~'~?~'~iii?!i'~!i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' i ~!~i',,'.........~........,~? ii,,O.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~,,~!~11~i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i:brin.m J~~~~~~~~ 0 3 -~anlaTtAl - _gocriao;C~~~~~~o::_i ~: L' XA'_ 0: tA7;yA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~....... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~q..;;~~~I~~~ \ ~~~li~~L~~ —----— r —~ ~~~~~ —--- ----------- J_. El i-, b m M i,[~' i, E,i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' 1::: 11 I?:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'1'i ji~H j ~ 4.:.... i:':-.......:::.:14~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~; C >9 1;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 41 ____9, i::::;~~~ ~:~~~~ ____ -< -7~ THE WORKS OF'LAVIUS JOSEPHUi THE LEARNED AND AUTHENTIC JEWISH HIIISTORIAN AND CELEBRATED IWARRIOR. TO WHICH ARE ADDED SEVEN DISSERTATIONS CONCERNI G JESUS CHRIST, JOHN THE BAPTIST, JAMES TIIE JUST, GOD'S COMMAND TO ABRAIIAMI, ETC. TRANSLATED BY WILLIAM WHISTON, A.M. PllOFESSOR OP MATHEMATICS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE. WITH AN INT R O D T C T O WrY ES SAY BY THE REV. H..STEBBING, D.D. NEW YORK: VIRTUE & YORSTON 12 DEY STREET. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ON WOOD. PAGE PAGE Garden of Et..32 Herod' destroying the Rob'cers.. 437 Abraham entertaining three Angels. 46 Initial Letter IT.- - ar-Chariots.. 451 Rebecca ania Servant. 51 Earthquake at Jerusalem.... 453 Red Sea divided... 85 Herod celebrating the Games at Cesarea. 484 Tabernacle. 96 Initial Letter N. -King struck by Lightning 512 Table of Shew-Bread.... 98 Young Men pulling down the Golden Eagle 513 The Ark.98 Initial Letter A. -King on a Sick-Bed. 516 Candlestick.98 Funeral of Herod.... 517 Altar of Incense.... 99 Initial Letter B. - The Crucifixion. 534 The High Priest in full Costume.. 100 John preaching in the Wilderness.. 539 Balaam and his Ass.... 122 Initial Letter N. - Caius slain... 559 Initial Letter'1. - AWalls of Jericho. 141 Caius driving his Chariot across the Bridge 559 Falling of the Wallt of Jericho.. 143 Initial Letter W. -The Senate.. 569 Sisera killed by a Woman... 157 Lupus coming to Cesonia.... 572 Initial Letter N. - Atar with Sacrifice. 160 Soldiers with Jews in Bonds... 592 Jephtha meeting his Daughter. ~ 162 Initial Letter W. - Soldiers sealing the Walls 608 Boaz meeting Ruth in the Field... 167 Ptolemy scourging the Mother of John. 609 Initial Letter W. - The Ark carried. 171 Initial Letter A. - Soldiers slaying the Priests 617 Cart with Ark entering Bethshemesh. 172 Initial Letter N. - Emblematic of War and Initial Letter N. - Goliath's Head. 186 Captivity..... 635 David meeting Goliath.. 187 Sosius leading Antigonus away in Bonds. 636 Witch of Endor.. 200 Initial Letter A. - Antipater's Father. 658 Solomon's Temple.. 243 Antipater landing at Cesarea... 659 Brazen Sea..... 245 Initial Letter A. -Roman Eagle.. 700 Brazen Laver 245 Cestius harassed by the Jews.. - 702 Disobedient Prophet slain... 259 Flight of Josephus. 706 Initial Letter -'. —Raven, Barrel, and Cruse Battering-Rams. 718 of Oil.. 266 Initial Letter N. - Battering-Rams 738 Elijah fed by the Ravens ~.. 267 Falling Tower...... 741 Initial Letter I. -- Ship in a Tempest. 291 Initial Letter N. - Roman Camp. 775 Jonah cast into the Sea.. 292 Titus surprised viewing the City. 776 King of Babylon laying Siege to Jerusalem 309 Crucifying before the Walls. 787 Initial Letter A. - Mordecai led on Horseback 334 Josephus addressing the City... 798 Haman and Mordecai at the King's Gate. 336 Initial Letter I. - Undermining the Tower 807 Alexander meeting the High Priest. 343 Sabinus ascending the Walls.. 810 Initial Letter A. - Battle with an Elephant 369 Soldiers firing the Temple.... 820 Eleazar under the Elephant, stabbing him. 371 Initial Letter N. -People meeting Titus 831 Initial Letter N. -Roman Soldiers breaking Simon appearing out of the Ground. 835 into the Temple. 412 Titus's Triumph... 842 Initial Letter N.-Slaves bound.. 427 Initial Letter I. -Against Apiuoi.. 858 MIalichus stabbed upon the Sea-shore. 429 Mosollam shooting the Bird.. 872 THE LIFE FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. ~ 1. THE family from which I am derived is not thias was born in the tenth year of the reign of an ignoble one, but hath descended all along from Archelaus; as was I born to Matthias in the first the priests; and as nobility among several people year of the reign of Caius Cmesar. I have three is of a different origin, so with us to be of the sacer- sons: Hyrcanus, the eldest, was born in the fourth dotal dignity, is an indication of the splendour of a year of the reign of Vespasian, as was Justus born family. Now, I am not only sprung from a sacer- in the seventh, and Agrippa in the ninth. Thus dotal family in general, but from the first of the have I set down the genealogy of my family as I twenty-four* courses; and as among us there is have found it described t in the public records, and not only a considerable difference between one so bid adieu to those wlbo calumniate me [as of a famnily of each course and another, I am of the chief lower original]. family of that first course also; nay, further, by my 2. Now, my father Matthias was not only eminent mother I am of the royal blood; for the children of on account of his nobility, but had a higher comAsamoneus, from whom that family was derived, mendation on account of his righteousness, and was had both the office of the high priesthood, and the in great reputation in Jerusalem, the greatest city dignity of a king, for a long time together. I will we have. I was myself brought up with my broaccordingly set down my progenitors in order. My ther, whose name was Matthias, for he was my own grandfather's father was named Simon, with the brother, by both father and mother; and I made addition of Psellus: he lived at the same time with mighty proficiency in the improvements of my learnthat son of Simon the high priest, who first of all ing, and appeared to have both a great memory the high priests was named Hyrcanus. This Si- and understanding. Moreover, when I was a child, mon Psellus had nine sons, one of whom was Mat- and about fourteen years of age, I was commended thias, called Ephlias: he married the daughter of by all for the love I had to learning; on which acJonathan the high priest, which Jonathan was the count the high priests and principal men of the city first of the sons of Asamoneus, who was high priest, came then frequently to me together, in order to and was the brother of Simon the high priest also. know my opinion about the accurate understanding This Matthias had a son called Matthias Curtus, of points of the law. And when I was about sixand that in the first year of the government of teen years old, I had a mind to make trial of the Hyrcanus: his son's name was Joseph, born in the several sects that were among us. These sects are ninth year of the reign of Alexandra: his son Mat- three:-The first is that of the Pharisees, the second * We may hence correct the error of the Latin copy of the whole people, even after the captivity. See Ezra ii. 36-39; second book Against Apion, sect. 8, (for the Greek is there Neh. vii. 39-42; 1 Esd. v. 24, 25, with Ezra ii. 64; Neh. vii. lost,) which says, there were then only four tribes or courses 66; 1 Esd. v. 41. Nor will this common reading or notion of of the priests, instead of twenty-four. Nor is this testimony but four courses of priests, agree with Josephus's own further to be disregarded, as if Josephus there contradicted what he assertion elsewhere, Antiq. B. VII. ch. xiv. sect. 7, that had affirmed here; because even the account there given bet- David's partition of the priests into twenty-four courses had ter agrees to twenty-four than to four courses, while he says continued to that day. that each of those courses contained above 5000 men, which, jF An eminent example of the care of the Jews about their multiplied by only four, will make not more than 20,000 genealogies, especially as to the priests, See Against Ap. B, priests; whereas the number ]20,000, as multiplied by 24, I. sect. 7. seems much the most probable, they being about one-tenth of the 2 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. that of the Sadducees, and the third that of the known to Poppea, Cresar's wife, and took care, as Essens, as we have frequently told you; for I soon as possible, to entreat her to procure that the thought that by this means I might choose the best, priests might be set at liberty. And when, besides if I were once acquainted with them all; so I con- this favour, I had obtained many presents from Poptented myself with hard fare, and underwent great pea, I returned home again. difficulties, and went through them all. Nor did I 4. And now I perceived innovations were already content myself with these trials only; but when I begun, and that there were a great many very much was informed that one, whose name was Banus, lived elevated in hopes of a revolt from the Romans. I in the desert, and used no other clothing than grew therefore endeavoured to put a stop to these tumulupon trees, and had no other food than what grew tuous persons, and persuaded them to change their of its own accord, and bathed himself in cold water minds; and laid before their eyes against whom it frequently, both by night and by day, in order to was that they were going to fight, and told them preserve his chastity, I imitated him in those things, that they were inferior to the Romans not only in and continued with him three years.* So when I martial skill, but also in good fortune; and desired had accomplished my desires, I returned back to them not rashly, and after the most foolish manner, the city, being now nineteen years old, and began to bring on the dangers of the most terrible mischiefs to conduct myself according to the rules of the sect upon their country, upon their families, and iupor of the Pharisees, which is of kin to the sect of the themselves. And this I said with vehement exhortStoics, as the Greeks call them. ation, because I foresaw that the end of such a war 3. But when I was in the twenty-sixth year of would be most unfortunate to us. But I could not my age, it happened that I took a voyage to Rome, persuade them; for the madness of desperate men and this on the occasion which I shall now describe. was quite too hard for me. At the time when Felix was procurator of Judea, 5. I was then afraid, lest, by inculcating these there were certain priests of my acquaintance, and things so often, I should incur their hatred and very excellent persons they were, whom on a small their suspicions, as if I were of our enemies' party, and trifling occasion he had put into bonds, and sent and should run into the danger of being seized by to Rome to plead their cause before Coesar. These them, and slain; since they were already possessed I wras desirous to procure deliverance for, and that of Antonia, which was the citadel; so I retired into especially because I was informed that they were the inner court of the temple. Yet did I go out of not unmindful of piety towards God, even under the temple again, after Manahem and the principal their afflictions, but supported themselves with figs of the band of robbers were put to death, when I and nuts.t Accordingly I came to Rome, though abode among the high priests and the chief of the it were through a great number of hazards by sea; Pharisees. But no small fear seized upon us when for as our ship was drowned in the Adriatic Sea, we we saw the people in arms, while we ourselves knew that were in it, being about six hundred in number,+ not what we should do, and were not able to restrain swam for our lives all the night; when, upon the the seditious. However, as the danger was difirst appearance of the day, and upon our sight of a rectly upon us, we pretended that we were of the ship of Cyrene, I and some others, eighty in all, by same opinion with them, but only advised them to God's providence, prevented the rest, and were be quiet for the present, and to let the enemy go taken up into the other ship. And when I had thus away, still hoping that Gessius [Florus] would not escaped, and was come to Dicearchia, which the be long ere he came, and that with great forces, and Italians call Puteoli, I became acquainted with Ali- so put an end to these seditious proceedings. turius, an actor of plays, and much beloved by Nero, 6. But, upon his coming and fighting, he was but a Jew by birth; and through his interest became beaten, and a great many of those that were with * When Josephus here says, that from sixteen to nineteen, that from him Josephus might easily imbibe such notions, as or for three years, he made trial of the three Jewish sects, the afterwards prepared him to have a favourable opinion of Jesus Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essens, and yet rays pre- Christ himself, who was attested to by John the Baptist. sently, in all our copies, that he stayed besides with one par- t We may note here, that religious men among the Jews, ticular ascetic, called Banus, orap' aub-r, with him, and this or at least those that were priests, were sometimes ascetics still before he was nineteen, there is little room left for his also, and, like Daniel and his companions in Babylon, Dan. trial of the three other sects. I suppose, therefore, that for i. 8-16, ate no flesh, but figs and nuts, &c. only. This was acrp' auoc., with him, the old reading might be erap' avros, like the Espofa-yta, or austere diet of the Christian ascetics with them; which is a very small emendation, and takes away in Passion-week. Constitut. V. 18. the difficulty before us. Nor is Dr. Hudson's conjecture, + It has been thought the number of Paul and his compahinted at by Mr. Hall in his preface to the Doctor's edition of nions on ship-board, Acts xxvii. 38, which are 276 in our copies, Josephus, at all improbable, that this Banus, by this his de- are too many; whereas wefind here, that Josephus and his ecription, might well be a follower of John the Baptist, and companions, a very few years after the other, were about 600. THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 3 him fell. And this disgrace which Gessius [with 8. When I had therefore received these instrucCestius] received, became the calamity of our whole tions, I came into Galilee, and found the people ot nation; for those that were fond of the war were so Sepphoris in no small agony about their country, far elevated with this success, that they had hopes by reason that the Galileans had resolved to plunder of finally conquering the Romans. Of which war it, on account of the friendship they had with the another occasion was ministered; which was this:- Romans, and because they had given their right Those that dwelt in the neighbouring cities of Syria hand, and made a league with Cestius Gallus, the seized upon such Jews as dwelt among them, with president of Syria. But I delivered them all out their wives and children, and slew them, when they of the fear they were in, and persuaded the multihad not the least occasion of complaint against tude to deal kindly with them, and permitted them them; for they did neither attempt any innovation to send to those that were their own hostages with or revolt from the Romans, nor had they given any Gessius to Dora, which is a city of Phcenicia, as marks of hatred or treacherous designs towards the often as they pleased; though I still found the inSyrians. But what was done by the inhabitants of habitants of Tiberias ready to take arms, and that Scythopolis was the most impious and most highly on the occasion following:criminal of all;* for when the Jews their enemies 9. There were three factions in this city. The came upon them from without, they forced the Jews, first was composed of men of worth and gravity; that were among them to bear arms against their of these Julius Capellus was the head. Now he, own countrymen, which it is unlawful for us to do;t as well as all his companions, Herod the son of and when, by their assistance, they had joined bat- Miarus, and Herod the son of Gamalus, and Comptie with those who attacked them, and had beaten sus the son of Compsus; (for as to Compsus's brothem, after that victory they forgot the assurances ther Crispus, who had once been governor of the they had given these their fellow citizens and con- city under the great king i: [Agrippa], he was befederates, and slew them all, being in number many yond Jordan in his own possessions;) all these ten thousands [13,000]. The like miseries were persons before named gave their advice, that the undergone by those Jews that were the inhabitants city should then continue in their allegiance to the of Damascus. But we have given a more accurate Romans and to the king. But Pistus, who was account of these things in the books of the Jewish guided by his son Justus, did not acquiesce in that war. I only mention them now, because I would resolution; otherwise he was himself naturally of a demonstrate to my readers, that the Jews' war with good and virtuous character. But the second facthe Romans was not voluntary, but that, for the tion was composed of the most ignoble persons, and main, they were forced by necessity to enter into it. was determined for war. But as for Justus, the 7. So when Gessius had been beaten, as we have son of Pistus, who was the head of the third faction, said already, the principal men of Jerusalem, see- although he pretended to be doubtful about going ing that the robbers and innovators had arms in to war, yet was he really desirous of innovation, as great plenty, and fearing lest they, while they were supposing that he should gain power to himself by unprovided of arms, should be in subjection to their the change of affairs. He therefore came into the enemies, which also came to be the case afterward; midst of them, and endeavoured to inform the muland, being informed that all Galilee had not yet titude that "the city Tiberias had ever been a revolted from the Romans, but that some part of it city of Galilee, and that in the days of Herod the was still quiet; they sent me and two others of the tetrarch, who had built it, it had obtained the prinpriests, who were men of excellent characters, Joazar cipal place, and that he had ordered that the city and Judas, in order to persuade the ill men there to Sepphoris should be subordinate to the city Tibelay down their arms, and to teach them this lesson, rias; that they had not lost this pre-eminence even -That it were better to have those arms reserved under Agrippa the father, but had retained it until for the most courageous men that the nation had Felix was procurator of Judea. But he told them, [than to be kept there]; for that it had been re- that now they had been so unfortunate as to be solved, That those our best men should always have made a present by Nero to Agrippa, junior; and their arms ready against futurity; but still so, that that, upon Sepphoris's submission of itself to the they should wait to see what the Romans would do. Romans, that was become the capital city of GQali* See Jewish War, B. II. ch. xviii. sect. 3. thy neighbour as thyself;" as well as from many other places.T The Jews might collect this unlawfulness of fighting in the Pentateuch and Prophets, See Antiq. B. VIII. ch. against their brethren from that law of Moses, Lev. xix. 16, viii. sect. 3. "Thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour;" + That this Herod Agrippa, the father, was of old called a and that, ver. 17, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any Great King, as here, appears by his coins still remaining; to grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love which Imaver amp refers us. 4 T[HE LiE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. lee, and that the royal treasury and the archives but, as he fled away, had fallen into another danger, were now removed from them." When he had and that was, of being killed by Manahem, and the spoken these things, and a great many more against robbers that were with him; but certain Babyloking A grippa, in order to provoke the people to a nians, who were of his kindred, and were then in revolt; lhe added, That " this was the time for them Jerusalem, hindered the robbers from executing to take arms, and join with the Galileans as their their design. So Philip staid there four days, and confederates, (whom they might command, and who fled away on the fifth, having disguised himself with would now willingly assist them out of the hatred fictitious hair, that he might not be discovered; they bare to the people of Sepphoris, because they and when he was come to one of the villages to him preserved their fidelity to the Romans,) and to belonging, but one that was situated at the borders gather a great number of forces, in order to punish of the citadel of Gamala, he sent to some of those them." And, as he said this, he exhorted the that were under him, and commanded them to come multitude [to go to war]; for his abilities lay in to him. But God himself hindered that his intenmaking harangues to the people, and in being too tion, and this for his own advantage also; for had hard in his speeches for such as opposed him, it not so happened, he had certainly perished. For though they advised what was more to their advan- a fever having seized upon him immediately, he tage, and this by his craftiness and his fallacies, wrote to Agrippa and Bernice, and gave them to for he was not unskilful in the learning of the one of his freed-men to carry them to Varus, who Greeks; and in dependence on that skill it was, that at this time was procurator of the kingdom, which he undertook to write a history of these affairs, as the king and his sister had intrusted him withal, aiming, by this way of haranguing, to disguise the while they were gone to Berytus with an intention truth. But as to this man, and how ill were his of meeting Gessius. When Varus had received character and conduct of life, and how he and his these letters of Philip, and had learned that he was brother were, in great measure, the authors of our preserved, he was very uneasy at it, as supposing destruction, I shall give the reader an account in that he should appear useless to the king and his the progress of my narration. So when Justus sister, now Philip was come. He therefore prohad, by his persuasions, prevailed with the citizens duced the carrier of the letters before the multitude, of Tiberias to take arms, nay, and had forced a and accused him of forging the same; and said great many so to do against their wills, he went out, that he spake falsely when he related that Philip and set the villages that belonged to Gadara and was at Jerusalem, fighting among the Jews against Hippos on fire; which villages were situated on the Romans. So he slew him. And when this the borders of Tiberias, and of the region of Scy- freed-man of Philip did not return again, Philip thopolis. was doubtful what should be the occasion of his 10. And this was the state Tiberias was now in. stay, and sent a second messenger with letters, But as for Gischala, its affairs were thus:-Vhen that he might, upon his return, inform him what John, the son of Levi, saw some of the citizens had befallen the other that had been sent before, much elevated upon their revolt from the Romans, and why he tarried so long. Varus accused this he laboured to restrain them, and entreated them messenger also, when he came, of telling a falsethat they would keep their allegiance to them. hood, and slew him. For he was puffed up by the But he could not gain his purpose, although he did Syrians that were at Cmesarea, and had great exhis endeavours to the utmost; for the neighbour- pectations; for they said that Agrippa: would be ing people of Gadara, Gabara, and Sogana, with slain by the Romans for the crimes which the Jews the Tyrians, got together a great army, and fell had committed, and that he should himself take the upon Gischala, and took Gischala by force, and set government, as derived from their kings; for Varus it on fire; and when they had entirely demolished was, by the confession of all, of the royal family, as it, they returned home. Upon which John was so being a descendant of Sohemus, who had enjoyed enraged, that he armed all his men, and joined a tetrarchy about Libanus; for which reason it was battle with the people forementioned; and rebuilt that he was puffed up, and kept the letters to himGischala after a manner better than before, and self. He contrived, also, that the king should not fortified it with walls for its future security',. meet with those writings, by guarding all the passes, 11. But Gamala persevered in its allegiance to lest any one should escape, and inform the king the Romans, for the reason following:-Philip, the what had been done. lIe moreover slew many of son of Jacimus, who was their governor under king the Jews, in order to gratify the Syrians of Cesarea, Agrippa, had been unexpectedly preserved when I-e had.a mind also to join with the Trachonites the royal palace at Jerusalem had been besieged; in Batanea, and to take up arms and make an assault THE LIIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 5 upon the Babylonian Jews that were at Ecb-t zax; their direction what I should do. Their direction for that was the name they went by. He therefore was, that I should continue there, and that, if my called to him twelve of the Jews of Cmsarea, of the fellow legates were willing, I should join with them best character, and ordered them to go to Ecbatana, in the care of Galilee. But those my fellow legates, and inform their countrymen who dwelt there, That having gotten great riches from those tithes which Varus hath heard that "you intend to march as priests were their dues, and were given to them, against the king; but, not believing that report, he determined to return to their own country. Yet hath sent us to persuade you to lay down your arms, when I desired them to stay so long, that we might and that this compliance will be a sign that he did first settle the public affairs, they complied with well not to give credit to those that raised the re- me. So I removed, together with them, from the port concerning you." He also enjoined them to city of Sepphoris, and came to a certain village send seventy of their principal men to make a de- called Bethmaus, four furlongs distant from Tifence for them as to the accusation laid against berias; and thence I sent messengers to the senate them. So when the twelve messengers came to of Tiberias, and desired that the principal men of their countrymen at Ecbatana, and found that they the city would come to me: and when they were had no designs of innovation at all, they persuaded come, Justus himself being also with them, I told them to send the seventy men also; who, not at all them that I was sent to them by the people of Jesuspecting what would come, sent them accordingly. rusalem as a legate, together with these other So these seventy* went down to Ccesarea, together priests, in order to persuade them to demolish that with the twelve ambassadors; where Yarus met house which Herod the tetrarch had built there, and them with the king's forces, and slew them all, to- which had the figures of living creatures in it, algether with the [twelve] ambassadors, and made an though our laws have forbidden us to make any expedition against the Jews of Ecbatana. But one such figures; and I desired that they would give there was of the seventy who escaped, and made us leave so to do immediately. But for a good haste to inform the Jews of their coming; upon while Capellus and the principal men belonging to which they took their arms, with their wives and the city would not give us leave, but were at length children, and retired to the citadel at Gamala, leav- entirely overcome by us, and were induced to be ing their own villages full of all sorts of good of our opinion. So Jesus the son of Sapphias, one things, and having many ten thousands of cattle of those whom we have already mentioned as the therein. When Philip was informed of these things, leader of a seditious tumult of mariners and poor he also came to the citadel of Gamala; and when people, prevented us, and took with him certain he was come, the multitude cried aloud, and de- Galileans, and set the entire palace on fire, and sired him to resume the government, and to make thought he should get a great deal of money therean expedition against Varus, and the Syrians of by, because he saw some of the roofs gilt with gold. Cwesarea; for it was reported that they had slain the They also plundered a great deal of the furniture, king. But Philip restrained their zeal, and put which was done without our approbation; for after them in mind of the benefits the king had bestowed we had discoursed with Capellus and the principal upon them; and told them how powerful the Ro- men of the city, we departed from Bethmaus, and mans were, and said it was not for their advantage went into the Upper Galilee. But Jesus and bis to make war with them; and at length he prevailed party slew all the Greeks that were inhabitants of with them. But now, when the king was acquaint- Tiberias, and as many others as were their enemies ed with Varus's design, which was to cut off the before the war began. Jews of Caesarea, being many ten thousands, with 13. When I understood this state of things, I was their wives and children, and all in one day, he greatly provoked, and went down to Tiberias, and called to him Equiculus Modius, and sent him to be took all the care I could of the royal furniture, to Varus's successor, as we have elsewhere related. recover all that could be recovered from such as had But still Philip kept possession of the citadel of plundered it. They consisted of candlesticks made Gamala, and of the country adjoining to it, which of Corinthian brass, and of royal tables, and of a thereby continued in their allegiance to the Romans. great quantity of uncoined silver; and I resolved to 12. Now, as soon as I was come into Galilee, preserve whatsoever came to my hand for the king. and had learned this state of things by the inform- So I sent for ten of the principal men of the senate, ation of such as told me of them, I wrote to the and for Capellus the son of Antyllus, and committed sanhedrim at Jerusalem about them, and required the furniture to them, with this charge, That they * The famous Jewish numbers of twelve and seventy are should part with it to nobody else but to myself. here remarkable. From thence I and my fellow legates went to Gis13 6 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. chala, to John, as desirous to know his intentions, I had obliged them to take an oath not to come intc and soon saw that he was for innovations, and had that country, unless they were invited to come, or a mind to the principality; for he desired me to else when they had not their pay given them, 1 give him authority to carry off that corn which be- dismissed them, and charged them neither to make longed to Cresar, and lay in the villages of Upper an expedition against the Romans, nor against those Galilee; and he pretended that he would expend their neighbours that lay round about them; for what it came to in building the walls of his own my first care was to keep Galilee in peace. So I city. But when I perceived what he endeavoured was willing to have the principal of the Galileans, at, and what he had in his mind, I said I would not in all seventy, as hostages for their fidelity, but still permit him so to do; for that I thought either to under the notion of friendship. Accordingly, I keep it for the Romans or for myself, now I was made them my friends and companions as I journeyintrusted with the public affairs there by the people ed, and set them to judge causes; and with their of Jerusalem. But, when he was not able to pre- approbation it was that I gave my sentences, while vail with me, he betook himself to my fellow I endeavoured not to mistake what justice required, legates; for they had no sagacity in providing for and to keep my hands clear of all bribery in those futurity, and were very ready to take bribes. So determinations. he corrupted them with money to decree, That all 15. I was now about the thirtieth year of my that corn which was within his province should be age; in which time of life it is a hard thing for any delivered to him; while I, who was but one, was one to escape the calumnies of the envious, although outvoted by two, and held my tongue. Then did he restrain himself from fulfilling any unlawful deJohn introduce another cunning contrivance of his; sires, especially where a person is in great authority. for he said that those Jews who inhabited Coesarea Yet did I preserve every woman free from injuries; Philippi, and were shut up by the order of the and as to what presents were offered me, I despised king's deputy there, had sent to him to desire him, them, as not standing in need of them. No' inthat, since they had no oil that was pure for their deed would I take those tithes, which were due to use, he would provide a sufficient quantity of such me as a priest, from those that brought them. Yet oil for them, lest they should be forced to make use do I confess, that I took part of the spoils of those of oil that came from the Greeks, and thereby trans- Syrians which inhabited the cities that adjoined to gress their own laws. Now this was said by John, us, when I had conquered them, and that I sent not out of his regard to religion, but out of his most them to my kindred at Jerusalem; although, when flagrant desire of gain; for he knew that two I twice took Sepphoris by force, and Tiberias four sextaries were sold with them of Caesarea for one times, and Gadara once, and when I had subdued drachma, but that at Gischala fourscore sextaries and taken John, who often laid treacherous snares were sold for four sextaries. So he gave order that for me, I did not punish [with death] either him or all the oil which was there should be carried away, any of the people forenamed, as the progress of as having my permission for so doing; which yet I this discourse will show. And on this account, I did not grant him voluntarily, but only out of fear suppose, it was that God,* who is never unacof the multitude, since, if I had forbidden him, I quainted with those that do as they ought to do, should have been stoned by them. When I had delivered me still out of the hands of these my therefore permitted this to be done by John, he enemies, and afterwards preserved me when I fell gained vast sums of money by this his knavery. into those many dangers which I shall relate here14. But when I had dismissed my fellow legates, after. and sent them back to Jerusalem, I took care to 16. Now the multitude of the Galileans had that have arms provided, and the cities fortified. And great kindness for me, and fidelity to me, that when when I had sent for the most hardy among the their cities were taken by force, and their wives robbers, I saw that it was not in my power to take and children carried, into slavery, they did not so their arms from them; but I persuaded the multi- deeply lament for their own calamities, as they were tude to allow them money as pay, and told them it solicitous for my preservation. But when John was better for them to give them a little willingly, saw this, he envied me, and wrote to me, desiring rather than to [be forced to] overlook them when that I would give him leave to come down, and they plundered their goods from them. And when make use of the hot-baths of Tiberias for the re* Our Josephus shows, both here and every where, that he of danger, to God's blessing him, and taking care of him, and was a most religious person, and one that had a deep sense of this on account of his acts of piety, justice, humlnuity, and God and his providence upon his mind, and ascribed all his charity, to the Jews his brethrea. numerous and wonderful escapes and preservations, in times THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 7:overy of the health of his body. Accordingly, I and had given them orders, when he sent them, to did not hinder him, as having no suspicion of any kill me, having learned that I was alone, excepting wicked designs of his; and I wrote to those to some of my domestics. So those that were sent whom I had committed the administration of the came as they were ordered, and they had executed affairs of Tiberias by name, that they should pro- what they came about, had I not leaped down from vide a lodging for John, and for such as should the elevation I stood on, and with one of my guards, come with him, and should procure him what whose name was James, been carried rout of the necessaries soever lie should stand in need of. Now crowd] upon the back of one Herod of Tiberias, at this time my abode was ill a village of Galilee, and guided by him down to the lake, where I seized which is named Cana. a ship, and got into it, and escaped my enemies un17. But when John was come to the city of expectedly, and came to Taricheme. Tiberias, he persuaded the men to revolt from their 19. Now, as soon as the inhabitants of that city fidelity to me, and to adhere to him; and many of understood the perfidiousness of the people of Tithem gladly received that invitation of his, as ever berias, they were greatly provoked at them. So fond of innovations, and by nature disposed to they snatched up their arms, and desired me to be changes, and delighting in seditions; but they were their leader against them; for they said they would chiefly Justus and his father Pistus, that were earn- avenge their commander's cause upon them. They est for their revolt from me, and their adherence to also carried the report of what had been done to John. But I came upon them, and prevented me to all the Galileans, and eagerly endeavoured to them; for a messenger had come to me from Silas, irritate them against the people of Tiberias, and whom I had made governor of Tiberias, as I have desired that vast numbers of them would get tosaid already, and had told me of the inclinations of gether, and come to them, that they might act in the people of Tiberias, and advised me to make concert with their commander, what should be dehaste thither; for that, if I made any delay, the termined as fit to be done. Accordingly, the Galicity would cone under another's jurisdiction. Upon leans came to me in great numbers, from all parts, the receipt of this letter of Silas, I took two hun- with their weapons, and besought me to assault dred men along with me, and travelled all night, Tiberias, to take it by force, and to demolish it, till having sent before a messenger to let the people it lay even with the ground, and then to make slaves of Tiberias know that I was coming to them. When of its inhabitants, with their wives and children. I came near to the city, which was early in the Those that were Josephus's friends also, and had morning, the multitude came out to meet me; and escaped out of Tiberias, gave him the same advice. John came with them, and saluted me, but in a But I did not comply with them, thinking it a termost disturbed manner, as being afraid that my rible thing to begin a civil war among them; for I coming was to call him to an account for what I thought that this contention ought not to proceed was now sensible he was doing. So he, in great further than words; nay, I told them that it was not haste, went to his lodging. But when I was in the for their own advantage to do what they would have open place of the city, having dismissed the guards me to do, while the Romans expected no other that, I had about me, excepting one, and ten armed men that we should destroy one another by our mutual that were with him, I attempted to make a speech seditions. And by saying this, I put a stop to the to the multitude of the people of Tiberias: and, anger of the Galileans. standing on a certain elevated place, I entreated 20. But now John was afraid for himself, since them not to be so hasty in their revolt; for that his treachery had proved unsuccessful. So he took such a change in their behaviour would be to their the armed men that were about him, and removed reproach, and that they would tLen justly be sus- from Tiberias to Gischala, and wrote to me to apolopected by those that should be their governors gize for himself concerning what had been done, as hereafter, as if they were not likely to be faithful if it had been done without his approbation, and to them neither. desired me to have no suspicion of him to his dis18. But before I had spoken all I designed, I advantage. He also added oaths and certain horheard one of my own domestics bidding me come rible curses upon himself, and supposed he should down, for that it was not a proper time to take be thereby believed in the points he wrote about care of retaining the good-will of the people of to me. Tiberias, but to provide for my own safety, and 21. But now another great number of the Galiescape my enemies there; for John had chosen the leans came together again with their weapons, as most trusty of those armed men that were about knowing the man, how wicked and how sadly perhimr out of those thousand that he had with him, jured he was, and desired me to lead them agaiIxs; 8 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. him, and promised me that they would utterly excluded, when they were informed that he was destroy both him and Gischala. Hereupon I pro- seized, they ran away. I then called Jesus to me fessed that I was obliged to them for their readiness by himself, and told him, that " I was not a stranger to serve me, and that I would more than requite to that treacherous design he had against me, nor their good-will to me. However, I entreated them was I ignorant by whom he was sent for; that, howto restrain themselves, and begged of them to ever, I would forgive him what he had done already, give me leave to do what I intended, which was to if he would repent of it, and be faithful to me hereput an end to these troubles without bloodshed; after." And thus, upon his promise to do all that and when I had prevailed with the multitude of the I desired, I let him go, and gave him leave to get Galileans to let me do so, I came to Sepphoris. those whom he had formerly had with him together 22. But the inhabitants of this city having deter- again. But I threatened the inhabitants of Sepmined to continue in their allegiance to the Romans, phoris, that, if they would not leave off their unwere afraid of my coming to them, and tried, by grateful treatment of me, I would punish them putting me upon another action, to divert me, that sufficiently. they might be freed from the terror they were in. 23. At this time it was that two great men, who Accordingly, they sent to Jesus, the captain of those were under the jurisdiction of the king [Agrippa], robbers who were in the confines of Ptolemais, and came to me out of the region of Trachonitis, bringpromised to give him a great deal of money, if he ing their horses and their arms, and carrying with would come with those forces he had with him, them their money also; and when the Jews would which were in number eight hundred, and fight force them to be circumcised, if they would stay with us. Accordingly, he complied with what they among them, I would not permit them to have any desired, upon the promises they had made him, and force put upon them,* but said to them, " Every was desirous to fall upon us when we were unpre- one ought to worship God according to his own inpared for him, and knew nothing of his coming be- clinations, and not to be constrained by force; and forehand. So he sent to me, and desired that I that these men, who had fled to us for protection, would give him leave to come and salute me. ought not to be so treated as to repent of their When I had given him that leave, which I did coming hither." And when I had pacified the without the least knowledge of his treacherous in- multitude, I provided for the men that were come tentions beforehand, he took his band of robbers, to us whatsoever it was they wanted, according to and made haste to come to me. Yet did not this their usual way of living, and that in great plenty his knavery succeed well at last; for as he was also. already nearly approaching, one of those with him 24. Now king Agrippa sent an army to make deserted him, and came to me, and told me what he themselves masters of the citadel of Gamala, and had undertaken to do. When I was informed of over it Equiculus Modius; but the forces that were this, I went into the market-place, and pretended sent were not enow to encompass the citadel quite to know nothing of his treacherous purpose. I took round, but lay before it in the open places, and bewith me many Galileans that were armed, as also sieged it. But when Ebutius the decurion, who some of those of Tiberias; and, when I had given was intrusted with the government of the great orders that all the roads should be carefully guard- plain, heard that I was at Simonias, a village situed, I charged the keepers of the gates to give ad- ated in the confines of Galilee, and was distant from mittance to none but Jesus, when he came, with the him sixty furlongs, he took a hundred horsemen principal of his men, and to exclude the rest; and that were with him by night, and a certain number in case they aimed to force themselves in, to use of footmen, about two hundred, and brought the stripes [in order to repel them]. Accordingly, inhabitants of the city Gibea along with him as those that had received such a charge did as they auxiliaries, and marched in the night, and came to were bidden, and Jesus came in with a few others; the village where I abode. Upon this I pitched and when I had ordered him to throw down his my camp over against him, which had a great numarms immediately, and told him, that if he refused ber of forces in it: but Ebutius tried to draw us so to do, he was a dead man, he seeing armed men down into the plain, as greatly depending upon his standing all rou-nd about him, was terrified, and horsemen; but we would not come down; for when complied; and as for those of his followers that were I was satisfied of the advantage that his horse would J osephus's opinion is here well worth noting: —That every Jews were still for obliging all those who married Jewesses to one is to be permitted to worship God according to his own be circumcised, and become Jews, and were ready to destroy sonllscience, and is not to be comlpeliled in matters of religion: all that would not submit to do so. See sect. 31, and Luke as one majy Bere observe, on the contrary, that the rest of the ix. 54. THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 9 have if we came down into the plain, while we were cause they had chosen to be in subjection to the all footmen, I resolved to join battle with the enemy Romans, they did not comply with his proposal; where I was. Now Ebutius and his party made a and for those of Tiberias, they did not indeed so far courageous opposition for some time; but when he comply as to make a revolt from under me, but they saw that his horse were useless to him in that place, agreed to be his friends, while the inhabitants of he retired back to the city Gibea, having lost three Gabara did go over to John; and it was Simon that of his men in the fight. So I followed him directly persuaded them so to do, one who was both the with two thousand armed men; and when I was at principal man in the city, and a particular friend the city Besara, that lay in the confines of Ptolemais, and companion of John. It is true, these did not but twenty furlongs from Gibea, where Ebutius openly own the making a revolt, because they were tbode, I placed my armed men on the outside of in great fear of the Galileans, and had frequent exLhe village, and gave orders that they should guard perience of the good-will they bore to me; yet did the passes with great care, that the enemy might they privately watch for a proper opportunity to lay not disturb us until we should have carried off the snares for me; and indeed I thereby came into the corn, a great quantity of which lay there: it be- greatest danger, on the occasion following. longed to Bernice the queen, and had been gathered 26. There were some bold young men of the together out of the neighbouring villages into Be- village of Dabaritta, who observed that the wife of sara; so I loaded my camels and asses, a great Ptolemy, the king's procurator, was to make a pronumber of which I had brought along with me, and gress over the great plain with a mighty attendance, sent the corn into Galilee. WVhen I had done this, and with some horsemen that followed as a guard I offered Ebutius battle; but when he would not to them, and this out of a country that was subject accept of the offer, for he was terrified at our readi- to the king and queen, into the jurisdiction of the ness and courage, I altered my route, and marched Romans; and fell upon them on a sudden, and towards Neopolitanus, because I had heard that the obliged the wife of Ptolemy to fly away, and pluncountry about Tiberias was laid waste by him. dered all the carriages. They also came to me to This Neopolitanus was captain of a troop of horse, Taricheme, with four mules' loading of garments, and and had the custody of Scythopolis intrusted to his other furniture; and the weight of the silver they care by the enemy; and when I had hindered him brought was not small, and there were five hundred from doing any further mischief to Tiberias, I set pieces of gold also. Now I had a mlind to preserve myself to make provision for the affairs of Galilee. these spoils for Ptolemy, who was my countryman; 25. But when John, the son of Levi, who, as we and it is prohibited* by our laws even to spoil before told you, abode at Gischala, was informed our enemies; so I said to those that brought these how all things had succeeded to my mind, and that spoils, that they ought to be kept, in order to rebuild I was much in favour with those that were under the walls of Jerusalem with them when they came me, as also that the enemy were greatly afraid of to be sold. But the young men took it very ill that me, he was not pleased with it, as thinking my they did not receive a part of those spoils for themprosperity tended to his ruin. So he took up a selves, as they expected to have done; so they went bitter envy and enmity against me; and hoping, among the villages in the neighbourhood of Tibethat if he could inflame those that were under me to rias, and told the people that I was going to betray hate me, he should put an end to the prosperity I their country to the Romans, and that I used deceitwas in, he tried to persuade the inhabitants of Ti- ful language to them, when I said, that what had berias, and of Sepphoris, (and for those of Gabara been thus gotten by rapine should be kept for the he supposed they would be also of the same mind rebuilding of the walls of the city of Jerusalem; with the others,) which were the greatest cities of although I had resolved to restore these spoils again Galilee, to revolt from their subjection to me, and to their former owner. And indeed they were to be of his party; and told them that he would herein not mistaken as to my intentions; for when command them better than I did. As for the people I had gotten clear of them, I sent for two of the of Sepphoris, who belonged to neither of us, be- principal men, Dassion, and Janneus the son of * How Josephbls could say here that the Jewish laws forbade the succeeding verses, which, though he might not read in St. them to " spoil even their enemies, while yet, a little before Matthew's Gospel, yet might he have read much the same exhis time, our Saviour had mentioned it as then a current maxim position in their own Ebionite or Nazarene Gospel itself; of with them, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine which improvements made by Josephus, after he was become enemy," Matt. v. 43, is worth our inquiry. I take it that Jo- a Christian, we have already had several examples in this his sephus, having been now for many years an Ebionite Christian, life, sect. 3, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, and shall have many more therein had learned this interpretation of the law of Moses from before its conclusion, as well as we have them elsewhere in all Christ, whom he owned for the true Messiah, as it follows in his later writings. 10 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. LI:vi, persons that were among the chief friends of among them on the sudden, and fell down flat on the king, and commanded them to take the furniture the earth, and bedewed the ground with my tears: that had been plundered, and to send it to him; and then I seemed to them all an object of compassion. I threatened that I would order them to be put to And when I perceived the change that was made in death, by way of punishment, if they discovered this the multitude, I tried to divide their opinions bemy command to any other person. fore the armed men should return from my house; 27. Now, when all Galilee was filled with this so I granted them that I had been as wicked as rumour, that their country was about to be betrayed they supposed me to be; but still I entreated them by me to the Romans, and when all men were ex- to let me first inform them for what use I had kept asperated against me, and ready to bring me to that money which arose from the plunder, and, that punishment, the inhabitants of Taricheae did also they might then kill me if they pleased: and upon themselves suppose that what the young men said the multitude's ordering me to speak, the armed was true, and persuaded my guards and armed men men came upon me, and when they saw me, they to leave me when I was asleep, and to come pre- ran to kill me; but when the multitude bade them sently to the hippodrome, in order there to take hold their hands, they complied, and expected that counsel against me their commander. And when as soon as I should own to them that I kept the they had prevailed with them, and they were gotten money for the king, it would be looked on as a together, they found there a great company assem- confession of my treason, and they should then be bled already, who all joined in one clamour, to bring allowed to kill me. the man who was so wicked to them as to betray 29. WVhen, therefore, silence was made by the them, to his due punishment; and it was Jesus, the whole multitude, I spake thus to them: " O my son of Sapphias, who principally set them on. He countrymen! I refuse not to die, if justice so rewas ruler in Tiberias, a wicked man, and -naturally quire. However, I am desirous to tell you the disposed to make disturbances in matters of conse- truth of this matter before I die; for as I know quence; a seditious person he was indeed, and an that this city of yours [Taricheoe] was a city of innovator beyond every body else. He then took great hospitality, and filled with abundance of such the laws of Moses into his hands, and came into the men as have left their own countries, and are come midst of the people, and said, " O my fellow citi- hither to be partakers of your fortune, whatever it zens! if you are not disposed to hate Josephus on be, I had a mind to build walls about it, out of your own account, -have regard, however, to these this money, for which you are so angry with me, laws of your country, which your commander-in- while yet it was to be expended in building your chief is going to betray; hate him therefore on both own walls." Upon my saying this, the people of these accounts, and bring the man who hath acted Taricheue and the strangers cried out, that " they thus insolently, to his deserved punishment." gave me thanks, and desired me to be of good 28. When he had said this, and the multitude courage," although the Galileans and the people had openly applauded him for what he had said, he of Tiberias continued in their wrath against me, took some of the armed men, and made haste away insomuch that there arose a tumult among them, to the house in which I lodged, as if he would kill while some threatened to kill me, and some bade me me immediately, while I was wholly insensible of not to regard them; but when I promised them all till this disturbance happened; and by reason of that I would build them walls at Tiberias, and at the pains I had been taking, was fallen fast asleep. other cities that wanted them, they gave credit to But Simon, who was intrusted with the care of my what I promised, and returned every one to his own body, and was the only person that stayed with me, home. So I escaped the forementioned danger, and saw the violent incursion the citizens made beyond all my hopes, and returned to my owll upon me, awaked me, and told me of the danger house, accompanied with my friends, and twenty I was in, and desired me to let him kill me, that I armed men also. might die bravely and like a general, before my 30. However, these robbers and other authors of enemies came in, and forced me [to kill myself], or this tumult, who were afraid, on their own account, killed me themselves. Thus did he discourse to lest I should punish them for what they had done, me; but I committed the care of my life to God, took six hundred armed men, and came to the house and made haste to go out to the multitude. Ac- where I abode, in order to set it on fire. When cordingly, I put on a black garment, and hung my this their insult was told me, I thought it indecent sword at my neck, and went by such a different for me to run away, and I resolved to expose myself way to the hippodrome, wherein I thought none of to danger, and to act with some boldness; so I gave my adversaries would meet me; so I appeared order to shut the doors, and went up into an upper THE LIFE OF FLA VIUS JOSEPHUS. 11 room, and desired that they would send in some of those that had fled to me to go again into an enemy's their men to receive the money [from the spoils]; country; yet did I think it more eligible that they for I told them they would then have no occasion should perish among the Romans, if it should so to be angry with me; and when they had sent in happen, than in the country that was under my juone of the boldest of them all, I had him whipped risdiction. However, they escaped at length, and severely, and I commanded that one of his hands king Agrippa forgave them their offences. And should be cut off, and hung about his neck; and this was the conclusion of what concerned these men. in this case was he put out to those that sent him. 32. But as for the inhabitants of the city of TiAt which procedure of mine they were greatly af- berias, they wrote to the king, and desired him to frighted, and in no small consternation, and were send them forces sufficient to be a guard to their afraid that they should themselves be served in like country; for that they were desirous to come over manner, if they staid there; for they supposed to him: this was what they wrote to him. But that I had in the house more armed men than they when I came to them, they desired me to build their had themselves; so they ran away immediately, walls, as I had promised them to do; for they had while I, by the use of this stratagem, escaped this heard that the walls of Tarichepe were already built. their second treacherous design against me. I agreed to their proposal accordingly; and when I 31. But there were still some that irritated the had made preparation for the entire building, I gave multitude against me, and said that those great order to the architects to go to work; but on the men that belonged to the king ought not to be suf- third day, when I was gone to Tarichee, which was fered to live, if they would not change their religion thirty furlongs distant from Tiberias, it so fell out, to the religion of those to whom they fled for safety: that some Roman horsemen were discovered on their they spake reproachfully of them also, and said march, not far from the city, which made it to be that they were wizards, and such as called in the supposed that the forces were come from the king; Romans upon them. So the multitude was soon upon which they shouted, and lifted up their voices deluded by such plausible pretences as were agree- in commendations of the king, and in reproaches able to their own inclinations, and were prevailed against me. Hereupon one came running to me, on by them. But when I was informed of this, I and told me what their dispositions were, and that instructed the multitude again, that those who fled they had resolved to revolt from me: upon hearto them for refuge ought not to be persecuted: I ing which news I was very much alarmed; for I also laughed at the allegation about witchcraft,* had already sent away my armed mien from Tariand told them that the Romans would not main- chece, to their own homes, because the next day was tain so many ten thousand soldiers, if they could our sabbath; for I would not have the people of overcome their enemies by wizards. Upon my say- Taricheoe disturbed [on that day] by a multitude of ing this, the people assented for a while; but they soldiers; and indeed, whenever I sojourned at that returned again afterwards, as irritated by some ill city, I never took any particular care for a guard people against the great men; nay, they once made about my own body, because I had had frequent inan assault upon the house in which they dwelt at stances of the fidelity its inhabitants bore to me. Taricheme, in order to kill them; which, when I I had now about me no more than seven armed men, was informed of, I was afraid lest so horrid a crime besides some friends, and was doubtful what to do; should take effect, and nobody else would make for to send to recall my own forces I did not think that city their refuge any more. I therefore came proper, because the present day was almost over; myself, and some others with me, to the house and had those forces been with me, I could not take where these great men lived, and locked the up arms on the next day, because our laws foirbade doors, and had a trench drawn from their house uls so to do, even though our necessity should be leading to the lake, and sent for a ship, and em- very great; and if I should permit the people of barked therein with them, and sailed to the confines Taricheoe, and the strangers with them, to guard the of Hippos: I also paid them the value of their horses; city, I saw that they would not be sufficient for that nor in such a flight could I have their horses brought purpose, and I perceived that I should be obliged to to them. I then dismissed them, and begged of delay my assistance a great while; for I thought them earnestly that they would courageously bear with myself that the forces that came fiom the king this distress which befell them. I was also myself would prevent me, and that I should be driven out greatly displeased that I was compelled to expose of the city. I considered, therefore, how to get clear of these forces by a stratagem; so I immnediately Here we may observe the vulgar Jewish notion of witchcraft; but that our Josephus was too wise to give any counte- placed those my friends of Tarichea-, on wvhom I nance to it. could best confide, at the gates, to watch those very 12 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. carefully who went out at those gates: I also called and said to him," Since thou deservest to lose both to me the heads of families, and bade every one of thine hands for thy ingratitude to me, be thou thine them to seize upon a ship,* to go on board it, and own executioner, lest, if thou refusest so to be, thou to take a master with them, and follow him to the undergo a worse punishment." And when he city of Tiberias. I also myself went on board one earnestly begged of me to spare him one of his of those ships, with my friends, and the seven armed hands, it was with difficulty that I granted it. So, men already mentioned, and sailed for Tiberias. in order to prevent the loss of both his hands, he 33. But now, when the people of Tiberias per- willingly took his sword, and cut off his own left ceived that there were no forces come from the king, hand; and this put-an end to the sedition. and yet saw the whole lake full of ships, they were 35. Now the men of Tiberias, after I was gone in fear what would become of their city, and were to Taricheme, perceived what stratagem I had used greatly terrified, as supposing that the ships were against them, and they admired how I had put an full of men on board; so they then changed their end to their foolish sedition, without shedding of minds, and threw down their weapons, and met me blood. But now, when I had sent for some of with their wives and children, and made acclama- those multitudes of the people of Tiberias out of tions to me with great commendations; for they prison, among whom were Justus and his father imagined that I did not know their former inclina- Pistus, I made them to sup with me; and during our tions [to have been against me]; so they persuaded supper time I said to them, that I knew the power me to spare the city. But when I was come near of the Romans was superior to all others, but did enough, I gave order to the masters of the ships to not say so [publicly] because of the robbers. So I cast anchor a good way off the land, that the people advised them to do as I did. and to wait for a proper of Tiberias might not perceive that the ships had opportunity, and not to be uneasy at my being their no men on board; but I went nearer to the people commander; for that they could not expect to have in one of the ships, and rebuked them for their folly, another who would use the like moderation that I and that they were so fickle as, without any just had done. I also put Justus in mind how the Galioccasion in the world, to revolt from their fidelity to leans had cut off his brother's hands before ever I me. However, I assured them that I would en- came to Jerusalem, upon an accusation laid against tirely forgive them for the time to come, if they him, as if he had been a rogue, and had forged some would send ten of the ringleaders of the multitude letters; as also how the people of Gamala, in a seto me; and when they complied readily with this dition they raised against the Babylonians, after the proposal, and sent me the men forementioned, I put departure of Philip, slew Chares, who was a kinsthem on board a ship, and sent them away to Ta- man of Philip, and withal how they had wisely richeme, and ordered them to be kept in prison. punished Jesus, his brother Justus's sister's hus34. And by this stratagem it was that I gradu- band [with death]. When I had said this to them ally got all the senate of Tiberias into my power, during supper time, I in the morning ordered Jusand sent them to the city forementioned, with many tus, and all the rest that were in prison, to be loosed of the principal men among the populace, and those out of it, and sent away. not fewer in number than the other. But when 36. But before this, it happened that Philip, the the multitude saw into what great miseries they had son of Jacimus, went out of the citadel of Gamala brought themselves, they desired me to punish the upon the following occasion: When Philip had author of this sedition: his name was Clitus, a been informed that Varus was put out of his governyoung man, bold and rash in his undertakings. ment by king Agrippa, and that Equiculus MoNow, since I thought it not agreeable to piety to dius, a man that was of old his friend and comput one of my own people to death, and yet found panion, was come to succeed him, he wrote to him, it necessary to punish him, I ordered Levi, one of and related what turns of fortune he had had, and my own guards, to go to him, and cut off one of desired him to forward the letters he sent to the Clitus's hands; but as he that was ordered to do king and queen. Now, when Modius had received this, was afraid to go out of the ship alone, among these letters, he was exceedingly glad, and sent the so great a multitude, I was not willing that the letters to the king and queen, who were then about timorousness of the soldier should appear to the Berytus. But when king Agrippa knew that the people of Tiberias. So I called to Clitus himself, story about Philip was false, (for it had been given * In this section, as well as in the 18 and 33, those small ships; nor ought we to render them boats, as some do. T'hen vessels that sailed on the sea of Galilee, are called by Jose- number was in all 230, as we learn from our author elsewhere. phus,1jeS, and lrkoLa, and crcaae, i. e. plainly ships; so that Jewish War. B. II. ch. xxi. sect. 8. we need not wonder at our evangelists, who still call thelm THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 13 out, that the Jews had begun a war with the Ro- which was the place of his nativity. He then sent mans, and that this Philip had been their com- his brother Simon, and Jonathan, the son of Sisenna, mander in that war,) he sent some horsemen to and about a hundred armed men, to Jerusalem, to conduct Philip to him; and when he was come, he Simon, the son of Gamaliel,t in order to persuade saluted him very obligingly, and showed him to the him to induce the commonalty of Jerusalem to Roman commanders, and told them that this was take from me the government over the Galileans, the man of whom the report had gone about as if and to give their suffrages for conferring that auhe had revolted from the Romans. He also bid him thority upon him. This Simon was of the city of to take some horsemen with him, and to go quickly Jerusalem, and of a very noble family of the sect to the citadel of Gamala, and to bring out thence of the Pharisees, which are supposed to excel others all his domestics, and to restore the Babylonians to in the accurate knowledge of the laws of their Batanea again. He also gave it him in charge to country. He was a man of great wisdom and reatake all possible care that none of his subjects should son, and capable of restoring public affairs by his be guilty of making any innovation. Accordingly, prudence, when they were in an ill posture. He upon these directions from the king, he made haste was also an old friend and companion of John; but to do what he was commanded. at that time he had a difference with me. When 37. Now there was one Joseph, the son of a fe- therefore he had received such an exhortation, he male physician, who excited a great many young persuaded the high priests, Ananus, and Jesus the men to join with him. He also insolently addressed son of Gamala, and some others of the same himself to the principal persons at Gamala, and seditious faction, to cut me down, now I was growpersuaded them to revolt from the king, and take ing so great, and not to overlook me while I was up arms, and gave them hopes that they should, by aggrandizing myself to the height of glory; and he his means, recover their liberty. And some they said that it would be for the advantage of the forced into the service; and those that would not Galileans, if I were deprived of my government acquiesce in what they had resolved on, they slew. there. Ananus also, and his friends, desired them They also slew Chares, and with him Jesus, one of to make no delay about the matter, lest I should his kinsmen, and a brother of Justus of Tiberias, as get the knowledge of what was doing too soon, and we have already said. Those of Gamala also wrote to should come and make an assault upon the city ime, desiring me to send them an armed force, and with a great army. This was the counsel of Simon; workmen to raise up the walls of their city; nor did but Ananus the high priest demonstrated to them I reject either of their requests. The region of that this was not an easy thing to be done, because Gaulanitis did also revolt from the king, as far as many of the high priests and of the rulers of the the village Solyma. I also built a wall about people bore witness that I had acted like an excelSeleucia and Soganni, which are villages naturally lent general, and that it was the work of ill men to of very great strength. Moreover, I, in like man- accuse one against whom they had nothing to say. ner, walled several villages of Upper Galilee, though 39. When Simon heard Ananus say this, he dethey were very rocky of themselves. Their names sired that the messengers would conceal the thing, are Jamnia, and Meroth, and Achabare. I also and not let it come among many; for that he would fortified, in the Lower Galilee, the cities Taricheoe, take care to have Josephus removed out of Galilee Tiberias, Sepphoris, and the villages, the cave of very quickly. So he called for John's brother, Arbela, Bersobe, Selamin, Jotapata, Capharecho, [Simon,] and charged him that they should send and Sigo, and Japha, and Mount Tabor.