by reason that he flying unto the enemy M menac'd them with the surprizal and utter ruine of their City The King in regard of the natural humanity and justice that was in him was not any wayes hereby provoked against Jeremy Jer. 39. 11 12. yet to the intent that he might not seem utterly to oppose the Governors The reward of godly Preachers in this life he deliver'd the Prophet into their hands to deal with him howsoever they pleased Who having obtained this liberty from the King entred the Prison on the sudden and laying hold on Jeremy they let him down into a Pit full of mud to the intent he might die in that place and be strangled by the filth in effect he was set therein up to the neck But one of the Kings servants an Ethiopian by Nation certifi'd the King of the Prophets affliction assuring him That his Friends and Governors did not justly so to thrust and bury the Prophet in the mud and cursedly to conspire against him N tiring him with bonds and tortures worse than death Whereupon the King hearing this was sorry that he had deliver'd the Prophet to the Governors and commanded the Ethiopian to take 30 men of his Court with him with cords and such other things necessary as might concern the safety of the Prophet charging him with all expedition to deliver him from that captivity Hereupon the Ethiopian furnish'd with men and necessary means drew the Prophet out of the mud and dismiss'd him without any guard That done the King sent for him in private demanding of him If he had any message to deliver him from God Zedechias neglecteth the Prophets good counsel for fear of the Governors praying him to let him understand whatsoever he knew as touching the success of the siege The Prophets answer was That although he should tell him yet it would not be believed and that if he should exhort him he would not give ear or listen unto him O But said he O King thy friends have condemned me to death as if I had been a most wicked Malefactor But where are they now at this present that have deceived thee and born thee in hand The year of the World 3354. before Christ's Nativity 610. saying That the Babylonian would not come and besiege thee Now will I take heed how A I tell thee the truth for fear lest thou condemn me to death Hereupon the King swore unto him That he should not die neither that he would deliver him into the hands of the Governors For which cause Jeremy grounding himself upon the faith which he had plighted unto him counselled the King to yield up the City to the Babilonians because that God had willed him to signifie unto the King that if he would save his life and avoid the imminent danger and save his City from utter ruine and preserve the Temple from burning he should submit or otherwise that none but he should be reputed to be the cause of all those evils that should happen unto the City and Citizens and of that calamity that should confound both him and all his family When the King heard this he told him B That he would do according as he had counselled him and perform whatsoever he thought necessary to be done but that he feared that his Subjects who were already gone over to the King of Babylon would do him ill offices with that King and that by their means he might be accused and deliver'd unto death But the Prophet encourag'd him telling him That his fear was in vain assuring him that he should suffer no evil if so be he yielded up the City and that neither his wife nor children nor the sacred Temple should suffer any mischief Upon these words the King dismissed Jeremy charging him to communicate the counsel that was held between them to no one of the Citizens no not to the Princes if they should ask of him wherefore the King had sent for him advising him to answer if so be they were inquisitive That he resorted to the King to request him that he might be no more imprisoned all which the Prophet performed but they pressed him very much to know C for what cause the King had sent for him CHAP. X. Jerusalem is taken and the People carried into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor MEan-while the Babylonian continued his violent siege against the City of Jerusalem 2 Kings 25. 1. c. and having raised Towers upon certain Bulwarks Jerusalem besieged eighteen months and at length taken he drave away by this means D all those that approached near unto the walls he raised also round about the City divers platforms that equalled the walls in height Mean-while the City was as valiantly and couragiously defended by the Inhabitants for neither Pestilence nor Famine plucked down their spirits And although that within the City they were tormented with these scourges yet were not their resolutions broken nor did the enemies inventions astonish them nor their engines afright them so that all the battel betwixt the Babylonians and Jews seem'd to be a tryal both of valor and art whil'st these do assuredly hope to surprize the City Ver. 5 6 7. and the other thought their safety consisteth herein Zedechias flieth by night and is surprized by the enemy if they ceased not by new inventions to frustrate their enemies endeavors And in this state continu'd they both for the space of 18 months until they were consumed by Famine E and by the darts that were shot against them by those that shot from the Towers At length the City was taken by the Princes of Babylon in the eleventh year of the Reign of Zedechias the ninth day of the fourth month who were put in trust by Nabuchodonosor to manage the siege for he himself made his abode in the City of Reblata Now if any man be desirous to know the names of them that had command at such time as Jerusalem was surpriz'd these they be Nergelear Aremantus Emegar Nabosar and Echarampsor The City being taken about midnight the Princes of the Enemies Army entred into the Temple which when Zedechias understood he took his wives and his children with the Princes and his friends and fled thorow a great valley by the desart which when the Babylonians understood by certain Jews that were revolted and had submitted themselves F unto them they arose early in the morning to pursue them and overtook and surprized them near unto Jericho Whereupon those Princes and friends of Zedechias that had taken their flight with him seeing the Enemies near unto them forsook him and scattering themselves here and there endeavour'd each of them to save himself When therefore the Enemies had apprehended him attended by a few followers only and accompanied by his children and wives they brought him unto the Kings presence who no sooner beheld him but he called him wicked and perfidious and upbraided him
the Enemies Countrey who had committed themselves to my trust yet thinking that if it should so fall out that they fell into the Romans hands they would be safer than if by suffering them to remain in my Countrey I should see them opprest I adventured them thus Yet were they saved and the King pardon'd them And this was the end of this Tumult But they of Tiberias wrote to the King desiring him to send a Garrison into their Countrey The Tiberians Letters to Agrippa Seven stadia maketh almost a German mile on which condition they would submit to him As soon as I knew of it I went to them and they desired me that I would build them those Walls which I had promised them for they had already heard that Tarichea was invironed with Walls Whereunto I I condescended and gathering Materials I set the Workmen to their task But some three days after departing from Tiberias toward Tarichea which was thirty stades distant from thence by chance a Troop of Roman Horsmen were discovered not far from the City which the Inhabitants believ'd were the Kings Army Whereupon they presently began to utter many things in honour of the King Sedition and Rebellion in Tiberias and more in my reproach And presently a certain friend posted to me and told me what their mind was and how they intended to revolt from me Which when I understood I was wonderously troubled For I had sent back my men of War from Tarichea to their houses because the next day was the Sabbath 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 K no care of the guard of mine own person having had often proof of the affection of the Inhabitants towards me Joseph in danger for the Tiberians sake Being therefore at that time attended only with seven Soldiers and a few of my Friends I knew not what to determine For I thought it not fit to call back my Forces because the day was well nigh past and although they should have been with me the next morning yet they might not have taken Arms because our Laws forbid 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 and under hope of prey have led them forth yet I saw that they were too feeble to resist the enemy On the other side I already perceived that if I stayed over-long the Army which was sent by the King being already entred the City would have excluded me I therefore determined to L use this stratagem I presently set a Guard at the gates of the City consisting of my most trusty Friends suffering no man to pass out of them and assembling the chief of every Family I commanded them to lanch their Boats into the Lake and to follow me with the Masters of their ships Joseph saileth to Tiberias After which both I and my Friends and seven other Soldiers betook us to a Bark and sailed toward Tiberias But when the Tiberians saw that no Forces were come from the King and that the whole Lake was covered with Barks amazed and fearing the ruine of their City for that they supposed the ships to be full of Soldiers they changed their sentiments And laying by their Weapons themselves with their Wives and Children came forth to meet me and receiv'd me with joyful acclamations for they though I had had no notice of their intents beseeching me that for the safety M 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 my self drawing near with mine own Bark to them reproached them that contrary to their Oaths they had been so foolishly induced to revolt After which I promised them pardon if so be they would deliver me ten of their chiefest Nobility which when they had incontinently performed I shipt them in a Bark and sent them Prisoners to Tarichea Then I demanded ten more and I continu'd to use the same artifice till I had by little and little got all the Senate of Tiberias and many of the chiefest Citizens and sent them thither At length the rest of the multitude perceiving in how great danger they were they N besought me that I would punish the chief Author of this Conspiracy Clytus the Author of the Sedition in Tiberias who was called Clytus a bold and rash young man I was unresolv'd what to do being loth to kill one of my own Nation and yet it was expedient to punish him wherefore I commanded Levias one of my Guard to seize on him and cut off his hand Levias not daring for that he was alone to enter into so huge a multitude I for fear lest his Cowardise should be discovered by the Tiberians called Clytus unto me and said unto him Vngrateful and perfidious man as thou art since thou deservest to lose both thy hands I charge thee to become thine own Executioner left through delay thou procure thy further punishment And whereas with many prayers he besought me to grant him one of his hands Clytus cuts off his own left hand I hardly condescended At length of his own accord for fear he should lose both he took a Knife O and cut off his left hand and thus was this Tumult appeased A As soon as I returned to Taricheâ— and the Tiberians understood what stratagem I had used with them they were all amazed seeing how I had punished their ingratitude and disobedience without any bloodshed Afterwards I sent for such of the people of Tiberias as were in Prison amongst whom was Justus and his father Pistus and 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 my self silent in the respect of the Seditious that were round about and I counselled them that they also would do the like in expectation of better days and yet that in the mean time they would not think amiss of my Government because no other could treat them better I reminded Justus also that before I came from Jerusalem the Galileans B had cut off his Brothers hands accusing him to have forged false Letters before the War and that after Philip's departure the Gamelites being at odds with the Babylonians slew Cares Philip's own Kinsman Joseph dismisseth the Tiberians whereas I had moderately punished his Brother-in-law Jesus who had married his Sister After this discourse during supper time I set Justus and his Friends Philip the Son of Jacim early in the Morning at liberty But before this came to pass it hapned that
the wrist I was carried to the Borough of Cepharnom My Soldiers hearing hereof and fearing least some worse Misfortune had befaln me than indeed there had restrained themseves from pursuing the Enemy any further Having therefore sent for Physitians and caused my self to be dressed I stayed there for that day and being seiz'd with a Fever I was carried by Night to Tarichea according to the advice of my Physitians Silas and his Soldiers having News of my accident recovered their courages and understanding that we kept but slender watch in our Camp they laid an Ambush by Night on this side Jordan Joseph's misfortune animateth the Enemy with their Horsemen and as soon as the day appear'd he invited D out our Soldiers to fight who willingly condescended thereunto and being come into the Plain they perceiv'd 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 Troops were coming from Tarichea to Julias they were afraid and returned back Not long after Vespasian arrived at Tyre accompanied with King Agrippa Against whom the Tyrians began to utter many reproaches telling Vespasian that the King was an Enemy both to the Tyrians and the Romans Vespasian and Agrippa arrive at Tyre and that Philip his General had betray'd the King's Palace and the Roman Army in Jerusalem and that by the King's Commission Which when Vespasian understood he reprov'd this impudent boldness of the Tyrians E for blaming a King of that power and a Friend to the Romans and advised the King to send Philip to Rome to give account of his actions But notwithstanding that Philip was sent thither yet he presented not himself before Nero for finding him extremely busied with Troubles and Civil Wars he return'd to the King without doing any thing When Vespasian was arriv'd at Ptolemais The governors of Dceapolis accuse Justus the Inhabitants of Decapolis accused Justus the Tiberian for burning their Boroughs Vespasian therefore deliver'd him bound to the King Of Vespasian's arrival and the siege of Jotapata read Josephus l. 4. c. 5. of the Wars of the Jews as being his Subject that he might be punished And the King before that time unwitting to Vespasian kept him Prisoner as it hath been heretofore declared The Sephorites also resorted to Vespasian to salute him and receiv'd a Garison from him with their Commander Placidus against whom I made War until such time as Vespasian arriv'd in F 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 the City of Tarichea how I departed from thence to Jotapata how I fell into the hands of the Romans how I was afterwards set at liberty and in a word all my actions and fortunes during the Wars of the Jews and the siege of the City of Jerusalem But now it seemeth necessary that I describe other things exploited by me during my life-time in other places than in the Wars of the Jews After the siege of Jotapata was ended I was Prisoner with the Romans and kept very carefully 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 remain'd not long with me for after I was set at liberty and G that I follow'd Vespasian to Alexandria she left me After which I married another Wife 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 labour'd what they could to destroy me and the Romans supposing that as often as the lot of Arms was not favourable to H them The dangers that Joseph past betwixt the Romans and Jews it was by my Treason cryed out continually to the Emperor to execute me for a Traytor But Titus well-experienc'd in the Chances of War pacified the violence which his Soldiers intended against me by his silence And after the City of Jerusalem was taken Titus often sollicited me to take what I lik'd among the Ruines of Jerusalem promising to give it me But I making small account of any thing after the Ruine of my Countrey pray'd him onely to give me the liberty of some persons and the Sacred Bible which I receiv'd for a great consolation in my miseries All which he graciously granted me Not long after having beg'd my Brother and fifty other of my Friends they were given me Joseph dischargeth a number of Captives and I was refused in nothing Entring into the Temple by Titus's permission I found a great number of Prisoners shut up therein and all those Women I and Children of my Friends and Familiars whom I knew I deliver'd to the number of 190 without paying any Ransom and I restor'd them to their former free condition Being sent with Cerealis and a thousand Horse into the City of Tecoa by the Emperor Titus to see if the place were fit for a Camp in returning from thence I saw divers Prisoners Crucifi'd Joseph delivereth three from the Gâ—bbet amongst which were three of my Familiars whereat I was griev'd in my Soul and I came and signifi'd the same to Titus with tears who incontinently commanded that they should be taken down and as carefully drest and cured as might be two of which dyed notwithstanding the utmost diligence of the Physitians and the third surviv'd After Titus had appeas'd the Troubles of Judea Joseph repaireth with Titus to Rome and is honorably entertained by Vespasian conceiving with himself that the K possessions which I had about Jerusalem would yield me but little profit by reason of the Roman Garison that should be placed there he gave me Lands a greater distance and intending to embark himself 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 lodg'd me in his own house where he liv'd before he was Emperor and honour'd me with the title of a Citizen of Rome and gave me an annual Pension and as long as he lived continued his good affection towards me omitting no kind of bounty which he might use towards me Whereupon I was so much envied that I came in danger thereby to lose my life For a certain Jew called Jonathan having stirred up a sedition in Cyrene Joseph envied and slandered and gathered about him some two thousand Inhabitants of the Countrey who L were all severely punisht and himself being sent bound by the Governor of that Countrey to the Emperor he accus'd me that I had sent him Arms and Money But Vespasian knew his falshood and caused his head to be cut off After this my Enemies objected divers Crimes against me in regard that I was in good Reputation
invade one another and are put to flight whom they found asleep and assailing them slew 20 of them and filled the whole Army with terror and amazement so that casting away their Weapons they fled with all speed and some being ignorant which were their Friends or Foes invaded one another as Enemies For imagining with themselves that only two Hebrews durst never enter their Camp they conceiv'd there was Treachery among themselves and so fell to slaughter one another so that some of them were slain others fled to escape the Sword and fell headlong down the Rocks But when the Kings Spies told him what confusion and disorder was hapned in the Camp of the Philistines C Saul demanded whether any of his Company were absent and hearing that his Son and his Armor-bearer were missing he desired the High Priest to attire himself with the Ephod that so he might learn of God what was to happen He did so and assur'd him that he should obtain the Victory over his Enemies Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. Whereupon Saul sallied out and assaulted the Philistines Ver. 20 ad 26. whil'st they were thus confused and disordered and fighting one against another Saul hearing that there was a tumult in the Philistines camp fallieth out upon them To him there flocked in great multitudes such as before were fled into dens and places under ground as soon as they heard that the Victory inclined on Sauls side so that gathering together to the number of 10000 Hebrews he pursued his scattered Enemies thorow all the Countrey But afterward a great inconvenience hapned unto Saul proceeding from the joy he had conceived by this Victory for commonly D such as are blessed by such good fortune are not Masters of their own affections and reasons or rather proceeding from his ignorance For intending to satiate himself with revenge for all those injuries which he had received from the Philistines he published an Imprecation or Curse against any one whomsoever that intermitting the pursuit should take sustenance before Night purposing to continue the same till dark Night Ver. 27 ad 30. This Execration thus published by Saul it chanced that his Son who had not heard of it Sauls Edict unwittingly broken by Jonathan nor the general allowance of the same by the People entring into a certain Grove belonging to the Tribe of Ephraim wherein were many swarms of Bees by chance light upon a Honey-comb and pressing the Honey did eat the same Afterwards having intelligence that his Father had under a grievous penalty of Execration forbidden E any man to taste any sort of Meat before Sun-set he gave over eating yet said that his Father had done amiss in publishing that Prohibition by reason that if they had received sustenance they might with greater force and vigor have pursued the Enemy that fled and slain more of them After the slaughter of many thousands of the Philistines about Evening they began to ransack and spoil the Camp of the Philistines and they carried away great spoils and a number of Cattel part of which were slain and eaten with the blood Ver. 32. contrary to the Law Which when the Scribes had signified to the King The Hebrews feed on bloody flesh how the People had offended against God by slaughtering the Beasts and eating the flesh of them before it was either washt or purified from the blood Saul commanded that a great stone should be rowled into the midst of the Camp and that the People F should kill the Beasts upon the same and forbear to eat flesh with the blood because it was not agreeable unto God All which was performed as the King had commanded and Saul erected an Altar in that place on which he offered a Burnt-sacrifice to God This was the first Altar that he erected But Saul being desirous incontinently to assail the Enemies Camp and sack all that was therein before day whilest his Men of War diligently follow'd him and shew'd great forwardness in the execution of his command the King ask'd counsel of the High Priest Achilob Ver. 37 38. whether God would give him the victory and permit those that should enter the Enemies Camp to return from thence Conquerors The High Priest told him that God returned him no answer which when he understood Ver. 41 42. It is not without some great cause said he that God is thus silent who heretofore G was wont to give a 〈◊〉 answer what we ought to do Saul trieth by lot who hath displeased God but there must needs be some hidden sin amongst us that giving offence to him causeth him to be silent But I swear by the same God that although mine own son Jonathan should have committed that sin I will to appease God with no less severity punish him than any the least stranger that is neither by alliance nor H affinity tyed unto me Now when the People cryed out and encourag'd him to the performance of what he had spoken he presently assembled them in one place and standing with his Son apart began by casting lots to find out him that was faulty When the lot fell upon Jonathan Ver. 44. he ask'd him what Crime he had committed Jonathan answer'd I know no other thing Saul intendeth to kill his own son being prepared and resolute to dye but that yesterday being in pursuit of the Enemy and ignorant of thine Edict I tasted of an Honey-comb whereupon Saul swore that he would put him to death rather than violate his Oath the observation of which he prefer'd before his own blood and all the sentiments of nature He nothing astonish'd at his present danger with a generous and dreadless mind presented himself with this Reply O Father said he I entreat no favour at thy hands for I willingly submit to that death which may I discharge thee of thy vow Ver. 45 46. the more contentedly because I have seen so famous a victory for I shall dye contented The Israelites rescue Jonathan from his displeased Father to see the insolence of the Philistines overmastered by the power of the Hebrews This valor and courage of the young man moved the whole multitude to remorse and commiseration so that they all swore that they would not suffer Jonathan who was the Author of so famous a victory to be put to death so they rescued the young man out of the hands of his displeased Father and pray'd to God to pardon him the fault which he had committed Saul after he had slain about 6000 of his Enemies returned with victory to his own house Oba or Soba and Reigned afterwards very happily and overcame the Ammonites Philistines Moabites Idumeans Amalekites and King Zoba He had three sons Jonathan Joshua and Melchi and two Daughters Merob and Michol The K General of his Army was Abner the son of his Uncle called Neer for Neer and Cis Sauls Father were Brothers and
