in that the Romans were displeased because they had so long time continued the siege; and the jews that were on Herodes side enforced themselves utterly to exterminate all those that were of the contrary party: so that continual slaughters ranged & reigned every where, both in porches, & in the houses wherinto they entered: Neither jerusalem taken. did the religious reverence of the temple save those suppliants that resorted thither for safety, but that without all compassion both old and young were slaughtered: Neither did their murdering hand spare or refrain from women; nay not so much as from young infants. And although the king besought and requested them to forbear them, yet no man gave over, but all sorts of persons were murdered by them, without respect either of sex or age. Antigonus' inconsiderate The year of the world. 3929. before Christ's birth 35. Antigonus submitteth himself to Sosius of that estate wherein he had been, or the fortune and disaster that at that present attended him, came down from the tower and humbled himself on his knees before Sosius feet; who having no compassion of the change of that estate wherein he saw him, outrageously scorned him, call him Madam Antigona: yet left he him not without guard after the manner of a woman, but fast bound for his further assurance. But Herode was busied in devising how he might moderate his associates and strangers, after he had had the upper hand over his enemies: For the strangers swarmed into the City by heaps, and not only into the Temple, but also into the Sanctuary. He therefore exhorted some, and threatened other some, and restrained the rest by force of arms; and he was more troubled at that present in Herode sore troubled in pacifying the strangers. The spoil of the city hindered. being a conqueror, then if he had been conquered: for that those things that were not lawful to be seen were beheld by profane men. He prevented likewise the spoil of the City, as much as in him lay: beseeching Sosius most instantly, to preserve it to the utmost, ask him if the Romans would leave him king of a desert, after they had voided the City of men and goods? Alleging furthermore, that he esteemed the government of the whole world of no value in regard of the life of one of his Citizens. Sosius answered, that it was reason that the pillage should be given to the soldier, who had borne the hazard of the siege: whereunto Herode answered, that he would satisfy every man out of his own treasury: and by this means, he ransomed the rest of the City by fulfilling those his promises: For he gave many mighty gifts unto every one of the soldiers, and by proportion unto the captains; but above all he royally rewarded Sosius; so that every one of them departed very rich in silver. This calamity happened in the City of jerusalem, in the year wherein Marcus Agrippa and Canidius Gallus were Consuls, which was in the hundredth, fourscore and fifth olympiad, When Ierusal●… was taken. in the third month on the days wherein the solemn fast was celebrated; as if this affliction had jumped together in one issue and instant with that of Pompey's: for on the same day had the same City been taken twenty and seven years before. Sosius offered a crown of gold unto God, and afterwards departed from jerusalem, leading Antigonus prisoner with him unto Anthony. But Herode fearing least if Antigonus should be kept by Anthony, and sent to Rome, he should debate his title with him before the Senate by protest that he was descended of the royal line; whereas Herode was but a Plebeian and common person: and that although he had offended the Romans, and thereby might not deserve to be king; yet at least his children, who were of the princely line, were not to be denied their title: Herode I say, fearing these things, wrought so much by force of his money with Anthony, that he caused him to Herode bribeth Antonius with money to make away Antigonus. The end of the Asmonean family, and the extinction of their priest. hood. put Antigonus to death; so that at that time Herode was truly delivered from all fear. Thus ended the estate of the Asmoneans, after six score and six years. This family was famous both for their nobility, as also by reason of their Sacerdotal dignity, and for the noble actions and exploits, which their ancestors had achieved for our nation; but they lost their authority thorough their mutual factions: which sovereignty was derived to Herode Antipater's son, who was ignoble by birth, and of mean friends; who were subjects and vassals to kings. See here what we have received from our ancestors, as touching the end of the race of the Asmoneans. THE XV. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 15. book. 1 jerusalem being overcome by Sosius and Herode, Antigonus is beheaded by Anthony's commandment. Herode maketh away the chiefest friends of Antigonus. 2 How Hircanus being dismissed by the Parthians returneth to Herode. 3 Herode after he had made Aristobulus his wife Mariammes brother high priest, practiseth and worketh his death. 4 Cleopatra thirsting after the kingdoms of jewry and Arabia, laboureth to beg a part of them at Anthony's hands. 5 The arrival of Queen Cleopatra in judaea. 6 Herode maketh war against Aretas, at such time as Anthony was overthrown by Caesar in the Actianwarre. 7 Of the earthquake in jewry. 8 Herodes oration to his army. 9 Herode intending to repair unto Caesar doth of necessity kill Hircanus. 10 How Herode obtained the continuance of his kingdom of judaea at Caesar's hands. 11 Herode maketh away Mariam thorough false calumniations of her enemies. 12 Of the famine that afflicted the land of jewry. 13 The building of Caesarea. 14 Herode buildeth a new temple in jerusalem. CHAP. I. jerusalem being taken by Sosius and Herode, Antigonus is beheaded by Anthony's command: Herode maketh away all his chiefest friends. IN the former book I have declared how Sosius and Herode took the City The year of the world. 3930. before Christ's Nativity. 3 4. Herode preferreth his favourites, and killeth his enemies. The Pharisees honoured by him. Pollio y Herodes tyranny. of jerusalem by force, & with it Antigonus prisoner: now will we also declare that which hath subsequently followed: For after that Herode had obtained the absolute government over the whole land of judaea, he advanced all those among the common people, who favoured his proceedings: as for those who were opposed against him, there passed not a day wherein some one or other of them suffered not punishment. But amongst the rest Pollio the Pharisee, and Sameas his disciple, were highly honoured by him: For during the time of the siege of jerusalem, they counseled the inhabitants to receive & entertain Herod: for which cause he respected them accordingly. This Pollio in times past (when Herode was found guilty of death) foretold Hircanus and the rest of the judges in way of exprobration, that being absolved by them he should one day inflict punishment on them all. Which prediction God in process of time approved by the event: no sooner therefore became he master of jerusalem, but he gathered together all the rich household stuff that was in the palace; and furthermore having spoiled the rich men of their goods, and by this means levied a great sum of gold and silver, he sent great presents to Anthony and his friends. Moreover he condemned five and forty of Antigonus' principal and noblest favourites to death, setting straight watch about their doors, that none of The slaughter of them that were of Antigonus ●…action. them might be carried out under colour of being dead. The dead bodies likewise were trodden under foot: and all the gold, silver, or jewels that was to be found amongst them, was carried to the king, and converted to his use, so that there was no end of these miseries. For the covetousness of the conqueror (whose greedy and thirsting desire could hardly be quenched) said hold on whatsoever was theirs. And for that it was the seventh year, it necessarily came to pass that The year of the world. 3930. before Christ's birth 34. the land was left unmanured: for we are forbidden to sow in this year. Anthony having taken Antigonus prisoner, resolved to keep him in prison until the time of his triumph: But after he had received tidings that the nation of the jews were ready to innovate and rebel, and continued their good affection toward Antigonus, in regard of the hatred they conceived against Herod; he concluded with himself to take his head from him at Antioch: For the jews could scarcely contain themselves. Strabo of Cappadocia testifieth no less in these words. Anthony having Antigonus beheaded. Strabo of Antigonus. brought Antigonus the jew to Antioch, caused his head to be cut off; and was the first among the Romans that hath caused a king to be beheaded in this manner: supposing that the jews might never otherways be induced to change their opinions, and receive Herode●… yet this opinion of his was not answerable to equity. For notwithstanding whatsoever impulsion he might devise, yet could they not be induced to call him king: in so high estimate and account held they Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 〈◊〉. their former king. But Anthony supposed that that infamy would obscure his renown, and lessen the general hate that they bore to Herode. See here what Strabo writeth. As soon as the high priest Hircanus (who was prisoner among the Parthians) heard that Herode: had taken possession of the kingdom, he returned back unto him, being delivered after Hircan●… heating ●…idings that Herode had obtained the kingdom returneth unto him. this manner following. Barzapharnes, and Pacorus princes of the Parthians had taken Hircanus, who was first high priest, and afterwards king, and with him Phasaelus Herodes brother, and led them away prisoners with them into their own country: Phasaelus not able to endure the dishonour of imprisonment, and preferring an honourable death before a reproachful and ignominious life, murdered himself, as I have heretofore declared. CHAP. II. How Hircanus dismissed by the Parthians, returned unto Herode. PHraates king of Parthia, understanding how nobly Hircanus was descended, who was Hircanus highly honoured in Babylon by the jews. brought prisoner unto him, entertained him graciously: and for this cause drew him out of prison, permitting him to converse in Babylon, in which place there were a great number of jews, who honoured Hircanus very much; and no less than their high priest and king. The like also did all they of that nation inhabiting as far as Euphrates, which did not a little content Hircanus. But after that he was advertised that Herode was possessed of the kingdom, Hircanus' leaving his country, expecteth favour at Herodes hands. he transferred his hopes another way, being of his own nature tenderly affected toward his friends, expecting that one day Herode would requite him for that he had delivered him from death whereunto he was condemned; and in danger likewise of the penalty and punishment. He began therefore to consult with the jews, as touching his journey; who in way of duty and love came to visit him, and who besought him, and importuned him to abide with them, offering him all service and honour; assuring him that he should in no less manner be respected among them, than their high priest and king; yea in far higher regard than he might any ways be in his own country, by reason of the maim he had in his body thorough Antigonus tyranny: alleging that kings do not ordinarily call to their remembrance those pleasures that they have received in their infant fortunes, because that with their estates they change both their manners and inclinations. But notwithstanding all these or such like allegations, yet could not Hircanus be withdrawn from the desire he had to repair homeward. Herode also wrote unto him, that he should require Phraates and the jews that inhabited his kingdom, in no sort to envy his felicity, in that he should partake with him both in dignity and royalty, alleging that the time was now come wherein he might acknowledge the benefits he had received, by being heretofore nourished and preserved by him. With these letters he sent Samaralla likewise on an embassage to Phraates, furnished with great & rich presents, endeavouring by that means to Saramalla Herodes embasdour to Phraates. win him, that he in no sort should hinder his gratulation and good intent towards one that had so highly deserved at his hands; yet were not his protestations answerable to his pretence. For insomuch as he governed not with that uprightness, which became a just king; he feared least some alteration might befall him, according to his demerits: for which cause he sought to get Hircanus under his power, or at leastwise to dispatch him out of his life, which he afterwards performed. When as therefore Herode had persuaded the Parthian to dismiss Hircanus, and the jews to furnish him with money sufficient to bear his expense in his journey, he received him Herode highly honoureth Hircanus. with all honour. In common assemblies he gave him always the highest place, and in the time of festivals, he made him always sit down before him; and the more closely to deceive him, he The year of the world, 3930. before Christ's Nativity, 34. Herode giveth the high priesthood to Ananel. called him brother, endeavouring himself by all means wholly to extinguish in him all colour and cause of suspicion of treachery: neitherintermitted he any other stratagems, whereby in his opinion he might any ways further or promote his cause; and yet by these means occasioned he no small sedition in his own family. For carefully providing lest any one among the nobility should be established high Priest, he sent to Babylon for a certain man of base condition called Ananel, and gave him the Priesthood. For which cause Alexandra grew suddenly displeased, not being able to endure that outrage. This woman was Hircanus' daughter, and Alexander's wife, who was king Aristobulus son, who had two children by her husband, the one wondrous beautiful, who also was called Aristobulus; the other was Mariam, who was likewise fair, and married to Herode. She was sore moved and highly displeased to see her son so much indignified, for that during his life another was called to the honour of high Priesthood: for which cause she wrote unto Cleopatra by the means of a certain Musician, beseeching her to beg the high Priesthood Alexandra soliciteth Antonius by Cleopatra's mediation for the high priesthood for her son. at Antonius hands for her son. But for that Antonius made little reckoning of those suits, a certain friend of his called Gellius, who was come into jury about certain of his affairs, and who had seen Aristobulus, fell in love with him by reason of his beauty: and being abashed likewise at his great and goodly stature, and alured by Mariammes admirable beauty, he openly protested that he accounted Alexandra a happy mother in her children: and devising to this effect with her, he persuaded her to send the pictures of her two children to Antonius, for that if he should but behold them, he would refuse him in nothing, wherein he should request his friendship. Alexandra persuaded by these words, sent their pictures unto Antonius. Gellius also made the matter more wonderful, telling him that the children seemed rather to be engendered of no mortal strain, but by some divine power, labouring as much as in him lay that Antonius might be alured to affection them. Who supposing it to be a matter ill be seeming him to send for Mariam, who was married to Herode, and desirous likewise to avoid Clopatras' suspicions, wrote unto Herode that under some honest pretext he should send Alexandra's son unto him (with this addition, if it might not seem troublesome unto him.) Which matter when Herode understood, Antonius requireth Aristobulus at Herod's hands he thought it no ways incident to his security to send Aristobulus, (who was a fair young man, and little more at that time then sixteen years old, & so nobly borne: considering that Antonius was at that present in such authority, that no one in Rome was in greater credit than he; and who besides that, was very much addicted to his pleasures, which he openly hunted after without fear of punishment in regard of his greatness and power. He therefore wrote him this answer, that if the young man should but only depart out of the country, all the land would incontinently The causes why Aristobulus was not sent. be filled with war and troubles, for that the jews pretended alteration in government, and sought to innovate by preferring a new king. When as therefore he had in this sort excused himself unto Antonius; he resolved to entertain both the younger Aristobulus and his mother Alexandra, with more respect. Moreover his wife Mariam did continually importune him to give the priesthood to her brother, alleging that by that honour he might prevent the occasion of his travel. For which cause assembling his friends together in counsel, he grievously accused Alexandra before them, protesting that she secretly conspired against the kingdom: and that by the mediation of Cleopatra, she laboured to dispossess him of the sovereignty, to the intent that Herode inveigheth against Alexandra for pretending to usurp the kingdom. her sons by Antonius means might govern in his steed. Which practice of hers was so much the more unjust, because she deprived her own daughter of that honour wherein she was inseated, & raised up troubles likewise in that kingdom which he had conquered with great travel, and extreme danger. Yet notwithstanding that he willingly forgot that which was past, and forgave those wrongs she had urged against him, and was ready notwithstanding to show all kindness and courtesy both to her and hers. Furthermore he gave the high priesthood to young Aristobulus, alleging that heretofore he had established Ananel in that place for no other respect, then for that Aristobulus was under years. After that he had thus seriously and considerately discoursed in the presence of the Ladies, and the consistory of his friends; Alexandra almost beside herself, not only thorough the joy she had Alexandra excuseth herself, and having promise of the priesthood for her son is reconciled to Herode. conceived by this unexpected good fortune, but also for the fear she had to be suspected, began to defend herself with tears & protestations, saying, that all whatsoever she had either practised or done, was to prefer her son unto the Priesthood whom she saw dishonoured: but as touching the kingdom that she had never pretended, neither would (if so be she should be presented therewith) receive the same, thinking herself for the present sufficiently honoured, both for that she saw Aristobulus in that estate, as for the assurance that all her progeny should receive, in that he was lifted up in dignity above the rest. Being therefore overcome by those merits, she accepted willingly The year of the world, 3930. before Christ's birth 34. the honour for her son, and showed herself obedient in all things, requesting him that if she had committed any thing rashy and thorough inconsideration of passion, either in respect of her children, or in unbridled carriage of her tongue, he would be pleased to pardon her. After these debates and interchangeable discourses on either side, they shook hands the one with the other, in token of a more fixed and unfeigned friendship than was before, burying (as they then pretended) all evil suspicion or cause of unkindness. CHAP. III. Herode preferreth Aristobulus his wife Mariammes brother to the Priesthood, and afterwards pu●…eth him to death. HEreupon Herode took away the Priesthood instantly from Ananel, who was not that countryman borne (as we have heretofore declared) but was borne amongst those jews Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 3. Herode taketh the Priesthood from Ananel. that inhabit and were planted beyond Euphrates by the Assyrians. For divers thousand jews inhabit the country of Babylon, and from thence took he his original also, being otherwise of the race of the Priests, and entirely affected toward Herode for a long time before, with whom he had familiar acquaintance. He had preferred him to this honour at such time, as he was made king; and degraded him likewise to appease the troubles of his family; demeasning himself herein contrary to the law of the country. For whereas any one hath once been installed in that degree, he is never to be displaced. The first that transgressed this ordinance The Priesthood taken from three. was Antiochus Epiphanes, who dispossessed josuah, and preferred his brother Onias to his place. The second was Aristobulus, who took it away from his brother Hircanus, and usurped it himself. Herode was the third, who gave the Priesthood to Aristobulus, establishing him in Ananels place before he was dead: and by this means supposing that he had found out a remedy to appease the discords of his family, he notwithstanding all this lived not without suspicion what event would follow after this reconciliation: For he feared Alexandra, least demeasning herself in such sort as before time she had done, she should seek occasion hereafter to raise new troubles. Alexandra suspected by Herode, is spied and watched, and her actions observed. He commanded her therefore to contain herself within the royal palace, and to do nothing of her own authority. Besides that, he had appointed certain intelligencers, who should diligently observe that nothing should be done without his knowledge, no not concerning her particular expenses and table. All which things exasperated her hate and increased the same against Herode; for being full of feminine pride, she disdained to see herself thus wrongfully suspected, desiring rather to suffer any thing, then to be deprived of the liberty of free speech: and under colour to be honoured, to live continually in servitude and fear. Whereupon she sent certain of her trusty friends to Cleopatra to complain, and lament unto her the importable miseries of her present estate, requiring her, according to her power, to give ready and speedy relief. Whereupon Cleopatra sent her word, that both she and her son should resort unto her into Egypt, with as great secrecy as might be possible. Upon which advice and the allowance Alexandra pretending to fly into Egypt is betrayed by her servant. thereof, she practised this policy. She caused two coffins to be made, such as men were wont to bury the dead in, in which she hid both herself and her son, commanding those servants of hers that were privy to her deliberation to carry them out in the night time, and to bend their course directly towards the sea, where there was a bark in readiness prepared to shape their course, and convey them into Egypt. But Aesop one of her household servants declared this enterprise of hers to Sabbion one of Alexandra's friends, supposing that he had been made privy thereunto: who had no sooner inkling thereof, but (for that before times he was Herodes enemy, by reason he was suspected to have been one of those that sought to poison Antipater) he determined by discovery of this secret flight, to convert Herodes hate into assured friendship: and presently discovered Alexandra's secret enterprise to the king. Who dissembling the matter until it was upon the point of execution, surprised her at such time as she thought to fly, and yet notwithstanding he pardoned her that fault (in that he durst not decree any punishment against her, though he could have found in his heart to have used severity) for that Cleopatra would not have contained herself, had she but had such an occasion offered her to express her hatred against Herod. For which cause under the colour of a high and magnanimous spirit, he made show to pardon her Herode contriveth Aristobulus death. of his mere clemency: yet inwardly resolved he to make young Aristobulus away: yet not rashly and upon the instant, lest the act should grow apparent and palpable. Now the feast of Tabernacles was at hand, which was one of those that was ceremoniously The year of the world. 3932. before Christ's birth 33. and solemnly celebrated among us; for which cause he concealed his intents during the festival days, intending both in himself and in the presence and company of the people, to follow all kind of pleasure and delight; yet did his enny incite him to hasten the execution of his will. Aristobulus was at that time some seventeen year old, who at such time as he approached the altar to offer sacrifices, according to the law, appareled in the high priests ornaments to perform the ceremonies, he (who for amiable countenance and goodly stature surpassed the young and tenderness of his years) expressing in his countenance the dignity and nobility of his race, drew the eyes and good affection of all the people unto him; so that they openly called to remembrance the noble actions of Aristobulus his grandfather. All the people therefore being surmounted by those their affections, and at that present time being all of them troubled with the joy they conceived, they broke out by little and little into happy acclamations, mixed with wishes and prayers: so that the good will the people bore to Aristobulus discovered itself openly, and they manifestly (although too hastily in such a kingdom) declared what evils they generally endured: For all which causes Herode concluded to execute that which he had heretofore complotted, and conceited against Aristobulus. As soon therefore as the feast was overpassed, he sojourned in jericho, where Alexandra entertained him. In that place he used Aristobulus with all kindness, to the end to draw him into some place, where he feared nothing, playing also with him, and counterfeiting to sport, after the fashion of the young men, to gratify him. Now, for that the place where they disported themselves was by nature too hot, they quickly wearied, left their sport, and went out together to take the fresh air, and recovering a pleasant shade under certain arbours, and near certain fishpools which were largely spread round about, they beheld certain of their servants and friends that swam therein, with whom not long after Aristobulus began to swim, being persuaded thereunto by Herode. Whereupon Herodes confederates (who were deputed to execute the murder) laid hands of him and thrust him under the water, pretending to duck him in sport, and never gave him over until such time as they had stifled him in the water. This happened Aristobulus is drowned by Herodes direction, Ananell restored to the priesthood. about the evening, and after this manner died Aristobulus, after he had lived in all for the space of eighteen years, and administered the priesthood one whole year: and after this Ananel presently recovered his former dignity. Now when this accident was reported to the women, all of them were suddenly devoured in tears, and transported with strange lamentations, which they spent over the dead body. All the City also was marvelously amated, neither was there any private family that thought not itself touched by this inconvenient, but imagined the loss in particular to concern himself, and no other. But above all, when Alexandra had notice of this wicked deed, she was more passionate The lamentation for Aristobulus death and perplexed then any other, being so much the more discomforted, for that she knew how all things had happened. But the fear of a far greater mischief constrained her to repress her passion; in such sort, that divers times she was ready to bereave her of her own life, and dispatch herself out of misery with her own hands. But she contained herself, to the end, that surviving (and living after her son, who was so traitorously and fraudulently slain, and prolonging her own life without giving any suspicion or shadow, that she supposed her son to be thus cursedly murdered) she might with more opportunity expect the occasion to revenge herself: For which cause, she dissembled all things, governed her grief, and made show that she knew nothing of that which was either intended, or had happened. As for Herode, he laboured by all means to persuade the strangers, that this death had befallen Aristobulus without his knowledge; and Herodes counterfeit sorrow. did not only prepare that which was requisite for the funeral, but vexed himself likewise, & made show of a man truly devoured in his sorrow: and it may be that in remembrance of Aristobulus beauty and flourishing young years, he was truly touched with compassion, notwithstanding that he imagined that this death of his should be a means of his entire security, demeasning himself in all things very circumspectly, with intent to purge himself of that crime. But especially he showed his great magnificence in the interring of his body, both in the furnishing and preparation of the hearse, as in the perfumes and other things thereunto belonging, in such sort as the grief which the Ladies had conceived, was pacified after this manner of consolation. CHAP. FOUR The year of the world. 3931. before the Nativity of Christ. 33. Cleopatra thirsting after the kingdoms of Arabia and jewry, laboureth to beg a part of them at Anthony's hands. But none of all these things could either move or mollify Alexandra, but that daily more and more she increased her sorrow, and in the heart of her tears kindled her wrath Alexandra certifieth Cleopatra of Herodes treasons and her sons traitorous murder. and heat with a desire of revenge: She therefore certified Cleopatra by her private letters of Herodes treasons, and her sons most miserable and untimely death. Cleopatra long before that time desirous to assist her, and having compassion of her misery, undertook the matter, and ceased not to incite Anthony to revenge Aristobulus death, telling him that it was an unpardonable error, that Herode being created king in such a state, whereunto he had no right, should be suffered to practise such conspiracies against the true and lawful kings. Anthony persuaded by these her words (as soon as he came unto Laodicea) sent for Herode, to the end that making his appearance, he might answer that which might be objected against him, as touching Aristobulus death: for he disliked the act, notwithstanding that Herode himself had attempted it. But although Herode was afraid of this accusation, and did not a little suspect Cleopatra's displeasure (for that she ceased not continually to provoke Anthony against him) yet obeyed he this commandment, and transported himself thither (the rather for that he durst not otherwise do) notwithstanding he left his uncle joseph behind him, committing the government both of the kingdom & his private estate unto him, giving him secret instructions to kill Mariam, if so be that Herode ready to repair unto Antony, commandeth joseph, to whose charge he committed the kingdom, to kill his wife. Anthony should happen to do him any mischief. For he loved her so extremely by reason of her beauty, that he supposed himself injured, if after his decease she should be beloved by any other; and he openly declared that all that misery which befell him, proceeded from Anthony's passion, and entire affection, and admiration of her beauty, whereof he had before time heard some report. As soon therefore as he had in this sort disposed his affairs, notwithstanding he had little hope of good hap, yet repaired he to Anthony. But joseph governing that kingdom that was committed to his hands, conversed divers times upon this occasion with Mariam, and communicated oftentimes with her, not only for public profit sake, but also to do her that honour which so great a princess deserved. At such time therefore as he secretly devised with her, as touching the friendship and ardent affection which Herode bare unto he●…, his speeches were jested at after the manner of Ladies, but especially flouted at by Alexandra. For which cause joseph, being overforward to express the kings good will towards her, proceeded so far that he discovered the commandment that was given him; thereby to make manifest, that it was not possible for Herode to live without her, and that if any inconvenient should happen unto him, he would not in death also be disjoined from her. This discourse of Joseph's was not interpreted by the Ladies, as a demonstration of his good will, but rather as a manifestation of Herodes malignity, who dying, desired also that they should perish, and interpreted that which he had spoken, as the testimony of his tyrannous and malicious hart. At that time there was a rumour spread in the City of jerusalem by Herodes maligners, that Anthony had in such sort tormented him, that he was dead. Whereupon all those of the king's house A foolish rumour of Herodes death. were troubled, and in especial the Ladies; so that Alexandra incited joseph to forsake the palace, and take the Ladies, and to retire himself under the ensigns of the Roman legion, who at that time were about the city for the security of the kingdom, under the conduct of the Tribune julius, to the end first of all, that if any trouble should happen in the king's house, they might be by this means in safety, having the Romans to friend; and afterwards, for that they hoped that if Anthony should see Mariam, she might obtain all things at his hands whatsoever she desired, assuring him that he would restore the kingdom unto her, and deprive her of nothing that concerned, or was answerable to her royal estate. But whilst they were distracted with these deliberations, there came letters from Herode, contrary to some few men's report, and all men's expectation. For as soon as he came unto Anthony, he compassed his favour by his many presents, which he had brought with him to that intent Herode appeaseth Anthony by presents, and certifieth his friends by letters of his health. from jerusalem, and suddenly debating the matter with him, he appeased him in such sort, as he was no more displeased against him: and from that time forward, Cleopatra's speeches were but coldly conceited of in regard of his so ample satisfaction. For Anthony said, that there was no reason that a king should be answerable for that which he had done in his kingdom; for that in so doing, he should no more be king: but that when the honour is once given him, he hath the authority likewise left him, to use his regal power. Urging further, that it concerned Cleopatra The year of the world 3932. before Christ's Nativity. 32. likewise herself, not to search too curiously into the affairs and government of kingdoms. Herode certified all this by his letters, and signified further, what other honours he had received at Anthony's hands in assemblies and feasts, to which he invited him always; notwithstanding that Cleopatra seemed to be displeased therewith, detracting him; and being desirous to get the kingdom of jewry into her hands, strove by all means possible to put him to death: but that he had found Anthony always an upright man, and feared not henceforward that any evil should be fall him: and returning presently upon this, he brought with him a more ample testimony of Anthony's most assured affection, both in respect of his own kingdom, as of his particular affairs. And as touching Cleopatra, she pretended not to seek any further than that which she had, because that Anthony had given her Coelesyria in steed of that which she had demanded, for bearing thence forward to mention jewry any more, because Anthony wholly rejected those suits. After these letters came unto their hands, the trouble and disturbance wherein they were, and their desire to retire unto the Romans, as if Herode had been dead, was wholly extinguished. Yet was not this their resolution hidden from the king; but that Herode after he had brought Anthony on his way (who at that time set forward in his wars against the Parthians) he returned into jewry. Upon his arrival, his sister Salome, and his mother certified him exactly of Alexandra's intent, and the determination of her friends. Salome likewise spoke against joseph her husband, and slandered him, objecting against him that he had had Mariammes company. All which she spoke thorough the malice she had long time conceived against him, for that in a certain debate joseph and Mariam accused before Herode. Mariam had in her rage despitefully hit them in the teeth with their obscure birth. Herode (who was always inflamed with the earnest affection which he bore unto his wife Mariam) was suddenly troubled hereat: and although jealousy pressed him forward, yet love restrained him and kept him from doing any thing rashly, thorough passion or affection: for which cause he called Mariam aside, and demanded of her in secret, what familiar company she had kept with joseph? She by solemn oaths and by all possible allegations in her own defence appeased the king Mariam excuseth & purgeth herself before the king, and is reconciled. by little and little, and pacified his choler. For in such sort was he transported with the love that he bore unto his wife, that he believed she had sufficiently purged herself of those slanders, that had been enforced against her; yielding her most hearty thanks for her honest affection towards him, and declaring unto her openly the great esteem and love that he bore unto her. Finally (as it often falleth out amongst lovers) they fell to tears, and embraced each other with great affection: and for that she gave him no credit, he endeavoured the more to draw her to belief. Whereupon Mariam said unto him: It is not the act of a lover to have given commandment, that if any thing should befall thee otherways then well with Anthony, I should presently be done to death with thee; notwithstanding I have no ways offended thee. No sooner were these words out of her mouth, but the king entered into a strange passion, and giving over his embraces he cried out with a loud voice and tore his hair, saying, that he had a most evident proof that joseph had committed adultery with her: for that he would not have discovered those things which had been spoken to him in secret, except they had greatly trusted the one the other, and in this emotion or rage of jealousy hardly contained he himself from killing his wife. But the force of love overcame him so much, that he bridled his rage notwithstanding it were irksome and grievous unto him. Yet gave he order that joseph should be slain without either audience Herode commandeth that joseph should be slain, and imprisoneth Alexandra. or justification of his innocency and as touching Alexandra, who was the cause of all these troubles, he kept her prisoner. About the same time there grew certain troubles and alterations in Syria: for that Cleopatra continually solicited and importuned Anthony, and whetted on his displeasure against all, persuading Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. Cleopatra very covetous. Cleopatra murdereth her brother and sister. him to remove all from their governments, and to bestow the same on herself. And for that Anthony loved her extremely, she was in great estimation and credit with him: and being in her own nature inclined to covetousness, she abstained from no kind of corrupt dealing and wickedness. For knowing that the kingdom should descend unto her brother, she caused him to be poisoned, when he was but fifteen years old: as for her sister Arsinoe, she caused her to be slain by Anthony's means at such time, as she made her prayers in the temple of Diana in Ephesus. Moreover in what place soever she understood that there was any hope to get money, whether it were in robbing of temples, or in breaking open sepulchres; she would be possessed thereof: neither was there any religious place so sacred, from whence she took not away the ornaments. Furthermore there was not any thing so profane and interdicted, which she laid not hands on to satisfy her unbridled avarice. Neither was the whole world sufficient The year of the world, 3932. before Christ's birth 32. enough to content this magnificent Lady, who was made slave to her own desires; and her disordinate appetite was such, that all the riches in the world were not able to to satiate and fill the same. For this cause she incessantly importuned Antonius to take from others, to be liberal towards her: and therefore intring into Syria with him, she presently bethought herself how she might get it into her possession. For she caused Lysanias Ptolemy's son to be put to death, objecting against him that he had private intelligence with the Parthians. She begged jury also at Cleopatra contrieth Lysanias death Antonius' hands, and required him besides that to dispossess the kings of Arabia. He was in such sort possessed by this woman that he seemed not only to be bewitched with her words, but also enchanted by her poisons, to obey her in whatsoever she thought meet: yet was he ashamed to commit so manifest an iniquity, for fear least being so far overruled by her, he should happen to offend Antonius giveth Cleopatra a portion deducted out of jury and Arabia. in matters of more consequence. Lest therefore either by denying her, he should draw her to discontent; or by condescending to her demands, he should seem to be the wickedest man alive, he deducted a several portion of both their dominions, & presented her with the same. He gave her likewise those cities that are situate between the flood Eleutherius & Egypt except tire and Sydon, which he knew to be free cities of long continuance: although by earnest solicitation she sought to be seized of these also. CHAP. V. Cleopatra's progress into judaea. AFter that Cleopatra had obtained all these things, and had accompanied Antonius as far as Euphrates, who at that time went to make war in Armenia: she returned back again, and by the way visited Apamea and Damascus, and at last took her Cleopatra cometh to Herode who enstateth her in that the part of Arabia & these revenues of lericho that were given her An intemperate woman given to lust. progress into jury: Where King Herode met with her, and assured that portion which had been given unto her in Arabia, with all the revenues of jericho unto her. This country bringeth forth that balm, which of all other ointments is the most precious, and only groweth in that place, and no other, to the bigness of great Dates. Being arrived in that place, and grown inwardly familiar with Herode, she fought to allure and draw him to her lust, being of herself naturally addicted to such pleasures and intemperance; and happily also being somewhat touched with love, or rather (as it seemeth most likely) she in this sort laid the foundation to entrap him under colour to revenge herself of some outrage by that means. But in effect she generally manifested, that she was overcome by her desire and sensual lust. But Herode was not over kindly bend towards Cleopatra, knowing of long time how badly she was inclined towards all men; and at that time he conceived the greater hatred against her, because by that intemperance of hers she pretended to destroy him: and although that from the beginning he had rejected her solicitations; yet determined he to revenge himself on her, if so be by these her subtle underminings she should prosecute and continue her subtle policies to betray him. He asked counsel also of his friends, whether having her in his possession, he should put her to death. For Herode goeth about to put Cleopatra to death, and is dissuaded by his ●…riends. in so doing all those should be delivered from divers evils, whom either in time passed she had molested, or hereafter s●…d bring in trouble. Moreover that it would be profitable for Antonius also, whom without all doubt she would forsake, if any occasion or necessity should enforce him to make trial of her friendship. But whilst he debated and discoursed upon this resolution, his friends restrained and dissuaded him, assuring him that it was a great indignity for him, who was a Prince of high thoughts and haughty resolutions, to cast himself into manifest peril, beseeching him to attempt nothing rashly: For that Antonius would not endure the same, notwithstanding Antonius conquereth Armenia. it might be approved that it stood with his profit: nay rather that by this means he should increase his desire, for that by force & subtlety he might seem to have lost her. Further, that no on colour of excuse should be left him, in that she was the woman of greatest note & nobility of that time; & that what soever profit might redound unto him by her death, should be annexed with Antonius' injury. Whereby it most evidently appeared, how great & remediless damages would befall both, to the kingdom & the king's family also; whereas nothing letted him by repulsing her unluwfull demand to dispose allthings for the present state with great discretion. By these & such like reasons and probable conjectures, they deterred and dissuaded him from adventuring upon his apparent danger, and attempting so heinous an act: so that chose they induced him to offer Cleopatra many rich presents, and to conduct her onward on her way towards Egypt. As soon therefore as Antonius was seized of Armenia, he sent Artabazes Tigranes son, Herode bringeth Cleopatra onward off her way towards Egypt. with all his children, who were great princes, prisoners into Egypt, and presented them to Cleopatra with all those precious jewels likewise, which were taken by him or found in the kingdom. But Artaxias his elder son (who at that time had saved himself by flight) reigned in Armenia, The ye●…e of the world. 3933. before Christ's birth 31. whom Archelaus and Nero the Emperor drove out of his kingdom, and placed his younger brother Tigranes in his room, as it shall be declared hereafter. As for the tributes of the countries which Herode was bound to pay unto Cleopatra, for the lands bestowed on her by Antonius, he without deceit justly paid them, supposing it to be very incident to his security, to continue himself in her good favour. As for the Arabians, they seeing that Herode had the levying of such a tribute, paid him for some little time two hundredth talents a year; but afterwards Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. they grew slow and negligent in their payments, and scarcely satisfied the half, and that also very negligently. CHAP. VI Herode maketh war with Aretas at the same time that Antonius is overthrown by Augustus Caesar in his Actium war. ARetas demeasning himself thus ungratefully, and refusing to do that which in right he ought to perform; Herode made a show to take arms against him, but deferred his revenge in regard of the contentions amongst the Romans. For at that time nought else was expected then the Actium war (which fell in the hundredth, eighty and seventh olympiad) in which Augustus Caesar determined to try his title with Antonius for the Monarchy. In the Herode levieth an army to assist Antonius against Octavian. Herode is incited by letters to the Arabian war. mean while Herode, who had already for many years been master of a peaceable and fruitful country, from whence he drew rich revenues & many forces, gathered divers companies of men, with the greatest expedition that he might, to succour Antonius. But he by letters signified unto him, that he had no need of his assistance: notwithstanding he commanded him to make a road upon the Arabian, whose perfidious dealing Antonius had not only understood by Herode himself, but also by Cleopatra's advertisements. For she very cunningly conceived, that it would redound unto her profit, if one of these two should overthrow the other. Herode according to these instructions from Antonius, returned back into his country, and retained his army always ready about him, and incontinently with the same invaded Arabia, and with his forces both horsemen and footmen came directly to Diospolis, where the Arabians (having notice Herodes battles and conquests. of his intended war against them) came out to meet him. In this place fought they a most cruel battle, wherein at the last the jews had the upper hand. After this a great army of Arabians assembled themselves at Cana, a certain place in Coelesyria. Whereof when Herode The year of the world, 3934. before Christ's birth 30. was foreaduertised, he marched forth against them, accompanied with the greater part of his forces. As soon as he drew near to Cana, he determined to encamp in that place, and after he had well fortified and entrenched his forces, to set on the enemy upon the first opportunity: but whilst he employed himself in the execution hereof, all the army of the jews cried out, requiring him without delay, to lead them forward against the Arabians. And thus highly were they encouraged, both in respect of the confidence they had in the good administration and ordering of their army, as in regard of their forwardness, who had been actors in the former war, and partakers of the victory; so that they scarce gave their enemy leisure to settle themselves to their weapons. Whenas therefore Herode perceived that the heat and forwardness of the soldier could hardly be appeased; he thought good to make use of the readiness of his army, and arming himself he marched foremost, being seconded by his soldiers in battle ray, with a folderlike march. This sudden approach of his wonderfully abashed the Arabians: For although for a while they made head against them; yet perceiving their enemies full of heart, and themselves unable to resist them, divers of them retreated and betook themselves to flight; so that all of them had been utterly defeated, had not Athenio endamaged Herode, and the jews. For he having the command of that army which Cleopatra had in that place; and besides that, bearing a privy grudge towards Herode, disposed his army in a readiness, & expecting the event of the Cleopatra's chieftain overthroweth Herode. battle, resolved with himself to contain his forces, if the Arabians overcame the jews; and if so be they had the worst (as indeed it came to pass) to set upon the jews, who should be spent by that time; and surprising them at unawares even in the height of their hope of good hap, to massacre and slaughter them with his fresh supplies. When as therefore the jews had spent all their strength against their professed enemies, and expected nothing less than the assurance The Arabians returning to the barrel kill those that fly and cake the camp. of the victory, he charged and overcame them who had retreated into certain rough and difficult places (whereunto their enemies were better accustomed then themselves) where being grievously wounded and ill entreated by the Arabians, who returned back and set upon them, divers of them that fled were slain, and died sundry kinds of deaths; and of those that escaped, The year of the world. 3935. before Christ's birth 29. few of them recovered the camp. Herode losing the hope of this battle, posted on horseback as fast as he might, to bring on fresh supplies: but notwithstanding all his expedition and diligence; yet could he not recover the place in due time, but that the camp of the jews was taken and sacked, and the Arabians obtained no small good hap beyond their expectation, becoming Lords of that victory which was wholly unexpected by them, and wherein they slew a great number of their enemies. From that time forward Herode began to make certain incursions and roads into Arabia, praying the country, and doing them much mischief: He encamped himself likewise upon the mountains, forbearing to draw his whole forces into the field; notwithstanding by his diligence and industry in travel, his labours were not fruitless; but that prevailing in some exploits he sought out all means to abolish and put away the ignominy of his former discomfiture. CHAP. VII. Of the earthquake that happened in jewry. AT such time as Caesar and Anthony made trial of their titles in the Actium war, and in the seventh year of the reign of king Herode, there happened such an earthquake in Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. An earthquake in judaea killeth ten thousand men. the country of judaea, that never the like was seen in any other place: so that divers beasts were slain thereby, and many men were overwhelmed with the ruins of their houses, and perished to the number of ten thousand. Only the men of war received no damage, because they encamped in the open field. The Arabians hearing tidings hereof (which were made far greater by report, than they were in effect, by such, who in favour of the Arabians and hate of the jews, reported the same) waxed proud: yea so much was their courage increased hereby, as if all the Cities of jewry had been already overthrown, and the men thereof The Arabians kill the Ambassadors of the Jews. extinguished; and as if they had no adversaries remaining alive to contradict them. For which cause laying hold of those ambassadors of the jews, who came unto them to entreat of peace in their desperate estates, they slew them, and afterwards in the heat of their spleen, set upon their enemy's camp. But the jews not daring to expect or prevent their assault, for that their present miseries had dejected their minds, seemed to neglect their common weal, and in a manner to despair of their safety. These thus affected did the king encourage, and called unto him Herode comforteth the jews that were out of heart for their former losses. their captains, and (as much as in him lay) awaking and reviving their drooping spirits, and when he had restored those of better hope, to more successful good hap; at length he attempted to speak unto all the army, who in the former overthrows, would yield no respect or allowance to persuasion. These did he both comfort and exhort in such manner, as followeth. CHAP. VIII. Herodes Oration to his army. FRiends and fellow soldiers, there is not one of you but knoweth that at this time, there are so many present and impendent misfortunes attending our estates, as are able to weary and amaze those men, that are of the greatest resolution. But since we must needly Herode comforteth and exhorteth his soldiers. fight, and that all those things that have befallen us unto this present, are of that kind, that by your own virtue and magnanimity they may be recovered, I have resolved to inform, and confirm you in those means, whereby you may retain and continue your accustomed valour and noble courage. First of all therefore I will approve unto you (as touching our war) that it consisteth on just grounds, for that we are enforced thereunto thorough the outrage of our enemies, the knowledge The cause of war against the Arabians. whereof should chiefly make you recover your courage. Secondly, I will apparently approve unto you, that our estates are not so desperate, but that we have great and assured hopes to obtain the victory. First of all therefore, I will discourse of that which formerly I proposed, and will make yourselves judges of those things which I will discourse upon. For you yourselves are privy to the Arabians unjustice, and how perfidious they are to their friends, and impious and barbarous towards all men; but in especial they have always troubled us, provoking us thorough their extreme avarice and malignant envy; with perpetual injuries. And yet to let slip all other our benefits to that nation, who is he that delivered them from their imminent peril and thraldom, that was hazarded by Cleopatra's means, but ourselves? For the friendship I had with Anthony, and his benevolence towards me, was the cause that their burden of misery was so lightened; for that Anthony forbore to commit any thing that might draw us to suspicion. The year of the world, 3935. before Christ's Nativity, 29. Besides, after she had wrought him by her solicitation to cut off certain portions of the two kingdoms to be given unto her, the matter was so handled by me, that by divers presents particularly bestowed upon him by my hands, I have obtained security for us both, and by disbursing two hundredth talents of mine own, and giving my word for two hundredth more for others, for the revenues of that very land which in times past was ours, and these now possess and enjoy. Notwithstanding, reason it were in my opinion, that we that are jews should not be tributaries, or give any portion of our country to any man; and if we must needly do it, it ill becometh us to pay it for these, who enjoy their lives by our means. It should not be reasonable for the Arabians, who after they had confessed with many plausible protestations and thanksgivings, that they enjoy their liberty by our benefit, to have deprived and thrust us from our own, and to have unjustly dealt with us; yea even with us I say, who were not their enemies, but rather on the contrary side their chiefest friends in the time of peace. And if fidelity should be respected even amongst those that are our most hated enemies, much more necessarily ought it to be observed by those that are friends. But these men set light thereby, who think nothing honest, but that which is annexed with Lucre; and think no wrong unexcusable, nor impunity injury that hath b●…t a show of profit. Is there any question then, whether we should chastise these unjust men by a just war, since both God commandeth no less, and enjoineth us always to hate outrage, and revenge injustice, especially in that war, which is not only just, but necessary? For that which Legates inviolable. both in the confession of the Grecians and opinion of the Barbarians is most hateful and heinous, this have they perpetrated in murdering our Ambassadors. For the Greeks say, that ambassadors are sacred and inviolable, and we ourselves have received our most wholesome and holiest precepts of the law of God by Angels, that is, from his heralds and messengers: for this name can both bring God to man's knowledge, & reconcile enemy unto enemy. What impiety therefore is more unpardonable then to put those Ambassadors to death, who bring tidings of right and justice? or what prosperity can they expect either in their wars, or felicity in their whole lives, after so heinous a crime? Truly I cannot imagine any: But perhaps some man will say, that right and equity is on our side; but that the greater number of men and means are with them: but this their speech is unworthy of my followers. For with those, with whom justice is, with those also is God: and where God is, there neither wanteth multitude nor fortitude. But let us wade further, and way our own forces by themselves. In the first battle we had the With whom soever. justice is, there is God also. victory: in the second, upon the first charge we put them to flight, and found them unable to make their party good against us. Afterwards, when the victory was ours, behold Athenio, not by lawful war, but subtle treachery assaulted us. But shall this be called their fortitude, or rather their fraud and second iniquity? why therefore should we have less courage, who ought to have the greater confidence? or why should we fear them, who are always inferiors, if they fight openly, and without fraud? and when they seem to overcome, they do it by unjustice? Moreover, if any man suppose them to be valiat, this should the rather incite them more and more unto virtue; for it is no honour for a generous and noble mind to overcome his inferior, but to have means and might to conquer his superior. And if any one be terrified by our domestic and homebred miseries, & by our late earthquake, first of all let him think with himself, that he erreth in that which deceiveth the Arabians, by supposing the same to be more grievous and terrible then indeed it was. And afterwards let him think that it becometh them not to draw matter of fear from thence, whence the other took occasion of courage. For as touching themselves, they conceive not any hope thorough any good that is in themselves, but only in the trust they have that we are already dejected by our calamities. But when they shall see us march forth against them, their courage will be weakened, and our confidence by this means shall be awakened, for that we are not at this time to encounter with desperate men: For neither are we overmuch afflicted; neither (as some think) hath this misery befallen us thorough God's displeasure, but these are the casualties of fortune. And if by the will of God these things are come to pass, it is marvel if by the same will our calamity cease not; and that our punishment should not satisfy his displeasure. But that this present war is approved by him for just, he himself hath evidently declared. For whereas divers thorough the whole region have been oppressed by the earthquake, none of you that bare arms have incurred any mischief; but all of you have been preserved, which is a manifest token of the will of God: and if your children and wives had generally followed the wars as you do, none of you should have been wanting. When as therefore you shall have bethought yourselves of these things, and moreover in regard that God hath The year of the world. 3935. before the Nativity of Christ. 19 at all times an especial care over you: fail not to pursue this injurious nation with a just war, that neither respecteth the laws of friendship, nor keepeth the league of covenant; valiant in murdering sacred Ambassadors; and abject and villainous, where things are to be attempted by valour. These persuasions of his did not a little encourage the jews to the battle, and made them more forward than before. As for Herode, after he had offered sacrifice, according to the custom, he drew his army forth and led them with great confidence against the Arabians, and passing jordan he encamped near unto the enemy, with an intent to surprise a fort situate between them both: making his account that it would further him much, either if upon the present he should be drawn forth to fight, or if it concerned him to march onward, for that this place would serve him to encamp in with more security. The same resolution also had the Arabians, for which cause they fell to skirmish in that place, wherein the first on both sides that The Arabians are overcome by Herode. gave the charge, and afterwards some other followers were slain: so that those of the Arabians side being overcome, betook them to retreat. This success of theirs bred no little hope in the jews, who seeing the enemy's army addressed to attempt any thing rather than to fight, waxed the more hardy to assail the Arabian in his trenches, and beat him from his camp. They being forced by these assaults drew forward to their defence in great disorder, bringing neither courage nor hope of victory with them: yet notwithstanding they defended themselves, both in regard of their great number, as also in respect of that necessity whereunto they were enforced by the jews. The skirmish on both sides was hot, and divers on either party were put to the sword, but in the end the Arabians being put to the worst, turned their backs. The slaughter was so great, that they not only perished by their enemy's swords, but they themselves also murdered one another in the press, and disorderly flight, in which they were trodden under foot, and lay slaughtered in a manner by their own weapons. So that in that discomfiture there died some five thousand: the rest hastily fled on the other side of the rampire: But being overpressed with want of victuals, and in especial with lack of water, they had not any ground or assurance to escape. After them posted the jews, and being unable to recover the fortress with them, they begird the camp with a siege, and shut up all the passages that no succour could come unto them, and took from them all opportunity to escape, although they should affect flight. When as therefore they saw themselves reduced into such extremity, they sent Ambassadors unto Herode, first of all to demand a truce: and afterwards for that they were oppressed with thirst, to crave some remedy for their present necessities. But he neither respected the Ambassadors, neither the proffered ransom for the captives, nor any other whatsoever reasonable demand, desiring earnestly to revenge himself of those injurious treacheries they had practised against his Ambassadors. Being therefore enforced by thirst (which amongst other plagues most grievously afflicted them) many of them forsook their trenches, and offered themselves to bonds, and The Arabians enforced by thirst require truce at Herodes hands. to be led away captives; so that within five days space four thousand of them yielded themselves prisoners. On the sixth day, all the rest determined to sally out, and assail the enemy; rather making choice of assured death, than thus lingeringly and ignominiously to pine away. When as therefore they had all concluded hereupon, they incontinently broke out of their trenches, but like unapt soldiers for a skirmish, decayed not only in body but in mind; reputing their death for an advantage, to escape thereby their extreme misfortunes. For which cause upon the first onset, about some seven thousand of them were slain, and thus the fierceness of this nation being allayed by this overthrow, they submitted themselves to Herode, whom to their own sorrow they had approved to be a valiant soldier. CHAP. IX. Herode constrained to repair unto Augustus Caesar, putteth Hircanus to death. HErode puffed up with his successful good fortune, returned back into his own country, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 7. Herode dismayed at Antonius' overthrow. having obtained great estimation and reputation by his valour and virtue. But at such time as he supposed his state to be most assured, he grew in danger both to lose his dignity and life, by reason of that victory that Caesar obtained against Anthony in the Actium war. For at that time he not only supposed himself to be utterly overthrown, but both his friends and enemies that were round about him lost their hopes, for that it was unlikely that he should escape unpunished, who had been so inwardly united in friendship with Anthony. Whereby it The year of the world 3935. before Christ's Nativity. 29. Herode determineth to make away Hircanus. came to pass, that his friends in no sort concealed their despair, and his enemies under their colourable and dissembled griefs, covered their joy, promising themselves thereafter a better and more pleasing administration of the common weal. Hereupon Herod perceiving, that except Hircanus, there was not any one of the blood royal alive, determined to cut him off, resolving with himself, that if he happened to escape the danger, that a man who at that time was more worthier the kingdom than himself, should not intermeddle amongst his affairs: and if any misfortune should be fall him in regard of Caesar, he desired to dispossess Hircanus of the kingdom, in regard of the envy which he bore him, for that he was the only man who deserved to be advanced to that dignity. Whilst thus he was tormented and traveled in his thoughts, he had an occasion offered him by Hircanus own followers to execute his intention. For Hircanus being of a mild and gentle nature, during all his life time forbore to intermeddle with state affairs, committing all things to fortune, and contenting himself with whatsoever condition it pleased her to allot him. But Alexandra being an ambitious woman, and unable to conceal with modesty the hope she conceived of change, solicited her father that he should not any longer endure the subjection Alexandra soliciteth Hircanus her father to require assistance at Malchus hands. of Herod, who was the very scourge of their family, but rather that he should stand upon his own guard, and reserve himself to his, better hoped fortunes. She furthermore gave him counsel to write unto Malchus, who had the government of Arabia, requesting him to grant him both protection and entertainment. For that if Herod should chance to be cut off by Caesar's displeasure, doubtless the kingdom would return unto him, both in regard of his nobility, as also of the people's favour. These persuasions of hers Hircanus at the first repulsed, but afterwards being overcome by the importunity of the woman, who ceased not day and night to sing the same song of future hope, and of Herod's treasons, he gave certain letters to a friend of his, written to the Arabian, wherein he required him to send him certain horsemen, who might conduct him to the Asphaltite lake, which lieth distant from the confines of jerusalem some three hundred furlongs. And therefore especially committed he these letters to Dositheus trust, both for Three hundredth furlongs contain nine German miles. that he favoured Hircanus and his daughter, and seemed likely for divers causes to hate Herod: for he was Joseph's kinsman, who was slain by Herod, and not long before certain of his brothers were slain amongst others at Tire by Anthony's command: yet for none of these occasions continued he faithful to Hircanus. For he setting more by the present favour of the king that then reigned, than the rest, discovered the letter unto the king: who first of all giving him thanks, required one office of friendship more at his hands; which was, that folding up the letter, and sealing it, he should convey and deliver the same to Malchus, and return his answer, for that it merely concerned him, if he knew his resolution also. Which when Dositheus had diligently performed, the Arabian returned this answer, that he was ready to entertain both himself and his whole family, and all those jews likewise which were of his faction, promising to send him a band of soldiers, who should be able to conduct him safely thither, and should be obedient to his command in all things. Now as soon as Herod was seized of these letters, he called for Hircanus, and demanded of him whether he had any confederacy with Malchus: who denied the same. But Herod protesting and bringing forth his letter in an open assembly, commanded him afterwards to be put to death. Thus are these matters registered in Herodes commentaries: for by some Hircanus by Herodes command is put to death. are they delivered otherwise, namely, that he was executed, not for this crime which he had committed, but for some treasons against the king. For they write to this effect, that Herod at a certain banquet (dissembling his suspicion) demanded of Hircanus, whether he had received any letters from Malchus: and that he answered, that he had received letters, but such as contained nothing else but officious salutations. Further, that another asked him, whether he had received any present therewithal: and when he had answered, that he had received nothing but four coursers for his saddle, the king wrested this to a capital offence of corruption and treason: and commanded him presently to be led to death. Now that he died guiltless, they allege this for a most approved argument, namely, his gentle disposition, who even in his youthful years never gave Hircanus dieth guiltless. Hircanus' life. sign or appearance of rashness, or pride, or signification of audaciousness, no not even then when he had the royal government in his hands, but in that freedom of authority disposed the most things by Antipater's advise. But at that time he was more than fourscore years old, and knew that Herod's estate was secured: and passing Euphrates also, and living on the other side of the river, he left such as held him in great honour, and returned home into his own country, to the end he might live under Herodes government. Whereby it is less likely, that he would attempt any alteration so far different from his nature; so that all these things seem to be feigned The year of the world. 3935. before Christ's birth 29. by Herode. Thus ended Hircanus his life, after his variable and adverse fortune, wherewith during all his life time he was afflicted. For at such time as his mother Alexandra lived, he was created high priest of the jews, and obtained that honour for the space of nine years: and after his mother's death, he had scarcely governed the kingdom for the space of three months, but that he was expulsed by his brother Aristobulus; and afterwards restored by Pompey's assistance, and receiving all his former honours, he lived in full possession of them for the space of forty years. After this he was once more distated by Antigonus, and being maimed in his body, lived certain years in captivity among the Parthians: from whence not long after he returned home; and though he had many things promised him by Herode; yet after so many alterations of fortune he obtained nothing at his hands, and that which amongst all the rest is most of all to be lamented, as we have said, he was unjustly put to death an innocent, and in his old age. For he was a lover of justice, and an observer of perpetual modesty: and governed his kingdom for the most part by other men's direction, being only guilty in himself of ignorance and the love of idleness. Truly, Antipater and Herode by this man's goodness obtained their so great riches: for which deserts of his, against all law, and right, he was cruelly put to death. But Herode after Hircanus death (addressed himself to perform his journey towards Caesar) and Herodes disposition of his affairs before he repaired to Caesar. having little hope of any good fortune, in regard of his friendship with Antonius, he grew desperately jealous of Alexandra, for fear lest she taking opportunity of the time, should incite the people to rebel, and fill the kingdom with domestical sedition: for which cause committing the government of the estate to his brother Pheroras, he left his mother Cypros, his sister, and all his kindred in the castle of Masada, and commanded his brother, that if any misfortune should befall him, he should retain the kingdom in his own hands and maintain it. As for his wife Mariam, for that by reason of certain dislikes betwixt her, his mother and sister, they might not live together, he left her with her mother Alexandra in the castle of Alexandrian, and committed them to the custody of his treasurour joseph, and Sohemus the Iturian, and with her the keeping of his castles, both which had always been his faithful friends, and to whom in way of honour he committed the custody of these princely Ladies. But he gave them also this commandment, that if they should be certified that any sinister mishap had befallen him, they should presently kill them both, and to the utmost of their power continue the kingdom in his children, and his brother Pheroras. CHAP. X. How Herode obtained the kingdom of judaea at Caesar's hands. AFter he had in this sort given order for all his affairs, he withdrew himself unto Rhodes, Herode cometh to Caesar and declareth unto him what pleasures he had done Antony, promising him no less duty and love, if so be he might be received into his favour. intending there to meet with Caesar. And as soon as he arrived in that city, he took the Diadem from his head and laid it apart; but as for his other princely ornaments, he changed them in no sort; and being admitted to Caesar's presence, he at that time gave a more ample testimony of the greatness of his magnanimity and courage: for neither addressed he his speech to entreat his favour (according to the custom of suppliants) neither presented he any request, as if he had in any sort offended him, but gave account of all that which he had done, without concealing or mistrusting any thing. For he freely confessed before Caesar, that he had entirely loved Antonius, and that to the utmost of his power he had done him service, to the end that he might obtain the sovereignty and monarchy; not by annexing his forces unto his, in that he was otherways employed in the Arabian war; but in furnishing him both with wheat and money, and that this was the least office which it behoved him to perform towards Antonius; for that being once his professed friend, it behoved him not only to employ his best endeavours on his so princely benefactor, but also to hazard both his head and happiness to deliver him from perils. All which (said he) I have not performed according as I ought to have done, yet notwithstanding I know that at such time as he was overcome in the Actium battle, I did not alter my affection with his fortune: neither did I restrain myself: for although I befriended not Antonius with my presence and assistance in his Actium war, yet at leastwise I assisted him with my counsel, certifying him that he had but one only means left him for his security, and prevention of his utter ruin, which was, to put Cleopatra to death, for that by cutting her off he might enjoy her estate, and might more easily obtain his peace, and pacify thy displeasure against The year of the world, 3935. before Christ's Nativity, 29. him. And for that he gave but slender regard for these mine admonitions by his own sottishness and indiscretion, he hath hurt himself and profited you, because, as I said, he did not follow my counsel. Now therefore (O Caesar) in regard of the hate which you bear unto Anthony, you condemn my friendship also, I will not deny that which I have done; neither am I afraid freely and publicly to protest how much I have loved him: but if without regard of persons, you consider how kindly I am affected towards my benefactors, and how resolute and constant a friend I am, and how mindful of kindness, the effect of that which I have done, may make me known unto thee. For if the name be only changed, the friendship notwithstanding may remain, and deserve a due praise.; By these words (which were manifest testimonies of his resolute and noble courage) he so inwardly endeared himself unto Caesar, who was a magnificent and worthy monarch, that Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 8. Caesar confirmeth Herodes authority. he converted this his accusation into an occasion to win and work him to be his friend: for which cause Caesar in setting the diadem upon his head, exhorted him that he should no less respect his friendship, than he had in former time Anthony's: and withal did him much honour; certifying him moreover, that Capidius had written unto him, how much Herode had assisted him in his wars that he had with the monarchs of Syria. Herode seeing that he was thus entertained, and that contrary to his expectation, the kingdom was more surely confirmed unto him, then before time, both by Caesar's bounty, as also by the decree of the Senate, which he had practised to obtain for his greater assurance, accompanied Caesar as far as Egypt, presenting both himself and his friends with many rich gifts, beyond the proportion of his estate: endeavouring Herode conducteth Caesar toward Egypt, and presenteth him with many sumptuous gifts. Herode entertaineth both Caesar and his at my very heroically. by these means both to win their favours, and to show also the greatness of his courage; requiring moreover at Caesar's hands, that Alexander, who was one of Anthony's dearest friends, might not be sought out to be punished: yet notwithstanding he could not obtain the same, by reason of an oath that Caesar had past before he solicited him. That done, he returned back again into jewry, with more greater honour and assurance, than before; whereby he struck them with wonderful amazement, who expected his contrary success, as if by God's especial providence he always overwent his dangers, to his greater honour. Incontinently therefore, he prepared himself to entertain Caesar, who returned out of Syria to take his journey into Egypt, and received him at Ptolemais, with all royal honour, and gave his army presents with all abundance of munition: so that he was accounted for one of Caesar's most affectionate friends, and road about with him, at such time as he took the view of his army: he entertained him also and his friends with one hundredth and fifty men, adorned with most rich and sumptuous apparel. And for that they were to pass thorough a country, wherein there was great scarcity of water, he furnished them both with water and wine; so that they needed neither of them. He gave Caesar also eight hundredth talents, and so royally satisfied he all men, that they confessed themselves Herode giveth Caesar eight hundredth talents. to have had far greater entertainment, than the revenues and profits of his kingdom could afford them. By which means he gave the more ample testimony of his forward friendship, and free affection to deserve well, and making use of the opportunity of the time, he obtained the reputation of a prince of an heroic and noble spirit; so that he was held inferior unto no man, for the good entertainment that he gave to the chiefest Romans in their return out of Egypt. CHAP. XI. Herode being incensed by false accusations, putteth his wife Mariam to death. But as soon as he returned into his kingdom, he found all his household troubled, and Mariam and Alexandra displeased with Herode. both his wife Mariam and her mother Alexandra grievously displeased with him. For they supposing (and not without cause) that they were not shut up in that Castle for their security's sake, but as it were in a prison; so that in as much as they neither might make use of other men's, nor enjoy their own goods, they were highly discontented. Mariam also supposed that her husband did but dissemble his love, rather for his own profit and commodity, then for any entire affection he bore towards her. But nothing more grieved her, but that she had not any hope to live after him, if so be he should happen to die, especially for the order he had left as concerning her: neither could she ever forget what commandment before that time he had left with joseph; so that by all means possible, she laboured to win the affections of those that had the charge of her, and especially Sohemus, knowing very well that her safety depended wholly The year of the world. 3935. before Christ's birth 29. Sohcmus discoveteth the king's secrets. on his hands. Who in the beginning behaved himself very wisely and faithfully, containing himself very circumspectly within the bounds of his commission; but after these Ladies had with pretty presents and feminine flatteries mollified and wrought him by little and little, at last he blabbed out all that which the king had commanded him; especially, for that he hoped not that he should return with the same power and authority, which before he had: and for that cause he thought thus in himself, that without incurring any danger in regard of Herod, he might greatly gratify the Ladies; who in all likelihood should not be deprived of that dignity, wherein they were at that time; but would return him the like kindness when Mariam should be Queen, or next unto the king. Furthermore, he hoped that if Herode also should return with all things answerable to his desires, that he would perform nothing without his wives consent; or upbraid him with the act, if she contradicted: for he knew too well that the king loved her in such sort, as it was impossible to equal or express his affections; and for these causes he disclosed the trust that was committed unto him. But Mariam was very sore displeased to hear that there was no end of her miseries, but they were altogether united and tied to the dangers of Herode; and she oftentimes wished that he might never more return again in safety, supposing that her life with him should be very intolerable, all which she afterwards dissembled not, but openly confessed that which afflicted her with discontent. For when as Herode beyond all expectation a●…ined in his country, being adorned with mighty fortune, he first of all, as it became him, certified his wife of his good tidings and happy success, whom only amongst all other his friends and wives, he embraced and saluted, for the pleasing conversation and affection that was Herode but coldly entertained by his wife Mariam. in her. But she, whilst he repeated unto her these fortunate events of his affairs, rather enterned the same with a displeasant attention, then applauding joy: and these affections of hers likewise she could not conceal. For at such time as he folded his arms about her neck, she unfolded her sorrow in her sighs; so simple and unfeigned were her affections; and seemed rather to be displeased then appeased by his narrations. Whereupon Herode was sore troubled, perceiving these things not only suspected, but also fully manifest: but above all things he was distracted, when he considered the incredible and apparent hatred that his wife had conceived against Herodes sorrows to see his wives affections distracted and changed. him, which in such sort incensed him that he could not resist the love that had attainted him; so that he neither could continue in wrath, nor listen long to peace; and being unresolved in himself, he now was attempted by this; strait distracted by a contrary affection: so much was his mind travailed between love & hatred, that when as oftentimes he desired to punish the woman's pride, his heart by loves mediation failed him in the enterprise. For nothing did more torment him then this fear, least executing his displeasure against her, he should by this means more grievously wound himself, thorough the desire he bore unto his deceased delight. Whilst thus he was sweltered and devoured in his passions, and conceived sinister opinions against Mariam his wife; Salome his sister and his mother having an inkling of his discontents, thought that they had gotten a fit opportunity to express and execute their hatred towards Mariam: for Hrodes si●…t 〈◊〉 and his mother incense the king by slanderous reports against Mariam. which cause they conferred with Herode; and whetted his spleen and displeasure with variety of slanders, sufficient at one assault to engender hatred, and kindle his jealousy against her. To these reproaches of theirs, he lent no unwilling ears; yet had he not the heart to attempt any thing against his wife, or to give free credit to their report, notwithstanding his displeasure increased, and was inflamed more and more against her, for that neither she could colour her cares and discontents, nor he contain himself from exchanging his love into hatred: and perhaps at that Antony and Cleopatra slain Caesar Lord of Egypt. Sohemus' honoured by Horod with dignities. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 Caesar enlargeth Herodes dominions. time he had published some fatal doom against her, had not a happy messenger brought him word, that Anthony and Cleopatra being dead, Caesar was become Lord of Egypt: for which cause hasting forward to meet and entertain him, he left his family in that present estate. Upon his departure he recommended Mariam to Sohemus, giving him great thanks for the care he had had of her, and granted him in way of gratuity a part of jewry to govern. When Herode was arrived in Egypt, and had friendly and familiarly conferred with Caesar, he was highly honoured by him: for Caesar gave him those four hundredth frenchmen that were of Cleopatra's guard, and restored that part of his country unto him again, which was taken away and spoiled by her. He annexed also unto his kingdom Gadara, Hippon, and Samaria, and on the sea coasts the Cities of Gaza, Anthedon, joppes, with the tower of Straton: which when he had obtained, he grew more mighty than before: And after he had accompanied Caesar as far as Antioch, he returned into his own country. Upon his arrival, he found that fortune which was favourable unto him abroad, too froward at home, especially in regard of his wife, in whose affection before time he seemed to be most happy. For he was as inwardly touched with the lawful The year of the world. 3935. before Christ's birth 29. Mariam a froward woman. love of Mariam, as any other of whom the Histories make report: and as touching her, she was both chaste and faithful unto him; yet had she a certain womanly imperfection and natural frowardness, which was the cause that she presumed too much upon the entire affection wherewith her husband was entangled; so that without regard of his person, who had power and authority over others, she entertained him oftentimes very outrageously: All which he endured patiently, without any show of discontent. But Mariam upbraided and publicly reproached both the king's mother and sister, telling them that they were but abjectly and basely borne. Whereupon there grew a great enmity and unrecoverable hatred between the Ladies; and from thence also there arose an occasion of greater accusations and calumniations then before. These suspicions were nourished amongst them, for the space of one whole year after Herodes return from Caesar; and finally this long contrived, and fore-imagined hatred at last broke out violently upon this occasion that ensueth. When as about midday the king had withdrawn himself into his chamber to take his rest, he called Mariam unto him to sport with her, being incited thereunto by the great affection that he bore unto her. Upon this his command she came in unto him; yet would she not lie with him, nor entertain his court with friendly acceptance, but upbraided him bitterly with her fathers and brother's death. The king took these reproachful words in very evil part, & was almost ready to strike her, but his sister hearing a greater stir and noise within then was usual; sent in the butler, who long before that time was suborned by her, whom she commanded to tell the king, that Mariam had prepared a drink for him to incite and quicken him unto love, willing him that if the king should be moved thereat, and should demand what he meant, he should certify him, that Mariam having prepared a poison for his grace, had dealt with him to deliver it to his majesty. Charging him moreover, that if the king in hearing him speak of this portion, should seem to be moved therewith, that then he should proceed no further in his discourse. He therefore (being in this manner before hand instructed what he ought to do) at that very instant was sent in to discover his treachery unto the king; for which cause with a sober and stayed countenance be entered in unto him, being seriously and well prepared to discourse, and told him that Mariam had bribed him to present his Majesty with an amorous cup of drink. Now when he perceived that the king was troubled with these words, he prosecuted his discourse, alleging that the potion was a certain medicine which Mariam had given him, the virtue whereof he knew not, which he had received according as he had told him, knowing that it concerned both his own security, and the king's safety. Herode, who before this was highly displeased, hearing these words, was so much the more The year of the world, 3936. before Christ's birth 28 incensed: for which cause he presently commanded Mariammes most faithful servant to be examined by torments, as concerning the poison, supposing that it was impossible for her to undertake any thing whatsoever, without his privity. He being tired and tormented after this cruel manner, confessed nothing of that for which he was tortured; but declared unto the king that the hatred which his wife had conceived against him, proceeded from certain words that Sohemus had told her. Scarcely had he finished these words, but that the king cried out with a loud voice, saying, that Sohemus, who before time had been most faithful both to him and his kingdom, would not have declared these his privy commands, except there had been some more inward familiarity and secrecy betwixt him and Mariam: for which cause he presently commanded his ministers to lay hands on Sohemus, and to put him to death. As for his wife, he drew her to her trial, and to this effect he assembled his most familiar friends, before whom he began to accuse Sohemus suspected by Herode, in Mariammes behalf is put to death. Mariam is accused by Herode, and condemned, and imprisoned. Mariam by Salome's instigations is led to execution. her with great spite and spleen, as touching these potions and poisons aforesaid; wherein he used intemperate and unseemly speeches, and such as for their bitterness did ill become him in cause of justice; so that in the end the assistants, seeing the butt and bent of his desire, pronounced sentence of death against her: which being passed, both he, and all other the assistants were of this opinion, that she should not so speedily be executed, but that she should be kept close prisoner in some sure place of the palace. But by Salome's solicitations Herode was incited to hasten her death, for that she alleged that the king ought to fear, lest some sedition should be raised amongst the people, if he should keep her alive in prison. And by this means Mariam was led unto her death. Alexandra her mother considering the estate of the time, and fearing no less mischief from Herodes hands, than her daughter was assured of; she undecently changed her mind, and abjectly laid aside her former courage, and magnanimity. For intending to make it known, that she was neither party nor privy to those crimes, wherewith Mariam was charged, she went The year of the world. 3936. before the Nativity of Christ. 28. Alexandra undecently striveth to acquit herself of Mariammes treason. out to meet her daughter, and entertained her injuriously, protesting publicly that she was a wicked woman, & ungrateful towards her husband; and that she well deserved the punishment that was adjudged her, for that she durst be so bold to attempt so heinous a fact, neglecting to requite her husband's entire love, with her unfeigned loyalty. Whilst thus dishonestly she counterfeited her displeasure, and was ready to pull Mariam by the hair, the assistants, according to her desert, condemned her generally for her shameful hypocrisy: but she that was led to be punished, convicted her by her mild behaviour. For first of all, she gave her no answer; neither was any ways altered by her reproaches; neither would so much as cast her eye upon her; making it appear, that she discreetly concealed and covered her mother's imperfections, & was aggrieved that she had so openly showed so great indignity: expressing for her own part a constant behaiour; and going to her death without change of colour, so that those that beheld her, perceived in her a kind of manifest courage and nobility, even in her utmost extremity. Thus died Mariam, having been a woman that excelled both in continence and courage: notwithstanding that she defaulted somewhat in affability and impatience of nature: for the rest of her parts, she was of an admirable and pleasing beauty, and of such a carriage in those companies wherein she was entertained, that it was impossible to express the same, in that she surpassed all those of her time; which was the principal cause that she lived not graciously and contentedly with the king. For being entertained by him, who entirely loved her, and from whom she received nothing that might discontent her, she presumed upon a great and intemperate liberty in her discourse. She digested also the loss of her friends very hardly, according as in open terms she made it known unto the king: whereby also it came to pass, that both Herodes mother, and sister, and himself likewise grew at odds with her, and in especial her husband, from whom only she expected no hard measure. After her death the king began more powerfully to be inflamed in his affections, who before times, as we have declared, was already miserably distracted. For neither did he love after the Herod's miserable estate, & moan after the death of his wife. common manner of married folk, but whereas almost even unto madness he nourished this his desire, he could not be induced by the too unbridled manners of his wife to allay the heat of his affection, but that daily more and more by doting on her, he increased the same. And all that time especially he supposed that God was displeased with him, for the death of Mariam his wife. Oftentimes did he invocate her name, and more often undecently lamented he her. And notwithstanding he devised all kind of delights and sports that might be imagined, by preparing banquets, and inviting guests with princely hospitality, to pass away the time; yet all those profited him nothing. For which cause he gave over the charge and administration of his kingdom. And in such sort was he overwhelmed with grief, that oftentimes he commanded his ministers to call his wife Mariam, as if as yet she had been alive. Whilst thus he was affected, A plague invadeth jerusalem. there befell a pestilence within the city, that consumed a great sort of the people, and the better part of the nobility, and each man interpreted that this punishment was inflicted by God upon men, for the unjust death of the Queen. Thus the king's discontents being by these means increased, he at last hid himself in a solitary wilderness, under pretext of hunting; where afflicting himself incessantly, at last he fell into a most grievous sickness. This disease of his was an inflammation or pain in the neck: he seemed also in some sort to rave and wax mad; neither Herode falleth grievously sick. could any remedies relieve him of his agony; but when as the sickness seemed rather to increase, all men at last grew almost desperate of his recovery. For which cause his physician, partly in respect of the contumacy of his disease, partly, because in so great danger there was not any free election of diet, they gave him leave to taste whatsoever best pleased his appetite, committing the uncertain event of his health to the hands of fortune. Whilst thus he sojourned in Samaria, which now is called Sebaste, Alexandra inhabiting at that time in jerusalem, having notice of this his estate, sought to reduce all the strong Alexandra in Herodes absence seeketh to get the possession of the castles. fortresses that were within the city, under her subjection: the one of which abutted upon the temple; the other was situate within the city: for they that are Lords of these, keep all the rest of the nation under their awe; because that without these, neither the usual and daily sacrifices may be performed, neither may the jews live without such sacrifices and oblations, who had rather lose their lives then contemn their religion. She therefore laboured those that had the government thereof, to surrender them up to her and Herod's children begotten of her daughter Mariam, for fear lest he being dead, they should be seized by others: and if it should fortune him to recover his health, in the mean while they might be kept and held by no man more securely, than such as were his domestical friends. This suit and solicitation of hers was but The year of the world 3936. before Christ's Nativity. 28. Herodes councillors certify him of Alexandra's intent. Alexandra put to death. Costabarus whom Herode had matched with his sister Salome, usurpeth in Idumaea. coldly conceited of, and the captains who at other times showed themselves always faithful, at that time were the rather far more constant in their duty, both for that they hated Alexandra, as also for that they thought it a great offence to despair of the health of their prince. For these were the kings old friends, and one of them was Herodes own nephew, whose name was Achiabus. For which cause they sent present messengers unto him, to certify him of Alexandra's intent: who having heard these news, presently commanded her to be slain: and at length overcoming his sickness, he grew so badly affected both in body and mind, that he waxed hateful unto all men; so that all those who offended him for how little cause soever, were readily sought for to be punished. In this his intemperance he imbrued his hands in the blood of divers of his inward friends, as Costabarus, Lysimachus, Antipater surnamed Gadias', and Dositheus, for this occasion that ensueth. Costabarus was an Idumean, and one of the greatest account amongst his countrymen, who was descended from the Priests of Cozas, whom the Idumaeans esteem for a God. Now after that Hircanus had drawn the policy of the Idumaeans to the reformed customs of the jews, Herode was made king of the jews, and appointed Costabarus to be governor in Idumaea and Gaza, giving him Salome his sister to wife, after he had put joseph to death, to whom she had been married before time, as we have heretofore declared. Costabarus seeing himself in this estate beyond his expectation, grew more elate and proud than his good fortune required, and in a little time forgot himself so far, that he thought himself dishonoured, if he should perform that which Herod commanded him, and scorned that the Idumaeans should be under the jews subjection, notwithstanding they had received their manner of government from them. He therefore sent messengers unto Cleopatra, giving her to understand, that Idumaea had always been under her ancestors subjection; and for that cause she ought upon just cause to demand and beg that country at Antonius hands, and that in respect of himself he was ready to become her servant. All which he practised, not to gratify Cleopatra in any sort whatsoever, but to the intent, that if Herodes fortunes should be any ways weakened, he might more easily by this means both enlarge and obtain the kingdom of Idumaea. And with these foolish hopes was he transported, in regard of his birth and riches, which he had heaped together, by such dishonest means, as he continually practised, as he that intended no small matters. But notwithstanding Cleopatra's often and earnest petition to obtain this sovereignty; yet could she not obtain it at Antonius' hands. When Herode had notice of these covert and cunning practices, he was ready to kill Costabarus. But upon the earnest supplications of his sister and her mother, he dismissed and pardoned Costabarus' preserved by his wives intercession. him; yet held him always in suspicion, by reason of this his practice. Not long after it happened, that Salome fell at debate with Costabarus, for which cause she sent a libel of divorce to her husband, notwithstanding it were against the laws and ordinary customs of the jews. For according to our ordinances, it is only lawful for the husband to do the same; and as touching the wife, notwithstanding she were separated, yet is it not lawful for her to marry again, except her husband first give her licence. But Salome without respect of the laws of the country, grounding herself too much upon her own authority, forsook her husband, saying, that she separated herself from her husband, by reason of the great friendship which she bore unto her brother, Costabarus, Lysimachus, Antipater and Dositheus accused before Herode. Babas sons preserved by Costabarus. for that she had received some notice that Costabarus practised some innovation with Antipater, Lysimachus and Dositheus. And this accusation of hers confirmed she by Babas children, whom, he had already kept with him in all security for the space of twelve years. All which was true, and at that time beyond all men's expectation wonderfully troubled Herode, as soon as he heard it. For as touching Babas sons, he had heretofore resolved to cut them off, for that they had been always badly affected towards him and all his enterprises; but all that time he had let them pass, because by continuance they were grown out of his remembrance. Now the cause of this enmity and hatred which he bore towards them, was gathered from this ground. At such time as Antigonus enjoyed the sovereignty, and Herode besieged the city of jerusalem with an army: now those incommodities & necessities that ordinarily happen unto those that are besieged, were the cause that divers acknowledged Herode, and fixed their hopes upon him. But Babas sons being in authority, and besides that, attended by a great number of men, persevered in their faithful observation of Antigonus, and blamed Herode continually, encouraging the inhabitants to continue the kingdom in those to whom it appertained by descent: and they themselves followed that course, which in their opinion was most profitably for the commonweal. But after that the city was surprised by Herode, and he grew master of the estate, Costabarus, who was appointed to keep the city gates, and to lie in wait that none of those who were accused to have forsaken the king's side, should escape, knowing that the sons of Babas were greatly esteemed The year of the world. 3936. before Christ's birth 28. and honoured among the people, and foreseeing that their safety might be no small furtherance to himself, if at any time there might befortune any alteration; he discharged, and hid them within his own possessions: and notwithstanding that at that time he had protested to Herode by an oath, that he knew not what was become of them; yet, though suspected of perjury, he concealed them. And afterwards when the king had by proclamation promised a reward to him that should discover them, and sought for them by all means, neither then also would he confess the fact. For being afraid lest he should be punished for his first denial, he continued thorough concealment, being not only now driven thereunto by friendship, but also by necessity. Now when the king had notice hereof by his sister's report, he sent certain messengers to Babas sons and others are accused before Herode and slain. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. Herode introduceth divers foreign customs. The year of the world, 3939. before Christ's birth 25. The theatre, & the wrestling places. the place where they were hidden, and slew them, and all those that were partakers of the same crime: so that no one of Hircanus' kindred was now left alive, but all of them being slain, who excelled in nobility and dignity, he did what himself listed without any contradiction or controlment: for which cause he by little and little forsook the ceremonies and ordinances of his country, and corrupted the decrees and institutions of their ancestors, which he ought to have kept inviolable, by his new and strange inventions. In whose time there was a very great change and alteration of the ancient and good manner of living; for all fell from bad to worse, and the politic order, whereby the people ought to be governed and kept within compass of their duty, went to decay. For first of all, he ordained certain wrestlings from siue years to five years, in honour of Caesar; and builded a Theatre for that purpose within jerusalem. He erected also a most huge Amphitheatre within the plain, which were two piles worthy the regard and beholding, by reason of the sumptuousness thereof; but wholly estranged from the fashions of the jews. For neither the use, nor the presentation of these spectacles hath ever been practised or taught by our ancestors: yet was it his pleasure to ennoble this assembly, to the end it might be continued from five to five years, and this proclaimed he publicly in the countries round about him, and to this spectacle assembled he all the nations. The wrestlers also, and all that which concerned their exercise, were sought out from all corners of the world, under the hope to obtain the proposed palm and victory; and all the most excellent in those exercises that were to be found, were invited to that assembly. For he proposed most huge rewards, not only to those that exercised wrestling, but also unto those who are called musicans, and to all sorts of players on instruments; labouring to his utmost power, that all the most famous in those professions should be assistant in those pastimes. He appointed also a reward of great value for such as ran upon chariots of three, four or of one horse; and all that which was both sumptuous and magnificent to behold, for every one was most carefully provided, in that he strove to have the honour of a most magnificent preparation for his games. The Theatre was hung all about with Caesar's titles, and the trophies of those nations, which were overcome by him, altogether set out and shining with gold and silver. As for the instruments thereof, there wanted neither furniture, costly vestments, or precious stones. Thither also were drawn certain savage beasts, as Lions and other wild beasts, which were worthy to be placed in this famous show, being admirable both for their force and ratenesse of nature, who fought the one with the other, and against such men likewise who were condemned to die: whereby the strangers conceived, together with the admiration of his expense, an incomparable and unaccustomed pleasure. But his countrymen Herode obtained no small honour by these expenses. interpreted this thing for a manifest corruption of those disciplines and manners which before time they had entertained, and honoured amongst them. For it was an act most manifestly impious, to hazard men against wild beasts, to delight the eyes of other men: It was also a matter as impious, to change & profane the ordinances of the country, for foreign exercises: But the most hated of all these, were the Trophies: For in that they were certain Images attired in armour, the use and veneration whereof were forbidden by our laws, this displeased and grieved them more than any thing whatsoever: neither was Herode ignorant of those troubles, which they procured. But he thought it to be a matter of danger to attempt the same for the present by force; and for that cause he familiarly debated the same with some few of them, and discoursed unto them his occasions, to the end to rid them of their superstition, although herein he profited nothing. For all of them with one consent, cried out against the indignity which they saw him commit: telling him, that although all other things were to be tolerated; yet the Trophies, which were images of men, were unsupportable, because they were unusual in their The jews suppose that the Trophies cove red with arms were Images. country. Herode perceiving that they were discontented, and that they would not easily be wrought upon, except they had some contentment, he called the most worthiest men amongst them, and led them into the Theatre, demanding of them what they thought these Trophies The year of the world. 3939. before Christ's birth 25. were: and when as they cried out that they were images of men: he incontinently caused all the ornaments to be taken off from them, letting them see that they were nought else but naked stocks of wood; so that suddenly their displeasure was turned into a laughter, and their doubts were pleasantly discussed. Thus appeased he the people, and moderated the fury of their mislikes: so that divers of them changed their opinions, and were no more displeased. Notwithstanding there were some of these that persisted in the indignity they conceived in those unaccustomed exercises, supposing that the corruption of their ancient discipline was an inducement to their grievous calamities; and they imagined that it rather concerned them to undertake all dangers, then to endure any alteration in their policy, by permitting that Herode should introduce new and extraordinary fashions, who only in word was their king, but in effect an enemy of their whole nation. For this cause there were ten men amongst them, who bound themselves by oath to hazard all extremities, and to this intent they hid certain short swords under their garments: Ten men conspire against Herode. amongst these there was one that was blind, who urged and egged on by the strangeness of those things which he had heard, not for that he was of ability to execute any thing with his hand, but to testify that he was ready to suffer with the rest, if any misfortune should befall them, by whose example the rest of them were not a little confirmed. These having mutually undertaken this their resolution, repaired to the Theatre under hope that Herode should not escape them, for that they intended to assail him unawares, at leastwise if they failed of him, their hope was to fall foul on some of his favourites and followers, accounting this to be some solace in their expected death, if in regard of their violated religion they might bring the king in hatred with the common people. And these intending to offer themselves as chieftains and leaders unto the rest, resolved to execute these things. But one of those intelligencers that Herode had sent abroad to pry and search into such like actions, having discovered all this their conspiracy, signified the same unto the king, at such time as he was ready to enter into the Theatre. He knowing Herode hath intelligence of the conspiracy. full well what hatred was continually hatched against him, betook himself to his palace, and sent for the conspirators by their names: who being apprehended in the fact, and knowing that there was no way for them to escape, resolved to endure their present misfortunes with a valiant courage: for being no ways dismayed, with a constant countenance they drew out their weapons, protesting that their conspiracy was honest and holy, not attempted by them for private affection, or their own profit sake, but in the behalf of their public discipline, which no good man would either see or suffer to be violated, no though it cost him his life. Now when with great confidence they had alleged these things for their justification, they were led away by the king's ministers to be slaughtered by divers sorts of torments. Not long after The ten men are executed, and the intelligencer is cut in pieces. this, that intelligencer who had betrayed them, growing hateful in all men's eyes, was slain by certain men, and chopped in pieces with their swords, and afterwards cast unto the dogs in sight and presence of many men. Yet did no man discover this act, until after long and wearisome inquisitions made by Herode, it was wrought out of certain poor women (who were privy to the fact) with divers torments. Then were all the actors of that murder punished, with their whole families: and notwithstanding all this, the common people was in no sort dismayed, but were ready to defend their laws, except they were restrained by some greater power. Which when the king perceived, he resisted their endeavours with all diligence, least happily thorough these alterations in affairs, the people should be drawn to an open rebellion. Whereas therefore he Herode fortifieth two castles within jerusale Antonia, Samaria or Sebaste. had two strong castles within the City, one wherein his palace was; an other called Antonia, that adjoined near unto the temple, fortified by him; he thought good to strengthen a third called Samaria, the name whereof he changed, and called it Sebaste (which was distant from jerusalem some days journey) to contain those of the common sort that were abroad under his obedience, and very fit to bridle any uproars that might be raised in the City and fields. And for the whole nation he builded a fort, which in times past was called Straton, and afterwards he named Stratons' tower or Caesarea. Gabala. it Caesarea. He builded also a fort in Galilee, which was called Gabala, in a large plain where by course he kept his horsemen. Besides these, he builded the fort of Esthmonites in the country of Peraea on the other side jordan. Now when he had fitly disposed all these Castles thorough his whole country, for the security and safety of his kingdom, the matter of rebellion was taken from the common people, who upon every light cause are subject to commotions, in that he had prepared a remedy against all Herode planteth garrisons in the fortresses to withstand conspiracies. privy conspiracies, by planting such forces always near at hand, who might prevent and pacify all alterations upon their original. After this betaking himself to encompass Samaria with a wall, he brought to pass that divers of those, who had borne arms with him against his enemies The year of the world. 3942. before Christ's birth 22. and divers of the people likewise that dwelled round about, came to inhabit it both in regard of the temple, which he intended to build in that place, as also for that he fortified the same for his own security (although that before time it was not in the number of famous Cities.) He therefore changed the name thereof, and called it Sebaste, and distributed the lands that confined the city, among the inhabitants of the same (which was by nature a fruitful and goodly country) to the intent that within a little space they might enrich themselves. He environed the city also with a strong wall, being assisted by the natural strength and steepiness of the place: and besides the whole circuit, he included so much ground, that it is no ways inferior to any of the famous Cities; for it contained the circuit of twenty furlongs or stadia. And in the midst thereof there was a sacred place, containing a furlong and a half, wonderfully adorned; in which there was a temple builded, famous both for beauty and bigness. And as for the other parts of the City, he decked them with all sorts of ornaments. And seeing how nearly it concerned him to provide for the security of his person in this walled City, he erected a fortress for himself. And as touching the beauty thereof, his intent was that it should remain for a monument to posterity, of his magnificence and liberality. CHAP. XII. A famine invaded the land of judaea. THat very year, which was the thirteenth year of Herodes reign, very great calamities happened in that country (either thorough God's displeasure, or for that the revolution of time would have it so.) For first of all there were such continual droughts, that by reason Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. al. 10. A daily drought and sterility in judaea. The want of victuals breedeth the plague. thereof the earth grew barren and produced not those fruits, which of itself it was accustomed to bear. And after this the ordinary course of men's diets being altered by reason of the want of corn, the want of sustenance was accompanied with a bodily sickness (for that by custom these two plagues do ordinarily entertain one an other:) For this made the plague and sickness more vehement, for that the sick in this great penury could neither have care of themselves as was expedient, nor get convenient nourishment for preservation of life: And many died daily; & those also that remained alive were in despair, because they could not relieve their want & necessities, what diligence soever they used. For which cause, after the old fruits of that year were wholly consumed, and all the rest of their store was utterly spent, there appeared not any means whereupon they might hope, namely for that the misery increased more than was expected; yea and extended itself beyond that year: so that they had nothing remaining by them, and the seeds they sowed at that time mouldered away, and the earth for all their labours afforded them no interest. The necessity therefore being thus great, constrained men to search out many new inventions to maintain their life: and the king likewise was in no less perplexity, in that he was deprived of those ordinary revenues which he received by the fruits of the earth, and the rather for that he had spent his money in repairing his Cities, according as before this we have declared: and in such sort were all things wasted by divers calamities, that a man could conceive no hope of remedy. Besides this, the people grew in hatred of their king, for that it is their custom ordinarily to accuse their governors, as if they were the authors of all their evils. Yet did the king bethink himself how he might remedy these inconveniences, but hardly could he find the means, for that their neighbours had no means to sell them victuals, because they were no less afflicted Herode maketh money of all his rich ornaments and household stuff of gold and silver, and buyeth corn. than themselves: and although he might have recovered some little means for a great sum of money, yet wanted he it also to defray the charges: notwithstanding in that he knew, that it behoved him to employ his uttermost endeavours in yielding a general remedy to such and so violent an oppression, he molted down all those movables he had either of gold or silver within his palace, and spared nothing either for the matter, the excellency, or the fashion; no not so much as the vessels wherein he was ordinarily served. This money sent he into Egypt, where at that time under Caesar, Petronius held the government. This man being Herodes friend, in that he desired the safety of his subjects, at such time as divers of them retired themselves unto him, by reason of that their necessity, he permitted them to buy up corn; and assisted them in all things, both in their bargains, and in their carriages; so that the greater or the whole sum of their succours was attributed to him. But after their return, Herode wrought so much, that the care that was taken by him did not only change the affections of those, which before time were his enemies, Herode distributeth the corn he had bought among the people. but beside all this, he purchased great praise and commendation for his liberality and singular providence. For first of all he distributed a certain quantity of corn to all those, who were not able of themselves to supply their own wants, using herein both great care and diligence. The year of the world, 3942. before Christ's Nativity, 2●…. After this, for that there were a great number of such, who in regard of their age, or some other infirmity, were unable to prepare their victuals, he took order for their relief, and appointed them certain bakers, who should furnish them with bread, both sufficient and meet for their sustenance. He gave order also, that they should not pass the winter disfurnished of clothing, but provided for such as were naked sufficient raiment, considering that the sheep were partly dead, & partly devoured, & that there was no wool to let men a-work, or other stuff to make garments of. Now after he had furnished his subjects with these things, he thought good also to show kindness to the neighbouring cities, and stored the Syrians with seed corn to sow their lands (which yielded him no little profit) for the earth incontinently gave him a large and plentiful tribute for that she had received; so that all of them had abundance of victuals: and as soon as the harvest was ready, he sent fifty thousand men into that country, which he had relieved: and by this means he with all diligence restored his afflicted kingdom: and comforted his neighbours, who were oppressed with the like calamity. For there was not any man in necessity, that according to his quality was not assisted and succoured. The villages likewise and the cities, and those of the common sort who entertained great households, and were in want, having their recourse unto him, received that which they had need of (so that to reckon up all the come which he gave unto those, who were not his subjects, it appeareth that he employed ten thousand Cores of wheat: now the Core containeth ten Athenian bushels: and within the compass of his Realm he employed eighty thousand: which care of his, and discreetly employed favour wrought so much in the hearts of the jews, and was so highly renowned amongst other nations, that the ancient hatred which they had conceived against him, for that he had altered certain customs of their kingdom, was wholly forgotten, and he was supposed by them to have made a sufficient recompense, by the diligence he had showed in assisting them in their necessities; and no less either grace or glory obtained he among strangers: so that by these miseries the king's honour was not a little magnified, and whatsoever damage he received at home, so The jews favour Herode for his bounty. much honour and reputation achieved he abroad. For whereas in strangers necessities he had showed himself so full of magnanimity, each man did not respect what he had been before, but such as they had lately found him to be. About the same time also he sent Caesar certain supplies, namely five hundredth chosen men of his guard, whom Elius Gallus led into the wars in Arabia, and had often use of them in his most Herode sendeth Caesar five hundredth of his guard. The palace built in jerusalem. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 12. dangerous attempts. When as therefore his kingdom was restored to his former felicity, he builded a royal palace in the higher part of the city, furnished with many large buildings, and decked with gold and marble seats; so as they might receive a great number of men: he named also each room of the house according to their several names, and called one the lodging of Caesar, and another of Agrippa. After this, being entangled with love, he married a wife, lest he should be distracted by vain desires, and the cause of this his new marriage was this. There was among those that dwelled in jerusalem, a certain citizen called Simon, the son of Boethas the Alexandrine, who was a Priest, & one of the chiefest in nobility among them: this man had a daughter, the fairest and comeliest creature of that age, whose beauty renowned by the common voice, it came to pass, that with her fame Herod at one time entertained a good affection towards her, and afterwards obtaining the sight of her, he grew in love with her; yet would not use his authority, lest he should seem to behave himself tyrannically, but chose rather to accept her for his betrothed wife. Whereas therefore Simon seemed unworthy his affinity, and yet too worthy to be blasted by contempt, he made election of a convenient means to obtain the fullness of his desire, which was to raise both Simon and his to higher dignities. For which cause he presently deposed the high Priest jesus the son of Phabetes, and established Simon in his place; and that Herode removeth jesus from his Priest hood, and placeth Simon in his room, and marrieth his daughter. done, he contracted affinity with him. After the marriage was consummate, he builded a new castle in that place wherein he had overcome the jews, upon the time and incontinently after the overthrow of Antigonus, and when he had taken upon him the government. This place is distant from jerusalem some sixty furlongs or stades, strong by nature, and fit for defence and good fortification. For near unto the same there is a certain steep hill made by art, after the manner of a round dug, environed with round towers, with a steepy ascent of two hundredth steps cut out of hewed stone. Within the same there are divers palaces, builded with great and sumptuous workmanship, made both for defence and delight. At the foot of this hill there are two houses worthy the sight, for divers their singularities, & namely, by reason of those conduits of water, which although they spring or in that place, yet notwithstanding are they brought from far with great cost and expense. The plain that adjoineth upon it, is all full of buildings The year of the world. 3942. before the Nativity of Christ. 22. after the manner of a city, and the top of the castle commandeth all the plain. As soon as therefore he had disposed all his affairs, according to his hearts desire, he possessed his kingdom in great quietness, for that he made his subjects obedient unto him both by fear, in showing himself inexorable when it concerned him to punish; and by liberality, whereby he provided for their public necessities: he therefore took an especial care of himself, as if the life and safety of his person had been the security of his people. He behaved himself officiously and favourably towards all foreign cities: he entertained the princes by presents, which according to his occasions he sent unto them, to insinuate himself into their favours, being in his own nature magnificent and fit to govern: so that all his fortunes increased, and all things fell out happily according to his hearts desire. True it is, that the care which he employed in honouring Caesar, and other mighty magistrates of Rome, caused him to outstrip his customs, and to falsify divers ordinances of his country, in building cities, and erecting temples in honour of them, although he builded them not in the land of jury: for the jews would not have endured it, because we are forbidden to honour Images and figures, form according to the likeness of a man, as the greeks are accustomed to do; but he did this in the country and foreign cities, and excused himself to the jews, saying, that he did it not of his own head, but performed that according to the charge and commandment which he had from others, who were greater than himself: and in the mean while gratified Caesar and the Romans in that he respected their honour more than he did the ordinances of his country; although in all things he had a respect to Herod bestowed great diligence and no less costs in his buildings. his particular advantage, and determined with himself to leave behind him after his death large and ample testimonies of his power and greatness, which was the cause that he builded cities with great charge and expense. CHAP. XIII. The building of the City of Caesarea. WHen as therefore he had found out a fit and convenient place upon the sea coast, to build a city on, which of long time had been called the tower of Straton, he both magnificently The tower of Straton otherwise called Caesarea, builded by Herode. Piraeus the port of Athens. designed and set down the model and form thereof, and made many sumptuous buildings both of royal palaces, and of other private lodgings, not builded after a sleight manner, or of weak and fading matter, but of marble stone. But the greatest and busiest work of all was the haven which he made exempt and free from storms and tempests, that in greatness resembled that of Piraeus, and was so spacious that it was able to receive many great ships into the road, and had divers rooms and warehouses to lay up the merchandise therein. And the more admirable was this pile, because the stuff that was fit to finish this so great work, was not gathered or gotten in that place, but must needly be brought from another place, upon great charge and expense. This city is seated in Phoenicia upon the coast, in the way to Egypt, between joppes and Dora, certain villages situate upon the sea coasts, unfit either for landing or harbour, Dora and joppa ill harbours by reason of the Afric wind, that driving the sand of the sea upon the shore giveth not any quiet road unto the ships, but that the merchants are enforced for a long time to ride at anchor. To correct this incommodity of the place, he made the circuit round about the port so spacious, The port of Caesarea. that it was able to receive a great fleet, and he cast down to the bottom thereof, which was about some twenty fathoms deep, certain huge stones, that for the most part were fifty foot long, eight foot broad, and nine foot high, some more and some less. The pile that was erected upon this to affront the sea, was a pane of two hundredth foot, the half whereof was opposed against the waves to break the fury of the stream, and for this cause was called in the Greek tongue Procymation, that is to say, Before flood: The other half served as a foundation to bear up a wall of stone fortified with divers towers, the chiefest whereof was a fair pile or building, which was called Drusus, in memory of Drusus, Caesar's son in law, who died very young: it had also divers retreats or hostries in the same, into which the mariners were received and lodged. The descent being hard by, encompassed all the portlike a round platform, that served for a pleasant walking place for whom soever listed. The entrance and mouth of the haven was toward the north, which is a wind that of all other most purifieth and cleanseth. The supporter and strength of all the circuit on the left hand upon the entrance to the port, was an ample and huge tower to fasten it the more strongly; and on the right hand, were two huge pillars of stone, more higher than the tower that stood opposite against them, erected and fastened together. All round about the haven there were certain buildings, abutting one upon another of polished marble, and The year of the world 3942. before Christ's Nativity. 2●…. in the midst there was a little hillock, on which there was a certain monument placed in honour of Caesar, which presented itself to their sight who sailed to the port, in which there were the figares of the City of Rome and of Caesar. This city also was called Caesarea, as much to be wondered at for the matter whereof it was built, as for the art whereby it was erected: and no less cunning was there showed in the vaults and conduits under ground, then in those buildings that were above them; some of them were conveyed toward the port, and discharged themselves into the sea by certain compassed spaces: but there was one that went athwarts, that comprehended all the rest, to the end that there by the rainwater, and the cleansings of the City might be conveyed into the sea, and that when the sea should flow it might wash and cleanse all the city. He erected also a Theatre of stone, and behind the same to the Southward an Amphitheatre, that was able to receive a great number of men; and so pleasantly and fitly situated, that from the same a man might discover the sea. This City was finished at the end of twelve years; The theatre & Amphitheatre. Herode sendeth his sons Alexander and Aristobulus to Rome unto Caesar. Caesar giveth Herode the dominions of the Trachonites of Batanea and Auranita. Zenodorus liveth by spoil. during which time, the king was neither wearied by intending the work, nor negligent in furnishing the necessary charges. After this, perceiving that the City of Sebaste was already inhabited also, he resolved to send his two sons Alexander and Aristobulus to Rome, to present them unto the Emperor Caesar; who no sooner resorted thither but they were lodged in pollio's house, who amongst all the rest was an entire friend of Herodes. They might have lain also at Caesar's house, who entertained them with as great familiarity and kindness, as might be possible: and gave Herode licence in like manner to confirm the kingdom in one of his children, which soever best liked him, annexing to his government, the countries of Trachona, Batanea, and Auranita for the occasion which ensueth. A certain man called Zenodorus had hired Lysanias demains or Lordship, and not contenting himself with those revenues which he gathered, but desirous to gather more, he lived upon spoils and robberies in Trachona, which is a country, the inhabitants whereof commonly live by pillage and spoil, which they purchase from the citizens and merchants of Damascus. And so far was Zenodorus from prohibiting these robberies, that he himself also was partaker of the booty; so that the nations that neighboured round about, seeing themselves thus abused, sought for remedy at Varus hands, who was their governor, requiring him to certify Caesar of Zenodorus wrongs and outrages. Which when he understood, he commanded that such lawless rioters should be punished, and that the country should be added unto the jurisdiction of Herode, to the intent, that by his vigilancy the inhabitants of Trachona should no more molest their neighbours. For it was hard to restrain them, considering that they were accustomed and traded in such thest, and could not live otherways. For they neither had towns nor lands, neither heritage's nor any possessions, but only certain retraits and caves under ground, and lived pell mel like beasts: and having made abundant provision of water and victuals, they might easily endure war a long time and maintain themselves in their caves, when their enemies assailed them without. The doors of these dens were so narrow, that they could be entered but by one at once; but within it was incredible spacious and large: the upper part thereof was not steepy, but plain, and in form of a smooth earth: for the whole place naturally consisteth of a sharp and ragged rock, with a hard and difficult passage thereon, unless a man be guided thorough the paths. For the way was not direct and strait, but full of windles and many turnings. At such time as they wanted opportunity to spoil their neighbours, they rob one another; and omitted no kind of wickedness. Herode having received the gift of this country at Caesar's hands, resorted thither under the conduct of Herode punisheth the robbets. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 13. Agrippa is sent into Asia. Agrippa sendeth the Gadareans bound unto Hetode who came to accuse him. Zenodorus signiory sold to the Auranites, and bestowed on Herode by Caesar is the cause of the wars. certain guides that knew the ways, and having brought their power and prowling to an end, he left the neighbouring nations in assured peace. But Zenodorus being partly whetted on with envy, partly incited by the grief which he conceived thorough the loss of his possessions, resorted to Rome to accuse Herode; yet could effect nothing of that which he intended. When Agrippa was sent into Asia by Caesar to govern the provinces beyond the seas, Herode because he was his very friend and familiar, went to salute him at Mitelene where he wintered, for that he was one of his inward friends, and afterwards returned into jewry. But certame Gadareans came unto Agrippa with an intent to accuse Herode: but he sent them bound unto the king, and vouchsafed them no audience. On the other side, the Auranites, who of long time hated Herodes government, stirred up commotions, and laboured to draw the country into rebellion, and that upon a just ground, as it seemed, at that time: for Zenodorus despairing of his affairs, went and sold them a certain part of the Lordship in Auranita (which was comprehended within Caesar's donation to Herode) for the sum of fifty talents of yearly revenue, wherewith they grew discontented, for that they were unjustly deprived of their estates: and hereupon The year of the world. 3942. before Christ's birth 22. they made often incursions, endeavouring themselves sometime to recover the same by force; and otherwhile contending for the right of their possession by course of justice. They drew also unto them certain needy soldiers, who, according to the custom of wretched men, expected their better fortunes by change and innovation: which though Herode knew, and could have providently prevented them, yet exhorted he them to maintain their titles rather by good means then open violence, being loath to give any occasion of new trouble or disquiet. At length in the seventeenth year of his reign, Caesar came into Syria: upon whose arrival divers of the Gadareans Caesar cometh into Syria before him the Gadareans accule Herode, and afterwards murder themselves. began to exclaim against Herode, accusing him of his severity and tyranny: which accusation they the rather attempted, because they were chiefly incited thereunto by the instigations and false suggestions of Zenodorus, who bound himself by an oath, that he would never give over until that delivering them from Herodes tyranny, they were reduced under Caesar's protection. The Gadareans persuaded by these his protestations, began to continue their exclamations, and that some what the more audaciously, for that they perceived that they lived as yet unpunished whom Agrippa had delivered into Herodes hands (for Herode had set them at liberty without any punishment, not with standing that in regard of his own subjects he was inexorable, as ever man was) and most patient in enduring those injuries that were offered him by strangers, The year of the world, 3946. before Christ's nativity, 18. whom he always dismissed without revenge. When as therefore they accused him of violence and rapine, and for violating and racing down their temples, Herode being nothing dismayed thereat, presented himself before the Emperor to justify his actions. But Caesar entertained him very kindly, and diminished nothing of the good affection which he bore unto him, notwithstanding all the uproars and insolent tumults of the people. Thus was the first day spent in audience of their complaints, & in those days that followed there were no further objections to be heard of: For the Gadareans perceiving both Caesar's disposition and the inclination of his counsel, and fearing (as it was most likely) to be delivered into Herodes hands, the next night after some of them slew themselves; other some for fear of torments broke their own necks; and some of them also drowned themselves in the river. And thus whereas they seemed to forejudge themselves, Caesar presently absolved Herode. And this felicity of his was seconded with an other of no small consequence. For Zenodorus Vlatha, Paneaas, and other regions are given to Herod. Herode highly esteemed by Caesar and Agrippa. Caesar maketh Pheroras a Tetrarth. having his bowels broken through an extreme flux of blood, finished his life at Antioch in Syria. Whereupon Caesar gave Herode his country, which was a large and ample signiory, and was situated between Trachonita and Galilee, containing Vlatha, Paneas, and the countries there about. He made him one of the governors of Syria also, commanding them to execute nothing without his advise. At this time attained he to the height of all worldly felicity: For whereas within the huge and ample Roman Empery, all things were disposed by Caesar and Agrippa, Caesar honoured no man more than Herode next to Agrippa; and Agrippa respected him above all men next to Caesar. Whereupon he grew to be so confident, that he begged a Tetrarthy at Caesar's hands for his brother Pheroras, on whom he bestowed one hundredth talents of revenue out of his own kingdom, to the intent that if he should happen to die, Pheroras estate might be assured and left no ways subject unto his children. As soon as therefore he had conducted Caesar as far as the sea, upon his return he builded a goodly temple of white marble in honour of his name, in the country which belonged to Zenodorus, near to a place which is called Panion, which is a goodly cave in the heart of a mountain, and a place of great pleasure, under Herede buildeth a temple near unto Panion. Herode remitteth the third part of his tribute. which there is a wide pool of immeasurable depth, which is full of standing water, and the upper part of the mountain is very high. From under this cave spring the fountain heads of the flood jordan. This place of itself so famous and delightful, was chosen out by Herod and adorned also with a temple which he built in honour of Caesar. At that time also he released the third part of those tributes, which his subjects paid unto him, to the end (as he said) that he might relieve his subjects after the penury they had endured. But the truth of his intention was, that he did it to that end to win their favours, who were sinisterly affected towards him. For they had conceived an hatred against him, because all piety was in a manner abolished, and the ordinances of the country in a sort disannulled by the means of those temples which he had built, and each man privily muttered with bitterness against him; so that wellnigh they were addressed to mutiny. But Herode with great discretion prevented the same, and cut off all occasions of insurrection, commanding every one to intend his labour; forbidding them to make any assemblies in the City, or to talk one with an other under colour of walking abroad for pleasure or feasts sake. Moreover, he had sent out certain intelligencers to discover all that which was done, appointing grievous punishments for those that misliked, or maligned his government. For divers The year of the world, 3946. before Christ's Nativitis, 18. of them were led unto the Castle of Hyrcania, some openly, some privately; where they were no sooner imprisoned, but they were put to death; and both in the city & in the country there were certain men appointed to take note of all such that used any assemblies upon any occasion whatsoever. And so inwardly was he tormented with their dislikes, that as it is reported of him, he took upon him the habit of a private man, and thrust himself in the night time into the company of thepeople, to understand and gather what they thought of his government; and those whom he found to be untractable and obstinate, and would not be conformed to his will, he dispatched them by one means or other, binding the rest of the people by an oath to serve him faithfully, Herode bindeth the people by an oath. and constrained them to keep the oath they had sworn, and to acknowledge his sovereignty: whereunto divers thorough the fear they conceived, easily condescended. But they, who had a more greater courage, and were discontented to see themselves constrained, he cut them short by all the means that he might. He required also an oath of divers of those sectaries, who followed the Pharisees Pollio and Sameas: and notwithstanding they denied to take the oath, yet did he not punish them as he did the other for their refusal, in respect and reverence of Pollio their Herode excuseth the Pharisees from swearing for Polias and Same as sakes. The Esseans not much unlike the Pithagorists. master. From this rigour also were they exempt, who amongst us are called Esseans, which is a sort of men that live after that manner, that Pythagoras did among the Grecians; of whom I have more expressly discoursed in an other place. At this present I think it not a matter to be overslipped, neither estranged from the aim of my history, to report for what cause the king had so religious an opinion of those men. There was a certain Essean called Manahem, who in his sect was accounted an upright and just man, and one that had obtained from God the knowledge of things to come. He seeing Herode one day at such time as he was very young, and went to school, saluted him and called him king of the jews. Herode supposing that Manahem knew him not, or that he mocked him, reproved him sharply for this his speech, saying, that he acknowledged himself to be one of the common sort. Manahem smiling, hit him gently with his hand upon the back, and said unto him, Thou shalt be king, and shalt have a happy reign. For such is God's pleasure, and at that time remember Manahen foretelleth He toads government. thyself of the words that Manahem spoke unto thee, which shall serve for a testimony to put thee in mind of thy mutable estate. For it becometh thee nothing more, then by justice, piety, ●…nd equity to win the hearts of thy subjects: yet know I by revelation from God, that thou wilt not follow these instructions; for thou shalt forget and neglect both divine and human. laws: though in other respects thou shalt be most fortunate and purchase eternal glory. Yet shalt thou not escape God's hands: for he shall chastise thee in the latter time of thy life, with a grievous punishment. At that time Herode gave small regard to those his words, in that he had Herode questioneth with Manahem about the continuance or his kingdom, and loveth the Esseans for his sake. no hope that any such thing should happen: but not long after; as soon as he had obtained the kingdom to the fullness of his felicity, he in the greatness of his power sent for Manahem, and asked him how long he should reign. But he returned him a doubtful answer. Which when Herode perceived, he asked him anew, if he should reign ten years. Whereunto Manahem answered, and twenty, and thirty, without setting him down any prefixed term. Herode contenting himself herewith embraced Manahem and gave him licence to depart, and continued his affections towards the Esseans for his sake. I have thought good to register these things, notwithstanding they may seem uncredible, to declare that divers of our nation have had communication with God, by reason of their holiness. CHAP. XIIII. Herode buildeth a new Temple in jerusalem, after he had pulled down the old. IN the eighteenth year of his reign, Herode, after he had finished these many and admirable Hedio & Ruffinus chap. 14. al. 11. Herode intendeth to re-edify God's temple. actions, conceited in his mind no mean, but a mighty project, which was to re-edify God's Temple of greater bigness and answerable height, hoping that this work, which was the most admirable of all those he had undertaken (as indeed it was) in being finished, would eternize his memory. But fearing least the people in regard of the greatness of the enterprise, would be hardly drawn thereunto, he determined to sound their intents by his discourse, and for that cause assembling them together, he spoke after this manner: Herode certifieth the people that he will re-edify the temple. Men and brethren, I hold it to be a matter both vain & superfluous, to recount unto you what things I have performed, during the time of my government. For they have been of that nature, that they have returned me but little honour; and yourself great profit and security. For you The year of the world. 3947. before Christ's birth 17. yourselves know that in those adversities that have befallen you, I have been no ways negligent in that which concerned your profit; and in those buildings I have erected by God's assistance, I have not so much regarded myself as that which concerneth you all: and my hope is by the will of God that I have brought the estate of the jews to that degree of felicity, that they never had or expected before this time. As for that which I have particularly exploited in the heart of the country, & in the cities which I have augmented as well with ornament and beauty, as with a number of inhabitants; since you yourselves know, I think it a ridiculous matter to reduce them to your memory. But I must at this time assure you that the design which I will presently enterprise, is far more holy and more excellent, then may be performed by us. For our predecessors after they were returned from the captivity of Babylon, builded a temple in honour of our great and mighty God, which in height wanted sixty cubits of that which Solomon first built: yet ought we not to object as a blame, or ascribe this action to any impiety in our ancestors. For the temple was not at their disposition, but the measure of the building was set them down by Cyrus and Darius the son of Hystaspes, to whom and their successors they have first of all been slaves, as after their time they have been under the subjection of the Macedonians: so that they had not the means and opportunity, to raise this religious monument, according to his first pattern, to that requisite and convenient height. But since at this present by God's permission, I have obtained the kingdom; and that for a long time hitherto we have enjoyed a happy peace; and that neither money nor great revenues are wanting; and that which is our greatest good, we are made happy by the favour of the Romans, who in a sort are the Lords of the whole world, and in effect are our entire friends: I will enforce myself to repair that defect, which happened in times passed thorough the miseries, and weak means of our noble predecessors, resolving with myself to perfect that which is requisite for the service of God, in acknowledgement of the benefits which I have received from him, by whose mercy and means I have obtained my kingdom. This sudden and unexpected speech of Herodes, filled all men's ears with wonder, and hearts with expectation in that he seemed to promise such a thing, as was beyond their hope, and as they thought far greater than his power: and that which most distracted them was, for that they had conceived a fear, lest after he had pulled down the old, he should not be of ability to erect a new. For which cause his counsel seemed to be dangerous, and attempt over difficult. But The jews fearing least Herode should pull down the old temple before he had prepared matter for the new he promiseth the contrary. Convenient stuff is gathered for the building of the temple. How the temple was builded by Herod. the king perceiving with what doubts they were detained, encouraged them, promising in no sort to deface the old temple, before all that was prepared and polished which was requisite for the building of the new. And in this he kept his word. For he appointed a thousand chariots to draw stones unto the place, and chose out amongst the rest ten thousand cunning and expert workmen. He apparrailed also at his own charge one thousand Priests in their accustomed vestments, whereof some gave the masons instructions how they should work, and the rest assisted the carpenters. This done, after he had fitly and readily performed and prepared all things requisite, he caused them to fall to their building. As soon as therefore the former foundations were taken away, and other mere new were planted in their place, the temple was erected upon them, in length one hundredth cubits, and twenty cubits in height above those hundredth cubits which the former contained, which twenty cubits were in some sort scantled after that by succession of time the foundations began to be settled; and during Nero's reign our countrymen had thought to have raised it to the first height. The building was of white and strong marble stones, which were each of them twenty and five cubits long, eight cubits high, and about some twelve cubits broad. All the structure of the fame was made after the manner of a princely palace on all sides, and the middle part thereof was higher than the rest: so that it might easily be discovered by the inhabitants of the country many furlongs off; and especially it was most apparent and subject to their sight, who dwelled opposite against it, or repaired unto the city. The doors thereof and their tramsomes were correspondent to the rest of the magnificence of the temple, garnished with divers rapestries, & azured flowers, which invested & adorned the pillars: under whose chapters a golden vine spread itself on each side, replenished with many goodly clusters of grapes hanging down; which was an admirable work to behold, both in respect of the greatness, as also for the workmanship and matter whereof it was made. He encompassed all the temple with most goodly galleries, and porches correspondent to the magnificence of the same, and surpassing those in times passed for the cost; so that never any man before him so magnificently adorned the temple. Two of which were underpropped with very strong walls, whose workmanship was so exquisite as it is incredible to be reported amongst men. There was a The year of the world 3947. before Christ's Nativity. 17. stony rising or hillock, and very strait and high, the top whereof towards the eastermost part of the city was somewhat smooth and upright. The first that encompassed it with a wall was Solomon our king, who by God's favour and the mediation and labour of divers workmen, did first of all build the higher part: Herode also invested the lower part thereof with an other wall; under which to the southward there lieth a most deep valley. This wall was made of huge stones, close fastened the one unto the other with lead, shutting all within his enclosure, & extending itself very deep; so that the greatness and height of this four square building was an incredible thing to be imagined. The greatness of the stones appeared in the front, but on the inside they were fastened togiether with clasps of iron, which fortified and strengthened the building for ever against all injuries of times. This work having been thus continued to the top, and the void space between the wall and the rising hillock filling up the floor above, was made plain and equal. The whole circuit of the tower contained about four stades or furlongs, a stade or furlong in length to every pane from angle to angle. On the inside and near unto the top there was an other wall of stone, extended along the eastern side; having a double porch of equal greatness with that of the wall, and placed in the midst of the temple, and openeth right upon the gates thereof, which the kings before time had adorned. Round about the temple were planted those spoils which were taken from the Barbarians, which king Herode had placed there with all those spoils, which he had taken from the Arabians. In a corner on the north side there stood a very strong and defenced fortress, builded by the Asmonians, who were Herod's predecessors, and had been both kings and high priests, and had imposed a name on that tower which was Baris, in which they The place where the high priests stole was kept. Under whose custody the stole was. kept the priestly vesture, where with the high priest was wont to be adorned at that time only when he was to offer sacrifice. King Herode kept the same in that place, and there remained it after his death until the time of Tiberius Caesar: under whom Vitellius governor of Syria came unto jerusalem; where he was entertained by all the people with as great magnificence as was possible: and being desirous to acknowledge the favours that he had received at their hands, being requested by them that they might have the keeping of the high priests ornaments, he wrote unto Tiberius Caesar to grant them that favour, & till the death of king Agrippa the jews had the same in their possession. But after that Agrippa was dead, Cassius Longinus that governed Syria, & Cuspius Fadus lieutenant of judaea, commanded the jews to return the same into the fortress Antonia, saying that the Romans ought to be Lord thereof, as they had been in times past. For which cause the jews sent ambassadors unto Claudius Caesar, to request his favour therein, who arriving at Rome found the young king Agrippa there, who besought the Emperor that it might be lawful for him to have the keeping of the habit: who commanded Vitellius the governor of Syria, to deliver it unto his hands. Before time it was kept under the seal of the high priest, and the custody of the treasurer's, & on the eeve of a certain solemn feast the treasurer's went up to the captain, who kept the forttesse for the Romans, and after they had opened their seal they took the habit: and after the feast was past, they returned it back again unto the same place, and shut it up under the same seal in the presence of the captain. All which we have thought good to lay open to make the diversity known that was used in that care. After that Herode had in this sort builded this strong tower for the security and guard of the temple, he called it Antonia, for the love of Antonius his friend, and one of the chiefest men in Rome. In the western part of this porch, there were four gates, whereof the one opened The tower of Antonia. upon the king's palace, to which there was a direct way thorough the midst of the valley: the two others led unto the suburbs: and the fourth opened upon the rest of the city, and gave open passage unto the same, by the means of a number of stairs, by which men might descend to the foot of the valley; and from thence there was an ascent by other stairs to ascend upwards. For the city was situate near unto the temple, after the manner of a theatre; and was bended to the southward by a deep valley. As touching the fourth side turned toward the south, it had likewise certain gates in the midst thereof; and upon the same there was a triple gallery very royal and princely, the length whereof extended from the oriental valley as far as the western. For it was impossible to extend it any further. This work was one of the most famous pieces that was ever seen under the sun: For the depth of the valley was so great, that it was impossible for a man to see the bottom, if he looked downward from the higher part: and notwithstanding The porch builded aloft above the valley. on the same he erected this porch of so great a height, that but to look from the top thereof, and to consider the depth as well of the valley as the height of the porch, it would make a man giddy, and his eye could not pierce unto the immeasurable bottom of the same. It had in length four ranks of pillars opposed the one right over against the other (for the fourth pane The year of the world. 3955. before Christ's birth 9 of the wall was fortified with a wall of hewn stone) the thickness of the pillars was such, that it was as much as three men could fathom holding one an other by the hand, and the length was of twenty and seven foot, with a double base at the bottom. The whole number of them was one hundredth, sixty and two, and they had Chapters engraven and damaskt with Corinthian work. All this building was so huge, that it moved admiration in those that beheld the same. Betwixt these four ranks there were three porches, whereof two were on either side, containing in breadth each of them thirty foot, and in length a stade or furlong: and more than fiftien foot in height. That in the midst was in breadth once and a half as much as these two; and in height twice as much. For it surpassed the rest by far. The floor was made of goodly planks, engraven with divers figures; and the roof thereof was far higher than any of the rest, in which certain huge beams were morteised, on which there were certain pillars builded, united and annexed so fitly together, that it is a matter incredible to those that have not seen the same, and admirable to him that beholdeth it. Such was the fashion of the circuit of the first porch. In the midst, and not far off from the other, stood the second; whereunto there was an ascent made The inward court into which, and no further, the jews might enter. with few steps. It was enclosed with a separation of stone, with an inscription, forbidding any stranger to enter the same upon pain of death. This inward porch both to the southward and the northward had three gates, in rank equidistant the one from the other; and toward the eastward had one great gate, by which those men entered who were cleansed with their wives. For beyond that place it was not lawful for the women to have access. But the third inward space was only accessible by the Priests. In it was the Temple, and before the same the altar; on which they were wont to offer burnt sacrifices unto God. But Herode durst not enter the interior sanctuary, from whence profane men were excluded by the law: but by the mediation of the priests he intended the structure and building of the inward porch, and finishing in eight years space the rest of the edifice, at length also he finished the Temple itself, by the endeavours of the same priests, within the term of one year and six months. By which means the people were replenished with the fullness of joy, and every one gave thanks unto God for that the whole work was finished so speedily, and wished all happiness to the king for his cost and diligence in the execution and finishing thereof: and they celebrated a great feast in honour of the restoration of the Temple. Then did the king offer up three hundredth oxen unto God, and The dedication of the temple. the rest of them each one according to his ability offered so many sacrifices, as that scarcely they may be comprehended in number, for that their multitude exceedeth their estimate. About the very time of the celebration of this feast in honour of the reedification of the Temple, the king's day of coronation fell out, which he was wont to solemnize every year with great joy: and for this twofold occasion the solemnity and joy was far more sumptuous A conduit under ground from the castle Antonia. and complete. The king also caused a conduit of water to be made, and conveyed by pipes under ground, drawing it from the Castle Antonia unto the Oriental gate of the temple, near to which he builded an other Tower also, to the end, that by the conduits he might ascend privily unto the Temple, if happily the people should practise any insurrections against his royalty. It is reported, that during the building of this temple, it never reigned by day time, During the building of them temple it never reigned by day. but only by night, to the intent the work might not be interrupted: and our predecessors have testified no less unto us. Neither is this thing uncredible if we attentively consider those other effects of God's providence. Hitherto concerning the reedification of the Temple. THE XVI. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 16. book. 1 How Alexander and Aristobulus returning unto Herode their father, were calumniated by Salome's and Pheroras means. 2 How Herode gave Alexander and Aristobulus wives. 3 How Herode sailed unto Agrippa. 4 The jews of jonia accused the men of that country before Agrippa for endeavouring to take away their privileges, granted unto them by the Romans. 5 How Herode returned into judaea. 6 Of the discord in Herodes house between him and his sons. 7 How Antipater being at Rome, Herode brought Alexander and his brother, and accused them before Caesar. 8 Of the defence of Alexander, and how he was reconciled unto his father. 9 How Herode did celebrate every five years certain sports, for having finished Caesarea. 10 The Embassage of the Cyrenian and Asian jews unto Caesar. 11 How Herode needing money, entered into David's Sepulchre. 12 How Archelaus king of Cappadocia did reconcile Alexander unto his father. 13 How the Trachonites revolted. 14 Of Herodes expedition into Arabia. 15 How Syllaeus accused Herode unto Caesar. 16 Of Euryclis his calumniations against Herodes sons. 17 How Herodes sons were condemned in a council at Berytus. CHAP. I. How Alexander and Aristobulus being returned unto their father, were assailed and calumniated by Salome and Pheroras. AMongst the rest of the affairs of the common wealth, the king thought it behoved The year of the world 3955. before Christ's Natiuiti●…. 9 Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 1. Herode made a new law that wall breakers should be sold into bondage out of the kingdom. The punishment of theft according to the law of Moses. Exod. 1. 22. Deut. 12. 15. him to redress and hinder private injuries, both in the City and country: for the which purpose he made a new law unlike to the former, that it should be lawful for such as were wall-breakers, to be sold for slaves out of the limits of his kingdom: which law did not seem so much to intend the punishment of malefactors, as the dissolution of his own country customs. For to serve foreign nations, who lived not after the manner of the jews, and to do whatsoever they commanded them, was more prejudicial unto religion then unto the parties convicted of that fact. Wherefore it was sufficiently already in the old ancient laws provided for the punishment of such people, to wit, that a thief should restore four times as much as he stole; which if he was not able to do, that then he was to be sold, not unto strangers, nor into perpetual bondage, but only for seven years; at which time he should again be set free. So that the common people did interpret this new law to set down an unjust punishment, and rather to savour of tyranny, then of princely dignity, and to be enacted not without contempt of their ancient laws: so that for this cause all men spoke very ill of the king. At the same time Herode sailed into Italy to salute Caesar, and to see his children living at Rome. Where Caesar receiving him very courteously, permitted him to take his sons home with Herode sailed into Italy, and brought home his sons from Rome. him, as being now sufficiently instructed in the liberal arts. Who returning into their country were joyfully received of all their countrymen, both for that they were of comely stature, and of courteous conditions; and in their very behaviour did show that they came of kingly lineage. The years of the world. 3955. before Christ's birth 9 Salome and others falsely accused Herodes sons and made their father hate them. Which things moved Salome and the rest, by whose false accusations their mother Mariam was oppressed, to envy them; fearing their puissance, and verily persuading themselves that they would be revengers of their mother's injuries. So taking hereby occasion, they began also falsely to accuse them, as misliking their father, who had caused their mother to be slain; and as though they had an aversion from him, whose hands was imbrued in their mother's blood. For they well perceived that by such calumniations they might draw them into hatred, and avert their father's good will from them. Yet did they not carry these their inventions to the king's ears, but contented themselves to brute them abroad amongst the common people, which so in the end coming to his hearing, would cause in him such enmity and hatred against his sons, as that it would overcome in him all natural affection. CHAP. II. How Herode gave wives unto Alexander and Aristobulus. But the king as yet mistrusting nothing, moved with a fatherly care over them, had them Herode married his son Arist●… to Bernice Salome's daughter, and Alexander to ●…phyta the daughter of the king of Cappadocia. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2. Herode carried Ma●… Agrippa all about his kingdom. Agrippa offered a hundredth beasts at jerusalem. in such estimation as reason did require, and for that they were now come unto man's estate, he married them both: and unto Aristobulus he gave Bernice the daughter of Salome; and unto Alexander Graphyra the daughter of Archelaus king of Cappadocia. Which done, understanding that Marcus Agrippa was returned out of Italy into Asia, he went unto him thither, and invited him into his kingdom, requesting him to accept of his friend's entertainment. Which Agrippa yielding unto, Herode omitted nothing that might delight him: for he received him in his Cities newly built, showing him the fair houses and goodly edifices, entertaining him and the rest of his friends and followers with all sorts of delights, pomp & magnificence, as well at Sebaste, as at the haven of Caesarea, and in the Castles he built, to wit, Alexandrium, Herodium, and Hyrcania. He also brought him to jetusalem, where all the people met him, appareled in such goodly and brave attire, as they were accustomed to adorn themselves withal when as they celebrated their festivals, and with many joyful acclamations received and saluted him. Agrippa offered a hundredth head of fat oxen to God, and feasted all the people; and although he would willingly have made a longer abode there, yet winter drawing nigh, fearing tempestuous weather, he was forced to sail away with all speed into jonia, both he and his friends being honoured with very great presents. CHAP. III. How Herode sailed unto Agrippa. HErode having past the winter at home, and hearing that Agrippa was now with an army Herode sailed unto Agrippa to Chius, and gave a great sum of money to reedifi●… the porch. minded to go to Bosphorus, the spring time being now at hand, he sailed unto him again, and taking his course by Rhodes and Cous, he came toward Lesbus, thinking there to find Agrippa: but by a contrary wind he was driven from thence, and forced a while to stay at Chius, where many privately coming to salute him, he rewarded them with princely rewards: and perceiving that the City gate, destroyed in the wars against Mithridates, was not yet repaired, but lay still ruinated for want of money to repair it, he gave them so much money as largely Herode found Agrippa at Synope a city of Pontus, and was by him honourably entertained. sufficed to restore it to the former beauty and bigness; exhorting them with all expedition to re-edify and adorn the City as it was in times past. At last the wind changing, he sailed first to Mitylene, and then to Byzantium; and there understanding that Agrippa had already past the rocks of Cyane's, he followed him with all speed, and overtook him at Synope a City of Pontus: who contrary to Agrippa's expectation arrived there with his navy: Herodes coming was very grateful unto Agrippa, and with especial affection they embraced one an other. It was an Herode still present with Agrippa in sports and serious affairs. Agrippa went by land to Ephesus. evident sign of friendship, that the king omitting his own private business, would now come unto him in so convenient a time. Wherefore Herode still abode with him in the army, always present either to assist him with counsel, or to bear part of the labour with him. He was also present with him at such times as he meant to be merry, being his only counsellor in difficult matters, for the benevolence he bore unto him, and also in all his mirth, as being one whom he honoured. Agrippa having dispatched the business in Pontus for which he came, it pleased him not to return by sea, but to go by Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, and the greater Phrygia, and so they came by land to Ephesus: and there taking ship they came to Samos. And in all that whole journey, almost in every city he gratified Herode, at his entreaty relieving many of their necessities. And The year of the world. 3956. before Christ's birth 8. Herod helped many in the way with money. Herod was a mediator for many to Agrippa. The citizens of Ilia are reconciled to Agrippa, and they of Chius obtain a privilege. Herode did in the way help many with money that wanted, and spent much upon his guests: and moreover if any one had any suit unto Agrippa, Herode was the only man that might obtain his suit for him. And although Agrippa also was both nobly minded and easily entreated to grant all such things as were not prejudicial to any man; yet was it a matter of no small moment and importance in king Herode, to incite him to use beneficence being even of his own accord forward enough to put the same in practice. For first of all he reconciled Agrippa being angry against the Iliensians, and himself paid the money that the people of Chius were indebted unto Caesar's receivers, obtaining for them an immunity: and he also assisted and pleasured others in what soever they needed. CHAP. FOUR How the jews of jonia accused those countrymen for offering to take from them their privileges, granted unto them by the Romans. WHen they came into jonia, a great multitude of jews inhabiting that country being gathered together, expected him to speak unto him; and finding opportunity, they The jews of jonia complain unto Agrippa of the injuries offered them by those countrymen. Nicholaus did make a speech unto Agrippa in the behalf of the jews. complained unto him of the wrongs that those countrymen offered them, not permitting them to live according unto their laws; and that upon festival days they pulled and haled them before their tribunal: and that they would not permit them to send sacred money unto jerusalem, and that they compelled them to do public business, and to spend the holy money in those affairs, contrary unto the privileges granted unto them by the Romans. Herode laboured to have the jews complaints heard by Agrippa, and willed one of his friends and followers called Nicholaus, to plead the jews cause: who made a speech unto Agrippa, sitting with the rest of the Roman nobility, and other kings and princes, in their behalf after this manner: Most worthy Agrippa, true it is that all men that suffer injury are constrained to fly for redress to the higher powers, and we over and above hope to obtain our suit. For we ask nothing but that which your beneficence hath already granted, and that which they endeavour to take from us that are, as we also are, your subjects. And although that your benefit bestowed upon us was great, yet are we worthy still to enjoy it, only for that you yourself judged us worthy thereof. And suppose it was a small matter, it is a discredit for you not to grant so small a trifle. Wherefore it is evident, that the injury done unto us, doth also redound unto you, whose decrees those that have injuried us, fear not to contemn, and to disannul your beneficence towards us. For if any one should ask any of them whether they had rather lose their lives, then be deprived of their country laws, rites, sacrifices, and festivities, wherewith they honour their Gods; I know well they would rather endure any calamity, then to be forced to forsake their country customs. For many wars arise only for defence of religion, & the greatest reward & content that we reap by this happy peace, which through your means we enjoy, is this: that we are every one permitted to live according to the custom of his country, and to continue in piety. Wherefore they endeavour to take from others that, which by no means they would permit to be taken from themselves; as who should say, it was not as great an offence to hinder other men's piety and devotion, as neglect their own. Let us consider whether there be any city or nation, that doth not account their felicity to be situate in your dominion, and the power of the Romans? or is there any that desireth your honour & power to decay and be of no force? Truly none that is wise: for there is none, whom either publicly or privately it concerneth not: but these people endeavouring to take from us your liberality, do also as it were deprive themselves of all benefits which they have received at your hands, which are infinite. For what a benefit is it, that whereas other nations living under the dominion of rigorous kings constituted overthen; these do only obey the Romans, and live in happy peace and tranquility? But as for our affairs, were no man troublesome unto us, yet are they not such as deserve to be envied. For enjoying the common felicity, which others your subjects do, we desire nothing of high estimate & worth, but only request that we may live according to the religion of our country, which of itself is not to be envied at, but may be profitable for them that permit it. For God doth always love them, who honour him, and them who do not hinder his honour. What is there in our religion offensive to any man? nay what is there that is not according to all piety and justice: whereby all things continue and are preserved? For neither do we conceal what life we follow, nor the labours and exercise we use, but resting the seventh day from all labours, we spend that day in learning our religion, and the laws & customs The year of the world. 3956. before Christ's birth 8. thereof, esteeming this custom not to be of small force to correct and amend our manners. These our customs having in them nothing that any that searcheth them, can justly reprehend, they are now also, though many are persuaded the contrary, consecrated and confirmed by their antiquity: So that we must needs make a conscience of it to forsake our laws, that have endured so many ages. These are the injuries that these people by violence offer us; they sacrilegiously take from us the money dedicated to God: they impose tributes upon us, who are free: they upon festival days force us to their tribunals, to law and other profane business, without any necessity, but only in contumely and disgrace of our religion, which they know well in the mean while that they persecute with unjust and unlawful hatred. For your Empire equally providing for the good of all your subjects, doth not only nourish the mutual concord of them all, but also resisteth hatred and malice. These are the injuries most worthy Agrippa, whereof we seek redress at thy hands, requesting thee that hereafter we may live according to our religion as before times, and that our adversaries may have no more authority over us than we over them: which is not only justice and equity, but already also granted by your clemency. And there are yet extant to be seen in the capitol many decrees and ordinances of the Senate concerning this matter, engraven in brass, which are read unto this day: doubtless for our truth and fidelity so oftentimes tried: or at least, though we not deserving it, yet holy and inviolate. For you do not only not withdraw from us & all other nations your former benefits granted unto us, but you do rather every day beside all hope and expectation increase them: all which, time will not suffer me to recount. And that we may not seem vanely to boast of our duties and officiousness towards you, and also omitting other things that are past; our king now sitting with you can sufficiently testify it so to be. For what kind of love & good will hath he omitted to show unto your nation? where was he not proved trusty? what hath he not devised to honour you? where stood you in need, when he was not the first man to help you? Why therefore should not we receive some favour for his deserts? I will not omit to put you in mind of the fortitude of his father Antipater, who came with two thousand soldiers to assist Caesar in the Agyptian wars, wherein he so valiantly behaved himself, that neither by sea nor land any one in those wars deserved more commendations than himself. I will not at this time recount how much good he did Caesar in those wars, and what and how great rewards he therefore received: but rather I should first of all put you in remembrance of the letters that the Emperor writ unto the Senate concerning this matter, wherewith he obtained for Antipater the honours and privileges of the city. For this only argument had been sufficient to have declared that we did not obtain such favour without desert, & request thee now to confirm the same, of whom we might justly hope for new benefits, seeing such friendship and familiarity between thee and our king. For we have understood by our nation that dwell in judaea, how many offerings thou didst there sacrifice unto our God, & with what vows thou honouredst him: how thou feastedst the people, and waste delighted in that mutual hospitality. All which are as it were an argument of the friendship confirmed between so great a Roman prince, and the nation of the jews, even in Herodes house. By all these, we humbly request in the presence of the king nothing but this only, that thou wouldst not permit us deceitfully to be defrauded of that, which you yourselves have already granted unto the nation of the jews. Now no one of the Greeks offered to oppose himself against that which Nicholaus did speak: for this was no contention to a judge concerning their right, but only a deprecation and supplication to avoid injury. Neither did they deny it, only thus they excused themselves, that the jews dwelling amongst them were troublesome unto them. But the jews showed themselves to be free citizens, and to live according to their religion and laws of their country without any Agrippa confirmeth the jews privileges. man's molestation or injury. Wherefore Agrippa understanding that they were wronged, answered thus; that he would not only gratify them for his friend Herod's sake, but also for that they seemed to him to demand a reasonable matter. Wherefore though they had demanded a greater thing of him, he would have granted them whatsoever he might, without preiudicying the people of Rome. And now seeing they only demand of him that which already the Romans had granted unto them, he would ratify and confirm unto them the benefit which they had already received at the Romans hands, and provide that henceforth no man should molest them Agrippa departed from Lesbus. for living according to the institutions and ordinances of their country. Having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Then Herode arising, thanked him in all their names. And then after mutual embracing one another, they departed, taking their leaves, from Lesbus. CHAP. V. The year of the world, 3956. before Christ's Nativity, 8. How Herode returned into judaea. THe king having a prosperous wind, within a few days after atrived at Caesarea; and from thence he went to jerusalem; and calling together all the people, as well the Citizens Herode returned to jerusalem and made a speech unto the people, and let them understand the cause of his injury, and remitted the fourth part of his tribute. as also the country people then present, there he told them the cause of his journey, and how he had obtained immunities for the jews living in Asia, that they might converse there among the Gentiles without any molestation. Then he recounted unto them, what felicity they had received and enjoyed by his reign, seeing that his greatest care was so to provide for his subjects, that they might want nothing. And to gratify them the more, he told them, that he would freely remit the fourth part of the taxes and tribute they were to pay for the year past. The people greatly comforted as well with the king's speech unto them, as with his liberality, departed joyfully, wishing the king all happiness. CHAP. VI Of the discord in Herodes house, between him and his sons. IN the mean time, the discord of his house was daily increased; for Salome greatly maligned Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 3. al. 7. Salome perlecuteth Mariammes children with natural hatred. the two young men, as having a hereditary hatred rooted in her heart; and presumed by reason of her good success in her exploit practised against their mother, to labour all ways possible not to leave any alive, that might revenge her death; who died, not deserving it. And she wanted no occasion, for that it seemed the young men were not very well affected toward their father, partly for the memory of their mother's death, & partly also for that they desired the kingdom. So that they upbraiding Salome and Pheroras did renew their old hatred against them, who daily practised, by all means they could, to overthrow them: the young men also hated them, but not with like hatred that they were hated of them. For they for their ingenuous manners and noble race dissembled not their anger, but with lavish tongues declared Alexander and Aristobulus being by Salome and Pheroras drawn into bad words are by them accused to their father Herode. their minds. But Salome and Pheroras chose enviously and craftily prepared themselves a way by calumniations, always provoking the magnanimous spirits of these young men, whose fierceness might soon bring them into suspicion with their father, to the intent that he might gather hereby, that they wanted not will to revenge their mother's death, yea even with their own hands, forasmuch as they were not ashamed to be the children of such a mother, and would contend that she was unjustly put to death. And now all the whole City talked of them, every one pitying the young men's simplicity: Salome not ceasing to gather by their own speeches probable arguments of suspicion, that they did not only take their mother's death impatiently, but also raging like young men, did both bewail her death and their own case, who were compelled to live with the murderers of their infortunate mother, & as it were contaminat themselves Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. al. 8. Pheroras and Salome accuse Alexander and Aristobulus before Herode with living amongst them. And the absence of the king greatly increased this their dissension; who being returned, and having made a speech unto the people, he presently was admonished both by Pheroras and Salome his sister, that he was in great danger, by reason of the two young men, who did openly boast that they would be revenged of them that killed their mother: feigning moreover, that they were encouraged, for that they hoped that Archelaus king of Cappadocia would help them, to accuse their father unto Caesar. Herod hearing this, was greatly troubled; and so much the more, for that he heard the same also reported unto him by others: And hereby he was put in memory of that which was past, how that for the dissension of his house he could not long enjoy his friends and dearest wife. And as it were foreseeing by that that Herode was fortunate abroad, and unfortunate at home. was passed what would ensue, and fearing some greater calamity would befall him, he was altogether amazed. And truly as abroad he was most fortunate above all hope; so at home he was most unhappy and infortunate beyond men's opinion: So that one may well doubt whether his fortunate success abroad did countervail his misfortunes at home; or whether it had been more expedient for him to have had neither the one nor the other, but to have had only a common and ordinary favour at fortunes hands. Deliberating thus with himself, he thought it Herod advanceth Antipater to bridie the arrogancy of his sons. good to call unto the court another son of his, whom he begat when he was a private man, and to grace him with honours, and to oppose him against the other two brethren, to the end, to bring down and repress their fierce and haughty minds: (this son of his was called Antipater) not minded (which after overcome by affection he did) to make him sole heir of all, but thinking hereby to bridle Mariammes children, and to diminish their arrogancy by setting them see The year of the world. 3956. before the Nativity of Christ. 8 that it was not needful to keep the inheritance of so flourishing a kingdom only for them: wherefore he introduced Antipater one opposed against them, that thereby the young men laying their pride aside, might show themselves more tractable to their father: and so now he thought he had by this means provided for the safety of these young men. But it fell out far otherwise, than he expected, for the young men esteemed this fact as an injury done unto them: And Antipater was of that nature, that having gotten promotion contrary to his expectation, Antipater enciteth his father against his brothers. he did endeavour all ways possible to be in greater account with his father then the two young men, who was now through false accusations alienated from him, and every day (as he also desired) ready to believe any thing that might incense him against them. Wherefore this was all his labour, yet had he an especial care not to be thought an accuser of his brethren, but he used others of his accomplices, whom the king nothing suspected, who for the trust the king put in them, might also have better credit given unto their words. For now this man had many followers and favourers, as it were gaping after preferment by his means, who with a kind of counterfeit goodwill made a show of love and goodwill towards Herode: And being many in number and trusty one to an other, the young men were every day entrapped more and more: for many times they shed tears for very grief of the contumelies and injuries that they suffered; and many times they mentioned their mother, and complained unto those whom they thought to be their friends, of their father, as one that dealt not well with them: all which Antipater's partakers maliciously noting, and adding thereunto something of their own invention, they did presently tell it unto Herode; and so did nourish the dissension of his house. For the king being moved hereat, and purposing to humble Mariammes children, did daily increase and augment Antipater's honours, and at his entreaties at last brought his mother into the Herod brought Antipater's mother into his palace. Herode delivereth Antipater to Agrippa, to be carried to Rome. court, and many times secretly writing unto Caesar in favour of Antipater, he especially commended him in particular unto him: and being to sail to salute Agrippa, who now was to depart out of Asia, having governed that province ten years, he only took with him Antipater of all his sons, whom also he committed unto Agrippa with many gifts, to go with him to Rome, and to be brought into favour with Caesar; so that now all things seemed to be done, as it were by this man's beck, and the young men to be already disinherited. CHAP. VII. How Antipater living at Rome, Herode brought Alexander and his brother thither, and accused them before Caesar. THis journey did greatly advantage Antipater, and increase his honour, and pre-eminence above his brethren: for he became famous at Rome being by his father's letters commended Antipater was honoured at Rome. Antipater when he was present incited his father against his brethren by hes, and being absent he did the same by letters. Herude failed to Rome, and followed Caesar to Aquileia, Herode accused his sons before Caesar. unto all his friends there: yet this was a great grief unto him, that he could not daily calumniate his brethren; for he feared least his father's mind should change, and so he should affect Mariammes children most. This was his daily cogitation, but though he were absent, yet he ceased not by letters to incite his father against them, as having care of his safety, but in deed for that he thereby through his bad practices hoped to obtain the kingdom: so that he so increased Herodes wrath against them, that he now was become a deadly enemy unto the young men. But endeavouring to resist this affection, and fearing rashly in his anger to commit any thing to prejudice them, he determined to sail again to Rome, and there accuse his sons before Caesar, lest he being lead away thorough indignation and displeasure conceived against the young men, should seem to cast off all love & fatherly affection towards them. And repairing to Rome and not finding Caesar there, he followed him unto Aquileia, and coming to speech of him, and requesting him to take notice of his misfortunes, he presented his two sons, and accused them before Caesar of insolency, and for having attempted to poison him, complaining their hatred to be gone so far, that now by any wicked and execrable way whatsoever they sought their father's kingdom: notwithstanding that Caesar had given him full power and liberty to leave the kingdom to him, whom he found most dutiful and obedient unto him. And that they, though thereby they might not gain the kingdom, yet they could be contented with their father's death, and that they sought it with danger of their own lives, and that this horrible and detestable hatred was now rooted in their hearts. And that he having long endured this calamity, was now forced to open it unto Caesar, and trouble his ears with these complaints. And spoke after this manner: Have I deserved this at their hands? what wrong have I done them? or how can they think it reason, that I who have exposed myself to so many dangers, and undergone The year of the world. 3956. before Christ's birth 8. so difficult labours for a long time to obtain the kingdom, should not peaceably enjoy the same, and suffer me to be Lord of my own dominion, and permit me the liberty to leave it unto him who shall deserve such honour in the best performance of a sonlike duty? So that the beholders hereof seeing piety so rewarded, might hereby be the more incited thereunto, especially seeing that without violating the law of nature, it is not lawful to think any such thought: for no man can affect his father's kingdom, but he doth also desire his father's death, seeing that it is not permitted men to succeed those in the kingdom who are yet alive. He alleged moreover, that for his part he had had a care that they should want nothing convenient for a kind father to provide for princely children, neither ornaments, nor followers, nor delights: that also he had provided for them wives of noble race, and had married one of them unto his sister's daughter; and the other unto Archelaus his daughter king of Cappadocia: and which was the greatest matter of all, he had not used the authority of a father against them after these their enterprises, but brought them unto Caesar their common benefactor; and that forsaking his own right of a father, who had been injured, or of a king, against whom treason had been wrought, he now was content to debate his matter with them before such a judge, as well knew how to decide the thing in question according to right & equity: yet requested he him that that offence of theirs might not be left unpunished, nor he forced to lead the rest of his life still in perpetual fear: seeing that it was expedient that they should never see light again after such heinous offences, and to escape unpunished after the violating of all laws of God and nature. Herode having with a vehement voice objected these accusations against his sons before Caesar; the young men not able to abstain from tears whilst he was yet speaking, and having ended his speech they were wholly resolved into tears, not for that they were guilty of those impieties laid unto their charge, but for that they were accused by their father, against whom it was not decent to speak freely for themselves, nor expedient to refuse to defend their own cause. Where they remained doubtful what to do, moving the auditors to pity them by their tears and lamentations, and careful withal lest it should be thought that their guilty conscience did so Alias, chap. 9 Alexander and Aristo bulus move all that were present even their father and accuser to tears and compassion. trouble them, that they were not able to speak in their own defence, seeing that in deed it was their want of skill and tender years, by reason whereof they were so amazed. Which also Caesar well perceived, and all that were present were so moved to compassion, that neither their father who was their accuser could long refrain from being moved hereat to compassion. CHAP. VIII. Of Alexander's defence, and how the two brethren were reconciled unto their father Herod. THen the young men perceiving both their father and Caesar to relent, and the rest that Alexander speaketh in his own and his brother's defence. were present partly to pity them, partly to shed tears of compassion: the one of them named Alexander, who was the elder, framing his speech unto his father, began thus to purge himself of the crimes objected against them. My father, how well & friendly minded thou art towards us, this present judgement declareth: for hadst thou determined any heavy sentence against us, thou wouldst not have brought us before him, who is the preserver of us all: for thou mightest being a king, or for the authority over us as a father, have punished us for our offence according to thy power; but in that thou hast brought us to Rome, and made Caesar our judge, it is an argument that thou seekest to save us: for no man bringeth any one to the temple whom he purposeth to destroy, which greatly aggravateth our cause, who do censure ourselves unworthy to live, rather than to incur an opinion of impiety committed against thee such a father. How far more expedient is it to die guiltless, then to live suspected of such offences. Wherefore, if truth be our patron, we shall be happy either by thy own judgement, or for that we have escaped danger: but if calumniations do prevail against us, it is superfluous and to no purpose that we live. For what good would it do us, if we live in continual suspicion? It is a probable accusation to accuse our years, as having affected the kingdom; and our unfortunate mother's calamity maketh it seem more probable. But consider I beseech thee, if the same crime may not be as well framed against any one whomsoever, as against us. For any king having children by a wife that is now dead, may if it please him suspect them, as practising treason against him their father. But suspicion is not sufficient to prove a man impious and guilty: wherefore bring any one forth that can tell any argument of this crime by us to have been attempted, which may add credit to this calumniation; Can any man show that poison was prepared The year of the world. 3956. before the Nativity of Christ. 8 by us for you; or that we conspired with any; or that we corrupted any servants with money and gifts; or that we writ any letters against thee? yet may calumniation feign every one of these upon no occasion. It is a grievous matter for discord to be in a prince's court; and the hope of dominion, which your majesty affirmed to be the reward of piety; doth often impel men's minds unto heinous offences. But although it be most certain that we cannot be convicted of any crime; yet how can we clear ourselves from accusations forged against us before them that will not hear us? But did we speak some insolent words; yet were they not against thee, O my father (for that had been impiety) but against them who tell all they hear. We bewailed our mother's misfortune. It is true: but not because she is dead, but because after her death she is evil spoken of by those, who ought not to do it. We affect the kingdom of our father he being yet alive. Wherein? Is not that purpose of ours vain and frivolous, we having already been graced with kingly honours? And suppose we were not; yet might we hope for them. But could we expect them by killing of thee, whom both earth and seas would disdain after so execrable an offence? Or could we have expected that the loyalty of thy subjects, and the laws of our nation would have permitted us, having gotten the kingdom by murdering our father, to have enjoyed the same, and entered into the holy temple, which thou didst repair? Or suppose we despised them all; yet could any one that murdered thee escape, Caesar being living? Thy children by thee begotten are not so impious nor foolish, though more infortunate than thy estate requireth. And seeing thou hast nothing to accuse us of, or nothing to prove any accusation laid unto our charge, how canst thou be persuaded that we are guilty of such inhuman acts? Is it because our mother was put to death? But her death ought rather to have made us more wary, then insolent and rash. We could speak more in our own defence, than this; but what need is it to excuse that which was never done? Wherefore we beseech Caesar (who is Lord of all, and now our judge) only this, that if thou canst, O my father, put away out of thy mind all suspicion of us, to suffer us to live hereafter, how unhappy and unfortunate soever: for what is more miserable than to be rashly accused without cause? But if thou canst not, we living, live without fear of us, let us die condemned by our own censure. For our lives are not so dear unto us, that we desire to keep them to his molestation that bestowed them upon us. Caesar with these words, though before not greatly crediting such accusations and slanders laid against them, was now more moved to believe that they were guiltless; and the rather, All men do pity the young men. Caesar pronounceth the young men herein to have offended, that they gave occasion of suspicion, and he exhorreth the father to be reconciled to his children. for that fixing his eyes upon Herode, he perceived him also to be much moved, and all that were present were sorrowful for the young men; so that all courtiers present thought hardly of the king for the absurd & frivolous accusation framed against them: and the flower of their age, wherein they were now endangered, moved all men's minds what they could to assist them: And much more were they incited after that Alexander had ingeniously refuted his father's accusations, the accused remaining still in the same habit and place, and for grief fixing their eyes upon the ground. At last some hope appeared, so that the king himself seemed to need some excuse, for having so rashly accused his sons without any certain proof of his accusations. At last Caesar having a while deliberated with himself, pronounced that the young men were innocent, and guiltless of the crimes laid unto their charge: yet herein they were culpable, in that they had so behaved themselves, that they gave their father occasion herein to suspect them. And as for Herode he requested him to lay aside all suspicion, and to be reconciled unto his children. For it was unjustly Herode is reconciled to his children. done of him to believe such forged accusations against those whom he had begotten, and that one might recompense another in time to come for their former offences, and renew the good will between them in times past, if to abolish all suspicions either did hereafter show himself more friendly to other then before. Caesar having thus admonished the young men, they preparing themselves to entreat their father's wont favour; he not expecting so long, came and embraced each of them one after another, they weeping exceedingly; and all those that were present both servants and others did the like. Antipater friendly dot●… congratulate his brethren returned into his father's favour. Herode dit●… give Caesar ●…00. tale●…. Then giving humble thanks unto Caesar, they departed together; and Antipater with them counterfeiting himself to congratulate their good hap, for that they were now reconciled unto his father. Within a few days after Herode gave Caesar three hundredth talents, who was now bestowing his gifts and presents at Rome, and exercising his liberality upon the people. And Caesar again bestowed upon him half of the revenues out of the mines of the metal in Cyprus; and the other half unto the overseer thereof, and gracing him otherways also, he gave him leave to choose which of his sons he pleased for to succeed him in his kingdom; or if he had rather to distribute it amongst them all which Herode presently would have done, but Caesar would not The year of the world, 3956. before Christ's Nativity, 8. Caesar gave Herode half his revennes out of the mines of Cyprus. The rebels are conquered permit him, affirming that during his life he should keep it all whole and undivided, and his sons should be subject unto him. After this Herode returned again into judaea, in whose absence the Trachonites that were no small part of his kingdom, were revolted: yet by the industry of the captains he left to oversee all in his absence, they were conquered again, and forced to do as they were commanded. As Herode and his sons were sailing towards home, arriving at Eleusa a city of Cilicia which is now called Sebaste, he found Archelaus there, who was king of Cappadocia. Archelaus did courteously entertain Herode, and was very joyful that his sons and he were made friends, and that Alexander his son in law had so well cleared himself and his brother of the crimes laid unto their charge. And so each one bestowing upon the other princely gifts, they departed, taking their leaves one of the other. After this Herode being new returned into judaea, and calling the people together into the temple, told them all that had passed in his absence from them, and the courtesy of Caesar: and told them also of other affairs that he thought meet for them to know, and turning the latter end of his speech unto his sons, and exhorting the courtiers and common people to concord, he told them that his sons should reign after him, and first of all Antipater: and after him his sons that he had by Mariam, Alexander and Aristobulus; in the mean time every one of them should honour him as King and Lord, notwithstanding his old age, which for long experience was the fitter to govern, seeing there was nothing in him wanting to keep both his subjects and children in their obedience; and that the soldiers also if they only respected him, should live in all happiness and felicity without molestation. Having thus spoken, he dismissed the people; some thinking he had spoken according to equity; others thinking clean contrary: For having now as it were caused an emulation amongst his children, there was as it were already a show of some mutation. CHAP. IX. How Herode having finished Caesarea, for joy thereof did celebrate every fifth year certain sports. ABout this time Caesarea was finished, the tenth year after it was begun to be built, the eight and twentieth year of Herodes reign, in the hundredth, four score and twelve olympiad. The year of the world, 3957. before Christ's nativity, 7. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. al. 10. Caesrea is finished. O●…nale ●…men. In the dedication hereof there was great pomp and sumotuous preparations: for all musicans were brought hither to strive one with another, who was most excellent in their art; and champions that wrestled being naked and anointed with oil: there was also a great many that fought with swords, & a great number of savage beasts; and all things else that at such times were used, and in account either at Rome or in other countries. These sports were also consecrated unto Caesar, and were to be renewed every fifth year. All this provision the king at his own cost and charges provided to be brought from any place whatsoever, to show the greatness of his magnificence. julia Caesar's wife also bestowed much of her, own to the furnishing hereof, and sent many precious things out of Italy; so that the worth of them all amounted unto five hundredth talents. And a great company being gathered together to behold these sports, he received all Ambassadors sent unto him from other nations, to thank him for the benefits he had bestowed on them; and he lodged, feasted, and sported them: and being all day long amongst the people to see those sports, at night he received them with banquets, and showing them his magnificence; and gaining great praise and commendations for a worthy king. For he in all things so provided, that the last was more pleasing and grateful than the first, and caused him to be more admired. And it is reported that Caesar himself and Agrippa often did say, that Herodes magnanimity was greater than his present revenues could bear, and that Caesar and Agrippa commend Herod's magnanimity. A●…ipartis is built. he well deserved an empire, as big as all Syria and Egypt. These sports being ended, he builded another town in a field called Capharsaba, choosing for it a watery soil fit for plants: the city was compassed with a river; and he also planted round about it a wood full of most goodly trees. This town he called Antipatris, after his father's name Antipater. After which he also builded a castle above jericho, called after his mother's name Cypron, which was very strongly defenced, Cypron is built. and adorned within with rare and sumptuous edifices. And not forgetting his brother, he dedicated unto him most goodly buildings: for first he built a tower as big as Pharo in the city, The tower and town of Phasaelus is built. in remembrance of his dead brother, and called it by his name Phasaelus, which also was the strongest hold and defence in all the city. After this, he builded a town near unto the valley of jericho, as one goeth toward the north, whereby the fields that before almost lay desert were now tilled and inhabited by the townsmen; so that of them it was named Phasaelus field. It were hard The year of the world. 3957. before Christ's birth 7. Herode built the temple of Pythius. to recount all his liberality in particular showed both unto the Cities of Syria and Grecia, and all other places wheresoever he came: for he helped many either by building public places; or if there were any new works begun, and not finished for want of money, by giving them money to finish them: the chiefest amongst all which were, that he builded at his own cost and charge the temple of Apollo at Rhodes; and gave them many talents of silver to build their ships. He also builded the greatest part of the public houses and places in the City by Actium, which Caesar built for the Nicopolitanes there inhabiting, and that with his own proper costs and charges: He also for the Antiochians inhabiting the greatest City of Syria, builded porches on each side of the greater street, that goeth quite thorough the midst of the City, and doth as it were part it into two: and that street itself that lay open, he paved with polished stone: which work was as great a commodity to the inhabitants, as a beauty unto their City. He also helped to maintain the sports at Olympus with yearly revenues, that now for want of maintenance began to decay: so that by his means there were more solemn sacrifices, and all things more sumptuous to please them that came to behold them: for which his liberality he was declared a The sports of Olympus. perpetual master and maintainer of those sports. It is admirable to see in one man such diversity of minds: for on the one side if we respect his liberality and beneficence towards all men, we must needs say, he was of a most free and bountiful nature; chose, if we consider the injuries and cruelty he showed against his subjects and dearest friends, we must confess him to Why Herode was liberal to strangers, and cruel to his own nation. have been a hard man, and intractable, and who passed all bounds of modesty; so that we would think him to have been of two contrary dispositions. But I am otherwise persuaded, and think that both these did proceed from one matter: for because he thirsted after glory and honour, and wholly applied himself thereunto; he became liberal wheresoever he was in hope either to reap present thanks for his labour, or a future remembrance. Wherefore spending above his revenues for this matter, he was forced to be chargeable unto his subjects: for it was necessity that he that so lavishly bestowed such huge sums of money upon others, should some where get it, though with evil means. Lastly, seeing himself for such like injuries hated of his subjects, he thought it a hard matter to get their good wills; which he could do no way else, but by remitting the tribute they paid him. Wherefore he abused the hatred of his people for his own commodity: for if any one of them did not tolerate that slavery wherein they lived, or did endeavour to shake off the yoke of his dominion, against such he used a marvelous cruelty; and outraged them no less, then as if they had been his enemies, neither respecting friendship nor kindred; for that he desired alone to be honoured of all men. And how greedy of honour he was, we may guess by the honours he did unto Caesar, Agrippa, and others of their friends: for he desired to be an example unto his subjects, that as he himself honoured men better than himself; so they should all honour him likewise: thereby declaring what thing he did naturally most desire. But the jews religion doth not permit them licence to honour potentates, who of necessity ought to have greater care and respect of right and equity, then of such officiousness toward superiors: for it was disprofit enough unto the jews that they could not with statues Herod greedy of honour. and temples obtain the king's favour, and with such like flatteries satisfy the fond appetites of a vainglorious man. And this seemeth to me to be the reason that Herode was unjust, and hard towards his friends, and to those whom he made partakers of his counsels and enterprises: and frank and bountiful towards strangers. CHAP. X. Of the Embassage of the Cyrenian and Asian jews unto Caesar. THe Asian and Cyrenian jews were greatly afflicted by the Citizens of those countries, who having had the same privileges granted unto them by the ancient kings that the Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. The jews of Asia and Cyrenc being afflicted by the inhabitants there send an embassage to Caesar, and do obtain of him immunity, Citizens had, were now greatly injured by the Greeks: as though they carried money out of the country, and were prejudicial unto the rest of the inhabitants. And the Greeks making no end of these their injuries, they were constrained by Ambassadors to complain of them unto Caesar, who wrote unto every province, that it was his pleasure that the jews should enjoy like privileges with the other inhabitants of the country. The copy of which writing we have here set down, that it may the better appear, how the Roman Emperors of ancient times were affected unto our nation. Caesar Augustus Pont. Max. Trib. potestatis, thus decreeth. For as much as the nation of the The year of the world 3957. before Christ's Nativity. 7. jews hath always been trusty unto the Romans, not only at this day, but also in all former ages, and especially in the time of our father Caesar the Emperor, under Hircanus their high priest: I have ordained, that according to the common sentence of the Senate, they shall live after their country laws, under which they lived in the time of Hircanus the high priest of God: and that their temple shall retain the right of a sanctuary, and that it shall be lawful for them to send votive money unto jerusalem by certain persons: and that they shall not be compelled to appear before any judge upon their Sabaoth days, or the day before their Sabbaths, after nine of the clock upon the preparation day. And if any one be known to steal the holy books, or holy money laid up in their places appointed for religion, he shall be guilty of sacrilege: and his goods shall be confiscate unto the treasury of the people of Rome. I also decree for the good will I bear unto all men, that their memorial or request offered unto me by C. Marcius Censorinus, shall together with this my edict be published in that famous place, which all Asia hath dedicated unto my name, to wit, Argyra. And if any shall be so hardy as to do contrary to our decree, he shall be punished extraordinarily. This was engraven in a pillar in Caesar's temple. Caesar wisheth health unto Norbanus Flaccus: let it be lawful for all jews wheresoever living, to carry their sacred money unto jerusalem, according to their ancient custom, and that no man should forbid them so to do: and this did Caesar write in favour of the jews. Agrippa also wrote in the jews behalf, as followeth: Agrippa wisheth health unto the magistrates, Senate, and people of Ephesus. I will that the jews living in Asia keep their sacred Agrippa writ unto the rulers of Ephesus in the jews behalf, and to Syllanus and the magistrates of Cyrena. money, which according to the custom of their country, they are wont to send unto jerusalem: and if any one shall steal their holy money, that the same person if he fly unto a sanctuary, shall be violently taken away from thence, as a sacrilegious person, and delivered unto the jews to be punished. He also wrote unto Syllanus the magistrate, that the jews might not be constrained upon their Sabbaths to appear before a judge. M. Agrippa wisheth health to the Cyrenian magistrates, and Senate. The jews inhabiting amongst you, for whom Augustus hath already written unto Flavius the precedent of Libya, and unto other magistrates of that province, are not to be hindered from sending their holy money to jerusalem; as their custom is: and they have now complained unto me, that they are molested by the false accusations of some bad people, and forbidden to do it under pretence of a certain tribute, which notwithstanding they are not to pay. Wherefore I command that they may be permitted to live after their custom, and free from all such matters: and if in any of your Cities any sacred money of theirs be intercepted, that by certain persons which you knowing to be fit for that purpose make choice of them, to send it again unto the jews. Item, C. Norbanus Flaccus proconsul, Health unto the magistrates of Sardinia: Caesar hath written unto me, commanding that no man hinder the Caius Norbanus Flaccus writeth in the jews behalf. julius Antonius proconfull. jews, according to their custom, to send sacred money unto jerusalem: wherefore I also write unto you of the same, that you may not be ignorant both of my will and Caesar's also. Moreover, julius Antonius proconsul did also write unto this effect, Health unto the magistrates, Senate and people of Ephesus. The jews of Asia in the Ideas of February, I sitting in judicial seat at Ephesus, signified unto me, that Caesar Augustus and Agrippa have permitted them to use their country customs; and every one, according as he thinketh good, to contribute his first fruits for religion sake, to be carried without let or hindrance unto the temple of the most mighty God: and they desired me to ratify by my consent, that which they had already granted them by the abovenamed Emperors. Wherefore I would have you to know, that I also, according unto Caesar's and Agrippa's decrees and ordinances, do permit and grant them also to do all things they please, according unto their country customs, forbidding any man to hinder them therein. I have thought good to annex these decrees, for that I know that these my writings will come unto the Grecians hands, that I may show them that in former ages we were so esteemed of the public magistrates that were not permitted to hinder us from using our country rites and ceremonies; and that by their consent we worshipped God in our own religion: which I do inculcate the oftener, that I may move strange and foreign nations, and take away their hatred conceived against us, which is without all reasonable cause. For no nation doth always use the same customs, but almost whole towns amongst them do sometimes alter and differ from the rest; yet is justice equally to be distributed unto all men: which is most profitable, as well to the greeks as to other barbarous nations, which is greatly observed in our laws, which if we follow and violate not, are able to make all nations love us. Wherefore we request all men not to despise us for that we differ from them in religion, but favour us in that we follow virtue. For The year of the world. 3957. before Christ's birth 7. this is common to all nations, and without this man's life cannot stand. But I will now return unto my History. CHAP. XI. How Herode having need of money, opened David's Sepulchre. HErode spending lavishly much and many sums of money, both at home and abroad, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 7. al. 7. 12. The desire of gold. hearing that Hircanus, who reigned before him, opened David's Sepulchre, and took out of it three thousand talents of silver, and that there was left yet far more, able to defray any great charges whatsoever, he long time purposed to do the like. And at this time in the night season accompanied only with his most trusty friends, being very wary that none of the people should know of it, he entered into the Sepulchre: but he found no money there, as Hircanus did; but he took from thence a great company of precious attires and ornaments of gold; whereby he was enticed to make a more diligent search: and he sent two of his company for the nonce into the inner part of the Sepulchre, where the bodies of Solomon and David were entombed, who were there lost, and as it is reported, fire came out of those secret places and consumed Herode lost two of his men in David's sepulchre. Nicholaus the histotiographer reproved them. Whereat Herode being terrified, departed out of it; and moved with religion to make satisfaction, he builded a most sumptuous monument of white marble, at the entrances into the Sepulchre: of which building Nicholaus also a writer of that time, maketh mention; but he speaketh not how they went into the Sepulchre of David, thinking that therein he should not keep decorum, if he should make mention thereof. Wherein he followed his accustomed order, for his writings were to come to the ears of the king yet living, wherein he did only curry favour, mentioning only that that might redound unto the king's credit: so that many of his open and wicked pranks, he doth either colour under some other pretence, or else always possible he endeavoured to hide them. For he doth as it were tell a tale of Herodes cruelty against Mariam, and his sons; as though he did thereby deserve credit and praise, accusing her of adultery, and them as traitors unto their father: and this he doth clean thorough his works, too much extolling the kings good deeds, and too diligently excusing his bad deeds and iniquities. But as I have said, we must pardon him, who did not so much write to leave a memory of things done unto after ages, as to gratify and please his king. But I, who come of the lineage of the Asamonian joseph came of the priestly line of the Asamoncens. A discord in Herod's house kings, and execute the office of a Priest, account it a shame to lie: and do intend truly to recount the history of all things that were acted and done, yet with a reverence of the posterity of that king, who do also now bear sway and rule▪ yet with their pardon and leave, having a greater care to the verity of our history, then to them. After the Sepulchre was thus violated, Herod's house began to decay, whether revenge lighting upon that part which was already scarce sound, or whether by mere chance such calamity at that time befell him, as might justly be thought the reward of impiety. For there was a discord in the court not unlike unto civil wars, every one striving against other with hatred and forged accusations, but especially Antipater's politic practice against his brethren was to be noted, who entangling them by other men's forged accusations, himself oftentimes seemed to take Antipater's crafty plotting against his brethren. upon him their defence, that making a show of good will unto them he might secretly oppress them the sooner; and he did so craftily cirumvent his father, that his father deemed him to be his only conserver. Wherefore the king commended Ptolomeus his procurator unto Antipater his son, and did communicate all his secrets unto his mother, so that all things were done according as they pleased, and they made him displeased ●…gainst those whom they knew the king's displeasure might redoud unto their profit. But Mariammes children did every day stomach the matter more and more, disdaining to give place unto their inferior: and for their nobiltie not enduring to be removed from their places and not to keep their dignity also: their wives did the like, and Alexander's wife Glaphyra, The women axe discord and variance. who was the daughter of Archelaus king of Cappadocia, did greatly envy and disdain Salome; and she also her again, both for the love that she bore unto her husband, and for that she disdained (as women are wont) that her daughter married unto Aristobulus should be in equal honour with her. Pheroras also the king's brother had a hand in this other contention about a private cause of suspicion and hatred. For he fell so far in love with one of his maids, that he Pheroras refused the king's daughter offered him t●… wife. refused the king's daughter offered unto him, rather making choice of his maid. Herode took this in very evil part, seeing his brother (who had received so many benefits at his hands, and was almost his fellow in his kingdom by his means) not to show the like brotherly affection to The year of the world, 3957. before Christ's Nativity, 7. him again as he then ought, and himself to be an unhappy brother. And seeing he could not dissuade him from that madness, he married his daughter unto Phasaelus his son, and afterward thinking that now his brother's mind towards his maid was satisfied, he complaining of his injurious dealing in repulsing his daughter offered unto him to wife, he now offered him another of his daughters named Cypros. Then Ptolomeus advised Pheroras not still to contemn his brother's offer, and persist in such folly; telling him it was his mere folly therefore to incur the king's displeasure and hatred, and loss of tranquility. Pheroras understanding this counsel profitable for him, having been once before injuriously accused, and obtained pardon at the king's hands, sent away his maid, by whom he now had a son, and promised the king to marry this his other daughter; & appointed the thirtieth day after to celebrate his marriage; making a solemn oath unto the king, never after that time to use the company of that woman whom he had put away. The time appointed being expired, he fell so far in love with the former woman, that he would not stand to his promise, but again companied with his maid. Then Herode, not able any longer to contain himself, used many speeches, whereby he evidently showed his mind to be alienated from his brother. And there were many, who taking hereat opportunity, did by forged calumniations increase his alienation: so that now there was no day nor hour past, wherein he did not still hear some new alterations and stirs amongst his dearest friends; whom nature willed to combine themselves to maintain concord and amity. For Salome being now offended at Mariammes children, did not permit her daughter married unto Aristobulus, Salome enticed 〈◊〉 daughter to bewray her husband's se●…ts, one of the young men, to enjoy mutual love and comfort of her husband, enticing her to bewray her husband's secret talk: and if she heard any small occasions of offence (as often it falleth out) she should the more aggravate them with suspicions, whereby she also learned all their secrets, and made the young woman hate her husband. And she to please her mother, recounted how that often when her husband and Alexander were alone, that then they were wont to talk of Mariam their mother, and use reproachful words against their father; and threatening, that if they ever did obtain the kingdom, they would make the sons of the king, whom he had by other wives, notaries and towne-clerkes: and so they might reap profit of their learning which they now studied for: and whensoever they saw any of the king's wives wear any of Mariammes apparel, that then they vowed in steed of that attire, to clothe them with sackcloth, and shut them up where they should never see the Sun. Salome presently told all this to the king: who though he were much grieved hereat, yet he chose rather to seek to amend it, then to punish them: for he was greatly incited against them by suspicion, & every day waxing worse & worse, at last he believed all the reports of any whomsoever. But he then contented only sharply to chide his sons, and pacified with their excuses and answers, he for that time was quiet. But presently the mischief was againse set on foot, for Pheroras the king's brother, meeting Alexander, who (as we have said) was Glaphyra her husband, who was daughter to Archelaus: he Herode greatly moved against Pheroras for a●…firming that he was a in love with Glaphyra. told him that he heard by Salome; that Herod was far in love with Glaphyra: so that he could not shake off this affection. The young man hearing this, became jealous, and was in a great rage: and now what honour soever or gifts Herod for the love of his son gave her, Alexander did interpret it in the worst sense, being now made jealous by that which he had heard of Pheroras, & not able to put up such injuries, as he thought, he went unto his father, and with tears recounted unto him what Pheroras had told him. But Herod was hereat the more inflamed, not enduring himself falsely to be accused of so shameful a fact, inveighin against the great malice of his friends, who for his great good tur●…s he did them, so rewarded him. And presently sending for Pheroras, very sharply he began to●… hide him, saying: O most impious that liveth amongst men! art thou become so ungrateful, either to speak or think such a matter of us? Thinkest thou that I do not perceive thy drift, that thou speakest not these words unto thy son to discredit me, but also to the intent by this means thou mightest work some treason against me, & cause me to be poisoned? For who but a good son, as this is, would suffer his father, suspected for such a matter, to live, and not be revenged of him for such offence? Whether dost thou think that thou didst put these speeches into his mind, or by them a sword into his hand to kill his father withal? or what was thy intent, seeing thou hatest both him and his brother, and only counter faiting good will towards me to bely me, and to report that of me, that without impiety could not be thought? get thee hence, thou wretched imp, seeing thou hast thus abused thy brother, who hath well deserved at thy hands; and do as thou wilt all thy life time, myself will endeavour to be better unto my children; then I have been; and neither will I punish them as they deserve, but I will honour them above their merits. The king having discharged his choler against his brother The year of the world. 3957. before Christ's bir●… 7. Salome excuseth herself. Pheroras; and he being taken in a manifest fault, answered, that that report was first devised by Salome, of whom he heard it, which she (being then present) hearing, began to exclaim, saying, it was not her devise, and that they all laboured to make the king hate her, and to put her to death, being one who did especially wish him well; and what in her lay, seeking his safety: and that now he was in danger of more treason than ever before: for (said she) I was the only cause that you did put away the woman, whom you so doted after, persuading you to marry the king's daughter: and this is the cause that you hate me. With these speeches tearing her hair, and striking her breast, she made a show of innocency: but this her gesture was a colour to hide her bad intent. So Pheroras was left in great pexplexitie, not knowing what to say or do; and finding no pretence to excuse his fact: for on the one side he confessed, that he told it unto Alexander; and on the other that he could not make Herode believe, that he heard it of Salome. This contention endured a good while, at last the king being wearied sent away his brother, and his sister, and greatly commending his sons moderate mind, and that he had given him intelligence of those speeches very late in the night, he went to supper. After this contention, Salome was hardly thought of, because she was judged to be the author of this ill report, and the king's wives wished evil unto her, because they knew her to be of strange The effect of calumniation. qualities and hard to please, and so variable, that according to the time, one while she would profess friendship, and presently after hatred. Wherefore they still had some thing to inform Herode of against her, taking occasion happening by chance, which was this. There was a king of the Arabians, named Obodas, a slothful man, and one given to idleness: and there was one Syllaeus Syllaeus the Arabian desiring Salome to wife was denied. that did govern all his affairs; this man was a crafty fellow, & in the prime of his youth, and very beautiful. This Syllaeus coming unto Herode about some business, and viewing Salome, who then sat at supper with him, began to set his mind upon her, and finding she was a widow, he entered into talk with her, and she finding her brother now not so friendly unto her as before he had been, and also entangled with the beauty of this young man, did not greatly deny to marry him, & many feasts being made at that time, they showed evident signs of their mutual consent, and love one unto another. The king's wives told the king of this in scoffing sort: Herode herewith not contented, demanded of Pheroras how the matter stood, & willed him at supper time to note if he could espy any tokens of familiarity betwixt them: And Pheroras told him that by signs & mutual viewing one another, they sufficiently showed their intents. After this the Arabian being suspected, departed into his own country. But two or three months after he came again into judaea, only for this purpose, & talked with Herod concerning this matter, requesting him to let Salome be his wife: affirming that that affinity would be profitable unto him for the traffic between his people & the Arabians, whose prince he was to be, & did already enjoy a great part of the dominion. Herod told all this unto his sister, & asked her if she would marry him: & she answered, she would. Then they requested that Syllaus should become a jew in religion, or else it was not lawful for him to marry her. He would not condescend hereunto, affirming that he should be stoned to death by his people, if he did it; and so he departed without obtaining his purpose. From that time forth, Pheroras, and especially the king's wives accused Salome of intemperancy, affirming that she had had the company of the Arabian. Now Herode determined to marry his daughter unto Salome's son, whom Pheroras refused for the love of his maid, which son of Salome's was her eldest that she had by Costabarus; and that to show his good will toward Salome his sister. But he was dissuaded by Pheroras, who told him that the young man would never love such a father in law, because of his father's death, persuading him rather to marry her to his eldest son, who was to succeed him in his tetrarchy: which he easily persuaded the king unto, and so obtained pardon for his former offence. Wherefore the spousals being changed, the maid was Herod married his daughter to Pheroras son. married unto the young man, who had an hundred talents in dowry with her, more than otherwise should have been given with her. But all this while the dissension of Herodes house did not cease, but rather increased, he having a shameful beginning, and coming to a sorrowful end. Herod had three eunuchs, whom he The son's hatred towards their father is bewrayed. greatly esteemed for their beauty: one of them was his butler; the other his cook; and the third his chamberlain; whom also he was wont to employ in serious affairs of his kingdom. Some one or other informed the king, that these three eunuchs were corrupted by his son Alexander with great sums of money, and being upon tortures examined if they had accompanied with him, they confessed all: yet they affirmed that they knew no practice of his attempted against his father. But their torments being increased by Antipater's favourites, they were forced to confess that Alexander secretly hated his father, and he exhorted them to forsake Herode, who The year of the world 3957. before Christ's Nativity. 7. was now good for nothing; who dissembled his age by painting his face to make himself seem younger than he was, and colouring his head and beard black, which were already grown very white through age: but rather far their minds upon him who would in despite of his father enjoy his kingdom due unto him, and that then he would advance them to the highest honours of the kingdom: for he had not only title unto it by his birth, but also was now prepared likewise to invade it; and that he had many of the captains of the soldiers, and many of the king's friends on his side, who were prepared to do or endure any thing for his sake. Herode hearing this, fear and anger did invade him, by reason that his sons words seemed both contumelious and threatening, and being for both these causes in a rage, he feared some greater matter to be put in practice against him, which he could not suddenly, and having so little warning, avoid; and not daring to make open enquiry, he set secret spies a work to tell him how all matters stood, himself now mistrusting all men, and accounting it his security to mistrust all, even them that deserved it not: and not moderating his suspicious mind, now whosoever was the nearest unto him, was the more suspected, as of most power to injure him. As for others that were but only named by his spies, he presently esteemed it his safety to put them Herode crediteth all tales, and so putteth many to death unjustly. to death. Then they of his household every one being careful to save himself, were one turned against another, every one deeming it his own safety to prevent others, by accusing them unto Herode: which done, presently they incited other men's envy against them, and every one of them to desire such measure as they had measured unto others: and thus they also revenged their private quarrels; and presently after, they themselves were taken, and did by other men's means suffer the like, being entrapped in the same trap they set for their enemies. For the king did quickly repent himself, because he had put very many to death, who were not convicted; yet for all that, he was not hereby admonished to beware of the like hereafter: but on his repentance for their death raged so far, as to cause him to inflict the same punishment upon their accusers, which he had done upon them. So great trouble and fear than fell upon all the whole court. He then commanded many of his dearest friends, and them especially Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. Herode denieth to be familiar with Andromachus and Gemellus. whose fidelity he had before times experienced, not to come in his sight; nor within his court gates. For he did now shake off the friendship between Andromachus and Gemellus and himself, who were his ancient friends, and oftentimes had gone Ambassadors for him, and always been of his counsel, and had been tutors unto his children, in whom he had always reposed more trust then in any others: the one of them, for that his son Demetrius was familiar with Alexander; and Gemellus, for that he knew him to wish well unto Alexander: for he was one of them Antipater the cause of all mischief. who had brought him up, and had abode with him at his being at Rome. And no doubt but he had censured them with some more heavy sentence, had it not been that they were so eminent persons. Wherefore at that time he was contented to have banished them, and deprived them of all their authority, to the end, that having now disgraced these good men, he might the more freely play the tyrant. Antipater was the cause of all this mischief, who from the first time that Many were tortured and examined for Alexander's cause. he perceived his father to be fearful and suspicious, still after that joined with him as a counsellor, and as it were increased his rage and cruelty; and then he gallantly played his part, endeavouring, that whosoever would resist him should be made away. Wherefore Andromachus & the rest of his friends being now banished the court; the king presently tortured all that he imagined any way to favour Alexander, to see if they were guilty; or if they knew of any treason to be practised against him: but they knowing nothing to inform him of, died amidst their torments. Where he so much more tortured others, for that contrary to his opinion, he found not so much as an evil thought against him; Antipater craftily interpreting it, that they had rather in torments conceal the truth, then to show themselves not trusty to their masters and friends: wherefore many being taken he caused them to be tortured to get some thing out of some of them. At last one amongst the rest, not able to endure those torments imposed upon him, said; that he had often heard Alexander say: so often as any one commended his goodly stature, or skilful shooting & the rest of his virtues, that these qualities nature bestowed upon him rather than other benefits; for his father for envy hereat was offended: so that when he talked with him, he did upon purpose draw his body together, lest his father should perceive the talnes of his stature; and that when he went a hunting with him, he upon purpose did miss the mark he could have hit, because he knew his father could not endure that he should be commended. And whilst these his words were considered, & pondered, and his torments intermitted, he again accused Alexander to have conspired with his brother Aristobulus to kill his father when he was hunting, & then to fly with speed unto Rome, and beg the kingdom of Caesar. There were also found some of this young man's letters The year of the world. 3957. before the Nativity of Christ. 7. written unto his brother, complaining of the injurious dealing of his father, who had given certain grounds unto Antipater, the yearly revenues whereof amounted unto two hundredth talents. Then Herode thinking himself to have probability enough, his former suspicion was now confirmed; and so he took Alexander and cast him in prison: and again he began to rage; notwithstanding that himself did scarcely believe the informations against him: neither could he himself devise any cause wherefore they should seek to work treason against him. And those complaints seemed childish: neither was it probable that having openly killed his father, Alexander being in prison his friends were tortured. One accused Alexander to have sent letters to Rome against his father. Alexander confesseth the treason, and who had a hand in it. he would afterwards have gone to Rome. Wherefore endeavouring to find some stronger argument of his sons impiety, and because he would not be thought rashly to have committed his son to prison, he caused the most noble and eminent of all Alexander's well-willers to be tortured, and they confessing no such matter as he expected, he put them to death. Whilst thus all the court did resound with fear, torments, and contentions; a certain man accused Alexander to have sent letters to his friends at Rome, to entreat them to cause him to be sent for by Caesar thither, that he might accuse his father of certain conspiracies against Caesar, and how he more esteemed the friendship of Mithridates king of the Parthians, than the friendship of the Romans: affirming also, that he had poison ready prepared at Ascalon. Herod hearing this, was comforted by the parasites about him, as having not done any thing rashly; and so he gave now full credit unto all: yet the poison was diligently sought for, but could not be found. Alexander being now oppressed with this calamity, he yet took courage, and because he would more incite his father's displeasure against him, he did not deny it: perhaps meaning to make his father ashamed of himself, for giving credit so easily unto forged tales; or at least if he could not effect that, entangle all the court and him too in calamity and misery. Which that he might the better do, he writ four little books, and sent them unto his father, telling him that it was needless to use any more torments, for indeed treason was intended against him, and that Pheroras and his most trusty friends were herein conspirators: And that in the night time Salome came secretly unto him, and as it were forced him to lie with her; and that all of them aimed at this mark, to have him made away, that so they might enjoy their wished liberty. He also accused Ptolomeus and Sapinnius of this conspiracy, who were more faithful unto the king, than all others: so that now these men, who before were most friendly one to an other, began like mad men to rage one against another: and punishment so hastily pursued every one, that they had not leisure given them to speak in their own defence: neither was their punishment deferred till their cause was tried, and the truth known, that some were bound and impr●…oned, othersome presently put to death; other laughed in their sleeves to see that day, yet discontented for that any delay was used for their punishment: so that the king's court was now greatly defaced with sorrow, Herode was so troubled with the contention in his house that he was weary of his life. and heaviness, wherewith the wont felicity thereof was destroyed. Herode himself amidst these calamities, could not but be weary of his life, who not daring trust himself in any body's hand, he was tormented with a daily and hourly fear of some untimely death, that would befall him: and many times persuaded himself, that he did see his sons before him with a drawn sword, ready to kill him; and this was his cogitation night and day, so that herewith he almost ran mad. CHAP. XII. How Archelaus king of Cappadocia reconciled Alexander unto his father. Whilst Herode was thus troubled in his mind, Archelaus king of Cappadocia careful Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 9 al. 13. Archelaus the king of Cappadocia seineth displeasure against Alexander his son in law, and so reconciled. Herod's unto him. for his daughter, and the young man his son in law, and pitying his friend Herode entangled in such calamities; he thought it his duty to make a journey unto him. And finding him so affected as it was reported unto him before his coming, he thought it an unfit way to argue him of too much credulity and rashness; perceiving that thereby he would be rather exasperated, so much the more labouring to excuse himself. Wherefore Archelaus devised an other way to appease these troubles. Wherefore he counterfeited indignation against the young man, approving all the king's actions for good; affirming that he would break the band of wedlock between his daughter and Alexander, and that if she knew of the conspiracy, and did not inform the king thereof, himself would punish her. Then Herode contrary to his expectation, seeing Archelaus so angry for the offence committed against him, began to remit his anger; and now with just consideration weighing what he had done by The year of the world. 3957. before Christ's birth 7. little and little, he began to have a fatherly affection, and to be hereby moved to compassion; yet so oft as any one sought to excuse the young man, he grew to be very angry thereat. But when Archelaus also began to accuse him, than Herod's hart relented, and he with tears besought Archelaus not to yield too much to anger, nor for the young man's offence break off the marriage. Then Archelaus perceiving him to relent, began to turn the matter against Herod's friends, Archelaus lai▪ cth the fault of Alexander's offence upon others, and especially upon ●…roas. as the causers of all this mischief, who had corrupted the young man, who of himself was void of malice; and especially he aggravated the matter against Pheroras the king's brother. Pheroras having now incurred the king's displeasure, perceived that none could so soon reconcile him unto the king, as Archelaus; wherefore clothed in black, and making other signs as though he despaired of his life, he went unto him; who did not deny to help him what he could: yet he told him that it was no easy matter for him to pacify the king so highly offended, persuading him rather himself to go unto the king his brother, and crave pardon of him, confessing Pheroras confessed himself to be author of all mischief, and obtaineth pardon of his brother. himself to have been cause of all this mischief; by which confession of his the king's wrath would be greatly appeased, and so he also should have better occasion to entreat for him. Pheroras followed his counsel, which fell out happily for them both: for the young man contrary to any one's expectation, was freed from all his troubles; and Archelaus made Pheroras and Herode friends; and he himself having now gotten great friendship of the king in those his adverse and troublous times of his, he returned joyful into Cappadocia, being rewarded with rich gifts, and being accounted of as Herodes chiefest friend. They also agreed amongst themselves, that Herode should go to Rome, because he had already written unto Caesar, concerning this matter, Herode accompanied Archelaus unto Antioch. and they both went together unto Antiochia, and there Herode reconciled Titus the precedent of Syria unto Archelaus, and so he returned into judaea. CHAP. XIII. How the Trachonites revolted. Whilst Herode going to Rome was absent from his kingdom, the Arabian wars began, hereby taking an occasion. The inhabitants of Trachon, whose country Caesar taking The year of the world, 3958. before Christ's nativity, 6. The cause of the Arabian war. Caesar gave Trachonitis to Herode Alias, chap. 14. from Zenodorus gave it unto Herode, being forbidden and hindered from stealing, were now forced to frame themselves to live like husbandmen in more civility, than before: but this kind of life pleased them not; neither did their country yield fruits worth their labours, yet at first Herode compelling them thereunto they abstained from injuring the inhabitants bordering upon them, which did greatly redound unto Herodes credit, by whose diligence they were brought unto it. But when Herode was sailed into Italy to accuse Alexander, and to commend Antipater unto Caesar; the Trachonites hearing a bruit of his death, revolted and turned to their accustomed robberies: Yet were they at that time again subdued in the king's absence by the captains that he left at home, and forty of the chiefest of the thieves amongst them being taken, the rest terrified by their example left their own country, and fled into Arabia, where Syllaeus Herodes captains subdue the rebels in Arabia. received them in revenge that he could not obtain Salome for his wife; and receiving of him a strong hold to dwell in, they did not only make incursions, and rob and spoil the borders of judaea, but also of Coelesyria, and drove away the prays they got into the place allotted them, Syllaeus protecting them and their villainies. Herode returning from Rome, found that his people were greatly endamaged by these thieves, and seeing he could not subdue them by reason the Arabians did protect them, not enduring that injury and entering into Trachon, he killed all The thieves taken and punished. their families; whereby they were so much the more enraged against his country; for they had a law amongst them, whereby they were commanded to revenge the death of their families, and so contemning all dangers they came and wasted all Herodes country, with continual incursions. Then the king complained hereof unto Saturninus and Volumnius then precedents sent thither by Caesar, requesting that he might have the thieves to punish them. They hearing this Alias, chap. 15 news, with as much speed as they might, gathered their forces together, and making themselves stronger than they were before, with sudden incursions wasted all where they came, destroying both the fields and villages, and killing all they could find; so that now this resembled Herode demanded the thieves to be delivered unto him, and the money he had lent to be repaired. a war, rather than a robbery: for now they were a thousand in number. Wherefore Herode required these thieves and robbers to be delivered unto him, and required the debt that Obodas ought him, for Herode had lent Obodas threescore talents, and sent them unto him by Syllaeus, and now the time was expired where in the money was to be repaid. But Syllaeus, who had taken all the rule from Obodas, and himself now governed all, denied that those thieves were in Arabia, and deferred the payment of the money: so that now this matter was debated on before The year of the world. 3958. before Christ's birth 6. Saturninus & Volumnius the rulers of Syria, do reconcile Herod & the Arabians. Saturninus and Volumnius then Precedents of Syria. At last it was by them determined, that within thirty days, the money dew to Herode should be repaid, and the runnaways of both countries delivered each to other. But there was no one Arabian that either had fled unto Herode for any offence committed nor for any other cause: but the Arabians were convicted to receive the thieves that fled from Herode. CHAP. XIIII. How Herode went into Arabia with an army. WHen the day was come that was appointed, Syllaeus not minded to stand unto the agreement made, went in the mean time to Rome: But Herode exacted his money, and the Herode by the permission of Saturninus & Volumnius entered into Arabia with an army. & destroyed the castle callep Repra. Nacebus with 25. Arabians slain. Herode carried 3000. Idumaeans into Trachon. thieves to be restored unto him, Saturnius and Volumnius permitting him with force of arms to persecute those obstinate people: so he levying an army, went into Arabia, in three days space going as far as ordinarily men were wont to march in seven, and coming unto the castle wherein the thieves kept, at the first onset he took it, & destroyed it, being called Repta, & did no other harm unto the inhabitants. And a captain of the Arabians named Nacebus came to succour the thieves, and so fought with Herodes army, in which battle a few of Herodes men were slain, but of the Arabians were slain five & twenty; with their general; and the rest were put to flight. Being thus revenged upon the thieves, he led three thousand Idumaeans into Trachon to keep the inhabitants from robbing, and sent letters unto the Roman governors, who abode in Phoenicia, that he had only used the authority which they gave him against the rebellious Arabians that resisted him, and nothing else: which afterwrad also, they making enquiry, they found true. CHAP. XV. How Syllaeus accused Herode unto Caesar. But then were messengers hastily sent unto Syllaeus at Rome, and informed him otherwise aggravating every thing according unto their fashion. Syllaeus being then before insinuated Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 10. al. 16. Syllaeus accused Herode unto Caesar. into Caesar's acquaintance, by chance was then also about the palace; and hearing these news, he presently changed his apparel, and clothing himself in black, he went in this manner unto Caesar, informing him how Arabia was afflicted with wars, & that the whole kingdom was wasted by Herode, who had entered into the country with an army, and with tears complained that two thousand and five hundredth of the Arabian nobility were slain, and amongst them his friend and kinsman Nacebus, and great riches were taken away, which were laid up at Repta, and that all this was done in contempt of Obodes who had no army ready, nor a fit captain for his forces, he being not there. Syllaeus having thus spoken, adding moreover that he would not have come to Rome, but that he was persuaded that Caesar would have had a care of the common peace, and tranquility of his subjects, and that had he been at home Herode to his cost, should have violated that peace. Caesar hereat was greatly moved, and inquired of some of Herodes friends, who were then present; and of certain men that were larely come out of Syria also, whether Herode had led an army out of the limits of his own kingdom. Which they not denying, and Caesar not vouchsafing to hear the cause why, his displeasure against Herod was greatly increased, so that he writ threatening letters unto him; telling him that hitherto he had used him as a friend, but hereafter he would use him as a subject; which also Syllaeus signified unto the Arabians. By which letters of his they were made proud, and would neither render up unto him the thieves that were escaped; nor restore the money he lent their king; not pay him The Arabians and Trachonites understanding that Caesar was offended with Herode, resolce thereat. rend for the pasture ground that they hired of him; boulstering themselves herewith, that the king had offended Caesar. Moreover, the Trachonites hearing this, rebelled against the garrison of the Idumaeans, and joining with the Arabian thieves, who wasted their country, not so much respecting their own gain as their revenge and particular profit, they did many mischiefs and exercised great cruelty against them. Herode did put up all injuries, and durst not once mutter, Caesar being offended at him; for the which cause he was not courageous nor valiant as before: For first of all, Caesar would not admit his ambassadors, whom he sent to plead his cause before Caesar; and Herode again sending other ambassadors, Caesar sent them back a-againe, their business undone. Wherefore Herod being in this perplexity, greatly feared Syllaeus, who being now at Rome, did easily persuade Caesar anything; for that Caesar was now very credulous; and Syllaeus aimed The year of the world, 3960. before Christ's Nativity, 4. Caesar offended with Herode. Obodas dying Aeneassucceeded him in the Arabian kingdom. Caesar would not give audience to the Arabian ambassadors. at some greater matter. For Obodas dying, Aeneas succeeded him in the kingdom of Arabia; who changing his name, called himself Aretas, whom Syllaeus by forged calumniations did seek to depose from the crown, and usurp the kingdom unto himself; giving great sums of money unto the courtiers, and promising great sums unto Caesar; whom he now perceived to be angry against Aretas, for that without his consent he presumed to take upon him the government of the kingdom. But at last he also sent letters and gifts unto Caesar, and amongst the rest a crown of gold worth many talents, and in those letters he accused Syllaeus, who, as an impious and disloyal servant, had poisoned his king Obodas; in whose life time he had also invaded the government of the kingdom, committing adultery with the Arabians wives, getting together other men's money, thereby to obtain the kingdom. Caesar would not permit these ambassadors to have audience, but refusing their gifts, suffered them to depart without obtaining that they came for. In the mean time the affairs of judaea and Arabia every day became worse and worse, every one seeking to trouble the estate of both kingdoms, and no man endeavouring to quiet them. For the king of Arabia was not yet established in his kingdom, and therefore could not control his subjects. And Herode feared that if he did defend himself, he should so much the more incite Caesar against him; and so was forced to put up all injuries that were done unto him; Herode sent Nicholaus Damascene to Caesar. and finding no end of his miseries, he finally determined to send again to Rome ambassadors, to see if by the help of his friends Caesar might be persuaded to think better of him, and so committed that embassage unto Nicholaus of Damascus, and sent him to Rome. CHAP. XVI. Of Euryclis his calumniations against Herodes sons. AT this time the dissension of Herodes house was much increased; and although at all Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 11. al. 17. Eurycles a Lacedaemonian ●…nuateth 〈◊〉 into Herodes familiarity. Eurycles insinuated himself into Alexander's friendship. other times his court was never void of suspicion, which is a pernicious evil to Kings and Princes, yet at that time especially this mischief was in his principal vigour and force. For one Eurycles a Lacedaemonian and a noble man of his country, but having a turbulent wit given over to flattery & pleasure, yet cunningly dissembling both vices, coming unto Herode and giving him gifts, & receiving greater gifts at his hands, was by him courteously entertained; and familiarly conversing with him, brought it so to pass that he was received amongst his especial friends. This Eurycles lodged at Antipater's house, being also familiar with Alexander for their often meeting one another: for he said that Archelaus king of Cappadocia and himself were great friends; and therefore he counterfeited himself to reverence Glaphyra very much; and all men judging him in different unto all parties, he diligently noted whatsoever passed, and every word that was spoken, seeking by all means he could, matter to gratify others by carrying of tales; and with such flattering fair speeches he insinuated himself into every man's friendship, that he seemed as Alexander's sole trusty friend, and to use other men as it behoved a friend. And by this his deceit he so insinuated himself into Alexander's favour, that the young man thought him to be his only friend, unto whom he might impart his secrets; so that Alexander opened unto him his grief, for that his father was something alienated from him, and recounted unto him his mother's misfortune, and that Antipater had now gotten all authority and dignity from him, and his brother: and was the only man that could do all; and that these injuries were no longer tolerable, their father being now so incited against them, that now he would neither admit them unto his counsels; nor banquets. And he committed his griefs (as he then thought) into his friend's bosom. But Eurycles told Antipater all, affirming that though it nothing concerned him, yet he could not but speak of it for the greatness of the danger then imminent, willing him to beware of Alexander, who did not stick openly to show what mind he bore, but did as it were manifestly show that he desired to make away his father. Which done, he received of Antipater most rich gifts, as pledges of his good will towards him; and finally he was by him persuaded to relate this news himself unto Herode. The king lent a greedy care whilst he recounted Eurycles observing all Alexander's words and actions related them to Antipater and Herode. Eurycles by craft got money of Archelaus. Alexander's malice, and was so moved with the circumstances of his speeches, that he conceived a deadly hatred against his son; which also without futer delay he did make manifest: for he rewaded Eurycles for his pains with fifty talents. Which he having received went unto Archelaus, and tal●…g and speaking well of Alexander, recounted unto him in what steed he had stood him in reconciling him unto his father: and receiving of him also a sum of money, he departed before his mali●… was disco●…d; and returning into his country, and using the like shifts there also, he was finally by his countrymen banished from Lacedemonia. Furthermore, The year of the world. 3960. before the Nativity of Christ 4●… Herode doth give care unto the accusers of Alexander & Aristobulus. jucundus and Tyrannus confess that Alexander did solicit them to kill Herode as he was a hunting. Herode not content now, as before he was, to hear only that which was told him of Alexander and Aristobulus, did now himself also conceive a proper hatred against them himself, observing all things, and making diligent enquiry though no man accused them, and permitting all men to speak what they list against them. And amongst the rest Euaratus of Cous had conspired with Alexander, and he seemed now to hear no talk more willingly than this, and such like. But then greater misfortunes than all the rest befell the young men's false accusations, never ceasing to be forged against them, and every one as it were, striving to accuse them of some crime or other unto the king, pretending the care they bore of his safety. Herode had two champions, jucundus and Tyrannus; both acceptable and grateful unto him, for their strength and tall stature & bigness of body, these two for some offence were banished the court and received into Alexander's service, and placed amongst his stipendary horsemen; and for that they were very active he bestowed many gifts and much money upon them. Whereat the king presently conceiving suspicion, began to torture them, and after many torments they confessed that Alexander had hired them to kill Herode as he was a hunting wild beasts: for so it might easily be bruited abroad that he falling off of his horse, fell upon his own lance; and so was slain: which once before had almost happened unto him. They also declared unto him, that certain gold was hidden and buried in the stable: and they also accused Herodes chief huntsman, that at Alexander's command he had given Alexander's servants the king's lances and his armour. After them the Perfect of the Castle of Alexandrium was taken and examined upon tortures, and it was How Alexander writ unto the captain of Alexandrium to receive him. Dyophantus the scribe doth counterfeit other men's hands. Alexander and Aristobulus ar●… imprisoned: and Aristobulus warneth his mother in law. objected against him, that he promised to receive them into the Castle, and to deliver unto them the king's treasure there. But he denying it, his own son affirmed all to be true, and brought forth letters to testify the same, resembling Alexander's hand written to this effect: So soon as by God's assistance we have done that which we intend to do, we will presently come unto you: be careful therefore, that according unto your promise you do receive us into the Castle. Herode having had a view of these letters, did now without any hesitation believe that in deed some treacherous practice was plotted against him by his sons. But Alexander affirmed, that Diophantus the scribe had counterfeited his hand, and that that letter was Antipater's devise. For Diophantus was accounted cunning in such matters, and afterward being taken with the like, he was therefore put to death. And the king produced them that had been tortured at jericho before the people to accuse his sons, where they were stoned to death, and the people hereat moved, would also have killed Alexander and Aristobulus with the same death. But Herode; by the means of Ptolomeus and Pheroras did restrain them, and commanded the young men to be cast into prison, and there to be kept so straight that no man was admitted unto them; but many spies were set, who should narrowly mark all their actions and words; and now they were acconnted as condemned men both by other men's opinions and also by their own. One of them, to wit Aristobulus, for grief enuiting his Aunt, and mother in law to compassionate his present calamity, and to hate him that was the author hereof, affirming that she also was in great danger, being accused in hope to marry with Syllaeus to have signified unto him by letters all that past in Herod's court. Which words the woman presently came and recounted unto her brother Herod. The king no longer able to bridle his fury, commanded them both to be bound and kept Alexander confesseth to Herode that he purposed to fly to Arch●…laus. in several places one from another, and each of them to write what they had plotted against their father, & being thus commanded, they wrote that they neither prepared treason, nor yet thought of any treason against him, only they purposed to fly, because they perceived that they could no longer live here, because they were so suspected & in continual care. At that time a prince of Cappadocia came Ambassador from Archelaus, named Mela, who was one of the greatest lords of the country: and Herod willing to show his son's malice, he sent for Alexander out of prison, commanding Mela ambassador of Archelau●… king of Cappadocia. him to recount how and after what order, or whither they meant to fly: he answered, unto Archelaus, who had also promised them to send them to Rome; but that they had no further intent or purpose to effect any unlawful practice against their father, and that all other accusations were false. And that he requested that Tyrannus and the rest might have been better examined; but Antipater prevented that, who by his own forged tumors spread amongst the people Glaphyra Alexander's wi●… is demanded if she knew of any treason against Herode. did cause them to hasten their deaths. Which being said, Herode commanded both him and Mela to be lead unto Glaphyra, that she might be asked whether she were any way priule unto the conspiracy against Herod, and coming unto her, the woman seeing her husband bound, presently tore her hair, and being amazed with great compassion cried out amain. The young ●…ans cheeks were also bedewed with tears; so that a long time after those that were present amazed and moved to compassion at this miserable sight, could neither speak or do the king's The ●…art of the world. 3960. before Christ's birth▪ 4●…. command. At last Ptolomeus, to whose charge Alexander was committed, willing him to speak whether his wife was privy to his intent: he answered, how could it be otherwise, who is dearer unto me than my own life, being mother of her and my children? Then she answered, crying out aloud, that she was privy to nothing that was any harm; yet (quoth she) if it will avail you any thing, or help to save your life, I am ready to tell any lie whatsoever seeing I must die, and will deny nothing you would have me to say. Alexander answered, neither did I purpose any impiety against my father, as some suppose, who ought not to think so: neither dost thou know of any one: this thou knowest, that thou and I purposed to fly unto Archelaus thy father, and that he promised to convey us to Rome, which she also affirmed. Herode now thinking that Archelaus was convicted of evil will towards him, delivered letters Archelaus excuseth himself to Herode. Caesar and Herode made friends. unto Olympus and Volumnius, commanding them in the way as they went to pass by Eleusa a town of Cilicia, and deliver certain letters unto Archelaus himself to the same effect: and that from thence they should go to Rome, and if so be when they came there they found that Caesar had been reconciled unto him by Nicholaus his means, that then they should also deliver certain letters unto him, declaring all that was passed between him and his sons, and the proofs alleged to convince the young men. Archelaus writ again unto Herod, that indeed he would have entertained the young men, for fear that any greater mischance should befall them or their father, by reason of the suspicion against them; yet was he not minded to send them to Caesar, nor to have confirmed them in any malicious course. The messengers coming to Rome found Caesar reconciled unto Herode, and delivered the letters unto him. For Nicholaus his embassage was to this effect: So soon as he came unto Rome and had entered the palace, beside the charge he had given him, he did also undertake to accuse Syllaeus. For he perceived the Arabians at variance amongst themselves, and that some of them had declared all Syllaeus his bad practices, and that by his means and procurement many of Obodas' kinsmen were murdered; as his adversaries, manifestly proved by certain of his letters which they intercepted. Now Nicholaus desirous to reconcile Herode unto Caesar, omitted not this occasion by chance offered him; for he well knew that if he began with the king's defence, he should then find a hard Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 12. al. 18. Nicholaus accuseth Syllaeus and excuseth Herode. and heavy judge against him; but if he began to accuse Syllaeus, he should find also fit occasion to plead his king's cause. Wherefore Nicholaus taking upon him to prove the accusation against him at the day appointed, he accompanied with the king Aretas Embasladours; accused Syllaeus as a murderer of his Lord and king, and many other Arabians; and that he had borrowed much money to trouble the peace of the common wealth; and that he had corrupted many women and honest matrons both at Rome and in Arabia. He added hereunto a most grievous crime, to wit, that he by his lies and false reports had deceived Caesar, whom in all things he had misinformed concerning that which Herode had done. Which when he once mentioned, Caesar commanded him to omit the rest, and only to recount the matter concerning Herod, whether Herod did not enter into Arabia with an army, and did slay two thousand and five hundredth men, and carry away captives and rob and spoil the country? Nicholaus answered, that to these demands himself was able to answer, that Herode did none of all these, or at least very little hereof, which he did recount; and that he did not deserve any displeasure. Caesar contrary to his expectation, hearing this, began to give diligent ear to what Nicholaus said: and hereupon Nicholaus recounted unto Caesar how Herode had lent D. talents, and that he had a writing in pawn wherein he was permitted after the day appointed, if then it were not repaid him again, A ●…arration of the Arabian wars, & the bo●…owed money. to pray upon all the whole country, and satisfy himself: and that this was no hostile invasion, but according to law and equity a requiring of his right and debt due unto him. And that this was not rashly done, though by the writing he was so permitted to do, but by the consent of Saturninus and Volumnius precedents of Syria, in whose presence Syllaeus swore by Caesar's good fortune at Bery●…m, that within thirty days after both the debt and also certain fugitives from the king; should be restored unto him, and that Syllaeus performed none of this: and so Herod went again unto the precedents, and they permitted him to go and take pledges for his money; and that so by their permission he went into Arabia. And this (quoth he) is the war that his adversaries have so tragically exaggerated, and yet (quoth he) how can it be called a war seeing that it was done by the consent of the precedents, and that by covenant after perjury, wherewith both other gods and also Caesar's name was violated. It now (quoth he) remaineth that I speak something concerning The thieves of Trachon. the captives. There were forty thieves of Trachon, and afterward more that fled from Herode for fear of punishment, and fled unto Arabia, whom Syllaeus protected and succoured to the injury of all men, and gave them ground to inhabit, and was partaker of their praies; The year of the world. 3960. before Christ's birth 4. notwithstanding that by his forced oath he was bound to restore them together with the borrowed money: neither can he name any man beside them taken in Arabia, and carried away captive, and some of them also escaped. Thus his forged tale concerning the captives being thus refuted, hear, O Sovereign Caesar, the lying invention; which to provoke thee to wrath himself devised. For I am well able to affirm this, that when the Arabian army assaulted us, and one or two of our men were slain; then at last Herode forced to make resistance, he slew Nacebus and with him five and twenty and no more: for every one of which Syllaeus falsely recounted unto Caesar a hundredth; and so told him that two thousand and five hundredth were slain. Caesar hereat greatly moved with an angry countenance looking upon Syllaeus, he asked him how many Arabians were slain in that fight: he amazed and knowing not what to reply, answered, that he erred in the number. Presently Caesar commanded the writings to be read, containing the conditions between them, and the writings of the precedents, and the letters of the Cities containing the complaints of the robberies. And so the matter was brought to this pass, that Caesar was reconciled unto Herode, and condemned Syllaeus to die; and repenting himself to have written so threatening letters unto Herode, he objected that also unto Syllaeus, affirming, that by his false enformations he had caused him to pass the limits of friendship in using his friend so hardly. And so he sent Syllaeus into his country, that after he had satisfied his creditors he might be punished according to the sentence. But he still continued angry with Aretas, for that without his authority Syllaeus condemned to die. Caesar was purposed to give the kingdom of Arabia to Herode, & was altered by Herodes letters. The year of the world, 3961. before Christ's birth 3. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. Aretas ambassadors unto Caesar. Caesar alloweth Herode to punish malefactors. he had usurped the crown and kingdom, and he was minded also to bestow Arabia upon Herode: but the letters which Herode scent him changed his mind. For Olympus and Volumnius so soon as they understood that Caesar's wrath towards Herode was pacified, presently they delivered unto him the letters as they were commanded: wherein was contained the arguments whereby his sons were convicted of treason against him. Which Caesar having read, he thought it not convenient to trouble the old man, infortunate with his sons, with an other kingdom: and so he admitted Aretas Ambassadors, and chiding them that their king had rashly usurped the kingdom without his authority and knowledge, not expecting his pleasure: he received their gifts, and confirmed him in the kingdom by his authority. This done, being now reconciled unto Herode, he writ unto him that he was sorrowful for him, that had such children; and that he should if they had attempted any treason against him, punish them as men that sought to murder their father: for he gave him free and full authority; but if they only attempted to fly; he should also be sufficed with a less punishment. Wherefore he counseled him to call a consistory at Berytum, and together with the Roman precedents, and Archelaus king of Cappadocia, and the rest of his friends, and the nobility thereabout, according as they should advise him; so to do. And this was the effect of Caesar's letters. CHAP. XVII. How Herodes sons were condemned in the council at Berytum. HErode receiving this letter, rejoiced above measure, both for that he had again obtained Caesar's favour; and also for that Caesar had given him full authority to do what he pleased unto his sons. And yet I know not how it came to pass, that he who in his prosperity was a hard father, did yet show himself not rash in putting his sons to death; and now his estate being better than it was, and he recovering his wont assurance; he now began anew hatred. Wherefore by letters he called together all those whom Caesar appointed, only Herode affembleth all that Caesar willed except Arch●…laus. Archelaus excepted, either for that he hated the man, or else for that he feared he would have withstood that his purpose: and when they were all come together, as well the precedents as the rest who were called out of divers Cities, he would not bring his sons into the council, but kept them in a village of the Sidonians, named Platan, not far distant from the City, to the intent, that if they were called for, he might bring them forth. Then Herod himself alone entering into the council before an hundredth & fifty men there assembled for that purpose, began to accuse his sons before them, and used a speech not only pitiful for his own calamities, but also little becoming a father. For he was very vehement and unheady in inveighing against their offence; Herode ●…ccuseth his sons. neither did he sufficiently express his mind showing many signs of fury, and anger; neither did he deliver in writing any proofs of the accusations unto the judges: but undecently himself alleged there the father against the son, himself also reading before them certain letters written by them, wherein was contained no impiety nor treason, but only a consultation to fly away, and certain hard speeches whereby they showed themselves offended. Which when The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's Na●…tie. 3. he came unto, he exclaimed as though hereby they confessed their treacherous practices, greatly exaggerating the matter, and protesting that he had rather die then hear such speeches. Lastly, affirming that both nature and Caesar permitted him authority against them, and that his country laws so commanded, that if any one being accused, his father or mother should lay their hands upon his head, and the standers by must presently stone him to death: which though he might easily do in his own country and kingdom; yet he thought good also to expect their censures. Yet he came unto them, not for that they were to judge his sons, who were taken in a manifest crime, but that by this occasion they might add their suffrages to the just indignation of a father offended, and that they might leave an example unto all posterity, that such treasons ought not to be left unpunished. The king having thus spoken, and not permitting the young men to be brought unto their answer, all seeing what the king intended, and that there was now no hope to reconcile the young men unto their father, or save their lives, they all confirmed his authority. And first of all Saturninus, one that had been Consul, and had been graced with many honours, pronounced Saturninus doth pronounce an indifferent sentence. an indifferent sentence, limited with circumstances, to wit, that he condemned Herodes sons, yet not to die: for (quoth he) myself have sons, and I would not add this calamity to Herodes misfortune past. After him also his three sons, who were their father's legates; pronounced the same sentence. But Volumnius pronounced, that they had deserved death, who were so impious towards their father; whose sentence after him the most part followed: so that it seemed that they were Volumnius & other of Herod's friends pronounce Herodes sons to be beheaded. Herode asked of Nicholaus what his friends at Rome thought of his sons. now ordained to be put to death. Presently Herode carried them with him to tire, where he met Nicholaus, who was now there arrived, returning from Rome: unto whom the king first recounting what was done at Beryium, he asked of him what his friends at Rome thought of his sons. He answered that they judged the young men's intents impious, and that they also judged that they ought to be bound and imprisoned; and then after due consideration if it were so thought expedient, to be put to death, lest the king might be thought rather to have given place unto his choler then unto reason: yet if it might so please him they thought it best to acquit them, lest otherwise he do that which hereafter he may repent when it is too late. And this was the opinion of most of his friends at Rome. Then the king a long time pondered these his words, and made no reply, but commanded him to fail along in his company. At his arrival at Caesarea all men were careful what should become of his sons, expecting an end of that tragedy, for they greatly feared that by reason of the old discord he would now cut them off; yet notwithstanding they were sorrowful for them: yet it was dangerous either to speak rashly, or to hear any thing spoken freely concerning them, but in their hearts compassionating them they concealed their griefs. Only one amongst all the rest, an ancient soldier of the kings named Tyro, others dissembling their grief; spoke freely what he thought: this Tyro had a son of Alexander's age, and beloved of Tyro speaketh to Herode, and not observing modesty he and the captains were imprisoned. him, whom Alexander much accounted of. This follow many times amidst the multitudes exclaimed, that truth and equity was now banished from out of the world, and that in their steed malice and untruth reigned: whereby there was such a mist and fog caused over the whole world, that no man could see his own errors. This his free speech though it was not without danger, yet all men hereat were moved, for that he had some reason to show his fortitude in so dangerous a time, and every one was willing to hear this speech: and though themselves for fear were silent, yet did they not reprehend him for speaking freely. For the expectation of the event of so great mischief was able to have wrested from every one of them words of commiseration: Tyro with great audacity also came unto the king, and besought him that he might talk with him alone: which the king granting, he used these words with great lamentation. I can no longer, O my king, suppress this my grief, which causeth me so boldly to speak though with my own peril; yet if it please thee my king, that which I intent to speak shallbe for thine advantage. Where now my Lord are thy wits? where is that thy courageous mind ever hitherto able to match all difficult businesses whatsoever? how happeneth it that thou hast so few friends & kindred? for I account not them kinsmen or friends, that permit such wickedness and hatred in thy court, which erst was most happy and fortunate. And what art thou unto thyself? wilt thou not look and see what is done? wilt thou put to death the two young men borne unto thee by the queen thy wife, who abound in all virtue; and commit thyself now in thy old age unto one only son, who nourisheth impious hopes & designs? and to thy kindred, who by thy own censure have often deserved death? Dost thou not perceive, that the people keeping themselves quiet and still, do both condemn the error of thy friends, and also pity and compassionate the two young men? Moreover all thy soldiers and the captains themselves have compassion on them, and curse the authors of this infortunate calamity. The king at first took these words of Tyro in good part, The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's birth 3. as being admonished of the perfidious dealing of them about him, and his own calamity. But Tyro immodestly and soldierlike urging the king, and for his own simplicity not able to discern what fitted that time, the king at last thought this rather a turbulent upbraiding him then a friendly admonition, and ask who those captains and soldiers were, he commanded them all & Tyro also to be bound and kept in prison. Then one Trypho the king's barber, taking hereat occasion, told Tyro is by his son and a barber accused to have practised treason against the king. the king that Tyro had often solicited him, as he shaved the king, to cut his throat with his razor, promising him for a recompense great rewards, & that he should be one of Alexander's chief friends. Having spoken these words, the King commanded him to be apprehended, and the barber, and Tyro and his son to be tortured. Tyro his son seeing his father in most miserable torments, & that he still obstinately persisted in them, and by the King's displeasure, conjecturing that there was no hope of life, told them that tortured his father, that he would confess all the truth conditionally, that his father and himself might be no more tormented: and having his request granted, he told them that it was agreed, that Tyro with his own hand should have killed the king: for he could get opportunity to come unto the king when no man else was with him, & so he would kill him, and for Alexander's sake endure any torments whatsoever. This spoken, he delivered himself and his father from further tortures, but it is incertain whether the tale he told was true, or whether he devised it to free them both from torments. Then Herode now laying all doubt aside (if before he were in any) thought what death his sons should die, & leaving no place to repentance and mercy, he hastened to execute his purpose, and producing 300. captains, and Tyro & his son, and Tyro with 300 captains are accused before the people, and slain. Alexander & Aristobulus strangled at Sebaste and buried in Alexandrium. the Barber his accuser, he accused them all before the people, and the people throwing any thing that came to their hands at them, they slew them every one. And Alexander and Aristobulus were carried unto Sebaste, & there by their father's command were strangled: and their bodies buried by night in the castle Alexandrium, where their grandfather by the mother's side, and many of their progenitors lay buried. But perhaps some will nothing marvel that a hatred so long a breeding should in the end so prevail, that it overcame natural affection. But one may justly doubt whether the fault were in the young men, who exasperated by a hard father so long time, fell into such hatred of him, or whether it is to be imputed unto his unkindness & immoderate desire of honour & rule, who could not abide any to be his equal, but rather choosing to do all at his own pleasure: Or rather unto fortune, whose power the wisest living is not able to resist. Wherefore I am persuaded, that fortune hath predestinated all human actions, so that they must have a necessary The cause of these calamities was destiny and God's providence. event. And this inevitable force we call fate or fatal destiny, for that there is nothing which it effecteth not. But it sufficeth briefly to have touched this high matter, which is of itself very difficult, which attributeth some thing unto our actions, and examineth the causes of the variety of our actions, which speculation is already comprised in the two volumes of our law. Furthermore as touching the young men's fault, we may accuse their youthly arrogancy, & the free kingly pride which was in them, who did give too great ear unto their father's accusers, & for that they were Wherein Alexander and Aristobulus offended. Herod: shameful error not to be excused. unjust searchers into his life & actions, and that they maliciously suspected him, & could not rule their tongues: but hereby gave double occasion unto their adversaries, and matter unto those tale bearers that sought to get the king's favour. But their father's shameful fault cannot be excused, who suffered himself so to be overruled with passion, that he put them to death that were begotten of his own body, without any proof or argument of the crimes laid unto their charge: yea two young men of excellent feature of body, not only beloved of their own nation but also of strangers, not slothful in hunting, & commendable in military affairs, & eloquent in civil discourses. For in all these things they were excellent, & especially Alexander the eldest of them. It had been enough for him, suppose he had condemned them, either to have kept them in perpetual prison; or to have banished them into some far country: seeing that he was assured of the Roman power, under whose protection he neither needed to have feared invasion; nor secret treason against him. For so soon to put them to death only to satisfy his own furious will, what other thing doth it betoken, but only an impious liberty casting off all fatherly humanity & kindness? especially seeing that he was aged, whose years could neither plead ignorance, not that he was deceived. For neither was he the more excused by the delay he used: nay it had been a less offence if amazed with some sudden news, he had been incited unto so heinous an offence, but after so long delay & deliberation at last to effect such a matter, betokeneth a bloody mind & obdurate in wickedness, as he well showed himself afterward to have, not sparing the rest, whom before time he held most dear: who although they were less to be pitied in that they justly suffered, yet was it an argument of his like cruelty in that he abstained not from their deaths also, but we will speak hereof hereafter. THE XVII. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 17. book. 1 Of Antipater's malice, who was Herodes son. 2 Of Zamaris the Babylonian Iew. 3 Of Antipater's treacherous practices against Herode his father. 4 How Herode sent Antipater unto Caesar. 5 Of Pheroras death. 6 How Pheroras wife was accused for intending to poison the king, and how Herode knew Antipater's practices against him. 7 How Antipater was condemned to die, and imprisoned. 8 Of Herodes sickness, and the sedition amongst the jews. 9 Of Antipater's death. 10 Of Herodes death, his testament, and funeral. 11 How the people began a sedition against Archelaus. 12 Of the sedition of the jews against Sabinus, and how Varus punished the authors thereof. 13 How Caesar ratified Herodes testament. 14 Of the false Alexander. 15 How Archelaus being again accused, was banished unto Vienna. CHAP. I. Of Antipater's malice, who was Herodes son. AFTER that Antipater had made away his brothers thorough the extreme impiety and unbridled fury, wherewith Herode their father was incensed and The year of the world, 3961. before Christ's Nativity, 3. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 1. Antipater after he had made away his brothers, grew hateful both to the soldiers and the people whetted against them; yet incontinently obtained he not that which undoubtedly he hoped for. For being delivered and discharged of that fear he conceived, lest his brethren should be partakers with him in the kingdom, he found it a difficult and dangerous matter for himself to find the means how he might obtain the kingdom: so strange and heinous a hatred had all the nation conceived against him. On the other side, in showing himself proud and lofty, he more and more whetted and increased that hatred which the soldiers had fore conceived against him, in whom notwithstanding the security of the kingdom consisted, if it should fortune so to fall out that the people should attempt any alteration. All which mischiefs were begotten by his own sins, and the unnatural murder of his brothers. Netheless he governed Antipater governed the kingdom with his father. the kingdom with his father, living in no less authority than himself: Herode also reposed more confidence in him even in those things, for which he was worthy to lose his head. For the king conceived that in confirmation of his good affection towards him, Antipater had accused his brethren, as under resolution to continue his father in security, and not for any hatred he bore as well unto them, as to his father; though indeed he hated them for his father's sake being transported with fury. But all these were but as it were many subtle stratagems to insinuate himself into Herodes counsels and savours, and these did he craftily make use of, to cut off the occasion lest any should prevent, or accuse him of that which he pretended to do, and that Herode Antipater wisheth his fathers death. might be deprived of all means and manner of relief, if so be Antipater should bend his forces against him. For the treason he complotted against his brothers, proceeded from the hatred he bore unto his father: but at that time was he the more egged on to prosecute his intended purposes, without any delay or procrastination. For if Herode should happen to die, it was a matter most assured that the kingdom should be his; and should his life conti●… any longer time, and the practice Antipater went about should be discovered, seeing himself environed The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's birth 3. Antipater spared no cost to win his father's friends. with these dangers, he should be enforced to make his father his enemy. For which cause he used very great bounty and liberality to all those that were about his father, and thorough the great largesse he bestowed upon them, he strangled and extinguished that hatred which all of them bare unto him: and above all things he continued himself in credit with those friends, which Herode had at Rome, by sending them divers presents, and namely to Saturninus, who was governor of Syria. He hoped also by bribes and rewards to draw his father's brother into his faction, and to corrupt the king's sister also, who was married to one of the kings most esteemed friends in court. Furthermore, he was a subtle and politic man in entertaining those men with colourable and cloaking show of friendship, with whom he conversed, and to draw himself into credit with them: chose, he was sufficiently practised to dissemble his malice and discontents, which he had conceived against any man. Tip all this, he could not deceive Salome his Aunt, who of long time before had sounded his inclination, and who was not so simple as to suffer herself to be deceived; but had already by all cunning means that might be prevented Antipater could not deceive his aunt. his malice, although she had a daughter married unto his uncle, by the mother's side. This daughter was first of all wedded to Aristobulus, and afterwards by Antipater's means espoused to his uncle. For Callaeas' her husband's son had married the other. But neither could this affinity colour the matter so much, but that his malice was discovered; neither could that former consanguinity extinguish the deserved hatred conceived against him. Herode constrained Salome (who thorough amorous passion had thought to have married herself to Syllaeus the Arabian) to marry with Alexas, and that by the mediation and persuasion of julia Caesar's wife; who Herode compelleth Salome to marry Alexas. advised Salome not to refuse that marriage, for fear lest he should prove her utter enemy. For that Herod had made an oath, that if Salome condescended not to marry Alexas, he would never make account of her: For which cause she followed Julia's advise, who was Caesar's wife, and counseled her also to her profit and preferment. At the same time Herode sent his daughter to king Archelaus, who had been married to Alexander, presenting him a dowry out of his own treasury, lest there should any different arise Glaphyra sometimes Alexander's wife is sent back to Archelaus king of Cappadocia. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2. Herode bringeth up his sons children. between them, and he himself most carefully brought up his sons children. For Alexander had two sons by Glaphyra, and Aristobulus begat on Bernice Salome's daughter, three sons and two daughters. These sometimes would he present and commend unto his friends, and bewailing the misfortune of his sons would beseech God that no such ill fortune might befall their children, but rather that they might increase in virtue and acknowledge their education and bringing up, with all dutiful respects unto their parents. He provided them also each of them with a wife, at such time as they were ready for marriage, namely, the daughter of Pheroras for the eldest of Alexander's sons; and the daughter of Antipater for Aristobulus eldest son: and one of Aristobulus daughters was married to Antipater's son; and the other he espoused to Herode his own son, whom he had begotten of the daughter of the high priest. For it is lawful in our country, and according to our custom, to have divers wives at one time. The king procured these marriages thorough the compassion he had of those Orphelins, thinking by these mutual alliances to cause Antipater to be their friend. But Antipater conceived no less ha●…ed toward the children, than he had done malice towards their fathers. For the care that Herod had Antipater hateth his brother's children. of them increased his hatred, in that he pretended to be the greatest among his brethren; and he especially feared least when they should grow to man's estate they would resist his power, being assisted by king Archelans, as his sons in law; and Pheroras who was a Tetrareh should do the like, for that he had married his son to Alexander's daughter. And so much the more was 〈◊〉 incited, because all the people had compassion of these Orphans, and had conceived 〈◊〉 against him, who never ceased to express his malice against his brethren. He therefore 〈◊〉 all the means that were possible to dis●…ll those de●…es, which his father ha●… 〈◊〉 upon 〈◊〉 Antipater laboureth his father to break of the marriages he 〈◊〉. this effect, being very loath that they should ever live to be partners with him in the kingdom. So that at last Herod condescended to Antipater's demand, which was, that he might marry Aristobulus daughter, and his son be espo●…sed to Pheroras daughter, and thus were the promised and forementioned marriages wholly cut off; yea even against Herodes former 〈◊〉 At that time Herod had nine wives, namely, Antipater's mother, the high priests daughter, by whom he had a son that bore his name, and a daughter of his brothers, and a cousin of his own, by 〈◊〉 Herodes nin●… wives. had no children. He had another wife also, that by nation was a Samaritan, by whom he had two sons Antipas and Arohelaus, and a daughter called Olimpi●…; who was afterwards married to joseph the king's cousin. As for Archelaus and Antipas they were brought up 〈◊〉 Rome, with a certain private friend of his. Moreover, he espoused one that was called Cleopatra, that was The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's Nativity. 3. borne in jerusalem, by whom he had Herode and Philip, which Philip was brought up at Rome. By Pallas he had Phasaelus: by Phedra and Helpia he had two daughters, Roxana and Salome. As touching his eldest daughters, Alexander's sisters by the mother's side, whom Pheroras had refused to take in marriage, he matched the one with Antipater his sister's son, and the other he wedded to Phasaelus his brother's son, and this was Herod's progeny. CHAP. II. Of Zamaris the Babylonian jewe. AFter this intending to assure his estate in the country of Trachonite, he resolved to build Herode buildeth a castle in the region of the Trachonites, and maketh Zamaris the jew that came from Babylon governor therein. a burrow of the bigness of a City in the midst of the country, as well to warrantize his country as to be in better ●…adines to repulse his enemies, and to repulse them with more expedition. And having intelligence that a certain jew was come from Babylon with five hundredth archers on horseback, and about one hundredth of his kinsmen, and had adventured to pass Euphrates, and was in the country adjoining Antioch near unto Daphne in Syria, where Saturnine general of the Roman army had given him a Castle, called Valatha to inhabit, he sent for him and his followers, promising him to give him both lands & lordships in the signiory of Batanea, which confineth on Trachonite, intending that he should make head against those that would assail him, and promising him that both his land and his soldiers should be exempt from all tributes, & payments of customs. This Babylonian jew was induced by these offers of his to come, and take possession of the place, where he builded a burrow called Bathyra. This man opposing himself against the Trachonites defended them of the country, and those jews that came from Babylon to jerusalem to offer sacrifice, from all incursions and robberies of the Trachonites, and divers that observed the religion of the jews resorted unto him from all places; so that this country was very well peopled, by reason of the enfranchisement of the Tribute which continued during Herodes life time. But Philip, who succeeded him, exacted afterward some small tribute of them, and that but for a little while. But Agrippa the great, and his son of the same name, vexed them very grievously with taxations; yet permitted them to enjoy their liberty, whose successors the Romans imposed many grievous tributes upon them, yet continued their freedom, of whom hereafter we will more particularly and largely discourse in due place, and in process of my history. Now this jew Zamaris, to whom Herod had given the possession of this country, died, after he had lived virtuously, and left a virtuous offspring behind him, amongst whom was Iacim renowned for his dexterity on horseback, who with his troop of horse was of the king of Babylon's guard. This jacim died when he was very old, and left his son Philip to succeed him, a man valiant in Iacim & Philip the sons of Zamaris. arms, and addicted to all sorts of virtue, as much as anyone that hath been renowned in writing, for which cause king Agrippa loved him and put his trust in him, and committed the trust and training of his soldiers unto him, who led them also forth if any occasion of service was proffered. CHAP. III. Antipater conspireth against Herod. Whilst the estate and affairs of Herode were thus disposed, all men's eyes were fixed upon Antipate●…, after that Herode had permitted him to intend his particular profit. This Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 3. permission was granted him under the hope that his father had, that he would behave himself faithfully, and affectionately towards him: but he abused this authority more audaciously then could be expected; for he traitorously coloured his conceived malice, and easily drew his father to believe him in whatsoever he said. He was feared by all men, not only for his force and authority, but for his subtleties and policies. But above all the rest, Pheroras respected him most, and was inlike manner as greatly esteemed by him. For Antipater had circumvented him Pheroras deceived by women. by the means of certain women, who favoured his faction: For Pheroras was commanded by his wife, his mother and sister in law, notwithstanding that he hated them, by reason of the outrage they had offered to his daughters who were virgins; netheless he was enforced to dissemble all things, because he could do nothing but that they were always round about him, and had such mastery of his affairs, that they wrought him to perform whatsoever they pleased. To these likewise ●…as Antipater nearly tied, both of himself and by his mother: for these four women were of one mind and affection in all things, and spoke as it were by one mouth: yet was The year of th●… world. 3961. before the Nativity of Christ. 