* I also presents to Ananus and his friends; for, as he said, laid up a great quantity of corn in these places, and they might probably by that means persuade them arms withal, that might be for their security after- to change their minds. And indeed Simon did at ward. length thus compass what he aimed at; for Ananus, 38. But the hatred that John, the son of Levi, and those with him, being corrupted by bribes, bore to me, grew now more violent, while he could agreed to expel me out of Galilee, without making not bear my prosperity with patience. So he pro- the rest of the citizens acquainted with what they posed to himself, by all means possible, to make were doing. Accordingly, they resolved to send away with me; and built the walls of Gischala, men of distinction as to their families, and of dis* Part of these fortifications on Mount Tabor may be is observed in the Latin notes. He might be also that Gamathose still remaining, and which were seen lately by Mr. liel II., whose grandfather was Gamaliel I., who is mentioned Maundrel. See his Travels, p. 112. in Acts v. 34, and at whose feet St. Paul was brought up, t This Gamaliel may be the very same that is mentioned by Acts xxii. 3. See Prid. at the year 449. the rabbins in the Mishna, in Juchasin, and in Porta Mosis, as C 14 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. tinction as to their learning also. Two of these to see his son before he died. I informed my were of the populace, Jonathan and Ananias, by friends of these things, and that in three days' tinle sect Pharisees; while the third, Jozar, was of I should leave the country, and go home. Upon the stock of the priests, and a Pharisee also; and hearing this, they were all very sorry, and desired Simon, the last of them, was of the youngest of the me, with tears in their eyes, not to leave them to high priests. These had it given them in charge, be destroyed; for so they thought they should be, that, when they were come to the multitude of the if I were deprived of the command over them: but Galileans, they should ask them, what was the rea- as I did not grant their request, but was taking son of their love to me? and if they said that it care of my own safety, the Galileans, out of their was because I was born at Jerusalem, that they dread of the consequence of my departure, that they should reply, that they four were all born at the should then be at the mercy of the robbers, sent same place; and if they should say, it was because messengers over all Galilee to inform them of my I was well versed in their law, they should reply, resolution to leave them. Whereupon, as soon as that neither were they unacquainted with the prac- they heard it, they got together in great numbers, tices of their country; but if, besides these, they from all parts, with their wives and children; and should say, they loved me because I was a priest, this they did, as it appeared to me, not more out of they should reply, that two of these were priests their affection to me, than out of their fear on their also. own account; for while I staid with them, they 40. Now, when they had given Jonathan and his supposed that they should suffer no harm. So they companions these instructions, they gave them forty all came into the great plain, wherein I lived, the thousand [drachmoe] out of the public money: but name of which was Asochis. when they heard that there was a certain Galilean 42. But wonderful it was what a dream I saw that then sojourned at Jerusalem, whose name was that very night; for when I had betaken myself to Jesus, who had about him a band of six hundred my bed, as grieved and disturbed at the news that armed men, they sent for him, and gave him three had been written to me, it seemed to me, that a cermonths' pay, and gave him orders to follow Jonathan tain person stood by me,t and said, " O Josephus! and his companions, and be obedient to them. They leave off to afflict thy soul, and put away all fear; also gave money to three hundred men that were for what now grieves thee will render thee very citizens of Jerusalem, to maintain them all, and considerable, and in all respects most happy; for ordered them also to follow the ambassadors; and thou shalt get over not only these difficulties, but when they had complied, and were gotten ready for many others, with great success. However, be not the march, Jonathan and his companions went out cast down, but remember that thou art to fight with with them, having along with them John's brother, the Romans." When I had seen this dream, I got and a hundred armed men. The charge that was up with an intention of going down to the plain. given them by those that sent them was this: That if Now, when the whole multitude of the Galileans, I would voluntarily lay down my arms, they should among whom were the women and children, saw send me alive to the city of Jerusalem; but that, in me, they threw themselves down upon their faces, case I opposed them, they should kill me, and fear and, with tears in their eyes, besought me not to nothing; for that it was their command for them so leave them exposed to their enemies, nor to go away to do. They also wrote to John to make all ready and permit their country to be injured by them. for fighting me, and gave orders to the inhabitants But when I did not comply with their entreaties, of Sepphoris, and Gabara, and Tiberias, to send they compelled me to take an oath, that I would auxiliaries to John. stay with them: they also cast abundance of re41. Now, as my father wrote me an account of proaches upon the people of Jerusalem, that they this, (for Jesus the son of Gamala, who was present would not let their country enjoy peace. in that council, a friend and companion of mine, 43. WVhen I heard this, and saw what sorrow the told him of it,) I was very much troubled, as dis- people were in, I was moved with compassion to covering thereby that my fellow citizens proved so them, and thought it became me to undergo the ungrateful to me, as, out of envy, to give order that most manifest hazards for the sake of so great a I should be slain: my father earnestly pressed me multitude; so I let them know I would stay with also in his letter to come to him, for that he longed them. And when I had given order that five thou* This Jonathan is also taken notice of in the Latin notes, afterwards came to pass; of which see more in the note on as the same that is mentioned by the rabbins in Porta Mosis. Antiq. B. III. ch. viii. sect. 9. The other is in the War, t This I take to be the first of Josephus's remarkable or B. III. ch. viii. sect. 3, 9. divine dreams, which were predictive of the great things that THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 15 sand of them should come to me armed, and with soon." Now my guests could not but wonder at provisions for their maintenance, I sent the rest the boldness of the soldier. But I desired him to away to their own homes; and when those five sit down and sup with us; but when he refused so thousand were come, I took them, together with to do, I held the letter in my hands as I received three thousand of the soldiers that were with me it, and fell a talking with my guests about other before, and eighty horsemen, and marched to the matters. But a few hours afterwards, I got up, village of Chabolo, situated in the confines of Ptole- and when I had dismissed the rest to go to their mais, and there kept my forces together, pretending beds, I bid only four of my intimate friends to stay, to get ready to fight with Placidus, who was come and ordered my servant to get some wine ready. I with two cohorts of footmen, and one troop of horse- also opened the letter so, that nobody could permen, and was sent thither by Cestius Gallus to burn ceive it; and understanding thereby presently the those villages of Galilee that were near Ptolemais. purport of the writing, I sealed it up again, and Upon whose casting up a bank before the city appeared as if I had not yet read it, but only held it Ptolemais, I also pitched my camp at about the dis- in my hands. I ordered twenty drachmme should be tance of sixty furlongs from that village. And now given the soldier for the charges of his journey; and we frequently brought out our forces as if we would when he took the money, and said that he thanked fight, but proceeded no further than skirmishes at a me for it, I perceived that he loved money, and distance; for when Placidus perceived that I was that he was to be caught chiefly by that means; and earnest to come to a battle, he was afraid, and avoided I said to him, " If thou wilt but drink with us, thou it. Yet did he not remove from the neighbourhood shalt have a drachma for every glass thou drinkest." of Ptolemais. So he gladly embraced this proposal, and drank a 44. About this time it was that Jonathan and his great deal of wine, in order to get the more money, fellow legates came. They were sent, as we have and was so drunk, that at last he could not keep said already, by Simon, and Ananus the high priest. the secrets he was intrusted with, but discovered And Jonathan contrived how he might catch me by them without my putting questions to him, viz. treachery; for he durst not make any attempt upon That a treacherous design was contrived against me, me openly. So he wrote me the following epistle: and that I was doomed to die by those that sent'" Jonathan and those that are with him, and are him. When I heard this, I wrote back this ansent by the people of Jerusalem, to Josephus, send swer: " Josephus to Jonathan, and those that are greeting. WTe are sent by the principal men of with him, sendeth greeting. Upon the information Jerusalem, who have heard that John of Gischala that you are come in health into Galilee, I rejoice, hath laid many snares for thee, to rebuke him, and and this especially because I can now resign the to exhort him to be subject to thee hereafter. re care of public affairs here into your hands, and reare also desirous to consult with thee about our turn into my native country, which is what I have common concerns, and what is fit to be done. Ve desired to do a great while; and I confess I ought therefore desire thee to come to us quickly, and to not only to come to you as far as Xaloth, but farbring only a few men with thee; for this village ther, and this without your commands. But I will not contain a great number of soldiers." Thus desire you to excuse me, because I cannot do it it was that they wrote, as expecting one of these now, since I watch the motions of Placidus, who two things; either that I should come without armed hath a mind to go up into Galilee; and this I do men, and then they should have me wholly in their here at Chabolo. Do you therefore, on the receipt power; or, if I came with a great number, they of this epistle, come hither to me. Fare you well." should judge me to be a public enemy. Now it 45. WVhen I had written thus, and given the was a horseman who brought the letter, a man at letter to be carried by the soldier, I sent along with other times bold, and one that had served in the him thirty of the Galileans of the best characters, army under the king. It was the second hour of and gave them instructions to salute those ambasthe night that he came, when I was feasting with sadors, but to say nothing else to them. I also my friends, and the principal of the Galileans. gave orders to as many of those armed men, whom This man, upon my servant's telling me that a I esteemed most faithful to me, to go along with certain horseman of the Jewish nation was come, the others, every one with him whom he was to was called in at my command, but did not so much guard, lest some conversation might pass between as salute me at all, but held out a letter, and said, those whom I sent and those who were with Jona" This letter is sent thee by those that are come than. So those men went [to Jonathan]. But from Jerusalem; do thou write an answer to it when Jonathan and his partners had failed in this quickly, for I am obliged to return to them very their first attempt, they sent me another letter, the 16 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS contents whereof were as follows: " Jonathan, and the cities and villages that were in Galilee; for those with him, to Josephus, send greeting. We that there must be certainly one or two persons in require thee to come to us to the village Gaba- every one of them that were at variance with me, and roth, on the third day, without any armed men, that that they should be invited to come to oppose me we may hear what thou hast to lay to the charge of as an enemy. He would also have them send this John [of Gischala]." When they had written this resolution of theirs to the city of Jerusalem, that its letter, they saluted the Galileans whom I sent, and citizens, upon the knowledge of my being adjudged came to Japha, which was the largest village of all to be an enemy by the Galileans, might themselves Galilee, and encompassed with very strong walls, also confirm that determination. He said also, that and had a great number of inhabitants in it. There when this was done, even those Galileans who were the multitude of men, with their wives and children, well affected to me, would desert me out of fear. met them, and exclaimed loudly against them; and'When John had given them this counsel, what he had desired them to be gone, and not to envy them the said was very agreeable to the rest of them. I was advantage of an excellent commander. With these also made acquainted with these affairs about the third clamours Jonathan and his partners were greatly hour of the night, by the means of one Saccheus, provoked, although they durst not show their anger who had belonged to them, but now deserted them openly; so they made them no answer, but went and came over to me, and told me what they were to other villages. But still the same clamours met about; so I perceived that no time was to be lost. them from all the people, who said, "Nobody Accordingly, I gave command to Jacob, an armed should persuade them to have any other commander man of my guard, whom I esteemed faithful to me; besides Josephus." So Jonathan and his partners to take two hundred men, and to guard the passages went away from them without success, and came to that led from Gabara to Galilee, and to seize upon Sepphoris, the greatest city of all Galilee. Now the passengers, and send them to me, especially the men of that city, who inclined to the Romans in such as were caught with letters about them: I also their sentiments, met them indeed, but neither sent Jeremias himself, one of my friends, with six praised nor reproached me; and when they were hundred armed men, to the borders of Galilee, in gone down from Sepphoris to Asochis, the people order to watch the roads that led from this country of that place made a clamour against them, as those to the city Jerusalem, and gave him charge to lay of Japha had done; whereupon they were able to hold of such as travelled with letters about them, contain themselves no longer, but ordered the armed to keep the men in bonds upon the place, but to men that were with them to beat those that made send me the letters. the clamour with their clubs. And when they 47. VWhen I had laid these commands upon them, came to Gabara, John met them with three thou- I gave them orders, and bid them take their arms sand armed men; but, as I understood by their and bring three days' provision with them, and letter that they had resolved to fight against me, I be with me the next day. I also parted those that arose from Chabolo, with three thousand armed were about me into four parts, and ordained those men also; but left in my camp one of my fastest of them that were most faithful to me to be a guard friends, and came to Jotapata, as desirous to be near to my body. I also set over them centurions, and. them, the distance being no more than forty fur- commanded them to take care that not a soldier longs. Whence I wrote thus to them: " If you which they did not know should mingle himselt are very desirous that I should come to you, you among them. Now, on the fifth day following, know there are two hundred and forty cities and when I was at Gabaroth, I found the entire plain villages in Galilee; I will come to any of them that was before the village full of armed men, who which you please, excepting Gabara and Gischala; were come out of Galilee to assist me: many others the one of which is John's native city, and the other of the multitude, also, out of the village, ran along in confederacy and friendship with him." with me. But as soon as I had taken my place, 46. When Jonathan and his partners had re- and began to speak to them, they all made an acceived this letter, they wrote me no more answers, clamation, and called me the benefactor and saviour but called a council of their friends together; and of the country. And when I had made them my taking John into their consultation, they took coun- acknowledgments, and thanked them [for their afsel together by what means they might attack me. feetion to me], I also advised them to fight with John's opinion was, that they should write to all nobody,* nor to spoil the country; but to pitch * Josephus's directiops to his soldiers here are much the your wages." Whence Dr. Hudson confirms this conjecture, sAme that John the Baptist gave, Luke iii. 14, " Do violence that Josephus, in some things, was, even now, afollower of John to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with | the Baptist, whichis no way improbable. See the note cnsect. 3 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS 17 their tents in the plain, and be content with their danger lest they should be assaulted by the Galisustenance they had brought with them; for I told leans on my account; so they contrived how they them I had a mind to compose these troubles with- might run away. But as they were not able to get out shedding any blood. Now it came to pass, that off, for I desired them to stay, they looked down on the very same day those who were sent by John with concern at my words to them. I ordered, with letters, fell among the guards whom I had ap- therefore, the multitude to restrain entirely their pointed to watch the roads; so the men were them- acclamations, and placed the most faithful of my selves kept upon the place, as my orders were, but armed men upon the avenues, to be a guard to us, I got the letters, which were full of reproaches and lest John should unexpected fall upon us; and I lies; and I intended to fall upon these men, with- encouraged the Galileans to take their weapons, out saying a word of these matters to any body. lest they should be disturbed at their enemies, if 48. Now, as soon as Jonathan and his com- any sudden insult should be made upon them. And panions heard of my coming, they took all their then, in the first place, I put Jonathan and his partown friends, and John with them, and retired to the ners in mind of their [former] letter, and after what house of Jesus, which indeed was a large castle, and manner they had written to me, and declared they no way unlike a citadel; so they privately laid a band were sent by the common consent to the people of of armed men therein, and shut all the other doors Jerusalem, to make up the differences I had with but one, which they kept open, and they expected John, and how they had desired me to come to that I should come out of the road to them, to salute them; and as I spake thus, I publicly showed that them. And indeed they had given orders to the letter they had written, till they could not at all armed men, that when I came they should let no- deny what they had done, the letter itself convictbody besides me come in, but should exclude others; ing them. I then said, " O Jonathan! and you as supposing that, by this means, they should easily that are sent with him as his colleagues, if I were get me under their power: but they were deceived to be judged as to my behaviour, compared with in their expectation; for I perceived what snares that of John's, and had brought no more than two they had laid for me. Now, as soon as I was got or three witnesses,* good men and true, it is plain off my journey, I took up my lodgings over against you had been forced, upon the examination of their them, and pretended to be asleep; so Jonathan and characters beforehand, to discharge the accusations: his party, thinking that I was really asleep and at that therefore you may be informed that I have rest, made haste to go down into the plain, to per- acted well in the affairs of Galilee, I think three suade the people that I was an ill governor. But witnesses too few to be brought by a man that hath the matter proved otherwise; for, upon their appear- done as he ought to do; so I gave you all these for ance, there was a cry made by the Galileans imme- witnesses. Inquire of themt how I have lived, and diately, declaring their good opinion of me as their whether I have not behaved myself with all decency, governor; and they made a clamour against Jona- and after a virtuous manner, among them. And I than and his partners for coming to them when they further conjure you, O Galileans! to hide no part had suffered no harm, and as though they would of the truth, but to speak before these men as before overturn their happy settlement; and desired them judges, whether I have in any thing acted otherby all means to go back again, for that they would wise than well." never be persuaded to have any other to rule over 50. WVhile I was thus speaking, the united voices them but myself. When I heard of this, I did not of all the people joined together, and called me their fear to go down into the midst of them; I went, benefactor and saviour, and attested to my former therefore, myself doewn presently to hear what behaviour, and exhorted me to continue so to do Jonathan and his companions said. As soon as I hereafter; and they all said, upon their oaths, that appeared, there was immediately an acclamation their wives had been preserved free from injuries, made to me by the whole multitude, and a cry in my and that no one had ever been aggrieved by me. commendation by them, who confessed their thanks After this, I read to the Galileans two of those was owing to me for my good government of them. epistles which had been sent by Jonathan and his 49. WVhen Jonathan and his companions heard colleagues, and which those whom I had appointed'this, they were in fear of their own lives, and in to guard the road had taken, and sent to me * We here learn the practice of the Jews, in the days of' This appeal to the whole body of the Galileans by Jose Josephus, to inquire into fithe characters of witnesses before,hus, and the testimony they gave him of integrity in his con they were admitted; and that their number ought to be three, duct as their governor, is very like that appeal and testimony or two at the least, also exactly as in the law of Moses, and in in the case of the prophet Samuel, 1 Sam. xii. 1-5, and perthe Apostolical Constitutions,.B. II. ch. xxxvii. See Horeb haps was done by Josephus in imitation of him. Covenant Revived, page 97, 98. 18 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. These were full of reproaches, and of lies, as if I to my friends in Samaria, to take care that they had acted more like a tyrant than a governor might safely pass through the country: for Samaria against them, with many other things besides there- was already under the Romans, and it was absoin contained, which were no better indeed than lutely necessary for those that go quickly [to Jerr.impudent falsities. I also informed the multitude salem] to pass through that country; for in that how I came by these letters, and that those who road you may, in three days' time, go from Galilee carried them delivered them up voluntarily; for I to Jerusalem. I also went myself, and conducted was not willing that my enemies should know.any the old men as far as the bounds of Galilee, and set thing of the guards I had set, lest they should be guards in the roads, that it might not be easily afraid, and leave off writing hereafter. known by any one that these men were gone. And 51. When the multitude heard these things, when I had thus done, I went and abode at Japha. they were greatly provoked at Jonathan, and his 53. Now Jonathan and his colleagues, having colleagues that were with him, and were going to failed of accomplishing what they would have done attack them, and kill them; and this they had cer- against me, sent John back to Gischala, but we-.t tainly done, unless I had restrained the anger of the themselves to the city of Tiberias, expecting it Galileans, and said, that " I forgave Jonathan and would submit itself to them; and this was founded his colleagues what was past, if they would repent, on a letter which Jesus, their then governor, had and go to their own country, and tell those who written them, promising that, if they came, the sent them the truth, as to my conduct." When I multitude would receive them, and choose to be unhad said this, I let them go, although I knew they der their government; so they went their ways with would do nothing of what they had promised. But this expectation. But Silas, who, as I said, had the multitude were very much enraged against been left curator of Tiberias by me, informed me of them, and entreated me to give them leave to punish this, and desired me to make haste thither. Achem for their insolence; yet did I try all methods cordingly, I complied with his advice immediately, to persuade them to spare the men; for I knew and came thither; but found myself in danger of my that every instance of sedition was pernicious to the life, from the following occasion: Jonathan and his public welfare. But the multitude was too angry colleagues had been at Tiberias, and had persuaded with them to be dissuaded, and all of them went a great many of such as had a quarrel with me to immediately to the house in which Jonathan and desert me; but when they heard of my coming, they his colleagues abode. However, when I perceived were in fear for themselves, and came to me; and that their rage could not be restrained, I got on when they had saluted me, they said, that I was a horseback, and ordered the multitude to follow me happy man in having behaved myself so well in the to the village Sogane, which was twenty furlongs government of Galilee; and they congratulated me off Gabara; and by using this stratagem, I so upon the honours that were paid me: for they said managed myself, as not to appear to begin a civil that my glory was a credit to them, since they had war amongst them. been my teachers and fellow citizens; and they said 52. But when I was come near Sogane, I caused further, that it was but just that they should prefer the multitude to make a halt, and exhorted them my friendship to them rather than John's, and that not to be so easily provoked to anger, and to the they would have immediately gone home, but that inflicting such punishments as could not be after- they staid that they might deliver up John into wards recalled: I also gave order, that a hundred my power; and when they said this they took their men, who were already in years, and were principal oaths of it, and those such as are most tremendous men among them, should get themselves ready to amongst us, and such as I did not think fit to disgo to the city of Jerusalem, and should make a believe. However, they desired me to lodge some complaint before the people of such as raised sedi- where else, because the next day was the sabbath, tions in the country. And I said to them, that " in and that it was not fit the city of Tiberias should be case they be moved with what you say, you shall disturbed [on that day]. desire the community to write to me, and to enjoin 54. So I suspected nothing, and went away to me to continue in Galilee, and to order Jonathan Taricheee; yet did I withal leave some to make inand his colleagues to depart out of it." When I quiry in the city how matters went, and whether any had suggested these instructions to them, and while thing was said about me: I also set many persons they were getting themselves ready as fast as they all the way that led from Taricheoe to Tiberias, that could, I sent them on this errand the third day after they might communicate from one to another, if they they had been assembled: I also sent five hundred learned any news from those that were left in the armed men with them [as a guardl. I then wrote city. On the next day, therefore, they all came into THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 19 Ihe Proseucha; * it was a large edifice, and capable discoursing thus, they produced four letters, as writof receiving a great number of people; thither ten to them from some people that lived at the Jonathan went in, and though he durst not openly borders of Galilee, imploring that they would come speak of a revolt, yet did he say that their city stood to their assistance, for that there was an army of in need of a better governor than it then had. But Romans, both horsemen and footmen, who would Jesus, who was the ruler, made no scruple to speak come and lay waste the country on the third day; out, and said openly, " 0 fellow citizens! it is bet- they desired them also to make haste, and not to ter for you to be in subjection to four than to one; overlook them. When the people of Tiberias heard and those such as are of high birth, and not without this, they thought they spake truth, and made a reputation for their wisdom;" and pointed to Jona- clamour against me, and said I ought not to sit than and his colleagues. Upon his saying this, still, but to go away to the assistance of their Justus came in and commended him for what he had countrymen. Hereupon I said (for I understood said, and persuaded some of the people to be of his the meaning of Jonathan and his colleagues) that mind also. But the multitude were not pleased I was ready to comply with what they proposed, with what was said, and had certainly gone into a and without delay to march to the war which they tumult, unless the sixth hour, which was now come, spake of, yet did I advise them, at the same time, had dissolved the assembly, at which hour our laws that since these letters declared that the Romans require us to go to dinner on sabbath days; so would make their assault in four several places, Jonathan and his colleagues put off their council till they should part their forces into five bodies, and the next day, and went off without success. WVhen make Jonathan and his colleagues generals of each I was informed of these affairs, I determined to go to body of them, because it was fit for brave men, not the city of Tiberias in the morning. Accordingly, on only to give counsel, but to take the place of leaders, the next day, about the first hour of the day, I came and assist their countrymen when such a necessity from TaricheTe, and found the multitude already as- pressed them; for, said I, it is not possible for me sembled in the Proseucha; but on what account they to lead more than one party. This advice of mine were gotten together, those that were assembled did greatly pleased the multitude; so they compelled not know. But when Jonathan and his colleagues them to go forth to the war. But their designs were saw me there unexpectedly, they were in disorder; put into very much disorder, because they had not after which they raised a report of their own con- done what they had designed to do, on account of trivance, that Roman horsemen were seen at a place my stratagem, which was opposite to their undercalled Union, in the borders of Galilee, thirty fur- takings. longs distant from the city. Upon which report, 56. Now there was one whose name was Ananias Jonathan and his colleagues cunningly exhorted me (a wicked man he was, and very mischievous); he not to neglect this matter, nor to suffer the land to proposed that a general religious fastt should be be spoiled by the enemy. And this they said with appointed the next day for all the people, and gave a design to remove me out of the city, under the order that at the same hour they should come to pretence of the want of extraordinary assistance, the same place, without any weapons, to make it while they might dispose the city to be my enemy. manifest before God, that while they obtained his 55. As for myself, although I knew of their de- assistance, they thought all these weapons useless. sign, yet did I comply with what they proposed, This he said, not out of piety, but that they might lest the people of Tiberias should have occasion to catch me and my friends unarmed. Now, I was suppose that I was not careful of their security. I hereupon forced to comply, lest I should appear to therefore went out; but, when I was at the place, I despise a proposal that tended to piety. As soon, found not the least footsteps of any enemy, so I re- therefore, as we were gone home, Jonathan and his turned as fast as ever I could, and found the whole colleagues wrote to John to come to them in the council assembled, and the body of the people gotten morning, and desiring him to come with as many together, and Jonathan and his colleagues bringing soldiers as he possibly could, for that they should vehement accusations against me, as one who had then be able easily to get me into their hands, and no concern to ease them of the burdens of war, and to do all they desired to do. WThen John had as one that lived luxuriously. And as they were received this letter, he resolved to comply with it. * It is worth noting here, that there was now a great Proseu- ant that in obedience to their notions of the law of Moses cha, or place of prayer, in the city of Tiberias itself, though also. such Proseucha used to be out of cities, as the synagogues t One may observe here, that this lay Pharisee, Ananias, as were within them. Of them, see Le Moyne on Polycarp's we have seen he was, sect. 39, took upon him to appoint a fast Epistle, page 76. It is also worth our remark, that the Jews, at Tiberias, and was obeyed; though indeed it was not out of min the days of Josephus, used to dine at the sixth hour, or noon; religion, but knavish policy. 20 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. As for myself, on the next day, I ordered two of inquiry about the twenty pieces of gold; for Jothe guards of my body, whom I esteemed the most sephus hath not deserved to die for them; but he courageous and most faithful, to hide daggers un- hath deserved it by his desire of tyrannizing, and der their garments, and to go along with me, that by cheating the multitude of the Galileans with his we might defend ourselves, if any attack should speeches, in order to gain the dominion over them." be made upon us by our enemies. I also myself When he had said this, they presently laid hands took my breastplate, and girded on my sword, so that upon me, and endeavoured to kill me: but as soon it might be, as far as it was possible, concealed, and as those that were with me saw what they did, they came into the Proseucha. drew their swords, and threatened to smite them, if 57. Now Jesus, who was the ruler, commanded they offered any violence to me. The people also that they should exclude all that came with me, for took up stones, and were about to throw them at he kept the door himself, and suffered none but his Jonathan; and so they snatched me from the viofriends to go in. And while we were engaged in lence of my enemies. the duties of the day, and had betaken ourselves 59. But as I was gone out a little way, I was to our prayers, Jesus got up, and inquired of me just upon meeting John, who was marching with what was become of the vessels that were taken his armed men. So I was afraid of him, and turned out of the king's palace, when it was burnt down, aside, and escaped by a narrow passage to the lake, [and] of that uncoined silver; and in whose pos- and seized on a ship, and embarked in it, and sailed session they now were? This he said, in order to over to Taricheue. So, beyond my expectation, I drive away time till John should come. I said that escaped this danger. Whereupon I presently sent Capellus, and the ten principal men of Tiberias, for the chief of the Galileans, and told them after had them all; and I told him that they might ask what manner, against all faith given, I had been them whether I told a lie or not. And when they very near to destruction from Jonathan and his colsaid they had them, he asked me, What is become leagues, and the people of Tiberias. Upon which of those twenty pieces of gold which thou didst re- the multitude of the Galileans were very angry, ceive upon the sale of a certain weight of uncoined and encouraged me to delay no longer to make war money? I replied, that I had given them to those upon them, but to permit them to go against John, ambassadors of theirs, as a maintenance for them, and utterly to destroy him, as well as Jonathan and when they were sent by them to Jerusalem. So his colleagues. However, I restrained them, though Jonathan and his colleagues said that I had not they were in such a rage, and desired them to tarry done well to pay the ambassadors out of the public a while, till we should be informed what orders money. And when the multitude were very angry those ambassadors, that were sent by them to the at them for this, for they perceived the wickedness city of Jerusalem, should bring thence; for I told of the men, I understood that a tumult was going them that it was best for them to act according to to arise; and being desirous to provoke the people their determination; whereupon they were prevailed to a greater rage against the men, I said, " But if I on. At which time, also, John, when the snares have not done well in paying our ambassadors out he had laid did not take effect, returned back to of the public stock, leave off your anger at me, for Gischala. I will repay the twenty pieces of gold myself." 60. Now, in a few days, those ambassadors whom 58. WVhen I had said this, Jonathan and his col- he had sent, came back again and informed us, that leagues held their peace; but the people were still the people were greatly provoked at Ananus, and lmore irritated against them, upon their openly Simon the son of Gamaliel, and their friends; showing their unjust ill-will to me. When Jesus that, without any public determination, they had saw this change in the people, he ordered them to sent to Galilee, and had done their endeavours that depart, but desired the senate to stay; for that they I might be turned out of the government. The could not examine things of such a nature in a ambassadors said further, that the people were ready tumult: and as the people were crying out that to burn their houses. They also brought letters, they would not leave me alone, there came one and whereby the chief men of Jerusalem, at the earnest told Jesus and his friends privately, that John and petition of the people, confirmed me in the governhis armed men were at hand: whereupon Jonathan ment of Galilee, and enjoined Jonathan and his coland his colleagues, being able to contain themselves leagues to return home quickly. WVhen I had no longer, (and perhaps the providence of God gotten these letters, I came to the village Arbela, hereby procuring my deliverance, for had not this where I procured an assembly of the Galileans to been so, I had certainly been destroyed by John,) meet, and bid the ambassadors declare to them the said, " O you people of Tiberias! leave off this anger of the people of Jerusalem at what had been THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 21 done by Jonathan and his colleagues, and how much reproachful answers to me; yet was I not terrified they hated their wicked doings, and how they had thereby, but contrived another stratagem against confirmed me in the government of their country, them, for I did not think it agreeable with piety to as also what related to the order they had in writing kindle the fire of war against the citizens. As I for Jonathan and his colleagues to return home. was desirous to draw those men away from Tiberias, So I immediately sent them the letter, and bid him I chose out ten thousand of the best of my armed that carried it to inquire, as well as he could, how men, and divided them into three bodies, and ordered they intended to act [on this occasion]. them to go privately, and lie still as an ambush, in 61. Now, when they had received that letter, the villages. I also led a thousand into another and were thereby greatly disturbed, they sent for village, which lay indeed in the mountains, as did John, and for the senators of Tiberias, and for the the others, but only four furlongs distant from Tiprincipal men of the Gabarens, and proposed to berias; and gave orders, that when they saw my sighold a council, and desired them to consider what nal, they should come down immediately, while I was to be done by them. However, the governors myself lay with my soldiers in the sight of every of Tiberias were greatly disposed to keep the go- body. Hereupon the people of Tiberias, at the vernment to themselves; for they said it was not sight of me, came running out of the city perpetufit to desert their city, now it was committed to their ally, and abused me greatly. Nay, their madness trust, and that otherwise I should not delay to fall was come to that height, that they made a decent upon them; for they pretended falsely that so I had bier for me, and, standing about it, they mourned threatened to do. Now John was not only of their over me in the way of jest and sport; and I could opinion, but advised them, that two of them should not but be myself in a pleasant humour upon the go to accuse me before the multitude [at Jerusalem], sight of this madness of theirs. that I do not manage the affairs of Galilee as I 63. And now being desirous to catch Simon by ought to do; and that they would easily persuade a wile, and Joazar with him, I sent a message to the people, because of their dignity, and because them, and desired them to come a little way out of the whole multitude are very mutable. When, the city, and many of their friends to guard them; therefore, it appeared that John had suggested the for I said I would come down to them, and make a wisest advice to them, they resolved that two of league with them, and divide the government of them, Jonathan and Ananias, should go to the people Galilee with them. Accordingly, Simon was deof Jerusalem, and the other two [Simon and Joazar] luded on account of his imprudence, and out of the should be left behind to tarry at Tiberias. They hopes of gain, and did not delay to come; but Joaalso took along with them a hundred soldiers for zar, suspecting snares were laid for him, staid behind. their guard. So when Simon was come out, and his friends with 62. However, the governors of Tiberias took care him, for his guard, I met him, and saluted him with to have their city secured with walls, and com- great civility, and professed that I was obliged to manded their inhabitants to take their arms. They him for his coming up to me; but a little while afalso sent for a great many soldiers from John, to terward I walked along with him as though I would assist them against me, if there should be occasion say something to him by myself; and when I had for them. Now John was at Gischala. Jonathan, drawn him a good way from his friends, I took him therefore, and those that were with him, when they about the middle, and gave him to my friends that were departed from Tiberias, and as soon as they were with me, to carry him into a village; and, were come to Dabaritta, a village that lay in the commanding my armed men to come down, I with utmost parts of Galilee, in the great plain, they, them made an assault upon Tiberias. Now, as the about midnight, fell among the guards I had set, fight grew hot on both sides, and the soldiers bewho both commanded them to lay aside their wea- longing to Tiberias were in a fair way to conquer pons, and kept them in bonds upon the place, as I me, (for my armed men were already fled away,) I had charged them to do. This news was written to saw the posture of my affairs; and encouraging those me by Levi, who had the command of that guard that were with me, I pursued those of Tiberias, even committed to him by me. Hereupon I said nothing when they were already conquerors, into the city. of it for two days; and, pretending to know nothing I also sent another band of soldiers into the city by about it, I sent a message to the people of Tiberias, the lake, and gave them orders to set on fire the first and advised them to lay their arms aside, and to house they could seize upon. When this was done, dismiss their men, that they might go home. But, the people of Tiberias thought that their city was supposing that Jonathan, and those that were with taken by force, and so threw down their arms for nim, were already arrived at Jerusalem, they made fear, and implored, they, their wives, and children, D 22 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. that I would spare their city. So I was over-per- that, being belied by him, I am under a necessity to suaded by their entreaties, and restrained the soldiers make my defence; and so I shall say what I have from the vehemency with which they pursued them; concealed till now. And let no one wonder that I while I myself, upon the coming on of the evening, have not told the world these things a great while returned back with my soldiers, and went to refresh ago. For although it be necessary for an historian myself. I also invited Simon to sup with me, and to write the truth, yet is such a one not bound comforted him on occasion of what had happened; severely to animadvert on the wickedness of certain and I promised that I would send him safe and se- men; not out of any favour to them, but out of an cure to Jerusalem, and withal would give him pro- author's own moderation. How then comes it to visions for his journey thither. pass, O Justus! thou most sagacious of writers, 64. But on the next day, I brought ten thousand (that I may address myself to him as if he were armed men with me, and came to Tiberias. I then here present,) for so thou boastest of thyself, that I sent for the principal men of the multitude into the and the Galileans have been the authors of that public place, and enjoined them to tell me who were sedition which thy country engaged in, both against the authors of the revolt; and when they told me the Romans and against the king [Agrippa, junior]? who the men were, I sent them bound to the city For before ever I was appointed governor of Galilee Jotapata. But as to Jonathan and Ananias, I freed by the community of Jerusalem, both thou and all them from their bonds, and gave them provisions for the people of Tiberias had not only taken up arms, their journey, together with Simon and Joazar, and but had made war with Decapolis of Syria. Acfive hundred armed men who should guard them; cordingly, thou hadst ordered their villages to be and so I sent them to Jerusalem. The people of burnt, and a domestic servant of thine fell in the Tiberias also came to me again, and desired that I battle. Nor is it I only who say this; but so it is would forgive them for what they had done; and they written in the Commentaries of Vespasian, the emsaid they would amend what they had done amiss peror; as also how the inhabitants of Decapolis came with regard to me, by their fidelity for the time to clamouring to Vespasian at Ptolemais, and desired come; and they besought me to preserve what spoils that thou, who wast the author [of that war], remained upon the plunder of the city, for those that mightest be brought to punishment. And thou had lost them. Accordingly, I enjoined those that hadst certainly been punished at the command of had got them, to bring them all before us; and when Vespasian, had not king Agrippa, who had power they did not comply for a great while, and I saw one given him to have thee put to death, at the earnest of the soldiers that were about me with a garment entreaty of his sister Bernice, changed the punishon that was more splendid than ordinary, I asked him ment from death into a long imprisonment. Thy whence he had it; and when he replied that he had political administration of affairs afterward doth also it out of the plunder of the city, I had him punished clearly discover both thy other behaviour in life, with stripes; and I threatened all the rest to inflict and that thou wast the occasion of thy country's rea severer punishment upon them, unless they pro- volt from the Romans; plain signs of which I shall duced before us whatsoever they had plundered; produce presently. I have also a mind to say a fewv and when a great many spoils were brought to- things to the rest of the people of Tiberias on thy gether, I restored to every one of Tiberias what account, and to demonstrate to those that light upon they claimed to be their own. this history, that you bare no good-will, neither to 65&. And now I am come to this part of my nar- the Romans, nor to the king. To be sure, the ration, I have a mind to say a few things to Justus, greatest cities of Galilee, O Justus! were Sepphowho hath himself written a history concerning ris, and thy country Tiberias. But Sepphoris, these affairs, as also to others who profess to write situated in the very midst of Galilee, and having history, but have little regard to truth, and are not many villages about it, and able with ease to have afraid, either out of ill-will or good-will to some been bold and troublesome to the Romans, if they persons, to relate falsehoods. These men do like had so pleased, yet did it resolve to continue faiththose who compose forged deeds and conveyances; ful to those their masters, and at the same time exand because they are not brought to the like punish- cluded me out of their city, and prohibited all their ment with them, they have no regard to truth. citizens from joining with the Jews in the war; and, When, therefore, Justus undertook to write about that they might be out of danger from me, they, by these facts, and about the Jewish war, that he might a wile, got leave of me to fortify their city with appear to have been an industrious man, he falsified walls: they also, of their own accord, admitted of a in what he related about me, and could not speak garrison of Roman legions, sent them by Cestius truth even about his own country; whence it is Gallus, who was then president of Syria, and so had THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 23 me in contempt, though I was then very powerful, often obliged thee to run away from thy country, and all were greatly afraid of me; and at the same and, when he had once ordered thee to be put to time that the greatest of our cities, Jerusalem, was death, he granted thee a pardon at the earnest debesieged, and that temple of ours, which belonged sire of Bernice? And when (after so many of thy to us all, was in danger of falling under the enemy's wicked pranks) he made thee his secretary, hF power, they sent no assistance thither, as not will.- caught thee falsifying his epistles, and drove thee ing to have it thought they would bear arms against away from his sight. But I shall not inquire accuthe Romans. But as for thy country, O Justus! rately into these matters of scandal against thee. situated upon the lake of Gennesareth, and distant Yet cannot I but wonder at thy impudence, when from Hippos thirty furlongs, from Gadara sixty, and thou hast the assurance to say, that thou hast better from Scythopolis, which was under the king's juris- related these affairs [of the war] than have all the diction, a hundred and twenty; when there was no others that have written about them, whilst thou Jewish city near, it might easily have preserved its didst not know what was done in Galilee; for thou fidelity [to the Romans], if it had so pleased them wast then at Berytus with the king; nor didst thou to do, for the city and its people had plenty of wea- know how much the Romans suffered at the siege pons. But, as thou sayest, I was then the author of Jotapata, or what miseries they brought upon us; [of their revolt]. And pray, O Justus! who was nor couldst thou learn by inquiry what I did during that author after'wards? For thou knowest that I that siege myself; for all those that might afford was in the power of the Romans before Jerusalem such information were quite destroyed in that siege. was besieged, and before the same time Jotapata But perhaps thou wilt say, thou hast written of was taken by force, as well as many other fortresses, what was done against the people of Jerusalem exand a great many of the Galileans fell in the war. actly. But how should that be? for neither wast It was therefore then a proper time, when you were thou concerned in that war, nor hast thou read the certainly freed from any fear on my account, to commentaries of Cwesar; of which we have evident throw away your weapons, and to demonstrate to proof, because thou hast contradicted those comthe king and to the Romans, that it was not of mentaries of Caesar in thy history. But if thou art choice, but as forced by necessity, that you fell into so hardy as to affirm, that thou hast written that the war against them; but you staid till Vespasian history better than all the rest, why didst thou not came himself as far as your walls, with his whole publish thy history while the emperors Vespasian army; and then you did indeed lay aside your and Titus, the generals in that war, as well as king weapons out of fear, and your city had for certain Agrippa and his family, who were men very well been taken by force, unless Vespasian had complied skilled in the learning of the Greeks, were all alive? with the king's supplication for you, and had ex- for thou hast had it written these twenty years, and cused your madness. It was not I, therefore, who then mightest thou have had the testimony of thy was the author of this, but your own inclinations to accuracy. But now when these men are no longer war. Do not you remember how often I got you with us, and thou thinkest thou canst not be conunder my power, and yet put none of you to death? tradicted, thou venturest to publish it. But then I Nay, you once fell into a tumult one against another, was not in like manner afraid of my own writing, and slew one hundred and eighty-five of your citi- but I offered my books to the emperors themselves, zens, not on account of your good-will to the king when the facts were almost under men's eyes; for I and to the Romans, but on account of your own was conscious to myself, that I had observed the wickedness, and this while I was besieged by the truth of the facts; and as I expected to have their Romans in Jotapata. Nay, indeed, were there not attestation to them, so I was not deceived in such reckoned up two thousand of the people of Tiberias expectation. Moreover, I immediately presented during the siege of Jerusalem, some of whom were my history to many other persons, some of whom slain, and the rest caught and carried captives? were concerned in the war, as was king Agrippa But thou wilt pretend that thou didst not engage in and some of his kindred. Now the emperor Titus the war, since thou didst flee to the king. Yes, was so desirous that the knowledge of these affairs indeed, thou didst flee to him; but I say it was out should be taken from these books alone, that he of fear of me. Thou sayest, indeed, that it is I subscribed his own hand to them, and ordered that who am a wicked man. But then, for what reason they should be published; and for king Agrippa, he was it that king Agrippa; who procured thee thy wrote me sixty-two letters, and attested to the truth life when thou wast condemned to die by Ves- of what I had therein delivered; two of which letpasian, and who bestowed so much riches upon thee, ters I have here subjoined, and thou mayst thereby did twice afterward put thee in bonds, and as know their contents: —" King Agrippa to Josephus, 2'4 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. his dear friend, sendeth greeting. I have read and came to me. So that no others staid with John over thy book with great pleasure, and it appears but his own citizens, and about fifteen hundred to me, that thou hast done it much more accurately, strangers that came from the metropolis of Tyre; and with greater care, than have the other writers. and when John saw that he had been outwitted Send me the rest of these books. Farewell, my by my stratagem, he continued afterward in his dear friend." " King Agrippa to Josephus, his own country, and was in great fear of me. dear friend, sendeth greeting. It seems by what 67. But about this time it was that the people thou hast written, that thou standest in need of no of Sepphoris grew insolent, and took up arms, out instruction, in order to our information from the of a confidence they had in the strength of their beginning. However, when thou comest to me, I walls, and because they saw me engaged in other will inform thee of a great many things which thou affairs also. So they sent to Cestius Gallus, who dost not know." So when this history was per- was president of Syria, and desired that he would fected, Agrippa, neither by way of flattery, which either come quickly to them, and take their city was not agreeable to him, nor by way of irony, as under his protection, or send them a garrison. Acthou wilt say, (for he was entirely a stranger to cordingly, Gallus promised them to come, but did such an evil disposition of mind,) but he wrote this not send word when he would come: and when I by way of attestation to what was true, as all that had learned so much, I took the soldiers that were read histories may do. And so much shall be said with me, and made an assault upon the people of concerning Justus,* which I am obliged to add by Sepphoris, and took the city by force. The Galiway of digression. leans took this opportunity, as thinking they had 66. Now, when I had settled the affairs of Ti- now a proper time for showing their hatred to them, berias, and had assembled my friends as a sanhe- since they bore ill-will to that city also. They drim, I consulted what I should do as to John. then exerted themselves, as if they would destroy Whereupon it appeared to be the opinion of all the them all utterly, with those that sojourned there (Galileans, that I should arm them all, and march also. So they ran upon them, and set their houses against John, and punish him as the author of all on fire, as finding them without inhabitants; for the the disorders that had happened. Yet was not I men, out of fear, ran together to the citadel. So pleased with their determination; as purposing to the Galileans carried off every thing, and omitted compose these troubles without bloodshed. Upon no kind of desolation which they could bring upon this I exhorted them to use the utmost care to learn their countrymen. When I saw this, I was exthe names of all that were under John; which when ceedingly troubled at it, and commanded them to they had done, and I thereby was apprized who the leave off, and put them in mind that it was not men were, I published an edict, wherein I offered agreeable to piety to do such things to their counsecurity and my right hand to such of John's party trymen: but since they neither would hearken to as had a mind to repent; and I allowed twenty what I exhorted, nor to what I commanded them days' time to such as would take this most advan- to do, (for the hatred they bore to the people there tageous course for themselves. I also threatened, was too hard for my exhortations to them,) I bade that unless they threw down their arms, I would those my friends, who were most faithful to me, and burn their houses, and expose their goods to public were about me, to give out reports, as if the sale. When the men heard of this, they were in Romans were falling upon the other part of the no small disorder, and deserted John; and to the city with a great army; and this I did, that, number of four thousand threw down their arms, by such a report being spread abroad, I might " The character of this history of Justus of Tiberias, the be insisted on; and being under the Jewish prejudices, as inrival of our Josephus, which is now lost, with its only remain- deed he was himself also a Jew by birth, he makes not the ing fragment, are given us by a very able critic, Photius, least mention of the appearance of Christ, or what things who read that history. It is in the 33rd code of his Bibliotheca, happened to him, or of the wonderful works that he did. He and runs thus: " I have read (says Photius) the chronology was the son of a certain Jew, whose name was Pistus. He of Justus of Tiberias, whose title is this, [ The Chronology of] was a man, as he is described by Josephus, of a most profligate the Kings of Judah which succeeded one another. This character; a slave both to money and to pleasures. In public [Justus] came outof the city of Tiberiasin Galilee. He begins affairs he was opposite to Josephus; and it is related, that he his nistory from Moses, and ends it not till the death of Agrip- laid many plots against him; but that Josephus, though he pa, the seventh [ruler] of the family of Herod, and the last had his enemy frequently under his power, did only reproach king of the Jews; who took the government under Claudius, him in words, and so let him go without further punishhad it augmented under Nero, and still more augmented by ment. He says also, that the history which this man wrote Vespasi ~. He died in the third year of Trajan, where also is, for the main, fabulous, and chiefly as to those parts where his history ends. He is very concise in his language, and he describes the Roenan war with the Jews, and the taking slightly passes over those affairs that were most necessary to of Jerusalem." THE LIFE OF FLAVITS JOSEPHUS. 225 restrain the violence of the Galileans, and preserve by a necessary affair of my own, to go out of the the city of Sepphoris. And at length this stratagem kingdom. I then called Crispus privately, and had its effect; for, upon hearing this report, they ordered him to make the soldier that kept him were in fear for themselves, and so they left off drunk, and to run away to the king. So when plundering and ran away: and this more especially, Tiberias was in danger of being utterly destroyed a because they saw me, their general, do the same second time, it escaped the danger by my skilful also; for, that I might cause this report to be be- management, and the care that I had for its prexieved, I pretended to be in fear as well as they. servation. Thus were the inhabitants of Sepphoris unexpect- 70. About this time it was that Justus, the son edly preserved by this contrivance of mine. of Pistus, without my knowledge, ran away to the 68. Nay, indeed, Tiberias had like to have been king; the occasion of which I will here relate. plundered by the Galileans also upon the following Upon the beginning of the war between the Jews occasion: —The chief men of the senate wrote to the and Romans, the people of Tiberias resolved to subking, and desired that he would come to them, and mit to the king, and not to revolt from the Romans; take possession of their city. The king promised while Justus tried to persuade them to betake themto come, and wrote a letter in answer to theirs, and selves to their arms, as being himself desirous of gave it to one of his bed-chamber, whose name was innovations, and having hopes of obtaining the goCrispus, and who was by birth a Jew, to carry it vernment of Galilee, as well as of his own country to Tiberias. When the Galileans knew that this [Tiberias] also. Yet did he not obtain what he man carried such a letter, they caught him, and hoped for, because the Galileans bore ill-will to brought him to me; but as soon as the whole mul- those of Tiberias, and this on account of their anger titude heard of it, they were enraged, and betook at what miseries they had suffered from them before themselves to their arms. So a great many of them the war; thence it was that they would not endure got together from all quarters the next day, and that Justus should be their governor. I myself came to the city Asochis, where I then lodged, also, who had been intrusted by the community of and made heavy clamours, and called the city of Jerusalem with the government of Galilee, did freTiberias a traitor to them, and a friend to the king; quently come to that degree of rage at Justus, that and desired leave of me to go down and utterly I had almost resolved to kill him, as not able to destroy it; for they bore the like ill-will to the bear his mlischievous disposition. He was therepeople of Tiberias, as they did to those of Sep- fore much afraid of me, lest at length my passion phoris. should come to extremity; so he went to the king, 69. When I heard this, I was in doubt what to as supposing that he would dwell better and more do, and hesitated by what means I might deliver safely with him. Tiberias from the rage of the Galileans; for I could 71. Now, when the people of Sepphoris had, in not deny that those of Tiberias had written to the so surprising a manner, escaped their first danger, king, and invited him to come to them; for his they sent to Cestius Gallus, and desired him to letters to them, in answer thereto, would fully prove come to them immediately, and take possession of the truth of that. So I sat a long time musing their city, or else to send forces sufficient to repress with myself, and then said to them, " I know well all their enemies' incursions upon them; and at the enough that the people of Tiberias have offended; last they did prevail with Gallus to send them a nor shall I forbid you to plunder the city. How- considerable army, both of horse and foot, which ever, such things ought to be done with discretion; came in the night time, and which they admitted for they of Tiberias have not been the only betray- into the city. But when the country round about ers of our liberty, but many of the most eminent it was harassed by the Roman army, I took those patriots of the Galileans, as they pretended to be, soldiers that were about me, and came to Garisme, have done the same. Tarry therefore till I shall where I cast up a bank, a good way off!te city thoroughly find out those authors of our danger, Sepphoris; and when I was at twenty furlongs and then you shall have them all at once under distance, I came upon it by night, and made an your power, with all such as you shall yourselves assault upon its walls with my forces; and when I bring in also." Upon my saying this, I pacified had ordered a considerable number of my soldiers the multitude, and they left off their anger, and to scale them with ladders, I became master of the went their ways; and I gave orders that he who greatest part of the city. But soon after, our unbrought the king's letters should be put into bonds; acquaintedness with the places forced us to retire, but in a few days I pretended that I was obliged, after we had killed twelve of the Roman footmen, 2t65 I'THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPIIUS. and two horsemen, and a few of the people of Sep- and understanding that the watch was negligently phoris, with the loss of only a single man of our kept in our camp, they by night placed a body of own. And when it afterwards came to a battle in horsemen in ambush beyond Jordan, and when it tile plain against the horsemen, and we had under- was day they provoked us to fight: and as we did gone the dangers of it courageously for a long time, not refuse it, but came into +he plain, their horsewe were beaten; for upon the Romans encompass- men appeared out of that ambush in which they ing me about, my soldiers were afraid, and fell had lain, and put our men into disorder, and made back. There fell in that battle one of those that them run away; so they slew six men of our side. had been intrusted to guard my body; his name was Yet did they not go off with the victory at last; Justus, who at this time had the same post with for when they heard that some armed men were the king. At the same time also there came forces, sailed from TaricheEe to Julias, they were afraid, both horsemen and footmen, from the king, and and retired. Sylla their commander, who was the captain of his 74. It was not now long before Vespasian came guard: this Sylla pitched his camp at five furlongs' to Tyre, and king Agrippa Wvith him; but the Tyridistance from Julias, and set a guard upon the ans began to speak reproachfully of the king, and roads, both that which led to Cana, and that which called him an enemy to the Romans. For they led to the fortress Gamala, that he might hinder said that Philip, the general of his army, had be.. their inhabitants from getting provisions out of trayed the royal palace and the Roman forces that Galilee. were in Jerusalem, and that it was done by his com72. As soon as I had gotten intelligence of this, mand. When Vespasian heard of this report, he I sent two thousand armed men, and a captain over rebuked the Tyrians for abusing a man who was them, whose name was Jeremiah, who raised a both a king and a friend to the Romans; but he bank a furlong off Julias, near to the river Jordan, exhorted the king to send Philip to Rome, to an. and did no more than skirmish with the enemy; swer for what he had done before Nero. But when till I took three thousand soldiers myself, and came Philip was sent thither, he did not come into the to them. But on the next day, when I had laid an sight of Nero, for he found him very near death, on ambush in a certain valley, not far from the banks, account of the troubles that then happened, and a I provoked those that belonged to the king to come civil war; and so he returned to the king. But to a battle, and gave orders to my own soldiers to when Vespasian was come to Ptolemais, the chief turn their backs upon them, until they should have men of Decapolis of Syria made a clamour against drawn the enemy away from their camp, and Justus of Tiberias, because he had set their villages brought them out into the field, which was done on fire: so Vespasian delivered him to the king, to accordingly; for Sylla, supposing that our party be put to death by those under the king's jurisdicdid really run away, was ready to pursue them, tion; yet did the king [only] put him into bonds, when our soldiers that lay in ambush took them on and concealed what he had done from Vespasian, their backs, and put them all into great disorder. as I have before related. But the people of SepI also immediately made a sudden turn with my phoris met Vespasian, and saluted him, and had own forces, and met those of the king's party, and forces sent him, with Placidus their commander: put them to flight. And I had performed great he also went up with them, as I also followed them, things that day, if a certain fate had not been my till Vespasian came into Galilee. As to which hinderance; for the horse on which I rode, and coming of his, and after what manner it was ordered, upon whose back I fought, fell into a quagmire, and and how he fought his first battle with me near threw me on the ground, and I was bruised on my the village Tarichefe, and how from thence they wrist, and carried into a village named Cephar- went to Jotapata, and how I was taken alive, and nome, or Capernaum. When my soldiers heard bound, and how I was afterward loosed, with all of this, they were afraid I had been worse hurt than that was done by me in the Jewish war, and during I was; and so they did not go on with their pursuit the siege of Jerusalem, I have accurately related any further, but returned in very great concern for them in the books concerning the WVar of the Jews. me. I therefore sent for the physicians, and while However, it will, I think, be fit for me to add now I was under their hands, I continued feverish that an account of those actions of my life which I day; and as the physicians directed, I was that have not related in that book of the Jewish war. night removed to Tarichem. 75. For when the siege of Jotapata was over, 73.'When Sylla and his party were informed and I was among the Romans, I was kept with what happened to me, they took courage again; much care, by means of the great respect that Ves THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. 27 pasian showed me. Moreover, at his command, I them died under the physician's hands, while the married a virgin, who was from among the captives third recovered. of that country;* yet did she not live with me 76. But when Titus had composed the troubles long, but was divorced, upon my being freed from in Judea, and conjectured that the lands which I my bonds, and my going to Alexandria. However, had in Judea would bring me no profit, because I married another wife at Alexandria, and was a garrison to guard the country was afterward to thence sent, together with Titus, to the siege of pitch there, he gave me another country in the Jerusalem, and was frequently in danger of being plain. And when he was going away to Rome, put to death; while both the Jews were very he made choice of me to sail along with him, and desirous to get me under their power, in order to paid me great respect: and when we were come to have me punished. And the Romans also, whenever Rome, I had great care taken of me by Vespasian; they were beaten, supposed that it was occasioned for he gave me an apartment in his own house, by my treachery, and made continual clamours to which he lived in before he came to the empire. the emperors, and desired that they would bring He also honoured me with the privilege of a Rome to punishment, as a traitor to them: but man citizen, and gave me an annual pension; and Titus Caesar was well acquainted with the uncer- continued to respect me to the end of his life, withtain fortune of war, and returned no answer to the out any abatement of his kindness to me; which soldiers' vehement solicitations against me. More- very thing made me envied, and brought me into over, when the city Jerusalem was taken by force, danger; for a certain Jew, whose name was JonaTitus Caesar persuaded me frequently to take what- than, who had raised a tumult in Cyrene, and had soever I would of the ruins of my country; and persuaded two thousand men of that country to said that he gave me leave so to do. But when join with him, was the occasion of their ruin. But my country was destroyed, I thought nothing else when he was bound by the governor of that counto be of any value, which I could take and keep try, and sent to the emperor, he told him that I as a comfort under my calamities; so I made this had sent him both weapons and money. However, request to Titus, that my family might have their he could not conceal his being a liar from Vespaliberty: I had also the holy bookst by Titus's sian, who condemned him to die; according to concession. Nor was it long after that I asked of which sentence he was put to death. Nay, after him the life of my brother, and of fifty friends with that, when those that envied my good fortune did him, and was not denied. When I also went once frequently bring accusations against me, by God's to the temple, by the permission of Titus, where providence I escaped them all. I also received there were a great multitude of captive women and from Vespasian no small quantity of land, as a free children, I got all those that I remembered as gift, in Judea; about which time I divorced my among my own friends and acquaintances to be set wife also, as not pleased with her behaviour, though free, being in number about one hundred and not till she had been the mother of three children, ninety; and so I delivered them without their pay- two of whom are dead, and one, whom I named HyrIng any price of redemption, and restored them to canus, is alive. After this I married a wife who their former fortune. And when I was sent by had lived at Crete, but a Jewess by birth: a woman Titus Caesar with Cerealius, and a thousand horse- she was of eminent parents, and such as were the men, to a certain village called Thecoa, in order to most illustrious in all the country, and whose chaknow whether it were a place fit for a camp, as I racter was beyond that of most other women, as her came back, I saw many captives crucified, and re- future life did demonstrate. By her I had two sons; membered three of them as my former acquaint- the elder's name was Justus, and the next Simonance. I was very sorry at this in my mind, and ides, who was also named Agrippa. And these went with tears in my eyes to Titus, and told him were the circumstances of my domestic affairs. of them; so he immediately commanded them to However, the kindness of the emperor to me conbe taken down, and to have the greatest care taken tinued still the same; for whllen Vespasian was dead, of them, in order to their recovery; yet two of Titus, who succeeded him in the government, kept * Here Josephus, a priest, honestly confesses that he did commands of an emperor would not excuse him, for he soon that at the command of Vespasian, which he had before told piut her away, as Reland justly observes here. us was not lawful for a priest to do by the law of Moses, Antiq. t Of this most remarkable clause, and its most importB. III. ch. xii. sect. 2. I mean, the taking a captive woman ant consequences, see Essay on the Old Testament, page to wife. See also Against Apion, B. I. sect. 7. But he seems 193-195. to have been quickly sensible that his compliance with the 28 THE LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS. up the same respect for me which I had from his of Coesar, continued to do me kindnesses. And this father; and when I had frequent accusations laid is the account of the actions of my whole life; and against me, he would not believe them. And Do- let others judge of my character by them as they mitian, who succeeded, still augmented his respects please. But to thee, O Epaphroditus,* thou most to me; for he punished those Jews that were my excellent of men! do I dedicate all this treatise of accusers, and gave command that a servant of mine, our Antiquities; and so, for the present, I hewho was a eunuch, and my accuser, should be conclude the whole. punished. He also made that oountry I had in Judea tax free, which is a mark of the greatest * Of this Epaphroditus, see the note on the Pieface t e honour to him who hath it; nay, Domitia, the wife Antiquities. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY BY THE REV. HENRY STEBBING, D.D. VALUABLE as are the remains of classical antiquity, the Works of Josephuts ma3 be placed, at least, on a level with the most esteemed monuments of ancient learn. ing. While the historians of Greece and Rome inform us of events connecter with perishable states and polities, the annals of the Jewish people enable us tc trace the progress of dispensations, the importance and stability of which, instead of diminishing, are perpetually on the increase. The writings of Josephus may be classed under the two heads of historical and controversial; the former comprehending the Antiquities, and the Wars of the Jews; and the latter, his treatise against Apion, and some essays of minor character. His earliest production was the history of the memorable and terrific war which ended in the downfal of his nation. This work seems to have been commenced with no higher view than that of giving a general and popular account of the scenes in which he had been engaged. It was, therefore, originally written in Syro-chaldaic, or in the common language of the Jews inhabiting Palestine. When Josephus arrived at Rome, he found numerous accounts of the war in circulation. Some of these narratives were by persons who had but limited means of learning the truth. Others were the production of men who wrote in a spirit of bitter prejudice. Even among those who had some portion of the ability and information necessary to such an undertaking, none, perhaps, could be found so thoroughly well prepared for the undertaking as Josephus. Greatly to the benefit of posterity, therefore, he employed his first days of repose in the preparation of his work for a more extended circulation. The Greek language was, at that time, understood by most persons of even an ordinary degree of intelligence. It was read and spoken commonly among a large portion of his own people. The Septuagint translation of the Bible had rendered it venerable in their eyes, and must have obliged the priestly order, to which Josephus belonged, to cultivate it with more than ordinary diligence. In this popular and elegant language, therefore, he put forth his work, and the admiration with which it was received confirmed, at once, the opinion of his genius and merit entertained by the greatest men d vi INTRODUCTION. of his time. His qualifications were the better estimated from the candour whichl circumstances, as well as nature, taught him to cultivate. Faithful to the duties of patriotism, he was yet sufficiently awake to the vices, to the folly and obstinacy, of his countrymen. This enabled him to view and speak of things with a liberal mind. He manifested a tender regret for the fall of his nation, well calculated to conciliate the affections of the people whose sufferings he shared; but he had too much gratitude not to refrain from violating the dignity of those by whom they had been conquered, for he was in the daily habit of experiencing their bounty and their tolerance. The real defects of his work, moreover, were not such as could be readily detected by popular readers. They consisted chiefly of errors in the early part of the narrative, and were confined to a period of Jewish history, the interest of which would be greatly diminished by the awful grandeur of that which described the fall of the commonwealth. The second great work of Josephus occupies the first place in the modern editions of his writings, but was not composed till about eighteen years after the History of the Jewish Wars. This interesting production of his matured mind was undertaken with the desire of giving to the world a narrative which might remove the prejudices entertained against his nation. He was evidently ambitious of imitating the celebrated classical historians, and of relating the events, so dear to the memory of his people, in a style which might render the subject acceptable to the learned and accomplished of all nations. This feeling was natural, and in many respects laudable. But it exposed him to dangers peculiar to the matters of which he had to treat. There was one grand and authoritative source of information. It bore the seal of Divine inspiration, and had been received, from generation to generation, as the sublime record of God's dealings with his people. To this primary fountain of information an honest historian must necessarily have turned with profound reverence. From this he must have felt it his duty to draw the most important parts of his narrative; nor could he regard it as allowable, we should have supposed, to place any other source of intelligence in competition with one so superior to the ordinary foundations of historical truth. But Josephus had designed his work for the use of Gentile readers. He was anxious to inspire them with respect for a faith hitherto despised. In order to effect this, he deemed it necessary to modify certain parts of his narrative, lest the naked facts might strengthen, rather than allay, the prejudices which it was his object to overcome. Such, at least, is one of the supposed reasons of those discrepancies which exist between the history of Josephus and that of Scripture. That he was justified in even the minutest departure from the plain statements of the Bible, few believers in revelation would venture to assert. But he has had many apologists; and it has been suggested that, in his time, there were other sacred books existing, besides those received into the canon of Scripture, and which, though not of equal authority, were notwithstanding held in great reverence by the Jewish people. It is also observed, that the Rabbinical traditions were regarded, at this period, as of indisputable weight; and, still further, that it is not INTRODUCTION. vii known whether he took as his authority the original text of the Hebrew Bible, or a version, or paraphrase.