their separation which was no less grievous unto them v. 41 42 43. than death it self Finally since there was no remedy exhorting one another to have in perpetual remembrance their faith and friendship they departed the one from the other C. 21. v. 1 2 ad 6. David flying from the persecution of Saul David cometh to Naban or Nob to Abimelech the High Priest retired to the City of Nob to Abimelech the Priest who wondred to see him come alone to him without either friend or Servant and desired to know the cause why he thus wandred without any attendance David told him that the King had sent him about some secret order which might not be communicated to him although he were desirous to know it and as touching my Servants C said he I have commanded them to attend me at a place appointed He further desired him v. 7 8 9 10. that he would give him such things as were necessary for his journey and some Arms David receiving Goliaths sword flieth to Geth to Achis King of the Philistines either Sword or Javelin Now in this place was present one of Sauls Servants called Doeg a Syrian by Nation and the Master of the Kings Mules The Priest answered him that he had no Arms by him except Goliaths Sword which he himself had hanged in the Tabernacle and dedicated to God at such time as he slew the Philistine David having gotten it fled out of the Countrey of the Hebrews and went to Gath a Countrey of the Philistines where Achis was King There being known by the Kings Servants he was discovered to be that David v. 11 12 13. that had slain so many thousand Philistines David counterfeits madness to escape the fury of Achis David fearing to be put to death by him and to fall into the same danger which he had escaped D by flying from Saul counterfeited himself mad so that he let the spittle issue out of his mouth and he counterfeited in all things so cunningly that he made the King of Gath believe that he was frantick 1. Sam. 22. v. 1 2. Whereupon the King was angry with his Servants that they had brought him a mad-man and commanded them forthwith to drive him out of his countrey Having in this sort escaped out of the Countrey of Gath he went to the Tribe of Juda where hiding himself in the Cave of Adullam he sent to his Brothers to let them understand that he was there They came to him with all their relations and divers others that either were in need or stood in fear of Saul resorted unto him offering to perform whatsoever he should command them they amounted in all to the number of four hundred David therefore being thus assured by the succours E and forces that came to him v. 3 4. dislodged from thence and went to the King of the Moabites David repairing to the Moabites committeth his Father and Mother to his protection beseeching him that he and those that accompanied him might remain in that Countrey till such time as he understood what would be the issue of his affairs The King vouchsafed him this favour and treated them very well all the time they were in his Countrey David went not out of it till he received instructions from the Prophet Samuel to abandon the Desart and return to the Tribe of Juda which he obeyed and coming to the City of Saron David commeth to Saron Saul feareth David made his abode there But when Saul 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 conduct and courage of the man he thought that he would attempt no action that was not great and such as might endanger his Kingdom F For which cause assembling his Friends and Captains and those of his own Tribe in Gaba where he kept his Royal Court and which stands upon a little Hill called Arvon and accompanied with his Guards v. 7 8. and the Officers of his house he spake to them from his throne Sauls oration to his Captains friends and estates against David after this manner I cannot believe that you have forgotten the benefits wherewith I have enriched you and the honours to which I have advanced you But I would know of you whether you hope or expect greater from the Son of Jesse for I am not ignorant of the affection which you bear him and that my own Son hath inspired the same into you I know that Jonathan and he are united without my consent in a very strict alliance that they have confirmed the same by oath and that Jonathan assists David against me with all his power Yet are none of you concerned at these things but in great quiet you expect what will be the event of them G When the King had spoken thus and none of the assistants answered a word Doeg the Syrian Master of the Kings Mules rose up and said That he had seen David in the City of Nob whither he went to the High Priest Abimelech to ask counsel of him touching his affairs and that he had received from him such things as were needful to his journey H and Goliaths Sword 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 spake thus unto them What wrong or displeasure have I done thee that thou hast entertained the Son of Jesse v. 9. and given him Victuals and Arms to him I say that seeketh but the means to possess himself of my Kingdom Doeg telleth Saul how he saw David in Nob with Abimelech what answer hast thou made him touching those demands he propounded to thee concerning his future fortunes canst thou be ignorant that he fled from me and what hatred he bears against both me and my family The High Priest denied none of these things but freely confessed that he had delivered him such things as were reported v. 10 11 12 13. but not with an intent to gratifie David but the King for I entertained him said he not as your Enemy Saul reproveth Abimelech for furnishing David with Victuals and Arms. but as your faithful Servant and one of the principal I Officers of your Army and which is more as your Son-in-law For who would have thought that one dignified with so much honour by you should be your Enemy nay rather who would not esteem him for your favourite and neerest friend And whereas he asked counsel of me touching Gods will v. 14. this is not the first time I have answered him but I have formerly done it often Abimelechs Apology to Sauls accusation of Treason And when he said he was sent by you about some speedy and secret business if I should have refused him those supplies which he required at my hands I might have
the truth for he of whom he speakth is that Adad that made War I in Samaria during the Reign of Achab King of Israel of whom we will speak hereafter But when David had led forth his Army against Damascus Jerusalem spoiled by Syssac King of Egypt and against the rest of the Countrey of Syria he reduced them all under his obedience placing garrisons in their Countrey and imposing tribute upon them He dedicated also to God in the City of Jerusalem the Golden quivers and Arms of Adads guard which afterward Syssac King of Egypt took when he vauquished Roboham his Nephew and carried away great riches out of the temple of Jerusalem as it shall be declared hereafter when we come to treat of that matter This King of the Hebrews being inspired by God who made him prosperous in all his warrs encamped before the chiefest cities of Adrezar that is to say Betha and Mazcon which he besieged took and spoiled where there was found great store of Gold K and Silver and of Brass 3 King 14. which was more precious then Gold whereof Solomon made that great vessel called the Sea The prey that was made in the War and other fair lavers as such time as he adorned and furnished the Temple of God When Thoy King of Amoth understood all which had hapned to Adarezer 2 Sam 8 6. c. and how his power and forces were destroyed he grew afraid of his own estate The King of the Amathens requireth a League at Davids hands and resolved to enter into a league and confederacy with David before he should come out against him and to that intent he sent his Son Adoram unto him to congratulate his success against Adarezer his Enemy and to contract an amity with him He sent him presents also namely vessels of antique worke of Gold of Silver and of Brass whereupon David made a league with him and received the presents that were sent unto him and afterwards honourably dismissed his Son both for the one L and the other and consecrated that to God which he had presented him together with the Gold and Silver which he had taken from the Cities and Nations that were subiect unto him For God did not only so far favour him as to make him victorious and happy in his own Warrs David compelleth the Idumeans to pay tribute by the Pole 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 battel about eighteen thousand of them and filled all Idumea with garrisons imposing a tribute throughout the Countrey by the Pole The distribution of Offices This King loved justice of his own nature and the judgment which he gave was always most equitable He had for his Lieutenant General of his Armies Joab 2 King 9. and appointed Josaphat the Son of Achilles chief over the Registers After Abiather he established Sadock of the house of Phinees for M High Priest who was his friend Sisa was his Secretary Banaia the Son of Ioiada was Captain over his guard and all the Elders were ordinarily about him to guard and attend him He remembring himself also of the covenants and oaths that past 'twixt him and Jonathan the Son of Saul and of their amity and affection for amongst his other excellent qualities he was alwayes most eminent for his gratitude He caused inquiry to be made if any one of the house and family of Jonathan were left alive to the intent he might return the friendship he had received from Jonathan Whereupon a certain man named Ziba was brought unto him who was enfranchised by Saul that might inform him what one of his Race was alive C. 9. v. 1 c. who asked him if he knew any N of Jonathans Sons then living David maketh an enquiry if any of Jonathans kindred were left alive to whom he might make some return of the kindness which he had formerly received from their Father Who answered him that he had one Son remaining whose name was Mephibosheth who was lame of his legges for when the news came that both his Father and Grandfather were slain his Nurse hastily snatching up the child let him fall from her shoulders and so hurt him When he heard where he was brought up he sent unto the City of Labath to Machir with whom Mephibosheth was kept v. 7 8. and commanded him to be brought unto him Now when he came to Davids presence David giveth Mephibosheth his father Joâ—athans house and Sauls inheritance he cast himself on his face before him but the King exhorted him to be of good courage and to hope hereafter for better fortune and gave him his Fathers house with all the possessions that were purchased by Saul his grandfather appointing him to eat with him daily at his own table The young man did him reverence thanking him O for the Royal offers he had made him At that time David called for Siba and told him how he had given Mephibosheth his Fathers house and all Sauls purchases commanding A him to manure his possessions The year of the World 2910 before Christ's Nativity 1014. and to have a care of all things and to return the revenue to Jerusalem because Mephibosheth was every day to sit at his table charging both him and his fifteen Sons and twenty Servants to do him service After the King had thus disposed of him Siba did him reverence and after he had promised to perform whatsoever he had given him in charge v. 9. 10 11. he departed and Jonathans Son remained in Jerusalem David committeth the disposing of Mephibosheths Lands to Siba and commandeth him to make the return of his revenues in Jerusalem where he lived at the Kings table and was entertained and tended as carefully as if he had been his own Son he had a Son also called Mica These were the honours that those children which survived after Jonathan and Sauls death received at Davids hands About the same day died Nahas King of the Ammonites who during his life-time was Davids friend and his Son succeeded him in his Kingdom to whom David sent B Ambassadors to comfort him exhorting him to bear his Fathers death with patience assuring him that he would express no less love towards him than he did unto his Father Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. But the Governours of the Ammonites entertained this Embassage very contumeliously and not according as David had intended it and murmured against their King telling him that they were but spies sent by David to inquire into their forces 2 Sam. 10. v. 1 2 3 4. and discover the strength of their Countrey David sendeth Ambassadours to comfort the Son of the King of the Ammonites who are bâ—sely abused under a pretext of kindness advising him to stand upon his guard and not to give ear to
unfeigned Friend whom when he beheld with his Garments rent with ashes on his Head and lamenting the unhappy change which he beheld David comforted him and exhorted him O not to be discouraged and besought him to return unto Absalom under colour that he had forsaken his part where diligently prying into his secrets he might oppose himself A against Achitophels counsels The year of the World 2920. before Christ's Nativity 1044. because he could not do him so considerable service in attending on him as he might in staying with Absalon Chusai being after this manner persuaded by David returned back to Jerusalem where presently after he met with Absalon who repaired thither In the mean time David marching onward a little further chanced to meet with Siba Mephibosheths Servant and Purveyor of all those Goods which David had given him 2 Sam. 16. 1 ad 5. for he was Jonathans Son who was the Son of Saul This Man drave before him two Asses loaden with Victuals which he presented to David and his company Siba accusing his master wrongfully is made owner of his riches to refresh themselves and being demanded Where he had left Mephibosheth In Jerusalem said he where he expecteth to be chosen King through the occasion of those troubles that have hapned and in memory of the benefits that divers men had B received at Sauls hands David displeased with this false report gave Siba all those riches which he had confer'd upon Mephibosheth in times past judging him more worthy of the same than Mephibosheth Wherewith Siba was very well contented When David drew near unto a place which is called Bachor Ver. 5 ad 9. a Kinsman of Sauls Simei's reviling of David called Simei the Son of Gera came out against him and cast stones at him and reviled him and the more Davids friends invironed and defended him the more obstinately persevered he in his reproofs and scandalous railings calling him Murtherer and Captain of the wicked charging him like an 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 as a punishment for those Crimes which he had committed against his own Master C This his licentiousness moved all Davids followers to displeasure so that all of them were ready to revenge them on Simei and amongst the rest Abisai would have slain him Ver. 9 ad 15. but David would not permit him but commanded him to forbear For fear said he least to our present miseries we annex a further and new occasion David forbiddeth to kill Simei Forasmuch as concerneth my self I set light by this mad Dog and refer the matter to God who hath permitted him to be thus desperately bent against us Neither is it to be wondred at that I suffer my self to be thus abused by him sith mine own son is so wicked that he dareth openly declare himself my mortal enemy but God through his goodness will at length look upon us with an eye of mercy and his justice will certainly confound all those that have conspired to my ruine He therefore walked onward on his way not caring what Simei said who ran on the other side D of the Mountain railing and reviling him When David was arrived on the bank of Jordan he mustered and refreshed his Army who were wearied with their march mean while Absalon entring Jerusalem with Achitophel his Counseller Ver. 16 17 18. was saluted and applauded by the concourse of the people Chusai under a colour offereth his service to Absalon and amongst the rest Davids friend came unto him who prostrated himself before Absalons feet wishing him a long and happy Reign Absalon asked how it came to pass that he who was reputed to be one of Davids most intimate friends and esteemed alwayes to be most loyal and faithful unto him should at that time when occasion served to express his loyalty abandon him and submit himself to his enemy To whom Chusai answered readily That it became him to follow God and the good will of the people E Since therefore said he my Sovereign that both these are on your side it concerneth me to follow you because you have received the Kingdom from God If therefore you shall think fit to account me amongst your friends I will approve unto you my loyalty and affection in like manner as to your knowledge I have done unto your father who ought not to be displeased at that which hath hapned since the Kingdom is not removed into another house but remaineth in his own family because he who was his son received the same By these words he reconciled himself to Absalom Ver. 20 21 22. and removed all suspition Hereupon Achitophel was sent for to consult about their affairs in hand Achitophel persuadeth Absalon to lie with his fathers concubines who advised him to abuse all his fathers Concubines and make them his own For said he from that time forward the people will believe that you and he will never he reconciled and will be more ready to bear Arms and oppose your father F for your sake For hitherto said he they have unwillingly professed themselves to be his Enemies suspecting least a peace should be concluded betwixt the father and the son Absalom giving heed to this advice caused a Tent or Royal Pavilion to be pitched in the sight of all the people whereinto he entred and enjoyed his fathers Concubines And thus was accomplished what was foretold by Nathan the Prophet CHAP. IX Absalon's War against his Father 2 Sam. 17. 1. ad 14. his death and the discomfiture of his Army G WHen Absalon had done that which Achitophel had advis'd him Achitophels counsel persuading Absalon to pursue David he requested him once more to counsel him concerning that War which he had undertaken against his Father Chusai's opposition who required 10000 chosen Men by whose assistance he promised to kill David and to bring all that were with him under his subjection assuring him that Absalon's Kingdom would be then established The year of the World 2816 before Christ's Nativity 1040. when Davids head was cut off from his H shoulders This counsel pleased Absalon whereupon he sent for Chusai who was the chiefest amongst Davids friends for so David himself had termed him to whom he discovered the advice which Achitophel had given him and required him to give his opinion what he thought thereof who knowing very well that if Achitophels counsel were followed David would be in danger to be surprized and slain enforced all his arguments and counsels to the contrary For said he Sir you are sufficiently informed both what your Fathers valor is and their virtue that accompany him who hath fought many Battels and hath returned victorious over all his enemies It is not to be doubted but that he is at this present encamped in
the field For he is well exercised in leading Armies to prevent any stratagems I whereby the enemy may injure him and about the evening he hath perhaps left a party of his men in some straights or placed them 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 the encounter 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 Therefore in my opinion without following the advice of Achitophel your Majesty ought to gather together all your Forces and to take the command of them your self without committing them to the conduct of any other and by this means you may assuredly expect to have an easie victory over him if you assail him in the open field because he is accompanied with a very few men and your self are attended by many thousands who K will be very forward to express their affection towards you at the beginning of your Reign whereby you may easily rid you of your enemy Ver. 14. And if so be your father shut himself up in any City Chusai's counsel accepted Achitophels rejected we may easily take the same by Mines and Engines This advice of his seemed to be better than that of Achitophels so that Absalon accepted it For it was God that put this into his heart to neglect Achitophels and respect Chusai 's counsel Now when Chusai had thus prevailed he presently went to the High Priests Sadoc and Abiathar acquainting them with Achitophels designs 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 lest Absalon being informed of his abode L in that place should make haste and pursue him and overtake him before he might recover a place of security The High Priests before-hand Ver. 15 16. had provided that their sons should lie hid without the City Sadoc and Abiathars sons sent unto David on purpose that they might be sent unto David to inform him how affairs went They therefore sent a trusty servant unto their sons who brought them news of Absalons intentions with express commandment to inform the King thereof with all speed who presently upon this intelligence like good and faithful ministers posted away to report their fathers message unto the King But scarcely had they travelled two furlongs Ver. 17 18 ad 22. when certain Horsemen discover'd them M and brought news thereof unto Absalon who presently sent out Scouts to apprehend them The High Priests sons being pursued are hidden by a Woman in a Pit which when the children of the High Priest perceived they forsook the High-way and retired 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 Well and covered the mouth thereof with bundles of Wooll 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 pursued them they might easily apprehend them But after they had a long time followed Ver. 22. and could not find them David informed of Absalons deliberation passeth himself and his whole Army over Jordan by night they returned from whence they came The Woman perceiving that they were departed and that there was no cause of fear lest the young men should be surprized she drew them out of the Pit and N set them on their way who with as great speed as was possible repaired unto David and declared unto him Absalons designs Hereupon David passed the River Jordan with all his men and although it were night he was not discouraged by the darkness But Achitophel seeing that his counsel was rejected Ver. 23. took his Horse and went unto his Country of Gelmone Achitophel perceiving his counsel was despised hung himself there calling together his houshold servants he related unto them what advice he had given Absalon which since he had not accepted he told them that they should shortly find that he was a lost man and that David would be victorious and return into his Kingdom It is better therefore said he for me as it becometh a valiant man to depart out of this life than to submit my self to Davids punishment for having joined my self unto Absalon and giving him counsel This said he went into the most private O 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 having past Jordan came A and encamped in a strong City The year of the World 2940. before Christ's Nativity 7300. the best fortified in that Countrey there was he kindly entertained by all the Noblemen of that Countrey partly moved thereunto by the mans present necessity partly through the reverence of his former felicity The chief of these were Berzillai the Galaadite and Siphar the Governor of the Province of the Ammonites Ver. 24. ad fin and Machir the chief of the Countrey of Galaad who supplied David and his Army with whatsoever they wanted David câ—meth to Mahanaim where he is royally entertained by the Peers 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 their repose or refection In this state remained he But Absalon assembled a great multitude of people to make War upon his father Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. and after he had passed Jordan he pitched his Tents near unto his fathers within B the Countrey of Galaad and made Amasa General of his Army opposing him against Joab his cousin Ver. 24. for Amasa was the son of Jothar and Abigal the sister of Sarvia the mother of Joab Absalon passeth over Jordan both of them sisters unto David When David had mustered and numbered his Forces and found that he had 40000 fighting men it was thought sit to put it forthwith to a battel and not to expect till Absalon should attack him He therefore appointed Colonels over thousands and divided them into three squadrons 2 Sam. 18. 1 2. the one of which he gave to Joab the second to Abisai his brother and the third to Ethei his familiar friend who was of the City of Geth The division of Davids Army In this battle his friends would not
