THE SCRIPTURES HARMONY. By E. F. Esq. device for Richard Cotes? HEB DDIM HEB DDIEV LONDON, Printed by Richard Cotes, for William Hope, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Unicorn in Cornhill. 1643. TO THE READER. MAny and various are the opinions of Writers concerning the continuance of the world before Christ: insomuch that it is grown into a Proverb; (a) Chronologi non magis congruunt, quam horologia. Victorin. Strigel. Prolegom. in Chron. Melancth. Chronologers agree like Clocks. (b) Vix duos reperire licea●, qui omnibus in l●cis inter s● conveniant. Func. Epist. dedicat. Scarce two of one mind throughout. The chief and main ground of these differences is, because most, neglecting the Word of God, are drawn away with Fables, humane traditions, and uncertain authorities, whereby they (c) Vide Sleidan. de 4 sum. Imper. l. 1. Genebrard Chronograph. l. 1. Chemnit. Harm. Evangel. c. 8. Eustach. Phys. parte secunda disput. 1. quaest. 5. exceed the just and true number, some forty years, some one hundred, some one thousand, nay some two thousand years, and upwards. Others, who seem much to follow the Scriptures, and Hebrew expositors, (unto whom (d) Lyra annotat. in Gen. c. 15. v. 13. without all peradventure we ought in this point to subscribe) do indeed (e) In accounting Terahs' age when Abraham was born; and the time of the promise to Abraham, and the Captivity of Judah, etc. renounce them, when there is small cause to suspect them of falsehood; and embrace them, when we know they seek by all means to obscure the truth. As, (f) Beroaldus Chron. l. 3. c. 7. H. Broughtons' Consent. Rollec. in Dan. Rob. Pont. pag. 17. Moor's Tables, pag. 62. in beginning Daniel's 70. weeks from the first year of King Cyrus; which Aben▪ Ezra, a malicious Rabbi, affirmed; not that he did so believe, (for then he must have confessed that the Messiah was come, because he himself (g) He perfected his Comment on Daniel Anno Dom. 1126. saw more than thrice 70. weeks finished) but that he might confound the Christians account, and render them ridiculous both to the Greeks and Persians. (h) Hebraeorum Commentatores miris modis regum Persarum Historiam dilacerarunt. Io. Func. comment. in Chron. l. 2. His design is by this computation made frustrate: All Scriptures seemingly jarring in point of time are here reconciled; many places cleared; especially in the Books of the Judges, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel: Prophecies are showed in their due time to be accomplished: Christ jesus is proved be the true Messiah; and (i) Gal. 4. v. 4, 5. in the fullness of time to have redeemed them that were under the Law: The honour and (k) Chronologia seu temporis exordium cum ordinata ejus serie & distincta numeris progressione est proprium Ecclesiae decus; quia ex sola Scriptura Sacra recte cognoscitur Polan. Syntag-Theol. l. 5. c. 15. comeliness of God's Church is here presented; and a necessary (l) Nulla historia lucem habet sine temporum serie. Vict. Strigel. proleg. in Melancth. Chronologia alter historiae oculus. Polan. ibid. help, as well in remembering as understanding of the Scriptures, is administered. To thee be the use: To God be the glory. Farewell. THE SCRIPTURES HARMONY: Containing A brief, plain, and perfect computation of the years and times from the Creation of Adam, unto the death and passion of our blessed Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures; As followeth. FRom the Creation of ADAM unto the ceasing of NOAH'S Flood, are 1656. years. FOR, Adam was 130 years old when he begat Seth. Gen. 5. vers. 3. Seth at 105 years begat Enos. Verse 6. Enos at 90 years begat Cainan. Verse 9 Cainan at 70 years begat Mahalaleel. Verse 12. Mahalaleel at 65 years begat Jared. Verse. 15. Iared at 162 years begat Enoch. Verse 18. Enoch at 65 years begat Methuselah. Verse 21. Methuselah at 187 years begat Lamech. Verse 25. Lamech at 182 years begat Noah. Verse 28. 29. Noah was 600 years old when the Flood was upon Ch. 7. ver. 6. the earth. THE waters of the Flood began in the six C. 7. v. 10. 11. C. 8. v. 13. hundred year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, and were dried up in the six hundred and one year, in the first month, the first day of the month. So that the Flood continued ten months and thirteen days; which being the same with the six hundreth year of Noah, are not to be accounted. The said times accounted are 1656 years. From the ceasing of NOAH 's Flood unto ABRAHAM'S departing from VR of the Chaldees, are 362. years. FOR, Shem Noah's son, begat Arphaxad 2 years after Ch. 11. vers. 10. the Flood. Arphaxad at 35 years begat Salah. Verse 12. Salah at 30 years begat Eber. Verse 14. Eber at 34 years begat Peleg. Verse 16. Peleg at 30 years begat Reu. Verse 18. Reu at 32 years begat Serug. Verse 20. Serug at 30 years begat Nahor. Verse 22. Nahor at 29 years begat Terah. Gen. 11. v. 24. Terah at 70 years begat Abraham. Verse 26. Reasons why it cannot be admitted that TERAH begat ABRAHAM at 130. years old. FIrst, because we must then grant, that there were two promises made by God unto Abraham; The one before his departure out of Ur of the Chaldees; The other after Terah's death, before his departure out of Haran: Which is a mere conceit, and cannot be proved out of the Scriptures. For Saint Stephen by repeating the words of Moses, Get thee out Acts 7. v. 2. 3, 4 Gen. 12. v. 1. of thy Country, etc. shows plainly, that Moses and he did both speak of one and the same promise, which (he expressly saith) was made in Mesopotamia (containing at that time the land of the Chaldees) before Abraham dwelled in Charran. And indeed had Saint Stephen at that time spoken any thing differing from Moses (though by divine revelation, yet) he Sr. W. Ral. Hist. l. 1. c. 1. Sect. 3. had offered the Jews, his accusers, too great an occasion of scandalising him, and the Gospel of Christ. Secondly, because we must then admit, that Moses, who so punctually and largely has set down the life of Abraham, did leave out, and not at all mention the first and chief promise made by God unto Abraham: which would savour of no less impiety than improbability. Thirdly, because the last and best English Translations, render not the words of Moses thus; Terah Gen. 12. v. 1. died in Haran. And the Lord saith, or, than the Lord said; but, Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, in the Preterpluperfect Tense, showing, that the Lord had made this promise before Terah's death, and (as Saint Stephen saith) in the land of the Chaldees. Junius and Tremelius translate it by the Preterpluperfect Tense Dixerat enim: So Beza annot. in Act. 7. Vatahl. in a. locum. And Vatablus a learned Hebrician confirms it, Hebraicè per futurum legitur, quod pro praeterito perfecto ponitur: & perfectum pro plusquam perfecto; Lege Actor. caput▪ 7. in principio. Vertendum igitur, I am verò dixerat Dominus. And as God's promise, so Abraham's departure out of Haran, was also before Terah's death. Neither doth the relation of it after the death of Terah any way hinder: For the Scriptures do frequently Judg. 10. v. 5. 6. 8. So c. 13▪ v. 24. etc. 15. v. 20. compared with c. 13. v. 1. So Num. 9 v. 1. compared with c. 1. v. 1. So Ezek. 26. v. 1. comp. with c. 26. v. 1. Gen. 25. 1. Gen. 2. v. 3. 22. etc. 3. comp. with c. 1. v. 27. So Jer. 26. v. 1. compared with c 25. v. 1. So c. 49. v. 34. compared with 2. 