CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT OF Kathryn Key^erT DATE DUE mY-t^ 1971 XJ mt PRtNTED IN U.S.A. Cornell University Library DS 116 .J63W57 1916 3 1924 028 779 795 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028779795 THE WORKS FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS: COMPRISING THE ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS; A HISTORT OF THE JEWISH WARS; AND LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. TRANSLATED PROM THE ORIGINAL GREEK, By WILLIAM WHISTON, A. M., PBOFE880B OF HATHBHATIOS IN THB UHIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDQE. TOGETHER WITH NUMEROUS EXPLANATORY NOTES, m §mmkikn, CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST, JOHN THE BAPTIST, JAMES THE JUST, GOD'S COMMAND TO ABRAHAM, ETC. HARTFORD, CONN.: THE S. S. SCRANTON CO. 1916. CONTENTS. PAGE Life op Platiub Josephus 7 inteoduction 37 BOOK I. FEOM THE CEEATION TO THE DEATH OP I3AA0. Chap. I. B. C. 4004.— Creation of the Universe— In- stitution of the Sabbath — Pall of Man 39 Chap. II. Generations of Adaui, and Deaths of the Patriarchs. B. 0. 4003-2349 43 Chap. III. The Deluge — God's covenant with Noah — Death of Noah. B. C. 2349-1998 43 Chap. IV. Tower of Babel — Confusion of Tongues. B. C. 2233 46 Chap. Y. Dispersion of tha Posterity of Noah. B. C. 2234 47 Chap. YI. Nations receive their names from their first inhabitants. B. C. 2219-1996 47 Chap. YII. Abram quits Chaklea — dwells in Canaan — teaches the knowledge of the one true God. B. C. 1922 49 Chap. Till. Famine in Canaan — Abraham visits Egypt — instructs natives in religion, arithmetic, and astronomy, returns to Canaan, and divides the country with his kinsmen. B. C. 1921 60 Chap. li. Destruction of Sodom by the Assyrians, B. C. 1912 ; 61 Chap. X. The Assyrian army pursued and defeated by Abraham — Birth of Isbmael — circumcision in- stituted. B.C. 1012-1910 61 Chap. XL Destruction of Sodom. B. C. 1897 52 Chap. Xn. Birth of Isaac — Eauishment of Ishmael and Hagar. B. C. 1896-1892 53 Chap XIII. Abraham's faith in the promises of God — his obedience to the Divine command — Isaac's acquiescence to the will of God. B. C. 1S71 55 Chap. XIY. Death of Sarah. B. C. iy:.0 56 Chap. XY. Descendants of Abraham by Keturah, his second wife 56 Chap. XYI. Abraham demands Rebeka in marriage for his son Isaac. B. C.lS.jG 57 Chap. XVII. Death of Abraham. B. C.1821 58 Chap. XVin. Esau and Jacob born — Jacob sup- plants Esau. B. C. 1837-17GL' 58 Chap. XIX. History of Jacob. B. C. 1760-1739 59 Chap. XX. Meeting of Jacob and Esau. B. C. 1739 63 Chap. XXI. Ill treatment of the daughter of Jacob — his sons revenge their sister's disgrace — Death of Rachel. E. C. 1739 64 Chap. XXIL Death of I^aac. B. C. 1716 6d BOOK 11. Containing an interval of 229 years. FROM THE DEATH OP ISAAC TO THE ES0DC3 OUT OF EGYPT. Chap. I, Esan and Jacob divide their inheritance — Esau possesses Idumea, and Jacob Canaan 65 Chap. II. History of Joseph. B. C. 1729 66 Chap. III. Joseph envied by his brethren, who soli him to some Arabian merchants. Gen. xxxvii.18. B.C. 1729.: 67 Chap. IV. Joseph bought by Potiphar — rejects the advances of his wife, and is thrown into prison. Gen. xxxix. B. C. 1729 68 Chap. Y. Interprets the king's butler and baker's dreams — is released from prison — presented to the king — and becomes the second person in the king- dom. Gen. xL, xli. B. C. 1718-1715 70 Chap. YI. Famine throughout Egypt, and the adja- cent countries — Joseph's brethren visit Egypt to procure food — Joseph holds his brethren in tempo- rary subjection. Gen. xli. B. C. 1715-1707 73 Chap. YII. Joseph's father, with all his family, re- move into Egypt. Gen. xlvi, xlvii. B. C. ITOG 79 'Chap. VIII. Death of Jacob and of Joseph. B. C. 1689-1635 81 Chap. IX. The afflictions that befell the Hebrews in Egypt, during 400 years. B. 0. 1035-1571 81 Chap. X. War with the Ethiopians 84 Chap. XI. The Egyptians seek the life of Moses, who flies into Midian 86 Chap. XII. The burning bush, and. the rod of Moses. Exod.iii.2. B.C. 1491 87 Chap. xm. Moses returns into Egypt. Ex. iv. B.C. 1491 88 Chap. XIY. The ten plagues. Ex. iv., x. B. C. 1491 89 Chap. XV. The Hebrews, under the conduct of Moses, leave Egypt. Ex. xii. B. C. 1491 91 Chap. XYI. Passage of the Bed Sea. Ex. xiv. 13. B.C. 1491 92 BOOK III. Containing an interval of two yoara. FBOM THE EXODUS OUT OP EGYPT TO THE REJECTIOIT OP THAT GENERATION. Chap, I. Moses conducts the people to Mount Sinai. Ex. XV. 21 94 Chap. II. The Amalckites and the neighbouring na- tions make war on the Hebrews, aud lose a great part of their army. Ex. xvii. 8. B. C. 1491 97 Chap. HI. Moses kindly receives his father-in-law. Ex. Xviii. 1 Cy Chap. IV. Ritguel suggests to Moses to set the jjeo- ple in order, under rulers 99 Chap. V. Moses receives laws from God, and deliv- ers them to the Hebrews. Ex.xix., xx. B. C. 1401 IOC Chap. YI. Description of the Taberuacle in the wilderness , 102 Chap. YII. The garments of the High Priest and Priests 106 Chap. VIII. Of the priesthood of Aaron. Lev. viii.. Ip9 Chap. IX. The manner of offering nacrifices. Lcv.iii. 112 Chap. X. Concerning the festivals. Num. xxviii., xxix 113 Chap. XI. Of the purifications. Num. iii 114 Chap. XII. Several laws 115 Chap. XIII. Moses conducts the people to the bor- ders of Canaan 117 Chap. XIV. The spies sent to Canaan make a false report and cause the people to murmur. Num. xiii. 14 118 Chap. XY. The children of Israel condemned to re- main in the wilderness forxbrty years, as a punish- ment for their disobedience 119 BOOK IV. Containing an Interval of thirty- eight years. FROM THE B.EJECTI0N OF THAT GENERATION UNTIL THE DEATH OP MOSES. Chap. I. The Hebrews defeated by the Canaanites.. 120 Chap. II. Sedition of Corah and the multitude against Moses and his brother, concerning the priesthood. B. C. 1471 121 Chap. III. Destruction of the Seditionaxies — Aaron and his posterity retain the priesthood. Num.xvi. 123 Chap. lY. Various occurrences which befell the He- brews in the desert during thirty-seven years. B. C. 1489-1451 125 Chap. V. Mo^es conquers the kings of the Amorites — destroys their army, and divides their land, by lot, to two tribos aud a half of the Hebrews. B. C. 14.'>2. Num. xxi 127 Chap. YI. Transactions between Balak and Balaam — the Hebrews fall into idolatry. Num.xxii.2;j, &c. 129 Chap. YII. The Hebrews war with tlic Midianites, and overcome them. Num. xxxi 133 Chap. VIII. Tlie policy of Moses, and his departure from mankind. B. C. 1451 135 BOOK V. Containing an Interval of 476 years. FEOM THE DEATH OF MOSES TO THE DEATH OF ELI, Chap. I. Joshua overcomes the Canaanites, and di- vides the laud among the children of Israel. B. C. 1451-1413 14S Chap. II. The Israelites transgress the laws of their country, and experience great afflictions. B. C. 1413-1404 157 Chap. III. The Israelites grow wicked, and serve the Assyrians— God delivers them by Othniel, who rules over them forty years. B. C. 1405-1342 162 Chap. IV. The Israelites serve the Moabites eighteen years — are delivered by one Ehud, who retains the dominion eighty years. B. C. 1343-1325 163 u CONTENTS. PAGE Chap. XII. ^V■.n■H with the Philistines. B. 0. 1018.. 23G IJhap. XIII. David numbers the people — fatal con- sequences arising therefrom. B. 0. 1018 238 Chap. XIV. Adonijah attempts to gain the kingdom — Solomon named as successor. B. C. 1015 240 Chap. XT. David dies, and is succeeded by Solomon. B.C. 1015 243 BOOK VIII. Containing an interval of 163 years, FROM THE DEATn OF DAVID TO TUB DEATH OP AHAB. Chap. I. Solomon succeeds David — defeats the con- spiracy formed against him. B. C. 1014 245 Chap. n. Solomon marries the daughter of Pha- raoh — his Tvisdom, riches, and power. B. C. 1014.. 246 Cihap. III. Building of the Temple. B. C. 1012-1004 258 Chap. IV. Solomon removes the ark into the Tem- ple—offers public sacrifices to God. B. C. 1004...... 253 Chap. "V. So-lomon erects a splendid palace for his own residence — solves the enigmas sent by Hiram, king of Tvre. B. 0. 992 256 Chap. VI. Solomon forti. XII. Death of Jotham — Ahaa reigns in his steiid — Resin, king of Syria, and Pekah,' king of Israel, make wai- — Tiglath-rilesc^r, king of As.syria, assists Ahaz — lays Syria wti^te — remuve.s the Da- rnasc'/nes into Media — places other nations in their mom 301 Chap. XIII. Pekah dies l>y the treachery of Hoshca. who is subdued by Shalmaneser — Hezekiah suc- ceeds, and restores the true religion. ^2 Chap. XIV. Shalmanrser takes Samai'ia by force — transplants the Ten Tviliesinto Media, and removes the Cutheans into Judea 303 BOOK X. Containing an interval of 182M years. FHOM THE CAPTIVITT OF THE TEN TBIEES TO THE FIRST OF CYRUS. Chap, X. Sennacherib makes an expedition against Hezekiah — destruction of his army — is murdered by his sons. B. C.710 305 Chap. II. Hezekiah's sickness — restoration to health —the prophet Isaiah. B. C. Yl3 30? CONTENTS. PAGE €hap. m. Death of Hezekiah — is succeeded by his son. B. 0. 098-643 308 Chap. IT. Amon— Josiah. B. 0. 641 300 Chap. v. Josiah "wars with the king of Egypt — Death of Josiah — captivity of Jehoahaz — Jehoiakim — Jeremiah— Ezekiel. B. C. 641-610 310 Chap. YI. Nebuchadnezzar makes an expedition against the Jews. B. 0. 607-000 311 Chap. Til. Captivity of the Jews. B. 0. 500 312 Chiip. Till, Destruction of the Temple by the kings of Babylon. B. C. 588 315 Chap. IX. Rulers set over the captive Jews 317 Chap. X. History of Daniel. B, C. 007-603 319 Chap. XI. Nebuchadnezzar dies — his successors — their government is dissolved by the Modes and Persians. B. C. 538 322 BOOK XI. Containing an Interval of 253 years 5 months. FROM TBE FIRST OP CYRUS TO THE DEATH OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT. Chap. I. Restoration of the Jews by Cyrus. B. C. 536 327 Cliap. II. Death of Cyrus — consequences thereof. B.C. 529 328 Chap. HI. Death of Canibyses — Darius grants per- mission to the Jews to rt-build the Temple. B. C. 520 329 Chap. IT. Building of the Temple. B. C. 520 332 Chap. T. Xerxes, sijn of Darius, well disposed toward the Jews — Esdras and Nehemiah. B. C. ■i67-4.;^5 335 Chap. YI. History of Esther. B. C. 510 340 Chap. VII. John slavs his brother in the Temple — Simballat. B. C. 332 348 Chap. Till. Sanballat and Mamisseh build a temple on Mount Gerizzim — Alexander the Great enters Jerusalem. B. C. 335 348 BOOK XII. Containing an interval of 170 years. FROM THE DEATH OF ALEXANDER TEE GREAT TO THE DEATH OF JCDAS MACCABEUS. B. C. 32iJ-161. Chap. I. Ptolemy takes Jerusalem and Judea by treachery. B. C. 320 351 Cliap. II. Ptolemy Philadalphus causes the Jewi.sh Laws to be translated into Greek. B. C. 277 352 Chap. III. The kings of Asia honour the Jews 3fiu Chap. IT. Antiochus makes a league with Ptolemy. 362 Chap. V. Dissensions among the Jews — consequences thereof. B. C. n'^lS?., 368 Chap. TI. The Jews prohibited from following their religion by Antiochus. B. C. 166 370 Chap. VII. Judas overthrows the forces of Apollo- nius and Seron, and purifies the temple. B. C. IGG- 165 371 Chap. Till. Judas subdues the nations round about — overthrows Timotheus. B. C. 1G5 374 Chap. IX. Death of Antiochus Epiphanes — Antio- chus Eupator besieges Judas in the Temple. B. C. 164-162 376 Chap. X. Demetrius sends an expedition against Ju- dea — Death of Alcimus — Succession of Judas. B. C. 162-160 378 Chap. XI. Death of Judas Maccabeus. B. C. 160 381 BOOK XIII. Containing an intarval of 82 years, FROM THE DEATH OP JUDAS MACCABEUS TO QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S DEATH. Chap. I. Jonathan succeeds Judas Maccabeus. B. C.IGO 382 Chap. II, Alexander Bala and Demetrius seek the friendship of Jonaftian — Death of Demetrius. B. C. 158-150 386 Chap. III. Onias erects a temple in Egypt similar to the one In Jerusalem 386 Caiap. IV. Alexander honours Jonathan — is defeated by Demetrius II. who makes a league with Jona- than. B. G. 150-145 387 Chap. T. Demetrius is defeated by Trypho, who gives the kingdom to Antipchus. B. C. 144 391 Chap. TI. Jonathan treacherously slain — is succeeded by Simon Maccabeus. B. C. 141-142 395 Chap. Til. Simon joins Antiochus Pius against Try- pho and Cendebeus — is treacherously murdered by his brother-in-law — Death of Antiochus. B. C. 142- 135 397 Page Chap. Till. Hyrcanus receives the high-pricethot-d — and ejects Ptolemy out of the country — Antio- chus makes war against Hyrcanus. B. (J. 130 398 Chap. IX. Death of Antiochus — Hyrcanus wars ag.iinst Syria — and makes a league with the Ro- mans—Death of Demetrius 400 Chap. X. Hyrcanus duwtroys Samaria — -joins the Sad- ducecs 401 Chap. XI. Aristobnlus seizes the government — his criH-ltyand death 404 Chap. XII. Alexander's expedition against Ptole- mais 405 Chap. XIII. Alexander makes an expedition against Celcsyria — overthrows Gaza, and destroys niauy thousand.s of the Jews 407 Chap. XIV. Demetrius Eucerus overcomes Alexan- der—retires out of the country for fear of tho Jews — Death of Demetrius 409 Chap. XV. Antiochus Dionysius and Aretas make expeditions into Judea — Death of Alexander 410 Chap. XVI. Alexandra retains the kingdom nine years — her death 412 BOOK XIV. Containing an interval of thirty-two years, PROM THE DEATH OF QUEEN ALEXANDRA TO THE D-iiATH OF ANTIUUNUS. Chap. I. Aristobulus ascends the throne — Hyrcanus flies to Aretas '. 414 Chap. II. Aretas and Hyrcanus make au expedition against Aristobulus, and besiege Jerusalem-— death of Onias — the Roman general raises tlie seige 416 Chap. III. Aristobulus and Hyrcanus appeal to Pompey — Flight of Aristobulus — Pompey leads an army against him 417 Chap. IV. Pumpey besieges Jerusalem, and takes it by force 418 Chap. V. The Pioman general enters into a league with Aretas — Alexander invades Judea — is defeated by the Romans 420 Chap. VI. Aristobulus flees from Rome — sent back by Gobinius, who ovrcomes Alexander and the Nabateans 421 Chap. VII. Cras^us pillages the temple — marches against the Parthians — perishes with the whole army — Cassiua obtjiins Syriiu 422 Chap. VIII. The Jews become confederate with Cassar — Actions of Antipater — his friendship with Ccesar 424 Chap. IX. Autipater commits the care of Galilee to Herod, and Jesusalem to Phasaelus 42S Chap. X, The Jews enter into a league with the Ro- mans 42& Chap. XI. Marcus succeeds Sextus — on the death of Caisar, Cassius distresses Judea — Malichus kills Antipater, and is himself slain by Herod 435 Chap. XII. Herod ejects Antigonus out of Judea, and gains the friendship of Antouy by presents.... 436 Chap. XIII. Herod and Phasaelus made tetrarchs by Antony— Herod's flight 439 Chap. XIV. Herod visits Egypt and Rome — obtains the sovereignty of Judea by means of presents to Antony 442 Chap. XV. Herod sails from Italy to Judea 444 Chap. XVI. Herod marries Mariamne — takes Jeru- salem by force — termination of the Asamonean government 449 BOOK XV. Containing an interval of eighteen years. FROM THE DEATH OF ANTIGONUS TO THE FINISHING OF THE TEMPLE BY HEROD. Chap. I. Pollio and Pameas — Herods slays the prin- cipal of Antigonus s friends — spoils tho city — An- tony beheads Antigonus 451 Chap. II. Hyrcanus set at liberty by the Parthiaus — returns to Herod 451 Chap. HI. Herod makes Aristobulus high priest — causes him to he murdered — i^xcuses hiniself to Antouy — Joseph and Mariamne... 454 Chap. IV. Cluopatia obtains from Antony parts of Judea and Arabia — visits Judea — receives many presents from Herod 457 Chap. T. Herod conquers the king of Arabia, and is chosen gevernor by tho Arabs 459 Chap. TI. Herod kills Hyrcanus — obtains the kui'^- dom — entertains Caesar 463 Chiip. VII. Herod kills Sohemus and Mariamne, and afterwards Alexandra and CoKtobarus, and his mo^t intimate friends, and the sous of Baba also 466 IV CONTENTS. PAGE Chap. VIII. Ten of the citizens of Jerusalem enter into a conepiracy against Herod.. 471 Chap. IX. Famine in Judea and Syria — Herod mar- ries again — rebuilds Ccesarea, and other Grecian cities 473 Chap. X. Herod sends his sons to Rome — is accused by the Gadarenee — is acquitted, and gains the good- will of Csesax 477 Chap. XI. Herod rebuilds the Temple 480 BOOK XVI. Containing an interval of twelve years. FROM THE FINISHING OF THE TEMPLE BY HEROD, TO THE DEATH OP ALBSANDBR AXD ARISTOBULUS. Chap. I. Herod's law concerning thieves — Salome and Plieroras calumniate Alexander and Aristobu- lus upon their return from Rome 485 Cliap. II. Agrippa visits Herod — Herod sails after Agrippa, who confirms the laws of the Ionian Jews. 486 Chap. III. Disturbances in Herod's family on his pre- ferring Antipater before the rest 489 Chap. IV. Herod brings Alexander and Aristobulus before Cjesar — Alexander's defence, and reconcilia- tion to his father 491 Chap. Y. Herod celebrates the games that were to return every fifth year, on the Imilding of Ca.-sarea 495 Chap. VI. The Jews in Asia complain of the Greeks to Caesar 496 Chap. VII, Herod removes part of the riches from the tomb of David — sedition consequent thereon... 