3. Pheroras at odds with Antipater upon some sleight mislikes, and she that wrought this debate betwixt them was the king's sister, who had of long time espied all their drifts, knowing that the friendship they bore one another tended to the overthrow of Herode: neither refused she to express what her opinion was therein. And they knowing well that the king disliked this their inward familiarity, and that he was privy to that which they pretended, which was his utter ruin, resolved between themselves to refrain their pub like familiarity, and to make a show that they were at odds one with another, to which intent they reproached one another, especially at such time as they were either in Herod's presence, or there was any one with them, who (as they thought) would certify him thereof. But in secret they intermitted not their accustomed friendship, and continued their intercourses with more privy affability, & such was their ordinary demeanour & behaviour: yet was not Salome ignorant hereof, neither when they first devised this drift, neither afterwards Salome discovereth to Herode the conspiracies of the Ladies and others. when they put it in execution: for she diligently noted all things, & aggravated the same in her reports to her brother, whom she informed of their secret assemblies & banqueting, urging their secret consultations, which (as she said) had no other issue but his ruin, except upon their discovery he soughtto repress them in time. Further, that for the present they behaved themselves like enemies in outward show, & all their speeches tended to disgrace one another; but that in secret they were friends, and that in private they entertained their amity, & promised each other their mutual assistance to strengthen themselves against those to whom they were loath their friendship should be discovered. These things observed, she with all diligence signified the same unto her brother, who of himself had already many probabilities thereof. But he durst not make show thereof, because he knew that his sister was a woman too much addicted to reproachful accusation. There was amongst the jews a sect of people that were called Pharisees, who were too much addicted to self-opinion, and boasted themselves to be the exactest observers of the law in all the The Pharisees subtle and arrogant. country, to whom these women were very much addicted, as to those who were much beloved of God, as in outward appearance they made show for. These were such as durst oppose themselves against kings, full of fraud, arrogancy, and rebellion, presuming to raise war upon their motions, and to rebel and offend their princes at their pleasures: whereas therefore all the nation of the jews had sworn to be faithful to Caesar, and to the estate of the king; these only refused to take the oath, & of this sect there were to the number of six thousand. For which cause the king having imposed an amercement upon them, Pheroras wife paid it for them; for which cause they The Pharisees would not swear obedience but were find. Pheroras wife payeth their fine, for which benefit they promise her the kingdom. Bagoas, Carus and others are put to death by Herode. pretending to gratify her, and being esteemed for such as were skilful in foretelling such things as were to come, by reason of their often communication with God, foretold her that God had decreed to bring the kingdom of Herode and his posterity to an end, and would bring to pass that the crown should descend to Pheroras and his sons. Salome had got an inkling hereof, and had told Herode no less: and how they likewise corrupted every one of his courtiers; for which cause he put those to death amongst the Pharisees, who were the principal authors of this advise, and with them also the Eunnch Bagoas, and Carus who was his darling, and one of the goodliest men of that time. He afterwards cut off all those amongst his household servants, who were of the Pharisees faction: For Bagoas was bewitched with that hope by them, that he suffered himself to be called the father and benefactor of the king, who should be established according to their prediction, and who should have the government of all things, & should be strengthened by marriages, and descent of his lawful and natural children. But after that Herode had punished those amongst the Pharisees, who were convicted to have Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 4. Herode accuseth Pheroras wife, and commandeth him to put her away been of the conspiracy, he assembled a Council of his friends, before whom he accused Pheroras wife, and ripped up the outrage that was done unto his daughters, as it hath been declared, ascribing the same to the pride of this woman, objecting it for a crime against her, for thereby she had inived his honour. Besides this, he accused her that she had of set purpose stirred up mutinies, and by all means possible both in word and in effect, contrary to all law of nature, she stirred up debate betwixt him and his brother; and that the fine that he had imposed upon his adversaries, was satisfied at her charge: so that no ●…ot of that conspiracy was contrived without her privity, and consent. For which causes (said he) brother Pheroras, it shall not be amiss for you of your own accord to drive such a wretched woman from you, before you be requested, and the sentence be pronounce against her, otherwise she will be the cause to kindle a war betwixt you and me. For if at this present you will continue the friendship and brotherhood betwixt you and me, separate yourself from her: in so doing I will account you for my brother, and you shall lose nothing by the affection which I bear unto you. For the bond of brotherly love cannot continue safe and unuiolate, unless you put her away. Now although Pheroras was The rear of the world. 3961. before Christ's birth 3. Pheroras refuseth to put away his wife. Herode interdicteth Pheroras and Antipater their privic meetings, and forbiddeth the Ladies no less moved with the importance and weight of this discourse, yet said he, that for the love he bore unto his wife, he would forget nothing of that duty which consanguinity required at his hands in regard of his brother: but that he had rather die then to live without her company, whom he loved more dearly than his life. Herode although he took this answer of his brothers for a most gricuous injury, yet forbore he to discover his displeasure towards him: he only forbade Antipater and his mother, and in like manner Pheroras to frequent the one with the other any more. He commanded the women likewise that they should give over their familiar entertainments the one with the other, which all of them promised to perform. Yet this notwithstanding upon fit opportunities and occasions, they visited one another, and Antipater and Pheroras feasted one another by night. The report also went that Antipater had the company of Pheroras wife, and that his mother was the means and minister of their privy meetings. CHAP. FOUR Herode sendeth Antipater unto Caesar. ANtipater suspecting his father's dislikes, and fearing lest his hatred should by increase bring him into hazard, he wrote unto his friends in Rome, requiring them to write their letters Herod sendeth Antipater to Caesar. unto Herod, requesting him to send Antipater unto Caesar, with all expedition as was possible. Which being brought to pass, Herode sent him thither with divers royal presents, and gave him his testament and will with him, wherein he had bequeathed the kingdom to Antipater. And if it should hap that Antipater should die before him, than bequeathed he the same to his son Herod, whom he had by the high Priests daughter. About the same time Syllaeus the Arabian repaired to Rome, notwithstanding he had neglected those things that Caesar had given him in Antipater accuseth Syllaeus at Rome before Caesar. Aretas accuseth Syllaeus, for killing Phabatus and others. charge. Him did Antipater accuse before Caesar, for the same defaults wherewith he was charged by Nicholaus. Syllaeus also was accused by Aretas, for murdering divers of the best account in the city of Petra, contrary to his mind: amongst the which was Sohemus (a man of much virtue and honour) and Phabatus Caesar's servant, of which crimes Syllaeus was accused upon that occasion which ensueth: There was a certain man of Corinthus, who was one of the king's guard, and such a one as he putvery great trust in: him did Syllaeus persuade by store of money and bribes, to kill Herode; which he promised to perform. Phabatus made privy to Syllaeus mind, he presently told it to the king, who caused him to be apprehended and tortured; who confessed the whole matter. He laid hands also on two Arabians, persuaded by this Corinthians confession, one of which was a man of command in his country, and the other was Syllaeus chiefest A traitor that sought the king's death is apprehended. friend. They being examined confessed that they came thither to solicit and egg forward with many exhortations the Corinthian to execute the murder, and to assist him if he stood in need of them. Which being fully approved by Herode before Saturnine, he sent them to Rome, there more amply to be proceeded against, and so to be punished. CHAP. V. Pheroras death. HErode perceiving that his brother Pheroras did constantly continue his affection towards his wife, he commanded him to retire himself into his own dominion: whereupon Anoth solemnly observed. he willingly departed to his Terrarchy, protesting by many solemn oaths that he would never more return into the city, unless he were assured that Herode was dead. Not long after it happened, that the king falling sick, he was sent for to receive certain secret instructions, as from the mouth of a dying man; but Pheroras would not obey him in regard of his oath. This notwithstanding Herode dealt more kindly with him, and continued his love and affection towards him: for he came unto Pheroras as soon as he heard of his first sickness, and being unsent for also, and after he was deceased he sent his body to jerusalem, and honourably entombed him in that Pheroras in his sickness is visited by Herode, and being dead is honourably buried by him. place, and grievously lamented his death. This was the beginning of all Antipater's mishaps, who at that time was departed to Rome. For it was God's pleasure that at last he should be punished for the murder of his brethren. This matter will I discourse of at large, that it may serve for an example unto many kings how they ought to practise and follow virtue in all their actions. CHAP. VI The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's birth 3. Pheroras wife is accused, and Herode is advertised of Antipater's conspiracies. AFter Pheroras death, two of his freemen, who were Taphnites by birth, and such as Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. Pheroras freemen accuse his wife for poisoning him. Pheroras in his life time both inly trusted, and dearly loved, came unto Herode, requiring him not to suffer his brother's death to pass unpunished, but to make diligent enquiry of that unfortunate and unexpected misadventure. Herode lent a willing care unto their suit, perceiving that the matters they importuned him in, were likely and very credible. Whereupon they told him, that Pheroras, the day before his unexpected sickness, had supped with his wife, and that having received an unaccustomed poison with his meat, he was dead. That this poison had been brought thither by a woman of Arabia, who in her speech protested that it was some potion to increase love, but in effect it was to bring Pheroras to his end. For the women of Arabia amongst all others are skilful in poisons, and are great sorcerers, and she that was charged with this fact, was esteemed a great friend and savourer of Syllaeus best beloved. That Herode tortureth the Lady's bond women, and soundeth out Antipater's & their secrets. Pheroras mother and his wife's sister went into those quarters upon purpose to buy that poison, and returned back, and brought this woman with them the day before the supper. The king moved by these words of theirs, tortured both those maidservants of theirs, who were their bondwomen; as also certain other of their free servants. Now when the fact would not be extorted, by reason that none of them confessed the same, at length she that was last of all put to her trial, overcome by the pains she endured, said nought else, but that she prayed God that Antipater's mother might feel the like torments, since she was the cause of all those mischiefs which they endured. These words of hers made Herode the more eager and inquisitive, so that by force of tortures he wrought out all the secrets of these women, their banquets, their secret assemblies, and those very words that Herode had spoken apart betwixt his son and himself, which had been reported unto the women that Pheroras entertained: namely, that he would give him one hundredth talents, provided he would use no conference with Pheroras. Moreover, they reckoned up the hatred that Antipater bore unto his father, the complaints that he made unto his mother of the too long life and continuance of his father: for that in regard of himself he was already waxen old; so that although the kingdom should fall into his hands presently, yet could he receive but very little contentment thereby. Moreover he alleged, that divers brothers and brothers children were brought up together with him, so that he might not securely hope for any thing, for that already if he should fortune to die, the kingdom was to descend not to his son, but to his brother: besides this, he was accustomed to accuse the king of divers cruelties committed by him, and of that murder which he executed upon the persons of his children. That for fear lest he should practise his tyranny against those that remained, Antipater had found out the devise to be summoned to Rome, and Pheroras withdrew himself into his Tetrarchy. These words, which as he knew had reference unto that which his sister had often informed him of, were not by him held incredible; so that being pressed with the malice of Antipater, he sequestered Doris his mother from his presence, spoiling her before her departure of all her jewels, which were valued Herode thrusteth Doris Antipater's mother cut of his palace. Antipater the Samaritan declareth how Antipater the king's son had provided poison for his father. at many talents: and from that time forward he showed himself more favourable towards those women of Pheroras household. But nothing did more whet Herod's displeasure against Antipater, then did a certain Samaritan, who was also called Antipater, who had the ordering of the affairs of Antipater the king's son. For he being brought in question and tortured, declared amongst other things, that Antipater had mixed a mortal poison, and delivered the same to Pheroras his uncle, commanding him to practise the king's death in his absence, and by that means least suspected. That this poison was brought out of Egypt by one called Antiphilus, Antipater's friend. That it was sent to Pheroras by one called Theudion, Antipater's mother's brother. That this poison was kept by Pheroras wife, and was committed by her husband to her custody. She being examined by the king hereupon, confessed no less, & hastening forth as if she intended to fetch the same, she cast herself down headlond from the top of the house: yet did she not murder herself, because she fell upon her feet. Now after she was recovered out of her swoon, and the king had promised all security both to herself and her family, if so be she would discover the truth; and chose threatened her with extreme torments, if she obstinately continued in concealing these treasons, she swore that she would discover all things according as they were acted, and as many men thought at that time she told nothing but the truth. That poison The year of the world, 3961. before Christ's Nativity, 3. Pheroras wife confesseth that she hath the poison, and casts herself down headlong from the roof. (said she) was brought by Antiphilus out of Egypt, and bought there by the means of a brother of his, who was a physician. After this Theudion brought it to our house, and I having received it from Pheroras hands, kept the same, but bought by your son Antipater to poison you that are his father. Now therefore after that my husband fell sick, and you in kindness came to visit and comfort him, he being moved with compassion, and conquered by your brotherly kindness, by your good affection and loving care in giving order for his health, called me unto him, and said: O Wife, Antipater hath circumvented me, whilst by his pestilent counsels and poisoning practices he desireth to cut off his father, and deprive me of a kind brother. Now therefore since as I perceive there is no part of my brothers loving and natural affection diminished towards me, wherewith he was wont to entertain me, and that my latest hour of life approacheth, God forbid, that being ready to sleep with my forefathers, I should present them with a ghost soiled and sweltered in my brother's blood: Dispatch therefore, and burn this poison before mine eyes. Hereupon said she, I presently brought it forth according as my husband commanded me, and burned the greatest part of the poison; and the rest I reserved, that if after my husband's death your grace should use me unkindly, it might serve me to escape those extremities that would betide me. After she had spoken thus, she brought forth before them all the poison, and the box wherein it was kept. After her another of Antiphilus brothers, and the mother to them both confessed The year of the world, 3962. before Christ's nativity, 2. The king putteth away his wife, and blotteth his son out of his testament. He degradeth Simon, and enstateth Marthias in the Priesthood. Archelaus and Philip are accused by Antipater's means no less, being constrained thereunto by force and violence of torture, and acknowledged the box. The king's wife also, who was the daughter of the high priest, was accused for confederacy and concealment of all these treasons. For which cause Herode put her away from him, and razed his sons name out of his testament, wherein he had bequeathed him the kingdom after his decease. He displaced also his father in law Simon the son of Boëthus from the priesthood, and placed Mathias the son of Theophilus, who was borne in jerusalem, in his steed. In the mean space Bathillus Antipater's freeman returned from Rome; who being tortured, confessed that he brought a poison with him to deliver it to Antipater's mother, and Pheroras, to the end that if the first poison were not effectual enough to dispatch the king, they might make use of this other, to cut him off speedily. There came letters also to Herod's hands from his friends in Rome, written and devised by Antipater's means, to accuse Archelaus and Philip, for that very often they had refreshed the memory of Alexander and Aristobulus death, contrived by their father; and for that they lamented the miserable fate of them, who were innocently betrayed; and that now also they themselves were called back into their country for no other cause, but upon their arrival to be made partakers of their brothers miserable destiny. These things did Antipater's friends certify Herod of, in that by many and mighty presents he wrought them thereunto. He himself also wrote unto his father colourably, after a manner excusing the young men, and imputing their words to their indiscretion & young years. Mean while he busied himself in accusing Syllaeus, and coutted the chiefest Romans buying divers ornaments and jewels to present them with, to the value of two hundredth talents. And it is to be wondered at, that so great matters being brought on foot against him seven months at least before his return into the country of judaea, that no inkling thereof came unto his ears. But the cause partly was, the diligent search and watch that was kept upon the high ways, and partly the hatred that all men had conceived against Antipater. For there was not any that would put himself in hazard to procure his security. CHAP. VII. Antipater is condemned, and cast into prison. HErode concealing his displeasure, answered Antipater his sons letters (wherein he gave Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. Herod writeth friendly letters to Antipater, and calleth him home from Rome. him to understand, that as soon as he had dispatched his affairs as it behoved him, he would return) charging him to hasten homeward, for fear least during his absence, some ur expected inconvenience might betide him. He likewise after a temperate manner complained unto him of his mother, promising notwithstanding to remit the fault upon his return, and by all means he made show unto him of much kindness, fearing lest he apprehending any suspicion should defer to hasten his return homeward, and lingering too long at Rome should contrive some traitorous stratagem, to the prejudice of himself, and the overthrow of his kingdom. These letters did Antipater receive in Cilicia, and already had he received others at Tarentum, by which he understood of Pheroras his uncles death, whereat he was sore grieved; not The year of the world. 3962. before the Nativity of Christ. 2. Celenderis in Cilicia. for the love he bore to Pheroras, but for that he died before he had murdered his father, according as he had promised him. As soon as he came to Celenderis a City of Cilicia, he grew doubtful whether he should return or no, and grievously was he distracted by his mother's disgraces, who was banished from the court. Sundry also were the opinions of his friends in this behalf: for some of them counseled him to stay, and expect th●…euent of these troubles in some place: other some on the other side, advised him to delay no longer his return into his country, for that upon his arrival he might easily satisfy all those objections and accusations that were enforced against him, because his accusers had nought else to strengthen their cause with; but his absence: This latter advise liked him best; so that he betook himself to sea, and at last arrived in the port of Sebaste so called, and builded by Herode to his great charge in honour of Sebaste a haven builded by Herode in honour of Caesar: Antipater upon his return is saluted by no man. Caesar. And now already it manifestly appeared that Antipater was upon his downfall: For no man came out to salute him, no man entertained him, as they did upon his departure, when as all of them accompanied him with prayers and happy acclamations: but chose they boldly and openly spoke against him, and bitterly cursed him, telling him that he was justly punished for the wickedness he had committed against his brothers. About the same time Quintilius Varus, who was sent to succeed Satumine in the government of Syria, was at jerusalem, and drew thither at that instant upon Herodes request, to assist him with his counsels in his present and weighty occasions. Now whilst these two sat and Quintilius Varus governout of Syria. consulted together, Antipater came in before any man expected him, and in that purple garment and royalty, that he was accustomed to use, entered the palace. The guard of the gates suffered him to enter in, but they excluded all those that were with him. This first of all affrighted and appalled his spirits, in that he already perceived into what calamities he was fallen; and now also when he drew near his father, he thrust him from him, accusing him of the murder of his brethren, and reproaching him with that intent he had to poison him, telling him that the next day Varus should both hear and judge all his misdemeanours. He altogether amazed at the greatness of that unexpected mischief, which he both heard and saw, departed presently from them wholly amazed, and in the way met with his mother and his wife (which was Antigonus daughter, who had been king of the jews before Herode) by whom he was advertised of all that which had happened, and for that cause more diligently prepared himself for his trial. The next day Varus Herode calleth his son in question before Quintllius Varus. and Herode sat in judgement, accompanied by their friends on both sides; thither also were cited the king's kindred and his sister Salome, and certain others, who could discover his secret practices, some of which had been tortured, and namely Antipater's mothers servants, who a little before his arrival, had been apprehended with a letter to this effect: That he should take heed that he returned not into the country, because his father was made privy to all his practices, and that for the present he had no other refuge but only to Caesar, and to take care likewise lest he should fall into his father's hands. Hereupon Antipater humbling himself on his knees before the king his father, besought him not to condemn him before his cause were heard, but to suspend his judgement until such time as he had heard his justifications. But Herode after he had commanded him to withdraw himself into the midst of the court and assembly, deplored his infelicity in begetting such children, and bewailed his mishap, that in his old age he was reserved for an Antipater. After this he reckoned up the cares he had spent in their education and institution, and how bountifully he Antipater accused by Herod had bestowed upon him as much riches as he required: he furthermore alleged, that none of all these favours could preserve him from falling into lapse of the loss of his life by their policy, to the intent that they might injuriously possess the kingdom before either the law of nature, or the will of their father, or their own rights could challenge the same. But above all the rest, he wondered at Antipater, with what hope he could possibly be puffed up to attempt so audacious and wicked an enterprise. For by his testament he had made him the heir of his kingdom, and in his life time also had made him equal partaker of his dignity, glory and power: that he received annually fifty talents of revenue, and to furnish his voyage for Rome had three hundredth talents given him. Moreover, he accused him for his slanderous accusations against his murdered and slaughtered brothers, who if they had been wicked, why did he imitate them? but if they were innocent, why without cause produced he his slanderous accusations against those, who were his natural brethren? For in his own respect he had never found any thing against them, but by his report: neither had he given sentence against them, but by Antipater's advice, who for the present were absolved by him, because he was become the heir of their patricide. The year of the world. 3962. before Christ's birth 2. In uttering these words he began to weep, being unable to urge his griefs any further; for which cause he besought Nicholas Damascene, who was his dear friend, & conversed ordinarily with him, and was privy to all that which had passed, to prosecute the rest that appertained to the inquest and approbation of his crime. But Antipater turning himself towards his father, began to justify himself, urging the same Antipater's answer to his father's objection. testimonies and favours that his father had showed unto him, and the honours he had received at his hands, which he would never have showed him if he had been unworthy of the same, and had not by his virtue deserved these favours. He alleged also, that by his virtue he had prevented all that which might have happened, and that where the cause required his labour or diligence, he dispatched all things with his own industry; that it was unlikely that he, who had delivered his father from those treasons, which were intended against him by other men, should himself attempt the like: and as far from probability that he should go about to extinguish that virtue (whereof even until that day he had given testimony) to the end that always hereafter he might be defamed for such an indignity. For long before this time he was named and entitled to succeed him, and to enjoy those very honours whereof already he partook no small part; whereby he protested that it was unlikely, that he, who might enjoy the half of all that his father had, in all security, virtue and honour, should desire the whole with infamy, and danger; yea and with incertitude to obtain the same; considering in especial that the punishment, which had befallen his brothers (whom he had both disclosed and accused at such time as they were hidden) was procured by him, who, if he had listed, might have concealed them in secret, and whose wickedness towards their father (after it was approved) he himself had revenged upon them: neither (as he said) repented he himself of that which he had done, for that action of his might be an argument to approve how incorruptly he loved his father. And as touching that which he had dealt in at Rome, Caesar himself was witness thereof; who could be no more deceived than God himself: whereof those letters bore record, which were written by him; which in equity should be of no less force than the slanders of those, who fought to set them at odds: the most part of which objections and reproaches had been complotted and devised by his enemies, who have had the leisure to pursue the same during his absence, which they could not have performed in his presence. Finally he avowed, that all those confessions were false which were extorted by torture, in that it ordinarily falleth out, that such as are put to the trial confess many things by force of torment that are untrue, to satisfy them that put them thereto: briefly without all favour, he offered himself to the rack in justification of his innocency. Upon these his protestations, all the council and assistants were confounded. For all of them had great compassion of Antipater, who was wholly drowned in his tears; so that his very enemies began to pity him. And Herode himself made it appear, that he seemed in some sort to be altered in his opinion: notwithstanding he enduoured to conceal the same. But Nicholaus, according as he was requested, prosecuted that accusation which the king had Nicholas Damascene prosecuteth the king's accusation. begun, urging all things to the uttermost, and producing all the witnesses, and those manifest proves, that were gathered from their examinations who were tortured. In especial he amply discoursed of the king's virtue, which he had fatherly expressed in the education and instruction of his children; for which he had been so unkindly and unnaturally required. Moreover that his first children's foolish rashness was not so much to be wondered at, for that being young, they had been corrupted by the malice of their counsellors, & had blotted out of their hearts all the laws of nature, rather through ambition of rule than desire of riches. But that Antipater's boldness was both wonderful and wicked, who more cruel than the cruelest beasts (who toward their benefactors acknowledge each good tume) was nothing mollified by his fathers so great indulgence; neither terrified by his brother's calamity, but that he must needs emulate them in their cruelty. And thou thyself (said he) O Antipater, wet the judge of their attempted treasons, by thy inquisition they were indicted, thou didst execute the justice against them being convicted. Neither do we disallow that thou didst prosecute them with just indignation, but rather admire thee for that thou imitatest their intemperance, & we easily gather that those acts of thine were not attempted for thy father's security, but intended for thy brother's overthrow, that by detesting their malice, thou mightst insinuate thyself into the allowance and good liking of their father and thine, that afterwards thou mightest more cunningly and securely bring him to his end, which at length thou hast attempted to perform. For whilst thou adiudgest thy guilty brothers to death, and sparest their confederates, thou makest it manifest in all men's eyes, that thou art in good liking liking with them, whose assistance thou mighest hereafter use in oppressing thy father. Thou hast The year of the world. 3962. before Christ's birth 2. therefore taken a double pleasure worthy thy manners; the one openly, as if rejoicing and glorying, that by thy brother's death thou hast achieved a matter of honour: the other secretly, by endeavouring with greater wickedness, but more secret fraud to make an end of thy father; the revenger of whose injuries thou pretendedst to be. For if thou hadst truly detested their malice, thou hadst never esteemed the same to be worthy of thy imitation: For thou haste not cut them off for committing such capital offences, as were answerable unto thine, but for that they had a more just and rightful title to succeed in the kingdom than thou hast: And thou hast thought good to mix the murder of thy father with the slaughtered bodies of thy brothers, for fear lest thou shouldest be suddenly convinced in thy conspiracies against them, and to the end that the punishment which thou well deservest to suffer, should light upon thy unfortunate father, projecting with yourself such a patricide, and so rare and heinous a murder, that to this day the like thereof hath not been heard of amongst men. For thou being his son hast practised these treasons, not only against thy father, but against him that loved thee above measure, and did thee good beyond hope, with whom thou hast actual participation of the government of the kingdom, and who had appointed thee his heir in the same, being no ways hindered, either for the present or in times past to participate the pleasure of sovereignty, and being assured of the hope of succession both by the will and writings of thy father. But you have measured the course of your affairs, not according to Herodes virtue, but according to your own appetite and malice, intending to deprive such a father of his part, who granted you the whole; and seeking in effect to murder him, whom in words you pretended heretofore to protect from injury. And not content of yourself to practise these treacheries, you have poisoned your mother also with no less corruption, and in steed of the love that should have been amongst brethren, you have filled your family with mutinies and hatreds: And after and beside all these things, thou hast been so audacious, as to call thy father beast; being of thyself more malignant than those beasts that are most venomous, using thine own venom against thy dearest friends, and such as have best deserved at thy hands, strengthing thyself with his guard, and divers treacheries both of men and women against one old man, as if thy cursed mind alone were not sufficient to satisfy thy hatred. And now after so many men and women slaves and free men tortured for thy cause, after the open and manifest testimonies of thy parties in the conspiracy, thou art so impudent as yet to contradict the truth: and thou that lately hopedst to deprive thy father of his life, dost now as much as in thee lieth, endeavour to abolish that law that was instituted against malefactors in thy kind, herewithal Varus equity, and all whatsoever justice is in the world. Dost thou therefore accuse them of falsehood, who were examined in torments to the end thou mightest endanger their credit, who were the preservers of thy father's life? shall we believe thee more than them in their torments? Wilt thou not (O Varus) deliver the king from the injuries of those, who are his own flesh and blood? wilt thou not put this wicked beast to death, who hath murdered his brothers to pretend a love towards his father, and who hath at last been discovered to be the most mortal enemy of them all, to the intent that at one instant he might establish the kingdom in himself? Thou knowest that Patricide is no private crime, but a public injury to life and nature, which is no less loathsome in the thought, than it is in the act: Patricide the public injury of life and nature. which who so punisheth not, is of himself guilty of an injury offered to our common mother nature. After these speeches, he annexed certain points as touching Antipater's mother, which thorough feminine frailty had been blabbed out by her, to wit, that she had asked counsel of soothsayers and diviners, to whom the kingdom should befall: And that she had offered sacrifices, and made prayers for the death of the king. And moreover he declared what lascivious pranks Antipater had played with Pheroras women, in banqueting and amorous and wanton dalliances. The informations likewise that were presented by such as were tortured, with sundry testimonies of divers men, some suborned; the other found out to be incontinently produced and confirmed. For each man seeing that Antipater was exposed to the accusations of those men, who had the government in their hands, and that the good fortune that had long time accompanied him, had openly delivered him into the hands of his enemies, they manifestly discovered the insatiable hatred which they had conceived against him, whereas before time the fear that they had of him enforced them to be silent: yet was he not so much burdened with other men's hatreds, as with his own wickedness, namely his deadly hatred against his father, his breach of amity amongst his brethren, whereby he filled the king's household with seditions and murders, The year of the world 3962. be fore Christ's Nativity. 2. of some complotted, and acted by other some; neither giving place to hatred according to justice, nor to amity according to good affection, but according as it might stand with his profit. Which for that divers men perceived long before that time, they judged of events according as they had reason, and the rather because that being void of hatred, they spoke but their opinions: And whereas heretofore they had cried with a loud voice against him, at such time as they were shut up; at this time when as they were deprived of their fear, they declared all things that they knew. And whereas there were divers produced of the mischiefs committed by him, yet Antipater accused by all men. seemed there nothing to be feigned, for that the accusers neither spoke in favour of the king, neither concealed any thing for fear of peril, but condemned all Antipater's wicked actions, and judged him worthy of death and punishment, not so much for his father's security as of his own deinerit. Neither did they only accuse him, who were by justice tied thereunto, but divers voluntary witnesses also brought in their evidence; so that although he was a very cunning dissembler, and colourer of his lies, and most impudent in his assertions, yet durst he not once open his mouth or mutter against the same. As soon as Nicholas had finished his discourse and accusations, Varus cummanded Antipater Varus giveth Antipater licence to justify himself. Antipater striveth by his protestations, and invocations of God to justify himself. to answer to those crimes, that were objected against him, if he had any thing to allege, that he was not guilty of those forfeits or heinous crimes that were laid unto his charge. For of himself he desired nothing more, and knew well that Herode his father desired no less, then that he should justify himself, and maintain his innocency. But he humbling himself upon his face, and lowly bending his body to the ground, besought God, who was the searcher of all hearts, to approve his innocency by some evident sign, how he had never attempted anything to his father's prejudice. For this is the custom of all wicked men, that as often as they attempt any heinous act, they engage themselves in all wickedness, without any respect of God's justice; and when as by their misdeeds, they are fallen into peril, then call they God to their minds, by whose invocation and testimony they desire to be delivered, making a show that they commit all things to his determination. The like whereof at that time happened in Antipater, who, whereas before time disposed all his actions in such sort, as if there had been no God that had the oversway of human affairs, at such time as justice overtook him, and he was disfurnished of the benefit of the law, had his recourse to God's power, alleging that he was reserved by God to this end, that he might diligently intend his father's safety. Hereupon Varus, when as by often questionings he could wrest nothing from him, but that he only cried upon God, seeing that otherwise there would be no end of these debates, he commanded the poison to be brought forth before them all, that he might make experience of what force it was: which being presently brought unto him, and ministered to one that was condemned to die, it presently killed the man. Which done, he arose and departed out of the council, and the next day went to Antioch, where for the most part he was wont to have his residence, for that it was the chief City of the Assyrians. But Herod presently commanded his son to be put in bonds, no man knowing what The poison is ministered to a condemned man, and it killeth him. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 7. talk had been between him and Varus upon his departure, but all men's opinion was that the king did nothing in imprisoning him, but by his counsel. When as therefore he had fast bound him, he sent unto Caesar, and wrote his letters unto him, as touching Antipater, sending certain appointed messengers, who by word of mouth might certify him of his cursed treasons. At the very same time there was a letter intercepted, sent by Antiphilus to Antipater, which Antiphilus remained in Egypt, which letter being opened by the king, was written to this effect. Herode imprisoned his son & sent ambassadors to Caesar to certify his abuses. Antiphilus letter to Antipater. I have sent you Arms letter, hazarding thereby mine own life: for you know that I am in danger of the displeasure of two mighty families, if I should be discovered. As for yourself, bethink you well of your affairs in this respect. Such were the contents of this letter. The king made diligent search for others also, but he could find none: for Antiphilus servant, who had brought that which was read, denied that he had any other. But whilst the king was in this doubt, one of his servants and friends perceived that the inside of the messengers under-coat was newly sowed: for he had two garments the one upon the other, and conjecturing that the letters might be hidden in the sold thereof, as indeed they were, he ripped the same, and found them. The tenor thereof was this: Acme to Antipater, Health: I have written the letters to your father, according as you gave me instructions, and have counterfeited the copy of my letter, as if it had Acmes letter to Antipater. been sent by Salome my mistress. I assure myself, that when he hath read the same, he will punish Salome as one that hath practised treason against him. But that letter that was supposed to have been written by Salome to Acme, was of Antipater's invention, and written in Salome's name, according The year of the world. 3962. before Christ's birth 2. Acmes' letters to Herode. to his invention, and in Acmes' style. The contents were these: Acme to king Herode, Health: Whereas I have an especial care, that nothing be concealed from thee that concerneth thy security, having found a letter of Salome's written against thee unto my Lady, I have not without danger taken the copy thereof, and sent it unto you, in which she required that she might have licence to marry Syllaeus. Tear this copy, least thorough the knowledge of the same, I grow in danger of my life. Now in that which she had written to Antipater, she had discovered that she had written these words to Herode, according to that commandment he had given her, as if Salome had conspired to work some treason against him. She sent also the copy of those counterfeit letters in the name of Salome, and sent them unto her mistress to work treason. This Acme was a jew borne, and chambermaid to julia Caesar's wife, and did that which is above Herode inflamed with hatred against his son. written for the love which she bore to Antipater, whom he had hired by great sums of money, to the end, that she should assist him to execute the mischief, which he practised against his father, and against his Aunt. Herode made almost desperate by the great mischiefs of Antipater, was stirred up on the sudden to shorten his days, for that he was the only means that stirred up these great tempests of sedition in his kingdom, and who not only practised against his father and his Aunt, but against his sister also; and had in like sort corrupted Caesar's family. Salome also incensed him the more, beating her breasts and offering herself to all deaths, if any such like matter might be duly proved against her. For which cause Herod sent for Antipater, commanding him to speak freely all that which he had to say without fear. But he having not one word to answer for his defence, Herode said unto him: Since that on all sides thou art convicted, and surprised in thy wickedness, delay not, but discover those that are of thy confederacy. Whereupon he laid all the fault upon Antiphilus, and named none other. At that time Herode Antipater layeth all the fault upon Antiphilus. being wounded by extreme grief, would have sent Antipater to Rome unto Caesar, that he might receive his judgement from him, but afterwards he feared least by the interest of his friends he should escape the danger, for which cause he kept him bound and fettered in prison, as he had done before. And in the mean while sent certain messengers with letters to Caesar, to accuse his son, and to declare wherein Acme had been his confederate, producing the copy of the letters. These ambassadors therefore resorted to Rome, instructed in those things they were to answer to those interrogatories that should be offered them, and with them he sent his letters. CHAP. VIII. Herodes sickness, and the sedition amongst the jews. Mean while Herode fell sick, and made his will, and appointed his youngest son to succeed Hedio & Russinus, chap. 8. Herode falling sick maketh his will and leaveth his succession of the kingdom with his other goods to his friends and kinsfolks. Herode impatient in his old age and wondrous wayward. The year of the world, 3963. after Christ's birth 1. him in the kingdom, for that through Antipater's instigations he had conceived a hatred against Archelaus and Philip. He sent also one thousand talents unto Caesar, and five hundredth to his wife, and to his children, friends and freemen. He bestowed also money, rents, and lands upon his own children: he gave his sister Salome an ample possession, for that she had always persevered in loving him, and had never offended him. And having lost all hope of recovery, for that he was about seventy years old, he became very tutchie and froward in whatsoever his affairs. The cause hereof was, that opinion he had conceived, that he waxed contemptible, and that the whole nation took pleasure in those mishaps which befortuned him, which some of those who were favoured by the people, made him the rather believe upon this occasion which ensueth. Amongst those that were most learned among the jews, judas the son of Saripheus, and Mathias the son of Margalothus the most excellent interpreters of the laws and ordinances of the country: and for this cause were in greatest estimation among the people, by reason that they instructed and trained up the youth. For all those that desired to obtain virtue, spent all their time with them, who understanding that the king's sickness was dangerous, they incensed the younger sort, counseling them to overthrow all those works that the king had caused to be made contrary to the law and custom of the country; to the end, that they fight for piety might obtain the reward that attendeth the same. For in that the king had enterprised and done many things contrary to the law, divers unaccustomed miseries had befallen him, and namely that sickness wherewith he was detained. For Herod had done divers things contrary to the ancient law; against which judas and Mathias exclaimed openly. For he had erected over the portal of the great temple, an Eagle of gold of great value. Now the law A golden Eagle upon the greatest gate of the temple. prohibiteth that they, who pretend to live according to the same, should not in any sort erect any image, nor represent any figures of living creatures whatsoever. For this cause these doctors The year of the world, 3963. after Christ's Nativity, 1. Contempt of death. counseled them to pull down that Eagle: telling that, that although the matter seemed to want no peril, yet ought they rather to prefer an honest death before a pleasant life, if so be it be employed for the defence of their country laws and religion. For in so doing they should obtain immortal praise for the present, and a memorable and eternal glory in time to come; neither that they should protract the execution thereof for fear of danger, since death was a thing that might not be avoided; so that since by the general course of nature, they must needly die, it should become them bravely to forsake their lives with praise and honour in embracing virtue. For to die in the execution of some noble exploit (which cannot be achieved without hazard or danger) their children should be richly rewarded with the fruits thereof, & their other parents that should ou●…liue them (of what sex soever) should reap the fruits of that glory which was honourably achieved by them. In these or such like words encouraged they the young men. About that time there was a rumour spread, that the king was dead, which gave very great furtherance to the doctor's resolution. For at high noon they went up into the temple, they pulled The young men pulling down the golden eagle hue it in pieces with their axes. judas & Mathias with forty other young men being brought to the king's presence justify their actions with joy and the king sendeth them bound to jericho. and hewed down the Eagle with their axes; in the sight and assembly of a great number of people that were in the temple. Now when the tidings hereof came unto the ears of the king's captain, he fearing lest some further and more fatal tumult might be raised, drew out a strong company of soldiers with him, to repulse those that were assembled to hew down the Eagle, and charging the rude & disarmed multitude, who were gathered together, he easily flew and dispersed the most; as for those 40. young men that valiantly addressed themselves to resist, he apprehended them, and with them the authors of this sedition judas & Mathias, who thought scorn to submit themselves, and led them to the king; who demanding of them how they durst deface the sacred image: they answered, that long before that time they had resolved it, and that now according as they had resolved, they had like valiant men performed the same. For we (said they) maintain the honour of God and the doctrine of our law, whereof we are disciples: neither ought you to admire that with contempt of your ordinances we have preferred the laws of our forefathers, which Moses hath left us in writing, according as he was suggested and taught them by God: neither do we refuse any death or punishment which thou shalt inflict upon us, being assured in our consciences, that we suffer not for our impiety, but piety sake. Thus spoke they all of them, Herode assembleth the governors of the jews, and expostulateth with them about this commotion. continuing the like constant boldness in their answers, as they had showed in their actions, being also ready, constantly to endure any punishment for that which they had attempted. Hereupon the king commanded them to be bound, and sent them to jericho: then calling before him those principal jews, who had the government under him; & being brought into their assembly upon his palate, by reason of his weakness, he recited unto them the numberless travels he had endured for their sakes: in like manner, how upon his great charges he had repaired and re-edified the temple; whereas the Asmoneans for the space of 125. years, wherein they reigned, could not perform such a building in the honour of God. Moreover he signified unto them, how he had adorned the same with precious gifts, for which he hoped that after his death his memory and glory should survive. After this he expostulated with them for what cause they abstained not from offering him that outrage during his life time? And why at noon days and in the sight of all the people, they had laid hands on those presents which he had dedicated unto God, and had taken those things away violently, which though in words they appertained to him, yet in effect if the act were well examined, they had taken from God. The governors suspecting his cruelty, and fearing lest his unbridled passion should urge him further, by which means they might be assured of some severe punishment, answered him: that those things were not done by their consents, and that in their opinion the injury ought not to be let slip without punishment. At that time Herod showed himself more favourable towards the rest, but he caused Mathias to be deprived of the priesthood, as one in part who had been the cause of that which had happened; Mathias is deprived of the high priesthood and jozar is assigned his place. joseph Ellemi for one day high priest. Mathias and judas burned and in his place substituted jozar one of his wives brethren. During the priesthood of this Mathias it happened also, that an other high priest was elected that very day, wherein the jews did usually celebrate their fast. For Mathias the night before the day of the fast, seemed in his dream to have had the company of his wife; and whereas for this cause he was unfit to offer the divine sacrifice, he had joseph the son of Ellemus appointed him to be his assister and substitute, by reason of his alliance. Herode therefore deposed Mathias: and as touching the other Mathias, who had moved this trouble, both he and his companions were by his commandment consumed with fire. This very night the moon was eclipsed, & Herod's sickness grew more vehement. For God The Eclipse. punished those sins which he had committed. For he was inflamed with a lent or slow fire, which to The year of the world. 3963. after Christ's birth 1. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 〈◊〉. Herodes horrible sickness. the outward sense seemed not so vehement, but Inwardly searched and afflicted all his entrails: he had also a ravenous and an unnatural appetite to his meat, which might no ways be satisfied. Besides that, he had an ulcer in his bowels with a strange and furious colic. His feet were swollen with moist and shining f●…egme, and his stomach was no less affected also. His members rotten & were full of crawling worms, with a filthy and no less troublesome Priapism, accompanied with an intolerable stench: besides all this, he had a strong con●…ulsion of his nerves, and shortness of breath. For which cause it was a general opinion amongst holy men, and such as had the knowledge of prophecy, that the king was thus punished for his infinite impieties and sins committed against the majesty of God. And although he was tormented with an unsupportable sickness; yet had he hope to escape: and for that cause he sent for physicians from all places, and refused none of those remedies which they thought behoveful for him. He therefore passed over jordan and went into the hot baths of Calliroes, the waters whereof are potable, besides other virtues they have against all other kind of sickness: this water dischargeth itself into the lake called The hot bath●… of Calliroes that flow into the lake Asphaltite. Asphaltite. Being there it was thought good by his physicians, that he should refresh himself in those waters: There being set by them into a bathing tub be filled with oil, he waxed so sick, that they held him for dead. Whereupon all his household servants wept and grievously lamented; and all his familiar friends crying out and bewailing him, with their great noise caused him to come to himself: and seeing himself wholly out of hope to escape, he gave order that there should a distribution be made to every soldier the sum of fifty drachmas, and he offered great Herode bestoweth a distribution among his soldiers. Herode commandeth that the noblest of the jews should be slain after his death. presents to their captains & his friends. Afterwards he returned to jericho, where a melancholy humour possessed him, which made him unsociable, and displeased against all men; so that seeing that he must needly die, he bethought him of this facinorous action that followeth. For the noblest men among the nation of the jews, resorting unto him from all parts (upon his commandment under the express penalty of loss of life to whosoever should neglect the same) the king showed himself to be displeased, as well against those whom he thought guilty, as against them who had given him no occasion of discontent. For he caused them to be shut up in a place called the Hippodrome, which was the tilt yard to run horses in, and sent for his sister Salome, and Alexas her husband; telling them that his end was at hand, for that his griefs did incessantly torment him: which as he said he ought to bear patiently, because it was an end that should happen to all men. But that which most grieved him was, that he saw himself deprived of those mournings and lamentations, which a king deserved. For he was not to seek of the jews affections, neither how his death was desired and longed for by them, since that in his life time they presumed so far as to revolt, and dishonour and deface those gifts, which he had bestowed upon the commonweal. It therefore behoved them to afford him some solace in that his bitter anguish, for that if they refused not to perform that which he had contrived in his mind, the lamentation of his death should be magnificent, & as great as any king ever had: and the pleasure and laughter that might accompany his death, should be abated by their sorrow; who should unfeignedly lament for the whole nation. He therefore willed them that at such time as he should give up the ghost, they should cause the Hippodrome to be environed by his soldiers, as yet unaduertised of his death (which he would not have published before this execution were ended) and to command them to shoot their arrows at those that were shut up therein. And that when they had slain them all after this manner, they should make him triumph & rejoice in a double joy; first, for that in his death his commandment should be ratified by effect: secondly, for that he should be honoured by a memorable lamentation, Thus weeping, he besought his kinsfolk for the love they bore unto him, and for the faith they bore unto God, that they should not suffer him to die frustrate of this last honour: and they protested that they would not transgress any point of this his commandment. Hereby may a man conjecture, what his nature was, who took pleasure in these above named impieties, and who through the desire he had of long life, hath after this sort dealt with those of his blood: and it may be conjectured by these his last commandments, that he had nothing in him that favoured any humanity: for that departing out of the world he had such a mind, that all the nation and all such as were most affectioned towards him, should be driven to sorrow and desolation; commanding that in every house one should be slain, yea such as had not in any sort offended him, and were not accused of any misdeed committed against any other: whereas they that have any virtue, finding themselves at that state, have been accustomed to lay aside the hatred which they have before time borne unto their enemies. CHAP. IX. The year of the world. 3963. after Christ's Nativity. 1. Antipater's death. Whilst he delivered these instructions to his kindred, he received letters from those Ambassadors Letters are sent from Rome that Acme was executed by Caesar's command, and that he had authority to use Antipater at his pleasure. Herod calling for a knif●… and an apple, intendeth to stab himself. Achiab withholdeth his hand. Antipater thinking his father to be dead, dealeth with his keeper for his delivery, which Herod heating of, commandeth him to be slain. which he had sent to Rome unto Caesar; the effect whereof was, that Acme was put to death by Caesar's command, who was displeased with her for that she had been of Antipater's conspiracy, who was remitted to Herodes pleasure like a king and father to use him, as best pleased him; either to exile and banish him; or if it so pleased him, to put him to death, Herode receiving these news, recovered his spirits a little thorough the pleasure he received in the contents of those letters, both of the death of Acme, as of the power that was granted him to punish his son. But being assailed afresh with grievous dolours, and urged with a desire to eat, he called for an apple and a knife: for before time he was accustomed to pair his apples himself, and to cut a little; and afterwards to eat it: when as therefore he had gotten hold of the knife, he looked round about him, determining to give himself a mortal wound therewith, and had surely done it, had not Achiabus his nephew hastily stepped within him, and stayed his hand, and called for assistance. At that time the sorrow and lamentation was renewed in all the palace, as if the king had been already dead: and Antipater certainly believing that his father was departed, began to hope (and confirmed no less in his words) that being delivered out of prison, he should obtain the possession of the kingdom without any difficulty: and devised with the Gaoler as touching his deliverance, offering him great presents both in hand, & hereafter, as if there had been no other question but of that. But so far was the Gaoler from obeying that which Antipater demanded, that he presently went and certified the king what his intent was, and what offers he had made him. Herode, who had already conceived a sinister opinion of his son, hearing what the Gaoler had said, began to exclaim, and to beat his head, although he was almost at the uttermost gasp, and lifting himself up upon his elbows, he commanded that one of his guard should presently haste and kill him; and that done, that he should be buried in the castle of Hircanion without any honour. CHAP. X. Herodes will, death, and burial. AFter this having changed his mind, he made a new testament. For he appointed Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee and of Peraea, whereas before that he had instituted him for his Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 10. Herod's will is changed. successor in the kingdom. He created Archelaus king; he gave the provinces of Gaulonites, Trachonites, Batanea and Paneade to Philip his son, and Archelaus brother by the mother's side; to be Tetrarch over those places. He gave his sister Salome jamnia, Azot and Phasaelis, with fifty thousand crowns of gold. He provided also for his other kinsmen, all whom he left rich in money, which he gave them, and revenues which he assigned them. He gave Caesar ten millions of drachmas in silver, amounting to the sum of eleven hundredth thousand His legacy to Caesar and julia his wife. francs, besides a great quantity of gold and silver plate, and of precious movables. To julia Caesar's wife, and to certain others, he bequeathed five millions of drachmas, amounting to five hundredth and fifty thousand francs, or there about. After he had in this manner disposed all things, some five days after he had caused Antipater to be executed, he departed this life: having Herod's death. reigned after Antigonus death, for the space of thirty and four years, and thirty and seven years after he was elected and approved king by the Romans: a man without respect cruel, and severe towards all men; slave to his wrath: Lord of the laws: yet so favoured by fortune, as no man more; for from a private man he became a king, and being environed with many perils, he always happily escaped them, and he lived also a very long time. And as touching his family and children, in this also in his own opinion was he happy, in that he overcame his enemies and adversaries: but in my opinion, he was most unfortunate. Herod's mutable & strange fortune. Salome and Alexas after the king's death dismiss the jews that were shut up in the Hippodrome. But before the king's death was thoroughly known, Salome and Alexas discharged those that were locked up in the Hippodrome, and sent every one of them home unto his own house, telling them that the king commanded them to depart and follow their household affairs, and till their land: wherein they performed a most noble action, and benefited the whole nation with an especi●…ll good turn. After that the king's death was bruited abroad, Salome and Alexas caused all the men of war to be assembled in the Amphitheatre in jericho, and first of all they caused Herod's letters to be read after which were addressed to the soldiers, in which he gave them thanks The year of the world. 3963 after the Na●…tie of Christ. 1. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 11. Herod's tha●…sgiuing to his army and testament read, & Archelaus is applauded by the people. Alias. cap. 12. Herod's corpse is buried with great pomp and solemnity in Herodion. for the fidelity and good will which they had expressed towards him, praying them to continue the same to Archelaus his son, whom he had appointed to be their king after him. That done, Ptolomey, to whom the king had committed the custody of his seal, recited his testament, which was to take no effect except that Caesar approved the same. Thereupon all of them began to applaud and honour. Archelaus for their king. The men of war flocked about him in troops, accompanied with their captains, promising him to serve him with no less will and affection, than they had done his father, praying God to yield him his assistance. At that time also the king's hearse was prepared, and Archelaus gave order that his obsequies should be most royally performed, and bestowed all the furniture that was requisite for that funeral and princely interment. He was carried out in a gilded litter, distinguished with divers precious stones, the cover thereof was of azure colour. The dead body was appareled in a purple raiment, having a diadem upon his head, over which there was set a crown of gold, and a sceptre was couched in his right hand. About this litter marched a great number of his children and kinsfolk; and after them followed the men of war, disposed in bands and troops, according to the manners of every nation. The first of these were the Archers of his guard: after them went the Thracians: and lastly marched the Germans, and Galathians; all of them in their warlike The Germans and French served under Herod. habiliments and discipline. After them followed all the army, marching in order in like manner as when they were addressed to battle, each one under his corporal and captain. Next these followed five hundredth of his household servants, bearing perfumes, and all these in this equipage marched to the Castle Herodion, distant some eight stades or furlongs off. For there was he entombed, according to the tenor of his testament. Thus died Herode. Archelaus continued his mourning for seven days space in honour of his father. (For the law of the country ordaineth no less.) And after he had feasted the people, and laid aside his mourning apparel, he ascended up into the temple. All the way as he went, all the people with shouts and acclamations Archelaus banquetteth the people. cried, God save the king; and with prayers and praises honoured him to their uttermost; and he being conducted up to a high station and state, which was made for the purpose, and placed in a throne that was embellished with gold, entertained the people very graciously, taking pleasure in their acclamations and congratulations that they bestowed upon him. He gave them thanks also for that they had blotted out of their remembrance the injuries, that his father had done unto them; protesting in his own behalf, that he would enforce himself to requite their kindness, with an entire affection. He likewise told them that for the present he accepted not the style of a king, because the honour was bequeathed unto him with this condition, that Caesar should ratify his father's testament. For this cause, although the soldiers that were in jericho enforced themselves to set the diadem upon his head, yet would he not accept that uncertain honour, because it was not as resolved whether Caesar, who was the principal party in the gift, would grant him the government or no. He alleged likewise, that if his affairs succeeded Archelaus promiseth that with Caesar's approbation he will carefully intend the desires and profits of the people. according to his desire, he would not according as his honour commanded him, forget their love, or leave their good affection unrequited. And that in the mean while he would enforce himself by all means to further those things that concerned them, and entertain them with more kindness than his father had done. But they, according as it is the custom of the common people, thinking that those that enter into such dignities, declare and open their minds at the first day, the more Archelaus spoke kindly and courteously unto them, the more they applauded him, and presented him with divers petitions, for certain grants and donations from him. Some of them cried out unto him, that he should cut off some part of their taxes and tallages, which they paid annually: Othersome cried upon him, to deliver those prisoners that were committed by Herode, of whom divers had pined a long time in prison: Others instantly urged him to cut off those tributes which had been imposed by him upon bargains and sales, which was to pay the half of the bargain. Whereunto Archelaus did not in any sort contradict, striving to the uttermost of his power to please the people, for that he knew full well that their good affection would be no small advantage toward him in the confirmation of his kingdom. That done, he sacrificed unto God, and afterward fell to banqueting and entertainment of his friends. CHAP. XI. The year of the world. 3963. after Christ's birth 1. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 12. ●…l. 13. The seditious people bewail Mathias, and those that were executed with them. The people mutiny against Archelaus. Mean while certain men among the jews that were desirous of innovation, in their private conventicles bewailed Mathias and his confederates, whom Herode had put to death and condemned for racing and defacing the golden Eagle: for that incontinently after their decease, they had neither been publicly honoured, nor lamented for, by reason of the fear that the people had conceived of Herode. For which cause at that time they required with lamentations and great cries, that their obsequies might be solemnised, and as if the dead bodies had received some contentation by their tears and tempest of exclaims, they uttered many heinous and disgraceful speeches against Herode; and assembling themselves together they required Archelaus to do them justice against those, that during Herodes life were in authority; and especially they demanded, that the high priest who was advanced by his father, should be They would be revenged on Herod's friends and would depose the high priest. The year of the world, 3964. after Christ's na●…, 2. deposed, and that an other more lawful and upright might be placed in his steed, to offer and exercise the high priests place. Now although Archelaus was sore displeased at these their violent proceedings, yet notwithstanding he conformed himself to their good like, in that he was with all expedition to repair unto Rome, to understand and attend Caesar's pleasure. He therefore called for the general of his army, willing him to persuade them not to seek a revenge for those men, who were dead, notwithstanding they were their friends; because whatsoever was done, was done according to law; and that no enquiry might be made thereof, except to the great prejudice of his reputation and hazard of his state, in regard of the incertainty of the time: that it was more expedient for him to study for the maintenance of peace, until such time that being established in the kingdom by Caesar's consent, he should return back again unto them, and that then he would consult with them for the common profit, according to their just demands, wishing them for the present to contain themselves, and to take heed lest they stirred up sedition. When he had thus instructed his General, he sent him unto them. But they cried out with a loud voice, and would not suffer him to speak, but for fear of danger and death they put him to silence. And if any other were so forward as to speak unto them, and persuade them to some moderation, and to alter their sinister resolutions, he was also in danger; for that they had this persuasion, that all things ought rather to be ordered according to their pleasures, then by the authority of their superiors; supposing that although during Herodes life time they had been deprived of their dearest friends, it should be now a matter unworthy their courages, after his death to be cut off from the privilege to demand their revenge. For they were transported with their own opinions, and held all that for lawful and upright, which was in any sort conformable to their pleasures, without foreseeing the danger that might happen thereby: so much were they pleased to be revenged on those, whom they reputed to be their enemies. Now whereas divers were sent by Archelaus, to consult with them; and divers came unto them, not as messengers from him, but as friends and lovers of peace of their own motion, with an intent to pacify them, they would not permit any of them to speak; and thorough their rage there arose a great tumult, which had grown to a further extremity, if a greater number of people had joined themselves with them. At that time fell the feast of unleavened bread, which is called Pascha, which is a memorial of their deliverance out of Egypt, at which time all m●… do most willingly present their sacrifices, Sedition at the feast of the Passeover. and a greater number of beasts are slain at that feast, then at any other time. To this solemnity also an infinite number of people assembled from all parts, to honour God: whereby the seditious (supposing that they had gotten a fit opportunity) lamented judas and Mathias, who were the expositors of the law, and kept themselves within the temple, whither they had gathered good store of victuals, which they were not ashamed impudently to beg for. But Archelaus, fearing lest their rage should produce some more grievous effect of mischief, sent out a band of armed men, with a captain, and a regiment of a thousand men, to repress their headlong fury, before the rest of the people were infected with their follies; and to bring them likewise unto him, whom they found to be the forwardest in that commotion. Against those th●… seditious cried out, with great clamours, and incensed the people against them, so that all of them rushed in upon the men of war, and slew divers of them. The rest of them escaped with their captain, yet not without divers wounds. That done, they which were within the temple returned again to their divine service. Now Archelaus supposing that his whole fortune was endangered, except he repressed the The year of the world. 3964. after Christ's birth 2. rage of the multitude, he sent out all his footmen with a certain number of horsemen, to prevent lest they that were without should yield assistance to those, who had taken up their lodging in the temple, and to put those to the sword, who having escaped the violence of the footmen, supposed themselves to be in security. These horsemen slew about three thousand men, the rest retired themselves into the mountains that were near adjoining. Hereupon Archelaus made Three thousand jews slain. proclamation, that each one should repair unto his own house. For which cause they departed and abandoned the feast, for fear of greater mischief; notwithstanding they had spleen enough, as it is the ordinary custom of the ignorant multitude. After this Archelaus accompanied with his mother, betook himself to sea, and led with him Nicholas and Ptolomey, with divers other his friends, committing the government of all his household Archelaus repairs to Rome and many of his faction follow him. and kingdom to his brother Philip with him also departed Salome Herodes sister, leading with her her children. There went also divers other of his kindred, who said that they would all of them labour for Archelaus, that he might obtain the kingdom, but in effect it was to contradict him with all their power: and in especial to urge that against him with great vehemency, that was done in the temple. Sabinus Caesar's Viceroy in Syria, posting into jewrie to take charge of Herodes money, met with Archelaus in Caesarea. But Varus arriving in the mean while detained him from finishing that voyage; for Archelaus had sent for him to come thither by Ptolomey, Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 13. al. 14. and Sabinus willing to do Varus a pleasure, would not seize the fortresses of jewrie; neither sealed up Herodes treasuries, but left them in Archelaus possession, until such time as Caesar had given order for the estate; and after he had made this promise he stayed in Caesarea. After Archelaus had set sail towards Rome, and Varus was departed for Antioch; Sabinus went to jerusalem, where he seized the king's palace, and calling before him the king's agents, Sabinus repaireth to jerusalem with an intent to leaze Herodes treasures & castles. Antipas under hope to recover the kingdom saileth to Rome. and the captains of his gatrisons, he required them to deliver up their Castles into his hands. But they, according as Archelaus had commanded them, continued the possession in their accustomed manner, according to the king's direction, pretending to keep the same in Caesar's behalf. At the same time, Antipas Herod's son travailed to Rome likewise, under the hope to be elected king, in regard of Salome's promises; and for that he better deserved the same then Archelaus, considering that in the first testament, which should be of more force than the latter, he had been appointed king. He led his mother also with him, and Ptolomey the brother of Nicholas, who had been one of Herodes most esteemed friends, and was well affected to further and set forward his title. But especially he was stirred up to seek the kingdom by Ireneus, a man very eloquent, and to whose charge in regard of his sufficiency, the affairs of the kingdom had been committed. For which cause, although he were persuaded to give over the kingdom unto his elder brother, who was confirmed in the kingdom by his father's testament, yet would he not give ear thereunto. But Antipas no sooner arrived in Rome, but all his kinsfolk revolted from Archelaus unto him, not so much for the love they bore him, as for the hatred they had conceived against Archelaus: and above all, for the desire they had to recover their liberty and to draw themselves under a Roman governor. For they thought that if there were any contradiction, that Antipas, for whom they endeavoured to procure the royalty, should be more profitable unto them then Archelaus. Sabinus also by his letters accused Archelaus to Caesar: But Archelaus by Ptolomey exhibited unto Caesar a supplication containing his right and title to the kingdom, his father's testament, and the account of the money which Herode his father had sealed up, together with his ring, and expected the issue. But when he had read these letters, and those which Varus and Sabinus had sent him, and understood what sums of money he had left, and what the annual revenue was, and how Antipas challenged the kingdom, and appropriated it to himself, according as his letters made mention: Antipater Salome's son accuseth Archelaus before Augustus Caesar. he assembled all his friends to have their advise thereupon. Amongst them was Caius the son of Agrippa and his daughter julia, adopted by him, whom he caused to sit in the chiefest place: which done, he commanded the assistants to speak what they would touching this matter. At that time Antipater Salome's son, a man very eloquent, and a great adversary to Archelaus, spoke first saying, that it was a mockery for him at that time to speak of the kingdom, ●…nsidering that before Caesar had granted it him, he had already seized the forces of the state; when as upon a festival day he had slain so many: who although they had deserved that punishment, yet ought the justice thereof to have been reserved to a lawful power, and not to have been usurped by him, either being king with Caesar's prejudice, whose authority he had contemned; or by being a private man, which was a greater oversight. For which cause he undeservedly at this time hoped for his approbation, whom already as much as in him lay, he had deprived of The year of the world, 3964. after Christ's Nativity, 2. the title and authority of his allowance. Moreover he objected against him, that of his own authority he had changed certain chieftains of the army, and that he had seated himself in the royal throne, and like a king had determined certain causes, and had granted certain demands of the people: finally, that he had left nothing undone, which he might have performed, had Caesar confirmed his title: He alleged also, that they who were enclosed in the Hippodrome were dismissed by him, and divers other acts, partly true, partly probable, in regard of the ambition of young men, who desirous to govern do ordinarily commit such things: besides this, his neglect in mourning for his father, and withal his rear banquet's all night long at that very time his father died; whereat the people began to mutiny, seeing the small regard he had of his father's death, from whom he had received so great goods and honours. How all the day long he made a show of his sorrow and tears in his pavilion, but all the night took pleasures like a king; and being such, if Caesar should grant him the kingdom, he would behave himself no less unkindly towards him, than he had done towards his most kind father. That it was no less than a heinous crime in him, to delight himself with songs and dances at his father's death, as if he had been his enemy: That he now came to Caesar's presence, to the intent to obtain the kingdom by his consent, whereas already he had behaved himself no otherwise then if he had already been established king by his authority. But most of all he exaggerated the slaughter he had committed in the temple, and the impiety perpetrated so near to the feast of Easter, at which time divers both strangers and citizens had been slaughtered after the manner of sacrifices, and the temple filled with carcases, not by a stranger, but by him, who under the colour of religion desireth the government of the kingdom, to the end he might satisfy the unjustice of his nature in exercising each way his tyranny toward all men: for which cause his father never thought, nor ever dreamt to substitute him king in his place. For he knew both his life and disposition, and by his former testament (and that of greatest force) had ordained his adversary Antipater to be king. For he had been allotted the kingdom by his father, not when his mind was dead before his body, but when both his judgement was sound, and his body in health. Yea although at that time Archelaus father had such a conceit of him, as in his latter testament and bequest he pretendeth, yet that he had already declared what kind of king he was likely to be, who contemned Caesar's authority in confirming the kingdom, and being as yet a private man doubted not to murder the citizens in the temple. This said, Antipater (to give greater credit to his words, bringing divers of his kindred as witnesses of that he had said) ended his Oration. Whereupon Nicholas arose, and alleged in Archelaus behalf as touching the slaughter, Nicholaus excuseth Archelaus. that it was to be imputed to their impiety, who could not be restrained from their tumults and uproars, before Archelaus was enforced to appease them by force, alleging that they were so much the more guilty, for that they had not only exercised their malice, but also had enforced others to attempt so heinous a revenge against them: for their insolency seemed in appearance to concern Archelaus; yet in a sort their contumacy pertianed to Caesar's injury. For those that had been sent by him to appease and repress their sedition, were against all law and right charged and slain by them, without respect of God or regard of the solemn feast: whose defence Antipater was not ashamed of, without respect of equity; so that he might satisfy that hatred which he bore unto Archelaus. That therefore it was their fault, who first of all abstained not from injury, but whetted those swords, which were drawn in maintenance of the peace, against their own bosoms. He enforced all other things also, whereof they had accused Archelaus against themselves, saying, that none of these things were done without their consents: and that the offence was not so grievous, as they intended it should be esteemed, to the end they might discredit Archelaus. So great a desire was in them to hurt their kinsman, a man both well respected, and affected by his father, as also kind and officious towards them in all things that concerned them. As for the testament, that it was made by the king when he was in perfect estate of mind and body, and of greater force than the former, because the authority and confirmation thereof was ascribed to Caesar the sovereign of the world. Further that Caesar would not imitate them in that wrong they did unto Herode, who being during his life time bountifully graced by him, by many benefits, do now after his death go about to violate his last and truest testament: 〈◊〉 that rather like a friend and confederate he would confirm his will, who like his faithful and sworn well-willer had committed all things to his trust. For that there must needs be a great difference between their malice and Caesar's virtue and faith, which was renowned thorough the whole world. For which cause he would not judge his decree to be inconsiderately passed, who left his succession to his well deserving son, and referred all things to his trust.; For that it was unlikely The year of the world. 3964 after the Nativity of Chris●…. 2●… Caesar pronounceth Archelaus to be worthy o●… the kingdom. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 14. that he should err in the choice of his successor, who had so discreetly submitted all things to Caesar's judgement. After this manner Nicholas also finished his discourse. Hereupon Caesar courteously raised Archelaus, who lay prostrate and humbled before his feet, telling him that he was most worthy to be king, by giving an apparent testimony, that he was constant in his resolutions, pretending that he would do nothing but that which should be answerable to Herodes testament, and Archelaus profit; and seeing the young man was confirmed in some good hope with this his promise, he determined nothing more for that time, but dismissing the council, he debated with himself whether he should ratify the kingdom to Archelaus only, or divide it amongst Herodes kindred, especially since all men had need of his assistance. CHAP. XII. The jews mutiny against Sabinus, and how Varus punisheth the authors of the sedition. But before Caesar had determined any thing certainly in this behalf, Marthalce Archelaus mother died of a sickness, & Varus the precedent of the jews in Syria, had sent letters, which certified the emperor of the rebellion of the jews. For after Archelaus departure, all the nation Marthace Archelaus mother dieth. Varus pacifieth the seditious at jerusalem. was in an uproar. To pacify which Varus resorted thither, & punished the authors of the same, & after he had in this sort appeased all things, he returned to Antioch, leaving a regiment of soldiers in jerusalem to restrain the factious invocations amongst the jews: yet prevailed he nothing by this his policy. For as soon as Varus was departed, Sabinus, who intended Caesar's affairs, remaining in that place, grievously burdened the jews, trusting to that power that was left him, & supposing that he was already enabled to withstand the multitude. For he armed divers soldiers, and made use of them to oppress the jews, and to provoke them to sedition. For he enforced himself to surprise their fortresses, and forcibly to make search after the king's treasures, for his private lucre and covetousness sake. When as therefore the feast of Whitsuntide was come (which is one of our festivals) divers thousands from all parts repaired to jerusalem, not only for religion sake, but also for the despite and hatred they had conceived against those violences and injuries, which Sabinus had offered them. And not only were those of judaea grievously offended (but divers also resorted out of Galilee and Idumaea, from jericho and the Cities situate on the other side of jordan, desiring all of them to be revenged on Sabinus. And dividing their camp into three bands after this manner, the one part of them took up the Hippodrome, and of the other two Alias, chap. 15. Sabinus avarice raiseth a great sedition in jerusalem at the feast of Penticost. the one seized the southern quarter of the temple, and the other the eastern, and the third, which was in the Hippodrome were planted to the westward, where the king's palace stood; and thus prepared they all things that were necessary to set upon the Romans, whom they had besieged on all sides. At that time Sabinus fearing their number, and resolution, who were resolved either to die or to overcome, sent present letters unto Varus, requiring him with all expedition to send him a supply, because the regiment that was left by him, was in great danger; and must needs utterly perish without his speedy rescous: as for himself he withdrew into the tower and dungeon of the castle Phasaelus, which was a fortress which was builded and so called in honour of Herodes brother, who was slain by the Parthians; and from the top thereof made a sign to the Romans, that they should sally out upon the jews, being afraid to trust himself to his own friends, and supposing that the rest ought to expose their lives to danger in maintenance of his service. The Romans having made this sally, there arose a desperate skirmish, wherein the Romans divers ways had the upper hand; yet were not the jews any ways discomforted, notwithstanding they had lost many men, but wheeling about so long till at last A most bloody battle fought betwixt the Romans and jews near unto the temple. they seized the outward galleries, and those that encompassed the temple, and in that place there was a hot assault: for they flung down stones with their hands and slings, and there were certain archers mixed amongst them, who in that they had recovered a place of advantage, grievously gauled the Romans which were below, in that they had no means to avoid their shot, but were in such sort exposed thereunto, as their enemies had the better. And with this disadvantage fought the Romans a long time, till at length sore aggrieved at this their present indignity, they secretly fired the galleries and porches, without any disc●…uery of those that were therein; which fire brought thither by many, and fed with such matter as would speedily flame, incontinently took hold of the roof, because the roof was covered with pitch and wax, and guilded upon the wax; so that these great and excellent buildings were burnt down divers jews are slain and burned in the roof of the porches. to nothing in a moment, and they that were resorted thither were all of them consumed before they were aware. For some of them fell with the roof of the Galleries; othersome shot at and slain by those that stood round about; othersome despairing of their The year of the world. 3964. after Christ's birth 2. A greater part of the sacred treasure taken away by the soldiers. The palace besieged by the jews. lives, and amazed at the mischief, either cast themselves into the fire, or slew themselves with their one swords; and all those that retired under hope to save themselves by that way they ascended, were encountered by the Romans, who slew them all in that they were discouraged and disarmed, though furiously desperate: so that no one of them that ascended the porches escaped with life. Afterwards the Romans thrusting forward one another by those ways, where the fire was aslaked, entered the treasure house where the sacred money was kept, by which means a great part thereof was stolen away by the soldiers, and Sabinus to all men's knowledge carried away four hundredth talents. But the jews being afflicted with a double calamity, first of all with the loss of their friends in that fight: and lastly, with the spoil of the treasury; yet assembled they a troop of the most valiantest soldiers, and besieged the palace, threatening to burn the same, with Sabinus and all other the Romans that were therein, except they speedily departed; and in so doing, they promised both them and Sabinus all assurance and security, whereby it came to pass that divers of them that were in the palace, issued out and submitted themselves unto them. But Rufus and Gratus having three thousand of those valiant soldiers under their charge, who had served Herode, joined themselves with the Romans. The like did those horsemen Rufus and Gratus captains of Herodes army join with the Romans. which followed Rufus, who in like manner submitted themselves to their direction: yet for all this, the jews continued and intended their siege undermining the walls, and exhorting their adversaries to depart, and not to exempt them of their liberty, which they had long time enjoyed under their predecessors. Sabinus was willing to depart from thence with his soldiers; yet durst he not trust them in regard of their former attempt, and he suspected over much the over liberal offer his enemies had made him: but neglected the same, because he expected Varus. At the same time infinite other troubles were raised in divers other places of judaea, according as Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 15. divers tumults in Iury. Two thousand of Herodes soldiers assail the king's people. judas Ezechias son the archtheefe. each man either was incensed with a desire of gain, or a will to revenge. For two thousand men of war, who had sometime served under Herode, and being at that time cashiered, lived at home, assembling themselves together assailed those of the king's faction, who made head against them, under the conduct of Herodes nephew Achiabus, who never daring to encounter them in a place of equal advantage, in that they were old soldiers, and well exercised in war, defended himself, and that he held and kept himself as near as he could in the mountains and places of advantage. Moreover, judas the son of Ezechias the Archthiefe, whom Herode overcame with so much difficulty, at Sephoris a City of Galilee, gathering unto him a band of desperate men, made incursions upon the king's dominions. And having taken all those arms and weapons, which he might recover in that place, he armed from the first to the last all those soldiers that were with him: he took away all that money which was reserved for the king, in that place: and affrighting the inhabitants round about him, he spoilt all those with whomsoever he met; aspiring to the kingdom and affecting the same, not by lawful means of which he was unskilful, but by a liberty to do injury. Whilst these troubles ranged in every place, Simon also, who had been one of Herodes servants, and both for his shape, stature, and strength was esteemed amongst all men, undertook Simon Herod's servant. the kingdom, and being attended by a mighty army, and proclaimed king by them, who were a wicked and unbridled multitude, and persuading himself that he was worthy to be king above any other, he first of all set fire on the palace in jericho, and spoiled all that which was therein. He burned also divers other royal palaces, belonging to the king, which were in divers places of the country, giving them free licence, who were his followers in the action, to bear away the prey that remained: and far more licentious pranks had he played, had not his practices been speedily and wisely prevented. For Gratus, who with the king's soldiers had coupled himself with the Romans, and gathered all the forces that he had, went out against this Simon. And after a fierce battle, they on the other side of jordan, were put to flight, and fight rather under courage then military discipline, they were overcome. And whilst Simon in traversing Gratus conflict with Simon. Simon beheaded. The jews almost enraged in rebellion. Athronges strong in body and goodly in stature attempreth royal dignity. a valley sought to save himself by flight, Gratus met with him, and cut off his head. About the same time also the royal palace of Amatha, that was fast by jordan, was burned by men of as bad disposition as Simon was. And thus thorough the whole nation reigned this raging rebellion, for that the country had no king, who by his virtue might govern and moderate the people▪ for that the strangers, who were sent to repress these mutinies, did rather incense them thorough their violence and avarice. For a certain obscure and base man (neither esteemed for virtue, nor worthy regard for his riches, but being a shepherd utterly unknown before time, and only famous for his huge stature and strength) called Athronges, was so audacious, as to aspire to royal dignity, and took pleasure to offer violence setting light by his life, & exposing himself The year of the world. 3965. before Christ's birth 3. to all hazards for the only unbridled affection he bore to sovereignty. He had four brothers of as goodly stature as himself, who were es●…emed for men of valour and execution, whereby they imagined they had the means offered them to occupy the kingdom. Each one of these had the command over a company. For a great company of people resorted daily unto them, the charge of whom was committed unto his brethren, at such time as any occasion of war was offered, and he in the mean while wearing the diadem on his head, ordered, counseled, and commanded all things. The power of this Gallant endured a long time, who was not called king for nought: for he disposed all things according to his own pleasure, and both he and his brethren were fleshed with the slaughter of the Romans, and those of the king's side, whom he hated alike; these, by reason of the insolence they had used during Herodes life time: the other, in regard of those injuries, which lately they supposed themselves to have received by them. This hatred of theirs daily increased more and more, and there was no man that could escape their hands, both in respect of the gain they sought, as for the custom they had to shed blood. They therefore at that time set upon the Romans and surprised them on the sudden near to Emmaus, at such time as they carried victuals and munition unto their camp; and having enclosed the Centurion Arius with forty of their most valiant footmen, they shot him thorough with their darts. The rest that expected nothing less than life, were saved by Gratus, who came in upon them with the king's soldiers: whereupon leaving the deadbodies, they retired. Continuing their war after this manner a long time, according as occasion was offered, they had done much mischief to the Romans, and far more injury to the nation of the jews. Finally they were surprised, the one in an encounter betwixt them and Gratus: the other, in fight against Ptolomey. The eldest was taken by Archelaus, & the last being dismayed with these accidents, and seeing Athronges and his brethren taken. no means to escape (for besides his other mishaps his soldiers were afflicted with sickness) he with the rest upon Archelaus faith and oath submitted himself unto him. But this was done some little while after. At this time was all judaea full of robberies, and as many seditious assemblies as drew together, so many kings were there elected, who were raised to the utter ruin of the common weal. Amongst the rest, the Romans were they that smarted least, but the murders were executed against Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 16. those that were of the country. But Varus understanding by Sabinus letters, in what dangers they were, and fearing the utter overthrow of his third legion, he took with him the two other (for to the uttermost in Syria there were but three) and with the assistance of the kings and tetrarchs he hasted into jewrie, to relieve those that were besieged, commanding those that were sent out before he dislodged, to meet him at Ptolemais, and passing by the City of the Berythians he received a thousand, & five hundredth soldiers at their hands, to attend him in his war. Arctas also, who was Lord of Petra; drawing himself into confederacy with the Romans, in regard of that hatred he bore toward Herode, sent him horsemen and footmen. When all these forces were assembled at Ptolemais, he delivered a part thereof to his son, and one of his friends commanding them to make war upon the Galileans, who bordered upon that City, who entering that region, and putting all those to flight, whosoever durst make head against him, he took Sephoris, and selling the inhabitants under the spear, he consumed the City with fire. Varus himself marching towards Samaria with his army, violenced not the City in that he knew it Arus burned by the Arabians. was free from the contagion of the seditious, but he pitched his camp in a certain village, which was Ptolemy's possession, called Arus. The same did the Arabians burn, revenging themselves on Herodes friend for his sake, and marching onward the Arabians spoilt also an other village Sampho and Emmaus burned. Varus repaireth to jerusalem, and delivereth the legion that was besieged. called Sampho, and for that it was strongly fortified burned the same. Besides, in that journey nothing escaped their hands, but they put all to fire and sword. For both Emmaus was burned by Varus command, and in revenge of his soldiers that were slain in that place, it was left desolate and void of inhabitants. From thence drawing near to jerusalem, those jews that besieged the legion on that side, upon the sudden view and approach of the army of the Romans, fearfully fled, giving over that siege which they intended. But those jews of jerusalem, being grievously reproved by Varus, alleging in their excuse, that the people in regard of the feast were assembled in that place, and that the war was not begun by their consent, but undertaken by their boldness who resorted thither from divers places; and that they were so far off from assailing the Romans, as they rather seemed to be besieged by them. And long before this joseph king Herodes nephew, Gratus and Rufus with their soldiers were gone out to meet Varus, and those Romans that had sustained the siege, had done no less. But as touching Sabinus, he would not appear in Varus presence, by stealing away privily out of the City, he fled unto the The year of the world 3965. after Christ's Nativity. 3. seaward. Then Varus sending a part of his army thorough the whole region, sought out the authors of this sedition, and those that were noted men in the action, some of which, who were most guilty, were punished: the rest were delivered. Now of those that were punished for this occasion, there were about two thousand crucified; and that done, seeing that his army stood him in The punishment of the conspirators. little steed, he dismissed them. For divers disorders and outrages, contrary to Varus express command, were acted by his soldiers, who sought after nothing more than to increase their means by other men's miseries. And hearing that ten thousand jews were assembled together, he hasted to apprehend them: but they not daring to hazard their fortune in a fight with him, by Achiabus' advice submitted themselves. But Varus having pardoned the people for this their rebellion, sent all those that were the ringleaders thereof to Caesar, who discharged divers of them. But he chastised certain of Herodes allies, and such as bare arms with them: for that neither in regard of kindred, nor respect of justice, they had abstained from rebellious insurrection. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 16. al. 17. After that Varus had in this sort appeased all the troubles in jewrie, and left the first legion in garrison in jerusalem, he returned to Antioch. But Archelaus was crossed in Rome by an other occurrent that arose upon this occasion: Certain Ambassadors of the jews resorted thither by Varus permission, requiring, that it might be lawful for them to live according to their own laws: these presented themselves to the number The year of the world. 3966. before Christ's birth 4. The embassage of the jews to Rome. Archelaus and the ambassadors of the jews appear before Caesar. Philip Herod●… son. of fifty, and were backed by eight thousand jews, that inhabited the City. And when as Caesar had assembled the council of his friends, and chiefest citizens in Apollo's temple, which he had builded to his mighty charge, thither resorted the Ambassadors, who were followed by a troop of jews; and Archelaus also attended by his friends. But the king's kindred neither stood by Archelaus in regard of the hate they bore him, and yet disdained they to assist the ambassadors, for that they were ashamed in Caesar's presence to oppose themselves against their nearest friend and kinsman. Philip also was present at that time, who by Varus persuasion resorted thither out of Syria, especially to the intent to plead for his brother, to whom Varus wished all good fortune: besides that, hoping not a little that if the jews should obtain the liberty to live according to their laws, it might come to pass that the kingdom being divided amongst Herod's children, he might also light on some part thereof. After therefore the Ambassadors of the jews had obtained licence to propose their demands, pretending with themselves wholly to extinguish the royalty: they began to rip up Herodes disgraces, alleging how only in name he had been a king; The ambassadors of the jews rip up Herodes and Archelaus iniquity. whereas otherwise he had used all the tyrannous practices that the most wickedest person could have invented toward the destruction of his nation, and that not content with these, he had of his own head practised and invented new. Neither that it needed them to reckon up how many he had deprived of life, when as the estate of those that were alive was far more desperate, whom he not only affrighted with perpetual terror and severity, but also with injurious hands had not abstained from their goods. By which means it came to pass, that he not only builded, but beautified foreign Cities inhabited by foreign nations, to the end he might the rather utterly spoil those by exactions, which were situate and seated in his own country: and that he enforced his nation to extreme poverty, which he received in most happy estate, whilst he spoileth those nobles of their estates, who upon weak probabilities were condemned to die, or granting them life depriveth them of their possessions. Furthermore, whereas yearly tributes were imposed on every one; yet severally was the ravenous & covetous desires of his friends and courtiers to be satisfied, yea and of his servants also, who had the authority to exact these things, that by this means they might redeem their injurious vexations. As for the deflowering of virgins, and the scornful betraying of a matron's chastity, they covered them under silence, for that it is a great comfort to those that suffer such outrage, if their disgraces be but known to a few. In brief, that Herode had in no other sort governed, then as if the government of them had been committed to a most savage beast. For which cause, whereas in times past that nation had been afflicted with many calamities and murders, yet that there is no example extant amongst their monuments of antiquity, that may be compared with their present calamity under Herode. For which cause upon just respects they had with one consent named Archelaus their king, supposing that whatsoever king might befall them, he would always demesne himself more affably than Herode had done; and that to honour Archelaus they had mourned with him for his father, to gratify him in other things, to the intent they might tie his good affection unto them. But he without delay and all at once had made manifest to the whole nation, what opinion they were to conceive of him, notwithstanding that as yet he was not confirmed king (for that it lay in Caesar's hands to bequeath it yea or no) and as if he had been afraid lest he should assuredly be acknowledged The year of the world. 3966. after Christ's birth 4. for his father's son, he had showed an example of his virtue, moderation and good government, that he would use towards his subjects, by the first act which he hath committed, not only against God, but also against men. For in the temple itself he hath caused three thousand of his own countrymen to be slain. And how can he choose but ●…e justly hated, who besides his other cruelties, objecteth against us the crime of rebellion and mutiny. The effect of their request therefore was this, that they might not any more be governed by a king, nor any such like government, but that they might be annexed unto Syria, and submit themselves unto those vernours that should be sent thither. That in so doing it should truly appear whether they were seditious, and addicted to changes, or whether they would live in peace at such time as they had favourable governors. After the jews had spoken to this effect: Nicholas discharged Nicholas excuseth Herode and Archelaus. the kings of those accusations that were objected against them, and namely Herode, who (as he said) had never been accused all his life time, and that it was no reason that they, who justly accusing him, might have caused him to be punished during his life time, should now address their accusations against him after he was dead. And as touching those things that were objected concerning Archelaus actions, it ought to be imputed to their insolence, for that engaging themselves in matters contrary to law, and having begun to murder those who sought to appease the tumult, they accused such as had kept them in obedience. Besides this, he objected against them, that they were addicted to alterations, and took pleasure to stir up seditions, for that they knew not what thing it was to obey justice and the laws, and that there was no nation in the world so headstrong as that of the jews; for that they would have the upper hand over all. Thus spoke Nicholas. CHAP. XIII. Caesar confirms Herodes testament, and appointeth his children to be his successors. WHen Caesar had heard these things, he dismissed the assembly. But some few days after he desirous to make an end of this matter, declared Archelaus not king, but Lord of half Caesar maketh Archelaus an Ethnarque, & bestoweth the one half of the kingdom on Philip and Antipas. that government that appertained to Herode, promising him to bestow a royal dignity upon him, if so be he behaved himself virtuously, according as it became him. As for the other moiety, he divided it between two, giving a several part thereof to each of Herodes sons, Philip and Antipas, who debated with his brother Archelaus for the whole kingdom. The same Antipas also had the country on the other side of jordan, and Galilee, with two hundredth talents of annual revenue. As for Philip, he had Bathanea, Trachonitis, and Auranitis, and part of the palace that was called by Zenodorus name, with one hundredth talents. As for Archelaus, he had Idumaea, judaea & Samaria, which were discharged of the fourth part of the tributes by Caesar, for that they had not joined themselves with the rest of the people during the time of the sedition. Besides that, Archelaus had the tower of Straton, Sebaste, joppes, and jerusalem. For Gaza, Gadara, and Hippon were cities of Greece which Caesar had dismembered, and adjoined to Syria. Archelaus had five hundredth talents of yearly rent out of his country. Thus was the patrimony divided among Herodes sons. As for Salome, besides that which her brother had given her in his will, which were the cities of jamnia, Azot, Phasaelis, and half a million of Salome. silver money, Caesar granted her a royal house in Ascalon; so as she received in the whole sixty talents of annual revenue, and had her house allotted her within the dominion of Archelaus. All other of Herodes kindred, received that which was bequeathed unto them by his testament. Two Herodes two daughters that were virgins married to Pheroras sons. of his daughters that were unmarried, were endowed by Caesar with a quarter of a million of silver money which he gave them, beside their father's portion, and they were married to Pheroras sons. Moreover he gave Herodes sons, all that which he had given him by his testament, amounting to the sum of one thousand & five hundredth talents; contenting himself only to receive some few movables, not so much for their value, as in remembrance of the king, who had given them. CHAP. XIIII. The year of the world, 1966. after Christ's Nativie, 4. Of the counterfeit Alexander. AFter these things were in this sort disposed by Caesar, a young man and a jew borne, brought up in the city of Sidon, by a certain Roniane libertine, ●…uded himself Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 18. Alias, chap. 17 The false Alexander. into Herodes kindred, for that all those that beheld him, reported that he resembled Alexander Herod's son, who was slain by him; and by this means, he began to aspire unto the kingdom: whereupon calling to him a companion, who was his own countryman, and a long beaten courteour, and his craftimaister, and fit to execute any dangerous and desperate actions, he by his instructions sained himself to be that Alexander Herod's son, who was delivered from death by the means of a certain friend, who had the charge to see him executed; who executing others in their steeds, delivered both him and his brother Aristobulus, & that they were both escaped in this manner. Being puffed up by these toys, he failed not to deceive other men; and as soon as he came to Crete, as many jews soever as he fell in conference with, he persuaded them no less, and getting much money at their hands, he sailed into the Isle of Melos, where he gathered a great sum of money under pretext that he was of the King's blood. And now hoping that he should recover his father's kingdom, and that he should remunerate those who were beneficial unto him, he hasted towards Rome, accompanied with his friends in great pomp. And being arrived at Puteol, he there also was entertained with no less favour by those jews whom he deceived by his colourable title, and divers others, who had been Herod's friends and familiars came unto him, and entertained him as their king. The cause hereof was the natural disposition of men who take pleasure in false reports, together with the report of his resemblance. For they that had frequented very familiarly with Alexander, held it for a matter most assured, that he was the man, & none other, and affirmed unto other upon their oaths that it was he; so that this rumour at last came to Rome. And all the jews that dwelled there came forth to The false Alexander cometh to Rome. meet him, saving, that it was Gods handy work, that he was after that sort preserved beyond all men's expectation: and they greatly rejoiced in his mother Mariammes behalf, from whom he was descended; and he was carried in a litter thorough the streets with all the apparel of a king, the charge whereof was defrayed by those who were his friends. He was attended with a great multitude of men, and honoured with great applause, as it ordinarily falleth out at such time as beyond all expectation any one is found to have been miraculously preserved. When this news was brought to Caesar's ears, he gave small credit thereunto, persuading himself that it was a hard matter to deceive Herode in a cause of so great importance: notwithstanding conforming himself in some sort to the opinions of men, he sent a certain freeman of his called Celadus, who had very familiarly conversed with Alexander and Aristobulus during their infancy, giving him in charge to bring Alexander unto him, to the end he might see him; which The false Alexander cannot deceive Caesar. he did, and was never the wiser in discovering him. This notwithstanding Caesar was not fully deceived. For although he resembled him somewhat, yet was he not so nearly like him, that he could deceive those who narrowly observed him. For this counterfeit Alexander had hard hands, in that he had been accustomed to labour, which the true Alexander could not have in regard of his tender and delicate education: and chose this man was of a rough skin and hard flesh. Caesar therefore discovering the treachery both of the counterfeit scholar and lying master, and how they accorded in their confident justifications, he inquired of them what was become of Aristobulus who was secretly hid with him, & for what cause he presented not himself to enjoy the honour that appertained to those, who were so nobly descended? It was answered him, that he remained in the Isle of Cyprus, for fear of dangers, to which they are exposed who sail by sea, to the end that if any misfortune should befall them, all Mariammes race should not be extinguished, but that at leastwise Aristobulus might be left alive. Whilst he avowed these things, & the author of this fable justified no less, Caesar drawing the young man aside, said unto him: my friend, if thou wilt not deceive me, thou shalt have this recompense, that thou shalt not be punished. Tell me therefore what thou art, & who hath emboldened thee to practise this fraud: for this malice is so great that it surpasseth thine age. Whereupon being unable to conceal the truth, he discovered the treachery to Caesar, how and by whom it was contrived. At that time Caesar being loath to falsify his promise that he had passed to this false Alexander, and seeing that in times The false Alexander is condemned to ●…g at an oat. past he had travailed with his hands, he caused him to be enrolled among the number of his sailors to row, & caused the other that induced him to this fraud to be put to death, contenting himself that the inhabitants of Melos had lost their charges, which they had employed upon this false The year of the world. 3966. before Christ's birth 4. Alexander, who had a shameful end, as it hath been heretofore declared. CHAP. XV. Archelaus is accused anew, and afterwards banished, and sent into Vienna. AFter that Archelaus had taken possession of that Sovereignty that was allotted him, he Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 19 al. 18. The priesthoed is taken from joazar, and delivered to Eleazar, and from him to josuah the son of Sia. Archelais builded. came into judaea, where he deposed joazar the son of Boëthus from the high priesthood, accusing him to have favoured the seditious, and established Eleazar his brother in his place. After this he re-edified the palace in jericho, and sumptuously adorned it, drawing away the half of those waters which served the burrow of Neara: and conveying them thorough a field which he had planted with palm trees; he builded a burrow in that place, which he named Archelais, and contrary to the laws of his country, he married Glaphyra Archelaus daughter, who had been his brother Alexander's wife, by whom also he had divers children, notwithstanding the law of the jews forbiddeth a man to marry his brother's wife. Neither did Eleazar enjoy the priesthood any long time, but during his life time jesus the son of Sias was substituted in his place. The tenth year of Archelaus government, the chiefest governors among the jews and Samaritans unable any longer to endure his cruelty and tyranny, accused him before Caesar, and especially after they had understood that he had transgressed Caesar's command, who had charged him to behave himself graciously towards them. Which when Caesar understood, he was sore displeased, and caused Archelaus agent to be called before him, who was then at Rome, and sent for Archelaus also, and esteeming it too base an indignity for him to write unto him, Go (said he) unto him with all expedition, and bring him unto me without delay. He posting forward with all diligence, at length arrived in judaea, where he found Archelaus banqueting with his friends, and having certified him of Caesar's pleasure, he incited him to hasten onward of his way. As soon as he came to Rome, after that Caesar had heard certain of his accusers and his Archelaus banished and confined. justifications, he banished him, and confined him in the City of Vienna in France, and confiscated all his goods. But before Archelaus was sent for to Rome, he reported unto his friends this dream which ensueth. Him thought that he saw ten ears full of wheat, and very ripe, which the oxen braised upon, and as soon as he awoke he conceived an opinion that his vision presaged some great matter. For which cause he sent for certain soothsayers, who made it their profession to interpret dreams. Now whilst they were debating one with an other (for they differed for the most part in their exposition) a certain man called Simon an Essean, having first of all obtained security and licence to speak, said that the vision pretended, that a great alteration should befall in Archelaus estate, to his utter disgrace. For the oxen signified afflictions, in respect that those kind of creatures do ordinarily travel; and as touching the change of estate it was signified by this, in that the earth being laboured by the travel of the oxen, retained not the same estate: and as touching the ten ears of corn, they signified the like number of years. And therefore when as one summer should be overpast, that then the time of Archelaus sovereignty should be at an end. Thus interpreted he this dream. And the fifth day after the vision thereof, his factor Archelaus by Caesar's commandment came into jewrie to summon him to Rome. Some such like matter Simon the Essean interpreteth Archelaus vision. happened to Glaphyra his wife also, the daughter of king Archelaus, she (as we have said) married Alexander Herod's son when she was a maid, and brother to this Archelaus; who being slain by his father, she was married the second time to jubaking of Mauritania, and he also being dead, she living with her father in Cappadocia was married to Archelaus, who put away Mariam his wife for the love he bore unto Glaphyra. She living with Archelaus, was encountered with such a dream. She thought that she saw Alexander fast by her, who cherishing and embracing Glaphiras dream. her, checked her saying: Glaphyra, Thou approvest the truth of that proverb, which saith, Women have no loyalty. For having given me thy faith, and married with me at such time as thou wert a virgin, and borne children by me, thou hast forgotten and neglected my love, thorough the desire thou hast had to be married the second time. Neither hast thou contented to have done me this wrong, but hast taken unto thee likewise a third husband, lewdly and impudently intruding thyself into my family; and being married with Archelaus, thou art content to admit my brother for thy husband. This notwithstanding I will not forget the love that I have borne there, but will deliver thee from him, who hath done thee this reproach, by retaining thee The year of the world. 3973. after Christ's Nativity. 11. for mine own, as heretofore thou hast been. After that she had told this vision to certain women that were her familiars, she died very shortly after. Which accident I have thought good to register in this place, in that I was to entreat of those kings; and otherwise the matter seemeth to be a signal example containing a most certain argument of the immortality of souls, and God's providence. And if any one deem these things incredible, let him reserve his opinion to himself, and no ways contradict those, who by such events are incited to the study of virtue. Quirinius Censor of Syria. Now when the government of Archelaus was annexed to Syria, Cirenius, who had been Consul, was sent by Caesar to tax Syria, and to dispose of Archelaus house. THE XVIII. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 18. book. 1 Cyrenius is sent by Caesar into Syria and judaea to tax the people, Coponius is made governor of judaea, judas the Galilean raiseth up new troubles. 2 What and how many Sects there were among the jews. 3 The Tetrarches Herode and Philip build Cities in honour of Caesar. 4 The sedition of the jews against Pontius Pilate. 5 That which happened to the jews that were dwelling at Rome in pilate's time. 6 Of Vitellius his arrival in jerusalem, and how he received commission from Tiberius Caesar, to make war against Aretas, after he had received hostages of Artabanus. 7 Herode the tetrarchs war against king Aretas, and his overthrow. 8 agrippa's voyage to Tiberius, where he is accused and shut in prison. He is delivered after the death of Tiberius by Caius his successor. 9 How Herode the Tetrarch was banished. 10 The sedition of the jews and greeks at Alexandria. 11 Caius sendeth Petronius into judaea to make war against the jews, if so be they refused to receive his statue. 12 That which happened to the jews that were at Babylon, and of the two brethren Asinaeus and Anilaeus. CHAP. I. Cyrenius is sent by Caesar into Syria. Cyrenius the Roman Senator having executed all degrees, offices, and dignities, until such time as he obtained the Consulship: a man of great reckoning Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 1. Quirinius is sent by Caesar into Syria to execute justice in that place. Coponius perfect of judaea. The taxation of the people of the jews. and estimation, was sent into Syria by Caesar's direction, to do justice among the people, and to sesse and tax each man's goods: with him was sent Coponius a captain of a company of horsemen, who was appointed to have the commandment of all jewrie. Cyrenius therefore came into judaea, which was already annexed unto Syria, to tax the goods of the inhabitants thereof, and to confiscate Archelaus substance. And although at the first the jews thought but hardly of this description, yet notwithstanding without contradiction they submitted themselves, being persuaded thereunto by the counsel of the high priest joazar the son of Boëthus, by whose advice they suffered themselves to be taxed without contradiction. But after this there arose a certain jew called judas the Gaulanite, borne in the town of Gamala, who having a certain man called Sadoc the Pharisee confederate with him, laboured to stir up the people to rebellion. Alleging that the description was no other thing, but a manifest confession of their Alias, chap. 3. servitude, exhorting all the nation to maintain their liberty, and putting them in hope that they thereby should happily establish their estates, and enjoy their goods with security; and besides this, obtain both honour and glory in prosecution of such an enterprise. Moreover, that God The year of the world. 3973. after the Nativity of Christ. 11. would not afford them a more assured way to settle their fortunes then by this means, namely, if they would employ themselves in the execution of their designs, and if having conceived in their minds haughty and noble attempts, they forbore not to finish the same, notwithstanding the execution cost them their lives. These speeches of theirs were entertained by the people with great pleasure, and by the same they were the more confirmed & heartened to rebellion. So that there was no kind of evil which these men set not abroach, yea the whole nation was replenished with such miseries, that it is impossible to recount them: for the wars therein continued with such fury, that it was impossible to restrain the violence thereof; so that they neither spared friends, nor respected enemies, but were wholly given over to the spoil. There reigned nothing but robberies and murders of noble personages, who entertained one an other under Slaughters, thefts, seditions and famine in judaea. pretence to establish the estate of the common weal, but in effect for their private profit sake, whereby the cities were replenished with seditions & murders, in which the inhabitants slaughtered one another, after a strange manner of fury; and desire they had not to spare any that was of their contrary faction. They were afflicted with foreign enemies and famine; yet none of these could pacify their fury, but that they furiously razed Cities, shed innocent blood, till at length the horrible mischief took such a head, that they consumed the temple of God, and burned The temple of jerusalem burn●…. all the beautiful buildings. So dangerous a thing is it to change the customs and manners of a country. For judas and Sadoc having introduced and raised a fourth sect, and tying the Sectaries to their command, filled the whole common weal for the present with many troubles, and produced the roots of these mischiefs, which afterward branched abroad from this unaccustomed judas and Sadoc authors of the fourth sect. sect. For which cause I think it not amiss to discourse briefly of these sectaries opinions, whereby so many evils have fallen upon our nation. CHAP. II. How many, and what sects there were among the jews. THere were three sects among the jews, of long continuance and antiquity, that of the Esseans; that of the Sadduces; and that of those who were called Pharisees. Of these Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 11. al. 5. Three sects of the jews of whom mention is made in the second book of the wars of the jews. The Pharisees doctrine. have we spoken in our second book of the wars of the jews; and yet now I think it not amiss to speak somewhat of them in this place also. The Pharisees use a very austere and strict kind of life, and addict not themselves to any delicacy, but diligently follow that which their reason induceth them unto. They honour their elders, neither dare they reply or reproach them for their admonitions. They attribute all things unto fate, and yet they take not an assent of will from man, supposing that God tempereth all things in such sort, that by his ordinance and man's will all things are performed either good or evil. They believe also that the souls of men are immortal, and that under the earth they receive judgement of honour or disgrace, according as they have addicted themselves to virtue or vice in their life times: the one to live in perpetual prison; the other to rise again very shortly. For which cause they are in great estimation among the people, and all that which appertaineth to the service of God, whether they be prayers or sacrifices, all things are done according as they give direction. So ample a testimony yield the Cities of their wisdom, temperance, and honest life. But the Sadduces are of that opinion, that the souls of men perish with their bodies. They observe no other thing but The Sadduce●… opinion. that which is in the law, and hold it a virtue to dispute with their masters, as touching the decrees of their sect. Their opinion is entertained by very few, yet such, who for the most part are men of the best reckoning; yet intermeddle they not in any case with any affairs, and when they are advanced to any honours, either with their own good liking, or with constraint, they are enforced to allow of that which the Pharisees shall propose, otherwise the common people will not endure them. The Esseans attribute unto God the government and disposition of all things. The Esseans profession. They say that the souls of men are immortal, and all the uttermost of their endeavour and delight is to maintain justice and equity. They send their offerings unto the temple, yet sacrifice they not with other men, by reason they use more sacred and different ceremonies: for which cause they are secluded out of the common temple, and sacrifice apart. Otherwise they are men of most reconciled behaviour, and such as are wholly addicted in trimming & labouring their fields. The Esseans life and manners. They have one custom which is worthy admiration, & such a one as is not to be found amongst any other, either Greeks or Barbarians, that make any reckoning of virtue, which they have not practised for a little while, but even from all antiquity; which is, that they possess their goods in common: neither doth the richest amongst them make more use of his possessions: then he The year of the world. 3973. after Christ's birth 11. that hath least of all. They are at least four thousand in number, who neither have wives nor slaves; supposing that women are the occasion of injustice, and that slaves do arise by mutinies: and living apart by themselves, they serve one another: and choose out certain upright men among their priests to gather the fruits and renenewes of their lands, to the end they may be sustained and nourished thereby: In a word, they follow the same course of life that they do, who are called Plisti among the Danes. The fourth sect was founded by judas of Galilee, which acordeth Plisti among the Danes. judas Galileus the author of the fourth sect. altogether and in all things with the Pharisees, but that they are extremely jealous of their liberty, acknowledging but one only God, Lord and master of all things, and had rather both themselves with their dearest children & kinsfolk endure the most grievous and bitter torments that may be imagined, then call any mortal man their Lord. Of which constancy of theirs I forbear to discourse any further at this time, for that it is sufficiently known to divers, who have been eye witnesses thereof: neither fear I least any one should suppose those things to be incredible, which I have said of them; but chose, that I have spoken less than they themselves make evident in contemning their grievous tortures and punishments; which courage and magnanimity of theirs increased very mightily amongst our nation, being kindled by the Gessius Florus iniurics. most heinous injuries which were offered us by Gessius Florus our governor, by which means at length it came to pass that they revolted and rebelled against the people of Rome. Thus much as touching the sects among the jews. CHAP. III. The Tetrarches Herode and Philip build Cities in honour of Caesar. AFter that Cyrenius had confiscated Archelaus goods, and finished the valuation of every man's estate (which happened thirty seven years after Antony's overthrow by Caesar in Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 3. Anan the son of Seth made high priest in joazars' place. Alias, chap. 6. Sephoris chief city of Gal●…e Betaramphtha called Julia's. Paneas. Bethsaida. men's bones scattered in the temple The year of the world, 3974. after Christ's birth 12. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 4. the Actium battle) he deposed joazar from the priestly dignity, by reason of that sedition which the people stirred up against him, and established Ananus the son of Seth in his place. But Herode and Philip took each of them the possession of their Tetrarchy, & disposed of the affairs thereof. Herode enclosed Sephoris with a strong wall, and made it the chiefest city and ornament of all Galilee: he fortified also another City called Betaramphtha & named it Julia's in honour of julia the Emperor Caesar's wife. Philip repaired Paneada situated near unto the source of jordan, and called it Caesaraea: he repaired also the borough of Bethsaida near unto the lake of Genazereth, and gave it the dignity of a City, both for the number of the inhabitants as for other pre-eminences, and called it julia by Caesar's wives name. As for Coponius the governor in judaea, who (as we have said) was sent with Cyrenius, in whose time there happened that which followeth. At the feast of unleavened bread, which we call Pascha, the custom was that the Priests opened the temple gates about midnight, at which time certain Samaritans, who secretly entered into jerusalem, as soon as the gates were open, spread men's bones amidst the porches, and over all the temple: whereby it came to pass, that the priests began to keep a more diligent watch, than they had done before time. Some little while after, Coponius returned to Rome, and Marcus Ambivius succeeded him in the government. In his time Salome king Herodes sister departing out of this life, bequeathed unto julia the City of jamnia, and all the lands and country round about: she gave her also Phasaelis situate in the plain, and Archelais where there are divers date trees, bearing most excellent fruit. After Ambivius, Annius Rufus had the command, under whom died Caesar the second Roman Emperor, after he had reigned fifty seven years, six months and two days, The year of the world. 3975. after Christ's birth 13. The year of the world. 39●…. after Christ's birth 15. The year of the world. 3978. after the birth of Christ. 16. The year of the world, 3979 before Christ's birth 17 and had Antonius his copartner in the monarchy for the space of fourteen years. He lived in the whole seventy seven years. After Caesar succeeded Tiberius Nero the son of julia his wife, who was the third Roman Emperor. He it was that sent the fifth governor into judaea, whose name was Valerius Gratus, who succeeded Annius Rufus. This Gratus deposed Ananus, and appointed Ishmael the son of Fabius high Priest; and after his decease (for he lived but a little while after) Eleazar the son of Ananus was made high Priest. A year after this, this Eleazar also was deposed, and the Priesthood was given to Simon the son of Camithus, who continuing in this dignity for a years space & no longer, joseph called Caiaphas succeeded after him. After Gratus had behaved himself thus, he returned to Rome, after he had remained in judaea for the space of 11. years, After him came Pontius Pilate and succeeded him in the government. But Herod the tetrarch being entertained into Tiberius' The year of the world. 3979. after Christ's birth 17. friendship, builded a city in honour of his name, and called it Tiberias. He planted it in the fruitfullest part of Galilee, hard by the lake of Genazereth, and near unto the natural baths in the borough called Emmaus. This city was peopled by strangers, who resorted thither from all parts, and by divers of the countries of Galilee, some of which were constrained to inhabit the same. Some of those likewise, who were in authority repaired thither, and from all countries The year of the world, 3990. after Christ's nativity, 28. there flocked many, who were not assuredly held for men of free condition; all which he enfranchised, and gave them great gifts, under that condition, that they should not abandon the city. To some of them he gave houses already builded; to other some lands very apt to be tilled, knowing that the habitation of such a place was contrary to the laws and customs of his country, and the ordinances of the jews. For that Tiberias was builded in a place full of sepulchres; Tiberias builded. and our law saith, he that converseth in those places is held uncleave and defiled for the space of seven days. At that very time died Phraates king of Parthia▪ being traitorously slain by his son Phraataces, Phraates king of the Parthians slain by the treason of Phraataces his son. Thermusa Phraataces mother. for this cause. After that Phraates had gotten many lawful children, he took unto him an Italian woman to his concubine, called Thermusa, whom with other presents julius Caesar had sent unto him. After he had begotten on her his son Phraataces, he was so much besotted with her beauty, that he took her to his wife, and held her in high estimation. She that might persuade him unto all that whatsoever she listed, enforced herself to the uttermost to make her son king of Parthia, and seeing that she might not attain thereunto, except she had first found out the means to deliver herself of Phraates lawful children, she persuaded him to send them hostages to Rome. In a word, they were presently sent away, because Phraates in no sort had the power to contradict Thermusas' will, and only Phraataces was brought up in the affairs of estate; who thinking the time too tedious and long if he should expect the kingdom whilst his father were dead, conspired against him by the instigation and furtherance of his mother, with whom (as it is thought) he committed incest. In effect, being equally attainted of these two heinous Phraataces slain. crimes, both for the murder of his father, as his incest committed with his mother, he was generally hated by his subjects, who rebelled against him before such time as he was settled in his kingdom. By this means was his fortune overthrown, and he died. The noble men among the Parthians perceiving, that it was impossible for them to maintain their policy without a king, and that their king ought lineally to descend of the race of the Arsacians (because by custom they might not choose any out of another stock) and supposing that their ordinances had too much already been contradicted, and that it would redound to their great dishonour if the kingdom should be continued in the hands of such a man, who was descended from an Italian concubine, they sent Ambassadors to require Herode to come and be their king, who otherwise was in hatred with all the people, and accused of extreme cruelty. In a word, he was an unsociable man, and extremely choleric, notwithstanding he were of the blood of the Arsacides: they therefore flocked about him, and killed him at a banquet made at a certain sacrifice (for the custom of the Parthians was, that every one bare his weapon) or as the common report was, that he was slain Herode se●… for by the Parthians, and slain in hunting. at such time as he was a hunting. For this cause, they sent Ambassadors to Rome, requiring that one of those that were hostages there might be their king, and one Vonones was sent unto them, who was preferred above all his brethren. For he seemed to be capable of that high degree of honour, as to command two of the greatest sovereignties that were under the sun; the one of his own nation; the other of a foreign dominion. But the Barbarians, who are by nature mutable and most impatient of indignity, shortly after repented themselves: for they disdained to execute the command of a slave; for so called they a pledge, saying, that the Parthians had not a king given them by right of war, but that which was the most out rage that might be fall them, by injury offered them in time of peace. For which cause they speedily sent for Artabanus king of Media, who was of the race of the Arsacides. To this request of theirs he willingly condescended, and came unto them with his army. And Vonones marched forward to make head against him. At the first encounter, although the common sort amongst the Parthians favoured Artabanus; yet was he overcome and fled to the mountains of Media. But not long after, having assembled a greater army, he once more set upon Vonones and discomfited him, at Vonones king of the Parthiā●… put to flight by Artabanus, which time Vonones retired himself with some horsemen of his into Seleucia. But Artabanus having made a great slaughter of those that fled, and wholly abashed the minds of the Barbarians, he retired himself to the city of Ctesiphon, with those people that accompanied him, and was afterwards made king of Parthia. Vonones arrived in Armenia, and at the first sought to make himself king over that nation, sending to this effect certain Ambassadors to Rome: but Tiberius The year of the world, 3990. after Christ's Nativity, 28. Vonones submitteth to Syllanus governor of Syria, Orodes king of Armenia. Antiochus' king of Comegena. repulsed his suit in respect of his cowardice, but the rather for that Artabanus by an express Embassage had threatened him with war. For they of greatest power among the Armenians (who are those that dwell a●…out the ●…loud Niphates) maintained Artabanus title, and Vonones destitute of all hope to obtain the kingdom, yielded himself to Syllanus, who was Governor of Syria, and in regard that he had been brought up at Rome, he was kept in Syria▪ and Artabanus gave Armenia to Orodes one of his sons. Antiochus' king of the Co●…agenes died also at that time, and there fell a debate betwixt the commons and the nobility; so that both parties sent their Ambassadors to Rome. The nobles required that the form of their government might be changed into divers 〈◊〉; and the people requested that they might be honoured by a king, as they had been accustomed. The Senate decreed that ●…icus should be sent to settle the affairs in the East, fortune ●…by presenting him with the occasion of his ruin. Germanicus poisoned by Pis●…es 〈◊〉. For at such time as he arrived in the East, and orderly disposed all things, he was poisoned by Piso, whereof he died, as it is declared in another place. CHAP. FOUR The rebellion of the jews against Pontius Pilate. PIlate Governor of Iud●… led his army from Caesarea to jerusalem, where he wintered Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. al. chap. 8. Pilate bringeth Caesar's statues to jerusalem, and upon the people's instant motion transferreth them to Caesarea them with an intent to bring in Caesar's statues, and standards into the City, in contempt of our law which forbiddeth us to make images. For which cause, those Governors that were before him, were wont to make their entries into the City without such pictures or paintings. Pilate was the first, who unawares and by night entered jerusalem, bringing with him his images. Which when the people understood, in great multitudes they resorted to Caesarea, beseeching him for many days, that he would transport those images into some other place. But when as Pilate denied them to perform their request, because the matter would redound to Caesar's dishonour, and the jews also ceased not to solicit him, some six days after commanding his soldiers to lie in ambush in a readiness, he sat him down in the Tribunal within the Hippodrome, making use of the opportunity of the place, for that it was most fit for a stratagem. There being urged once more about the same business, he gave a sign to his soldiers to beset The year of the world, 3997. after Christ's nativity, 35. them, threatening them with death, except they would presently give over their suit, and repair every one of them with all speed to their own houses. But they prostrating themselves upon the earth, and offering their naked throats, told him, that they rather desired to die, then to see their laws violated, which were with so great judgement and reason proposed unto them. Pilate amazed at the confidence they showed in the conservation of their laws, suddenly caused Caesar's images to be transported out of jerusalem into Caesarea, and out of the sacred treasury he made Pilate seeking to draw certain springs of water to jerusalem stirreth up a rebellion. certain conduits of water, that had their fountain heads more than two hundredth stades off. But the people took no pleasure in those conduits, and divers thousands of men assembled themselves exclaiming against Pilate, endeavouring thereby to make him give over his enterprise. Some of them also uttered divers injurious speeches against him, as it ordinarily falleth out amongst an unbridled multitude. But he causing them to be hemmed in by a great number of his soldiers, attired in a popular habit, as soon as they began to exclaim against him, gave a sign to his soldiers: they as it was before time commanded them, made use of their maces, and without distinction either of the persons or the offenders, fell on all those whom they had encompassed. The year of the world. 3998. after Christ's birth 36. And so unmercifully laid on them, who were naked and disarmed, that some of them were slain, othersome grievously hurt: and after this manner was the tumult and sedition appeased. At that time was JESUS a wise Man, if it be lawful to call him a man.. For he was the performer of divers admirable works, and the instructor of those who willingly entertain the truth: Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 6. al. chap. 9 and he drew unto him divers jews and greeks to be his followers. This was Christ, who being accused by the princes of our nation before Pilate, and afterwards condemned to the Cross by him; yet did not those who followed him from the beginning, forbear to love him for the ignominy of his death. For he appeared unto them alive the third day after, according as the divine Prophets had before testified the same, and divers other wonderful things of him: and jesus Christ crucified by Pilate. Hedio & Ruffinus. chap. 7. Alias, chap. 10 from that time forward the race of the Christians, who have derived their name from him, hath never ceased. At that time also there fell out another accident, which very sore troubled the jews, and in the temple of Isis at Rome there were many shameful acts committed. But I will first of all recount The year of the world. 3998 after the Nativity of Christ 36. the accident in the temple of Isis: and then will I declare that which befell the jews. There was in Rome a Lady called Paulina, renowned both for the nobility of her house, as also thorough her study and exercise in virtue. Besides this, she was very rich, and with her riches beautiful; and in her flowering years; and notwithstanding a very mirror of chastity. She was married unto a certain noble man called Saturnine, that equalled her in all those her excellent perfections. A certain young man called Decius Mundus one of the knights of greatest account at that time, fell in love with her. But she was of that disposition, that it was impossible for him to corrupt her by presents: And the more she refused those infinite presents which he sent unto her, the more was Mundus heart inflamed with ardent affection; so that to enjoy her but only one night, he offered her two hundredth thousand drachmas, amounting in our English money to some six thousand pound; yet for all this he could not overcome her. For which cause being unable to endure this his unfortunate love, he thought best to pine himself away for want of sustenance, thereby to deliver himself from the tyranny of that passion, wherewith he was afflicted: Finally, that he confidently resolved, he constantly put in execution. Now there was a certain free woman that belonged to Mundus father, whose name was Id●…, expert in all sorts of subtleties, who being sore aggrieved to behold the young man's resolution, whom she saw wholly addicted to a desperate death, she addressed herself unto him, and encouraged him with hope, promising him to bring him to Paulina's speech, by the means of a certain bribe which she intended to offer. He rejoicing very much at her motion, demanded what sum would serve her: who requiring nothing more than fifty thousand drachmas to obtain Paulina; he furnished her presently. When as by this means she had quickened the young man's spirit, and received all that which she demanded, she shaped not the same course which others had kept that had the solicitation of the matter before, seeing she saw that money would not tempt her; but knowing that she was deeply devoted to the service of Isis, she practised this subtle and unexpected policy. She addressed herself to certain priests of the temple, and upon great hopes and offer of greater presents, and paying them down upon the present twenty and five thousand drachmas, and promising them as much more upon the performance of the bargain, she disclosed unto them the passionate love which the young man bore unto Paulina, exhorting them to work so wisely that he might enjoy her. They bewitched with this huge present they had, and hoped to receive, promised her to work the feat. Whereupon the eldest among them resorted to Paulina, and having free access unto her presence, he required that he might have conference with her in secret: which when he had obtained, he told her that he was sent unto her by God Anubis, in that the God was surprised with her love, and desired that she would come unto him. Paulina took great pleasure in this his discourse, and told her familiars how she had been honoured with the amorous solicitation of a God, and certified her husband how Anubis would banquet and lie with her. Whereunto he consented, knowing how great his wives chastity was. She therefore repaired to the temple, and after she had supped, and the time was come wherein she was usually accustomed to lay her down to rest, and the gates were locked up by the priests that were therein; and the lights likewise were taken away; Mundus, who was hidden within, failed not to accost her; who thinking that it was the God Anubis, satisfied his desires all the night long; and in the morning betimes before the priests, who were privy to this treachery, were stirring, he retired himself. Paulina also early in the morning repaired to her husband, and certified him how Anubis had appeared unto her, and boasting herself among her familiars what conference he had used with her. But some of them believed her not, in regard of the manner of their entertainment; the rest were altogether amazed, supposing those things to be no ways incredible, at such time as they bethought themselves of the Lady's chastity. Some three days after this act was committed, Mundus meeting with Paulina, said unto her: You have saved me two hundredth thousand drachmas, wherewith you might have augmented your treasure, and this notwithstanding you have not failed to satisfy my request: neither am I grieved that you have contemned me under the name of Mundus, since that undertaking Anubis name I have accomplished my desire, and this said, he departed. But she presently amated with the man's audacious Tiberius causeth Isis' priests and Ida to b●… hanged and banished Mundus. impudence, tore her garments, and having told her husband of all this subtle circum●…ention, she requested earnestly his assistance, and that he would not forsake her in the prosecution of her revenge: who presently certified the Emperor of each particular thereof. Now when Tiberius had diligently understood, how all things had happened, by the inquisition and examination of the Priests, he condemned them and Ida, who had been the inventor and complottor of this treason against Paulina, to be hanged: he pulled down the temple also, and cast Anubis The year of the world. 3998. after Christ's birth 36. statue into Tiber, and banished Mundus; supposing that he ought not to be more grievously punished, considering that the fault which was committed by him, proceeded from extreme love. Behold here the insolence committed in the temple of Isis, by the priest that appertained to that temple. Now intent I to declare that which happened to the jews that were at that time in Rome, according as heretofore I both purposed and promised. CHAP. V. Of that which befell the jews that were at Rome in pilate's time. THere was a certain jew, that having been accused for the breach of the laws of his Fulvia Saturnines wife delivereth gold & purple to four jews to be sent to the temple in jerusalem, they convert it to their own uses, which when Tiberius knew he commandeth all the jews to be thrust out of Rome. country, and fearing to be punished for the same, fled from thence, being without respect, a man of a most mischievous behaviour. He dwelling at that time in Rome, professed himself to be an expounder of Moses law, and drawing unto him three other no less reprobates then himself, he followed his ordinary profession. Fulvia a Lady of much honour became their scholar, and had embraced the religion of the jews, whom they had persuaded to send certain purple and gold to the temple of jerusalem: which after they had received at her hands, they converted it to their own use, as before that time they had determined to do. Tiberius, who was informed hereof by Saturnine his familiar friend, and Fulvia's husband, who had discovered the same unto him, commanded all jews whatsoever to depart out of Rome. Of these the Consuls chose out and enrolled to the number of four thousand men, whom they sent into Sardinia: and punished divers of them that refused to bear arms, for fear they should transgress the ordinances of their country. So that by reason of the loose behaviour of four wicked persons, all those of our nation were driven out of the City of Rome. Neither was the nation of the Samaritans exempt from this trouble: for a certain subtle companion, who sought by all the means he might to encroach upon the people's favour, persuaded them to withdraw themselves with him to the mount Garizim (which they supposed to be the holiest amongst all their mountains) in which place he avowed that he would show them the sacred Vessels buried in a certain place, where Moses had laid them, and at that time they being gathered together in arms, by his persuasion encamped themselaes in a burrow called The Samaritans assemble at Tirathaba to ascend the mountain Garizim, Pilate chargeth and overcometh them & putteth them to flight. Tirathaba, where they entertained those that repaired thither to adjoin themselves with them, to the end they might ascend the mountain with the greater company. But Pilate prevented them, and got up before them with his horsemen and footmen, who charging those that were assembled in the burrow, put them to flight, and slaying some, and putting the rest to flight, led away a great number of them prisoners with him. Pilate executed the chiefest ringleaders amongst them, and those also of greatest force among the fugitives. The tumult of these jews being published abroad, and their misfortune made known, the Senate of Samaria addressed themselves to Vitellius who had been Consul, and who at that time governed Syria, before whom The year of the world. 3999 after Christ's birth 37. Alias, cap. 11 Pilate accused before Vitellius is sent to Rome. they accused Pilate for the murder of those whom he had slain, saying, that they assembled not in Tirathaba to rebel against the Romans, but to warrantize themselves against pilate's tyranny. Whereupon Vitellius sent Marcellus his friend, to take charge of judaea, commanding Pilate to return to Rome, and to satisfy the Emperor in those things whereof the people had accused him. Hereupon Pilate, after he had sojourned ten years in jewrie, repaired to Rome, having no means to contradict that commandment that Vitellius had given him. But before he arrived there, Tiberius was departed and dead. CHAP. VI Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. al. 12. Vitellius cometh to jerusalem, forgiveth the jews their tribute, committeth the charge of the high priests garments to them. The high priests vestments reserved in the castle of Antonia. Vitellius cometh to jerusalem. AS soon as Vitellius came into judaea, he went up to jerusalem and celebrated there the feast of the passover, and after he had been magnificently entertained in that place, he forgave the Citizens the tribute of all those fruits which were sold. He delivered them also the ornaments of the high priests, with all the rest of the priestly furniture within the temple, committing the charge thereof unto the priests, according as in times past they had the same. But at that time they were laid up in the castle of Antonia for this cause which followeth. Hircanus' the high priest the first of that name (for divers have been so called) having builded a tower near unto the temple, did for the most part make his residence therein, and there kept his vestments that were committed to his charge, the rather for that he only had the authority The year of the world. 3999. after Christ's birth 37. to put them on, and return them into their place at such time as he came down into the City, and put upon him his accustomed raiment. His son and his sons sons entertained the same custom, till such time as Herode being exalted to the kingdom, and seeing this tower to be strongly scited, builded the same most magnificently, and called it Antonia, in honour of Antony, who was his great friend. And having found these vestments in that place, he retained them with him, assuring himself that the people would attempt nothing against him. Archelaus his son and successor in the kingdom, kept the same course that Herode had done. But after that the Romans had obtained the souraignty thereof, they kept the high Priests ornaments in their hands, and reserved them in a place builded for the purpose, under the seal of the Priests, and the perfect of those that kept the sacred treasure, lighted the lamp every day in that place. This every seventh day before the feast, doth the perfect deliver into the high priests hands, and after it was purified he put it on to do divine service, and the next day after the feast he returneth it again to the same place where it was kept before: which custom was observed thrice every year in the time of a fast. But Vitellius returned those ornaments into the hands of the Priests, according to the ancient orders, Vitellius advanced jonathan the son of Anani to the priesthood, and degradeth. joseph sur●…amed Caiaphas. leaving them to be used at such time as need required, commanding the perfect to trouble himself no more about the place where they should be kept. After he had done this favour to the nation of the jews, he dispossessed the high Priest joseph surnamed Caiaphas, and advanced jonathan the son of Ananus to that dignity, and afterwards returned to Antioch. At that time he received letters from Tiberius, by which he commanded him to capitulate and conclude a friendship with Artabanus the king of the Parthians (whose hatred he suspected, and feared least being seized of Armenia, he should work further displeasure to the state of Rome) willing him to assure the league by hostages, and namely with Artabanus son. After Tiberius had written these letters above mentioned unto Vitellius, he persuaded the kings of Iberia and Alania by great store of money, that with all expedition they should make war against Artabanus. But the Iberians would not be drawn thereunto, yet suffered they the Alaines to march thorough their country, and opened them their gates of the mount Caspius, to give them passage to invade Artabanus. Thus once more was Armenia conquered, and the country of the Parthians was filled with war, whereby the chiefest among them were slain, The Parthians lose Armenia. and all their estate was spoiled and disordered. The king's son also was slain in those conflicts, with divers thousands of his men of war. Moreover Vitellius having sent money to a certain kinsman and friend of Artabanus, pretended to corrupt him to make Artabanus away. But Artabanus perceiving the plot that was intended against him, and seeing that he could not escape, Such things as happened betwixt Vitellius and Artabanus. because it was attempted by a great number of the best accounted nobles within his court, ceased to pass any further: and seeing himself most apparently environed, and thinking that under colour of friendship he was fraudulently betrayed, he thought it better to retire himself into the provinces of the higher country, and there to save himself, rather than to put himself in hazard, and resort unto them who had already betrayed and forsaken him. Arriving in in that place he assembled a great number of soldiers of the countries of Danes and Swethians, Artabanus restored to his kingdom by the Danes and Swethians. A league betwixt Vitellius & Artabanus. Herodes banquet in the midst of Euphrates. Artabanus sendeth▪ Tiberius his son in hostage, 〈◊〉 a jew seven cubits high. Herode advertileth the emperor of al●… things before Vitellius letters came to his hands. and having fought against them who opposed themselves against him; he recovered his estate. When Tiberius had tidings hereof, he wrought the means to draw Artabanus into friendship with him, which when Artabanus had notice of, he willingly admitted; so that Artabanus and Vitellius met together near Euphrates, and by the means of a bridge that was builded upon the river they debated the matter together, being each of them attended by their guards. After that they had concluded the peace, Herode the Tetrarch feasted them in a very magnificent Pavilion, erected in the midst of the flood not without his great cost. And not long after Vitellius sent Darius Artabanus son in hostage to Rome, with divers presents; amongst which there was a man seven cubits high, a jew borne, who was named Eleazar, who was called a Giant by reason of his greatness. That done, Vitellius returned to Antioch, and Artabanus to Babylon. But Herode desirous to be the first who should advertise Caesar of the receipt of these hostages, sent express messengers with letters, by which he fully satisfied him of all that which had happened, omitting nothing for the Consul to certify: so that after Vitellius letters were brought unto him, and that Caesar had already certified him of the true information that Herode had given him, Vitellius was sore troubled: and suspecting lest he had received a greater injury than the matter made show for; he conceived in his heart a secret despite, which continued until such time as Tiberius was dead, and Caius obtained the Empire. The year of the world. 3999. after Christ's Nativity. 37. At that time also died Philip Herodes brother, in the twentieth year of Tiberius' reign, after he had reigned himself for the space of seven and thirty years, in Trachonitis, Gaulonitis and Bathanaea. During all the time of his government, he behaved himself very peaceably, and far from business. For he made his ordinary abode within his own dominion. He walked being accompanied with a small number of his chosen servants, and had that seat carried after him wherein he was accustomed to sit and do justice, and therein sat he to the end that if any one presented himself, and required his assistance, he might without delay do him right. For upon the first motion the seat was placed in that part where the plaintiff met him; and being seated therein, he examined the cause, punishing those that were guilty, and absolving the innocent. He died in juliade, and was buried in the sepulchre which he himself had caused to be built, and his obsequies were Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 9 al. cap. 1●…. The year of the world. 4000 after Christ's birth 38. performed with great solemnity and majesty. And for that he left no heirs males behind him, Tiberius seized his estate, which he annexed to the government of Syria, ordaining that the tributes that were gathered in his Tetrarchy, should be kept within the bounds of the same region. CHAP. VII. The war of Herode the Tetrarch against king Aretas, and his overthrow. Mean while Aretas king of Arabia Petrae, and Herode fell at strife, the one with the other, for this cause that ensueth. Herode the Tetrarch had married Aretas daughter, with Herode the Tetrarch putteth away Aretas daughter and marrieth Herodias his brother Herodes wife. whom he had lived married a very long time. Afterwards taking his journey towards Rome, he lodged with Herode his half brother by the father's side (for Herode was the son of Simons daughter, which Simon was the high Priest) and there being surprised with the love of Herodias his brother's wife, which was the daughter of Aristobulus their brother, and sister to the great Agrippa, he was so bold as to offer her some speech of marriage: which when she had accepted, the accords were made between them, that at such time as he should return from Rome, he should displace her, and lead her away with him, with conditions, that he should banish Aretas daughter far from him. After he had ratified those covenants, he made his voyage to Rome; from whence he no sooner returned and performed that for which he went, his wife (who had some privy notice of the conventions which were made betwixt him and Herodias) before he suspected that she knew thereof, required him to send her to the castle of Macheron, which was the frontier town betwixt Herodes and Aretas countries; without certifying him any ways of her intent. Herode without suspect easily condescended unto her request, thinking she was ignorant of his drift, but she long before that time had taken order with the governor of Macheron Herodes wife returneth into her own country. (which at that time was under her father's government) to prepare all things for her journey, where being arrived she speedily posted into Arabia, under the convoy of those governors, who received & conducted her the one after the other. As soon as she arrived in her father's court, she incontinently certified him of Herodes resolution, whence arose the beginning of this discord betwixt them. As soon as therefore they had both of them assembled their armies upon the confines of the country of Gamalite, they fought together under the conduct of the two generals, to whom they had committed their armies. In this battle Herodes army was wholly discomfited thorough the treason that was complotted against him by certain banished men of Philip's Tetrarchy, Herodes army discomfited by the Arabians. which were in pay with Herode. Tiberius was certified of all this by those letters which Herode had written unto him: and being sore displeased with Aretas for his proud attempt, he Tiberius commandeth Vitellius to make war against Aretas. commanded Vitellius to make war against him, willing him that if he could take him alive he should send him bound unto him: but if dead, he should send him his head. Such was the commission that Tiberius sent to the governor of Syria. divers jews whereof the opinion, that Herodes army was overthrown by the just vengeance of God, who punished him most justly, because of the execution which he caused to be done Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 10. ●…l. 14. on JOHN surnamed baptist: For he had done this man to death; who was replenished with all virtue, and who exhorted the jews to addict themselves thereto, and to execute justice towards men, and piety towards God: exhorting th●…m to be baptised, and telling them that baptism should at that time be agreeable unto God, if they should renounce not only their sins, but if to the purity of their bodies they should annex the cleanness of their souls repurified The year of the world. 4000 after Christ's birth 38. by justice. And whereas it came to pass that divers flocked and followed him to hear his doctrine, Herode feared least his subjects alured by his doctrine and persuasions should be drawn to revolt. For it seemed that they would subscribe in all things to his advice; he therefore thought it better to prevent a mischief by putting him to death, then to expect some sudden commotion, which he might afterwards repent. Upon this suspicion Herode caused him to be john Baptist slain by Herode. bound, and sent to the Castle of Macheron, whereof we have spoken heretofore, and there was he put to death. The jews were of opinion that in revenge of this so grievous a sin, Herodes army, against whom God was displeased, had been subjecteth to their utter ruin and overthrow. But Vitellius being addressed to make war against Aretas, gathered together two legions, and Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 1●…. Vitellius leadeth his army against the king of Arabia. all those horse or foot that he could assemble amongst those kings, who were the Romans allies, and marching towards Petra he stayed at Ptolemais, because he pretended to pass by judaea. Which when the principal nobles amongst the jews had notice of, they went out to meet him, beseeching him that he would not pass thorough their country, because it was a custom amongst them not to see any images borne, such as he had of divers colours in his army. Whereunto he condescended, and having changed his purpose, he caused his army to march thorough the great The year of the world. 4001 after Christ's birth 39 Vitellius▪ repaireth to jerusalem, and displaceth jonathan, and preferreth his brother. Caius Caligula succeed after Tiberius. plain: as for himself he came to jerusalem accompanied with Herode the Tetrarch and his friends, to offer sacrifice unto God upon the next festival day, where he was most magnificently received by all the people of the jews. There sojourned he for the space of 3. days, during which time he deposed jonathan from the high priesthood, and invested Theophilus his brother. The fourth day letters came unto him that advertised him of Tiberius' death, for which cause he commanded the oath of fidelity should be ministered to the people in the new Emperor Caius behalf. He called his army back also, and sent them to their wintering garrisons, because it was not lawful for him to prosecute the war, by reason the sovereign estate was fallen unto Caius. It is said, that Aretas hearing news of Vitellius expedition or voyage, and after he had taken counsel of the Augurs, said, that the army should not find engines to pierce as far as Petra, because the chieftains thereof, or he that had the command of the expedition, or he that obaied his ordinance in conducting the same, or he against whom the army was conducted, should Aretas gathereth by auguries that it was impossible for the army to come to Petra. Herodes progeny. die. Vitellius therefore retired himself to Antioch. A year before the death of Tiberius, Agrippa Aristobulus son came to Rome, to entreat with the Emperor about certain affairs, according to the power which he should obtain at his hands. But before I speak any thing hereof, I will relate Herodes progeny, both for that it is pertinent to this present narration, as also that the greatness of God's providence may appear, to the end that a man may know that neither the number of children, nor any other human force whatsoever it be, can be available without the fear of God; considering that within the space of one hundredth or somewhat less, it so fell out, that all Herodes line, which was very populous and fruitful, was extinguished, a very few excepted. Whereby we are given to understand, what the misery of mankind is, and learn to moderate our own selves. It is also expedient to speak something of Agrippa, who amongst all others deserveth admiration in that being a man wholly drowned in obscurity and base in birth, he was exalted to such greatness, as no one of those that knew him, would ever have thought his fortune should have such success and mightiness. And although heretofore I have spoken somewhat of this matter, yet is it requisite that I speak something more expressly thereof in this place. Herode the great had two daughters, borne by Mariam Hircanus' daughter. The one of them which was called Salampso, who was married by Herode to Phasaelus the son of Phasaelus, who was Herodes brother. The other called Cypros was espoused to Antipater her Cousin, who was Salome's son, who was Herodes sister. Phasaelus had five children by Salampso. Three sons, Antipater, Herode and Alexander; and two daughters, Alexandra and Cypros, whom Agrippa the son of Aristobulus married, and Alexandra was married to Timaeus of Cyprus, who was a man of great dignity, and with whom she died without issue. Cypros had by Agrippa her husband two sons and three daughters: Bernice, Mariam and Drusilla: their two sons were called Agrippa and Drusus. Drusus died very young: but Agrippa was brought up by his grandfather amongst his other brethren Herode, Aristobulus and Bernice. These were Herodes children son unto him who was surnamed the Great; Bernice was Costobarus' daughter, begotten on Salome Herodes sister: Aristobulus died leaving his children under age, under his father's charge with Alexander his brother, as we have already recounted. These attaining their full age were in this sort married: Herode brother to Agrippa was matched with Mariam Olympias daughter, who was Herodes the Great his daughter, and of joseph Herodes brother: By The year of the world, 4001. after 〈◊〉 Nativity, 39 her he had his son Aristobulus: Aristobulus Agrippa's third brother married jotape the daughter of Sampsigeram king of the Emesenians. They had a daughter which in like sort was called jotape, which was deaf. These were the children begotten by Herodes three sons. But Herodias their sister married Herode the son of Herode the Great, whom he begot on Mariam the daughter of Simon the high priest, by whom Salome was begotten. After her birth Herodias in contempt of the laws of the country, married herself with Herode her husband's brother begotten of the same father, being separate from him during his life time, who was Tetrarch of Galilee. His daughter Salome was married to Philip the Tetrarch of Trachonitis Herodes son, who dying without children, Aristobulus married her, who was Herodes son and Agrippa's brother. They had three sons, Herode, Agrippa, and Aristobulus. See here the posterity of Phasaelus and Salampson. Antipater by Cypros had a daughter that in like sort was called Cypros, which was married to Alexas Selcius the son of Alexas, of whom he begat a daughter called likewise Cypros. As for Herode and Alexander, who (as I said) were Antipater's brothers, they died without issue. Alexander Herodes son, who was slain by his father, begat Alexander and Tigranes on the daughter of Archelaus king of Cappadocia. Tigranes' being king of Armenia died without issue, after he had been accused at Rome. Alexander had a son called Tigranes, after his brother's name, who was sent by Nero to reign in Armenia, who had a son called Alexander, who married jotape the daughter of Antiochus king of Comagena. This Alexander by Vespasian was elected king in Lesis a City of Cilicia. As soon as Alexander's posterity began to Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 12. Alias, cap. 15. Agrippa from obscurity obtained great▪ dignity and power. multiply, they fell from their country religion to follow the customs of the greeks. All the rest of king Herodes daughters died without issue. Having after this manner reckoned up Herod's posterity, which continued until such time as Agrippa the great began to reign; it remaineth at this time to declare what adventures befell this Agrippa, and how he escaping his dangers obtained at last so great power and dignity. CHAP. VIII. Agrippa's voyage to Tiberius, where he is accused and shut in prison, and is delivered after Tiberius' death by Caius his successor. SOme little time before the death of king Herode, Agrippa conversing at Rome, grew into great familiarity and acquaintance with Drusus Tiberius the emperors son, and Agrippa living at Rome thorough his lavish liberality groweth into necessity. was beloved by Antonia the wife of Drusus the elder, by the means of his mother Berenice, whom Antonia held in great estimation, and to whom she had recommended her son. And whereas by nature he was of a liberal and high spirit, as long as his mother lived he would not discover his intent, lest he should provoke her displeasure against him. But incontinently after Berenice was dead, and he became Lord of himself, partly by his daily and bountiful entertainment and living, partly by his immoderate liberalities, but especially by his lavish prodigality towards Caesar's freemen, whose favour he hunted after, he was brought into extreme poverty, and could no more live at Rome; the rather for that Tiberius having lost his son, forbade his friends to come into his sight, for fear lest their presence should refresh and increase the Agrippa bethinketh himself how he might shorten his miserable life. Cypros Agrippa's wife certifieth Herodias his sister of his poverty, & requireth her assistance. Agrippa dwelleth at Tiberias. sorrow he conceived for the loss of his son. For these causes he returned back into judaea, having but badly ordered his estate, spent his money and left himself no means to satisfy his importunate and many creditors. For which cause incertain how to dispose himself, and ashamed of his present estate, he withdrew himself into a Castle called Malatha in Idumaea, bethinking himself after some sort to cut off his miserable days. Which purpose of his, when Cypros his wife apperceived, she endeavoured by all means to prevent his resolution: she wrote also to his sister Herodias, who was married to Herode the Tetrarch, certifying her both what Agrippa had decreed, as also by what necessity he was enforced thereunto: and she exhorted her, that in regard of affinity she should assist him, and imitate her in this, who, as much as in her lay, relieved his misery, although her fortunes were far weaker than hers. Being therefore sent for by his sister and wife, he was commanded to dwell in Tiberias, and had a certain sum of money assigned him for his maintenance, and for his greater honour was appointed Magistrate of that City. Yet did not Herode continue long time in that mind, although by the means he had given him, he had not satisfied his kinsman's necessities. For being in the City of tire in a certain company, where he drunk immoderately, Agrippa esteemed it for an extreme injury Herode taunteth Agrippa with his poverty. that Herode had upbraided him with his poverty, and hit him in the teeth that he maintained him at his charge. For which cause he withdrew himself to Flaccus, who had sometimes been Consul The year of the world. 4001. after Christ's birth 39 Agripp●…●…ieth himself to Flaccus. at Rome, and for the present was precedent of Syria, with whom at Rome he had fallen into familiarity, who entertained by him lived with him, who long before that time had entertained Aristobulus; who though Agrippa's brother, yet was he his enemy; yet notwithstanding this dissension between them, Flaccus entertained them both with equal favour. But Aristobulus remitted nothing of his hatred he bore his brother, neither ever rested he before he had drawn Flaccus into dislike with his brother, upon this occasion. The inhabitants of Damascus, contending with the Sidonians about their domains, and being to debate their cause before Flaccus, knowing what interest Agrippa had in him, they besought him that he would further their cause, promising him a great sum of money: whereupon he addressed himself in what he could to further those of Damascus. But Aristobulus, who had an inkling of this conclusion and promise, Aristobulus draweth Agrippa into Flaccus disfavour. accused his brother to Flaccus, and after inquisition was made, and he found guilty of the fact, Agrippa grew out of the precedents favour; and falling again into extreme poverty, he came to Ptolemais; and for that he had no means of maintenance, he determined to sail into Italy. And for that he wanted money, he commanded Marsyas his freeman, that by all means whatsoever he should seek to take up money upon interest. He spoke unto Protus (who was Agrippa's mothers freeman (who by the testament of his deceased Mistress was left unto Antonias protection) that upon his Master's bill and promise, he would lend him some money. But he alleging that Agrippa before that time ought him money, extorted from Marsyas a bill of his hand, for Agrippa by Marsias mean●… borroweth money of Protus. twenty thousand attic drachmas, deducting out of that sum two thousand and five hundredth, which Marsyas took for himself; which he might the more easily do, for that Agrippa could not otherwise choose. Having therefore received this money, he went to Anthedon, where getting shipping he prepared himself for the journey. But when Herennius Capito, who was treasurer of jamnia, understood of his being there, he sent his soldiers unto him, to exact three hundredth thousand silver drachmas at his hands, for Agrippa whilst Herennius Capito 〈◊〉 money at his hands, f●…ieth to Alexandria by night. which he stood indebted to Caesar's treasurer during his being at Rome, by which means he was enforced to stay. Whereupon he made a show that he would obey their demand, but as soon as it was night, he caused the cables of his ship to be cut, and cast off, and sailed to Alexandria, there requested he Alexander Alabarcha to lend him two hundredth thousand drachmas in silver. But he protested that he would trust him with nothing. But admitting Cypros his wives constant love towards her husband, and her many other virtues, he upon her promise accorded to do Agrippa borroweth money at Alexandria him kindness: whereupon in present money he paid him fine talents in Alexandria, and promised to deliver him the rest of the money at Puteol, fearing Agrippa's unthriftiness. Thus Cypros having furnished her husband for his journey into Italy, returned herself and her childred Agrippa arriveth at Puteol & is admitted to Caesar's presence. into judaea by land. But Agrippa, as soon as he arrived at Puteol, wrote unto Tiberius Caesar, who lived at Capreas, signifying unto him that he came to do his duty, beseeching him that he would grant him free and favourable access. Tiberius with all expedition returned him a very kind answer, certifying him that he would be very glad to see him safely arrived in Capreas. In a word, as soon as he was arrived, Caesar expressed and made it known, that his affection was answerable to his letters, and both embraced him and lodged him. The next day Caesar received letters from Herennius Capito, who advertised him that Agrippa ought three hundredth thousand drachmas of silver, which he borrowed and paid not at the time prefixed, and that at such time as the appointed time of payment was come he was fled out of the country, and place of his procuration, and by this occasion had deprived him of the means to constrain him to make satisfaction. When Caesar had read the letters, he was sore displeased, and commanded those of his chamber, that they should not admit Agrippa to his presence, until such time as he had discharged that debt. But he nothing dismayed at Caesar's displeasure, required Antonia Germanicus and Claudius mother, who was afterwards Emperor, to lend him the sum of three hundredth thousand Agrippa borroweth 300000 silver drachmas of Antonia Germanicus and Claudius mother. Caius commended to Agrippa's charg●… Allius Caesar's freeman dareth Agrippa money. drachmas, to the end he might not lose Caesar's friendship. Who remembering her Berenice Agrippa's mother, and with what familiarity they had conversed together, and how Agrippa likewise had been brought up with Claudius her son, lent him that money: Whereupon he paying the debt, without any contradiction enjoyed the prince's favour, and was so reconciled to Caesar, that he committed his nephew to Agrippa's charge, commanding him to attend him always, whither soever he went. Being by this benefit bound and tied to Antonia, he began to reverence her nephew Caius, who was gracious in all men's eyes, and honoured in memory of his parents. At that time by chance there was one Allius a Samaritan Caesar's freeman, of whom he borrowed ten hundredth thousand drachmas of silver, & paid Antonia her due, and kept the rest the more honourably The year of the world 4001. after Christ's Nativity. 39 Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 13. Eutychus Agrippa's freeman beth●…keth him to accuse Agrippa to the Emperor. to attend and wait on Caius. By whom being entertained with most inward familiarity, it happened one day that riding in the same Coach with him, Agrippa wished (for they two were alone) that Tiberius might shortly surrender the kingdom and empire unto Caius, who was each way more worthy than he. These words of his were overheard by the Coachman called Eutychus, who was Agrippa's freeman, who for that time spoke not a word thereof. But being afterwards accused for stealing▪ Agrippa's garment (as he indeed had done) and brought back again after he had fled away to Piso (who was the perfect of the city) he asked him why he fled: who answered, that he had certain secrets which he desired to reveal unto Caesar, that appertained to his profit and safety: for which cause he was sent by him in bonds to Capreas. Tiberius' according to his dilatory manner, wherein no King or tyrant ever equalled him, held him prisoner. For neither did he presently admit any Ambassadors, neither sent he successors to those, who were governors and prefects of his provinces, when the former were dead; and no less negligent was he in yielding audience to his prisoners. But when his friends at any time questioned with him, why he used these accustomed delays; he answered them, that he deferred the ambassadors after that sort, for fear lest if he should speedily dispatch them, they should instantly return with new; whereby it should come to pass, that he should be continually troubled in entertaining and dismissing them. And as touching his offices, he left them in their hands, to whom he had committed them, in regard of his subjects welfare. For naturally all magistracy is subject to avarice, but in especial strangers For what cause Tiberius changed not his governors. induce those, who exercise the same to gather, and engross the more instantly, when as the time of their authority is short and of small assurance: whereas if they should continue in the same for a long time, in regard of the gain they had made, and the much profits they had raised, they would be afterward less greedy to extort further. Now if he should send others to succeed them on a sudden, it were impossible for him to content them, notwithstanding their many bribes: whereas in giving them time to fill their purses, when they had gotten well, they would abate the furious desire of lucre which they affected before. And to this purpose he told them an example of a poor man that was a Lazar, to whose wounds a great number of flies assembled themselves, and covered the same: at sight whereof some by fortune ari●…ing there, and having compassion of his misery, and supposing that the cause why they assisted him not, proceeded from their disability, approached near to help him: but he required them to let him alone. Whereupon they demanding the cause, wherefore he that was hurt refused to be delivered from so irksome an evil: he answered them, for that they should do him more wrong, if those flies were driven away; for that being already full of blood they prick me not (said he) neither suck me so earnestly, but give me some ease; whereas if new should alight on my wound which were hungry, & should seize my flesh in that desperate estate that I am, they would procure my death. For these causes he said; that seeing his subjects already consumed by so many exactions, he thought it a good policy in him, and a better provision for them, not to send them new governors continually, who might after the manner of flies suck them to the quick, especially if to their innated covetousness he should annex the fear of their sudden displacing. Now to approve that to be true which I have declared of Tiberius' disposition, this action of his may suffice to justify me. For having been Emperor for the space of twenty and two years, all those governors which he sent into jury were two, namely Gratus and Pilate his successor; neither demeasned he himself otherwise towards the rest of his subjects of the empire. And as touching his prisoners, the reason why he delayed so much to give them audience, was to the end, that they who had been condemned to death, should not speedily be delivered from those torments, wherewith he threatened them, and which they had deserved by their wickedness. Why Caesar would not give audience to his prisoners For whilst he kept them in that pain, their mishap increased the more. For this cause Eutychus could not obtain audience at his hands, but was long time detained prisoner. Afterwards in process of time, Tiberius transported himself from Capreas to Tusculanum, which Agrippa soliciteth Antonia to bring Eutychus to his answer. Antonia very much honoured by Tiberius Antonia discovereth Sejanus conspiracy to Caesar. was distant from Rome some hundredth furlongs. There did Agrippa solicit Antonia, to cause Eutychus to be called to his answer, as touching the accusation which he pretended against him. Now Antonia was in great favour with Tiberius, both in regard of the affinity that was between them (in that she was Drusus wife, who was Tiberius' brother) as in respect of her modesty. For she being young continued in her widowhood, and would not marry with any other, notwithstanding Augustus importuned her to wed; but lived always in honour without blame. Besides that, she had done Tiberius a great pleasure: for at such time as Sejanus his friend, and a man in great account in those days (by reason he had the government of the army) practised a conspiracy The year of the world. 4001. after the Nativity of Christ. 39 against him; whereunto divers of the Senate, and of his freemen, and his men of war likewise were accessary: yet brought she all their intents to nothing. This attempt had taken a great head, and Sejanus had finished his purpose, had not Antonia used more advised courage, than Sejanus did in executing his treason. For having discovered the danger that threatened Tiberius, she wrote and sent her express letters by Pallas one of her trusty servants unto him to Capreas, certifying him in particular the whole process of the conspiracy. Caesar having true understanding thereof, caused Sejanus and his confederates to be executed. Although therefore that before that time he honoured Antonia greatly, yet did he afterwards honour her far more, in such sort as he trusted her in all things. When as therefore she entreated him to give Eutychus audience: Tiberius answered, if, said he, Eutychus hath falsely objected any thing against Agrippa, it sufficeth that he endure that punishment which I have enjoined him. But being in the torture he maintain that which he hath spoken to be true, it is to be feared lest Agrippa intending to punish his free man; do rather heap the punishment upon his own head. When Antonia had Agrippa urgeth Eutychu●… trial, and for certain speeches of his is cast into bonds. reported this answer of his to Agrippa, he did the more instantly solicit her, requiring her that the matter might be brought to trial. And for that Agrippa ceased not to importune her, Antonia took the occasion which was this: Tiberius being after dinner time catied in his litter, & having Caius and Agrippa before him, she walking foot by foot by the litter, besought him to call Eutychus to his trial: whereunto he replied: The Gods (said he) know that that which I do, I do it not of mine own will, but for the necessity I am presied with upon your request, and having spoken thus, he commanded Macron Sejanus successor to bring Eutychus before him: which was performed with all expedition. Whereupon Tiberius asked him what he had to say against him, who had enfranchised him. My sovereign (said he) Caius that is here present, & Agrippa road one day together in the same Coach, & I sat at their feet. After divers discourses held between them, Agrippa began to speak after this manner unto Caius; O said he, would God the day were come wherein the old man departing out of this world; would make you governor thereof. For his son Tiberius would be no hindrance unto you, for him might you make away. Then should the world be happy, and I likewise have my share in the felicity. Tiberius' esteeming this his accusation to be true, and having of long time conceived a grudge against Agrippa, for that notwithstanding he had commanded him to honour Tiberius, who was his nephew, and Drusus son; Agrippa had given small regard to his commandment, and had not honoured him, but was wholly addicted unto Caius. For which cause said he to Macron, bind me this fellow. He scarcely understanding that which he spoke, and no ways suspecting that he should give that commandment in respect of Agrippa, deferred the performance until such time as he might more exactly understand his mind; when as therefore Caesar turned into the Hippodrome, and by chance met with Agrippa in the teeth: This is he (said he) Macron, whom I have commanded to be bound, and demanding of him once more by whom he spoke: It is Agrippa said he. Then had Agrippa recourse to submissive and humble prayers, refreshing the memory of his son, with whom he had been brought up; and alleging the education he had used towards his nephew Tiberius. But he prevailed nothing, but was led away bound in those purple ornaments which he then wore. At that time it was very hot weather, and being in distress of wine he was extremely thirsty, and distressed, yea more than became one of his quality. Whereupon espying Thaumastus one Thaumastus Caius servant giveth. Agrippa drink, whom he promiseth to procure his freedom. of Caius servants, who carried water in a pitcher; he required him to give him drink: which when he had willingly bestowed on him, he drank, and afterwards said unto him. This service thou hast done me in giving me drink, shall do thee good one day. For as soon as I shall escape out of these bonds, it shall not be long before I obtain thy liberty at Caius hands, for that thou hast not neglected to do me service in this my imprisonment, as thou hast before time done me whilst I was in my prosperity and dignity: Neither deceived he the man's expectation of his promise, but rewarded & gratified him. For afterwards, when he had obtained the kingdom, he begged Thaumastus liberty at Caius hands, & made him superintendant of his affairs, & after his decease he gave order that he should serve in the same place, with his son Agrippa & his daughter Bernice; so that he died very old, and much honoured. But this happened afterwards. But at that time Agrippa stood before the palace bound with other companions, who were likewise in bonds, and thorough the grief he conceived, he leaned against a certain tree, on which there sat an owl. One of those prisoners, who was by nation a German, beholding that bird, asked the soldier that was fettered with him, who he was that was appareled in purple: and understanding that his name was Agrippa, and that he was a jew, and one of the nobility of that nation; he required the soldier, who to the end to guard him was chained with him, to suffer him to draw near unto The year of the world. 4001. after Christ's birth ●…9. Agrippa, and to have a little conference with him, for that he had a great desire to ask him of certain things concerning the customs of his country. Which when he had obtained, and having got near him, he certified him by an interpreter of that which followeth: Young man (said he) the sudden change that hath befallen thee at this present, afflicteth and oppresseth thee with great and grievous torment; neither wilt thou easily believe that thou shalt escape from thy misery: yet so doth the divine providence dispose all things, that thou shalt shortly be delivered. Know therefore, and I swear unto thee by the Gods both those of mine ancestors, and A certain German foretelleth Agrippa of his happy fortunes to come, and the manner of his death. those also, who have residence and presidence in this place, and who have procured us this iron chain, that I will tell thee all, not to yield thee pleasure by my vain discourse, or to entertain thee with fruitless consolation, knowing well that when these predictions shall happen to fail, they will breed thee more sorrow, then if thou hadst never heard speech of them. But I have thought it good, yea although it were with mine own danger, to declare unto thee the predictions of the gods. It cannot otherways be but that shortly thou shalt be delivered; from these bonds, and shalt be advanced to great honour and power; so that those, who at this day have compassion of thy calamity, shall bear envy to thy glory, and thou shalt depart this life in great felicity, and shalt leave thy children mighty possessions. But bear this in thy remembrance, that when thou shalt see this bird once more, thou must needly die within five days after. These are those things which the gods think meet to foretell thee by this bird. As for myself, I have supposed that I should do thee wrong if I should conceal this prediction from thee, having the foreknowledge thereof. I have therefore thought good to impart this joy unto thee, whereby thorough hope of thy future profit, thou mayest more easily endure thy present misfortune, for which cause I beseech thee, that as soon as thou shalt be partaker of this thy felicity, thou wilt endeavour thyself to deliver us also from these adversities. This presage of the German seemed so ridiculous to Agrippa, as it afterwards deserved most mighty admiration. But Antonia being sore grieved at the young man's calamity, thought it not only a difficult matter for her to entreat Tiberius for him, but altogether unprofitable in regard she should be repulsed: yet wrought she so much with Macron, that he was committed to the custody of such soldiers, who were of more reconciled behaviour, and had a Centurion appointed to keep him, that suffered him to use his daily bathe, and gave his friends and servants leave to visit him, by whose service and kindness his necessities might be relieved. His friend Silas also was admitted to speak with him, and amongst his freemen Marsias and Stichus, who brought him in such meats as he was delighted withal, and coverings under colour to sell them, which by the permission of the soldiers, who had no less direction from Macron, they spread by night for him to take his rest upon. See here the estate wherein Agrippa lived in prison for the space of six months. But Tiberius being returned to Capreas began at first to be attainted Agrippa lived six months in prison. with a certain lingering disease: and for that his sickness increased more and more, he began to conceive a sinister hope of himself, and commanded Euodus, whom he most honoured amongst all his freemen, to bring him his sons, because he intended to talk with them Tiberius salleth sick, and sendeth for his sons. Tiberius Gemellus the son of Drusus. Caius the gracious Germanicus son. before he died. But the sooth is, that he had not any children of his own, but had adopted them. For Drusus, who was his only child, was already dead, and had left behind him a son called Tiberius, surnamed Gemellus. He had Caius also his brother Germanicus son, who was in the flower of his age, and had travailed very diligently in good disciplines. To him also the people ascribed very much, in remembrance of the virtues of his deceased father; and as touching himself, he was of a sweet conversation, and so modest, that he was familiar and conversant with all men. Whereby it came to pass, that not only the people, but the Senate also held him in great estimation, as also all the subjects in every several province. For they that spoke with him were drawn partly by his affability, partly by the fidelity that they saw in him: so that when he was dead, all of them mourned, not counterfaitly lamenting his loss, but with unfeigned sorrow; for that there was not any one that supposed not his death to be every man's particular loss. He therefore demeaned himself so modestly towards all men, that his son after his death was highly advanced thereby. For among the rest the men of war made their reckoning, that although it should cost them their lives to get him the Empire, they would not refuse the Tiberius by an Augury underderstandeth Caius success and succession before his death. hazard. After that Tiberius had charged Euodus to bring him the two young men the next morrow by break of day, he besought the Gods of that place to give him an evident sign, whereby he might know who should succeed him: For although he desired to leave the Empire to his son's son; yet made he more account of that which God should make manifest unto him. He therefore The year of the world. 4001. after Christ's birth 39 conceived a presage, that he, who the next day should enter first to salute him, it should be he, who in the Empire should necessarily succeed him. And having settled this thing in his fantasy, he sent unto his little sons Master, charging him to bring him unto him by break of day, supposing that God had ordained that the Empire should be his: but the matter fell out quite contrary to his expectation. For being in this thought, he commanded Euodus, that as soon as he might, and as soon as the day should arise, he should suffer him of the two young princes to enter in unto him, who should arrive the first. He walking out met with Caius before the chamber door (for Tiberius was not there, who being ignorant of that which his grandfather thought, was busy about his breakfast) and said unto him: That the Emperor his father called for him, and with all suffered him to enter. When Tiberius beheld Caius, he suddenly began to consider upon the power of God, who deprived him of the means to dispose of the Empire, according as he had determined with himself, for that it lay not in his power; and he lamented greatly, not so much for that he saw his deliberation could not be brought to effect, as for that his son Tiberius was distated of the Roman Empire; and besides that, was in danger of his life. For he made reckoning that they, who were more stronger than he, would not suffer him to converse among them, and that alliance could not assure him his life: for sometimes for fear, and other while for hatred, some one would accuse him, that he went about and busily Tiberius' addicted to the Mathema●…kes sought to seize the Empire; or that he had complotted some stratagem, lest he should lose the Empire with his life. In a word, Tiberius was very much addicted to Astrological predictions and nativities; so that the greater part of those things which he executed in all his life time; was ordered thereby. He seeing Galba one day coming towards him, spoke this of him to certain of his familiars: He foretelleth alba's succession in the empire. Behold the man that shall be one day honoured with the Roman Empire. And amongst all the Emperors, he gave greatest credit to divination, for that in certain things he had found the conjectures correspondent to truth. But at that time he was so grievously disquieted, by reason of the misfortune that had happened; yea he was in such sort grieved, as if his grandchild had been already lost, & he blamed himself for that he had sought these presages: for that he might have died without falling into that disaster, in being ignorant of that which was to come; whereas now he should die in the knowledge of their mishaps, whom he loved most entirely. Being thus troubled to see that the sovereignty of the Empire should contrary to his intention fall into their hands, who by his will should not enjoy the same, although it were with heart's grief and contrary to his will; yet spoke he to Caius after this manner which ensueth: My son, although that Tiberius be Tibetius recommendeth the Roman, empire, and Tiberius his grandchild to Caius. more nearly allied unto me, than you are; yet notwithstanding both by mine own advice, as also by the will of the immortal Gods, I commit unto your hands the Empire of the Romans. I require you therefore, that when you shall enjoy the same, you forget not the good will I have borne towards you, who have established you in so high and worth a dignity; and charge you likewise that you forget not your Cousin Tiberius, but knowing that by the will of the Gods I am he, who after them am the author of so many goods, which have befallen you, you return me the like good will and affection: and that likewise you take care of Tiberius, by reason of your mutual alliance: for you ought to know that Tiberius serveth you for a bulwark to maintain your Empire, and your own life; and if he die, it will be the beginning of your mishap. For it is a perilous matter for those, who are raised to high dignities, to be sole and without allies. Furthermore, the Gods do never leave them unpunished, who attempt or act any thing against the laws of consanguinity. These were the last words which Tiberius spoke to Caius, who promised him to perform all that which he required, notwithstanding he meant nothing less, For incontinently after he was installed in the Empire, he caused Tiberius to be made away, bethinking him of those divinations: as also the same Caius died anon after by a conspiracy that was practised Caius killeth Tiberius. against him. When that Tiberius had declared Caius his successor in the Empire, he lived not many days after, and died after he had governed twenty two years, five months, and three days. Thus Caius was the fourth Emperor: The Romans having intelligence of Tiberius' death, greatly rejoiced at the good news; yet durst they not assure themselves: and though of long time they would have willingly redeemed Caius Caligula the fo●…? Roman emperor. the truth of thése reports with a good sum of money; yet feared they lest the news should be false, and least if they showed themselves too deligent in expressing their signs of joy, they should afterwards be accused for it, and lose their lives thereby. For only Tiberius had done much mischief to the noble families in Rome, being of himself a man choleric, implacable Tiberius' a tyrant. towards all men without any occasion, having a natural inclination so cruel, that the easiest pain The year of the world, 4001, after Christ's Nativity, 39 Marsias Agrippa's freeman certifieth him of Tiberius' death. whereunto he adjudged those whom he condemned, was death: notwithstanding therefore that each man took pleasure to hear the news, yet did each one conceal it, until such time as they might be more fully assured thorough the fear of those miseries they foresaw, if the matter should fall out otherways. But Marsyas Agrippa's freeman, having certain notice of Tiberius' death, ran speedily to comfort his Master Agrippa, with these good news, and meeting with him as he came out of the Bath, he made a sign unto him, and told him in the Hebrew tongue, the Lion was dead. Agrippa conceiving that which he meant, was ravished with joy, and said unto him: I will requite thee for all those benefits I have received at thy hands, and especially for this good news; provided that it prove true. The Centurion, who had the keeping of Agrippa, considering what expedition Marsyas had used in running, and the pleasure that Agrippa had conceived in his report, he began to suspect some alteration, and asked them what had happened: and whereas they delayed to give him an answer, he importuned him the more. Whereupon Agrippa told him plainly what he had heard, in that he had grown already into inward familiarity with him. The Centurion rejoiced at this news, as well as Agrippa, hoping to speed the better thereby, and made Agrippa good cheer: but whilst they were in the midst of their banqueting, and drunk freely; there came one unto them, who told them that Tiberius was alive, The rumour was spread in Rome that Tiberius was alive. and that within few days he would come to Rome. The Centurion troubled with this news, for that he had committed a Capital crime in eating in the company of a prisoner, upon the news of Caesar's death, and by rejoicing with him, he drove Agrippa out of the place where he sat, and reproachfully said unto him: Thinkest thou (said he) that I know not how falsely thou spreadest the rumour of Caesar's death? yes be assured thou shalt answer thy lie with the loss of thy head. This said, he caused Agrippa to be bound, whom before time he had suffered to go at liberty; and shut him up in more close prison, than he had been before: so that Agrippa was all that night long in this extreme misery. The next day the rumour was spread thorough the whole City, that confirmed Tiberius' death, and at that time every one boldly protested it. There were some also, who offered sacrifices for this cause, and there came letters also from Caius, which Caius certifieth the Senate and Piso of Tiberius' death, and his succession, and willeth that Agrippa should be lent to his own lodging. were addressed to the Senate, by which he certified them that Tiberius was dead, and how the Empire was committed to his hands. He wrote an other also to Piso, who had the guard of the City, containing the like report, and besides that, commanding him to transfer Agrippa from the company of those soldiers, by whom he was kept, to the same place where he was lodged before; so that from that time forwards, he waxed confident. For although he was as yet a prisoner, yet lived he at his own discretion. Caius arriving in Rome, brought with him Tiberius' body, which he burned most magnificently, according to the custom of the country. And although he were very willing to deliver Agrippa the same day; yet was he dissuaded from the Tiberius' funeral. same by Antonia, not for any ill will she bore the prisoner, but in regard of Caius honour, lest thereby he should show himself to be glad of Tiberius' death, in setting him at liberty so speedily, whom he had committed to prison. When as therefore some few days were overpast, he sent for him to his house, and caused him to be powld, and his garments changed, and that done, he set a diadem upon his head, and made him king of Philip's Tetrarchy, to which he annexed Lysanias Tetrarchy, and changed his chain of iron into a chain of gold of the same weight, & sent Caius createth Agrippa king; and giveth him two tetratchies. Agrippa departeth into his kingdom. The year of the world, 4002. after Christ's na●…uitie, 40. Maruslus into judaea to govern there. The second year of Caius reign, Agrippa asked licence to repair into judaea, to the intent he might dispose of his kingdom, purposing to return again at such time as he had dispatched those affairs. Which when the Emperor had granted him, he came into judaea, and was seen and saluted for a king beyond all men's expectation, serning thereby for a most notable example unto men to express unto them how great the power of destiny is in human affairs, considering the poor estate wherein he had been before, and the happiness which he enjoyed at that time. Some termed him happy, in that he resolutely followed his hopes, othersome could scarcely believe that he was in this sort advanced. CHAP. IX. Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 14. Alias, cap. 16. Herodias Agrippa's sister envieth her brother's happiness, and inciteth her husband to seek 〈◊〉 kingdom. Herode the Tetrarch is banished. HErodias Agrippa's sister was married to Herode the Tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea. She envied her brother to see him raised to so great authority, and to far greater dignity than her husband enjoyed. For which cause she was displeased, that her brother, who fled out of his country in that he wanted means to pay his debts, was returned in great honour, and with greater substance. This charge endured she with great hearts grief, especially at such The year of the world. 4002. after the Nat●…tie of Christ's. 40. time as she saw him appareled like a king, & environed with a great multitude of people, and impossible was it for her to hide the bitterness of her grief; for which cause she incited her husband & persuaded him to make a voyage to Rome, & to purchase as much as he possessed. For said she, I cannot endure to live, if Agrippa Aristobulus son condemned to death by the sentence of his own father (so poor and indigent, that to redress his necessities wherewith he was daily pressed by his creditors, he was constrained at last to fly to Rome) should return with such titles of a king, and that her husband who was a king's son, & was called to the kingdom by his father, should live obscure, & pass his life like a privy man. Husband (said she) if heretofore it hath been no prejudice unto thee to live in less dignity, than erst thy father hath done; now at leastwise, desire that due honour which belongeth to thy family: neither think it to be sufferable to subscribe to him in estimation, who in times past hath been maintained by thy bounty. Neither suffer it to be thought (thorough thine own sloth) that he in his necessity had better means and industry to obtain an ample fortune, than you amidst your mighty abundance, as if it redounded not to thy shame to be thought inferior to him at this time, who not long since, except by thy mercy had no means to live. Let us therefore hastily repair unto Rome, and neither spare gold, silver, or any other expense, for that it availeth us not so much to keep the same, and to employ the same in the purchase of a kingdom. But Herode dissuaded her as much as he might, for that he contented himself to live in quiet, & suspected the confusion that was at Rome, which he endeavoured as much as in him lay, to lay open to Herodias. But the more negligent she saw him, the more instantly incited she him to seek out the kingdom, and never gave she him over until she had conformed him to her desire: Whereunto he the rather listened, in that she might not be drawn from her resolution. Heving therefore furnished himself after the most magnificent manner, and spared no cost, he repaired to Rome, and led Herodias his wife with him. Agrippa smelling their intentand the preparation they made, made his provision likewise. And having notice that they were put to He road with Herodias repair to Rome. Agrippa sendeth Forunatus with letters and presents after him. Baiae are certain hathes in Campanis not far from Puteol. sea, he sent Fortunatus one of his freemen to Rome, with presents to the Emperor, and certain letters against Herode, with commission to certify Caius of every particular, according as the occasion should serve. He embarking himself after Herode, had a happy passage, and was only prevented by him, but for the space that Herode presented himself to Caius: for he incontinently followed him, and delivered his letters. For they arrived at one time at Puteol, and found Caius at Baia, a village of Campania, distant from Puteol some five stades, enriched with most royal and sumptuous palace; for that every Emperor enforced himself to exceed the honour of his predecessor, by reason of the hot baths that naturally issued out of the earth, serving both for the health of the body, and recreation of the spirits. Whilst Caius talked with Herode in that he visited him first, he received Agrippa's letters, containing Herodes accusations; for they accused him of a conspiracy made and complotted betwixt him and Sejanus, since the beginning of Tiberius' Herode is accused for favouring Artabanus the Parthian. Herode is perpetually banished and confined in Li●…ons in Frahe●… and Agrippa is made Lord of his lands and goods, and Herodias despising Caesar's bounty accompanieth him in exile. Empire: And how for the present he favoured Artabanus king of the Parthians to the prejudice of the Emperor Caius: of this the preparations Herode had stored up in his Arsenals, gave evident testimony, which were sufficient to arm seventy thousand men of war. Caius was sore moved with these informations, and asked Herode if that which was informed him as touching his warlike preparation, was true. He unable to contradict the same in any thing, for fear he should be convicted of falsehood, avowed no less. Whereupon Caius supposing the accusation of his revolt to be sufficiently approved, deprived him of his Tetrarchy, and annexed it to Agrippa's kingdom; bes●…owing Herod's substance also upon him. He banished him likewise for ever, and confined him in the city of Lions in France, and understanding that Herodias was Agrippa's sister, he gave her all that which in right appertained unto her. And supposing that she would not willingly accompany her husband in that his calamity, he told her that her brother should be her warrant. But she gatio him this reply: Mighty Emperor, you speak magnificently, and as it well beseemeth so great a majesty, but there is a cause that hindereth me from partaking the benefit of that bounty, which you intent towards me, which is the affection that I bear unto my husband, whom if I should forsake in this his misery, it would very ill beseem me, in that I have been a partner with him in his felicity. Caius displeased with this her resolute answer, banished her likewise with her husband, and gave the confiscation of her estate also to Agrippa. God did after Caius at the first governed the commonweal very happily, but after wards usurped divine honours. this manner punish Herodias, in regard of that enu●…e which she had conceived against her brother, and plagued Herode in that he had so lightly listened to the foolish persuasions of a woman. But Caius governed the Empire the first and second year of his reign, with most noble directions, behaving himself graciously towards all men, whereby he obtained the good liking of the Romans, and the favour of his other subjects. But in process of time the greatness of his estate The year of the world. 4002. after Christ's birth 40. made him surpass the limits of human condition, and challenge to himself the title of divinity, whereby he governed all things in contempt of God. CHAP. X. The sedition of the jews and Grecians in the city of Alexandria. ANd whereas there arose a sedition betwixt the jews and Grecians, that inhabited Alexandria, Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 15. al. cap. 17. Appion prince of the Alexandrians embassage accuseth the jews because they ascribed not divinity to Caefar. three chosen Ambassadors on either side were sent unto Caius. One of these Ambassadors of Alexandria was Appion, who charged the jews with many outrages, and amongst other things he alleged that they made no reckoning of honouring Caesar: And that whereas all other subjects of the Roman Empire had erected altars and temples in honour of Caius, and in all other things had received him as a God, the jews supposed it to be a dishonour for them to honour his statues, or swore by his name. After that Appion had urged many things, and inveighed grievously against the jews, hoping that Caius would be provoked against them, as in all likelihood and appearance it should have fallen out, Philo the chiefest among the Ambassadors of the jews, a man offamous memory, and brother to Alexander Alabarcha, Philo judaeus for the jews is shut out, and can get no audience, & committeth the cause to God. being experienced in Philosophy, enforced himself to answer those accusations which were urged against the jews. But Caius commanded him silence, and willed him instantly to withdraw himself, and was so sore displeased that it appeared very manifestly, that he intended some heinous revenge against them. Whereupon Philo departed after he had been grievously ●…aunted, and spoke thus unto the jews that flocked about him. We must be of good courage, since Caius in words seemeth to be displeased with us: for in effect he will arm God in our behalf against himself. CHAP. XI. Caius sendeth Petronius into Syria to make war against the jews, who should refuse his statue. But Caius being sore displeased for that the jews only despised his ordinances, sent Petronius into Syria to succeed Vitellius in his room, charging him with a strong army to invade Alias, cap. 19 Caesar sendeth Petronius into Syria, and commandeth him in spite of the jews to plant his statue in God's temple. judaea: and if they willingly admitted his statue, that then he should place it in the temple of God; but if they denied the same, then that overcoming them by war he should enforce them to condescend thereunto. As soon as Petronius came into Syria, he endeavoured himself to satisfy Caesar's command, and having assembled as great an army as he could possibly levy, and leading forth with him two legions of Roman soldiers, he wintered at Ptolemais, intending upon the first spring to invade judaea. All which he signified to Caius by his letters, who commending him for his industry, advised him to use all expedition therein, and to make war The jews repair to Prolemais beseeching him that he would not bring his statues into the holy city. against those who should disobey his commandments. Mean while divers thousands of the jews resorted to Petronius, who sojourned at Ptolemais, beseeching him not to constrain them to do that thing which was contrary to their laws, or to transgress the ordinances of their forefathers. For if (said they) you have wholly decreed to bring and erect this statue in our temple, first deprive us of our lives: and afterwards do that which shall seem good in your eyes. For it is impossible for us as long as our souls remain within our bodies, to permit that which is forbidden by our laws, or to suffer such impiety in regard of that honour, which we owe unto our lawmaker, and our predecessors, who have ratified our laws to the intent we should increase in virtue. Petronius enraged at this their protestation, answered thus. If I were Emperor, and of mine own mind enterprised this action, you had reason to use these kinds of insinuations unto me. But since Caesar hath sent me this commission, there is no contradiction, but that I must obey his decrees: For if you resist the same, you shall endure a most severe and rigorous punishment for your disobedience and contumacy. Hereunto the jews answered. My Lord (said they) since your pleasure is such as you will not in any sort transgress the command and contents of Caesar's letters, neither will we also any ways violate or infringe the prescript of our law, under hope of the divine assistance and in imitation of the virtue of our ancestors: For we are not so faint hearted, that under hope of a vain and untimely desire of life, we should break those laws which almighty God hath proposed unto us, under the reward of eternal felicity: for which cause we will endure all fortunes whatsoever; so as our country law and religion may remain inviolate, and we are ready to encounter any misfortune, under hope that God will assist us, for whose honour The year of the world, 4002. after Chriss birth 40. we fear not to adventure on any danger. This had we rather do, then by obeying thee thorough cowardice, to incur perpetual ignominy; and that which is more, God's wrath in neglect of his laws, whose authority even in thine own judgement, is more to be regarded, than Caius commission. Petronius conjecturing by these their answers, how hard a matter it was to estrange them from their opinion, & perceiving that he could not do for Caius that he expected in the erection of his statue, without great bloodshed, whereby much murder and inconvenience might follow, he took certain of his nearest and dearest friends with him, and posted to Tiberias, that he might more conveniently and circumspectly look into the jews actions. They The jews meet Petronius at Tiberias, Beseeching him not to violate the sacred city with his images. fearing some imminent danger thorough the wars they expected from the Romans, and greater mischief thorough the breach of their laws, assembled once more many thousands of them, and met with Petronius at Tiberias, beseeching him that he would not enforce them to that necessity, nor defile their sacred City with forbidden images. Whereunto Petronius answered: Therefore (said he) you will fight with Caesar, without regard either of his ability or your own weakness? We will not fight (said they) but we will rather die then depart from our laws. Whereupon prostrating themselves, and laying open their naked throats, they said they were ready to entertain their deaths. In these terms continued they for the space of 40. days, neglecting their husbandry, whereas at that time it was the chiefest seed time. For it was most resolutely concluded among them, rather to suffer death then to admit the statue. Whilst the matter stood upon these terms, Aristobulus Agrippa's brother, and Elcias surnamed the Great, accompanied with divers of their household train, and some of the chiefest among the jews, came unto Petronius, Aristobulus king Agrippa's brother and Elcias the high Priest entreat Petronius in the jews behalf. beseeching him that he would consider the obstinacy of the people: neither give them occasions to draw them into desperate actions, but rather that he would write unto Caius, with what obstinacy the people refused the dedication of his image in the Temple: and how giving over the care of their husbandry, they prepared themselves for the war without any trust or confidence in their own strength, being rather addressed to die then to suffer so great an indignity to be offered to their religion. Besides, how giving over their tillage there was nothing to be expected but robbery, whereas they should want means to pay their customs, by which means they hoped that Caesar would be moved to moderate his severity towards that nation, and not to give them cause of rebellion: and that if he might not be moved from the prosecution of the war, that then he might go forward with his business. This was the effect of Aristobulus request. But Petronius partly in respect of their prayers, who instantly urged him, and the weightiness of the action; partly in regard of the contentious purpose of the jews, supposing that it was a Petronius promiseth the jews to write unto Caius in their behalf, and exhorreth them to follow their husbandry. matter unworthy a man to put so many thousands of men to death, to satisfy Caius' unbridled desire and insolence, and touched with the fear of God, and the remorse of his own conscience, he had rather to his own danger inform the Emperor of the absurdity of the matter, by his letters, being no ways ignorant of his wrathful spirit and forwardness in revenge, except his furious passion and expectation were answered. For this thought he, that although it altered not his resolution, but happily enforced his displeasure against him, in that he did not speedily execute his command; yet that it was the duty of a good man no not to refuse an assured death, if so be he might save so guiltless and huge a multitude. When as therefore he had assembled the jews together in Tiberias (when many thousands of them resorted thither) and disposed all those warlike forces that at that time gave attendance on him round about him, he told the jews first of all, not his own, but the emperors intent, who would make them shortly taste his displeasure, and enforce them to bear the burden of his indignation, who were so bold as to contradict him. For himself, that it necessarily concerned him, that since by the emperors favour he had received so great honour, he should not commit any thing contrary to his command. I hold it (said he) a matter most just to employ my life & honour for you, to the end that so huge a number of men should not be drawn into danger of death, and I will respect the excellency of the laws of your fathers, for which you think you aught to entertain war and danger: neither is it lawful to suffer the temple of God to be defiled by the authority of princes: I will therefore write unto Caesar and certify him of your minds, and in all that I may, I will assist you to obtain your requests. God (whose power surpasseth all industry and human force) vouchsafe to conduct you, and make you constant in the observation of your laws, and grant that he thorough excessive desire of human glory, commit not any thing that may offend God. And if Caius be displeased and enforce his inevitable displeasure against me, I will undertake all danger, and endure all torments both in body and spirit, to the end that I may not behold so many virtuous men, as you The year of the world. 4002. after Christ's Nativity. 40. are, perish in your good and just actions. Go therefore each of you, and ply your work, and till your lands, myself will send unto Rome, and both in myself and by my friends, I will employ myself for you. After he had spoken thus, he dismissed the assembly, praying the chiefest amongst them to encourage the husbandmen to ply their business, and to confirm the rest of the people in their good hope. Of himself also he ceased not to animate them. And truly God showed his assistance to Petronius, and assisted him in ●…ll his affairs. For as soon as he had finished his After a long & continual draft there fell a sudden shower. discourse unto the jews, there suddenly fell a great rain beyond all human expectation. For the day was very fair, neither was there any appearance of rain in the air, and all that year long there was an extreme drought; so that men were past hope to have any moisture, notwithstanding that sometime there appeared certain clouds in the heavens. At that time therefore the water fell in great abundance, and besides the expectation and opinion of men, the jews conceived hope that Petronius, soliciting their cause, should not be repulsed. But Petronius was more amazed than all the rest, seeing evidently that God undertook the affairs of the jews, and gave them testimony of his manifest assistance; so that they that were their professed adversaries, had no means to contradict them, as he himself wrote to Caius at large, with inductions Petronius writeth to Caius. and exhortations, to the end he should not draw so many thousand men into a desperate resolution, and unhappy death. For without war it was impossible for them ever to make them forsake their religion. Furthermore, that he would not cut off and lose the revenue which he received of that nation; and would not erect a trophy of an everlasting curse and malediction against himself. Adding moreover, what the power of their God was, which he had so clearly declared, that no man ought to doubt, but that his merciful hand was over them. This is the content of Petronius letters. On the other side king Agrippa, who at that time conversed at Rome, grew more and more in favour with Caius, having entertained him at a banquet, wherein he enforced himself to exceed Agrippa honoureth Caius in Rome, and in reward thereof Caius willeth him to demand somewhat, who desireth nothing else then that Petronius commission to erect the statue should be revoked. all others in sumptuousness, as in all other sorts of delights and pleasures; yea with such festivals entertained he him, that not only others, but also the Emperor himself could not attain to such magnificence; so much enforced he himself to exceed all others thorough the great desire he had to content and satisfy Caesar in all things. Caius was abashed at this his courage and magnificence, seeing Agrippa enforce himself above his power and means to abound in silver, and all this to the intent to please him. For which cause Caesar in acquittal of his kindness, intending to honour Agrippa to his utmost power, in granting him that which he most desired, being one day whet with wine, invited him to drink a carouse: adding these words; Agrippa, I have heretofore known the honour thou hast showed towards me, and thou hast expressed the earnest affection that thou bearest me, in hazarding thyself in divers dangers, into which thou hast been drawn during Tiberius' life time, and hast omitted nothing, no not in that which exceedeth thy power to show thy virtuous affection towards me. For which cause I think that it should be a great shame for me, if I should suffer myself to be overcome by thee in kindness, without some answerable correspondence: I will therefore put that in practise which I have heretofore omitted. For all those things that hitherto I have bestowed on thee, are of no reckoning. My will is that thy readiness and virtue should at this present be requited, by such means as might for ever make thee happy. Now he spoke after this manner, hoping that Agrippa would beg some great province at his hands, or the revenues of some Cities. But although he had already prepared his demand, yet did he not discover his intent, but gave Caius this ready answer, that whereas he had served him to the dislike of Tiberius, it was not for the gain he expected heretofore, and for the present also he did nothing under hope to be rich, contenting himself that he was in the emperors good favour. That the benefits he had received by him, were great, yea exceeding all that which he durst ever have hoped. For (said he) although they be but small in comparison of your greatness, yet in respect of myself, who have received them, and in my conceit and quality, they are very great. Caius being amazed at this his courage, insisted the rather to persuade him, that he would grant him all that he would require at his hands. Whereupon Agrippa said: Dread prince, since it is your good pleasure to think me worthy to be honoured by your presents, I will not request any thing at your hands that may tend to enrich me: for that by those goods you have already given me, I am greatly honoured: but I beseech and request one thing at your hands, which will purchase you the reputation of piety, and will procure God to be propitious unto you in all your actions, and which also will breed me much glory among those, who shall hear that I have not been refused in my demand, which concerneth me more than the necessities of this life: I therefore beseech you The year of the world. 4002. after Christ's birth 40. that it will please you to give commandment, that that statue, which you have charged Petronius to erect in the temple of the jews, may never be advanced there. This was Agrippa's request, which to his great hazard he presented the Emperor with, knowing very well how perilous a matter it was, and as much as concerned his life to demand any such thing at Caius hands, that was not answerable to his humour. Caius on the one side moved with the service Agrippa had done him, and on the other side seeing how great an indignity it should be for him, if before such an assembly of witnesses, he should deny that which he had so instantly pressed Agrippa to request, as if he suddenly had repent himself; and admiring Agrippa's virtue (who having means within a little time to augment his particular estate, either by revenues or other commodities, had preferred the common cause, the laws of his country and piety before all these) he granted him his supplication, & wrote to Petronius, praising him for that he had used such diligence in assembling his army, as also for all that whereof he had certified him, annexing these words: If (said he) you have already planted the statue, as I commanded you, let it remain in the place: but if it be not done, be thou no more troublesome to the jews, but dismiss thine army, and repair thou in person to that place whither I have sent thee. For I urge no more the erection of that statue, for the desire that I have to gratify Agrippa, whom I entirely honour, and in such sort, as it is impossible for me to contradict any thing whatsoever, that either he hath need of, or shall require. These were the contents of those letters, which Caius wrote to Petronius, before he understood that the jews bethought them of revolt: for they made it known, that rather than they would endure that statue, they would hazard a war against the Romans: which when Caius understood, he was extremely sorrowful, and being a man addicted to all villainy, and estranged from all honesty, and who gave place to no good counsel, incontinently after he had conceived a displeasure against any man, & who likewise thought it a great good hap for him to accomplish all that whatsoever he pleased, he wrote again to Petronius to this effect: Since the presents Caius writeth to Petronius charging him to murder himself for neglecting his command. which the jews have given thee, have prevailed more with thee than my commandments have done, so as to please them thou hast despised that which I have enjoined thee, I make thyself the judge how much thou hast deserved to incur my displeasure, to the end that thou mayst serve for an example to all those, who shall come after thee, that an emperors commandment ought not in any sort to be neglected. Although this Epistle was both written and sent, yet did not Petronius receive the same during Caius life time, for that they that carried the same, were stayed by cross winds; so that Petronius received those letters that certified him of Caius death, before he received the other. For God would not forget Petronius, who exposed himself to great dangers for the love of the jews, and for the honour of God. And Caius being taken out of the world by God's wrath being kindled against him, by reason that he affected divine honours, received his reward; and Petronius obtained favour both at Rome, and thorough all his whole government, and especially among the principal Senators, against whom Caius was accustomed to vomit his choleric disgraces. He died a little after he had written the letter to Petronius, by which he threatened and denounced him death. Hereafter will I declare the cause why he was taken out of this world, and the manner how treason was complotted and wrought against him. The letter that brought tidings of Caius death, was delivered to Petronius first, and incontinently after Petronius receiveth letters of Caius death before those whereby he was commanded to kill himself. he received that wherein he enjoined him to kill himself. He highly rejoiced at this his good hap, and Caius death, and admired God's providence, who speedily and happily had rewarded him both for the honour that he bore unto his Temple, as also for the assistance he used towards the jews. Behold how Petronius escaped from death, by an unexpected means. CHAP. XII. That which happened to the jews t●…t were at Babylon, and of the two brethren Asinaeus and Anilaeus. Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 16. al. cap. 20. A grievous commotion among the jews in Mesopotamia and Babylon, IN those days there happened a grievous commotion amongst those jews that inhabited Mesopotamia and Babylon, and such slaughters and calamities as never the like hath been declared in our former narrations; which in that I intent to report both particularly and seriously, I will rip up the whole cause thereof from his first original. There was a City called Nearda belonging to Babylon, stored with inhabitants, and enriched with many fruitful possessions, sufficiently to sustain so great a multitude: Moreover it was such as might be hardly invaded by the enemy, both for that the river Euphrates hemmed it in on one side, as also for that it was defenced with very strong walls. Upon the same river also there stood an The year of the world, 4003. after Christ's Nativity, 41. Nearda Nisibis two cities of Babylon. other city, called Nisibis, in which the jews, in respect of the strength of the place, kept their Dragma, which they were accustomed to offer unto God, and the rest of their votive money. These two cities therefore served them for two store houses, and from thence, according as the time required, they sent the money they had gathered to jerusalem, and committed the convoy thereof to divers thousands of men, for fear lest it should be taken away by the Parthians, who at that time had the sovereignty in Babylon. Among these jews lived Asinaeus and Anilaeus two brethren, borne in Nearda; whose father being dead, their mother set them and bound them Asinaeus and Anilaeus, boris in Nearda, retire into a certain place, and great companies flock unto them. to the weavers trade, for that amongst those nations it was accounted no indignity to follow that trade: for both men and women exercise themselves therein. It happened that their master with whom they lernt their occupation, beat them one day, for that they came somewhat late unto their work. They taking this chastisement of his as if a great injury had been done unto them, betook themselves to their weapons, whereof there were great store in that house, and retired themselves into a place where the flood divideth itself into two parts, which naturally abounded with excellent pastures, and such fruits as were reserved for the use of winter. To these men there flocked a number of needy persons, whom they armed, and became their captains, and no man opposed himself against their insolent proceedings. Being by this mean grown absolute and impregnable, for that they had builded themselves a strong fortress, they sent unto the inhabitants, commanding them ●…o pay them tribute for their cattle which they pastured; so that this tribute gave sufficient to entertain them, promising unto those who obeyed them all friendship, and that they would maintaime them against all those that should injury them, of what place soever they were: but if they did not that which they commanded them, they threatened them that they would kill all their cattle. The inhabitants of the country knowing themselves unable to cross them, obeyed them, and sent them the number of cattle which they required; so that greater forces daily coupled themselves with them, and they grew of that power, that they could make their excursions against those whom they intended to hurt. Every one respected them, and they were feared by all men, so that their renown came at last to the ears of the king of Parthia. The governor of Babylon likewise intending to cut off this mischief before it grew to greater Asinaeus and his companions be set by the governors and princes of Babylon. head, assembled as many men as he could possible, both Parthians and Babylonians, and marched forth against them, with an intent to root them out before they should have any inkling thereof, to prepare themselves for their defence. Having therefore prepared his army, he lay in ambush near unto a marish, and the next day following (which was the Sabbath, in which the jews forbear all kind of work, he making his account that the enemy durst not make head against him, but without stroke striking he should lead them away captives) he marched easily▪ thinking to charge them unawares. Asinaeus, who at that time by chance sat idly with his fellows, ve his arms fast by him: Ye men (said he) methinks I hear the neighing of horses, not such as when they are in their heat, but as when they are backed by men. Moreover, I hear the noise of their bridles, and I fear lest the enemies secretly stealing upon us, should cirumvent us: let therefore some one of us go and discover what the matter is, and certify us truly of that which he shall perceive: I would I were found a liar in that which I have told you. This said, some one of them went out to espy what the noise intended; who returning hastily back again, told him that he had not falsely conjectured as touching the intent of the enemy, for that they were at hand, and would not suffer themselves any longer to be outbraved by them. He also declared that there was a mighty number of horsemen, who were assembled like a drove of beasts, sufficient & able utterly to overcome Asinaeus & all his company, forasmuch as they were not in a readiness to defend themselves: for that we are forbidden by our law in any sort to travel on the sabbath. Asinaeus determined with himself not to do that which the spy had said, but thought that it was better for them to behave themselves valiantly in that their necessity wherein they were plunged, & that if they must needly die, it better became them to make breach of their law, then to hearten their enemies by their submission. He therefore presently betook himself to his weapons, and encouraged all those that were about him, to make it known in effect what their valour was. Whereupon all of them at once marched forth against the enemy, and slaughtered a great many Asinaeus after he had encouraged his soldiers, putteth his enemies ●…o flight. of them, for that they despising Asinaeus and his followers, marched as if they went to lay hold on men already vanquished; but in the end they were constrained to betake them to flight. When the bruit of this skirmish was brought to the ears of the king of Parthia, he was wholly astonished at the boldness of these two brethren, and he had a desire to see them, and to The year of the world. 4003. after Christ's birth 41. speak with them. He therefore sent one of the trustiest of his guard, to let them understand that although king Artabanus had been injured by them, in that they had invaded his country; notwithstanding said this ambassador, he making less account of the displeasure he hath conceived against you, then of your virtue, hath sent me unto you to give you my hand and troth in his name Asinaeus and Anilaeus are sought unto by Artabanus for friendship. for safe conduct & security in your voyage, requiring you to be his friends: he conditioneth therefore with you without any deceit or fraud, promising you gifts and honours, and determineth to increase your dignity by his power. Asinaeus refused to enterprise this voyage, but sent his brother Anilaeus with certain presents, such as he could possibly find. He therefore departed with the messenger, and presented himself before Artabanus; who seeing Anilaeus come alone, asked him how it happened that Asinaeus came not with him, and understanding that he stayed in his marish thorough the fear that he had of him, he swore by the gods of his ancestors, that he would do him no wrong, wishing them to give credit to his promise, and he stretched out his hand, which is the greatest sign which the kings of that country use to assure those that parley with them. For after they have mutually given one another their hands, there is no sinister practice to be feared, and they from whom a man expecteth any harm, are no more to be feared at such time as they have given this testimony of assurance. That done, Artabanus sent back Anilaeus to persuade his brother Asinaeus to come to the court. Artabanus did this, supposing that this his amity with the two brothers would be a bridle for the jews, who otherways might encroach upon his governments. For he feared least if any rebellion should happen, and he should be troubled in that war, Asinaeus and they of Babylon should grow more strong, both by the voluntary submission of the jews, as by force: and thereby should do him the more mischief. Upon this deliberation he sent Anilaeus, who easily persuaded his brother, giving him to understand among other things, what goodwill the king bore him, and the oath that he had sworn, so that both of them resorted to Artabanus, who received them very graciously, admiring Asinaeus virtue, who had so great a courage to exercise his enterprises, considering especially that he was a man of a low stature, and who to look on seemed to be contemptible: And he told his friends that without comparison, he had a greater heart than his body. And when as in banqueting he had named Asinaeus & showed him to Abdagasis the general of his army, signifying unto him with what valour these brethren were endowed in feats of arms: Abdagasis Abdagasi●… would have slain Asinaeus but Artabanius will not permit him, required that it might be lawful for him to kill Asinaeus, to the end that he might punish the wrongs he had done to the estate of the Parthians. Never (said the king) will I give my consent to betray a man, who hath committed himself to my protection: and hath given me his hand, and who buildeth upon the oath I have passed unto him in the name of the Gods. But if thou art a valiant man in feats of arms, thou hast no need to make me foresweare myself, to the end I might do justice on him for his outrages committed against the Parthians: but at such time as he and his brother shall depart from hence, assail him, and overcome him by thy valour, provided that I be not privy to thy attempt. And afterwards calling Asinaeus to him in the morning: It is time (said he) that thou return homeward, for fear thou provokest divers of the captains of my court, which contrary to my will, will endeavour themselves to kill thee. I commit the Artabanus committeth the territories of Babylon to Asinaeus charge and dismisseth him with gifts. country of Babylon to thy protection and guard, which by thy care and vigilancy shall remain exempt from all robberies, and other such calamities. Reason it is that I procure thy good, because I have engaged mine honour & faith irrevocably unto thee, not upon any light matter, but for things that importune thee as nearly as thy life. This said, he gave him certain presents, and incontinently disinissed him. Now as soon as he returned home to his own fortress, he fortified the places, both those which before time he had thoroughly defenced, as the other which as yet no man had attempted to strengthen, and in short time he grew to that greatness, as no one man of so obscure fortune & beginning attained before him. Neither contented with the honours of the Babylonians, he was also held in great account by the captains of the Parthians, who were sent to govern in the neighbouring provinces: yea so much increased his authority with his power that all Mesapotamia was at his command: In this felicity and increasing glory of his, he continued for the space of fifteen years, which never began to wain until such time as neglecting the ancient study of virtue, and contemning the laws of his forefathers, both he and his factious followers being devoured in pleasure, yielded themselves captive to foreign lusts. It fortuned that a certain governor of those Parthians came into that country, accompanied with his wife, not only enriched and endowed with other perfections, but also admired for her incomparable comeliness and beauty. Whom without ever seeing her, only by report of her beauty The year of the world. 4003. after Christ's Nativity. 41. Anilaeus killeth a noble man of the Parthians, and leadeth away his wife. Anilaeus Asinaeus brother loved entirely: and when as by no one of his allurements he could obtain her favour, neither had any other hope to enjoy the Lady, he could not bridle his unruly lust, but he made war against her husband, and killing the Parthian in their first conflict, his wife became his both in subjection and bed-seruice, which thing was the original of many mighty calamities both to himself and towards his brother. For when as having lost her former husband, she was led away captive, she carried with her the images of the gods of her country, which she highly esteemed, according as it was the custom of those that inhabited that place, to have their gods whom they adored in their houses, whom at such time as they travel into a foreign country, they carry about with them. She therefore brought them with her, and used them according to the fashion of her country at the first secretly: but after she was known for Anilaeus wife, then adored she them according to the custom, and with the same service which she used during her first husband's days, sacrificing to her gods. Their chiefest friends seeing this, first of all reproved them, for that Anilaeus committed such things, as were no ways used amongst the Hebrews, and altogether repugnant to their laws, for that he had married a woman of a foreign nation, that contradicted and violated their accustomed religion: for which cause they advised them to beware, least in submitting themselves too Anilaeus being reproved for his wife's idolatry killeth one of his friends. much to their unbridled pleasures, they should lose the honour and power they had received from God, even until that present. But seeing their persuasions profited nothing, and that Anilaeus likewise had villainously slain one of his dearest friends, who had somewhat too freely reproved him (who at such time as he lay a dying, being touched with the zeal of the laws of his ancestors, & with grief against his murderer, wished that Asinaeus and Anilaeus and all their associates might die the like death: they for that they were transgressors of the law; the other, for that they succoured not themselves in that oppression, which they suffered for the maintenance of their laws.) They were sore displeased, yet notwithstanding they contained themselves, calling to their remembrance that their felicity proceeded from no other cause, but from the valour of those brethren. But when they understood that the Parthian gods were adored by this woman, they bethought them that it behoved them not any more to bear with Anilaeus, in contempt of their laws: for Anilaeus is accused before his brother Asinaeus, but he winketh at his Fault. which cause, addressing themselves to Asinaeus in great assemblies, they exclaimed against Anilaeus, saying, that he ought, although at first he had no power to dispose of himself, yet now at last, to correct this error before it should redound to their public plague: for that both his marriage was disallowed in all men's eyes, as altogether contrary to their country laws, and that the superstitious observance of the gods, which the woman presumed to use, was an apparent injury offered to the true God. But he although he knew that his brother's fault would breed some great inconvenience, both to himself and his followers, yet being overcome with brotherly affection, he easily pardoned his brother, ascribing his error to the violence of his unbridled passion. But whereas daily more and more he was tired with exclamations, and greater reproofs, at length he admonished his brother of the matter, chiding him for that which was past, and willing him to amend the error hereafter, by sending home the woman unto her kindred. Yet did this admonition of his take no effect with him, for that the woman perceiving that the rumour that was raised among the people was for her sake, and being afraid lest for her love sake Anilaeus should incur some danger, she poisoned Asinaeus, to the end that her love being in authority she might more freely practise her impiety. Now when Anilaeus had gotten the government Asin●…us poisoned by the Parthian woman. into his own hands, he drew out his forces against certain villages belonging to Mithridates, one of the chiefest among the Parthians, and Artabanus son in law, which villages he spoiled, and carried away movables, men, sheep and other riches. When Mithridates, who at that time was resident in those quarters, understood of the spoil of his villages, he was sore displeased; and the rather for that without any occasion or proffer of injury, Anilaeus had assailed, Anilaeus draweth his forces into Mithridates' country, and spoileth his villages, and taketh him prisoner. him in contempt of his estate, who was a chief peer of the country: for which cause he incontinently assembled the greatest power of horse and footmen he could gather, to set upon Anilaeus and his associates. Leading his forces therefore against one of his villages, he kept himself in covert to the end he might fight the next day; which was the Sabbath day, on which the jews attempt not any thing. Whereof when Anilaeus was advertised by a certain Syrian, who dwelled in an other village, who had exactly told him all Mithridates intent, and the place where he intended to banquet with his soldiers, after he had made his soldiers take their refection, he departed by night to the end he might charge the Parthians before they might be advertised of his coming. He therefore rushed in upon them about the fourth watch of the night, and slew The year of the world. 4003. after the Nat●…tie of Christ. 41. those whom he found a sleep, and the rest being astonished hereat were forced to save themselves by flight: he also took Mithridates' prisoner, and caused him to be carried away naked on an Ass, which is one of the greatest disgraces which the Parthians imagine may be offered them. Having after this disgraceful manner carried him into a fo●…est, some of his familiars persuaded him to kill him: but Anilaeus told them incontinently, that they ought to deal with him far otherwise, for that it behoved them not to kill a man, who was one of the chiefest among the nobility of the Parthians, and one who was most honoured in regard of that affinity and alliance he had with the king: that although all that which heretofore had been offered to Mithridates were insupportable; yet if they should be the means of the safeguard of his life, he would remit the injuries; and remunerate them for their mercy in saving his life; whereas if they should deal severely with him, the king would seek his revenge, and make a horrible slaughter of all those jews that inhabited Babylon: whom they ought to have compassion of, both for that they are of their blood, as for that if any mischief should be fall them, they knew not whither to retire themselves; whereas they might be assisted with the flower and picked number of the men of their nation. Having thus discoursed and debated the matter in the ears of his soldiers, his opinion was approved, and they were persuaded; and so Mithridates Anilaeus dismisleth Mithridates. was sent back again. But no sooner returned he home unto his house, but that his wife hit him in the teeth, that he lived but by the mercy of his enemies; notwithstanding he were the king's son in law: that he had made no reckoning to punish those, who had so much injured him: that he likewise contented himself to have his life saved after he had been prisoner to the jews. For which cause (said she) recover thou thy former virtue and honour, which thou hast heretofore lost, or I swear by the Gods of the king my father, that the bond of marriage which is betwixt thee and me, shall be dissolved. Mithridates' unable to endure these usual reproaches, and on the other side, apprehending his wives haughty coarage, from whom he feared to be separated; he assembled the greatest power of men of war that he could possible, notwithstanding it were against his will, and led them forth; supposing himself to be unworthy of life, if he who was by nation a Parthian, should be cowardly put to the worst by the jews. When Anilaeus understood that Mithridates came forth against him with a great force, he thought that it would redound greatly to his indignity, if he should lie lurking amidst his matshes, & hoping that he should have no worse fortime against his enemies, than he had at the first; and building much upon his soldiers, who were ever wont to get the wper hand in their encounters, he likewise drew forth his army: to them also certain other adjoined themselves, who sought noughtels but pillage, and hoped that with their only presence they might dismay their enemy. But after they had marched about ninety stades, and passed thorough a country that was scant of water, and were about the heat of the midday travailed with thirst: Mithridates army came in sight and charged them even at that time, when they fainted for want of drink, and thorough the extremity of heat; so as they could scarcely wield their weapons. At that time Anilaeus soldiers encountering with Mithridates' fresh men, were shamefully put to flight: whereby it came to pass, that a great number of them were murdered, and many thousand men put to the sword. But Anilaeus himself and all those of his company retired themselves in great haste into a forest, leaving Mithridates' Lord and Master of the field, whereof he was very joyful. A great number of dissolute persons flock ●…o Anilaeus, with whom he spoileth certain boroughs of the Babylonians. Notwithstanding this disaster, an infinite number of lawless men resorted to Anilaeus, who set little by their lines, provided there might no limit be proposed to their unbridled licentiousness; so that he gathered a greater number of men, than those whom he had lost: yet were they fa●…e different in valour from the former: for they were men wholly ignorant of warlike discipline, notwithstanding he being accompanied with these men, went and set upon c●…rtaine burroughs of the Babylonians, which were wholly destroyed by his rapine and violence. For which cause; the Babylonians and his other enemies sent unto Nearda to the sews that were there, requiring that Anilaeus might be delivered into their hands: whereunto condescending not (for although they had a will to perform their request, yet it lay not in their power to deliver him) they required The Babylonians require Anilaeus that they may punish him: they assail & ●…ay him. that they might live in peace. And to entreat of the conditions of peace, the Babylonians sent certain men to confer with Anilaeus. They having surveyed the place wherein Anilaeus kept, assailed both himself and his followers by night, and slew all those they encountered with, without resist, and among the rest Anilaeus. When the Babylonians saw that they were delivered from the oppression of Anilaeus, who till that time had been as it were a bridle unto them to restrain and curb the hatred they conceived against the jews, with whom they had oftentimes been at The year of the world. 4003. after Christ's birth 41. odds, by reason of the contrariety of their religions, whereby it grew that they oftentimes fell at debate upon each opportunity, wherein they met. At that time therefore that Anilaeus men were discomfited, the Babylonians set upon the jews on all sides; who seeing themselves in danger by reason of the insolence of the Babylonians, against whom they were too weak to make resist, and on the other side unable to live amongst The jews afflicted by the Babylonians repair to Seleucia. them, they went and dwelled at Seleucia, a City famous in regard of Seleucus the son of Nicanor who builded it. In that City dwelled divers Macedons, divers greeks, and a great number of Syrians. The jews fled thither, and sojourned there about some five years, without any molestation; but in the sixth year, when the plague grew rise in Babylon, the jews that remained there, were enforced to seek them some new habitation; and that remove of theirs into the City of Seleucia was the cause likewise of their further mischief, as I will make manifest. The Greeks, who dwell in Seleucia, are ordinarily at debate with the Syrians, & have always the upper hand; but after that the jews came to inhabit in that place, in a certain sedition that arose among them, the Syrians had the upper hand, by the means of the jews, who joined their forces with theirs, who of themselves were valiant and good soldiers. The Greeks, who had been repulsed in this tumult, seeing they had but one only means left them to maintain their former honour, but to break that league of friendship which was between the Syrians and the jews, devised in private each one with those Syrians, with whom they were acquainted, promising to live in peace and amity with them, whereunto they condescended willingly. Fifty thousand jews slain in Seleucia. The jews that were saved repair to C●…phon. For the chiefest of these two nations concluded the peace, which presently after followed, to the end that on both parts they should join in hatred against the jews. So that altogether charging them at unawares, they slew more than fifty thousand of them, and all of them were slain, except some few, who thorough the mercy of their friends, and war●…ntize of their neighbours were suffered to escape. These retired themselves to Ctesiphon a City of Greece, that was not far from Seleucia, where the king sojourneth every year, and keepeth the greatest part of his movables, hoping in that place thorough the reverence of the king they might remain in more safety and security. All the nation of the jews that were in these quarters stood in great fear: For the Babylonians and the Seleucians with all the Assyrians of that country, accorded The jews retire into Ne●…da & Nisibis. among themselves to make a general war against the jews; whereby it came to pass that they assembled themselves at Nearda & Nisibis, trusting themselves to the strength of these fortresses, which were inhabited also by men, who were expert in arms: See here what the estate of those jews was, who remained in Babylon. THE XIX. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 19 book. 1 How Caius was slain by Cheraeas. 2 How Claudius obtained the Empire. 3 Dissension betwixt the Senate and the people. 4 How Claudius advanced Agrippa to his father's Kingdom, and his edicts in favour of the jews. 5 Agrippa's return into judaea. 6 Petronius Epistle to Doritas in the behalf of the jews. 7 Agrippa's actions until the time of his death. CHAP. I. The year of the world. 4004. after Christ's birth 42. How Caius was slain by Cheraeas. CAius did not only express and manifest his fury towards those jews that Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 1. Caius' tyranny towards the jews. Caius' tyranny towards the Senators and Patricians. dwelled in jerusalem, and in other neighbouring places; but also thorough all the countries both by land and sea, which were subject to the Roman Empire, filling the whole world with an infinite number of mischiefs; yea such and so heinous as the like hereof hithe●…to have never been heard of. But Rome in especial felt the force of his fury, which partook no less calamity and misery, than any other city: but especially the Senators, Patricians, and noble men were plagued. They also that were called Roman knights, who in wealth and dignity were next unto the Senators, for that out of their number such men were chosen, who were to supply the Senate, were vexed with intolerable injuries. For with ignominies they were detracted, with banishments and confiscations weakened, & by slaughters wholly exterminated. He likewise usurped the name of a God, commanding his subjects to dignify him with more than human honours; and ascending the Capitol, which amongst all the temples in Rome is most religiously honoured, he was so bold as to salute jupiter, and to call him brother. Many such impieties committed he, by which he expressed that his unbridled and boundless madness did never forsake him. Caius calleth himself jupiters' brother. Amongst his other mad pranks that he played, this is worthy of memory: for on a time, thinking it to be too much trouble for him to cross the sea between Puteol a city in Campania and Misenum an other town seated by the sea shore, in a galley; and otherways esteeming it a thing correspondent to his greatness, who was Emperor, to exact that superiority on the sea which was answerable to his sovereignty on the land, betwixt one cape of the sea unto another for the space of thirty furlongs or stades, betwixt which the gulf had his course, he caused a bridge to be built, on which he commanded himself to be drawn in a chariot, as if that way were answerable to the dignity of his deity. He left not one temple of Greece whatsoever, that he spoilt Caius spoiled all the temples of Greece. not of those excellent pictures or imagery that was therein: Giving a commission that all statues and whatsoever ornaments, or gifts, & presents that were dedicated in any temple, should be brought unto him, saying, that such things as were admirable, should be reserved for a place of admiration, such as was the city of Rome: with these spoils of the temples decked he his palace and gardens, and generally all his houses and palaces; that he had in Italy. He was so impudent also, as to give direction, that jupiter Olympius statue; which the greeks had in great estimation, and Phideas the Athenian carver had made, should be transported to Rome. But Memmius Regulus, to whom he had directed this commission, executed it not, because the masons informed Caius commandeth Memmius Regulus to transfer jupiter Olympius to Rome. him, that without spoiling it they could not remove it from the place. It is reported also that he was hindered from this execution by such prodigies as are almost incredible, which he certified Caius of, giving him to understand; what the occasion was that had moved him to disobey him therein, and whilst he was in danger of death for this his delay, the sudden and successful death of Caius warranted him from the same. Yea so far stretched his unbridled fury, that having a daughter newly borne, he caused her to be carried into the Capitol, and laid at the feet of the Image of jupiter, saying, that that child was common betwixt him and jupiter, leaving the judgement Caius compareth himself with jupiter. to all men, which of the two parents were the greatest. And notwithstanding all these his misdemeanours, yet did men tolerate him. He gave liberty to slaves also to accuse their masters, of whatsoever crimes they would, which was so much the more hateful, because all things were done by Caesar's authority, & to his good liking: Caius gave slaves free liberty to accuse their masters, & counteamnced Pollux to accuse his master Claudius. so that Pollux, who was Claudius' bondman; durst accuse him, and Caius the Emperor, was contented among the judges to hear his uncle brought in question for his life; hoping (although it fell out otherwise) to pick out an occasion to put him to death. For having filled all the countries of his Empire with false accusations, and all sorts of mischiefs, and giving slaves a prerogative above their masters; their Lords devised many conspiracies against him, some for spite, and with an intent to revenge them of those injuries they had received: other some pretending Many conspiracies against Caius. by his death to prevent those inconveniences that threatened them. In a word, his death concerned the security of the laws and the safety of all men, and had he not been speedily cut off, on't nation almost had been utterly exterminated. For which cause I thought good to make an exact and ample declaration of every occurrent, namely, for that the knowledge there of maketh very much towards the manifestation of God's power and will, which bring consolation unto those who are in adversity, and keep them within the bounds of modesty, who suppose that their The year of the world, 4004. after Christ's Nativity, 42. Three conspiracies against Caius. Emilius Regulus. Cassius Chaereas. Annius Minucianus. prosperity should continue always firm, and that although they neglect virtue, think that no evil may befall them. Three plots of conspiracy were intended against him, and purposed to his utter mine, each of which was attempted by men of great reckoning. For Aemilius Regulus, who was borne in Corduba in Spain, was fully resolved to kill him himself, or to make him away by the means of his confederates. Chaereas Cassius colonel over a thousand men, was the chieftain of an other band; and Annius Minucianus was in no less readiness to do his uttermost herein. The cause that moved them to accord thus altogether in hatred against Caius, was, that in resp●…ct of Regulus, he was by nature a detester of all iniquity: for he was a man endowed with great magnanimity, and beautified with a liberal spirit; so as he dissembled not any of his counsels, but communicated them with many, who either were his friends, or valiant men fit for execution. And as touching Minucianus, he was induced to seek his revenge thorough the desire he had to do justice on him in Lepidus behalf, who had been one of his especial friends, & one of the rarest men that were ever found among the Roman citizens (whom Caius had put to death thorough the fear he had conceived of him) knowing well that all they against whom Caius was incensed, could not escape with lesser indignity than loss of life. As for the third man Chaereas, he could not endure the shame & reproach of cowardice that Caius had objected against him, but feared beside that, his friendship & inward familiarity with Caius would draw him into manifest dangers: for which cause & his own security, and honour's sake, he thought good to make him away. Generally all of them were resolved to rid the world of Caius, & bring an end to his pride and tyrannical power, for their hope was that their attempt should have good success, which if it happily fell out, their country and commonweal should reap the fruits thereof, for whose security & safety it became them to hazard themselves, though it were with the loss of their heads. But above all the rest Chaereas was egged on with a desire he had to grow famous, and thorough the facility & convenient means he had to finish the same, because his colonels room gave him most secure access unto him. About that time the Circensian games were solemnised, which is a kind of pastime which the Romans very willingly behold, and to this intent they resort to the place of these exercises, and the common people is wont to demand somewhat at their emperors hands, which they The Cireensian games. C●…ius c●…useth divers to be murdered, who request mitigation of their exactions. desire to obtain; and they after they have examined their requests, do never refuse them. Now they required with instant and importunate supplications, that Caius would discharge them of their taxations, and moderate the excessive tributes which they paid: but he would give no ear unto them, and caused those to be apprehended who called upon the matter most earnestly, sending of his guard some of them one way, some of them another, to put them to the sword. After he had given this commandment, and they, who received the charge had fully executed it, there were a great number of men slain. The people seeing this, ceased to exclaim any more, setting light by their goods; and seeing before their eyes that their refusal would be the cause of their deaths. These considerations incited Chaereas the more Chaereas for many causes is incited against Caius. to execute his enterprise, to the end he might finish his furious and lawless life, whose pleasure was all men's injury, & prejudice. And very oftentimes was he determined to set upon him whilst he banqueted, yet deferred he to do the same, not for that he failed or fainted in his resolution, but because he expected some fit opportunity to hit him home and speed him to the death. He lived captain of Caius guard a long time, yet took he small pleasure in conversing with him. But after that Caius had appointed him to gather in his tributes, and that money which was confiscate, he seemed to have less occasion than before: for at that time he had doubled their payments, in the execution whereof he followed his own nature rather than Caesar's command, and spared those of whom he ought to have compassion for their poverty sake. Caius was sore displeased herewith, and objected it against him, that the cause why he delayed the bringing in of his money, was his cowardice and negligence: And amongst other outrages that he offered him, as oft as he gave him the watchword, as he usually went to fetch it once a day upon his watch day, he gave him the names of women and other that were full of ignominy, notwithstanding that he himself was not exempt from note of no less daintiness. For in certain ceremonies which he himself had established, he attired himself like a woman, and was disguised with certain veils, whereby he might the better counterfeit that sex, and yet notwithstanding durst he object this dishonour to Chaereas. As oftentimes as Chaereas received the watchword, so often times grew he in choler, which was increased the more at such time, as he delivered the same to his companions, who openly mocked and jested at him. For when it was his turn to receive the word from Caesar's mouth, he ordinarily fitted him with such a one as might move laughter, which made him the bolder to conspire with his confederates, in that he had just occasion to The year of the world. 4004. after the Nativity of Christ. 42. Popedius is accused of a crime by Timidius unto Caesar. be displeased: amongst these was a Senator, and one that had past all honours and offices, otherways an Epicure and lover of delights. Him did Timidius accuse (in that he was his enemy) that he had used certain injurious speeches against Caius: and for proof thereof he alleged Quintilia for his witness, a woman amongst all stageplaiers dearly beloved by many, but in especial by Popedius, by reason of her incomparable beauty, and for that she refused to bear witness in a matter falsely objected against him, whom she entirely loved, Timidius required that she might be examined by torture. Caius provoked herewith, commanded Cheraeas with all expedition and diligence to see Quintilia tortured, and the rather gave he Cheraeas these commissions, to kill and torment those whom he pleased, for that he had conceived this opinion, that he would acquit himself with more cruelty, to the intent he might exempt himself of that reproach of faint-heartedness, which was wrongfully enforced against him. Whilst thus Quintilia was led forth Caius commandeth Quintiliana to be tortured who confesseth nothing. to be tortured, she trod upon the foot of one of those, who were of the confederacy, giving him to understand that he should be of good courage, for that there was no fear that she would bewray any thing in torture, but would endure it with great constancy: notwithstanding Cheraeas tormented her cruelly, which he rather performed by constraint then of his own free will. And seeing he could enforce nothing out of her, he brought her back to Caius, in so pitiful an estate, that all they that beheld her had compassion of her. Caius likewise himself was moved, and bethinking him of those pains which she had endured, he desisted from the inquest and accusation Popedius is absolved. which was prosecuted against Popedius and Quintilia, and gave her a certain sum of money, to comfort her against the indisposition that might happen by reason of her torments, which she had so courageously enduted. This displeased Cheraeas very much, as if he had been the cause of all those evils that had happened to those two persons, having been so great, that to heal them it behoved Caesar to minister a medicine. He consulted therefore with Clement, who was captain of the footmen, and Papinius, who had the command of the guard, and spoke unto them to this effect: We have (said he) Cheraeas conferreth with Clement and Papinius. O Clement employed ourselves to the uttermost for the emperors safety, for by our providence and travel we have wrought so much, that of all those, who have conspired against him, some of them have been slain: the rest in such sort tormented and martyred, as Caius himself had compassion on them. But what reward or honour receive we for all these services? Clement hearing these words, held his peace, giving manifest testimony by his looks, and the change of his colour, that he was greatly ashamed that he had so long time obeyed the emperors commandments: and whilst he thought with himself that it was no policy for him to open his mouth against Caius cruelty, Cheraeas emboldened himself to discover the calamities and dangers, wherein both the City and the whole Empire were plunged, telling him that the common report was, that Caius was the cause of them: but (said he) those that will narrowly examine the truth, will judge that I and Papinius that standeth by me, and you Clement more than we, have caused the Romans torment and the world's misery, for that of our own will we have been ministers of Caius commands; and although the means lieth in us to make an end of those violences that are committed against the Citizens, and injuries to the whole world: yet serve we him for his guard and hangmen, instead of men of war. And we bear arms not to maintain our liberty, and the Roman Empire, but to preserve him, who keepeth their bodies and minds in servitude, and every day are we soiled in their blood, who are slain and tortured, until such time as some one serve us with the like sauce, to satisfy Caius cruelty. For it is not for the good will he beareth us, that he maketh use of us, but that which is more, we are suspected by him, and he will cause us to be slain, as he hath done others. For his displeasure is not limited by justice, but by his will: we also shall serve him for a mark to aim at: For which cause it behoveth us to provide for the security and liberty of all men, and especially to warrant ourselves against those dangers that threaten us. Clement declared by apparent signs that he thought well of Cheraeas resolution, but he counseled him to make no words of it, for fear the rumour thereof should be spread among the people, and the secret should be discovered before the execution: and lest that Caius getting an inkling thereof, they should all of them be drawn into danger of death, and in the mean while it behoved them to hope that some good fortune would fall out to their furtherance: and that for himself, his age had taken from him the necessary courage that belonged to such enterprises. It may be (said he) that I may furnish you with some advice more secure than yours is, Cheraeas: for a more honester than it is, who is he that can propose? This said, Clement returned to his house, ruminating with himself upon those words, which he had both heard and spoken. But The year of the world. 4004. after Christ's birth 42. Cornelius' Sabinust. Chaereas waxed fearful, and conferred with the Colonel Cornelius Sabinus, whom he knew to be a man of reputation, a lover of liberty, and greatly discontented with the estate about the miseries of the common weal; and seeing it was necessary to attempt that with all expedition which he had intended, he thought good to impart the matter to him, fearing lest Clement should discover all the conspiracy, considering that delay and procrastination, would be but an occasion to hinder the action. When as therefore he perceived him to give willing ear to all that which he intended, and that already he was confirmed with no less resolution, than himself was; but in that he knew not with whom he might familiarly communicate the same, he said nothing: whereas otherways he was ready not only to conceal that which he had heard, but also declared Annius Minutianus. that which he had in his heart, he was so much the more encouraged. For which cause without any further delay, they went to Minucianus, who was conformable unto them in virtue, good affection, and great courage; and who besides that, was suspected by Caius by reason of Lepidus death. For Minucianus and Lepidus were very great friends, and had been associates in the same dangers. For Caius was feared by all those, who had any public office, sparing none of them in particular or in general, but made them all groan under the burden of his fury. Now they knew well one another, that all of them were displeased to see the common weal in that estate: but the apprehension of the danger, suffered them not to manifest the hatred that each one of them bare to Caius, although that their secret conceit engendered amongst them a certain amity. For before that time, as oftentimes as they met together, they were accustomed to esteem Minucianus, for the most honourable man of the company; as in truth among all the Citizens of Rome, he was the most famous, valiant and best esteemed among them: being therefore assembled at that time, he was first of all requested to speak his opinion. For which cause he asked Chaereas, what the watchword was he had received that day (for all the city knew very well what mockery Caius usually used in giving Chaereas the watchword) Chaereas notwithstanding this disgrace, failed not to answer him relying on the wisdom of Minucianus, and said unto him. But give you me for the watchword Liberty; mean while I give you thanks for that you have awakened me more speedily then of myself I have accustomed to be. You need not now any further enforce yourself to incite me by your words, since both you and I have undertaken the same resolution. Before we were assembled in this place, our thoughts were united. Behold here my sword, that is girt unto my side; this shall suffice for us both. And if you please, you shall be my captain, and I will march under your command, and will follow you under assurance of your assistance, and wisdom. They, who have valiant hearts, never want arms: for it is a confident courage that makes the weapon walk. That which enkindleth me thus to this action, is not the consideration of my particular interest: For I have not the leisure to think on those dangers that threaten me thorough the grief that I conceive, to see the liberty of my country changed into servitude: and the force of the laws wholly abolished, and all sorts of men assigned to death by the cruelty of Caius. It is I that deserve to be trusted in this execution, and I make you my judge, since you have the like intention, as I have. Minucianus perceiving with what affection Chaereas spoke, embraced him with all love, and after he had praised him, he exhorted him to continue his constancy: then departed they the one from the other, with prayers and wishes, and at that time there happened a presage that confirmed them the more. For as Chaereas entered into the Senate, some one among the people cast out a word, that redoubled his courage: Dispatch (said he) that which thou hast to do: for God will assist thee. Chaereas was somewhat afraid, lest Chaereas with certain others intent to kill Caius. some one of his associates had betrayed him. But at last he thought that it was some one of those, who being privy to his resolution, gave him a watchword to animate him the more; or that it was God, who governing and observing human affairs, pushed him forward. After he had imparted this his deliberation to divers, sundry Senators, Knights, and men of war, being advertised hereof, were in arms. For there was not any one that supposed not that Caius death was the greatest good hap the common weal could expect. For which cause all of them enforced themselves, as much as was to them possible, to assist that execution with courageous and virtuous resolution: and as forward were they in affection as in power; in words as in effect; desiring each of them to be partakers in the dispatch of a tyrant. For Calisthus also, who was Caius freeman, and Calisthus Caius freeman certifieth Claudius that Caius commanded him to poison him. raised by him to great authority; yea such as he almost equalled him, adjoined himself unto them for the fear he apprehended of all men, and for those great riches, which he had gathered together, for that he was a man of a corrupt conscience, and easily won by bribes and presents, doing wrong unto all men, and abusing the power that he had against whomsoever he pleased, contrary to all right and reason. Besides, for that he knew the unbridled nature of Caius, who having The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birt●… 43. once conceived an ill opinion of any man, could never afterwards be dissuaded or reconciled. Amongst divers other dangers that he had to apprehend, the greatness of the danger of his riches was not the least, which was the cause that made him serve Claudius, and secretly to follow him under hope, that after Caius death, he should be his successor in the Empire, and that at that time he should by him be maintained in the same estate, which he enjoyed: and by this means thought he to obtain his amity and good liking, by giving him to understand how Caius had commanded him to poison him, and how he had invented infinite delays to defer this execution. As for mine own part, I think that Calisthus forged this matter. For if Caius had pretended to kill Claudius, he had not been dissuaded by Calisthus' allegations, who had incontinently received his reward, if he had deferred to execute his Master's command, with all expedition in a matter so acceptable to him. So it is, that the providence of God would not permit Caius to execute that rage against Claudius, and Calisthus was thereby thanked for a benefit which he no ways deserved. Those that were about Chaereas day by day, followed the action very slowly, notwithstanding that he willingly delayed not, but thought all occasions fit to finish his purpose in, for that he Chaereas expe●…h the occasion to assail Caius. might assail him at such time as he ascended up into the Capitol, or even then when he solemnised those ceremonies, which he had instituted in honour of his daughter, or at such time as he stood in the palace to scatter gold, and silver money among the people, by casting him from the top of the palace into the market place, or at such time as he celebrated those mysteries, that were introduced by him. For no man suspected Chaereas, so discreetly had he behaved himself in all things: and he persuaded himself that no man would have thought, that he should lay violent hands on Caius. And although he had done nothing to any effect; yet so it is, that the power of the gods was sufficient to give him force, and to kill him without drawing weapon. Chaereas was sore displeased against his companions, in respect that he feared that they would let slip their occasions; and although they perfectly knew that he travailed for the maintenance of the laws, and for the good of them all: yet did they request him to delay a little, for fear least in the execution he should in some sort miscarry, and for that cause the city might be brought in trouble, by the informations that would be made of that act; and that finally when Caius should be so much the better defenced against them, they should not know how to show their virtue, when the time required that they should assault and set upon him. They therefore thought it good that the opportunity to set forward this business, should be the time in which the games of the palace were celebrated, which were solemnised in honour of Caesar, who first of all disannulled the people's authority, and appropriated it to himself. This solemnity is celebrated in a tent before the palace, where the noble Citizens with their wives and children remained to behold the sport, and Caesar himself likewise. At that time concluded they that it would be an easy matter for them, when as so many thousands of people should be shut up in so narrow a place; so that The final conclusion of the confederates as touching Caius death? he, who would step foremost to give the stroke, might very easily be succoured; for that he could have no force in arms, although his guard should have the courage and desire to defend him. Chaereas resolved upon this, and it was concluded that the first day of those sports that were next at hand, the deed should be done: but their adventure was greater than their conclusion. For the delay was such as the third day was almost past, & hardly could they be drawn to attempt the matter on the third day. At which time Chaereas assembled all the confederates, & told them that the opportunity of time that overslipped them, accused and reproached them of slackness in that execution, which had been so virtuously resolved amongst them: and that it was to be feared, lest if any thing should be discovered, the whole matter should wax frustrate: by which means Caius might grow more cruel than he was before. See we not (said he) that by how much liberty we take from ourselves, by so much we augment Caius tyranny: whereas we ought first of all to obtain security for ourselves, and afterwards purchase perpetual felicity to others, the greatest glory whereof shall redound unto ourselves. Now they having nothing to reply against so honourable a resolution, and yet notwithstanding no ways enforcing themselves towards the action, but remaining altogether dismayed without one word speaking, Chaereas spoke thus: Most noble and generous Gentlemen, what is the cause that we linger and delay in this sort? see you not that this day is the last day of the games, and that Caius is ready to depart to sea? For he hath determined to sail into Alexandria, and to see Egypt: verily it will be a small honour for us, if we suffer him to escape our hands, to the end that both by land and sea, he may triumph over the Romans vain boast and negligence. How can we choose but condemn ourselves justly, The year of the world. 4005. after Chris●…s Nativity. 43. and challenge nothing but dishonour, if some Egyptian supposing that men of free condition could not any longer endure his insolence, should put the matter in execution? For mine own part, I will dream no longer upon your consultations, but this very day will I hazard myself, and betide me what can, I will sustain all fortunes with pleasure and courage. For I am a man of that mind; that no danger can be so great or grievous to daunt me; then that Caius should be slain during my life time, and I should be deprived of so deserved an honour, which so worthy an attempt may challenge. This said, he departed with an intent to attempt and end the matter, and encouraged the rest to do the like; so that all of them were desirous to set hand to the enterprise, without any further delay. The custom was, that the captains of the guard entered the palace with their swords by their sides, and in such equipage they asked the Emperor the watchword. At that time it fortuned that it was Chaereas turn to fet the word; when as a great number of people flocked to the palace, to take up their places to behold the games with great press and noise; wherein Caius was greatly delighted: for there was no distinction of place either for Senators or Knights, but each one sat together confusedly, men and women, slaves and freemen. Caius arriving there first had offered sacrifice in honour of Caesar Augustus, in dignifying whom likewise those sports were solemnised. It came to pass that whilst those beasts were emboweled, that were appointed for sacrifice, Asprenas gown, who at that time was a Senator, was besprinkled with blood: whereat Caius began to laugh; yet notwithstanding this was a presage for Asprenas. For he was slain that very day that Caius was. It is reported that Caius at that time, Caius sacrificeth to Augustus Caesar. Asprenas, contrary to his own nature behaved himself most affably towards all men, so that all the assistants were astonished to behold the courtesy that he used. After the sacrifice was done, he sat him down to behold the pastimes, and had about him the most noble of his friends & familiars. Now was there every year a Theatre builded, according to this form and fashion that ensueth: It had two gates, the one towards the open yard; the other opening upon the porch, by which the actors had their egress and regress, without disturbance of those who sat to behold the pastime. The Theatre. There was within the same a certain several room, separated from the rest, where the players & musicians kept. When the people were seated, and Chaereas with the captains were near about Caesar, who sat on the right side of the Theatre: Batibius one of the Senators, a man very expert in feats of arms, asked Clwitus privily in his ear, who sat by him & had in like sort been Consul, whether he had heard any news? who answering him, that he had heard nothing; on this day (said Batibius. Clwitus. Batibius) shall the tragedy be played of a tyrant's death. Clwitus made him this reply in Homer's words. Whist, lest some Greek should listen to our talk. Now whilst some one darted certain apples and rare and precious birds at the people, Caius took great pleasure to behold how they strove one with another round about him, buffeting one another to see who should get the same: but at that present there chanced two presages: for the sport that was represented was of a judge, who was apprehended & crucified, and in the dance they represented Cynera, who was slain with Myrrha her daughter: and there was a great quantity of blood gathered to counterfeit both the murder of the judge that was crucified, as also of Cynera. It is affirmed likewise, that the day was the very same, whereon Philip the son of Amyntas king of Macedon, had been slain by Pausanias one of his familiars, at such time as he entered a Theatre. Whilst Caius was incertain with himself whether he should remain until the sports were finished; for that it was the last day of them, or rather should resort to the bath, and after he had taken his refection return back again thither, as he had done before time; Minucianus sitting next unto him, fearing lest the occasion should be overslipped, arose for that he had seen Chaereas depart out of doors, with an intent to go and encourage him. But Caius catched him by the gown, saying, whither go you my friend? at which time for the reverence sake that he bore unto Caesar, he sat him down again, but the fear that he had grew so forcible, that he arose again; so that Caius could not detain him, supposing that he departed thence to dispatch some important business. At that time did Asprenas counsel Caesar to repair to the bath, telling him that after his refection he might return thither again; all which he did, being desirous that the resolution might take effect. They that were with Chaereas were already disposed to take advantage of the time, and were agreed each of them to stand prepared and in a readiness; in a place appointed, to the intent to act the tragedy: and the delay was very grievous unto them; for that it was already three a clock after noon. So that Chaereas seeing that Caius lingered so long, intended to go in unto him and assail him in his seat: but he conceived that he could not bring that to passe-without great loss and murder of Senators, and Knights that were there present. Now although he had this apprehension; yet addressed he himself to the execution thereof, supposing The year of the world. 400●…. after Christ's birth 43. that the loss that might happen by the death of some one, would be well recompensed by the security and liberty, that would redound unto all men. When as therefore they were in a readiness to enter the Theatre; news was brought them that Caius was risen to come forth, by means whereof there arose some noise. For which cause the confederates returned back into the Theatre, and appeased the people, telling them that they displeased and annoyed the Emperor: but the effect was, to draw him aside from all those, who might yield him any assistance; and so to set upon him. Before Caius marched Claudius his uncle and M. Minutianus his sister's husband, and Valerius, who at that time was Proconsul, who might not any ways be drawn from their place, although they had the will, by reason of the place and dignity which they held. Caius followed after them, accompanied with Paulus Aruntius. Now when he was entered into the palace, he left the ready way where his officers were, and Claudius with his associates held: he turned aside by an unfrequented way to the baths, upon purpose to see certain young boys, who were come out of Asia, and were sent him out of that country; partly to sing in those ceremonies that were instituted by him, and partly to dance in arms about the Theatre; and in that place Chaereas came and encountered him, ask him the watchword: which Caius gave him very reproachfully according to his custom. For which cause without any further delay, Chaereas assailing him both in word and act; drew his sword and gave him a great wound, which Caius slain. notwithstanding was not mortal: some say that Chaereas purposely wounded him after that sort, because he would not kill him at once, but to his further torment increase the number of his wounds: but I cannot believe the same, for that in such executions a man hath no leisure to determine how to strike. And if Chaereas had such an intention, I account him the veriest fool that might be, for that he rather took his pleasure to content his despite, then readily to deliver both himself and others, who by his delay in being of his confederacy might be drawn into hazard. For if Caius had not been suddenly slain, he could not have wanted means of rescous, and it should seem that Chaereas had not pretended to do so much mischief to Caius, as to himself and his fellow confederates. And being in this incertainty, whether his enterprise should have fallen out happily or no, he had without reason both undone himself & lost the occasion: whereas having happily hit home, he might without a word speaking, warrantise himself against those, who would offend him. But let each man think what best pleaseth him. Caius feeling the grief of the wound (for he was strooken betwixt the shoulder and the neck, and his sword could not pierce further, by reason that it hit upon the first bone of the breast) he cried not in any sort, neither called for any of his friends, whether it were that he disinherited them all, or that he had some other thought, and in lamenting himself he passed onward. But he was met by Cornelius Sabinus, who was already prepared to encounter him, who thrust him down upon his knees: whereupon all of them environed him round about, and with, mutual exhortations encouraged one another to do their uttermost in murdering him. At length in all men's opinion they agreed on this, that it was Aquila that gave him the Aquila gave Caius his death's wound, but Chaereas was the author and chief actor of the tragedy. deadly wound, that severed his soul from his body. But this act ought to be attributed to Chaereas. For although divers set to their hands in the action; yet was he the first, who had bethought him of the action, having long time before any of them premeditated the same, after what sort it should be attempted: and he also was the first that durst boldly impatt it unto others, and who after they had allowed of his resolution assembled them: and when as every one was to speak his opinion, he concluded the same very discreetly, and had always done far more than the rest; so that by his earnest and honourable persuasions, he encouraged those that were fainthearted, since at such time as the opportunity presented itself to set hand to the execution, he was the first that attempted it, and who valiantly struck and made an easy way for the rest, who found Caius calm enough, in that he was a man almost thoroughly slain. For which cause it is necessary, that all that which others have done should be ascribed to Chaereas advice, virtue, and diligence. Thus died Caius, being slaughtered with many mortal wounds: now when Chaereas and his companions had dispatched him; they perceived well that it would be impossible for them to save themselves, if so be they should return by the way that they came; so much were they ravished with that which they had done. For they drew themselves into no small danger, by murdering an Emperor, who was cherished and beloved thorough the folly of the common people, and whose death the men of war would not leave unpunished. Now in that the ways were narrow where the murder was done, and they themselves also were hindered by reason of the great number of people, and officers and soldiers that gave their attendance that day in guarding The year of the 〈◊〉. 