39 v. 1. So Dan. 7. v. 1. comp. with c. 5 v. 30. in Story place that after, which was done before in time. As we know, that the eighteen years wherein the Philistines and Ammonites oppressed Israel, were in the days of Jair the Judge, yet it is said, And Jair died, and was buried in Camon. And the children of Israel, etc. where the story of the oppression is placed after Jairs death. So Abraham's taking another wife, is mentioned after the death of Sarah, which was long before her death, in her time. So the relation of the making of woman, and the fall of man follows after the seventh day, yet we know, that both were created on the sixth day. The Prophets, especially Jeremiah & Daniel, afford many such examples. Fourthly, because it cannot be inferred out of Saint Stephen's words, that Abraham departed not out of Haran till his father's death: for he saith, from thence when his father was dead, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, God transplanted him, that is, fully and absolutely removed him into this Land, tam animo quam corpore; Flac. Illyr. Gloss. in Act. 7. v. 4. Vide Genebrard Chronol. l. 1. which indeed could not be before his father's death, because of the duty and natural affection, which he did and ought to bear unto his Father. So that he departed thence at 75. years old, as Moses saith: but was not transplanted thence till his father's death, as Saint Stephen saith, at which time Abraham was 135. years old. Fifthly, because the Scriptures set down precisely, that Terah lived 70. years and begat Abraham, Gen. 11. v. 16. Nahor, and Haran. Now if the 70. years be not referred to Abraham, than they are inserted ambiguously, and to no purpose. Ambiguously, because it cannot be determined whether they belong to Nahor or Haran. And to no purpose, because what matter is it to the continuance of the Church (which was the scope of Moses in that Chapter) to mention how old Terah was when he begat Nahor or Haran, who were Idolaters, and not of the Church? Sixthly, because we must then admit that it was no wonder that Abraham should beget a child at 100 years old; whereas the Scriptures record it for an extraordinary act of God's power, beyond the course of nature. Shall a child (saith Abraham) be Gen. 17. v. 17. borne unto him that is an hundred years old? Therefore C. 18. v. 11. 12. Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? Abraham's age (as well as her own) was the cause of Sarah's laughter. And Saint Paul saith, there sprang even of one and him as good as Heb. 11. v. 12. dead, so many as the Stars of the sky in multitude. Nay more, He considered not his own body now dead, when he was about 100 years old. Rom. 4 v. 19 Whence it is clear, that Abraham's strength of nature was in his hundreth year quite spent, his body was unable to beget children; and therefore the wonder was wrought on him, as well as on Sarah. But in truth I cannot see, how they should account this a wonder, who give Abraham a wife and six sons of her after Sarah's death; the eldest of whom should we suppose that Abraham begat him Gen. 17. v. 17. compared with C. 23. v. 1. the same day that Sarah died, must be begotten in the 137 year of Abraham's age: and (if some may be credited) all six were begotten in less than four Sr. W. R. Hist. l. 1. c. 1. Sect. 4. years. Sed ex uno absurdo mille sequuntur. Seventhly, because the best Writers and Chronologers affirm, That Terah begat Abraham at 70. years old. As, Joseph. Ant. l. 1. c. 7. Euseb. Chron. fol. 6. August. quaest. 25. in Gen. Beda de 6. aetat. mundi. Func. fol. 20. Bucholz. pag. 4. Calvis. pag. 35. Hen. Buntingus. fol. 22. Christ. Helvic. fol. 3. Isaac's. fol. 30. Nevertheless Abraham was not the eldest, but the younger son of Terah, and is placed first, because Compare Gen. 11. v. 29. with C. 17. v. 17. of his excellency and dignity. Abraham departed from Ur of the Chaldees when he was 70. years old. His departure was immediately after God's Covenant with him, Acts 7. v. 2, 3, 4. which is employed, Gen. 11. v. 31. and c. 12. v. 1. Now God's Covenant was when Abraham was 70. years old. For from the Covenant to the Law were 430. years; but from the 75. of Abraham to the Law, were but Gal. 3. v. 17. 425. years; Therefore the Covenant (and so his departure out of Ur) must be five years before, which was in his 70. year. The said times accounted are 362 years. From Abraham's departing from Vr of the Chaldees, unto the departing of the children of Israel out of Egypt, are 430. years. FOR, Abraham going forth from Ur of the Chaldees Gen. 11. v. 31. c. 12 v. 4, 5. Beza in Act. 7. v. 2. 4. 6. came unto Haran, alias Charran, in Mesopotamia, where he dwelled 5 years; and so (leaving his father Terah) was 75. years old when he departed thence into the land of Canaan. Note, that as in the loins of Adam all men sinned; Rom. 5. v. 12. Heb. 7. v. 9 10. and as in the loins of Abraham the Levites paid tithes: So the children of Israel in Abraham went forth from Gen. 12. v. 6. 9 10. Ur of the Chaldees towards Egypt, and passed thorough the land of Canaan, journeying still towards the South, until they came into Egypt. Isaac was borne unto Abraham when he was 100 C. 21. v. 5. years old, and in the 25 year after his departure out of Haran. Isaac was 60 years old when Rebekah bore C. 25. v. 26. Jacob. jacob, alias Israel, went into Egypt with all Gen. 32. v. 28. C. 47. v. 9 his family, when he was 130 years old. The children of Israel were in Egypt 210 Joseph. ben Gorion de Stat. Macca. Et Hebr. plerique omnes, quibus potissimum in Chronicis credendum. Lyra in Gen. 15 v. 13. Beza in Act. 7. v. 6. years. Which was by their father Jacob Prophetically implied in this word, Descend ye, or, Get you down; the letters whereof in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signify 210. Gen. 42. v. 2. (These 210. years may be thus set forth in particular. Kohath with his father Levi came into Egypt: Gen 46. v. 8. 11 Exod. 6. v. 18. unto whom Amram was borne about 60. years after. Amram was 70. years old when Moses was C. 2. v. 1. 2. 10. C. 6. v. 20. Epiphan. l. Ancorat. borne unto him. Moses was 80. years old when he conducted Compare Num. 10. v. 11. 12. etc. 13. v. 26. with Deut. 2. v. 14. etc. 34. v. 7. the children of Israel out of Egypt. The time of the ten plagues of Egypt is the same with the latter part of the eightieth year of Moses, Exod. 7. vers. 7. And it is necessarily concluded Exod. 7. v. 19 to c. 12. v. 29. from those many testimonies of Moses his being in the Wilderness 40. years. Wherefore Saint Stephen, Joseph. Antiqu. l. 2 c. 6. Acts 7. v. 30. did not there intent a full and complete expiration of 40. years, as he did before, verse 23.) The said times accounted are 430 years, which are mentioned, Exod. 12. v. 40. 41. But when the Scriptures speak of 400. years, as Beza annot in Acts 7. v 6. Gen. 15. vers. 13. and Acts 7. vers. 6. The account is to be taken from the birth of Isaac. From the departing of the children of Israel out of Egypt unto the laying of the foundation of Solomon's Temple are 480. years. FOR, Moses remained in the Wilderness 40 years, Deut. 2. v. 7. Psal. 95. v. 10. Amos 5 v. 25. Acts 7. v. 36. 42. etc. 13. v. 18. From the Covenant that God made with Abraham, saying, IN THEE SHALL Gen. 12. v. 3. Acts 3. v. 25. Gal. 3. v. 8. ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED, (upon which he departed from Ur of the Chaldees) unto the giving of the Law Exod. 19 v. 1. 18 etc. 20. v. 1 in Mount Sinai are 430. years and almost three months: But the Apostle Gal. 3. v. 17. leaveth out the months as an imperfect number. joshua in the 7 year after the death of Moses Comp Deut. 2. v. 7. 14. with Josh. 14. v. 7. 10. divided the Land of Canaan; and after that governed 10 years, (which the Scriptures call a long time in respect of Joshua's age) and may Josh. 13. v. 1 etc. 23. v. 1. be proved by deducting the evident and certain numbers out of the 480. years mentioned, 1 King. 6. vers. 1. Othniel judged Israel 40 years. Judg. 3. v. 11. Under whose government Israel served the Lord Josh. 24. v. 31. Judge 2. v. 7 10. all the days * Which were 17. years according to the Hebrews; others say 20. C. 3. v. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. of the Elders, who had seen the great works of the Lord; But when the Elders were dead, they fell to Idolatry, and much wickedness: till at last the Lord sold them into the hand of Chushan-Rishathaim King of Mesopotamia: by whom being eight years grievously oppressed, they cried unto the Lord, and the spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel their Judge, and he delivered them. Note, that when the Scriptures say the Land had Judge 3. v. 11. rest 40. years, and Othniel died; it is not to be understood that the Land was in peace 40 years together under Othniel, but that the Land had rest or peace unto the end of 40. years from the decease of Joshua; Or, until the fortieth year of Othniels' Ad annum quad●ages●inum. J●n. & Trem. government: But in what year before the fortieth the peace began, the Scriptures express not. So understand Judg. 3. v. 30. c. 5. v. 31. etc. 8. v. 28. Ehud with the Vacancy 80 years. Judg. 3. v. 15. 30. Eglon K. of Moab oppressed Israel 18 years. Near the C. 3. v. 14. end of which oppression, as some suppose; but more Levi ben Gerson Func. fol 35 Calvis. pag. 241 probably near the end of ehud's Judgeship, when through long peace and plenty, God the giver of all goodness was forgotten, the execution of justice wholly neglected, and every man did that which was Judg. c. 17, 18, 19, 20. & 21. right in his own eyes, were those days, wherein the Scriptures say, There was no King in Israel. Shamgar, was a deliverer, but no Judge; for the C. 3. v. 31. Scriptures neither mention that he judged, nor that the Land had rest in his days. Deborah 40 years. C. 5. v 31. The 20. years wherein Jabin King of Canaan C. 4. v. 2. 