married two Wives 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 levyeth an Army and first of all assaulteth the Israelites and after marcheth forward against Jerusalem M BUt Azael King of Syria making War against the Israelites and against their King Jehu 2 King 12. 18. destroyed the Countrey on the other side of Jordan and all the Eastern tract inhabited by the Reubenites Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. Gadites and Manassites Furthermore he burnt and spoiled Galaad The War between Azael and Jehu and Bathanaea violating and outraging all those that he met withall For Jehu went not out against him to resist him but being become a contemner of God 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 his Kingdom But Joas King of Jerusalem was desirous to repair the Temple for which cause calling unto him Ioiada the High Priest he commanded him to send thorow all the Countrey the Levites and Priests and to levy upon every one of their heads half a sicle of silver for N the building and reparation of the Temple which was fallen to decay in Joram Athalia and her successors times 2 Choâ— 24. 4. ad 14. But the High Priest would not obey him herein knowing well no man would willingly disburs money But in the three and twentieth year of his reign The restoring of the Temple the King sent both for Joiada and the Levites also and expostulated with them for disobeying his commandment enjoyning them from that time forth to provide for the bulding of the Temple Whereupon the High Priest used present dispatch in levying the money wherewith the people were well pleased 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 neer unto the Altar commanding that every one should offer according to his devotion and put in his offering thorow the cranny into O the coffer to be imployed in the repairing of the Temple whereunto all the people shewed themselves affectionate so that they gathered together a great quantity of Gold and Silver with great zeale and when the coffer was filled it was emptied and the account thereof taken and summ'd up by the Secretary and High Priest in the Kings presence The year of the World 3089. before Christ's Nativity 97â— A and afterwards was brought together into one place assigned for it which order was observed every day And when 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 custome was continued so long as Joiada lived But after his decease which hapned in the hundred and thirtieth year of his age Joas impiety after Joiadas death and how he was reproved by the Prophet after he had lived a just and upright life and was interred in the sepulchre of David in Jerusalem because he had established the Kingdom in B Davids posterity King Joas had no more care to serve God and with him the rest of the Governours of the people were corrupted so that they broke the laws and ordinances of their forefathers For which cause God being provoked by this change and incensed against the King and the rest 2 Chroâ— 24 17. ad 20. sent his Prophets unto them to protest against them and 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 Zachary v. 21. Joiadas Son Zâ—chary stoned to death and put him to death in the Temple forgetting himself most ungratefully C of the benefits he had received from his Father And the occasion was for that Zachary having received a charge from God to prophesie came into the midst of the people and counâ—elled both them and 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 to judge of those calamities he endured suffering a violent death for the good counsel which he had given them and the benefits which his Father had in times past done unto Joas But many dayes passed not before the King suffered due punishment for these misdeeds For Azael King of the Syrians invaded his Countrey and after he had first of all ruinated Girta he marched forward with an intent to besiege him at last in Jerusalem Joas desperate of all succors emptied all the treasures of the D Temple and those of the Kings and took away the presents that were hung up in the Temple and sent them to the Syrians raising the siege by this means lest he should be drawn into hazard to lose all The spoil of the Temple The Syrians pacified with so great riches and abundant treasure Joas death 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 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 faln from God He lived seven and forty years CHAP. IX E Amasias King of Jerusalem made War against the Idumaeans and Amalechites and obtained the victory AMasias his Son succeeded him in the Kingdom 2 King 14. 1 ad 15. But in the 21 year of Joas's reign Ioachas the Son of Jehu took possession of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria and reigned for the space of seventeen years Amasias King of Jerusalem But he followed not his Fathers steps but rather behaving himself impiously according as his predecessors in the Kingdom and contemners of God had done The forces of Israel weakned and restored by God 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 hundred horsmen F All
that if you act after this manner God will not forsake you but taking pleasure in your virtue he will once more establish you in your former peace and liberty Matthias exhorteth his sons to piety fortitude and concord and will permit you to live again after the manner of your Ancestors True it is our bodies are mortal and subject unto destiny but the memory of our virtuous actions will never perish being therefore stirred up with the love thereof strive and bestir your selves 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 than another he may prosecute it without any contradiction of the rest I charge you also to observe B and obey your brother Simon who is a politick and valiant man in whatsoever he shall counsel you And for your Captain you shall choose Machabeus 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 And assure your selves that there is no man that hath any love to Virtue and Religion who will not join himself unto you in so holy an enterprize CHAP. IX The death of Matthias Judas Machabeus one of his sons takes upon him the management of the publick Affairs He delivers his Countrey and purgeth it from the Abominations C which had been committed therein AFter Matthias had thus spoken unto his sons 1 Mac. 3. and pray'd God to favor their enterprizes Matthias death and to restore the People to their ancient policy and their accustomed manner of living Judas Machabeus appointed Governor which they had in former times observ'd he dyed and was buried in Modin After the People had mourned for him for a certain time and perform'd publickly such honour at his funerals as was agreeable to his quality his son Judas Machabeus took upon him the management of the War in the 146 year and by the assistance of his brethren and other Jews he drave the Enemies out of the Countrey and put those of his own Nation to death who had forsaken their Religion and purged the Countrey of all abominations D which had been committed therein CHAP. X. Apollonius General of Antiochus's Army cometh into Jewry and is discomfited and slain and also Serron Governor of the lower Syria WHen Apollonius Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. who was Antiochus's General in Samaria heard hereof he gather'd his Army together Judas Machabeus overcometh Apollonius in battel and invaded Judea against whom Machabeus made head and overcame him in a battel wherein there died many and amongst the rest Apollonius E whose sword Machabeus got as his part in the spoil There were a great number of them also wounded Seron Governor of Coelosyria is put to flight in Judea and much booty was taken in the Enemies Camp after which victory enriched with spoils he retreated But Seron Governor of Coelosyria 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 give him battel he thought that it concern'd him to begin to punish those who obey'd not the Kings Edicts Whereupon after he had assembled all the Forces that he had and besides them hired certain Apostates 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 resolving to give him battel and seeing that his Soldiers would hardly be drawn out to fight both by F reason of their inequality of number as also because they were faint by fasting a long time he encourag'd 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 dependance upon God whereof they had a most eminent example in their Forefathers who had oftentimes defeated with a small number of men divers thousands of their Enemies because they fought for the defence of their Laws and for their Children for the greatest power said he that a man can have is to be innocent and without offence 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 encountring with him they discomfited the Syrians For their Chieftain being slain all the rest betook themselves to flight in which thing only consisted the safety G of their lives Judas therefore pursuing them as far as the Champain slew about 800 of them The rest saved themselves in those quarters that bounded upon the Sea H CHAP. XI Judas Machabeus defeats a great Army which King Antiochus sent against the Jews Lysias the next year returns with a much greater power Judas kills five thousand of his men and causeth him to retreat He purifieth the Temple and setteth it in order Other great Exploits perform'd by him WHen King Antiochus heard these things Antiochus's preparation to invade Judea he was much displeased at that which had hapned whereupon he mustered all his Forces and hiring divers strangers and I mercenary Islanders he prepar'd himself to invade Judea about the Spring-time But after the muster of his Army when he found that his treasure failed him and that he was in great scarcity of money for his Tributes were not duly paid him because the Nations were rebellious being likewise in his own nature a man of great and magnificent spirit which put him upon great expences he resolved first of all to go into Persia to gather his Tributes Antiochus committing his Kingdom Provinces and son to Lysias's charge departeth into Persia He therefore left the charge of his affairs with Lysias a man very much esteemed by him and one that govern'd all the Countrey 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 carefully trained up until his return commanding him expresly That when he had conquered K Judea he should make 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 Countrey of Persia in the 147 year And after he had passed Euphrates he marched onward toward the upper Provinces Lysias chose Ptolomy the son of Dorymenis Nicanor and Gorgias men of great power and authority amongst the Kings friends and gave them 40000 Footmen and 7000 Horsemen to invade Jewry Who marching as far as the City of Emaus encamped in the Plain near unto it and
comes to the relief of King Alexander his Son-in-law who appoints Apollonius to lay an ambush to surprize him Ptolemey takes away his daughter and marrieth her to Demetrius whom he causeth to be received by the Inhabitants of Antioch from whence he had driven Alexander but he returns with a great Army Ptolemey and Demetrius unite their Forces and overcome him in a pitch'd Battel but Ptolemey dyed of his wounds which he received after he had seen the head of B Alexander sent to him by an Arabian Prince Jonathan besiegeth the Cittadel at Jerusalem and by Presents appeaseth King Demetrius who granteth new favors to the Jews This Prince seeing himself at peace disbandeth his old Soldiers IN the 165th year of the Reign of the Greeks Demetrius the son of Demetrius accompanied with divers hired Soldiers whom Lasthenes who was of Crete furnish'd him with departed out of Candia and came into Cilicia Which news as soon as Alexander heard Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. he was much troubled whereupon he instantly posed from Phoenicia to Antioch Demetrius the son of Demetrius passeth out of Grece into Cilicia and seeketh to make himself Lord of Syria with intent to secure the affairs of his Kingdom in those parts before the arrival of Demetrius He left behind him for his Governor in Coelosyria Apollonius Danus who coming unto Jamnia with a great Army sent a messenger unto the High-Priest Jonathan C to let him know That it was very strange that he only should live at his own ease and in quiet without submitting himself unto the King who would not long pass by unpunished that affront which he offered him in not submitting to his obedience Wherefore said he deceive not thy self neither hope thou by sculking in the Mountains or depending on thy Forces to continue thy greatness but if thou trustest to thy power come down into the field and engage with me and my Army in the Plain A man confident in battel to the end that the issue of the Victory may shew which of us is most valiant Knowest thou not that the chief Nobility of every City bear Arms under one who hath always overcome thy Predecessors Wherefore I challenge thee to meet me in that place where we may use our swords and no stones and where the vanquished shall have no advantage by his flight Jonathan provoked by this bravade chose out 10000 of his best D Soldiers and departed from Jerusalem accompanied with his brother Simon and came unto Joppa and encamped without the City because the Citizens had shut the gates against him for they had a Garison placed in that place by Apollonius But as soon as he prepared to batter the City the Inhabitants were afraid lest he should surprize it by force and therefore they opened the gates Apollonius understanding that Joppa was taken by Jonathan he took 3000 Horsemen and 8000 Footmen with him and came into Azot whence he departed leading out his Army with an easie march and arriving at Joppa he retired back to draw Jonathan into the field putting great confidence in his Horsemen and grounding his hope of victory upon them But Jonathan coming forth boldly pursued Apollonius as far as Azot who finding himself in the open Countrey E turned back upon him Apollonius fighteth with Jonathan and is put to flight and charged him Jonathan was not at all surprized to see the thousand Horsemen that Apollonius had laid in ambush near unto a certain River to the end they might charge the Jews behind but disposed his Army after such a manner that his Soldiers on every side turned their faces upon the Enemy commanding his men to defend themselves on both sides fighting with those that assailed them either in the Van or the Reer After that the battel had continued until evening Jonathan gave his brother Simon a part of his Forces charging him to set upon the Enemies battel as for himself he drew his Soldiers into the form of a Battalion resembling a Tortoise to the end that being covered with their bucklers joined the one with the other they might defend themselves against the Horsemens arrows to which all of them were obedient F The Enemies Horsemen shooting all their arrows against them did them no harm for they pierced not as far as the flesh but lighting upon the bucklers enclosed and fastned the one within the other they were easily beaten back and born off and fell down being shot all in vain But when the Enemies were wearied with shooting all the day long and that Simon perceiv'd they could charge no further he set upon their Infantry so couragiously that he put them all to flight The Horse of Apollonius perceiving that the Foot were disordered Jonathan pursueth the enemy as far as Azot and burneth Dagons Temple and killeth 8000 men grew heartless likewise and having lost the hope they had in their Foot they betook themselves to flight in great disorder and confusion so that they brake their ranks of themselves and were scattered thorow all the Plain Jonathan also pursued G them as far as Azot and taking the City by assault he slew divers of them constraining the rest that were in despair to flie into the Temple of Dagon which is in Azot and taking the City by assault he burnt it with the Villages H round about and spared not the Temple of Dagon but burnt it and all those that were therein The number as well of those that were slain in the battel as of those that were consumed by fire in the Temple was 8000 Men. Having after this manner discomfited this Army he departed from Azot and marched toward Ascalon and as he was encamped without the City the Ascalonites came out unto him and offered him Presents which he received and departed from thence and marched towards Jerusalem laden with great spoils As soon as Alexander heard that Apollonius the General of his Army was defeated Alexander sendeth Presents to Jonathan and forced to flie he made a shew that he was glad thereof pretending that it was without his knowledge that Jonathan had been assaulted who was both his friend and his allie I Whereupon he sent an Ambassador unto him to let him know how much he rejoyced at his victory offering him Presents and Honours with a chain of gold such as the Kings were accustomed to give to those of their kinred he likewise gave him Accaron and the Countrey thereabout to him and his heirs for ever About the same time Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. King Ptolomey Philometor set out an Army by Sea and another by Land to go into Syria and to succor his Son-in-law Alexander and in his way all the Cities received him with great joy Ptolomey Philometor repaireth unto Syria with an Army to assist his Son-in-law Alexander according as Alexander had commanded them and conducted him as far as the City of Azot but that place
make War upon him unless he paid him those Tributes which the people of the Jews ought and were wont to pay unto the Kings Ancestors heretofore And that he had certainly done had not Tryphon hindred him for he was forced to turn those Forces that he had prepar'd against Jonathan Demetrius thrust out of Antiâ—ch to make War upon Tryphon O who returning from Arabia into Syria with the younger Antiochus who at that time was under age he set the diadem upon his head All the Army likewise that had abandon'd Demetrius for contracting their Pay came and follow'd him and made open War against their Master The year of the World 3820. before Christ's Nativity 144. and under Antiochus and Tryphon fought with him and overcame A him seized his Elephants and made themselves Masters of the City of Antioch Whereupon Demetrius being wholly discomfited fled into Cilicia But the younger Antiochus sent Ambassadors and Letters to Jonathan calling him his Allie and Friend confirming the Priesthood unto him Jonathan for the favors and benefits he received at Tryphons and Antiochus's hands offereth and performeth his best endeavors against Demetrius and assigned him the four governments annexed to Judea and besides these he gave him vessels of gold a robe of purple with permission to wear the same he gave him also a pendent of gold and assured him that he esteemed of him as one of his friends and created his brother Simon General of his Army from the marches of Tyre as far as Egypt Jonathan finding such honours as these heaped upon him sent Ambassadors both unto him and Tryphon protesting That he was their Friend and Allie and that he would fight on his side against Demetrius of whom he had so great reason to complain B in that he had made no other return but ingratitude for all the services which he had done him But after that Antiochus had granted him leave to levy a great Army out of Syria and Phoenicia to fight against Demetrius he went into the neighbouring Cities and was by them very kindly received yet did they not afford him any Men of War Coming from thence unto Ascalon the Citizens in honourable aray came out to meet him with Presents whom together with the Cities of Coelofyria he exhorted to forsake Demetrius's 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 endur'd by his means and which if they prudently examin'd they had many reasons to prosecute their revenge After he had persuaded C 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 than 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 the City to his government For which cause Jonathan besieged their City and spoiled their Countrey for with the one half of his Army he begirt Gaza and with the other half he over-ran the Countrey spoiling and burning the same The Gazeans seeing these miseries which they were constrain'd to endure and perceiving that no succors came unto them from Demetrius but that their own overthrow was at hand and their assistance far off and that which was worse most uncertain they thought it to be the D 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 receiv'd them into favor and took pledges of them and sent them to Jerusalem and from thence marched he along the Countrey as far as Damasco And whereas an huge Host sent by Demetrius came out against him as far as the City Cedasa near unto Tyre and Galilee making their reckoning to divert Jonathan from Syria by succouring and relieving those of Galilee who were their confederates Jonathan E went out speedily to meet with them recommending the state of Judea to the charge of his brother Simon Simon Jonathan's brother taketh in Bethsura Who assembling all the power that was possible to be gather'd throughout all the Countrey encamped before Bethsura a strong Fort in Judea and besieg'd it for Demetrius being before-time seized thereof kept Garison therein as before this we have declar'd When as therefore Simon raised his Bulwarks and fitted his Engines to assault the City and employ'd all his study to surprize 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 F and he planted a Garison therein of their 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 he was encamped and marched towards the Plain of Azot without any suspition that his Enemies had been planted thereabouts When as therefore Demetrius's 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 battel in the Plain As soon as Jonathan perceiv'd their preparation to the battel 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 flie so that all of them G abandoned Jonathan except some few to the number of 50 with Matthias the son of Absalom and Judas the son of Chapsaeus Lieutenant-Generals of Jonathan who boldly H entred and like desperate men charged the Enemy in the Vanguard with such fury that they made them amazed at their and compelled them to trust to their heels Which when they that had abandoned Jonathan perceiv'd they rallied and pursu'd them as far as Cedasa where the Enemies were encamped When Jonathan had obtain'd this glorious victory Jonathan putteth Demetrius's Soldiers to flight wherein there fell about 2000 of the Enemy he returned to Jerusalem and seeing that all things fell out according as he desir'd he sent Ambassadors unto Rome to renew the ancient league that was made betwixt
Ballez son to be put to death and is made King his Vices rendred him so odious to his Soldiers that they offered themselves up to Cleopatra Demetrius's Relict She married Antiochus Sother Demetrius's brother and made him be crowned King heovercame Tryphon who fled to Dora and from thence to Apamee where he was taken by force and killed Antiochus took a great liking to Simon the great Sacrificer or High-Priest I NOt long after the captivity of Demetrius Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. Tryphon killed Antiochus the son of Alexander 1 Mac. 15. sirnamed Good notwithstanding he had the care and charge of his education for four years that he reigned Tryphon murthering Alexander obtaineth the Kingdom and spreading abroad a certain report That the young King in exercising himself fortuned to dye he sent his friends and familiars to the Soldiers promising them That if they would choose him King he would give them a great sum of money giving them to understand that Demetrius was a Prisoner among the Parthians and that if Antiochus his brother should obtain the kingdom he would punish them divers ways and revenge the revolt and rebellion which they were guilty of by forsaking him The Army hoping that if they bestow'd the kingdom on Tryphon Tryphon having obtained dominion discovereth his corrupt nature it would redound highly to their profit they proclaim'd him King But after he had attain'd the fulness of his desires he shewed K how malicious and wicked his nature was For when he was a private man he flatter'd the People Tryphons Army submit to Cleopatra Demetrius's wife who married Antiochus Soter and committed the authority to his hands and made shew of moderation and by such allurements he drew them to do what he pleased but after he had taken possession of the kingdom he discover'd his hypocrisie and shew'd plainly that he was not unaptly call'd Tryphon that is to say Trifler or Mocker By which means he lost the hearts of the better sort and as for his Army it became so averse from him that it submitted it self to Cleopatra Demetrius's wife who had at that time confin'd both her self and her children in Seleucia And whereas Antiochus sirnamed the Devout and brother to Demetrius was driven from place to place Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. and had not any City that would entertain him for fear of Tryphon Cleopatra sent unto him inviting him both to be her husband and to take possession of the kingdom L Antiochus having driven Tryphon out of Syria besieged him in Dora 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 Selucia should betray the City to Tryphon As soon as Antiochus was arrived in Seleucia and that from day to day his Forces encreased Tryphonâ— death he marched forth into the field and fought with Tryphon and overcame him in battel and drove him out of the higher Syria and pursu'd him as far as Phoenicia where after he had retired himself into Dora a strong and impregnable Castle he besieged him therein and sent 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 M entire friends Tryphon flying from Dora to Apamea was in that place besieged taken and slain after he had reigned three years CHAP. XIII Antiochus Sother's ingratitude to Simon Machabaeus They come to make War Simon gets alwayes the better and renews his alliance with the Romans BUT the innate 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 N Sedebaeus Hedio Ruffinus cap. 12. his great friend with a mighty Army to invade Jewry and to surprize Simon But he having some privy intelligence of Antiochus's Treachery notwithstanding that at this time he was very old was so provoked with the injuries that Antiochus had done him that animated with courage more than became his age he went himself to the War as if as yet he had been but youthful Simon and his son expelleth Sedebaeus out of Jewry he therefore caused his son to march before with the best 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 O CHAP. XIV The year of the World 3830. before Christ's Nativity 134. A Simon Machabaeus Prince of the Jews and High-Priest is betrayed and killed by his Son-in-law Ptolomey who at the same time makes his Relict and his two sons Prisoners HE governed Judea for the space of eight years and was at last slain at a banquet by the Treachery of Ptolomey his son-in-law Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. who seizing on Simons Wife and his two children 1 Mac. 6. and detaining them in Prison sent out certain of his Train besides to kill John the third son No faith nor trust no not in sons-in-law sirnamed Hircanus of Jerusalem But the young man having some inkling of their drift retired himself speedily into the City and avoided the danger that B they complotted against him assuring himself of the good will of the People in consideration of the benefits they had received at his fathers hands and the hatred that they bare unto Ptolomey who intending to enter the City-gates was sharply repulsed by the Citizens for they had already entertain'd Hircanus CHAP. XV. Hircanus Simon 's son besiegeth Ptolomey in Dagon Castle but his great love towards his mother and his brothers whom Ptolomey threatens to put to death if he storm'd the Castle made him forbear to assault it and raised the siege after which Ptolomey nevertheless put C them to death WHereupon Ptolomey retired unto a certain Castle situate beyond Jericho called Dagon Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. but Hircanus was made High-Priest in his fathers stead who after he had recommended himself to God Ptolomey besieged by Hircanus knowing the power of natural affection keepeth his mother and brethren prisoners whippeth them on the walls and threatneth to throw them down by the firstling Sacrifices that he offer'd marched out against Ptolomey his brother-in-law to make War upon him Now when he was fully resolved to besiege the place whither Ptolomey was retired he had the advantage in all other things but only by the affection that he bare unto