498 Chap. Till, Continued dissensions in Herod's family 501 Chap, IX. The Trachenites revolt — Sylleus accuses Herod before Ci^sar 504 Chap. X. Eurycles falsely accuses Herod's son 506 Chap. XI. Herod, by permission from Caesar, accuses his sons before an assembly of judges at Ecrytus — Death of the young men, and their bui-ial at Alex- andrium 610 BOOK XYII. Containing an interval of fourteen years. EROJI ALEXANDER A:?D ARISTOEULUS'y DEATHS TO THE BANISHMENT OF ARCHELAUS. Chap. I. Antipater hated by the Jewish nation, en- deavours to gain the good-will of the Romans and Syrians by presents 514 Chap. II. Zamaris, a Babylonish Jew, assumes the government of Batanea— his d«;ith— Antipater plots against Herod 51(3 Chap. Ill, Enmity between Herod ami Pheroras — Herod sends Antipater to Cajsar — Death of Phero- ^J'^s 517 Chap. IV, Pheroras s wife accused of poisoning her husband — consequences of the accusation 519 Chap. V. Antipater returns from Rome— accused by Nicolaus of Damascus — condemned to die by Herod and t^niotilius Varus ^20 Chap. "\T, Illness of Herod — the Jews raise a sedi- tion thereon — are discovered and punished 525 Chap, VII, Ilerud contemplates self-destruction — orders Antipater to be slain 528 Chap. VIII. Herod's death — his testament — burial.. 629 Chap. IX. The people raise a sedition against Ar- chelaus, who sails to Rome 530 Cliap. X. Sedition of the Jews against Sabinus 534 Chap. XI, An Embassy of the Jews to Cjesar — Cae- sar confirms Herod's testament 5.38 Chap. XII. Concerning a spurious Alexander .Oiu Chap. XIII. Archelaus, upon a second accusation, banished to Vienna 541 BOOK XVTII. Containing an ioterval of thirty-two years. FROM THE BANISHMENT OF ARCHELAUS TO THE DEPARTURE OF THE JEWS FROM DAIiYLOX. Uhap. I. Cyrenus sent by Cresar to tax Syria and Judea; Coponius sent as procurator of Judea Judas of Galilee — sects among the Jews.. 543 PAGE Chap, n. Herod and Philip build several cities in honour of Caesar 545 Chap. III. Sedition of the Jews against Pontius Pi- late 547 Chap. IV, The Samaritans make a tumult — Pilate destroys many of them — Pilate is accused 550 Chap. V. Herod the tetrarch makes war with Are- tas, king of Arabia — is beaten by him — Death of John the Baptist 552 Chap. VI. Agrippa visits Rome — accused before Ti- berius Cfesar — imprisoned — is set at liberty by Caius, after the death of Tiberius 554 Chap. VII. Herod the tretrarch banished 561- Chap. VIII. Embassy of the Jews to Caius — Caius sends Petronius into Syria, to make war against the , Jews 56S Chap. IX. Sedition among the Babylonish Jews 56T BOOK XIX. CoDtaioing an interval of three years and a half. FROM THE JEWS' DEPARTURE OUT OP BABYLON TO FADU3 TEE ROMAN PROCURATOR. Chap. I. Caius (Caligula) slain by Cherea 573 Chap. II. The senators attempt the re-establishment of a democracy — Claudius chosen emperor by the soldiers— Death of the wife and daughter of Caius. 684 Chap. III. Claudius seized on, and brought to the camp — the senate sends an embassy to him 588 Chap. IV. Claudius assisted by Agrippa, obtains the sovereignty of Rome — executes the murderers of , Cains 590 Chap. V, Claudius restores to Agrippa his grand- father's kingdom — augments his dominions; and publishes an edict in behalf of the Jews 592 Chap. VI. Conduct of Agrippa — Petronius writes to the inhabitants of Doris on behalf of the Jews 594 Chap. VII. Silas imprisoned by Agrippa — Jerusalem encompassed by a wall — benefits conferred on the inhabitants of Borytus by Agrippa 595 Chap. VIII. Death of Agrippa ' 597 Chap. IX. The Emperor Oladius appoints Cuspius Padus procurator of Judea 598 BOOK XX. Containing an interval of twenty-two years. FROM FADUS THE PROCURATOR TO FLORUS. 699 Chap. I. Sedition of the Philadelphians against the J<-WS Chap. II. Helena, queen of Adiabene, and her son Izates, embrace the Jewish religion — Helena sup- plies the poor with corn during a great famine at Jerusalem cqq Chap III. Artabanus, king of Parthia," "re-instated m his government by Izates— Bardanes denounces war against Izates gQ3 Chap. IV. Izates betrayed by his 8ubiects,"'and"i3 acTiicked by the Arabians, but eventually subdues them gQe ^^1^' J\ ■,^°"'^*^^^^°S ^^"^"^^3 *^"^' the SODS o7judas the Crahlean— calamity of the Jews on the day of tlie Passover qqq Chap. VI. A quarrel between the Jews'and the "Sa- marilaris— (;i;Kidiu3 puts an end to their differences 607 Chap. \U. iehx made procmutur of Judea— con- ceruiu',' the younger Agrippa and his sisters 60S Chap. VIII. Nero succeeds to the Roman govr-rn- "]>'?t---his cruelties— Felix and I'ostus procurators 01 Judea gQg Chap, fe, Albinus procurator of 7udea— the Apos- tle James slain— Edifices built by Agrippa 613 Curp.X. Enumeration of the high priests 615 Chap XI. Florus the procurator compels the Jews to take up arms against the Romans— cenclusiom. 616 CONTENTS. WARS OF THE JEWS. PAGE Preface 619 BOOK I. Gontalnlng an interval of 167 years. « FROM THE TAKING OF JERUSALEM BY ANTIOCHUS EPI- PHANES TO THE DBATH OF HEROD THE GREAT. C3iap. I. Jerusalem taken, and the temple pillaged [by Antiochus Epiphanes] — actions of the MiLCca- bees, Aiatthiad and Judas— death of Judas 622 Chap. II. Jonathan, Simeon, and John Hyrcanua Buccu<-'d Judas Maccabeus 623 Chap. III. Aristobulua changes the government into a kingdom — destroys his mothLr and brother — reigns one year G25 Chap. IV. Alexander JanneuB succeeds to the crown, and reigns 27 years 627 Chap. V. Alexander reigns nine years Giia Chap. YI. Hyrcanus resigns the kingdom in favour of his brother Aristobulus — is induced to reclaim it — Pumpcy arbitrates between the two brothers 629 Chap. VII. Jerusalem surrendered toPompey, who seizes on the Temple by force 631 Chap. VIII. Alexander, son of Aristobulus, mak^s an expedition against Hyrcanus — is defeated by Gabinius — Aristobulus escapes from Rome, is b(_aten by the Komans, and sent back again 633 Chap. IX. Aristobulus poisoned by Pompey's party — Scipio beheads Alexander — Antipater cultivates a friendship with Caesar, after Pompey's death 635 Chap. X. Antipater, procurator of Judea — appoints Phasaelns governor of Jerusalem, and Herod of Galilee — Sextus Caesar murdered by Baasus 036 Chap. XI. Herod made procurator of all Syria. 63S Chap. Xn. Phaeat-'Ius too hard for Felix — Herod overcomes Antigonus — the Jews accuse Herod and Phasaelus — Antonius acquits them, and makes them tetrarchs 640 Chap. XIII. The Parthians bring Antigonus back — Hyrcanus and Phasaelxis imprisoned — flight of Herod — the Parthians obtain possession of Jerusa- lem — death of Phasaelus 641 Chap. XIV. Herod rejected in Arabia — makes hoisto to Rome — Anthony and (Jasar unite their interest to make him king of the J'-ws 644 Chap. XV. Antigonus betfieges Massada — Herod compels him to raise the siege, and then marches to Jerusalem 645 Chap. XVI. Herod takes SepphoFis — subdues the roljbers — avenges himself on Macheras — joins An- tony at Samosata 646 Chap. XA'II. Death of Joseph —Herod's preservation beheads the slayer of his brother — besieges Jeru- salem and marries Mariamne 648 Chap. XVILL Herod and Sosius take Jerusalem by force — death of Antigonus — Cleopatra's avarice 650 Chap. XIX. Antony, at the persuasion of Cleopatra, sends Herod to fight against the Arabians — great earthquake 632 Chap. XX. Herod is confirmed in his kingdom by Caesar — cnltivates a friendship with the emperor by magnificent presents — Cfcsar returns Herod's kindness by enlarging his territories 654 Chap. XXI. Of the [temple and] cities built by He- rod — his magnificence to foreigners 656 Chap. XXII. Murder of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus the high priests, and of Mariamne the queen 658 Chap. XXIII. Calumnies against the sons of Mari- amne — Antipater preferred before them — they are accused before Cffisar, and Herod is reconciled to them 6G0 Chap. XXIV. Malice of Antipater and Doris— He- rod pardons Pheroras and Salome — Herod's eunuchs tortured — Alexander imprisoned 662 Chap. XXV. Archelatis procures a reconciliation be- tween Alex'ander, Pheroras, and Herod 665 Chap. XXVI. Enrjxles calumniates tbe sons of Ma- riamne — Euratus apology haa no effect 666 Chap. XXVII. Herod, by Csesar's directions, accuses his sons at Berytus — they are condemned and sent to Sebasto, and strangled shortly afterward 669 Chap. XXVIII, Antipater hated by all— the king espouses the sons of those that had been slain to his kindred — Antipater induces him to change them for other women — Herod's marriages and children , 670 PAGE Chap. XXIX. Intolerance of Antipater — he is sent to Rome — Pheruia refuses to divorce his wife 672 Chap. XXX. Herod inquires into the death of Phe- rora.s— cunsequenct's thereof 673 Chap. XXXI. Antipiitt-r, convicted by Bathyllus, returns from Rome, and is brought to trial by He- rod 07- Chap. XXXII. Antipater accused before Varus — is convicted — his punishment po.-.tponttd till this re- covery of his fatlicr 677 Chap. XXXIII. The golden t'ugle cut to pieces — Herod's uarbarity — att(_-uipts to kill himself — com- mands Antipater to be slain — .survives him five days 079 BOOK 11. GoDtalning an interval of slxty-Qlne yeara. FKOM THE DEATH OF HEKOD TILL VESPASIAN WAS SENT TO SUBDUE THE JEWS BY AEEO. Chap. I. Archelaus makes a funeral feast — a great tumult raised by the multitude — the soldiers de- stroy about 3000 of them 682 Chap. II, Archelaus accused before Cffisar by Anti- pater~js successfully defended by Nicolaus 083 Chap. III. Revolt of the Jews 085 Chap. IV. Herod's veteran soldiers become tumul- tuous — robberies of Judas — Simon and Athrongeus assume the name of king 086 Chap. V. Varus quells the tumults in Judea — cruci fies about two thousand of the seditious GS7 Chap. VI. The Jews complain ot Archelaus, and de- sire that they be made subject to Roman governors. 088 Chap. VII. Histoi-y of the spurious Alexander — banishment of Aixhelaus, and death of Glaphyra.. 089 Chap. VIII. Archelauss ethnarchy reduced to a [Ro- man] province — sedition of Judas of Galilee — the three sects of the Jews 690 Chap. IX. Death of Salome — Pilate occasions dis- turbances — Tiberius puts Ai^Tippa into lionds — Caius frees him, and makes him king — Herod An- tipaa banished 694 Chap. X. Caius commands that his statue should be set up in the temple 695 Chap. XI. The government of Claudius, and the reign of Agrippa — Death of Agrippa and Herod.,, G96 Chap. XII. Tumults under Cumanus — suppressed by Quadratus — Felix procurator ol Judea — Agrippa advanced from Chalcis to a larger kingdom 608 Chap. XIII. Nero adds four citiee to Agrippa's king- dom — disturbances raised by the Sicarii, the magi- cians, and an Egyptian false prophet 700 Chap. XIV. Pestus, Albinns, and Plorus successively procurators of Judea — the Ji-ws resist the cruelties of Plorus 701 Chap. XV. Bernice petitions Florus to spare the Jews — cruelties and avarice of Florus 704 Chap. XVI. FloruS accuses the Jews of revolting from the Roman government — Agrippa's speech to the Jews on their intended war against the Ro- mans 706 Chap. XVII. Commencement of the Jewish war with the Romans — Manahan heads the Jewish in- surgfjntH, w'bo are defeated ^\\X\\ great slaughter... 711 Chap. XVIII. Dreadful slaughters and sufferings of the Jews 715 Chap, XIX. Cestius besieges Jerusalem — retreats from the city — the Jews pursue him, and defeat him with great slaughter 719 Chap. XX, Cestius sends embassadors to Ncio — the Damascenes destroy the Jews in their cities — Jeni- salem put in a state of defence — Josephus made a general of the Jewish forces 722 Chap. XXI, Josephus defeats the jjlota of John of Gischala, and recovers the revolted cities 724 Chap. XXII. The Jews prepare for war 728 BOOK III. CoDtalnlng an Intervfil of atwot one year. FROM VESPASIAN'S COMING TO SURDUE THE JEWS TO THE TAKi:\G OF TiAMALA. Chap, I. Vespasian sent into Syria by Nero, to make war with the Jews 729 Chap, II, Slaughter of the Jews about Ascalon — Vespian arrives at Ptolemais 730 ^ CONTENTS. Chap. III. Description of Galilee, Samaria, and Ju- dea.. . 731 Ctiap. lY. Josephua makes an attempt upon Sep phoris, but ia repelled — Titus joins Vespasian at Ptolemaia 732 Cliap. V. Deecription of the Koman armies and camps 733 Chap. VI. Placidue attempts to take Jotapata, but is repulsed — Vespasian marches into Galilee 735 Chiiji. VII. Vespasian takes Gadara, and marches to Jutapata, which is betrayed by a deserter 736 Ch!x\>. Vm. Josfphua discovered in a cave — he de- livers himeelf up to the Eomans, who bring him before Vespasian 748 Chap. IX. Joppa taken, and Tiberias delivered up... 751 Chap. X. Taricheaj taken — a description of the river Jordan, and of Genesareth 753 BOOK IV. OonfainijQg an interval of about one year. PROM THE eiEGE OP OAMALA TO THE COJnNG OF TirUS ro BESIEGE JURUASA.LEM. Chap. I. The siege and taking of Gamala 753 Chap. II. The surrender of the small city of Gischala — John of Giechola flies to Jerusalem 763 Chap. III. Conoerning John of Gischala — the Zea- lots and the high priest Ananus — the Jews raise seditions one a^insc another 765 Chap. IV . The Idumeaus being sent for by the Zea- lots, come immediately to Jerusalem 771 Chap. V. Cruelty of the Idumeans and the Zealots — .^laughter of Ananus, Jesus, and Zacharias 775 Chap. A''!. The Idumeiuis return home — the Zealots continue their slaughter of the citizims^Vespasian dissuades the Romans from proceeding in the Jew- ish war 778 Chap. VII. Tyranny of John — llassada plundered by the Zealots — Vespasian takes Gadara 780 Cliap. vm. Commotions in Gall [Galatia] — Vespa- sian hastens to terminate the Jewish war — descrip- tion of Jericho, the Great Plain, and the Lake As- phaltitis 783 Chap. IX. Vcfipaeian makes preparations to besiege Jerusalem — Death of Nero — an account of Simun of Gerasa 785 Chap. X, Vcspa*:ian proclaimefl emperor by tbo aol- dirrs in Judea and KfO'pt — he libcr;i(-r.^s j/>.s.:pljus... 790 Chap. XI. Upon the conquest and slaughter of Vi- tellius, Vrspoeian hastens to Rome, and Titus re- turns to Jerusalem 793 BOOK V. Co^tainiBg an interval of near sis moDths. FROM THE ro>fIK-(r OF TITUS TO BESIEGE JERUSALEM, TO THE GREAT EXTREMITY TO WHICH THE JEW3 WEILE EEnrCED. Chap. T. Seditions at Jerusalem, and miseries conse- quent thereon 795 Chap. II, Titus marches to Jerusalem 798 Chap. ITI. The sedition again revived within Jeru- salcui— the Jews contrive snares for the Romans — Titu.s threatens his soldiers for their ungovcroable rashness SOI Chap. IV. Do*^_ri]>tion of Jerusalem 803 Chap. V. Description of the Temple 806 Chap. VI. Titufl continues the sit-ge viL'orously 810 Chap. VII. Tlie Romans, after great slaughter, ob- t;i i D possession of the first wall — treacherous snares of the Jews §2^2 Chap. VIII. The Romans possess themselves of the second wall 815 PAGE Chap. IS. Temporary cessation of the siege — re- newal of hostilities — Josephus sent to ofler peace.. 816 Chap. X. Many of the Jews endeavour to desert to the Romans — severe famine in the city 820 Chap. XI. The Jews crucified before the walls of the city — Antiochus Bpiphanes — the Jews overthrow the banks raised by the Romans 822 Chap. XII. Titus encompasses the city round with a w»Il — the famine consumes the people by whole houses and families 825 Chap. XIII. Great slaughter and sacrilege in Jeru- salem 827 BOOK vr. Containing an interval of about one month. FROM THE GREAT EXTEEJnTT TO WHICH THE JEWS WEBB REDUCED TO THE TAKING OP JERUSALEM BY TITUS. Chap. I. The miseries of th& Jevs increase — the Ro- mans make an assault upon the tower of Antonia.. 830 Chap. II. Titus orders the tower of Antonia to be de- stroyed — .Josephus exhorts the JeAva to surrend^-r.. 83G Chap. HI. Stratagems of the Jews against the Ku- mans — further account of the famine within the city 841 Chap. IV. Destruction of the Temple 843 Chap. V. DistreM uf the Jews upon the destruction of the Temple 846 Chap. VI. The Romans continue to plunder and burn the city 849 Chajt. VII. The seditious continue to resist the Ro- mans 8.52 Chap. VIII. Titus gains possession of the whole city 853 Chap. IX. Titus examines the city — number of cap- tives and of the slain — the Romans entirely destroy the walls 855 Chap. X. History of Jerusalem, and of its various sieges 856 BOOK vir. ContainiDg ao interval of aboQt three years. FEOM THE TAKING OP JERUSALILX BF TITTTS, TO THE SEDITION OF THE JEWS AT CT^vE^■£. Chap. I. Entire destruction of .Terus;il.?m— Titu.3 re- T\-iirdrf his soldierjf, and dismisses many of thein 857 Chap. II. Titus exhibits shows at UaiSarea Philippi — capture of Simon 858 Chap. III. Titus celebrates his father's and l.rother's birthday by slaughtering many of the Jhwi^Ii ciij.- tives— the people of Antioch accuse tlie Jews of sedition 859 Chap. IV. Vespasian's reception at Kome— rn-Tolt of tlie German legion — the yamaritans overrun lilyria Itut are defeated _" _' gso Chap. ^^ An account of the Salibatic river— the An- tiochans petition Titus against the Jews, but are rejected— drscription of the triumphal sliov.-s of Vespasian and Titus gg2 Chap. yi. TliecityMacherus—LuciiiusBVissu,- takes the citadel, and other places gm Chap. VII. Misfortunes of Antiochus, kingof ruin- magene— cb'mency of Vespasian— the Alans ravage thecountries.it the Medes and Armenians ' 86a Ohap. ;j III. Massada besieged l.yPlavius Silva K70 Oliap IX.