3, 4. mightily oppressed Israel, were at that time when Deborah judged. Gideon alias jerubbaal 40 years. C. 6 v. 32. C. 8. v. 28. Presently after the death of Deborah, Midian oppressed C 6. v. 11. to the 33. Israel: and though Gideon, a mighty man of valour, was in the first year of their oppression (otherwise there could not be forty years in his C 8. v. 28. days) by the Lord in special manner called to the government, and had the Lords promise, that he should save Israel from the hands of the Midianites: yet until the seven year's oppression (which God C. 6. v. 1. 34. C. 7. v. 9 22 23 had appointed) were finished, and until the spirit of the Lord came upon him, he did not deliver them. Abimelech 3 years. C. 9 v. 22. Tola 23 years. C. 10. v. 1, 2. jair 22 years. Verse 3. In the end of the fourth year of Jair, the Philistines C. 10. v. 7, 8. C. 11. v. 29. and Ammonites began to vex and oppress Israel, which they continued 18. years, until the Lord raised up Jephthah to deliver them. jephthah judged Israel 6 years. C. 12. v. 7. About 34. years after that Sihon King of the Num. 21. v. 24, 25, 26. etc. 22. v. 2. compared with c. 33. v. 38. 48. Amorites had fought against the predecessor of Balak the son of Zippor King of Moab, and had taken all his Land, even unto Arnon; Israel smote Sihon and all his people, and possessed his Country: which was in the last year of Moses. From whence unto Jephthah were but 266. year's current; yet by adding the years of their own possession unto Sihon's, whose right they had by the Law of Conquest, Jephthah did justly say, that they had dwelled in or Judg. 11. v. 26. possessed those Countries three hundred years. Ibzan 7 years. C. 12. v. 8. 9 Elon 10 years. Verse 11. Abdon 8 years. Verse 13. 14. Samson 20 years. C. 16. v. 31. The Lord delivered Israel into the hand of the Philistines C. 13. v 1. 5. C. 15. v. 20. 40. years: Whereof 20. were fulfilled under Samson, and 20. under Elimine Eli Judge and Priest 40 years. 1 Sam. 4. v. 18. Observe here, that from the death of Joshua unto Broughtons' Advertisement, pag 65. 67. Samuel are 339. years: whereof the times of oppression and afflictions of Israel were 111. years: which added together according to the Jews manner of speaking, make 450. years. And therefore Saint Paul saith, that God gave the Israelites Judges Acts 13. v. 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quasi. after a sort 450. years. Samuel and Saul 40 years. See Expositors upon Acts 13. v. 21. 1 Sam. 6. v. 1. C. 7. v. 2. 15. C. 8. v. 1. 5. C. 11. v. 7. C. 27. v. 1. 7. To wit, Samuel alone about 27. years; with Saul about 10. years; Saul after samuel's death about 3. years. David reigned 40 years and 6 months. 2 Sam 2 v. 11. C. 5 v. 4. 5. 1 K. 2. v. 11. 1 Chr. 3 v 4. etc. 29. v. 26. 27. 1. King. 6. v. 1. 2 Chr. 3. v. 2. Solomon having reigned 3 years and 6 months (in the end of the four hundred and fourscore year after Israel came out of Egypt, in the second month of the Legal year) began to lay the foundation of the Temple, which was finished in the seven years and six months. As appears, 1 King. 6. vers. 1. 37. 38. But the six months are there left So 2 Sam. 5. v. 5. comp. with 1 K. 2. v. 11. So 2 King. 24. v. 8. compared with 2 Chr. 36. v. 9 So Gen. 5. v. 32 compared with C. 11. v. 10. out, as the Scriptures oftentimes do imperfect numbers. The said times accounted are 480 years; Which are mentioned, 1 King. 6. vers. 1. From the laying of the foundation of Solomon's Temple, unto the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon are 430. years and 10. days. FOR, Solomon after the laying of the foundation of 1 K. 11. v. 42. 2 Chr. 9 v. 30. the Temple reigned 36 years and 6 months. Presently after the death of Solomon, upon the 1 K. 12. v. 1. 4. 11. 19, 20, 21. 2 Chr. 10 v. 1. 11. 19 etc. 11 v. 1. 12. Josh. 15. v. 63. c. 18. v. 11. 28. 1 K. 11. v. 13. 32. c. 12. v. 20. 2 K. 17 v. 18. rough answer of his son Rehoboam, ten Tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam King over Israel; but the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin followed the house of David; which, because they had their possessions mixed, are sometimes accounted as one Tribe. Kings of judah. Rehoboam 1 King. 14. v. 21. 2 Chr. 12. v. 13. 17 years. Abijah 3 years 1 K. 15. v. 2 2 Chr. 13. v. 2. Asa 41 years. 1 King. 15. v. 10. 2. Chr. 16. v. 13. jehoshaphat 1 King. 22. v. 42. 2 Chr. 20. v. 31. 25 years. He is styled King of 2. Chr. 21. v. 2. Israel, because the right of the Crown of Israel was in him, for Israel rebelled against C. 10. v. 19 the house of David: and also because God is called the God C. 15. v. 13. of Israel; therefore the Kingdom and Verse 17. C. 12. v. 1. C. 21. v. 4. people of judah, where, and by whom God was chiefly worshipped, are sometimes called Israel. jehoram, alias 2 King. 8. v. 17. 23. 2 Chr. 21. v. 5. 20. joram, 8 years. Note that the beginning of his reign is in the Scriptures accounted, either from the time he first reigned in his father's presence, and so he 2 K. 8. v. 16 Where in the Original it is: In the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab King of Israel, and of Jehoshaph. King of Judah. began to reign in the fifth year of Jehoshaphat, at the age of 32. years. Or, from the time he first reigned in his father's absence; and so he began to reign near the end of the 18. year of jehoshaphat, 2 Chr. 18. v. 2 when jehoshaphat went down to see Ahab, & in 2 K. 1. v. 17. the beginning of the second year after, jehoram King of Israel began to reign. Or, from the time he first reigned after his father's death; and so he began to reign at the age of 52. years in the fifth year of joram King of Israel, 2 Ch. 8. v. 16. and he reigned eight years. Ahaziah, alias. 2 K. 8. v. 26. 2 Chr. 21. v. 17. etc. 22. v. 2. 6. jehoahaz, alias Azariah, 1 year He was 22. years. Ludovic. Lavater. in Paralip. 22. v. 2. old when he began to reign with his father: and was 42. years old when he began to reign alone after his father's death. Athaliah the 2 King. 11. v. 3. 4 2 Chr. 22. v. 12. Queen 6 years She was slain in Compare 2 King 10. v. 36. with c. 13. v. 1. etc. 11 v. 2 4. with v 24. the beginning of the seventh year of her reign. joash, alias jehoash, 2 K. 12. v. 1 2 Chr. 24. v. 1. 40 years. Amaziah 2 K. 14 v. 2 2 Chr. 25. v. 1. 29 years. Vzziah alias 2 K. 15. v. 2. 2 Chr. 26. v. 3. Azariah 52. years jotham 2 K. 15. v. 33 2 Chr. 27. v. 1. 8. 16 years. Ahaz 2 K. 16. v. 2. 2 Chr. 28. vers. 1. 16 years. Hezekiah 2 K. 18. v. 2. 2 Chr. 29. vers. 1. 29 years. Kings of Israel. jeroboam 21. years 1 King. 14. v. 20. Nadab 1. year. C 15. v. 25. Baasha 23. years Verse 33. He began to reign in the beginning of the third of Asa. Elah 1. year. C. 16. v. 8. Zimri 7. days. Verse 15. Omri 11. years. Verse 23. He began to reign in the beginning of Verse 15. 16. 23. the 27. of Asa, though he was not fully confirmed till the death of Tibni in the 31. of Asa. Ahab 21. years. Verse 29 In the end of his C. 20. v. 1. 22. 26. C. 22. v. 1. 2. 4. 29. 34. 37. 17. and of his 18. year, he smote Benhadad King of Syria. Afterwards they continued three years without war; but in the third year jehoshaphat (leaving his son jehoram King in his absence) came to visit him. And in the end of that year Ahab with jehoshaphat went against Ramoth Gilead, and was there slain. Ahaziah 2. years 1 King 22. v. 51. Jehoram alias joram * 2 King 9 v. 14. 15. years. He began to reign C. 3. v. 1. near the end of the 19 (but in the 18. Vers. 24. 25. C. 6. v. 8. 23 complete) of jehoshaphat, but he was not confirmed in his Kingdom till he overcame the rebelling Moabites, and sent away the Syrians, which was three years after; And then he reigned 12. years. near the end of 2 King 8 v. 16. his sixth year (but in the fifth complete) Iehoram King of judah after his father's death began to reign. And in the end of his Verse 25. C. 9 v. 29. 11. year, or in the beginning of his 12. after he was confirmed in the Kingdom, Ahaziah King of judah began to reign. jehu 28. years. C. 10 v. 36 jehoahaz 16. years C. 13. v. 1. He began to reign in the beginning of the 23. year of joash King of judah. Note, That the last year of jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Omri Ahab, and jehoahaz is not accounted, because they were slain or died in the beginning of the year, as may appear by comparing with the years of the Kings of judah joash 16. years. 