4005. after Chr●…ts Nati●…tie, 43. Chaereas with his confederates re●…reth into Germanicu●… house. The Germane Caesar's guard. the Emperor, they took another way and retired themselves into Germanicus lodging, who was Caius father, whom they had lately slaughtered. This house adjoined upon the palace. For although the palace was but one, yet consisted it of divers lodgings which were builded by several Emperors, whose names, whether they had begun or finished the works, were imposed on the same buildings. When as therefore they were escaped from the press, they were in safety as long as the inconvenient that had befallen the Emperor was as yet hidden. The first report of his death came to the Germans who were of his guard, being a company chosen out of that nation named the Celtique band, for the preservation of the emperors person. These men are very prone unto wrath, and amongst all other Barbarians, it is a rare thing in them to examine the causes of their execution: otherwise they are men strong in body, and who in the wars always give the first onset, yielding great advantage to those on whose side they fight. They having notice of Caius murder, were vehemently aggrieved thereat, for that it is their manner to censure all things, not according to right, but as they are answerable to their own profits: Caius in especial was dearly beloved by them, in that he had obtained their favour by bestowing much money upon them. Their captain was one called Sabinus, who was not advanced to Sabinus with his German soldiers seeketh for those that slew Caius. Asprenas cut in pieces. that estate either for his virtue, or the nobility of his ancestors (for he was but a fencer) but for his mighty strength and huge body. They therefore ran about with their naked swords, searching for Caesar's murderers from house to house, and meeting with Asprenas at first, whose gown (as we have said) was bebloudied with the blood of the slaughtered sacrifice, which was a presage that aboaded him but little good fortune, they hewed him in pieces. The second was Norbanus (who for his nobility and ancestors might derive his titles from the noblest Citizens, amongst whom were divers generals of armies) who seeing they made no reckoning of his dignity, Norbanus. and being of himself endowed with great force and strength, he took a sword from one of them which first assailed him; with whom he grappled, and made them know that he intended that they should buy his blood very dearly: and in deed so had he done, but that being environed by divers, who assailed him at once, he was beaten down, and slaughtered with many deadly wounds. The third was Anteius, one of the number of the Senators, who with some others Anteius. met not with these men by chance, as the two other had done, but to show the hatred that he bore unto Caius, and the pleasure that he took to see him lie dead, was come out of his house, being egged on with envy to feed his eyes with that spectacle. For Caius had banished Anteius father, whose name likewise was Anteius, and not content therewith he had sent his soldiers to kill him. He therefore with great pleasure beheld the slaughtered carcase of this tyrant: but hearing the uproar that was raised in every part of the house, he thought good to hide himself; yet might he not avoid the narrow search of the Germans, who were so displeased, that they slew all those whom they met with, whether they were guilty or guiltless of the fact. Thus were these three made away. But after the rumour of Caius death was heard in the Theatre, every one was amazed, and could scarcely believe it. For although divers of them were very glad, that he was taken out of What sort of people they were that lamented Caius death. the world, persuading themselves that it would highly profit them; yet did their fear hinder their belief. On the other side, there were some, who desiring not that any such mishap should befall Caesar, and conceiving in their thoughts, that it was impossible to be done, for that there was no man so hardy, as to enterprise the same; they supposed the report to be utterly untrue. Of this mind were certain women and children, slaves and soldiers. These by reason they received wages at his hand, and tyrannised with him being his ministers in all those outrages that he offered to many good Citizens, in partaking the booty and other advantages that Caius drew unto him. As for the women and children, they were of that opinion, by reason that such kind of people take delight in plays, justs, donations of flesh and other such pastimes, which Caius in word pretended to do to gratify the common people, but in effect it was to have means to satisfy his rage and cruelty. He was also gracious among the servants & slaves, for that by him they had the liberty to accuse and contemn their Masters, and were therein countenanced by Caius. For when they falsely accused their Masters, they were easily believed: and when they discovered their Master's treasures, in recompense of their discovery they were not only made free by him, but also sent home with rich and ample rewards. For the reward that was assigned them, was the eight part of those goods that were confiscated. As for certain of the nobility, although the matter seemed true to some of them, for that before time they were privy to that which the rest intended, and notwithstanding they desired that the enterprise should be effected: yet kept they all things close, and gave no sign of joy, nor made any show that they heard The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. divers ●…umors of Caesar's death. that which was reported. For some of them feared lest if they should be frustrated of their hope, they should bring themselves in danger of punishment, for that they had discovered their intent sooner than they should have done. They likewise, who knew the enterprise and were confederates with the actors; yet did they more closely conceal it the one from the other, fearing lest if they should discover the matter to any one of those, who drew any commodity from Caius tyranny, they might bewray them: whereby if Caius should be yet alive, they might incur the danger of punishment. For the voice was, that he had been wounded in certain places; yet that he was not slain; but as yet alive; and among his physicians hands, who dresied his wounds. No man therefore durst liberally discover the secrets of his heart to his neighbour: for they that spread those reports were either friends (and for that cause were suspected as favourers of his tyranny) or enemies, and by that means in that they were but sinisterly affected towards Caius, there was no certainty to be gathered of that which they said. There arose also another report, which abashed and beat down the hearts and hopes of the nobility, namely that Caius setting light by the danger wherein he was; and as little also by the wounds he had received, was come into the market place all bloody as he was, and after that manner declaimed before the people. See here how they that spread these rumours, preferred their conjectures, which were void of all reason, which distracted those uncertainly that heard the same, according as they were affectioned. This notwithstanding no man removed from his place, for fear lest they should be suddenly accused, knowing well that they should be censured, not according to their thoughts and affections, but according to the disposition of their judges and accusers. But after that the troop of Germans had environed the Theatre with their naked swords, all The german soldiers resort to the Theatre. the assistance expected nothing but death; and as soon as any man entered, they were seized with such an amazement, as if they had already felt the strokes; so that they knew not what to do, having no heart to depart from thence: and otherwise persuading themselves, that if they stayed there any longer, it would breed them further danger. Finally, when the soldiers were entered into the Theatre by force, all the whole assembly cried out, and besought them, protesting that whatsoever was done it was beside their knowledge, whether it were either attempted by conspiracy, or any other means. They therefore most humbly entreated them, that they would spare them, and not inflict the pevaltie of the guilty on those that were innocent: for their own parts, they besought them to search out those, who had committed the act, if any such thing were committed. And thus spoke they with tears; beating their breasts, and calling the gods to witness, alleging all that which the present danger suggested them with, and as much as such as pleaded for their lives could proffer. By these persuasions of theirs the soldiers fury was abated; so that they began to repent themselves of that which they had executed in the Theatre: for this also was a cruelty, as they themselves, notwithstanding their barbarous incivility, supposed it to be; which was, that the heads of Asprenas and other that were slain, were carried and set upon an altar. Whereat all the assistants were most grievously discontented, remembering themselves of the dignity of the men; and having compassion of that which had befallen them; considering also that they themselves were not far off from dangers, being uncertain whether they should save themselves: whereby it came to pass, that some of those, who had for good cause hated Caius, durst not freely rejoice at his death, because they were upon the point to lose their own lives, having as yet no appearance of any safety. At length Aruntius, a man who was gracious among the people, and was one of the common criers, who had a strong voice, and by crying such goods as were to be sold, had gathered so great substance, as that he was accounted one of the richest men in Rome, and in great estimation Aruntius entereth the Theatre, and signifieth the emperors death. amongst all men in that behalf, entered the Theatre in a mourning habit, and after a lamentable manner: and although he inwardly hated Caius; yet for the fear he conceived lest he should lose his goods, and in consideration of the present danger, he dissembled his joy, wearing all those garments of mourning, and using no less lamentation than if he had bemoaned the death of his dearest friend. After this manner came he into the Theatre, publishing Caius death, to the intent that the people might not be ignorant of that which had happened: after this, he began to repress the rage of the Germans, and commanded their captains and tribunes to put up The Germain●… fury awakened by the death of Caius is pacified. their swords, certifying them of the emperors death, which act of his did manifestly save the lives of all those, who were assembled in the Theatre; and all them likewise, whom they could have met with. For if they had had but the least surmise, that Caius had as yet been alive, there was not any sort of cruelty which they had not committed. For they bore him so great love and affection, that to warrantize him from that mishap, they would have redeemed him with the loss The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's Nativity. 43. of their own lives. But as soon as they understood that he was dead, they repressed their furious rage, which egged them forward to revenge: knowing that it availed them nothing to discover their affections towards him, in that he could yield them no requital. Besides, the fear they had least that in pursuit of their tyrannous murders, the Senate should be incensed against them, if so be the government of the estate should be returned into their hands, made them contain themselves. Thus was the fury of these Germans appea●…ed for the death of Caius. Mean while Chaereas (who feared very much lest Minucianus should fall into the Germans hands, and in their fury be slaughtered by them) sought for him among the soldiers, inquiring Chaereas, Minutianus and Clement consult about Caesar's death. of every one whether they knew if he were slain or no. Whereupon Minutianus and Clement were brought unto him, who in his presence commended Chaereas exploit, and gave him thanks in the name of the whole Senate, who witnessed that it was to the general benefit and good of the common weal, and that the greatest persons were beholding to him, for that he had neither wanted good advice in his deliberation, nor courage to execute his resolution, alleging that the nature of tyranny was such, that being puffed up with a short pleasure of unjust and intolerable rule, it finally (as being hated by all good men) determined and ended in misery, as it manifestly appeared in that which had befallen Caius, who before any thing was either devised, practised or executed against him, was already hateful to all men, and had in such a sort violated all laws, that his greatest friends were resolved to take arms against him, who in appearance had deprived him of life, when both in truth and in effect it was he himself, who was the author of his own ruin. Hereupon all they arose who were in the Theatre, and raised great noise and trouble in seeking to save themselves. The occasion was, that a certain Physician called Artion, being called Artion a certain Physician dismisseth some. out to go and dress certain men that were wounded, making a show as if he went to go and prepare such things, as were necessary for those that were wounded, made those issue out with him who sat nearest unto him: but the truth was, that he did it to the end to draw them out of the present danger. Mean while the Senate assembled themselves in the palace, and the people flocked together to make enquiry after those, who had murdered Caius: the people with an entire and simple intent, the Senate only to use some forward proceeding. For Valerius Asiaticus, who had otherwhiles been Consul, came forth among the people, who were in an uproar, and suposing it a strange matter that no man knew who had slain the Emperor, whilst every one inquired who it was that had done the deed: O said he, would it had been I that had done it. But The Senate & people inquire after those that slew Caius. Valerius Asiaticus wisheth he had been the author. the Consuls published an edict, containing the accusations that were presented against Caius, commanding the people and soldiers, who were as yet in the Theatre, to retire themselves to their lodgings. And the people were put in great hope, that they should be eased of those taxations, wherewith before time they had been burdened, and the men of war were promised honours and dignities, if they would contain themselves in their accustomed order, and stir up no further trouble. For it was to be feared; lest if they had been further fleshed in slaughters, the City should have fallen into some great danger thorough rapines, and the spoils both of houses and temples. But by this time all the whole order of the Senate was assembled, especially those who were confederates in Caius murder, who seemed to gather courage, and to speak boldly as if the government of the estate had been fallen into their hands. CHAP. II. Claudius' took upon him the government of the Empire. Whilst the estate of the Empire was thus distracted, Claudius was suddenly fetch out of Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 2. The soldiers elect Claudius' Emperor. his house: For the soldiers assembling themselves together, and conferring among themselves what was requisite to be done, perceived that it was impossible, that so many and so weighty affairs of the common weal should be well disposed by a popular government; and that this change also would yield them little profit, if some of those who were in authority should happen to obtain the sovereign government. Furthermore, that it would be every way prejudicial unto them, if they had not a part of the governance, & a hand in the administration of the common weal. Whilst therefore the sovereign authority remained as yet undisposed, they thought meet to elect Claudius, who was Caius uncle, for their Emperor; who was a man of that reputation, that none of those, who had been assembled in the Senate, was more capable than he was, both in regard of the virtue of his ancestors, as also in respect of the doctrine wherewith he was endowed. Who likewise being by them exalted to the dignity of the Empire, would The year of th●… world. 4005. after the Na●…tie of Christ. 43. Cnaius Sentiu●… Saturninus declaimeth in the Senate. honour them, and with all answerable bounty acknowledge their good deserts. This conclusion of theirs was both admitted, and presently executed: so that Claudius was received and elected Emperor by the men of war. But Cnaius Sentius Saturninus having intell●…gence that Claudius was in this sort elected (who in appearance seemed virtuously to contradict, but in effect desired nothing more) presented himself before the Senate: and being neither amated nor amazed in any sort, he freely spoke his mind; and as it became his birth and nobility, he spoke unto the assembly after the manner that ensueth. You Lords of Rome, although it be an incredible matter, that the liberty which hath so long time been unexpected, should return and visit us; yet so it is, that we see the excellency thereof; although it be uncertain how long time the Gods will bestow it on us: which is such, that it may rejoice us for the present; what issue soever it may have hereafter. For to them that know what virtue is; it is no small felicity to live one hour in freedom of mind; and in a free country Liberty a pr●…cious thing governed by such l●…es, which in times past have made our commonweal to flourish. For mine own part; I cannot remember our ancient liberty, for that I was borne after the subversion thereof: But I infinitely desire to have the happy fruition of that which we enjoy at this present. And I think them also very happy; who are borne and brought up in virtuous studies. I likewise suppose that a second honour next to the immortal Gods is to be ascribed to them, by whose virtue at last though very late even in this our age, we have obtained the felicity to enjoy the same: which happiness would God with our inheritances we might bequeath to our posterity. For in regard of ourselves, this day sufficeth us both, as well all those that are young as they also who are old. For the aged shall forsake this life with more pleasure in that they have had the knowledge of that blessing, which is annexed to their liberty: and the younger shall be furnished with a royal example in admitting and knowing their virtues, by whom we enjoy this benefit of freedom. For in regard of the present time, there is not any thing that we ought more earnestly to affect, then to live virtuously. For only virtue is the thing that confirmeth men in their liberty. I cannot speak of the time past, but only by hearsay: but for that I have seen with mine eyes, and perceived by my observation, I know how great mischiefs tyrannies do ordinarily breed in a politic estate: for they utterly extinguish all virtue, and deprive freemen of all that perfect magnanimity that may be in them; and teach both to flatter and to fear, for that the commonweal is abandoned not to the wisdom of the laws, but to the fury of intemperate governors. For since julius Caesar bent his thoughts to overthrow the popular government in Rome, and violated that happy course of law, whereby our state was policied; the commonweal Liberty purchased by virtue. Tyramnies breed many mischiefs in commonweals. julius Caesar. hath been overthrown. For in subjecting the law to his good liking; and himself to his particular desires, there is not any kind of misery and mischief, that hath not overthrown our city; so that his successors have employed themselves to their uttermost, and with a certain emulation, to abolish the laws of our country, striving which of them might despoil our commonweal ofher noblest citizens: for that they have made their account, that their security consisted in communicating their secrets with such as were base and abject; abasing not only the haughty courages of those men, who were famous for their nobility and virtue, but also by slaughtering a great number of them by all sorts of punishment, and whilst each of them laboured to be absolute in their command, they enforced themselves to oppress the commonweal. But amongst all the rest, Caius, who this day hath lost the benefit of life, hath wrought greater mischiefs himself alone, than any other, by enforcing his brutish and beastly wrath not only against the common citizens, but also against his own parents and friends; demeaning himself alike towards all men, and manifesting his unjustice in that he pursued them with most injury, who were most innocent: and by this means grew hateful not only to men, but also to the immortal Gods. For it is not enough for tyrants to satisfy their concupiscence, to use all sorts of outrages, to ravish both men's wealth and their wives; but all their gain and glory is when they may utterly ruinate both their fortunes and families, who are their enemies. For all liberty is opposed against tyranny, and it is impossible (notwithstanding all the miseries that may be imagined or offered) that free men should accord with tyrants, how little time soever it be that they have exercised their tyranny. They also know too well with how many mischiefs they have entangled their subjects (although they have not the spirits to revenge themselves of those wrongs that are done unto them) and being well assured into what encumbrances they have drawn them, persuade themselves, that they have but one only means left them to warrantise themselves from suspicions; and to procure their own security, which is to put them to death, if they may possibly do it. Since therefore at this present you are delivered from so many mischiefs, The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. An exhortation to maintain liberty. and are no more subject, except to one another (which is a pledge of concord for the present, and of security in time to come, and glory unto him that hath redressed the estate) you shall deal very well and wisely in my opinion to provide for the commonweal, foreseeing very diligently all that which concerneth the good and profit thereof. It is free for any man to speak his opinion of that which displeaseth him, for that there is no superior to countermand their sayings, or that is exempt from reproof if he offend against the commonweal, or that may threaten with the authority of an Emperor for that shall be said. For what else in these latter times hath increased and furthered our overtopping tyranny, than their slothful fear, who durst in no sort oppose themselves against his lust? For being entangled by a certain kind of pleasure of a quiet life, and accustomed to live after the manner of slaves, and being afraid also to die virtuously, and desirous to live with shame, we are fallen into these scarce sufferable calamities, and into such mischiefs as have concerned us too nearly. First of all therefore you ought to honour those, who have slain the tyrant, by dignifying them with as ●…reat honours as may be imagined, and especially Chaereas. For he only hath been the man, who by the power of the Gods, and thorough his great wisdom and valour, hath given you your liberty. Neither ought you to forget him, but to heap honours on his head, yea especial favours, as to the man who first of all Chaereas to be honoured for his noble attempt. consulted, and first of all hazarded himself against a tyrant for your liberty. It is an honest and well beseeming action in men of free hearts to restore and repay condign kindness for the benefits that they have received: such is this man in your behalf not like to Brutus and Cassius, who murdered Caesar; for they were the originals of seditions and civil wars in this city: and this man by the death of a tyrant hath not only at once delivered you of him, but also hath cut off all those mischiefs that arose by him. Thus spoke Sentius, and his advice was entertained with great applause, not only by the Senators, but the knights also that were there present. Whereupon a certain Senator called Trebellius Maximus arose, and stepping to him pulled off the ring which Sentius had on his finger, wherein was inchased a stone with Caius picture in it, which Sentius had forgot to pull off: so intent was he about that which he both said & did: and by this means the engraved Image was broken. Now for that it was late, Chaereas demanded the watchword at the Consul's hands, who gave him the word Liberty. Thus all of them were astonished at this change, and could scarcely believe that which had happened. For since that time that the popular government had been abolished, Chaereas requireth a watchword at the Consul's ●…ands. the Consuls had never given the watchword until that present time. For before the city was oppressed by tyranny, the Consuls commanded the men of war. After that Chaereas had received the word, he gave it to his soldiers, who subscribed to the Senate's authority: of these there were about four companies, which preferred the lawful government before a tyranny, who also retired themselves to their chieftains. As for their parts, the people returned to their several houses, full of joy, hope and courage, for that they had regained the government of the state, which belonged unto them, and not to any particular governor. In a word, Chaereas was their only hope: He foreseeing that there would some mischief follow, if Caius wife and daughter should remain alive, and that if all his friends and family should not be utterly extinguished, all those, who should be spared, would serve to no other end, but to the ruin of the commonweal and the laws: and on the other side, desiring to see a final end of that which he had begun, and to satisfy that hatred he had conceived against Caius, he sent juius Lupus one of the captains of the guard, to kill both his wife and daughter, which he did: And the cause why he gave this charge chiefly to Lupus, was, for that Lupus was Clement's kinsman, who was a confederate in the execution of Caius, to the end that partaking after this Chaereas sendeth julius Lupus to kill Caius wife and daughter. manner the death of the tyrant, he might be known to have dealt as forwardly for the commonweal, as if from the beginning he had been a counsellor and agent in the conspiracy. Notwithstanding there were some of his companions of that opinion, that it should be but cruelty to deal with a woman in that sort, for that Caius had offended thorough the corruption of his own nature, and not by the counsel of his wife; and that all those evils which he committed in the commonweal, by desolating the flower thereof, was his own offence, not hers. There were others that accused her to be the cause of all that which Caius had committed, alleging that she had given him an amorous drink, by which he was tied and entangled in such sort unto her, and so led and transported by her love, that she governed all that which concerned the estate of Rome, and the world subject to Rome; but her defenders prevailed nothing. For finally it was resolved, that she should lose her life. To finish this Tragedy, Lupus was dispatched, who lost no time in the accomplishment of The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. their intent, who had sent him for fear he had to be blamed, and accounted but coldly affectionate towards the good of the common weal. As soon as therefore he came into the palace, he found Caesonia Caius widow lying fast by the body of her slaughtered husband, destitute of all that which the law gratifieth those that are dead with, altogether bloody and greatly afflicted, having Caesonia accuseth Caius for that he would not give credit ●…o her counsail●…. her daughter fast couched by her. Being in this estate, she was heard to utter no other words, but that she blamed Caius, for that he had not given credit to that counsel which she had given him so often: which words of hers were by certain of them interpreted two ways: For some of them thought that she meant, that she had counseled her husband to give over his cruelty, and murders which he exercised against his Citizens; and that in his government he should use a tempered measure with virtue, for fear lest his subjects misliking of his manners should seek his destruction. Others took it as if she had encouraged Caius to set upon the conspirators and kill them, without any delay; yea before they had committed any offence, and by that means provide for his security. They therefore said, that Caesonia blamed Caius for that he had behaved himself too carelessly, in that wherein she had counseled him. Such were the words Caesonia spoke, and such was the exposition, as divers men interpreted the same. She seeing Lupus coming, showed him Caius body, and besought him with tears and complaints to come no nearer. But perceiving that he continued in his resolution, and made no account of her words, but did that for which he came, after that she knew the cause of his arrival, she offered her naked throat unto him, with a great courage, using such supplications as they ordinarily do, who despair of their lives. For she willed him to defer no longer, to finish that Tragedy which his companions had begun, and died in this sort courageously, by the hand of Lupus: and after her was her daughter slain, which was very young. This did Lupus certify Chaereas of with all expedition. This was Caius end after he had lived 4. years, wanting 4. months. Before such time Caius a wicked man. as he obtained the Empire, he was an intemperate and wicked man, addicted to his pleasure, a favourer of talebearers, exceedingly fearful, and for that cause, when he got the upper hand of any man, he was ready to kill him. He esteemed this the only fruit of his power, when he abused the same against innocents; and gathered or heaped up great spoils and booties by wicked and unjust murders, rapines and oppressions; lifting himself above all human authority, and affecting to be esteemed as a God, suffering himself to be transported by the people's praises. Furthermore, all that which the law condemned and punished, as a thing most detestable, that made he Caius given over to lust. use of to punish virtue with. He never remembered any friendship that had been done him, how great soever it either was or had been, at such time as he was in his choler, and was apt to inflict punishments in his rage on just and upright men. All that which was answerable to virtue, was odious in his eyes: In all things that him listed he had so violent appetites, that it was impossible to contradict him; so that he was not ashamed to use the unlawful company of his own sister: whereby it came to pass, that the Citizens of Rome began to hate him extremely; for that the like matter had not been seen nor heard of: of a long time men could not believe the same, yet notwithstanding they sufficiently expressed the hatred they bore against the fact he had committed. It cannot be said of him, that he builded any work beseeming his royal magnificence worthy the mentioning, or profitable either to the present or future world, except some ports that he made near to Rhegium and Sicilia for harbour of such ships as came and went into Egypt for corn, which doubtless is a goodly and mighty work, and very profitable for such as Caius builded a haven. travel by sea. True it is that it was not brought to perfection, but only half finished, because the workmen travailed leisurely. But the chief cause thereof was, that he spent his study in unprofitable matters, and loved rather to consume his substance to feed his own private lusts wherein he took great delight, then to erect and build any goodly or famous work, which might have redounded to the profit of the common weal. Otherwise he was a man well spoken, and very expert in the Greek and vulgar Roman tongues, apprehending presently that which others Caius an excellent Orator said: and although they had spent long time in discovering their minds; yet answered he them upon the instant, and in affairs of consequence he had such a moving persuasion and power, as no man could exceed him, both in regard of his quick spirit and easy apprehension, as of the exercise and pain he had taken. For being Tiberius' brother's son, whole successor also he was, he was enforced to be studious, seeing that Tiberius, who was of the same veers, was in like manner excellently learned. Caius therefore enforced himself to imitate the Emperor Tiberius, whose near kinsman he was, & surpassed all those that were in Rome at that time; yet notwithstanding all these great advantages, which his good instruction had bred in him, could not hinder the misfortune that befell him, by the abuse of his authority. So rare a thing it is to see them, The year of the world, 4005. after Christ's nativity, 43. who have liberty to do what they list without punishment, to govern themselves with modesty. In the beginning he took delight in the friendship of very honest men, to get credit and reputation, thinking to outstrip the most excellent; but after he was given over to licentiousness, the affection that he bore them was changed; and in steed thereof he grew in hatred of them from day to day; whereby they were enforced to conspire against him, and seek his ruin. Now as I have heretofore declared, Claudius understanding of that which had befallen Caius his Nephew, and seeing all his house wholly troubled, for this occasion was in such distrust, that he Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 3. knew not what to do to save himself: but went and hid himself in a certain corner, where he was surprised, having no other cause to apprehend his danger, except his nobility. For during the time that he lived a private man, he behaved himself modestly, kindly, and favourably unto all men, being well seen in the sciences, and principally in the Greek tongue, shunning as much as in him lay all tumult and train that might breed trouble. When as therefore the people at that time were wholly amazed at the trouble, and the palace was replenished with soldierlike fury and fear, and nothing reigned more in general than confusion and disorder, the soldiers of the guard, who were the most experienced and hardy amongst the men of war, consulted amongst themselves what course they were to take. Neither were they much discontented with Caius death, in that they supposed that upon just occasion, he was done to death: for which cause they rather bethought themselves on that which concerned their estates, and how they might assure themselves in those dangers, seeing the Germans were wholly bend against those, who had slaughtered Caius; rather incited thereunto of their own cruel natures, then of any good affection they had towards the welfare of the common weal. All which things troubled Claudi●…s and put him in fear of his life, the rather for that he saw Asprenas head and the rest of the nobility that were massacred, carried about to be seen: for this cause he kept himself in a certain place, which was only accessible by certain steps or stairs, and hid himself therein, because it was obscure. In that place one of the soldiers of the palace, called Gratus, being unable to discern who he was in regard of the obscurity of the place, and supposing him to be some one that desired to be concealed, he drew near unto him, to the intent he might the better know him: And when as Claudius besought him that he would depart and leave him, he passed the more onwards, and laying hold of him and drawing him into the light, knew him; crying out to those that followed him: This is Germanicus, let us take hold of him, and create him Emperor. Claudius' perceiving that he was ready to be attached, and fearing lest they should put him to death in the like manner as they had done Caius, besought them that they would pardon him, protesting unto them his innocency, and how he had in no sort been either accessary or agent in that which had been done. Whereupon Gratus beginning to smile, took him by the hand saying, that he had no cause in that sort to suspect his life. For (said he) it behoveth thee to pull up thy spirits, and to bethink thee how to govern an Empire, of which the gods (who have the care of the whole world) have despoiled Caius, to reward thy virtue with. Arise therefore and take possession of the throne of thine ancestors. This said, he lifted him on his shoulders, for that Claudius could not walk on foot thorough the fear and joy that he had conceived of that which had been told him. Upon these speeches divers of the soldiers of the guard assembled about Gratus, and perceiving that it was Claudius, whom they supposed to be dragged to his death, they had compassion of him as on an innocent, for that they knew him to be a man of a mild nature, who all the time of his life intermeddled with nothing, and who in like sort had been often in great dangers during Caius life. There were others of them that said, that the judgement of his matter appertained to the Consuls: whereupon although a great number of soldiers flocked about him, and the simple people that were unarmed, fled from them; yet could not Claudius go onward in his way; so weak and feeble felt he himself in his whole body. It fortuned Claudius' against his will drawn unto the Empire. likewise, that they who carried his litter, perceiving this flight fled away for fear, and left him; so little hope had they that their Master should escape with his life, whom they saw thus to be drawn by the soldiers. Now when Gratus and his associates were arrived in the court of the palace, which (as it is reported) is the place which was first of all inhabited in Rome, they began to think upon that which was to be done: thither also there flocked a great number of other The cause that induced the army to make Claudius' Emperor. soldiers unto them, who took pleasure to behold Claudius, enforcing themselves to place him in the imperial dignity in regard of that good affection which they bore to Germanicus his brother, whose memory was much honoured among all those, who had at any time conversed with him. Moreover they ripped up how many avaricious acts the Senate had committed, and how great errors the chiefest Senators had defaulted in before the public government was changed. Moreover they considered upon the danger and difficulty of their actions then in hand, for that The year of the world. 4005. after the Na●…tie of Christ. 4●… the government being administered by one only man would be dangerous for them if he should obtain the same by any other means; whereas if Claudius should enjoy the same by their permission and good will, he would have them in remembrance who had favouted him, and would recompense them according to their merits. This was the effect of their discourse, which they held among themselves, or when they met with one an other. Finally, all of them atlength concluded upon this advice, and environed Claudius, and lifting him up upon their shoulders, they carried him into the army, to the intent that no man might hinder them to finish that which they Claudius' carried on men's shoulders into the army. Defference betwixt the citizens and Senators. intended. There fell a debate also betwixt the Senators and Citizens: For the Senate desirous to recover their former dignity, & enforcing themselves to avoid the servitude that had befallen them by the outrage of tyrants, intended the maintenance of their offered good fortune. chose the people envied them that dignity. And knowing that their Emperors should be as it were certain bridles, to restrain the avarice of the Senate, and the refuge of the people, they were very glad to see that Claudius was advanced, making their account that if he were created Emperor, they should avoid a civil war like unto that which happened in Pompeius' time. The Senate knowing that Claudius was carried into the army by the soldiers, chose out some The Senate persuade Claudius to resign the dignity o●…ered him. of their order, & now sent them as messengers in their behalf, to signify unto him that he ought to use no violence in obtaining the Empire, but rather to remit the charge of the common weal to the Senate. That he both was and should be one of the Senators, and have the conduct of the common weal, and dispose it according to law, persuading him to call unto his remembrance those grievous mischiefs, which the former tyrants had wrought in the common weal, and what dangers he himself also had suffered with them, during the reign of Caius their late Emperor. That it should ill become him, who had detested the fury of others tyranny at such time as they used outrages, should willingly be drawn to oppose himself against his country. That if he would obey them, & continue to express the virtue and constancy of his life, which in times past he led with commendation, he should obtain those honours which free Citizens could afford him, and in suffering himself to be governed by laws, to the end he might have part in the commandment, and to be commanded in his turn, he should obtain the praise of virtue. That if he would not be dissuaded by the slaughter of Caius, which was fresh in memory, for their own parts they would hinder his proceedings as much as in them lay. They also alleged, that they were furnished with men of war, with store of armour, and a great number of domestical servants, all which they would employ against him: but over and above these things, they had far greater helps, namely their hope, good fortune, and the gods, who are wont to fight for those who maintain virtue and goodness. They solemnly protested also for their own parts, that they were of that mind, that there was nothing more honest and just, then to fight for their liberty and country. The Ambassadors that brought this message, were Veranius and Broccus, who both of them were Tribunes of the people. They prostrating themselves on their knees before him, humbly besought him that he would not draw the common weal into civil war. And seeing that Claudius was enclosed with a great company of men of war, in respect of whom the Consuls were of no force, they besought him that it would please him to demand the government at the senates hands, and receive it fro●… them if he were resolved to be Emperor. For that it would be an act more holy, and coupled with justice and goodhap, if he should obtain the same with their good will, and not in des●…ight of those, who would vouchsafe it him willingly. CHAP. III. The Sedition that arose betwixt the Senate and the people. ALthough Claudius knew with what presumption the Senate had sent this Em●…assage: yet did he modestly entertain the same for the present. But supposing that it stood very Claudius denieth to give over the dignity that was offered him. Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 4. al. 3. little with his security to commit himself to their trust, and being encouraged by the exhortation of the soldiers, who promised him their utmost endeavour, and by the incitation of king Agrippa, he determined in no sort to let the sovereignty escape out of his hands, ●…n that it was so willingly and freely bestowed on him when he thought least on it. After that A●…rippa had performed all those duties unto Caius which were requisite for such a one as had been by him advanced to honour, and having taken his body and laid it in a litter, he brought him out before the soldiers of his guard, and certified them that Caius was yet alive, and fo●… that he found himself sick of those wounds which he had received, he sent to seek for Physicians. But afterwards The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. Claudius' confirmed in his resolutions by Agrippa. understanding that Claudius was taken by the men of war, he thrust so much that he got himself passage, and came unto him, whom he found altogether dismayed, and ready to surrender all things into the senates hands, and encouraged him and incited him to take upon him the government of the Empire which the men of war had offered him. Which done, he departed and was suddenly sent for by the Senate, whither he resorted altogether perfumed with odours, as if at that time he were returned from some banquet, and had known nothing of that which had happened. He therefore asked the Senators what was become of Claudius, who certified him of the truth; and besides that, required him to give them his opinion and counsel as touching the present affairs: his answer was; that he was ready to adventure his life in the behalf of the Senate; yet by the way he told them that they ought to have an especial regard of the commonweal, rather than all the pleasure they could pretend; and that they who would be Lords of an Empire had need of arms and men to maintain themselves, least being weak and unfurnished, they should be deceived in their expectations. The Senate replied, that they had great store of furniture, and that they would contribute money; that they had good store of men of war, to whom they would annex their slaves and give them liberty. But Agrippa replied, would God Agrippa telleth the Senate his opinion. grave fathers, that you were able to perform the matters you intent; yet will I not fear to discover that unto you, which concerneth you nearly. You know well that the army which is with Claudius, consisteth of such men, who have been long time trained up in feats of arms, and that those that are to fight on your side, are but men gathered together, and such as you couple them with are the very scum of your slaves, who are both intractable and untrained. We shall therefore enter fight against expert soldiers, and commit our fortunes to such men as scarcely know how to draw their swords; I rather think it meet that we send unto Claudius such men, as may persuade him to give over the Empire. And to perform this message, behold myself in a readiness to be commanded by you. To this effect spoke Agrippa; And hereunto the Senators accorded, and sent him to Claudius, appointing him certain others to accompany him. As Agrippa with some other is sent to Claudius. Claudius' answer to the Ambassadors. soon as he came to Claudius, he secretly discovered unto him in what perplexity the Senate was, and gave him instructions to answer & demean himself like an Emperor, & to show his dignity & power. Whereupon Claudius gave the Ambassadors this answer. That he wondered not that the Senate were so unwilling to be commanded by a sovereign, in regard of that cruelty which the forepast Emperors had used to their destruction. But for the present, they should taste of his mercy, & feel his moderate rule: and they should live under the government of such a one, who although in name he had the imperial authority; yet that in effect he would govern all things by their disposition. For which cause he wished them in no sort to distrust him, whom as they themselves could witness, they have seen and known to have dealt virtuously and justly in many affairs; although the state of times had been far different.; Those that were sent from the Senate hearing these words, returned back again. But Claudius The soldiers oaths taken. instantly assembled his men of war, and exacted an oath of fidelity from them, bestowing on every one of them who were of his guard in way of largesse, five thousand drachmas, amounting to some 25. pound a man of our sterling money. He presented their captains also with prelents answerable to their qualities, promising to perform no less bounty to all the rest of the men of war in what place soever they were. Hereupon the Consuls assembled the Senate in the temple of jupiter the victorious before day, and some of them hid themselves through the fear they had of that which should be spoken: othersome departed out of the city, and resorted to their country farms, foreseeing with themselves the issue of all these things, and perceiving that their hope of liberty was lost, they thought it far better for them to be exempt from danger, and to pass their life in repose, though it were with subjection, then to be altogether uncertain of their security and safety, by maintaining the dignity of the Senators: yet about some hundredth of them drew themselves together and no more, Now whilst they were consulting upon that which they were to do, they suddenly heard a shout of soldiers that were assembled round about them, requiring the Senate to choose them an Emperor, and not to suffer their state to be lost thorough a multitude of governors, and to this effect spoke they, lest the government should be given to divers and not unto one. This course of theirs gave but little content to the Senators, both in regard of the loss of that liberty which they expected, as thorough the good The soldiers require a Monarch at the senates bands. liking they had of Claudius; notwithstanding there were some that pretended some hope to be advanced both in respect of the nobility of their race, as in regard of their alliance that they had by marriage with the Caesars. For Marcus Minucianus a man of himself of noble descent, and who had married julia Caius sister, stood up to demand the so●… 〈◊〉 ●…ment: but the Consuls The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. Some affect the Empire. restrained him, alleging excuse upon excuse. Another 〈◊〉 also one of Caius tutors withdrew Valerius Asiaticus from thinking on those things: and there had happened as great a slaughter as might ever been heard of, had any of these had the liberty to desire the Empire, or oppose themselves against Claudius. For amongst other the fencers, who were of no small number, they of the watch and the sailors joined themselves together with the men of war. They therefore that pretended to demand the Empire gave over their suits partly in the city's behalf, partly for their own private security sake. About the day spring Chaereas and his companions went forth to debate the matter with the soldiers, but they seeing by the beckoning with their hands that they would draw them to silence, and were upon the instant to fall into discourse, made a great noise to cut them off from proceeding any further, for that all of them were earnestly affected to have an Emperor and Sovereign Lord, and required with all expedition that they might have one proclaimed and known. At that time the Senate were so distracted, both for the manner how they should command, as for the means they ought to use to cause themselves to be obeyed, considerng the soldiers set light by them; and those that were confederates in the death of Caius, suffered not the Senate to obey the soldiers. At length Chaereas being unable to conceal his passion wherewith he was surprised, & hearing that they asked for a monarch, promised that he would give them one, if they would bring him a token from Eutychus, who was the waggoner to the green band, whom Caius had loved extremely, in somuch as he employed his soldiers in servile labours, as to build him stables for his horses, & reproached them with divers such like matters, telling them that he would bring them Claudius head, showing them that it was a matter ill beseeming them, if after a mad man they should commend the Empire to a fool. Yet none of these words could divert them from their purpose, but all of them drew their swords, and with displayed ensigns marched towards Claudius to unite themselves with those, who had already bound themselves by an oath to serve him faithfully. So that the Senate was abandoned, & destitute of all defence; so as there was no difference betwixt private The souldier●… with displayed ensign●…s repair to Claudius. Sabinus rather chooseth death then to allow of Claudius. men & Consuls. All of them were astonished & confused, not knowing what to do, because they had thus provoked Claudius' displeasure against them. And now fell they to reviling one another, in testimony of the repentance they conceived for these their proceedings. Whereupon Sabinus one of those who had murdered Caius, arose & protested that he would sooner cut his own throat, than consent to the establishment of Claudius; or behold with his eyes the misery & thraldom of his country: he likewise encouraged Chaereas; telling him that he had deserved very little by cutting off of Caius, if he thought to live without the liberty of his country. To which he answered, that he made no account of his life; yet that he intended to sound Claudius' mind, and with this resolution they concluded. Mean while certain of the Senators sought on every side to break thorough the midst & thickest of the soldiers, to go and do reverence and homage to Claudius: amongst whom was Q. Pompeius one of the Consuls, whom the men of war accused to be one of the principal actors to incite the Senate to recover their liberty, and they drew their naked swords Q. Pompeiu●… the Consul with other●… resort to Claudiu●…. against him. And if Claudius had not restrained them, they had surely dispatched him, but he made him sit down by him, and by that means delivered him from the danger. The other Senators, who accompanied him, were not entertained thus honourably; but some of them were wounded even then when they pressed forth to salute Claudias. Aponius retired himself sore wounded, and the rest were in great danger to lose their lives. But King Agrippa drawing near unto Claudius, desired him to use as much lenity as was possible in him towards the Senators, for that if any mischief should betide them, he should have no other persons to command. Claudius is persuaded b●… Agrippa to use the senators more mildly. To the which counsel of his Claudius gave place, and assembled the Senate in the Palace, causing himself to be carried thorough the city in the company of his soldiers, who marched before him, doing much mischief to the common people. But amongst those that slew Caius, Chaereas & Sabinus were come out into the streets, notwithstanding they were forbidden by Pollio, whom not long before Claudius had made captain of his guard. And as soon as Claudius came into the palace, whither he assembled his friends, he pronounced sentence against Chaercas. For although his action was accounted both generous and noble; yet was he condemned for this, because he was perfidious: whereupon he was adjudged to die, to give example to others, to the end that Princes and Emperors may hereafter live in safety. He was therefore led to his death with Lupus, Those that murdered Caius are executed. and divers other Romans. It is said of Chaereas that he endured this accident with a great courage, which he expressed not only in that he changed not his countenance, but also by the reproaches which he gave Lupus who wept. For when as Lupus was putting off of his clothes, & complained of the cold that he felt, he taunted him thus, alluding to his name which was Lupus; The ye●…e of the world 4005. after Christ's Na●…itie. 43. That never any cold did harm to a wolf. Furthermore when he came to the place of execution, where a great number of people were gathered together to behold the spectacle; he asked the soldier that was appointed to behead him, if he were a cunning hea●…man, and whether he had a new sword, wishing him to use that wherewith he murdered Caius. His death was happy, for he received but one stroke; whereas Lupus was fainthearted, and received divers, because he stretched not out his neck freely. Some few days after at such time as the Romans solemnised their expiations, and that every one honoured the memory of his dead friend, they gave Chaereas a part of that honour, and cast his portion into the fire, saying, that was to deface and purge their ingratitude, whereof they were guilty towards him: Thus ended Chaereas his life: But for Sabinus, although Claudius had not only absolved him, but also suffered him to exercise his office, as before time he had done: yet thought he that he should do amiss and against justice, if he falsified his faith to his associates and confederates; for which cause he shortened his own Sabinus killeth himself. days, thrusting his sword thorough his body to the very hilts. CHAP. FOUR Claudius confirmeth Agrippa in his father's kingdom. INcontinently after this, Claudius cashiered all those of his soldiers whom he suspected, and published an edict, by which he confirmed the kingdom to Agrippa, that Caius Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 5. ●…l. 4. Claudius giveth Agrippa judaea, Samaria, and Lysanias country. had given him, accompanying his bounty with many praises; annexing moreover unto his government all that which Herode his grandfather had possessed, to wit, judaea and Samaria; which in that they were as one lawful inheritance appertained unto him. He gave him also out of his own dominions, Abela and all the country about the mount Libanus, that in times past appertained to Lysanias: And he caused the alliance that was passed betwixt them twain to be engraven and registered in an open place of the City of Rome. He took from Antiochus the kingdom Antiochus' king of Comagena. Alexander Lysimachus. Alabarcha. that he had, and gave him in exchange a portion of Cilicia and Comagena. He set Alexander Lysimachus Alabarcha at liberty, who had been his old friend, and sometimes governor in Arabia, and otherwhiles his mother Antonias steward, who had been committed prisoner thorough Caius displeasure, and married Bernice Agrippa's daughter, with his son Marcus: which after the death of Marcus, who died before he was espoused, was afterwards married with her father Agrippa's allowance to Herode his brother, for whom Agrippa begged of Claudius the kingdom of Chalcis. At that very time the jews that were in the City of Alexandria, mutined Herode Agrippa's brother created king of Chalcis. Sedirion in Alexandria betwixt the greeks and jews. Claudius' edict in favour of the jews in Alexandria. against the greeks. For after Caius death the nation of the jews, which had been oppressed during his reign, and injuriously dealt withal by the Alexandrines, recovered their former courage, and instantly fell to arms. For which cause Claudius gave commission to the governor of Egypt, to pacify and appease that uproar. He sent also his letters patents into Alexandria and Syria, at the request of the two kings Agrippa and Herode, to this effect. Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Father of the people, signifieth this that followeth. Understanding that the jews inhabitants in Alexandria, and for this cause called Alexandrines, have at all times enjoyed the selfsame privileges of the City, which the ancient and first Alexandrines have had. Which favours they have obtained by the largesse of those princes, that were our predecessors, as it hath been plainly made known unto us, as well by letters which have been written unto us, as by confirmed decrees: and that since Alexandria hath been annexed to our Empire by Caesar Augustus, their privileges have continued in force during the several successions of many of our governors, which rights of theirs have never been called in question no not in that time when Aquila was governor in Alexandria. Since in like sort Caesar Augustus hath not letted them, but when the chieftain of their nation was dead, they might establish other substitutes and governors in his place, willing that all of them should yield him obedience in observation of their laws and custom●…s, without constraint or impulsion to do any thing contrary to their religion: yet notwithstanding the Alexandrines have mutined against the jews, being in the City of Alexandria in the time of the Emperor Caius, by reason of the folly and frenzy of Caius, who disgraced and oppressed the nation of the jews, because they would not violate their religion, nor acknowledge the said Caius for a god. Our will and pleasure is, that no one of the privileges of the nation of the jews be abolished, by reason of Caius frenzy; but my mind is to maintain those which heretofore have been given them, to the end they may continue and live according to their ancient laws and customs: Commanding you and every one of you very carefully to provide, that after the publication of this our ordinance, they be in no sort The●… year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. troubled. This was the tenor of that ordinance which was made in favour of the jews in Alexandria. But that which was generally made in favour of those, who were dispersed thorough the whole world, was to this effect: Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, High priest, Father of the Claudius' edict in the behalf of the jews scattered thorough the whole empire. people, elected Consul the second time, signifieth that which ensueth. Our we beloved friends, the king's Agrippa and Herode, have required us that we will permit all those jews, that live under the Roman Empire, to use the same laws and privileges which they have used heretofore, as we have granted to the jews, that dwell in Alexandria. Which suit of theirs we have willingly granted, not only in favour of those that require the same, but also for that I think them worthy such a grace, for whom I have been entreated in regard of the fidelity and friendship they have always expressed towards the Romans. My pleasure therefore is, that no City either Grecian or otherwise, shall deny any privilege, from whence they shall be excluded, for that since the Emperor Augustus' time they have never been exempted from them. It standeth with reason therefore, that henceforth the jews, who live under our Empire of what place soever▪ they be, may observe their ancient customs, without any contradiction: Giving them to understand that hereafter they use our clemency so much the more moderately, without neglecting the religion of other nations, in retaining their own. And our will is, that this present ordinance be published by the Magistrates of Cities, Colonies and countries of Italy, and be sent unto kings and foreign princes, by fit ambassadors, within thirty days at the least, to the end that they should be in such sort set up, that they may be seen and read by all those that pass by. CHAP. V. Agrippa's return into judaea. BY these edicts of Claudius Caesar, which he sent both to Alexandria and other parts of the world, it plainly appeareth how well affected he was towards the nation of the jews. And presently after this, after he had dignified Agrippa with all kinds of honour, he sent Claudius sendeth Agrippa into his kingdom. him back into his kingdom to govern the same, commanding all his precedents and lieutenants in his provinces, thorough which he was to pass, to give him a friendly and honourable convoy. But he having wisely and happily dispatched his affairs, returned in all haste. As soon as he came to jerusalem, he offered his sacrifices of thanksgiving which he had vowed, without omitting any thing that was commanded by the law. He caused also divers Nazarites to be pould, and offered in gift that chain of gold that Caius had given him: which was of the same weight the iron chain was of wherewith his royal hands were manacled; in memory of the adversity he had past, and the testimony of the exchange thereof into better fortune: commanding that it should be hanged up in the temple, and over the chamber of the treasury, to testify unto those Agrippa hangeth up his golden chain over the treasury chamber in the temple. that should behold the same, that the highest estates are subject to alterations, and that God can raise men again from obscurity to happy fortune. For this chain that hanged in the temple being consecrated to God, manifestly expressed unto all men, that king Agrippa was upon a very small occasion despoiled of his former dignity, and made prisoner: and then a little while after, that he being delivered from his bonds, was raised and exalted to a famous kingdom. To signify thereby, that human affairs are of that nature; that that which is the greatest may be easily overthrown, and that which is declining may recover again his ancient honour and dignity. Simon the son of Boethus placed in Theophilus' room 〈◊〉 & ●…finus, cap. 6. Agrippa ●…eleaseth the tributes to those of jerusalem. Silas. The Dorite●… place Caesar's statue in the synagogue of the jews, and thereby vehemently offend both Agrippa and Petronius When as therefore Agrippa had duly and devoutly acknowledged Gods mercies, he deposed the high priest Theophilus the son of Ananus, and bestowed that honour on Simon surnamed Canthara the son of Boëthus. This Simon had two brothers, & Boëthus was their father, whose daughter had been married to king Herod, as heretofore it hath been spoken. Simon held the priesthood with his brethren and his father in such sort, as before time the three sons of Simon hie priest son of Onias had done, during the Empire of the Macedonians, as we have declared in our former books. After the king had given order for the priesthood, he thought good to recompense the good affection that they of jerusalem had borne unto him, for which cause he acquitted them of those tributes that every family paid, knowing well that it became him to show kindness unto them, who had been faithful and well affected towards him. He created Silas, who had been his companion in many dangers, general of all his army. Not long after certain young men that were Dorites under the colour of constancy in case of religion, who also had daily expressed in their actions an unbridled rashness, brought the image of Caesar into the temple of the jews, and erected it in that place; which insolence of theirs highly offended Agrippa, who construed it as The year of the world, 4005. after Christ's natiuit●…, 43. an act that tended to the abolition of the religion of their country: for which cause, with all expedition he repaired to Petronius, who was governor of Syria, and complained against these Dorites, who was no less displeased with the action than he himself. For he supposed that such breach of religion was the means to further impiety, and for that cause he wrote to those which had attempted this innovation somewhat sharply, to this effect following. CHAP. VI Petronius letter written to the Dorites, in the behalf of the jews. PVblius Petronius lieutenant to Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, to the Magistrates Alias, cap. 5. P. Petronius writeth to the Dorites to send them unto him who have broken Caesar●… edict. of the country of Doria, health: Whereas Caesar hath published an edict, by which he permitteth the jews to live according to their laws and customs, some one amongst you have been so presumptuous to contradict the same in effect (although in words you protest that you obey him) and do all that which you can to hinder the jews from enjoying their Synagogue, in so much as in the same you have planted Caesar's image, not only thereby opposing yourselves against the jews, but also against the Emperor himself, whose image might have been better placed in his own temple, then in a foreign temple: and you have placed it in their Synagogue; whereas by right every one ought to be master of his place, according to Caesar's judgement: For it should be very ridiculous in me to allege mine own judgement after that of Caesar's, who hath granted the jews the liberty to live according to their laws and customs, and hath commanded that they should converse in equal freedom among the greeks. For these causes I command you, that they, who have been so bold as to contemn Augustus' decree (against whom their own magistrates have been displeased, excusing themselves that this accident happened not by their motion, but by the fury of the common people) be brought before me by the captain Proculus Vitellius, to yield a reason of that which they have done, exhorting the magistrates that if they will not be accounted parties in this contempt, they labour to discover those that are guilty unto Proculus, and give order that no sedition or violence be offered thereupon. Which notwithstanding it seemeth that they affect, although we and the most honoured king Agrippa, whom I take for my good and special friend, labour nothing more, then that the nation of the jews should not assemble and take arms under colour of their defence. And to the end that whatsoever Augustus hath ordained as touching this matter, may be the better known unto all men, I have annexed his edict which he published in Alexandria: and although they are sufficiently known unto all men, yet hath the most honoured king Agrippa read them unto me at such time, as I sat in my tribunal seat, concluding according to right, that the jews ought not to be excluded nor hindered from enjoying those benefits, which are granted unto them by Caesar: I therefore charge all men, that hence forward they take heed lest they seek any occasion of mutiny or sedition, and that every one live according to his religion. See here how Petronius proceeded in this matter, both to amend that which was past, as also to prevent that which was to come, that none should be so bold to attempt the like. After this Agrippa took the priesthood from Simon Canthara, and gave it again to jonathan the son of Anani, whom he esteemed to be more worthy than the other. But jonathan declared that he was not jonathan the son of Ananus is restored to the priesthood, & refuseth it, and prayeth that his brother Mathias may minister therein. Marsus perfect of Syria. desirous of this dignity, for in effect he refused it, saying: O King, I most willingly acknowledge the honour which it pleaseth you to bestow upon me, and know well that it is a dignity which of your own free-will you bestow upon me; notwithstanding that God judgeth me unworthy. It sufficeth me that I have once been invested with the sacred habit: for at that time I wore it with more holiness, than I can now receive it at this present; yet notwithstanding if it please you to know one that is more worthy of this honour then myself, I will inform you of one. My liege, I have a brother, who towards God and you is pure and innocent, whom I dare recommend unto you for a most fit man for that dignity. The king took great pleasure in these his words, and leaving jonathan he bestowed the priesthood on Mathias his brother, according as jonathan had advised him: and not long after this Marsus succeeded in Petronius room, and took upon him the government of Syria. CHAP. VII. The year of the world. 4005. after Christ's birth 43. Agrippa's acts until the time of his death. SIlas was made general over the king's army, and for that he had always been faithful Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 7. Silas by too much reviving the king's miseries and misfortunes, and ripping up his own deserts groweth into the kings hatred, and is sent prisoner into his country. unto him, and had never forsaken him in any danger that was offered, without partaking the utmost extremity, but had always adventured on the greatest perils in respect of his entire and constant resolution, he made his account, that being so firm a friend to the king he should also be partaker and companion with him in the honour. For which cause in all things whatsoever, he submitted not himself to the king, but challenged to himself a liberty to speak what him listed. For this cause he grew hateful in the king's sight, for that in particular he boasted of himself beyond measure, and oftentimes refreshed the memory of those adversities the king had passed, the rather to express how affectionate he had been toward him, and his continual talk was nothing else but of those travails he had endured. Now for that he observed no measure in this his discourse, the king took it as an injury intended to his honour, & was offended with the unbridled licence of the man's prattle. For nothing soundeth more harsh in a man's ear, than the memory of his forepast misery, and it is but the fault of a fool to rip up the courtesies he hath employed on another man. Finally, Silas grievously provoked the king's displeasure against himself, that rather subscribing to his wrath then his wit, he not only dispossessed Silas of his general's room, but also sent him bound into his country in that place to be held prisoner. This notwithstanding time assuaged his displeasure, & the king drawing himself into better consideration and remembering himself how many travels Silas had endured in his behalf, he revoked the sentence that he had pronounced. At such time therefore as he was ready to celebrate the festival day of his birth, and all his subjects were addressed to take their pleasure, he speedily sent for Silas, to the Agrippa sendeth for Silas out of prison, who dissembling not his displeasure is left still in prison. end he might be partaker thereof, and banquet with them. But Silas, who was of a free nature, supposing that he had just cause to be displeased, concealed it not from those who were sent unto him, but spoke unto them after this manner. To what honour doth the king invite me at this present, to the intent incontinently to deprive me thereof? for he hath not only deprived me of those honours which he bestowed upon me, in acknowledgement of the good affection I have always showed unto him; but he hath altogether spoiled me, and contu●…eliously entreated me: but if he think that he can restrain me from speaking freely▪ he deceiveth himself. For my conscience knoweth how many hazards I have delivered him from; and as long as I breath, I will ring it in all men's ears, how many travels I have endured for his conservation and honour, in recompense where of I am at this day in bonds, and shut up in an obscure prison, which I will never forget. Yea and when my soul shall depart out of this body, she shall bear with her the remembrance of those benefits I have employed on him. These words spoke he with a loud voice, willing them to relate the same unto king Agrippa; who seeing that he was grounded in an incurable folly, left him in prison. After this the king began to fortify the walls of jerusalem, on the side of the new town, upon the common charge; increasing them both in length and breadth, & might he have thoroughly Agrippa fortifieth the walls of jerusalem. Claudius commandeth Agrippa to desist from building the walls. finished them, it had been a fortress invincible, by all human force. But Marsus the governor of Syria certified Caesar what the work was; and Claudius suspecting some commotion, wrote expressly to Agrippa, commanding him thence forward to desist from further building of the walls, according to that form wherein he had begun: whereunto he would not disobey. This king Agrippa was of a nature so ready to exercise liberality, and took so great pleasure to use his magnificence toward all sorts of nations, that the great expenses he was at, obtained him great reputation. So that his whole pleasure and delight was, to show courtesy unto all men, and to purchase good esteem, being every way different in nature & disposition from king Herod his predecessor. Agrippa ●…ored the 〈◊〉 more than Herode. For Herod was naturally malicious, extreme in punishing men, & irreconcilable to those with whom he was displeased, manifestly expressing that he loved the Grecians better than the jews. For he beautified those cities that belonged to strangers, & gave them money, and erected them baths, and sumptuous theatres, and Temples, & in some of them galleries: but as touching the cities of the jews, he bestowed not this bounty on any one of them, no not the least reparation or gift that was worthy the speaking of. chose king Agrippa was very courteous and lowly, and equally imparted his bounty unto all men. He was courteous unto strangers, and testified no less by the bounty he bestowed on them. To his countrymen he behaved himself affably, and in especial he was merciful to all those that were in misery. For which cause his ordinary court and the place he took most pleasure in, was jerusalem. He was a diligent observer of the The year of the world 4005. after Christ's Nativity. 43. laws of his country, and lived religiously, and with as great piety as was possible: neither passed there one day wherein he offered not sacrifice. It happened at one time that a certain cunning lawyer, who was called Simon, and dwelled in jerusalem, had assembled the people by reason of the king's absence, who for the present was in Caesarea: In which assembly he alleged many things against him, that he was a profane man, and that upon just cause he was forbidden to enter Simon the lawyer backbiteth the king who craving pardon is reconciled unto him. the temple, in that it was not lawful nor decent for those that were unclean, to enter thereinto. These words of Simons thus wrongfully urged against him, were signified to the king by certain letters sent him, by the governor of the city: when as therefore he sat him down in the Theatre, he commanded that very Simon to sit next him, and in peaceable and kind manner he spoke thus unto him. Tell me, I pray thee, what thing thou seest fault worthy, or done contrary to the law, in that which is done here? Simon having not any thing to reply, besought him to pardon him. The king grew friends with him far sooner than it could be imagined, resolving with himself that mercy doth far better become a king, than wrath; and that moderation is more requisite, then-●…aughtie courage; so as he after he had bestowed certain presents on Simon, he dismissed him. Now although he had many reparations in divers places; Alias, cap. 6. Agrippa honoureth Beryth with good ornaments. yet honoured he those of Beryth above all the rest, and builded them a Theatre surpassing all other in sumptuousness and beauty: and besides that, he made them a sumptuous Amphiatheater, and baths and porches: in which he neither spared cost, neither scantled the beauty and greatness of the works in any sort. The dedication also of these things were celebrated with great pomp and magnificence: he also made great shows & plays in the Theatre, in which there were all sorts of music and recreation. He made also divers ●…aments in the Amphiatheater, expressing in all things the greatness of his magnificence; and being desirous to delight the people with a combat, he gathered all the malefactors that he might get, and made two several companies of seven hundredth apiece, and brought them together to fight, to the end that in skirmishing they might receive their punishment; and besides that, by this warlike exercise he might present the people with a pastime, concluded with the punishment of wicked men: for each of these combatants slew one another. After that he had finished these above named buildings in Beryth, he resorted to Tiberias a city of Galilee, and was admired of all the otherkings, so that Antiochus king of Comagena came Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 8. to visit him: the like did Samsigeran king of the Emesenians: Cotys king of Armenia the less; and Polemon Lord of Pontus: and besides all these, Herode prince of Chalcis and his brother, all whom he received and entertained most magnificently and amiably, to show his greatness; to the end that all men might perceive, that he was deservedly honoured with the presence of so many kings. And during the time that these princes were with him, Marsus the governor of Syria visited him likewise, whom to the end he might express the reverence he bore to the Romans, he met with seven furlongs off from the city. This interview of so many kings was the original of that discontent that grew betwixt him and Marsus; for whilst he sat in his litter, he sent for these other kings. But Marsus suspected this concord and so great amity, supposing that this agreement of so many kings would be no ways profitable or beneficial to the Romans. For which Agrippa is displeased with Marsus for sending away the kings. cause he presently sent unto them, charging them with all expedition to return each of them into their own countries: which strict commission of his Agrippa took in ill part, and for this occasion he conceived scarce kindly of Marsus. He took the priesthood from Mathias, and gave it to Aelioneus the son of Cithaeus. After he had reigned three whole years over judaea, he came to Caesarea, which in times past was called the tower of Straton, and there made he sports in Alias, cap. 7. Aelioneus the son of Cithaeus made high priest. Agrippa is sal●…d in the Theatre for a God, and spieth the owl which the German foretold him of, that five days after he should die. honour of Caesar, ordaining a certain feast for his conservation, to the celebration whereof there were assembled a great number of all those, who were of estate and dignity thorough the whole country. On the second day of this solemnity, he showed himself being appareled in a rob of silver, made with admirable workmanship; and came in the same to the Theatre in the morning. Whereas the first reflex of the rising sun ●…eat upon his rob, he shined after such a sort, that all those that beheld him were seized with reverence and fear. Whereupon certain sycophants (which did not a little dishonour him) exclaimed one on the one side, the other on the other, saluting him for a God, and in speaking to him, cried out thus: Be merciful unto us: hitherto have we feared thee as a man, but hence forward we will confess and acknowledge thee to be of a nature more excellent than mortal frailty can attain unto. Agrippa reproved them not for using these words: neither rejected he their palpable and detestable flattery. But not long after, he looking upwards, perceived an owl over his head perched upon a cord, and knew the same incontinently, that he was but a message of his misfortune: whereas before time he had denounced The year of the world. 4005. after the Nat●…itie of Christ: 43. unto him his felicity, and conceived thereupon a most hearty and inward grief. And suddenly he was seized with a terrible griping in his belly, which began with very great vehemency for which cause turning his eyes towards his friends, he spoke unto them after this manner: Behold him (said he) whom you esteem for a God, condemned to die, and destiny shall apparently convince you of those flattering and false speeches, which you have lately used in my behalf. For I, who by you have been adored as one immoitall, am under the hands of death. But I must willingly entertain that which God pleaseth to send me: For I have not lived in obscurity, but in so great and wonderful felicity, that each one of you have termed and held me happy. Whilst he spoke thus, his griefs augmented in such sort as he was brought almost to his last: for which cause with all expedition he was conveyed into his royal palace, and the rumour was spread in every place, that very shortly he would be dead. For which cause the people with their wives and children put on sackcloth, according to the custom of the country, to the end they might solicit God's mercy in the king's behalf, and all the City was filled with tears and lamentations. The king that lay in an upper chamber, and looking down into the court, saw them lying thus on the earth, could not refrain himself from tears. And after he had for the space of five days without ceasing been tormented with gripping in his belly, he gave up the ghost in the fifty fourth year of his age, and the seventh year of his reign. For he had reigned four years under the Empire of Caius Caesar (having first of all governed Philip's Tetrarchy The year of the world. 4009. after Christ's birth 47. 1●…00. Myriad amount to 15 tons o gold. Herode the prince of Chalcis and Chelcias kill Silas. three years, to which was annexed the signiory of Herode in the fourth year) and three years under the Empire of Claudius Caesar, during which time he governed over the above named countries: and moreover over judaea, Samaria and Caesarea. His revenue amounted to twelve hundredth myriades, besides which, he made many loans. For in that he was very liberal in giving, he spent far more than his revenue, and spared not any thing to show himself magnificent. Before the people knew of his death, Herode his brother prince of Chalcis, and Chelcias the king's lieutenaut and friend, agreed between themselves to send Aristo one of their trustiest servants to kill Silas, who was their enemy, as if they had been commanded by the king. Thus died king Agrippa, leaving behind him a son called Agrippa, seventeen years old; and Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 9 al. cap. 8. Agrippa●… children alive. three daughters, one of which that was called Bernice, was married to Herode his father's brother, when she was sixteen years old. The two other were Mariam and Dr●…silla: this Mariam being of the age of ten years, was promised in marriage by her father, to julius Archelaus Chelcias' son: and Drusilla which was six years old, was promised also to Epiphanes son to the king of Comagena. After Agrippa's death, they of Caesarea & Sebaste forgot themselves of those benefits they had The Caelerias and Sebasteans r●…uile Agripp●… being dead. received from him, and used him no less despitefully, then as if he had been their utter enemy. For they reproachfully abused him after his death, and reviled him in such sort as it is unseemly to report the same. Furthermore all the men of war, who were at that time many in number, went unto the king's lodging, and with one accord seized the statues of the king's daughters, and carried them to the brothel house; where after they had placed them, they uttered all the indignities that they could possibly, practising such shameful matters, as they may not be expressed. Besides this, resting themselves in the public places, they banqueted in the open street, wearing chaplets of flowers upon their heads, and perfuming themselves with odours to sacrifice to Charon, drinking to one another for joy the king was dead. Thus expressed they their ingratitude, not only towards their king Agrippa, who had bestowed so many liberalities on them; but also towards Herode his grandfather, who had builded their Cities, and to his extreme charge erected Agrippa Agrippa's son. their ports and temples. At that time Agrippa the deceased Agrippa's son was at Rome, and was brought up under the Emperor Claudius. When Caesar understood how those of Caesarea and Sebaste had injuriously dealt with Agrippa, he was sore displeased, and moved with their ingratitude, Claudius intendeth to send young Agrippa into his father's kingdom but is dissuaded, & sendeth Cuspius Fadus for precedent into judaea, & those parts. & his purpose was, to send the younger Agrippa with all expedition to take possession of the kingdom of his father, and therewithal to discharge himself of his oath: but divers of his freeman and friends, who were in great credit with him, dissuaded him from the same, alleging that it would be a dangerous matter to commit the greatness of such a kingdom to a young man, who scarcely had as yet attained to the age of eighteen years: and for whom it was impossible to support the care of so great a kingdom, considering that if he were at man's estate, he should find himself overburdened with the charge of a kingdom. This advice of theirs was allowed by Caesar, and for this cause he sent Cuspius Fadus to govern judaea, and the whole realm; honouring his dead friend in this, in that he would not suffer Marsus, who had been his The ye●…e of the world. 4009. after Christ's birth 47. enemy, to enter into his kingdom. He gave especial commission also, that Fadus should sharply punish those of Caesarea and Sebaste, for the outrages they had offered to his deceased friend, and the excess that was committed against his daughters, who were yet living; commanding him to transport the companies of the Caesarians and Sebastens, and the five Roman legions into the country of Pontus, to serve in that place, and to take those Roman soldiers that bore arms in Syria, to serve in their place: yet notwithstanding this commandment of his they were not displaced. For they sent Ambassadors to Claudius to appease him, and by this means they obtained the favour to remain in judaea. After this they gave an entrance to those most grievous The jews themselves were the cause of those wars which began under Flotus. mischiefs and calamities that befell the jews: for they spread the seed of that war, which was awakened under Florus government. And for that cause after that Vespasian had obtained the victory, as it shall be hereafter declared, he caused them to depart out of that province, and made them seek their habitation elsewhere. THE XX. BOOK OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 20. book. 1 The dissension between the Philadelphians and the jews: and of the Ephode which was the sacerdotal stole. 2 How Helena Queen of Adiabena and her sons embraced the religion of the jews. 3 The Governor Tiberius Alexander punisheth the sons of judas of Galtlee. 4 How agreat number of jews were slain about the temple. 5 The sedition of the jews against the Samaritans. 6 The actions of Foelix precedent of judaea. 7 The government of Porcius Festus in judaea, and of certain murderers. 8 Albinus government. 9 How Florus, who succeeded Albinus, enforced so many injuries against the jews, that they were constrained to fall to arms. CHAP. I. The dissension between the Philadelphians and the jews: and of the Ephode which was the sacerdotal stole. AFTER King Agrippa's decease (as we have heretofore declared in our former Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 1. Cas●… Longi●… presect of Syria. book) the Emperor Claudius sent Cassius Longinus to succeed Marsus in the government of Syria, whom he displaced of that honour in memory of Agrippa, who during his life time had oftentimes required by his letters, that he should not suffer Marsus to govern the estate of Syria. As soon as Cuspius Fadus came into jewrie to take charge of that country, which he was to govern under Caesar, he found the jews that dwelled on the other side of jordan in an uproar, who had taken arms against the Philadelphians, about the limits of a certain village called Mia, which was stored with valiant men at arms. Now had those who inhabit Fadus punisheth the jews for their insurrection against the Philadelphians. beyond jordan, armed themselves in this manner, without the consent of their governors; & had slain a great number of the Philadelphians. Which when Fadus understood, he was sore displeased, for that they had not reserved the cause to his hearing, and opened their griefs they had conceived against the Philadelphians, but were so bold of their own authority, and without fear to betake themselves to their weapons. Having therefore apprehended some three of them, who had been principals and authors of the sedition, he commanded them to prison, and executed The●… year of the world. 4●…09. after Christ's birth 47. Annibas executed, 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 banished. Tholomaeus the arch these, Fadus requiteth the high priests ga●…mēt should be delivered into the power of the Romans and kept in the 〈◊〉 of A●…onia. Alias, cap. 2. The jews deliver pledges to the intent they might be permitted to send letters to Caesar. Claudius upon the younger Agripp●…s mot●…on granteth the jews liberty to have the custody of the high priests vestment. one of them called Annibas, and banished the other two, whose names were Amaram and Eleazar. Anon after this, Tholomaeus the Archthiefe was also taken, and brought unto him, who commanded him to be executed, in that he had done many robberies in Idumaea and Arabia; and by this means all the country of judaea was cleared of all thieves, by the care and providence of Fadus. After this he sent for the high priests, and the governors of jerusalem commanding them, according to the emperors direction, that they should deliver up into the Castle of Antonia the long and sacred rob, which the high priest only was accustomed to wear; to the end that it might be at the Romans disposition, as in times past it had been. This command of his they durst not contradict; yet notwithstanding, they required Fadus and Longinus (who at that time was come to jerusalem with a great power, for fear the jews, by reason of this injunction should grow to rebellion) first that it might be lawful for them to send their Ambassadors unto Caesar, to beseech him that the sacred rob might remain in their custody. Secondly, that it might please them to expect the answer which Caesar would return upon this their request. Fadus gave them this answer, that he permitted them to send their Ambassadors to Rome, provided, that before hand they delivered him their children for hostages. Which when they had readily performed, the Ambassadors were sent away. Now when they came to Rome, the younger Agrippa (who was his son that lately died) knowing the cause of their coming, and being ordinarily accustomed to attend upon Caesar (according as we have heretofore declared) besought Caesar, that he would grant the jews their request, as touching the sacred rob, and that it might please him to signify no less unto Fadus. On this his petition Claudius gave the ambassadors audience, and told them that he favoured their suit, willing them to be thankful to Agrippa, upon whose suit he respected them, and allowed of their demands; and besides this answer, he delivered them a letter to this effect: Claudius Caesar Germanicus, Conserver of the people, Consul created the fifth time, Emperor the fourth time, Father of the country the tenth time, to the Magistrates of jerusalem, the Senate, people, and all the nation of the jews; Health. Being required by our well-beloved Agrippa, whom I both have, and at this present do bring up with me, and whom I know to be most devout; I have heard your Ambassadors, who were admitted to my presence by his means, and have received their thanks for the benefits I have bestowed on your nation: I have also willingly inclined to that instant and express request you have made unto me; and it is my pleasure the sacred rob of the high priest, and the holy Mitre remain in your custody, in such manner, as our most dear and right honoured ftiend Vitellius heretofore ordained. To which demand of yours I vouchsafe my allowance: first in regard of mine own piety, and for that I desire that every one should serve God according to his own religion: next, for that I am resolved, that in so doing I shall gratify king Herod & young Aristobulus, whose piety towards me I am privy to, and whose good affection towards you I can witness, with whom I have had divers occasions of friendship, both in regard of their virtue, as for the honour that I bear unto them. I have also written to this effect to Cuspius Fadus mine Agent: The names of those who have received my letters, be Cornelius the son of Ceron, Trypon the son of Theudion, Dorotheus the son of Nathanael and john the son of john. Given the eight and twentieth of june, in the year wherein Rufus and Pompeius sylvanus were Consuls. Ali●…s cap. 3. Claudius' Epistle to the jews. Alias, cap. 9 Herode prince of Chalcis hath authority granted him to create the high priest. Hedio & Ruffinus, chap. 2. al. 5. Monobazu●… the king of Adiabena begetteth two sons on Helena his sister. Monobazus and Izates. At that same time Herode, who was Agrippa's brother that lately deceased, to whose hands in times past the government of Chalcis had been committed, required the Emperor Claudius to grant him the power over the temple, and the sacred vestments and necessaries, and the authority of choosing the high priest. All which he obtained, and from that time forward until the end of the war of the jews, this power remained in all his successors. According to this authority Herode deposed Canthara from the priesthood, and gave the succession thereof to joseph the son of Canëus. CHAP. II. How Helena Queen of Adiabena and her sons embraced the religion of the jews. AT that time Helena Queen of Adiabena and her son Izates conformed themselves to the religion of the jews, upon this occasion that ensueth: Monobazus king of Adiabena, who was also called Bazeos, being surprised with the love of his sister Helena, espoused her, and got her with child. Upon a time it happened, that sleeping with her, he laid his hand on her The year of the world. 4009. after Christ's nativity, 47. belly, whilst she lay asleep, & him thought, that he heard a voice that commanded him to take away his hand from off her belly, lest he should crush the fruit that was therein, which by God's providence should have a happy beginning, and no less fortunate ending. Monobazus was sore moved at this voice, and as soon as he awoke he told it to his wife; and afterwards when the child was borne he called him Izates: Besides, he had another elder son by the same wife, who was called Monobazus, according to his own name. And he had also other sons by his other wives: yet notwithstanding Izates was most manifestly his best beloved, and so cherished by him, as if he had been his only begotten son. For which cause, his other brothers envied him, which increased their hatred, for that all the rest of them were aggrieved, because Monobazus made most account of Izates. The father manifestly perceived all this, yet did he pardon them, knowing that they did it not for malice, but for the desire that every one of them had to be best esteemed by his father. Notwithstanding, being afraid lest some mishap should betide Izates, by reason of the hatred Izates sent to Abemerigus, marrieth his daughter Samacha. his brethren bare unto him, he gave him many great gifts, and sent him to Abemerigus, who reigned at that time in a fort called Spasinus, committing his son's life into his hand. Abemerigus also entertained him with kind affection, and loved him in such sort, that in process of time he gave him Samacha his daughter to wife; and for her dowry he gave him a country of great revenue. Monobazus being old, and seeing he had no long time to live, desired before his death that his son might come and visit him: he therefore sent for him and received him very lovingly, giving Caeron very fruitful in Amomum, in which the relics of noah's a●…ke are to be seen. him a country which he called Caeron, which bringeth forth great abundance of excellent Amomum. In this place was the remainder of the ark, in which Noah was saved, during the Deluge; which remnants are to be seen at this day, if any man have a desire to behold the same. Izates remained in that place until his father's decease. But on the very day of his death Helena sent for all the Lords and Governors of the kingdom, and captains of all the Army, and upon their assembly she spoke unto them after this manner. I suppose (said she) that you are not ignorant of my husband's mind, who hath desired that Izates might be king in his steed, and hath esteemed him most worthy of such an honour: yet expect I your judgement in this point. For he that receiveth the sovereignty, not from one man's Izates was made king by his mother Helena, & the nobility, and Monabazus governeth the kingdom till his coming. hand, but from many, and hath the same confirmed unto him by their consent is happy. She used this discourse unto them to try what their intent was, who were there assembled. They understanding her mind prostrated themselves first of all upon the earth before the Queen, according to the custom of their country; and afterwards answered her, that they approved the king's election, and took pleasure to obey Izates, whom his father deservedly, and to all their contents, and the desire of the common people had preferred above the rest of his brethren: alleging moreover, that they would put his brethren and kinsmen to death before his coming, to the end that he might enjoy the kingdom with all security: for by their deaths all the fear that might grow by their hatred and envy might be extinguished. Hereunto the Queen answered; that she gave them thanks, for the favour they bore unto her and her son Izates; notwithstanding she required them to suspend their judgements as touching the death of his brethren, until such time as Izates himself should give his consent thereunto. They seeing they might not obtain the liberty to put them to death, gave counsel that they should be kept prisoners until his coming, to the end, at leastwise for their own parts, that they might be out of danger; and that moreover, until his coming there might one be appointed to govern the estate, whom she should esteem most trusty and faithful unto him. Whereunto Helena condescended, and made his elder brother Monobazus king, and set the Diadem on his head, and gave him his father's seal ring, with that rob which they call Sampsera; exhorting him to govern the kingdom until his brother's arrival. Izates having certain notice of his father's death, resorted thither speedily, and receiving his brother Monobazus willing surrender, took upon him the government of the kingdom. During such time as Izates sojourned in the fortress of Spasinus, a certain merchant, who was Izates and his mother Helena learn the true service of God according to the manner of the jews. a jew, called Ananias, having access to the king's wives, taught them the manner how to serve God, according to the religion of the jews, and Ananias by their means growing acquainted with Izates, taught him the like, and accompanied him into Adiabena: being drawn thereunto by his earnest entreaties, at such time as Izates resorted thither upon his father's sending for. It chanced also in like sort that Helena was in like manner instructed by another jew, and retained the rites and religion of the jews After that Izates came into his kingdom, and knew that his brethren and kinsfolk were The year of the world. 4009. after the Nativity of Christ. 47. imprisoned, he was much grieved. Conceiving therefore with himself that it would be a great impiety in him to suffer them to be slain, or kept bound in prison; and that on the other side, it were a dangerous matter for him, if being at liberty they should remember the evil they had endured: Izates sendeth his brothers to Claudius Caesar and Artabanus. for which cause he sent some of them to Rome for hostages with their children unto the Emperor Claudius, and the rest unto Artabanus king of Parthia. Afterwards when he was thoroughly assured that his mother was wholly addicted to the religion of the jews, he endeavoured himself the more to show himself zealous therein: and supposing that he could not be a perfect jew, except he were circumcised, he prepared himself to be circumcised. Which when his mother understood, she laboured to her uttermost to hinder his resolution, certifying him that Izates is dissuaded by Helena his mother, and Ananias from circumcision. in so doing he should bring himself in great danger; for that in being king, he would draw himself into the dislike of his subjects, if they should have notice that he was addicted to a new religion, and to strange ceremonies, and that they would not endure, that in being a jew he should be their king: so she for a while by her dissuasion restrained him from his desire. But the king required counsel of Ananias, who, according with Helena in the course of her dislike, threatened Izates, that if he would not obey his mother, he would forsake him, and depart from him, for that he feared, lest if the matter should be publicly known, he should suffer some punishment, as being the only author and instructor of the king in undecent matters, that otherwise he might serve God, although he were not circumcised; since he had resolved to live according to the institutions and laws of the jews; and that God would pardon him: for in this true religion consisteth, more than in the circumcision of the body, though he were not actually circumcised, since the necessity and fear of his subjects overruled him. By which words the king for that time was won to affect the same no further. But some little while after (for he was not wholly altered in that affection which he had) another jew called Eleazar, coming from Galilee, and accounted a man of great experience in the doctrine of our religion, persuaded him to be circumcised. Eleazar persuadeth Izares to be circumcised. For coming one day unto him to salute him, he found him reading of the books of Moses, and said unto him. O King, contrary to your knowledge you offend the law, and God likewise; for it sufficeth you not, that you understand the same, but the chiefest matter you are tied unto, is to do that which the law commandeth: how long therefore will you remain uncircumcised? And if as yet you have not perused the law as touching this point, read it now to the intent you may know what impiety it is to omit it. After the King had heard this, he would no longer defer his circumcision: for which cause withdrawing himself into another chamber, he called a surgeon unto him, who acted that which he required, and afterwards calling his mother and master Ananias unto him, he certified them what had past; whereupon they grew strangely amazed, fearing lest the king should grow in danger of the loss of his kingdom, if this action of his should come to light; for that his subjects would not endure that such a man that followed a contrary religion should be their king: they feared also, lest they themselves should be in danger, for as much as the cause of all this matter would be imputed to them. But God by his providence prevented, lest any of those things which they feared should come to effect, for he delivered Izates himself and his children They that ●…olie on God & put their confidence in him do always reap the reward of their piety. likewise out of many dangers, yielding them his assistance in their doubtful & desperate estates, declaring in effect that those that only put their trust in him, and depend upon his proiudence, are never deprived of the fruit of their piety. But of these things will we speak hereafter. When Helena the king's mother perceived that the estate of the kingdom was in peace, and that by all men's opinion, both homebred and strangers, her son was reputed happy by the Helena the Queen of Adiabena resorteth to jerusalem. Alias, cap. 6. good will of God, she was seized with a desire to go and visit the city of jerusalem, and adore God in that temple, which was so much renowned thorough the whole world, & offer sacrifice of thanksgiving therein; for which cause she besought her son that he would suffer her to perform her vows: who willingly condescended to her desire, and furnished her royally with allthings that were necessary for such a voyage; giving her a great mass of money with her, and bringing her onward on her way many days journey; so that at length she arrived in jerusalem, to the great advantage of the inhabitants of that city. For at that time the city was oppressed with a gricuous famine, so as many died for want of food; for which cause Queen Helena sent her servants some into Alexandria to buy a great quantity of come, the rest into Cypris to buy dried figs; who returned with all expedition they might; whereupon Helena distributed the victuals among the poor, leaving a singular memory of her beneficence among the whole nation. Her son Izates also understanding of this famine, sent a great sum of money to the governor of jerusalem. But hereafter will I declare what other benefits the king and Queen have bestowed upon our nation. The year of the world. 4009. after Christ's birth 47. Now Artabanus king of Parthia, perceiving that the princes of his kingdom had conspired against him, resolved with himself to go unto Izates, for the security of his life and person, hoping by his means, if it were possible, to recover his kingdom. He therefore retired thither, and brought with him about one thousand men of his kinsfolk and household servants. And by the Artabanus re●…reth himself to Izates, and requireth his assistance. way he met with Izates, whom he knew very well by his royal train, notwithstanding he were unknown unto him by countenance. Drawing therefore near unto him, he first of all humbled himself on his knees, according to the custom of the country, and afterwards spoke unto him after this manner. Dread king, forsake me not, who am thy servant, neither reject thou my prayers. For being dejected by the means of my misfortunes, and of a king become a private man, I have need of thy succour. Consider therefore the inconstancy of fortune, and think with thyself, that by providing for me, thou shalt provide for thyself. For if thou makest no reckoning of the wrong that is done unto me, divers men will grow audacious to enterprise upon other kings. These words pronounced he with weeping tears, and with looks lowly fixed upon the ground. When Izates had heard Artabanus name, and saw his humble and submissive estate, he leapt incontinently from his horse and said unto him: King, be of good courage, and let not thy present and perplexed condition dismay thee, as if thy misfortunes were irrecoverable. For Izates comforteth Artabanus, & promiseth him his assistance. this sorrow of thine shall suddenly be changed, and thou shalt find a better friend and ally, than thou hopedst for at this time. For either will I repossess thee of thy kingdom of Parthia, or I will lose mine own government. This said, he caused Artabanus to get up on horseback, and walked by him on foot, yielding him this honour, as to a greater king than himself: Which when Artabanus saw, he was discontented, and swore by his fortune and honour to come, that he would set foot on ground, if he would not get up on horseback and ride before him: whereunto he obeyed, and mounting upon his horse again, he conducted him to his palace; yielding him all the honour that was possible, both in his sit and banquets, as in his assemblies, not respecting his present estate or condition; but his former dignity: considering with himself, that such casual misfortunes and changes are incident to all men. Furthermore he wrote unto Izates writeth to the Parthians, and persuadeth them to receive their king. the Parthians, persuading them to receive their king Artabanus, assuring them on his faith and oath, that he would obtain a free pardon for all that which was past, and to that intent he offered himself to be an arbitrator between them. The Parthians gave him this answer, that they would not refuse to entertain him, but that they could not: for that one who was called Cinnamus was advanced in his place and dignity, and that they feared least a sedition should happen amongst them. Cinnamus who was a noble and honourable minded man, knowing that their intent was such, wrote himself unto Artabanus, who had nourished and brought him up, exhorting him to return upon his faith, and to receive again his own kingdom. Artabanus upon Cinnamus restoreth the kingdom to Artabanus. this motion gave credit to his words, and returned back again. Whereupon Cinnamus came forth and met him, and prostrating himself before his feet, called him king; and afterwards taking the diadem from off his own head, he set it upon Artabanus head, who by this means was restored to his former estate by Izates mediation: after he had been driven out of his kingdom by his chiefest nobility. And he did not forget the favours which he had received at Izates hands, but did him all the honour that possibly he could imagine: For he permitted him to wear the strait Tiara, and to sleep upon a guilded bed, which is a privilege that belongeth only to the kings of Parthia. He gave him also a goodly and great country which he had taken from the king of Armenia. This country was called Nisibis where in times past the Macedons Izates receiveth great honours and gifts at Artabanus hands. Antiochia and Mygdonia builded by the Macedons. Vardanes after his father's death laboureth to persuade Izates to make war against the Romans, but he prevaileth not. had builded the City of Antioch by them called Mygdonia. Presently after Izates was in this sort honoured, Artabanus died, leaving his kingdom to his son Vardanes who repaired to Izates, praying him to join with him in that war which he intended to wage against the Romans: but he prevailed not with him. For Izates knowing the Romans force and good hap, imagined that he undertook a matter beyond his power. Furthermore, he had sent five of his young sons to jerusalem to learn our tongue and discipline, and his mother likewise to adore in the temple, for which cause he the rather held back and dissuaded Vardanes from enterprizing against the Romans, whose power and puissant conquests he ordinarily reckoned up unto him, to the end he might dismay him, and by these his allegations cause him to give over his purposed intent of war against them. But the Parthian was displeased with this his persuasion, and for that cause denounced a present war against Izates. But this his enterprise had but a fruitless issue: for God cut off all his hopes. For the Parthians understanding what Vardanes intent was, and how he was resolved to undertake a war against the Romans, slew The year of the world. 4009. after Christ's birth 47. After Vardanes was slain the kingdom is com●…ted to Gotarza. Vologelus king of Parthia. Monobazus and his kindred think to receive the jews religion. The Adiabenians conspire with the king of Arabia against Izates. him, and gave the kingdom to his brother Gotarza, whom not long after this, his brother Vologesus flew by treason, restoring to his two brothers by the mother side these provinces, that is to say, the kingdom of Media to Pacorus who was the eldest, and Armenia to Tiridates who was the younger. When Monobazus king Izates brother and the rest of his kinsfolk saw how happily all things succeeded to Izates▪ and how in respect of his piety towards God, he was honoured and reverenced by all men, they also resolved themselves to forsake their religion, and to serve God after the manner of the jews. But this intent of theirs was discovered. Whereupon the chiefest among them grew displeased; yet did they not manifest their despite, but kept it hidden in their hearts, seeking some fit occasion to revenge themselves as soon as they might. They wrote also to Abias king of Arabia, and promised him great sums of money, if he would take arms against their king, promising him that upon the first charge, they would forsake him, for that they desired to be revenged on him, who was grown in hatred of their religion. Having therefore confirmed their promise with an oath, they incited him to make haste. The king of Arabia performed that which they required, and marched forth against Izates with a great power. And when as the first charge was ready to be given, and before they came to handy-strokes, all Izates soldiers forsook him, and turning their backs to their enemies, fled in great disorder, as if they had been surprised with a Panic fear; yet was Izates no ways dismayed, but having discovered that it was the treason and conspiracy of his greatest peers, he retired himself also into his camp, where he inquired of the cause that they pretended. After he knew that they had complotted with the Arabian, he caused the conspirators to be put to death: and the next day after went out to fight, and slew a great number of his enemies, and constrained the rest to betake them to flight. He pursued their king also into a fort called Arsam, which he battered and assaulted with such spirit and diligence, that he took the same with a great quantity of booty that was therein, and returned to Adiabena with great triumph: but he took not Abias alive; for he himself had prevented his captivity with his death. The Lords of Adiabena seeing themselves The Lords of Adiabena persuade Vologesus to kill Izates. frustrated of their former hopes, in that by God's hand they were delivered into the hands of their king, could not contain their displeasure, but practised further mischief: for they wrote their letters to Vologesus king of Parthia, desiring him to kill Izates, and to bestow an other king upon them who was a Parthian, for that they hated their king, who had abolished their religion, and had embraced a strange law. The Parthian understanding hereof prepared himself for the war, and having no just colour or pretext to enforce the same, he sent a messenger unto him to redemaund those honours which his father had given him; which if he refused, he denounced war against him. Izates was not a little troubled in his mind, when he understood this message: For he thought that if he should restore the gifts, he should offer himself great prejudice; for that it would be imagined that he did it for fear: knowing on the other side, that if the Parthian should recover that which he redemanded, yet would he not be in quiet; he therefore commended his cause to God, trusting that he would take care of him. And building upon this, that the greatest good he might have, was to have God to help, he shut his wives and children in a strong Castle, and his corn in his strongest towers: and afterwards burned all the hay and forage; and having after this manner provided for all things, he expected the approach of his enemy. The Parthian came onward sooner than he was expected, with a great power of horsemen and footmen. For he marched forward in all haste, and encamped near unto the flood that separateth Adiabena from Media. Izates likewise encamped not far from thence, having with him about six thousand horsemen. To whom the Parthian sent a messenger to give him to understand how great his power was, which extended from the river of Euphrates as far as Bactria, recounting unto him what kings he had under his subjection, threatening him to punish him very severely, in that he behaved himself so ungratefully towards his benefactors; yea in such sort as the god whom he adored, might not deliver him out of the king's hands. Hereunto Izates answered, that he knew well that the Parthian far exceeded him in power, but that he was far Izates calleth upon God, who sendeth the dahan's and Sacans into Parthi●…, upon whose arrival Volgesus returneth. better assured that God's power extended beyond all men's contradiction. And having returned him this answer he betook himself to his prayers, and prostrating himself upon the earth, and casting ashes on his head, and fasting himself, his wives, and all his children, he called upon God, and prayed after this manner: O Lord Almighty, if I have not vainly submitted myself to thy protection, but have entirely chosen thee for mine only and true God, be thou my help and assistance, and not only deliver me from mine enemies, but also abate and control their pride, who have not been afraid in their unbridled language, to profane thy holy and sacred The year of the world 4010. after Christ's Nativity. 48. name, and utter blasphemous speeches against thy power. Thus prayed he with sighs and tears, and God heard him: For incontinently and the very same night, Vologesus received letters, by which he was certified that a great number of dahan's and Sacans taking opportunity by his absence, were entered into the kingdom of Parthia, and spoiled the whole country; for which cause he returned back into his country without any further trouble. And thus Izates by God's providence was warranted from the Parthians threats. Not long after this, at such time as he had lived fifty five years, and reigned four and twenty, and left behind him four and twenty sons, he died, and appointed his brother Monobazus Izates delivereth up the kingdom to his brother Monobazus and d●…eth. to succeed him in the kingdom, requiting hereby his faith and loyalty, in that during the time of his absence, and after the death of his father, he had faithfully ruled and governed the kingdom to his use. His mother Helena hearing news of his death, lamented very grievously as reason would, in that she being his mother was deprived of a son that so zealously honoured and feared God. Yet notwithstanding she was comforted, when she understood that her eldest son was to succeed him in the kingdom, and hasted herself with all diligence to go and meet him. As soon as she arrived in Adiabena, she lived not long time after her son Izates. Whereupon Monobazus took both her body and his brother's bones, and sent them to jerusalem, commanding that they should be buried in three Pyramids which Helena had builded, some three stades or furlongs off of jerusalem. But hereafter will we recite the acts and gests of Monobazus during his reign. But during Fadus government in judaea, a certain Magician called Theudas, who persuaded a great number of the people to take all their goods and substance, and to follow him to the Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 5. al. 8. Theudas persuadeth the ●…eople that with a word he will cause jordan to divide it 〈◊〉, & yield them passage, he with his followers are slain. flood lordan; for he said he was a prophet, and told them that the river should divide itself into two parts upon his commandment, and yield them free passage. By these words of his he deceived divers of them. But Fadus would not permit that such a fury of theirs should breed them any commodity, but he sent a troop of horsemen who charged them on the sudden, and slew a great number of them; and took divers of them prisoners alive, amongst whom was Theudas, whose head was strooken off, and was afterwards carried to jerusalem. This is that which befell the jews under Fadus government. CHAP. III. The Governor Tiberius Alexander punisheth the sons of judas the Galilean. AFter Fadus succeeded Tiberius Alexander, the son of that Alexander who had been governor of Alexandria; a man of as great riches as any one of his time and place, who Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 5. al. 8. Tiberius Alexander governor of judaea. surpassed likewise his son Alexander in piety and service of God, who forsook the religion of his forefathers. In that time there happened a great famine in jewrie, during which Q. Helena senthuge sums of money into Egypt, and bought come and distributed the same to those that were in want, according as I have forespoken. At the same time james and Simon the sons of judas of Galilee, who had busied themselves to incite the people to resist the government of james and Simon the sons of judas of Galilee crucified. the Romans, were put to death at such time as Cyrenius valued each man's goods, as we have heretofore declared. These did Alexander command to be crucified. Herode king of Chalcis took away the sovereign priesthood from joseph the son of Camydas, and transferred it to Ananias the son of Nebedaeus. After Tiberius Alexander succeeded Cumanus. Then died Herod, who was brother to king Agrippa the Great, in the eighth year of Claudius Caesar. He left The year of the world. 4011. after Christ's birth 49. behind him three sons, Aristobulus whom he had by his first wife: Bernicianus and Hircanus by Bernice his brother's daughter. Claudius' Caesar gave the kingdom belonging to him, to Agrippa the younger. During the time that Cumanus governed, there happened a sedition in judaea, whereby divers jews miscarried. The cause of all which accidents I will rippeup from the original. CHAP. FOUR The year of the world. 4011. after Christ's birth 49. How a great number of jews were slain about the Temple. AT the time of the feast of Pascha (during which time we are accustomed to feed on Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 9 al. 10. unleavened bread) a great number of people assembled themselves from all parts to the city of jerusalem. Whereupon Cumanus fearing lest by this occasion there should arise some commotion, he gave order that a company of his soldiers should be armed, and should keep their guard in the porches of the temple, to the end that if any trouble should happen, they might repress it. Those governors, who had been his predecessors, had done the like in In the feast of Pascha a certain soldier showing his privy members moveth a sedition among the people, whereby twenty thousand jews lost their lives. such manner of assemblies. It came to pass on the fourth day of the feast, that a certain soldier discovering those privities which were undecent to be seen, showed them before the people, wherewhith they that beheld the same, were sore displeased, and provoked, saying, that the dishonour was not done unto them, but to God, to whom it rightly appertained. And some of them of best resolution cast out certain speeches against Cumanus, saying; that the soldier was set on by him. Which when Cumanus understood, he was in like manner grievously offended in regard of those injuries: yet exhorted he those, whom he saw too forward in raising factions, to keep the peace, for fear lest a sedition should grow during the time of the feast; and seeing they would in no sort obey him, but chose that they ceased not to injury and revile him, he commanded that all the forces he had should be in arms, and retire themselves into the fortress of Antonia that was near unto the temple, as we have heretofore declared. The people seeing the armed soldiers were afraid, and began to fly: but because the places, thorough which they issued, were but narrow, they imagined that they were pursued by their enemies; so that they thrust on one another in their flight, & divers of them were thronged to death. In this mutiny there died twenty thousand men: and after this in steed of a feast there was nothing but mourning; and without bethinking themselves of their prayers and sacrifices, all of them began to weep and lament. So great a mischief sprang from the insolence of one soldier. This first Stephen Caesar's servant robbed in his journey, for which cause Cumanus spoileth the villages near to the place where the robbery was done. A certain soldier ●…eareth the books of Moses ●…aw, and therefore is beheaded by Cumanus commandment. lamentation was scarcely finished, before a second succeeded the same. For some of those who had a part in this mutiny, being about some hundredth stades off of the city, rob one Steven that was Caesar's servant in the high way, and took from him all that which he had. Which when Cumanus understood, he presently sent some of his soldiers to spoil those villages; which were nearest to the place where the fact was committed, and to bring the chiefest inhabitants thereof in bonds unto him. In this pillage a certain soldier found a book of the law of Moses in one of these villages, which he took and brought, and before them all ●…ore it in pieces, with heinous blasphemies and vile speeches against the law and whole nation, The jews understanding hereof, suddenly assembled themselves in great numbers, and ran to Caesarea, where Cumanus kept for that present, requiring him that he would revenge not their cause, but Gods, whose law was on that sort dishonoured; signifying unto him, that it was impossible for them to live, so long as their law was thus contemned. Cumanus fearing lest a second mutiny and upore should be raised among the people, by the counsel of his friends cut off the soldiers head, who had committed that outrage against the law, and by this means appeased he the sedition that was ready to take head. CHAP. V. The sedition of the jews against the Samaritans. THere happened also an enmity betwixt the Samaritans and jews, upon this occasion. Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 10. al. cap. 12. Certain Samaritans kill divers Galileans in their way to jerusalem. The year of the world. 4014. after Christ's birth 52. They of Galilee, who resorted to the city of jerusalem at the times of our solemn feasts, were accustomed to pass thorough the country of the Samaritans. And at that time it happened, that their way lay thorough a borough called Nais, situate in a great champion field, where a quarrel arising betwixt divers inhabitants of the place, and certain passengers, a great number of the Galileans were murdered. Which when the magistrates of Galilee understood, they resorted to Cumanus; requiring him to execute justice on those that had murdered their countrymen: but he being corrupted with money by the Samaritans, made no account of their complaint. The Galileans being provoked by this contempt of his, persuaded the common people of the jews to betake them to their weapons; and maintain their liberty; telling them that servitude is of itself tedious; but that when it is accompanied with outrages, it is intolerable. But their governors laboured to pacify them, promising them to deal so effectually The year of the world, 4014. after Christ's nativity, 52. The Galileans in revenge of their injuries burn certain villages of the Samaritans and spoil the same. with Cumanus, that he should take punishment of the murderers: but they gave them no audience, but fell to arms, requiring Eleazar the son of Dinaeus to be their chieftain. This Eleazar was a thief, who for many years made his abode in the mountains: They therefore spoiled and burnt certain villages of the Samaritans. After that the report of all that which had passed, came to Cumanus ears, he took a company of the soldiers of Sebaste, with four bands of footmen, and armed the Samaritans likewise to go and make war against the jews, whom they took, and slew many of them, and led more of them away prisoners. When the chiefest governors in jerusalem saw into what an infinity of mischiefs they were fallen, they clothed themselves in sackcloth, and cast ashes on their heads, exhorting those that were mutinous to forethink themselves of the ruin of their country, the danger the temple was in to be burned, the servitude both of themselves, their wives and children to profane and strange nations; and desired them to change their advice, and to lay aside their weapons, and cease to offer violence, to the end that they might hereafter live in quiet, and that every one of them would retire themselves peaceably to his own habitation. By which words in the end they being persuaded, returned home, and betook them to their business. The thieves also retired themselves again Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 8. al. 12. The Samaritans accuse the jews before Numidius Quadratus. into their strong holds, and from that time all judaea was replenished with thefts. The governors of Samaria resorted to Numidius Quadratus governor of Syria, who dwelled at that time in tire to accuse the jews for that they had fired their villages, and spoiled them; telling him that their loss did not so much trouble them, as for that they saw the Romans were contemned by the jews: who notwithstanding aught to appear before them as their competent judges: yet netheless that they assembled themselves in such sort, as if the romans were not their superiors. For which cause they addressed themselves to him, to the end they might have redress of those wrongs which they had received by them. This is that wherewith the Samaritans charged the jews: who answered to the contrary, alleging that the Samaritans themselves had been the The jews lay the burden of the wars on the Samaritans and Cumanus. authors of that mutiny and uproar, and that Cumanus being wholly corrupted by their money, had smothered the matter, and done no justice on the murderers. When Quadratus heard this, he reserved the judgement till another time, telling them that he would give sentence in the matter at such time as he came into judaea, and had examined the truth of both sides; so that they returned without doing any thing. Anon after Quadratus came into Samaria, where he heard that the Samaritans had been the authors of the trouble: and on the other side, knowing that some jews likewise intended some insurrection, he caused them to be crucified, whom Cumanus had left in prison. From thence he transported himself to Lydda, which is a burrow of no less bigness than a city, in which place he sitting on his tribunal seat, heard the Samaritans the second time, and discovered by the report of a certain Samaritan, that one Dortus one of the principallest among the jews, and Dortus with four other are crucified. four other his confederates induced the people to rebel against the Romans. These did Quadratus cause to be executed. As for Ananias, who was the high Priest, and the captain Ananus, he sent them bound to Rome, to render an account to the Emperor Claudius of that which they had done. Moreover he commanded the chief governors both of the Samaritans and jews, that they should speedily repair to Rome; whither Cumanus and captain Celer should Ananias, Ananus, Cumanus, Celer and some other are sent to Rome. conduct them, to the end they might be judged by Caesar himself, upon the information taken on both sides. And fearing lest the common people of the jews should break out into some rebellion, he repaired to the city of jerusalem, to give order that the jews should attempt to raise no new stirs: but when he came thither, he found all in peace, & busied in the celebration of the feast, and offering sacrifices to God, according to their accustomed ceremonies. Being therefore assured that no man would innovate or rebel in that place, he left them to their solemnities, and repaired to Antioch. But the jews that were sent to Rome with Cumanus, and the principal Samaritans had a day assigned them by the Emperor to decide the differents that were between them: Cumanus and the Samaritans laboured all that they might by the mediation of Caesar's friends and freemen, Alias, cap. 13. to have the upper hand of the jews, and indeed the day had been theirs if young Agrippa Agrippa moveth Agrippina to entreat Caesar to hear the cause of the jews. had not been in Rome. For he seeing that the matter was handled to the disadvantage of the jews, besought Agrippina the emperors wife, that she would labour her husband in such sort, that he would be pleased to take full knowledge of that which was done, and that afterwards he should execute due justice on those whom he found guilty of that sedition. Claudius' favourably gave ear to this request, and hearing the whole matter, he found that the Samaritans were the first authors of all those mischiefs, and caused them to be put to death who came before him The year of the world 4015. after Christ's birth 53. Hedio & Ruffinus, cap 9 al. 14. Claudius' ●…oelix governor of judaea. to plead, and banished Cumanus: he gave order also that captain Celer should be sent back to jerusalem, and that there in sight of all the people he should be dragged about the City, until he died. Furthermore, he sent Claudius Foelix Pallas brother to govern judaea. In the twelfth year of his reign, he gave Agrippa Philip's Tetrarchy, with Batanea; and besides that, annexed thereunto Trachonitis and Abila, which in times past appertained to Lysanias Tetrarchy, taking from him the province of Chalcis, which he had governed for the space of four years. After that Agrippa had obtained this gift at Caesar's hands, he married his sister Drusilla to Azizus king of the Emesenians, who consented to be circumcised, because Epiphanes Drusilla. king Antiochus son would not give care unto the marriage, for that he refused to entertain the religion of the jews, although in times past he had promised his father no less. He gave Mariam. Mariam also to Archelaus Chelcias' son, who by her father's consent was before time promised him, on whom he begat a daughter called Bernice. A little after this, the marriage of Azizus and Drusilla was broken off, on this occasion following. At such time as Foelix governed jewrie, he saw Drusilla and was surprised with her love, for that she surpassed all other women in beauty. ●…oelix getteth Drusilla from her former husband. He therefore sent her a certain Magician called Simon, who was borne in Cypris, and one of his greatest friends among the jews, who persuaded her to forsake her first husband, and to marry with Foelix, giving her to understand that she should be happy, if she refused not this match. She unadvised, and resolved to rid herself from the envious affection, which her sister Bernice bore towards her (who hated her in regard of her beauty, and for this occasion ceased not to injury her) she condescended to forsake the religion of the jews, and to marry with Foelix, by whom she had a son who was called Agrippa. His death hereafter will I declare, and how in the Emperor Tiberius' time he died, and was burned in the fire of the mountain Ve●…ius with his wife. Bernice remained a widow very long time after Herodes death, who was both her uncle and her husband, and the report was that she had the company of her brother. Finally she wrought so much, that Polemon king of Cilicia caused himself to be circumcised, to the end he might espouse Polemon king of Cil●…cia marrieth Bernice. The yeanre of the world. 4018. after Christ's birth 56. Mariam scorning Archelaus, marrieth Demetrius. her, purposing by that means to make it known how falsely she had been accused. Whereunto Polemon gave ear, because she was rich. But this marriage continued not any long time: For Bernice thorough her impudency, as it is reported, abandoned Polemon, who giving over that marriage forsook also the religion of the jews. At the same time Mariam having refused Archelaus her husband, married with Demetrius one of the chiefest jews that were in Alexandria, both in regard of his descent, as also his riches, who at that time also exercised the office of Alubarcha, that is to say, the governor of Arabia. She caused the son she had by him to be called Agrippinus. But of all this, will I speak more exactly hereafter. The Emperor Claudius died after he had reigned thirteen years, eight months and twenty days. Some say, that he was poisoned by Agrippina his wife, the daughter of Germanicus Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 10. al. 15. Claudius brother, which was first married to Domitius Oenobarbus one of the greatest men of Rome, after whose death and long widowhood, she was finally married to Claudius, into whose house she brought her son called Domitius, by his own father's name. Claudius had before time put Messalina his wife to death, for the jealousy that he had of her: although he had had children by her, namely Britannicus and Octavius. He had Octa●…ia also by his first wife Paetina, Agrippina Mesla●…na and Paetin●… Cl●…dius wives. which was elder than her brethren, and was married to Nero, whom Claudius so named, and adopted for his son. Agrippina, fearing lest Britannicus, growing to man's estate, should succeed his father in the Empire, and desirous to make her own son Emperor, as it is reported: she left nothing unattempted that might bring her husband to his death, and presently sent B●…rrus, who was general of the army, with certain other captains, and those of greatest power amongst his freemen, to bring Nero into the field, and to proclaim him Emperor. He being thus established Nero Emperor. in the Empire, caused Britannicus to be secretly poisoned; and not long after this he openly caused his mother to be put to death, yielding her this recompense, not only for that she had The year of the world. 4019. after Christ's birth 57 Nero a tyrant. borne him in her womb, but also for that by her policies he had obtained the Empire. He likewise murdered Octavia his wife, and divers other noble men, under colour of some conspiracy intended against him. But I will no further prosecute this matter, for that there are divers who have composed Nero's history, of whom some have had no regard of the truth, but have spoken Nero's tyranny at their pleasure, for that he had been their benefactor: othersome transported with hat●…ed and despite against him, have not been ashamed to publish such impudent lies against his renown, as they deserve to be condemned. Neither do I wonder that they have invented so many lies against Nero, considering that in those histories which they wrote as touching the precedent Emperors, they have not studied to speak truth, although they had not any occasion to hate them; The year of the world 4019. after Christ's Nativity. 57 considering that they lived a long time after their death. But let these contemners of truth write as them listeth, for that they seem to take delight in that licence. For mine own part I am intended to write nothing but the truth: neither stand I much on that which concemeth not the matter which I entreat of, purposing in all truth and diligence to declare that which hath befallen our nation of the jews, without omitting of either their misfortunes or follies, that have proceeded with them. I will therefore return to the discovery of our affairs. Azizus king of Emesene being dead the first year of the Emperor Nero's reign, his brother obtained the kingdom: Aristobulus the son of Herode king of Chalcis, had the government of the signiory of the lesser Armenia from Nero's hands. Caesar gave Agrippa a certain portion of Galilee, commanding those of Tiberias and Tarichaea to live under him. Besides this, he gave him Julia's situate beyond jordan, with fourteen burroughs near adjoining thereunto. CHAP. VI The acts and gests of Foelix governor of judaea. But the affairs of judaea grew daily worse and worse. For the country was replenished Alias, cap. 16. Foelix punisheth that thieves, and Magicians and other seducers of the people. Eleazar the son of Dinaeus sent to Rome. again with thieves, and enchanters, who deceived the common people. Foelix apprehended many of them daily, and caused them to be executed and put to death. He took Eleazar also the son of Dinaens, who was captain of those outlaws and thieves that ranged in the country, and surprised him by a subtlety. For Foelix had given him his word, that he ●…hould in no sort be endangered: Whereupon he came and submitted himself, and was presently fettered and sent to Rome. And for that he had conceived a displeasure against jonathan the high priest, who had divers times admonished him to use more circumspection in the government of judaea, for fear he should be blamed by the people, for that he had required Caesar that Foelix might be admitted to the government, he thought it not amiss to cut off jonathan, who continually solicited and vexed him. For this cause he persuaded and bribed a certain man called Dora, who was borne in jerusalem, and was one of those in whom jonathan reposed his most trust, Foelix conspireth against jonathas. to bring in certain thieves to murder jonathan, who willingly listened to his demands, and desirous to gratify the governor, by this means that ensueth brought that to effect which he had intended. There were certain thieves that came up to jerusalem, under colour to adore God, who carrying their swords closely hidden under their garments, accosted jonathan and slew him. Now for that this murder was let slip, and not punished; from that day forward the thieves resorted boldly to the solemn feasts, having their weapons hidden under their garments, and Butchery. thronging in among the people, slew some of those who were their adversaries; and othersome to pleasure those, who had hired them with ready money to rid them of those they misliked. And these outrages committed they not only in other parts of the City, but in the temple likewise, where they slaughtered some who little suspected that any impiety should be committed in that place. For mine own part, I think that God hath destroyed our City in detestation of that impiety, and for that he accounted the temple for an impure mansion place, he hath sent us the Romans, who have set fire on the same to purge the City, and make us slaves with our wives and children, intending thereby to teach us wisdom by our own miseries. Thus was the City filled with these thefts and murders. And as touching the enchanters and deceivers, they persuaded the common people to follow them into the desert, promising them to show them signs The deceitful Magicians. and miracles done by the power of God: whereunto divers gave ear, and at last suffered the penalty of their folly. For Foelix recalling them back again, punished them. At that same time there came a certain man from Egypt to jerusalem, who termed himself a prophet, who incited the common people to follow him to the mount called Olivet, situate not far off from jerusalem, and only distant some five furlongs from thence, telling them Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 12. al. cap. 17. A fall prophet draweth the jews to the mount Olivet. from thence that he would make them see the walls of the City fall unto the ground, by which way he promised them to give them entry. Which being reported to Foelix, he caused his soldiers to arm themselves, and departing out of jerusalem with great store of horse and foot, he set upon them, and slew four hundredth of them, and took two hundredth alive: as for the Egyptian he escaped out of the skirmish, and no man knew what became of him. The thieves also incited the people anew to make war against the Romans, telling them that they ought not to yield them obedience; and they burned and spoiled divers of those burroughs which opposed themselves against them. It chanced also that the jews, which inhabited Caesarea, mutined against the Syrians that were in the same City, in that they strove to have an equal authority The year of the world. 4019. after the Nativity of Christ. 57 Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 13. all 18. A broil in Caesarea between the Syrians and jews. in the government of the state, as well as they. The jews pretended the title of superiority, because that Herode, who was a jew, had builded the City of Caesarea: on the other side, the Syrians avowed the jews sayings to be true: but they replied also that Caesarea was in times past called the tower of Straton, and that at that time there was not one jew that inhabited the same. Which when the governors of that country heard, they laid hands on the authors of this sedition, as well of the one as of the other party, & gave them the bastinado, pacifying by this means the trouble for a little space. For the jews once more being puffed up with their riches, and contemning the Syrians injuriously reviled and provoked them: on the other side, the Syrians being weaker in substance, but as great in heart (by reason the greatest number of those that bear arms with the Romans were Caesareans and Sebastens) at some times broke out into opprobrious speeches against the jews, and at length the quarrel grew to that heat, that they cast stones one at another: so that on both sides divers of them were both slain and hurt; yet had the jews the The year of the world 4020. after Christ's birth 58. upper hand. Foelix perceiving that this debate might breed a war, came on between them, requiring the jews to desist from further violence, and commanding his soldiers to beat down those who should refuse to obey him: by which means a great number were slain and divers taken prisoners. Moreover he gave his soldiers liberty to spoil, and rob divers very rich houses. The other jews, who besides their authority were renowned for their moderation, fearing lest the like misery should befall them, besought Foelix to sound a retreat, and to call in his soldiers, and to spare that which as yet remained, being sore grieved at that which had happened: to which Foelix condescended. At that same time king Agrippa gave the priesthood to Ishmael, the Ishmael the son of Phabeus the high priest. The strife between the high priests & the priests. son of Phabeus. There arose also a dissension betwixt the high priests, and the other priests and governors of jerusalem, and each faction walked forth accompanied with a troop of proud and mutinous persons, who decided their debates with bitter words, and flinging of stones; so that no man might pacify them. For all things were so out of order, as if there had been no Magistrates in the City: And the impudency and audaciousness of the high priests permitted so much, that they sent their servants into the granges to seize the tenths that were due unto the priests; whereby it came to pass, that some poor priests died of necessity, and want: so much did the violence of the seditious at that time prevail above all right. CHAP. VII. The government of Portius Festus: and of certain murderers. AFter that Portius Festus had been sent by Nero to succeed Foelix in the government of judaea, Alias, cap. 19 Foelix acculed. the chiefest of those sews that inhabited Caesarea, repaired unto Rome to accuse Foelix, and without all doubt he had been punished for the injuries he had committed against the jews, if Nero had not pardoned him upon his brother Pallas submission Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 14. and entreaty, who importuned him, and was at that time in great reputation with him. Furthermore, two of the chiefest amongst the Syrians that wrought Berillus, who had sometimes been Nero's Master, and at that time was secretary of estate in the Greek tongue, by mighty bribes, to beg at Nero's hand the revocation of the right and title, which the jews enjoyed in the government and administration of the common weal. For which cause Berillus solicited the Emperor, and obtained a letter at his hands, which was the cause of those mischiefs that afterwards happened in our nation. For the jews of Caesarea understanding what commission the Syrians had gotten; were so much the more kindled and encouraged to make war. As soon therefore as Festus was arrived in judaea, he found the country grievously afflicted with robberies, and the lower country was spoiled by sword and fire. The thieves likewise at that time increased The cutthro●… among the jews. Festus discomfiteth a great deceiver with all his ●…ollowers. wondrously, & they used short swords after the manner of a Persian Cymetre, and crooked like the Roman falchion; with which they slew divers men. For thrusting themselves into the press of people that came in great multitudes on the festival days to celebrate God's service, they killed those very easily whom they listed, and oftentimes repairing to their enemy's villages, they spoilt and burnt the same. But Festus sent divers forces both of horse and foot against certain jews, that were seduced by an enchanter, who had promised them security and repose from all their troubles and molestations, if so be they would follow him into the desert, Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 15. al. 10. who slew both the deceiver and the deceived that followed him. At that time king Agrippa erected a stately building, within the palace at jerusalem, near unto the porch. This palace in times past appertained to the Asmoneans, & was situate in a high place with a goodly prospect, from whence they that listed might with pleasure, behold the whole city of jerusalem, wherein The year of the world. 4020. after Ch●…sts birth 58. The chiefest men of jerusalem stop up the prospect of Agrippa●… house. the king took great delight, and beheld from thence that which was done in the temple. The chiefest men of jerusalem seeing this building, were sore displeased. For neither doth our custom or law permit that any one should look on that which is done in the temple, and especially forbiddeth that no man should behold the sacrifices and oblations. They therefore builded a high wall upon the gallery, which was within the temple on the West side, which did not only dam up the sight of the royal chamber, but also that of the gallery without the temple on the West side, where the Romans kept guard near unto the temple on the festival days. Herewith was King Agrippa sore displeased, and the governor Festus far more than he, who commanded them to pull down the wall. But they besought him that he would give them licence to send their Ambassadors to Nero, to this intent, alleging joseph Cabi that son of Simon made high priest. that it was impossible for them to live, if any part of their temple should be beaten down. Which being granted them, they sent ten of their chiefest nobility, and with them Ishmael the high priest, and Chelcias the Treasurer of the temple unto Nero: who no sooner heard their suit, but he pardoned them not only for that they had done, but he commanded that the building should remain as it was. All which he did in favour of his wife Poppea, who was entreated by the jews, for that she was a devout Princess to sue for them. She therefore commanded the ten Ambassadors to return, and kept Chelcias and Ishmael for pledges with her. The king understanding how all things had passed, gave the high priesthood to joseph surnamed Cabi, which was the son of Simon, who in times past had been high Priest. CHAP. VIII. The government of Albinus. CAesar being advertised of Festus death, sent Albinus to govern judaea. But king Agrippa commanding joseph to lead a private life, and advanced in his steed a certain Albinus governor of judaea. Ananus the son of Ananus the high priest Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 16. al. 21. Ananus had five sons that succeeded him in the priesthood. The ●…eare of the world, 4025. after Christ's birth 43. james the brother of ●…ur Lord stoned. Ananus accused before Albinus. man called Ananus, the son of Ananus, who is reported to have been most happy. For he had five sons, all which supplied the place of the high priest, after himself had long time before them enjoyed the room: The like whereof hath never happened to any of our high Priests. The younger Ananus, who, as we said, was advanced to this place, was a rash and headstrong man, that followed the sect of the Sadduces, who (as we have already declared) were amongst all other the jews the most severe in executing justice: whereas therefore Ananus was of this disposition, he thought that he had a fit occasion offered him to do what him listed after Festus death, and during the time that Albinus was as yet upon his way. He therefore ascended and sat down in the tribunal, assisted by the judges, and caused james the brother of jesus, who was called Christ, to appear before him, with certain others; and accused them for transgressing the law and blasphemy against God, and caused them to be stoned to death. They that were men of upright conscience within the city, and diligent observers of the law, were very much displeased with this act, and sent secretly unto the king, beseeching him to prohibit Ananus, that hereafter he should commit no such like offence: for that his first action was not allowable. Some of them also went to meet Albinus being on his way from Alexandria, to inform him that it was not lawful for Ananus to assemble the council without his licence. Albinus persuaded by these words, wrote a choleric letter to Ananus, wherein he threatened to punish him. And for the same cause king Agrippa dispossessed him of the Priesthood, after he had held the same for the space of three months, and in his steed he established jesus the son of Damneus. After that Albinus was arrived in jerusalem, he employed all his care and study to pacify the country, by executing divers jesus the son of Damneus possesseth A●…anus place. of the thieves. But the high priest Ananias daily increased in honour and credit, and purchased the good will of the citizens by his liberality and great gifts. But he had certain mischievous servants about him, who conversed with those that were most intemperate and audacious, who repairing from grange to grange, took up many tenths that belonged to the Priests, and beat those that re●…used to tender them. The priests used no less force than did their servants, having no man that might restrain them: whereby it came to pass that the piests, who were before time maintained Some forcibly gather the tenths of the ●…riests. by the tenths, died at that time for want of victuals. And the thieves renewing their entrance into the city by night, during the feast that was celebrated at that time, took the secretary of captain Eleazar alive, who was Ananias son, who was the high. And having bound him, led him out of the city, sending Ananias word that they would deliver his secretary, if he would labour so The ye●…re of the world. 4026. after Christ's birth 64. The thieves apprehend. Ananias kindred and servants. much with Albinus, as to deliver them their ten companions then prisoners, who were taken by him. To the performance whereof, Ananias persuaded Albinus by manifest reason: and by obtaining his demand, increased and begat a number of miseries. For the thieves used all the wily means they could devise in apprehending some one of Ananias house; and when they had taken any one of them alive, they would not deliver him except before they might have one of their own delivered. So that increasing both in courage and number, they waxed more & more insolent to afflict the country. At the same time king Agrippa enlarged the city of Caesarea, surnamed Philippi, and in honour of Nero called it Neronias. He builded also to his great charge a Theatre in favour of Caesarea Philippi new builded by Agrippa, and called Neronias. The Berytian●… receive much kindness at Agrippa's hands the Berytians, wherein every year he spent divers thousands of silver in sports. He distributed oil and corn to every one of the people, and garnished all the city with most antic and goodly counterfeited portraitures upon the porches. Briefly, he wellnigh transported into the city all the ornamnts of the rest of his kingdom; for which cause his subjects began to hate him; seeing he deprived them of their rare ornaments to adorn one strange city. jesus the son of Gamaliel succeeded in the priesthood, which the king had given him, and taken away from jesus the son of Damneus: who resigned him his place against his will. Whereupon there arose a discord between them. For having assembled their resolutest followers, they grew from bitter words to fatal blows and stones. But amongst all the rest Ananias was the richest in wealth, and by his Ananias, Costobarus and Saul prepared to spoil the weaker. bounty reconciled the more unto him. Costobarus also and Saul gathered each of them a band of rascal and desperate men. These two were of the blood royal, and by reason of their affinity and alliance with Agrippa, they were well beloved. ●…or which cause they were outrageous and violent in spoiling and ravishing the fortunes of the weaker sort. From this time forward, the estate of our City grew desperate, encrcasing daily more and more in wickedness. When Albinas understood that Gessius Florus came to succeed him, desirous that they of jerusalem should acknowledge some good turn at his hands, he called before him all those Hedio & Ruffinus. cap. 17. al. 22. Albinus executeth the heinous malefactors. Agrippa giveth them of the tribe of Leu●…. leave to w●…are linen garments. Agrippa permitteth the ministers of the temple to sing the sacred hymns. prisoners that were notoriously guilty of murder, and caused them to be executed. As for those that were imprisoned upon any small or slight cause, upon payment of their fines, he delivered them: and in so doing the prison was cleansed of malefactors, and from that time the country remained full of thieves and Robbers. The Levites, who were ordained to sing the hymns unto God, solicited the king to assemble the council, and thereby to permi●… them to wear the linen rob, which the priests were accustomed to use, telling him that such an ordinance would dignify his estate very much, in that he would be always famous in memory of this new establishment. This suit of theirs was easily respected and admitted: For the king after he had consulted with those, who were his assistants, suffered the Levites that sung the hymns, to lay aside their ordinary rob, and to apparel themselves in linen, as best liked them. He permitted also that another part of the Levites, who intended the service of the temple, should learn to sing the hymns and psalms according ●…s they had required. All which he did contrary to the ordinances of the country, which being broken there was nought else to be expected but punishment. At that time was the building of the temple finished: And the people perceiving that more than eighteen thousand workmen should be idle, and deprived of wages, whereupon they The people of the jews beseech the king that it may be lawful for them to repair the porch. were accustomed to live in travailing in the building of the temple: on the other side, being loath to reserve their money thorough the fear they had of the Romans, to provide that these workmen (in the entertainment of whom they resolved to employ their treasure: for if any one of them travailed but one hour in the day, he was suddenly paid his wages) they requested the king that it might please him to repair the Eastern gate on the outward part of the temple, situate in a descent; the walls whereof were in height four hundredth cubits, made of square stones of white marble, from the top to the bottom, and every stone twenty foot long, and six foot thick. This work was first builded by king Solomon, who was the first that builded our temple. But the king, to whom Claudius Caesar had given the commission of building the temple, thinking with himself that it was very easy to break it down, but very hard to build it up, and Mathias the son of Theophilus high priest. that to re-edify the porch it would cost much time and expense, he denied their request, permitting them nevertheless to pave their city with broad stone. He took the priesthood from jesus the son of Gamaliel, and gave it to Mathias the son of Theophilus. In whose time the war betwixt the Romans and jews grew to the first head. But I think it not amiss, but very answerable to the course of this present history, to speak The year of the world, 4026. after Christ's nativity, 64 Hedio & Ruffinus, cap. 18. The succession and number of the high priests among the jews. Aaron and his progeny. of the priests, and to show how they had their beginning, and to whom this honour may be lawfully communicated, and how many they were in number until the end of the war. The first of them was Aaron Moses brother, after whose death his children succeeded him, and from that time forward the honour hath continued with their successors. For it is a law observed by our ancestors, that no man shall be admitted to the priesthood, except he be of Aaron's posterity: for albeit he were a king, if so be that he were of an other line, it was impossible for him to obtain the priesthood. All the priests after Aaron, who (as we have said) was the first, until Phanasus, whom the seditious created priest in the time of the war, have been in number 83. whereof 13 have executed the office from the time that Moses erected God's tabernacle in the desert, until such time as arriving in judaea, king Solomon builded a temple to God. For in the beginning the high priesthood continued with the possessors for term of life: but afterwards, although the priests were yet alive, yet were there other successors planted in their rooms. These thirteen were of Aaron's posterity, and obtained this degree in succession the one after the other. Their first government was Aristocratia, which is the government of the nobility: afterwards a monarchy; and finally a royal government. The number of years wherein these thirteen flourished, were six hundredth and twelve years, from the day that our fathers departed out of Egypt, under the conduct of Moses, until the edification of the temple that was builded in jerusalem by king Solomon. After these thirteen high priests, there were eighteen others; who after Salomon's time succeeded one after another, until the time that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, having encamped before the City, took the same, and burned the temple, and transported our nation into Babylon, and led away the high priest josedech prisoner. The time of the priesthood, and continuance of these eighteen was four hundredth, sixty six years, six months, and ten days: so long as the jews have had the royal government. After the surprisal of jerusalem by the Babylonians, until such time as Cyrus' king of Persia dismissed the jews, and gave them leave to return from Babylon into their own country, with permission to re-edify their temple, there are 70. years: and at that time the captives being returned, jesus the son of josedech took upon him the high priesthood, who with those of his posterity to the number of fifteen, have governed in a Democraty or popular estate, until the time of Antiochus surnamed Eupator, for the space of four hundredth and fourteen years. This Antiochus was the first, who with his general Lysia, displaced Onias, surnamed Menelaus, of his priesthood; commanding him to be slain at Beryth, and after he had driven his son out of the succession, he established Iacim high priest, who notwithstanding was of Aaron's race; but not of his family. For this cause Onias the son of Onias, There were 83. high priests in all. and nephew to the deceased Onias retired himself into Egypt, where growing familiar with Ptolomey Philometor and Cleopatra his wife, he persuaded them to build a temple in the confines of Heliopolis, not unlike to that of jerusalem, and to create a high priest in the same: of which temple in Egypt we have made very oftentimes mention. After that Iacim had held the priesthood for the space of three years, he died without successor. For the City remained seven years without a high priest. Again, the Asmoneans recovered the government of their nation, and after they had warred against the Macedons, they established jonathan high priest, who exercised the office seven years: but afterwards he was slain by an ambush, and treason conspired against him by Tryphon, as we have declared elsewhere. After him Simon his brother undertook the priesthood, who was not long after slain treacherously by his son in law at a banquet. After him succeeded his son Hyrcanus, who enjoying this dignity for the space of thirty one years, died when he was very old, leaving behind him judas surnamed Aristobulus; who dying by sickness, left his brother Alexander his heir both of the kingdom and high priesthood. After that Aristobulus had obtained the royal government, he enjoyed both dignities one whole year. For this judas surnamed Aristobulus was the first that set the diadem on his head, causing himself to be called a king. The which Alexander did continue: for he also joined the kingdom with the high priesthood, and reigned 27. years: and feeling himself draw near to his death, he left it in Alexandra's his wives hands to dispose of the priesthood as she pleased. She therefore bestowed it on Hyrcanus, and as touching the kingdom she kept it in her own hands nine years, & afterwards died. Her son Hyrcanus was high priest for so long time, for after Alexandra's death his brother Aristobulus made war against him, and having overcome him, he took the kingdom from him, and not only seized the crown, but the priesthood. After he had reigned three years, and as many months, Pompey repaired to jerusalem, and took it perforce, and laying hold of Aristobulus, sent him bound unto Rome with his children. After which he restored the priesthood once more to Hyrcanus, committing the government of the nation unto his hands, The year of the world. 4026. after the Nativity of Christ. 64. forbidding him in the mean space to wear the diadem. Besides the first nine years, Hyrcanus governed twenty and four, but Barzapharnes and Pacorus princes of the Parthians passed Euphrates, and made war against Hyrcanus, and took him alive prisoner, and made Antigonus Aristobulus son king. But after he had governed three years and three months, Sosius and Herode took him alive perforce, and Antonius sent him to Antioch where he was put to death. After that Herode was created king by the Romans, there was never any high priest created Aristobulus slain by Herode, supra lib. 15. cap. 3. of the posterity of the Asmoneans (for he gave the high priesthood to certain men of obscure & base condition, who were of the order of the priests) Aristobulus only excepted. This Aristobulus was Hyrcanus' nephew, who was prisoner among the Parthians, and having given him the priesthood he married himself with Mariam his sister, to the intent to continue himself in the good liking of the people in remembrance of Hyrcanus: but afterwards fearing, lest all of them should turn to Aristobulus side, he caused him to be slain, by finding out a means to cause him to be stifled, at such time as he bathed himself in a fishpond near to jericho, as we have declared before this. After him he bestowed the priesthood no more on any of the line of the Asmoneans. Archelaus his son followed his father's steps in respect of the priesthood, and from that time forward the Romans have enjoyed the sovereignty over jewry. All they then that have exercised the priesthood from Herodes time, until the day that Titus took the City and the temple, have been in all twenty and eight. All the continuance of their government was one hundredth and seven years. Certain of these governed during Herodes life, and in the days of Archelaus his son, but after these two were dead, the government was Aristocratical, or of the nobility, wherein the priests had the government over the whole nation. Thus much have we thought meet to speak at this time as touching the high priests. CHAP. IX. How Florus, Albinus successor, offered many injuries to the jews, which constrained them to take arms. GEssius Florus being sent by Nero to succeed Albinus, filled all judaea with many mischiefs and miseries. He was a Clazomenian borne, and was married to a certain woman called The year of the world. 4028. after the birth of Christ. 66. Gessius Florus governor of judaea. Gessius Floru●… worse then, Albinus. Cleopatra, no less mischievous than himself: who being beloved by Poppea Nero's wife, obtained this dignity for him. He behaved himself so outrageously and violently in all his government, that thorough the great injustice he committed, the jews praised Albinus as if he had been their benefactor. For he concealed his mischief, taking care lest it should wholly be conceited or discovered: but Gessius Florus behaved himself in such sort, as if he had been sent to make open show and sale of his villainies, publishing his injustice in the ears of our nation, without omitting either rapine or injustice in execution and inflicting punishment on the innocent. For he was pitiless and covetous, and made no difference betwixt noble and ignoble, and was not ashamed to be partaker with thieves: of whom there were divers that made it their profession, to steal without any fear, in that they were assured of their safety, because he was partaker with them. And in a word, there was no moderation in him, in sort as the poor jews being unable to endure the insolent rapines and spoilings of their goods that they received by The year of the world, 4030. after Christ's birth 68 Florus the original cause of the wars of the jews. The beginning of the wars. these thieves, were constrained to abandon their own houses, and to fly their country, and remain in some more commodious place of security, yea though it were among strangers. What need I speak any more? He that constrained us to raise our swords against the Romans, was Florus, who made his account that it was better for them to die all at once in great troops, then to perish by little and little. In brief, the war began the second year of the government of Florus in that province, which was the twelfth year of Nero's Empire. But they that desire to know exactly all that which we have been constrained both to do and suffer, may peruse my books as touching the Wars of the jews. For which cause in this place I will end this ancient history, after which I have begun to describe the history of the War. This ancient history containeth all that which hath been reported to be done since the first The Epilog of the Antiquitles of the jews. creation of man, until the twelfth year of Nero's Empire, omitting nothing that hath befallen the jews, as well in Egypt as in Syria, and Palestine. All that likewise, which we have been enforced to suffer under the Assyrians and Babylonians; as also our estate under the Persians and Macedons, and finally under the Romans. All this, as I suppose, I have compiled and gathered together with careful diligence, and I have enforced myself to recite the number of those, who have been high priest for the space of two thousand years. I have also collected the succession The year of the world. 4030. after Christ's birth 68 joseph expert in the Greek and Hebrew tongues. of kings, their actions, and governments, with the power of their monarchies, according as it is amply described in holy scriptures, as also I have promised in the beginning of my history. Furthermore I dare boldly say, that whatsoever I have set down, is so assured, that there is no man either jew or of what nation soever, yea although he should have employed the uttermost of his power, could more exactly communicate the same unto the greeks, than I have done. For in their confessions and opinions who are of our nation, I have such knowledge in that which concerneth our doctrine, as I surpass them all: And as touching the Grecian disciplines, I have studied and learned the tongue, although I cannot boast of the familiar and fit pronunciation of the same, for that I have lived in the country. For amongst us we make but slender reckoning of those, who are exercised in divers tongues, for that this study is accounted profane by us, and common not only unto free persons, but also unto slaves: and they only are esteemed to have profited in wisdom; who fully know the contents of the law, and who can expound the holy scriptures. For this cause although divers have travailed in this exercise of writing histories, yet are there scarcely two or three of them that have written successfully, and have received the fruits of their labours. And it may be that it shall not be misthought of, if I freely speak somewhat of my progeny and life, considering that there are men at this day living, who can approve or reprove me in that I set down. And in this place will I make an end of mine ancient history, which I have reduced into twenty books, containing sixty thousand verses. And if God grant This volume was written The year of the world. 4057. after Christ's birth 95. me life, I will shortly entreat of our wars, and the events of the same that have happened hitherto, which is the thirteenth year of Domitianus Caesar's Empire, and the fifty six year of mine age. Moreover I am resolved to discover in four books the divers opinions of the sects of the jews, as touching God and his essence, and our laws, according to which certain things are permitted us, and othersome are forbidden. The end of the Antiquities of the jews. THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS THE SON OF MATHIAS, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. KNOW therefore that I am not basely but nobly descended, being josephus Ilnage. both on the father and mother's side derived from the line of the priests: & for as much as some are accustomed to draw the ground of their nobility, the one from this man, the other from that; so among our nation the mark of true nobility is to derive a man's pedigree from the priesthood. Touching myself, I am not only lineally issued from the priests, but I draw my original from them, who amongst the four & twenty ranks or families of priests justly challenge the superiority. Moreover by my mother's side I am of the blood royal. For the heirs of the Asmoneans, from whom she is descended, have for a long time exercised the priesthood and princely power among our nation. I will likewise make it known, how my predecessors have succeeded the one after the other. My great grandfathers father was Simon, surnamed Psellus, that is, the stutterer, who lived at such time as Hircanus the high priest the first of that name, and the son of Simon the high priest, was in office. This Simon Psellus had nine sons: the one of these was Mathias, surnamed Aphlias. This Mathias took to wife the daughter of the high priest jonathan, by whom he had one son, who was Mathias surnamed Curtus, who was borne in the first year of Hircanus' priesthood. Mathias begat joseph the ninth year of Alexandra's government, and of joseph came Mathias joseph the son of Mathias was borne in the first year of Caius Caesar's Empire, and the 4001. year of the world, and the 39 after Christ's birth. the tenth year of the reign of Archelaus; and Mathias begat me the first year of the Empire of Caius Caesar. I likewise have three sons, mine eldest is Hircanus, who was borne in the fourth: my next justus, who was borne in the seventh: and Agrippa my last was borne in the ninth year of Vespasians Empire. This genealogy of mine do I in this manner propose, according as I have found it written in the public registers, to put them to silence who shall pretend to reprove or detract the same. My father Mathias was not only famous for his express nobility, but hath also been praised by reason of his justice and authority in jerusalem, which is the mother city of all the rest in our country. My bringing up during my tender years was with Mathias, who was my brother by the same father and mother, with whom I happily profited in all kind of sciences, having a good memory and a quick apprehending spirit: so that being as yet a child of fourteen years of age, I was praised by all men in regard of the good affection I bore to learning, and the priests & noblest citizens always assembled about me, to receive certain exact instructions from me in joseph from his infancy very studious, and addicted to learning. any thing that concerned our ordinances. About the age of sixteen years my desire was to have a search and insight into the sects of our nation, which (as I have said) are three: the first of the Pharisees; which is the chiefest. The second of the Sadduces. And the third of the Esseans. For I truly thought with myself, that I might easily choose the better of the three, at such time as I had been exercised and acquainted with them all: for which cause with great abstinence and no less labour, I passed thorough them all: and not content with this experience; after I had heard that a certain man called Banus lived in the desert, clothing himself with that which the trees brought forth, and feeding on no other kind of meat, but that which they willingly yielded him, washing himself oftentimes by day and night in cold water to keep himself chaste: I began to imitate his course of life, and after I had lived with him for the space of three years, and satisfied my desires, at last I returned into the city. At the age of nineteen years, I began to intermeddle with public affairs, following the sect of the Pharisees, which very nearly resembleth that sect among the Grecians, who are called Stoics. After I was six and twenty years old, it was my fortune to repair to Rome upon this joseph a 〈◊〉. occasion that ensueth: During such time as Foelix governed judaea, there were certain priests my familiars, men of much honour & more virtue, who upon some slight occasion were bound and sent to Rome by his commandment, to answer to that which was objected against them in Caesar's presence. Whereupon I being desirous to labour for their liberty, having especial intelligence, that notwithstanding the torments wherewith they were martyred, they buried not in forgetfulness that piety which they ought to God, but lived on figs and nuts: and for this cause I departed for Rome, and was encountered with many great and grievous hazards by sea. For the ship, wherein I sailed, was wracked in the midst of the Adriatic sea, and there were about six Joseph's ship▪ 〈◊〉. hundredth of us that swam all night long, and upon the day spring by God's providence a Cyrenian ship came in sight, and both I and certain others to the number of fourscore out swimming the rest, were taken up into it and saved. After I had in this sort escaped: I came to Dicaearchia, which the Italians call at this day Puteol, and grew acquainted with Aliturus a jew borne, who was a player, and in good reputation with Nero; by whose means insinuating myself into Poppea's knowledge, whowas Caesar's wife, I determined to beseech her to procure those priests liberties, with all expedition: which done, I by her means recovered their present liberty: and being gratified likewise by her with many great gifts, I returned into my country. There found I the commonweal too much addicted to factions and troubles, and divers too prone and ready to rebel and forget their allegiance to the Romans. I enforced myself to repress the seditious, joseph obtaineth the priest's liberties. The jews seditious. and exhorted them to change their opinions, representing before their eyes the quality of those, against whom they enterprised their war, with whom they neither might compare in experience of war, neither in good fortune: for this cause I advised them not to hazard and overthrow their country by their rashness and rage, and with it their posterities and themselves. To this effect spoke I unto them, & instantly entreated them to forsake their untamed resolution, for that I foresaw that the end of this war would redound to our utter ruin; but I prevailed nothing joseph dehorting the jews from sedition is suspected by them of treason. with them. For the fury of desperate & dissolute men prevailed above reason: for which cause fearing least by continual enforcing of one thing, I should grow into hatred and suspicion among them, as if I favoured their enemies; fearing likewise lest if they should lay hold on me, they should put me to death, seeing that the fort of Antonia was already seized upon by the seditious; I retired myself into the inward part of the temple. In process of time after Manahem & the chiefest among the thieves were put to death, I came out again from the temple, and conversed with the priests, and chiefest Pharisees, who were surprised with great fear. And grievously were we disma●…ed, when we saw the people in arms, & being uncertain what to do, & wanting the means to pacify these mutinies, and apparently perceiving their manifest danger, both I and the Pharisees told them our opinion was answerable to theirs, & counseled them to contain themselves in peace, and not to provoke the enemy. For our hope was that Gessius would with all expedition draw out great forces, and chastise those peacebreakers. But as soon as he arrived, and had fought with them, he was overcome, and a great number of his men were slain: whereupon grew the utter ruin of our whole nation. For such as desired the war, were puffed up with that victory, and conceived an assured hope that in the end they should overcome the Romans. Besides that, this ensuing occasion presented itself. The inhabitants of the cities that bordered upon Syria, laid hands on those jews that dwelled amongst them, and slew both them, their wives, and children, without any just cause or crime committed by them. For they had not conspired The jews are plagued both by strangers and their own co●…imen. any ways or intended to revolt from the Romans, or to use any hostility or any secret conspiracy against any of those, with whom they were conversant. But among all the rest, the citizens of Scythopolis exceeded all other in impiety and wickedness. For being besieged without by certain of the jews, they enforced those jews that inhabited amongst them to take arms, and to charge those of their own nation (which is both prohibited and unlawful by our laws) who fight against them discomfited them: but after this overthrow they in such ●…ort falsified and forgot their faith, that they had given to their associates and fellow citizens, that they slew every mother's son of them, to the number of many thousands. The like misfortune also fell upon those jews that inhabited Damascus. But of this we have more amply spoken in those our books, which we have written of the wars of the jews, and at this present I make mention hereof, intending to signify and certainly persuade the readers, that the war which was waged with the Romans, proceeded not of a resolute intent and purpose, but for the most part of an The jews constrained by necessity to make war. enforced necessity. After that Gessius was overcome (as we have heretofore declared) the chiefest men of jerusalem perceiving that the thieves making a party among the seditious, and were strongly and plentifully armed and provided, they began to fear lest if they should be found disarmed; they should suddenly be overthrown by their enemies (as in effect it fell out afterwards) and hearing that all Galilee was not as yet wholly revolted from t●… Romans: but that a part thereof as yet entertained the peace, they sent me with two other priests joazar and judas, who were both virtuous and honourable men, to persuade the mutinons to lay by their arms, and to let them know that it was more behoveful for the good of the nation, that such men as were in authority and reputation, should have the keeping thereof. The resolution that was taken by them was, that they had them always ready upon all occasions, but that they expected until they were certified what the Romans intended to do. With this commission and such like instructions, I repaired into Galilee, where I found the Sephorites were in no small hazard in respect of their country, for that they of Galilee had resolved The danger of the Sephorites. to forage the same in regard of their league of friendship continued with the Romans, and contracted and ratified by Senius Gallus Governor of Syria. But I delivered them all of that fear, and appeased the common people by permitting them, to send at all times when they pleased, their hostages to Gessius, who lay at Do●…a a City of Phoenicia. I found likewise that the inhabitants of Tiberias were already in arms, upon this occasion following. There were in that Sedition in th●… city of Tiberias. Three factions in the city of Tiberias. City three different factions, the one of the nobility, whose chief●…aine was julius Capella, and all those that accompanied him, that is to say, Herode the son of Miarus; Herode the son of Gamalus and Compsus the son of Compsus (for Crispus his brother, who in times past had been governor for Agrippa surnamed the Great, was amongst his possessions on the other side of jordan) all these I say gave counsel at that time to subscribe to the Romans authority, and to obey their king. But Pistus would no ways accord to this advice, in regard of his son justus: for naturally he was vainglorious. The second faction was of the common sort, who concluded upon war. justus Pistus son, who was the ringleader of the third faction, carried himself very doubtfully as touching the war; yet notwithstanding he sought and thirsted after innovation, hoping that by a change he should increase his power. Presenting himself therefore in the midst of the multitude, he enforced himself to persuade the common sort, that their City had always The oration of justus Pistus son to the multitude. belonged to Galilee; and that during the days of Herode the Tetrarch, who founded the same, it was the chiefest City, whose pleasure it was that the City of Sephoris should yield obedience to that of Tiberias. Furthermore, he avowed that they had not lost that pre-eminence in the time of king Agrippa the father, but had continued the same till Foelix obtained the government of judaea. But for the present wherein they had been given by Nero to the younger Agrippa, they had fallen and lost their superiority. For the City of Sephoris obtained the sovereignty of Galilee, after that she acknowledged the Roman government, who had abolished the table royal and public registers. By these words and others of like nature, enforced against king Agrippa, he incited the people to rebellion, signifying unto them that the opportunity invited justus inci●…eth the people to rebellion. them to take arms, to the end that being associated with the Galileans, they might make themselves Lords, for that all of them would willingly join themselves with them thorough the hatred they ●…are to the Sephorites, on whom they would revenge themselves with great force, because they continued in their allegiance, which they promised to the Romans. And by these words he won the people's hearts unto him, for he was a man that was very eloquent, justus the offspring of war and by his subtlety and politic discourse, easily overthrew all that which his adversaries produced against him. For he was not ignorant of those sciences that are known unto the greeks, but trusting to his wisdom and good discourse, he began to discover how all things had passed at that time, to the intent that by such colourable insinuations he might smother the truth. But in the process of our discourse, we will declare that he was a man of a dissolute life, and that by his and his brother's means, he wanted little of utterly overthrowing his country. When as therefore this justus had persuaded the Citizens of Tiberias to take arms, and had constrained divers men likewise, who were of the contrary opinion, to do the like, he issued out with them, and burned the villages of the Gadarenians and Hippenians, that are situate in the confines of Tiberias and Scythopolis: In this estate was Tiberias: and as touching Gischala, their estate and affairs were brought to this issue. john the son of Levi seeing some of the Citizens waxen proud by means of their revolt from the Romans, laboured to restrain them, and required them to continue in their allegiance: but notwithstanding all his persuasion and diligence, he could not contain them. For the nations round about them, as the Gadarenians, Gabaraganeans and Tyrians assembled a great army, and with the same assailed Gischala, and Gischala burned & spoiled. took it by force, and after they had consumed it by fire and utterly destroyed the same, they returned every one to their dwelling places. john being sore displeased with this act, armed all those that were with him, and set upon these abovenamed nations, and having obtained the victory, he re-edified Gischala in far better so●… than it was before, enclosing it with a wall, to the intent it might be the better fortified against future invasions. But those of Gamala persevered in their faith towards the Romans, for the occasion that ensueth. Philip the son of Iacim, who governed under king Agrippa, escaping beyond all opinion, Gamala faithful to Rome. The danger whereinto Philip jacims son was fallen. and flying to the royal palace in jerusalem at such time as it was besieged, fell into another great danger, to wit, to be slain by Manahem, and those thieves that were with him: but certain Babylonians his kinsmen being at that time in jerusalem, hindered the thieves from executing their purpose at that time. When as therefore Philip had sojourned there for the space of four days, on the fifth he fled away, disguizing himself in a false hair, for fear he should be discovered: And as soon as he was arrived in one of those villages which was of his own possession, situate near unto the mount Gamala, he sent for certain of his subjects to make their repair unto him. But God would not permit it, but for Philip's greater good, he crossed the scope of his intent, which otherwise had been the ruin of many, for being surprised by a sudden fever, he committed certain letters of his, written to Agrippa and Bernice who were yet but young, to one of his freemen, commannding him to deliver them to Varus, who was put in trust Varus injustly executeth him that brought the letters. Varus tyranny in governing the country. Varus seeketh to conceal his power and tyranny. by the king and Queen, to administer the affairs of their kingdom, for that they were gone to Beryth to meet with Gessius. As soon therefore as he had received Philip's letters, and understood that he was escaped, he took it very hardly, for that he thought it would be said that the king and the Queen had no use of him since Philip was arrived. He ●…refore brought him that had the carriage of these letters, into the people's presence, objecting against him that he had forged that writing, alleging that he falsely lied in that he reported that Philip was in jerusalem, making war with the jews against the Romans: and for that cause he commanded him to be executed. Philip being ignorant of the cause why his freeman did not return, sent another with letters, to the intent he might discover what was become of his first messenger, and for what cause he stayed so long. But Varus accusing this second messenger also very falsely, commanded him to be executed, as he had done the first. For the Syrians that inhabit Caesarea, had made him proud, insomuch that he aspired to high and great matters, by telling him that Agrippa should be put to death by the Romans, in regard of those faults which the jews had committed; and that Varus, who was royally descended, should possess his government. For without question Varus was held to be of the blood royal, for that he derived his pedigree from the Tetrarch Sohëmus that governed the country that abutted on Lybanus. For these causes Varus grew proud, and retained Philip's letters by him, hoping by these means that the king should have no knowledge thereof; and he set watch in every passage, for fear lest any man should fly and certify the king of that which had happened; and to give the Syrians the better content, who dwelled in Caesarea, he put divers of those jews that dwelled among them to death. He intended also to undertake a war against the jews of Bathanaea, who were called Babylonian jews, by confed●…●…ing himself with the Trachonites of Bathanaea. For which cause, sending for twelve of th●… jews who were of most estimation among the inhabitants of Caesarea, he enjoined them to repair to Ecbatane, to signify unto those of their nation that dwelled there, that Varus understanding that they pretended to take arms against their king, and scarcely believing it▪ had sent them unto them to persuade them to lay by their arms. And that this should be a certain sign, by which they might perfectly express that he had no reason to give credit to their reports, who had enforced and objected so much against them. Furthermore, he commanded them that seventy of the chiefest of them should be chosen out, to answer to those accusations wherewith they should be charged. These twelve arriving in Ecbatane, and entertained by those of their nation, found that they neither imagined nor intended any commotion: for which cause they persuaded them to send their seventy men: which they did, little suspecting that which would happen. As soon therefore as these with the other twelve Ambassadors came to Caesarea, Varus having Varus killeth the seventy jews with the ambassadors. The jews retire themselves into the fortress of Gamala &. thither resorteth Philip also. inkling of their coming, met them on the way with the kinngs forces; and slew them altogether with the foresaid Ambassadors, and took his way towards the jews of Ecbatane. But one of the seventy, who had escaped, resorted thither with all expedition preventing Varus, and certified the rest of that which had happened. Whereupon they incontinently fell to arms, and with their wives & children retired themselves to the fort of Gamala, abandoning their villages which were stored with all kind of goods, and many thousand cattle. When Philip had tidings hereof, he repaired himself also to the fort of Gamala, where he no sooner arrived▪ but the people cried out with a loud voice, exhorting him to take the sovereignty, and to make war against Varus and the Syrians of Caesarea. For they had intelligence that the king was dead. But Philip moderated their fury, recounting unto them what benefits the king had bestowed on them, and of what power the Romans were, against whom it was but a folly for them to take arms; and in the end he persuaded them to peace. The king understanding that Varus was determined to kill and murder all the jews that were in Caesarea, with their wives & children all in one day (who were many in number) he sent unto him Equus Modius to supply his place, as it hath been by us declared in an other place. Mean while Philip kept the fort of Gamala, and the country thereabouts, persevering in their fidelity and loyalty to the Romans. As soon as I arrived in Galilee, Gamala still faithful to the Romans. joseph by the commandment of the council remaineth in Galilee. and had perceived and learned all occurrences that had happened, by those who reported the same unto me, I presently signified the whole estate by my letters, to the council at jerusalem, to know what their pleasure was I should do. Who gave me this answer, that I should remain where I was, and retain those Ambassadors that I had with me; if they thought good to take charge of Galilee. But they being very wealthy, by means of those tenths and tit●…es that were given them, and very willing, because they were due, to gather them up in right of their priesthood, resolved with themselves to return to their own houses. But for that I entreated them to remain with me, until such time, as we had settled the affairs, they willingly consented unto me. I therefore departed with them to the City of Sephora, and came into a burrow called Bethmans' distant from Tiberias some four furlongs, and from thence I sent a messenger to the council of Tiberias, exhorting the chiefest among the people to come and speak with me: who coming forth to visit me, accompanied with justus also, I told them that I was sent Ambassador unto them, with those other, by the commonalty of jerusalem, to persuade them to deface that building that was erected by Herod the Tetrarch, wherein divers figures of living creatures were painted; for that our law forbade them to allow or do such things, and I exhorted them to suffer us to do that execution as soon as they might. Capella and those of his party, did for a long time refuse to consent thereunto, but in the end The Palace set on fire that was in Tiberias. we enforced them so much, that they condescended. Now whilst we debated upon this conclusion, jesus the son of Saphias (of whom we have spoken heretofore, declaring how he was the chieftain and conductor of the faction of sailors and poor men) took with him certain Galileans, and set fire on all the palace, under hope to get great riches thereby (for that there were certain roofs of the house covered with gold) who spoilt many things against our consent. For after we had conferred with Capella, and the chiefest Tiberians, we retired ourselves from Bethmaus into the higher Galilee. In the mean time jesus men slew all the greeks that remained there, and who before the war had been their enemies. Which when I was certified of, I was grievously displeased; and came down to Tiberias, and disposed of the king's movables, for ●…re lest they should be carried away by the robbers: and having recovered a candlestick of ●…rinthian work, princely tables, and no small quantity of massive silver, I resolved with myself ●…eserue it to the king's use. Calling therefore ten of the chiefest Senators and Capella Antyllus joseph procureth the safety of the king's goods. son unto me, I delivered the vessels into their hands, charging them to deliver the same to no man, except it were to myself. From thence; with mine associates I went unto john at Gischala, toknow what his mind and resolution was, and I presently smelled out by him, that he affected innovation and tyranny. For he besought me to grant him liberty, to transport Caesar's wheat that was stored up in the villages of higher Galilee, telling me that he would bestow the same in re-edifying and repairing the walls of his country. But I smelling out both his drift and counsels, denied him that liberty. For I thought that that wheat would either serve the Romans, or myself, for that already I had the care of that country committed to my hands by the City of jerusalem. When as therefore he could win nothing at my hands, he appealed to my companions, who were improvident of those troubles that were to come, and greedy of rewards, and obtained at their hands thorough his ●…auish liberality a liberty to dispose of all the come that was in the province, in that I myself was unable to contradict them both. After this john used another subtlety, for he said that those jews, who inhabited Caesarea Philippi, being by the command of their king, to whom they were subject, kept prisoners within their walls; being in want of pure oil, desired to buy the same at his hands, for fear least contrary to their custom, they should be compelled to use that john's acts in Gischalis and his covetousness. of the greeks. But this spoke he not in respect of religion or devotion, but for his filthy lucre's sake. For knowing that among the Caesareans, two sextaries were sold for a drachm, and that at Gischalis eighty sextaries were sold for four drachmas, he sent all that oil that was in that place unto them, doing it (as he thought) by my permission. But I did not willingly condescend thereunto, but for fear lest if I should withstand the same; the people should stone me to death. As soon therefore as I had given him leave, john gathered a great sum of money by this cunning shift. From this place dismissed I my companions, and sent them back to jerusalem, employing myself wholly afterwards in preparing armour, and fortifying cities. After this, calling the stoutest Sosephsendeth back his companions to jerusalem. joseph precedent of Galilee thieves before me, when as I perceived that I might not recover their weapons from them, I persuaded the multitude to hire them by rewards, telling them that it was more profitable for them to entertain them in their service, then to suffer their country to be spoiled by their excursions. And thus having taken their oaths, did I dismiss them under condition, that they should not come into our region, except they were called, or to receive their due pay under condition, that they should abstain from spoiling either the Romans or the inhabitants of the country. But above all things my care was to keep Galilee in peace. And whereas my desire was to get seventy pledges of their loyalty, chosen out amongst their nobility under pretext of friendship, as soon as they came unto me in way of friendship, I made them my companions and fellow judges, and decreed many things according to their opinions, having an especial care lest thorough rashness joseph joined seventy of the nobility with him. joseph at thirty years of age offered no woman violence, and would not be bribed. I should injury justice, or thorough corruption of rewards distain mine incorrupted honour. At such time therefore as I was thirty years old, at which years although a man bridle himself from unlawful affections; yet hardly can he escape from the poisoned sting of detraction, especially if a great authority be annexed to his green years: I never offered vain and unlawful courting to any woman, neither could any man fasten bribe on me, in that I pretended want of nothing: yea I refused those tenths which in right of priesthood I might have received from those, that brought them me. Yet after the conquest of the Syrians, I took part of the spoil, which (as I freely confess) I sent to jerusalem to my kinsmen. And whereas at two times I had forcibly overcome the Sephorites, the Tiberians four times, and the Gadarenians once, and had brought john under my subjection, who had oftentimes sought to entrap me; neither could Joseph's bounty towards his enemies. I endure to revenge myself on him, neither on any of the above named people, as in the sequel of this story I will make manifest. For which cause I suppose that God, who is the trier and searcher of all just hearts, both delivered me at that time out of the hands of mine enemies, and afterwards, and that many times out of dangerous and several misfortunes; as hereafter shall appear in time and place. But so The Galileans faith and love towards joseph. great was the faith and benevolence of the common people of Galilee towards me, that their cities being overthrown, and their families led into captivity, they spent not so many tears for their own calamities, as they bestowed cares for my perservation and security. Which when john perceived, he began to envy me, and besought me by his letters, that I would give john desireth that he might bathe himself in the hot b●…thes of Tiberias. him licence for his health sake, to bathe himself in the hot baths of Tiberias: which I, suspecting no treason, willingly granted him that which he demanded. Moreover I wrote unto those, t●… whom I had committed the trust and administration of the city, to prepare him a lodging, and furnish all his companions with victuals, and to provide him also of all things necessary for his diet and entertainment. In the meanespace, I myself past my time in a certain village of Galilee called Cana. But after that john came to Tiberias, he wrought the townsmen in such sort, that forgetting both their faith and duty, they revolted unto him; and many of them lent a willing john's treason. ear unto his entreaties, especially such as rejoicing in innovations were too prone to change, and greedy of dissension: but in espec●…ll justus and his father Pistus, willingly entertained this occasion to revolt from my obedience, and to submit themselves to john; yet was this conspiracy of theirs prevented by my speedy access. For a certain messenger came unto me from Silas, whom I had in former time preferred to the government of Tiberias, who certified me of the citizens intent, and exhorted me in all haste to make my repair thither, for that otherwise the city would shortly fall into another man's hands. As soon therefore as I had perused Silas letters, I travailed all night long with two hundredth chosen men, and sending a messenger before me, who might signify my approach to the citizens, I lost neither time nor way: And in the morning when I drew near unto the city, the whole people came out to meet me, and The people of Tiberias came out to meet joseph. among the rest john, who after he had beheld me and saluted me with a suspicious countenance, fearing lest his treason being discovered, he should grow in danger of his life, speedily retired himself into his lodging. And when as I drew near the city within a furlong, dismissing Joseph's exhortations to the Tiberians. all my guard but one, and retaining only ten armed soldiers with me, I began to expostulate with the Tiberians from a certain high place, from whence I might be heard, and I counseled them that they should not revolt, least in so doing they might shortly repent them of their mutability and breach of faith: for that no man hereafter would give them credit, being already either suspected or guilty of this their perfidiousness. Scarcely had I spoken this, but that I heard one of my attendants, who persuaded me to descend, telling me that it was no time now to reconcile john seeketh to betroy and murder joseph. the Tiberians, or to persuade them: but rather to seek for mine own security, and how I might escape mine enemies. For after that john had learned that I was destitute of followers, he sent a thousand of his chosen soldiers; commanding them to kill me; who were at hand and ready to commit the murder, had I not speedily leapt down with my servant jacob, and being relieved by Herode the Tiberian had been brought to the lake, where finding a bark by chance, and putting forth to sea, I escaped contrary to mine enemy's expectation, and came to Taricheas. As soon as the inhabitants of that city understood how perfidiously and traitorously the Tiberians had dealt with me, they were sore displeased, and betaking themselves to their weapons The Galileans require that they m●…y invade Tiberias. persuaded me to lead them forth against them, telling me that they would revenge the injury that was offered unto their governor, and they blazed this treason of theirs thorough all Galilee. For which cause a number of armed Galileans came unto me; requesting me that I would invade Tiberias, and entering it that I would spoil the same, and in the ruins thereof that I would sell the inhabitants with their whole families under the spear. The like did my friends, who escaped with me out of the city, persuade me. But I in no sort would admit their suit, supposing it to be a matter unworthy my discretion, to revive a cause of civil war, imagining with myself that such a contention ought to proceed no further than words: yea I protested unto them that such revenge would be prejudicial to themselves also, if the Romans standing at gaze they should spend themselves in civil discords. By this means at length the Galileans wrath was appeased. But when as john perceived that he failed of his purpose, he began to fear: for which cause taking with him those armed men which he kept about him, and forsaking Tiberias, he repaired john excuseth himself to joseph. to Gischala, and from thence he wrote his letters unto me, excusing the fact, as if he had been no ways guilty thereof, and he besought me that I would in no sort suspect him, and confirmed his words with execrable oaths, whereby he might win the more credit to his writing. But the Galileans who were gathered in great multitudes from all the parts of the region, knowing that he was a wicked and perfidious man, besought me that I would lead them forth against him, promising me to overthrow both him, Gischala and all his country. After therefore I had given them thanks for their love towards me, I promised them that mine offices of love should be answerable to their kindness. Yet besought I them to restrain themselves, and to grant me pardon for that I thought it better to appease then procure troubles. This request of mine the Galileans granted: Whereupon we presently came to Sephoris. But the townsmen, who were resolved to continue faithful towards the Roman people; fearing my approach endeavoured themselves to distract me with some other affairs, whereby they might live in more security. Whereupon sending their messenger to jesus the captain of the thieves, that kept upon the confines of Ptolemais, they promised him a great sum of money, if with his army of eight hundredth men, jesus captain of thieves. who lived under his command, he would wage war with us. He alured by their promises, bethought himself to assail us suddenly and unawares: for which cause he besought me by a messenger that I would grant him leave and liberty to come and salute me: which when he had obtained, for that I was wholly ignorant of his treason, taking with him a troop of his thieves he hasted speedily towards me: yet failed he of his purposed treason; for when he was not far off from me, a certain fugitive of his troop discovered his intent towards me. Which when I heard, I went out into the market place, feigning that I knew nothing of his secret fraud, attended with a multitude of armed Galileans, and among these with certain Tiberians. Afterwards sending abroad certain spies, who should scour the high ways, I commanded the keepers of the jesus seeketh to betray joseph. gates, that they should only suffer jesus to enter with the foremost of his company, and exclude the rest: and if they should attempt to break in by force, they should beat them off. Who fulfilling that which was commanded them, jesus entered with a few: and being commanded by me presently to lay down his weapons, except he desired to be slain, he seeing himself environed with armed soldiers, obeyed. Whereupon they that followed him, and were excluded, perceiving josephpolitickly surpriseth jesus. that their captain was apprehended, suddenly betook them to flight: And I leading jesus apart, told him that I was not ignorant of those treasons which he intended against me; neither by whose provocation he attempted the same. Yet told I him that I would pardon him, if so be by changing his manners he would be faithful unto me hereafter. Who promising me all that Joseph's bounty towards jesus. which I requested, I dismissed the man, & gave him leave to depart with his weapons: yet threatened I to punish the Sephorites, except hereafter they desisted from their treasons. About the same time there came two noble men unto me, who were subject to the king of Trachonitis, bringing with them both horsemen, armour, and money: whom when the jews would have constrained to be circumcised, if so be they would remain amongst them, I would not permit them to be troublesome to the Trachonites, alleging that every man ought according to his own mind, and not by other men's impulsion, serve God: And that it was not to be suffered Joseph's care of religion. that they, who for their security sake were fled unto us, should repent themselves of their trust they put in us. And thus having persuaded the multitude, I freely and abundantly furnished these men with all things necessary. In the mean space Agrippa sent out his forces under the conduct of Equus Modius, to take the Castle Magdala by force, which for that they durst not assault, they beset the ways, and the rather troubled Gamala. But Ebutius Decadarchus, who had the government of the great champion, Ebutius against joseph. hearing that I was come to a certain village called Simonias, situate upon the confines of Galilee, and distant from the same some sixty furlongs, took with him by night one hundredth horse that attended him, and about two hundredth footmen, with certain inhabitants of the City of Gaba their associates, whom he conducted by night, and assailed and beset the burrow where I was. Against whom after I had drawn forth a valiant band of men, Ebutius laboured all that he might to toll us into the champion, for that he trusted very much in his horsemen: but he easily perceived that we might not be won. For knowing the advantage which the horsemen had, if we should encounter them in the plain, considering that we were but footmen, I resolved to fight in the place where we were: and Ebutius charged us for a while very valiantly. At length perceiving that he had no use of his horsemen in that place, he sounded the retreat, and departed back again, with lost labour to Gaba, having only lost three men in the battle. Ebutius departeth without performing any thing. But I presently pursued him with two thousand armed men, and when I came to Belara, which is situate on the confines of Ptolemais, distant some 20. furlongs from Gaba, where Ebutius encamped at that time, and besetting all the passages with courts of guard, whereby we might be more secure from the excursions of our enemies, until we had carried out the wheat, whereof there was a great quantity stored up in that place, which was gathered out of the townships thereabout, belonging to Queen Berenice, and loading divers Camels and Asses, which to that end I had brought with me, I sent the same corn into Galilee. And having finished this business, I offered joseph transporteth corn into Galilee. joseph against Neopolitanus. Ebutius the battle; and whereas he detracted the same, being terrified by our boldness, I took my course to encounter with Neopolitanus, who (as it was reported) was in the territory of the Tiberians, and foraged there. Now this Neopolitanus was a captain of horsemen, and had undertaken to defend Scythopolis against their enemies: Having therefore driven him from doing any wrong in the country belonging to the Tiberians, I provided for the security of Galilee. But john the son of Levi, who (as we said) lived at Gischala, after he heard that all things sell john maligneth Joseph's good success. out fortunately with me, and that I was loved of my subjects, and feared by mine enemies, was fore aggrieved thereat: and supposing his own fortune was embased by my felicity, and being touched with no small envy, and in greater hope that he should hinder my good success, if so be that he could bring me in hatred with my subjects; he solicited those of Tiberias and Sephoris to forsake me, and supposed also that the Gabarenians would revolt unto him, which Cities are the chiefest in Galilee. For he told them that under his conduct the common weal should be The Gabarenians revolt upon john's persuasion. more discreetly governed: but among the rest the Sephorites gave lest ear unto him, for that neglecting us both they only held for the Romans. As for the Tiberians, they would not consent to rebel: yet notwithstanding they promised him some friendship. But the Gabarenians wholly addicted themselves unto john, by the means of one Simon a principal Citizen, who was john's fellow and friend. Yet did they not openly seem to allow him, for that they vehemently feared the Galileans, whose good will towards me, they were long time assured of, but privily they sought another means to entrap me. And truly I fell into great danger upon this occasion. For when as certain Dabarittenians being audacious young men, had intelligence that The Dabarittenians spoil Ptolemy's wifet. Ptolemy's wife the king's steward, under the conduct of certain horsemen should in great pomp travel along the great plain, out of the king's country into the Romans government, they suddenly set upon them, and putting the woman to flight, they spoilt all that which she carried with her. Which done, they drove to Taricheas, a place where I then kept, certain moils loaden with apparel and household stuff of divers sorts; among which there were divers silver vessels, and five hundredth pieces of gold. Intending therefore to reserve these things for Ptolomey, as being one of the same tribe, in that our law permitteth not to defraud, no not our enemies, if they be of the same tribe; I told those that brought the goods thither, that they must be kept to be sold, to the end that the price of the goods might be bestowed upon the building of the walls of jerusalem. This motion of mine, the young men interpreted very hardly, in that they were cut off from the part of the pray which they hoped for. For which cause dispersing themselves in the streets of Tiberias, they spread a rumour that I would betray that country to the Romans, alleging that I only feigned that the pray was destinated toward the repairing of the walls of jerusalem: whereas the truth was, that I kept the same to the intent I might restore it to the owner. In which matter they were no whit deceived in their opinion. For after the departure of the young men, I called unto me two chief Citizens, Dassion and jannaeus the son's of Levi entire friends to the king, and commanded them that taking the household stuff with them, they joseph laboureth to restore Ptolomey to his goods. should convey it unto the king, threatening them with death if they revealed this secret unto any man. But when as the rumour was spread thorough Galilee, that I would betray the region into the hands of the Romans, and all of them being grievously bend and intent against me to punish me, they of Taricheas also giving credit to the young men's feigned speeches, persuaded my guard, and the rest of the soldiers, that forsaking me whilst I was asleep, they should come into the horse race, and consult with other in that place how to degrade me, and give the honour unto another. They being persuaded, came to the appointed place, where they found many others there arrived, and all of them cried out with one consent, that it was meet to take punishment on a traitor, who hath sought the destruction of the common weal. But he that most of all incited them to these troubles was jesus the son of Saphias, who at that time had the magistracy of Tiberias in his hands, a man given over to all wickedness, and borne to breed troubles, and Sedition against joseph. jesus the son of Saphias conspireth against joseph. stir up seditions. This man bearing Moses tables in his hands, and coming out into the midst of the assembly spoke thus with a loud voice: If (said he) you be touched with no care of yourselves; yet at leastwise contemn not these sacred laws, which this your chieftain joseph, a man worthy to be hated by all men, hath of long time dared to betray, and for that cause is worthy of extreme punishment. After he had spoken thus, and was applauded by the acclamations of the people, he leading the armed men with him, hastily repaired to the house where I kept, with a certain intent and Simon one of Joseph's guard awaketh him. purpose to put me to death. Mean while I suspecting nothing of all this tumult, and tired with labour and weariness, took my rest, when as suddenly Simon one of my guard, who at that time only remained with me, seeing the incursion of the people, came and awaked me: and certifying me of mine instant peril, he gave me counsel likewise, that rather like a noble and undaunted chieftain, I should shorten mine own life, then shamefully die by mine enemy's direction. Whilst he gave me this counsel, I committing my safety to God's hands, and changing my joseph moveth the people to compassion. garments, went forth into the assembly, after a mournful manner, and wearing my sword hanging about my neck, stealing by that way, by which I knew that none of mine adversaries might meet me, and coming into the horse race, I offered myself to every man's eye, and lying prostrate on my face, and watering the earth with my tears, I moved all men that beheld me to compassion. And when I perceived that the affections of the people were changed, I laboured all that I might to divide them in opinions, before the armed soldiers returned from my house, and confessing myself that I was not wholly clear of that which was objected against me, I besought them to understand to what use I reserved that pray that was brought unto my hand, after which if they list they might kill me. And whilst the multitude commanded me to speak, the armed men returned back, and beholding me, rushed in upon me with an intent to murder me: but being restrained by the people's exclamations, they moderated their fury, supposing that after my confession of treason, and reservation of the king's money, they might have a better occasion to finish my Tragedy. For which cause after silence, I began thus: Men and brethren (said I) if in your opinion I deserve death, I refuse not to die, yet before my death will I certify you of the whole truth: Truly Joseph's oration and confession before his adversaries when as I perceived that this City was most commodious and fit to entertain strangers, and that I perceived that many men forsaking their own countries, were delighted with your conversations, and willing to partake with you in all sorts of fortune: I was resolved to build up your walls with this money; for which being thus destinated to do you good, your indignation is provoked against me. Upon these words the Taricheans and strangers cried out, giving me thanks, and willing me to be of a good courage. But the Galileans and Tiberians continued in their hatred, insomuch as they grew to debate betwixt themselves, the one threatening me with punishment; the other chose, willing me to assure myself of security. But after I had promised joseph escapeth from danger. the Tiberians that I would re-edify their walls, and fortify other convenient Cities, they giving credit to my words, repaired every one of them to their own houses. And I beyond all expectation escaping from so great a peril, with certain of my friends, and some twenty soldiers, returned to my house. But once again the thieves and authors of sedition, fearing lest they should be punished for these their offences, begirt my lodging with six hundredth armed men, intending to consume joseph in an other danger. it with fire. Of whose arrival, as soon as I had intelligence, imagining with myself that it would be much dishonour for me to fly, I resolved to use valour and courage against them: for which cause commanding the gates to be shut, I required them from the top of the house, that they would send in some of them unto me, to receive that money, for which they had been drawn Joseph's stratagem. into this mutiny: whereby they might have no further cause to be incensed against me. Which done, laying hold of one of the most troublesome fellows, that with the rest came in unto me, I caused him to be beaten with many grievous strokes, and his hand to be cut off, and hung about his neck; and thus handled, we thrust him out of doors to return unto those who had sent him. But they being wondrously afraid herewith, and suspecting the like punishment if they should stay there any longer, for that they suspected that I had divers armed soldiers in my house, they suddenly all of them fled away; and so by this stratagem escaped I the other dangers. Yet wanted there not some, who incited the people once more against me, saying, that the king's servants, who were fled unto me for refuge, ought not to live, except they submitted themselves to their laws and customs, from whom they required protection. They likewise accused them, that they were of the Roman faction, and poisoners, and presently the people began to mutiny, Another sedition. being deceived by their words, who laboured to flatter them. Which when I heard of, I once more informed the people that they ought not to persecute those, who resorted unto them for rescous, and I jested at their folly, who accused them of empoisoning, and that the Romans would not vainly nourish so many thousands of soldiers, if they pretended to make away their enemies with poison. Being by these words somewhat pacified, they had scarcely withdrawn themselves awhile, but that by certain outcasts and wicked men, they were incited against the nobility, so that with armed weapons they resorted to the houses of the Taricheans, intending to murder them. Which when I heard, I was sore afraid, that if this wickedness should be committed, no man hereafter should dare to trust his life in my hands. For which cause being assisted by divers others, I hastily resorted to their lodging, and shut up the gates, and cutting a trench joseph privately dismisseth the Taricheans. betwixt it and the lake, I called for a bark, and entering into the same with them, I crossed over into the confines of the Hippenians: and furnishing them with money to buy them horses, for that they could not transport their own with them in that flight, I dismissed them, requiring them to digest their present misfortunes with a constant mind. For I myself took it very heavily, that I was once more enforced to land those men in the enemy's country, who had committed themselves to my trust: yet thinking that, if it should so fall out, that they should fall into the Romans hands, they should be safer, then if by suffering them to remain in my country, I should see them oppressed: I adventured them thus. Yet were they saved and the king gave them pardon. And this was the end of this tumult. But they of Tiberias wrote unto the king, requiring him to send a garrison into their country, and promising him to revolt and follow him. Which done, as soon as I came unto them, they required me that I would build them those walls which I had promised them: for they had already heard that Taricheas was environed with walls. Whereunto I condescended, and gathering stuff from every place, I set the workmen to their task. But some three days after departing The Tiberians letters to Agrippa. Seven stadia make almost a German mile. Sedition and rebellion in Tiberias. from Tiberias towards Taricheas, which was thirty stades distant from thence, by chance a troop of Roman horsemen were discovered, not far from the City, which made the inhabitants believe that they were the king's army: Whereupon they presently began to utter many things in honour of the king, and more in my reproach. And presently a certain friend posted unto me, and told me what their mind was, and how they intended to revolt from me. Which when I understood, I was wondrously troubled: For I had sent back my men of war from Taricheas to their houses, for that the next day was the Sabbath day: For I would by no means that the Citizens of Tarichea should be charged or troubled with entertaining soldiers. And at all times, when I remained in that city, I took no care of the guard of mine own person, having had often proof of the loyalty of the inhabitants towards me. Being therefore at that time attended only with seven soldiers, and a few of my friends, I knew not what to do. For I thought it not fit to call back my forces, for that the day was wellnigh past; and although they should have joseph in danger for the Tiberians takes. been with me the next morning, yet they might not have taken arms because our laws forbade the same, how great soever the occasion be that is offered. And although I should have drawn forth the Taricheans and the strangers that were retired thither, & if under hope of pray I had led them forth, yet saw I that they were too feeble to resist their forces. On the other side, I already perceived that if I stayed over long, the army which was sent by the king being already entered the city, would have excluded me: I therefore determined to use this stratagem. I presently therefore guarded the gates of the Taricheans with my most trusty friends, suffering no man to pass out of them; and assembling the chiefest of every family, I commanded every one of them to launch their boats into the lake, and to follow me with the masters of their ships. After which both I and my friends, and seven other soldiers, betook us to a bark and sailed toward Tiberias. But when the Tiberians perceived that they had no forces come from the king, & that the whole lake was covered with barks, amazed and fearing the ruin of their city, for that they supposed the joseph saileth to Tiberias. ships to be loaden with soldiers, they changed their former opinion. For which cause laying by their weapons, they themselves with their wives and children came forth to meet me, entertaining me with happy acclamations: for that they thought I had heard no inkling of their intents, beseeching me that for the safety of their city, I would enter the same. But I drawing near the city, commanded the masters of the barks to cast anchor far off the shore, lest the townsmen might perceive that the ships were empty, and I myself drawing near with mine own bark unto them, accused them, for that contrary to their oaths, they had been so foolishly induced to revolt. Afterwards I promised them assured pardon, if so be they would deliver me ten of their chiefest nobility: which when they had incontinently performed, I shipped them in a bark and sent them prisoners to Taricheas: and by this policy one after another, I at last got all the Senate of Tiberias, and many of the chiefest citizens, and carried them thither also. At length the rest of the multitude, as soon as they perceived in how great danger they were, they besought me that I would punish the chief author of this conspiracy, who was Clitus the author of the sedition in Tiberias. called Clitus a bold and rash young man. But I, that held it a wicked act to kill one of the same tribe, and yet was enforced to punish him, commanded Levias' one of my guard to go unto him, and cut off his hand: who not daring for that he was alone to enter into so huge a multitude, for fear lest his cowardice should be discovered by the Tiberians, I called Clitus unto me, and said unto him. Since (said I) ungrateful and perfidious man, as thou art, thou deservest to lose both thy hands, I charge thee to become thine own executioner, for fear least thorough thy delay Clitus cutteth off his own left hand. thou procure thy further punishment. And whereas with many prayers he besought me to grant him one of his hands, I hardly condescended: at length of his own accord for fear lest he should lose both, he took a knife and cut off his left hand: and thus was this tumult appeased. As soon as I returned to Taricheas, and the Tiberians understood what stratagem I had used with them, they were all amazed seeing how I had punished their ingratitude & disobedience without any bloodshed or murder. After I had sent for those of the people of Tiberias that were in prison, amongst whom was justus and his father Pistus, I invited them to sup with me, and during the repast I told them that I was not ignorant, that the Roman army excelled all men of the world in power and force: notwithstanding that I kept myself silent in the respect of those thieves that were round about, and I counseled them that they also would do the like in expectation of some better days; and yet that in the mean time they would not think amiss of my government, because the time afforded them not a more affable and commodious governor. I admonished justus also that before I came from jerusalem, the Galileans had cut off his brother's hands, accusing him to have forged false letters before the war, and that after Philip's departure the Gamalites, being at odds with the Babylonians; slew Chares Philip's own kinsman, & had joseph dismisseth the Tiberians. moderately punished his brother in law jesus, who had married his sister. After this discourse during supper time, I dismissed justus and his friends early in the morning, with their freedoms. But before this came to pass, it happened that Philip the son of jacimus departed from the fort Philip the son of jacimus. of Gamala upon this occasion that ensueth. As soon as he understood that Varus was revolted from king Agrippa, and that Modius Equus who was his friend, was sent to succeed him, he certified him of his estate by his letters: which when he had received, he highly rejoiced at Philip's safety, and sent those letters to the King and Queen, who lived at Berytum. Whereupon the King understanding the false rumour that ran as touching Philip, that he was the chieftain of the jews army, who undertook the war against the Romans, sent certain horsemen to Philip to bring him to his presence: before whom he no sooner arrived but he embraced him very kindly, and showed him to the Roman captains, telling them that that was Philip, of whom it Agrippa's kindness and humanity toward Philip. Hedio, Gadara was commonly reported, that he was in rebellion against the Romans. He therefore charged him, that taking with him certain horsemen he should post in all diligence to the fort of * Gamala, and drawing his household servants from thence, he should lead and re-establish the Babylonians in Batanaea, and travail to his uttermost power that the subject should be continued in obedience and peace. After Philip had received this commandment from the king, he hasted to perform the same. But joseph a certain drougier or treacle seller, gathering together a sort of bold young men, and inciting the nobility of Gamala, persuaded the people to fall from the king, and that betaking joseph stirred up a sedition in Gamala. them to their arms, they should recover their former liberty: and thus drew they other into their opinion, killing those that durst contradict them. Amongst these died Chares and jesus his kinsman, and the sister of justus the Tiberian, as we have heretofore declared. After this they requested me by letters, that I would send them aid, and certain labourers to begi●… their town with a wall. To both which requests of theirs, I easily condescended. About this time the country of Ga●…lonite, as far as the borough of Solyma, rebelled against Agrippa. I also enclosed Seleucia and Sogan, which were two strong places unaccessible, and fortified by nature, with walls. I did the like also by jamnia, Amerytha, and Charabe a borough of higher Galilee, although Many jews revolt from the Romans. they were situated amongst the rocks. I fortified in like sort Taricheas also and Tiberias, and Sephoris, cities of Galilee; and the borough of the cave of the Arbalians, Bersobe, Selamen, jotapata, Capharath, Comosogana, Nepapha, and the mountain Itabyrium. In those places hoardward I up great store of corn, and laid up store of armour, and munition for defence. Mean while john the son of Levi, increased his hatred daily more and more towards me, being greatly aggrieved to see my fortunes happy, and the success answerable: and whereas he was wholly resolved to rid me of my life, after he had encompassed his country Gischala with walls, he sendeth Simon his brother with one hundredth soldiers to jerusalem, to Simon the son of Gamaliel, requiring him to labour the matter in such sort with the city, that my authority might be disannulled, & that john by the common consent of all might be ordained governor over the affairs of Galilee. This Simon was borne in jerusalem, noble in birth, and in sect a Pharisee john laboureth to supply joseph in his government. (which sect of all other seemed most exactly instructed in the laws of our country) a man of excellent wisdom, who by his counsel was able to repair the decaying ruins of his country, who of long time had made use of john's friendship, because he was at that time mine enemy. This man solicited by the intercessions of his friends, persuaded the high priest Ananus, and jesus the son of Gamala and other of his line and faction, to cut off my increasing honours, and Simone counsel against joseph. not to permit me to attain the fullness and content thereof. For it should be very profitable for them also, if I were removed from the government of Galilee. Further, he told Ananus and the rest, that they were not to delay the matter, least upon the discovery of their counsel, I should invade the city with mine army. Thus spoke Simon, yet Ananus the high Priest replied, that it might not easily be done, for that divers priests and governors of the people bare witness for me, that I behaved myself honestly in that government, and that it was ill done to intend an accusation against a man, who might not be touched with any misdemeanour. When Simon had heard what Ananus had said, he besought him and the rest also to speak nothing thereof; neither to make his motion known, certifying them that he had providently provided, that I should be speedily driven out of Galilee: And calling unto him his brother john, he charged him to send presents to Ananus. For (said he) in so doing they would so much work with him, that they would make him change his opinion. In the end Simon obtained, that which he long time sought after. For Ananus and his adherents were corrupted with money, and accorded to cast me from the government of Galilee, without the consent or allowance of any other of the citizens. For which cause they thought good to send certain noble men in birth, and no ways inferior to Simons second counsel against joseph. one another in learning, whereof two of them were of the common sort, and pharisees; the one called jonathas; the other Ananias; the third was jozarus of the tribe of Levi, who was also a Pharisee and of the race of the priests. But Simon was of the order of the priests, and the youngest of them all. These did they command, that calling together a council of the Galileans, they should demand why they loved me so well; commanding them that if they answered that I was a Galilean, they should likewise say, that jerusalem was their country. But if they allowed in me the knowledge of the law, they were likewise willed to say, that they knew their country customs; Ambassadors with soldiers sent to joseph. or if in regard of the name of priesthood, they should say they loved me, they should likewise aver that two of them were priests. Being thus instructed, and receiving forty thousand silver drachmas of the public treasure, for their fellow and consort jonathas, they set forwards. And for that at the very same time a certain man called jesus of Galilee, was come to jerusalem with a band of six hundredth soldiers, they sent for him and hired him, and gave him three months pay, commanding him to follow jonathas and his companions; and to do that which they should command them: and to these annexed they three hundredth Citizens, whom they hired with reward. With this preparation the Legates set forward, being accompanied with Simon john's brother, who had one hundredth soldiers with him, who had commission from those that sent them, that if I willingly gave over arms, they should send me alive to jerusalem: and if I resisted, by their authority they might lawfully kill me. They had letters also directed to john, which incited him to make war against me. Moreover they charged the Sephorites, Gabarites, and Tiberians to maintain john against me. After that I had intelligence hereof, by my Joseph's father signifieth all these news unto him. father's letters, who had intelligence thereof by jesus the son of Gamala, one of those who were present at the deliberation, and who entirely and familiarly loved me: I was much grieved, seeing with how much ingratitude my countrymen required me, who of malice had decreed upon my death: and for that my father invited me by most affectionate letters to draw myself homeward, telling me how much he desired to see me, who was his son, before he left this life; I imparted these things to my friends, and certified them that within three days I would forsake their country; joseph resolveth to return home. and retire myself into mine own. Whereupon they were altogether surprised with great sadness, and besought me with weeping tears, that I would not forsake them, for that they should be utterly overthrown, if so be they were left destitute of my conduct. But whereas by no means they might persuade me, and the care of mine own security prevailed very much with me, the Galileans fearing lest I should leave them, and by that means the thieves should be encouraged to set upon them, they sent messengers thorough all Galilee, to signify unto them the resolution of my departure. Whereupon divers of them being made privy to these news, resorted unto me from all parts, bringing with them their wives and children; not so much, as I suppose, for the sorrow they conceived at my departure, as the fear that they had of their own estates: For they persuaded themselves, that if I remained among them, there could no mischief befall them. They assembled therefore in a great plain, called Aso●…him, where I remained. That night in my sleep I had a wonderful dream: For lying in my bed, and being wholly Joseph's admirable dream. disconsolate and troubled with the news I had received, me thought that a certain man from above spoke unto me after this manner: Pacify thou the passions of thy spirit, and be thou free from all fear. For that which discomforteth thee, shall be that which shall make thee great, and happy beyond thine expectation. For not only these things shall turn to a fortunate end or issue, but also many other. Be not thou therefore dismayed, but remember thyself that thou art reserved to make war against the Romans. After I had this dream, I awaked, and so prepared as I was w●…nt I down into the plain: and as soon as I came thither, all the people of Galilee, with their wives and children, humbling themselves upon the earth, and weeping, besought me that I would not leave them for a pray to their enemies: neither that I would abandon their country A number of Galileans besought joseph that he would not forsake them. to serve for a pray and mockery to their adversaries. But seeing that I made small reckoning of their prayers, they constrained me by oath to remain amongst them, and uttered divers injurious outrages against the people of jerusalem, that envied them the peace and happiness which they enjoyed. After I had heard these words, and seen the desolation of the people, my heart was broken with compassion, and I resolved myself that in respect of so great a multitude, my life could not be better hazarded then for their contentment: I therefore gave my consent to remain with them. I gave order that five thousand of their best soldiers, with their provision, should attend joseph consenteth to stay in Galilee. me: as for the rest, I sent them back every own to his own house. When these five thousand presented themselves, I annexed them to the other three thousand that I had with me, and drew out with them fourscore horsemen, and marched on towards Chabalon a burrow upon the marches of Ptolemais, where I undertook to prepare them for the battle, expecting some assault from Placidus, who was come with two companies of footmen and one of horsemen, sent Placidus against joseph. by Cestius Gallus to burn the country towns of Galilee, and other little burroughs that bordered on Ptolemais. And for that he was entrenched before the City of Ptolemais, I encamped mine army likewise not far from the burrow Chabalon, some sixty stades off: and divers times drew I out my forces to bid him battle, but never would he offer any thing but skirmishes. For Placidus perceiving my forwardness to fight, was abashed thereat, and retired himself: yet departed he not from Ptolemais. About that time came jonathan with the other Ambassadors, who (as we have heretofore declared) were sent by Simon, and the high priest Ananus, who laboured to entrap me by policy, for that they durst not assail me in open field. They therefore wrote a letter unto me to this Jonathan's letter to joseph. effect: jonathan and the Ambassadors with him, who are sent by those of jerusalem, to joseph Greeting. We are certified by the chiefest men of jerusalem, that john of Gischala hath oftentimes sought to betray you: for which cause we are sent to repress his malice, and to exhort him hereafter to submit himself unto you: and being desirous to confer with you, as touching that which concerneth the public profit, we pray you to resort unto us as soon as you can, with some few attendants, because the burrow is not able to entertain many. To this effect wrote they unto A horseman brought the letters. me, hoping that one of these two effects would fall out, either that I coming disarmed, should be easily surprised by them; or that bringing with me a great company, I should be condemned for an enemy of my country. The messenger that brought me this letter was a valiant young man, mounted on horseback, who had in times past borne arms for the king. The time wherein he came unto me, was two hours within night, and even then was I banqueting with my friends, and the chiefest goue●…nours of Galilee. After that one of my household servants had certified me, that a certain jew on horseback came to speak with me, I commanded he should be brought in, who embracing me but coldly, and delivering me the letter, said unto me: They that are come from jerusalem, send you this letter; give them a speedy answer: For I am commanded to make a speedy return. They that sat at the table with me, were amazed at the soldiers boldness. But for myself, I willed him to sit down, and to make merry with me: but he refusing the same, I kept the letter in my hand in such manner, as I had received the same, and began Joseph's policy. to talk with my friends of other affairs: and not long after arising from supper, and dismissing the rest to their rest, I only retained with me some of my most inward friends, and commanding my page to fill me wine, I opened the letters before any man perceived the same, and conceiting incontinently what they meant, I sealed them anew, and as if I had known nothing of the contents, having the letter in my hands, I gave order that the soldier should receive twenty drachmas for to bear the charges of his voyage. He having received the same, and giving me thanks; I perceived well that he was addicted to gain, and might easily be wrought with money. Whereupon I said unto him, if thou wilt drink with me, thou shalt have a drachm for every glass thou drinkest. To this the soldier listened willingly, and having drank good store of wine, to get him the greater store of money, he grew drunken; so that he was unable any longer to conceal his secrets: but of his own accord he declared the treason that was prepared, and how the sentence of death was given by them against me. Which when I understood, I answered them to this effect. joseph to jonathan, and those that accompany him, Health. I am very glad to Joseph's answer to jonathan. hear that you are arrived in Galilee in good health; especially for that I may now redeliver into your hands the government of the affairs thereof, to the end (according as I have long time desired) I might return into my country. I will not only therefore visit you at Xallon: but in any further place also, notwithstanding you had never sent for me. Notwithstanding pardon me, though I come not at this present: for I am now at Chabalon to confront Placidus, who pretendeth to invade Galilee. Resort you therefore unto me, who shall read my letters. Farewell. After I had written this answer, and delivered it to the soldier to carry it unto them, I sent by the same way thirty of my most approved friends of Galilee, commanding them to salute Jonathan's message and letter to joseph. them that were come, without any further speech. I assigned also to each of these one of my most resolute and best soldiers, to take heed lest any of those I sent should confer with Jonathan's men. They therefore set forward on their way: and jonathan and the other seeing their first purpose failed them, they sent me another letter, after this tenor which ensueth: jonathan and his company to joseph, Health: We command you that within three days, you make your appearance before us, without any of your soldiers, in the burrow of Gadara, to the end you may answer to that which john hath objected against you. As soon as they had written this, & saluted those whom I had sent, they went to japha, which is the greatest town of Galilee, defenced with strong walls, and peopled with many inhabitants. Against these the people of that City, their wives and children came forth, exclaiming against them with huge cries, charging The Ambassadors of jerusalem coldly entertained in Galilee. them to return back, and not to deprive them of the good governor they had. jonathan and his companions were provoked with these cries; yet durst they not make any open show of their displeasure, but without returning them any answer, they resorted to other Cities, where they met with no less effectual exclaims from the multitude, protesting with a loud voice; that no man should be able to dissuade them from continuing joseph in authority in their government. Whereupon jonathan with his followers marched forth without any further speech, and came to Sephoris, the greatest City of Galilee. But the inhabitants thereof being addicted to the Romans, came forth to them: but for my part, they neither praised nor blamed me. Departing from Sephoris, they came to Asochim, where the Citizens sung the same song, that the japheans did. Whereupon they being unable to contain their displeasures, commanded their soldiers to beat them with their truncheons, who exclaimed against them; and claimed me for their governor. And when they drew near to Gabara, john came out to meet them, accompanied with three thousand soldiers, and I having intelligence by their letters, that they were resolved to make war against me, departed from Chabalon, accompanied with three thousand soldiers, and having committed the camp to the charge of my trustiest friend, I went to jotapata, because I would be within four stades of them, and sent them this letter: If your will be that I must needly come unto you, there are in Galilee two hundredth and four Cities and burroughs, joseph writeth again to them. I will meet you in any one of them, which you please, except Gabara or Gischala: for that the one is the place of john's nativity, and the other is his associates and friends. As soon as jonathan had received this answer, he replied not any more, but sought the means to entrap me. john was of the opinion to write unto all the Cities and burroughs of Galilee, supposing The consultation of the ambassadors against joseph. that without question there were one or two in them that were mine enemies, whom they might incense against me, a●… against their common enemy. He gave order also, that this his resolution should be sent to jerusalem, to the end that those of the City understanding that I was adjudged an enemy by the Galileans, might in like sort confirm that their decree by their opinion. For he said, that by this means it would come to pass, that the Galileans, who were well affected towards me, should forsake me for fear they had of them. This advice of john's marvelously pleased them all, & was presently brought unto me about the third hour of the night, by one ●…cchaeus, who flying from them, came and brought me the news, & particularly related to me their intent. For which cause, perceiving that the time req●…ed no longe●… delay, and supposing that jacob was one of my most assured and ●…rustiest servants, I commanded him to take two hundredth men with him, and to belay the ways between Gabara and Galilee, and to send me joseph besetteth the wai●… of Galilee. those whom he should surprise, that came that way; and especially those that carried letters. I sent jeremy also, who was one of my friends, to the marches of Galilee, with six hundredth men at arms, to keep the passages that way toward jerusalem, commanding him to lay hands on all those that carried letters, and to commit the men to prison, and to send me their packets. After I had in this sort instructed those whom I sent, I willed and commanded the Galileans the next day following, to take their arms, and to furnish themselves with victuals for three d●…es, and to attend me at the burrow of Gaba●…th. Those sould●…ers that I had I distributed joseph with 〈◊〉 troops resorteth to Gabara. in four companies, and kept those with me in whom I reposed most confidence for the guard of my person, and ha●…ing appointed captains over them, and commanded them to be careful, I cha●…ged them to suffe●…o unknown soldier to enter in among them: The ●…xt day I came to Gabaret, the fifth ●…ure of the day, where I found all the fields about the City full of men of war, of those of Galilee, who resorted thither to assist me, according as I had commanded them. Thither also came there a multitude of other men from other burroughs. As soon as I came to their presence, and was ready to speak unto them, all of them began to cry out, call●…g me their benefactor, and maintainer of their country. Aft●… I had solemnly given them thanks for this favour they had showed me, I charged them neither to offer war, or attempt any ●…olle in the champion country, but to encamp amidst the fields, contenting themselves with that provision they had brought with them. For I told them all in general, that I would exting●… those troubles without effusion of blood. It happened the same day that Jonathan's messenger and letters fell into their hands, who had the guard of the passages by my appointment, and according to my direction the men were kept in security, as I gave order: and finding the letters that were brought me to be full of nothing but slanders and lies written by the Ambassadors; I said not a word to any man, but thought it best policy to set upon them. But Jonathan's soldiers having intelligence of my coming, retired both themselves and their goods, and with them john also into jesus house, which was a great tower, nothing different from a citadel, in john and the ambassadors forces retire to jesus house. which they hid a number of men of war, and locked up all the other gates save one; expecting that I should come that way, to salute them. In a word, they had commanded their soldiers that when I should enter, they should suffer no man else to enter with me, but exclude all the rest. For they made no other account, but that by this means they might easily lay hold on me. But they were deceived of their hopes: for having notice before hand of their intents, as soon as I came thither, entering into a lodging that was right over against theirs, I feigned that I went to take my rest. Whereupon Jonathan's soldiers supposing that I was asleep, and that in troth I was safe; they came forth in all haste into the plain, labouring to dissuade my soldiers from their love and allegiance, and detracting my government. But all things fell out contrary to that they thought: for as soon as they were discovered, the Galileans gave a great shout, testifying the good will they bore unto me, who was their governor, and they blamed the Ambassadors for that without any cause of injury, they were come to disturb the public peace, willing them to be gone, for that they intended to admit no other governor. When these things were signified unto me, I made no doubt to adventure myself among them, for which cause I speedily went out to hear what these Ambassadors could allege against me. Upon my arrival the joseph presenteth himself among his enemies. whole troop shouted for joy, and applauded me with a loud voice, giving me thanks for my happy and peaceable government. jonathan and his adherents hearing this were afraid, lest if the Galileans should set upon them, they should grow in danger of their lives, and began to bethink themselves how they might escape. But perceiving that they might not retire for that I required them instantly to stay, they were altogether dismayed, and past their senses. I therefore commanded the people to surcease their shouting, and planted the soldiers of greatest trust in every passage, to prevent lest john should charge them unawares. After this I exhorted the people to betake them to their weapons, to the end that if the enemy should suddenly assail them, they might not be driven into disorder. This done, I first of all began to rip up to Jonathan's followers and fellows, what letters they had written, and how they had certified him, that they were sent by the commonalty and inhabitants of jerusalem, to make an end of those joseph objecteth treachery against the ambassadors. debates that were between me and john; and how they had incited me to come unto them. Afterwards in sequel of my discourse I produced their letters in open view, to the end they might not deny any thing, seeing themselves convicted by their own hand writing, and spoke thus unto them. If being accused by john, I should produce two or three witnesses that were men of reputation, to testify for my life, it were a matter most evident, that thou shouldest be compelled, O In the mouth of two or three witnesses consisteth truth. jonathan and you my Lords Ambassadors (after you had foreinquired of their lives) to acknowledge mine innocency, and to acquit me of that whereof I am accused. But to the intent you may know that I have faithfully governed the estate of Galilee, I suppose that three witnesses are too little for an upright man, for which cause I produce all these. Inquire of them how I have lived, and whether I have governed this country in all honesty and justice. I adjure you all therefore, who are my fellows and friends of Galilee, that you hide nothing of the truth, but that before these men, as before your judges, you profess, if I have done any thing that is The Galileans testimony of Joseph's good guernment. contrary to right. Whilst I spoke after this manner, all of them with one accord called me their benefactor and defender, and gave testimony of my forepast government; and exhorted me to continue the same hereafter. And all of them affirmed by a public oath, that I had carefully prevented, lest any woman should be violated, or any man by my means should be drawn into any injury, or inconvenience. This done, I publicly red the two letters in the presence of all joseph openly readeth Jonathan's epistles. the Galileans, which were taken from Jonathan's messengers by those, who were appointed by me to beset the ways, and were by them sent to me, which were full of injuries and falsehoods, alleging that I rather behaved myself like a tyrant then a governor towards them: and besides that, there were divers other things written and urged very impudently. These letters (said I) were voluntarily offered me by those that carried the same. For I was unwilling that mine adversaries should know that I had beset the ways, fearing lest they should forbear to write hereafter. The people having heard this, were displeased and animated against jonathan and his followers, and flocked on to murder them; and they had surely done it, had I not pacified the displeasure The wrath and fury of the people against jonathan and his fellow ambassadors. of the Galileans. As for the Ambassadors that accompanied jonathan, I told all of them that I pardoned whatsoever was past, if so be they would repent themselves of that which was done, and if upon their return into their country, they would truly report unto those who had sent them, how all things had passed under my government. This said; I dismissed them, notwithstanding that I knew they would perform nothing of that which they had promised. But the whole multitude prosecuted their displeasure against them, requiring me to give them leave to punish those with all rigour, who had committed this slanderous act. But I laboured all that I might to persuade them, to lay no hands upon them, knowing full well that whatsoever mutiny it be, it cannot but breed prejudice to the common weal. This notwithstanding the multitude would by no means be satisfied, but all of them ran in heaps with great fury to the lodging, where joseph pacifieth the sedition without bloodshed. jonathan and the Ambassadors kept. Whereupon seeing that it was impossible to restrain their fury, I incontinently betook me to my horse, and commanded the people to follow me to Sogan a borough of the Arabians, distant from thence some twenty stades. By this stratagem I brought to pass, that the beginning of the civil war might not be imputed to me. After I came near to Sogan, I assembled the people, and told them that they should not violently submit themselves to their froward displeasures, nor entertain their unquenchable desire joseph sendeth one hundredth ambassadors to jerusalem. of revenge: & I commanded them to pick out an hundredth of the chiefest & oldest men amongst them, who should make their repair to the city of jerusalem: and there complain unto the people against those that had kindled sedition in their country. And I said unto them, if the people be favourable and listen to your discourse, you shall persuade them to write unto me, that according to their command I remain in Galilee; and that jonathan and his partners depart from hence. After I had given them this charge, and that they were furnished with all things necessary for their journey, in all expedition on the third day after the general assembly, I dispatched them and sent five hundredth armed men with them. I wrote also to my friends in Samaria, so to further them that they might finish their journey in all security. For Samaria was already in subjection to the Romans, and it behoved my men of necessity, who would make a short journey to pass that way. For from Galilee by this means a man may in three days arrive at jerusalem. Furthermore I guarded the Ambassadors myself as far as the frontiers of Galilee, laying forces and guards upon the ways, to the end that no man might easily discover or know of their departure. Which done, I sojourned for a certain time at japha. But jonathan and his companions having failed of their purpose intended against me, dismissed john to Gischala: as for themselves they went to Tiberias, hoping to bring the same under their obeisance. For that jesus, who was Precedent at that time, had written unto them, and promised The ambassadors hope to get Tiberias into their hands and possession. them to persuade the people to entertain them, and take their part if they came: and under this hope they also retired themselves thither. Silas, who (as I declared) was left by me as mine Agent in Tiberias, certified me of all this by his letters, requiring me to use all diligence: and I condescending thereunto, was brought in danger of my life upon this occasion that ensueth. jonathan and his followers being come to Tiberias, persuaded divers who were mine enemies, to revolt from me; but after they were certified that I was there in person, they were afraid, and came unto me, and saluting me, told me that they reputed me happy, for that I had so wisely joseph falleth in danger. behaved myself in Galilee: and they rejoiced also in appearance, for that I was returned with honour, telling me that the honour that was done unto me was their ornament, for that they were my instructors and fellow citizens; and that the friendship which I bore them was more just than that of john's: they therefore required me to repair unto my house, promising very shortly to deliver john into my hands: & these speeches of theirs they seconded with dreadful oaths, which jonathan and his confederates policy. made me think that I had no cause to misbeleeve them. Furthermore they required me to take up my lodging in another place, for that on the morrow was the Sabbath day, & it were an inconvenient that the city of Tiberias should be drawn into trouble on that day. I that suspected nothing repaired to Taricheas, leaving notwithstanding certain of my friends behind me in Tiberias, who might curiously observe what the common talk was of me: and all along the way betwixt Taricheas & Tiberias I laid certain men in wait, who from one to another might certify me of that which was discovered by them who remained in the city. The next day therefore all of them The people assemble in the Proseucha. assembled in the Proseucha or Oratory, which was an ample house wherein they prayed, and was able to contain a great multitude. When jonathan was entered into this place, he durst not manifestly speak unto them of a revolt, but only told them that their city had need of a better Governor. But the Precedent jesus without dissembling; spoke plainly after this manner unto them. It were better for you (my friends) that you were subject to four men of nobility & great wisdom, then to one: and thereupon he showed them those who accompanied jonathan. Hereupon justus arose and praised that which jesus had proposed, and drew some of the people to his opinion. But the greater part took no pleasure therein, and there had presently followed a mutiny, The jews sixth hour is to us eleven or twelve a clock at noon. had not the assembly been dismissed, by reason it was midday, which is the ordinary hour amongst them to take their repast in. Thus did Jonathan's consorts remit the determination of the matter until the next day, retiring themselves without any good done. Which being presently reported unto me, I resolved with myself the next morning to repair to the City of Tiberias, and on the morrow I arrived there in due time, for I found the people already assembled in the place of prayer, and they that were drawn to that convocation, knew not the cause why they were assembled. Jonathan's partners seeing me there in person contrary to their expectation, were very sore troubled, and bethought themselves of this subtlety. They told the multitude that a certain Jonathan's and his associates subtlety. friend of theirs had informed them, that he had discovered certain Roman horsemen upon the frontiers of that territory, some thirty stades off of the city, in a place called Homonoea: and that the news being brought to them, those of john's faction had presently signified the same unto them, to the intent they should not endure their country to be sacked by the enemy. They used this speech, supposing that under pretext of rescuing the country, they might drive me abroad, and strengthen the City for themselves. Now although I knew very well what their intent was, yet gave I ease unto them lest I should drive the Tiberians into an opinion, that I was negligent and careless of their security: I therefore road out, and came to the place of which they had spoken, where finding scarce a footstep or appearance of an enemy, I returned speedily without delay to Tiberias. When I came there I found the whole council assembled with a multitude of people, and john's partakers False accusations and Epistles produced by the ambassadors against joseph. urging against me a very vehement accusation, that I made no account to relieve them in their wars, but that I studied nothing but mine own pleasures. And whilst they spoke these words, they produced four letters, as being written unto them by those who were upon the marches of Galilee, requiring them to come and succour them, for that the Roman horsemen and footmen would within three days forage and spoil their country: for which cause they made haste, and would not neglect their suit who besought them. The Tiberians hearing these allegations, and supposing them to be true, cried out saying, that it behoved them not in that manner to dally time, but to go and succour their country men environed with great dangers. Whereunto I answered, that I was ready to obey them, and promised to march forth against the enemy with all expedition. Now knew I well the pretence of john's partakers, and was of the opinion, that since those letters said that the Romans gathered head in four divers places, it was requisite to divide our power into five companies, appointing every one of them a chieftain over them. joseph discovereth the subtlety of the ambassadors. For it is an honour for good men not only to give counsel, but also when need requireth to be the first and foremost in the action: For I told them that it lay not in my power to lead any more than one company. This my advice was pleasing unto all the people, who presently constrained these men to march out unto the war, whereby it came to pass that they were greatly confused to see that they might not finish that which they had imagined, because I crossed all their enterprises. Hereupon one amongst them called Ananias, a wicked and perverse man, counseled the people to celebrate a solemn fast the next day in honour of God, and gave direction at the Ananias one of the ambassadors a wicked man. same hour that all of them should gather together in that place in arms, to protest before God, that if they obtained not succours at his hands, they held all sort of resist unprofitable. He spoke this, not for any piety that was in him, but to the end to surprise both me and my followers unarmed. To this advice of his was I enforced to condescend, to the end it might appear that I contemned not that which appertained to the service of God. As soon therefore as we were retired every one of us to our several lodgings, jonathan and his partakers wrote to john, to resort unto them early in the morning with his men of war, and all the power he could make: for that they might easily lay hands on me, and accomplish that which they had so long time longed after. jonathas writeth to john to come unto him He receiving this letter, willingly obeyed. The next day I commanded two of my strongest and faithfullest soldiers to hide their short swords under their gowns, and to attend me, to the end that if in any sort we were assailed by the enemy, we might defend ourselves. I put on my curets also, and girt my sword by my side in such sort, as no man might perceive the same, and came with them to the place of prayer. But jesus as soon as I was entered with my friends, having the guard of the gate would not permit the rest of my followers to enter with me: and at such time as we were ready to begin our prayers, according to the custom of our country, jesus arising demanded of me what was become jesus talk with joseph. Joseph's debate with jesus for twenty pieces of gold. of the household stuff that was taken out of the king's palace when it was burned, & where the bullion of silver was, and with whom I had left the same: of all which he therefore made mention, that he might delay the time till john's approach. I answered, that Capella had all, and those ten of the chiefest nobility of Tiberias, and willed him to ask of them whether it were true that I spoke: who confessed that they had it. What (said he) are become of those twenty pieces of gold, that you received by the sale of a certain weight of massive silver, where are they? I answered him, that I had delivered the same to the Ambassadors, to defray their charges in their voyage towards jerusalem. Hereupon Jonathan's partakers said, that I had done amiss, in employing the public treasure to the use of private Ambassadors. The people being displeased herewith; for I very easily perceived the wicked disposition of these men, and seeing that a sedition was likely to arise, I thought it best to whet and animate the people the more against them: I said, that if I had done amiss in rewarding the Ambassadors on the common stock, they should need to take no further displeasure for that: for said I, I will repay those twenty pieces of gold out of mine own purse. Hereupon the people were incensed the more against them, in that The people's love to joseph they manifestly discovered what hatred they wrongfully bore unto me. Whereupon jesus fearing lest some change might arise, commanded the people to depart, and required the council to stay, for that it was unpossible to examine matters discreetly, where so much trouble and turmoil was. The people cried out, that they would not leave me alone among them. Whereupon there came one unto jesus, who secretly informed him that john with his armed men was at hand, who for that cause being unable to contain and conceal his joy, God so providing for the conservation of my life (for had their purpose taken effect, john and his followers had utterly overthrown me.) Forbear (said he) ye Tiberians to inquire of the twenty pieces of gold: for joseph almost suddenly surprised by the enemy is delivered from peril. joseph meriteth not punishment for this matter, but because he affecteth the tyranny, and that by his words he hath deceived the people of Galilce, and gotten the sovereignty to himself. Whilst they spoke these words, they sought suddenly to lay hands on me, intending to murder me. But those two whom I had with me, perceiving their intent, drew their swords, threatening those who should dare attempt to offer me violence. The people likewise gathered stones to cast at Jonathan's partakers, and pulled me away violently from mine enemies: and for that if I should have gone but a little further, I had met with john and his army, thorough the fear I had I turned an other way. For crossing down a privy way that led me to the lake, I betook me to a boat and went by water to Tarichea, avoiding this danger beyond all hope. Whereupon I incontinently sent for the chiefest men of Galilee, and told them how contrary to all law and right I had almost been murdered by jonathan and the Tiberians. For which joseph certifieth the Galileans how traitorously jonathan and the Tiberians had dealt with him cause the Galileans were grievously displeased against them, and willed me without delay to make war against them, or if I list not myself, to suffer them with all expedition to cut off both john and jonathan, with all their followers. Yet did I restrain them the best I could, and pacified their displeasure, and prayed them to expect until such time as we knew what news our Ambassadors would bring that were gone to jerusalem. For I told them that we ought to execute no kind of thing without their approbation and consent: and by these means I persuaded them. But john seeing at that time that his policy had but very slender success, returned back again to Gischala. Some few days after our Ambassadors, who were returned from jerusalem, certified us, that the people of jerusalem were sore displeased with Ananias the high priest, and Simon the son The hundred ambassadors return from jerusalem. of Gamaliel, for that without their common consent they had sent Ambassadors into Galilee, and sought to displace me of the government there, and their displeasure was so kindled that they were ready to set their houses on fire. They brought me also letters, by which the governors of jerusalem upon the instant request that the people had made unto them, confirmed me in the government of Galilee, commanding jonathan and his associates to return back again with all An assembly in Arbela. expedition. After I had received these letters, I repaired to the burrow of Arbela, where I assembled the Galileans: before whom I commanded the Ambassadors to report how much the people of jerusalem were displeased and discontented, in regard of those things which jonathan had injuried me in; and how they confirmed me in the government of this country, and had called and commanded both jonathan and his confederates back again to jerusalem, to whom I speedily sent that letter that was directed to them, commanding the messenger to observe very The council held against joseph by jonathan and his companions. carefully both their actions and acceptance. After they had received the letters, they were greatly troubled, and sent for john and those of the council of Tiberias, with the governor of Gabara, and consulted with them what they were best to do. The Tiberians opinion was that they should continue and maintain their estates, and that they should not forsake the City which had already subscribed to their authority, especially for that I would invade them: for that I had so threatened them they were not ashamed to feign and imagine. This advice not only pleased john, but he furthermore gave this counsel, that some two Ambassadors should be sent from them to the people of jerusalem, to accuse me for that I had unjustly governed the common weal of Galilce, telling them that they might very easily incense the people against me, both in regard of their authority, as also for that the common people are by nature variable and inconstant. This counsel that john gave was allowed by them all: whereupon it was thought fit that jonathan and Ananias should in person repair to jerusalem, and that the other two should remain at Tiberias, and for their convoye they gave them a hundredth armed soldiers. The Tiberians had before this provided for the security of their walls, and gave commandment to all the Citizens to take arms, and afterwards sent for some supplies to john to strengthen The Tiberians intent war against joseph jonathan with his followers taken and kept captive. their garrison, if they should any ways be provoked by me. For john kept at Gischala. Mean while jonathan travailing onwards of his journey came to Dabaritta, a City situated upon the uttermost borders of Galilee in a great plain; and there met he about midnight with some of my troops that kept the watch, who commanded them to lay by their arms, and kept them safely bound, as I had commanded them. Hereof Levi, who had the charge of this quarter, certified me by his letters: for which cause dissembling the matter for some two days, I sent letters to the Tiberians, by which I counseled them that laying their arms aside, they should dismiss every one to his own dwelling place. But they returned me an injurious answer: for they supposed that jonathan and his train were already arrived in jerusalem. But I setting light by their injuries, resolved to cirumvent them by this cunning stratagem: For I thought it a dangerous matter to kindle war against the Citizens. Being therefore very willing to draw them out of their walls, I chose out ten thousand of my best soldiers, whom I distributed into three bands, and lodged one company of them secretly at Dora, to lie there in ambush: I encamped also an other thousand in a certain burrow situate in a mountainous place, some four stades distant from Tiberias; commanding them that as soon as I gave them a watchword or sign, they should break forth: as for myself, I withdrew myself and kept in the open field, and sat me down on the grass. Which when the Tiberians perceived, they made continual excursions The Tiberians scoff very bitterly against joseph. towards me, using many bitter and injurious taunts against me: and so great folly possessed them, that they spread a magnificent couch in the open plain, and marching round about the same, they scornfully seemed to lament me, as if I had lain therein, whilst in the mean time I took pleasure to laugh and look upon their follies. But being very desirous to surprise Simon by some policy, and joazar also with him, I sent unto them, req●…ring them that they would march forth a little without their walls, attended by their friends and guard for their security sake. For that I was determined to confer with them upon a peace, and to confirm the one half of the government unto them. Hereupon Simon deceived by his folly, and overcome and blinded with greedy desire, came forth with all expedition: but joazar suspecting some stratagem, would not adventure without the walls. As soon as I saw Simon attended by his friends and guard, I went out to meet him, and embraced him kindly, giving him thanks for that he was come down; anon after walking along with him, as if I joseph surpriseth Simon by ●…ilty, and leadeth him away prisoner. intended to communicate somewhat with him in secret, I withdrew him from his friends, and laying hands on him, I delivered him to my friends to lead him into the burrow, and gave a sign unto my soldiers that they should come down, and with them I assaulted the City of Tiberias. There was a sharp skirmish on both sides, and the Tiberians had wellnigh gotten the victory: For my soldiers began to fly; but perceiving how the matter went I animated those of my company, and with them gave a valiant onset on the Tiberians, who almost had the better, and chased them into their City, and sent an other company by the lake to set fire on those houses which they should first fall upon. Hereupon the Tiberians thought that their City was taken by force, and cast down their weapons for fear, praying me to have compassion of their wives and children, and to pardon their City. For this cause being moved with compassion, I restrained joseph surpriseth Tiberias. the fury of my soldiers, and for that it was late I retired myself with my soldiers, both to the intent I might spare the City, and relieve my weary and wounded soldiers. Hereupon I sent for Simon to come and banquet with me, and comforted him in his misfortune, promising him to send him to jerusalem, and to assure him in his journey homeward, and to furnish him for his ordinary expenses with all things necessary. The next day I assembled ten thousand soldiers, and presently made mine entry into Tiberias, and having assembled the chiefest citizens in the horse race, I commanded them to discover unto me who they were that were the authors of that rebellion: who having satisfied me, I laid hands on them and bound them, and sent them joseph sendeth the authors of the sedition to jotapata. incontinently to jotapata. As for jonathan and his consortes, I set them at liberty, and gave them money for their charges, and sent them back to jerusalem with Simon & joazar, and five hundredth soldiers for their guard. Hereupon the Tiberians reassembled themselves before me, beseeching me to pardon their misdeeds, promising me to recompense by their future fidelity their forepast and foul faults: beseeching me also to restore those goods unto the citizens, which in way of pillage were taken from them. Whereupon I gave a present command, that all the prey should be brought and laid before me: and whereas the soldiers delayed to perform the same, I spying one of those soldiers that stood by me, better appareled than he was wont These goods that were taken from the citizens are restored. to be, asked him where he had gotten that garment: who confessing that he had taken it in the spoil of the city, I chastised him with strokes, and threatened a worse punishment to all those that would not restore that which they had taken away: whereby recovering a great part of the pray together, I gave every citizen that which he knew to be his own. In this place I cannot choose but in some sort I must reprehend justus, who wrote upon this argument, and others, who promising a history are not afraid in contempt of truth, either for favour A reproof of justus the historiographer that fal●…ely accused joseph. or hatred, to commit lies to their posterity. For they differ nothing from counterfaiters of evidences, and racers of records: But for that these men are more corrupted by impunity. For he to the end he might seem to employ his time well, undertaking to set down the events of this war, hath belied me in many things; and hath not been ashamed to bely his own country. For which cause I am necessarily enforced in this place to discover that which hitherto I have concealed, & to reprove that which he hath falsely testified of me: neither is it to be wondered at that I have so long time deferred the performance thereof. For whosoever writeth a history ought of necessity to speak the truth; yet is it not lawful for him to inveigh against the wickeder sort too vehemently, not for that they are worthy of this favour, but for his own modesty's sake. Tell me therefore justus (for thou desirest to be held for the man of greatest note amongst all other historians, and art not ashamed to vaunt and boast thyself of that title) tell me I pray thee in familiarity (for I must so talk with thee as if thou wert present before me) how I and the Galileans have been the authors of that rebellion, which thy country began both against the Romans and their King. For before I was chosen governor of Galilee by the people of jerusalem, both thou and all the Tiberians were not only up in arms, but had already made war against the ten cities of Syria. Thyself hadst burnt their villages, and one of thy servants died in that encounter: yet not I alone protest this, but it is extant also in writing in the records of the Emperor Vespasian, how the inhabitants of these ten cities cried out to Vespasian in the city of Ptolemais, requiring that thou mightst be punished, as the author of their mischiefs, and assuredly thou hadst been punished by the Emperor, had not Agrippa, who had received commission to execute thee, upon the instant request of his sister Berenice spared thee life, and kept thee bound in prison for a long time. Furthermore, thy politic behaviours do sufficiently express what the rest of thy life hath been, and how thou hast caused thy country to rebel against the Romans: whereof I will produce hereafter most evident arguments, and for thy cause will I urge somewhat against those other Tiberians; and I will make it plain to those that shall read Tiberias justus country. Sephoris and Tiberias two chief cities of Galilee. these histories, that thou hast been no friend to Rome, nor faithful to thy king. And I enforce these my authorities from the greatest cities of Galilee, Sephoris and Tiberias, in which thou justus wert borne. For Sephoris situate in the heart of Galilee, having round about it a number of villages, and being a city sufficiently able in itself to attempt and execute any noble action at their pleasure; yet notwithstanding the citizens thereof resolved to observe their faith to the Romans, and thrust me out of doors, forbidding every man among them to bear arms for the jews. And to the end they might be more assured in my behalf, the inhabitants deceived me in that they entreated me to encompass their city with a wall: and that done, they willingly entertained a garrison which was sent them from Cestius Gallus, who was general of the Roman Legions in Syria in contempt of me, although at that time I had a great power, and terrified the country round about. But when our great city of jerusalem was besieged; and that temple which was common to all our nation, was in danger to fall into the enemy's hands, the Sephorites sent no succours, to the end it might not be said that they took arms against the Romans: But thy country justus being situate upon the lake of Genazareth distant from Hippus thirty stades, from Gadara sixty, from Scythopolis sixscore, in a country obedient to the king, having not any city of the jews round about it; might have very easily kept their faith to the Romans, if they had listed. For both the city and people were furnished with munition in all abundance. But as thou sayst, I was the cause at that time. And who afterwards? For thou knowest that before the siege of jerusalem, I was in the Romans hands, & that jotapata was taken by force, and divers other castles; and that many other Galileans were spent in divers battles. At that time shouldest thou have delivered thyself of that fear thou hadst of me, laying thine arms aside, & presenting thyself to the king & the Romans, when thou undertookest arms not of thine own accord, but enforced. But the truth is, you expected Vespasians coming, even until such time as he begird your city walls with a siege, & then laid you your arms aside for fear of danger: yea even then had your city been overthrown, except the king in excuse of your folly, had obtained your pardon at Vespasians hands. It was not therefore my fault, but your offence, that behaved yourselves like enemies. Do you not remember how often times I have obtained the victory against you, and how few times you could complain of bloodshed? But you falling at dissension one with another have been the instruments of your own ruin, & not for the love you bare either to the King, or the Romans, but of your own malice slew one hundredth eighty and five citizens, at such time as I was besieged by the Romans in jotapata. Nay more, is not this true, that during the siege of jerusalem, whereof I have made mention, there were more than two thousand Tiberians slain, or otherwise taken prisoners? But perhaps thou wilt allege; that at that time thou wert no enemy, for that thou wert fled to the King; but I tell thee that thou fleddest thither for the fear thou hadst of me. I am a wicked man, as thou sayst: but what art thou? whom King Agrippa, upon many presents delivered from punishment, at such time as thou wert condemned by Vespasian to lose thy head? For what cause having made thee prisoner twice, and having so justus condemned to death. many times past the sentence of banishment against thee, & having once commanded thee to be thine own murderer, hath he given thee life upon the importunate solicitation of his sister Bernice? And after so many crimes committed by thee, having entertained thee for his secretary, when he found thy corruption in that office, he banished thee from his presence. But I will not too exactly touch thee with these matters, yet notwithstanding I wonder at thine impudence, that hast openly protested that thou hast written more exactly and perfectly of this matter, than any man: whereas thou art utterly ignorant of those things that were done in Galilee. For at that time wert thou at Berytum with the king, and wer●… no ways privy to the justus knew nothing of the wa●…es of the jews. siege of jotapata; seeing thou didst not follow us. Neither couldst thou be able to learn how I behaved myself therein, for that there was no one left alive to give thee certain intelligence. Thou wilt perhaps say, that thou hast carefully described that, which happened during the siege of jerusalem▪ And how may this be possible? For thou wert neither agent nor looker on in that war; neither haste thou read the commentaries of Vespasian. But I conjecture hereby that thou hast not read them at all, forasmuch as thou hast written clean contrary to that which is contained therein. And if thou art so confident, that thy history is truer than other men's, why didst thou not publish it during Vespasians and Titus lives, who were the generals of that war; neither before king Agrippa and those of his rate, who were all of them very expert in the Greek tongue? For thou hast kept it written by thee above twenty years, and mightst have produced witness of justus published his book when Titus and Vespasian were dead. thine exact diligence before them, who were privy to all things. But now when they are dead, & thou thinkest that no man liveth that may reprove thee, thou hast undertaken this boldness to publish thy work. But I have used no such policy or fear in my books, but have presented them to the Emperors themselves, who have been eye witnesses and actors thereof. For I knew in mine own soul that I had set down all things truly: Whereupon I obtained my expected approbation. Moreover I communicated the same history with divers others, whereof some of them were present at the war, as was king Agrippa, and some of his kindred. And Titus the Emperor himself was so desirous that men should search for the truth of that history out of these books, that he placed them in a library, and caused them to be published, being Manifest testimonies of the truth of josephus history. The first Epistle. The second Epistle. subscribed with his own hand. As for king Agrippa, he sent me seventy two Epistles, testifying the truth of my books, whereof two of them are underwritten, to the end that the truth may appear thereby. King Agrippa to his dear friend joseph, Health. I have with great contentment over-red thy book, wherein thou seemest in my opinion to have handled this matter more exactly, than any other. For which cause I pray thee send me the rest. Fare well my dear friend. King Agrippa to joseph his dear friend, Health: I perceive by thine own writing, that thou needest no intelligence from me, how matters have passed from the beginning: yet when we meet next, I will between me and thee certify thee of certain things which thou knowest not. Thus was he a witness of the truth of my accomplished history, not flattering me, for it became josephus prosecuteth his history, and leaveth to debate with justus. him not; neither deriding me, as you perhaps may object; for far was it from so noble a mind to be subject to so servile a folly: but only to this end, that the truth of my writings might be commended to the reader by the worth of his testimony. And thus much have I thought good to set down in way of answer to justus. Now as soon as I had pacified these troubles in Tiberias, and had established a council of such as were well affected towards me; I bethought myself of that which concerned me to do in respect of john. All they of Galilee were of the opinion, that I should arm them all, and that in battle array I should march against john, and do justice upon him, as he that had been the author of all this mischief. But for mine own part, I misliked their counsels, for that my desire was to extinguish these troubles without bloodshed; and for that cause I incited them with all diligence that was possible, to learn the names of all those who served under him: which being done, and I made privy what they were, I published a proclamation, by which I promised both safety and pardon to all those, that would forsake john, assigning them the term of twenty days, to determine of that which seemed best for their own security: and I threatened to set fire on Four thousand of john's followers forsake him, and follow joseph. their houses, and confiscate their goods, except they gave over their arms. They hearing these things, were greatly troubled, and forsook john: and after they had laid down their weapons, they came unto me to the number of four thousand: so that only fifteen hundredth men remained with john or thereabouts, either of Citizens, or strangers of tire. When john perceived that he was circumvented by this policy, he ever after remained quiet in his country in great fear. At that time the Sephorites grew so bold, that they took arms under the confidence and strength of their walls, and for that they saw me distracted with other business. They therefore sent to Cestius Gallus governor of Syria, praying him to repair unto them, with all expedition, to take possession of their City, or to send them a garrison of men at the least. Gallus promised to come unto them, but he set down no certain time of his approach: whereof when I was advertised, I took the men of war that I had, and marched against the Sephorites, and took their City by force. The Galileans very glad of this opportunity, and supposing the time was come wherein they might satisfy the insatiable hatred that they bore against that City, marched on with that intent, as if they would have wholly ruinated the City, with all the inhabitants. They therefore travailed the streets, and set fire on the houses, which they found wholly desolate: For the inhabitants were fled away for fear, and were retired into a fortress. They therefore Sephoris spoiled. ransacked all things, and left nothing unspoiled: neither was there any kind of misery which they inflicted not on their countrymen. Which when I saw, I was sore grieved, and commanded them to give over, signifying unto them that it was impiety in them, to show themselves so savage towards their countrymen. And seeing that neither by any prayer or command that I made, I could draw them to obedience, for that their hatred surpassed my counsels, I commanded those that were about me, and whom I most trusted, to spread a rumour that the Romans charged us on the other side of the City, with great force. All which I did, to the end that by this rumour I might pacify the fury of the Galileans, and save the City of Sephoris: and this policy took good effect. For when they heard this news they were afraid, and forsook their pillage, to trust to their heels, in especial for that I who was their general did the like. For I made a show, that I believed the rumour to be as true, as they believed it: and by this stratagem the City Sephoris was saved beyond all hope. And hardly escaped Tiberias from being spoiled by the Galileans, thorough this occasion which Tiberias in danger of ruin. ensueth. The chiefest of their council wrote unto the king, that he should come unto them, and take possession of their City. The king promised to satisfy them very shortly, and answered them by his letters, and delivered them to one of his chamber, called Crispus a jew borne, to carry them to the Tiberians. The Galileans knowing this messenger, took him and brought him unto me: which when the common people understood, of mere spleen they fell to arms, and the next day divers of them assembled themselves from all parts, and came to the City of Asoch where I made my abode, and made huge exclamations, calling the Tiberians traitors, and the king's friends, and demanding of me licence and liberty that they might repair to Tiberias, and race it to the ground, being as much displeased against the Tiberians, as they were against the Sephorites. Which when I heard, I stood in great doubt how I might deliver the Tiberians from that displeasure, which the Galileans had conceived against them: for I could not deny but that the joseph consulteth with himself. Tiberians had written and sent for the king: for the answer which he made them, did evidently express the truth. And having a long while debated the matter with myself, I said unto them, I know as well as you, that the Tiberians have offended: neither will I hinder you from spoiling their City; yet must you proceed to the execution thereof with some judgement. For the Tiberians alone do not betray our liberty, but others also, who are more accounted of in the country of Galilee. Stay therefore until such time as I am thoroughly informed, who they be that are authors of this treason; and then shall you have them all under your hands, with all those amongst them, whom you may particularly think worthy punishment. By these persuasions I The Galileans w●…ath pacified conceived against the Tiberians. won the people, who departed from me wholly contented and pacified. As for the messenger that was sent by the king, I caused him to be imprisoned, having respect to an urgent necessity of mine own, which constrained me to depart out of the kingdom within a ●…ittle while. And calling Crispus secretly unto me, I charged him to make those soldiers drunk, who had the charge of him, to the end that he might in all security fly back to the king. Thus Tiberias being ready to be destroyed, the second time by my government and providence, avoided at that time a great and fatal danger. At the same time justus, the son of Pistus, fled unto the king without my knowledge: the cause of which flight of his, I will orderly express. As soon as the Romans had began their war against the jews, the Tiberians concluded to obey the king, and in no sort to rebel against justus desireth to command Galilee. the Romans. But justus egged them on to take arms, thirsting after alteration, and hoping both to obtain the government of Galilee, as of his own country: but his hope failed him of a successful end. For the Galileans being enviously bend against the Tiberians, for those injuries they had suffered at their hands before the war, could not allow justus to be their governor. Myself also, whom the people of jerusalem put in trust with the government of Galilee, was oftentimes so much moved, that I failed little of killing justus; so intolerable was his wickedness. He therefore fearing lest my displeasure should shorten his days, went unto the king, supposing that he might live more freely and securely with him. The Sophorites beyond their expectation having escaped this first danger, wrote unto Cestius Gallus the second time; requiring him to come unto them, to the end that he might be the sooner seized of their City; or that he should send them forces to withstand the incursions of their enemies: and finally they wrought so much, that Gallus sent them store of horsemen, and after them footmen, who came by night, and were received into their City. But seeing that the country round about them was but in poor estate, by reason of the Roman horsemen, I took my soldiers, and came to Garizim, where I encamped some twenty stades off of Sephoris, and by night I approached the joseph assaileth the walls of Sephoris. same, and set ladders to the wall, with which I entered a number of my soldiers, and became master of the better part of the City; from whence notwithstanding we were afterwards constrained to retire, for that we knew not the place, killing before our departure twelve Roman footmen and to horsemen, with some Sephorites, to the only loss of one of ours. Afterwards a fight happening between us and their horsemen in open field, we fought for a long time with disadvantage: For the Romans having environed me on all sides, my rearward thorough the fear they conceived, began to retire. In this skirmish I lost one of my guard, called justus, who in times past had served in the very same place under the king. At that very time the king's forces both of horse and foot came thither, under the government of Sylas captain of the guard, who encamped some five stades off of Julia's, beset the high ways that bended towards Cana with men of war, and the fort of Gamala, to hinder the inhabitants from receiving any commodities Silas captain of the king's guard. from the country of Galilee. As soon as I received news hereof, I sent out two thousand soldiers, with jeremy their colonel, who shrouding themselves within a stade of Julia's, near unto the flood jordan, offered nothing else but light skirmishes, until such time as I had gathered three thousand soldiers more, and was come unto them. The next day having planted an ambush in a certain trench near unto the enclosure of their camp, I touled out the king's soldiers to skirmish, having first forewarned my soldiers to feign a flight, until such time as they had drawn their enemies as far as the ambush; which they cunningly executed. But Sylas supposing that our men fled for cowardice, set forward to follow them as fast as he might possible: but they that lay in ambush charged him on the back, and discomfited his army: and I presently turning and making head joseph putteth the king's soldiers to flight. against them, constrained the king's forces to trust to their heels. At that time the estate of the country was at a good point, had not some cursed spirit thwarted mine honest purposes, For the horse whereon I road, falling into a certain bog, cast me on the ground: whereby mine hand being thrust out of joint about the wrist, I was carried into a burrow of Cepharnom. My soldiers hearing hereof, and fearing least some more sinister misfortune had befallen me, than indeed had done, restrained themselves from pursuing the enemy any further, and turned their backs thorough the grief they had conceived by reason of mine accident. Having therefore sent for Physicians, and caused myself to be dressed, I stayed there for that day; and being seized with a fever, I was carried by night to Taricheas, according to the advice of my physicians. Sylas and his soldiers having news of mine accident, recovered their courages, and understanding that we kept but slender watch in our camp, they laid an ambush by night on this side Joseph's misfortune animateth the enemy. jordan, with their horsemen, and as soon as the day appeared, he drew out our soldiers to fight: who willingly condescended thereunto, and being come into the plain, they perceived the men that lay in ambush, by whom they were put to flight, and six of our men were slain. But they pursued their victory no further: For having news that certain soldiers had passed the water of Taricheas to Julia's, they were afraid and returned back. Not long after Vespasian arrived at tire, accompanied with king Agrippa. Against whom the Tyrians began to utter many reproaches, telling Vespasian that the king was both an enemy to Vespasian and Agrippa ar●…iue at tire. the Tyrians and the Romans, alleging that Philip his General had betrayed the king's palace and the Roman army in jerusalem, and that by the king's commission. Which when Vespasian understood, he reproved this impudent boldness of the Tyrians, for blaming a king of that power, and a friend to the Romans: and advised the king to send Philip to Rome, to yield account of his actions. But notwithstanding that Philip was sent thither, yet presented he not himself The governors of Decapolis accuse justus. Of Vespasians arrival, and the siege of jotapata read joseph lib. 4. cap. 5. of the wars of the jews. before Nero; for finding him extremely busied with troubles and civil wars, he returned unto the king without doing any thing. When Vespasian was arrived at Ptolema●…s, the governors of the ten Cities of Syria cried out against justus the Tiberian, accusing him for burning of their burroughs. Vespasian therefore delivered him bound unto the king; to the end that the subjects of his kingdom might have him punished. But the king before that time, unwitting to Vespasian, had kept him prisoner, as it hath been heretofore declared. The Sephorites also resorted to Vespasian, to salute him, and receive a garrison from him, with their commander Placidus, who made many roads into the country; and I pursued them until such time as Vespasian arrived in Galilee: of which arrival I have amply spoken in my books of the Wars of the jews; how he came, how he fought against me, the first time near to the City of Tarichea●…how I departed from thence to repair to jotapata, my taking, my deliverance, and all my actions and fortunes during the wars of the jews, and the siege of the City of jerusalem. But now me seemeth that it is necessary, that I describe other things exploited by me during my life time in other places, then in the wars of the jews. After the siege of jotapata was ended, I was prisoner with the Romans, and kept very carefully: yet notwithstanding Vespasian did me much honour. For by his commandment I married a virgin, that was one of those that had been taken captive in Caesarea. But she remained not long time with me: for after I was set at liberty, and that I followed Vespasian, she retired herself to Alexandria. After which, I married another woman in Alexandria, from whence I was sent to Titus to the siege of jerusalem, where I was oftentimes in danger of death. For the jews laboured what they might to take and punish me, and the Romans supposing that as many and oftentimes as they were repulsed, it was by my treason, The dangers that joseph passed betwixt the Romans and jews. cried out continually to the Emperor to execute me for a traitor. But Titus well experienced in the changes of war, pacified the violence which his soldiers intended against me, by his silence. And after the City of jerusalem was taken, Titus often solicited me to take that which I liked among the ruins of jerusalem, promising to give it me. But I making but small account of any thing after the ruin of my country, besought him that he would give me certain free men, and the sacred Bible, which I received for a great consolation in my miseries. All which he graciously granted me. Not long after having begged my brother and fifty other of my friends, they were given me, and I was refused in nothing. Entering into the temple by Titus' permission, I found a great number of prisoners shut up therein, and all those women and children of my friends and familiars, whom I knew, I delivered them to the number of one hundredth and ninety, joseph dischargeth a number of captives. without paying any ransom: and I rest●…d them to their former free condition. Being sent with Cerealis and one thousand horse into the City of Thecoa by the Emperor Titus, to espy if the place were fit for a camp: in returning from thence I saw divers prisoners, who were joseph delivereth three from the gibbet. on the gibbet, amongst which were three of my familiars; whereat I was grieved in my soul, and I came and signified the same unto Titus with tears: who incontinently commanded th●… they should be taken down, and as carefully dressed and cured as might be; two of which died notwithstanding the utmost diligence of the Physicians, and the third survived. After that Titus had appeased the troubles of judaea, conjecturing with himself that the possessions which I had in jerusalem, would yield me but little profit, by reason of the Roman garrison joseph repaireth with Titus to Rome, and is honourably entertained by Vespasian. that should be placed there; he planted me in a possession in a champion country: and intending to embark himself to depart for Rome, he took me with him in his own ship, and did me great honour. As soon as we came to Rome, Vespasian had great care of me, for he lodged me in his own house, where he kept before he was Emperor, and honoured me with the title of a citizen of Rome, and gave me an annual pension in money; and as long as he lived, continued his good affection towards me, forgetting no kind of bounty which he might use towards joseph envied and slandered. me. Whereupon I was so much envied, that I grew in danger thereby to lose my life: For a certain jew called jonathan, having stirred up a sedition in Cyrene, & gathered about him some two thousand inhabitants of the country, was the cause of their overthrow: and as touching himself, being bound by the governor of that country, and afterwards sent unto the Emperor, he said it was I that had sent him arms and money. But Vespasian knew his falsehood, and condemned him to death, and commanded him to be executed. After this mine enemies objected divers crimes against me in regard that I was in good reputation, but God so wrought that I escaped them all. Moreover I received in gift from Vespasian an ample possession in judaea, and at that very time I forsook my wife, because her manners pleased me not, although she were Joseph's third wife. the mother of my three children, of whom two are deceased, and the third, who was called Hircanus, is yet alive. After this I married a wife that was borne in Candie, and was by nation a jew, and by birth noble, and one of the greatest reputation amongst the inhabitants, endowed with as laudable manners as any other virtuous woman whatsoever, as her after life most plainly expressed. By her I had two sons, justus, who was the eldest, and Simonides, who was also surnamed Agrippa. Thus far as touching my domestical affairs. That bounty which I received from the hands of the Caesars, hath always continued mine. For after Vespasians death, Titus who succeeded him in the Empire, continued the same favour which his father had showed me. For although I were oftentimes accused, yet were not mine adversaries believed. Domitian, who succeeded him, augmented mine honours. For he punished those jews that accused me, and gave order that the Eunuch and slave whom I kept to teach my son, and by whom I was accused, The perpetual favour of the Caesars towards joseph. should be punished. He granted me extemption also from all the tributes of judaea, which is one of the most greatest honours that a man may receive. And as touching Domitia the emperors wife, she always continued her good affection towards me. Behold here the short recital of my whole life, whereby let each man conjecture of my manners, as him listeth. But O thrice excellent Epaphroditus, after I have given and offered thee all this ancient history of our nation, I will for this present pause in this place. THE LAMENTABLE AND TRAGICAL HISTORY OF THE WARS AND UTTER RVINE OF THE JEWS. Comprised in seven Books by Flavius josephus, the Son of Mathias. And newly translated out of the Latin, and French into English by Tho. Lodge, D. M. P. Printed at London on Bread-street hill, at the sign of the Star, 1602. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL HIS esteemed friend M. Anthony Palmer Esquire. SIR, my affection that had rather be an actor than an orator, do well then speak well, hath picked you out to be the patron of this tragical history of the wars of the jews. The reasons that drove me hereunto, are neither the expectance of worldly benefits, nor the fruitless upshot of ostentation, but your virtue (which is not beloved respectively but only for itself) hath created this good conceit in me, which (if you so please) your acceptance may continue. Now since as the Philosopher supposeth it is an action worthy a good man, to do good unto his friend; so is it no less commendable to accept an office of kindness from a friend. For by giving we bewray our well wishing; and by receiving, we proportion and continue friendship: upon this ground I pray you build the good entertainment of my present, and nourish this good custom in me (which was usual both amongst Grecians and Latins) I mean my translation, which if it please you, I have my wish. As for my maligners, I expect no worse from them then jason the Thassalian, who being assailed and wounded by an enemy (who had an intent to kill him) had an impostumation opened that saved his life: their stab and stroke of disgrace shall cure and heal the hidden and neglected infirmities of my mind, and notwithstanding I shall both Genio & ingenio live to love you, and lament their want of char●…ie. Thus heartily commending me, I hastily take my leave, being tied prentice of late to other men's importunities. Your loving Friend, Tho. Lodge. THE FIRST OF THOSE SEVEN BOOKS, WHICH WERE WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS THE SON OF MATHIAS, AS TOUCHING THE WAR, AND DESTRUCTION OF THE JEWS. THE PREFACE, In which the Author taxeth divers Historiographers of untruth: and declareth his intent, and specifieth the principal points of this History. FOr as much as the war which was enterprised betwixt the jews and Romans, hath (amongst all other) been the greatest that either hath been attempted in our age, or heard of in any other; either between city or city; or nation against nation: there have been some, who (rather building their discourse on the vain and The duty of 〈◊〉 Historiographer; and how things that are past should be written. improbable report of others; then their own judgements) have (according to the manner of orators) made a history of their hearsay, and have filled their discourses not only with vanity, but also with contradiction. Others there were (who for that they were eye witnesses or actors of the same) have according to their own fancies preferred many lies; either to flatter the Romans, or exercise their hatred against the jews: forging somewhiles accusations, otherwhiles breaking out into praises without any observation of joseph himself had a hand in the wars of the jews. historical veri●…e. For this cause, I joseph the son of Mathias, by birth an Hebrew, and a citizen and priest of jerusalem: who in the beginning of these wars bare arms against the Romans, and afterwards (being thereunto forced by necessity) was present at all those things, which were attempted and prosecuted in those wars; have thought good to discourse in the Greek tongue (in favour of all those who acknowledge the sovereignty of the Roman Empire) all that, which heretofore in my own language I have imparted to those Barbarians that inhabit the East. For at such time (as I have already spoken) as these most bitter and busy wars took their beginning; the Romans were at civil wars among themselves: and as touching the jews (who were in years valiant, and in wits turbulent) they being both strong in power, and rich in money, did so insolently abuse the time, that being animated by the greatness of those seditions and troubles; have somewhiles swam in hope, sometimes sweltered in fear of possessing or losing certain sovereignties in the East. For the jews hope was, that all those of their nation (even they who inhabited the parts beyond Euphrates) would have both followed them in their rebellion, and seconded their follies with their forces. Moreover at that time the Frenchmen (who bordered upon the Romans) suffered them not to live in peace: and the Germans also began to take arms. Finally, after the death of Nero, After Nero's time all things full of trouble. seditions reigned every where: so that by reason of the opportunity of these times many men went about to make themselves kings, and the soldiers whetted on with the covetous desire of gain, desired nothing more than trouble and alteration. For which cause, I think it a matter both worthy reproof, and ill beseeming my reputation, if in so weighty affairs, I should suffer the truth to be smothered in incertainties, and should permit the Parthians, Babylonians, and the furthest distant joseph had written this history in the Hebrew tongue before. Arabians, and those of our nation inhabiting beyond Euphrates, together with the Adiabenites, to obtain the true knowledge of those events by mine industry; whilst the Grecians, & divers of those, who have not born arms with the Romans, being distracted with factions, & deceived by adulation, should be ignorant hereof. Yet some of these there be, who (notwithstanding their false informations) stick not to write histories, not only void of all truth, but also no ways answerable to their subject which they undertake. For whilst they labour to dignify and extol the Romans, they altogether suppress the fame and fortunes of the jews: yet cannot I conjecture by what means they may be held great, who triumph in the conquest of men so obscure and abject. Nay whilst they thus extol The glory of the Romans is diminished if you deroga●…●…rom their labou●…s at the siege of jerusalem. the Romans valour in conquering the jews, they nothing at all respect the continuance of the wars, nor the multitude of the Roman soldiers, nor the honour of their captains, whose titles are much embased if they (having laboured so much to conquer jerusalem) should have any thing derogated from the honour and prosperity of their attempts. For mine own part I am not resolved to contradict those who shall enhance the glory and noble actions of the Romans, neiher to extol and dignify the deserts of mine own nation, but my resolution is in all truth and sincerity to set down each occurrent, without respect or partiality towards either part. In performance whereof I will fashion my discourse according to the matter. I entreat of, and as my grief and sorrow shall invite me to lament the miseries of my country: For the civil dissension that dismembered the same, was the cause that brought it to confusion, and those tyrants that reigned amongst us, were such, who forcibly drew the Romans with sword and sire to seek the desolation of our holy temple. The truth whereof Titus Caesar himself can justify, who destroyed the same, and who during all those wars still pitied the Titus his piety towards the jews. people, for that they (as he well perceived) were kept in awe by ●…he seditious: And who oftentimes of his own accord deferred the surprisal of the City, purposely protracting the siege, to the intent that in the mean time the authors of the sedition and bloody wars might have leisure to repent and submit themselves. Now if any man think that I write this, as one that exclaimeth against the tyrants and their thieveries, or that in bewailing the miseries of my lost country, I accuse their villainies, All calamities that happened sithence the beginning of the world being compared with those the jews suffered are of no moment. and thereby transgress the limits of a history, let it be imputed to my grief and so pardoned. For amongst all the Cities that were ever governed by the Romans, our City only attained to the top of felicity, which now alas is brought into extreme misery, captivity, and desolation. Nay if all the misfortunes & calamities which the world from the beginning hath seen, be compared with the infelicity and fall of the jews, they are slight and of no moment. And to increase our sorrow, no foreigners but our own familiar friends and countrymen have been the actors of our tragedy. This considered, if any man of too severe and stoical judgement shall reprehend this my lamentation, let such a one attribute the deeds I recount, to the history which I write; and reserve the lamentations and sorrows thereof to me, who am the historiographer: although in my mind I may justly challenge the smooth tongued Grecians, for that (notwithstanding these our so miserable, and so memorable wars happened in their days, in respect whereof all other former troubles The Grecian Historiographers overpass the wars of the jews with silence. were obscure and of no reckoning) they have restrained their tongues & pens; and undertaken an overcurious silence, to the end they might carp at those with greater liberty, who undertake the publishing thereof: whom though in learning and eloquence they both exceed and outstrip, yet are they inferior unto them in the matter and subject they entreat of. For they forsooth decipher and set down the valiant acts of the Assyrians and Medes, as who should say the ancient writers had but coldly and scarce conceitfully handled the same: and yet God knoweth they come so far behind those ancient authors in their writings, as they neither second them in sense, nor equal them in understanding. For such as in times past published any worthy history, endeavoured to write that which they themselves had seen: and for that each of them were eye witnesses of those affairs they committed to writing, they more effectually performed all that which they promised; the rather for that they accounted it to be an act of dishonesty, to report and publish lies in steed of a history. And truly in my opinion that man is both worthy commendation and praise, who striveth by his studious endeavours, to register not only the occurrences of times past, but also those memorable events that have happened in his days: and he only and truly is to be accounted industrious, not that altereth and pr●…neth at his pleasure an other man's works, but he that of himself compileth a history; whereof no man hath before time written. For mine own part (the rather for that I am a stranger) I have been enforced to my no small labour and expense, to refresh the memory and truth of these events in the Who may rightly be called a Historiographer. ears of the Greeks and Romans. For as touching their own learned men, their mouths are always open to gains and controversies, and to this purpose their tongues still run on pattens: marry if they come to a history wherein they should both tell truth, and with great labour inquire of those things that are past, here are they mum, the travel is too tedious, the bit is in their teeth, so that they leave the matter to their performance, who are incapable and unapt both in style and study, to register the noble actions of royal princes. Since therefore the Grecians make no account of the truth of history, it behoveth us both to esteem and honour it. Now to discover unto you the original of the jews, what their estate hath been in times past, and after what manner they departed out of Egypt, to show what countries the●… conquered, and what colonies they planted, were in my judgement both impertinent and to little purpose; considering that divers of mine own nation have before my time made and written an exact history of the noble attempts of our ancestors: yea many Greeks also have translated these men's writings into their own tongue; and have as truly, as rhetorically exemplified the same. I will therefore begin my history in that time where these writers and our own prophets ceased, and set down at large all those wars that happened in my time: and as for those things that exceed my knowledge and remembrance, I will only touch them bri●…ly, and in a word or two; First how Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, took the City of jerusalem, and possessed the same for the space of three years, and six months: and finally how Antiochus Epiphanes the first author & fountain of the wars of the jews. he was dri●…en out of that country by the Asmo●…eans. After this I will set down the dissensions that happened amongst Antiochus successors for the kingdom; and how by this means they drew Pompey and the Romans into the managing and meddling with their affairs. How Herod likewise the son of Antipater, being assisted by Sosius, utterly overthrew and canceled their felicity & authority: and how in Augustus Caesar's time and after the death of Herod, and during the government of Quintilius Varo, a sedition ●…s raised among the people: and how in the tw●… year of Nero's reign the war began to take head and continuance. That likewise which happened in Cestius time, and what The Epirom●… of the warre●… of the jews. warlike executions the jews performed in their first attempts and revolts, how they strengthened the Cities and forts about them, and how Nero (hearing of the great ●…er throw which his army received under Cestius their General, and fearing lest he should lose all) made Titus Vespasian the General of his army: who being attended by his eldest son, came into judaea accompanied with as great a company of Romans as he could possibly gather: what number of their allies invaded & spoiled Galilee, what Cities they surprised in that place, e●…r by forcible assault, or by any other composition. Besides all these things, I will express what order and discipline the Romans observe in their wars, and wherein they are accustomed to exercise their soldiers. I will note down also the places and nature of the country of G●…ee, and the description of judaea, together with the mountains, lakes and fountains thereof, with all the properties of the same; not forgetting those miseries which the captive Cities suffered: neither how they were surprised. All which (together with all those ●…ils and miseries which during those troubles befell me) will I discover, and discourse with all truth and diligence; the rather in that I publish them in th●…r ears, who are no ways ignorant of th●…m. After this I will set down how (upon the decli●…g and downfall of the jews). Nero died; and how (at such time as Vespasian had undertaken the expedition to jerusalem) he was withheld from the action, to receive and enjoy the imperial dignity: How at that instant when he retired himself into Egypt to establish that estate, the jews began to mutiny among themselves: how many tyrants arose amongst them, who hatched much civil discord and The signs and changes after Nero's death. debate in their government. Again, how Titus departing out of Egypt, came the second time into judaea, and ranged over the country, and how and where he levied and encamped his armies. How and how oftentimes the city hath been vexed by sedition, especially at such time as he himself was present. What onsets he gave, & how many mounts he raised in begirting the city with a treble walithe strength Titus besiegeth jerusalem and provision of the City, the situation and platform of the Temple, and the altars therein: the rites and ceremonies which were used upon festival days: the 7. purifications and offices of the priests: the garments also of the high priest; and the holy sanctuary of the temple. All which I will recount without any dissimulation, or swerving from the truth of history. After this I will relate what cruelty the The manners and sacrifices of the jews. tyrants used against their own countrymen, & what humanity the Romans showed towards strangers, and how oftentimes Titus (who desired the safety both of the City and Temple) provoked and invited the seditious to mutual amity. Furthermore I will report how the people of the jews (after these many The humanity of th●… Romans towards the jews. and grievous wounds which they both suffered and sunk under, sometimes by war, otherwhiles by sedition, and many times by hunger) were at length overthrown to their utter confusion. Neither will I omit the slaughter of such as revolted, neither the punishment inflicted on those that were captive: but I will set down how the temple was burned against Caesar's will, and what an infinite mass of sacred treasure was devoured by the fire. But to shut up the history, I will annex the surprisal of the City, The burning of the temple, and the overthrow of the city. The Romans triumph over the jews. The cause why he wrote this history. and what signs and wonders happened before the same: the captivity also of the tyrant's themsel●…es, and the number of those that were led away into captivity: and what misery every one of them end●…red how the Romans continuing their wars utterly razed the fortresses of their captives: finally, how Titus in travailing thorough the whole country, established a for me of government therein; and afterward returning into Italy, triumphed with much honour. All these things have I comprehended in seven books: endeavouring as much as in me lieth; to fly and avoid all occasion of reproof and reprehension from those men; who knew these affairs and were actors in the wars. All which I have done for their sakes, who rather affect truth, then follow their pleasure: and according to that order and for me I have proposed, I will begin and prosecute my style and History. THE FIRST BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 1. book. 1 The destruction of jerusalem by Antiochus. 2 The succession of Princes from jonathan, until Aristobulus time. 3 Of Aristobulus, Antigonus, judas Essaeus, Alexander, Theodore and Demetrius. 4 Of the war attempted between Alexander, Antiochus and Aretas, and of Alexandra and Hircanus. 5 Of the war between Hircanus and the Arabians, and of the Expugnation of jerusalem. 6 Of the war of Alexander with Hircanus and Aristobulus. 7 Of the death of Aristobulus, and the war of Antipater against Mithridates. 8 How Antipater was accused before Caesar, and how Hircanus was high priest, and Herod beg●… to make war. 9 Of the dissension of the Romans after Caesar's death, and of Malichus his deceits. 10 How Herod was accused and set free. 11 Of the war of the Parthians against the jews, and of Herod's flight and fortune. 12 Of Herod's war for the recovering of jerusalem after his return from Rome, and how he warred against the thieves. 13 Of josephus death, brother to Herod; and how jerusalem was besieged by the s●…e Herod, and how Antigonus was slain. 14 Of the treacherous practices of Cleopatra against Herod, and of his war against the Arabians, and of a great earthquake. 15 How Herode was confirmed in the peaceable possession of the kingdom of judaea by Augustus Caesar. 16 Of the Cities and monuments repaired and builded by Herod, and of his felicity and liberality towards strangers. 17 Of the discord betwixt Herod and his two sons Alexander and Aristobulus. 18 Of Antipater's conspiracy against his father Herod. 19 How Herod should have been poisoned, and how the treason was discovered. 20 How Antipater's practices against Herod were known, and punished. 21 Of the golden Eagle, and of Antipater and Herod's death. CHAP. I. How jerusalem was destroyed by Antiochus. AT such time as Antioch●… surnamed Epiphanes, made war against Sextus Pompeius for the whole government of Syria, there arose a sedition among The year of the world, 3802 before Christ's birth 162. Ant. li. 12. ca 6. Antiochus being stirred up by 〈◊〉 so●… invadeth judaea, and surpriseth jerusalem. Antony's lib. 15. cap. 4. the jews; wherein every one endeavoured himself to have the sovereignty over others; and those of chiefest authority and nobility amongst the rest, disdained to submit themselves to such as were their equals. At that time a certain man called Onias (who was one of the high priests) having gotten the upper hand, did drive the sons of To●…ias out of the City; who flying to Antiochus for refuge, besought him in all humility that he would lead his forces into judaea, offering themselves to be his guides in that expedition and voyage. Antiochus (who long before that time desired such an occasion) easily condescended to their requests; & levying a great army, entered their country, and took the city by force, and ●…ue the most part of them, who fauou●…ed The year of th●… world. 3802. before the birth of Christ. 162. The high priest On●… flieth to Ptolomey. Ant. lib. 1●…. cap. 7. Ptolemy and giving his soldiers liberty to sack the cit●…e, he himself spoilt the temple also; and for the space of three years and six months, forbade all sacrifices and ceremonies, which before time were accustomed and used in that place: Whereupon: Onias the high Priest fled unto Ptolomey, and having obtained a grant of a piece of ground from him, within the liberties and precinct of Heliopolis, he built a town and temple in that place, resembling the city and sanctuary in jerusalem. But neither was Antiochus satisfied with the unexpected surprise of the city, nor with the pillage Antiochus altereth the customs of the jews. & slaughter of the citizens, but was so far transported by his passions, & incensed with the remembrance of those evils which he sustained during the siege of the city, that he compelled t●… jews to forsake the customs of their country; commanding them from that time forward to vs●… no more circumcision of their children, but that they should immolate swine upon the Altar: which when all of them jointly refused to obey, the most constant among them were for that cause put to death. Bacchides being made chief of the garrisons by the appointment of Antiochus, what with Bacchides cr●…eltie towards the jews. Ant. lib. 1. cap. 7. 8. his innated cruelty, & the impious commandment that was left him, omitted no occasion to further his wicked impiety, insomuch as he particularly tormented such as were of noble birth, and quality: so that each day for the most part; he represented unto them the fresh face and memory of the desolation of their city, till all of them at the last being provoked and whe●…d on through the grievousness of that which both themselves and others endured, addressed themselves with confidence to prosecute the●… revenge. A●… length Mathias the son of Asmoneus one of the Priests, who was borne in a village called Modin, accompanied with his five sons and his Mathias confederated with others maketh war again●… Antiochus. own household armed with swords, slew Bacchides: and fearing the power and multitude of the enemy's garrisons, speedily retired himself into the mountains. Thither resorted divers of the people unto him, for which cause he waxing more confident and courageous, came down from the mountains, and overcoming the captains of Antiochus, drove them out of the borders of judaea. At such time therefore as through his happy success he became potent, and was by common consent of the people (for that he had delivered them from the subjection of strangers) made their ruler: he died, leaving his eldest son, who was called judas to succeed him in the government. Who fearing lest Antiochus would still continue wars against him, gathered together an army of his countrymen, and was the first amongst the jews that made a league with the Romans; and drove back Antiochus Epiphanes at such time as he enforced himself once more to invade the borders of judaea, repulsing him with a great overthrow. And whereas the remembrance of this victory was yet fresh in men's minds and memory, he assaulted the garrison of the city: For as yet they were not destroyed (in which conflict he forced them to forsake the highest part thereof, which is called holy) and to betake themselves into the lower part: and having obtained the temple, he made every place clean, and compassed it with a wall, and made new vessels for the service of the temple, and planted them therein, because those that had been before time consecrated there were profaned. He builded likewise an other Altar, and began to renew the accustomed sacrifice, and observe the rites of religion. Scarcely was the city brought to the former estate, but Antiochus died, who left a son and heir behind him, who was not only inheritor of his kingdom, but also of his hatred against Antiochus dieth, and leaveth the kingdom to his son Antiochus, who gathereth a huge power and invadeth jury. Ant. lib. 12. cap. 14. 15. Eleazar dieth being slain b●… an Elephant. the jews, who having gathered together fifty thousand footmen, and almost five thousand horsemen, and fourscore Elephants, entered by the mountains of judaea, and took a town named Bethsara, near which judas met him in a place called Bethzacharie, where the passage was something straight: and before the armies joined battle, Eleazar judas brother seeing one Elephant higher than the rest; bearing a great tower on his back, and adorned with golden furniture, thinking Antiochus had been there, ran from his company, and breaking the ranks of the enemies, came unto the Elephant; but he could not reach him (whom he deemed to be the king) he was so highly mounted; for which cause wounding the Elephant in the belly, the Elephant fell upon him, and pressed him to death: which act of his had no other success but this, that by attempting so great a matter, he gave manifest testimony that he preferred his renown, before his life. Now he that governed the Elephant was but a private person, and although by hap Antiochus Eleazar preferred honour before life. had been there, Eleazar had achieved nothing else in this his valiant attempt; but yet he adventured his life under hope to perform some valiant exploit. And this act of his was a presage unto his brother of the event of the whole war that ensued. For the jews fought stoutly, and a long time, but yet Antiochus army (being both more in number and more prosperous) obtained the vic●…rie; so judas therefore after the loss of many of his company, fled unto the Gophonites The year of the world. 3802. before Christ's birth 162. Antiochus departing from jerusalem leaveth▪ sufficient garrison there. Ant. lib. 12. cap. 18. ludas fighteth with Atiochu●… captains, and is slain. with those of his side who escaped: And Antiochus went to jerusalem, from whence after some stay he departed for want of necessaries, leaving a sufficient garrison; as for the rest of his army, he led them for the winter time into Syria. Yet notwithstanding the king's departure judas rested not, but encouraged by many of his nation, who daily came unto him, and gathering also together those who escaped out of the former battle, at a village named Ada●…a he fought with Antiochus captains, where after much and many approbations of his valour in assaulting and slaughtering a great number of his enemies, he himself at length was slain, and within a few days after his brother Ioh●… also was slain and betrayed by their treacheries, who favoured Antiochus. CHAP. II. Of the succession of Princes from jonathas until Aristobulus. AFter him succeeded his brother jonathas, who carefully studied for the peace and security Ant. li. 13. c2. 1. The year of the world 3805. before Christ's Nativity. 159. jonath as taken by Tryphons subtilue is slain of his people, and fortified himself by the friendship of the Romans, and was reconciled to Antiochus his son; yet did none of all these things profit him or acquit him from danger. For the tyrant Tryphon (who was tutor to Antiochus) laying wait for him, and seeking to spoil him of his friends, took jonathas at such time as he came with a small company to Antiochus who was at Ptolemais, and binding him, lead an army against judaea: from whence. being repulsed by Simon jonathas brother and overcome by him, in displeasure and revenge thereof, he slew jonathas. But Simon valiantly bestirring himself in the government and guide of the affairs of the commonwealth, took Zara, joppes, and jamnia (which were bordering towns): and overcoming Ant. lib. 15. cap. 9 The year of the world, 3823. before Christ's birth 141. the garrison at Accaron, he destroyed the city, and assisted Antiochus against Tryphon who besieged Dora, before that expedition which he made against the Medes. Yet would not the greedy mind of the king be satisfied, notwithstanding that Simon had thus faithfully served and assisted him in the death of Tryphon; but that within short time after, he sent unto Cendebeus (who was the general of the army) commanding him to sack and spoil judaea, and to take Simon, Simon encountereth with Cendebeus, & overcometh him. Ant. lib. 13. cap. 14. Simon by the treachery of his son in law Ptolemaeus is taken & slain. john otherwise called Hircanus the son of Simon. and make him a slave. But Simon though aged in years, fought both youthfully and valiantly, and sent his sons with the most resolute men he had, before against Antiochus, and himself with the residue of his army, assaulted another quarter of their enemy's camp; and having laid many ambushes even in the mountains, he in every place was victorious: and after this his most famous victory, he was proclaimed high priest, and delivered the jews from the government of the Macedonians, under which they had been 270. years. Finally by the treachery of Ptolemaeus his son in law, he was murdered at a banquet, who imprisoning his wife and two sons, sent certain men to kill the third son, whose name was john, otherwise called Hircanus. But the young man understanding the success of his father's voyage, hasted unto the city accompanied with a great multitude; for he greatly hoped that the people would remember his father's prows, especially because Ptolemaeus iniquity was hated of all men; Ptolemaeus also hasted to enter the city at another gate: but he was speedily repulsed by the people who had already received Hircanus. For which cause he presently retired himself into a Castle named Dagon situate beyond jericho. The year of the world. 3831. before the Nati●…itie of Christ. 133. Hircanus obtaineth the honour of the high priesthood which his father had. Ptolemaeus cruelty against Hircanus' mother & brethren. After that Hircanus had obtained the office of the high Priest, which was left him by his father, and had offered sacrifices unto God, he led forth his forces with all speed against Ptolemaeus, hoping to help and deliver his mother and brethren that were detained prisoners with him: and assaulting the Castle, notwithstanding that in all other things he had the better hand, yet was he overcome by just grief and compassion. For at such time, and so often as Ptolemaeus perceived himself to be in danger, he brought Hircanus' mother and brethren upon the walls, and beat them where he might behold them in their torments, threatening to cast them down from the wall except Hircanus would presently depart. For which cause Hircanus was more moved with compassion and fear, then with anger & wrath. But his mother being no ways dismayed with stripes which she endured, nor with death wherewith she was threatened, lifted up her hands to her son, beseeching him that in regard of her miseries he would not be moved to spare so impious a person, for she esteemed her death threatened by Ptolemaeus, dearer than immortality itself; if so be he might receive just punishment for the villainy which he had impiously committed against their house. But when john had perceived the resolute mind of his mother, and heard her entreaty, he was moved to assault the Castle, and strait way seeing her beaten and torn, he relented with compassion, and was even filled with grief. By which means the siege continued long, The year of th●… world. 3831. before Christ's birth 133. Ptolemaeus murdereth Hircanus' mother and brethren. The ye●… of the world. 3839. before Christ's birth 125. Antiochus upon ●…e payment of three hundredth talents raiseth his siege. and the jubilee year was come, which falleth out every seventh year: wherein the jews cease from all affairs, as their wont is every seventh day. Ptolemaeus ●…liuered from the siege by this accident and occasion, put john's mother and his brethren to death, and afterwards fled to Zeno the tyrant of Philadelphia, who was also surnamed Cotylas. In the mean while Antiochus being grievously vexed at that which Simon had done unto him, sent his army into judaea, and besieged Hyrcanus in jerusalem, who opening David's Sepulchre (who had been one of the richest among all the kings of judaea) took more than three thousand talents of money from thence; and wrought so much with Antiochus, that upon the payment of three hundredth talents of money, he made him raise his siege and depart the country. This Hyrcanus was the first of all the jews that with his own goods maintained outlanders and soldiers. But so soon as Antiochus had bend his power and forces against the Medes; he took handfast of that opportunity he had offered him, to revenge himself, and presently assaulted the towns of Syria, assuring himself he should find them (as indeed they were) void of soldiers to defend them. Whereupon he took Medaba and Samea, with the places thereunto adjoining, Sichem and Garizim, which border upon the Chuthaeans, who inhabit the places adjoining to the temple, that is made after the imitation of that which is at jerusalem. Moreover, he Ant. lib. 13. cap 15. Aristobulus & Antigonus besiege Sebaste. took many Cities of Idumaea, and amongst the rest Doreon, and Marisa: and coming into Samaria (where now Sebaste is situate, which was builded by Herode) he besieged it on every side, and left his two sons Aristobulus and Antigonus, to continue the siege, who diligently besieged the place. There was such a famine in the City, that they were constrained to eat unaccustomed meats. For which cause, they required aid of Antiochus surnamed Spondius, who Sebaste overthrown and spoiled. willingly assisted them, but he was overcome by Aristobulus and Antigonus, and was pursued by the foresaid brethren unto Scythopolis, whither he then retired himself: but they retiring again unto Samaria, besieged the City, and at last taking it by force, destroyed the same, and led away the inhabitants captives. Whilst thus fortune favoured them more and more, they cea●…ed not to pursue their good success, but led their army to Scythopolis, and taking it, they divided and spoiled all the country. CHAP. III. Of Aristobulus, Antigonus, judas Essaeus, Alexander, Theodorus, and Demetrius. THis felicity and good hap of john and his sons, was accompanied with the envy of The seditios overcome in war. john after he had happily governed the country for 30. years space dieth. many of his countrymen, and this discontent of theirs was the cause of a mutiny. For divers of the jews rising up in arms against them, were so much overruled by their ambitious passion, that they could not contain themselves from the prosecution of an open and bloody war: wherein notwithstanding they were put to the worst. From that day forward john passed the remainder of his life in all felicity and happiness; and after he had governed the common weal for the space of thirty three years, he departed this life, leaving behind him five valiant sons. He was a man truly happy, and so favoured by fortune, that he had no occasion The year of the world. 3861. before Christ's birth 103. to complain of her niggardice in bounty. Finally he alone might justly boast himself of three excellent endowments. First of all, that he was the Prince of his country: secondly, that he was high priest: thirdly; a Prophet, to whom God so spoke, that he was ignorant of no future accidents: he foresaw and foretold that his two eldest sons should not continue long in the government (whose lives are worth rehearsal, although they much declined from their father's felicity) for the eldest son Aristobulus, after his father's death translated the principality into a Ant. lib. 13. cap. 19 kingdom; and was the first that put a crown on his head; four hundredth, eighty and one years, and three months after the deliverance of the people from the captivity of Babylon. As for Antigonus (who was his second brother, and whom in appearance he seemed to love most entirely) he made him partaker of his dignity, and committed the refidue of them to prison. He Aristobulus sammisheth his mother. Aristobulus loved Antigonus very dearly. imprisoned his mother also, for that she had contended with him as touching the principality; (which john had so●…y committed to her dispose) and was so far given over to all kind of cruelty, that he not only kept her prisoner in bonds: but also put her to death by famine. But the revenge of this his impiety was this, that he slaughtered his own brother Antigonus whom he entirely beloved; and made both a competitor and partner with him in the kingdom. For by reason of those scandalous slanders, which his envious and malignant courtiers contrived and invented against him, he commanded him to be put to death. Netheless upon their first information The year of the world. 3861. af●… Christ's birth 103. Aristobulus (overmastered by brotherly affection) gave them no credit, the rather for that he was certainly assured, that all things for the most part which were objected against him, were rather enforced upon envy, then alleged on good ground. But when as Antigonus returned from the war, attended with many testimonies of his valour and prowess, upon that festival time, wherein according to the custom of our country, we celebrate the feast of Tabernacles; it happened at that very time, that Aristobulus fell sick and Antigonus in honour of his brother ascended up into the temple. Antigonus falsely accused to his brother. was diseased. Antigonus therefore about the end of those festival days being attended by his armed men, ascended up into the Temple to offer sacrifice, and the rather resorted he thither in greater pomp and majesty, because he intended to honour his brother. Hereupon certain cursed and wicked detractors repaired to the king, buzzing in his ears, that this great guard of soldiers which accompanied Antigonus, and that his haughty resolution and kingly presence was rather for a sovereign, than a subject: inferring hereby, that he entered the City in this Equipage, with an intent to murder him, not contenting himself to have the only honour of the kingdom, except he might reduce the power and possession thereof into his own hands. Aristobulus though unwillingly, yet at last being won to believe them, desirous in seeming not to Aristobulus commandeth his guard that if Antigonus came armed they should kill him. suspect, to show himself provident, commanded his guard to hide themselves in a certain obscure place under the ground: as for himself he took up his lodging in a certain Castle which in times past was called Bari, and afterwards Antonia; giving his archers this commission, that if Antigonus came unarmed they should let him pass, if otherwise, that they should kill him. He sent certain messengers also to Antigonus, requiring him to repair unto him disarmed. But the envious Queen prevented this good intent of his, by a subtle stratagem complotted and The Queen's cunning Stratagem against Antigonus. acted by those, that with her conspired against him. For she persuaded those that were put in trust to discharge this message, to discover nothing of that, which the king had commanded them: but to signify unto Antigonus, that his brother having intelligence, that he had made himself many accomplished and complete armours, with other fair and worthy furniture for the war in Galilee (which by reason of Antigonus sudden departure from that place and his own instant infirmity he might not behold) would count it no little favour and felicity to behold and see him in his warlike ornaments. Which when Antigonus understood (who by reason of his brother's disposition suspected no mischief) he armed himself, and resorted unto him, intending to delight and content him with his musters. But no sooner arrived he in the straight which Antigonus suspecteth not his brother. is called the tower of Straton, but the guard of Aristobulus set upon him, and slaughtered him, yielding by this means a demonstrative and certain testimony, that detraction distracteth and destroyeth all good nature and friendship, and that amongst all our most accounted affections, there is no one so defenced and fortified as may abate the edge of envy. At this time also who would not wonder at a certain man called judas? who being by birth an Essean, was blessed with this felicity in his prophecies, that his predictions were neither touched with mistaking, or tainted with lying. This man perceiving how Antigonus passed thorough the temple, cried out to his familiars who attended him in no small number (for ordinarily divers judas the prophet foretelleth Antigo●… death. of his disciples did attend upon him:) Ah said he, how happy were it for me at this present if I were dead, since that truth dieth before me; and some one of my predictions are found faulty and deficient? For behold Antigonus yet liveth, who should this day have dwelled with death. The place which was destinated for his departure is the tower of Straton, which is distant from this place some six hundredth stounds, and yet notwithstanding there are but fo●… hours of the day to be passed: now therefore is the time wherein my divination shall be falsified. Having spoken to this effect, the old man sat him down being altogether disconsolate and pensive, until such time as within a while after it was told him that Antigonus was slain in a place under ground, which was called the tower of Straton, being of the same name with Caesarea which is situate upon the sea coast; which was the occasion that judas staggered in his divination. The sorrow which incontinently seized Aristobulus, for committing this heinous murder augmented, and increased Aristobulus thorough the grief he conceived at his brother's death falleth sick. A servant spilleth blood in the same place where Antigo●…us was slain. his sickness in such sort, that his soul was continually troubled with the thought of his sin, and his body thorough extreme heat of passion dried up, and the grief that he felt was so vehement, that his entrails became exulcerate, so that he voided blood in great abundance. And it so fell out by the divine providence, that one of his servants, who was deputed to that office, bearing out that blood which came from him miss his way, and came unto that place where Antigonus had been slain, wherein as yet there appeared some signs and stains of the bloodshed of Antigonus, on which he powered out the blood of the murderer Aristobulus. Which when they perceived who stood hard at hand, they began to cry out with a loud voice, as if the servant The year of th●… world. 3862. before the birth of Christ. 102. had purposely spilt the blood in that place. Aristobulus hearing this cry, demanded the cause thereof, and the more that each man fled and feared to discover the same unto him, the more instantly sought he to understand the truth; so that at length after he had used threats and violence, he was certified by some one of that which had past. Whereupon his eyes were suddenly filled with tears, so that in vehement agony of mind, he at last cried out and said: It is impossible, but that the great eye of the divine majesty should see my wicked acts, and the sudden vengeance The eye of God discovereth every sin. of my brother's bloodshed should pursue and overtake me. How long; O thou impudent body, wilt thou detain a soul already condemned and adjudged to my mother and dead brother? How long shall I thus lingeringly languish in spending a parcel of my blood unto them? Aristobulus dieth milerably. Let them take it all at once, and let not the divine vengeance laugh any longer to see the effusion of mine entrails. This said, he died after he had scarcely reigned one year. His wife after his death delivered his brother Alexander from prison, & anointed him king, who was both the eldest and seemed to be the most staiedst among the rest of his brethren. Who growing by this means to be both proud and potent, put one of his brethren to death, for aspiring Antony's lib. 13. cap 9 Alexander advanced to the kingdom v●…eth much cruelty. and hunting after the kingdom: as for the other that remained alive, in that he contented himself with a private and contemplative life, he kept him near about him. He made war also against Ptolomey that was called Lathyrus, who had surprised the City of Asoch, & put a great number of his enemies to the sword: netheless Ptolemy's side obtained the victory, who retiring himself into the country of Egypt, by reason that his mother Cleopatra pursued him with open war; Alexander forcibly entered the City of Gadara, and the fort of Amathunt (which Alexander is overthrown by Theodore. was one of the greatest of all those that were round about jordan) in which place Theodore Zenos son had hoardward up his chiefest and most precious movables, who suddenly setting upon him recovered all that which was his, and furthermore laid hands on the king's carriage: in seizing which, he slaughtered many jews, to the number of ten thousand. But Alexander after he had recovered this loss, invaded the frontier towns upon the sea coast, and wan Raphia, and Gaza, and Anthedon, which afterwards by king Herod was called Agrippias. But after he had conquered and overcome these places, the common sort of the jews raised a mutiny against him during The sedition of the jews against Alexander upon a festival day. a certain solemn and holy feast: for all mutinies & seditions are commonly raised at banquets: and it is thought that he could not have prevailed against those treacheries, had he not been assisted by the Pisidians and Cilicians, whom he hired to help him; for the Syrians he refused to hire them, by reason of their natural hatred they bore against the jews. Having therefore slain eight thousand of the rebels, he warted upon Arabia, & overcoming the Galaadites, and Moabites (and imposing upon them a tribute) he returned to Amathunt: and whereas Theodorus was Alexander assaileth the castle of Amathunt and raseth i●…. daunted with his prosperous success, he finding the Castle without any to defend it, razed it unto the ground. After this, he presently assaulted Oboda king of the Arabians, who having laid ambushments in the country of Galaad, in a place fit for such a purpose, discomfited him and his whole army being driven thence into a deep valley, where they were pestered with a multitude of Camels. But Alexander escaped unto jerusalem, where the people who had conceived a hatred against him being encouraged by his great loss and slaughter of men, began again to rebel: but then also he overcame them, and in six years space, at sundry battles he slew above fifty thousand jews; notwithstanding he never rejoiced in his victory, because the strength of his country was consumed thereby. For which cause giving over his wars, he began to seek the people's favour by sweet and mild speeches: but they so much hated his inconstant and variable manners, Demetrius cometh to help the jews. that when he demanded of them what he might do to win their favours, they answered; if he would die, for that scarcely they would pardon him if so be he were dead, who had committed so many heinous crimes. And thereupon the jews sent unto Demetrius surnamed A●…aerus for Ant. lib. 13. cap. 20. help, who in hope of great rewards came and joined his forces with the jews about Sichem: where Alexander met them both with a thousand horsemen and six thousand footmen, that were hired (having at that time ten thousand jews his favourites) and of the contrary part there were three thousand horsemen, and for●…ie thousand footmen. Before the fight began the two kings The war betwixt Demetrius and Alexander, wherein Demetrius is conqueror. sent messengers one unto another's army, persuading one another's men to forsake their colours and captains: for Demetrius hoped that Alexander's hired men would have forsaken Alexander and come unto him, & Alexander hoped that the jews that followed Demetrius would have left Demetrius and come to him. But when both parties perceived that the jews continued obstinate in their purpose, and the greeks kept their fidelity, the two armies encountered; in which encounter Demetrius had the upper hand (although Alexander's hirelings evidently showed The ye●…e of the world. 3●…62. before Christ's birth 10●… The jews revolt from De●…trius. strength and courage.) But the end of this victory was such as neither party expected, for they who sent for Demetrius, after his victory did forsake him; and fortune changing her colours six thousand jews fled unto Alexander into the mountains, whither for safety he had betaken himself. This revolting much displeased & discouraged Demetrius, for he now thought that Alexander uniting his forces was able to bid him battle, & he feared that all the jews would at that present follow Alexander: for which cause he returned home. Yet the rest of the jews having thus lost the help of Demetrius, would not for all this desist from their rebellion; nay they so long warred with Alexander, till at last (the most of them being slain) he drove the rest into the city of Bemeselin, and when he had surprised and sacked the city, he led them captives into jerusalem. But immoderate anger turned his cruelty into impiety, for having crucified eight hundredth captives Ale●…āders immoderate wrath, who crucified eight hundredth captives. Alexander ceaseth from war. in the midst of the city, he killed their wives, and the children he massacred before their mother's faces: and this pitiful spectacle he beheld with pleasure, drinking and making merry with his concubines. Whereat the people were so terrified, that the night after eight thousand of the contrary part fled out of the country of judaea, who stayed in banishment during the life of Alexander. Thus, after he had by those actions sought for the tranquility of his kingdom, which he obtained not but with long time and great difficulty, he ceased to make war against his country. CHAP. FOUR Of the war of Alexander with Antiochus, and Aretas, and of Alexandra, and Hircanus. AFter this Antiochus (who likewise was called Dionysius the brother to Demetrius, who was the last of all the race of Seleucus) raised up new broils against Alexander, who Alexander feareth Antiochus Demetri●…s brother. fearing him because he had prepared war against the Arabians, drew a deep trench along that ground which lieth between Antipatris, and the sea coast of joppes: and before the trench he builded a very high wall, and raised towers of wood to hinder his enemy's passage. But all this could not keep out Antiochus, but that burning the towers, and filling up the trenches, he entered and passed over them with his forces. And not tarrying at that time to revenge himself of him who had thus forbidden him passage ●…he presently marched forward against the Arabians. But the king of Arabia retiring himself into certain places of his country which were fittest for defence; & returning suddenly to battle with his horsemen (who were in number The king of the Arabian●… inuade●… Antiochus souldie●… unawares. The king of Arabia putteth Antiochus forces to flight and killeth a great number of them. They of Damascus, and A●…ctas against Alexander. ten thousand) rushed hastily upon Antiochus soldiers, and found them unprovided: so that a hot skirmish began betwixt them, in which the soldiers of Antiochus, whilst he lived, showed themselves valiant (though they were on every side massacred by the Arabians) but so soon as he was slain (who was always ready to assist those that were in danger) all of them fled: and the greatest part of them were slain in the battle and in flight: as for those that escaped, they fled into the town of Cana, where they all (except a very few) died for hunger. After this the people of Damascus being incited by the hatred they bore to Ptolomey the son of Mineus, sent for Aretas, and established him King over Coelesyria: who warring against judaea, and overcoming Alexander in battle, retired him●…lfe upon composition. Alexander having taken Pella, resorted once more to the town of Gerasa, in that he was desirous of Theodorus riches; and took the place, notwithstanding that it was fo●…ified with three walls: and that upon every wall there was planted a garrison. He took Gaulan and Seleucia, and that town which is called the valley of Antiochus. Moreover having taken Gamala, which was a most strong castle, and imprisoned the governor thereof who was called Demetrius, because he was a wicked person, he returned into judaea; after he had spent three years in warr●…s: where for his prosperous success he was joyfully received of his nation. But no sooner ceased he from war but he fell sick, and Alexander sick of a quartane feu●…r. Ant. lib. 13. cap. 2●…. Alexandra Alexander's wife thorough the opinion of virtue obtaineth the kingdom. falling into a quartain ague, he thought that he should drive away his sickness, if he employed himself in some business: for which cause being not rid of his disease, he applied himself to war, and labouring above his strength, amids those tumults yielded up the ghost in the seven and thirtieth year of his reign: leaving the kingdom to Alexandra his wife, fully acou●…ting that the jews would in all things obey her, because that she always by misliking and seeking to hinder his cruelty and iniquity had won the hearts of the people. Neither was he doceived, for she being admired for her piety amongst them obtained the principality: the rather for that she was well acquainted with the customs of her country, and even from her childhood detested them, who violated the holy law. She had by Alexander two sons, the eldest was called The year of th●… world. 3862. before Christ's Nativity. 102. Hyrcanus' first made high priest, and afterwards king. The Pharisees getting in favour with the Queen are made her chief governors, and enjoy all honours. Alexandra willingly obeyeth the Pharisees. The Pharisees by their envies and acculations are the death of many good men. Hircanus, whom by reason of his years she proclaimed high priest; and because of his dull nature she thought that though he were in princely authority, yet he would molest no man: and therefore also made him king. As for the youngest son Aristobulus, because he was of a hot spirit, she was willing that he should live a private life. Now there was a certain sect among the jews which were called Pharisees, who joined themselves with the Queen: these people were thought to be of the godliest sort, and to be more skilful than other in interpreting the scriptures: and for that cause Alexandra favoured them the more, because she was superstitiously given to religion. These having by little and little insinuated themselves into the favour of a simple woman, now did domineer at their pleasure, displacing, deposing, imprisoning, and restoring to liberty whom they pleased, for no other purpose, but that they might enjoy the profits and commodities of the kingdom; and Alexandra bore all charges. This Queen was always desirous of high attempts, and daily studied to increase her wealth: she levied two armies, and hired a great many strangers, whereby she did not only strengthen her own country, but also made herself to be feared of other nations. She ruled others, but herself was ruled by the Pharisees, who at last killed Diogenes, who was a gallant man, and highly in favour with king Alexander; affirming that through his counsel the king commanded those eight hundred before mentioned to be crucified: and further, they persuaded the Queen Alexandra, that she should put to death all others, through whose counsel Alexander her husband had been incited against those eight hundred. The Queen being blinded with superstition, thought it unlawful to deny any thing which they requested: so tha●… they put to death whom they pleased, till such time as the chiefest of those, who were in this danger, in humble wise Aristobulus expostul●…teth with his mother. came to Aristobulus, who persuaded his mother to spare them for their dignity, and banish others, whom she thought had deserved punishment: who having obtained their liberty, dispersed themselves through the whole country. Now Alexandra sent an army to Damascus, and because Ptolomeus daily vexed the city, she took it without doing any thing worthy of memory: she did solicit Tigranes' king of Armenia with gifts and promises (who with an army had besieged Ptolemais, wherein Cleopatra was) but he for fear of troubles in his own country, in Aristobulus proclaimeth himself king. Alexandra imprisoneth A●…stobulus wife and children. The year of the world. 3873 before the Nati●…itie of Christ. 95. Alexandra dieth, and Hyrcanus succeed her in the kingdom. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 1. The brethren contending for the kingdom are accorded upon certain conditions. Ant. lib. 14. ca 2. 3. 4 that Lucullus had entered into Armenia, withdrew himself from thence. In the mean time Alexandra being sick, her youngest son Aristobulus with his servants (which were many in number, & all trusty for the heat their young years) got all the castles, and hiring soldiers with the money he found in those castles, he proclaimed himself king. But Alexandra (pitying the complaints of Hircanus) imprisoned the wife and children of Aristobulus in a castle near unto the North part of the temple, which in old time was called Baris (as we said before) afterwards Antonius being Emperor, it was called Antonia, as in like manner Sebaste and Agrippias other cities, were named of Augustus and Agrippa. But Alexandra died before she could revenge Hircanus of the wrongs which Aristobulus had done him. This Queen reigned nine years, & left Hircanus in possession of all, whom during her life time she had advanced to the kingdom. But Aristobulus being both stronger in power, and more esteemed in authority, encountered with his brother about jericho, where many of Hircanus' soldiers forsaking their king fled unto Aristobulus: for which cause, both he & the remnant of those that followed him, were forced to fly into the castle called Antonia, where he found hostages to redeem him. For (as we have already said) Aristobulus wife and children were imprisoned in that place: and lest any worse mishap should betide him, he concluded a peace, upon condition that Aristobulus should be king, and that he as brother to the king, would content himself with other dignities. Upon these conditions they were made friends in the Temple, where in the presence of all the people, they in most friendly sort embraced each other: which when they had done, they changed houses, and Aristobulus went into the king's palace, and Hircanus unto Aristobulus his house. CHAP. V. Of the war between Hircanus and the Arabians, and of the taking of Antipater persuadeth Hyrcanus to fly to Aretas king of Arabia, and to crave his assistance to recover his kingdom. jerusalem. NOw a sudden fear invaded all the enemies of Aristobulus when they saw him (contrary to all expectation) made king; and especially Antipater above all others, whom Aristobulus a long time had hated. This Antipater was an Idumaean borne, and for his nobility and riches was the chiefest and best reputed of his nation. This man persuaded Hircanus to fly unto Aretas king of Arabia, and crave his help to set him in his kingdom. Furthermore he The year of the world, 3873 before Christ's birth 95. Antipater with Hyrcanus' fly from jerusalem by night to Aretas king of Arabia. Aretas furnisheth Hyrcanus with 50000 soldiers. Scaurus captain of the Romans. persuaded Aretas likewise to receive Hyrcanus, and to help him to recover his kingdom, speaking much against the manners of Aristobulus, and praising Hyrcanus: adding that he being king of so famous a nation ought to assist those who were unjustly oppressed; and that Hyrcanus had manifest injury offered him, being forced to forsake his kingdom, which by the right of succession was due unto him. After he had thus made his way, he in the night time took Hyrcanus and fled with him forth of the City: and making all haste possible, they arrived at a town called Petra, with safety (which is a town where the kings of Arabia were accustomed to keep their court) there he delivered Hyrcanus into the king's hands, and through many gifts and entreaties obtained the favour that he might be conducted into his kingdom. And to the effecting of the same, Aretas gave him an army of fifty thousand horse and foot: which power since Aristobulus was not able to resist, he was overcome upon the first onset, and was forced to fly unto jerusalem: and he had been surely taken, if Scaurus a captain of the Romans by taking opportunity at those troubles, had notraised the siege. For Pompey the Great (who warred againg Tigranes) sent him out of Armenia into Syria, who coming to Damascus, found it newly taken by Metellus and Lolius, who dismissing them from thence, and finding how matters stood in judaea, The year of the world. 3899. before Christ's birth 65. hasted thither in hope of a booty. So soon as he entered into the confines of the country both of the brethren sent ambassadors unto him, desiring him to take their parts: but Aristobulus having sent him three hundredth talents he neglected to do justice; for having received that sum, Scaurus sent messengers unto the Arabians and Hyrcanus, threatening the displeasure of the Romans Scaurus receibeth 300. talents from Atistobulus and commandeth the Arabians and Hyrcanus to depart out of the country. Antipater and Hyreanus seek for Pompey's help. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 6. 7. and Pompey, except they would presently raise their siege: for which cause Aretas being much abashed, returned out of judaea unto Philadelphia, and Scaurus repaired unto Damascus. Yet sufficed it not Aristobulus, that he had escaped from being taken, but that gathering all his forces together, he pursued his enemies: and joining battle with them about Papyron, he slew six thousand of them, in which number was Cephalon Antipater's brother. But Hyrcanus and Antipater being destitute of the Arabians help, were driven to hope for succour even at their adversaries hand. For which cause, as soon as Pompey after he had entered Syria came to Damascus, they in humble manner came to him, and giving him many gifts protested unto him that which before they had done to Aretas; earnestly requesting him, that he would consider the violence offered by Aristobulus: and restore Hyrcanus to the kingdom, to whom both by years and manners it was due. Mean while Aristobulus slept not, but having corrupted Scaurus, came in as royal pomp as he could; but not abiding to debase himself, and thinking it a disparagement in more abject manner than beseemed a king to seek his own commodity, returned from Diospolis. Whereat Pompey furnished both with the Syrians and Roman army, setteth forth against Aristobulus. Pompey commandeth Aristobulus to descend. Aristobulus resorteth to Pompey. Pompey being angry at the request of Hyrcanus and his followers, he went against Aristobulus, accompanied both with the Roman army and the Syrians, who assisted them. When they had passed Pella and Scythopolis, and came to Corea (where the confines of judaea begins) as they passed thorough the midst of the country, they understood that Aristobulus was fled to Alexandrium (which was a Castle richly built and situate upon a very high hill.) Pompey arriving in that place sent messengers unto him, commanding him to descend; but he because he was called in question about the kingdom, determined rather to hazard himself, then obey. But when he saw that the people began to fear; and that his friends willed him to think of the power of the Romans, whose strength he was no ways able to resist; he allowed their counsel and came unto Pompey: where having alleged many reasons to show that he had just title unto the crown, he returned again into the Castle. And afterward being urged by his brother to come & plead his title, he came and returned thither again, without any contradiction from Pompey. Thus wandered he betwixt hope and fear, and doubting how the matter would go with him, he came to Pompey as it were to entreat him to pardon all, and returned again unto the mountain, lest he should seem to derogate any thing from the majesty of a king; yet because Pompey willed him to depart from his Castles and to warn his governors thereof to do the like (whom he had commanded to disobey, except they received letters written by his own hand) in this he fulfilled Pompey's mind: yet being angry and discontented, he departed into jerusalem, and now fully determined to fight with Pompey. But Pompey not thinking it best to let him have time to prepare Aristobulus intendeth to fight with Pompey. Hedio * Idumaea. himself, followed him with all speed, and so much the willinger, because that near unto jerico he had news of Mithridates his death, even in the fruitfullest place of * judaea, where there are great store of palms and balm. This balsam is a shrub whose stem being cut with sharp stones droppeth balm out of the wounds thereof, which men gather as it droppeth from the wounds thereof. After he had rested there that night, he in the morning hasted to jerusalem: The year of the world, 3903. before Christ's birth 61. Pompey besiegeth jerusalem. Aristobulus humbly presenteth himself to Pompey. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 7. 8. Pompey vieweth the city which way it might most easily be battered. Sedition within the city betwixt Hircanus and Aristobulus friends. Pompey & his enter the city and search the king's house. Aristobulus with his friends fly to the temple. Pompey filleth up the trench, and observeth the seventh day. Pompey buildeth towers upon his platforms. At whose sudden arrival Aristobulus being daunted, in humble manner came unto him, and promising him money, and to yield himself and the City into his hands, he by this means appeased Pompey's anger. But he performed no part of his promise; for Aristobulus his associates would not suffer Gabinius (who was sent for the money) to enter into the City: For which cause Pompey being moved to displeasure, put Aristobulus in hold, and coming near the City, he took a view at what place it might be easiliest entered, for he did not lightly perceive how he might batter the walls, they were so strong. Moreover, there was a huge ditch before the wall, and hard by he beheld the Temple so strengthened, that although the City were taken; yet it might be a second refuge for the enemy. Whilst thus he long deliberated what to do, there arose a sedition within the City, wherein Aristobulus confederates thought it meet to fight, and deliver the king out of prison: but those that favoured Hyrcanus would that the gates should be opened to Pompey. At last Aristobulus friends having the worst, fled into the temple, and to the end that they might fight it out to the last, they cut down the bridge, by which men go out of the City, into the temple. When the rest had received the Romans into the City, and delivered unto them the king's palace, Pompey sent a captain called Piso with soldiers to seize the same; who leaving agarrison in the town (seeing he could persuade none of them that were in the temple to peace) prepared all places about it to batter it. All which time Hyrcanus and his friends showed themselves ready to help them with counsel, and to do whatsoever they were commanded. Pompey at the north side filled the ditch and valley with all kind of matter which his soldiers carried, although that by reason of the huge depth, and for that the jews made resistance, it was a thing hard to be done: and it had been left undone, had not Pompey (observing the seventh day, wherein the jews religion forced them to abstain from all labour) caused it to be filled upon those days; forbidding the soldiers to fight at that time, to the intent he might fill the ditch more conveniently (for it is lawful for the jews only to fight for their bodies upon the Sabbath.) At last when the ditch was filled, and the towers were built upon the rampire, he beat the walls with those engines which he brought from tire; but they were beaten back by those who resisted from the top of the walls, who darted divers stones at them. Against the violent power whereof, the towers that were builded in that quatter, being of a great and goodly building, resisted as valiantly and as long as they possibly could. But the Romans found but hard measure in this place, and Pompey admired the constancy of the jews; who being amongst the thickest of their enemy's darts, yet omitted not any ceremony: but (as though they had had firm peace) they every day observed their ceremonies, offered sacrifices and offerings, The jews intermit not sacrifice in the midst and heat of the siege. and most diligently observed all honour and divine service: yea in the very taking of the place, although every day they were killed at the altar, yet did they not cease from the lawful rites of their religion. At last in the third month of the siege, whereas scarcely one tower was beaten down, they broke into the temple, and the first that attempted to climb over the wall was Faustus Cornelius Sylas son, and after him two Centurions Furius and Fabius with their regiments; who compassing the temple about (while some sought to hide themselves, and other some resisted) they slew them all. There were many priests also among the rest; who, although they saw the enemies with naked swords rushing upon them, yet being nothing at all dismayed thereat, continued still their sacrifices; and were slain even whilst they offered and incensed in the temple: preferring the duty they ought to religion even before their own safety. Many also were slain by their own countrymen that favoured the adverse part: and many cast themselves down headlong upon the rocks; othersome in their fury having desperately fired all things upon the walls, burned themselves for company. So that there twelve thousand jews Twelve thousand jews slain in the temple. Pompey & his followers enter the sanctuary. were slain, but very few Romans: yet many were hurt, and amongst all that massacre there was nothing so lamentable, as that the holy sanctuary (which never any man saw before that time) was revealed to strangers. Finally Pompeius accompanied with his followers, came into the temple, where it was lawful for none but the high priest to come, and saw the candlesticks, lamps, table, censors, and all the golden vessels, and whatsoever was within the temple. Moreover; he beheld the great quantity of odoriferous drugs which were kept in store in that place, and two Pompey's continency. thousand talents of holy money: yet did he not take away these things, nor any thing else belonging to the temple. But the day after it was taken, he commanded the Sacristans to purge and make clean the temple, and to offer solemn sacrifice. He likewise proclaimed Hyrcanus high priest (who had in all things showed himself very forward, and especially at the time of the Hyrcanus' made hic priest siege:) as also for that he hindered a multitude of swains (who were addressed for war) from joining themselves with Aristobulus: and therefore like a good captain got he the good will of The year of the world. 3903 before Christ's birth 61. Pompey causeth the chiefest conspirators to be beheaded. Pompey delivereth many goodly cities from the subjection of the jews. the people more by love, then by fear. Amongst others that were captives there was Aristobulus father in law, who was also his uncle: as for those that had been the chief cause of these wars; Pompey caused them to be beheaded. He rewarded Faustus likewise, and those who fought-valiantly with him, with very rich gifts, and imposed a tribute upon jerusalem, and took from that nation the Cities which they had gotten in Coelesyria: and appointed them to be governed by him who then was precedent for the Romans; making them keep within the bounds of their own country. And in favour of Demetrius of Gadara (a libertine of his) he re-edified Gadara, which the jews had destroyed: he delivered the Mediterranean Cities from their government (for they had not as yet destroyed them, because they were suddenly prevented) namely, Hippon, and Scythopolis, and Pella, and Samaria, and Marisa, and Azotum, and jamnia, and Arethusa. The towns also upon the sea coasts, Gaza, and joppes, and Dora, which before was called Stratons' tower, and afterward by Herode was altered, who builded most sumptuous buildings in that place, and called it Caesarea. All these Cities he restored unto the inhabitants and made them under the rule of Syria. And of this place and judaea, and of all places from the borders of Egypt unto Euphrates, he made Scaurus governor, leaving him two legions of soldiers. Which done, he took his journey to Rome by Cilicia, leading Aristobulus and his family captives, who had two daughters Aristobulus & his family carried to Rome. and two sons, the elder whereof called Alexander escaped in the way; as for the younger whose name was Antigonus, he with his sisters was carried to Rome. CHAP. VI Of the war of Alexander with Hyrcanus, and Aristobulus. AT that time Scaurus took his journey into Arabia, but by the difficulty of the place he was so hindered, that he could not come to Petra, yet wasted he all the country adjoining Ant. lib. 14. cap 9 The Arabian is reconciled to Scaurus. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 10. to Pella; although whilst he stayed to do this, he endured much evil: For there arose agreat famine in his army, notwithstanding that Hyrcanus by Antipater's means sent them victuals. Scaurus also sent the same Hyrcanus as his familiar friend unto Aretas, to persuade him that by disbursing some sum of money, he should work his peace: Upon whose motion Aretas condescended and gave him three hundredth talents, and so Scaurus with his army departed out of Arabia. In the mean time Alexander the son of Aristobulus (who in the way to Rome escaped Alexander Aristobulus son gathereth a great power 'gainst Hyrcacanus. The year of the world. 3904 before the Nativity of Christ's 60. Alexander gathereth 10000 footmen and 1500. horsemen Antipater with his forces goeth out to meet Alexan●…nder. from Pompey) gathered together a great army, and desperately set upon Hyrcanus, wasting all judaea, which he hoped quickly to win; yea the wall which was destroyed by Pompey at jerusalem had been builded up again as he hoped, had not Gabinius (who was sent into Syria to succeed Scaurus) who had oftentimes before showed his valour, at that time also with an army come against Alexander. Who fearing the worst, assembled all the forces that he could to make resistance, so that he had ten thousand footmen, and a thousand and five hundredth horsemen: he fortified also the commodious places of the country, to wit, Alexandrium, Hyrcanium, and Machaerunt, which were near unto the mountains of Arabia. Gabinius sent Marcus Antonius before him with part of the army, and followed after with the rest; and certain chosen men out of Antipater's company, and other companies of the jews, whereof Malichus and Pitholaus were made chief, joined themselves with Marcus Antonius; and presently after them followed Gabinius, with all his company, who all went to meet Alexander. But Alexander perceiving himself unable to encounter with all their united forces, fled: but drawing near unto jerusalem, he was constrained to hazard the fight; where losing to the number of six thousand (whereof some three thousand were taken alive, and other three thousand Alexander fighteth with his enemies, and loseth six thousand men. Marcus Antonius a captain. slain) he escaped with the rest. But Gabinius as soon as he came to the castle called Alexandrium, understanding that many had forsaken their places, he by promising them pardon sought to unite them unto him before the war began: but when he perceived that they hammered on no abject resolution, he slew the most of them; as for the rest he shut them up in the Castle. In this battle captain Marcus Antonius did many things worthy of renown, and although he had always and at all times showed himself valiant, yet there especially his valour appeared. Gabinius leaving some to win the Castle went unto the Cities, and strengthened those that were not yet assaulted, and re-edified those that were destroyed, and by his commandment Scythopolis and What cities the jews received to inhabit. Samaria, and Anthedon, and Apollonia, and jamnia, and Raphia, and Marisa, and Dora, and Gadara, and Azotus, and many more began to be inhabited; so that their inhabitants joyfully The year of the world 3804. before Christ's Nativity. 60. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 11. Alexander's mother striveth to pacify Gabinius with rewards. The change of the government of the jews. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 12. Aristobulus escaping from Rome raiseth new troubles. peopled and dwelled therein. Which when he had done he returned to Alexandrium, and began a more urgent siege: whereat Alexander being terrified and made desperate, he sent Ambassadors to him, beseeching him to pardon his offences, promising to render unto him the castles of Macherunt and Hyrcanium, which were in his power, & besides them Alexandrium: All which Gabinius by counsel of Alexander's mother destroyed, lest they might be occasion of new wars. This woman accosted & flattered Gabinius, for that she feared least her husband & the rest of the captives at Rome should be any ways indemnified. After this Gabinius carried Hyrcanus to jerusalem, & committing the temple unto his charge, he made others of the nobility rulers of the commonwealth, & divided the whole nation of the jews into five parts & governments, whereof one was established at jerusalem, another at Doris, the third at Amathunt, the fourth at jericho, the fifth at Sephoris a city of Galilee: and the jews being delivered from the government of one man only, willingly suffered themselves to be ruled by the nobility. But shortly after Aristobulus escaping from Rome raised new troubles, who gathering a great army partly of those that desired a change, partly of them that loved him before, took Alexandrium; & began to compass it again with a wall: but hearing that Gabinius had sent Sisenna, Antonius, & Servilius against him with an army, he went to Macherunt; and forsaking those that were not fit for war; he took with him almost 8000. armed men, amongst whom was Pytholaus governor of them that were revolted, who Aristobulus fighteth with the Romans. with 1000 men fled out of jerusalem. But the Romans followed & pursued them, and joining battle with them; Aristobulus with his men fought valiantly, till being by force overcome, the Romans slew five thousand of them, and almost two thousand fled into a mountain; and the other thousand breaking the ranks of the Romans with Aristobulus, were forced to Macherunt; where the king hiding himself the first night amongst the ruins, hoped that having respite he The Romans obtain the victory, and carry away Aristobulus and his son to Rome. might gather another army, & fortify the castle: but having for two days sustained the forces of the Romans although unable to do it; at last he was taken, & with his son Antigonus, who had been imprisoned with him at Rome, he was carried to Gabinius, & from thence to Rome, and the Senate put him in prison: but his sons they sent into judaea, because Gabinius writ that he had so promised Aristobulus his wife upon condition the castles might be yielded. Now Gabinius being prepared to war against the Parthians, Ptolomaeus hindered him, who returning from Euphrates went into Egypt, leaving Antipater & Hyrcanus his friends to dispose of all things belonging to the war: for Antipater helped him with money, weapons, corn, & men, and he persuaded the jews who kept the ways that lead unto Pelusium, to suffer Gabinius to pass. Now in the other part of Syria, at the departure of Gabinius there began a commotion, & Alexander Aristobulus son once Alexander Aristobulus son once more provoketh the jews to rebellion. more incited the jews to rebellion, & having gathered a mighty power purposed to destroy all the Romans that were in that country: which Gabinius fearing (who was returned out of Egypt at the beginning of these tumults) he sent Antipater before, who persuaded some of the rebels to be quiet, yet 30000. remained with Alexander. For which cause he was very forward to fight, and went out to battle; the jews came against him, & near unto Itabyrium they fought, where 10000 were slain, and the rest were put to flight: and Gabinius returned to jerusalem through the counsel of Antipater: who having established that estate, went from thence and overcame the Nabathaeans in battle: he likewise permitted Mithridates & Orsanes privily to depart; who were The jews overcome by the Romans. Gabinius overcometh the Nabathaeans in battle. Ant. lib. 14. cap 13. Marcus crassus taketh away the rest of the gold of the temple. fled from the Parthians, saying that they had escaped from the soldiers. In the mean time Crassus who was appointed to be his successor, had Syria delivered him, who toward the maintenance of the Parthian wars took all the gold that was in the temple of jerusalem, and the 2000 talents which Pompeius had forborn to do: who passing over Euphrates was both himself and his whole army utterly overthrown: of which thing it behoveth us not to speak in this place. After the death of Crassus, the Parthians endeavoured themselves to enter Syria; but Cassius who succeeded him in the government, repulsed them: and having gotten the upper hand he speedily resorted into judaea, and taking Tarichea; he carried away about 3000. men captives; and put Pytholaus to death, for gathering a company of seditious people unto Aristobulus his part. He that caused and consailed his death was Antipater, who was married unto a noble woman of Arabia called Cypris, by whom he had four sons, Phasaolus & king Herode, joseph, and Pheroras, and one daughter called Salome, who sought the friendship of all potentates round about him by courtesy and hospitality, and especially he got the good will of the king of Arabia by affinity, unto whose Antipater's wife a noble woman of Arabia. fidelity he committed his sons, because he had undertaken the wars against Aristobulus. But Cassius made a truce with Alexander, and in the mean time went to Euphrates to hinder the passage of the Parthians, of which we will speak hereafter. CHAP. VII. The year of the world, 3917 before Christ's birth 47. Of the death of Aristobulus, and the war between Antipater and Mithridates. AFter that Caesar had forced the Senate and Pompey to fly beyond the Ionian sea, and by that means made himself sole Master of all at Rome, he set Aristobulus at liberty; Antony's lib. 14. cap. 14. Caesar delivereth Aristobulus from his bonds. Aristobulus & his son slain by Pompey's friends and with two legions of men sent him in haste into Syria, hoping through his means speedily to win both it and also all places adjoining to judaea: but both the hope of Caesar and the forwardness of Aristobulus was overthrown through envy: for he was poisoned by Pompey's favourites, and even in his own country his body lay unburied, which notwithstanding was preserved from putrefaction with honey, till such time as Antonius sent it unto the jews commanding them to bury it in the king's sepulchre. His son Alexander also was beheaded at Antiochia by Scipio, being first according to the tenor of Pompey's letters accused before the tribunal seat of such things as he had committed against the Romans. Ptolemaeus the son of Minaeus, who ruled Chalcis which was under Libanus, having taken his brethren sent his son Ant. lib. 14. cap. 15. Ptolemaeus son marrieth Antigonus' younger daughter, and for that cause is slain by his father. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 16. Philippio with them to Ascalon, and he violently taking away Antigonus and his sisters from the wife of Aristobulus brought them to his father, and falling in love with the youngest, took her to his wife: for which cause he was afterward put to death by his father. For Ptolemaeus having slain his son, married Alexandra; and for that affinity sake, was more careful for her brethren. After the death of Pompey, Antipater sought all means to get Caesar's favour, and when Mithridates of Pergamenus was hindered by the garrison at Pelusium to pass any further, with an army into Egypt, and was by that means stayed at Ascalon, he persuaded the Arabians to assist him the rather, because he was but a stranger, and he himself also seconded him with almost three thousand armed jews. Moreover he incited the potentate of Syria, and Ptolemaeus who inhabited Libanus, and jamblicus and another Ptolemaeus to assist him; for whose sakes the cities of that country did willingly undertake the wars. And now Mithridates strengthened by Antipater's means came to Pelusium, Mithridates goeth to Pelusium, & thereby obtaineth Antigonus help. and because they would not suffer him to pass, he besieged the city; in which siege Antipater showed his valour: for making a breach on that side of the wall, where his quarter was, he first of all with his company broke into the city, and so Pelusium was taken. But the inhabitants of Onias' country who were Egyptians and jews, suffered him not to pass any further: yet did Antipater handle the matter so discreetly with them, that they did not only suffer him to pass, but also provided victuals for his army. Whereupon the citizens of Memphis would not fight, but Mithridates' victory against the Egyptians. yielded of their own accord unto Mithridates, so that passing through Delta, he fought with the other Egyptians in a place called the tents of the jews, & being with all his company in danger, he was rescued by Antipater, who marching along the river side, set upon & discomfited the left wing of the enemy's battle, & rushing upon them that pressed upon Mithridates, he slew many, & pursued the rest that fled till he got their tents, and all with the loss of fourscore men. But Mithridates Antipater performeth many noble exploits and exposeth himself to all danger for Caesar's sake. Caesar maketh Antipater a free citizen of Rome. flying lost eight hundredth men, & being against all hope preserved out of those wars, was without all envy a true witness before Caesar of all that which Antipater had both done & deserved. Whereupon Caesar redoubled his courage with praise and promises unto him, and made him forward to hazard himself for him. In a word, he proved & showed himself a stout warrior, & having many wounds in every part of his body he bore a badge & testimony of his valour and virtue. Afterward when the state of Egypt was quiet he returned into Syria, where he made him a citizen of Rome, and granted him the immunities thereof: and did so honour him in other things and use him so friendly, that he made him a pattern for all to imitate: and for his sake he confirmed Hyrcanus in the high Priesthood. CHAP. VIII. How Antipater was accused before Caesar: of the Priesthood of Hyrcanus: and how Herode made war. AT the same time Antigonus the son of Aristobalus repairing to Caesar, against his will Antigonus Aristobulus son cometh to Caesar to accuse Pompey's friends for his father's death. was a cause of Antipater's greater felicity: for coming to complain of his father's death, (who was as it was thought through Pompey's envy poisoned) and to accuse Scipio of cruelty which was used against his brother; whereas he should have abandoned all passion which moved him to mingle hatred with his miseries, chose he accused Hyrcanus and Antipater as though they had unjustly driven him and his brethren out of their native soil, and grievously The year of the world. 3917. before the birth of Christ's. 47. Antigonus fallely accuseth Hyrcanus and Antipater. injured the people, to obtain their intent. Alleging that they had sent aid into Egypt to Caesar's forces, not for good will; but for fear of ancient enmity, and that hereby they might acquit themselves of the good will they bore to Pompey. At these words Antipater (casting away his vesture) showed the number of his wounds, saying, it was not needful to use words to prove what affection he had borne to Caesar, for his very body would show it, although he himself held his peace: adding, that he admired the impudent boldness of Antigonus, who being son to an enemy of the Romans, and a fugitive from the Romans, and still continued his Antipater casting off his garment showeth his many wounds. father's purpose of novelty and sedition, should dare to accuse others before the Roman Emperor; demanding of him how he durst hope to obtain any good thing, who ought to be contented with his life only: alleging, that he craved not maintenance for that he wanted, but that he might raise a rebellion amongst the jews, and against them who should bestow any thing upon him. Which when Caesar heard, he said that Hyreanus was most worthy to be high priest, and bid Caesar createth Hyrcanus high priest, and to Antipater he giveth the gouer●…ment of judaea. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 16. Antipater repaireth the walls of his country. Antipater chargeth his subjects to obey Hyrcanus. Antipater wish what dignity he would have: who leaving that to the pleasure of the giver, he was made governor of all judaea. And moreover, he obtained to re-edify the razed walls of his country, and Caesar commanded that those honours should be engraved in the Capitol, that it might be a token in time to come of Antipater's justice and virtue. Antipater having attended Caesar out of Syria, first of all repaired the ruined walls of his country which Pompey had razed: and going throughout all the country, he threatened the obstinate, and persuaded the seditious to obedience, admonishing them, that if they obeyed Hyrcanus, they might live in wealth and peace, and enjoy happiness and an universal felicity: but if they suffered themselves to be led with the vain hopes of those, who for their private commodities sought for alteration, that then they should find him in steed of a Procurator, the Lord of all, and Hyrcanus in steed of a king, a tyrant, and the Romans and Caesar in steed of friends, deadly enemies: for that they would not suffer his power to be overthrown, whom they themselves had established for king. But notwithstanding he spoke these words, yet (because he saw Hyrcanus more dull, and not of so servant Phasaelus and Herode Antipater's sons, Herodes fortitude. Herod banisheth the thieves out of Syria. a spirit as the care of a kingdom required) he himself settled the estate of the country, and made Phasaelus his eldest son governor of the army, and the Lord of jerusalem and of his own living, and sent Herode his youngest son to govern Galilee (although he was very young:) who being by nature of a valiant courage, found out a present occasion to show his brave mind: for he took Ezechias which was captain of thieves, who as he understood was wont to pray upon the confines of Syria with a great multitude; and put him to death with many other thieves: which thing was so grateful unto the Syrians, that in all towns and villages they made songs of Herod, as though he had restored them to peace, and to their possessions. At length the glory of this fact came to the ears of Sextus Caesar, who was Caesar the emperors kinsman, who then ruled Syria. Phasaelus also did strive to overcome the towardness and Phasaelus obtained the favour of the people of jerusalem. good reputation of his brother, by daily increasing and winning to himself the good wills of the inhabitants of jerusalem: so that during the time he governed the City, he did nothing insolently through might or power; for which cause the people honoured Antipater as their king, and reverenced him as Lord of all, yet was his fidelity and good will nevertheless towards Hyrcanus. (But it is impossible that any man that liveth in prosperity, should not be envied.) For Hyrcanus, although before time he were moved something at the glory of these young men, Hyrcanus' animated by envious men against Antipater and his sons. and especially with the prosperous success of Herod, being often annoyed with frequent messengers; who spread his praise for every thing he did: yet in particular he was stirred up by many envious persons, who are wont to haunt the courts of Princes, who were grieved that Antipater and his sons ruled without offence. These men told Hyrcanus that he only enjoyed the bare name of a king, and that Antipater and his sons ruled all, and that he so long would permit & wink at them, till that at last they would make themselves kings; for they now did no more so much as pretend themselves to be procurators. But leaving that title, they took upon them the dignities of Lords and masters, without any regard or reverence toward him: for Herod had put to death a great multitude of jews against the law, whereas neither by word of mouth nor by writing the king had given him any such authority: and that Herode if he were not a king, but a Herode called to his answer before the council. private person, was to be brought into judgement, there to answer the matter and show the king a reason, and satisfy the laws of his country; which permitted no man to be put to death before by law he was convicted. By these persuasions Hyrcanus grew angry: so that not concealing his wrath he caused Herode to be sent for to answer the matter: who both for that his father advertised him thereto: and because he trusted to the equity of his cause, first leaving a garrison in Galilee, The year of the world. 3922. before Christ's birth 24. he repaired unto the king; & came accompanied with a strong guard, lest either he should seem to derogate from Hyrcanus' dignity, if he should lead forth many; or that for want of defence he should expose himself to the envy of his adversaries. Sextus Caesar also fearing the young man lest any evil should betide him amongst his enemies, sent unto Hyrcanus manifestly Hyrcanus absolveth Herod warning him to free Herode from the crime of murder. For which cause Hyrcanus who loved Herode, and was willing so to do of his own accord, did acquit him. Whereupon, he supposing that he had escaped against the kings will went to Damascus unto Sextus, purposing not to obey, if hereafter he were sent for. Netheless, Hyrcanus was once again incited by bad people against Herode, who certified him that he was gone away in a rage, and that he would enterprise Hircanus once more incited by the wicked. something against him: which Hyrcanus believing, knew not what to do, seeing his enemy more potent than himself. Shortly after Sextus Caesar proclaimed him General of the army, both in Syria and Samaria: so that now he was greatly to be feared, not only for that he was highly in favour with the commonalty, but also for the forces which he commanded. So that hereupon Hyrcanus fell into an extreme fear, verily persuading himself that Herod with his whole army would presently come Herode gathering a great army cometh to jerusalem to depose Hyrcanus. Herode dissuaded by Antipater from attempting against Hyrcanus. against him. Neither was his suspicion in vain, for Herod angry at the pretended crime whereof he was accused, came with a great army to jerusalem intending to depose Hyrcanus; which he had effected, had not his father and his brother gone forth to meet him, and pacified him, entreating that he would account that terror (wherein he had put his enemies) and his own indignation for a sufficient revenge, and that he should spare the king, by whose favour he came to be so potent: adding moreover that he should not think it a disdain that he was called to answer his accusations, but seeing that he was acquitted of them, he should show himself grateful to the king. Neither ought he so to revenge the discontent he had taken, that he should show himself unthankful to him who had saved his life. Moreover, he was to consider the fortune of wars, together with the cause thereof, and think that the wars he now pretended, were very unjust; bidding him not to be too confident of the victory, being to fight against his own king, who had always been gracious unto him, and never cruel; only being as it were urged thereunto by some of his council, who being merely envious, rather to satisfy their own mislikes, then in regard of his disgraces, framed a shadow of an accusation. Herode pacified herewith, supposing it to be sufficient for him to obtain the thing he hoped for, to have showed his forces unto his nation. At this time began Civil war among the Romans near unto Apamia, for Caecilius Bassus Bassus murdereth Sextus Caesar by treason. Marcus Sextus successor. for the love he bore to Sextus Pompey slew Sextus Caesar at unawares, and made himself governor of his army, and other captains of Caesar's to revenge his death, made after Bassus with all their forces, unto whom Antipater by his two sons sent aid both for Caesar's sake that was slain, as for Caesar's sake that was yet alive: for he was an entire friend & well-willer unto them both, and these wars continuing long, Marcus came out of Italy to succeed Sextus. CHAP. IX. Of the dissension amongst the Romans after Caesar's death, and of the treachery of Malichus. AT this time arose great and bloody civil wars amongst the Romans, at such time as Caesar was traitorously slain by the treason of Cassius and Brutus, after he had ruled the Empire 3. years and seven months. By reason of which murder their troubles daily increased, Ant. lib. 14. cap. 2. julius Caesar sla●…ne by Brutus & Cassius. Cassius levieth money in the cities. and the nobility being at variance amongst themselves, every one followed that course, that they thought most expedient for themselves. Whereupon Cassius presently marched into Syria to take possession of the government of the army which was about Apamia, where he made Marcus and the legions that were at variance, and Bassus friends: and raised the siege from Apamia, and leading the army in his own person, he forced every city to be tributary: so that he grew to exact without measure. Whereas therefore he commanded the jews to contribute seven hundredth talents; Antipater, who feared his displeasure, appointed his sons and other of his friends presently to gather the money; and especially among the rest he gave this charge to one Malichus a friend of his, being by necessity enforced thereunto. But Herode first of all got Cassius Herode Cassius friend. Cassius' severe in his exactions. his favour, who brought a hundredth talents which he had collected out of Galilee, which was his part or province: for this cause Cassius accounted him as a dear friend. As for the rest he accused them of negligence, and was angry at the other Cities: So that for that cause he destroyed The year of the world, 3922. before Christ's birth 42. Malichus forgetful of Antipater's kindness. Gophna and Ammauntes, and other two of the basest cities, marching onward as if he intended to kill Malichus, for that he had been so careless and negligent in gathering the tribute money. But Antipater presently (disbursing unto Cassius a hundredth talents) saved both him and all the rest of the Cities. Yet Malichus after Cassius was departed, did no more remember how beneficial Antipater had been unto him, but oftentimes did treacherously lie in wait for to murder Antipater, who hindered and withstood his villainous pretence; notwithstanding that himself had often confessed that Antipater had saved his life. Antipater fearing both his power and subtlety passed over the river jordan to gather an army that he might revenge those treacheries. But Malichus being discovered, by his impudency overcame Antipater's sons: for through many oaths and Antipater gathereth an army against Malichus. excuses he won Phasaelus chief of the garrison in jerusalem, and Herod also who was master of the armory, that they should be a means to reconcile him to Antipater. Whereupon Antipater entreating Marcus (who was General of the army in Syria, and had determined to kill him) he was saved. The reason that Marcus would have put him to death, was because Malichus sought to make an alteration. Now Caesar being young, and Antonius warring against Cassius and Brutus; Marcus and Cassius having gathered an army in Syria, in consideration that Herode had stood them in steed where Octavius Augustus succeed after Caesar. Cassius promiseth Herode after the war to make him king of judaea. Antipater poisoned by Malichus. need required, they made him Procurator of all Syria; giving him a band of horsemen and footmen. Moreover, Cassius promised him that if the wars had a happy end, he would make him king of judaea. But it so came to pass, that the power and expectation which all men had of Herod, was the cause of Antipater his father's death. For Malichus being hereby put in fear, hired one of the king's officers for a certain sum of money to poison Antipater, by which means he died, being thus unjustly rewarded for his good will toward wretched Malichus. He was a worthy man and fit to govern, who had recovered the kingdom being lost, for Hyrcanus. Malichus (who perceived that the people were incensed against him, because they suspected that he had poisoned Antipater) pacified and moderated their displeasure by denying the fact; yet to the intent he might be stronger, he gathered about him a guard of armed men, for he thought that Herod Herode intendeth to revege his father's death. would not let the matter slip so, but that he would presently come with an army to revenge his father's death. But by the counsel of his brother Phasaelus (who sent him word that he should not openly be revenged upon Malichus, lest a sedition might arise amongst the people) he patiently permitted it so to be, and suffered Malichus to purge himself, and permitted him to be freed from suspicion, and celebrated a most solemn funeral for his father: which done, he went unto Samaria, and appeased the sedition, wherewithal the City was disquieted. After this he returned to jerusalem, intending in that place to celebrate the festivity, sending certain of his armed men before him, and appointing the rest to accompany him. But Malichus who feared this approach of his, had solicited Hyrcanus to give order that no strangers should intermingle themselves among the people who were at that time purified. But Herod contemning both him that commanded and his commission, entered the City by night: whereupon Malichus once more came unto him, and wept for Antipater. Herod although Malichus joineth with Hyrcanus. Cassius chargeth Herode by letters to revenge his father's death. he could very hardly bridle his displeasure, yet dissembled he the same: and sent letters unto Cassius, wherein he complained of his father's death: the memory of whose hate being refreshed by this offence, he writ again unto Herod, willing him to revenge his father's death: which that he might the better effect, he secretly commanded the captains of his regiment that they should assist Herode. Now for that after the surprisal of Laodicea, all the best of the City came to Herod bringing gifts and crowns, he appointed this for a fit time of his intended revenge. Now Malichus suspecting that Herod would work revenge at tire, purposed secretly to get away his son, who was there a pledge, and he himself purposed to fly into judaea: But despair of his own safety urged him to greater matters; for he hoped to incite the jews to take arms against the Romans, for that Cassius was now busy in the wars against Antonius: so that he thought he might easily depose Hyrcanus, and so make himself king. But he was prevented by the destinies: for Herode suspecting his purpose, invited him and Hyrcanus to supper: at which time he made a show as though he had sent one of his servants to cause a banquet to be prepared, but indeed he The decree of fate laugheth at human hope Herod's tribunes murder Malichus. sent him to the captains to foretell them that they might lie in wait for Malichus: who remembering what charge Cassius gave them, came forth of the City unto the shore next adjoining unto the town, all armed with swords; where compassing Malichus round about, they killed him with many wounds. Hyrcanus' hereat astonished, fell in a swoon, & being scarcely come to himself, he demanded who killed Malichus? One of the captains answered, that Cassius gave that commandment: whereupon he answered, truly Cassius hath preserved me and my country, The year of the world. 3923 before Christ's birth 41. in killing him who was a traitor to us both: but whether herein he spoke as he thought, or that for fear he approved the fact, it is uncertain. And thus was Herod revenged upon Malichus. CHAP. X. How Herod was accused and revenged. AFter Cassius was departed from Syria, there arose another sedition amongst them in jerusalem: for Felix came with an army against Phasaelus, thinking so to be revenged Ant. lib. 14. cap. 20. Foelix cometh with an army against Phasaelus. Phasaelus overcometh Foelix & toucheth Hyrcanus with ingratitude. upon Herod for killing Malichus. It chanced that Herod at that time was at Damascus with Fabius a Roman Captain, who coming to assist Phasaelus, by the way fell sick; so that he could not succour him: but it so fell out that Phasaelus without any help, did of himself overcome Felix, and therewithal reproved Hircanus as ungrateful, who had both favoured Felix, and suffered Malichus his brother to take and keep his castles (for already had he seized many of them, and especially one of greatest strength called Massada) yet all these did not protect him from the violence of Herod, who was no sooner recovered of his sickness, but presently took all the rest, & Massada: and at Hircanus' humble suit, permitted him to depart from thence. He also chased Marion the tyrant of the Tyrians out of Galilee, who occupied three castles in that country: as for all the Tyrians that he took, he spared their lives, & sent some away with rewards, whereby he got the good will of the city, and the hatred of the Tyrant. This Marion was made Tyrant of Tyria by Cassius, who through the means of such like instruments had gotten into his hand all Syria: & Marion for the hatred he bore to Herod, took with him Antigonus Aristobulus his son, & by Fabius his means whom Antigonus had gained unto himself for money, he also got Ptolomaeus to assist him in this expedition. Now Ptolomaeus who was father in law to Antigonus, furnished him with all necessaries: Herod likewise preparing himself against them, gave them battle Antigonus Aristobulus son put to flight by Herode. in the entrance into judaea, & got the victory: & having put Antigonus to flight, he returned into jerusalem, where he was honoured by all men for his desert in that victory, so that even they that before despised him, by reason of his affinity newly contracted with Hyrcanus, sought his friendship and familiarity. This Herod long before this time had a wife which was a noble woman of that country named Doris, & had by her a son named Antipater: but he then married Mariam Alexander's daughter who was Aristobulus his son, & Hyrcanus his niece, by reason whereof he came to Doris Herod's first wife of good birth by whom he had Antipater. be familiar with the king. But when Cassius was slain near unto Philippi, Caesar departed into Italy, & Antonius into Asia, at which time the chief of the jews came & accused Phasaelus and Herod, alleging that they by force got unto themselves the rule & disposition of the country, and left Hyrcanus only the bare name of a king. But Herod being then present, so won & wrought himself into Antonius' favour by a great sum of money, that he permitted not his enemies to speak one word more; who thereupon returned home. Afterward a hundredth men of the most honourable amongst The chiefest jews repair to Caesar to accuse Phasaelus and Herod. Ant. lib. 14. cap 21. the jews, repaired to Daphne near Antiochia unto Antonius (now doting on the love of Cleopatra) who being chosen from amongst the rest, because of their eloquence & nobility of birth, propounded an accusation against the two brethren. Messala presented himself to return them answer, being assisted by Hycanus by reason of the affinity that was between him & Herod. Antonius having heard both parties demanded of Hyrcanus whom he thought to be fittest to govern their commonwealth? who answered, Herod & his brethren. Whereat Antonius was exceoding glad (for he had been their father's guest, and was most courteously entertained by Antipater, when he came with Gabinius into judaea) & thereupon he made them both Tetrarches, leaving unto them the rule of all judaea: which when the jews Ambassadors misliked, he took fifteen of them and put them in prison, where he almost killed them, and rejected & derided the rest: whereupon there arose greater tumults amongst them in jerusalem. At last the jews sent another embassage The jews once more complain against the two brothers. Antonius maketh the two brother's tetrarchs. Antonius commandeth in tire. Sedition in jerusalem against the brethren. Antonius slew the captives. of a thousand men unto tire, where Antonius sojourned with an intent to come to jerusalem with violence. Antonius hearing their exclaims, sent out the Magistrates of tire against them, commanding them to kill all they could catch of the jews, charging them also to confirm their authority, whom he himself had constituted Tetrarches. But Herod & Hyrcanus went before them toward the sea shore, admonishing them earnestly to be contented, lest they by this their indiscreet proceedings should become not only the cause of their own deaths, but also of war against their country: but for that they would not be reclaimed by these admonitions, Antonius sent out certain armed men, who killed many of them, & wounded the rest. Hyrcanus' after this disaster both caused the dead to be buried, & the wounded to be cured: notwithstanding all this, they that escaped would not contain themselves in peace, but they so troubled the city, that Antonius in his displeasure slew those that he had in hold. CHAP. XI. The year of the world. 3923. before the birth of Christ. 41. Of the war of the Parthians against the jews: of the slight of Herode and his fortune. TWo years after this Barzapharnes governor of the Parthians, accompanied with Pacorus the king's son, seized upon Syria; and Lysanias who succeeded his father Ptolemaeus Ant. lib. 14. cap. 21. Lysanias persuadeth Batzapharnes to depose Hyrcanus and instate Antigonus. son of Minaeus, promising a thousand talents and five hundredth women, persuaded him to put Antigonus in possession of the kingdom of judaea, and depose Hyrcanus. Pacorus induced by these promises went himself along the sea coast, giving commandment to Barzapharnes to pass through the midst of the country; but amongst the rest of the places bordering on the sea, the Tyrians would not receive Pacorus (notwithstanding that the citizens of Ptolemais and Sidon had given him entertainment) wherefore he gave part of his horsemen unto one, who was the king's butler, called Pacorus as himself was; commanding him to pass into judaea, and learn what their enemies meant to do, and to help Antigonus where need required. Who as they wasted the country about Carmelus, many jews came of their own accord and joined with Antigonus, showing themselves very prompt to fight; for which cause he sent them before to take a place called Drymos, where having fought with his enemies and put them to flight, he pursued them with all speed as far as jerusalem: and his number being augmented; he came unto the king's house. But Hyrcanus and Phasaelus met them with a strong A sore fight in the market place betwixt Antigonus and Hyrcanus. Daily slaughters in jerusalem. company, and fought with them in the market place: where the enemies were forced to fly, and part of them were by Herode shut up in the temple; and he appointed sixty men to keep them, which he placed in the houses next adjoining: but the people bearing a grudge to the two brethren, burned them with fire: whereat Herod being angry (for that his men were consumed with fire) set upon the people and killed a great many of them; and every hour one laid wait for another; so that every day some was murdered. Now the feast of Pentecost drawing nigh, all places about the temple and all the whole city was filled with people of the country, whereof the most part was armed, and Phasaelus kept the walls, and Herode with a small company kept the king's palace, who assaulting their enemies upon a sudden as they were in the suburbs, killed a great many of them, and put all the rest to flight. Phasaelus entertaineth the Parthians, and with him five hundredth horse. part of them he couped up in the city, others he shut in the temple, and the rest between the uttermost Rampire. Whereupon Antigonus requested that Pacorus might come and conclude a peace betwixt them. Phasaelus moved by these his prayers received the Parthian into the city, & entertained him into his house accompanied with five hundredth horsemen, who came under a pretence to make peace; but in effect he resorted thither to help Antigonus: he craftily conspiring against Phasaelus, persuaded him to repair unto Barzapharnes as an Ambassador to treat a peace; notwithstanding that Herode altogether dissuaded him, willing him to kill the traitor, and not to Pacorus treason and subtlety. The year of the world. 3924. before the Nativity of Christ. 40. trust his subtlety: adding that the Parthians were naturally unfaithful. Pacorus departing out of the city, took Hyrcanus with him that he might be the less suspected, and leaving some horsemen with Herode named * Or free. Eleutheri, he followed Phasaelus with the rest. When they came near unto Galilee, they found the inhabitants at variance and up in arms, and met with Barzapharnes (who craftily with pretence of courtesy and friendship hid his treachery) who after he had bestowed gifts upon them, and that they were retired, laid an ambush for them: whereof they had intelligence at such time as they came unto a place of the sea coast named Ecdippon. For in this place they understood of the thousand talents that were promised, and how that Antigonus Herode in jerusalem, and Phasaelus in the camp are in danger of their lives. had given the Parthians more than five hundredth women of those that were amongst them, and that oftentimes they had been laid wait for, and that they had been lately taken, but that delay was made till such time as Herode was surprised in jerusalem, for fear lest he hearing what was become of them might provide for himself. Now they might perceive that these were not only words: for they might behold their keepers not far off; yet would not Phasaelus forsake Hyrcanus, notwithstanding that Offilius often exhorted him to fly (unto whom Saramalla the richest amongst the Syrians had declared all the platform of their treason:) but he chose rather to go unto Barzapharnes, & to upbraid him to his face that he had treacherously laid wait for him: but especially for that in regard of money he had suffered himself to be corrupted, whereas he himself would have given more for his life and liberty, than Antigonus had done for the kingdom. At these words the Parthian with oaths & protestations craftily freed himself from suspicion, and no sooner repaired he to Pacorus but presently the Parthians, who stayed behind, and had charge so to do, laid hands on Phasaelus and Hyrcanus, who openly exclaimed against their falsehood The year of the world. 3924. before Christ's birth 40. Herod is laid for to be betrayed. and perjury. In the mean time a butler was sent out for that purpose, who sought to surprise Herod, and by some stratagem to toul him out of the City, who wrought by all the means he could, according as he was instructed. But Herod who was always wont to mistrust the perfidious practices of barbarous nations, being certain that those letters which discovered the treasons, were fallen into the enemy's hands, would not go forth; though Pacorus pretended a just cause, inciting him to ride out and meet them that brought the letters: wherein was contained neither the taking of Phasaelus, nor the treasons, but only what Phasaelus had done. But long before this Herod by others understood, that his brother Phasaelus was taken, and Mariam a very wise woman Hyrcanus' daughter, with many entreaties persuaded Herod not to go forth: but that he should beware how he trusted himself to the mercy of that barbarous people, who did now as it were openly assault him. Whilst Pacorus was consulting with his accomplices how he might privily effect his treasons (seeing it was not possible openly to cirumvent a man of so great wisdom) Herod in the night time whilst his enemies neither knew nor suspected his intent, took Herode in the night time flieth into Idumaea. his nearest kinsfolk and fled into Idumaea: which being once known, the Parthians followed him. For which cause he made his mother, his brethren, and the young maiden despoused, and her mother and youngest brother to keep on their journey, and he with his servants warily assaulted the Parthians; and having in every assault killed a great number of them, he hasted towards Herod more hotly pursued by the jews then the Parthians. Herod's victory Herodium. the Castle of Massada, and in his retreat sustained more harm by the jews, then by the Parthians: who as they had been always troublesome, so now some threescore furlongs from the town, set upon him; where Herod obtaining the victory, killed a great many of them, and in remembrance of that valiant act, he builded upon that place a most rich palace for the king, and erected there a most strong tower, which by his own name he called Herodium. And when he fled many joined with him, but when he came to Thresa a town of Idumaea his brother joseph met him, and persuaded him to lessen the number of his followers: for Massada would not receive such a multitude (for the number of the multitude was above nine thousand:) for Massada. which cause Herode according to his counsel dismissed those that were unfit for his turn, and sent them into Idumaea, giving them necessaries for their journey. As for those that were chosen men and fit for his purpose, he retained them with him, and so was he received into the Castle, where leaving eight hundredth soldiers to defend the women, and provision sufficient for those that were within, he himself went unto Petra a City of Arabia. Now the Parthians at jerusalem began to sack the houses of them that were fled, and the Petra, a city of Arabia. The year of the world. 3925. before Christ's birth 39 king's palace; they only abstained from Hyrcanus' money, which did amount to more than three hundredth talents: as for other men's goods, they found not so much as they expected; for Herod long before that time suspecting the infidelity of the Parthians had carried all his riches and jewels into Idumaea; and every one of his followers did the like. When the Parthians had taken the spoil, they were so impious that they left no place of the whole country free from their tyrannous war. They destroyed the City Marsa also, and bound Phasaelus and Hyrcanus, and delivered them to Antigonus to be scourged, who presently with his teeth bit off Hyrcanus' ears, to the end that if by some alteration he chanced hereafter to get loose, he might be no more high Antigonus ●…weth off Hircanus' ears. priest: for none might offer sacrifice that wanted any member of his body. But Phasaelus his fortitude prevented the cruelty of Antigonus, who having neither weapon nor his hands at liberty, beat out his own brains against a stone and died, demonstrating himself by that act, to be the true brother of Herode, and that Hyrcanus had degenerated: he died manfully by a worthy death, and answerable to so famous a life. Yet some reported that he recovered after that hurt, and that Antigonus sent a Chirurgeon under pretence to cure the wound, who filled the lame with venomous medicines, and so killed him. Well, be it as it was, it was in him a gallant resolution. It is reported likewise, that understanding before his death by the means of a certain woman that Herode was escaped, he spoke these words: Now I shall die with a courage, who leave behind me one that will take vengeance of my enemies, and so he died. Although the Parthians Phasaelus words before he died. The Parthians establish Antigonus king. had not yet received the women (which was the chief thing they looked for) yet leaving them, they established Antigonus in jerusalem, and lead Hyrcanus' prisoner into Parthia. But Herode with all speed hasted into Arabia, as if his brother had been yet alive, to the intent he might borrow money of the king of Arabia, wherewith only he hoped that the cruelty of those barbarous Parthians might be mitigated towards Phasaelus: for his opinion was, that although the Arabians had now forgotten his father's friendship and were hard hearted, yet at least he would lend him money seeing it was to redeem his brother, whose son he meant to leave in pawn for it. The year of the world 3925. before Christ's Nativity. 39 For Herode took with him a son of his brothers into Arabia that was seven years old, and purposed to have given three hundredth talents for his ransom, and had made the Tyrians intercessors for him to the Parthians: but fortune prevented his endeavours, so that his love and care for his brother prevailed nothing. He found also that the Arabians had now cast away the league of amity: for Malichus their king sent to him as he was yet in the way, charging him with all speed to depart out of his dominions, framing an excuse that the Parthians had sent Ambassadors unto him, to request him to drive him out of his country; but indeed the cause was, that he would not repay that which Antipater had deserved, nor recompense his sons now comfortless, for those good turns that he had received at their father's hands: and those who counseled him to this, were such as offered to forswear those sums, which Antipater had put them in trust with, who were the chiefest men about him. For which cause, Herod perceiving the Arabians Animaters to impudence. Herode perceiveth the Arabians to be his enemies. to be his foes, for that which he thought would have procured him friendship, answered the messenger according as grief moved him, and took his journey towards Egypt: and the first night he lodged in a country temple, to the intent that those of his company that were behind him might overtake him. The next day coming to Rhinocolura, his brother's death was told him; where after he had there mourned his fill, he went forward. Now the king of Arabia (though too late) repented himself of that which he had done to Herod, and sent speedy messengers after him, to will him to return, repenting himself that he had so injuriously entreated him. When Herod was come to Pelusium, the watchmen of the City would not permit him to pass: for which cause he himself in person went to the governors, who reverencing the fame & dignity of the man, conducted him to Alexandria; whither he no sooner resorted, but Cleopatra received him very honourably, intending to make him the general of her army which she was preparing at that present. But he neither regarding the offers and request of the Queen, nor yet discouraged by the hard winter season, nor the dangers of the seas, took his journey towards Rome; and being in great danger of shipwreck near unto Pamphilia, both he Herod in great dangers repaireth to Rome. & the rest of the passengers were enforced to cast away the most part of their loading: with much ado he arrived safe at Rhodes, which had been sore molested by Cassius wars; there was he entertained by certain of his friends Ptolomaeus and Saphinius, and although his money grew scant, yet there he builded a great galley with three ranks of oars, and in it (being accompanied with his friends) he sailed to Brundisium, and from thence went presently to Rome. Where first of all (in regard of familiarity between his father and him) he went to Antonius, declaring unto him both his own calamity, and the miserable desolation of his whole country; and how leaving his dearest friends besieged in a Castle, himself in humble manner through the stormy Herod repairing to Rome, hath conference with Antonius. winter seas was come unto him, humbly craving succour at his hands: Whereupon Antonius compassionating his calamity, and remembering his familiarity with Antipater, and contemplating the virtue of Herod who stood before him, determined upon the present to make him king of the jews, whom before he himself had made Tetrarch: for he loved not Herode so well, but he hated Antigonus as much: for he held him both for a seditious person, and for an enemy to the Ant. lib. 14. cap. 13. Herod ●…ndeth both Caesar and Antonius favourable unto him. Romans. Now to the accomplishing of this, he found Caesar far more ready than himself, who called to mind the service that Antipater did in Egypt under his father, and his entertainment and friendship in all things: and beside all these, he was wrought and won by Herod's courage and valour. For which cause, he procured the Senate to be assembled, at which time Messala and after him Aratinus in the presence of Herod recounted his father's deserts and fidelity towards the Romans, declaring Antigonus to be an enemy, not only because that not long before he had Herode praised before the Senate. Herode made king by the 〈◊〉 Roman Senate. revolted, but for that now lastly in despite of the Romans he had by the assistance of the Parthians usurped the kingdom. Upon which considerations the Senate being moved, and Antonius affirming it to be expedient for the Roman wars, that Herod should be created king, the whole Senate condescendéd: and after the Senate was dismissed, Antonius and Caesar went forth with Herod between them, and the Consuls went before accompanied with other Magistrates to offer sacrifice, and to register the decree of the Senate in the Capitol. And Antonius feasted Herod the first day of his reign. CHAP. XII. The year of the world, 3925 before Christ's birth 39 Of Herod's war after he returned from Rome to recover jerusalem, and against the thieves. AT this time Antigonus besieged those that were left in the Castle of Massada, who had great store of victuals and wanted nothing but water. For which cause jesophus Herod's Ant. lib. 14. cap. 23. Antigonus getteth Massada. brother purposed to fly unto the Arabians with two hundredth of his dearest friends, for that he had intelligence that Malichus repented him that he had given Herod no better entertainment. Yea he had forsaken the Castle had not great store of rain fallen that very night, wherein he intended to fly: for the wells and cisterns being now filled with water, there was no cause to fly: so that voluntarily issuing out of the Castle, he assaulted Antigonus soldiers, and killed The wars between Antigonus soldiers & joseph Herod's brother. very many of them; sometime in open war, and sometime by policy: yet fought they not always with fortunate success, but returned sometimes with loss. In the mean time Ventidius (who was General of that Roman army which was sent to expulse the Parthians out of Syria) after he had repulsed them resorted into judaea, under pretence to succour joseph and the rest that were Ventidius the Roman general taketh money from Antigonus. besieged, but in effect to get Antigonus' money. When as therefore he drew near unto jerusalem and had received the money he looked for, he departed with the greatest part of his army, leaving Silo behind him with a few to colour his pretence: and Antigonus hoping for a second supply from the Parthians, feed Silo not to molest him for the present, seeing he was in great possibility. By this time Herode having sailed from Italy to Ptolemais, and gathered a great army of strangers and his own countrymen together, came into Galilee against Antigonus, being assisted with the forces of Ventidius and Silo, whom Delius who was sent from Antonius, Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. Herod against Antigonus. persuaded to establish Herod in his kingdom. But Ventidius was busy in appeasing the broils that the Parthians had made in the Cities, and Silo was corrupted by Antigonus: yet did not Herod want aid, for every day the further he marched into the country, the more his army increased, for all Galilee (a very few excepted) yielded unto him. Whereupon he purposed first of all to go to Massada, to deliver his friends that were there besieged, but joppe hindered his purpose; Herod intendeth that after he hath taken Massada and joppes to besiege jerusalem which for that it was an enemy town, he thought it best to take it before he went further, lest that whilst he was going to jerusalem, his enemies should have a place behind him to fly unto. Now Silo joined armies with Herod, rejoicing that he had found occasion to resist, because he was persecuted by the jews; whom Herod with a loose wing of his army and a small company of men, terrified, and presently put to flight, and saved Silo also who had much ado to make resistance against them. This done and joppes taken, he hasted to Massada, and the people of the country (some of them for his father's sake, othersome for his own, and many for both) joined themselves unto him: many also came unto him for hope, because he was now king; so that now he had a very puissant army: but Antigonus hindered his journey by planting certain ambushes in places convenient where Herode was to pass, and yet for all this he little harmed him. Herod having easily taken Massada, and rescued his friends from thence, he went to jerusalem, where both silo's soldiers, and many of the City came and followed him, being now Herod begirteth jerusalem with a siege, & proclaimeth the cause of his coming. terrified with the greatness of his forces: there pitching their tents at the west side of the town, they that guarded that part assaulted them with darts and arrows; and others issuing by troops forth of the City, assaulted the forefront of the army. Whereupon Herode caused one to go about the walls of the City, and to proclaim how that he was come for the good of the whole City, and that he would not take revenge of any, though he were his open enemy; and that he would pardon even them that had been most seditious. But when Antigonus his followers with loud exclamations hindered the criers voices from being heard, lest any man should alter silo's subtlety being corrupted by the jews. his mind: Herod presently commanded his men to beat the enemies off of the wall, who with their arrows speedily forced all that were in the towers to fly. At this time Silo was detected to have been hired with money: for he solicited many soldiers to cry out, that they wanted all things; and to ask money and victuals, and to crave to be dismissed and sent into some place of opportunity, there to abide during the winter, nay he himself sought to be gone. But Herode went unto the captains that served under Silo, and called many of the soldiers together, requesting them not to forsake him at that exigent, whom Caesar, Antonius, and the whole Senate Herod gathereth great store of provision. as they knew had sent thither, promising them that within one day he would relieve all their necessities. When he had thus entreated them, himself went about the fields, and brought them so much provision that he cut off all silo's excuses: and forecasting least hereafter there should The year of the world, 3925. before Christ's birth 39 be any want, he sent letters to Samaria (for that city about this time had rendered itself unto him) willing them to bring victuals; and wine and oil, and cattle unto jericho. Antigonus hearing this, presently sent certain of his men to lie in ambush in the fields, and suddenly to set upon those that came for provision and kill them, & so hinder them from carrying any victuals to the camp: who obeying his commandment, went with a great number of soldiers to jericho, and placed themselves upon the mountains, with an intent to espy if any body carried provision Herod accompanied with ten troops cometh to jericho. to the army. In the mean time Herod rested not; for taking with him ten companies (five of the Romans, and five of the jews, amongst whom were mixed three hundred that were hired, and besides them a few horsemen) he came to jericho, where he found the city without inhabitants, and five hundredth with their wives and families had placed themselves upon the tops of the mountains; whom when he had surprised, he permitted them to depart. But the Romans broke into the city, and sacked it, where they found the houses stored with all manner of riches: and The Roman got a great prey. the King leaving a garrison at jericho, returned. He sent likewise the Roman soldiers to the cities which were on his side, to wit, Idumaea, Galilee, and Samaria, that they might abide there till winter was passed. Antigonus also through Silo his means (whom he by money had made his friend) obtained that a part of his army might (during the winter time) abide at Lydda, for Antonius' sake, and the Romans being now discharged from wars, abounded in all things. All this time Herod was not idle, for accompanied with two thousand footmen & five hundredth horse, he went about Idumaea, and sent also his brother joseph, lest by Antigonus his means the people should rebel. And he himself having carried his mother and the rest of his kindred, whom he took from Massada, into Samaria; and having placed them where no danger might betide them; himself went into Galilee, to subdue that part of the country, which as yet was not in his hands, & to expel from thence the garrisons left by Antigonus. And when he was come to Sephoris, notwithstanding it snew mightily, he easily took it; for the garrison before he assaulted Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. Herod taketh the city of Sephoris. it fled; and finding there great store of provision, he refreshed his soldiers, which now with winter weather were sore tired, and then sent them against the thieves, that lay lurking in dens and caves, who making often incursions upon the country, molested the inhabitants no less then if they had been an army of enemies. And sending before three companies of footmen, and one troup of horsemen, into a village called Arbela, himself forty days after came thither with the whole army. For all this the thieves feared him not, but arming themselves, came Herode setteth forth against the thieves. to meet him, trusting to their experience in warlike affairs, and their own desperate courage: and joining battle, the right wing of their battle put the left wing of Herod's to flight: but he with his right wing presently succoured them, and recalled his men that fled; and rushing violently upon his enemies, he a little assuaged the forces of the enemy, till at last the forefront of their battle, not able to stand any longer, fled. Herod pursued them even unto jordan, and killed many of them; those that escaped fled over the river; & thus he freed Galilee from that fear, save that yet he had left some lurking in the caves, and therefore he was constrained there to make a longer abode. Wherefore first of all he gave the soldiers the fruit of their labours, and distributed to every one of them an hundredth and fifty drachmas of silver, and unto the Captains more, and so sent them where they should pass the winter. Also he writ unto his youngest brother Pheroras to provide necessaries for them in the market; and to build a wall about the castle of Alexandrium, which he performed. In the mean while Antonius passed the time about Athens, and Ventidius sent for Silo and The year of the world. 3926. before Christ's birth 38. Ant. lib. ca 25. The description of the caves where the thieves kept. Herod to assist him in the war against the Parthians, charging them, that before their coming they should settle the estate of the jews. Now Herod gladly and willingly sent Silo unto Ventidius: and in the mean time he with his army went against the thieves in the caves. These caves were in very steep mountains, so that there was no way to come unto them, save only by crooked & very narrow passages and these mountains were all rocks of stone clean throughout, hanging over the valleys; so that the king a great while was doubtful what to do, seeing the place was so difficult to come to. At last Herod devised a way scarcely heard of before; for he put the valiantest of all his men into coffers, & so let them down into the edge of the caves, and they killed the thieves and their families, and cast fire at them that resisted. And Herod seeking to save some of them, caused a crier to bid them come unto him: but there was not one that willingly came unto him, and those that were forced chose rather to die, then to be his captives. So that an old man having seven sons and a wife, who all requested that they might go forth to the king, and save their lives, killed them all after this manner: Himself stood before the door of the cave, and bade them come forth one by one, and always as one of them came forth he killed him. And The year of the world. 3926. before Christ's birth 38. Herod being in a place where he might behold this spectacle, being moved with compassion stretched forth his hand & requested him to spare his children but he being nothing moved to compassion by Herodes words, upbraided Herodes base mind, and having butchered his sons, he also killed his wife, and casting the dead bodies down into the valleys, finally he cast himself likewise down headlong. Herod having thus taken the caves, and slain those that were in them, leaving a part of his army, so much as he thought might suffice to repress any that should attempt any rebellion, and making Ptolemaeus chief over that part; returned into Samaria, carrying with him three thousand footmen, and six hundredth horsemen against Antigonus. After whose departure those that Ptolemey captain of Herod's soldiers slain. were accustomed to trouble Galilee, and molest it, having now (as they thought) opportunity, assaulted Ptolemaeus at unawares and killed him: and wasteed the country, retiring themselves into marish grounds & secret places. Which when Herod understood, he presently came to succour the country, and killed the most part of the enemies; and having taken all the castles by force, he exacted a hundredth talents for recompense of that revolt to be paid by the cities. Now the Parthians being put to flight, and Pacorus slain, Ventidius being willed thereto by letters from Antonius, sent unto Herod a thousand horsemen, & two legions of footmen to assist him against Antigonus. Now Antigonus writ letters to the general of the foresaid company named Machaera, desiring him to help him, and complaining that Herod injuried him, promised him a sum of Machaeras iniquity. money. But he thinking it not best to forsake him that he was sent to succour, especially seeing that Herod would give more, would not be suborned by him: yet counterfeiting himself to be Antigonus his friend, meaning under that pretence to creep into the knowledge of his secrets, which not regarding Herodes counsel, he went to discover, notwithstanding that Herode dissuaded him from it: But Antigonus perceiving his intent, shut him out of the city, and like an enemy drove him away from the walled till such time as Machaera was ashamed of that he had done; and so returned to Amathunt unto Herode. and being in a rage that things fell out against his expectation, he killed all the jews he found, not respecting whether they favoured Herode or Antigonus Herode hereat was moved, and thought to be revenged upon Machaera as upon an enemies yet he bridled himself and hasted to Antonius to let him understand Machaeras cruelty. Machaera remembering how he had offended; followed the king, and with many entreaties besought him to be friends and obtained it. Yet Herode kept on his journey to Antonius, and hearing that he was The year of the world. 3927. before Christ's birth 37. Antonius admireth Herod's valour. now with a great army besieging Samosata (which was a very strong city near unto Euphrates) he made the more haste; thinking it now a sit time to show his virtue, and that hereby he might win Antonius' favour the more. So soon as he came to Antonius he ended the siege, killing a great number of enemies, and has for his labour a great part of the spoil: and Antonius though before that he admired his virtue; yet then was his opinion increased; so that he had a greater hope of his honour and attaining to the kingdom. So Antiochus was constrained to render the City. CHAP. XIII. Of the death of joseph: how Herode besieged jerusalem: and how Antigonus was slain. IN the mean season Herodes affairs in judaea went backward: for he left his brother joseph governor of all, commanding him to do nothing against Antigonus till his return. For he little trusted to Machaeras help, because of the parts he had plated before. But joseph understanding his brothers to be far off, not regarding what charge was left him, went to jericho accompanied with five companies which Machaera sent with him, thinking now in harvest time to have taken away their come: but being assaulted by the enemy upon the mountains and in difficult places, himself was there slain, showing himself in that fight a worthy and valiant man: and there was not one left alive of all the Romanc soldiers; for they were all newly gathered out of Syria, and they had no old soldiers amongst them to assist them who were ignorant in warfare. Antigonus not contented with the victory became such a tyrant, that he caused the dead corpse of joseph to be scourged, and having the dead bodies in his Antigonus' cruelty against Joseph's care as power, he cut off Joseph's head, although Pheroras his brother offeted fifty talents to redeem the same. After Antigonus had obtained this victory, there was such a change in Galilee, that those who favoured him, took the chiefest of Herod's favourites, and drowned them in a pond. Also The year of the world 3927. before Christ's Nativity. 37. there arose a great change in Idumaea where Machara repaired the walls of a certain Castle called Githa. All this while Herode heard nothing of this news; for after Samosata was taken, Antonius made Sosius governor of Syria, leaving order with him, that he should help Herode against Antigonus, and so he departed into Egypt: Sosius sent two companies of soldiers with Herode into judaea to help him, and he himself with the rest of the army followed. When Herode was at Antiochia near Daphne, his brother's death was manifested unto him in a dream: Herode certified of his brother's death in a dream. And whilst he was troubled thus, so that he leapt out of his bed, even at the same instant the messengers who brought tidings of his death, entered into the house: and weeping a little for grief, as it were deferring his sorrow till another time, he went towards his enemies; so that he hasted above his strength. When he came unto Libanus; he took eight hundredth inhabitants of that mountain to help him; and joined unto them one of the Roman legions, and not expecting the day time, with them he entered into Galilee, and meeting with his enemies, he forced them to fly unto the place from whence they came: and every day he assaulted their Castle: But before he could take it; being wearied with a cruel winter, he was constrained to lead his army into the next village. Within a few days his number being increased by one other legion which Antonius sent, he put his enemies in such a fear, that they in the night time fled and forsook the Castle. And now he hasted to jericho to be revenged upon those that killed his brother, where there befell him a most strange accident, from the which being against all hope delivered, he persuaded himself that God bore an especial love unto him. For when many nobles that night had supped with him, supper being ended, and every one being gone forth, incontinently the house wherein he supped fell down: Herode took this as a Praesagium both of the dangers and prosperous success he was to have in his wars. And the next morning early he removed Herod's dining room fell after he had forsaken it, and gone to bed. from thence, and about six thousand of the enemies descending from the mountains assaulted the vaunt guard, but they durst not join battle with the Romans, but molested them standing a far off with stones and darts, and they wounded many: so that also Herode himself passing along, was wounded in the side with a dart. Antigonus' desirous to show himself most potent, as well in multitude of men, as also in courage, sent Pappus a friend of his with an army into Samaria, who there got the victory of Machaera. Herod went about the enemy's country and took there five towns, and destroyed two thousand of the inhabitants, and firing the houses, he returned to his army near unto a village called Cana. Every day there came flocking unto him a very great number of jews, both from jericho and from other parts of the country, some of them hating Antigonus, other some loving Herode for his valiant deeds: for many without any reason desired an alteration. Whilst thus he hasted to fight, Pappus with his men neither fearing the multitude, nor strength of their ●…nemies, came fiercely upon them, and offered battle. The battle being begun, the others awhile abstained, only Herod remembering his brother's death ventured more than the rest, to the end to be revenged upon them that were the authors thereof: and so he easily overcame the enemy's army; and still assaulting the fresh men; he put them all to flight. There was a mighty slaughter: for many being forced to fly into the village from whence they came, he pursued them and slew an infinite number. Last; rushing amongst the enemies that fled, he broke into the village, where all the houses were full of armed men, and every house top full of men to defend it; and because he easily overcame those that were abroad, he overthrew the houses, and so forced them that were within to come forth. Others he killed in companies with the ruins of the houses wherein they were; and if any one chanced to escape, the same the soldiers that were ready armed with swords killed him: so that there were such heaps of dead bodies, that they who had the victory could not pass thorough the streets for them. The enemies were so discouraged with this overthrow, that the whole multitude of them (seeing those that were slain in the village) fled away: and Herod by the benefit of his good fortune had even then come to jerusalem, had not The number of the carcases hinder the soldiers passage. winter storms hindered him, which was the only cause that he at that time got not a full conquest; and that Antigonus was not utterly overthrown, who thorough fear and desperation was purposed to leave the City. But Herode towards night having given his friends leave to depart to rest their weary bodies, being himself heated with his armour, after the manner of soldiers went to wash himself, accompanied only with one page. And before he came to the bath, one of his enemies met him having a sword drawn in his hand; and then another; and afterwards a third; and after them more: and these escaped out of the battle, and came to the bath to hide themselves, and seeing the king there, they were sore afraid, and sought to hide themselves, and so passed by him being astonished and amazed, although the king at that time was naked and The year of the world, 3928 before Christ's birth 36. Herode beheadeth Pappus Antigonus captain. weaponless, in so much as none were present there to surprise them; they escaped; and Herode was very well contented that he had no harm by them. The next day after he beheaded Pappus who was the General of Antigo●…s his army, and sent his head to his brother Pheroras, who was ruler of his army, in revenge of his brother that was slain: for Pappus was he that slew joseph. The winter being past, he with his army came to jerusalem, and besieged it, pitching his tents before the temple, where it was easiest to take the City, and where before time Pompey had entered Ant. lib. 14. cap. 1●…. jerusalem besieged. it (which was about the third year after Herod was made king in Rome.) Now when he had quartered his army as he thought best for his purpose, and cut off the suburbs, he caused three rampires to be raised, and towers to be builded upon them, and leaving there his trusty friends that would not slack their business, he went into Samaria to visit his betrothed which was the daughter of Alexander, who was son to Aristobulus, who (as we before made mention) was despo●…sed unto him, & he wedded her even in the time of the siege, as who should say, now he contemned his enemies: after his marriage rites were performed, he returned to jerusalem with a far greater army: Sosius also seconded him with a great army of footmen and horsemen, whom he sent before him through the midst of the country; and he himself came after by Phoenicia; Now when all his whole army was assembled together, to the number of about some 11. legions of footmen, and six thousand horsemen, beside the Syrians that came to help him, which were no small number, he laid his assault and battery to the northermost wall; and the rather because he thought himself warranted by the decree of the Senate, whereby he was declared to be king. Sosius also was warranted by Antony's letters, whereby he commanded him to help Herode with all the army that was under his government▪ Mean while those jews that were within the The year of the world. 3929 before Christ's birth 35. City▪ were diversly troubled: for a multitude of the weaker sort gathering themselves together about the temple, grew to this resolution; that whosoever should fortune to die in this attempt should be most happy and beloved by God. But those who were hardiest amongst the●…, joining themselves together, robbed and took away from the rest what they could, but in especial The jews valiantly defend themselves. they took victuals from that part that was next the City: so that they neither left meat for horses nor men, and the valiantest of them all being set to defend the walls against those that besieged them, hindered the adversary from erecting their rampires; so that they still found some new device to hinder the force of their engines: neither did they any ways prevail so much as by their mines which they made. As for the thieves; the king sought to repress their excursions by placing an ambush of men to intercept them, by which means he relieved the want and scarcity of victuals, by fetching provision from places far distant: But notwithstanding they in their fight fai●… in no sort to express their incredible ●…lour; yet did that military experience which the Romans had, overmaster them by odds. Netheless notwithstanding the imminent danger wherein they were plunged, they fought with them in open field: but where it chanced that the Romans by digging two several mines, broke all at once into the midst of them; yet suddenly repaired they the breach that was made in the wall, and fortified the other part thereof. In a word; they neither spared hands, nor engines, but were all of them determined to fight it out even unto the last cast: and although they were besieged with so huge an army, yet they defended the town from them five months, till such time as certain of Herodes chosen men valiantly scaling and Herod's soldiers after five months siege enter the city Slaughter in jerusalem. clearing the walls, broke into the City; and a●…er them Sosius his Centurions. Those places that nearest adjoined the temple were the first of all that they intercepted, & the whole army entering the city, it was lamentable to see how in every corner the people were massacred: for the Romans being displeased that the siege continued so long time, became more cruel, and Herod's army endeavoured to let no one of the adverse part escape. By which means many were slain, both in the narrowest places of the streets, as also in their own houses: yea even then also when they fled into the temple, without respect of age or womanhood. For although the king entreated the soldiers to spare the people, yet for all that they never restrained their cruel hands, but like mad men they raged against all men, women, and children. At that time also Antigonus, neither respecting his former condition, nor his present estate, came and prostrated himself at Sosius hi●… Sosius taketh Antigonus. feet, beseeching him to be merciful unto him; but Sosius nothing compassionating his calamity, cruelly derided him, and called him Antigona: yet did he not permit him to depart free as a woman, but put him in prison. Now when Herode had conquered his enemies, he endeavoured to the uttermost to appease the fury of the soldiers; for all the whole multitude were desirous to see the temple, and the holy vessels therein: but he resisted them, appeasing some by threatenings, reclaiming others by The year of the world. 3929. before the birth of Christ. 35. force, and the rest by entreaties, supposing that it had been better for himself to have been conquered, then by obtaining the victory, to minister a means whereby those things should be discovered which were not lawful to be revealed. He therefore presently repressed the soldiers from sacking the city, inveighing much against Sosius, and objecting against him, that the Romans would desolate the City both of men and money, and leave him king of a place without subjects: adding further, that he esteemed not the empire of the whole world to be a recompense for such a massacre of his Citizens. Hereunto Sosius replied, that in equity the soldiers were to have the sacking of the town, in recompense of that labour they had spent in the siege. But Herode gave him this answer, that he had rather recompense every man out of his own treasury; and by this means he redeemed as it were the relics of his desolate country: and in the end performed that which he had promised. For he bountifully rewarded every soldier and captain, according to his merit, and gave Sosius a kingly reward: so that no man went away without money Herode liberally bestoweth money upon the soldiers. Antigonus beheaded. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 1. This done, Sosius dedicated a golden crown unto God and so departed, leading Antigonus captive with him, to the intent to present him unto Antonius. This man desirous to continue his life, and entertaining himself with this cold hope even until the last, received in the end that reward which his faint heart desired, and was beheaded. Herode being now king, made a distinction between the Citizens; and those who had favoured him, he used very honourably; and put those to death, who had followed Antigonus: and when money failed, he distributed all his kingly ornaments, and sent them to Antonius and his company. Yet did not he quite redeem himself from all annoyances: for Antonius being now captivate through Cleopatra her love; in all things yielded unto her desire: and Cleopatra having raged so against her own kindred, that she had not left one of them alive, now turned her fury upon strangers, and accusing the nobility of Syria unto Antonius, she persuaded him to put them Cleopatra's cruelty against her kindred. to death, that she might thereby the easier obtain their possessions. Afterward her covetous mind sought to effect the like against the Arabians, and the jews also, in so much as she secretly went about to cause the kings of those places, Malichus and Herode to be put to death. Antonius made a show as though he would have granted her request, yet he thought it great impiety to kill good men and so great kings: yet notwithstanding he no more accounted them his friends, but took a great quantity of ground from the limits of both their countries, and a vineyard in jericho where balm grew, and gave her all the Cities on this side the river Eleutherus (tire and Sydon only excepted.) Now when she had obtained the dominion of these Cities, she followed Antonius unto Euphrates, who set forward to make war against the Parthians, and afterward Cleopatra's covetousness. by Apamia and Damascus she came into judaea: where Herode (having something pacified her angry mind with great gifts) obtained to pay her yearly two hundredth talents for that part of his country; which Antonius had given her, and seeking by all means possible to get himself an interest in her favour, he conducted her unto Pelusium: and not long after Antonius returned out of Parthia, and brought Artabazes the son of Tigranes' captive, and gave him unto Cleopatra: for all the money and riches which he had got and the captive likewise, were bestowed on her. CHAP. XIIII. Of the treacherous practice of Cleopatra against Herod▪ of Herod's war against the Arabians, and of a very great earthquake. ABout such time as the Actiacum war was on foot, Herode prepared himself to attend Antonius; for that for the time present all troubles were pacified in judaea: and he had The year of the world. 3934. before Christ's birth 30. Ant. lib. 15. cap. 5. Clapatras' subtle treason against Herode. already gotten the castle of Hyrcanion, which Antigonus sister had in her possession. But Cleopatra c●…aftily prevented him in this his journey; so that he could not go with Antonius: for she desiring the ruins of both the kings (as was before mentioned) persuaded Antonius that he should ●…se Herod to make war against the Arabians; whom if he overcame, than she should be made Queen of Arabia; and if so be he himself were overcome, than she should be Queen of judaea: intending hereby that one of these potentates should ruinate the other. But this practice of hers was greatly to Herod's gain: For first of all making head against those of Syria that were his enemies; with all the power of horsemen he could make, which was very many, and meeting them at Diospolis he overcame them, although they valiantly resisted: who having the overthrow stirred up a mighty army of the Arabians to help them, so that an infinite company was gathered The year of the world. 3934. before Christ's birth 30. Ant. lib. 15. cap. 6. together about Coelesyria, expecting the jews near unto a city called Canatha. Where king Herode meeting them, purposed not to fight unadvisedly, but to compass his own army round about with a wall: but his army remembering their former victory, would not be counseled, but violently assaulted the Arabians, and at the first onset put them to flight. Herode pursuing his enemy was greatly endangered by the treason of the inhabitants of Canatha (who were set on by Athenio, that was one of Cleopatra's captains, who had always borne him ill will) for the Arabians encouraged by their help, returned again to battle, and they two joined their forces together, and set upon Herode in stony and difficult places, and put his army to flight, and The Arabians defeat Herod's army. The Actium war between Antonius and Augustus. killed many of them; & those that escaped fled unto a little village hard by called Ormiza; where the Arabians compassing them about, took both the men & their tents with all their furniture. Not long after this overthrow of Herod's soldiers, he came and brought help, but too late and to little purpose: but the cause hereof was, for that the captains of his army would not obey his commandment: for if they had been obedient, Athenio had not had the opportunity to work him that injury; yet was he revenged upon the Arabians; and daily made incursions upon their borders, and ceased not to invade and spoil them, until by many he cried quittance with them for their one victory. While thus he pursued his enemies; a great calamity befell him in the seventh year of his reign, and in the midst of the Actium war: for about the beginning of the spring time, there Another calamity of Herodes. chanced a great earthquake, which slew an infinite multitude of beasts, and thirty thousand people: yet the army had no harm, for it lay in an open place. With the report hereof the Arabians were highly encouraged (for such as report an evil occurrent do always redouble the misery thereof in relating it) for which cause the Arabians making account that all judaea was overthrown, and that there was no man left alive to resist them, entered into judaea, assuring themselves to conquer the country, and before their coming they slew the Ambassadors of the jews that were sent unto them. Herode perceiving his countrymen terrified by the sudden approach of their enemies, and not only broken, but wearied with the greatness and continuance of Herodes oration to his dismayed soldiers. their calamities, roused up their drooping spirits that were tired with suspect, & encouraged them after this manner. I see no reason of your present fear, neither do I admire, that you were terrified with the punishment of God's indignation: but it is a cowardly mind to be daunted by the coming of your enemies, who are but men, and whose violence, if yourselves please, ye may repress. For mine own part I am so far from being discouraged by the approach of my enemies, that I rather think that God hath of his providence sent this earthquake as a bait to allure and incite the Arabians to invade us, to the end that through our means he may punish them: for the cause that moveth them to assault us is not the trust they repose in their own valour and great army, but it is our misery that inviteth them. Yet who knoweth not that the hope is frustrated that is founded not upon a man's private virtue, but upon another man's misfortune. There is nothing assured in human affairs, in respect either of prosperous success, or adverse fortune, which a man may perceive to alter upon all occurrents: as we ourselves may witness by our own experience. For in the first conflict you overcame; in the second ye were overcome; and now the third time (for aught I can conjecture) they thinking themselves sure of the victory, shall by us be overcome: for they who misdoubt nothing, are rash in their proceedings, whereas they that are fearful and timorous, providently seek to prevent their dangers: so that I am encouraged to hope for victory even by your fear. For when as you were too confident, and against my will and direction rushed in upon your enemies, Athenio found opportunity to hurt us: but now since Fear giveth confidence. I perceive in your minds a certain remissness and a forecast, it is an evident token unto me of assured victory. It behoveth you therefore not only before the conflict to continue your accustomed minds, but also in the conflict, to show that ye are men, armed both with hearts & ●…dines, to 〈◊〉 end that our impious enemies may well see, that neither any human calamity, nor divine punishment can daunt the courage of the jews, whilst the breath is in their bodies: and that never a one of you all will suffer the Arabians to domineer over your goods and possessions, whom many times you have almost made your slaves. Be not therefore terrified with this motion of a bo●… that hath no soul, neither yet persuade yourselves, that the earthquake portendeth any massacre; for even the elements themselves by their own nature are subject to such defects, and portend no other mishap, but that which they bring with them. Perhaps the plague and famine, and earthquake have some tokens demonstrating them before they come, but when they are once come, they signify nothing else, but at last end, and cease of themselves. But say we should be overcome, can war enforce more ha●…e against us, than the earthquake hath done? Truly Th●… y●…re of 〈◊〉 world, 3934. befo●… Christ's birth 30. it is an evident token of our enemy's ruin, and that by their own cause, who most cruelly contrary to the law of all nations, butchered our Ambassadors, offering to God such sacrifice for the good success of their wars. They cannot hide themselves from the slight of God, and from his mighty power, but presently they shall feel punishment for their offence, if filled with the Herodes peroration. courageous spirit of our nation, we be stirred up to revenge that impious violating the law of all nations, and so every one march on to fight, not for his wife and children, or country; but to revenge the murder of our Ambassadors who will lead our army, and know better than we that are alive to direct the same. For mine own part (if you will be ruled by ●…e) I will be the first that will lead you, and will hazard myself for you: for you know full well that if your valour be not eclipsed by some headlong rashness, there is nothing that may make head against you. After he had by these or such like persuasions sounded his soldiers, and found them in some Herode sacrificeth to God before the battle. Herode assaileth the enemy. sort encouraged thereby, he offered sacrifice to God. And presently after with all his army, he passed over jordan, and pitching his tents at Philadelphia, not far from his enemy, he made a show to assault a castle that was between them and him, and so skirmished with them a far off, desirous to draw them to the battle: for the enemies had sent to intercept the castle, but Her●…s forces gave them the repulse, and in despite of them kept the hill. Thus every day made he an offer to fight, braving the Arabians, and s●…eing that they would not come to the shock (for they were in a great fear, and Athemus their general for very fear was ready to give up the ghost) he assaulted them in their trenches; and cast down their rampire, so as they were constrained to come forth to battle, without any order; & their horsemen and footmen were confusedly mixed together. And although the jews in number were inferior unto them, yet they were inferior unto the jews in courage; yet they became now more hardy, because they despaired of the victory: & so long as they stood to it, they had no great loss, but when they ●…urned their backs; then many were slain by the jews, & many perished being trode●… on by their fellows. Those that escaped were forced to retire themselves into the●… trenches, where Herod besieged them: & although they were already to be put to the sword, yet was there such pen●…e of water, that for drink they were all like to perish. For which cause they sent Ambassadors to the king, offering him fifty talents to let them go: but he contemned them, & so much more ●…est was he by reason that their want of The Arabi●… thorough extreme thirst are enforced to yield to th●… Iewes. water was so great, that coming out by flocks of their own accord, they offered themselves to the jews: so that in this sort there came forth four thousand 〈◊〉 days, & the sixth day the whole multitude (despairing of their lives) came out to fight, with whom Herod conflicting slew about seven thousand. Having in this sort weakened the Arabians; that he had now extinguished all th●… strong men, the countrymen admired him, and were so much daunted at his puissance, that they wished him for their ruler. CHAP. XV. How Herode was exalted unto the kingdom. INcontinent after this his prosperous success, there did betide unto him a sea of cares and Ant. lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 7. griefs, in respect of the love which he bore unto Anto●…s, whom Caesar had now lately overthrown at the battle which was fought at Actium: yet was he more a●…aid then hurt by this his suspicion: for Caesar accounted not Antonius fully conquered, so long as Herode and he kept together. For which cause the king timely foreseeing those dangers that might ensue, went to Rhodes where at that time Caesar abode, in which place in the habit of a pri●…te man, and without a crown, but with a kingly courage, he presented himself before him, and with unfeigned constancy spoke unto him in such manner as followeth. I was (O Caesar) made king of judaea by Antonius his means, and I must confess that I have been a king, who what in me lay have served his turn, and sought his profit: yea I must not deny but that (had nor the Arabians Herod's oration to Augustus, Caesar. hindered me) I had with all the power I could have made, seconded and assisted Antony against thee: yea although personally I could not go, yet did I what I could to help him, and sent him many thousand measures of corn. Nay though he had the overthrow at Ac●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sake him; who had deserved well at my hands: & although I was not able to assist him with 〈◊〉 Herode speaketh. freely before C●…. of arms, yet. I confirmed him by my co●… the best I could, in●…cating often times unto him▪ that there was one only way to redress his adue●…itie, to wit, by the death of Cl●…ra, whom if he killed, I promised him to assist him with money, strong holds, and an army; yea and with mine own person against thee: but the love of Cleopatra and God who had already designed The year of the world. 3934. before Christ's birth 30 Caesar's an●… to Herod. the victory unto thee, stopped his ears. For which cause, O Caesar, I am conquered with Antonius, and have forsaken my crown and dignity with his fortunes: and am come unto thee hoping that at thy hands I may obtain pardon. To this Caesar answered: Live in safety, and reign now with greater security than before; for thou deservest to rule others, who with such constancy didst defend and maintain thy friendship. At this time endeavour thyself to continue faithful toward them that are more fortunate than Antonius was: for, for my part I have conceived a great hope and expectation of thy valour and prowess; yet did Antonius well, in that he rather obeyed Cleopatra then thee: for by his follies, have we now purchased thy friendship. That thou hast begun to do well, it thereby appeareth, because Ventidius hath signified unto me, that thou hast sent him succours against his enemies. For which cause by this my present decree, be thou established in thy kingdom, and I will shortly let thee know that I will be beneficial unto thee: so as thou shalt have no cause to bewail the loss of Antonius. By this speech he exhorted the king not to misdoubt of his friendship, and withal put a crown upon his head, and made a decree, and sealed it, testifying how he had remitted all things done by Herod, and confirmed him in his kingdom, and rehearsed many things therein, greatly tending to Herodes praise. Herode (having first pacified Caesar with many gifts) requested him to pardon Alexander, one of Antonius his friends, who earnestly and in humble manner desired the same: but Caesar being very angry, answered, that he for whom he entreated, had greatly and many times offended, and so repelled Herod with this answer. Afterward Caesar travailing into Egypt through Syria, was entertained by Herode with all royal pomp possible, and that was the first time that he showed himself to take part with Caesar, when near unto Ptolemais he took a view of the soldiers with Caesar, & made a banquet for him and all his friends, & feasted the whole army likewise. And inasmuch as they travailed to Pelusium through dry grounds, when they returned again, he provided water for them, and furnished the Herod's gratulation toward Caesar. army with all necessaries: so that both Caesar and the soldiers thought the kingdom a small recompense for his deserts. For which cause after he came into Egypt, and that Antonius & Cleopatra were now dead, he did not only increase his honour, but also restored unto him that portion of his country which was taken away, and given to Cleopatra: and beside that, Gadara, and Hippon, and Samaria, and other cities, about the sea coast, to wit, Gaza, and Anthedon and lop, Caesar increaseth Herodes Dominion. and Stratons' tower: and moreover gave him four hundredth Galathians, which before were Cleopatra her guard: and there was nothing that so much moved Caesar's liberality, as the courageous mind of him unto whom he was so liberal: after the first Actium solemnity, he added unto Herodes dominion Trachon, and Batanaea, and Auranitis bordering upon it. For this cause Zenodorus (who for money hired Lysanias his house) continually sent thieves out of Trachon to rob the people of Damascus, who in humble manner went to Varus (who was at that time governor of Syria) entreating him to inform Caesar of their calamity. Caesar understanding thereof, writ back again, commanding him to extinguish all the thieves: whereupon Varus with an army went to those places which were most suspected, and rid the country of the thieves, and took the territory from Zenodorus, and Caesar (lest it should again be a refuge for thieves to spoil Damascus) gave it to Herode, and made him ruler over all Syria. And ten years after returning Herode made governor of Syria. to his own country, he commanded the governors to do nothing without Herodes counsel, and after Zenodorus his death he gave him all the country between Trachon and Galilee. But that which Herod esteemed above all the rest, was that Caesar loved him best of all next unto Agrippa: and Agrippa loved him most of all men next unto Caesar. Thus now he touched the very top of felicity: and so increasing in high mind, he employed himself chiefly to piety. CHAP. XVI. Of the Cities and buildings re-edified and built by Herod, and of his liberality towards strangers, and of his felicity. IN the fifteenth year of his reign he repaired the temple, and enclosed twice so much The ye●…re of the world. 3947. before Christ's birth 17. Ant. lib. 15. cap. 10. 12. 13. 14. Herodes buildings. ground as was before about the temple with a strong wall, whereon he bestowed great costs and charges to beautify it: as the great porches will testify, which he built about the temple, and a Castle on the north part thereunto adjoining, which he builded even from the foundation. The Castle was so rich and sumptuous, that it was equal unto the king's palace, and in the honour of Antonius, he named it Antonia. He builded himself a palace also in the upper The year of the world. 3947. before the birth of Christ. 17. part of the City, and in it two houses, huge, and richly adorned: so that the temple was not to be compared unto them. And calling them by his friends names, he termed one of them Caesarea, and another Agrippa; whose names and memories he did not only solemnize, and write in his private houses, but also throughout all the whole country, and in every part of the City. For in the country of Samaria he compassed a town with a wall, which was about twenty stounds, and called it Sebaste; and he sent thither six thousand inhabitants, giving them a most fertile soil and demesnes. There also amongst other buildings, he erected a very huge temple, and dedicated it to Caesar, and gave the inhabitants of that place especial privileges. About the temple was there a piece of ground containing three stounds and a half. For this monuments sake, Caesar added unto his dominion another country; for which cause he erected another temple unto him near unto the head of jordan, of white marble, in a place called Panium, where there is a mountain rising an infinite height into the air, at the side whereof there is an obscure valley, where there are high rocks, that (by drops of water falling on them) are made hollow: so that the water standing in their concavity till they run over, falleth down with a stream of such a length as is admirable. At the foot of this valley on the out side, there spring The fountain head of jordan certain fountains, and many think this to be the head of the river jordan, which whether it be true or no, we will declare hereafter. At jericho also (between the castle of Cyprus, & the other ancient king's houses) he erected other buildings fairer, and more commodious for them that came thither, calling them after the names of his friends. Finally there was no convenient place in the whole kingdom, wherein he erected not some thing in the honour of Caesar: and having in every place of his own kingdom, devised and dedicated temples unto him, he in Syria also where he ruled did the like, founding in very many cities temples, which he called by the name of Caesar. And perceiving that amongst the cities of the sea coast, there was one called Stratons tower, the which being very old was ruinated; and for the situation thereof, deserved reparation and cost, he repaired it all with white stone, and built a very royal palace therein, wherein chiefly he showed a mighty mind. For this city standing in the midst between Dora and joppes, there was no port nor haven in that coast: so that whosoever sailed from Phoenicia into Egypt, were in great danger, by reason of the violent winds that blew from Africa, which blowing but a very easy gale, enforce the water with such a violence against the rocks on the shore, that the waves rebounding back again a good way within the sea, make the whole sea tempestuous. But the king with his liberality and cost overcoming nature, builded a port or haven in that place far bigger than that of Piraeum, Herod maketh a greater port then that of Piraeum. and within it made most safe stations for ships. And although the nature of that place was altogether contrary to his intent, yet he so overcame that difficulty, that the sea could do that building no harm, and it was so gallant and beautiful to behold, as though there had been no let any way to hinder the adorning thereof. For having measured out such a place (as we have spoken of) for the port, he laid a foundation in the bottom twenty else deep of stone, whereof most of them were fifty foot long, nine foot thick, and ten foot broad, and some bigger; An apt description of a haven. and all the bottom of the haven where the water came was laid with these stones. Which done, he raised a wall of two hundredth foot; whereof a hundredth foot was builded to break the violence of the waves, and had a name according to the use it served for. The other hundredth foot served for a foundation of the wall, whereof the haven was compassed, which was replenished with many goodly towers; the greatest and fairest whereof, he named Drusius after the name of Caesar's kinsman. There were very many vaults also to conduct such things into the town as were brought into the haven, and about them a paved place for them to walk in, that came out of the ships: The entrance thereunto was on the north side; for by reason of the situation of the place, the northwind there is the calmest. Before the entrance, were three great colossus held up on every side with pillars: they which are on the left hand are propped up by a tower which is a solid rock of stone. But at the entrance on the right hand were two huge stones joined together, which make a greater tower than the other. There is also a house adjoining unto the haven builded of white stone: the streets of the Cities coming to that place, are of one bigness and proportion. Upon a hill opposite unto the mouth of the haven, was there builded a temple very beautiful and exceeding great, which he dedicated unto Caesar, wherein was placed Caesar's colossus, fully as great as jupiters' at Olympus: for it was made after that example, equal to that at Rome, and that of juno's at Argos. The City he builded for the inhabitants of that province, and the port or for haven to seafaring men. The honour and credit he attributed to Caesar, and by his name called it Caesarea. He also made other buildings, as the Market, the The year of the world. 3947. before Christ's birth 17. Caesarea in time passed called the tower of Straton. Ant. lib. 15. ca 10. 12. & lib. 17. cap. 5. Agrippium, Antipatris. Cyprus. Phasaelus tower. Theatre, and the Amphitheatre, which are worth the memory. And he every fifth year ordained certain sports, & called them after the name of Caesar. And himself first proposed very ample rewards in the 192. olympiad; insomuch that he not only gave royal gifts to the victors, but also to the second and third after them. He repaired Anthedon also, which was destroyed by the wars, and called it Agrippium, and loving Agrippa very dearly, he caused her name to be engraven over the portal that he builded in the temple. Neither was he unmindful of his parents, for in the richest soil of the whole kingdom, he built a City for a monument of his father: and by his name called it Antipatris, being a very rich soil, both for trees and rivers. At jericho also he built a very gorgeous and strong Castle, and called it Cyprus in honour of his mother. He likewise builded a tower in memory of his brother Phasaelus at jerusalem, and called it Phasaelus his tower (of the compass & beauty of this tower we will speak hereafter.) He also called another city Phasaelus, which is situate in a valley beyond jericho toward the north. Having thus eternised the memory of his friends and kinsfolk, he did not forget to do the like to himself, for he built a Castle on a mountain near Arabia, having on one side a strong Herodium. place of defence, and this Castle he called Herodium after his own name. By the same name also he called a tomb, which he builded sixty stounds from jerusalem, artificially made in manner of a woman's dug, which he richly adorned: for within compass of the top of it, he caused round turrets to be placed: and round about it he builded princely houses, gallantly adorned both within Herodium a castle resembling a city. and without. He also brought water from a great way off, with great cost and charges, and made a pair of stairs of pure white marble, to go up, which had two hundredth steps. For the whole hill was made by art, and it was of an exceeding height: at the foot thereof, likewise he builded another palace and houses to receive his friends, and their carriage: so that this castle for the abundance of all necessary places, seemed a city; and yet was it all the king's palace. Having erected thus many buildings, he showed his brave mind in strange Cities likewise; for at Tripoli, and Damascus, and Ptolemais he builded public baths, which are called exercises. Herod's bounty to all men. He builded the wall of Biblus; and seats, porches, temples, and markets at Berytus and tire: at Sidon and Damascus he builded a Theatre, and a water conduit at Laodicea a sea town. At Ascalon he builded fountains or lakes very sumptuous, and baths with pillars, that for greatness and gallant work were miraculous. To other places he gave woods, and ports: and unto many cities he added fields, as though they had been fellow cities of his kingdom. Also toward the maintenance of the baths, he gave a yearly annuity for ever: as namely to those at Cous, to the intent he might be an eternal benefactor. Moreover, he gave all poor people corn; and he often and in sundry places gave the Rhodians money to built a navy of ships. At his own proper cost he repaired Pythium, which was burnt with fire. What should I say of his liberality, Herod famous thorough the world. which he extended unto them of Lycia and Samia? or the magnificent gifts which he used toward all the people of jonia; yea all things which their hearts could desire: whereby he relieved all their necessities? Nay, both the Athenians, and Lacedæmonians, and Nicopolites, and the Citizens of Pergamus in Mysia received very many benefits at his hands. He paved also a large The year of the world. 3954 before Christ's birth 10. street in Antiochia of Syria, which was in length twenty stounds, and that with fair marble. This street before that time was so full of dirt, that no man could go thorough it; and all along it, he builded galleries, that people might go dry thorough it in rainy weather. Some one may say, that these benefits that he thus bestowed, were done for the proper use of those people, on whom he bestowed them: but no man can deny, but that which he did for the citizens of Elis, was not only common to those of Achaia, but unto all the world, where the games called Olympica Certamina were solemnised. For Herode seeing them decay only for want of maintenance, and that this was the only remainder of all the ancient monuments of Greece, he not only in his own person at that time became one of the proposers of rewards in that olympiad which he assisted when he went to Rome; but also gave a yearly stipend to maintain the same, lest for want it should be left off. It is not to be told what debts and tributes he remitted; for he delivered the Phasaelites and Balaneotes, and other towns of Cilicia, from the payment of a yearly tribute: yet was he not so liberal unto them as he would have been, fearing lest the envy of some might accuse him of some further meaning, if he should be more bountiful unto the cities than those that were the owners thereof. He exercised his body likewise in exercises fit for so valiant a mind: for he was a very skilful hunter, wherein he had always his purpose, by reason of his skill in riding; so that in one day he killed forty wild beasts. That country hath many bores, but it hath most store of Hearts and wild Asses. He was such a warrior as no man was able to encounter Herode a great hunter. withal; so that many were astonished to see him exercise himself, who admired him The year of the world. 3954. before Christ's Nativity. 8. Herod besides the virtue of mind and body had the blessings of fortune. for casting a dart, and shooting an arrow. Beside the virtue both of his mind and body he had also good fortune; for very seldom the event of war was otherwise then he expected: which if it sometime chanced, it was not through his fault, but through the rashness of his soldiers, or else through treason. CHAP. XVII. Of the disagreement between Herode and his sons Alexander and Aristobulus. But his private and domestical sorrows seemed to envy him his public felicity, and Ant. lib. 15. cap. 3. 8. & lib. 16. cap. 13. most adverse fortune befell him through the means of a woman, whom he loved as himself. For being now made king, he put away his wife, which he first married (which was a Lady borne in jerusalem, whose name was Doris) and married Mariam the daughter of Alexander, who was Aristobulus son, which caused troubles in his house, both before, but especially after he returned from Rome. For he banished his eldest son Antipater, whom he had by Doris, out of the city, only for his children's sake that he had by Mariam; licensing him Herod expelseth Antipater out of the city, and killeth Hyrcanus his wives grandmother only at festival times to come unto the city in regard of some suspicion of treason intended against him. And afterward he slew Hyrcanus his wives uncle, notwithstanding that he returned out of Parthia unto him, because after he suspected that he intended some treason against him; whom Barzapharnes, after he had taken all Syria, took away prisoner with him. But his own countrymen that dwelled beyond Euphrates in commiseration redeemed him from thraldom, & had he been counseled by them and not come unto Herode, he had not been killed: but the marriage of his niece caused his death: for, for that cause, and especially for the love of his native soil, he came thither. That which moved Herode to kill him was, not for that he sought the kingdom, but because he had right unto the kingdom. Herode had five children by Mariam, two daughters, Herod's children by Maririamme. and three sons. The youngest was sent to Rome to study, where he died. The other two he brought up like Princes both for their mother's nobility sake, & for that they were borne after he was king. But that which above all other was most forcible, was the love he bore to Mariam, which from day to day tormented him more violently in such sort, that he felt not any part of those griefs which this his best beloved enforced against him. For Mariam hated him as much as he loved Mariam hatefully upbraideth Herode with Hyrcanus' death. her: and having a just cause and colour of discontent, & moreover being emboldened by the love which he bore her, she every day upbraided him with that which he had done unto Hyrcanus her uncle, and unto her brother Aristobulus. For Herode spared him not, although he was a child; but after he had made him high Priest in the seventeenth year of his age, he presently put him to death; after he had so honoured him: who when he came to the Altar clothed in sacred attire upon a festival day, all the people wept: and the same night was he sent to jericho, and drowned in a lake by the Galatheans, who had received commission to perform the murder. These things did Mariam daily cast in Herodes teeth, and upbraided both his mother and sister, with very sharp and reproachful words: yet he so loved her, that notwithstanding Herod's mother and sister do falsely accuse Mariam to him. all this he held his peace. But the women were set on fire, and that they might the rather move Herode against her, they accused her of adultery, and of many other things which bore a show of truth: objecting against her that she had sent her portraiture into Egypt unto Antonius; and that through immoderate lust, she did what she could to make herself known unto him, who doted upon women's love, and was of sufficient power to do what wrong he pleased. Hereat Herode was sore moved, especially for that he was jealous of her whom he loved, bethinking himself upon the cruelty of Cleopatra, for whose sake king Lysanias and Malichus king of Arabia were put to death; and now he measured not the danger by the loss of his wife, but by his own death which he feared. For which cause being drawn by his affairs into the country, Herod secretly chargeth joseph to kill his wife. he gave secret commandment unto joseph his sister Salome's husband (whom he knew to be trusty, and one who for affinity was his well-willer) to kill his wife Mariam, if so be Antonius should have killed him. But joseph not maliciously, but simply to show her how greatly the king loved her, disclosed that secret unto her: and she when Herode was returned, and amongst other talk with many oaths swore that he never loved woman but her; indeed (quoth she) it may Herodes suspicion betwixt joseph and his wife. well be known how greatly you love me by the commandment you gave to joseph, whom you charged to kill me. Herode hearing this which he thought to be secret, was like a mad man, and presently persuaded himself that joseph would never have disclosed that commandment of The year of the world. 3954. before Christ's birth 10. Herode commandeth both joseph and Mariam to be slain. Mariammes sons inheritor, of her displeasure. his, except he had abused her; so that hereupon he became furious, and leaping out of his bed, he walked up and down the palace: whereupon his sister Salome having fit opportunity, confirmed his suspicion of joseph. For which cause Herode growing now raging mad with jealousy, commanded both of them to be killed. Which done, his wrath was seconded by repentance, and after his anger ceased, the affection of love was presently renewed: yea so great was the power of his affection, that he would not believe she was dead, but spoke unto her as though she were alive, until in process of time being ascertained of her funeral, he equalled the affection he bore her during her life, by the vehemency of his passion for her death. Mariammes sons succeeded their mother in her wrath, and recogitating what an impious act it was, they accounted their father as a mortal enemy, both before and after they went to study at Rome, and especially after they came again into judaea. For as they increased in years, so did the violence of their The year of the world. 3956. before Christ's birth 8. mind increase. And they being now marriageable, one of them married the daughter of their aunt Salome, who accused their mother; the other married the daughter of Archelaus king of Cappadocia. And now to their hatred was there joined a liberty to speak more freely against them, and by this occasion of their boldness many were animated to calumniate them: so that some did openly tell the king that both his sons sought to work treason against him, and that the one of them prepared an army to help the other to revenge the death of their mother; and that the other (to wit, he that was son in law to Archelaus) purposed to fly, and accuse Herode before Herod's debate with those sons he had by Mariam. Antony's lib. 16. cap. 4. Caesar. Herode giving ear unto those calumniations, sent for Antipater whom he had by Doris, to the end he might defend him against his two sons, and sought to advance him above them. But they thought this alteration intolerable; seeing one, whose mother was but a private woman, so preferred: and they moved with their own nobleness of birth could not contain their indignation, but upon every occasion showed themselves offended; yet were they every day less accounted of. As for Antipater, he wrought himself into favour: for he knew how to flatter his father, and raised many slanders upon his two brethren, partly invented by himself, partly diwlgated by some of his favourites, whom he set a work about that matter, till that at last he put his Antipater by disgracing his brothers, is declared his father's heir. brethren out of all hope of having the kingdom. For he was now by the kings Will and Testament declared king, so that he was sent as a King unto Caesar in a kingly habit and pomp, only he wore no Crown: and in time he so prevailed, that he wrought his mother into Mariammes steed; and with flatteries and calumniation so moved the king, that he began to deliberate about the putting to death of his sons. For which cause he conducted his son Alexander with him to Rome, and accused him before Caesar, that he had given him poison. But he with much Herod accuseth Alexander before Caesar. ado having obtained liberty to plead his own cause, and that before an unskilful judge, yet more wise than Herode or Antipater, he modestly held his peace in all things that his father had offended in: and first of all he purged his brother from danger of that crime, and taking the whole matter upon himself, he in very good sort acquitted himself thereof. And afterwards he inveighed against Antipater's subtlety, & complained of those injuries which had been offered him, having besides the equity of his cause sufficient eloquence to acquit himself: for he was a vehement orator; and knew well how to persuade. Last of all, he objected that his father having a desire to put both him and his brother to death, had laid an accusation upon him: where at the whole audience wept, and Caesar was so moved, that not regarding the accusations that were laid unto A reconciliation between Herode and his sons. them, he presently made Herode and them friends, upon these conditions, that they in all things should be obedient unto their father; and that their father should leave the kingdom to whom he pleased. Hereupon Herode returned from Rome, and though he seemed to have forgiven his sons; yet laid he not his jealousy and suspicion aside. For Antipater still urged his argument to make Herod hate his other two sons, though for fear of him that reconciled them, he durst not openly show himself an enemy unto them. Afterward Herode sailed by Cilicia, and arrived at Elaeusa, Archelaus kindly entertaineth Herod and his sons. where Archelaus received him very courteously, thanking him for the safety of his son in law, and very joyful for that they were made friends: for he wrote unto his friends at Rome with all speed possible, that they should be favourable unto Alexander, when he came to plead his cause. And after this entertainment, he conducted Herode unto Zephyrius, giving him gifts to the value Herod's worthy oration to the people, wherein he distributeth honours to his three sons. of thirty talents, and so took his leave of him. Herode so soon as he came to jerusalem assembled the people together, & being assisted by his three sons, he showed unto them the cause of his going to Rome, and blessed God, and thanked Caesar, who had appeased the discord of his house, and that had made his son's friends which he esteemed more than his kingdom: and I (quoth he) will make their friendship firm. For Caesar appointed me king, and gave me leave to choose whom The year of the world. 3956. before the birth of Christ. 8. I pleased for my successor, for the which I give him hearty thanks. And now I here constitute all three of my sons kings: which purpose of mine first I beseech Almighty God, and secondly you to favour: for the one of them for his years, the other for their nobility of birth, have right to the crown & kingdom; which is so large, that it may suffice many: so that you for your parts reverence them whom Caesar conjoined, and I their father ordained, giving them not unfit, nor unlike honours, but such as they have deserved. For a man cannot do a greater pleasure unto him whom he honoureth above his years, than he shall give discontent unto him whom he dishonoureth. For which cause I will constitute to every one of them such friends & well-willers, as with whom they be most conversant, and of them I will require pledges of a concord and unity amongst them. For I know that discords and contentions arise by malice of those who are conversant with Princes, and that if they be well disposed, they will increase friendship. And I request that not only these, but also all such as bear rule in my army, that they hope in me only for the Herod giveth not the kingdom to his sons, but the honours of the kingdom. present: for I give not my sons the kingdom, but the honour and dignity thereof; and they shall have pleasure as though they were kings themselves, yet I myself will bear sway, although I am unwilling to do it. Let every one of you consider my age, my course of life, and piety: for I am not so old that any one may quickly despair of me, nor I have not accustomed myself to such kind of pleasure, as is wont to shorten young men's days; and we have been so religious that we are in great hope of long life. But if any one despise me, and seek to please my sons, such a one will I punish. I do not forbid them to be honoured, whom myself have begotten, for that I envy them: but because I know well that such applauses nourish pride and arrogancy in the fierce minds of young men. Wherefore if all they that apply themselves in their service, consider that I will be ready to reward the good; and that those who are seditious, shall find their malice to have an unprofitable event at their hands, whom they so flatter: I easily persuade myself that all men will be of my mind, that are of my sons mind. For it is good for them that I reign, and that I am friends with my sons. And you O my good sons, retain in your minds that sacred nature, which maketh the very brute beast to entertain natural Herode converteth his speech to his sons. affection: then reverence Caesar who rconciled us: and last of all obey me who request, and entreat that at your hands, which I might command, namely that you remain brethren. And I will now give you both kingly attire and honour, and I pray God that if you will continue and remain friends, I may continue in this mind. After he had thus spoken, he saluted them very lovingly, and dismissed the people, some praying that it might be as he had said: others (who desired alteration) made as though they had Herod by his words did not utterly extinguish the hatred between●… his sons. heard nothing. Yet for all this, the dissension amongst the brethren was not appeased; but each of them mistrusting worse events, departed from one another. For Alexander and Aristobulus stomached the matter, that Antipater had his desert confirmed: and Antipater was grieved that his brethren should have the second place after him; yet he could craftily so carry himself, that no man could perceive his hatred towards them. And they derived of a noble race spoke all they thought, and many endeavoured to set them on, and others as friends insinuated themselves into their company, to learn what news: so that Alexander could not speak a word, but presently it was carried to Antipater, and from him to Herod with an addition; so that when Alexander spoke any thing simply, meaning no harm, it was presently interpreted in the worst sense possible: and if he chanced at any time to speak freely of any matter, presently it was made a great thing. Antipater suborned men to set him on, that so his lies might be shadowed with a colour of truth: and that if he could prove any one thing true, all lies and tales else diwlgated might thereby be justified to be true. Now all Antipater's familiars were either naturally secret, or else he stopped their mouths with bribes, lest they should disclose his intents: so that Antipater's treason against his brother Alexander. one might justly have termed his life a secrecy of malice. All Alexander's friends were either corrupted by money, or flattering speeches, wherewith Antipater overcame all, & made them thieves and proditors of such things as were either done or spoken against him: and himself doing all things he dealt so warily, that at last those calumniations came unto Herodes ear: and he counterfeited By whatmeans Antipater corrupted his brother Alexander's friends. Anupater whet●…eth Herode and his courtiers against Alexander. his brother's person, and suborned other tale carriers, telling what they could against Alexander, & pretending good will towards his brother, at first feignedly reproved than, & afterward seriously alleged their sayings as accusations: so that hereby Herod was very wrath, but turned all as though Alexander went about treason, and sought to kill his father, and nothing made so much credit be given to these calumniations, as that Antipater colourably excused his brother. Herod incensed hereat, every day withdrew his affection more & more from the two brethren, & daily increased his love towards Antipater. The nobility also were inclined after the same manner, The year of the world, 3956 before Christ's birth 8. partly of their onwe accord, and partly for that they were so commanded: so did Ptolemaeus the chiefest of all the nobility, and the king's brethren, and all his kindred; for all men's expectation was upon Antipater. And that which grieved Alexander the more, was, that all these mischiefs wrought to his overthrow, were done by the counsel of Antipater's mother; for she being a step mother, was cruel, and hated them being borne of a Queen, far more than a step mother doth her sons in law. And although all men followed Antipater for the hope which they had of him, yet were they also compelled thereunto by the kings command, who gave an especial charge to their dearest friends, that none should follow Alexander or his brother: so that he did not only terrify those of his own kingdom, but also those of other foreign nations. For Caesar had given no such authority: for he gave him licence to take any one that was a fugitive from him, out of any City, although it were not under his dominions. And the young men were ignorant of the offences laid unto their charge, and so were more easily entrapped being unawares of them: for their father did not openly tell them of any matter, but they every day perceived their father's good will towards them to decay, which so much the more increased their grief. In like manner Antipater by little and little moved Pheroras their uncle and Salome their aunt against them, daily consulting with his wife, whom he should incite against them. Now Glaphyra alexander's wife increased their malice every day, recounting her own nobility & bearing herself above all that were in the whole kingdom: for she derived her pedigree by Glaphyra Alexander's wi●…e increased his conceived suspicion by her words. the father's side, from Timenus; by the mother's side from Hystaspis his son called Darius: inveighing very much against the baseness of Herodes wives, and his sister, who were chosen for their beauty, and not for their nobility of birth. For Herod (as we have said) had many wives, both for that it was lawful by the custom of their country, and because Herode delighted in many; and all of them hated Alexander, for Glaphyras pride and contumelious speeches. And Aristobulus made Salome his enemy, although she was his wives mother: for she was before moved by Glaphyras speeches, and he often upbraided his wife with her base birth, still telling her that he had married a private woman, and his brother Alexander a Queen. And his wife often Aristobulus objecteth to his wife her base birth. Ant. lib. 16. cap. 7. with weeping tears told this to her mother: adding moreover, that Alexander and Aristobulus threatened, that if they got the kingdom, they would make their other brethren's mothers weave with their maids; and that they would make them notaries of villages, deriding that they applied themselves to learning. Salome moved hereat, could not contain herself, but told all to Herod, who easily believed her, because she spoke against her son in law. Moreover, another accusation was laid to their charge, whe●…eat the king was greatly moved: for he was informed that Alexander and Aristobulus did often bewa●…le their mother, and lament her hard hap with Alexander and Aristobulus often times bewail their mother, and by that means provoke their father. sighs, and cursed him: and that often when he bestowed some of Mariammes clothes upon his latter wives, they threatened that in short time in steed of princely attire, they should wear a black habit. Whereupon Herod, though he feared the constant minds of the young men, yet because he would not take away all hope of amendment, he called them unto him (for he was to sail to Rome) and as a king threatened them in few words, and like a father gave them many admonitions, and requested them to love their brethren, promising them forgiveness of their former offences, so that hereafter they amended all: But they beseeching him not to believe accusations forged against them upon malice, and answering that the effect of matters would easily acquit them, requesting him not so easily to believe tales, but refuse to give malignant The two brothers excuse themselves before their father Herod. people opportunity and recourse unto him: for that there would always be some that would maliciously invent tales to tell, whilst there was any one that would give them the hearing and believing thereof. For they knew that Salome was their enemy, and Pheroras their uncle, and both of them bare cruel minds, and were hard hearted; and especially Pheroras; who was fellow with his brother of all, saving only the crown, and had his own revenues amounting to a hundredth talents a year, and received all fruits of the whole country beyond jordane, which was given him by his brother. Herode also had obtained of Caesar to make him Tetrarch, and bestowed upon him a princess for his wife, despousing unto him his wives sister, after whose decease he despoused unto him his eldest daughter, and gave him three hundredth talents with her for a dowry. But Pheroras fell in love with his maid, and forsook a princess: whereat Herode being angry married his daughter unto his brother's son, who was afterward slain by the Parthians; but Herode presently pardoned Pheroras offence. divers before this time were of opinion that in the life time of the Queen, he would have poisoned Herode; and Herode although he loved his brother very well; yet because many who had access unto him told him so, he began to misdoubt: and so The year of th●… world 3956. before Christ's Nativity. 8. examining many that were suspected, lastly he came to Pheroras friends, & none of them confessed it: yet they confessed that he was determined to fly unto the Parthians with her whom he was so in love withal, and that Costabarus Salome's husband was privy thereunto, unto whom the king married her after her first husband for s●…pition of adultery was put to death. Salome herself also was not free from accusation: for Pheroras accused her that she had contracted matrimony with Syllaeus, who was procurator to Oboda king of Arabia, who was a great enemy of the kings, and she being convicted both of this and all things else, whereof her brother Pheroras accused her, yet obtained pardon as likewise Pheroras did: so that the whole tempest of all their family was turned against Alexander, and light upon his head. The king had three eunuchs whom he loved dearly, and every one known by their offices: for one of them was his butler; the other was his cook, and the third got him to bed, and lay with him: these three Alexander with great gifts overcame. Which the king understanding, by torments Alexander corrupteth his father's eunuchs, and telleth them ●…e 〈◊〉 to succeed in the kingdom. forced them to confess it, and declared with what promises they were thereto by Alexander induced, and how he had deceived them: affirming that there was no trusting to Herode, who was a shameless old man; and that he died his hair, to make himself seem young: and that he in despite of him would be his successor, and then he would be revenged upon his enemies, and make his friends happy, and especially them: and that the whole nobility did secretly obey him, and the captains of the army and governors did privily come unto him. Hereat Herode was so terrified that he durst not presently divulgate their confessions, but night and day he sent spies to learn what was said or done, and whom he suspected, them he presently killed: so that his whole kingdom was full of iniquity. For every one as his malice moved him feigned calumniations, and many desirous of bloodshed abused the king's wrath as they pleased against their Herod seareth his son Alexander. enemies, and credit was given to every lie, and no man was so soon accused, but presently he was punished; and he who presently before accused others, was now accused himself, a●…d carried to be punished with him whom he accused. For the king's perils shortened the time of trial for their lives, and he became so tyrannous, that he afforded not a good look unto them that were not accused, and showed himself most fierce and violent even to his dearest friends: so that he banished many out of his kingdom, and railed against such as he had no power over. Antipater increased Ant. lib. 17. cap. 8. Hrods' cruelty. this mischief more and more, and gathering together a great company of his friends, he omitted no kind of calumniation. The king likewise was terrified by the rumours & tales of Herode casteth Alexander into priso●… and tortured his friends. pickthanks, that he thought always that he saw Alexander before him with a drawn sword: For which cause he suddenly took him and cast him in prison, and tortured his friends, many of which died in torments, because they would not confess more then in conscience was true: others not able to endure the torments, were forced to confess that Alexander and his brother Aristobulus thought to have wrought treason against their father, & that they expected their time till he went a hunting; resolved in themselves that having killed him, they would presently fly to Rome. Although these and such like calumniations were noways probable, yet extremity of pain forced men extempore to invent them, and the king willingly believed them, as it were comforting himself thereby in that he might not be thought to have imprisoned his son vn●…stly. Alexander perceiving that it was unpossible for him to abolish his father's suspicion, thought it better to yield hi●…selfe guiltio: and so wrote four books against his adversaries, and confessed the treason: affirming that he had many partakers therein, namely Pheroras, & Salome, who were the chief; avouching that before that time he had had the use of her body in the night time: and how though he himself was unwilling, yet she forced him thereunto. Now the books came unto Herod's hands, which charged the greatest amongst the nobility with most heinous matters. Archelaus fearing his son in law and daughter to be in great danger, Alexander during his imprisonment wrote ●…oure books against his enemies speedily came into judaea, and ingeniously appeased the king's wrath: for, so soon as he came unto Herod, he cried, where is that wicked son in law of mine, or where may I see the face of that wre●…h that goeth about to murder his father, that I may tear him in pieces with mine own hands, & marry my daughter anew to a better husband? for although she be not privy to his cou●…sell, yet is she defiled for that she was wife to such a man. Nay I admire thy patience who art in such danger, and sufferest Alexander yet to live: for I came thus hastily out of Cappadocia, thinking he had been put to death, to talk with thee concerning my daughter, whom I married to him for thy sake and honour. Wherefore now let us take counsel what to do with them both, and seeing thovart too father like and not able to punish thy son, thy ●…echerous son; let us change Archelaus king of Cappadocia. rooms, and let me be in t●…y place to revenge thee: with such like invections he deceived Herode (though otherwise firm in his purpose.) Then Herode showed him the books that Alexander The year of the world. 3956. before Christ's birth 8. had writ, and reading every chapter with deliberation, Archelaus took occasion fit for his purpose, and by little and little laid all the fault on Pheroras, and those that were accused in the book. And perceiving the king to give ear unto him, let us (quoth he) consider whether the young man was not circumvented by the treachery of so many lewd persens, and not thou by the young Archelaus and Herode consult upon Alexander's books. man: for there appears no cause why he should fall into such wickedness, who now enjoyed the kingdom and hoped to succeed thee therein, had he not been persuaded thereto by other men, who seeing him a young man, enticed him unto such naughtiness. For we see that through such men, not only young men, but also old men, and most noble families, yea and whole kingdoms are ruinated. Herode upon these speeches began somewhat to relent, so that he appeased his wrath toward Alexander, & increased it towards Pheroras; for he was as it were the subject of the whole book. Who perceiving the king so to trust unto Archelaus friendship, that he was lead by him to do what he pleased, leaving Alexander, he in humble manner came to Archelaus, Herode is incensed against his brother Pheroras. seeking impudently for succour at his hands, of whom he had not deserved any favour. Archelaus answered him, that he knew no ways to obtain his pardon, who was guilty of so heinous crimes, and convicted manifestly to have practised high treason against the kings own person, and to be the cause of all these miseries that had now befallen the young man, except that he would lay aside all subtle dealing, and denying of his fact, and confess the crimes whereof he was accused; and so in humble wise go unto his brother who loved him dearly, and crave pardon; promising him that if he would so do, he would do him what good he could. Hereupon Pheroras obeyed Archelaus his counsel, and putting on a black attire, he in pitiful manner and with tears Pheroras attired in a mourning garment with tears falleth before Herodes 〈◊〉 and craveth pardon. Pheroras by Archelaus means pacifieth Herode. prostrated himself at Herodes feet, and craving pardon obtained it, confessing himself to be a most wicked and vile person, and to be guilty of all that which was objected against him, and that the cause which moved him to do all those things, was the frantic and mad fits he fell into for the love of that woman. Now when Pheroras became his own accuser, & a witness against himself, than Archelaus endeavoured to mitigate Herodes wrath towards him, and excuse his faults with fit examples: for he alleged that his brother attempted greater matters against him, whom notwithstanding for nature's cause he pardoned: adding that in every kingdom as in mighty bodies, always some part began to swell, which notwithstanding was not presently to be cut off, but to be cured by easy means. Archelaus using many speeches unto Herod to this purpose, at last quite appeased his wrath toward Pheroras, still counterfeiting himself to be angry with Alexander, affirming that he would take his daughter away with him, till at last he forced Herode of his own accord to entreat for the young man, requesting him again to despouse his daughter unto him. Archelaus after much entreaty answered, that he was willing the king should bestow his daughter upon any save Alexander: for he greatly esteemed the law of affinity. Herod replied, that if he did not divorce his daughter from Alexander, he should think that he bestowed his son upon him: for they had no children, and his daughter was dearly loved of the young man; so that if he would permit her to stay still there, for her sake he would pardon all Alexander's offences. Hereto Archelaus with much ado agreed, and so was reconciled unto his son in law, and he unto his father. Yet Herode Archelaus compelleth Herode of his own accord to be entreated for Alexander. Herod dismisseth Archelaus and his friends with great presents. Ant. lib. 16. cap. 11. Eurycles the Lacedaemonian secretly accuseth Alexander to his father, and is the cause of his death. affirmed that he must needs be sent to Rome to speak with Caesar, for he had written the whole matter unto Caesar. Thus Archelaus craftily delivered his son in law from danger, and after this reconciliation was made, they spent the time in feasting and mirth. Upon Archelaus departure, Herode gave him seventy talents, and a throne of pure gold adorned with precious stones, and eunuchs, and a concubine named Pannychis; and rewarded every one of his friends according to their deserts. And all the king's kindred by the king's appointment and consent, bestowed rich gifts upon Archelaus, and both he and all his nobility accompanied him to Antiochia. Not long after there came one into judaea far more subtle than Archelaus, who both disannulled the reconciliation made for Alexander, and caused his death also. This man was a Lacedaemonian born named Eurycles, who by money sought to have obtained the kingdom. This man brought unto Herode rich gifts as it were for a bait of that he intended; he had so behaved himself in Greece that it could no longer tolerate his excess: and Herode again rewarded him with far greater gifts than those were that he gave him: but he esteemed his liberality as nothing, except he bought it with the blood of Princes. For which cause he circumvented the king, partly by flattering him, partly by praising him feignedly, and especially by his own craft and subtlety: and quickly perceiving his inclination, he both in word and deed sought to please him 〈◊〉 so that the king accounted him amongst his chiefest friends. For both the king and all the nobility The year of the world, 3956. before Christ's birth 8. honoured him the more for his country sake, in that he was a Lacedaemonian. But he very easily perceiving the feeble stay of Herodes house, and the hatred between the brethren, and how the king was affected towards every one of them, he first of all entertained himself at Antipater's house, making a show in the mean while of good will towards Alexander, pretending & protesting Eurycles by feigned friendship deceiveth Alexander. that in times past he had been Archelaus companion, & by this means he quickly crept into favour with him as an approved friend: which was the cause that he was suddenly entertained for a faithful man. He presently likewise brought him into friendship with Aristobulus, & having sounded every man's disposition, he accommodated himself unto all humours: and to begin withal he became Antipater's pensioner, and a traitor to Alexander. And he often used hot words to Antipater, as it were childing him, that he being eldest of the brethren so slenderly looked after them, who pretended to put him besides the crown which was his right. He many times likewise used the like words to Alexander, admiring him who was borne of a Queen & husband to a Queen, & yet would permit such a one who was descended of a private woman to succeed in the kingdom, especially seeing he had such occasion & opportunity to effect the contrary: for he might assure himself of Archelaus his help in any thing. Alexander supposed he had spoken as he thought, because he counterfeited friendship with Archelaus, so that he misdoubting nothing disclosed unto him all his mind concerning Antipater, saying, that it was no wonder though Herode disinherited them of the kingdom, since before time he had slain their mother. Eurycles counterfeiting himself both to pity them, and to be sorrowful for their mischance, enticed Aristobulus to speak the like: and having animated them both to complain in this sort against their father, he presently went to Antipater and disclosed to him all their secrets, forging also the treachery which those two brethren intended against him, which was to dispatch him with their swords. For this cause Antipater gave him a great sum of money, and commended him to his father, and being hired to effect the death of Alexander and Aristobulus, he himself became their accuser: Whereupon he came unto Herode and told him how in regard of those benefits which he had received at his hand, he would now bestow his life upon him, and the light of this world for recompense of his hospitality; affirming that Alexander had lately stretched forth his hand with his sword drawn to kill him, and he only was the cause that he performed it not by staying his hand, and promising him to assist him in the matter: adding that Alexander used these speeches. That Herod was not contented to enjoy a kingdom which was another man's right, nor yet as it were to dismember his kingdom after Mariammes death, but he would also leave the kingdom belonging unto their ancestors, unto a pernicious bastard Antipater: and for that cause he would revenge Hyrcanus and Mariammes death: And that it was not convenient to receive the kingdom from such a father without blood; and every day he had occasion given him so to do: for he could speak nothing without calumniation. For if any mention were made at any time of any one's nobility, presently he was upbraided without cause, for his father would presently say, there is none noble but Alexander, whose fathers base birth is a shame and discredit unto him. And that going a hunting if he held his peace, his father was offended; if he praised, than it was said he mocked: so that in every thing he found his father's affection turned from him, & that he was only favourable to Antipater: so that he would die with all his heart if he failed of his purpose; if he killed him, his father in law Archelaus would work his safety, to whom he might easily fly. And after he would go to Caesar (who as yet knew not Herod's manners) for he would not stand before him then, as he did before being terrified because his father was present: neither would he only speak of his own wrongs, but of the wrongs of the whole nation, who were oppressed by exactions even unto death. And then he would lay open in what pleasure, and after what sort the money gotten with blood was consumed; and who and what kind of men they were that were thereby enriched; and what was the cause of the affliction of the city: and that there he would bewail the death of his uncle, and his mother, and unfold all Herodes wickedness: which being once made manifest unto the world, no man would account him a murderer of his father. Eurycles having falsely reported this of Alexander, fell presently to praise and extol Antipater, affirming that he only loved his father, and hindered such practices. The king yet not thoroughly appeased for that which had passed, grew into an exceeding agony, Another false accusation of Alexander & his brother moveth Herod to indignation. and Antipater once again suborned other false witnesses against them, who affirmed that they were wont to have secret talk with jucundus and Tyrannius, who sometime were generals of the king's horsemen, who were then displaced for some offence they had committed. Whereupon Herod being very angry, presently tortured them: and they affirmed that they were ignorant of The year of the world. 3956. before Christ's birth 8. all that which was laid to their charge. But there was found and brought unto the king a letter, as though it had been written by Alexander, unto the Governor of the Castle of Alexandriam; requesting him, that he would receive him and his brother Aristobulus into the Castle, when he had killed his father, and to assist them both with weapons and other necessaries. Alexander affirmed that this letter was counterfeited by Diophantus the King's Secretary, who was Diophanrus the kings notary writeth feigned letters in Alexander's name. both bold, and could counterfeit any one's hand; and having counterfeited many, was at last for the same put to death. Herod caused the Governor of the castle to be tortured, but he confessed nothing that was laid against him: and although he had no good proof of any thing, yet he commanded his two sons to be kept in hold. He likewise called Eurycles (who was the bane of his house, and the breeder of all the mischief) author of his safety, and one who had well deserved at his hands, and gave him fifty talents: who departing from judaea before matters were well known, went to Archelaus, and feigning that he had reconciled Alexander and Herod, he received there a piece of money. From thence he went into Achaia, and spent that which he had evilly gotten in as bad manner as he got it. Lastly, he was accused unto Caesar, that he had caused dissension in all Achaia, and spoiled the Cities: for the which cause he was banished. And this was the punishment which was inflicted upon him for Alexander's and Aristobulus troubles. It is not amiss here in this placeto compare Euaratus of Cous unto this Eurycles; who being a dear friend unto Alexander, and arriving about the same time that Eurycles did, being Cous Euaratus put to his oath, swore that he heard the young men say nothing: yet his oath nothing prevailed nor profited them, poor souls. For Herod would only hear and give ear unto accusatitions; and he highly esteemed them that would believe them with him, and show themselves moved thereat. Moreover, Salome increased his cruelty towards his sons: for Aristobulus minding to bring her into the same trouble with himself, who was his mother Ant. lib. 16. cap. 12. in law and his Aunt, sent unto her, willing her to look to herself, as though the King was minded to put her to death. Who being now called into question for the matters whereof she was before accused, to wit, that she purposed to marry with the king's enemy Syllaeus the Arabian, to whom she privily revealed the King's secrets: and this was the utter ruin of the young men, wherewithal they were over thrown as it were with a violent tempest. For presently Salome went unto the King, and told him what Aristobulus had admonished her of: and he being now outrageous, caused both his sons to be bound and imprisoned in several Herode by Salome's counsel imprisoneth his sons. The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's birth 3. places. Then sent he Volumnius, who was the General of his Army, and Olympus one of his familiar friends, unto Caesar, to carry him the informations against his sons in writing: who sailing to Rome, after their arrival delivered the King's letters. And Caesar was very sorry for the young men, yet he permitted the father to do what he would with his children: and so wrote unto him, that he should have licence to do what he thought good yet he signified unto him, that he should do better to call his Nobles together, and let them make enquiry concerning the treasons; and than if he found them guilty of these things whereof they were accused, to put them to death. Hereupon Herod according to Caesar's letters and appointment, came unto Berytum, and there gathered an assembly to sit in judgement; the chief in that judgement were the Governors Ant. lib 16. cap. 13. Herode gathereth a council against Alexander & Aristobulus. that Caesar in his letters appointed, Saturninus and Pedanius Ambassadors, and with them Volumnius. Procurator next the king's kindred, and Salome and Pheroras: and then the nobility of Syria, Archelaus only excepted; who because he was father in law to his son, Herod suspected him to be partial. But he suffered not his sons to come into judgement for he knew that the very sight of them would have moved all men to compassion. And moreover, if they were permitted to speak for themselves, that then Alexander would easily have acquitted them both: for which cause they were kept in Platane, in a Castle of Sidonia. The king beginning his oration, was as vehement, as though they had been present against whom he spoke; and he was half afraid Herode accuseth his sons in open judgement. to object any treason against them, for that he had no proof thereof: and therefore he prosecuted their opprobrious words, injuries and offences which they had committed against him, the which he affirmed to be more grievous than death. At last (when no man contradicted him) he began to lament, as though by overcoming in such sort, himself was also overcome, & thereupon requested every one to give their vedict. And first of all Saturninus condemned his sons; but not to die saying, that he had three sons present, Herodes sentence against his sons. and he thought it not lawful to adjudge other men's sons to death. The two Legates also affirmed the same, and many followed their advise: But Volumnius was the first that pronounced The year of the world. 3961. before the birth of Christ. 3. the sorrowful sentence: after whom all the rest followed, some to flatter Herod, some for hatred they bore him, but none for any indignation against the young men. Then all judaea and Syria expected an end of this tragedy; yet no man thought Herod to be such a Tyrant, as that he would have put his two sons to death. Herod caused his sons to be brought to tire, & from thence by ship he conveyed them to Caesarea, bethinking himself what death he should put them to. In the mean time there was an old soldier of the kings named Tyro, who had a son belonging Tiro an old soldier exclaimeth against Herodes cruelty. to Alexander, and highly in his savour, and he himself greatly loved the two young men: who being very much grieved in mind at that which had passed, went about crying, that justice was trodden under foot, truth oppressed, that nature was confounded, and the life of man full of iniquity; and whatsoever else grief put into his mind, who nothing esteemed his own life. At last this Tiro came boldly unto the king, and said unto him: O king, thou seemest to me most unhappy, who dost give credit unto wicked and vile persons against thy dearest sons. For Pheroras & Salome thou believest before thy own children, whom notwithstanding thou hast often found to have deserved death; and thou dost perceive that they do this to the intent to make thee want lawful successors, and leave thee none but Antipater, whom they with all their hearts would have king, because they can rule him as they list. But bethink thyself (O king) how all thy soldiers will hate him for the death of his two brethren; for there is no man that doth not pity the two young men, and many of the Nobility are displeased hereat. After he had spoken this, he named them who were displeased: whereupon the king presently commanded them, and him, and his son to be laid hold on; and presently one of the king's Barbers named Tryphon, Tyro with his son are by the kings command laid hands on. Ant. lib. 16. cap. 13. showing himself to be in I know not what fury, came forth, and said unto Herode: Tiro persuaded me to kill thee with my razor, promising me, that if I would so do, Alexander would give me great rewards. Herod hearing this, caused Tiro, and his son, and the barber to be tortured, and they denied all, and the Barber affirmed nothing more than he had already said. Then he commanded Tiro to be more tormented. Whereupon his son moved with compassion towards Another false accusation against Tyro. Herode commandeth his sons to be strangled, and to be buried with Alexander their mother's uncle. his father, promised to disclose all the matter unto the king, so that he would pardon his father: who being released of his torments, presently declared how his father through Alexander's means and procurement, was purposed to have killed him. Many that were present thought this was a devise of the young man, to free his father from torments: and yet others were persuaded that it was true. Upon this Herod made a speech unto the people, wherein he inveighed against the Governors of his army, and Tiro, and made the people arm themselves and kill both them and the Barber with staves and stones. Now he sent his sons unto Sebaste, which was not far from Caesarea, and there he caused them to be strangled: and having quickly dispatched the matter, he caused them to be brought into the Castle Alexandrium, there to be buried with their mother's uncle. And this was the end of Alexander and Aristobulus. CHAP. XVIII. Of Antipater's conspiracy against Herod his father. But Antipater now hoping without all controversy to succeed in the kingdom, was generally hated of the whole nation: for it was openly known that he by false calu●…niations Ant. lib. 17. cap. 21. had caused his brethren's deaths. And on the other side, he stood in no little fear of his brother's children, whom he perceived now to begin to grow to years: for Alexander had by Glaphyra two sons Tigranes and Alexander: and Aristobulus had by Berenice daughter to Salome, five children, to wit, three sons, Herod, Agrippa, and Aristobulus, and two daughters, Herodias and Mariam. Herod, after he had put Alexander to death, sent away Glaphyra with her dowry into Cappadocia, & married Berenice Aristobulus his wife unto Antipater's uncle: For Antipater devised this match to become friends with Salome, whom he before time hated and envied. He also by his great gifts sought to get Pheroras favour, and the friendship of such as were friends unto Caesar, sending to that end great sums of money to Rome. He Anupater striveth by gifts and bribes to creep into men's favours. gave Saturninus and all the rest great riches in Syria. But the more he gave, the more he was hated of all men; for every one judged that he did not consume such wealth, for that he was liberal, but that he lavished it out for fear; so that he got not the love of them, upon whom he bestowed it, and they to whom he gave nothing, were so much the more his enemies. Yet he became every day more bountiful, seeing against his expectation, Herode made much of their children whose parents he had slain, intending to show how much he repented their deaths, by the pity and compassion he took upon their children. For assembling together his friends, he caused the The year of the world, 3961 before Christ's birth 3. Herode grievously bemoaned his sons, expressing the same by his ●…ation toward their children. Herode betrotheth his nephews. children to be placed by him, and the tears standing in his eyes, he said: Hard, cruel, and sinister fortune took away from me the fathers of these children but I pity to see them orphans, and natural affection commendeth them unto me. Wherefore I will endeavour, that seeing I have been an infortunate father, I may be a wiser and happier grandfather, and leave them who are most dear unto me, to reign after me. Wherefore brother Pheroras, I betrothe thy daughter unto Alexander's eldest son, that for that cause thou mayst be careful to provide for him, and assist him: and unto thy son Antipater I assure the daughter of Aristobulus, that so thou mayst be a father to her who wants a father; and my son Herod, whose mother's uncle was high Priest, shall marry with her sister. And this is my will and pleasure touching this matter, and let no man who loveth me seek to alter this. And I beseech Almighty God, for the good of my country, and of these my Nephews, to prosper these marriages, and to look upon these children with a more favourable eye, than he did their fathers. Having thus spoken, he wept, and joined the children's hands, and courteously saluting every one, he dismissed the Council. Upon this Antipater was amazed, and all the Orphans well perceived how sorrowful he was. For now he thought himself dishonoured by his father, and that his good fortune was endangered, seeing that Alexanders, son was like to have both Archelaus and Pheroras the Tetrarch to assist him. Moreover he considered how he was hated, and how the people did compassionate the children, for that they were fatherless, and affected them, remembering their fathers who were dead, & were terrified at his wickedness. Wherefore he attempted all means possible to break off the marriages, yet he feared to insinuate any thing to his father cunningly, who was now very severe, and wary, and mistrustful. And therefore went openly unto him to make his humble suit, & request him, that he would not leave him without honour, nor deprive him of that dignity, which before time he had judged him worthy of, giving him only the bare title of a king, and leaving the substance of the kingdom in other men's powers. For it would be impossible for him to obtain the kingdom, if Alexander's son (beside Archelaus his favour) were by marriage made son in law unto Pheroras. Wherefore he earnestly besought him, that seeing he had a great many daughters, to change the marriages: for the king had nine wives, and by seven of them he had children: Antipater by Doris, Herod by Mariam daughter of the high Priest, and Antipas and Archelaus by Malthace the Samaritan, and his daughter Olympias, Herodes children by his seven wives. whom his brother joseph married; and by Cleopatra of jerusalem Herod and Philip; and by Pallas Phasaelus: he had two other daughters also, Roxane and Salome, one of them by Phaedra, and the other by Elpis. He had likewise two wives by whom he had no issue, his cousin, and his niece: and beside these he had two daughters by Mariam, sisters to Aristobulus and Alexander. Wherefore Antipater seeing his father had such choice of daughters, he requested the marriages to be altered. The king well perceiving his mind and purpose towards the Orphans, was very angry: and calling to remembrance the misfortune of his sons, whom he had put to death, he greatly feared Herode is persuaded by Antipater's flatteries to break off the marriages. lest Antipater by some false accusations should overthrow them, and so with sharp words did drive him off for that time; yet afterward he so flattered Herod, that he got the marriages to be altered. And first of all he joined Aristobulus daughter with Antipater himself, and his son to Pheroras daughter. Here one may see what Antipater could do by flattering speeches: for Salome in the like matter could not speed although that she was his sister, and procured many times julia Caesar's, wife to speak for her, that she might marry with Syllaeus the Arabian: yet was not she permitted so to do. But Herode swore that he would account her as an utter enemy; except she would desist from that purpose, and afterward against her will he married her unto one Alexas a friend of his: and one of her daughters to Alexander's son, and the other to Antipater's uncle. As for Mariammes daughters, one of them was married to Antipater his sister's son, the other unto Phasaelus his brother's son. When Antipater had quite overthrown the hope of Ant. lib. 17. cap. 3. Antipater buildeth upon the kingdom. the Orphans & joined affinity, as he thought good, he now held himself on a sure ground; and adding confidence to his malice he became intolerable to all men. And seeing he could not avoid their hatred, he now sought by fear to work his own safety, and so much the more because Pheroras now assisted him, as one that was confirmed and established for king. Also the women in the court fell at variance, and raised a new broil: for Pheroras wife with her mother, and Adeba●… betwixt the Ladies in that court. her sister, and the mother of Antipater did use themselves very insolently in many things, abusing also two of the king's daughters very contumeliously: to which matter she was chiefly set on by Antipater who hated them, having the others at his command, only Salome hindered their agreement who went unto the king, and told him that their meetings were not for his The year of the world, 3961. before Christ's birth 3. profit. The women understanding how she had informed the king & that Herod was offended thereat; they came no more together openly, and abstained from their wont familiarity, and in the kings hearing feigned themselves to fall out one with another. Antipater also made the same show, so that he stuck not openly to offend Pheroras: notwithstanding they had meetings and banquets in the night, and the unity was the more confirmed because they perceived themselves to be noted: for Salome knew all this, and told it unto the king. The king was very angry, and especially against Pheroras wife, whom chiefly Salome blamed: and having called together his kindred and friends, he laid many accusations against her before them; and told them how contumeliously Ant. li. 17. ca 4. she had behaved herself toward his daughter, & that she hired the Pharisees against him, and that by her poison she had made his brother his enemy. And turning himself unto Pheroras, he asked him whether he had rather have him for his brother, or have his wife. And he answering, that he had rather die then lose his wife: Herode doubtful what to do turned him to Antipater, and commanded him never to talk with Pheroras, nor his wife nor any one belonging Herode forbiddeth Antipater of his brother's company, or to have conference with his wife. unto them after that time. But he obeyed his father's command openly in show, but secretly lay in their house: and fearing that Salome should perceive it, he by his friends in Italy caused himself to make a voyage to Rome, by letters brought to Herod, wherein it was commanded that shortly after the receit thereof Antipater should be sent to Rome unto Caesar. Wherefore Herode using no delay sent him presently, furnishing him with all things necessary, and a great sum of money: giving him likewise his last Will and Testament to carry with him to Caesar, wherein was written that Antipater should be king; and after him Herod the son of Mariammes daughter of the high Priest. But Syllaeus the Arabian neglecting Caesar's commandment, at the same time failed to Rome there to contend with Antipater about matters, which were before in controversy between him and Nicholaus. He had also a great contention with Aretas his king, whose friends he had slain, and also Soemus the most potent in all the town of Petra: and seeing Fabatus Caesar's procurator, he used his favour also against Herode. But Herod giving Fabatus a greater sum of money alienated him from Syllaeus, and by his means dispatched that which Caesar commanded: and because Fabatus restored nothing unto him, he accused him that he was procurator, not Fabatus Caesar's governor discovereth Syllaeus secrets. for Caesar but for Herod: wherewith Fabatus was moved, and being as yet in great estimation with Herode, he did disclose Syllaeus his secrets, and signified unto the king how that Syllaeus corrupted Corinthus one of his guard, whom he willed to be taken and kept in hold. And the king followed his counsel: for this Corinthus though he was always brought up in the king's court, yet was he borne in Arabia. Wherefore he presently took him and two other Arabians that were found with him; one of them was Syllaeus friend; and the other Phylarchus, who upon their examination confessed that Corinthus for a great sum of money was hired to kill the King. After this they were sent unto Saturninus the governor of Syria, and from him to Rome. CHAP. XIX. How Herode should have been poisoned, and how it was known. HErode still urged Pheroras to forsake his wife: for he knew not how to punish her, having Herod banisheth his brother Pheroras and and his wife. many matters against her: at last he was so moved that he banished his brother and her. Pheroras taking this injury patiently departed into his tetrarchy, taking an oath that his banishment should endure so long as Herode lived, and that whilst he lived he would never come any more at him. Insomuch as he would not come at this brother to visit him when he was sick, notwithstanding he was often sent for, when (as he thought) he lay now on his death bed, and would gladly impart something unto him: but contrary to all hope he recovered, and afterward Pheroras fell sick. At which time Herode showed his patient and humble mind: for he went unto him, and very kindly sought help for him, but he was too far spent, for a few days after he died: and although Herode loved him until his dying day, yet was it bruited abroad that he poisoned Pheroras died and was buried in jerusalem him. Herode caused his body to be brought unto jerusalem, and commanded all his nation to mourn, and buried him with a sumptuous funeral. And thus one of the murderers of Alexander and Aristobulus came to his end: but shortly after the revenge of that wicked fact did fall upon Antipater, who was the chief author thereof: it did but begin with Pheroras. For certain that belonged to Pheroras came in mournful wise unto Herode, and complained unto Ant. lib. 17. cap. 5. him how that his brother Pheroras was poisoned, and that one of his wives gave him meat that was not seasoned after the accustomed manner: which when he had eaten, he presently fell sick. And The year of the world. 3961. before Christ's birth 3. A witch of Arabia. that two days before his death there came a witch out of Arabia, who was sent for by his mother and his sister to give Pheroras a love potion, and she in steed thereof through Syllaeus inducements gave him poison, for she was of Syllaeus acquaintance. The King daunted with so many suspicions caused divers of Pheroras maids and libertines to be put to torments, and one of them impatient therein, exclaimed in this wise: O thou God ruler The confession o●… the women in their tortures. of heaven and earth, revenge us upon Antipater's mother, who is the cause of these our evils! When the king understood thus much, he ceased not to search out the truth; and then the woman disclosed Antipater's mothers familiarity with Pheroras, and his women, and their secret meetings: and that Pheroras and Antipater after they came from the king used to drink with them all night long, not suffering any servant nor maid to be in the room with them; and one of the Libertines wives revealed this. And when every one of the maids were tortured apart, all their examinations agreed; so that now it was evident wherefore Antipater had compacted to go to Rome, and Pheroras beyond the river jordan. For they were often wont to say, that Herode having killed Alexander and Aristobulus, now he would come to them and their wives: and that it was unlike that he would spare any one, who spared not Mariam and her sons: and therefore it was best to fly as far as it was possible from such a beast. And that Antipater was wont often to complain unto his mother, that now he grew gray-haired, and his father waxed young and lusty; and that it might so chance, that he should never live to be king, or if ever his father died, he should enjoy the pleasure of the kingdom but a short time. And moreover, the heads of Hydra, that is to say, Alexander's and Aristobulus sons began to spring up again: and that his father had injuriously cut off all hope from his sons, appointing none of them to succeed him, but the son of Mariam: wherein he was persuaded that he doted, if so be he thought his will should be of force; for he would take such an order, that he would leave none of all his progeny alive, and that Herod was the greatest hater of his sons of any father in the world: and was not therewithal contented, but he also hated his own brethren. Furthermore, that he not long ago gave him an hundredth talents that he should have no conference with Pheroras: and when Pheroras asked wherein they hurt him, Antipater answered, I would to God that he would take away all men else, and leave only us two naked, so that he would grant us life: but, quoth he, it is impossible to escape this dangerous beast, who will not suffer men openly to show friendship to one another. Lastly, though we now secretly meet, yet if we bear the hearts and hands of men, the time will be when we may talk and meet openly. The maids in torments disclosed these speeches, and that Pheroras was determined to fly with them into Petra. Herod believed all their saying●…, and the rather for that which was said concerning the hundredth talents. For he said nothing of them to any one but to Antipater. And first of all he bent his fury against Doris Antipater's mother: and taking from her all the ornaments which he had bestowed upon her, and bought with many talents, he banished her. Doris Antipater's mother is spoiled of her jewels, and thrust out of the palace. When his wrath was somewhat appeased, he released Pheroras maids from torments: and now he became timorous and fearful, and prone to any suspicion, torturing many that were innocent, for fear he should let any escape that were guilty. Hereupon he set upon Antipater the Samaritan, who was procurator for his son Antipater; who through torments confessed that his son Antipater had procured poison out of Egypt to kill him, by the means of a friend of Antiphilus, which poison Theudion Antipater's uncle took of him, and delivered to Pheroras: whom Antipater charged to dispatch Herod whilst he was at Rome, far from suspicion, and that Pheroras gave his wife the poison to keep. Wherefore the king calling for her, commanded her to bring forth that which was delivered unto her. And she making as though she would have gone forth to fetch it, cast herself down from a house top, thereby to prevent the torments, which if she were connicted, they would inflict upon her. But by the providence of God (as it should seem) it came so to pass that she fell not on her head, but upon her side, & so escaped death to the end that God might inflict punishment upon Antipater. And being brought unto the king, so soon as she began to come to herself (for she was amazed with the fall) the king demanded of her, wherefore she had done so, and swore unto her that if she would truly disclose all, he would pardon her for all; but if she told an untruth, her body should be tome in pieces with torments and not be buried. She a while held her peace, and at last said: Wherefore should I keep any thing secret, seeing Pheroras is dead, to save Antipater, who hath caused all our overthrows? Pheroras wife freely confesseth what was become of the poison. Hear O king and God be witness of the truth hereof, who cannot be deceived. When I sat weeping by Pheroras as he lay a dying, he called me unto him and said, see wife how much I am deceived concerning my brother's love towards me, for I hated & sought to kill him, who The year of the world 396●…. before Christ's Nativity. 3. thus loveth me, and sorroweth so much for me, though I am not yet dead: but truly I am justly rewarded for my iniquity. And now (wife) bring me hither the poison which was left by Antipater in thy keeping for my brother, & make it away before my face, that I carry not with me to hell a guilty conscience for that crime. So I brought it as he willed me, & the most part of the poison I cast into the fire, where it was ●…onsumed, & kept a little thereof to myself, for fear of mischances, and of thee: And having thus said, she brought forth a box which had in it a very little of the poison. And then the king tortured the brother & mother of Antiphilus, and they also confessed that Antiphilus brought a box out of Egypt, and that he received poison from his brother, who practised physic at Alexandria. The ghosts also of Alexander and Aristobulus went all about the whole kingdom, and became as it were spies, to give notice of such things as were uncertain; who also caused those that dwelled in the uttermost parts of the kingdom, to come and give evidence of such things as were suspected. At last it was proved that Mariam the daughter God's justice leaveth nothing unpunished. of the high Priest was acquainted with these conspiracies, for her brethren being tortured, did confess it. Wherefore the king revenged the mother's fault upon her child: for having writ in his will, that Herod her son should succeed Antipater in the kingdom, now for her fault he blotted that out. CHAP. XX. How Antipater's malicious practices against Herod were known and revenged. AFter all this Bathyllus joined himself with Antipater, as it were to add the last hand unto all his practices. This Bathyllus was one of his libertines, who brought another sort of poison, to wit, of Asps, and the poison also of other serpents, that if the first proved too weak and took not effect, that then Pheroras and his wife should make an end of the King with these. And beside these shameful practices of his against his father; he also had letters which he had counterfeited against his brethren. For Archelaus and Philip, two of the king's sons were at that time at Rome to study, who were very toward young men: and for that Antipater feared they might be some hindrance to him, in that which he expected, he hasted by all means possible to make them away. And the better to effect his purpose, he counterfeited Antipater's treasons against Archelaus and Philip his brothers letters in his friends names that were at Rome, and he for money got others to write, that these two young men used in taunting wise to rail against their father, and openly to complain of the death of Alexander and Aristobulus: and that they took it in bad part that they were sent for home (for their father sent word that they should come away) and thereat Antipater was m●…st troubled. For he before his departure from judaea to Rome procured such like letters to be forged against them at Rome; and so delivering them to his father, that he might avoid all suspicion; seemed to excuse his brethren, affirming some things that were written to be lies; other things to be offences, whereunto young men were prone. At which time he gave great sums of money to them in whose names he had counterfeited the letters against his brethren: hereby as it were hiring them to be secret. He gave them also rich apparel, and tapistry of curious worke●… also silver and golden cups, with many things more, to the end that by the precious gifts Antipater giveth a great sum of money to those that counterfeit letters against his brothers. and rewards which he bestowed, he might have all things kept close: so that at his return he made his father account that he had spent two hundred talents, the greatest portion whereof was consumed in following the law against Syllaeus. Antipater's small faults were all hid by a greater: for all they that had been tortured gave evidence against him, how that he practised his father's death, and the letters witnessed how again he went about to make away other two of his brethren: and yet for all this, none of those who came out of judaea to Rome, bore him so m●…ch good will as to give 〈◊〉 intelligence what troubles were in the court at home, although it was seven months after 〈◊〉 was convicted, before he came to judaea from Rome. Peradventure they who were minded to tell him all, were forced to hold their peace by the ghosts of them who were put to death: At last he sent letters from Rome to his father, that now he would Ant. lib. 18. cap. 8. Antipater is solicited By Herode with many kind words to hasten his return. shortly return home, and that Caesar had dismissed him very honourably. The king desired greatly that the Traitor were in his power, and fearing that if he had an inkling of any matter, that he would look to himself, feigned great kindness towards him, and sent back again unto him very loving and familiar letters, willing him to hasten his return: for if he made haste, it might be he should obtain pardon for his mother's offence for Antipater understood that she was banished. About this time he received a letter at Tarentum, whereby he understood the death of Pheroras; The year of the world, 3961, before Christ's birth 3. and greatly lamented it, which divers thought well of. Yet as far as one may conjecture, the cause of his grief was, that his treason went not forward as he wished; and he did lament Pheroras so much, as though he had lost one to effect his treachery. Moreover he feared least that which had passed should come to light, and lest the poison should be found: yet when he came to Cilicia, and there received his father's letters, which before we mentioned, he then made great haste homeward: yet when he came to Celenderis, he began earnestly to think upon his mother's mishap, his mind as it were presaging some sinister fortune. And the wiser sort of his friends about him counseled him not to go to his father, till such time as he were certain for what cause his mother was banished and divorced. For it was to be feared, that he should be accused also of the same that was laid to his mother's charge. But the unwiser sort being more desirous to see their country, then to bethink themselves what was expedient for Antipater, admonished him to make haste, lest that his long delay should breed any suspicion in his father, and lest thereby he should give occasion unto malignant people to raise up slanders. For (said they) if any thing hath passed against you, it was in your absence, & were you in presence no man durst do nor speak against you; and it were a very unwise part, for uncertain suspicions to deprive himself of certain felicity, and not to return speedily unto his father, and receive the kingdom at his hands, who had him in whom only his hope was. This counsel (for fortune would have it so) Antipater followed, & so arrived in the haven of Caesarea passing Sebaste, where contrary to his expectation, he fell into a great sorrow and admiration: for all men eschewed his Antipater hated in Caesarea company, and no man durst come near him. For although that he was always hated of them, yet than they had liberty to show their hatred. Many abstained from coming to him for fear of the king: and now the rumour of those things which Antipater had done was known in every City, and to every man, only Antipater himself was ignorant thereof. For there was never any man brought thither with more majesty than he, when he was to sail to Rome, nor never any man more basely entertained at his return. And now understanding of the massacre at home, he craftily made himself ignorant thereof; and notwithstanding that he was almost dead for fear, yet in his countenance he counterfeited confidence. For he could not now possibly make any escape, nor rid himself out of those present dangers: and yet he heard no certain news of matters at home, nor there: for the king by an edict had forbidden all men to give him notice thereof: So that many times he comforted himself thus, that either all matters concerning him were yet secret, or if any thing was come to light, that he by policy and impudency could acquit himself thereof; for these two were his refuge and hope. Being thus determined, he went into the king's palace alone without any of his friends and followers; which at the very first gate were most contumeliously repulsed. And by chance Varus the ruler of Syria was there within: then he boldly going in to his father, came near unto him, as though he would have saluted him. But Herode stretching forth his hand and shaking his head, cried out, O thou that hast attempted to murder thy father, darest thou yet presume to offer to embrace me, Antipater's entertainment at his father's hands. who art guilty of so many treacheries! God confound thee, wicked wretch, and come not near me till thou hast cleared thyself of all that which is laid against thee: for thou shalt have justice, and Varus shall be thy judge, who is by good fortune now here. Go and premeditate how to acquit thee against to morrow, for I will give thy subtle and crafty brain some time to do it. Hereat Antipater was astonished with fear, that he was not able to reply any thing but so went his way. Presently his mother and his wife came unto him, and told him all the proofs of treasons against him. Then he calling his wits together, be thought himself how to answer every point. The next day the king caused an assembly of his friends and kinsfolks, and to them admitted Antipater's friends: and he and Varus sitting in judgement, commanded all proofs to be Antipater is judged before Varus. brought, and witnesses to appear: amongst whom were certain of Antipater's mother's servants, lately apprehended, who had letters from her to carry unto him, to this effect. For as much as all those things are now known unto thy father, beware that thou return not unto him before thou hast obtained some warrant of thy safety from Caesar. These and others being brought in, Antipater also came in with them, and prostrating himself before his father's feet, he said: I beseech thee, O father, bear no prejudicate opinion against me, & lend me an open ear whilst Herod's accusation against Antipater. I purge myself: for if you please to give me leave, I will prove myself guiltless. But Herod with a vehement voice commanding him to hold his tongue, spoke thus unto Varus. I know Varus, that both thou, or any other just and indifferent judge, will adjudge Antipater to have deserved death: and I fear me lest you also should disdain me for my bad fortune, and think me worthy of all calamity, who have begotten such sons as you see. And yet this should move thee so The years of the world, 3961. before Christ's birth 3. Herodes kindness towards his children. much the more to pity me, who have been so merciful and careful for such wicked caitiffs. For I had already appointed those young men that are dead to be kings, and brought them up at Rome, & gotten them Caesar's favour: but they whom I had so much honoured, and exalted unto the crown, became traitors against mine own life, whose death was much available to Antipater. For his security I sought therein, because he was a young man, and the next that should succeed me: but this cruel beast being more than full gorged with my sufferance & patience, hath emptied his stomach even upon myself, and thinketh my life too long, & is grieved that I live to be old, & hath attempted to make himself king, not any other way but by murdering his father. And Herode loved Antipater above the rest, and bestowed many benefits on him. for what cause did this come so to pass? for that I recalled him out of the field, where he was contemptible, and casting them off, whom I had begotten of a Queen, appointed this to be heir of my kingdom. I confess unto thee, Varus, my error: for I incited them against me, because that for Antipater's sake I deprived them of their right. For wherein had I so well deserved of them, as at this man's hands? unto whom, being yet alive, I committed the sway and rule of my kingdom, and openly in my will and testament declared him to be my heir and successor: whole charges I with mine own money have still supported, notwithstanding that I had bestowed upon him the yearly revenues of fifty talents. And lately, when he was to sail to Rome, I gave him three hundred talents, and commended him unto Caesar, as the only man of all my house, who had preserved his father's life. And what was their offence, if it be compared with Antipater's? and what proof was there of that, for which they suffered? none but that which this fellow treacherously invented. Nay, I may boldly say so of him, who hath attempted to murder his father, and now doth hope to colour all again with craft and deceit. Beware Varus, that he deceive not thee: for I know this beast, and I even now see by his feigned tears how probable a tale he will tell. This fellow once warned me, that whilst Alexander lived I should beware of him, and not put every one in trust with my person. This is he who was want to go before me into my bedchamber, and look about in every corner, lest some should have lain in wait to have effected any treason against me. This is he who watched me in my sleep, and through whom I thought myself secure: who comforted me when I mourned for them that were put to death. This is he who censured the good will of his brethren when they were alive. This was my defender & champion. O Varus, when I remember his crafts and subtleties, and all his counterfeitings, I scarcely think myself alive, admiring how I escaped the hands of such a traitor: and seeing that Fortune stirreth up those of mine own house against me, and that those whom I most esteem of, are my greatest enemies, I will bewail mine own fortune, and alone lament mine own desolation; and not one that hath thirsted after my blood shall escape, although proof be brought against every one of my children. And thus his heart being surcharged with sorrow, he was forced to break off his speech: and presently he commanded Nicholaus, one of his friends, to show all the proofs and evidences. All this while Antipater lay prostrate at his father's feet, and lifting up his head, he cried aloud: Thou thyself, O father, sufficiently purgest me. For how should I be one who sought to Antipater's answer and excuse. murder thee, when thyself dost confess, that I always have preserved thee from all dangers? Or if, as thou sayst, I did it feignedly, was it probable that I would be so circumspect in other affairs, and at other times, and now in so weighty a matter play the part of a foolish & senseless man: nay I might well think; that although such a thought might have been kept secret from men, yet it could not be hidden from God, who seeth all things. Was I ignorant what befell my brethren, whom God so punished for their wicked intents towards thee? Or what should cause me to envy at thy life? The hope of the kingdom: Why, I had the kingdom. Or a suspicion of thy hatred towards me? I knew thou lovedst me. Or any fear which I had of thee? Nay in obeying thee I was feared of others. Perhaps want might cause me thereto? Much less. For who might spend more than I? Truly, if I had been the wickedest person in the world, or the cruelest beast upon the earth, yet should I have relented, being overcome by the benefits of so loving a father, seeing, as thyself hast said, thou didst recall and prefer me before so many sons. And thou yet alive, didst proclaim me king, and made me a spectacle to all men for to emulate, through the benefits thou bestowedst upon me. O wretch that I am! O unhappy time of my absence Antipater calleth Rome and Caesar to witness. out of my country! what an head did I give to envy, & what opportunity to malicious & deceitful people? Yet, O father, it was for thy sake, and about thy affairs that I went to Rome, that Syllaeus might not triumph over thy old age. Rome can witness my piety, and Caesar the Prince of the whole world, who did often call me a lover of my father. Receive here, O father, his letter, farrer 〈◊〉 than these feigned calumniations against me: let these plead my cause, let these show my The year of the world. 3●…61 before Christ's birth 3. affection towards thee: remember how unwilling jovas to sail to Rome knowing I had here in thy country many secret enemies. Thou like an unwise father hast cast me away: thou force 〈◊〉 to give envy time to frame accusations against me but now I will come to the proofs of th●…se matters. Behold here I am, who notwithstanding a murderer of my father, yet did I never suffer any misfortune by sea nor land: is not this O father, a sufficient argument of my innocency? For I know father, that before God and thee I am condemned: and being condemned, I beseech thee, give not credit to reports extracted by torments: let me be bumed, inflict all torments upon me, spare not my wicked bodie●… For if I be a murderer of my father I must not die without torments: crying out aloud after this manner, and weeping he moved all that were present, and Varus also to compassion; but Herode only abstained from tears, for his anger gave attention Nicholaus by the king's command beginneth a most heinous and bitter accusation against Antipater. to the truth. And presently Nicholaus at the king's commandment making a long speech of Antipater's craft and subtlety, took away all hope of mercy, and began a very bitter accusation, ascribing all mischief which had befallen that kingdom unto him, and especially the death of the two brethren; who through his calumniations were made away: affirming also that he used treacherous practices against those, who were yet alive, fearing lest they should seek to succeed in the kingdom: for he who had prepared poison for his father, would much less spare his brethren. And then coming to the proof of his pretence to poison his father, he declared in order all evidence thereof, aggravating his offence by Pheroras; as though Antipater also were the cause why he purposed to murder his brother; and how he had corrupted the king's dearest friends; and so filled the wholecourt with wickedness. And when he had accused him of many other things; and brought proof thereof, he ended his speech.; Then Varus when he had commanded Antipater to make answer unto those things; and Nicholaus peroration. that he said nothing more, than God is a witness of my innocency, he called for the poison and gave it to one that was condemned to die, who having drunk thereof presently died. Then Varus The venom tried upon a condemned man. talked secretly with Herod, and what was done there in that council he wrote unto Caesar. Yet notwithstanding when Herod had sent Antipater to prison, he sent messengers unto Caesar to show him his hard fortune and calamity. After this it was proved that Antipater wrought treason against Salome. For one of Antiphil●…s servants came from Rome and brought letters in the name of Acmes, who was one of julia her maids, which she writ unto the king, telling him that she found a letter of Salome's amongst Julia's letters, and so for good will she had sent it him ●…the letter which she affirmed to be Salome's contained many bitter invectives against Herod, and many accusations. But these letters were written and feigned by Antipater, who for money had persuaded Acmes so to do, as we have said: for the letter which she writ to Antipater another proof against Antipater. evidently showed it to be so, for she wrote as followeth. I have written unto thy father as you requested me, and sent also other letters and I assure myself he will not spare his sister, if he do but read the letters: and you may do well, seeing I have performed all your requests, that now you would be mindful of your promise. This letter against Salome and others being found to be counterfeited, the king began to doubt that Alexander was made away by such counterfeited letters: and he was very angry that he had almost put his sister to death, through Antipater's devise. Wherefore he no longer delayed to punish him for all, yet he was hindered by a great sickness Herod intendeth Antipater's punishment, & therefore blotteth his name out of his Testament. from accomplishing his purpose. He also sent letters unto Caesar concerning Acme the maid, and Salome's false accusation, and changed his testament, and blotted out the name of Antipater, and in his room written Antipas, leaving out Archelaus and Philippus who were the elder brethren, because Antipater had accused them. And he bequeathed unto Caesar a thousand talents beside many other rich gifts: and to his wife and children, and kindred, and libertines about five hundredth, and gave every one a great gift either in ground or money, and honoured his sister Salome with most rich gifts. And thus he corrected his will. CHAP. XXI. Of the golden Eagle, and of Antipater's and Herodes death. Herods' disease increased, partly through age, and especially for his g●…ese and sorrow: for he Ant. lib. 17. cap. 8. was now three score and ten years old, and his mind was so troubled by the death of his children, that though he were in health; yet he took no pleasure in any thing: and his sickness was so much the more grievous unto him, because that Antipater was yet alive; for he purposed to put him to death when he was recovered of his sickness. To increase his calamity, there arose a tumult amongst the people. For there were in the city two sophisters, who made The year of the world 3963. before Christ's Nativity. 3. a show as though they were very skilful in their country laws, & for that were renowned all over the country. One of them was named judas who was son unto Sepphoraeus: the other was called Mathias son unto Margalus. These two were followed by a great many young men, so that when they expounded the law they had an assembly like a great army, all young men. These two hearing that the King partly by grief, and partly by his disease was very like to die, spoke unto their acquaintance, saying, that it was now a fit time wherein God might be revenged, and those judas and Mathias persuade the people to pull down the golden Eagle. things which were made against their country laws taken away: for it was a great offence to God to permit the Images or shapes; or likeness of any living thing to be in the temple. This they said, because the king had set a golden Eagle upon the chiefest porch of the temple, which the Sop●…sters now willed the young men to take away, saying that it was meritorious, although danger might ensue thereon, yea even to die for their country laws. For they that died for such a cause should have their souls immortal and enjoy everlasting bliss: and that many unwise men ignorant of that doctrine so loved their lives, that they chose rather to die by sickness then to spend their lives in a virtuous quarrel. Whilst they said thus, there was a rumour spread that the king was now at the last cast: whereat the young men being encouraged, about noon when many were walking in the temple, they let themselves down from the top of the temple with great ropes, and so with hatchets cut down the Eagle: Whereof the captain of the soldiers being advertised, accompanied with a great many soldiers, went speedily to the temple, and took almost forty of the young men, and carried them to the King. Who first of all asked them if they were so bold as to cut down the golden Eagle: and they confessed they had done it: then he demanded The young men that pulled down the Eagle are brought before Herod; and are examined. by whose commandment? they answered by the commandment of their country laws. After this it was asked them why they who were presently to die were so joyful? they answered, for that after death they hoped to enjoy many good things and eternal bliss. The king hereat greatly moved with anger, overcame his disease and went forth and made a speech to the people, wherein he inveighed against them as Church-robbers, and that under pretence and colour of their country laws and religion they attempted great matters, and adjudged them as impious The young men with the ringleaders condemned to die. people worthy of death. The people fearing that he would torture many to learn who favour that act, requested him that first the authors of that crime, & then those that were found guilty therein should receive punishment: & that he would remit the offence to all the people beside. The king with much ado entreated, caused the young men that let themselves down in cords, and the Sophisters to be burned, & the rest which were taken in that act to be beheaded. After this the king's sickness spread over his whole body, and he was afflicted with most grievous pain: The king troubled with many diseases. Ant. lib. 17. cap. 9 for he had a vehement ague, and an itch over all his whole body, which was intolerable, and a daily colic; and his feet were swollen, as though he had the dropsy: his belly was swollen, and privy members putrefied, so that worms bred in the putrefied places. He was also short wound, and he was grievously tormented with difficulty of breath, and a convulsion of the whole body: so that some said that this was a punishment laid upon him for the death of the two Sophisters. Herod notwithstanding he was afflicted with so many & grievous sicknesses, yet was he desirous to live, and sought remedy whereby he hoped for health. At last he passed over jordan, where he Herod seeketh remedy in his sickness at the hot baths. used the warm waters of Calliroe which run into the lake of Asphaltites, and are so sweet that men use to drink of them. There the Physicians caused his body to be bathed in hot oil, and it was therewith so dissolved that his sight failed, and he was as though he were dead: wherea●… those that were about him being troubled, with their cries caused him to look up, & now despairing of life he willed fifty Drachmas to be distributed unto every soldier, and great sums of money to the captains and his friends. As he returned, when he came to jericho, he was in very great likelihood to die of melancholy, and there he devised a wicked fact: for he caused the chief men of every town and village in all judaea to be assembled together, and then he shut them up in a place called the Hippodrome: Herod full of melancholy. The ambassadors signify Acme's death, and bring letters that authorise Herod to punish Antipater. and calling unto him Salome his sister, and Alexas her husband. I know, quoth he, that the jews will make feasts for joy of my death, yet if you will do my command, I shall be mourned for, and I shall have a princely funeral. Therefore so soon as I have given up the ghost, cause soldiers to compass these men, whom I have here in hold, and kill them all: for so all judaea, and every household thereof shall against their will bewail my death. As thus he commanded this to be done, the Legates came which he had sent to Rome, bringing him letters, wherein was showed how Acmes julia her maid, was by Caesar's command put to death, and Antipater condemned to die: yet Caesar writ, that if his father had rather banish him, he would condescend thereunto also. Herod with this news was something refleshed, yet presently with pain he was overcome: The year of the world, 3963 after Christ's birth 1. for he both was troubled with a vehement cough, and almost pined with fasting, to that he thought to hasten his own death; and taking no apple in his hand, he called for a knife for he was accustomed to cut the meat which he did ear; and then looking about him, lest any standing by might hinder him, he lifted up his arm to strike himself. But Achiabus his cousin ra●… hastily unto him, and stayed his hand: and presently there was made great lamentation throughout Herode overcome with pain would have slain himself. Ant. lib 17. cap. 16. the king's palace as though the king had been dead. Antipater having speedy news hereof, was glad, and took courage, and promised the keepers a piece of money to let him go. But the chiefest of them did not only deny to do it, but also went presently to the king, and told him all what Antipater requested. Herod hearing this, lifted up his voice with more strength than was meet for a sick man, and commanded his guard to go and kill Antipater, and bury him in the Castle called Hyrcanium. And then again he altered his testament, and writ Archelaus his eldest Antipater's death. son, who was brother to Antipas, for king, and appointed Antipas for Tetrarch. Five days after the death of his son Antipater, Herod died ●…hauing reigned thirty and four years after he slew Antigonus, and thirty seven years after that the Romans had declared him king. And in all other things he was as fortunate as any man: for he being but a private person, got the crown Ant. lib. 17. cap. 12. and kept it, and left it unto his posterity: but in his household affairs he was most infortunate. Salome before it was known that the king was dead, went forth with her husband, and released all those that were in hold, whom the king commanded to be slain, saying, that the king's mind was now altered, and therefore he gave them all licence to depart: and after their departure the king's death was made known to the soldiers, who together with the other multitude were assembled in the Amphitheatre at jericho. Where Ptolemaeus keeper of the kings seal made a speech unto them, and began to say that Herod was now happy; and comforted the multitude, and so Herodes death signified to the soldiers. he read unto them a letter which the king left, wherein he earnestly requested the soldiers to favour and love his successor. After the Epistle read, he recited the king's testament, wherein Philip was appointed heir of Trachon, & the places thereunto adjoining; Antipas designed Tetrarch, and Archelaus king. Him also he commanded to bear his ring unto Caesar, and withal notice and intelligence of the estate of the kingdom, whereof he had been governor, fast sealed in writing: for he appointed Caesar to be overseer of all his ordinances, unto whose pleasure he left the performance of his testament. This was no sooner read, but presently the skies were filled with the voices and cries of Archelaus proclaimed king after his father's decease. the people, who did congratulate Archelaus, and the soldiers and the people came in companies unto him, promising their favour and furtherance, and desired God always to assist him. This done, every one was busied about the king's funerals, where Archelaus spared no cost, but buried the King with all royal pomp possible. The Beer whereon he was carried was adorned with gold and precious stones: upon it lay a bed wrought with purple, whereupon was laid the dead corpse of the King covered also with purple, with a crown on his head, and a diadem of pure gold; and a sceptre in his right hand. About the Beer were his sons and kinsfolk: and the guard, & bands Herodes pompous funeral. of Thracians, Germans, and Gauls all went before in order, as though they had gone to wars. The rest of the soldiers in warlike order did follow their Captains and leaders, and 500 servants and libertines carried perfumes. And thus the corpse was carried the space of two hundredth furlongs into the Castle named Herodion, where, as himself had appointed, it was interred. And this was the end of king Herode. THE SECOND BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 2. book. 1 Of Herod's successor Archelaus, how he entered into the Temple, and the mutiny that arose for the revenge of those that were executed for taking away the golden Eagle. 2 Of the fight and massacre in jerusalem between the jews and Sabinians. 3 Of Varus his deeds concerning the jews that were crucified. 4 How the jews had an Ethnarcha constituted over them. 5 Of the false supposed Alexander, and how he was taken. 6 Of the death of Archelaus. 7 Of Simon the Galilean, and the three sects of the jews. 8 Of pilate's government. 9 Of the pride of Caius, and of Petronius the Precedent. 10 Of the reign of Claudius the Emperor, and the reign and death of Agrippa. 11 Of divers tumults in judaea and Samaria. 12 Of the tamults in judaea under Foelix. 13 Of Albiuns and Florus Precedents of judaea. 14 Of Florus cruelty towards the jews of Caesarea and jerusalem. 15 Of another opperession of those of jerusalem through Florus his means. 16 Of Politianus the Tribune, and Agrippa his oration to the jews, wherein he exhorted them to obey the Romans. 17 Of the beginning of the rebellion of the jews against the Romans. 18 Of the murder of Ananias the high Priest, Manahemus, and the Roman soldiers. 19 Of a great slaughter of the jews in Caesarea, and throughout all Syria. 20 Of another grievous slaughter of the jews. 21 Of the massacre of the jews at Alexandria. 22 Of the massacre of the jews by Cestius. 23 Of the battle of Cestius against jerusalem. 24 Of the besieging of jerusalem by Cestius, and the massacre there. 25 Of the cruelty of them of Damascus towards the jews, and of josephus his practices in Gablee. 26 Of josephus his dangers and evasion, and the malice of john Giscaleus. 27 How josephus recovered Tiberias and Sephoris. 28 How the citizens of jerusalem prepared themselves to war, and of Simon Gioras tyranny. CHAP. I. Of Herod's successor Archelaus, and how he entered into the Temple, and the mutiny that arose for the revenge of those that were executed for taking down the golden Eagle. ARchelaus being appointed successor in the kingdom of Herod late dead, necessity The year of the world. 3964. after the birth of Christ. 2. Antony's lib. 17. cap. 11. The lamentations and banquets Archelaus ma●…. constrained him to go to Rome, which journey gave occasion of new broils. For after that for seven days space he had celebrated his father's funerals, and largely feasted the people (for this is a custom amongst the jews, which bringeth many of them to poverty, yet he that doth not so is reputed impious) he went unto the Temple attired in a white garment, where he was with great joy received of the people; and he himself sitting in a tribunal seat & a throne of gold, did very courteously admit the people to his presence: and thanked them for their diligent care used in his father's funerals, and for that they exhibited honour The year of the world. 3964. after Christ's birth 2. unto him, as though he were already king. Yet he said that he would not take upon him the authority nor name of a king, till such time as his succession was approved by Caesar, who by his father's testament was Lord and master of all: and for that cause he withstood the soldiers at jericho, when they would have crowned him. But he promised, that if he were confirmed king by those who were in authority, he would largely recompense both the soldiers and the people Archelaus promiseth his subjects all favour. for their good will; and that he fully purposed to be better unto them than his father was. The multitude hereat greatly rejoiced, and made present trial of his mind and purpose; for some cried out, requesting that the tribute might be no more exacted. Others desired that the yearly payments might cease. Others requested to give all prisoner's liberty. Archelaus in favour of the people granted all their requests: & then offering sacrifices, he banqueted with his friends: when suddenly after the noon time of the day a great multitude desirous of alteration (the common lamentation for the king's death being ceased) began a private mourning, bewailing their Asedition about the pulling down of the Eagle, and the agents thereof. Ant. lib. 17. cap. 12. Archelaus bounty towards the seditious. mischance, whom Herod had put to death for pulling down the golden Eagle from off the porch of the Temple. This sorrow was not secret, but the whole city did resound with laments for them, that were thought to have lost their lives for the temple and their country laws. They also cried that revenge was to be taken upon them, whom Herod for that fact rewarded with money. And that first of all, he who by Herod was constituted high Priest, was to be rejected, and another more holy and devout to be put in his place. Archelaus, although he was hereby moved to revenge, yet because he was presently to take such a journey, abstained from it, fearing lest that if he brought the multitude into hatred of him, they might hinder him. Wherefore he sought rather by admonishing them, then by force to reclaim those that were seditious, and sent the Governor of the soldiers to request them to be pacified. But the authors of that sedition so soon as he came to the temple, before he spoke one word, threw stones at him: and in like manner they used others sent after him to appease them (for Archelaus dispatched many messengers unto them) whom they spitefully entreated, making a show that if they had been more in number, they would not have been appeased. Therefore when the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which the jews call Easter, wherein an infinite number of sacrifices were appointed; an innumerable The feast of Easter solemnly kept and much sacrifice offered. multitude of people came out of all villages thereabout for devotion sake to that solemnity, and they who so lamented the death of the Sophisters, remained in the Temple, seeking by all means to nourish their sedition. Which Archelaus fearing, sent a band of soldiers and a Tribune with them, to take the chief of the seditious, before such time as they had drawn unto them the multitude of the people: against whom the whole number being stirred up, slew a great many of them with stones, and the Tribune himself being sore hurt, had much ado to escape. And when they had so done, they presently went and offered sacrifice, as though that no hurt had been done. But Archelaus persuaded himself that the multitude would not be appeased without slaughter: wherefore he sent unto them the whole army, the footmen into the city, and the horsemen into the field, who invading the seditious people as they were sacrificing, Three thousand of the jews slain at the feast of Easter. slew of them almost three thousand, and scattered the residue into the mountains near adjoining. There were also criers who followed Archelaus, and proclaimed by virtue of his command, that every one should depart home to his house: so every one notwithstandinding the holiness of the day departed. But he accompanied with his mother Popla, Ptolemaeus, and Nicholaus his friends, went unto the sea coast, leaving Philip for Governor of the kingdom, and over his household: with them departed Salome and her children, and the king's brethren and kindred, under pretence to assist Archelaus to the crown, but indeed it was to inform Caesar of that which was done in the Temple against the law. When they came to Caesarea, they met with Sabinus Governor of Syria, who was coming toward judaea to take into his custody Herod's treasure: whom Varus forbade to go any further, Sabinus cometh into judaea to seize the fortresses, and keep the treasure. Ant. lib. 17. cap. 13. Antipas elected king by Herodes former testament striveth with Archelaus for the kingdom. being sent for by Archelaus, and Ptolemie requesting him thereunto. And so Sabinus for the love of Varus, neither entered the Castles, nor shut up Herod's treasure from Archelaus, but promised that he would let all alone till Caesar understood thereof. But so soon as one of them that hindered him was gone to Antiochia, and the other, to wit Archelaus, to Rome; he still remaining at Caesarea, now hasted unto jerusalem and took the king's palace, where calling for the chief of the guard, and the purveyors, he exacted of them an account, and sought to take into his custody the Castles and strong holds. But the Captains of the garrison, mindful of the charge which Archelaus gave them, kept unto themselves the custody of all, affirming that they kept them more for Caesar then Archelaus. At this time Antipas made a claim to the crown alleging that Herod's first testament was of more force than the last, and that he in the The year of the world, 3964. after Christ's birth 2. first was declared king; and both Salome and many more of his kindred, who sailed with Archelaus, promised him their aid. He took with him his mother, and Ptolemaeus brother unto Nicholaus, persuading himself that they for their trustiness and loyalty unto Herod, would stand him in great steed: for this Ptolemaeus was Herod's dearest friend. He had also great confidence in Irenaeus Antipas accuseth Archelaus by letters to Caesar. his orator, because he had an excellent grace in pleading, in so much as he refused the counsel of them who sought to persuade him to yield unto Archelaus, both for his age, and for the last testament of his father. Now he was well beloved of all his kin●…ed at Rome, because they hated Archelaus, and especially those that desired to live at liberty, and either to be governed by the Romans, or else to have Antipas for their king. And to further him the more, he used, Sabinus letters unto Caesar, wherein Archelaus was accused, and Antipas commended. Therefore Salome, and the rest of their accomplices brought the accusations unto Caesar. And after them Archelaus delivered all that which he had done in writing, & withal his father's ring by Ptolemeus; & the reasons of that which he had done he sent enclosed unto Caesar. Caesar pondering with himself what both parties alleged, and the greatness of the kingdom and large revennes, and number of Herod's children, reading also the letters of Varus and Sabinus, he called the chief of the Romans to council. Wherein Caius the son of Agrippa and his daughter julia, by his assignment, Caesar calleth a council of Roman nobility. sat in the first place (this Caius was Caesar's adopted son) and so he licenced the parties to plead their rights. Then Antipater Salome's son being the most eloquent of all Archelaus adversaries, offered himself to be his accuser, for that Archelaus seemed now in words to contend for the kingdom, which he had already possessed himself of: and that he did now trouble Caesar's ears with vain cavillations, whom he would not wish to judge of his lawful succession. Antipater's vehement accusation against Archelaus. For after Herod's death he suborned some to put a diadem upon his head, and then sitting in a throne of gold in kingly manner, he partly changed, partly advanced the orders of the soldiers, and granted unto the people their requests, which could not be effected but by a king. He had also set at liberty maniemen, who for great crimes were imprisoned by his father: and having done all this, he came now unto Caesar, to crave the shadow of the kingdom, the substance and body whereof he already occupied: so that herein he left nothing unto Caesar but a bare title. Moreover, he alleged that Archelaus did but counterfeit sorrow for his father's death, feigning himself to mourn on the day time, and in the night he would be drunk and rioted. Finally, he said, that the sedition of the people came by hatred thereof. But the force and drift of his speech Antipater spareth no vehemency in accusing Archelaus. was altogether bend to declare the multitude slain about the Temple: for he said, that they only came against that festival day to offer sacrifice, and that they themselves were sacrificed, as they were offering their sacrifices which they brought; and that there were such heaps of dead bodies in the Temple, as never by any foreign wars were slain the like. Therefore Herod foreseeing his cruelty, never judged him worthy of the kingdom, till such time as his memory failed him: and that now being more sick in mind then body, he knew not whom he named his successor in his last will, especially for that he had nothing wherein he could blame him, whom in his former will he appointed his successor, when he was in health both of mind and body. Yet (quoth he) put case Herod in his extremity knew what he did, yet (said he) Archelaus hath deprived The will changed during Herod's sickness Antipater against Archelaus Nicholaus defendeth Archelaus. himself of all kingly dignity, having committed many things against the laws. For (said he) what will he be after he hath received authority from Caesar, who before he received any, hath murdered somanie? Antipater having spoken much to this effect, and at every accusation taking witness of his kindred that stood by, ended his speech. Then Nicholaus stood up, and first of all he showed that the slaughter of them in the Temple was necessary. For they, for whose death Archelaus was now accused, were not only enemies of the kingdom, but also of Caesar: and for other crimes objected, he showed how that they were done even by the counsel and persuasion of the adversaries. He also requested that the second testament might be of force, for that therein Herod requested Caesar to be a confirmer of his successor. For he who had such remembrance, as to leave the performance of his will to the discretion of him who was Lord of all, did neither mistake himself in appointing his heir, nor yet was deprived of his senses, seeing he knew by whom he should be established. When Nicholaus had ended his speech, and declared all that he thought might make for Archelaus; Archelaus coming into Archelaus humbleth himself at Caesar's feet. Caesar's bounty and humanity towards him. the midst of the Council, prostrated himself at Caesar's feet, whom Caesar courteously taking from the ground, showed that he was worthy to succeed his father. Yet did he not pronounce a definitive sentence: but the same day the Council being dismissed, he deliberated with himself, according to the evidence he knew, whether any of those nominated in the two wills should succeed their father in the kingdom, or that the kingdom should be distributed amongst the whole The year of the world. 3964. after Christ's birth 2. family: for he thought that they for number wanted succour. CHAP. II. Of the fight and massacre at jerusalem between the jews and the Sabinians. BEfore such time as Caesar determined any thing concerning this matter, Malthace the mother of Archelaus fell sick and died; and many letters came out of Syria, signifying Ant. lib. 17. cap. 14. Sedition in jerusalem. that the jews had rebelled. Which Varus foreseeing after the departure of Archelaus from thence, went unto jerusalem to repress and resist the authors of that sedition: and because the multitude would not be quiet, he left one legion of the three which he brought out of Syria, in the city, and so he returned unto Antiochia. But Sabinus coming afterward to jerusalem, was the cause that the jews began a new broil. For one while he forced the garrisons to render to him the Castles, another while he rigorously made search for the king's treasure; and he was not only assisted by those that Varus left there, but also he had a great multitude of his own servants all armed to further his avarice. And in the feast Sabinus seizeth the king's treasure, and laboureth to get possession of his fortresses. of Pentecost (so called because of the number of seven weeks) the people assembled themselves together not for religion sake, but for anger and hatred: so that there was an infinite multitude of people which came out of Galilee and Idumaea, and jericho, and the countries beyond jordan. Yet the jews which were inhabitants of the City surpassed the rest both in number and courage: and they therefore parted themselves into three bands, and made three camps: one upon the North part of the temple; the other on the South part near unto the Castle called Hippodromus, the third on the West-part near the palace, and so they besieged Three camps of the jews. the Romans on every side. Sabinus greatly fearing them, both for their multitude, and for their courage, sent many letters unto Varus earnestly requesting him with all speed to bring succour: for if he did not, the whole legion would be extinguished. He himself got Sabinus getteth into the highest tower of the strongest castle. A skirmish between the jews and Romans. him into the highest tower of the Castle Phasaelus, which is so called by the name of Herodes brother, whom the Parthians killed: and from thence he gave a sign unto the soldiers to issue out suddenly upon their enemies: for himself was in such a fear that he durst not come down to the soldiers of whom he was governor. The soldiers obeying his command, issued into the temple, and there fought a sore battle with the jews, who having no body to assist them, being unexperienced in warlike affairs were soon conquered by them that were skilful. At last many jews got upon the porches and cast darts at them from the top thereof, so that they killed many: but the other could not revenge themselves of them, who fought against them from so high a place; neither could they sustain the force of them, who joined battle with them; till at last they fired the porches, which for greatness and curious work were admirable. And so many were either destroyed with the sudden fire, or else leaping down amidst their enemies were by them slain: others going backward were The Romans fire the porches. cast headlong from the wall: others despairing of life killed themselves with their own swords: and they who privily came down the walls and assaulted the Romans, being astonished with fear were easily overcome: till at last, all being either put to the sword, or cast down through fear, the treasure dedicated to God was left destitute of keepers, so that the Soldiers took away thereof about four hundredth talents, and that which they left Sabinus got. But this loss of men and money stirred up many more jews, and those more warlike than the first, against the Romans; who besieging the king's palace threatened all their destructions, unless they would presently depart from thence: promising Sabinus and the legion leave to depart if he so liked. Part of the king's soldiers, who of their own accord fled unto them, did assist them. But the most warlike and valiant amongst them were three thousand of Sebaste, whose rulers were Rufus and Gratus, one leader of the footmen, and the other over the horsemen; both which, although they had had no soldiers with them, for their valour of body, and counsel might yet have been a great help unto the Romans in those wars. The jews earnestly continued the siege, and assaulted the castle walls, crying upon Sabinus to depart, and not to hinder them now after so long time, to have their country's liberty. Sabinus though with all his heart he wished himself away, yet durst he not trust them; but he suspected that their courtesy was but a plot to entrap him: and on the other side hoping that Varus would come and help him, he The year of the world. 3964. after the birth of Christ. 