^ Ihe inhahitants of the fortress, at the instigation of Eleazer, destroy each other 8T7 Chap \. The Sicarii flee to Alexandria-destruction ot the Jewish temple built by Onias 879 Chap. XI. Conclusion .' oan ADDENDA. Flavins Josephus against Apion 884 An Extract out of Josephus's Discourse to the Greeks concerning Hades 927 IHssERT.\TiON I. The Testimonies concerning Jesns Christ, John the Baptist, and James tliu Just, vLn- 930 dicated . The ancient citations of the testimonies of Josephus from his own time till the end of the fifteenth cen- tury 930 Observations from the foregoing evidence and cita- tions 937 Dissertation II Concerning God's command to Tut fr^,T '°T??"m" ^'^"''= ^'^ ^™ f<"- ^ sacrifice.... 942 DissLMATioNlII. Tacitus-a accounts of the origin ot the Jewish nation, and of the particulars of the last Jewish War-that the former was probably r„?l,h™tt'h ?ri;"''"°",'" Jos-^Plius's Antiquities, and that the latter was for certain almost all directly Trajan's Epistle to Pliny Ifi Obserrations upon the passages taken out of Tacitus 903 Table of Jewish ^-eights and Measures 9^4 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. WRITTEN BY HIMSELP. The family from which I am derived is aot an ignoble one, but hath descended all along from the priests ; and as nobi- lity among several people is of a different origin, so with us to be of the sacerdotal dignity is an indication of the splendour of a family. Now, I am not only sprung from a sacerdotal family in general, but from the first of the twenty-four courses ; and as among us there is not only a con- siderable difference between one family of each course and another, I am of the chief family of that first course also ; nay, further, by my mother I am of the royal blood; for the children of Asamoneus, from whom that family was derived, had both the office of the high-priesthood, and the dignit}' of a king, for a lung time to- gether. I will accordingly set down my progenitors in order. My grandfather's father was named Simon, with the addi- tion of Psellus : he lived at the same time with that son of Simon, the high- priest, who first of all the high-priests was named Hyrcanus. This Simon Psel- lus had nine sons, one of whom was Matthias, called Bphlias : he married the daughter of Jonathan, the high-priest ; which Jonathan was the first of the sons of Asamoneus, who was the high-priest, and was the brother of Simon, the high- priest also. This Matthias had a son called Matthias Curtus, and that in the first year of the government of Hyrcanus : his son's name was Joseph, born in the ninth year of the reign of Alexandra : his son Matthias was born in the tenth year of the reign of Archelaus j as was I born to Matthias in the first year of the reign of Caius Caesar. I have three sons : Kyrcanus, the eldest, was born in the fourth year of the reign of Vespasian, as ivas Justus born in the seventh, and Agrippa in the ninth. Thus have I set down the genealogy of my family as I Vave found it described in the public re- lords, and so bid adieu to those who ealumniate me [as of a lower original] Now, my father Matthias was not Duly eminent on account of his nobility, but had a higher commendation on account of his righteousness ; and was in great reputation in Jerusalem, the greatest oity we have. I was, myself, brought up with my brother, whose name was Matthias, for he was my own brother, by both father and mother ; and I made mighty proficiency in the improvements of my learning, and appeared to have both a great memory and understanding. 3[ore- over, when I was a child, and about four- teen years of age, I was commended by all for the love I had to learning ; on which account, the high-priests and prin- cipal men of the city came then frequently to me together, in order to know my opi- nion about the accurate understanding of points of the law; and when I was about sixteen years old, I had a mind to make trial of the several sects that were among us. These sects are three : — the first is that of the Pharisees, the second that of the Sadducees, and the third that of the Essenes, as we have frequently told you; for I thought that by this means I might choose the best, if I were once acquainted with them all ; so I contented myself with hard fare, and underwent great difli- culties, and went through them all. Nor did I content myself with these trials only; but when 1 was informed that one, whose name was Banus, lived in the de- sert, and used no other clothing than grew upon trees, and had no other food than what grew of its own accord, and bathed himself in cold water frequently, both by night and by day, in order to preserve his chastity, I imitated him in those things, and continued with him three years.* So when I had accom- plished my desires, I returned back to the city, being now nineteen years old and began to conduct myself according tsal, and sent mo the men before men- tioned, I put them on board a ship, and sent them away to Tarichese, and ordered them to be kept in prison And by this stratagem it was that I gradually got all the senate of Tiberias into my power, and sent them to the city before mentioned, with many of the prin- cipal men among the populace; and those not fewer in number than the other : but, when the multitude saw into what great miseries they bad brought themselves, they desired me to punish the author of this sedition : his name was Clitus, a young man, bold and rash in his undertakings. Now, since I thought it not agreeable to piety to put one of my own people to death, and yet found it necessary to punish him, I ordered Levi, one of my own guards, to go to him, and cut off one of Clitus' « hands; but as he that was ordered to do this, was afraid to go out of the ship alone, among so great a multitude, I was not willing that the timorousness of the sol- dier should appear to the people of Tibe- rias : so I called to Clitus himself, and said to him, " Since thou deservest to lose both thine hands for thy ingratitude to me, be thou thine own executioner, lest, if thou refuaest so to be, thou undergo a worse punishment." And when he earnestly begged of me to spare him one of his hands, it was with diiEculty that I granted it. So, in order to prevent the loss of both his hands, he willingly took his sword, and cut oif his own left hand ; and this put an end to the sedition. Now the men of Tiberias, after I was gone to Tarichese, perceived what stra- tagem I had used against them, and they admired how I had put an end tn tbeir foolish sedition, without shedding of blood. But now, when I had sent for some of those multitudes of the people of Tiberias out of prison, among whom were Justus and his father Pistus, I made them to sup with me; and during our supper-time I said to tliem, that J knew the power of the Ro- mans was superior to all others ; but did not say so [publicly] because of the rob- bers. So I advised them to do as I did, and to wait for a proper opportunity, and not to be uneasy at my being their com. mander; for that they could not expocs to have another who would use the like moderation that I had done. I also put Justus in mind how the Galileans had cut off his brother's hands before ever I came to Jerusalem, upon an acouaadon laid against him, as if he had been a rogue, and had forged some letters ; as also how the people of Gamala, in a sedition they raised against the Babylonians, after the departure of Philip, slew Chares, who was a kinsman of Philip, and withal how they had wisely punished Jesus, his brother Justus's sister's husband [with death]. When I had said this to them during supper-time, I in the morning ordered Justus, and all the rest that were in pri- son, to be loosed out of it, and sent away. But before this, it happened that Philip, the son of Jacimus, went out of the cita- del of Gamala upon the following occa- sion : when Philip had been informed that Varus was put out of his government by King Agrippa, and that Equiculus Modius, a man that was of old his friend and companion, was come to succeed him, he wrote to him and related what turns of fortune he had had, and desired him to forward the letters he sent to the king and queen. Now, when Modius had receiv- ed these letters, he was exceedingly glad, and sent the letters to the king and queen, who were then about Berytus. But when King Agrippa knew that the story about Philip was false, (for it had been given out, that the Jews had begun a war with the Romans, and that this Philip had been their commander in that war,) he sent some horsemen to conduct Philip to him; and when he was come he saluted him very obligingly, and showed him to the Roman commanders, and told them that this was the man of whom the report had gone about as if he had revolted from the Ro mans. He also bid him to take some horse- men with him, and to go quickly to the citadel of Gamala, and to bring out thence all his domestics, and to restore the Baby- lonians to Batanea again. He also gave it him in charge to take all possible care that none of his subjects should be guilty of making any innovation. Accordingly, upon theso directions from the king, he made haste tr do what he was commanded 20 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS Now there was one Joseph, the son of 1 female physician, who excited a great many young men to join with him. He also insolfiijtly addressed himself to the principal persons at Gamala, and persuad- ed them to revolt from the king, and take up arms, and gave them hopes that they should, by his means, recover their liberty : and some they forced into the service ; and those that would not acquiesce in what they had resolved on, they slew. They also slew Chares, and with him Jesus, one of his kinsmen, and a brother of Justus of Tiberias, as we have already said. Those of Gamala also wrote to me, desiring me to send them an armed force, and workmen to raise up the walls of their city ; nor did I reject either of their re- quests. The region of Gaulanitis did also revolt from the king, as far as the village Solyma. I also built a wall about Seleu- cia and Soganni, which are villages na- turally of very great strength. Moreover, I, in like manner, walled several villages of Upper Galilee, though they were very rocky of themselves. Their names are Jam- nia, and Meroth, and Achabare. I also fortified, in the Lower Galilee, the cities Taricheae, Tiberias, Sepphoris, and the villages, the cave of Arbela, Bersobe, Se- lamin, Jotapata, Capharecho, and Sigo, and Japha, and Mount Tabor. I also laid up a great quantity of corn in these places, and arms withal, that might be for their security afterward. But the hatred that John, the son of Levi, bore to me, grew now more violent, while he could not bear my prosperity with patience. So he propo-sed to himself, by all means possible, to make away with me; and built the walls of Gischala, which was the place of his nativity. He then sent his brother Simon, and Jonathan, the son of Sisenna, and about 100 armed men, to Jerusalem, to Simon, the son of Gamaliel, in order lo persuade him to induse the commonalty of Jerusalem to take from me the government over the Galileans, and to give their suffrages for conferring that authority upon him. This Simon waj of the city of Jerusalem, and of a very noble family, of the sect of the Pharisees, which are supposed to excel others in the accurate knowledge of the laws of their country. He was a man of great wisdom and reason, and capable of restoring public affairs by his prudence, when they were in an ill posture, lie was also an old frien 1 and oompaaion of John; but at that time he had a differenog with me. When, therefore, he had ra. ceived such an exhortation, he persuades the high-priests, Ananus, and Jesus, the son of Gamala, and some others of th same seditious faction, to cut me down, now I was growing so great, and not to overlook me while I was aggrand. izing myself to the height of glory ; and he said that it would be for the advantage of the Galileans if I were deprived of my government there. Ananus also, and his friends, desired them to make no delay about the matter, lest I should get the knowledge of what was doing too soon, and should come and make an assault upon the city with a great army. This was the counsel of Simon ; but Ananus, the high-priest, demonstrated to tbem that this was not an easy thing to be done, because many of the high-priests and of the rulers of the people bore witness that I had acted like an excellent general, and that it was the work of ill men to accuse one against whom they had nothing to say When Simon heard Ananus say this, he desired that the messengers would con- ceal the thing, and not let it come among many ; for that he would take care to have Josephus removed out of Galilee very quickly. So he called fur John's brother [Simon], and charged him that they should send presents to Ananus and his friends : for, as he said, they might probably, by that means, persuade them to change their minds. And, indeed, Simon did at length thus compass what he aimed at ; for Ananus, and those with him, being corrupted by bribes, agreed to expel me out of Galilee, without making the rest of the citizens acquainted with what they were doing. Accordingly they re- solved to send men of distinction as to their families, and of distinction as to their learning also. Two of these were of the populace, Jonathan and Ananias, by sect Pharisees; while the third, Jozar, was of the stock of the priests, and a Pharisee also ; and Simon, the last of them, was of the youngest of the high- priests. These had it given them in charge, that, when they were come to the multitude of the Galileans, they should ask them what was the reason of their love to me; and if they said that it was because I was born at Jerusalem, that they should reply, that they four were all born at the same place ; and if they should say, it was because I was well THE LIFE OF PLAVIUS JOSEPHUt'.. 21 ▼ersed in their law, they should reply, that neither were they unacquainted with the practices of their country; but if, be- sides these, they should say they loved me because I was a priest, they should reply, that two of these were priests also. Now, when they had given Jonathan &nd his companions these instructions, they gave them 40,000 [drachmas] out of the public money : but when they heard that there was a certain Galilean that then sojourned at Jerusalem, whose name was Jesus, who had about him a band of 600 armed men, they sent foj him and gave him three months' pay and gave him orders to follow Jonathan and his companions, and be obedient to them. They also gave money to 300 men that were citizens of Jerusalem, to maintain them all, and ordered them also to follow the ambassadors ; and when they had complied, and were gotten ready for the march, Jonathan and his compa- nions went out with them, having along with them John's brother and 100 armed men. The charge that was given there by those that sent them was this : Tha, if I would voluntarily lay down my arms, they should send me alive to the . city of Jerusalem; but that, in case I opposed them, they should kill me, and fear no- thing; for that it was their command for them so to do. They also wrote to John to make all ready for fighting me, and gave orders to the inhabitants of deppho- ris, and Gabara, and Tiberias, to sfind auxiliaries to John. Now, as my father wote me an account of this, (for Jesus, the son of Gamala, who was present in that council, a friend and companion of mine, told him of it,) I was very much troubled, as discovering thereby that my fellow-citizens proved so ungrateful to me, as out of envy, to give order that L should be slain ; my father earnestly pressed me also in his letter to come to him, for that he longed to see his son before he died. I informed my friends of these things, and that in three days' time I should leave the country and go home. Upon hearing this, they were all very sorry, and desired me, with tears in their eyes, not to leave them to be destroyed; for so they thought they should be, if I were deprived of the com- mand over them ; but as I did not grant theif request, but was taking care of my )wn safety, the Galileans, out of their iread of the consequence of my departure. that they should then be at the merry of the robbers, sent messengers over all Ga- lilee to inform them of my resolution to leave them. Whereupon, as soon as they heard it, they got together in great num- bers from all parts, with their wives and children ; and this they did, as it ap- peared to me, not more out of their aifeo tion to me, than out of their fear on thuii own account; for, while I stayed wiri them, they supposed that they shouM suffer no harm. So they all came into the great plain, wherein I lived, the name of which was Asoehis. But wonderful it was what a dream 1 saw that very night ; for when I had be- taken myself to my bed, as grieved and disturbed at the news that had been written to me, it seemed to me, that a certain person stood by me, and said, " Josephus ! leave off to afflict thy soul, and