2 King. 13. v. 10. He began to reign near the end of the 28. (but in the 27. complete) of Joash King of Judah. jeroboam 41. years C. 14. v. 23 In the beginning of C. 15. v. 1. his 16. (but in his 27. year, accounting the 11. years which Jeroboam reigned with his father) began Azariah King of Judah to reign. From the beginning of the 27. of Azariah Compare c. 14 v. 23. with c. 15. vers. 8. King of judah to the end of the 38. was 1●. years, there was a Vacancy in the Kingdom of Israel. Zachariah Verse d. 6. months. He began to reign in the very end of the 38. of Azariah. Shallum 1. month. Menahem 10. years and Verse 13. 5. months. Pekahiah 2. years. Compare v. 17. with vers. 23. P●k●h 20. years. He began to reign in the beginning 2 King. 15. vers. 27. of the 52. of Azariah Hoshea 19 years. He began to reign in the beginning of the fourth year Verse 30. of Ahaz K. of judah, which was the beginning of the 20. after jotham began. And in the end of the 13. (but in the 12. complete) of Ahaz Hoshea C. 17. v. 1. was confirmed in his Kingd. After which he reigned 9 years In the end of the third of Hoshea began Hezekiah to reign C. 18. v. 1. In the beginning of the 4. of Hezekiah (which was the beginning Ver. 9 10. C. 17 v. 6. of the 7. of Hoshea) Shalmaneser King of Assyria came up against Samaria: and at the end of 3. years (which was in the end of the 6. of Hezek. and of the ninth of Hoshea) Samaria was taken. Here began the Captivity of Israel. Ver. 18. 21 23, 24. Note, that Israel was then carried away into Assyria, 1 K. 17. v. 6. etc. 18. v. 11. and placed in Halath, and in Habor, by the river of Gozan, and in the Cities of the Medes; but 46. years after, they were driven thence, dispersed, and so broken, that they were not a people. As Isaiah foretold in the third year of Ahaz King of judah, which Isa. 7. v. 1. 8. was three score and five years before it came to pass. Manasseh 55 years. 2 K. 22. v. 1. 2 Chr. 33 v. 1. Amon 2 years. 2 K. 21 v 19 2 Chr. 34 v. 21 josiah 31 years. 2 K. 21. v 1. 2 Chr. 33. v. 1. jehoahaz, alias johanan, alias Shallum, 2 K. 23. v 31. 1 Chr. 3. v 15. 2 Chr. 36. v 2. Jer. 22. v. 11. Comp. 2 Chr. 36. v. 2. with v 5. 3 months. He is called the first borne, because he first succeeded in the Kingdom: but his brother jehoiakim was the elder by two years. jehoiakim, alias joakim, alias Eliakim, 2 K. 23. v 34. 36 1 Chr. 3. v. 15. 2 Chr. 36. v. 4, 5 11 years. Under Pharaoh Nechoh he reigned eight years, 2 K. 23. v 34. 35 etc. 24. v. 1. Dan. 1. v. 1, 2. Joseph. Antiqu. l. 10. ●. ●. and under Nebuchadnez zar three years, but in the said third year (which was the eleventh year of his reign in jerusalem) he rebelled and the Lord gave him into the hand of Nabuchadnezzar. 2 K. 24. v. 8. jehoiachin, alias jeconiah, alias Coniah, 1 Chr. 3. v. 16. 2 Chr. 36. v. 9 Jer. 22. v 24. etc. 37. v. 1. 3 months and 10 days. To wit three months and ten days alone after his Comment. vulg. in 2 Chr. 36. v. 9 father's death, being then at the age of eighteen: But with his father he reigned ten years before, and began his reign at eight years old. Note, that the Scriptures express jehoiachins Jer. 52. v. 28. Captivity to be in the seventh year complete of Nebuchadnezars reign: or, when the seventh year was 2 Chr. 36. v. 10 expired: or, in the beginning of his eighth year. All 2 K. 24. v. 12. which point at one and the same time. From his Captivity the Prophet Ezekiel takes his Ezek. 1. v. 2. etc. 8. 20. 24. 26. 29. 31. 32. 40. v. 1. Ezek. 1. v. 1, 2. 2 K. 22. v. 3, 8. account. The fifth year of his Captivity was the thirtieth year after the finding of the book of the Law, in the eighteenth of King josiah. Zedekiah, alias Mattaniah, 11 years. 2 K. 24. v. 17. 18. 2 Chr 36 v. 11. Jer. 52. v. 1. Jer. 37 v. 1. Jun. & Trem. in 1 Chr. 3. v. 16. He is called the son of jeconiah, not by nature, for he was his Uncle; but by succession in the government. So Ahab was son to Baasha, 1 King. 20. v. 34. Broughtons' Advertisement. pag. 51. 59 61. compared with c. 15. v. 19, 20. So Salathiel was son to Jeconiah, 1 Chr. 3. v. 17. Matth. 1. v. 12. From the revolt of jeroboam unto the siege of jerusalem, in the ninth year of Zedekiah, are 390. 2 K. 25. v. ●. years: which were the years of the iniquity of the house Ezek. 4. v. 5. of Israel; for some of the Israelites who were mixed with the Tribe of Judah, remained until this time. In the end of his reign Jerusalem was taken. 2 K. 25. v. 2. 3. 8. Here began the Captivity of Judah 2 K. 25. v. 4. to v. 22. 2 Chron. 36. v. 17. to v. 21. Jer. 1. v. 3. etc. 52. v. 27. (commonly called the Captivity of Babylon) with the utter destruction of jerusalem. The said times accounted are 430 years and 10 days. Reasons why it cannot be admitted that the Captivity of Judah (alias the 70 year's Captivity) began in the third year of jehoiakim. First, because the fourth year of jehoiakim was the first year of Nabuchadnezzar; How then could Nabuchadnezzar Jer. 25 v. 1. come up in the third of jehoiakim? And to say that Nabuchadnezzar began to reign and came up in the end of the third of jehoiakim, is contrary to the Text alleged, and also against reason; For what man can imagine, that Nabuchadnezzar should receive his Crown, raise immediately a mighty host, subdue all Syria, march afterwards with an Joseph. Antiqu. l. 10. c. 7. Army into judea: (which is near 400. miles from Babylon) the very sight whereof caused jehoiakim to become his servant, and all this to be done in the very 2 K. 24. v. 1. end of the third of jehoiakim? Secondly, because it is grounded upon nothing but figments and falsities. As, that Jehoiakim was See Broughtons' consent of Scriptures. Moor's Tables. carried to Babylon, and sent home again * Read Jer. 22. v. 18. 19 : That Daniel and the rest were carried away Captives in the first year of Nabuchadnezzar: That Jehoiakim rebelled against Nabuchadnezzar in the sixth year of his reign: That Nabuchadnezzar came not against him till five years after: That the Chaldean Kingdom continued but 70. years; Which they seek to wrest from the words of Jeremiah, but in vain; Jer. 25. for though in the fourth of Jehoiakim he prophesieth of the just continuance of the Chaldean Kingdom until the end of the 70. year's Captivity, yet he saith not that the 70. year's Captivity began in the fourth of Jehoiakim: for the Scriptures declare that they began not till the end of the reign of Zedekiah, which was eighteen years after the said prophecy. Thirdly, because the Captivity of Jehoiakim, as also of his son, was but a particular Captivity of some few, though (I grant) many Nobles were then carried away. But the Captivity of Judah, or the 70. year's Captivity, was not the Captivity of a few, or only of the chief, but of the whole Land of Judah; of Prince and people, with the utter destruction of Jerusalem, in the end of the reign of Zedekiah. Of this Captivity it is said. So judah 2 K. 25. v. 21. was carried away out of their Land. And Jehozadak 1 Chr. 6. v. 15. compared with 2 K. 25 v. 18. the son of Seraiah went into Captivity when the Lord carried away judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nabuchadnezzar. Thus judah was carried away Captive out Jer. 52. v. 27. of his own Land. And the word of the Lord came unto Jer. 1. v. 1, 2. Jeremiah in the days of jehoiakim, unto the end of eleventh year of Zedekiah, unto the carrying away jerusalem Captive in the fifth month. What words can plainer express the time when the Captivity of judah began? Them that had escaped from the sword carried 2 Chr 36. v. 20. 21. he away to Babylon: where they were servants to him and his sons, until the reign of the Kingdom of Persia: to fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of jeremiah, until the Land had enjoyed her Sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath, to fulfil three score and ten years. See here the 70. year's desolation must be fulfilled from this Captivity in the end of Zedekiah. Fourthly, because if Jehoiakim were carried away captive in his third year, then must Jeconiah's Captivity be in the ninth year of Nabuchadnezzar. For ● Chr. 36. v. 59 Jehoiakim reigned eight years after that, and his son jeconiah three months and ten days: But this is contrary to the Scriptures; which say directly, that Nabuchadnezzar took jehoiachin, alias jeconiah, 2 K. 24. v. 12. in the eighth year of his reign. And jeremiah says, in the seventh year. Jer. 52. v. 28. Fifthly, because in the last chapter of jeremiah, where the several Captivities are reckoned up, there Jer. 52. v. 28 29, 30. is no notice taken of the Captivity of jehoiakim, nor of the Captives at that time carried to Babylon, being none but a few children chosen out of certain of the children of Israel, and of the King's seed, Dan. 1. v. 3. 