* These suggestions are worthy of attention, but they do not completely exonerate the historian from the charge of having either weakly yielded too much to the desire of conciliating his readers, or made a bad estimate of the value of the materials before him. It has been thought by some that he might frequently write from mere memory. This could only be excused on the supposition that he could not, at times, get access to the necessary documents, a notion which seems plainly contradicted by the fact, that he was the keeper of the sacred books, the possession of which must have enabled him readily to correct any error admitted into the first impression of his work. It would be difficult, indeed, to advance an argument sufficiently strong to clear him from the charge of not having given that constant attention to the simple narrative of the Bible, which might have prevented those discrepancies, and therefore errors, to be found in his Antiquities. But while it must be acknowledged that his apologists have scarcely succeeded in their plea, it is almost equally clear that he has been criticised by others with too great strictness and asperity. " Baronius," says Casaubon, " never omits any opportunity of abusing Josephus. But if all his errors, I do not speak of those in which he departs from Scripture, and for which he cannot be excused, were put together, they would scarcely amount to a hundredth part of those admitted by Eusebius alone, either into his Chronicle, or other portions of his works."t Whatever construction, however, may be put upon the fact, that the'uninspired writer is wanting in a close adherence to the Bible narrative, there is this valuable lesson to be drawn from such discrepancies, Scripture remains alone, in its separate and sublime authority. Apart from, and infinitely exalted above, all other sources of information, the very pride and imperfections of those who would imitate or rival it, serve but the more to prove its Divine excellence. But for the variations in Josephus, he might imperceptibly have been set up as equal to writers chosen by God to describe his ways and doings. The Antiquities woula have become a substitute for the Bible; and some men would probably have rejoiced to exchange the plain and succinct account, the exquisite beauty of which is only completely visible to spiritual understandings, for the classical and brightly-coloured style of the mere historian. It is, perhaps, in the simple circumstance, that he aimed only at being an historian, that he sought to imitate models framed in a spirit, and fitted for materials, wholly different to those * De ipso Josepho non est pretereundem quod ex sacris Hebrworum litteris origines suas translaturum se est pollicitus, neque subtrahendo quicquam, neque addendo, id eum pari fide non prestitisse. Eodem consilio, quo Persis nuper Hieronymus Xaverius, Jesuita, interpolatam a se evangelicam dedit historiam, etiam Graecis ille rerum in V. Testamento gestarum transmisit memoriam. Nonnulla, qua erant in Canone, supprimens, alia (ut quum Salomoni verba gratia pro XL. regni anni) LXXX. tribuit, et in numero talentorum argenti, ad templi usuin a Davide relicto, 1 Chron. xxii. 14, centum millia pro mille millibus substituit. Minuitans, atque de Scriptis Apocryphis non pauca adjiciens, uti in ejus de Moyse trienni, de eodem juvene cum AEthiopibus bellum gerente, de Tharbi, regis _Ethiopum filia, connubium ejus expetente, et aliis ejusdem farine narrationibus licet perspicere. Jacobus Usserius, in Epis. ad Lud. Capellum, p. 42. t Fabricii Bibliotheca Grwca, Art. Jos. Viii INTRODUCTION. peculiar to his subject, that we may most readily find the cause of the errors wit which his work may be fairly charged. He paraphrased and adorned the general statement of facts, not with the desire of falsifying, but by yielding to his literary tastes, and to those of the people for whom he wrote. The temptation under which a writer labours, when detailing sublime and mysterious occurrences, and which, though convinced of their truth himself, he trembles lest others may doubt, is of no ordinary kind. He fears lest the mode of his relating the facts should be wanting in earnestness and dignity. They have appeared to him bright and noble ander the shining light of his own imagination; and he easily yields to the flattering suggestion, that by its use he may make the record, in this. its somewhat modified structure, more acceptable than it was likely to be in its simpler form. So far was Josephus from being regarded by ancient Christian writers as a wilful offender against the veracity of history, that he is commonly honoured in their treatises with the name of Philalethes, or, the lover of truth.* That he was not ignorant of the importance of fidelity, as the first characteristic of a good historian, is evident from his own remarks. Speaking, in his Life, of one who had violated the truth, he says, "I have a mind to say a few things to Justus, who hath himself written a history concerning these affairs; as also to others who profess to write history, but have little regard to truth, and are not afraid, either out of ill-will or good-will to some persons, to relate falsehoods. These men do like those who compose forged deeds and conveyances, and because they are not brought to the ike punishment with them, care not for the truth." At the conclusion of the eleventh chapter of the tenth book of the Antiquities, he says, " Now as to myself, I have so described these matters as I have found them and read them. But if any one is inclined to another opinion about them, let him enjoy his different sentiments without any blame from me." But the personal character of a writer must not be passed over in the estimate taken of the honesty of his narrative. In this respect Josephus may claim honourable attention. The predominant sentiment of his writings is veneration for God and his providence, nor does he omit any opportunity of showing the value of integrity, or the supreme beauty of holiness. His faults may, therefore, fairly be ascribed to somewhat of timidity on the one side, and of literary vanity on the other. Most of the errors with which he has been charged are clearly referable to these sources. Of the others, which cannot be so accounted for, there are some that appear to have originated in the different opinions which prevailed among the Jews of his time, and threw no small obscurity over portions of the Scripture narrative; while the remainder, whether omissions, or statements plainly opposed to the inspired history, must be left without conjecture, and are better disposed of by the acknowledgment that such discrepancies cannot be accounted for, unless by suppositions which involve us in new difficulties It is somewhat curious that the two severest critics of Josephus should be the * Fabricii Bibliotheca Greca, Art. Jos. Eusebius, the ecclesiastical historian, speaks of him as worthy of all credit, lib. iii. c. 9. Sozomen names him as equally celebrated among the Romans and the Jews, Hist. Eccles. lib. i. c. 1. And Evagrius speaks of his history as copious, and highly valuable, lib. v. c. 24. INTRODUCTION. x Romanist historian Baronius, and the sceptic Bayle; the one little attentive to the rules of historical evidence, and readily admitting into his work whatever the flood of common tradition cast up; the other anxious only to discover differences in the language of those who acknowledged the divinity of revelation, that he might, by attacking them separately, destroy the treasure equally dear to both. The latter, in a pretended fit of zeal, observes, " I have been long indignant against Josephus, and those who spare him on this subject. A man who made open profession of Judaism, the law of which was founded on the divinity of Scripture, dares to recount things otherwise than he read of them in the book of Genesis. He changes, he adds, he suppresses circumstances; in a word, he puts himself in opposition to Moses in such a manner that one of them must be a false historian." This statement involves a gross injustice, and is as illogical as it is unjust. Two writers may assuredly disagree in some points, without exposing themselves to the sweeping charge of falsehood as their general character. If disagreement in a few instances should oblige us to consider, that of the writers so differing only one can be worthy of credit, and that, consequently, the rest ought to be regarded as undeserving of any attention, the number of historical references would soon be di. minished to such a degree, that the next step would be the annihilation of history altogether. The fact is, that wherever human inquiry begins, human error will be introduced, in greater or less proportion. There will, accordingly, be discrepailcies in the statement of witnesses; but, except in the points where they precisely differ, they may be in such general harmony, that each may strengthen the cause of each, and neither the one nor the other, notwithstanding their occasional contradictions, merit the charge of injustice or dishonesty. A very slight comparison of the most esteemed historians will afford ample illustrations of this fact. The experience gathered in the collection of evidence of any kind tends to the same purpose, and plainly shows that several witnesses to a narrative may differ in many minor points, yet be highly deserving of credit as to the main and more important facts. Such are the two great historical works of Josephus. They are followed by his celebrated treatise on the Antiquities of the Jews, a production not less admired than his former volumes for elegance of style and copiousness of learning.* Jerome speaks of it with astonishment, and declares himself unable to tell how a Jew, confined as the learned of his nation were to the study of their own books, should have become so extensively acquainted with Grecian literature. The object of the work was to defend the Jews against the scorn of Gentile philosophers and infidels. Apion, and others, had attempted to throw ridicule on their high pretensions to antiquity. Their history, it was said, occupied no place in the records of those great writers to whom the world looked for information. It was almost unknown; while that of the Egyptians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and others, filled the volumes * Eusebius speaks of this work as worthy of great esteem, and as containing answers to the calumnies of Apion, the grammarian, and others who had endeavoured to cast doubts upon the origin of the Jews. Eccles. Hist. lib. iii. c. 9. INTRODUCTION. of authors read and admired in every corner of the earth. Josephus produced facts as well as arguments, in confutation of this species of attack. The nations, ne contended, to whose writers the appeal had been made against his own, were indebted for all their learning to those more ancient countries with which the Jews had early intercourse. They were known, moreover, to have been singularly inattentive to the careful chronicling of events. This is abundantly proved by the contradictions existing in the works of their most popular authors; while, on the contrary, in regard to the Jews, there were but twenty-two books acknowledged by the nation, and these had the seal of remote antiquity, and the authority of works written by men in high public offices, and endowed with the richest gifts of Divine wisdom. The whole argument is worked out in a masterly and lucid style; nor could even the modern reader find a more powerful statement in favour of the authenticity of the ancient Scriptures, or of the great truths of Jewish history. In the second part of the treatise, the writer enters upon the task of answering those more general accusations against the Jews, which contributed so greatly to render them objects of hatred among the proud and ignorant Gentiles. Their laws and customs, the ordinary conduct of their affairs, the most conspicuous features of their personal character, had all afforded topics of insulting comment. Josephus answers his assailants with a keen and comprehensive view of the odious follies of,vhich they were themselves guilty, and then shows that the customs which had provoked their scorn rested upon principles which merited the most profound respect. The writings of which we have given this brief account must have exercised, in ancient times, no slight degree of influence on the minds of inquiring men. This is sufficiently evidenced by the high position which their author continued to hold, for many years, in the court of the most accomplished of Roman emperors.* The style again in which he writes shows not only his confidence in the importance of the subjects handled, but his expectation of the most profitable results from his labours. Rome, at the period when he wrote, was filled with men deeply engaged in religious speculation. The spirit of the ancient times, when war only furnished employment for active minds, was rapidly departing, or submitting itself to the influence of a change destined to present every principle of society under a new form. Superstition and philosophy had joined hands. Hosts of theories, of creeds, and rites, from the farthest corners of the earth, had begun to establish themselves in the midst of cities and provinces celebrated for their refinement. It was no longer beneath the dignity of the sternest man to inquire, if not openly, yet secretly, into the pretensions of these novel systems, and to try whether they might not present some hitherto neglected means of warding off approaching ills. In such a state of the public mind, the common rumours afloat respecting the religion of the Jews could scarcely fail to attract attention. However despised the people, and despised especially they were at this period, so ancient a faith, and one * He was, says Sozomren, as highly honoured, 4rr6oZ6raroE, by the Romans as the Jews. Hist. Eccles. lib.. C. 1. INTRODUCTION. zi the fundamental doctrine of which was in accordance with the most approved philosophers, must still have claimed at least a share of the awakened curiosity. But as yet no work existed from which information might be gained as to the real origin and institutions of this remarkable nation. The notions commonly entertained respecting them were derived from sources utterly undeserving of credit. Some portions of the Scriptures had been brought before the notice of a few diligent students; but they were altogether a sealed volume to the great mass of those who might, notwithstanding, have a very sincere desire to become acquainted with Jewish antiquities. There were, moreover, floating traditions which had no small weight with the mass of the people, and the origin of which could easily be traced to Palestine, and the mysterious oracles of its inhabitants. This would furnish still stronger motives for inquiry into their real doctrines and history. That a mighty Deliverer, a lofty Renovator of the human race, was to arise out of the East, had long been a well-known report among heathen nations. The boastful claims of the Jews, whose devotion and patriotism would never allow them to keep silence on this point; the increasing importance of the Christians, speaking a similar language, and referring their own hopes and triumphs to a Leader sprung from this race; would yet further increase the curiosity of mankind respecting the Jews, and render the want of some work of authority every day more perceptibly understood. Josephus had thus an open field for literary exertion. There was scarcely a subject in that age better calculated to excite attention, or reward the writer for his labour. It is not, therefore, as an obscure author, known only to his own people, and owing his limited success to the accidental interest taken in his work by Christians, that Josephus is to be viewed; but as a writer highly esteemed and popular in his age through a vast portion of the civilized world, and most probably, therefore, exercising considerable influence on religious opinion. It is almost impossible for us in these days to estimate the value or assign the rank of such a writer in times and countries like those in which he lived. Our Bibles make us intimate from childhood with the sublimest passages of ancient lore, with the most wonderful manifestations of Divine power and grace. We become familiar with the possession of this wealth, and can scarcely persuade ourselves to think of periods when the smallest portion of such spiritual treasures would have been viewed as a benefaction of marvellous worth. The information supplied by Josephus is now, as far as his Antiquities are concerned, already given to the most unlearned from the first and purest source of sacred erudition; but when no such means of instruction were open and men had been left for ages in the dark perplexities of heathen fable, the publication of a work like his on the origin of the only religious system that could secure the admiration of thoughtful men, must have tended materially to stimulate, while it in part satisfied, the new desire of intelligence. The tone in which such of the early Christian writers as speak of Josephus allude to his works, afford fair reason to conjecture that their circulation had been found useful to the general cause of religion. It must indeed have been difficult for a Gentile reader, of an active and honest mind, to have studied his pages, and xii INTRODUCTION. not felt disposed to inquire for the sequel of the history. The Jew had his fatal prejudices to combat, his present, literal, earthly patriotism, pointing to the soil where his beloved city lately stood, and bounding even the farthest future with visions of its recovered glory. The Gentile, on the other hand, as he read Josephus, was free to inquire, whether the sublime plans of Jehovah might not contemplate an end commensurate with the happiness of universal man. His ignorance of conventional interpretations was an advantage to him: and learning from the uninspired historian the simple facts connected with the mightiest dispensations of Providence, he had new motives for searching the original records, and for employing his best efforts in securing to himself a name among the people of God. But the writings of Josephus have not lost their use, notwithstanding the vast advantages now enjoyed in the general circulation of the Bible. They may still be read with profit by the careful inquirer. Little need be said respecting that portion which refers to the period subsequent to the destruction of Jerusalem. In regard to this, it is evidently of great importance to possess the account given by a contemporary and credible witness. The knowledge of what took place in an age succeeding that in the events of which we are more particularly interested, is often powerfully illustrative of the earlier epoch. Thus what Josephus tells us in the narrative of the Wars throws no small degree of light upon the character of his countrymen, not only of the period when he wrote, but of that also when every mode of thought, every custom and passion, derived unspeakable importance from its connexicns, near or remote, with the awful complication of influences that brought the Redeemer to the cross. The mind of the people is exhibited in many parts of the history with a terrible distinctness of delineation. Its most striking features at that time were evidently not impressed by any sudden convulsion. The lines which an age of suffering and remorse had more deeply furrowed had been traced long before by struggles of heart and spirit, by pride and fear, by mysterious hopes and apprehensions, the fruit of those inwardly understood warnings which, finally despised, left them to unutterable misery. The account which Josephus gives of the Jewish wars has, therefore, a manifest use beyond that of merely satisfying our curiosity as to facts. It opens the path to inquiries closely connected with the history of our religion, and brings to light many of the secret causes which operated most powerfully to the degradation and ruin of God's ancient people. Nor has time diminished the interest attached to other parts of this aulthor's writings. "The Antiquities," though of little value as history, when compared with the authoritative accounts of Scripture, is a work eminently calculated to assist an inquiring mind in the general investigation of ancient mysteries. Traditional evidence, traditional interpretations, and the new facts which may be supplied from the full storehouses of national memory, will never be despised by those who know how often an obscure point is cleared up when it is discovered what were the ruling sentiments of the period when the narrative was written. While, therefore, it is utterly subversive of the authority of the Bible to place INTRODUCTION. xidi tradition upon the same level, nor less inconsistent with sound reason to modify plain declarations, clearly stated doctrines, according to the uncertain temper of human wisdom, it is surely unwise to reject those helps for the confirmation or illustration of sacred history which are known to be profitably used in the study of records of every other species. Hence the value of Josephus. He was intimately acquainted with whatever had been taught by the learned of his nation. He had been familiarized in childhood to its superstitions. The spirit of popular Judaism was the chief instructor of his later years; and as a man of education, he knew well through what revolutions and by what various trials his countrymen had been proved, instructed, and warned of God. Though from his pages, therefore, it is not often that we can add to our stock of positive knowledge, we may in many cases trace by their help the progress of error, discover its origin, and estimate the relative force of those deplorable corruptions whereby it became at last so indissolubly bound up with the national constitution. However cautiously, moreover, we receive information from sources not of the highest authority, where our doing so may modify our notions in respect to the surer communications, it would be unreasonable to reject the knowledge which, not. coming within the intention of a divine witness to render, may have been fairly the subject of interest to a human observer. It is evident that there must have been numberless very curious circumstances perpetually occurring in the period alluded to, but which were not essential to the completeness of that succinct narrative of God's proceedings which the Bible gives. From these the uninspired historian might readily gather an abundant store of remarkable incidents, and such as would confer no slight value on his work in those distant ages when it would be impossible to recover, through other means, any fragment of the past. We cannot now tell whether Josephus employed to the best purpose the advantages which his position afforded. It is fair to presume that his good sense and ability led him to such an examination of evidence as prevented the introduction of any thing into his narrative which had not the best support that tradition could bestow. If in any case, therefore, we can consult an ancient historian with respect and confidence, Josephus will be read as a valuable guide to a most important branch of knowledge. Separating him from the inspired writers by that impassable barrier which a true reverence for Scripture will infallibly create, we may yet refresh ourselves with his vivid descriptions, his often eloquent harangues, and his not unfrequent detail of affecting incidents, which almost make us feel and hear the strong pulsations of Israel's proud and breaking heart. The Memoir of this eminent writer, as given by himself, leaves us nothing to desire in respect to his biography, but some authentic account of his latter days. There is only a very vague tradition that he died in the reign of Domitian, and shared the fate of his beloved friend and patron Epaphroditus. But of Epaphroditus himself too little is known to give any certainty to this report. It is possible,therefore, that Josephus was allowed to spend the close of his life in some E xiv INTRODUCTION. safe retreat, and in the enjoyment of that ample provision for his wants supplied him by the liberality of his earlier patrons. Josephus, we have already seen, was esteemed in the first ages of Christianity as an author deserving a high degree of respect for research and integrity. Pious and learned men of later ages have continued to view him in the same light. The care bestowed upon numerous editions of his works in the original Greek proves that they have been deemed worthy of the attention of the most erudite of modern scholars. Some passages in his writings have engaged the attention of several acute critics, especially that in which he distinctly refers to the actions and character of Jesus Christ. The controversy thence excited is one of more than ordi nary interest, but, like many others of a similar character, it is so intimately connected with questions of history and opinion, that few persons are competent to form a judgment of the relative worth of the arguments employed. The works of Josephus were early translated into English. Thomas Lodge, who combined in himself the several characters of poet and physician, was the first who attempted the task. His version was published about the year 1602, and another in the year 1609 and 1620. He died of the plague in 1625, and appears to have enjoyed among his contemporaries some reputation both for talent and learning. His translation, however, did not, it appears, satisfy the next generation, as at the beginning of the following century Sir Roger L'Estrange, a name better known by its connexion with that of Seneca, published a new translation, which obtained sufficient favour to secure the circulation of five editions in less than forty years. The first of these was published at Oxford in 1700, and the second at London in 1702. The last edition of this version appeared in 1733; but was followed in the space of four years by the first edition of Whiston's translation, a work which speedily set aside the former versions, and obtained for its author not only the approbation of mere general readers, but the praise of the learned as well on the continent as in England.* That this translation is free from errors, or the best which could be made, few competent judges will venture'to affirm. But it would be an equal violation of fair criticism to deny that it has great merits, or that it is equal, on the whole, to any of the translations from ancient authors which are most popular among us. It has been well observed by an elegant and acute scholar, that, whatever may be the faults of Whiston, he has in most cases caught the tone and feeling of his author, and that the want of this merit would be but badly atoned for by a much superior degree of grace and smoothness. Readily allowing, however, that an improvement might be made in some parts of Whiston's translation, he richly deserves the gratitude of the English reader for having put him in possession of an author so valuable as Josephus, and with * Nihilo -tamen minus ea Whistono laus debetur, inter omnes fere omnium gentium Josephi interpretes nullum tanta ingenii et judicii acie, tantoque studio in vertendis hujus scriptoris operiblus versatum esse. Fabricii Bibliotheca Graeca, T. V. lib. iv. c. 8, p. 47. INTRODUCTION. xv so little loss as to the more important objects of such a writer. Through his version Josephus has been made familiar to tens of thousands, who would otherwise have remained ignorant of some of the most awful and edifying portions of Jewish history. The fulfilment of our Lord's prophecy respecting Jerusalem, and of earlier predictions setting forth the lamentable events which would attend the final apostacy of Israel, is portrayed in the pages of Josephus with terrible exactness. We may, perhaps, without presumption ascribe the existence of his works to Divine Providence; for there are few persons who have read his narrative that have not felt themselves more deeply impressed than ever with the solemn truths of Scripture, and the tremendous certainty of the Divine judgments. CONTENTS OF BOOKS, ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK rAGC. I. From the Creation to the Death of Isaac..... 32 II. From the Death of Isaac to the Exodus out of Egypt. ~. 60 11. From the Exodus out of Egypt to the Rejection of that Generation.. 87 I V. From the Rejection of that Generation to the Death of Moses.. 113 V. From the Death of Moses to the Death of Eli.... 141 VI. From the Death of Eli to the Death of Saul.... 171 VII. From the Death of Saul to the Death of David... e 205 7III. From the Death of David to the Death of Ahab... 237 IX. From the Death of Ahab to the Captivity of the Ten Tribes.. 275 X. From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus... 299 X1. From the First Year of Cyrus to the Death of Alexander the Great.. 321 XII. From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus. 346 XIII. From the Death of Judas Maccabeus to the Death of Queen Alexandra. 376 XIV. From the Death of Queen Alexandra to the Death of Antigonus.. 408 XV. From the Death of Antigonus to the Finishing of the Temple by Herod.. 444 XVI. From the Finishing of the Temple by Herod to the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus 475 XVII. From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus. 502 XVIII. From the Banishment of Archelaus to the Departure of the Jews from Babylon. 529 X1X. From the Departure of the Jews from Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator.. 559 XX. From Fadus the Procurator to Florus. 584 WARS OF THE JEWS. I. From the Taking of Jerusalem by Antiochus Epiphanes to the Death of IHerod the Great 607 II. From the Death of Herod till Vespasian was sent to subdue the Jews by Nero. 665 III. From Vespasian's coming to Subdue the Jews to the Taking of Gamala.. 711 IV. From the Siege of Gamala to the Coming of Titus to besiege Jerusalem.. 738 V. From the Coming of Titus to besiege Jerusalem to the Great Extremity to which the Jews were reduced....... 772 V1. From the Great Extremity to which the Jews were reduced to the taking of Jerusalem by Titus........ 807 VII From the taking of Jerusalem by Titus to the Sedition of the Jews at Cytene. 933 THE ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. PREFACE.* ~ 1. THOSE who undertake to write histories, do not, I perceive, take that trouble on one and the same account, but for many reasons, and those such as are very different one from another. For some of them apply themselves to this part of learning to show their skill in composition, and that they may therein acquire a reputation for speaking finely: others of them there are, who write histories in order to gratify those that happen to be concerned in them, and on that account have spared no pains, but rather gone beyond their own abilities in the performance: but others there are, who, of necessity and by force, are driven to write history, because they are concerned in the facts, and so cannot excuse themselves from committing them to writing, for the advantage of posterity; nay, there are not a few who are induced to draw their historical facts out of darkness into light, and to produce them for the benefit of the public, on account of the great importance of the facts themselves with which they have been concerned. Now of these several reasons for writing history, I must profess the two last were my own reasons also; for since I was myself interested in that war which we Jews had with the Romans, and knew myself its particular actions, and what conclusion it had, I was forced to give the history of it, because I saw that others perverted the truth of those actions in their writings. 2. Now I have undertaken the present work, as thinking it will appear to all the Greeks t worthy of their study; for it will contain all our antiquities, and the constitution of our government, as interpreted out of the Hebrew Scriptures. And indeed I did formerly intend, when I wrote of the war,++ to explain who the Jews originally were,-what fortunes they had been subject to,-and by what legislature they had been instructed in piety, and the exercise of other virtues,-what wars also they had made in remote ages, till they were unwillingly engaged in this last with the Romans: but because this work would take up a great compass, I separated it into a set treatise by itself, with a beginning of its own, and its own conclusion; but in process of time, as usually happens to such as undertake great things, I grew weary and went on slowly, it being a large subject, and a difficult thing to translate our history into a foreign, and to us unaccustomed language. However, some persons there were who desired to know our history, and so exhorted me to go on with it; and, above all the rest, Epaphroditus,~ a man who is a lover of all kind of learning, but is principally delighted with the knowledge of history, and this on account of his having been himself concerned in great affairs, and many turns of fortune, and having shown a wonderful vigour of an excellent nature, and an immovable virtuous resolution in them all. I yielded to this man's * This preface of Josephus is excellent in its kind, and highly worthy the repeated perusal of the reader, before he set about the perusal of the work itself. t That is, all the Gentiles, both Greeks and Romans. + We may seasonably note here, that Josephus wrote his Seven Books of the Jewish War lbng before he wrote these his Antiquities. Those books of the War were published about A.. D. 75, and these Antiquities, A. D. 93, about eighteen years later. This Epaphroditus was certainly alive in the third year of Trajan, A. D. 100. See the note on the First Book Agains* Anion, sect. 1. Who he was we do not know; for as to Epaphroditus, the freedman, of Nero, and afterwards Domitian's secretary, who was pat to death by Domitian in the 14th or 15th year of his reign, he could not be allive in the third of Trajan. 30 PREFACE. persuasions, who always excites such as have abilities in what is useful and acceptable, to join their endeavours with his. I was also ashamed myself to permit any laziness of disposition to have a greater influence upon me, than the delight of taking pains in such studies as were very useful: I thereupon stirred up myself, and went on with my work more cheerfully. Besides the foregoing motives, I had others which I greatly reflected on; and these were, that our forefathers were willing to communicate such things to others; and that some of the Greeks took considerable pains to know the affairs of our nation. 3. I found, therefore, that the second of the Ptolemies was a king who was extraordinarily diligent in what concerned learning, and the collection of books; that he was also peculiarly ambitious to procure a translation of our law, and of the constitution of our government therein contained, into the Greek tongue. Now Eleazar the high priest, one not inferior to any other of that dignity among us, did not envy the forenamed king the participation of that advantage, which otherwise he would for certain have denied him, but that he knew the custom of our nation was, to hinder nothing of what we esteemed ourselves from being communicated to others. Accordingly, I thought it became me both to imitate the generosity of our high priest, and to suppose there might even now be many lovers of learning like the 1king.; for he did not obtain all our writings at that time; but those who were sent to Alexandria as ini'erpreters, gave him only the books of the law, while there were a vast number of other matters in our sacred books. They, indeed, contain in them the history of five thousand years; in which time happened many strange accidents, many chances of war, and great actions of the commanders, and mutations of the form of our government. Upon the whole, a man that will peruse this history, may principally learn from it, that all events succeed well, even to an incredible degree, and the reward of felicity is proposed by God; but then it is to those that follow his will, and do not venture to break his excellent laws: and that so far as men any way apostatize from the accurate observation of them, what was practical before becomes impracticable; * and whatsoever they set about as a good thing, is converted into an incurable calamity. And now I exhort all those that peruse these books, to apply their minds to God; and to examine the mind of our legislator, whether he hath not understood his nature in a manner worthy of him; and hath not ever ascribed to him such operations as become his power, and hath not preserved his writings from those indecent fables which others have framed, although, by the great distance of time when he lived, he might have securely forged such lies; for he lived two thousand years ago; at which vast distance of ages the poets themselves have not been so hardy as to fix even the generations of their gods, much less the actions of their men, or their own laws. As I proceed, therefore, I shall accurately describe what is contained in our records, in the order of time that belongs to them; for I have already promised so to do throughout this undertaking; and this without adding any thing to what is therein contained, or taking away any thing therefrom. 4. But because almost all our constitution depends on the wisdom of Moses, our legislator, I cannot avoid saying somewhat concerning him beforehand, though I shall do it briefly; I mean, because otherwise those that read my book may wonder how it comes to pass, that my discourse, which promises an account of laws and historical facts, contains so much of philosophy. The reader is therefore to know, that Moses deemed it exceeding necessary, that he who would conduct his own life well, and give laws to others, in the first place should consider the Divine nature; and, upon the contemplation of God's operations, should thereby imitate the best of all patterns, so far as it is possible for human nature to do, and to endeavour to follow after it: neither could the legislator himself have a right mind without such a contemplation; nor would any thing he should write tend to the promotion of virtue in his readers; I mean, unless they be taught first of all, that God is the Father and Lord of all things, and sees all things, and that thence he bestows a happy life upon those that follow him; but plunges such as do not walk in the paths of virtue into inevitable miseries. Now when Moses was desirous to teach this lesson to his countrymen, he did not begin the establishment of his laws after the same manner that other legislators did; I mean, upon contracts and other rights between one man and another, but by raising their minds upwards to regard God, and his creation of the world; and by persuading them, that we men are the most excellent of the creatures of God upon earth. Now when once he had brought them to submit to religion, he easily persuaded them to submit in all other things: for as to other legislators, they followed fables, and by their discourses transferred the most reproachful of human vices unto the gods, and * Josephus here plainly alludes to the famous- Greek proverb, If God be with us, every thing that is impossible becomeo4 Iossible. PREFACE. 31 so afforded wicked men the most plausible excuses for their crimes; but as for our legislator, when he had once demonstrated that God was possessed of perfect virtue, he supposed that men also ought to strive after the participation of it; and on those who did not so think, and so believe, he inflicted the severest punishments. I exhort, therefore, my readers to examine this whole undertaking in that view; for thereby it will appear to them, that there is nothing therein disagreeable either to he majesty of God, or to his love to mankind; for all things have here a reference to the nature of the universe; while our legislator speaks some things wisely, but enigmatically, and others under a decent allegory, but still explains such things as required a direct explication plainly and expressly. However, those that have a mind to know the reasons of every thing, may find here a very curious philosophical theory, which I now indeed shall wave the explication of; but if God afford me time for it, I will set about writing it* after I have finished the present work. I shall now betake myself to the history before me, after I have first mentioned what Moses says of the creation of the world, which I find described in the sacred books aftel the manner following. * As to this intended work of Josephus concerning the reasons of many of the Jewish laws, and what philosophical or allegorical sense they would bear, the loss of which work is by some of the learned not much regretted, I am inclinable, in part, to Fabricius's opinion, ap. Havercamp, p. 63, 64, That " we need not doubt but that, among some vain and frigid con. jectures derived from Jewish imaginations, Josephus would have taught us a greater number of excellent and useful things, which perhaps nobody, neither among the Jews, nor among the Christians, can now inform us of; so that I would give a -eat deal to find it still extant." BOOK I. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE YEARS. FROM THE CREATION TO THE DEATH OF ISAAC. CHAPTER 1. THE CONSTITUTION OF TIlE WORLD, AND THE DISPOSITION OF THE ELEMENTS. N the beginning God and the other he called Day; and he named the -created the heaven and beginning of light, and the time of rest, The Eventhe earth. But when the ing and The MAorning.-And this was indeed the sight, but was covered of which I am able to give even now; but because I rwith dickdarnot e int fay. promised to give such reasons for all thigs ic a A A.' - _>;c; a wind moved upon its treatise by itself, I shall put off its exposition till that K - surface, God command- time. After this, on the second day, he placed the ed that there should be heaven over the whole world, and separated it from light: and when that was made, he considered the the other parts, and he determined it should stand whole mass, and separated the light and the dark- by itself. He also placed a crystalline [firinament] CHAr. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 33 to the earth, and fitted it for giving moisture and called. But when he saw that Adam had no female rain, and for affording the advantage of dews. On companion, no society, for there was no such crethe third day he appointed the dry land to appear, ated, and that he wondered at the other animals with the sea itself round about it; and on the very which were male and female, he laid him asleep, same day he made the plants and the seeds to and took away one of his ribs, and out of it formed spring out of the earth. On the fourth day he the woman; whereupon Adam knew her when she adorned the heaven with the sun, the moon, and was brought to him, and acknowledged that she the other stars, and appointed them their motions was made out of himself. Now a woman is called and courses, that the vicissitudes of the seasons in the Hebrew tongue Issa; but the name of this might be clearly signified. And on the fifth day woman was Eve, which signifies the mother of all he produced the living creatures, both those that living. swim, and those that fly; the former in the sea, the 3. Moses says further, that God planted a paralatter in the air: he also sorted them as to society dise in the east, flourishing with all sorts of trees; and mixture, for procreation, and that their kinds and that among them was the tree of life, and anmight increase and multiply. On the sixth day he other of knowledge, whereby was to be known what created the four-footed beasts, and made them male was good and evil; and that when he brought and female: on the same day he also formed man. Adam and his wife into this garden, he commanded Accordingly Moses says, That in just six days the them to take care of the plants. Now the garden world, and all that is therein, was made. And that was watered by one river, + which ran round about the seventh day was a rest, and a release from the the whole earth, and was parted into four parts. labour of such operations; whence it is that we And Phison, which denotes a multitude, running celebrate a rest from our labours on that day, and into India, makes its exit into the sea, and is by call it the sabbath, which word denotes rest in the the Greeks called Ganges. Euphrates also, as well Hebrew tongue. as Tigris, goes down into the Red Sea.~ Now the 2. Moreover, Moses, after the seventh day was name Euphrates, or Phrath, denotes either a disover,* begins to talk philosophically; and concern- persion, or a flower: by Tigris, or Diglath, is siging the formation of man, says thus: That God took nified what is swift, with narrowness; and Geon dust from the ground, and formed man, and in- runs through Egypt, and denotes what arises from serted in him a spirit and a soul.t This man was the east, which the Greeks call Nile. called Adam, which in the Hebrew tongue signifies 4. God therefore commanded that Adam and his one that is red, because he was formed out of red wife should eat of all the rest of the plants, but to earth, compounded together; for of that kind is vir- abstain from the tree of knowledge; and foretold to gin and true earth. God also presented the living them, that if they touched it, it would prove their creatures, when he had made them, according to destruction. But while all the living creatures their kinds, both male and female, to Adam, who had one language, I1 at that time the serpent, which gave them those names by which they are still then lived together with Adam and his wife, showed * Since Josephus, in his Preface, sect. 4, says that Moses Josephus has already appeared to allegorize this history, and wrote some things enigmatically, some allegorically, and the take notice that these four names had a particular significarest in plain words, since in his account of the first chapter of tion; Phison for Ganges, a multitude; Phrath for Euphrates, Genesis, and the first three verses of the second, he gives us no either a dispersion or a flower; Diglath for Tigris, what is hints of any mystery at all; but when he here comes to ver. 4, swift, with narrowness; and Geon for Nile, what arises from &c. he says that Moses, after the seventh day was over, began the east,-we perhaps mistake him whenwe suppose he literally to talk philosophically; it is not very improbable that he means those four rivers; especially as to Geon or Nile, which understood the rest of the second and the third chapters in arises from the east, while he very well knew the literal Nile some enigmatical, or allegorical, or philosophical sense. The arises from the south; though what further allegorical sense he change of the name of God just at this place, from Elohim to had in view, is now, I fear, impossible to be determined. Jehovah Elohim, from God to Lord God, in the Hebrew, ~ By the Red Sea is not here meant the Arabian Gulf, Samaritan, and Septuagint, does also not a little favour some which alone we now call by that name, but all that South Sea, such change in the narration or construction. which included the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf, as far as t We may observe here, that Josephus supposed man to be the East Indies; as Reland and Hudson here truly note, from compounded of spirit, soul, and body, with St. Paul, 1 Thess. the old geographers. v. 23, and the rest of the ancients: he elsewhere says also, that [1 Hence it appears, that Josephus thought several, at least, the blood of animals was forbidden to be eaten, as having in it of the brute animals, particularly the serpent, could speak besoul and spirit, Antiq. B. III. ch. xi. sect. 2. fore the fall. And I think few of the more perfect kinds of + Whence this strange notion came, which yet is not pecu- those animals want the organs of speech at this day. Many liar to Josephus, but, as Dr. Hudson says here, is derived from inducements there are also to a notion, that the present state older authors, as if four of the greatest rivers in the world, run- they are in, is not their original state; and that their capacities ning two of them at vast distances from the other two, by some have been once much greater than we now see them, and are means or other watered paradise, is hard to say. Only since capable of being restored to their former condition. But as to r 34 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK I. an envious disposition, at his supposal of their living ground should not hencefortn yield its fruits of its happily, and in obedience to the commands of God; own accord, but that when it should be harassed by and imagining, that when they disobeyed them, their labour, it should bring forth some of its fruits, they would fall into calamities, he persuaded the and refiuse to bring forth others. He also made Eve womall, out of a malicious intention, to taste of the liable to the inconveniency of breeding, and the tree of knowledge, telling them, that in that tree sharp pains of bringing forth children; and this was the knowledge of good and evil; which because she persuaded Adam with the same arguknowledge, when they should obtain, they would ments wherewith the serpent had persuaded her, lead a happy life; nay, a life not inferior to that of and had thereby brought him into a calamitous cona god: by which means he overcame the woman, dition. He also deprived the serpent of speech, and persuaded her to despise the command of God. out of indignation at his malicious disposition toNow when she had tasted of that tree, and was wards Adam. Besides this, he inserted poison pleased with its fruit, she persuaded Adam to make under his tongue, and made him an enemy to men; use of it also. Upon this they perceived that they and suggested to them, that they should direct their were become naked to one another; and being strokes against his head, that being the place ashamed thus to appear abroad, they invented some- wherein lay his mischievous designs towards men, what to cover them; for the tree sharpened their and it being easiest to take vengeance on him that understanding; and they covered themselves with way. And when he had deprived him of the use of fig-leaves; and tying these before them, out of his feet, he made him to go rolling all along, and modesty, they thought they were happier than they dragging himself upon the ground. And when were before, as they had discovered what they were God had appointed these penalties for them, he rein want of. But when God came into the garden, moved Adam and Eve out of the garden into ail. Adam, who was wont before to come and converse other place. with him, being conscious of his wicked behaviour, event out of the way. This behaviour surprised God; and he asked what was the cause of this his procedure; and why he, that before delighted in that conversation, did now fly from it, and avoid CHAPTER II. it. When he made no reply, as conscious to himCONCERNING THE POSTERITY OF ADAM, AND THE TEN self that he had transgressed the command of God, GENERATIONS FROM HIM TO THE DELUGE. God said, "I had before determined about you both, how you might lead a happy life, without any 1. ADAM and Eve had two sons: the elder of affliction, and care, and vexation of soul; and that them was named Cain; which name, when it is all things which might contribute to your enjoy- interpreted, signifies a possesszon: the younger ment and pleasure should grow up by my provi- was Abel, which signifies sorrow. They had also dence, of their own accord, without your own la- daughters. Now the two brethren were pleased bour and pains-taking; which state of labour and with different courses of life: for Abel, the younger, pains-taking would soon bring on old age, and death was a lover of righteousness; and believing that would not be at any remote distance: but now God was present at all his actions, he excelled in thou hast abused this my good-will, and hast dis- virtue; and his employment was that of a shepobeyed my commands; for thy silence is not the herd. But Cain was not only very wicked in other sign of thy virtue, but of thy evil conscience.'? respects, but was wholly intent upon getting; and However, Adam excused his sin, and entreated God he first contrived to plough the ground. He slew not to be angry at him, and laid the blame of what his brother on the occasion following:-They had was done upon his wife; and said that he was de- resolved to sacrifice to God. Now Cain brought ceived by her, and thence became an offender; the fruits of the earth, and of his husbandry; but while she again accused the serpent. But God Abel brought milk, and the first-fruits of his flocks: allotted him punishment, because he weakly sub- but God was more delighted with the latter oblamitted to the counsel of his wife; and said the tion,* when he was honoured with what grew natuthis most ancient, and authentic, and probably allegorical ac- almost entirely groundless; and that both man, and the other count of that grand affair of the fall of our first parents, I have subordinate creatures, are hereafter to be delivered from the womewhat more to say in way of conjecture, but being only a curse then brought upon them, and at last to be delivered from.onjecture, I omit it: only thus far, that the imputation of the that bondage of corruption, Rom. viii. 19-22. san of our first parents to their posterity, any further than as * St. John's account of the reason why God accepted the some way the cause or occasion of man's mortality, seems sacrifice of Abel, and rejected that of Cain; as also why Caiu CHAP. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 35 rally of its own accord, than he was with what was men lived before; and was the author of measures the invention of a covetous man, and gotten by and weights. And whereas they lived innocently forcing the ground; whence it was that Cain was and generously while they knew nothing of such very angry that Abel was preferred by God before arts, he changed the world into cunning craftiness. him; and he slew his brother, and hid his dead He first of all set boundaries about lands: he built body, thinking to escape discovery. But God, a city, and fortified it with walls, and he compelled knowing what had been done, came to Cain, and his family to come together to it; and called that asked him what was become of his brother, be- city Enoch, after the name of his eldest son Enoch. cause he had not seen him of many days; whereas Now Jared was the son of Enoch; whose son was he used to observe them conversing together at Malaliel; whose son was Mathusela; whose son other times. But Cain was in doubt with himself, was Lamech; who had seventy-seven children by and knew not what answer to give to God. At first two wives, Silla and Ada. Of those children by he said that he was himself at a loss about his Ada, one was Jabal: he erected tents, and loved brother's disappearing; but when he was provoked the life of a shepherd. But Jubal, who was born of by God, who pressed him vehemently, as resolving the same mother with him, exercised himself in to know what the matter was, he replied, he was music,* and invented the psaltery and the harp. not his brother's guardian or keeper, nor was he an But Tubal, one of his children by the other wife, observer of what he did. But, in return, God con- exceeded all men in strength, and was very expert victed Cain, as Laving been the murderer of his and famous in martial performances. He proculed brother; and said, "I wonder at thee, that thou what tended to the pleasures of the body by that knowest not what is become of a man whom thou method; and first of all invented the art of making thyself hast destroyed." God therefore did not brass. Lamech was also the father of a daughter, inflict the punishment [of death] upon him, on ac- whose name was Naamah. And because he was so count of his offering sacrifice, and thereby making skilful in matters of divine revelation, that he knew supplication to him not to be extreme in his wrath he was to be punished for Cain's murder of his to him; but he made him accursed, and threatened brother, he made that known to his wives. Nay, his posterity in the seventh generation. He also even while Adam was alive, it came to pass that cast him, together with his wife, out of that land. the posterity of Cain became exceeding wicked, And when he was afraid that in wandering about every one successively dying, one after another, he should fall among wild beasts, and by that means more wicked than the former. They were intolerperish, God bid him not to entertain such a melan- able in war, and vehement in robberies; and if any choly suspicion, and to go over all the earth with- one were slow to murder people, yet was he bold out fear of what mischief he might suffer from wild in his profligate behaviour, in acting unjustly, and beasts; and setting a mark upon him, that he might doing injuries for gain. be known, he commanded him to depart. 3. Now Adam, who was the first man, and made 2. And when Cain had travelled over many coun- out of the earth, (for our discourse must now be tries, he, with his wife, built a city, named Nod, about him,) after Abel was slain, and Cain fled away, which is a place so called, and there he settled his on account of his murder, was solicitous for posterity, abode; where also he had children. However, he and had a vehement desire of children, he being two did not accept of his punishment in order to amend- hundred and thirty years old; after which time he ment, but to increase his wickedness; for he only lived other seven hundred, and then died. He aimed to procure every thing that was for his own had indeed many other children,t but Seth in parbodily pleasure, though it obliged him to be injuri- ticular. As for the rest, it would be tedious to name tus to his neighbours. Ile augmented his house- them; I will therefore only endeavour to give an nold substance with much wealth, by rapine and account of those that proceeded from Seth. Now violence; he excited his acquaintance to procure this Seth, when he was brought up, and came to pleasures and spoils by robbery, and became a great those years in which he could discern what was good, leader of men into wicked courses. He also intro- became a virtuous man; and as he was himself duced a change in that way of simplicity wherein of an excellent character, so did he leave children slew Abel, on account of that his acceptance with God,-is * From this Jubal, not improbably, came Jobel, the trummuch bettel than this of Josephus: I mean, because " Cain pet of jobel or jubilee; that large and loud musical. instru. was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore ment, used in proclaiming the liberty at the year of jubilee. slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his t The number of Adam's children, as says the old tradition, brother's righteous," 1 John iii. 12. Josephus's reason seems was thirty-three sons, and twenty-three daug!!ters. to be no better than a Pharisaical notion or tradition. 36 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Booic I, behind him who imitated his virtues.* All these actions a double degree of wickedness, whereby proved to be of good dispositions. They also in- they made God to be their enemy. For many habited the same country without dissensions, and angels ++ of God accompanied with women, and begat in a happy condition, without any misfortunes sons that proved unjust, and despisers of all that falling upon them, till they died. They also were was good, on account of the confidence they had the inventors of that peculiar sort of wisdom which in their own strength; for the tradition is, that these is concerned with the heavenly bodies, and their men did what resembled the acts of those whom the order. And that their inventions might not be lost Grecians call giants. But Noah was very uneasy before they were sufficiently known, upon Adamn's at what they did; and being displeased at their prediction that the world was to be destroyed at conduct, persuaded them to change their disposione time by the force of fire, and at another time tions and their acts for the better: but seeing they by the violence and quantity of water, they made did not yield to him, but were slaves to their wicked two pillars;t the one of brick, the other of stone: pleasures, he was afraid they would kill him, tothey inscribed their discoveries on them both, that gether with his wife and children, and those they in case the pillar of brick should be destroyed by had married; so he departed out of that land. the flood, the pillar of stone might remain, and ex- 2. Now God loved this man for his righteoushibit those discoveries to mankind; and also inform ness: yet he not only condemned those other men them that there was another pillar of brick erected for their wickedness, but determined to destroy the by them. Now this remains in the land of Siriad whole race of mankind, and to make another race to this day. that should be pure from wickedness; and cutting short their lives, and making their years not so many as they formerly lived, but one hundred and twenty only,~ he turned the dry land into sea; and thus were all these men destroyed: but Noah alone CHAPTER III. was saved; for God suggested to him the following CONCERNING THE FLOOD; AND AFTER WHAT MANNER contrivance and way of escape: —That hie should NOAH WAS SAVED IN AN ARK, WITH HIS KINDREID, make an ark of four stories high, three hundred I! AND AFTEP.WARDS DWELT IN THE PLAIN OF SHINAR. cubits long, fifty cubits broad, and thirty cubits high. Accordingly he entered into that ark, and his wife, 1. Now this posterity of Seth continued to esteem and sons, and their wives, and put into it not only God as the Lord of the universe, and to have an other provisions, to support their wants there, but entire regard to virtue, for seven generations; but also sent in with the rest all sorts of living creain process of time they were perverted, and forsook tures, the male and his female, for the preservation the practices of their forefathers; and did neither of their kinds; and others of them by sevens. pay those honours to God which were appointed Now this ark had firm walls, and a roof, and was them, nor had they any concern to do justice to- braced with cross beams, so that it could not be any wards men. But for what degree of zeal they had way drowned or overborne by the violence of the formerly shown for virtue, they now showed by their water. And thus was Noah, with his family, pre* What is here said of Seth and his posterity, that they were } This notion, that the fallen angels were, in some sense. very good and virtuous, and at the same time very happy, the fathers of the Ild giants, was the constant opinion of without any considerable misfortunes, for seven generations, antiquity. rsee ch. ii. sect. 1, before; and ch. iii. sect. i, hereafter,] is ~ Josephus here supposes that the life of these giants, for exactly agreeable to the state of the world and the conduct of of them only do I understand him, was now reduced to 120 Providence in all the first ages. years; which is confirmed by the fragment of Enoch, sect. 10, f Of Josephus's mistake here, when he took Seth the son of in Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 268. For as to the rest of manAdam, for Seth or Sesostris, king of Egypt, the erecter of kind, Josephus himself confesses their lives were much longer this pillar in the land of Siriad, see Essay on the Old Tes- than 120 years, for many generations after the flood, as we shall tament, Appendix, p. 159, 160. Although the main of this see presently; and he says they were gradually shortened till relation might be true, and Adam might foretell a conflagra- the days of Moses, and then fixed [for some time] at 120, ch. tion and a deluge, which all antiquity witnesses to be an ancient vi. sect. 5. Nor indeed need we suppose that either Enoch or tradition; nay, Seth's posterity might engrave their inventions Josephus meant to interpret these 120?years for the life of men in astronomy on two such pillars; yet it is no way credible before the flood, to be different from the 120 years of God's that they could survive the deluge, which has buried all such patience [perhaps while the ark was preparing] till the deluge; pillars and edifices far under ground in the sediment of its which I take to be the meaning of God when he threatened waters, especially since the like pillars of the Egyptian Seth this wicked world, that if they so long continued impeniteac, or Sesostris were extant after the flood, in the land of Siriad, their days should be no more than 120 years. and perhaps in the days of Josephus also, as is shown in the A cubit is about 21 English inches. place here referred to. CHAP. III. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 37 served. Now he was the tenth from Adam, as being of Enoch, who was born to him when he was one the son of Lamech, whose father was Mathusela; he hundred and sixty-five years old, had Lamech for was the son of Enoch, the son of Jared; and Jared his son when he was one hundred and eighty-seven was the son of Malaleel, who, with many of his years of age; to whom he delivered the governsisters, were the children of Cainan, the son of Enos. ment, when he had retained it nine hundred and Now Enos was the son of Seth, the son of Adam. sixty-nine years. Now Lamech, when he had go3. This calamity happened in the six hundredth verned seven hundred and seventy-seven years, apyear of Noah's government, [age,] in the second pointed Noah, his son, to be ruler of the people, month,* called by the Macedonians Dius, but by who was born to Lamech when he was one hunthe Hebrews.carchesuan; for so did they order dred and eighty-two years old, and retained the their year in Egypt. But Moses appointed that government nine hundred and fifty years. These.7V'isan, which is the same with Xanthicus, should years collected together make up the sum before be the first month for their festivals, because he set down. But let no one inquire into the deaths brought them out of Egypt in that month: so that of these men; for they extended their lives along this month began the year as to all the solemnities together with their children and grandchildren; they observed to the honour of God, although he but let him have regard to their births only. preserved the original order of the months as to 5. Wihen God gave the signal, and it begaft to selling and buying, and other ordinary affairs. rain, the water poured down forty entire days, till Now he says that this flood began on the twenty- it became fifteen cubits higher thaIn the earth; seventh [seventeenth] day of the forementioned which was the reason why there was no greater month; and this was two thousand six hundred number preserved, since they had no place to fly to. and fifty-six [one thousand six hundred and fifty- When the rain ceased, the water did but just besix] years from Adam, the first man; and the time gin to abate after one hundred and fifty days, (that is written down in our sacred books, those who is, on the seventeenth day of the seventh mlonth,) it then lived having noted down,t with great accuracy, then ceasing to subside for a little while. After both the births and deaths of illustrious men. this, the ark rested on the top of a certain moun4. For indeed Seth was born when Adam was tain in Armenia; which, when Noah understood, in his two hundred and thirtieth year, who lived he opened it; and seeing a small piece of land about nine hundred and thirty years. Seth begat Enos it, he continued quiet, and conceived some cheerfil in his two hundred and fifth year; who, when he hopes of deliverance. But a few days afterward, had lived nine hundred and twelve years, delivered when the water was decreased to a greater degree, the government to Cainan his son, whom he had in he sent out a raven, as desirous to learn whether his hundred and ninetieth year. He lived nine any other part of the earth were left dry by the hundred and five years. Cainan, when he had water, and whether he might go out of the ark with lived nine hundred and ten years, had his son Mala- safety; but the raven, finding all the land still leel, who was born in his hundred and seventieth overflowed, returned to Noah again. And after year. This Malaleel, having lived eight hundred seven days he sent out a dove, to know the state and ninety-five years, died, leaving his son Jared, of the ground; which came back to him covered whom he begat when he was in his hundred and with mud, and bringing an olive branch: hereby sixty-fifth year. He lived nine hundred and sixty- Noah learned that the earth was become clear of two years; and then his son Enoch succeeded him, the flood. So after he had staid seven more days, who was born when his father was one hundred he sent the living creatures out of the ark; and and sixty-two years old. Now he, when he had both he and his family went out, when he also lived three hundred and sixty-five years, departed sacrificed to God, and feasted with his companions. and went to God; whence it is that they have not However, the Armenians call this place, (Arol3cTrifwritten down his death. Now Mathusela, the son ptov,,+) The Place of' Descent: for the ark being M Josephus here truly determines, that the year at the Flood imagine that men were not taught to read and write soon after began about the autumnal equinox. As to what day of the they were taught to speak; and perhaps all by the Messiah month the Flood began, our Hebrew and Samaritan, anrd per- himself, who, under the Father, was the Creator or Governor haps Josephus's own copy, more rightly placed it on the 17th of mankind, and who frequently in those early days appeared day, instead of the 27th, as here; for Josephus agrees with to them. them, as to the distance of 150 days to the 17th day of the 7th ++ This A.rropa-riptov, or Place of Descent, is the proper month, as Gen. vii. ult. with viii. 3. rendering of the Armenian name of this very city. It is called t Josephus here takes notice, that these ancient genealogies in Ptolemy Naxuana, and by Moses Chorenensis, the Armiewere first set down by those that then lived, and from them nian historian, Idsheuan; but at the place itself Nachidwere transmitted down to posterity; which I suppose to be sheuan, which signifies Thefirst place of descent; and is a lastthe true account of that matter. For there is no reason to ieg monument of the preservation of Noah in the ark, upon the 38 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK I, saved in that place, its remains are shown there 8. When Noah had made these supplications, by the inhabitants to this day. God, who loved the man for his righteousness, 6. Now all the writers of barbarian histories granted entire success to his prayers, and said, that make mention of this flood, and of this ark; among it was not he who brought the destruction on a whom is Berosus the Chaldean. For when he is polluted world, but that they underwent that describing the circumstances of the flood, he goes vengeance on account of their own wickedness; and on thus: " It is said there is still some part of this that he had not brought men into the world if he ship in Armenia, at the mountain of the Cordyeans; had himself determined to destroy them, it being an and that some people carry off pieces of the bitu- instance of greater wisdom not to have granted men, which they take away, and use chiefly as them life at all, than, after it was granted, to proamulets for the averting of mischiefs." Hierony- cure their destruction; "But the injuries," said he, mus the Egyptian also, who wrote the Phoenician " they offered to my holiness and virtue, forced me to Antiquities, and Mnaseas, and a great many more, bring this punishment upon them. But I will leave make mention of the same. Nay, Nicolaus of Da- off for the time to come to require such punishmascus, in his ninety-sixth book, hath a particular ments, the effects of so great wrath, for their future relation about them; where he speaks thus: " There wicked actions, and especially on account of thy is a great mountain in Armenia, over Minyas, called prayers. But if I shall at any time send tempests Baris, upon which it is reported that many who of rain, in an extraordinary manner, be not affrighted fled at the time of the Deluge were saved; and that at the largeness of the showers; for the water shall one who was carried in an ark came on shore upon no more overspread the earth. However, I require the top of it; and that the remains of the timber were you to abstain from shedding the blood of men, and a great while preserved. This might be the man to keep yourselves pure from murder; and to punabout whom Moses the legislator of the Jews wrote." ish those that commit any such thing. I permit 7. But as for Noah, he was afraid, since God had you to make use of all the other living creatures at determined to destroy mankind, lest he should drown your pleasure, and as your appetites lead you; for the earth every year; so he offered burnt-offerings, I have made you lords of them all, both of those and besought God that nature might hereafter go that walk on the land, and those that swim in the on in its former orderly course, and that he would waters, and of those that fly in the regions of the not bring on so great a judgment any more, by air on high, excepting their blood, for therein is the which the whole race of creatures might be in dan- life. But I will give you a sign that I have left off ger of destruction: but that, having now punished my anger by my bow [whereby is meant the rainthe wicked, he would of his goodness spare the re- bow, for they determined that the rainbow was the mainder, and such as he had hitherto judged fit to bow of God]. And when God had said and probe delivered from so severe a calamity; for that mised thus, he went away. otherwise these last must be more miserable than 9. Now when Noah had lived three hundred and the first, and that they must be condemned to a fifty years after the Flood, and that all that time worse condition than the others, unless they be suf- happily, he died, having lived the number of nine fered to escape entirely; that is, if they be reserved hundred and fifty years. But let no one, upon comfor another deluge; while they must be afflicted paring the lives of the ancients with our lives, and with the terror and sight of the first deluge, and with the few years which we now live, think that must also be destroyed by a second. He also en- what we have said of them is false; or make the treated God to accept of his sacrifice, and to grant shortness of our lives at present an argument, that that the earth might never again undergo the like neither did they attain to so long a duration of life, effects of his wrath; that men might be permitted for those ancients were beloved of God, and [lately] to go on cheerfully in cultivating the same; to build made by God himself; and because their food was cities, and live happily in them; and that they then fitter for the prolongation of life, might well might not be deprived of any of those good things live so great a number of years: and besides, God which they enjoyed before the Flood; but might at- afforded them a longer time of life on account of tain to the like length of days, and old age, which their virtue, and the good use they made of it in the ancient people had arrived at before. astronomical and geometrical discoveries, which top of that mountain, at whose foot it was built, as the first city thrus's or Noah's sons, from thence first made. Whether any or town after the flood. See Antiq. B. XX. ch. ii. sect. 3; remains of this ark be still preserved, as the people of the and Mloses Chorenensls, who also says elsewhere, that another country suppose, I cannot certainly tell. Mons. Tournefort had, town was related by tradition to have been called Seron, or, not very long since, a mind to see the place himself, bhut met The Place of Dispersion, on account of the dispersion of Xisu- with too great dangers and difliculties to venture tilrough them CHAP. IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 39 would not have afforded the time of foretelling and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them [the periods of the stars] unless they had lived six not to ascribe it to God, as if it was through his hundred years; for the great year is completed in means they were happy, but to believe that it was that interval. Now I have for witnesses to what I their own courage which procured that happiness. have said, all those that have written Antiquities, He also gradually changed the government into both among the Greeksr and barbarians; for even tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from Manetho, who wrote the Egyptian History, and Be- the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant rosus, who collected the Chaldean Monuments, and dependence on his power. He also said he Mochus, and Hestioeus, and, besides these, Hierony- would be revenged on God, if he should have a mus the Egyptian, and those who composed the mind to drown the world again; for that he would Phcenician History, agree to what I here say: build a tower too high for the waters to be able to Hesiod also, and Hecateeus, Hellanicus, and Acu- reach! and that he would avenge himself on God silaus; and, besides these, Ephorus and Nicolaus for destroying their forefathers! relate that the ancients lived a thousand years. 3. Now the multitude were very ready to follow But as to these matters, let every one look upon the determination of Nimrod, and to esteem it a them as he thinks fit. piece of cowardice to submit to God; and they built a tower, neither sparing any pains, nor being in any degree negligent about the work: and, by reason of the multitude of hands employed in it, it grew very high, sooner than any one could expect; CHAPTER IV. but the thickness of it was so great, and it was so strongly built, that thereby its great height seemed, CONCERNING THE TOWER OF BABYLON, AND THE CONFUSION OF TONGUES. upon the viev, to be less than it really was. It was built of burnt brick, cemented together with mortar, made 1. Now the sons of Noah were three,-Shem, of bitumen, that it might not be liable to admit water. Japhet, and Ham, born one hundred years before WVhen God saw that they acted so madly, he did not the Deluge. These first of all descended from the resolve to destroy them utterly, since they were not mountains into the plains, and fixed their habitation grown wiser by the destruction of the former sinthere; and persuaded others who were greatly ners; but he caused a tumult among them, by proafraid of the lower grounds on account of the flood, ducing in them divers languages, and causing that, and so were very loth to come down from the higher through the multitude of those languages, they places, to venture to follow their examples. Now should not be able to understand one another. The the plain in which they first dwelt was called place wherein they built the tower is now called Shinar. God also commanded them to send colonies Babylon, because of the confusion of that language abroad, for the thorough peopling of the earth, that which they readily understood before; for the Hethey might not raise seditions among themselves, brews mean by the word Babel, confusion. The but might cultivate a great part of the earth, and Sibyl also makes mention of this tower, and of the enjoy its fruits after a plentiful manner. But they confusion of the language, when she says thus: were so ill instructed that they did not obey God; " When all men were of one language, some of for which reason they fell into calamities, and were them built a high tower, as if they would thereby made sensible, by experience, of what sin they had ascend up to heaven, but the gods sent storms of been guilty: for when they flourished with a wind and overthrew the tower, and gave every one numerous youth, God admonished them again to his peculiar language; and for this reason it was send out colonies; but they, imagining the that the city was called Babylon." But as to the prosperity they enjoyed was not derived from the plain of Shinar, in the country of Babylonia, Lesfavour of God, but supposing that their own power tioeus mentions it, when he says thus: " Such of was the proper cause of the plentiful condition they the priests as were saved, took the sacred vessels were in, did not obey him. Nay, they added to of Jupiter Enyalius, and came to Shinar of Babythis their disobedience to the Divine will, the sus- lonia." picion that they were therefore ordered to send out separate colonies, that, being divided asunder, they might the more easily be oppressed. 2. Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold mans 40 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BOOK I. cient denomination still to be shown; for there is CHAPTER V. even now among them a city called Mazaca, which AFTER WHAT MANNER THE POSTERITY OF NOAH SENT may inform those that are able to understand, that OUT COLONIES, AND INH.ABIT}ED THE WHOLE EARTH. so was the entire nation once called. Thiras also called those whom he ruled over Thirasians; but 1. AFTER this they were dispersed abroad, on the Greeks changed the name into Thracians. And account of their languages, and went out by colo- so many were the countries that had the children of nies every where; and each colony took possession Japhet for their inhabitants. Of the three sons of of that land which they light upon, and unto which Gomer, Aschanax founded the Aschanaxians, who God led them; so that the whole continent was are now called by the Greeks Rheginians. So did filled with them, both the inland and the maritime Riphath found the Ripheans, now called Paphlacountries. There were some also who passed over gonians; and Thrugramma the Thrugrammeans, the sea in ships, and inhabited the islands: and who, as the Greeks resolved, were named Phrysome of those nations do still retain the denomina- gians. Of the three sons of Javan also, the son of tions which were given them by their first founders; Japhet, Elisa gave name to the Eliseans, who but some have lost them also, and some have only were his subjects; they are now the 2Eolians. admitted certain changes in them, that they might Tharsus to the Tharsians, for so was Cilicia of old be the more intelligible to the inhabitants. And called; the sign of which is this, that the noblest they were the Greeks who became the authors of city they have, and a metropolis also, is Tarsus, such mutations. For when in after-ages they grew the tau being by change put for the theta. potent, they claimed to themselves the glory of an- Cethimus possessed the island Cethima: it is tiquity; giving names to the nations that sounded now called Cyprus; and from that it is that all well (in Greek) that they might be better un- islands, and the greatest part of the sea-coasts, are derstood among themselves; and setting agreeable named Cethim by the Hebrews: and one city there forms of government over them, as if they were a is in Cyprus that has been able to preserve its depeople derived from themselves. nomination; it has been called Citius by those who use the language of the Greeks, and has not, by the use of that dialect, escaped the name of Cethim. And so many nations have the children and grandchildren of Japhet possessed. Now when I have CHAPTER VI. premised somewhat, which perhaps the Greeks do not know, I will return and explain what I have HOW EVERY NATION WAS DENOMINATED FROM THEIR omitted; for such names are pronounced here after FIRST INHABITANTS. the manner of the Greeks, to please my readers; 1. Now they were the grandchildren of Noah, for our own country language does not so pronounce in honour of whom names were imposed on the them: but the names in all cases are of one and nations by those that first seized upon them. the same ending; for the name we here pronounce Japhet, the son of Noah, had seven sons: they in- Noeas, is there Noah, and in every case retains the habited so, that, beginning at the mountains Taurus same termination. and Amanus, they proceeded along Asia, as far as 2. The children of Ham possessed the land from the river Tanais, and along Europe to Cadiz; and Syria and Amanus, and the mountains of Libanus; settling themselves on the lands which they light seizing upon all that was on its sea-coasts, and as upon, which none had inhabited before, they called far as the ocean, and keeping it as their own. Some the nations by their own names. For Gomer founded indeed of its names are utterly vanished away; those whom the Greeks now call Galatians, [Galls,] others of them being changed, and another sound but were then called Gomerites. Magog founded given them, are hardly to be discovered; yet a few those that from him were named Magogites, but there are which have kept their denominations enwho are by the Greeks called Scythians. Now as tire. For of the four sons of Ham, time has not at to Javan and Madai, the sons of Japhet; from all hurt the name of Chus; for the Ethiopians, over Madai came the Madeans, who are called Medes, whom he reigned, are even at this day, both by by the Greeks; but from Javan, Ionia, and all the themselves and by all men in Asia, called Chusites. Grecians, are derived. Thobel founded the Tho- The memory also of the Mesraites is preserved in belites, who are now called Iberes; and the Mo- their name; for all we who inhabit this country [of socheni were founded by Mosoch; now they are Judea] called Egypt Mestre, and the Egyptians Cappadocians. There is also a mark of their an- Alestreans. Phut also was the founder of Libya CHAP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 41 and called the inhabitants Phutites, from himself: 3. Noah, when, after the delugc, the earth was rethere is also a river in the country of the Moors settled in its former condition, set about its cultivawhich bears that name; whence it is that we may tion; and when he had planted it with vines, and see the greatest part of the Grecian historiographers when the fruit was ripe, and he had gathered the mention that river, and the adjoining country, by grapes in their season, and the wine was ready for the appellation of Phut: but the name it has now use, he offered sacrifice, and feasted, and, being has been by change given it from one of the sons of drunk, he fell asleep, and lay naked in an unseemly Mesraim, who was called Lybyos. We will in- manner. When his youngest son saw this, he came form you presently what has been the occasion why laughing, and showed him to his brethren; but it has been called Africa also. Canaan, the fourth they covered their father's nakedness. And when son of Ham, inhabited the country now called Noah was made sensible of what had been done, he Judea, and called it from his own name Canaan. prayed for prosperity to his other sons; but for The children of these [four] were these: Sabas, Ham, he did not curse him, by reason of his nearwho founded the Sabeans; Evilas, who founded ness in blood, but cursed his posterity: and when the Evileans, who are called Getuli; Sabathes the rest of them escaped that curse, God inflicted it founded the Sabathens, they are now called by on the children of Canaan. But as to these matters, the Greeks Astaborans; Sabactas settled the Sabac- we shall speak more hereafter. tens; and Ragmus the Ragmeans; and he had two 4. Shem, the third son of Noah, had five sons, sons, the one of whom, Judadas, settled the Juda- who inhabited the land that began at Euphrates, deans, a nation of the western Ethiopians, and left and reached to the Indian Ocean. For Elam left them his name; as did Sabas to the Sabeans: but behind him the Elamites, the ancestors of the PerNimrod, the son of Chus, staid and tyrannized at sians. Ashur lived at the city Nineve; and named Babylon, as we have already informed you. Now his subjects Assyrians, who became the most fora11 the children of Mesraim, being eight in number, tunate nation, beyond others. Arphaxad named possessed the country from Gaza to Egypt, though the Arphaxadites, who are now called Chaldeans. it retained the name of one only, the Philistim; for Aram had the Aramites, which the Greeks called the Greeks call part of that country Palestine. As Syrians; as Laud founded the Laudites, which are for the rest, Ludieim, and Enemim, and Labim, now called Lydians. Of the four sons of Aram, Uz who alone inhabited in Libya, and called the country founded Trachonitis and Damascus: this country from himself, Nedim, and Phethrosim, and Ches- lies between Palestine and Celesyria. U1 founded loim, and Cephthorim, we know nothing of them Armenia; and Gather the Bactrians; and Mesa besides their names; for the Ethiopic war,* which the Mesaneans; it is now called Charax Spasini. we shall describe hereafter, was the cause that Sala was the son of Arphaxad; and his son was those cities were overthrown. The sons of Canaan Heber, from whom they originally called the Jews were these: Sidonius, who also built a city of the Hebrews.t Heber begat Joctan and Phaleg: he same name; it is called by the Greeks Sidon: was called Phaleg, because he was born at the disAmathus inhabited in Amathine, which is even now persion of the nations to their several countries; for called Amathe by the inhabitants, although the Phaleg among the Hebrews signifies division. Now Macedonians named it Epiphania, from one of his Joctan, one of the sons of Heber, had these sons, posterity: Arudeus possessed the island Aradus: Elmodad, Saleph, Asermoth, Jera, Adoram, Aizel, Arucas possessed Arce, which is in Libanus. But Decla, Ebal, Abimael, Sabeus, Ophir, Euilat, and for the seven others, [Eueus,] Chetteus, Jebuseus, Jobab. These inhabited from Cophen, an Indian Amorreus, Gergesus, Eudeus, Sineus, Samareus, river, and in part of Asia adjoining to it. And this we have nothing in the sacred books but their names, shall suffice concerning the sons of Shem. for the Hebrews overthrew their cities; and their 5. I will now treat of the Hebrews. The son of calamities came upon them on the occasion following. Phaleg, whose father was Heber, was Ragau; * One observation ought not here to be neglected, with re- not from Abram the Hebrew, or passenger over Euphrates, gard to that Ethiopic war.which Moses, as general of the as many of the moderns suppose. Shem is also called the Egyptians, put an end to, Antiq. B. II. ch. x., and about father of all the children of Heber, or of all the Hebrews, in which our late writers seem very much unconcerned; viz. that a history long before Abram passed over Euphrates, Gen. x. it was a war of that consequence, as to occasion the removal 21, though it must be confessed that, Gen. xiv. 13, where the or destruction of six or seven nations of the posterity of Mitz- original says they told Abram the Hebrew, the Septuagint raim, with their cities; which Josephus would not have said, renders it the passenger, 7rEpca-rs1: but this is spoken only of if he had not had ancient records to justify those his assertions, Abram himself, who had then lately passed over Euphrates, though those records be now all lost. and is another signification of the Hebrew word, taken as an f'l That the Jews were called Hebrews from this their pro- appellative, and not as a proper name. genitor -leber our author Josephus here rightly affirms; and G 4'2 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK 1. whose son was Serug, to whom was born Nahor: taken in his opinions; for which reason he began to his son was Terah, who was the father of Abraham, have higher notions of virtue than others had, and who accordingly was the tenth from Noah, and was he determined to renew and to change the opinion born in the two hundred and ninety-second year all men happened then to have concerning God; foi after the deluge; for Terah begat Abram in his he was the first that ventured to publish this notion, seventieth year. Nahor begat Haran when he was That there was but one God, the Creator of the one hundred and twenty years old; Nahor was universe; and that, as to other [gods], if they conborn to Serug in his hundred and thirty-second tributed any thing to the happiness of men, that year; Ragau had Serug at one hundred and thirty; each of them afforded it only according to his apat the same age also Phaleg had Ragau; Heber pointment, and not by their own power. This his begat Phaleg in his hundred and thirty-fourth opinion was derived from the irregular phenomena year; he himself being begotten by Sala when he that were visible both at land and sea, as well as was a hundred and thirty years old, whom Arphax- those that happen to the sun, and moon, and all the ad had for his son at the hundred and thirty-fifth heavenly bodies, thus: "If [said he] these bodies year of his age. Arphaxad was the son of Shem, had power of their own, they would certainly take and born twelve years after the deluge. Now care of their own regular motions; but since they Abram had two brethren, Nahor and Haran: of do not preserve such regularity, they make it plain, these Haran left a son, Lot; as also Sarai and that in so far as they co-operate to our advantage, Milcha his daughters; and died among the Chal- they do it not of their own abilities, but as they are deans, in a city of the Chaldeans, called Ur; and subservient to Him that commands them, to whom his monument is shown to this day. These married alone we ought justly to offer our honour and their nieces. Nahor married Milcha, and Abram thanksgiving." For which doctrines, when the married Sarai. Now Terah hating Chaldea, on Chaldeans, and other people of Mesopotamia, raised account of his mourning for Haran, they all removed a tumult against him, he thought fit to leave that to Haran of Mesopotamia, where Terah died, and country; and at the command and by the assistance was buried, when he had lived to be two hundred of God, he came and lived in the land of Canaan. and five years old; for the life of man was already, And when he was there settled, he built an altar, by degrees, diminished, and became shorter than and performed a sacrifice to God. before, till the birth of Moses; after whom the 2. Berosus mentions our father Abram without term of human life was one hundred and twenty naming him, when he says thus: " In the tenth years, God determining it to the length that generation after the Flood, there was among the Moses happened to live. Now Nahor had eight Chaldeans a man righteous and great, and skilsons by Milcha; Uz and Buz, Kemuel, Chesed, ful in the celestial science." But Hecatueus does Azau, Pheldas, Jadelph, and Bethuel. These were more than barely mention him; for he composed, all the genuine sons of Nahor; for Teba, and and left behind him, a book concerning him. And Gaam, and Tachas, and Maaca, were born of Reuma Nicolaus of Damascus, in the fourth book of his his concubine: but Bethuel had a daughter, Re- History, says thus: " Abram reigned at Damascus, becca, and a son, Laban. being a foreigner, who came with an army out of the land above Babylon, called the land of the Chaldeans: but, after a long time, he got him up, and removed from that country also, with his people, and went into the land then called the land of CaCHAPTER VII. naan, but now the land of Judea, and this when his HOW ABRAM OUR FOREFATHER WENT OUT OF THE posterity were become a multitude; as to which LAN'D OF THE CHALDEANS, AND LIVED IN THE LAND posterity of his, we relate their history in another THEN CALLED CANAAN, BUT NOW JUDEA. work. Now the name of Abram is even still famous in the country of Damascus; and there is shown 1. Now Abram, having no son of his own, a village named from him, The Habitation of adopted Lot, his brother Haran's son, and his wife Abram." Sarai's brother; and he left the land of Chaldea when he was seventy-five years old, and at the command of God went into Canaan, and therein he dwelt himself, and left it to his posterity. He was a person of great sagacity, both for understanding all things and persuading his hearers, and not mis CHAP. VIII. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 43 own practices, demonstrated that such reasonings CHAPTER VIII. were vain and void of truth: whereupon he was admired by them in those conferences as a very THAT WHEN THERE WAS A FAMINE IN CANUAANJ, ABRAM wise man, and one of great sagacity, when he disWENT THENCE INTO EGYPT; AND AFTER HE HAD NTITHENE I, D ATUE A coursed on any subject he undertook; and this not CONTINUED THERE A WHILE, HE RETURNED BACK AGAIN. only in understanding it,but in persuading other men also to assent to him. He communicated to 1. Now, after this, when a famine had invaded them arithmetic, and delivered to them the science the land of Canaan, and Abram had discovered that of astronomy; for before Abram came into Egypt the Egyptians were in a flourishing condition, he they were unacquainted with those parts of learnwas disposed to go down to them, both to partake ing; for that science came from the Chaldeans into of the plenty they enjoyed, and to become an audi- Egypt, and from thence to the Greeks also. tor of their priests, and to know what they said 3. As soon as Abram was come back into Canaan, concerning the gods; designing either to follow he parted the land between him and Lot, upon acthem, if they had better notions than he, or to con- count of the tumultuous behaviour of their shepvert them into a better way, if his own notions herds, concerning the pastures wherein they should proved the truest. Now, seeing he was to take feed their flocks. However, he gave Lot his option, Sarai with him, and was afraid of the madness of or leave, to choose which lands he would take; and the Egyptians with regard to women, lest the king he took himself what the other left, which were the should kill him on occasion of his wife's great lower grounds at the foot of the mountains; and he beauty, he contrived this device: —he pretended to himself dwelt in Hebron, which is a city seven be her brother, and directed her in a dissembling years more ancient than Tanis of Egypt. But Lot way to pretend the same, for he said it would be possessed the land of the plain, and the river Jordan, for their benefit. Now, as soon as he came into not far from the city of Sodom, which was then a Egypt, it happened to Abram as he supposed it fine city, but is now destroyed, by the will and wrath would; for the fame of his wife's beauty was greatly of God, the cause of which I shall show in its protalked of; for which reason Pharaoh, the king of per place hereafter. Egypt, would not be satisfied with what was reported of her, but would needs see her himself, and was preparing to enjoy her; but God put a stop to his unjust inclinations, by sending upon him a dis- CHAPTER IX. temper, and a sedition against his government. And THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SODOMITES BY THE when he inquired of the priests how he might be ASSYRIAN WAR. freed from these calamities, they told him that this his miserable condition was derived from the wrath AT this time, when the Assyrians had the doof God, upon account of his inclinations to abuse minion over Asia, the people of Sodom were in a the stranger's wife. He then, out of fear, asked flourishing condition, both as to riches and the numSarai who she was, and who it was that she brought ber of their youth. There were five kings that along with her. And when he had found out the managed the affairs of this country: Ballas, Barsas, truth, he excused himself to Abram, that supposing Senabar, and Sumobor, with the king of Bela; and the woman to be his sister, and not his wife, he set each king led on his own troops: and the Assyrians his affections on her, as desiring an affinity with made war upon them; and, dividing their army into him by marrying her, but not as incited by lust to four parts, fought against them. Now every part abuse her. He also made him a large present in of the army had its own commander; and when the money, and gave him leave to enter into conversa- battle was joined, the Assyrians were conquerors, tion with the most learned among the Egyptians; and imposed a tribute on the kings of the Sodomites, from which conversation his virtue and his reputa- who submitted to this slavery twelve years; and so tion became more conspicuous than they had been long they continued to pay their tribute: but on the before. thirteenth year they rebelled, and then the army of 2. For whereas the Egyptians were formerly ad- the Assyrians came upon them, under their comdicted to different customs, and despised one an- manders Amraphel, Arioch, Chodorlaomer, and other's sacred and accustomed rites, and were very Tidal. These kings had laid waste all Syria, and angry one with another on that account, Abram overthrown the offspring of the giants. And when conferred with each of them, and, confuting the they were come over against Sodom, they pitched reasonings they made use of, every one for their their camp at the vale called the Slime Pits, for at 44 ANTIQUITIES OF THE: JEWS. Boom I. that time there were pits in that place; but now, abundance; and as they were feasting, he began to upon the destruction of the city of Sodom, that praise him, and to bless God for subduing his enevale became the Lake Asphaltites, as it is called: mies under him. And when Abram gave him the however, concerning this lake we shall speak more tenth part of his prey, he accepted of the gift: but presently. Now when the Sodomites joined battle the king of Sodom desired Abram to take the prey, with the Assyrians, and the fight was very obstinate, but entreated that he might have those men restored many of them were killed, and the restwere carried to him whom Abram had saved from the Assyrians, captive; among which captives was Lot, who had because they belonged to him. But Abram would come to assist the Sodomites. not do so; nor would make any other advantage of that prey than what his servants had eaten; but still insisted that he should afford a part to his friends that had assisted him in the battle. The first of them CHAPTER X. was called Eschol, and then Enner, and Mambre. 3. And God commended his virtue, and said, HOW ABRAM FOUGHT WITH THE ASSYRIANS, AND OVER- Thou shalt not however lose the rewards thou hast CAME THEM, AND SAVED THE SODOMITE PRISONERS, deserved to receive by such thy glorious actions. AND TOOK FROM THE ASSYRIANS THE PREY THEY He answered, And what advantage will it be to me HAD GOTTEN. to have such rewards, when I have none to enjoy 1. WHEN Abram heard of their calamity, he was them after me?-for he was hitherto childless. And at once afraid for Lot his kinsman, and pitied the God promised that he should have a son, and that Sodomites, his friends and neighbours; and think- his posterity should be very numerous; insomuch ing it proper to afford them assistance, he did not that their number should be like the stars. When delay it, but marched hastily, and the fifth night he heard that, he offered a sacrifice to God, as he fell upon the Assyrianls, near Dan, for that is the commanded him. The manner of the sacrifice was name of the other spring of Jordan; and before this:-He took an heifer of three years old, and a they could arm themselves, he slew some as they she-goat of three years old, and a ram in like manwere in their beds, before they could suspect any ner of three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a harm; and others, who were not yet gone to sleep, pigeon;* and as he was enjoined, he divided the but were so drunk they could not fight, ran away. three former, but the birds he did not divide. After Abram pursued after them, till, on the second day, which, before he built his altar, where the birds of he drove them in a body unto Hoba, a place belong- prey flew about, as desirous of blood, a Divine voice ing to Damascus; and thereby demonstrated that came to him, declaring that their neighbours would victory does not depend on multitude and the num- be grievous to his posterity, when they should be in ber of hands, but the alacrity and courage of soldiers Egypt, for four hundred years; t during which time overcome the most numerous bodies of men, while they should be afflicted, but afterwards should overhe got the victory over so great an army with no come their enemies, should conquer the Canaanites more than three hundred and eighteen of his serv- in war, and possess themselves of their land, and of ants, and three of his friends: but all those that fled their cities. returned home ingloriously. 4. Now Abram dwelt near the oak called 2. So Abram, when he had saved the captive Ogyges, —the place belongs to Canaan, not far from Sodomites, who had been taken by the Assyrians, the city of Hebron. But being uneasy at his wife's and Lot also, his kinsman, returned home in peace. barrenness, he entreated God to grant that he might Now the king of Sodom met him at a certain place, have male issue; and God required of him to be of which they called The King's Dale, where Mel- good courage, and said that he would add to all chisedec, king of the city Salem, received him. the rest of the benefits that he had bestowed upon That name signifies, the righteous king; and him, ever since he led him out of Mesopotamia, the such he was, without dispute, insomuch that, on gift of children. Accordingly Sarai, at God's comthis account, he was made the priest of God: how- mand, brought to his bed one of her handmaidens, ever, they afterward called Salem Jerusalem. a woman of Egyptian descent, in order to obtain Now this Melchisedec supplied Abram's army in children by her; and when this handmaid was with an hospitable manner, and gave them provisions in child, she triumphed, and ventured to affront Sarai, * It is worth noting here, that God required no other sacri- three here named, as Reland observes on Antiq. B. IV. ch. iv. fices under the law of Moses, than what were taken from these sect. 4. five kinds of animals which he here required of Abram. Nor t As to this affliction of Abram's posterity for 400 years, see id the Jews feed upon any other domestic animals than the Antiq. B. lI. ch. ix. sect. 1. CHAP. X. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 45 as if the dominion were to come to a son to be born 5. The forementioned son was born to Abram of her. But when Abram resigned her into the when he was eighty-six years old: but when he hand of Sarai, to punish her, she contrived to fly was ninety-nine, God appeared to him, and promised away, as not able to bear the instances of Sarai's him that he should have a son by Sarai, and com-. severity to her; and she entreated God to have manded that his name should be Isaac; and showed compassion on her. Now a Divine Angel met her, him, that from this son should spring great nations as she was going forward in the wilderness, and bid and kings, and that they should obtain all the land her return to her master and mistress, for if she of Canaan by war, from Sidon to Egypt. But he would submit to that wise advice, she would live charged him, in order to keep his posterity unmixed better hereafter; for that the reason of her being in with others, that they should be circumcised in the such a miserable case was this, that she had been flesh of their foreskin, and that this should be done ungrateful and arrogant towards her mistress. He on the eighth day after they were born: the reason also told her, that if she disobeyed God, and went of which circumcision I will explain in another on still in her way, she should perish; but if she place. And Abram inquiring also concerning Iswould return back, she should become the mother mael, whether he should live or not, God signified of a son who should reign over that country. These to him that he should live to be very old, and admonitions she obeyed, and returned to her master should be the father of great nations. Abram and mistress, and obtained forgiveness. A little therefore gave thanks to God for these blessings; while afterwards, she bare Ismael; which may be and then he, and all his family, and his son Ismael, interpreted Iheard of God, because God had heard were circumcised immediately; the son being thatt his mother's prayer. day thirteen years of age, and he ninety-nine 46 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boos: L CHAPTER XI. NOW GOD OVERTHREW THE NATION OF THE SODOMITES, OUT OF HIS WRATH AGAINST THEM FOR THEIR SIN9 BOUT this time the So- presently; and when he had slain a calf, he roasted I,( ~ ~domites grew proud, on it, and brought it to them, as they sat under the account of their riches oak. Now they made a show of eating; and beand great wealth; they sides, they asked him about his wife Sarah, where became unjust towards she was; and when he said she was within, they men, and impious to- said they would come again hereafter,. and find her wards God, insomuch become a mother. Upon which the woman laughed, that they did not call and said that it was impossible she should bear. to mind the advantages they received from him: children, since she was ninety years of age, and her they hated strangers, and abused themselves with husband was a hundred. Then they concealed Sodomitical practices. God was therefore much dis- themselves no longer, but declared that they were pleased at them, and determined to punish them for angels of God; and that one of them was sent to their pride, and to overthrow their city, and to lay inform them about the child, and two of the overwaste their country, until there should neither plant throw of Sodom. nor fruit grow out of it. 3. When Abraham heard this, he was grieved 2. When God'had thus resolved concerning the for the Sodomites; and he rose up, and besought Sodomites, Abraham, as he sat by the oak of God for them, and entreated him that he would not Mambre, at the door of his tent, saw three angels; destroy the righteous with the wicked. And when and thinking them to be strangers, he rose up, and God had replied that there was no good man among saluted them, and desired they would accept of an the Sodomites; for if there were but ten such men entertainment, and abide with him; to which, when among them, he would not punish any of them for they agreed, he ordered cakes of meal to be made their sins, Abraham held his peace. And the angels CHAP. XII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 47 came to the city of the Sodomites, and Lot entreated 5. But his daughters, thinking that all mankind them to accept of a lodging with him; for he was were destroyed, approached to their father,~ though a very generous and hospitable man, and one that taking care not to be perceived. This they did, had learned to imitate the goodness of Abraham. that human kind might not utterly fail: and they Now when the Sodomites saw the young men to be bare sons; the son of the elder was named Moab, of beautiful countenances, and this to an extraordi- which denotes one derived from his father; tile nary degree, and that they took up their lodgings younger bare Ammon, which name denotes one with Lot, they resolved themselves to enjoy these derived from a kinsman. The former of whom was beautiful boys by force and violence; and when Lot the father of the Moabites, which is even still a great exhorted them to sobriety, and not to offer any thing nation; the latter was the father of the Ammonites; immodest to the strangers, but to have regard to and both of them are inhabitants of Celesyria. their lodging in his house; and promised that if And such was the departure of Lot from among their inclinations could not be governed, he would the Sodomites. expose his daughters to their lust, instead of these strangers; neither thus were they made ashamed. 4. But God was much displeased at their impudent behaviour, so that he both smote those men CHAPTER XII. with blindness, and condemned the Sodomites to CONCERNING ABIMELECH; AND CONCERNING ISMAEL universal destruction. But Lot, upon God's inTHE SON OF ABRAHAM; AND CONCERNING TIIE A.RAforming him of the future destruction of the Sodom- BIANS WHO WERE HIS POSTERITY. ites, went away, taking with him his wife and daughters, who were -two, and still virgins; for 1. AsRAHAM now removed to Gerar of Palestine, those that were betrothed to them were above the leading Sarah along with him, under the notion of thoughts of going, and deemed that Lot's words his sister, using the like dissimulation that he had were trifling. God then cast a thunderbolt upon used before, and this out of fear: for he was afraid the city, and set it on fire, with its inhabitants; and of Abimelech, the king of that country, who did laid waste the country with the like burning, as I also himself fall in love with Sarah, and was disformerly said when I wrote the Jewish War.t But posed to corrupt her; but he was restrained from Lot's wife continually turning back to view the satisfying his lust by a dangerous distemper which city as she went from it, and being too nicely in- befell him from God. Now when his physicians quisitive what would become of it, although God despaired of curing him, he fell asleep, and saw a had forbidden her so to do, was changed into a dream, warning him not to abuse the stranger's pillar of salt; + for I have seen it, and it remains at wife; and when he recovered, he told his friends this day. Now he and his daughters fled to a cer- that God had inflicted that disease upon him, by tain small place, encompassed with the fire, and way of punishment, for his injury to the stranger; settled in it: it is to this day called Zoar, for that and in order to preserve the chastity of his wife, for is the word which the Hebrews use for a small that she did not accompany him as his sister, but as thing. There it was that he lived a miserable life, his legitimate wife; and that God had promised to on account of his having no company, and his want be gracious to him for the time to come, if this per. of provisions. son be once secure of his wife's chastity. WVher * These sons-in-law to Lot, as they are called, Gen. xix. or hypothesis about this question, which can only be deter12-14, might be so styled, because they were betrothed to mined by eye-witnesses. When Christian princes, so called, Lot's daughters, though not yet married to them. See the lay aside their foolish and unchristian wars and quarrels, and note on Antiq. B. XIV. ch. xiii. sect. 1. send a body of fit persons to travel over the east, and bring us t Of the War, B. IV. ch. viii. sect. 4. faithful accounts of all ancient monuments, and procure us + This pillar of salt was, we see here, standing in the days copies of all ancient records, at present lost among us, we may of Josephus, and he had seen it. That it was standing then is hope for full satisfaction in such inquiries; but hardly before also attested by Clement of Rome, contemporary with Jo- ~ I see no proper wicked intention in these daughters of sephus; as also that it was so in the next century, is attested Lot, when in a case which appeared to them of unavoidable by Irenaeus, with the addition of an hypothesis, how it came to necessity, they procured themselves to be with child by their last so long, with all its members entire.-Whether the ac- father. Without such an unavoidable necessity, incest is a count that some miodern travellers give be true, that it is still horrid crime; but whether in such a case of necessity. as they standing, I do not know. Its remote situation, at tne most apprehended this to be, according to Josephus, it was any such southern point of the Sea of Sodom, in the wild and dangerous crime, I am not satisfied. In the mean time, their making deserts of Arabia, makes it exceeding difficult for inquisitive their father drunk, and their solicitous concealment of what travellers to examine the place; and for common reports of they did from him, shows that they despaired of persuading country people, at a distance, they are not very satisfactory. him to an action which, at the best, could not but be very sulIn the mean time, I have no opinion of Le Clerc's dissertation picious and shocking to so good a man. 48 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK I. he had said this, by the advice of his friends, he of the concubine, was circumcised at that age; consent for Abraham, and bid him not to be concerned cerning whom I will presently give a particular acabout his wife, or fear the corruption of her chastity; count, with great exactness. for that God took care of him, and that it was by 3. As for Sarah, she at first loved Ismael, who his providence that he received his wife again, with- was born of her own handmaid Hagar, with an out her suffering any abuse. And he appealed to affection not inferior to that of her own son, for he God, and to his wife's conscience; and said that was brought up in order to succeed in the governhe had not any inclination at first to enjoy her, ment; but when she herself had borne Isaac, she if he had known she was his wife; but since, said was not willing that Ismael should be brought up he, thou ledst her about as thy sister, I was guilty with him, as being too old for him, and able to do of no offence. He also entreated him to be at peace him injuries when their father should be dead; she with him, and to make God propitious to him; therefore persuaded Abraham to send him and his and that if he thought fit to continue with him, he mother to some distant country. Now, at the first, should have what he wanted in abundance; but he did not agree to what Sarah was so zealous for, that if he designed to go away, he should be honour- and thought it an instance of the greatest barbarity, ably conducted, and have whatsoever supply he to send away a young child t and a woman unprowanted when he came thither. Upon his saying vided of necessaries; but at length he agreed to it, this, Abraham told him that his pretence of kin- because God was pleased with what Sarah had dedred to his wife was no lie, because she was his termined: so he delivered Ismael to his mother, as brother's daughter; and that he did not think him- not yet able to go by himself; and commanded her self safe in his travels abroad, without this sort of to take a bottle of water, and a loaf of bread, and dissimulation; and that he was not the cause of his so to depart, and to take Necessity for her guide. distemper, but was only solicitous for his own safety: But as soon as her necessary provisions failed, she he said also, that he was ready to stay with him. found herself in an evil case; and when the water Whereupon Abimelech assigned him land and was almost spent, she laid the young child, who money; and they covenanted to live together with- was ready to expire, under a fig-tree, and went on out guile, and took an oath at a certain well called further, that so he might die while she was absent. Beersheba, which may be interpreted, The lYell of But a Divine Angel came to her, and told her of a the Oath: and so it is named by the people of the fountain hard by, and bid her take care, and bring country unto this day. up the child, because she should be very happy by 2. Now in a little time Abraham had a son by the preservation of Ismael. She then took courage, Sarah, as God had foretold to him, whom he named upon the prospect of what was promised her, and, Isaac, which signifies Laughter. And indeed they meeting with some shepherds, by their care she got so called him, because Sarah laughed when God * clear of the distresses she had been in. said that she should bear a son, she not expecting 4. When the lad was grown up, he married a such a thing, as being past the age of child.bear- wife, by birth an Egyptian, from whence the mother ing, for she was ninety years old, and Abraham a was herself derived originally. Of this wife were hundred; so that this son was born to them both born to Ismael twelve sons; Nabaioth, Kedar, in the last year of each of those decimal numbers. Abdeel, Mabsam, Idumas, Masmaos, Masaos, ChoAnd they circumcised him upon the eighth day: dad, Theman, Jetur, Naphesus, Cadmas. These and from that time the Jews continue the custom inhabited all the country from Euphrates to the of circumcising their sons within that number of Red Sea, and called it Nabatene. They are an days. But as for the Arabians, they circumcise Arabian nation, and name their tribes from these, after the thirteenth year, because Ismael, the both because of their own virtue, and because of founder of their nation, who was born to Abraham the dignity of Abraham their father. ~ It is well worth observation, that Josephus here calls that dren, Antiq. B. II. ch. vi. sect. 8, and they were of much the principal Angel, who appeared to Abraham and foretold the same age; as is a damsel of 12 years old called a little child, birth of Isaac, directly God; which language of Josephus Mark v. 39-42, five several times. Herod is also said by here, prepares us to believe those other expressions of his, that Josephus to be a very young man at 25. See the note on Jesus was a wise man, if it be lauful to call him a man, Antiq. B. XIV. ch. ix. sect 2, and of the War, B. I. ch. x. Antiq. B. XVIII. ch. iii. sect. 3, and of God the Word, in And Aristobulus is styled a very little child at 16 years of age, his homily ooncerning Hades, may be both genuine. Nor is Antiq. B. XV. ch. ii. sect. 6, 7. Domitian also is called by the other expression of Divine Angel, used presently, and be- him a very young child, when he went on his German expefore, also of any other signification. dition at about 18 years of age, of the War, B. VII. ch. iy. t Josephus here calls Ismael a young child or infant, though sect. 2. Samson's wife, and Ruth, when they were widows, he was about 13 years of age; as Judas calls himself and his are called children, Antiq. B. V. ch. viii. sect. 6, and ch. Lx'. brethren young men, when he was 47, and had two chil- sect. 2, 3 DJll ~~I~~I~~r~~fllX~~~VIS 6J~~~~~~~1:~ ~1:ul~~~~an ~ ~E.11WWW E."~' DFil3~~l~(s~~~ CuAr. XIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 49 they had brought with them every thing necessary CHAPTER XIII. for a sacrifice, excepting the animal that was to be offered only. Now Isaac was twenty-five years CONCERNING ISAAC, THE LEGITIMATE SON OF CONCERNING ISAAC, TE LEGITIMATE SON OF old. And as he was building the altar, he asked ABRAHAM. his father what he was'about to offer, since 1. Now Abraham greatly loved Isaac, as being there was no animal there for an oblation: —to his only begotten,* and given to him at the bor- which it was answered, " That God would provide ders of old age, by the favour of God. The child himself an oblation, he being able to make a plenalso endeared himself to his parents still more, by tiful provision for men out of what they have not, the exercise of every virtue, and adhering to his and to deprive others of what they already have, duty to his parents, and being zealous in the wor- when they put too much trust therein; that thereship of God. Abraham also placed his own hap- fore, if God pleased to be present and propitious piness in this prospect, that, when he should die, at this sacrifice, he would provide himself an ohhe should leave this his son in a safe and secure lation." condition; which accordingly he obtained by the 3. As soon as the altar was prepared, and Abrawill of God: who being desirous to make an ex- ham had laid on the wood, and all things were enperiment of Abraham's religious disposition towards tirely ready, he said to his son, " O son, I poured himself, appeared to him, and enumerated all the out a vast number of prayers that I might have blessings he had bestowed on him; how he had thee for my son; when thou wast come into the made him superior to his enemies; and that his world, there was nothing that could contribute to son Isaac, who was the principal part of his present thy support for which I was not greatly solicitous, happiness, was derived from him; and he said that nor any thing wherein I thought myself happier he required this son of his as a sacrifice and holy than to see thee grown up to man's estate, and that oblation. Accordingly he commanded him to I might leave thee at my death the successor to my carry him to the mountain Moriah, and to build an dominion; but since it was by God's will that I altar, and offer him for a burnt-offering upon it; became thy father, and it is now his will that I refor that this would best manifest his religious dis- linquish thee, bear this consecration to God with a position towards' him, if he preferred what was generous mind; for I resign thee up to God who pleasing to God, before the preservation of his has thought fit now to require this testimony of own son. honour to himself, on account of the favours he hath 2. Now Abraham thought that it was not right conferred on me, in being to me a supporter and to disobey God in any thing, but that he was defender. Accordingly thou, my son, wilt now die, obliged to serve him in every circumstance of life, not in any common way of going out of the world, since all creatures that live enjoy their life by his but sent to God, the Father of all men, beforehand, providence, and the kindness he bestows on them. by thy own father, in the nature of a sacrifice. I Accordingly he concealed this command of God, suppose he thinks thee worthy to get clear of this and his own intentions about the slaughter of his world neither by disease, neither by war, nor by son, from his wife, as also from every one of his any other severe way, by which death usually servants, otherwise he should have been hindered comes upon men, but so that he will receive thy from his obedience to God; and he took Isaac, soul with prayers and holy offices of religion, and together with two of his servants, and laying what will place thee near to himself, and thou wilt there things were' necessary for a sacrifice upon an ass, be to me a succourer and supporter in my old age; he went away to the mountain. Now the Itwo on which account I principally brought thee up, servants went along with him two days; but on the and thou wilt thereby procure me God for my Comthird day, as soon as he saw the mountain, he left forter instead of thyself." those servants that were with him till then in the 4. Now Isaac was of such a generous disposition plain, and, having his son alone with him, he came as became the son of such a father, and was pleased to the mountain. It was that mountain upon which with this discourse; and said, " That he was not king David afterwards built the temple.t Now worthy to be born at first, if he should reject the *- Note, that both here and Heb.- xi. 17 - Isaac'is called while it was certainly no other than king Solomon who built Abrahaim's only begotten son, though he at the same time had that temple,- as indeed Procopius cites it from Josepius. For another son, Ismael. The Septuagint expresses the'true mean- it was for certain David, and not Solomon, who built the first ing, by rendering. the text the beloved -son. altar there, as we learn, 2 Sam. xxiv. 18, &c.; I Chron. xxi. 22, t Here is a plain error in the copies which say that king &c.; and Antiq. B. VII. ch. xiii. sect. 4. David afterwards built the temple on this Mount Moriah, 50 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK I. determination of God and of his father, and should buried her in Hebron; the Canaanites publicly not resign himself up readily to both their plea- allowing them a burying-place: which piece of sures; since it would have been unjust if he had not ground Abraham bought for four hundred shekels, obeyed, even if his father alone had so resolved." of Ephron, an inhabitant of Hebron. And both So he went immediately to the altar to be sacri- Abraham and his descendants built themselves ficed. And the deed had been done if God had not sepulchres in that place. opposed it; for he called loudly to Abraham by his name, and forbade him to slay his son; and said, " It was not out of a desire of human blood that he was commanded to slay his son, nor was he willing that he should be taken away from him CHAPTER XV. whom he had made his father, but to try the temper HOW THE NATION OF THE TROGLODYTES WERE of his mind, whether he would be obedient to such DERIVED FROM ABRAHAM BY KETURAH. a command. Since therefore he now was satisfied as to that his alacrity, and the surprising readiness ABRAHAM after this married Keturabh, by whom he showed in this his piety, he was delighted in six sons were born to him, men of courage, and having bestowed such blessings upon him; and of sagacious minds: Zambran, and Jazar, and that he would not be wanting in all sort of concern Madan, and Madian, and Josabak, and Sous. Now about him, and in bestowing other children upon the sons of Sous were Sabathan and Dadan. The him; and that his son should live to a very great sons of Dadan were Latusim, and Assur, and age; that he should live a happy life, and bequeath Luom. The sons of Madian were Ephas, and a large principality to his children, who should be Ophren, and Anoch, and Ebidas, and Eldas. Now, good and legitimate." He foretold also, that his for all these sons and grandsons, Abraham confamily should increase into many nations; * and that trived to settle them in colonies; and they took those patriarchs should leave behind them an ever- possession of Troglodytis, and the country of lasting name; that they should obtain the possession Arabia the Happy, as far as it reaches to the Red of the land of Canaan, and be envied by all men. Sea. It is related of this Ophren, that he made When God had said this, he produced to them a war against Libya, and took it, and that his grandram, which did not appear before, for the sacrifice. children, when they inhabited it, called it (from. his So Abraham and Isaac receiving each other unex- name) Africa. And indeed Alexander Polyhistor pectedly, and having obtained the promises of such gives his attestation to what I here say; who great blessings, embraced one another; and when speaks thus: " Cleodemus the prophet, who was they had sacrificed, they returned to Sarah, and also called Malchus, who wrote a History of the lived happily together, God affording them his as- Jews, in agreement with the History of Moses, their sistance in all things they desired. legislator, relates, that there were many sons born to Abraham by Keturah: nay, he names three of them, Apher, and Surim, and Japhran. That from Surim was the land of Assyria denominated; and that from the other two (Apher and Japhran) the CHAPTER XIV. country of Africa took its name, because these men CONCERNING SARAIH-, ABRAHAM'S WIFE; AND HOW SHE were auxiliaries to Hercules, when he fought against ENDED HER DAYS. Libya and Anteus; and that Hercules married Aphra's daughter, and of her he begat a son, DiodoNow Sarah died a little while after, having rus; and thatSophonwashis son, fromwhomthatbarlived one hundred and twenty-seven years. They barous people called Sophacians were denominated." ~ It seems both here, and in God's parallel blessing to tament of Reuben, sect. 6, in Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 302, Jacob, ch. xix. sect. 1, that Josephus had yet no notion of the who charges his sons " to worship the seed of Judah, who hidden meaning of that most important and most eminent pro- should die for them in visible and invisible wars; and should mise, "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be bless- be among them an eternal king." Nor is that observation of ed. He saith not, and of seeds, as of many, but as of one; and a learned foreigner of my acquaintance to be despised, who to thy seed, which is Christ," Gal. iii. 16. Nor is it any won- takes notice, that as seeds in the plural must signify posterity, der, he being, I think, as yet not a Christian. And had he seed in the singular may signify either posterity, or a single been a Christian, yet since he was, to be sure, till the latter person; and that in this promise of all nations being happy part of his life, no more than an Ebionite Christian, who, above in the seed of Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob, &c. it is always all the apostles, rejected and despised St. Paul, it would be no used in the singular. To. which I shall add, that it is somegreat wonder if he did not now follow his interpretation. In the times, as it were, paraphrased by the son of Abraham, the son mean time, we have in effect St. Paul's exposition in the Tes- of David, &c., which is capable of no such ambiguity. CHAP. XVI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 51 He also sent such presents to those that were CHAPTER XVI. there, as were in esteem, on account that they HOW ISAAC TOOK REBEKA TO WIFE. either rarely or never were seen in that country. The servant got thither not under a considerable OW when Abraham, the time; for it requires much time to pass through &-i.z, father of Isaac, had re- Mesopotamia, in which it is tedious travelling, both [I" | _t — ~. solved to take Rebeka, inwinter, for the depth of the clay, and in summer, who was grand-daugh- for want of water; and, besides this, for the robter to his brother Na- beries there committed, which are not to be avoided i hor, for a wife to his by travellers but by caution beforehand. However, son Isaac, who was then the servant came to Haran. And when he was in the - about forty years old, suburbs, he met a considerable number of maidens he sent the ancientest going to the water; he therefore prayed to God that of his servants to bheroth her, after he had Rebeka might be found among them, or her whom obliged him to give him the strongest assurances Abraham sent him as his servant to espouse to his of his fidelity; which assurances were given after son, in case his will were that this marriage should the manner following: — They put each other's be consummated; and that she might be made hands under each other's thighs; then they called known to him by the sign, That while others deupon God as the witness of what was to be done. nied him water to drink, she might give it him. 2. With this intention he went to the well, and j thou be espoused," said he, "to their satisfaction, desired the maidens to give him some water to into the family of an agreeable husband, and bring drink: but while the others refused, on pretence him legitimate children." Nor did she disdain to that they wanted it all at home, and could spare satisfy his inquiries, but told him her family. none for him, one only of the company rebuked " They," says she, " call me Rebeka; my father them for their peevish behaviour towards the stran- was Bethuel, but he is dead; and Laban is my broger; and said, What is there that you will ever ther; and, together with my mother, takes care ot communicate to anybody, who have not so much all our family affairs, and is the guardian of my as given the man some water? She then offered virginity." When the servant heard this, hlie was him water in an obliging manner. And now he very glad at what had happened, and at what was began to hope that his grand affair would succeed; told him, as perceiving that God had thus plainly but desiring still to know the truth, he commended directed his journey; and producing his bracelets, her for her generosity and good nature, that she did and some other ornaments which it was esteemed not scruple to afford a sufficiency of water to those decent for virgins to wear, he gave them to the that wanted it, though it cost her some pains to damsel, by way of acknowledgment, and as a redraw it; and asked who were her parents, and ward for her kindness in giving him water to drink; wished them joy of such a daughter. "And mayst saying, it was but just that she should have them, 52 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK I. because she was so much more obliging than any inheritance being now come to him; for the chilof the rest. She desired also that he would come dren by Keturah' were gone to their own remote and lodge with them, since the approach of the habitations. night gave him not time to proceed farther. And producing his precious ornaments for women, he said he desired to trust them to none more safely than to such as she had shown herself to be; and CHAPTER XVII. that he believed he might guess at the humanity of her mother and brother, that they would not be dis- CONCERNING THE DEATH OF ABRAHAM. pleased, from the virtue he found in her; for he would not be burdensome, but would pay the hire A LITTLE while after this Abraham died. He for his entertainment, and spend his own money. was a man of incomparable virtue, and honoured To which she replied, that he guessed right as to by God in a manner agreeable to his piety towards the humanity of her parents; but complained that him. The whole time of his life was one hundred he should think them so parsimonious as to take seventy and five years, and he was buried in Hemoney, for that he should have all on free cost. But bron, with his wife Sarah, by their sons Isaac and she said she would first inform her brother Laban, Ismael. and, if he gave her leave, she would conduct him in. 3. As soon then as this was over, she introduced the stranger; and for the camels, the servants of Laban brought them in, and took care of them; and CHAPTER XVIII. he was himself brought in to supper by Laban. CONCERNING THE SONS OF ISAAC, ESAU AND JACOB. And, after supper, he says to him, and to the mother OF THEIR NATIVITY AND EDUCATION. of the damsel, addressing himself to her, "Abraham is the son of Terah, and a kinsman of yours; 1. Now Isaac's wife proved with child, after the for Nahor, the grandfather of these children, was the death of Abraham; * and when her belly was brother of Abraham, by both father and mother; greatly burdened, Isaac was very anxious, and in. upon which account he hath sent me to you, being quired of God; who answered, that Rebeka should desirous to take this damsel for his son to wife. He bear twins; and that two nations should take the is his legitimate son, and is brought up as his only names of those sons; and that he who appeared the heir. He could indeed have had the most happy second should excel the elder. Accordingly she, of all the women in that country for him, but he in a little time, as God had foretold, bare twins; would not have his son marry any of them; but, the elder of whom, from his head to his feet, was out of regard to his own relations, he desired him very rough and hairy; but the younger took hold to match here, whose affection and inclination I of his heel as they were in the birth. Now the would not have you despise; for it was by the good father loved the elder, who was called Esau, a name pleasure of God that other accidents fell out in my agreeable to his roughness, for the Hebrews call journey, and that thereby I lighted upon your such a hairy roughness [Esau,t or] Seir; but daughter and your house; for when I was near to Jacob the younger was best beloved by his mother. the city, I saw a great many maidens coming to 2. When there was a famine in the land, Isaac a well, and I prayed that I might meet with this resolved to go into Egypt, the land there being damsel, which has come to pass accordingly. Do good; but he went to Gerar, as God commanded you therefore confirm that marriage, whose espousals him. Here Abimelech the king received him, behave been already made by a Divine appearance; cause Abraham had formerly lived with him, and and show the respect you have for Abraham, who had been his friend. And as in the beginning he hath sent me with so much solicitude, in giving your treated him exceeding kindly, so he was hindered consent to the marriage of this damsel." Upon this from continuing in the same disposition to the end, they understood it to be the will of God, and greatly by his envy at him; for when he saw that God was approved of the offer, and sent their daughter, as with Isaac, and took such great care of him, he was desired. Accordingly Isaac married her, the drove him away from him. But Isaac, when he ~ The birth of Jacob and Esau is here said to be after cording to the order of time, seems to have led Josephus into Abraham's death: it should have been after Sarah's death. this error, as Dr. Bernard observes here. The order of the narration in Genesis, not always exactly ac- t For Seir in Josephus, the coherence requires that we read Esau or Seir, which signify the same thing. CrIAP. XVIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 53 saw how envy had changed the temper of Abime- upon himself the authority, and pretending to have lech, retired to a place called the Valley, not far dominion over his own marriages, without so much from Gerar: and as he was digging a well, the as asking the advice of his father; for had Isaac shepherds fell upon him, and began to fight, in been the arbitrator, he had not given him leave order to hinder the work; and because he did not to marry thus, for he was not pleased with contractdesire to contend, the shepherds seemed to get the ing any alliance with the people of that country; better of him, so he still retired, and dug another but not caring to be uneasy to his son by coinwell; and when certain other shepherds of Abime- manding him to put away these wives, he resolved lech's began to offer him violence, he left that also, to be silent. and still retired, thus purchasing security to himself 5. But when he was old, and could not see at all, by a rational and prudent conduct. At length the he called Esau to him, and told him, that besides king gave him leave to dig a well without disturb- his blindness, and the disorder of his eyes, his very ance. He named this well Rehoboth, which denotes old age hindered him from his worship of God [by a larye space; but of the former wells, one was sacrifice]; he bid him therefore to go out a hunting, called Escon, which denotes strife, the other Sitenna, and when he had caught as much venison as he which name signifies enmity. could, to prepare him a supper,* that after this he 3. It was now that Isaac's affairs increased, and might make supplication to God, to be to him a his power was in a flourishing condition; and this supporter and an assister during the whole time of from his great riches. But Abimelech, thinking his life; saying, that it was uncertain when he Isaac throve in opposition to him, while their living should die, and that he was desirous, by prayers for together made them suspicious of each other, and him, to procure, beforehand, God to be merciful Isaac's retiring showing a secret enmity also, he to him. was afraid that his former friendship with Isaac 6. Accordingly, Esau went out a hunting. But would not secure him, if Isaac should endeavour Rebekat thinking it proper to have the supplicato revenge the injuries he had formerly offered him; tion made for obtaining the favour of God to Jacob, he therefore renewed his friendship with him, and and that without the consent of Isaac, bid him kill brought with him Philoc, one of his generals. And kids of the goats, and prepare a supper. So Jacob when he had obtained every thing he desired, by obeyed his mother, according to all her instructions. reason of Isaac's good nature, who preferred the Now when the supper was got ready, he took a earlier friendship Abimelech had shown to himself goat's skin, and put it about his arm, that by reason and his father to his later wrath against him, he of its hairy roughness, he might by his father be returned home. believed to be Esau; for they being twins, and in 4. Now when Esau, one of the sons of Isaac, all things else alike, differed only in this thing. whom the father principally loved, was now come This was done out of his fear, that before his father to the age of forty years, he married Adah, the had made his supplications, he should be caught in daughter of Helon, and Aholibamah, the daugh- his evil practice, and lest he should, on the conter of Esebeon; which Helon and Esebeon were trary, provoke his father to curse him. So he great lords among the Canaanites: thereby taking brought in the supper to his father. Isaac perceive * The supper of savoury meat, as we call it, Gen. xxvii. 4, providential; and according to what Rebeka knew to be the to be caught by hunting, was intended plainly for a festival or a purpose of God, when he answered her inquiry, " before the sacrifice; and upon the prayers that were frequent at sacri- children were born," Gen. xxv. 23, "that one people should fices, Isaac expected, as was then usual in such eminent cases, be stronger than the other people; and the elder, Esau, should that a Divine impulse would come upon him, in order to the serve the younger, Jacob." Whether Isaac knew or remeinsolemn blessing of his son there present, and his foretelling his bered this old oracle, delivered in our cdpies only to Rebeka; future behaviour and fortune. Whence it must be, that when or whether, if he knew and remembered it, he did not endeaIsaac had unwittingly blessed Jacob, and was afterwards made vour to alter the Divine determination, out of his fondness for sensible of his mistake, yet did he not attempt to alter it, how his elder and worser son Esau, to the damage of his younger and earnestly soever his affection for Esau might incline him to better son Jacob, as Josephus elsewhere supposes, Antiq. B. wish it might be altered, because he knew that this blessing II. ch. vii. sect. 3; I cannot certainly say. If so, this might came not from himself, but from God, and that an alteration tempt Rebeka to contrive, and Jacob to put this imposition was out of his power. A second afflatus then came upon him, upon him. However, Josephus says here, that it was Isaac, and enabled him to foretell Esau's future behaviour and for- and not Rebeka, who inquired of God at first, and received tune also. the forementioned oracle, sect. 1; which, if it be the true t Whether Jacob or his mother Rebeka were most blamable reading, renders Isaac's procedure more inexcusable. Nor in this imposition upon Isaac inhis old age, I cannot determine. was it probably any thing else that so much encouraged Esau However, the blessing being delivered as a prediction of future formerly to marry two Canaanitish wives, without his parents' events, by a Divine impulse, and foretelling things to befall to consent, as Isaac's unhappy fondness for him. the posterity of Jacob and Esau in future ages, was for certain 54 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Booic L ing, by the peculiarity of his voice, who he was, called his son to him, who gave him his hand, which CHAPTER XIX. was covered with the goat's skin. When Isaac felt CONCERNING JACOB'S FLIGHT INTO MESOPOTAMIA, BY that, he said, " Thy voiceis like the voice of Jacobj EASON OF THE FEAR HE WAS IN OF HIS BROTAIER. yet, because of the thickness of thy hair, thou seemest to be Esau." So suspecting no deceit, he ate 1. Now Jacob was sent by his mother to Methe supper, and betook himself to his prayers and sopotamia, in order to marry Laban her brother's intercessions with God; and said, " O Lord of all daughter (which marriage was permitted by Isaac, ages, and Creator of all substance; for it was thou on account of his obsequiousness to the desires of that didst propose to my father great plenty of good his wife); and he accordingly journeyed through things, and hast vouchsafed to bestow on me what I the land of Canaan; and because he hated the peohave; and hast promised to my posterity to be their ple of that country, he would not lodge with any of kind supporter, and to bestow on them still greater them, but took up his lodging in the open air, and blessings; do thou therefore confirm these thy pro- laid his head on a heap of stones that he had gathered mises, and do not overlook me, because of my pre- together. At which time he saw in his sleep such sent weak condition, on account of which I most a vision standing by him: —he seemed to see a ladearnestly pray to thee. Be gracious to this my son; der that reached from the earth unto heaven, and and preserve him and keep him from every thing persons descending upon the ladder that seemed that is evil. Give him a happy life, and the pos- more excellent than human; and at last God himsession of as many good things as thy power is self stood above it, and was plainly visible to him, able to bestow. Make him terrible to his enemies, who, calling him by his name, spake to him in these and honourable and beloved among his friends."' words:7. Thus did Isaac pray to God, thinking his 2. " O Jacob, it is not fit for thee, who art the prayers had been made for Esau. He had but just son of a good father, and grandson of one who had finished them, when Esau came in from hunting. obtained a' great reputation for his eminent virtue, And when Isaac perceived his mistake, he was to be dejected at thy present circumstances, but to silent: but Esau required that he might be made hope for better times, for thou shalt have great partaker of the like blessing from his father that his abundance of all good things, by my assistance: for brother had partook of; but his father refused it, I brought Abraham hither, out of Mesopotamia, because all his prayers had been spent upon Jacob: when he was driven away by his kinsmen, and I so Esau lamented the mistake. However, his father made thy father a happy man, nor will I bestow a being grieved at his weeping, said, that " he should lesser degree of happiness on thyself: be of good excel in hunting and strength of body, in arms, and courage, therefore, and under my conduct proceed all such sorts of work; and should obtain glory for on this thy journey, for the marriage thou goest ever on those accounts, he and his posterity after so zealously about shall be consummated. And him; but still should serve his brother." thou shalt have children of good characters, but 8. Now the mother delivered Jacob, when she their multitude shall be innumerable; and they shall was afraid that his brother would inflict some pun- leave what they have to a still more numerous posishment upon him because of the mistake about the terity, to whom, and to whose posterity, I give the prayers of Isaac; for she persuaded her husband to dominion of all the land, and their posterity shall take a wife for Jacob out of Mesopotamia, of her fill the entire earth and sea, so far as the sun beholds own kindred, Esau having married already Basem- them: but do not thou fear any danger, nor be afraid math, the daughter of Ismael, without his father's of the many labours thou must undergo, for by my consent; for Isaac did not like the Canaanites, so providence I will direct thee what thou art to do in that he disapproved of Esau's former marriages, the time present, and still much more in the time to which made him take Basemmath to wife, in order come." to please him; and indeed he had a great affection 3. Such were the predictions which God made to for her. Jacob; whereupon he became very joyful at what he had seen and heard; and he poured oil on the stones, because on them the prediction of such great benefits was made. He also vowed a vow, that he would offer sacrifices upon them, if he lived and returned safe; and if he came again in such a condition, he would give the tithe of what he had gotten to God. He also judged the place to be honour. CHAP. XIX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 55 able, and gave it the name of Bethel, which, in the him, she said that " he brought the most desirable Greek, is interpreted, The.House of God. and greatest pleasures to her father, with all their 4. So he proceeded on his journey to Mesopo- family, who was always mentioning his mother, and tamia, and at length came to Haran; and meeting always thinking of her, and her alone; and that with shepherds in the suburbs, with boys grown this will make thee equal in his eyes to any adup, and maidens sitting about a certain well, he vantageous circumstances whatsoever." Then she staid with them, as wanting water to drink; and bid him go to her father, and follow her while she beginning to discourse with them, he asked them conducted him to him; and not to deprive him of whether they knew such a one as Laban, and such a pleasure, by staying any longer away from whether he was still alive. Now they all said they him. knew him, for he was not so inconsiderable a person 6. When she had said thus, she brought him to as to be unknown to any of them; and that his Laban; and being owned by his uncle, he was daughter fed her father's flock together with them; secure himself, as being among his friends; and he and that indeed they wondered that she was not yet brought a great deal of pleasure to them by his uncome, for by her means thou mightest learn more expected coming. But a little while afterward, exactly whatever thou desirest to know about that Laban told him that he could not express in words family. While they were saying this the damsel the joy he had at his coming; but still he inquired came, and the other shepherds that came down along of him the occasion of his coming, and why he left with her. Then they showed her Jacob, and told his aged mother and father, when they wanted to her that he was a stranger, who came to inquire be taken care of by him; and that he would afford about her father's affairs. But she, as pleased, after him all the assistance he wanted. Then Jacob gave the custom of children, with Jacob's coming, asked him an account of the whole occasion of his journey, him who he was, and whence he came to them, and and told him, " that Isaac had two sons that were what it was he lacked that he came thither. She twins, himself and Esau; who, because he failed of also wished it might be in their power to supply the his father's prayers, which by his mother's wisdom wants he came about. were put up for him, sought to kill him, as deprived 5. But Jacob was quite overcome, not so much of the kingdom* which was to be given him of by their kindred, nor by that affection which might God, and of the blessings for which their father arise thence, as by his love to the damsel, and his prayed; and that this was the occasion of his coming surprise at her beauty, which was so flourishing, as hither, as his mother had commanded him to do: few of the, women of that age could vie with. He for we are all (says he) brethren one to another; said then, "There is a relation between thee and but our mother esteems an alliance with your me, elder than either thy or my birth, if thou be family more than she does one with the families of the daughter of Laban; for Abraham was the son of the country; so I look upon yourself and God to Terah, as well as Haran and Nahor. Of the last be the supporters of my travels, and think myself of whom (Nahor) Bethuel thy grandfather was the safe in my present circumstances." son. Isaac my father was the son of Abraham and 7. Now Laban promised to treat him with grea of Sarah, who was the daughter of Haran. But humanity, both on account of his ancestors, and there is a nearer and later cement of mutual kindred particularly for the sake of his mother, towards which we bear to one another, for my mother Rebeka whom, he said, he would show his kindness, even was sister to Laban thy father, both by the same though she were absent, by taking care of him; father and mother; I therefore. and thou are cousin- for he assured him he would make him the head germans. And I am now come to salute you, and shepherd of his flock, and give him authority suffito renew that affinity which is proper between us." cient for that purpose; and when he should have Upon this the damsel, at the mention of Rebeka, as a mind to return to his parents, he would send him usually happens to young persons, wept, and that back with presents, and this in as honouriable a out of the kindness she had for her father, and em- manner as the nearness of their relation shoild rebraced Jacob, she having learned an account of quire. This Jacob heard gladly; and said he would Rebeka from her father, and knew that her parents willingly, and with pleasure, undergo any sort of loved to hear her named; and when she had saluted pains while he tarried with him, but desired Rachel * By this " deprivation of the kingdom that was to be given therefore was to be born of his posterity whom Isaac.should so Esau of God," as the first-born, it appears that Josephus bless. Jacob therefore by obtaining this blessing of the firstthought that a "kingdom to be derived from God " was due to born, became the genuine heir of that kingdom, in opposition him whom Isaac should bless as his first-born, which I take to to Esau. be that kingdom which was expected under the Messiah, who 56 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK I. to wife, as the reward of those pains, who was not ciled to her, she named her son Reubel, because Dnly on other accounts esteemed by him, but also God had had mercy Cpon her, in giving her a because she was the means -of his coming to him; son, for that is the signification of this name. After for he said he was forced by the love of the damsel some time she bare three more sons; Simeon, which to make this proposal. Laban was well pleased name signifies that God had hearkened to her with this agreement, and consented to give the dam- prayer. Then she bare Levi, the confirmer of sel to him, as not desirous to meet with any better their friendship. After him was born Judah, which son-in-law; and said he would do this, if he would denotes thanksgiving. But Rachel, fearing lest the stay with him some time, for he was not willing to fruitfulness of her sister should make herself enjoy send his daughter to be among the Canaanites, for a lesser share of Jacob's affections, put to bed to he repented of the alliance he had made already by him her handmaid Bilha; by whom Jacob had marrying his sister there. And when Jacob had Dan: one may interpret that name into the Greek given his' consent to this, he agreed to stay seven tongue, a Divinejudgment. And after him Nephyears'; for so many years he had resolved to serve thalim, as it were, unconquerable in stratagems, his father-in-law, that, having given a specimen of since Rachel tried to conquer the fruitfilness of her his virtue, it might be better known what sort of a sister by this stratagem. Accordingly, Lea took man he was. And Jacob, accepting of his terms, the same method, and used a counter-stratagem to after the time was over, he made the wedding-feast; that of her sister; for she put to bed to him her and when it was night, without Jacob's perceiving own handmaid. Jacob therefored'had by Zilpha a it, he put his other daughter into bed to him, who son, whose name was Gad, which may be interwas both elder than Rachel, and of no comely coun- preted fortune; and after him Asher, which may tenance: Jacob lay with her that night, as being be called a happy man, because he added glory to both in drink and in the dark. However, when Lea. Now Reubel, the eldest son of Lea, brought it was day, he knew what had been done to him; apples of mandrakes-t to his mother. When Rachel and he reproached Laban for his unfair proceeding saw them, she desired that she would give her the with him; who asked pardon for that necessity apples, for she longed to eat them; but when she which forced him to do what he did; for he did not refused, and bid her be content that she had degive him Lea out of any ill design, but as overcome prived her of the benevolence she ought to have by another greater necessity: that, notwithstanding had from her husband, Rachel, in order to mitigate this, nothing should hinder him from marrying her sister's anger, said she would yield her husband Rachel; but that when he had served another seven to her; and he should lie with her that evening. years, he would give him her whom he loved. Jacob She accepted of the favour, and Jacob slept with submitted to this condition, for his love to the dam- Lea, by the favour of Rachel. She bare then these sel did not permit him to do otherwise; and when sons: Issachar, denoting one born by hire; and another seven years were gone, he took Rachel to Zabulon, one born as a pledge of benevolence towife. rwards her; and a daughter, Dina. After some time 8. Now each of these had handmaids, by their Rachel had a son, named Joseph, which signified father's donation. Zilpha was handmaid to Lea, there should be another added to him. and Bilha to Rachel; by no means slaves,* but 9. Now Jacob fed the flocks of Laban his fatherhowever subject to their mistresses. Now Lea in-law all this time, beingtwenty years, afterwhich was sorely troubled at her husband's love to her he desired leave of his father-in-law to take his sister; and she expected she should be better wives and go home; but when his father-in-law esteemed if she bare him children: so she entreated would not give him leave, he contrived to do it God perpetually.; and when she had borne a son, secretly. He made trial therefore of the disposition and her husband was on that account better recon- of his wives what they thought of this journey; * Here we haye the difference between slaves for life and prophecies at their deaths, see the Testaments of these twelve servants, tuch as we now hire for a time agreed upon on both patriarchs, still preserved at large in the Authent. Rec. Part sides;:and' dismiss agaisi after -the time contracted for is over, I. p. 294-443. which are no slaves, kUt- free nmen and free women. Aco'rd t I formerly explained these mandrakes, as we, with the ingly, when the Apostolical Cqnstitutiops fOrbid. clergyarp to Septuagint,.and Josephus, render the Hebrew word Dudaim, marry perpetual serva.ts or slaves, B. YV. ~h. xyii., it is meant of the Syrian Maux, with Ludolphus, Authent. Rec. Part I. only of the former sort; as we learn elsewhere from the same p. 420; but have since seen such a very probable account in Constitutions, ch, xlvii. a.:LXXXII. put concerning these M. S. uf my learned friend Mr. Samuel Barker, of what we twelve sons of Jacob, the reasons of their several names, and still call mandrakeg., and -their description by the ancient the times of their several births in the intervals here assigned, naturalists and physiians, as inclines me to think these here their several excellelt characters, their several faults and re- mentioned were really.a dzeakes, and no other. pentance, the several accidents of their lives, with their several 7 /'/ CHAP. XIX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 57 when they appeared glad, and approved of it. but that he had made it natural to all men; and Rachel took along with her the images of the gods, that therefore it was but reasonable that, after so which, according to their laws, they used to wor- long time, he should go back to it. " But as to ship in their own country, and ran' away together the prey, of whose driving away thou accusest me, with her sister. The children also of them both, if any other person were the arbitrator, thou wouldst and the handmaids, and what possessions they had, be found in the wrong; for instead of those thanks went along with them. Jacob also drove away half I ought to have had from thee, for both keeping thy the cattle, without letting Laban know of it before- cattle, and increasing them, how is it that thou art hand. But the reason why Rachel took the images unjustly angry at me because I have taken, and of the gods, although Jacob had taught her to de- have with me, a small portion of them? But then, spise such worship of those gods, was this, That in as to thy daughters, take notice, that it is not case they were pursued, and taken by her father, through any evil practices of mine that they follow she might have recourse to these images, in order me in my return home, but from that just affection to obtain his pardon. which wives naturally have to their husbands. They 10. But Laban, after one day's time, being ac- follow therefore not so properly myself as their own quainted with Jacob's and his daughters' departure, children." And thus far of his apology was made, was much troubled, and pursued after them, leading in order to clear himself of having acted unjustly. a band of men with him; and on the seventh day To which he added his own complaint and accusation overtook them, and found them resting on a certain of Laban; saying, " Wrhile I was, thy sister's son, hill; and then indeed he did not meddle with them, and thou hadst given me thy daughters in marriage, for it was even-tide; but God stood by him in a thou hast worn me out with thy harsh commands, dream, and warned him to receive his son-in-law and detained me twenty years under them. That and his daughters in a peaceable manner; and not indeed which was required in order to my marrying to venture upon any thing rashly, or in wrath to thy daughters, hard as it was, I own to have been them, but to make a league with Jacob. And he tolerable; but as to those that were put upon me told him, that if he despised their small number, after those marriages, they were worse, and such and attacked them in a hostile manner, he would indeed as an enemy would have avoided." For himself assist them. When Laban had been thus certainly Laban had used Jacob very ill; for when forewarned by God, he called Jacob to him the he saw that God was assisting to Jacob in all that next day, in order to treat with him, and showed he desired, he promised him, that of the young him what dream he had; in dependence whereupon cattle which should be born, he should have somehe came confidently to him, and began to accuse times what was of a white colour, and sometimes him, alleging that he had.entertained him when he what should be of a black colour; but when those was poor, and in want of all things, and had given that came to Jacob's share proved numerous, he did him plenty of all things which he had. " For," not keep his faith with him, but said he would give said he, " I have joined my daughters to thee in them to him the next year, because of his envying marriage, and supposed that thy kindness to me him the multitude of his possessions. He promised would be greater than before; but thou hast had him as before, because he thought such an increase no regard to either thy mother's relations to me, was not to be expected; but when it appeared to be nor to the affinity now newly contracted between fact, he deceived him. us; nor to those wives whom thou hast mar- 11. But then, as to the sacred images, he bid him ried; nor to those children, of whom I am the search for them; and when Laban accepted of the grandfather. Thou hast treated me as an enemy, offer, Rachel, being informed of it, put those images by driving away my cattle, and by persuading my into that camel's saddle on which she rode, and sat daughters to run away from their father; and by upon it; and said, that her natural purgation bincarrying home those sacred paternal images which dered her rising up: so Laban left off searching any were worshipped by my forefathers, and have been further, not supposing that his daughter in such honoured with the like worship which they payed circumstances would approach to those images. So them by myself. In short, thou hast done this he made a league with Jacob, and bound it by oaths, whilst thou art my kinsman, and my sister's son, that he would not bear him any malice onl account and the husband of my daughters, and was hos- of what had happened; and Jacob made the like pitably treated by me, and didst eat at my table." league, and promised to love Laban's daughters. When Laban had said this, Jacob made his de- And these leagues they confirmed with oaths also, fence: That he was not the only person in whom which they made upon certain mountains, whereon God had implanted the love of his native country, they erected a pillar, in the form of a altar: -whence I 58 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS: Boot'I.'that hill is called Gilead; and from thence they one after another, they might appear to be more call that land the Land of Gilead at this day. Now numerous, that Esau might remit of his anger on when they had feasted, after the making of the account of these presents, if he were still in a passion. league, Laban returned home. Instructions were also given to those that were sent to speak gently to him. 2. When'Jacob had made these appointments all the day, and night'came on, he moved on with his company; and, as they were gone over a certain'CHAPTER XX. river called Jabboc, Jacob was left behind; and meeting with an angel, he wrestled with him, the angel beginning the struggle! but he prevailed 1. Now as Jacob was proceeding on his journey over the angel, who used a voice, and spake to him to the land of Canaan, anhgels appeared to him, and in words, exhorting him to be pleased with what suggested to him good hope of his future condition, had happened to him, and not to suppose that his and that place he named the Camp of God. And victory was a small one, but that he had overcome a being desirous of knowing what his brother's inten- divine angel, and to esteem the victory as a sign of tions were to him, he sent messengers, to give him great blessings that should come to him, and that an exact account of every thing, as being afraid, his offspring should never fail, and that no man on account of the enmities between them. He should be too hard for his power. IHe also comcharged those that were sent, to -say to Esau, "' Jacob manded him to be called Israel, which in the had thought it wrong to live together with him while 1Hebrew tongue signifies one that struggled nqith he was in anger against him, and so had gone out the divine angel.