put away all fear : for what now grieves thee will render thee very considerable, and in all respects moat happy ; for thou shalt get over not only these difficulties, but many others, with great success. However, be not cast down, but remember that thou art to fight with the Romans." When I had seen this dream, I got up with an inten- tion of going down to the plain. Now, when the whole multitude of the Gali- leans, among whom were the women and children, saw me, they threw themselves down upon their faces, and, with tears in their eyes, besought me not to leave them exposed to their enemies, nor to go away and permit their country to be injured by them ; but, when I did not comply with their entreaties, they compelled me to take an oath that I would stay with them : they also east abundance of re- proaches upon the people of Jerufalem, that they would not let their country en- joy peace. When I heard this, and saw what sor row the people were in, I was moved witk compassion to them, and thought it be- came me to undergo the most manifes! ^ hazards for the sake of so great a multi- i tude ; so I let them know I would stai with them ; and when 1 had given order that 5000 of them should come to me armed, and with provisions for their main tenance, I sent the rest away to their own homes; and, when those 5000 were coiur, I took them, together with 3000 of lh<. soldiers that were with me before, and ^•ighty horsemen, and marched tl' tht 22 THE LIFb OF FLA.VIUS JOSEPHUS. village of Chabolo, situated in the con- fines of Ptolemais, and there kept my forces together, pretending to get ready to fight with Placidus, who was come with two cohorts of footmen, and one troop of horsemen ; and was sent thither by Ccstius Gallus to burn those villages f Galilee that were near Ptolemais. Ipon whose casting up a bank before the city Ptolemais, I also pitched my camp at about the distance of sixty fur- longs from that village ; and now we fre- quently brought out our forces as if we would fight, but proceeded no further than skirmishes at a distance ; for when Placidus perceived that I was earnest to come to a battle, he was afraid, and avoided it ; yet did he not remove from the neighbourhood of Ptolemais. About this time it was that Jonathan and his fellow-legates came. Thev were sent, as we have said already, by Simon and Ananus the high-priest ; and Jona- than contrived how he might catch me by treachery; for he durst not make any attempt upon me openly. So he wrote me the following epistle : " Jonathan aod those that are with him, and are sent by the people of Jerusalem to Joseph us, send greeting. We are sent by the prin- cipal men of Jerusalem, who have heard that John of Gischala hath laid many snares for thee, to rebuke him, and to exhort him to be subject to thee here- after. We are also desirous to consult with thee about our common concerns, and what is fit to be done. We, there- fore, desire thee to come to us quickly, and to bring only a few men with thee ; for this village will not contain a great number of soldiers." Thus it was that thej wrote, as expecting one of these two things ; either that I should come with- out armed men, and then they should have me wholly in their power ; or if I came with a great number, they should judge me to be a public enemy. 1-iow it was a horseman who brought the letter, a man at other times bold, and one that had aerved in the army under the king. It waa the second hour of the night that he 3ani3, when I was feasting with my friends and the principal of the Gali- leans. This man, upon my servant's telling mo that a certain horseman of the Jewish nation was come, was called in at vaj command, but did not so much as salute me at all, but held out a letter, and said, " This letter is sent thee by those that are come from Jerusalem : do thou write an answer to it quickly, for I am obliged to return to them very soon." Now, my guests could not but wonder at the boldness of the soldier; but I desired him to sit down and sup with us ; but when he refused so to do, I held the let- ter in my hands as I received it, and fell a-talking with my guests about other matters ; but a few hours afterward, I got up, and when I had dismissed the rest to go to their beds, I bid only four of my intimate friends to stay ; and or- dered my servant to get some wine ready. I also opened the letter so that nobody could perceive it; and understanding thereby presently the purport of the writing, I sealed it up again, and ap- peared as if I had not yet read it, but only held it in my hands ; I ordered twenty drachmae should be given the soldier for the charges of his journey ; and when he took the money, and said that he thanked me for it, I perceived that he loved money, and that he was to be caught chiefly by that njeans ; and I said to him, " If thou wilt but drink with us, thou shalt have a drachmae for every glass thou drinkest." So he gladly em- braced this proposal, and drank a great deal of wine, in order to get the more money, and was so drunk, that at last he could not keep the secrets he was in- trusted with, but discovered them without my putting questions to him, viz. that a treacherous design was contrived against me; and that I was doomed to die by those that sent him. When I heard this, I wrote back this answer: " Jose- phus to Jonathan, aud those that are with him, sendeth greeting. Upon the infor- mation that you are come in health into Galilee, I rejoice, and this especially, be- cause I can now resign the care of public affairs here into your hands, and return into my native country, which is what I have desired to do a great while ; and I confess 1 ought not only to come to yot as far as Xaloth, but farther, and this without your comnsands ; but I desire you to excuse me, because I cannot do it now, smce I watch the motions of Placidus, who hath a mind to go up into Galilee : and this I do here at Chabolo. Do you. therefore, on the receipt of this epistle' come hither to me. Fare you well." When I had written thus, and given the letter to be carried by the soldier 1 sent along with him thirty of the Gali TUE UFE OF FLAVIOS JOSJBPHCS. 23 leans of the best charact'^rs, and gave them instructions to salute those ambas- sadors, but to say nothing else to them. I also gave orders to as many of those armed men, whom I esteemed most faith- ful to me, to go along with the others, every one with him whom he was to guard ; lest some conversation might pass between those whom I sent, and those who were with Jonathan. So those men went [to Jonathan]. But, when Jona- than and his partners had failed in this their first attempt, they sent me another letter, the contents whereof were as fol- lows : " Jonathan, and those with him, to Josephus, send greeting. We require thee to come to us to the village Gaba- roth, on the third day, without any armed men, that we may hear what thou hast to lay to the charge of John [of Grisohala]." When they had written this letter, they saluted the G-alileans whom I sent ; and came to Japha, which was the largest vil- lage of all Galilee, and encompassed with very strong walls, and had a great num- ber of inhabitants in it. There the mul- titude of men, with their wives and chil- dren, met them, and exclaimed loudly against them ; and desired them to be gone, and not to envy them the advan- tage of an excellent commander. With these clamours Jonathan and his partners were greatly provoked, although they durst not show their anger openly ; so they made them no answer, but went to other villages. But still the same gla- mours met them from all the people, who said, "Nobody should persuade them to have any other commander besides Jose- phus." So Jonathan and his partners went away from them without success, and came to Sepphoris, the greatest city of all Galilee. Now, the men of that city, who inclined to the Romans in their sentiments, met them indeed, but neither praised nor reproached me ; and when they were gone down from Sepphoris to Asochis, the people of that place made a clamour against them, as those of Japha had done ; whereupon they were able to contain themselves no longer, but ordered the armed men that were with them to beat those that made the clamour with their clubs ; and when they came to Ga- bara, John met them with 3000 armed men j but, as I understood by their letter that they had resolved to fight against tne, I arose from Chabolo, with 3000 urmed men also, but left in my camp one of my fastest friends, and came to Jota- pata, as desirous to be near them, the distance being no more than forty fur- longs. Whence I wrote thus to them ; " If you are desirous that I should oome to you, you know there are 240 cities and villages in Galilee : I will come to any of them which you please, excepting Gabar? and Gischala, the one of which is John's native city, and the other in confederacy and friendship with him." When Jonathan and his partners had received this letter, they wrote me no more answers, but called a council of their friends together, and taking John into their consultation, they took couDsel to- gether by what means they might attack me. John's opinion was, that they should write to all the cities and villages that were in Galilee ; for that there must be certainly one or two persons in every one of them that were at variance with me ; and that they should be invited to come, to oppose me as an enemy. He would also have them send this resolution of theirs to the city of Jerusalem, that its citizens, upon the knowledge of my being adjudged to be an enemy by the Galileans, might themselves also confirm that deter- mination. He said also, that when this was done, even those Galileans who were well affected to me, would desert me, out of fear. When John had given them this counsel, what he had said was very agreeable to the rest of them. I was also made acquainted with these affairs about the third hour of the nignt, Dy the means of one Saocheus, who had belonged to them, but now deserted them and came over to me, and told me what they were about. So I perceived that no time was to be lost. Accordingly, I gave command to Jacob, an armed man of my guard, whom I esteemed faithful to me, to take 200 men, and to guard the passages that led from Gabara to Galilee, and to seize upon the passengers, and send them to me, especially such as were caught with letterr about them : I also sent Jeremias himself one of my friends, with 600 armed men. to the borders of Galilee, in order to wateli the roads that led from this country to the city of Jerusalem ; and gave him charge to lay hold of such as travelled with letteri about them, to keep the men in bonds upon the place, but to send me the letters When I had laid these commands upon them, I gave them orders, aud bid them take their arms and bring three days' pro 24 THE LIFE OF FLAVITJS^^JUSBnrtns. visioi with them, and be with me the next day. I also parted those that were about me into four parts, and ordained those of them that were most faithful to me to be a guard to my body. I also set over them centurions ; and commanded them to take care tl at not a soldier which they did not know should mingle himself among them. Now, on the fifth day following, when I was at G-abaroth, I found the entire plain that was before the village full of armed men, who were come out of Galilee to as- sist me : many others of the multitude also out of the village, ran along with me; but as soon as I had taken my place, and began to speak to them, they all made an acclamation, and called me the benefactor and saviour of the country; and when I had made them my acknowledgments, and thanked them [for their aifection to me], I also advised them to fight with nobody,* nor to spoil the country, but to pitch their tents in the plain, and be content with their sustenance they had brought with them ; for I told them I had a mind to compose these troubles without shedding any blood. Now it came to pass, that on the very same day those who were sent by John with letters, fell among the guards whom I had appointed to watch the roads ; 8u the men were themselves kept upon the place, as my orders were ; but I got the letters, which were full of reproaches and lies ; and 1 intended to fall upon these men, without saying a word of these mat- ters to anvbndv Now, as soon as Jonathan and his com- panions heard of my coming, they took all their own friends, and John with them, and retired to the house of Jesus, which indeed was a large castle, and noway un- like a citadel ; so they privately led a band of armed men therein, and shut all the other doors but one, which they kept open, and they expected that I should come out of the road to them, to salute them ; and indeed thoy had given orders to the armed men, that when I came they should let nobody bcrfide me come in, but should ex- clude others ; as Bupposing that, by this means, they shou/d easily get me under their power : but they were deceived in their expectation, for J perceived what snares they had laid for me. Now, as soon as I was got oft' my journey, 1 took * Joaephua's directiona to hia aoldiera here are much the same that .John the Bwptiat gave, (Luke tii. 14:) — "1)0 violence to do man, neither accuse luiy faisoly, and be content with your waj^cs." up my lodgings over against them, and pretended to be asleep ; so Jonathan and his party, thinking that I was really asleep and at rest, made haste to go down into the plain to persuade the people that I wah an ill governor: but the matter proved otherwise ; for, upon their appearance, there was a cry made by the G-alileans im- mediately, declaring their good opinion of me as their governor; and they made a clamour against Jonathan and his partners for coming to them when they had suffered no harm, and as though they would over- turn their happy settlement ; and desired them by all means to go back again, for that they would never be persuaded to have any other to rule over them but my- self. When I heard of this, I did not fear to go down into the midst of them ; I went, therefore, myself down presently, to hear what Jonathan and his companions said. As soon as I appeared, there was immediately an acclamation made to me by the whole multitude, and a cry in my commendation by them, who confessed their thanks were owing to me for my good government of them. When Jonathan and his companions heard this, they were in fear of their own lives, and in danger lest they should be assaulted by the Galileans on my account ; so they contrived how they might run away; but as they were not able to get off, for I desired them to stay, they looked down with concern at my words to them. I ordered, therefore, the multitude to restrain entirely their acclamations, and placed the most faithful of my armed men upon the avenues, to be a guard to us, lest John should unexpectedly fall upon- us; and I encouraged the Galileans ta take their weapons, lest they should be disturbed at their enemies, if any sudden insult should be made upon them ; and then, in the first place, I put Jonathan and his partners in mind of their [former] letter, and after what manner they had written to me, and declared they were sent by the common consent of the people of Jerusalem, to make up the differences 1 had with John, and how they had desired me to come to them ; and as I spake this, I publicly showed that letter they had written, till they could not at all deny what they had done, the letter itself con- victing them. I then said, " Jonathan I and you that are sent with him as his col- leagues, if I were to be judged as to my behaviour, compared with that of John's THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHDS. 25 and had brought no more than two or three witnesses,* good men and true, it is plain you had been forced, upon the examination of . their characters before- hand, to discharge the accusations : that, therefore, you may be informed that I have acted well in the affairs of Galilee, [ think three witnesses too few to be brought by a man that hath done as he ought to do ; so I gave you all these for witnesses. Inquiref of them how I have lived, and whether I have not behaved myself with all decency, and after a vir- tuous manner among them. And I fur- ther conjure you, Galileans ! to hide no part of the truth, but to speak before these men as before judges, whether I have in any thing acted otherwise than well." While I was thus speaking, the united voices of all the people joined together, and called me their benefactor and saviour, and attested to my former behaviour, and exhorted me to continue so to do here- after ; and they all said, upon their oaths, that their wives had been preserved free from injuries, and that no one had ever been aggrieved by me. After this, I read to the Galileans two of those epistles which had been sent by Jonathan and his colleagues, and which those whom I had .ippointed to guard the road had taken, and sent to me. These were full of re- proaches and of lies, as if I had acted more like a tyrant than a governor against them ; with many other things besides therein contained, which were