2. Antony's lib. 17. cap. 15. still endured the danger of the siege. At the same time there were tumults in many places of judaea, and many through opportunity of the time aspired to the kingdom. For in Idumaea two thousand old soldiers, who had borne arms under Herod, gathering together and having armed themselves, came and fought with the king's forces, whom Achiabus the king's cousin resisted in the strongest villages, always eschewing to fight in the open field. At Sephoris also a town of Galilee, judas the son of Ezechias the captain of the thieves, who before was taken by king Herode, and had wasted that country; gathered together a great multitude, and broke into the king's armoury, and armed all his company, and fought against them who affected the royal dignity. Also beyond the river, Simon one of the king's servants being fair and of a huge stature, put a crown upon his own head, and gathering together a company of thieves went about with them unto jericho, and burned the king's palace and many fair and sumptuous houses Simon one of the king's servants taketh the kingdom upon him. there, and so got great prey by burning the houses: and he had surely fired all buildings of account, had not Gratus captain of the king's footmen made haste to meet him with the bowmen of Trachon, and the most warlike men of Sebaste, where many footmen were slain. But Simon though he fled into a straight valley, yet he overtook him, and cut him overthwart the neck, and so he fell down. In like manner other of the king's palaces near jordan by Bethara were burned, by a multitude of others gathered together in bands from beyond the river: At this time a shepherd named Athrongaeus presumed to usurp the crown: he was thereunto induced by the courage he bore, and the disdain of death. With this resolution he armed his four brethren, and every one of them had a company armed, and they were as his captains and champions to make incursions: and he like a King meddled only with great affairs, and then he put a crown upon his Athrongaeus a shepherd usurpeth the kingdom. head; and thus he continued a long time wasting the country, and killing especially the Romans, and also the king's soldiers; so that none of the jews escaped if they were in hope to gain by them. They also presumed to meet a company of the Romans at Ammauns, who carried corn and armour unto the legion, where they killed with darts one Arius a Centurion, and forty of the most valiant amongst them: and the rest being in the like danger, through the help of Gratus with his soldiers of Sebaste, escaped. When they had done many things in this manner against the inhabitants & strangers, at last three of them were taken: the eldest by Archelaus: and the two others who were eldest after him, fell into the hands of Gratus and Ptolemaeus: and the fourth yielded The end and issue of the war. himself unto Archelaus upon composition: and thus at last they came to their end. And all judaea by their example was filled with thieves. CHAP. III. Of Varus his deeds concerning the jews that were crucified. WHen Varus had received the letters of Sabinus, and of the nobles with him, fearing the whole legion, he hasted to succour them: Wherefore he came to Ptolemais with Ant. lib. 17. cap. 16. Varus assisteth the Romans against the jews. two other legions and four comets of horsemen, where he willed the king's forces, and the nobles to meet him. Moreover as he passed by Berytum, they accompanied him with 15. hundredth armed men. Aretas also the King of Arabia for the hatred he bore to Herode, was come with a great number of horsemen and footmen. Assoon as the host was assembled, Varus incontinently directed part of his army into Galilee adjoining thereto, and appointed a friend of his the son of Caius for their governor, who presently put them all to flight against whom he was sent; and having taken the castle of Sephoris he fired it, and made the inhabitants therofbond Varus taketh divers cities and castles of judaea. slaves. Varus with the rest of the army went into Samaria, and took it; yet he did the City no harm because he found that amidst all those tumults they had been quiet. When he had pitched his tents at a village called Aun, which was in the possession of Ptolemaeus, the Arabians sacked it, for they hated them who loved Herod. From thence they went to Sapp●…o an other strong borough, which they in like manner sacked and destroyed, with all the fruits & revenues they found there. All was filled with the slaughter and fires which the Arabians made, and there Ammaus burnt. Varus cometh, to jerusalem with his army, and with his only presence dismayeth the jews. was no end nor hindrance of their avarice. Also Varus commanded Ammaus to be burned, being angry for the death of Arias, and the rest that were slain there: and the inhabitants thereof were scattered, every one by flight seeking to save himself. From thence he went to jerusalem, and at the sight of him the jews fled and scattered themselves some here, some there, all about the country: they that remained in the City excused themselves, that they were not consenting to that tumult, but that for the celebration of the feasts sake, they permitted them to come The year of the world. 3966. after Christ's birth 4. into the city, affirming that they had rather been besieged together with the Romans then to have conspired with those of the sedition: and so they laid the cause of that tumult upon others. But first, josephus Archelaus his cousin, with Gratus & Rufus came to meet him, leading the king's army, and the Sebastian's & the Roman soldiers adorned in their accustomed apparel. Sabinus durst not be seen of Varus, and therefore got him out of the town before, and went unto the sea coast. Varus divided his army, and sent it into the fields against the Authors of that tumult, Varus crucified two thousand of the seditious. and those that were brought unto him who were in less fault, he committed to prison, and those who were the chiefest he crucified, to the number of two thousand. And understanding that in Idumaea there yet remained ten thousand of armed men, he presently sent the Arabians home, because he perceived that they did not war as those that came to help him, but as they themselves pleased, wasting the country against his will: and so accompanied with his own army, he hastened against the enemies. But they without any fight, through Achiabus' counsel, yielded themselves to Varus. And he pardoned the common soldiers, and sent the Captains to Caesar to answer the matter. Who pardoning the most of them, yet punished some that were the king's kinsmen (for some of them were a kin to Herod) because they altogether Varus mercy and bounty to the Idumeans. rebelled against their king. Varus having thus quieted the estate of judaea and jerusalem, leaving the same legion that was there before, departed to Antiochia. CHAP. FOUR How the jews had an Ethnarcha constituted over them. NOw Archelaus had a new process at Rome against the jews, who before the sedition Ant. lib. 17. cap. 17. Ethnarch a ruler o●… governor. The jews call Archelaus in question. with the leave of Varus were gone to Rome to crave the liberty of their country. These who came as Ambassadors in their country's behalf, were fifty in number, and they were assisted by more than eight thousand jews that lived at Rome. Wherefore Caesar called a Council of the Nobility of Rome in the Temple of Apollo, which was situate upon mount Palatine, and joined to Caesar's private palace, which was most sumptuously adorned, and the multitude of jews, appeared with the Legates against Archelaus and his friends. Archelaus kindred neither came with him, nor with the rest of the jews: with him they would not join for envy; and with the jews they durst not for shame. Amongst them also was Philip the brother of Archelaus, whom Varus sent in courteous manner to assist his brother; or if that it pleased Caesar to divide Herod's kingdom amongst his children, that then he might have a part. The adversaries were commanded to show what Herod had committed contrary to the laws: First of all they answered, that they found him not a King, but the most cruel tyrant that ever was, and that he murdered many, and those whom he left alive endured such misery, as they thought themselves A bitter accusation of the jews against Herod and his sons. far unhappier than those who were so butchered. For (said they) he was not only contented to tear his subjects bodies with torments, but also defacing and ruinating the elde●… of his own country, he adorned and re-edified the cities of strangers: and permitted fortainers to massacre the jews without revenge. And in steed of their ancient and wont happiness; and their laws inviolated, their country was by him made so poor, and so filled with iniquity, that within those few years that Herod reigned, they had sustained more murders and massacres than all their ancestors had, from the time of their departure out of Babylon, until the beginning of his reign: being then povoked to take arms when Xerxes was king of Persia. Yet they by enduring Herod's tyranny and cruelty such misery, being now accustomed thereunto, would willingly be subject to such a successor of his as they knew would make them live in most bitter servitude: for they when Herod his father was dead, presently called Archelaus king, notwithstanding he was the son of such a tyrant, and with him mourned for the death of Herod, and offered sacrifice for the prosperity of his successor. But he to show himself Herod's son, began his reign with the slaughter of three thousand citizens; and because he had so well deserved the kingdom, he offered so many men to God for sacrifice, and on a festival day filled the Temple with so many dead bodies. Wherefore they who had escaped that massacre, had just occasion to consider their calamity, and after the law of arms, to turn their faces to them who wounded them, and beseech the Romans; that The jews beseech the Romans to have compassion on the remainder of the jews. they would think the remnant of the jews worthy of compassion, and not to abandon and expose the residue of their nation: as a pray unto them, by whom they should be most cruelty 〈◊〉: but that it might please them to adjoin their country to the borders of Syria, & to let 〈◊〉 be ruled by the Romans, and so they should find that the jews, who now were accounted 〈◊〉 and rebellious; under peaceable and quiet governors, to be a peaceable nation: and with The year of the world. 3966. after Chr●…s Nativity. 4. Nicholaus defendeth●… Archelaus before Caesar and the ●…est. this petition the jews ended their accusation. After this Nicholaus stood up against them, and first of all acquitted the kings of the crimes laid to their charge: and then reproved his countrymen, for that they would not be easily governed, and by their own nature would not except they were forced, obey their kings: and he also blamed the kinsmen of Archelaus, who joined with his accusers. Caesar having heard what both parts could say, dismissed the Assembly. And within a few days after he gave Archelaus half of the kingdom under the title of an Ethnarch, promising him moreover to make him king, if he behaved himself well: the other half he Caesar maketh Archelaus Ethnarch of Ju●…ie. The distribution of the kingdom to Herod's children. Those cities that were under Archelaus subjection. divided into two Tetrarchies and gave them to the rest of Herod's sons, one unto Philip; the other unto Antipas, who contended with Archelaus for the crown. Antipas his part lay from Galilee beyond the river jordan, the revenues whereof was two hundredth talents a year. And Philip had Batanaea and Trachons and Auranitis, and part of Zeno his house near jamnia, the revenues whereof amounted to one hundred talents a year. Archelaus had in his Ethnarchie Idumaea and all judaea and Samaria, which was freed from the fourth part of their tribute, because they rebelled not with the rest. And these Cities were given him, over which he was Lord, Stratons' tower, Sebaste, joppes and jerusalem. The rest, Gaza, and Gadara, and Hippon Caesar took from the kingdom, and joined them to Syria. Archelaus yearly revenues amounted to four hundredth Talents a year. Caesar also (beside that which Herod left her) made Salome Salome Princess of jamnia, Azotus and Phasaelis. Lady of jamnia, Azotus and Phasaelis; and the Palace at Ascalon, all which amounted to threescore talents a year. But Caesar made her house subject unto Archelaus his Ethnarchie. And having distributed unto the rest of Herod's kindred that which in his testament he left them, he gave his two daughters that were virgins, over and above, five hundredth thousand drachmas of silver, and married them unto Pheroras sons: and having divided Herod's patrimony amongst them, he also distributed that which Herod bequeathed unto him, amounting unto a thousand talents, leaving himself only some jewel of small value, which he reserved in honour and remembrance of the dead. CHAP. V. Of the false supposed Alexander, and how he was taken. AT the same time a certain young man, a jew borne, brought up by a Libertine of Rome in the town of Sidonia, being very like unto Alexander whom Herod put Ant. lib. 17. cap. 18. A certain young man fai●…ing himself to be that Alexander whom Herod slew, deciueth many. to death, went to Rome, having one of his countrymen for his companion, who knew very well all the estate of the kingdom: by whom he receiving instructions, affirmed, that they who should have put him and Aristobulus to death, being moved to compassion, let them go, and took two others in their room like them. With this tale he deceived many jews living in Crete, where he was honourably received, and from thence he failed to Melos, where he was yet entertained with greater pomp, and enriching himself he used such means, that he got his oasts (which gave him entertainment) to sail with him to Rome: and after arriving at Dicaearchia, he received all manner of rich gifts of the jews which dwelled there, and there by his father's friends was honoured as a king. For he was so like unto Alexander that they that had seen Alexander, and knew him well, would have sworn he had been Alexander. Wherefore all the jews at Rome desired to see him, so that an infinite multitude followed him whithersoever he went in the streets, and they so doted upon him, that they carried him in a horselitter, and at their own proper cost and charges prepared for him a royal train. But Caesar well remembered Alexander's visage (for Herod accused him before him) and Caesar desireth to see the young man. although before he saw him he judged that it was some that presumed because of his likeness unto Alexander, to say that he was the same, yet he made as though he believed all; and sent one Celadus, who knew Alexander well, to will this young man to come unto him. Who no sooner beheld him, but forthwith he perceived the difference betwixt them, and especially when he felt his hard flesh and servile shape, he presently understood the whole matter. But he was greatly moved with his bold speeches: for when they demanded of him what was become of Aristobulus, he answered, that he was alive: yet he upon purpose ●…aried behind and lived in Cyprus, fearing some treason: for they being asunder could not so easily be entrapped. Celadus taking him apart from the rest of the company, told him that Caesar would save his life, if he did truly confess, by whose counsel he feigned himself to be Alexander. He accepting The year of the world, 3966 after Christ's birth 4. Caesar maketh the counterfeit Alexander a gallery slave, and executeth his counsellor of this offer, followed him to Caesar, and declared himself to be a jew, who for ●…re sake (being very like him) counterfeited himself to be Alexander: affirming that 〈◊〉 had received such great gifts of the Cities by which he passed, that he thought if Alexander had been alive, he should not have received the li●…e. Caesar laughed at this jest, and made false Alexander (for the ability of his body) a galleyslave, and put him to death, who induced him thereto. And as for the jews of Milo, he thought that they had punishment sufficient, if they lost all that which they had laid out, and bestowed upon him. CHAP. VI Of the banishment and death of Archelaus. ARchelaus being now made Prince, remembered the discord past, and in revenge thereof he tyrannised not only over the jews, but also over the Samaritans: and in the ninth year of his reign the jews and Samaritans sent Ambassadors against Ant. lib. 17. cap. 1●…. him unto Caesar: and finally he was banished and sent to Vienna, a City of Gallia, and ●…ll his patrimony was confiscate unto Caesar. Before he was summoned to appear before Caesar, he reported that he had a marvelous dream: for he saw nine great ears full of corn Archelaus banished for his tyranny, and his goods confiscated. devoured by oxen; and presently sending for Prophets and Chaldaeans, he demanded what that dream betokened. Some interpreted it one way, and some another: but one Simon an Essean told him that the ears of corn betokened years, & the oxen signified the changes & mutations of this world, for as much as in labouring the land, they turned up and altered it: and therefore he Archelaus dream of the oxen & ears of corn. was to reign so many years as there were ears of corn in number; and then, after he had abidden many mutations he should die. Five days after this interpretation; Archelaus was sent for to Rome, to answer that before Augustus, whereof he was accused. I also thought it worth rehearsing to set down the dream of his wife Glaphyra daughter to Archelaus king of Cappadocia, who was first married unto Alexander brother unto this man, and son to king Herod, by whom he was put to death, as we have said before: after whose death she was married to juba Archelaus refusing Mariam marrieth Glaphyra. King of Lybia, and he being dead, she returned home to her father: and living in her widowhood at home with her father, Archelaus the Ethnarch beholding her, was so inflamed with her love, that presently being divorced from his wife Mariam, he married her. Who shortly after she came into judaea, dreamt that she saw Alexander her first husband standing before her and saying unto her, It had been enough for thee to have married the king of Lybia, but thou not contented therewith, comest again to my house, greedy of a third husband; and which is worse Glaphyra saw Alexander in her sleep. of all, now married to mine own brother. I will not conceal nor dissemble this injury which thou dostme, but I will recover you against your will. And she scarcely lived two days after she had recounted this dream. CHAP. VII. Of Simon the Galilean, and the three sects amongst the jews. AFter that Archelaus his dominions were made a province, a certain Roman knight called Coponiu's was made governor thereof, receiving authority from Caesar to punish Ant. lib. 18. cap. 1●…. The year of the world, 3973. after Christ's birth 11 and put to death. In his time a Galilaean named Simon incited his countrymen to revolt, reproving them for paying tribute to the Romans, and for being subject to any mortal men, but God. This Simon was a Sophister, having a sect of his own devising, nothing like other sects. For there are three sects of Philosophers amongst the jews, one is that which the pharisees do follow; another which the Sadduces do follow; the third is that which the Esseans follow, which Three sects among the jews, of which the Esseans were the best. is the most famous of the three. The Esseans are jews borne, but they are most friendly to one another, who beside all other pleasures do eschew witchcraft: neither do they suffer themselves to be led with their own affections, but account it a great virtue to abstain from all vices and to keep chastity. For they refuse marriage & account other men's children, put to them to be taught whilst The Esseans doctrine of marriage. Among the Esseans goods are common. they be young, as their kinsmen, whom they do diligently instruct in their manners and opinion●…; not for that they condemn marriage and propagation of mankind; but for that they think men should avoid women's intemperance, for they think that none of them keep themselves truly to one man. Also they contemn riches, and all things with them are common, & no man amongst them is richer than other. And they have a law amongst themselves, that whosoever will follow The year of the world. 3973. after Christ's birth 11. their sect, he must make his goods common to them all: for so neither any amongst them shall seem abject for poverty, nor any great for riches sake, but they have as it were all equal patrimonies like brethren. They account it a shame to use oil, and if any man against his will be anointed therewith, they use all diligence to wipe it away: for they account homeliness best; and all their clothes are white. They have amongst them procurators, to oversee and use all things for their common benefit, and every one seeketh the good of all, who are chosen from among them by a common consent. They have not one certain city, but are in many cities: and if any of their sect come unto them from another place, they give him any thing they have, as if he himself were owner thereof. And in brief, they go boldly in to those, whom they never in their lives did see before, as though they were very familiarly acquainted with them: and therefore The Esseans hospitality. when they take a journey, they only arm themselves against thieves, & carry nothing with them else. In every city there is one of them appointed, whose office it is to have a care of the guests, & see that they neither want clothes, nor any thing else necessary for them. All children under government, brought up by them, go appareled alike; & they never change their apparel, nor shoes, except they have clean worn their first apparel, or that by reason of long wearing they will do no more service. They among themselves neither buy nor sell, but every man that hath any thing that another wanteth, giveth him it, and taketh that of him which himself needeth: yet every one of them may take any thing he hath need of from whom he pleaseth, without any change. Above all, towards God they are very religious: for before the sun rise they have no profane talk, but they make certain vows & prayers after the custom of their country, as it were, praying that it may rise upon them. After this, every one is dismissed to practise the art he knoweth, and when every one hath diligently laboured till five of the clock, they all gather themselves The Esseans apparel. together again, and being covered with linen clothes, so they wash their bodies with cold water: & having thus purged themselves, they have a secret assembly, unto the which no man that is not of their sect is admitted: and so they come into the refectory as into a holy temple, all sitting down with silence, and the baker setteth every man in order a loaf, & the cook every man a mess of pottage of one sort. Then before meat the Priest giveth thanks, and no man may taste any meat before they have made their prayers to God Likewise when dinner is ended, they pray again: for both before and after they give thanks unto God the giver of all, and then putting off that apparel as sacred, they apply themselves unto their work till evening. This done, they do Their religion and labour. as before, causing their guests to sup with them, if by fortune any come. Their house is never troubled with cries or tumults, for every one is appointed to speak in his turn: so that they who are without the house esteem their silence as some sacred mystery. The cause hereof is their continual sobriety, and that every one is limited how much he should eat or drink. And although that in all other matters they are ruled by their governor, yet in these two, to wit compassionating and helping, they may do as they think good: for every one may when he The Esseans in compassion and helping others have free choice, in other things they are ruled by their governor. The Esseans swear not. pleaseth help those whom he thinketh deserve help: and when they please, give meat to them that are in need. Yet may not they give any thing to their kindred without the leave of their Governor. These men give not place to anger, but refrain from wrath, keep their promise, and maintain peace, and account every word they speak of more force, then if they had bound it with an oath: and they shun oaths worse than perjury: for they esteem him condemned for a liar, who is not believed without he call God to witness. They study diligently ancient Writers, chiefly gathering out of their writings, what is most convenient for the soul and the body. Out of them they learn remedies for diseases, and medicinable herbs, and what is the proper effect of every stone. Those who are desirous to be of their order, do not straightway converse with them, but for a year before they live out of their College, and have the same diet, giving them also a little hatchet, and such a girdle, as is before spoken of, and a white garment. But at the years end, if they perceive him to be continent, than they take him into their refectory, and he is made partaker of purer waters (to the end he may continue chaste) yet is he not admitted in common amongst them: for two years after this his trial, they observe his life and manners: and at last, when he is thought worthy, then is he admitted to their common company. And before he be received to the common table, first he protesteth with great and solemn oaths, that he will worship God, and observe justice & fidelity towards all men, and neither willingly hurt any The Esseans vows and covenants. man, nor injure any one for another man's command, but that he will always hate the wicked, and assist the good, and ever keep his faith to all, but especially to his superiors. For no man can obtain the power of principality without the will and good pleasure of God: and that if he be put in authority over others, he never will abuse it to the prejudice of those that are under him, and The year of the world. 3973. after Christ's birth 11 The Esseans circumspect in justice. neither exceed the rest in apparel, nor in any other ambitious pomp) that he will always love the truth, and ever endeavour to confute liars: and that he will keep his hands from stealing, and his soul pure from all unjust gain: and that he will not conceal any mysteries, or secrets from his companions, nor reveal them to any strangers, although he should be thereto compelled by death. Adding moreover, that they will never deliver any doctrine, save that which they have received; and that they will avoid theft, and diligently keep the books of their doctrine, and the names of Angels. And with these oaths they try, and as it were arm those who enter into their order. Those of their congregation, who shall be condemned; they thrust out of their company: and whosoever is so punished, for the most part dieth a miserable death; for having once taken this oath, it is not lawful for him to take meat of any stranger; so that feeding on grass like beasts, at last he perisheth through famine. For which cause oftentimes they moved with compassion, receive many into their order again, even ready by famine to yield up the ghost, judging them to have endured penance enough for their offences, who with famine were almost brought unto death's door. They are very severe, and just in their judgement; and to decide any matter, there is never fewer of them then a hundredth, and that which by them is agreed upon, is an irrevocable sentence. Next after God they reverence the lawmaker, insomuch as if any one revile him, they forthwith condemn him to death. They greatly reverence old men, and a multitude: so that if ten of them sit together, no man of them must speak without he be licensed thereto by nine of the company. They also must not spit in the midst of the assembly, nor on the right hand. And they are more severe than any other jews in observing The Esseans reverence the sabboth's. the sabboth's: And they do not only abstain from dressing meat upon that day, but also they may not remove any vessel out of his place, nor go to the privy. Upon other days they dig a pit a foot deep into the ground with the hatchet, which (as we before said) every one at his entrance into their order hath given him, and then covering themselves diligently with their garment, lest they should do injury to the light of heaven, in that pit they ease themselves; and then cover their ordure with the earth they took out of the pit: & this they do in most secret places. And although this purging of their bodies be natural, yet do they by washing purify themselves after it, as after great uncleanness. Furthermore they amongst themselves are divided into four orders, according to the times which they have taken to follow this exercise of life: and they who are juniors, are so far different from the seniors, that if they do but touch one of them, they presently purify themselves, as though they had been profaned by a stranger. They are long lived, so that most of them live a hundredth years, which I judge is by reason of their well ordered diet and their temperancy. They contemn adversity, and by counsel and discretion overcome The Esseans live long time. torments. They prefer an honourable death before life. And the wars which the jews made against the Romans, showed what courage and hardiness they have in all things. For being then compelled by breaking of the members of their bodies, and fiery torments, & all kind of tortures The Esseans constancy in the war with the Romans. The year of the world. 3979. after Christ's birth 17. which were laid upon them to revile the lawmaker, and to eat any meat forbidden: yet could they not be forced to any of these; neither would they entreat the torturers, nor show any sorrow amidst their torments. Nay in the very midst of their griefs and pains they scoffed at their torments, and laughing joyfully yielded up their souls, as though they hoped to receive them again. For it is an opinion amongst them, that the body is corruptible, and that the matter thereof is not perpetual: but yet the soul remains for ever immortal, who passing out of a most pure and subtle air, wrap themselves in bodies as in prisons, being as it were drawn thereunto by a natural inclination. And when they are delivered cut of these carnal bonds, then presently as The Esseans esteem the soul immortal, but they believe not the resurrection of the dead. freed from a long bondage they joyfully mount aloft. And of the good souls they say, as did the Grecians; that they live beyond the Ocean seas in a place of pleasure, where they are never molested with rain, nor snow, nor heat, but have always a sweet and pleasant air coming out of the Ocean. But the wicked souls (as they say) go into a place very tempestuous, where there is always as it were winter weather, always full of lamentations of those, who for ever are to be punished. But I judge that the greeks are of this opinion, when they say there is an Isle for the virtuous The Grecians opinion of the soul of man. whom they call Heroes and halfgods: and that the souls of the wicked go to a place in hell, where as it is feigned, some to be tormented, as Sisyphus, Tantalus, Ixion, & Tytius. Which they did first invent for this purpose, because those who are of good disposition, are made better in this life by hope of some reward in the life to come: and the wicked are (as they thought) hereby restrained for fear of eternal torments, which if they continue in wickedness they shall endure. This is the Esseans Philosophy touching the immortality of the soul, wherein they propose an inevitable allurement to those who have once tasted of their Philosophy. There are also some The year of the world 3979. after Christ's Nativity. 17. The Esseans prophecy. There is a college of the Esseans that differeth from the former in the point of marriage. amongst them, who promise to foretell things to come, who from their tender age have studied and followed holy books, divers purifications and sayings of the Prophets: and their divination seldom faileth. There is another college of these Esseans agreeing with the former, both in apparel, meat, and kind of life, and observe the same laws and ordinances; only they differ in the opinion of marriage, affirming that they who abstain from marriage, do cut off the greatest part of man's life, to wit, succession of mankind. For (say they) if all men should follow that opinion, presently all mankind would perish: yet notwithstanding these people are so continent, that for three years space they maketrial of the women they are to marry, and when they have proved them fit to bear children; then they marry them. None of them must lie with their wives when they are with child, to show that they do not marry to satisfy lust, but for to have children. When their wives wash themselves they are covered with a garment as the men are, and this is the manner The second sect of the Pharisees. and custom of this sect. Of the two former sects; the Pharisees are said to be most skilful in interpreting the law, and are of opinion that all things are to be attributed to God, and Fate: and that every man may of his own power do good or ill, yet (say they) destiny helpeth in every action ●…d that the souls of men are all incorruptible, but only the souls of good men go into other bodies, and the souls of wicked men are sent into everlasting pain. But the Sadduces deny Fate and Destiny, and affirm that God is the author of no evil; avowing likewise that The third of the Sadduces. a man hath free will to do well or ill, and every man may choose whether he will be good or bad: and they generally deny both pains and rewards for the souls after this life. The Pharisees are sociable and loving one to another: but the Sadduces are at discord among themselves living like savage beasts, and as uncourteous to their own sect as to strangers. This is all which I have to speak concerning the Philosophers amongst the jews. Now I will return to my purpose. CHAP. VIII. Of the cities which Philip and Herode builded, and of pilate's government. ARchelaus his Ethnarchie being now made a province, the rest of his brethren, to wit Philip Ant. lib. 18. cap. 5. The year of the world. 3997. after the Nativity of Christ. 35. and Herode who was surnamed Antipas, governed their Tetrarchies. And Salome dying left unto julia by her testament the Toparchie which she ruled, as also jamnia & a ground set with palm trees in Phasaelis. When Tiberius Caesar after the death of Augustus was made Emperor of Rome, after that he had reigned seven and fifty years, six months, and two days, Herode and Philip remaining in their Tetrarchies: Philip builded a city near unto the head of jordan in the country of Paneade, and called it Caesarea; and another he built in the lower part of Gaulanitis, and named it Julia's. Herode in Galilee built the City called Tiberias, and another in Peraea on this side jordan, which also he named Julia's. Pilate being sent by Tiberius to be governor over the jews, caused in the night time the statue of Caesar to be brought into jerusalem covered: which thing within three days after caused a great tumult among the jews; for they who beheld it, were astonished, and moved, as though now the law of their country were profaned: for they hold it not lawful for any picture or Image to be brought into the city. At their lamentation who were in the city, there was gathered together a great multitude The people would not condescend to Pilate to alter their country laws. out of the fields adjoining, and they went presently to Pilate then at Caesarea, beseeching him earnestly that the Images might be taken away out of jerusalem, and that the law of their country might remain inviolated. When Pilate denied their suit, they prostrated themselves before his house, and there remained lying upon their faces, for five days and nights never moving. Afterward Pilate sitting in his tribunal seat was very careful to call all the jews together before him, as though there he would have given them an answer: when upon the sudden a company of armed soldiers (for so it was provided) compassed the jews about with a triple rank: the jews were here at amazed, seeing that which they expected not. Then Pilate told them that except they would receive the Images of Caesar, he would kill them all; and to that end made a sign unto the Pilate admiring the constancy of the jews in their religion sendeth statues from jerusalem. The year of the world. 3998. after Christ's birth 36. soldiers to draw their swords. The jews as though they had agreed thereto, fell all down at once, and offered their naked necks to the stroke of the sword, crying out that they would rather lose their lives, then suffer their religion to be profaned. Then Pilate admiring the constancy of the people in their religion, presently commanded the statues to be taken out of the city of jerusalem. After this he caused another tumult amongst them, for they have a sacred treasure called Corban, which Pilate used to bring water in unto the City, four hundredth furlongs off: for this The year of the world, 3998 after Christ's birth 33. Pilate beateth the seditious with clubs. The year of the world. 4001. after Christ's birth 39 Agrippa Aristobulus son hateth Tiberius and insinuateth himself into Caius caligula's friendship. Tiberius reigned 22. years six months, and 3. ●…daies. cause the people murmured; so that when Pilate came to jerusalem, they flocked about his tribunal, crying and exclaiming. Pilate fore seeing that tumult, caused soldiers secretly armed to mingle themselves amongst the people in private apparel, and commanded them not to use their swords, but to beat those with clubs, whom they saw make such clamours. And when he had thus plotted the matter, sitting in his Tribunal, he gave a sign unto the soldiers, and presently the jews were beaten, and many of them, partly with blows, and partly trodden upon by the multitude, died miserably. The multitude amazed a●… the calamity of those that were slain, held their tongues. For this cause Agrippa son to Herod the Tetrarch, whose father Aristobulus Herode the King put to death, went to Rome, and accused him to Caesar. Tiberius not admitting his accusation, he remained still at Rome, and sought the favour of other potentates there, and especially he reverenced Caius the son of Germanicus, he being yet a private person: & upon a certain day being with him at a banquet, he stretched forth his hands, & openly began to beseech Almighty God that Tiberius Caesar might quickly die, that he might see him Lord of all the world. Tiberius' having notice here of by one of his familiar friends, caused Agrippa to be imprisoned; where he endured a hard and straight imprisonment, until the death of Tiberius, which was six months after. After he was dead (having reigned 22. years, six months, and three days) Caius Caesar who succeeded him in the Empire, freed him from prison, and gave him the tetrarchy of Caius Caesar giveth the tetrarchy to Agrippa Aristobulus son, and maketh him a king. Ant. lib. 18. cap. 14. Herode and his wife remain in Spain. The year of the world 4002. after Christ's birth 40. Philip, who was now deceased, and the title of a king. When Agrippa came into his kingdom, Herod the Tetrarch began to envy his estate; & Herodias his wife still urged him forward to hope that he should be made a king: for (said she) thou wantest that dignity only for slothfulness, because thou wouldst not go to Caesar: for if Agrippa be made a king, being before but a private man, how canst thou doubt to be made a king, who art already a Tetrarch? Herod herewith persuaded, went unto Caius Caesar, who greatly reproved his avarice, in so much as he fled into Spain; for Agrippa followed him to Rome to accuse him before Caesar: and Caius gave unto him Herod's tetrarchy. And so Herod remained in Spain with his wife. CHAP. IX. Of the pride of Caius, and of Petronius the Precedent. CAius Caesar so abused himself and his authority, that he would be thought to be a God, Ant. lib. 18. cap. 15. Caius Caesar calleth and reputeth himself a God. The fear the jews had of Petronius army. & be so called. Also he put many Noble men of his country to death. He likewise extended his impiety even unto judaea: for he sent Petronius with an army to jerusalem, commanding him to set his statues in the Temple, & if the jews refused to receive them, that those who withstood him he should put to the sword, and lead the rest away captives. Almighty God did otherwise dispose this proud commandment. But Petronius accompanied with three legions, and many assistants out of Syria, came with all speed from Antiochia to judaea: many of the jews would not believe any war towards, notwithstanding that they heard a general report thereof: and they ●…at believed it, could not bethink themselves of any means to resist. Suddenly all were in a great fear: for the army was now come to Ptolemais, which City is situate by the sea shore in Galilee in a large field, and on the East side it is compassed about with mountains, The description of Ptolemais. distant from it threescore furlongs, which appertain unto Galilee; on the South side it is enclosed with the mount Carmel, which is an hundred and twenty furlongs off from it: on the North side it is environed with an exceeding high mountain, which the inhabitants call the Tyrians ladder: this mountain is an hundred paces distant from the City. Two miles from this City there is a river running by, called Beleus, a very little one, near unto which is the sepulchre of Memnon, having adjoining unto it a place of the compass of an hundredth cubits, worthy of Sand like glass near Memnon's sepulchre. admiration. This place is as it were a round valley covered with sand like glass, which when many ships coming together take away for ballast, so that they empty the place of it, that place is presently after covered with the like sand again. For there are winds, which as it were upon purpose carry this sand from the higher places round about it thither, and whatsoever is within the mine of metal there, it is presently changed into crystal or glass. And that which in my mind is more to be wondered at, is, that the sand being turned into glass, if afterward any part thereof be cast upon the brink of this place, it is again turned into ordinary sand. And this is the nature of that place. Now the jews with their wives & children gathered themselves together in the field where the City Ptolemais is situate, and humbly besought Petronius, first not to violate their country laws: and next, to be good unto them. Petronius seeing the multitude of them who humbly The year of the world. 4002. after the birth of Christ. 40. sued unto him, and how earnestly they besought his favour, left his army and Caesar's statues at Ptolemais; and himself went from thence to Galilee, and at Tyberias called all the jews & their Nobility together, recounting unto them the force of the Roman army, and Caesar's threatenings: adding moreover, that the jews supplication was indeed a contumely, seeing all nations under Petronius certifieth the jews of the Romans power and Caesar's threats the dominion of the Romans (the jews only excepted) had already placed Caesar's statues in their Temples amongst the rest of their Gods: & herein they did as it were revolt from the Empire, & injure the Precedent. They answered, that it was against their laws & custom of their country: for it was not lawful for them to have the image of God, much less the image of a man; and that they were not only forbidden by the law, to have an image in their Temple, but also to have it in any other profane place. Petronius suddenly answered: Well, I must do my Lords command, for if I do not, but spare you, I shall be justly punished: and not I, but he that sent me, will fight against you. For I myself as well as you must do as I am commanded. At these words the whole multitude cried out at once, that before they would see their religion violated, they would willingly suffer themselves to be destroyed. When the noise of the people was ceased, Petronius said, Are ye then prepared and minded to fight against Caesar? The jews answered, We every day offer sacrifices for Caesar and the Romans. But if Caesar would needs place his image in their Temple he must first offer their whole nation for sacrifice: for they would willingly with their wives and children offer themselves to any that would kill them. Hereat Petronius greatly marveled, being moved to compassion when he beheld the constancy of the jews in their religion, The constancy of the jews. and so great a multitude prepared to die for it. And for that time they departed, nothing being done. The next day following he assembled only the Nobility of the jews, one by one, compelling them to accord to Caesar's command, and spoke publicly to the people, sometime admonishing them, otherwhile threatening them, and putting them in mind of the power of the Romans, and Caesar's indignation, and that he must of necessity do as he was commanded. Petronius once more assembleth the jews, and threateneth them. Petronius sendeth to Caesar and signifieth the jews supplication. But they were moved by none of these. And Petronius fearing the ground would be left untilled (for it was now seed time, and all the people had remained idle in the City for fifty days space) calling them together, he said, that he would go abo●… a thing which might greatly endanger himself. For (said he) I will either (God working with me) appease Caesar's wrath, or else I will lose mine own life to save such a multitude as you are. And dismissing the people, who made daily prayers to God for him, he led the army from Ptolemais unto Antiochia, from whence he presently sent unto Caesar in all haste, recounting unto him with how great an army he went into judaea, and that all the whole nation made supplication unto him: whose request and humble suit if he denied, he must utterly destroy the men and their country; for they had constantly remained in their country religion, and vehemently resisted any new law. Caius writ an answer of these letters unto Petronius, threatening that it should cost him his life, because he made no more haste to execute his command. The messengers that brought these letters were tossed in Petronius receiveth letters of Caesar's death. a tempest upon the sea three whole months together, and others coming after them to bring news of Caius his death, had a prosperous wind; so Petronius received the letters of Caius Caesar's death twenty and seven days before the other threatening letters came. CHAP. X. Of the Empire of Claudius, and of the reign and death of Agrippa. CAius Caesar being slain by treason when he had reigned three years and six months, The year of the world, 4005. after Christ's nativity, 43 Antony's lib. 19 cap. 3. Caius reigned three years and six months. Agrippa is chosen both betwixt the Senate and Claudius for an arbiter. Claudius was made Emperor by the army which was at Rome. The Senate by the instigation of the Consuls Sentius Saturnius and Pomponius the second; commanded three legions of Soldiers to keep the City, during the Council holden in the Capitol: and for Caius Caesar's cruelty they determined to fight against Claudius, intending to reduce the Empire to the ancient government, that as before time, so for ever after, those should rule that the Senate judged worthy. It chanced that at this time Agrippa came to Rome, and the Senate sent unto him, requesting him to come and be one of their Council. Claudius also desired him to take part with the army, intending to use his help where need required. Agrippa perceiving that Claudius was already as it were Emperor for his power, he took part with him, who presently sent him as Ambassador to the Senate, to tell them his purpose; how that first of all, the soldiers whether he would or no, set him in that dignity: and it had been in him an undiscreet part to have forsaken such an offer at the soldiers hands, who did it for good will: The year of the world. 4005. afterchrists' birth 43. nay, if he had refused it, his life should be in continual danger; for it was sufficient cause of envy that he had been elected Emperor. Moreover, he purposed to rule, not as a tyrant, but as a most mild prince: for he would be contented only with the title of an Emperor, and do nothing without the common consent of them all. And although he was not naturally inclined to modest and courteous behaviour, yet he had a sufficient example to beware that he abused not The Senate's answer to Agrippa. his authority, by Caius Caesar's death. Agrippa bare this message to the Senate, who answered (as though they trusted unto their soldiers and learned Counsel) that they would not thrust themselves into wilfulbondage. Claudius' receiving this answer, sent Agrippa again to tell them, that nothing could cause him to betray them, by whom he was made Emperor: and that he was forced to make war against them, with whom he was very loath to strive, and therefore willed them to choose a place out of the City for the battle to be fought in: for it stood with no reason to deface the City with civil wars and massacres for the obstinacy of some few. Agrippa did also this message unto the Senate: and one of the soldiers that were for the Senate drew his sword, and said, Fellow soldiers, what should move us to massacre our friends, and kindred, and parents, who follow Claudius, especially seeing we have an Emperor with whom we can find no fault, unto whom we should rather go forth with entreaties then with arms. When he had said this, he passed through the midst of the court, and all the soldiers followed him. The Senate being thus left desolate, & the Lords abandoned of their force, began to be in great fear: and seeing it was no standing out for them, they followed the soldiers, & went unto Claudius. The Senate follow the soldiers to Claudius. Before the City walls there met them some that endeavoured to show themselves dutiful unto Claudius for his fortune sake, having their swords drawn, and they almost killed five before Caesar understood the outrage of the soldiers: and they had done it, had not Agrippa ran and told him of the matter, saying, that if he did not presently appease the soldiers fury, now raging against the Citizens, that all his Nobility would presently be extinguished, and he should be left an Emperor of a desolate place. When Claudius heard this, he repressed the soldiers fury, and very honourably received the Senate into his camp, and went forth presently Claudius' honourably entertain●…th the Senate Agrippa's kingdom. with them, and offered sacrifice to God, as the manner is, for the good estate of the Empire. Also he presently made Agrippa King of all his father's dominions, giving him likewise that which Augustus gave Herod, to wit, Trachonite and Auranite, and beside them another kingdom, called the kingdom of Lysania, and published this his gift by an edict unto the people, and commanded the Senate to engrave that donation in brazen tables, and to place The year of the world. ●…08. after Christ's birth 46. it in the Capitol. Moreover he rewarded his brother Herod, who was his kinsman, with the kingdom of Chalcis, and married him to the Queen Berenice. Agrippa received greater revenues of his kingdom than he could desire, which he spent not vainly, but in building such a wall about jerusalem, as had he finished it, the Romans could never have taken it: but before Ant. lib. 19 cap. 5. Agrippa after he had reigned three years in Caesarea dieth. Herod after he had reigned in Chalcis dieth. Ant. lib. 19 cap. 7. 8. alexander's and Aristobulus Genealogy he could end that work he died in Caesarea, having reigned three years with the title of a king, and other three years before in the state of a Tetrarch. He left behind him three daughters which he had by Cypris, Berenice, Mariam, and Drusilla, and one son by the same wife named Agrippa: who, because he was very young, Claudius reduced the kingdom into a province, and made Cestius Festus Governor thereof. But after him Tiberius Alexander, who nothing violating the laws of the nation, ruled them in peace. After this, Herod king of Chalcis departed, leaving behind him two sons, which he had by his brother's daughter Berenice, to wit, Berenicianus and Hircanus: and by his first wife Mariam, Aristobulus. His other brother also Aristobulus died a private person, leaving one daughter jotapa. And these were the posterity of Aristobulus king Herod's son, and Herod had Alexander and Aristobulus by Mariam, whom he put to death: but Alexander's posterity reigned in the greater Armenia. CHAP. XI. Of divers tumults in judaea and Samaria. AFter the death of Herode who reigned in Chalcis, Claudius created Agrippa the son of the former Agrippa, king of Chalcis in his uncles kingdom: and Cumanus was The ye●…re of the world, 4011. after Christ's nativity, 49. made ruler of the other province after Alexander, under whom there were many tumults and new calamities, which befell the jews. For when they were assembled together at the feast of unleavened bread in jerusalem, the Roman soldiers standing in the porch of the temple (for always armed men kept that place upon festival days, lest the people gathered together should The year of them world, 4011. after Christ's birth 49. A filthy fact and speech of a soldier against the jews on a festival day. Cumanus 〈◊〉 the people's rage. Some ten thousand men thronged to death. make any tumult) one of the soldiers taking up his coat, turned his bare buttocks against the jews faces, speaking words as unseemly as was his gesture. Whereat all the whole multitude began to murmur; so that they flocked about Cumanus; requesting him to punish the soldier for this misdemeanour: and some of them rash young men; and as it were prone to sedition, began to revile the soldiers, and threw stones at them. Then Cumanu; fearing that the whole multitude of the jews would violently rush upon him; called unto him many armed soldiers, and sent them into the porch of the temple. The jews being in a great fear fled and left the temple, and there was such a throng that as they rushed out to fly, above ten thousand people were priest and trodden to death: so that this festival day was turned into woeful lamentations and mournings in every place. This calamity was increased afterward by a company of thieves: for near Bethoron one Stephanus servant unto Caesar, carried some household stuff, which the thieves took from him in the high way. But Cumanus sending for those in the villages next adjoining, to make inquiry of these thieves, commanded them to be bound and brought unto A soldier cutteth the book of the holy scripture in pieces and burneth it. The year of the world. 4014, after Christ's birth 52. The soldier executed that burned the Bible. A Galilean slain in Samaria. him, because they had not taken the thieves: in one of which villages a certain soldier finding the book of the holy scripture, cut it in pieces and burned it. Hereupon the jews gathered themselves together from all places, as though their religion were now violated, and drawn by the force of their superstition as with an engine, all of them at one call went to Caesarea to Cumanus, there beseeching him that the soldier who had so blasphemed God, and their law; might not escape unpunished. But Cumanus perceived the jews would not be appeased without some satisfaction, wherefore he condemned the soldier to death, and sent him to execution before their faces; which done, they all departed. At last there arose a tumult between the Galileans and Samaritans; for at a village called Geman, situate in the great field of Samaria, a certain Galilean of the number of the jews that came to the feast was slain: for which fact many Galileans ran to fight with the Samaritans; and the nobility of the country went unto Cumanus, requesting him before any more harm were done to go into Galilee and punish the authors of this evil. But Cumanus being busied in greater affairs, sent them away without granting their request. When this murder was known in jerusalem, all the multitude left the solemnity of the day; and went into Samaria without any guide, refusing to be restrained by the nobility. Of this their tumult and sedition the son of Dinaeus called Eleazar, and one Alexander were captains; who with violence entering the borders of the country of Acrabatena, killed man, woman and child, sparing no Eleazar and Alexander two princes of the jews exercise much cruelty. age, and burning the towns. When Cumanus heard this, he took a cornet of ho●…semen called the Sebastian's; to come and help them that were thus oppressed, and so took and killed many of them who took part with Eleazar. Now the nobles of jerusalem came out to the rest of that multitude which so wasted Samaria, clothed in sackcloth & ashes upon their heads, beseeching them not so to seek revenge upon the Samaritans, as thereby to move the Romans to destroy jerusalem, and to be merciful to their country, the temple, their wives and children, and not at once hazard all, and overthrow their whole country and nation in revenging the death of one Galilean. The jews hereby were pacified, and departed. At the same time many conspired together to rob and steal (as most commonly people by long peace grow insolent) so Conspiracy in robbery. that they rob in every part of the country, & they that were most strong and able, offered violence to those that were weaker. Then the princes of Samaria went to tire, beseeching Numidius Quadratus being governor of Syria, to revenge them of those that so robbed and spoiled their country. There was also the nobility of the jews, & jonathas the son of Ananus who was high Priest, who defended the jews against the Samaritans accusations, affirming the Samaritans to have been cause of that tumult in killing the Galilean: and after that Cumanus was cause of the rest of their calamities, who refused to punish the murderers. Quadratus for that time sent away both parties, promising them that when he came into their countries, he would diligently Quadratus governor of Syria heareth the Samaritans & jews. Quadratus giveth sentence betwixt the jews and Samaritans. inquire of the matter, and coming from thence to Caesarea, he crucified all those whom Cumanus took alive. And departing from thence to Lydda, he heard the Samaritans complaints, and sent for eighteen men whom he understood for certain to have been in that broil, & beheaded them: & sent the two high priests jonathas and Ananias, & his son Ananus, with some other of the nobility of the jews to Caesar, and also the chief of the Samaritans. He likewise commanded Cumanus and Celer the tribune to go to Rome, and yield account unto Claudius for that which they had done in that country. This done, he went from Lydda to jerusalem, and finding there the multitude celebrating the feast of unleavened bread, without any tumults or disorders, he returned to Antiochia. Caesar at The year of the world. 4014. after Christ's birth 52. Claudius' sentence against some Samaritans, Cumanus and Celer. Rome hearing the allegations of Cumanus, and the Samaritans (Agrippa was also there earnestly defending the cause of the jews, as also Cumanus was assisted by many potentates) he pronounced sentence against the Samaritans, & commanded three of their chief nobility to be put to death, and banished Cumanus, and sent Celer the tribune bound unto jerusalem, that the jews might draw him about the city, and then cut off his head. This done, he sent Felix brother to Pallas to rule judaea, Samaria, and Galilaea. And he preferred Agrippa from Chalcis unto a greater kingdom, making him king of that province, whereof Philip had been ruler, to wit Trachon, Batanaea and Gaulanitis, adding thereunto Lysanias kingdom, & the Tetrarchy; whereof Claudius dieth, and Nero succeeded him The year of the world. 4015. after the Nativity of Christ. 53. Nero killeth his brother, his mother and wife. Varus was governor: And having reigned thirteen years, eight months, and thirty days, Claudius departed this life, leaving Nero to succeed him, whom by the persuasions of his wife Agrippina he adopted to the Empire, having a lawful begotten son of his own named Britannicus by his former wife Messalina, and a daughter called Octavia, whom he married unto Nero: he had also another daughter by Agrippina named Antonia. How Nero abused his wealth and felicity, and how he slew his brother, mother and his wife, and afterward raged against all his kindred, and how in a mad vain he became a player upon a stage, because it requireth a long narration, I will speak nothing thereof. CHAP. XII. Of the tumults in judaea under Felix. WHerefore I will begin to recount what Nero did against the jews. He made Aristobulus Herodes son king of the lesser Armenia, and joined unto Agrippa's kingdom four The year of the world, 4018. after Christ's nativity 56. Ant. lib. 20. cap. 1●…. Felix surpriseth Eleazar the captain of the thieves and many others, and sendeth them bound to Rome. Another sort of thieves who at 〈◊〉 days went about the city to murder men. jonathas the high priest with many others slain. Ant. lib. 20. cap. 12. cities, and the ground belonging unto them; two of them Abila and Julia's were in the country of Peraea, the other Tarichaea and Tiberias were in Galilee: and he made Felix governor over the rest of judaea. This Felix took Eleazar captain of the thieves, after he had robbed and spoiled the country twenty years, and many more with him, and sent them bound unto Caesar, and he crucified a great number of them, who either were thieves and his confederates, or else such as assisted him. The country was no sooner cleansed from these, but presently another sort of thieves arose in jerusalem called Sicarij, with short swords, who at high noon in the midst of the city killed many in every place: and especially at the celebrating of holy feasts they mixed themselves with the multitude, having short swords under their coats, and therewithal killed those to whom they bore any grudge; and when men fell down dead, they amongst the rest complained of this wickedness. By this deceitful means they were a long time unsuspected & unknown. And first of all they killed jonathas the high priest, & after him every day some were slain: and the city was put in a fear worse than death itself; for each man every moment expected death, as though it had been amidst open wars: likewise every one cast a diligent eye upon those that came near him; also no man trusted his familiar friends: and yet were they murdered, whilst they were looking about them to escape danger. So cunningly did these thieves cover and conceal their actions. Moreover there arosean other sort of mischievous people, who did not so much harm with their hands as the first, but with their impious counsel more, and did no less trouble the quiet estate of the city than did the thieves. These people being vagabonds and jugglers, desiring alteration under pretence of religion, made the people as it were mad: for they went into the wilderness, affirming that there God would show them tokens of their liberty. Felix perceiving that their action tended to rebellion, sent an army of horse and footmen against these people, and killed a great many of them. But a certain Egyptian a false Prophet, caused a far greater massacre among the jews then that was: for being a Magician, he came into the country, and calling himself a Prophet he gathered An Egyptian Prophet gathereth welny ●…0000. men. unto him almost thirty thousand jews, who were by his magic arts seduced; and leading them from the wilderness to mount Olivet, he determined from thence to go to jerusalem, and to drive back the forces of the Romans, & to use his authority over the people. He had for his guard those that came to follow him. Felix foreseeing his intent, met him with his legions of armed Romans: whom the other jews assisting, and fight against him, the Egyptian with a few fled, and many that were with him were taken and committed to prison, and the rest of the Felix overthroweth the Egyptian. The thieves and magicians work much mischief to many men. multitude dispersed themselves every one in his country. These being thus repressed, the other part (as it happeneth in a sick body) began to rise: for some of the Magicians, and the thieves being gathered together, they brought many unto misery, and as it were exhorted them to liberty, threatening present death to those that obeyed the Romans, so that they forced them who were contented with their subjection to the Romans, to disobey them. These people being dispersed all The year of the world. 4020. after the 〈◊〉 of Christ. 50. over the country, robbed and sacked. noblemen's and rich men's houses: moreover killed them, and fi●…ed the villages; so that all judaea was in extreme fear of them, and every day their cruelty increased. At this time arose another tumult at Caesarea, by a sedition raised between the jews that Antony's lib. 20. cap. 13. dwelled there, and the Syrians. The jews challenged the city to be theirs, because it was founded by Herod, who was a Iew. But the Syrians denying not but that the builder of the city was a jew, yet they affirmed that it belonged to the Gentiles: for (said they) it had not been lawful for the founder to have placed in it shrines and statues, if he had meant that it should have belonged A fight between the jews and Syrians about Caesarea. to the jews. So that hereupon there arose a great controversy amongst the jews and Syrians, in so much as the one fought against the other, and every day those that were the hardiest of both parts fought together. For the elder sort of the jews could not restrain those of their nation from being seditious: and the Greeks scorned to give place unto the jews. The jews overcame them in riches and strength of body, and the Grecians overcame the jews by help of soldiers▪ for a great company of the Roman army came thither out of Syria; and they were ready to assist the Syrians, because they were as it were of their kindred & consanguinity. The captains of the soldiers endeavoured to appease the tumult, and took those that were most seditious on both parts, and beat them, and cast them in prison. But the punishment of those that were apprehended did not terrify the rest; nay, they were here by made more seditious. When Felix Sedition and slaughter among the jews. The year of the world. 4024. after Chris●… 〈◊〉 62. saw this, by a straight edict he banished those who were most seditious out of the City, & those that obeyed not, he sent soldiers and slew them, suffering their goods to be taken by the soldiers. The sedition being still on foot, he sent the Nobility on either part to Nero to plead their right and title. Festus succeeded Felix, who diligently persecuted them that troubled the country, and destroyed many thieves. CHAP. II. Of Albinus and Florus, Precedents of judaea. But Albinus, who succeeded Festus followed not his steps: for there was no iniquity so great wherein he was not plunged. Furthermore, he did not only take away by force Antony's lib. 20. cap 11. Albinus precedent of judaea full of all wickedness. men's goods from them under colour of justice, and at his own pleasure exact a greater tribute, but also freed and let lose any one whom either the soldiers of the City took, or his predecessors had left in prison; so that their friends would give a piece of money: and they only who were not able to give money, were imprisoned as most heinous offenders. At this time they in jerusalem that desired alteration, began to take courage, & those which were rich among them feed Albi●…s with money, to permit them to be seditious, & the common people that could not be in quiet, joined themselves with Albinus favourites: and every one of them had a The seditious bribe Albinus to wink at their robberies troop of thieves after him. But Albinus himself was over them all as a tyrant, and prince of thieves; and he used the help of his guard to rob the meaner sort: so they whose houses were sacked and spoiled, were glad to hold their peace; and they who yet had escaped, were glad to be very officious towards those who deserved death, for fear they should suffer the like. In general, no man could trust one another: there were then many tyrants, and from that time the seeds of captivity, which after befell, began to take root. Notwithstanding that Albinus was of such behaviour, yet Gessius Florus who succeeded The year of the world. 4028. after Christ's birth 66. Ant. lib. 20. cap. 16. Gessius Florus succeeded Albinus and proved worse than Albinus. him, so behaved himself, that in comparison of him, Albinus might have been thought a good Governor. For Albinus did all things secretly and craftily, but Gessius committed any iniquity how great soever so openly, as though he gloried in his impiety; and behaved himself, nor as a ruler of the country, but as a hangman sent to execute malefactors; omitting no manner of theft, nor any means whereby he might afflict the people. Where he ought to have showed pity, there was he a tyrant; and where he ought to have been ashamed, there louse showed himself shameless. No man ever could invent more means to obscure truth, & devise more ways to do harm than he: for it sufficed him not, for his own gain to abuse men one by one at his The covetousness of Florus spoileth whole cities. pleasure, but he wasted and spoiled whole cities at once, and destroyed the people in great multitude. Nay, he was not ashamed by the public voice of a crier, to proclaim it through the whole coutrie lawful for any one that would, to rob and steal, so that they would bring him a part of their booty. In brief, his cruelty was such, that the country was almost left desolate, people forsaking their own native home, & flying into strange lands. And during the time that Cestius Gallus was governor of Syria, no man durst go to him to make any complaint against Florus. But The year of the world. 4018. after Christ's birth 66. Cestius Gallus appeaseth the people and requireth a mitigation of Florus severity. when at the feast of unleavened bread Gallus came to jerusalem, there met him a multitude of the jews above three hundred thousand, all beseeching him to help and succour their afflicted country, and banish Florus, who was the very plague of their nation. Yet Florus was so impudent, that being with Gallus, and hearing these cries against him, he was no whit moved thereat, but laughed at it. Cestius for that time appeased the people, promising that hereafter he would make Florus more gentle unto them, and so returned to Antiochia. Florus conducted him to Caesarea to stop his mouth with lies, devising with himself how to make the jews rebel, and that he thought was the safest means for to cloak his villainies: for if they continued in peace and obedience, he feared that some of them would accuse him before Caesar: marry if he could make them revolt, than he hoped that their great fault would shadow his impieties. Wherefore to bring about his purpose, he every day oppressed them with new calamities, forcing them hereby to rebel against the Romans. At this time the Gentiles of Caesarea got the victory over the jews, The beginning of the war of the jews, the 12. year of Nero's reign. and brought letters to testify that decree before Nero. This was the beginning of the wars of the jews, in the twelfth year of Nero his empire, and the seventeenth of Agrippa's reign, in the month of May. CHAP. XIIII. Of Florus cruelty against the jews of Caesarea and jerusalem. FLorus had no just cause for any of these calamities which he inflicted upon the jews. The jews dwelling at Caesarea had a synagogue near a piece of ground that belonged to a Gentile dwelling in Caesarea. The jews often sought to compound with him for that Ant. lib. 20. cap. 15. The causes of the war of the jews. The year of the world. 4030. after Christ's birth 68 Florus perjury and decoit toward the jews. piece of ground, offering him far more than it was worth: but the Landlord of the soil did not only contemn their request, but also to their great grief in that place builded taverns; so that he left them a very straight and narrow passage to go to their synagogue. Some young men among the jews, being very zealous, resisted the workmen, and would not suffer them to build. Florus hearing this, commanded the jews to let the workmen go forward in their work. The jews not knowing what to do, especially one john a Publican, offered Florus eight talents to hinder the building: he promised for that money to fulfil their request: and now having it, ●…e presently departed from Caesarea, and went to Sebaste without performing any thing, giving as it were occasion of sedition, & as though he had received money of the Nobility of the jews to permit them to fight a certain time. The next day which was the jews Sabbath, when they were all assembled to go to the synagogue, one of Caesarea, a seditious person, took a great ear then vessel and set it even at the entry into their synagogue, and upon it did offer birds. This fact so moved the jews that they would not be pacified, because it was done in contempt of their religion, and thereby the place was profaned. One part of the jews that was most modest and wisest; counseled the people to complain to them that were in authority: but those who for heat of their youth The conflict of the jews with the Caesareans were prone to sedition; begun contumeliously to revile the adversaries. For the most seditious of the people of Caesarea were also prepared to fight with them, and had caused that to be done before the synagogue, only to pick a quarrel, and so they fought together. jucundus General of the horsemen, that was left to keep all in quiet, presently came with soldiers, and commanded that vessel to be taken away, and so endeavoured to appease the tumult: but not being able to do it through the violence of them of Caesarea; the jews took the books of their laws, and retired themselves to a place called Narbata, belonging to them, which was distant from Caesarea Florus imprisoneth twelve of the chiefest jews in Caesarea. threescore furlongs. Twelve of the chief of them, together with john the Publican, went unto Florus; being at Sebaste, to complain of the injury done unto them, requesting him to assist them, and modestly put him in mind of the eight talents they gave him. But he presently commanded them to be bound and imprisoned, because they had presumed to take and carry their law from Caesarea. Hereat those of jerusalem were greatly moved, yet they showed it not. Florus as upon set purpose giving occasion of rebellion, sent for seventeen talents out of the sacred treasury, pretending that it was to be employed in Caesar's affairs. At this the people was much troubled, calling and crying upon the name of Caesar, praying that he would deliver them from Florus his tyranny. Some of them being seditious, began to curse Florus bitterly, and took Another cause of war raised by Florus. a basket and carried it about, and begged an alms for Florus; which they did in derision, as who should say, he were as miserable as beggars that have nothing. Florus for all this left not his covetousness, but was more earnest to rob the inhabitants of their goods. So that when he should have gone to Caesarea to have quieted the sedition; & removed the cause of tumults, as also he had received The year of the world 4030. after Christ's Nativity. 68 money so to do; taking an army of horse and foot, he came to jerusalem, that with the help of the Roman soldiers he might effect his pleasure, and terrify the whole city. The people to pacify his wrath, went out in courteous sort to meet the army, showing themselves ready to give them the best entertainment they could, and to receive Florus with all honour and reverence. Florus understanding of them, sent before him one Capito a Centurion, Another occasion of the war. Florus scorneth the gratulation of the jews. with fifty horsemen; commanding them to depart, and not to mock him with a pretence of honour, whom they had so heinously abused. And that if they were as good as their words, they should flout and reproach him to his face; and not only in words, but in deeds show; that they desired liberty. Herewithal the multitude being terrified; and also for that the horsemen that came with Capito assaulted them with violence; every one fled before they saluted Florus, or did their accustomed duty unto the army: and going every one unto his house, they passed the watchful night in fear and sorrow. Florus for that night lodged in the king's palace. The next day he caused a tribunal openly to be placed, and the high priest and all the chief of the jews resorted thither, and stood before the tribunal. Then Florus sitting in the tribunal seat, commanded Florus in his tribunal requireth them to be yielded unto him, who had spoken ill of him. them to bring forth presently all those, that had used any opprobrious words against him, threatening to be revenged upon them except they did it. The jews made answer, that the people intended nothing but peace and quietness, requesting that they that had offended in words might obtain pardon. For it was no marvel in so great a multitude, if there were some rash and foolish young men: and that it was unpossible to discern all that offended, seeing every one was now penitent for that which was done, and at least for fear would deny it. And that if he were careful to conserve and maintain the quietness of the nation, and preserve the City still to obey the Romans, he then must rather pardon a few seditious for so many good men's sake, then to revenge himself of a few wicked persons, to hurt and molest so many that thought no harm. Hereat Florus wrath was increased, and presently he commanded the soldiers to sack The outrage of Florus soldiers the market place (which was in the higher part of the City) where things were sold, and put all they met or found unto the sword. The soldiers, who were desirous of gain, having now authority from their ruler, did not only sack the place they were sent unto, but also all houses, and murdered the inhabitants. All streets and gates were filled with them that sought to fly, and the dead bodies of them that did light into the soldiers hands: no sort of spoiling was omitted. They also apprehended many of the nobility, and brought them to Florus: and he causing them to be whipped, afterward hanged them up. And there were slain that day, of men, women and Florus soldiers kill 630. Iewes in one day. children (for they spared not infants) six hundredth and thirty. Which did not afflict the jews so much, as to see the sudden cruelty and tyranny of the Romans: Florus then doing that none before durst ever presume to do: for he caused knights before the tribunal seat to be whipped, and after hanged them up, who though they were Iewes borne, yet received they that dignity from the Romans. CHAP. XV. Of another opperession of the Citizens of jerusalem, by Florus his means. AT the same time king Agrippa was gone to Alexandria, to entertain Alexander, whom Nero sent to be ruler over Egypt; his sister Berenice in the mean while remained in jerusalem, Berenice requireth Florus to pacify his displeasure against the jews. who seeing the cruelty of the soldiers, was much grieved: and often sent the lieutenants of her horsemen and her own guard unto Florus, requesting him to abstain from the slaughter of the citizens. But he neither regarding the multitude of them that were slain, nor the dignity of her that entreated, but only his private gain, and what he could gather by oppression and rapine, denied her request: so that the rage of the soldiers extended itself also against the Queen. For they did not only before her face beat and kill all that came in their way, but The fury of the soldiers against Bero●… nice. they had also killed her, had she not fled into the palace, where she watched all night, keeping a trusty guard about her, fearing that the soldiers would break in upon her. She came to jerusalem to fulfil her vow to God: for it is the custom, that if any be afflicted with a grievous sickness, or be in any other distress, they must abide in prayer thirty days before they offer sacrifice, and abstain from wine, and shave their hair; which custom Queen Berenice then observing, stood also barefoot before Florus his tribunal seat, to entreat him: whom he not only contemned, but also put her in danger of her life. This was done the sixteenth day of May. The day after, the The people exclaim against Floru●… multitude gathered together in the upper part of the City in the market place, & with great cries murmured that so many were slain, and especially used contumelious words against Florus; The year of the world, 4030 after Christ's birth 68 Florus reneweth the discontents of the people. which the nobility and high priests (fearing their deaths) apprehended, beseeching them to abstain from such words as had already caused that calamity in the city, and not to provoke Florus unto greater indignation. And so the multitude was pacified for their sakes who entreated, and hoped that hereafter Florus would desist from such cruelty. Florus, when he saw the multitude quieted, was sorry: and that he might again provoke them, he assembled together the nobility and high Priests, telling them that it would be an argument that the people did not seek alteration any more, if they would go in courteous wise and meet the soldiers which were coming Florus subtlety and treason. from Caesarea, whereof were two legions. Having thus assembled the jews together to go meet the soldiers, he also sent and commanded the Centurions not to salute the jews, who came to meet them: and if therefore the jews were offended, and gave any hard speeches, they should fall upon them with their weapons. The high priests assembling the jews together in the temple, besought them to go, & solemnly to meet and entertain the soldiers, for fear of a greater inconvenience. Notwithstanding their counsel, those that were seditious refused to do as they were requested: and others for grief of them that were slain took part with the seditious. Then all the Priests and Levites brought forth the holy vessels and ornaments of the temple, and with haps, songs and musical instruments came before the multitude, beseeching them to endeavour, that the honour and pomp of the temple might still remain, & not to incite the Romans The exhortation of the priests and princes to the people. through contumelious words to sack the temple. There might you see the chief of the high Priests with ashes upon their heads, and clothes rend, so that their naked breasts were perceived; & calling every noble man by his name, and speaking unto all the multitude, requested not for a small offence to betray their whole country to them; who still gaped after the destruction thereof. For what commodity should the Romans reap by the jews salutation, and what amendment of their miseries could they expect if they did not go to meet them? chose if they would go to them in solemn sort, than they took from Florus all occasion of persecution, & saved their country from ruin, & themselves from further calamities. Adding, that it was a great shame that such a multitude should be led away with a few seditious persons, & that it was more fit that so many should force those few seditious people to obey them, & join with them in opinion. With these persuasions they did mollify the malice of the jews, and also persuade many of the seditious people, some with threats, and some with reverence of themselves to be pacified. And so they going before all the people followed, & went out to meet the Roman soldiers. And coming near them they saluted them: who answering nothing again, those of the jews that were seditious, began to rail against Florus, by whose consent this was done: and presently the soldiers apprehending them, did beat them with clubs, and the rest flying, the Roman horsemen The event showeth Florus intent & counsel. The slaughter of the jews. pursued them, and trod upon them with their horses. Many were slain by the Romans, and more were killed in the throng, one of them tumbling upon another. There was a great throng in the gates of the city: for every one hastening and striving to get in, hindered themselves and others. Many died most miserably in that throng, and some were stifled, and some priest to death being trodden upon; so that their neighbours coming to bury them, could not know them. The soldiers also cruelly assaulted them, killing all that they could come unto, and forced the people to go in by the entrance called Bezetha, who desired to recover the temple and the castle called Antonia. Florus taking the soldiers with him, pursued them thither, striving to get the castle; yet did he The seditious for 〈◊〉 lest Florus should se●…se their spoils fly to the temple. Florus taketh the spoils, and entereth the temple. Florus seeing the jews inexpugnable in the temple, surceaseth his violence, and leaving a band behind him goeth to Caesarea. not prevail: for the people made resistance, and threw down stones from the house top; and killed many of the Romans, who being overcome with darts cast from aloft, and could not resist the people, who on every side came against them, retired themselves unto the rest of the army at the king's palace. Those that were seditious, fearing that Florus would again assault them, and by the castle Antonia make an entrance into the temple, they got upon the galleries that reached from the porch of the temple unto Antonia, and beat them down, hereby to repress the covetousness of Florus. Who greedily gaped after the sacred treasure, and strived to enter by Antonia into the temple to take them: but seeing the porches beaten down, he offered no more violence. And calling together the high priests and nobility, he said that he was content to depart out of the city, but he would leave them as great a garrison as they would request. Whereunto they answered, that nothing should be altered if he would leave one company to keep all quiet, so he left not that, which a while before did fight against the people, because that the people would not easily brook them, for that which they had suffered at their hands. So Florus as he was requested, changing the garrison with the rest of the army departed to Caesarea. CHAP. XVI. The year of the world. 403●…. after Christ's birth 68 Of Politianus the tribune, and how Agrippa made a speech unto the jews, exhorting them to obey the Romans. FLorus yet devised an other way to stir the jews to rebellion: for he reported unto Cestius that the jews were revolted, impudently belying them to have committed that which indeed they endured at his hands. The nobles of jerusalem and Berenice certified Cestus Gallus precedent of Syria co●…ulteth with the princes what were bestro be done. Politianus is sent to jerusalem and meeteth with Agrippa. Cestius of all that Florus had done: he receiving letters from both partics deliberated with his nobles what to do. Some cosisailed Cestius to go into judaea with an army, & punish the jews if they were revolted; and if they were not, then to confirm them in their obedience. Yet it pleased him better to send some about him thither before, to bring him true news of their estate, and what had happened. So he sent Politianus the tribune, who in his way met with Agrippa about jamnia as he returned from Alexandria, and told him all, for what, and from whom he was sent. Where also were present the Priests and chief of the jews, to welcome Agrippa. And having saluted him as courteously as they could, they presently bewailed the misery which had befallen their nation, & the cruelty of Florus. Which although Agrippa disallowed, yet made as if he were angry with the jews whom he greatly pitied, purposing hereby to bridle their affections, that they persuaded, that they had had no injury, might abstain from revenge. So that all the better sort, who for their lands and livings desired quietness, well perceived that the king's reprehension was not of malice but for their good. The people of jerusalem went out to meet them threescore furlongs off, and received Agrippa and Politianus very courteously, yet the women lamented the death of their husbands slain, The multitude of the people go out to meet Agrippa and Politianus. and with their tears moved the whole multitude to sorrow, who besought Agrippa to have compassion on their nation; entreating also Politianus to go into the city, and behold what Florus had done: And so they showed him the market place desert, and the houses destroyed, and by the means of Agrippa persuaded Politianus to go round about the city as far as Siloa, only with one man, and behold with his eyes what Florus had done, and that they were obedient to the Romans in all things, and only were enemies unto Florus who had used them so cruelly. Politianus assembleth the people, and inciteth them to peace, and after returneth to Cestius. The jews require the king that there might be some ambassadors sent to Rome to conplaine of Florus to Nero. Politianus having gone about the whole city, ascended into the temple, well perceiving many arguments of the jews fidelity towards the Romans, and calling the people there together, he praised their loyalty, and exhorted them still to continue in like obedience, and worshipped God and his ●…ites, as far as the law permitted him: and so he returned unto Cestius. The multitude of the jews came to Agrippa and the high Priests, requesting them to send Ambassadors against Florus unto Nero, and not to give an argument of rebellion by not complaining of such murders: for Florus would make him believe that they had rebelled, except they went unto him to show that Florus gave first occasion; and it was certain that the multitude would not be quieted if any one hindered that Embassage. Hereupon Agrippa thought that it would be an hateful matter to send Ambassadors to Rome to accuse Florus; and on the other part he perceived, that it was to no purpose to contradict the jews, who were ready now to rebel: wherefore calling the people together he made a speech unto them, and seated his sister Berenice in an eminent place in the house of the Asmonaeans. The porch wherein he called them together, was in such a place that it overlooked all the higher part of the City, for there was only a bridge between it and the Temple, which joined the Temple and it together, and there spoke he unto the jews in Agrippa's oration to the jews. manner following. If I had perceived that you were bend to fight against the Romans, or that the better part of the people were not inclined to peace, neither would I have come unto you, nor have presumed to have counseled you in any thing. For it is in vain to give counsel of such things as are expedient, where all the auditors are already determined to follow that, which is contrary to the counsel given them. But for that some are ignorant what misery wars induce, because by reason of their young years they have not known it, others are moved with a rash and unadvised desire of their liberty, others are drawn by avarice and hope of gain in that hurly-burly: I thought it good to assemble you all together, and declare unto you what means is to be used to restrain such people, & that the good may the better know how to resist and overcome the practices of the wicked. But let no man frown if he hear that which displeaseth him, and I will tell you nothing but that which seemeth expedient for you. For they that are so bend to rebellion, Agrippa striveth to make the common sort flexible & attentive. that they will not be recalled, may for all my words continue in the same mind still. And I will speak nothing at all except you will all keep silence. I know that many do seek to aggravate the injuries that are done by the rulers of the country, and do highly commend and extol liberty: yet before I begin to declare unto you who you are, and against whom ye purpose to The ye●…re of the world. 4030. after Christ's birth 68 bear arms, I will first divide and separate such causes as you think inseparable. For if you seek only to revenge yourselves upon those that have injured you, why do ye then so extol liberty? or if you think it not tolerable to obey any other; why then, these complaints against your rulers are superfluous? For although they were never so mild, still would subjection be intolerable. Call all things to mind, and consider what a small cause of war is given you. And first of all weigh with yourselves, the crimes and offences of your rulers: for you ought to show yourselves humble, and dutiful to them that are in authority, and not exasperate and provoke them It behoveth to honour the magistrate and not to provoke him by injury. to wrath by reproachful speeches. For in reviling them for small offences, you do incite them against you whom you so revile: and that where as before they did only do you a little injury, and that secretly, now being moved through bad speeches, they openly set upon you and destroy you. And there is nothing that so restraineth cruelty as patience; so that oft times the patience of them who have suffered injury, makes them that did the ini●…rie ashamed thereof. Be it so, that they, which are sent into the provinces & appointed by the Romans for your governors, are irksome to you: yet all the Romans do not oppress you, nor Caesar, against whom you would take arms. For they command no cruel governors to come to you, nor can they who are in Agrippa excuseth Caesar and the Romans the furthest part of the West, easily know what is done in the East, nor hear thereof. And truly it is a thing most against reason to take arms for so small cause, especially when they against whom you take arms, know nothing of the matter. It is an easy way quickly to have redress for these matters you now complain of. For there will not be always the same governor, and it is credible, that they who succeed this, will be more gentle and courteous. But if you once begin Depulsion of the jews liberty which they so vehemently seek for●…. to make war, it is not easy to end it or to sustain it without great calamities. And let them who so thirst after liberty, diligently advise themselves, that they do not bring upon their backs a greater bondage. For slavery is a cruel thing, and it seemeth a lawful cause to make war, lest you be brought into it: yet he that is already in bondage and revolteth, is rather a perverse slave, than one who desireth liberty. You should therefore have endeavoured to have resisted the Romans, when first Pompeius entered into this land: but then our ancestors and their kings far exceeding you in riches, strength of body, and courage, were not able to withstand a small part of the Roman forces; and do you think who are their successors, and far weaker than they, having succeeded them in subjection, that you are able to resist all the whole power of the Romans? The Athenians, who sometime to conserve the liberty of Greece, set their own city on fire, and pursued that proud Xerxes whom they forced to fly with one ship (which Xerxes made the earth navigable, and the sea firmeland, who had such a navy that the seas had not roo●… for one The example of the Athenians & others who obey the Roman empire. ship to sail by another, nor all Europe able to receive his army) who also had such a victory over Asia, near the little Isle of Salamina, yet now are subject unto the Romans, and that kingly city is now ruled at the Romans beck. The Lacedæmonians also having gotten such a victory upon the Thermopyles, and under their general Agesila●… ●…acked Asia, acknowledge now the Romans for their Lords. The Macedonians also who still imagine they see Philip and Alexander promising them the Empire of the whole world; now patiently bear this change, and obey them whom fortune hath made their masters. Many other nations, who for their The Lacedæmonians. The Macedonians. power and strength have far more cause than you to seek their liberty, yet patiently endure to serve the Romans. But you only think it a disgrace to obey them, who are Lords of the whole world. And where are the armies & arms that you trust in, or your navy to scour the Roman seas? Where are your treasures to effect that you intend? think you that you are to war against The comparison of the Romans force with the jews weakness. The Romans have brought the whole world under their government, & have ●…ought another world beyond the Ocean. the Egyptians or Arabians? And do you not consider the bounds of the Roman Empire? Do you not consider your own inability? Know ye not that your neighbour nations have often by force taken your city? and that the forces of the Romans have passed through the whole world unconquered, and as it were searching for something greater than the world? Whose dominions towards the East is extended beyond Euphrates, and towards the North beyond Ister, & towards the South beyond the wilderness of Lybia, and towards the West beyond Gades, having found an other world beyond the Ocean, and with an army entered Britain which is England and Scotland, where never any came before. Are you richer than the Frenchmen, stronger than the Germans, wiser than the Greeks, and are you more in number then the whole world beside? What hop●… can you have that may incite you against the Romans? But some of you will say, that bondage is a grievous thing. But how much more than you should the Greeks think so, that were thought to be the noblest nation under heaven, and had such large dominions, and now obey the Roman governors? as also the Macedonians do, who have greater cause than you to seek their liberty? What shall I say of the fifty Cities of Asia? do The 〈◊〉 of the world 4030. after Christ's Nativity. 68 they not all obey one ruler, and the authority of the Consul, without any garrison? What shall I speak of the Eniochians, Col●…hians, the people of Taurus, the inhabitants of Helispontus, and Pontus, and about Maeotis; who in time past had no ruler of their own nation, whom now three thousand Soldiers keep in awe, and forty long Galleys keep now peaceably those seas, Fifty Cities of Asia obey the Romans. never sailed on before? What think you the Bythinians, Cappadocians, & those of Pamphilia, Lydia, and Cilicia, could say for their liberty, who notwithstanding now peaceably pay tribute unto the Romans? What of the Thracians? whose Country is five days journey in breadth, and seven in length, far more hard and stronger than your Country, where frost would hinder them that should assault them, yet do they obey two thousand Romans who are in garrison. After them, the Illyrians whose country reacheth unto Dalmatia, and Ister, are kept in obedience only by two legions, with help of whom they also resist the Dacians. The Dalmatians themselves, who having so often attempted their own liberty being oftentimes conquered, and still as their wealth increased rebelling, are now in peace under one legion of the Romans. Nay if any one have cause to rebel it is the Frenchmen, whose country is by the nature of the place strong, being on the East side compassed with the Alps, on the North with the river of Rhine, on the South with the Pirenaean mountains, on the West with the Ocean. Who notwithstand, having The defence of France. amongst them three hundredth and five nations, who have amongst them as it were the very fountain offelicitie, and with their goods and commodities every the whole world: yet do they pay tribute unto the Romans, and account their happiness to be builded upon the felicity of the Romans, & that neither for want of courage nor Nobility of blood, who fourscore years long fought for their liberty; admiring the Romans and fearing them, who still gained more by fortune, than they did by wars: and now obey a thousand and two hundredth Soldiers, having almost against every Soldier a City. Neither could the Spaniards, though gold grew in their Country, keep themselves from The Spaniards subject to the Romans. being subject to the Romans. Nor the Portugal●…s and the warlike Cantab●…ians, for all the distance of sea and land between them and Rome. The Ocean, whose waves beating against the shore, terrifieth the inhabitants adjoining, could not stay them but they passed it: and carried an army beyond the pillars of Hercules, and passed the tops of the Pyrenaean mountains, which reach unto the clouds, and so made also those people subject unto them: and for all that they were so warlike a nation, and so far from Rome, they left only one legion for garrison. Which of you have not heard of the multitude of the Germans? whose virtue and mighty bodies I think you have often seen. For in every Country the Romans have them for captives, yet The Germans mul●…de, virtue and huge stature. they whose country is so large, having hearts far bigger than their bodies, and souls that contemn death, who are more cruel than bruit beasts; yet are they now limited by the river Rhine, and kept in subjection by eight legions of Romans: and those that were taken were made slaves, and the rest chose rather to save themselves by flight then fight. And you who have such confidence in the walls of jerusalem, consider the walls of Brittany; whose country though compassed with the Ocean, and almost as great as our whole world, the Romans sailing into it have conquered, The Britain's subject to the Romans. and four legions keep that Island so populous. What should I say more, when the Parthians a most warlike people, who lately reigned over so many nations, and abound in so much wealth, are now compelled to send pledges to Rome? Nay, you may see all the nobility of the East The Parthians at Rome, who with peace shadow their captivity; and almost all the nations under the Sun trembling and dreading the Roman puissance: & will you only war against them? Do you not consider what befell the Carthaginians, who boasting themselves of that great Hannibal, sprung from the noble race of the Phaenicians, at last were destroyed by Scipio? Neither could the Cyrenaeans, The Carthaginians made subject by Scip●…os hands. who took their beginning from the Lacedæmonians, nor all the race of the Marmaridans, which is extended as far as the Deserts, which are very scarce of waters; nor the Syrteses, nor the Nasamonians, nor the Moors, nor the innumerable multitude of the Numidians, have been able to resist the power of the Romans; who by force of arms have conquered the third part of the The Romans govern the Moors. world, the nations whereof can hardly be numbered, which from the Sea Atlantic and Hercules pillars unto the red Sea, containeth an infinite company of Aethiopians, and innumerable habitations of them: who beside, that they pay so much fruits and Corn unto the Romans, as for eight months in every year will keep and sustain all the people of Rome, do also pay tribute; and moreover assist them any way they can, and never murmur at it, as you do; and there is only one legion left to keep them in obedience. But what should I need to tell you of foreign examples, to signify unto you the power of the Romans, seeing you may well perceive it by that which they did in Egypt, hard by, which reaching unto Aethiopia and rich A●…abia, and bordering The year of the world, 4030 after Christ's birth 68 upon India, having under it, seven hundredth and fifty millions of people, besides the inhabitants of Alexandria, which is easy to be counted by the tribute which is paid of every person by the paul: living in their country, yet disdain not to live under the dominion of the Romans, notwithstanding, that they have a great enticement to rebel, to wit, Alexandria which is both populous Alexandria acknowledgeth the power of the Romans. & very rich, in length 30. furlongs, in breadth ten, & payeth more tribute in a month than you do in a whole year; and besides their money find all Rome with Come four months in the year: and it is on every side compassed about either with a waste wilderness, by which no●…an pass, or the fierce sea, which is boundless; or with great and strong rivers, or muddy and dirty quagmires, and marish grounds, all which little availed them to withstand the force of the Romans. For two legions only placed in the City, keep all the great country Egypt, and the Nobility of Macedon in awe. What sociates will you have from some Country not inhabited to aid you against the Romans? For all those that at this day dwell in any place of the world, that is inhabited, obey the Romans. Except peradventure some of you hope for help from beyond Euphrates; thinking that your Countrymen of Adiabena will help you: but they will not entangle themselves in these dangerous wars, for an unreasonable cause; nor if they would consent to so dishonest a deed, the Parthians will not suffer them. For they are careful to maintain their league with the Romans, and would think it violated, if any under their dominions should war against them. It remaineth then that you must only trust that God will help you, but God doth a●…sist the Romans: for it is unpossible that such an Empire should continue without the help of God. Consider that this God's favour towa●…ds the Romans. contempt of Religion, although you were to war against far weaker than yourselves, yet were it hard to be dispensed withal▪ and it may so come to pass, that, that whereby you hope to make God your partaker, thereby you may make him your enemy: for if you observe the custom of Sabbaths, and in them do nothing, it will not be hard to conquer you. For so your ancestors have made experience by ●…peius, who ever deferred all his enterprises until that day, wherein his enemies were idle, & ●…de no resistance. Now if in war ye transgress your country laws, I know not then for what you should rebel. For truly all of you at this time are of that mind, that your Country laws shall not be changed. And I pray you how will you request help The last argument that proveth the jews destitute of Gods & man's help, and unapt to make war. Whilst the ship is yet in the Port, it is good to prevent the ●…uture tempest. at God's hands, if wilfully ye break his laws? All that begin war, either trust in human riches, or divine succour: and they that war, having no probability to hope for any of the●…e, wilfully lead themselves into open captivity. What letteth you every man with his own hands to butcher his wife and children, and from consuming this goodly Country with fire; for so you shall gain this, not to abide the shame of a conquest. It is good O friends, it is good, whilst yet the ship is in the Haven, to foresee and provide for future tempests, and not then begin to fear, when you are amidst the waves and surges of the sea. They who fall into a misery not foreseen, are worthy to receive compassion, but they that run into wilful calamity, deserve no pity; but reproach. Unless perhaps ye think that the Romans will fight with you, as you will condition, and that if they overcome you, they will not use you hardly, nor fire and destroy this sacred City, and all the whole nation as they have done others. If ye be overcome, who so escapeth unkilled, can have no place of refuge: for all nations either are already subject unto the Romans, or fear that they shall be shortly. So that not only you shall be in danger, but also all Cities Agrippa's prophecy of the jews future misery. wherein any jews remain. For there is no nation nor people in the whole world, amongst whom some of your Country are not, who all shall be most cruelly put to death if you rebel: and for the wicked counsel of a few men, all Cities shall flow with blood of the jews; and no man shall be punished for kill jews, because of your offence. And if the Romans do not execute all this outrage after your rebellion, then think how impious a thing it is, to rebel against so mild governors. Take compassion, if not of your children, and wives, yet at the least of this City, which is the mother City of all your nation. Spare these holy walls, and sacred Temple, and keep unto yourselves the law and sacred things of the Temple: assure yourselves that if the Romans again overcome you, they will not spare these things, seeing you were no more grateful unto them, for preserving them before. I protest before God, your holy Temple, and all the Angels of heaven Agripp●… protesteth that he hath omitted no counsel that he thought expedient for the jews. and our whole Country, that I have kept back no counsel, which I think profitable for you. Now if you consider of those things which are profitable for you, ye shall live with me in peace, but if you follow your private affections, I will not be partaker of the miseries and dangers; you thrust yourselves into. When he had thus spoken, he wept, his sister Berenice standing by him, and by his tears mitigated a great part of their fury. Then they cried that they meant not to bear arms against the Romans and Caesar, but against Florus, for the injury he had done them. To The year of the world. 4030. after the birth of Christ. 68 this Agrippa answered, but your deeds show that you fight against the Romans: for you have not paid your tribute to Caesar; and you have burned the porches belonging unto Antonia; now if you would hide your rebellion, repair with speed the porches, and pay your tribute: for this fort belongeth not to Florus, nor the money. Herewith the people were content, and ascending into the temple with Agrippa and Berenice, they began to re-edify the porches, and the nobility and captains gathered the tribute in every village, and quickly brought forty talents (for so much money was behind.) And thus Agrippa appeased the beginning of these wars. After this, he began to persuade the people to obey Florus, till such time as an other were sent to supply his place. Herewith the multitude was so moved, that they contumeliously reviled the king, and threw stones at him, and dro●…e him out of the City. The king seeing that their sedition would not be quieted, complaining of the injury done unto him, sent the nobility and all Agrippa the king is by the people driven out of the city with stones. the potentates to Florus, who was at Caesarea, that he might choose whom he would amongst them to gather the tribute through the whole country. And so he departed into his own kingdom. CHAP. XVII. Of the rebellion of the jews begun against the Romans. AT this time, some of the chiefest rebels assembled to gither, suddenly assaulted a Castle called Massada, which at unawares they took, and killed all the Romans, and in their places put a guard of their own company. In the temple also, Eleazar son of the high priest Ananias; a bold and desperate young man, captain of the soldiers, persuaded them who offered sacrifices, not to offer any but those, that were given by the jews: And this was the ground and cause of the wars that ensued. For they rejected Caesar's sacrifices, that were The jews refuse Caesar's sacrifices for the prosperity of the Roman●…. wont to be offered for the good of the Romans. And although the high priests and people of account requested them not to omit that custom of sacrificing for their kings and governors; yet they refused so to do, trusting greatly to their faction: all the strength of the City that desired alteration, were of their minds, and especially Eleazar, who at that time was General, as is before said. Wherefore all the potentates; h●…gh priests, and chiefest of the Pharisees assembled themselves, and perceiving into how great danger those rebels daily brought the City, they determined to make trial of the courage of the seditious people: wherefore they assembled them together before the brazen gate; which was in the inner part of the temple towards the East. And first of all, they greatly complained of their rash and unadvised rebellion, and that they sought to stir up so great wars against their country, inveighing against the cause that moved them thereto, as being without reason: telling them that their ancestors for the most part, adorned the temple with the gifts of Gentiles; never refusing the offerings of strangers; and not only not to have refused their offerings (for that were an impious fact) but also placed in the temple the gifts that they sent, which were yet to be seen. And that now only to provoke the Romans to war, and denounce it against them, they began to alter religion: and beside other dangers also, to make the City seem guilty of impiety; as though it were such a one wherein none might offer sacrifice but jews, nor any but they might adore God. If we should make such a Against those who refuse foreign sacrifices. law against any private person, he had just cause to accuse us of inhumanity. But now the Romans were despised, and Caesar himself accounted profane: and it was to be feared, that if the jews disdained to accept of Caesar's offerings, Caesar would hinder them from offering any. And that the city of jerusalem would presently be accounted as an enemy to the empire, unless they presently accepted Caesar's sacrifice; and before such time, as they heard these news against whom this outrage was attempted. And having thus spoken, they brought forth the most learned amongst the priests to recount from time to time how their ancestors had always accepted of the sacrifices of strangers. But none of the rebels gave ear to any thing that was said, and the Levites came not to serve None of the seditious gave ear to those that were in authority. Ambassadors sent to Florus and Agrippa against the seditious. at the altar, as now preparing for war. When the nobility saw that they could not appease this sedition, and that they themselves should first feel the Romans power, they devised all means to pacif●…e the tumult, and sent some as Ambassadors unto Florus: the chief whereof was Simon the son of Ananias: other some were sent to Agrippa, of which the noblest Saulus, Antipas, and Costoharus, who were also akin unto the king, requesting them both to come with an army into the City, and suppress the sedition which was raised, before it went further. Florus was glad of these tidings, and desiring nothing more than ●…e, gave no answer to the Ambassadors. The year of the world. 4030. after C●…sts birth 68 But Agrippa willing to spare both parts as well the good as the rebels, and to preserve the jews for the Romans and the temple for the jews, considering it not mee●…e for him to busy himself in such affairs, sent 3000. horsemen to aid the people against the rebe●…. Which horsemen were of Auranitis, Batanaea, and Trachon, and made Darius their captain, and Philip son of joachim General of all the army. These coming into the city, the nobility with the high priests & the rest War in jerusalem between th●… seditious and those that ●…auored peace. of the people that desired peace, received this succour in good part; and occupied the higher part of the city; for the rebels kept the lower part, and the temple: so that they incessantly fought with darts and slings, and shooting of arrows, and sometime one rushing upon another, suddenly they skirmished together. The seditious were more valiant, but the king's soldiers were more skilful in wars; who chiefly endeavoured to get the temple, and expel out of it those who profaned it. And the rebels with Eleazar endeavoured beside that which they had alrea●…y, to get also into their hands the higher part of the City. Wherefore during the space of seven days, there continued a great conflict betwixt them, & either part kept that they had. When the celebration of the feast came, called Xylophoria, wherein every one carrieth wood to the temple to Xylophoria a●…east. keep a fire continually upon the altar; the rebels would not suffer their enemies to do their devotion. Now many of the thieves who carried poyniards under their coats, went amongst the weaker multitude, and boldly followed their old practice. The king's soldiers were overcome, The king's soldiers are overcome. and forced to leave the higher part of the City, and the rebels presently coming in, set the palaces of Ananias, Agrippa, and Berenice on fire, and forthwith went to the place where all charters were kept, purposing there to burn all bonds and obligations of debtor, thereby to defraud the creditors, and so to join all the debtor with their faction, and stir up all the poor people against the rich. But the keepers of these public writings flying, the seditious persons set all on fire: and so having destroyed as it were the strength of the City, they addressed themselves against such, as resisted their proceedings. Some of the high priests and nobles hid themselves in vaults: others flying with the king's soldiers into the higher palace of the king, soon locked up the doors after them; amongst whom were Ananias the high priest, & Ezechias his brother, and they, who (as is before spoken) were sent Ambassadors unto Agrippa: and so the seditious were satisfied that day with the victory, and firing of the houses aforesaid. The next day, The jews take Antonia and burn it. which was the fifteenth of August, they assaulted the Castle Antonia, and besieging it two days, they took all that guarded it, and killed them; and placed in it a garrison of their own company. This done, they went unto the king's palace, whither Agrippa's soldiers were fled: and dividing their company into four parts, they began to cast down the walls: none of them that were within durst come out for fear of the multitude, but went up to the turrets of the palace, and killed all those that offered to come up, and many of the thieves under the walls with things that they cast down. This conflict continued day and night, for the rebels thought that those which were within could not hold out for want of victuals: And they within thought that the seditious being wearied, would soon give over. In the mean season, one Manahemus the son of judas of Galilaea (that most crafty subtle Sophister, who reviled the jews in Cyrenius time for paying tribute, and would be subject to any but to God) taking with him certain nobles went unto Massada, where king Herod's armory was, and breaking into it, he armed the common people and other thieves; and having them for his guard, he returned again to jerusalem as king: and when he was made prince of that sedition, he disposed of the battery of the fortresses. But they wanted engines, neither could they openly undermine the walls of the adversaries, who continually cast down darts: wherefore they began a mine a great way off, till it came under one of the towers which was supported by posts of wood, and they set fire on the wood that supported it, and went their way: so the supporters being consumed with fire, the tower presently fell down, and there appeared a very high wall within. For those within perceiving their adversaries intent, perhaps by the shaking of that tower, presently builded this wall, to keep out the rebels between them and it. The seditious verily thinking that with the fall of the tower they Manahemus the chief of tje rebels gives the king's faction and friend's licence to depart. The Romans forsaking the Stratopedon, fly into the King's sorts. should be victors, when they saw another wall, were amazed. And the king's soldiers were sent unto Manahemus and others that were chief of the rebels, requesting them to have licence to depart. Which Manahemus granted only to the king's soldiers, and those of his own country; who presently accepting thereof departed, and so left the Romans in great fear. For they were not able to resist so great a multitude, & they thought it a shame to entreat that they might depart, thinking that it were dangerous for them although it were granted. Wherefore leaving the lower place which was called Stratopedon, because it might easily be taken, they fled into the King's towers, whereof one was called Hippicos, the other Phasaelus, the third Mariam. The rebels The year of the world, 4030. after Chr●…sts birth 68 that were with Manahemus, broke presently into the lower part that the Romans had forsaken, and killed all that they found there, and when they had sacked it, they set it on fire: and this was done the sixth day of September: CHAP. XVIII. Of the death of Ananias the high Priest, Manahemus and the Roman soldiers. THe next day following Ananias the high Priest, was taken in one of the water Conduits The death of Ananias the high priest, and Ezechias his brother. of the King's palace, where he hid himself, and was there killed with his brother Ezechias by these thieves: and the rebels besieged all the Towers round about, and kept diligent watch, lest any of the Romans should escape. But Manahemus both for his good success in destroying the strong holds, as also with the death of Ananias the high Priest, became proud and cruel, and thinking none so wise as himself, in those affairs became an intolerable ryrant. Now two of Eleazar's companions rose up & communed together, that it did not become them that rebelled against the Romans (only to recover their l●…bertie) that they should be traitors thereof to their own companions, who were of the same condition, and that they should endure a King or Lord over them, who although he be no severe man, yet he was of more abject and base condition than they. If it were so, that it were expedient to have one ruler over all the Eleazar's followers assault Manahem in the Temple. rest, they had rather have any one than Manahemus: and being thus agreed, they set upon him in the Temple, where he was praying with great Pomp, appareled like a King, and having about him a guard of his friends in armour. Now when Eleazar his followers set upon Manahemus, the people did also throw stones at him, & so stoned him, hoping that by his death the sedition would be extinguished. The guard of Manahemus at first, made some resistance; but when they perceived the whole multitude against them, every one shifted for himself, as he could, & those that were taken were put to death, and they that escaped were afterward sought for: only a few of them fled unto Massada, amongst whom was Eleazar the son of jairus, who was Manahemus kinsman, and afterward Manahem with the princes slain. in Massada became a tyrant. But Manahemus fled into a place called Ophlas, where he basely hid himself, and being taken he was drawn out from thence, and after many torments put to death, and with him all the Nobility that had assisted him, as also Absalomon, who was his only helper. And in this matter (as I have said) the people greatly helped, hoping hereby to have some end of that sedition. But the rebels did not kill Manahemus, to the end to extinguish sedition, but to the intent to rob and spoil more freely. The people with many entreaties, besought them to let the Romans alone, whom they did befiege, but they were so much the more earnest against them, till they being no longer able to The Romans unable any longer to resist, yield themselves. make resistance, with the consent of Metilius their Captain, and some other of more authority, sent unto Eleazar, requesting him to give them licence to depart with their lives, and leave their munition to the jews. Who accepting their petition, sent unto them Gorion the son of Nichodem●…s, and Ananias the Sadducee, and judas the son of jonathas, to confirm the promise of their lives. Which done, Metilius led away the Soldiers: and whilst the Romans had their weapons, none of the rebels durst attempt any of their treachery against them: but so soon as every one according to covenant, laid down their shields and swords, and so departed mistrusting The Roman●… against all covenant & law, are all slain save Metili●…. nothing, Eleazar his guard set upon them, and killed them, who neither made any resistance, nor any entreaty for their lives, only putting them in mind of their promise and oath. So they were●…ll slain save only Metilius, who greatly entreated for his life, and promising that he would become a jew in religion, and be circumcised, they spared him. Yet was this a small loss to the Romans, who only had then but a very few slain of their great and almost infinite army: and this seemed the very beginning of the jews captivity. When they saw themselves to have given sufficient cause of wars and too great, and that the City was now so filled with iniquity, that the wrath of God did hang over it, though there had been no fear of any harm to them by the Romans, yet the whole City mourned, and was sorrowful, and quietly minded, lamented as Slaughter on the Sabaoth day. though they themselves should answer for the seditious, for that murder which was committed upon the Sabaoth, when it is not lawful for the jews to do any good work. CHAP. XIX. The year of the world. 4030. after Christ's birth 68 Of the great massacre of the jews at Caesarea, and in all Syria. AT the same hour on the self same day, it happened as it were by God's providence, that the Inhabitants of Caesarea did massacre the jews that dwelled amongst them; so that at one time above twenty thousand were slain, and not one jew left alive in all Caesarea. For those that escaped, Florus took and brought them forth bound unto the people. After this massacre done at Caesarea, the whole nation of the jews waxed mad, and dividing themselves into companies, they wasted and destroyed in short time all the borders The jews spoil the villages and burn the Cities of Syria. of Syria, and the Cities thereabout, to wit, Philadelphia, and Gebonitis, Gerasa, Pella, and Scythopolis, and then they made incursion into Gadara, Hippon, and Gaulanitis, pulling down some places, & firing other some. And from thence, they marched towards Cedasa a City of the Tyrians, and Ptolemais, Gaba, & Caesarea: and neither Sebaste, neither Asealon could resist them, but they also were consumed with fire. Likewise they destroyed Anthedon, with Gaza, and most places adjoining to these Cities were sacked, to wit, the fields and villages, and a mighty slaughter was made of them that were taken in these places. The Syrians made as great a massacre of the jews as this amongst them: for all the jews that inhabited amongst them were murdered, not only for an old grudge; but also for the avoiding of imminent danger. And all Syria was troubled in most grievous manner, and every City was divided into two parts, and either parts safety consisted in this, to prevent the other in murdering them first: the days were spent in bloodshed, and the nights in fear, worse than death itself. For though they only pretended to destroy the jews, yet were they drawn to suspect other nations, that followed the jews religion; and because they were as it were neuters, the Syrians thought it not good to destroy them: and again, for their agreeing in religion with the jews, they were constrained to hold them as enemies. Many of the contrary part, who before seemed modest, were now through avarice incited to meddle in this murder, for every one took the goods of them that were slain, and carried them to other places as conquerors. And he was most renowned, that had stolen most, as having also killed most. There might you see in every part of the City, the dead bodies of all ages unburied, old men and children, and women, lying in most shameful manner, their secret parts being uncovered. Briefly all the Country was filled with exceeding great calamity, and the fear of misery Al Syria full of miserable calamities. to come was unspeakable. And these were the conflicts between the jews and strangers. But afterward making incursion upon the borders of Scythopolis, the jews there dwelling were their enemies. For they conspiring with the citizens of Scythopolis, and preferring their own commodity and security before their kindred and consanguinity, joined with the Gentiles against the jews, who for all that, were suspected for their forwardness. Finally the Scythopolites searing that they would assault Iewes against jews. the city by night, and excuse their revolting by their great misery, they commanded all the jews, that if they would show themselves trusty unto the Gentiles, they with all their children should go into a wood hard by: who forthwith did as they were willed, suspecting nothing, and the Scythopolites were quiet for two days after, and did nothing: But the third night they sent forth scouts to see what they were doing, who finding some of them a sleep, and others not resisting, they surprised them in a moment and killed them all, who were in number thirteen thousand, and afterward took their goods. I think it not amiss to speak of the death of Simon, who The Scythopolitans kill thirteen thousand jews. was the son of Saul a man of regard: he was a man of great courage, and strength of body▪ which both he used to the great hurt of his own nation: for he daily killed many jews, who dwelled near unto Scythopolis, and he alone often scattered divers companies, and put whole armies to flight, who had an end worthy for his deeds, and murdering of his Countrymen. For when the Scythopolites had compassed the wood about, so that none could escape their hands, they killed the jews in every part thereof. Simon drawing his sword, made no resistance to any Simon daily killeth many of his countrymen in Scythopolis. of his enemies: for he saw that it was bootless to strive against such a multitude. Then pitifully crying out, I receive (O Scythopolites) a worthy reward for that which I have done, who to show my fidelity towards you, have killed so many of mine own countrymen, & it is a just plague that a strange nation should be false unto us, who impiously forsook our own brethren. I will do therefore as a profane person, killing myself with my own hands, & this death will be a sufficient punishment for my offences, & a full argument of my magnanimity, that none of my enemies may boast of my death, nor insult over me. When he had thus spoken, he beheld all his family with compassion and rage mixed together: he had a wife and children, & aged parents. And first taking his father The year of th●… world. 4030. after the birth of Christ. 68 Simon killeth his parents, his wife and children, and at last himself. by the hair of the head; stood upon him, & thrust him through; after him he killed his mother, who was willing to die; after them his wife and children, every one of them as it were offering their bodies to the sword, desirous to prevent the enemies. When he had slain all his kindred, himself remaining alive, he stretched forth his arm that they might see what he would do, and thrust his sword into his own body up to the hilts. A young man, who for his magnanimity & strength of body was worthy to be pitied, had yet a just and deserved end, for trusting foreign nations. CHAP. XX. Of another grievous slaughter of the jews. AFter this so great a massacre of the jews in Scythopolis, other cities also did rise against them where they inhabited, and two thousand and five hundredth were slain at Ascalon, another slaughter of the jews. The cities in arms against the jews. and two thousand at Ptolemais, and the Tyrians killed divers and kept many in prison: likewise they of Gadara and Hippon slew the most valiant, and those of least courage they cast into prison. Also all other cities who either feared or hated the jews, rose up against them. Only they of Antiochia, Sidonia, and Apamia spared them that dwelled with them, and neither killed nor imprisoned any of them: perhaps they stood in no fear of them, if they should have risen, because their city was so populous: yet I think they spared them only for pity sake, because they saw that they were quiet and not seditious. The inhabitants also of Gerasa did no harm to the jews amongst them, but when they desired to depart, they conducted them safely unto the end of their borders. In the kingdom also of Agrippa much cruelty was showed against the jews: For he being gone to Cestius Gallus at Antiochia, left the rule of his country to one of his friends named Varus; kinsman unto king Sohemus; and there came unto him seventy of the chief nobility of the country Batanaea; requesting a garrison to repress those that should attempt rebellion amongst them. Varus sent certain of the king's soldiers armed, and killed them all as they Varus killeth. 70. jews in in their journey. were coming to him. But he did this impiety without Agrippa his consent, only for avarince, & a●…●…t were emboldened by this fact, he ruinated the whole realm; still continuing such cruelty and impiety against his nation, till such time as Agrippa understood thereof, who for Sohemus' sake durst not put him to death, but dispossessed him of his place. In the mean while the rebels took the fort called Cyprus which is situate above jericho, and after they had killed the garrison; they destroyed the fortress. At the same time a multitude of jews laid siege before the Castle of Macheron The Romans yield up thei●… castle in Marichunte to the jews. and persuaded the soldiers left in garrison to yield the Castle, who, fearing that if they denied, they should be compelled thereto, delivered it unto them; upon condition, that they might quietly depart, and they of Macherunt placed a strong guard within it. CHAP. XXI. How the jews were slain at Alexandria. THe citizens of Alexandria had always a quarrel against the jews that lived with them, since the time that that famous Alexander used their help against the Egyptians; and therefore permitted them to inhabit in Alexandria, and to have the same privileges that the rest of the citizens had. And this honour was also continued with them unto the time of the successors and heirs of Alexander: who also gave them a certain place in the city to dwell in, that there they might live more commodiously: the Gentiles having nothing to do amongst them, permitted them also to call themselves Macedonians. And afterward, when Egypt was brought under the rule of the Romans, neither Caesar nor any one else; did diminish the jews dignity in that place, which Alexander had given them. So that now there was daily conflicts between them and the greeks, and although the judges on both parts still punished them that were in fault, yet the sedition more and more increased, and when all cities else were filled with troubles, there the tumult was more vehement. For when the Alexandrians had called together the people to determine of an embassage to Nero, certain jews mingled themselves amongst the Greeks, and so went into the Amphitheatre: who being espied by their adversaries, the Greeks Sedition in 〈◊〉 between th●… Greeks and Iewe●… cried out, that the jews were enemies, and came as spies, and so laid violent hands upon them▪ Some of them ●…led, only three of them were taken by the Greeks, whom they drew to a place to burn them alive. All the jews of the city came to succour them, and first they threw stones at them, and then taking firebrands, they ran in a rage into the Amphitheatre, and threatened to burn all the people there assembled: which they had done, if Tiberius Alexander governor The year of the world. 4030. after Christ's birth 68 Tiberius Alexander exhorteth the seditious jews to keep peace. of the city had not appeased their fury; who did not at the first use force of arms against them, but sent their nobility to persuade them to cease, and not incite the Roman army against them. But the seditious jews refused his admonition, and mocked Tiberius: who seeing that they would not otherwise be appeased, sent two legions of armed Romans against them which were in the city, and with them five thousand other soldiers, who by chance came out of Lybia to this massacre of the jews, and Tiberius gave them charge not only to kill them, but also to fire their houses and take their goods. The soldiers presently went into the place called Delta (for there the jews were gathered together) and did as they were commanded, and not without bloody victory. For the jews gathering themselves together, put those amongst them that were best armed in the forefront, who held out for a long time; but when they began to fly, they were massacred like beasts, & some of them were killed in the field, some were burned in their houses, the Romans first taking what they found, neither sparing infants nor old men, but killing all ages. So that all that place flowed with blood, for there were slain fifty thousand jews: and all the rest had been A cruel victory wherein 〈◊〉 thousand jews are slain. extinguished, had not Alexander moved to compassion by their entreaties, commanded the soldiers to leave off, who being obedient unto him presently departed: but the people of Alexandria were hardly withdrawn from that massacre, because of the hatred which they had conceived against the jews: and with much ado were withheld from tyrannising over the dead bodies. And this befell the jews at Alexandria. CHAP. XXII. Of the massacre of the jews by Cestius Gallus. CEstius Gallus now thought it time to bestir himself, forasmuch as the jews were now hated every where, and taking with him the twelve whole legions out of Antiochia, two Huge companies of the Romans. thousand chosen footmen, and four companies of horsemen out of every one of the other legions, and with them the king's forces, that came to help him, to wit, two thousand horsemen of Antiochia, three thousand foot all bowmen, and three thousand footmen sent by Agrippa, a thousand horse, and four thousand which Sohemus brought, whereof the third part were horse, the rest foot, and for the most part bowmen; he went towards Ptolemais: and many joined themselves to them out of every city, who though they were not so skilful in war as the Romans; yet their hatred was more than theirs. Agrippa himself was there with Cestius, being ruler of those he brought. There Cestius taking a part of the army went to Zabulon (which is the strongest City of Galilaea, called also Andron, and parteth the borders of the jews from Ptolemais) and when he found it desolate (for the inhabitants thereof fled into the mountains) Z●…bulon 〈◊〉 strong City of Galilee, spoiled and burnt. who left it full of all riches, giving licence to the soldiers to sack it; he afterwards set it on fire, although he admired the beauty thereof: for it was builded like tire and Sidon, & Berytum, and after spoilt all the territories about it. Likewise, when he had burned all the villages thereabouts, he returned unto Ptolemais. The Syrians, and especially those of beareth stayed still behind to get boo●…ies: which when the jews understood, and that Cestius was departed, they took courage and came and set upon them, and killed of them two thousand. In the mean while, Cestius departed from Ptolemais, and went unto Caesarea, and sent part of his army to jop, commanding The jews kill two thousand Syrians. them to keep the town if they could get it; and if the townsmen made any resistance, that then they should stay till he came with the rest of the army. Some of them went by sea, some by land, by which means they did easily take joppes: so that the people thereof neither had time to fly, nor to prepare themselves to fight; and setting on them, they killed all men with their families: The Romans take joppes and burn it, and kill eight thousand and four hundredth. and thus sacking the town, they set it on fire, and there were slain eight thousand; and four hundredth. In like manner he sent part of his horsemen unto Narbatena in the Toparchy near Samaria, who spoilt the country, killed a great number of inhabitants, robbed and burned the villages, and carried away a great booty with them. CHAP. XXIII. Of Cestius his battle against jerusalem. 〈◊〉 ●…nd other Cities of Galilee do friendly entertain the Romans. HE sent also Caesennius Gallus General of the twelfth legion into Galilee, and gave him as great an army as he thought sufficient to conquer that nation, whom the strong●…st city of Galilee called Sephoris courteously entertained, and other Cities followed their ex-example. They that were seditious, and gave themselves to robbing, fled into the mountain The year of the world. 4030. after the birth of Christ. 68 which is situate in the midst of Galilee against Sephoris, called Asamon: these Gallus encountered with his army; who, so long as they kept the higher part of the mountain, easily resisted the Romans; and killed above two hundred of them: but when they saw the Romans had occupied a higher place than that wherein they kept, they easily were overcome: for not being armed, they could not stand out, and if they should have fled, they could not have escaped the horsemen, so that only a few hid themselves in difficult places, and above two thousand of them were slain. Gallus perceiving all Galilee in peace, and not minded to revolt, Two thousand seditious slai●… in Galilee by the Romans. Antipatris spoiled and burned. returned with his Companies unto Caesarea; and Cestius with his whole Army went unto Antipatris: where understanding that a great multitude of jews were gathered together in the Tower called Aphecy, sent some before to skirmish with them: but the jews would not abide battle, and the Soldiers burned their tents, and the villages adjoining. Cestius went from thence to Lydda, and found the City desolate, for all the people were gone unto jerusalem because of the Feast of Tabernacles: and when he had killed fifty persons whom he found there, he fired the Town, and went on further: and going by Bethoron he pitched his Tent in Gabaus, Lydda burnt. which is fifty furlongs distant from jerusalem: When the jews saw themselves in danger, Cestius planteth his army fifty furlongs from jerusalem. they left the solemnity, and prepared themselves for war: and having a great multitude, they went to fight, observing no order, altogether with indiscreet cries, not regarding the Sabbath, which they hold in great estimation: and the same fury, that made them leave their devotion, made them also victorious in that battle; for they assaulted the Romans with such a courage, that they broke their battle array and killing all that resisted, they pressed into the midst thereof, and The assault & victory of the jews against the Romans. if a fresh supply both of horse and foot had not come in time, all Cestius army had been in great danger. So there were slain five hundredth and fifty Roman soldiers, and four hundredth of them were foot, and the rest were horsemen, but of the jews but two and twenty. The most valiant in this combat were Monobazus and Cenedaeus, kinsmen to king Monobazus of Adiabena, and next to them Paraides Niger, and Silas a Babylonian, who fled unto the jews from king Agrippa, whom he had lately served: and so the jews being repulsed; returned into jerusalem; The courage of the jews against the Romans. and Simon the son of Giora invaded the Romans, as they were returning towards Bethoron, & slew many of the rearward, & took many carts, and much baggage withal, which he brought into the City. Cestius stayed three days in the field, and the jews kept the high places, espying which way he went, purposing not to be quiet if the Romans departed. CHAP. XXIIII. Of the siege of jerusalem by Cestius, and of the massacre. AGrippa perceiving the Romans to be in great danger, for that all the mountains were covered with an infinite number of jews, he purposed to try, if through few words he could persuade them to desist from war, or if any refused, to receive those that were willing. Wherefore he sent unto them Borcaeus and Phoebus, whom they well knew, assuring and promising them pardon from Cestius, and from the Romans, of all that they had already done, if they would now lay down their arms, and join with them. But the rebels fearing that all the multitude in hope of safety would join with Agrippa; determined to kill the Legates, The rebels kill one of the king's Ambassadors, an o there of them escapeth being wounded. Cestius draweth forth his whole army against the jews. and slew Phoebus before he spoke any word, and Borcaeus being wounded, escaped. But the people were angry hereat, and with stones & clubs drove them into the town that were the authors of this fact. Cestius perceiving them at odds amongst themselves, thought that he had now a fit opportunity to assault them, and so came upon them with his whole army: and putting them to flight, he pursued them unto jerusalem. And when he had pitched his Tents in the place called Scopus, he departed seven furlongs from the City, and did nothing against the City for three days space, perhaps hoping that they within would relent, & then sending a great many soldiers into the villages adjoining to fetch Corn, the fourth day, which was the thirtieth of October, he came against the City with his army in battle array. The people of the jews were kept in awe by the rebels, who terrified by the Roman discipline, forsook the outmost parts of the City, and fled into the innermost part of the Temple. Cestius passing Betheza, burned Caenopolis and the new market place, and coming unto the higher part of the City, he pitched his Tent near the king's Palace: and if at that time he had violently issued in at the walls, he had taken the City and ended the wars. But Tyrannus Priscus, General of the footmen, and many other rulers and Captains of the horsemen, being hired with money by Florus, hindered that his purpose, whereby the wars were so prolonged, and a thousand calamities befell the jews. In the mean time many of the chiefest among the jews, and Ananus the son of jonathas, The year of the world. 4030. after Christ's birth 68 divers jews call for for Cestius as 〈◊〉 they intended to open their gates unto him. called Cestius, as though they would have opened him the gates: but he was angry and scarce trusted them, till at last they delayed the time so long, that the rebels perceived this treason, and cast Ananus down the wall, and with stones drove his accomplices into their houses. Which done, they retired themselves into the towers, from whence they beat back those that scaled the walls. The Romans for five days space assaulted the walls on every side, but all in vain; and the sixth day, Cestius with many chosen soldiers and Bowmen assaulted the Temple on the North side. The jews valiantly made resistance out of the porches, and often repulsed the Romans approaching the walls: yet at last they with the multitude of their adversaries darts, were forced to give back. Then the Romans that went before having their shields upon their heads, leaned against the wall, and they in the second place held their shields against theirs in the first, The Romans cover themselves with their shields, and undermin the walls and burn the Temple gates. and so in order until the last, thereby making as it were a covering as the Romans call it, or defence, that all their shot and darts could do them no harm; so that the soldiers did safely undermine the walls, and attempted to fire the gates of the Temple. Now the seditious people were hereat greatly amazed, and many fled out of the City, as though it would presently be taken. And the good were hereby encouraged, as much as the rebels were dismayed, and came unto the gates to open them unto Cestius, who had well deserved at their hands. And truly had he but a little longer continued his siege, he had taken the City. But I think that God being angry with the wicked, would not suffer the wars to be ended at Cestius sudden departure maketh the thieves more confident. that time: for Cestius neither regarding the good will of the people, nor the desperation of the rebels, removed his army from thence, and having received no loss, very unadvisedly departed from the City: at whose unlooked for flight, the rebels took heart, and making after him, they killed the horsemen and footmen that came last. And then Cestius went to the Tents which he had fortified in Scopion. The next day he went further into the Country; whereby he more encouraged the rebels, who following him, killed many of his rearward. Afterward either end of the army being well strengthened, the jews assaulted them that were behind, and the last durst not cast any darts against them, who wounded them on their backs, thinking that an infinite multitude had followed them; and they were not able to resist those that assaulted them on each side, being as it were heavy, and not daring to break their order; on the contrary, seeing the jews so active & apt to skip to and fro: so that the Romans endured much harm at the hands of their enemies, and did them none. And thus were they beaten all the way along, and many of them killed, amongst whom was Priscus Captain of the sixth legion, and Longinus the tribune, and Aemilius jucundus Captain of a troop of horsemen. And so with much ado, they came unto Gabio where they first pitched their Tents, casting away much of their baggage, which might any way hinder them. Cestius stayed there two days, doubtful what to do: the third day he perceived his enemies to be increased, and all places about to be filled with jews: whereby he saw that his slow haste was to his disadvantage, and the number of his enemies would still increase if he made any longer abode there. Wherefore that he might fly speedily, he caused the soldiers to cast away all those things that might any way be a hindrance unto them, and killed their Mules and Asses, and cattle, saving only those that bare munition, fearing that if he should not destroy them, the jews might make use of them against him, and so he led the army toward Bethoron. The jews in large passages did little molest his army, but when they were to pass a straight, than they killed them of the rearward, and thrust other some down into the valley, and The jews pur sue their enemies, and bring them into a desperate estate. all the army of the jews were spread upon the eminent places, whereby the army was to pass, expecting to welcome them with arrows. Where the footmen amazed, and bethinking how to help themselves, the horsemen were brought into great danger: for they could not keep their ranks for darts and arrows, neither could they go to hurt their enemies, the ascent unto the top of the mountains was so steep: and they were compassed on each side with rocks and deep valleys, so that if any went out of the way, he fell down and was killed, in so The mourning and lamentation the Romans and the jews exhortation. much as there was no way to fly nor to resist. Now not knowing what to do, they began to weep, and cry out as men in desperation: and the jews answered them with an encouraging one another to play the men; being glad of their enemy's adversity, and cruelly bend against them: and all the army of Cestius had there perished, had not the night come on and helped them, which by her darkness gave leisure to the Romans to fly into Bethoron. In the mean while the jews kept all the places thereabouts besieged, and guarded the passages. Cestius seeing it not possible to march openly, thought it best to fly, and chose almost 400. of his strongest soldiers, & Cestius stratagem. set them in very eminent places, commanding them that when they were aloft, they should cry as they did before, that the jews might think that the whole army was there, and so he with the rest The year of the world. 4030. after Ch●… birth 68 of his army marched quietly 30. furlongs. In the morning the jews perceiving the Romans to be fled, assaulted the 400. whereby they were deceived, and presently killed them with darts, & forthwith they followed Cestius: who having fled a great way in the night, made more haste the next day, so that the soldiers for fear left their rams and instruments to beat down the walls, and slings, & much other munition, which the jews taking, after used against them. And thus they followed the Romans unto Antipatris, and seeing they could not overtake them, they returned, bringing with them the warlike instruments, and rifling those that were slain, and taking whatsoever the Romans had left behind, and so singing songs of victory, they returned unto jerusalem, having lost very few of their company, and slain five thousand, and three hundredth and eighty of the footmen of the Romans, and their helpers; and nine hundredth and fourscore horsemen. And this was done upon the eight day of October, and in the twelfth year of the reign of Nero. CHAP. XXV. Of the cruelty of those of Damascus against the jews, and of Joseph's affairs The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. divers of the noblest jews forsake the City, as if they had been a ship ready to sink. in Galilee. INcontinently after Cestius adverse fortune, many of the chiefest amongst the jews daily fled and forsook the City, as a ship presently ready to sink. Costobarus and Saul two brethren, and Philip the son of joachim General of Agrippa's army, fled out of the City and yielded themselves unto Cestius. As for Antipas, who was also besieged with them in the king's palace, he would not fly with the rest, and so was killed by the rebels. But Cestius sent Saul and the rest of his company into Achaia unto Nero, to let him understand the cause of their flight, and to show how Florus had caused all these wars: for so he hoped that Nero would bend his wrath against Florus, and quit him from danger. Then the people of Damascus understanding the death of the Romans, devised how to destroy the jews which inhabited amongst them: and they thought it was easy to be accomplished, for that the jews were already assembled in the common baths, for fear of some such matter: yet they mistrusted their women, who all, except a few, were jews in religion. Wherefore they took great heed to conceal their intent from them, and so assaulting the jews altogether in a narrow place, and having nothing to defend The Damascen●…s kill ten thousand jews in one hour. them, they put them all to the sword, who were in number ten thousand. The rebels that so pursued Cestius, returned into jerusalem, and ceased not to join all unto them that favoured the Romans, either by force or by flattery, and assembling themselves in the temple, they determined to choose a greater number of captains. Wherefore joseph the son of Gorion, and Ananus joseph the son of Gorion and Ananus the high priest appointed to gouerne●…e the City. the high priest were appointed rulers of the City, and especially to see the walls thereof repaired. Eleazar the son of Simon was put in no authority, notwithstanding that he had in his custody all praies and spoils taken from the Romans, and Cestius his money, and a great part of the public treasure, because they perceived him through authority to wax proud, and his attendants become stately. Yet in time Eleazar by money and craft, persuaded the people to obey him in all things. And they requested other captains to be sent into Idumaea, who were jesus the son of Sapphas, and Eleazar the son of the new high priest: and they commanded Niger who was borne beyond jordan, to obey these captains, who was therefore called Peraides, and was then Governor of Idumaea. And they neglected not to do the like by other regions: for joseph the son of Simon was sent to jericho and Manasses beyond the river, and john the Essean to Tamna, every one to rule the government of his country as a Toparchy. Lydda, joppes, and Ammaus were annexed to john the Essean, and john the son of Ananias was appointed Governor of Gophnitis and Acrabatena. And joseph the son of Mathias was made ruler over both Galilees, joseph the Historiographer governor of both Galilees. unto which was joined Gamala the strongest City in that coast. As for other Governors, every one discharged his place according to his wisdom & dexterity. When joseph came to Galilee, which was committed to his protection, his first care was to get the good will of the inhabitants, knowing that it might much profit him, although in other matters he had offended. Then considering that he should have most mighty & assured friends, joseph maketh 70. Elders rulers in Galilee, and appointeth seven in every City to determine the causes of less weight. if he made them partakers of his authority: and likewise get the love of the common people, if he did esteem of those things which they should think well of: He chose seventy of the most ancientest wise men amongst them, and made them rulers over all Galilee, & elected seven judges over the lesser towns to judge inferior matters●… for he reserved all great affairs and criminal causes to his own hearing. Moreover, having ordained a form of justice that those seventy should follow, he took counsel how to work their outward security: And being assured The year of the world, 403●… after Christ's birth 69. joseph fortifieth the convenient cities with walls. that the Romans would come into Galilee, he compassed those places with strong walls that were fit for his purpose, to wit, jotapata, Bersabea, Selamis, Pereccho, japha, and Sigoph, with the mountain Itaburium, Tarichea, & Tyberias. Moreover, he fortified the caves near the lake Genesar, which is in the lower Galilee, and in high Galilee Petra, which is also called Achaberon and Seph, jamnith, and Mero; in Gaulanitis also Seleucia, and Soganes, and Gamala: he only permitted them of Sephoris to build their own walls, because he perceived them to be rich and pro●…e to wa●… of themselves. Likewise john the son of Levias' at Joseph's command, built the wall of Giscala himself alone, but in all other places that were fortified; joseph put to his helping hand, and told how they should be done. He levied also an army of a hundredth thousand, who were all young men, whom he armed with old armour, which he gathered from all parts of the country: and considering that the Roman army was invincible, for that they were all obedient unto their rulers, and expert in war, he could not instruct them in martial discipline, other occasions forcing him to the contrary: but calling to mind that the multitude of rulers made obedience, he ordained many captains and constituted divers sorts of soldiers, as the Romans used to do; making some governors of ten, othersome over a hundredth, and others over a thousand; joseph instructeth the Galileans in war. and appointed likewise rulers over them. He taught them also how to give the sign in war, and how to sound the trumpet both to call them to combat, and to retire: how to march in length, and cast in a ring, and always to succour them that were most in danger: and to be short, joseph teacheth the Galileans how they should obey in the wars. he taught them whatsoever might either encourage them, or make them active: but especially he exercised them in feats of arms, imitating in particular the order of the Romans, often telling them, that they were to fight with men, who for strength of body & courage, passed all nations of the world. Also he told them that hereby he should perceive whether they would be obedient in war, if now they abstained from such things as were usual to soldiers, to wit, robbing and spoiling their countrymen, and crafty and deceitful dealing; nor think the spoil of those with whom they conversed to be their own gain: for those wars had always best success, where the soldiers carried good consciences; and they that were bad, should not only have men, but God also for their enemy. And after this manner he daily exhorted them, and now he had appointed Euerle one of the cities of Galilee send the half of their multitude into warfare, the rest they keep to prou●…de them victuals. how many were to fight. For threescore thousand footmen, and two hundredth and fifty horsemen, and beside these four thousand, and five hundredth whom he hired, were always in readiness, and six hundredth chosen men to guard his own person. And the hirelings only excepted, the rest of the soldiers were provided for by the Cities: for every City before mentioned, sent one half of their men for soldiers; and the other half they kept to provide victuals for them, that one part being employed in war, the other might do such business as the City required. CHAP. XXVI. Of Joseph's dangers and escape, and of the malice of john of Giscala. Whilst joseph thus ordered the estate of Galilee, there arose a traitor borne in Giscala, the son of Levias whose name was john, a most subtle and deceitful treacher, who by vile means was now become the richest man in that country, being before very poor; john a notable 〈◊〉, and a thirsty murderer under hope of gain. whereby for a while he was hindered from putting his villainies in practice: who could lie at his pleasure and easily give credit unto lies, who thought deceit to be a virtue, which he used even toward his dearest friends: and a great counterfeiter of humanity; yet for the hope of gain became a cruel murderer. He always aimed at high matters, with an aspiring mind, and at first nourished his hope with small villainies. For first he was a thief after his own manner, and lived in woods and solitary places; at last he got him a company of audacious people like to himself, at first small, but afterward he greatly increased it. He had also a great care to choose no idle persons, but such as were strong of body, valiant of mind, and skilful in martial affairs: of these he gathered four hundredth, the most of them out of tire, and the villages thereabout▪ and with them he wasted all Galilee, and put many in mind of the miserable wars to come. This man a long time before desired to be governor of the army, and aspired to greater matters, only the want of money hindered him: and perceiving that joseph took delight in his industry, he persuaded him to suffer him to build the walls of that place where he was borne, which was now desolate; and to accomplish this, he gathered great sums of money of the richer sort. Then he devised another shift: for having persuaded the jews that were dispersed over all Syria, that they should use no oil, save only that which was made by their own nation, he caused divers The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. john employeth the money he got against him, by whose means he gained it. vessels of oil to be brought unto the confines of Galilee, and buying four barrels for a piece of Tyrian money (which amounted unto four Attic groats) he sold them again unto the Syrian jews the half of one barrel for as much as all four cost him. And for that Galilee abounded with oils, and especially at that time, he conveyed it to such places where there was great want, and none was brought but by himself. By this means he gathered an infinite mass of money, which presently he turned to his prejudice, who had given him licence so to get it. And thinking that if he could depose joseph, that then he might come to be ruler over Galilee, he commanded his followers to rob and spoil more than they did before, and so to trouble the country, that he might either kill the governor, if he sought to redress it, at unawares; or if he let all alone, to accuse him of cowardice to the people for so doing. Moreover, he had already given out speeches, that joseph went about to betray Galilee unto the Romans, and devised many things to this effect to work Joseph's overthrow. It happened that at that time, some of the village of Dabarita, who watched in the field, set upon Ptolemaeus, who was factor for Agrippa, and his Agripp●… precedent robbed. sister Berenice, & spoilt them of all carriage, wherein was much costly apparel, and many silver cups, & six hundredth pieces of gold. And for that they could not do this secretly, they brought all the whole booty to joseph at Tarichea: who reproving them for offering violence unto the king's servants, commanded the things to be kept at the house of Aeneas, who was one of the richest men in the town, who should restore them to the owner when time served: wherein thinking to do himself great good, he wrought himself much danger. For the thieves being offended that they received no part thereof, and seeing that joseph would restore to Agrippa & his sister Berenice that which they had laboured to get, they went round about the villages in the night, and spread this false report in every place, that joseph was a traitor to his country, and with the same rumour filled the cities thereabout: So that early in the next morning, a hundredth thousand armed men An hundredth thousand armed men come out against joseph. came against joseph. Finally, the multitude assembled themselves together in the theatre at Tarichea: the greatest part cried out in their choler and fury, that the traitor might be deposed, othersome that he might be burned, & john himself incited many, & with him one jesus the son of Sapphas, who at that time was governor of Tiberias. All the friends of jeseph and his guard being terrified with such a multitude, fled, four only excepted. But joseph in the mean while was a sleep: and had he slept a little longer, they had set his house on fire. Whereupon he arose, & the four that remained All Joseph's friends and guard save four fly from him. with him, counseled him to fly: but he not dismayed in that he was left alone, nor for that so great a multitude came against him, went boldly towards them with his garment all torn and ashes upon his head, holding his hands behind him, and his sword upon his neck. Whereat they that bore him good will, especially the people of Ta●…ichea, were moved to compassion: but the country people and they whom he overlaid with taxes and tributes, cursed him, and bade him bring forth the public treasure, and confess his treason: for because of the attire and habit he came in, they thought he would not have denied any thing, where of he was accused: and that he came so to move them to compassion, and so to obtain pardon for his offence. This his humility stood him in good steed, for hereby those that before were enraged against him, now began one to fall out with another in his behalf when he promised to confess the whole matter: Joseph's oration to the seditious. and then obtaining licence to speak, he said. I was never minded to send back that money to Agrippa, nor to keep it unto my private use. For (God forbid) that I should ever hold him for my friend, who is your open enemy, or that I should so seek mine own profit, that I should thereby damnify you all. But (O ye men of Tarichea) forasmuch as I perceived that your city especially had greatest need to be fortified, and that you were not able to build the walls, and for that I feared the people of Tiberias, and others adjoining, who still gaped after this pray, and wealth that was taken from Agrippa; I determined to get those spoils for you to re-edify your walls. If ye mislike this, I will bring out the treasure, and give it to be divided amongst you: but if you like thereof, than it appeareth, how you molest him who is your benefactor. This speech of his well pleased the people of Tarichea, and displeased them of Tiberias; so that they breathed out threatenings against him. Thus they both left joseph, and fought one against another. He now having many partakers (for the people of Tarichea were almost forty thousand) spoke more boldly unto the multitude, and rebuked their temerity, affirming that it was necessary to strengthen Tarichea with that present money, and that he would also provide to strengthen other cities, and that they should not want money, if they would agree and conspire together against them, from whom they should take it; and not to offer violence unto him who would endeavour to get it. So the rest of the multitude being deceived, though they were angry; The year of the world, 4031. after Christ's birth 69. Another stratagem of Joseph's against the jews. yet departed; and two thousand armed men offered to set upon him: but he being already retired into his house, they stood without, threatening him. Wherefore joseph used another devise likewise to repress these, and getting up into the top of the house, he beckoned unto them with his hand to keep silence; and then said that he was ignorant what they requested at his hands: for he could not hear one for another, because their voices were confounded through the multitude, but if they would send some into the house to talk friendly with him, he would do whatsoever they requested. The nobles & magistrates hearing this, presently went into the house: whom, when he had lead into the innermost part of the house, having shut the doors, he caused to be beaten, so long till that all their bowels appeared: the doors in the mean time being made fast, the people stayed before the house, thinking that the cause of their long tarrying was, to allege reasons to and fro; and presently joseph opening the doors put them forth amongst the people all bloody as they were: whereat they were so terrified, that leaving their weapons behind them they ran away. Hereat john took occasion to increase his envy, and having ill success john's envy & treason against joseph. in this policy, he still attempted other plots to bring joseph in danger, and counterfeiting himself sick, he requested joseph to permit him to go to Tyberias, and use the hot baths for to recover his health. But joseph not having yet perceived his treason, wrote letters in his behalf to the governor of the town, willing him to be john's oast, and to let him want nothing that he needed: which he had in good sort. And two days after his arrival there, he went about the business, which he came to effect, and enticed some with money, others with flatteries, to revolt from joseph. Silas whom joseph had made governor of the City understanding this, he presently by john persuadeth the Tiberians to revolt from joseph. letters gave notice thereof unto joseph: who receiving them in the night, went unto Tyberias, and was there early in the morning, and the rest of the multitude came out to meet him: but john notwithstanding he judged that he came against him, yet still he counterfeited himself sick in bed, and sent a man of his acquaintance to excuse his absence for not coming to meet joseph. Then joseph assembled the Tiberians together in a place to speak unto them, concerning that which was written unto him: & john sent armed men thither with commandment to kill joseph. john sendeth certain armed men to kill joseph. joseph flies in a little boat by the lake. The people perceiving them to draw their swords, cried out: and joseph at their cry looking about him, and perceiving their swords even almost at his throat, he leptdowne a little hill upon the shore, which was six cubits high, upon which he stood to speak unto the people, and going into a boat with two of his guard which he found there, he went into the midst of the lake, and presently his guard taking their weapons, assaulted the traitors. joseph fearing that a great conflict would ensue, and so the whole city for a few men's fault be destroyed, sent to his soldiers, charging them only to work their own safety and no more, and to kill none, nor reprove any for that wicked fact: who forthwith obeying his command, ceased from fight. But they that inhabited about the city, and heard of the treason, and by whom it was attempted, armed themselves and came against john: but he before they came, fled into Giscala, where john flieth into his country Giscala. The Galileans flock to joseph against john. he was borne. In the mean while all Galilee came and joined with joseph, and there were many thousands of armed men gathered together, affirming that they came against john, and to fire that city which had received him. joseph thanked them for their good will, saying, that he had rather conquer his enemies by policy, then by fire or sword; and therefore requested them to be content. He also published an edict, wherein he declared that all those that had rebelled with john, and did not forsake him within five days next following, should lose all their livings, and their mansions should be sacked, and their houses and family set on fire. Hereupon three thousand presently forsook john, and came and cast down their weapons before Joseph's feet, prostrating themselves before him: so that there only remained with john, but one thousand of fugitive Syrians. By whom john being assisted, again went secretly to work, having so ill success by plain dealing: and so privily sent messengers to jerusalem, who told that joseph had gathered a great army, and that except he were quickly prevented, he would come and usurp the dominion over that mother city. But the people understanding before of john's hatred, did not regard it: yet divers rich men and magistrates who envied joseph, secretly sent money unto john to hire soldiers john's treason against joseph. that were strangers, that he might war against joseph; and determined amongst them to displace him: and thinking that their decree was not sufficient to effect it, they sent moreover five hundredth and four thousand armed men, and four of their principal nobility amongst them, to wit joazar the lawyer, and Ananias the Sadducee, and Simon and judas the sons of jonathas, all very eloquent and learned men, to withdraw the people's minds from joseph, giving them charge, that if he of his own accord came unto them, that then they should permit him to speak for himself: but if he refused so to do, that then they should hold him as an enemy. Joseph's The year of the world, 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. friends at jerusalem gave him intelligence, how that an army came against him, but for what cause they knew not, for that it was kept secret. And hereupon before he could prevent it, four Cities did revolt from him, to wit, Sepphoris, Gamala, Giscala, and Tyberias, the which he soon after easily recovered, without any force of arms: and having taken the four Captains Four Cities of Galilee submit themselves to Joseph's enemies. and Counsellors of his enemies, he sent them unto jerusalem; against whom the people being incensed would have killed them, and those that brought them, had they not fled betime. CHAP. XXVII. Tyberias and Sepphoris were recovered by joseph. NOw john for fear of joseph, kept himself within the walls of Giscala: and a few days after Tyberias revolted again, the Inhabitants calling in Agrippa, who came not at the Tiberias is recovered by joseph and saved by a stratagem. day appointed, and yet a few Roman soldiers showing themselves, they revolted from joseph. joseph understanding this at Tarichea, having sent his soldiers to fetch Corn, thought it not good to go alone against the rebels; neither did he think it best to delay the time any longer, fearing that whilst he delayed, King Agrippa would come and possess the town: for the next day because it was the Sabaoth, he could do nothing. Wherefore he thought to overcome the rebels by policy, and so he commanded the gates of Tarichea to be kept shut, that his intent might not be revealed unto them of Tiberias. Then taking all the boats that were in the lake, in number two hundredth and thirty, and in every one of them four sailors, he hastily sailed to Tyberias: and when he came near the City, yet so far off, that the Inhabitants thereof could not easily descry him, he left all the boats upon the water empty, and taking only seven of his guard with him, unarmed, he went near unto the City, that they might see him. When joseph with seven soldiers cometh to Tiberias, and terrifieth his enemies. the rebels perceived him, and thought that the boats had been full of armed men, they cast down their weapons, and held up their hands to him, beseeching him to spare the City. joseph after many threatenings and bitter speeches, first for that having undertaken wars against the Romans, they with civil wars consumed their own forces: secondly, for that they sought his life who had wrought their safety, and that they were not ashamed to shut the gates against him, who had builded the City walls: yet (said he) if any would come and talk with him, and confirm a league of their fidelity unto him, he would not refuse them. So ten of the chiefest amongst joseph by a sub till policy tolleth out the chiefest of Tybetias, and carrieth them away in boats to Tarichea. them came unto him, whom he carried away in a fisher boat far from the City, and sent for fifty senators as though he requested their promise also. And devising new causes, he still under pretence of agreement, sent first for one, and then for another, as he thought good, till he had loaded all the boats: which done, he commanded the boatemen with all speed possible to go to Tarichea, and put them in prison, so that he carried away all the council, which were in number six hundredth and two thousand people, all whom he brought to Tarichea in boats. But they which remained in the City, cried with one voice that one Clitus was cause of that revolt, and therefore besought joseph to punish him for all. joseph told them that he would put Clitus the author of the sedition, drawing his sword with his right hand cut off his left. none of them to death, but commanded one of his guard called Levia, to come and cut off Clitus his hands: but he fearing to trust himself amongst all his enemies, refused to do execution. Clitus perceiving that joseph was angry, and ready to come out of his own boat to do it himself, besought him to grant him one of his hands: which joseph did, upon condition, that he should cut off the other himself. So Clitus drawing out his sword with his right hand, cut off his left, being afraid of joseph; and after this he returned to Tyberias to bring it again under his subjection: and within a few days after, he took Giscala and Sepphoris, which were revolted, having given the spoils thereof to his soldiers, but yet afterward he restored all that was taken away unto the people, and so he did to the Inhabitants of Tyberias and Sepphoris: and by this means got the good will of them all. CHAP. XXVIII. How the people of jerusalem prepared themselves to war, and of the tyranny of Simon Giora. Until this time, there were broils in Galilee, and now ceasing from civil dissension, they prepared themselves against the Romans. And the potentates of jerusalem, and Ananus The troubled estate of jerusalem. the high Priest, with all speed renewed and repaired the walls, and made all sorts of instruments for war, arrows and other weapons; so that all the City was busied herein, and trained The y●…re of the world. 4031. af●… Christ's birth 69. their men in warlike discipline. All places were filled with tumults; but the graver sort were very pensive, and many as it were foreseeing the calamity that after ensued, burst out into tears: they that desired peace, received no comfort in any thing: all things were done at their beck, who were cause of all this war. And the estate of the City even then before the Romans came, was like a City to be destroyed. Now Ananus omitted that which was necessary for war, and laboured to reconcile the seditious faction of them that were called Zealous: but how he was overcome, Simon the Son of Giora committeth great rapines and murders in Acrabatena and Idumaea. and what his end was, we will declare hereafter. Now one Simon the son of Giora in the Toparchie of Acrabatena, having gathered together a multitude of seditious people, robbed and spoiled all; and not only broke into rich men's houses, but also did beat them grievously, openly exercising his tyranny. But when Ananus and the rest sent an army against him, he fled unto his fellow thieves of Massada, and there he stayed till Ananus and the rest of his enemies were slain: and then he wasted Idumaea with the rest, so that the governors of that place were feign to put a garrison in every village: so great was the number of them, that were slain by these thieves. And thus stood the affairs of the jews. THE THIRD BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 3. book. 1 Of the coming of Vespasian general of the Romans into judaea, and of the two massacres of the jews, and how the Sephorites yielded themselves to Vespasian. 2 The description of Galilee, Samaria, and judaea. 3 Of the help sent unto them of Sepphoris, and of the military discipline amongst the Romans. 4 How Placidus assaulted jotapata. 5 How Vespasian invaded Galilaea, and at his only presence how the Galileans fled. 6 How Gadara was taken. 7 How jotapata was besieged, and of the situation and battery thereof. 8 Of the siege of jotapata by Vespasian, and of Joseph's diligence, and of the excursions of the jews against the Romans. 9 How Vespasian did beat the walls of jotapata, with a Ram and other warlike engines. 10 How jotapata was again assaulted. 11 How trajan and Titus took japha. 12 How Cerealis overcame the Samaritans. 13 How jotapata was taken. 14 How joseph being taken saved his own life. 15 How joppes was taken again. 16 How Tyberias was yielded. 17 How Tarichea was besieged. 18 Of the lake called Genesar, and the fountains of jordan. 19 How Tarichea was delivered. CHAP. I. The year of the world. 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. Of Vespasians coming into judaea, and of the two massacres of the jews. AFTER that Nero understood of his evil success against the jews, he was seized with fear and astonishment; yet he dissembled it as much as necessity Nero is amazed and afraid at ●…ie valiant acts of the Jews would permit him. In the mean while he set a good face on the matter, and made as though he were of more courage, saying, that that which happened, was rather by the fault of his general, then by the valour of their adversaries: thinking that it behoved him, who was emperor, not to show himself moved with a little bad news; and the greatness of his Empire showed he had a mind which yielded to no misfortune. Yet it appeared by the vexation of his spirit that he was much moved, & in great care unto whom he should commit the charge of the East which rebelled; who both would conquer the jews, and chastife the inhabitants about them, that bore the same mind as they did. At last he found Vespasian, whom he thought only meet for that purpose, a man who from his infancy had been trained up in wars, even until he was grey headed, Nero sendeth Vespasian to govern in Syria and direct his wars. who had appeased the people of the West, & helped them being troubled by the Germans, and recovered it for the Romans: as also he did Britanny which was unknown before; and for that cause made his father Claudius' triumph without taking any pains for it. Nero considered all these, and his prudence grounded in old age with his experience, who also had sons in the flower of their age to be pledges for his fidelity, & that represented their father's wisdom. God, as it should seem, even then disposing something of the whole common wealth, Nero sent him to govern the armies in Syria, greatly encouraging him with fair speeches and promises, as at that time need required. Thus he departed out of Achaia; where he was with Nero: and he commanded Titus his son to lead the fifth and tenth legions from Alexandria, and he himself crossing over to Hellespont, Vespasian and Titus gather great forces against the jews. went after by land into Syria, where he assembled all the Roman forces, and all the help of the kings adjoining that were confederates. But the jews after Cestius unfortunate success became proud of their victory, and could not contain themselves, but like men tossed at fortune's pleasure, they still gave more occasion of war, and gathering all their warlike forces together, they went to Ascalon, which is an old City seven hundredth and twenty furlongs distant from jerusalem, which the jews always hated, for which cause also they first assaulted it. The Governors The jews besiege Ascalon. in this expedition, were three men excellent above the rest for strength and wisdom, to wit, Niger of Peraea, Silas the Babylonian, and john the Essean. Now the City of Ascalon had very strong walls, but few men to defend it; for it had only one company of footmen, and one band of horsemen, whom Antonius governed. The jews made such haste, as though they had dwelled hard by. Antonius persuading himself that they would assault him, caused his horsemen Antony fighteth with the jews. to i●…ue forth of the City, and neither fearing the multitude, nor the malice of his adversaries, he valiantly abode the first assault of the enemies, and beat them back that attempted to assault the wall. So the jews who were unkilfull, having to do with them that were expert, and they being on foot fight against horsemen, without order against those that were in good order, being light●…y armed against their adversaries who were well provided, were easily repulsed. Finally, they were more led by rage and wrath, then by good counsel; and they against whom they fo●…ght were obedient, and would do nothing without the commandment of their leader. For their first ranks being broken, they were forced by the horsemen to turn their backs; and turning themselves to their own company, who turned toward the wall, became as it were enemies to themselves. So that every one seeking to avoid the horsemen, they were all dispersed The Romans overcome the jews & make a great slaughter of them. about the field, which was in every place for the advantage of the horsemen. This greatly helped the Romans to kill so many jews: for they that fled were easily overtaken by the Romans, and killed; and others compassing divers of the jews about, slew them with darts: so that the jews were in as great desperation for all their huge multitude, as if they had been alone. The jews endeavouring to overcome their misfortunes were ashamed to fly, and so fled not hastily, hoping that fortune would change. But the Romans not wearied in that which they did with great dexterity, continued the fight the most part of the day: so that there were slain of the Ten thousand jews slain. jews ten thousand, and two of their leaders, john, and Silas. The rest, many being wounded, followed their General Niger, who fled into a little town of Idumaea, named Salis: many of the Romans also were wounded in that fight. But the jews were not daunted with this misfortune, The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. but the grief thereof much increased their courage: neither were they dismayed with the former loss of so many men within so short time; but rather calling to mind their great victory they had before, were drawn to undergo yet another mishap. Shortly after, before the men's wounds were healed, they gathered together all their forces, and went again to Ascalon in greater number and fury, but with the same success and skill in warlike affairs which they had before. For Antonius having warning which way they meant to come, placed an ambush in the way, and the horsemen setting upon them at unawares, they killed above eight thousand of Eight thousand jews slain at Ascalon. them, before they could prepare themselves to fight: and all the rest fled, and Niger with them, showing as he fled many arguments of a valiant mind: and for that the enemies pursued them, they fled into the safest tower of a town called Bezedel. Antonius knowing it to be in vain to stay about the tower that was invincible, yet loath to let the General of their adversaries to escape, set fire on the walls, and so departing triumphed, thinking that Niger had been burned. But he leapt into a deep vault in the Castle, and so escaped: and three days after he showed himself unto his soldiers, who sought for him weeping, that they might bury his body, for they thought him dead, whom against all expectation seeing alive, they were very glad, as though by God's providence he escaped to be still their leader. Vespasian came to Antiochia, which is Vespasian with his whole army cometh to Ptolemais. the mother City of all Syria, and brought his army with him, which for greatness and happy success, doubtless was the third in the whole world; and finding that king Agrippa did expect his coming, he hasted with all his forces from thence to Ptolemais. At this place there The Sephorits do courteously entertain the Romans. came unto him the Citizens of Sephoris a City of Galilee, who had no thought at all of rebellion: these both provident for their own safety, and well knowing the forces of the Romans, before Vespasian came, submitted themselves unto Cestius Gallus, and received from him a garrison of soldiers; and now also courteously entertaining Vespasian offered their help against their countrymen. To whom Vespasian at their request gave a guard of horse and foot, so great as he thought was able to resist the force of their enemies, if the Jews should attempt any thing against them. For he thought it would be a great help unto him in his war to come, to have Sephoris the greatest City of Galilee situate in a strong place on his side, which otherwise might be a safeguard to the whole nation. CHAP. II. The description of Galilaea, Samaria, and judaea. THere are two places named Galilaea, the one is called high Galilaea, and the other low Galilee; and they are both compassed with Phoenicia and Syria. On the west Ptolemais The description and situation of the higher Galilee with the limits of his territory doth part their borders, and the mount Carmel, which in time passed belonged unto Galilee, but now unto the Tyrians. Unto which adjoineth Gabaa, which signifieth the horsemen's City: so called for because king Herod's horsemen were sent thither to inhabit. On the South part it joineth to the Samaritans and Scythopolitanes unto jordan. On the East part it bordereth upon Hippene, and Gadaris, and Gaulanitis, which are the borders of king Agrippa his country. On the North it bordereth upon Tyria. The length of lower Galilee The length and breadth of the lower Galilee. reacheth from Tiberias unto Zabulon; near which is Ptolemais by the sea coast. In breadth it reacheth from the Village Xaloth situated in a great field unto Bersabe, where also beginneth the breadth of high Galilee, and reacheth unto the village called Baca, bordering upon the Tyrians; and the length thereof is from a village near jordan named Thella unto Meroth. And being of such bigness and environed with so many nations, yet did they always resist foreign forces: For the Galileans are from their childhood warlike, and never are daunted by fear or penury, for their country is most fruitful, set with all manner of trees, and very fertile, notwithstanding The fertility of Galilee. the inhabitants take small pains in tilling the ground. All parts thereof are tilled by the inhabitants and there is no waste part. There are many Cities, and in every place there are villages populous and rich: so that the least village there, hath in it above fifteen thousand inhabitants. And although Galilee be less in compass then the region beyond the river, yet it is more populous, fertiler and richer than the same: for it is all tilled, and all beareth fruit. But that beyond the water though it be bigger, yet is it not all inhabited, for there are many desert and barren places, and only beareth The description of the country beyond the flood. wild fruits. Peraea hath a good soil & large fields, beset with divers trees, especially olives, vines, and palm trees: and it is abundantly watered with brooks running from the mountains, and springs that continually come down, when in the dog days they are almost dry. The length of The year of the world 4030. after Christ's Nativity. 68 this place is from Macherunt to Pella: the breadth from Philadelphia to jordan. This town Pella before mentioned lieth on the North part; and jordan on the West; and the country of the Moabites bordereth on the South, and on the East Arabia, Silbonitis, Philadelphia and Gerasis. Samaria is seated between judaea and Galilee, beginning at a town situate in a place called Ginaea, & endeth in the Toparchy of Acrabatena, nothing differing in nature from judaea. The description of the Region of Samaria. For both of them are full of mountains and fields, and good for tillage; full of trees, abounding both with wild apples and others: for they are of their nature dry, but have rain enough, and have passing sweet waters, and abundance of good grass; and great store of milk beasts, and which is a great argument of wealth, both places are very populous. The confines of these countries is Anauth, a village otherwise called Borceos, which lieth on the North part of judaea. The The description of jury whose middle part is jerusalem. South part of judaea if you measure the length, is extended unto the village of the Arabians called jardan: the breadth reacheth from jordan unto joppes: in the midst thereof is situate jerusalem; so that some call that city the navel of that country. judaea also bordereth on the sea coast even unto Ptolemais. It is divided into eleven portions, the first is jerusalem head & chief of all, being above all the rest as the head is above the body: and the rest are Toparchies. Gophna is the second, after that Acrabatena, than Thamna, afterward Lydda, also Ammaus, and Pella, and The division of judaea. Idumaea, and Engadda, and Herodium, and jericho, besides these jamnia and joppe command the places adjoining. Moreover there is Gamala & Gaulanitis, & Batanea & Trachonitis, which are portions belonging to King Agrippa his kingdom. This country beginneth at mount Libanus, and the fountains of jordan, and reacheth in breadth unto the lake near Tiberias: And in length it reacheth from Julia's to Arphas, and the inhabitants are partly jews, and partly Syrians. CHAP. III. How aid was sent unto the people of Sephoris, and of the military discipline of the Romans. I Have already spoken of judaea as briefly as might be, and with what countries it is environed. Now Vespasian sent help unto the inhabitants of Sephoris, to wit one thousand Vespasian sendeth help to the Sephorites, but filleth Galilee with sword and fire. horsemen, and six thousand foot, Placidus the tribune being their governor: the horsemen divided themselves into two companies, and lodged in a great plain, and the footmen were in garrison in the city for to defend it, but the horsemen stayed without. These horsemen made excursions on every side, and greatly molested joseph, who was quietly bend, and also spoiled all that was without the cities, & always repulsed the inhabitants, if at any time they took courage to revenge themselves. Notwithstanding joseph assaulted the city Sephoris hoping to take it, which he before such time as it revolted unto the Romans, had compassed with so strong walls; that the Romans themselves could not have taken it; so his hope was frustrate: for neither by force nor fair means would the Sephorites yield unto him. Hereat the Romans being angry, troubled the country more than before, who now neither night nor day ceased from destroying it, but robbed & spoiled all they found, and all men able to bear arms they slew, and made the rest their slaves: Thus all Galilee was filled with fire and sword; and no man escaped that calamity, only they saved themselves, that fled into the Cities that joseph had walled. Titus came to Alexandria being winter sooner than he was expected: and so received there the soldiers that he sent for, and having a prosperous journey, he quickly came to Ptolemais, Titus bringeth a mighty army into judaea. and finding his father there with two of the chiefest legions, to wit the fifth and tenth, he also adjoined that fifteenth legion that he brought with him. And there followed them eighteen companies, five out of Caesarea, one troop of horsemen, and five companies of horsemen out of Syria: ten of these companies of foot had in every one of them a thousand men, the rest only six hundredth & thirteen, and in every troop of horsemen were a hundredth & twenty. The kings also brought great aid: for Antiochus, Agrippa, & Sohemus, brought each of them 2000 bowmen, and a thousand horsemen, and Malchus king of Arabia brought 5000. foot, and 1000 horse, and the most of his footmen were archers; so that the whole army together with the king's aid, amounted unto the number of threescore thousand horse and foot together: besides them that followed the camp, who were a great multitude, and not inferior unto the soldiers in warlike discipline: so that one may admire the Romans, who so train up their servants in time of peace, that they are very fit for wars. So that whosoever well beholdeth their military discipline, he shall perceive that they gained not this their goodly Empire by chance and fortune, The year of the world, 4031. after Christ's birth 69. The diligence and labour of the Romans in providing things necessary for the wars. but by virtue: for they do not only then begin to use weapons when they come to fight, but they practise military discipline before they need, and they are not idle in time of peace, but always practise themselves therein without ceasing. Their exercises are like war itself, and every soldier is every day exercised in every sort of weapons, even as though they were fight against the enemy; so that hereby they easily endure the burden and travail of wars. For their disorder doth not make them forget what to do, neither doth fear dismay them, nor continuance of fight and war weary and tyre them. So that whosoever they fight against, who are not so well provided in these affairs, as they are, they always overcome them: And one may well call their practices amongst themselves, conflicts without bloodshed; and their wars indeed, conflicts with bloodshed. They are not easily overcome at unawares, for in what enemie-countrey soever they come, they fight not before they have fortified their camp about, which they do not The industry of the Romans. The order of the Romans in their camp. rashly, neither do they pitch their tents in marish or high places, after a disordered manner, for if the place be unequal, they make it plain. And they proportion their camp four square: for they have many smiths, and all kind of workmen needful, which do still follow the army, to accomplish such business. And in the innermost part of the camp they make tabemacles, whose outside resembleth a wall, with towers equally distant one from another, and between them engines of war to cast stones, and such like, that all kind of shot may be in readiness. They also build four gates large and wide, both for their cattle easily to come in at, and also for themselves if need require, to enter in or issue out speedily. Within the camp, there are streets divided into certain spaces: in the midst their rulers, and amongst them all the general's tent like a temple, so that it seemeth a city, and a market full of shops made in an instant. There are also seats builded for the governors to judge of controversies, if any arise between the soldiers and others. All this place and all things belonging thereto, are made in an instant, partly by reason of the multitude, partly by the industry of them that work: and if need require they compass it with a trench four cubits deep, and as many broad. Thus the soldiers enclosed with arms, do live quietly in their tents without disorder, and all things are done with good advice and order, whether they need water, or corn, or wood: for they must all go to dinner at the time appointed, and all sleep at once, and a trumpet giveth notice when to watch and guard, and nothing is done that is not The reverence and obedience of the Roman soldiers to their captains. commanded. In the morning all the soldiers come unto their captains to salute them, and the captains to the tribunes, and they all to the general, and he giveth them a watch word, and telleth them what he thinketh good, and how they shall behave themselves towards those that are under them, whereby in fight they may demean themselves, and well know when to assault, and when to retire. When they go forth of the camp a trumpet soundeth, and no man is idle, but at the first beck taketh away his tabernacle, & makes all ready for their departure: Then the trumpet soundeth again, warning them to be ready, and having laden their beasts with their baggage, How the Romans forsake their camp. they expect the sound again, as though they were to run a race, and at their departure they burn their camp, because it is easy to build the like again, and also lest afterwards it may advantage their enemies. When the trumpet hath sounded the third time, which is a sign to set forward, than they hasten those that are slow, lest they forsake their order. And a crier standeth on the right hand of the general, ask thrice, if they be prepared to fight, and they as often answer that they are, holding up their right hands with lofty courage: and so they march on easily, every man keeping his rank, as though they were ready to give battle. The footmen have a head piece, a breast plate, and a sword on the left side, and on the right side a dagger. The footmen The armour of the Roman footmen. The furniture of the Roman horsemen. that guard the general have lavelin and a shield: the rest are armed every one with bucklers and pikes. Moreover they carry a saw, a basket, a farthel, a hatchet, also a cord, a sith, and a chain, and victuals for three days, so that the footmen are as much laden as their cattle. The horsemen carry at their right side a long sword, in the left hand adart; and a long shield hanging against the horse side, and a quiver with three darts with broad edges, which are as big as a spear: they have also helmets and breastplates like the footmen. And the general's horsemen that guard his body do nothing differ from the rest. That company always leadeth that the lot falleth unto. And these are the fashions of the Romans concerning their warlike discipline. They The Romans attempt nothing unadvisedly or rashly. never do any thing unadvisedly in battle, but manage all things according to counsel; so that they either do not err, or if they do, their fault is easily amended. For they think that bad success after deliberation is better than good fortune without it; and they think that therein fortune did but flatter them, to work them some great despite, by reason they have not deliberated: but that which is premeditated, although it have evil success, yet it maketh them wary against another time. And none of them accounteth that good success, which cometh by chance, The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. and yet every one is comforted in their misfortune, for that they take good advise. By the military exercises they do not only make the bodies of their soldiers strong, but their minds also more hardy and their diligence is the greater by their fear. For their laws are capital, not only for them that forsake their order, but also for them that commit the least enormity or negligence; and The Romans grow more diligentby fear. their generals are more severe than their laws: who only by rewarding the good purchase favour, lest they seem cruel in punishing the wicked. Moreover they are so obedient unto their rulers, that in peace they honour them, and in war the whole army seemeth one body The obedience of the Roman soldier is no small occasion of his victory. united together: they so keep order, and are so ready to turn here or there, and so attenti●… to any command, and so diligent to note signs made unto them, and so quick to labour with their hands, that they are always apt to do any thing, but slow to endure. In so much that they know no place, where they have been overcome, either by number or by courage, or counsel, or by the difficulty of the place, nor by fortune itself: For they think victory more certain than Fortune. Therefore seeing that their deeds are ruled by advise and counsel, and their commandments How far, the Roman government extendeth. so well fulfilled by the Army, what marvel is it if their Empire in the East reach unto Euphrates, in the West unto the Ocean, in the South unto Africa, in the North unto Rhine and Danubius, seeing that one may justly affirm the possession less than the possessors. Thus I have spoken, not to praise the Romans, but to comfort the conquered, and to terrify those that desire alteration: and perhaps it may teach them who want good discipline, & are ignorant of the manners and customs of the Romans in their military affairs. But I return to my purpose. CHAP. FOUR How Placidus assaulted jotapata. IN the mean time Vespasian living at Ptolemais with his son Titus, prepared his army. Placidus draweth his forces against jotapata, and being repulsed, flies. But Placidus was already entered into Galilee and run through it, where he slew almost all he found who were of the weaker sort of people and cowards: And seeing that those of courage always fled into these Cities that joseph had fortified, he turned his forces against jotapata, which was the strongest of them, thinking it might easily be taken by a sudden assault, and that he thereby should get great glory, and that by taking it, great profit might ensue, in that the people seeing the strongest City surprised, they would not fly to any again. But it fell not out as he expected; for the people of jotapata understanding of his coming, met him near the town, and suddenly encountered the Romans, being a great multitude and well disposed to fight, as those that bare arms for the general safety of the Country, and for the lives of their wives and children, they out the Romans to flight, wounding many, only seven being slain▪ for the Romans in flying kept their ranks, and being armed round about, they were not dangerously wounded, but the jews being unarmed, rather trusted to their darts & arrows then to handy blows. There were three jews slain, and a few wounded: and so Placidus when he saw himself repulsed from the town, he fled. CHAP. V. How Vespasian invaded Galilee, and how at the very sight of him the seditious fled. VEspasian desirous to take Galilee himself, departed from Ptolemais, making such journeys as soldiers ought to keep, which the Romans are wont to follow. And he commanded Vespasian directeth the Ro man's march. those that came to help him, and the bowmen because they were lighter armed, to go before and repress the enemy's incursions, and search the wood and forest fit for ambushes, where by they were to pass: after them followed part of the Roman footmen and horsemen: and after them there marched ten by ten out of every hundredth, bearing with them their armour, and the measures of their camp. After them followed men, whose office it was to mend the ways, where they were bad, and cut down the woods that were in the way, least with bad way the army were tired. After them he sent his baggage and the baggage of the rulers under him, and withal horsemen to guard it. And after them he himself followed, leading an army of chosen footmen and horsemen, accompanied with his own guard of horsemen, and he had out of every legion sixscore men for his own guard. After followed they that carried the engines to batter the walls of Cities, and other instruments, and with them the Prefects and Tribunes, guarded with their chosen soldiers. After them other ensigns, and the Eagle, the which the Romans hold for chief of all, because it is the King of all birds, and is most valiant and strong: The year of the world. 4031, after Christ's birth 69. The Eagle by the Romans is held the ensign of the Empire and a sign of victory. wherefore they think it a sign of dominion, and victory over all them against whom they bear it. After these sacred ensigns followed the trumpets sounding in warlike manner; and after them the army marching six in a rank, and as the custom is a centurion went by them to keep order: the servants were all with the fooremen and baggage. After the last company who were hired, followed armed footmen and horsemen in great number. And thus Vespasian with his whole army came unto the borders of Galilee, and there pitched his Tents; he stayed the soldiers who were very eager to fight: as it were boasting and showing his army to terrify his adversaries, and giving them time to repent, if any one would alter his mind before the war began, yet did he prepare to besiege the walls and fortresses. The only sight of him made many rebels fly, and daunted the most of them. For Joseph's soldiers who had pitched his Tents a little from Sephoris, when they knew that war grew on, and that they were presently to fight with the Romans, they did not only fly before they fought: but also before they saw their enemies. joseph being left with a very few, knowing he was not able to abide the enemies; and that the jews were discomfited, and that if he put any trust in them, they would for the most part revolt unto joseph forsaken by his friends flies to Tiberias. the enemies; for that time abstained from all war, and thought to get himself out of danger, and so accompanied with them that remained with him, he went to Tyberias. CHAP. VI How Gadara was besieged and taken. VEspasian went unto Gadara, and took it at the first assault: for all able men fit for war were fled out of the City, and entering the City he put all to death. For the Romans had no mercy, partly for the hatred they conceived against the jews, and partly in revenge of that which had befallen Cestius. And they burned the City and all towns and villages adjoining: some of them being already desolate, and the inhabitants of the rest were made slaves. joseph fled into the City which he made choice of for his safeguard, and filled it with fear. For the people of Tyberias thought he would never have fled, if there had been any hope of withstanding the Romans: wherein they judged not amiss, for he did foresee what event those wars would have, and that their only safety consisted in changing their rebellious minds. He himself, though he hoped to obtain pardon of the Romans, yet had he far more rather have died then to have lived pleasantly with them against whom he was sent, and so become a traitor unto joseph is afraid of the Romans and writeth to jerusalem. his Country committed to his charge. Wherefore he determined faithfully to write all his estate, and the estate of the Country unto the nobility at jerusalem, and not to extol the enemy's forces too much, lest they should say he was a coward; nor yet putting them in any comfort, lest perhaps they now penitent for that they had done, again by his letters should be incited to go forward in their rebellious course: willing them presently to write an answer, whether they thought it good to enter into league with the Romans; or if they would make war, than they should send a sufficient army against the Romans: and having written to this effect, he presently sent men away to jerusalem to bear these letters. CHAP. VII. Of the siege of jotapata. VEspasian was very desirous to take jotapata, for that he knew many of his enemies were fled thither, and for that this was the strongest refuge they had. So he sent before footmen and horsemen, to plane the ways which were full of ragged stones, so that it was hard for footmen to pass, and altogether unpossible for horsemen: who within four days effected that which they were commanded, and made a large way for the army to pass: And the fifth day which was the one and twentieth of March, joseph before they came entered into joseph cometh to jotapata from Tiberias. the City, coming thither from Tyberias to encourage the jews who were dismayed. A certain runaway signified unto Vespasian that joseph was come thither, willing him to hasten thither, for if he could take joseph he might easily take all judaea. Hereat Vespasian was very glad & took it as good fortune, that the most prudent & potent of his enemies, should (God at that time so working) put himself as it were in hold, and so presently he sent Placidus before with a thousand horsemen, and with him Captain Ebutius, a man both strong, valiant and prudent, and commanded them to compass the City with a siege, lest joseph should privily escape from thence. The jotapata besieged. day after he himself followed with the whole army and about noon came to jotapata, and leading The year of the world. 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. his army unto the North side of the town, he pitched his tents upon a hill seven stounds distant from the City. Upon purpose placing himself within the view of his enemies, that the very sight of his army might terrify them: which he also did; for presently every one was in such a fear, that none durst go out of the City. The Romans being wearied all that day, would not assault the city: wherefore they environed the town with two squadrons, and the third that consisted in horsemen, was placed without to intercept all passage, that none of the jews could pass any whither. Hereby the jews now in desperation took heart; for in war nothing is more forcible than necessity. The next day began the battery, and every jew kept his quarter: and kept themselves in order, and resisted the Romans before their walls. But when Vespasian sent all the bowmen, and those who cast darts and other things to beat them off of the walls, and Nothing is more effectual in war or more desperate than necessity. he himself with footmen assaulted the walls in another place where they might easily be entered: then joseph fearing the city, accompanied with all the people issued out of the town, and assaulted the Romans fiercely, and did drive them from the walls, showing courage & strength; and they themselves suffered as much harm as they did unto their enemies. For as they were encouraged with desperation, so were the Romans with shame, who were armed with military knowledge and strength, and the jews only with anger. And the fight continued all day even until night; A fight between the Romans and the jews continued a whole day, and broken off by night. wherein many Romans were wounded, and only thirteen slain: and of the jews there were six hundredth wounded, and seventeen slain. The next day also they met the Romans, and resisted them more stoutly than before, taking courage for that they the day before had resisted them, contrary to their expectation: and all the Romans fought more valiantly, ashamed as it were of themselves, in suffering the jews to resist them; thinking withal, that they themselves were overcome, if they did not quickly suppress their enemies. Wherefore the Romans for five days together ceased not to assault the town, and the jews strongly rebatted them: and now neither the jews feared their enemies, nor the Romans were dismayed with the difficulty of taking the town. jotapata is almost all situated upon a rock, and compassed about with deep valleys, which The situation of jotapata. descend strait down like a wall: so that one can scarcely see the bottom. There is only access unto it on the North part, where it is seated upon a mountain going overthwart; which joseph enclosed with a brickwall, to the end it might be no passage for the enemies: all the rest of the City is environed with high mountains, so that it cannot be dis●…rued by any before they be hard at it. And jotapata was thus strengthened. Vespasian determined both to strive against the nature of the place, and hardiness of the Vespasian intendeth to begin a sharp siege. jews; and therefore called all his captains together, and consulted with them to begin a hot siege: at last they resolved to rear a mount in that place where the City was easiest to be entered. He sent his whole army to provide wood to do it, who cut down the mountains near unto the town: and great store of wood and stone being brought, setting hurdles before them to bear off the darts and arrows, he began to raise a mount; so that they received little or no harm by darts cast from off the walls: others brought earth from places thereabout, and no man was idle. The jews cast continually great stones and all kind of darts upon that which defended them; which though they pierced not thorough, yet they made a great noise and terrified the workmen. Which Vespasian seeing, caused all engines that did cast stones & darts, which were in number a hundredth and threescore, to be placed against the walls, to beat the jews from thence. And so they cast stones and darts, and fire, and arrows in great abundance: so that they did not only beat the jews from off the walls, but also out of the reach of their shot; for both the Arabian archers and those that used slings and darts, and all the engines continually played upon them. For all The jews break out and beat down the bulwark. this the jews rested not, but running out in companies as thieves, they took away that which defended the workmen, and then assaulted them having no de●…e: and when they had beaten them away, destroyed and fired all that the Romans had wrought for their own defence and safeguard. At last Vespasian perceived that these damages happened for that there was space left between all these works, whereby the enemies had access to do them such harms: wherefore he united them together, and so hindered the privy excursions of the jews. When the mount was almost made and the towers upon it finished, joseph afraid to do nothing for the joseph fixeth stakes in the ground and fasteneth unto them raw O●… hides to raise the wall and beat off the shot. safeguard of the town, called all workmen necessary together, and commanded them to make the wall there higher; but they said it was unpossible for them to work for the number of shot in that place. Then joseph made this devise to defend them, he fixed stakes in the ground, and fastened unto them hides of Kine and Oxen new slain, by which they were defended from shot, and fire; so that they labouring night and day raised the wall twenty cubits high, erecting also upon it many towers: and by this means made it a strong defence. Whereat the Romans, The year of the world, 〈◊〉 after Christ's births 69. 〈◊〉. who before thought themselves sure of the town, were now greatly dismayed both by this devise of Joseph's, and also by the hardiness of the jews. CHAP. VIII. Of the siege of jotapata by Vespasian, and the diligence that joseph used, and how the jews made excursions against the Romans. THis stratagem and the carriage of the jews greatly moved Vespasian, for now they receiving courage in that defence, made assaults upon the Romans of their own accord, and every day skirmished, running out in companies, and, like thieves, taking away whatsoever they lighted upon; and what they could not carry away, they set on fire. At last Vespasian would not permit his soldiers to fight any longer: but determined now to besiege it & take it by want of victuals, purposing either to make them come & yield themselves for lack of Vespasian restraineth his soldiers from fight and besiegeth the city. food, or if they held out, to famish them: and that it would be more easy to take it by force, if ceasing a while from assaulting it, he afterward set upon it, they being in anguish for the danger they were in. Wherefore he commanded all passages to be kept, that none could go out of the City. But they had great store of corn, and of all other things else, except salt and water, whereof they stood in great want, for there is never a fountain in the city, and they have little rain in summer time, so that the inhabitants were in great distress; for now there was hardly any water left in the city. joseph perceiving there was abundance of all things else, and that the citizens were valiant, as also the siege like to continued long, he gave to every one water in measure: with which they were not contented, thinking it as good to want altogether, as to have it in that manner, & joseph delivereth his soldiers water by measure. now they began to saint, as though they had suffered extreme drought. The Romans perceived this, being upon a high hill, over against the place whither all the jews came together to recome water, and they with their shot killed many that came thither, insomuch that Vespasian hoped that within short time their water would be spent, and they constrained to yield. But joseph to frustrate this hope, commanded a great many garments to be laid in water and hanged upon the walls, so that the water might run down upon every side. When the Romans saw this, Joseph's stratagem. they were much grieved and afraid, for that they wasted so much water in mockery, and before had thought that they had wanted water to drink. And now Vespasian scorning to win the city by siege, purposed to assault it again by force. The jews were very glad of this themselves, and the city in danger, rather wishing to be slain then perish through hunger or thirst, joseph devised also another way to get such necessaries that he wanted out of the country, for there was a●…alley out of the way, & therefore not regarded by the Romans, wherefore joseph sent men into the country to his friends for such things as the city wanted, by this way, commanding them Another policy of Iosephs. when they came near the watchmen, to hide and cover themselves with hairy skins, that the watchmen might think them to be dogs, and this he used a good space, till at last the watchmen perceived it, and so set a guard there to stop the passage. When joseph perceived the City could not hold out long, and fearing his own life, if still he continued there, he treated with the chief of the city that he might fly. But the people perceiving his intent, flocked about him, and The people beleeched joseph that he would not forsake them. be fought him to take pity upon them, and not forsake them, who had no hope but in him, affirming that for his sake they were all courageous and bold to fight; and if they were taken, yet he would be a comfort unto them, telling him that it did not become him to fly from his enemies, nor to forsake his friends, neither as it were to leap out of a ship shaken with a tempest, into the which he came when the seas were calm, for so by this means he would soon overthrow the city, and once gone, no man afterward could or durst resist their enemies; for in him was all their hope. joseph kept it to himself that his purpose was to work his own safety, for he told them the thing which he intended was for their good, affirming that though he stayed still in the city, yet Joseph's prudence. he could do them little good, and if the city should chance to be taken, than he and they were like to perish, but if he were abroad and not besieged, he could do them great good, for he would presently assemble all the people of Galilee, and come against the Romans, and so raise their siege; whereas now in staying with them he saw not wherein he did them any good, but rather incited the Romans against them, making them more earnest to take the town than they would be, only because he was there, that they might take him; but if they knew once that he were fled, they would not then be so earnest in the siege. joseph herewith could not persuade the people, but they flocked faster about him, and both young and old of all sorts came and prostrated The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. joseph stayeth in jotapata. themselves at his feet, weeping, and beseeching him to take such hap as should befall them, whether it were good or bad, not for that they envied his escape, but for that they hoped they should receive no harm if he remained with them. He then bethought himself that if he stayed with them, he fulfilled their request; and if he denied, he feared they would force him. Wherefore being partly moved by compassion, he determined Where as there is no hope of help there was i●… the last remedy. to stay, and being now, as all the city was, desperate, he told them that now it was time to fight, seeing there was no hope of safety: and that it was a goodly matter to spend their lives renowmedly, and do some noble act to leave a remembrance unto their posterity of their valour: and so went about it. And issuing out of the city with the most valiant amongst them, when he had killed the watchmen, at the first encounter he came even unto the Romans tents, and tore the skins that their tents were made of, & fired others, and their engines: & so he did the second and the third day, and for certain days and nights afterward never ceased. When Vespasian perceived The audacious courage of the jews in their extreme desperation. the Romans greatly endoinaged by such excursions and very loath to s●…e for shame, and not able to follow them being so laden with their armour, and that the jews always did some exploit before they retired themselves into the city; he gave commandment unto his soldiers to ●…ue their assault, and not to fight against men who desired to die, affirming that no men were stronger than those in despetation, & that it they found none to assail, their courage would soon be; alaid like unto a flame of ●…ne, when the matter that nourisheth it, is consumed. Moreover the Romans must seek victory more warily, for that they fought not for necessity, but only to The jews with their slings are repulsed by the Arabian archers increase their dominions: and after that oftentimes they beat the jews by the Arabian archers, and with slings and darts, and other shot which never ceased, and so the jews by this means were repressed. But so soon as they were without the danger of the shot, they more furiously assailed the Romans, sparing neither body nor mind, but continually fought by turns, and every one of the city assisted them that so laboured. CHAP. IX. How Vespasian did beat the walls of jotapata with a Ram, and other warlike Engines. VEspasian thinking himself as it were besieged, both for the long time which he had continued the siege, and also for the divers assaults and privy excursions of the jews, having now almost raised the Rampires as high as the walls of the city, determined to batter them with a Ram. A Ram is a huge beam like the mast of a ship, whose end is armed with a strong massive iron, made in the form of a Ram's head: whereupon it taketh his name, because A Ram. he butteth with his head. It hangeth on another beam with ropes, like the beam of a pair of balances: the beam it hangeth on lying a cross is held up with two props, which being drawn back by force of many men, and then jointly with all their forces shoved forward, it striketh the wall with the head of iron: And there is no wall nor tower so strong, but though it abide the first strokes of the engine, yet can it not hold out long. The general of the Romans thought good to use this means to take the city by force, for that the siege was dangerous, by reason that the jews never rested; so the Romans with alkind of shot endeavoured to beat the jews from off the walls that made any resistance: & the archers and they who used slings, were hard by, and when they saw that none of the jews durst come upon the walls, they applied the Ram unto them; and covered it aloft with hurdles and skins, both for to defend themselves and the engine, & at the first assault the walls were shaken, so that the citizens cried as though the town had been already taken. joseph seeing them still beat one place, and that presently the wall would fall, devised Joseph's devise how to break the force of the Ram. away to resist the force of the Ram, and so he filled sacks with chaff, and let them down off the wall just against that place, where the Ram struck ordinarily, & so broke the force of the blows, the looseness of the chaff making no resistance; and so drowning or abating the violence of the stroke. By this means the Romans were hindered, for whither soever they brought the Ram, thither did they upon the walls also remove the sacks of chaff, and broke the force thereof: till at last the Romans also devised a way to cut these sacks, taking long poles and binding Siethes unto the ends of them, and so cut these sacks of chaff. And the Ram shook the wall, & the wall newly built was not strong enough to resist. Then joseph and his soldiers sought to help themselves by fire works, and so they fired all that was made of dry wood in three several places, and withal the engines, and forts, and mounts of the Romans, who now had much ado to defend themselves: first, because that they were terrified with the valour of the jews: and secondly, The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. joseph burneth the engines, & turneth off the Romans. Eleazar's strength and courage. because every one had work enough to defend himself against the fire, which seizing upon dry matter with Brimstone and Pitch wonderfully increased; so that in one hours space it consumed all the works that the Romans had made with so great labour. There was a jew the son of Samaeus called Eleazar, who deserved eternal memory: this man was borne at Saab in Galilee. This Eleazar took up a great stone, and cast it down with such force upon the Ram, that he broke off the head thereof; and nothing fearing, leapt down amongst the midst of his enemies, and brought it away into the City: at last being unarmed, and as it were a mark for his enemies to shoot at, he received in his body five arrows; and as though he had not felt them, so soon as he had gotten up the wall where all might see him, he boldly stood still, & so through grief of his wounds having the head of the Ram in his arms fell down. Next unto him two brethren of Ramath in Galilee showed themselves valiant, named Netiras and Philip, who assaulted Netiras and Philip's valour against the Romans. the tenth legion of the Romans with such violence, that they broke their ranks, and put all to flight that sought to withstand them: which joseph and those that were with him perceiving, took fire and burnt the engines, works, and defences of the fifth and tenth legions that were fled, and those that followed destroyed all engines, & other matter that was left. In the evening the Romans again erected the Ram against that part of the city which before they had beaten, & so began a fresh to shake the wall in the same place that before they had battered: and one of the Vespasian wounded in the sole of the foot by an arrow. jews shot an arrow from the wall, and wounded Vespasian in the sole of the foot, yet the wound was not great, for that the force of the arrow was spent before it came to him, having come a great way off. This fact greatly troubled the Romans, who seeing Vespasian bleed, presently spread these news through the whole army, and almost all of them came running to see their general, and especially Titus who feared his father's death: so that the whole army partly for the love of their general, and partly for the fear of Titus his son, were greatly troubled: but Vespasian presently freed the army from all perturbation; and his son Titus from fear. For the grief of the wound being past, he showed himself to all that were sorrowful for him, and incited them to fight against The war renewed against the jews. the jews more earnestly than before; and now every one as it were to revenge their general, despised all danger, and assaulted the walls one exhorting another. joseph and his associates, notwithstanding that many of them were killed with shot, darts and arrows; yet they forsook not the walls, but with fire and sword, and stones fiercely assaulted them, that being defended with hurdles battered the walls with the Ram, but to little purpose: for they were continually killed, being in the sight of their enemies, and for that they could not see them, presently were strooken down. For their fire did make such a light as though it had been day, so that the Romans easily perceived whither to direct their shot: and for that their engines were not perceived a far off, the jews could not defend themselves from the arrows and stones which were shot against them, by which means many of them were slain, and the tops and corners of the towers beaten down. And there was no man so well guarded, but he was slain by force of these stones; so that any man may know of what force that engine is, by that which happened that night. For one that stood near joseph upon the wall was strooken with a stone, & his head carried from his body by violence of that blow three furlongs, as though it had been cast out of a sling: & the next day a woman great with The force of the Roman darts. child was strooken on the belly with one of those stones, and the child carried forth of her from the place where she was strooken three furlongs; so great was the force of this engine: Therefore the violence of the engines was more terrible, and likewise the noise of darts, arrows and other shot. And many were slain on every side, and the bodies of those that were killed, strooken against the brickwall made a noise: and within the city was heard a pitiful lamentation, and weeping among the women; & without a heavy mourning and cry of them, that were wounded to death; and all that part of the wall where the fight was, flowed with blood: so that now the multitude of dead bodies had so filled the ditch before the wall, that the Romans might easily pass over them into the city, and the mountains about did echo with the cries of the citizens: and all that night long nothing wanted, that either might by the eye or ear move terror. And many stoutly fight for jotapata died most valiantly, many also were sore wounded: and notwithstanding the brickwall was continually battered, yet it was almost morning before it fell, being all night long beaten with the Ram. And then they of jotapata repaired the breach with their bodies and armour before the Romans could set bridges to enter it. CHAP. X. The year of the world 4031. after Christ's Nativity. 69. How jotapata was again assaulted. IN the morning Vespasian brought his army to enter the breach, having given them but little rest after their whole night's labour, and desirous to make the jews that defended Vespasian leadeth on his army to enter the City. the breach to forsake their place, before such time as he entered: he took the most valiant of his horsemen and unhorsed them, being armed from the head unto the foot, and placed them in three ranks, that they, being so armed, might besiege round that part of the wall that was battered, and to take long pikes in their hands, so that as soon as the bridges were set, they should first enter the breach. After them he placed the strongest of his footmen: the rest of his horsemen he set round about the City upon the mountain, to the end that none might escape thereout: after the footmen he commanded archers to follow with their arrows ready in their hands; and them that used slings also, and other engines for shot. And he caused other to scale the walls, where they were not battered, to the intent that the townsmen busied in resisting them might leave the breach vnmanned: and the rest being wearied & oppressed with the thickness of the shot, should of force forsake their standing. But joseph perceiving his intent, placed Joseph's subtle policy. old men and children, and those that were already wearied upon those parts of the walls that were not battered: and himself with the stoutest in the City went to defend the breach, and placed six men before them, whom he choose out, himself being one of them, to sustain the first brunt of their enemy's assault: commanding them likewise to stop their ears, to the end that they might not be terrified with the cries of the army. He willed them also to defend themselves with shields against the darts and arrows, and give back a little; till such time as the Archers quivers were emptied: and if so be that the Romans should offer to make bridges, that then they with their instruments should resist; and that every one now should fight, not to defend his Country, but as it were to recover it being in a manner already lost: and imagine that they now did see their aged men murdered with their children, and their wives almost taken by their enemies, and now to revenge themselves upon those that hereafter would massacre their whole City, and thus he appointed men in both places. The weaker multitude, women and children; seeing the City compassed about with three ranks of horsemen, and that the Romans with swords drawn pressed against the breach, that all the mountains about did shine and glitter with their weapons that were placed there, and certain Arabians to serve the Archers with arrows: they cried out The cries of women and children in the battle. as though the City were now taken, so that a man would have judged them already amidst their enemy's swords; and not only in danger to fall into their hands. Wherefore joseph commanded the women to their houses, lest their cries should effaeminate his soldiers minds, willing them likewise to keep silence, and threatened them if they did not: and so he marched unto the breach; which place fell unto his lot, and gave no heed to them that sought to scale the walls, but only beheld a far off the force of the arrows. When all the trumpets began to sound, and the air to be obscured with the multitude of arrows, Joseph's companions remembering the charge given them, stopped their ears; and armed their bodies against the shot of arrows: And so soon as the bridges were set against the wall, presently they ran, & before the Romans could enter upon them, they got them into their hands, & resisted them that sought to come upon them, showing great prowess and strength, and themselves no way inferior unto the Romans, though they were in extreme danger; and the Romans in none: and did not give one foot back, till either they did kill or were killed. But the jews The war of the Romans with the jews upon the bridge had not any fresh men to second them that were tired, and the Romans still as they were wearied, sent fresh supply; and joining together their long shields, exhorting one another, they became as it were a wall or defence invincible; and the whole army like one body did beat back the jews, and so set foot on the walls. Then joseph in this desperate case, devised some way to repel this present calamitle, wherefore he commanded the jews to fetch scalding oil, which they had ready, and power it upon the Romans yet seething, who also cast the pans upon them. This devise broke the ranks of the Romans, so that with great pain and grief, they fell from the The jews power scalding oil upon the Romans. wall, and tumbled down: for the scalding oil easily got between their flesh and armour, and scorched them like fire being easily heated, and long continuing hot by reason of the fatness; and the Romans being loaden with helmets and breast plates could not fly, so that some leapt down off the bridge, and others for grief died; others would feign have retired themselves, but could not, because their enemies followed them so hard. But neither the Romans wanted virtue and valour in adverse fortune, nor the jews prudence and good advise. For the Romans notwithstanding The ye●…re of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. they were in intolerable pain, being scalded with hot oil, yet did they freshly assault them that hurt them, and every one did thrust him forward that was before him, as it were desirous to show their courage. Then the jews used an other devise to make them retire: for they powered fenugreek boiled upon the bridge, so that they slid down: and neither they that would have fled, nor they who did strive to assault the jews, could stand upon their feet, it was so slippery; and many falling down upon the bridge were by their own company trodden to death; others did slide down upon the Rampire, and always as they fell the jews struck them: and seeing that the Romans were retired from the place, so that now they were not forced to handy blows, they had leisure to shoot arrows and darts against them. When Vespasian saw that his The Romans retire without obtaining their purpose. men in that fight endured much misery, towards evening he caused them to retire, many being slain, and more wounded, and six men of jotapata were slain, and above three hundredth wounded: this fight was upon the twentieth day of june. But after that Vespasian had comforted his soldiers, for that which had happened, and perceiving that they were angry and desired to fight to revenge themselves, so that they needed no exhortation; he raised the Rampire higher, and erected three towers fifty foot high, covering them aloft with iron, that so by reason of their Vespasian erecteth higher platforms and towers. weight they might stand steadfast, and not be consumed by fire: and these he placed ●…pon the Rampires, and in them Archers, and men that cast darts and such like, who not being perceived of them that were upon the wall because of the highness of the towers, and the covering thereof, easily wounded them who were placed thereon. So the jews when they could not a●…oide the arrows, nor be revenged upon them whom they could not see, nor yet ●…e the towers being covered with plates of iron, forsook the walls; yet always encountered with them who sought The Citizens of jotapata valiantly sustain the siege. to enter. And the people of jotapata thus resisted, notwithstanding that many e●…rie day were slain, and that they did their enemies no harm without great danger to themselves. CHAP. XI. How japha was taken by Traianus and Titus. AT this time Vespasian understood that japha a City near jotapata minded to rebel encouraged The taking in of japha by trajan. so to do, for that they understood how they of jotapata had held ou●… contrary to all expectation: wherefore he sent thither Traianus goue●…our of the tenth legion, & with him two thousand footmen, & a thousand horse, who perceiving the town able to resist, and the Inhabitants prepared for to fight, and come out to meet him for the town being for the situation strong enough, it was also compassed with a double wall) seeing this he fought with them, and after a while put them to flight, and the Romans following them broke in with them at the first gate, which the Citizens perceiving shut the second gate, not suffering their ow●… Citizens to enter in, for fear that the enemies also should rush in with them, as they had done into the first gate. Truly God gave that victory unto the Romans, whose will it was that all warlike men of the City should have their own gates shut upon them, and so fall into their enemy's The jews shut up by the Romans between two walls are slain. hands, who were most greedy to destroy them. For many came to the gates, and called those that kept them by their names, pitifully entreating that they might come in: which whilst they did, they were butchered like sheep, being enclosed between two walls: their own Citizens having shut one gate upon them, and the Romans the other: and many thus enclosed perished with their fellows swords, and an infinite ●…umber by the rage of the Romans, having no courage to resist and revenge themselves. For the treason of their own Citizens and the terror of their enemies together utterly discouraged them, and so they died all in number 12. thousand, not cursing the Twelve thousand jews slain. Romans, but the jews their own Countrymen. trajan thinking that the City was now destitute of fight men, or if any were within, that they durst not resist being thus terrified, reserved the taking of the City for the general, and sent messengers unto him, requesting him to send his son Titus to make an end of the victory. Vespasian fearing that yet there would be some resistance, sent Titus with five hundredth horsemen, and a thousand foot, who hastening thither, placed Titus with his forces cometh to japha. Traianus on the left side of the town, and himself on the right, so the Romans on every side scaled the walls, and the Galileans having awhile resisted, presently left them. Then Titus and his followers leaping down presently got into the City, and began a vehement fight with them A sharp skirmish within the town between the Galileans and the Romans. that were assembled therein, some valiantly issuing out of narrow streets, and assaulting them, and the women casting such things as they could get upon the Romans from the tops of their houses, and thus they held battle six hours. When their fight men were all slain, than the old men & children, & all the other company both in the streets, and in their houses were soon The year of the world. 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. dispatched, so that none of them were left alive, save only infants, who with the women were led captives. The number of them that were slain both in the city and in the first conflict, amounted unto fifteen thousand, and the nu●…er of those that were led into captivity, were one thousand one hundredth and thirty: and this massacre of the Galileans happened the five and twentieth day of june. CHAP. XII. How Caerealis conquered the Samaritans. THe Samaritans also were partakers of this calamity, who assembled themselves together The assembly of the Samaritans on the mountain Garizin. in mount Garizin, which they account a sacred place: But both their assembly & their courage did portend their wars, and not warned by their neighbour's harms nor with any advise or judgement, considering their own infirmity and the Romans power, began to be tumultuous. Vespasian foreseeing this, thought it good to prevent them: and although all the region of Samaria had garrisons in it, yet for all the great multitude assembled, it was thought that the garrisons were able to keep them under. Wherefore he sent thither Caerealis the Tribune of the fifth legion with six hundredth horsemen, and three thousand footmen. Caerealis thought it not the best way to go unto the mountain, and fight with the whole multitude, because a great many of their enemies were upon it: wherefore he commanded his soldiers to beleger the mountain about at the foot thereof, and so keep them there all the whole day. There happened at that time a vehement heat, and the Samaritans wanted water, for it was then summer Want of water in the mountain Garizin. and the people had not provided themselves of victuals, so that many in one day, only for want of drink died of thirst, the rest preferred death before the misery they endured, and so fled unto the Romans, of whom Caerealis learned that those that yet remained on the mount, were even dismayed by the misery they endured. Wherefore he ascended the mountain; and compassing about the enemies with his army, he first exhorted them to yield, willing them to save themselves, promising them all their lives, if they would cast down their weapons: but nothing prevailing with them, he set upon them, and killed them all, in number eleven thousand and six Eleven Thousand and six hundredth Samaritans' slain●…. hundredth: and this was done the seven & twentieth day of june: and these were the miseries that befell the Samaritans. CHAP. XIII. How jotapata was taken THe Citizens of jotapata endured this hard siege contrary to all expectation, and in the seven and fortieth day the Romans mounts were raised higher than their walls: on this same day, one of the City fled unto Vespasian, and told him in what case the city stood, A fugitive certifieth the weak estate of the citizen●… of jotapata, & how few they were. and how few citizens were left, and that with daily watchings and fight they were far spent, whereby they were not able to resist any more, and that they might be taken by policy, if they were followed: for in the last part of the night, being weary, they ceased from their labour, and slept until the morning: wherefore he persuaded Vespasian to assault them at that time. But Vespasian knowing how faithful the jews were one unto another, & how they contemned all punishment, gave little credit unto this runaway: for a little before one of jotapata being taken, could not by any torments be compelled to confess, or disclose the estate of the City, whom the fire nothing moved, & so at last he was crucified, laughing & scorning death: yet a probable conjecture which he had, persuaded him to give credit somewhat unto this traitors words: & for that he knew no great harm could befall him, if he so assaulted the City, as the traitor willed; he commanded the man to be kept, and made all his army in readiness to assault the town. So at the hour appointed, he made towards the walls with silence. Titus being the first, accompanied with one Domitius Sabinus a Tribune & a few of the fifteenth legion, who killing the watchmen, entered into the city, and after them Sextus Caerealis and Placidus with their companies; so the Castle was taken, and the enemies were in the midst of the town, and it was fair day light, and yet the towns men knew nothing, being now fast a sleep after their great labours & watchings: The Romans enter the city whilst the Iew●… are a sleep. and they that did watch could see nothing, there was so thick a mist by chance that morning, & the rest never wakened till death was at their door, and that they perceived their calamity and destruction. The Romans mindful of all that had befallen them in the time of the siege, did neither spare nor pity any one: but driving the people out of the higher part of the city into the lower The year of the world, 4031. after Christ's birth 69. The Romans are touched with no mercy nor compassion part thereof, they massacred them all, where they that would could not fight for the narrowness of the place, so being cumbered for want of room, & sliding down the banks for haste, their enemies still pursuing them, they were easily slain. Many of Joseph's guard seeing this that they could not fight, gathered themselves together in a corner of the city, and slew themselves, that the Romans might not kill them. But some of the watchmen, who first perceived the city to be taken, fled into a tower, and resisted a while (this tower was situate on the North side of the city) and at last being environed with their enemies towards evening yielded, and offered themselves The fight of the jews with the Romans in the tower. to be slain. And the Romans might have boasted that that victory had been without bloodshed on their part, had not Antonius a centurion been slain treacherously. For one of them who fled into the caves (as many did) requested Antonius to give him his hand, in token that he might come out safe and without danger, which he doing unadvisedly, straightway the jew with a spear smote him in the flank, whereof he presently died. The Romans that day slew all people that they found, and the days following they searched all secret places, and drew those Antonius' slain by a jew thorough treason. out of caves & dens that had fled thither, and slew all but women & infants: so that they took away a thousand and two hundredth Captives: and the number of them who were slain during the siege, and at such time as the city was taken, amounted unto forty thousand. And Vespasian Forty thousand jews perish during the siege and in the former battles. commanded the city to be destroyed, and the castles to be burned, and so jotapata was taken the thirteenth year of Nero his reign, in the first of july. CHAP. XIIII. How joseph was taken, and how he redeemed his life with deeds and words. But especially above all others the Romans made diligent search for joseph, both for the hatred they bore him, and also because Vespasian greatly desired to get him, for that he●… being taken, the greatest part of the wars were then ended; so they sought him amongst the dead, and amongst those that were hid: but he (fortune favouring him) when the city was taken, escaped from the midst of his enemies, and leapt into a deep Well, which had a large joseph leapt into a deep trench and lieth hidden in a cave. cave on the one side, the which they above could not perceive; where he found forty principal men who had provision for many days. The enemies being in every place, he in the day time lay hid, and in the night he went forth to see if he could escape, and perceiving that all places about were diligently watched for to take him, he returned again into the cave, and lay there two days: the third day a certain woman that had been with them in the cave was taken, and so he was descried. Then Vespasian sent two tribunes to him to promise him safety, and bring him before him; the Tribunes names were Paulinus and Gallicanus: But joseph would not accept their offer, fearing that because he had been the author of all the evils that the Romans had endured, that therefore they sought him out to punish him: till Vespasian sent unto joseph Nicanor Vespasian by Tribunes sendeth joseph assurance. the third tribune one of Joseph's acquaintance. Nicanor recounted unto him how mild the Romans were towards them whom they had conquered, and that the Roman Captains rather admired him for his virtue, than hated him. Moreover that his General intended not to punish Nicanor the tribune known to joseph. him (which if he pleased he might do whether he yielded himself or no) but to save him, who was so valiant a man: adding also that if Vespasian meant ill, he would never have employed his friend in such a message, to use friendship so noble a virtue to so evil a purpose, as to work treason: and that he, though Vespasian had been so minded, wouldnever have consented to have betrayed his friend. joseph after Nicanor words began to study, as doubtful what was best to do. Whereat the soldiers being angry began to cast fire into the cave: but Vespasian hindered them being desirous to take joseph alive. Nicanor ceased not to entreat him, and he perceiving how his enemies began to wax angry, and calling to mind the dreams he had in the night, wherein God foretold him of all the jews calamities, and what should betide the Roman princes (for Joseph's dream of the slaughter of the jews. he could interpret dreams, & whatsoever God obscurely showed, being instructed in the holy books of the Prophets, and himself a priest as his parents were.) So at that time being as it were filled with the spirit of God, and recording the dreams and horrible visions which he joseph filled with the spirit of God secretly prayeth. saw in his sleep, he prayed secretly to God, after this manner. O creator (quoth he) seeing that it pleaseth thee to ruinate the nation of the jews, & that all good fortune is gone unto the Romans, & that thou hast choose my soul to foretell future events, I yield unto the Romans tosave my life, protesting that I mean not to go to them to play the traitor unto my country, joseph consenteth to Nicanor. but as thy minister; and having thus spoken, he yielded himself unto Nicanor. But they, who fled The year of the world 4031. after Christ's Nativity. 69. The jews violence and expostulation against joseph. into the cave where joseph was, perceiving that joseph yielded unto the Romans, flocked all about him, and cried out. How are our country laws violated? Where are those promises of God made unto the jews? where are those gallant minds that contemn and despise death? Art thou O joseph desirous to live, and see thyself to become a vile bondslave? How soon hast thou forgotten thyself? How many hast thou persuaded to embrace death for their liberty sake? Truly thou hast but a shadow of valour and prudence in thee, if thou dost hope that they will save thy life, against whom thou hast so behaved thyself: or if they would save thee, to desire life at their hands. But seeing the Romans offer hath made thee forget thyself; yet we to preserve the honour and credit of our country; will lend thee our arms and sword, and so if thou be'st willing to die, die like the general of the jews: which if thou refuse to do; thou shalt whether thou wilt or no die like a traitor unto thy country. When they had thus said, they all threatened to kill him with their sword, if he did yield unto the Romans. joseph feared their violence, and persuaded himself, if he died before he had put them in mind of God's commandments, that then he should die a traitor unto God: wherefore he began to make a Philosophical discourse unto them concerning this present estate, what was to be done. Wherefore (O my friends, quoth he) are we become murderers of ourselves? Wherefore do we make war between things so united, as are the soul & the body? Will any man say that Joseph's oration to his country men. my mind is changed? Why the Romans know that it is a thing most honourable to die in wars, not any way, but according to the law of arms, to wit by the conquerors hand? If I entreat the Romans to spare my life, then am I worthy to perish with mine own sword & hand: but if they think good to spare their enemies, should not we think it good likewise to spare our own selves? Truly it is mere folly to do that unto our own selves, for the which we fight against them. I confess it is a commendable thing to die for ones liberty, but yet to die in fight, and by their hands who took away that liberty: but now neither do they war against us nor kill us. He is not only to be judged It is a goodly matter to die for liberty, but yet to die fight. a coward who refuseth to die when need requireth, but also he who will die when no need urgeth. Moreover what withholdeth us from offering ourselves unto the Romans? truly fear of death. Shall we therefore make that certain ourselves, which we fear at the Romans hands? But some will say, how if not, than we are made captives: consider what liberty we now have. You will say it is the part of him that is valiant to kill himself: nay truly it is the part of a vary coward. For I think him to be a timorous seaman; who perceiving a tempest coming before it fa●…l, sinketh the ship wherein he is. Moreover it is against the law of nature, and the nature of all creatures to kill themselves, and thereby we should commit a heinous crime against God. There The similitude of a sailor. It is against the common course of nature for a man to kill himself, yea and a hanove sin against God. is no living creature that of his own seeking would willingly die: for every one feeleth in himself the strong and forcible law of nature, whereby they desire to live: and for this cause we judge them for our enemies, that seek to take it from us; and punish them; that do take it indeed. And do you think it is not a great contempt of God for a man to despise his gift? For we of him received our first being, and from him let us expect our ending. The body is mortal, framed of corruptible matter; but our souls are immortal, and there is a little part of God placed in our bodies. If any one abuse that which another man putteth him in trust with, presently we think him a perfidious & wicked man: and shall we think that if we cast away out of our bodies that which God hath put us in trust withal, and placed in the same, that he shall not know of it, whom we have so abused? We hold those slaves worthy to be punished that runaway from bad masters: The soul is immortal and aportion of God placed in our bodies. and shall not we then be held for impious, who fly from so good a master as God is? Do ye not know that they, who according to the law of nature depart out of this life; and render that to God which they received of him, when he who gave it requireth it; shall leave behind them a perpetual name to their posterity and family? And that unto those souls who are obedient unto their creator, when he calleth them, he giveth a holy and sacred mansion in heaven, and from thence after a revolution of the heavens, departing; are again commanded to dwell in chaste bodies? And that they who have wrought their own death, go unto dark hell: and that God punisheth God reuenge●… him on the authors of injuries. The custom of ancient jews and how they dealt with those that slew themselves. Joseph's peroration. this their offence upon all their posterity. Hence it is that God is displeased therewith, and it is forbidden by our most wise lawmaker. For if any amongst us kill themselves, it is decreed that till the sun go down they shall lie unburied, yet we hold it lawful to bury our enemies. Other nations cause their right hands to be cut off, who have killed themselves: judging that as the soul thereby was made a stranger to the body, even so by that fact was the hand made a stranger unto it. Wherefore, O companions, think on that which is decent, and not to add to our human misery impiety against God who created us. If we desire to be saved let us save our selves: for it is no disgrace to receive our lives at their hands, who are witnesses of so many valiant The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. deeds of ours. If we desire to die, let us die by their hands that have overcome us. I will not go into my enemy's camp to be a traitor against myself. For I bear not their mind who forsake their own company to fly unto their enemies: for they fly unto them to save their lives, but I go unto them to work mine own death, even the death of myself. And I would to God that the Romans would break promise with me, for if they kill me after they have promised to save my life, I shall willingly die, and with great courage, having their breach of promise and perjury for a comfort of the last victory. joseph spoke much to this effect to dissuade his companions from killing themselves. But they stopping their ears with desperation, wherewith they had armed themselves to die, came furiously joseph is in great danger to be slain. towards him with their swords drawn, upbraiding him, that he was a coward, and every one was ready to strike him. Then joseph calling one by his name, and looking upon another with a countenance like a governor, holding another's hand, and entreating the rest (distracted in such danger) at last escaped from being killed at that instant: for still as one came near him to strike him, he turned his face upon him like some cruel beast; and some of them who remembered how he had been their captain in their extremity, with reverence of his parsonage trembled, so that their swords fell out of their hands: and many lifting up their arms to strike him, of their own accord let their weapons fall. joseph notwithstanding his desperate estate, yet Another policy of joseph. was he not void of counsel, but assisted by God's providence, he hazarded his life, and spoke unto them as followeth. Seeing (quoth he) that ye are all determined to die, let us cast lots who shall kill one another, and he unto whom the lot falleth shall be killed by him who next ensueth, and so the lots shall be cast upon every one of us, so that none of us shall be forced to kill ourselves. For it were injustice, that when some of us be slain, the rest should repent themselves, and so escape. They all liked well of this, and always he upon whom the lot fell was slain by him Joseph's fellows die by lots, and joseph and another are reserved. that followed, as though they were now to die with their captain, for death was more acceptable, because they thought joseph should die with them. Now it happened by the providence of God that joseph remained alive only with one other, and then persuaded him who was left alive, to live and not seek death, for fear the lot should fall upon himself: and for that if he survived, he should be polluted with the murder and slaughter of his own nation. Thus joseph delivered both from the wars of the Romans, and also of his own nation, went with Nicanor unto Vespasian. All the Romans came about him to see him, and pressing about their general they made a great noise, some rejoicing that he was taken, others crying out to punish him, others joseph resorteth to Vespasian with Nicanor. striving to come near to behold him better, and they who were a far off cried to kill their enemy: but those that were near him and beheld him, remembering his prowess, were astonished to see that change. And there was no captain nor ruler, but although before they were all moved against him, yet now beholding him, they all began to pity him: and especially Titus, who being of a gentle disposition admitted Joseph's vaiour, his constancy in adversity, and his age, and thereby was moved to take compassion upon him, remembering what a manner of man he had An example of Titus grace and mercy towards joseph. been during the wars, and what he now was being fallen into his enemy's hands: calling also to mind the force and power of fortune, and how small a stay the chance of wars had, and that no human affairs had any stay or hold in them; wherefore he drew many men's minds to pity him, so that Titus was the chief author of Joseph's life: yet Vespasian caused him to be carefully kept, as though he meant to send him to Caesar. Which joseph hearing requested that he might speak a word or two with him alone, than all but his son Titus departing and two of his friends: Thou joseph hath private consetence with Vespasian. joseph foretelleth Vespasian of his future honours. O Vespasian (quoth he) thinkest only that thou hast joseph for thy captive, but I am a messenger unto thee of greater matters from God, otherwise I knew my country laws, and how it behoved the generals of our nation to die, and not to be taken alive by their enemies. Wilt thou send me to Nero? Wherefore? As though Nero should still live and thou not succeed him? Thou O Vespasian art Caesar and the Emperor of Rome, and Titus also thy son, and keep me in bonds with thee, for thou art not only my Lord, but Lord of all the world, and sea, and land: and all mankind. And if I now feign these things in this state that I am of my own mind against God, let Joseph's truth in all things. me be reserved unto a greater punishment. After he had thus spoken, Vespasian gave small credit unto his words, and only thought that joseph feigned these things of himself to save his life: yet by little and little he began to give credit unto him, because God put it in his mind to hope for the Empire, and foretelling his reign by many signs and tokens, he also found joseph to tell the truth in other matters. For one of Vespasians friends answered, that it was marvel that he knowing that, could not prophecy the event of the wars against jotapata, and what was like to befall himself, that so he might have avoided those evils. joseph answered, that he foretold the The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. Citizens of jotapata, that after seven and forty days they should be destroyed, and that the Romans should keep him alive in hold. Vespasian secretly inquired of these matters, and finding by the relation of the captives that it was true, he began to give more credit unto that which joseph had told him concerning himself. So he commanded joseph to be kept prisoner, yet did he joseph is kept bound, yet rewarded by Vespasian. Cesarca a great City by the Sea side, inhabited for the most part by greeks. give him apparel and divers other things in most kind manner: and Titus did greatly honour him. The fourth day of july Vespasian returned unto Ptolemais, and from thence he came into the Sea coast unto Caesarea, which is the greatest City of judaea, whose Inhabitants are for the most part Greeks: so the Inhabitants received the army and the General with all friendship possible, both for that they loved the Romans, as especially also for that they hated them, who were destroyed; so that many entreated Vespasian to put joseph to death. But Vespasian judging this a rash petition, would make no answer unto it: and he left two legions to winter at Caesarea, because he saw it was a fit place, and sent the tenth and fifth unto Scythopolis, because he would not overcharge Caesarea with the whole army. This place is warm in winter, and exceeding hot in summer, Scythopolis. by reason it is situate on a plain by the sea coast. CHAP. XV. How joppes was taken again. IN the mean time a great multitude being gathered together, who either were seditious jop the retreat of the seditious and thieves. persons, or thieves, or such as had escaped out of the ruinated Cities, began to re-edify joppes for their refuge, which Cestius, before time had destroyed: and seeing that they could not rob nor spoil the Country which was already wasted, and left desolate by wars, they purposed to become pirates, and so building ships for that purpose, they rob the Phaenicians, Syrians, and Egyptians, not suffering any to pass those seas without danger. Vespasian understanding their intent, sent horsemen and footmen thither: who finding the City not guarded, got into it in the night time: which the Inhabitants perceiving were so afraid, that they durst not make any resistance to expel the Romans, but they all retired themselves unto their ships, & there stayed all night a flight shot from the shore. joppes is naturally no road for ships (for it is situated upon a turbulent shore) and on either side hath very high and eminent rocks, which trouble the seas, and make huge waves in this place (if we may believe the fable, one may see the signs of Andromedes chains. When the North wind bloweth, it striketh the waves against Of Andromeda, read 4. Ovid Metamorph. the rocks, and so causeth a dangerous sea, that it were far more safe to be in the midst of the seas, then at that shore when the same wind bloweth.) The Inhabitants of joppes road there all night, and by break of day the North wind began to blow fiercely, and drove some of A huge tempest drowneth those of joppes in the Sea. the ships one against another, and others against the rocks, and many striving against wind and weather, and seeking to get into the midst of the Sea for fear of the rocky shore, and their enemies there, were drowned; and they that escaped, neither had any place of refuge, nor hope of safety; for the tempest did drive them from the sea, and the Romans from the City, so that the air was filled with the cries of people expecting to be drowned, and with the noise and sound of ships beaten one against another. So some of the Inhabitants of joppes were swallowed by the waves, others suffered shipwreck, some killed themselves rather then to be drowned: many with the waves were strooken against the rocks, so that the sea was bloody, and all the shore was covered with dead bodies: and whosoever escaped the sea and got to shore, Four thousand and two hundredth bodies cast out. the Roman soldiers there ready standing killed them. There were four thousand and two hundredth dead bodies cast upon the shore. So the Romans having without any fight taken the City, they destroyed it: and thus was joppes taken, and twice destroyed by the Romans in a short time. Vespasian builded there a Castle, and placed in it some few horsemen and footmen, to the Vespasian taketh joppes and encampeth in the Castle. end that none of the jews should come thither again to play the Pirates, and that the footmen might keep the Castle, and in the mean time the horsemen might go forth, and spoil all the towns and villages, and territories belonging to joppes, which also they did. When the Fame itself declareth the destruction of jotapata. news of the destruction of jotapata was brought unto jerusalem, many gave small credit unto it, partly for the greatness of that calamity, partly for that no one man could say, that he had seen the destruction of the City: for none escaped that mas●…acre to bring news, but only a report thereof was spread abroad, but at last it was verified to be true by those that dwelled near unto that place, and then they believed it. Many things also which were false were reported as true. It was likewise bruited, that joseph was slain in the destruction of the City, for whose death all jerusalem sorrowed, & every one mourned for their lost kindred; all bewailed the supposed The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. joseph is said to be slain in jerusalem. death of the General, and some of their sons, others of their brethren and kinsfolk, and others of their acquaintance. They all mourned for joseph thirty days spa●…, and hired many musicians to sing funeral songs for him. At last truth discovered itself, and the true news of the destruction of jotapata with the accidents there: also how joseph was not slain but lived with the Romans, and that the Romans honoured him more than a captive could expect. Then the jews began as much to hate him now living, as before they mourned for him when they supposed him dead. And some said he was a coward, others that he was a traitor unto his Country, and the whole City breathed out reproachful speeches against him. These heavy tidings increased their rage, and this their adversity (which unto wise men had been a warning to provide lest the The hatred, malice & wrath in jerusalem against joseph like befell them) made them more outrageous; so that always the end of one mischief was the beginning of another. To be short, now they were more incensed against the Romans then before, as it were that they might also be revenged of joseph. And this was the estate of the Citizens of jerusalem. CHAP. XVI. How Tyberias was yielded. VEspasian was desirous to see the kingdom of Agrippa (for the King had entreated him Vespasian cometh unto Agrippa's kingdom, and recreateth himself there, and feasteth twenty days. to go thither, partly to feast him and his whole army, partly to repress some troubles arising in his kingdom, in the time of his absence) and so departed from Caesarea upon the Sea coast, and went unto Caesarea Philippi, where he stayed, and refreshed his soldiers twenty days; & himself also feasted, giving God thanks for his prosperous success in the wars. This done, he had intelligence that Tyberias and Tarichea were revolted (both which Cities belonged unto Agrippa his kingdom) and fully determining utterly to destroy the jews which inhabited there about, he thought it good to lead his army against these two places, especially that he might reward Agrippa for his good entertainment, by surrendering these Cities unto him. Wherefore he sent his son Titus to Caesarea to bring the soldiers there unto Scythopolis, which was the greatest of all the ten Cities, which also is near unto Tiberias, whither himself being come he expected his sons coming: and departing from thence with three legions, he pitched his Tent in a place called Enabris, where the seditious people of Tiberias might behold his army; this place was thirty furlongs from Tyberias: from thence he sent Valerianus the Decadarch to entreat a peace with them, and sent fifty horsemen to accompany him: for he Valerianus peaceably speaketh to the townsmen. understood that the people desired peace, and against their will were forced to war, by some of the seditious amongst them. Valerianus coming near unto the city walls, lighted from his horse; commanding all his company to do the like, that they of Tyberias might not think that they came to fight, but in peaceable manner: but before he spoke any one word, the boldest and strongest of the seditious persons came out armed against him, having one jesus the son of Tobias, who had been a Captain of thieves, for their governor and leader. Valerianus not presuming The seditious sally out and put the Romans to flight. to fight without authority from his General, although he had been certain of the victory; again he considered that it was great danger for so few to fight against a whole multitude, and withal terrified with the boldness of the jews, contrary to his expectation; he fled on foot accompanied only with five other, leaving his horse and the rest behind him, whom jesus and his followers took, and brought into the City, rejoicing as though they had taken them in fight and not by treason. But the Senators and chief of the City, fearing what might ensue of this The Citizens of Tyberias prostrate themselves before Vespasian and obtain pardon fact, went unto the Romans and together with king Agrippa came unto Vespasian, and prostrated themselves at his feet, beseeching him not to despise them, and not to think that the whole City were partakers with those few wicked persons, that so had merited his displeasure, requesting him to spare the people who always had honoured the Romans, but rather that he should punish the authors of that revolt and misdemeanour: who also had withheld the whole City, even until now to yield itself unto the Romans. Vespasian moved by their entreaties, pardoned the City, though he was incited against them all for taking of Valerianus his horse, and that he perceived Agrippa was sorrowful, for fear that the City should be destroyed, and so by them Vespasian promised the towns men pardon. Then jesus and his associates thinking it not safe for them to abide there, fled unto Tarichea. The next day, Vespasian sent before him Traianus with certain horsemen into the Castle; to see if all the multitude desired peace, and finding the people to bear peaceable minds, he with his whole army came unto the City. And the Inhabitants opening the gates of their city, went out to meet him with great joy, all crying out that The year of the world. 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. The Tiberians entertain Vespasian with acclamations. he was the author of their welfare and benefactor, and wishing him all prosperity and felicity. The gates of the city were narrow, so that the army could not quickly enter in: wherefore Vespasian commanded a part of the wall on the south side to be pulled down, and so entered in: yet did he not sack the city, nor ruin the walls, for agrippa's sake, who promised that from thenceforth the Citizens would be quiet. And so he pacified that City greatly troubled with sedition. CHAP. XVII. How Tarichea was besieged. VEspasian departed from Tiberias, and pitched his Tents betwixt it and Tarichea, and encamped Vespasian besiegeth Tarichea. himself; foreseeing that there he should have some trouble and long abode: for all rebels that desired wars came thither, trusting both to the strength of the City, and the lake adjoining unto it called Genesar. For this city was situate like Tiberias under the mountains, and joseph had enclosed it with a wall on every side, where it was not compassed by the lake. But the wall though it were strong, yet was it not so strong as that of Tiberias: for joseph builded that in the beginning of the rebellion, having men and money at will; but that of Tarichea was built only by the remainder of his liberality. The Taricheans had great store of ships in the lake adjoining, to the end that if they were overcome by land, they might fly by water: and therefore they had prepared their ships for a battle by water if need should be. Whilst the Romans entrenched themselves, jesus and his followers not dismayed either with the multitude or military discipline of his enemies, issued out of the city, & slew the workmen, and destroyed a part of the work: and perceiving the Romans armed & assembled together against him, he fled again unto his company without any loss or harm received. But the Romans pursued The Romans drive the jews to their ships. them so fast, that they forced them to take their ships, and so being gone as far from the shore, as that yet they might easily reach them with the shot of an arrow, they cast anchor and disposed their ships in warlike manner, and fought against the Romans who were on shore. Vespasian understood that a great multitude of them were gathered together in a place near unto the city: wherefore he sent his son Titus against them with six hundredth horsemen, who finding the number of the enemies to be infinite, certified his Father, that he needed more forces: and perceiving many of his horsemen of good courage, before any more aid came, and yet that some of them were a frayed of the jews; he stood in a high place where all might hear him and said. O ye Romen, I will first put you in mind who you are and of what nation, that Titus' Oration to his terrified soldiers. jews are not to be feared. so you considering what yourselves are, may also consider who they are with whom we are to fight; never yet was there any enemy in any part of the world that could escape our hands. The jews themselves though already overcome, yet do they endure and manfully bear out their misery: if therefore they constantly endure wars, and fight valiantly being in adversity; what should we do who are in prosperity? I rejoice to see you show good countenance, yet I fear lest so huge a multitude of our enemies discourage some of you: let every one therefore once again consider, who himself is & with whom he is to fight: and that although the jews be bold and valiant enough, yet they observe no warlike order, and are unarmed, and so are more fitly termed a multitude then an army. I need not speak of your knowledge and skill in wars: nay for this only cause are we trained up in warlike discipline in the time of peace, to the end that our number should answer to the number of our enemies when we are to join battle: for what fruit shall we show of this our perpetual warlike order & discipline, if we dare only fight with a rude multitude that are no more in number then ourselves? Think that you being armed are to fight with unarmed, and being horsemen are to fight with footmen, & being guided by the advise of a captain, with them who have no head nor ruler: and that these things considered do supply in us the want of more men, & the contrary in our enemies doth as it were much diminish their number. Victory doth not only consist in the multitude of men be they never so warlike, but also in a few, if they be valiant: for as they are few, so are they easily guided, and may easily Victory consisteth not in the multitude, but in the courage of a few that fight valiantly. come to help one another, not being pestered; whereas huge multitudes do more hinder one another then do good, and do themselves more harm than their enemies. So the jews are lead with desperation, rage and fury, which in deed in prosperous success are of some force, but in a desperate fortune they are quickly daunted: but we are led by virtue and obedience and fortitude, which both are of force in prosperity, and also are good in adversity. Moreover we have greater occasion to fight then the jews have: for they fight only for their country and liberty, The year of the world, 4031. after Christ's birth 69. The Romans have greater cause of war then the jews but we fight for renown and empire; that we having already gained the empire of the whole world, it might not be thought that our enemies the jews were adversaries able to match us. Consider moreover that ye need not fear any great danger, for we have many to help us and that hard by: let us therefore achieve the victory before any more succour come unto us; so shall our credit be the greater, and our victory more famous. I verily think that now trial is made of me, my father, and you; to discern if he be my father, I his son, and you my soldiers: for he is wont to be victorious, and shall I return unto him being conquered? and are you not ashamed to be dismayed, seeing that I your captain will offer myself and undergo the greatest perils? Myself will bear the brunt of the enemies, and first encounter with them, and let none It becometh soldiers to obey their captain. of you depart from me: persuade yourselves that God will assist my force, and boldly presume that we can do much more being in the midst of our enemies, then if we should only fight without and not be amongst them. Titus having thus spoken, as it were by God's providence, all his soldiers took heart and courage, so that now they were sorry to see Traianus come with four hundredth horsemen more, before the fight was begun, as though their victory should be less renowned, because he came to help them. Vespasian also sent Antonius and Silo with two thousand archers, to take the Vespasian sendeth new supplies to Titus. mountain that was just opposite unto the town, and to beat them that defended the City off from the walls, and they did as they were commanded. Then Titus with all force possible, first rushed with his horse upon the enemies: and all followed him with a huge cry, scattering themselves in such order as they occupied as much ground as the jews, and so appeared more than they were. The jews though terrified by their discipline, yet they withstood the first assault: but in the end dismayed, and put out of order with their lances, & killed with the horsemen, every The jews fly into the City. one fled as fast as he could into the city. And Titus killed some as they fled, others as he met them, and those he overtook, and many one for haste tumbling upon another; and prevented all that fled unto the walls, and drove them back again into the field, till at last the multitude prevailed, and so they got into the city. Now at their return into the city there befell a great dissension: for the inhabitants considering their own estate, and the event of all former wars, and especially of this last fight, misliked of war & desired peace: but the strangers that had fled from other places thither, and were in great multitude would needs contend therein; and so A bitter dissension and sedition in the city. one part begun a mutiny against the other, as though they would presently one have taken arms against an other. Titus being not far from the wall, heard these tumults within the city, and cried out unto the Romans; This is the hour (fellow soldiers) wherein God hath given the jews into our hands: why do we defer the time any longer? why do we not take the victory offered? do you not hear the crics within? they who escaped our hands are at variance amongst themselves: the city is ours if we make haste, and making hast take courage: for nothing worth Titus' Oration to the Roman soldiers. renown can be achieved without danger: and let us not only prevent our enemy's concord which necessity will soon effect, but also our own forces before any fresh aid come unto us, that beside the victory we have, being so few over so huge a multitude, we may also divide the spoil of the city amongst us. No sooner had he thus spoken, but presently he mounted upon his horse, and road into the lake, and so passed into the city, and all the soldiers followed him. They th●… defended the walls were amazed at this his boldness, so that none made resistance against him as he came: but jesus with his followers leaving his quarter, which was his to defend, fled into the fields, others flying towards the lake fell into their enemy's hands, who came that jesus with his followers flieth into the fields. way against them, and so were massacred even as they were getting into their ships, other some were slain as they did swim to overtake the ships that were new launched from the shore: & there was a great slaughter of men all over the City. For the strangers that fled not, made resistance, and the townsmen did not offer to defend themselves; for they abstained from fight, hoping for pardon in that they were not against those proceedings: till at last Titus having slain the wicked, took compassion upon the townsmen and saved their lives, and caused the slaughter to cease. They who fled into the lake seeing the City taken, ran away as far as they could from their enemies. Titus' sent horsemen to let his father understand what he had Titus certifieth his father of his exploits and victory. done. Whereof he having intelligence, being very glad for his sons valour and magnanimity, and for the achieving of such a victory, whereby a great part of those wars was ended, he commanded presently the City to be guarded round about, to the intent that none might escape away alive. And the next day he came down unto the lake, and commanded ships to be built to pursue those that had escaped by it: and having many workmen and great store of matter to build them withal, his command was presently The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth c 9 effected. CHAP. XVIII. Of the lake of Genezar, and the fountain of jordan. THe lake of Genezar taketh his name from the country adjoining unto it, the breadth thereof is forty furlongs, the length a hundredth. The water of this lake is sweet and good to drink, and is more subtle then ordinarily pure waters of marish places are, and it is very clear near the shore; and more temperate to drink, then either that of the river or fountain, but it is always more cold than one would judge such a lake to be of that largnes: for the water being set in the sun, doth not lose his coldness, which the inhabitants have used to do in summer evenings to allay the natural coldness thereof. There are here many sorts of fishes nothing like to fishes of other places, either in shape or taste. The river jordan passeth through the midst of it. It is thought that Panium is the head & fountain of jordan, but in truth it hath his original from Phiala, and from thence passeth under the ground: this place is a hundredth and twenty furlongs from Caesarea towards that way which leadeth unto Trachon on the righthand. This The fountain of jordan. water is called Phiala, by reason of his roundness, for it is as round as a wheel, and the water still keepeth within the brink of Phiala, never increasing or diminishing, and no man knew that this was the head of jordan, till Philip the Tetrarch of Trachon found it to be so: for he casting straws into Phiala, found them afterward carried unto Panium, which before that time was thought to be the fountain of jordan. Panium, though it be naturally beautified, yet by Agrippa his cost and charges it was much more adorned. jordan beginneth with a deep river out of this den, and passeth along the marish places, and dirty lake of Semechonitis, and from thence The description of Genezar. The fertility of Genezar. a hundredth & twenty furlongs unto the city of julia, and in the way divideth the lake Genezar, & passing a great way further into the wilderness, at last it endeth in the lake called Asphaltites. Upon the lake Genezar there bordereth a country of the same name, naturally beautiful and admirable: for there is no kind of plant which groweth not there, and the inhabitants have replenished it with plants and trees of all sorts, and the temperature of the air well agreeth with so divers trees, for there are an infinite company of Nut trees, which of all trees especially require a cold soil: there are also abundance of palms which desire great heat: likewise great store of figs and olives, which require a temperate air, so that one may justly say, that through the bounty of nature, so different and opposite qualities are here in one united, and at one time, as it were, all difference of seasons of the year conjoined for good purpose. And it doth not only nourish these fruits, but also conserveth them for ten whole months: there grow figs and grapes, which two one may well call the kings of fruits, all other fruits continue all the year long. For beside the temperature of the air, it is also watered by a fertile fountain called Capernaum, many think The length and breadth of Genezar. it to be an arm of Nilus, because it hath fishes like a Cork bred in a lake near Alexandria. The length of this country along the lake bearing the same name, is thirty furlongs, and the breadth twenty. And this is the nature of the lake Genezar, and the country about it. CHAP. XIX. How the Taricheans were destroyed. VEspasian having finished his ships, & furnished them with as many men as he thought sufficed against them whom he was to pursue, he embarked upon the lake, and himself also went against them. The Taricheans could not possibly make any escape by land, although A fight by sea against the Taricheans. they would, and they were not able to fight hand to hand with the Romans, for their small pirate boats were not able to withstand their enemies great vessels; and beside that, they were not sufficiently manned, ●…o that they feared to encounter with the Romans who pressed altogether upon them: yet notwithstanding sometime they came about the Roman ships, & cast stones at the Romans a far off, & sometime also came near, & skirmished with them; yet they themselves always had more harm than the Romans; for their stones which they cast did only rattle against the Romans armour, but hurt them not, & they were killed by the Romans arrows: & if at any time they were so bold as to come near the Romans, they were slain before that they could do them any harm, or else drowned with their boats. And as many as attempted to wound the Romans, were slain with javelins, & other with swords, the Romans leaping into their boats; & many were taken with their boats, the ships meeting one another. They that were in the water and did lift up their heads to The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. Vespasians victory in the lake of Genezar against the Taricheans. The end of the battle by sea, in which there died six thousand and five hundredth men. swim were prevented with arrows, or overtaken with the Roman boats: and if in desperation they came swimming towards their enemies, their hands or heads were presently cut off. And thus some perished one way, & some another, till at last they fled and arrived upon the shore, their ships being compassed round about. So the Romans killed many upon the lake, and many upon the land, and one might then have seen all the lake stained with bloodful of dead bodies, for not one escaped alive. A few days after in that country there was a very odious stinch, and a horrible spectacle: for the shores were all full of boats that had suffered shipwreck, and dead bodies swollen in the water, and those dead bodies taking heat did putrify and so corrupt the air all about, that not only the whole country and inhabitants thought it a miserable affliction, but also the Romans who were the authors thereof. And this was the end of that war by water. And the number of them that were slain here and in the city was six thousand and five hundredth. The fight being ended, Vespasian sat in a tribunal seat, and separated the strangers from the inhabitants, for that they seemed to be the authors of that war: yet he deliberated with the captains & governors, whether he should likewise pardon them: but they told him that their lives might endamage him; for said they, if thou send those men away and let them live, they cannot live Vespasian con●…ulteth with his chieftains about the jews. peaceably because they want a biding places, & are able to disturb and disquiet those to whom they shall fly. Vespasian for this cause judged them unworthy to live, assuredly knowing that if they were let go, they would fight against them who pardoned their lives, yet he deliberated what death to put them to. But he thought with himself the inhabitants would not patiently abide so many to be massacred, who had fled unto them for succour: wherefore he sought to use no violence unto them, because he had promised them security. But at last he was overcome by the persuasion of his friends, who told him, that all things against the jews were lawful, and that profit was to be preferred before honesty, seeing both could not be bad: so licence being granted unto them to depart, they suspecting nothing, were commanded to take only that way that leadeth unto Tiberias: and they fearing nothing, willingly obeyed that which was commanded them, not misdoubting the safety of their goods or money: but the Romans had placed themselves on either side the way even unto Tiberias, to the intent that none might escape, and so shut them all in the City. Presently after came Vespasian and enclosed them all in an Amphitheatre, and so killed one thousand and two hundredth of them, who were all old men or young, and unable for service: of the rest that were all strong young men, he sent six thousand unto Nero at Isthmos near Corinth. The rest of the multitude he sold, in number thirty thousand and four hundredth, beside others that he gave The destruction and sale of the jews. unto Agrippa: for he permitted him to do what he would with those that were of his kingdom: But Agrippa sold also those who were given him. The rest of them were fugitives and seditious persons of Trachon, Gaulanitis, and Hippenis, and many of Gadara, whose contempt of peace justly procured these wars. They were taken the sixth of the Ides of September. THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 4. book. 1 How Gamala was besieged. 2 How Placidus took Itaburium. 3 How Gamala was destroyed. 5 How Titus took Giscala. 5 Of the beginning of the destruction of jerusalem. 6 Of the coming of the Idumaeans unto jerusalem, and of their deeds. 7 Of the Massacre of the jews by the Idumaeans. CHAP. I. The year of the world 4031. af●…er Christ's nativity. 69. How Gamala was besieged. AFter that Tarichea was conquered, all those that from the time that jotapata was surprised till this instant, had revolted from the Romans, did now again The victory of the Romans against the jews. unite themselves unto them: so that the Romans had now gotten into their hands all Castles and towns, Giscala only excepted, and Itaburium a mountain so called. With these two rebelled Gamala a town over against Tarichea, and situated upon the lake, belonging to the kingdom of Agrippa, and also Sogane and Seleucia, and these two last were both belonging unto Gaulanitis, and Sogane appertained to the higher part called Gaulana, and Gamala unto the lower, Seleucia unto the lake Semechonitis, which is thirty furlongs in breadth, and threescore large, Semechonitis a lake. The fountain of jordan. whose marshes reach even unto Daphne, which Country is very pleasant of itself, and famous for that it entertaineth the stream called little jordan, and at the foot of the golden mountain deriveth it into great jordan. Agrippa in the beginning of the rebellion, united Sogane and Seleucia unto himself: but Gamala by reason of the situation apt to resist, did not yield unto him, for it is far stronger than jotapata. For from an exceeding high mountain, there descendeth a hill very difficult for any to pass, rising high in the midst, and then descendeth The situation of Gamala. lower and lower both before and behind, so that it representeth the figure of a Camel, which the Hebrews call Gamal, and so thereof it took the name, though the Inhabitants do not keep that exact signification. Before it, and on either side there are deep valleys, into the which a man can hardly descend, only it may be taken and assaulted on that side, where it joineth unto the mountain, which also the Inhabitants have made inaccessible, by cutting out there a deep ditch. The City of Gamala inexpugnable and strong. In that place the City was very well inhabited on the descent of the hill, and towards the South part it stood on so steep a hill, that it seemed as though it would have fallen every hour, and the South hill served the Inhabitants in steed of a Castle, being unwalled: for it was an exceeding high rock, and reached down even unto the bottom of the valley in the town, and at the walls thereof there was a fountain. Although this City were of his own nature invincible, yet joseph compassing it with a wall, and with ditches, and mines made it more strong. Wherefore the Inhabitants of this place put far more confidence in their walls, than they of jotapata did; yet were they fewer in number, and not so warlike people as they; but for the situation of the City, they esteemed themselves more than their enemies: for the City was full of men that fled thither by reason of the strength of the place: so that for seven months they resisted them that were sent by Agrippa to besiege them. Vespasian departed from Ammaus, and pitched his Tents before Tyberias, and so went unto Gamala, (Ammaus is interpreted hot waters, for there is a fountain Vespasian besieged Gamala of hot water which cureth many diseases) and the City was so situate, that he could not besiege 〈◊〉 round about: wherefore he placed men to keep watch in such places as it was passable, and obtained the highest mountain, where his soldiers pitching their Tents, lastly entrenched themselves. On the East part of the City in the most eminent place there was a Castle, where the fifteenth and fifth legions laboured against the town, and the ●…th legion filled up the ditches and valleys▪ King Agrippa went unto the walls and spoke unto them that defended them, willing them to yield unto the Romans, but one of them with a sling struck him on the right arm and One with a sling woundeth Agrippa. hurt him, & his familiar friends came about him to defend him. Then the Romans for anger that the king was hurt, and for fear of such mischances to themselves, made them earnest to assault the town, persuading themselves that they would use strangers and their enemies hardly, if it lay in their lot, seeing they had so evil entreated one of their own nation, for persuading them unto that was profitable for them. Having quickly entrenched themselves by reason of the multitude that laboured in that business, and by reason that they were accustomed unto such like work, they began to place the engine against the town walls. Chares and joseph were two of the most potent men in the town, they therefore animated and armed their Citizens, and brought them unto the walls, who trembled for fear▪ And although they well perceived that the City could not long hold out, seeing they wanted water, and many other things necessary to withstand a siege; yet notwithstanding, they exhorted the towns men to be valiant, and so brought them unto the walls, and a while they resisted notwithstanding the shot: but at last they were therewith so terrified, that leaving The Romans besiege Gamala and assault the same. the walls, they fled into the City. Then the Romans did batter the walls with rams in three several places, and where the wall fell there they issued in with trumpets and a great noise, and cries, The year of the world. 4031. after Christ's birth 69. and fought with the townsmen, who in the first conflict so valiantly resisted them, that they permitted them not to enter any further into the town; at last being overcome both in strength and number, they all fled into the highest part of the City, and from thence they turned again upon the Romans, who pursued them and drove them down into the valleys and killed many, and divers in that straight passage were trodden to death by their fellows. The Romans seeing that they neither could fly, nor resist their enemies above their heads, fled into their houses, The Romans fall down with the ruins of the jews houses. which adjoined unto the plain, and so filled them, that being overcharged, they fell down and lighted upon other houses beneath them, which did bear them down also, and they likewise others situated beneath them. Many of the Romans this way perished; for being amazed, and not knowing what to do, they fled into other houses, notwithstanding they did see them shakebag and Many Romans slain & spoiled. totter: and many seeking to escape, were maimed by some part of the ruins that fell upon their bodies, and many were choked in the dust. The Citizens of Gamala rejoiced thereat, thinking that this aid was sent from God, and not regarding their private commodities, they ceased not to compel the Romans into their houses; and if any were in the narrow streets, them they slew with darts from above out of the high places. Thus the ruins afforded them stones enough, and their slain enemies swords and armour, which they took from them, being now half dead, and used them against themselves: many died, who cast themselves headlong from off the houses being ready to fall, and those that sought to fly, could not easily escape, for being ignorant of the ways, and there being such a dust that one could not see another, one of them killed another: And so with much ado finding passage, they went out of the City. Vespasian who was alway amongst Vespasians fortitude and war like valour. the midst of these hurlyburlyes, was greatly moved to see the buildings fall so upon his fouldiers, and forgetting his own safety, he secretly retired himself with only a few into the higher part of the City, where he was left in great danger, having very few about him (for Titus his son was not there, being before this time sent unto Mutianus in Syria) and now he could not fly safely, nor yet had it been for his honour if he could. Wherefore remembering all that he Vespasians fight with the jews. had done even from his childhood, and his own virtue, he encouraged his men, and with them joined arms, and covered themselves with their shields, and so as it were moved with some divine motions defended themselves from all darts, arrows, and stones, which were cast from aloft upon them, and so remained there not terrified either by the number or might of his enemies, till at last they wondering at his divine virtue and courage, assuaged their fury. And now perceiving his enemies to assault him but faintly, he retired back, till at such time as he got without the City walls. Many Romans perished in that fight, and amongst the rest Ebutius a Decadarch, who not only in that fight showed himself valiant, but also in many wars before, and had done the jews much harm. Also in that fight a certain Centurion named Gallus, accompanied with ten Gallus with ten soldiers lieth hid in a certain house. soldiers, hid himself in a house, and at supper time he heard the people of that house talk, what the Citizens of Gamala were purposed to do against the Romans (this Gallus and they with him were Syrians) and in the night time he slew them all, and after escaped safe unto the Romans. Vespasian Vespasian comforteth his soldiers. perceived all his army sorrowful for that mischance, and so much the more, for that they never as yet had so bad a breakfast, and especially for that they had forsaken their general, and left him in danger and distress, wherefore he thought it good to comfort them, nothing speaking conceming himself, lest he should seem to find fault with some in the beginning of his speech. Wherefore he told them that it behoved them patiently to abide that which was common to all men, affirming that there was no victory without bloodshed, and that fortune was mutable: and that he had already slain many thousand jews, and now had paid a small bribe The inconstancy and mutability of fortune. for his happy success unto adverse fortune. And that as it did not become any but vainglorious people to boast in their prosperity, so it behoved none but cowards to fear and tremble in adversity: For, said he, fortune is very mutable both to the good and bad, and he is a valiant man that is not moved by adversity: for he having all his wits about him, can even in the midst of his troubles see where any fault is, & amend it. Yet (quoth he) this hath not befallen us through the weakness of our courage, or the valour and prows of the jews, but the difficulty of the place was the cause that they should overcome us, and we be overcome. Wherefore one may well reprehend the too much rashness of your spirits: for when you saw your enemies fly into the higher places, you should then have held your hands, and not to have pursued them with so manifest danger to yourselves, as every one might foresee in this pursuit, so you having gained the lower part of the City, you might in time have drawn them to a sure and safe conflict: but you being eager of the victory, you did not respect your own safety. It is not the manner The year of the world. 