the third year of the Hundred seventy and seven Olympiade and in the year that Q. Hortensius and Q. Metellus called the Cretensian were Consuls at Rome Aristobulus suddenly undertook the War against Hircanus Aristobulus and Hircanus strive for the kingdom and fought with him near unto Jericho where a great number of Hircanus's followers submitted themselves of their own accord to Aristobulus Through which accident Hircanus was forced to flie to the fortress of the higher City where Alexandra Aristobulus mother had imprisoned both his Wife and Children as before is I specified The rest of the faction for fear of his brother who had gotten the victory retired themselves within the precincts of the Temple The peace betwixt Hircanus and Aristobulus where they were besieged and taken After this a Peace was Treated of betwixt both the brethren and their difference was decided in this manner That Hircanus should pass the rest of his life without medling with State Affairs and Aristobulus should reign 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. K Antipater an Idumaean persuades Hircanus to flie and to retire himself to Aretas King of the Arabians who promiseth to re-establish him in the Kingdom of Judea BUT a certain friend of Hircanus Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. by Nation an Idumaean and by name Antipater being very rich Antipater the Idumaean Hircanus 's friend and by nature both factious and industrious was as much Aristobulus's Enemy as Hircanus's Friend True it is that Nicholas Damascene writeth of this man That he was descended of the noblest amongst those Jews who returned from Babylon into Jewry Antipater of Judaea as Nicholas Damascenus implies first called Antipas but this he did on purpose to gratifie Herod Antipater's son who by a casualty became afterwards King of the Jews as we will express hereafter in time and place L convenient This Antipater was at the first called Antipas according to his fathers name who as it is reported was made Governor of all Idumaea by King Alexander and his Wife and afterwards made a League with the Arabians Gazeans and Ascalonites corrupting them and insinuating himself into their favors by divers great Presents bestowed upon them This young Antipater considering with himself what Aristobulus power was and fearing lest some mischief might befall him through the hatred the young King had conceived against him he communicated with certain of the greatest amongst the Jews and secretly and cunningly incensed them against Aristobulus Antipater incenseth the Princes of the Jews 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 did belong He likewise M accosted and sounded Hircanus ordinarily with these words telling him That he lived in danger of his life and would doubtless be snared except he sought his own security and fled his evident danger alledging That Aristobulus 's 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 carelesness in him was the cause that he was accounted a silly man On the contrary side Aristobulus was of a different and more heroick nature being more active in performance and careful to prevent Now although Antipater saw that Hircanus made small account of his instigations yet N ceased not daily to invent and propose new surmises and accusations urging Aristobulus's hatred and practice to murther him and prevailed so by his importunity that at last he persuaded him to flie to Aretas King of Arabia promising him That in so doing he would give him both aid and assistance Hircanus was the more easie to be induced to follow Antipater's advice for that Arabia was adjacent to Jewry Whereupon he first of all sent Antipater to Aretas to take assurance of him that he should not betray him into his Enemies hands if he should submit himself unto him and require his assistance When Antipater had received his assurance from the King he returned to Jerusalem unto Hircanus and not long after that took him away with him and departed the City by night and afterwards with great journies arrived at Petra where Aretas kept his Royal Court. And being O very familiar with the King he entreated him to re-establish him in the Kingdom of Jewry and did so much by his importunity and the Presents which he gave him that he H persuaded Aretas to attempt the matter The year of the World 3900. before Christ's Nativity 64. Whereupon Hircanus promised That if he confirmed him again in his Royal dignity he would upon the recovery of his Realm restore unto him those twelve Cities which his father Alexander had taken from the Arabians the names whereof are these that follow Medaba Nabello Livias Tharabasa Agalla Athona Zoara Orona Narissa Rydda Lusa Oryba Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. CHAP. III. Aristobulus is enforced to retire into the Castle of Jerusalem the King Aretas besiegeth him The cruelty of some Jews who stoned Onias a just man to death The punishment which I God inflicted upon them for it ARetas Aretas maketh War against Aristobulus and inforceth him to flie to Jerusalem induced by these promises was content to send forth an Army against Aristobulus and himself in person conducted in that expedition 50000 Men Foot and Horse and had so much the upper hand of his Enemy that divers after this victory of their own accord submitted themselves to Hircanus and Aristobulus perceiving himself to be destitute of all his friends and followers The Arabian besiegeth Aristobulus in the Temple fled unto Jerusalem The King of Arabia followed him 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's side The Jews 〈◊〉 into Egypt Whereupon Aretas drew up the Forces he had and busily set the Army K both of Jews and Arabians about the siege Whil'st these things were thus the feast of unleavened bread which we call the Passeover was at hand and the Princes of the Jews forsaking their Countrey were fled into Egypt About that time a certain man called Onias such an 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
the Senate had made as touching E this matter The first day of Herod's Reign Antonius feasted him and after this manner he was established King the hundred and eighty fourth Olympiade 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 Herods family besieged by Antigonus in Massada Herod's Brother that was within and Two hundred of his friends had concluded to fly unto the Arabians for that they understood that Malchus had repented himself of the fault he had committed against Herod But whilst they stood upon these terms God poured down a huge rain on a certain night that in short time filled their Cisterns so that they had no more necessity to fly and from that time forward they took courage and made F a sally upon their Enemies in which they charged Antigonus's Soldiers after such a manner sometimes in open field sometimes by surprizal that they slew a great number of them Venâ—idius under 〈◊〉 to help â—â—seph fsheth to 〈◊〉 money of Antigonus At that time Ventidius a Roman Captain was sent into Syria to drive the Parthians from thence and after their departure he arrived in Jewry making show that he would assist Joseph but in effect all his pretence was to draw money from Antigonus Being therefore encamped near unto Jerusalem and having drawn 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 lest he should be cause of some new trouble before the Parthians whose coming he expected should yield him aid G CHAP. XXVII The year of the World 3926. before Christ's Nativity 38. Herod being returned from Rome raiseth an Army taketh some places and besiegeth Jerusalem but cannot take it he defeateth the enemy in a great battel the art he used to draw several of his Jews who had hid themselves in dens from Antigonus party he marched with some troops to find out Antonius who was making war against the Parthians the five battels that he fought on the way Joseph Herods brother is killed in a fight and Antigonus caused his head to be cut off The manner how Herod revenged this death he besiegeth Jerusalem where Sosius joyneth him with a Roman I army during this siege Herod Marrieth Mariamna AFter that Herod was come from Italy by Sea to Ptolomais and that he had assembled no small number of Soldiers both strangers and his own Country-men Hedio Ruffinus chap. 24. al. 16. he marched forward against Antigonus and passed thorow Galilee Silo and Ventidius also gave him assistance in this action having received direction by Gellius from Antonius Herod returning back out of Italy leadeth forth his army against Antigonus that they should assist Herod to recover his Countrey 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 Herod daily marched into the Countrey the more his forces did increase and all Galilee except a very few submitted themselves unto him Herod assaulteth Joppe and taketh it Whilest he marched forward K towards Massada being moved thereunto for to relieve his parents that were besieged therein the City of Joppe 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 behind him for his Enemy if he made toward Jerusalem Upon which occasion Silo laying hold dislodged his army and made thitherward whom when the Jews did pursue Herod sallieth out with a small company and put them to flight and saved Silo who could not resist any longer Afterwards having seized on Joppe he hasted forwards to deliver his friends that were besieged in Massada but part of the inhabitants submitted themselves unto him for the friendship they had born unto his father Many submit themselves to Herod and others of them for the honor that they bear unto him the rest admitted L his government in acknowledgement of those favors they had received from them both But the greatest part was moved thereunto 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 Whilest thus he marched forward Antigonus seized on those places that were fittest to lay ambushes in or to fight at advantages by the way notwithstanding that by those stratagems he did but small or no hurt at all to his enemy so that Herod raised the siege and relieved his friends out of the Castle of Massada and after he had taken the Fort of Ressa Ressa taken Massada delivered from the siege after which Herod marcheth towards Jerusalem he approached Jerusalem being attended by Silo's Army and by divers Citizens of the City who were afraid of his power And when he had M pitched his Camp to the westward of the City those that kept the watch and guard on that side shot their Arrows and threw stones against him divers likewise sallied forth and fought hand to hand against those that were planted there For which cause first of all Herod caused a Proclamation to be made round about the Walls Herod proclaimeth about the walls of Jerusalem that he repaireth thither for the good of the people and the common Weal signifying unto them that he resorted thither for the common good 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 hainously offended him Hereunto Antigonus made this answer directing his speech to Silo and the Roman Soldiers that contrary to all justice they gave the Kingdom to Herod who was a private man and an Idumaean that is to say a half N Jew whereas it hath been a custome to bestow the same on them that are of the line of the Priests Antigonus upbraideth Herod that he is but half a Jew and of no Kingly Race For albeit at that present they were displeased with him for that he had seized on the Kingdom by the means of the Parthians and had resolved with themselves to dispossess him yet that there were divers others of that Royal Race who might be made Kings according to the law The enemy repulseth Herods power from the wall who have no wayes misdemeanded themselves towards the Romanes and moreover there are Priests who should not be justly and uprightly dealt withall if they should be deprived of that honor which
Caves Hedio Ruffinus chap 25. but fear constrained them to hold themselves quiet But a certain Souldier having girt his Sword by his side Herod leadeth his Soldiers against those theeves that held the caves and taken hold of the chain with both his hands whereto the Coffer was fastned slid down as far as the entry of the Cave and being displeased that none came out he shot divers Arrows at those that were within I Herod letteth down his Souldiers from the top of the mountain in Coffers and wounded them and after that with his hook he drew those unto him who resisted and tumbled them down headlong from the steep 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 dispair of their life but the nights approach was the cause that the matter was not fully accomplished and many of them getting notice of the Kings free pardon by a Herauld submitted themselves The next day they renewed and continued the same manner of fight and divers went out of their Coffers to fight at the enterances of the Caves throwing in fire which there being much fewel in the Caves did great execution Within these Caves there was a certain old man apprehended K A certain old man killeth his wife and seven of his sons and at last casteth himself headlong from the Rock with his wife and seven Sons who being desired by them that he would suffer them to go and submit themselves to their enemies took up the entrey of the cave and as his Sons advanced to get out he slew them all and after them his Wife and at last when he had cast their dead bodies down the Rocks he threw himself down headlong after them prefering death to slavery Yet before his death he reviled Herod bitterly and upbraided him with his ignoble extraction and although Herod who saw all that which had happned stretched out his hand unto him for pardon yet he would not give ear to him and by this means were all these Caves entred and the theeves taken Now when the King had established Ptolomey General over the Army in that Countrey Herod retireth toward Samaria to fight with Antigomus he retired into Samaria with six hundred horse and three thousand foot with a resolution L to fight Antigonus and to end their quarrel But Ptolomey had but very slender success in his Government for they that before-time had troubled the Countrey of Galilee sallied out upon him and defeated him After which execution they fled into the Marishes and unaccessible places where they robbed and spoiled all the Countrey But Herod returning and setting upon them punished them for he slew some of them and the rest were constrained to flie into strong places where he besieged them and entring their fortresses perforce put them to the sword and destroyed their fortifications and having brought this rebellion to an end he condemned the Cities to pay him the sum of one hundred talents Mean while Pacorus was killed in the War and the Parthians were defeated with him Herod punisheth the Rebels in Galilee which was the cause that Ventidius sent Machaeras to succor M Herod with two legions and 1000 horse by Antonius order corupted by Antigonus mony Ventidius overcometh Pacorus and the â—arthians in baâ—â—el But Machaeras was notwithstanding Herods disswasion yet he went to him alleadging that he did it 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 who at that time perceived plainly that Herod had given him good counsel Machaeras killeth many Jews and that himself had failed in misbelieving his advice for which cause he returned to the City Emaus and killed all those Jews whom he met withall in the way Herod resolving to depart to Antonius and to accuse Macharas is reconciled by him and leaveth his brother Joseph with an army behind him being much troubled at it whether friends or enemies he was so highly displeased at that which had happned Herod came to Samaria resolving with himself to go to Antonius to complain of these grievances and to tell N him 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 entreating him to stay and to go no further on that journey and prayed him to leave his brother Joseph behind him to go with him against Antigonus By these perswasions and instant intreaties of Machaeras he was somewhat appeased so that he left his brother Joseph behind him with an Army charging him no way to hazard his fortune Herod repaireth to Antonius at the siege of Samaria and in the way killeth many Barbarians or to fall at odds with Machaeras As for himself he hasted toward Antony who at that time besieged Samotsata a City situate near unto Euphrates having with him an Army of his associates both horse and foot When Herod was arrived in Antioch he found divers men assembled there who were desirous to go and seek out Antony O but they durst not advance for fear the Barbarians should set upon them in their journey Herod encouraged them and offered himself to be their guide When they were come two dayes journy off Samosala the Barbarians laid an ambush for them and had barred up the way with Hurdles and had likewise hidden some Horsemen thereabouts until the A Passengers had recover'd the Plain Now when the foremost were past the ambush consisting of about some 500 Horsemen they suddenly charged Herod who was in the Rear when they had broken the first Ranks whom they had met Herod with his Troop that was about him immediately repulsed them and after he had encouraged his followers and whetted them on to the fight he did so much that he made those that fled to face about and fight so that the Barbarians were put to the sword on all sides The King also pursu'd them so long until at last he recover'd 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 encountred him at first he likewise B rallying his Forces together charged and overcame them and killing divers of them he secured the way to those that follow'd after who all of them acknowledg'd him for their preserver When he drew near unto Samosata Herod was honourably entertained by Antonius and his Host Antonius sent out the best of his Army to meet and honour him As soon as he came to Antonius's presence he entertain'd him kindly
hers that were privy to her design to carry them out in the night time and to go directly towards M the Sea where there was a Bark in readiness prepared to convoy them into Egypt But Esop one of her houshold servants declared this enterprize of hers to Sabbion on of Alexandras friends supposing that he had been made privy thereunto who had no sooner inkling thereof but for that beforetimes he was Herods enemy by reason he was suspected to have been one of those that sought to poyson Antipatar he resolved by discovery of this secret flight to convert Herods hatred into friendship and presently discovered Alexandras secret enterprize to the King Who dissembling the matter until it was upon the point of execution surprized 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 N for that Cleopatra would not have contained her self had she but had such an occasion offered her to express her hatred against Herod Herod contriveth Aristobulus death For which cause under the colour of a high and magnanimous spirit he made shew to pardon her of his meere clemency yet inwardly resolved to destroy young Aristobulus yet not rashly 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 and solemnly celebrated among us for which cause he concealed his intents during the festival dayes intending both in himself and in the presence and company of the people to follow all kind of pleasure and delight yet his envy incited him to hasten the execution of his will Aristobulus was at that time some seventeen O years old who when he approached the Altar to offer sacrifices according to the law apparelled in the High Priests Ornaments to perform the ceremonies he who for amiable countenance and good stature surpassed the tenderness of his years expressing in his countenance the dignity and Nobility of his Race The year of the World 39â—1 Before Christ's Nativity 33. drew the eyes and good affections A of all the people unto him so that they openly called to remembrance the noble actions of Aristobulus his Grand-Father All the people being therefore surmounted by their affections and at that present time being all of them overjoyed they brake out by little and little into acclamations mixt with wishes and prayers so that the good will the people bare to Aristobulus discovered it self openly and they manifestly although too hastily in such a Kingdom declared what evils they generaly endured For all which causes Herod concluded to execute that which he had plotted against Aristobulus As soon therefore as the feast was over-passed he went into Jericho where Alexandra entertained him In that place he used Aristobulus with all kindness to draw him to secure some place playing with him and counterfeting to sport after the fashion B of the young men to gratifie him Now the place where they sported being too hot they quickly wearied left their sport and went out together to take fresh air and finding a pleasant shade under certain Arbours and near certain fish-pools which were largely spred round about they beheld certain of their Servants and Friends that swom therein with whom not long after Aristobulus began to swim being perswaded thereunto by Herod Whereupon Herods confederates who were deputed to execute the murther laid hands on him and thrust him under the water pretending to duck him in sport and never gave him over untill such time as they had stifled him in the water This hapned about the evening and after this manner died Aristobulus after he had lived in all for the space of eighteen years and administred the Priest-hood one whole C year Aristobulus is drowned by Herods direction Ananel restored to the Priest-hood and after this Ananel presently recovered his former dignity When this accident was reported to the women all of them burst out in tears and were transported with strange lamentations which they uttered over the dead body All the City also was mightily troubled neither was there any private family that thought not it self touched by this inconvenience 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 and perplexed than any other being so much the more discomforted for that she knew how all things had hapned But the fear of a far greater mischief constrained her to repress her passion so that divers times she was ready to bereave her of her own life The lamentation for Aristobulus death and dispatch her self out of misery with her own hands D But she contained her self to the end that surviving and living after her son who was so fraudulently destroyed and prolonging her own life without giving any suspition or shadow that she might with more opportunity expect the occasion to revenge her self For which cause she dissembled all things concealed her grief and made shew that she knew nothing of that which was either intended or had hapned As for Herod he laboured by all means to perswade the strangers that this death had befallen Aristobulus without his knowledg and did not only prepare that which was requisite for the funeral but made shew to be truly sorrowful and it may be that in remembrance of Aristobulus beauty and flourishing young years he was realy touched with compassion notwithstanding Herods counterfeit sorrow that he imagined that his death should be a means of his own security E demeaning himself in all things circumspectly with intent to purge himself of that crime But especially he shewed his great magnificence in the interring of his body both in the furnishing and preparation of the Herse 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 F G H CHAP. IV. The year of the World 393â— before Christ's Nativity 165. Herod is obliged to repair to Antonius to clear himself from Aristobulus's death he winneth him with Presents He gave order before his way-going to his Brother-in-Law Joseph to put Mariamne to death if Antonius should condemn him to die Joseph revealed it imprudently to this Princess and Herod put him to death for being jealous of him and Mariamne Cleopatra's unsatiable ambition and avarice BUT none of all these things could either move or mollifie Alexandra but daily more and more she increased her sorrow and in the height of her tears kindled her wrath with a desire of revenge Alexandra certifieth Cleopatra of Herods Treasons and her sons traiterous murther She therefore acquainted Cleopatra by her private I Letters of Herods Treasons and her sons most miserable and untimely