no better indeed than impudent falsities. I also informed the multitude how I came by these letters, and that those who carried them delivered them up voluntarily; for I was not willing that my enemies should know any thing of the guards I had set, lest they should be afraid, and leave off writing hereafter. When the multitude heard these things, they were greatly provoked at Jonathan and his colleagues that were with him, and were going to attack them, and kill them ; and this they had certainly done, unless I had restrained the anger of the * We here learn the practice of the Jews, in the days of Josephus, to inquire into the charac- ters of witnesses before -they were admitted; and that their number ought to be three, or two at the least, as in the law of Moses, b, ii. s. 37. t This appeal to the whole body of the Galileans by Josephus, and the testimony they gave him of integrity in his conduct as their governor, is very like that appeal and testimony in the case of the prophet SamueL (1 Sam. xii- 1-5.) Galileans, and said, that " 1 fcrgave Jona- than and his colleagues what was past, if they would repent, and go to their own country, and tell those who sent them the truth, as to my conduct." When T had said this, I let them go, although I knew they would do nothing of what they had promised. But the multitude were very much enraged against them, and entreated me to give them leave to punish them for their insolence; yet did I try all methods to persuade them to spare the men ; for 1 knew that every instance of sedition was pernicious to the public welfare. But the multitude was too angry with them to be dissuaded; and all of them went imme- diately to the house in which Jonathan and his colleagues abode. However, when I perceived that their rage could not be restrained, I got on horseback, and ordered the multitude to follow me to the village Sogane, which was twenty furlongs off Gabara ; and by using this stratagem, I so managed myself as not to appear to begin a civil war among them. But when I was come near Sogane, I caused the multitude to make a halt, and exhorted them not to be so easily pro- voked to anger, and to the inflicting such punishments as could not be afterward re- called : I also gave order, that a hundred men, who were already in years, and were principal men among them, should get themselves ready to go to the city of Je- rusalem, and should make a complaint before the people, of such as raised sedi tions in the country. And I said to them, that "in case they be moved with what you say, you shall desire the community to write to me, and to enjoin me to con- tinue in Galilee, and to order Jonathan and his colleagues to depart out of it." When I had suggested these instructions to them, and while they were getting themselves ready aa fast as they could, I sent them on this errand the third day after they had been assembled : 1 -Ata sent 500 armed men with them [as a guard]. I then wrote to my friends iu Samaria, to take care that they might safely pass through the country: for Sa^ maria was already under the Komaus, and it was absolutely neofssiary for those that go quickly [to Jerusalem] to pass through that country ; for in that road you may, in three days' time, go trom Galilee to Jerusalem. I also went myself, and con- ducted the old men as far as the bounds of Galilee, and set guards ,n the road.s. :hat THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. it might £101 be easily known by any one that these men were gone. And when I had thus done, I went and abode at Japha. Now Jonathan and his colleagues, having failed of accomplishing what they would have done against me, sett John back to Grischala, but went themselves to the city of Tiberias, expecting it would submit it- self to them ; and this was founded on a letter which Jesus, their then governor, had written thorn, promising that, if they came, the multitude w6uld receive them, and choose to be under their government; so they went their ways with this expect- ation. But Silas, who, as I said, had been left curator of Tiberias by me, in- formed me of this, and desired me to make haste thither. Accordingly, I complied with bis advice immediately, and came thither; but found myself in danger of my life, from the following circumstance : — Jonathan and his colleagues had been at Tiberias, and had persuaded a great many of such as had a quarrel with me to desert me ; but when they heard of my coming, they were in fear for themselves, and came to me ; and when they had saluted me, they said that I was a happy man in having behaved myself so well in the go- vernment of Galilee ; and they congratu- lated me upon the honours that were paid me ; for they said that my glory was a credit to them, since they had been my teachers and fellow-citizens; and they said further, that it was but just that they should prefer my friendship to them rather than John's, and that they would have immediately gone home, but that they stayed that they might deliver up John into my power; and when they said this, they took their oaths of it, and those such as are most tremendous among us, and such as I did not think fit to disbelieve. However, they desired me to lodge some- where else, because the next day was the Sabbath ; and that it was not fit the city of Tiberias should be disturbed [on that day]. So I suspected nothing, and went away •a Tariohese; yet did I withal leave some to make inquiry in the city how matters went, and whether any thing was said about me; I also set many persons all the way that led from Taricheije to Tibe- rias, that they might communicate from one to another, if they learned any news from those that were left in the city. On the next day, therefore, they all came into the Proseucha ; it was a large edifice, and capable of receiving a great number of people; thither Jonathan went in, and though he durst not openly speak of a re- volt, yet did he say that their city stood in need of a better government than it then had. But Jesus, who was the ruler, made no scruple to speak out, and said openly, "0 fellow-citizens 1 it is better for you to be in subjection to four than to one; and those such as are of high bir'ii. and not without reputation for their wis- dom ; " and pointed to Jonathan and his colleagues. Upon his saying this, Justus came in and commended him for what he had said, and persuaded some of the peo- ple to be of his mind also. But the mul- titude were not pleased with what was said, and had certainly gone into a tumult, unless the sixth hour, which was now come, had dissolved the assembly, at which hour our laws require us to go to dinner on Sabbath days; so Jonathan and his colleagues put off their council till the next day, and went off without success. Wben I was informed of these affairs, I determined to go to the city of Tiberias in the morning. Accordingly, on the next day, about the first hour of the day, I came from Taricheae, and found the mul- titude already assembled in the Proseucha ; but on what account they were gotten together, those that were assembled did not know. But when Jonathan and his colleagues saw me there unexpectedly, they were in disorder ; after which they raised a report of their own contrivance, that Romaa horsemen were seen at a place called Union, in the borders of Galilee, thirty furlongs distant from the city. Upon which report, Jonathan' tnd his colleagues cunningly exhorted me nv.t to neglect this matter, nor to suffer the land to be spoiled by the enemy. And this they said with a design to remove me out of the city, under the pretence of the want of extraordinary assistance, while they might dispose the city to be my enemy. As for myself, although I knew of their design, yet did I comply with what they proposed, lest the people of Tiberias should have occasion to suppose that I was not careful of their security. I there- fore went out ; but, when I was at the place, I found not the least footsteps of any enemy; so I returned as fast as ever I could, and found the whole council as- sembled, and the body of the people eot- to- -together, and Jonathan and hia tvil. THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS 21 leagues bringing vehement accusations against me, as one who had no concern to ease them of the burdens of war, and as one that lived luxuriously. And as they were discoursing thus, they produced four letters as written to them, from some people that lived at the borders of Galilee, imploring that they would come to their assistance, for that there was an army of Romans, both horsemen and footmen, who would come and lay wa&te the country on the third day; they desired them also to make haste, and not to overlook them, ^'hen the people of Tiberias heard this, they thought they spake truth, and made a clamour against me, and said I ought not to sit still, but to go away to the assistance of their countrymen. Here- upon I said (for I understood the meaning of Jonathan and his colleagues) that I was ready to comply with what they proposed, and without delay to march to the war which they spake of; yet did I advise them, at the same time, that since these letters declared that the Romans would make their assault in four several places, they should part their forces into five bodies, and make Jonathan and his colleagues generals of each body of them, because it was fit for brave men not only to give counsel, but to take the place of leaders, and assist their countrymen when such a necessity pressed them ; for, said I, it is not possible for me to lead more than one party. This advice of mine greatly pleased the multitude; so they compelled them to go forth to the war. But their designs were put into very much disorder, because they had not done what they had designed to do, on account of my stratagem, which was opposite to their undertakings. Now there was one whose name was Ananias ; (a wicked man he was, and very mischievous ;) he proposed that a general religious fast should be appointed the next day for all the people, and gave order that at the same hour they should come to the same place, without any weapons, to make it manifest before God, that while they cihtained his assistance, they thought all these weapons useless. This, he said, not »ut of piety, but that they might catch me and my friends unarmed. Now, I was hereupon forced to comply, lest I should appear to despise a proposal that tended to piety. As soon, therefore, as we were gone home, Jonathan and his colleagues wrote to John to come to them in the moming, and desiring him to come with as many soldiers as he possibly could, foi that they should then be able easily to get me into their hands, and to do all they desired to do. When John had re- ceived this letter, he resolved to comply with it. As for myself, on the next day, I ordered two of the guards of my body, whom I esteemed the most courageous and most faithful, to hide daggers undei their garments, and to go along with me, that we might defend ourselves, if any attack should be made upon us by out enemies. I also myself took my breast- plate, and girded on my sword, so that it might be, as far as it was possible, con cealed, and came into the Proseucha. Now Jesus, who was the ruler, com- manded that they should exclude all that came with me, for he kept the door him- self, and suffered none but his friends to go in. And while we were engaged in the duties of the day, and had betaken ourselves to our prayers, Jesus got up, and inquired of me what was become of the vessels that were taken out of ,the king's palace when it was burnt down, [and] of that uncoined silver : and in whose possession they now were? This he said in order to drive away time tiU John should come. I said that Capellus, and the ten principal men of Tiberias, had them all; and I told him that they might ask them whether I told a lie or not. And when they said they had them, he asked me. What is become of those twenty pieces of gold which thou didst receive upon the sale of a certain weight of uncoined money? I replied, that I had given them to those ambassadors of theirs, as a maintenance for them, when they were sent by them to Jerusalem. So Jonathan and his colleagues said that I had not done well to pay the ambassa- dors out of the public money. And when the multitude were very angry at them for this, for they perceived the wickedness of the men, I understood that a tumult was going to arise; and being desirous to provoke the people to a great- er rage against the men, I said, " But if I have not done well in paying our am bassadors out of the public stock, leave oflf your anger at me, for I will repay the twenty pieces of gold myself" When I had said this, Jonathan and his colleagues held their peace; but the people were still more irritated against them, upon their openly showing their unjust ill-will to me. When Jesus saw 28 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. this change in the people, he ordered chem to depart, but desired the senate to stay, for that they could not examine things of such a nature in a tumult; and as the people were crying out that they would not leave me alone, there came one and told Jesus and his friends privately that John and his armed men were at hand : whereupon Jonathan and his col- leagu38, being able to contain themselves no longer, (and perhaps the providence of God hereby procuring my deliverance, for, had not this been so, I had certainly been destroyed by John,) said, " you people of Tiberias ! leave off this inquiry about the twenty pieces of gold ; for Jo- sephus hath not deserved to die for them; but he has deserved it by his desire of tyrannizing, and by cheating the multi- tude of the Galileans with his speeches, iti order to gain the dominion over them." \V'hen he had said this, they presently laid hands upon me, and endeavoured to kill me : but as soon as those that were with me saw what they did, they drew their swords, and threatened to smite them, if they offered any violence to me. The people also took up stones, and were about to throw them at Jonathan ; and so they snatchod me from the violence of my enemies. But as I was gone out a little way, I was just upon meeting John, who was raurohing with his armed men. So I was afraid of him, and turned aside, and escaped by a narrow passage to the lake, and .seized on a ship, and embarked in it, and sailed over to Tarichese. So, beyond ray expectation, I escaped this danger. Whereupon 1 presently sent for the chief of the Galileans, and told them after what manner, against all faith given, I had been very near to destruction from Jona- than and his colleagues, and the people of Tiberias. Upon which the multitude of the Galileans were very angry, and en- couraged me to delay no longer to make war upon them, but to permit them to go against John, and utterly to destroy him, a-i well as Jonathan and his colleagues. Hawever, I restrained them, though they were in .such a rage, and desired them to tarry a while, till we should .be informed what orders those ambassadors that were sent by them to the city of Jerusalem should bring thence; fori told them that it was best to act according to their de- termination ; whereupon they were pre- vailed on. .At whici} time also, John, when the snares he had laid did not take effect, returned back to Gischala. Now, in a few days those ambassadors whom we had sent, came back again and informed us that the people were greatly provoked at Ananus, and Simon, the sod of Gamaliel, and their friends; that, without any public determination, they had sent to Galilee, and had done their endeavours that I might be turned out of the government. The ambassadors said- further, that the people were ready to burn their houses. They also brought letters, whereby the chief men at Jeru- salem, at the earnest petition of the peo- ple, confirmed me in the government of Galilee, and' enjoined Jonathan and his colleagues to return home quickly. When I had gotten these letters, I came to the village Arbola, where I procured an as- sembly of the Galileans to meet, and bid the ambassadors declare to them the anger of the people of Jerusalem at what had been done by Jonathan and bis col- leagues, and how much they hated their wicked doings, and how they had con- firmed me in the government of their country, as also what related to the order they had in writing for Jonathan and his colleagues to return home. So I im- mediately sent them the letter, and bid him that carried it to inquire, as well as he could, how they intended to act [on this occasion]. Now, when they had received that let- ter, and were thereby greatly disturbed, they sent for John, and for the senators of Tiberias, and for the principal men of the Gabarens, and proposed to hold a council, and desired them to consider what was to be done by them. However, the governors of Tiberias were greatly disposed to keep the government to them- selves: for they said it was not fit to desert their city, now it was committed to their trust, and that otherwise I should not delay to fall upon them; for the pretended falsely that so I had threatened to