* These promises were made at of the country; and that he now, thinking the the prayer of Jacob; for when he perceived him to length of time of his absence must have made up be the angel of God, he desired he would:signify to their differences, was returning; that he brought him what should befall him hereafter. And when with him his Wives, and his childten, with what the angel had said what is before related, he possessions he had gotten; and delivered himself, disappeared; but Jacob was pleased with these with what was most dear to him, into his hands; things, and named the place Phanuel, which siganid should think it his greatest happiness to partake nifies, the face of God. Now when he felt together with his brother of what God had bestowed pain, by this struggling, upon his broad sinew, he upon him." So these messengers told him this abstained from eating that sinew himself afterward; message. Upon which Esau was very glad, and, and for his sake it is still not eaten by us. met his brother with four hundred men. And 3. When Jacob understood that his brother was Jacob, when he heard,that he was coming to meet near, he ordered his wives to go before, each by him with -such a number of men, was greatly'afraid: herself, with the handmaids, that they might see however, he committed his hope of deliverance to'the actions of the men as they were fighting, if God; and considered how, in his present circum- Esau were so disposed. He then went up to his standes, he might preserve himself and those that brother Esau, and bowed down to him, who had were With him, and overcome his enemies if they no evil design upon him, but saluted him; and attacked him injuriously. Hetherefore distributed asked him about the company of the children and his company into parts; some he sent before the of the women; and desired, when he had underrest, and thee others he ordered to come close behind, stood all he wanted to know about them, that he that so, if the first were overpowered when his Would go along with him to their father; but Jacob brother attacked them, they might have those that pretending that the cattle were weary, Esau refollowed as a refuge to flyunto. And when he had'turned to Seir, for there was his place of habitaput his company in this order, he sent some of them tion, he having named the place Roughness, from to carry presents to his brother. The presents were his own hairy roughness. made up of cattle, and a great number of four-footed beasts, of many kinds, such as would be very:acceptable to those that received them, on account of their rarity.'Those who were sent went at certain intervals of space asunder, that, by following thick " Perhaps this may be the'proper meaning of the word Israel,' the first century, in Egypt and elsewhere, interpreted Israel t6 by the present and the old Jerusalem analogy of the Hebrew be a man seeing God, as is evident from the argument fores tongie. In'the mean'time, It'-is eeta:'mth'a thb'li:eienists &f citi. CHA.r. XXI. XXII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 59 sacrifices which he had vowed to offer when' he CHAPTER XXI. went first into Mesopotamia, and saw his vision. As he was therefore purifying his followers, he CONCERNING THE VIOLATION OF DINA S CHASTITY. lighted upon the gods of Laban; (for he did not be1. HEREUPON Jacob came to the place, till this fore know they were stolen by Rachel;) and he hid day called Tents (Succoth); from whence he went them in the earth, under an oak, in Shechem. And to Shechem, which is a city of the Canaanites. departing thence, he offered sacrifice at Bethel, the Now as the Shechemites were keeping a festival, place where he saw his dream, when he went first Dina, who was the only daughter of Jacob, went into Mesopotamia. into the city to see the finery of the women of that 3. And when he was gone thence, and was come country. But when Shechem, the son of Hamor over against Ephrata, he there buried Rachel, who the king, saw her, he defiled her by violence; and died in child-bed: she was the only one of Jacob's being greatly in love with her, desired of his father kindred that had not the honour of burial at Hebron. that he would procure the damsel to him for a wife. And when he had mourned for her a great while, he To which desire he condescended, and came to called the son that was born of her Benjamin,t beJacob, desiring him to give leave that his son cause of the sorrow the mother had with him. These Shechem might, according to law, marry Dina. are all the children of Jacob, twelve males and one But Jacob, not knowing how to deny the desire of female.-Of them eight were legitimate, viz. six of one of such great dignity, and yet not thinking Lea, and two of Rachel; and four were of the handit lawful to marry his daughter to a stranger, en- maids, two of each; all whose names have been set treated him to give him leave to have a consulta- down already. tion about what he desired him to do, So the king went away, in hopes that Jacob would grant him this marriage. But Jacob informed his sons of the defilement of their sister, and of the address of Hamor; and desired them to give their advice CHAPTER XXII. what they should do. Upon this, the greatest HOW ISAAC DIED, AND WAS BURIED IN HEBRON, part said nothing, not knowing what advice to give. But Simeon and Levi, the brethren of the damsel FROM thence Jacob came to Hebron, a city situate by the same mother, agreed between themselves among the Canaanites; and there it was that Isaac upon the action following: It being now the time lived: and so they lived together for a little while; of a festival, when the Shechemites were employed for as to Rebeka, Jacob did not find her alive. in ease and feasting, they fell upon the watch when Isaac also died not long after the coming of his son; they were asleep, and, coming into the city, slew all and was buried by his sons, with his wife, in Hethe males; as also the king, and his son, with them; bron, where they had a monument belonging to but spared the women. And when they had done them from their forefathers. Now Isaac was a man this without their father's consent, they brought who was beloved of God, and was vouchsafed great away their sister. instances of providence by God, after Abraham his 2. Now while Jacob was astonished at the great- father, and lived to be exceeding old; for when he ness of this act, and was severely blaming his sons had lived virtuously one hundred and eighty-five for it, God stood by him, and bid him be of good years, he then died. courage; but to purify his tents, and to offer those Of this slaughter of the Shechemites by Simeon and Levi, him Benjamin, Gen. xxxv. 18. As for Benjamin, as comsee Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 309, 418, 432-439. But why Jo- monly explained, the son of the right hand, it makes no sense sephus has omitted the circumcision of these Shechemites, as at all, and seems to be a gross modern error only. The Samathe occasion of their death; and of Jacob's great grief, as in ritan always writes this name truly Benjamin, which probably the Testament of Levi, sect. 5; I cannot tell. is here of the same signification, only with the Chaldee ter. t Since Benoni signifies the son of my sorrow, and Benja- mination in, instead of imn in the Hebrew; as we pronounce min the son of days, or one born in the father's old age, Gen. cherubin or cherubim indifferently. Accordingly, both the xliv. 20, Isuspect Josephus's preselt copiestobe hereimperfect, Testament of Benjamin, sect. 2, p. 401, and Philo de Nomiand suppose that, in correspondence to other copies, he wrote nurs Mutatione, p. 1059, write the name Benjamin, but ex. that Rachel called her son's name Benoni, but his father called plain it not the son of the right hand, but the son of days. 60( ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOx I. BOOK II. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS. FROM THE DEATH OF ISAAC TO THE EXODUS OUT OF EGYPT. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. HOW ESAU AND JACOB, ISAAC'S SONS, DIVIDED THEIR HOW JOSEPH, THE YOUNGEST OF JACOB S SONS, WAS HABITATION; AND ESAU POSSESSED IDUMEA, AND ENVIED BY HIS BRETHREN, WHEN CERTAIN DREAMS JACOB CANAAN. HAD FORESHOWN HIS FUTURE HAPPINESS. 1. AFTER the death of Isaac, his sons divided 1. IT happened that Jacob came to so great haptheir habitations respectively; nor did they retain piness as rarely any other person had arrived at. He what they had before; but Esau departed from the was richer than the rest of the inhabitants of that city of Hebron, and left it to his brother, and dwelt country; and was at once envied and admired for such in Seir, and ruled over Idumea. He called the virtuous sons, for they were deficient in nothing, country by that name from himself, for he was but were of great souls, both for labouring with named Adom; which appellation he got on. the fol- their hands and enduring of toil; and shrewd also lowing occasion:-One day returning from the toil in understanding. And God exercised such a proof hunting very hungry, (it was when he was a child vidence over him, and such a care of his happiness, in age,) he lighted on his brother when he was as to bring him the greatest blessings, even out of getting ready lentile-pottage for his dinner, which what appeared to be the most sorrowful condition; was of a very red colour; on which account he the and to make him the cause of our forefathers' demore earnestly longed for it, and desired him to parture out of Egypt, him and his posterity. The give him some of it to eat: but he made advantage occasion was this:-W-Vhen Jacob had his son Joseph of his brother's hunger, and forced him to resign up born to him by Rachel, his father loved him above to him his birthright; and he, being pinched with the rest of his sons, both because of the beauty of famine, resigned it up to him, under an oath. his body, and the virtues of his mind, for he exWhence it came, that, on account of the redness of celled the rest in prudence. This affection of his this pottage, he was, in way of jest, by his contem- father excited the envy and the hatred of his breporaries, called.Adom, for the Hebrews call what is thren; as did also his dreams which he saw, and red.Adom; and this was the name given to the related to his father, and to them, which foretold country; but the Greeks gave it a more agreeable his future happiness, it being usual with mankind pronunciation, and named it Idumea. to envy their very nearest relations such their pros2. He became the father of five sons; of whom perity. Now the visions which Joseph saw in his Jaus, and Jalomus, and Coreus, were by one wife, sleep were these: whose name was Alibama; but of the rest, Aliphaz 2. WVhen they were in the middle of harvest, and was born to him by Ada, and Raguel by Basemmath: Joseph was sent by his father, with his brethren, to and these were the sons of Esau. Aliphaz had five gather the fruits of the earth, he saw a vision in a legitimate sons; Theman, Omer, Saphus, Gotham, dream, but greatly exceeding the customary apand Kanaz; for Amalek was not legitimate, but by pearances that come when we are asleep; which, a concubine, whose name was Thamna. These when he was got up, he told his brethren, that they dwelt in that part of Idumea which is called Ge- might judge what it portended. He said, he balitis, and that denominated from Amalek, Ama- saw the last night, that his wheat-sheaf stood still lekitis; for Idumea was a large country, and did in the place where he set it, but that their sheaves then preserve the name of the whole, while in its ran to bow down to it, as servants bow down to several parts it kept the names of its peculiar in- their masters. But as soon as they perceived the habitants. vision foretold that he should obtain power and great wealth, and that his power should be in opposition to them, they gave no interpretation of it to Joseph, as if the dream were not by them understood: but they prayed that no part of what they Cnapr. III. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 61 suspected to be its meaning might come to pass; and they bare a still greater hatred to him on that CHAPTER III. account. HOW JOSEPH WAS THUS SOLD BY HIS BRETHREN INTO 3. But God, in opposition to their envy, sent a EGYPT, BY REASON OF THEIR HATRED TO HIM; AND second vision to Joseph, which was much more HOW HE THERE GREW FAMOUS AND ILLUSTRIOUS wonderful than the former; for it seemed to him AND HAD HIS BRETHREN UNDER HIS POWER. that the sun took with him the moon, and the rest of the stars, and came down to the earth, and 1. Now these brethren rejoiced as soon as they bowed down to him. He told the vision to his saw their brother coming to them, not indeed as at father, and that, as suspecting nothing of ill-will the presence of a near relation, or as at the prefrom his brethren, when they were there also, and de- sence of one sent by their father, but as at the presired him to interpret what it should signify. Now sence of an enemy, and one that by Divine ProJacob was pleased with the dream: for, considering vidence was delivered into their hands; and they the prediction in his mind, and shrewdly and wisely already resolved to kill him, and not let slip the guessing at its meaning, he rejoiced at the great opportunity that lay before them. But when Reuthings thereby signified, because it declared the bel, the eldest of them, saw them thus disposed, future happiness of his son; and that, by the and that they had agreed together to execute their blessing of God, the time would come when lie purpose, he tried to restrain them, showing them should be honoured, and thought worthy of worship the heinous enterprise they were going about, and by his parents and brethren, as guessing that the the horrid nature of it; that this action would apmoon and sun were like his mother and father; the pear wicked in the sight of God, and impious beformer, as she that gave increase and nourishment fore men, even though they should kill one not to all things; and the latter, he that gave form and related to them; but much more flagitious and deother powers to them; and that the stars were like testable to appear to have slain their own brother, his brethren, since they were eleven in number, as by which act the father must be treated unjustly in were the stars that receive their power from the the son's slaughter, and the mother* also be in sun and moon. perplexity while she laments that her son is taken 4. And thus did Jacob make a judgment of this away from her, and this not in a natural way neivision, and that a shrewd one also. But these in- ther. So he entreated them to have a regard to terpretations caused very great grief to Joseph's their own consciences, and wisely to consider what brethren; and they were affected to him hereupon mischief would betide them upon the death of so as if he were a certain stranger, that was to have good a child, and their youngest brother; that they those good things which were signified by the dreams, would also fear God, who was already both a specand not as one that was a brother, with whom it tator and a witness of the designs they had against was probable they should be joint-partakers; and their brother; that he would love them if they abas they had been partners in the same parentage, so stained from this act, and yielded to repentance and should they be of the same happiness. They also amendment; but in case they proceeded to do the resolved to kill the lad; and having fully ratified fact, all sorts of punishments would overtake them that intention of theirs, as soon as their collection from God for this murder of their brother, since they of the fruits was over, they went to Shechem, which polluted his providence, which was every where is a country good for feeding of cattle, and for present, and which did not overlook what was done, pasturage; there they fed their flocks, without ac- either in deserts or in cities; for wheresoever a quainting their father with their removal thither; man is, there ought he to suppose that God is also. whereupon he had melancholy suspicions about He told them further, that their consciences would them, as being ignorant of his- sons' condition, and be their enemies, if they attempted to go through so receiving no messenger from the flocks that could wicked an enterprise, which they can never avoid, inform him of the true state they were in; so, be- whether it be a good conscience, or whether it be cause he was in great fear about them, he sent such a one as they will have within them when Joseph to the flocks, to learn the circumstances his once they have killed their brother. He also added brethren were in, and to bring him word how they this besides to what he had before said, that it was did. not a righteous thing to kill a brother, though he had injured them; that it is a good thing to forget * We may here observe, that in correspondence to Joseph's Josephus represents her here as still alive after she was dead, second dream, which implied that his mother, who was then for the decorum of the dream that foretold it, as the interpretalive as welt as his father, should come and bow down to him, ation of the dream does also in all our copies, Gen. xxxvii. 10. 62 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK II. the actions of such near friends, even in things freed from this barbarous action. This, therefore, wherein they might seem to have offended; but was resolved ox; so they drew Joseph up out of that they were going to kill Joseph, who had been the pit, and sold him to the merchants for twenty guilty of nothing that was ill towards them, in whose pounds.* He was now seventeen years old. But case the infirmity of his small age should rather pro- Reubel, coming in the night-time to the pit, resolved cure him mercy, and move them to unite together to save Joseph, without the privity of his brethren; in the care of his preservation. That the cause of and when, upon his calling to him, he made no killing him made the act itself much worse, while answer, he was afraid that they had destroyed him they determined to take him off out of envy at his after he was gone; of which he complained to his future prosperity, an equal share of which they brethren; but when they had told him what they would naturally partake while he enjoyed it, since had done, Reubel left off his mourning. they were to him not strangers, but the nearest rela- 4. WThen Joseph's brethren had done thus to tions, for they might reckon upon what God be- him, they considered what they should do to escape stowed upon Joseph as their own; and that it was the suspicions of their father. Now they had taken fit for them to believe, that the anger of God would away from Joseph the coat which he had on when for this cause be more severe upon them, if they he came to them at the time they let him down slew him who was judged by God to be worthy of into the pit; so they thought proper to tear that that prosperity which was to be hoped for; and coat to pieces, and to dip it into goats' blood, and then while, by murdering him, they made it impossible to carry it and show it to their father, that he might for God to bestow it upon him. believe he was destroyed by wild beasts. And 2. Reubel said these and many other things, and when they had so done, they came to the old man, used entreaties to them, and thereby endeavoured to but this not till what had happened to his son had divert them from the murder of their brother. But already come to his knowledge. Then they said when he saw that his discourse had not mollified that they had not seen Joseph, nor knew what them at all, and that they made haste to do the fact, mishap had befallen him; but that they had found he advised them to alleviate the wickedness they his coat bloody and torn to pieces, whence they were going about, in the manner of taking Joseph had a suspicion that he had fallen among wild off; for as he had exhorted them first, when they beasts, and so perished, if that was the coat he had were going to revenge themselves, to be dissuaded on when he came from home. Now Jacob had from doing it; so, since the sentence for killing their before some better hopes that his son was only brother had prevailed, he said that they would not, made a captive; but now he laid aside that notion, however, be so grossly guilty, if they would be per- and supposed that this coat was an evident argusuaded to follow his present advice, which would ment that he was dead, for he well remembered include what they were so eager about, but was not that this was the coat he had on when he sent him so very bad, but, in the distress they were in, of a to his brethren; so he hereafter lamented the lad lighter nature. He begged of them, therefore, not as now dead, and as if he had been the father of to kill their brother with their own hands, but to no more than one, without taking any comfort in cast him into the pit that was hard by, and so to let the rest; and so he was also affected with his mishim die; by which they would gain so much, that fortune before he met with Joseph's brethren, when they would not defile their own hands with his he also conjectured that Joseph was destroyed by blood. To this the young men readily agreed; so wild beasts. He sat down also clothed in sackReubel took the lad and tied him to a cord, and let cloth and in heavy affliction, insomuch that he found him down gently into the pit, for it had no water at no ease when his sons comforted him, neither did all in it; who, when he had done this, went his way his pains remit by length of time. to seek for such pasturage as was fit for feeding his flocks. 3. But Judas, being one of Jacob's sons also, seeing some Arabians, of the posterity of Ismael, carrying spices and Syrian wares out of the land of CHAPTER IV. Gilead to the Egyptians, after Reubel was gone, CONCERNING THE SIGNAL CHASTITY OF JOSEPH. advised his brethren to draw Joseph out of the pit, and sell him to the Arabians; for if he should die 1. Now Potiphar, an Egyptian, who was chief among strangers a great way off, they should be cook to king Pharaoh, bought Joseph of the mer* The Septuagint have twenty pieces of gold; the Testa. silver; and the vulgar Latin thirty. What was the true ment of Gad thirty; the Hebrew and Samaritan twenty of nuraber and true sum cannot therefore now be known. CHAP. IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 63 chants, who sold him to him. He had him in the may now, by taking more prudent advice, wipe off greatest honour, and taught him the learning that the imputation of his former folly; for whether it became a free man, and gave him leave to make were that he expected the repetition of her soliuse of a diet better than was allotted to slaves. He citations she had now made, and that with greater intrusted also the care of his house to him. So he earnestness than before, for that she had pretended enjoyed these advantages, yet did not he leave that sickness on this very account, and had preferred his virtue which he had before, upon such a change of conversation before the festival and its solemnity; his condition; but he demonstrated that wisdom or whether he opposed her former discourses, as was able to govern the uneasy passions of life, in not believing she could be in earnest; she now gave such as have it in reality, and do not only put it on him sufficient security, by thus repeating her apfor a show, under a present state of prosperity. plication, that she meant not in the least by fraud 2. For when his master's wife was fallen in love to impose upon him; and assured him, that if he with him, both on account of his beauty of body, complied with her affections, he might expect the and his dexterous management of affaihirs; and sup- enjoyment of the advantages he already had; and posed, that if she should make it known to him, if he were submissive to her, he should have still she could easily persuade him to come and lie with greater advantages; but that he must look for her, and that he would look upon it as a piece of revenge and hatred from her, in case he rejected her happy fortune that his mistress should entreat him., desires, and preferred the reputation of chastity beas regarding that -state of slavery he was in, and fore his mistress; for that he would gain nothing not his moral character, which continued after his by such procedure, because she would then become condition was changed. So she made known her his accuser, and would falsely pretend to her husnaughty inclinations, and spake to him about lying band, that he had attempted her chastity; and that with her. However, he rejected her entreaties, not Potiphar would hearken to her words rather than thinking it agreeable to religion to yield so far to: to his, let his be ever so agreeable to the truth. her, as to do what would tend to the affront and 4. WVhen the woman had said thus, and even injury of him that purchased him, and had vouch- with tears in her eyes, neither did pity dissuade;safed him so great honours. He, on the contrary, Joseph from his chastity, nor did fear compel him exhorted her to govern that passion; and laid be- to a compliance with her; but he opposed her solifore her the impossibility of her obtaining her de- citations, and did not yield to her threatenings, and isires, which he thought might be conquered, if she was afraid to do an ill thing, and chose to undergo -had no hope of succeeding; and he said, that as to the sharpest punishment rather than to enjoy his himself, he would endure any thing whatever be- present advantages, by doing what his own confore he would be persuaded to it; for although it science knew would justly deserve that he should was fit for a slave, as he was, to do nothing contrary die for it. He also prIt her in mind that she was a to his mistress, he might well be excused in a case married woman, and that she ought to cohabit with where the contradiction was to such sort of com- her husband only; and desired her to suffer these mands only.. But this opposition of Joseph, when considerations to have more weight with her than she did not expect it, made her still more violent in the short pleasure of lustful dalliance, which would her love to him; and as she was sorely beset with bring her to repentance afterwards, would cause this naughty passion, so she resolved to compass her trouble to her, and yet would not amend what had design by a second'attempt. been done amiss. He also suggested to her the 3. VWlhen, therefore, there was a public festival fear she would be in lest they should be caught; and coming on, in which it was the custom for women that the advantage,of concealment was uncertain, to come to the public solemnity, she pretended to and that only while the wickedness was not known her husband that she was sick, as contriving an [would there be any quiet for them]; but that she o01 portunity for solitude and leisure, that she might might have the enjoyment of her husband's company entreat Joseph again. Which opportunity being ob- without any danger. And he told her, that in the tained, she used:more kind words to him than be- company of her husband she might have great fore; and said that it had been good for him to boldness from a good'conscience, both before God have yielded to her first solicitation, and to have and before men. Nay, that she would act better given her no repulse, both because of the reverence like his mistress, and make use of her authority over he ought to bear to her dignity who solicited him, him better while'she persisted in her chastity, than:and because of the vehemence of her passion, by when they were both ashamed for what wickedness which she was forced, though she were his mistress, they had been guilty of; and that it is much better to condescend beneath her dignity; but'that he to depend'on a good life, well acted, and known to 64 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK II. have been so, than upon the hopes of the conceal- for granted that his wife was a modest woman, and ment of evil practices. condemning Joseph as a wicked man, he threw 5. Joseph, by saying this, and more, tried to re- him into the malefactors' prison; and had a still strain the violent passion of the woman, and to re- higher opinion of his wife, and bare her witness duce her affections within the rules of reason; but that she was a woman of a becoming modesty and she grew more ungovernable and earnest in the chastity matter; and since she despaired of persuading him, she laid her hands upon him, and had a mind to force him. But as soon as Joseph had got away from her anger, leaving also his garment with her, for he left that to her, and leaped out of her chamber, she was CHAPTER V. greatly afraid lest he should discover her lewdness WHAT THINGS BEFELL JOSEPH IN PRISON. to her husband, and greatly troubled at the affront he had offered her; so she resolved to be before- 1. Now Joseph, commending all his affairs to hand with him, and to accuse Joseph falsely to God, did not betake himself to make his defence, Potiphar, and by that means to revenge herself on nor to give an account of the exact circumstances of him for his pride and contempt of her; and she the fact, but silently underwent the bonds and the thought it a wise thing in itself, and also becoming distress he was in, firmly believing that God, who a woman, thus to prevent his accusation. Accord- knew the cause of his affliction, and the truth of ingly she sat sorrowful and in confusion, framing the fact, would be more powerful than those that herself so hypocritically and angrily, that the sor- inflicted the punishments upon him: —a proof of row, which was really for her being disappointed of whose providence he quickly received; for the her lust, might appear to be for the attempt upon keeper of the prison taking notice of his care and her chastity; so that when her husband came home, fidelity in the affairs he had set him about, and the and was disturbed at the sight of her, and inquired dignity of his countenance, relaxed his bonds, and what was the cause of the disorder she was in, she thereby made his heavy calamity lighter, and more began to accuse Joseph: and, "0 husband," said supportable to him. He also permitted him to she, "mayst thou not live a day longer if thou make use of a diet better than that of the rest of dost not punish the wicked slave who has desired to the prisoners. Now, as his fellow prisoners, when defile thy bed; who has neither minded who he was their hard labours were over, fell to discoursing one when he came to our house, so as to behave himself among another, as is usual in such as are equal with modesty; nor has he been mindful of what sufferers, and to inquire one of another what were favours he had received from thy bounty (as he must the occasions of their being condemned to a prison: be an ungrateful man indeed, unless he, in every among them the king's cupbearer, and one that respect, carry himself in a manner agreeable to us): had been respected by him, was put in bonds, this man, I say, laid a private design to abuse thy upon the king's anger at him. This man was wife, and this at the time of a festival, observing under the same bonds with Joseph, and grew more when thou wouldst be absent. So that it now is familiar with him; and upon his observing that clear that his modesty, as it appeared to be formerly, Joseph had a better understanding than the rest was only because of the restraint he was in out of had, he told him of a dream he had, and desii'ed fear of thee, but that he was not really of a good he would interpret its meaning, complaining that, disposition. This has been occasioned by his being besides the afflictions he underwent from the king, advanced to honour beyond what he deserved, and God did also add to him trouble from his dreams. what he hoped for; insomuch that he concluded, 2. He therefore said, that in his sleep he saw that he who was deemed fit to be trusted with thy three clusters of grapes hanging upon three branches estate and the government of thy family, and was of a vine, large already, and ripe for gathering; preferred above thy eldest servants, might be al- and that he squeezed them into a cup which the lowed to touch thy wife also." Thus when she had king held in his hand; and when he had strained ended her discourse, she showed him his garment, the wine, he gave it to the king to drink, and that as if he then left it with her when he attempted to he received it from him with a pleasant countenance. force her. But Potiphar not being able to disbe- This, he said, was what he saw; and he desired lieve what his wife's tears showed, and what his Joseph, that if he had any portion of understandwife said, and what he saw himself, and being ing in such matters, he would tell him what this seduced by his love to his wife, did not set himself vision foretold. Who bid him be of good cheer, about the examination of the truth; but taking it and expect to be loosed froml his bonds -in three CHAP. V. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 65 days' time, because the king desired his service, from his bonds, and restored him to his former and was about to restore him to it again; for he let ministration. him know that God bestows the fruit of the vine 4. But God freed Joseph from his confinement, upon men for good; which wine is poured out to after he had endured his bonds two years, and had him, and is the pledge of fidelity and mutual con- received no assistance from the cupbearer, who did fidence among men; and puts an end to their quar- not remember what he had said. to him formerly; rels, takes away passion and grief out of the minds and God contrived this method of deliverance for of them that use it, and makes them cheerful. him. Pharaoh the king had seen in his sleep the "Thou sayest that thou didst squeeze this wine from same evening two visions; and after them had three clusters of grapes with thine hands, and that the interpretations of them both given him. He the king received it: know, therefore, that this had forgotten the latter, but retained the dreams vision is for thy good, and foretells a release from themselves. Being therefore troubled at what he thy present distress within the same number of had seen, for it seemed to him to be all of a melandays as the branches had whence thou gatheredst choly nature, the next day he called together the thy grapes in thy sleep. However, remember what wisest men among the Egyptians, desiring to learn prosperity I have foretold thee when thou hast from them the interpretation of his dreams. But found it true by experience; and when thou art in when they hesitated about them, the king was so authority, do not overlook us in this prison, wherein much the more disturbed. And now it was that thou wilt leave us when thou art gone to the place the memory of Joseph, and his skill in dreams, we have foretold; for we are not in prison for any came into the mind of the king's cupbearer, when crime; but for the sake of our virtue and sobriety he saw the confusion that Pharaoh was in; so he tire we condemned to suffer the penalty of male- came and mentioned Joseph to him, as also the factors, and because we are not willing to injure vision he had seen in prison, and how the event him that has thus distressed us, though it were for proved as he had said; as also that the chief baker our own pleasure." The cupbearer, theref6re, as was crucified on the very same day; and that this was natural to do, rejoiced to hear such an inter- also happened to him according to the interpretpretation cf his dream, and waited the completion of ation of Joseph. That Joseph himself was laid in what had been thus shown him beforehand. bonds by Potiphar, who was his head cook, as a 3. But another servant there was of the king, slave; but, he said, he was one of the noblest of who had been chief baker, and was now bound in the stock of the Hebrews; and said further, his prison with the cupbearer; he also was in good father lived in great splendour. "If, therefore, hope, upon Joseph's interpretation of the other's thou wilt send for him, and not despise him on the vision, for he had seen a dream also; so he desired score of his misfortunes, thou wilt learn what thy that Joseph would tell him what the visions.he had dreams signify." So the king commanded that seen the night before might mean. They were these they should bring Joseph into his presence; and that follow:-" Methought," says he, " I carried those who received the command came and brought three baskets upon my head; two were full of him with them, having taken care of his habit, that loaves, and the third full of sweetmeats and other it might be decent, as the king had enjoined them eatables, such as are prepared for kings; but that to do. the fowls came flying, and eat them all up, and had 5. But the king took him by the hand; and, no regard to my attempt to drive them away." " O young man," says he, " for my servant bears And he expected a prediction like to that of the witness that thou art at present the best and most cupbearer. But Joseph, considering and reason- skilful person I can consult with; vouchsafe me the ing about the dream, said to him, that he would same favours which thou bestowedst on this servant willingly be an interpreter of good events to him, of mine, and tell me what events they are which and not of such as his dream denounced to him; the visions of my dreams foreshow; and I desire but he told him that he had only three days in all thee to suppress nothing out of'fear, nor to flatter to live, for that the [three] baskets signify, that on me with lying words, or with what may please me, the third day he should be crucified, and devoured although the truth should be of a melancholy naby fowls, while he was not able to help himself. ture. For it seemed to me that, as I walked by Now both these dreams had the same several events the river, I saw kine fat and very large, seven in that Joseph foretold they should have, and this to number, going from the'river to the marshes; and both the parties; for on the third day before men- other kine of the same number like them, met them tioned, when the king solemnized his birth-day, he out of the marshes, exceeding lean and ill-favoured, crucified the chief baker, but set the butler free which ate-up the fat and the large.kine; and yet 66 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Book In. were no better than before, and not less miserably and give them only so much as will be sufficient for pinched with famine. After I had seen this vision, their food. Accordingly Pharaoh being surprised I awaked out of my sleep; and being in disorder, at Joseph, not only for his interpretation of the and considering with myself what this appearance dream, but for the counsel he had given him, inshould be, I fell asleep again, and saw another trusted him with dispensing the corn; with power dream, much more wonderful than the foregoing, to do what he thought would be for the benefit of which still did more affright and disturb me:-I the people of Egypt, and for the benefit of the king, saw seven ears of corn growing out of one root, as believing that he who first discovered this mehaving their heads borne down by the weight of thod of acting, would prove the best overseer of it. the grains, and bending down with the fruit, which But Joseph having this power given him by the was now ripe and fit for reaping; and near these I king, with leave to make use of his seal, and to saw seven other ears of corn, meagre and weak, wear purple, drove in his chariot through all the for want of rain, which fell to eating and consuming land of Egypt, and took the corn of the husbandthose that were fit for reaping, and put me into men, allotting as much to every one as would be great astonishment." sufficient for seed, and for food, but without dis6. To which Joseph replied: —" This dream," covering to any one the reason why he did so said he, " O king, although seen under two forms, signifies one and the same event of things; for when thou sawest the fat kine, which is an animal made for the plough and for labour, devoured by the worser kine, and the ears of corn eaten'up by CHAPTER VI. the smaller ears, they foretell a famine, and want of HOW JOSEPH, WHEN HE WAS BECOME FAMOUS 1N the fruits of the earth for the same number of years, EGYPT, IIAD HIS BRETHREN IN SUBJECTION. and equal with those when Egypt was in a happy state; and this so far, that the plenty of these years 1. Jos:rn was now grown up to thirty years of will be spent in'the same number of years of age, and enjoyed great honours from the king, who scarcity, and that scarcity of necessary provisions called him Psothom Phanech, out of regard to his will be very difficult to be corrected; as a sign prodigious degree of wisdom; for that name denotes whereof, the ill-favoured kine, when they had de- the revealer of secrets. He also married a wife voured the better sort, could not be satisfied. But of very high quality; for he married the daughter still God foreshows what is to come upon men, not of Petephres,t one of the priests of Heliopolis; she to grieve them, but that, when they know it before- was a virgin, and her name was Asenath. By her hand, they may by prudence make the actual expe- he had children before the scarcity came on; Marience of what is foretold the more tolerable. If nasseh, the elder, which signifiesforgetfzl, because thou, therefore, carefully dispose of the plentiful his present happiness made him forget his former crops which will come in the former years, thou misfortunes; and Ephraim, the younger, which wilt procure' that the future calamity will not be signifies restored, because he was restored to the felt by the Egyptians." freedom of his forefathers. Now after Egypt had 7. Hereupon the king wondered at the discretion happily passed over seven years, according to and wisdom of Joseph; and asked him by what Joseph's interpretation of the dreams, the famine means he might so dispense the foregoing plentiful came upon them in the eighth year; and because crops in the happy years, as to make the miserable this misfortune fell upon them when they had no crops more tolerable. Joseph then added this his sense of it beforehand,+ they were all sorely afflictadvice: To spare the good crops, and not permit ed by it, and came running to the king's gates; and the Egyptians to spend them luxuriously, but to re- he called upon Joseph, who sold the corn to them, serve what they would have spent in luxury beyond being become confessedly a saviour to the whole their necessity against the time of want. He also multitude of the Egyptians. Nor did he open this exhorted him to take the corn of the husbandmen, market of corn for the people of that country only, * That is, bought it for Pharaoh at a very low price. the daughter of his master and mistress. Nor is this a notion t This Potiphar, or, as Josephus, Petephres, who was now peculiar to that Testament, but, as Dr. Bernard confesses, note a priest of On, or Heliopolis, is the same name in Josephus, on Antiq. B. II. ch. iv. sect. 1, common to Josephus, to the and perhaps in Moses also, with him who is before called Septuagint interpreters, and to other learned Jews of old time. head cook or captain of the guard, and to whom Joseph was + This entire ignorance of the Egyptians of these years of sold. See Gen. xxxvii. 36; xxxix. 1, with xli. 50. They are famine before they came, told us before, as well as here, ch. also affirmnd to be one and the same person in the' Tes- v. sect. 7, by Josephus, seems to me almost incredible. It is iament of Joseph, sect..18, for he'-is there said to have married in ao other copy that I. know of. Cr.xP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 67 but strangers had liberty to buy also; Joseph being that corn, in order to preserve all that want it; but willing that all men, who are naturally akin to one that we are brethren, and of the same common another, should have assistance from those that lived blood, the peculiar lineaments of our faces, and in happiness. those not so much different from one another, plainly 2. Now Jacob also, when he understood that show. Our father's name is Jacob, an Hebrew foreigners might come, sent all his sons into Egypt man, who had twelve of us for his sons by four to buy corn, for the land of Canaan was grievously wives; which twelve of us, while we were all alive, afflicted with the famine; and this great misery were a happy family; but when one of our brethren, touched the whole continent. He only retained whose name was Joseph, died, our affairs changed Benjamin, who was born to him by Rachel, and for the worse, for our father could not forbear to was of the same mother with Joseph. These sons make a long lamentation for him; and we are in of Jacob then came into Egypt, and applied them- affliction, both by the calamity of the death of our selves to Joseph, wanting to buy corn; for nothing brother, and the miserable state of our aged father. of this kind was done without his approbation, since WVe are now, therefore, come to buy corn, having even then only was the honour that was paid the intrusted the care of our father, and the provision king himself advantageous to the persons that paid for our family, to Benjamin, our youngest brother; it, when they took care to honour Joseph also. and if thou sendest to our house, thou mayst learn Now when he well knew his brethren, they thought whether we are guilty of the least falsehood in nothing of him; for he was but a youth when he what we say." left them, and was now come to an age so much 4. And thus did Reubel endeavour to persuade greater, that the lineaments of his face were changed, Joseph to have a better opinion of them. But when and he was not known by them: besides this, the he had learned from them that Jacob was alive, and greatness of the dignity wherein he appeared, suf- that his brother was not destroyed by them, he for fered them not so much as to suspect it was he. the present put them in prison, as intending to exHe now made trial what sentiments they had about amine more into their affairs when he should be at affairs of the greatest consequence; for he refused leisure. But on the third day he brought them to sell them corn, and said they were come as spies out, and said to them, " Since you constantly afof the king's affairs; and that they came from firm that you are not come to do any harm to the several countries, and joined themselves together, king's affairs; that you are brethren, and the sons of and pretended that they were of kin, it not being the father whom you named; you will satisfy me of possible that a private man should breed up so the truth of what you say, if you leave one of your many sons, and those of so great beauty of counte- company with me, who shall suffer no injury here; nance as they were, such an education of so many and if, when ye have carried corn to your father, you children being not easily obtained by kings them- will come to me again, and bring your brother, selves. Now this he did in order to discover what whom you say you left there, along with you, for concerned his father, and what happened to him this shall be by me esteemed an assurance of the after his own departure from him, and as desiring truth of what you have'told me." Hereupon they to know what was become of Benjamin his brother; were in greater grief than before; they wept, and for he was afraid that they had ventured on the perpetually deplored one among another the calamlike wicked enterprise against him that they had ity of Joseph; and said, " They were fallen into done to himself, and had taken him off also. this misery as a punishment inflicted by God for 3. Now these brethren of his were under distrac- what evil contrivances they had against him." And tion and terror, and thought that very great danger Reubel was large in his reproaches of them for hung over them; yet not at all reflecting upon their their too late repentance, whence no profit arose to brother Joseph, and standing firm under the accu- Joseph; and earnestly exhorted them to bear with sations laid against them, they made their defence patience whatever they suffered, since it was done bly Reubel, the eldest of them, who now became by God in way of punishment, on his account. Thus their spokesman: "We come not hither," said he, they spake to one another, not imagining that Jo" with any unjust design, nor in order to bring any seph understood their language. A general sadness harm to the king's affairs; we only want to be pre- also seized on them at Reubel's words, and a reserved, as supposing your humanity might be a re- pentance for what they had done; and they confuge for us from the miseries which our country demned the wickedness they had perpetrated, for labours under, we having heard that you proposed which they judged they were justly punished by to sell corn, not only to your own countrymen, but God. Now when Joseph saw that they were in to strangers also, and that you determined to allow this distress, he was so affected at it that he. fell 68 ANTIQUITIES Or' THE JEWS. Book!I. into tears, and, not being willing that they should food they might have from Pharaoh, by his unrea. take notice of him, he retired; and after a while sonable fear about his son Benjamin, but ought to came to them again, and taking Symeon,* in order take care of the preservation of Symeon, lest, by to his being a pledge for his brethren's return, he attempting to hinder Benjamin's journey, Symeon bid them take the corn they had bought, and go should perish. He exhorted him to trust God for their way. He also commanded his steward privily him; and said he would either bring his son back to put the money which they had brought with them to him safe, or, together with his, lose his own life." for the* purchase of corn into their sacks, and to So that Jacob was at Jength persuaded, and deliver. dismiss them therewith; who did what he was ed Benjamin to them, with the price of the corn commanded to do. doubled; he also sent presents to Joseph of the 5. Now when Jacob's sons were come into the fruits of the land of Canaan, balsam and rosin, as land of Canaan, they told their father what had also turpentine and honey.+ Now their father happened to them in Egypt, and that they were shed many tears at the departure of his sons, as taken to have come thither as spies upon the king; well as themselves. His concern was, that he and how they said they were brethren, and had left might receive them back again safe after their jourtheir eleventh brother with their father, but were ney; and their concern was, that they might find not believed; and how they had left Symeon with their father well, and no way afflicted with grief the governor, until Benjamin should go thither, and for them. And this lamentation lasted a whole day; be a testimonial of the truth of what they had said: so that the old man was at last tired with grief, and and they begged of their father to fear nothing, staid behind; but they went on their way for but to send the lad along with them. But Jacob Egypt, endeavouring to mitigate their grief for their was not pleased with any thing his sons had done; present misfortunes, with the hopes of better sucand he took the detention of Symeon heinously, and cess hereafter. thence thought it a foolish thing to give up Ben- 6. As soon as they came into Egypt, they were jamin also. Neither did he yield to Reubel's per- brought down to Joseph: but here no small fear suasion, though he begged it of him, and gave disturbed them, lest they should be accused about leave that the grandfather might, in way of re- the price of the corn, as if they had cheated Joseph. quital, kill his own sons, in case any harm came to They then made a long apology to Joseph's steward; Benjamin in the journey. So they were distressed, and told him, that when they came home they found and knew not what to do; nay, there was another the money in their sacks, and that they had non accident that still disturbed them more, —the money brought it along with them. He said he did not that was found hidden in their sacks of corn. Yet know what they meant: —so they were delivered when the corn they had brought failed them, and from that fear. And when he had loosed Symeon, when the famine still afflicted them, and necessity and put him into a handsome habit, he suffered him forced them, Jacob didt [not] still resolve to send to be with his brethren; at which time Joseph came Benjamin with his brethren, although there was from his attendance on the king. So they offered no returning into Egypt unless they came with what him their presents; and upon his putting the questhey had promised. Now the misery growing every tion to them about their father, they answered that day worse, and his sons begging it of him, he had they found him well. He also, upon his discovery ro other course to take in his present circumstances. that Benjamin was alive, asked whether this was And Judas, who was of a bold temper on other oc- their younger brother; for he had seen him. casions, spake his mind very freely to him: " That Whereupon they said he was: he replied, that the it did not become him to be afraid on account of God over all was his protector. But when his afhis son, nor to suspect the worst, as he did; for fection to him made him shed tears, he retired, nothing could be done to his son but by the ap- desiring he might not be seen in that plight by his pointment of God, which must also for certain brethren. Then Joseph took them to supper, and come to pass, though he were at home with him; they were set down in the same order as they used to that he ought not to condemn them to such mani- sit at their father's table. And although Joseph fest destruction; nor deprive them of that plenty of treated them all kindly, yet did he send a mess to " The reason why Symeon might be selected out of the rest particle is here wanting, which I have supplied in brackets, for Joseph's prisoner, is plain in the Testament of' Symeon, viz. and I wonder none have hitherto suspected that it ought to be that he was one of the bitterest of all Joseph's brethren against supplied. him, sect. 2; which appears also in part by the Testament of + Of the precious balsam of Judea, and the turpentine, see gabulon, sect. 3. the note on Antiq. 1B3 VIII, cl. vi. sect. 6. 1 The coherence seems to me to show that the negative CreAP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 69 Benjamin that was double to what the rest of the slves than their own denial of the fact, they bid guests had for their shares. I him search them, and that if any of them had been 7. Now when after supper they had composed guilty of the theft, to punish them all; for being no themselves to sleep, Joseph commanded his steward way conscious to themselves of any crime, they both to give them their measures of corn, and to spake with assurance, and, as they thought, withhide its price again in their sacks; and that withal out any danger to themselves also. The servants they should put into Benjamin's sack the golden desired there might be a search made; but they cup, out of which he loved himself to drink.- said the punishment should extend to him alone Which things he did, in order to make trial of his who should be found guilty of the theft. So they brethren, whether they would stand by Benjamin made the search; and, having searched all the rest, when he should be accused of having stolen the cup, they came last of all to Benjamin, as knowing it and should appear to be in danger; or whether was Benjamin's sack in which they had hidden they would leave him, and, depending on their own the cup, they having indeed searched the rest only innocency, go to their father without him. WVhex fer a show of accuracy: so the rest were out of the servant had done as he was bidden, the sons of fear for themselves, and were now only concerned Jacob, knowing nothing of all this, went their way, about Benjamin, but still were well assured that he and took Symeon along with them, and had a double would also be found innocent; and they reproached cause of joy, both because they had received him those that came after them for their hindering them, again, and because they took back Benjamin to while they might, in the mean while, have gotten a their father, as they had promised. But presently good way on their journey. But as soon as they a troop of horsemen encompassed them, and brought had searched Benjamin's sack, they found the cup, with them Joseph's servant, who had put the cup and took it from him; and all was changed into into Benjamin's sack. Upon which unexpected mourning and lamentation. They rent their garattack of the horsemen they were much disturbed, ments, and wept for the punishment which their and asked what the reason was that they came thus brother was to undergo for his theft, and for the upon men, who a little before had been by their delusion they had put on their father, when they lord thought worthy of an honourable and hospitable promised they would bring Benjamin safe to him. reception? They replied, by calling them wicked What added to their misery was, that this mewretches, who had forgot that very hospitable and lancholy accident came unfortunately at a time when kind treatment which Joseph had given them, and they thought they had been gotten off clear; but did not scruple to be injurious to him, and to carry they confessed that this misfortune of their brother, off that cup out of which he had, in so friendly a as well as the grief of their father for him, was manner, drank to them, and not regarding their owing to themselves, since it was they that forced friendship with Joseph, no more than the danger their father to send him with them, when he was they should be in if they were taken, in comparison averse to it. of the unjust gain. Hereupon he threatened that 8. The horsemen therefore took Benjamin and they should be punished; for though they had brought him to Joseph, his brethren also following escaped the knowledge of him who was but a serv- him; who, when he saw him in custody, and them ant, yet had they not escaped the knowledge of God, in the habit of mourners, said, " How came you, nor had gone off with what they had stolen; and, vile wretches as you are, to have such a strange after all, asked why we come upon them, as if they notion of my kindness to you, and of God's proviknew nothing of the matter: and he told them that dence, as impudently to do thus to your benefactor, they should immediately know it by their punish- who in such an hospitable manner had entertained ment. This, and more of the same nature, did the you?" WThereupon they gave up themselves to servant say, in way of reproach to them: but they be punished, in order to save Benjamin; and called being wholly ignorant of any thing here that con- to mind what a wicked enterprise they had been cerned them, laughed at what he said, and wondered guilty of against Joseph. They also pronounced at the abusive language which the servant gave him more happy than themselves, if he were dead, them, when he was so hardy as to accuse those who in being freed from the miseries of this life; and did not before so much as retain the price of their if he were alive, that he enjoyed the pleasure of corn, which was found in their sacks, but brought seeing God's vengeance upon them. They said furit again, though nobody else knew of any such ther, that they were the plague of their father, since thing,-so far were they from offering any injury they should now add to his former affliction for to Joseph voluntarily. But still, supposing that a Joseph, this other affliction for Benjamin. Reubel search would be a more sure justification of them- also was large in cutting them upon this occasion. 70 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Book IT., But Joseph dismissed them; for he said they had distressed, we may continue those lives. And I am been guilty of no offence, and that he would con- ready to suppose that God is willing to afford thee tent himself with the lad's punishment; for he this opportunity of showing thy virtuous disposaid it was not a fit thing to let him go free, for the sition, by bringing us into this calamity, that it sake of those who had not offended; nor was it a may appear thou canst forgive the injuries that are fit thing to punish them together with him who had done to. thyself, and mayst be esteemed kind to been guilty of stealing. And when he promised others, besides those who, on other accounts, to give them leave to go away in safety, the rest of stand in need of thy assistance; since it is indeed them were under great consternation, and were able a right thing to do well to those who are ill disto say nothing on this sad occasion. But Judas, tress for want of food, but still a more glorious -who had persuaded their father to send the lad from thing to save those who deserve to be punishhim, being otherwise also a very bold and active ed, -when it is on account of heinous offences man, determined to hazard himself for the pre- against thyself; for if it be a thing deserving comservation of his brother. "* It is true," said he, mendation to forgive such as have been guilty of " O governor, that we have been very wicked with small offences, that tend to a person's loss, and regard to thee, and on that account deserved pun- this be praiseworthy in him that overlooks such ishment; even all of us may justly be punished, offrnces, to restrain a man's passion as to crimes although the theft were not committed by all, but which are capital to the guilty, is to be like the only by one of us, and he the youngest also; but most excellent nature of God himself. And truly, yet there remains some hope for us, who otherwise as for myself, had it not been that we had a father, must be under despair on his account, and this from who had discovered, on occasion of the death ol thy goodness, which promises us a deliverance out Joseph, how miserably he is always afflicted at the of our present danger. And now I beg thou wilt loss of his sons, I had not made any words on acnot look at us, or at that great crime we have been count of the saving of our own lives; I mean, guilty of, but at thy own excellent nature, and take any further than as that would be an excellent advice of thine own virtue, instead of that wrath character for thyself, to preserve even those that thou hast against us; which passion those that would have nobody to lament them when they were otherwise are of lower character indulge, as they do dead, but we would havye yielded ourselves up to their strength, and that not only on great, but also suffer whatsoever thou pleasedst; but now (for on very trifling occasions. Overcome, sir, that we do not plead for mercy to ourselves, though inlpassion, and be not subdued by it, nor suffer it to deed, if we die, it will be while we are young, and slay those that do not otherwise presume upon their before we have had the enjoyment of life) have reown safety, but are desirous to accept of it from gard to our father, and take pity of his old age, on thee; for this is not the first time that thou wilt whose account it is that we make these supplications bestow it on us, but before, when we came to buy to thee. We beg thou wilt give us those lives corn, thou affordedst us great plenty of food, and which this wickedness of ours has rendered obnoxgavest us leave to carry so much home to our ious to thy punishment; and this for his sake who family as has preserved them from perishing by is not himself wicked, nor does his being our father famine. Nor is there any difference between not make us wicked. He is a good man, and not worcverlooking men that were perishing for want of thy to have such trials of his patience; and now, necessaries, and not punishing those that seem to we are absent, he is afflicted with care for us. But be offenders, and have been so unfortunate as to if he hear of our deaths, and what was the cause of lose the advantage of that glorious benefaction it, he will on that account die an immature death; which they received from thee. This will be an and the reproachful manner of our ruin will hasten instance of equal favour, though bestowed after a his end, and will directly kill him; nay, will bring different manner; for thou wilt save those this way him to a miserable death, while he will make haste whom thou didst feed the other; and thou wilt to rid himself out of the world, and bring himself hereby preserve alive, by thy own bounty, those to a state of insensibility, before the sad story of our souls which thou didst not suffer to be distressed end come abroad into the rest of the world. Consi. by famine, it being indeed at once a wonderful and der these things in this manner, although our wicka great thing to sustain our lives by corn, and to edness does now provoke thee with a just desire of bestow on us that pardon, whereby, now we are punishing that wickedness, and forgive it for our * This oration seems to me too large, and too unusual a di- person of Judas, and in the way of oratory, that lay by him, and gression; to have been composed by Judas on this occasion. It which he thought fit to insert on this occasion. See two more seems to me a speech or declamation composed.formerly, in the such speeches or declamations, Antiq. B. VI. ch'xiv. sect. 4. CHAlP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 71 father's sake; and let thy commiseration of him thou wilt slay me in his stead, and send him back weigh more with thee than our wickedness. Have to his father; or if thou pleasest to retain him with regard to the old age of our father, who, if we perish, thee as a slave, I am fitter to labour for thy advanwill be very lonely while he lives, and will soon die tage in that capacity, and, as thou seest, am better himself also. Grant this boon to the name of fathers, prepared for either of those sufferings." * So Judas, for thereby thou wilt honour him that begat thee, being very willing to undergo any thing whatever and will grant it to thyself also, who enjoyest al- for the deliverance of his brother, cast himself down ready that denomination; thou wilt then, by that at Joseph's feet, and earnestly laboured to assuage denomination, be preserved of God, the Father of and pacify his anger. All his brethren also fell all,-by showing a pious regard to which, in the down before him, weeping and delivering themselves case of our father, thou wilt appear to honour him up to destruction for the preservation of the life of who is styled by the same name; I mean, if thou Benjamin. wilt have' this pity on our father, upon this con- 10. But Joseph, as overcome now with his affecsideration, how miserable he will be if he be de- tions, and no longer able to personate an angry man, prived of his sons! It is thy part therefore to commanded all that were present to depart, that he bestow on us what God has given us, when it is in might make himself known to his brethren when thy power to take it away, and so to resemble him they were alone; and when the rest were gone out, entirely in charity; for it is good to use that power, he made himself known to his brethren; and said, which can either give or take away, on the merciful " I commend you for your virtue, and your kindside; and when it is in thy power to destroy, to ness to our brother: I find you better men than I forget that thou ever hadst that power, and to look could have expected from what you contrived about on thyself as only allowed power for preservation; me. Indeed, I did all this to try your love to your and that the more any one extends this power, the brother; so I believe you were not wicked by greater reputation does he gain to himself. Now, nature in what you did in my case, but that all has by forgiving our brother what he has unhappily com- happened according to God's will, who has hereby mitted, thou wilt preserve us all; for we cannot procured our enjoyment of what good things we think of living if he be put to death, since we dare have; and, if he continue in a favourable disponot show ourselves alive to our father without our sition, of what we hope for hereafter. Since, therebrother, but here must we partake of one and the fore, I know that our father is safe and well, besame catastrophe of his life. And so far we beg of yond expectation, and I see you so well disposed to thee, O governor, that if thou condemnest our bro- your brother, I will no longer remember what guilt ther to die, thou wilt punish us together with him, you seem to have had about me, but will leave off as partners of his crime,-for we shall not think it to hate you for that your wickedness; and do reasonable to be reserved to kill ourselves for grief rather return you my thanks, that you have conof our brother's death, but so to die rather as equally curred with the intentions of God to bring things guilty with him of this crime. I will only leave to their present state. I would have you also with'thee this one consideration, and then will say rather to forget the same, since that imprudence of no more, viz. that our brother committed this fault yours is come to such a happy conclusion, than to when he was young, and not yet of confirmed wis- be uneasy and blush at those your offences. Do dom in his conduct; and that men naturally forgive not, therefore, let your evil intentions, when you such young persons. I end here, without adding condemned- me, and that bitter remorse which what more I have to say, that in case thou con- might follow, be a grief to you now, because those demnest us, that omission may be supposed to have intentions were frustrated. Go, therefore, your way, hurt us, and pernmitted thee to take the severer side. rejoicing in what has happened by the Divine ProviBut in case thou settest us free, that this may be dence, and inform your father of it, lest he should ascribed to thy own goodness, of which thou art be spent with cares for you, and deprive me of the inwardly conscious, that thou freest us from con- most agreeable part of my felicity; I mean, lest he demnation; and that not by barely preserving us, should die before he comes into my sight, and enbut by granting us such a favour as will make us joys the good things that we now have. Bring, appear more righteous than we really are, and by therefore, with you our father, and your wives and representing to thyself more motives for our de- children, and all your kindred, and remove your liverance than we are able to produce ourselves. habitations hither; for it is not proper that the perIf, therefore, thou resolvest to slay him, I desire sons dearest to me should live remnote from me, * In all this speech of Judas we may observe, that Josephus in the days of Joseph, though it never was so among the Jews, atill supidsed that death was the punishment of theft in Egypt, by the law of Moses. 