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 sollicited him That done he returned back again unto Jewry with greater honour and assurance than before whereby he struck them with wonderful amazement who expected his contrary success as if by Gods special providence he alwayes over-went his dangers Herod entertaineth both Caesar and his Army very heroically to his great honour Therefore he prepared himself to entertain Caesar who returned out of Syria B to take his journey into Egypt and received him at Ptolomais with all Royal honour and gave his Army Presents with all abundance of Provision so that he was accounted for one of Caesars most affectionate friends and rode about with him when he took the view of his Army he entertained him also and his friends with One hundred and fifty Men adorned with most rich and sumptuous apparel And for that they were to pass thorow a Countrey wherein there was great scarcity of Water he furnished them with both Water and Wine so that they needed neither of them He gave Caesar also Eight hundred Talents Herod giveth Caesar 800 Talents and so royally satisfi'd he all Men that they confessed themselves to have had a 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 C 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 heroick and noble spirit so that he was held inferiour unto no man for the good entertainment which he gave to the chiefest Romans in their return from Egypt CHAP. XI Mariamne giveth Herod so cold a reception when he returned from Caesar that being joined to the aspersions which Herod's mother and sister laid upon her he had infallibly caused her to be put to death at that very instant But he is engaged to return to Augustus he put-her to death at his back-coming The business of Alexandra Mariamne's Mother D Herod's despair after Mariamne's death he falleth dangerously sick Alexandra endeavoureth to make herself Mistris of the two Forts of Jerusalem he made her be put to death and Costobarus and others follow he instituteth Plays and Shews in Honor of Augustus by which he doth so irritate the most part of the Jews that ten of them undertak to kill him he putteth them to death He buildeth many Forts and rebuilds a very fine and a strong Town upon the ruins of Samaria which he names Sebaste BUT as soon as he returned unto his Kingdom Mariamne and Alexandra displeased with Herod he found all his Houshold troubled and both his Wife Mariamne and her Mother Alexandra grievously displeased with him For they supposed and not without cause that they were not shut up in that E Castle for their securities sake but as it were in a Prison so that in as much as they neithay might make use of other Mens nor enjoy their own goods they were highly discontented Mariamne also supposed that her Husband did but dissemble his love rather for his own profit than for any entire affection he bare towards her But nothing more grieved her than 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 concerning her neither could she ever forget what commands he had before that time 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 on his hands Who in the beginning behaved himself very wisely and faithfully containing himself F very circumspectively within the bounds of his commission but after these Ladies had with pretty presents and feminine flatteries wrought and mollifi'd him by little and little at last he blabbed out all that which the King had commanded him Sohemus discovereth the Kings secrets 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 gratifie the Ladies who in all likelihood should not be deprived of that dignity wherein they were at that time but would return them the like kindness when Mariamne should be Queen or next unto the King Furthermore he hoped that if Herod also should return with all things answerable to his desires that he would perform nothing without his Wifes consent or upbraid him G with the act if she contradicted for he knew too well that the King loved her so that it was impossible to equal or express his affections and for these causes he disclosed H the trust that was committed unto him But Mariamne 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 Herod 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 Herod beyond all expectation arrived in his Countrey being adorned with mighty fortune he first of all as it became him acquainted his Wife with his good tydings and happy success whom onely amongst all other his friends and Wives he embraced and saluted Herod but coldly entertained by his wife Mariamne for the pleasing conversation and affection that was in her But she while he repeated unto her these fortunate events of his affairs rather entertained I the same with a displeasant attention than applauding joy Neither could her great sincerity cover the agitation of her mind For when he folded his arms about her neck she unfolded her sorrow in her sighes so simple and unfeigned were her affections and seemed rather to be displeased than appeased by his narrations Whereupon Herod was sore troubled Herod's sorrows to see his wifes affections distracted and changed perceiving these things not onely 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 him which incensed him so 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 straight distracted by a contrary affection so much was his mind tossed between K love and hatred when oftentimes he desired to punish the womans pride his heart by loves mediation failed him in the enterprize For nothing did more torment him than this fear lest executing his displeasure against her he should
Christ's Nativity 8. was absent from his Kingdom the Arabian Wars began on this occasion The inhabitants of Trachon whose Countrey Caesar taking from Zenodorus gave it unto Herod being forbidden and hindred from stealing were now forced to frame themselves to live like husband-men more civily L than before But this kind of life pleased them not neither did their Countrey yield fruits worth their labours The cause of the Arabian War yet at first Herod compelling them thereunto they abstained from injuring the inhabitants bordering upon them which did greatly redound unto Herod's credit Caesar gave Trachonitis to Herod Alias chap. 14. by whose diligence they were brought unto it But when Herod was gone 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 Herod's Captains subdue the Rebels in Arabia Yet they were 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 Countrey and fled into Arabia where Syllaeus received them in revenge that he could not obtain Salome M 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 Caelosyria and drove away the preys they got into the place allotted them Syllaeus protecting them and their villanies Herod 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 The Thieves taken and punished not enduring that injury and entring into Trachon he killed all their Families Whereby they were so much the more enraged against his Countrey 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 Herod's Countrey with continual incursions Then the King complained N hereof unto Saturninus and Volumnius then Presidents Alias chap. 15. sent thither by Caesar requesting that he might have the Thieves to punish them They hearing this 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 a War rather than a Robbery for they were a thousand in number Herod demanded the Thieves to be delivered unto him and the money he had lent to be repayed Wherefore Herod required these Thieves and Robbers to be delivered unto him and required the debt that Obodas owed him for Herod had lent Obodas threescore Talents and sent them unto him by Syllaeus and now the time was expired wherein the money was to be repayed But Syllaeus who had taken all the rule from O Obodas and himself governed all denied that those Thieves were in Arabia and deferred the payment of the money So that this matter was debated before Saturninus A and Volumnius then Presidents of Syria The year of the World 3958. before Christ's Nativity 6. At last it was by them determined that within thirty days the money due to Herod should be paid and the runaways of both Countreys delivered each to other But there was no one Arabian that either had fled unto Herod for any offence committed nor for any other cause Saturninus and Volumnius the Rulers of Syria do reconcile Herod and the Arabians but the Arabians were convicted to receive the Thieves that fled from Herod CHAP. XVI B Syllaeus will perform nothing of what Augustus's Lieutenants had ordained but goeth to Rome to him Herod entreth into Arabia with an Army and taketh the Castle where the Trachonites were retired WHen the day was come that was appointed Herod by the permission of Saturninus Volumnius entred into Arabia with an Army and destroyed the Castle called Repta Syllaeus not minded to stand unto the agreement made went in the mean time to Rome But Herod exacted his money and the Thieves to be restored unto him Saturninus 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 use to march in seven and coming unto the Castle wherein the Thieves kept C at the first on-set he took it and destroyed it being called Repta and did no other harm unto the inhabitants Nacebus with 25 Arabians slain And a Captain of the Arabians named Nacebus came to succour the Thieves and so fought with Herod's Army in which Battel a few of Herod's men were slain but of the Arabians were killed five and twenty with their General Herod carried 3000 Idumaeans into Trachâ—n 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 Governours who were in Phaenicia that he had only used the authority which they gave him against the rebellious Arabians that resisted him and nothing else which afterward also they making enquiry they found true D CHAP. XV. Syllaeus doth so incense Augustus against Herod that he refuseth to give Audience to his Ambassadors neither will he admit those whom Aretas King of the Arabians sent This Aretas succeeded Obodas whom Syllaeus caused to be poysoned that he might get the Kingdom Herod sends the third Embassage to Augustus THe Arabians sent messengers with all speed to Syllaeus at Rome Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. al 16. and informed him E otherwise aggravating every thing according to their fashion Syllaeus being a little before insinuated into Caesar's acquaintance Syllaeus accused Herod unto Caesar 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 and that the whole Kingdom was wasted by Herod who had entred into the Countrey with an Army and with tears complained that 2500 of the Arabian Nobility were killed 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 Obodas who had no Army ready nor a fit Captain for his Forces he being not there Syllaeus having thus spoken adding moreover that he F would not have come to Rome but that he was perswaded that Caesar would have had a care of the common peace and tranquility of his Subjects and that had he been at home Herod to his cost should have violated that Peace Caesar hereat was greatly moved and enquired of some of Herod's friends who were then
present and of certain men that were lately come out of Syria also whether Herod 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 encreased so that he writ threatning Letters unto him telling him that hitherto he had used him as a Friend The Arabians and Trachonites understanding that Caesar was offended with Herod rejoyce thereat but hereafter he would use him as a Subject which also Syllaeus signified unto the Arabians By which Letters they were made proud and would G neither render unto him the Thieves that were escaped nor restore the money he lent their King nor pay him rent for the pasture-ground that they hired of him Moreover the Trachonites hearing this rebelled against the Garrison of the Idumaeans and joyning with the Arabian Thieves The year of the World 3960. before Christ's Nativity 4. who wasted their Countrey not so much respecting H their own gain as their revenge and particular profit they did many mischiefs and exercised great cruelty against them Herod did put up all injuries and durst not once mutter Caesar being offended with him for the which cause he was not so couragious nor valiant as he was before Caesar offended with Herod For first of all Caesar would not admit his Ambassadours whom he sent to plead his cause before Caesar and Herod again sending other Ambassadours Caesar sent them back again their business undone Wherefore Herod being in this perplexity greatly feared Syllaeus who being now at Rome did easily perswade Caesar any thing for Caesar was very credulous and Syllaeus aimed at some greater matter Obodas dying Eneas succeeded him in the Arabian Kingdom For Obodas dying Eneas succeeded him in the Kingdom of Arabia changing his name called himself Aretas whom Syllaeus by I forged calumniations did seek to depose from the Crown and usurp the Kingdom unto himself giving great summs of money unto the Courtiers and promising great summs 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 poysoned 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 Caesar would not give Audience to the Arabian Ambassadours thereby to obtain the Kingdom Caesar would not permit these Ambassadours to have Audience but refusing their gifts suffered K them to depart without obtaining that they came for In the mean time the affairs of Judea 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 Herod 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 Herod sent Nicholaus Damasâ—â—ne to Caesar And finding no end of his miseries he at length determined to send again to Rome Ambassadours to see if by the help of friends Caesar might be perswaded to think better of him and so committed that Embassage unto Nicholaus of Damasco and sent him to Rome L CHAP. XVI Herod more incensed than ever against his Sons Alexander and Aristobulus by several Aspersions causeth them to be imprisoned Augustus is made sensible of Syllaeus's wickedness condemns him to die confirms Aretas in the Kingdom of Arabia he is sorry for having had so ill an opinion of Herod adviseth him to call a great Assembly at Berite where his Sons after new complaints given in against them are to be judged M IN the mean time the dissention of Herod's house was much encreased Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. al. 17. by the augmentation of hatred against his Sons Alexander and Aristobulus and although at all other times his Court was never void of suspicion Eurycles a Lacedemonian insinuateth himself into Herod's familiarity 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 Eurcyles a Lacedemonian and a Noble man of his Countrey but having a turbulent wit given over to flattery and pleasure yet cunningly dissembling both vices coming unto Herod and giving him gifts and receiving greater gifts at his hands was by him courteously entertained and familiarly conversing with him brought it so to pass that he was esteemed amongst his especial friends This Eurycles N lodged at Antipater's house Eurycles insinuated himself into Alexander's friendship being also familiar with Alexander for their often meeting one another For he said that Archelaus King of Cappadocia and himself was great friends and therefore he counterfeited himself to reverence Glaphyra very much and all men judging him indifferent in all parties he diligently noted whatsoever past and every word that was spoken seeking by all means he could matter to gratifie others carrying of tales and with such flattering fair speeches he insinuated himself into every man's friendship that he seemed Alexander's only trusty friend and that all his endeavours with others were only for to be more serviceable to Alexander in his concerns And by this his deceit he so insinuated himself into Alexander's favour that the young Prince thought him to be his only friend unto whom he O might impart his secrets so that Alexander shewed him how much he was grieved for not being in his Father's favour and related his Mother's misfortune and that A 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 incited against them that now he would neither admit them unto his Councils nor Banquets And he committed his griefs as he then thought into his friends bosom Eurycles observing all Alexander's words and actions related them to Antipater and Herod But Eurycles told Antipater all affirming that thought it nothing concerned him yet he could not but speak of it for the greatness of the present danger desiring him to beware of Alexander who did not stick openly to shew what mind he bare but did as it were manifestly shew that he desired to make away his Father Which done he received of Antipater most rich gifts and pledges of his good will towards him at length he perswaded him to B relate his news himself unto Herod The King gave an attentive ear whilst he related Alexander's malice and was so moved with the
same Thereupon all of them began to applaud and honour Archelaus for their King The Souldiers flocked about him in Troops accompanied with their Captains promising him to serve him with no less good will and affection Alias cap. 12 than they had done his Father praying God to yield him his assistance At that time also the King's Hearse was prepared Herod's Corps is buried with great pomp solemnity in Herodion and Archelaus gave order that his Obsequies should be most royally performed and bestowed all the Furniture that was N requisite for that Funeral and Princely Interrment He was carried out in a Gilded Litter adorned with divers precious Stones the Cover thereof was of Azure colour The dead body was apparelled in a Purple Raiment having a Diadem upon his head over which there was a Crown of Gold and a Scepter put in his right hand About this Litter marched a great number of his Children and Kinsfolk and after them followed his Souldiers disposed in Bands and Troops according to the custom of every Nation The first of these were the Archers of his Guard after them went the Thracians The Germans and French served under Herod and lastly marched the Germans and Galatians all of them in their Warlike Dress and Discipline After them followed all the Army marching in order as when they were drawn up in Batalia each one under his Captain Next these followed five O hundred of his Houshold Servants bearing Perfumes And all these in his Equipage marched to the Castle of Herodion distant some eight Furlongs off For there he was A entombed according to the Tenour of his Testament Thus died Herod Archelaus continued his Mourning for seven days space in honour of his Father For the Law of the Countrey 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 banqueteth 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 Throne of Gold which was made on purpose 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 B his own behalf that he would certainly take care to requite their kindness with an entire affection He likewise told them that for the present he accepted not the Title of King because the honour was bequeathed him with this condition that Caesar should ratifie his Father's Testament For this cause although the Souldiers that were in Jericho were so kind to set the Diadem upon his head yet he would not accept of that uncertain honour because it was not resolved whether Caesar who was the principal Party in the Gift would grant him the Government or no. He protested likewise Archelaus promises that with Caesar's approbation he will carefully intend the desires and profits of the people that if his Affairs succeeded according to his desire he would not in honour forget their love or leave their good affection unrequited C 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 spake kindly and courteously unto them the more they applauded him and presented him with divers Petitions for Grants and Donations from him Some of them cried out unto him that he should take off some part of their yearly Taxes Others cryed to him to deliver those Prisoners that were committed by Herod 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 D which was to pay the half of the Bargain Whereunto Archelaus did not any ways contradict striving to the uttermost of his power to please the people for he knew very well that their good affection would be no small advantage towards 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 E Some Jews who demanded satisfaction for Judas and Matthias and others deaths whom Herod caused to be burned for having pulled down the Eagle off the Portal of the Temple make an Insurrection which obligeth Archelaus to cause three thousand of them to be put to death He goeth afterwards to Rome to be confirmed King by Augustus His Brother Antipas who pretends to have a right to the Crown repaireth thither also the Cause is pleaded before Augustus MEan while Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. al. 13. some amongst the Jews who were desirous of Revolutions in their F private Conventicles bewailed Matthias and his Confederates whom Herod had put to death and condemned The seditious people bewail Matthias and those that were executed with them for defacing the Golden Eagle because that after their decease they had neither been publickly honoured nor lamented by reason of the fear that the people had conceived of Herod For which cause at that time they required with lamentations and out-cries that their Obsequies might be solemnized and as if the dead bodies had received some satisfaction by their tears and exclamations they uttered many odious and disgraceful expressions against Herod and assembling themselves together they requested Archelaus to do them Justice against those that during Herod's life They would be revenged on Herod's friends and would depose the High Priest were in Authority and especially they demanded that the High Priest who was advanced by his Father should be deposed and that another more G lawful and upright might be placed in his stead to exercise the High Priest's Function Now though Archelaus was sore displeased at these violent proceedings yet notwithstanding he conformed himself to their humour in that he was with all expedition to repair unto Rome The year of the World 3964. after Christ's Nativity 2. to understand and attend Caesar's pleasure Therefore he called H for the General of his Army commanding him to perswade them not to seek 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 uncertainty of the time that it was more expedient for him to study for the maintenance of peace until such time as being established in the Kingdom by Caesar's consent he should return
Encounter betwixt them and Gratus the other in fighting against Ptolomey Athronges his Brethren taken The eldest was taken by Archelaus and the last being dis-heartened with the Accidents and seeing no means to escape for besides his other mishaps his Souldiers were afflicted with sickness he with the rest upon Archelaus's Faith and Oath submitted himself unto him But this was done some little while after At this time all Judaea was full of Robberies Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. and as many seditious Assemblies as drew together so many Kings were there elected who were raised to the utter ruine of D the Commonweal Amongst the rest the Romans were they that smarted least but the Murthers were executed against those that were out of the Countrey But Varus understanding by Sabinus's 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 Jewry 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 and five hundred Soldiers at their hands to attend him in his War Aretas also who was Lord of Petra drawing himself into Confederacy with the Romans in regard of that hatred he bare Herod sent him E Horse and Foot 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 against the Galileans who bordered uopn that City who entring that Countrey 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 was free from the Contagion of the Seditious but he pitched his Camp in a certain Village Arus burned by the Arabians which was Ptolomey's Possession called Arus The same did the Arabians burn revenging themselves on Herod's Friend for his sake and marching forward Sampho and Emmaus burned the Arabians spoiled also another Village called Sampho and for that it was F strongly fortified burned it Besides in that journey nothing escaped their hands but they put all to Fire and Sword For both Emmaus was burned by Varus's Command and in revenge of his Soldiers that were killed in that place it was left desolate and void of Inhabitants Varus repaireth to Jerusalem and delivereth the Legion that was besieged From thence drawing near to Jerusalem those Jews that besieged the Legion of 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 sharply reproved by Varus alledged 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 that they rather G seemed to be besieged by them And long before this Joseph King Herod's 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 for Sabinus he would not appear in Varus's presence by stealing away privily out of the City he fled towards H the Sea Then Varus sending a part of his Army thorough the whole Countrey sought out those 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 Of those that were punished for this occasion The Punishment of the Conspirators there were about two thousand crucified and that done seeing that this Army stood him in little stead he dismissed them For divers disorders and injuries contrary to Varus's express Command were acted by his Souldiers who sought after nothing more than to encrease 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's advice submitted themselves But Varus having pardoned the people for I their Rebellion sent all those that were the Ring-leaders thereof to Caesar who pardoned divers of them Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. al. 17. But he chastised certain of Herod's Allies and such as bare Arms with them for that neither in regard of Kindred nor respect of Justice they had abstained from Insurrection After that Varus had thus appeased all the troubles in Jewry and left the first Legion in Garrison in Jerusalem he returned to Antioch But Archelaus was crossed in Rome by another Occurrent that arose upon this occasion The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. Certain Ambassadours of the Jews resorted thither by Varus's permission requiring that it might be lawful for them to live according to their own Laws these presented themselves to the number of fifty and were back'd by eight thousand Jews K that inhabited the City The Embassage of the Jews to Rome And when Caesar had assembled the Council of his Friends and chief Citizens in Apollo's Temple which he had builded to his mighty charge thither resorted the Ambassadours Archelaus the Ambassadours of the Jews appear before Caesar 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 bare him and yet disdained to assist the Ambassadours for that they were ashamed in Caesar's presence to oppose themselves against their nearest Friend and Kinsman Philip Herod ' s Son Philip also was present at that time who by Varus's perswasion resorted thither out of Syria especially 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 L that the Kingdom being divided amongst Herod's Children he might also light on some part thereof Therefore after the Ambassadours of the Jews had obtained Licence to propose their demands pretending with themselves wholly to exstinguish the Royalty The Ambassadours of the Jews rip up Herod's and Archelaus's iniquity They began to rip up Herod's disgraces alledging how only in name he had been a King whereas otherwise he had used all the Tyrannous practices that the wickedest person could have invented towards 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 to reckon up how many he had deprived of life when the