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. The Roman soldiers do all things with discretion. of the Romans rashly and unadvisedly to fight, who are wont to do all things orderly and advisedly: for the other is fit for barbarous people, and as you see proper to the jews. Wherefore let us call our own virtues to mind, and rather be angry for this that hath happened (and so incite ourselves to revenge) then sorrowful. And let every valiant soldier with his own hand comfort himself; so shall we both revenge the deaths of our friends, and be revenged of them by whom they were slain: and I myself (as also now I did) will expose myself to all dangers with you, and go first to fight, and come last from fight. With these and such like speeches he comforted his soldiers. The people of Gamala were of great courage, and much emboldened with their prosperous success, which notwithstanding did not happen through their valour: but presently perceiving that now all hope of pardon was taken away, and that there was no way to escape, they were very sorrowful, and their hearts relented (for now victuals failed them) yet they omitted not to provide for their own safety, wherein they could; for the most valiant amongst them kept the breach, and the rest other strong places about the walls which were yet unbattered. The Romans again builded mounts, and attempted to assault the City, and many of the Citizens fled The Romans once more attempt the assault of Gamala. by the valleys where no guard was, and by secret vaults underneath the ground; and they who for fear lest they should be taken remained in the City perished for hunger: for all the victuals were reserved for them that fought. And they still continued in this calamity. CHAP. II. How Placidus took the mountain Itaburium. During this siege, Vespasian made another expedition against them, who kept the mountain Itaburium, situated between the great field and Scythopolis, which is thirty furlongs The height of the mountain Itaburium. high, and inaccessible on the North side. In the very top of this mountain there is a plain twenty furlongs over enclosed with a wall, all which wall being of so huge a compass, joseph had built in 40. days: they received all necessary provision from beneath, for they had only rain water. Unto this place a huge multitude were gathered, and Vespasian sent Placidus against them with six hundredth horsemen, who could no ways get upon the mountain: wherefore he exhorted many of them to peace, putting them in hope of pardon: likewise divers of the jews came down unto him as it were to entrap him, and assault him at unawares. Placidus for the nonce gave them fair speeches, hoping to get them down into the plain: & they as though they would have obeyed him followed him thither, meaning when they came there, suddenly to Fraud paid with fraud. assault him: yet Placidus his devise took place. For when the jews assaulted him, he feigned himself to fly, and the jews having pursued him a great way from the mountainne, he turned again upon them, and wounded many on the backs as they fled, and killed some, and hindered Placidus victory. the rest of the multitude from ascending the mountain: so the rest left Itaburium, and fled unto jerusalem, and the inhabitants (now water failing them) yielded unto Placidus, and delivered the mountain unto him. CHAP. III. How Gamala was destroyed. NOw the most presumptuous amongst the Gamalians fled and hid themselves, & the weaker sort did perish through famine: yet the most courageous that were left amongst them, defended the wall till the seven and twentieth day of October. Upon which day three soldiers of the fifteenth legion, towards break of the day, undermined the highest tower in their The Romans undermine a certain tower, and it falleth with a great noise. quarter, and entered into it; those that kept it neither perceiving them when they came in, nor when they went out (for it was in the night time.) These soldiers being wary lest any noise should be made, removed five of the greatest stones, and presently leapt away, and incontinently the tower fell with a hideous noise, and with the fall killed those that kept it, and many that kept watch in other quarters fled, being sore afraid: and those who sought to escape the Romans were killed, amongst whom one joseph was strooken with a dart from a part of the wall that was fallen down, and there died. They who were within the City were terrified with the noise hereof, and ran up and down as though all the enemies were already entered into it. And Chares Joseph's companion being sick yielded up the ghost, fear increasing his disease, and helping to shorten his life. The Romans, remembering the bad success at the last assault, did not enter the The year of the world, 4031. after Christ's birth 69. Titus with two hundredth horse, besides chosen footmen entereth Gamala. City till the three and twentieth day of the foresaid month. Then Titus as it were vexed at the misfortune of the Romans in his absence, accompanied with two hundredth horsemen and certain chosen footmen, entered the City no man resisting him, and he being passed into the same, the watchmen than first perceiving it, cried to arms. Those within the city fearing that Titus was entered, some took their children, some their wives, and fled into the castle with pitiful cries and weeping: others met Titus, and were all put to the sword: and they that could not get into the castle not knowing what to do, fell amongst the Roman watchmen: then the skies were filled with the cries of men dying, and the lower places of the City flowed with blood. Vespasian led his whole army against those that were fled into the The top of the Castle of Gamala stony & hard to be climbed. castle, which was of a huge height, and scarcely to be come unto, being all of stone and full of ditches and deep dens, and compassed with steepy rocks: so the jews did drive down the Romans that offered to come up unto them partly with darts, partly with stones, which they rolled down upon them; and they were so high, that the Romans arrows could not reach them. But at last as it were by God's providence who would have it so, a whirlwind arose, which carried The Romans victory by God's providence. the Romans arrows amongst them into the castle, and the jews arrows from the Romans, and the wind was so violent, that it was not possible for them to stand upon those high places; and so not being able to stand, nor to see those that came against them, the Romans ascended and took the Castle, some resisting for their defence, others yielding themselves. The Romans now called to mind their fellows who perished in the first assault, and so became more cruel. Many despairing of their lives, cast their wives, their children, and themselves headlong down those high places, into the deep valleys underneath. So that the cruelty that the Romans showed against the people of Gamala was not so great, as that which they used against themselves: for there were only four thousand that perished by the Romans sword, and the number of them who so cast themselves down, was found to be five thousand: and not one escaped, but two women Nine thousand jews slain in Gamala, and only two women escape. that were sisters, and daughters unto Philip, who was son unto joachimus a worthy man, and governor over all Agrippa's army under him; and these two were saved only, because at such time as the city was taken, they hid themselves: for they spared not infants, but many took them and cast them down from the castle. And thus was Gamala destroyed the 23. day of October, which began to rebel the 21. day of September. CHAP. FOUR How Titus took Giscala. NOw all the Cities and strong places of Galilee were taken, Giscala only excepted: the inhabitants whereof desired peace, for that they were husbandmen, and their riches The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. consisted in the fruits of the earth; but there were many thieves in the City: to which vice also many of the Citizens were addicted. These people were incited to rebel by one john a witch, and a deceitful person, son unto one Levias; who was of strange manners and bold to presume any thing, and wonderfully achieving all he took in hand, and he was known unto all men for one that desired war to make himself mighty. This man was ringleader of the seditious persons in Giscala, and for fear of them the people who perhaps otherwise would have john a poisoner and a deceitful man enforceth the Citizens of Giscala to rebel. sent legates to the Romans to request peace, were hindered and forced to stay, till the Romans came to war against them. Against these people Vespasian sent Titus, and with him a thousand horsemen, and the tenth legion towards Scythopolis: and he with the rest went to Caesarea to refresh them after their great labour, at the charges of the towns adjoining, judging it necessary to comfort their bodies, and encourage their minds to sustain manfully the wars that were to ensue: for he foresaw that he should have much ado to win jerusalem, both for that it was wont to be the king's seat, and also because it was the chief and head City of all the nation. Vespasian forseeth his no small trouble in the siege of jerusalem. And his care in this point was so much the more increased, for that he perceived that many out of all parts fled thither; and that it was naturally strong; and also compassed with almost invincible walls: and beside this, the boldness and desperate courage of the inhabitants, who although that they had no walls at all, yet had been scarcely to be conquered: and therefore he thought it necessary to comfort his soldiers before the fight, like champions who ought to enter the field and fight courageously. Titus (coming on horseback unto Giscala) perceived that it might easily be taken, yet knowing Titus his compassion towards those of Giscala. that if it were taken by force, all the people should be destroyed by the Romans (and now he was weary of bloodshed) he compassionating the well disposed people which were otherwise like to perish together with the wicked, attempted to take it by condition. Wherefore the walls being The year of the world 4032. af●…ter Christ's nativity. 70. Titus his merciful oration to those of Giscala. full of people, amongst whom were many of the seditious, he told them that he marveled what help they had or expected, or by whose advise all other cities being now taken, they alone would abide the last brunt of the Roman forces, especially when as they had already seen many towns far stronger than theirs overthrown at the first assault: and chose, those who had yielded themselves unto the Romans lived in peace, and peaceably enjoyed all that was theirs. Which offer (said he) I now also make unto you, and am not yet incensed against you, because that which you do is for your liberty: but if (quoth he) you do still persevere in this impossible course, my displeasure shall be kindled against you. And if so be that they refused his kind offer, they should presently perceive the Roman sword to be sharpened for their destruction, and incontinently should find that their walls were but a mockery, and no ways able to resist the Roman engines: where chose if they yielded themselves and trusted unto the fidelity of the Romans, they should be the most happy people of all Galilee. None of the townsmen were admitted to make any answer, not to come unto the walls: for the thieves were masters of them; and a guard was placed at every gate, lest any one should go forth to submit themselves, john's answer to Titus' exhortation. or any horsemen should be received into the city. Then john made answer that he liked well of the conditions offered, and that he would either persuade or compel the inhabitants to accept of them, yet he requested that that day might be granted unto the jews: for it was the seventh day wherein it was not lawful for them to entreat of peace, nor make war. For as the Romans knew the jews every seventh day ceased from all work, and which if they profaned, they who caused it to be so abused, though it were Titus himself, were as great offenders, as they who were forced to it. Moreover so short time could not prejudice the Romans, to wit, one ●…ghts space: for nothing he could effect in that time to endamage them, except only by flying out of the city (which Titus might prevent by placing a strong guard and watch in every place thereabout) and that he thought it a great privilege to be suffered to keep the custom of his country; and that it was his part who offered peace and safety to them that expected it, also to keep their laws whose safety he granted. With these and such like speeches john sought to delude Titus, being not so religious about the keeping of the Sabbath, as careful for his own safety: for he feared that the city would presently be taken, and he left alone, & so he determined in that night to fly, as the only way to save his life. Truly God would have it so, that john should then escape john reserved by God's providence to be at the siege of jerusalem. to be the overthrow of jerusalem, and that Titus should not only grant him the time he requested to deliberate, but also that night should pitch his tents near Cydaessa, by the higher part of the town, which is the strongest village of all that are in the heart of the Tyrian soil, which the Galileans always hated. In the night time john perceiving no Romans to keep watch about the town, having now opportunity fled not only with the armed men about him; but also with many of the chief of the city, and whole families, whom he promised to conduct unto jerusalem. The fear of those jews that fled with john. But john fearing captivity, and careful for his own safety, having carried them twenty furlongs out of the city forsook them: who being so left desolate began grievously to lament. For every one thought himself as near his enemies, as he was fa●…●…rom the city and his friends, and still every step they thought their enemies at hand ready to take them, and ever they looked back as though their enemies heard the noise they made as they went, and so came against them; insomuch that many rushed forward on heaps, and many were killed in the way with the press of them that followed; so that women and infants did perish miserably: or if they spoke any thing, only it was entreating their parents or their kinsfolk to stay for them. But john's exhortation took effect, wherein he cried unto them to save themselves, and hasten unto such a place, where they might be safe and revenge themselves of the Romans, for the outrages which they that remained behind were like to endure: and so the multitude that fled, every one as he was able dispersed themselves. Titus early in the morning came unto the walls to know whether they accepted of his offer. Then the people set open the gates, and with their wives The citizens of Giscala entertain Titus with all obedience. and children came to meet him, all crying that he was their safety and worker of their welfare, and that he had delivered their city out of captivity: also they certified him how john was fled, and besought him to pardon them, and execute justice upon those malefactors that remained in the city. And at their request he sent certain horsemen to pursue john, but they could not take him, for before they came he had gotten into jerusalem: yet they slew almost two thousand of them that fled with him, and brought back again three thousand women and children. Titus was angry that he suffered john's deceit to escape unpunished, yet his anger was something appeased, for that he perceived john's purpose prevented, in that so many of his company were slain, and so many brought back for captives. Thus he peaceably entered The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. Titus' mercy to his enemies. It is better to leave an enemy in susp●…nce thorough fear, then with the guilty to confound the innocent. the city, commanding the soldiers to break down a little piece of the wall, as it were to take possession of it, and so punished the seditious rather with threats, than torments. For he thought that many were accused only for private hatred, & so were in danger to suffer being innocent: & he thought it better to let the wicked live in fear, them with them to destroy the guiltless. Thinking moreover that hereafter they would be more quiet either for fear of punishment, or for shame of their former offence, for the which they were pardoned: & that if any man suffered unworthily, he could not afterward complain. Then he placed there a garrison both to repress the seditious, and also to confirm them that desired peace. And thus was Galilee conquered after it had much toiled the Romans. CHAP. V. Of the beginning of the destruction of jerusalem. SO soon as john was entered into jerusalem, all the people flocked about him and those that came with him, inquiring what calamity had be fallen them without the city. Some of them being yet out of breath, and not able to speak, by signs discovered their necessity: yet amidst these their miseries, they boasted that it was not the Roman power that forced them to fly, but that they of their own accord fled thither to war against the Romans in a safer place, then that from whence they fled was; for none but unadvised and rash headed men would fight for such a city as Giscala and other places that were not able to resist, seeing that it behoved them all to reserve their vigour and strength to defend the Metropolitan city. They also signified unto them how Giscala was taken by the Romans, and that they departed in good sort away, though some reported that they fled. The people of jerusalem hearing what these men reported, and how many were captives unto the Romans, they fell into a great fear, as though that which they told did portend their ruin. But john nothing ashamed in that he had so shamefully The courage of john and those that fled with him, stirreth up the jews to make war against the Romans. forsaken them of Giscala who fled with him; went first to one and then to another, enciting them all to war under a vain hope, alleging the weakness of the Romans, and extolling their own puissance, deceiving the simple people, & persuading them that though the Romans sought to revenge, yet could they never enter the walls of jerusalem, who had so much ado, and endured such affliction in entering the little burges and villages of Galilee, against whose walls they had broken all their engines. These words of his encited many young men to sedition, but all the wiser sort foresaw what was like to ensue, and even now mourned their lost city. And in this case were Intestine discord in jury. they of jerusalem: yet before this sedition in the city, the country people began to be at discord amongst themselves. For Titus departed from Giscala unto Caesarea, & Vespasian went from Caesarea to jamnia & Azotus and took them both, & leaving there garrisons, he returned to Caesarea, bringing with him a huge company of them who had yielded unto him. All cities were at civil wars amongst themselves, so that when the Romans did not war upon them, one part of the jews in every city fought against the other, & there was a great dissension between those that desired peace, The jews turn their weapons against themselves. & the seditious people: and at first this discord began only in private houses, but in the end every one joining with them that were of their mind, they now began in companies to rebel openly. Thus every place was troubled with civil discord, and every where rash young men, who desired wars, prevailed against wise and grave old men, who foreseeing the calamity like to ensue, desired peace. At first the inhabitants one by one robbed and spoiled what they could, but at last in whole troops they joined together & robbed openly, and wasted all the country about: and The thieves trouping together in jerusalem spoil the country. they in their robberies showed such cruelty, that the harm and injury they did unto their own countrymen, was altogether equal to the miseries which befell them by the means of the Romans; & they who by these miscreants were spoiled, wished rather to have fallen into the Romans hands. But they who kept the city, either because they were loath to weary themselves, or else for that they hated the citizens or people, did nothing or very little succour them that fell into thieves hands. At last the thieves assembled themselves together from all places, and joining companies, they broke into jerusalem. This city had no governor, and according to the custom of that country, received all that came thither that were their countrymen; and so much more willingly at that time, because they that thought that they came thither, came of good will to help them: which only was afterward the cause that the city was destroyed; setting aside the civil dissension. For a great multitude of people unapt for fight being there, consumed the victuals that would have sufficed for the fight men: & beside the wars, they brought also upon it famine & civil dissension: Then other thieves came out of the fields thereabout, & joining themselves with those that were within the city, omitted no kind of villainy; for not content to rob and spoil, they also attempted to commit murders, not only privily, or in the night upon mean men, but even on the day The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. Rapines and spoils committed by day time. time they publicly set upon the chiefest of the nobility. For first of all they took Antipasse, who was borne of the blood royal, a man so eminent amongst them, that the public treasure was committed unto his charge and custody, and put him in prison: and after him they took Sopha a worthy man, and son to Raguel and Laevia, both of them of the king's household, and after them all that seemed to bear any sway, or were in authority amongst the people. Great fear fell upon the Inhabitants, and every one provided to save himself, as though the City were even now surprised by the enemies. But these people were not content thus to have imprisoned those The nobility of the City are taken and slain by the thieves. potentates, neither did they think it safety for themselves any longer to detain such men alive: for many came daily unto them to visit them, and unto their houses, who were able to revenge their injuries: and moreover they feared that the people would make a head against them, being moved with their iniquity. Wherefore they determined to kill them, and to effect their purpose they sent one john a cruel murderer (who was the son of Dorcas) he accompanied with ten more, all having swords went unto the prison, and slew as many as they found there. To excuse this cruel fact of theirs, they alleged this, to wit, that all they who were slain in prison, had conference with the Romans concerning the betraying of the City into their hands, and that for this cause they had slain them, being traitors to their Country: they also boasted that this fact of theirs had preserved the City, and that therefore they had well deserved of it. The people was The thieves at their pleasure make a high Priest. brought unto such slavery and terror, that the choosing of the high Priest was in their hands to elect whom they pleased so much was their insolence increased. Thus they not respecting the families, out of which it was only lawful to choose the high Priest, they now elected strangers and base persons to that sacred dignity, and such as would be partakers of their villainies and impieties, A high Priest chosen by them contrary to the ancient custom. for they who not deserving it, attained to such dignity, were as it were obliged unto their will in all things, by whom they were so exaited. They also devised many lies, to make those that were in authority one at variance with another, thereby as it were to hold them occupied, who were able to refist their enterprises, till that being now satisfied with the blood of the Citizens, they began to commit impiety against God himself, and with profane and unpure feet to enter into the sanctuary. Then the people was incited against them by Ananus his means, who was one of the priests, and the most ancient and wisest of them all, who perhaps had laved the City, had he escaped the hands of these miscreants. But they used the Temple as a Castle and defence of themselves against the people, and made the Sanctuary a place for them to exercise tyranny in. And that which increased the sorrow of the citizens, was, that amidst these calamities, their religion was also contumeliously abused, for these thieves to try of what strength and courage the people were, and their own forces, did elect by lot a high Priest contrary to their law: which as we have already said, requireth that the high Priest shall be chosen by succession. This deed of theirs they coloured with an ancient custom, alleging that in time past the high Priest was chosen by lot. But indeed this their fact was an abrogation of the most firm custom that was amongst the people, and was only a devise to get all government into their hands by establishing magistrates at their pleasure. Then calling one of the holy tribes named Eniachin, they cast lots, and it so fell out that the lot fell upon one, whereby their iniquity was discovered, this man whose lot it was to be high Priest was named Phanes, who was the son of Samuel, a man not only unworthy of that dignity, but who had been so rudely brought up, that he never knew what the high Priest meant, this Phanes Phanes a country clown made a high Priest. was borne in a village called Aphthasis. Him, against his will they fetched out of the field, and as it had been in a stage-play, they graced him with another man's person, and presently gave him instructions how he should behave himself, putting upon him the sacred attire of the high Priest, as though that so great impiety had been but a sport. The rest of the priests beholding a far off the holy laws to be scorned, scarcely contained themselves from tears, and even groaned for sorrow, that their sacred dignities were so abused. The people could no longer endure this their tyranny, but now every one addressed himself to depose these tyrants. And those that were The best Citizens exhort the people to revenge. most earnest herein, were Gorion Joseph's son, and Simeon the son of Gamaliel, who went about the City to every one in private, and then in a public assembly exhorted the people to be revenged upon those tyrants, who took from them their liberty; and to address themselves to purge the holy Temple from such vile and unclean persons. Likewise the best disposed amongst the priests, to wit, jesus the son of Gamala, and Ananus the son of Ananus often in public Sermons reprehended the people, and upbraided them with their sloth, in that they made no more haste to destroy those Zealous people (for so those wretches termed themselves, as though they had been devout followers of goodness and not impious malefactors.) The people The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. The Zealous the most wretched occasion of these violences Ananus sharp invective against the Zealous. being all assembled together, every man grieved to see the holy place so kept for a den of thieves, and of their robberies and murders which they committed; yet did they not go about to revenge, thinking themselves too weak to deal with these Zealous, as in deed they were. Then Ananus stood up amongst the midst of them, and having often turned his eyes to the Temple, and beholden it till the tears ran down his cheeks, Oh said he, how far better were it for me to die, then to live, to see the house of God thus filled with impiety, and the Sanctuary wherein none should come but me high Priest, profaned with the wicked feet of impious persons, being clothed in Priest's apparel, and bear the name of the most authority amongst all names? and do I yet live, and do I to save my life, and to be gray-headed, abstain from dying a glorious death? Nay, rather I alone will go against these murderers, and as though I were in a wilderness where there were no man beside myself, I alone will go and offer my soul for God's sake. For what doth it avail me to live amongst a people, that hath no feeling of their own calamity, and which seeketh not to redress their own present miseries? for you being robbed and spoiled bear all patiently, and being beaten you hold your peace, and there is none amongst you that dare openly mourn for them that are most cruelly murdered. O tyrannous government! But why should I exclaim against the tyrants? Did not you yourselves make them Ananus twitteth the jews with their fear great, and nourish their power and authority by your patience? did not you by despising those who before were in authority being but a few, make all these, who are many in number, tyrants over yourselves? have not you keeping yourselves quiet, they being armed, turned their swords upon your own heads; and as than it behoved you to resist their enterprises, when first they injured your kindred; you by suffering have made them thieves, because at first you made no account, The cruelty of the thieves. when they destroyed houses and whole families. And this was the cause that at last, the rulers and potentates themselves were set upon, and none would succour them when they were drawn through the midst of the City, and these murderers butchered them in prison whom you thus betrayed. I will not recount what men they were and of what birth, but I say they being neither accused nor condemned, having no man to hear them, they were most cruelly murdered, as we have seen any: for they were before our faces led to be slain, as the fattest amongst a whole herd of beasts, all we beholding this: and yet no man opening his mouth nor lifting up his hand. And will you also endure, will you suffer the holy Sanctuary to be profaned before your eyes? and will you, having so emboldened these miscreants as ye see now, your selves stand in fear of them? assure yourselves, they would, if they could devise how, commit greater impiety than this is. They keep against you the strongest place in the whole City called The Temple the strongest fortress of the City. a Temple, but now in deed it is a fortress or Castle of defence. What do ye now think such a tyranny being established over you; and your enemies being even upon you, what do you deliberate to do? Do you expect the Romans to come and help you, to save the Temple and sacred mysteries? Our City is now at that stay, and we have so behaved ourselves, that our very enemies pity us. O ye wretches! will you not arise, and as the very bruit beasts do, will you not revenge yourselves upon them that have thus wounded you? Will not every one of you call to mind the massacre of his friends, and what calamity he himself hath suffered, and so encourage yourselves to be revenged? For aught I can see, you have all lost that sacred and sweet and natural desire of liberty, and now we embrace bondage, as though we had learned to be bondmen even from our ancestors. But they endured many and hard wars to live in liberty, and yielded neither to the power of the Egyptians, nor Medes, because they would not be at their command. What need is it to recount unto you the wars of our predecessors? To what end do we enterprise this war against the Romans (be it commodious for us or to our disadvantage) if not to obtain our liberty? And we who cannot endure to be subject unto the Lords of the whole world, abide our own nation to tyrannize over us? Some may account it adverse fortune Wars are intended for liberty. to be once overcome by strangers, but to be slaves unto the basest of our own nation, it argueth that we have no spark of generosity in us, & that we bear base & servile minds. And seeing I have made mention of the Romans, I will not stick to declare unto you that which now cometh to my mind, to wit, that if we be taken by them (which God forbid) yet shall we suffer no greater misery at their hands, than now we do under these base tyrants. And how can you abstain from tears, beholding this Temple, enriched by the gift of the Romans, robbed and spoiled by them of our own nation, this being our mother City; and to see those men murdered, The comparison of the Romans and jews and their properties. whom the Romans (although they had conquered us) would not have touched? The Romans never durst presume to pass beyond the limits of profane places, nor ever violated they our sacred laws and customs, but always reverenced the sanctuary, beholding it The year of the world. 4032. after the birth of Christ. 70. only a far off: yet now some borne and brought up amongst us who are called jews, tremble not to walk in the sanctuary, having their hands bathed in the blood of their countrymen and brethren. Who will now fear foreign wars, seeing these civil broils are such? Much better were it for us to fall into our enemy's hand: yea, if you will call every thing by such a name as it deserveth, we shall find that the Romans have not violated our laws, but have been the confirmers thereof; and they within our walls are our enemies. True it is, that those that have thus tyrannised over us, deserve death, and that no punishment can be devised great enough for their offence: and all of you were so persuaded before I spoke of it, and you were incited against them by that which you have endured at their hands: but yet you fear the multitude of them & their courage; and moreover that they are in a higher place than you: yet as all this came by your negligence and suffering, so by your delaying they will grow stronger. For their number is daily An answer to their contrary opinion who object the number and boldness of the enemy. increased, and every wicked person flieth unto his like; and they are so much the more emboldened, for that as yet no man did once offer to resist their enterprises: and be sure that if they have time they will make use of the higher place, and that to your damage. But (believe me) if you would but once offer to go against them, their very consciences would abate their haughty minds, and the remembrance of their misdeeds would put them so far out of tune, that they will not make any benefit of the higher place. Perhaps God in his vengeance will turn their own darts against them for their impiety, and consume them therewith. Let us but only show ourselves, The Epilogue of Ananus Oration to the people. and we shall dismay them; yet it is an honour for us if need be, to sacrifice our lives for the defence of the holy temple. Myself will assist you with hand and advise, and you shall see that you shall neither want counsel, nor that I will spare my own body to defend you from their treacheries. Ananus thus exhorted the people against the Zealous, yet he knew well that it was great difficulty to overcome them, being lusty young men, many in number, of great courage, & the more desperate for the remorse of conscience of the horrible crimes, and execrable deeds which they had committed, for they despaired of all hope of pardon for their misdeeds. Yet Ananus thought it altogether intolerable, that the common wealth should be so overruled. After this exhortation the people cried out that they were ready to go against the thieves, and to do as they were requested. Whilst that Ananus selected out the most able men for war, and set them in order, the Zealous came and issued out upon him, and (having intelligence of all his intents and proceedings Ananus disposeth his soldiers against the Zealous. by certain spies which they had appointed upon purpose) being enraged sallied out, and in companies, sometime all at once; othertimes in ambushes, sparing none that they met with. Ananus quickly gathered together the people, who were more in number then the thieves, yet were they not so well armed as they; but what they wanted in arms their courage did supply. For the Citizens were armed with fury, stronger than armour; and they which were gone out of the temple, with a more desperate boldness, than all the multitude how great soever it was. For the Citizens thought it no abiding for them in the City except they could drive away the Zealous: and the Zealous thought that they could not escape torments and death itself, except that they were victors. So at last they joined battle each under their captains and leaders, and first of all both parties cast stones one against another: and if any part fled, than the conquerors pursued them with drawn swords, and many were wounded and slain on both parts. Those townsmen that were wounded, were by their friends carried into their houses; but the Zealous that were hurt went into the temple, and polluted the sacred pavements with their blood: so that their religion was profaned by their blood. Always the thieves in making excursions got the upper hand. Hereat the Citizens being angry; seeing their number every day increased, reproved the cowards: so that if any of their company offered to fly from the Zealous, they made him stand and resist whether he would or no, not permitting him to pass away: And thus they bent all their forces against their enemies. At last the thieves not able to make any longer resistance, by little and little retired themselves into the temple, and Ananus with his company entered the temple by force with them, and broke the rank of his enemies. Then they in the utter temple were in The fight of the Citizens and Zealous in the temple. great fear and fled into the inner temple, and shut the gates with all speed. Ananus would not offer violence to the sacred gates, & beside that the enemies cast darts from aloft: for he thought it a great offence against God, although he might have got the victory, to introduce the people not being purified. Wherefore he elected six thousand of the chief of all his men well armed, and appointed them to keep the porches, and others to succeed in their places while they took rest. And many of the better sort of the Citizens being by the chief of the City placed to keep watch there, hired other poor folk to watch in their steeds. But john, who, as before we have The year of the world, 4032 after Christ's birth 70. johnful of deceit, and a betrayer of the citizens. told, fled from Giscala, wrought the ruin of all these. This man being full of deceit, and above all measure desirous of rule, long ago intended to overthrow the common wealth. This man from that time counterfeited himself to be against the thieves, and so day and night accompanied Ananus and the rest, both in their consultations, and when they went to visit the watch; and he disclosed all their secrets unto the Zealous: and there was nothing decreed by the people but he gave the thieves intelligence thereof before it was put in practice; yet he seemed to be very dutiful unto Ananus, and the rest of the nobility, hereby hoping to conceal his treachery. But it fell out contrary to his expectation; for this his too much reverence caused him to be suspected, because they noted him to play the parasite: and for that uncalled he daily intruded himself into their consultations, he was misdoubted to bewray their secrets. For Ananus perceived that the enemies knew all their secrets, and john's deeds did carry suspicion of treason, yet could they not easily remove him, his craft was such: beside this, he was bolstered out by many noble men, who were employed in these affairs. Wherefore they thought it good to request of him an oath of friendship; which he denied not, but added moreover that he would be true unto the people, john sweareth to be faithful to the people. and neither disclose any deed or secret counsel of theirs unto the enemies, and that he with hart and hand would truly endeavour to suppress the rebels. So Ananus did no more mistrust him because of his oath, and admitted him afterward to all their counsels, nothing suspecting him. Nay they now trusted him so far, that they sent him for an Ambassador unto the Zealous, to persuade them to peace: for they were very careful lest the temple through their deeds should be defiled and profaned, or that any of the jews should there be slain. But he as though he john contrary to his oath revealeth their secrets to the Zealous. had sworn unto the Zealous and not unto the Citizens, entered boldly amongst them, and standing in the midst of them, he recounted unto them that he had often for their sakes undergone great danger in suffering none of the townsmen's secrets to be concealed from them, but declared unto them all that ever Ananus and his confederates determined against them; and that even now he was like together with them to fall into extreme danger, except it pleased God as it were miraculously to assist them. For, said he, now Ananus without delay will send unto Vespasian, and he will send his army in all haste and take the city: and that he had appointed the next day following for purification to purify the people, that so under pretence of piety he might let them into the City, or else they might enter in by force: and that he could not see how either john stirreth up the Zealous against the Citizens. they were able to endure a long siege, or to encounter with so huge an army: adding moreover, that it was God's providence that he should be sent unto them to make a peace, when Ananus purposed so soon as they were unarmed to set upon them. Wherefore if they had any care of themselves, they should either entreat the watchmen that besieged them to be good unto them, or else get some succour from some place without the temple. For (said he) he that amongst you hopeth for pardon if you be overcome, doth not remember what hath past, and what he hath done; but let them persuade themselves, they that have been injured will not forget and forgive so soon, as he that injured them is sorry for his fact. Nay many times the repentance of malefactors maketh them more hated then before, and the wrath of men that are injured is increased by authority, and licence to do what they please. And they might be sure that the friends and kinsfolks of them that were slain, would always lay wait to requite the injuries; and that all the people were incensed against them for breaking the laws: so that although some few would take pity upon them, yet the greater company being most in number would prevail. With these & such like speeches john terrified the Zealous, yet durst he not openly tell them what he meant by foreign help, notwithstanding he meant the Idumaeans. And that he might more inflame the thieves he went unto the chiefest of them, and secretly told them that Ananus was cruelly bend against them, and breathed out many threatenings against them in particular. CHAP. VI How the Idumeans came unto jerusalem, and what they did there. AMongst the Zealous there were two principal, Eleazar the son of Simon, who above all the rest was thought most fit to give counsel, and to execute that which was consulted Eleazar one of the Zealous causeth the Idumaeans to besent for. upon; and Zacharias the son of Amphicalus, who both descended from the line of the priests. These two understanding, that beside the general threatenings their deaths were especially vowed, and that the faction of Ananus to get him into authority, had sent to call the Romans (for this john had feigned) deliberated with themselves what to do, having so short time to provide. For they supposed that presently the people would assault them, and they bethought The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. The Zealous require help from the Idumaeans. themselves that now it was too late to seek for foreign help: for they might endure all calamity, before they could give notice hereof unto any that would help them. Yet at last they determined to call the Idumaeans to aid them, and so they wrote a brief Epistle unto them, letting them understand how Ananus, having seduced the people, meant to betray the mother city of their nation unto the Romans, and that they fight for their liberty, were by him besieged in the temple: that the time wherein they expected safety was very short: & that if they did not presently send succour, they were like to fall into Ananus and their enemy's hands, and the City to be brought in subjection under the Romans: and also committed many things to be spoken by word of mouth unto the rulers of Idumaea. For which purpose were chosen two principal men eloquent and apt to persuade, and that, which was in this case required, swift of foot: for it was certain that the Idumaeans would presently aid them, it being a clownish rude nation, and prone to sedition and alteration, much rejoicing therein; and by flattery easily entreated to wars, making as much haste to them as if they went to some festival solemnity: so that there only was required two speedy messengers. Which two were ready and quick men for such an exploit, and were both called by the name of Ananias. These presently came unto the governors of Idumaea, & they reading the Epistle, and hearing that which the messengers were to say unto them, like mad men assembled all the people together The nature and manners of the Idumaeans. in post haste, and proclaimed wars, so the people in an instant gathered themselves together, & were all armed to fight for the liberty of their mother city: and twenty thousand being assembled together under the government of four captains, came with all speed to jerusalem: the names of them were these, john and james, sons of Sosa, and Simon the son of Cathla, and Phineas the son of Clusoth. Ananus and his watchmen knew not of the going of those two messengers, Twenty thousand Idumaeans come to jerusalem. nor of the watches in the city, but they understood of the Idumaeans coming, & so shut the gates and placed watchmen upon the walls: yet they thought it not good to go out & fight with them, but first with peaceable words to persuade them to concord, & peace. Wherefore jesus the eldest of the priests next after Ananus stood in a tower opposite against them, & spoke in this manner. Though many and divers tumults and troubles have molested this city, yet did I never so much admire any of them, as to come with such fury and readiness to help these wicked people, jesus oration and exhortation to the Idumaeans. against all expectation: for (said he) you are come against us to help most vile persons, and that so rashly, as it behoved not you to have done, if your Metropolitan city had requested your help against barbarous people. If I should perceive your manners like unto theirs that have requested your help, I would then think you had some reason to come, for nothing causeth firmer friendship than agreement or sympathy in manners. But they if they were narrowly sought into, have every one deserved a thousand deaths. For they, are the basest and the very outcast of all the country people, who having spent their patrimonies riotously, and played the thieves in all places and cities about them, now at last have got into this holy city, most religious of all cities, and have profaned the holy place by their impiety: they tremble not to be drunk even in the holy temple, and there they consume in banqueting the spoils they have gotten from them, whom they have massacred. And you come to help these men with as great an army & provision, as though that this your mother city had by public consent requested your help against foreign enemies. Is not this the injury of fortune, that your whole nation hath conspired and bend all their forces against us to help these miscreants? Till now I knew not what moved you so quickly & so suddenly to arm yourselves to assist thieves against your native countrymen. What? have you been informed of the Romans coming, & of the betraying of the city? For even now I heard some of you mutter, that you came to deliver your mother city. Is it not a wonder to see this devise & invention of these malefactors? But they could devise no other way to incite other against us (who even naturally desire liberty, & are ready for the same to spend our dearest blood in conflict with the enemy) but to feign us to be destroyers of liberty? But it behoveth you to consider who are these calumniators, & against whom these calumniations are devised, & then to gather the verity of the matter, not from forged tales, The disproof of the Zealous fiction, who intended the overthrow of the city, and objected the betraying thereof. feigned at men's pleasures, but from the thing itself. What should move us now to yield unto the Romans, having endured as yet nothing to constrain us thereunto, when if we had liked to ●…iue under their obedience, neither needed we at first to have rebelled; and beside that, if we had repent ourselves we might have again submitted ourselves, & obtained their favour before this time that all the country round about us is destroyed. Nay if now we would yield; it is not easy for us, for the spoil of Galilee, which they having already conquered, hath made them proud, and that we in humbling ourselves unto them, being near unto us, should incur an infamy worse than death itself. True it is, I think peace better than wars, yet being once provoked to wars, and the fight The year of the world. 403●…. after Christ's birth 70. Peace is better than death. being begun, I had rather die a glorious death then to live in captivity. Do they inform you that we have secretly sent the chief of our city to the Romans, or that by common consent of all the people we have done it? If they say that we did it secretly; let them then tell what friends of ours we sent, or what servants of ours were ministers to effect this treason. Did they take any messenger of ours, and find letters about him? How can that be hid from all our citizens, with whom we do every hour converse? And is it possible that a few, shut up in the temple, who could not come out into the city, should know our secrets, all the whole city knowing nothing? or do they now first know it when they are like to b●… punished for their impiety? never suspecting any of us to be traitors, so long as they were in no fear. If they say that it was done by common consent of all the people, why then all men were there when the speech was made unto the people, to exhort them thereunto, and request their good wills; and so the news thereof would quickly have come unto your ears: Or what need had we to send Ambassadors, if we had been now already certain to come to composition with the Romans? Let them tell you who was appointed for that Embassage. These are but devices and excuses of them, who fear to have a death according to their deserts, and a shift to escape punishment. If fate had so decreed that our city should be betrayed unto the enemy, assure yourselves that they, who do thus accuse us, would have betrayed it themselves; who have committed jesus exhorteth the Idumaeans that since they are come, they should oppose themselves against the Zealous. already all sort of impieties, treason only excepted. It is your part, seeing you are come hither in arms, first (as reason and justice requireth) to assist your mother city against them who tyrannize over us, and violate our laws: who treading down our laws make all that justice, which they can effect with their sword. And first of all they took noble men and cast them in prison, drawing them from amidst the public assembly; and being never accused nor condemned, nothing respecting their entreaties, put them to death. If it please you to come in peaceable and not hostile manner into our city, yourselves shall plainly behold evident tokens of this that I speak unto you: to wit houses ruinated and made desolate by their robberies, the wives and families of them that are slain in mourning apparel, and howling and crying in every part of the city: For there is no one amongst us that hath not tasted the persecution of these wretched men, who are gone so far that not content to make this city their refuge (which is the chief & a spectacle to all others for sanctity) after they had robbed and spoiled all the country and villages, and cities here about, now lastly they have made the sacred temple a refuge and place to carry all their spoil, which they have impiously gotten in this city, unto. This temple they do make their bulwark to issue out; and to retire unto, and from thence they make incursions upon the citizens: and this is the place where they practise all their villainies against us. And this sacred place, which all the world, even the most barbarous and savage people thereof do reverence, is now defiled by the horrible robberies which one borne amongst us committed. And now being in desperation, they rejoice to see nation against nation, and city against city, & people against people, and our own countrymen to turn themselves against their own bowels: when chose, (as I have already said) it had been your parts and duties to join with us, and help us to exterminate these malefactors; and be revenged of them for this lie, in that they presumed to call you jesus requireth the Idumaeans to judge the differents between the Zealous and them. to help them whom they had just reason to fear as revengers for their impieties: yet if you make account of these men's prayers, vouchsafe (laying your weapons aside) to come into our city like friends, and be yourselves judges between us and them whom you came to help. And consider what favour we show them, who permit them to plead their own causes before you, they being guilty of so heinous crimes, and having put to death persons of such account, never accused nor permitted to speak for themselves: yet this commodity we will grant them for your sake. But if you continue in your anger against us, and refuse this offer to be our judges; then let us entreat you that leaving both parts, you would neither imbrue your hands in our blood, nor lend your aid unto these miscreants against your mother city. And if you suspect any of us to be The end of jesus oration to the Idumaeans. confederates with the Romans, you may keep all passages; and then seek to defend your Metropolis, when you have proof of any such matter as is alleged against us; and punish the authors of that treason when you have convicted them. The enemies cannot prevent you being already planted so near the city. If you like of none of these, marvel not that we shut our gates against you, coming in armed and hostile manner. jesus spoke thus unto them. But the Idumaeans being angry, were not moved hereby, and so much the more for that entrance into the city was denied them, and their generals were exceedingly wrath, thinking it slavery to lay down their arms, especially at the command of another. Then one of the captains named Simon the son of Cathla, having with much ado The year of the world 4032. aftter Christ's Naivitie. 70. Simons answer to jesus oration. gotten his soldiers to be silent, he stood in a place where the priests might hear him, and said. That he now did not wonder that those who maintained liberty, were enclosed and besieged in the Temple, seeing that they of the City now shut their gates against his followers, the City being common and free for all men; and that perhaps they were ready to open the City gates for to receive the Romans. And he spoke unto the Idumaeans from a tower, and commanded them to cast down their arms, which they took only for the liberty of the city, when they durst not trust their own nation to keep the same; yet would have them judges of the discord: and that accusing others for killing some not convicted, they themselves do condemn all the whole nation of ignominy; and that they had now shut the City gates against their own Countrymen, which was common for all strangers to come unto for religion sake. Did we make haste towards you, to fight The Idumaeans are displeased because the City gates were locked against them. against our own nation, which came only to preserve your liberty? But this is as true as that they whom you thus besiege have wronged you, and as the accusations you forge against them. And you keeping in hold those that are the defenders of the Commonwealth, do then shut the City gates against men of your own blood: lastly, you impose upon us contumelious commands, and say that they do tyrannize over you, over whom indeed you do. Who can any longer The reproaches the Idumeans object against the high priests and Citizens. endure this your mockery, that perceiveth how unpossible your allegations are? For who can justly accuse those that ye keep shut up in the Temple, because that they presumed to punish traitors, whom you grace with the title of noble & innocent, because they were your confederates? Only in this they are blame worthy, that they did not begin with you, but left alive such members of that conspiracy. Except also you will say that the Idumaeans shut you out of your City, you yourselves not permitting us to come & offer sacrifices. But though they were too merciful, yet we Idumaeans will conserve the house of God, and will fight for the common good of our Country, and will be revenged both of the enemies that are without the City, and the traitors within. And here will we remain before the City, till either the Romans come and deliver you; or till you change your minds and bethink yourselves what a jewel it is to have liberty. CHAP. VII. Of the massacre of the jews by the Idumaeans. ALl the whole multitude agreed with a loud cry unto these speeches of Simon. And jesus departed sorrowful, seeing that the Idumaeans would agree to no reason, and that thereby their City should suffer double wars. For the Idumaeans wrath was not yet assuaged, who took the matter in great disdain that they were not permitted to enter into the City, and also for that they thought the Zealous very strong, and they themselves were ashamed that they could not come to help them, so that many repented that they were come thither. Yet would they not for shame return, nothing being done by them, and so rashly The Idumaeans pitch their tabernacles near the walls. placing their tabernacles near unto the City walls, they determined to stay there. But that night there fell a most huge tempest: for there was a great stormy wind and an exceeding great rain, mixed with fearful thunder and horrible lightning, and the Earthquake with strange noises: whereupon all men thought that this motion of the earth, did signify the death of mankind, and portend some great matter. The Idumaeans and townsmen were both of one mind: for they thought that God was angry with them, for bearing arms against their Metropolis, and persuaded themselves that they could not escape death, if they continued in their purpose. Ananus and his followers persuaded themselves that they had now overcome them without war, and A huge storm. that God had fought for them against the Idumaeans. But they were false Prophets, and what they judged was to befall their enemies, that fell upon themselves. In the mean while the Idumaeans lay as close together as they could, and covered their heads with their shields, so that by this The Zealous consult to break open the gates to assail the watch, and let in the Idumaeans. means the rain did them not so much harm. The Zealous were pensive for the Idumaeans more then for themselves, and devised which way they might succour them. Then the boldest amongst them advised the rest by force to oppress the watchmen, and 〈◊〉 go into the City, and open the gates to the Idumaeans that came to help them, for it was easy to surprise the watchmen, by reason that many of them were unarmed, and unfit for war, and the Citizens could not easily be assembled together, for every man because of this tempest kept his house. And suppose that there were danger, yet were it better to endure all mischiefs that might ensue, then to permit such an army shamefully to perish, who came at their request to help them. But the wiser sort The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. dissuaded the rest from this, seeing both a stronger watch placed to keep them in, and the City walls diligently guarded because of the Idumaeans: and moreover, persuading themselves that Ananus ceased not but went up and down; first from one watch, and then to another; yet that night he did not so, not for slothfulness, but because that the destinies had so decreed that thereby both he and the watchmen should perish. For about midnight the storm increasing, the watchmen fell into a sound sleep. Then the Zealous determined to file the bars and bolts of the gates in sunder; to effect this, they took the instruments which were consecrated to the temple, & this attempt was much furthered The watchmen are oppressed with sleep. by the huge wind and thunder, which made such a noise that they could not be heard: so issuing out of the Temple, they went privily to the walls, and opened that gate near unto which the Idumaeans lay, and suspecting that Ananus would make some resistance, they first of all drew their swords, and then together with the Idumaeans came in: and if at that time they had The Idumaeans by the means of the Zealous enter by night. assaulted the City, they had without any let or hindrance destroyed all the people therein: so great was their rage at that time. But first of all they hastened to assist their fellows, whom they left besieged, and requested the Idumaeans not to leave them in danger, for whose succour they were come, nor permit them to incur greater damage: for having first surprised the watchmen, it would be more easy for them to assault the City: which if they did not, but first set upon the Citizens, they would presently assemble together, and oppose themselves against them; and not permit them to ascend up unto the Temple. The Idumaeans consented unto this, and so they passed through the City into the Temple. And the Zealous remaining in the Temple, carefully The Idumaeans join themselves with the Zealous in the Temple. expected their coming, at whose arrival they took courage, and joining with the Idumaeans, came out of the inner Temple, and set upon the watch: and some being slain who were fast a sleep, the rest were awaked by the cries of others, and so betook themselves to their arms to defend themselves, being yet amazed. And at first thinking that they were only the Zealous that gave the assault, hoped only by their multitude to suppress them; but seeing others without the Temple also aslailing them, they perceived that the Idumaeans were broken in: so the greater part of them being dismayed, laid down their weapons and cried, and only a few of them, young men well armed, and of good courage encountered with the Idumaeans, and for a good space defended their idle fellows: others went and advertised the Inhabitants what was done, yet none durst come to help them, because they now knew that the Idumaeans were got in, but every one lamented their hard fortune: and the women made great lamentation, when any of the watchmen fell into danger. The Zealous also answered their cries with the like, and then the tempest The immanity of the Idumaeans and Zealous against the Citizens of jerusalem. and thunder made all more dreadful. The Idumaeans spared none, because that they were naturally cruel and fierce to shed blood, and angry that they were so beaten with the tempest, they used them most cruelly, by whose means they were shut out of the City, sparing neither those who requested favour, nor them who made resistance, for they slew many even as they were entreating them to remember that they were of their own blood, and requesting them to spare them for reverence of their Temple. There was no way to fly, nor any hope of escape: being driven up into a narrow room, they hurt themselves more than the enemies did, by crowding and treading upon one another, for there was no place to fly, nor their enemies ceased not to kill them. Being in this desperate estate; not knowing how to do, they cast themselves headlong down into the City, and so died a more miserable death (in my mind) than they that died by the enemy's sword. The next day there was found slain eight thousand and five hundredth, and all the utter Temple flowed with blood. Yet this massacre sufficed not the Idumaeans rage, but turning themselves against the City, they rob and spoiled all houses, and killed all they met, making no account of the death of the rest of the multitude. They made diligent search for the Priests, and many laid violent hands upon them, and killed them, and standing upon their dead Ananus and jesus the high Priests executed. corpse, sometime they upbraided Ananus with the people's favour towards him, sometime jesus with the words he spoke upon the wall unto them, and were so impious as that they cast away their dead bodies unburied, notwithstanding that the jews in this point are so religious, that after sun set they take down the dead bodies of malefactors, who by sentence have been adjudged unto the cross, and bury them. Ananus death the first cause of the destruction of the City. The praise of Ananus the high priest. I think I do not greatly miss the mark, if I affirm Ananus his death to have been the destruction of the City, and from that time forth the walls of jerusalem to have been overthrown, and the common wealth of the jews to have perished in that day when they beheld their priest and Governor slain, even in the midst of the City. He was a man that led a laudable and most just life: and being in great dignity, honour, and reputation; yet would he not The year of the world. 4032. after the birth of Christ. 70. exalt himself above any one, were he never so base. He was a man who thirsted after liberty, and bore the rule and government of the common wealth. He continually preferred the public commodity before his own private gain, being always desirous of peace; for he foresaw that the Romans could not be withstood; and that, if the jews did not quickly accord with them, their ruin was at hand: briefly I say, that had Ananus lived, they had yielded with him unto the Romans. For he was an eloquent Orator and could persuade admirably: whereby he had now gained unto his side those that hindered him, and caused the wars; whom if they had had for their captain against the Romans, it had not been so easy for the Romans to have conquered them. With him was joined jesus inferior to Ananus, yet excelling all the rest. So that I think Almighty God having decreed the total ruin of the City, being now violated and filled with iniquity, and meaning by fire as it were to purify the holy temple which was now defiled and profaned, he first took away the defenders thereof, and those that loved them most dearly. So they who a little before were clothed in sacred apparel, and reverenced of all those that from the furthest parts of the world came to jerusalem, now lay murdered and naked in the open streets, left as it were a pray to be torn in pieces with dogs or wild beasts, who erst were the authors of piety and religion. I think that Virtue itself wept to see wickedness so prevail. THE FIFTH BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 5. book. 1 Of another massacre, and of the return of the Idumaeans, and the cruelty of the Zealous. 2 Of the civil discord amongst the jews. 3 Of the yielding of Gadara, and the massacre there. 4 How certain towns were taken, and the description of jericho. 5 Of the lake called Asphaltites. 6 How Gerasa was destroyed, and of the death of Nero, and of Galba and Otho. 7 Of Simon of Gerasa Prince of a new conspiracy. 8 Of Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian. 9 Of Simons acts against the Zealous. 10 How Vespasian was chosen Emperor. 11 The description of Egypt and Pharus. 12 How Vespasian redeemed joseph from captivity. 13 Of Vitellius his death and manners. 14 How Titus was sent against the jews by his father. CHAP. I. The year of the world, 4032. after Christ's birth 70. Of another massacre, and of the return of the Idumaeans, and the cruelty of the Zealous. SUCH was the end of Ananus and jesus. After whose death the Idumaeans and the Zealous massacred the people, as though they had been a flock of The cruelty of the Idumaeans & the Zealous. pernicious beasts, and every one was slain wheresoever he was found: and taking the nobility and younger sort of men, they kept them bound in prison, hoping that by deferring their deaths, some of them would become partakers with them. Yet none was thereby moved, but every one desired to die rather then impiously to conspire against their own country: yet were they most cruelly whipped before they were put to death, their whole body being all as it were one sore place by whipping and stripes: and so when they could not endure these torments any longer, than were they killed. And who so was taken on the day time was in the night carried to prison, and those that died in prison and torments, they then cast their dead bodies out, that they might have place to imprison others in their room. And the people were so terrified, that none durst weep openly for his friend, nor bury the dead body of his kinsman; yea those that were in prison durst not openly weep, but secretly, looking about them, lest any of their enemies should espy them. For whosoever mourned for any that was afflicted, was presently himself used in the same manner as he had been for whom he lamented; & sometime some in the night scraped up a little earth with their hands, and therewithal covered the dead body of their friend; and some bolder than the rest, did the like in the day time. And in this general slaughter Twelve thousand of the nobility executed. were twelve thousand young noblemen slain by this means: and thus being hated for these massacres, they mocked and flouted the magistrates, and made no account of their judgements. So that when they determined to put one Zacharie the son of Baruch to death, a noble man & one of the chief of the city (for they perceived that he was an enemy to their wickedness, and loved the virtuous, and one that was rich, by whose death they hoped not only to have the spoil of his goods, but also to be rid of such a one who might be able to resist their bad purposes) they called seventy of the best amongst the common people together as it were in judgement, yet they having no authority; and before them they accused Zacharie, that he had betrayed the Zacharie condemned to death by the Zealous. common wealth unto the Romans, and that for that int●… he had sent unto Vespasian: but neither showed any evidence nor proof thereof, but only they affirmed it to be so; and therefore would have credit given unto their words. When Zacharie perceived that under pretence of being called into judgement, he was deceitfully brought into prison; and having no hope of life, yet he spared not to speak liberally his mind: but began to scorn the rage and pretence of his enemies, and purged himself of the crimes whereof he was accused, and converting his speech against his accusers, he laid open all their iniquities, and much lamented the miseries and troubles of the City. In the mean while the Zealous gnashed their teeth, and could scarcely contain themselves from drawing their swords, and were desrious that their pretended accusation and judgement might be ended. He also requested them, who by these miscreants were appointed his judges, to remember justice, notwithstanding those dangerous times. These seventy judges all pronounced seventy judges absolve and acquit Zacharie. that he was to be absolved and freed as unguilty, and rather chose to die, then to cause his death who was innocent. This sentence being pronounced, the Zealous began to shout and cry with a loud voice, and they all were angry at the judges, who did not understand to what end that counterfeit authority was given them. Then two of the boldest amongst them set upon Zacharie, and killed him in the midst of the temple, and mocked him saying, thou hast now our Zacharie slain in the midst of the temple. sentence and absolution, far more certain than the other was; and presently they cast him down from the temple into the valley underneath: and then contumeliously with the hilts of their swords they did beat the judges out of the temple; yet they did not kill them, to the end that being dispersed through the whole city, they might tell the people as messengers from them, of their miserable captivity. The Idumaeans were now sorrowful for their coming: for they One of the Zealous discovereth their cruelty and barbarous dealing to the Idumaeans. misliked these proceedings: who being assembled altogether, one of the Zealous secretly told them all that their faction had done from their beginning; and that the Idumaeans had taken arms, because they were informed, how that the Metropolitan city was by the priests betrayed unto the Romans; but as they might perceive there was no proof nor sign of any such matter: and that in deed the Zealous who pretended themselves conservers of the city, were mere enemies; and The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's Nativity. 70. exercised tyranny over the Citizens even from their beginning. And although they had associated themselves with such wicked persons, and made themselves partakers of such and so many murders, yet thought now to cease from such wickedness, & not assist men so impious to destroy their country laws and religion. For although they took it in bad part that the city gates were shut upon them; yet now they were sufficiently revenged of those that were the cause thereof. Now was Ananus himself slain, and almost all the people in one night: whereof many of them ere long would repent, and that they might now themselves perceive the cruelty of them, who requested their aid to be more than barbarous: so that they blushed not to commit their villainies openly in the sight of them who had saved their lives; and their misdemeanour and impiety would be imputed unto the Idumaeans, because they neither hindered their mischievous practices, nor sorsooke their society. And that therefore it was their parts (seeing that it was now evident that the report of treason was only calumniation, and that no assault by the Romans was to be feared; likewise that an invincible force was established against the city) for to depart home, and by forsaking the society of the impious acquit themselves of their impiety, as being by them deceived, and so against their wills made partakers thereof. The Idumaeans were hereby persuaded, and first of all they loosed them that were in prison, in number two thousand of the The Idumaeans depart out of jerusalem. vulgar sort, and presently leaving the city, they went unto Simon; of whom we will speak hereafter, and so they departed home. Their departure was against the expectation of both parts: for the people not knowing that the Idumaeans were penitent for that they had done, rejoiced as now delivered from their enemies: and the Zealous grew more insolent and proud, as though they never had needed help, but now were delivered from them, in reverence of whom they abstained from villainy. So now they used no delay to effect their impiety: for they spent not much time in taking advise; but whatsoever seemed best unto them, presently without any delay they put it in practice. But chiefly they murdered those men that were strong and valiant: for they envied the nobility for their virtue: And they thought it a principal point first to be effected, not to leave any one man of account alive. Wherefore they slew amongst the rest Gorion a noble man of great birth and dignity, one who loved the people, and was very bountiful and a lover of liberty: so that there was Gorions death and Niger Peraita. none amongst the jews like him, who for desire of liberty and his other virtues was put to death. But neither could Niger Peraita escape their hands, a man who in the wars against the Romans had showed himself ●…aliant, who although he often cried out and showed the scars of his wounds received in defence of his country; yet they ceased not for all this most shamefully to drag him through the city: and being led out of the city, despairing of life, he entreated that he might be buried. But the barbarous people denying his request slew him. Who at his death besought God that the Romans might come and revenge it upon them, and that plague and famine and civil discord might light upon their city. Whose prayers God heard, sending all upon them which he did justly require, and first of all they were plagued with civil wars amongst niger's prayers took effect as the end testified. themselves. Niger being thus slain, they were freed from the fear that they had of him, how that he would resist their wickedness. There was no part of the common people, who were not by some forged tale or other put to death. For some were slain, for that long since they had borne arms against their own citizens, and they who were innocent in all points were put to death, for some occasion devised in the time of peace: and they who did not converse with them were murdered, as such that contemned them: and they that did freely and friendly converse with them were slain, as men that sought to betray them: and the greatest offenders, and the least offenders were all punished alike, to wit, with death, for no man escaped except he was either poor or of very base condition. CHAP. II. The civil discord amongst the jews. IN the mean while the Romans addressed all their courage against the city of jerusalem, The soldiers incite Vespasian to resort to jerusalem. and seeing them at great variance amongst themselves, thought this to be for their great advantage. Upon this they incited Vespasian their general, affirming that it was God's providence (who fought for them) that the jews should be at civil wars amongst themselves, and that therefore he should not overslip so good an opportunity: for the jews would quickly be friends again one with another, either by the weariness of civil wars, or else repenting themselves of that which they had done. To whom Vespasian answered, that they were ignorant The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70 Vespasian expecteth victory by the civil dissension of his enemies. what was to be done, being rather desirous as it were in a theatre to show their forces & strength, then with him to consider what was profitable and expedient. For (said he) if we presently assault them, our coming will make concord amongst our enemies, and so we shall bring upon ourselves their forces yet firm and strong: but by expecting alittle while they should have less ado to conquer them, their chiefest forces being destroyed by their own civil wars. And that God was more their friend than they were aware of, who without their labour and pain delivered the jews into their hands, and will give us the victory without indaungering of our army. And that therefore it was rather their parts to be as it were beholders of that tragedy, then to fight against men desirous of death, and troubled with the greatest evil that possi●…le could be, to wit, domestical sedition, and civil wars. And if any think that the victory is not famous being gotten without fight, let him know and consider the uncertain event of wars: and that it is better, if it be possible, to get a victory without bloodshed, than therewith to hazard the victory. For they who by counsel and advice do any worthy act, deserve no less praise than they, who by force of arms achieve a victory. Moreover, in the mean time that the enemy one destroyed another, his soldiers might take rest, and so be stronger and better able to fight when need should require. Beside that, it seemed not that there was so much haste required to get the victory: for the Jews neither prepared arms or engines of war, nor levied any forecs, nor sought for aid, and so by delay no damage could ensue: but that they would plague one another more by civil wars, than his army would by taking them and their city. And therefore whether they considered it best to abstain from assaulting them (who fought with one another) for security sake, or else for vain glory thought the honour of the victory diminished thereby, yet he held it not meet to fight against them, who were at civil wars amongst themselves; for so it would be justly said, the victory was not to be imputed to us but to their discord. The captains all consented, and thought this advise of Vespasians best: And presently it appeared Many citizens to fly the Zealous resorted to Vespasian. how profitable his counsel was. For every day manie●…led unto him to escape the hands of the Zealous: yet it was hard & dangerous to ●…ie, because all the ways were guarded with watchmen. And if any man upon any occasion whatsoever were taken upon the way, he was presently killed, as one who intended to have fled unto the Romans: yet he that feed the watchmen with money, escaped away safely; and he that did not, was counted as a traitor: so that only rich-men could escape, and the poor were left to the slaughter. The multitude of dead bodies that lay on heaps together was innumerable, and many of them who ●…d fled unto the Romans, returned again into the city, choosing rather to die there: for the hope they had to be buried in their native soil, made death there seem more tolerable. But they became so cruel, that they neither permitted them who were slain within, nor them without the city, to be buried. But like men The Zealous tytannize both over the living and the dead. that had now determined together, with their country laws, to abolish the law of nature, yea and by their impiety to pollute the sacred divinity with injustice, let the dead bodies rot above the ground, and whosoever attempted to bury any one of them that were slain, whether he were friend or kinsman, were presently put to death, and left unburied as men forsaking their city, and flying to the enemy. To be brief, nothing so much increased their calamity as mercy, for the wicked people were herewith, as it were, provoked to wrath, whose displeasure and cruelty was extended from the living unto the dead, and from the dead unto the living. And such fear fell upon the whole city, that those that were left alive, deemed them happy, that being dead, were at rest, and free from those miseries: and they that were in prison in respect of the torments they endured, thought themselves unhappier than they who lay unburied. All human justice was by them perverted, and they scorned and mocked at all divine and holy things, and proudly derided the oracles of the prophets, esteeming them as fables and jests. But having now contemned all laws established by their forefathers for the punishment of vice, and increasing of virtue, at last they found that true, which by them was foretold, concerning the destruction of themselves and their country. For there was an old prophecy, that when sedition reigned amongst them, and their own hands had first violated the temple of God and holy things; that then their city should be destroyed by war, & their holy places should be burned with fire, according to the use and custom of war. And the Zealous giving credit unto this prophecy made themselves the ministers of this action. CHAP. III. The year of th●… world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. How Gadara was yielded: and of the massacre there. But john, who long ago desired to be in chief authority, as tyrant over all the rest, thought it not sufficient to be in as great reputation as his fellows; wherefore by little john's pride and ambition. and little joining unto himself the most impious of all the Zealous, he divided himself from their union and fellowship: So that now every one perceived (in that he always neglected what others commanded, and imperiously commanded what himself thought good) that he affected principality; and many joined to him for fear, some for favour (for he had a smooth tongue, able to persuade them unto what he would) many also followed him thinking it better, that all the impiety before committed were laid to one man's charge in particular, then unto all men in general. Moreover, being a valiant man of his hands, and one able to give politic counsel, he wanted not followers, notwithstanding that many of the contrary faction left him, envying that he, who before was their equal, should now be their Lord and commander. Fear also terrified them from living under the government of one only man, for they thought The greater part of the con trarie faction fall from john. that if he once prevailed, he could not easily be overcome: and again, if he were deposed, that he would pick quarrels against them in the end, because that they resisted him in the beginning. So every man determined rather to suffer all misery in war, then to submit himself, and perish like a slave. Thus the sedition was divided, and john was chief of the faction against the Zealous: so between them they appointed garrisons in every place; and if by chance they combated together, they did little or nothing hurt one another, but their chief contention was who should bear most sway amongst the people: and they did strive on both parts who should h●…e the greatest part of the spoil. Thus the City at one time was vexed with three untolerable mischiefs and evils, to wit, war, tyranny, and sedition, and yet war seemed a less evil than the The tempest of three miseries assailed jerusalem at once. rest unto the commonalty. In brief, many leaving their native soil, fled unto strangers for succour, and found amongst the Romans safety, who with their own nation lived in continual danger. There was also then begun the fourth evil, which wrought the ruin of the whole nation. Not far from the City there was a Castle called Massada, builded by the ancient Kings of jerusalem, very strong to lay their treasure in, and their munition for war, and to retire themselves thereunto in time of need, for the safety of their persons. This Castle was taken and kept Of those desperate rebels that kept the Castle of Massada. by that sort of thieves that were called Sicarij, who for fear durst rob no more. These thieves seeing the Roman army now idle, and the jews in jerusalem at civil wars and sedition amongst themselves, they took courage, and again fell to their villainies. And so upon that day which is the feast of unleavened bread (which the jews do keep holy, in memory of their deliverance out of the Egyptian captivity) deceiving the watchmen, they seized upon a Fort, called Engaddi, and before the townsmen could arm and unite themselves together, they were by these persons driven out of the town, who also killed them that could not fly, to wit, women and children, to the number of more than seven hundredth, and so sacking the houses, and taking the fruits that were now ripe, they carried all unto Massada: and so they wasted all the villages and whole Country round about them, many wicked persons daily flocking unto them and joining with them: and by their example other thieves that a while had been quiet, now robbed Slaughter and desolation thorough jury. A Similitude. again, and spoiled in every part of judaea. And as in a body, if the principal member thereof be sick, all other parts of it are afflicted: so jerusalem being filled with tumults and discord, those that were without the City found licence to rob and spoil: and all they that had their towns destroyed where they were wont to inhabit, went into the wilderness. Then they assembling and uniting themselves together, not so many as an army, yet more than a company of thieves, they broke into the towns and temples; and as in war it cometh to pass, they purposed to assault them, by whom they had suffered such injury; but they were prevented, for the thieves understanding of their coming, fled with the spoil they had gotten. And there was no part of judaea that did not perish together with jerusalem their mo●…her City. Those that fled unto The sugitiue●… beseech Vespasian to assist the City and reserve ●…he rest of the people. the Romans certified Vespasian hereof: for although the seditious persons did keep and observe all passages, and kill them that offered to fly, yet many secretly stole away from them, and besought Vespasian both to help the oppressed city, and to take compassion upon the relics of their nation: affirming that many had been butchered for wishing well to the Romans, and many being yet alive, were yet in great danger. And Vespasian moved to compassionate their calamities came with his army nearer jerusalem, as though he would have besieged it, but in deed his intent was to deliver it from the siege, hoping in the mean time to conquer that part of the Country The ye●…re of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. that was yet untouched, and so to leave nothing to hinder him when he should begin the siege. Wherefore coming unto Gadara, the strongest place and mother City of all the Country beyond the river, he entered into it the fourth day of March: for the chiefest of the City unknown unto the seditious people, had sent Ambassadors to him, partly desiring peace, partly to save their goods and lives, and promised him to yield the town into his hands: for there were many rich men dwelling in Gadara: and their enemy knew not of their embassage, till they saw Vespasian at the City gates. And so despairing that they were able to keep the City, by reason they had in the town many enemies, more in number and stronger than themselves; and moreover seeing Vespasian even now almost at the City: and thinking it a shame to fly and not be revenged of their enemies; they took Dolesus (who was both a nobleman and chief of the City, and also the author of that embassage) and killed him, and for anger beating him after he was dead, they fled out of the City. Now the Romans army approaching near unto the City, the The Gadarensian●… entertain Vespasian with joy and acclamations. people of Gadara went forth and received Vespasian joyfully, who also confirmed a league betwixt them and him, and left them a company of horse and footmen to defend them against the incursions of the fugitives their enemies: for they themselves before the Romans requested it destroyed the City walls, that so they might show themselves to desire peace, in that destroying their walls if after they desired to rebel they could not. Vespasian then sent Placidus with five hundredth horsemen, and three thousand footmen to pursue those, that were fled out of Gadara, and he with the rest of his army returned to Caesarea. But the fugitives perceiving themselves to be pursued by Placidus, before he could overtake them, got into a town called Bethenabris: and finding there many young men, partly for that Placidus con●…ct with the fugitives. they ●…re willing, partly by force they compelled them to arm themselves, and so rashly they came against Placidus. Placidus and his army seemed a little to give back, to the intent to draw them further from the wall, and then having compassed them about in a fit place, they wounded them a far off with darts and arrows. Then the jews seeking to fly, were prevented by the horsemen, and they who offered to fight, were by the Roman footmen all put to the sword, never showing any sign of valour. For the jews assaulting the Romans being all environed and quite covered with their shields as with a wall, and not being able to break into their battle, they were slain by the Romans darts: but their darts could do the Romans no harm, and so like fierce and savage beasts they wilfully ran upon their enemy's sword, and so were slain, some having all their face cut with swords, some killed by the horsemen. For Placidus was careful to intercept their passage unto the town, and to hinder their recourse unto it, and brought those back again that fled towards it, using his darts, and killing those that were next him; and those who fled a far off for fear, he caused to return; till at last the strongest amongst them broke away, and got unto the town walls: And those that were within the City knew not what to do, for they would not shut the fugitives of Gadara out of the City, because they desired to let their own Citizens in; and again they perceived that if they let them in, they thereby should work the overthrow of the City, as it fell out indeed they did. For the gates being set open for them to come in, the Roman horsemen almost broke into the town with them, yet the gates were shut before they could get in. Then Placidus with all his soldiers assaulted the town, and fight a Placidus taketh and burneth Bethenabris. sore fight which continued even until the Evening, at last he got the walls, and the town, and slew the weaker sort: for the stronger fled, so the soldiers sacked the houses and then fired the town. They who escaped thence incited the whole Country to fly with them, reporting their calamities with the most, and affirming that all the Roman army was at hand: and so they put all the Inhabitants there in great fear; and having assembled a great multitude, they fled unto jericho, which place they put their confidence in, for that it was strong and populous. Placidus having horsemen, and being encouraged with his former victory pursued them unto jordan, and whom soever he overtook he slew, and at the river he fought with all the multitude there gathered together, and staying, because that the river being waxed deeper by abundance of rain, that had lately fallen, they could not pass over it. Wherefore necessity forced them to fight because they could not fly, and placing themselves Placidus victory over the fugitives. along the banks of the river, they there received the horsemen, and warded their darts; yet many for fear fell into the river; so the Romans slew there thirteen thousand, and the rest not able to resist, cast themselves into the river; which were an infinite number: also the Romans took two thousand and two hundredth men alive, and a hugh booty of Sheep, Asses, Camels, and O●…en. This massacre though it was no greater than the former, yet it seemed to the jews far greater, because that many all over the country flying were killed, and jordan was so filled with The year of the world. 4032. after the birth of Christ. 70. Placidus maketh use o●… his good fortune against the jews. dead carcases, that none could pass over it: and also the lake Asphaltites was full of dead bodies, brought thither out of divers rivers. Placidus having so good success, went into the towns and villages adjoining, and took Abila, Julia's, Besemoth, and all the towns even unto the lake Asphaltites, and placed in them garrisons of them that fled unto him: and afterward preparing ships and furnishing them with soldiers, he pursued them that were fled by water, and overcame them: and so all the country beyond jordan yielded unto the Romans, and even unto Machaeron all places were by them conquered. CHAP. FOUR How certain towns were taken, and the description of jericho. AT this time came news of the troubles in Gallia, and how that Vindex together with the Troubles in France. nobility of that countreyhad revolted from Nero, whereof we have made mention in another place. This news caused Vespasian to be more earnest to end the wars of the jews: for even then he foresaw the civil wars that ensued, and the danger of the whole Empire: and he thought that if he could before the beginning of those troubles end the wars in the East part of the world, that then Italy was not in so ●…uch danger. But Winter hindering him, he in the mean time placed gar●…sons in all towns and villages about the whole country, and placed decurions in every City, and repaired many places which he had before destroyed. And first of all he with his whole army that was at Caesarea, went to Antipartis, and there having settled the estate of that City, after his abode there two days, the third day he departed spoiling and burning all the country: as also all the country about Thamnia the Toparchy, and so went into Lydda and jamnia. But seeing that those two places submitted themselves unto him, leaving there such inhabitants as he thought good, he went thence unto Ammaus, and placing Vespasian visiteth all judaea. himself in the way to their Metropolitan City he there entrenched his army, and then leaving the fifth legion there, he with the rest went into the Toparchy of Bethlep●…on, firing it and all places thereabout; as also the borders of Idumaea: but he reserved there certain Castles in fit places, and fortified them. And having taken two towns in the midst of Idumaea, to wit, Begabri and Caphartopha, he slew there above ten thousand men, and took almost a thousand; and driving out the rest of the inhabitants, he left a great part of his army there, who made incursions and wasted all the high places thereabout: and he with the rest returned to jamnia, and from thence by Samaria and Neapolis, called by the inhabitants Mabortha, the second day of june he came into Corea: and pitching his tents there, the next day he came to jericho, where one of Vespasian cometh to jericho. his captains named trajan met him with the soldiers he brought from beyond jordan, which place he had conquered. But the multitude before the Romans came, fled from jericho into the high country over against jerusalem, and many that stayed behind were there slain. So he found the City desolate, being situate in a plain under a great mountain that is barren, which is of a huge length: for it reacheth on the Northside unto the borders of Scythopolis, and on the South unto the borders of Sodom and the lake Asphaltites. It is all rocky and not inhabited, because it beareth no fruit. Over against this near jordan is situate a huge mountain, beginning on the North side at Julia's, and reaching unto Bacra on the South, which is the limits of Petra a city of Arabia. In this place is that that is called the mountain of Iron, reaching unto the country of the Moabites. The country between these two mountains is called the great field, reaching from the village The grea●… field. Gennabara unto the lake Asphaltites, being in length two hundredth and thirty furlongs, and in breadth a hundredth and twenty, and in the midst it is divided by the river jordan. There are Two lakes Asphaltite and the Tiberian lake. also two lakes of contrary natures, Asphaltites and Tiberins, for one of them is salt and barren, but that of Tiberias sweet and fertile. This plain in summer time is burned with the heat of the sun, and the air is infected in all places thereabouts, save only about those which adjoin to jordan: and this is the cause that the palm trees that grow about the river side do flourish most, and are more fertile than the rest. near unto jericho there is a large great fountain, which A large fountain near jericho. plentifully watereth the fields thereabout, & runneth with a great stream out of the ground near unto the old City: which joshua the son of Nun general of the Hebrews took by war, the first of all that he took in the land of Canaan. It is reported that in the beginning the waters of this fountain did destroy all fruits of the earth, and also made women be delivered before their time, and to infect all places with diseases, & the plague; and afterward by Helizaeus the successor of Heli●… The year of the world, 4032. after Christ's birth 70. A miracle wrought by Helizaeu●…. ●…as made sweet and fertile. Who, being once courteously entertained by the inhabitants of jericho, did so reward them and all the country for that their kindness: and going unto the fountain he cast a pitcher full of salt into the water; and hard by lifting up his hands to heaven, & tempering with the fountain water certain sweet waters, he prayed God to qualify the rage thereof, to make it flow with more sweet streams: and besought God to give a better air unto the fountain, which both might cause plenty of fruits and also of children unto the inhabitants: & that the water might have the virtue to make women fertile, so long as they persisted in piety. After these prayers, with his hands he altered the fountain according to the knowledge he had: and from that time this fountain which before was the cause of famine and sterility, was now the cause of plenty and fertility. And it so watereth the ground, that where a little of it cometh, it doth more good than all the other waters which lie long upon it: and so they that water their grounds but a little with it receive much fruits; and they that water their grounds with it much, do not receive them in that measure: yet it watereth a greater compass of ground then other fountains: and in length it runneth thorough a plain seventy furlongs long, and twenty broad. There are most pleasant & goodly Orchards, and many sorts of palm trees growing by brooks Fruitful and pleasant gardens about jericho. sides, which are divers in the taste of their fruits; the fattest whereof being pressed, do yield a juice like honey, nothing inferior to other honey: yet there is great store of honey in that country, and the juice of balm, which is more pr●…ous than all fruits growing. There grow also Cypress trees & myrobalans: so that one may justly call that part of the earth divine, where what fruit soever is most dear and precious is in most abundance. Also in all other fruits it surpasseth all countries in the world: for it multiplieth and increaseth all things sooner there. The cause The cause why the ground about jericho is fruitful. hereof I judge to be the pleasant waters and warm nourishing air, which as it were inviteth all things to spring up, and then increaseth them: and the moisture causeth all things to take firm root; and also defendeth them from drought in summer time, when that country is vexed with such intolerable heats, that all things are as it were scorched, so that nothing then will grow; yet if they be watered with water drawn before sun rise, by the blowing of a mild & temperate wind they are refreshed, and it receives a contrary nature: in winter time it is as it were luke warm & temperate to them that go into it. The air of that place is so temperate, that when it snoweth in The air temperate and warm. other parts of judaea, and is extreme cold, the inhabitants in this place do only wear a linen garment. This country is distant from jerusalem a hundredth and fifty furlongs, and threescore from jordan, and all the ground between it and jerusalem 〈◊〉 desert and stony, and so likewise between it and jordan and Asphaltites, though it be lower ground than the other. Thus we have sufficiently declared the fertility of jericho. CHAP. V. The description of the lake Asphaltites. IT is worth the labour to describe the lake Asphaltites, which is salt and sterile; yet whatsoever is cast into it how weighty soever it be, it swimmeth above the water: so that one though he would upon purpose, cannot scarcely sink unto the bottom. Vespasian coming thither to see it, caused some to be taken who could not swim, and their hands to be bound behind them, and cast into the midst thereof, and all of them did swim aloft, being as it were borne up by the power of some spirit. Moreover it is admirable, how this lake thrice in every An admirable property of the Asphaltite lake. day changeth colour, and shineth diversly, according as the beams of the sun do sundry ways fall upon it. And in many places it casteth up pieces of black bitumen, in greatness and shape like a bull without a head, and these float above the water. They that get their living upon this water, finding this bitumen that is thus gathered together, draw it to their boats, and it is so tough and clammy, that having filled their boats herewith, it is not easy for them to get them away, but their boat is as it were fastened: so it hangeth upon the rest of that mass of bituminous matter, till it be separated from it by the terms or urine of a woman. This bituminous matter is good for to close the rifts of ships, and also to cure many diseases. This lake is five hundredth and eighty furlongs long, being extended unto Zoar which is in Arabia, and it is a hundredth and fifty furlongs broad. near unto this lake is the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, The land of Sodom is near unto the lake Asphaltite. sometime both fertile and rich: now all burnt, being (as it is reported) for the impiety of the inhabitants consumed with lightning and thunder. To be short, one may here behold as it were the sign and relics of that fire, that by God's appointment destroyed the place: for one may yet see as it were the fashion and tokens of five cities, and trees & fruits springing up in the ashes: The year of the world. 4032. after Christ's birth 70. Ter●…ul. in Apologet. cap. 39 which fruit to the eye seemeth like unto other fruits; but if you handle them they fall into ashes, and smoke. And so the report of the land of Sodom is known to be true to them that behold it. CHAP. VI How Gerasa was destroyed: of Nero's death; and of Galba and Otho: VEspasian desirous to be besiege jerusalem on every side, builded castles at jericho and Adida, and left there both the soldiers that came to assist him, and also Romans with L. Annius taketh Gerasa. them. And he sent L. Annius to Gerasa, giving him many footmen, and part of his horsemen, who at the first assault took the City, and slew a thousand young men, who thought to have fled, and lead whole families captive, giving the soldiers the spoil of their goods: and so firing their houses, he went to other places adjoining. They who were able fled, and the weaker sort who could not fly were slain; and whatsoever came in their way they consumed it with fire. Thus all places both mountains and plains being wasted and oppressed with wars, the inhabitants living at jerusalem had not whither to go, when they desired to fly from the Zealous by whom they were kept in. And they who were against the Romans, were kept in themselves, the City being on every side enclosed and compassed with the army. After that Vespasian was returned unto Caesarea, and with all his army purposing to go to jerusalem, news was brought him that Nero was slain; having reigned thirteen years and eight Vespasian hath tidings of Nero's death. days. Touching whom I will not recount how he did dishonour the Empire, committing the whole sway of all the commonwealth unto two most wicked men, to wit, Nymphidius and Tigillinus, and of least worth amongst all the Libertines: and how he being taken by the treachery of these two men; was forsaken of all his Senators; and so fled only with four trusty Libertines into the suburbs and there killed himself: and how that long time after, they that deposed him were punished for that offence: and how the wars ended in Gallia, and that Galba being created Emperor, returned to Rome out of Spain: and how he was accused Galba. by the soldiers, and by them killed in the market place, as one of base condition: and how Otho was declared Emperor, and led his soldiers against Vitellius his army: also Otho. Vitell●…. Vitellius his broils and his fight before the Capitol: and how Antonius' Primus, and Mutianus slew Vitellius, and so appeased the German troops and civil wars: Of all these I have refused to speak, because I hope that both the greeks and Romans have written these things at large, yet I have briefly recapitulated all to continue my History. After Vespasian heard these news of Nero, he deferred the siege of jerusalem, expecting Vespasian de●…erreth his siege at jerusalem. who should be created Emperor after him. And when he was certified that Galba reigned, he determined to do nothing; but lie quiet till such time as he also should write unto him his mind, whether he would have him proceed in those wars against the jews. And he sent unto him his son Titus both to salute him, and also to know his pleasure concerning the jews. Likewise King Agrippa went with Titus for the same cause unto Galba. But as they were passing by Achaia with long ships in winter time, as the custom is, news Galba is slain, and Otho governeth. was brought that Galba was slain, having reigned seven months and seven days. After whom succeeded Otho, who governed the Empire three months. Agrippa not terrified with this alteration, still kept on his journey to Rome. But Titus (as God would have it) returned from Achaia unto Syria, and so to Caesarea unto his father. They both were as it were in suspense what would ensue; and who should be Emperor, the Empire being so full of troubles, and so they neglected the wars against the jews, fearing their own country, and therefore thinking it an unfit time to assault strangers. CHAP. VII. The ye●…re of the ●…ld. 4033. after Christ's birth 71. Of Simon of Gerasa author of i new conspiracy. FOr all this the war at jerusalem was increased. For there was one Simon the son of Giora borne in Gerasa, young in years, and inferior to john, who now already had gotten the dominion over the city; yet was he in strength and boldness more excellent than john. This Simon being for this cause also d●…en out of the country of Acrabatena, where he was governor by the means Ananus the high priest, he came to the thieves that seized upon Massada. This Simon at his first coming, was so suspected to the thieves that they only permitted him Simon of Gerasa resorteth to the thieves. and the women that came with him to dwell in the lower part of the castle, & they themselves kept the higher part: yet afterwards his manners and behaviour were such, that they put confidence in him: for he was their captain always when they went to spoil, and rob any part of the country Simon assemble●… all robbers in the mountainous places. about Massada. So he feared not to persuade them to attempt greater matters: for being desirous of rule, after he heard that Ananus was dead, he departed into the high places of the country, and with the voice of a crier promised and proclaimed, that all bondslaves that would follow him should have their liberty, and all other should be richly rewarded; and so he gathered together all the wicked and desperate people in the country. And having now a large army, he rob and spoiled all the towns and villages there about; and his number daily increasing, he also now presumed to come into the plain countries: so that now cities stood in awe of him, and many potentates now feared him for his strength and prosperous success. And his army did not only consist in thieves and slaves, but now many people of the country came unto him, reverencing him as their Prince and king. So they made excursions into the Toparchie of Acrabatena, and into the greater Id●…maea. For he had fortified a town called Nain walled about, which he used for his defence like a castle. And in the valley called Pharan he made many caves, and found many already made, and in these caves he kept his treasure, and the booties he got: also all fruits of the earth that he rob and stole, there he laid up in store; as also munition for divers companies. And now no man doubted, but that being thus furnished with men and munition, he would go to jerusalem. The Zealous fearing this, and desirous to prevent him whom they every day did see increase his number, & to grow more potent against them; they armed many of their company, and went out to meet him. Simon was not daunted at this, but boldly encountered them, & gave them so sharp a battle, that he slew many of them in fight; and forced The fight between Simon & the Zealous. the rest to retire themselves into the town, yet having men sufficient he would not besiege the town; but first of all he purposed to subdue Idumaea, and so accompanied with twenty thousand armed men, he hasted towards the borders thereof. The princes of Idumaea understanding this, presently assembled five and twenty thousand armed men, and leaving at home sufficient garrisons to defend their country against the incursion of the Sicarij, which held the fortress of Massada, they accompanied with this train, went out and expected Simons coming into the borders of their country, where having met him they joined battle, and fought a whole day, yet neither party got the victory. Then Simon returned to Nain, and the Idumaeans home. Not long after Simon with a greater army than before, assaulted the borders of their country, and pitching his tents in a village called Thecue, he sent one of his companions named Eleazar, to them that kept the castle Herodium not far from that place, to solicit them to yield it unto him. The garrison there presently received him into the castle not knowing the cause of his coming. But so soon as he began to persuade them to treason, they all pursued him with their drawn swords, and he not having any place to fly unto, cast himself from off the castle wall into the valley underneath, and so presently die●…. The Idumaeans something fearing Simons forces, before they would offer him battle, thought it best to espy what Eleazar simon's fellow casteth himself headlong into the trench and presently dieth. james of Idumaea the betrayer of his country. number of men he had: to effect which business one jacob a ruler amongst them offered himself, meaning indeed to betray his country to Simon. So departing from Olu●…us where the Idumaeans forces were assembled, he went unto Simon, & first of all promised him to betray his country unto him, receiving of him an oath, that for reward of this deed he should always be next in dignity unto Simon himself, and so he presently promised to help to subdue all Idumaea. For this cause he was welcome to Simon and feasted liberally, and had great promises if he performed that which he offered: and then returned unto the Idumaeans, and feigned that Simons army was far greater than indeed it was. And so at last terrifying the governors of his country, and the people, he by little and little persuaded them to receive Simon, and without any more fight yield unto him the whole sovereignty over them. ●…cob studying to bring this his purpose to pass, privily The year of th●… world. 4033. after Christ's birth 71. sent messengers to Simon; willing him to come with his forces, and promising him to subdue the Idumaeans for him, which also he did. For when the army of Simon drew near, he first of all got upon his horse, and together with his associates that were partakers of his treason, he fled unto the enemy. Then fear fell upon the Idumaeans, and every one without any more ado departed home. Thus Simon against his own expectation, entered Idumaea without bloodshed: and Simon beyond all expectation entereth Idumaea without bloodshed. first of all assaulting a little village called Chebron, upon a sudden he took it, and in it an exceeding great booty, a great quantity of Corn and many fruits, which all he carried away. The inhabitants report that this Chebron is not only more ancient than all Cities of that land, but also then Memphis ●…n Egypt: for they affirm it to have been built two thousand and three Hebron an ancient City where Abraham's house was. A Turpentine tree that hath continued since the creation of the world. hundredth years since. They also say that this was the place where Abraham the father of the jews dwelled, after he forsook Mesopotamia, and that his posterity departed from hence to Egypt. And of this there are yet monuments in the City, richly wrought in fine marble. Six furlongs from the town there is an exceeding great Turpentine tree, which they affirm to have endured ever since the creation of the world until this day. Simon having obtained this place, from hence he invaded all Idumaea, and not only robbed and spoiled all towns and Cities thereof, but also he wasted and destroyed many territories: for besides his army, there followed him forty thousand; so that he could not find victuals sufficient for such a multitude. Moreover, besides this calamity that he brought upon Idumaea, he exercised great cruelty and outrage upon the Country, and so caused a greater spoil therein. And like as after locusts the trees and woods where they have been, are left without leaves: so wheresoever Simon had been, all the country from whence he came he left desolate. And either by fire or overthrowing it by ruinating places where he came, or else by treading upon it with the feet of Simon spoiled all Idumaea. his army, or by devouring such as they found, they left nothing standing nor growing either in field or town: and only by passing through fertile places, he made the fields harder than barren ground; & left no sign in places which he had destroyed, that ever they had been tilled. Hereat the Zealous were again moved, yet durst they not fight with him in open field, but placing ambushes in the way he was to pass, they took Simons wife, and many of her servants, and so came The Zealous take Simons wife. again into the City, rejoicing as though they had taken Simon himself. For they persuaded themselves that Simon would presently laying arms apart, come in humble wise and entreat them to restore unto him his wife. But Simon was not moved with compassion for the loss of his wife, Simons immanity & cruelty but with fury: and coming to the walls of jerusalem like a cruel beast that had been wounded, and could not come to them that hurt him, he killed and slew all he met. And taking them that went out of the City to gather herbs and wood, he caused them to be whipped to death, whether they were young or old: and this cruelty seemed only wanting in him, that he did not eat the flesh of the dead bodies. Also he took many and cut off their hands, and so sent them into the City, thereby to terrify his enemies and to recall the people from the Zealous: and bade them tell the Citizens, that except they presently restored his wife unto him, that he swore by The Zealous ●…nd back Simons wife. God who governed all, that he would break down their walls, and use all that he found in the City after that fashion, and that he would spare no age, nor respect the innocent more than the guilty. These his threats did not only terrify the people, but also the Zealous, in so much that they sent him his wife again, and so his anger being something assuaged, he ceased a while from daily slaughter. CHAP. VIII. Of Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian. NOt only in judaea, but also in Italy at this time were civil wars: for Galba was slain in Sedition thorough the whole Roman Empi●…e. the midst of the market, after whom Otho was created Emperor, and fought against Vitellius, who affected the Empire, whom the German legions had elected: So the battle being fought near unto Bebrias, a town in Gallia Cisalpina, the first day Otho got the victory against Valens, and Caecinna the Generals of Vitellius his army. But the day following they overcame Otho; & so many being slain on both parts, & news being brought that Vitellius his army had gotten the victory, Otho being at Brixels slew himself when he had ruled the Empire three months and two days. Then Othoes soldiers came unto Vitellius his Captains, and joined with them, and so Vitellius came to Rome with his army. In the mean time Vespasian the Vespasian onc●… more inuadet●… judaea. fifth day of june departed from Caesarea, and went unto those parts of judaea, which were yet unconquered: and first of all he went into the high Countries, and subdued the two Toparchies of The year of the world. 4033. after Christ's birth 71. Capharis submits to Cerealis. Acrabatena and Gophnitis, and after them two towns called Bethel and Ephrem, and placed garrisons in them, and so went unto jerusalem, killing many that he found in the way, and he took many captives. And one of his Captains called Cerealis, with a part of his horse and footmen wasted all the higher Idumaea, and in the way as he went he took Caphetra a Castle and burned it, & besieged an other called Capharis, enclosed with a strong wall: for the which ca●… he deemed that he should have made long abode there: but contrary to his expectation, the Inhabitants opened the gates unto him, and came and yielded themselves, beseeching him to be good unto them. When he had overcome them, Cerealis went unto Hebron an ancient City, and set Cerealis burneth the ancient City of Hebron. it on fire: this Hebron as I have already said, was situated upon the mountains, not far from jerusalem: and breaking into it by force, he slew all them that he found there, and fired the City. And having subdued all places, save only three Castles, to wit, Herodium, Massada, and Macheron, which were kept by the thieves, now only jerusalem remained to be conquered. CHAP. IX. Of Simons acts against the Zealous. WHen Simon had received again his wife from the Zealous, he went into Idumaea, to rob and spoil that which he had left, and chase the Inhabitants up and down, at last he forced them to fly unto jerusalem, & he himself followed them thither: and besieging the walls, he killed all the workmen he took, that returned out of the fields from their labour. T●…s Simon without the city, was more terrible to the people than the Romans; and the Zealous within the city crueler than them both, being encouraged and incited thereto by the counsel of the Galileans. For they had put john in authority: & john in reward thereof permitted all things to be done which they requested. There was no end of robbing & spoiling rich men's houses, and of slaughtering both of men and women; and now to injury any person was a pastime. And having with bloodshed obtained their prey in security, and without all fear after they had gotten what they The Zealous fill the whole City with iniquity. liked, they now began to lust after women: yea, they became themselves effeminate thorough luxuriousness, dressing their hair and clothing themselves in women's apparel; and they anointed themselves with sweet ointments, that their beauty might be pleasing; and anointing their eyes wantonlike, they now did not only imitate the attire of women, but also their impudency, and became so shameless, that they now thirsted after unnatural pleasures, as though they had kept a stews, and so profaned the whole City with their execrable impurities. Yet though they did effeminate their faces, their hands were prone to bloodshed; and although they lived in ignominious manner as people given over to pleasure: yet could they quickly become warriors, & under the habits of women drawing their swords, they did kill whom so ever they met. Whosoever escaped john's hands, Simon crueler, murdered; and whosoever escaped the tyranny within The way of flight was quite cut off. The discord between the Zealous and the Idumaeans. the City, was slain by the tyrant without. So now there was no way to fly unto the Romans. Furthermore the army of john began to be divided, for all the Idumaeans separated themselves from the other people, and there began a mutiny against the tyrant, partly envying his puissance, partly hating his cruelty. And so assaulting him, they slew many of the Zealous, and compelled the rest to fly into the King's house, builded by Grapta father of Izata king of Adiabena. The Idumaeans also broke in thither with them, and drove them from thence into the Temple, The fight of the Zealous with the Idumaeans in the Temple. and so seized upon john's treasure: for john lived in that palace and thither carried all his spoils. Then those Zealous that were dispersed in the City, came unto them that were in the Temple, and john purposed to send them against the townsmen, and the Idumaeans. But they feared not so much their forces, although they knew them to be the better warriors, as they did fear that now being desperate, they would steal out of the Temple in the night, and so slay them and fire the City. Wherefore assembling themselves, they deliberated with the priests how to avoid their assaults: but it pleased God to turn their own counsel to be their destruction, and that they should provide a remedy of safety, far worse than death itself. For to depose john, they devised to introduce Simon, and as it were to entreat yet another to tyrannize over them. So this counsel was thought best, and Mathias the Priest, was sent unto Simon (whom before they stood in great fear of) now to request him to come into the City. With them also came such as had fled from jerusalem, for fear of the Zealous, entreating him in like manner, because they desired to return to their wives and families. So he entered into the City proudly, promising them to be their Lord, and all the people Simon entereth the City with a great army. cried with loud voices as he came into the City, that he was their preserver, and giver of life and liberty. Being now within the City, presently he deliberated with them about him to establish The year of the world. 4033. after the birth of Christ. 71. his dominion, thinking as well them that called him into the City, as those against whom he was called, his enemies. Then john and the Zealous with him finding no way to come out of the temple, and having lost all that he had in the City (for Simon and his followers at his entrance took all that belonged unto him) began now to despair of his safety. And Simon being Simon assaulteth the temple wherein the Zealous kept. assisted by the Citizens assaulted the temple, and the Zealous placing themselves upon the porches and in towers of defence; made resistance, and hurtmany of Simons followers. For the Zealous were upon the higher ground on the right hand, and so had the vantage against Simon. And although by reason of the place wherein they were, they prevailed against Simon; yet they builded four high towers, that from thence they might shoot darts and arrows against Simons army. One of these towers they built upon the East side of the temple; another on the north; The office of the priests to sig●…e the beginning of the seventh day by the sound of a ●…umpet. the third upon a place opposite to the lower part of the town; and the fourth tower they builded upon the top of the place called Pastophorium, where one of the priests do use to stand before the sun set, and at break of day, to signify unto the people with the sound of the trumpet the beginning of the Sabbath, declaring thereby unto them, sometime holy days, and afterward that they might go about their business. In these towers they placed all kind of engines to cast stones, and men with slings. Then Simon perceiving many of his soldiers languish, was more remiss in his business: yet when his number increased, he came nearer: for a far off many of his men were slain with the shot of those engines. CHAP. X. How Vespasian was elected Emperor. AT this time the Romans were in great danger: for Vitellius was now arrived out of Germany Vitellius encampeth his army in Rome. with his army, bringing beside them an infinite multitude with him; so that his army was so great, that the place appointed for soldiers could not contain it: in so much that his army occupied all the whole City, and every house was filled with armed men. And they beholding the Romans wealth greater than ever they saw any, and admiring their abundance of gold and silver, not able to contain themselves they began to rob and kill whomsoever that sought to withstand them. And this was the estate of the affairs in Italy. Vespasian having wasted all about jerusalem, returned unto Caesarea, and there he understood of the troubles at Rome, and how Vitellius was Emperor. Hereat, though he knew as well to obey as to Vespasian knew both how to govern, and how to obey. be obeyed, yet was he moved to indignation, and disdained to call him Lord, who had as it were invaded and usurped the Empire, being destitute of a ruler. And much grieved hereat, he could not conceal his grief, nor follow wars against strangers, his own country being so endangered. But the distance between him and Rome did as much repress him, as anger incited him to seek revenge: for he considered that fortune might cause many alterations before he could get to Rome, especially it being winter: and so he sought to bridle his wrath which daily increased. But his captains with the soldiers did now openly consult of a change, and with The captains consult with the soldiers openly of a change. indignation did exclaim against the soldiers at Rome, who lived in pleasure, and never heard so much as the report of war; and that notwithstanding this, it was lawful for them to create whom they pleased Emperor, and under hope of gain they disposed of the common wealth at their own pleasure: where they on the contrary side having overpast so many labours and dangers, still continuing in arms till now, waxed old and grayheaded, and did suffer authority due unto themselves to be executed by others; when notwithstanding they had amongst them one who deserved the Empire, more than any one; and what recompense could they ever after make him? or what occasion could they find hereafter to show themselves grateful unto him for the benefits by him received, if they did now omit this occasion? And they thought that Vespasian was so much more worthy of the Empire then Vitellius, by how much they, who created Vitellius Emperor, were in very many respects much inferior unto them. For (said Vespasians shame●…astnesse and modesty. they) we have endured no less toil than those that came out of Germany: neither are we less valiant than they, who bring a tyrant with them out of Germany. And that no body would resist Vespasian: for the Senate and the people of Rome would not rather endure Vitellius his insatiable lust, than Vespasians chastity and temperance; nor a cruel tyrant, rather than a good and courteous Emperor; nor the son should by them be elected Emperor before the father. For true valour in an Emperor is a great defence of peace. Therefore if the Empire were due to aged experience, they had Vespasian; if to valiant youth, they had amongst them Titus: and that they might reap commodity by both their ages. And that they would not only assist him with the forces of the Empire having there three legions, beside the help of the kings; but also all the East The year of the world, 4033. after Christ's birth 71. The causes that moved the people to elect Vespasian Emperor. part of Europe was out of Vitellius his danger. Moreover, they had in Italy some that would assist Vespasian, to wit his brother and his son, whereof the one (they hoped) would get many young men to follow him, and the other was now made perfect of the City, which was no small step to attain unto the Empire. Lastly it might so fall out, that the Senate would declare him Emperor, whom now the soldiers being as it were their conserver, had neglected. This was first talked amongst the companies of the soldiers: at last exhorting one another thereto, they came and saluted Vespasian by the name of Emperor, and requested him now to preserve the Empire being in great danger to be lost. Albeit Vespasian had always been careful for The soldiers elect Vespasian Emperor. the good of the common wealth, yet he refused to be Emperor: deeming himself indeed to have deserved it: yet he rather did choose to live a private life wherein was security, then in the height of fortune and honour with perpetual danger. The captains were more earnest because he refused it; and the soldiers flocked about him with drawn swords, threatening his death except he would consent to live as he deserved: yet long time striving to avert this their determination, being loath to be Emperor; at last seeing he could not avoid it, he accepted their offer. CHAP. XI. The description of Egypt and Pharus. MVtianus and the rest of the captains who had incited him to the Empire, together with the whole army cried aloud, willing Vespasian to lead them against their common enemy. But Vespasian thought it best, first to settle the estate of Alexandria, knowing that Egypt for the supply of corn was the greatest and best part of the Empire: which if he once were sure of, he hoped that although Vitellius were stronger than he; yet he could bring him under perforce, because the people would not endure that for his sake the City should be famished: which would have come to pass, except they had supply of corn out of Egypt. Moreover he desired to join unto himself those two legions that were at Alexandria. He also thought that that country might be a defence and refuge for him, if any adverse fortune should betide him. For the country is not easy to be entered by an army, and the sea coasts have no havens nor harbours for to receive ships; on the West it bordereth upon the dry and barren part of Libya; The bounds of Egypt. on the South upon the frontiers which separateth Syene from Aethiopia, and the streams of Nilus not navigable; on the East it bordereth upon the red sea, which extendeth itself even unto the City Copton; on the North it is defended with Syria, and the Egyptian sea, wherein there is no haven. Thus Egypt is strong on every side. And reacheth in length two thousand furlongs The length and breadth of Egypt. from Pelusium unto Syene: and from Plinthine unto Pelusium they sail three thousand and six hundredth furlongs. And Nilus is navigable even unto the town Elephantine. Further, by reason of the downfals of Nilus also the haven at Alexandria is dangerous to come unto in time of peace: for the entrance into it is very straight; & beside that, the way goeth not directly on, but is made crooked by great stony rocks, and the left side is compassed artificially, but on the right side is the I'll Pharus, having a tower upon it exceeding great; so that the light in it is seen of A most high tower in the Island Pharos giving light to those that fail three hundredth stounds off. the mariners three hundredth furlongs off, that long before they come near it they may provide to bring their ships in with safety. This I'll is enclosed with most huge walls made by art, against the which the sea beating, and so returning back again, maketh the entrance into the haven more dangerous. Yet this haven within is very safe, and thirty furlongs long: so that whatsoever that country wanteth it is brought them into that haven, and whatsoever aboundeth amongst them which other nations need, is carried from thence all over the whole world. So that Vespasian did not unadvisedly seek to establish the estate of Alexandria, and dispose thereof for his own profit, being to begin his Empire. Wherefore presently he sent letters to Tiberius Alexander, who was governor of Alexandria and Egypt, and told him of the soldiers resolution; Tiberius Alexander governeth Alexandria & Egypt. and how that he seeing he could not avoid it, but that he was forced to take upon him the Empire, that now he requested him to help him in what he could. Alexander receiving Vespasians letters, agreed willingly thereto, and presently caused his army and the people also to swear unto Vespasian, which both of them did willingly, understanding Vespasians virtue by reason that he governed so near them. And so he having now leave, prepared all things to furnish himself like an Emperor and to be received like a prince. CHAP. XII. The year of the world. 4033. after Christ's birth 71. How Vespasian delivered joseph out of captivity. IT is incredible how quickly this news was carried into all parts of the world, to wit, Vespasian by common voice is created Emperor and crowned. that Vespasian was declared Emperor in the East; and now all cities rejoiced and made triumphs, and offered sacrifices for his fortunate success. Moreover the legions in Moesia and Panonia, who not long before were revolted from Vitellius by reason of his cruelty, did now willingly swear obedience to Vespasian. Vespasian returned by Berytum to Caesarea, where many Ambassadors came unto him, bringing him crowns, and applauding and rejoicing at his good fortune, who came out of Syria, and all other places thereabout. There was also present Mutianus governor of those parts, who brought tidings how joyfully all the people received him for their Emperor, and how that they had all sworn obedience unto him. So all things falling out prosperously on Vespasians side, and fortune for the most part inclining as he desired, he began to think with himself that it was God's providence that he was made Emperor, and that a just destiny had brought him to that estate. And so he called to mind all tokens and signs (as there had happened many, which did foretell that he should be Emperor) and amongst the rest he remembered that which joseph had told him; who, Nero being yet alive, presumed to call him Emperor, and so he admired the man whom as yet he kept in hold. And calling Mutianus and the rest of his friends together, first of all he told them how valiant joseph had been, and what a Vespasian consulteth with his captains about Joseph's liberty. do he had to win jotapata only because of him; and then his prophecies which at that time he esteemed only fables, feigned upon fear; yet now time and event had proved them true. Affirming it an undecent thing, that he who had been the foreteller of his exaltation, and had bee●…e a messenger unto him from God, should still continue in bonds like a captive, and be left in adversity. So calling for joseph, he commanded him to be let loose. This fact of his made the captains under him hope for great reward at his hands, seeing he had been so kind to a stranger. Titus being there present said, It is meet O father, that as you acquit joseph from captivity, so you also take away the shame of that which he hath already endured. For if we do not only untie joseph discharged out of bonds and rewarded. his chains, but also break them in sunder, he shall be as though he had never been in bondage: for this is the manner used for redress, when any one being guiltless is committed to bonds. Vespasian hereto agreed, and so one came with an axe and hewed his chains in pieces. Thus was joseph rewarded for his prophecy, and so hereafter he was esteemed worthy to be believed. CHAP. XIII. Of Vitellius his death and manners. WHen Vespasian had answered the Ambassadors, and justly disposed of all the rulers of Vespasian bethinketh himself. to return to Rome his army, according to every one's merit, he now came to Antiochia, and there did deliberate whither to go first, and it seemed best to him to go to Rome, rather than to Alexandria: for he knew that Alexandria was quiet and firm, but Rome was troubled by Vitellius. Wherefore he sent Mutianus into Italy with many footmen and horsemen, who fearing to go by sea, went through Cappadocia and Phrygia, for it was winter time. Now Antonius Primus who was governor of Moesia brought from thence the third legion remaining there, and came to war against Vitellius. Vitellius sent Caecinna to meet him with a great army, who departing from Rome, presently met with Antonius at Cremona a town of Gallia, situate upon the confines of Italy, and there beholding the discipline and multitude of the enemies, durst not fight with them: and thinking it very dangerous to fly, he plotted treason, and so calling unto him the Centurions and Tribunes vnde●… his government, he persuaded them to go and Caecinna persuadeth the soldiers to forsake Vitellius and honour Vespasian. join with Antonius, debasing Vitellius his power, and extolling Vespasians: affirming the first to have only the bare name of the Emperor; and the last to have also all virtues meet for an Emperor. Moreover that so it would be better for them to do that of their own accord, which otherwise they should be compelled unto; and seeing themselves all ready overcome in number, so also now willingly prevent all danger. For Vespasian was able without their assistance to subdue all the rest: but Vitellius was not able with their help to keep that he had: speaking much to this effect, he persuaded them to all that which he would have done. And so he with his whole army joined with Antonius. The same night the soldiers repenting themselves of that they had done, and also fearing that Vitellius should get the upper hand who sent them against Antonius, drew their swords, and The year of the world. 4033. after Christ's birth 71. Caecinna is apprehended for treason. would have slain Caecinna. And had done it, had not the Tribunes come and entreated them to the contra●…e: wherefore they did not kill him, but kept him bound, meaning to send him to Vitellius as a traitor. Primus Antonius hearing this, came with his army and assaulted them who were revolted from him, and they a while resisted; yet at last, forced to retire, they fled unto Cremona. And Primus, accompanied with horsemen, prevented their courses, and so slew the most of them before the city; and afterward setting upon the rest, gave his soldiers the spoil of it, wherein many merchants of other countries and many townsmen were slain, and all Vitellius his army, thirty thousand and two hundredth men: and Antonius lost in that battle four thousand & five hundredth of those, whom he brought with him out of Moesia. And delivering Caecinna from prison, he sent him to bear news hereof to Vespasian: who coming unto him was praised for his fact, & greatly honoured above his expectation, in reward of his treason. Sabinus who was Vespasian honours Caecinna with unexpected honours, & is acqu●…ed of treaso●…. Sabinus taketh the capitol an●… leaveth Vitellius. at Rome hearing that Antonius was at hand, greatly rejoiced, and took courage: and gathering together the companies of the watchmen in the night time, he took the Capitol, and in the morning many of the nobles came & joined with him: and Domitianus his brother's son who was a great cause and help to obtain the victory. Vitellius little esteemed Primus, but he was angr●…e against Sabinus & those that had revolted with him, & as it were naturally thirsting after the blood of the nobility, he set all the army he brought out of Germany with him, to assault the Capitol, where many valiant deeds were showed on both parts: and at last the Germans being most in number, got the Capitol hill. And Domitian with many brave noblemen, as it were by the providence of God escaped safe, the rest of the multitude were there slain. And Sabinus was carried to Vitellius, and there by his commandment put to death: the soldiers taking away all the gifts and treasure in the temple set it on fire. The day after came Antonius, and Vitellius his soldiers met him, and fight in three several places of the city, they were all slain. Then Vitellius came drunk out of his palace, and being full gorged with delicate meat, he was drawn through the midst of the people, and after many contumelies slain, having reigned eight months, and Vitellius slain five days: who if he had lived longer, I think verily the Empire had not been sufficient to have maintained this gluttony. There were slain above fifty thousand of other people. And this was done the third day of October. The day after Mutianus with his army came and entered into Rome, and repressed the soldiers of Antonius, who still sought about in every place for Vitellius soldiers, and many other of his favourits, and slew whom they thought good, not examining any matter by reason of their fury: and bringing out Domitian, he declared unto the people that he The people of Rome proclaim Vespasian Emperor. was to govern the city till his father came. The people being delivered from fear, proclaimed Vespasian Emperor, and made feasts and triumphs both under one, for his establishing in the Empire, and for joy that Vitellius was deposed. CHAP. XIIII. How Titus was sent by his father against the jews. WHen Vespasian came to Alexandria, news were brought unto him what was done at Rome. And Ambassadors came unto him from all parts of the world to congratulate him. And although next after Rome this city was the greatest in the world, yet was it scarcely able to receive the people that came thither unto him. Vespasian now being established Emperor of all the world, & the commonwealth of the Romans being contrary to his expectation freed from troubles, he now began to think upon the relics of judaea. And so he himself, winter being ended, prepared to go to Rome, and in the mean time he hastened to dispose of all things at Alexandria. Moreover, he sent his son Titus with certain chosen men to destroy jerusalem. Titusrepaireth to jerusalem. Who departed from Alexandria unto Nicopolis by land, which is distant from it twenty furlongs, & there he did ship his men & so sailed along the river Nilus by Medensia unto Thmuin, & there landing his men, he came to the city called Tanis. And the second place he rested in was the city Heraclea, & the third Peleusium: & there resting & refreshing his soldiers two days space the third day he passed the borders of Peleusium, and having gone one days journey through the wilderness, he pitched his tents at the temple of jupiter Cassian, & the next day at Ostracine, where there is no water, but all that the inhabitants do use, they bring from other places. After that he rested at Rhinocolura, and from thence in four days he came to Raphia, where begin the Titus cometh to Caesarea and gethereth his forces there. borders of Syria, & the fifth day he lodged at Gaza, & from thence to Ascalon, and so to jamnia & joppes, from whence he went to Caesarea, purposing to gather the rest of the soldiers there. THE six BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 6. book. 1 Of the three seditions in jerusalem. 2 How Titus went unto jerusalem to see their strength, and how he was in danger. 3 How the jews did issue out upon the Romans pitching their Tents. 4 Of the fight within the City upon the feast of unleavened bread. 5 Of the deceit the jews used against the Roman soldiers. 6 The description of jerusalem. 7 The jews refuse to yield, and assault the Romans. 8 Of the fall of the tower: and how two of the walls were won. 9 How Castor the jew did flout the Romans. 10 How the Romans did twice get the second wall. 11 Of the mounts raised against the third wall, and a long Oration of joseph, persuading the jews to yield, and of the famine within the City. 12 Of the jews that were crucified, and how the towers were burnt. 13 How the Romans in three days space built a wall about jerusalem. 14 Of the famine in jerusalem: and how they built another tower or mount. 15 Of the massacre of the jews, both within and without the City. 16 Of the sacrilege about the Temple: and the dead bodies that were cast out of the City: and of the famine. CHAP. I. Of the three sorts of seditions in jerusalem. Titus' being thus come out of Egypt by the desert into Syria, he departed The ye●…re of th●… world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. A three fold sedition in jerusalem. from thence unto Caesarea: for there he purposed to set his army in order. And whilst yet he was with his father Vespasian at Alexandria, disposing of the Empire that God had given him, it happened that the sedition at jerusalem was divided into three parts, whereof one part fought against another, and one may say, it was a good turn that they were so equally divided. We have already sufficiently declared who were the Authors and beginners of the faction of the Zealous, whose tyranny over the City was the ruin thereof: and one may well call this a sedition raised out of a sedition; which, like a cruel and savage beast in penury and want of others, turned his cruelty against his own bowels. So Eleazar the son of Simon, who was the first that in the Temple divided the Zealous from the people, feigning himself to be displeased with that which john every day did; yet in truth, for that he envied that a more tyrant of later time than himself should be his ruler, desirous to obtain the principality, and make himself mighty, he revolted from the rest: and with him judas the son of Chelcias, and Simon the son of Ezron, two of the most potent amongst the●…. Besides them, was also Ezechias the son of Chobarus a Nobleman, and all these had many of the Zealous following them, and getting in The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. possession the inner part of the Temple, they set a guard in the entrance and in the sacred gates, trusting in their abundance of all necessaties: for there was great store of sacred provision, and they thought it no impiety to use it, yet fearing their small number, they permitted many of the company that were killed, to remain in the places where they were slain. john was superior in multitude and number, but inferior by the inequality of the place: and having his enemies above his head, he could not without danger make incursions, & yet for anger he would not cease to persecute his enemy: notwithstanding that thereby his part had more harm than those of Eleazar's side, yet he still assaulted them though to his own cost: thus many assaults were continually made and many darts cast, and all the Temple was profaned with murders. And Simon the son of Giora (whom the people being in despair, invited to be their leader, in hope that he would have assisted them, having in his hands both the higher part of the City, and the greater part of the lower) did now more boldly then before assault john and his followers, because they were assailed by those above them: yet he being as it were beneath john and his adherents, he sustained as much loss at their hands, as john himself did at theirs above him. So john had double wars, and as Eleazar harmed him because of the higher place wherein he The fight between john and Eleazar. was, so likewise did he damage Simon for the like cause: and easily without any labour did repulse all his assaults, which he made being in the lower ground, and terrified by engines those that cast darts at him from the top of the Temple: for he used all engines to cast darts and stones, and Simon & john skirmish in the temple. killed many not only of his enemies, but also of them that were offering sacrifices. For although that they were carried headlong unto all vice, yet they permitted those that would, to offer sacrifice, watching and diligently guarding them of their nation. For the strangers that came thither for devotion were not mistrusted: yet afterward that they had entreated these wicked people to permit them to sacrifice, they when they had done were a pray for them, and consumed by this sedition. For darts and other shot with force of the engines came into the Temple and Altar, and slew the Priest at the Altar. And many who came from the uttermost parts of the world unto Great slaughter in the temple. that holy place, were slain even as they offered sacrifice, and so imbrued the Altar with their blood, which all the greeks and barbarous people did reverence: and strangers and the Priests being now profaned, were forced to be amongst the dead bodies, and the place about the Altar stood full of blood of men that were slain. O miserable City! what didst thou suffer at the Romans hands, to be compared unto this, although they entered with fire to purge thee from iniquity? For now thou wast no longer the house of God, neither couldst thou endure being made a Sepulchre of thine Inhabitants, and having by civil wars made the holy Temple a grave of dead bodies. Yet mayest thou once again come into better estate, if first thou appease God's wrath, that hath made thee desolate. But I must not give place unto sorrow and write a lamentation of my miserable Country, seeing I have undertaken to write a History of all things that passed there. Wherefore I will recount the residue of the impiety of these seditious. The seditious people being divided into three companies, Eleazar and his followers, who had the keeping of the holy first fruits, and all the sacred oblations, came against john, when they were drunk. And they who followed john spoiling the people, assaulted Simon, and the City did succour Simon. Wherefore when john was assaulted on both sides, he turned some of john assaulted on both sides. his soldiers against Simon, and the rest against Eleazar: and against Simon he used darts cast from the porches of the Temple: and against Eleazar he used engines for shot. And always so often as they above his head ceased (as they often did being either weary or drunken) he freely assaulted Simon and his men. Also as far as he drove them into the City, so far did he fire all, and burn houses full of Corn and other necessaries: and that which he left unburned, Simon at his return (when john was gone into the Temple) set on fire: As if upon purpose to the great advantage of the Romans, they had consumed all that was provided against the siege; so did They of jerusalem had well nigh burnt all their Corne. they destroy their own forces and strength. To be short, all was consumed with fire about the Temple, and the City was made a plain ground to fight in, and all the Corn was burnt that might have sufficed the City many years, and so they were taken by famine, which they could not have felt, had ●…hey themselves not caused it. The Citizens were in every place a pray unto those that were seditious on one side, and to them that besieged the City on the other side, and like a great body torn in pieces between these two. The old men and women astonished A wretched calamity in jerusalem. with these calamities, prayed for the good success of the Romans, and desired some foreign war to deliver them from their civil disagreement. And forthwith great fear and terror fell upon them all: beside, it was no time as now to take The year of ●…he world. 4034. after the 〈◊〉 of C●…st. 7●…. counsel to change their minds, nor hope of agreement or of flight to them that desired it. For all plac●…s were kept, and the rebels within, whomsoever they perceived to wish peaceably to the Romans, or offer to fly unto them, they presently killed them as their common enemies. And all these wicked persons agreed in this, to wit, to put the just men to death, who best deserved to live. Day and night nothing could be heard save only the noise of them that sought one against another; yet the lamentable cries of them that lived in a perpetual fear was far more miserable, Lamentation and mou●…ng in 〈◊〉. who every day had new causes and occasions of sorrow given them: yet durst they not publicly lament for fear; and so not daring to show their grief, they secretly sorrowed, & now ●…o man observed any reverence to them that were alive amongst them, nor took any care to bury the dead. The cause of both which was, that every man despaired of himself. For whosoever were not joined with the seditious, grew to be careless of all things, as making account presently to die a thousand deaths. But the seditious gathering the dead bodies upon heaps; The cruelty of the sed●… in Ier●…alem. continued their fight, and troad upon them, and as it were encouraging themselves by the dead under their feet, they became more cruel, still devising one pernicious practice or other; and presently executing whatsoever they devised without any commi●…eration; omitting no way to murder, and leaving no tyranny unattempted: so that john abused the holy things o●… the temple john made use of the wood that was kept for holy uses to make engines of. to make engines of war. For before time when the priests and people had determined to underprop the temple and build it twenty cubits higher, king Agrippa with great cost and charges brought them very goodly timber sufficient for their purpose from mount Libanus. And this work being prevented by wars, john took them, and seeing them fit for his purpose, he erected a tower to fight against those that assaulted him from off the temples which he bullt along the wall over against the chapterhouse, that standeth on the West side of the temple: for he could build it in no other place, by reason that all other places were filled with stairs. And having thus impiously provided engines, he hoped hereby to destroy his enemies. But God showed his labour to be in vain, and before he could prevail against them, he brought the Romans against the City. For after that Titus had now gathered together part of his army, and by writing appointed The order of Titus army. the rest to meet him at jerusalem, he departed from Caesarea, having three legions that lately under the conduct of his father Vespasian had wasted all judaea, and the twelfth legion that sometime under Cestius were overcome, and put to flight by the jews: who though they were otherwise valiant enough; yet they desired to fight against the jews to revenge themselves for that disgrace. Titus commanded the fist legion to meet him at jerusalem, and go by Emmaus, and that the tenth legion should march by lericho: the rest he took with himself accompanied with the king's forces that came to help him; having now more help then before; and many also out of Syria. Titus also brought men with him to supply the number that was wanting, being sent by Vespasian with Mutianus into Italy: For he brought two thousand chosen men from the legions at Alexandria, and three thousand followed him from Euphrates, together with Tiberius Alexander his chiefest friend, and one next him in most authority, who before was governor of Egypt, and as then thought a fit man worthy to be governor of the army; for that he was the first that did entertain the Emperor being new elected, who faithfully joined with Vespasian, though yet he knew not what success he should have: and he was present with him in all his affairs as his chiefest counsellor, renowned both for his wisdom and experience. CHAP. II. How Titus went to jerusalem to see their strength, and how he was in great danger. Titus' being now to go into the country of the enemy, caused all those that came to help Ti●…us cometh to judaea. him to march in the foremost place: after whom followed they that were to mend the ways, and to pitch the tents: and after them they which carried the baggage of the rulers and governors of his ●…my, and with them the armed soldiers. Next after these came Titus himself accompanied with chosen men, and with him many that bore his colours: next, the horsemen going immediately before the engines. And the Prefects and Tribunes with certain chosen men, and their companies followed. After them the Eagle with many other ensigns: and the trumpets went before them. And after them followed the army marching six in a rank: then the multitude of servants that followed every legion did drive their baggage before them: lastly came the hirelings and those that were appointed to guard them. Marching in such comely & warlike The year of the ●…ld, 4034 aft●… C●… birth 7●…. manner, as the Romans are wont, he came by Samaria into Gophna, which place was already conquered by his father, and then also was under the custody of the Roman garrisons. And staying there one night, he departed from thence the next day: and after a days journey he pitched his tents in a place which in the jews language is called Acanthonaulona, that is, the valley of thorns, near unto a village named Gabath Saul, which signifieth the valley of Saul, which is almost thirty furlongs from jerusalem. From thence accompanied with six hundredth chosen horsemen, Titus repaireth to jerusalem, to found the dispositions of the people. he went to jerusalem, to view how strong it was, & of what courage the jews were, to see if peradventure at sight of him they would yield without any further war for fear. For Titus understood (and it was true) that the people desired peace, but they were oppressed by the seditious, and so durst not attempt any thing being not able to encounter or resist the rebels. Titus riding along the high way that went strait to the walls saw no man all the way: but turning aside towards the tower Psephinos with his horsemen, an infinite number presently issued out by the towers of women, at a gate opposite to Helen's tomb; and broke his rank of horsemen into two parts, and opposed themselves, hindering those horsemen that were yet in the high way to Titus in danger. come and join with the rest that had crossed the way, and so did single out Titus accompanied only with a few men. So he could go no further for the ditch of the town wall on one side, & for the garden pales on the other side: and there was no hope for him to return unto his soldiers, the enemies being between him and home. And many of his soldiers not knowing their General Titus fighteth valiantly with his enemies. to be in any danger, but supposing him to have been amongst them still, fled away. Titus seeing that he had only his own valour to trust unto, turned his horse against his enemies, and with a loud voice exhorted his followers to do the like, and so he broke violently into the midst of them, hastening to get unto his company. It was evident at that time that God giveth the victory, and hath a particular care of kings and princes and Emperors. For notwithstanding that an infinite number of darts and arrows were shot at Titus, and he had no armour at all (for as we have already said, he came to espy & not to fight) yet had he not one wound, but all past him; as though upon purpose every one had striven to have missed him. But Titus with his sword made way, and cut many upon the face that opposed themselves against him, and so they falling down he with his horse passed over them. The jews seeing Titus his valour, cried and exhorted one another to set upon him; but whithersoever he turned, the jews fled, and would not abide by it: Titus putteth his enemies to flight, and returneth in safety to his camp. likewise those soldiers that were in the like danger with him, came of either side him and behind him. For no man had any hope to save his life, but only by making themselves way with Titus before they were so enclosed and oppressed. So of two of the most valiant amongst them one was slain, and his horse likewise: the other was slain, and his horse taken by the jews. And Titus with the rest of his followers came safe into the camp. And the jews getting the first victory, rashly took courage, and that encouragement being of moment, made them very confident a long time after. CHAP. III. How the jews did issue out upon the Romans pitching their tents. SO soon as the legion that was to pass by Ammaus, was joined to the rest of the army that night, Caesar presently the next morning removed, and came to Scopos, where he might perfectly view the City and the temple on the North part, where the ground adjoining unto the City is very low, and is properly called Scopos, being distant seven furlongs from the City: and there Titus commanded two legions to encamp themselves, and the fifth Titus' camp was 7. stades off the City. legion to retire three furlongs further off, to the intent that the soldiers who were wearied with travailing all night, might entrench themselves without fear or danger. No sooner had they began their work, but presently the tenth legion came, who were to pass by jericho, which Vespasian had already subdued, and had placed there a garrison. This legion was commanded to encamp six furlongs from jerusalem, near mount Olivet, which is opposite to the East part of the City, and is enclosed with a deep valley called Cedron. This great and huge army so suddenly arriving, presently stayed the wars within the City: and these three sects of seditious people beholding with admiration the Romans camp, became friends, and made agreement amongst The seditious agree among themsel●…es. themselves. They began also to question one with another what fury caused them to suffer themselves to be enclosed with three walls to their prejudice and loss of their lives: and seeing such preparation of wars towards, that they should be as it were beholders of that which was done, keeping themselves quiet; and not providing to resist the assaults of their enemies: and some The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. cried, we are only valiant against ourselves, and we by our sedition massacring one another shall betray our city into the Romans hands. Thus they being assembled together, exhorted one another, and presently arming themselves, they issued out of the city, and assaulted the tenth legion, and with a huge cry set upon the Romans The citizens assail the Romans. that were entrenching themselves in the valley. The Romans being every one appointed to do some business for the furtherance of that work, and for that cause the most of them having laid down their weapons (for they thought the jews durst not have made any excursions, & although they would, that yet they were hindered being at variance amongst themselves) they were troubled above measure, and presently leaving the work, some fled; many arming themselves to fight, were slain before they were prepared to resist. The multitude of the jews was daily increased because that at the first they got the upper hand, and notwithstanding their number was small, yet did they think themselves many: and so did the Romans think them to be, because of their good fortune. The Romans who were always wont to observe military discipline and order, at that time by their sudden assaulting; were so troubled, that they observed no order, and so fled: yet whensoever they turned again upon them that followed them, they easily wounded the jews, partly because that they were so earnest, that they did not greatly seek to defend The jews drive the Romans from their camp. themselves, and also they did easily stay the jews from pursuing them. Yet the number of them that pursued them still increasing, they were also more troubled, and so at last forced to forsake the field, and leave their tents: and the whole legion had been in greater danger had no●… Titus, having present news hereof, speedily came and succoured them, and upbraiding their cowardliness recalled them from flight; who with them, and the chosen men he brought, encountering the jews on one side, he slew many of them, and wounded divers, and put the rest to flight, and forced them into the valley. The jews being now in the lower ground, and having endured much at the Romans hands, since fortune frowned upon them, turned again, & having the valley between them, they fought with the Romans. And thus the fight continued till the midst of the day. A little after midday Titus guarding the rest with those that he brought to succour them, and placing others, to prevent the excursions of the jews, he commanded the rest to ent●…ench The fight of the jews with the Romans. themselves in the top of the mountain. The jews thought the Romans had fled, and their sentinel upon their walls making a sign unto them by shaking his garment up and down, a great multitude of them ran so violently upon the Romans, as though they had been savage beasts, so that none of their enemies were able to withstand them; but as though they had been stricken with some engine, so all of them were diversly scattered & forced to fly into the mountain. But Titus in the midst of the side of the mountain remained alone, having but a few with him; notwithstanding his friends, who for the love they bore to their Emperor, stayed with him, and abode the danger, did earnestly persuade him to fly from the jews, who desperately ran The Romans are dispersed by the jews, and driven to the mountain upon their own deaths, and not to endanger himself for them, who ought rather to abide it than he: And that he should think upon his own estate, who was not a soldier, but general of them all, and Lord of the whole world, and that he should not abide when all others fled so fast, and in such danger. But he made as though he heard them not, and opposed himself against them that offered to assault him; striking them upon the faces, and killing them that made resistance, and he pursued them down the hill, and so forced them to retire. The jews amazed at his valour, did not yet fly into the city, but avoided him on both sides, and fled into the valley: then again pursuing them that fled from them, yet Titus crossing them as they went hindered their Titus' valour against the jews. pursuit. In the mean time those that were encamping themselves above, seeing them beneath put to flight, were discomfited, and all fled, thinking that they were not able to resist the jews, and imagining that Titus was likewise fled: for had they thought that he had stayed by it, they never would have forsaken their quarters; yet being now terrified they knew not wherefore, some fled one way, and some another without any order, till some seeing the Emperor in the midst of the Fear and trouble among the Romans. battle, and fearing the mischance that might be●…ide him, they with loud cries signified it unto the whole legion. Then the Romans turning again for shame, and accusing themselves guilty of a great offence in forsaking their Emperor amidst such danger, came with all the violence they could use against the jews, and driving them down the mountain, forced them to retire; yet the jews fought flying, and seeing the Romans to have the upper hand of them, because they were upon higher ground, they departed into the valley. Titus assaulted them that were opposite The jews fight in their retreat and are driven into the valley. against him, and so commanded the rest to go and finish their trenches. And he with those that before were with him to defend the workmen, did now also keep the jews from molesting them. So if I may speak without ●…atterie or envy, Caesar himself did twice preserve The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. the whole legion from destruction, and gave the soldiers opportunity to entrench themselves. CHAP. FOUR Of the fight within the City upon the feast of unleavened bread. During the intermission of the foreign 〈◊〉; they fell to their former sedition again, which caused civillwars amongst them. And against the feast of unlevenedbread, which is the fourteenth day of April (for upon this day the jews say that they were delivered out of john entereth and seizeth the inward temple, and all the furniture thereof, putteth the Zealous to flight, and raiseth a mighty sedition. the bondage of Egypt) Eleazar and his companions opened the gats, to the intent 〈◊〉 all that would might come in to adore and do their devotion. But john used this festival day as a means to effect his deceit; and caused many of his company that ●…vere unknown, to enter in amongst the people with weapons under their garments, giving them charge wh●… they were within to get possession of the temple: and so soon as they were within they cast off th●… garments, and showed themselves to be in armour. Presently a great tumult arose within the ●…ple for all the people that were not of the sedition thought themselves betrayed: and the Zealous thought this ●…reason only practised to prejudice them, and so leaving the gate which before they kept, and leaping down from the towers, they never offering ●…o fight, fled into the vaults about the temple. And the people flocking about the altar, and others who were driven into the temple, were killed with clubs and swords, and so trodden upon. And many were slain upon private h●…ed under pretence to be partakers with the enemies. And whoso●…er before time had offended any of those traitors, he was put to death, as though he had been one of the Zealous. But they, who had cruelly raged against the innocent, let the wicked have leisure to escape out of those caves, whereby they had no harm: and having gotten the ●…inner part of the temple, and all belonging thereunto, they did now more confidently then before fight against Sim●…: and thus the sedition A threefold sedition divided into two parts. Whatsoever abou●…●…alem 〈◊〉 hollow or troubled with●… valleys is filled up. that was before divided into three parts, was now brought only into two. Titus being desirous to bring his army nearer the city, sent a certain number of horsemen & foot, which he thought sufficient to hinder all excursions of the jews from Scopos, and another company he sent to plain all the grounds betwixt him and jerusalem, who ●…ting down all hedges and pales, and fences and wood (though they were fruit trees) filled the valleys and made it all plain ground, and hewing down all stones that standing up made the ground unequal, they plained all that ground from Scopos even unto Herodes monument, which adjoined to the ●…ake of Serpents called sometime Bethora. CHAP. V. Of the deceit the jews used against the Roman soldiers. ABout this time the jews devised this stratagem against the Romans. The most courageous amongst the seditions people went out unto the places called the women's towers, and counterfeited themselves to be driven thither by them within the city that desired peace, and for that they feared the Romans, they were come thither to hide themselves one behind another: others standing upon the walls, and counterfeiting themselves to be the citizens, with loud cries desired peace, and a league of friendship; promising to set the city gates open, and inviting the Romans to enter, and crying thus they also cast stones against their countrymen before spoken of, as though they did drive them from the gates; and they made as though they would by force break through the people, & come to the gates, partly by force, partly by entreating the people to permit them. And making many offers to go unto the Romans, they turned again like men troubled in mind, and studying what to do. The Roman soldiers did not perc●…e their subtle meaning, who seeing the seditious ready to fall into their hands, that so they might punish them, and seeing the people (as they thought) ready to open the gates unto them, would in post haste have gone unto the city. But Titus inspected some deceit coloured with this kind inviting The alacrity of the soldiers among the Romans contrary to Titus' 〈◊〉. him to enter, because he did not see any reason for it. For the day before having by joseph off●…red them a peace, he understood that the●… minds were far from any peaceable cogitations: wherefore he now commanded the soldiers to keep their quarters and not to remove; yet some of them appointed to work in the trenches taking their weapons ran unto the gates, and the jews who seemed to be driven out of the city first fled; at last when they came unto the gates of the towers, they enclosed the Romans round about, and assaulted them upon their backs: The year●… of th●… world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. and they that were upon the walls; did cast all kind of darts and stones upon them: so that they slew many and wounded very many; for it was not easy to escape from the walls, others being behind them and offering them violence. Moreover they were ashamed that their Captains had so offended, and in fear for their offence committed, both which caused them still to persever in it. The victory of the jews. And after a long conflict receiving many wounds, and giving as many, at last they put them to flight that enclosed them, and so the jews departed, and followed them unto Helen's monument, pursuing them with darts. And then the jews returned rejoicing in their good fortune; and deriding the Romans for being so deceived, lifted up their shields and bucklers, shouting and rejoicing. The Roman soldiers were received of their Captains with threatenings, and of Caesar with this speech. The jews lead only with desperation do all things with advise and counsel, devising deceits, and fortune favoureth their practices because they are ordered, and trusty to one another. And now the Romans, whom for their obedience and discipline fortune was wont to favour, do chose offend herein, and for their rash and unadvised fight are overcome: & which is worst of all, in Caesar's presence offering to fight without their Captains. Truly the milita●…e Caesar's sharp Oration to his soldiers. law & discipline will be grieved hereat, & my father not a little sorrowful to hear of this. For he who from his infancy unto old age, hath been trained up in arms, yet did he never offend in this sort: and what shall we say to our law which punisheth the least offences against them committed with death, when our whole army doth disobey their emperors command? But (quoth he) they who so arrogantly have disobeyed our command, shall presently understand that amo●…gst the Romans, victory against the General's command is an infamy. Titus having thus spoken in anger unto the Captains, evidently declared unto them what and how he purposed to punish them. And they presently despaired; as though by and by they were justly condemned to die. But all the other legions flocking about Titus, besought him to pardon their fellow soldiers, and to remit the offence of the rashness of some few, for the obedience sake of all the The Roman soldiers beseech Titus for their fellows in arms. rest: affirming that their future valour should be a sufficient recompense for this their offence. Caesar was herewith pacified, partly thinking what was most profitable, partly for the entreaty of the rest: for he purposed to punish one man only, and to rebuke the rest, and signify unto them his displeasure, and so he was reconciled unto his soldiers, straightly charging them to be more wise hereafter: and after he devised how to be revenged upon the jews for this deceit. When all the ground between the walls of jerusalem and his army, was in four days made plain; Titus being desirous safely to conduct the baggage and the rest of the multitude in safety, he placed the strongest of all his soldiers every one in his rank seven by seven, and caused them to march from the North part of the City unto the West, all along without the City walls, placing the footmen in the forefront, and in the last place the horsemen three in a rank, and between them both the Archers. So the jews not able now to make any excursions, Titus soldiers being thus disposed of, the baggage of the three legions; and the multitude passed along without How and in what places Titus besieged jerusalem. any danger. And Titus himself being now within two furlongs of the City walls, pitched his Tent against that corner of the wall that is called Psephinos, where the compass of the wall from the North bendeth into the West: the other part of the army entrenched themselves against that part of the wall that is called Hippicos, distant in like manner two furlongs from the City. But the tenth legion remained still in mount Olivet where it was before. CHAP. VI The description of jerusalem. THe City was compassed with a threefold wall on every side, save only on that part The treble wall of jerusalem. where it was enclosed with valleys unaccessible: for on that side it had only one wall. It was built upon two little hills, one of them being opposite unto another, and separated one from another with a valley, which was wonderfully replenished with houses. One of these hills whereon standeth the upper part of the City, is far higher and steeper than the other, in so much that because of the strength of it, King David in times past called it a Castle. The Castle of David. (This David was the father of king Solomon, who first builded the Temple in that place) but we at this day call it the high market place. The other hill called Acra, is the place where the lower part of the City standeth. Opposite against this hill, there was also another lower than this Acra was: Acra sustaineth the lower part of the City. which was first divided from it with a large valley, but afterward at such time as the Asmoneans reigned they did fill up this valley, to the intent that they might join the City to the Temple, The year of the world. 4034 after Christ's birth 7●…. The fountain Siloa. and cut down the top of Acra and so made it lower, that it might not hide the Temple. The valley by which we have said the two higher hills are separated one from another, is called Tyropoeon, reacheth unto Siloa (which is a fountain abounding with sweet water.) Without the City were two hills, compassed with deep valleys, and being enclosed with high rocks, they were on every side inaccessible. The most ancient of the three walls by reason of the valley about The older wall it and the hill whereupon it stood, could not easily be taken: and beside the opportunity of the place, it was very strongly built, at the cost and charges of David, Solomon, and other kings. This wall beginning at the tower called Hippicos, reacheth unto that called Xystus, and afterward being joined unto the Palace, it endeth in the West porch of the Temple: on the otherside towards the West it beginneth at the same tower, and passing by the place that is called Betiso, it descendeth into the gate of the 〈◊〉, and so into the South, and from thence again it bendeth into the East, where also is Salomon's pond, and reacheth unto the place called Ophlan, where it is joined unto the East porch of the Temple. The second wall beginneth at the The second wall. gate that is called Genath, which is a gate of the former wall, and it only compasseth the North part of the City and reacheth unto Antonia, a Castle so called. The third wall beginneth at the The third wall tower Hippicos, from whence it goeth into the North part, and from thence it cometh unto the tower Psephina, over against the Sepulchre of Helena that was Queen of Adiabena, and mother of king Izates, and passing along by the King's caves, it turneth towards the tower near the monument of Fullo, and in the valley called Cedron it joineth with the old wall. Agrippa compassed that part of the City that he built with this wall, it being before all open without defence. For the City grew so populous, that by little and little they were forced to inhabit some part without the walls: and this wall reached a great way, being joined unto the hill next the City on the North side of the Temple. There was also a fourth hill inhabited, named Bezetha, situate ●…ezetha the fourth hill. against Antonia, but separated from it with very deep ditches, which were made of purpose, lest that the foundation of Antonia being joined unto it, it might be easier to come unto, and seem lower: for the deepness of the ditch maketh the tower seem much higher than otherwise it would. This place being added unto the City, is called in that Country language Bezetha, which signifieth the new City. And the Inhabitants desiring that part to be fortified, Agrippa father to this Agrippa that finished the wall, did begin that wall afore mentioned, and fearing lest Claudius Caesar hearing how sumptuous a wall he built, should mistrust Agrippa's cost in building the wall. that he purposed to revolt, he only laid the foundation of it, and so left it unfinished. For the City could never have been taken by force, if he had finished that wall as he began it, it being builded with stones twenty cubits long, and ten cubits broad, which could neither easily be underminded, nor battered with engines: and this wall was built ten cubits high, and no doubt had been raised higher, had not his liberality who began this building been hindered. Yet again by the jews industry the same wall was raised twenty cubits high, the battlements hereof were two cubits high, and the tower three cubits, and in all it was twenty and four cubit high, as before. Upon the wall were three towers twenty cubits broad, and twenty cubits high built four square very strongly, and was builded of as firm a foundation as the wall itself, which for the building and fair stone, was not inferior to the temple above. Within this strong tower, which reached twenty cubits high, were rooms for men to dwell in, and cisterns to receive rain water, and large turning stairs to go into every place there: and this The third wall had 50. towers third wall had fourscore and ten 〈◊〉 these towers, and between every tower were two hundredth cubits space. The middle wall had foverteene towers, and the old wall had threescore, and the compass of the whole City was three and thirty furlongs. And although the third wall was admirable, yet the tower of Psephina, which was built upon a corner of the wall, between the North and the West part of the City, had a certain excellency of more wonder, against which Psephina was seventy cubits high. part Titus had encamped himself: for it was seventy cubits high, so that from thence upon a clear Sunshine day, one might discover Arabia, and see the uttermost parts of all the dominions of the Hebrews unto the sea, and it had eight corners. Just opposite unto this was the tower Hippicos, and near unto it were other two, that king Herode builded upon the old wall, which in bigness, beauty, and strength, did surpass all others in the whole world. For king Herode, beside his natural liberality and desire to adorn this City, did also for his Herod called three towers by the names of three his most dearest friends. own pleasure so beautify this building, that it might excel all other, and dedicated them to three most renowned personages; whose names they also did bear, to wit, to his brother, his friend, and to his wife, she being (as is aforesaid) put to death for jealousy; the other two being slain in wars after they had fought valiantly. The tower Hippicos called by the name of his friend had The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. Hippico. 85. cu●…its high. four corners, and every one of them were five and twenty cubits broad, and as many in length, and thirty cubits in height, being in no place hollow: and above the high places and stone work there was a well to receive rain water twenty cubits deep: and aloft of it were houses with double roofs twenty five cubits high, and divided into many rooms and above them were battlements two cubits high, and turret's three cubits high: so that the whole height was accounted to be fourscore and five cubits. The second tower that by his brother's name he called Phasaelus, was in breadth and length forty cubits, and so many cubits high, in figure of a square pillar, all which height was solid and not hollow within: and above this a porch ten cubits high, decked with turrets and pinnacles. Over the midst of this porch he builded another tower distinguished into goodly rooms and sumptuous baths, that it should not want any thing necessary for a prince: on the top it was beautified with turrets and pinnacles; so that all his Phasaelus 90. cubit's hig●…. height was almost fourscore and ten cubits: And it resembled the tower Pharus at Alexandria, wherein continual light is kept to guide the seamen that sail thither, saving that it had a greater compass than it. And in this house now at this time did Simon lodge, who tyrannised over the people. The third tower was, according to the Queen's name called Mariam the wife of Herode, Mariam a goodly tower 55. cubits high. twenty cubits high, all solid, and other twenty cubits broad, having more magnificent and beautiful houses and lodgings than the rest. For the king so thought it mere that the tower called by his wives name, should be more beautiful than they, who only bore the names of other men, like as they were stronger than this that bore the name of a woman. This tower was in all 55. cubits high. Notwithstanding these three towers were of such height, yet by reason of their situation they seemed far higher: for the old wall whereupon they were built was placed upon high ground, and the top of the hill whereupon they stood was ab●…e thirty cubits high, whereby their height was much increased. The greatness also was admirable, for it was not ordinary stone which men might bear, but all white marble, whereof every stone was twenty cubits long, and ten cubits broad, and five cubits thick: and they were so coupled one to another, that every stone by itself seemed a tower; and so cunningly conjoined by workman's hands, that every tower seemed one stone. And these were placed on the North side of the City; and adjoining to them within the City; was situated the king's palace, surpassing all that can be spoken of it: The king's palace. which for greatness and excellent work may be compared to all that were in the world. It was compassed about with a wall thirty cubits high, and adorned with goodly towers round about, every one of like distance from other, beautified with dwelling houses and lodgings for a hundredth of the nobility. The variety of the marble it was built withal, was admirable, all sorts being there used that were never so rare to be found: and the tops of these houses for the length of the beams and the beauty thereof passed all credit; and the multitude of rooms and diversity of buildings, all filled and adorned with household-stuff and furniture. And in every room there were many vessels of gold and silver, and many porches round about, one answerable unto another, and pillars in every one. And there were many pleasant walks replenished with divers trees, and many walking places or allies, all beset with conduits that spouted up water on high, and cisterns full of brazen images, from which ran out water: and about the water many dovehouses full of tame pigeons. But it is unpossible sufficiently to declare the riches and beauty of the king's palace, and a grief to think what goodly things, and how rich the thieves did there The king's palace burnt by the thieves and rebels. set on fire: for these things were not burnt by the Romans, but by the seditious thieves (as is before said) at the beginning of this rebellion, who consumed all with fire even from the Castle Antonia from whence the fire came, and destroyed the king's palace, and the covers and tops of the three towers. The temple was, as is before said, built upon a hard mountain, and at the first The temple builded upon a most strong hill. the plain upon the top thereof was scarcely big enough to contain it and the temple yard, the hill being very steep. But when king Solomon, who also built the temple, had compassed the East part thereof with a wall, he also placed a porch upon the rampire, and so for many ages after it lay unfenced on other parts, wherefore the people every day bringing earth thither, at last made it plain and large enough: and breaking down the North wall, they took in all that space which the temple hath continually occupied even until now: and the hill being now enclosed with a threefold wall, it was a work passing all expectation in building. To the effecting whereof many ages were spent, and all the holy treasure offered unto God even from all parts of the world All the sacred treasures spent in the building of the temple. were employed therein, as well in the buildings of the higher as of the lower part of the temple; the foundations whereof, were laid three hundredth cubits deep, and in many places more: yet could not all the height of the foundations be seen, being now buried in valleys that were filled The year of the world, 4034 after Christ's birth 72. up to make them equal with the strait streets of the City. The stones of this building were of forty cubits: for the abundance of treasure and liberality of the people did effect that which was scarcely possible: and that which all men thought could never have come to pass, in time and by industry came to perfection. The building was answerable unto these foundations. For all the porches were double, and every one was supported by pillars, each of them being five and twenty cubits high, and all of The porches were builded of white marble stone sustained by pillars. one piece and of white marble: the top whereof was all of Cedar, whose natural beauty for the good conjoining of this wood & polishing thereof, did astonish all that beheld it, being adorned neither with painting nor carved works. These porches were thirty cubits broad: and the compass of them altogether, with the fort of Antonia, was six furlongs. All the ground whereon stood no building was curiously wrought & paved with all sorts of stones. The way to the second temple was all enclosed with stones of lattice work, which were three cubits high, and most beautifully wrought along: in which place also were placed certain pillars equally distant one from another, to show the law of purification; some being written upon in Latin letters, other some in Greek, forbidding all strangers to enter into the holy place, for the second temple is called the holy place. To go unto the second from the first, one must pass up fourteen stairs, and it was foursquare aloft, and enclosed with a wall by itself; whose outside being forty cubits high, was all covered with stairs to ascend up into it, and within it was five and twenty cubits high: for all the part of the inner side was not seen, because it was built on the descent of a hill. After the fourteen stairs there was a plain made level with the wall of three hundredth cubits: from thence passed on five other stairs which lead unto the gates, whereof on the North side and the South there were eight, four on each side, and two on the East. For it was necessary that there should be a peculiar place for women to exercise their devotion in, which also was enclosed with A peculiar place destinated for women for religion sake. a wall. And so it was necessary there should be two doors: and against the first gate there was opposite unto it one gate on the North side, & another on the South, both separated from the rest, whereby one entered into the place allotted for women; for it was not lawful for any to pass by any other gate unto the women, neither could they go beyond their own door because of the wall: for that place was common both to the women of that nation, and also to all strange women that came for religion sake. There was no gate on the West part, but a wall that reached all along in that place: Between the gates were porches opposite one against another, reaching from the wall unto the treasure house, supported with great and goodly pillars, being as plain and fully as big as they below. The gates were covered with gold and silver, as also the posts and Some of the gates were of gold, some of silver, and one of Corinthian brass. foreparts thereof were, one only excepted that was covered with Corinthian brass, far surpassing in beauty the other that were covered with silver or gold. In every gate there were two doors, each one thirty cubits high, and fifteen cubits broad: and after the entrance where they were made larger, every one had on each side seats thirty cubits long, and large like a tower, and forty cubits high, each one supported with two pillars twelve cubits thick. And all other gates were of like greatness, but that which was covered with Corinthian brass, which was the entrance into the place allotted for the women, and opened into the East gate of the temple, doubtless was bigger than the rest: for it was fifty cubits high (the gates whereof were forty cubits) and was more richly adorned then the rest: for the cover of gold and silver was thicker than it was in the rest, which Alexander Tiberius his father had melted, to cover all the nine gates. And there were fifteen stairs, that went from the brickwall that separated the women, unto the great gate of the temple: for these stairs were shorter by five degrees, than those that went to other gates. The temple itself was situated in the midst of all, to wit, the holy Sanctuary, The sacred sanctua●…ie. and had twelve stairs to go unto it. The forepart whereof was in height and breadth a hundredth cubits: and behind, it was forty cubits outright: and before, it was as it were two shoulders on each side rising up in height twenty cubits. The first gate here of was seventy cubits high, and twenty five wide, and had no door: for it signified that heaven was spread all over & might be seen in every place: and all the foreparts were gilded with gold, and all the first building did appear and might be seen without, and all that was within and about the gate glisteren with gold. The inner part thereof was divided into two rooms, whereof only the first room might be seen, which was in height fourscore and ten cubits, and in length forty, and in breadth twenty. The inner gate was (as is already said) all gilded with gold, and all the brickwall about it, and above it: it had a golden vine, whereon were hangging clusters of grapes all of gold, every cluster being as long as man is high. And because the height was seeled above, the inner temple did seem to be lower than it was without, and it had golden gates five and fifty cubits The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. high, and sixteen cubits broad. It had hangings also of the same length, which was a Babylonian vail, all wrought with violet and purple silk and scarlet, admirable to behold: the permixtion of which colours had a mystical The Babylonian vail of admirable workmanship. The signification of the vail. meaning, bearing as it were the signification of the whole world. For the scarlet doth seem to express the fire, the silk signifieth the earth, the violet showeth the air, and the purple declareth the sea; partly in their colours resembling them, partly also as having their beginning from them: for the purple is engendered in the sea, and the silk is produced by the earth. In this tapestry work was curiously wrought and deciphered all the speculations of the heavens, only the celestial signs excepted. Being entered within, you come into a lower place of the temple, which was three score cubits high, and as many in length, and twenty in breadth. Again this place was divided into two, whereof the first part contained forty cubits, having in it three most admirable things, Three admible works. The candlestick, the table and censor. and famous throughout the world, to wit, a candlestick, a table, and the altar of incense: upon the candlestick seven lamps were placed, which signified the seven planets (for so many did there come all out of one stem of the candlestick) upon the table were standing twelve loaves of bread, signifying the twelve celestial signs, and revolution of the year. By the altar of incense, out of which proceeded thirteen odours, coming partly from the sea which is inhabitable, and partly from the earth, which is inhabited, is signified that all things are in the hands of God, & subject to yield him obedience. The inner part of the temple contained twenty cubits, which likewise was separated from the other part by a vail, and nothing was within it: and this place was the holy of holies, and no man might enter, look into it, nor violate the same. On each side of the lower temple, there were many lodgings and doors to pass into, every one of them having three roofs one above another: and there was a gate which led unto both sides of the temple, and unto these rooms: but the higher part of the temple had nor the like rooms on each side, and therefore it was made so much narrower than the other, yet was it higher than it by sorue cubits, neither was it so gorgeous as the lower. For the whole height was a hundredth cubits, and the ground thereof sixty. The uttermost part was so curious and richly wrought, that it was unpossible The outward court of the temple covered with many plates of gold. for any one to imagine any workmanship that it wanted: for it was all covered with a massive plate of pure gold, which shined far more bright than the morning sun, so that it dazzled the eyes of the beholders, as doth the sun when it is gazed upon. And a far off it seemed unto strangers that came thither like a white mountain: for where the temple was not gilded with gold, there was it milk white. The top hereof was all set full of rods of gold, very sharp at the upper end like pikes, lest the birds should come and sit thereon, and so defile it: many stones where withal it was built were five and forty cubits large, five cubits in length, and six cubits broad. Before the temple there stood an Altar fifteen cubits high, being forty cubits broad, and as many long, and four square, having corners made like horns. The way to this Altar was on the south side, where it by little and little mounted from below even unto the Altar. This Altar was builded without iron, and never iron did touch it. The temple and the altar were enclosed with stone-work; beautiful to behold, which was a cubit high, separating the people from the priests. Those that were troubled with a flux of their seed, and lepers, were expulsed out of the city; and women also having their monthly courses, and those that were not unclean might pass this foresaid limit. Likewise men that were not purified were not permitted to come within the inner temple, & those that were, might not come amongst the priests: those also that descended from the line of the priests, & for blindness did not administer their function, were notwithstanding admitted into the place appointed for the rest of the priests that were sound, and had a share as they had; yet did they go attired as laymen, for only he that did sacrifice might wear priestly attire. The priests that came unto the altar and temple had no infirmity; and they were clothed in a fine linen garment, and abstained from wine, and lived in abstinence for reverence of religion, The priests in the old testament abstained from wine and were sober lest they should sin whilst they offered sacrifices. The high priest also ascended with the priests into the temple; yet not always, but only every seventh day, and in the Kalends of every mouth, or on a festival celebrated according to the custom of their country, or wherein all the people were present. And then he sacrificed being girded with a vail, which covered his thighs even unto his privities, under which beware a linen garment hanging down unto his feet, and above it a round violet garment all fringed at the skirts, and hanged full of golden bells, and The high priests garment. pomegranates of gold, first one and then another: the bells signified thunder, and the pomegranates lightning. Upon his breast he wore a vesture of five colours, to wit gold, purple, scarlet, silk and violet, which also (as we have said) the veils of the temple were wrought withal. He had likewise a The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. The precious stones in the high priests garment. rotchet of the same, wherein was more gold, and in shape it was like the garment he wore on his body down to the thighs: it was also buttoned with two golden buttons, made in the form of Asps, wherein was enclosed the greatest & most precious Sardonych stones that could be found, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraven in them. On the other side did hang 12. precious stones, three and three in a rank, divided into four rows. In the first was the Ruby, the topaz and the Emraud: in the second the Carbuncle, the jasper and the sapphire: in the third the Acate, the Amethyst, and the Diamond: in the last the Onyx, the Beryl, and Chrysolite; in every one of which one name of the twelve tribes was written. Upon his head he wore ●…miter of silk, which was crowned with Hyacinth: and aloft of it was another crown of gold, wherein was engraven sacred letters, to wit the four vowels. He did not always use this garment, but an other most commonly not so gorgeous: this he used when he entered into the sanctuary, which he did only once every year alone, none else going with him, upon which day all the nation was want to fast. But we will hereafter speak more at large of the city and temple, the laws and customs, the ordinances and observations; for these things cannot be briefly declared. The castle Antonia was situate in a corner of the two porches of the first temple, which looked unto the West, and the North: and it was builded upon a rock of stone fifty cubits high, which The description of Antonia. on every side was inaccessible: this first was builded by king Herode, to show the greatness and magnificence of his mind. For first of all the rock at the foot thereof, was all covered with thin, and slender stones like slates, which did both adorn it, and would also easily slide down, if any one walked upon them. Before the battlements of the fort there was a brickwall three cubits high, within the which the castle Antonia was built forty cubits high, being within all furnished, and contrived like the palace of a king, having all kind of houses of office, and other necessary rooms. For there were porches, baths, and large hals, for to place tents in: so that for all convenient rooms and places, it seemed to be a city; and for the magnificence thereof a king's palace. In outward fashion it was built like a tower, and environed about with four other towers, at Antonia not much unlike the city. every corner one, whereof they that were on the South and East side were threescore and ten cubits high, the other two were only fifty, so out of these two highest one might have a perfect view of all the whole temple. Where it ioyened unto the porches of the temple, there was on either side a pair of stairs, for the soldiers to come down out of it into the temple. For always the Roman soldiers lodged there, and guarded the temple in armour upon festival days, lest the people should attempt any rebellion or sedition. For the temple was as a castle to keep the town in awe, and the castle Antonia to overthrow the temple: there also were placed the soldiers: likewise in Herodes palace, which served for a castle over the higher part of the city. The hill Bezetha was divided from the city as is before mentioned, which being the highest of all, was joined unto part of the new city, which did obscure the view of the temple on the North side. And thus I have here spoken sufficiently of the city and the wall in this place, because we mean hereafter to describe them more at large. CHAP. VII. How the jews refused to yield, and how they assaulted the Romans. THe most warlike of all the people joined with Simon, being in number ten thousand, beside the Idumaeans: and those ten thousand had fifty captains of their own fellows, yet all subject unto Simon. The Idumaeans that took his part were five thousand, and had Fifteen thousand follow Simon. ten captains, the chief of whom were jacob the son of Sosas, and Simon the son of Cathla. And john, who kept the temple, had six thousand armed men, over whom were twenty captains: and then there came unto him two thousand of the Zealous, and four hundredth, who before had followed Eleazar and Simon the son of jairus. So these warring one against another, the people was their booty, and the multitude that were not seditious as they were, was their prey. Simon kept the higher part of the city, and the greater wall even unto Cedron, and all that part of the old wall which is between Siloa and the palace of Monobazus, Simons camp against john. who was king of Adiabena, that lieth beyond Euphrates: he also kept all the hill Acra (which is the lower part of the city) unto Helenas palace, who was Monobazus his mother. But john kept all the temple and the space about it, Ophla, and the valley Cedron: and that which was between these two places which Simon and john kept, was all consumed with fire, and made a place to fight in. For although the Romans tents were pitched near unto the walls of the city, yet did not this sedition cease, but having recovered some security a while at the Romans first coming, presently they returned unto their former wont. And dividing themselves again, The year of th●… world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. every man fought for his own part, doing all that the Romans could wish to be done. For the Romans did them no more harm than they did themselves: for after them the city suffered no new calamity; but endured far more misery before it was taken and destroyed by the Romans, than it did at that time. For the Romans in destroying it did rather end their misery, then bring The sedition took the City and the Romans overcame & took the sedition. them into it. For the seditious did take the City, and the Romans did overcome and take the seditious, which was far stronger than the walls: so that one may ascribe all their miseries to their own nation, and equity and justice unto the Romans, as every one shall clearly see by that which ensued. The City being in the estate before said, Titus with chosen horsemen went up and down Titus circuring the wall, seeketh which way he should attempt his battery. without it, to espy where he might most easily assault the walls. And being in doubt a long time what to do, for that where the valley was, footmen could not possible get up to it: and where it was walled, they seemed to be impossible to be battered down with engines: At last he determined to assault it on that part, where was the monument of john the high Priest: for only in this place the first wall was lower than in other places, and it was not compassed here with the second wall, for this place was not fortified, because that those parts of the new City were not much inhabited. So that from this place the wall might easily be assaulted: whereby Titus was persuaded that the higher City, and the Temple, and Antonia, might easily be taken. As he was thus viewing the place, one of his friends called Nicanor came unto him, who was shot in the left shoulder with an arrow, because he desired to come near joseph, who went thither of purpose to persuade the jews which were upon the wall to yield. (For Nicanor was very eloquent) Caesar Nicanor is wounded with an arrow in the left shoulder. perceiving their minds; and that they could not abstain from him, who persuaded them to that which was most expedient for them, was now moved, and began earnestly to besiege them: and so he permitted his soldiers to waste all the suburbs, and to gather all the rubbish, stones, wood, & other matter together, and made therewith a mount. And dividing his army into three parts, he disposed of every one what he should do, and in the midst of all upon the mounts he placed archers, and before them engines for shot, where withal he hindered the excursions of his enemies, lest they should annoy the work, and also did beat those off from the wall, who made any resistance from thence. And presently all trees being cut down, the suburbs appeared naked. Whilst the Romans having gathered the wood together, were busied in their work, the jews were not idle: and then the people, who were troubled with murders and robberies, did hope to have an end of their misery; the seditious people being busied against their enemies, and they now hoped that if the Romans did overcome, they might be revenged upon them. john. still kept where he was, fearing Simon; yet were his followers very earnest to assault the Romans. But Simon being next unto the siege, did not rest, but placed all along that part of the wall men with darts, which before were taken from Sesleis' Governor of the Romans, and found in the Castle of Antonia. But the darts did the jews small pleasure, by reason that few of them knew how to use them, only some who were taught by certain that had fled from the Romans, could use them a little. Yet did they assault the Roman soldiers that were building the mounts, with The darts did the jews little good because they were not expert in using them. arrows and stones; and also made excursions upon them by companies, and fought with them. But the Roman workmen were defended by hurdles that were of purpose set before them: and every legion had strange and admirable engines against the excursions of their enemies, and especially the engines that the tenth legion had to cast darts, and others that cast stones, which did not only repulse them, by whom they were assaulted, but also those that stood upon the wall: for every stone was a talon weight, and were shot more than a furlong, and slew not only those that they did first strike, but also many that were strooken with the rebound. But the jews always espied the stones before they came (for they were white) and so avoided them: and they were not only descried by the noise they made in flying, but they might easily be perceived, and by this means the watchmen in the towers gave warning always when these engines were shot off, and when the stones came; crying in their Country language: The son cometh, so the jew upon the walls knowing what they meant, avoided the stones & so received no harm. Then the Romans devised to black the stones with ink, and so they could not be seen as they flew, but at one stroke slay many. But the jew were not herewith so terrified, that they permitted the Romans peaceably to build the mount, but night and day they hindered them with stratagems and valour. Now when the Romans had finished their work, the Carpenters measured the space between the mounts & the walls with a plummet fastened unto a line, which they cast from one place unto another: for they could not measure it otherwise, because of the darts cast from the walls; and finding that they had Rams long enough, they set them up, and Titus The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. ●…tus common death the wall to be battered in three places commanded the wall to be battered in three places, to the end that the battery might not be hindered. The noise that these rams did make, was heard round about the City; and the Citizens cried mainly out, and the seditious persons were also sore afraid. And seeing themselves all in like danger, they now determined to join all together in resisting the Romans: and the seditious cried one unto another, saying, that they rather assisted the enemies than resisted them: and therefore exhorted one another, at least for that time to become friends, if not for ever, only to resist the Romans. And Simon sent a crier unto the Temple, licensing all such as would to come unto the walls: which also john did permit, notwithstanding he mistrusted Simon: so they forgetting their old quarrel, joined all together, and resisted the Romans, and guarding the walls round The seditious forgetting their ha●…ed and discords join in one. they cast much fire upon the engines of the Romans, and against those that did rule them; and threw darts against them without intermission: & the boldest amongst them in great companies leapt down, and destroyed that wherewith the engines were covered, and assaulted those that stood to defend them; and so did the Romans much harm, by reason of their desperate boldness more than by their skill. Titus was still at hand to succour them that stood in need, and placing horsemen and Archers about the engines, he repulsed the jews who came to cast fire, and repressed them that cast darts, and shot arrows from the towers, and so gave the rams time and opportunity to beat the walls. Yet for all this the wall was not shaken with the rams, save only that the ram of the fifth legion The ram shaketh a corner of a tower. did shake the corner of a tower; but yet the wall stood firm, and was not harmed by the shaking of the tower: for it was far higher than the w●…ll, and so could not draw down any part of the wall as it fell. So soon as they had a while ceased from excursions, they perceived that all the Romans were busied in one labour or other, and so dispersed all over the camp, thinking that the jews for fear durst come no more. The jews all secretly issued out of the gate by the tower Hippicos, and cast fire upon the works; and courageously made incursion upon the Romans even unto the tampire of their camp. The Romans seeing what danger might ensue, presently assembled themselves, both they that were near and those that were far off. The discipline of the Romans overcame the fury of the jews, and putting those to flight that first met them, they assaulted those that opposed themselves against them afterward. So there began a grievous battle about the engines, the jews striving to fire them; and the Romans fight to hinder them: and a doubtful cry was raised on both parts, and many in the forefront were sla●…e on both sides. But the jews audacity got them the upper hand; and their fire did something touch the engines: and all had been consumed quite with fire, had not the chosen soldiers that came from Alexandria hindered it, who for the opinion that they had of themselves did fight stoutly: for they were Titus putteth the jews to flight and driveth them into the City. accounted to have been the most valiant of all in this battle; till such time as the Emperor with certain selected horsemen came and set violently upon the enemies: and he himself slew twelve men that did resist him, for whose deaths the rest fearing fled, and were forced to retire themselves into the City, and so saved the engines from being fired. It chanced that one of the jews was in this fight taken alive, and Titus commanded that he should be crucified before the wall, that perhaps the rest being herewithal terrified might yield. After Caesar was retired, john the john Captain of the Idumaeans by the shot of an arrow that woundeth him in the breast dieth. Captain of the Idumaeans talking upon the wall with one of his friends, being strucken in the breast with an arrow by an Arabian soldier presently died, which caused great lamentation among the jews, and sorrow amongst the seditious, for he was valiant of his hands and very wise and of good advise. CHAP. VIII. Of the fall of the tower: and how the two walls were taken. THe night following, there was a great tumult amongst the Romans. For Titus the Emperor had commanded to be builded three towers, fifty cubits high a piece, each one upon a several mount, that from thence he might the more easily beat the enemies from off the walls: but one of these towers in the midst of the night fell down without any assault. And making a great noise with the fall, fear fell upon the whole army, who suspecting that it came to pass by some stratagem wrought by the jews, every one ran and armed himself, and so there was a great tumult in the army: and for that no man could tell what the matter was a longtime, they stood as it were all amazed, every one ask his fellow what had happened, and seeing no enemies come, they began to fear some treason amongst themselves; and so were in a great fear they knew not wherefore, till such time as Titus understanding the matter, caused the truth thereof to be presently proclaimed throughout the camp; and so the The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 71. tumult (although with much ado) was appeased. The jews valiantly bearing and enduring all other dangers, were sore troubled by reason of these towers which Titus had erected; for they were slain and wounded from thence with small engine shot, darts & arrows; neither could they build themselves any so high, nor was there any hope to destroy them: for neither could they be thrown down for their weight, nor fired because they were covered with iron: and so they flying out of the reach of the shot, did not seek to hinder the ram from battering their walls; which never ceasing, at last prevailed somewhat. So the great ram, which the jews called Nicon, because it overcame all, at last battered the wall; and the jews being weary with fight, for that they had watched all the night before, for Nicon that is to say Vistor, the Romans great ram. sloth, or else because they persuaded themselves that the brickwall was superfluous, they having two more beside it, they all forsook their quarters, and retired themselves unto the second brickwall; and the Romans entered the first, that the ram called Nicon had battered. Then the Romans that had The Romans get the first wall. passed and entered the first wall, went and opened the gates and let in the whole army. Having thus gotten the wall the seventh day of May, they destroyed the greatest part thereof; and also the North side of the City which before Cestius had wasted. Titus' removed his camp from thence, and went unto the place called the Assyrians camp, and seized upon all between that and Cedron; and being without the shot of an arrow from the second wall, he began again to assault it. Then the jews dividing the wall betwixt them to defend each others part, they resisted most valiantly. And john and his partakers defended all Antonia, and the North part of the temple from Alexander's tomb: and Simon defended all from john's tomb unto the gate by the tower Hippicos. And many times issuing out at the gates they fought hand to hand with the enemy, being always repulsed by the discipline of the The jews conflict with the Romans. The jews boldness. Romans, only for want of knowledge in warlike affairs; and still in all fights upon the wall they got the best: for the Romans were assisted by fortune and knowledge, and the jews with desperate boldness which came of fear; for they are of stout courage in adversity. Moreover, the jews were moved to fight in hope that way to save their own lives: and the Romans to get a speedy conquest. Neither party was weary, neither did they ever cease from assaulting one another: all the day long the jews in whole companies made excursions against the Romans, and they omitted no kind of fight beginning at sun rise, and continuing all night long, far more terrible to them both then in all the day before: the jews feared least that the Romans should get the wall; and the Romans likewise misdreaded that the jews should invade their camp. Thus still all night long being armed, early in the morning they were prepared again to fight. The jews did one strive with another who should undergo the most danger, and so deserve his captains favour. Simons followers did greatly reverence and fear him, insomuch as if he should have commanded any of them to have killed himself, he would presently have done it. The The custom of the Romans to conquer. Romans were encouraged to fight by their want and custom in getting the victory, and that they were not wont to be overcome: again their frequent and daily wars and continual exercises and large dominions gave the like courage, and especially Titus their General still present in all their affairs greatly stirred them forward: for every one thought it a heinous crime to be a coward in the presence of such a captain as Caesar was. Caesar himself beholding and looking on, who also was a witness of their deeds that behaved themselves valiantly, would reward every man for his valour: beside that, it was advantage to be easily known unto the prince for a valiant man: so that many of them showed that their alacrity was far greater than their strength. At this time Longinus one of the horsemen coming out of the Roman army, pressed Longinus breaketh into the midst of the jews army, and disturbeth it. into the midst of the jews forces, and casting them down that stood in his way, by this violence he slew two of the strongest of the enemies amongst them, striking one of them over the face, and slaying the other with his own dart he rook from him: who for this deed was greatly honoured, having broken thorough 〈◊〉 strong army of the jews, that were placed before the walls, and cast darts at him on either side. Many of the Romans by this his example were enticed to do the like. The jews now regarded not what they suffered, but only devised. which way to harm their enemy, nothing esteeming death, so that they might kill some one of the Romans. But Titus had as much care to preserve his soldiers, as he had to get the victory; affirming these rash assaults to proceed of desperation: and that only was to be accounted for virtue, when one did warily not endanger himself to achieve any worthy action, and willed them rather to show themselves men where there was no danger. CHAP. IX. The year of the world, 4034 after Christ's birth 72. How Castor the jew derided the Romans. THen Titus commanded the ram to be set up against the tower on the North part of the City, wherein a crafty and politic jew accompanied with ten men had hid himself, all the rest being fled: this jew was named Castor. These men having lain still a while Castor a subtle and politic jewe. there in their armour, at last being afraid and the tower beginning to shake, they start up: and Castor stretching forth his hand, did as it were humbly crave favour at Caesar's hands, and with a lamentable voice besought him to spare him. Titus seeing the man's simplicity, as he thought, and persuading himself that the jews did now repent them of their enterprise, he caused the ram to cease from battery, and the archers to hold their hands; and withal permitted Castor to speak his pleasure. Castor said, that he desired to come and make a league of peace. And Titus answered, that he would grant it, if so be all the rest would do so likewise; and that he would presently confirm a league of peace between him and the City. Five of Castor's fellows seemed to be willing, and to request the like; but the other five counterfeited to withstand them, crying out a loud, that they would never be slaves unto the Romans, seeing they might die in liberty. Whilst Castor and his fellows were debating the matter, the battery ceased. In the mean time Castor privily sent word unto Simon, willing him whilst the battery ceased to deliberate what was expedient to be done in this necessity: for he a while would deceive the Roman Emperor, and hold him in suspense. And in the mean time he seemed to exhort his companions that denied to embrace the kind offer of Titus: and they as it were angry hereat, drew their swords and stroke upon their corselets; and they so stricken seemed to fall down, as though they had been slain. Titus and his soldiers were amazed at this their obstinacy; for being on the lower ground they could not well perceive what was done: and so they wondered at their desperation, and also pitied their calamity. At this time one stroke Castor in the buttock with a dart, and Castor pulling it out of his flesh, showed it unto the Emperor; and complained of it, as being injured. Titus presently with sharp words corrected him that shot it, and forthwith would have sent joseph to promise Castor pardon and peace. But joseph denied to go, affirming that Castor only dissembled, and so hindered his friends that would have gone. At last one Aeneas, who had fled unto the Romans, offered himself to go. Castor invited him, as though he would give him some thing in token of his true meaning. Then Aeneas opened the skirt of his garment, thinking Castor would have cast him down something of worth: and when he came underneath the tower, Castor took a great stone & threw it down upon him; yet hurt him not because he was aware of it, and avoided the stone; but it wounded another soldier standing by. Then Caesar considering Mercy in wars hurtful. this deceit, began to think that pity and mercy in wars was hurtful, and that cruelty was not so easily deceived; and so being very angry at this deceit, he caused the wall to be beaten with the ram more than before. Castor and his fellows perceiving the tower to shake, they set it on fire, and so passed through the flame, and conveyed themselves into a mine of the tower; so that again the Romans admired their courage, thinking that they had burned themselves. Titus assaulting the wall on this part, took it five days after that he had taken the first; and causing the jews to fly from thence, he accompanied with a thousand chosen men about him, Titus taketh the second wall. entered in where the woolmen, and coppersmiths, and merchant tailors dwelled, which place was the new City, having only narrow and straight ways to go unto the wall. And had he presently beaten down a great part of the wall, or according to the laws of arms destroyed that which he had gotten, he had obtained the victory without any loss on his side. Yet now hoping the jews would yield, seeing that if he pleased he might take them by force, he gave the more ample and easy passage to retire: for he did not think that they whose good he sought, would have been traitors unto him. CHAP. X. How the Romans did twice take the second wall. WHen Titus was entered the city, he suffered none of them that were taken to be slain, nor the houses to be burned, but permitted the seditious (if they were so minded) to fight, and that without the prejudice of the people: and also promised the people to restore unto them all their goods. For many besought him to spare the City for them; and the temple for the city. The people were glad hereof: and many of the warlike jews thought the humanity The year of th●… world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. They interpret war like Titus' humanity for cowardice. of Titus to proceed from cowardice; and judged that Titus, for that he despaired to win the rest of the city, did now cowardlike propound these conditions. They likewise threatened all the people, that whosoever should speak one word concerning peace, and yielding unto the Romans, should presently die: and some of them did resist the Romans from out of their houses, and others in the narrow ways: and others going out at the higher gates, began a battle, wherewith the watchmen being troubled, fled from the wall, and forsaking the towers, they retired themselves into their camp. The Roman soldiers within the city cried out, because they were enclosed with the enemies, the gates being shut, and assaulted without by those who apprehended The Romans are driven out by the jews. their companions to be in great danger. The number of the jews increasing, and prevailing, for that they knew the ways and turnings of the streets, many of the Romans were slain, and violently borne down, when they offered to resist in that necessity: for a multitude together could not fly, by reason of the narrowness of the streets, that went unto the wall: and all that entered into the city had been slain, had not Titus succoured them. For placing at the beginning of every street archers, & himself being where most need was, he so did drive away the jews with darts and arrows: and with him Domitius Sabinus, who in that fight was proved a stout warrior, who so long continued beating the jews with arrows, till all the soldiers were escaped away. Thus the Romans having got the second wall were beaten from it again: And the citizens fit for war were hereat encouraged, and were drunken with this good fortune, thinking The jews courage increaseth. that now the Romans durst no more offer to come into the city, and that they could not be overcome if they did arm themselves to fight. For God, because of their iniquity had darkened their understanding, so that they never considered that the Roman forces were far greater than they that were overcome, nor the famine that presently ensued: for as yet they lived upon the destruction of the people, and drank the blood of the city: but the good did even now suffer famine, and many of them had already perished for want of food: yet the seditious did rejoice at the death of the Citizens, as though thereby they were eased of a great burden, only desiring their lives that bore rebellious minds, and would join with them The people in want, and many die for hunger. against the Romans, rejoicing at the death of the rest, as freed from a heavy clog; and this was the affection they bore unto their Citizens. And so they armed themselves, and resisted the Romans, who now again did attempt to enter the breach: and they threw down stones and part of the brickwall upon them as they came up, and so drove them back again, and valiantly resisted them for three days. But the fourth day they were not able to withstand Titus his assault, but were forced to retire, as before: and he having gotten the wall Titus once more gette●… the second wall. destroyed all the North part thereof, and placed a garrison in the towers and fortresses of the South part. CHAP. XI. Of the mounts raised to batter the third wall: and a long Oration of Joseph's to persuade the people to yield: and of the famine in the City. Titus' now determined to batter the third wall, and he thought to continue that siege but a short time: and that it was convenient to give the seditious some time to bethink themselves, to see if that either by the taking of the second wall, or terrified with famine, they would repent. For now there was no more praies for them left in the city, and he lay before the walls thereof, even as he desired. And the time being come, that every soldier should receive victuals and provision for himself, Titus caused them to be led every one in order Titus' surceasing the siege commandeth money to be distributed to all his soldiers. into a place, where the jews in the city might perfectly behold them, and caused his captains to distribute money to every one. And the soldiers (as their custom is) all armed, and drawing their swords out of their sheaths, marched along, the horsemen leading their horses gallantly adorned, and a great part of the suburbs glisteren with gold and silver. This spectacle was grateful to their own soldiers, and terrible to the jews: for all the old walls, and the North part of the city, and many houses were filled with the multitude of them, who came to view this sight: and there was no part of the city that was not filled with people to see and behold it. And fear came upon the very boldest amongst all the jews, seeing both the Romans armour and their order: and perhaps that show would have caused the seditious people to have relented, had they not despaired to have found mercy and pardon at the Romans hands for their offences committed; and so they thought it better to be presently slain in wars, then to be put to death shamefully, The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Destiny had decreed that the innocent should perish with the nocent, and the city with the seditious. if they desisted from fight. Destiny also hindered this, whereby it was decreed that the innocent should perish with the wicked, and the city with the seditious. And for four days space they were distributing necessaries unto the soldiers: and on the fifth day Titus perceiving that for aught he could do, the jews were still obstinate, he divided his army into two parts, and about john's tomb he began to raise mounts, & against Antonia, hoping that ways to take the higher part of the city, & by Antonia to seize the temple, which except he could effect, he could not safely take the city: & against either of these places he raised two mounts, every legion making one. The jews & Simons followers did hinder the work that was begun before john's tomb, and john likewise with a great number of the Zealous hindered them that made the mounts over against Antonia: who not only did fight with the advantage of the higher ground, but also had now learned the use of engines: for continual use by little and little made them skilful, and The Romans in their labour are hindered by the jews. they had three hundredth engines called balista's, and forty engines to cast stones, wherewith they greatiy annoyed the Romans, and hindered them from their work. Titus foreknowing that fortune would favour him, & that the city was like to perish, he hasted to take it, never ceasing to persuade the jews to yield: and with his deeds he joined counsel. For he knew that many times words prevail more than violence of arms, and exhorted them to save themselves, and yield the city unto him: and told them of joseph, how that he should make a speech Titus' bounty towards the jews. unto them in their own language, for he hoped that they would hear their own countryman. Then joseph going about the city without the danger of shot, cried unto them to spare themselves, the city, the temple, the people, and not become more hard hearted against them, than strangers were. For the Romans did reverence the holy places, notwithstanding they had no society or portion in them; and how even till this day they had abstained from violating Joseph's Oration the jewess. them: and they who were nourished within them, and might only save them, did wilfully cause their destruction: and bade them consider that their strongest walls were battered down; and only now the weaker remaining unbattered, he willed them to consider, how they were not able to withstand the Romans forces. And that it was no news to the jews, nor strange, to be subject unto the Romans. For although it be a good and commendable thing to fight for liberty, yet that was to be done in the beginning: but he that was once subject, and would rebel, having a long time lived under the obedience of the Romans, seemed rather to be desirous of a shameful death than a lover of liberty. Moreover, that they should disdain to be subject unto base people, and not unto them whom the whole world obeyed. For (said he) what place have not the Romans that may be inhabited? Nay themselves might perceive how fortune did still favour them: And that God who guided the Empire to be placed in all parts, was now in Italy. Fortune and God for the Romans. Also that even by the law of nature, aswell by the example of beasts as of men, we are taught to give place unto them that are stronger than ourselves, and be contented that they should get the victory that are valiantest in arms. And this (quoth he) was the cause that your ancestors who were far more strong and politic than you, and had better means to resist; yet did they submit themselves unto the Romans, which if God had not been pleased withal, he would never have permitted them to have done. And how could they hope to resist, seeing the city was as it were already taken? And that the citizens supposing their walls were whole, yet were they all destroyed. For the Romans well knew what famine was amongst them, and how it Famine in the City. did every day waste the people, and would also in short time destroy the warriors amongst them. For suppose that the Romans would cease, and not besiege the city, nor offer with drawn swords to assault it: yet is there a civil war within the city, which the jews cannot overcome or avert, it every day increasing: except they would also fight against hunger, and they alone overcome adverse fortune. Further he added, that it was best, before intolerable calamities befell them, to change their opinion, and whilst they had time to be counseled by good advise. And that the Romans would not punish them for that which was already past, except they persisted obstinate even unto the end. For they are (quoth he) kind, courteous, and gentle to their subjects, and do prefer their commodity before revenge. And they thought it an advantage to have the city, and the country inhabited; therefore the Emperor would make a league of peace with them: but if he took the city by force, he would not spare one, especially seeing that they were willed by him to save themselves, even in the greatest necessity they refused to obey him. Likewise he told them that the third wall would also be taken very shortly, as well they might perceive by the two other walls: and suppose that their city was inexpugnable, yet the famine would cause it to be yielded into the Romans hands in despite of them. As joseph did thus advise them, many standing upon the walls did rail against him, many upbraided The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. The Emperor striveth to be at peace with the Romans. joseph tippeth up the ancient Histories, and some ●…aine. him, & others shot at him. joseph seeing he could not avert them from their imminent calamities, recounted unto them all their own Histories making for his purpose. O wretches (quoth he) and ungrateful to them that help you: you fight against the Romans, and bear arms against them, as though this way you had conquered some others that came, as they now do, against you. When doth God the maker of all things deny his help unto us if we be oppressed? Will ye not remember yourselves? For what cause did you enterprise these wars, and how great a friend and assister of yours do you daily offend? Do ye not remember the miraculous works of your ancestors, and this holy place; and how in times past it was by the enemies destroyed? But I quake and tremble to recount the works of God to such unworthy hearers: yet harken, that you may know that you do not only resist the Romans, but also God himself. Nechias at that time king of Egypt, who also was called Pharaoh, came, and with an infinite army took away Queen Sara, the mother of our nation. And what did our first father Abraham in this case? Did he with Nechias a king of Egypt. weapons and arms revenge this injury? having under his command three hundredth and eighteen Captains, and under them an infinite multitude? Or did he rather desist from war, perceiving God not to accompany him? Wherefore lifting up pure and undefiled hands towards this holy place, which now you have defiled and profaned, he chose God an invincible helper to aid him. And was not the Queen the second night after sent home again unto him untouched? And the Egyptian adoring this holy place, which ye have polluted with murders of your own nation, and trembling at the visions he saw in the night time, fled, rewarding the Hebrews with gold and silver, whom he perceived to be so beloved of God. Shall I recount unto you the going of our ancestors into Egypt, who having for four hundredth years been slaves The Hebrews under the tyranny of Egypt four hundredth years. unto the Egyptian tyrants and kings, and able to have revenged themselves by force of arms, yet did they rather expect and stay God's leisure? Who knoweth not, that then Egypt in revenge of the Hebrews, was filled with all kinds of serpents, and infected with all diseases, and the earth became so barren, that Nilus waxed dry, & the ten plagues followed one another without ceasing; whereby our ancestors were safely delivered without any bloodshed: for God conducted them as willing to reserve them for his Priests. When the Assyrians had taken away from The sacred Ark taken away by the Assyrians and restored to the jews. us the holy Ark, did not Palestina and Dagon repent that fact? did not all the nation of them that took it, weep and lament therefore? For their privy parts being putrefied, their bowels and the meat they did eat ran out there, and so with unclean hands they were forced to bring it back again, with Cymbals and trumpets: thereby to make satisfaction for their offence. It was God that did this for our ancestors, because that they laying their arms aside, wholly resigned themselves to his pleasure. Was Senacherib king of Assyria, coming with all the power of Asia and encamping himself before this City, overcome by human force? Did not our ancestors leaving Senacherib king of Assyria. arms, fly to prayers, and by an Angel God in one night destroyed an infinite army? And the next day the Assyrian rising, found a hundred fourscore and five thousand of his men dead, and so fled with the rest from the Hebrews being unarmed, and not pursuing him? You The captivity of Babylon. know also that in the captivity of Babylon, where the people lived the space of seventy years, they got not their liberty till such time as God put in Cyrus' heart, to suffer them to go into their own country. Who still assisting them, they again as the priests in old time were wont, did serve and reverence their helper. In brief, our ancestors did never achieve any great matter by force of arms, neither did they leave any thing undone, wherein they expected God's help, but still remaining quiet at home, they overcame their enemies through his providence: And when they did fight after their own wills, they always failed of their expectation. For when Zedechias our king, contrary to the admonition of the Prophet jeremy, did go forth, and fight with the king of Babylon then besieging the City, both he and all his were taken, and this City destroyed. The destruction of jerusalem by the King of Babylon. Yet consider how far your Captains are inferior unto that King, and yourselves unto the people of those times. For jeremy crying up and down the City, and saying that God was offended at their iniquity, and that except they did yield the same, it should be taken by force; yet did not the King nor any of the people lay hands upon him. And you (that I may omit your iniquity done within the City, which though I would, I could not sufficiently decipher) do attempt to kill me, and use railing speeches against me, who once gave you wholesome counsel for your good only; for that I put you in mind of your sins, you not enduring to hear of that which you daily commit. This same betided also when Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes besieged the City, God being highly displeased at our ancestors, who going out in arms against him Joseph's bitter invective against them. were all slain, the town spoiled, and this holy place for three years and six months made desolate. What should I show unto you any more examples. Who first incited the Romans themselves The year of the world. 4034 after Christ's birth 72. against the jews? Was it not the impiety of our own Countrymen that did it? Whence began our bondage at that time? Did it not proceed from the sedition of our ancestors, when the fury of Aristobulus, and Hyrcanus brought Pompey into our City: and so God subdued them unto the Romans, being now unworthy of liberty? And at length having for three months' space endured a siege, being not so great offenders as you are, and better able to abide the siege than you, yet did they yield themselves. Are we ignorant of the end of Antigonus the son of Aristobulus, who invading the kingdom, brought our nation again into subjection. God so laying this bondage upon them, for that he was moved at the iniquity of our nation? And Herode the son of Antipater brought Sosius and the Roman army, and besieged the City round six months' space: and at last for the greatness of their iniquity was taken and punished for their offences, and the City sacked by the enemies. So you evidently see that our nation did never prevail by force of arms. And assure yourselves that the City will be taken by this siege. It is meet therefore that you who keep this holy place, wholly commit yourselves to Gods will and pleasure, & then fear not the forces of the enemies, when by reason of your piety, you are assured of God's help and succour. But what one parcel of God's law have you observed? Nay, what mischief The jews sins against the laws. have you left undone, that he detesteth not? How far greater is your impiety than theirs, that did suddenly perish for their sins? For you making small account of secret sins, to wit, stealing, deceit, and adulteries, do violently take away men's goods by open force, and murder whom ye please; an●… have devised new ways to sin. Moreover, you have made the holy Temple a place of all these your impieties, and the seat that the Romans did adore, is by our own nation polluted: much derogating from the honour of our religion by your impious facts. Last of all, you hope of his help whom you have so heinously offended. Truly you are very just people and obedient, and with pure hands you ask help of God. Did our king thus pray unto God, when he The Romans use the same manner of overthrow against the jews as the Assyrians did. obtained that in one night so many of the Assyrians should be destroyed? Or do the Romans commit such impiety as the Assyrians did, that you may hope of the like revenge against them? for he having received a piece of money to save the City, did, not regarding his oath, seek to destroy the same. The Romans do only request the tribute that our ancestors were wont to pay unto them: which if they have, they will never destroy the City, nor touch our holy things. They will also permit you to enjoy freely your families and possessions, and suffer our laws to remain inviolate. It is altogether madness for you to hope that God will so punish just men, as he did sinners God knoweth when to revenge. and impious persons, who knoweth to punish at his pleasure. To be short, he destroyed the Assyrians the first night, that they encamped before the City. And if he purposed also to deliver you, and punish the Romans, he would then have done it, when Pompey and Sosius came against the city, or when Vespasian wasted Galilee, or lastly now, when Titus came to assault it. But neither Pompey nor Sosius suffered any harm, yet both of them took the City. Vespasian so gained by The fountains that before time were d●…y now flow to Titus. warring against us, that he hath hereby got the whole empire. And the fountains which before gave you no water, yield it to Titus in great abundance. You know that before his coming the fountains without the City and Siloa were so dried up, that water was sold by measure, yet now they flow so plentifully, that they do not only serve all the army, & their cattle also; but besides that, do water all the gardens about. What this wonder foretelleth, you have already experience. When the king of Babylon came with his army and destroyed the city, who took it and fired it and the Temple, notwithstanding that (as I am persuaded) the jews of that time were nothing so wicked as you are. Wherefore I think that God hath forsaken this holy place, and is now gone to them that do besiege you. Will not a good man fly a wicked house, and hate the impious that dwell therein? And do you then think that God will abide your impiety, who beholdeth all secrets, and knoweth all things that are hid? But what is secret amongst you? Or what do you seek to hide? Nay, what do you that your enemies do not know? All your iniquities are disclosed to all men: and you every day strive one with another who shall be most impious. And you do as God is wont to show mercy to those who con fez and be penitent. greatly labour to show yourselves vicious, as others do to show themselves virtuous. Yet for all this, there is time to amend, and God's wrath will be appeased, if ye acknowledge your sins, & be penitent for your offences. Cease from arms, be ashamed of your Country now ruined through your own means. Turn your eyes and behold the beauty of the place, whose ruin you seek. How brave a City, how gorgeous a Temple, how rich with the gifts of all nations? Who would fire these? who would desire the ruin of these? Or what is there in the world, that better deserveth to be served then these? O hard hearted people, and more blockish than stones. If you do not pity these, yet let your families move you; every one of you look upon your children, wives and parents, who shall all presently be consumed, either with sword or famine. I know that The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. Joseph's love and constancy towards his country. together with you shall perish my family, and wife and house, which sometime were of no small account: And perhaps some of you do think me therefore to speak this unto you; but kill them, and take my blood for recompense of your welfare and lives: I myself am also prepared to die, if after my death you would remember yourselves. joseph crying thus unto them with tears trickling down his cheeks, the seditious were nothing moved, but told him that it was not safety for them to yield. But the people were persuaded to fly, and some selling their possessions, and that they had for small prices, they did swallow down the gold, for fear the thieves should take it from them. And so when they had escaped The people fly with their money. unto the Romans, they emptying their bellies found it again, and so had money to buy them necessaries. Titus also permitted many to go away whither soever they pleased, which thing caused divers to fly, seeing that thereby they were delivered out of their calamity, which in the city they abode, and were not forced to serve the Romans. But john and Simon were as diligent to stop the ways lest the Citizens should escape, as they did hinder the Romans from entering into the City: so that whosoever did but give any suspicion of flight, he was presently by them put to death. The richer sort, whether they stayed or fled, were slain for their wealth and possessions. The A wonderful famine in the City. famine of the city, and the desperation of the thieves both increased alike, every day more and more; so that now there was no more corn found. Wherefore the seditious persons broke into the houses and searched every corner for to find corn; and if after their search they found any, than they did beat the owners for denying it at the first; and if they found none, they tortured the householders, as having more cunningly hidden it: And whosoever was yet strong of body and well liking, The argument of store of meat. him they presently killed; for hereby they deemed him to have store of food, or else he should not have been in so good plight of body as he was. And they that were pined with famine, were by these barbarous seditious people slain, who esteemed it no offence to kill them, who would shortly after die though they were left alive. Many both rich and poor secretly exchanged all that they had for one bushel of corn, and presently shutting themselves in the secretest room of their house, some of them did eat the corn as it was unground: others made bread thereof as necessity and fear required. No man in the whole City sat down to eat his meat on a table, but greedily taking it not boiled from the fire, they even raw as it was did eat it. Most miserable was this manner of living, and a spectacle which none without tears was able to behold; for the strongest A miserable kind of living, and a spectacle of great compassion. still got the most, and the weakest bewailed their misery: for now famine was the greatest calamity they endured. And nothing doth arm men more than shame: for during this famine no reverence was had towards any man: for wives took the meat even out of their husband's mouths, and children from their parents, and mothers even from their infants, which was the most lamentable thing of all. No body had now any compassion, neither did they spare their dearest infants, but suffered them to perish even in their arms, taking from them the very drops of life. Yet could they not eat thus in such secrecy, but presently some came to take away from them that whereon they fed. For if in any place they saw any door shut, presently hereupon they conjectured that they in the house were eating meat, and forthwith breaking down the doors, they The soldiers enter the houses, & take the meat unchuend out of the Citizen's mouths. came in; and taking them by the throat, they took the meat out of their mouths already chewed, and ready to be swallowed down. The old men were driven away, and not permitted to keep and defend their food from being taken from them: the women were drawn up and down by the hair of the head, for that they hid between their hands some part of their meat, and would not forego it. No pity was now remaining, neither to old age nor infancy, but they took young babes eating, their mouth full of meat, and not permitting it to be taken out of their mouths, and threw them against the ground. Now if any one had prevented these thieves, and eaten their meat before they could come at them, than they were more cruel; and the other so much more tyrannously handled, as having committed some greater offence against them. They also devised most barbarous and cruel torments to extort food from others: for they thrust sticks or such like into the cavity of men's yards, and sharp thorny rods into their fundaments: and it is abominable to hear what the people endured to make them confess one loaf of bread, or one handful of corn which they had hidden. These miscreants did not yet for all this feel either hunger or thirst: for then these their impieties had been more tolerable; but they did it only to exercise their cruelty, preparing six days food for themselves aforehand. Wherefore meeting such as had escaped the Roman watch in the night, and gone into the fields to gather weeds or herbs, when they again came into the City, and thought they had now escaped the danger of their enemies; they there took from them the herbs they had gotten with hazard of their lives, denying to give them any small part of that for The year of the world, 4034 after Christ's birth 72. which they had undergone such danger: and they required them for God's sake to do it; yea they thought it a benefit, if being thus robbed and spoiled, they did not also perish by the swords of these miscreants. These calamities the base sort of people endured at the hands of the common soldiers: but the nobles and chief men of the city were led unto the tyrants, and accused before The honourable and rich are drawn before the tyrants. them of betraying the City unto the Romans; and so by some forged treason or other put to death. And many times their suborned accusers would testify against them, that they purposed to fly unto the Romans. And those that Simon rob, he sent unto john; and those that john spoilt, he sent unto Simon: and so they did as it were one drink unto another the blood of the people, and divide their dead carcases between them; insomuch that they disagreed only for their desire of rule and domination: but both conspired to do mischief and commit iniquity. The dissension betwixt john and Simon was for rule, their concord was in wickedness. For he that did not give to the other part of that which by cruelty he had extorted from the miserable Citizens, was accounted impious: and he that received not part, did now grieve as sustaining loss, in not having a share in cruelty and impiety. I am not able to recount all their iniquities: but briefly, I think that never any City endured the like, nor never any people since the memory of men were so cruel and barbarous: and finally, to the intent that their impiety unto strangers might seem the less, they spoke evil of the nation of the Hebrews, and cursed them, and openly confessed themselves to be slaves, people of divers countries, united together in wickedness, bastards and abortives of their nation. They overthrew the City, and forced the Romans (though against their wills) to accept of this sorrowful and heavy victory; and almost drew the fire into the temple, as though it stayed from it too long. Neither did they weep or lament when they saw the higher part of the city on fire; but many amongst the Romans did with sorrow behold that sight: which we will speak of hereafter, where we will describe the event of that business. CHAP. XII. Of the jews that were crucified, and the rampires burnt. THe mounts and rampires that Titus built did greatly advantage him: and although his soldiers endured some loss by the jews who were upon the wall; yet he sent part of his horsemen, and commanded them to lay wait for the jews that came out of the City into the valleys to fetch food: and amongst them were also some fight men. For now that which they could rob and take from the Citizens was not sufficient for all of them: yet the greater part of them were poor people, who durst not fly unto the Romans for fear that some harm should The poor people's misery. thereupon betide their dearest friends, not enduring to leave them behind to be murdered by the thieves. Famine did now embolden them to go forth of the City; and now it only remained for them to go forth privily, and be taken by the enemies. And being taken, necessity forced them to fight for fear of torments; for they now thought it too late to request mercy: after the fight they were beaten and tortured all ways possible, and then crucified before the City walls. Titus Titus crucifieth many jews before the walls. deemed this calamity most miserable: for every day five hundredth jews and sometime more were taken; and yet did he not think it expedient to dismiss so great a multitude, nor to keep them who would be as a guard of guards. But the principal point for which he did not hinder this, was, that by this spectacle he might terrify the jews and make them fear to suffer the like, except they did quickly render themselves and the city unto him. Wherefore the soldiers for a hatred which they conceived against our nation, crucified all they took one after one fashion, and another after another in derision. And the multitude of the captives was now so great, that there remained no more space to set crosses in, nor any more crosses to crucify bodies upon. But the seditious jews within the City were so far from relenting by this massacre, that rather their The jews catried the kindred of those that were fled out of the City to the Romans, and showed them the tortures they suffered. hearts were hereby more hardened; so that herewith they terrified the rest of the multitude: for they catried the kindred of them that had fled unto the Romans to the walls, and bade them behold how those were used that had fled unto the Romans: the same sight they also showed unto them that desired peace; affirming that they whom the Romans had so used were those that fled unto them for succour, and not captives by them taken. This terrified many who desired to fly unto the Romans, from effecting their desire; till such time as the truth hereof was known. Yet some presently went boldly unto the Romans, as it were intending to suffer death and torment at their hands, accounting that death coming unto them by their enemy's hands was far more tolerable than the famine they endured. Hereupon Titus cut off many of the captives hands, and so sent them into the City unto Simon The year of this world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. and john, that their calamity might testify them to be captives, and not such as had fled and yielded unto the Romans; willing to admonish them at least now to yield, and not compel him to destroy the city: telling that in so doing, even now at the last they should save their own lives, country, and temple, which had not the like in the world: and he continually went about the rampires hastening the workmen in their business, as though he presently meant to effect that in deeds which in words he had spoken. The jews that stood upon the walls, cursed both him and his father, reviling them, and affirming that they contemned death; and that they did choose rather to die then to become bondslaves: and that whilst life lasted they would as much as lay in The jews both curse Caesar and his father. them harm the Romans, neither having care of themselves nor of their country; which Caesar sent them word were both presently to perish. Moreover he said, that the whole world was a temple dedicated to God far more excellent than that of theirs, which notwithstanding should be conserved by him that dwelled in it; whose help they also enjoying, would deride all his threatenings, which could not come to pass God being the end of all. And thus opprobriously they exclaimed against the Romans. At this time arrived also Antiochus Epiphanes, and with him many armed men; and beside them, guarded with a company called the Macedonians, who were all of like age and little older than young men in their youth, all trained up in arms and armed after the Macedonian manner, whereof also they took their name: yet for the most part not able to answer the expectation that men had of the Macedonians. For the king of Comagene was the most fortunate and happy of all kings, that were subject unto the Roman Empire; till such time as he felt the frown of fortune: who in his aged years showed that none ought to be accounted happy before his death: he yet flourishing, his son (said he) marveled that the Romans did delay so long to assault the City, and enter the battered walls (for this young man was a fine warrior, and of exceeding strength, to the which he trusted too much, so that he did many things rashly.) Titus hereat smiled and answered, that that was a labour not only for the Romans, but for all in common. After he had said thus, presently this young man Antiochus, as he was accompanied with his Macedonians, assaulted the wall, and himself with his strength and dexterity avoided the darts of the jews, and cast his darts at them: but all his young men (only a few excepted) The insolence of Antiochus and the soldiers. were there slain: for ashamed of their boasting speeches, they continued longer in fight than it was expedient for them; at last many being wounded retired themselves, now perceiving that the Macedonians to win a victory had need of Alexander's fortune. The Romans the 12. day of May began to build their Rampires, and labouring full ieventeene whole days, with much ado The Romans in 17. days build four huge bulwarks. they ended them the nine and twentieth day of the said month. For they builded four most huge rampires, one of them over against Antonia, which was builded by the fifth legion opposite to the midst of the Struthian waters: another was builded by the twelft legion, 20. cubits distant from the other. But the tenth legion which was of more account than the two former, erected a mount opposite to the pond called Amygdalon on the North side: and the fifteenth legion made the fourth, thirty cubits distant from the other, over against the monument of the high Priest john. The mounts being thus finished, john undermined that which was over against Antonia, and underpropped it with posts of wood, and filling the mine with wood, bitumen and pitch, he fired it: so the post that held it up being burnt, the mine fell, and the mount also with a hideous noise fell into it: and first of all there arose a great smoke and dust, for the mines did cover the flame; at last the fire having consumed the matter that covered it, the flame clearly appeared. The Romans at this sudden and unexpected exploit were amazed, being grieved at it: so that thereby those who before made account of the victory, as though it had been theirs already, began to despair. Two days after Simon and his associates did set upon the other Rampires: for thereon were planted Rams, where with the Romans began to beat the walls. Amongst the rest a certain man named Tepthaeus of Garsus a city of Galilee, and Megassarus one of Queen Mariammes servants, and with them one of Adiabena the son of Nabateus, who for his fortune was named Three valiant jews. Agiras, which signifieth lame: these three taking firebrands ran unto the engines, and there was none found in all the Roman army more valiant than these men, nor more terrible: for they ran amidst the throng of their enemies so boldly, as though they had gone amongst their friends, and never made any stay, but breaking through the midst of their enemies, they fired their engines: The Romans environed with fire lose the mounts they had built. and notwithstanding that on every side they were assaulted with darts and arrows; yet did they not give back, nor seek to avoid the danger, till such time as the fire had taken hold of the engines. The flame mounting on high, the Romans now came running out of their camp to succour their fellows: and the jews upon the wall with darts and arrows hindered The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. them, fight with them that sought to quench the flame, nothing sparing their own bodies. The Romans began to draw away the Rams, their shelters being fired. And the jews amidst the flames sought to keep them there: yet for all this the Romans saved their Rams. From thence the fire caught hold of the Rampires, and those that would have prevented it were burned: and the fire so increased, that it could not be extinguished; so the Romans now environed with a flame, and despairing to rescue their works, retired themselves into their camp, and left them on fire. But the jews were so much the more earnest, their number still increasing by new supply coming out of the City, so encouraged by this their victory they rashly adventured unto the Romans camp, and assaulted the guard there. Whichguard was a A most bitter law among the Romans against those that forsook their places. company placed round about before the camp in armour, and there was a law made, that whosoever of them that forsook his place, he should lose his life: so that they esteeming rather to die a glorious death, then ignominiously to suffer a penal punishment, resisted very valiantly: so that many that had fled retired themselves back again to fight, both for shame that they had forsaken their place, and for fear of punishment therefore: and placing Engines upon the rampire of their camp, they hindered the jews from issuing out of the city any more: for they came out unarmed, having nothing to defend their bodies withal. For the jews fought with whom soever they met, and rashly running amongst their enemy's pikes, they struck them with their fists. For the jews prevailed more by their hardiness, then by their deeds: and the Romans fled more for the jews boldness, then for any harm they sustained by them. Then Titus came from Antonia, where he had been to view a place to build an other rampire, and he greatly blamed the soldiers, who having gotten their enemy's walls, did now suffer themselves to be in danger in their own walls; and now forced to abide that, which erst the jews did Titus accuseth his soldiers of negligence. suffer, being now as it were broken out of prison: and so he with certain chosen men assaulted the enemies on one side; and they though stricken upon the faces, yet did they not give back, but stoutly resisted him, and so joining the battle, the dust was so thick, that none could see one another, nor any hear what was said for the cries and noise, so that now no man could discern his friends from his foes. The jews persisted still in the battle, not for that they trusted to their force, or thereby prevailed, but because they were desperate. The Romans on the other part took courage, and fought stoutly for shame, and for that Caesar himself was in danger amongst them. So that I think that had not the jews retired themselves into the The jews retire within the city. city, the fury of the Romans had then consumed the whole multitude. The Romans were now sorrowful for the loss of their rampires, who in one hour had lost that, which with such labour and so long time they had been making, and many of their engines being now displaced, they despaired to take the city. CHAP. XIII. Of the wall which the Roman army built about jerusalem in three days space. Titus' now deliberated with his captains what was to be done, and they that were most forward amongst them, thought it best with all the whose army to assault the walls: for Titus consulteth with his captains. that as yet the jews had only fought with one part of the army, but they were not able to withstand the force of the whole army, but would be all consumed with darts and arrows. The wiser sort again persuaded Titus to build rampires: but others counseled the contrary, to hold themselves quiet there, and only to keep all places about, that no food should be conveyed into the city, and so famish the city, and never fight with the enemy. For that the jews being now desperate, and desiring to be slain, would not be overcome by force; or if not, to slay others which was worse of all. But Titus thought it a shame to lie there idle with so huge an army, and do nothing, yet he deemed it superfluous to fight with them, who would willingly fight to be slain▪ and he could not make any mounts because he wanted matter, & it was most difficult of all to guard every place about the city, that none could go forth, for that it could not be beleagerd round on every side, by reason of the difficult places, and huge compass thereof, fearing also the dangers that so might ensue, the jews issuing out of the city. For the jews seeing their open ways all guarded by the Romans, they would devise some secret ways, both urged thereunto by necessity, and also because they knew all places there about very well. And if so be that the jews should secretly effect any thing to prejudice them, that then their siege was like to continue so much the longer: so that he feared that the continuance of time would diminish the glory of The year of the world. 4●…34. after Christ's birth 72. Titus determineth to enclose the City with a wall. his victory. For though all these ways might be taken, yet he preferred haste before glory: and if so be he would both use celerity and safety, that then it was needful for him to compass the whole City round about with a wall: for so all ways and passages might be hindered: and so the jews seeing now no hope of safety, should either be compelled to yield the City, or else be consumed with famine, otherwise he could not be in safety and at quiet; and that so he might erect mounts, having that wall to defend them. And if any one think that work difficult, and not to be achieved, let him consider that it did not become the Romans to make a base or slender piece of work: and that no man in the world could without labour effect any great matter, but God only. Having with these speeches encouraged his Captains, he caused them to lead the soldiers, and dispose them all in these businesses. The soldiers had as it were some divine force and courage fallen upon them: for the Captain parting the circuit amongst them, not only they, but the soldiers also did strive who should first effect their part. And every soldier laboured to please his Decurio, the Decurio to content the Centurion, and the Centurion the Colonel, the The Romans with ceaseless labour build the wall. Colonel to please the Captain, and the Captain to please Caesar, who every day went round about, and beheld the work: and so beginning at the place called the Assyrians camp, where he was encamped, he drew a wall all about, even unto the new City, and from thence by Cedron and mount Olivet, and so turned toward the South, and enclosed the mountain to the rock called Peristereonos, and the hill next adjoining thereunto which hangeth over Siloa: and from thence bending his work into the West, he brought it down all along the valley of the fountain: from thence ascending to the monument of Ananus the high Priest, where Pompey pitched his Tents, & so brought it about by the North side of the City: and coming a long unto the village called Erebinthonicus, he compassed the monument of Herode towards the East, and so joined the wall unto his camp where he began. This wall was nine and thirty furlongs about. Without this wall he builded also thirteen forts, every one ten furlongs in compass. One wall of 39 stounds, whereof one containeth eight surlongs or there about. The Romans plant their courts of guard in several Castles. And all this whole work was finished in three days space, which desired months to have been builded in: so that the celerity in the building thereof doth make it scarcely credible. The City being thus encompassed with a wall, and guards placed in every fort, Titus himself did still go round about the first watch, to see all things in good order: the second watch he allotted unto Alexander; and the third unto the Captains of the legions, and the watchmen appointed every one in his turn to sleep in: and so all night long some of them went about the Castle. CHAP. XIIII. Of the famine in jerusalem: and of the building of the second rampire by the Romans. THe restraint of liberty to pass in and out of the City took from the jews all hope The houses & ways full of dead men. of safety; and the famine now increasing, consumed whole households and families, and the houses were full of dead women and infants: and the streets filled with the dead bodies of old men: And the young men swollen like dead men's shadows, walked in the market place, and fell down dead where it happened. And now the multitude of dead bodies was so great, that they that were alive could not bury them, neither cared they for burying The dead li●… unburied in the streets. them, being now uncertain what should betide themselves. And many endeavouring to bury others, fell down themselves dead upon them as they were burying them. And many being yet alive, went unto their graves and there died. Yet for all this calamity was there no weeping nor lamentation, for famine overcame all affections. And they who were yet living, without tears beheld those, who being dead, were now at rest before them. There was no noise heard within the City, and the still night found all full of dead bodies: and which was most miserable of all, the thieves at night came and took away that which covered the dead body's nakedness, and went laughing away, and in their bodies they proved their swords, and upon pleasure only thrust many through yet breathing. Yet if any have desired them to kill him, or to lend him a sword to The cruelty of the the eves against those that lie a dying kill himself, that so he might escape the famine, they denied him. And every one that died, as he was dying, fixed his eyes upon the Temple, and beheld it now with grief, leaving the seditious behind them. The seditious now not able to endure the stink of the dead bodies that lay corrupted above the ground, first commanded that all such should be buried at the charges of the City: at last finding not place wherein to bury them all, they threw them over the walls into the ditch. When Titus going about the walls, beheld all the ditch filled with dead men's bodies, he lamented, and lifting up his hands to heaven, he called God to witness, that it was not his doing. The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Thus lifting up his hand to heaven, calleth God to witness that the fault is not his. The Romans show the jews their abundance of victuals. Titus pitying the remainder of the nation, laboureth to save them. The blindness of the jews. Such was the estate of the City. Now the Romans, when none of the seditious durst make any more excusions, passed their time in joy and mirth: for they neither suffered famine nor sorrow, having abundance of Corn, and all other necessaries out of Syria, and the provinces adjoining: and many standing before the walls, and showing their abundance of victuals unto the jews, did so much more increase their famine. Yet were not the seditious people moved at these calamities: wherefore Titus pitying the relics of the nation, and minding at least to save them that were left alive, hasted to take the City, and so he began anew to build mounts, although he scarcely found matter to do it withal. For all the wood near unto the City was consumed in the first works, so that now the soldiers were forced to fetch more wood ninety furlongs off; and only against Antonia, were erected in four places four mounts greater than the former. Caesar went about and hastened the workmen, and now showed the thieves that they were fallen into his hands. Yet for all this they would not repent: and now as it were deprived of their wits and bodies, they used both as though borrowed, and not their own. For neither did any affection move their minds, nor any grief their bodies: for they rend and tore the dead bodies like dogs, and filled the prisons with weak and languishing people. CHAP. XV. Of the massacre of the jews both within and without the City. AT last Simon having tormented Mathias put him to death, notwithstanding that by his Simons cruelty against Mat thias and his sons. means he had obtained the City. This Mathias was son unto Boethus a Priest, whom the people for his fidelity towards them greatly esteemed of, who seeing the outrage of the Zealous towards the people, john being now joined with them, persuaded the people to call in Simon to help them, conditioning nothing with him before, for that they misdoubted no evil. And when he was come into the City, he held him for his enemy as well as the rest: notwithstanding, that by his only advice he was received into the City, as though Mathias had only done that of simplicity. Wherefore calling him before the people, he accused him that he did favour the Romans, and so condemned him to die, not suffering him to clear himself; and put to death likewise his three sons with him, for the fourth was before this time fled unto Titus. Mathias requested Simon that he might be put to death before his sons: but Simon in regard that by his means he had gotten the City, caused him to be executed last of all. And so he was killed upon the murdered bodies of his sons, in a place where the Romans might behold him: Ananus one of the cruelest soldiers about Simon. for so Simon commanded Ananus his executioner who was the son of Bamadus. This man was the most cruel of all Simons followers, who even when he was to kill Mathias, derided him, ask what they could now help him, to whom he sought to fly, and not permitted their bodies to be buried. After them Ananias a Priest the son of Masbalus a nobleman, and chief Ananias the Priest with fifteen of the noblest people slain. Joseph's father taken. judas consultation with his companions. secretary to the council, a valiant strong man and borne at Emaus, and with him fifteen of the chiefest men in the City were put to death. They took also Joseph's father and kept him in prison, and with the public voice of a crier proclaimed, that no man should talk with him nor visit him, pretending fear of treason: and whosoever bewailed his estate, were put to death without any trial. It happened a certain man called judas the son of judas, who was one of Simons Captains seeing this (who also kept a tower that Simon committed unto his charge, perhaps moved with compassion towards them that perished without desert, yet rather fearing his own life) assembled together ten of his most trusty companions, & said; How long shall we endure these calamities? Or what hope have we of life in being trusty to a most impious man? Behold now famine doth take our City. The Romans are almost within our walls, and Simon is cruel and faithless, even towards them that have well deserved at his hands: with him we are in fear of punishment; if we fly unto the Romans, we shall assuredly be received into favour. Wherefore let us deliver the wall unto them, and save ourselves and our City. Neither can Simon hereby sustain any great loss, in being punished a little sooner, than otherwise he should be, being now desperate of his own health and safety. The ten men, to whom in this manner he broke his mind, agreed hereunto, and so he in the morning sent the rest of the soldiers under his rule into divers places, that they might not perceive his intent, and he at the third hour of the day standing upon the tower called the Romans. But some of the Romans proudly contemned their offer, and other scarcely judas with his companions is slain by Simon. believed them, and the rest made no speed to come. In the mean time while Titus with certain armed men came unto the wall, Simon had notice of their intent; & so speedily got the tower, and slew them that were within in the sight of the Romans, & cast down their bodies over the wall. And The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. joseph wounded in the head with a stone, and the rumour is spread thorough the city. joseph going about the wall, and coming thither (for he never ceased from requesting the jews to remember their estate) he was struck upon the head with a stone, & so amazed with the blow fell down: who being fallen down, presently the jews made excursion out of the City, and had carried him away into the city, had not Titus sent men to defend him: and whilst they fought, joseph was carried away, scarcely knowing what was done. The seditious with loud cries rejoiced, as having slain him whose death they chiefly desired; and so they reported within the City. Hereupon the people were most sorrowful, verily believing him to be slain, by whom they had confidence to fly unto the Romans. When Joseph's mother who was in prison heard this, she said unto those of jotapata that were her keepers, that she verily believed it, for that he was never taken alive by the Romans: yet secretly unto her maidens she wept, and said, that this benefit she received by having borne a son, that she could not bury him by whom she hoped to have been buried herself. But this false report did not long grieve her, nor comfort the thieves: for joseph was quickly healed of his wound, joseph recovereth upon his wound. and recovered; and showing himself he cried unto them, that ere long they should find that he would be revenged on them for his wound; yet he ceased not to exhort the people to obey the Romans, and yield: but the seditious seeing him alive were astonished, and the people conceived good hope. Many (present necessity urging them) leapt off the walls and fled unto the Romans; divers with stones going forth under pretence to fight with the Romans, yielded themselves, Many that fled from famine at home met with more speedy death among the Romans. who had harder fortune there then within the City; and were now more harmed by plenty of victuals which they found amongst the Romans, then with their famine they suffered in the City: for many became by famine all swollen, as though they had the dropsy, & presently filling their empty bodies they burst; and so all died, save only those who being wary did by little and little accustom their bodies to food, which they had long wanted. Yet they who thus escaped fell into another grievous misfortune: for one of the jews that were fled unto the Romans was found amongst the Syrians, gathering gold out of his own dung which he had swallowed, as is before said, for that the seditious did search all, and take that they could find from them: and there was very great store of gold in the City, and that now was sold for twelve Atticks which before was worth twenty five. This device being discovered in one, presently a report was spread all over the whole camp, that the jews that fled from the City came full of gold. And now the Arabians and Syrians did rip the bellies of their poor suppliants, to see if they could find any gold or silver within them. And I am persuaded that there was no greater calamity befell the jews then this was: for in one night the bellies of two thousand jews were ripped. Titus hearing of this Two thousand jews emboweled in one night. cruelty, had caused the authors here of to have been compassed round with horsemen, and slain with darts, had the multitude of the offenders been known; many more of them should have been punished, then of the jews that were so murdered. Wherefore he called together the leaders of the soldiers that came to help him, and the Roman captains (for some of the Romans also did Titus' displeased at this cursed act. commit this fault) and said unto them in anger, that if any of his soldiers did commit any such acts for uncertain gain, and were not ashamed that their armour should be made of gold and silver: or if the Arabians in these wars against strangers did what they pleased, and presently cause the infamy of their vile facts to redound unto the Romans, they committing such murders and exercising their hatred against the jews (for now every one that bore arms under him were di●…amed with this vile report) he declared unto them, that such being hereafter found in that fact, should be put to death. Also he commanded his own legions to make enquiry, who were suspected among them for this matter, and bring him word thereof. But avarice is not terrified Avarice is not terrified with any punishment. by fear of punishment, and cruel people have naturally a desire of lucre and gain, and no one calamity may be compared to the desire of wealth; yet sometime it is bridled and restrained for fear. But now God who had given over the people to perdition, suffered all things to be turned to their destruction: for that which Caesar did so straightly forbid, was still secretly committed against the poor jews that fled for mercy unto the Romans. So that now whosoever fled out of the City, the soldiers first looking about them, lest any of the Romans should see them, ripped their bellies, and so got an ungodly and impious booty; yet in very few did they find that they sought for; and the most of them that were slain had no gold nor silver found within them. And this mischief caused many that fled unto the Romans to return again into the City. CHAP. XVI. The year of the ●…ld, 4034 after Christ's birth 72. Of the sacrilege committed about the Temple: and the dead bodies cast out of the City: and of the 'samine. WHen john could rob no more, nor get any spoil from the Citizens, whom he had robbed of all they had, he presently fell to sacrilege, and took many gifts that were bestowed john falleth to sacrilege, and taketh away many presents out of the temple. upon the temple, and carried away sacred vessels for divine service, as cups, plates, tables, and the cruets of gold that Augustus and his wife sent. So that now a jew robbed and spoiled the temple of all gi●…ts wherewith the Roman Emperors and other nations had honoured it: affirming unto his associates, that without fear they might use the holy things of the temple, seeing they fought for God and the temple, and therefore it was lawful for them to be fed by the riches of the temple. Moreover, that it was lawful for them to spend the holy wine and oil which the priests reserved for divine sacrifice, which he distributed in the temple amongst the multitude, and they without fear were anointed therewith, and drank thereof. I will not cease to speak that which grief compelleth me. I verily think that had the Romans forborn to have come against these seditious, that either the earth would have swallowed the city up, or some deluge have drowned it, or else the thunder and lightning which consumed Sodom would have light upon it: for the people of this City were far more impious than the Sodomites. In brief, by their desperation and obstinacy the whole nation was extinguished. What need I recount every particular misery? Mannaeus the son of Lazarus flying to Titus out of the gate that was committed unto his custody, and yielding himself unto him, recounted unto Titus that from the time that the Romans army was placed near the City, from the fourteenth day of April, until the first of july, were carried out of that gate he kept, a hundredth, fifteen thousand and fourscore dead bodies; yet was not he the keeper of the gate, but being appointed to pay for the burying of the dead at the charges of the City, was forced to number the dead bodies. For others were buried by their parents, and this was their burial, to cast them out of the City, and there let them lie. And certain noble men flying unto Titus after him, reported that there were dead in all the city 600000. poor folks which were cast out of the gates, & the others that died were innumerable: & Six hundredth thousand dead carcases cast out of the city. that when so many died that they were not able to bury them, that then they gathered their bodies together in the greatest houses adjoining, and there shut them up. And that a bushel of corn was sold for a talon, which is six hundredth crowns: and that after the City was compassed with a wall that now they could not go out to gather any more herbs, many were driven to that necessity, that they raked sinks and privies to find old dung of Oxen to eat; and so the dung that was Cow dung and dirt gathered together is the jews food. loathsome to behold, was their meat. The Romans hearing this, were moved to compassion; yet the seditious within the City who beheld this miserable sight were nothing moved, nor repented not, but suffered them to be brought to that calamity: for their hearts were so blinded by the providence of God, that they could not see what hanged over their heads, and over the City. THE SEVENTH BOOK OF THE WARS OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. The Contents of the Chapters of the 7. book. 1 Of the breach made in the walls: & how the mounts were fired: & how Sabinus assaulted the wall. 2 How the Romans assaulted Anto●…a, and were ●…pulsed by the jews. 3 Of the exceeding valour of julian a Roman soldier. 4 Joseph's speech, persuading the jews to yield their City: and how the jews fled unto the Romans. 5 Of another battle, the rampires being again builded: and of the excursions of the jews. 6 How the Romans were by the device of the jews consumed with fire. 7 Of the famine amongst the jews. 8 Of a woman that for hunger did seeth her own son. 9 How the wall was taken, and the Temple burnt. 10 How the Temple was set on fire against Titus his will. 11 Of the Priests: the treasure house: and the porch. 12 Of the signs and tokens which appeared before the destruction of the City. 13 Of Titus his rule and government: and how the priests were stain. 14 Of the prey of the seditious, and the burning of the inner part of the City. 15 How the higher part of the City was assaulted: and how some of the jews fled unto Titus. 16 How the rest of the City was taken. 17 Of the number of the captives, and them that were slain. 18 A brief histor●…e of the City of jerusalem. 19 How the soldiers were rewarded. 20 Of Vespasians sailing: & how Simon was taken: & of the spectacles, & shows made upon Vespasian birthday. 21 Of the calamity of the jews amongst the Antiochians. 22 How Vespasian at his return was received by the Romans. 23 Of Domitian's acts against the Germans and Frenchmen. 24 Of the river Sabbaticus: and of the famous triumph of Vespasian and Titus. 25 How Herodium and Machaera were taken by Bassus. 26 Of the jews that were slain by Bassus: and how judaea was sold. 27 Of the death of King Antiochus: and how the Alans broke into Armenia. 28 How Massada, the strongest Castle of all, was taken and destroyed. 29 Of the death of the Sicarians that fled into Alexandria and Thebes. 