72 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox II. now my affairs are so prosperous, especially when father would have deprived thee of the dominion, they must endure five more years of famine." I gave it thee; and by my kindness it was that, When Joseph had said this, he embraced his bre- when thou wast sent into Mesopotamia all alone, thren, who were in tears and sorrow; but the thou obtainedst good wives, and returnedst with generous kindness of their brother seemed to leave many children, and much wealth. Thy whole family among them no room for fear, lest they should be also has been preserved by my providence; and it punished on account of what they had consulted was I who conducted Joseph, thy son, whom thou and acted against him; and they were then feast- gavest up for lost, to the enjoyment of great prosing. Now the king, as soon as he heard that perity. I also made him lord of Egypt, so that he Joseph's brethren were come to him, was exceed- differs but little from a king. Accordingly, I come ing glad of it, as if it had been a part of his own now as a guide to thee in this journey; and foretell good fortune; and gave them waggons full of corn, to thee, that thou shalt die in the arms of Joand gold and silver, to be conveyed to his father. seph: and I inform thee, that thy posterity shall Now When they had received more of their brother, be many ages in authority and glory, and that I part to be carried to their father, and part as free will settle them in the land which I have promised gifts to every one of themselves, Benjamin having them." still more than the rest, they departed. 4. Jacob, encouraged by this dream, went on more cheerfully for Egypt with his sons, and all belonging to them. Now they were in all seventy. I once, indeed, thought it best not to set down the names of this family, especially because of their CHAPTER VII. difficult pronunciation [by the Greeks]; but, upon the whole, I think it necessary to mention those THE REMOVAL OF JOSEPH S FATHER, WITH ALL HIS names, that I may disprove such as believe that we FAMILY, TO HIM, ON ACCOUNT OF THE FAMINE. came not originally from Mesopotamia, but are 1. As soon as Jacob came to know, by his sons Egyptians. Now Jacob had twelve sons; of these returning horne, in what state Joseph was, that he Joseph was come thither before. WVe will therehad not only escaped death, for which yet he lived fore set down the names of Jacob's children and all along in mourning, but that he lived in splen- grandchildren. Reuben had four sons-Anoch, dour and happiness, and ruled over Egypt, jointly Phallu, Assaron, Charmi. Simeon had six-Jamuel, with the king, and had intrusted to his care almost Jamin, Avod, Jachin, Soar, Saul. Levi had three all his affairs, he did not think any thing he was sons-Gersom, Caath, Merari. Judas had three told to be incredible, considering the greatness of sons-Sala, Phares, Zerah; and by Phares two the works of God, and his kindness to himn, al- grandchildren, Esrom and Amar. Issachar had though that kindness had, for some late times, been four sons-Thola, Phua, Jasob, Samaron. Zabulon intermitted; so he immediately and zealously set had with him three sons-Sarad, Helon, Jalel. So out upon his journey to him. far is the posterity of Lea; with whom went her 2. When he came to the Well of the Oath, daughter Dinah. These are thirty-three. Rachel (Beersheba,) he offered sacrifice to God; and being had two sons, the one of whom, Joseph, had two afraid that the happiness there was in Egypt might sons also, Manasses and Ephraim. The other, Bentempt his posterity to fall in love with It, and settle jamin, had ten sons-Bolau, Bacchar, Asabel, Gein it, and no more think of removing into the land ras, Naaman, Jes, Ros, Momphis, Opphis, Arad. of Canaan, and possessing it, as God had promised These fourteen added to the thirty-three before enuthem; as also being afraid, lest, if this descent into merated, amount to the number forty-seven. And Egypt were made without the will of God, his this was the legitimate posterity of Jacob. He family might be destroyed there; out of fear, had besides by Bilhah, the handmaid of Rachel, Dan withal, lest he should depart this life before he and Nephthali; which last had four sons that came to the sight of Joseph; he fell asleep, re- followed him-Jesel, Guni, Issari, and Sellim. Dan volving these doubts in his mind. had an only begotten son, Usi. If these be added 3. But God stood by him, and called him twice to those before mentioned, they complete the numby his name; and when he asked who he was, God ber fifty-four. Gad and Aser were the sons of said, "No, sure; it is not just that thou, Jacob, Zilpha, who was the handmaid of Lea. These shouldst be unacquainted with that God who has had with them, Gad seven-Saphoniah, Augis, been ever a protector and a helper to thy fore- Sunis, Azabon, Aerin, Eroed, Ariel. Aser had a fathers, and after them to thyself: for when thy daughter, Sarah, and six male children, whose names CHAr. VII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 73 were Jomne, Isus, Isoui, Baris, Abar, and AMelchiel. flow the ground, for it did not rise to its former If we add these, which are sixteen, to the fifty-four, height,+ nor did God send rain upon it; nor did the forementioned number [70] is completed,* they indeed make the least provision for themselves, Jacob not being himself included in that number. so ignorant were they what was to be done; but 5. When Joseph understood that his father was Joseph sold them corn for their money. But when coming, for Judas his brother was come before him, their nmoney failed them, they bought corn with and informed him of his approach, he went out to their cattle and their slaves; and if any of them meet him; and they met together at Heroopolis. had a small piece of land, they gave up that to purBut Jacob almost fainted away at this unexpected chase them food, by which means the king became and great joy; however, Joseph revived him, being the owner of all their substance; and they were yet not himself able to contain from being affected removed, some to one place, and some to another, in the same manner, at the pleasure he now had; that so the possession of their country might be yet was he not wholly overcome with his passion, firmly assured to the king, excepting the lands of as his father was. After this, he desired Jacob to the priests, for their country continued still in their travel on slowly; but he himself took five of his own possession. And indeed this sore famine made brethren with him, and made haste to the king, to their minds, as well as their bodies, slaves; and at tell him that Jacob and his family were come; length compelled them to procure a sufficiency of which was a Joyful hearing to him. He also bid food by such dishonourable means. But when this Joseph tell him what sort of life his brethren loved misery ceased, and the river overflowed the ground, to lead, that he might give them leave to follow the and the ground brought forth its fruits plentifully, same; who told him they were good shepherds, Joseph came to every city, and gathered the people and had been used to follow no other employment thereto belonging together, and gave them back but this alone. Whereby he provided for them, entirely the land which, by their own consent, the that they should not be separated, but live in the king might have possessed alone, and alone enjoyed same place, and take care of their father; as also the fruits of it. He also exhorted them to look on hereby he provided, that they might be acceptable it as every one's own possession, and to fall to their to the Egyptians, by doing nothing that would be husbandry with cheerfulness, and to pay as a tricommon to them with the Egyptians; for the bute to the king, the fifth part ~ of the fruits fbr the Egyptians are prohibited to meddle with feeding land which the king, when it was his own, restored of sheep.t to them. These men rejoiced upon their becoming 6. WVhen Jacob was come to the king, and saluted unexpectedly owners of their lands, and diligently him, and wished all prosperity to his government, observed what was enjoined them; and by this Pharaoh asked him how old he now was; upon whose means Joseph procured to himself a greater authoanswer, that he was a hundred and thirty years old, rity among the Egyptians, and greater love to the he admired Jacob on account of the length of his king from them. Now this law, that they should life. And when he had added, that still he had not pay the fifth part of their fruits as tribute, continued lived so long as his forefathers, he gave him leave until their later kings. to live with his children in Heliopolis; for in that city the king's shepherds had their pasturage. 7. However, the famine increased among the Egyptians, and this heavy judgment grew more oppressive to them, because neither did the river over* All the Greek copies of Josephus have the negative par- ancients affirm that it never does naturally rain there. His tide here, that Jacob himself was not reckoned one of the 70 answer is, that when the ancients deny that it rains in Egypt, souls that came into Egypt; but the old Latin copies want it, they only mean the Upper Egypt above the Delta, which is and directly assure us he was one of them. It is therefore called Egypt in the strictest sense; but that in the Delta [and hardly certain which of these was Josephus's true reading, by consequence in the Lower Egypt adjoining to it] it did of since the number 70 is made up without him, if we reckon old, and still does, rain sometimes. See the note on Antiq. B. Leah for one; but if she be not reckoned, Jacob must himself III. ch. i. sect. 6. be one, to complete the number. ~ Josephus supposes that Joseph now restored the Egyptians t.Josephus thought that the Egyptians hated or despised their lands again, upon.the payment of a fifth part as tribute. the employment of a shepherd in the days of Joseph; whereas It seems to me rather that the land was now considered as Bishop Cumberland has shown that they rather hated such Pharaoh's land, and this fifth part as its rent, to be paid to Phcenician or Canaanite shepherds that had long enslaved the him, as he was their landlord, and they his tenants; and that Egyptians of old time. See his Sanchoniatho, p. 361, 362. the lands were not properly restored, and this fifth part reserved + Reland here puts the question, how Josephus could com- as tribute only, till the days of Sesostris. See Essay on the plain of its not raining in Egypt during this famine, while the Old Testament, Append. 148, 149. 1. 74 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox II. died, after they had lived happily in Egypt. Now CHAPTER VIII. the posterity and sons of these men, after some time, carried their bodies, and buried them at Hebron: OF TILE DEATH OF JACOB AND JOSEPH. but as to the bones of Joseph, they carried them 1. Now when Jacob had lived seventeen years into the land of Canaan afterward, when the Hein Egypt, he fell into a disease, and died in the brews went out of Egypt, for so had Joseph made presence of his sons; but not till he made his them promise him upon oath. But what became of prayers for their enjoying prosperity, and till he had every one of these men, and by what toils they got foretold to them prophetically how every one of the possession of the land of Canaan, shall be shown them was to dwell in the land of Canaan. But this hereafter, when I have first explained upon what happened many years afterwaid. He also enlarged account it was that they left Egypt. upon the praises of Joseph;* how he had not remembered the evil doings of his brethren to their disadvantage; nay, on the contrary, was kind to them, bestowing upon them so many benefits, as seldom are bestowed on men's own benefactors. CHAPTER IX. He then commanded his own sons that they should CONCERNING THE AFFLICTIONS THAT BEFELL THE HEadmit Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasses, into BREWS IN EGYPT, DURING FOUR HUNDRED YEARS.+ their number, and divide the land of Canaan in common with them; concerning whom we shall 1. Now it happened that the Egyptians grew treat hereafter. However, he made it his request delicate and lazy, as to pains-taking, and gave themthat he might be buried at Hebron. So he died, selves up to other pleasures, and in particular to the when he had lived full a hundred and fifty years, love of gain. They also became very ill-affected threeonly abated, having not been behind any of his towards the Hebrews, as touched with envy at their ancestors in piety towards God, and having such a prosperity; for when they saw how the nation of recompence for it, as it was fit those should have the Israelites flourished, and were become eminent who were so good as these were. But Joseph, by already in plenty of wealth, which they had acthe king's permission, carried his father's dead body quired by their virtue and natural love of labour, to Hebron, and there buried it, at a great expense. they thought their increase was to their own detriNow his brethren were at first unwilling to return ment. And having, in length of time, forgotten the back with him, because they were afraid lest, now benefits they had received from Joseph, particularly their father was dead, he should punish them for the crown being now come into another family, they their secret practices against him; since he was now became very abusive to the Israelites, and contrived gone, for whose sake he had been so gracious to many ways of afflicting them; for they enjoined them. But he persuaded them to fear no harm, and them to cut a great number of channels for the to entertain no suspicions of him: so he brought river, and to build walls for their cities and ramthem along with him, and gave them great posses- parts, that they might restrain the river, and hindem sions, and never left off his particular concern for its waters from stagnating, upon its running ovex them. its own banks: they set them also to build pyra2. Joseph also died when he had lived a hundred mids,t and by all this wore them out; and forced and ten years; having been a man of admirable them to learn all sorts of mechanical arts, and to virtue, and conducting all his affairs by the rules of accustom themselves to hard labour. And four reason; and used his authority with moderation, hundred years did they spend under these afflicwhich was the cause of his so great felicity among tions; for they strove one against the other which the Egyptians, even when he came from another should get the mastery, the Egyptians desiring to country, and that in such ill circumstances also, as destroy the Israelites by these labours, and the Israelwe have already described. At length his brethren ites desiring to hold out to the end under them. * As to this encomium upon Joseph, as preparatory to Ja- Sesostris's drowning in the Red Sea, see Essay on the Old cob's adopting Ephraim and Manasses into his own family, Testament, Append. p. 132-162. and to be admitted for two tribes, which Josephus here men- + Of this building of the pyramids of Egypt by the Israeltions, all our copies of Genesis omit it, ch. xlviii.; nor do we ites, see Perizonius Orig. 2Egyptiac, ch. xxi. It is not imposknow whence he took it, or whether it be not his own embel- sible they might build one or more of the small ones; but the lishment only. larger ones seem' much later. Only, if they be all built of t As to the affliction of Abraham's posterity for 400 years, stone, this does not so well agree with the Israelites' labours, see Antiq. B. I. ch. x. sect. 3; and as to what cities they which are said to have been in brick, and not in stone, as Mr. built in Egypt, under Pharaoh Sesostris, and of Pharaoh Sandys observes in his Travels, p. 127, 128. CrIAr. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 75 2. While the affairs of the Hebrews were in this it, his wife being then with child, and he knew not condition, there was this occasion offered itself to what to do. Hereupon he betook himself to prayer the Egyptians, which made them more solicitous to God; and entreated him to have compassion on for the extinction of our nation. One,of thosg those men who had nowise transgressed the laws sacred scribes,* who are very sagacious in foretelling of his worship, and to afford them deliverance from future events truly, told the king, that about this the miseries they at that time endured, and to render time there would a child be born to the Israelites, abortive their enemies' hopes of the destruction of who, if he were reared, would bring the Egyptian their nation. Accordingly God had mercy on him, dominion low, and would raise the Israelites; that and was moved by his supplication. He stood by he would excel all men in virtue, and obtain a glory him in his sleep, and exhorted him not to despair of that would be remembered through all ages. Which his future favours. He said further, that he did not thing was so feared by the king, that, according to forget their piety towards him, and would always rethis man's opinion, he commanded that they should ward them for it, as he had formerly granted his cast every male child, which was born to the favour to their forefathers, and made them increase Israelites, into the river, and destroy it; that besides from a few to so great a multitude. He put him in this, the Egyptian midwivest should watch the la- mind, that when Abraham was come alone out of hours of the Hebrew women, and observe what is Mesopotamia into Canaan, he had been made happy, born, for those were the women who were enjoined not only in other respects, but that when his wife to do the office of midwives to them; and by reason was at first barren, she was afterwards by him enof their relation to the king, would not transgress abled to conceive seed, and bare him sons. That his commands. He enjoined also, that if any pa- he left to Ismael and to his posterity the country rents should disobey him, and venture to save their of Arabia; as also to his sons by Ketura, Trogmale children alive,+ they and their families should lodytis; and to Isaac, Canaan. That by my asbe destroyed. This was a severe affliction indeed sistance, said he, he did great exploits in war, to those that suffered it, not only as they were de- which, unless you be yourselves impious, you must prived of their sons, and while they were the still remember. As for Jacob, he became well parents themselves, they were obliged to be subser- known to strangers also, by the greatness of that vient to the destruction of their own children, but prosperity in which he lived, and left to his sons, as it was to be supposed to tend to the extirpation who came into Egypt with no more than seventy of their nation, while upon the destruction of their souls, while you are now become above six hundred children, and their own gradual dissolution, the thousand. Know therefore that I shall provide for calamity would become very hard and inconsolable you all in common what is for your good, and parto them. And this was the ill state they were in. ticularly for thyself what shall make thee famous; But no one can be too hard for the purpose of God, for that child, out of dread of whose nativity the though he contrive ten thousand subtle devices for Egyptians have doomed the Israelite children to that end; for this child, whom the sacred scribe destruction, shall be this child of thine, and shall be foretold, was brought up and concealed from the concealed from those who watch to destroy him: observers appointed by the king; and he that fore- and when he is brought up in a surprising way, he told him did not mistake in the consequences of his shall deliver the Hebrew nation from the distress preservation, which were brought to pass after the they are under from the Egyptians. His memory manner following:- shall be famous while the world lasts; and this not 3. A man whose name was Amram, one of the only among the Hebrews, but foreigners also: —all nobler sort of the Hebrews, was afraid for his whole which shall be the effect of my favour to thee, andt nation, lest it should fail, by the want of young men to thy posterity. He shall also have such a brother, to be brought up hereafter, and was very uneasy at that he shall himself obtain my priesthood, and his * Dr. Bernard informs us here, that instead of this single ordinary copies, Exod. i. 15, 22. And, indeed, Josephus seems priest or prophet of the Egyptians, without a name in Josephus, to have had much completer copies of the Pentateuch, or other the Targum of Jonathan names the two famous antagonists of authentic records now lost, about the birth and actions of Moses, Jannes and Jambres. Nor is it at all unlikely that it Moses, than either our Hebrew, Samaritan, or Greek Bibles might be one of these who foreboded so much misery to the afford us, which enabled him to be so large and particular Egyptians, and so much happiness to the Israelites, from the about him. rearing of Moses. + Of this grandfather of Sesostris, Ramestes the Great, who t Josephus is clear that these midwives were Egyptians, and slew the Israelite infants, and of the inscription on his obelisk, not Israelites, as in our other copies: which is very probable, containing, in my opinion, one of the oldest records of manit being not easily to be supposed that Pharaoh could trust the hind, see Essay on the Old Test. Append. p. 139, 145, 147, Israelite midwives to execute so barbarous a command against 217-220 their own nation. Consult, therefore, and correct hence, our 76 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK II. posterity snail have it after him to the end of the cradle to her. When those that were sent on this world. errand came to her with the cradle, and she saw the 4. When the vision had informed him of these little child, she was greatly in love with it, on acthings, Amram awaked and told it to Jochebed, count of its largeness and beauty; for God had who was his wife. And now the fear increased taken such great care in the formation of Moses, upon them on account of the prediction in Amram's that he caused him to be thought worthy of bringdream; for they were under concern, not only for ing up, and providing for, by all those that had taken the child, but on account of the great happiness the most fatal resolutions, on account of the dread that was to come to him also. However, the of his nativity, for the destruction of the rest of the mother's labour was such as afforded a confirmation Hebrew nation. Thermuthis bid them bring her a to what was foretold by God; for it was not known woman that might afford her breast to the child; to those that watched her, by the easiness of her yet would not the child admit of her breast, but pains, and because the throes of her delivery turned away from it, and did the like to many other did not fall upon her with violence. And now women. Now Miriam was by when this happened, they nourished the child at home privately for three not to appear to be there on purpose, but only as months; but after that time Amram, fearing he staying to see the child; and she said, " It is in should be discovered, and, by falling under the vain that thou, O queen, callest for these women king's displeasure, both he and his child should for the nourishing of the child, who are no way of perish, and so he should make the promise of God kin to it; but still, if thou wilt order one of the Heof none effect, he determined rather to trust the brew women to be brought, perhaps it may admit safety and care of the child to God, than to depend the breast of one of its own nation." Now since on his own concealment of him, which he looked she seemed to speak well, Thermuthis bid her proupon as a thing uncertain, and whereby both the cure such a one, and to bring one of those Hebrewv child, so privately to be nourished, and himself women that gave suck. So when she had such should be in imminent danger; but he believed authority given her, she came back and brought the that God would some way for certain procure the mother, who was known to nobody there. And now safety of the child, in order to secure the truth of the child gladly admitted the breast, and seemed to his own predictions. When they had thus deter- stick close to it; and so it was, that, at the queen's mined, they made an ark of bulrushes, after the desire, the nursing of the child was entirely inmanner of a cradle, and of a bigness sufficient for trusted to the mother. an infant to be laid in, without being too straitened: 6. Hereupon it was that Thermuthis imposed they then daubed it over with slime, which would this name Jlouses upon him, from what had hapnaturally keep out the water from entering between pened when he was put into the river; for the the bulrushes, and put the infant into it, and setting Egyptians call water by the name of AMlo, and it afloat upon the river, they left its preservation to such as are saved out of it, by the name of God; so the river received the child, and carried Uses; so by putting these two words together, him along. But Miriam, the child's sister, passed they imposed this name upon him. And he was, along upon the bank over against him, as her mother by the confession of all, according to God's prehad bid her, to see whither the ark would be car- diction, as well for his greatness of mind as for his ried, where God demonstrated that human wisdom contempt of difficulties, the best of all the Hebrews, was nothing, but that the Supreme Being is able to for Abraham was his ancestor of the seventh generdo whatsoever he pleases: that those who, in order ation. For Moses was the son of Amram, who to their own security, condemn others to destruc- was the son of Caath, whose father Levi was the tion, and use great endeavours about it, fail of their son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was purpose; but that others are in a surprising manner the son of Abraham. Now Moses's understanding preserved, and obtain a prosperous condition almost became superior to his age, nay, far beyond that from the very midst of their calamities; those, I standard; and when he was taught, he discovered mean, whose dangers arise by the appointment of greater quickness of apprehension than was usual God. And, indeed, such a providence was exer- at his age, and his actions at that time promised cised in the case of this child, as showed the power greater, when he should come to the age of a man. of God. God did also give him that tallness, when he was 5. Thermuthis was the king's daughter. She but three years old, as was wonderful. And as for his was now diverting herself by the banks of the river; beauty, there was nobody so unpolite as, when they and seeing a cradle borne along by the current, she saw Moses, they were not greatly' surprised at the sent some that could swim, and bid them bring the beauty of his countenance; nay, it happened fre 1 /... Nt~~''' t\~~"~ "' -'~~~f...,~tz/....$...4~::7, 12.,, (CHar. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 77 quently, that those that met him as he was carried Egyptians were suspicious of what would follow along the road, were obliged to turn again upon see- such his education. Yet because, if Moses had ing the child; that they left what they were about, been slain, there was no one, either akin or adopted, and stood still a great while to look on him; for the that had any oracle on his side for pretending to beauty of the child was so remarkable and natural the crown of Egypt, and likely to be of greater adto him on many accounts, that it detained the spec- vantage to them, they abstained from killing him. tators, and made them stay longer to look upon him. 7. Thermuthis therefore perceiving him to be so remarkable a child, adopted him for her son, having no child of her own. And when one time she had carried Moses to her father, she showed CHAPTER X. him to him, and said she. thought to make him her nOW MOSES MADE WAR WITH THE ETHIOPIANS. father's successor, if it should please God she should have no legitimate child of her own; and 1. MosEs, therefore, when he was born, and said to him, " I have brought up a child who is of a brought up ill the foregoing manner, and came to divine form,* and of a generous mind; and as I the age of maturity, made his virtue manifest to the have received him from the bounty of the river, in Egyptians; and showed that he was born for the a wonderful manner, I thought proper to adopt him bringing them down, and raising the Israelites. for my son, and the heir of thy kingdom." And And the occasion he laid hold of was this:-The when she had said this, she put the infant into her Ethiopians, who are next neighbours to the father's hands: so he took him, and hugged him Egyptians, made an inroad into their country, which close to his breast; and on his daughter's account, they seized upon, and carried off the effects of the in a pleasant way, put his diadem upon his head; Egyptians, who, in their rage, fought against them, but Moses threw it down to the ground, and, in a and revenged the affronts they had received fiom puerile mood, he wreathed it round, and trod upon them; but being overcome in battle, some of them it with his feet, which seemed to bring along with were slain, and the rest ran away in a shameful it an evil presage concerning the kingdom of Egypt. manner, and by that means saved themselves; whereBut when the sacred scribe saw this, (he was the upon the Ethiopians followed after them in the same person who foretold that his nativity would pursuit, and thinking that it would be a mark of bring the dominion of that kingdom low,) he made cowardice if they did not subdue all Egypt, they a violent attempt to kill him; and crying out in a went on to subdue the rest with greater vehemence; frightful manner, he said, " This,.O king! this and when they had tasted the sweets of the counchild is he of whom God foretold, that if we kill try, they never left off the prosecution of the war: him we shall be in no danger; he himself affords and as the nearest parts had not courage enough at an attestation to the prediction of the same thing, first to fight with them, they proceeded as far as by his trampling upon thy government, and tread- Memphis, and the sea itself, while not one of the ing upon thy diadem. Take him, therefore, out of cities was able to oppose them. The Egyptians, the way, and deliver the Egyptians fromn the fear under this sad oppression, betook themselves to they are in about him; and deprive the Hebrews their oracles and prophecies; and when God had of the hope they have of being encouraged by him." given them this counsel, to make use of Moses the But Thermuthis prevented him, and snatched the Hebrew, and take his assistance, the king comchild away. And the king was not hasty to slay manded his daughter to produce him, that he might him, God himself, whose providence protected be the generalt of their army. Upon which, a\hen Moses, inclining the king to spare him. He was, she had made him swear he would do him no harm, therefore, educated with great care. So the He- she delivered him to the king, and supposed his brews depended on him, and were of good hopes assistance would be of great advantage to them. that great things would be done by him; but the She withal reproached the priest, who, when they * What Josephus here says of the beauty of Moses, that he the Ethiopians, and conquered them, when he married that was of a divine form, is very like what St. Stephen says of king's daughter; because, out of her affection for him, she (lethe same beauty; that Moses was beautiful in the sight of livered the city up to him." See the Fragments of Irenwus, God, Acts vii. 20. ap. edit. Grab. p. 472. Nor perhaps did St. Stephen refer to t This history of Moses, as general of the Egyptians against any thing else when he said of Moses, before he was sent by the Ethiopians, is wholly omitted in our Bibles; but is thus God to the Israelites, that he was not only learned in all the cited by Irenaeus, from Josephus, and that soon after his own wisdom of the Egyptians, but was also mighty in words and in age: —"Josephus says, that when Moses was nourished in the deeds, Acts vii. 22. king's palace, he was appointed general of the army against 78 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK II. had before admonished the Egyptians to kill him, of destruction; and at length they retired to Saba, was not ashamed now to own their want of his which was a royal city of Ethiopia, which Cambyses help. afterwards named Mero6, after the name of his own 2. So Moses, at the persuasion both of Thermu- sister. The place was to be besieged with very this and the king himself, cheerfully undertook the great difficulty, since it was both encompassed by business: and the sacred scribes of both nations the Nile quite round, and the other rivers, Astapus were glad; those of the Egyptians, that they should and Astaboras, made it a very difficult thing for such at once overcome their enemies by his valour, and as attempted to pass over them; for the city was that by the same piece of management Moses would situate in a retired place, and was inhabited aftel be slain; but those of the Hebrews, that they the manner of an island, being encompassed with a should escape from the Egyptians, because Moses strong wall, and having the rivers to guard them was to be their general. But Moses prevented the from their enemies, and having great ramparts beenemies, and took and led his army before those tween the wall and the rivers, insomuch, that when enemies were apprized of his attacking them; for the waters come with the greatest violence, it can he did not march by the river, but by land, where never be drowned; which ramparts make it next to he gave a wonderful demonstration of his sagacity; impossible for even such as are gotten over the for when the ground was difficult to be passed over, rivers to take the city. However, while Moses was because of the multitude of serpents, (which it pro- uneasy at the army's lying idle, (for the enemies duces in vast numbers, and, indeed, is singular in durst not come to a battle,) this accident happened: some of those productions, which other countries do -Tharbis was the daughter of the king of the Ethinot breed, and yet such as are worse than others in opians: she happened to see Moses as he led the power and mischief, and an unusual fierceness of army near the walls, and fought with great cousight, some of which ascend out of the ground un- rage; and admiring the subtility of his undertakings, seen, and also fly in the air, and so come upon men and believing him to be the author of the Egyptians' at unawares, and do them a mischief,) Moses in- success, when they had before despaired of revented a wonderful stratagem to preserve the army covering their liberty, and to be the occasion of the safe, and without hurt; for he made baskets, like great danger the Ethiopians were in, when they had unto arks, of sedge, and filled them with ibes,* and before boasted of their great achievements, she fell carried them along with them; which animal is the deeply in love with him; and upon the prevalency greatest enemy to serpents imaginable, for they fly of that passion, sent to him the most faithful of all from them when they come near them; and as they her servants to discourse with him about their marfly they are caught and devoured by them, as if it riage. He thereupon accepted the offer, on conwere done by the harts; but the ibes are tame dition she would procure the delivering up of the creatures, and only enemies to the serpentine kind: city; and gave her the assurance of an oath to take but about these ibes I say no more at present, since her to his wife; and that when he had once taken the Greeks themselves are not unacquainted with possession of the city, he would not break his oath this sort of bird. As soon, therefore, as Moses was to her. No sooner was the agreement made, but come to the land which was the breeder of these it took effect immediately; and when Moses had serpents, he let loose the ibes, and by their means cut off the Ethiopians, he gave thanks to God, and repelled the serpentine kind, and used them for his consummated his marriage, and led the Egyptians assistants before the army came upon that ground. back to their own land. When he had therefore proceeded thus on his journey, he came upon the Ethiopians before they expected him; and, joining battle with them, he beat them, and deprived them of the hopes they had of success against the Egyptians, and went on in over- CHAPTER XI. throwing their cities, and indeed made a great HOW MOSES FLED OUT OF EGYPT INTO MDIAN. slaughter of these Ethiopians. Now when the Egyptian army had once tasted of this prosperous 1. Now the Egyptians, after they had been presuccess, by the means of Moses, they did not slacken served by Moses, entertained a hatred to him, and their diligence, insomuch that the Ethiopians were were very eager in compassing their designs against in danger of being reduced to slavery, and all sorts him, as suspecting that he would take occasion, from Pliny speaks of these birds called ibes; and says, " The rivers Astapus and Astaboras, B. XVI. p. 771, 786; andt B Egyptians invoked them against the serpents," Hist. Nat. XVII. p. 821 B. X. ch. 28. Strabo speaks of this island Meroe. and these CIAP. XI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 79 his good success, to raise a sedition, and. bring in- into his presence, that he might be rewarded as he novations into Egypt; and told the king he ought deserved. And when Moses came, he told himn to be slain. The king had also some intentions of what testimony his daughters bare to him, that he himself to the same purpose, and this as well out had assisted them; and that, as he admired him for of envy at his glorious expedition at the head of his his virtue, he said that Moses had bestowed such army, as out of fear of being brought low by him; his assistance on persons not insensible of benefits, and being instigated by the sacred scribes, he was but where they were both able and willing to reready to undertake to kill Moses: but when he had turn the kindness, and even to exceed the measure learned beforehand what plots there were against of his generosity. So he made him his son, and him, he went away privately; and because the pub- gave him one of his daughters in marriage; and lic roads were watched, he took his flight through appointed him to be the guardian and superinthe deserts, and where his enemies could not suspect tendent over his cattle; for, of old, all the wealth of he would travel; and, though he was destitute of the barbarians was in those cattle. food, he went on, and despised that difficulty courageously; and when he came to the city Midian, which lay upon the Red Sea, and was so denoininated from one of Abraham's sons by Keturah, he sat upon a certain well, and rested himself there CHAPTER XII. after his laborious journey, and the affliction he had been in. It was not far from the city, and the time CONCERNING THE BURNING BUsH, AND THE ROD OF of the day was noon, where he had an occasion MOSES. offered him by the custom of the country of doing 1. Now Moses, when he had obtained the fawhat recommended his virtue, and afforded him an vour of -Jethro, for that was one of the names of opportunity of bettering his circumstances. Raguel, staid there and fed his flock; but some 2. For that country having but little water, the time afterward, taking his station at the mountain shepherds used to seize on the wells before others called Sinai, he drove his flocks thither to feed came, lest their flocks should want water, and lest them. Now this is the highest of all the mountains it should be spent by others before they came. thereabout, and the best for pasturage, the herbage There were now come, therefore, to this well seven being there good; and it had not been before fed sisters that were virgins, the daughters of Raguel, upon, because of the opinion men had that God a priest, and one thought worthy by the people of dwelt there, the shepherds not daring to ascend up the country of great honour. These virgins, who to it; and here it was that a wonderful prodigy took care of their father's flocks, which sort of happened to Moses; for a fire fed upon a thorn work it was customary and very familiar for wo- bush, yet did the green leaves and the flowers conmen to do in the country of the Troglodytes, they tinue untouched, and the fire did not at all consume came first of all, and drew water out of the well the fruit branches, although the flame was great in a quantity sufficient for their flocks, into troughs, and fierce. Moses was affrighted at this strange which were made for the reception of that water; sight, as it was to him; but he was still more but when the shepherds came upon the maidens, astonished when the fire uttered a voice, and calland drove them away, that they might have the ed to him by name, and spake words to him, by command of the water themselves, Moses, think- which it signified how bold he had been in yening it would be a terrible reproach upon him if he turing to come into a place whither no man had overlooked the young women under unjust op- ever come before, because the place was divine; pression, and should suffer the violence of the men and advised him to remove a great way off from the to prevail over the right of the maidens, he drove flame, and to be contented with what he had seen; away the men, who had a mind to more than their and though he were himself a good man, and the share, and afforded a proper assistance to the wo- offspring of great men, yet that he should not pry men; who, when they had received such a benefit any further; and he foretold to him, that he should from him, came to their father, and told him how have glory and honour among men, by the blessing they had been affronted by the shepherds, and as- of God upon him. He also commanded him to go sisted by a stranger, and entreated that he would away thence with confidence to Egypt, in order to not let this generous action be done in vain, nor his being the commander and conductor of the body go without a reward. Now the father took it well of the Hebrews, and to his delivering his own people from his daughters that they were so desirous to from the injuries they suffered there: "For," said reward their benefactor; and bid them bring Moses God, " they shall inhabit this happy land which 80 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK 1I. your forefather Abraham inhabited, and shall have out the time, and so make the slavery of the Hethe enjoyment of all sorts of good things; and thou, brews and their sufferings to last the longer." by thy prudence, shalt guide them to those good 4. Moses having now seen and heard these wonthings." But still he enjoined him, when he had ders that assured him of the truth of these promises brought the Hebrews out of the land of Egypt, to of God, had no room left him to disbelieve them: he come to that place, and to offer sacrifices of thanks- entreated him to grant him that power when he giving there. Such were the divine oracles which should be in Egypt; and besought him to vouchwere delivered out of the fire. safe him the knowledge of his own name; and since 2. But Moses was astonished at what he saw, and he had heard and seen him, that he would also tell much more at what he heard; and he said, "I think him his name, that when he offered sacrifice he it would be an instance of too great madness, O might invoke him by such his name in his oblations. Lord, for one of that regard I bear to thee, to dis- Whereupon God declared to him his holy name, trust thypower, since I myself adore it, and know that which had never been discovered to men before; it has been made manifest to my progenitors: but concerning which it is not lawful for me to say any I am still in doubt how I, who am a private man, more.* Now these signs accompanied Moses, not and one of no abilities, should either persuade my then only, but always when he prayed for them: own countrymen to leave the country they now in- of all which signs he attributed the firmest assent habit, and to follow me to a land whither I lead to the fire in the bush; and believing that God them; or, if they should be persuaded, how can I would be a gracious supporter to him, he hoped he force Pharaoh to permit them to depart, since they should be able to deliver his own nation, and bring augment their own wealth and prosperity by the calamities on the Egyptians. labours and works they put upon them?" 3. But God persuaded him to be courageous on all occasions, and promised to be with him, and to assist him in his words, when he was to persuade CHAPTER XII. men; and in his deeds, when he was to perform wonders. He bid him also to take a signal of the IIOW MOSES AND AARON RETURNED INTO EGYPT TO truth of what he said, by throwing his rod upon the PHARAOH. ground, which, when he had done, it crept along, 1. So Moses, when he understood that the Phaand was become a serpent, and rolled itself round raoh, in whose reign he fled away, was dead, asked in its folds, and erected its head, as ready to re- leave of Raguel to go to Egypt, for the benefit cf venge itself on such as should assault it; after which his own people. And he took with him Zipporah, it become a rod again as it was before. After this the daughter of Raguel, whom he had married, and God bid Moses to put his right hand into his bosom: the children he had by her, Gersom and Eleazer, he obeyed, and when he took it out it was white, and made haste into Egypt. Now the former of and in colour like to chalk, but afterward it returned those names, Gersom, in the Hebrew tongue, signito its wonted colour again. He also, upon God's fies that he was in a strange land; and Eleazer, command, took some of the water that was near him, that, by the assistance of the God of his fathers, and poured it upon the ground, and saw the colour he had escapedfrom the Egyptians. Now when was that of blood. Upon the wonder that Moses they were near the borders, Aaron his brother, by showed at these signs, God exhorted him to be of the command of God, met him, to whom he declared good courage, and to be assured that he would be what had befallen him at the mountain, and the the greatest support to him; and bid him make use commands that God had given him. But as they of those signs, in order to obtain belief among all were going forward, the chief men among the Hemen, that " thou art sent by me, and dost all things brews, having learned that they were coming, met according to my commands. Accordingly I enjoin them: to whom Moses declared the signs he had thee to make no more delays, but to make haste to seen; and while they could not believe them, he Egypt, and to travel night and day, and not to draw made them see them. So they took courage at these * This superstitious fear of discovering the name with four pear). Josephus also durst not set down the very words of the,.etters, which of late we have been used falsely to pronounce ten commandments, as we shall see hereafter, Antiq. B. III. Jelovah, but seems to have been originally pronounced Jahoh, ch. v. sect. 4, which superstitious silence I think has yet not or Jao, is never, I think, heard of till this passage of Josephus; been continued even by the Rabbins. It is, however, no doubt and this superstition, in not pronouncing that name, has con- but both these cautious concealments were taught Josephus by tinred among the Rabbinical Jews to this day (though whether the Pharisees, a body of men at once very wicked and very the Samaritanls and Caraites observed it so early, does not ap-superstitious. CHar. XIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 81 surprising and unexpected sights, and hoped well of he said that he should gain nothing by this his their entire deliverance, as believing now that God cunning and shrewdness against the Egyptians;took care of their preservation. and he commanded him that was the chief task2. Since then Moses found that the Hebrews master over the Hebrews, to give them no relaxawould be obedient to whatsoever he should direct, tion from their labours, but to compel them to as they promised to be, and were in love with submit to greater oppressions than before; and liberty, he came to the king, who had indeed but though he allowed them chaff before for making lately received the government, and told him how their bricks, he would allow it them no longer, but much he had done for the good of the Egyptians, he made them to work hard at brick-making in the when they were despised by the Ethiopians, and day-time, and to gather chaff in the night. Now their country laid waste by them; and how he had when their labour was thus doubled upon them, been the commander of their forces, and had la- they laid the blame upon Moses, because their laboured for them, as if they had been his own people; bour and their misery were on his account become and he informed him in what danger he had been more severe to them. But Moses did not let his during that expedition, without having any proper courage sink for the king's threatenings; nor did returns made him as he had deserved. He also in- he abate of his zeal on account of the Hebrews' formed him distinctly what things happened to him complaints; but he supported himself, and set his at Mount Sinai; and what God said to him; and soul resolutely against them both, and used his own the signs that were done by God, in order to assure utmost diligence to procure liberty to his countryhim of the authority of those commands which he men. So he went to the king, and persuaded him had given him. He also exhorted him not to dis- to let the Hebrews go to Mount Sinai, and there to believe what he told him, nor to oppose the will sacrifice to God, because God had enjoined them so of God. to do. He persuaded him also not to counterwork 3. But when the king derided Moses, he made the designs of God, but to esteem his favour above him in earnest see the signs that were done- at Mount all things, and to permit them to depart, lest, before Sinai. Yet was the king very angry with him, he be aware, he lay an obstruction in the way of and called him an ill man, who had formerly run the Divine commands, and so occasion his own sufaway from his Egyptian slavery, and came now fering such punishments as it was probable any one back with deceitful tricks, and wonders, and magical that counterworked the Divine commands should arts, to astonish him. And when he had said this, undergo, since the severest afflictions arise from he commanded the priests to let him see the same every object to those that provoke the Divine wrath wonderful sights; as knowing that the Egyptians against them; for such as these have neither the were skilful in this kind of learning, and that he earth nor the air for their friends; nor are the fruits was not the only person who knew them, and pre- of the womb according to nature, but every thing tended them to be divine; as also he told him, that is unfriendly and adverse towards them. He said when he brought such wonderful sights before him, further, that the Egyptians should know this by sad he would only be believed by the unlearned. Now experience; and that besides, the Hebrew people when the priests threw down their rods, they be- should go out of their country without their consent. came serpents. But Moses was not daunted at it; and said, "0 king, I do not myself despise the wisdom of the Egyptians, but I say that what I do is so much superior to what these do by magic arts and tricks, as Divine power exceeds the power CHAPTER XIV. of man: but I will demonstrate that what I do is CONCERNING THE TEN PLAGUES WHICH CAME UPON not done by craft, or counterfeiting what is not THE EGYPTIANS. really true, but that they appear by the providence and power of God." And when he had said this, 1. BUT when the king despised the words of he cast his rod down upon the ground, and com- Moses, and had no regard at all to them, grievous manded it to turn itself into a serpent. It obeyed plagues seized the Egyptians; every one of which I him, and went all round, and devoured the rods of will describe, both because no such plagues did the Egyptians, which seemed to be dragons, until ever happen to any other nation as the Egyptians it had consumed them all. It then returned to its inow felt, and because I would demonstrate that owni form, and Moses took it into his hand again. Moses did not fail in any one thing that he foretold 4. However, the king was no more moved When them; and because it is for the good of mankind, this was done than before; and befng very angyd, that they may learn this ~aution-KNot to do an y 82 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK II. thing that may displease God, lest he be provoked to in disorder, upon the fear into which he reasoned wrath, and avenge their iniquities upon them. For himself, lest his people should be destroyed, and the Egyptian river ran with bloody water at the that the manner of this death was also reproachful, command of God, insomuch that it could not be so that he was forced in part to recover himself from drunk, and they had no other spring of water neither; his wicked temper to a sounder mind, for he gave for the water was not only of the colour of blood, but leave for the Hebrews themselves to depart. But it brought upon those that ventured to drink of it, when the plague thereupon ceased, he thought it great pains and bitter torment. Such was the river proper to require that they should leave their chilto the Egyptians; but it was sweet and fit for dren and wives behind them, as pledges of their drinking to the Hebrews, and no way different from return; whereby he provoked God to be more vewhat it naturally used to be. As the king therefore hemently angry at him, as if he thought to impose on knew not what to do in these surprising circum- his providence, and as if it were only Moses, and stances, and was in fear for the Egyptians, he gave not God, who punished the Egyptians for the sake the Hebrews leave to go away,; but when the plague of the Hebrews: for he filled that country full of ceased, he changed his mind again, and would not various sorts of pestilential creatures, with their suffer them to go. various properties, such indeed as had never come 2. But when God saw that he was ungrateful, into the sight of men before, by whose means the and upon the ceasing of this calamity would not men perished themselves, and the land was destitute grow wiser, he sent another plague upon the Egyp- of husbandmen for its cultivation; but if any thing tians:-An innumerable multitude of frogs con- escaped destruction from them, it was killed by a sumed the fruit of the ground; the river was also distemper which the men underwent also. full of them, insomuch that those who drew water 4. But when Pharaoh did not even then yield to had it spoiled by the blood of these animals, as they the will of God, but, while he gave leave to the died in, and were destroyed by, the water; and the husbands to take their wives with them, yet insisted country was full of filthy slime, as they were born, that the children should be left behind, God preand as they died: they also spoiled their vessels in sently resolved to punish his wickedness with their houses which they used, and were found several sorts of calamities, and those worse than the among what they eat and what they drank, and foregoing, which yet had so generally afflicted came in great numbers upon their beds. There them; for their bodies had terrible boils, breaking was also an ungrateful smell, and a stink arose forth with blains, while they were already inwardly from them, as they were born, and as they died consumed; and a great part of the Egyptians therein. New, when the Egyptians were under perished in this manner. But when the king was the oppression of these miseries, the king ordered not brought to reason by this plague, hail was sent Moses to take the Hebrews with him, and be gone. down from heaven; and such hail it was, as the Upon which the whole multitude of the frogs climate of Egypt had never suffered before, nor was vanished away; and both the land and the river it like to that which falls in other climates in winter returned to their former natures. But as soon as time,t but was larger than that which falls in the midPharaoh saw the land freed from this plague, he dle of spring to those that dwell ir. the northern and forgot the cause of it, and retained the Hebrews; north-western regions. This hail broke down their and, as though he had a mind to try the nature of boughs laden with fruit. After this a tribe of lomore such judgments, he would not yet suffer Moses custs consumed the seed which was not hurt by the and his people to depart, having granted that liberty hail; so that to the Egyptians all hopes of the future rather out of fear than out of any good consider- fruits of the ground were entirely lost. ation.* 5. One would think the forementioned calamities 3. Accordingly, God punished his falseness with might have been sufficient for one that was only another plague, added to the former; for there arose foolish, without wickedness, to make him wise, and out of the bodies of the Egyptians an innumerable to make him sensible what was for his advantage. quantity of lice, by which, wicked as they were, But Pharaoh, led not so much by his folly as by they miserably perished, ab not able to destroy this his wickedness, even when he saw the cause of his sort of vermin either with washes or with ointments. miseries, he still contested with God, and wilfully At which terrible judgment the king of Egypt was deserted the cause of virtue; so he bid Moses take * Of this judicial hardening the hearts and blinding the eyes t As to this winter or spring hail near Egypt and Judea, see of wicked men, or infatuating them, as a just punishment for the like on thunder and lightning there, in the note on Antiq, their other wilful sins, to their own destruction, see the note on B. VI. ch. v. sect. 6. A utia.. B. VrI. ch. ix. sect. 6. 1................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a MI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.t............~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i CtIAr. XIV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 83 the Hebrews away, with their wives and children, passover, because on that day God passed us over, but to leave their cattle behind, since their own and sent the plague upon the Egyptians; for the cattle were destroyed. But when Moses said that destruction of the first-born came upon the Egypwhat he desired was unjust, since they were obliged tians that night, so that many of the Egyptians who to offer sacrifices to God of those cattle, and the lived near the king's palace, persuaded Pharaoh to time being prolonged on this account, a thick dark- let the Hebrews go. Accordingly he called for ness, without the least light, spread itself over the Moses, and bid them be gone; as supposing, that Egyptians, whereby their sight being obstructed, if once the Hebrews were gone out of the country, and their breathing hindered by the thickness of Egypt should be freed from its miseries. They the air, they died miserably, and under a terror lest also honoured the Hebrews with gifts; * some, in they should be swallowed up by the dark cloud. order to get them to depart quickly, and others on Besides this, when the darkness, after three days account of their neighbourhood, and the friendship and as many nights, was dissipated, and when they had with them. Pharaoh did not still repent and let the Hebrews go, Moses came to him and said, " How long wilt thou be disobedient to the command of God? for he enjoins thee to let the Hebrews go; nor is there any other way of being freed from the calamities CHAPTER XV. you are under, unless you do so." But the king HOW THE HEBREWS, UNDER THE CONDUCT OF MOSES, was angry at what he said, and threatened to cut LEFT EGYPT. off his head if he came any more to trouble him about these matters. Hereupon Moses said he 1. So the Hebrews went out of Egypt, while would not speak to him any more about them, for the Egyptians wept, and repented that they had that he himself, together with the principal men treated them so hardly. —Now they took their among the Egyptians, should desire the Hebrews journey by Letopolis, a place at that time deserted, to go away. So when Moses had said this, he but where Babylon was built afterwards, when went his way. Cambyses laid Egypt waste: but as they went 6. But when God had signified, that with one away hastily, on the third day they came to a place more plague he would compel the Egyptians to let called Baalzephon, on the Red Sea; and when they the Hebrews go, he commanded Moses to tell the had no food out of the land, because it was a desert, people that they should have a sacrifice ready, and they eat of loaves kneaded of flour, only warmed by that they should prepare themselves on the tenth a gentle heat; and this food they made use of for day of the month Xanthicus, against the fourteenth, thirty days; for what they brought with them out of (which month is called by the Egyptians Pharmuth, Egypt would not suffice them any longer time; and and Nisan by the Hebrews; but the Macedo- this only while they dispensed it to each person, to nians call it Xanthicus,) and that he should carry use so much only as would serve for necessity, but away the Hebrews with all they had. Accord- not for satiety. Whence it is that, in memory of ingly, he having got the Hebrews ready for their the want we were then in, we keep a feast for eight departure, and having sorted the people into tribes, days, which is called thefeast of unleavened bread. he kept them together in one place: but when the Now the entire multitude of those that went out, infourteenth day was come, and all were ready to de- eluding the women and children,-was not easy to be part, they offered the sacrifice, and purified their numbered, but those that were of an age fit for war, houses with the blood, using bunches of hyssop were six hundred thousand. for that purpose; and when they had supped, they 2. They left Egypt in the month Xanthicus, on burnt the remainder of the flesh, as just ready to the fifteenth day of the lunar month; four hundred depart. Whence it is that we do still offer this and thirty years after our forefather Abraham came sacrifice in like manner to this day, and call this into Canaan, but two hundred. and fifteen years festival Pascha, which signifies the feast of the only after Jacob removed into Egypt.t It was the * These large presents made to the Israelites, of vessels of bitter slavery in Egypt, as atonements for the lives of the silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, were, as Josephus truly Egyptians, and as the condition of the Jews' departure, and of calls them, gifts really given them; not lent them, as our the Egyptians' deliverance from these terriblejudgm"ents, which, English falsely renders them. They were spoils required, not had they not now ceased, they had soon been all dead men, as borrowed of them, Gen. xv. 14; Exod. iii. 22; xi. 2; Psal. they themselves confess, ch. xii. 33. Nor was there any sense cv. 37, as the same version falsely renders the Hebrew word in borrowing or lending, when the Israelites were finally dehere used, Exod. xii. 35, 36. God had ordered the Jews to parting out of the land for ever. demand these as their pay and reward, during their long and t Why our Masorete copy so groundlessly abridge this ac 84 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK II. eightieth year of the age of Moses, and of that of sand horsemen, and two hundred thousand footAaron three more. They also carried out the bones men, all armed. They also seized on the passages of Joseph with them, as he had charged his sons to do. by which they imagined the Hebrews might fly, 3. But the Egyptians soon repented that the shutting them up * between inaccessible precipices Hebrews were gone; and the king also was mightily and the sea; for there was [on each side] a [ridge concerned that this had been procured by the magic of] mountains that terminated at the sea, which arts of Moses; so they resolved to go after them. were impassable by reason of their roughness, and Accordingly they took their weapons, and other obstructed their flight; wherefore they there pressed warlike furniture, and pursued after them, in order upon the Hebrews with their army, where [the to bring them back, if once they overtook them, ridges of] the mountains were closed with the because they would now have no pretence to pray sea; which army they placed at the chops of the to God against them, since they had already been mountains, that so they might deprive them of any permitted to go out; and they thought they should passage into the plain. easily overcome them, as they had no armour, and 4. When the Hebrews, therefore, were neither would be weary with their journey; so they made able to bear up, being thus, as it were, besieged, haste in their pursuit, and asked of every one they because they wanted provisions, nor saw any posmet which way they were gone. And indeed that sible way of escaping; and if they should have land was difficult to be travelled over, not only by thought of fighting, they had no weapons; they exarmies, but by single persons. Now Moses led the pected a universal destruction, unless they delivered Hebrews this way, that in case the Egyptians themselves up to the Egyptians. So they laid the should repent and be desirous to pursue after them, blame on Moses, and forgot all the signs that had they might undergo the punishment of their wicked- been wrought by God for the recovery of their ness, and of the breach of those promises they had freedom; and this so far, that their incredulity made to them. As also he led them this way on prompted them to'throw stones at the prophet, account of the Philistines, who had quarrelled with while he encouraged them and promised them dethem, and hated them of old, that by all means they liverance; and they resolved that they would demight not know of their departure, for their country liver themselves up to the Egyptians. So there is near to that of Egypt; and thence it was that was sorrow and lamentation among the women and Moses led them not along the road that tended to children, who had nothing but destruction before the land of the Philistines, but he was desirous their eyes, while they were encompassed with mounthat they should go through the desert, that so after tains, the sea, and their enemies, and discerned no a long journey, and after many afflictions, they way of flying from them. might enter upon the land of Canaan. Another 5. But Moses, though the multitude looked reason of this was, that God commanded him to fiercely at him, did not, however, give over the care bring the people to Mount Sinai, that there they of them, but despised all dangers, out of his trust in might offer him sacrifices. Now when the Egyp- God, who, as he had afforded.them the several tians had overtaken the Hebrews, they prepared to steps already taken for the recovery of their liberty, fight them, and by their multitude they drove them which he had foretold them, would not now suffer into a narrow place; for the number that pursued them to be subdued by their enemies, to be either after them was six hundred chariots, with fifty thou- made slaves or be slain by them; and, standing in count in Exod. xii. 40, as to ascribe 430 years to the sole peregri- between Migdol and the sea; and that when they were not nation of the Israelites in Egypt, when it is clear even by that able to fly, unless by sea, they were shut in on each side by Masorete chronology elsewhere, as well as from the express mountains. He also thought we might evidently learn hence, text itself, in the Samaritan, Septuagint, and Josephus, that how it might be said that the Israelites were in Etham before they sojourned in Egypt but half that time,-and that, by conse- they went over the sea, and yet might be said to have come quence, the other half of their peregrination was in the land of into Etham after they had passed over the sea also. Besides, Canaan, before they came into Egypt,-is hard to say. See he gave me an account how he passed over a river in a boat near Essay on the Old Testament, p. 62, 63. the city Suez, which he says must needs be the Heroopolis of * Take the main part of Reland's excellent note here, the ancients, since that city could not be situate any where which greatly illustrates Josephus, and the Scripture, in this else in that neighbourhood." history, as follows: " [A traveller, says Reland, whose name As to the famous passage produced here by Dr. Bernard, was] Eneman, when he returned out of Egypt, told me that out of Herodotus, as the most ancient heathen testimony of ne went the same way from Egypt to Mount Sinai, which he the Israelites coming from the Red Sea into Palestine, Bishop supposed the Israelites of old travelled; and that he found Cumberland has shown that it belongs to the old Canaanite or several mountainous tracts, that ran down towards the Red Phoenician shepherds, and their retiring out of Egypt into Sea. He thought the Israelites had proceeded as far as the Canaan or Phoenicia, long before the days of Moses. Sandesert of Etham, Exod. xiii. 20, when they were commanded choniatho, p. 374, &c. by Godl to return back, Exod, xiv. 2, and to pitch their caimp Ctr~P. XVI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 85 the midst of them, he said, "It is not just of us to your enemies expect you can be delivered, and may distrust even men, when they have hitherto well ma- at once demonstrate his own power and his provinaged our affairs, as if they would not be the same dence over us. Nor does God use to give his help men hereafter; but it is no better than madness, at in small difficulties to those whom he favours, but this time, to despair of the providence of God, by in such cases where no one can see how any hope whose power all those things have been performed in man can better their condition. Depend, therewhich he promised, when you expected no such fore, upon such a Protector as is able to make small things: I mean all that I have been concerned in for things great, and to show that this mighty force your deliverance and escape from slavery. Nay, against you is nothing but weakness, and be not when we are in the utmost distress, as you see we afrighted at the Egyptian army, nor do you despair are, we ought rather to hope that God will suc- of being preserved, because the sea before, and the cour us, by whose operation it is that we are now mountains behind, afford you no opportunity for encompassed within this narrow place, that he may flying, for even these mountains, if God so please, deliver us out of such difficulties as are otherwise may be made plain ground for you, and the sea beinsurmountable, and out of which neither you nor come dry land." CHAPTER XVI. HfOW THE SEA WAS DIVIDED ASUNDER FOR THE HEBREWS, WHEN THEY WERE PURSUED BY THE EGYPTIANS, AND SO GA\VE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY OF ESCAPING FROM THEM.;-~ -`,`~~~ -— ~~- r~_3. ____ / / 7//Ij ~/, P / /7 ~. ~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - ~Q —m _ HEN Moses had said this, "Thou art not ignorant, O Lord, that it is beyond...._' _-_- he led them to the sea, human strength and human contrivance to avoid _- while the Egyptianslook- the difficulties we are now under; but it must be ed on; for they were thy work altogether to procure deliverance to this vwithin sight. Now these army, which has left Egypt at thy appointment. were so distressed by the Wre despair of any other assistance or contrivance, / toil of their pursuit, that and have recourse only to that hope we have in they thought proper to thee; and if there be any method that can promise put off fighting till the us an escape by thy providence, we look up to thee next day. But when for it. And let it come quickly, and manifest thy Moses was come to the sea-shore, he took his rod, power to us; and do thou raise up this people unto and made supplication to God, and called upon good courage and hope of deliveralice, who axe him to be their helper and assistant; and said, deeply sunk into a disconsolate state of mind. We 86 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOk I1 are in a helpless place, but still it is a place that would come to them neither: but. the Egyptians thou possessest; still the sea is thine, the moun- were not aware that they went into a road made for tains also that enclose us are thine; so that these the Hebrews, and not for others; that this road mountains will open themselves if thou commandest was made for the deliverance of those in danger, them, and the sea also, if thou commandest it, will but not for those that were earnest to make use of become dry land. Nay, we might escape by a it for the others' destruction. As soon, therefore, flight through the air, if thou shouldst determine as ever the whole Egyptian army was within it, the we should have that way of salvation." sea flowed to its own place, and came down with a 2. When Moses had thus addressed himself to torrent raised by storms of wind,* and encompassed God, he smote the sea with his rod, which parted the Egyptians. Showers of rain also came down asunder at the stroke, and receiving those waters from the sky, and dreadful thunders and lightning, into itself, left the ground dry, as a road and a place with flashes of fire. Thunderbolts also were darted of flight for the Hebrews. Now when Moses saw upon them. Nor was there any thing which used this appearance of God, and that the sea went out to be sent by God upon men, as indications of his of its own place, and left dry land, he went first of wrath, which did not happen at this time, for a all into it, and bid the Hebrews to follow him along dark and dismal night oppressed them. And thus that divine road, and to rejoice at the danger their did all these men perish, so that there was not one enemies that followed them were in; and gave man left to be a messenger of this calamity to the thanks to God for this so surprising a deliverance rest of the Egyptians. which appeared from him. 4. But the Hebrews were not able to contain 3. Now, while these Hebrews made no stay, but themselves for joy at their wonderful deliverance, went on earnestly, as led by God's presence with and destruction of their enemies; now indeed supthem, the Egyptians supposed first that they were posing themselves firmly delivered, when those that distracted, and were going rashly upon manifest would have forced them into slavery were destroyed, destruction. But when they saw that they were and when they found they had God so evidently going a great way without any harm, and that no for their protector. And now these Hebrews having obstacle or difficulty fell in their journey, they made escaped the danger they were in, after this manner, haste to pursue them, hoping that the sea would be and besides that, seeing their enemies punished in calm for them also. They put their horse fore- such a way as is never recorded of any other men most, and went down themselves into the sea. Now whomsoever, were all the night employed in singthe Hebrews, while these were putting on their ar- ing of hymns, and in mirth.t Moses also commour, and therein spending their time, were before- posed a song unto God, containing his praises, hand with them, and escaped them, and got first and a thanksgiving for his kindness, in hexameter over to the land on the other side without any hurt. verse. Whence the others were encouraged, and more 5. As for myself, I have delivered every part of courageously pursued them, as hoping no harm this history as I found it in the sacred books; nor * Of these storms of wind, thunder, and lightning, at this does Artapanus, an ancient heathen historian, inform us, that drowning of Pharaoh's army, almost wanting in our copies of this was what the more ignorant Memphites, who lived at a Exodus, but fully extant in that of David, Psal. lxxvii. 16- great distance, pretended, though he confesses, that the more 18, and in that of Josephus here, see Essay on the Old Test. learned Heliopolitans, who lived much nearer, owned the deAppend. p. 154, 155. struction of the Egyptians, and the deliverance of the Israelt What some have here objected against this passage of the ites, to have been miraculous: and De Castro, a mathematician, Israelites over the Red Sea, in this one night, from the com- who surveyed this sea with great exactness, informs us, that mon maps, viz. that this sea being here about thirty miles there is no great flux or reflux in this part of the Red Sea, to broad, so great an army could not pass over it in so short a give a colour to this hypothesis; nay, that at the elevation of time, is a great mistake. Mons. Thevenot, an authentic eye- the tide there is little above half the height of a man. See witness, informs us, that this sea, for about five days' journey, Essay on the Old Test. Append. p. 239, 240. So vain and is no where more than about eight or nine miles over-cross groundless are these and the like evasions and subterfuges and in one place but four or five miles, according to De Lisle's of our modern sceptics and unbelievers, and so certainly do map, which is made from the best travellers themselves, and thorough inquiries and authentic evidence disprove and confute not copied from others. What has been further objected such evasions and subterfuges upon all occasions. against this passage of the Israelites, and drowning of the + What that hexameter verse, in which Moses's triumphant Egyptians, being miraculous also, viz. that Moses might carry song is here said to be written, distinctly means, our present the Israelites over at a low tide without any miracle, while yet ignorance of the old Hebrew metre or measure will not let us the Egyptians, not knowing the tide so well as he, might be determine. Nor does it appear to me certain that even Josedrowned upon the return of the tide, is a strange story indeed! phus himself had a distinct notion of it, though he speaks of That Moses, who never had lived here, should know the several sort of that metre or measure, both here and elsequantlty and time of the flux and reflux of the Red Sea better where. Antiq. B. IV. ch. viii. sect. 44; and B. VII. ch xii. than the Egyptians themselves in its neighbourhood! Yet sect. 3. CHAP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 87 let any one wonder at the strangeness of the nar- as to these events, let every one determine as he ration, if a way were discovered to those men of pleases. old time, who were free from the wickedness of the 6. On the next day Moses gathered together the modern ages, whether it happened by the will of weapons of the Egyptians, which were brought to God, or whether it happened of its own accord; the camp of the Hebrews by the current of the sea, while, for the sake of those that accompanied Alex- and the force of the winds resisting it; and he ander, king of Macedonia, who yet lived, compara- conjectured that this also happened by Divine Protively, but a little while ago, the Pamphylian Sea vidence, that so they might not be destitute of retired and afforded them a passage* through itself, weapons. So when he had ordered the Hebrews when they had no other way to go; I mean, when it to arm themselves with them, he led them to Mount was the will of God to destroy the monarchy of the Sinai, in order to offer sacrifice to God, and to renPersians: and this is confessed to be true by all that der oblations for the salvation of the multitude, as have written about the actions of Alexander. But he was charged to do beforehand. BOOK III. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF TWO YEARS. FROM THE EXODUS OUT OF EGYPT, TO THE REJECTION OF THAT GENERATION. CHAPTER I. little water, so that it not only was not at all sufficient for the men, but not enough to feed any of the HOW MOSES, WHEN HE HAD BROUGHT THE PEOPLE OUT cattle, for it was parched up, and had no moisture OF EGYPT, LED THEM TO MOUNT SINAI; BUT NOT TILL THEY HAD SUFFERED MUCH IN THEIR JOURNEY. that might afford nutriment to the vegetables; so they were forced to travel over this country, as 1. WHEN the Hebrews had obtained such a won- having no other country but this to travel in. They derful deliverance, the country was a great trouble had indeed carried water along with them from the to them, for it was entirely a desert, and without land over which they had travelled before, as their all sustenance for them; and also had exceeding conductor had bidden them; but when that was * Take here the original passages of the four old authors is no passing by the shore. Now at this time, after strong that still remain, as to this transit of Alexander the Great over south winds, a north wind blew, and that not without the the Pamphylian Sea: I mean, of Callisthenes, Strabo, Arrian, Divine Providence, (as both he and they that were with him and Appian. As to Callisthenes, who himself accompanied supposed,) and afforded him an easy and quick passage." Alexander in this expedition, Eustathius, in his Notes on Appian, when he compares Caesar and Alexander together, the third Iliad of Homer, (as Dr. Bernard here informs us,) (De Bel. Civil. B. II. p. 522,) says, "That they both desays, That "this Callisthenes wrote how the Pamphylian Sea pended on their boldness and fortune, as much as on their skill did not only open a passage for Alexander, but, by rising and in war. As an instance of which, Alexander journeyed over a elevating its waters, did pay him homage as its king." Strabo's country without water, in the heat of summer, to the oracle of account is this (Geog. B. XIV. p. 666): " Now about Pha- [Jupiter] Hammon, and quickly passed over the Bay of Pamselis is that narrow passage, by the sea-side, through which phylia, when, by Divine Providence, the sea was cut off:Alexander led his army. There is a mountain called Climax, thus Providence restraining the sea on his account, as it had which adjoins to the Sea of Pamphylia, leaving a narrow pas- sent him rain when he travelled [over the deseit]." sage on the shore, which, in calm weather, is bare, so as to be N. B.-Since, in the days of Josephus, as he assures us, all passable by travellers; but when the sea overflows, it is cover- the more numerous original historians of Alexander gave the aced to a great degree by the waves. Now then, the ascent by the count he has here set down, as to the providential going back mountains being round about and steep, in still weather they of the waters of the Pamphylian Sea, when he was going with make use of the road along the coast. But Alexander fell into his army to destroy the Persian monarchy, which the forethe winter season, and committing himself chiefly to fortune, he named authors now remaining fully confirm, it is without all marched on before the waves retired; and so it happened that just foundation that Josephus is here blamed by some late they were a whole day in journeying over it, and were under writers for quoting those ancient authors upon the present ocwater up to the navel.?' Arrian's account is this (B. I. p. 72, 73): casion; nor can the reflect"on3 of Plutarch, or any other author "When Alexander removed from Phaselis, he sent some part later than Josephus, be in the least here alleged to contradict of his-army over the mountains to Perga; which road the him. Josephus went by all the evidence he then had, and Thracians showed him. A difficult way it was, but short. that evidence of the most authentic sort also. So that whatHowever, he himself conducted those that were with him by ever the moderns may think of the thing itself, there is hence the sea-shore. This road is impassable at any other time than not the least colour for finding fault with Josephus: he would when the north wind blows; but if the south wind prevail, there rather have been much to blame had he omitted these quotations. 88 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK II1. spent, they were obliged to draw water out of wells, and had promised to render the water such as they with pain, by reason of the hardness of the soil. desired it to be, in case they would be subservient Moreover, what water they found was bitter, and to him in what he should enjoin them to do, and not fit for drinking, and this in small quantities this not after a remiss or negligent manner. And also; and as they thus travelled, they came late in when they asked what they were to do in order the evening to a place called Marah,* which had to have the water changed for the better, he bid that name from the badness of its water, for 3Ifar the strongest men among them that stood there, to denotes bitterness. Thither they came afflicted draw up water; t and told them, that when the both by the tediousness of their journey, and by greatest part was drawn up, the remainder would their want of food, for it entirely failed them at be fit to drink. So they laboured at it till the water that time. Now here was a well, which made them was so agitated and purged as to be fit to drink. choose to stay in the place, which, although it were 3. And now removing from thence they came to not sufficient to satisfy so great an army, did yet Elim; which place looked well at a distance, for afford them some comfort, as found in such desert there was a grove of palm-trees; but when they places; for they heard from those who had been to came near to it, it appeared to be a bad place, for the search, that there was nothing to be found, if they palm-trees were no more than seventy; and they travelled on farther. Yet was this water bitter, and were ill-grown and creeping trees, by the want of not fit for men to drink; and not only so, but it was water, for the country about was all parched, and no intolerable even to the cattle themselves. moisture sufficient to water them, and make them 2. When Moses saw how much the people were hopeful and useful, was derived to them from the cast down, and that the occasion of it could not be fountains, which were in number twelve: they were contradicted, for the people were not in the nature rather a few moist places than springs, which not of a complete army of men, who might oppose a breaking out of the ground, nor running over, could manly fortitude to the necessity that distressed not sufficiently water the trees. And when they dug them; the multitude of the children, and of the into the sand, they met with no water; and if they women also, being of too weak capacities to be took a few drops of it into their hands, they found persuaded by reason, blunted the courage of the it to be useless, on account of its mud. The trees men themselves,-he was therefore in great diffi- also were too weak to bear fruit, for want of being culties, and made every body's calamity his own; sufficiently cherished and enlivened by the water. for they ran all of them to him, and begged of him; So they laid the blame on their conductor, and made the women begged for their infants, and the men for heavy complaints against him; and said that this the women, that he would not overlook them, but their miserable state, and the experience they had procure some way or other for their deliverance. of adversity, were owing to him; for that they had He therefore betook himself to prayer to God, then journeyed an entire thirty days, and had spent that he would change the water from its present all the provisions they had brought with them; and badness, and make it fit for drinking. And when meeting with no relief, they were in a very deo God had granted him that favour, he took the top sponding condition. And by fixing their attention of a stick that lay down at his feet, and divided it upon nothing but their present misfortunes, they in the middle, and made the section lengthways. were hindered from remembering what deliverances He then let it down into the well, and persuaded they had received from God, and those by the virtue the Hebrews that God had hearkened to his prayers, and wisdom of Moses also; so they were very angry' Dr. Bernard takes notice here, that this place Mar, where might not complain of his omission of any accounts of such the waters were bitter, is called by the Syrians and Arabians miracles derived from Gentiles, he did not think proper to Mariri, and by the Syrians sometimes Morath, all derived conceal what he had met with there about this matter. Which from the Hebrew Mar. He also takes notice, that it is called procedure is perfectly agreeable to the character and usage of The Bitter Fountain by Pliny himself; which waters remain Josephus upon many occasions. This note is, I confess, barely there to this day, and are still bitter, as Thevenot assures us; conjectural; and since Josephus never tells us when his own and that there are also abundance of palm-trees. See his' copy, taken out of the temple, had such additions, or when any Travels, Part I. ch. xxvi. p. 166. ancient notes supplied them; or indeed when they are det The additions here to Moses's account of the sweetening rived from Jewish, and when from Gentile antiquity,-we can of the waters at Marah, seem derived from some ancient pro- go no further than bare conjectures in such cases, only the fane author, and he such an author also as looks less authentic notions of Jews were generally so different from those of Genthan are usually followed by Josephus. Philo has not a syl- tiles, that we may sometimes make no improbable conjectures lable of these additions, nor any other ancienter writer that we to which sort such additions belong. See also somewhat like know of. Had Josephus written these his Antiquities for the these additions in Josephus's account of Elisha's making sweet use of Jews, he would hardly have given them these very im- the bitter and barren spring near Jericho, War. 13. IV. ch..robable circumstances; but writing to Gentiles, that they viii. sect. 3. CHAP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 89 at their conductor, and were zealous in their attempt ingly he exhorted them to continue quiet, and to to stone him, as the direct occasion of their present consider that help would not come too late, though miseries. it come not immediately, if it be present with them 4. But as for Moses himself, while the multitude before they suffer any great misfortune; that they were irritated and bitterly set against him, he ought to reason thus: that God delays to assist them, cheerfully relied upon God, and upon his con- not because he has no regard to them, but because sciousness of the care he had taken of these his he will first try their fortitude, and the pleasure own people; and he came into the midst of them, they take in their freedom, that he may learn wheeven while they clamoured against him, and had ther you have souls great enough to bear want of stones in their hands in order to despatch him. Now food, and scarcity of water, on its account; or whehe was of an agreeable presence, and very able to ther you rather love to be slaves, as cattle are slaves persuade the people by his speeches; accordingly to such as own them, and feed them liberally, but he began to mitigate their anger, and exhorted them only in order to make them more useful in their not to be over-mindful of their present adversities, service. That as for himself, he shall not be so lest they should thereby suffer the benefits that had much concerned for his own preservation; for if he formerly beei. bestowed on them to slip out of their die unjustly, he shall not reckon it any affliction, memories; and he desired them by no means, on but that he is concerned for them, lest, by casting account of their present uneasiness, to cast those stones at him, they should be thought to condemn great and wonderful favours and gifts, which they God himself. had obtained of God, out of their minds, but to 5. By this means Moses pacified the people, and expect deliverance out of those their present troubles restrained them from stoning him, and brought them which they could not free themselves from, and to repent of what they were going to do. And bethis by the means of that Divine Providence which cause he thought the necessity they were under watched over them. Seeing it is probable that God made their passion less unjustifiable, he thought he tries their virtue, and exercises their patience by ought to apply himself to God by prayer and supthese adversities, that it may appear what fortitude plication; and going up to an eminence, he rethey have, and what memory they retain of his quested of God for some succour for the people, former wonderful works in their favour, and whether and some way of deliverance from the want they they will not think of them upon occasion of the were in, because in him, and in him alone, was miseries they now feel. He told them, it appeared their hope of salvation; and he desired that he they were not really good men, either in patience, would forgive what necessity had forced the people or in remembering what had been successfully done to do, since such was the nature of mankind, hard for them, sometimes by contemning God and his to please, and very complaining under adversities. commands, when by those commands they left the Accordingly God promised he would take care of land of Egypt; and sometimes by behaving them- them, and afford them the succour they were deselves ill towards him who was the servant of God, sirous of. Now when Moses had heard this from and this when he had never deceived them, either God, he came down to the multitude. But as soon in what he said, or had ordered them to do by God's as they saw him joyful at the promises he had recommand. He also put them in mind of all that ceived from God, they changed their sad countehad passed; how the Egyptians were destroyed nances into gladness. So he placed himself in the when they attempted to detain them, contrary to midst of them, and told them he came to bring the command of God; and after what manner the them from God a deliverance from their present very same river was to the others bloody, and not distresses. Accordingly a little after came a vast fit for drinking, but was to them sweet, and fit for number of quails, which is a bird more plentiful in drinking; and how they went a new road through this Arabian Gulf than any where else, flying the sea, which fled a long way from them, by which over the sea, and hovered over them, till wearied very means they were themselves preserved, but with their laborious flight, and, indeed, as usual, saw their enemies destroyed; and that when they flying very near to the earth, they fell down upon were in want of weapons, God gave them plenty of the Hebrews, who caught them, and satisfied their them; —and so he recounted all the particular in- hunger with them, and supposed that this was the stances, how when they were, in appearance, just method whereby God meant to supply them with going to be destroyed, God had saved them in a food. Upon which Moses returned thanks to God surprising manner; and that he had still the same for affording them his assistance so suddenly, and power; and that they ought not even now to sooner than he had promised them. despair of his providence over them; and accord- 6. But presently after this first supply of food, N ~0 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK III. he sent them a second; for as Moses was lifting up came to Rephidim, being distressed to the last dehis hands in prayer, a cew fell down; and Moses, gree by thirst; and while in the foregoing days they when he found it stick to his hands, supposed this had lit on a few small fountains, but now found was also come for food from God to them. He the earth entirely destitute of water, they were tasted it; and perceiving that the people knew not in an evil case. They again turned their anger what it was, and thought it snowed, and that it was against Moses; but he at first avoided the fury of what usually fell at. that time of the year, he in- the multitude, and then betook himself to prayer to formed them that this dew did not fall from heaven God, beseeching him, that as he had given them after the manner they imagined, but came for their food when they were in the greatest want of it, so preservation and sustenance. So he tasted it, and he would give them drink, since the favour of giving gave them some of it, that they might be satisfied them food was of no value to them while they had about what he told them. They also imitated nothing to drink. And God did not long delay to give their conductor, and were pleased with the food, for it them, but promised Moses that he would procure it was like honey in sweetness and pleasant taste, them a fountain, and plenty of water, from a place but like in its body to bdellium, one of the sweet they did not expect any. So he commanded him spices, and in bigness equal to coriander seed. And to smite the rock which they saw lying there,+ with very earnest they were in gathering it; but they his rod, and out of it to receive plenty of what they were enjoined to gather it equally,* the measure of wanted; for he had taken care that drink should an omer for each one every day, because this food come to them without any labour or pains-taking. should not come in too small a quantity, lest the When Moses had received this command from weaker might not be able to get their share, by reason God, he came to the people, who waited for him, and of the overbearing of the strong in collecting it. looked upon him, for they saw already that he was However, these strong men, when they had gather- coming apace from his eminence. As soon as he ed more than the measure appointed for them, was come, he told them that God would deliver had no more than others, but only tired themselves them from their present distress, and had granted more in gathering it, for they found no more than an them an unexpected favour; and informed them, omer apiece; and the advantage they got by what that a river should, run for their sakes out of the was superfluous was none at all, it corrupting, both rock. But they were amazed at that hearing, supby the worms breeding in it, and by its bitterness. posing they were of necessity to cut the rock in So divine and wonderful a food was this! It also pieces, now they were distressed by their thirst and supplied the want of other sorts of food to those that by their journey; while Moses only smiting the fed on it. And even now, in all that place, this rock with his rod, opened a passage, and out of it manna comes down in rain,t according to what burst water, and that in great abundance, and very Moses then obtained of God, to send it to the clear. But they were astonished at this wonderful efpeople for their sustenance. Now the Hebrews fect; and, as it were, quenched their thirst by the very call this food manna; for the particle man, in our sight of it. So they drank this pleasant, this sweet language, is the asking of a question, J2Vhat is water; and such it seemed to be, as might well be this? So the Hebrews were very joyful at what expected where God was the donor. They were was sent them from heaven. Now they made use also in admiration how Moses was honoured by of this food for forty years, or as long as they were God; and they made grateful returns of sacrifices in the wilderness. to God for his providence towards them. Now 7. As soon as they were removed thence, they that Scripture, which is laid up in the temple,.~ TIt seems to me, from what Moses, Exod. xvi. 18, St. Paul, down by God," Essay on the Old Test. Append. p. 239. But 2 Cor. viii. 15, and Josephus here say, compared together, as to the derivation of the word manna, whether from man, that the quantity of manna that fell daily, and did not putrefy, which Josephus says then signified What is it? or from manwas just so much as came to an omer apiece, through the nah, to divide, i. e. a dividend or portion allotted to every one, whole host of Israel, and no more. it is uncertain: I incline to the latter derivation. This manna t This supposal, that the sweet honey-dew or manna, so is called angels' food, Psal. lxxviii. 26, and by our Saviour, celebrated in ancient and modern authors, as falling usually in John vi. 31, &c., as well as by Josephus here and elsewhere, Arabia, was of the very same sort with this manna sent to the Antiq. B. III. ch. v. sect. 3, said to be sent the Jews from Israelites, savours more of Gentilism than of Judaism or heaven. Christianity. It is not improbable that some ancient Gentile + This rock is there at this day, as the travellers agree; and author, read by Josephus, so thought; nor would he here con- must be the same that was theie in the days of Moses, as being tradict him; though just before, and Antiq. B. IV. ch. iii. too large to be brought thither by our modern carriages. sect. 2, he seems directly to allow that it had not been seen be- Note here, that the small book of the principal laws of fore. However, this food from heaven is here described to be Moses is ever said to be laid up in the holy house itself; but like snow; and in Artapanus, a heathen writer, it is coin- the larger Pentateuch, as here, some where within the limits of pared to meal, "-like to oatmeal, in colour like to snow, -rained the temple and its courts only. See Antiq. B. V. ch. i. sect. 17 CHLAr. II. ANTIQUITIES OF TtIE JW\VITS. 91 informs us, how God foretold to Moses, that water hope for victory over those who were ready tc should in this manner be derived out of the rock. fight with them, in orderC to deprive them of that blessing: that they were to suppose their own army to be numerous, wanting nothing, neither weapons, nor money, nor provisions, nor such other CHAPTER II. conveniences as, when men are in possession of, they fight undauntedly; and that they are to judge nOW THE AMALEKITES, AND THE NEIGHBOURING NA- themselves to have all these advantages in the TIONS, MADE WAR WITH THE HEBREWS, AND WERE TIONS, MADE WAR WGITH TIPE HEBREWS, AN) WERE Divine assistance. They are also to suppose the BEATEN, AND LOST A GREAT PART OF THEIR ARPMY.. enemy's army to be small, unarmed, weak, and 1. THE name of the Hebrews began already to such as want those conveniences which they know be every where renowned, and rumours about them must be wanted, when it is God's will that they ran abroad. This made the inhabitants of those shall be beaten; and how valuable God's assistance countries to be in no small fear. Accordingly they is, they had experienced in abundance of trials; sent ambassadors to one another, and exhorted one and those such as were more terrible than war, for another to defend themselves, and to endeavour to that is only against men; but these were against destroy these men. Those that induced the rest to famine and thirst, things indeed that are in their do so, were such as inhabited Gobolitis and Petra. own nature insuperable; as also against mountains, They were called Amaleckites, and were the most and that sea which afforded them no way for warlike of the nations that lived thereabout; and escaping; yet had all these difficulties been conwhose kings exhorted one another, and their neigh- quered by God's gracious kindness to them. So hours, to go to this war against the Hebrews; tell- he exhorted them to be courageous at this time, ing them that an army of strangers, and such a one and to look upon their entire prosperity to depend as had run away from slavery under the Egyptians, on the present conquest of their enemies. lay in wait to ruin them; which army they were not, 3. And with these words did Moses encourage in common prudence and regard to their own safety, the multitude, who then called together the princes to overlook, but to crush them before they gather of their tribes, and their chief men, both separately strength, and come to be in prosperity: and per- and conjointly. The young men he charged to obey haps attack them first in a hostile manner, as pre- their elders, and the elders to hearken to their leader. suming upon our indolence in not attacking them So the people were elevated in their minds, and ready before; and that we ought to avenge ourselves of to try their fortune in battle, and hoped to be thereby them for what they have done in the wilderness, at length delivered from all their miseries: nay, they but that this cannot be so well done when they have desired that Moses would immediately lead them once laid their hands on our cities and our goods: against their enemies without the least delay, that no that those who endeavour to crush a power in its backwardness might be a hinderance to their present first rise, are wiser than those that endeavour to resolution. So Moses sorted all that were fit for put a stop to its progress when it is beconie formi- war into different troops, and set Joshua, the son dable; for these last seem to be angry only at the of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, over them: one flourishing of others, but the former do not leave that was of great courage, and patient to undergo any room for their enemies to become troublesome labours; of great abilities to understand, and to to them. After they had sent such embassages to speak what was proper; and very serious in the the neighbouring nations, and among one another, worship of God; and indeed made like another they resolved to attack the Hebrews in battle. Moses, a teacher of piety towards God. He also 2. These proceedings of the people of those coun- appointed a small party of the armed men to be near tries occasioned perplexity and trouble to Moses, who the water, and to take care of the children, and the expected no such warlike preparations. And when women, and of the entire camp. So that whole these nations were ready to fight, and the multitude night they prepared themselves for the battle; they of the Hebrews were obliged to try the fortune of took their weapons, if any of them had such as were war, they were in a mighty disorder, and in want well made, and attended to their commanders as of all necessaries, and yet were to make war with ready to rush forth to the battle as soon as Moses men who were thoroughly well prepared for it. should give the word of command. Moses also kept Then therefore it was that Moses began to en- awake, teaching Joshua after what manner he courage them, and to exhort them to have a good should order his camp. But when the day began, heart, and rely on God's assistance, by which they Moses called for Joshua again, and exhorted him hadl been advanced into a state of freedom, and to to approve himself in deeds such a one as his rcpu. 92 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEW' b. BooK Ill tation made men expect from him; and to gain the ornaments of their armour, and other things glory by the present expedition, in the opinion of that served for use in the family, and for the furnithose under him, for his exploits in this battle. He ture of their rooms; they got also the prey of their also gave a particular exhortation to the principal cattle, and of whatsoever uses to follow camps, men of the Hebrews, and encouraged the whole when they remove from one place to another. So army as it stood armed before him. And when he the Hebrews now valued themselves upon their had thus animated the army, both by his words and courage, and claimed great merit for their valour; works, and prepared every thing, he retired to a and they perpetually inured themselves to take mountain, and committed the army to God and to pains, by which they deemed every difficulty might Joshua. be surmounted. Such were the consequences of 4. So the armies joined battle; and it came to a this battle. close fight, hand to hand, both sides showing great 5. On the next day, Moses stripped the dead alacrity, and encouraging one another. And in- bodies of their enemies, and gathered together the deed while Moses stretched out his hand towards armour of those that were fled, and gave rewards to heaven,* the Hebrews were too hard for the Ama- such as had signalized themselves in the action; lekites: but Moses not being able to sustain his and highly commended Joshua, their general, who hands thus stretched out, (for as often as he let was attested to by all the army, on account of the down his hands, so often were his own people great actions he had done. Nor was any one of the worsted,) he bade his brother Aaron, and Hur their Hebrews slain; but the slain of the enemy's army sister Miriam's husband, to stand on each side of were too many to be enumerated. So Moses offered him, and take hold of his hands, and not permit his sacrifices of thanksgiving to God, and built an altar, weariness to prevent it, but to assist him in the which he named The Lord the Conqueror. He extension of his hands. When this was done, the also foretold that the Amalekites should utterly be Hebrews conquered the Amalekites by main force; destroyed; and that hereafter none of them should and indeed they had all perished, unless the ap- remain, because they fought against the Hebrews, proach of the night had obliged the Hebrews to de- and this when they were in the wilderness, and in sist from killing any more. So our forefathers their distress also. Moreover, he refreshed the army obtained a most signal and most seasonable victory; with feasting. And thus did they fight this first for they not only overcame those that fought against battle with those that ventured to oppose them, them, but terrified also the neighbouring nations, after they were gone out of Egypt. But when and got great and splendid advantages, which they Moses had celebrated this festival for the victory, obtained of their enemies by their hard pains in he permitted the Hebrews to rest for a few days, this battle: for when they had taken the enemy's and then he brought them out after the fight, in camp, they got ready booty for the public, and for order of battle; for they had now many soldiers in their own private families, whereas till then they light armour. And going gradually on, he came to had not any sort of plenty, of even necessary food. Mount Sinai, in three months' time after they were The forementioned battle, when they had once got removed' out of Egypt; at which mountain, as we it, was also the occasion of their prosperity, not only have before related, the vision of the bush, and the for the present, but for the future ages also; for they other wonderful appearances, had happened. not only made slaves of the bodies of their enemies, but subdued their minds also, and after this battle, became terrible to all that dwelt round about them. Moreover, they acquired a vast quantity of riches; CHAPTER III. for a great deal of silver and gold was left in the THAT MOSES KINDLY RECEIVED HIS FATHER-IN-LAW, enemy's camp; as also brazen vessels, which they THT MOSES KINDLY REcEIvED HIS FATHER-IN-LA JETHRO, WHEN HE CAME TO HIM TO MOUNT SINAI. made common use of in their families; many utensils also that were embroidered there were of both Now when Raguel, Moses's father-in-law, unsorts, that is, of what were weaved, and what were derstood in what a prosperous condition his affairs * This eminent circumstance, that while Moses's hands were tian church, till the clergy, instead of learning their prayers by lift up towards heaven, the Israelites prevailed, and while heart, read them out of a book, which is ill a great measure inthey were let down towards the earth, the Amalekites prevail- consistent with such an elevated posture, and which seems to ed, seems to me the earliest intimation we have of the proper me to have been only a later practice, introduced unller the posture, used of old, in solemn prayer, which was the stretch- corrupt state of the church; though the constant use of divine ing out of the hands [and eyes] towards heaven, as other pas- forms of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, appears to me to sages of the Old and New Testament inform us. Nay, by have been the practice of God's people, patriarchs, Jews, and the way, this posture seemed to bhve o.tfinu d in the Chris- Christians, in all the past ages. CHAP. IV. ANTIQUITi.ES OF THE JEWS. 93 were, he willingly came to meet him. And Moses the attendance on God only, and look out for took Zipporah his wife, and his children, and pleased methods of preserving the multitude from their himself with his coming. And when he had offered present distress. Make use of the method I sugsacrifice, he made a feast for the multitude, near the gest to you, as to human affairs; and take a review bush he had formerly seen; which multitude, every of the army, and appoint chosen rulers over tens of one, according to their families, partook of the feast. thousands, and then over thousands; then divide But Aaron and his family took Raguel, and sung them into five hundreds, and again into hundreds, hymns to God, as to Him who had been the author and into fifties; and set rulers over each of them, and procurer of their deliverance and their free- who may distinguish them into thirties, and keep dom. They also praised their conductor, as him by them in order; and at last number them by twenties whose virtue it was that all things had succeeded and by tens: and let there be one commander over so well with them. Raguel also, in his eucharisti- each number, to be denominated from the number cal oration to Moses, made great encomiums upon of those over whom they are rulers, but such as the the whole multitude; and he could not but admire whole multitude have tried, and do approve of, as Moses for his fortitude, and that humanity he had being good and righteous men; * and let those shown in the delivery of his friends. rulers decide the controversies they have one with another. But if any great cause arise, let them bring the cognizance of it before the rulers of a higher dignity; but if any great difficulty arise that is too hard for even their determination, let CHAPTER IV. them send it to thee. By these means two advantages will be gained; the Hebrews will have justice HOW RAGUEL SUGGESTED TO MOSES TO SET HIS done them, and thou wilt be able to attend conPEOPLE IN ORDER, UNDER THEIR RULERS OF THOUPEOPLE IN ORDER, UNDER THEIR RULERS OF THOU- stantly on God, and procure him to be more favourSANDS, AND RULERS OF HUNDREDS, WHO LIVED able to the people." WITHOUT ORDER BEFORE; AND HOW MOSES COMPLIED IN ALL THINGS WITH HIS FATHER-IN-LAW'S 2 This was the admonition of aguel; and ADMONITION. Moses received his advice very kindly, and acted according to his suggestion. Nor did he conceal 1. THE next day, as Raguel saw Moses in the the invention of this method, nor pretend to it himmidst of a crowd of business (for he determined self, but informed the multitude who it was that the differences of those that referred them to him, invented it: nay, he has named Raguel in the every one still going to him, and supposing that books he wrote, as the person who invented this they should then only obtain justice, if he were the ordering of the people, as thinking it right to give arbitrator; and those that lost their causes thought a true testimony to worthy persons, although he it no harm, while they thought they lost them justly, might have gotten reputation by ascribing to himand not by partiality); Raguel however said nothing self the inventions of other men; whence we may to him at that time, as not desirous to be any hinder- learn the virtuous disposition of Moses: but of such ance to such as had a mind to make use of the his disposition, we shall have proper occasion to virtue of their conductor. But afterward he took speak in other places of these books. him to himself, and when he had him alone, he instructed him in what he ought to do; and advised him to leave the trouble of lesser causes to others, but himself to take care of the greater, and of the people's safety, for that certain others of the He- CHAPTER V. brews might be found that were fit to determine causes, but that nobody but a Moses could take HOW MOSES ASCENDED UP TO MOUNT SINAI, AND REcauses, but that nobody but a Moses could take CEIVED LAWS FROM GOD, AND DELIVERED THEM] care of the safety of so many ten thousands. "Be TO THE HEBREWS. not therefore," says he, " insensible of thine own virtue, and what thou hast done by ministering 1. Now Moses called the multitude together, under God to the people's preservation. Permit, and told them that he was going from them unto therefore, the determination of common causes to Mount Sinai to converse with God; to receive be done by others, but do thou reserve thyself to from him, and to bring back with him, a certain * This manner of electing the judges and officers of the fully noted, because it was the pattern of the like manner of Israelites by the testimonies and suffrages of the people, before the choice and ordination of bishops, presbyters, and deacons Lhey were ordained by God, or by Moses, deserves to be care- in the Christian church. 94 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK III. oracle; but he enjoined them to pitch their tents their minds, so they sorrowfully contained them. near the mountain, and prefer the habitation that selves within their tents, as both supposing Moses was nearest to God, before one more remote. When to be destroyed by the Divine wrath, and expecting he had said this, he ascended up to Mount Sinai, the like destruction for themselves. which is the highest of all the mountains that are 3. When they were under these apprehensions, in that country,* and is not only very difficult to Moses appeared as joyful and greatly exalted. be ascended by men, on account of its vast altitude, When they saw him, they were freed from their but because of the sharpness of its precipices also; fear, and admitted of more comfortable hopes as to nay, indeed, it cannot be looked at without pain what was to come. The air also was become clear of the eyes: and besides this, it was terrible and and pure of its former disorders, upon the appearinaccessible, on account of the rumour that passed ance of Moses; whereupon he called together the about, that God dwelt there. But the Hebrews people to a congregation, in order to their hearing removed their tents as Moses had bidden them, and what God would say to them: and when they were took possession of the lowest parts of the moun- gathered together, he stood on an eminence whence tain; and were elevated in their minds, in expecta- they might all hear him, and said, " God has retion that Moses would return from God with pro- ceived me graciously, O Hebrews, as he has mises of the good things he had proposed to them. formerly done; and has suggested a happy method So they feasted and waited for their conductor, and of living for you, and an order of political governkept themselves pure as in other respects, and not ment, and is now present in the camp: I therefore accompanying with their wives for three days, as he charge you, for his sake and the sake of his works, had before ordered them to do. And they prayed and what we ha ve done by his means, that you do to God that he would favourably receive Moses in not put a low value on what I am going to say, behis conversing with him, and bestow some such cause the commands have been given by me that gift upon them by which they might live well. They now deliver them to you, nor because it is the tongue also lived more plentifully as to their diet; and of a man that delivers them to you; but if you have put on their wives and children more ornamental a due regard to the great importance of the things and decent clothing than they usually wore. themselves, you will understand the greatness of 2. So they passed two days in this way of feast- Him whose institutions they are, and who has not ing; but on the third day, before the sun was up, a disdained to communicate them to me for our comcloud spread itself over the whole camp of the He- mon advantage; for it is not to be supposed that brews, such a one as none had before seen, and en- the author of these institutions is barely Moses, the compassed the place where they had pitched their son of Amram and Jochebed, but He who obliged tents; and while all the rest of the air was clear, the Nile to run bloody for your sakes, and tamed the there came strong winds, that raised up large haughtiness of the Egyptians by various sorts of showers of rain, which became a mighty tempest. judgments; he who provided a way through the sea There was also such lightning, as was terrible to for us; he who contrived a method of sending us those that saw it; and thunder, with its thunder- food from heaven, when we were distressed for bolts, were sent down, and declared God to be there want of it; he who made the water to issue out ot present in a gracious way to such as Moses desired a rock, when we had very little of it before; he by he should be gracious. Now, as to these matters, whose means Adam was made to partake of the every one of my readers may think as he pleases; fruits both of the land and of the sea; he by but I am under a necessity of relating this history whose means Noah escaped the deluge; he by as it is described in the sacred books. This sight, whose means our forefather Abraham, of a wanderand the amazing sound that came to their ears, ing pilgrim, was made the heir of the land of Cadisturbed the Hebrews to a prodigious degree, for naan; he by whose means Isaac was born of parents they were not such as they were accustomed to; that were very old; he by whose means Jacob was and then the rumour that was spread abroad, how adorned with twelve virtuous sons; he by whose God frequented that mountain, greatly astonished means Joseph became a potent lord over the Egyp_ * Since this mountain, Sinai, is here said to be the highest Arabians, Canaanites, and other nations. Accordingly, when of all the mountains that are in that country, it must be (1 Kings ix. 8) the Scripture says that Elijah came to that now called St. Katherine's, which is one-third higher Horeb, the mount of God, Josephus justly says, Antiq. B. than that within a mile of it, now called Sinai, as Mons. VIII. ch. xiii. sect. 7, that he came to the mountain called Thevenot informs us, Travels, Part I. ch. xxiii. p. 168. The Sinai: and Jerome, here cited by Dr. Hudson, says, that he other name of it, Horeb, is never used by Josephus, and per- took this mountain to have two names, Sinai and Choreb. naps was its name among the Egyptians only, whence the De Nomin. Heb. p. 427. Israelites were lately come, as Sinai was its name among the CHAP. V. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 95 uians; he it is who conveys these instructions to you Moses went up again to Mount Sinai, of which he by me as his interpreter. And let them be to you had told them beforehand. He made his ascent in venerable, and contended for more earnestly by you their sight; and while he staid there so long a time, than your own children and your own wives; for (for he was absent from them forty days,) fear if you will follow them, you will lead a happy life; seized upon the Hebrews, lest Moses should have you will enjoy the land fruitful, the sea calm, and come to any harm; nor was there any thing else so the fruit of the womb born complete, as nature re- sad, and that so much troubled them, as this supquires; you will be also terrible to your enemies: posal that Moses was perished. Now there was a for I have been admitted into the presence of God, variety in their sentiments about it; some saying and been made a hearer of his incorruptible voice; that he was fallen among wild beasts; and those so great is his concern for your nation, and its that were of this opinion were chiefly such as duration." were ill-disposed to him; but others said that he 4. When he had said this, he brought the peo- was departed, and gone to God; but the wiser sort ple, with their wives and children, so near the were led by their reason to embrace neither of those mountain, that they might hear God himself speak- opinions with any satisfaction, thinking, that as it ing to them about the precepts which they were to was a thing that sometimes happens to men to fall practise; that the energy of what should be spoken among wild beasts and perish that way, so it was might not be hurt by its utterance by that tongue probable enough that he might depart and go to of a man, which could but imperfectly deliver it to God, on account of his virtue; they therefore were their understanding. And they all heard a voice quiet, and expected the event: yet were they exthat came to all of them from above, insomuch that ceeding sorry upon the supposal that they were no one of these words escaped them, which Moses deprived of a governor and a protector, such a one wrote on two tables; which it is not lawful for us to indeed as they could never recover again; nor would set down directly, but their import we will declare.* this suspicion give them leave to expect any com5. The first commandment teaches us that there fortable event about this man, nor could they preis but one God, and that we ought to worship him vent their trouble and melancholy upon this occasion. only. The secondl commands us not to make the However, the camp durst not remove all this while, image of any living creature to worship it. The because Moses had bidden them afore to stay there. third, that we must not swear by God in a false 8. But when the forty days, and as many nights, matter. The fourth, that we must keep the se- were over, Moses came down, having tasted nothing venth day, by resting from all sorts of work. The of food usually appointed for the nourishment of fifth, that we must honour our parents. The sixth, men. His appearance filled the army with gladthat we must abstain from murder. The seventh, ness, and he declared to them what care God had that we must not commit adultery. The eighth, of them, and by what manner of conduct of their that we must not be guilty of theft. The ninth, lives they might live happily; telling them, that that we must not bear false witness. The tenth, during these days of his absence he had suggested that we must not admit of the desire of any thing to him also that he would have a tabernacle built that is another's. for him, into which he would descend when he came 6. Now when the multitude had heard God him- to them, and how we should carry it about with us self giving those precepts which Moses had dis- when we remove from this place; and that there coursed of, they rejoiced at what was said; and the would be no longer any occasion for going up to congregation was dissolved: but on the following Mount Sinai, but that he would himself' come and days they came to his tent, and desired him to pitch his tabernacle amongst us, and be present at bring them, besides, other laws from God. Accord- our prayers; as also, that the tabernacle should be ingly he appointed such laws, and afterwards in- of such measures and construction as he had shown formed them in what manner they should act in all him, and that you are to fall to the work, and procases; which laws I shall make mention of in their secute it diligently. WVhen he had said this, he proper time; but I shall reserve most of those showed them the two tables, with the ten comlaws for another work,t and make there a distinct mandments engraven upon them, five upon each explication of them. table; and the writing was by the hand of God. 7. When matters were brought to this state, ~ Of this and another like superstitious notion of the Phari- that which does not appear to have been ever published, which sees, which Josephus complied with, see the note on Antiq. B. yet he intended to publish, about the reasons of many of the II1. ch. xii. sect. 4. laws of Moses; of which see the note on the Preface, sect. 4. t This other work of Josephus, here referred to, seems to be 96 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK III. CHAPTER VI. he set up brazen pillars, five cubits high, twenty on each of the longer sides, and ten pillars for the CONCERNING THE TABERNACLE WHICH MOSES BUILT IN breadth behind; every one of the pillars also had THE WILDERNESS FOR THE HONOUR OF GOD, AND a ring. Their chapiters were of silver, but their WHICH SEEMED TO BE A TEMPLE. bases were of brass: they resembled the sharp ends 1. HEEREUPON the Israelites rejoiced at what they of spears, and were of brass, fixed into the ground. had seen and heard of their conductor, and were Cords were also put through the rings, and were not wanting in diligence according to their ability; tied at their farther ends to brass nails of a cubit for they brought silver, and gold, and brass, and long, which, at every pillar, were driven into the of the best sorts of wood, and such as would not at floor, and would keep the tabernacle from being all decay by putrefaction; camels' hair also, and shaken by the violence of winds; but a curtain of sheep-skins, some of them dyed of a blue colour, fine soft linen went round all the pillars, and hung and some of a scarlet; some brought the flower for down in a flowing and loose manner from their the purple colour, and others for white, with wool chapiters, and enclosed the whole space, and seemed dyed by the flowers aforementioned; and fine not at all unlike to a wall about it. And this was linen and precious stones, which those that use the structure of three of the sides of this enclocostly ornaments set in ouches of gold; they brought sure; but as for the fourth side, which was fifty also a great quantity of spices; for of these mate- cubits in extent, and was the front of the whole, rials did Moses build the tabernacle, which did not twenty cubits of it were for the opening of the at all differ from a movable and ambulatory ternm- gates, wherein stood two pillars on each side, after pie. Now when these things were brought together the resemblance of open gates. These were made with great diligence, (for every one was ambitious to wholly of silver, and polished, and that all over, further the work even beyond their ability,) he set excepting the bases, which were of brass. Now on architects over the works, and this by the command each side of the gates there stood three pillars, of God; and indeed the very same which the people which were inserted into the concave bases of the themselves would have chosen, had the election been gates, and were suited to them; and round them allowed to them. Now their names are set down was drawn a curtain of fine linen; but to the gates in writing in the sacred books; and they were these: themselves, which were twenty cubits in extent, and Besaleel, the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, the five in height, the curtain was composed of purple, grandson of Miriam, the sister of their conductor; and scarlet, and blue, and fine linen, and embroiand Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of dered with many and divers sorts of figures, exDan. Now the people went on with what they had cepting the figures of animals. WTithin these gates undertaken with so great alacrity, that Moses was was the brazen laver for purification, having a basin obliged to restrain them, by making proclamation, beneath of the like matter, whence the priests might that what had been brought was sufficient, as the wash their hands and sprinkle their feet; and this artificers had informed him; so they fell to work was the ornamental construction of the enclosure upon the building of the tabernacle. Moses also about the court of the tabernacle, which was ex. informed them, according to the direction of God, posed to the open air. both what the measures were to be, and its large- - ness; and how many vessels it ought to contain for -' the use of the sacrifices. The women also were __ m ___ ambitious to do their parts, about the garments of the priests, and about other things that would be wanted in this work, both for ornament and for the divine service itself. 2. Now when all things were prepared, the gold, and the silver, and the brass, and what was woven,: Moses, when he had appointed beforehand that X there should be a festival, and that sacrifices should be offered according to every one's ability, reared up the tabernacle;* and when he had measured the open court, fifty cubits broad and a hundred long, * Of this tabernacle of Moses, with its several parts and - furniture, see my description at large, chap. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. hereto belonging. - " CHAP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 97 3. As to the tabernacle itself, Moses placed it in Now the room within those pillars was the most the middle of that court, with its front to the east, holy place; but the rest of the room was the that, when the sun arose, it might send its first rays tabernacle, which was open for the priests. Howupon it. Its length, when it was set up, was thirty ever, this proportion of the measures of the tabercubits, and its breadth was twelve [ten] cubits. The nacle proved to be an imitation of the system of one of its walls was on the south, and the other the world; for that third part thereof which was was exposed to the north, and on the back part of within the four pillars, to which the priests were it remained the west. It was necessary that its not admitted, is, as it were, a heaven peculiar to height should be equal to its breadth [ten cubits]. God. But the space of the twenty cubits, is, as it There were also pillars made of wood, twenty on were, sea and land, on which men live, and so this each side; they were wrought into a quadrangular part is peculiar to the priests only. But at the figure, in breadth a cubit and a half, but the thick- front, where the entrance was made, they placed ness was four fingers: they had thin plates of gold pillars of gold, that stood on bases of brass, in numaffixed to them on both sides, inwardly and out- ber seven; but then they spread over the taberwardly: they had each of them two tenons belong- nacle veils of fine linen and purple, and blue, and ing to them, inserted into their bases, and these scarlet colours, embroidered. The first veil was were of silver, in each of which bases there was a ten cubits every way, and this they spread over the socket to receive the tenon; but the pillars on the pillars which parted the temple, and kept the most west wall were six. Now all these tenons and holy place concealed within; and this veil was sockets accurately fitted one another, insomuch that which made this part not visible to any. Now that the joints were invisible, and both seemed to the whole temple was called The Holy Placce; but be one entire and united wall. It was also covered that part which was within the four pillars, and to with gold, both within and without. The number which none were admitted, was called The Holy of of pillars was equal on the opposite sides, and Holies. This veil was very ornamental, and emthere were on each part twenty, and every one of broidered with all sorts of flowers which the earth them had the third part of a span in thickness; so produces; and there were interwoven into it all that the number of thirty cubits were fully made sorts of variety that might be an ornament, exceptup between them; but as to the wall behind, where ing the forms of animals. Another veil there was the six pillars made up together only nine cubits, which covered the five pillars that were at the enthey made two other pillars, and cut them out of trance. It was like the former in its magnitude, one cubit, which they placed in the corners, and and texture, and colour; and at the corner of every made them equally fine with the other. Now every pillar a ring retained it from the top downwards one of the pillars had rings of gold affixed to their half the depth of the pillars, the other half affordfronts outward, as if they had taken root in the ing an entrance for the priests, who crept under it. pillars, and stood one row over against another round Over this there was a veil of linen, of the same about, through which were inserted bars gilt over largeness with the former: it was to be drawn this with gold, each of them five cubits long, and these way or that way by cords, the rings of which, bound together the pillars, the head of one bar fixed to the texture of the veil, and to the cords running into another, after the nature of one tenon also, were subservient to the drawing and undrawinserted into another; but for the wall behind, there ing of the veil, and to the fastening it at the corner, was but one row of bars that went through all the that then it might be no hinderance to the view of pillars, into which row ran the ends of the bars on the sanctuary, especially on solemn days; but that each side of the longer walls; the male with its on other days, and especially when the weather female being so fastened in their joints, that they was inclined to snow, it might be expanded,, and held the whole firmly together; and for this reason afford a covering to the veil of divers colours. was all this joined so fast together, that the taber- Whence that custom of ours is derived, of having nacle might not be shaken, either by the winds, or a fine linen veil, after the temple has been built, to by any other means, but that it might preserve be drawn over the entrances. But the ten other itself quiet and immovable continually. curtains were four cubits in breadth, and twenty4. As for the inside, Moses parted its length eight in length; and had golden clasps, in order ta into three partitions. At the distance of ten cubits join the one curtain to the other, which was done so from the most secret end, Moses placed four pillars, exactly that they seemed to be one entire curtain. the workmanship of which was the very same with that These were spread over the temple, and covered all of the rest; and they stood upon the like bases with the top and parts of the walls, on the sides and bethem, each a small matter distant from his fellow. hind, so far as within one cubit of the ground. 98 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK III. There were other curtains of the same breadth with breadth one these, but one more in number, and longer, for they cubit, and its were thirty cubits long; but these were woven of height three hair, with the like subtilty as those of wool were spans. It had made, and were extended loosely down to the feet also, the ground, appearing like a triangular front and ele- lower half of vation at the gates, the eleventh curtain being used which were. for this very purpose. There were also other cur- complete feet, tains made of skins above these, which afforded resembling covering and protection to those that were woven, those which both in hot weather and when it rained. And great the Dorians was the surprise of those who viewed these curtains put to their l at a distance, for they seemed not at all to differ bedsteads; from the colour of the sky. But those that were but the upper parts towards the table were made of hair and of skins, reached down in the same wrought into a square form. The table had a manner as did the veil at the gates, and kept off the hollow towards every side, having a ledge of four heat of the sun, and what injury the rains might do. fingers' depth, that went round about like a spiral, And after this manner was the tabernacle reared. both on the upper and lower part of the body 5. There was of the work. Upon every one of the feet was there alsoanarkmade, also inserted a ring, not far from the cover, through sacred to God, of which went bars of wood beneath, but gilded, to be wood that was taken out upon occasion, there being a cavity where naturally strong, it was joined to the rings; for they were not entire and could not be rings; but before they came quite round they ended corrupted. This in acute points, the one of which was inserted into was called Eron the prominent part of the table, and the other into'in our own lan- the foot; and by these it was carried when they guage. Its con- journeyed. Upon this table, which was placed on struction was the north side of the temple, not far fiom the most thus: its length was five spans, but its breadth holy place, were laid twelve unleavened loaves of and height was each of them three spans. It was bread, six upon each heap, one above another: they covered all over with gold, both within and with- were made of two tenth-deals of the purest flour, out, so that the wooden part was not seen. It which tenth-deal [an omer] is a measure of the had also a cover united to it, by golden hinges, Hebrews, containing seven Athenian cotyle:; and after a wonderful manner; which cover was every above those loaves were put two vials full of frankway evenly fitted to it, and had no eminences incense. Now after seven days other loaves were to hinder its exact conjunction. There were also brought in their stead, on the day which is by us two golden rings belonging to each of the longer called the sabbath; for we call the seventh day boards, and passing through the entire wood, and the sabbath. But for the occasion of this invention through them gilt bars passed along each board, of placing loaves here, we will speak to it in anothirt that it might thereby be moved and carried about, place. as occasion should require; for it was not drawn 7. Over X in a 6cart by beasts of burden, but borne on the against this: g shoulders of the priests. Upon this its cover were table,near the two images, which the Hebrews call Cherubims; southernwall, they are flying creatures, but their form is not like to was set a canthat of any of the creatures which men have seen, dlestick of though Moses said he had seen such beings near the cast gold, holthrone of God. In this ark he put the two tables low within, whereon the ten commandments were written, five being of the upon each table, and two and a half upon each side weight of one tli of them; and this ark he placed in the most holy hundred | A place. pounds,which r J 6. But in the holy place he placed a table, like the Hebrews those at Delphi. Its length was two cubits, and its I call Chinchares; if it be turnled into the Greek CHAP. VIr. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 99 language, it denotes a talent. It was made denote the high priest's garments. Such was therewith its knops, and lilies, and pomegranates, and fore the habit of the rest. But when the priest bowls (which ornaments amounted to seventy in approaches the sacrifices, he purifies himself with all); by which means the shaft elevated itself on the purification which the law prescribes; and, in high from a single base, and spread itself into as the first place, he puts on that which is called Mvamany branches as there are planets, including the charnase, which means somewhat that is fast tied. sun among them. It terminated in seven heads, in It is a girdle, composed of fine twined linen, and one row, all standing parallel to one another; and is put about the privy parts, the feet being to be these branches carried seven lamps, one by one, in inserted into them in the nature of breeches, but imitation of the number of the planets. These lamps above half of it is cut off, and it ends at the thighs, looked to the east and to the south, the candlestick and is there tied fast. being situate obliquely. 2. Over this he wore a linen vestment, made of 8. Now be- fine flax doubled: it is called Chethone, and detween this can- notes linen, for we call linen by the name of Chedlestick and the thone. This vestment reaches down to the feet, l; <~l __ _ table, which, as and sits close to the body; and has sleeves that are we said, were tied fast to the arms: it is girded to the breast a within the sanc- little above the elbows, by a girdle often going l tuary, was the round, four fingers broad, but so loosely woven,':i $maltar of incense, that you would think it were the skin of a serpent. i1~i ilil made of wood It is embroidered with flowers of scarlet, and purple, indeed, but of and blue, and fine twined linen, but the warp was the same wood nothing but fine linen. The beginning of its cirof which the cumvolution is at the breast; and when it has gone foregoing vessels were made, such as was not liable often round, it is there tied, and hangs loosely to corruption; it was entirely crusted over with a there down to the ankles: I mean this, all the time golden plate. Its breadth on each side was a cubit, the priest is not about any laborious service, for in but the altitude double. Upon it was a grate of this position it appears in the most agreeable mangold, that was extant above the altar, which had a ner to the spectators; but when he is obliged to golden crown encompassing it round about, whereto assist at the offering sacrifices, and to do the apbelonged rings and bars, by which the priests carried pointed service, that he may not be hindered in his it when they journeyed. Before this tabernacle operations by its motion, he throws it to the left, there was reared a brazen altar, but it was within and bears it on his shoulder. Moses indeed calls made of wood, five cubits by measure on each side, this belt.lbaneth; but we have learned from the but its height was but three, in like manner adorned Babylonians to call it Emiac, for so it is by them with brass plates as bright as gold. It had also a called. This vestment has no loose or hollow parts brazen hearth of net-work; for the ground under- any where in it, but only a narrow aperture about neath received the fire fiom the hearth, because it the neck; and it is tied with certain strings hanghad no basis to receive it. Hard by this altar lay ing down from the edge over the breast and back, the basins, and the vials, and the censers, and the and is fastened above each shoulder: it is called caldrons, made of gold; but the other vessels, made Massabazanes. for the use of the sacrifices, were all of brass. And 3. Upon his head he wears a cap, not brought such was the construction of the tabernacle; and to a conic form nor encircling the whole head, but these were the vessels thereto belonging, still covering more than the half of it, which is called Masnaemphthes; and its make is such that it seems to be a crown, being made of thick swathes, but the contexture is of linen; and it is doubled CHAPTER VII. round many times, and sewed together; besides which, a piece of fine linen covers the whole cap CONCERNING THE GARMENTS OF THE PRIESTS, AND from the upper part, and reaches down to the fore. OF TIlE HIGH PRIEST. head, and hides the seams of the swathes, which woul 1. THERE were peculiar garments appointed for otherwise appear indecently: this adheres closely the priests, and for all the rest, which they call Ca- upon the solid part of the head, and is thereto so hanctce [priestly] garments, as also for the high firmly fixed, that it may not fall off during the priests, which they call Cahaneea Fabbie. and sacred service about the sacrifices. So we ha~e 100 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK III. now shown you what is the habit of the generality 5. Besides these, the high priest put on a third of the priests. garment, which was called the LJphod, which re4. The high priest is indeed adorned with the I sembles the Epomis of the Greeks. Its make was same garments that we have described, without after this manner: it was woven to the depth of a abating one; only over these he puts on a vestment cubit, of several colours, with gold intermixed, and of a blue colour. This also is a long robe, reach- embroidered, but it left the middle of the breast ing to his feet, [in our language it is called.Aeeir,] uncovered: it was made with sleeves also; nor and is tied round with a girdle, embroidered with did it appear to be at all differently made from a the same colours and flowers as the former, with a short coat. But in the void place of this garment mixture of gold interwoven. To the bottom of there was inserted a piece of the bigness of a span, which garment are hung fringes, in colour like embroidered with gold, and the other colours of pomegranates, with golden bells,* by a curious the ephod, and was called Essen, [the breastplate,] and beautiful contrivance; so that between two which in the Greek language signifies the Oracle. bells hangs a pomegranate, and between two pome- This piece exactly filled up the void space in the granates a bell. Now this vesture was not com- ephod. It was united to it by golden rings at every posed of two pieces, nor was it sewed together upon corner, the like rings being annexed to the ephod, the shoulders and the sides, but it was one long and a blue riband was made use of to tie them vestment so woven as to have an aperture for the together by those rings; and that the space beneck; not an oblique one, but parted all along the tween the rings might not appear empty, they conbreast and the back. A border also was sewed to trived to fill it up with stitches of blue ribands. it, lest the aperture should look too indecently: it There were also two sardonyxes upon the ephod, was also parted where the hands were to come out. at the shoulders, to fasten it in the nature of buttons, having each end running to the sardonyxes of gold, that they might be buttoned by them. On these were engraven the names of the sons of Jacob, in our own country letters, and in our own tongue, six on each of the stones, on either side; and the elder sons' names were on the right shoulder. Twelve stones also there were upon the breastV plate, extraordinary in largeness and beauty; and & w;8 S they were an ornament not to be purchased by men, because of their immense value. These stones, however, stood in three rows, by four in a row, and were inserted into the breastplate itself, and they were set in ouches of gold, that were themselves inserted in the breastplate, and were so made that'~~-~ u~8 y~ Wg g l ithey might not fall out. Now the first three stones were a sardonyx, a topaz, and an emerald. The second row contained a carbuncle, a jasper, and a sapphire. The first of the third row was a ligure, then an amethyst, and the third an agate, being the ninth of the whole number. The first of the fourth row was a chrysolite, the next was an onyx, and x then a beryl, which was the last of all. Now the names of all those sons of Jacob were engraven in these stones, whom we esteem the heads of our tribes, each stone having the honour of a name, in the order according to which they were born. And * The use of these golden bells at the bottom of the high prayers jointly with the high priest himself to the Almighty priest's long garment, seems to me to have been this: That by See Luke i. 10; Rev. viii. 3, 4. Nor probably is the son o shaking his garment at the time of his offering incense in the Sirach to be otherwise understood, when he says of Aaron, temple, on the great day of expiation, or at other proper the first high priest, Ecclus. xlv. 9, " And God encompassed periods of his sacred ministrations there, on the great festivals, Aaron with pomegranates, and with many golden bells round the people might have notice of it, and might fall to their own about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a noise prayers at the time of incense, or other proper periods; and made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to so the whole congregation might at once offer those common the children of his. people." CHAP. YII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 101 whereas the rings were too weak of themselves to deed such a coat grows over this plant as renders it bear the weight of the stones, they made two other a hemisphere, and that, as one may say, turned acrings of a larger size, at the edge of that part of the curately in a lathe, and having its notches extant breastplate which reached to the neck, and inserted above it, which, as I said, grow like a pomegranate, into the very texture of the breastplate, to receive only that they are sharp, and end in nothing but chains finely wrought, which connected them with prickles. Now the fruit is preserved by this coat golden bands to the tops of the shoulders, whose of the calyx, which fruit is like the seed of the herb extremity turned backwards, and went into the Sideritis: it sends out a flower that may seem to ring, on the prominent back part of the ephod; and resemble that of poppy. Of this was a crown this was for the security of the breastplate, that it made, as far from the hinder part of the head to might not fall out of its place. There was also a each of the temples; but this Ephielis, for so this girdle sewed to the breastplate, which was of the calyx may be called, did not cover the forehead, forementioned colours, with gold intermixed, which, but it was covered with a golden plate,* which had when it had gone once round, was tied again upon inscribed upon it the name of God in sacred chathe seam, and hung down. There were also golden racters. And such were the ornaments of the high loops that admitted its fringes at each extremity of priest. the girdle, and included them entirely. 7. Now here one may wonder at the ill-will 6. The high priest's mitre was the same that we which men bear to us, and which they profess to bear described before, and was wrought like that of all on account of our despising that Deity which they the other priests; above which there was another, pretend to honour; for if any one do but consider with swathes of blue embroidered, and round it was the fabric of the tabernacle, and take a view of the a golden crown polished, of three rows, one above garments of the high priest, and of those vessels another; out of which arose a cup of gold, which which we make use of in our sacred ministration, resembled the herb which we call Saccharus; but he will find that our legislator was a divine man, those Greeks that are skilful in botany call it and that we are unjustly reproached by others; for Hiyoscyamus. Now, lest any one that has seen this if any one do without prejudice, and with judgment, herb, but has not been taught its name, and is unac- look upon these things, he will find they were quainted with its nature, or, having known its name, every one made in way of imitation and representaknows not the herb when he sees it, I shall give such tion of the universe. When Moses distinguished as these are a description of it. This herb is often- the tabernacle into three parts,- and allowed two of times in tallness above three spans, but its root is them to the priests, as a place accessible and comlike that of a turnip (for he that should compare it mon, he denoted the land and the sea, these being thereto would not be mistaken); but its leaves are of general access to all; but he set apart the third like the leaves of mint. Out of its branches it division for God, because heaven is inaccessible to sends out a calyx, cleaving to the branch; and a men. And when he ordered twelve loaves to be set coat encompasses it, which it naturally puts off on the table, he denoted the year, as distinguished when it is changing, in order to produce its fruit. into so many months. By branching out the canThis calyx is of the bigness of the bone of the little cllestick into seventy parts, he secretly intimated finger, but in the compass of its aperture is like a the Decani, or seventy divisions of the planets; cup. This I will further describe, for the use of and as to the seven lamps upon the candlesticks, those that are unacquainted with it. Suppose a they referred to the course of the planets, of which sphere be divided into two parts, round at the bot- that is the number. The vails, too, which were tom, but having another segment that grows up to composed of four things, they declared the four a circumference from that bottom; suppose it be- elements; for the fine linen was proper to signify come narrower by degrees, and that the cavity of the earth, because the flax grows out of the earth; that part grow decently smaller, and then gradually the purple signified the sea, because that colour is grow wider again at the brim, such as we see in the dyed by the blood of a sea shell-fish; the blue is navel of a pomegranate, with its notches. And in- fit to signify the air; and the scarlet will naturally * The reader ought to take notice here, that the very Mosaic the tabernacle to have been parted into three parts, he seems Petalon, or golden plate, for the forehead of the Jewish high to esteem the bare entrance to be a third division, distinct from priest, was itself preserved, not only till the days of Josephus, the holy and the most holy places; and this the rather, because but of Origen; and that its inscription, Holiness to the Lord, in the temple afterward there was a real distinct third part, was in the Samaritan characters. See Antiq. B. VIII. ch. which was called the Porch: otherwise Josephus would coniii. sect. 8, Essay on the Old Test. p. 154, and Reland, De tradict his own description of the tabernacle, which gives us a Spol. Templi, p. 132. particular account of no more than two parts. t When Josephus, both here and ch. vi. sect. 4, supposes 102 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS:. Boox III. be an indication of fire. Now the vestment of the had gathered the multitude together, he gave them high priest being made of linen, signified the earth; an account of Aaron's virtue, and of his good-will to the blue denoted the sky, being like lightning in its them, and of the dangers he had undergone for their pomegranates, and in the noise of the bells re- sakes. Upon which, when they had given testisembling thunder. And fbr the ephod, it showed mony to him in all respects, and showed their reaclithat God had made the universe of four [elements]; ness to receive him, Moses said to them, " O you and as for the gold interwoven, I suppose it related Israelites, this work is already brought to a conto the splendour by which all things are enlight- ciusion, in a manner most acceptable to God, and ened. He also appointed the breastplate to be according to our abilities. And now since you see placed in the middle of the ephod, to resemble the that he is received into this tabernacle, we shall earth, for that has the very middle place of the first of all stand in need of one that may officiate world. And the girdle which encompassed the fbr us, and may minister to the sacrifices, and to high priest round, signified the ocean, for that goes the prayers that are to be put up for us. And inround about and includes the universe. Each of the deed had the inquiry after such a person been left sardonyxes declares to us the sun and the moon; to me, I should have thought myself worthy of this those, I mean, that were in the nature of buttons on honour, both because all men are naturally fond of the high priest's shoulders. And for the twelve themselves, and because I am conscious to myself stones, whether we understand by them the months,'that I have taken a great deal of pains for your deor whether we understand the like number of the liverance; but now God himself has determined signs of that circle which the Greeks call the Zodiac, that Aaron is worthy of this honour, and has chosen we shall not be mistaken in their meaning. And him for his priest, as knowing him to be the most for the mitre, which was of a blue colour, it seems righteous person among you. So that he is to put to me to mean heaven; for how otherwise could the on the vestments which are consecrated to God; he name of God be inscribed upon it? That it was is to have the care of the altars, and to make proalso illustrated with a crown, and that of gold also, vision for the sacrifices; and he it is that must put is because of that splendour with which God is up prayers for you to God, who will readily hear pleased. Let this explication * suffice at present, them, not only because he is himself solicitous for since the course of my narration will often, and on your nation, but also because he will receive them many occasions, afford me the opportunity of en- as offered by one that he hath himself chosen to larging upon the virtue of our legislator. this office." t The Hebrews were pleased with what was said, and they gave their approbation to him whom God had ordained; for Aaron was of them all the most deserving of this honour, on account of his own stock and gift of prophecy, and CHAPTER VIII. his brother's virtue. He had at that time four sols, OF THE PRIESTHOOD OF AARPON. I Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2. Now Moses commanded them to make use of 1. WTHEN what has been described was brought all the utensils which were more than were necesto a conclusion, gifts not being yet presented, God sary to the structure of the tabernacle, for covering appeared to'Moses, and enjoined him to bestow the the tabernacle itself, the candlestick, and altar of high priesthood upon Aaron his brother, as upon incense, and the other vessels, that they might not him that best of them all deserved to obtain that be at all hurt when they journeyed, either by the honour, on account of his virtue. And when he rain, or by the rising of the dust. And when he * This explication of the mystical meaning of the Jewish seven lamps, an emblem of the seven days of creation and rest, tabernacle and its vessels, with the garments of the high priest, which are here emblems of the seven planets. Nor certainly is taken out of Philo, and fitted to Gentile philosophical no- ought ancient Jewish emblems to be explained any other way tions. This may possibly be forgiven in Jews, greatly versed in than according to ancient Jewish, and not Gentile, notions. heathen learning and philosophy, as Philo had ever been, and See of the War, B. I. ch. xxxiii. sect. 2. as Josephus had long been when he wrote these Antiquities. t It is well worth our observation, that the two principal In the mean time, it is not to be doubted, but in their educa- qualifications required in this section for the constitution of the tion they must have both learned more Jewish interpretations, first high priest, (viz,. that he should have an excellent characsuch as we meet with in the Epistle of Barnabas, in that to the ter for virtuous and good actions; as also that he should have Hebrews, and elsewhere among the old Jews. Accordingly the approbation of the people,) are here noted by Josephus, when Joseplhus wrote his books of the Jewish War, for the use even where the nomination belonged to God himself; which of the Jews, at which time he was comparatively young, and are the very same qualifications which the Christian religion less used to Gentile books, we find one specimen of such a requires in the choice of Christian bishops, priests, and deaJewish interpretation; for there (B. VII. ch. v. sect. 5) he cons; as the Apostolical Constitutions inform us, B. II. makes the seven branches of the temple-candlestick, with their ch. iii. 4.10 - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i~ J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K 4~~~~~! CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 103 had gathered the multitude together again, he or- of Egypt. But at the beginning of the second year, dained that they should offer half a shekel for every on the month Xanthicus, as the Macedonians call man, as an oblation to God; which shekel is a piece it, but on the month NVisan, as the Hebrews call it, among the Hebrews, and is equal to four Athenian on the new moon, they consecrated the tabernacle, drachmue.