cause which followeth Hircanus the High Priest the first of that name 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 to put them on and return them into their place at such time as he came down into the City and put on his accustomed Raiment His Successors did the same till Herod being exalted to the Kingdom and seeing this Tower to be strongly situated builded the same most magnificently and called it Antonia in honour of Antony his great friend And having found these Vestments in the place he retained them with him assuring himself the people would attempt nothing against him Archelaus his Son and Successor B in the Kingdom kept the same course that Herod had done But after that the Romans had obtained the Sovereignty thereof they kept the High Priest's Ornaments in their hands and reserved them in a place builded for that purpose under the Seal of the Priests and the Governour of those that kept the Sacred Treasure lighted the Lamp every day in that place Every seventh day before the Feast the Governour delivered them into the High Priest's hands and after they were purified he put them on to do Divine Service and the next day after the Feast he returned them again to the same place where they were kept before which custom was observed thrice every year in the time of a Fast Vitellius advanced Jonathan the Son of Ananus to the Priesthood and degradeth Joseph sirnamed Caiaphas But Vitellius returned those Ornaments into the hands of the Priests according to the ancient Orders leaving them to be used when need required commanding the C Governour 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 deposed the High Priest Joseph sirnamed 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 lest seizing on Armenia he should work farther mischief against the State of Rome desiring him to assure the League by Hostages and namely with Artabanus's Son After Tiberius had written these Letters above mentioned unto Vitellius he perswaded the Kings of Iberia and Alania by great store of D money that with all expedition they should make War against Artabanus But the Iberians would not be drawn thereunto yet they suffered the Alanes to march thorough their Countrey and opened them their Gates of the Mount Caspius to give them passage to invade Artabanus The Parthians lose Armenia Thus once more was Armenia conquered and the Countrey of the Parthians was invaded whereby the chiefest among them were killed The King's Son also was killed in those Conflicts with divers Thousands of his Army Such things as hapned between Vitellius and Artabanus Moreover Vitellius having sent money to a 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 because it was attempted by a great number of the best accounted Nobles within his E Court ceased to pass any further And seeing himself most apparently environed and thinking that under the colour of Friendship he was fraudulently betrayed he thought it better to retire himself into the Provinces of the higher Countrey and there to save himself Artabanus rostored to his Kingdom by the Danes and Swedes rather than to put himself in hazard and resort unto them who had already betrayed and forsaken him Arriving in that place he assembled a a great number of Soldiers of the Countreys of Danes and Swedes and having fought against them who had opposed themselves against him he recovered his Kingdom A League betwixt Vitellius and Artabanus When Tiberius had tidings hereof he endeavoured 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 F Bridge that was builded upon the River Herod's Banquet in the midst of Euphrates they debated the matter together being each of them attended by their Guards After that they had concluded the Peace Herod the Tetrarch feasted them in a very magnificent Pavilion erected in the midst of the River Artabanus sendeth Tiberius his Son in Hostage and a Jew seven cubits high with great cost And not long after Vitellius sent Darius Artabanus's Son in Hostage to Rome with divers Presents amongst which there was a man seven Cubits high a Jew born who was named Eleazar who was called a Giant by reason of his stature That done Vitellius returned to Antioch and Artabanus to Babylon But Herod desirous to be the first that should advertise Caesar of the receipt of these Hostages Herod advertiseth the Emperour of all things before Vitellius's Letters came to his hands sent an express with Letters by which he fully satisfied him of all that which had hapned omitting nothing for the Consul to acquaint him so that after Vitellius's Letters G were brought unto him and that Caesar had already assured him of the true information that Herod had given him Vitellius was much troubled and suspecting lest he had received a greater injury than the matter made shew for he conceived in his heart a secret spight which continued until Tiberius was dead and Caius obtained the H Empire At that time also Philip Herod's Brother died in the twentieth year of Tiberius's 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 for he made his 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 fit and do justice to the end that if any one presented himself and required his assistance he might without delay do him right Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. alias chap. 13. For upon the first motion the seat was placed in that part wherein the Plaintiff met him and being seated therein he examined the cause punishing those that I were guilty and absolving the innocent He died in Juliade and was buried in the Sepulchre which he himself had caused to be built The year of the World 4000. after Christ's Nativity 38. and his Obsequies were performed with great Solemnity and Majesty And for that he left no Heirs Males behind him Tiberius seized on his Estate which he united to the Government of Syria ordaining that the Tributes that were gained
in his Tetrarchy should be kept within the bounds of the same Countrey CHAP. VII K A War between Aretas King of Petra and Herod the Tetrarch who having married his Daughter would repudiate her to marry Herodias Aristobulus's Daughter and his Brother Herod's Wife Herod's Army is totally routed and the Jews impute it to John the Baptist's Imprisonment Herod the Great 's Posterity MEan while Aretas King of Arabia Petraea and Herod fell at strife the one with the other Herod the Tetrarch putteth away Aretas Daughter and marrieth Herodias his Brother Herod's Wife for this cause that ensueth Herod the Tetrarch married Aretas's Daughter with whom he had lived married a very long time Afterwards taking his journey towards Rome he lodged with Herod his half Brother by the L Father's side for Herod was the Son of Simon 's 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 propose Marriage to her which was to be performed as soon as he returned back from Rome and to repudiate Aretas's Daughter After he had ratified those Covenants he continued his Voyage to Rome from whence he no sooner returned and performed that for which he went but 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 Herod's Wife returned into her own Countrey which was the Frontier Town M betwixt Herod's and Aretas's Countreys without acquainting him any ways with her intent Herod condescended unto her request thinking she was ignorant of his drift But she long before that time had taken order with the Governour of Macheron 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 Governours who received and conducted her the one after the other As soon as she arrived in her Father's Court she presently acquainted him with Herod's resolution whence arose the beginning of this discord between them Therefore they both of them assembled their Armies upon the Confines of the Countrey of Gamalite and fought under the Conduct of the two Generals to whom they had committed N their Armies Herod's Army discomfited by the Arabians In this Battel Herod's Army was wholly defeated through the Treason that was plotted against him by certain banished men of Philip's Tetrarchy which were in pay with Herod Tiberius got notice of all this by those Letters which Herod had written unto him Tiberius commandeth Vitellius to make War against Aretas and being very much displeased with Aretas for his proud attempt he commanded Vitellius to make War against him desiring him that if he could take him alive he should send him bound unto him but if dead he should send him his head Divers Jews were of the opinion that Herod's Army was overthrown by the just vengeance of God who punished him most justly because of the Execution which he caused to be done on John sirnamed Baptist Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. alias cap. 14. For he had put this man to death who O was endued with all Virtue and who exhorted the Jews to addict themselves thereto and to practice Justice towards men and Piety towards God exhorting them to be A baptized 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 add the cleanness of their Souls re-purified by Justice And whereas it came to pass that divers flocked and followed him to hear his Doctrine Herod feared lest his Subjects allured by his Doctrine and Perswasions 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 than to expect some suddain Commotion John Baptist slain by Herod which he might afterwards repent Upon this suspicion Herod caused him to be bound and sent to the Castle of Macheron whereof we have spoken heretofore and there he was put to death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. The Jews were of opinion that in revenge of B this so grievous a sin Herod's Army against whom God was displeased had been subject to their utter ruine and overthrow Vitellius leadeth his Army against the King of Arabia But Vitellius being resolved to make War against Aretas gathered together two Legions and 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 The year of the World 4001. after Christ's Nativity 39. they went out to meet him beseeching him that he would not pass thorough that Countrey because it was a custom amongst them not to see any Images born such as he had of divers colours in his Army Vitellius repaireth to Jerusalem and displaceth Jonathan and preferreth his Brother Whereunto he condescended and having changed his purpose he caused his Army to march thorough the great Plain As for himself he came to Jerusalem C accompanied with Herod the Tetrarch and his Friends to offer Sacrifice to God upon the next Festival day where he was most magnificently received by all the people of the Jews He stayed for the space of three days during which time deposed Jonathan from the High Priesthood and gave it to Theophilus his Brother The fourth day Letters came to him Caius Caligula succeedeth after Tiberius that advertised him of Tiberius's death for which cause he commanded the Oath of Fidelity should be ministred to the people in the new Emperour Caius's behalf He called back his Army also and sent them to their Winter Quarters because it was not lawful for him to prosecute the War by reason the Empire was fallen unto Caius It is said Aretas gathereth by Auguries that it was impossible for the Army to come to Petra that Aretas hearing news of Vitellius's Expedition or Voyage and after he D had taken counsel of the Augurs said that the Army should not advance as far as Petra because he that had the command of the Expedition or he that obeyed his Ordinance in conducting the same or he against whom the Army was conducted should die Vitellius therefore retired to Antioch A year before the death of Tiberius Agrippa Aristobulus's Son came to Rome to treat with the Emperour about certain Affairs But before I speak any thing hereof I will relate Herod's Progeny both for that it is pertinent to this present Narration and also that the greatness of God's Providence may
received the Romans into the City and delivered to them the King's Palace Pompey sent a Captain called Piso with Soldiers to seize the same who leaving a Garrison in the Town seeing he could perswade none of them that were in the Temple to peace prepared all things necessary to batter it Aristobulus his friends fly to the Temple All which time Hircanus and his friends shewed themselves ready to help them to their power and to do whatsoever they were commanded Pompey at the North side filled the Ditch and Valley with earth which I his Soldiers carried though by reason of the great depth and for that the Jews made resistance it was a hard thing to be done and it had been left undone had not Pompey observing the seventh day wherein the Jews Religion obliged them to abstain from all labour caused it to be filled up those days forbidding the Soldiers to fight at that time to the intent he might fill the Ditch more conveniently for it was lawful for the Jews only to do what was necessary to sustain and defend their lives upon the Sabbath At last when the Ditch was filled and the Towers were built upon the Rampire he batter'd the Walls with those Engines that he brought from Tyre but they were beaten back by those who resisted from the top of the Walls who rouled stones at them Against the violent power whereof the Towers that were built in K that Quarter being of a great and goodly building resisted extreamly well But the Romans found hard work in this place and Pompey admired the valour of the Jews that being amongst the thickest of their enemies Darts they omitted no Ceremony of their Religion but as though they had had firm Peace they every day observed their Ceremonies offered Sacrifices and most diligently performed the Divine Service yea though every day they were killed at the Altar they ceased not from the Lawful Rites of their Religion At last in the third Month of the Siege during which scarcely one Tower was beaten down they brake into the Temple and the first that attempted to climb over the Wall was Cornelius Faustus Sylla's Son and after him two Centurions Furius and Fabius with their Regiments who compassing the Temple L about while some sought to hide themselves and others 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 ow'd to their Religion even before their own safety Many also were slain by their own Countrey-men that favoured the adverse part and many cast themselves down headlong upon the Rocks others in their fury having desperately fired all things upon the Walls burnt themselves for company So that twelve thousand Jews were slain Twelve thousand Jews slain in the Temple but very few Romans though many hurt And amongst all that Massacre there was nothing so grievous to the Jews as that the Holy M Sanctuary which never any one saw before that time was revealed to strangers For Pompey Pompey and his followers enter the Sanctuary with his followers came into the Temple where it is lawful for none but the High Priest to come and saw the Candlesticks Lamps Table Censers and all the Golden Vessels and whatsoever was within the Temple Moreover he beheld the great quantity of Odoriferous Drugs Pompey's Continency which were kept in store in that place and two 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 the usual Sacrifice He likewise confirmed Hircanus High Priest who had in all things shewed himself very forward Hircanus made High Priest and especially at the time of the Siege and also hindred a multitude of people N from joyning themselves with Aristobulus and thus like a good Captain he got the good will of the people more by love than by fear Amongst others that were Captives there was Aristobulus's Father-in-law who was also his Uncle Pompey causeth the chiefest Conspirators to be beheaded 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 had 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 Coelosyria and appointed them to be governed by him who then was President for the Romans Pompey delivereth many goodly Cities from the subjection of the Jews making them keep within the bounds of their own Countrey And in favour of Demetrius of Gadara a freed-man of his he re-edified Gadara which the Jews had destroyed He O delivered the Mediterranean Cities from their Government for they had not as yet destroyed them because they were suddenly prevented namely Hippion Scythopolis A Pella The year of the World 3903. before Christ's Nativity 59. Samaria Marissa Azotus Jamnia and Arethusa The Towns also upon the Sea-coasts Gaza Joppa and Dora which was called Straton's Tower and afterward by Herod built sumptuously and called Caesarea All these Cities he restored to the Inhabitants and joyn'd them to Syria Of which and of Judaea and of all places from the Borders of Egypt to Euphrates he made Scaurus Governour leaving him two Legions of Soldiers Aristobulus and his Family carried to Rome Which done he took his journey to Rome by Cilicia leading Aristobulus and his Family Captives with his two Daughters and two Sons the elder whereof called Alexander escaped in the way the younger whose name was Antigonus was with his Father and Sisters carried to Rome B CHAP. VI. Of the War of Alexander with Hircanus and also of Aristobulus SCaurus advanced with his Army into Arabia Ant. lib. 14. cap. 9. but being by the difficulty of the place hindred The Arabian is reconciled to Scaurus that he could not come to Petra he wasted all the Countrey adjoyning to Pella although whilst he stayed to do this he endured much evil for there arose a great Famine in his Army notwithstanding that Hircanus by Antipater's C means Ant. lib. 14. cap. 10. sent them Victuals Scaurus also sent the same Antipater as his familiar Friend to Aretas to perswade him that by disbursing some money he should work his Peace To which motion Aretas condescended and gave him three hundred Talents and so Scaurus with his Army departed out of Arabia In the mean time Alexander the Son of Aristobulus who Alexander Aristobulus's Son gathers a great power against Hircanus in the way to Rome escaped from Pompey gathered together a great Army and straitly beset Hircanus wasting all
account that terrour wherein he had put his enemies C and his own indignation a sufficient revenge and that he would spare the King by whose favour he came to be so potent adding moreover that he ought not to take it ill that he was called to answer his accusations since he was acquitted of them and consequently ought to shew himself grateful to the King who had saved his life Moreover that Prudence obliged him to consider the fortune of war together with the cause thereof that the justice of Hircanus side might do more for him than a whole Army and that he ought not to hope for victory being to fight against his own King who had always been gracious unto him and never had thought of doing him hurt but only being as it were urged thereunto by some of his Council who through meer envy and to satisfie their own passions had framed a shadow of an D accusation against him Herod was satisfied herewith and suppos'd it to be sufficient in order to his great designs to have shewed his forces and his power unto his Nation At this time began Civil war among the Romans near Apamia Bassus murthereth Sextus Caesar by treason in which Caecilius Bassus for the love he bare to Sextus Pompey slew Sextus Caesar at unawares and made himself Governour 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 the sake of Caesar that was slain and of him that was yet alive for he was an entire friend and well-willer unto them both and these wars continuing long Marcus came out of Italy to succeed Sextus E CHAP. IX Caesar's death Cassius comes into Syria Herod ingratiates with him Malichus poysons Antipater who had sav'd his life For which Herod causes him to be slain AT this time arose great and bloody Civil Wars amongst the Romans after Caesar was slain by the treason of Cassius and Brutus Marcus Sextus Successor having ruled the Empire F three years and seven months Ant. l. 14. c. 2. By reason of which murther their troubles daily increased Julius Caesar slain by Brutus and Cassius and the Nobility being at variance amongst themselves every one followed that couse that they thought most expedient for themselves Whereupon Cassius presently marched into Syria Cassius levieth money in the cities to take possession of the Government of the Army which was about Apamia where he made Marcus and Bassus friends took the conduct of the Legions which they commanded and rais'd the siege from Apamia and leading the Army in his own person Herod Cassius friend he forced every City to be tributary and exacted without measure He commanded the Jews to contribute seven hundred Talents Cassius severe in his exactions Antipater fearing his displeasure appointed his Sons and others of his friends presently to gather the money and especially amongst the G rest he gave this charge to one Malichus a friend of his But Herod first of all got Cassius his favour having brought him an hunndred Talents which he had collected out of Galilee which was his part or Province As for the rest he accused them of negligence and was angry at the other Cities So that having pillaged Gophna and H Ammauntes The year of the world 3922. before Christ's Nativity 40. and other two small Cities he march'd onwards with intent to kill Malichus for that he had been so careless and negligent in gathering the tribute-money But Antipater presently disbursing unto Cassius an hundred Talents saved both him and all the rest of the Cities Malichus forgetful of Antipater's kindness Yet Malichus after Cassius was departed did no more remember how beneficial Antipater had been unto him but oftentimes treacherously laid wait to murther him because he hindered and withstood his villanous pretensions notwithstanding that himself had often confessed that Antipater had saved his life Antipater Antipater gathereth an Army against Malichus fearing both his power and subtilty passed over the River Jordan to gather an Army that he might prevent those treacheries But Malichus being discovered saw nothing left for him to do but to dissemble and accordingly by many I oaths and excuses he won Phasaelus chief of the Garrison in Jerusalem and Herod who was master of the Army that they should be a means to reconcile him unto Antipater Whereupon Antipater intreating Marcus who was General of the Army in Syria and had determined to kill him he was saved The reason that Marus would have put him to death was because Malichus was of a turbulent and factious spirit The young Caesar Octavius Augustus succeedeth after Caesar surnamed afterwards Augustus and Antonius warring against Cassius and Brutus Brutus and Cassius gathered an Army in Syria and in consideration of the great capacity of Herod they made him Procurator of all Syria giving him a band of horse and foot Cassius promiseth Herod after the War to make him King of Judaea Moreover Cassius promised him that if the war had an K happy end he would make him King of Judea But it so came to pass that the merit of Herod which raisd this hope so high was the cause of Antipater his Fathers death For Malichus being hereby put in fear hired one of the Kings officers for a certain sum of money to poyson Antipater by which means he died being thus unjustly rewarded for his good will toward wretched Malichus Antipater poysoned by Malichus He was a worthy man and fit to govern and recovered the Kingdom being lost for Hircanus Malichus perceiving the people incensed against him because they suspected that he had poysoned Antipater pacified and moderated their displeasure by denying the fact yet for his better security he gathered about him a Guard of armed men for he thought that Herod would not let the matter slip so Herod intendeth to revenge his Father's death but would presently come with an Army to L revenge his fathers death But by the counsel of his brother Phasaelus who sent him word not openly to encounter Malichus lest a sedition might arise among the people he patiently permitted it so to be and suffered Malichus to justifie himself and celebrated a solemn funeral for his Father which done he went to Samaria and appeased the sedition wherewith that City was disquieted After this he returned to Jerusalem intending to celebrate the Festival and having sent certain of his armed men before him he appointed the rest to accompany him But Malichus who feared this approach of his sollicited Hircanus to give order that no strangers should intermingle themselves among the people Malichus joyneth with Hircanus to disturb their devotion But Herod contemning this Prohibition entered the City by night whereupon Malichus once more came to him M and wept for Antipater Herod although he could very hardly