30 How the Temple which Onias built at Alexandria was shut up. 31 Of the Massacre of the jews at Cyrene. CHAP. I. Of the breach made in the walls: and how the mounts were burned: and how Sabinus assaulted the wall. THE misery of jerusalem every day increased, the seditious being by reason The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. The multitude of carcases heaped in the city is hideou●… to behold. of their misery more & more incited against the people: for now the famine was not only amongst the people, but amongst them also. And it was a miserable sight to see the multitude of dead bodies heaped together in the City, from which came a pestilent & infectious smell, so that it hindered the soldiers from making excursions. For they were forced to tread upon dead bodies, as though they were to march along a field covered with dead carcases. Having now imbrued their hands in the blood of their countrymen, they prepared to resist and fight with their enemies, and (as it seemeth to me) hereby upbraiding God in that he so deferred to punish The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. The jews upbraided God in that he so long delayed to punish them. judaea desert and desolate. them. For the greatest part of them did now fight more earnestly than before, not for hope of safety, but as despairing of all. The Romans though much troubled to get wood to build withal; yet did they in one and twenty days finish their mounts, having cut down all the woods near the city by ninety furlongs. It was miserable to behold that country and place, before all beset with trees and fertile plants, now to lie plain like a desert, all cut down: neither was there any stranger that before time had seen judaea, and the beautiful suburbs of jerusalem, who now beholding it could abstain from tears, or not lament the woeful change so far different from the former? For now this war extinguished utterly all signs of beauty: neither could one coming suddenly now know the place which he well knew before. When the mounts were ended, both the Romans and the jews greatly feared: the jews for that except they were destroyed, their city would be presently taken: the Romans, for that if The jews and Romans are equally afraid. these were overthrown, they knew not how to erect more wanting matter: and now their bodies were wearied with labour, and their minds with many griefs and molestations. But the Romans were more grieved at the calamity of the city than the citizens within: for the jews notwithstanding these miseries did nevertheless stoutly defend their walls: but the courages of the Romans failed, when they saw that the jews policy made their mounts unprofitable, that the strength The Romans most of all fear the desperateness of the jews. of the walls resisted their engines, that the jews boldness overcame their strength in sight; and especially seeing that the jews having endured such calamity, famine, and misery, were still more courageous than before: so that they deemed their strength not to be overcome; and that their minds were invincible, who were hardened and encouraged by misery. For who were able to abide their forces in prosperity, who by adversity were incited to virtue? Wherefore the Romans made a stronger watch about their mounts. But john's followers who were in the Castle Antonia, fearing what might ensue if the wall were battered, prevented it in what they could, before the Rams were set up: and taking firebrands in their hands they assaulted the mount; but deceived The jews with firebrands set upon the engines, but losing their hope return back again. The valour & violence of the jews decreaseth. with a vain hope they retired themselves. For first of all they seemed to disagree amongst themselves; so that they came from their walls one after another, and some space between every one; so that they came softly and fearfully; and briefly, not after the manner of the jews: for they wanted courage, rashness, and a flocking together at once, which is proper unto all that nation, and so came more soberly, and with less courage than they were wont. They did also find the Romans more courageous then of late, who so defended their mounts with their bodies and weapons, that it was not possible to come and fire them; and every one was fully determined not to shrink out of his place till he were slain. For besides that if so be that work were destroyed, they had no hope left to build more; they also accounted it a shame that their virtue should be overcome by subtlety, or their weapons by rashness and temerity, or their skill by a multitude; or the Romans by the jews. Also they had engines to cast darts at them as they came down their walls. And when any one of the jews that was slain fell down, he hindered them that followed, and the danger of him that went before terrified them that came after: They also that rashly adventured within the shot of a dart, either were terrified with the discipline, and multitude of their enemies, or else wounded with their darts; and so they all retired, one accusing The jews retire arguing one another of cowardice. another of cowardliness, and achieved nothing. The first day of july the city was assaulted, and the jews being now retired, the Romans set up their Rams, notwithstanding that they were assaulted from Antonia with stones, fire and sword, and whatsoever their enemies in that extremity could find. For though the jews had great confidence in their walls, as that they could not be battered; yet did they not permit the Romans The assault of the city the first day of july to place their Rams against them. And the Romans being persuaded that the jews so laboured, because they knew their walls to be weak, and lest Antonia by the breach of the wall should be hurt, did strive to place them against the walls. But the wall would not yield unto the Ram, yet did the Romans safely & without danger (notwithstanding that many darts were cast at them from off the walls) persist to beat the wall with their Rams: who being below and seeing the stones broken with the force of their engines, they shielded themselves with their bucklers: and so some with their hands pulled the stones out of the wall; some digged under the foundation thereof: and when four stones with much labour were broken and shaken, the night hindered both parties from doing any more at that time, and in it the wall now shaken with the Ram (in the The Romans undermine the wall. place which john had undermined to destroy the mounts, the mine settling) fell down. So that fell out otherwise then either part expected: For the jews who indeed had cause to be sorrowful for the mine of the wall, and for that they did not prevent that mischance, were joyful and courageous, as though Antonia did yet remain firm and ●…ong: And the Romans rejoicing for The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. No man dare ascend the wall that john built. this unexpected fall, were again dismayed, seeing the other wall that john had built within, yet they judged it easier to be taken then the former; but no man durst ascend it, for that he who first assaulted it, was certain to die. Titus▪ thinking that by hope and persuasion his soldiers might be encouraged, and knowing many times promises and exhortations made men forget danger, and sometime to contemn death itself; he called together the most valiant of all his soldiers, and spoke thus unto them as followeth. Fellow soldiers, it is manifest cowardliness to exhort men to enterprise a thing without danger, both in them that are exhorted, and in him that exhorteth Titus' exhortation to the most valiant & strongest. for exhortations are only to be used in doubtful affairs, wherein it is praise worthy for every man to adventure himself. So that I confess it is hard for you to ascend the wall, yet will I show you that it is a glorious death to die in such a fight, and especially it becometh them that are desirous to win honour; and that they that first adventure valiantly to do it, shall not go The patient minds of theiewes & their constancy in misfortunes. away unrewarded. And first let this move you which terrifieth others, to wit, the patient mind of the jews, and their constancy in adversity. For it is a shame for the Roman soldiers who in time of peace practise themselves in warlike fears, and are accustomed in war to get the victory, now to be overcome by the jews; and that in the end of the victory, we having also God to help us: for all our harms proceed from the jews desperation; and their destruction and calamity by God's favour and your valour is every day increased. For what else is betokned by their sedition amongst themselves, their famine, the fall of their walls without our engines to batter them, and the siege itself; then the wrath of God towards them, and his favour towards us? Wherefore it is unseemly for you either to give place to your inferiors, or to betray God's favour The wrath of God against the jews is the Romans furtherance. and furtherance. It is not a shame that the jews, who, were they conquered, sustained no great reproach as being accustomed to serve & obey others, should so valiantly contemn death, lest they should hereafter suffer or endure the like; and many times boldly to adventure & make excursions even amongst the midst of us, not for hope they have to overcome us, but only to shewtheir valour: and that we, who have conquered almost the earth and sea, to whom it is an infamy not to be victorious, to lie idle, and never make any valiant assault upon our enemies, but being thus armed, to expect till fortune and famine deliver them into our hands? Especially seeing that by undergoing a little danger, all will be ours. If we get into Antonia, we have taken the City. For suppose that we were then to fight against them, that are within the City (which I do not think) we having gotten the highest part of the City, being above our enemy's head, are then assured of a perfect victory over them. I omit now their commendations who have been slain in wars, and their immortality whom Martial fury hath deprived of this life: and those that do not so think, I pray that they may die of some evil death in peace, whose souls are condemned to be interred with their bodies. For what valiant man knoweth not that the soul of Titus speaketh of the life to come after a poetical manner. him that dieth in war, is presently received into the most pure airy element, and from thence carried and placed amongst the sta●…es of heaven, and the good and valiant ghosts do always assist his posterity? And that all that in peace do die of some disease and sickness, their souls are kept in the bowels of the earth in darkness: notwithstanding, that they be most just and pure, and presently they are forgotten, and their life and memory together with them extinguished. Seeing therefore that we are all certain to die, and that to die by the sword is a more easy death then to die by any disease, why should we deprive ourselves of this opportunity, seeing that at last we must necessarily forego our lives as due debt unto the destinies? And this I have spoken as though it were unpossible to escape with life, you doing your endeavours; yet they that bear the minds of men can find means to save themselves, even in the greatest dangers. For first of all, that part of the wall that is fallen may easily be entered, and the wall new built is not hard to be thrown down: and many of you together enterprising this work, may one exhort and help another, and your audacity and courage will quickly daunt the enemy's hearts, and perhaps may get us the victory if we get this one place without bloodshed. For they will not resist us if we offer to ascend the wall, and let us but effect any one exploit either secretly or openly, and the jews will never more endure us, though we be but a few in number. And I would be ashamed if I did The reward of valiant men. not so reward him, that doth first begin and make all that are in our army to envy his happiness: and from hence forth I decree that whosoever escapeth, shall be Governor over them that are now his equals; and who so is slain in this quarrel, I will do him great honour. Titus having thus spoken, the rest of the multitude feared the greatness of the danger: but one of them that warted in the companies named Sabinus, a Syrian borne, a man of excellent strength and courage; yet of so small stature, that if one had seen him, they would have deemed him unfit to have been a soldier: for he was of very small stature and of black colour, but he The year of the world, 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Sabinus a man of low stature, but valiant both in hand and heart. Sabinus with cleaven men Approacheth the wall. had a mind far bigger than his body, and strength scarcely able to be contained in so little room. This Sabinus rising up said: I offer myself unto thee, O Caesar, first of all to ascend the wall, and that with a willing mind, requesting that thy fortune may assist my strength and mind: yet if fortune shall hinder my enterprise, know that I die not against my expectation, but that I will gladly give my life for thee. When he had so said, he took his shield in his left hand, and holding it above his head, with his drawn sword in his right hand, about the sixth hour of the day he went unto the wall: and eleven men followed him, who only envied his virtue. But Sabinus with a divine fervor of spirit went before them all: notwithstanding, that on every side the jews upon the wall cast an infinite number of darts at him, and rolled down upon him huge stones, which did strike down some of the 〈◊〉 that followed him. But Sabinus meeting the darts and pestering arrows, yet did not remit his force; till such time as he had gotten unto the top of the wall, and put the enemies to flight who terrified with his strength and courage, and indeed The power of fortune. thinking that more had come up after him, fled. Wherein, who may not justly blame fortune, and accuse her; as envying at virtuous acts? For this man failed not of his purpose, yet was he stricken with a stone, and thrown down flat upon his face most violently with a great noise: so that now the jews seeing him alone, and lying upon the ground, returned again, and shot at him on every side: and he kneeling upon his knees, and covering himself with his shield, did first of all revenge himself upon his enemies, and wounded many that came near him, till that with wounding them he was so weary, that he could strike no longer; and so at last was slain Sabinus with three companions slain. with arrows: a man who for his valour deserved better fortune, and died as valiantly as his enterprise was courageous. Those that were left of his company, having almost gotten to the top of the wall, were slain with stones, and the rest being wounded were carried into the camp. And this was done the third day of july. CHAP. II. How the Romans assaulted Antonia, and how they were driven back from thence by the jews. TWo days after, twenty of the watchmen which guarded the mounts, two horsemen, and one trumpeter gathered themselves together: and about the ninth hour of the The Romans invade Antonia. night, they came by the ruins into Antonia without any resistance: and finding the first watchmen a sleep, they slew them, and got the wall, and commanded the trumpeter to sound; by which sound, the rest of the watchmen were awaked, and fled for fear before they saw what company of the Romans were gotten upon the wall: and the sound of the trumpet persuaded them, that a great multitude of enemies were come up the wall. Caesar hearing the sound of the trumpet, presently armed his soldiers; and accompanied with his chief Captains, and a company of chosen men, he ascended the wall. The jews fled into the inner Temple, and the Romans also broke in amongst them by the mine that john had made to destroy the mounts of the Romans. And the followers both of john and Simon did courageously drive them back: for they thought it the utter ruin of all, that the Romans were now gotten into the holy place, which indeed was the beginning of their victory. So they began a sore fight even in the very entrance, the Romans striving to get the inner Temple, and the jews endeavouring to bear them back towards Antonia. And now arrows, darts, and spears, nothing availed either part, but they both A most stout fight about the entrance of the inner Temple. fought it out at handy blows with swords: and in that conflict no man could discern on which side any one fought; for the soldiers on both parts were mingled together, & for the straightness of the place, could not keep their rooms: for there was such a noise that no man could hear one another, and many were slain on both parties: & the dead bodies of those that were slain and their weapons falling with them, did hurt many that trod upon them; and who soever had The straightness of the place was incommodiu●… for the fight. the worst, presently cried out pitifully, and the victors shouted for joy: neither was there any place to fly or follow; the fight was such, that now one had the better, and now the other. Moreover, they that stood in the forefront of the battle, were either of necessity to kill, or be killed: for there was no void space left between the two armies. At last the jews courage overcame the Romans skill, and they were all beaten back (having fought from the ninth hour of the night unto the seventh hour of the day.) The jews were encouraged to fight, for fear they should be overcome. And that parcel of the Roman army (for as yet the legions were not come) thought it sufficient at that time to have gotten the Castle of Antonia. CHAP. III. The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. Of the exceeding valour of julian the Roman soldier. THere was one julian a Centurion borne in Bythinia of good parentage, who (as myself julians' famous fortitude. well knew) was most valiant of all, both in strength of body, and skill, and courageous mind. This julian seeing now the Romans to have the worst (standing by Titus in Antonia) he presently leapt down, and all alone pursued the jews, who had the victory into the inner temple. And the whole multitude fled, deeming him by his force and courage, not to have been a man. But he amongst the midst of them, slew whomsoever he light on, one of them for haste casting down another. So that this his deed seemed admirable unto Caesar, and terrible to his enemies. Yet did that destiny befall him, which no man can escape; for having his shoes full of sharp nails, as other soldiers have, running upon the pavement, he slipped and fell down, julian running falleth upon the pavement. his armour in the fall making a great noise: whereat his enemies, who before fled, now turned again upon him. Then the Romans in Antonia fearing his life, cried out: but the jews many at once struck him with swords and spears. And he defended many blows with his shield, and many times attempting to rise, they struck him down again: yet as he lay, he wounded many, neither was he quickly slain, because that all parts of his body, which being wounded might cause present death, were armed, and shrunk in his neck a long time till the rest of his body being cut off, & no man helping him his strength failed. Caesar was very sorrowful to see a man of julians' death. so great force and fortitude slain in the sight of such a multitude: and that the place wherein he was, hindered him from helping julian; and others that might have helped him, durst not for fear. At last when julian had a long time striven with death, and wounded many of them that slew him, he was with much ado killed, leaving behind him a renowned memory, not only amongst the Romans and Caesar, but also amongst his enemies. Then the jews took his dead body, and did beat back the Romans, and shut them in Antonia. In this battle one Alexas and Gyphthaeus Valiant soldiers among the jews. two of john's company fought valiantly, and of Simons company Malachias and judas the son of Merton, and james the son of Sosa, captain of the Idumaeans; and two brethren of the Zealous the sons of jairus, Simon and judas. CHAP. FOUR Joseph's speech, persuading the jews to yield their City: and how many of them fled unto the Romans. AFter that Titus had commanded his soldiers to pull down the foundations of Antonia, and make an easy entrance for the whole army: He called joseph unto him (for he understood that day being the seventeenth of july, that the jews were wont to celebrate a certain feast to God, which they called Entelechismus, and that it was not solemnised for want of men; so that the people greatly mourned therefore) and again commanded him to tell john that, whereof before he had sent him word, to wit, that if he desired to fight, he should have liberty to come, with what multitude he pleased; so that the City and the temple might not both perish with him, willing him now to desist from profaning the holy place, and not Titus willeth john to come out to fight least with him the city and temple should perish also. from sinning against God: sending him also word, that if he so pleased, he would grant him leave to celebrate the festivity which had been now long time omitted, and that by what company he pleased. joseph to the intent that not only john might hear this offer of Titus, but also the rest of the people, he stood in an eminent place, from whence he might be heard, and in the Hebrew tongue he recounted unto the jews Caesar's pleasure, earnestly requesting them to spare their country, and forbid the fire now ready to take hold of their temple, and to offer the accustomed sacrifices unto God. When he had thus said, the people were very sorrowful, and every one held his peace not knowing what to say. But the tyrant john having used many railing speeches john raileth against joseph. against joseph, at last he answered that he need not fear the destruction of the temple and City, seeing that it belonged to God. Then joseph with a loud voice cried out, true it is, you have kept it pure, and unprofaned for God, and the holy things you have kept inviolate, neither haste thou committed any iniquity against him, from whom thou expectest help, but hast offered solemn sacrifice unto him. If any man should take from thee thy daily food, no doubt thou wouldst account him thy enemy, canst thou then hope that God whom thou hast deprived of daily sacrifice, will assist thee in these wars? Dost thou impute these offences to the Romans? why they even now do defend our religion, The year of the world, 4034 after Christ's birth 72. and command sacrifice to be offered, which thou hast forbidden. Who doth not bewail this unexpected change, and lament our City? stranger's and enemies correct thy impiety, and thou a jew borne and brought up in our law, art more cruel than they. But consider john, it is no shame to repent thy wickedness in extremity: and at the last cast, if thou be desirous to save thy country, thou hast a good example of jechonias, sometime king of the jews, who when the jechonias sustained a voluntary banishment in Babylon. Babylonians warred against him, of his own accord, went out of the City before it was taken, and willingly endured captivity with all his family and kindred only, lest he should betray these holy places unto his enemies, and behold the temple fired. And for this act of his, he is of sacred memory amongst the jews, and hath thereby gained immortal credit amongst all his posterity. This is a good example, O john, although danger be at hand: and I will promise thee also pardon from the Romans, only remember that I thy countryman admonish thee, and promise this unto the jews, behold who is the author and counsellor hereof. God forbid that ever I should so live a captive, that I should not live according to the laws of our country. Yet again art thou incensed against me, and exclaimest upon me, and cursest me. But true it is, I deserve worse than The City by the ordinance of fate & Gods will was to be over thrown, this, who seek to persuade contrary unto the determination of God's providence, and strive to save them whom his sentence hath condemned. Who is ignorant of the writings of the ancient prophets, and their prophecies, now hanging over this wretched city? For than it is foretold by them to be destroyed, when we murder our own nation: and now not only the city, but also the temple is full of your dead bodies. Certainly it is God, God it is that together with the Romans, bringeth in fire to purge this city filled with iniquity. joseph thus crying with tears and lamentations, he could speak no more for sobbing: And Joseph's speeches interrupted with sighs. the Romans compassionating his sorrow and affliction were astonished. But john and his confederates were so much the more incited against the Romans, and sought to take joseph; yet his speech did move many of the nobles, and divers fearing the seditious watchmen, remained still where they were, making full account both of their own destruction, and the subversion of the City. Yet some there were, who, finding opportunity, fled unto the Romans: amongst whom were two priests, joseph and jesus, and three sons of Ishmael the priest, who was beheaded at Cyren, Some of the nobility among the jews escape to the Romans. and four sons of Mathias the priest, and one of the other Mathias, who escaped unto the Romans before his father was put to death by Simon Giora, with his three sons, as is before said: and many other nobles revolted with the priests, whom the Emperor received very courteously, and then sent into Gophna; knowing that it was a grief for them to converse amongst people of divers manners from them, and willed them to remain there, and promised every one of them great possessions, after the wars were ended. So they joyfully departed unto the place appointed. But the seditious, for that they were not seen, reported unto the people, that they who had fled unto the Romans were slain, meaning hereby to terrify the rest from flying to them: and this their device a while prevailed, as their former did; and they that feign would, durst not now fly for fear. But afterward when Titus recalled them from Gophna, and commanded Caesar's humanity towards the jews. Those jews that were fled besought the besieged with 〈◊〉 & sighs to submit themselves. them to go about the walls with joseph, and show themselves unto the people; then many of the jews fled unto the Romans. And after they had gathered themselves together, standing all before the Romans, they besought the seditious with tears, first to receive the Romans into the City, and save their country: or if this pleased them not, at least to depart out of the temple, and deliver it up unto them. For the Romans durst not, except necessity urged them thereto, fire the holy temple. But their malice against the Romans increasing, and railing against them that had fled unto them, they planted all their engines to cast stones, darts and arrows upon the holy porches. So that all the void space about the temple was filled with dead bodies like a Sepulchre, The temple after the manner of a Castle. and the temple itself resembled a castle, and they now with their weapons having their hands imbrued with the blood of their countrymen, presumed to enter into the Sanctuarixe where none ought to come, and they became so injurious against their own laws, that look what indignation the jews ought to have conceived against the Romans if they had so profaned the holy places, the same they caused the Romans to have against them, for doing the like. For there was no one amongst the Roman soldiers, that did not with reverence behold the temple, and adore it, and that did not heartily wish that the thieves would repent themselves before it was too late. Moreover, Titus pitying the seditious once again spoke unto john and his adherents, saying: O ye impious people, have not you environed the temple about with a cloister? have not Titus speaketh to john and his companions. you yourselves in Greek and our language engraved in tables, forbidden all men to enter into those limits? did not we licence you to kill any man that should pass them, notwithstanding that he were a Roman? Why then ye wickd wretches do you tread upon dead men's bodies within The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Titus in despite of the jews striveth to save the temple. your temple? Or wherefore have you polluted the temple with the blood of strangers, and of your countrymen? I call my country gods to witness, and him who sometime dwelled in this place, if ever there were any (for now I am persuaded there is none) I call also my army to witness, and protest unto the jews that are with me, and unto yourselves, that I will not compel you to violate these sacred things: but that if your army will depart from this place, that then no Roman shall come into these holy places, nor commit any thing in contumely of them, but I will preserve the temple for you against your wills. CHAP. V. How the battle was renewed, the rampires being again builded, and of the excursions of the jews. joseph having delivered these words of Titus unto the jews, the seditious thinking that they proceeded not of good will but of fear, began to be more proud hereat. Then Titus seeing that they neither pitied themselves nor the temple, determined again to fight, though very loath so to do; yet could he not bring all his a●… my against them, the room Titus chose thirty out of every hundredth most strong and able men & biddeth them charge the besieged. was so little. Wherefore out of every hundredth he made ch●…ice of thirty of the strongest amongst them, and over every thousand he appointed a colonel, and made Cerealis their captain or general, commanding him at the ninth hour of the night, to assault the watchmen of the enemy. Also he himself would have gone down with them armed, but his friends and the captains about him foreseeing the great danger that he might fall into, would not permit him: affirming that he might do more good sitting in Antonia, and encouraging the soldiers that fought, then if he himself should go and endanger himself: for every man being in the view of the Emperor would fight more courageously. Titus herewith was persuaded, telling the soldiers that the only cause he went not with them was this, that he stayed behind to view & judge every one's valour and virtue, and to the intent that none behaving himself valiantly should go away unrewarded, nor any coward escape unpunished, but that he himself would be a beholder of every man's virtue, and a witness thereof, who was their Lord either to reward or punish. Then Titus beholdeth from a window in Antonia what his soldiers perform. he went unto a watchtower in Antonia, from whence he beheld what was done. But they whom Titus sent, did not find the watchmen asleep as they hoped, but with a cry assaulted the Romans that came against them: and at this noise they awaked their fellows: who came in whole companies to assist them, and made excursions upon their enemies. So the Romans sustained the violence of their first companies: but the second that came fell upon their own fellows, and used them like their enemies: for no man could know one another's voice for the noise there, neither could one see another by reason it was night: and moreover some were blinded with fury, some with anger, some with fear: wherefore every one struck him that met him without any respect. And the Romans received small damage hereby, because that they were defended with their shields, and remembered one another's watchword. But the jews fell on every side, showing themselves rash as well in excursions, as in their retiring; so that many times one of them took the other to be his enemy, every one falling upon him that retired, as though he had been a Roman, assaulting them in the dark. Briefly, more were wounded by their fellows then by their enemies, till day breaking every one knew his companion, & each one keeping his rank, did then betake themselves to their darts and arrows. Neither part gave back, nor was wearied with labour, but many Romans together & apart did in the view of the Emperor show their courage, every man accounting that day the beginning of his preferment; if he behaved himself valiantly. The jews fought stoutly, both for that they feared their own imminent danger, if they were overcome, and the destruction of the temple: and john standing by encouraged them to fight, some with blows, other some with threatenings, They fought most commonly with handy blows; yet fortune often changed: for neither part had either far to fly, or any The events of battles are changed very shortly. space to follow them that fled. The Romans in Antonia cried unto their fellows, that fought the battle now for hope of victory, presently encouraging them to stand to it, when they began to give back; so it was as it had been a theatre of war: for Titus, and they with him beheld all that was done; so at last in the fifth hour of the day the fight ceased, having continued from the ninth hour of the night, neither party forsaking the place where first they began battle, neither any part having the victory. Many Romans there fought courageously, and amongst the jews these that follow: judas the son of Merton, Simon the son of josias, & jacob and Simon Idumaeans; this the son of Cathla, but james was the son of Sosa: and all these were of Simons company, and of john's followers Gyphthaeus, and Alexas; & of the Zealous Simon the son The ye●…re of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Four mounts raised near unto the temple. of jairus. But the seventh day the rest of the Romans pulling down the foundations of Antonia, made a large entrance for the rest of the army. And the legions coming unto the wall, presently began to raise mounts, one against the corner of the inner temple, which was scituat north & east: & another against the gallery on the north side between the two porches: & the other two, one against the porch on the west side of the outward temple; the other against the north porch. So with much toil & labour they finished this work, ferching wood to build it withal a hundredth furlongs off. And many times they were endamaged by treachery, not being wary by reason of their victory: & the jews despairing of themselves every hour more & more were encouraged. For many of the horsemen going either to get wood or hay, whilst they were about it, they took the bridles from off their horse, & permitted them to feed till they had ended their business; and presently the jews issuing out in troops upon them, took them away. Titus seeing that this fell out, deemed (as in The jews surprise the Romans horses. deed it was) that his men's horses were stolen rather by their negligence, than their enemy's valour: wherefore he thought by the severe punishment of one, to make others look better to their horses. And so he condemned to death one of the soldiers that had lost his horse, by whose punishment the rest of the soldiers being terrified, kept their horses better. For after that, when they went about any business, they never left their horses in the pastures, but kept always with them. Thus the Romans assaulted the Temple, and builded there mounts. The day following certain of the seditious, who now could get no more booties in the City, and now also began to taste of hunger, assaulted the Romans that were placed towards mount The fight of the Iewe●… and Romans near unto the mount ●…lcon. Olivet about the eleventh hour of the day: for they hoped to take them unawares, as being now at dinner. But the Romans understanding their intent, came and out of their places resisted them who attempted violently to break in upon them over the wall, so that there was a hot fight, and many worthy deeds were done on either party, the Romans having both strength and knowledge in warlike affairs; the jews led with a desperate fury: and shame forced the Romans to fight, and need compelled the jews: for the Romans accounted it a shame not to overcome the jews, who were as it were fallen into their hands; and the jews thought it the only way to save their own lives, to break down the wall by force. And one of the horsemen called Pedanius, the jews being put to flight & driven into the valley, pursued them with his horse as fast as Pedanius a strong and expert horseman. he could gallop, and overtook a young man one of his enemies, being of a heavy body, armed all over, and taking him about the ankle, he carried him violently away: thereby showing the strength of his arm and of the rest of his body, and his skilful chivalry, and so brought the captive unto Caesar as a present. Titus admiring Pedanius his strength, and punishing the captive for having attempted to assault the wall, he now hasted to assail the temple, & commanded The captive punished. the workmen quickly to dispatch their mounts. In the mean time the jews being ill handled in the former wars, and war still increasing to the overthrow of the temple, they did, as the custom is in a putrefied body, prevent the plague from going any further by cutting off the corrupted members. For that part of the porch that reached from the North unto the East, joined unto Antonia, which they firing separated it twenty cubits from it, having now with their own●… hands begun to cast fire into the holy place. Two days after, which was the four and twentieth The jews burnt the porches of the temple. day of the foresaid month, the Romans set the porch on fire, and the fire having gone fourteen cubits, the jews pulled down the top thereof, and not desisting from their accustomed works, they pulled down all adjoining unto Antonia when it was easy for them, and that they ought to have hindered the fire. The porch being on fire, they permitted so much to be burned as they thought good for their purpose. The fight about the temple never ceased, many excursions The jews are too slack in putting out the fire. were made one against each other. About this time a certain jew of low stature, and to see to a contemptible person, every way an abject, both by reason of his base parentage and otherwise, named jonathan, who going to the monument of john the Priest, dared the strongest amongst the Romans to come and fight jonathan provoketh the stoutest Roman to a single combat. a single combat with him. The Romans that beheld him disdained him: yet some amongst them (as commonly it is seen) were afraid of him: others wisely deemed, that they ought not to fight with one that was desirous to die: for they that were desperate, neither fought advisedly, nor had the fear of God before their eyes: and so that it was not a sign of valour, but of overmuch hardiness, to fight with such a one; whom though they overcame, yet they could win no credit, but with infamy hazard themselves to be vanquished. So a long time none of the Romans came against him, and he upbraided them of cowardliness. At last an arrogant and proud fellow, one of the Roman horsemen named Pudens, disdaining his insolency, and perhaps also for that he was of little stature, came against him, and fight with him, fortune The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Pudens fight with jonathan is slain by him. Priscus the Ce●…urion killeth jonathan with an arrow. frowned upon him, so that he was laughed to scorn by his fellow: for he falling down jonathan slew him; and setting his foot upon the dead body, with his left hand he flourished his shield, and with his right his bloody sword, and striking his weapons one against another, he insulted over the Roman army, and over the dead body, upbraiding the Romans, so long till Priscus a Centurion, as he was thus vaunting, shot him through with an arrow, and so he fell down dead upon the body of his enemy: at which deed, both the Romans and the jews raised a confused cry or noise. So jonathan here showed how quickly revenge pursued the felicity of warlike victory, falling out contrary to all reason. CHAP. VI How the Romans through the deceit of the jews were consumed with fire, and of one Artorius. THe seditious that kept the Temple, did now every day openly in fight resist the Romans that kept the mounts, and the seven and twenty day they devised this stratagem. They filled the void part of the East porch of the Temple with dry wood and brimstone, and The jews fill the void part of the East porch with dry wood, sulphur and bitumen. bitumen, and then fled out of it as not able longer to resist. Wherefore many of the Romans rashly pursued the jews that fled, and with ladders got into the galleries. But the wiser sort considering that the jews had no just occasion to fly, kept their place. The porch being now full of Romans that were got up into it, the jews gave fire to the wood and brimstone, and upon a sudden all the porch was compassed with the flame: so that the Romans who were out of danger The Romans calamity in the fire. were here at amazed, and those that were amidst the flames became desperate; and environed with the flames some sought to run back into the town, other some unto the enemies; others killed themselves, so preventing the fury of the fire; and presently the flame overtook those that sought to fly. Caesar, though offended at the soldiers for having ascended into the porch unbidden, Caesar hath compassion of the Romans that were in the fire. yet seeing them die so woefully in the flames, he compassionated them. And although that the fire could not be quenched, yet the poor soldiers dying amongst the flames were hereat comforted, in that they perceived him to be sorrowful for them, for whom they had lost their lives. For they beheld him crying to their fellows to help to extinguish the fire, & he himself laboured what he could to do it; so that every one esteemed his sorrow and lamentation for them as much as a sumptuous funeral: but some escaped the fire and got into the largest part of the porch; yet environed round about with jews, having long resisted, though with many wounds, yet in the end they were all slain. At last a young man named Longus, was an honour to all this misery, and notwithstanding that every one that there perished deserved particularly to be remembered, yet he showed himself Longus killeth himself. the most valiant of them all. The jews were desirous to kill this man for that he was strong, and willed him to come down unto them, swearing unto him to spare him. But his brother Cornelius, who stood on the other side, entreated him not to discredit his own honour and the Romans, whom he obeyed: and he lifting up his sword on high, that either part might see, slew himself. Yet one Artorius from amidst the fire escaped by this devise, he called unto him one Lucius his fellow soldier and chamber fellow; I will (quoth he) make thee heir of all my inheritance if thou wilt catch me in thy arms. Lucius willingly endeavouring to do it, Artorius cast himself Lucius dieth but Artorius saveth himself by a stratagem down upon him, and so escaped with his life, but Lucius upon whom he fell was bruised against the pavement, and so died. This calamity a while did greatly grieve the Romans, yet it made them more wary afterward, and acquainted them with the jews subtleties, whereof before being ignorant, they sustained great damage; so the porch was burnt unto the tower which john built, during his wars against Simon: and the jews, after the Romans that were ascended into it were consumed, pulled down the rest. The next day the Romans fired the North porch, The porch of the Temple fired. even unto the foresaid East porch, which contained the corners of the wall builded over the valley Cedron, so that it was terrible to behold the valley from thence, by reason of the depth. CHAP. VII. The ye●…re of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. Of the famine amongst the jews. Such were the affairs about the temple, but an infinite multitude perished within the city through famine, so that they could not be numbered, for in every place where any show The intestino wars of the jews that were wellnigh famished with hunger. or sign of food was, presently arose a battle and the dearest friends of all now fought one with another, to take the food from other poor souls, neither did they believe them that were now a dying for famine, but the thieves searched them, whom they saw yielding up the ghost, thinking that they dying for famine, had hid about them some food, but they were deceived of their hope, being like mad dogs, greedy of meat, and fell against the doors like drunken men, searching the self same houses twice or thrice together in desperation, and for very penury they eat whatsoever they light upon, gathering such things to eat, as the most filthy living creatures in the world would have loathed. In brief, they did eat their girdles and The jews eat their own girdles, shoes, the leather of their Targets & old ●…ay. shoes, and the skins that covered their shields, so that a little of old hay was sold for four Attiques. But what need is it to show the sharpness of this famine by things that want life? I will recount an act never heard of, neither amongst the greeks, nor any other barbarous people, horribly to be rehearsed, and incredible, so that I would willingly omit this calamity, lest posterity should think I lie, had I not many witnesses hereof, and perhaps should incur reprehension, not fully recounting all accidents of them that are dead. CHAP. VIII. Of a woman that for famine killed her son, and dressed him for meat. A Certain woman named Marie, dwelling beyond jordaine, the daughter of Eleazar of the town of Vitezokia, which signifieth the house of Hyssop, descended of noble & rich parentage, flying with the rest unto jerusalem, was there with them besieged, her other goods the tyrants had taken from her, which she had brought from beyond the river into the City, and whatsoever being hid, escaped their hands, the thieves daily came into her house and took it away, whereat the woman greatly mou●…d, cursed them, and with hard speeches animated them the more against her, yet no man either for anger, or compassion would kill her, but suffered her to live to get them meat, but now could she get no more, and famine invaded her, with rage and anger more than danger. Wherefore by rage and necessity she was compelled to do that which nature abhorred, and taking her son unto whom she then gave suck, O miserable child (quoth she) in war, famine, and sedition, for which of these shall I keep thee? If The ●…thers speech before she slew her son. thou continue amongst the Romans, thou shalt be made a slave, yet famine will prevent bondage; or else sedition worse than them both. Be therefore meat for me, a terror unto the seditious, a tragical story to be spoken of by posterity, and that which is only yet heard of amongst the calamities of the jews. Having thus sp●…en she slew her son, and did seethe the one half of him, and eat it, the rest she reserved couere●… Presently came the seditious, smelling the sent of that excecrable meat, threatening presently to kill her, except she forthwith brought some of that unto them which she had prepared. Then she answered that she had reserved a good portion thereof The seditious challeng●… the meat which the desolate mother had dressed. for them, and presently uncovered that part of her son which she had left uneaten, at which sight they trembled, and a horror fell upon them. But the woman said this is truly my son, and my doing, eat you of it, for I myself have eaten thereof. Be not more effeminate than a woman, nor more merciful than a mother. If religion make you refuse this my sacrifice, I have already eaten of it and will eat the rest. Then the seditious departed hereat only trembling, and scarcely permitting this meat to the mother. Presently the report of this heinous crime was bruited all about the City, and every man having before his eyes this excecrable fact, trembled as though himself had done it. And now all that were vexed with this famine, hastened their own deaths, and he was accounted happy that died before he felt this famine. This unnatural fact was soon after recounted unto the Romans, and some of them would not believe it, others pitied them within The calamity recounted to the Romans. the City, and many hereat increased their hatred towards that nation. Caesar before Almighty God protested, that he was not the cause of this, having offered the jews peace, free pardon & forgiveness for all their offences past, and that they did rather make choice of war then peace, of sedition than quietness, of famine rather than wealth and The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. plenty, having with their own hands begun to set on fire the temple, which he had preserved for them, and that therefore such like meat was fit for them, and that he would bury this abominable crime of eating their own children in the ruins of their country, and that he would not in any part of the world suffer the sun to shine upon such a City, wherein mothers did eat their own children, and that such food did more beseem fathers then mothers, 4. Reg 6. Ant. lib. 9 cap. 4. who for all their miseries would not yet cease from arms. Having thus spoken he considered the desperation of the enemies, and that they would not recall themselves, who had already endured all such calamities, which might if it had been possible have altered their opinions rather than have endured them. CHAP. IX. How the wall was taken, and the temple burnt. THe eight day of August two of the Roman legions having finished their mounts, they began to place their rams against the East galleries without the temple, having six days together without intermission already beaten the wall with their strongest rams, and nothing prevailed, the stones being so strong, that the rams could not move them: others of the Romans laboured to dig up the foundations of the porch, that was on the North side, and after much toil, they only could pull away the outward stones, & the inner stones did still support the porch. At last the Romans seeing themselves not prevail by their iavelines and other instruments, they set ladders to ascend into the galleries. The jews did not greatly labour to hinder them from getting up, but when they were within the galleries, than they came and fought with them, and cast some of them down headlong, forcing them to retire, others they slew that stood to it; and others that were upon the ladders going down before they could defend themselves with their shields, were with swords strooken down, and they also thrust down some ladders full of armed men. So that there was a great massacre of the Romans, some fight for The jews overcome the Romans and ●…eaze their ensigns. their ensigns, which the jews had taken from them, esteeming the loss thereof a great shame unto them. At last the jews got their ancients, and slew them, that came up to rescue them; and the rest terrified with their deaths that were slain, went down again, and no one of the Romans died, who before he was slain did not some valiant act, and those seditious people that in the former battles did show themselves valiant, did now also fight valiantly, and beside them Eleazar son unto the tyrant the brother of Simon. Then Titus perceiving that he spared the temple of the jews to his loss, and to the death of his soldiers, he commanded fire to be put unto the temple gates, presently Ananus of Emaus the most cruel of all Simons followers, and Two of Simons guard revolt from him. Archelaus the son of Magadatus, fled unto Titus, who for their cruelties committed, determined to put them to death: yet they hoped for pardon, for that they had now forsaken the jews when they had gotten the better hand. But Titus affirmed they came not of goodwill, but for necessity, and that they did not deserve to live forsaking their country now set on fire for their offences: yet his promise bridled his wrath, and he dismissed them, but they were not so much esteemed Titus' promise restraineth his wrath. as the rest. The Roman soldiers did now put fire unto the temple doors, and the silver plates wherewith they were covered being molten, the flame quickly fired the wood, and increasing took hold presently on the next porch. The jews seeing themselves environed with None of the sews goeth about to extinguish the fire. flames, were now altogether discouraged, and their strength failed them, and being amazed no man sought to extinguish the flame, and so they stood still beholding the fire, yet not lamenting that which was set on fire, more than desiring to save the rest: and so that day and all the next night the fire increased, for the porches were burnt by little and little, and not all at once. The next day Titus caused part of his army to quench the fire, and calling unto him his captains, and six that were the chiefest amongst them, to wit, Tiberias Alexander General of the Titus calleth the chieftain●… before him. whole army, Sextus Cerealis commander of the fifth legion, Largius Lepidus of the tenth, Titus Frigius of the fifteenth, with whom was also Aeternius Fronto commander of the two legions that came from Alexandria and Marcus Antonius julianus Governor of judaea, and with them the colonels and captains, he deliberated with them what was to be done concerning the temple. Some counseled to use the custom of wars, for that the jews would never live peaceably their temple standing, all their nation wheresoever living assembling themselves thither at The year of the world, 4034. after Christ's birth 72. certain times. Others persuaded Titus that if so be the jews yielded their temple, and sought not for it, then to save it: but if they fought for it, to burn it: for now it seemed a Castle and not a temple: and if any man were offended hereat, it should not be imputed to the Romans or to their general, but to the jews who constrained them to do it; and he offended not, they forcing him to fire it. But Titus affirmed that although the jews fought for their temple being men without Titus' counsel as concerning the temple. conscience, yet it should not be destroyed: for he would not so be revenged of their iniquities: neither would he ever fire so goodly a building; for so it would redound unto the loss of the Romans; as also it would be a credit unto them, if it were left remaining. And now Alexander, Fronto, and Cerealis, perceiving Caesar's mind were of his opinion, and so he dismissed the convocation, and commanded the soldiers and captains to rest, that they might be more able to fight when need required: and presently he appointed certain chosen men to make the ways even, & easy for the army to pass by the ruins, commanding them to quench the fire; and that day the jews being fearful and weary did make no resistance. The day following taking heart and assembled together, they assaulted the watchmen that kept without the temple, the second hour of the day. The Romans valiantly resisted their first assault, so defending themselves with their shields as though they had a wall before them; yet sure it was that they would not long abide, for that they were fewer in number then their enemies, and not so desperate as they were. Then Caesar before his men retired (beholding the fight from Antonia) with certain chosen horsemen came Titus with his chosen horsemen cometh to rescue the Romans. to succour them: whose force the jews not sustaining, but the first of them being slain, the rest fled: and the Romans departing, they returned, and fought against them; and when the Romans returned again, presently they fled, till about the fifth hour of the day the jews were forced to betake themselves into the temple, and there they were shut up. Then Titus returned into Antonia, purposing the next day to assault them with all his army, and win the temple. But the sentence of God had already determined, that it should be consumed with fire, and now the fatal The temple was burnt by the Romans the tenth of the month of August, on which day before time it was burned by the king of Babylon. day was come after many years, which was the tenth of August: upon which day also the king of Babylon did once before fire it, yet was it now first set a fire by our own countrymen, who were indeed the cause thereof. For the seditious being quiet till Titus was departed, then again they assaulted the Romans, and so fought with the guard that were without the temple, labouring to extinguish the flame, who putting the jews to flight, came unto the temple. CHAP. X. How the temple was burnt against the will of Titus. THen a certain soldier, who expected no command, nor feared to do so execrable a fact, being moved with some divine fury and lifted up by his fellow, took in his hand a flaming firebrand, and cast it into the golden gate which entered into the rooms on the North part of the temple, and the flame presently arose: which caused a great cry amongst the jews, expressing their calamity, and every one hasted to extinguish the fire; now neither accounting of their lives nor forces, having lost that for which they so fought. News hereof was A soldier contrary to Caesar's will burned the temple. presently brought unto Titus by one who came from the fight, who then was resting in his tabernacle, and he presently arose and ran unto the temple to hinder the fire, and all the captains after him; whereat the soldiers being terrified followed, and there arose a great cry and tumult in that army being unordered. Caesar both with voice and hand made a sign unto the soldiers, that were fight to quench the fire. But they did not hear him, there was so great a noise, neither did they perceive the sign he made unto them with his hand, because that some were distracted with fight, others with anger: and the soldiers issued in, not restrained neither by commands nor threatenings, but every one went whither fury carried him, and thronging together at the entrance, many pressed one another to death: and many being amongst the fiery ruins of the galleries perished as miserably as those that were overcome. When they came unto the temple every one counterfeited himself not to hear Caesar's command, and so exhorted his fellows that were before him to fire the temple. The seditious now had no hope to The burning of the temple. withstand them, but either fled or were slain; and many unarmed and unable people wheresoever they were found, were slain: so that about the altar was an innumerable company of dead bodies Great slaughter in the temple. heaped together, and their blood flowed down the temple stairs: and their bodies that there were slain rolled down Caesar seeing he could not restrain the fury of the madbraine soldiers, The year of the world. 403●…. after Christ's birth 72. Titus striveth to save the inward temple. and that the fire increased, entered into the temple with his nobles, and beheld all the holy things there, and what soever else was there, far surpassing all report which strangers had given of it, and equal to that report which the jews made of it. And the flame not having yet pierced into the inner part of the temple▪ nor yet consumed the houses and rooms about it, he deemed that as yet it might be preserved: wherefore himself came and entreated the soldiers to extinguish the fire: commanding Liberalis the Centurion of his guard to beat those with a truncheon that would not be obedient, and drive them away. But their fury and the rage of war, and the hatred they bore against the jews overcame in them all Caesar's commands, and fear of them that forbade them. Many were incited so to do hoping of some booty, thinking that all the temple within was full of money, because they saw the gates of gold. Moreover a certain soldier, when Caesar sought to queneh the flame, fired the posts above the doors, and presently the flame appearing within, Caesar and the Captains departed, and so every one stood looking upon it, and no man sought to extinguish it. Thus the temple was burnt against Titus his will. And although enerieman will judge it a lamentable case that such a building surpassing all that ever was seen or heard of, both in greatness, workmanship, costliness and plenty of all things; in this yet we may comfort ourselves, in that the destinies had so determined. For neither living creatures, nor places, nor buildings can avoid their destiny. One may How many years there were between the first building of the temple under king Solomon and the destruction under Titus. also admire the exact and just revolution of time: for it was now destroyed in the same month, and on the same day that the Babylonians first destroyed it: and from that time that Solomon began the first temple unto the destruction of the second temple, which happened the second year of Vespasians reign, were a thousand, a hundredth and thirty years, seven months, and fifteen days: and from the building of the latter temple which Aggaeus built in the second year of the reign of King Cyrus, unto the destruction thereof now in Vespasians reign, were six hundredth thirty nine years and five and forty days. CHAP. XI. Of the Priests: the Treasure house: and the Porch. WHen the temple was thus consumed with fire, whatsoever the soldiers found therein they carried away, and put all to the sword that were in it, which was an infinite number: neither did they show any pity to old age, or infants: but old, young, priests, & common people all were slain without respect, & all sorts of people tasted the calamity of war, whether they resisted, or entreated mercy. And now the flame increased, which grieved even then that were yielding The cry and howling of the murdered jews. up the ghost: and by reason of the height of the hill, and the building together, one would have thought the whole city had been on fire. Then a most lamentable cry was raised between the Roman legions, and the seditious now environed with fire and sword, and of the people that were taken in the higher part of the city, & had fled unto the Romans, lamenting their calamity; and they of the city answered the tears and cries of them in the hill, and many whose eyes death by famine had already closed, took strength a while to bewail the temple, which they now opening their eyes beheld on fire. The country beyond jordan, and the mountains about did echo with their laments: and yet the calamity surpassed that tumult. For one would have judged the hill whereon the temple was situate, to have been burnt up by the roots, it was so full of fire: Yet The temple filled with fire and blood. the multitude of blood there shed surpassed the fire. Many that were slain were covered with them that slew them, and all the ground was overspread with dead bodies, so that the soldiers ran upon the dead bodies to pursue them that fled. At last the thieves having driven the Romans without the temple, they ran into the city, & the rest of the people that were left, fled into the outward porch. And many of the priests first used spits, and then their seats made of lead in steed of darts against the Romans; at last nothing at all prevailing, and the fire falling upon them, they went unto a wall eight cubits broad, and there stayed. Yet two of the nobles, when they might Two noble men cast themselves into the fire. either have fled unto the Romans, and there have been saved, or else have endured like fortune with the rest, they notwithstanding cast themselves into the fire, and so were burnt with the temple: one of them was named Meierus the son of Belga, the other joseph the son of Dalaeus. The Romans thought it in vain to spare the buildings about the temple, seeing the temple The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72, was already consumed, and so set fire on them all, the porches, galleries, and gates; two only excepted, one on the East side, and the other on the South side, both which afterward they razed unto the ground: they burned also certain chests called Gazophylacia, or money boxes, wherein was great store of coin, and rich garments, and other precious things, and indeed all the jews treasure, for the richest of the city had brought all their wealth thither. There came into the porch that was left standing many men, women & children to the number of six thousand. And before Caesar and the captains did determine any thing what should be done with them, the furious soldiers fired the porch wherein they were, and so they all perished in the flames; save a few, that Six thousand in the porch consumed by fire. leaping down to avoid the fire, were slain in the fall, so that no one escaped of all that multitude. A certain false prophet was cause of all their deaths; who the same day preached in the City, and commanded them to go into the temple and behold signs of their deliverance: for many false Prophets were then suborned by the tyrants, to persuade them to expect God's help, thereby to hinder them from flying unto the Romans, and to cause the soldiers to fight more valiantly False prophets suborned by the seditious. to defend their city. Men easily believe and are credulous in adversity, so that if any deceitful person promise deliverance out of calamity, he that suffereth misery is in full hope thereof. CHAP. XII. Of the strange signs and tokens that appeared before the destruction of jerusalem. THese miserable people were thus easily persuaded by impostors who did bely God, yet would they not believe, nor give any ear or regard unto certain tokens, & signs of the The blindness of the people The first prodigy. A comet like unto a sword. The second prodigy was that a bright light shined about the altar and temple by night. The third prodigy was of a co●… the brought forth a lamb in the midst of the temple. The fourth the brazen gate of the temple opened itself. ruin of their city but as it were blinded, neither having eyes nor souls, they counterfeited themselves not to see what God foreshowed them. One while there was a comet in form of a fiery sword, which for a year together did hang over the city: an other time before the first revolt & war, the people being gathered together to the feast of unleavened bread (which was the eight day of April) the ninth hour of the night, there was so much light about the altar and temple, as though it had been bright day, which remained half an hour: this the ignorant people interpreted as a good sign, but they that were skilful in holy scripture, did presently judge, what would ensue before it came to pass. The same festivity a cow led to be sacrificed at the altar, brought forth a lamb in the midst of the temple: and the inner gate of the temple on the east side being of massive brass, which at night time had always at least twenty men to shut it, & was bound with locks of iron, and was barred with bars, the ends whereof went into morteis holes in the stones on either side the door (the foresaid stones being on each side, one whole stone) was seen at the first hour of the night to open of his own accord, which being presently related unto the Magistrate by the keepers of the temple, he himself came thither and could scarcely shut it, and this also to the ignorant seemed a good sign, affirming that God opened unto them the gate of his blessings. But the wiser sort judged that the defence of the temple would decay of his own accord, and that the opening of the gate foretold, that it should be given to the enemies, affirming one unto another that this sign signified desolation. A little while after the feast days on the one and twentieth day of May there was seen a vision beyond all belief, and perhaps that which I am to recount might seem a fable, if some were not now alive that beheld it, and that calamity worthy to be so foretold ensued: for before the sun set, were seen in the air iron chariots all over the country, and an army in battle array passing along in the clouds, and begitting the city. And upon the feast day called Penticost, at night the priests going into The fifth armed chariots and men seen in the air. The sixth a voice in the inward temple The Seventh prodigy jesus a country man's cry and death. the inner temple to offer their wont sacrifice, at first they felt the place to move and tremble, & afterward they heard a voice which said, Let us depart hence. And that which was most wonderful of all, one jesus the son of Ananus a country man of the common people, four years before the wars began, when the City flourished in peace and riches, coming to the celebration of the feast to jerusalem, which we call the feast of Tabernacles, suddenly began to cry out thus; A voice from the East: A voice from the West, A voice from the four winds, A voice against jerusalem and the Temple. A voice against men and women newly married: A voice against all this people: and thus crying night and day, he went about all the streets of the city. Some of the nobility disdaining misfortune, took him and scourged him with many stripes, but The year of the world. 4034, af●…r Christ's birth 72. he neither secretly speaking for himself, nor unto those that did beat him, persevered crying as before. The Magistrates then thinking (as in deed it was) that the man spoke this through some divine motion, led him unto the General of the Romans, where being beaten till his bones appeared, he never entreated nor wepts, but as well as he could, framing a weeping voice, he cried woe, woe unto jerusalem. Albinus (being then judge) asked him what he was, or of whence, or wherefore he said so, but he made him no answer. Yet he ceased not to bewail the misery of jerusalem, until Albinus thinking him to be out of his wits, suffered him to depart. This man even until the time of war never went to any Citizen, nor was seen speak to any one, but still as it were studying of some speech: he cried woe, woe unto jerusalem. Neither did he ever curse any one, though every day one or other did beat him, nor thank any one that offered him meat. All that he spoke unto any man was this heavy prophecy. He went crying as is aforesaid, chiefly upon holidays, so doing continually for the space of seven years and five months, his jesus for seven years space & five months cried about the City. A stone shot from an engine killeth jesus. voice neither waxing hoarse nor weary, till in the time of the siege, beholding that which he foretold them, he ceased, and then once again upon the walls going about the City, with a loud voice he cried; Woe, woe unto the City, Temple and people and lastly he said, woe also unto myself; which words were no sooner uttered, but a stone shot from out an engine smote him, and so he yielded up the ghost lamenting them all. If any one do diligently consider all these, he shall find that God hath a care of mankind, and doth every way foreshow betime, what is most expedient for them, and they through their own madness, to have voluntarily perished in their wickedness. For the jews when the Castle Antonia was taken, made the Temple four square: notwithstanding, that it was written in the holy Scripture, that the City and Temple should be taken, when the Temple was made four square. The jews interpret the signs to their own good liking, are their Country's ruin and the cause of their own calamity. But that which chiefly incited them to war, was the doubtful prophecy likewise found in the holy Scriptures: that at the same time, one in their dominions should be Monarch of the whole world; and many wisemen were deceived in this interpretation; making account that he should be one of their own nation, yet indeed thereby was foretold Vespasians Empire. But men cannot prevent destiny, though they foresee it. Thus the jews interpreted some of the signs as they pleased, and at others they laughed, till by the ruin of their Country, and their own woeful overthrow, their iniquity appeared. CHAP. XIII. How Titus was made Emperor: and of the death of the priests. AFter the seditious were fled into the City all the Temple and places thereabout being set on fire, the Romans placed their ensigns in the Temple over against the East gate, and there celebrating sacrifice, with great cries declared Titus' Emperor, and the Romans Gold was sold for half the price. got such prays and booties, that they sold gold in Syria for half the value. And amongst those Priests that kept on the wall, a child being thirsty, desired peace of the Roman watchmen, saying, that he was thirsty. So they pitying both his years and his need, gave him their hands that he should have no harm, and then he came down and drunk, and filled a bottle which he brought with him, and when he had done, he ran up again to his fellows, and none of the The craft of a boy. watchmen were able to overtake him, and they upbraided him with falsehood. But he answered, that he had done nothing, but that which he and they intended: for they did not give him their hands to secure him to remain with them; but only to come down and take water which he had done. The Roman watchmen greatly admired the subtlety of him that was but a child. The fifth day the Priests being almost famished came down, and the watchmen carried them to Titus, The Priests crave pardon, but Titus commandeth them to be led to execution. whom they besought to grant them their lives: But he answered them, that the time of pardon was past, seeing that was destroyed, for the which he might have pardoned them, and that it was meet that the Priests should perish with the Temple: and so he commanded them to be put to death. Then the tyrants with their followers being on every side beset with wars, and having no way to fly, they being thus beleaguered round; requested to parley with Titus, who for his The seditious summon Titus to a parley. natural meekness, his friends also persuading him thereto, thought at least to save the City (judging indeed that now the seditious had altered their minds) and so he stood in the West part of the inner Temple: for there was a gate built above a gallery, and a bridge that joined the Temple and City together, which was then between Titus and the tyrants. Many soldiers on The year of the ●…ld. 4034. after Christ's birth 71. Titus' Oration to the jews by an interpreter. both parts flocked about their rulers; the jews about Simon and john, hoping for pardon: the Romans about Titus; desirous what he would say unto them: and Titus by an Edict commanding the soldiers to be quiet, and to shoot no arrows, spoke unto them first by an interpreter, thereby showing that he had the upper hand, and said O ye men of jerusalem, are you not now glutted with the calamities of your Country? Neither calling to mind our power, nor your own infirmity, but with a rash fury have destroyed your people, City, and Temple: yourselves also having justly deserved to perish, who since Pompey first conquered you, have never ceased to be seditious, and at last have openly borne arms against the Romans. Did you trust unto your multitude? You have seen that a small parcel of the Romans army hath sufficiently resisted you. Or did you expect foreign aid? What nation is not under our dominion? and who would rather make choice of the jews then of the Romans? Did you trust in your strength of body? Why, you know that the Germans serve us. Or in the strength of your walls? What wall? or what greater hindrance than the Ocean, wherewith the Britain's environed; have yielded unto the Roman forces? Or to your courage, and politic counsel of your Captains? You have already heard that the Carthaginians have been by us surprised. It was therefore the Romans humanity that incited you against themselves, who first of all permitted you to possess your Country, and gave The Romans humanity incited the jews against them. you Kings of your own nation: and after all this, we kept your laws inviolate, and suffered you to live as yourselves desired, not only in your own Country, but also amongst other nations; and which is the greatest of all our benefits bestowed upon you, we permitted you to gather tribute and gifts, to the maintenance of your Temple and sacrifices to God; of all which we neither forbade any to be brought unto you, neither hindered any that would offer unto your Temple, but suffered you our enemies, to be made more rich than ourselves, so that you have used our own money against us. Wherefore having received so many benefits at our hands, you have now disgorged yourselves upon us, and like spiteful Serpents, spit your poison upon them that made much of you. Let us omit that by Nero his negligence you became forgetful of your duty, and like some member in the body broken or shrunk, you being still tumultuous, at last were taken in a greater offence, and were encouraged with immoderate desires to hope for unlawful liberty. My father came into your Country, not to punish you for your misdemeanour toward Cestius, but by good counsel and warning to reprehend and quiet you. And whereas if he had come to destroy your nation, he ought first to have cut down the very root, and to have come unto this City and destroyed it, with the Inhabitants: he rather chose first to waste Galilea, and the places adjoining, that in the mean time you might repent you, and consider of your estate. But this his mercy towards you was held for cowardliness and infirmity in him, and by our long suffering you were emboldened against us: and when Nero was dead, you did as treacherous subjects are wont to do, taking occasion by our civil dissension, to revolt from us: and whilst my father and I were gone into Egypt, you prepared yourselves to war against us; neither were you ashamed to trouble them that were designed Princes, whom notwithstanding you had found most gentle Captains unto you. At last when the Empire fell unto us, and all things being now quieted, all nations with gifts and presents came to congratulate us: Behold again, the jews showed themselves our enemies, and you sent an Ambassador beyond Euphrates, only to nourish your rebellion, walling & fortifying your towns a new, and contending like seditious and tyrants one with another, set abroach civil wars: all which none but impious people would have committed. Wherefore being commanded by my father, who was now urged thereunto, I came against this City with a heavy charge; yet did I rejoice when I heard that the people desired peace. Before I warred against you, I exhorted you to peace: after war was begun, I desisted awhile from using severity: I spared all them that of their own accord fled unto me, and kept my promise unto them, pitying those that were captives. I with strokes restrained them that hasted the war against you against my will, and even forced so to do; I set the Romans against your walls, and always restrained my soldiers so much desirous of your blood. How often did I overcome you, so often did I exhort you to peace, as though I had been vanquished. Again; when I approached unto the Temple, I willingly omitting the law of arms, requested you to spare your Temple and holy things, offering you leave to depart, and promising you safety, or else I gave you leave to fight another time in another place, if so you thought good. All these my offers you refused, & with your own hands fired your temple. And now you wicked wretches provoke me to parley with you. What thing can you now preserve so excellent, as that which is already perished? what pardon can you expect, seeing your temple is destroyed? nay, even now yo●… stand armed, not so much as counterfeiting The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. submission in the last cast. O wretches with what hope? Is not your people dead, is not your temple destroyed, & your city now in my hands, yea your lives also? But do you think death the renown of fortitude? I will not strive with your obstinacy: yet if you will cast down your Titus granteth the jews li●…e, on condition they should lay aside their weapons and submit themselves. weapons, and yield your bodies, I will spare your lives: And like as in private house I will show myself unto you a gentle master; and after I have punished that which otherwise is incurable, I will reserve the rest for myself. To this they answered, that they could not receive pardon at his hands, having vowed the contrary: wherefore they requested licence to depart with their wives and children by the camp, which he had environed with a wall, and so to go into the wilderness, and leave the City unto the Romans. Titus was hereat greatly enraged, that they being in a manner captives, should impose upon him conditions, as though they were victors; and commanded a crier to tell them, that hence forth they should not fly unto him, nor hope that he would pardon them: for he would spare nothing, willing them with all their forces to fight and save themselves as they could, The soldiers set the city on fire. for he would now in all things use the law of arms: and so he permitted the soldiers to sack the City, and set it on fire. And that day they did nothing, but the next day following, they fired the council-house, the palace Acra, and Ophla, and the fire came unto Queen Helen's palace, which was situate in the midst of Acra: also the houses and streets of the City full of dead bodies were set on fire. The same day the sons and brethren of king Izates, and with them many nobles of the people assembled together, besought Caesar to pardon them: and he though incensed Caesar constant in his resolution. against them all; yet not changing his manner, received them to mercy, and put them all in prison, and afterward carried them bound to Rome for hostages, that were the king's sons and kinsmen. CHAP. XIIII. Of the prey of the seditious, and how the inner part of the City was fired. THe seditious went unto the king's palace, where many had left all their wealth, because it was a strong place, and driving the Romans from thence, they slew all the people there assembled, amounting to the number of eight thousand and four hundredth, and carried The seditious resorting to the king's house take away the treasure. away all the money, and they took there two Roman soldiers alive, one a horseman, and another a footman; and they slew the footman, and drew him all along the City, as it were in the body of that one, revenging themselves upon all the Romans. But the horseman affirmed that he had something to say unto them, which would greatly profit them, and save their lives: who was carried unto Simon, and not having there any thing to say, Simon delivered him to one of his captains called Ardala to be slain, and he brought him where the Romans might behold him with his hands bound behind him, and a veil before his eyes, meaning there to behead him: but he whilst the jew drew out his sword fled unto the Romans. And Titus would not put The punishment of a Roman soldier taken by the jews. him to death, because he had escaped from the enemies: yet deeming him unworthy to be a Roman soldier, who suffered himself to be taken alive, he took from him his arms, and discharged him from bearing them any more, which to a wiseman was worse than death. The next day the Romans putting the seditious to flight that were in the lower City, they fired all unto Siloa, rejoicing that the town was destroyed: yet they got no booties, because the seditious had already robbed and spoiled all, and carried it into the higher City. For they nothing repent them of their wickedness, but were as arrogant, as though they had been in prosperity: so that they The jews are arrogant in midst of their calamity. with joy beheld the City on fire, affirming that they desired death; for that the people being slain, the temple destroyed, and the City on fire, they should leave nothing unto their enemies. Yet joseph in that extremity laboured to save the relics of the City, much inveighing against their cruelty, & earnestly exhorting them to save themselves: yet he nothing profited in all this, but The jews refuse to submit themselves to the Romans, yet are they unable to wag●… war with them. was derided for his labour: for neither would they yield unto the Romans for their oaths sake, neither were they able to fight with the Romans, being now as it were besieged round by them; yet their accustomed murders did encourage them to stand out. Thus dispersed all over the City, they lurked in the ruins, lying in wait for those that sought to fly unto the Romans, and many of them were taken, and all of them were slain; for famine had so weakened them, that they could not fly, and they cast their dead bodies unto dogs. And any death were easy in respect of famine. So that many fled unto the Romans, having no promise, The year of the world, 4034. after Christ's birth 72. no nor hope to be pardoned by them, and upon purpose fell into the hands of the seditious; who never ceased from murder, and now there was no place in the whole City void, but was filled with dead bodies, who either perished by famine or sedition. But the tyrants and factious The tyrant's uttermost hope was in their vaults. thieves put their last refuge in the vaults, where they hoped whatsoever happened to save themselves, hoping that there they could not be found, and so after the City was destroyed, to escape, which was only their vain fantasy. For they could neither be hid from God nor the Romans, yet at that time they trusted in those caves, from whence they fired the City more than the Romans, and cruelly murdered them that having escaped the flames, came and fled into secret places, and spoiled them, also if they in any place found any meat though all bloody, yet they took it and did eat it, and now one of them began to fight with an other about the spoil they got. And I verily persuade myself that had they not been prevented by the destruction of the City, their cruelty would have been such, that they would have eaten the bodies Rapine and slaughter in the vaults. of dead men. CHAP. XV. How the higher part of the City was assaulted: and how many jews fled unto Titus. Caesar perceiving that the higher part of the City could not be won without mounts, being situate in a soil, round about the which were high and deep places, on the twentieth day of August he set all his soldiers on work, and the carrying of wood for that purpose was very painful, all trees within a hundredth furlongs off the City were already cut down, and used in the former work as is before said. So the four legions raised a mount on the West side of the City, and all the rest made a mount against the porch, bridge and tower, which Simon during his wars with john had built. About this time the captains of the The Idumaeans consult in their assembly about their submission. Idumaeans assembling together, deliberated to yield themselves, and sent five of their company unto Titus beseeching him to confirm a peace unto them, and he hoping that the tyrants would yield after them, who were the greatest part of his army, with much ado granted them life, and so sent them unto their fellows, but Simon had notice of their departure, and presently slew those five that were sent unto Titus, and taking the captains (the noblest of whom was james the son of Sosa) he put them in prison, and also kept and guarded the Idumaeans, who now having no governors knew not what to do, yet the guard could not hinder them from flying, for although many of them were killed, yet divers fled and escaped, and all were received by the Romans. Titus' courtesy being such, as that he remembered not his former edict to the contrary, and now the soldiers hoping for gain and having already gotten sufficient, abstained from murders, for leaving only the common people, they sold the rest with their wives and children for a small price, many being exposed to sale and few coming to buy them: so that he having made an edict that none should fly unto him alone, intending thereby to bring their families with them, yet he now received them also appointing some to inquire who had deserved punishment, and to inflict it on them. And an infinite number was sold, and more than forty thousands of Forty thousand of the people saved. jesus a priest the son of Thebathus. Phineas the treasurer of the temple taken. the people were saved, whom the Emperor dismissed and permitted to go whither they pleased. The same time a certain priest the son of Thebathus named jesus, was promised pardon upon condition that he should deliver certain holy things given unto the temple, and so he came and brought out of a wall two candlesticks, like unto them that were in the temple, tables, goblets, cups, all made of solid and massive gold: also, the veil and the ornaments of the priests, and the precious stones about them, and many vessels made for sacrifice. Moreover, the keeper of the holy treasure called Phineas brought forth the garments, and all things that did belong unto the priests, and much purple and scarlet, which were laid up in store to make tapestry or hangings, amongst which also was some Cinnamon, Cassia, and many other odoriferous things, whereof were compounded sweet odours to be offered to God. He also delivered him much wealth of other men's, and much sacred treasure, for the which notwithstanding that he was taken by force, yet he was pardoned as they were that fled unto Caesar. CHAP. XVI. The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth 72. How the rest of the City was taken. THe seventh day of September the mounts being finished, which was the eighteenth day after they were begun, some of the Romans placed they rams and engines to batter Some of the seditious kept in Acra, the rest in the vault of the clue. them, & some of the seditious who now despaired to keep the city, left the walls; and fled into A●…a, others hide themselves in certain vaults, and many hindered the Romans and resisted them for placing their rams against the walls, who were overcome by them being both more in number than they were, and also stronger and more valiant. The jews being now all discouraged and sorrowful, so soon as any part of the wall was broken down, or shaken with the force of the ramm●…s strait ways fled, and now the tyrants were surprised with a greater fear than The fear and amazement of the seditious. needed. For even before such time as the enemies had entered the wall, they stood in doubt whether they might fly or no, and they who a little before were proud and arrogant malefactors, did now ●…emble and quake, so that it was pitiful to see such a change in them, though they were wicked persons. And they endeavoured to assail the brickwall that Titus had built, to compass the whole city withal, but seeing themselves forsaken of all those that were want to be trusty unto them, every one fled whether necessity did drive him. Presently news were brought them that all the west brickwall of the city was beaten down, others affirmed that the Romans had entered, and that they had seen the enemies in the towers, fear dazzling their eyes, and prostrate upon the ground, they bewailed their misfortune, and as though they had been lame they stood still & sought not to fly. From whence one may chiefly perceive God's justice towards the impious, and the Romans fortune, for the tyrants deprived themselves of their strong holds, and voluntarily The tyrants do inieble themselves, and of their own accords for sake the towers from whence by no meanes but famine they might be driven. departed out of their towers, wherein they could never have been taken but by famine, and the Romans having so much laboured at the lower walls, did now by fortune take these, which their engines could never have shaken, for there were three inexpugnable towers, that could not be battered with the engines, whereof before we have made mention. So the tyrant's having forsaken these, or rather being by God's will driven from hence, presently they fled unto the valley Siloa, after the fear was past they again took heart and went unto the wall that was in that place, yet not using such courage and violence as their need required, they were beaten by the watchmen that guarded it; their strength now failing & wearied with labour, fear, famine and calamity. And some was driven one way, and some another, & so were forced to hide themselves in vaults and sinks. The Romans having obtained the wall, placed their colours in the towers, and clapping their hands, and singing for joy, they cried victory, finding the end of the war nothing The Romans enter the town and obtain the victory. so terrible as the beginning. Yet did they not believe that was the end, because they got the brickwall without any bloodshed, but admired, seeing no man did offer to resist them. And now issuing into every street, they slew whom soever they found without any respect, and fired houses, The houses and ●…ilie of best reckoning are left full of dead bodies. and all the people that had fled into them, and destroying many whereas they entered 〈◊〉 to get a pray, and they found whole families dead, and houses full of dead bodies, consumed by famine. Thus terrified with that heavy sight, they departed out, not taking any thing away, yet for all that they pitied not them that were left alive, but slew whom soever they met, whereby they filled the narrow streets so full of dead bodies by them slain, that none could pass that way for them, all the whole city flowed with blood, so that many things set on fire, were quenched with the blood of them that were slain. At evening they ceased from killing, but all the night long the fire increased, and so in the morning which was the eight day of September, all was now on fire, the city in the time of the siege having endured more misery and calamity then ever it received joy and happiness, from the time of the first foundation, notwithstanding that they were so great that all cities might justly enjoy it, and it no wise deserved so to be oppressed with such misery, save only for that it fostered and bred such impious persons as wrought the overthrow thereof. Titus entering into the City amongst the rest admired the strong holds thereof, and the rocky towers which the tyrants like mad men deprived themselves of, & seeing the height, firmness, bigness, and the joining of the stones together, and their breadth and height, he said: surely God hath assisted us in the fight, and he it was that did withdraw the jews from these fortresses. For what could men's hands and engines prevail against them? And having spoken much to this effect, communing with his friends, he set them at liberty whom the tyrants had left bound in the The year of the world. ●…034 af●…er Christ's birth 72. These munitions of the city and defence of the tower which the tyrants abandoned for fear, impregnable. Fortune's monument. The old and weak jews are slain, and the strong and lusty relerued. castles, & when he destroyed the rest of the city & walls, he left those towers standing as a monument of his good fortune and victory, by the which he had gained them, though unexpugnable. The soldiers now being weary with killing the miserable jews, and yet a great multitude remaining alive, Caesar commanded, that only the armed jews and they that resisted should be slain, and the rest left alive. But the soldiers also killed old folks and weak persons, 〈◊〉 king all able men and lusty, they carried them into the temple, and shut them there in the place appointed for the women. Caesar left one Fronto a libertine and his friend to keep them, giving him also charge to make inquiry, who had deserved punishment; whollew all the th●… and seditious, one of them bewraying another, and reserved certain chosen young men of 〈◊〉 stature and beautiful withal for the triumph, and all the rest that were above s●…uenteen years old, he sent bound into Egypt, to be employed in certain works there, as digging▪ d●…ng, 〈◊〉 manuring the fields, and to be used in other public business. Titus also sent many of ●…em unto divers provinces to be slain in the theatres with beasts; or swords: and they that were under seventeen years of age were sold. And during the time that Fronto kept them, ten thousand died for hunger; partly for that their keepers hating them, would not give them any meat; par●…y for that Titus distributeth the jews. some refused meat when it was offered them. For there was now scarcity of come by reason of the great multitude of the people. CHAP. XVII. Of the number of the captives, and them that were slain. THe number of all the captives that were taken during the whole time of war, was The number of the captives, and such as died during the siege of the city. four score and seventeen thousand: the number of all that died and were slain during the siege, was eleven hundredth thousand, the most of them being jews by nation, but not inhabitants of that place. For being assembled together from all parts to the feast of unleavened bread, presently & on a sudden were environed with war, and first of all a plague amongst them by reason of the straightness of the place, and immediately after famine worse than it. And that the City was capable of so many men it is evident, for that Cestius before numbered them, who desirous to signify the flourishing estate and strength of jerusalem unto Nero, who contemned our nation, requested the high priests, that if possibly they could, they should number all the people in their City: and that upon the feast of Easter, when they killed offerings from the ninth hour of the day until the eleventh: & to eat a lamb, not fewer than ten persons were assembled, for it is not lawful for any to feast alone, yea many times twenty are in a company: they numbered two hundredth fifty & six thousand, & five hundredth oblations or lambs to be killed, so that if we reckon to every lamb ten men, the number amounteth unto seven and twenty hundredth thousand men, all purified whole & sound: For it was not lawful for any that were lepers, or had a flux of seed, nor women that had the monthly terms, to eat of that sacrifice, nor for any stranger, except he came thither for religion sake. And this multitude was assembled together from other places, & was there by the providence of God shut up as it were in a prison. And the city being filled with men of war was besieged, that the number of them that were slain passed all that ever perished either by any plague sent from God, or by the means of men, who were partly openly slain, partly taken by the Romans: who searching the vaults, & opening the sepulchres, spared none they met The Romans searching the graves and vaults find much treasure. with all. There also were found more than two thousand, whereof some slew themselves with their own hands, other some killed by others, the rest perished with famine. The stinch of dead bodies was so great, that many minding to go and search the foresaid places, & being entered into them, were forced to retire: yet others for lucre sake treading on the dead carcases, searched the dead bodies, if they could find any thing: for much riches were hidden in the vaults, and covetousness omitted no way to gain. Moreover many were taken out from thence, whom the tyrants had john and Simon apprehended in the vaults. bound, who even in their extremity ceased not to tyrannize: yet God plagued them both according to their deserts: for john being now almost famished with his brethren in a vault, besought the Romans to save his life. And Simon having long striven with necessity, as we shall hereafter make mention of, at last yielded himself, who was kept for the triumph, and john was condemned to perpetual prison. Then they destroyed the walls, and fired the outward parts of the City. CHAP. XVIII. The year of the world. 4034. after Chris●… birth 7●…. A brief history of the City of jerusalem. THus was jerusalem taken the second year of Vespasians reign, on the eight day of September, and having been already five times before surprised, it was finally again destroyed. First, Asochaeus king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, than Pompey, and after jerusalem being five times spoiled was at that time once more sacked. them Herode with Sosius took the City and yet destroyed it not. But before them the King of Babylon destroyed it, when he had enjoyed the same, a thousand three hundredth and threescore years, eight months and six day after it was first built, but he that first built it was one of the Princes of the Cananeans, in his own language called the just king. For he indeed was so, & therefore was the first Priest that sacrificed unto God, and dedicating a Temple, called the City Solyma, but David the king of the jews having driven out the Cananeans, gave it unto his people to be inhabited, and after four hundredth threescore four years and three months, it was destroyed by the Babylonians: and from king David who was the first jew that reigned there until the time that Titus destroyed it, were a thousand one hundred seventy and nine years, and from the time that it was first erected until it was by him destroyed, were two thousand one hundred and seventy seven years: yet neither the antiquity nor riches, nor the same thereof now spread all over the world, nor the glory of religion did any thing profit or hinder it, from being destroyed. Such was the end of the besieging of jerusalem. When there was none left to kill, nor any thing remaining for the soldiers to get, & that now their was nothing, against which the soldiers could show their outrage (for they would have spared nothing that they could have spoiled) Caesar commanded them to destroy the City and Temple, only yet leaving standing certain towers, that were more beautiful and stronger, than the rest, to wit, Phasaelus, Hippicos, and Mariam, and the wall that was on the West side, meaning there to keep a garrison, and that The Roma●… wholly ruinate both the City and the temple they should be monuments of the Romans virtue, who had surprised a City so well fortified as it appeared by them. All the rest of the City they so plained, that they who had not seen it before, would not believe that it had been ever inhabited. This was the end of their madness, who were always given unto sedition in jerusalem, a most worthy City and famous amongst all nations. CHAP. XIX. How the soldiers were rewarded. CAesar determined to leave the tenth legion for a garrison in jerusalem, with some troops of horsemen and other companies of footmen, and all wars being now ended, he purposed to thank the whole army for their valiant acts, and reward the most courageous for their deserts. And placing a great tribunal in the midst before the camp, standing in it, with the chief peers about him, from whence the whole army might hear him, he gave them hearty thanks for that of their good will towards him, they had patiently abode with him during those wars, praising them for their loyalty during all the foresaid time, and that in many skirmishes they had showed themselves valiant, and by their valour had enlarged Titus thanketh his souldier●… for that they had continued their love towards him. the dominions of their country: likewise they had now given all nations to understand, that neither the multitude of enemies, nor strong holds, nor greatness of Cities, nor rashness, nor barbarous cruelty of their adversaries could ever resist the forces of the Romans, nor escape their hands; notwithstanding, that in many things fortune favoured them, adding that it was a credit for them to have ended those wars that had continued a long time; which was all that they hoped for at their coming, and which was most glory of all unto them, that those Captains whom they had elected to be the Roman Emperors, were well liked and embraced of all men, all standing to their appointment; and acknowledging themselves beholding to them that elected them. Moreover that he admired them and loved them all, for that every one showed himself valiant and courageous, affirming that he would now recompense those with honours Titus' promises recompense to his valiant soldiers. and due desert, who had behaved themselves most valiantly, & most hazarded themselves, & effected worthy deeds, & whosoever was more forward than the rest should have a reward according to his desert. And that he would be more diligent in honouring than that had been his companions in that war, then in punishing their offences; then presently he willed them to whom it appertained, The year of the world. 4034. after Christ's birth●… 72. Titus' largesse to his soldiers. to nominate them who had valiantly behaved themselves in those wars, and had performed any worthy exploit, which being done, he called every one by his name, and praised them, as greatly rejoicing at the valour of his Countrymen, crowning them with crowns of gold, & put chains of gold about their necks, and gave them large spears of gold, and ensigns made of silver, he also preferred every one of them, & gave them of the spoil, precious garments, with gold and silver very plenteously: and thus having rewarded every one according to his merit, and praising God with all his army, he descended with great applause out of the tribunal, and went and offered sacrifices for the victory, ●…nd having gathered a great multitude of Oxen about the Titus' sacrifice for his victory Altar to sacrifice them, he offered them all, and there with feasted his army, and himself three days with all his nobility, dismissing all the soldiers to depart whether they would, or thought good, appointing the tenth legion to keep jerusalem, and did not send it back unto Euphrates, where before it was. He banished also the twelfth legion out of all Syria, remembering that under The twelfth legion under Cestius leading gave place to the jews. Cestius his government they fled from the jews, being before at Raphanaeas, which he sent unto Mal●…o that is situate by Euphrates, in the confines of Armaenia & Cappadocia, and the other two ●…e kept with himself, as sufficient to guard him into Egypt, which were the fifth and fifteenth legions. And coming to Caesarea by the Sea coast, he the●… laid up all his spoils, and caused the captives to be kept, because that the winter season permitted him not to sail into Italy. CHAP. XX. Of Vespasians voyage by Sea: and how Simon was taken: and of the spectacles, and shows made upon his birthday. Whilst Titus was busied in the siege of jerusalem, Vespasian in a merchants ship sailed to Rhodes, and from thence departing in a Galley, having visited all Cities by the which he Vespasians sailing and journey. passed, being joyfully received of them all, he went from jonia into Greece, from thence unto Corcyra, and then unto japygia, and afterwards by land. Thus Titus being returned from Caesarea on the Sea coast, he came unto Caesarea Phillippi, and there he made a long abode, proclaiming Shows at Caesarea. all sorts of pastimes wherein many captives perished, some being cast unto wild beasts, others forced in great companies to fight one against another; being in this place he understood that Simon the son of Giora was taken. This Simon at such time as jerusalem was besieged, was in the higher part of the City, when the Roman army had entered the walls, and began to waste Simon getteth down into the vault and hopeth to escape from thence in safety. it, and with his most trusty fellows, and certain Masons, having provided them all necessary tools, and victuals that might have sufficed them all for many days, he accompanied with them, and went into a secret cave, unto the end thereof, and there he caused them to dig further, hoping so to get out at some place where he might safely escape away. Yet this his hope had not so good success as he expected, for they had but digged a little way, ere victuals failed them: notwithstanding, that they had made very great spare thereof. Then Simon thinking to fear the Romans, clothed himself in white, and a purple cloak buttened about him, and so came out of the earth in that place where the Temple had been builded before time. And they that did first see him, were astonished a while, and stirred not, but let him alone, yet at last they came unto him, and demanded what he was, but Simon would not tell them, willing them to Simon i●… taken by the Roman●… call their Captain unto him, and presently some of the soldiers ran to call him, and so he came, (at that time Terentius Rufus was Captain of the soldiers) Terentius having learned the truth of all, kept him bound, and related unto Caesar the manner of his taking, and thus Simon was by the power of God delivered into his enemy's hands, who hated him above measure, and so was justly hereby punished, for having so cruelly tyrannised over his own Countrymen, not taken by their force, but yielding himself unto them, having cruelly butchered many, under pretence of false criminations: to wit, for having revolted unto the Romans. But impiety cannot escape God's vengeance, neither is the divine justice of so weak force, but that it can at one time or other punish them that violate it, & it many times infflicteth a grievous Sin cannot shun God's justice. A great multitude of the seditious taken in vaults. punishment upon men, when they think they have escaped all, for they were not presently punished, which also Simon felt, after he fell into the Romans hands: his coming out of the earth, made a great many more of the seditious at that time to be taken in the Caves. When Caesar was returned into Caesarea by the Sea coast, Simon was presented bound unto him, who commanded him to be reserved for his triumph, which he purposed to make at Rome. After making The year of the world. 4034. after the birth of Christ. 72. In a show in Caesarea 2500. jews die. some abode in that place, he celebrated his brother's birth day with great solemnity, and in that solemnity bringing forth divers jews, whose punishment he had of purpose deferred till that time for the number of all that perished there with fight against beasts and amongst themselves, and by fire, amounted to more than two thousand & five hundredth men. Yet the Romans thought all these punishments too light and easy for them. After this, Caesar came to Berytus (which is a City in Phoenicia, and a colony of the Romans) and here also he made some long Titus celebrateth Vespasians birthday. abode, and celebrated the birth of his father, with far greater solemnity than the former, as well in making divers shows unto the people, as in great expenses and sumptuousness, and causing many captives to perish as before. CHAP. XXI. Of the calamity of the jews at Antiochia. AT the same time the rest of the jews were in great misery, the City of Antiochia was incited against them, both for certain criminal causes laid now unto their charge, as also for certain offences before committed, which necessarily I must recount, before I speak any thing of the rest. The nation of the jews is mixed almost amongst all nations of the world, and especially amongst the Syrians, by reason of their vicinity, and many of them were at The nation of the jews intermixed among all the people of the world. Antiochia because it was a great City, and the kings that succeeded Antiochus, permitted them freely to inhabit there, and to enjoy all liberties of the City. For Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, destroyed jerusalem, and sacked the temple, but the king's successors restored all the brass that was taken from the temple unto the jews, offering in unto their Synagogue in Antiochia, and permitted them to have the same liberties in the City, that the Greeks enjoyed, and the other kings also of latter times used them after the like sort: so that their number greatly increased, and they enlarged their temple and enriched it, with sundry offerings, oftentimes winning A number of jews in Antioch. many Pagans to be of their religion, and so as it were made them also a part of their nation. Now about the time that the wars began, and Vespasian was newly arrived, the jews began to be generally hated of all men; then one of them named Antiochus, reverent for parentage, whose father was chief of all the jews in Antiochia, at such time as the people of Antiochia were assembled A jew called Antiochus is the cause of their mighty misery in Antioch, in the Theatre, this man came in amongst them, and accused his own father, and the rest of the jews to have conspired together to burn the City in the night time, and delivered some jews unto them that were his guests as conspirators with the rest. The people hearing this, could not repress their rage, but presently caused them that were offered unto them to be burnt in the Theatre, and made great speed to set upon all the jews, hoping that by speedy dispatch they might preserve their country, which otherwise was like to perish. And then Antiochus to enrage them the more, did now offer to sacrifice according to the custom of the Pagans, thereby Antiochus' perfidious to his Citizens. Antiochus forbiddeth to sanctify the seventh day. as it were assuring the Antiochians, that he hated the jews and their customs, wiliing them also to compel all the rest of the jews to do the like, for whosoever refused so to do were traitors. The Antiochians followed his counsel, but few jews would obey them, yet they that denied to sacrifice, were slain. Then Antiochus receiving a charge of soldiers from the captain of the Romans, became most cruel against his countrymen; and would not permit them to keep holy the seventh day, but upon it to do all labour and business, that they were accustomed to do upon any other day, & urged them hereto, that within short time the seventh day was not only violated amongst them of Antiochia, but also in other places and Cities round about. The jews at Antiochia having then endured the foresaid misery, now fell into as great calamity Another calamity at Anuoch. as that was, whereof I intending to speak, was forced to relare the former. For it happened that the foursquare market was fired, and the public places, where all writings and registers were kept, as also the king's houses, and the fire so increased, that with much ado it was hindered from firing the whole City. Of this fact Antiochus accused the jews, thereby sufficiently inciting the Antiochians against them, although that they had not before borne them any malice, and making them so easily believe his calumniations, who now gave full credit unto his accusations, by reason of that which was passed: so that now they almost persuaded themselves, that they did see the jews put fire unto them, and so in a great rage all of them set upon them that were accused. Wherefore Collega the younger, had much ado to pacify the people, notwithstanding that he requested them to permit him to inform Caesar of all that was passed. For Vespasian had The year of the world, 4034. after Christ's birth 72. A sort of wicked men by means they were indebted, burn the market place and the public records. already sent Caesennius Portus to be governor of Syria, but he was not as yet arrived there. Then Collega making diligent enquiry of the matter, found out the truth, and not one of the jews accused by Antiochus was guilty, for certain impious people had done all this mischief, being indebted, thinking, that if they had burnt the ma●…et place, and the public writings, that then their debts could not be required at their hands. Yet the jews lived in great fear, and expected the event of those forged accusations. CHAP. XXII. How Vespasian at his return was received by the Romans. AFter that Titus had received letters from his father, that he was arrived in Italy, and all The year of the world, 4035. after Christ's nativity. 73. The City of Rome entertaineth Vespasian with all willingness and pomp. Cities wherein he as yet came, welcomed him very joyfully, and that especially Rome had entertained him with great pomp and triumph, he was now eased of the care he had before, and very joyful for his father's welfare, and good fortune. For all the people of Italy did reverence Vespasian, though absent, as though he had been present with them, desiring to see his expected arrival, whose coming they so heartily wished for. For the Senate remembering what calamities had befallen the City in the change of princes, desired to receive their Emperor dignified with the honour of old age, and martial renown, whose presence only would be to his subjects profit and safety. And the vulgar sort also troubled before with civil wars, long expected his artivall, assuring th●…elues thereby to have an end of their calamity, and to recover again their wonted affluence. Especially he was expected by the soldiers, who The Romans issue out to meet with Vespasian. knowing his skill in martial affairs by that which himself had already done, and finding their other captains, under whom they warred, ignorant and unskilful, they wished for his coming, thereby to be delivered from the disgrace, wherein they lived, desiring to receive him by whom they might both be honoured, and preserved from danger. The nobility seeing him so beloved of all men, could no longer wait his coming, but went and met him, he being far from the City and accompanied him, and no man stayed his coming, but in whole multitudes they went to meet him, they were so desirous to see him: so that more went to meet him then stayed at hom●… When news was brought that he approached near unto the City, and how friendly and courteously he had entertained all men, the people with their wives and children stayed in the way he came, to salute and see him, and wheresoever he came with joyful applauses, and acclamations they cried, calling him their conserver and benefactor, and he who only was worthy to be the Roman Emperor, and the whole City was as it had been a temple all hung with garlands, and full of sweet odours and perfumes, and the multitude of people being such that he could scarcely get into the palace, he offered sacrifices unto his household gods for his safe return, and Vespasian celebrateth gratulatory sacrifice for his safe arrival. all the people were feasted by their tribes, kindred and neighbours, sacrificing unto God, and requesting that Vespasian might long continue their Emperor, and his son after him, and that the Empire might never depart from his lineage. The City of Rome having thus received Vespasian, it presently was blessed with all happiness and felicity. CHAP. XXIII. The exploits of Domitian against the Germans and Frenchmen. BEfore such time as Vespasian was gone to Alexandria, or that Titus besieged the City of jerusalem, a great part of Germany was revolted, with whom the Frenchmen that bordered upon them renouncing their allegiance they were in great hope to free themselves from the yoke and governments of the Romans. The first motives that caused the Germans to revolt, and to war against the Romans, was their temerity and rash natures prone to fight, having The causes of the revolt of the Germans and French from the Romans. but a very little hope of success, than the hatred of their nobles, who knew that none could by force bring them into subjection but only the Romans, and chiefly thereunto encouraged by the opportunity they had. For they seeing the Empire greatly afflicted with civil wars, by reason of the often changing of Emperors, and knowing that all the world under their dominions was now in suspense, they thought that by reason of their troubles and civil wars fit opportunity was The year of the world. 4035. after Christ's birth 73. Civilis compelleth the Germans to subjection. offered them, and they were hereunto persuaded by one Cassius and Civilis two of the most potent amongst them, who long before desired alteration, and now finding opportunity, showed what minds they bore, who now taking courage, made trial what the common people thought of this point, and the greatest part of them manifestly condescended hereunto, and perhaps the rest were not unwilling. At this time as it were by God's providence, Vespasian sent letters unto Petilius Cerealis (who before time had been governor of Germany) and declared him Consul, commanding him to go into Britain and take the rule of the country. He forth with obeyed Vespasians command, and hearing that the Germans had revolted, he came against them, they having now levied an army, and gave them a great overthrow, killing many of them, and forced them to their due obedience unto the Romans. Notwithstanding if he had not come thither, not long after, they had assuredly been punished for their offence. For so soon as news of their rebellion was brought to Rome, Caesar Domitianus hearing of it (not as one of his years Domitianus Titus brother. would have done, being very young) undertook that expedition to go and conquer them, but having his father's courage, and being more skilful than his age required, he presently went against them, who terrified with the report of his coming, yielded unto him, thereby gaining this, that without bloodshed they were brought under subjection as before. Now all things in Gallia being well disposed of, so that it was not easy for them although they would, to rebel any more, Domitian returned again to Rome, being a credit unto his age and country. At the same time also the Scythians rebelled, and the Sarmates assembled in great multitudes, The Scythians and Sarmates rebellion against the Romans. and passed over the river Istrum, and with great violence and cruelty coming unexpected, slew many of the Roman garrisons, whom they found in strong holds, and Fonteius agrippa's Lieutenant, who had been Consul, meeting them, bade them battle, and sought very valiantly, which done, they went all over the country's adjoining, wasting, robbing, and spoiling them. When Vespasian heard thereof, and how Maesia was all wasted, he sent Rubrius Gallus to be revenged upon them, who having slain many of them in fight, he forced the rest to retire into their own country. The general of the army having thus ended that war, provided to prevent them, if hereafter they did attempt the like, for he built far more stronger forts than were before, so that the enemy could no way pass out of their own country, by which means the wars in Maesia were quickly ended. CHAP. XXIIII. Of the River Sabbaticus, and the famous triumph of Vespasian and Titus. Titus' the Emperor having some while remained at Berytus (as is before said) and being returned from thence, he showed many spectacles in all the cities of Syria, wherein he Titus celebrateth many sumptuous pastimes in all the cities of Syria. came, reserving for that purpose the jews, that were captives, to let all men understand of their overthrow: in his journey, he beheld a river worth the recital, which runneth in the midst between Arcas and Raphaneas, two cities of the kingdom of Agrippa, which hath a miraculous nature, for when it floweth, it is very full of water, and runneth with a swift stream, yethaving flowed six days, it is on the seventh day so dry, that you may see the bottom, and so continueth his course, which for this cause the jews call Sabbaticus, taking the name thereof from the jews Sabbaoth, which is the seventh day. When the Antiochians understood that Titus was coming to their city, they could not contain themselves within their walls for joy, The flood Sabbaticus. but all went out to meet him, and not only men, but also women and children, expecting his coming thirty stounds off, & when he approached near unto them, they holding up their hands to him saluted him, with great joy, and having received many courtesies from him, they returned with him, and amongst other acclamations, they often besought him to banish the jews out of Titus coming to Antioch. The prayers of the citizens against the jews. their city. But Titus returned no answer, making as though he heard not what they requested. Yet the jews doubtful what he would do, and what his intent was, were all in exceeding great fear. For Titus did not tarry at Antiochia, but passed from thence to Zeugema towards Euphrates, where Vologesus the king of Parthians messenger came unto him, bringing him a golden crown for his conquest of the jews, which he receiving, feasted the king's Ambassadors, and so returned to Antiochia, where the senate & people besought him to come into the theatre, where The year of the world. 4036. after Christ's bir●… 74. all the people were assembled expecting him, & he accorded so to do, & again they besought him to expel the jews out of their city, but he answered that their country whereunto he might have banished them, was now destroyed, & there was no place that would receive them, so the Antiochians seeing that they could not obtain their former petition, they requested an other thing of him, to wit, that he would take away the brazen tables, wherein were engraven the jews privileges: but Titus would not grant that, but leaving the jews in the same estate he found them, he departed Titus lamenteth the loss & desolation of jerusalem. from thence into Egypt, and as in the way he passed by jerusalem, comparing the desolation of that place with the beauty and goodly buildings that were before it was destroyed, he lamented & pitied the overthrow thereof, not insolently rejoicing as an other would have done, for having destroyed so fair and strong a city, but cursing the seditious who forced him to destroy it, not The Romans find no small part of the riches of jerualem. purposing to make his virtue known by the calamity of wretches. For as yet great part of the treasure of the City was found in the ruins, and some the Romans found of themselves, but the most they got, the captives told them of, which was gold and silver and other precious things buried by the owners in the earth, being uncertain what would betide them. Titus going forward in his journey speedily past the wilderness, and came to Alexandria, and determining now to sail unto Italy, he sent the two legions that accompanied him unto the places, john and Simon and seventy other goodly jews are reserved by Titus to be sent into Italy. from whence they came, the fifth into Maesia, the fifteenth into Panonia, commanding john and Simon captains of the prisoners and others to the number of seven hundredth all of goodly stature, and beautiful, to be carried presently into Italy, meaning to use them in his triumph. When he was now arrived at Rome as he desired the people were so affected towards him, as if he had been their father, & came to meet him. Vespasian also honoured his son Titus meeting him in his own person with great joy, all the citizens likewise received him with exceeding joy, seeing that now the father and his two sons were met: Within a few days after, they purposed to make a triumph in common, but the Senate had decreed them a private and peculiar triumph, for their valiant deeds, and in the day prefixed for the same, no man in all the city remained at home, but every one got a place to stand in that they might see the Emperors, leaving only room between them for their passage. All the soldiers before it was daylight, every one with his captain in companies, came and expected the Emperor, not at the palace gates, but near the temple of Isis, for the Emperors that night lodged there, and at day break Vespasian and Titus came forth both crowned with laurel, & in purple garments made after their country The triumphant attire of Vespasian and Titus. fashion, and they went unto Octavians walks, where the Senate, captains and knights expected their coming. Before the porch was made a tribunal, and in it placed seats of ivory, which they ascending sat down in, and presently all the soldiers with loud voice declared their valour and fortitude. The Emperors were unarmed and clothed in silk, and crowned with laurel. Vespasian having received their praises, they offering still to speak now in his commendations, he beckoned with his hand, and made a sign unto them to be silent, which being done, he arose up, and covering the greatest part of his head with his garment, he performed his solemn vows, and Titus also did the like. That done, Vespasian spoke unto them all in general in few words, and Their vows and dinner before their triumph. so dismissed the soldiers to go to dinner, which according to the custom the Emperor was to provide for them, himself departed from them to the triumphant gate so called, for that all triumphs passed that way, and they did eat meat and put on triumphant apparel, having offered sacrifices unto the Gods that were placed by the gate, and so went in triumph all along the place, where people strived to see them, to the end that all people might have a better view of them. But the spectacles there exhibited, both for number, variety, and costliness, cannot be described sufficiently, being excellent in all things, which any man could devise, both workmanship, The magnificence of the triumph. riches, and varieties, and novelties of nature. For almost all things that ever were in any place amongst men that lived in felicity, either rich or beautiful, and pleasant to behold, all of them were that day showed and seen in that triumph, giving a testimony of the large dominions of the Romans. For there was such store of works of gold, silver, and ivory, that one would not have deemed them, to have been made only for the pomp of that day, but to been so The most precious garments. plentiful, as if they had flowed all about the city, some carried fine tapestry made of all sorts of purple, othersome carried others, diligently wrought with pictures and Babylonian work, and there were so many gems and precious stones, some set in crowns of gold, some in other works, that it appeared, that without reason we judged them to be rare and scarce. Moreover the pictures of their Gods were carried with them, which were admirable both for greatness and workmanship, and all of precious matter. And divers sorts of living creatures were there to be The year of the world. 4036. after Christ's birth 74. seen, all adorned with some attire, agreeing and alluding unto their nature. There was also an infinite multitude of men, in purple garments, over wrought with gold which carried all these things, and they who were separated from the rest to be seen, were attired in such garments, that as many as beheld them admired. The captives went not without their gorgeous attires, but the variety and beauty of the garments hid all the deformity of their bodies, which happened through their bad usage. The Pageants that were borne in that triumph, were of an admirable The building of the Pageants. bigness, so that the people that beheld them wondered how it was possible, that men should carry them, for many were builded with three or four lofts one above another, surpassing all that can be imagined of them for work and cost, for many of them were hanged about with Tapestry of gold, and all things annexed unto them, whereon they were carried, were made of wrought gold or ivory. Therein was curiously represented the manner of war, and stratagems, and manners of fight, that could be devised; some in one part of the Pageant, some in another. There might one have beheld a most fertile and fortunate land destroyed, and all the army of enemies to be slain, and some flying, others taken prisoners, and strong and huge walls The year of the world, 4037. after Christ's birth 75 battered down with Rams, and Castles and strong holds destroyed, and the walls of populous Cities to be ruined, and the army entering the walls, all places filled with massacred men, and how those that were not able to fight, yielding themselves, asked mercy, the temples set on fire, and after all else was wasted, the houses thrown down upon the owner's heads, and a river representing sorrow, not flowing as it was wont into tilled places, and to serve the use of man nor for cattle to drink, but into a Country which was in every part burning, and environed with flames, all which the jews in their wars endured. These things were so artificially represented unto their views, that had not seen them, as though they were now a doing: Before every Pageant A table of gold of the weight of a great talon. went the Captain of the City, representing the manner how it was taken. After all these followed many ships, and in every place were carried the spoils taken in war, amongst all which, those that were taken in the Temple of jerusalem, were most excellent, for there was a golden table weighing many talents, and likewise a golden Candlestick; the use whereof was now not such as we were wont to put it unto, for in the midst of the stem thereof was fixed a base, and out of it proceeded many small branches, framed like a three forked spear, every one being at the The last of the spoils was the law of the jews. top made like a Lamp, which were seven in number, showing the honour of the seventh day, which is called the Sabaoth amongst the jews. After all this, was carried the jews law, which was the last of all the spoils. Then followed many carrying the image of victory, all made of gold and ivory. Afterwards came Vespasian, and after him Titus, and with him Domitian, gallantly adorned and mounted upon an excellent horse, and so they went all to the Temple of jupiter Capitolinus, and there was the end of all this pomp, where they made some abode. Simon the son of Giora, is drawn with a halter about his neck, through the market place For it was an ancient custom of their Country, to repose themselves there till some came and brought news unto them, of the death of him, who was General of their enemies. This as then was Simon Giora, who was also carried in the triumph, and having a rope fastened about his neck, was drawn all along the market place, where they that drew him did kill him. For it is the custom of the Romans there, to put malefactors to death that are condemned. After word was brought that he was dead, all the people made joyful exclamations, and so they began to sacrifice, which done according to the custom, they returned into the palace, and they feasted some, other some had prepared banquets for themselves at their own houses. For this day was sacred amongst the Romans, in joy of the victory over their enemies, and an end of civil calamity, and the beginning of good fortune, and hope, which they had in their new princes. When the triumphs were ended, and all the Roman Empire quieted, Vespasian built a Temple and dedicated it unto peace, which he did in so short a space as it was admirable, and having bestowed Vespasian buildeth and dedicateth a Temple to peace. great cost upon it, he also beautified it with divers pictures, and carved works. And he placed in that Temple all things that men of former ages had come to see, from the uttermost parts of the earth. And he placed there all the golden vessels, and other necessaries that the jews used in their Temple, doing them great reverence. But their law and the Tapestry or purple veils of the Sanctuary he commanded to be kept in the palace. CHAP. XXV. The year of the world. 4037. after Christ's birth 75. How Herodium and Machaerus were taken by Bassus. Caesar sent Lucius Bassus into judaea to be Lieutenant there, who receiving an army of Cerealis Vetilianus, he took the Castle and garrison of Herodium, being yielded unto him. After this, gathering together all his army, who were dispersed in divers places of the Country, he with the tenth legion purposed to war against Machaerus, for he thought it necessary to destroy that Castle, lest that for the strength it might move many to rebel, for by reason of the situation of the place, they that were in it, had certain hope of their safety, and those that sought to assault it, were in great danger; for it was built upon a rock that was exceeding high, which made it almost inexpugnable, and nature had so devised, that it is hard to come unto it, who hath environed it round about with valleys, so deep, that the bottom thereof cannot be descried, neither could one pass over them, nor fill them up, for that which is on the West part is threescore stounds large, and endeth at the lake Asphaltites, and on this side Macherus hath a very high prospect, and it is environed on the North and South with valleys of the like measure, Herode environeth Mache rus with a great wall and towers. that the former is, whereby it is impossible to win the Castle, but that valley which is on the East side, is at least a hundred cubits deep, and it endeth upon a mountain near unto Machaerus. King Alexander seeing the nature of the place, did there build a Castle, which afterward Gabinius in the war against Aristobulus destroyed. But Herode when he was King, judged this place worthy to be fortified, as a principal defence against the neighbouring Arabians. For it was aptly situate upon a mountain, where one might behold their borders, wherefore making a large wall, he builded a City there in the place that men do enter unto the Castle, he also compassed the very top thereof with another wall, and in the corners he placed towers that were threescore cubits high, and in the very midst of all he built a palace, for largeness and beauty admirable, and made many cisterns to receive water in convenient places, which served the people abundantly, Wonderful store of arrows and other engines in this tower. as it were striving with nature, that the places which he had made inexpugnable, he by Art might make places more strong than that was. He also laid up there in store, arrows and engines, and made all provision wherewith the Inhabitants might be able to hold out a great siege. In the King's palace, there grew the herb called Rue, which was very admirable for the greatness, Rue of admirable greatness for there was no fig tree taller or broader than it, and it was reported that it had continued ever since Herod's time, and had endured longer, had not the jews, Inhabitants of the place cut it down. In the valley that lieth on the North side of the City, there is a place called Baaras, where also groweth a root of the same name, the colour whereof resembleth the flame, How Baaras is to be gathered. and it shineth at night like the Sun beams, and is not easy to be pulled up, till that one cast upon it the urine of a woman or her flowers, which done, whosoever toucheth it is sure to die, except he carry the root hanging on his hand. It is also gathered another way without danger, after this manner. They dig all round about it, so that they leave a very little of the root covered with earth, and then they tie a dog unto it, which striving to follow his master, who maketh as though he would go away, he easily pulleth up the root, and the dog presently dieth as it Another fashion how to dig the root. were in his stead that seeketh to get it, so that afterward none that handleth it or taketh it, need to stand in any fear thereof. This herb notwithstanding all this danger, is diligently sought out for the virtue it hath. Fo●… it driveth away devils (which are the spirits of wicked men) out of men's bodies, if it be but applied unto them, whereas otherwise if they had no help, these devils possessing their bodies would kill them. Out of that place also do spring certain hot waters, very different in taste one from another, for some are bitter, some sweet, there are also sources of could waters, one near unto another in a plain, but which is most admirable, there is a cave hard by, Hot baths. not very deep, environed with an eminent rock above, from the which their cometh as it were two dugs or paps, hard by one another, and out of the one of them their floweth very cold water, out of the other very hot, which mingled together make a pleasant bath, and serve to cure many diseases, and especially helpeth all pains of the sinews. In the same place also are mines of Sulphur and Alum. Bassus having viewed this place on every side, resolved to besiege it, and endeavoured to fill up the valley that was on the East side, and so make away unto it, which he began to do, hastening to raise a very high mount, and so make it easy to be taken. Those that were inhabitants, The year of the world. 4037. after the birth of Christ. 75. The jews that were for●…ners dwelled in ●…he lower City. constrained jews that were strangers, to go into the lower city, judging them an unprofitable multitude, and so caused them to endure the first brunt of the enemies, and they themselves kept the Castle both for that it was strong, and also to preserve themselves, hoping that by yielding the place unto the Romans, they might obtain pardon of them; yet first they purposed to make trial if they could avoid the siege: and therefore very courageously, every day they made excursions, and fought with them they found, and many were slain on both parts. Fortune and opportunity sometime caused one to be victors, sometime another, for the jews got the best when they could assault the Romans at unawares, and the Romans overcame, when The conflict of the jews with the Romans. they were aware of the jews coming and armed themselves. But the siege was not ended by these skirmishes: yet a chance befell, that forced the jews to yield their Castle. Amongst them that were besieged was one Eleazar a young man, and very hardy and bold in any enterprise, Eleazar a jew strong in hand and fierce in bold attempts. who oftentimes made excursions and sought to hinder the Romans work, who always in every fight did greatly endamage the Romans, and by his valour and adventurous courage, he gave them that were his fellows opportunity to assault the Romans, and to fly again and retire in safety, himself being always the last that so retired. It happened one day that the fight being ended, and both parts parted, he as it were contemning all men, and thinking that none of his enemies durst undertake to combat with him, stayed without the gate speaking to them that were upon the wall, giving great attention unto them. Then one Rufus an Egyptian one of the Roman army, espying this opportunity ran upon him so suddenly, that he at unawares took him all armed as he was, and they upon the walls stood amazed, whilst Rufus led him unto the Romans camp. Then the General of the Romans caused him to be led Eleazar is taken, and stripped naked and whipped. into a place, where they in the city might see him, & there to have all his clothes taken off him, and whipped; and the misfortune of this young man did greatly discourage the jews, and all the city was resolved into tears for the calamity of that one man. Bassus seeing this, he devised this council against them; for he sought to move them so to compassion, that for to save him they should yield their castle, which fell out as he desired. For he presently commanded a cross to be erected, as though he would presently have crucified Eleazar, which sight greatly moved Eleazar's calamity moveth the jews to submit themselves. them in the Castle to sorrow: so that now with loud cries they lamented, saying that this calamity was insupportable. Then Eleazar besought them not to despise him, who was now to die a most miserable death, and moreover to provide for their own safety in yielding the castle unto the Romans virtue and fortunate success. Then they moved with his words, and many also within the City entreating for him (for he came of a great parentage and had many kinsfolks though contrary to their natures) compassion took place in them: and so sending some of their company speedily, they desired to parley, affirming that they would yield their castle upon condition that they might safely depart away, and Eleazar might be likewise restored unto them. Which offer of theirs the Romans accepted, and the jews in the lower part of the City having intelligence of this covenant, resolved themselves to fly away in the night, but so soon as they had opened their gates, those that had agreed with Bassus gave him intelligence thereof, either envying that their countrymen should escape, or else fearing that Bassus would punish them for their flight: yet for all this the most valiant of One thousand seven hundredth jews slain by the Romans them that fled, escaped, who were gone before the rest, and the rest were slain to the number of a thousand and seven hundredth men, for the women and children were made bondslaves. And Bassus thinking it meet to keep his promise unto them of the castle, permitted them safely to depart, and restored Eleazar unto them. CHAP. XXVI. Of the jews that Bassus slew: and how he sold judaea. THis done, he prepared to carry his army into the pasture called jardes, for he had notice jardes a wood environed by the Romans. that many jews were there assembled together, who had escaped from jerusalem and Machaera during the siege. So coming unto the place and finding it to be as it was reported unto him, he first of all environed it with horsemen, that if any one of the jews sought to escape, the horsemen might withstand them, and he commanded the footmen to cut down the wood, into the which they fled to hide themselves. And so through necessity they were constrained to fight, hoping by a courageous fight to find opportunity to fly: wherefore The year of the world, 4037. after Christ's birth 75. they altogether with a cry violently assaulted them by whom they were environed, and they did valiantly withstand them, and by their valour, and the jews desperation the fight endured a long time: yet the event of the war was not like unto the rest of the fight, for only twelve Romans were slain and very few wounded, and all the jews were slain in that fight, being in number three thousand, and their captain judas the son of jairus (of whom we have already made mention, who during the siege of jerusalem was commander of a company there) hid Three thousand jews slain. himself in a certain cave, and secretly escaped from thence. At that time Caesar writ unto Liberius Maximus his Governor, and unto Bassus, to sell judaea: for he did not build in all the country any City but appropriated it unto himself, leaving there only eight hundredth soldiers, and giving them a place to dwell in called Emaus, thirty stounds distant from jerusalem, and he imposed a tribute upon all jews wheresoever they lived, commanding every one of them every year to bring two drachmas into the capitol, according as A tribute imposed by Caesar on all the jews. in former times they were wont to pay unto the temple of jerusalem: and this was the estate of the jews at that time. CHAP. XXVII. Of the death of King Antiochus: and how the Alanes invaded Armenia. IN the fourth year of Vespasians reign, it happened that Antiochus king of the Comagenes with all his family fell into great misery upon this occasion. Cesennius Petus governor of Syria (either for envy, or for that indeed it was so, for it is not well known) Cesennius Petus precedent of Syria, accuseth Antiochus before Caesar. sent letters unto Caesar declaring unto him that Antiochus was determined to revolt from the Romans, together with his son Epiphanes, and had made a league with the king of the Parthians, and that therefore it was necessary to prevent them in time, lest that if they first began to revolt openly, they might trouble all the Roman Empire with wars. Caesar did not neglect these news, for that the nearness of both the king's countries one to another, seemed to require that they should be quickly prevented: for Samosata the greatest City of Comagena is situate upon Euphrates, which might both easily receive the Parthians, and be a strong hold for them, and also there they might easily pass over the river. Wherefore Vespasian believing it, permitted him to do what he thought expedient, and he forthwith, Antiochus thinking nothing, suddenly entered into Comagene, with the sixth legion, and certain other companies of footmen and troops of horsemen, accompanied with Aristobulus king of Chalcidis, and Sohemus king of Emesa, who came to assist him. So they entered the country without any fight, for none of Antiochus is suddenly invaded by Cesennius. the inhabitants offered to resist. Antiochus' daunted with these unexpected news, did not so much as think of any war against the Romans, wherefore he determined to leave the whole kingdom in that estate that then it was in, and with his wife and children depart from thence, hoping hereby to clear himself unto the Romans, from that which they suspected of him: and going almost a hundredth and thirty stounds from the City into a field, there he placed a tabernacle. And Petus sent men unto Samosata to take it, and left them to keep the City, and he Antiochus chooseth rather to depart out of his country with his wife and children then to fight with the Romans. with the rest of the soldiers purposed to go against Antiochus. But for all this the king though by necessity urged thereunto, yet would he not fight against the Romans, but bewailing his misfortune, enduted patiently all whatsoever, but his sons being lusty strong young men, and skilful in martial affairs, could not easily abstain from fight in that their distress. Wherefore Epiphanes and Callinicus his two sons had recourse unto their forces, and in a great fight that dured a whole day they showed their valour, and departed receiving no loss. But Antiochus after this fight would not any longer abide in his country, but taking his wife and daughters Antiochus flieth with his wife into Cilicia. Epiphanes flieth to Vologesus the king of Parthia. he fled into Cilicia, and thereby discouraged his soldiers, who despairing to keep the kingdom for him, revolted unto the Romans. But Epiphanes and the rest were forced to seek to save themselves, before such time as they were left destitute, and so accompanied with ten horsemen, he passed the river Euphrates: and thus being out of danger they came to Vologesus, of whom they were received, not as fugitives, but with great honour, and according to their degree, as though they yet possessed their ancient dignity. And Petus coming to Tarsus of Cilicia, he sent a Centurion to carry Antiochus bound unto Rome. But Vespasian permitted not a king Antiochus' taken. to be so brought unto him, thinking it meet to consider the old friendship between them, The year of the world. 4037. after Christ's birth 75. then to persever in danger, and not to be pacified by reason of war. Wherefore he commanded that in the way as he came, he should be unbound, and a while to live at Lacedaemon, and leave his journey towards Rome, allowing great store of money, sufficient to maintain a kingly dignity. Epiphanes, and they with him hearing this, were eased of the great care they took for their father, whom they greatly feared to be fallen into some danger, and now they also conceived some hope to be reconciled unto Caesar. Whereof Vologesus writing unto Caesar (for they were not Antiochus' reconciled to Caesar. The Alans enter Media to spoil the same. contented to live out of the Roman Empire, notwithstanding that they were honourably entertained) Caesar. courteously gave them leave, & they came to Rome, & their father was presently sent for unto them from Lacedaemon, & so they remained at Rome in great honour. The nation of the Alans being Scythians, inhabited about Tanais, & the marshes of Maeotis, as in an other place we have recounted. Who conspiring with the king of the Hyrcans to pass into Media, and sack it (for he was king of that passage) which king Alexander had made in such wise, that it was shut up with iron gates, obtained leave to pass, and so came into Media, the Medes nothing fearing any such matter, and sacked and spoiled all their populous and wealthy borders, being full of cattle, none daring to resist them: for Pacorus king of that country, for fear fled into the strongest hold he had, and left all his goods behind him, and with much ado redeemed his wife, and concubines whom they had taken, for one hundredth talents. Having therefore licence to rob and Armenia wasted. spoil, for that no man resisted them, they came into Armenia, & wasted all the country there about, & Tyridates was then king of that country, who with an army coming to fight against them, was almost by them taken alive in the battle, for one cast a halter about him, & began to draw him amongst the enemies, & so had done, but that he with his sword did quickly cut the rope and fled, and they being more enraged, by reason he fought against them, wasted all the country, and carrying with them a huge multitude of men and cattle out of both countries, they returned into their own. CHAP. XXVIII. How Massada a most strong Castle was taken. BAssus dying in judaea, Flavius Sylva succeeded in his place, and now perceiving that all the country else was conquered save one only castle, he with all the forces he could make, The year of the world, 4038. after Christ's birth 76 went against it. This castle is called Massada. The captain of the Sicarians named Eleazar, who first invaded it, was a very strong and valiant man, borne of the tribe of juda, who persuaded a great many jews as is before said, not to enrol themselves when Cyrenaeus was Censor and sent to tax judaea. For at that time the Sicarians had conspired against them that obeyed the Romans, and in all things used them like enemies, taking and driving away their goods, and firing their houses, affirming that they did not any thing differ from strangers, who betrayed the liberty of their country rather than they would fight for it, and that they had rather have them war on the Romans side. But that was only an excuse to hide their avarice and injurious dealing, as the proof made manifest, for they themselves revolted and bare arms against the Romans, and their enterprises against the Romans was worse than the rest, and when their first forged pretence was known and confuted, they did rage more than before against those that upbraided them with 〈◊〉 For that was amongst the jews abounding with all manner of iniquity, so that none was left The time among the jews which was most fruitful in all manner of impiety. undone, yea though one endeavoured to invent some new villainies, yet could he devise none that was not then practised, all laboured with this malady both, in particular and in common, and every one did strive with other, to surpass his fellow in impiety against God, and injustice towards his neighbour. The mighty vexed the weaker sort, and the meaner sort destroyed the potentates, and took their riches away from them; they gaped after rule and dominion, these after mischief. The Sicarians were the first that were so cruel and injurious against their neighbours, for not john Giscala. provoked thereunto, neither by deed nor word, they slew and injured all men without cause, but john showed them to be very moderate. For he did not only slay all that counseled that which was good and profitable, as his greatest enemies, and especially dealing thus with the citizens, but also many ways injuried his country, like one who had impiously also contemned God himself. For he did ear forbidden meats, and violated his country's temperancey so that it was no The year of the world. 4038. after Christ's birth 76. Simon son of Giora. wonder to see him observe no justice nor fidelity towards men, who had now infringed the laws▪ of God. Again what villainy did Simon Giora leave undone, or what injury did he abstain from to offer unto▪ ●…hier bodies▪ who had chosen him for their ruler? What did kindred and friendship▪ then prevail any man, save only this, that it made them be more cruelly used, and every day, to be more tyrannously butchered, then otherwise? For they thought it a heinous offence to abuse strangers, and a glory to exercise cruelty upon their most familiar friends. The Idumaeans were followers of this fury, who killed the high priests, and left not any one of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…he city, The Idumaeans. The Zealous. whereby God might be honoured, and induced all injustice possible, wherein the Zealous excelled. For they committed all mischief, leaning nothing unattempted that had ever before that time been practised, yet they took their name from them that imitated good and godliness, but in truth it was to mock and ●…out them that did well, so savage and cruel was their nature, or else The end of the jews answerable to their lives. accounting the greatest impiety to be goodness. But their end was as they deserved, and God punished their desert with his just vengeance. For even unto the latter end of their lives, they endured all the miseries that is possible for man's nature to abide, being killed with divers sorts of torments. Perhaps one will say that their punishment was not so greatas they deserved, but what punishment could be devised sufficient for their defert? But I cannot now stand to lament those who perished by these men's cruelty, wherefore I will return to that where I left. The Roman captain came against Eleazar, and them that kept Massada with him, who were Sicarians, and he brought an army with him, and presently subdued all the confines and borders silva the captain of the Romans besiegeth Massada. round about, and he placed i●… every fit place garrisons, and environed the castle with a wall, lest any of them that were besieged should escape, and that they that besieged them might▪ there keep a continual guard. Moreover he placed his camp in a fit place for the siege, even there where the rock that the castle was built upon, joined unto the other mountain, which was an unfit place to get necessaries in. For not only victuals were fetched far off by great labour of the jews who were commanded to do it, but also water for the whole army somewhere else, for there was no fountain near that place. This done silva attempted the siege, wherein it was requisite for him to use both art and labour, by reason of the strength of the castle, which is thus situate. It is environed round with a huge stone very high on every side, and the valley underneath The situation of Massada. is so deep, that one cannot see the bottom, all rocky and inaccessible, to all living creatures, save only that in two places there is a difficult passage unto it, one of them is from the lake Asphaltites towards the East, and the easiest of the two is the West ●…side, the first is called a snake taking his name of the strai●…es and crooked turnings, for the rock that is eminent The journey by the rock called the Snake. seemeth as if it were broken insunder, and by little and little often returneth again unto itself, and it is by little & little extended in length, so that he that goeth that way, can make no haste but must step with one foot first upon them, and the other upon another, & must stand upon one foot whilst he removeth the other, and he that falleth is sure to be slain in the fall, for there is such a hollow place on either side between the rocks, that it is able to terrify the boldest man alive. When thou hast gone thirty stounds by this way, than thou comest to the top of the hill, which is not steep at the top, but hath a plain above it, and jonathas the high priest was the first that built a castle in this place, and called it Massada: and Herode after him bestowed great labour and cost in building that place, for he environed it all with a wall, seven stounds circuit all of white stone, twelve cubits high, and eight cubits broad, and placed upon it seven and twenty towers, that were fifty cubits high, by the which men passed into the houses that were round about the wall within, for the king appointed the top of the hill for tillage, because it was a more fertile and fatter soil than any ground else, so that if at any time they within the castle wanted provision The top more fruitful, and fatter soil the the plain. Herod's palace from other▪ places, yet they might not be famished, having this to find them. He also builded in this place a palace for himself, the way to which was on the West side within the Castle wall, whose prospect was toward the North, and environed the same with a most strong wall, and in the corners thereof he built four most firm towers three score cubits high, very sumptuous within, having divers rooms and galleries and baths, supported in every place with pillars, ever one of which was one only stone, the walls thereof were of solid stone of divers colours, and to every house, and in the top of the hill, and round about the pallaee, he hewed certain cisterns out of the rock 〈◊〉 to bear water, so that by this means water was as plentiful▪ as though they had fountains within the castle. There was a way unto the castle under the ground from the King's palace, which they that were without could not perceive, the way above ground The year of the world. 4038. after Christ's birth 76. A ●…ower to the Westside. was inaccessible, for as we have already said, the way on the East side no man could pass, and as for that on the West side, it was stopped up with a tower built in the striect thereof, distant a thousand cubits from the Castle, by which it was impossible to pass, and it was not easy to get it by force, and the more leisurely they went, the nearer they were to danger. And thus was this fortress strenghned both by art and nature. The provision within the Castle was admirable both for the magnificence thereof, and also for the long time it had continued, for there was corn sufficient for many years, and Wine and Great store of provision in the Castle. Oil and divers other provision and heaps of dates. All which Eleazar found ready there, having deceitfully obtained the Castle with his Sicarians, which provision was all as sound and as fresh, as though it had newly been laid up in store: notwithstanding, that from the time it remained there, unto the time that the Romans took it, were a hundred years, and the Romans found the relics of the fruit incorrupted, and one may justly think that the cause hereof is the Fruit for a hundredth years kept uncorrupt air about the Castle, which by reason of the height of the place is most pure, and free from all earthly corruption. Therewas also found all manner of Armour in great quantity, which Herode made, and would have armed ten thousand men, also unwrought iron, brass, and lead, so that one may judge that provision to have been reserved for some great cause. It is reported that Herode prepared that Castle for his refuge, when he doubted two great dangers, first that the people of the jews would depose him, and make them Kings whose ancestors had before reigned. The other which was more dangerous than the first, was, for that he feared Cleopatra Queen Herode suspecting a double peril, builded this place for a refuge. of Egypt, who not concealing her intent, did often request Antonius that Herode might be slain, and that she might have the kingdom of the jews given to her. And it was a great marvel that Antonius doting so upon her, did not fulfil her request. Herode for these occasions having b●…ilded Massada, left it furnished as the last bulwark for the Romans to make war against the jews. For the General of the Romans, having now compassed all the place without it with a wall, (as is before said) to the end that none might escape, he did very wisely, and so began to assault the Castle, finding one only place that would bea●…e a mount. For behind the tower that There was but one place about Massada to raise a mount to batter one. on the West side stopped up the passage into the Castle and palace, there was a great rock very large and long, yet not so high as Massada by three hundred cubits. This rock was called Leuce, which signifieth white. When silva had gotten this rock, and ascended it, he commanded his soldiers to build a mount thereupon, and they cheerfully labouring, raised a sudden mount two hundred cubits high: by reason of the height it seemed not firm nor sufficient enough to bear the engines, but upon it was built a Tribunal with great stones fifty cubits high; and as many cubits broad, and the engines were such as first Vespasian, and after him Titus devised two batter walls with, and so they made a tower threescore cubits high all plated about with iron. Now the Romans with many shot did drive the jews off from the Castle walls, not suffering them to lif●… up their heads. And silva having builded a mighty Ram, caused the wall to be continually beaten therewith, but it could scarcely enter upon it, and the Sicarians quickly prevented that, building another wall within, which could not be broken with the Ram being yet soft, and so would break the force thereof, for they did saw timber in pieces, and as it were The City battered with a large Ram, and by Siluas appointment. made two rails, and then filled the space between the two rails with earth, and with other planks they kept the earth from falling down; so that they made a work like the wall of a house, and for that it yielded unto the blows of the Ram (being soft earth) the Ram could not prevail against it; but rather made it more stronger than before by ramming the mortar together. silva perceiving this, judged that he might sooner destroy the wall with fire then with his engine Firebrands da●…●…ed against the wal●…. and so he commanded the soldiers to cast upon it many ●…uming firebrands, and the fire did quickly take hold of the wall, because it was for the most part built with wood, and easily also pe●…ced through it, by reason it was not clean wrought together, and there was a great flame. At the very beginning of the fire, the North wind did greatly annoy the Romans, for the fire The North wind diverting the flame, turneth it upon the Roman●…. blowing furiously from above against them that were Romans, it did drive it extremely upon them, so that they were in great despair, fearing their engines would be burnt, and presently the wind changing and blowing from the South, (as it were by God's providence) it turned The year of the world. 4038. after Christ's birth 76. the fire again upon the wall, and now all of it even unto the foundation thereof, was there most cruelly on fire. And the Romans having. God's assistance, returned again unto their Camp joyfully, purposing the next morning betimes to assail their enemies, and that night to place stronger watches, lest any of the enemies should escape. But Eleazar thought not to fly, neither would he permit any one of his company so to do. And seeing now the wall was fired, and not knowing any way else to help himself, considering likewise what the Romans would do unto their wives and children if they should take them, he deliberated of all their deaths, which he in that extremity judged to be the best way they could take. And so he assembled the most valiant of all his company, and exhorted every one of them thereunto after this manner. Valiant companions, we long ago resolved ourselves neither to serve the Romans, nor any other save only God, for he alone is the true and just Lord of all men. Behold the time is now Eleazar's Oration to his companions. come, that exhorteth you to show your resolute minds: let us not therefore dishonour ourselves, and besides our slavery, suffer also intolerable torments if we be taken alive by the Romans. For we were the first that revolted from them, and the last that war against them. And I verily think that God hath given us this benefit, that we may die well and in our own liberty, which Eleazar conte●… God's wr●…t▪ ●…o be k●…led against t●…e people. he denied to others who were overcome contrary to their expectation. We are certain to be conquered as soon as it is day light, but to die valiantly with our dearest friends, is a glorious resolution unto valiant men, and of this our enemies cannot debar us, who do labour to take us alive, and carry us away captives, and we are not able to vanquish them in fight. For truly at the first (when we who coveted liberty, suffered all misery at the hands of our own Countrymen, and worse at the hands of our enemies) we should have considered that God who was some time favourable unto the nation of the jews, had now condemned them unto perdition, for had he yet been favourable unto us, or had he been but lightly offended at us, he would not have permitted so many men to have perished, and have delivered his holy City into the hands of the enemies to be consumed with fire. And we only amongst all our nation, hoped to live in liberty, as though we had no ways offended the divine majesty, nor been guilty of any offence who indeed taught others iniquity. So you see how we are checked for longing after vain hope, being brought into greater extremity than we expected. Neither hath our Castle by nature in inexpugnable, any thing profited us to our preservation, but we having store of victuals and armour, and all other necessaries, have lost all hope of safety, God himself openly taking it from us. For the fire that once was carried against our enemies, did not of itself return against us and unto the wall we built. But it was the punishment of our offences, who furiously raged The punish 〈◊〉 ●…ese 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 ●…es ●…n 〈◊〉 attemp●… ag●…inst the ●…es 〈◊〉 grave 〈◊〉 ●…en l●… 〈◊〉▪ maintained. against our own nation. For the which I request you, let us not be punished by the Romans, whose forces are invincible, but by ourselves let us satisfy the ire of God, and so it will be more tolerable for us; even by that means our wives shall die undefiled, and our children shall not taste of servile captivity. After whose deaths, we will one help another to die with credit, conserving our liberty, which is the best sepulture of all, yet let us first fire our Castle, and burn our treasure: for it will be no small grief unto the Romans, if they neither get our bodies alive, nor can find any one jot of our riches for recompense of their labour. Let us only leave our victuals as sufficient testimony, that famine did not at any time cause us to be conquered, but that we as at the first we resolved, preferred also death before bondage. Eleazar having thus spoken, they that were present did not all accord unto him, for some joyfully hasted to execute his advise, thinking it so glorious a death. But they who moved with compassion towards their wives and families, were some thing effeminate, or else abhorred to kill themselves. One looking upon another with tears, did show his mind to disagree from that which Eleazar persuaded. Which when Eleazar perceived, and that his counsel through fear was defeated, fearing also that they who courageously had accorded thereunto, should be with drawn by the tears of the others, he did not so end his exhortation, but standing up, and with a vehement spirit he began to speak unto them of the immortality of the soul, and fixing his eyes upon them that wept, he used a vehement exclamation, saying. How much am I deceived, who thought that valiant men fight for their liberty, would Eleazar's Ora●…n as touch●…g the immortality of the soul. rather choose to die then live, but ye do show yourselves nothing to excel any ordinary men, who fear to die, notwithstanding, that thereby you may escape great misery, and calamity, when in this point you ought not to have expected any admonition thereunto, no●… to The year of the world, 4038. after Christ's birth 76. have made any delay to do it. The ancient customs which have endured ever since men had reason, the divine doctrine of our nation, which hath continually been confirmed by the deeds of our predecessors, do instruct us, that it is misery to live, and not to die. For death freeth our souls from prison unto their most pure & proper place, where never after they shall be touched with any calamity. Which whilst they are bound in a mortal body, and do participate of his A soul tied in a mortal body. miseries, may probably be affirmed to be dead. For it is an unseemly conjunction for that which is divine, to be coupled and connexed unto that which is mortal. True it is that our souls can do much being joined to our bodies, for they use the bodies as their instruments secretly producing The power of the soul. in them motion, and many other actions passing the nature of mortal things. But when the soul is loosed from that heavy burden which doth weigh it down even unto the earth, which hangeth upon it, and hath received his proper habitation, than it enjoyeth free & perfect 〈◊〉, and remaineth invisible to our mortal eyes as God himself is, neither is it visible in our bodies. For it cometh secretly into them, and so departeth from them again, that no man can perceive it, having only a nature incorrupt, and causing a change in our bodies. For whatsoever the soul toucheth, that presently liveth and flourisheth, and what it forsaketh, that incontinently withereth and dieth: so much doth it participate of immortality. The sleep Sleep the argument of the immortalni●… of the soul. may be an evident argument unto you of this which I speak, where the soul not distracted taketh a most pleasant and sweet repose; and ●…ommunicating with God, it is with him present in even place by reason of affinity, and foretelleth many future events. Wherefore should we then fear death, who love the rest that we take in sleep? were not he a mad man that for a short life would hinder himself of eternal life? It were necessary that we who are instructed in the law of our nation, should give example to other to despise and contemn death. But if we seek confirmation hereof from strangers, let us see the example amongst the wiser sort of the Indians: for they being just men do tolerate this life as a necessary office of nature for a certain The professors of wisdom among the indian's burn themselves. time, though against their wills▪ yet do they hasten to unloose the soul bound in this mortal body, though not urged thereunto by any calamity or necessity, but only for desire of immortality, telling others that they will depart out of this life; neither doth any one seek to hinder them, but all men esteeming them most fortunate; send by them commendations and other messages unto their friends departed: so firm is their belief that the souls of them that are dead have communion and conversation together: And so they having all instruction what to say to the souls departed, do with great applause leap into the fire, that thereby their souls may be purified from their bodies. And their friends go more joyfully with them when they go to their deaths, than any doth that bringeth his friend on the way when he is to go a great journey, and An exhortation to contemn death drawn from the time and place. they bewail themselves, not those who are dead and have attained immortality. Shall not we then be ashamed not to believe so firmly as the Indians do? despising through our own sloth our country laws which are to be emulated of all men? Nay supposing that by our law we had been instructed chose, to wit, that to live in this life is bliss, and to die is calamity: yet notwithstanding this present necessity, this present time had been a sufficient motive to cause us to embrace death rather than life, seeing that by God's appointment, and of necessity we must now die. In times past it appeateth God so provided, that he shortened their days of our own nation that would not use their life as they ought to have done. I dare not ascribe it unto the Romans, nor report of ourselves that their wars consumed us all. For this did not happen through their Example taken from the jews that were stain in Caes●…a. forces, but a more potent cause hereof there was which made them conquerors. Which of the Romans slew the jews that inhabited at Caesarea? whom the inhabitants thereof upon the Sabaoth day, they being assembled in one place together with their wives and children, did massacre, notwithstanding that they had no intent to revolt from them, nor never lifting up their hands in their own defence, nothing fearing the Romans, who only accounted them of our nation their enemies that revolted from them. But some may object the jews at Caesarea, and the inhabitants thereof were always a●… variance, and that now they revenged their old quarrel having gotten opportunity. What then shall we say of the Scythopolitans? who bare arms The Calamity of the jews in Scithopoli●…. with the Grecians against us, and denied to assist their own kindred against the Romans. What profit did they receive by this their goodwill and fidelity? for they were altogether with their whole families cruelly slain, and this was the reward they had for their labour, for having with stood us to have done the like unto them; it were too long to recount all things severally to this effect. For as ye know there is no City in all Syria that hath not massacred the jews their inhabiting, being more our enemies then the Romans were, where they of Damascus although they The year of the world, 4038. after Christ's birth 76. Eighteen thousand jews slain in Syria, and threescore thousand in Egypt. could not devise any probable cause for it, yet did they massacre all the jews living amongst them, who amounted to the number of eighteen thousand beside their wives and families. And as we have heard it reported, the number of the jews slain by the Egyptians, were above three score thousand: It may be that finding no adversity in a strange country, they were put to death by their enemies. But they that in their own country fought against the Romans, wanted nothing that might have caused a perfect hope of a full victory over the Romans, they had weapons, armour, walls, and strong holds inexpugnable, their valorous courage in fight for liberty shunned no danger, and encouraged men to revolt, which all, having a while served their turns, at last was a cause of their greater misery. For all were taken and subdued by the enemies, as though they had been built and made to make their enemy's victory more famous, and not to The calamity of those jews who were taken by the Romans. do them service. And we may justly deem them happy who were slain in the war, for they died in liberty. Yet who doth not pity the multitude of them that fell into the Romans hands; or who would not hasten to die, rather than endure the like misery that they suffered? Some of them being tortured, and some with fire and stripes perished; and others half eaten of wild beasts, were reserved alive for their second food: and they are most miserable of all that are yet alive, who often wish for death and cannot find it. Where is now that gorgeous City? where jerusalem the Metropolitan city razed from the foundations. is it that was once the mother City of all the nation of the jews? so strengthened with such strong walls, so fortified with towers and castles to defend the walls, scarcely able to contain the provision made for war, having in it so huge a multitude of men to fight for it; what is it now become, wherein God himself was thought to dwell? It is now razed down even unto the very foundations, and no other memory or relics thereof is left standing; their camp is destroyed, only a few old men and unhappy survive, who sat amongst the ashes of the temple and a few women whom their enemies reserved to satisfy their filthy lust. And will any amongst us considering all these things, desire to behold the light of the sun, although he could live without molestation? Who is such an enemy to his native soil? who is so effeminate or desirous of his life, that doth not grieve to have lived till this time? Would God we had all been in our graves before we had seen that sacred City fired by a hostile hand, before we beheld the holy temple destroyed by impiety, and seeing that the hope we had to be revenged upon our enemies is now vanished away, and that we are left alone in misery and necessity, let us hasten to die well, and take compassion upon ourselves, our wives, and children, and that whilst we have time, to compassionate ourselves. For both we are borne to die, and all that are begotten by us, and the strongest men living cannot avoid it, but injury, and bondage, and to see our wives and We are borne to die, and the most strongest cannot avoid the same. children abused before our faces is no necessity, proceeding from man's nature, but they only are forced to endure it, who when they might have died without it, did refuse for fear. We first of all trusting to our strength, rebelled against the Romans; now lastly they exhorting us to obedience, we denied, which of them then will not be enraged against us, if they can take us alive? Most miserable shall those young men be, whose strength will endure many torments, and those old men will move compassion whose aged years cannot suffer tortures; one shall Eleazar telleth the jews of the Romans tyranny. It is a happiness among the jews to die free. see his wife carried away from him, and another his son, having his hands bound behind him cry unto his father for help: who now whilst they are free from the thraldom of their enemies, may gloriously assist us with their swords. Let us with our wives and children die freemen, let us altogether depart out of this life. This our religion commandeth, this our wives and children persuadeth; God himself hath driven us unto this necessity for this purpose. The Romans would have it otherwise, who fear least any of us should perish, and not fall into their hands alive. Let us therefore hasten, that in steed of their expected hope, whereby they verily persuaded themselves to take us alive, we may contrary to their expectation daunt them with asodain admiration of our glorious deaths. Whilst Eleazar was yet speaking, and desirous still to continue his exhortation, they all interrupted him, every one now in a fury bend to follow his advice, made haste to effect it, and as though they had been urged by some bad spirit thereunto, every one laboured to prevent one another in the execution thereof, judging him to show most valour and fortitude, that first dispatched himself. They were also desirous to kill their wives and their children with themselves. And which is most strange, their minds were nothing altered when they came to effect this bloody work, but with the same resolution that they had, when they heard Eleazar's speech, every one retained his good affection towards his friends: yet permitting reason to take no place, and persuading themselves that thus they had well provided for their children, they all at once The year of the world. 4●…38. after Christ's birth 76. embraced their wives and children for their last farewell, and took their leaves of them kissing them with tears, and then at once slew them, as though it had been done by the hands of other men, and not their own, comforting themselves being forced so to do, in that hereby they should escape the tyranny and cruelty of their enemies. Finally no man was so cowardly, who durst not presume to this action; so every one of them killed his dearest friends. O miserable people whom necessity forced to slay their wives and children, accounting the action thereof to be the very lest of all their miseries. Wherefore now not enduring the grief that ensued upon this fact, and thinking that in living any while after them, they should injure them whom they had slain, they with all speed possible gathered all their riches together and set them on fire, which done, they elected ten by lot, who should slay the rest, every one prostrating himself upon his The jews gathering all their goods together cast them into the fire. Ten chosen by lot to kill the rest of the jews. wife and children, & embracing them in his arms, and was was so slain willingly by them that executed that wretched office, who having without fear dispatched them, they cast lots whose fortune it was to kill all the rest, and he upon whom the lot did fall, should kill the other nine, and lastly himself upon them all, every one so encouraging one another, that there was no difference between them that were to be killed, and them that were to kill, and so the rest offered themselves to death, which done, one who was the last of all, being yet alive, went amongst the dead bodies and searched to see if none lived that needed his hand in so great a multitude of slain people, and finding all of them dispatched, he went and fired the palace, which done, he with all his force thrust his sword into his own body up to the hilts, and so fell down by his dearest friends. In this manner they died, thinking they had left no one alive to have fallen into the Romans hands, but one certain old woman, & another that was Eleazar's cousins, who in learning & wisdom surpassed all other women, & five children, who all hid themselves in a cave wherein water was reserved to drink, whilst the rest were busied in this massacre, who were in number 900. and 60, beside women and children. This calamity happened the fifteenth day of April. In the morning The Romans expect the fight. the Romans expecting that the jews would fight with them, made bridges from their mounts unto the walls, and so assaulted the walls, and seeing none of their enemies appear, but all the walls wasted and on fire, and deep silence in every place, they could not conjecture what was done, and at last they made a cry at once, as though they had been beating the walls with a Ram, thereby to see if they could make any enemies come out. The women in the vaults heard this cry, and coming forth, they declared unto the Romans all that had happened, one of them relating unto them the event of all the whole matter: yet for all this the Romans did not easily believe her words, by reason of the greatness of that fact, but they endeavoured to quench the The Romans admire at the jews fortitude and obstinate contempt of death. fire, and passing through it, they presently came into the palace, where they beheld all the dead bodies, yet they did not insult over them as their enemies, but admired that so many should be so obstinately minded to despise death. CHAP. XXIX. Of the death of the Sicarians that were fled unto Alexandria and Thebes. THe Castle being thus taken, the general of the Romans leaving a garrison there, went unto Caesarea, for there was no one enemy left in all that country, but now all judaea The murderers authors of new calamity. was destroyed through continuance of long wars, and many of that nation though far distant from it, tasted of those troubles, for it so fell out that afterward many jews perished in Egypt at Alexandria, for those Sicarians who had escaped thither, were not content to be safe and free from danger, but there also they attempted alteration, and to defend their liberty against the the Romans, esteeming themselves nothing inferior unto them, and that only God was their Lord. And some of the nobler race of the jews, seeking to withstand that their enterprise, were by these Sicarians slain, which was no sooner done, but they exhorted the people to revolt. The chief and elders of the jews seeing this, and that they could not repress them without danger, they assembled all the jews together, and declared unto them the temerity of The jews assemble and consult about the murderers these Sicarians, showing them to be the authors of all the misery that had befallen the Iewe●… and that now notwithstanding they were escaped, yet they were not certain of their lives, for that if they were known, the Romans would presently put them to death, and draw them also into the like misery, who were not partakers of their wickedness. Wherefore they admonished The year of the world. 4038. after Christ's birth 76. the multitude to beware lest they drew themselves into the same danger, wherein they were, and to make satisfaction unto the Romans for themselves by delivering such people unto them. The jews were persuaded by these speeches, and foreseeing the danger that might ensue, they furiously assaulted the Sicarians, and took of them six hundredth, and shortly after those who there escaping, fled into Egypt and Thebes, were taken and brought back again, whose hard hearted obstinacy was so great, that none can without admiration, hear of. For notwithstanding divers sorts of torments and tortures inflicted on them who re●…use Caesar's sovereignty. that all torments and tortures that could be devised were inflicted upon them, only to force them to confess that Caesar was their Lord, yet no one of them would say so, nor make any show thereof, but all persevered in their former opinion, as though the body tormented had been dead, and not alive. Moreover their children were most to be admired, for not one of them could be constrained to call Caesar Lord. So much did their boldness overcome the torments inflicted upon their bodies. CHAP. XXX. How the Temple of Onias at Alexandria was shut up. AT that time Lupus was governor of Alexandria, who with all speed by letters gave Caesar notice of these troubles. And Caesar, seeing that it was necessary to beware of the jews, who were naturally inclined to sedition & unquietness, fearing also that they would once again gather themselves together, & cause some to join with them, he commanded Lupus to destroy the temple, which Onias erected in Egypt, which was builded and named upon this occasion. Onias the son of Simon one of the high priests, being driven out of jerusalem, Antiochus Onias by Pto●…es consent buildeth a city and temple in Egypt. king of Syria then warring against the jews, he came unto Alexandria, & was courteously entertained by Ptolomaeus who was then also enemy unto Antiochus, affirming that he would annex unto his country the people of the jews, if he would agree to that which he required. The king according to all that could be granted, he requested him to permit him to build a temple in some place of his country, & that he might worship God therein according to the custom of their country: for so the jews would hate Antiochus the more, who had destroyed their temple at jerusalem, & be friendly unto him, & many of them did fly unto him for religion sake. Ptolomaeus agreed so to do & gave him a piece of ground for that purpose, a hundredth & fourscore stounds from Memphis, in that place which was called the way to Heliopolis, where Onias building a castle, made also a temple unlike to that of jerusalem, but he erected a tower like that of jerusalem with stones, that was threescore cubits long, and he built an Altar after the fashion of that of his own country, and adorned it with all manner of gifts (save only a candlestick) which had in steed thereof a lamp to give light, which he caused to be hung before the Altar in a golden chain, Onias' temple built in Egypt. and he environed all the temple with a wall made of brick, and the gates he made of stone, and the king granted unto it great revenues of money and ground, to the intent that the priests might have abundance of all things which they required. But Onias did not this with a good conscience, but for that he was at variance with the jews of jerusalem, for that they forced him to fly, and he persuaded himself that by the building of this temple, he might withdraw all men from jerusalem thither, and of this, there was a prophecy nine hundred threescore and ten years before, and Esaias foretold that a certain jew should build a temple in Egypt. And thus that temple was build, and Lupus having received the emperors letters went unto the temple, and taking away certain gifts from it, he shut it up: And after him Paulinus who succeeded in his steed, left not one gift there (for he threatened Lupus shutteth the jews out of the temple. the priests if they did not bring forth all) and permitted not any that came thither for to sacrifice to come near it, but shutting up the gate thereof, he left no sign of divine service there, and from the time it was built till the time it was shut up; were three hundredth thirty and three years. CHAP. XXXI. The year of the world, 4038. after Christ's birth 76 Of the Massacre of the jews at Cyrene. THe boldness of the Sicarians, like some infectious disease infected also the towns about Cyrene. For one john, a weaver, and a wicked man having escaped, persuaded many simple people to follow him, and led them into the wilderness, promising to show them signs and visions, and thus he deceived the simplest sort of the jews, but the noblest of them of Cyrene understanding his deceit, gave Catullus notice of his preparation and departure, A part of Jonathan's companions were taken and slain, the rest kept captive alive and brought to Catullus. who was then Governor of Lybia, who sending horsemen and footmen, did easily surprise them being unarmed, and the most part of them were slain, yet some were taken alive, and brought to Catullus. But their leader jonathas at that time escaped, yet being diligently laid and sought for, over all those Countries, he was at last taken, and being brought unto Catullus, he sought to delay his own punishment, in offering an occasion of iniquity unto Catullus. For he accused the richest amongst the jews, to have been his advisers to do this matter. Catullus was glad of those allegations, and exaggerated his accusations very much with tragical terms, so that he seemed to have made an end of the wars against the jews, and which was worst of all to be content to credit, whatsoever was maliciously spoken, he himself instructed the Sicarians to framescandalous accusations, & commanding them to nominate one Alexander a jew, whom he had long hated and his wife Berenice, he put them first of all to death, and after them all that were well moneyed, who amounted to the number of three thousand, and this he thought he did Three thousand jews slain by Catullus. without control, because he confiscated their possessions unto Caesar. And lest that any jew living in any other place should complain of his injustice, he extended his malicious lies against others further off, and persuaded jonathas and certain others that were taken with him, to accuse the most trusty and faithful jews at Rome and Alexandria: one of whom who were thus falsely accused, was named joseph, who writ this History. But this devise of Catullus had not such joseph by Catullus persuasion is accused by jonathas. success as he hoped, for he came to Rome, and brought jonathas and the rest bound with him, thinking that no more inquiry would be made of the false accusations invented by himself. But Vespasian suspecting the matter, made diligent inquiry to know the truth, and finding these crimes injuriously imposed upon those men, at Titus' entreaty, he acquitted them, and punished jonathas according to his desert; who being first whipped, was afterward burned alive. And jonathas being first beaten is burnt alive. Catullus at that time, by reason of the mildness of the Emperors, had nothing said unto him, but not long after he fell into a grievous disease, and was cruelly tormented, not only in body, but also in mind. For he was greatly terrified, and still imagined to see the ghosts, of them whom he had so unjustly slain, ready to kill him, so that he cried out; and not able to contain himself, leapt out of his bed as though he had been tortured with torments and fire. And this disease daily increasing on, his guts and bowels rotting and issuing out of him, at last he died in this manner, leaving behind him an evident argument, that the divine justice doth punish impious malefactors. And this is the end of the History, which we promised to be set down The conclusion of the seven books of the wars of the jews. with all fidelity, for them that are desirous to know the event of the wars, between the jews and the Romans. And as for our style, we leave it to the judgement of the Reader, but touching the verity of the History, it is such, as no man need to doubt of, for I do affirm that to be the only scope, which I aimed at in this whole work. The end of the seventh and last Book of Flavius josephus; of the Wars of the jews. THE FIRST BOOK OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS THE SON OF MATHIAS, WRITTEN AGAINST APION, AS TOUCHING THE antiquity OF THE JEWS. ISuppose (O thou worthiest amongst worthy men Epaphroditus) that I have sufficiently testified unto them, who shall read those books which I have written, as touching the authentic history of the jews, that our nation is most ancient, and that they have had their original from themselves, and have from the first beginning inhabited that Country, whereof they are now possessed at this present. To which effect I have gathered out of our sacred writings, and published in the Greek tongue, The history of the antiquity containeth the events of five thousand years a History containing the occurrences of five thousand years. And for that I see their are divers, who (being too much addicted and seduced, by the scandalous blasphemies and reports, which some of those who are jewdly affected towards us, have published against us) have misconceited and misbelieved that which I have written of our antiquity, and labour to approve our nation to be modern, because none of the most ancient and most renowned Historio graphers The causes that moved him to write this book among the Grecians, have thought our ancestors worthy to be enrolled in their writings: I have for these causes held it a part of my duty to write some short treatise hereupon; both to reprove the evil intent and affected lying of those our calumners, as also to correct their ignorance, by teaching those who are desirous to know the truth, what the original of our motion is. For proof whereof, I will reduce no other testimony than those, who from antiquity have been judged worthy of credit among the greeks, laying open before their eyes, that they who have slanderously and falsely written against us, are convicted by their own mouths: I will also enforce myself to express the causes, wherein very few Grecians have made mention of us in their Histories, and moreover, I will make it known to those that are ignorant (either in effect or in pretence) who they have been that omitted not our History. First of all, therefore I do not a little marvel at those (who in respect of antiquity) suppose that the truth ought only to be gathered from the greeks: and that they justly may claim the honour and knowledge of faithful writing, whereat they neither vouchsafe either us, or any others, the credit or truth in that we set down, although I am able to prove, that all things have fallen out quite contrary. For which cause it behoveth us not to look unto men's various opinions, but to examine that All things among the greeks are modern, but such things as were done among the Egyptians, Chaldees and Phaenicians, are of happy memory and venerable antiquity. which is right and gather the same by the effects. For all that whatsoever is set down by the greeks is new, and of late memory, and hath been brought to execution, in a manner but yesterday: I mean the foundations of Cities, the inventions of Arts, and the descriptions of Laws, and the latest practice amongst them, hath been, and is, the diligent travail in History. But among the Egyptians, Chaldeis and Phoenicians (for I presume not to compare my countrymen with them) as they themselves confess, the memory of their writings is most ancient and infallible. For all these nations dwell in such countries as are not subject to the corruption of air; and have carefully provided, that none of those things that have been done by them should sleep in obscurity, but should be kept in memory in the public writings of the learnedest men. Whereas innumerable corruptions have crept in among the Greeks, by which the Innumerable corruptions invaded Greece. memory of things forepast, is defaced. But they always who have established new estates, have each of them supposed in their own behalf, that whosoever was of theirs, he was the first of the world. Yet notwithstanding they have had the knowledge of the nature of letters very late, and have attained the same with very great difficulty. For they that speak of the most ancient use of the same, do boast and glorify themselves, that they have received the knowledge The Phoenicians and Cadmus the first inventors of letters. thereof from the Phoenicians, and Cadmus. Yet notwithstanding there is not any one of them that can show any record of that time, either in their temple, or in their public registers: whereas after there arose a great doubt and question, whether those letters were in use during their time, who sithence have for the space of many years continued the siege before Troy. And in sooth, their opinion who affirm that they were ignorant of the use of those letters, which are at this present allowed and accustomed amongst us, is not to be refused. For it is most manifest that there is not any writing extant among the greeks that is more ancient than Homer's poesy, which Among the greeks there is not any writing more ancient than Homer's poem. as it is most manifest hath been in allowance and continuance since the time of the siege of Troy: and yet it is reported, that he left no part of that his poesy in writing, which was composed of divers songs, and only sung by roate, by which means it came to pass that there are so many contradictions in the same. And as touching those who have undertaken to write histories among them, I mean Cadmus the Milesian, and Acusilaus the Argive; and after him if there were any others, they were not alive, but very little time before the passage of the Persians into Greece. Furthermore, they who among the greeks were the first that introduced Philosophy, and the knowledge of celestial and divine things, that is to say, Pherecydes the Surian, Pythagoras, and Thales, these all of them confess with one accord, that being instructed by the Egyptians and Chaldeis, they have published some few writings, which are supposed to be the most ancient that are among the greeks, and it is hardly believed also that they were written by them. What reason therefore have the Greeks to be so proud, as if there were none but themselves only, who knew the affairs of antiquity, and could exactly express their truth and verity? Or who cannot easily conjecture by their own writers themselves, that their writings were only upon hearsay and supposition, and that their style was only tied to their vain conjectures. Hence cometh it to pass, that in their books they cavil and reprove one another, & make no conscience to maintain and write contradictions in one and the same things. But it may be said, that I task myself to a fruitless labour, if I should go about to inform those who are better experienced then myself; in how many points Hellanicus differeth from Acusilaus as touching the Genealogy: in how many places Acusilaus hath corrected Herodotus; or how Ephorus hath approved that Hellanicus was a liar in the greater part of that which he reciteth. Ephorus hath been reproved by Timaeus, and in general all them have taxed Herodotus. Neither hath Timaeus vouchsafed to accord with Antiochus, or Philistus, or Callias, in the histories of Sic●…ly. Neither have they who have written the histories of Athens, or those who have entreated of the Argoliques, followed others. What need I reckon up those who in particular have entreated of Cities, or of succinct and short matters: whereas in the description of the Persian war, and those exploits that were performed therein, those of greatest authority are most at odds. Thucydides is accused by some for a liar in divers places, notwithstanding that he Thucydides writ a most exact history of his time. The causes of discord among the jews. seemeth to have described the history of his time most exactly. But the causes of this discord are divers, and it may be that they who shall narrowly pry into them, shall find more. For mine own part those two which I shall here set down in my opinion are of greatest weight. The first, and in my judgement the chiefest is, that amongst the greeks, from the beginning we have not been industrious to keep public registers of such matters as happened in any time or place, which hath made them err, and given those a privilege to lie, who afterwards would look to write any thing of such matters as were acted long since. Neither are the other greeks only to be touched with this negligence for not making account of such registers, but amongst the Athenians also (who are reputed to be glorious for the antiquity of their country, and who are exercised in sciences) there is no mention of them. For it is said, that the most ancient and public writings which they have, are those capital laws which were set down by their lawmaker Draco, who lived but a little time before Pisistratus tyranny. What need we speak of the Arcades, who vaunt themselves of their antiquities? For they have learned the use of letters with very great difficulty, and sometime after this: whereas therefore there was not any writing published before that time which might instruct▪ those that would learn or reprehend those that published untruths, from thence is it, that so many differences have happened among Historiographers. A second cause is, for that they who addicted themselves to compose histories, did not busy themselves about the inquisition of the truth (notwithstanding that each of them did Another cause of their discord recorded by the Grecian Historiographers. ordinarily promise no less, but they laboured to express how 〈◊〉 they were, and fixed their whole study thereon, as the only means whereby they hoped to obtain reputation above the rest. Some of them therefore addicted their styles to ●…ables, othersome by flattering praises thought to curry favour with kings and Cities. The rest enforced their studies to accusations by obtaining the work of the writer thereof, under trust to get the more credit thereby. In effect they have followed that coursd in composing their hitorie that was ●…uerie way different The sign of a true history. from the true nature thereof. (For the assured sign of a perfect and true history is, whereas all men accord both in word and writing i●… so●…ing down the same thing) and they who have written diversly, made men believe that they were the ●…est amongst a●… th●… rest. We ought therefore to grant the superiority to the Grecians in all that which concen●…h eloquence, and the ornament of language, but not in that which appertaineth to antiquity or truth of History, and especially when the question is, that each man writ as touching his own nation. Seeing therefore that both the Egyptians and Babylonians long time since used all diligence in writing, in so much as their priests were hereunto enjoined, who did most curiously entreat of all such points: the same also did the Chaldeis amongst the Babylonians; and the Phoenicians also (inhabiting amongst the greeks) used laws (both concerning private and public affairs) which because all men confess it, I will omi●…to speak of. I let pass also to recount what care our nation had of this point (no doubt greater than those nations above mentioned had) charging our high priests and prophets, to execute this office, which custom hath been observed even until this our age: yea (and if I may presume so far) will be observed in all succeeding ages, as by the scope of my speech ensuing, I will endeavour to make manifest. For our nation did not only depute this office to the most just men amongst them in the beginning, and unto such as were alwaise ready to appease the heavy displeasure, and wrath of God kindled against them; but they also provided to preserve the line and dissent of priests from all impurity, and from being intermingled with others. For no man amongst us can be a priest, who is not borne of a woman descended from the priest's line; neither in this case is any respect made either of riches or A custom which the priests observed. honours, but the party who claimeth the dignity of priesthood, must by many witnesses prove his Genealogy, and that he is descended from priests. This custom is not only of force in jewrie, our own country, but wheresoever else any of our nation inhabit, as in Egypt, and Babylon, and in any other place, where continually the priests in their marriages have this respect not to marry with any woman that is not of their own line, and they send unto jerusalem the name and pedigree of the woman whom they have married, and all testimony hereof which they can deduce from her ancestors. Now if wars molest our nation (as often they have) in the time of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, of Pompey the great, Quintilius Varo, and especially in this our age, than those priests who survive make new Genealogies, and pedigrees out of our holy writ for the foresaid women, that are not devoured by the fury of war. For they come unto these women, not fearing the company of strangers amongst whom they li●…e: yea this is an evident The priests amongst the jews are every one registered with the name of their fathers and this custom hath continued 2000 years. token of the priests integrity, that every priest during the revolution of two thousand years are registered together with the names of their fathers, and if any one do err or falsify any of the things beforesaid, he is then interdicted from the altar, and from exercising any priestly function. So that in the writings of such men all things must of necessity be true, and as they ought to be, for that neither all men are permitted to write, nor yet any dissonance and disagreement is found in their writings. For such things as past in ancient times quite beyond the memory of men, were only written by our Prophets, who had the knowledge thereof by inspiration from God himself, but other things of latter time are only recorded by those, who lived in the age wherein the things they writ of were done. The books amongst us containing the histories of all ages, are neither infinite nor one repugnant to another, for all our Chronicle is contained in Two and twenty books of holy writ. two and twenty books, to which books it is impiety to deny credit. Five of these books were written by Moses, comprehending Genealogies, and the beginning of mankind, and such notable events as happened even from the beginning of the world until his death, which is little less than three thousand years. After the death of Moses until the time wherein Artaxerxes lived, who was king of the Persians, and son to Xerxes, the Prophets of our nation every one writ the history of his time wherein he lived, so that of these men's writings we have thirteen books: the four other books which make up the number already mentioned, are known to contain holy Hymns dedicated unto God, and wholesome precepts for man's life and conversation. All things which from Artaxerxes until our time have happened are also set down in writing, yet the books wherein they are registered, do not deserve so much credit, as the former of ancient times, for that there was no certain successor of Prophets in this age. Moreover it is evident, that to the former works we give as great credit, as to the things we ourselves write, and notwithstanding they have been so long written, yet in all that time no man durst presume, either to alter or to blot out any thing therein contained. For all jews even from their cradle do believe these books to be sacred, holy, and divine, and therefore do give all credit possible unto them, and so would willingly suffer death, rather than to do the contrary. Many captives also of our nation have already been cruelly tormented, and divers ways put to death in open theatres, only for that they would not commit any thing, either in word or deed against their laws, nor violate the writings of their forefathers. Now who amongst the greeks did ever sustain the like? nay they are so far from doing it, that none can be found amongst them who The jews and Greeks are compared together. would any loss in his goods, or fortunes, thereby to preserve all the writings of their nation from perdition: and the reason hereof is, that every one esteemeth the verity of their Histories to depend upon the will of the writer. And this they do also of their most ancient Historiographers and not without cause, for they every day see men of their own times, writing Histories of matters passed long before in former ages, wherein neither themselves were present, neither yet vouchsafe they to credit the writings of such as were then eye witnesses thereof, yea some amongst Some others have written of the wars of the jews. them have divulged Histories of such things as of late befell our nation, when themselves never have been in the place where such matters past, as they did write of war, nor have lived in any neighbour place where they might have probable report how matters past, but only making a few centones or broken news, they most impudently arrogate unto therr patched, stuff the name of a History. I myself have composed a most true History of those wars, and of every particular thing there done, as well I might, having been present in all those affairs. For I was captain of the joseph was present in all the wars of the jews. Galileans amongst our nation, so long as any resistance could be made againg the Romans, and then it so fell out, that I was taken by the Romans, and being prisoner unto Titus and Vespasian, they caused me to be an eye witness of all things that past. First in bonds and fetters, & afterward freed from them, I was brought from Alexandria with Titus, when he went to the siege of jerusalem. So that nothing could then pass whereof I had not notice. For beholding the Roman army, I committed to writing all things with all possible diligence. Myself also did only manage all matters disclosed unto the Romans by such as yielded themselves, for that I only did perfectly understand them. Lastly, being at Rome, and having now leisure all business being past, I used the help of some (for the purity of the Greek tongue) and so I published a history of all that had joseph did write the history of the jews wars being at Rome. happened in the foresaid wars, which History of mine is so true, that I fear not to call Vespasian and Titus Emperors in those wars to witness for them. I first gave a copy of that book to them, afterwards to many noble Romans, who also were present in those wars, I sold also many of them to our own nation, to such as understood the greek language, amongst whom were julius Archilaus, Herode the honest, and the most worthy king Agrippa, who all do testify that my history containeth nothing but truth. Who would not have been silent, if in any thing either for ignorance or flattery I had changed or omitted any particular? yet notwithstanding all this, some ill disposed persons endeavour to discredit my history, as though they were disputing pro and contra amongst children in schools, being sometime on a sudden too for a feigned accusation, and otherwise to feign a slanderous and sudden detraction, never considering that joseph sold his books to many. he who promiseth other men a true relation of matters past, must either be privy unto them by his own knowledge, as having been present in the affairs, or else have that which he speaketh from other men's mouths by report of them who know them both, which I have done. For I gathered my other books of Antiquity out of holy Scripture, being myself a Priest, and skilful in our law, and the history of our wars I have written myself being an agent in many matters Some do derogate from Joseph's history. therein contained, and an eye witness of the rest; so that nothing was said or done whereof I had not notice. How then can any man excuse them from impudency and malice, who labour against me to prove my relation false? They perhaps allege that they have read the commentary containing the emperors acts, yet for all this they were not present in any action, repugnant to that, which my history recounteth. Thus have I (as I thought it necessary) made a digression to show how they are able to perform their word, who discrediting my history, promise to set down truth in writing. I have also sufficiently (as I think) demonstrated, that the registering of things is more ancient amongst other nations, then amongst the greeks. I will now first of all dispute against those, who with all might and main labour to prove our nation of no antiquity, for that (as they say) no Greek Two things which joseph intendeth. writer maketh any mention of it. This done, I will bring forth proof and testimone of the antiquity hereof out of other writers, and so I will show that their tongues are no slander, who seek to discredit our nation. First therefore our nation, neither inhabiteth a country bordering upon the sea, neither are we delighted in merchandise, nor for this cause wearied with pilgrimages from place to place. But our cities are situate far from the sea in a most fertile soil, which we till with all industry, and our whole endeavours are how to get food for our The jews careto bring up their ●…heildrē. The ancient jews had no need to traffic with the Grecians. children, and to keep our country ●…awes, and how to leave unto our posterity the knowledge of piety, which work we think all our age ought to be employed in. Beside all this before mentioned, we ha●…e a form of living, different from all other nations, all which concurring together, we had no need to traffic with the greeks as the Egyptians, and the Phaenitians do, who give themselves to bargaining and merchandise only for covetousness of money. Neither were our ancestors delighted in thefts and robberies, nor did our fathers make war upon any nation for desire of larger possessions, notwithstanding our country was furnished with many thousands of strong warlike men. Wherefore the Phaenicians sailing unto the greeks to traffic with them, they were thus made known unto them, and by them the Egyptians, and all other nations; who sailing upon the seas, brought merchandise into Greece. The Medes also and Persians were known unto them after such time as they openly reigned over Asia, and the Persians warred even unto the other opposite continent. Moreover the Greeks knew the Thracians, because they were their neighbours, and the Scythians by sailing to Pontus, and finally all that were disposed to write, knew all the nations bordering either upon the Eastern & Western seas, but such as dwelled far from the sea & sea coast, were long time unknown, as also appeareth in The Romans were lately known to the greeks. Certain Historiographers report Spain to be only one city. Europe: for neither Thucydides nor Herodotus, nor any other of that time, maketh any mention of Rome, notwithstanding that so long since it was so mighty, and made so great wars; yet at last with much ado the Greeks heard of it. Yea their most curious writers, and namely Ephorus, were so ignorant of the Frenchmen & Spaniards, that they thought the Spaniards to be a people only denominated of one city, wherein they inhabited, whereas the whole world now knoweth them to inhabit a vast country, and a great part of the western world. Likewise the said Greek writers relate the manner of the foresaid people to be such, as neither are, nor were ever used amongst them. And the only cause why they were ignorant of the truth, was the distance of the place, and these writers would seem to tell something which others of former times had not spoken of. No marvel therefore though our nation was unknown, and none of them in their writings made any mention of us being both so far from the sea, and living after a different manner. Put case therefore that I denied the Greeks to be of any antiquity, and to prove my assertion should conclude their nation to be modern, for that our histories made no mention of them, would they not laugh at this reason, and use the testimony of their neighbour nations to prove their antiquity? I therefore will do the like, and use the testimony of the Egyptians & Phaenicians, Arguments to prove the jews of more antiquity, than the Greeks. whose records the Greeks cannot deny. For all Egyptians in general are our enemies, and amongst the Phaenicians they especially of tire; Which I cannot justly say of the Chaldeis, who have been princes over our nation, and because of their affinity and alliance with our countrymen have in their Chronicles made mention of the jews. Yet when I have proved what I now aver, and refeled the slanderous reports against us, I will then also show who amongst the Greeks speak of us, that so the Greeks may also be deprived of this shift, and refuge, to excuse their malicious lies falsely forged against our nation. And first of all I will begin with the writings Manethon an Egyptian writer. of the Egyptians, who as they well know, do nothing at all favour us. Wherefore Manethon an Egyptian borne, skilful in the Greek tongue, as by his works appear (for he writ in Greek) compiling a history of the customs and religion of his forefathers, collected (as himself reporteth) out of the Egyptians holy writings, often reprehendeth Herodotus, who being indeed ignorant, did much help the Egyptians. This Manethon in his second book of the Egyptian customs saith thus (I will set down his own words, because I use them for a witness.) We had a King (quoth he) named Timaus, in whose reign God being angry with us, contrary to all expectation, an obscure people taking courage, came from the East, and pitching their Tents in our country conquered it by force, no man resisting them, & committing our princes to bonds, did finally burn our cities, and destroy the temples of our Gods, & behaved themselves most cruelly against all the Inhabitants, killing many of them, and making slaves of the rest with their wives and children: finally they chose a King amongst themselves, who should be then of our Country, his name was Saltis, who coming to Memphis, made both the higher and lower Province tributaries, leaving garrisons in strong holds, and fortifying those places in Saltis subdued the Egyptians. the East: Likewise foreseeing that the Assyrians were more mighty than he, and would invade his Country, he found out in this Province a City called Saite fit for his purpose, being situate on the East side of the river Bubastis, which by an ancient divine was called Auaris, he builded up this City and compassed it with most huge walls, and placed in it two hundred thousand armed men to keep it. This Saltis came in Harvest time; to the intent that he might both pay his soldiers, and be a terror unto other people, and after he had reigned nineteen years he died. After him succeeded another King called Baeon, who reigned four and forty years, next to him Aphinas, who reigned thirty six year and seven months, than Aphocis, who reigned threescore and one years, and then jandas who reigned fifty years and one month, after them all reigned Assis, nine and forty years and two months, and these six were the first Kings amongst them, ever destroying and warring upon the Egyptians, and labouring to extinguish their race. This nation was called Hiscos, which signifieth Kings shepherds, for Hic in the sacred King's shepherds. tongue, signifieth a King, and Sos a shepherd or shepherds, according to the common speech, and Hicsos is a compound word. Some say these people were Arabians, but in other copies I find that Hicsos, is not interpreted kings shepherds, but shepherds that were captives, for Hic and Hac, also when it is pronounced, doth in the Egyptian tongue signify a captive, and this latter exposition seemeth to me to be the truest, for it is more agreeable with the history. Wherefore Manathon reporteth these foresaid kings and shepherds to have ruled Egypt five hundredth and eleven years, and after these the king of Thebes, and the king of the residue of Egypt, uniting their forces together, invaded the said shepherds, and held on great and long wars against them, and that the said shepherds were overcome by the king Alisfragumthosis, also that then they lost all Egypt which he had in their power, and that they were shut up in a place called Auaris containing ten thousand acres of ground, which as Manathon reporteth these shepherds environed round about with a huge wall, to the end that all their whole provision might be fortified, and all their praises which they got, defended. Moreover that Themosis son of the said Alisfragumthosis endeavoured by force to subdue them, and for this cause besieged them with four hundredth and four score thousand armed men, and at last despairing to take them by siege, he covenanted with them that they should safely depart out of Egypt whether they would, and that they upon these conditions together with all their families and goods and cattle departed out of Egypt into the wilderness, & so into Syria, being in number two hundredth & forty thousand, & that fearing the puissance of the Assyrians who at that time reigned in Asia, they builded a city in the country now called judea, which they made so large as that it might receive them all, and this city they called jerusalem. Further the said Manathon in an other book of the Egyptians affairs saith, that in the holy writings he sendeth the foresaid shepherds called captives, wherein he saith most true. For our ancestors were wont to feed cattle, & so leading a pastoral life, were called shepherds, neither are they unjustly called captives for our forefather joseph told the king of Egypt that he was a captive, and long time after he called his brethren into Egypt by the kings command; but we will hereafter examine this point more straightly, I will now cite the testimony of the Egyptians concerning this point, and also relate the words of Manethon touching the time when this befell, who sayeth as followeth. After that the nation of shepherds were departed out of Egypt unto jerusalem, king Themosis who drove them out of the land, reigned twenty five years and four months, and then died: and his son Chebron succeeded him who reigned thirteen years, and after him Amenophis twenty years and seven months, next, his sister Amesses one and twenty years and nine months, than reigned Mephios' twelve years and nine months, & Mephamuthosis twenty five years and ten months, Thimosis nine years and eight months, Amenophis thirty years and ten months, Orus thirty six years and five months, after him his daughter Achencheres, twelve years and one month, and the brother of Rathotis nine years, Achencheres twelve years and five months, an other Achencheres twelve years and three months, Armais four years and one month, Armesis one year and four months, Armesesmiamus threescore and six years and two months, Amenophis nineteen years and six months. Moreover that Sethosis having made ready a huge army both of foot and horse, and also a Navy at Sea, left Sethosis king of Egypt, made his brother Are mais Governor of his Country. the government of Egypt unto his brother Armais, and permitted unto him all other kingly authority, only forbidding him to wear a Diadem, and to oppress the Queen, mother to his children, commanding him also to abstain from the rest of the King's concubines. And Sethosis himself went to Cyprus and Phoenicia, against the Assyrians and Medes, and subdued them all, partly by the sword, partly by fear of his power and greatness, and being proud of all this his fortunate success, he bent himself against the Eastern Country, and destroyed with fire and sword the Cities of that place, with whole Provinces, and spending much time in these wars, his brother Armais whom he left in Egypt, did without fear commit all that he forbade him to do, for he oppressed the Queen violently, and daily lay with the rest of the King's concubines, and being thereto counseled by his friends, he put a Crown upon his head and rebelled against his brother. Also that he who was then ●…hiefe of the Egyptians holy customs, sent letters unto Sethosis containing all that had happened, and how Armais had rebelled against Where upon Egypt took his name. him, who returning to Pelusia, came and enjoyed again his own kingdom which by his name was called Egypt: for Manethon writeth that this Sethosis was named Egyptus, and his brother Armais Danaus. Thus far Manethon, out of whom it is evident by computation of the foresaid times, that our nation was delivered out of Egypt, three hundred ninety and three years before Danaus, and inhabited this Country of judaea so long, before Danaus came unto Argos: notwithstanding, the Inhabitants of Argos boast that their City is most ancient. Wherefore Manethon recounteth two things for us out of the Egyptian letters, first that we came from another place to them, Manethon showeth the jews coming into Egypt and their departure. afterwards went out of their Country again, and that so long ago, as it was almost a thousand years before the Trojan wars. Touching those things which Manethon professeth himself, not to have gathered out of the writings of the Egyptians, who did write out of certain tales and reports, I will hereafter show, how they are alleged without any reason for them. For I will once again leave these, and go to the testimony of the Phaenicians, which they writ concerning our nation. The Tyrians therefore have Chronicles of very great antiquity, which they have kept with all diligence, concerning that which hath been done amongst them, and indeed Solomon built a ●…emple in 〈◊〉 143. years and eight months, before the Tyrians builded Carthage. they are worthy of memory. Amongst these Records it is written, that king Solomon built a Temple at jerusalem, a hundred forty three years and eight months, before the Tyrians erected Carthage. So they have registered the building of our Temple, for Hiramus king of the Tyrians, was our kings Salomon's friend, obliged unto him for his father's sake, who for this cause also of his own liberality, gave Solomon a hundred and twenty talents of gold towards the building of the Temple, and cut down the most goodly wood called Libanus, which he bestowed upon him, to make the roof of the Temple withal: for which bounty, Solomon gave him again many liberal gifts, and among the rest a Country of Galilee named Zabulon: but Salomon's wisdom was the chief cause of this King's friendship towards him. For they sent problems one to The friendship of the Tyrian king, and o●… king Solomon. Problems of Hiramus and Solomon. the other to be answered, and Solomon in his answers appeared most witty, as also he did in many things else; and even until this day, many of their Epistles sent one unto another, are kept amongst the Tyrians. And that I do not fear the authority amongst the Tyrians, I will prove by the testimony of Dius, a man who by common consent hath faithfully written the Phaenician History, wherein he writeth as followeth. After the death of Abibalus, Hiramus his son reigned in his stead, who increased the number of his Eastern Cities, and enlarged jerusalem, he also joined the Temple of jupiter Olympus, situate in an Island unto it, filling up the water with earth, and adorned it with golden gifts. After this ascending into Libanus, he cut down the wood to build Temples, and that the king of jerusalem named Solomon, sent unto him certain riddles to be expounded, and he again the like unto him, covenanting together, that he who could not tell the meaning of one an others riddles, should pay unto the other a some of money, and that Hiramus confessing he could not expound Salomon's riddles, did pay unto him much money: Lastly that one Abdemonus a Tyrian did expound the said riddles, and writ more unto Solomon, which if Solomon could not interpret he should pay unto Hircanus a sum of money, & this testimony Dius beareth us concerning the foresaid The testimony of Menander the Ephesian. matter. But I will now recount the words of Menander an Ephesian, who hath registered the acts of all kings both at home and abroad, endeavouring to make a true history out of the writings of every country. This man writing of the Tyrian kings, and coming to Hiramus he saith thus of him. Abibalus dying, there succeeded in the kingdom his son Hiramus, who lived 34. years: The Genealogy of king Hiramus. this king with a rampire conjoined Eurichorus, and erected there a pillar of gold in jupiters' temple, and went into the woods, and cut down the Cedars of Libanus to make coverings for the temples, of which, pulling down the old, he erected new and dedicated the temple of Hercules and Astartus, but that to Hercules in the month of Peritius, and then the other to Astartus, when he w●…an army went against the Tyrians, who did not pay him tribute, whom when he had subdued, he returned again. At this time also lived Abdemonus a servant unto the king, who was wont to expound the parables, which king Solomon of jerusalem sent unto king Hiramus: now how long it was from this king's time till the building of Carthage, we may thus calculate. After the death of Hiramus, his son Beleastartus succeeded him, who lived forty and three years, and reigned ●…en: after him his son Abdastartus, who lived twenty years, and reigned nine; but this king was treacherously slain by the four sons of his nurse, the eldest of whom reigned twelve years. Next whom Astartus the son of Beleastartus, who lived forty and four years, and reigned twelve: after him ruled his brother Astarimus, who lived fifty and four years, and sat in the kingdom nine, than he was slain of his brother Phelletes, who reigned eight months, and lived fifty years, and was slain by a priest of Astarta named Ithobalus, who lived three score and eight, and reigned thirty two years, him succeeded his son Badezorus, who lived forty five years, and reigned six years, to him succeeded his son Mettinus who lived thirty two years, and reigned nine. After him Pygmalion who lived fifty six years, and reigned forty; in the seventh year of whose reign, his sister Dido builded a City in Africa, and named Carthage built in Africa by Dido Pygmalion's sister. it Carthage: so that from the time of king Hiramus unto the building of Carthage, is by this computation a hundredth fifty five years, and two months: and for as much as the temple of jerusalem was built in the twelfth year of Hiramus his reign, the computation of the time since that year until the building of Carthage is 143. years, and 8. months. What need we allege more, seeing this testimony of the Phoenicians? The truth is now sufficiently made manifest, for our ancestors must needs have come into this country we inhabit, before such time as they built a temple in it, as I have also made manifest in my books of Antiquity, collected out of our holy Scripture. I will now speak of that which the Chaldeis writ of us in their histories which do much agree in all other matters with those of our nation. And first let Berosus be my witness, who was a Berosus the Historiographer a Chaldean. Chaldean borne, yet a man famous and known unto all that love learning, for he in the Grecian tongue did write Astronomy, and the Chaldeis Philosophy. Berosus imitating the most ancient histories writeth of the deluge, and how mankind was therein extinguished, and he in all things imitateth Moses. He also speaketh of the Ark wherein our forefather was preserved, and affirmeth that it was carried unto the tops of the mountains in Armenia: after this he prosecuteth the Genealogy of all that reigned from Noah, until Nabulassarus king of the Babylonians Nabulassarus father to Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon and Chaldea. Nabuchodonosor conquered the rebels. and Chaldeans. He likewise setteth down how long every one reigned, and in prosecuting the deeds of this king he recounteth how he sent his son Nabuchodonosor into Egypt, and to our country with great power, who finding them rebels, subdued them and burned the temple at jerusalem, and so departed, carrying with him all our nation into Babylon: whereupon our City was desolate seventy years until the reign of Cyrus' king of the Persians. Moreover, he affirmeth that the Babylonian kept Egypt, Syria, Phoenicia, and Arabia, exacting more of his subjects then ever any king of Babylon or Chaldea had done before his time. And the words of Berosus must needs be to this effect: Nabulassarus his father hearing that his substitute in Egypt, Caelesyria, and Phoenicia had rebelled, he himself not being able to take such pains, committed these affairs unto his son Nabuchodonosor, and gave unto him a part of his army, for that he was in the ●…ower of his age, and sent him against him: and Nabuchodonosor fight with the said Champion, overthrew him, and subdued the country which of old belonged unto them, and at the same time his father Nabulassarus fell sick in Babylon, and died, having reigned twenty Nabuchodonosor succeed in his father's kingdom. nine years. But Nabuchodonosor long after understanding his father's death, he disposed of Egypt and other provinces as he thought good, and taking the captives of judaea, Phoenicia, and the Syrians that lived in Egypt, he committed them to certain of his friends, to be brouglit with other carriage and his army to Babylon, and so he himself accompanied with a very few to his journey to Babylon through the desert, and finding that the Chaldeis ruled all, and that their nobility reserved the kingdom for him, he was made king, and commanded houses to be built for the captives that were coming, in the most convenient places of Babylon, and he of the spoil beautified the temple of Belus and other places most richly, and built a new city without the wall of the old, and providing least hereafter the enemies might tume the river and so have access unto the City, he environed the inner City with three several walls, and the outmost City likewise. The walls whereof were made of brick, but the walls of the inner City were of brick and bitumen: this done, he builded most sumptuous gates which might have become Nabuchodonosor builded a palace. temples: and moreover near unto his father's palace he builded another far greater, and more costly than it was, the pomp whereof it were hard and perhaps tedious to express. Yet this we will rehearse worth the nothing, that this so ambitious and above all credit gorgeous palace was builded in fifteen days, in it he erected rocks of stone like mountains, beset with all sorts of trees; he also made a famous garden, all supported with pillars, for that his wife being brought up in the country of the Medes, desired to have a prospect into the fields and mountains. This he relateth of the forementioned king, and many things more in his book of the affairs of the Chaldeis, wherein he reproveth the Greek writers, who falsely affirm that Semiramis the Assyrian Queen built Babylon, and that they falsely report those wonderful works Semiramis did not build Babylon. about Babylon, to have been by her made and finished. We must needs think that the Chaldean history is true, seeing it agreeth with that of the Phoenicians, which Berosus writ of the king of Babylon, who subverted both Phoenicia and all Syria, with them also acordeth Philostratus in his history in the siege of Tyria, and Magasthenes also in his fourth book of the affairs of India, The king of Babylon excelled Hercules in strength and noble valorous deeds. where he laboureth to prove, that the said king excelled Hercules in strength and valour, affirming that he subdued the greatest part of Africa, and Spain, and that the temple of jerusalem was burnt by the Babylonians, and again re-edified by Cyrus; we will prove it out of Berosus, who in his third book saith as followeth. Nabuchodonosor having begun the third wall, fell sick and died, when he had reigned forty three years, and his son Euelmaradochus succeeded him; who for his iniquity and lustful living, was treacherously slain by his sister's husband named Niriglissoroor, after he had reigned two years. He being dead, the traitor Niriglissoroor usurped the kingdom, and reigned four years, whose son then a child was made king, called by name Laborosardochus, and he reigned nine months, who for that he seemed to be of very corrupt manners, was slain by his own friends: after whose death they who slew him consulting The walls of Babylon built of brick and bitumen. together, did make one Nabonidus a Babylonian, king. At this time the walls of brick and bitumen about the river of Babylon were built. In the eight year of this king's reign, Cyrus coming with an army out of Persia, conquered all Asia, and came with his forces against Babylon, but the king of Babylon having notice of his coming, levied an army meeting him in the way, and joined battle with him, but being overcome in the fight, he accompanied with a very few of his men, was forced to fly into Borsippa. Cyrus now besieged Babylon, and purposed to destroy the outward walls thereof, by reason that it was too strong and too hard to win, and so he Cyrus' expelled Nabod●…us from Babylon. returned to Borsippa to besiege Nabonidus the king of Babylon who was fled thither. But Nabonidus not abiding the event of war, yielded himself unto Cyrus, who dealt mercifully with him and gave him a territory in Carmania, but expelled him out of Babylon, so Nabonidus led the rest of his life in that province. This history agreeth with ours, for in our writings we find that Nabuchodonosor in the eighteenth year of his reign did destroy our temple, and that it so remained threescore and ten years: Also that in the second year of king Cyrus, the soundations thereof were laid again, and that it was finished and re-edified in the second year of king Darius his reign. This done, I will also relate the histories of the Phoenicians, that we may abound The testimony of the Phoenicians touching the jews Antiquity. with proof of that we say, for they make a computation of the years after this manner. In the reign of king Ithobalus, Nabuchodonosor besieged tire thirteen years, after whom Baal reigned ten years, next him judges were appointed, to wit, them that follow, E●…nibalus the son of Balachus judged two months, Chelbis the son of Abdaeus ten months, Abbarus the high priest three months, Myttonus and Gerastus sons of Abdilimos judged six years, after whom Balatorus reigned one year, and after his death the Tyrians called Merbalus from Babylon, and made him king, and he reigned four years, and he then dying, they sent also to Babylon for his brother Iromus, who reigned twenty years, in whose reign Cyrus obtained the Persian Empire, so Nabuchodonozor besieged tire. that this whole time is fifty four years & three months, for Nabuchodonozor began to besiege tire in the seventh year of his reign, and in the fourteenth year of king Iromus his reign Cyrus was made Emperor of Persia. Wherefore both the Chaldeis and Tyrian Historiographers agree with us concerning our The Chaldaeis and Tyrians agree with the jews history. temple. So that the antiquity of our nation above mentioned is now made manifest, and without all controversy. And that which is already alleged to this end, may be sufficient for them, who are not upon purpose contradictions. It is therefore requisite (to satisfy them who give no credit to the writings of other nations, and contend that the Grecian histories only are to be believed) to bring many testimonies from the Greeks themselves, who have as opportunity served, made mention of our nation and known it. Pythonis a Samian borne both of great antiquity and excelling all other Philosophers in holiness towards the Gods, is not only convinced to have known the customs of our nation, but he did also as it plainly appeareth imitate them in many things. His writings are in no place extant, but divers have recorded many Hermippus writings and testimony of Pythagoras. notable things of him, and especially Hermippus a man most diligent in searching of histories. This Hermippus recounteth in his first book of Pythagoras, that the said Philosopher (having one of his familiar friends named Calliphon dead, who was a Crotonian borne) reported this man's soul to be perpetually with him, and that the said soul commanded him not to pass the place where his ass fell, and that he should abstain from unclean water, and that he should with all diligence eschew blasphemy, and then it followeth, this he did and said, imitating the opinions of the jews and Grecians, and applying them to himself. For it is certainly reported, that this man gathered much of his philosophy out of the jews laws. Our nation in times past was well▪ known to divers cities, so that many of them do now observe our customs, and others esteem them worth the imitation, as Theophrastus doth witness in his book entitled de legibus: for he saith that the Tyrian laws forbid to swear by any strange sacrament, and Theophrastus▪ Corban the gift of God. Herodotus the Halicarnassian touching the jews circumcision. amongst these strange and foreign sacraments, he reckoneth the oath called Corban, which oath is used only amongst the jews, and in our language signifieth the gift of God. Herodotus of Halicarnassa knew our nation also, and in a manner maketh mention of it, for speaking of the Colchains; he saith thus in his second book. The Colchians, Egyptians, and Aethiopians only amongst all other nations did use circumcision in the beginning, for the Phaenicians and Syrians living in Palestina do confess themselves to have learned this custom from the Egyptians, and the Syrians living near unto Thermodoontes, and the river Parthenius and their neighbours the Macronians, are reported lately to have learned it of the Colchians, and these are they only, that use circumcision, and they do like unto the Egyptians, but I am not able to say, whether the Egyptians or Aethiopians learned it of the other. Herodotus therefore affirmeth the Syrians in Palestina to use circumcision, and it is manifest that of all that inhabit Chaerilus an ancient Poet his testimony of the jews. Palaestina, the jews only use it, which he knowing writeth so of them. Chaerilus also an ancient Poet maketh mention of our nation, and affirmeth that our countrymen warred under Xerxes against the Greeks, and numbering them of the countries that followed him, he lastly spoke thus of our nation. A people strange followed this royal throng, There language was th●…vnknowne Ph●…nician tongue: In the hills of Solymus theirs dwelling was, near to a lake for greatness which did pass: Their heads ware shaved, and for the heads attire; They ware an hors-skin dried at the fire. It is evident as I think that he speaketh of the jews, for the mountains of Solimus are in our country, and that lake also called Asphaltites, which is the greatest and vastest of all lakes that are in Syria, and thus Chaerilus maketh inention of us. And that the jews were not known Asphaltites the lake. only to the Greeks, but also admired of them, it is easy to prove not out of the obscurest writers▪ but by the testimony of their wisest Philosophers: For Clearchus' disciple unto Aristotle, and the best amongst all the Peripateti●…kes in his first book de somno, saith that his master Aristotle spoke thus of a certain▪ ●…ew, and reporting Aristotle's words he saith thus: It were too tedious The testimony of Clearchus disciple of Aristotle touching the jews to recount all things else which he allegeth, but I will set down that only that may cause the man to be admired. Hyperochides▪ answered that they all were very desirous to hear it, than quoth Clearchus according to Aristotle's precepts in his Rhetoric I will first recount of what nation the man was lest I seem to oppose myself to him set down the foresaid precept, do so quoth Hyperochides if so you please, than he said, this man before mentioned was by nation a jew (borne in Coelesyria) one of the sect of the Indian Philosophers, & they are called (as I here reported) amongst the Indians Calani and amongst the Syrians, jews, taking their name from the place where they inhabit, called jury; the name of their city is hard to pronounce, for they call it jerusalem. This man entertained many strangers, and he came from out of the higher country down unto the sea coast, and he was very eloquent and of great courage. We at that time lived in Asia: when this divine man came unto the place where we were, and began to confer with us, and with other Philosophers, making trial of their knowledge, and for that many learned men were assembled about him, he at last for this cause more willingly imparted some of his knowledge unto them. Thus far Aristotle in Clearchus: recounting moreover at large the admirable abstinence of the foresaid jew from meat, and his chastity, all which they that are desirous to know may read in Clearchus, for I am loath to write any thing superfluous: So now it is evident how Clearchus by the way of a digression speaking of an other matter maketh mention of us. But Haecateus Abderita a Philosopher, and one brought up with king Alexander, and dwelling with Ptolomaeus of Lagus, did not only briefly make mention of us, but also writ a whole book of our nation the jews, out of the which I will briefly note some few points that occur, but first I will show of what antiquity he is. For he recordeth the time when Ptolomaeus Hecataeus Abderita brought up with king Alexander. near unto Gaza fought with Demetrius, which happened the eleventh year after Alexander's death in the hundredth and seventeenth olympiad, as Castor writeth, who speaking of this olympiad saith: that in this time Ptolemaeus Lagus overcame Demetrius the son of Antigonus at Gaza in fight: which Demetrius was called Polior●…etes, and all men confess that Alexander died in the hundredth and fourteenth olympiad, so that it is evident that at that time wherein Alexander lived, our nation flourished. And Hecataeus saith that after that battle fought at Gaza, Ptolomaeus was made Lord of the places bordering about Syria, and that many men hearing of the clemency of Ptolomaeus, followed him into Egypt, and conversed with him, amongst the which one was called Ezechias the jews high priest, a man about threescore and A thousand & five hundredth priests receive the jews tenths. six years old, and of chiefest notice and dignity of all his nation, and most prudent and ●…loquēt, one also who in all affairs had more experience than any man else, he likewise reporteth that the number of the jews priests who receive their tenths, & rule all in general is a thousand & five hundred or there about, and again making mention of the same Ezechias, he saith, this man being in this reputation and honour, and conversing with us by the help of some about him, declared all things wherein we and his nation differ, and showed unto us the place of his dwelling, and the manner of his conversation, which he had in writing. After this Hecataeus showeth what manner of people we are, & how religious in our laws, & how that we rather will sustain all torments and death itself then violate them in any thing, and that we account it a worthy thing so to do: adding moreover that being much hated of our neighbours and having suffered all contumelies both at the hands of the Persian kings, and their officers, yet that we could not be forced to change our opinions, but that we are continually exercised to to give a reason thereof. He also recordeth an example of our constant minds, for Alexander (quoth he) being at Babylon, and purposing to re-edify the temple of Bell, he commanded The jews constancy against Alexander. The largnes of jury. all his soldiers to carry timber to the building hereof, and the jews only disobeyed his command, for the which they endured many stripes and torments, till such time as the king freed them from it: and they (quoth he) returning to their own country, destroyed all the temples and altars that they found there, and some of them were by the officers therefore punished, other escaped free, adding that we may justly be admired for these things, and that our nation is exceeding populous, likewise that many of us were carried captives into Babylon, and there served the Perfians. Moreover that many more were dispersed into Egypt after Alexander's death, Fifty stounds are almost six German miles. for a tumult begun in Syria: He also recordeth the greatness of our country, and the fertility thereof; they inhabit (quoth he) a country that hath almost thirty hundredth thousand acres of most fertile ground; for jury is of this largeness, & that in time passed we inhabited a large and very great city, which was very populous; he speaketh also of the building of our temple in this manner. The jews have many other towns and villages in every province, but they have one most strong city, the compass of whose walls is fifty stounds, and in it inhabit a hundred and fifty thousand men, and this city they called jerusalem, in the midst of it is a building of stone with four porches a hundredth cubits about, it hath also double gates wherein is a four squared Altar made of unhewen stones joined together, and it is twenty cubits square every way, and ten cubits high, and about it is a most huge building, where in is an Altar and a Candlestick both of gold, weighing two talents, and there is kept a continual light night and day, which never goeth forth: therein is no Image nor gift, notrees nor wood growing there, nor any thing of The Priests do dwell in the Temple and drink no wine. this sort. Therein inhabit Priests both night and day, celebrating certain purifications, and they drink no wine in the Temple. Moreover, he showed how our nation warred under Alexander's successors, and he reporteth that which he heard of a certain jew in the army, and I will set down the Authors own words. As I went (quoth he) to the red Sea, a certain jew one of the horsemen that conducted us, named Mosollamus, who was a courageous man, and one who excelled all archers else both Greeks and other nations; This jew (every one hasting on forward of his journey, and being willed by a soothsayer to stand) he asked for what cause the multitude stayed and went not forward: presently the Soothsayer showed him a bird which he diligently viewed, and told the jew, that if that bird did stand still in the place, that then it was expedient for them to stand, and if the bird did mount up and fly, that then they ought to march on forward; but if it flew towards the place from whence they came, that then it was wisdom to retire. The jew hereat was silent, yet drawing his bow; he shot an arrow and killed the bird, whereat the Soothsayer and certain other were offended, and cursed him. But he taking the unhappy bird in his hand, said unto them: Are ye so mad, as to think that this bird not having the foresight to preserve herself from this death, is able to direct us in the success of our journey? Had this bird foreknown future events, she would have eschewed this place for dread, that Mosollamus a jew should have strucken her with an arrow. But we will now leave the testimony of Hecataeus, for every one that list may read his book, and there understand this more at large. I will not omit the testimony of Agatarchides, Agatarchides his testimony of the jews. a man of no evil in his own opinion, yet indeed one who hath used detraction to our own nation. This man speaking of Stratonice, how leaving her husband Demetrius, she came into Syria, and how Seleucus would not marry her as she hoped, (who having an army at Babylon warred against Antioch, and had taken the City) and that she fled into Seleucia, where as she might have made a more speedy escape by water, but that she was forewarned in a sleep so to do, & that she was there taken and died, etc. Agatarchides having used this Preface, and inveighed against Stratonices superstition, he useth an example of our nation in this manner. The people The jews Sabaoth. that are called jews inhabit a most strong City, which they call jerusalem, these people are wont to rest upon the seventh day, and do neither bear arms nor till their grounds, nor do any other business upon that day, but their custom is to remain in their Temple, and there, with stretched out arms continue in prayer till night. And so upon a time they persevering in that foolery, whilst they should have defended their City, Ptolomaeus Lagus entered it with many people and a great army: who greatly tyrannised over them, and so they found by experience that the solemnity appointed by their law was prejudicial unto them: such like Churches as this, did teach them and all nations else to fly unto dreams, which their law teacheth, never considering that human policy cannot prevail against that which must necessarily happen. Agatarchides thought this which he reporteth of us to be ridiculous, but they who weigh it with indifferency shall perceive, that it is great commendation to our nation, who rather suffer their Country and our safety to be lost and endamaged, then to violate the laws of God. I think I am thus able to show, that many writers omitted to make mention of our nation, not for that they knew us not, but for envy. For Jerome who writ a book of succession, in the Why certain writers omit to speak of the jews. same time that Hecataeus lived, who was a friend unto King Antigonus, and being precedent of Syria, never mentioneth us in all his History; notwithstanding he was brought up almost in our Country. But Haecataeus writ a book of us; so different are the minds of men, for one of them thought our nation worthy to be diligently recorded; the other through malice was hindered from speaking the truth: yet the Histories of the Chaldees, Egyptians, and Phaenicians, may suffice to prove our antiquity, together with the Greek writers; for besides those before mentioned, Theophrastus also, Theodotus, Manaseas, Ariphanes, Hermogenes, Euemeus, Conon, Zopyrion, and many others, no doubt (for I have not perused all men's books) have manifestly testified of us. For many of the foresaid men were blinded with errors; as not having gread our holy Scriptures, yet they all jointly testify our antiquity, for which I now allege them. Truly Demetrius Phalereus, Philon the elder, and Eupolemus did not much err from the truth, and therefore reason it is that they should be borne with al●… for they were not so skilful as to search our writings with so much curiosity. Being come thus far it resteth, that I now present one point more, whereof I made mention in the beginning of this book: to wit, that I declare the detractions and The last part, against certain detractions & ●…aunders. slanderous reports of divers, concerning our nation, to be false and void of truth, and I will use the testimony of those writers, who record, that the lying Historiographers at such time as they committed to writing the foresaid detractions, did also even against themselves register such like slanders, as they did against us. And I doubt not, but that all those who are conversant in Histories can testify, that the like hath been done by most writers for certain private hatred, or such like respects. For some of the Gentiles have attempted to deface the honour and reputation of the most renowned Cities, and to defame the manners of their Inhabitants. Thus did Theopompus to Athens, and Polycrates to Lacedaemon; and the Author that writ Tripoliticum (for it was not Theopompus as some suppose) used the City of Thebes very hardly, and Timaeus in his Histories of the foresaid places doth many times detract both them and others. And this they do, calumniating the most excellent that are, in something or other, some for envy and malice, others The cause of malice between the Egyptians and jews. that their fond babbling may make them famous, and so indeed it doth amongst fools, that are known to have no sound judgement, but wise men will condemn their malice. To be short, this is the cause of so many slanderous reports forged against our nation: Some to gratify the Egyptians have attempted to deprive the truth, and so have neither reported the verity concerning our ancestors coming into Egypt, nor touching their departure from thence, and they have had many causes of malice and envy urging them hereto. And chiefly for that our progenitors in their country waxed mighty, and so departing to their own Country, were made happy and fortunate. Secondly, the diversity of our two religions, made great discord and variance amongst us, our religion so far excelling theirs in piety, as the divine essence of The Egyptians Idolatry. God excelleth unreasonable creatures, for they commonly worship such bruit beasts for gods, and every one worshippeth divers kinds, vain and foolish men, who from the beginning have been accustomed to such sottish opinions, as would not permit them to imitate us in our divine religion, and conformable to reason: and yet seeing many favour and follow our religion, they were hereby incited to such hatred, that to derogate from us, they feared not to falsify their own ancient Records, not considering that in so doing, they were led through a blind passion, to wit, against themselves. Moreover, I will prove all I have now spoken, to be true by one man's words, whom a little before (being a famous Historiographer) we have produced as a witness of our antiquity. Manethon therefore, who professeth himself to have gathered the Egyptian History out of their holy writings, having by way of a Preface, recounted how our predecessors came into Egypt Manethon an Egyption Historiographer. with many thousands, and there conquered the Inhabitants, he afterwards confesseth that losing all their possessions in Egypt, they got that Country which is now called jewrie, and in it builded a City named jerusalem, and a Temple; and thus far he imitateth ancient writers. And then usurping to himself authority to lie, protesting that he will in●…ert into his History, ●…aine reports divulged amongst the common people, he reporteth things of the jews all together incredible, intending to mix with our nation the Lepers of the Egyptians, and other sick people of other Countries, who (as he saith) being abominable to the Egyptians, made an Manethon's fabulous reports of the Egyptian Lepers. escape from thence; affirming also that they had a King named Amenophis, which is a feigned name, and therefore he durst not presume to speak determinately of the time of his reign: whereas he speaketh exactly of the reign of all other kings. Hereupon also he addeth certain fables, forgetting himself that he reported the shepherds departure out of Egypt to jerusalem, to have been almost five hundred and eighteen years before his time: for king Themusis reigned when they departed out of Egypt, from whom the time that other kings did reign, until the two brethren Seth●… and Hermeus, accomplisheth the term of three hundred fourscore and thirteen years. He also saith, that the eldest of these two Sethon, was called Egyptus, and the other Herm●…as was called Danaus, whom his brother Sethon expelled, and afterward reigned fifty ●…ne years, and after him Rampses his eldest son, reigned threescore and six years. Having therefore confessed our ancestors to have departed out of Egypt so many years be●…e, now lastly he addeth that Amenophis was their king, who was a contemplator of the gods, as Orus their king before him was, and that one Amenophis a Priest the so●…e of Papius, did in all things most excellently accomplish his desire, which Priest seemed to participate of some ●…ne nature, for he excelled in wisdom, & could foretell things to come, and that he gave the king his surname, that he might also see the gods, if so be he would 〈◊〉 to cleanse the country from Lepers, and other unclean people. Whereat the king rejoicing, gathered together all the impotent people of his land, amounting to the number of four score thousand, and sent them and other Egyptians appointed to this work, into the East part of Nilus, there to hew and square stones. And that amongst them there were also certain learned priests infected which leprosy, also that this divine priest Amenophis greatly feared, lest the indignation of the gods would fall upon the king and himself (who had persuaded and counseled the king to do violence unto the foresaid Lepars) likewise that he said, that because he used the help of unclean persons, they should obtain dominion over Aegyp●… for thirteen years; yet durst he not presume to signify this unto the king, but he killed himself, leaving this written in a book where men might find it: and the king having notice hereof, fell into great sorrow and heaviness. This done, he speaketh as followeth. So the king being requested for their quietness and defence to assign them a City to inhabit, he appointed unto them a desolate place called Auaris, which had been the shepherds City (this City the ancient divines call Triphonis) but they having gotten the possession of this place fit for rebellion, they made choice of one of the priests of Heliopolis to be their captain, whose name was Osarsiphus, and bound themselves with an oath to obey him in all Osarsiphus capt●…ine of Aua●…is. things, and he presently made a law that they should neither worship the gods of the Egyptians, nor that they should abstain from those beasts which the Egyptians count holy, and that they should marry with none but such as they judged to be their friends. Having ordained this and many things else contrary to the Egyptians religion, he commanded them wi●…h great labour to environ their City with a wall, and to make preparation to war against king Amenophis, and he himself making choice of some priests and a few other unclean persons sent to jerusalem to the shepherds which were driven out of Egypt by king Themusis, The war of the banished against the Egyptians. declaring unto them their own and their fellows injuries, and requesting them to levy an army to fight with them against Egypt, promising them free entrance into Auaris the country, where their forefathers inhabited, and that he would furnish them with all necessaries, telling them that they should now fight in so happy a time, as that without all doubt they might conquer the country. The shepherds hereat rejoicing, all of them armed themselves to the number of two hundred thousand, and leaving their City they came to Auaris. But Amenophis king of Egypt hearing of their invasion, and remembering what Amenophis the son of the priest Papius had left in writing, was in great fear, and presently assembling together the people of Egypt, and consulting with the princes of his country, he sent all holy beasts, and all that the priests esteemed before him, giving the priests especial charge to hide their Idols, and he commended his son Sethones (who also by his father Rampses was called Ramesses) being but five years old unto the custody of a friend of his, and then accompanied with three hundred fight men he met his enemies, but would not fight with them, fearing lest he should fight against the pleasure of the gods; and so he retired himself unto Memphis, and taking Apis and the rest of the Egyptian gods, he with all his troops of Egyptians took ship, and fled into The Egyptian king fled into Aethiopia, and was by the Aethiopian king courteously entertained. Aethiopia. For the king of Aethiopia upon courtesy obeyed him, and for this cause he entertained him & his followers, & provided all necessaries for them, for that fatal thirteen years banishment, and this was done in Aethiopia. In the mean time the inhabitants of jerusalem came down into the country with the unclean Egyptians, and did so tyrannize over the inhabitants, that all their beholders judged their victory to be full of cruelty, for not contented to fire the cities and towns, and to commit all manner of sacrilege, and to destroy the Idols of the gods, they did also most cruelly tear in pieces the sacred beasts, and forced the priests and prophets to lay violent hands upon them, and kill them, after which deed they drove them out of the country naked. It is therefore reported, that a Heliopolitan priest Osarsiphus by name, made laws for them, and statutes to govern them. This priest was called Osarsiphus, taking his name from the Osarsiphus was afterwards called Moses. God of Heliopolis called Osiris, who being now thus conversant with this people, changed his name and called himself Moses. Thus the Egyptians report of the jews and many things else, which for brevity sake I omit. Manethon furthermore writeth, that afterward Amenophis the king came with a great power out of Aethiopia, and his son Rampses with him, accompanied with a great army, and that joining battle with the shepherds and polluted persons, he gave them an overthrow, and pursued them unto the borders of Syria. And this is manethon's report: but for as much as he writeth old wives manethon's lies are confuted. tales, dotages, and lies, I will by manifest reason convince him; first distinguishing that whereof I am to speak hereafter. He of his own accord granteth and confesseth, that our ancestors at first were not Egyptians, but strangers, that came thither from another place and conquered the country, and again departed from thence. I will now out of his own writings endeavour to show, that the weak people of Egypt were not mixed with us, and that Moses who indeed was our conductor out of Egypt, and lived many ages before, was no Leper. He therefore first of all setteth down a ridiculous cause of this forementioned faction, which was, that king Amenophis was desirous to see the gods. Which gods trow ye? he could already see the Ox, the Goat, the Crocodile and the Monkey, but the God of heaven how could he see? And why had Amenophis this desire? forsooth because a certain king one of his predecessors had seen them, he therefore knowing by him what things they were, and how he came to the sight of them, needed no new device to accomplish his desire: but perhaps the foresaid prophet was a man of great wisdom, by whom the king had confidence to attain his desire: but if so he had been, how chanceth it, that he was so unwise he could not perceive, that it was an impossible thing to satisfy the king's desire? for that which he promised was not brought to pass. Or what reason moved him to think that the gates were invisible, because of Lepars and weak people? The gods are offended with men's impieties, not with the defects of their bodies. And how was it possible that at one instant so many thousand Lepars and infirm persons should be gathered together? or wherein did not the king obey the Prophet? he commanded that the Lepars and infirm persons should be exiled the country, and the king did not banish them the country, but sent them to hew stones, as though he had needed workmen, and not purposed to cleanse the country from Lepars. Lastly, he saith, that the Prophet foreseeing that Egypt was to suffer, and fearing the wrath of the gods, he killed himself and left his mind in a book written unto the king. How chanced it then that the prophet did not at first foresee his own death, and so opposed himself unto the kings desire to see the gods? or wherefore did he fear such calamities as were not to fall in his life? or what great misery hanged over his head, which might worthily cause him to kill himself to prevent it? But let us hear that which followeth more sottish than all the rest. The king (quoth he) hearing this, and strooken with fear did not for all this expel those Lepars manethon's words repeated. he ought to have exiled, but at their request gave them (as he saith) a City wherein before time the shepherds did inhabit called Auaris, whereinto they being come, they made a priest of Heliopolis their prince, who devised laws for them, commanding them neither to adore the gods nor to abstain from offering violence to such beasts, as amongst the Egyptians are sacred, but that they should kill and spoil all things, that they should marry with none but such as were their confederates, that he bound the people with an oath to keep those laws, and that they fortified Auaris to fight against the king. Adding moreover, that he sent to jerusalem for help, promising to yield Auaris unto them, being a place sometime possessed by their ancestors, and that they from that place leading their forces, might easily subdue all Egypt, he than saith that the Egyptian king Amenophis came against them with three hundredth thousand, and yet for that he would not strive againct the decree of the gods, he fled into Aethiopia, and carried with him Apis and other holy beasts, and that the inhabitants of jerusalem coming down invaded the land, fired the towns and Cities, slew their nobles, used all sort of cruelty possible, and that the priests name who made laws and statutes for them to live under, was one of Heliopolis Osarsiphus by name, deriving the same from Osiris the god of Heliopolis, and that this man changing his name was afterward called Moses. Moreover, that Amenophis having lived in banishment thirty years, came with a strong power out of Aethiopia, and fight with the shepherds and polluted, he slew many of them, and put the rest to flight, pursuing them unto the borders of Syria. Manethon remembreth not, that here again he telleth a very unskilful tale, for although the Lepars and impotent persons were offended with the king, for appointing them to hew stones; yet is it to be thought that they receiving their own desire at the king's hands, to wit, a City to dwell in, that now they again became the king's well-willers. Supposing also their hatred still continued towards him, they rather should have attempted revenge by treason against him, then towards all their nation wherein they had many dear friends and alliance. And although they had purposed to war against these men, yet would they not have been so impious as to have rebelled against the gods, and to have violated the laws wherein they were brought up. We have therefore cause to thank Manethon, in that he cleareth us, and affirmeth his own countrymen (yea a priest) to be authors of this impiety, and that by oath bound themselves so A con●…utation of manethon's words alleged. to do. But is it not against all reason that neither any of their countrymen nor kinsmen rebelled with them, but that the poor distressed people were glad to send to jerusalem for succour? But what society or friendship had they with the people of jerusalem, of whom they came to demand help? Why? they were more their enemies then the rest of their countrymen, & were all of quite different manners from us. They of jerusalem (as he saith) presently did as they were willed to do, in hope that according as they were promised, they might subdue Egypt: were they ignorant of that country out of the which they had been driven by force? had they lived in poverty or misery, perhaps they might have been induced to have done it, but seeing they inhabited a fortunate and rich city, and passed a goodly fertile soil far better than Egypt, what might move them thereto? what reason had they, at the request of their ancient enemies (and they also so diseased as they of jerusalem could not abide their own friends amongst them that had the like diseases) to thrust themselves into danger? they could nor foreknow the king's intent to fly, for as Manethon himself saith, he met them at Pelusia with three hundredth thousand men. And this they that went to war well knew. But what reason had they to conjecture that the king's mind would change and he fly? Then he saith the army of jerusalem getting the granaries of Egypt into their hands, did much harm: and this he upbraideth them withal, as who should say they were not requested to come as enemies? or as though these matters be to be cast in soldiers teeths, that are strangers and sent for, from out of another country, when as the Egyptians themselves had before their coming done the like, and bound themselves by an oath to perform the same. But short time after Amenophis fought with his enemies and got the victory of them, and put them to flight, and pursued them unto the borders of Syria. As though that Egypt were a country so easily to be won by any man, that at any place or part thereof invadeth it? and that the soldiers The epilog that the jewet came not of the Egyptians. of jerusalem having now by the laws of arms possessed that, and knowing Amenophis to be yet alive, would not have fortified that part of the country, where by he might have invaded them, having all opportunity to do it? or at least they would have gotten more help from one place or another. Amenophis as he saith pursued them even unto Syria through the sandy and dry places, as though it were easy for an army that had nothing else to do, but to march on forward to pass leisurely through them. To conclude therefore, our nation, neither came of the Egyptians as Manethon confesseth, neither was it mingled with the diseased of that country, for it is probable that many of those sick people perished in the stone works, many in the great fight and battle; and the rest of them in the flight. It now remaineth that I refute that which he speaketh of Moses. The Egyptians do all agree that this man was a divine person and one to be admired, but they commit great impiety in labouring to challenge him for their contriman, saying that he was a An answer unto Manethous slanders touching Moses. a priest of Heliopolis banished with the rest for leprosy. For he is recorded to have lived five hundredth and eighteen years before this time, and to have guided our ancestors out of Egypt into that country wherein we now inhabit, and his own words testify his body to have been clean from that disease of leprosy, for he commandeth all lepers to be expelled out of the Moses was not a leper. towns and villages, and to live a part by themselves, also to be clothed in some torn garment, & that whosoever toucheth them or cometh under the same roof with them, is to be accounted an unclean person. And if so be a leper happen to be cured of that disease, he appointed certain purifications, cleansings, and baths of fortunate waters, and all his hair should be shaved off, and that then after many and sundry sacrifices, he should be admitted into the holy city. But chose, had he been urged with that misfortune, and calamity himself, he would surely have been more provident, & more merciful to such as should have been afflicted with that disease. He did not only make these severe laws against lepers, but he also interdicted all that wanted any joint or parcel of the body from being priests, or exercising any office at the Altar, yea he also appointed that if any priest should have any of these defects b●…tide him after he was a priest, that then he should be be deprived of the dignity. How can it then be probable, that to his own prejudice and discredit he would have enacted such laws? Also the changing of his name is incredible, for he was called (as he saith) Osarsiph, which nothing agreeth with the transmutation of his name, but his true name betokeneth that Moses was saved from the water. For, Moy in the Hebrew tongue signifieth Water. But I have now sufficiently as I think declared how Manethon Moses took his name of Moy which in the Egyptian tongue signifieth water. whilst he followed the ancient writers, did not much err, but when he fell to old wives tales, he then either absurdly feigned them of his own head, or else for hatred he bore to our nation, believed them. I now think it not amiss to examine alittle the words of Chaeremon, who professing himself to write the Egyptian history, maketh mention of the sameking Amenophis his son Rhamesses as Manethon doth, and he reporteth that Isis appeared to Amenophis in Against Chaeremon the historiographer his sleep, checking him for that her temple was destroyed, and that Phiritiphantes a holy scribe told the king, that if he would expel all polluted and unclean persons our of Egypt, that then he should not be any more terrified with these night visions. Moreover that hereupon he making search for all sick and diseased persons, he banished them out of his land, to the number of two hundredth and fifty thousand, and that their captains were called Moses and joseph holy scribes, also that these Egyptian names were so that Moses was named Tisithes, and joseph Petesephus, and that they came unto Pelusium where they found three hundredth and fourscore thousand left thereby Amenophis, whom he would not permit to come into Egypt, also that they all entering into a league together suddenly invaded Egypt, and Amenophis not biding the brunt fled into Aethipia leaving his wife great with child, who hiding herself in caves & dens did bring forth a child whom they called Messene's, who afterward drove the jews into Syria, being in number Messene's son of Amenophis. 200000. & this done he recalled his father Amenophis out of Aethiopia. And thus Chaeremon saith. But I imagine that which I have already said, to be sufficient to declare the vanity of both these two men. For if that which they report were true, it were unpossible that they should so much differ, but they labour to devise lies, and write not any thing agreeable to other men's writings. manethon's history, and Chaeremons' compared together. For Manethon feigneth that the cause of the banishment of the lepers was the kings desire to see the Gods, and Chaeremon saith that it was for that Isis after appeared unto him in his sleep. Manethon also saith that Amenophis gave the king that council so to cleanse the country, and Chaeremon saith that he that counseled the king was called Phiriphantes: the number also of lepers hath nerie good consonance I warrant you. Manethon saith they were almost fourscore hundredth, Chaeremon saith two hundredth and fifty thousand. Moreover Manethon writeth how that these lepers were first sent to a place to hew stones, and afterward came to Auaris to dwell, and that they having already begun wars in Egypt, that then they sent for help from jerusalem. And Chaeremon saith that they having left Egypt found at Pelusia two hundredth and fourscore thousand men, whom Amenophis had kept there, with whom they joining again, returned and invaded Aeigypt, and then Amenophis fled into Aethiopia, and which is worth the noting, he setteth not down what countrymen or to what purpose this great army was, whether Egyptians or strangers, neither doth he show any reason why the king would not carry them into Egypt. Moreover Chaeremon feigneth a dream of the lepers and Isis, and reporteth that joseph together with Moses was expelled, whereas joseph lived four ages before Moses, every age containing at least a hundredth and seventy years. Rhamesses also Amenophis son according to manethon's The difference between Manethon's and Chaeremons' history. history, being a young man fled into Aethiopia, and was banished with his father, and afterward assisted him in the wars: whereas Chaeremon reporteth that he was borne in a cave after his father's departure, and that he getting the victory did drive the jews into Syria who were in number two thousand. O felicity in lying, for he neither told what nation those three hundred and fourscore thousand was, nor yet how a hundred and fourscore thousand of them perished, neither were they slain in the fight, or fled unto Rhamesses, and which it is most to be admired, one cannot gather out of his words whom he calleth Iewes, or whether he attribute this name unto the two hundredth and fifty thousand lepers, or unto the three hundredth and fourscore thou sand which were at Pelusium. But it is folly to oppose myself against them who have sufficiently contradicted themselves, for had other men controlled their writings they had been the more to be borne withal. I will add Lysimachus unto the two former, who hath the same lie that they have, yet far more absurd Lysimachus is reproved for lying. a fiction than theirs. For he saith that at such time as Bocchoris reigned in Egypt, the people of the jews being scabbed and infected with leprosy, fled into the temples to beg maintenance, and that so many men were with this disease infected, that a dearth and scarcity fell upon Egypt. Likewise that king Bocchoris went unto Ammon to know of the Oracle what caused the death, and that answer was made that if he would expel all lepers and unclean persons According to Lysimachus, ye●…abbed and leprous jews were to be conveyed into the wilderness, and cast into the sea. from out of the temples into the desert, that then the famine would cease, and that he should drown these lepers, as if the sun disdained that they should live, and that then he should purify the temples, and so the earth would again yield fruit, also that Bocchoris having this answer from the Oracle, he called together, the Priests and sacrificers, and having gathered lepers and unclean people together, he delivered them to soldiers to be conducted into the desert, and that then they should be leapt in lead and cast into the sea. Moreover they being drowned, other diseased people there gathered together, and were carried into the wilderness to be destroyed, and that they taking counsel one of another what to do, the night following they made great fires and lights, wherewith they terrified and drove away the soldiers that kept them, and that they fasted the day following, requesting God to be merciful unto them, and th●… the next day, one Moses counseled them to go all one way, as thick together as they could, till such time as they came to some place inhabited, and that he then commanded them never hereafter to be friendly to any man, but always rather to give bad council then good, and to destroy all Temples, and Altars of the gods they came by, unto which council they all agreeing, iournyed together through the wilderness, and after much sorrow came to places inhabited: Using men by whom they passed injuriously, fitting Temples and robbing them: at last in this manner, they came unto that place which they now call judaea, and there building a City, they began to When the jews got judaea and built jerusalem dwell, and of this fact called the City Hierosyla, and shortly after growing more potent, they for avoiding shame, changed the name thereof, and called it jerusalem, and themselves the inhabitants of jerusalem. This fellow found not that king, which the two former speak of, but he joined a more new name, and leaving the dream and the Prophet, he goeth to Ammon, to know an answer of the old, touching the scabbed and lepers, for he saith, that a multitude was gathered together at the Temples, but he leaveth it uncertain, whether the jews only were infected with this disease, for he saith the people of the jews, which people whether were they strangers or those that were borne in that Country? Why dost thou call them jews when they were Egyptians? If they were Lysimus his opinion confuted. strangers why dost thou not tell of whence they were? Or how came it to pass that the King having drowned so many of them in the Sea, and left the rest in the wilderness, that still so many should be left? Or how did they pass the wilderness, and get the Country we now inhabit, and built a City and a Temple famous through all parts of the world? Thou shouldest not only have told the name of our law maker, but also what Countryman he was, and of what parents, and what moved him in his journey to make such laws against the gods and against men. For if they were Egyptians, they would not so easily have forgotten the religion where in they were brought up, or of what place else so ever they were, they had some laws or other, which they had been accustomed to keep. If they had vowed to have borne no goodwill unto them by whom they were driven out of their Country, they had had some just occasion so to do. But to undertake war against all the world; and deprive themselves from all friendship and help of mor●…all men, doth not show their ●…ottishnesse but the foolishness of him, who doth thus bely them. Who most impudently affirmeth, that their City took the name of Church spoiling, and afterward changed it. For what cause forsooth did they change the name thereof, marry for that the former name was ignominious to their posterity. But the Gentleman understood not, that Nothing is to be said against an impudent li●…. jerusalem signifieth otherwise in our language, than it doth in the Greek. And therefore what should I stand to inveigh against a lie so impudently told? But my book hath now been long enough, making a new beginning and therefore I will endeavour to finish the residue of this work. THE SECOND BOOK OF THE antiquity OF THE JEWS, WRITTEN BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS AGAINST APION OF ALEXANDRIA, AND DEDICATED TO EPAPHRODITUS. THrice Honoured and beloved Epaphroditus, I have in my former books so far forth as I was warranted by truth, both protested and approved the Antiquity of our nation, out of the writings of the Phaenicians, Chaldees and Egyptians: and for the further confirmation thereof, I have produced the testimony of divers Greek Authors. Furthermore I have opposed myself against Manethon and Cheremon, and divers others. At this time likewise I will undertake to contradict all the rest of those writers, that have published any thing against us; for in respect of Apion, who pretendeth himself to be learned, I grow half Apion wrote something very coldly. suspicious, whether it be a matter answerable to my discretion and judgement, to vouchsafe him any reply at all. For as touching the one part of that which he hath written, it seemeth to be one and the same, with that which the rest have written, and as touching the other, it is very cold and barren. The greater part thereof is farced with follies and detractions, and betrayeth his ignorance, approving him to be a man both loose in conditions, and turbulent in his life. And for as much as divers men are so disfurnished of judgement, that they rather suffer themselves to be won by these follies, then to be wearied and wrought by that which is written with better consideration, vainly doting on detractions, and growing discontent to give ear to other men's well deserved praises. I have thought it necessary to examine such a man's labours, the rather, for that he hath written against us, as if he intended to accuse us before a Tribunal, and convict us by a public trial. For I see that it is an ordinary course for the most part of men, to hug and take hearty pleasure, when as he that beginneth to blame an other man, is himself convicted and found guilty of those defaults, which he imputeth and objecteth against another. Truly it is no easy matter to lay open the ambiguous and doubtful speeches which Apion useth, neither to understand perfectly what he intendeth to express. But like a man that is grievously distracted and confused in his foolish lying, he groweth almost to that point, to recapitulate that, which hath been heretofore set out, & searched for, as touching the departure of our forefathers out of Egypt: and afterwards he falleth to accuse the jews that inhabited Alexandria, and thirdly, he intermixeth his blameful blasphemies, against the ceremonies accustomed in our temple and depraveth our laws and ordinances likewise. Now, that our predecessors have not taken their original out of Egypt, neither have been driven from thence for any infirmity or deformity of their bodies, or for any wound, ulcer, or pollution; I suppose that I have not only Apion concerning Moses and the jews. sufficiently approved the same, but also produced far more than was requisite. I will therefore briefly report and repeat that which Apion allegeth: For in the third book of his Egyptian history, he writ thus. Moses as I have heard it spoken by the most ancient Egyptians was borne at Heliopolis, who being instructed in the fashions of his Country, converted such prayers which were wont to be said in open places and abroad, and caused them to be practised and accustomed, in private Cloisters such as were within the City, and ordained that in praying they should turn themselves towards the rising Sun. For such is the situation of the City Heliopolis, and instead of Obelisques or Pyramids, he erected certain pillars, under which there were certain engraven Basins, one which the shadow happening to fall (the place wherein they stood being discovered and in open air) they observed the same course that the Sun doth in the firmament. See here what eloquence this learned man used. Now as touching this lie of his, their need no words to refute the same, since it is clearly refelled by the effects. For when Moses built that first tabernacle in honour of God, he had no such intent, nor fashioned any such form, neither ordained his successors to do the like: and after this, when apion's fiction concerning the temple, and Moses is 〈◊〉. as Solomon builded the temple in jerusalem, he never thought of any such curiosity as Apion forgeth. He saith that he hath been informed by those of antiquity, that Moses was a Heliopolitan, for you must understand that Apion himself was young, and believed the relation of the aged sort of his acquaintance which conversed familiarly with him: yet cannot this learned Grammarian justify where Homer was borne, neither from what country Pythagoras came, although in respect, they lived but yesterday: and as touching Moses who lived so many ages, and so great a number of years before them, he decideth the matter so easily, and giveth credit to the reports of antiquity so slightly, that it appeareth most manifestly that he is but a liar. As touching the time wherein he saith that Moses led away the blind, Leprous, and lame, this diligent The computation of the time is different among the Historiographer●…. author acordeth very willingly with that which he himself hath said. For Minethon saith, that the jews departed out of Egypt about the reign of Tethmosis, three hundredth ninety six years before Danaus fled out of Greece. Lysimachus, he saith, that this thing happened during king Bocchoris time, that is to say, one thousand and seven hundredth years; before that time Molon also and some others have alleged their opinions. But Apion who pretendeth to be a man of more credit than the rest, hath precisely and exactly set down the time, averring that our departure was about the seuent●…▪ olympiad: nay more in the first year thereof, wherein as he saith Carthage was builded by the Phoenicians. Now hath he only and purposely made mention of Carthage in this place, supposing it to be an infallible argument of the truth of his allegation; yet conceiteth he not that he maketh a rod for his own tail, and draweth an argument against himself, by which himself may be convinced. For if we may give credit to the Phoenician Chroniclers as touching this Colony, it appeareth by them that king Hiram lived more than one hundredth and fifty years before the foundations of Carthage. The truth whereof I The friendship between Hiram and Solomon, whereof we made mention in the first book against Apion in the beginning. have heretofore approved out of the records of the Phoenicians, who report that Hyr●…m was Salomon's friend, who builded the temple in jerusalem, and that he furnished him with much timber and other matter toward the finishing of that building. Now Solomon builded the temple six hundredth and twelve years after the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt: and after he had inconsiderately reckoned the number of those which were driven out of Egypt in like manner as Lysimachus had done, namely of one hundred and ten thousand men, he yieldeth a most admirable reason, and such as may be easily believed from whence he pretendeth that the name of Sabath was derived. For (saith he) after they had travailed for the space of six days, there The Egyptians do call a disease about the privy parts, Sabatosis. grew certain inflammations in their groins, by reason whereof they rested on the seventh day being safely arrived in the country which at this day is called judaea, because the Egyptians call Sabatosis an Ulcer that groweth about the groin. Who can otherwise choose but laugh at this foppery? or chose, who would not hate such an impudent custom in writing and coining of lies? For he reporteth as far as a man may conjecture by his writings, that all the jews who were to the number of one hundred and ten thousand persons, had these Ulcers in their secrets. Now had all of them been halt, lame, blind, and sickly, as Apion reporteth, they could not have journeyed one day: but since they travailed thorough the desert and vanquished all armies that resisted them, it is no likely matter that all of them were sick of a disease in their privy parts every seventh day, neither is it naturally possible, that such a disease should befall so many thousand men in their journey, and that they every day should travel a certain space and a limited march, neither standeth it with any probability, but rather a manifest absurdity that any such thing should befall them: but this admirable Apion saith, that they arrived in judaea within the space of six days. Again he writeth that Moses ascending up the mount Sinai, which is betwixt Arabia and apion's fiction of the six days journey is confuted. Egypt, hid himself in that place for the space of forty days, and descending from thence, gave laws unto the jews. But how I pray you was it possible for him to remain forty days in a desert without water? or how could all the jews within six days travel from Egypt into jewrie? As for his Grammatical divination of the word Sabaoth it savoureth too much of impudency, or at least of ignorance: for these words Sabbo and Sabatum do greatly differ, for Sabatum in the jews language, signifieth, rest from work; but Sabbo in the Egyptian tongue betokeneth a disease about the privy parts as Apion saith. See here what cavilling fictions this Egyptian Apion useth concerning Moses, and our departure out of Egypt; wherein he counterfeiteth and coineth absurdities unthought of by any others. Shall we then wonder if he bely our forefathers, who maketh no bones to bely himself, for being brone at Oasis a town in Egypt this heigh unreputed honour of the Egyptians forsweareth both his country and nation, Apion denieth his country and origen. and counterfeiting himself to be an Alexandrian, he ratifieth his nation's wickedness. No marvel then though he term them Egyptians whom he hateth and raileth against, for if he had not been persuaded that the Egyptians were wicked base people, he would never have denied himself to be their countryman: for such as proudly boast of their famous country, esteem it a credit to bear the denomination thereof, and reprehend such as without just cause make themselves of their nation. Wherefore the Egyptians are one of these two ways affected towards us jews, for either they claim us to be their countrymen as glorying of us and their country, or else for that they and their country being infamous, they desire that we should be partakers of their ignominy. But indeed this worthy Apion seemeth so to inveigh against us, as thereby Apion raileth against the jews, as thereby rewarding the Alexandrians. The sea coast of Alexandria. rewarding the Alexandrians for bestowing their Cities upon him, and knowing them to be at variance with the jews of Alexandria, he as it were casteth a bone between them, and raileth not only on the jews of that City, but of all wheresoever: but he belieth both of them most impudently. But let us examine those heinous and enormous matters, and (as he saith) such as are not to be suffered, of which he accuseth the Alexandrian jews. Coming (quoth he) out of Syria, they seated themselves near the sea coast, where there was no haven near unto the surges of the water. Now if this place which they inhabited were ignominious, yet it followeth not that the jews own country was so also: yet herein Apion raileth against Alexandria, which he maketh his own country, for the sea coast is part of Alexandria, and as all men judge the best place thereof to dwell in. Now if the jews by force of arms so vanquished this place, that they could never since be driven out of it, it is no discredit to them, but rather an argument of the valour. But Alexander gave them that place to inhabit, and the Macedonians did allot them as great privileges as the Alexandrians had. I know not what Apion would have said, if the jews had dwelled about Necropolis, and not about the king's seat: their tribes being even at this time called Macedonians. If therefore Apion have read the Epistles of king Alexander, and Ptolomaeus Lagus, or others their successors kings of Egypt, or seen the pillars that are erected in Alexandria, containing The liberties and privileges granted unto the jews the privileges that Caesar the great granted unto the jews; if I say he knew of these, and yet did presume to write the contrary, than he was a bad fellow: but if he was ignorant hereof, he was then an unlearned person. The like ignorance also discovereth he, where he wonders that the jews that were in Alexandria were called Alexandrians. For all that are on Colony, though very different people, yet do they all bear the name of their founder: and that I may shun prolixity, the jews of Antioch are called Antiochians; for Seleucus the founder made them also Citizens, the like may also be said of the jews of Ephesus, and at the other jonia, who by the king's gifts enjoy the same privileges with the rest of the Citizens. The Romans also of their clemency have granted the name of their nation which is no small gift not only to private persons, but to great nations in general. To be short, the ancient Spaniards, the Tyrrhenes, & Sabines, are called Romans; or if Apion will take away this denomination of the City wherein men inhabit, let him cease to call himself an Alexandrian, for he being borne in the hart of Egypt, can no wise be an Alexandrian, if the privilege of the City be taken from him, as he would have it from us. And the Lords of the whole world the Romans, have amongst all other nations only prohibited the Egyptians from having the privileges of any City: and so this gallant gentleman being himself incapable of dignity, endeavoureth likewise to hinder them from it, who have true right unto it. For Alexander labouring with all diligence to build that City, did not make choice of us for want of people to furnish the same withal, but for that he bestowed the liberty thereof upon us Alexander. as a reward and testimony of our virtue and fidelity, endeavouring indeed to honour and credit our nation thereby: for Hecataeus reporteth that Alexander for the jews good service and fidelity, bestowed upon them the country of Samaria, and freed them from paying tribute for it. The same good affection towards the jews of Alexandria Ptolomaeus Lagus continued after 1 Ptolomaeus Lagus. him, for he delivered into their hands the strong holds of Egypt (for that he judged that their valour and fidelity would keep them) and intending to make himself Lord of Cyren and other places in Lybia, he sent certain jews to inhabit the same. After him Ptolomaeus Philadelphus did not only release and set free all captives, of our nation in his country, but also did many 2 Ptolomaeus Philadelphus. times remit their payments of money, and (which was the principal point of all) he desired to be instructed in our laws and holy scriptures, & for this cause sent unto us, requesting that we would send him some learned men to interpret them unto him, and that this might be performed with The seventy interpreters. more diligence, he committed the care hereof not to any but Demetrius Phalerius, Andreas & Aristeus, Demetrius being the only mirror of learning in his age, the other two being Esquires of his own body, neither would he have ever desired to have been instructed in our laws and customs, if he had despised us & had not rather admired us. But Apion know that almost all the Macedonian kings his successors in order, did peculiarly affect our nation. For Ptolomaeus the third which was also called Euergetes, conquering Syria by force, did no sacrifice unto the gods of Egypt for his victory, but came to jerusalem & there after our manner sacrificed many hosts unto our God 3. Ptolomaeus Euergetes. & to him dedicated gifts worthy of such a victory. Ptolomaeus also surnamed Philometor & his wife Cleopatra, committed the rule of his whole kingdom unto the jews, & Onias & Dositheus both jews, were generals of his army, whose credit Apion detractes, whereas he rather ought to have admired them, & have thanked them for delivering Alexandria whereof he maketh himself a citizen. For when there was a rebellion in Cleopatra's kingdom, and all was in peril to be destroyed, 4. Ptolomaeus Philometor. these two men delivered Alexandria from civil wars: But Apion saith that after this, Onias came and brought a little army into the city, at such time as Thermus, the Roman Ambassador was there present. True it is, and that fact of his was most just. For Ptolomaeus Physcon after the death of his father Ptolomaeus Philometor, coming out of Cyrene, endeavoured to expel the Queen Cleopatra, and the king's sons, to the end that he (contrary to all justice) might possess the kingdom, and this was the cause why Onias took arms against him in Cleopatra's behalf, not forsaking his fidelity unto kings in the time of necessity: yet God himself did manifestly witness his justice in this actiom. For when Ptolomaeus Physcon presumed to fight against Onias his army, and took all the jews their wives and childrenthat 5. Ptolomaeus Physcon ceased to to persecute the jews. were in the City (and bound them, and stripping them naked, cast them before Elephants to be destroyed, and to the intent that the Elephants might the rather tread upon them, made the said beasts drunken) all things fell out contrary to his expectation, for the Elephants forsaking the jews which were cast before them did fall upon Ptolomaeus his friends that stood by, and slew many of them, which done, there appeared unto Ptolomaeus a most horrible vision forbidding him to harm the jews, and his chiefest best beloved concubine also (whom some call Ithaca; other Herene) came unto him & besought him to abstain from such impiety, wherrupon he being sorry, did penance for that he had already committed, and that which he thought to commit; so that the jews of Alexandria celebrate this day in remembrance that upon it God did manifestly deliver them; yet Apion (who speaketh well of no man) accuseth the Jews of impiety for bearing arms against Physcon, whereas indeed he ought rather to have commended them for it: But Apion extolleth Cleopatra the last Queen of Alexandria, only for that she was unjust, and ingrateful unto us, when he rather ought to have reproved Of Cleopatra the last queen of Alexandria. her, in whom all impiety and wickedness reigned, both concerning her own kindred, and her husbands who loved her, and also generally against all the Romans and the Emperors his been factors, who killed her own sister Arsinoe in the temple who had not any wife offended her: shealso treacherously slew her own brother, and destroyed her ancestors Gods, and sepulchres, and receiving the kingdom from the first Caesar's gift, she ingratefully rebelled against his son and successor, and infecting Antony with her poisoned drinks, and amorous enchantments, she made him rebel against his country, and to be unconstant to his own friends, depriving some of kingly dignity, and compelling others to be instruments of her impiety. And what else shall Anthony the husband of Cleopatra. we say of her, who in the battle by sea forced Antonius her own husband (who also had many children by her) to yield himself, the Empire, and army unto her, and become one of her followers? Lastly when Alexandria was taken by Caesar, she was so cruelly minded, that not remembering her own estate, she accounted this her safety, if with her own hand she might kill the jews, that she might be cruel and trothless to every body. Is it not a glory think you to us that (as Apion reporteth) in the time of dearth and famine, wheat was so plentiful in jury, that it was not sold by measure? But Cleopatra was punished as she deserved. And we call great Caesar himself to witness of our fidelity, and the service we did him against the Egyptians, the Senate also and their decrees, and the writings of Augustus Caesar, wherein our deserts are testified. These letters Apion ought to have read, and to have examined all testimonies of us, which were left first by Alexander, and then by all the Ptolomees, and what the Senate of Rome decreed, and the mighty Emperors. And if so be Germanicus could not get corn to suffice all the inhabitants of Alexandria, that was a token of scarcity and dearth, and not the jews fault. For what all emperors thought of the Alexandrian jews it is manifest enough, for the jews want of corn was not only left unsupplied, but also the want of other Alexandrians. But they have always kept that wherewith the ancient Princes did put them in The jews have been always trusty to their princes. trust, to wit, the keeping of the river, and whole country, as not being thought unfit for their purposes. But Apion thus urgeth us; if (quoth he) the jews be citizens how hap they worship not the same God, nor have not the same religion that they rest of the Alexandrians have? To whom I thus answer, how happeneth that you Egyptians do so eontend and war against one another only for diversity of religion? shall we hereupon conclude that you are all Egyptians, or The Egyptians do worship beasts not agreeable to man's nature. not all men? because you worship and with great diligence nourish beasts against nature? yet our nation seemeth one and the same. If therefore amongst you Egyptians such difference of opinions be, why dost thou so marvel of this that we in a strange place, to wit, at Alexandria, do constantly persever in our first religion? But he saith that we are the cause of all sedition, which suppose he speak true of the Jews of Alexandria, yet are not all jews in all places the The discord of the jews and the Alexandrians in religion. cause of sedition, for we are known to be peaceable amongst ourselves. But indeed as every one may perceive, the people like Apion himself are authors of sedition in Alexandria. For whilst the greeks and Macedonians held Alexandria, they and we lived peaceably together, and they permitted usquietly to use our own solemnities, but when the number of The cause of discord between the jews and Alexandrians. Egyptians increased, by confusion of time, sedition also by their means increased. But our nation remained unpermixted. They therefore were authors of those troubles, not having the government of the Macedonians, nor the wisdom of the Greeks; but using their Egyptian manners, and renewing their old hatred against us. And that wherewith all they apion's fiction touching the jews being author's o●… sedition at Alexandria is confuted. hit us in the teeth befalleth them, for most of them not having the privileges of the city themselves, call us strangers that have them. For none of the ancient kings bestowed the liberty of the city upon the Egyptians, neither have any of the Emperors of Rome bestowed the privilege. But Alexander himself brought us into the city, the kings after him increased more privileges, and it hath pleased the Roman Emperors to ratify and confirm them. But Apion detracteth us for not erecting statues to the Emperors, as though the Emperors knew not hereof, or that they needed Apion to speak for them, whereas he should rather admire the Romans magnanimity, and modesty, who compel not their subjects to violate their ancient laws and The Romans magnanimity towards the jews. The jews may have no Images. religion, but content themselves with such honours as the giver may with piety and equity give them. For they account not of forced honours which come of compulsion. The greeks and divers other think it not amiss to erect statues, for they delight to have the pictures of their ancestors, wives and children, and some of the beloved servants also, what marvel then if they accord to yield the like honour to Princes and Emperors? But our sawmaker not as prophesying the Romans power not to be reverenced: but foreseeing that it was neither profitable to God nor man, forbade us make an Image of any living creature, much more of a not living God (as we will prove hereafter). But he permitted usto reverence all good men, with any honour else not due to God, and all those we give unto the Emperors, and people of Rome, and make our continual sacrifice for them, and not only upon work days do this, at the How Emperors and magistrates ought to be honoured. The lie of Possidonius and Apollonius concerning the jewesis confuted. proper cost of all the jews, but upon such days as we offer no other sacrifice, no not for our own children, we then sacrifice for the Roman Emperor, yielding that honour to the Roman Emperor which we do to none else: And let this suffice to answer that which Apion allegeth against the jews of Alexandria: yet can I not but admire at them who gave him this occasion namely Possidonius and Apollonius Molon who a ccuse us for not worshipping the same Gods that others do, although they lie all alike, slandering our temple most absurdly, and yet for all this they do not believe that they herein commit any impiety: whereas it is a most ignominious thing for any free man to lie upon any occasion, much more of a temple famous over all the world for sanctity. For Apion affirmeth that the jews in that sacred temple placed the head of an Ass and worshipped it most religiously. And this (quoth he) was manifestly An answer to the objection of the Ass' head. known at such time as Antiochus Epiphanes spoiled that Temple, who found that Ass' head being of massy gold, and great value. To this first slander I first answer, that were that true which he reporteth, yet an Egyptian ought not to have spoken against us for it: seeing that an Ass is of no less worth than a Goat, and other bruit beasts that they honour for gods. Was it possible that he knew not the contrary of his own affirmations, by our deeds and Scriptures? For we use the same laws that at the first we did, and remain in them without change, and for all that our City (as others also have) hath by the variable event of war, been vexed and troubled, and that Antiochus surnamed the god, and Pompey the great, and Licinius Crassus, and now lastly Titus Caesar, have all vanquished our Temple, yet did they never find in it any thing as Apion affirmeth, but sincere piety, not lawful for us to disclose to strangers. And as touching Antiochus, many writers of good credit report, that he never had any just cause to spoil our Temple, but that he was drawn unto this fact for want of money. Not for that he was our enemy, but for that as from his friends and fellows, he sought supply, and found nothing in that place that was worthy of derision, and thus do Polybius Megapolitanus, Strabo the Cappadocian, Nicholas Damascene, Timagenes Castor the Chronicler, and Apollodorus avow, who all do witness that Antiochus wanting money, broke the league he had with the jews, and robbed and spoiled their Temple being full of gold and silver. Apion ought to have considered this, had he not had an Ass' heart, and a dogs impudency, which he and his Countrymen worship for gods. As for us we do neither honour nor reverence Asses, though the Egyptians do their Crocodiles and Asps, esteeming them that are bitten by Asps, and devoured by Crocodiles, to be happy and fit for God. But we esteem those to be Asses which all our wisemen do, to wit, them who bear burdens imposed upon them, and if coming into a field they fall to eat, and do not that which they ought to do, we use to beat them with many stripes, and force them to till the ground, and do Who are accounted Asses amongst the jews and other wisemen. other drudgery. But Apion was either the greatest Ass that ever was in telling alley, or else having begun to do it, he could not compass his enterprises, in that he found not any just cause of detraction against us. He addeth an other fable of the greeks detracting us, to the which I will make only this reply, that it is more commendable and agreeing to piety and less uncleanness, to pass thorough the Temple, then for priests to come and feign impious words and speeches: which they not respecting, laboured rather to excuse the sacrilegious Kings, then to write the Certain Histo riographers endeavour to cover and hide Antiochus' hi●… periutie and sacrilege. truth of us and our Temple: endeavouring to curry favour with Antiochus, and to cover and hide his sacrilege, used against our nation, for that he wanted money, believing us even in things that are to come. And Apion as prophesying of the rest, saith that Antiochus found a bed in our Temple, and in it a man lying, and a table set before him, furnished with all fowls that use either sea or land, and that the man was hereat astonished. And that so soon as Antiochus came into the Temple, he adored him as though he hoped for great help from the King, falling down at his feet, and with a stretched out arm, craving licence to speak: which the King granting, and willing him to declare what he was, and why he dwelled in the Temple, and the cause of his meats before him, the man with sighs and tears bewailed unto Antiochus his calamity, saying: He was a Grecian, and that travailing in the Country to get his living, he was suddenly seized upon by certain Out-landishmen, and brought unto the Temple, and shut up therein, and that no man might see him, and that he was there fed or fatted with all dainties that could be provided, and that at first this dainty fare made him joyful, but afterward he began to suspect it, and lastly he was hereat amazed, and then demanding of a jew that administered unto him, for what cause he was therekept, he understood the jews purpose, and law not to be revealed, for the fulfilling whereof he was there nourished, and that the Jews were wont to do the like every year upon a day appointed: and to take a Grecian stranger and feed him a year, and That the jews ought once a year to sacrifice a Grecian. then to carry him to a wood; and there to kill him, and sacrifice him according to their rites and ceremonies, and to taste and eat of his entrails, and in the sacrificing of the Grecian, to swear to be enemies unto the greeks, and the residue of the murdered man they cast into a certain pit. And that then this Greek reported unto Antiochus, that the time allotted unto him by the jews to live, was now almost expired, and therefore requested for the reverence he bore to the Grecian gods, to save his blood from being spilled by the jews, and to free him out of that imminent calamity. This fable is not only stuffed full of all tragical cruelty, but also mingled with cruel impudency, yet for all this the first devisers hereof do not free Antiochus from sacrilege, as they hoped hereby to do, who writ it purposely to flatter him. For that which they report of the Greek found in a bed, did not move him to come and sack our Temple, he not knowing of it before he came and found it so (as they say.) Antiochus therefore was most impious, and not assisted by God's favour in that enterprise, (whatsoever these liars mutter) as it is easy to learn of the fact of him committed. For we do not only differ from the greeks in religion, but a great deal more from the Egyptians and other nations, and what nation in the world is there, that sometime doth not travail through our Country? Is it then probable that we only renew that conspiracy against the greeks? Or how is it possible that so many thousand people as are of our own nation, should all eat of the entrails of one man as Apion reporteth? Or why did he not name this man whosoever he was? Or why did not the king carry him with trumpets into his Country? Seeing that in so doing he might have been esteemed full of piety, & a great favourer of the Greeks, & greatly strengthen himself against the hatred of the jews by their aid? But I omit to speak more of this, for unsensible people void of all reason, must not be reprehended in word, but by deeds: for all men that have seen the building of our Temple, can testify what it was and the undefiled purity thereof. For it had four porches about, and every one of them by our laws The description of the Temple & porches. had several keepers, and into the outward porch all people, yea strangers might enter without breach of our laws, (women only excepted that have their monthly course.) Into the second porch it was lawful for only jews to come, and all jews might go into it, and their wives also when they were free from pollution of their flowers. Into the third porch, they only of our nation that were purified and sanctified might come. Into the fourth might only Priests enter, who were clothed with priestly Stoles, and into the secret part of the Temple might only ehe high Priest come, attired with a Stole proper to him only, yea we are in all things so careful of piety, that our Priests are appointed hours when to enter into the Temple. For in the morning when the Temple was opened, the Priests that were to sacrifice the hosts which were given them, entered into the Temple; and at no one again when it was shut, yea it was not lawful to carry any vessel into the Temple: but there was only there an Altar, a What was in the temple. Table, a Censer, and a Candlestick, as is in our law mentioned, and there is no other secret or hidden mysteries done, neither is there in that place any eating, and all the people can testify this which I have here set down, and our writings do the like. For notwithstanding that there are four rites of Priests, and every Priest's tribe containeth above five thousand men: yet every Four Tribes of Priests and of every tribe more than five thousand men. one waiteth on certain appointed days in their turn, and their time of waiting being expired, others succeed them in sacrificing, and the day before they are to finish their waiting, they deliver up unto their successors the keys of the Temple, and all vessels belonging thereto, in the full number that they received them: and nothing is brought into our Temple, pertaining either to meat or drink: yea, and are forbidden to be offered at our Altar, those things only excepted, whereof we make our sacrifice. What then shall we say of Apion, who examining nothing of all these, hath raised such incredible reports of us? How ignominious a thing it is for a Grammarian, not to be able to deliver the truth of a History? Well, he knew the piety used in our Temple, but he purposely omitted it: yet could he remember to tell a feigned tale of the sacrificing of the Greek, his dainty fair and that hidden food, that all men also that would, passed through our Temple, whereas the most noble amongst our whole nation, are not permitted to come there, except they be priests. This therefore is great impiety, and a voluntary forged lie, to seduce them that will not examine the truth. For they have attempted to slander us by those impieties before mentioned, not to be spoken of. And again, like one full of all piety, he derideth the vanity of these fables, and reporteth that at such time as the jews for a long time together, warred against the Idumaeans, Zabidus departing out of a City of Idumaea where Apollo was worshipped, came unto the jews, promising them to deliver unto them Apollo the Dorians god, and bring him Another fable devised by Apion of Zabidus. unto their Temple, if so be that all of them would there assemble themselves together, and that afterwards Zabidus did make a most excellent kind of wooden instrument, and placed in it three ranks of Candles, and put it upon him, and so walked like a star gliding on the ground (for that shape he resembled to them that were a far off from him.) And that the jews hereat (seeing this strange vision) admired and were astonished, and standing a far off, they were all silent, and how by this shift Zabidus easily got into their Temple, and took away the golden Ass' head, (for so he writeth plainly) and so to have returned speedily to Dora. Wherefore we may say that Apion leadeth an Ass, to wit, himself with fooleries and lies, for he nameth places that are not, and setteth down Cities to himself unknown, for Idumaea is a Province near unto us, and bordering upon Gara, and there is no City in it called Dora, but in Phoenicia near unto the hill Carmelus, there is a City of that name, yet nothing consonant to Apions Dora is a City of Phoenicia and not of Idumaea. slanders, for it is four days journey from judaea. Why therefore doth he so rashly accuse us for not worshipping the same gods that other nations do, seeing (as he saith) our predecessors did so easily believe that Apollo would come unto them, and that he walked upon the earth, with stars upon his back? Perhaps indeed they had never before seen a candle or lamp themselves having so many: or is it likely that he walking thus quite through our country, where so many thousand men are, no one of them all met him? Did he in time of war find the towns and villages, by which he passed without any watchmen? Well, I omit the rest. The gates of our temple were three score cubits high, twenty cubits broad, all covered with gold, yea almost all of clean gold, and these gates every day were shut The gates of the temple. by two hundredth men, and it was too impious a thing to leave them open; is it then credible that this candlebearer could easily open them, who alone was judged to have the asses head? So that now it remaineth doubtful whether Zabidus did bring back again the asses head, or else Apion took it of him and brought it again to our temple, that there Antiochus might find it, and so Apion might have another occasion of lying. He also belieth us concerning the oath which he saith we jews do take, swearing by the God of heaven and earth, and sea, never to favour any stranger, and especially the greeks. This liar might better have said, not to favour any stranger, Apions lie concerning the oath is confuted. and especially the Egyptians, and so his former lies and these should have had better correspondence with the beginning, if our ancestors had been expelled by their predecessors out of Egypt, not for their wickedness, but for their own calamity. But we are so far from the Greeks that we scarcely ever think of them: so that no man can say that there is any enmity between us and the greeks. But chose many of them have embraced our religion, and some of them therein persevered, others again have forsaken it; yet none of them will say that he heard this oath spoken amongst us, but it should seem that only Apion heard of it, in that he himself indeed forged it. Truly his great wisdom and providence is worthy to be admired (as shall hereafter appear:) for he to prove these his lies to be true, saith, that it is a certain testimony that the laws we observe are most unjust, and that we worship not God as we ought to do in that we were subject to divers nations, and our City endured many calamities: Where as touching themselves they are of a City that flourisheth in absolute authority, accustomed to govern Apion upbraided the jews with captivity. from the foundation thereof, and not to serve the Romans. In effect who can resist their valour? Truly no man but Apion would ever have flouted us herewith, seeing that few Cities so flourish and reign over other, that they again at no one time have been brought into subjection. For many nations are subject to others, only the Egyptians are freed from the captivity of such as rule Europe and Asia, for that (as they say) the gods flying into their country, were saved by entering into the bodies of beasts. Yet have they not indeed had any one days liberty since the beginning of the world, neither under the government of their own princes, nor under strangers. I will not stand to reckon how often the Persians have wasted their City, destroyed their temples, and slain their supposed gods. For it is not decent that I should imitate herein Apions foolishness, neither am I calling to memory what befell the Athenians and Lacedæmonians, the last of which, are recorded to have been most valiant, and the first to have been most devout and religious: neither will I reckon up those most godly kings, amongst whom Croesus was one, who notwithstanding fell into great calamities. Moreover I will not recount how the Castle of Athens was set on fire, and the temples of Ephesus and Delphos likewise and many others. There is now one Apion a new accuser of the jews, who upbraideth them with their calamities, forgetting quite all misery that hath befallen his countrymen the Egyptians, but he was blinded with the fable of Sesostris, whom (he saith to have been king of Egypt.) We could report and boast of our kings, David, and Solomon, who subdued many nations unto them: but it is not fit David's and Salomon's power. here to speak of them. But Apion was ignorant of that which all the world knoweth, to wit, that the Egyptians have served first to the Persians, and afterwards to the Macedonians, and that as bondslaves: where we remaining in free liberty reigned over all Cities round about us 120. years, even unto the time of Pompey the great; and when all the other kings were subdued by the Romans, only our kings for their fidelity and friendship towards them were dear unto them. Oh but this sticketh upon apion's stomach, that we have not had any famous men of our nation, who have invented arts and sciences, and been excellent in wisdom, such as Socrates, Zeno, Cleanthes and others, whom he setteth down were: and which is most to be admired, Apion putteth himself in the number of these famous men, and saith that Alexandria is blessed and happy, that hath deserved to have such a Citizen as he is: and great reason that he himself Apion praiseth himself. should testify that of himself, which all men else perceive in him, to wit, that he is an impudent deceitful fellow, both of corrupt life, and manners. So that any Alexandrians had just cause to be sorry that they ever had any better opinion of him. But that our nation had men equal at least unto those whom he mentioneth, all men may know that please to read the book of our Antiquity. The rest that his accusation containeth, it is not amiss to let pass without answer, for that it rather impeacheth the Egyptians his own countrymen, then us: for he doth complain of us for sacrificing ordinary beasts, and for abstaining to eat swine's flesh, and greatly laughed at circumcision. Touching the sacrificing of these beasts, we do as all nations else do: And Apion inveighing against our sacrificing, showeth himself to be an Egyptian; Why the jews do sacrifice common beasts, and do not eat swine's flesh. for were he either a Grecian, or a Macedonian, he would be herewith offended: for both greeks and Macedonians do vow, to sacrifice Hecatombs to their gods, and use priests in the banquets; and yet for all this, the world is not desolate of living creatures, as Apion feareth. But were all men so mad as the Egyptians, it would indeed be desolate of men, and filled with cruel beasts, which they (supposing them to be gods) do diligently nourish. If any man should ask Apion whom of all the Egyptians he judged to be a wiseman and most religious towards their gods, no doubt he would answer that the priests are. For they say that their first kings in the beginning gave them these two commandments in charge, first to seek wisdom, and next to worship the gods: they also are all of them circumcised, and abstain from swine's flesh, and no other Egyptian sacrificeth with them unto their gods. Apion therefore was surely blind, when in steed of detracting us, he speaketh ill of them, to gratify whom, he took all this pains. For the Egyptians do not only use those customs which Apion in us disalloweth The Egyptian priests circumcised, and eat no swine's flesh. but also do teach others to circumcise themselves as Herodotus reporteth. So that I verily think, that Apion was justly punished for blaspheming his country laws, and religion. For being forced to circumcise himself to avoid a great disease, he was hereby nothing helped, but for all this his privy members rotting, he in extreme grief and misery gave up the ghost. For apion's death. wise men ought to persever in their country laws in all piety, and not to deride and detract others: but Apion forsook his own religion, and slandered and belied ours. And this was Apions end, and here also should end this book; but that Apolonius, Molon and Bysimachus, and certain others, partly for ignorance, partly for madness, have most injuriously belied our lawmaker Moses, and the laws he made, detracting him as a deceitful Magician, and then as The defence of Moses against Apolonius and Lysimachus. the author of all malice and impiety amongst us, and for such as teach no virtue nor goodness at all. I will therefore as far as in me lieth declare both our conversation in general, and in particular. for if my judgement be any thing, our laws are most forcible both to piety, and to all humanity in general, as also to justice, pains-taking, and contempt of death. I only request this favour of the Reader, that he will not with a prejudicate or malicious opinion, peruse these writings: for I do not write this as a praise and vain ostentation of our nation, but as a just Apology, refuting the slanderous reports that some have used against us. Apolonius doth not continually inveigh against us as Apion doth, but only here and there; sometime affirming us to be somewhiles hated both of God and man, sometime to be cowards; othersometimes chose complaining of our nations boldness. Saying moreover, that Wherein Apolonius accuseth the jews. we are more sottish than any barbarous nation, and that therefore we only have had none of our nation founder's of arts or sciences, which are profitable for man's life, all which objections are easily refuted, if we show the contrary to all these by him reported, both that we have obeyed our laws, and lived in all integrity. If therefore I be forced to show that other nations have made contrary laws, not I, but they are to be blamed, who comparing ours with them of other nations, affirm ours to be the worse, neither of which can charge us, either that these laws which I will briefly set down are not ours, or else that we have not persisted in them as we ought. Making therefore this beginning, I affirm that they who have framed themselves to live together The lovers of order & common laws are excellent in meekness and virtue. under certain rules and ordinances, and kept them inviolate, and were the first founders of them, were more to be commended for humanity and virtue, than they who live under no rule nor ordinance at all, and every lawmaker endeavoureth so to challenge antiquity for their own ordinances, as that they may not be thought to imitate others, but to be themselves the first authors thereof, and guides to direct other men's lives. Which being so, it is the duty of a good lawmaker to make choice of that which is best, and most convenient for them, who are to obey their laws, and to satisfy them as much as may, in proving their laws to be good and right, and both in wealth and woe, calamity and felicity, to remain in them never changing nor altering them. I therefore aver that our lawmaker is more ancient than any lawmaker mentioned. For Lycurgus, and Solon, and Seleucus of Locris, and those the greeks admire, are modern, of late Moses more ancient than all other lawmakers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. This word law is not in Homer. times in respect of him, as it is well known. For the greeks themselves confess, that in times past they wanted the name of law. This Homer can witness who in his whole works never mentioneth this word, law, for the people of those times were not governed by laws, but by indefinite sentences, and the prince's pleasure, using customs but not written, and all tearing and changing them also as occasion served. But our lawmaker being very ancient (for this is every way manifest, even by our adversaries own confessions) showed himself both a good prince and connceller unto his people for making laws to direct and govern men's lives, he persuaded them voluntarily to embrace them, The life of Moses. and firmly to persist in them with all wisdom. And first of all let us consider the works of his greatness. For he undertaking the conduct of many thousand of our forefathers out of Egypt into our own country, delivered them from many calamities, almost impossible to be avoided, for they being to pass through a place wherein in was no water, and a very sandy ground, being also to war and to keep their wives and children, and goods for the variable event of wars, he in all these showed himself a most wise and prudent counsellor, and a true patron and guide unto them all: For he made all the multitude so to depend upon him, that he might persuade them whatsoever he pleased, and yet in none of all these did he usurp any authority over them, and in that time and place wherein all men of authority assume power unto themselves, and use tyranny, at such time as the people do oftentimes offend and live in all manner of impiety; he then being in authority did chose use all lenity, and mildness, to the intent that he might be a pattern of virtue and justice to all the rest, giving all those that willingly followed him most assured safety, using in all accidents most strange works. And for this cause he rightly deemed God to be his captain & counsellor, and first examining himself, and finding that all the Moses maketh God his guide and counsellor laws he had set down were agreeable to the will & pleasure of God, the chiefest care he now had was how to persuade his people the same, which he himself now knew, for they who direct their lives according to the will of God, avoid all sin as our lawmaker did, being neither Magician nor deceiver as his enemies injuriously report, but such a one as the Greeks do boast Minos and others after him to have been, for some of them affirmed their laws to be made by jupiter, others by Apollo and Delphos Oracle, either so believing themselves, or else thinking that the people would be easily so persuaded. Now who of all the lawmakers made the best laws, & who did most rightly think of God, he that compareth all their laws together may easily know; for The Origen of laws amongst the Greeks now occasion is offered to speak of them: there are therefore an infinite company of nations and laws amongst men, and some nations are ruled by monarchs, othersome by the common consent of the people. But our lawmaker doing neither of these, did as one should say therein declare his common wealth to be divine, chiefly assigning all power and principality over us to God, causing all men to fix their minds and cogitations on him, as the only giver and author of all goodness, giving them to understand, that whatso ever in their necessity they entreat him for, he heareth their prayers, and understandeth what every man doth in private, yea his very cogitations, and that he is one, unbegotten, and in all times immutable and eternal, differing in a most excellent shape from all mortal creatures, and this we know, but we are altogether ignorant what God is as touching his substance and essence. And thus the wisest Greeks that ever were, judged of God, who how learned they were (he giving the ground of all their knowledge) I now omit to rehearse, & that these things afore rehearsed are best and most agreeable to the nature and magnificence of God, many do witness, as The opinion of the wisest Greeks concerning, God. Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, and Plato, and after them the soics, and almost all other Philosophers have so thought of the divine nature. But they delivering this their Philosophy in short speech, durst not publish the truth of their doctrine among the people, already seized upon by Moses compared with other lawmakers. superstitious opinions. But our lawmakers works and words so agreed, that he satisfied at large all his people, and they that ever were to be borne of them, and their successors, inspiring as it were a certain constancy into them to persever in the same, still referring the cause of his laws to their profit and commodity. For he did not affirm the worship of God only to be part of virtue; but he assigned other parts thereof, to wit, fortitude, justice, and mutual concord of all his citizens. Two methods of morality and discipline. For all our actions, speeches, and what else soever, are all referred to divine piety. Which he left not touched without any more discourse of it. For these two are the methods of all discipline and morality, whereof one frameth and directeth the speech, the other the manners and actions; which being so, other lawmakers were indeed wise in advice and counsel, and yet they made choice of one of these methods, & left the other: For the Lacedæmonians were instructed in manners, and not in words, as also they of Crete were, but the Athenians and almost all the Greeks were directed and trained up by laws in every thing, they were to do, yet never could they put their written laws in practice, but our lawmaker very industriously did conjoin both these together, for he neither omitted the training them up in manners and good exercises, neither did he surcease to leave them written laws. And first of all, making his entrance from the very meats, and prescribing to every one a convenient diet, he left no man liberty amongst us to direct himself in the least matter concerning his meat, but he by laws defined, both from what meats we were to abstain, and what to eat, and what ought to be our ordinary diet, as also when we ought to labour, and when to cease from work, so that we as it were under the government of a father or master, might neither sin willingly, nor for ignorance: for he did not appoint punishment for them that were ignorant of it, but by law enacted a most necessary and mild chastisement for the voluntary offenders, and for this cause he did not only will, that we should once or twice or often hear the laws, but that once every week we all omitting other business, should come to hear the laws, and so learn them perfectly, which things all other lawmakers as it is well known omitted: All with laudable customs all other lawmakers have neglected, and the most part of most men are so far from living according to their own laws, that they are altogether ignorant of them, and having offended their laws through ignorance, they then learn by other men's means, that they have more breach of their laws, yea the chiefest and most Moses commanded all the jews to come & hear the law. eminent men amongst them, do profess herein that they are ignorant, causing those that are learned and skilful in their laws, to sit as it were in commission with them to direct them. Whereas every one of our nation being demanded of our laws, can answer as readily as he can tell his own name, for every one of us learning them as it were so soon as we come to the use of reason, we have them as it were written and printed in our minds, and by this means both we offend more seldom, and when we offend, we are sure to be punished. And this especially is that which hath caused such an unity and concord amongst us. For to worship one God all after the same manner, and nothing to differ in manner and conversation The concord of the jews in religion. one from another, is the only way to establish amity and concord in a commonwealth. For only amongst us no man shall hear any different speeches and opinions concerning God, which thing amongst all nations else is most frequent and ordinary, for amongst them not only every one of the common people doth speak his pleasure in this point, but divers Philosophers also presume to do it, some of them with their blasphemous speeches altogether destroying the nature of God, and others with the like impudency denying him to have any care of men: neither is here any difference amongst us of affairs appertaining to man's life, but all men with us follow one common express labour, and we all jointly affirm the son of God, and that he hath care of human affairs, and all our actions and exercises: yea any one may learn of our women and children, that all things whatsoever, are to be reduced to piety. Hence it groweth that some detract our nation, for that amongst us were no men inventors of new matters and acts, to whom we will thus answer, that other nations account it a glory not to persist in any thing that their forefathers used, and hold them of most account amongst them, that can best transgress their forefather's wisdom. But we contrariwise do account it the chiefest point of wisdom and virtue, neither to do, nor think any thing contrary to that which our ancestors have decreed, which is a token that our law was established by as good advice as was possible. For those laws that in all points are not as they ought to be, are often by experience found faulty. But amongst us who believe that our law was first established by the will & pleasure of Almighty God, nothing is pious and virtuous which may any wise impugn the same. For who can take away any tittle thereof, or add better in the stead? or who is he that can transfer and carry us from the observance of them, and ordain for us better laws to govern our common wealth? Or what law can be more just and better, then that which the wisdom of God (who is the Lord of all things) hath established? He first of all permitted the disposing of all principal affairs to the priests in general, and most wisely constituted a high priest as their head, neither were they chosen to this dignity by our lawmaker, who either excelled in nobility of birth, or riches; but he appointed such to sacrifice unto God, who were known to excel others in wisdom and sanctity: and these do both keep our laws, and observe all other things belonging to their office withal integrity: for our priests are appointed overseers of all things, and to judge all strifes and controversies, and to What sort of people are to be made priests punish the offenders. What monarchy then or kingdom can be more holy than this? Or how can God be better honoured then amongst us, where all the people are prepared to piety, and the priests commanded so to rule and govern the Commonwealth, as if they were celebrating some festivity? And whereas other nations cannot celebrate their mysteries, which they term sacrifices, in a few days, we with joy and pleasure and immutable wills, do celebrate our sacrifice continually without intermission: It resteth now that I set down our precepts and laws, as arguments Of God and of the divine providence. of that which I have said. The first is of God of whom our law saith, God hath all things, he is most perfect, most blessed, he is sufficient both for himself and all things else, he is the beginning, midst, and ending, famous amongst all things for his works, and benefits, more manifest than any thing else, but his shape and greatness is to us unspeakable, all matters (how precious so ever) being compared with his excellent beauty is nothing worth, and all Art compared with his invention is unartificial, we can neither see, conceive, nor imagine any thing like him. He The works of God. is holy, for we see his works, the light, the heaven and the earth: the Sun, the moon, rivers, and sea, so many different shapes of living creatures, and increase of fruits: All these God himself made, not with hands or work, nor as one needing any to help him, but he seeing them to be good, they were presently made. He is to be followed of all men, who ought to worship him by the exercising of virtue; for this is the most holy way to please him. We have one Temple, as also one God, which Temple is common to all men, as he is the common God of all men. For similitude always pleaseth, him do all our priests honour with sacrifice, and he amongst them hath the first place, who by birth is the chiefest and he first sacrificeth to God, seeth the laws observed, judgeth controversies, and punisheth those that are convicted by the law: whosoever disobeyeth him, shall be punished as one that rebelleth against God himself; he offereth The sacrifices of the old testament. sacrifices not pertaining to gluttony or drunkenness, for God is not pleased with such sacrifices, but is rather injured, and superfluous expenses are thereby made. But God loveth them that are temperate, and orderly, and of good behaviour, and especially requireth in us that sacrifice, an inviolable chastity. In our sacrifices offered for our common good, we first of all pray in common, and then every one for himself, because we are all fellows, and he that delighteth herein more then in his own life, he is most acceptable to God. We pray and vow unto God, not requesting riches of him, for he of his own accord bestoweth them upon every one, and left them amongst us, but we pray that we may have part of them, and having gotten them may keep them. Our law hath also appointed purifications both from our Chamber bed and carnal copulation, and many other things, which are to long to rehearse. Purifications used in sacrifice And this is our speech and opinion of God, who himself is our law. And what concerning marriage? Our law only alloweth natural copulation between man and wife, done to the intent to get children. But that men should abuse one another against nature, it altogether disalloweth and punisheth such offenders with death. It commandeth us to marry, not respecting Of marriage. the dowry, neither must we take women violently & by force, nor allure them by deceitful persuasions, but that we rather obtain his goodwill, who may grant & use ordinary means to persuade. It also appointeth that a woman shall be in all things inferior to the man, neither is she to obey in committing wickedness, but as one under government. For it is God that gave The punishment for him that doth ravish a virgin. man this authority. With her the husband only may lawfully accompany, and it is abomination for her to make trial of another man, and who so attempteth this, can no wise avoid death, the like penalty attendeth him, if he offer violence to a virgin despowsed unto an other man, or if he by persuasions do overcome a married woman or other, that hath children under her, and all this our law commandeth: It hath also interdicted all women from concealing their children being borne, or otherwise to destroy them, for so she should be a child killer. destroy souls and mankind: Who so therefore useth carnal copulation and corruption is unclean by our laws, and women after lawful copulation must wash themselves, judging that a part of their soul was by this act defiled, and she being puffed up was wounded in her body, and therefore The purification for the body. our law ordained water of purification for them. Neither is it lawful for them to feast and banquet at their childbirth, whereby an occasion of drunkenness may grow, but that their beginning should be temperate, they are likewise commanded to train up their children in learning, that they may learn the law, and actions of their forefathers, and imitate them that so being trained up in the law, they may not sin nor transgress them by ignorance. Our law hath also provided for the burial of the dead, that our funerals should neither be pompous, nor our sepulchers gorgeous, commanding every household to perform all necessaries Of the funerals of the dead touching the burial of their dead, permitting all men at any one's death to assemble themselves together, and bewail the dead: It also commandeth every one (yea even the dead man's own family) to purify themselves after the burial, and to go a farreoff, as seeming to be unclean. It also appointeth punishment for them that have committed murder, either wilfully or against their will. It bindeth every man to obey his parents next after God, and commandeth that those children that do not show themselves grateful unto them: or in any thing, do, The honour due to parents. grieve them, that they should be stoned to death: It also commandeth all young men to reverence old men, because God is elder to us all. It permitteth not friends to council any impiety; for God is not their friend who doth not disclose them: and if friends fall out that do know one another's secrets, yet they are commanded not to bewray them. If any judge take a bribe, he is to be punished with death for omitting justice, and assisting the guilty. No man must take any thing Against these and usury. away that he himself placed not, and no man must take that which is not his own. No man for lending must take usury; and many such like things our law commandeth, concerning cause of communion between us and others. It is also not amiss to recount how our law maker provided for the entertaining of strangers amongst us: For he seemeth so to have provided, that to our knowledge we neither corrupt our own laws, nor deny to impart them to others: but he entertaineth all liberally that will come and live under our laws, judging the community of man's life, not so much to consist in the nation whereof we come, as in the unity of our minds and conversation. He forbiddeth others that are strangers, and come not with that intent to be admitted to our solemnities, yet he commanded us to exhibit unto them, all other things necessary: and that we should give unto all men, fire, water, meat, and bury them being dead. He hath also most mildly determined how we ought How we ought to use our enemies. to deal with our enemies, that we neither destroy their Country with fire, nor out down their fruit trees. We are also forbidden to rob and spoil those that are slain in fight, and deal injuriously with our captives; and especially if they be women: yea he so endeavoured to teach us humanity & mildness, that he provided, that we use even unreasonable beasts courteously, & only employ them to serve our lawful need and no further: for he forbiddeth us to kill any tame thing bred in our houses, and that we should not kill the old beasts and their young together, and although many wild beasts enemies to mankind do assist us in our labours, yet he commanded to spare them also. And that in every point he established humanity and mildness amongst us, using (as is before said) laws to direct us therein, enacting also other, how they who infringe the foresaid laws, may be with all severity punished: for the punishment allotted to the violaters hereof, A repetition of the precepts of the law. is for the most part death: as if any man commit adultery, ravish a virgin, use the sin against nature with another, or suffer himself to be so abused. We also have laws concerning our servants, & our measures, and weights, and unlawful bargains and sales, or deceit, if either one take any thing that is an other man's, or which is not his own; all these are to be punished not as other nations punish them, but much more grievously. But whosoever either iniurieth his parents, or committeth impiety against God, he shall presently be destroyed: but they that observe this law are rewarded not with gold or silver, nor with a crown beset with precious stone, but every one having his conscience to witness, doth greatly profit and gain eternity, as both our lawmaker prophesieth, and God himself doth most assuredly promise to them that observe them. And if it chance that we be forced to suffer death for them, yet do we joyfully go to execution, nothing doubting but that we shall so exchange this life for a better: I should be loath to report this, if our The reward of such as keep the law. deeds did not make it manifest, for many of our forefathers, only for that they refused to speak against our laws, or otherwise then our laws permitted, have most manfully and constantly endured all torments and death itself. If our nation were unknown to all the world, and that this our voluntary observation of our laws, were not manifest to all people, if any man should report unto the greeks, that either he had read this which I have declared, or else that he had The continuance of the laws amongst the jews. found people in a strange land, such as we be, having so pius and honest opinions concerning God, and who had for many ages persevered therein; I doubt not but they would all admire and wonder hereat, considering the great mutability amongst themselves. To be short, their are some who stick not to deride them who have lately written of the government of commonwealths and laws, as though they had written things fabulous and altogether impossible. And that I speak nothing of other Philosophers that have written of this argument, That divine Plato amongst the greeks, a man who in honest life, virtuous speech, and Plato admired amongst the greeks. sound Philosophy, excelled all others. This man is almost continually scoffed at by them, who in their own conceit are skilful in civil affairs, and brought in as a vice in a comedy. Whereas whosoever considereth his writings with diligence, shall often and easily find matter agreeable with most men's manners: yea this Plato himself confesseth, that he dare not by reason of the common people's ignorance set down the true opinion of God. But many think Plato's words full of variety, and licentiousness, and admire Lycurgus; and every one commendeth the City Lycurgus' the lawmaker amongst the Lacedæmonians. of Sparta, for that it so long time persevered in his laws. It is therefore an evident demonstration of virtue to remain in their laws. But if those who so admire the Lacedæmonians do compare them with us, and the time during the which their laws were in force, with the time of our common wealth: they shall find that ours hath continued more than two thousand years. They shall also find that the Lacedæmonians did only perfectly observe their laws, during such time as they were in prosperity and liberty, and that when their fortune changed, that then they became unmindful of their laws. But we, who have felt many thousand mishaps by reason of the often change of princes in Asia; have not in these our last miseries and evils forsaken our law. Neither can any man say, that liberty and licentious life is the cause, why we so diligently observe them, seeing that who so please may see sufficient proof, that they tie us to more strict life and laborious, than those of the Lacedæmonians did them. For they neither tilled the earth, nor used any The jews compared with the Lacedæmonians. handy craft, but ceasing from all labours and pains taking, lived in their City far and faire-liking, having both their meat and all other necessaries provided and prepared for them by others, and esteemed that only their felicity to do or endure any thing, so that they might prevail against those against whom they enterprised wars: and that they failed also herein, I omit to rehearse. For not only one or two of them at once, but oftentimes whole companies of them, forgetting their own laws yielded themselves to their enemies. And can any one tell of (I say not so many) but of one or two of us that ever was treacherous to his own laws, or that feared to die for them, I mean not a common death, such as soldiers are subject unto, but such a death as is effected by all torments and tortures that can be devised. Which I think those that prevailed against us imposed upon us, not for hatred, but that they desired to see so admirable a matter, and to see if we being but men, and such who esteemed it the greatest impiety possible to do it, could be compelled by them to speak or do any thing contrary to our The straight laws of the Jews. laws. Yet it is no wonder that we for our law do die with such constancy, rather than any other nation: for other nations cannot abide to endure that which we account a trifle, to wit, labour, and simple fare, and that no man eat whatsoever, or what he desireth, or lie with them whom he ought not, or be idle (except he be of noble birth) or go gallantly attired: and we are always careful that when we fight against our enemy, we observe our laws concerning our meats. And thus we take pleasure to observe and keep our laws, and to exercise fortitude in obeying them. Let now Lysimachus or Molonus pass, and such as they be, wicked, lying writers, and Sophisters, deceivers of young men, and detractors of our own nation, as though we were the wickedest people living. As for me, I will not examine the laws of other nations: for it is our custom to keep and observe our own, not to detract others, yea and our lawmaker openly prohibited Moses forbiddeth to deride and blaspheme false gods only for the name of God impured unto them. The number of Gods amongst the gentle infinite. us from blaspheming such, as other nations hold for gods, only for the name of God attributed unto them: yet may we not leave the objections of our accusers unanswered, seeing that which we are to speak against them, is not our own device, but many before us have spoken it. Who then of all the wise greeks will not condemn the most famous Poets, and especially the lawmakers, who at first brought and settled such vain opinions of the gods amongst the common people? affirming the number of them to be so many as they thought good, and to be borne at divers times one of another; allotting to every one his proper place, as unto other living creatures, some to be under the earth, others in the sea, and the ancientest amongst them in Hell, fettered and bound, and those whom they place in heaven, in words, they do term him a father, but in deeds they show him to be a tyrant, and for this cause they report that his wife, his brother, and his daughter, whom they affirm to have been borne of his brain, conspired against him to bind him, and hang him, as they report him also, to have dealt by his father. The fable of jupiter and Pallas. Against these vanities all excellent and wise men do worthily inveigh, who beside this already rehearsed too in derision, add, how some of the gods are young, and some old, and some infants, others are gods of arts and sciences, and one is a Smith, another a Weaver, another a Pilgrim, and is at variance with mortal men, others delight in music, others in shooting: moreover that they are at variance one with another amongst themselves, and that they fall our one with another in men's behalf, and that not only one of them layeth violent hands upon the other, but that also they are wounded by mortal men, and sorrow, & feel grief for the wounds; and that which is most abominable of all, do use carnal copulation with mankind, and that most undecently, that their unbridled lust is extended both to men and women. Then that their chief jupiter. God of all, whom they call father; contemned and drowned certain women whom he himself had deceived and gotten with child, and that he could not deliver the children borne of these women from calamity, for that destiny had obliged him, not see their deaths without tears. This is all good stuff, as also is that which followeth, to wit, adulteries committed in heaven, so openly, and impudently amongst the gods, that some profess themselves to envy their fellow gods and goddesses tied together in such filthiness. And what should the rest of them do, when as their king and the most ancientest amongst them, could not refrain his lustful licentiosnesse from the company of women? Moreover, some of them became servants unto men, and some built houses for money, and others became shepherds, others like malefactors were chained in hell. What man then that ever was accounted wise, would not blush at these follies, and reprove the inventors thereof, and the foolish believers also? Others presumed to feign both terror, and fear, and madness, and such simplicity, as that they might be deceived, and all other naughty passions to be found in the nature of their gods, & have persuaded whole cities to offer sacrifices to the most noble amongst them. And they are in great perplexity, thinking that some of the gods are the givers of all good things, others again to be their enemies, and so seek to please them with gifts as they would do wicked men; and they are verily persuaded, that they shall sustain great damage by their means, except they do daily pacify their wrath by frequent gifts. What is the cause of this shameful ignorance, and erroneous iniquity concerning What is the cause of such error concerning God. God? Truly I am persuaded, for that their first lawmakers were themselves herein to seek, and ignorant of the nature of God, and that they did not faithfully deliver unto their common wealth, so much as themselves knew concerning this point: but as thought it had been a thing of least moment, did wilfully let it pass, giving licence to Poets, and permitting them to deify and make gods whom they pleased, and that the Orators should write of the common wealth's affairs, and tell what them liked of strange gods. Moreover, the painters and image-makers amongst Poets and pain ter cause the multitude of gods: the Greeks, had a great hand in making of gods, it being lawful for them every one to frame what shape he list, and how he list, some of earth, others in colours: and the chiefest godmakers amongst them use ivory and gold to make their gods of; a true argument of their mutable novelty. And then the ancient gods whom they first so honoured and reverenced as they could possibly devise, being now withered with age, are out of credit, and other youngsters possess their places and honours: their temples also some are desolate, others newly erected, as men pleased. Whereas chose they ought most constantly to keep their opinion of God, and his religion. Appolonius Molon was one of these proud fools, but those Grecians that followed true Philosophy, knew all that is already said, and the cold reasons of this allegory, and therefore did justly despise them, and agreed with us in the true and decent opinion of god's nature. Which Plato well seeing, affirmeth that Poets are not to be permitted in a common wealth, and sendeth Plato decreed that no poet should be permitted in a common wealth. Homer away very honourably crowned and anointed, lest that he with fables should destroy or deprave the true opinion of God. For Plato of all others especially imitated our lawmaker, as he did herein also, commanding all his Citizens that all of them should perfectly learn his laws, and that for no casualty, any strange foreign custom should be admitted into their City, but that their common wealth should be pure, and they persist in the observation of their laws. But Appolonius Molon not respecting this, inveigheth against us, for not receiving into our society men of strange opinions or religion, whereas not only we do so, but commonly all greeks, yea and the most prudent amongst them. The Lacedæmonians did expel all strangers, and did not permit their Citizens to travel into other countries, fearing that by both these ways their laws might be corrupted. They therefore are to be spoken against rather than we, seeing they neither admit strangers to converse with them, nor to inhabit amongst them, no The Lacedæmonians did expel all strangers. nor impart their religion unto them, but we though not desirous to learn other nations religigion, yet do we not deny to impart ours to strangers that desire to embrace it, which if I be not deceived is a token of magnanimity, and clemencle in us, but this shall suffice concerning the Lacedæmonians. Apollonius was ignorant how matters stood with the Athenians, who boast The Athenians manners. that their city is free for all nations, for they did most severely and without all mercy punish those that did but speak any word against their God. For what was the cause of Socrates his death? he neither betrayed the city to enemies, nor destroyed their temples, but only swore by a strange oath, which as he said (whether in jest or in earnest) a devil taught him, and for this offence was Socrates a citizen of Athens. he put to death, by drinking hemlock: his accusers alleging, that he corrupted young men, and contemned the laws, and religion of his country. And this Socrates sustained being a citizen of Athens. Anaxagoras was of Clazomenia, and for that he affirmed the sun which the Athenians worshipped for God, to be a fiery stone, he was by the sentence of some few condemned to die. They Anaxagoras. also proclaimed, that whosoever would kill Diagoras of Melus should be rewarded with a talon for his labour, only for that this Diagoras was said to deride their mysteries: Protagoras also had been by them taken and put to death, had he not made quick escape, only for that they supposed him to have written certain doubts of the Athenian Gods. And what wonder is it that they A talon is 600 crowns. so used these famous men, who spared not to use the like cruelty upon women? For they killed a priest, for that some accused her to worship strange Gods, and their law appointed, that who so did introduce strange Gods into their city, should be punished with death. It is therefore evident, that they who enacted such straight laws, did not believe the Gods of other nations to be Gods, for had they believed in them, they would not have deprived themselves of the benefit of many Gods. The very Scythians (who delight in manslaughter, so that they very little differ from bruit beasts) yet do they think themselves bound to maintain their own laws, as best, The Scythians. so that they slew Anacharsis a famous Greek, that came unto them, only for that he seemed to attribute too much unto the Grecian Gods, yea thou mayst find many amongst the Persians, who for this cause have been tortured: And it is evident that Appolonius approved the Persian laws, for when the Greeks admitted their fortitude and concord of opinions concerning God, The Persians manners. I mean the fortitude they showed in the burning of their temples, this Appolonius in all things imitated the Persians, violating other men's wives, and putting out their children's eyes. Whereas our laws adjudge him to death that so useth unreasonable beasts: And neither the fear and terror of potentates, nor the favour of them whom all men reverence, could ever cause us to The jews constancy in their laws. forsake or abandon these laws, neither do we exercise fortitude, to the end to deprive other men of their goods and fortunes by war, but to keep our own laws, and we who patiently put up all other injury, yet if any man do in our religion provoke us, we presently seek revenge, not respecting our own ability, yea though thereby we work our own utter ruin and calamity. What therefore should move us to imitate the laws of other nations, when they that made those laws (yea even the lawmakers themselves) did transgress them? Or how can the Lacedæmonians Against the lawmakers of the Gentiles. avoid reproach for their inhospitality, & neglecting marriage? Or the Elians and Thebans for accompanying with men, contrary to the law of nature, which fact most shameful, they deemed good & necessary. Yea not content to do so themselves, they also ascribed the like unto their gods to be done by them (which the Greeks also now of late have done) & for this cause they refused to The injustice of lawmakers. marry with their own women, judging their satisfaction to be contrary to the prescript of nature: But I will speak no more of punishment, neither how great malefactors those first lawmakers freed from punishment, being bribed with money, & how unjust they were in the laws appertaining to wedlock. It is long to examine how great occasions of impiety they gave. For many have already long ago forsaken their laws, which cannot be said of us, who for our laws have suffered loss of our cities, fortunes and lives, we keeping and persisting in our laws even unto death, & if any jew The jews strict observation of the law. be in a strange country where there is a tyrant king, yet doth not he so fear him that he would for his command any jot transgress our laws; if therefore we do valorously endure thus much for our laws, all men must needs grant our laws to be very good, but if they say we suffer all these calamities for to maintain wicked or naughty laws, what punishment are they not worthy of, who having (as they say) better laws than we, do so easily forsake them, whereas we do maintain ours even with our own lives? But seeing antiquity of lawesis the greatest argument to prone their goodness, I will set down of what antiquity our laws are, together with our lawmakers opinion of the Deity; if therefore any one compare our laws with the laws of all nations, The jews laws are of great antiquity. he shall find that ours are of more antiquity than theirs by many ages. For our laws established amongst us have been imitated of all other nations: For though the first Greeks did colourably observe laws, yet all their Philosophers did imitate ours, and our opinions of God, and The laws of the Gentiles. in humility taught others communion of life, and conversation, yea the common people did long since imitate our piety, neither is there any nation either greeks or Barbarians, who have not after some manner observed a Sabaoth as we do, and fasting days, and candlesticks with light, all which they learned of us, yea many do also observe our customs concerning their meats, and our unity and concord, wherein we excel all other nations, our community also and industry in arts and labours, and sufferance for our laws. And which is most to be admired, our law, not having any to force us to observe it, hath so obliged our hearts, that as God is of all the world honoured without compulsion, so are our laws amongst us all, we not forced thereunto: And whosoever doth diligently consider his own nation and family, shall find that which I have reported, to be true: I will now generally reprehend the voluntary malice of all men, for either they mean that we having these good laws do yet little esteem them, and follow worse, The Epilogue of this book. or if they do not so mean, let them hold their malicious tongue from any further calumniatiation: For I do not take upon me the defence of this cause, for that I bear any hatred to any man, but for that I and all jews do honour and reverence our lawmaker, and believe that whatsoever he prophesied proceeded from God, yea although ourselves did not know the goodness of our laws yet the multitude of them that imitate them were a sufficient motive to induce us thereunto. But I have at large and with all sincerity discoursed our laws, and commonwealth in my books of our antiquity. And I now again have made mention of them neither in contumely of other nations, nor in praise of our own, but only to reprove such as have most maliciously The cause why joseph writ these books against Apion. A brief rehearsal of all that is above. said. and impudently belied us, contrary to the known truth: And I think I have already fully performed th●… which I promised. For I have showed our nation (contrary to their affirmations) to be most ancient, which I have proved by the testimony of many ancient writers, who in their works have mentioned us. Our adversaries affirm us to have come of Egyptians, I have showed that our forefathers came into Egypt out of some other place. They allege that we were expelled Egypt for The intention of the jews laws. their misery, in that they were infected with disease; I have proved that they came from thence to their own country, by means of their own prowess and force, of their own accord: Others labour to defame our lawmaker as a wicked person, whose virtue many of ancient times, & so long time as hath been since him, do witness. It is not needful to speak more largely of our laws: for they by themselves appear pious and good, & such as do not invite or incite us to the hatred of other nations, but rather to communion and friendshp, being both enemies to iniquity, and commanders of justice, banishers of luxuriousness, and teachers of frugality and labour: forbidding all wars enterprised for avarice, and preparing the people to show fortitude in them, and for them, inflicting inevitable punishment upon their transgressors, not easily to be deceived by gloasings speeches, and executing in action, all that they in word command: yea amongst us the execution of them & observation is more ready than the words of them: I therefore confidently affirm that we do teach more pious and virtuous manners than other nations The origen of the jews laws. do. For what can be better than inviolate piety? What more just then to obey the law? what more profitable and commodious, then to be at unity and peace amongst ourselves, and neither to forsake one another in calamity, nor injury one another in prosperity, to contemn and despise death in time of war, and in peace to labour and till our grounds, & to use other arts and works, and always to think and believe, that God beholdeth all our actions, and ruleth and disposeth all things? If this be either written or reserved by any one before this time, we are then to thank them as being their scholars, but if they are known never before to have been extant, than we are known to be the first authors and inventors of it. Let therefore all Apions and Moions go, and all others that with them are convicted of lying and slandering. And this bookeiss written to the Epaphroditus who lovest the truth, and to others who by thee will, or are desirous to know the same. DESIDERIUS ERASMUS ROTERODAMUS TO THE MOST VIRTUOUS AND LEARNED FATHER, HELIAS MARCEUS, THE MACHABAETAN RULER OF THE RENOWNED COLLEGE OF THE MACHABAES'. I Have not grudged virtuous Father, to dedicate unto thee a days labour, wherein I have perused and what in me lieth amended, the book which joseph writ of the seven Maccabees, brethren: And would it had lain in my power more abundantly, to have answered your expectation: I have now (for that I counted the Greek copy) by the Latin conjectured the Greek, and altered some things, yet but very few. joseph doth not falfely boast himself to have attained to the excellency of the Greek tongue, and this book will sufficiently witness the same, wherein he showed both great vanity, and Emphasis, in so much as he seemeth to have handled that famous work with eloquent style and ornament of discourse. Saint Jerome for this cause entitleth this book great eloquence, Suidas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of them both we amend the corrupted title & call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is of the rule of reason, for the scope of this book tendeth all to prove, that reason is of no force in man; except it bear sovereignty over all our inordinate appetites. This is most evidently proved by the books of the Maccabees, in the Scripture, which books the jews do not receive as Canonical, yet do they account it amongst their sacred writ. I cannot but congratulate this worthy College (which though famous for many other things yet is more happy) for that it is so blessed, as to enjoy so worthy and unspeakable a treasure. Or rather all Colonia Agrippina, that happy and fortunate City, yet in nothing more happy, then for that it alone doth in her bosom shrine so many, so sacred, and excellent pledges of piety, yet should it be more happy if it could express their virtues, whose sacred relics it so religiously keepeth, and imitate their manners whose bodies it possesseth, to wit, if in sincerity of religion it imitated the piety of three Kings, and the sacred purity of the eleven Virgins, if it resembled the most valiant young men the Machabes, and the invincible courage of that woman, whose valorous constancy no misery could conquer. And this best portion and part of her felicity, this worthy City might bestow upon herself, yea and double the same. Do thou go forward in that which thou hast in hand, to wit, in spreading the praise of those Martyrs, making that virtuous example more commendable, and your City more famous. Farewell FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS OF THE RULE OF REASON, A MOST ELOQVENT BOOK, CORRECTED BY DESIDERIUS ERASMUS, MOST LIVELY SETTING DOWN THE MARTYRDOM OF THE MACCABEES. I Am upon the instant request of Polybius of Megalopolis, to commit to writing the constant suffering of the Maccabees, worthy all admiration, not in a Rhetorical and pleasing style, but rather after our own Country fashion, thereby to exhort our nation patience in their calamities. But first of all, it is necessary for us to speak something of reason, and assign unto it the power & virtue to deliberate. For he who hath once fully determined to suffer all misery for God's sake, is in my opinion already a Martyr: it is therefore a great merit once to have so determined, and therefore as is above said, reason beareth the rule of all inferior passions, and then if destiny deny us opportunity to suffer, yet have we suffered all because we purposed to suffer all. Who so therefore will renounce the world, Reason hath dominion over our passions. and aspire only to celestial things, he must first exercise sobriety, banish gluttony, with his page lasciviousness, and all other such like vices as may possess and captive the mind, he must likewise mount-up unto the top of virtues tower, that after he may from thence war against the vices of this body, fear, and grief, the first whereof assaulteth us when we begin, and the last when we have begun. There are many examples of the valiant soldiers of God, which I would use, but that the ornaments sprung from the womb of one woman may suffice me, which she brought forth not at one birth, but with the same piety and zeal. And first I will speak of Eleazar, the cause and example of their passion, and then I will relate what tortures and torments their The death of the seven brethren and their mother. mother endured, yet cannot man but only God determine, who amongst them was first, and who last in this noble agony. They therefore being all settled in one opinion, resembling one an other more in mind than they did in body, duly considered the frailty of this life, and therefore neither delighted in the flatteries of this world, nor any alluring enchantments thereof. They showed themselves not to esteem of torments, fetters, nor no other sort of tortures imposed upon them, and to return to our first saying, they premeditated patience, to endure whatsoever the judges cruelty could devise. I will there in what I may, praise the fortitude of these brethren, or rather I will with all truth rehearse the most worthy agony of these holy men, which deserveth all commendations, and setting all adulation a part, prosecute with a bare Historical narration the manner of their martyrdom. But before I begin to declare the death of nobility, I will a little entreat of reason, which as I have affirmed is no small motive to martyrdom. Reason it is, that maketh us observe fasts and use abstinence, it is reason that maketh us despise money, and by it we are taught not to account of The description of reason and wisdom. dignities and honours, which all men generally aim at, yea reasons gift it is that we do resist the heat of lustful desires. Hence cometh it, that having once overcome such things as the flesh delighteth in, we find ourselves a little able to resist, we also learn to despise pains & torments, and so resolve to suffer all things that shall be imposed upon us. Which that it may more plainly appear, let us search out the cause of this order, and we shall find wisdom to be the cause hereof. For no man can determine and distinguish good from evil that is not endued with wisdom, this wisdom is always accompanied with justice, and justice is still joined with virtue, and virtue and temperance cannot be separated; so that this wisdom consisteth upon four parts. Besides these, there are two things that either do cause or hinder passion, to wit, pain and pleasure, Grief and pain cause or hinder passion. one of the which we do always refuse, and the other we always desire; yet where pleasure ariseth and is presently by reasons rule put away, the mind is there strengthened; and pain compared with glory is through hope of a greater reward contemned before it come, and being come, our mind is ashamed not to suffer that which it was before resolved to do, for reason therefore is the guide of all our actions, and by it we despise torments and detest vice, which like a skilful ●…usbandman pruneth and cutteth away superfluous branches, and killeth the heat Reason resembleth a skilful gardener. of all corrupt and hurtful humours, only leaving that to remain in use, which may someway be profitable unto us. Thus reason purifieth us by passion, encouraging to suffer, and in our suffering and agony strengthening us. Who is not desirous to eat of the flesh of wild beasts and fishes? And who lusteth not to eat of feathered souls? nay, do not the dainty dishes gotten either in Sea or land invite us to eat of them? What then causeth us to abstain from them? that all men desire them, yet no man eateth them? Even in this thing the mind is taught to overcome itself in delightful objects, and so to bridle all pleasure, that when occasion of martyrdom is offered, the mind setting aside all vanities, will not for a little pleasure forget his accustomed virtue. For this An instance of Joseph's chastity. cause was joseph justly praised in that he was not overcome by lust, which reigneth in a youthful body, this reason so worketh with sound advise and mature counsel, that it again recovereth lost friendship and getteth new, and suffereth no cruelty to be committed. Of this we have also the example of Moses who had he not just occasion to be angry against Dathan and Abiram, reason (no doubt) would have caused him to have smothered all grief of mind. Did not our father jacob with great vehemency reprove his sons Simon and Levi, that without reason they had used such cruelty, saying, cursed be your anger? which anger and wrath of theirs, had it been bridled with reason, neither had they been cursed, nor the other had perished. For this cause God the maker of mankind, when he fashioned us and our manners, having finished all lineaments of the body, he now placed the mind to be in it, and to rule it, leaving it certain precepts to observe and keep, to wit, temperance, and to embrace and follow that which is good and cleave unto justice, and rule and bridle all passions in the body subject unto it, and observe the precepts of God. But some will ask me wherefore we offer to commit wickedness, seeing that reason ruleth our passion? But it is a ridiculous thing to think that reason so ruleth, for reason's rule cannot hinder the appetite from desire, but only correct desire and so prevail that it suffer with patience the loss or abstinence from such things as it desired. For example sake, reason cannot hinder thee from being angry, but it can so work that thou commit no impiety when thou art angry, in like manner it cannot hinder thee from desiring filthy pleasure, yet can it cause thee not to yield unto it. Reason therefore cannot utterly extinguish vice, but only bridleth it. Witness in this the An instance of David's christ. example of holy David, who fight against strangers with great success and being at evening weary and faint, he came unto his princely tabernacle, that was guarded by his soldiers, where Samuel. 2. 28. he found them all at meat, yet himself being thirsty, durst not drink, notwithstanding water was hard by, only for that religion dissuaded him, for he had vowed not to drink before he had conquered his enemies. He also forbade his men to drink, so that they might fight more courageously, if not for that they were valiant, at least for that they might so have drink. Whilst thus his thirst increased, three young men of strong bodies armed themselves, and taking with them a vessel to put water in, they went unto the enemy's camp, and there assaulted the watchmen, who for fear of death fled, and so they passed thorough the camp till such time as they came where the water was, and taking some from thence, they brought it to the king. But holy David David in his thirst refused to drink the water he so desired. so bridled his human appetite, that by reason he quenched his desire, and showed an excellent token of patience, teaching how the fear of God was to be preferred before all things. For taking the water he had much wished for, and which had been gotten with such danger, he presently powered it on the ground, as a sacrifice to God, choosing rather to die for thirst, then to offend the divine majesty: yet reason is not so forcible, that it is able without due consideration to repress the inordinate motions of the mind, and mitigate the grief of the body. But it is now time to come to our history, yet is not this former discourse to be thought impertinent, for that it is somewhat appertaining to the matter ensuing. Such was the wisdom and fidelity Seleucus and Nicanor. of our forefathers, that Seleucus king of Asia enriched our priests, and being a man of another religion did ascribe all his actions and worthy deeds, to the religion and faith of our ancestors. But wicked men's madness could not herewith be satisfied. For one Simon hating the Simon a traitor to his country. high priest Onias, and finding no ways or means to be revenged of him in his own country, he went unto Appolonius Governor of Syria, Phoenicia, and Cilicia, and before him in a public assembly told him, that he could help the king to an infinite treasure, for (quoth he) there is hidden in jerusalem an infinite deal of gold and silver, which by right belongeth unto king Seleucus: Appolonius hearing this, praised and commended Simon, and confiscated the gold and silver to the treasure house of Seleucus, and having authority from the king to get it, he levied Appolonius captain of Syria came with an army to jerusalem. an army, and so accompanied with Simon came unto our country, purposing if any violence were offered, to use the defence of his soldiers. When the treasure house of our temple was now a sacking, Onias wept bitterly and said, that it was a heavy sight to them to whom this treasure was committed, to see it, or any part of it taken away. But Appolonius neither respecting the tears and entreaties of the old men, women, nor children, pressed into the temple, they all praying God to punish him and to defend their temple. Being now with a great guard of armed men entered into the holy temple, there appeared certain angels on horseback with weapons in Angels upon horses shining with fiery brightness. their hands, and shining with a fiery flame about them, and they daunted the courage of this infidel Appolonius, who presently fell down flat upon his face, and lying so a great while, at last he came a little to himself, and rising up he leaned upon his shoulder who kept the temple, not being able to stand alone, he was so terrified with the vision he had seen. When he came a little to himself and was in some hope of recovery, he stretched both his hands towards heaven, and himself despairing to obtain pardon for his offence committed, he besought the Hebrews (to spoil whose temple he came) to make intercession for him, himself with tears craving pardon for his offence, and not only acknowledging his fault, but also confessing himself to have deserved death, and all punishment possible. Holy Onias seeing this, and fearing Onias by prayers obtained Appolonius his life. also that if Appolonius should then die, the Hebrews would be suspected to have made him away, he made prayers to God for him, and so obtained his enemy's life. Appolonius presently hasted to Seleucus to let him understand what had happened, but when he came he found Seleucus dead, and Antiochus reigning in his steed, a man of tyrannous nature, who bore an ancient grudge to Onias the high priest, and therefore made jason his brother high priest in his steed. jason promising Antiochus in am of this good turn to pay him three thousand six hundredth and Antiochus his rage against the jews. threescore talents of silver every year. This jason being now made high priest and chief amongst all the nation of the jews, he presently forced all the people to impiety, and to forsake religion; so that to build baths he hindered the defence and building of the temple, and all Doctors of our nation conspired with him in this iniquity. But hereat God was presently wroth, who being displeased, it was not needful to seek foreign enemies, for Antiochus himself was incited to rage against them. Who warring against Ptolomaeus king of Egypt, he heard it reported that the jews did deem him to be dead, yet was he very gallantly entertained by the inhabitants of jerusalem, and presently after the fight, he made an edict, that who so amongst the jews refused to offer sacrifice to the gods, that he should presently die upon the wheel. But the godly minded of our nation did little esteem this edict, yea the women circumcising their infants (as our law requireth) did afterward cast themselves down headlong, to the end that they might so obtain a present death without longer delay. Antiochus perceiving that the severity of his edict could not compel the Hebrews to forsake their religion, but that men voluntarily did choose death; he sitting in an eminent place from whence all the jews might behold him, call all of them together he caused swine's flesh to be sacrificed upon the altar, and to be offered to every Hebrew to eat. Amongst this whole multitude assembled from all places, was one Eleazar a priest well instructed Eleazar is brought unto Antiochus. 〈◊〉 Macch. 6. Antiochus his exhortation to Eleazar. in learning and the fear of God, a man of aged years, and of a very reverent countenance, one that was known to all men and famous for his virtue. To this man Antiochus said thus: Be advised by me holy old man, to eschew those torments prepared for such as are obstinate, preserve thy reverent age and contemn not the benefit of this life, take the sacrifice and eat of the swine's flesh: for it is contrary to all wise men's advice to credit the jews opinions, and to refuse that meat, which nature hath as well ordained for mankind as any other. We show ourselves ungrateful for God's benefits, who contemn his graces and make difference where nature hath made none, or what reason is there to show that this beast is more abominable than others? Either all beasts are to be eaten or else all to be eschewed, it is superstition and idleness to bar ourselves from any thing by a law, when we have no other for it but our will. Set apart those vain and sottish opinions, and at least in this venerable age change thy opinion into better. Or suppose your laws are forcible and to be observed, yet will they excuse thee, seeing thou dost not sin voluntarily but by compulsion. Eleazar being permitted to speak, thus replied to Antiochus, who both exhorted and forced him to breach of his laws. We Antiochus do not follow a vain report, but we observe Eleazar's answer to Antiochus. the verity of religion which our fathers kept, and fear of torments cannot make us embrace an other religion, and forsake our own, yea suppose our religion delivered to us by our forefathers had no firm grounds, yet would I in nothing, no not compelled by torments, forsake it. Do not esteem it a small matter to eat impious meat, and to taste of that which is sacrificed to the Idols, for it is a profane thing to touch things that are profane. Our law condemneth your philosophy wherein he is most ignorant that thinketh himself most wise. We are taught to embrace sobriety, to subdue in us all inordinate appetite, to keep our bodies chaste, and to suffer with patience whatsoever for God's sake is inflicted upon us, and not to deny the truth, justice or piety, or God who alone is true: and therefore I refuse this profane meat, well knowing what I ought to eat, as warranted therein by the precept of Almighty God, whose laws I have learned to obey, and eschew all meats sacrificed unto Idols, and embrace with all my force that which is expedient for the soul, it is open tyranny to compel any one to that which religion forbiddeth, and to command that which is contrary to justice. Do what thou wilt, mock at thy pleasure, yet shalt thou be more derided than thou thyself deridest. I will persist in the holy steps of my forefathers; notwithstanding thou therefore with tyrannous hands pluck out mine eyes, and with a sharp knife rip up my entrails, thou shalt never conquer me. I will die safe and sound, and patient in the love of God, neither flatter thyself for that I am aged, and that my body is now feeble: if need be that I must be sacrificed for God's sake, thou should find me in these years as lusty as a child, as constant as a young man, yea & most joyful in torments and prepare an extraordinary fire for me, or what else soever, thou shalt find me more constant midst torments, than now I am before I came to them. O sacred religion I will never violate thee Eleazar constancy. the foundation of my salvation, the defence of the believer, the ground of faith, never will I lift up my hands contrary to thy precepts; never will I believe any thing to be just, which is repugnant to that which thou hast taught me, I will not lose the merit of so many years, nor relinquish the faith I have hitherto embraced. The chaste, pure, & devout company of fathers shall receive me into their number where I shall not fear (O impious king) thy threats. But thou hast changed the name of king to tyrant, yet thou shalt never allege against me my deed, my consent, my word. Whilst Eleazar full of constancy and liberty spoke thus, the soldiers that stood there about hailed him to be tortured, and stripping him naked, they hanged him up, and whipped him, and Eleazar cruelly whipped. whilst on either side he was beaten, a crier with an impious voice still cried unto him, obey the king's pleasure and command. But worthy Eleazar was not overcome by torment, but suffered all tortures, as though he had been in rest and sleep, and did manfully and without fear endure all torments, and fixing his venerable eyes upon heaven, he knew in whom he believed, and to whom he sacrificed his soul, and beholding the flesh on each side rend and torn from his body, and the blood issuing out in great abundance, he admired his own patience, and thanked God the author thereof. At last feeling in himself the frailty of all flesh (which is scarcely able to endure so sharp torments.) he fell upon his face, which with stripes was all rent and torn, still glorifying God, as he did before his fall. Then one of the soldiers to gratify the king, did like a mad man spurn and tread upon him, thereby to increase his torments more. But Eleazar both strong in body and mind, did like a right champion of the true God, never shrink at those pains, but this patient old man did by patience overcome the cruelty of his tormentors, so that even the torturers themselnes admired that he endured so many torments. Then the king's officers coming unto him said, how long Eleazar wilt thou neglect to obey the king, & to free thyself from torments? eat of the flesh of swine, & redeem thyself from all thou endurest. Eleazar although in this martyrdom he had been silent, yet could he not without answering endure to hear so profane counsel, but as tormented with this speech, he cried out. We sons of the Hebrews are not so effeminate as to forsake the way of our salvation, wherein we have walked even until our old age, neither are we taught for the avoiding of contumely which will not long continue, to give others example and occasion to sin, it is but a while that this life is to continue, so that we forsake but a small trifle, yet hope we for that which is of great moment. Wilt thou tyrant esteem of us if we should yield unto thee? nay thou mightest justly reprove our inconstancy. We will therefore die and resign our souls (O venerable father Abraham) into thy bosom. The soldiers seeing his constancy, did by the kings command cast him into the fire, and powered stinking and loathsome liquors into his nostrils. All which this reverent old man did Eleazar's last words in the fire. most willingly suffer, and so was consumed with the flame: yet when nature began to fail, he spoke after this manner, lifting up his dazzled eyes to heaven. Thou art he O God, from whom life and salvation proceedeth, behold I die for observing thy laws, be merciful unto this thy nation, and do not forsake them whom thou hast hitherto protected, even in thy bosom, and under the shadow of the wings of thy clemency, let my death end all misery, and pacify thy wrath bend against our whole nation for their offences, receive me for them all, and bestow them all upon me. And amidst these speeches he joyfully yielded up the Ghost. It is most true therefore which we at first affirmed, to wit, that the enduring of pains and torments is wrought by our reason's lore, which once determined and resolved, maketh a prosperous suffering of pains with all patience, who wisely advising men to that which is best, doth settle & confirm our opinions Reason's victory. to follow it. If therefore reason and the inferior powers be at variance, we must subject them to reason if we will make a perfect victory. With this guide of reason our father Eleazar was most safely directed, neither to be overcome with pains, nor to give place unto unlawful enticements and allurements, he saved the ship of his body, from all shipwreck that might arise by the tempestuous storms of vanity, and suffered himself with no contrary wind to be driven from the right course: yea though it was tossed upon the waves of tyranny, yet did it remain sound and unbroken, and keeping a direct course, arrived in the haven of salvation. Never any man did seek so valiantly to defend his City from an enemy, as this holy old man did his soul, who amongst stripes, crosses and flames, was still the same man he was before. For as the top of a high rock standeth safe, and resisteth the wave without any damage unto itself; even so did the rock of reason in this man beat back the rage of those tempestuous waves that did beat against his body, not permitting them to break in and pierce the celestial and divine power of the soul. O happy old man, more blessed than all of thy age, A similitude taken from the rock. O priest more sacred than all other priests, who didst not pollute thy sacred lips with profane meats, impiety found no entrance that way, from whence so many prayers to God had proceeded. The tyrant's cruelty could not prevail against thee, thou therefore art made an example Eleazar's praise. for all priests of God to imitate. Such a one behoved it a priest to be, more strong than torments, more able to suffer then the torturers to inflict punishment, more forcible than princes commands, yea and more potent than the fire, wherein thou didst perish: and finally thou wast ordained to be crowned with the laurel of martyrdom for thy sufferance. Thou hast surpassed all antiquity, thou shalt be an example to all posterity. If then feeble old age wherein all strength and heat of body was extinguished, now unfit to suffer torments (as being already broken with age) could by the advice of reason endure so many torments, so many miseries, who dare deny reason to be the chief cause of our sufferance? We have seen that all cruelty hath been overcome by a determination to persist in the service and fear of God, yet many affirm that not all men who use the advice of reason are able to undergo such agonies, but their assertion is vain, and of no force: for most evident it is that he only is overcome by pain, whom wisdom hath not armed with patience. And no marvel if he who rashly enterprise so weighty a matter, and with due consideration, do at last forsake and repent himself of that which he so unadvisedly undertook. But if we with due advice and deliberation arm ourselves; it is not an easy matter to remove us by any misfortune from our determination; when we make account that misfortune will betide us, we are not easily dismayed thereat when it doth beride, for that nothing befell us that we expected not. Therefore he that is wise and valiant is able to conquer his passions; for that he doth well deli berate, and when he cometh to his agony can put his determination in execution. Neither is the wisdom of this old man so much to be admired, seeing children and as it were infants have so deserved commendations in this point, that they did work astonishment in their tormentors; for the courage and cruelty of Antiochus, being overcome by the wisdom of old age, was Antiochus caused seven noble young men of the Hebrews and their mother to be brought to Antioch. 2. Macch. 7. now the more increased, and by wicked counsel caused seven worthy children of the Hebrews to be brought unto Antioch, out of their Castle Sosandrum, who being young in years, and so as he thought, weak and unable to suffer torments, his hope was that either by persuasions or terror of tortures, he might force them to renounce their religion. He therefore commanded these seven, together with their mother Salomona who now grew well in years, to be brought before him: so they according to his command were brought, being of excellent beauty and worthy children of so virtuous a mother; yea they resembled angels, their faces shining like the clear light of the Sun, their eyes sparkled in most comely and decent manner, as testifying that they surpassed in virtue all other of human race and condition. She was descended of most virtuous and noble parentage, and so she herself had continued and lived; but that excellent feature of body, enriched with nobility of blood and dignity, was now also made more noble by virtue and fortitude, wherein she passed all other things that could be said in her commendations. The tyrant beholding them and their mother amongst them, with merry and gladsome countenance, he thus craftily spoke unto the children. I wish your good (O admirable youngmen) The king's exhortation to the seven brethren. for so both your beauty of body and noble parentage persuade me: do not therefore like mad men resist my command, avoid not only torments, but death also. For I desire not only to exalt you unto honour, but also to increase your riches and possessions; contemn the superstitious and superfluous belief of your Countrymen, and embrace our religion: Which if you refuse to do (as I hope you will not) I will devise all torments, whereby I may by a linger and painful death consume you. And to the end to terrify them the more, he commanded all instruments of torment to be presented unto their view and eyesight: So wheels, rods, hooks, rakes, racks, caudrons, cag●…, gridirons, were brought forth; and engines to torment the fingers and hands, gauntlets, awls, bellows, brazen pots, and frying pans: for these are the names which we find. For that which I term bellows, was a thin plate of iron to kindle or blow the fire with like a fan, and far more horrible devices of torments were showed unto them too long to rehearse, whereof they having had a sight, Antiochus said. Consent unto me, O prudent young men: for if that I command you to commit a sin; yet do you not offend in doing it, seeing you commit it only upon compulsion. But the young The young men's constancy. youths inflamed with a divine spirit and sense, contemned so many kinds of torments, and despised the tyrant's threats and flatteries, and most godly (for they gave him no just occasion) they did drive the tyrant into a greater rage. And by this it is evident how reason is master over passion: for if any slothful man not before trained up to it, should of a sudden come to such a push, at the very sight of such torments his mind would have been troubled, and his countenance appalled, his legs under him would have trembled, and he with fear confounded: so that he would have presently stepped back from such an agony, & would forthwith have alleged himself unable to bear so many & so grievous torments saying. Myself being unwise, what should I have made choice of? Whether to endure those torments, or accept of the promised benefits? Whether should I have been moved to pity mine own age, or to compassionate my mother? God would not have denied pardon for this deed I being forced thereunto, and by doing it though against my will, I shall get the King's favour. But where reason and advise taketh place, and hath well trained the mind to perfection, the other consequently followeth: As by the example of The seven brethren reply unto Antiochus. these brethren I will declare, who as it were all with one voice denied to eat of the sacrificed swine's flesh, as they were commanded. Wherefore (said they) O tyrant dost thou persecute us that are innocent? We both desire and wish to die, and will until such time as death expelleth life, firmly keep that which God commanded and Moses taught us. And thou tyrant, do not seek to seduce us by protesting feigned love towards us: thou lover of injustice, master of cruelty, deviser of iniquity, the pardon which thou dost offer is to us more painful than punishment: we are armed with contempt of death, and esteem not thy words, as being by our late master Eleazar taught to despise them. Why then dost thou esteem such pusillanimity to be in us young men, seeing of late thou foundest such courage in an old man? We follow him, thou canst not try and know our minds, except by tearing our bodies, thou search them out: we will safely and securely suffer for our God any thing, and leaving this earth we shall be entertained into heaven; and thou for so tyrannising most cruelly upon innocent souls shalt be reserved to eternal fire. The tyrant greatly moved, to see that he could neither prevail by fair promises nor by threatenings, he caused them to be beaten with bulls peasels: & first of all he commanded Macchabeus the eldest of the seven brethren to be stripped, and stretched out upon a rack, and his hands to be bound behind him, and then to be most cruelly beaten, who wearied his tormentors by Antiochus commanded Macchabeus to be racked. suffering (so great the force of virtue is) so that they desired more to leave beating him, than he requested they should leave. This done, he was put upon a wheel, and a weight hanged at his feet, and so stretched round about it, that his sinews and entrails broke, and so his pains increased: yet he being overcome with pain, his mouth was not for all this stopped or hindered from calling upon God, who beheld all; and reproving the tyrant who devised those torments for the innocents, and taking strength, he is said to have cried out after this manner. Bloody tyrant, who persecutest the majesty of God, I whom thou thus tormentest, am no Witch, nor one who have murdered and killed another man, but one who dies for justice observing the law, & for charity. Then when the torturers overcome with compassion, willed him to submit himself unto the King's pleasure, he answered: O ye wicked ministers of tyranny! your wheels are not so sharp and cruel, that I thereby will be forced to forsake heaven, whereon my mind is fixed: tear my flesh; yea if so you please, roast it at the fire: torture and torment each parcel of my body with several cruelty; you shall for all this find yourselves unable to force us young men to impiety. As he thus spoke a fire was kindled, and he as he was upon the wheel racked, was so thrown into the fire: and thus he was by flames and torments so burned, that his bowels appeared; his mind nothing moved when his flesh yielded overcome with pains, who amidst his The death of the elder brother. pangs cried thus unto his brethren: (O beloved brethren) learn of me an example of virtue, consider the strength of an invincible courage, contemn and despise the alluring baits of this world, and rather obey God then the tyrant, who can if he please humble the proud and mighty, and exalt the lowly and dejected. As thus he spoke, he was taken out of the flame, and fleane alive, his tongue was pulled out of his mouth, and he put into a frying pan, and so he departed out of this life to the great admiration of all that beheld him; and the joy of his brethren and mother; and went before them to heaven, there to prepare a kingdom for himself and them. The second brother bought After him the second brother called Aber was hailed by the soldiers, and before the tyrant asked him whether he would relent, he caused all those torments to be showed him, thereby to terrify him: but he nothing thereat moved, and denying to eat of that foresaid sacrifice, his hands were bound with iron chains, and he being hanged up by them, the skin of his body was fleane from the crown of his head unto his knees: so that the entrails in his breast appeared naked; yet in such manner, as yet he might abide greater torments. For he was cast before a cruel Libarde thirsting most extremely after blood, to the intent that he might devour with his teeth the rest on his body, but the beast smelling of him (no doubt by the great handy work of Almighty God) forgot his cruelty, and turning away his face, he did no hurt to the martyr. But hereat the tyrant's rage increased, and the Martyr by suffering such torments, was made more constant, crying aloud: O how pleasant is that death unto me, which is caused by all sorts of torments for God's sake; yea so much the more pleasant, for that I assuredly hope to find reward for it in heaven. Let these torments inflicted upon me (O tyrant) satisfy thy cruelty, for my pain is not by thy tortures increased, but rather my pleasure: as thou shalt find by my patience in this agony. More willing am I to suffer than thou to punish, yea my pain in suffering, is less than thine by inflicting the same upon me. I am tormented for virtue and observing the law, and the justice of God shall banish thee from thy regal seat: thou by tormenting art tormented, & almost consumed, thy wrath and fury being almost spent upon me in vain, thou shalt not escape the day of judgement: eternal pains are there prepared for thee, which neither thy profane mind is able to endure, nor thy cruelty of power to decline, thy sinful soul being condemned to eternal punishments. Thus he remaining constantly in his faith, and animated by his brother's example, departed unto heaven. Then Michir the third son was brought, whom all men now pitied for the death of his two Machir the third brother is brought. brethren, and many exhorted him by his brother's examples to desist from his opinion, & so avoid punishment: but he being hereat angry, thus replied. One father begot us, one mother bore us, one master instructed us, we are all of one mind, and all alike affected, do therefore no longer prolong the time in vain, I came hither for to suffer & not to speak, use all your tyranny possible against this body: for you have no power at all over my soul. The tyrant hereat moved to see this third nothing relent by his brother's death, he devised more cruelty than human wit alone could invent. Wherefore he commanded a globe to be brought, and tied the holy martyr about it in such sort, that all his bones were set out of joint, and displaced: whereat the holy martyr was nothing dismayed. The skin also of his head and face was pulled off, and then he was put upon the wheel: but he could not be racked any worse; for that all his bones were displaced and did hang one separated from an other in most pitiful manner: and when blood issuing from him abundantly he was deprived of the use of his hands; and feet; but perceiving his life to be spent he spoke thus and died. We (O tyrant) endure this torment for the love of God, and thou the author of such injust cruelty shalt suffer everlasting pain. Then his tongue being cut out of his mouth he was put into a frying pan, and so amidst those torments yielded up the Ghost. Next after followed judas the fourth brother, whom all the people persuaded and entreated to obey the king: but he contemning their prayers and exhortations, said thus with all constancy: judas the fourth brother is brought. Your fire shall neither separate nor sever me from the law of God, nor from my brethren, who in steed of this mortal life enjoy life everlasting. I denounce unto thee, O tyrant, destruction and overthrow, but to such as believe salvation: make trial of me therefore thou cruel wretch, and see if God will forsake me, who hath with open and stretched out arms, received my three brethren that are gone before me, and whom the womb of so holy a mother at several times brought forth unto glory. The cruel tyrant hearing this, was much moved, and leapt down from his chair to torment this martyr himself, that so he might overcome him, and in his fury commanded his tongue to be cut forth: but he hereat not terrified said unto Antiochus. This cruelty will nothing avail thee, neither shalt thou hereby tyrannt, as thou supposest, conquer me. Our God needs not by voice to be awakened, but rather by secret cogitation to be prayed unto to help his servants: he provideth for them that hold their peace, and heareth the prayers of such as do call upon him if they deserve to be heard, and only requireth purity of soul. For our God knoweth all things before we ask; and before we ourselves enter into cogitation thereof, he understandeth our necessity: cut out my tongue, thou canst not cut out my mind while my life remaineth. Those prayers which by it I have uttered to Almighty God, have taught it to suffer: would God thou wouldst so sanctify all parts of my body by punishing them, for thou therein inflictest punishment upon thyself and reward upon me, & think not that thou shalt thus escape long unpunished. When he had thus spoken, his tongue was cut out of his mouth, and he bound to a stake, and there he was beaten with ropes ends: and he did patiently endure this, notwithstanding the colour of his face became dead and wan. Being loosed from thence he was put upon the wheel, and then praying for his countrymen, he by death went unto the rest of his brethren. Then Achas the fifth brother before he was haled to torments, spoke in this manner. Behold The death of the fourth brother Achas. The fifth brother presecnted himself to torments before he was called. (thou tyrant) I come to be punished before thou command me, hope not therefore any jot to alter his mind, who as thou seest desireth to be tormented. The blood of my four innocent brethren which thou hast shed, hath condemned thee to hell fire: I am to make them up the number of five, that by it thy pains may be increased. Tell me (bloody wretch) for what offence by us committed dost thou thus punish us? for what impiety dost thou so persecute us? what villainy have we committed? what wickedness? what naughtiness have we attempted? This is all thou canst allege against us, that we honour God our creator, & live justly in obedience of his laws, and therefore do not esteem thy punishments, but they are to us honour and salvation, and not punishment: we shall be greatly rewarded by God if no part of us be left free from torment. Whilst thus he spoke, his executioners by the king's command took him and cast him into a brazen pot, and was priest down in it, his head to his feet: and afterward he suffered all other torments, which his brethren had endured; yet not amazed hereat, he suddenly started up and thus bitterly inveighed against the tyrant: Cruel tyrant, how great benefits dost thou against thy will bestow upon us; yea the more thou art incensed against us, the more acceptable to God shalt thou make us: yea I should be sorry if thou shouldest show mercy upon me. This short affliction gaineth us life everlasting, if this temporal death should not beride me, everlasting life could not befall me. And thus he finished his agony and died. When the tormentors laid hands upon the sixth brother who was called Areth, whom the tyrant permitted either to choose honour or else punishment: but he aggrieved at this offer, said. Although tyrant I be younger in years then my martyred brethren, yet my constancy of mind to theirs is not inferior, for we were all nourished up togetheraltoger, her instructed, and we will all The valour of the sixth brother die together in the fear of God. Hasten therefore to thy devised torments, & that time which thou couldst spend in exhorting me, spend it in devising tortures for me. Antiochus hereat confounded, commanded him to be bound to a pillar with his head hanging down, in such wise as humours running into it might cause ache, and this done, he caused a fire to be made so far: Off him, that it could not burn him, but roast him. He also commanded as he hung to be pricked with awls, that so the heat might pierce into the holes that they made in his flesh. Whilst thus he was tormented, much blood like froth gathered about his head and face, and he then spoke in this manner. O noble fight, O valiant war! O strife between piety and impiety. These men have passed their agonies, whose crown of martyrdom is the punishment of their persecutors: I do most willingly follow my brethren, that as by blood I am conjoined unto them, so by death I may not be separated from them. devise, O tyrant, some new torment, for these which thou hast already devised are already overcome. O master of cruelty, enemy of piety, persecutor of justice! we six worthy young men have conquered the king's power, & what his kingdom or the whole world could offorde. Thy fire is cold and heateth not, and the king's weapons are bended and blunted in our bodies, our God giveth us more courage to suffer, than thou hast to punish: The sixth brother sharply reproveth Antiochus. and so the precept of God remaineth firm in us. And as he thus spoke, one took hold of his tongue with a hot pair of tongs, and he suffering the same torments that his brethren had done, and fried in a frying pan, he gave up the Ghost. Six of the brethren being now dead by diversity of torments, only one of the seven remained alive with his mother, named jacob, younger in years (but not in constancy of mind) than the rest of his brethren: he presenting himself before the tyrant, moved him to compassion, both for that he was left alone, and the last of his brethren, and also that he was to perish: jacob the seventh brother brought to torments. wherefore he called the child unto him, and into a place where no instruments of torment were, and taking him by the hand he said thus unto him, hoping to win him by fair speeches. By thy brethren's calamity thou now well hast learned what is prepared for thee if thou disobey me, deliver thyself therefore from these torments, & I will give thee what honour my kingdom can afford: thou shalt be a Magistrate and general of my army, and one of my councillors. But perceiving himself not to prevail, he caused the young man's mother to be called unto him: who coming and standing near her son, the tyrant said thus unto her. Where are now O worthy woman all thy children? Behold of such a number, if thou please, the destiny affords thee one: advise therefore thy child, and mollify his obstinate mind by wholesome corunsell The mother having heard what the king said, she inclined herself unto the king: which done, that the king might not understand her, she spoke in Hebrew to her child as followeth. Pity thy mother O son, and comfort thy sorrowful mother, who bore thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee suck three years, and with great industry have brought thee up to this age. I pray thee, dear son, consider the heaven and earth, and all that in them is, and know that God created them all of nothing, who also of nothing made mankind. Fear not this Ethnics pains and torments, but imitate thy brethren, and contemn death, that in the day of mercy I may receive thee and thy brethren again in heaven. As his mother thus admonished him, he in the Hebrew tongue requested to be unbound, for that he had a secret to disclose unto the king, who being unlettered, he presently ran to the torments prepared, for there was a frying pan red hot, that was prepared for such as were to suffer, unto the which the child coming, remembering his brethren, beholding also the king, he said unto him. Cruel tyrant & I now know thee not only to have been cruel against my brethren, but even cruelty itself. Wretch that thou art, who gave thee this purple? and who exalted thee to this kingdom & dignity? even he whom thou in us dost persecute, whose servants and worshippers thou killest and tormentest, for which thy wickedness thyself shall suffer eternal fire and torments which shall have no end. Thou art of higher dignity & authority in this world than other men, yet he that made other men made thee also of the same nature that they are of all men are borne & must die alike. He that killeth another showeth that himself may be killed: thou tearest and tormentest thy own picture, and image all in vain: thou in thy fury killest him whom not long since God created like thyself, and according to the same law: thou thinkest all lawful which thy kingly power can command, thou pullest out our tongues and tearest our bodies with fleshhooks, and consumest us with All men are borne and must die alike. fire, but they who have already suffered this, have received everlasting joy for their reward; and thou shalt anuswere for all the punishment inflicted upon them. Think not that I expect any favour at thy hands, I will follow my brethren, and remain constant in our law. The tyrant hearing thy swas wrath, and caused him to be tormented: but his mother in torment comforted him, and with her kind hands held his head, when with violence of the tortures blood issued out of his mouth, nose and privy parts, the tormentors not ceasing till life in him was almost spent, but they (by God's appointment) gave over, and so he took strength again to endure more than any of his brethren had done; at last his hands and arms being cut off, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and cried. O Adonai, O Sabaor be merciful unto me, The death of the youngest brother. and receive me into the company of my brethren, let thy wrath now cease and grant them mercy, who by us do make intercession to thee, having said thus, his tongue being pulled out, he of his own accord went into the fiery frying pan, and so to the great admiration of Antiochus died. Behold how evident it is, that reason can rule our affections, seeing that children hereby, Reason mistress of our affection. showed more constancy than the tyrant could show cruelty. For it was reasons force that wrought in them that determination to suffer all torments, rather than to forsake the way of salvation. These constant young men do fitly resemble inexpugnable towers, and them, who after a great tempest and shipwreck, do safely enter the harbour of salvation, who guiding their course amidst the boisterous waves, at last obtain the wished shore. For every one of them A similitude of the waves. The seven brethren exhort one another to suffer death manfully. strengthened the other by advice and good counsel, and none of them was like an effeminate person, loath to suffer martyrdom. None used delay herein, but one followed an others example. Let us therefore die for our law, and imitate the three children, whom the Assyrians fury condemned to the fiery furnace, whose patience spread their fame even unto heaven. Whilst thus one of them exhorted the other, it came to pass, that none of them offended, but each one resolute in his religion, took example of the virtue, courage, and constancy of their forefather Isaac, who understanding that it was Gods will he should be sacrificed, he refused not to submit his body to his father's sword. Let us (quoth they) yield our souls to him, of whom we received both soul and body: It is a small matter for us to suffer loss of these members, seeing that we shall in lief of them receive everlasting bliss. Abraham, Isaac and jacob do joyfully expect us, as coheirs of their kingdom, let us glorify that womb wherein we were for ten months space, let none of us be more coward than the other, nor none of us degenerate from the other. We that were all begotten of one father, and sucked of one milk, must in all things resemble one another, we had one teacher, and one law inviolate. And in this golden bond of concord were these brethren linked together, and none of them mourned to see True brotherhood. the other tormented, but all rejoiced at the others death. O children whose dignity far surpasseth the royalty of Kings and Princes, whose glory and virtue is unspeakable! None of you were terrified with fear, but you so hastened to your deaths, as though you had only been to go to bliss and felicity, you were truly brethren, who even by death were linked together. God hath greatly in you magnified our nation, and in you showed us all an example of fortitude: A pledge and sign of brotherly amity. whom therefore I think he caused to be so many in number, as were the days wherein he created the world, so that seven brethren may resemble the seven days, wherein in all things were made. And why should we so admire this fortitude in these young men, when a woman armed herself with contempt of death? who indeed is not to be called a mother, but to be honoured with a higher title than human frailty can afford, who bore into this world so many triumphs. For the mother seeing her children dead, was with a kind and godly zeal inflamed also to suffer, and no marvel, seeing that the very bruit beasts, if they perceive violence offered to their The mother's grief. young, do oppose themselves to perils in their defence, and protect them with their wings, teeth, and talents: yea and every one that is any way able to make resistance, opposeth herself to the enemy to defend her young. And not only bruit beasts do this, but even Bees do defend not only their young, but also their honey, threatening their sting to them that offer to taste thereof, and more esteeming the good of their young then their own lives. But this zealous mother directed by the spirit of God, and reasons loare, hasted that her children might die before her; who not being to live deprived of her children, chose rather to see them die joyfully then to perish in care and sorrow. Therefore when all her family had suffered, she then the last & glory of them all, came to her agony, despising the tyrant's threats, and offering her motherly breast to those torments which her children had suffered. O blessed stock, and blessed increase of the selfsame womb. Why should I not affirm that in all lineaments and feature of the body you are like your mother, and if this be a commendation in them that beside the shape of body receive nothing else of their mother, I will say more of you, that you are like your mother in fortitude, virtue, and religion, and that you so in all things resemble her, that you are every way equal unto; her, save only herein, that she with her eyes beheld the immanity of your torments, being also as constant in her own martyrdom as you in yours. She therefore herein excelled you, that she suffered seven torments before she came to suffer in her own person, and feared in every one of them lest she should be overcome. But O thou example of all women I cannot tell, whether thou bore these children in thy womb, or created them, who could with dry eyes look upon them The mother suffered seven torments before she was tormented. whilst they were torn in pieces: yea I say little, affirming that thou with patience didst behold these sights, for even thou thyself didst exhort them thereunto, thou reioycedst to see one of them torn in pieces with fleshhooks, the other to be racked upon the wheel, and the third to be bound and beaten, thou joyfully admiredst the others burning, and exhortedst the rest not to be terrified herewith, and although whilst thou beheldest their torments, thy grief was greater than that which thou hadst in childbirth, yet didst thou frame a lightsome and merry countenance, as though it had been one triumphing. While they were a killing thou didst laugh, and seeing only one of all thy children left, hereat thou didst nothing relent. Can I describe how every one perished, seeing thou their mother didst laugh at their deaths, & when their sinews were cut in two, their heads fleane, their tongues pulled forth by the roots, their hands broken, their bodies in the fire, and cast upon iron plates red hot, and upon wheels, and their ribs pulled in sunder, and many other torments for the which we want names? Never was any swan which by the report of antiquity sung so sweet a note before her death, sweeter than the most melodious harmony, and the most pleasant voice, was the funeral verses of those thy children that perished. You children were not overcome by the fabulous Siren's enchantments, who to honour God doubted not to leave your mother without children: And she sprung of noble stock, chose rather to want you all for a short time, then to incur eternal damnation, wishing rather that the bodies of her children should be tormented then their souls. Well she knew, that nothing was more frail & infirm than our bodies, which though persecution be wanting, are often killed with agues, and abundance of blood or fluxes: And who is ignorant of shipwreck incident to sailors, hazard of life unto them that travail, and sudden death to those that live in ease? Sudden casualty by fire, and by the hands of thieves, and a thousand other ways to dispatch our lives? seeing than that our moral bodies are subject to so many miseries to bring us to our end, who would not make choice of a quick dispatch, whereby we lose the goods of this world, and gain life everlasting? O thou most reverent of all women the credit of thy nation, and honour of our religion, who like the Ark of Noah didst persist inviolate amongst such stormy waves: for as it A similitude from the Deluge. withstood the force of the Deluge, and being built strongly with firm boards, did not suffer any thing within it to perish: so thou suffered'st not the tyrant to overcome the holy Ghost which thou hadst received in thy heart. Behold of what force and efficacy reason is, which often time maketh us men inferior to women. For neither was Daniel so terrified at the sight of the Lions, nor the three children with the fiery furnace, as this woman was grieved at the death of every one of her children before she came to her own agony. What would another woman & mother have done in this case, but wept & with pitiful lamentations have cried: Ah wretch that I am, most unhappy, and miserable of all that breath, who therefore bore so many children into this world, that their several deaths might be so many several occasions of my grief and sorrow? she would have iterated her frequent births, and her toil in her ten months bearing them, she would have bewailed her hapless fortune who brought forth so many deaths and dangers, she would have recounted the milk wherewith she fed them, and their meat she had prepared for them, the pains she had taken with them, how she had carried them in her arms, and sung to them and taught them to speak, her cares, her watchings, her fear, lest any mishap should betide them. And with weeping tears would have said, shall I a grandmother embrace your children? who a while ago was a too fruitful mother, and am now deprived of you all? If this day I die I have none to bury me. But this handmaid of God forgot all these laments that another mother would have had, and with an adamant sense The mother's speech exhorting her seven sons to suffer. stouter than the never yielding rocks, did neither forsake her children in their torments, nor in their death, but in a manner compelled them to perish, and never sorrowed thereat. For being apprehended together with her seven sons, she considering Eleazar's martyrdom, did thus exhort them in the Hebrew tongue. O my most dear and loving children, let us hasten to that agony wherein we may be a credit to our nation, and gain of God an everlasting reward, let us without fear present ourselves unto those torments, which Eleazar's aged body endured, call to mind our father Abraham of worthy memory, who having but one only son, did sacrifice him being willed by God so to do, and feared not to bring him to the Altar whom he scarcely in his age obtained. Isaak also was willing to be sacrificed by his father, knowing that God was to be obeyed in all things, the like may be said of Daniel and the three children: believe me we are rather tried then tormented. For whatsoever this world affordeth, is mortal and like a shadow. Thus did this mother arm her children's minds with fortitude, and she a woman wrought A golden saying of the mother of her seven children in men manlike minds. Last of all, her children being all dead, she a worthy mother of so many champions, kneeling down in the place of torment, besought of God an end of this life, protesting that she had not for love of life so long deferred to die, but only for her children's sake, and that now she had seen them all seven triumphing. The fury of Antiochus now waxed hot, and he commanded this worthy mother to be tormented, who was as the tyrant willed stripped naked, and hanged up by the hands, and most cruelly whipped, her dugs and paps were pulled off, and she put into the red hot frying pan, being most willing to follow her children's The mother followed her sons in torments. steps in torment, and lifting up her eyes and hands to heaven, she prayed for all women with child, and so yielded her chaste soul to God. But Antiochus was strucken with fire from heaven. O mistress of justice, who followed thy triumphing children, O conqueror of tyrants, and a looking glass for all Martyrs: O example of patience, not only to women but to all men, that shall be after thee reverenced of them that now are, and to be worshipped of them that are to come, and to be admitted not only of our nation, but of all other people. Thy light obscureth the bright shining Moon, and though she fill the world with her brightness, yet is she not comparable to thy shining light. Seven lights environ thee about, dazzling the brightness of the seven planets, could any Painter express; or any hand in writing declare the torments of The light of the just. 1. Cor. 15. your passions, none could with dry eye read or behold them, all people would flock about to see it, all people would praise and esteem him to have offered a great gift, who to God's glory had painted that noble stratagem. And if any skilful workman should engrave this Tragedy upon a sepulchre or in his house, doubtless he should be freed from all plague and misfortune. But where could a stone be found able to contain so many torments? Therefore the old man Eleazar, the mother and her seven sons; are for their nobility graced with a sepulchre, and great reverence is done unto them of all men, yea even by men that are not of our religion: and there is a constellation of eight stars ordained as an argument of their justice, and Angels did execute their funerals. The tyrant himself was astonished to see the constancy of such godly minds. And thus have they found such favour in the sight of God, that they have obtained remission of the sins of our nation: for presently after, the tyrant was destroyed, and Israel there was freed from his tyranny. But Antiochus seeing the greatness of their faith and their contempt of death, gathered an army of footmen out of the Hebrews, by whose help he terrified his enemies, and got great Antiochus levied an army of footmen from amongst the Hebrews. renown. O blessed seed of Abraham! behold what benefit the agony of the mother, and her seven sons brought unto us their Countrymen, let us persist in this piety, that so we may be like our forefathers, behold the death of a few, did end all the miseries and sins of our whole nation, and you by your countrymen's hands, vanquished your persecutors enemies, and after that victory our sins were remitted, and last of all, Antiochus being mad and his entrails devoured Antiochus died stinking exceedingly. 2. Mach. 9 with worms, he smelling most like carrion, gave up the ghost: and was ever after death punished for his offence. For when he could not make the Citizens of jerusalem to forsake their law, he made war against the Persians, and there received that which he deserved. It now remaineth that we briefly repeat all that is before said. For in her agony, this sacred An Epitome of the life of the seven sons and their mother. mother said thus unto the standers by. Whilst it was lawful for me, I kept myself a virgin, and then I married and lived a chaste wife, and forsook not my own house, I brought forth such sons as I need not be ashamed of, and though daunted with my husband's death, yet I did not forsake my faith: this, and many things else she recounted. And what more? She set before her children's eyes the example of the Prophets, how Abel by his brother was slain, Isaak to be offered instead of a sacrifice, how jacob was banished, joseph kept in prison, Daniel cast before the Lions, the three children into the fiery furnace, she rehearsed also unto them the book of Esaias, where it is said: Although thou do go through the fire, the flame shall not burn thee. That of David; The just shall have much tribulation and Solomon, who proposeth the tree of life to such as do the will of God, not omitting that of Ezechiel, These dry and withered bones shall live again: Also that of Moses Canticle, I will kill and restore to life, and the length of your days is in my hand. Unhappy tyrant what did thy caudrons red hot, and thy torments profit thee, what availed it thee to cut away their eye lids, and to pull out their tongues, thou thyself for so doing dost now endure far worse than all these. And they whom thou killed'st (believe The joy of the blessed in everlasting life. me) enjoy everlasting comfort, & are now secure of bliss & revenge. For they who suffer for God's sake shall have happy success, when God the Father of all things shall reward them with life everlasting that follow him. Thus have I consecrated these worthy memorial, which I find in the holy Scriptures of the sacred Maccabees, to the reading of all men, that shall live in any age hereafter. The end of all josephus works. FINIS. A Tahle of the chiefest and most memorable things, which are handled in this Worke. A AAron Moses brother 47. a. cometh to meet him, ibid. a. holdeth up Moses hands, 57 a. elected high priest, 65. c. his sons, 66. a. high priesthood confirmed to him, 80. g, h, i. giveth his stool to Eleazar, 82. h. his death, ibid. h. Aaron's rod fructifieth, 81. a. Abdon judge of Israel, 120. k. renowned for his issue, ibid. k. Abel second son of Adam, 5. a. is commended, ibid. a, b. is stain by his brother, and why, ibid., b, c. Abias levieth an army, 211, b. overcometh jeroboam, 211. f. dieth, 212. g. his issue, ibid. Abiathar escapes Saul's hands, 149. d. telleth David of his family's slaughter, 150. g. asketh counsel of God. 157. b. dispossessed of the priesthood, 191. d. holp Adonias, 186. l. Abigal pacifieth David, 152 k, l, m. after married to David, 153. b. Abihu Aaron's son burned, 67. a. and why, ibid., a. Abimelech king of Gerar enamoured of Sara, 16, i plagued for taking her, ibid., i. made a covenant with Abraham, ibid., l. expelleth Isaac his country, 21. b. after maketh a league with him, ibid. c. d. Abimelech Gedeons' bastard son, 117. c. killeth, 69. of his brethren, and usurpeth, ibid. e, f. practiseth against the Sichemites, 118. i, k. slayeth them, and sacketh their City, ib. l. burned the Sichemites, fled to the rock, 118. l, m. taketh Tebez, 119. a. is wounded and slain, ibid. Abiram rebellious, 79. a, b. he and those that were with him swallowed up, 80. g. Abisai overcometh the Idumaeans, 167. c. sent against the Ammonites, 169. a. Abisai, 183. c. Abisace nourisheth David, 186. i. Abner Saul's uncle, 132. l. questioneth with Saul, ibid. m. General of his army, 147. c. maketh Isboseth king, 160. g. revolteth from Isboseth, 161. a. killeth Azael, 160. persuadeth the Governors to create David king, 161. c, d. is slain, 162. g. Abraham son of Thares, 11. c. tenth from Noah, ib. e. taught the Egyptians religion & arts, 13. b, c. first preacher of the word, 12. i. his wisdom, ib. an Astronomer, 12. k. & 13. c. an Arithmetitian, ibid. c. his house, 12. l. oppressed by famine, ibid. m. divided the land with Lot, 13. c. rescueth Lot and the Sodomites, 14. h. A son promised him, 14. k. & 15. b. foretold his progeny to be evil entreated, 14. k, l. circumcised himself and Ishmael, 15. b. entertaineth Angels, and entreateth for the Sodomites, ib. d, e. intended to offer his son, 18. h. k. marrieth Chetura, 19 provideth a wife for his son, ib. d. dieth, 20. l. is commended, ibid. Absence of David excused, 147. c, d. Absalon killeth Amnon, 173. a. fled to Gessur, 173. c. revoked from banishment, and how, ibid. d, e. affecteth the kingdom, 174. k. proclaimed king, ibid. l. passeth over jordan, 177. d. his overthrow, 178. h. slain by joab, ib. i. Abundance foretold, 40. l. Abundance of silver, 204. h. Abundance of victuals foreshowed, 228. i, k. effected, 229. d. Abundance of victual showed, 722. g, h. Acclamation of the people, 451. c. Accusation of Laban against jacob, 25. b. of jacob against him, ib. d, e. of Putifars wife against joseph, 32. g. of Doeg against Achimelech, 149. a. of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, 353. b, c. of Antipater against his brethren, 595. f. of Herod and Nicholaus, 602. m. 603. a. 604. h. of Antipater against Archelaus 609. d. of the jews, 612. k. Achab son of Amri king of Israel, 214. h. followeth impieties, ibid. took to wife jesabel, ibid. seeketh Elias, 215. c. coveteth Naboths' vineyard, 217. b. his repentance, ibid. f. twice overcometh the Syrians, 219. a, b, d. reproved for dismissing Adad, 220. h, i. imprisoneth Micheas, and why, 220. i 221. b. rejected his advice, 221. e. f. wounded, dieth, 222. g, h. Achabs' 70. sons, 232. Achar stole the spoils dedicated to God, 102 m. hid them in his tent, 103. a. found guilty, and put to death, ibid. c. d. Achaz of juda sacrificeth his son, 241. a. serveth Idols, ib. a, b. 242. g. overthrown in battle, 241. c. hireth Theglaphalasar, 241. f. shutteth the temple gates, 242. h. dieth, ibid. Achias reproved Solomon, 204. l. foretold jeroboam to be king over 10. tribes, 205. c. Achis a king of the Philistines, 148. h. leadeth out David against the Hebrews, 156. k. dismisseth him, and why, ibid. l, m. Achitophel's counsel against David, 176. a. hangeth himself, 177. b. Acmes letter to Antipater, 446. m. 447. a. executed, 450. g. Acquaintance of Rebecca with Abraham's servant, 20. g. Act of Saul most malicious, 149. d. an Action how said to be good, 140. h. Action of Saul and his people, 139. e. Acts of the Israelites, 109. b, c, d, e, f. Acts of Simon against the Zealous, 692. h. etc. Act most cruel, 723. c. d. Actium war, 584, h. Adad king of Damascus overcome, 167. a. Adad king of Syria proposeth conditions to Achab, 218. h, i. k. overthrown, 217. a. his second expedition, ibid. c. taken prisoner, is dismissed, ibid. d, e. discomfiteth and slayeth Achab, 222. g. h. asketh counsel of Elizaeus, 229. c. his death foretold, 229. f. Adam created, and how, 3. f. placed in paradise, 4. g. forbidden the tree of knowledge only, 4. h. transgresseth, ibid. i. cast out of Paradise, 5. a. begot Cain and Abel, ibid. a and other children also, 6. g. his age and death, ibid. g, h. & 7. b. prophesied of a twofold destruction, ibid. h. Adar a month of the Hebrews, 99 e. Ader enemy to Solomon, 205. a. spoiled the lands of the Israelites, 205. c. Adoni-bezec taken, 109. c. punished, confesseth God's justice, ibid. c. Adonias affecteth the kingdom, 186. i flieth to the Altar, 187. d. requireth Abisace, 291. a, c. slain, ibid. c. Adversities befell the Israelites, 113. c. and why, ibid. c. Advice of Raguel allowed, 58. i of the Elders rejected, 206. i of young men accepted, ibid. l. Adulteress her policy, 32. g, h. Adultery, 71. b. punished, 94. h. Adultery of Elies' sons, 125. b. Adultery of David, 169. d. Affairs of joseph, 639 b. Affection of joseph toward his brethren, 38. l. of jonathan to David, 144 m. Affinity of jacob with Rachel, 23. b. of Saul and jonathan with David, 144. i 145. b. of Demetrius with Ptolemey, 326. h. Affliction of the Hebrews, with the causes thereof, 41, b, c, d. 46. g. l. 47. e. Africa from whence it took his name, 19 c. Agag king of the Amalechites taken, 139. c. spared, and why, ibid., c. put to death, 140. l, m. and why, ibid. Agar Sara's handmaid, 14. m. contemned her mistress, and why, ibid. m. fled, commanded to return, 14. m. & 15. a. promised happiness, 17. c. brought forth Ishmael, ibid. a. cast out with her son, 17. b. comforted, ibid., c. Age of Isaac at his offering, 18. g. when he died, 27. d. Age of the fathers before the flood, 7. a, b, c. Age of Abraham, 20. l. of jacob, 40. m. Aggaeus the prophet encourageth the jews, 271. b. Agreement of the seditious, 700. m. 710. h. Agrippa offereth 100 fat Oxen, 413. c. reconciled to the Ilyensians. 414. g. confirmeth the jews privileges, 415. c. writeth to the Ephesians, 422. h. Agrippa becometh poor, 472. i k. borroweth money, 473. b, c, e, admitted to Caesar's presence, d. accused by Eutichus, 474 h, m. 475. a. b. imprisoned, ibid. hateth Tiberius, 618. h. getteth Caius friendship, ibid. his happy fortune foretold, 476. g. h. certified of Tiberius' death, 498. g. departeth to his kingdom, ibid. l. his request of Caius, 482. i. his speech to the Senate, 504. h. 619. f, 620. g. hangeth up his golden chain, 507. d. his acts, 509. a, b, c, etc. 510. 511. c. saluted for a God, 510. in his death, 511. c. 610 k. his children, ibid. d. Agrippa's request to the Empress. 5 ac. m. obtaineth Philip's tetrarchy. 52●…. a. getteth a portion of Galilee, 522. g. deposeth Ioseph. 524. i enlargeth the city of Caesarea, 525. a. his kindness to the Berytians, etc. f 525. b. etc. his Epistles to joseph, 550 m. Agrippa excuseth Caesar, etc. 628. h. his oration, 627. c. 628. 629. 630. driven out of the city, 631. b. And that came to the Romans. 6, 7 c, f. Aid of the Idumaeans, 677. a, b, c. Ainan or Aitaken and burnt, 103. e. f. Ainites discomfit three thousand Israelites, and slew 36. 103. a. after put to flight and slain by josuah. ibid. c. air temperate, 688 i. Albirius governor of judaea, 524 i full of wickedness, 623. d. pacifieth the country, 524. l. executeth malefactors. 525. c. Alcimus high Priest, 313. accuseth judas and his brethren, ibid. c. his popularity, 314. g, h. killeth of all judas faction, ibid. h. dieth suddenly, 315. d. Alexander Polyhistor, 19 c. Alexander King of Macedonia, 284. i overthroweth Darius army, ibid. subdueth Darius, 285. a. marcheth toward jerusalem, ibid. e, f. honourably received by the high Priest and the rest, 2●…5: f. 286. g. his sacrifice in the temple, ibid. h. i. adoreth the high Priest, 286. g. his death and successors, 287, e, f. Alexander warreth against Demetrius, 320. g. laboureth to win jonathan, ibid. l, m. slayeth Demetrius, 321. f. marrieth Ptolemy's daughter, 323. d. sendeth presents to jonathan, 325, a. discomfited and slain, 326 g. Alexander Zebina obtaineth the kingdom, 337. b. slain, ibi. b. Alexander king of the jews, 341. a. 563. a. besiegeth Ptolemais ibid. c. his overthrow, 342. k. besiegeth Gaza, 343. c. sedition raised against him, 563. c. 344 h. overcome, ibid. l. 563. f. citions cast at him, 341. h. crucifieth 800. jews. 345. a. 564. b. his sickness and advise to his wife, 346. i, k, l. 564. l. his death and funeral, 347. a, b. Alexander son of Aristobulus, 356. i overcome, ibid. l. 668. l. beheaded, 359. b. Alexander Herodes son, 413. b. marrieth Glaphyra, ibidem. his defence, 418. k. 419. a, b, c, etc. reconciled to his father, 419. e. 427. f. bribeth the eunuchs. 593. b. imprisoned, 427, a. 593. b. accused of treason, ibid. 431. g, h, etc. writeth books 593. c. condemned, 434. h. 596. m. strangled, 435. c. 597. d. false Alexander, etc. 460 g. 613. d. condemned to tug at an oar, 460. g. 614. f. g. Alexander exerciseth cruelty, 261. d. Alexandra governeth the kingdom, 347. f. imprisoneth Aristobulus wife and children, 564. l. committeth charge to the jews, 348. g. her embassage to Tigranes, 348. h. her death, ibid. 565. d. Alexandra soliciteth Antonius, and why, 384. h. excuseth herself, ibid. suspected by Herode etc. 385. b. pretending to fly is betrayed, ibid. c. certifieth Cleopatra of Herodes treachery, 387. b. striveth to acquit herself, 398 m 399. a. seeketh to get Herod's castles, 399 c. put to death, 400. g. Alexas marrieth Salome, 437. c. dismisseth the Nobles. 450. m. Alliance of Abraham with his wife, 16. l. of lacob with Laban, 23. c. 25. f. of Saul and jonathan with David, 145. b, of juda with the Israelites. 241. d. Allowance of Micheas, 221. f. Allusion of jonathan, 147. f. Alacrity of the Romans. 702. m. Allegiance renounced, 748. l. Altar of incense, 63. b. Altars of Idolators to be destroyed, 90. h. one Altar to be erected, etc. and why, 90. l. Altar builded by josuah, 102. g. Altar erected by the two tribes and half, 107. c. & why. 108. i. Altar of gold, and of brass where placed, 198. g. h. Altar in Bethel. 207. clave in twain, ibid., f. Altar erected by David, 185. b. Amalechites war against the Israelites, 56. gh. overcome by the Israelites, 57 b, c spoiled, and their utter ruin foretold, ibid., d, & 98. g. overcome the Israelites, 115. f. are destroyed, 139. b, c. d. burn Siceleg, 157. a. Aman honoured by all but the jews, 278. h, i. his petition for the jews ruin, ibid. k. his hatred against Mardoche, 282. k. his treachery discovered, 281. e, f. judged to the gallows, ibid., f. his goods bestowed on Mardoche, 282. g. Amarames Moses father, see Amram. Amasias king of juda, 236. h. revengeth his father's death, 237. c. overcometh the Amalechites; ibid. c, d. reproved, and why, 237. d, e. commandeth joas to yield him homage ibi. f. his army flies, and he taken prisoner, 283. g. is slain, ibid. h. Amaza slain, 181. c. Amazement of the seditious, 743. a, b. Ambition, 162. h. of Adonias, 185. i of john, 685: a. of Eleazar, 697. c. f. An Ambush laid for the Ainites, 103. e. Abushes of Saul for David, 144. g, h, etc. 145. d, e, f. 146. g. h. of Adad for joram, 227. a. Ammon Lot's son, 16. h. Amnon deflowreth Thamar, 172. i, k. Ammonites oppress the Israelites, 119. b, c. and are overcome, ibid. f. iniute David's Ambassadors, 168. k. revenge wrought on them, 169. b, c, d. war against josaphat, 223. e. kill one another, 224. h. Amorites overcome, 82. l. their country possessed by the Hebrews, 83. b. Amos a wicked King, 248. i is slain, ibid. Amphitheatre built by Herode, 401. c. 406. h. Amram Moses father, 41. m. prayeth to God, 42. g. casteth Moses into the river, 42. k, l. and why, ibid. Amri King of Israel, 214. g. slew Thaman, ibid. his impiety and death, ibid. Ananias death, 633. a. Ananus high Priest, 524, i had five sons his successors, ibid. Ananias high Priest, 524. l. Ananias high priest slain, 722. i. Ananus stoneth james, 524. k. Ananus governor of jerusalem, 639. d. his iruective against the Zealous, 674. h. disposeth this soldiers, etc. 675 c, d. slain, 680. l. Ananus a cruel soldier, 722. k. Achimelech entertaineth David, 148. g, h. delivereth him Goliahs' sword, ibid. h. accused to Saul, 149. a. and slain, ibid. c. Ancestors conceal not honest things, 〈◊〉. h. Angels guarded Elizeus, 227. c. Angels (i sons) of God, etc. 6. k. Angel resisteth Balaam, 84. g. Angels promise Abraham a son, 13. d. e. enter Lot's house ibid. f. foretell the destruction of Sodom, 15. e. Angel appeared to Agar, 14. m. 17. b, c, d. to jacob, 22. k. l. 26. g, h, i, k. to Manoach his wife, 120. m. foretelleth her Sampsons' birth, ibid. m. worketh a miracle, 121. c. 227. c. Angersee wrath. Anilaeus receiveth charge from Artabanus, 485. c, d. killeth a noble man, 486. h. reproved and accused, ibid. h, i. taketh Mithridates prisoner, 487. a Anna wife of Elcana prayed to God for a son, 125. d. bare Samuel and consecrated him to God, ibid. d, e. Annius taketh Gerasa, 689. b. Answer of Simon to jesus oration, 679. a. Answer of Isaac, 18. i of Balaam to Balac, 83. m. of God to josuah, 103. c. of Achab to the Syrians, 218. k. of Caesar to Herode, 586. g, of Antipater to Herode, 603. d, e. of john 671. b, c. of Eleazar to Antiochus, 803. b. of Alexander, 286. g. Antaeus' against whom Hercules made war, 19 c. Antigonus' copartner in the kingdom, 339. d. his death complotted, ibid. e. effected, 340. g. 562. h, i. Antigonus accuseth Hyrcanus and Antipater, 360 i 571. a. promiseth the Parthians money, and why, 370. l. restored to the kingdom. 373. a. cutteth off Hyrcanus' ears, ibid. a. 570. l. declared an enemy to the Romans, 374. i k. 577. e. upbraideth Herode, 375. e. getteth Massada, 578. g. repulseth Herod's power, ibid. f. surpriseth Herod's victuallers, 376. h, i. cruelly handleth Joseph's careas, 580. m. submitteth himself to Sosius, 381. a. put to death, 382. d. 383. a. Antiochus the great vexeth the jews, 296. g, h. recovereth cities of Caelesyria, ibid. i. his Epistle to Ptolomey, 296. his Edict in honour of the Temple, 297. b. his Epistle to Zeuxis, ibid. c, h. Antiochus Epiphanes departeth Egypt, 303. c. spoileth the temple of jerusalem, ibid. d. 558. m. abrogateth God's laws, 304. g. 559. a. enforceth the jews to Idolatry, ibid. g. h. tortureth Eleazar, 803. d, e. ●…slayeth him, 804. h. forbiddeth the jews to use their laws, 304. m. 305. a, etc. invadeth judaea again, 507. a. departeth into Persia, ibid. b. besiegeth Elymais, 311. a. falleth sick and dieth, ibid. b. 559. c. Antiochus Eupator created king, 311. e. marcheth into judaea; 312. g. 559. e. fighteth with judas Maccabees, 312. i marcheth against Philip, ibid. l. entereth a league with judas, 313. a. slayeth Philip, ib. c. displaceth Onias, 526. i is slain, ibid. d. Antiochus' son of Alexander, 327. a. crowned king, ibid., f. discomfiteth Demetrius, 328. g. favoureth jonathan, ibid. Antiochus marrieth Cleopatra, 333. d. putteth Tryphon to flight, ibid. e. warreth against Hyrcanus, 335. a, b. c. permitteth a truce, ibid. slain, 336. g. Antiochus Gryphus overcometh Alexander, 337. b. his war against his brother, ibid. b. slain. 344. g. Antiochus Cyzicenus warreth against his brother, 337. b. 341. d. put to flight, 337. e. slain, 344. g. Antiochus Eusebius putteth Seleucus to flight, 344. h. slayeth Seleucus brother, ibid., dieth, ibid. l. m. Antiochus Seleucus slayeth his uncle, 344. g. burned, ibid. Antiochus Dionysius king, 345. e. thrust out of his kingdom, ibid. slain, 346. g. Antiochus' perfidious to his Citizens, 747. c, d. e. Antiochus' king of Comegena accused, 754. his choice, etc. ibid. k. l. reconciled to Caesar. 755. a, b. Antipas Herod's son, 449. d. claimeth the kingdom, 608. m. accuseth Archelaus, 609. a, b. hath part of the kinged. with Archelaus, 459. d. Antipater the Idumean, 350. m. incenseth the princes against Aristobulus, 351. a. relieveth Gabinius, 357. d. his wife and children, 359. a, etc. gathereth soldiers for Caesar's service, ibid. d. made a Citizen of Rome, and Governor over judaea, 360. h, i, k, l. 570. l. maketh his son's governors, 361. f. persuadeth Hyrcanus to fly, 565. f. 666. a. his exploits, 570. k. poisoned. 367. a. 577. c. Antipater banished, 589. b. advaneed, 416. l. enciteth his father against his brothers, 417. a, d. his congratulation, 419. f. plotteth against his brethren, 423. e. 591. e, d. cause of mischief, 426. k. governeth the kingdom, etc. 436. l. practiseth his father's death, ibid. m. 601. e. could not deceive his Aunt, 437. b. hateth his brother's children, 437. c. his treasons, 601. d. accuseth Syllaeus, 601. e. 440. i. studieth to win favour, 547. e, f. conspireth against his father, 597. e. accused by Herod, 443. e. etc. 602. m. answereth his father's objections, 444. g. hated of all, 602. h. 446. g. hath liberty to justify himself, ibid. h. 603. d. put to death. 450. g, h. 606. h. Antipater accuseth Antipater, 441. e. Antipater accuseth Archelaus, 453. e. 609. b. c. Antipatris built, 420. m. burned, 637. a, b. Antiphilus letter to Antipater, 446. l. blamed. 447. c. Antiquity of the jews proved, 768. l. m. 769. a. etc. see Arguments. Antiquities when written, 528. h. Antonia described, 708. h, i. not unlike a City, ibid. i. Antonius writeth to Hyrcanus, 368. l. m. writeth in the jews behalf, 369. c. maketh Tetrarches, 370. h. loveth Herod, 374. maketh Herod king, ibid. k. requireth Aristobulus. 384. i. giveth Cleopatra a portion of judaea and Arabia, 389. b. conquereth Armenia, ibid. e. Aphrica, once called Lybia, ●…9. b, c. Apollonius accuseth the jews, 790. l. Apollonius sent to rob the temple, 802. h. acknowledged his offence, ibid. i. General of Antiochus army, 306. k. discomfited and slain, ibid. k. Apollonius Darius put to flight, 324. h. i Apology of Achimelech, 149. b. of Aristobulus, 353. d. Apostasy of the priests, 284. l. Apostates from the jewish religion. 303. a, b. Apparel, 615. c. Appion wrote coldly. 782. i. of Moses and the jews, ibid. his fiction refuted, 783. a. b. etc. denieth his country, 784. g. raileth against the jews, ibid. h. his objection of the Ass' head answered, 786. m. upbraideth the jews, 789. c. praiseth himself, ibid. accuseth the jews, 480. g. Apples of Mandragora, 24. 〈◊〉. Apprehension of john and Simon. 744. m. Apsan governed Israel, 120. i. his children, ibid. i. Arabians Ismaels' posterity. 17. a. c. slay Herod's soldiers 390. m. kill the jews ambassadors. 391. c. overcome, 393. b. receive thieves, 429. a. broke the league made, 577. a. defeat Herod's army, 584. g. are overcome, 585. c. an Arbiter betwixt the Senate and Claudius, 619. f. Archelaus accused, 442. i, k. promiseth his subjects favour, 608. g. appointed k. 451. a, b. 606. k. etc. lamenteth, 607. f. suppresseth the sedition, 452. l. m. 453. a. repairs to Rome, ib, b. approved; etc. 455. a. accused, 458. k. excused, 459. b. accused and banished, 461. a. etc. 614. h. his dream, ibid. i. Archelaus k. of Cappadocia, 427. c. his ingenious speech, 593. e. f. conferreth with Herod, 594. g. reconcileth Alexander to his father, 428. g. made Herod and Pheroras friends, 428 h. 594. h. i excuseth himself, 432. h. Aretas king of Arabia. 342. e. overthroweth Alexander, 346. g. putteth Aristobulus to flight, 351. e. furnisheth Hyrcanus with 50000. soldiers, 556. g. Aretas accuseth Syllaeus, 440. f. discomfiteth Herod's army, 470. k. l. Arguments for the jews Antiquity, 768. l, m. 769. a. etc. 770. g. etc. 771. a. etc. 772. g. etc. 773. a. etc. 774. g. etc. 775. a. Arioch a captain of the Assyrians, 13. c. Aristaeus obtaineth the jews liberty, 289. b, c. Aristobulus first king, etc. 339. c. imprisoneth his brethren, famisheth his mother, ib. 561. f. his punishment, 340. i, k. 562. m. compelleth the Ituraeans to be circumcised, ibid. l. slayeth Antigonus, 340. g. his miserable end, 340. l. 563. a. Aristobulus accuseth the Pharisees, 347. d. his attempt, 348. i seizeth the Castles, ibid. k. striveth for the kingdom with Hyrcanus, 350. k. agreed. ibid. k. his war against Aretas and Hyrcanus, 352. l. his presents to Pompey, 352. m. promiseth Pompey money. 354. i. led to Rome, 3●…6. g. poisoned, 359. c. Aristobulus, why not sent to Antonius, 384. i, k. his death contrived, 385. f. drowned, 386. i. Aristobulus Herod's son, 413. b. accused, 417. e. etc. reconciled, 419. e. objected to his wife her birth, 592. i condemned, 434. h. 596. m. strangled. 435. c. 597. d. Aristobulus hateth Agrippa, 473. a, b. entreateth Petronius, 481. b. Aristobulus' governeth Armenia, 522. g. his subtlety, 546. h. Aristocracy the best kind of government, 92. h. Arithmetic, 13. c. Arius king of Lacedaemon, 302. h. sendeth letters to Onias, ibid. Ark of Noah, 6. l. the length and breadth thereof, ibid. l, m. where it rested 7. d. Ark of God surprised, 126. l. carried into the temple of Dagon, 127. c. carried to Bethsama, 128. m. brought to jerusalem, 165. c. f. Ark transferred into Ceriathiarim. 129. b. Ark carried into the temple, 197. e. f. placed in the sanctuary, and so it the tables of stone, 198. g. 100000. ●…med men against joseph, 641. c. Arms of the Egyptians, etc. 52. h. Armour of Goliath, 142. h. Armour of Saul, 143. a. Armour of the Roman footmen. 648. k. the Army's order when the tabernacle removed, 72. l, m. an Army sent against the Madianites, 87. b. Army of Senacherib destroyed, 246, k. an huge Army of the Canaanites, 105. a. Army of Susac 209. d. of josaphar, 220. l. of Ozias, 239. c. Army of the Romans, 647. e. f. Army of Herod overthrown, and why, 470. l. m. Arnon a river, etc. 82. h. Arrival of the Israelites at Raphidim, 55. c, d. of Raguel in Sinai, 57 e. of the Ark at Bethsama. 128. m Arrogancy of Amasias, 237. e. of Ozias, 239. d. e. of the jews, 74●… c. Arsaces' k. of Parthia, 330. l. taketh Demetrius, ibid. slayeth Antiochus, 336. g. Asprenas gown defiled. 494. h. he is cut pieces, 496. h. Art of forging, who first invented 5. f. Artabanus king of Media, 465. c. obtaineth Parthia, ibid. restored to his kingdom, 469. e. Artabanus requireth Izates assistance, 516. g, h. recovereth his kingdom, ib. k. Artaxerxes k. of Persia, 266. l. no man to approach his throne, unless he were called, 277. g honoureth Mardoche, 281. b, c. hangeth Ainan, ibid. 〈◊〉. sendeth letters for the jews safety, 282. i. Artorius saveth himself, 733. c. his promise to L●…ius, ibid. Aruntius signifieth the emperors death, 497. c. Asa king of juda, 212. g. his piety, ibid. 1. hi●… victory, ibid. k. inciteth the king o●… D●…masco against Basa, 213. d. dieth, 214. h Ascalonits' punished, and why, 299. d. Aser the son of jacob, 24. k. what it signifies, ibid. k. his sons, 40. g. Asinaeus beset by the governor. of Babylon, 484. i, k. his friendship sought, 485. a, b. receiveth charge f●…om Artabanus ibid. c, d. poisoned. 486. l. Asphaltite lake, 688. l. admirable property thereof, ibid. Assault of Ieru●…lem, 726. l. of Antonia, 728. 〈◊〉. Assault for how much sold, 75. b. Ass' head sold, 227. Ass speaketh to Baalam, 84. g. Asses how many taken at one booty, 87. e. Asses of Cis lost, 131. f. 132. g. found, ibid. l. Asses he●…d objected, 786. l. m. Assembly of the Hebrews thrice in the year, 90. m. Assembly of Samaritans on mount Garizim, 657. b. Assurance of joseph, etc. 658. i. k. Assistance of God promised, 89. c, d. of Saul to the men of Iabes, 134. i. Assyrians Lords over Asia, 13. d. overthrew the Sodomites, ibid. f. of whom took their name, 19 c. overcame the Israelites, 240 i 242. g. 243. c. transported them, 240. i 242. g. 243. c. vanquished the Syrians and them of Damascus, 241. f. & 242. g. their destruction foretold, 240. l. effected, 247. b. Astrological predictions, 477. c. an Astronomer, who, 12. ●…k, & 13. c. 6. h. Astronomy invented, 6. h, & 12. k. & 13 c. Athali●… rooteth out the royal blood, 233, e, f. and put to death, 234. k. Athni●…la judge of Israel, 113. e, f. overcometh Schisar, ibid. f. recovereth the Israelites liberty, ibid. f. Athrong●…s ●…surpeth the kingdom, 456. m. 611. c. taken, 457. b. c. Attendance on Saul, 133. e. Attire of Vespasian and T●…us, 750. i. Aua●…ice, 162. h. of Antiochus, 333. f. of Sabinus, 455. c. not terrified with pu●…ishment, 723. c. Authority how purchased. 40. k, l. Authority of Moses, 74. m. Authority of Mardocheus, 283. c. of the Pharisees, 346. l. Authors of the sedition punished, 80. g. h. Authors of iui●…es punished, 659. c. Azarias the prophet exhorteth to virtue, 212. l. Azarias the high Priest, 239. c. Azael king of the Assyrians, 217. a. Azaels tyranny f●…retold, 219. f. 230. g. invadeth judaea, 236. g. hired to depart, ibid. ●…deth the Israelites, 235. b. destroyeth their country, ibid. b. Azotians plagued, and why, 127. e, f. B Baal God of the Tyr●…, 233. d. his priests slain, ibid. Baaras a root, 752. k. his property. ibid. Baasa king of Israel, 212. h. rooteth out Ier●…boams race, ibid. his i●…pietie, 213. a. a prophecy against him, ibid. surpriseth Ramath, ibid. dieth. 213. d. Pabas sons preserved, 400. l. accused, 401. 〈◊〉, b. slain, ibid. Babylon, the place where tongues were confounded, 9 d. what it signifies, ●…bid. e. bes●…eged and taken, 262. h. Babylonians require Anilaeus, 487. e, f. stay, the jews, 488. g, h, i. Babylonian veil, 707. a. Bacchides sent ag●…inst judas, 313. e. useth tyranny and treachery, 314. g. fighteth with judas, 316. h, i. is slain, ibid. murdereth those of judas faction, 318. g. practiseth against jonathan, ibid. i. revengeth himself on the fugitives, 319. d. maketh peace with jonathan, ibid. e. Bagoses general of Artaxerxes army, 283. f. offe●… outrage to the jews. ibid. Baker's dream expounded, 33. a, b. hanged. ibid. b. Bala Rachel●… handmaid, 24, h, i bare Nep●…halim and Dan, ibid. ay, k. Baalam a diviner or prophet, 83. e. denieth to go with balack's ambassadors, ibid. e, f. com●…eth to Balac, 84. i prophesieth good to befall the Israelites, 84. i, k. his counsel to Balac and the Madianites, 85. b, c. Balac sendeth an embassage to the Madianites, 83. e. also to Balaam, ibid. e. r●…proueth him, and why, 84. l. followeth Balaams' counsel, 85. d. Balin a king of Syria, 13. e. Ballast a king of Assyria, 13. e. Balm, 203, b. 223. e. Balthasar his pride, 261. his vision of the hand, ibid. slain, 262. h. Banaia slayeth an Egyptian, 183. f. killeth a Lion, 184. g. substituted in joabs place, 191. f. Banishment of Gain, 5. d. of the diviners, 154. l. of Absalon, 173. d. of Antipater, 589. b. of Doris, 441. c. of Pheroras, 599. c. Banquet of Laban & jacob, 25. f. of Samuel to Saul, 132. i and of him to David, 141. c. of Saul, 147. c. of David to the people, 165. f. of Artaxerxes, 277. a, b. of Ptolemey. 294. g. of Archelaus, 451. c. of Herode, 469. c. Barak appointed general, 115. b. putteth Sisara to flight, ibid. c, d. flew jabin, and governed Israel forty years, 115. e. f. Bareas' one of the five kings of Assyria, 13. c. Baruch jeremy's secretary, 252. c. dismissed, 256. h. Barzapharnes seized upon Syria, 575. a. instateth Antigonus, ibidem. Barzillais excuse to David, 180. l. Battle between josuah & the Chananites, 105. b. between the Beniamites and Israelites, 111. e. between Saul and the Philistin●…s, 157. e, f. between joab and Absalon, 177. f. Battle of Herod, 390. i, k. Battle between the Romans and jews, 455. e, f. Battery of jotapata, 653. c, d, e. of jerusalem, 709. b. 710. g. Baths, 752. l. Baths of Calliroes, 449. 605. e. Bathuel son of Nathor, 12. g. f●…ther ●…f. Rebecca and Laban, ibid. g. Beam of gold, 358. h. Bearing of arms inhibited, 136. i. Beasts venomous, a plague of Egypt, 48. 〈◊〉. Beauty of superior bodies. 6. h. Beauty of body not to be respected, 141. b. Beauty of Sa●…, 13. 〈◊〉. of Rachel, 23. b. of joseph, 31. a. of David and his brethren, 141. a, b, c. of Bethsabe, 169. d. B●…d of Iron. 83. c. Beginning of the war of the jews, 624. h. Behaviour of Rachel toward jacob, 23. b. Bellies of the jews ripped for gold, 723, d. Beneficence of Xerxes, 272. l. m. Benefits of God recited, 54. i k. l. Benefits of Herode, 588. i k. l. Benia●…in Jacob's son by Rachel, 27. e, goeth into Egypt, 3●…. g. what happened to him there, 36. m. attached and imprisoned, 37. a, b. Beniamites expert in shooting, 111. e. overthrew the other tribes twice, ibid. d. e. 25. thousand slain, and why, 112. g. only six hundredth escape, ibid. g. take them wives by force ibid. l. m. Berenice her request to Florus, 625. e. Berosus, a Chaldaean writer, 771. d. Berosus, 12. k. his testimony of Abraham ibid. of Senacherib, 246. k. of Nabuchodonosor, 260. i. Bersabe the pit of swearing, 16. b. Beseleel a world of the Tabernacle, 60. l. 66. i. Bethel, what it signifies, 23. a. Bethsabe defiled by David, 169. d. bare him a son, 170. l. brought forth Solomon, 171. e. certifieth David of Adonias etc. 186. k. Birthday of Vespasian celebrated, 744. a. of P●…rao, 33. b. Birthright of Esau sold, 28. 〈◊〉. Birth of Mose●…, 42: k. l. Birth of Samson, 121. c. B●…nesse of th●… wat●…rs, 53. d, e. changed, ibid. 〈◊〉. B●…phemie agains●… God, 90. l. Blasphemer of God to be stoned, ibid. l. Blaspheming of Goliath, 142. h, i, k. Blessings of God upon the Israelites, 54. h, i, k. Blessing of Isaac on jacob, 22. g. h. of jacob on his sons, 40, l. m. Blessing of Moses to the Israel●…es, 97. f. Blindness of the ene●…, and how, 226. h. 227. d. Blindness of the jews. 7●…2. h. 738. i. Blood royal destroyed, 223. f. Bodies celestial, their beauty and order, 6. h. Body of jacob translated into Hebron, 40. m. of ●…is sons brought thither also, 41. a. Bodies of Saul and his sons hung up, 158. i. Boldness of the jews, 711. c. Bondage of the Israelites, see servitude. Bones of joseph translated, 41. b. 50. g. Book of Moses laws, 90. h. when to be read, 96. b. holy book, 98. a. found and read, 249. a, b. Books of holy writ, how many, 766. m. Book of jeremy, 251. c. burnt, ibid. d. Boos friend to Naomie and Ruth, 124. h. exhorts his kinsman to marry Ruth, ibid. m. espouseth Ruth, 125. a. begetteth Obed, ibid. a. Booty of Oxen and Camels, 154. i of sheep, etc. 686. m. Borders of Galilee, 646. k. l. of judaea, 647. b. of the possession of the nine tribes and an half, 106. h. etc. Borrowed things must be repaid, 95. c, d. Botches, a plague of Egypt, 48. m. Bounds of land not to be removed, 92. i. Bounds of the nine tribes and halves possessions, 106. h, etc. Bounds of Egypt, 694. i. Bowls or ewers, 197. b. Bounty requited, 203. c. Bounty of Ezechias, 243. a, b. Bounty of Alexander to the jews, 286. i. Bounty of Herod to all men, 588. i, k, l. of Caesar to Archelaus, 609. f. of Titus, 714. h. Brazen Altar, 197. a. vessels pertaining to the same, 197, a. Brazen gate of the temple openeth of itself, 738. k. Breach of God's law, loss of his favour, 690. i, k. Breach of oath, 245. b, c. 358. h. of faith, 352. h. Breadth of the Ark of Noah, 6. l, m. Bread of proposition; or show bread, 70. g. Brethren, Cain and Abel, 5. a. Brethren of joseph hate him, and complot his death, 28. l. 29. f, e. sell him, ibid., c. and 30. h, i. persuade their father that he was devoured of beasts, ibid., l. repent of the evil they did to joseph, 35. c. return out of Egypt, ibid. d. go thither again; 36. g, h. stayed in their journey, and accused of theft, ibid. k; l. died, 41. a. 7. Brethren tormented & put to death, 806. g. 807. b. 808. g, etc. Bribery of Elies' sons, 12●…. b. of Antonius, 381. d. of Ventidius, 374. m. 578. h. of Silo, ibid. 578. l. of Antipater, 597. e. f. Brothers of Abraham, 11. f. of joseph, 28. k. of Antipater, 591. d. see brethren. Brother's bewail their mother, 592. k. excuse themselves, ibid. k. l. Broil at Caesare●…, 5●…3. a. at jerusalem, 610. h. B●…ilding of the temple, 195. c. inhibited, 266. i permitted. 268. m. 269. a. Bulwarks builded by the Romans, 719. d. Burial of Sara, 19 a. of Abraham, 20. l. of Isaac, 27. d. of jacob, 40. m. of Samuel, 151. f. of jadon, 208. i of Herod, 45 ●…Word. d, c. Burning of the temple; 255. c. 463. b. 736. h. Burden required to be eased, 206. g. Bush of fire about Moses, 46. g. bushel of corn sold for a talon, 724. k. Business of Moses, 57 f. Butlers dream expo●…ded, 32. l. Bu●…cherie of the thieves, 522. i, k. C Caecinna persuadeth▪ the soldiers to revolt, 695. e, f. apprehended, 696. g. fre●…d and honoured. ibid. h. Caerealis conquereth the Samaritans, 657. b, c. Cae●… confirmeth Hyrcanus in the priesthood, 360. h. departeth out of Syria, 361. d. his testimony of the jews, 363. e. slain, 572. l. 366. h. delivereth Aristobulus, 570. g. Caesar slayeth Cassius, 368. k. Herod's friend, 374. i overcometh Antonius, 393. 〈◊〉. confirmeth Herod in the kingdom, 396. h. giveth him, 800. talents, ibid. k. Lord of Egypt, 397. e. enlargeth Herod's dominions, ibid. 406. h. 407. d. 586. ay, k. made Pheroras Te●…arch, 407. d. gave Herod re●…nues, 420. g. offended with Herod, 430. g. alloweth Herod to punish malefactors, 433. d. maketh Archelaus king, 455. a. confirmeth Herod's ●…estament, 459. d. ●…als a council, 609. b. makes Archelaus an Ethnarke, 613. a. Caesarea built by Herod, 405. c, d. was called Stratons' tower, 588. g. a great City, 661. i. Cain Adam's first son, 5. a. slew his brother, ibid. b. nor bettered by God's chastisement, ibid. d. builded a City, 5. b. invented the use of the plough, ibid. b. father of hypocrites, 6. g. Caius succeed Tiberius, 471. c. certi●…eth the Senate of Tiberius' death, 478 i maketh Agrippa king, ibid. k. 618. i. banisheth Herod, 479. d. usurpeth divine honour, 479. f. 480. g. 618. k. his statue, etc. ib. k. writeth letters to Petronius, 483. c. calleth himself jupiters' brother, etc. 489. a. b. etc. causeth many to be murdered, 490. k. sacrificeth, 494. h. builded a haven, 501. e. slain, 495. b. 501. e. Caleb and josuah appease the people, 74. h. Callimander slain, 338. g. Calling of Moses, 46. g, h. of Elizaeus, 217. a. Cal●…tie of the Israelites, 41. c. 53. a, e, f. 54. g. 111. d. etc. m. 112. g. 126. g. foretold, 251. c. & 252. k. Calamity of Herod, 584. h. of Syria, 634. i, k. Calamity in jerusalem. 698. l, m. 724. h, i, k. etc. Calamity of the Romans, 733. b, c. of the jews recounted 〈◊〉 the Romans, 734. l, m. Calamity of the jews at Antioch, 747. b, c, e. Calamity of the jews taken by the Romans, 760. g, h. Calumniation, 425. b. Calves of jeroboam, 207. b. Cambyses inhibiteth the building of the temple, 266. l, m. Camp of the enemies spoiled, 229. c. Camp of the Romans how ordered, 648. h, i. 3. Camps of the jews, 610. i. Candlestick of gold, 63. a. 198. g. Capharis submits to Caerealis, 692. g. Captain over a thousand, 143. f. Captains of Solomon, 193. d, e. 2. Captains of Ochozias destroyed, and why, 224. f. 225. 〈◊〉. the 3. preserved, ibid. a. Captain trodden to death, 229. d. Captivity of Babylon foreprophesied, 247. c. 150. ay, k. effected, 255. c, d. 715. d. Carcases hinder the passages, 581. e. Carcases innumerable, 87. e. Carcases cast out of the City, how many, 724. i, k. Care of God for the Israelites safety, 47. a. for his servants, 216. l, m. Carthage built, 771. c. Carelessness of Abner touching Saul's safety, 153. e. Carpenters how employed, 195. b. Cassius resisteth the Parthians, 358. m. exacteth of the Iewe●…, 700. talents of silver, 366. i. Cassius Longinus governor of Syria, 512. m. Castle fortified, 318. l. 356. k. razed, ibid. Castle of David, 763. f. Castor a subtle jew, 7●…2. g. Catalogue of Jacob's sons and nephews, 39 e, f. 40. g. Catalogue of God's benefits on Israel, 54. i, k, l. Catalogue of the commandments, 59 f. 60. g. cattle gotten in war, 87. e. 103. f. 106. l. Catullus slayeth 3000. jews, 763. b, c. 'Cause of error concerning God, 796. i. Causes of discord, 765. e. 766. g. Causes of malice between Egyptians and jews, 776. h, i. Causes of the Israelites ruin, 41. c. Causes of the wars of the jews, 624. i, m. Causes of Vespasians election, 694. g. Causes of writing the Antiquities, 1. d. e. Caves of the thieves described, 579. e. Ceasing of Manna, 102. h. Celebration of the passover, 249. f. 272. Cells about the temple, 195. e. Cendebaeus put to flight, 334. g. 560. i. Cenizus delivereth the Israelites, 113. e. vanquisheth 〈◊〉, ibid. f. judged Israel fo●…ie years, ibid., f. Censors affixed to the brazen Altar, 80. i and why, ibid. Censors of gold, 197. b. Centu●…ion of Florus, 625. a. Cesennius precedent of Sy●…ia, 754. accused Antiochus, ibid. Cistern digged to be enclosed, 96. k. Cestius G●…ppeaseth the people, etc. ●…24. g. i. burnt Zabulon & joppes, 636. k, l. consulteth with the princes, etc. 627. a. his siege against jerusalem, 636. m. 637. b, d. Chaereas and his complices conspire Caius' death, 490. g. h. why incited against Caius, ibid. k conferreth with Clement, etc. 491. c. 492. g. intends to kill Caius, ibid. expecteth occasion to assail Caius, 493. b. slayeth Caius, 495. b. honoured, 500 h. sendeth Lupus to kill Caius wife, ibid. k, l. executed, 505. f. 505 g. Challenge of a single combat, 142. h. Chaldaeans mutiny against Abraham, 12. k. I'm Noah●… son, 9 a. his progeny, 10. l. discovereth his father's nakedness, 11. c. Chambers of pleasure, 200. k. Champions of David, 183. c. etc. Chanaan Jacob's inheritance, 28. g. Chanaanites put the Israelites to flight, 76. k. wholly to be extinguished, 97. f. 106. k. ten thousand slain, 109. b. made tributaries, 202. l. Charges of the temple to be supplied, 272. k. Chariots of labin, 115. a. of Solomon, 199. f. Chariots armed seen in the air, 738. Chartisement bettered not Cain, 5. d, e. Chastity of joseph, 3●…. a, b. 801, c. Chance medley, 88 k. Change of the jews government, 569. a, b. Change of names w●…nce, 10. k. Cherubin, 62. k. in the temple, 196. h. Chetura Abraham's second wife, 19 b. bare to Abraham six children, ibid. b, c. Chieftains of Achis, 15●…. l. cause David to be dismissed, ibid. l. of Solomon, 193. d, c. Children are to learn the law. 91. c. 70. Children of Achab slain, 232. m. Children of Herode, 598 i, k. Children not to be punished for the father's offence, 96. m. Children male done to death, 41. d, e. Children of Chanaan, 11. b. Children of Abraham, 17. d. 19 b, c of jacob, 24. i, k, l. 27. c. Children of Roboam, 209. b. Children unlike their fathers, 130. k. 247. c. 230, i k. Chodollogomor an Assyrian Captain, 13. c. overthrew the Sodomites. ibid. Choice of the Esseans in compassion and helping, 615. d. Chore mutineth against Moses, 77. b. affecteth the office of high Priest, ibid. d. 80. h. he and his company consumed with fire, ibid. l. Chosby a daughter of Madian, 86. h. enticed Zambrias to Idolatry, ibid. h. i. slain with him. 87. a. Christ crucified, 466. l. m. Chronicles of the Tyrians, 244. g. churlishness of Nabal, 152. i. chusai's opposition to Achitophel, 176. i. his counsel accepted, 176. l. certified David of the victory, 178. l. Chuthites removed unto Samaria, 243. c. plagued, and why, 244. h. i claim kindred of the jews, ibid. i. k. Circumcision commanded and instituted, 15. b. one sacred City in Canaan, 90. l. and why, ibid. Cities of refuge, 88 i k. 90. l. 106. ●…l. City of of David, 164. i. Cities of the Beniamites burned. 112. h. City of the Priests burnt, 149. d. Cities builded of Solomon. 201. d, e. Cities under Archelaus subjection, 613. b. Cities taken from the jews. 345. c. chief Cities of Galilee. 549. c. Cities in arms against the jews, 635. b. 4. Cities of Galilee revolt from joseph, 643. 2. Citizens of Iabes bury Saul and his sons bodies, 158. i, k. Citizens taken prisoners, 252. c. Citizens of Giscala entertain Titus. 671. ●…. Citizen's resort to Vespasian. 684: i. Civil wars of the Israelites. 111. d. Civil wars of the Romans. 691. f. Claudius' chosen Emperor, 498. l, m. unwillingly accepted it, 502. ●…carried on men's shoulders, 503. denieth to give over the dignity, ibid. f. confirmed by Agrippa. 504. g. persuaded to use the Senators mildly, 500 g. 620. i. giveth Agrippa judaea, etc. 506. i. his edict in favour of the jews, ibid. 507. a. commandeth Agrippa to desist from building, 509. c. grants the jews custody of the high Priests vestment, 5●…3. b. c. findeth the Samaritans guilty, 520. m. 521. a. 622. g. his wives, 52●…. d, e. his death, 521, d. 62●…. h. Clemency becometh a king, 152. l. Clemency of Ioseph. 534. i. of Archelaus, 608. h. of vaiu●…. 612. h. Cleopatra Demetrius wife, 333. d. obtaineth Tryphons army ibid. rebelleth against Ptolemy, 338. h. prepareth an army against her son, 342. m. taketh Ptolemais, 343. a. cometh to Antonius, 370 g. murdereth her brother and sister, 388. l. 389. a. her corrupt dealing, ibid. m. beggeth judaea and Arabia, 389. a, b. her chieftain overthroweth Herode, 390. l. her treason against Herode, ●…83. f. Cloud on the Tabernacle, 72. k. in the Sanctuary, 198. h. a Clown made high Priest, 673. c. Clitus author of sedition, 539. d. cutteth off his own hand, ibid. 643. d. Colony of Nemrode, 11. a. Colonies established by Abraham, 19 b. & 20. k. Combat betwixt David and Goliath, 143. c, d. Combat of Saul against the Ammonites, 134. l. Combat challenged, 732. l. Comet like a sword, 738. i. Comfort of jonathan to David, 173. c. Command of Saul for war, 134. k. Commandment of God transgressed, 4. i, k. 208. g, h. Commandment for the Ark, etc. 186. g, h. ten Commandments, 59 f. Commendation of Abraham, 20. l: of jacob, 40. m. of joseph, 41. a. of josaphat 204. c. Commination against the Israelites, 199. f. against jezabel. Commiseration of the Galaadites, 134. h. Commotion of the jews, 483. f Companies of the Romans, 636. i. Companions of Daniel cast into the furnace, 259. f. preserved, ibidem. Companions of jonathan slain, 763. a. Comparison of Moses with other lawmakers, 791. e. Comparison of the Roman forces with the jews, 628. m. Comparison of the Romans and jews, etc. 674. m. Computation of time different, 783. a, b. Compassion of joseph, 38. l. of Thermuthis, 42. m. of the people, 134 h. of the three kings, 226. i of Elizaeus, 226. l. 230. g. of Caesar, etc. 418. i of the people, 537. c. of Antonius, 577. d. of Tyroes' son, 597. c. of Titus, 670. m. 733. c. Complaint of David to jonathan, 146. k. l. Complotting of Joseph's death, 29. b. Concord in wickedness. 718. g, h. 621. c. Concord of the jews in religion, 792. k. Concubine of Gedeon, 117. c. of Saul, 161. a. of Solomon 204. k. of Roboam, 209. b. Conditions of peace unjust, 133. g. Conduct of Moses, 50. g, h, i. Conduit under ground from Antonia, 411. d. Confederacy, 11●…. e, f. 16●…. a. 167. l. m. 223. e. 230. m. 29●…. ●…. Conference, 353. d. 577. d. Confession of Achar 103. d. of the women, 600. g. Confidence of Adad, 228. l. of joram, 227. f. of Ochozias, 224. l. Confirmation of Moses, 46. i of Saul. 132. l. Conflict of the jews with the Caesareans, 624. k, l. of Placidus with the fugitives, 686. i of the jews with the Romans 711. c. 753. a. Confusion of tongues, 9 d. Confutation of manethon's words, 778. m. of Lysimachus, 781. b, c. of Apion, 783. e. of Posidonius and of Apollonius, 786. k, l. Congratulation, 419. f. 451. c. Conquest of Ganaan made difficult, 73. effected, 105. b. etc. Consent of parents, etc. asked in marriage, 20. i, k. & 24. m. Conspiracy of Chore and his followers, 77. c. Conspiracy, 236. g. 238. h. 232. k. 248. i. 402. h, i 489. f. 597. d. Conspiracy in robbery, 621. e. Conspirators punished, 458. g. Constancy of the Esseans, 616. k. of the jews, 619. b. 727. b. 774. k. l. 797. c. of Eleazar, 803. d. Consultation about the Ark, 128. h. Consultation against joseph, 543. c. of Herode with Archelaus, 594. g. of Cestius with the princes, 627. a. of Titus, 720. l. of Vespasian, 693. d. of judas, 722. l. Contempt of religion see piety coutemned. Contempt of Saul, 133. e. Contempt of God wherein it consisteth, 1●…0. h. l. Contempt of death, 4●…8. g. Contempt of God, loss of a kingdom, 140. i. Contents of jeremy's book, 251. c, d. Contents of the Antiquities, 1. c. 3. c. Contention of the Samatitanes and jews, 322. m. 323. a. Contention between abraham's and Lot's shepherds, 13. c. Contention, whence, 591. b. Continuance of the laws among the jews, 794. k, l. Core a certain measure, 75. b. Corn of the Philistines spoilt, 122. h. Corn provided by Herod, 403. f. Corn burnt in jerusalem, 698. l. Corruption of Ventidius, 374. m. of Scaurus, 566. h. 578. h. of Silo, 578. l. of Antipater, 591. c, f. of Alexander, 593. b. 130. l. Corruptions among the Greeks, 765. a. Cost of Agrippa in building the wall, 704. i. Costabarus usurpeth, 400. h. preserved by his wives intercession, ibid. k. Counenant of God with Noah, 8. i, k. Covenants of the Esseans, 615. f. Covenant of Abraham with Abimelech, 16. l. of Laban with jacob, 25. c. f. Covetousness of Cleopatra, 583. d. of john, 533. f. of Florus, 623. f. Council called, 596. l. 609. b. Council held against joseph, 547. f. Counsel to be sought at God's hands, 20. m. Counsel of Rebecca to jacob, 23. c. of joseph to king Phar●…o, 34. g, h. of Raguel to Moses, 58. g, h. of Balaam to Balac, 85. c. e. of Achirophel, 176. i of Chusai. 176. l. of the Elders, 206. i of the young men, ibid. l. of Salome, 596. k. Counterfeiting of Euricles, 595. b. Counterfaiters of letters feed, 601. d. Country of the Amorites possessed by the Hebrews, 83. b. Country beyond the flood described, 646. m. Countries inhabited, 10. g. 11. a. etc. Courage of the jews, 713. b, c. 653. d. of Eleazar, 654. f. of john, etc. 672: i k. Courtesy of Rebecca to Abraham's servant, 19 f. & 20. g, h. of Rachel to jacob, 23. b. of Raguel to Moses, 45. c, d. of Abigal to David, 152. k, l. of the Witch to Saul, 1●…. c. Court of the Tabernacle, 61: a, b. etc. Court of jeroboam, 207. a. Courtiers of Saul sound David, 144. h. Cowardice of Vonones, 466. of the jews, 726. k. a Cow brings forth a lamb, 738. k. Cow dung the jews food, 724. k. Craft of a boy, 739. d, e. Crassus warreth against the Parthians, 358. m. robbeth the treasury in jerusalem, ibid. h. 569. e. slain, 358. m. 569. c. Creation of the world, 3. c. Creatures made, 3. d, c. and first named, ibid. f. Cry of seditious Chore and his accomplices, 77. e. Cries of women and children, 655. d. of the jews, 737. d. Crown of Gold, 368. l. Crows feed Elias, 214. k. Cruelty of Azael foretold, 230. g. effected, 236. g, i of Athalia, 233. e. of Manahem, 240. h. of Manasses, 247. c, f. of Nabuchadnezzar, 251. c. of Bacchides, 559. b. of Alexander, 564. g. of Antigonus, 580. m. of Cleopatra, 583. c. of Herod, 612. l. of the Damascens, 639. c, d. of the thieves, 674. i of the Idumaeans and Zealous, 682. g. of the seditious, 699. b. of the thieves, 721. e, f. of Simon, 722. i. Cumanus spoileth villages, 519. a. feareth the people's rage, 621. a. corrupted, 520. i banisned 521. a. Cunning of David in playing on the haipe, 141. e. Cups of gold, 197. b. Curse against him that builds jericho, 102. l. Custom of the country, 24. g. Custom observed in sacrifices, 68 l, m. Custom of war, 97. c, d. Custom in Samaria, 228. l. Custom laudable in a king, 280. l. Custom to punish slaiers of themselves, 659. f. Custom of the Romans, 711. d. Custom of the Priests, 766. i, l. etc. Cutthroates among the jews, 523. c. Cyprus a Castle, 588. g. Cyrenaeus taxeth judaea, 462. l. Cyrus' lung of Persia, 26●…. b. overthroweth Balthasar, and ta●…th Babylon, 262. h. dismisseth the jews, 265. a, b, etc. permitteth to build C●…e and Temple, 265. b, c. his decree touching the temple, 271. c, d. Cyzicenus king of Syria, see Antiochus. D Dagon fell down, 127. c. Dares of creasion six, 3. d, e. the seventh sanctified, ibid. e. the day lengthened, 104. m. Dalila foundeth Samson, 123. a. betrayeth him, ibid. b, c. Dar●…aseens kill 10000 jews, 639. c, d. N. Damascenus testimony of Abraham, 12. k. Damascus, country of Abraham, ●…2. k. Damsels entice the Hebrews to idolatry, 8●…9. d. & 86. g. Dan the son of jacob, 24. k. what it signiseth, ibid. k. his issue, 40. g. daniel's austere life, 258. g, h. expounds Nauchodonosors' dream, 259. c, d. advanced to honour, ibid. 262. g, f, e. his fellows cast into the furnace, 259. f. interpreteth the writing, 262. g. cast into the lions dentie, 262. l. his vision of the Ram and Goat, 263. d, 〈◊〉. his predictions of the Roman Empire, 264. h Datius king of the Medes, 261. b. surpriseth Babylon, 262. h. causeth daniel's enemi●… to be cast to the Lions, 263. a. Darius' son of Hystaspis maketh a vow. 263. a. performeth it, 268. l, m. propoundeth three questions, 267. b. his letters for building the temple, etc. 268. m. 269. a. he restoreth the vessels, etc. ibid. b. his Epistle to the prefects of Syria, 171. c. Darius' king of Persia overthrown; 285. 2. Darkness separated, etc. 3. d. Darkness of Egypt, 49. a, b. Dart of Saul, 153. c, d. Darts profit not the jews. 709. d. Dathan rebellious, 79. a. he with his companio were swallowed up, 80. g. Daughters of Salpades inheritance, 88 c. Daughters of the Madianites, 85. d. allure the Hebrews to Idolatry, 86. g. David anointed king, 141. b, c. seized with God's spirit. 141. d. easeth Saul's vexation, ibid. d, e, f. killeth a Lion and a Bear, 142. k. m. overcometh Goliab, 143. c, d. killeth six hundredth l'hilistines, and marrieth Michol, 144. k. l. vanquisheth the Palestines, 145. d. discovereth Saul's affection towards him, 146. h. complaineth to jonathan, 146. k, l. receieth Goliahs' sword, 148, g, h. counterfeiteth madness, and why, 148. i. his care of his parents, ibid. k. defendeth Cilla, 150. h. flieth to the Ziphians, 150. k. escapeth Saul's hands, and how. 151. a. twice saveth Saul's life, 151. b, c. & 153. c, d. testifieth his innocency, ibid. c. & 154. g. spareth Nabals flocks, 152. g. incensed against Nabal, and why, ib. i. is appeased, ibid. l. m. upbraideth Abner, 153. d, e. dwelleth at Siceleg, and spoilet the Satrites, etc. 154. i. recovereth his vites, and slayeth the Amalechites, 157. b, c. lamenteth Saul and jonathan, etc. 159. c, f. chosen king by one tribe, etc. 160. g. requireth Michol, 161. b, c. purgeth himself of Abners' death, 162. i k, l. surpriseth jerusalem, 164. h, i. vanquisheth the Palestines, 165, b, c. transporteth the Ark, and how, ibid. c, e. intended to build a temple, 166. h. gave God thanks, ibid. k. revengeth his Ambassadors, 169. b, c, d. marrieth Bethsabe, 170. l. repenteth his sin, 171. b. mourneth for his son, 171. ibid. c, d. expelled his kingdom, 177. b. his entertainment at Mahanaim, 177. c. commandeth to spare his son, 177. f. bewaileth Absalon's death, 179. a. granteth Amasa pardon, 179. c. his concubines sequestered, 181. c. distributeth offices, 182. b. delivered out of peril, ibid. l. persuaded to abstain from war, ibid. lus 38. champions, 183. c. etc. sendeth joab to muster the people, 184. h. of three punishments offered, chooseth the plague, 184. k. prayeth for the innocent people, ibid. l. commanded to build an Altar, ibid. m. gathereth store of iron, etc. 185. d. counseled Solomon to honour God, ibid. f. groweth old and numb, 186. h. numbereth the Levites, 187. e. confirmeth the kingdom of Solomon, ibid. commendeth Solomon to the tribes, 188. h. his counsel to Solomon, 189. c. willeth Solomon to punish joab, 189. d. commendeth Berzillais sons to Solomon, 189. his age, reign, and virtues, ib. f. Dancing of the maidens of Israel, 243. e. of David's before the Ark, 165. e, f. Danger of the Israelites, 50. i, k, l. 51. d. c. of David, 144. m. 145. c, f. 150. ay, k, l, m. 151. a, b. of the Sephorites▪ 534. a. of ●…cims son, 532. g. of Ioseph. 537. c. 538. g. 539. a. 641. c, d. of Herode, 577. c. of Titus, 700. h. Dead ●…e unburied, 721. d. c. Dead body raised, 236. m. Dealing of Laban with jacob, 25. d, c. Dealing of Saul with David colourable, 144. g, h, i. Death of the fathers, 6. k. 7. a, etc. Death of the seven brethren, 800, k, l. 801. a. 802. g. 803. etc. Death of Abraham, 20. l. of Isaac, 27. d. of Rachel, ibid. c. of jacob, 40. m. of joseph, 41. a. of Moses, 99 b, c. of Samuel, 151. f. of Solomon, 206. g. Death of the first begotten, 49. d. Death of the leader discomfort to the soldier, 222. h. Dearth of victuals prophesied, 214. k. Debate comp●…itted, 157. d. c. Debate of the jews and Samaritans, 322. m. 323. 2. Debate of Herode with his sons, 590. b. Debate betwixt the Ladies, 598. m. Deborah a prophetess, 115. a. encouraged Barac, ibid. c. Decease of Herode, 605, i, k. Declamation of Sentius, 499. a, b. Deceit of Florus, 624. k. of john, 676. g. of the jews, 702. l, m. Deciding of hard controversies referred to Moses, 58. i. Decree of the Romans, 315. c. of Cyrus, 271. c, d. Decree of destiny, 714. g. Dedication of the Tabernacle and Priests, 66. l. Defence of Moses, etc. 790. i, k. Defence of Nicholaus, 609. c. 613. a. 459. b. Defy of the enemy, 142. i 145. b. Deflowering of Dina, 26. m. of Thamar, 172. i k. Deflowering of a Virgin, 94. i. Deliverance of the Israelites out of Egypt, 50. g. l. from danger, 51. d, e. f. Deluge or flood, 6. i the cause thereof, ibid. when it happened, 7. a, b. destroyed all save those in the Ark, 6. decreased, 7. d. Demetrius' exhortatory letter, 290. g. Demetrius Seleucus slayeth Lysias and Antiochus, 313. d. maketh himself king ib. d. sendeth Nicanor against judas, 314. i sendeth Bacchides against jonathan, 319. b. maketh peace with jonathan, 320. i 321. b. fighteth with Alexander, and is slain, 321. c. Demetrius Nicanor overcometh Alexander, 326. g. obtaineth the kingdom, ibid. incurreth the ●…tred of his soldiers, ibid. l. discomfited, 328. g. taken prisoner, 330. l. put to flight, refused by his wife dieth, 337. 2. Demetrius Eucaerus king of Damascus, 344. overcometh Alexander, ibid. l. m. besiegeth his brother Philip. 335. c. Departure of Israel from Egypt, 49. d, c. & 50. g. of Cestius, etc. 638. h, i. Depulsion of the jews liberty, etc. 628. i. Description of the thieves caves, 579. c. of Prolemais, 618. l. of Galilee, 646. k. of the country beyond the flood, 646. m. of Samaria. 647, a. of jury, 647. b. of the lake Genezar, 665. c. of jerusalem, 703. e, f. of jericho, 687. d, etc. of Antonia, 708. h. of the Temple and Porches, 788. g, h. good Deserts of David, 145. b, c. not to be forgotten, ibid. d. 577. a. Desire of gold, 423. b. Desolation through jerusalem, 685. c. Desolation lamented, 750. g. Destiny, 714. g. Destruction of Sodom, 16. g. of Senacheribs' host, 246. k. Destruction of all things foretold, 6. h. Destruction of judaea, 245. b. Destruction of the jews, 666. k. Destruction of jerusalem, 715. c. see jerusalem. Determination of God, 730. h. Detractions of writers concerning the jews, 776. g, etc. 777. f. etc. 778. i, k. 779. a. etc. devise of joseph against the Ram, 653. e, f. of Artorius, 733. c. Devotion of the Israelites, 129. b. a Dew descended from heaven, 55. a. called Manna. ibid. a. Diadem of Asia refused, 325. c. Difficulties of the Hebrews, see dangers. Dignity royal concealed, 133. a. Diligence of the Romans. 648. g. Dina the daughter of jacob, 24. l. ravished by Sichem; 26, m. desired in marriage by 〈◊〉 but denied, ibid. m. & 27. a. Diophantus counterfeiteth letters, 596. g. Discipline of the Roma●… 6●…8. g, etc. Discomfiture of Saul's army. 157. f. Discontents renewed, 626. g. Discord in jury, 672. h. Discord domestical, ●…73. b, c, d, e. 416. h, i 423. d. Discord whence ariseth, 591. b. Discord between the Idumaeans and Zealous, 692. k. Discord of the jews and Alexandrians, 786. Discourtesy showed, 19 〈◊〉. Discretion of Gedeon, 117. c, of the Roman soldiers, 669. a. Disease called by the Egyptians Sabatosis, 783. d. Diseases of Herode, 605. d. Dismission of the Israelites, 237. c. Disobedience of Saul, 139. c, d. of the Israelites, ibid. c, d, c. f. jadon, 208. h. of jonas, 238. l. Disobedience, 94. m. 95. a. cause of calamity. 110. g, etc. 111. a. etc. 113. d. 114. g. ibid. m. 125. b. 126. g. etc. Displeasure of God against Baalam, 84. g, h. against Saul and his people, 139. c. against the Chuthites, 245. i against Senacherib, 246. k. Displeasure of Titus, 723. c. d. of Balac against Baalam, 84. l. of Saul against David, 144. m pacified, 145, c. of Florus against the jews, 625. c. of the Israelites, 130. m. Disposition of the army, 72. i. Disproof of the Zealous fiction, 677. c, of Apions, 783. d, c. 786. h, i. a Dissembler, 640. l. Dissension at Tarichea, 664. k. between john and Simon, 718, g. Distinction of the Hebrews government, 135. b. Distribution of the jews, 744. h. Distribution of the spoils and pray, 57 b, c. 87. c. 103. f▪ 104. g. Distribution of Herodes kingdom. 459. d. Distress of the Israelites, 53. d, e, f. Division of the land of Canaan, 106. h. Division of the land between Abraham and Lot, 13. i. Division of the Tabernacle, 62. i of the Temple, 196. g. of judaea, 647. b. of the priests, 187. f. Diviners banished, 154. l. Devil seeketh to abolish the Bible, 304. h. Doctrine of Elias confirmed, 216. h, i. Doctrine of the Esseans, 614. m. Doeg master of the king's mules, 148. h. 149. a. accuseth Achimelech, and why, ibid. a. slayeth the priests, ibid. c, d. Dogs lick Achabs' blood, 222. h. devour jezabels' carcase. 232. k Domitian subdueth the Germans, 749. b. Doris Herod's wife, 368 i thrust out of the palace, 441. i spoiled of her jewels, 600. k. Dorites place Caesar's statue in the synagogue, 407. f. Dortus crucified, 520. k. Dowry of Salpades daughter, 88 l. Dream of joseph, 28. l, m. & 29. a, b. of the Butler, 32, k. of the Baker. 33, a. of Pharaoh, ibid. b, c. of a Madianite, 116. k, l. of Nabuchodonosor, 258. k. of Herod, 581. a. of Archelaus, 614. i of Glaphyra, ibid. k. Drowfinesse of Abner and his soldiers, 153. c. Duty of a king. 141. c. E Eagle of gold, 447. f. pulled down, 448. h. 604. m. 605. a, b. Eagle the ensign of the Romans, 640. k. 650. g. a sign of victory, ibid. g. 7. full Ears of come, 7. thin or withered, what, 33. c. f. Earth created, 3. c, d. richly endowed, ibid. covered with darkness, 3. c. cursed for man's sake, 4. l. called a virgin, and why, 3. f. swallowed up Dathan and Abiram, 80. g. Earthquake, 239. c. 130. g. Earthquake killeth 10000 men. 391. b, c. 584. i. Easter or the Paschall solmnized, 102. h. Ebutius against joseph, 536. h. Eclipse, 448. m. Edict in behalf of the jews, 365. c. Edict of king Pharaoh, 41. d. of Cyrus, 265. b. Edict of restraint, 60. l. Edict of Saul broken, 137. f. of Nabuchodonosor, 259. c. Edom, a name given to Esau, 28. h. his country, ibid. h. Education of jacob and Esau, 20. m. 21. a. of Moses, 43. c. Effects of God's spirit, 141. d. Effects of the evil spirit, 141. d. Egypt described, 694. i, k. length and breadth thereof, ibid. of whom so called, 770. h. an Egyptian Prophet gathers 30000. 622. l, m. Egyptian priests circumcised, 790. h, i. Egyptians pay the fifth part of their profits, 40. l. sold their possessions, etc. ibid. ay, k. to what things addicted, 41. b. war against the Aethiopians, 43. e, f. require Moses for their captain, 44. h. afflicted with plagues, 48. & 49. weep at the departure of the Hebrews, 49. e. pursue them, 50. h. drowned in the red sea, 51. f. worship beasts, 786. g. h. Eglon subdueth the Israelites, 114. g. killed by Ehud. ibid. k. Eliud killeth Eglon, 114. i putteth the Moabites to flight, ib. k, l. Eye of God discovereth sin, 563. Eyes pulled out, 123. c. 255. a. Ela son of Basa, 213. d. slain by Zamri, ibid. Elcana father of Samuel, 125. c. loved Anna, ibid. c. Elders resolved to make David king, 161. d. Elders counsel rejected, 206. i. ●…0. Elders rule Galilee, 639. e, f. Eleazar high priest praised, 2. h. Eleazar Moses son, 46. m. Eleazar Aaron's son, 80. i affixed his censor to the Altar, and why, ib. i. succeed his father, 82. ●…dieth, 108. m. Eleazar killeth an Elephant, 312. i slain, 559. c. Eleazar upbraideth Hyrcanus, 338. k. Eleazar an archtheese surprised, 622. i. Eleazar exerciseth cruelty, 621. Eleazar one of the Zealous, 676. m. caused the Idumaeans to be sent for, ibid. m. 677. a. Eleazar kills himself, 690. l. Eleazar taken, 753. b, c. whipped, ibid. exhorteth the jews to submit. 753. c. Eleazar captain of the Sicarians, 755. d. besieged in Massada, 756. i showeth the Romans tyranny, 760. k. Eleazar brought unto Antiochus, 802. m. whipped, 833. d. his answer to Antiochus, 804. g. his death, ibid. h. Election of a king, 92. h, i. Eli high priest, 123. c. had wicked sons. 125. b. his and their end foretold, 126. g. hearing of the Ark lost, died, 1●…6. l. his Genealogy, 127. a. Eliab a workman of the Tabernacle, 60. l. 66. i. Elias fed by crows, 214. k. entertained by the widow of Sareptha, ibid. l. restoreth the widows son, 215. a. prophesieth rain to Achab, ibid. b, c. 216. ay, k. reproveth the superstition of the people, 215. f. confirmeth his doctrine, and slayeth Baal's priests, 216. g, h, i. flieth from jezabel, ib. l. prophesieth revenge to Achab and jezabel, 217. c. reproveth Ochozias messengers, 224. k. prayeth, that fire consume his captains, ibid. m. 225. a. and foreshows his death, ibid. b. is taken from men, 225. c. Elimele●…h goeth to Moab, and why, 123. c. his, and his sons death, 123. c, f. his heritage seized. 124. l, m. Elizaeus calling, 217. a. foretelleth of water, and of victory, 225. f. relieveth a poor widow, and how, 226. m. adviseth joram to beware of Adad. 227. a, b. discovereth his ambush, ibid. b. leadeth the Syrians into Samaria, 227. c, d. fore●…els plenty of victuals, 228. i. also Adads' death, and Azaels cruelty, 229. f. 230. g. visited by joas, 236. k. foreshoweth his treble victory, ibid. k, l. his death and event thereof, 236. l, m. Eloquence of Moses, 46. i 54. h. Ambassadors of David abused, 1●…8. k. of Ezechias ill entreated, 242. l, m. of jonathan to Demetrius, 327. b. of Herod, 605. f. Ambassadors to Pompey, 353. b. Ambassadors sent to joseph, 541. a, 543. a. hope to get Tiberias, 545. d. their false accusations, 546. i. Embassage of Moses to the Idumaeans, 81. c. to Sehon, 82. l. Balacs to the Madianites, 83. c. his and their first and second to Balaam, ibid. c. & 84. g. Embassage of the nine tribes to the two other, 107. c. of the Galaadites to Saul. 134. i. of the Syrians to Achab, 218. g. Embassage of ballad, 247. b. of the jews. 272. k. of the jews to Rome, 458. i. Emmor king of the Sichemtes slain▪ 27. 2. Emperors of Rome, why called Caesar's, 202. g. emperors strife to be at peace: with the jews, 714. m. 715. a. Empire of Rome in an uproar, 691: c. Empire of the Persians, 773. a. End of captivity, 265. a. End of Antiochus Epi. miserable, 311. b. End of the jews answerable to their lives, 756. h. Engines, 239. d. fired, 312. g. 719. f. 726. i. Enemies of the Israelites to be destroyed, 90. g. and why, ibid. Enemy's how to be used, 794. i. Enemies to be buried, 95. c. Endeavour of Agrippa, etc. 627. f. Enlargement of the kingdom of Israel, 238. k. Ennerus Abraham's friend, 14 k. Enoch son of Iared, 7. b. taken up to God, ibid. c. 225. c. Enos cain's first son, 5. c. Enosa first City builded, 5. c. Enquirie for Jonathan's kindred, 168. h. Ensign of the Romans, 649. f. 650. g. Entertainment given to Antipater, 502. k. to Vespasian, 663. a. Enumeration of the countries subjecteth to the Romans, 628. k. etc. 629. a. etc. 630. g. Envy of the serpent, 4. h. of Abimelech, 21. b. of Leas to Rachel, 24 i and of her to Leas, ibid. ay, k. of Joseph's brethren, 28. l. of the Egyptians towards the Israelites, 41. b. of Saul against David, 143. c, f. of Herodias, 478 m. of john, 642. h. Ephod, 64. a. Ephraim son of joseph, 34. i. Ephraimites get Bethel, 109. c. displeased with Gedeon, are appeased, 116. c. slain by jeptha, 120. h, 1. Epicrates selleth Scythopolis, etc. 33●…. g. Epilogue of the Antiquities, 527. f. Epitaphs, 159. f. & 162. k. 250. i. Erection of the tabernacle, 61. 〈◊〉. Error of Epicures confuted, 264. i. Esay the Prophet, 245. f. comforteth Ezechias, 246. g. foretold Senacheribs' overthrow, and death, ibid. g. assureth Ezechias of life, 247. a, b. foreshoweth the captivity, ibid. c. Esau son of Isaac, 20. m. called Seir, and why, 21. a. foretold to be author of a nation. 20. m. his wives, 21. d. went a hunting, ibid. e. denied the blessing, and why, 22. h. foretold to be mighty, yet his brother's vassal, ibid. h. wept for loss of the blessing, 22. h. selleth his birthright, 28. h. Eschol Abraham's friend, 14. k. Esdras the lawyer, 271 k. assembleth the jews in Babylon, 273. c. repaireth to jerusalem, etc. ibid. d. his prayer for the Levites, 274. g. reads the law, ibid. l. m. Esseans a sect, 229. c. 463. f. 614. l. swear not, 615. e. have their goods common, 614. m. their religion and labour, 615. d. in compassion and helping their choice, 615. d. observe the Sabbath, 616. i. live long, ibid. i. they prophecy, 617. a. their opinion of the soul, 616. l. believe not the resurrection, ibid. Essen, what it is, 64. h, i. Esther made Queen, 277. f. resorteth to the king, and why, 279. f. 280. g. accuseth Aman, and why. 281. c, f. Estate of Solomon declined, and why, 204. i. Ethnarch a governor, 612. i. Ethnics punished, and why, 294. m. 295. a. Eve created, 4. g. tempted, transgresseth, ibid. i. her punishment, 4. m. cast out of Paradise, 5. a. her children, ibid. a. Evening, what, 3. d. Event of the battle, foretold, 155. c, d. Event of battle changeth, 731. c. Euilmerodach releaseth jechonias, 261. dieth, ibid. Evidence against Antipater, 601. c. eunuchs of what gift deprived. 97. a. Euphrates a river of Paradise, 4. h. called also Phora, ibid. Euricles winneth Herod's favour, 430. i, k. relateth Alexander's words to Herod, 430. m. 594. l, m. getteth money by craft, 430. m. 431. a. 594. m. 595. a. playeth the Amphidexter, 595. a, b. c. 596. g, h. of Exactions a mitigation craved, 490. i, l▪ denied, ibid. Example to do evil, 139. c. 209. b. Example of the Athenians, etc. 628. k. Excursions, see incursions. Excuse, of David's absence, 147. d. of Malchus, 577. a. of the two brethren, 592. l. of Antipater, 603. d. c. Execration of Saul, 137. c, f. Exercise of the Romans, 648. g, h. Exhortation of Moses to the people, 50. m. Exhortation to maintain liberty, 500 g. to contemn death, ●…9. d. Exhortation to be obedient to Gods will, 89. c. Exhortation of Saul to war, 134. k. Exhortation of Solomon to the people, 199. c. of Azarias, 212. l. of josaphatto his subjects, 223. c▪ of Ezechias to the Priests 242. i, k. of Mathias to his sons, 305. f. of the princes to the people, 626. i of Samuel to the people, 129. c. of Titus, 727. a, b. of Antiochus. 802. 〈◊〉. 803. a. 805. b Expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrews, 136. i 142 g of josaphat against the Syrians, 220. l, m. of the Arabians against joram, 230. m. of Amasias against joas, 238. g. of Ozias, 239. b. Expenses of Solomon, 193 e, f. Explication of the names of Jacob's sons, 24. i, k, l. Exploits of Titus, 664. k, l. of Domitian, 748. l, m. 749. 2. Exposition of dreams see interpretition. Expostulation of Samuel with the people, 135. c, d. Expostulation against joseph, 659. 2. Extremity of the jews, 75. b. Ezechias king of juda praised, and why, 242. i. his ambassadors to the Israelites, 242. l. offereth a solemn sacrifice, 243. 2, b. reformeth God's service, bid. subdueth the Philistines, 243. c. hath his recourse to God, 245. f. prayeth, and is heard, 246. g. h. fell sick, ibid. m. his life prolonged, 247. a. entertaineth ballads ambassadors. ibid. b. his death, 247. d. Ezechiel prophesieth of captivity, 250. k. taken prisoner, 251. c. foreprophecieth the destruction of the Temple, etc. 252. k. F Fable devised by Apion, 788. l, m. Fable of jupiter and Palace, 795. f. Fact of Herode devised, 605. f. Faction in Tiberias, 531. b. Faction of Chore, 77. e. of the people, 214. g. Faculty of persuasion, 46. i. Factious fly from joh, 685. b. Fadus governor of judaea, 512. i slew Tholomaeus, 513. a. killeth Theudas, 518. i. Fall of Adam and Eve, 4. i. Fall of the walls of jericho, 102. i. Fall of Ochozias, 224. k. Fall of a tower. 710. l. m. False prophets, 252. i k. 253. a. suborned. 758. h. Fame of Salomon's virtues, 203. c. of Josaphat's, 224. i. Fame of Herode, 588. i k. Family of the priests destroyed, 149. c. d. Famine of Canaan; 12. m. & 21. a. 34 k. & 35. e. of Egypt, 34. i increased, and why, 40. i of the jews 75. a, b. in the days days of Eli▪ 123. c. inflicted on the Israelites, and why, 182. i of 〈◊〉, 227. f. & 228, g, h. 253. c. in judaea, 403. c. in jerusalem, 714. l. 717. b. 724. ay, k. 734. g. Fasting of the Israelites, 129. d, e. of the jews. 279. d. Father of josephus taken, 722. k. Fathers before flood, 7. a, b, c. trained up their sons in virtue, 6. h. & 7. a, b, c. their age before the flood, 7. a, b. c. their death ibid. why lived longer than we now, 8. l. Fathers after the flood, 11. e. f. Favour of God to Isaac, 21. b. of the keeper to joseph, 32. i of Pharaoh to joseph, 34. h, i of God to jacob, 39 d. of God to Moses, 42. m. to the Israelites, 50. m. & 51. a. & 84. k. to David, 141. b, c. 144. l. of Xerxes to the jews, 242. l. of Antiochus to jonathan, 318. g. Fear surprising the Madianites, 116. l. 117. a, b. 137. d. 224. h. Fear of Saul touching David, 144. l. 148. k. Fear of the jews. 618. k. 743. f. Fear giveth confidence. 392. k, l. Feast of Pascha instituted and celebrated, 49. e, c, d. 69. 〈◊〉. 519. a. Feast of Azymes, 49. 〈◊〉. 243. b. 608. i. Feast of Tabernacles, 69. c. 199. e. Feast of Penticost, 69. f. Feast of David to the people, 155. m. of Ezechias, 243. a. Feast of Lots, 283. 〈◊〉. Feature of David, 141. 〈◊〉. Felicity of Solomon, 203. 〈◊〉. Felix governor of judaea, 521. a. punisheth thieves, etc. 522. f. surpriseth Eleazar. 622. i. overthroweth the Egyptian, ibid. m. accused, 503. d, e. Fellows of joseph, 660. i cast lots, ibid. Fertility of Gablee, ●…46. l. of Genezar, 665. c. d. Festival solemnised, and why, 309. 2. Festus discomfiteth a deceiver, etc. 523. 〈◊〉. Fiction of the Zealous disproved, 677. e. Fiction of Apion refuted, 783. a, e. 786. i. Field of God. 26. g. the great Field, 687. f. Fight by sea, 665. f. Fight of the Hebrews with the Chanaanites, 76. a. of the Syrians with the jews, 623. b. betwixt the Romans and jews 652. b. 658. g. of Vespasian with the jews, 668. i, k. of the Citizens with the Zealous, 675. 〈◊〉. between ●…imon and the Zealous, 690. i, k. between john and Eleazar, 698, h. at the feast of unleavened bread, 702. g, h, etc. in the temple, 728. l. of the jews and Romans, 732. h, i. Finishing of the Temple, 271. f. Fire from heaven kindleth the sacrifice, 66. m. consumeth Salomon's sacrifice, 199. c. and Elias, 226. f. also the two Captains and their souldi●…s, 224. m. 225. a. First begotten among the Egyptians slain, 49. d. First fruits, 69. f. 93. d. First begotten his right, 94. g. Five kings of Sodom, 12. e. Flaccus disfavoreth Agrippa, 473. b. Flight of the Hebrews, 76. k. 157. f. of the Palestines, 165. b. of the Syrians, 228. m. of the Philistines, 130. h. Flocks of Nabal spared, 152. g. Florus occasion of the jews revolt, 464. h. 624. g, h, i. k. 625. 〈◊〉. 464. h. succeed Albinus, 525. c. 623. e. worse than Albinus, ibid. 〈◊〉. cause of the wars, 527. e. 624. l, m. imprisoneth 12. of the chiefest jews, 624. l. his deceit, ibid. i. scorneth the jews gratulation, 625. a. requireth his obtractors to be yielded, ibid. b. his subtlety and treason, 626. taketh the spoil, etc. 626. l. derided. 624. m. Flood see Deluge. Floods of Paradise, 4. h. Food of Manna, 55. a, b, c. descended from heaven, ibid. a. ceased, and when, 102. h. Footmen of the Romans, 648. l. m. Force of the Romans darts, 654. k. Forces of the Romans, to the jews, 628. l. Force of enemy, 262. i of slander, 340. h. Forces weakened, and restored, 236. i. Forces against the Madianites, 87. b. Forces of Susac, 209. d. Forgetting of religion, cause of calamity, 109. b. 110. h. 111. a, b, etc. 112. a, b. etc. 113. d. 114. g. m. Form of the jews commonwealth, 272. h. Fortitude of David, 144. i, k. of Vespasian, 660. i of julian. 729. a. Fortress of the City, 674. k. Fortune favoureth the Romans, 714. k. Foundations of the Temple, 195. c. Fountain of covenant, 39 c. Fountain head of jordan, 587. b. 665. b. 667. b, c. Fountain near jericho. 687. f. Fountain of Siloa, 704. g. Fountains flowed to Titus, 716. k. Fraud of the false Prophet, 208. h. Fraud paid with fraud, 669. d, e. Freemen not to marry servants, 93. e. Feigned friendship of Eurycles, 595. a, b. Friendship between Isaac and Abimelech, 〈◊〉. c, d. Friendship betwixt jonathan and David, 146. l. confirmed with an oath, 147. a, b. of Antiochus with Ptolemy, 247. c. of the Romans with judas, 315. d. of Hiram with Solomon. 770, l. 783. c. Frogs, a plague of Egypt, 48. i. Fruit forbidden tasted, 4. i k. Fruit of the Egyptians spoiled, 49. 2. Fruits of trees under four years growth, 92. i, k. Fruits fall into ashes, 689. a. Fruit kept uncorrupt 100 years, 757. b. Fugitive jews fly to Antiochus, 311. f. a Fugitive discloseth the state of jotapata, 657. Fugitives request to Vespasian, 685. f. Fulvia Saturninus wife deceived, 468. h. Funeral of jacob, 40. m. of Samuel, 151. f. of Abner, 162, i, k. of Herode, 451. a. 606. k. Funerals of the dead, 794. g. Furniture of the Roman horsemen, 648. l. m. Fury of Florus soldiers, 625. f. G Gabaens lust and villainy, 110. l. & 111. a. would not deliver the authors thereof, ibid. c. destroyed, and their City burnt, 112. h. Gabeonites send ambassadors to josuah, 104. g. persuade josuah to make a league with them ibid. h, i. appointed to public ministries, ibid. ay, k. Gabinius overcometh Alexander, 356. l. 569. c, d. repaireth Cities in jury, ibid. taketh Aristobulus, c. 357. overcometh the Nabathaeans, ibid. f. 569. e. Gad the son of jacob, 24. k. what it signifies, ibid. k, his children, 40. g. Gadara besieged and taken, 650. i. Gadareans accuse Herode, 407, a. entertain Vespasian, 686. h. Gaal assisted the Sichemites to gather their fruits, 118. h, i. banished out of Sichem, ibid. k. Galaad a pillar, 25. f. Galaadites besieged by Naas, 134. g, h. & succoured by Saul, ibid. ay, k, l. Galba foretold to be emperor, 477. c, slain, 691. c. a Galilean slain, 221. c. his death cause of a tumult, ibid. c. Galilaeans murdered, 519. f. revenge themselves, 520 g. theirfaith and love toward joseph, 534. k. desire to invade Tiberias, 535. b. entreat joseph to stay, 541. e. their testimony of joseph, 544. flock to joseph, 642. k. Galilee described, 646. k. the length and breadth thereof, ibid. l. Galley built by Herode, 577. c. Gamala faithful to Rome. 532. g. 533. a. how situated, 667. c. inexpugnable, ibid. c, d. taken, 670. g, h. Games Circensian, 490. i. Ganges, called also Phison. 4. h. Gardens, etc. about jericho, 688. h. Garden of pleasure, 4. d. Adam placed th●…in, ibid. g. Garment of joseph, 32. h. Garment of linen and woollen, 91. b. Garment of the Priests, 197 c. Garment of the high Priest, 707. e, f. Garrison of the Philistines won, 136. h. Garrison placed in Syria, 167. d. in Idumaea, ibid. c. Gedeon called and encouraged, 116. h, i, k. his men and means, ibid. k, l, m. obtaineth the victory and how, 117. a. killeth Oreb and Zeb, and pacifieth Ephraim, ibid. b, c. Gehon a river of Paradise, 4. h. called also Nilus, ibid. h. Germane Caesar's guard, 496. g. resort to the Theatre, 497. c. their fury pacified, ibid. Germanicus poisoned, 466. h. Genealogy of Noah, 6. m. of Abraham, 11. e. of Eli, 127. a, of Sadoc, 191. d, e. of Alexander and Aristobulus, 620. l. Generals of armies, 100 k. 147. c, 160. h. 191. f, 245, c. 255. b. 283. f. Genezar the lake described, 665. c. the length and breadth thereof. ibid. d, e. Gerson Moses son, 46. m. Ghost of Samuel, 155. b. certifieth Saul of his end, ibid. c. Giants engendered, 6. k. horrible to look on. 109. c. Giants extinguished, 13. e. Gifts of the princes of the Tribes, 67. f. of the kings to Solomon, 199. f. Gifts of Herode, 588. i, k. 594. m. of Antipater, 597. e. f. 601. d, e. Gimona Prophet, 213. a. foretelleth the miseries of Basa and his race, ibid. b. Gischala burned, 531. f. Gladness of Anna, 125. e. Glaphyra wife of Alexander, 424. k. Archelaus daughter, ibid. increaseth suspicion, 592. h. examined, 431. f. sent back to her father, 437. c, d. 597. e. her dream, 461. c. Glean to be left for the poor, 92. m. Gluttony of Vitellius. 696. i. God created the world, 3. c. resteth the seventh day, ibid. 〈◊〉, speaketh to Adam, 4. k. punisheth him, evah, and the Serpent, 4. l. m. sendeth the Deluge, 6. k. & 8. h, i. willeth the Earth to be inhabited, g, h. appeareth to jacob, 39 d. his providence in saving Moses, 42. l. m. & 43. a, b: appeared to Moses, 46. a. feedeth the Israelites, etc. 55. a. comforteth Samuel, 131. a. certifieth him whom to create king, 132. i sendeth him to Bethlem, 140. m. appeareth twice to Solomon, 198. h. 199. c. speaketh to Elias, 226. l. God's favour to the Romans, 630. h. 714. k. knoweth when to revenge, 716. i k. Godliness of Ancestors remembered, 42. g. Gods of Laban digged up. 27. b. Gods of other countries, 91. b. Godolias Captain of the fugitives, 256. g. slain, 256. k. Gold in great quantity, 57 b. 87. e, f. 102. m. 103. f. 106. sold for half the price, 734. d. Golden statue erected, 259. c. Golden Eagle, 447. f. Golden chain, 507. e. Goliath the Philistine, 142. h. challengeth a single combat, ibid. h, i. encountered and slain, 143. c, d. Gomar japhets' son, 10. h. his progeny, ibid. h. i. gonorrhea a running of the rains, 70. k. Good deserts not to be forgotten, 145. c. goodliness of parsonage not respected, 141. a. b. Goods that are found, 95. f. Goods of mind, body, and fortune, 199. a, b, & 200, g, h. 589. a. Goods of Archelaus confiscate, 614. h. i common, 614. m. of Aman, 282. g. Go●…ons death, etc. 683. c. Government of the Romans how far, etc. 649. a, b. Government of the tribe of juda, 109. a. of Governments the best kind, 92. h. Governments of the Hebrews distinct, 135. b. Government of the jews changed, 569. a, b. what Governors to be chosen, 58. h. 91. d. the Governor Moses commended, 99 e. f. Governors of Solomon, 193. d, e. Governor of both Galilees, who, 639. c. Grapes not to be forbidden the gatherers, 93. a. Grasshoppers one of the plagues of Egypt, 48. m. Gratuity of Solomon, 201. a. Gratulation of the jews scorned, 625. a. Gratulation of the Bethsamites, 128. m. of Herode, 586. i of the people, 451. c. Gratus conflict. 456. l. see fight. Graves of concupiscence, 73. c. Grief causeth or hindereth passion, 801. a. Ground about jericho fruitful, 688. i. H Habit or form of Elias, 224. l. Habitations of Isaac's sons, 28. g. Hail, one of the plagues of Egppt, 48. m. Hall for assemblies, 290. i. Hand of Moses, 46. k. Hand of jeroboam withered, 207. e. restored, ibid. f. Handmaids of Jacob's wives, 24. h, i. m. Harbours, 405. d. ill Harvest of the Egyptians destroyed, 49. a. Hatred of Joseph's brethren, 28. l. of the Egyptians to the Hebrews, 41. b. of Saul against David, 143. 〈◊〉. of Absalon against Amnon, 172. m. of the soldiers against Demetrius, 326. l. of sons to the father. 425. f. Haven of Caius, 501. c. Haven described, 517. d. Heaven created, 3. c, d. and how placed, ibid. Hebrew slave when to be freed, 95. e. Hebrews Original, 11. 〈◊〉. of whom so called, ibid. e. their insupportable servitude, 41. c. 46. g. l. 47. e. chiefest of them meet Moses, 47. a. persuaded to obey, ibid. a, b. celebrated their Passeover, 49. c, d. departed out of Egypt, ibid. d. & 50. g. go thorough the red sea, 51. d. sing songs of praise, 52; g. h. fight with the Chanaanites, 76. a, i, k. overthrow the Amorites, 8●… l. m. possess their land, 83. b. revok from the laws of their fathers, 86. g. overcome the Madianites, 87. b. bound by oath to keep the law, 98. k. overthrow the Canaanites, 105. b. bring the Ark into battle, 126. i. feed on bloody flesh. 138. g. see Israelites. Hebron a place of burial, 19 a. 20, l. 27. d. 28. g. 40. m. Hebron the city taken, 109. c. David's royal fear, 164. i. Hecataeus, 12. k. writ a volume of Abraham, ibid. k. Height of the mountain Itaburium, 669. c, d. Heirs of David, 166. i. Helena Queen of Adiabena, 513. f. repaireth to jerusalem, 515. c. Heliopolis appointed for jacob, 40. i. Help of God, when most ready, 51. a. Help of God to be sought for, 54. l. Heralds, 97. c. Hercules his war, 19 c. Herod made Governor of Galilee, 361. f. executeth Ezechias, 362. f. called in question, ib. k. 571. g. saveth himself by flight, 363. b. killeth Malichus, 367. e. 577. f. expelleth Antigonus out of jewrie, 368. h. 〈◊〉. 574. h. marrieth Mariam, ibid. accused, made Tetrarch, 370. g, h. 574. l. assailed by the Parthians, 372. k. flieth to Malchus, 373. c. made king, 374. k. leadeth his army against Antigonus, 375. b. 574. 〈◊〉. his proclamation, 375. b, c. 578. l. overcometh the Galileans, 376. k. 378. m. subdueth the thieves, 377. a, b. 579. d. repaireth to Antonius, 378. g. wounded, 379. b. besiegeth jerusalem, 379. e. hindereth the spoil of the City, 381. b. bribeth Antonius, ibid. d. preferreth his favourites, 382. k. l. honoureth Hyrcanus, 383. f. maketh Ananel high priest, 384. g. taketh the priesthood from Ananel, 385. b. contriveth Aristobulus death, 385. f. his counterfeit sorrow, 386. l. goeth to Antony, 387. c committeth his wife to joseph, etc. ibid. c, d, e. instateth Cleopatra, etc. 389. c. levieth an army, 390. h. overcometh the Arabians. 393. b. 585. c. dismayed at Antony's overthrow, 393. f. practiseth Hyrcanus' death, 394. g. banisheth Antipater, 589. b. repaireth to Caesar, 395. d. his speech to Caesar, ibid. entertaineth Caesar and his army, 396. l. incensed against Mariam, 397. d. against Phaeroras, 594. b. cometh to jericho, 579. b. taketh Sephoris, 578. c. his buildings and works, as theatres, 401. Castles, 402. l. 404. k. 405. b, c. 405. c, d. 406. h 407. e. 420. l, m. 438. h. 586. m. 588. g, h. distributeth come among the people, 403. e, f. remits the third part of tribute, 407. 〈◊〉. sweareth the people, 408. g. re-edifieth the temple, 409. a, b, etc. saileth into Italy, 412. m. giveth wives to his sons, 413. b. his liberality, 413 d 414 g. openeth David's Sepulchre, 423. a. crediteth all tales, 426. h. weary of his life, and why, 427. d. fortunate abroad. and unfortunate at home, 416. l. beheadeth Pappus, 582. g. accuseth his sens before Caesar, 417. c. 418. g, h. 590. k. giveth ●…are to accusers, 431. a, b. accuseth his sons, 433. e, f. 596. l. strangleth them, 597. d. accuseth Phaeroras wife; 439. e. sendeth Antipater to Caesar, 440. h. tortureth the bondwomen, 441. b. putteth away his wife, 442 i calleth Antipater from Rome, 442. m. 601. f. bringeth him in question, 443. d. imprisoneth Antipater, 446. l. maketh his will, 447. d, e. 450. k. certified of his brother's death, 581. a. commandeth the nobles to be slain, 449. c. his liberality, 449. b. 583. b. bemoneth his sons, 598. g. betrotheth his nephews, ibid. g. 599. b. loved Antipater above the rest, 603. a, b. blotteth him out of his testament, 604. l. putteth him to death, 606. g. his own death and burial, 450 k. etc. 606. h. Herod fortifeth Cities, 464. i buildeth Tiberias, 495. a. Herod dismisseth Aretas daughter. 470. i. marrieth Herodias, ibid. k. repaireth to Rome, 479. c. accused and banished, ibid. d, e. 618. i. Herod created king of Chaleis, 506. k. killeth Silas, 511. d. his authority to create the high priest, 513. e. Herodias enu●…eth Agrippa, 478 m. banished. 479. e, f. Herodium, a Castle, 588 h. High priests ornaments, 63. f. 64. e, etc. garment, 707. f. High priests since Sadoc. 255. 〈◊〉. Hill of witness, 25. f. Hiram his league, 164. i. his Ambassadors to Solomon, 194. l. promiseth him wood, ibid. l. receiveth great quantity of wheat, etc. 195. a. proposeth hard questions, 201. a. Hircanus' high priest, 334. i besiegeth Ptolomey, ibid. maketh peace with Antiochus, 335. d, e. taketh money out of David's monument, ibid. f. surpriseth Cities of Syria, 336. h. conquereth the Idumaeans, ibid. i. besiegeth Samaria, 337. d, e. takes it, 338. g. 561. a. discontented with the Pharisees, 338. i followeth the Sadduces, 339. a, b. his death, ibid. Hircanus Joseph's son, 300. g. treason intended against him, ibid. l. accused, and why, 301. a. his apology, ibid. h. his jests, ibid. c. assailed by his brethren, 301. f. afflicteth the Arabians, 302. i. his buildings, ib. i, k. killeth himself, ib. l. Hircanus' high priest, 566. a. 347. c. content to live a private life, 3●…0. k. his Embassage to Scaurus, 352. k. repaireth the walls of jerusalem, 360. l. honoured by the Athenians, 361. a. foretold of his death, 362. m. his Ambassadors brought into the Senate, 365. d. taken prisoner, 371. f. highly hon●…red, 383. c. his death, 394. l, m. Hire of an harlot, 91. a. Hire not to be detained, 96. m. History of Dina, 26. m. Histories recited, 715. a, b. History of Antiquities, 764. i. Historiographers refuted, 776. k, l. 777. f. 778. ay, m. 780. g, 〈◊〉 781. b. hide Antiochus perjury, 787. c. Holy ointment, 66. b. Holocaust or burnt sacrifice, 68 i. Homer, ancientest Greek writer, 765. b. Homicide committed, 91. f. & 92. g. Honourable drawn bef●… tyrants, 718. g. Honouring of strange gods, look Idolatry. Honours of joseph, 34. g, h. & 39 b. Honour of the Magistrate, 91. e. 628. g. Honour's change manners, 149. d. Honour of Mardocheus, 281. b, c. Honour due to parents, 794. g, h. Horses taken, 106. l. Horsemen of Solomon, 193. f. Horseman brought letters to joseph, 542. 〈◊〉. Horsemen of the Romans, 648. l, m. Hospitality of the Esseans, 615. b. Host, look army. household-stuff, 106. Houses full of dead men, 721. d. 743. d. Humanity becometh a king, 152. l. Humanity of Balaam, 83. e, f. of the three kings, 226. i of Caesar, 609. f. of Titus, 730. k. Humanity of Titus counted cowardice, 713. e. Humanity of the Romans incited the jews against them, 740. h. Hunger killeth many, 713. c. Hurt of the General dismayeth the soldiers, 222. h. Hymns sung to God, 243. a. I jabasites besieged, 134. g. promised assistance, ibid., i. bury the bodies of Saul and his sons, 158. i, k. praised, 160. g. jabin a king of Chanaan, 114. m. subdueth the Israelites, ib. m. his army put to flight, 115. c. jacob the son of Isaac, 20. m. his greatness foretold, ib. m. held his brother's heel, 21. a. stealeth the blessing, 21. f. flying to Laban, seeth a vision, 22. k, l. voweth a sacrifice to God, ibid. k, l, m. arriveth at Charran, 23. a. talketh with Rachel and Laban, ibid. b. etc. requireth Rachel, etc. 23. f. deceived, 24. h. departeth privily from Laban, etc. ibid. m. accuseth Laban of ill dealing, 25. d, e. maketh a covenant with him, ibid. e, f. sendeth messengers to his brother Esau, 26. g. is reconciled to him, and how, ibid. ay, k, l. wrestleth with an Angel, ibid. ay, k. sacrificeth, 27. b. bewaileth joseph, 31. l. sendeth his sons into Egypt, etc. 34. k. & 35. e. would not depart with Benjamin, 35. e, f. reloiceth at Joseph's prosperity, 39 b. his journey into Egypt, ibid. e, f. meeteth joseph, and talketh with Pharaoh, 40. h, i. blesseth his sons, and dieth, ibid. l, m. jaddus high priest, 284. h. meeteth Alexander, 285. e. and in what manner, ibid. showeth him daniel's prophecy, 286. h. jadon prophesieth against the Altar at Bethel, 207. e. restoreth jeroboams hand, ibid. f. breaketh God's commandment, 208. h. slain of a Lion, ib. i. his prophecy detracted, 208. l. jael killeth Sifara, 115. d. jair governeth Israel, 119. b. was rich and had thirty sons, ibid. b. james accused and stoned, 524. k. james, etc. betrays his country, 690. m. japha taken, 656. i. japhet Noah's eldest son, 9 〈◊〉. his issue, 10. g, h. covered his father's shame, 11. c. jason warreth against Onias, 303. a. javan and his progeny, 10. i. javelin of Saul. 153. d. I●…ziel a prophet, 223. f. assureth josaphat of victory, ibid. f. Ibes, enemies unto Serpents, 44. i, k. Ichabod when borne, 126. m. and why so called, ibid. m. Idolaters plagued, 87. a, b. Idolatry of the Israelites, 86. h, i 207. d. of Solomon, 204. i. of joram. 230. h. of jezabel and Achab, 214. i of Amasias, 237. d. & 238. h. of Acha●… 241. a. of jeroboam, 207. b, c. of the Egyptians, 776. i. Idols to be destroyed, 90. h. Idumaea the country of Esau, 28. g. Id●…maeans revolt, 230. i. admit circumcision, 336. i pardoned by Varus, 612. h. 20000. come to jerusalem, 677. c. shut out of the city, 670. a. object reproaches against the citizens, ibid. pitch their tents near the walls, ibid. d. enter the city by night, 680. h. depart out of jerusalem, 683. b. consult of their submission, 742. i. jealousy, 71. b. jealousy of Herode, 590. g. jebusites expelled, 164. i. jechonias made king of juda, 251. revolteth, 252. h. taken prisoner, ibid. released, 261. a. jehu king of Israel, 217. a. 231. b. slayeth joram and Ochozias; 232. h, i. despiseth Gods laws, 235. b. dieth, ibid. jehu the Prophet, 223. b. reproveth josaphat, and why, ibid. b. jeptha judge of Israel made a vow, 119. d, e: overcometh the Ammonites, ibid. f. sacrificeth his daughter, 120. g. killeth 40000. of the Ephranites, ibid. h, i. jeremy foretelleth the captivity, 250. i, k. keepeth at jerusalem, ibid. k. prophesieth the destruction thereof, 251. b, c. admonisheth joachim, ibid. a. persuadeth the jews to yield, 253. c. imprisoned in a pit, ibid. his counsel to the king, 254, a. set at liberty, 256. g. jericho the city surveyed, 100 m. the walls thereof fell down, 102. k. destroyed, ibid. l. never to be re-edified. ibid. l. jeroboam rebelleth, 205. c. foreshowed to reign over ten tribes, ibid. d. fled into Egypt, ibid. e. recalled, 206. h. proclaimed king, 207. a. persuaded the people to Idolatry, ibid. b, c. his hand withered and was restored, 207. e, f. his impiety, 210. 〈◊〉. his punishment foreprophecied, ibid. k. his expedition against Abias, 211. 〈◊〉. dieth. 212. g. jeroboam the son of joas, 238. i warred against the Syrians and enlarged his kingdom, 238. k. dieth, 239. a. jerusalem taken, 164, h. David's royal city, ibid. i. surprised, 209. e. besieged, 245. c. 253. c. 254. k. 582. g. taken and burned, 2●…5. b, c. surprised, 288. g. tributary to Rome, 355. e. taken by Sosius, 380. l, m. 582. k. described, 703. e, f. 704. g, etc. second time burned, 741. b. six times spoiled, 745. a, b. jesse begat David, 125. a. jesus high Priest, 269. e. jesus high Priest, 302. m. depose, 303. a. jesus captain of thieves, 535. c. jesus conspireth against joseph, 537. c. his talk with him, 547. a. jesus exhortation to the Idumaeans, 677. c. 680. l. jesus his exclamation against jerusalem, etc. 738. m. 7●…9. a. b. his death, ibid. jewels of great price, 20. g. jews more ancient than the greeks, 768. l, m. arguments thereof, ibid. came not of the Egyptians, 779. b, c. when got judaea and built jerusalem, 781. b. trusty to their princes, 786. g. why eat not swine's flesh, 790. g. Iewes impiety reproved, 209. e. their captivity, 255. b, c. 257. d. depart from Babylon, 269. c. in danger to be exterminated, 276. l. lament, 279. a. fast & pray, ibid. c, d. revenge them on their enemies, 283. b. led away captive. 288. g. set at liberty, 289. c. tormented, 304. h. slain on the Saboth, 3●…5. d. brought out of Galaad, 310. i discharged of tribute 332. l, m. terrified, 342. e. l. Lords of Syria, etc. 346. h, i. shut their gates against the Romans, 354. h. honoured by kings of Europe & Asia, 363. e. slain, 371. i favour Herod for his bounty, 444 i. complain to Agrippa, 414. i jews embassage to Caesar, 421. e. 50000. slain, 488. i cause of the wars, 512. g. Iewes slain about the Temple, 519. a, b. plagued, 530. k. constrained to make to war, ib. m. revolt from the Romans, 540. h, i. valiantly defend themselves 582. i 3000. slain, 608. k. call Archelaus in question, 612. i. will not consent to Pilate to alter their laws, 617. e. their fight with the Samaritans, 623. b. sedition and slaughter among them, 623. b. their request to Agrippa, 627. d. refuie Caesar's sacrifices, 631. i. take Antonia, 632. i, k. spoil the villages and cities of Syria. 634. g. jews against jews. ibid. k. slain, 634. 635. 636. g, etc. overcome the Romans. 637. c. besiege Askalon, 645. d. 10000 slain, 645. f. 8000. slain, 646. g. repulsed, 653. 〈◊〉. power scalding oil upon the Romans, 655. e, f. 12000. slain, 656. l. 40000. perished at jotapata, 658. h. fly into the city, 664. i 9000. slain, 670. i, k. turn their weapons against themselves, 672. k, l. drive the Romans from their camp. 701 b. showed the tortures of the fugitives, 718. l. m. curse Caesar, 715. a. emboweled for gold 723. c, d. upbraid God. 726. g. afraid, ibid., h. surprise the Romans horses, 732. h. burn the porch of the temple, ibi. eat their girdles, shoes, etc. 734. h. overcome the Romans, 733. c. arrogant in calamity, 741. e. refuse to submit themselves, ibid. f. 40000. saved, an infinite number sold 742. l. slain in Syria & Egypt, 760. g. burn their goods, 761. a, b. the number of captives and slain, 744. i. jezabel builded a temple to Bel, 214. i ordained Priests and Prophets, ibid. i. killed the true Prophets, 215. c. complotted Naboths' death, 217. c, d. persecuted Elias, 216. l. her death foreshowed, 217. 〈◊〉. devoured by dogs, 23●…. k. l. Image of a godly prince, 249. c, d. Image of Gold, 259. 〈◊〉. Imitation in sin, 139. c. 207. d. 209 b. 240. i. 248. i. immanity of the Idumaeans and Zealous, 680. k. of Simon, 691. d. Immunity granted to the jews, 295. d. Impiety of Elies' sons, 125. b. of Basa, 213. a. of Achab and jezabel, 214. i 216. k. l. of Amri and his predecessors, ibid. g, h. of Achaz, 241. a. 242. g, h. of Ochozias, 224. k. of Ozias, 239. d. of Phace●…as, 240. 〈◊〉. of Oseas, 242. h. of Manasses, 247. e. of joaz, 250. k. of joachim, ibid. l. Impiety cause of calamity, 113. c. d. 114. g. m. 126. g. 209. b. 210. k. 212. h. 213. f. 214. g. h. 217. c. 231. c. 239. e. f. 240. g. 121. c. 242. h. i 248. g. 250. k. l. 251. c, d, e. 252. k, l. m. 253. a, b, etc. 254. g, h, etc. 255 a. etc. Imprecation for building jericho, 10●…. l. Imprecation of Saul, 137. e. Incest 71. b. of Lot, 16. h. of Ammon. 172. ay, k. Enchanters banished, 154. l. Enclosure before the temple, 197. d. Inconstantie of fortune, 668. l. m. Inconveniences under a king, 131. c. d. Encouragement of Moses, 46. 〈◊〉. of josua, h. 98. m. Incredulity punished, 229. k. d. Incursions of the Amalechites, 115. f. of the Philistines, 150. h. of Ader, 205. c. Indebteds' acts and devices, 748. g. Indulgence cause of sin, 139. f. Industry of the Romans, 648. g, h. Ingratitude of the Sichemites, 117. f. of the Israelites, 135. d. of Nabal, 152. i m. of Demetrius, 326. g. of Malchus, 577. a. Inhabitants of Nob slain, 149. d. Inhabitants of countries, 10. g, etc. and 11. a, etc. Inheritance of jacob and Esau, 28. g, of Salpades daughters, 88 l. Inhibition of Cambyses, 226. l, m. Iniquity, 580. h. of the jews, 726. l. Injuries of Florus, 464. h. Injury to David's Ambassadors, 168. k. to Thamar, 172. k, l. Injustice of lawmakers, 797. d, e. innocency of David, 151. d. 153. d, e. Insolence. 237. c. 239. d, e. 240. h. 719. c. Institution of circumcision, 15. b. of the Passeover, 49. c, d. Instruments of Music, 197. c. Interpretation of Joseph's dreams, 24. a, b. of the Butlers, 32. l. of the Bakers, 33. a, b. of Pharaohs, ibid. e, f. of Nabuchodonosors, 259, c, d. of the hand writing, 262. g, h. Interpreters royally entertained, 293. b. Intent of Florus inanifested, 626. k. Intention of Saul against David, 144. h. l. 145. f. 146. l. Intestine discord, 672. k. invective against murderers 163. c. against the Zealous, 674. h of joseph against the jews, 715. f. Inventor of Music, who, 5. f. Inventor of the art of forging, ibid. first Inventors of letters, 765. a. Invocation of God in trouble, 54. l. joab general of David's army, 160. discomfiteth Abner, ibid. i. slayeth Abner, 162. g. discomfiteth the Syrians, 169. a. reconcileth Absalon to his father, 174. h. i joab and the army enter the city mournfully, 179. 〈◊〉. his Oration unto David etc. ibid. c. sent out against Siba, 181. d. killeth Amaza. ib. e. rebuked, proposeth conditions of peace, 181. g, h. one of Adonias coadjutors, 186. i, k. slain, 191. f. joachas king of Israel subdued, 236. h, i. and why, ibid. his repentance and prayer, ibid. joachim king of juda, 250. l. paid tribute, ibid. 251. a. revolteth, and is slain, 251. a, b, not buried, ibid. c. joachin king of juda, 251. c. see jechonias. joas king of Israel, 236. k. called Elizaeus his father, ibid. k. his treble victory, 236. m. 237. a. joas saved, and how, 233. f. created king of juda, 234. g. his piety during joiadas time, 234. m. repaireth the temple, 235. c, d. his impiety after joiadas decease, ibid. e. stoneth Zacharias, ibid. e, f. bought his peace, 236. g. dieth, ib. joatham his works about the temple, 240. k. acts of war, ibid. k. 241. a. joaz king of juda taken prisoner, 250. k. his impiety & death, ibid. k, l. jobel a maker of tents, 5. f. jochabel Moses mother, 42. i. secretly hid him three months, ibid. k. appointed to be his nurse by Pharaohs daughter, 43. b. Iodes killeth Eglon, 114. k. subdueth the Moabites, and ruleth Israel, ibid. k, l. joel and Abia govern the common weal, 130. k. joiada high priest, 233. m. creanteth joas king, 234. g. sweareth king and people to serve God, ibid. l. deceaseth, 235. d. john releaseth Ismaels' captives, 257. b. refused counsel, ib. c. john high priest slayeth his brother, 283. f. punished, 284. g. john Jonathan's brother slain, 318. i. john Baprist slain, 471. a. john's acts in Gischalis, 533. c, f. his treason, 534. l. seeketh to murder joseph, 535. a. he and the Embasladours resort to jesus, 544. g. his followers forsake him, 551. b. a trencher and murderer, 640. k. flieth into Gischala, 642. k. persuadeth the Tiberians to revolt, ibid. h, i. moveth to rebellicu, 670. k, l. reserved to be at the siege of jerusalem, 671. d. sweareth to the people, etc. 676. h. breaketh his oath, ibid. i. assaulted on both sides, 698. k, l. putteth the Zealous to flight, 702. g. seizeth the temple, ibid. raileth upon joseph, 729. c. apprehended, 744. m. is condemned to perpetual prison, ibid. john captain of the Idumaeans, 710. l. slain, ibid. l. jonas cause of a tempest, and why, 238. k, l, m. devoured of a Whale, and cast out, 239. a. preacheth to the Ninivites, ib. 2. jonathan Saul's son, 136. h. entered the enemy's camp, and slew them, 137. b, c. breaketh the edict, ibid. f. counseleth David to fly, 144. m. pacifieth Saul's displeasure, and certifieth David thereof, 145. b, c. discovereth Saul's hatred to David, and how, 147. d, e, f. reneweth his covenant, 150. k. jonathan governor of the jews, 318. g, h. revengeth his brother's death, 318. l. assaileth Bacchides by night, 319. c. putteth Apollonius to flight, 324. h, i. appeaseth Demetrius, 326. i putteth Demetrius to flight, 329. a. runneth friendship with the Romans, etc. 329. b, c. etc. fighteth with Demetrius, 330. g. repaireth jerusalem, etc. ibid. ay, l. taken by Tryphon, 331. b. 560. h. slain, 332. k. 560, h. Jonathan's letters to joseph, 542. h. m. jonathan challengeth a Combat, 732. l, m. slayeth Pudens, 733. a. jop a retreat for thieves, 661. c. taken, ibid. e, f. joram king of juda, 226. l. served Idols, 230. h. murdereth his brethren, ib. k. dieth miserably, 230. m. joram king of Israel, an impious man, 225. c. asketh aid, ibid. c. in distress with two other kings, ibid. e, f. relieved, and how, 225. f. 226. g. overcame the Moabites, ibid. h. besieged, 227. f. threateneth Elizaeus, 228. h. certified of the enemy's flight, 229. b. his expedition to recover Ramath, 231, a, b. jordan yieldeth the Israelites passage, 161. e, f. his fountain, 667. b. josaphat king of juda his piety, 220. i, k. his expedition with Achab, 220. l, m. reproved, 223. b. reneweth the true service of God, ibid. c. prayeth, and why, 223. c. obtaineth victory, and how, 224. g, h, i. his ships cast away, ib. i. aideth joram, 225. c. dieth, 226. k. joseph son of jacob, 24. l. envied of his brethren, 28. l. dreamt a dream, ibid. l, m. sold by his brethren, 29. c. & 30. h, i. resisted his mistress twofold temptation, 31. a, b. & c, accused and cast into prison, 32. g, h, i. expounded dreams, 32. l. 33. b, e, f. counseled the king how to prevent famine, 34. g, h. advanced to honour, and married a wife, ibid. h, i. sounded his brethren, and why, ibid. l. sent them away but detained Simeon, 35. d, e. banquetteth them and Benjamin, 36. h, i. stayeth their journey and accuseth them, ibid. ay, k, l. attacheth Benjamin, 37. a, b. maketh himself, known to his brethren, 38. l, m. resorteth to Pharaoh with his brethren, etc. 40. burieth his father, ibid. m, giveth charge concerning his bones, 41. a. dieth, ibid. joseph preventeth calamity, and how, 298. g, etc. Ambassador to Ptolomey, ibid. i tributes of Coelesyria committed to him, 299. b. his wealth and children, ibid., e. sendeth his son Hyrcanus to Ptolomey, 300. k. his death, 304. g. joseph Herod's brother slain, a, b. 378, k. joseph Herod's uncle, 387. b. slain, and why, 388. i, k, l. josephus of the priestly line, 423. d. 529. b. studious from his infancy, ibid. d. expert in the Greek and Hebrew tongues, 528. g. a Pharisee, 529. f. his shipwreck, 530. g. dehorteth the jews from sedition, ibid. remaineth in Galilee, 533. b. procureth the safety of the king's goods, ibid. would not be bribed, 534. h, i. surpriseth jesus, 535. f. his care of religion, 536. g. transporteth corn into Galilee, 536. k. laboureth to restore Ptolemy's goods, 537. b. moveth the people to compassion, 537. d. his Oration, ibid. f. escapeth from danger, 558. g. dismisseth the Tarichaeans, 538. k. politicly taketh Tiberias, 539. b. dismisseth the Tiberians, ibid. e. his dream, 541. d. his answer to jonathan, 542. l. besetteth the ways of galilee, 543. d. objecteth treachery to the Ambassadors, 544. k. pacifieth sedition, 545. b. sends 100 Ambassadors to jerusalem, ibid. b. certifieth the Galileans of Jonathan's treachery, 547. d. taketh Simon, 548. i surpriseth Tiberias, ib. m. 549. a. prosecuteth his History, 551. 2. assaileth the walls of Sephoris, 552. k. putteth the king's soldiers to flight, 552. m. his accident, 553. a. dischargeth captives, ibid. f. entertained by Vespasian, 554. g. envied, etc. ib. maketh seventy Elders rulers in Galilee, 639. e, f. fortifieth the Cities with walls, 640. g. instructeth the Galileans in war, ibid. cometh to jotapata, 650. l. defendeth jotapata, 651. f. 653. e. f. 656. g. burneth the engines, 654. g. leapt into a trench, 658. i consenteth to Nicanor, ib. m. his speech to his fellows, 659. b. resorteth to Vespasian, 660. k. foretelleth Vespasian of his future honours; 660. l. rewarded by Vespasian, 661. a. imprisoned, ibid. delivered, 695. c. wounded in the head, 723 a. his speech to the people, 729. f. 730. g. present at the wars of the jews, 767. c. sold his books to many, ibid. josias restored God's service, 248. k, l. rooteth out Idolatry, ibid. l. causeth the book of the law to be read, 249. d. burneth false prophets bones, ibid. c. celebrateth the passover, 249. f. & 250. g. is slain, ib. i. josuah captain over the Israelites, 56. l. with Caleb appeaseth the people, 74. h. appointed the successor of Moses, 88 g. passeth over jordan, 101. e, f. buildeth an Altar, 102. g. compassed about the City of jericho, 102. h, i. burneth the City, ibid. k, l. pronounceth them accursed that re-edify it, ibid. l. prayeth unto God, 103. b. taketh and burneth Ainan, ibid. e. maketh a covenant with the Gabeonites, 104. i slayeth five kings, ibid. l, m. slayeth the kings of Chanaan and their army, 105. b. sendeth men to measure the land, ibid. e, f. divideth it by lots, 106. h. etc. his Oration to the two tribes and half, 106. m. exhorteth the people to keep the law, 108. l. dieth, ibid. m. jotapata besieged, 650. l, m. 651. d. valiantly defended, 651. c, f. 652. g. etc. 653. a. etc. 654. g. 655. a, b. etc. 656. g. taken, 657. f. 658. g. jothan son of Gedeon, 117. e. upbraideth the Sichemites, ib: e, f. adviseth them to reject Abimelech, 118. g. journey of the Hebrews, 49. e. 50. i. 51. d. 52. h. 53. a, e. joy of jacob, 39 b. 40. g. of the Egyptians, 40. l. of Anna, 125. e. of the jews, 269. a. etc. Iron bed of Og, 83. c. Iron work forbidden, 136. i. Isaac promised, 14. k. & 15. b, e. is borne, 16. l. why he was called Isaac, ibid. l. legitimate son of Abraham, 17. d. maketh a covenant with Abimelech, 21. c. should have been offered, 18. k. married Rebecca, 19 d. & 20. k. dieth, 27. d. Isachar, son of jacob, 24. l. what it signifies, ibid. l. his sons, 39 f. Isboseth Saul's son proclaimed king, 160. g. his army discomfited, ibid. ay, k. reproved Abner, and why, 163. a, b. traitorously slain, 163. a. Isha, what it signifies, 4. g. Isis' priests hanged, 467. f. 468. g. Islands, etc. called Cethim▪ 10. k. Ishmael slew, Godolias, 256. k. taketh many prisoners, 257. a. Ishmael Abraham's son, 15. a. circumcifed: ibid. c, c. 17. a. his state and progeny foretold, 15. b. his name, what, 15. a. banished, and why, 17. b. his sons. 17. c. Israel, a name given to jacob, and why, 26. k. Israelites servitude, 41. c. their male children done to death, 41. d. grievously afflicted. 46. g, l. & 47. c. celebrated the Passeover, 49. c. d. departed our of Egypt, ibid. d, c. 50. g. are exhorted to put their trust in God, ibid. k, l, m. go through the red sea, 51 d. sing songs of praise to God, 52. g. h. distressed in the desert. 53. a. murmur, and why, ibid. e, f. fed with Manna forty years, 55: c. incensed against Moses, and why, ibid. c. d. wander in the wilderness forty years, 74 k. assail the enemies, 76. g. war against the Amalechites, 56. h. and get great spoils 57 h. i come to Sinai, ibid. d. hear God speaking to them, 59 c. builded the Tabernacle, 60. l. assail their enemies and are overcome, 70. g, h, i, k. put the Amorites to slight, 82. l, m. slay Sehon and Og, 83. a, b, c. serve strange Gods, 86. h. commanded to destroy their enemies, 90. g. h bound to keep the law, 98. k. enjoyed the fruits of the earth, 102. h. took jericho, 102. l. also Ainan, 103. c. overcame the Canaanites, 105. b. divided their land amongst them, 106. h, etc. reproved for sparing the Chanaanites, 110. g. twice overthrown, 111. d, c. s●…ay all the Beniamites save 600. 112. g. give them 400 virgins for wives, ibid. l. their punishment, prayers, and fast, 129. b, c, d, e. their report to Samuel of his sons, 130. m. ●…e fire a king, ibid. rescue jonathan, 138. k. spare the cattle of the Amalechites, 139. c, d. revolt from Roboam, 206. l. the godly return to him, 209. a. their translation, 240. i 242. g. dispossessed of their country, and why, 243. e, f. 247. e. Issue of Isaac foretold, 15. b. what should effect, ibid. b. of Abraham by Chetura, 19 b. of jacob, 24. i, k, l. Issue of the war, 611. c. Ittan a place of recreation, 204. g. jubal inventor of Music▪ 5. f. juda the son of jacob, 24. i. his counsel to sell joseph, 30. h, i. urgeth his father to send Benjamin, 35. s. maketh a speech before joseph, 37. c. etc. & 38. g. his children, 39 f. judaea made tributary, 250. k. described, 647. a, b. length and breadth thereof, ibid. b. desolated, 726. g. judas Machabaeus, 306. i slayeth Apollonius and discomsiteth the Syrians, ibid. k. m. his oration to his soldiers, 307. twice discomfiteth Lysias, 308. g, h, k. purged the Temple, 308. l. 309. a. warreth with the neighbouring nations, 309. c. b. succoureth the jews in Galaad, 309. f. 310. g. his admirable victory, ibid. k. besiegeth the Castle in jerusalem, 312. c. and why, ibid. his league with Antiochus, 313. a. slayeth Alcimus partakers, 374. h. putteth Nican●…o flight, 315. a. covenanteth peace with the Romans. 315. c. abandoned of his men, ibid. f. is slain, 316. i 560. g. judas the Essean a Prophet, 340. h: 562. l. judas the Archtheefe, 456. i. judas Galilaeus sect, 464. g. judge corrupted with money, 368. k, l. judges ●…ualities, 91. d. their office, 223. c, d. placed in every city of juda, ibid. c. judgement Teat in seuer●…ll cities, 130. k. julian his valour and death, 729. a, b, etc. julius Ant. for the jews, 422. k. jupiter Enyelius relics, 9 e. justice is God's power, 91. e. justice of God, 244. m●… leaves nothing unpunished, 601. 2. justice oppressed, 130. l. justice neglected, 566. h. justice of the Esseans, 616. g. justification of Samuel, 135. c. justus incitoth the people to rebellion, 531. c, d. reproved, 549. b. his country Tiberias, ibid. accused, 553. c. condemned to death, 550. i. his book when published, 150. k. desireth to command Galilee, 552. i. Izates king of Adiabena●… 514. i. learneth the service of God, ibid. dissuaded from circu●…cision, 515. a, b. writeth 〈◊〉 the Parthians, etc. 516. i. calleth upon God, 517. f. delivereth the kingdom to his brother, 518. 〈◊〉. h. dieth, ibid. K Keeper of the prison's entreaty of joseph, 3●…. i. Kind of living most miserable, 717. c, d. Kindness of Agrippa, 544. g. kinds of sacrifice, two, 68 h. i Kindness pretended, 601. f. Kindness of Herode, 603. a. sat Kine and lean, what they signify, 33. d, e, f. 〈◊〉 King desired, 130 m. King's field, 14. i 33. e, f. 5. Kings of the Madianites slain. 87. e. of a King to be elected, what things are required, 92. h. i the Kings of Canaan war against the Hebrews, 105. a. they and their whole 〈◊〉 put to the sword, ibid. b. 31. Kings overcome by the Hebrews, 105. c. Kings of Egypt why called Pharaohs, 201. f. & 102. g. Kings of Alexandria called Ptolemy's, 202. g. King of Moab sacrificeth his son, 226. i. King enjoined by oath to serve God, 234. l. Kingdom of Solomon rent, 204. m. 205. d. a Kingdom how continued, 141. c. Kingdom promised to Jehu's posterity, 233. e. Kingdom of Herode divided, 459. d. Kingdom not given, but the honours thereof, 591. b. Kingdom of Agrippa, 620. k. Kindred, 20. i 23. e. Kinsman, 25. c. Knowledge of celestial bodies, 6. h. Knowledge of good and evil, 4. i. L Laban Bethuels' son, 21. g. consenteth to Rebeccaes marriage, 20. k. entertaineth lacob, 23. d, c. appointeth him master of his shepherds, ibid. f. deceiveth him, 24. h. 25. d. pursueth after him, 25. a. maketh a covenant with him, ibid. b, e, f. his goods, 24. m. 25. e. Labour of the Esseans, 615. d. of the Roman soldiers, 648. g. ceaseless, 721. a, b. Ladder of jacob, 22. k. l. Ladies at variance, 598. m. Lake Asphaltites, 13. f. described, 687. c. the property thereof, ib. Lake of Genezar, 665. a. Lakes Asphaltites and Teberias, 687. e, f. Lamech his wives and issue, 5. f. Lamech Methusalas son, 6. m. 7. a. Lamentation of Esau, and why, 22. l. Lamentation of jacob, 30. l of the Hebrews, 99 c. Lamentation of thirty days, 94. l. m. Lamentation for Abner, 16●… i. for Aristobulus, 381. l. Land of the Amorites possessed, 83. b. Land marks not to be removed, 92. i. Land of Canaan divided by Lots, 106. h. etc. Land of Sodom where, 688. m. Lap of Saul's garment, 151. b. Largesse of Titus to his soldiers, 746. g. Largeness of jury, 774. l. Laver how sustained, 196. k. round laver, ibid. m. a Law most cruel, 41. c. Laws made by Moses, 90. i. Laws of adultery and iealoufie, 71. b. of the seventh year, 71. c, f. of the fathers forsaken, 86. h. of the plough, 92. k. of like for like, 96. i of violence, ibid. h. of war, 72. h. i 97. c, d. against wal-breakers, 412. l. against forsakers of their places, 720. h. Laws of the jews of great antiquity, 798. f. Lawmakets of the Gentiles, 797. d. Laws of the Gentiles, 798. g. Lea Laban's daughter, 24. g. substituted in Rachel's place, ibid., h hare to jacob four sons, ibid. i. k. League of Isaac with Abimelech, 21. c. of David with Hiram, 164. i of him with Solomon, 195. a. of Hyreanus with the Romans, 336. i, k. Learning of Daniel, 258. g. of joseph, 529. d. Legacies of Herode, 450. k, l. Legions of the Romans, 647. e. 699. c, d. Lending upon usury unlawful. 9●…. c. Length of the Ark of Noah, 6, l. m. Length of the Temple, 195. c. Lenity of Saul, 135. a. Lenity of Magistrates, 139. f. Lepers driven out of the City, 70. k. l. 229. b. 239. f. & 240. g. Leprosy of Ozias. 239. f. Letters of David, 170. g. of Senacherib, 246. g. of Artaxerxes for the security of the jews, 282. i of Ptolemy, 290. m, of Eleazar. 291. b. of Demetrius, 326. k. Levi son of jacob, 24. i slew the Siche●…ites, 27. a. his sons, 39 f. Levites wife, 110. h, i. abused, dieth, etc. 111. a. b. tribe of Levi sacred to God. 70. h. Levites sing hymns, 224. g. numbered, 187. e. Liberality of the enchantress, 155. c. of Herod, 588. k. of Helena, 515. e, f. of Izates, ibid. Liberue of the Israelites, 50. g. l. restored, 113. c. Liberty of speech, 220. h, i 585. e, d. Liberty a precious thing, 499. b. Liberty's granted to the jews, 784. i, k, l, m. Library of Ptol. Philadelphus, 288. k. Lice a plague of Egypt, 48. k Lic of Posido●…us, etc. confuted, 786. l. Li●… of Appion concerning our oath, 789. b. Life of Moses. 791. a. b. Life of subjects like to their princes, 209. b, c. Light created, 3. d. called day, ib. d. Lightnings horrible, when. 59 a. Lightnings on the enemies, 130. g. Limits of the nine tribes and halves possession, 106. h, etc. Limits of a kingdom enlarged, 238. k. Line of Achab rooted out, 233. a. Line of joseph, 529. b. Linen and woollen garment, 91. b. Logion or rational of the high priest, 64. h. Longinus breaketh into the jews army, 711. 〈◊〉. Loss of the Ark, 126. l. and why, ib. Loss of Saul's kingdom foretold, 140. i and why, ib. of the Empire of Asia, 239. a. Loss of the General dismays the soldiers, 222. h. Lot son of Aram, 11. f. had choice of the land, 13. c. led away captive, ibid. f. rescued, 14. h. receiveth Angels, 15. e, f. fled to Zoar, 16. g. committed incest, ib. h. Lot's wife, 16. g. Lot's cast, 103. d. 106. h, etc. 133. c. 238. l, m. Lot's cast to kill one another, 660. h, i 761. a, b. Love of women blindeth, 86. g. and causeth to serve strange gods, ib. g, h. 204. i. 205. d. Love of jonathan toward David, 144. m. 146. l. 147. a, b. of joseph to his country, 717. a. Lovers of Order, etc. 790. l, m. Lust of Putifars wife, 31. a, c, of the Gabaens, 110. l, m. 111. a. of Caius, 50●…. e. of the Egyptians, 13. a. Lusty jews reserved, 744. h. Lybia of whom called Africa, 19 b, c. Lycurgus' among the Lacedæmonians, 795. a. Lysias General of Antiochus army, 307. b. invadeth judaea, ibid. i. overcome, 308. h. once again invadeth judaea, ibid. ay, k. Lysimachus killeth Apollodotus, 343. c. betrayeth Gaza, ib. M Machaeras killeth many jews, 377. e. fortifieth Geth, 378. l. his iniquity, 580. h. Madness counterfeited, 148. i. Madianites Embassage to Baalam, 83. & 84. g. their daughters seduce the Hebrews, 85. d. put to flight and slain, 87. c. subdue the Israelites, 115. f. kill one another, 117. a. Madus and his progeny, 10. h. Magician's could not expound the dream, 258. k, l. 259. g. Magicians deceive many, 522. l. work much mischief, 622. Magistrates to be obeyed, 89. d, e. to be honoured and reverenced. 91. d. 628. g. 786. l. their duty, 223. c. d. Magog author of the Scythians, 10. h. Magnanimity of Herod, 420. l. of the Romans, 786. i, k. Magnificence of Solomon, 202, m. 204. h. of Ezechias, 243. a, b. of Herod, 588. i, k. of Vespasians triumph, 750. l. Maidens of Israel sing and dance, 143. e. Malchus king of Arabia, 577. a. repelled Herod, ib. a. repented him of that dealing, 578. g. Male children done to death, and why, 41. d, c. Maledictions of Moses, 97. f. & 98. a. Malefactors executed. 525. c. Malice of Pharaoh, 49. a. of Doeg and Saul, 149. c, d. of the Ziphians, 150. l, m. of the Egyptians to the jews, 776. 〈◊〉 Malichus layeth wait for Antipater, 366. k. poisoneth him, 367. a. slain, ibid. e. Mambres Abraham's friend, k. Man created, 3. f. called Adam, and why, ib. f. imposed names on the creatures, ibid. f. placed in Paradise, 4. g. transgresseth, ibid. i. cast out of Paradise, 5. a. author of his own death, 8. h, g. Manahem foretells Herod's reign, 408. i. Manahem king of Israel's acts, 240. h. bought his peace, ib. h. dieth, 240. i. Manahemus' chief of the rebels, 632. m. slain, 633. e. Manasses marrieth Sanabalats daughter, 284. h. retaineth his wife, ibid. k, l. enjoyeth his desire, 285. d. Manasses Joseph's son, 34. i. king Manasses impiety, 247. c, f. said away prisoner, 248. g. repenting is restored, ibid. g. his acts. 248. h, i. dieth, ib. Mandate of Cyrus. 265. c. Manethon an Egyptian writer, 768. m. showeth the coming and departure of the jews, etc. 779. i. his fabulous reports, 776. k. his lies confuted, 777. f. his words repeated, 778. i. Manna, what, 55. e. food of the Israelites, 55. c. how much to be gathered, ibid. b. when it ceased, 102. h. Manner of purification, 81. f. 82. g. Manners of the Egyptians, 41. b, c. of the Esseans, 614. m. 615. e. of the Idumaeans, 677. b, c. of the Athenians, 797. a. of the Persians, 797. c. Manoachs' wife saw an Angel, 120. m. foretold of a son, and instructed, ibid. m. 121. a. is seen of both, 121. b, c. Manslaughter, 88 k. Mara, what, 53. c. March of the Romans, 649. e, f. Mariam Moses sister, 42. l. watched him, ibid. k, l. fetched his mother, 43 a. her death, 81. f. Mardochaeus Esthera uncle, 277. d. discovereth the traitors, 278. g, h. his lamenting, and why, 279. a, b. ●…red, 281. c. d. Marriage, when to be contracted, 93. e. Marriage with an harlot forbidden, ibid. e. Marriage with a bondwoman, 94. l. Marriages made, 598. g, h. broken, ibid. k. Mariam wife of Herod, 384. l. committed to joseph, 387. c. accused, excused herself, 388. i, k. displeased with Herod, 396. l. coldly entertained Herod, 397. b, c. upbraided Herod, 589. d. accused, and put to death, 399. a. 589. c. 590. g. Marphad sacked Syria, 13. e. killed Giants, ibid. e. Marsus Governor of Syria, 510. k. displeased, ibid. Mar●…iall discipline, 640. h. 648. g. Masons, how employed, 195. b, c. Massacre of the jews, 634. g, etc. 635. a, etc. 636. b, etc. 722. i, k, etc. Massada a strong Castle, 755. d. for what occasion builded, 757. c. battered with the Ram, 757. d. Matter for the building of the tabernacle, 60. k, l. Matter committed in trust, 96. k, l. Mathias refuseth to commit Idolatry, 305. b. slayeth an Apostata, ib. rooteth out Idolatry, 305. e. his death, 306. h. maketh war against Antiochus, 559. b. Mathias raiseth sedition, 448. g; etc. burned, ibid. 〈◊〉. Mathias cruelly handled, 722. i. Measures found out, and by whom, 5. e. Medimnus, a certain measure, 75. b. Meeting of the Hebrews thrice a year, 90. m. Melancholy of Herod, 605. e. Melchisedech king of Solyma, 14. h, i. entertaineth Abraham, etc. ibid. i. praiseth God, and receiveth the tenths, 14. i. Men thronged to death, 621. a, b. Menelaus' high priest, 303. warreth against jason, ibid. Mephiboseth obtains the possessions of Saul, 168. h. purgeth himself of Sibas slanders, 180. 〈◊〉. restored to the half of his possessions, ib. l. Merchandise brought to Solomon, 203. e. Merchants of Arabia buy joseph, 30. h. sold him to 〈◊〉, ib. m. of Tharsis, ●…24. i. Mercy hurtful in war, 712. k. Mercy of Varus, 612. h. of Titus towards joseph, 660. m. to his enemies, 672. g. Meroe a strong City of Ethiopia, 44. l. Messengers sent to David, 146. g. to Nabal, 152. h. Mesopotamia troublesome to travelers, 19 d. Mesopotamians submit themselves, 169. c. Method of morality and discipline, 791. f. 792. g. Methusalem enoch's son, 6. m. 7. a. how long he lived, 7, c. Mice devour the fruit, etc. 127. f. Micheas reproveth Achab, and why, 220. h. how rewarded, ibid. i. foretelleth Achabs' death, and Sedechias punishment, 22●…, c. d. his allowance, ibid. f. Michol daughter of Saul, 144. g. given to David in marriage, ibid. l. conveyeth David away, 145. f. deceiveth Saul's messengers, 146 g. h. restored to David 261. b. mocked at him, 165. f. Midwives of Egypt. 41. c. Mildness of David, 151. d. Military discipline, 640. h. 648. g. a Mind furnished with virtues. 141. b. ministries of the Gabeonites, 104. k. Miracles, 46. g k, l. 207. c, f. 216, i 214. l, m. 121. c 226 l, m. Miracle of the Suns going back, 247. b. Miracle of Helizaeus, 688. g. Misa king of Moab, 225. d. put to ●…ight, 226. h, i. sacrificeth his son, ibid. i. Misdemeancur of the wicked, 6. k. of samuel's sons, 130. m. of a soldier. 621. a. Misery of the Israelites, 41. e, 42. k. 47. c. 54. l. foreprophecied, 210. k. of the jews foretold, 249. b. of judaea, 463. b, c. of the jews prophesied, 630. l of the people, 718. i k. 725. 〈◊〉. three Miseries assail jerusalem, 685. c. Mithridates' king of Parthia, 345. d. Mithridates' king of Pontus slain, 354 h. Mithridates warreth with the Egyptians. 360. g. commendeth Antipater to Caesar, ibid. Moabites put to flight, 114. k, l. war against josaphat, 223. c. kill one another, 224. h. Model of the Temple, 188. k. Model of the Tabenacle proposed to Moses, 60. m. Moderation of Saul, 133. c. of David, 151. d. Moderation in abundance hardly kept, 237. e, f. Monarchy of the Assyrians destroyed, 247. b. Money taken out of David's tomb, 290. g. 335. f. distributed, 713. e. Monobazus king of Adiabena, 513. f. Moon made, 3. e. her end and motion, ibid. c. Monument of the priesthood confirmed, 80 i. Monument of Rachel, 132. l. of jonathan, 332. l. of David; 335. e. of john the high Priest, 709. b. orning, what, 3, d. Moses the son of Amram, 42. i, k. foretold to afflict the Egyptians estate, and advance the Israelites, 41. d. cast into the flood, 42. k, l. taken out thereof, ibid. m. called Moses, 43. b. adopted by Pharaohs daughter, spurned the crown, ibid. b, c, d. conducted the Egyptians against the Ethiopians, 44. g. etc. his victory, 44. the jews lawmaker, 2. k, l. more ancient than other lawmakers, 791. a. flieth to Raguel, and why, 45. b. c. marrieth his daughter, ibid. d. sent to deliver the Israelites, 46. k, l. confirmed in his calling, ibid. g. h, i, k. persuadeth Pharaoh to dismiss the Israelites, 47. b, etc. worketh miracles, ibid., c, d, e. suiteth the Passeover, 49. c, d. conducteth the Israelites, 50. g, i. exhorteth them, ibid. m. prayeth to God, 51. c. leadeth them through the red sea, 51. d. praiseth God, 52. g, h. sacrificed to God in Sinai, ibid. h. beseecheth God to sweeten the waters, 53. d. putteth the people in mind of God's benefits, 54. h, i. imploreth Gods help, ibid. l. striking the rock bringeth out water, 55. e. encourageth the Israelites, 56. i, k. lifting up his hands, etc. 57 a. ascendeth Sinai, 58. l. how long remaineth there, 60. h. fasted ib. asketh counsel of God, etc. 68 h. numbereth the people, 72. h, i. sendeth spies to search the land, 73. e. retireth the people into the desert. 76. l. sendeth forces against the Madianites, ●…7. b. appointeth josuah his successor, ibid. f. exhorteth the people to obedience, 89. a, b, etc. sweareth them to keep the law, 98. k. 99 a. exhorteth josuah, 98. m. commandeth the jews to hear the law, 792. h, i. dieth, 99 e. Mother eateth her child, 228, g, h. 734. ay, k. Mother of the seven brethren, 805. a. 808. k. 810. g. etc. Movables of all sorts, 103. f. Mourning of Reuben for joseph, 30. i of the Romans, 638. l, m. of them in jerusalem, 699. a. Mourning for thirty days, 94. l, m. Mourning for Moses death, 99 b, c. for Saul & his sons, 158. k. for Abners', 162. i for Herod's, 451. c. Mountain of Sinai, 45. f. 47. f. Mounts builded, lost, 719. e, f. Mounts raised near the Temple, 732. g. Multiplication of Jacob's posterity, 42. h. Multitude of business, 57 f. of dead carcases, 725. f. Mundus defileth Paulina, 467. a, etc. banished, ibid. Murmur of the Israelites, 53. f. 74. g. Murder of Simeon and Levi, 27. a. Murder of Azael, 160. k. of Abner, 162. g. of joram's brethren, 230. k. of infants foretold, 230. g. Murder of Saul punished, 159 f. of Isboseth, 163. d. Music by whom invented, 5. f. Mutability of fortune, 668. l. m. Mutiny of Chore and his complices, 77. b, c, etc. Mutiny about the golden Eagle, 448. h. Mutiny against Archelaus, 452. g, h, etc. N Naas king of the Ammonites. 133. c. his outrages offered the Israelites, ibid. e, f. proposeth hard conditions of peace, 134. g. granteth to the inhabitants of Iabes a truce, ibid. h. is slain, 134. l. Nabals' flocks spared, 152. g. his currish answer to David's men, ibid. ay, died for grief, 153. a. Nabathaea the country of Ismaels' posterity, 17. c. Nabathaeans spoiled, 330. i. Naboth falsely accused, 217. d. stoned to death, ibid. d. Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, 250. m. vanquisheth Nechao, ibid. 251. a. exacteth tribute and slayeth joachim, 251. a. establish joachin king, ibid. e. besiegeth and destroyeth jerusalem, 254. i 255. a. dreameth a dream, 258. k. erecreth an Idol, 259. c, conversed with beasts, 260. g, h. conquereth the rebels, 771. e. builded a palace, 772. g, h. besiegeth tire, 773. b. his death, 260. h. Nadab, Aaron's son, burned, and why, 67. a. Nadab jeroboams son, 212. g. his impiety and death. ibid. g. Name of Saul famous, 134. l. Naming of the creatures, 3. f. Names of Regions and Nations, 10. g. Noami her sorrow, 123. e, f. returneth into her country, 124. g. her counsel to Ruth, ibid. ay, k. Norbanus for the jews, 422. k. Narration of the Arabian wars, 432. l. Nathan the Prophet, 166. h. forbiddeth David to build the Temple, ibid. h. reproved David, 170. m 171. a, b. Nativity of jacob and Esau, 20 m. two nations proceed of them ibid. m. Nation of the jews mixed with all people, 747. b. Nations whence descended, 10. g, etc. & 11. a. etc. Nature forbids a man to kill himself, 659. c. f. Nature of the Idumaeans, 677. b. Navy of Solomon, 202. k. Naum the Prophet, 240. l. foretelleth the overthrow of the Assyrians. ibid. l. Nazarites, 81. d. Nechao his exploits, 250, h. is overcome, ibid. m. 251. a. 252. l, m. Necessity, a sharp weapon, 651. a. Neglect of God's service cause of all evil, 207. e, f. Negligence of Saul's guard, 153. c. d, e. Nehemias his sadness and why, 275. c, d. inciteth the people to build the walls, etc. ibid. e. his ardent care in building them 276. h. his death. ibid. k. Nemrod, 9 b, c. Son of Chus, 11. a. Nephanus and Sabach David's captains, 182. m. 183. a. Nephews of jacob, 39 e. of Herode, 598. g, h. Nepthalim the son of jacob, 24 k. his sons, 40. g. Nero proclaimed Emperor, 521. e. his murders, ibid. e, f. 622. h. amazed at the acts of the jews. 645. a. sendeth Vespasian to govern Syria, 745. b. Nicanor labereth to surprise judas, 314. g. slain, 315. a. Nicanor known to Ioseph. 658. k. Nicanor wounded, 709. b. Nicaule Queen of Ethiopia, 202. h. resorteth to Solomon ibid. l. wondereth and praiseth Salomon's wisdom. 202. m. & 203. a. giveth him presents, ibid. b. Nicholaus Oration. 414. i. etc. Nicholaus the Historiographer reproved, 423. c. Nicholaus accuseth Syllaeus. excuseth Herode, 432. i k. prosecuteth the king's accusation, 444. k. 445. a, etc. excuseth Archelaus, 454. k. 609. c. defendeth Herod and Archelaus, 459. b. 613. a. Nicon, the Romans great Ram, 711. a. Niger slain, etc. 683. c, d. Nilus, 4. h. maketh Egypt fertile, 40. i. how far navigable, 694. k. Ninive admonished, 239. a. her destruction prophesied, 240. l. effected, 247. b. Nisan a month with the Hebrews, 49. c. Noah the son of Lamech, 6. m. admonisheth the wicked, ibid. k, l. buildeth the Ark, 6. l. saved with all his household, ibid. m. sendeth out a Crow and a Dove, 7. d, 〈◊〉 the tenth from Adam, 6. m. sacrificeth to God, 7. c. prayeth to God, 8. g is heard, ibid. h. God's covenant with him, ibid. ay, k. his age, 7. c. his three sons, 9 a. his kind of life, 11. c. was dru●…ken and derided, ibid. c. Nob a City of the priests burnt, 149. c, d. Nobility slain by the thieves, 673. a. 12000. slain, 682. i. Nobility of the jews fly to the Romans, 730. i. Nobles repair to David, 163. d. Nobles shut up by Herod, 449. c. 605. c, f. released, 450. m. 606. h. Nothing attempted by the Romans rashly, 648. l, m. 669. a. Number of the children of Israel, 49. f. from twenty to fifty years of age, 66. b. of David's soldiers, 163. c, f. of workmen, 195. b, c. of jews that returned from captivity, 266. g. 269. d. of high priests, 526. g. 527. a. of the captives and slain in jerusalem, 744. i, k, etc. Nuptial feast, 24. g. O Obed Edom's felicity, 165. c. Obed begat jesse, 125. a. Obeda king of Arabia, 344. k. discomsits Alexander, ibid. Obediah, hideth the prophets, 215. d. Obedience of Abraham, 17. c. Obedience to magistrates, 89. d, c. Obedience of the Roman soldier, 648. i, k. 649. a, b. Obimes jeroboams son, 210. i falleth sick, and dieth, ibid. ay, k. Obodas' king of Arabia, 425. c. given to idleness, ibid. c. 428. m. Obsequies of Herod, 451. a. Observers of God's laws rewarded, 2. i, k. Occasion of the jews wars, 625. a. Occasion of victory, what, 649. a, b. Occasion of violences, 674. g. Occurrences of kingdoms, and common weals, 2. g. & 85. a. Occurrences of jeremy, 250. k. Ochozias king of Israel, reproved, and why, 224. k, l. his soldiers consumed, ibid. m. 225. a. his death foretold, ibid. b. Ochozias king of juda, 231. a. visiteth joram, 232. g. slain, ibid. i. Ode of praise, 52. g. Office of judges, 91. d, e. of an Historiographer, 390. h, i of the priests, 693. a. Offspring of Noah, Abraham, etc. look progeny. Og king of Galadine, 83. b. is slain with his ar●…y, ibid. c. his high stature and great strength, ibid. c. Oil in the pot multiplied, 214. l, m. 226. l, m. scalding Oil thrown on the Romans, 655. c, f. Olda the prophetess, 249. b. Old man killeth his wife, etc. 377. c. Old and weak jews slain, 744. g. h. One sacred City, one temple, and one Altar, 90. l. Onias' high priest, 286. m. Onias' high priest, 297. paid not his tribute, ibid. Onias' high priests son, 313. c. wins the favour of Ptolomey, 322. m. buildeth a temple in Egypt, ib. l, m. 559. a. Onias' stoned to death, 351. f. 352. g. Ophni son of Eli, 125. b. his impiety and wickedness, ib. b. is slain, 126. k. Opinion of the Esseans and Grecians, of the soul, 616. l, m. Opinion of the Pharisees and Sadduces, 617. b, c. Opinion of the wisest greeks, etc. 791. c. Oppression of the Israelites, 113. d. 114. g. ibid. m. 115. e, f. 119. c, d. 120. l. of the jews, 623. e, f. 624. g, h. etc. 625. a, b. etc. Oracle of God to josuah, 103. c, d. Oracles of the Prophets to be r●…uerenced, 222▪ i. Oration of Abraham, 18. h. of Reuben. 34. m. & 35. a. of juda, 37. c. etc. and 38. g, h. of joseph, 37. a, b. of M●… to the people, 59 b. to the seditious, 77. f. 78. g. etc. of Zambrias, 86. k. of Moses before his death, 89. a. etc. of the Gabeonites, 104. h. of josuah, etc. 106. m. of Phinces, 107. c. of Samuel; 129. c. 133. b. of Saul, 148. l, m. of Abias, 211. c. of Herod, 391. c. 392. g, etc. 584 i. 585. c. of Nicholaus, 414. i 415. 444. k. 590. m. of Agrippa, 627. c. of Ioseph. 641. c. 659. b. etc. of Titus, 663. d. 671. a. of Ananus, 674. g. etc. of jesus, 677. c. of Caesar, etc. 703. d. of joseph to the jews, 714. i 715. a. etc. 716. g. of Titus to the Iewe●…, 740. g, etc. of Eleazar, 758. h. Orchards, 688. h. Order of the Romans, 648. h. Order of superior bodies, 6. h. Order of the Army, etc. 72. l, m. Order of Carpenters, Masons, etc. 195. b, c. Order of the Cities of Galilee, 640. i, k. Order of Titus army, 699. c, e, f. Ordinance of Artaxerxes, 278. g. 280. g, h. Ordinances of the fathers transgressed, 86. h. Oreb slain, 117. b. Original of the Hebrews, 11. c. Original of the Troglodytes, 19 b. Original of the Israelites mischiefs, 243. f. Original of the Grecian laws, 791. c, d. Original of the jews laws, 798. k, l. Ornaments of the high priest, 63. f. 64. g, h, etc. Ornaments of Salomon's palace, 200. k. Oronna or Orphona a jebusite spared, 164. k, l. giveth David his floor, 185. a, b. Oseas king of Israel overcome, 24●…. h. made tributary, ibid. i. taken prisoner, 243. c. his subjects transported, and why, ibid. e, f. oath how in time passed taken, 19 d. Oth' taken to observe the law, 98. k. 249. d. oath when and how to be kept, 112. k. Oath of jonathan to David, 147, a, b. Oath of Senacherib falsified, 245. b. Oth' observed, 440. l, Otho Emperor, 691. f. slain, ibid. Overthrow of the Sodomites, 13. d, e. of the Amorites, 82. m, l. of the Hebrews, 76. g, k. & 157. f. of Antony, 393. f. Outrages of Elies' sons, 125. b. of Naas offered the Israelites, 133. e, f. of Azael, 235. b. 236. g, h, i of Florus soldiers, 625. c. Outward court of the temple, etc. 707. c. Oxen seven, what do signify, 33. f. how many taken at once, 87. c. not to be muzzled, 93. a. ox that striketh; 96. i. Oza suddenly strooken dead, 165. d. and why, ibid. Ozias king of Juda's warlike exploits, 239. b, c. acts and studies, ibid. c, d. stricken with a leprosy, and why, 239. e, f. enjoined to depart the City, ibid. & 240. g. his death and burial, 240. g. P Pacorus sendeth horsemen to Antigonus, 370. l. 575. a. his persuasion to Phasaelus, 371. his treason and subtlety, ibid. b, c, d. 575. d. Pageants built, 751. a. Painter's cause multitude of gods, 796. k. Palestine, whence took his name, 11. a. Palestines overcome the Israelites, 120. l. 126. h. invade the Israelites, 136. i. are overcome, 137. d, e. 143. d, e. 16●…. b, c▪ Palace in Tiberias burned, 533. c. Palace built in jerusalem, 404. k. 〈◊〉 Palace of Solomon, 200. h. Palace of the king, 705. c. burned, ibid. c. Palm trees, 687. f. 688. h. Pamphilian sea divided itself, 52. h. Pappus beheaded, 582. g. Paradise, 4. g. where situate, ibid. g. h. adorned with all sorts of plants, ibid. g. Parents compelled to murder their children, 41. 〈◊〉. Paricid a public injury, 445. l. Parricides, 246. k. Parthians restore Antigonus, 379. l. 576. complot treachery against Phasaelus, 371. c. surprise him and Hyr●…anus, ibid. f. lay a plot for Herode, 372. g. lose Armenia, 469. d. Parts of the Temple, 196. g. Pascha or passcover of the Hebrews, 49. c, d. celebrated, 243. b. 249. f. 272. g. Passage of the Israelites over jordan, 102. g. Passages stopped up from the Hebrews, 50. k. Patience of joseph, 32. i. Paulina deceived and defiled, 467. a. etc. Peace bought, 236. g. 240. h. Peace of the Israelites, 193. c. of the jews, 220. k. Peace better than death, 678. g. the Peers government best, 92. h. a Penalty most cruel, 41. e. etc. Penalty of a woman married for a virgin, etc. 93. f Penalty published; 134. k. what it wrought, ibid. pensioner to Saul, David, 141. c. Penitent obtain mercy, 716. l. Penury of water, 585. c. see want. People of Israel afflicted, 41. c, d. 42. g, h. 46. g, h. 47. d, e. departed out of Egypt, 50. g. exhorted to put their trust in Go●… ibid. l. m. and to obey the will of God, 89. a, b. etc. drive away the cattle of the Amalechites, 139. c. require mitigation of their burden, 206. h. revolt from Roboam, 206. l. are transported, and why, 243. e, f. fly with their money, 717. a. People enjoined by oath to serve God, 234. l. 249. d. People of juda bless God, 224. h, i. and why, ibid. h. People's love to joseph, 547. b. People permit not Pilate to alter their laws, 617. c. People exclaim against Florus, 625. s, die for want, etc. 713. c. Perfection of mind respected, 141. b. Perjury of Florus, 624. i. Peroration of Herode, 585. a. Perplexity of the Israelites, 50. k, l. Persuasion of jeroboam to Idolatry, 207. c. Persuasion of false Prophets dangerous, 222. k. Persuasion of Rapsaces, 245. d, e. Pestilence one of the plagues of Egypt, 48. l. Pestilence destroyeth Senacheribs' army, 24. k. Pestilence a great affliction, 253. c. Petra a City of Arabia, 576. i. Petro●…us charge for placing Caius statue, 480. k, etc. executeth it not, and why, 480. l. 481, a. b. certifieth the jews of Caesar's threats, 619. a, c. writeth to Caius, ibid. d. 619. c. receiveth letters of Caius death, 483. d. 609. d. his letter to the Dorites. 508. h Phaceias king of Israel, 240. i. his impiety and wickedness, ibid. i. slew 120000. jews, 241. a. took Achaz son prisoner ibid. c. was slain, 242. h. Pharaoh enamoured of Sara, 13. a. plagued ibid. a, b. Pharaoh his dreams, 33. b, c. delivereth joseph from bonds, ibid. d. advanceth him to great honours, 34. h. rejoiceth at the arrival of Joseph's brethren, 39 a. inquireth of Jacob's age, 40. i restored the profits of his subjects lands, ibid. k. Pharaoh killeth the male children, 41. d, e. would have killed Moses, 43. e. & 45. b. his death, 46. m. Pharaoh counseled to dismiss the Hebrews, 47. c, d. not moved with miracles, layeth heavier tasks on them, ibid. c, d. advised once more, ibid. e, f. driveth away Moses, 49. b. dismisseth the Israelites, ibid. d▪ his host drowned, 51, c, f. Pharisees a sect, 329. e. 617. b. greedy of revenge, 347. d. exempt from swearing, 408. h. would not swear obedience, 439. c. 463. d. their opinion, 617. b. Pharos a tower, 692. l. Phasaelus his government, 362. g. vanquisheth Felix, 367. m. 574. g. 36●… a. made Tetrarch, 370. h. 574. l. obtaineth the favour of the people, 570. taken prisoner. 371. f. dasheth out his brains, 373. b. Phasaelus Tower and City, 588. g. h. Pheroras made Tetrarch, 407. d. accuseth Alexander and Aristobulus, 416. l. refuseth the king's daughter, 423. f. blamed for Alexander's offence, 428. h. pardoned, ibid. 594. c. deceived, 438. l. refuseth to put away his wife, 440. g. banished, 599. a. falleth sick and dieth, 440. l. m. 599. c. his wife accused, 441. a. she confesseth the poison. 442. g. Philip rebelleth against Antiochus, 312. l. is slain, 313. c. Philip king of Syria, 344. h. besiegeth Demetrius, 345. c. Philip Herodes son, 458. i hath part of the kingdom, 459. d. repaireth cities, 464. k. Philo judaeus defence, etc. 480. h. Philistines overcame the Israelites, 120. exacted tribute of them, ibid. l. 126. h put to flight, 130. g. muade the Israelites, 136. i. are overcome, 137. d. e. & 143. d, e. discomfir Saul's army, 157. e. f. overcome by David, 166. l. by Ozias 239. b. by Ezechias, 243. c. Phinees the son of Eleazar, 87. a. slayeth Zambrias & Chosbi, ibid., a. overthrew the Madianites, 87. e. his Oration to the two tribes and half, 107. e. succeeded Eleazar, 108. m. foretold the Israelites their victory, etc. 111. f. Phinees Elies son, 125. b. his wickedness and impiety, ibid. b▪ is slain, 126. k. his wife then bare Ichabod, ibid. m. Phison a flood of Paradise, 4. h. called also Ganges. ibid. h. Phora, 4. h. Phraates king of Parthia slain, 465. b. Phul king of the Syrians, 240. g. for money made a peace, ibid. h. Piety profitable, 213. a, b. Piety of Ancestors remembered. 42. g. Piety contemned cause of calamities, 113. c. 114. g. m. 126. g. etc. 135. e. 242. h, i, k. Piety of Asa, 212. i of josaphat, 220. k. of jotham, 240. k. of Ezechias, 242. i of josias, 248. k, l. & 249. a, b. etc. of Mathias, etc. 305. a. Pigeons dung sold, 227. f. Pilate succeed Gratus, 464 m. bringeth Caesar's statues to jerusalem; 466. g. i not admitted, 617. e. crucifieth Christ, 466. l, m. putteth Samaritans to flight, 468. i, k. accused. ibid. sendeth the statues from jerusalem, 617. f. beateth the seditious, 618. g. Pillage taken, 224. h. Pillars raised, 6. i. a Pillar called Galaad, 25. f. Pitcher of water, 153. d. Pit to be fenced, 96. k. Pit of swearing, 16. l. Pits bituminous, 13. c. Pity of joseph toward his brethren, 38. l. Placidus repulsed at jotapata, 649. c. his victory, 669. g, 〈◊〉. burneth Bethenabris, 686. l m. Placing of the vessels, etc. in the temple, 196. m. & 197. a, b▪ 198. g, h. Plagues of Egypt, 48. g, h, i, k, l, m. & 49. a. Plague in David's time. 184. l. Plague invadeth judaea, 399. d. Platforms erected, 656. h. Plants sprang at first out of the earth, 3. d. Plants not of four years growth, 92. i. Plato admired, 795. a. permitteth not Poets, etc. 796. k. Pledge to be restored to the poor, 95. d. Plenty foresignified, 33. c, f. 34. g, i. Plotting of Antipater, 423. c. the Plough found out, and by whom, 5. b. Poem of six measures, 98. a. Poem of Homer, 675. b. Poet's cause multitude of gods, 796. Poison tried, etc. 446. k, l. 604. i. Policy of Rebecca, etc. for her son, 21. e, f. of jacob to pacific his brother, 26. g, h, i, k. of the Gabeonites, 104. h. of joseph, 538. h. 539. a. 542. i. of jonathan, 545. e, f. of joseph, 643. d. 652. k. 655. b. 690. h. Politianus meets with Agrippa, etc. 627. enciteth the people to peace, ibid. d. Pompey governor of Syria, 352. m. marcheth against Aristobulus, 353. f. 354, g. 566. k. besiegeth jerusalem, 354. i, 567. k, l committeth Aristobulus to prison, ibid. 567. c. taketh the temple, 355. a. bestoweth the Priesthood on Hyreanus ibid. 356. spoileth not the Templ●…. ibid. d. 567. carrieth Aristobulus to Rome, 568. h. headeth conspirators, ibid. Popedius accused, 491. 2. Popularity of Alcimus, 314. g h. Porch of the temple 195. e. fired, 733. f. Port of Caesarea. 305. e. Port made by Herode, 587. d. Portion of Salpades daughters, 88 c. Portion of judaea. 647. b. Possession of Chanaan prophesied of, 40. l. Posterity of Ishmael, 17. a, c. Posterity of Giants extinguished, 13. c. Posterity of jethro possessed of land. 109. d▪ Posterity of Noah replenished the world. 9 f. Posterity of Esau, ●…8. h, i of jacob, 40. l. Poison not to be used, 96. h. Power given to save, 38. h, i. Power of God every where, 219. d. Power of kings, wine, and women, 267. c. f. 268. h. Power of the soul, 759. a. Power of David and Solomon, 789. c. Practise of S●…on and Levi, 27. a. Pray that the Israelites go in war, 57 b, c. 87. e, f. 102. m. 103. f. Prayer of Noah, 8. g. of Amram, 42. g. of Moses, 51. c. 79. b, c, etc. of josuah, 103. b. of Samson, 122. l. of Solomon, 198. i, l. of Samuel and the Israelites, 129. d. e, f. Praise of Abraham. 20. l. of jacob, 40. m. of joseph, 41. a. of josuah, 57 c. & 108. m. of Moses, 99 e. f. of Samuel, 15●…. f. of Saul, 156. h. of David, 189. e. of Solomon, 206. g. of josaphat, 224. i of Nehemias, 276. k. of Ananus, 680. m. of Eleazar, 804. k. Praise given to God, 52. g, h. Prediction of things to come, 98. a. Preparations for war burned, 312. g. Presents of Abraham, 19 d. of jacob. 36. g. of the Egyptians, 49. d. of Abigail, 152. k. of the Mesopotamians, 168. c, d. of the Queen of Ethiopia, and of kings, 203. b, c, f. of Ptolomey to the interpreters, 295. b. of Herod, 594. l. Preservation of Moses, 42. m. 43. c. of Daniel and his companions, 259. f. Preservation from bloodshed, 152. l, m: Presidents in every City, 91. d. and what manner of men they ought to be, ibid. d. Pride of Amasias, 237. d, e. of Ozias; 239. d. of Senacherib, 245. c. of Nabuchodonosor, 260. g. of Balthasar, 261. c. of john, 685. a. Priest's vestures, 61. c, d. e. Priests abstain from wine, 707. c. 775. a. Priests executed, and why, 739. c. high Priests number and succession. 526. g, etc. 527. a, etc. Priesthood confirmed to Aaron and his sons, 80. i. Priesthood to be transported, foreshowed, 126. g. Princes of Syria, 270. m. Principality affected by Adonias, 186. i by Costabarus, 400. i 685. a. 691. c. 697. f. Priscus slayeth jonathan, 733. a. Prisoners dismissed, 241. d, c. Privileges granted to the jews, 295. d. 364, g. etc. 365. a, etc. 784. l, m. Problems of Hiram, etc. 770. l. Prodigies preceding jerusalem's destruction, 738. i, k, etc. 739. a, etc. Professors of wisdom burn themselves, 759. c. Progeny of japheth, 10. b. of Canaan, 10. m. 11. b. of the sons of Sem, 11. c, d. of Cha●…s sons. 10. l. of jacob, 39 c. of Aaron, 526. g. of Herod, 471. d. 472. g, h, i. Prohibition of arms and ironwork, 136. i. Profit how great redounded to king Pharaoh, 40. i, k. Promise of God's assistance. 89. c, d. Promotion of joseph, 34. g, h. 39 b. Prophecy of jacob touching his posterity, 40. l, m. of the sacred Secretary, 41. d. of Balaam, 85. a, b. of Samuel, 126. g. 140. ay, k. of Achias, 204. l, m. 205. d. of jadon, 207. c, f. of Olda, 249. b. Prophecy of the captivity and delivery, 253. a, b. Prophet Moses, a good governor, 99 e, f. Prophet Nathan, 166. h. 170. m. Achias, 205. c. jadon, 207. c. Samaeas, 209. c. Azarias, 212. l. Elias, 214. k. Gimon. 213. a. Elizaeus, 225. c. Esay, 245. f. jeremy, 250. i. Ezechiel, 251, c. jonas. 238. l. Naum, 240. k. Aggaeus and Zacharias, 271. b. Micheas, 220. h. false Prophet discrediteth the true, 208. l. ●…21. d. false Prophet deceiveth the people, 522. l. Prosperity of joseph, 32. b. of Solomon, 202. m. 203. a, b, etc. 206. g. of jeroboam, 239. a. Prosperity maketh proud, 237. d, c. 239. d. Prospect stopped up, 524. g. Providence of God in saving Moses, 42. k, l. m. 43. a, b. of the Israelites, 99 a. Provision of victuals, 164. g. 578. m. 579. a. Provision for the priests, 276. k. Provision of things necessary for war, 648. g, h. Proves against Antipater, 445. b, c, d. 604. h, i, k, l. Prudence of joseph, 33. c. 34. g. of Solomon 199. a. of josephus, 652. l, m. Ptolemais described, 618. l. besieged. 342. g. taken, ibid. l. Prolomey Lagus obtaineth Egypt, 287. c. seizeth jerusalem by a stratagem, ibid. 288: g. led the jews away captive, ibid. g, h. Ptolomey Philadelphus caused the jews laws to be translated etc. 2. h. his library, 288. k. his proclamation, 289: c. his liberality, 290. k, l. his Epistle to Eleazar, etc. 290. l, m. his gifts given to the temple, 291. d, c. 292. g. etc. 293. a, etc. his banquet, 294. g. Ptolomey Euergetes king of Egypt, 297. f. incensed against Onias, ib. Ptolomey Philopater warreth against Antiochus, 296. h. his death, ibid. P●…olomey Epiphanes king of Egypt, 302. h. his children, ibid. Ptolomey Philometor circumvented, 303. h. succoureth Alexander, 325. b. his death complotted, ib. c. refuseth the Diadem of Asia, ibid. c. his fight and death, 3●…6. g. Ptolomey slayeth Simon, 334. h. imprisoneth Hyrcanus' mother and brethren, ibid. his cruelty against them, 560. m. murdereth them, 561. a. Ptolomey Physcon, 337. a. the Syrians request to him, ib. Ptolomey Lathyrus, 337. f. aideth Antiochus, ibid. cometh to aid the Ptolemaidans, 341. f. besiegeth Ptolemais, and why, 342. g. overthroweth Alexander, ibid. k. driven out of Egypt, 343. a. Ptolomey Mennaeus fined, 353. b. adopteth Antigonus, 368. h. Ptolemy's wife robbed, 536. m. is slain, 580. g. Punishment of Adam and Eve, 4. l, m. of the Serpent, ibid. m. & 5. a. of Sodom, 15. c 16. g, h, of a false witness, 91. f. of Homicide committed, ib. f. & 92. h. of Saul, 140. i of jadon, 208. i of Senacherib, 246. k. of Nabuchadnezzar, 260. g. Punishment for honouring false gods, 204. l, m. 241. b, c. Punishment of Aristobulus, 340. i. Punishment for ravishers of virgins, 793. c. Purgations of women, 25. c. of Purification the manner, 81. f. 82. g. Purifications used in the sacrifices, 793. d. Purification of the body, 793. e, f. Pursuit of Laban after jacob, 25. a. of the Egyptians afte●… the Hebrews, 50. h. Putifar an Egyptian Lord bought joseph, 30. l, m. Pythonissa of Endor, 154. m. Q Quadratus Governor of Syria, 621. c. decideth the jews and Samaritans debate, ibid. f. Quails fell amidst the Hebrews camp, 55. a. 73. c. Qualities of the Egyptians described, 41. b. Quantity of Gold, 203. d. Queen's house or palace, 200. i, k. Queen of Ethiopia, look Nicaule. Queen Vasti refuseth to come to the banquet, 277. a, b. deposed, ibid. c, d. hard Questions dissolved, 201, a, b, c. Questions of Artaxerxes. 267. b. Quintilius Varus Governor of Syria, 443. b. pacifieth the seditious, 455. b. delivereth the legion, 457. c. assisteth the Romans, 611. c. taketh Cities and Castles, 611. c, f. crucifieth the seditious, 612. g. R Rachel daughter of Laban, 23. a. bringeth jacob to her father, ibid. b, c, d. stealeth away her father's gods, 24. m. how she hid them, 25. c. taught by jacob to contemn them, 24. m. dieth in childbed, 27. c. Race of the Chanaanites to be rooted out, 106. k. Race of Giants remained, 109. c. Race of Achimelech murdered, 149. d. Rage of Antiochus, 802. k. Raguel a priest of Madian, 45. c. father in law to Moses, ib. c. cometh to Moses in Sinai, 57 c, f. Rahab hid the spies, 101. b, c. requireth of them an oath, and why, ibid. c, d. her and all hers saved, 102. l. Reign of David, 189. c, f. of Solomon, 206. g of josaphat, 226. k. of Herode, 450. l. of Tiberius, 618. h. of Caius, 619. f. of Agrippa, 620. l. of Claudius, 622. g, h. Railing of Goliath, 142. h, i, k. Rainbow a sign of atonement, 8. k. Raine foreprophecied, 216. i k. Raising of a dead man, 236. m. a Ram offered in Isaac's steed, 18. l. m. Ram, an engine, 653. d. described, ibid. shaketh the tower, 710. h. Rampier●… builded by the Romans, 719. d. Rapines committed by day. 673. a. Rapsaces' chiestaine of the Assyrian army, 245. c. persuadeth lizechias to submit, ibid. d, c. Rasis warreth against Achaz, 241. b. seizeth Elath, ibid. b. slain; 242. g. Rational, 64. k. Ravishment of Dina revenged, 27. a. punished, 94. h. Raiment of joseph, 31. f. a proof against him. 32. h. Raiment taken in war, 106. l. Reading of the law, 274. l, m. Reason described, 800. m. hath dominion over passions, ibid. k. Rebecca daughter of Bathuel. 12. g. sister to Laban, ibid. g. showeth courtesy to Abraham's servant, 19 c. 20. g. procures his entertainment, ibid. h, i. married to Isaac, 20. k. brought forth two twins, 21. a. her device for her son, ibid. c. Rebellion of Chore, 77. b. of Siba, 181. c, d. of the Antiochians, 327. c, d. of the jews against the Romans, 631. b. Rebellion of Scythians and Sarmates, 749. c. Rebellious punished, 80. g. Rebels kill an Ambassador, 637, d, c. Rebels conquered, 420. g. Reconciliation of Absalon, 147. h, i of Herod and his sons, 590. k, l. of Pheroras with Herode, 428. h. Records of the greeks for the jews antiquity, 768. l. 769. etc. Reformation of God's service, 243. b, c. Religion contemned cause of calamity, 110. i, k, l. 111. c. 112. i. 113. c. see piety contemned, Religion renewed, 213. a. Religion of the Esseans, 615. d. Relics of jupiter taken away, 9 e. Remissness in punishing cause of sin, 139. f. Renown of Salomon's virtues, 202. c. Repairing of the Temple, 235, c, d. Repairing of the City jerusalem. 239. b. c. Repentance of the people, 74. l. of Achab, 217. l. of David, 171. a, b. of joachas, 236. i. Report of Joseph's death, 662. g. Report of the behaviour of samuel's sons, 130. l. Repose, 3. e. Request of jonathan, 327. b. of the jews, 612. l, m. of the Romans to Caesar, 703. c. Requital of courtesy, 20. g. 45. c. required. 101. c. performed, 102. l. Resolution of Joseph's brethren, 29. d. Restitution of things borrowed, 95. c. Restoring of God service, 234. l. m. Return of Jacob's sons, 35. of the spies, 73. f. 101. a. of Vespasian, 746. h. Revenues of Priests, 81. c. of mephiboseth's lands, 168. h, i. Revenues of Agrippa, 511. c. of Archelaus, 613. b. of Pheroras, 592. l. Reverence of the Sabbath, 616. i. Reverence of the Roman soldier, 648. i, k. Revolt from the jaws of the fathers, 86. h. Revolt of the ten Tribes, 206. l. 207. a. Revolt of the Germans, 748. l. Reward of learned preachers, 220. i 253. d. Reward of valiant men, 727. e, f. Reward of such as keep the law, 794. l. Rewards oppress justice, 130. l. Riches of the Madianites, 87. e, f. of the Ainites, 103. f. of David, 189. f. of Solomon, 202. l, m. 203. a, b. 204. g, h, i of Ozias, 239. c. Riddle of Samson propounded to the Thamnites, 121. f. dissolved, ibid. Ripping of women's wombs foretold, 230. g. River of Arnon, 82. h, i. River Sabaticus, 749. c. Robbers punished, 406. l. Robberies in Trachona, 406. i winked at, 623. d. Roboam entreated to ease the people's burden, 206. de●…ied their petition, ibid. l. abandoned of ten tribes, 206. l. forbidden to make war, 207. a. builded strong cities, 208. m. his wives and children. 209. a, b. impiety, ibid. maketh brazen shields, ●…10. dieth, ibid. h. Rock, veeldeth forth water, 55. c. Road of the Philistines, 150. h. Rod of Moses turned into a serpent, 46. i devoureth the Egyptians rods. 47. d. Rod of Aaron fructifieth, 81. a. the Romans government how far it extended, 649. a, b. Romans overcome the jews, 569. b, c, e. sack jericho. 579. b. get a great pray, ibid. b. skirmish with the jews. 610. ay, k. fire the porches, ibid. k. have subdued the Athenians, etc. 628. k. l. yea the whole world, ibid. m. & 629. a, & c, fly into the king's forts, 632. m. are slain, 633. d. burn joppes, etc. 636. l. burn the temple gates, 638. h. overcome the jews, 645. e, f. retire without their purpose, 656. g. enter jotapata, 657. e, f. moved with no compassion, 658. g. their warlike discipline, 647. e, f. 648. g. etc. attempt nothing rashly ibid. l, m. 669. a. drive the jews to their ships, 663. c, d. assault Gamala, 667. f. 668 b, c. many slain, 668. h. win Gamala, 670. 〈◊〉, i. fight with the jews, 701. c. their fear and trouble, ibid. c. overcome the seditiou●…, 709, a. get the first wall, 711. b. driven out by the jews, 713. a hindered by the jews, 714. h. plant their courts of guard, 721. c. fear the desperatenes of the jews, 726. h. undermine the wall. 726. m. invade Antonia, 728. k. set jerusalem on fire, 741. b. enter jerusalem, 743. d. find treasure in the vaults, 744. l, ruinated City and Temple. 745. c. dining Room fell down, 581. c. Reuben the son of jacob, 24. i. why so called, ibid. his sons 39 c. his dissuasion, 29. d, e. and his persuasion, 30. b. intended to save joseph, 30. i pleadeth before joseph, 34. m. & 35. a. Rue of admirable greatness, 752. k. Ruin of the Israelites sought, 41. c, d. Ruin of the Amalechites foretold, 47. d. Rulers of jerusalem, 639. d. Rumour of Herod's death, 387. d. Rumour of the Emperor, 478 h. 497. d. Ruth her love to Naomi, 124. g. married to Booz, ibid. l. m. 125. a. S Saba chief City of Ethiopia, 44. l. called Meroe, and why, ibid. l. Sabach and Nephanus, David's captains. 182. m. 183. c. Sabbath, 3. called a day of rest, and why, ibid. c. Sabinus repaireth to jerusalem, 453. c. and why, ibid. 608. l. 610. h, i. Sabinus pursueth those that slew Caius, 496. h. alloweth not of Claudius▪ 505. c. killeth himself, 506. h. Sabinus took the Capitol, 696. h. slain, ibid. i. Sabinus valiant, 728. g. slain. ibid. h. Sacks of chaff, 653. f. Sacred sanctuary, 706. l. Sacrifice acceptable to God, 140. h. Sacrifice of Cain and Abel, 5. b. Sacrifice of Noah, 7. c. of jacob, 27. b. Sacrifices of the Princes of the tribes, 67. e. f. Sacrifice of thanksgiving, 68 i, k. Sacrifice for sin, 68 k. Sacrifice of Penticost, 69. f. Sacrifice of Solomon at the dedication of the Temple, 199. d. Sacrifice of Samuel, 129. f. Sacrifice of Ezechias, 243. a, b. Sacrifice of Herode, 585. b. Sacrifice of the old testament, 66. h. 793. c. Sacrifice consumed of itself, 66. m. Sacrilege of Achar, 102. m. punished with death, 103. d. of Crassus, 359. m. 569. c. of john, 724. g. Sadoc sent to David, 176. m. being pursued, is hidden, 177. a. Sadoc established high Priest, 191. f. 192. g. Sadduces. a sect. 329. e. 463. e. 617. c. their opinion, 617. b, c. Safety of David respected, 144. m. Sale of the jews, 666. k. Salmanasar king of Assyria, 242. h, i. overcometh Oseas, and why, ibid. h, i. taketh Oseas prisoner and transporteth the Israelites, 243. e, f. spoiled Syria and Phoenicia, 244. g. Salome accused Mariam, 397. d. accuseth Alexander, etc. 416. k. enticeth her daughter, etc. 424. h. denied to Syllaeus in marriage, 425. c, d. excuseth herself, ibid. a. m●…th Alexis, 437. c. discovereth conspiracies, 439 b. releaseth the Nobles, 450. m. 606. h. princess of jamnia, 613. b. dieth, 464. l. Salomon's coronation, 189. a, b. king of Israel, 190. m. requireth wisdom of God, 192. k. marrieth a wife, ibid. i. decideth the two women's debate, 193. b, c. buildeth the temple, 195. d. prayeth to God, 198. i, k. 199. a. exhorteth the people to praise God; ibid. c. builded a palace, 200. h. dissolveth hard questions, 201. a. repaireth the walls of jerusalem, ibid. d. buildeth Cities, 201. d, e, f. maketh the Chanaanites tributary, 202. buildeth a navy, ibid. k. remunerateth Nicaule the Queen, 203. c. marrieth strange wives, 204. i committeth Idolatry, ibid. i. his punishment decounced, ibid. l, m. had enemies raised against him, 205. a. dieth, 206. g. Saltis subdued the Egyptians, 769. a. Samaria besieged, 227. f. of whom so called, 214. g. taken, 243. e. described, 647. a. Samaritans' hinder the building of the temple, 266. h, i 270. l. their offer rejected, ibidem, k, Iewes enemies, 272. h. kinsmen to the jews when, 286. k, l. disdain the jews, 304. i. send letters to Antiochus, ibid. k. contend with the jews, 322. m. 323. a. accuse the jews, 520. h. their strife with the jews, 621. f. 11000. slain, 657. c. Samaeas reproveth the jews impiety, 209. e. comforteth the people, ibid. Samaeas his admonition, 362. m. honoured, 363 a. Samson killeth a Lion, 121. d. marrieth a wife, ib. e. propoundeth a riddle, ibid. e, f. his acts against the Philistines, 12●…. h, i, k, l, m. prayeth, and why, 122. l. betrayed by Dalila, 123. c. the slaughter of the Philistines, and of himself, ibid. d. Samuel his pa●…ents, 125. c. consecrated to God, ibid. e. God called him t●…ise, ibid. f. foreshowed the death of Eli, and his sons, 126. g. offereth sacrifice, 129. m. comforteth the people, ibid. his victory, and recovery of lands, 130. h, i. committeth the common weal to his sons, ibid. ay, k. troubled, and why, 131. a, b. bidden to create a king, ibid. c. showeth the people's estate under a king, 131. c. annoinieth Saul king, 132. k. iusti●…ieth himself, and why, 135. c. striveth to reconcile Saul to God, 139. e. killeth Agag, 140. l, m. telleth Saul of God's displeasure, 140. i anointeth David king, 141. a, b, c. his death, burial, and praise, 151. f. Sanabal●…ath governor of the Samaritans, 284. h. followeth Alexander, 285. b. buildeth a temple, ibid. Sanctuary, 62. h. 196. g. 198. h. Sanctuaries or places of refuge for whom, 88 k. Sand like glass, 618. l. Sara daughter of Aram, 11. f. Abraham's wife; 12. a, m. her beauty, 13. a. king of Egypt enamoured on her, ibid. a. bringeth Agar to Abraham, 14. m. her age when she conceived Isaac, 15. c. preserved from Abimelech, and how, 16. i brought forth Isaac, ibid. caused Ishmael to be expelled, etc. 17. b. affecteth. Isaac, ibid. b, d. her death, 19 a. Saraeus high priest took prisoner, 255. d. Saturninus precedent of Syria, 428. l. 429. a. permitteth Herod to enter Arabia, ibid. b. his indifferent sentence, 434. h. Saul seeketh the lost Asses, 132. g. anointed king by God's commandment, ibid. ay, k. confirmed therein, 132. l. hideth himself, 133. c, d. saluted by the people for their king, 133. d. promiseth the jabasites assistance, 134 i, k. killeth k. Naas, 134. l. sacrificeth, and is reproved, 136. l. overcometh the Philistines, 137. e. would have slain jonathan, 138. i, k. always a conqueror, ibid. i. taketh and spareth Agag, 139. c, d, e. slayeth the Amalechites and raseth their Cities, ib. b, c. offendeth God, ibid. d, e. loseth his kingdom, and why, 240. h, i. denied pardon renteth samuel's garment, ib. i, k. slew the Philistines, 143. d. resolveth to kill David, 144. g, h, l. darteth his javelin at David, 145. e. prophesieth, 146. i questioneth about David's absence, etc. 147. c, d, e. maketh an oration to his captains, 148. l. m. pursueth David, 150. k, l. & 151. a, b. condemneth himself, and justifieth David, ib. d, e. pursueth David again, and his life saved, 153. c, e. banisheth diviners, 154. l. by a sorceress is foretold the event of the battle, 155. a, b, c. praised, 156. h, i. is slain, 158. g, h. Scarcity foresignified, 33. e, f. how to be prevented, 34. g, h. among the Israelites, 73. a. very grea●… in Claudius his time, 75. a, b. in Samaria, 227. f. 228. g. Scarcity of corn, 744. h. Scaurus maketh peace with Aristobulus, 352. k. precedent of Coelesyria, 356. g. his war against Aretas, ibid. h. 566. h. bribed, ibid. Science of the celestial bodies, 6. h. Schisar king of the Assyrians, 113. d. oppressed the Israelites, ibid. d. Scopas general of Ptolemy's army, 296. i discomfited, ibid. overcometh the jews, 296. k. Scythopolitans kill 3000. jews, 634. l. Sea of Pamphilia divided itself, 52. h. red Sea divided at the stroke of Moses rod, 51. d. returning to his course, drowneth the Egyptians, ibid. e. brazen Sea, 196. k. Sebas, 183. d. Sebaste a haven, 443. b. Secretary of priest foretelleth Moses greatness, 41. d, e. willeth him to be s●…lled, 43. c. Security promised to Rahab and hers, 101. c, d. Sects of the jews, 329. e. 463. d. 614. l. Secrets of Syllaeus disclosed, 599. d. Sedechias a false prophet, 221. d. contradicteth Micheas, ibid. d, e. Sedechias king of juda, 252. h. revolteth, ibid. seduced, 252. i 253. a, etc. neglecteth the Prophet's counsel, ibid. surprised, 154. l, m. his eyes put out, 255. a. his death, ib. f. Sedition against Moses, 73. a. 76. m. & 80. k, l. of Chore for the priesthood, 77. b, c, d. Sedition against Roboam, 206. l. 243. f. of the Samaritans against the jews, 288. h, i among the people, 302. i of the jews, 480. g. betwixt Senate and people, 503. f. Sedition at the passover, 452. l. between the jews and Samaritans, 519. f. for the golden Eagle, 608. h. in jerusalem, 610. h. 6●…3. b, 〈◊〉. between greeks and jews, 635. c. a threefold sedition, 697. e. took the City, 709. a. Seditious more impious than the Sodomites, 724. h. Seditious. 623. b, c. beaten, 618. g. bribe Albinus, 623. d. fly to the temple, and why, 629. l. gave not ear to those in authority, 631. f. put the Romans to flight, 662. l. agree among themselves, 700. l, m. 710. h. challenge the sodden child, 734 l. summon Titus to parley, 739. f. take away the king's treasure, 741. c, d. their utmost hope, 742. g. kept in Acra and in Vaults, 743. a. Seed of the woman, 4. l. shall bruise the serpent's head, ib. l. Seeds at first grew out of the earth, 3. d. Seeds not to be mixed together, 92. l. Sehon king of the Amorites denieth passage to the Hebrews, 82. i overthrown by them, ibid. l, m. is slain, 83. a. Seir, what it signifies, 21. a. Seir Esau's dwelling place, 26. l. Seleucus Nicanor privilegeth the jews, 295. d. Selecus Soter reigneth in Asia, 302. g. Sem Noah's third son, 9 a. covereth his father's shame, 11. 〈◊〉 his progeny, ibid. d. Semecho●…tis a lake, 667. b. Semiramis built not Babylon, 772. h. Senaar a plain, 9 a. Senabarus one of the five kings of Assyria, 13. e. Senacherib surpriseth the Cities of juda, 245. b. besiegeth jerusalem, ibid. b, c. his army stricken with the pestilence, 246. k. himself slain, ib. Senate persuadeth Claudius to resign, 503. b. Senate's decree, etc. 360. m. Senate's answer to Agrippa, 620. g. their repair to Claudius, 620. i. senselessness of Achaz, 242. g. Sentence against Herod's sons, 596. m. Sephora Moses wife, 46. m. Sephoris walied, 464. i spoiled, 551. d. entertaineth the Romans, 636. m. Sepulchre of David, 190. g. of Memnon, 618. l. Serpent's tempting of Eva, 4. i. his subtlety, ibid. h. his punishment, ib. m. & 5. a. enemy to man, 4. m. wherein his strength lieth, and how easily killed, ibid. m. Serpent's very hurtful destroyed, 44. i, k. Servants of Elizeus 227. b. Servants of Solomon happy, and why, 203. c. Servant of Abraham taketh his oath, 19 d. his prayer, and ear in discharge of his message, 19 c. & 20. g, h, i, k. Serui●…e of God neglected, 242. h. Service of foreign Gods, 204. i, k. 237. d. 242. h. Service of Antipater, 577. c. Services of the Gabeonites, 104. k. Servitude of the Egyptians great, 40. k. of the Hebrews insupportable, 41. c. 46. g, l. & 47. c. Servitude of the Israelites, 113. d. and why, ibid. e. 114. g. m. 715. a. etc. Seth son of Adam, 6. h. a virtuous man, ibid. h. left a godly issue, ibid. h. his age and death. 7. b. Sethosis king of Egypt, 770. Seven men of Saul's kindred punished, 1●…2. k. seventy jews with john and Simon sent into Italy, 750. h. seventy interpreters, 293. b. 785. a. Severity of Herode, 407. a. Sextus Caesar governor of Syria, 362. g. writeth in Herodes behalf, ibid. l. selfeth the precedents place, 363. b. slain, 366. g. 572. k. Sheepshearing of Nabal, 152. h. of Absalon, 172. m. Shows at Ca●…sarea, 746. i. Ships of Solomon, 203. e. of josaphat, etc. 224. i. Shipwreck of josephus, 530. l. Siba manureth mephiboseth's lands, 168. h. accuseth him & getteth his goods, 180. i, k. Siba son of Bochri, 181. incenseth the people to rebellion, 181. c. besieged by joab, 182. g. his punishment, ibid. h. Sibyls prophecy of Babel, 9 c. Sicarians, 755. d. besieged, 756. i authors of new calamity, 761. e. taken, 762. g. Sichama josuahs' habitation, 108. k. Sichem deflowereth Dina, 26. m. desireth to marry her, ibid. m. is slain, 27. a. Sichemites slain, 27. a. Sichemites constitute Abimelech their ruler, 116. c. banish him, 118. h. are slain and their City sacked, ibid. k, l, m. etc. Sickness of jeroboams son, 210. i. Sickness of Ochozias, 224. k. Sickness of joram, 130. k, l. Sickness of Adad, 229. f. Sickness of Ezechias, 246. m. Sickness of Herode, 447. d. Sickle. 66. g. Siege of jerusalem. 164. g. 245. a, 〈◊〉. deferred, 689. d. Signs of the law, 91. c. Sign of Ezechias recovery, 257. a, b. Signs before the destruction of jerusalem. 738. ay, k. etc. 739. a. etc. Sign of a true history, 766. g, h. Signification of the golden head, 259. c. Silas captain of the king's guard, 552. m. Silas groweth into hatred, 509. a. Silon corrupted with money, 376. g. silva besiegeth Massada, 756. i. Simei pardoned. 190. g. punished. 192. g, h. Simeon the son of jacob, 24. i. why so called, ibid. i. he and Levi slew the Sichemites, 27. a. left as a pledge with joseph, 35. d, e. his sons, 39 e, f. Similitude 117. f. 271. a, b 685. c. Simon succoureth the Galileans, 309. e. taketh Bethsura, 328. l. declared high Priest, 331. c, d. animateth the people against Tryphon. ibid. c. his authority, 332. m. raceth the Castle of jerusalem, 333. a. maketh war against Antiothus, 333. f. 334. g. traitorously slain, 334. h. 560. k. Simon degraded, 442. i. Simon affecteth the crown, 456. k, l. 611. b. Simons counsel against joseph, 540. k. m. Simon the Galilean, 614. l. deviser of a sect, ibid. Simon killeth many of his countrymen, 634. l. m. his parents & wife, etc. 635. a. Simon the son of Giora committeth rapines and murders, 644. g, h. Simon of Garasa, 690. g. assembleth the thieves, ibid. spoileth Idumaea, 691. b, c. assaulteth the temple, 693. a. his camp, 708. l, m. apprehended, 744. m. 746. l. kept for the triumph, ibid., drawn through Rome with a halter, 751. d. Singing, look song. Single combat, 142. h. Sin escapes not unpunished, 153. a. Sins of the jews against the law, 716. g, h. Sin cannot escape God's justice, 746. m. Sisara captain of jabin's host, 115. a. put to flight and slain, ibid. d, e. Situation of the land of the Amorites, 83. b. Situation of the higher Calilee, 646. k. Situation of jotapata, 651. c. Situation of Gamala, 667, c. Situation of Massada, 755. d. Six thousand jews consumed with fire, 738. g. Skirmish of the Romans with the jews, 610. i, k. Skirmish between the Galileans and Romans, 656. m. Skirmish of Simon and john, 698. h, i. Slaughter one of another, 117. d. 137. d. 224. h. Slaughter on the Sabbath day, 633. f. Slavery of the Hebrews see servitude. Slaughter of Achimelech and his family, 149. c, d. Slaughter of Ochozias servants, 233, a. Slaughter of Baal's priests, 233. d. Slaughter of Azarias, 420. g. Slaughter of the Tapsians, 240. h. of the army of juda, 241. a●… Slaughter of the Moabites, 166. l of Antigonus faction, 382. of the jews, 623. b. in the temple. 736. m. 698. i. in the vaults, 742. g, h. Slanders touching the jewish nation answered, 776. g, etc. Sleep of Abner and his soldiers reproved, 153. d, e. Sodom once a goodly City, 13. d. her destruction foretold, 15. c, burnt, 16. g. Sodomites overcome by the Syrians, 13. d, e, f. taken & rescued, ibid. f. & 14. h. their sins, 15. c, d. stricken with blindness, 16. g. destroyed, ibid. g. Sohemus discovereth the king●… secrets, 397. a. advanced, ibid. a. put to death, 398. l. Soil of Peraea, 646. m. soldiers ought to obey their captains, 664. h. Soldiers take meat out of the Citizen's mouths, 717. d, e. Soldiers rewarded, 449 b. 745. d, e. Soldier showeth his privy members, 519. b. Soldiers require a Monarch, 504. m. repair to Claudius, 505. c. Soldiers dismissed, and why, 237. c. Soldiers of the Romans obey their captains, 648. i k. Soldiers that came unto David numbered l, 163. e. f. Soldiers with their captains consumed, 224. m. 225. a. a Soldiers filthy fact, 621. a. a Soldier burneth the book of the scripture, 621. b. is punished ibid. c. Solemnity of the Passeover, 49. d. 69. e. Solemnity of the new moon, 147. c. Solemnity of transporting the Ark, 165. c, d, e, f. Solyma the place where Melchisedech was king, 14. i after called jerusalem, ibid. i. & 164. k. Song of praise, and thanksgiving of the Israelites 52. g, h. Song of Moses, 97. f. Song of the women and maidens of Israel, 143. e. Son of Vision, 24. i. Sons of Noah, 9 a. Sons of Abraham, 16. l. 17. a. & 20. l. Sons of Isaac, 20. l. 28, g. Sons of Esau, 28. h, i. Sons of jesse, 141. b, c. Sons of Saul slain, 157. f. Sons of David, 164. l. Sons of jacob hate their brother joseph, 28. l. go into Egypt for to buy corn, 34. k, l. 36. g, h. imprisoned and accused of theft, 35. b. & 36. k, l. carry presents with them, ibid. g. depart into Egypt with their father, 39 e. Sorceress of Endor, 155. a. raised samuel's ghost, ibid. b. three Sorts of sedition, 697. e. Sosius hath charge of the army, 378. k. leideth an army against jerusalem, 380. g. taketh Antigonus, 582. m. Sovereignty to whom to be given, 141. b, c. Soul immortal, 659. d. 758. m. 759. a. tied to a mortal body, ibid. Spear of Goliath the Philistine, 142. h. Spectacle of compassion, 717. c. d. Spies sent into Chanaan, 73. d, e, sent to jericho, 100, l. survey the City, ibid. m. promised Rahab to save her and all that was hers, 1●…1. c, d. Spirit of God forsaketh Saul, 141. d. and an evil spirit troubleth him, ibid. d, e. Spirit of God entered into David, 141. d. Spoils gotten in war, 57 b, c. Spoils dedicated to God, 102. in. 224. h. Spoil of the temple, 236. g. Spoils committed in the day, 673. 2. Spoils, etc. carried in triumph, 757. c, d. Sports of Olympus, 421. b. Stars made, 3. d. their end, courses and motions, ibid. State of jerusalem troubled, 643. m. 644. g. Statue of gold erected, 259. e, f. commanded to be worshipped, ib. f. Statue of Caius 480. k, l. 618. k. Statue of divers metals, 259. c, d. beaten to powder, ibid. Statues of Caesar, 466. h, i jews refuse to admit them, ib. Stature of Og, 83. c. Stature of Saul, 133. d. Stature of Goliath, 142. h. Sterility foreshowed, 33. e, f. Stock of Basa destroyed, 213. f. Stone taken out of the mountain, 259. c, d. Stole of the Priest, where kept, 410. 1. S●…e of provision, 757. 2. Store of all sorts of movables, 103. f. Store of corn gotten, 229. c. d. Store of victuals, 578. m. 579. a. Store of engines and arrows, 752. f. Storm, 689. e. Stratagem of Moses, 44. i, k. of the Ephraimites, 109. e. of joab, 169, a. of Ptolomey, 288. g. of joseph, 538. h. 539. a. of Cestius, 638. m. of joseph, 642. g. 651. f. 652. i. 653. f. of the jews, 733. b. Stratons' tower, or Caesarea, 402. l. 588. g. straits of Engaddi, 151. a. Strength of Samson, 121. d. & 122. m. Strength of Eleazar, 654. g. of Netiras, etc. ibid. Strife among the Priests, 523. c. Stripes thirty nine, 93. c. Stuff to build the Tabernacle of, 60. k. l. Subjection of the Israelites to the Moabites, 114. g. to the Chanaanites, ibid. m. to the Palestines, 120. l. to the Assyrians, 242. g. Subtlety of the Serpent, 4. h. Subtlety of jacob, 21. f. of Lea and Rachel, 24. k. of Laban, ibid., h. of Pharaoh, 41. e. of king Naas, 133. f. of Michol, 146. g. of Saul, 151. c, d. of a woman, 173. d. of the false prophet, 208, h. of Silo, 578. l, m. of Florus, 626. g. Succession of high priests, 526. g. h, etc. Successor of Moses, who, 88 g. Successors of Alexander, 287. e, f. Successors of David, 166. i. Successors of Nabuchodonosor, 261. 2. sum of the Israelites taken, 184. h. sum of gold, silver, etc. towards the building of the temple, 188. l, m. Sun made, 3. d. the end, course and motion thereof, ibid. e. Sun stood still, 104. m. Superstition of the people reproved, 215. f. 216. g. Supplication of Moses to God, 54. l. Supplication of joachas, 236. i. Supplication of the jews sent to Caius, 619. c, d. Supplication of the Israelites, 129. d, e. Supplies sent to Titus, 664. i. Surprisal of the Ark, 126. l. of Rabatha, 171. f. Susac invadeth judaea, 209. d. spoileth jerusalem and the temple, ibid. e. Sustenance faileth the Israelites, 53. a, e, f. Swearing among the ancient jews, 19 d. and the manner thereof, ibid. e. imposed, and why, 249. c, d. Sword of Goliath, 143. d. 148. h. Sycophants of Agrippa, 510. m. Syllaeus governeth the king's affairs, 425. c. desireth Salome to wife, 425. c, d. accuseth Herod to Caesar, 429. d. deferreth the payment of Herod's money, ibid. a. condemned to die, 433. b. Symoborus one of the five kings of Assyria, 13. e. Syrians war against Achab, 218. g, h. discomfited, 219. a. 228. m. 229. a. led away captive, 24●…. g. Syrians against David, 169. c. T Tabernacle builded, 60. l. erected in the desert, 61. a, b, c, etc. dedicated. 66. l. and when, ibid. k. place●… in Siloe, 105. c. Table set in the Tabernacle, 60. l. Tables of the ten commandments, 58. l. 59 c. 60. k. placed in the Ark, 62. i. Table of gold, 197. a. Talents of gold, 203. l, m. Talents, 566. h. 569. c. Talent how much, 797. h. Tales credited, 426. h. Talions law, or law of like for like, 96. i. Talk betwixt God and Cain, 5. c. Talk of jacob with Rachel, 23. b, c. Talk of Laban with jacob, ibid. d, e, f. Talk of David with Goliath, 143. b. Tapsians put to the sword, 240. h. and why, ibid. h. Tarichea besieged, 663. b. taken, 664. l, m. Taricheans vanquished by sea, 666. g. Task of the workmen of Solomon, 195. h. Task more grievous imposed, etc. 47. c. Taxation of the jews, 462. l. Tears of Esau, 22. h. Tediousness of the Hebrews journey, 53. a. Teglaphalassar king of Assyria, 240. i led away the Israelites captive, ibid. i. slayeth Rasis, and taketh the Syrians prisoners, 242. g. gold and silver given him, ibid. g. Temperance of Saul, 133. c. Tempest after samuel's prayer, 135. f. Tempest caused by jonas, 238. l, m. Tempest drowned those of joppes, 661. d, e. Tempest of miseries assails jerusalem, 685. c. Temple when builded, 195. c, d. height, length and breadth thereof, ibid. e. with all the other things belonging thereunto, 196. 197. etc. when consecrated, 197. e. spoiled, 209. e, f. cleansed, 242. i, k, 238. h. repaired, 248. m. 249. a. burned, 255. c, d. began to be builded, 270. g. finished, 271. f. dedicated, ibid. 272. g. desolate three years, 308. m. repurged, ibid. 309. a. burned, 463. b. the strongest fortress of the City, 674. k. builded on a strong hill, 705. c. consumed with fire, 736. h, etc. one Temple to be builded, and why, 90. l. Temples of Idolaters to be destroyed, 90. h. Temple on mount Garizim, 286. m. laid desolate, 336. h. Temple builded by Herod, 407. c. Temple of Apollo, 421, a. Temple of Isis pulled down, 468. g. and why, 467. a, etc. Temple builded by Vespasian, 751. e. Temple of Onias shut up, 762. i, etc. Tempting of the Serpent, 4. i of Joseph's mistress, 3●…. a, b, etc. Tents, a place so called, 24. m. Ten commandments, 59 f. Tenths of the fruits, 91. a. Tenths for the poor, Levites and festivals, 93. c. Term of man's life, 12. g. Term of exile for chance-medley, 88 k. Terror among the enemies, 137. d. 224. h. 228. l, m. Testament of Herod, 447. d. altered, 604. l. Testimonies of the jews antiquity, 771. a. 772. l. 773. b, c, d, f. 774. h. 775. c. Thanksgiving of the Israelites for their deliverance, 52. g, h. Tharbis the king's daughter of Ethiopia, 44. m. enamoured of Moses, ib. m. 45. a. yieldeth the City of Saba, and is married to Moses, ibid. 2. Thares Abraham's father, 11. e. went out of Chaldaea to Charran, 12. g. his age and death, ibid. g. Thargal a captain of the Assyrians, 13. e. sacked Syria and extinguished the Giants, 13. e. Theatre buil●… by Herod, 401. b. Theft committed, how punished, 95. e. Thermuthis Pharaos' daughter, 42. m. taketh Moses out of the water, ibid. m. adopteth him for her son, and preserveth him from death, 43. c, e. Theudas the Magician, 518. l. his persuasion to the people, ibid. thieves confident, 638. h, i. thieves app●…ehend Ananias kindred, 525. a. thieves taken by Herode, 377. b. thieves murder in the day. 622. k. work much mischief ibid. m Theeu●…. spoil the country, 672. l. make a high priest, 673. 〈◊〉. Thee●…e punished, 412. l. 428. k, l. Things unclean, 70. i. Thirst oppresseth the Israelites, 55. c, d. Thirst of the Arabians, 585. c. Thirst of Samson, 132. k, l. of David, 801. e. Thobel a warrior, 5 f. invented the art of forging, ibid. f. Thola a judge of Israel, 119. b. Tholomaeus the Archtheefe. 513. a. ten Thousand thronged to death, 621. a. Thraldom of the Chanaanites, 202. i. Three admirable works, 707. b. Three valiant jews, 719. e, f. Threefold sedition divided into two parts, 702. i. Thrice in the year the Hebrews ought to meet. 90. m. Throne of Solomon, 200 m. Thucydides history, 765. e. Tiberians meet joseph, 534. m. their letters to Agrippa, 538. l. intent war against joseph, 548. h. submit themselves to Vespasian 66●…. i m. 663. a. Tiberias builded, 465. a. in danger of ruin, 551. e. recovered, 643 b. Tiberius' Emperor, 464. m. rejecteth Vonones suit, 466, g. punisheth Isis' Priests, 467. f. thrusteth the jews out of Rome, 468. h his league with Artabanus, 469. c. his death, 471. c. 478 g. h. why he deferred to give audience to Ambassadors and prisoners, 474. h. etc. why changed not governors, ibid. h. addicted to the Mathematics, 476. l. 477. a. b. recommendeth the Empire to Caius, ibid. d. his funeral, 478 k. Tiberius' a governor of judaea, 518. k. crucifieth the sons of judas, ibid. l. Tiberius' a governor of Egypt, 694. l. Tidings of Nero's death, 689. c. Tigranes invadeth Syria, 348. h. Tigris a river of Paradise. 4. h. called Diglat, ibid. h. Tillage practised by Noah, 11. c. Timber precious 203. c. Time of the Israelires deliverance, 50. g. Time of the building of the temple, 195. c. Time of the jews return, 265. a, b. and 269. b, c, etc. Time of the Israelites transportation, 243. c. Time of the king's reign of David's line 255. b. Time when jeremy lived, 250. k. Time of the destruction of jerusalem and Temple, 255. c, d. 736. i. k. 737. b. 742. ay, etc. 743. a. etc. 744. g, etc. 745, a, b, c. Timotheus twice overcome, 310. h, i. Titus his mighty army, 647. e. winneth japha, 656. m. taketh Tarichea, 664. m. entereth Gamala, 670. g. repaireth to jerusalem, and why, 700. g. putteth his enemies to flight, ib. k. in what places besieged jerusalem, 703. d, 3. circuiteth the walls, 709. b. commandeth them to be battered, 710 g. putteth the jews to flight, ibid., k. taketh the second wall, 712. l. 713. d. sur ceaseth the siege, and distributeth money, 713. 〈◊〉. crucifieth many jews, 718. k, l. accuseth the soldiers, 720. i calleth. God to witness, 722. g. dareth john to fight, 729. c. striveth to save the temple, 731. a. beholdeth the soldiers, ibid. c, d. restraineth his wrath, 735. c. granteth the jews life upon condition, 741. a. promiseth recompense to the soldiers. 745. f. celebrateth pastimes, 749. c. lamenteth jerusalem, 750. g. Torment of Eleazar, 803. d, e, etc. 804. g, 〈◊〉. Torment of the mother and seven brethren, 806. g, h. etc. 807. a, etc. 808. g. etc. 809. a, etc. 810. g, etc. 811 a, etc. Tortures laid upon many. 426. k. Touch of conscience, 340. k. Tower of Babel, 9 a. Tower of white marble, 302. k. Towers erected, 201. d. 239. c. 656. h. Tower of Antonia. 410. l. Towers of Herode. 704. m. 705. a, b. Trachonites compelled to civility, 428. i, k. rob again, ibid. k. subdued by Herode, 429. b. trajan taketh japha, 656. i, k, m. Training up of soldiers, 640. h. 647. f. 648. g. Traitor apprehended, 440. k. Transgression of vocation punished, 239. f. Transgression of Saul, 139. c, d, e. Transgressor's of God's laws threatened to be punished, 〈◊〉. i, k. 140. ay, k, l, m. Translation of the Bible, 294. h, i. Translation of the Priesthood foreshowed, 126. g. Translation of the Israelites, 240. i 242. g. 243. e, f. and when, ibid. Transportation of the kingdom, 140. i. Transportation of the Ark, 165. c. Trawler to be directed in his way, 96. g. travailers not to be forbidden ripe fruit, 93. a. Treason intended and discovered, 278. g, h. 325. b, c. Treason practised, 213. d. 236. g. 238. h. 240. g. h. ibid. 235. b, c. 5●…3. f. 591. e, f. 601. a. 626. g. 642. h. Treasury of the temple emptied, 236. g. 242. g. 245. b. T●…re taken away, 456. g. T●…le wall, 703. e. Tree of life, 4. g. Tree of knowledge, ibid. Trees fruitful not to be cut down, ●…7. e. Trembling of the earth, 239▪ e. Tribe of Reuben. Gad, and the half tribe of Manasses require the land of the Amorites, 88 a, b. promise to help their brethren, ibid. h, i. required to perform it, 101. l. are dismissed, 105. l. m. builded an Altar, 107. c. their answer to Phinees, 108. i. Tribe of Dan oppressed, 113 b. seek a place to inhabit, ibid. b, c Tribe of Levi sacred to God, 70. h. Tribe of judah's accusation and excuse, etc. 181. a, b. ten Tribes revolt, and why, 206. k, l, m. 207. a. transported, and why, 243. e, f. Tribunal of Solomon, 200. i. Tribune a captain over a thousand, 143. f. Tribute exacted of the Israelits, 120. l. of the Canaanites, 202. i. Tribute imposed, 166. l. 167. c. e. 225. c. 240. k. 242. i. 250. k. 251, a. 754. h. Triple golden crown, 64. k. Triumph of Titus and Vespasian, 750. i, k, etc. Troglodytes of whom descended, 19 b. Trophies of Herode, 401. f. etc. Trouble of mind, 141. d, e, f. 148. k. Trouble of the sorceress, 155. b. of Saul, ibi. d, e. Troubles in France, 687. b. Truce breaker. 245. c. 252. h. Truce granted the inhabitants of Iabes, 134. h. two Trumpets of silver, 72. k, l. Truth of Joseph's history, 195. a. 550. m. Truth of God's promise, 198. i. Truth of God's Oracles, 229. c, d. 249. c. Truth of Eliahs' prophecy, 232. h. Truth prevaileth, 268. k, l. Tryphon requireth Antiochus, 327. a, b. overcometh Demetrius, ibid. f. breaketh covenant, 330. m. plotteth Jonathan's death. 331. a, b. his demands of Simon, 332. h. obtaineth the kingdom, 333. b, c. slain, ibid. c. Tumults in jury, 456. i 617. d. in the Army, 710. m. for a. Galileanslaine, 621. c, d. Turpentine tree that, etc. 691. b. Twins brought forth at once, 20. m. & 21. a. Tyranny of Antiochus, 304. g, h. of Herod foretold, 38●…. f. effected, 407, a. 612. l. of Caius, 489. a. of Varus, 532. h, i, l. 612. g. Tyrannies breed mischief, 499. e, d. Tyrant's enfeeble themselves, 443. c. Tyro imprisoned, and why, 434. k. 597. c. accused of treason, 435. a. b. 597. b, c. he and 300 captains are slain, ibid. b. V Valerianus his speech, 662. i. Valley of benediction, 224. i. Valour of Samson, 110. l. & 12●…. d. of David, 144. g. of David's soldiers, 164. h. of Herode, 580. k. of Netyras and Philip, ●…54. h. of Vespasian, 6668. i of Titus, 701. e. of the jews decreased, 726. i. Vardanes persuadeth Izates, 516. m. slain, 519. e. Variance of women, 423. e. Varus tyranny, 532. h, i, l. assisteth the Romans, 611. e. see Quintilius. Vengeance to be taken on the Amalechites, 98. g. Ventidius fisheth for money, 374. m. 578. h. sendeth for Silon 376. m. overcometh the Parthians, 377. c. Virtue of the mind respected of God, 141. b. Virtue of Abraham. 20. l. Virtue of David, 189. c, f. Virtue of Solomon, 193. g. 202. l. 203. a, b, c. Vespasian arriveth at tire, 553. b. gathereth forces against the jews, 645. c. cometh to Ptolemais, 646. h. helpeth the Sephorites, 647. c filleth Galilee with sword and fire, ib. c. d. directeth the Romans march, 649. c. invadeth Galilee, 650. g. besiegeth jotapata, 651. d. wounded in the sole of the foot, 654. h. leideth his army to lotapata, 655. 2. taketh it, 657. f. taketh joppes, 661. c, f. cometh to Agrippa, 662. i overcometh the Taricheans, 666. g. consulteth whiss chieftains about the jews, 666. 〈◊〉. i. besiegeth Ga●…la, 667. d. e. comforteth his soldiers, 668. l. expecteth victory, etc. 684. g. visiteth judaea, 687. c. hath tidings of Nero's death, 689. c. invadeth judaea, 691. f. elected Emperor, 693. c. 694. g. 695. a. his virtues, etc. ibid. d, e, f. dischargeth joseph, 695. c. proclaimed Emperor. 696. k. Vessels of gold and silver given to Solomon, 203. f. Vessels of gold and silver taken, 87. 〈◊〉. Vessels pertiming to the temple, 196. k, l, m. 197. a, b, c. Vessels of the temple carried away, 255. c, d sent back, 265. d, e. Vestments of the high priest in Antonia, 468. m. Vestures of the priests, 63. c, d, e, f. 197. c. Vexation of Saul by an evil spirit, 141. c. Victory wherein it consisteth, 663. f. Victory maketh proud, 237. d, e. Victory of Placidus, 686. m. of the jews, 703. a. Victory of Moses and the Egyptians, 44. k. Victory of josuah over the Canaanites, 105. b, c. Victory of the Israelites over the Beniamites, 112. g. h. Victory of Saul over the Ammonites, 134. l. over the Amalechites, 139. b, c. Victory of David over Goliath, 143. d. of him against the Palestines, 145. d. 165. b, c. Victory of joab, 169. b. Victory of Achab against the Syrians, 219. a, d. Victory of Amasias, 237. d. of soas, ibid. a. 238. g. of Vespasian, 666. g of the Romans, 667. a. 670. h, i. Victuals failed the Israelites, 53. a, e. 227. f. Victuals very plenty, 229. c, d. 57●…. m. 579. 2. Villainy most horrible, 110. l. & 111. a. a Village called Abraham's house, 12. l. Villages burned, 457. e, f. Vine of gold, 352. m. 353. a. Vineyard planted by Noah, 11. c. Vineyard of N●…oth, 217. b. Vines to be pl●…d, 92. k. Violence not to be used, 96. g. Virgins of the Madianites taken, 87. e, f. Vision of jacob, 22. k, l, & 26. g. Vision of joseph, ●…8. l, m. Vision of Pha●…, 33. b. Vision of Amram, 4●…. g. Vision of Nabuchodonosor, 258. k, l. Vision of the Goat and Ram, 263. d, e. Vision of Archelaus, 461. d, e. Vision of the hand, 261. c. Vitellius cometh to jerusalem, 468. l. remitteth the tribute, ibid. maketh jonathan high priest, 469. b. warreth against Aretas, 470. l. 471. b. Vitellius Emperor, 691. f. cheampeth his army in Rome, 693. c. forsaken of his soldiers, 695. e, f. 696. h, i. slain, ib. i. Ulcer one of the plagues of Egypt, 48. m. Uncle of Saul, 232. m. Unconstancy of man's love, 133. 2. Unjust death, 426. h. Unjustice, 149. c, d. 215. f. 216. g. 426. h. Voice in the inner temple. 738. l. Vologesus king of Parthia, 519. a. incited to kill Izates, 517. c. compelled to return, 518. g. Volumnius precedent of Syria, 429. a. arbiter between Syllaeus and Herod, ibid. his sentence, etc. 434. h. Voluptuousaesse of the Israelites, 86. h, i. Vonones discomfited. 465. f. submitteth himself to Syllanus, 〈◊〉 466. g. Vow of jeptha. 119. c. Vow of Anna, 125. d. Vows of the Esseans, 615. f. Voyage of Vespasian by sea, 746. i. Urias' Bers●…bes husband, 169. e. refuseth to repair to his wife, and why, ibid. e, f. is flame, 170. 2. 〈◊〉 M●…iama husband, 47. 〈◊〉. holdeth up Moses hands, ib. a. Use of the plough by whom found our, 5 ib. W Ways paved, 204. 2. weight of gold brought, 203. d. Weights found out, and by whom, 5. e. Wall built about jerusalem, 721. a. first Wall taken, 711. b. second Wall taken, 712: l. Walls of jerusalem finished, 276. i, 〈◊〉. Walls of jericho fall down, 102. b. Walls of Babylon, 772. k. Want of water, 657. c. Want of water and victuals, 53. a. 225. d. 227. f. etc. 403. 2. Warrantise of security promised Rahab, 101. c, d. War how to be undertaken, 97. c, d. War intended for liberty, 674. m. War between Antonius and Augustus, 5●…4. h. War between the seditious and peaceable, 632. g. War of the Egyptians with the Ethiopians, 43. c, f. War of the Amalechites against the Israelites, 56. li. War of the Philistines against the Israelites, 142. g. 154. l. War of David▪ 165. a, b. 166. l. War of Adad against Achab, 218. g. civil War of the Israelites, 111. d, c. 112. g, h. 160. h, i, k. 207. 〈◊〉 211. e, f. Water pulled on the earth, etc. 46. k. Water turned into blood, 48. g. h. Water failed the Israelites, 53. a. changed, ibid. Water of Bethieems well, etc. 183. c. Water delivered by measure, 652. i. Weariness of the Hebrews 53. a. Whale devoureth jonah, 239. a. Witch of Endor, 155. a. Witch of Arabia, 600. g. Wicked man punished, 153. a. 230. k, l. Wickedness most horrible, 110. l, m. 111. a. Wickedness cause of calamity, 111. a. & 112. g. etc. 113. 〈◊〉 114. g. m. 126. g. etc. Widow of Sareptha, 214. l. Widow of Obedias, 226. l. Wife of Putiphar enticeth joseph to lie with her, 31. a, b, c. ascuseth him to her husband, 32. g, h. Wife of the high priest, 71. d. Wife of the dead brother, 94. i, k. Wife of the Levit villainously abused, 111. 2. Wife of Phinees, 126. k. Wife of jeroboam, 210. i, k. goeth to ask counsel, and why ibid. i, k. Wives of Herod, 437. e. Will of God to be obeyed, 8p. c, d. Winding stairs, 196. g. h. Wisdom of the lawmaker, 2. l, m. of joseph, 33. c, d. 34. g, 〈◊〉. Wisdom of Solomon, 193. h. 202. m. 203. a. Wisdom of Daniel, 258. g. a false Witness his punishment, 91. f. false Witnesses suborned, 217. d. Wives of Solomon numbered, 204. i, k. i●…ed him to co●… Idolatry, ibid. k. Wives of Herod, 437. e. Wives of Esau, 21. d. 22. i. Wives of jacob, 24. i, k. Wives of Lamech, 5. f. Woman created, 4. g. tempted and fell, ibid. h, i. punished, 4. l, m. Woman married for a virgin, etc. 93. f. two Women accuse one another, 193. 2. Women seduce Solomon, 204. i. Women at discord, 423. c. Women care their own children, 228. g, h. 734. ay, k. Women sing songs, 143. c. women's terms, 25. c. Word of God not without fruit, 242. m. Workmaisters of the Tabernacle, 60. l. Workmen building the Temple, 195. b, c. Works of God, 793. b. World made in six days, 3. 〈◊〉. Wrestling of jacob, etc. 26. i, k. Wrath of God against the Egyptians. 51. c, f. Wrath of Saul against David, 144. m. Wrath of David against Nabal, 152. i. Wrath of God against the jews, 727, b, c. Wrath of Florus, 625. 2. Wrath of Herode, 590. g. 592. k. 662. h. Wrath of Vitellius, 696. h. Wrath pacified, 552. g, h. 564. g. Wrath bridled, 735. c. Writers why they omit to speak of the jews, 775. c. Wrongs done by the Amalechites, 98. g. Wrongs done by the Ammonites, 168. k. X Xantique a month, 69. d. Xerxes' king of Persia favoureth the jews, 272. l. m. his letters to the Princes of Syria, ibid. m. 273. a. granteth Nehemiahs' request. 275. d. Y Year of jubilee, 72. g. 7. Years plenty and scarcity, 33. d, e, f. great Year, 8. l. Years between the building and destruction of the Temple, 737. b. Years of the captivity of Babylon, 265. a. Young men pull down the Eagle. 487. h. 605. b. put to death, ibid. d, e. Youthly course of Manasses, 247, e, f. Youthly course of Amos. 248. i. Z Zabulon burned, 636. k. Zabulon Jacob's son, 24. l. what it signifie●…, ibid. his sons, 40, g. Zacharias stoned to death, 235. f. and why, ibid. Zacharias son of Achaz slain, 241. c. Zacharias king of Israel slain, 240. g. Zacharias encourageth the people, 271. b. Zacharias condemned by the Zealous, 682. k. acquitted, ibid. l. slain in the Temple. 682. l. Zacharias one of the chief of the Zealous, 676. m. Zamaris the Babylonian Iew. 438. h. Zambrias marrieth Chosby, 86. i speaketh against Moses, ibid. 〈◊〉 slain together with his wife, 87. a Zamri king of Israel, 213. f. rooteth out Basas posterity, ibid. burneth himself in the palace, 214. g. Zaraeus king of Aethiopia, 212. k. overthrown, ibid. Zeal of Phinees, 87. a, b. Zeal of the people, 248. m. Zeal of Elias, 215. f. 216. g, h, i, m. Zeal of Mathias and his sons, 305. a. the Zealous occasion of violences, 673. f. 674. g. why so called, ibid. fight with the Citizens, 675. c. require help of the Idumaeans, 677. a. their fiction disproved, ibid. d, c. tyrannize over the living and dead, 684. k. take Simons wife, 691 c. fight with the Idumaeans, 692. l. Zeb killed by Gedeon, 117. b. Zelpha Leas handmaid, 24. i beareth to jacob Gad. & Aser. ib. Zenodorus liveth by spoils, 406. i accused by Herod. 406. l. his country given to Herode, 428. i. Ziphians promise to deliver David, 150. l. m. labour again to betray David, 153. b. Zoilus a tyrant of Straton, 341. c. Zorobabel prince of the jews. 265. e, f. 269. c. obtaineth praise and rewards, 268. l. and why, ibid. FINIS. Printed at London by Peter Short, dwelling on Bred-streethill at the sign of the Star. 1602.