do. Now John was not only of their opinion, but advised them, that two of them should go to accuse me before the multitude [at Jerusalem], that I do not manage the affairs of Galilee as I ought to do ; and that they would easily per- suade the people, because of their dignity, and because tlie whole multitude are very mutable. When, therefore, it appearea that John had suggested the wisest advice- to them, they resolved that two of them. THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. Jonathan and Ananias, should go to the people of Jerusalem, and the other two [Simon and Joazar] should be left behind to tarry at Tiberias. They also took along with them 100 soldiers for their guard. However, the governors of Tiberias took care to have their city secured with walk, and commanded their inhabitants to take their arms. They also sent for a great many soldiers from John, to assist them against me, if there should be occa- gion for them. Now John was at Gischa- la. Jonathan, therefore, and those that were with him, when they were departed from Tiberias, and as soon as they were come to Dabaritta, a village that lay in the utmost parts of Galilee, in the great plain, they, about midnight, fell among the guards I had set, who both commanded them to lay aside their weapons, and kept them in bonds upon the place, as I had charged them to do. This news was written to me by Levi, who had the com- mand of that guard committed to him by me. Hereupon I said nothing of it for two days; and pretending to know nothing about it, I sent a message to the people of Tiberias, and advised them to lay their arms aside, and to dismiss their men, that they might go home ; but supposing that Jonathan, and those that were with him, ■rere already arrived at Jerusalem, they made reproachful answers to me ; yet was I not terrified thereby, but contrived an- other stratagem against them ; for I did not think it agreeable with piety to kindle the fire of war against the citizens. As I was desirous to draw those men away from Tiberias, I chose out 10,000 of the best of my armed men, and divided them into three bodies, and ordered them to go privately, and lie still, as an ambush, in the viUagis. I also led 1000 into another village, which lay indeed in the moun- tains, as did the others, but only four fur- longs distant from Tiberias ; and gave orders, that when they saw my signal, they should come down immediately, while I myself lay with my soldiers in the sight of everybody. Hereupon the people of Tiberias, at the sight of me, came running out of tho city perpetually, and abused me greatly. Nay, their madness was come to that height, that they made a decent bier for me, and, standing about it, they mourned over me in the way of jest and sport; and I could not but be myself in a pleasant humour upon the sight of this madaess of theirs 29 And now being desirous to catch Simon by a wile, and Joazar with him, I sent a message to them, and desired them to come a little way out of the city, and many of their friends to guard them ; for I said I would come down to them, and make a league with them, and divide the government of Galilee with them. Ac- cordingly, Simon was deluded, on account of his imprudence, and out of tho hopes of gain, and did not delay to come ; but Joazar, suspecting snares were laid for him, stayed behind. So when Simon was come out, and his friends with him for his guard, I mot him, and saluted him with great civility, and professed that 1 was obHged to him for his coming up to me; but a little while afterward I walked along with him, as though I would say some- thing to him by himself; and when' I had drawn him a good way from his frieii'Js, 1 took him about the middle, and gave hira to my friends that were with me, to carry him into a village ; and commandin■ 50 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS [BOJK I man righteous and great, imd skilful in the celestial science." liut Heoataeus does more than barely mention him; frr he composed and left behind him a book concerning him. And Nicholaus of Da- mascus, in the fourth book of his history, wys thus: — "Abrani reigned at Daiiias- Bus, being a foreigner, who came with an wmy out of the land above Babylon, called bhe land of the Chaldeans. But after a long time he got him up, and removed from that country also with his people, and went into the land then called the land of Canaan, but now the land of Judea, and this when his posterity were become a multitude; as to which posterity of his, we relate their history in another work. Now the name of Abram is even still famous in the country of Damascus; and there is shown a village named from him, The Habitation of Abram." CHAPTER Vni. Famine in Canaan — Abram visits Egypt — instructs natives in religion, arithmetic, and astronomy, returns to Canaan, and divides the country with Me Ijinemen. B. C. 1921. Now after this, when a famine had in- vaded the land of Canaan, and Abram had discovered that the Egyptians were in a flourishing condition, he was dis- posed to go down to them, both to par- take of the plenty they enjoyed, and to become an auditor of their priests, and to know what they said concerning the gods; designing either to follow them, if they had better notions than he, or to convert them into a better way, if his own notions proved the truest. Now, seeing he was to take Sarai with him, and was afraid of the madness of the Egyptians with regard to women, lest the king should kill him on occasion of his wife's great beauty, he contrived this device : — He pretended to be her brother, and directed her in a dis- sembling way to pretend the same, for he said it would be for their benefit. Now, &» soon as he came into Egypt, it happened to Abram as he supposed it would; for the fame of his wife's beauty was greatly talked of, for which reason Pharaoh the king of Egypt would not be satisfied with ^hat was reported of her, but would needs aee himself, and was preparing to enjoy her; but God put a stop to his unjust in- clinations, by sending upon him a dis- temper, and a sedition against his govern- ment. And when he inquired of the priests how he might be freed fronithes* calamities, they told him that this his miserable condition was derived from the wrath of God, upon account of his inclina- tion to abuse the stranger's wife. He then out of fear asked Sarai who she was, and who it was that she brought along with her. And when he had found out the truth, he excused himself to Abram, that supposing the woman to be his sister, and not his wife, he set his affections on her, as desiring an affinity with him by marrying her, but not as incited by lust to abuse her. He also made him a large present in money, and gave him leave to enter into conversation with the most learned among the Egyptians; from which conversation, his virtue and his reputation became more conspicuous than they had been before. For whereas the Egyptians were for- merly addicted to different customs, and despised one another's sacred and ac- customed rites, and were very angry one with another on that account, Abram con- ferred with each of them, and confuting the reasonings they made use of every one for their own practices, demonstrated that such reasonings were vain and void of truth ; whereupon he was admired by them in those conferences as a very wise man, and one of great sagacity, when he discoursed on any subject he undertook; and this not only in understanding it, but in persuading other men also to assent to him. He communicated to them arithmetic, and delivered to them the science of astronomy ; for, before Abram came into Egypt, they were unacquainted with those parts of learning; for that science came from the Chaldeans into Egypt, and from thence to the Greeks also. As soon as Abram was come back into Canaan, he parted the land between him and Lot, upon account of the tumultuous behavi jur of their shepherds, concerning the pastures wherein they should feed their flocks. However, he gave Lot hig option or leave to choose which lands he would take; and he took himself what the other left, which were the lower grounds at the foot of the mountains;, and he himself dwelt in Hebron, which is a city seven years more ancient than Tanis of Egypt. But Lot possessed the land of the plain , and the river Jordan, not far from the city of Sodom, which was then a fine city ; but is now destroyed bj Chap. X.J ANTIQUITIES OP THE JEWS. 5) the will and wrath of Grod; the cause of which I shall shew in its proper place hereafter. CHAPTER IX. Destruotioa of Sodom by the Assyrians. B. C. 1912. At this time, when the Assyrians had the dominion over Asia, the people of Sodom were in a flourishing condition, both as to riches and the number of their youth. There were five kings that ma- naged the aflFairs of this country : Ballas, Barsas, Scnabar, and Sumobor, with the king of Bela; and each king led on his own troops ; and the Assyrians made war upon them; and, dividing their army into four parts, fought against them. Now every part of the army had its own commander; and when the battle was joined, the Assyrians were conquerors, and imposed a tribute on the kings of the Sodomites, who submitted to this slavery twelve years ; and so long they conti- nued to pay their tribute ; but on the thirteenth year they rebelled, and then the army of the Assyrians came upon them, under their commanders Amra- phel, Arioch, Chodorlaomer, and Tidal. These kings had laid waste all Syria, and overthrown the offspring of the giants ; and when they were come over against Sodom, they pitched their camp at the vale called the Slime Pits, for at that time there were pits in that place ; but now, upon the destruction of the city of Sodom, that vale became the Lake Asphal- tites, as it is called. However, concern- ing this lake we shall speak more pre- sently. Now, when the Sodomites joined battle with the Assyrians, and the fight was very obstinate, many of them were killed, and the rest were carried captive ; among which captives was Lot, who had come to assist the Sodomites. CHAPTEK X. T.\e Assyrian army pursued and defeated by Abram — Birth of Ishmael^Circumcision insti- tuted. B. C. 1912-1910. When Abram heard of their calamity, he was at once afraid for Lot his kins- man, and pitied the Sodomites, his friends and neighbours ; and thinking it proper to afford them assistance, he did not delay it, but marched hastily, and the fifth night fell upon the Assyrians, near Dan, for that is the name of the other spring of Jordan; and before they could arm themselves, he slew some as they were in their beds, before they could suspect any harm ; and others, who were not yet gone to sleep, but were so drunk that they could not fight, ran away. Abram pur- sued after them, till, on the second day, he drove them in a body unto Hoba, a place belonging to Damascu.s ; and thereby demonstrated that victory does not de pend on multitude and the number of hands, but that the alacrity and courage of soldiers overcome the most ntimerous bodies of men, while he got the victory over so great an army with no more than 318 of his servants, and three of his friends : but all those that fled returned home ingloriously. So Abram, when he had saved the cap- tive Sodomites, who had been taken by the Assyrians, and Lot also, his kinsman, returned home in peace. Now the king of Sodom met him at a certain place, which they called the King's Dale, where Melchisedec, king of the city of Salem, received him. That name signifies " the righteous king;" and such he was with- out dispute, insomuch that, on this ac- count, he was made the priest of God : however, they afterward called Salem Jerusalem. Now this Melchisedec sup- plied Abram's army in an hospitable manner, and gave them provisions in abundance; and as they were feasting, he began to praise him, and to bless God for subduing his enemies under him. And when Abram gave him the tenth part of his prey, he accepted of the gift; but the king of Sodom desired Abram to take the prey, but entreated that he might have those men restored to him whom Abram had saved from the Assy- rians, because they belonged to him ; but Abram would not do so ; nor would make any other advantage of that prey than what his servants had eaten ; but [Mel- chisedec] stiU insisted that he should afford a part to his friends that had as- sisted him in the battle. The first of them was called Eschol, and then Enner, and Mambre. And God commended his viitue, and said, "Thou shalt not, however, lose the rewards thou hast deserved to leceive by such thy glorious actions." He answered, " And what advantage will it be to me to have such rewards, when I have none to enjoy them after me ?" for he was hitherto child' ess. And God promised that he 52 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS [Book L should have a son, and that his posterity should be very numerous, insomuch that their number should be like the stars. When he heard that, he offered a sacrifice to God, as he commanded him. The manner of the sacrifice was this : he took an heifer of three years old, and a she- goat of three years old, and a ram in like manner of three years old, and a turtle- dove, and a pigeon ;* and, as he was en- joined, he divided the three former; but the birds he did not divide. After which, before he built his altar, where the birds of prey flew about, as desirous of blood, a divine voice came to him, declaring that their neighbours would be grievous to his posterity when they should be in Egypt, for 400 years, during which time they should be afiiicted ; but afterward should overcome their enemies, should conquer the Canaanites in war, and pos- sess themselves of their land, and of their oities. Now Abram dwelt near the oak called Ogyges — the place belongs to Canaan, not far from the city of Hebron ; but being uneasy at his wife's barrenness, he entreated God to grant that he might have male issue ; and God required of him to be of good courage ; and said, that he would add to all the rest of the benefits that he had bestowed on him ever since he led him out of Mesopo- tamia, the gift of children. Accordingly Sarai, at God's command, brought to his bed one of her handmaidens, a woman of Egyptian descent, in order to obtain chil- dren by her; and when this handmaid was with child, she triumphed, and ven- tured to affront Sarai, as if the dominion were to come to a son to be born of her ; but when Abram resigned her into the hand of Sarai, to punish her, she con- trived to fly away, as not able to bear the instances of Sarai's severity to her ; and she entreated God to have compassion on her. Now a divine angel met her, as she was going forward in the wilderness, and bid her return to her master and mistress ; for, if she would submit to that wise advice, she would live better hereafter ; for that the reaoon of her being in such a mise- rable case was this, that she had been ungrateful and arrogant toward her mis- tress. He also told her, that if she dis- • Under the Uw of Moses, no other saerifioea were reoiuirad than these five ; neither did the Jews eat any cither domestic animals than those here Kuned. obeyed God, and went on still in hei way, she should perish ; bit. if she would return back, she should bee ome the mo- ther of a son who should reign over that country. These admonitions she obeyed, and returned to her master and mistress, and obtained forgiveness. A little whilf afterward, she bare Ismael, which maj be interpreted " Heard of God," because God had heard his mother's prayer. The forementioned son was born to Abram when he was eighty-six years old : but when he was ninety-nine, God appeared to him, and promised him that he should have a son by Sarai, and com- manded that his name should be Isaac ; and showed him, that from this son should spring great nations and kings, and that they should obtain all the land of Canaan by war, from Sidon to Egypt. But he charged him, in order to keep his pos- terity unmixed with others, that they should be circumcised in the flesh of their foreskin, and that this should be done on the eighth day after they were born : the reason of which circumcision I will ex- plain in another place. And Abram in- quiring also concerning Ismael, whether he should live or not, God signified to him that he should live to be very old, and should be the father of great nations. Abram, therefore, gave thanks to God for these blessings ; and then he, and all his family, and his son Ismael, were cir- cumcised immediately, the son being that day thirteen years of age, and he ninety- Bine. CHAPTER XI. Destruction of Sodom. B. C. 1897. About this time the Sodomites grew proud, on account of their riches and great wealth: they became unjust toward men, and impious toward God, insomuch that they did not call to mind the advantages they received from him: they hated strangers, and abused themselves with Sodomitical practices. God was there- fore much displeased at them, and de- termined to punish them for their pride, and to overthrow their city, and to laj waste their country, until there should neither plant nor fruit grow out of it. _ When God had thus resolved concern- ing the Sodomites, Abraham,* as he sat * About this time Abram" s name waa ohaDged Abraham and that of hia ^t» Sar^i to Sarab '*en. xvii, 4, 15- fuA^. xn.] ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 53 by the oak of Mambre, at the door of his tent saw three angels; and, thinking them to be strangers, he rose up and sa- luted them, and desired they would ac- cept of an entertainment, and abide with him ; to which when they agreed, he or- dered cakes of meal to be made presently; and when he had slain a calf he roasted it, and brought it to them, as they sat under the oak. Now they made a show of eating; and besides, they asked him about his wife Sarah, where she was; and when he said she was within, they .said they would come again hereafter, and find her become a mother. Upon which the woman laughed, and said that it was impossible she should bear chil- dren, since she was 90 years of age, and her husband was 100. Then they concealed themselves no longer, but de- clared that they were angels of God ; and that one of them was sent to inform them about the chUd, and two of the overthrow of Sodom. When Abr;iham heard this, he was grieved for the Sodomites; and he rose up, and besought G-od for them, and en- treated him that he would not destroy the righteous with the wicked. And when God had replied that there was no good man among the Sodomites, for if there were but ten such men among them, he would not punish any of them for their sins, Abraham held his peace. And the angels came to the city of the Sodomites, and Lot entreated them to accept of a lodging with him ; for he was a very generous, hospitable man, and one that had learned to imitate the goodness of Abra- ham. Now, when the Sodomites saw the young men to be of beautiful counte- nances, and this to an extraordinary de- gree, and that they took up their lodgings with Lot, they resolved themselves to en- joy these beautiful boys by force and vio- lence ; and when Lot exhorted them to sobriety, and not to offer any thing im- modest to the strangers, but to have re- gard to their lodging in his house ; and promised, that if their inclinations could not bo governed, he would expose his daughters to their lust instead of these strangers — neither thus were they made ashamed. But God was much displeased at their impudent behaviour, so that he both smote those men with blindness, and condemned the Sodomites to universal destruction. But Lot, upon God's in- forming him of the future destruction of the Sodomites, went away, taking with him his wife and daughters, who were two, and still virgins; for those that were betrothed to them were above the thoughts of going, and deemed that Lot's words were trifling. God then cast a thunderbolt upon the city, and set it on fire, with its inhabitants; and laid wa^te the country with the like burning, as 1 formerly said when I wrote the Jewish War. But Lot's wife continually turning back to view the city as she went from it, and being too nicely inquisitive what would become of it, although God had forbidden her so to do, was changed into a pillar of salt ; for I have seen it, and it remains at this day. Now he and his daughters fled to a certain small place, encompassed with the fire, and settled in it. It is to this day called Zoar, for that is the word which the Hebrews use for a small thing. There it was that he lived a miserable life, on account of his having no company, and his want of provisions. But his daughters, thinking that aU mankind were destroyed, approached to their father, though taking care not to be perceived. And they bare sons :* ttie son of the elder was named Moab, which denotes one derived from his father. The younger bare Ammon, which name de- notes one derived from a kinsman. The former of whom was the father of the Moabites, which is even still a great na- tion; the latter was the father of the Ammonites; and both of them are in- habitants of Celesyria. And such was the departure of Lot from among the Sodomites. CHAPTER xn. Birth of Isaac — BanUhment of Ismael and Hagar. B.C. 1896-1892. Abraham now removed to Gerar of Palestine, leading Sarah along with him under the notion of his sister, using th like dissimulation that he had used before, and this out of fear ; for he was afraid of Abimelech, the king of that country, who did also himself fall in love with Sarah, and was disposed to corrupt her; but he was restrained from satisfying his lust, by a dangerous distemper, which befell him from God. Now when his physicians despaired of curing him, he fell asleep, * Gen. lix. 23-38. 54 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. [Book I and saw a dream, warning him not to abuan the stranger's wife ; and when he recovered, he told his friends that God had inflicted that disease upon him, by way of punishment for his injury to the stranger, and in order to preserve the chastity of his wife; for that she did not accompany him as his sister, but as his legitimate wife; and that God had pro- mised to be gracious to him for the time to come, if this person be once secure of his wife's chastity. When he had said this, by the advice of his friends, he sent for Abraham, and bid him not to be con- cerned about his wife, or fear the corrup- tion of her chastity ; for that God took care of him, and that it was by his provi- dence that he received his wife again, without her suifering any abuse; and he appealed to God and to his wife's con- science, and said that he had not any in- clination at first to enjoy her, if he had known she was his wife ; but since, said he, thou leadest her about as thy sister, I was guilty of no offence. He also en- treated him to be at peace with him, and to make God propitious to him ; and that if he thought fit to continue with him, he should have what he wanted in abundance ; but that if he designed to go away, he should be honourably conducted, and have whatsoever supply he wanted when he came thither.* Upon his saying this, Abraham told him that his pretence of kindred to his wife was no lie, because she was his brother's daughter; and that he did not think himself safe in his travels abroad, without this sort of dis- simulation ; and that he was not the cause of his distemper, but was only solicitous for his own safety. lie said also, that he was ready to stay with liim. Whereupon Abimileoh assigned him land and money; and they covenanted to live together without guile, and took an oath at a certain well called Beersheba, which may be interpreted, " The Well of the Oath." And so it is named by tlije people of the country unto this day. Now in a little time Abraham had a 9on, by Sarah, as God had foretold to him, whom he named Isaac, which sicr- aifes " laughter ; " and indeed they so called him, because Sarah laughed when God said that she should bear a son, she not expecting such a thing, as being past the age of child-bearing, for she was 90 * Qen. XX. years old, and Alraham 100; so tha* this son was born to them both in the last year of each of those decimal nuuj hers. And they circumcised him upon the eighth day. And from that time the Jews continue the custom of circumcising their sons within that number of days. But as for the Arabians, they circumcise after the thirteenth year, because Ismael, the founder of their nation, who was born to Abraham of the concubine, was cir- cumcised at that age ; concerning whom I will presently give a particular account, with great exactness. As for Sarah, she at first loved Ismael, who was born of her own handmaid, Hagar, with an affection not inferior to that of her own son, for he was brought up in order to succeed to the government; but when she herself had borne Isaac, she was not willing that Ismael should be brought up with him, as being too old for him, and able to do him injuries when their father should be dead ; she there- fore persuaded Abraham tQ send him and his mother to some distant country. Now, at the first he did not agree to what Sarah was so zealous for, and thought it an in stance of the greatest barbarity to send away a young child and a woman unpro- vided of necessaries ; but at length he agreed to it, because God was pleased with what Sarah had determined; so he delivered Ismael to his mother, as not yet able to go by himself; and commanded her to take a bottle of water, and a loaf of bread, and so to depart, and to take Necessity for her guide. But as soon as her necessary provisions failed, she found herself in an evil case; and when the water was almost spent, she laid the young child, who was ready to expire, under a fig-tree, and went on farther, that so he might die while she was ab- sent. But a divine angel came to her, and told her of a fountain hard by, and bid her take care and bring up the child, because she should be very happy by the preservation of Ismael. She "then took courage, upon the prospect of what was promised her, and, meeting with some shepherds, by their care she got clear of the distresses she had been in. When the lad was grown up, he married a wife, by birth an Egyptian, from whence the mother was herself derived originally. Of this wife were born to Ismael twelve sons: Nabaioth, Kedar, Abdeel, Mabsam, Idumas, Masmaos, Masaos, Chodad The Chap. Xni.] ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEUfe, 55 man, Jetur, Naphesus, Cadmas. These inhabited all the country from Euphrates to the Bed Sea, and called it Nabatene. They are an Arabian nation, and name their tribes from these, both because of their own virtue, and because of the dignity of Abraham their father. CHAPTER XITI. Abraham's faith in the promises of G-od — his obedi- ence to the Divine oommiuid — IsftJic's acquies- cence to the will of God. B. C. 1871. Now Abraham greatly loved Isaac, as being his only begotten,* and given to him at the borders of old age, by the favour of God. The child also endeared himself to his parents still more, by the exercise of every virtue, and adhering to his duty to his parents, and being zealous in the worship of God. Abraham also placed his own happiness in this prospect, that, when he should die, he should leave this his son in a safe and secure condition ; which accordingly he obtained by the will of God ; who, being desirous to make an experiment of Abraham's religious dispo- sition toward himself, appeared to him, and enumerated all the blessings he had bestowed on him; how he had made him superior to his enemies; and that his son Isaac, who was the principal part of his present happiness, was derived from him ; and he said that he required this son of his as a sacrifice and holy oblation. Ac- cordingly he commanded him to carry him to the mountain Jloriah, and to bnild an altar, and offer him for a burnt- offering upon it; for that this would best manifest his religious disposition toward him, if he preferred what was pleasing to . God, before the preservation of his own son. Now Abraham thought that it was not right to disobey God in any thing, but that he was obliged to sei-ve him in every circumstance of life, since all creatures that live enjoy their life by his pro vi- olence, and the kindness he bestows on them. Accordingly he concealed this sommand of God, and his own intentions about the slaughter of his son, from his wife, as also from every one of his ser- vants — otherwise he should have been hindered from his obedience to God; and he took Isaac, together with two of his sorvants, and laying what things were • Properly Ms " only belored son.' necessary for a sacrifice upon an ass, ho went away to the mountain. Now the two servants went along with him for two days; but on the third day, as soon as he saw the mountain, he left those servant.^ that wore with him till then in the plain, and, having his son alone with him, he came to the mountain. It was (hat mountain upon which king David after- ward built the temple.* Now they Lad brought with them every thing necessary for a sacrifice excepting the animal that was to be offered only. Now Isaac was twenty-five years old. And as he was building the altar he asked his father what he was about to offer, since there was no animal there for an oblation : to which it was answered, "That God would provide himself an oblation, he being able to make a plentiful provision for men out of what they have not, and to deprive others of what they already have, when they put too much trust therein ; that, therefore, if God pleased to be pre- sent and propitious at this sacrifice, he would provide himself an oblation." As soon as the altar was prepared, and Abraham had laid on the wood, and all things were entirely ready, he said to hi., son, "0 son ! I poured out a vast number of prayers that I might have thee for my son; when thou wast come into the world, there was nothing that could con- tribute to thy support for which I was not greatly solicitous, nor any thing wherein I thought myself happier than to see thee grown up to man's estate, and that I might leave thee at my death the successor to my dominion; but since it was by God's will that I became thy father, and it is now his will that I re- linquish thee, bear this consecration to God with a generous mind ; for I resign thee up to God, who has thought fit now to require this testimony of honour to himself, on account of the favours he hath conferred on me, in being to me a supporter and defendfr. Accordingl) thou, my son, wilt now die, not in any common way of going out of the world, but sent to God, the Father of all men, beforehand, by thy own father, in the nature of a sacrifice. I suppose he thinks thee worthy to get clear of this world neither by disease, neither by war, * This temple was built by Solomon: David erected an altar only on Mount Moriah. 2 Sam xxiv. IS, &.C. 56 ANTIQUITIES OF THE Ji!iW8. nor by any other severe way, by which death usually comes upon men, but so that he will receive thy soul with prayers and holy offices of religion, and will place thoo near to himself, and thou wilt there be to me a suooourer and supporter in my old age • on which account I principally brought thee up, and thou wilt thereby procure me God for my Comforter instead of thyself." Now Isaac was of such a generous dis- position as became the son of such a father, and was pleased with this dis- course; and said " that he was not worthy to be born at first, if he should reject the determination of God and of his father, and should not resign himself up readily to both their pleasures; since it would have been unjust if he had not obeyed, even if his father alone had so resolved." So he went immediately to the altar to be sacrificed. And the deed l^ad been done if God had not opposecl it ; for he called loudly to Abraham by his name, and forbade him to slay his son; and said, "It was not out of a desire of hu- man blood that he was commanded to slay his son, nor was he willing that he should be taken away from him whom he had made his father, but to try the temper of his mind, whether he would be obe- dient to such a command. Since, there- fore, he now was satisfied as to that his alacrity, and the surprising readiness he showed in this his piety, he was delighted in having bestowed such blessings upon him; and that he would not be wanting in all sort of concern about him, and in bestowing other children upon him ; and that his son should live to a very great age ; that he should live a happy life, and bequeath a large principality to his chil- di-en, who should be good and legitimate." He foretold, also, that his family should incTease into many nations ; and that those patriarchs should leave behind them an everlasting name; that they should ob- tain the possession of the land of Canaan, and be envied by all men. When God had .said this, he produced to them a ram, whiih did not appear before, for the .sacri- fice. So Abraham and Isaac receiving each other unexpectedly, and having ob- tained the promises of such great bless- ings, embraced one another ; and when they had sacrificed, they returned to Sarah, and Uved happily together, God aifording them his assistance in all things they de. sired. CHAPTER XIV. Death of Sarah. B. 0. 