4 and of the Princes, such as had ability in them to stand in the King's Palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. Whereas the Captivity of Zedekiah is there, and also in the 39 Chapter, and in the latter book of the Kings and Chronicles largely related, as being the grand and most remarkable Captivity, The Captivity of judah. From the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon unto the Commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem again, are 152. years. FOR, 2 Chr. 36. v. 21 Jer 25. v. 11 etc. 29. v. 10. Dan. 9 v. 2. The Captivity continued 70 years. The next year after, being the first year of King Cyrus, Israel returned from Captivity. Ezra 1. v. 1 They began to build the Temple in the second Ezra 3. v. 8. year of the said Cyrus, And it was finished in 29 years after, which was the sixth year of King Darius, the son of Hystaspes. C. 6. v. 15. Of this Temple it was prophesied, that the glory thereof should be greater than of the former; which was, Hag. 2. v 9 not in respect of the beauty in building, but because of the presence of the Messiah, our Saviour, who John 18. v 20. should teach therein. Artaxerxes in the end of his seventh year, which Ezra 7. v. 8. 11 was 52 years after the finishing of the Temple, sent Ezra, and gave him Commission to restore and to build Jerusalem again. Here began the 70. weeks revealed by the Angel Gabriel unto Daniel. Dan. 9 v. 21. 24 The said times accounted are 152 years. Reasons why it cannot be admitted that daniel's 70. weeks should be accounted from the first year of King Cyrus. The one is, because the Angel saith expressly, that the 70. weeks must be accounted from the going forth of the Commandment to restore and Dan. 9 v. 25. to build Jerusalem: which Commandment was not given forth by Cyrus; for the Commission of Cyrus (twice rehearsed by Ezra) was only Ezra. 1. & 6. to build the Temple. And though it be also true, that Cyrus gave Commandment to build Jerusalem, yet Esa. 44. v. 28. etc. 45. v. 13. he gave not Commandment to restore Jerusalem: Whereas that Commandment which the Angel spoke of, was both to restore and to build Jerusalem. This was given forth by Artaxerxes in the seventh Ezra 7. v. 11. year of his reign; As may be seen by the tenor of Ezra his Commission. For jerusalem was then restored when the Laws were taught, and Religion established: and it was then built, when Magistrates and judges were set therein. Without Religion jerusalem could not be restored: without Magistrates it could not be called a City. To settle both these, Ezra only received authority and had Commandment. The other reason is, because the Assertors of this opinion, when they come to particulars, do grossly rend in sunder all Histories, especially of the Persian Monarchy; and are forced to build on their own fancies. As, That Cyrus after he took Bahel, Broughtons' Advertisement of corruption, pag. 11. See Mr. Moor's Tables. reigned but three years: Cambyses after his father's death four: But Mr. More will have it that Cambyses reigned with his father six years, and one after his father's death. Both alike true. For if Cyrus and Cambyses reigned so short a time, how could Cambyses, the Prince of the Kingdom of Persia, withstand Dan. 10. v. 13. compared with v. 1. the building of the Temple 21. years, as the Scriptures affirm; and are so understood even by Mr. Broughton himself? Broughton ibid. That Darius the son of Hystaspes (surnamed Ahasuerus) hindered the building of the Temple; who See Broughtons' consent of Scripture, Anno Mun. 3560. And Mr. Moor's Tables. is generally acknowledged to be the finisher * Joseph. Antiqu l. 11 c. 4. Func. fol. 65. Bucholz. pag. 34 Sir W Ral Hist. l. 3. c. 5. Sect. 3. Ezra 4. v. 6. thereof: and whose great favour and liberality unto the Jews is not only set forth in the Book of Esther, but also in profane histories. And though it be true, that in the beginning of the reign of Ahasuerus they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of judah and jerusalem: yet this accusation was so fare from hindering the building of the Temple, that it procured from Darius, alias Ahasuerus, a Decree for the speedy finishing thereof. C. 6. v 1. unto v. 13. That Artaxerxes, mentioned in the seventh of Ezra, was the same Darius mentioned before in the Broughtens Advertisement; and Consent. sixth chapter, in whose reign the Temple was finished. But this cannot be. For Ezra ending his story of Darius in the sixth chapter gins his seventh thus: Now after these things in the reign of Artaxerxes King of Persia, etc. Which words show plainly that he spoke of another King, and of things done long after Darius. Besides, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes, Ezra had Commission to set Magistrates Ezra 7. v. 8. 25. and judges over the people, which could not be the next year after the finishing of the Temple, unless we will suppose that Zerubbabel the Governor, and Hag. 1. v. 1. Zech 4. v. 6. jeshua the Highpriest, and the other Magistrates, did all die together on a sudden, as soon as the Temple was finished. That Xerxes hindered the building of the Temple; Broughtons' Advertisement pag. 12. 13. That Artaxerxes Longimanus was brother to Xerxes; whom all Histories with one consent declare to be his son: That he reigned but 36. years: that Artaxerxes Moor's Tables. Mnemon reigned 11. years with his father, and 10. alone; and infinite such like absurdities. Neither can they excuse themselves, because of the diversity of Writers touching the time of these Kings. For the best and soundest Writers do not differ: and that which is, and hath from time to time been generally received, must be taken for truth. But Vincent. Ler. contra Haeres. c. 3. these follow none at all, and cannot so much as find one purblind Author to countenance their inventions. And therefore they do cautiously omit the particular account of daniel's 70. weeks. An Object. But Mr. More tells us, that daniel's 70. weeks must needs begin at the very end of their 70. year's captivity, Moor's Tables. pag. 94, 95. or else the analogy of their 70. year's captivity, and 7. times 70. year's liberty, could not stand: and also the comfort were not so forcibly brought by the Angel, if there were any mean time between the end of their captivity, and the beginning of their liberty. Resolved. To resolve this, we must know, that An analogy is a proportion, similitude, or resemblance, which one thing hath unto another. Now that any intervenient time can destroy an analogy, is a mere paradox. For in matter of proportion and similitude, neither time nor place are considerable. Between the Paschall Exod. 12. v. 3. 21. Luke 23. v. 33. Lamb in the first Passeover, and the passion of Christ the Lamb of God, there was a true analogy: yet there interceded 1552. years. Between the lifting up of the Serpent in the Wilderness, and the lifting up of the Son of man, there was a true Numb. 21. v. 9 John 3. v. 14. analogy: yet there interceded 1512. years. Between Ionas his being three days and three nights Jona 1. v. 17. Matth. 12. v. 40 in the Whale's belly, and the Son of man his being three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, there was a true analogy: yet there interceded about 820. years. Between Christ's suffering, and the signs now administered in the Lord's supper, there is a true analogy: yet the time since He suffered is more than 1600. years. Therefore it is manifest, that the analogy between Judah's 70. year's Captivity and Daniel's 70. weeks may well stand, though the weeks do not immediately begin in the end of the Captivity. Nor does any mean time between the Jews Captivity, and their liberty, diminish the comfort thereof more than the 46. years till the Israelites were peaceably possessed of the Land of Canaan, diminished their comfort of being freed from Egypt the house of bondage. From the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem again, unto the death and passion of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, are 490. years. FOR, It is expressly declared unto Daniel, that from Dan. 9 v. 25. the going forth of the Commandment to restore, and to build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah, The Prince, shall be 7 weeks (so long it was before the Reformation could be fully perfected & Religion established) and 62 weeks (which make 69. weeks) and Verse 26. 