Where first of all in regard of the familiarity between his Father and him he went to Antonius declaring unto him both his own calamity and the miserable desolation of the whole Countrey and how leaving his dearest friends besieged in a Castle himself through the stormy Winter Seas was come to him to implore his assistance Antonius compassionating his calamity and remembring his familiarity with Antipater and esteeming the merit of Herod which stood before him determined to make him King of the Jews whom before he himself had made Tetrarch For he loved not Herod so well but he hated Antigonus as much holding him both a seditious person Ant. lib. 14. cap. 13. and an enemy to the Romans Now to the accomplishment M of this Herod findeth both Caesar and Antonius favourable unto him he found Caesar far more ready than himself when he called to mind the service that Antipater did in Egypt under his Father and his entertainment and friendship in all things And besides all these he was much satisfied with Herod's courage and ability Wherefore he caused the Senate to be assembled wherein Messala and himself Herod praised before the Senate in the presence of Herod recounted his Father's deserts and fidelity towards the Romans declaring Antigonus to be an enemy not only because he had formerly revolted but for that now lately in despight of the Romans he had by the assistance of the Parthians Herod made King by the Roman Senate usurped the Kingdom With which considerations the Senate being moved and Antonius affirming it to be expedient for the Roman Wars a-against the Parthians that Herod should be created King the whole Senate consented N and when it was dismissed Antonius and Caesar came forth with Herod between them and the Consuls marched before him accompanied with other Magistrates to offer Sacrifice and to Register the Decree of the Senate in the Capitol After which Antonius feasted Herod the first day of his Reign A CHAP. XII Of Herod's War for the recovering of Jerusalem after his return from Rome and how he warred against the Thieves AT this time Antigonus besieged those that were left in the Castle of Massada Ant. lib. 14. cap. 23. who had great store of Victuals Antigonus getteth Massada and wanted nothing but Water Joseph Herod's Brother who defended it purposed to go to the Arabians with two hundred of his dearest friends for that he had intelligence that Malichus repented that he had given B Herod no better entertainment And accordingly he had forsaken the Castle had not great store of rain fallen that very night wherein he intended to flee but the Wells and Cisterns being now filled with Water The Wars between Antigonus's Soldiers and Joseph Herod's Brother there was no cause to flee so that issuing out of the Castle he assaulted Antigonus's Soldiers and killed very many of them sometimes in open fight and sometimes by pollicy Yet he fought not always with fortunate success but returned sometimes with loss In the mean time Ventidius who was General of the Roman Army which was sent to expel the Parthians out of Syria after he had repulsed them Ventidius the Roman General taketh money from Antigonus came into Judaea under pretence to succour Joseph and the rest that were besieged out in effect to get money from Antigonus When therefore he drew near Jerusalem and had received the money he looked for he departed with C the greatest part of his Army Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. leaving Silo behind him with a few to colour his pretence And Antigonus hoping for a second Supply from the Parthians corrupted Silo not to molest him for the present Herod against Antigonus By this time Herod having sailed from Italy to Ptolemais and gathered a great Army of strangers and his own Countreymen together came into Galilee against Antigonus being assisted with the Forces of Ventidius and Silo whom Gellius who was sent from Antonius perswaded to establish Herod in his Kingdom Herod intendeth after he hath taken Massada and Joppa to besiege Jerusalem But Ventidius was busie in appeasing the Broils that the Parthians had made in the Cities and Silo was corrupted by Antigonus Yet did not Herod want aid for every day the further he marched into the Countrey the more his Army encreased all Galilee very little excepted yielding unto him Whereupon he D purposed first of all to go to Massada to deliver his friends that were there besieged but Joppa hindred his purpose which being an enemy Town he thought best to take it before he went any further lest whilst he was going to Jerusalem his enemies should have a place behind him to flee to Now Silo joyned Armies with Herod rejoycing that he had found occasion to retire but he was pursued by the Jews of Antigonus's Party who Herod with a loose Wing of his Army and a small Company of men encountred and presently put to flight and saved Silo who had much ado to make resistance against them This done and Joppa taken he hasted to Massada and the people of the Countrey some for his Father's sake others for his own and many for both joyned themselves to him Many also came to him for hope because he was E now King so that now he had a very puissant Army But Antigonus hindred his journey by planting certain Ambushes in places convenient where Herod was to pass though by all this they little harmed him Herod having raised the Siege of Massada Herod begirteth Jerusalem with a Siege and proclaimeth the cause of his coming and rescued his friends from thence went to Jerusalem where both Silo's Soldiers and many of the City came and joyned with him Being now terrified with the greatness of his Forces there pitching their Tents at the west side of the Town they that guarded that part assaulted them with Darts and Arrows and others issuing by Troops forth of the City assaulted the Front of the Army Whereupon Herod caused one to go about the Walls of the City and to proclaim how that he was come for the good of the whole City and that he would F not take revenge of any though his open enemy but would pardon even them that had been most seditious But when Antigonus his followers with loud exclamations hindred the Crier's voice from being heard lest any man should alter his mind Herod presently commanded his men to beat the enemies off from the Wall upon which order they shot such a flight of Arrows and Darts from the top of the Towers that they forced them to retire At this time Silo was detected to have been corrupted with money Silo's subtilty being corrupted by the Jews for he solicited many Soldiers to cry out that they wanted Provisions and to ask money and Victuals and to crave to be dismissed and sent into some fit place of Quarter during the Winter because Antigonus had laid
defeat Machaera Herod on the other side went about the enemies Countrey and took five Towns and destroyed two thousand of the Inhabitants and firing the houses returned to his Army near a Village called Cana. Every day there came flocking to him a very great number of Jews both from Jericho and other parts of the Countrey some out of hatred to Antigonus and others out of love of change and an esteem of Herod Whilst thus he hasted to fight Pappus with his men neither fearing the multitude nor strength of their enemies came fiercely upon them and offered Battel Which being begun those that were not engaged against Herod resisted a while but Herod remembring his Brother's death ventured more than the rest to the end to be revenged upon them that were the Authors thereof M and so he easily overcame the enemies and still assaulting the fresh men put them all to flight There was a mighty slaughter for many being forced to flee into the Village from whence they came he pursued them and slew an infinite number though all the houses and house-tops were full of armed men to defend it After he had slain 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 ruines of the houses wherein they were and if any one chanced to escape the Soldiers without killed them So that the heaps of dead bodies were so great The number of the Carcases hinder the Soldiers passage that they who had the Victory could not pass thorough the streets for them Those of the Countrey were so dismayed with this overthrow that the whole multitude of them fled away and Herod by the benefit of N his good fortune had even then come to Jerusalem had not a great storm hindred him which was the only cause that at that time he got not a full Conquest and Antigonus was not utterly overthrown who through fear and desperation was preparing to leave the City But Herod towards night having given his friends leave to depart to refresh themselves being himself heated with his Armour after the manner of Soldiers entred into a Bath accompanied only with one Page And as he was there three of his enemies that had escaped out of the Battel and came to the Bath to hide themselves seeing the King there were so terrified with the King's Presence although at that time he was naked and weaponless that they thought of nothing but flight and being no body was present there to surprize them they escaped and Herod was very O well contented that he had no harm by them Herod beheadeth Pappus Antigonus 's Captain The next day he beheaded Pappus who was the General of Antigonus his Army and sent his head to his Brother Pheroras to comfort him for their common loss for Pappus was he that slew Joseph A The Winter being past The year of the World 3928. before Christ's Nativity 34. 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 formerly Pompey had entred it It was now the third year after Herod had been declared King at Rome Now when he had quartered his Army as he thought best for his purpose Aâ—t lib. 14. cap. 12. and divided the Suburbs he caused three Rampiers to be raised for Towers to be built upon them and leaving there his trusty friends that would not slack their business Jerusalem besieged he went to Samaria to visit Mariamne the Daughter of Alexander who was Son to Aristobulus formerly as we before made mention espoused to him And he wedded her even in the time of the Siege to shew how he contemned his enemies After his Marriage-rites were performed he returned to Jerusalem with a far greater B Army Sosius also seconded him with a great Army of Foot and Horse whom he sent before him through the midst of the Countrey and he himself came after by Phoenicia Now when all his whole Army was joyned together The year of the world 3929. before Christ's Nativity 33. to the number of about eleven Legions of Foot and six thousand Horse besides the Syrians that came to help him which were no small number he laid his Assault and Battery to the Northermost Wall He grounded his Right upon the Decree of the Senate whereby he was declared to be King The Jews valiantly defend themselves Sosius also was warranted by Antonius's Letters whereby he commanded him to help Herod with all the Forces under his Command Mean-while the Jews that were within the City were diversly troubled for the weaker sort gathering themselves together about the Temple deplored their unhappiness and envied C the felicity of those that died before they were reduced to these miseries But those who were hardiest among them joyning themselves together robbed and took away what they could especially Victuals from those places that were 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 hindred the Adversaries from erecting their Batteries by some new device Neither did they any ways prevail so much as by their Mines The King sought to repress the Excursions of the Plunderers by placing an Ambush of men to intercept them and relieved the want and scarcity of Victuals by fetching Provision from places far distant But notwithstanding they in fight failed not to express incredible valour yet did the military experience of the D Romans surpass them A wall no sooner began to totter but they wrought with so great diligence to make another that this was finished before that was fallen In a word they neither spared hands nor Engines but were all of them determined to fight it out to the last And although they were besieged by two so potent Armies yet they defended the Town five months Herod's Soldiers after five months Siege enter the City But at last certain of Herod's bravest men by a breach entered the City and the Romans the like on another side Those places nearest the Temple were the first that they seized upon afterwards the whole Army entring the City it was lamentable to see how in every corner the people were massacred Slaughter in Jerusalem for the Romans being displeased that the Siege continued so long time became more cruel and Herod's Army endeavoured to let none of the adverse part escape E So that many were slain both in the streets and in their own houses yea even then also when they fled into the Temple without respect of Age or Sex For although the King commanded the Soldiers to spare the people yet for all that they never restrained their cruel hands but like mad men raged against all men women and children Sosius taketh Antigonus Antigonus not considering his former condition came and
was said he mocked So that in every thing he found his Father's affection turned from him and 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 afford him safety to whom he might easily flee And after he would go to Caesar who as yet knew not Herod's manners and he would not stand before him then as he did L before 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 to the death And then he would lay open on what pleasures 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 there he would bewail the death of his Unkle and his Mother and unfold all Herod's wickedness which being once made manifest to the World no man would account him a Murtherer of his Father Eurycles having falsly reported this of Alexander to Herod fell presently to praise and extol Antipater affirming that he only loved his Father and hindred such practices M The King Another false Accusation of Alexander and his Brother moves Herod to indignation yet not throughly appeased for that which was past grew into exceeding fury and Antipater again suborned other false Witnesses against him who affirmed that they were wont to have secret talk with Jucundus and Tyrannus who sometimes were Officers of the King's Cavalry and now displaced for some offence they had committed Whereupon Herod being very angry presently tortured them and they affirmed Diophantus the King's Notary writeth feigned Letters in Alexander's name that they were ignorant of all that which was laid to their charge But there was found and brought to the King a Letter pretended to be written by Alexander to the Governour of the Castle of Alexandrium 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 Arms and other Necessaries Alexander affirmed N that this Letter was counterfeited by Diophantus the King's Secretary who was both malicious and could counterfeit any one's hand and who afterwards having counterfeited many was at last for the same put to death Herod caused the Governour 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 termed Eurycles who was the Incendiary 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 O From thence he went into Achaia and spent that which he had evilly got in as bad manner as he had got it Lastly he was accused to Caesar that he had caused dissension A in all Achaia and spoiled the Cities for which cause he was banished And this was the punishment that was inflicted upon him for his treachery to Alexander and Aristobulus It is not amiss here in this place to compare Avaratus of Cous unto this Eurycles who being a dear friend to Alexander Cous Evaratus and arriving about the same time that Eurycles did being put to his Oath sware that he heard the young men say nothing though indeed his Oath nothing prevailed nor profited them for Herod would only hear and give ear to Accusations and he highly esteemed them that would believe them with him and shew themselves moved thereat Moreover Ant. lib. 16. cap. 12. Salome encreased his rage against his Sons for Aristobulus minding to B engage her to assist him being his Mother-in-law and his Aunt sent to her to look to her self as though the King was minded to put her to death because it was reported to him that she purposed to marry with the King's enemy Syllaeus the Arabian to whom she privily revealed the King's Secrets This was the utter ruine of the young men Herod by Salome's counsel imprisoneth his Sons wherewith they were overthrown as it were with a violent Tempest For presently Salome went to the King and told him of what Aristobulus had admonished her And he becoming outrageous caused both his Sons to be bound and imprisoned in several places Then he he sent Volumnius General of his Army and Olympus one of his familiar Friends The year of the World 3961. before Christ's Nativity 1. to Caesar to carry the Informations against his Sons in writing who sailing to Rome after their arrival delivered the King's Letters And Caesar was very sorry C for the young men yet he permitted the Father to do what he would to his Children and so writ to him that he should have license to do what he thought good Yet he signified to him that he should do better to call his Nobles together and let them make enquiry concerning the Treasons and then if he found them guilty of those things whereof they were accused to put them to death Hereupon Herod Ant. lib. 16. cap. 13. according to Caesar's direction went to to Berytum and there gathered an Assembly to sit in Judgment Herod gathereth a Council against Alexander and Aristobulus the chief in that Judgment were the Governnours that Caesar in his Letters appointed Saturninus and Pedanius presided and with them Volumnius Intendant of the Province next the King's Kindred and Salome and Pheâ—oras and then the Nobility of Syria Archelaus only excepted who D because he was Father-in-law to his Son Herod suspected him to be partial But he suffered not his Sons to come into Judgment 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 Alexander would easily have acquitted them both For which cause they were kept in Platan Herod accuseth his Sons in open Judgment a Village of Sidonia The King beginning his Oration was as vehement as though they had been present against whom he spake But he was half afraid to object any Treason against them because he had no proof thereof and therefore he aggravated their opprobrious words injuries and offences which they had committed against him which he affirmed to be more unsufferable than death E At last when no man contradicted him he began to complain of their silence Herod's sentence against his Sons which seemed to condemn him and thereupon requested every one to give their verdict And first of all Saturninus condemned his Sons but not to die saying that he had three Sons present and he
fought with them and killed one Arius a Centurion and forty of the most valiant amongst them upon the place the rest being in like danger through the help of Gratus with the Soldiers of Sebaste escaped The End and 〈◊〉 of the War After they had done many things in this manner against their own Countrey-men O as well as strangers at last three of them were taken the eldest by Archelaus and the two other who were eldest after him fell into the hands of Gratus and A Ptolomey and the fourth yielded himself to Archelaus upon Composition Such was the success of the bold Enterprize of these five men But at that time a War of Thieves filled all Judaea with Troubles and Robberies CHAP. â— Varus Governour of Syria for the Romans represses the Insurrections in Judea WHen Varus had Ant. lib. 17. cap. 16. by the Letters of Sabinus understood the danger wherein the B whole Legion was Varus assisteth the Romans against the Jews being besieged in Jerusalem he hasted to succour them But first he went to Ptolemais with two other Legions and four Cornets of Horse where he had appointed the King's Forces and the other Auxiliary Troops to meet him As he passed by Beritus the Inhabitants gave him fifteen hundred men Also Aretas the King of Arabia for the hatred he bare to Herod sent him a great number both of Horse and Foot As soon as the Host was assembled Varus incontinently directed part of his Army into Galilee adjoyning to Ptolemais and appointed a friend of his the Son of Caius their Governour who presently put all to flight against whom he was sent and having taken the Castle of Sephoris he fired it and made all the Inhabitants thereof Slaves Varus taketh divers Cities and Castles of Judaea Varus with the rest of the Army went to Samaria and C took it yet he did the City no harm because he found that amidst all these Tumults they had been quiet When he had pitched his Tents at a Village called Arus which belonged to Ptolomey the Arabians sacked it for they hated those that loved Herod From thence they went to Sampho another strong Burrough which they in like manner sacked and destroyed without sparing any thing All was filled with the slaughter and fires which the Arabians made Emmaus burnt there was no end nor hindrance of their Avarice Also Varus commanded Emmaus to be burnt being angry for the death of Arius and the rest that were slain there and the Inhabitants thereof abandoned it every one by flight seeking to save himself Varus cometh to Jerusalem with his Army and with his only Presence dismayeth the Jews From thence he went to Jerusalem and at his approach the Jews that besieged the Roman Legion fled and scattered themselves D some here some there all about the Countrey They that remained in the City excused themselves that they were not consenting to the Tumult but that for the Celebration of the Feast they permitted those Seditious to come into the City affirming that they had rather have been besieged together with the Romans than have joyned with those of the Sedition and so they laid the cause of that Tumult upon others But first Josephus The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. Archelaus's Cousin with Gratus and Rufus went to meet him leading the King's Army and the Sibastians and the Roman Soldiers adorned in their accustomed Apparel Sabinus durst not be seen by Varus and therefore got him out of the Town before and went to the Sea-coast Varus divided his Army and sent some Parties into the Countrey Varus crucified two thousand of the Seditious to seek the Authors of the Tumult And those that E were brought to him who were in less fault he committed to Prison those who were the chiefest he crucified to the number of two thousand And understanding that in Idumaea there yet remained ten thousand men in Arms he presently sent the Arabians home because he perceived that they did not serve as they that came to help him but as they themselves pleased wasting the Countrey against his Orders and so accompanied with his own Army he hastned against the Enemies But they without any fight through Achiab's Counsel yielded themselves to Varus And he pardoned the Common Soldiers and sent the Captains to Caesar to answer the matter Varus's mercy and bounty to the Idumeans Who pardoning most of them yet punished some that were of Herod's Kindred because they had rebelled against their own King Varus having F thus quieted the Estate of Judea and Jerusalem left in the Fortress of Jerusalem the same Legion that was there before and departed to Antioch CHAP. IV. H How the Jews had an Ethnarch constituted over them The year of the world 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. NOw Archelaus met a new obsâ—acle at Rome Ant. lib. 17. cap. 17. for the Jews who before the Sedition with the lieve of Varus were gone to Rome to crave the liberty of their Countrey Ethnarcha Ruler or Governour Those who went as Ambassadours in their Countrey 's behalf were fifty in number and they were assisted by more than eight thousand Jews that lived at Rome The Jews call Archelaus in question Whereupon Caesar called a Council of the Nobility of Rome in the stately Temple of Apollo which he had built on Mount Palatine The whole Body of the I Jews appeared with the Legats against Archelaus and his friends Archelaus's Kindred neither came with him nor with the rest of the Jews with him they would not joyn 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 to the end that if it should please Caesar to divide Herod's Kingdom among his Children he might have a part The Ambassadours spoke first and began to declaim against Herod's Memory First of all they said that they found him not a King but the most cruel Tyrant that ever was and that he had murthered many and those whom he left alive endured such misery as they thought themselves far more unhappy than those that were so butchered A bitter Accusation of the Jews against Herod and his Sons For said they he was not only contented K to tear his Subject's bodies with torments but also defaced and ruined the Cities of his own Countrey to adorn and beautifie the Cities of Strangers And he permitted Forreigners to massacre the Jews without revenge And instead of their ancient and wonted happiness which Judea enjoyed by a Religious observation of the Laws the Countrey was by him made so poor and so wasted with Injustice that within these few years that Herod reigned they have suffered more Murthers and Massacres than all their Ancestors had from the time of their departure out of Babylon in the Reign of Xerxes
Jerusalem to see their strength and how he was in great danger TItus being now to go into the Enemies Country Titus comâ—â— to Judea caused all his Auxiliaries to march in the Van after whom followed the Pioneers and those appointed to F pitch the Tents after them the baggage of the Rulers and Governours of his Army with them the armed Souldiers Next these came Titus himself accompanied with his choice men and many that bare his Colours next the Horsemen march'd immediately before the Engines And the Prefects and Tribunes with certain chosen men and their Companies followed After them the Eagle with many other Ensignes 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 and warlike manner as the Romans are wont he came by Samaria into Gophna which place was already conquered G by his Father and then also was under the custody of the Roman Garisons Staying there one night he departed from thence the next day and after a days journey pitched his Tents in a place which in the Jews language â—â—â—lled Acanthonaulona H that is the Valley of Thorns neer unto a Village named Gabah Saul which signifieth the Valley of Saul which is almost thirty Furlongs from Jerusalem From thence accompanied with 600 chosen Horsemen he went to Jerusalem to view how strong it was Titus repairs to Jerusalem to â—ound the dispositions of the people and of what courage the Jews were to see if peradventure at sight of him they would yield without any further adoe For Titus understood and it was true that the people desired Peace but were overpowerd by the Seditious and so durst not attempt any thing Titus riding along the high-way that went to the Walls saw no man 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 Helens Tomb brake his Guard of Horsemen into two parts and advanc'd to hinder I those Horsemen that were yet in the high way Titus in danger from joyning with the rest that had crost the way by which means they had divided Titus from the rest of his company in so much as he could proceed no further for the Ditch of the Town-Wall on one side and for the Garden Pales on the other side and there was no way for him to return unto his Souldiers the Enemies being between him and home Many of his Souldiers not knowing their General was in any danger but supposing him amongst them still fled away Titus seeing that he had only his own valour to trust to turned his Horse against his Enemies and with a loud voice exhorted his followers to do the like Titus fighteth valiantly with his Enemies and so he brake violently into the midst of them hasting to get unto his Company It was evident at that time that God giveth the Victory and hath a K particular care of Kings Princes and Emperours 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 view not to fight yet had he not one wound but all past him as though purposely every one had striven to miss him But Titus with his Sword made way cut down many that opposed themselves against him Titus putteth his Enemies to flight and returns in safety to his Camp and with his Horse past over them The Jews seeing Titus his valour cried out and exhorted one another to set upon him but whithersoever he turned the Jews fled and would not abide by it likewise those Souldiers that were with him encompassed him round For every mans hope lay in charging through with Titus before they were closed in and oppressed Two of the most valiant amongst them L were slain the Horse of the one was killed with his master but the others Horse was taken by the Jews But Titus and the rest came safe into the Camâ— And thus the Jews being succesful at first were mightily encouraged and that encouragement being of moment made them confident or rather rash a long time after CHAP. III. How the Jews sallied out upon the Romans as they were M pitching their Tents THe Legion that was to pass by Emmaus being joyned to the rest of the Army over night Cesar the next morning removed and came to Scopos where he had a full view of the City and Temple on the North part the ground adjoyning unto the City being very low and not improperly called Scopos being distant seven Furlongs from the City Titus Camp was 7. stades oâ— the City in that quarter Titus commanded two Legions to encamp themselves and the fifth Legion to retire three Furlongs off to the intent that the Souldiers who were wearied with travelling all night might entrench themselves without fear or danger no sooner had they begun their work but presently the tenth Legion came N who were to pass by Jericho which Vespasian had already subdued and placed a Garison there This Legion was commanded to encamp six Furlongs from Jerusalem near Mount Olivet on the East part of the City and is enclosed with a deep Valley called Cedron This great Army so suddenly arriving reconciled the dissentions within the City for some time and the three Factions beholding with admiration the Roman Camp became friends and all differences were composed They began to examine and consider what madness had caused them to suffer themselves to be enclosed with three Walls The Seditious agree among themselves to their prejudice and loss of their lives and that they should stand still and be spectators as it were of such dangerous preparations without making the least Countermine or provision to defeit them whilst some cried O We are only valiant against our selves by our sedition massacring and murdering A one another till at last we shall betray our City into the hands of the Romans Thus being assembled they exhorted one another and betaking themselves to their Arms they issued out of the City first upon the tenth Legion and with a great shout set upon the Romans that were entrenched in the Valley The Citizens assail the Romans The Romans being all at work in the Trenches and most of them having laid down their Weapons presuming the Jews durst not have made any salley by reason of the variance amongst themselves were so much surprized that great part of them immediately fled some of them stood to their Arms but were slain before they could get into a posture of defence The number of the Jews was daily increased by their first success and B though yet their number was but small they thought themselves many and so did