1859. Now Sarah died a little while after, having lived 127 years. They buried her in Hebron ; the Canaanites publicly allow- ing them a burying-plaoe : which piece of ground Abraham bought for 400 shekels, of Ephron, an inhabitant of Hebron ; and both Abraham and his descendants bui't themselves sepulchres in that place. CHAPTER XV. DeBOendants of Abraham by Ketorah, his seoond wife. Abraham after this married Keturah, by whom six sons were born to him ; men of courage and of sagacious minds : Zam- bran, and Jazar, and Madan, and Madian, and Josabak, and Sous. Now the sons of Sous were Sabathan and Dadan ; the sons of Dadan were Latusim, and Assur, and Luom; the sons of Madian were Ephas, and Ophren, and Anoch, and Ebidas, and Eldas. Now, for all these sons and grand- sons, Abraham tried to settle them in co- lonies; and they took possession of Tro- glodytis, and the country of Arabia *he Happy, as far as it reaches to the Red Sea. It is related of this Ophren, that he made war against Libya, and took it; and that his grandchildren, when they inha- bited it, called it (from his name) Africa; and indeed Alexander Polyhistor gives hia attestation to what I here say; who speaks thus — " Cleodemus the prophet, who was also called Malchus, who wrote a history of the Jews, in agreement with the His- tory of Moses, their legislator, relates that there were many sons born to Abra- ham by Keturah ; nay, he names three of them, Apher, and Surim, and Juphran: that from Surim was the land of Assyria denominated; and that from the other two (Apher and Japhran) the country of Africa took its name ; because these men were auxiliaries to Hercules, when he fought against Libya and Antaeus; and that Hercules married Aphra's daughter, and of her he begat a son, Diodorus; and that Sophon was his son ; from whom that barbarous people called Sopliacians were denominated." Chap. XVI.] ANTlQtriTIES OF THE JEWS. 57 CHAPTER XVI. Abraham demands Kebeka in marriage for his son Isaac, B. C. 1856. Now when Abraham, the father of Isaac, had resolved to take Rebeka, who was grand-daughter to his brother Nahor, for a wife to his son Isaac, who was then about forty years old, he sent the most ancient of his servants to betroth her, after he had obliged him to give him the strongest assurances of his fidelity; which assurances were given after the manner following : — They put each other's hands under each other's thighs; then they called upon God as the witness of what was to be done. He also sent such pre- sents to those that were there as were in esteem, on account that they either rare- ly or never were seen in that country. The servant got thither not under a con- siderable time; for it requires much time to pass through Mesopotamia, in which it is tedious travelling, both in winter, for the depth of the clay, and in summer, for want of water ; and, besides this, for the robberies there committed, which are not to be avoided by travellers but by caution beforehand. However, the servant came to Haran ; and when he was in the sub- urbs, he met a considerable number of maidens going to the water; he therefore prayed to God that Rebeka might be found among them, or her whom Abraham sent him, as his servant, to espouse to his son, in case his will were that this mar- riage should be consummated; and that she might be made known to him by the siga, that while others denied him water to drink, she might give it him. With this intention he went to the well, and desired the maidens to give him some water to drink : but while the others re- fused, on pretence that they wanted it all at home, and could spare none for him, one only of the company rebuked them for their peevish behaviour toward the stranger; and said, "What is there that you will ever communicate to anybody, who have not so much as given the man some water ?" She then offered him water in an obliging manner ; and now he began to hope that his grand affair would succeed ; but desiring still to know the truth, he commended her for her generosity and good-nature, that she did not scruple to afford a sufficiency of water to those that wanted it, though it cost her some pains to draw it ; and asked who were her |)aients, and wished them joy of such a daughter. "And may est thou be es- poused," said he, "to their satisfactioa, into the family of an agreeable husband^ and bring him legitimale children !" Nor did she disdain to satisfy his inquiries, but told him her family. "They," said she, "call me Rebeka; my father was Bethuel, but he is dead ; and Laban is my brother; who, toguther with my mothei, takes care of all our family affairs, and is the guardian of my virginity." When the servant heard this, he was very glad at what had happened, and at what was told him, as perceiving that God had thus plainly directed his journey; and pro- ducing his bracelets, and some other orna- ments which it was esteemed decent for virgins to wear, he gave them to the dam- sel, by way of acknowledgment, and as a reward for her kindness in giving him water to drink; saying, it was but just that she should have them, because she was so much 'more obliging than any of the rest. She desired also that he would come and lodge with them, since the ap- proach of the night gave him not time to proceed farther; and producing his pre- cious ornaments for women, ho said he desired to trust them to none more safelj than to such as she had shown herself to be; and that he believed he might guess at the humanity of her mother and brother, that they would not be displeased, from the virtue he found in her; for he would not be burdensome, but would pay the hire for his entertainment, and spend his own money. To which she replied, that he guessed right as to the humanity of her parent, but complained that he should think them so parsimonious as to take money, for that he should have all on free cost : but she said she would first inform her brother Laban, and, if he gave her leave, she would conduct him in. As soon then as this was over, she intro- duced the stranger ; and for the camels, the servants of Laban brought them in, and took care of them; and he was him- self brought in to supper by Ijabau. And, after supper, he says to him, and to tht- mother of the damsel, addressing himself to her, "Abraham is the son of Terah, and a kinsman of yours; for Nahor, the grand- father of these children, was the brother of Abraham, by both father and mother; upon which account he hath sent me to you, being desirous to take this damsel for his son to wife. He is his legitimate son, and is brought up as his only heir 5>5 ANTIQUITIES OF Tdja jCitYo. He cijuld indeed have had the most happy of all the women in that country for him, but ho would not have his son marry any of them ; but, out of regard to his own relations, he desired him to match here, whose affection and inclination I would not have you despise ; for it was by the good pleasure of G-od that other accidents fell out in ray journey, and that thereby T lighted upon your daughter and your house; for when I was near to the city, I saw a great many maidens coming to a well, and I prayed that I might meet with this damsel, which has come to pass ac- cordingly. Do you, therefore, confirm that marriage, whnse espousals have been already made by a divine appearance ; and show the respect you have for Abraham, who hath sent me with so much solicitude, in giving your consent to the marriage of this damsel." Upon this they understood it to be the will of God, and greatly ap- proved of the oficr, and sent their daugh- ter as was desired. Accordingly Isaac married her, the inheritance being now come to him ; for the children of Keturah were gone to their own remote habitations. CHAPTER XVn. Death of Abraham. B. C. 1821. A LITTLE while after this Abraham died. He was a man of incomparable vir- tue, and honoured by God in a manner agreeable to his piety toward him. The whole time of his life was 175 years; and he was buried in Hebron, with his wife Sarah, by their sons Isaac and Ishmael. CHAPTER XVin Esau and Jacob bora — Jacob supplants Esan. B. is.'iT-iroo. Now Isaac's wife proved with child, after the death of Abraham ;* and when ner belly was greatly burdened, Isaac was ■ ury anjiious, and inquired of God ; who inswered, that Rebeka should bear twins; and that two nations should take the names of those sons ; and that he who appeared the second should e.xcel the elder. Ac- cordingly she, in a little time, as God had foretold, bare twins; the elder of whom, from his head to his feet, was very rough and hairy; but the younger took hold of * The birth of Jacob and Eeau is here said to be after Abraham's death : it should have been after Sarah's death. his heel as they were in the birth. Now the father loved the elder, who was called Esau, a name agreeable to his roughness, for the Hebrews call such a hairy rcugh- ness [Esau, or] Seir; but Jacob the younger was best beloved by his mother. When there was a famine in the land, Isaac resolved to go into Egypt, the land there being good, but he went to Gerar, as God commanded him. Here Abime- lech the king received him. because Abra- ham had formerly lived with him, and had been his friend; and as in the beginning he treated him exceedingly kindly, so he was hindered from continuing in the same disposition to the end, by his envy at him ; for when he saw that God was with Isaac, and took such great care of him, he drove him away from him. But Isaac, when he saw how envy had changed the temper of Abimelech, retired to a place called the Valley, not far from Gerar; and as he was digging a well, the shepherds fell upon him, and began to fight, in order to hinder the work ; and because he did not desire to contend, the shepherds seemed to get the betterof him ; so he still retired, and dug another well; and when certain other shepherds of Abimeleoh's began to offer him violence, he left that also, and still retired; thus purchasing security to himself, by a rational and prudent conduct. At length the king gave him leave to dig a well without disturbance. He named this well Rehoboth, which denotes a large space ; but of the former wells, one was call- ed Escoa, which denotes strife; the other Sitenna, which name signifies enmity. It was now that Isaac's affairs increased, and his power was in a flourishing condi- tion ; and this from his great riches. But Abimelech, thinking Isaac throve in op- position to him, while their living together made them suspicious of each other, and Isaac's retiring, showing a secret enmity also, he was afraid that his former friend- ship with Isaac would not secure him, if Isaac should endeavour to revenge the injuries he bad formerly offered him; he therefore renewed his friendship with him, and brought with hini Philoc, one of his generals. And when he had obtained every thing he desired, by reason of Isaac's good-nature, who preferred the earliei friendship Abimelech had shown to himself and his father to his later wrath against him, he returned home. Now when Esau, one of the sons of Isaac, whom the father principally loved, Chap. XLX.] ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 59 was now come to the age of forty years, he married Adah, the daughter of Helon, and Aholibamah, the daughter of Esebeon ; which Helon and Esebeon were great lords among the Canaanites, thereby taking upon himself the authority, and pretending to have dominion over his own marriages; without so much as asking the »dvice of his father; for had Isaac been the arbitrator, he had not given him leave io marry thus, for he was not pleased with contracting any alliance with the people of that country ; but not caring to be uneasy to his son, by commanding him to put away tkese wives, he resolved to be silent. But when ho was old, and could not see at all, he called Esau to him, and told him, that besides his blindness and the disorder of his eyes, his very old age hindered him from the worship of God [by sacrifice]; he bid him therefore go out hunting, and when he had caught as much venison as he could, to prepare him a supper, that after this he might make supplication to God, to be to him a sup- porter and an assister during the whole time of his life; saying, that it was un- certain when he should die, and that he Was desirous, by prayers for him, to pro- cure, beforehand, God to be merciful to him. Accordingly Esau went out hunting; but Rebeka thinking it proper to have the supplication made for obtaining the favour of God to Jacob, and that without the consent of Isaac, bid him kill kids of the goats, and prepare a supper. So Jacob obeyed his mother, according to all her instructions. Now when the sup- per was got ready, he took a goat's skin, and put it about his arm, that by reason of its hairy roughness, he might by his father be believed to be Esau; for they being twins, and in all things else alike, differed only in this thing. This was done out of his fear, that before his father had made his supplications, he should be caught in his evil practice; and lest he should, on the contrary, provoke his father to curse him. So he brought in the supper to his father. Isaac perceiv- ing, by the peculiarity of his voice, who he was, called his son to him, who gave him his hand, which was covered with the goat's skin. When Isaac felt that, he said, " Thy voice is like the voice of Jacob, yet, because of the thickness of thy hair, thou seemest to be Esau." So sugpecting no deceit, he ate the supper, and betook himself to his prayers and in- tercessions with God; and said, "0 Lord of all ages, and Creator of all substance; for it was thou that didst propose to my father great plenty of good things, and hast vouchsafed to bestow on me what I have; and hast promised to my posterity to be their kind supporter, and to bestow on them still greater blessings, do thou, therefore, confirm these thy promises, and do not overlook me, because of my present weak condition, on account of which I most earnestly pray to thee. Be gracious to this my son ; and preserve him, and keep him from every thing that is evil. Give him a happy life, and the possession of as many good things as thy power is able to bestow. Make him terrible to his enemies, and honourable and beloved among his friends !" Thus did Isaac pray to God, thinking his prayers had been made for Esau. He had but just finished them, when Esau came in from hunting; and when Isaac perceived his mistake, he was silent: but Esau required that he might be made par- taker of the like blessing from his father that his brother had partook of; but his father refused it, because all his prayers had been spent upon Jacob; so Esau lamented the mistake. However, his father being grieved at his weeping, said, that "he should excel in hunting and strength of body, in arms, and all such sorts of work ; and should obtain glory for ever on those accounts, he and his posterity after him;" but still should serve his brother. Now the mother delivered Jacob, when she was afraid that his brother would in- flict some punishment upon him, because of the mistake about the prayers of Isaac; for she persuaded her husband to take a wife for Jacob out of Mesopotamia, of her own kindred, Esau having married already Basemmath, the daughter of Ismael, with- out his father's consent; for Isaac did not like the Canaanites, so that he disapproved of Esau's former marriages, which made him take Basemmath to wife, in order to please him; and indeed he had a great affection for her. CHAPTER XIX. History of Jacob. B.C. 1?60-1739. Now Jacob was sent ly his mother to Mesopotamia, in order to marry her brother Laban's daughter, (which marriage ttO ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. [Bock L was permitted by Isaac, on account of his obsequiousness to the desires of his wife;) and he accordingly journeyed through the land of Canaan ; and because he hated the people of that country, he would not lodge with any of them, but took up his lodging in the open air, and laid his head on a heap of stones that he had gathered to- gether. At which time he saw in his sleep a vision standing by him : he seemed to see a ladder, that reached from the earth unto heaven, and persons descending upon the ladder that seemed more ex- ) cellent than human; and at last God him- self stood above it, and was plainly visible to him ; who, calling him by his name, spake to him these words: — " Jacob, it is not fit for thee, who art the son of a good father, and grandson of one who had obtained a great reputa- tion for his eminent virtue, to be dejected at thy present circumstances, but to hope for better times, for thou shalt have great abundance of all good things by my assist- ance; for I brought Abraham hither, out of Mesopotamia, when he was driven away by his kinsmen, and I made thy father a happy man; nor will I bestow a lesser degree of happiness on thyself; be of good courage, then-fore, and under my conduct proceed on this thy journey, for the mar- riage thou goest so zealously about shall be consummated; and thou shalt have children of good characters, but their multitude shall be innumerable; and they shall leave what they have to a still more uumerous posterity, to whom and to whose posterity I give the dominion of ill the land, and their posterity shall fill fhe entire earth and sea, so far as the sun beholds them ; but do not thou fear any danger, nor be afraid of the many labours thou must undergo, for by my providence I will direct thee what thou art to do in the time present, and still much more in the time to come." Such were the predictions which God made to Jacob; whereupon he became very joyful at what he had seen and heard ; an i he poured oil on the stones, because on them the prediction nf such great bene- fits was made. He also vowed a vow that he would ofier sacrifices upon them, if he lived and returned safe; and if he came again in such a condition, he would give the tithe of what he had gotten to God. He also judged the place to be honourable, and gave it the name of Ikthcl, which, in thfi Greek, is interpret