27. after 62. weeks, in the week following (which added to the said 69. maketh full 70. weeks) shall Messiah So Numb. 14. v. 34. So Ezek. 4. v. 5, 6. So Dan. 10. v 13 So Revel. 2. v. 10. be cut off, and He shall confirm the Covenant, etc. Now accounting each day for a year (as the Scriptures do frequently) 70. weeks do amount unto 490 years. The full time from the Creation of Adam, unto the death and passion Which Ezek. might happily intent by 4000 Cubits c. 47. v. 3, 4, 5. of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, is 4000 years and 10 days. A particular proof of the times from the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon unto the death and passion of our blessed Saviour JESUS CHRIST, whereby the former computation, as also many places of the Scriptures, are cleared. The first Monarch of Babylon. Nabuchadnezzar reigned 45 years. Comp. 2 K. 24. v 12. with c. 25 v. 27. Jer. 25. v. 1. He began to reign in the end of the fourth year of Jehoiakim King of Judah. In the beginning of his tenth year, which was 2 K. 24. v 7. Dan. 2. v. 1. 28. 36. Joseph. Antiqu. l. 10 c 7 &. 11. the second year of his reign, after he vanquished Pharaoh Nechoh, Daniel told and expounded his dream. The Captivity of the Jews began in the beginning 2 K. 25 v. 8. Jer. 52 v. 12. 27 of the nineteenth year of his reign; or, as it is, jer. 52. v. 29. in the end of the eighteenth year. From the finding of the book of the Law in the 2 K. 22. v. 3. 8. 18. of josiah, unto the last carrying away of the Jews into Captivity in the three and twentieth year Jer. 52. v. 30. of Nabuchadnezzar, are 40. years; which was the Ezek 4. v. 6. time of the iniquity of the house of judah. Evilmerodach reigned 30 years. Melancthon. l. 2. Chron. de 1. Monarch pag. 165. Sleidan. l. 1. Belshazzar in the beginning of his foureteenth year was slain; so that he reigned but 13 years complete. Of these three jeremiah speaks, c. 27. v. 6, 7. Note, that when Cyrus the Persian overcame Astyages King of the Medes, (whom Daniel Dan. 9 v. 1. calleth Ahasuerus) Darius, alias Cyaxares, son of the said Astyages, took upon him the Kingdom: but finding his soldiers to forsake him, and having Joseph. Antiqu. l 10. c 12. Xenoph de instit. Cyri. l. 1. & 8. no issue male, he forthwith gave his daughter in marriage unto the said Cyrus (son of Cambyses the Persian, and Mandana the sister of Darius) and joined him in the government, who was prosperous in Dan. 5. v. 2. 30. Ezra 1. v. 1. Isa 45. v. 1. wars, took Babylon, where he slew Belshazzar in his drunkenness, delivered the Jews from Captivity, subdued many Nations: and was The first Monarch of Persia. Darius' reigned with Cyrus 1 year after Xenoph. l. 8. Sleid. l. 1. Belshazzar was slain. Of this Darius speaketh Ezra, c. 6. v. 14. and Dan. c. 6. v. 1. And of their joynt-reigne, v. 28. etc. 8. v. 3. & Isa. 21. v. 2. 9 In respect of which joynt-reigne Darius is said to Dan. 5 v. 30. 31 Jer. 51. v. 11. Isa▪ 13. v. 17. Melancthon. l 2. chron. de 2. Monarch. pag. 10. Sr. W. R. Hist. l. 3. c. 3. Sect. 5. Dan. 9 v. 1. take the Kingdom of the Chaldeans, or Babylon; though indeed Cyrus was only in that action: and Darius was by him made King over the Realm of the Chaldeans. Cyrus' after Darius his death 15 years. The building of the Temple went forward two years, but from the beginning of the third year Ezra 4. v. 24. Dan. 10. v. 1, 2. 4. 13. of Cyrus (accounting from Darius his death) Cambyses withstood it, and caused it to cease 21. years: which was, until he himself died. Allowing therefore eight years unto him with Smerdis the Mage, it is plain that he hindered the building in his father's absence 13. years; Whereunto adding those two years, when it went forward, the time of Cyrus his reign after Darius, was 15. years. Cambyses when his father Cyrus invaded Scythia, Herodot. l. 3. Grimston Estate. in the Chron. of Persia, Sect. 1. 6 was appointed King according to the custom of the Persians, which was, to leave the nearest in blood to rule in the King's absence; In which Expedition Cyrus was at length slain, and then Cambyses reigned alone 7 years and 5 months. Ezra calleth him Artaxerxes, alias Artahshashte, Ezra 4. v. 7. 11. 23. which was then a general name unto the Kings of Persia, as Pharaoh to the Kings of Egypt, Caesar to the Roman Emperors, and at this day Sophi to the Persian. Beda de 6. aetat. mundi. Constant. Phryg. fol. 162. Buchol. pag. 33. Isaac's. fol. 132. Euseb. chr. fol. 53. D. Melancth. l. 2. Chron. de 2. Monarch. p. 3. Aelian. hist. l. 12. c. 43. Grimst. l. d. Sect. 8. Smerdis the Mage reigned 7 months, which time is usually added to Cambyses. Darius' son to Hystaspes King by election, surnamed Artaxerxes Ahasuerus, reigned 36 years. Of whom Ezra 4. v. 5, 6. (where he is called Ahasuerus) v. ●4. etc. 5. v. 7. etc. 6. v. 14. (where he is called Artaxerxes) v. 15. 22. (where he is called King of Assyria) Hag. 1. v. 1. Zech. 1. v. 1. etc. 7. v. 1. He was the husband of Queen Esther, alias Hadassah. Esth. 2. v. 7. Func Chron. fol. 65. Esth. 1. v. 1. compared with 1 Esdras 2. v. the last, and c. 3. v. 1, 2. Xerxes' son to Darius, in the fifth year of his Of whom, Dan. 11. v. 2. reign went with an innumerable host against the Grecians; but after many battles, in the end of his Herodot. l. 7. 15 year, was utterly overthrown both at Sea and Land, and brought into such contempt, that presently Bucholz. pag. 36. 38. upon his return into Asia, he joined his son Longimanus in the government, wholly giving himself Vict Strigel. Schol hist. in Melancth. l. 2. Chron. unto lust and cruelty, and six years after was slain by his Uncle Artabanus. His last six years are the same with his sons, and therefore not to be accounted. Hist. x Ctesiae Persicis. Euseb. chr f. 56. Melancth. l d. pag 4. Christoph. Helvic. fol. 17. Artaxerxes, surnamed Longimanus, 40 years. Of whom Ezra 7. v. 7. Neh. 2. v. ●. etc. 5. v. 14. etc. 13. v. 6. In the end of his seventh year he gave Ezra his Func. Comment. in Chronol. l. 2. Bucholz. p. 40. Neh 2. v. 1. 8. 13 etc. 4. v. 1. 3. 7. 8. 13. to v. the last. Commission; and then began daniel's 70. weeks. And in his twentieth year he gave Nchemiah Commission to repair some houses, and to build the walls of Jerusalem; which accordingly was executed, although (as it was foretold to Daniel) the Dan. 9 v. 25. street was built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. Xerxes' Hist ex Ctesiae Persicis. Christ. Helvic. fol. 18. Isaac's. Chron. fol. 140. sons to Artaxerxes, reigned severally 9 months. Sogdian alias Secundian Darius Nothus 19 years. Sleidan. l. 1. Grimst. l. d. Sect. 1. & 12. Bucholz. pag. 43 Artaxerxes Mnemon 40 years. Euseb. Chron. fol. 57 Melancth. l. d. pag 4. Darius Artaxerxes surnamed Ochus Metasthenes. Aelian hist. l. 2. c. 17. Melancth. l. d. ib. Func▪ Chr. f 73. Sleidan. l. 1. Grimst. l. d. Sect. 1. & 13. 26 years. Arsames, alias Arsaces, alias Arses, Beda. l. d. Metasthenes. Func. Chr. f 74. Helu. ib. Grimst. l. d. Sect. 1. & 13. 4 years. Darius, whose first name was Colomannus, Beda. l. d. Metasthenes. Func. Chr. f. 74 Helvic ib. Grimst. l. d. Sect. 1. 13. & 14. alias Codomannus, reigned 6 years. Of whom Neh. 12. v. 22. Joseph. Antiqu. lib. 11. cap. 7. This Darius was in three battles vanquished 1 Mac. 1. v. 1. Joseph. Antiqu. l. 11 c. ult. Aelian hist. l. 8. c. 7. & l. 12. c. 43. Justin. l. 11 Sleidan. l. 1. Grimst. l. d. Sect. 14. by Alexander the Great. An Object. One Argument Mr. Broughton brings, wherewith (as he conceives) he disproveth all computations but his own; and it is drawn from the ages of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Mordecai, Ezra, and Nehemiah; which See Broughtons' consent of Scripture. (saith he) must be stretched beyond all likelihood, if the Kingdom of Persia continued above 130. years. Resolved. As to Zerubbabel. Jeremiah tells us, That Jehoiakim, alias Jeconiah, was brought forth of prison in Jer. 52. v. 31. 33, 34. the 37. year of his Captivity, which was the 26. year of the Captivity of Judah; and did eat continually before the King of Babylon, until the day of his death: which admit to be two years after; then were 28. years of Judah's Captivity passed. Salathiel, alias Matth 1. v. 12. 1 Chr. 3. v. 18, 19 Shealtiel, was the son of Jeconiah by succession: Salathiel begat Pedaiah, Pedaiah begat Zerubbabel. Now admit, that Salathiel immediately after he succeeded Jeconiah, begat Pedaiah, and that Pedaiah at 24. years also begat Zerubbabel, (which probably was not sooner) then was Zerubbabel 18. years old in the first year of King Cyrus, and 48. when the Temple was finished, in the reign of Darius Hystaspes. As to Jeshua. He was the son of Jozadak, alias Ezra 3. v. 2. 