Rams wherewith the Romans began to beat the Walls Amongst the rest a G man named Tâ—ptheus of Garsus a City of Galilee Megassarus one of Queen Mariammes Servants Three Valiant Jews and with them one of Adiabena the Son of Mabateus who for his fortune was named Agiras which signified lame these three taking fire-brands ran unto H 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 oftheir Enemies so bodly as though they had gone amongst their Friends and never made any stay but breaking through the midst of their Enemies The Romans invironed with fire lose the Mounts they had built they fired their Engines 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 came running out their Camp to succour their fellows and the Jews upon the Wall with Darts and Arrows hindred them that sought to quench the flame exposing their own Bodies The Romans endeavoured to draw off the Rams And the Jews were as earnest to hinder them I however the Romans preserved their Rams From thence the fire caught hold of the Rampires those that opposed themselves were burned and the fire increased so that it could not be extinguished so the Romans invironed with the flame and despairing to rescue their Works retired into their Camp and left them on fire But the Jews were so much the more earnest their number still encreasing by new supplies out of the City A most bitter Law among the Romans against those that forsook their places and so encouraged by their Victory they rashly adventured unto the Romans Camp and assaulted the Guard there Which guard was a Company placed round before the Camp in Armour with orders not to leave their ground upon pain of death And these men esteeming it better to die gloriously than ignominiously to suffer resisted very valiantly so that many that had fled retired themselves K back again to fight both for shame that they had forsaken their place and for fear of punishment thereof and placing new Engines upon the Rampire of their Camp they stopt the Jews from Sallying any more for they came out unarmed without any Arms of defence For the Jews without any consideration came rashly upon their Enemies Pikes and assaulted them with their fists So that the Jews prevailed more by their courage than their Arms and the Romans fled more for the Jews boldness than any harm they sustained by them Titus repairing with all speed from Antonia Titus accused his Souldiers of negligence where he had been viewing a place for another Rampire blamed the Souldiers exceedingly who having gotten the Enemies Walls L did notwithstanding suffer themselves to be repell'd and were forced to abide that which first the Jews did suffer being now as it were broken out of Prison and so he with certain chosen men assaulted the Enemies on one side who though desperately overpowered yet stoutly resisted him and so joyning the Battle the dust was so thick that none could see one another nor hear what was said for the cries and noise were so great 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 The Jews retire within the City and for that Caesar himself was in danger amongst them So that I think that had not the Jews retired into the City the fury of the Romans had then consumed the M whole multitude The Romans were now sorrowful for the loss of their Rampires who in one hours time had lost that which with such labour they so long had been making and many of their Engines being now displaced they dispaired to take the City CHAP. XIII Of the Wall which the Roman Army built about Jerusalem in three days space TItus deliberated with his Captains what was to be done Titus confuâ—â—eth with his Captains and they that were most forward amongst them thought it best with the whole Army to assault the Walls N for that as yet the Jews had only fought with a part and were not able to withstand the force of the whole Army but would be all consumed with Darts and Arrows The wiser sort perswaded Titus to repair his Rampires but others counselled the coutrary to hold themselves quiet there and only to keep all places about that no food should be conveyed into the City and so famish it without fighting For that the Jews being now desperate and desirous to be slain would not be overcome by force But Titus thought it dishonourable to lie 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 Materials and it was most difficult of all to guard every place about the City that none could go forth for that it could O not be beleaguered round on every side by reason of the difficult places and great compass A thereof fearing also the dangers that might ensue the Jews issuing out of the City For the Jews seeing their open ways possessed by the Romans they would devise some secret ways both urged thereunto by necessity and also because they knew all places thereabout 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 his Victory For though all those ways might be taken yet he preferred Speed before Certainty and if so be he would use celerity and safety then it was needful for him to compass the whole City round about with a Wall Titus determineth to inclose the City with a Wall for so all ways and passages might be blockt up and the Jews seeing no hope of safety should be compelled either to yield the City B or to be consumed with Famine Nor by any other means could be secure but by erecting Mounts having that Wall to defend them And if any one think that work difficult and not to be atchieved let him consider that it did not become the Romans to make a base and 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 Souldiers and dispose them all about these businesses The Souldiers had as it were some divine vigour and courage faln upon them for not only the Captains parting the circuit
of the Valour of the Romans who had mastered a City so well fortified as by these it appeared to have bee All the rest of the City they so plained that those who had not seen it before could not L believe that it had ever been inhabited This was the end of their madness who were alwayes given to Sedition in Jerusalem a most beautiful City and famous amongst all Nations CHAP. XIX How the Souldiers were rewarded M CAesar determined to leave the tenth Legion for a Garison in Jerusalem with some Troops of Horse and other Companies of Foot and all Wars being now ended he purposed to give solemn praise to the whole Army for their valiant Acts and to reward the most Couragious for their deserts Titus thanketh his Souldiers for that they had continued their love towards him Wherefore placing a great Tribunal in the midst before the Camp and standing up in it with the chief Officers about him from whence the whole Army might hear him he gave them hearty thanks that of their good will towards him they had patiently abode with him during those Wars praising them for their loyalty during all the time and that in many actions they had shewed themselves valiant and by their valour had enlarged the dominions of their Country N likewise that they had now given all Nations to understand that neither the multitude of Enemies nor strong holds nor greatness of Cities nor the rashness or barbarous cruelty of their Adversaries could ever resist the Forces of the Romans Titus promises recompence to his valiant Souldiers or escape their hands notwithstanding that in many things fortune favoured them adding that it was glorious for them to have ended this War that had continued so long which was all they hoped for at their coming and especially that his Father and himself whom they had elected to be the Roman Emperors were approved and imbraced by 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 they had shewed themselves valiant and couragious and that he would now recompence those with honours O and due rewards who had behaved themselves most valiantly most hazarded themselves A and effected worthy deeds and whosoever had been forwarder than the rest should have reward according to his desert and that he would be more carefull in honouring those that had been his Companions in that War than in punishing their offences then presently he willed them to whom it appertained to nominate those who had valiantly behaved themselves in this War and had performed any worthy exploit which being done he called them by their names and praised them in such sort as testifi'd that he was no less affected with their Glory than with his own he Crowned them with Crowns of Gold Titus largest unto his Souldiers and put Chains of Gold about their necks and gave them Spears pointed with Gold and Silver Medals he also distributed to every one of them Gold and Silver money rich Garments and other things of value which were part of the B booty and thus having rewarded every one according to his merit he descended with great applause from the Tribunal all the Army making vows for his prosperity and went to offer Sacrifices for the Victory Titu's Sacrifice for his Victory He caused a great multitude of Oxen to be Sacrificed and distributed the flesh to his Army and during three days he feasted all his principal Officers after which he dismissed all the Troops to the places design'd for them appointing the tenth Legion to keep Jerusalem aud not sending it back to Euphrates The twelfth Legion under Cestius leading gave place to the Jews where before it was He also remov'd the twelfth Legion out of Syria remembring that under Cestius his Government they had fled from the Jews being before at Raphanaeas which he sent unto Malta that is situate by Euphrates in the confines of Armenia and Cappadocia the other two he kept with himself as sufficient to C guard him into Aegypt which were the fifth and fifteenth Legions And coming to Câ—esarea by the Sea-coast he there laid up all his spoils and caused the Captives to be kept because the Winter-Season permitted him not to sail into Italy CHAP. XX. How the Emperour Vespasian went from Alexandria into Italy during the siege of Jerusalem and Titus went to Caesarea Philippi D where many captive Jews were slain in the Spectacles which he gave to the people WHilst Titus was busied in the siege of Jerusalem Vespasian's sailing and journey Vespasian in a Merchants Ship sailed to Rhodes and from thence departing in a Galley he visited all the Cities by which he passed being joyfully received of them all and went from Ionia into Greece from thence to Coâ—cyâ—a and into Slavonia and afterwards by Land Titus being returned from Caesarea on the Sea-Coast came to Caesarea Philippi and there made a long abode Shews at Caesarea proclaiming all sorts of pastimes wherein many Captives perished some being cast to wild Beasts other â—orced in great Companies to fight E 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 entered the Walls and begun to waste it and with his most trusty Friends and certain Masons having provided them all necessary Tools and Victuals that might suffice them all for many days he went into a secret Cave Simon gets down into the Vault and hopeth to escape from thence in safety 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 digged but a little way before their Victuals failed them notwithstanding that they had made very great sparing thereof Then Simon thinking to deceive the Romans cloathed himself in white and put on a F purple Cloak about him and so came out of the Earth in that place where the Temple had formerly stood They that did see him were astonished a while and stirred not but let him alone yet at last they came to him and demanded what he was but Simon would not tell them willing them to call their Captain unto him and presently some of the Souldiers run to call him and so he came at that time Terentius Rufus was Captain of the Souldiers Terentius having learned the truth of all kept him bound Simon is taken by the Romans and related to Caesar the manner of his taking and thus Simon was by the will of God delivered into his Enemies hands who hated him above measure and so he was justly punished for having so cruelly tyrannized over his own Country-men not taken by
certified him by the Prophet That during his life-time the punishment of his Race should be deferred because he had repented him of his misdeeds but that K the threats and menaces should take effect in his sons time CHAP. VIII Adad King of Damascus and Syria fighteth two several Battels with Achab and is overthrown by him WHilest Achabs affairs were after this manner disposed 1 Kings 20. 1 ad 〈◊〉 the son of Adad that reigned over the Syrians Adab's War against Achab. and those of Damascus assembled the Forces of his whole Countrey and associated with him two and thirty other Kings with whom he came and made War against Achab. Who being far inferior to him in power came not into the L open field to bid him battel but closing up his Soldiers in his strongest Cities he himself retired into Samaria which was begirt with a very strong wall and very hard to be taken For which cause the Syrian taking his Army with him came to Samaria and encamping before it The Syrianâ— intended to batter the City But first of all he sent a Herald to Achab Embassage 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 Kings directions required that Achabs goods his children and wife should be at Adads command which if he would yield to and suffer him to take so many as he pleased he would raise the siege and batter the City no more Achab gave the Ambassadors order M to certifie 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 they liked best Achab amazed at this second Embassage of the King of Syria assembled his People and let them know that he was ready to deliver up into the Enemies hands his wives and children for their safety and repose and to abandon all that likewise which was in his possession for 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 N to the end they may leave nothing therein that was of any value making it hereby appear to the World that he had no intent to make Peace since that after the Syrian was sensible that Achabs tenderness for his Subjects security had prevail'd so far with him as to grant him whatsoever belonged peculiarly to himself he sought nevertheless an occasion of a breach by demanding liberty to seize upon their Proprieties notwithstanding that he would do whatsoever they should think good of To this the People answer'd 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 Ver. 10 11. That they should report unto their Master that Achab agreed unto those things which were required His answer to the Lâ—gatâ—s because he desired the happiness of his Subjects but O touching his second demand that he would no wayes condescend thereunto and thus sent he them away When Adad heard this answer he was moved and sent unto Achab the third time threatning him That his Soldiers should make a bulwark higher than the walls he so much trusted in yea The year of the World 340. before Christ's Nativity 924. though only each of them should bring but an handful of earth with A them which boast he used to terrifie 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 in those actions that should determine the War When the Ambassadors were returned back they found the King at Dinner with two and thirty Kings his Allies to whom they made report of Achabs answer Hereupon Adad gave commandment to begirt the City with Palisadoes Ver. 12. and to raise bulwarks of earth Adads confidence in his Soldiers and to streighten the siege Whil'st 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 fear through the arrival of a certain Prophet who said unto him That God promised to deliver all those thousands of Soldiers and his Enemies which he beheld into his hands The same Prophet B being afterwards asked 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 Achab therefore calling unto him the Governors Sons found that their number amounted to 232 and having notice that the Syrians intended nought else but pleasure and banquetting V. 13 14 c. he opened the City-gates The Israelites God promiseth victory against the Syrians and sent these young Men out against them Now when the Centinels 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 in warlike sort to bid the Battel they should bring them unto him fast bound and if they came in peace they should do the like Now Achab had within the City ranged another Army and kept them in a readiness When therefore the young men had charged the Syrian guard and slain C 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 sally forth who giving an unexpected charge upon the enemies Ver. 20 21 discomfited the Syrians who little expected such a stratagem from the Hebrews and assailed them disarmed and drunken Achab's victory against the Syrians so that they left both armor and weapons 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 spoiled their Camp likewise and carried thence great riches and an huge quantity of gold and silver He took Adabs Chariots and Horses also and with them returned back into the City D 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 Syrians were resolved to assault him again the King omitted no preparation that concerned the War For Adad being escaped from the fight with those few Forces
that remained after the battel consulted with his friends how he might war against the Israelites Who advised him from thenceforth never more to fight with them in mountainous places for that their God was powerful upon the Mountains and for that cause they had been overcome by them but if he fought with them in the Plain both he and his should be assured to have the upper hand Moreover they counselled him that he should dismiss those Kings that he had confederated with him to the end that each of them might return into his own Countrey and that E in their stead he should retain their Forces over which he should ordain Chieftains besides to supply their places that were lost they advised him to levy Horsemen and Chariots thorow all his Countrey Adab supposing that they had discreetly counselled him in this matter ordered his Army according as they had advised And as soon as the Spring was come Ver. 23 ad 27. he assembled his Army Adad's second expedition against the Israelities and led them forth against the Israelites and coming near unto the City of Aphec he encamped in a plain field But Achab with his Forces marching out to meet him pitched his Tents near unto him although he were far inferiour both in force and number To him the Prophet appeared again telling him That God would once more give him the victory to make it known that his power was not only in the Mountains as the Syrians persuaded themselves but in the Plains also Thus continued F both the Armies and encamped the one against the other for the space of six days On the seventh when the Enemy forsook their Trenches early in the morning and placed themselves in battel-array Achab drew out his Army and faced them and presently charged them where after a long and dangerous fight between them the Enemies were put to flight and many of them slain in the chase For some of them were intangled with their own Chariots others slew those of their own party and some few of them found the means to flie unto their City of Aphec who perished likewise to the number of Seven and twenty thousand being slain by the walls that fell upon them besides One hundred thousand men that perished in the fight But Adad attended by some of his principal Officers went and hid himself in a Cave under the ground and they representing G unto him that the Kings of Israel were merciful and that there was hope of pardon to be had if after the manner of Suppliants they sent unto him Adad permitted them Whereupon they incontinently presented themselves to Achab cloathed in H Sackcloth The year of the World 3040. before Christ's Nativity 923. with Ropes about their Necks according to the manner of Supplicants amongst the Syrians telling him That Adad besought his Majesty to grant him his life promising on his behalf that from thenceforth he would alwayes continue his servant and acknowledge his favor Achab answer'd them That he was very glad that their King was as yet alive and had escaped from the fury of the fight offering him by them that kindness which one brother ought to shew unto another Ver. 31 ad 34. And sware unto them that he should offer him no wrong if he discover'd himself unto him Adad is received into favor by Achab and dismissed upon condition Whereupon they brought him from the place where he was hidden and presented him unto Achab who was mounted upon a Chariot Adad prostrated himself before him but Achab stretching out his hand made him come up unto him into his Chariot and kissed him willing him to be of good courage assuring I him That he should be no otherwise treated by him than as became the dignity of a King Hereupon Adad gave him thanks protesting That during his life-time he would never be forgetful of his favours promising him moreover to restore unto him those Cities which his Predecessors Kings of Syria had taken from the Israelites and that he should have as free access to Damascus as to Samaria After this Treaty confirmed by oath Achab gave him many worthy Presents Ver. 35. ad fiâ—â— and sent him back into his kingdom Thus ended the War betwixt Adad and the King of the Israelites After this a certain Prophet called Micheas came unto another Israelite commanding him to wound him upon the head assuring him That God was so pleased and had so commanded him When this Israelite would in no sort condescend hereunto he prophesied unto him That since he had disobeyed Gods commandment K he should meet with a Lyon which should rent him in pieces Which coming to pass according as it was foretold the Prophet addressed himself again unto another commanding him to do the like and when he had wounded him in the head he bound up the wound and came unto the King Achab was reproved for dismissing Adab telling him That he had been in the Wars and had received a Prisoner in charge from his Captains hands and that his Prisoner being fled from him he feared lest he that had committed him to his charge should for that cause take his life from him the rather for that he threatned no less Achab answer'd him That he was justly condemned Whereupon Micheas discover'd his head and made it known who he was And to this intent used the Prophet this artifice that his words might be of greater force and value For he told the King That God would chastise him because he had permitted the blasphemer L Adad to depart unpunished assuring him That God would cause him to be slain by Adad and suffer the people of Israel to be slaughtered by the Syrian Army The reward of learned Preachers The King displeased with the liberty and free speech of the Prophet commanded him to be cast into Prison and being vehemently affrighted with this his Prediction he departed home unto his house CHAP. IX The exemplary Piety of Jehoshaphat King of Juda his Prosperity his Military power He marrieth Joram his Son to a Daughter of Ahab King of Israel and assisteth him M with his Forces against Adad King of Syria HItherto have we spoken of Achab but now I must return unto Jehoshaphat King of Jerusalem Jehoshaphats piety who having enlarged his kingdom and planted Garisons in those Cities that were subject unto him and in those likewise which his Grandfather Abiah had possessed in the Tribe of Ephraim 2 Chron. 17. 1. at such time as Jeroboam reigned over the ten Tribes the King had perpetual assistance and favour at Gods hands in that he was a just and virtuous Prince studying day and night for nothing more than how he might please and honour God The Kings his Neighbors round about him honour'd him with Presents so that his riches and reputation were very great N In the third year of his Reign he assembled the