1 Chr. 6. v. 14, 15. 2 K▪ 25 v. 18. 21 Jehozadak, the son of Seraiah, the chief Priest, who was slain by Nabuchadnezzar. Now admit that Jehozadak was ten years old when he was carried into Captivity, and that 30. years after he begat Jeshua; then was Jeshua 40. years old in the first year of Cyrus, and 70. when the Temple was finished. As to Mordecai. Admit that he was five years Esth. 2. v. 6. old when he was carried away Captive with Jeconiah, then was he 122. years old in the 12. year C. 3. v. 7. of Ahasuerus, when the two days of Purim were by the Decree of Queen Esther made festival; after C. 9 v. 1. 32. which should he live eight years, he then died at the age of 130. which was not unlikely in those 2 Chr. 24. v. 15 times. As to Ezra. Admit that he was five years old when his father Seraiah the chief Priest was slain, then was he 170. years old in the 20. of Artaxerxes Longimanus, when he read and instructed the people in Neh. 2. v. 1 etc. 8. v. 3. 13. the words of the Law: after which, should he live ten years (though peradventure he lived not one year) he then died at the age of Isaac 180. years old. And what unlikelihood is there but that God for the good of Gen. 35. v. 28. his Church might as well preserve Ezra unto this age, as he did Phinehas the son of Eleazar to a far Moses Aegyptius in suo Misna, ut citatur l. 2. chr. Genebr. greater, whom the Jews affirm to have lived 300. years? Nor will it further extend the age of Ezra to show, that Ezra went into the Chamber of Johanan, and that he wrote the Books of the Chronicles in Johanan's time. For Johanan, alias jonathan, was the son of jehoiada, the son of Eliashib, the son of joiakim, Neh. 12 v. v. 10 11. the son of jeshua. Now admit each of these to be begotten in the thirtieth year of their father's age, (observing what we spoke before concerning jeshua) then was johanan borne in the fifth year of Artaxerxes Longimanus; and so Ezra might very well in the beginning of Artaxerxes his eighth year go into the chamber of johanan, who was then about Ezra 10. v. 6. three years old. And what hinders but that he might write the sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, Neh. 12. v. 23. in the Book of the Chronicles, even until the days of johanan, seeing he lived in the 20. of Artaxerxes, at which time johanan was 15. years old? But if Mr. Broughton may prevail, the said Priests shall be much more forward in procreation. For he will allow but 87. years from the Captivity of Zedekiah See Broughtons' consent of Scripture. unto the 7. of Artaxerxes. Whence it follows, that though ten years be granted to jehozadak at the time of Captivity, yet every one of them must begin to beget children before 19 years old, otherwise johanan could not be borne when Ezra came to jerusalem. True it is, Nehemiah saith, that the Levites and Priests were recorded unto the reign of Darius, but by Neh. 12. v. 22. whom this was done, he tells not; it is plain, not by Ezra, for he wrote but until the days of johanan. 1 Chr. 9 compared with Neh. 11. And though Nehemiah concludes, these were in the days of Joiakim, and in the days of Nehemiah the Governor, and of Ezra the Priest, the Scribe; yet it C. 12. v. 26. cannot be understood, that they were all of them in every one of their days, for that is impossible: but that all of them were in all their days; some in the days of Joiakim, some in the days of Ezra, some in the days of Nehemiah. As to the age of Nehemiah. Admit that he was 25. years old when he came to Jerusalem, and lived unto the end of the Persian Monarchy, he was then Neh. 2. v. 11. 130. years old when he died, which is nothing unlikely. Func. fol 74. Thus we have the continuance of the Persian Kingdom unto 210. years, and probably the ages of Zerubbabel, jeshua, Mordecai, Ezra, and Nehemiah; without the diminution of the one, or stretching of the other beyond reason. The first Monarch of Grecia. Alexander the Great, after the full overthrow Justin. l. 11. Bacholz. pag. 53. of Darius, reigned 7 years. Upon his deathbed he parted his Kingdom among 1 Mac. 1. v. 6. 9 Dan. 11. v. 5. to the 30. his servants, such as were honourable; who all after his death put Crowns upon themselves, and soon fell into wars one against another. Of whom the chiefest were four: Seleucus King of Syria, Joseph. Antiqu. l. 12. c 1. Justin. l. 13. Sleidan. l. 1. Dan. 7. v. 6 c. 8. v. 8. 21, 22. etc. 11. v. 3, 4. Ptolomeus of Egypt, Antigonus of Asia the less, and Cassander of Macedon. And of these the two former excelled in power: between whom what leagues and conflicts should be, Daniel foretold under the names of The King of the North, and the King Dan. 11. of the South. For Syria lieth Northward, and Egypt Southward, from Judea. The whole chapter is paraphrased by Joseph Hall Bishop of Exeter. Note, That the Grecian Kingdom Func. fol. 75. Bucholz. pag. 56 so often mentioned in the Books of the Maccabees, began 13 years complete after the death of Alexander the Great. Antiochus' surnamed Epiphanes, son of Dan. 8. v. 23. &c 11. v. 21. 1 Mac. 1. v. 10. 2 Mac. 4. v. 7. Joseph. Antiqu. l. 12 c. 5. Antiochus King of Syria, a King of fierce countenance, a vile person, that wicked root, after his brother Seleucus was dead, began to reign in the end of the 137 year of the Grecian Kingdom. On the eighth day of the fifth month in the 141. Dan. 8. v. 11, 12 13. 1 Mac. 1. v. 13, 14. 15. 21. to the end of the ch. etc. 2. v. 6. to the 16. Joseph. Antiqu. l. 12. c. 7, 8. year, the transgression of desolation began, and the daily sacrifice decayed by the gross idolatry of those, who (with the licence of Antiochus) joined themselves to the Heathen, and were sold to do mischief. And in the 143. year, he took Jerusalem, polluted the Sanctuary, hindered, and afterwards forbade the daily Sacrifice, and compelled the Jews to all manner of ambition. Whom Mattathias the Priest for 1 Mac. 2. v. 1. 19 to the 48. & v. 66. 70. etc. 3. v. 1, 2. Joseph. l. d. c. 8. some times courageously and prosperously resisted; but he quickly deceasing, Judas Maccabeus (according to his appointment) risen up in his stead, and became both the Captain and Governor of Judea, in the end of the 146. year of the Grecian Kingdom, Antiochus having then reigned 9 years. judas, surnamed Maccabeus, was slain in 1 Mac. 9 v. 3. 18 Joseph. l. d. c. 9 & 19 the end of the first month of the 152. year, having governed 5 years and 1 month. In the second year of his government on the 1 Mac. 4. v. 36. 10 ●he 60. five and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the 148. year, he finished the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and restored the daily Sacrifice. So that from the time that the transgression of desolation began, and the daily Sacrifice decayed, unto the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and the full restoring of the Sacrifice, are 6. years 3. months, and 17. days; which contain those 2300. days revealed unto Daniel. Dan. 8. v. 13. 14. 1 Mac. 12. v. 48. etc. 13. v. 12. 23. compare c. 11. v. 19 20. with c. 13. v. 41, 42. Func. Chr. f. 83. Bucholz. p. 79. jonathan the Highpriest, was taken prisoner▪ and slain in the end of the 169. year, having governed 18 years. Simon the Highpriest, and Prince of the Jews, 1 Mac. 13. v 42 etc. 16. v. 14. 16 Joseph. Antiqu. l. 13. c. 11. & 14 was treacherously slain in the 11. month of the 177. year, having governed 7 years and 11 months. john, surnamed Hyrcanus the Highpriest, 1 Mac. 16. v. 23 24. Joseph. Antiqu. l. d. d. c. 15. & 18. governed 31 years. Aristobulus, who was the first that Crowned Joseph. l. d. c. 19 himself King of Judea, reigned 1 year. Alexander, surnamed janneus, 27 years. joseph. l. d. c. 20 & 23. Salome, whom the Greeks call Alexandra, joseph. l. d. c. 24. the wife of the said Alexander, reigned 9 years. Aristobulus, compelling his brother Hyrcanus joseph. l. 14. c. 1 & 8. the Highpriest, to submit unto a private life, took upon him both the Kingdom and Priesthood; but in the third year of his reign he was taken prisoner by Pompey, and carried to Rome. Presently after, Gabinius the Roman General, joseph. l. d. c. 10. vanquishing Alexander the son of Aristobulus, erected five seats of Justice; The first at Jerusalem, the second at Gadar, the third at Amatho, the fourth at Jericho, the fifth at Saphor in Galilee, and so changed the Kingdom into an Aristocracy; which was immediately joseph. l. d. c. 11. interrupted by Aristobulus, who escaped from Rome, but was soon taken by the said Gabinius, and again sent back. Aristobulus reigned (including the time of his joseph. ibid. Captivity) 3 years and 6 months Afterwards the said Aristocracy continued joseph: l. d. c. 15. schol. illustrat. 15 years and 6 months. Antipater by Julius Caesar made Governor of Judea, in the end of the third year joseph. l. d. c. 15. & 17 schol. illustrat. Func. Chr. fol. 89. of his government placed (his two elder sons) Phasaelus over Jerusalem, and Herod over Galilee. Phasaelus and Herod, when they had governed Joseph. l. d. c. 25. fchol. illustr. Func. chr. ibid. 3 years, were displaced by the Parthians. Antigonus, son to Aristobulus, by the Parthians joseph. l. d. c. 24. & l. 15. c. 1. schol. illustr. Func. Chr. ibid. made King, reigned 5 years. Herod before named, was by the Romans declared Joseph. l. 14. c. 26. & 28. l. 15. c. 1. & l. 17. c. 10. Func. Chr. f. 91. King of Judea, and by their help overcame Antigonus. After which he was surnamed the Great, and reigned 34 years. Of whom Matth. 2. v. 1. to the 19 Luke 1. v. 5. He was nine years and six months in repairing josoph. Antiqu. l. 15. c. ult. Bucholz. p. 128 Zerubbabels' Temple; which was in building (including the times of interruption) 29. years. Solomon's was built in seven years and six months. Now add these three sums together, and according to the Jews manner of speaking, (which they frequently used for memory sake) The Temple was in John 2. v. 20. building 46. years. Our Saviour jesus Christ was borne in the joseph. l. 17. c. 10 Func. Chr. f. 91. beginning of the 34. year of Herod. And in the beginning of the 42. year of Augustus, Euseb. Chr. fol. 69. D. Beda. l. d. Polan. Synt. Theol. l. 6. c. 27. Baron. apparat. ad Annal. Eccl. Chemnit. Harm. Evangel. c. 8. Luke 2. v. 1. Gen. 49. v. 10. accounting from the death of his predecessor Julius Caesar. At that time Augustus made a Decree that all the world should be taxed. Note, That when Jacob said, the Sceptre shall not departed from Judah, until Shiloh come, It is not to be understood that the Crown should continue in the Tribe of Judah from the time of the said Prophecy until Christ's coming. For before David Calvin. institut. l. 1. c. 8. Sect. 7. the Prophecy took no effect; And after Zedekiah, even until the Maccabees (excepting only Zerubbabel Neh. 5. v. 14. 15 Ezek. 21. v. 25, 26, 27. Genebr. Chr. l. 1. and Nehemiah, who yet were no Kings, nor absolute Governors) it is altogether uncertain who ruled in Judea: and from the Maccabees until Christ, it is manifest the supreme authority was not in the Tribe of Judah. The true sense thereof is, That after David's reign, in whom the Prophecy first took effect, The Sceptre, that is, the right and just title unto Comment. vulg. in 1. Matth. the Crown, should not departed from the Tribe of judah until Christ came; which is clearly proved Matth. 1. v. 1. to the 17. by Saint Matthew. But at our Saviour's birth or coming the Jews were not only dispossessed of the Baron. apparat. ad Annal. Eccl. Chemnit. Harm. Evangel. c. 2. Crown, but also had lost the very right and title thereunto, by swearing fealty unto King Herod not long before: and so jacobs' Prophecy was fully accomplished. Archelaus succeeding his father Herod, reigned Matth. 2. v. 22. joseph. Antiqu. l. 17. c. 10. & 13. Gerhard. Comment. in Harm. Evang. c. 10. joseph. l. d. c. ult. 3 years, but was then degraded by Augustus Caesar, and made Precedent only of half Herod's Kingdom; the other half was divided betwixt Herod's two other sons, Philip and Antipas. Seven years after Augustus confined the said Archelaus for his Tyranny unto Vienna a City of France, where he died. Herod, surnamed Antipas, and Philip, at the aforesaid division of Herod's Kingdom, were by Augustus made Tetrarches, the former of Galilee, Luke 3. v. 1. the latter of Iturea, and of the Region of Trachonitis. This Herod beheaded john the Baptist, and was by our Saviour termed a Fox, for his deceit and treachery: Matth. 14. v. 1. Whom Saint Mark, using the phrase of his own people, calleth a King; And in respect of his Mark▪ 6. v. 14. 26. Luke 9 v. 7. etc. 13. v. 32. power and greatness it is, that the Scriptures place him before his elder brother Philip. Our Saviour jesus Christ was crucified when joseph. Antiqu. l. 17. c. 13. & l. 18. c. 3. schol. illustr. Func. Chr. fol. 91. 92. Herod the Tetrarch had governed 29 years, and about 3 months. And in the eighteenth year, about the beginning Euseb. Ch. f. 71. Beda. l. d. Genebr. chr. l. 2. Baron. Annal. Eccles. f. 101. & 169. Gualterius Tom. 2. joseph. Antiq. l. 18. c. 3. of the fourth month of Tiberius Caesar, who succeeded Augustus, having reigned 57 year. And in the seventh year of Pontius Pilate, Governor Func. Chr. f. 92. Isaac's. pag. 184. of judea. The age therefore of our Saviour Ignat. ad Trall. Niceph. Hist. Eccles. l. 1. sub finem. Polan. Syntag. Theol. l. 6. c. 18. Baron. Annal. Eccles. 169. Gordon. Lesinor. Chr. Tom. 2. Apparat. c. 4. was 33. years and about three months. And may be thus set forth in particular. Upon the expiration of the 30. year of His age, Luke 3. v 21. 22, 23. comp. with Numb. 4. v. 23. 30. 47. Matth. 4. v. 12. 17. Mark. 1. v. 14. Chemnit. Harm. Evangel. c. 17. &c 22. joseph. Antiqu. l. 3. c. 10. Scalig. de emendat. temp. l. 6. Chemnit. Harm. Evang. Prologue. c. 3. Levit. 23. v. 5. 6 10. 11. comp. with Deut. 16. v. 1. 9, 10. Genebr. l. 2. Chemnit. Harm. Evangel. c. 45. He was baptised and entered into His Ministry; though He did not publicly show Himself, till john was cast into prison, which was almost a year after. Neither can any inconvenience follow from the season of the year, that Christ should then go into the river jordan to be baptised For in judea there is very little winter, and that only in October, and the beginning of November. And the Scriptures tell us, that on the second day after the Passeover, which was the 16. day of the month Abib alias Nisan, and is with us the 27. of March, a sheaf of the first fruits of Harvest was offered. The first Passeover after His Baptism was about the end of three months, john 2. v. 13. 23. The second Passeover is expressed, john c. 5. v. 1. where the word Feast, by way of eminency is put for the Passeover, which was the chiefest feast of the Jews. So Matth. 27. v. 15. So john 4. v. 45. compared with c. 2. v. 23. So c. 11. v. 56. So c. 12. v. 1, 2. So c. 13. v. 1. 29. The third Passeover, john 6. v. 4. The fourth Passeover, john 13. v. 1. On the Eve Mark. 15. v. 42. John 19 v. 31. 42. August. de Trin. l. 4. c. 5. whereof Our Saviour was crucified, which the Jews call the Preparation day; And was the 25. day of March, on which day He was also conceived in the womb. From whence these particulars are manifest. 1. That from the beginning of the Captivity of Babylon, unto the first of King Cyrus are 70. years; from thence unto the end of the 7. of Artaxerxes Longimanus are 82. years; which added together, make 152. years. And from thence unto the death and passion of Our Saviour, are 490. years, or, as the Angel informed Daniel, 70. weeks; In the end of Dan. 9 v. 24. which last year of the said 490. Our Saviour was crucified. 2. That near the midst of the last week of the said 70. Our Saviour entering into His Ministry, began Dan. 9 v. 27. John 4. v. 23. Matt. 27. v. 51. Mark. 15. v. 38 to cause the Sacrifice and the Oblation to cease, but by His death He did utterly abolish them; which was signified when the veil of the Temple rend in twain. 3. That near the 25. day of December, and most August. in Psal: 132. & de Trin. lib 4. 2. Chrysost. in c. Lucae. 1 v. 29. Niceph. Hist. Eccles. l. 1. c. 12. Paul Oros. l. 7. c. 7. Genebr. l. 2. Baron. Apparat. ad Annal. Eccles. sub finem. Chemnit. Harim. Evangel. c. 8. Gordon. Lesinor. Chr. Tom, 2. in apparat. probably on that day Our Saviour was borne. Lastly, That from the Creation of Adam, unto the birth of Our Saviour, are 3966. years, 9 months, and 10. days. Unto which 9 months and 10. days, adding the 5. days before the Creation of Adam, Gen. 1. v. 23. Exod. 12. v. 2. compared with c. 13. v. 4. Beda de ratione Temp. c. 28. & 40. Polan. Synt. Theol. l. 5. c. 7. and then accounting 9 months and 15. days from the 25. of December backwards, It is evident that the world began on the 10. day of March, when the Sun entereth into Aries, and makes the Equinoctial. Soli Sapienti DEO, sit laus & gloria in omne aevum. Amen. FINIS. Imprimatur, Joseph Caryl.