* Whereupon they readily obeyed what and all its vessels, which I have already described. Moses had commanded; and the number of the 5. Now God showed himself pleased with the offerers was six hundred and five thousand five work of the Hebrews, and did not perimit their lahundred and fifty. Now this money that was bours to be in vain; nor did he disdain to make use brought by the men that were free, was given by of what they had made, but he came and sojourned such as were about twenty years old, but under with them, and pitched his tabernacle in the holy fifty; and what was collected was spent in the uses house. And in the following manner did he come of the tabernacle. to it: —The sky was clear, but there was a mnist over 3. Moses now purified the tabernacle and the the tabernacle only, encompassing it, )but not with priests; which purification was performed after the such a very deep and thick cloud as is seen in the following manner: —He commanded them to take winter season, nor yet in so thin a one as men five hundred shekels of choice myrrh, an equal might be able to discern any thing thriough it, but quantity of cassia, and half the foregoing weight of from it there dropped a sweet dew, and such a one cinnamon and calamus (this last is a sort of sweet as showed the presence of God to those that despice); to beat them small, and wet them with'an sired and believed it. bin of oil of olives (an kin is our own country 6. Now nwhen Moses had l)estowed such hllonorary measure, and contains two Athenian choas, or con- presents on the workmen, as it was fit they should gziuses); then mix them together, and boil them, and receive, who had wrought so well, he offered sacriprepare them after the art of the apothecary, and fiees in the open court of the tabelrnacle, as God make them into a very sweet ointment; and after- commanded him; a bull, a ram13, and a kid of the ward to take it to anoint and to purify the priests goats, for a sin-offering. Now I shall speak of themselves, and all the tabernacle, as also the sacri- what we do in our sacred offices ill my discourse fices. There were also many, and those of various about sacrifices; and therein shall inform men ir kinds, of sweet spices, that belonged to the taber- what cases Moses bid us offer a whole burnt-offlernacle, and such as were of very great price, and ing, and in what cases the law pernits us to par. were brought to the golden altar of incense; the take of them as of food. And when Moses had nature of which I do not now describe, lest it should sprinkled Aaron's vestments, himself, and hlis sons, be troublesome to my readers; but incenset was to with the blood of the beasts that were slain, and be offered twice a-day, both before sun-rising and at had purified them with spring waters alld ointment, sun-setting. They were also to keep oil already they became God's priests. After this manner did purified for the lamps; three of which were to give he consecrate them and their garments for seven light all day long,+ upon the sacred candlestick, days together. The same he did to the tabernacle, before God, and the rest were to be lighted at the and the vessels thereto belonging, both with oil first evening. incensed, as I said, and with the blood of bulls and 4. Now all was finished. Besaleel and Aholiab of rams, slain day by day one, according to its kind. appeared to be the most skilful of the workmen; for But on the eighth day he appointed a feast for the they invented finer works than what others had done people, and commanded them to offer sacrifice acbefore them, and were of great abilities to gain no- cording to their ability. Accordingly they contions of what they were formerly ignorant of; and of tended one with another, and were ambitious to these, Besaleel was judged to be the best. Now the exceed each other in the sacrifices which they whole time they were about this work was the in- brought, and so fulfilled i\oses's injunctions. But terval of seven months; and after this it was that as the sacrifices lay upon the altar, a sudden fire was ended the first year since their departure out was kindled from among them of its own accord, I This weight and value of the Jewish shekel, in the days f The incense was here offered, according to Josephus's of Josephus, equal to about 2s. 10d. sterling, is, by the learned opinion, before sun-rising, and at sun-settingr; but in the days Jews, owned to be one-fifth larger than were their old shekels; of Pompey, according to the same Josephus, the sacrifices were which determination agrees perfectly with the remaining she- offered in the morning, and at the ninth hour. Antiq. B. XIV kels that have Samaritan inscriptions, coined generally by ch. iv. sect. 3. Simon the Maccabee, about 230 years before Josephus pub- + Hence we may correct the opinions of the modern Rablished his Antiquities, which never weigh more than 2s. 41-d., bins, who say that only one of the seven lamps burned in the and commonly but 2s. 4~-d. See Reland De Nummis Samari- day-time; whereas our Josephus, an eyewitness, says there tanorum, p. 188. were three. 104 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK II1. and appeared to the sight like fire from a flash of attended to nothing else but the service of God. lightning, and consumed whatsoever was upon the He went no more up to Mount Sinai; but he went altar. into the tabernacle, and brought back answers from 7. Hereupon an affliction befell Aaron, consider- God for what he prayed for. His habit was also ed as a man and a father, but was undergone by that of a private man, and in all other circumstances him with true fortitude; for he had indeed a firm- he behaved himself like one of the common people, ness of soul in such accidents, and he thought this and was desirous to appear without distinguishing calamity came upon him according to God's will: himself from the multitude, but would have it for whereas he had four sons, as I said before, the known that he did nothing else but take care of two elder of them, Nadab and Abihu, did not bring them. He also set down in writing the form of those sacrifices which Moses bade them bring, but their government, and those laws by obedience which they used to offer formerly, and were burnt whereto they would lead their lives so as to please to death. Now when the fire rushed upon them, God, and so as to have no quarrels one among anand began to burn them, nobody could quench it. other. However, the laws he ordained were such Accordingly they died in this manner. And Moses as God suggested to him; so I shall now discourse bid their father and their brethren to take up their concerning that form of government, and those larws. bodies, to carry them out of the camp, and to bury 9. I will now treat of what I before omitted, the them magnificently. Now the multitude lamented garment of the high priest: for he [ioses] left no them, and were deeply affected at this their death, ropm for the evil practices of [false] prophets; but which so unexpectedly befell them. But Moses if some of that sort should attempt to abuse the entreated their brethren and their father not to be Divine authority, he left it to God to be present at troubled for them, and to prefer the honour of God his sacrifices when he pleased, and when he pleased before their grief about them; for Aaron had already to be absent.* And he was willing this should be put on his sacred garments. known, not to the Hebrews only, but to those fo8. But Moses refused all that honour which he reigners also who were there. For as to those saw the multitude ready to bestow upon him, and stones,t which we told you before, the high priest * Of this strange expression, that Moses "left it to God to 1 Sam. xiv. 35; 1 Chron. x. 14; xiii. 3; Antiq. B. VII. ch. oe present at his sacrifices when he pleased, and when he iv. sect. 2,) and accompanied David, who was anointed to sucpleased to be absent," see the note on B. II. against Apion, ceed him, and who consulted God by it frequently, and complied sect. 16. with its directions constantly, ] Sam. xiv. 37, 41; xv. 26; t These answers by the oracle of Urim and Thummim, xxii. 13, 15; xxiii. 9, 10; xxx. 7, 8, 18; 2 Sam. ii. 1; v. 19, which words signify light and perfection, or, as the Septuagint 23; xxi. 1; xxiii. 14; 1 Chron. xiv. 10, 14; Antiq. B. VI. ch. render them, revelation and truth, and denote nothing further, xii. sect. 5. Saul, indeed, long after his rejection by God, and that I see, but the shining stones themselves, which were used, when God had given him up to destruction for his disobedience, in this method of illumination, in revealing the will of God, did once afterwards endeavour to consult God when it was too after a perfect and true manner, to his people Israel: I say, late; but God would not then answer him, neither by dreams, these answers were not made by the shining of the precious nor by Urim, nor by prophets, 1 Sam. xxviii. 6. Nor did any stones, after an awkward manner, in the high priest's breast- of David's successors, the kings of Judah, that we know of, plate, as the modern Rabbins vainly suppose; for certainly the consult God by this oracle, till the very Babylonish captivity shining of the stones might precede or accompany the oracle, itself, when those kings were at an end; they taking upon without itself delivering that oracle, see Antiq. B. VI. ch. vi. them, I suppose, too much of despotic power and royalty, and sect.. 4; but rather by an audible voice from the mercy-seat be- too little owning the God of Israel for the supreme King of tween the cherubims. See Prideaux's Connect. at the year 534. Israel, though a few of them consulted the prophets sometimes, This oracle had been silent, as Josephus here informs us, two and were answered by them. At the return of the two tribes, hundred years before he wrote his Antiquities, or ever since the without the return of the kingly government, the restoration of days of the last good high priest of the family of the Macca- this oracle was expected, Neh. vii. 63; 1 Esd. v. 40; 1 Mace. bees, John Hyrcanus. Now it is here very well worth our iv. 46; xiv. 41. And indeed it may seem to have been reobservation, that the oracle before us was that by which God stored for some time after the Babylonish captivity, at least in appeared to be present with, and gave directions to, his people the days of that excellent high priest, John Hyrcanus, whom Israel as their King, all the while they submitted to him in that Josephus esteemed as a king, a priest, and a prophet; and capacity; and did not set over them such independent kings who, he says, foretold several things that came to pass accord. as governed according to their own wills and political maxims, ingly; but about the time o [ his death, lie here implies, that instead of Divine directions. Accordingly we meet with this this oracle quite ceased, and not before. The following high oracle (besides angelic and prophetic admonitions) all along priests now putting diadenms on their heads, and ruling accordfrom the days of Moses and Joshua to the anointing of Saul, ing to their own will, and by their own authority, like the other the first of the succession of the kings, Numb. xxvii. 21; kings of the pagan countries about them; so that while the Josh. vi. 6, &c.; xix. 50; Judg. i. 1; xviii. 4-6, 30, 31; xx. God of Israel was allowed to be the supreme King of Israel, 18, 2,3, 26-28; xxi. 1, &c.; 1 Sam. i. 17, 18; iii. per tot.; and his directions to be their authentic guides, God gave them iv. per tot.; nay, till Saul's rejection of the Diviine commands such directions as their supreme King and Governlor, and they in the war with Anmalek, when he took upon him to act as he were properly under a theocracy, by this oracle of Urini, but thought fit, 1 Sam. xiv. 3, 18, 19, 36, 37, then this oracle left no longer (see Dr. Bernard's notes here); thoughl I confess I Saul entirely, (which indeed he had seldom consulted before, cannot but esteem the high priest Jaddus's divine drea.m, CEIAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 105 bare on his shoulders, which w ere sardonyxes, (and a spoon, of ten darics, full of incense. Now the I think it needless to describe their nature, they charger and the bowl were of silver, and together being known to every body,) the one of them they weighed two hundred shekels, but the bowl shined out when God was present at their sacri- cost no more than seventy shekels; and these were fices; I mean that which was in the nature of a full of fine flour mingled with oil, such as they used button on his right shoulder, bright rays darting on the altar about the sacrifices. They brought also out thence, and being seen even by those that were a young bullock, and a ram, with a lamb of a year most remote; which splendour yet was not before old, for a whole burnt-offering, as also a goat for natural to the stone. This has appeared a wonder- the forgiveness of sins. Every one of the heads of ful thing to such as have not so far indulged them- the tribes brought also other sacrifices, calledpeaceselves in philosophy, as to despise Divine revela- offerings, for every day two bulls, and five rams, tion. Yet will I mention what is still more won- with lambs of a year old, and kids of the goats. derful than this: for God declared beforehand, by These heads of tribes were twelve days in sacrithose twelve stones which the high priest bare on his ficing, one sacrificing every day. Now Moses went breast, and which were inserted into his breast- no longer up to Mount Sinai, but went into the plate, when they should be victorious in battle; for tabernacle, and learned of God what they were to so great a splendour shone forth from them before do, and what laws should be made; which laws the army began to march, that all the people were "'were preferable to what have been devised by sensible of God's being present for their assistance. human understanding, and proved to be firmly obWThence it came to pass that those Greeks, who served for all time to come, as being believed to be had a veneration for our laws, because they could the gift of God, insomuch that the Hebrews did not not possibly contradict this, called that breastplate transgress any of those laws, either as tempted in the Oracle. Now this breastplate, and this sar-' times of peace by luxury, or in times of war by disdonyx, left off shining two hundred years before I tress of affairs. But I say no more here concerncomposed this book, God having been displeased at ing them, because I have resolved to compose anthe transgressions of his laws. Of which things we other work concerning our laws. shall further discourse on a fitter opportunity; but I will now go on with my proposed narration. 10. The tabernacle being now consecrated, and a regular order being settled for the priests, the multitude judged that God now dwelt among them, and CHAPTER IX. betook themselves to sacrifices and praises to God, THE MANNER OF OUR OFFERING SACRIFICES. as being now delivered from all expectation of evils, and as entertaining a hopeful prospect of better 1. I WILL now, however, make mention of a few times hereafter. They offered also gifts to God, of our laws which belong to purifications, and the some as common to the whole nation, and others as like sacred offices, since I am accidentally come to peculiar to themselves, and these tribe by tribe; for this matter of sacrifices. These sacrifices were of the heads of the tribes combined together, two by two sorts; of those sorts one was offered for private two, and brought a waggon and a yoke of oxen. persons, and the other for the people in general; These amounted to six, and they carried the taber- and they are done in two different ways. In the nacle when they journeyed. Besides which, each one case, what is slain is burnt, as a whole burnthead of a tribe brought a bowl, and a charger, and offering, whence that name is given to it; but the Antiq. B. XI. ch. viii. sect. 4, and the high priest Caiaphas's Moses, should have been ordained in imitation of somewhat most remarkable prophecy, John xi. 47-52, as two small re- like them among the Egyptians, which we never hear of till mains or specimens of this ancient oracle, which properly be- the days of Diodorus Siculus, LElian, and Maimonides, or little longed to the jewish high priests: nor perhaps ought we en- earlier than the Christian era at the highest, is aimostunaccounttirely to forget that eminent prophetic dream of our Josephus able; while the main business of the law of Moses was evihimself, (one next to a high priest, as of the family of the dently to preserve the Israelites from the idolatrous and superAsamoneans or Maccabees,) as to the succession of Vespasian stitious practices of the neighbouring pagan nations; and while and Titus to the Roman empire, and that in the days of Nero, it is so undeniable, that the evidence for the great antiquity of and before either Galba, Otho, or Vitellius were thought of to Moses's law is incomparably beyond that for the like or greater succeed him. Of the War, B. III. ch. viii. sect. 9. This, I antiquity of such customs in Egypt or other nations, which inthink, may well be looked on as the very last instance of any deed is generally none at all, it is most absurd to derive any of thing like the prophetic Urim among the Jewish nation, and Moses's laws from the imitation of those heathen practices. just preceded their fatal desolation: but how it could possibly Such hypotheses demonstrate to us how far inclination can come to pass that such great men as Sir John Marsham and prevail over evidence, in even some of the most learned part Dr. Spenser, should imagine that this oracle of Urim and of mankind. Thummim, with other practices as old or older than the law of P 106 AzNTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK III. other is a thank-offering, and is designed for feast- the holy place, on the same day. And if the rulere ing those that sacrifice. I will speak of the former. offer sacrifices for their sins, they bring the same Suppose a private man offer a burnt-offering, he oblations that private men do; only they so far must slay either a bull, a lamb, or a kid of the differ, that they are to bring for sacrifices a bull or goats, and the two latter of the first year, though a kid of the goats, both males. of bulls he is permitted to sacrifice those of a 4. Now the law requires, both in private and greater age; but all burnt-offerings are to be of public sacrifices, that the finest flour be also brnght; males. When they are slain, the priests sprinkle for a lamb the measure of one tenth deal,-for a the blood round about the altar; they then cleanse ram two, —and for a bull three. This they consethe bodies, and divide them into parts, and salt crate upon the altar, when it is mingled with oil; them with salt, and lay them upon the altar, while for oil is also brought by those that sacrifice; for a the pieces of wood are piled one upon another, and bull the half of an hin, and for a ram the third the fire is burning; they next cleanse the feet of the part of the same measure, and one quarter of it for sacrifices, and the inwards, in an accurate manner, a lamb. This hin is an ancient Hebrew measure, and so lay them to the rest to be purged by the and is equivalent to two Athenian choas (or confire, while the priests receive the hides. This is giuses). They bring the same quantity of oil the way of offering a burnt-offering. which they do of wine, and they pour the wine 2. But those that offer thank-offerings do indeed about the altar; but if any one does not offer a sacrifice the same creatures, but such as are un- complete sacrifice of animals, but brings fine flour blemished, and above a year old; however, they only for a vow, he throws a handful upon the altar may take either males or females. They also as its first-fruits, while the priests take the rest for sprinkle the altar with their blood; but they lay their food, either boiled or mingled with oil, but upon the altar the kidneys and the caul, and all the made into cakes of bread. But whatsoever it be fat, and the lobe of the liver, together with the that a priest himself offers, it must of necessity be rump of the lamb; then, giving the breast and the all burnt. Now the law forbids us to sacrifice any right shoulder to the priests, the offerers feast upon animal at the same time with its dam; and, in the remainder of the flesh for two days; and what other cases, not till the eighth day after its birth. remains they burn. Other sacrifices there are also appointed for escaping 3. The sacrifices for sins are offered in the same distempers, or for other occasions, in which meatmanner as is the thank-offering. But those who offerings are consumed, together with the animals are unable to purchase complete sacrifices, offer that are sacrificed; of which it is not lawful to leave two pigeons, or turtle doves; the one of which is any part till the next day, only the priests are to made a burnt-offering to God, the other they give take their own share. as food to the priests. But we shall treat more accurately about the oblation of these creatures in our discourse concerning sacrifices. But if a person fall into sin by ignorance, he offers an ewe lamb, or a female kid of the goats, of the same age; and the CHAPTER X. priests sprinkle the blood at the altar, not after the CONCERNING THE FESTIVALS; AND HOW EACH DAY OF former manner, but at the corners of it. They SUcH FESTIVAL IS TO BE OBsERVED. also bring the kidneys and the rest of the fat, together with the lobe of the liver, to the altar, while 1. THE law requires, that out of the public exthe priests bear away the hides and the flesh, and penses a lamb of the first year be killed every day, spend it in the holy place, on the same day;* for at the beginning and at the ending of the day; but the law does not permit them to leave of it. until on the seventh day, which is called the Sctbbath, the morning. But if any one sin, and is conscious they kill two, and sacrifice them in the same manof it himself, but hath nobody that can prove it upon ner. At the new moon, they both perform the him, he offers a ram, the law enjoining him so to daily sacrifices, and slay two bulls, with seven do; the flesh of which the priests eat, as before, in lambs of the first year, and a kid of the goats also,' What Reland well observes here, out of Josephus, as occasions also. The Jewish maxim in such cases, it seems, is compared with the law of Moses, Lev. vii. 15, (that the eat- this: That the day goes before the night; and this appears to ing of the sacrifice the same day it was offered, seems to mean me to be the language both of the Old and New Testament: only before the morning of the next, although the latter part, See also the note on Antiq. B. IV. ch. iv. sect. 4, and Reland's i. e. the night, be in strictness part of the next day, according note on B. IV. ch. viii. sect. 28 to the Jewish reckoning,) is greatly to be observed upon other CHAP. X. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 107 for the expiation of sins; that is, if they have sinned 5. In the month of Xanthicus, which is by us through ignorance. called Xisan, and is the beginning of our year, on 2. But on the seventh month, which the Mace- the fourteenth day of the lunar month, when the sun donians call Hyperberetceus, they make an addition is in Aries, (for in this month it was that we were to those already mentioned, and sacrifice a bull, a delivered from bondage under the Egyptians,) the ram, and seven lambs, and a kid of the goats, for sins. law ordained that we should every year slay that 3. On the tenth day of the same lunar month, sacrifice which I. before told you we slew when we they fast till the evening; and this day they sacri- came out of Egypt, and which was called the Passfice a bull, and two rams, and seven lambs, and a over; and so we do celebrate this passover in comkid of the goats, for sins. And, besides these, they panies, leaving nothing of what we sacrifice till the bring two kids of the goats; the one of which is day following. The feast of unleavened bread sucsent alive out of the limits of the camp into the ceeds that of the passover, and falls on the fifteenth wilderness for the scape goat, and to be an.expia- day of the month, and continues seven days, wherein tion for the sins of the whole multitude; but the they feed on unleavened bread; on every one of other is brought into a place of great cleanness, which days two bulls are killed, and one ram, and within the limits of the camp, and is there burnt, seven lambs. Now these lambs are entirely burnt, with its skin, without any sort of cleansing. With besides the kid of the goats which is added to all this goat was burnt a bull, not brought by the peo- the rest, for sins; for it is intended as a feast for the ple, but by the high priest, at his own charges; priest on every one of those days. But on the which, when it was slain, he brought of the blood second day of unleavened bread, which is the sixinto the holy place, together with the blood of the teenth day of the month, they first partake of the kid of the goats, and sprinkled the ceiling with his fruits of the earth, for before that day they do not finger seven times,, as also its pavement, and again touch them. And while they suppose it proper to as often toward the most holy place, and about the honour God, from whom they obtain this plentiful golden altar: he also at last brings it into the provision, in the first place, they offer the first-fruits open court, and sprinkles it about the great altar. of their barley, and that in the manner following: Besides this, they set the extremities, and the kid- They take a handful of the ears, and dry them, then neys, and the fat, with the lobe of the liver, upon beat them small, and purge the barley from the bran; the altar. The high priest likewise presents a ram they then bring one tenth deal to the altar, to God; to God as a burnt-offering. and, casting one handful of it upon the fire, they 4. Upon the fifteenth day of the same month, leave the rest for the use of the priest. And after when the season of the year is changing for winter, this it is that they may publicly or privately reap the law enjoins us to pitch tabernacles in every their harvest. They also at this participation of one of our houses, so that we preserve ourselves the first-fruits of the earth, sacrifice a lamb, as a from the cold of that time of the year; as also that burnt-offering to God. when we should arrive at our own country, and 6. When a week of weeks has passed over after come to that city which we should have then for our this sacrifice, (which weeks contain forty and nine metropolis, because of the temple therein to be days,) on the fiftieth day, which is Pentecost, but is built, and keep a festival for eight days, and offer called by the Hebrews Alsartha, which signifies burnt-offerings, and sacrifice thank-offerings, that Pentecost, they bring to God a loaf, made of wheat we should then carry in our hands a branch of flour, of two tenth deals, with leaven; and for sacrimyrtle, and willow, and a bough of the palm-tree, fices they bring two lambs; and when they have with the addition of the pomecitron. That the only presented them to God, they are made ready burnt-offerfng on the first of those days was to -be a for supper for the priests; nor is it permitted tc sacrifice of thirteen bulls, and fourteen lambs, and leave any thing of them till the day following. They fifteen rams, with the addition of a kid of the goats, also slay three bullocks for a burnt-offering, and two as an expiation for sins; and on the following days rams; and fourteen lambs, with two kids of the goats, the same number of lambs, and of rams, with the for sins; nor is there any one of the festivals but in kids of the goats; but abating one of the bulls it they offer burnt-offerings; they also allow themevery day till they amounted to seven only. On selves to rest on every one of them. Accordingly, the eighth day all work was laid aside, and then, the law prescribes in them all what kinds they are as we said before, they sacrificed to God a bullock, a to sacrifice, and how they are to rest entirely, and ram, and seven lambs, with a kid of the goats, for an must slay sacrifices, in order to feast upon them. expiation of sins. And this is the accustomed solem- 7. However, out of the common charges, baked nIlty of the Hebrews, when they pitch their tabernacles. bread [was set on the table of shew-bread], without 108 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK III. leaven, of twenty-four tenth deals of flour, for so itself, as also the caul, and the fat of goats, and much is spent upon this bread; two heaps of these sheep, and bulls. were baked; they were baked the day before the 3. He also ordered that those whose bodies were sabbath, but were brought into the holy place on afflicted with leprosy, and that had a gonorrhoea, the morning of the sabbath, and set upon the holy should not come into the city; -' nay, he removed table, six on a heap, one loaf still standing over the women, when they had their natural purgations, against another; where two golden cups full of till the seventh day; after which he looked on them frankincense were also set upon them, and there as pure, and permitted them to come in again. The they remained till another sabbath, and then other law permits those also who have taken care of loaves were brought in their stead, while the loaves funerals to come in after the same manner, when were given to the priests for their food, and the this number of days is over; but if any continued frankincense was burnt in that sacred fire wherein longer than that number of days in a state of polluall their offerings were burnt also; and so other tion, the law appointed the offering two lambs for a frankincense was set upon the loaves instead of what sacrifice; the one of which they are to purge by was there before. The [high] priest also, of his own fire, and for the other, the priests take it for themcharges, offered a sacrifice, and that twice every selves. In the same manner do those sacrifice who day. It was made of flour mingled with oil, and have had the gonorrhcea. But he that sheds his seed gently baked by the fire; the quantity was one in his sleep, if he go down into cold water, has tenth deal of flour; he brought the half of it to the the same privilege with those that have lawfully fire in the morning, and the other half at night. accompanied with their wives. And for the lepers, The account of these sacrifices I shall give more he suffered them not to come into the city at all, accurately hereafter; but I think I have premised nor to live with any others, as if they were in effect what for the present may be sufficient concerning dead persons; but if any one had obtained by them. prayer to God, the recovery from that distemper, and had gained a healthful complexion again, such a one returned thanks to God, with several sorts of sacrifices; concerning which we will speak hereafter. CHAPTER XI. 4. Whence one cannot but smile at those who say that Moses was himself afflicted with the OF THE PURIFICATIONS. leprosy when he fled out of Egypt, and that he became the conductor of those who on that account 1. MosEs took out the tribe of Levi from com- left that country, and led them into the land of Camunicating with the rest of the people, and set them naan; for had this been true, Moses would not apart to be a holy tribe; and purified them by have made these laws to his own dishonour, which water taken fiom perpetual springs, and with such indeed it was more likely he would have opposed, sacrifices as were usually offered to God on the like if others had endeavoured to introduce them; and occasions. He delivered to them also the taber- this the rather, because there are lepers in many nacle, and the sacred vessels, and the other cur- nations, who yet are in honour, and not only free tains, which were made for covering the tabernacle, from reproach and avoidance, but who have been that they might minister under the conduct of the great captains of armies, and been intrusted with priests, who had been already consecrated to God. high offices in the commonwealth, and have had 2. He also determined concerning animals; which the privilege of entering into holy places and temof them might be used for food, and which they ples; so that nothing hindered, but if either Moses were obliged to abstain from; which matters, when himself, or the multitude that was with him, had this work shall give me occasion, shall be further been liable to such a misfortune in the colour of his explained; and the causes shall be added by which skin, he might have made laws about them for their he was moved to allot some of them to be our food, credit and advantage, and have laid no manner of and enjoined us to abstain from others. However, difficulty upon them. Accordingly, it is a plain he entirely forbade us the use of blood for food, and case, that it is out of violent prejudice only that they esteemed it to contain the soul and spirit. He also:eport these things about us. But Moses was pure forbade us to eat thile flesh of an animal that died of from any such distemper,' and lived with country*'We-may here -note, that Josephus frequently- calls the latter city, temple, and holy house, which he knew so well camp the city, and the court of the Mosaic tabernacle a temple, long afterwards. and the tabernacle itself a holy house, with allusion to the CHAP. XII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 109 men who were pure of it also, and thence made the laws which concerned others that had the distemper. CHAPTER XII. He did this for the honour of God. But as to these SEVERAL LAWS. matters, let every one consider them after what manner he pleases. 1. As for adultery, Moses forbade it entirely, as 5. As to the women, when they have born a esteeming it a happy thing that men should be wise child, Moses forbade them to come into the temple, in the affairs of wedlock; and that it was profitable or touch the sacrifices, before forty days were over, both to cities and families that children should be supposing it to be a boy; but if she hath born a girl, known to be genuine. He also abhorred men's the law is that she cantot be admitted before twice lying with their mothers, as one of the greatest that number of days be over. And when after the crimes; and the like for lying with the father's wife, before-mentioned time appointed for them, they and with aunts, and sisters, and sons' wives, as all perform their sacrifices, the priests distribute them instances of abominable wickedness. He also forbefore God.' bade a man to lie with his wife.when she was de6. But if any one suspect that his wife has been filed by her natural purgation: and not to come near guilty of adultery, he was to bring a tenth deal of brute beasts; nor to approve of the lying with a barley flour; they then cast one handful to God, male, which was to hunt after unlawful pleasures on and gave the rest of it to the priests for food. One account of beauty. To those who were guilty of of the priests set the woman at the gates that are such insolent behaviour, he ordained death for their turned towards the temple, and took the veil from punishment. her head, and wrote the name of GOD on parch- 2. As for the priests, he prescribed to them a ment, and enjoined her to swear that she had not double degree of purity:* for he restrained them at all injured her husband; and to wish that, if she in the instances above, and moreover forbade them had violated her chastity, her right thigh might be to marry harlots. He also forbade them to marry put out of joint; that her belly might swell; and a slave, or a captive, and such as got their living that she might die thus: but that if her husband, by cheating trades, and by keeping inns; as also by the violence of his affection, and of the jealousy a woman parted from her husband, on any account which arose from it, had been rashly moved to this whatsoever. Nay, he did not think it proper for suspicion, that she might bear a male child in the the high priest to marry even the widow of one that tenth month. Now when these oaths were over, was dead, though he allowed that to the priests; the priest wiped the name of GoD out of the parch- but he permitted him only to marry a virgin, and ment, and wrung the water into a vial. He also to retain her. Whence it is that the high priest took some dust out of the temple, if- any hap- is not to come near to one that is dead, although pened to be there, and put a little of it into the vial, the rest are not prohibited from coming near to and gave it her to drink; whereupon the woman, their brethren, or parents, or children, when they if she were unjustly accused, conceived with child, are dead; but they are to be unblemished in all and brought it to perfection in her womb: but if she respects. He ordered that the priest who had any had broken her faith of wedlock to her husband, blemish, should have his portion indeed among the and had sworn falsely before God, she died in a priests, but he forbade him to ascend the altar, or reproachful manner; her thigh fell off from her, to enter into the holy house. He also enjoined and her belly swelled with a dropsy. And these them, not only to observe purity in their sacred are the ceremonies about sacrifices, and about the ministrations, but in their daily conversation, that purifications thereto belonging, which Moses pro- it might be unblamable also. And on this acvided for his countrymen. He also prescribed the count it is *that those who wear the sacerdotal following laws to them:- garments are without spot, and eminent for their purity and sobrietyy: nor are they permitted to drink wine so long as they wear those garments.t Moreover, they offer sacrifices that are entire, and have no defect whatsoever. * These words of Josephus are remarkable, that the law- t We must here note with Reland, that the precept given giver of the Jews required of the priests a double degree of to the priests of not drinking wine while they wore the sacred purity, in comparison of that required of the people, of which garments, is equivalent to their abstinence from it all the while he gives several instances immediately. It was for certain the they ministered in the temple; because they then always, and case also among the first Christians, of the clergy, in comparison then only, wore those sacred garments, which were laid up of the laity, as the Apostolical Constitutions and Canons every there from one time of ministration to another. where inform us; 110 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK Ill 3. And truly Moses gave them all these precepts, hundred thousand that were able to go to war, from, being such as were observed during his own life- twenty to fifty years of age, besides three thousand time; but though he lived now in the wilderness, six hundred and fifty. Instead of Levi, Moses took yet did he make provision how they might observe Manasseh, the son of Joseph, among the heads of the same laws when they should have taken the tribes; and Ephraim instead of Joseph. It was inland of Canaan. He gave them rest to the land deed the desire of Jacob himself to Joseph, that he from ploughing and planting every seventh year, would give him his sons to be his own by adoption, as he had prescribed to them to rest from working as I have before related. every seventh day; and ordered, that then what 5. When they set up the tabernacle, they regrew of its own accord out of the earth should in ceived it into the midst of their camp, three of the common belong to all that pleased to use it, making tribes pitching' their tents on each side of it; and no distinction in that respect between their own roads were cut through the midst of these tents. countrymen and foreigners: and he ordained, that It was like a well-appointed market; and every they should do the same after seven times seven thing was there ready for sale in due order; and years, which in all are fifty years; and that fiftieth all sorts of artificers were in the shops; and it reyear is called by the Hebrews The Jubilee, wherein sembled nothing so much as a city that sometimes debtors are freed from their debts, and slaves are was movable, and sometimes fixed. The priests set at liberty; which slaves became such, though had the first places about the tabernacle; then the they were of the same stock, by transgressing some Levites, who, because their whole multitude was of those laws the punishment of which was not reckoned from thirty days old, were twenty-three capital, but they were punished by this method of thousand eight hundred and eighty males; and slavery. This year also restores the land to its during the time that the cloud stood over the taberformer possessors in the manner following: —T7hen nacle, they thought proper to stay in the same the Jubilee is come, which name denotes liberty, place, as supposing that God there inhabited among he that sold the land, and he that bought it, meet them; but when that removed, they journeyed also. together, and make an estimate, on one hand, of the 6. Moreover, Moses was the inventor of the form fruits gathered; and, on the other hand, of the ex- of their trumpet, which was made of silver. Its penses laid out upon it. If the fruits gathered come description is this:-In length it was little less than to more than the expenses laid out, he that sold it a cubit. It was composed of a narrow tube, sometakes the land again; but if the expenses prove what thicker than a flute, but with so much breadth more than the fruits, the present possessor receives as was sufficient for admission of the breath of a of the former owner the difference that was wanting, man's mouth: it ended in the form of a bell, like and leaves the land to him; and if the fruits re- common trumpets. Its sound was called in the Heceived, and the expenses laid out, prove equal to brew tongue _sosra. Two of these being made, one another, the present possessor relinquishes it one of them was sounded when they required the to the former owners. Moses would have the same multitude to come together to congregations. When law obtain as to those houses also which were sold the first of them gave a signal, the heads of the in villages; but he made a different law for such tribes were to assemble, and consult about the as were sold in a city; for if he that sold it tendered affairs to them properly belonging; but when they the purchaser his money again within a year, he gave the signal by both of them, they called the was forced to restore it; but in case a whole year multitude together. Whenever the tabernacle was had intervened, the purchaser was to enjoy what he removed, it was done in this solemn order: —At the had bought. This was the constitution of the laws first alarm of the trumpet, those whose tents were which Moses learned of God when the camp lay on the east quarter prepared to remove; when the under Mount Sinai, and this he delivered in writing second signal was given, those that were on the to the Hebrews. south quarter did the like; in the next place, the 4. Now when this settlement of laws seemed to tabernacle was taken to pieces, and was carried in be well over, Moses thought fit at length to take a the midst of six tribes that went before, and of six review of the host, as thinking it proper to settle that followed, all the Levites assisting about the the affairs of war. So he charged the heads of the tabernacle; when the third signal was given, that tribes, excepting the tribe of Levi, to take an exact part which had their tents towards the west put account of the number of those that were able to themselves in motion; and at the fourth signal go to war; for as to the Levites, they were holy, those on the north did so likewise. They also made and free from all such burdens. Now when the use of these trumpets in their sacred ministrations, people had been numbered, there were found six when they were bringing their sacrifices to the CHAP. XIII. XIV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 111 altar, as well on the sabbaths as on the rest of the [festival] days; and now it was that Moses offered CHAPTER XIV. that sacrifice which was called the Passover in the J1filderness, as the first he had offered after the HOW MOSES SENT SOME PERSONS TO SEARCH OUT departure out of Egypt. THE LAND OF THE CANAANITES, AND TEIE LARGENESS OF THEIR CITIES; AND FURTHER, THAT WHEN THOSE WHO WERE SENT WERE RETURNED, AFTER FORTY DAYS, AND REPORTED THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE A MATCH FOR THEM, AND EXTOLLED THE STRENGTH OF THE CANAANITES, THE MULTITUDE CHAPTER XIII. WERE DISTURBED, AND FELL INTO DESPAIR; AND WERE RESOLVED TO STONE MOSES, AND TO RETURN HOW MOSBE REMOVED FROM MOUNT SINAI, AND CON- BACK AGAIN INTO EGYPT, AND SERVE THE EGYPDUCTED THE PEOPLE TO TI-E BORDERS OF THE TIAN S. CANAAN ITES. 1. WVHEN Moses had led the Hebrews away A LITTLE while afterwards he rose up, and from thence to a place called Paran, which was near went from Mount Sinai; and, having passed to the borders of the Canaanites, and a place through several mansions, of which we will speak difficult to be continued in, he gathered the multianon, he came to a place called ilazeroth, where tude together to a congregation; and standing in the multitude began again to be mutinous, and to the midst of them, he said,' Of the two things that blame Moses for the misfortunes they had suffered God determined to bestow upon us, liberty, and in their travels; and that when he had persuaded the possession of a happy country, the one of them them to leave a good land, they at once had lost ye already are partakers of, by the gift of God, and that land, and instead of that happy state he had the other you will quickly obtain; for we now have promised them, they were still wandering in their our abode near the borders of the Canaanites, and present miserable condition, being already in want nothing can hinder the acquisition of it, when we of water; and if the manna should happen to fail, now at last are fallen upon it: I say, not only no they must then utterly perish. Yet while they king nor city, but neither the whole race of mangenerally spake many and sore things against the kind, if they were all gathered together, could do man, there was one of them who exhorted them it. Let us therefore prepare ourselves for the work, not to be unmindful of Moses, and of what great for the Canaanites will not resign up their land to pains he had been at about their common safety; us without fighting, but it must be wrested from and not to despair of assistance from God. The them by great struggles in war. Let us then send multitude thereupon became still more unruly, and spies, who may take a view of the goodness of the more mutinous against Moses than before. Here- land, and what strength it is of; but, above all upon Moses, although he was so basely abused by things, let us be of one mind, and let us honour them, encouraged them in their despairing condi- God, who above all is our helper and assister." tion, and promised that he would procure them a 2. When Moses had said thus, the multitude regreat quantity of flesh-meat, and that not for a few quited him with marks of respect; and chose twelve days only, but for many days. This they were not spies, of the most eminent men, one out of each willing to believe; and when one of them asked tribe, who, passing over all the land of Canaan, whence he could obtain such vast plenty of what from the borders of Egypt, came to the city Hahe promised, he replied, "Neither God nor I, math, and to Mount Lebanon; and having learned although we hear such opprobrious language from the nature of the land, and of its inhabitants, they you, will leave off our labours for you; and this came home, having spent forty days in the whole shall soon appear also." As soon as ever he had work. They also brought with them of the fruits said this, the whole camp was filled with quails, which the land bare; they also showed them the and they stood round about them, and gathered excellency of those fruits, and gave an account of them in great numbers. However, it was not long the great quantity of the good things that land ere God punished the Hebrews for their insolence, afforded, which were motives to the multitude to and those reproaches they had used towards him, go to war. But then they terrified them again for no small number of them died; and still to this with the great difficulty there was in obtaining it; day the place retains the memory of this destruc- that the rivers were so large and deep that they tion, and is named Kibroth-hattaavah, which is, could not be passed over; and that the hills were The Graves of Lust. so high that they could not travel along for them; 112 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK III. that t!.e cities were strong with walls, and their firm fortifications round about them. They told CHAPTER XV. them also, that they found at Hebron the posterity of the giants. Accordingly these spies, Who had HOW MOSES WAS DISPLEASED AT THIS, AND FOREseen the land of Canaan, when they perceived that TOLD THAT GOD WAS ANGRY, AND THAT THEY SHOULD CONTINUE IN TNE WILDERNESS FOR TORI all these difficulties were greater there than they TY YEARS, AND NOT, DURING THAT TIME, EITHER had met with since they came out of Egypt, they RETURN INTO EGYPT, OR TAKE POSSESSION OF were affrighted at them themselves, and endeavoured CANAAN. to affright the multitude also. 3. So they supposed, from what they had heard, 1. MosES came now boldly to the multitude, that it was impossible to get the possession of the and informed them that God was moved at their country. And when the congregation was dissolved, abuse of him, and would inflict punislhnent upon they, their wives and children, continued their them, not indeed such as they deserved for their lamentation, as if God would not indeed assist them, sins, but such as parents inflict on their children, in but only promised them fair. They also again order to their correction. For, he said, that when blamed Moses, and made a clamour against him and he was in the tabernacle, and was bewailing with his brother Aaron, the high priest. Accordingly tears that destruction which was coming upon them, they passed that night very ill, and with contume- God put him in mind what things he had done for lious language against them; but in the morning them, and what benefits they had received from they ran to a congregation, intending to stone Moses him, and yet how ungrateful they had been to him; and Aaron, and so to return back into Egypt. that just now they had been induced, through the 4. But of the spies, there were Joshua the son of timorousness of the spies, to think that their words Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, and Caleb of the were truer than his own promise to them; and that tribe of Judah, that were afraid of the consequence, on this account, though he would not indeed destroy and came into the midst of them, and stilled the them all, nor utterly exterminate their nation, which multitude, and desired them to be of good courage; he had honoured more than any other part of manand neither to condemn God, as having told them kind, yet he would not permit them to take poslies, nor to hearken to those who had aftrighted session of the land of Canaan, nor enjoy its hapthem, by telling them what was not true concerning piness; but would make them wander in the the Canaanites, but to those that encouraged them wilderness, and live without a fixed habitation, and to hope for good success; and that they should gain without a city, for forty years together, as a punishpossession of the happiness promised them, because ment for this their transgression; but that he hath neither the height of mountains, nor the depth of promised to give that land to our children, and that rivers, could hinder men of true courage from at- he would make them the possessors of those good tempting them, especially while God would take care things which, by your ungoverned passions, you of them beforehand, and be assistant to them. " Let have deprived yourselves of. us then go," said they, " against our enemies, and 2. When Moses had discoursed thus to them, have no suspicion of ill success, trusting in God to according to the direction of God, the multitude conduct us, and following those that are to be our grieved, and were in affliction; and entreated Moses leaders." Thus did these two exhort them, and en- to procure their reconciliation to God, and to permit deavour to pacify the rage they were in. But them no longer to wander in the wilderness, but to Moses and Aaron fell on the ground, and besought bestow cities upon them. But he replied, that God God, not for their own deliverance, but that he would not admit of any such trial, for that God was would put a stop to what the people were unwarily not moved to this determination from any human doing, and would bring their minds to a quiet levity or anger, but that he had judicially contemper, which were now disordered by their present demned them to that punishment. Now we are passion. The cloud also did now appear, and stood not to disbelieve that Moses, who was but a single over the tabernacle, and declared to them the pre- person, pacified so many ten thousands when they sence of God to be there. were in anger, and converted them to a mildness of temper; for God was with him, and prepared the way to his persuasions of the multitude; and as they had often been disobedient, they were now sensible that such disobedience was disadvantageous to them, and that they had still thereby fallen into calamities. 3. But this man was admirable for his virtue, and CHAP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 113 powerful in making men give credit to what he body could convict them, but only out of a reverence delivered, not only during the time of his natural to their own conscience. Thus this legislation, life, but even there is still no one of the Hebrews which appeared to be divine, made this man to be who does not act even now as if Moses were present, esteemed as one superior to his own nature. Na3y, and ready to punish him if he should do any thing further, a little before the beginning of this war, that is indecent; nay, there is no one but is obe- when Claudius was emperor of the Romans, and dient to what laws he ordained, although they Ismael was our high priest, and when so great a might be concealed in their transgressions. There famine * was come upon us, that one tenth deal [of are also many other demonstrations that his power wheat] was sold for four drachmee, and when no less was more than human, for still some there have been, than seventy cori of flour were brought into the who have come from the parts beyond Euphrates, a temple, at the feast of unleavened bread, (these cori journey of four months, through many dangers, and are thirty-one Sicilian, but forty-one Athenian meat great expenses, inhonour of our temple; and yet, dimni,) not one of the priests was so hardy as to when they had offered their oblations, could not eat one crumb of it, even while so great a distress partake of their own sacrifices, because Moses had was upon the land; and this out of a dread of the forbidden it, by somewhat in the law that did not law, and of that wrath which God retains against permit them, or somewhat that had befallen them, acts of wickedness, even when no one can accuse which our ancient customs made inconsistent there- the actors. Whence we are not to wonder at what with; some of these did not sacrifice at all, and was then done, while to this very day the writings others left their sacrifices in an imperfect condition; left by Moses have so great a force, that even those nay, many were not able, even at first, so much as that hate us do confess, that he who established this to enter into the temple, but went their ways in this settlement was God, and that it was by the means state, as preferring a submission to the laws of of Moses, and of his virtue; but as to these'matters, Moses before the fulfilling of their own inclinations, let every one take them as he thinks fit. even when they had no fear upon them that any BOOK IV. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS. FROM THE REJECTION OF THAT GENERATION TO THE DEATH OF MOSES. gard to Moses's intercessions, but because lie took CHAPTER I. care of their entire nation, on account of their forefathers, whose affairs he took under his own conTHE FIGHT OF THE HEBREWS WITH THE CANAANITES, WITHOUT TIH-E' CONSENT OF MOSES; AND THEIR duct; as also, that it was on account of their own DEFEAT. virtue that he had formerly procured them their liberty, and would be assisting to them, now 1. Now this life of the Hebrews in the wilder- they were willing to take pains for it. They ness was so disagreeable and troublesome to them, also said that they were possessed of abilities and they were so uneasy at it, that although God sufficient for the conquest of their enemies, although had forbidden them to meddle with the Canaanites, Moses should have a mind to alienate God from yet could they not be persuaded to be obedient to them; that, however, it was for their advantage to the words of Mloses, and to be quiet; but sup- be their own masters, and not so far to rejoice in posing they should be able to beat their enemies, their deliverance from the indignities they endured even without his approbation, they accused him, under the Egyptians, as to bear the tyranny of and suspected that he made it his business to keep Moses over them, and to suffer themselves to be them in a distressed condition, that they might al- deluded, and live according to his pleasure, as ways stand in need of his assistance. Accordingly though God did only foretell what concerns us out they resolved to fight with the Canaanites, and said of his kindness to him, as if they were not all the that God gave them his assistance, not out of re- posterity of Abraham; that God made him alone This great famine in the days of Clauclius, is again men- tioned in Antiq. B. XX. ch. ii. sect. 6. and Acts xi. 28. Q, 114 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWTS. BooR IV. the author of all the knowledge we have, and we befall the Jews; for they being in number six hunmust still learn it from him; that it would be a dred thousand, and by reason of their great multipiece of prudence to oppose his arrogant pretences, tude not readily subject to their governors, even in and to put their confidence in God, and to resolve to prosperity, they at this time were more than usually take possession of that land which he had promised angry, both against one another and against their them, and not to give ear to him, who on this ac- leader, because of the distress they were in, and the count, and under the pretence of Divine authority, calamities they then endured. Such a sedition forbacle them so to do. Considering, therefore, the overtook them, as we have not the like example distressed state they were in at present, and that in either among the Greeks or the Barbarians, -by those desert places they were still to expect things which they were in danger of being all destroyed, would be worse with them, they resolved to fight but were notwithstanding saved by Moses, who with the Canaanites, as submitting only to God, would not remember that he had been almost stoned their supreme Commander, and not waiting for any to death by them. Nor did God neglect to prevent assistance from their legislator. their ruin; but, notwithstanding the indignities 2. When, therefore, they had come to this reso- they had offered their legislator and the laws, and lution, as being best for them, they went against their disobedience to the commandments which he their enemies; but those enemies were not dis- had sent them by Moses, he delivered them from mayed either at the attack itself, or at the great those terrible calamities which, without his provimultitude that made it, and received them with dential care, had been brought upon them by this great courage. Alany of the Hebrews were slain; sedition. So I will first explain the cause whence and the remainder of the army, upon the disorder this sedition arose, and then will give an account of their troops, were pursued, and fled, after a of the sedition itself; as also of what settlements shameful manner, to their camp. W5Vhereupon this Moses made for their government after it was unexpected misfortune made them quite despond; over. and they hoped for nothing that was good; as ga- 2. Corah, a Hebrew of principal account, both thering from it, that this affliction came from the by his family and by his wealth, one that was also wrath of God, because they rashly went out to war able to speak well, and one that could easily perwithout his approbation. suade the people by his speeches, saw that Moses 3. But when Moses saw how deeply they were was in an exceeding great dignity, and was uneasy affected with this defeat, and being afraid lest the at it, and envied him on that account, (he was of enemies should grow insolent upon this victory, the same tribe with Moses, and of kin to him,) was and should be desirous of gaining still greater particularly grieved, because he thought he better glory, and should attack them, he resolved that it deserved that honourable post on account of his was proper to withdraw the army into the wilder- great riches, and not inferior to him in his birth. ness to a further distance from the Canaanites: so So he raised a clamour against him among the Lethe multitude gave themselves up again to his con- vites, who were- of the same tribe, and especially duct, for they were sensible that, without his care among his kindred, saying, " That it was a very sad for them, their affairs could not be in a good con- thing that they should overlook Moses, while he dition; and he caused the host to remove, and he hunted after and paved the way to glory for himwent further into the wilderness, as intending there self, and by ill arts should obtain it, under the preto let them rest, and not to permit them to fight the tence of God's command, while, contrary to the Canaanites before God should afford them a more laws, he had given the priesthood to Aaron, not by favourable opportunity. the common suffrage of the multitude, but by his own vote, as bestowing dignities in a tyrannical way on whom he pleased." He added, " That this concealed way of imposing on them was harder to be borne than if it had been done by an open force CHAPTER II. upon them, because he did now not only take away their power without their consent, but even while THE SEDITION OF CORAH AND OF THE MULTITUDE they were unapprized of his contrivances against AGAINST MOSES, AND AGAINST HIS BROTHER, CONAGAINST MOSES, AND AGINST BROTHER, them; for whosoever is conscious to himself that he CERNING THE PRIESTHIOOD. deserves any dignity, aims to get it by persuasion, 1. THAT which is usually the case of great ar- and not by an arrogant method of violence; but mies, and especially upon ill success, to be hard to those that believe it impossible to obtain those be pleased, and governed with difficulty, did now honours justly, malke a siow of goodness, and dc CHAP. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 115 not introduce force, but by cunning tricks grow and knowing that his brother had been made par-wickedly powerful. That it was proper for the taker of the priesthood at the command of God, multitude to punish such men, even while they and not by his own favour to him, he came to the think themselves concealed in their designs, and assembly; and as for the multitude, he said not a not suffer them to gain strength till they have them word to them, but spake as loud to Corah as he for their open enemies. For what account," added could; and being very skilful in making speeches, he, "is Moses able to give, why he has bestowed and having this natural talent, among others, that the priesthood on Aaron and his sons? for if God he could greatly move the multitude with his dishad determined to bestow that honour on one of the courses, he said, " O Corah, both thou and all tribe of Levi, I am more worthy of it than he is; I these with thee (pointing to the two hundred and myself being equal to Moses by my family, and fifty men) seem to be worthy of this honour; nor superior to him both in riches and in age: but do I pretend but that this whole company may be if God had determined to bestow it on the eldest worthy of the like dignity, although they may not tribe, that of Reuben might have it most justly; be so rich or so great as you are: nor have I and then Dathan, and Abiram, and [On, the son of] taken and given this office to my brother because Peleth, would have it; for these are the oldest men he excelled others in riches, for thou exceedest us of that tribe, and potent on account of their great both in the greatness of thy wealth; * nor indeed wealth also." because he was of an eminent family, for God, by 3. Now Corah, when he said this, had a mind to giving us the same common ancestor, has made our appear to take care of the public welfare, but in families equal: nay, nor was it out of brotherly reality he was endeavouring to procure tohave that affection, which another might yet have justly dignity transferred by the multitude to himself. done; for certainly, unless I had bestowed this Thus did he, out of a malignant design, but with honour out of regard to God, and to his laws, I had plausible words, discourse to those of his own tribe; not passed by myself, and given it to another, aS and when these words did gradually spread to more being nearer of kin to myself than to my brother, of the people, and when the hearers still added to and having a closer intimacy with myself than I what tended to the scandals that were cast upon have with him; for surely it would not be a wise Aaron, the whole army was full of them. Now of thing for me to expose myself to the dangers of those that conspired with Corah, there were two offending, and to bestow the happy employment on hundred and fifty, and those of the principal men this account upon another. But I am above such base also, who were eager to have the priesthood taken practices: nor would God have overlooked this away from Moses's brother, and to bring him into matter, and seen himself thus despised; nor would disgrace: nay, the multitude themselves were pro- he have suffered you to be ignorant of what you voked to be seditious, and attempted to stone Moses, were to do, in order to please him; but he hath and gathered themselves together after an indecent himself chosen one that is to perform that sacred manner, with confusion and disorder. And now office to him, and thereby freed us fiom that care. they all were, in a tumultuous manner, raising a So that it was not a thing that I pretend to give, clamour before the tabernacle of God, to prosecute but only according to the determination of God; the tyrant, and to relieve the multitude from their I therefore propose it still to be contended for by slavery under him who, under colour of the Divine such as please to put in for it, only desiring that commands, laid violent injunctions upon them; for he who has been already preferred, and has already that had it been God who chose one that was to obtained it, may be allowed now also to offer himself perform the office of a priest, he would have raised for a canditate. He prefers your peace, and your a worthy person to that dignity, and would not living without sedition, to this honourable employhave produced such a one as was inferior to many ment, although in truth it was with your approbaothers, nor have given him that office; and that in tion that he obtained it; for though God were the case he had judged it fit to bestow it on Aaron, he donor, yet do we not offend when we think fit to would have permitted it to the multitude to bestow accept it withl your good-will; yet would it have it, and not have left it to be bestowed by his own been an instance of impiety not to have taken that brother. honourable employment when he offered it; nay, it 4. Now although Moses had a great while ago had been exceedingly unreasonable, when God had foreseen this calumny: of Corah, and had seen thought fit any one should have it for all time to that the, people were irritated, yet was he not aft that the people were iitatd, ytwas he not af- Reland here takes notice, that-although our Bibles say frighted at it; but being of good courage, because little or nothing of these riches of Corah, yet that both the Jews he had given them right advice about their affairs, an Mahommedans, as well as Josephus, are full of it. 116 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Booie IV. come, and had made it secure and firm to him, to rather be destroyed; but the whole body of the have refused it. However, he himself will judge people do naturally delight in clamours against again who it shall be whom he would have to offer their governors, and, by changing their opinions sacrifices to him, and to have the direction of nmat- upon the harangues of every speaker, disturb the ters of religion; for it is absurd that Corah, who is public tranquillity. And now Moses sent mesambitious of this honour, should deprive God of sengers for Abiram and Dathan, and ordered them the power of giving it to whom he pleases. Put an to come to the assembly, and wait there for the end, therefore, to your sedition and disturbance on holy offices that were to be performed. But they this account; and to-morrow morning do every one answered the messenger, that they would not obey of you that desire the priesthood bring a censer his summons; nay, would not overlook Moses's from home, and come hither with incense and fire: behaviour, who was growing too great for them by and do thou, 0 Corah, leave the judgment to God, evil practices. Now when Moses heard of this and await to see onl which side he will give his de- their answer, he desired the heads of the people to termination upon this occasion, but do not thou follow him, and he went to the faction of Dathan, make thyself greater than God. Do thou also come, not thinking it any frightful thing at all to go to that this contest about this honourable employment these insolent people; so they made no opposition, may receive determination. And I suppose we but went along with him. But Dathan, and his may admit Aaron without offence, to offer himself associates, when they understood that Moses and to this scrutiny, since he is of the same lineage with the principal of the people were coming to them, thyself, and has done nothing in his priesthood that came out, with their wives and children, and stood can be liable to exception. Come ye therefore to- before their tents, and looked to see what Moses gether, and offer your incense in public before all would do. They had also their servants about the people; and when you offer it, he whose sacri- them to defend themselves, in case Moses should flee God shall accept shall be ordained to the priest- use force against them. hood, and shall be clear of the present calumny on 2. But he came near, and lifted up his hands to Aaron, as if I had granted him that favour because heaven, and cried out with a loud voice, in order to he was my brother." be heard by the whole multitude,' and said, " O Lord of the creatures that are in the heaven, in the earth, and in the sea; for thou art the most authentic witness to what I have done, that it has all been done by thy appointment, and that it was thou that CHAPTER III. affordedst us assistance when we attempted any thing, and showedst mercy on the Hebrews in all HO1W THOSE THAT STIRRED UP THIS SEDITION WERE their distresses; do thou come now, and hear all that DESTROYED, ACCORDING TO THE'WILL OF GOD; I AND IOW AARON, MOSES'S BROTHER, BOTH HE AND I say, for no action or thought escapes thy nowHIIS POSTERITY, RETAINED THE PRIESTHOOD. ledge; so that thou wilt not disdain to speak what is true, for my vindication, without any regard to 1. WHIN Moses had said this, the multitude the ungrateful imputations of these men. As for left off the turbulent behaviour they had indulged, what was done before I was born, thou knowest best, and the suspicion they had of Moses, and comn- as not learning them by report, but seeing them, and mended what he had said; for those proposals being present with them when they were done; were good, and were so esteemed of the people. but for what has been done of late, and which At that time therefore they dissolved the assembly. these men, although they know them well enough, But on the next day they came to the congrega- unjustly pretend to suspect, be thou my witness. tion, in order to be present at the sacrifice, and at WThen I lived a private quiet life, I left those good the determination that was to be made between the things which, by my own diligence, and by thy candidates for the priesthood. Now this congrega- counsel, I enjoyed with Raguel my father-in-law; tion proved a turbulent one, and the multitude and I gave myself up to this people, and underwent were in great suspense in expectation of what was many miseries on their account. I also bore great to be done; for some of them would have been labours at first, in order to obtain liberty for them, pleased if Moses had been convicted of evil prac- and now in order to their preservation; and have tices, but the wiser sort desired that they might be always showed myself ready to assist them in every delivered from the present disorder and disturb- distress of theirs. Now, therefore, since I am ance; for they were afraid, that if this sedition suspected by those very men whose being\ is owing went on, the good order of their settlement wvould to my labours, come thou, as it is reasonable to hope ChIAP. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 117 thou wilt; thou, I say, who showedst me that fire at given by me. But if the calumnies *they have Mount Sinai, and madest me to hear its voice, and raised against me be true, mayst thou preserve to see the several wonders which that place afforded these men from every evil accident, and bring all me; thou who commandedst me to go to Egypt, and that destruction on me which I have imprecated declare thy will to this people; thou who dis- upon them. And when thou hast inflicted punishturbedst the happy estate of the Egyptians, and ment on those that have endeavoured to deal ungavest us the opportunity of flying away from our justly with this people, bestow upon them concord slavery under them, and madest the dominion of and peace. Save this multitude that follow thy Pharaoh inferior to my dominion; thou who didst commandments, and preserve them free from harm, make the sea dry land for us, when we knew not and let them not partake of the punishment of those whither to go, and didst overwhelm the Egyptians that have sinned; for thou knowest thyself it is not with those destructive waves which had been divided just, that for the wickedness of those men the whole for us; thou who didst bestow upon us the security body of the Israelites should suffer punishment." of weapons when we were naked; thou who didst 3. When Moses had said this, with tears in his make the fountains that were corrupted to flow, so eyes, the ground was moved on a sudden; and the as to be fit for drinking, and didst furnish us with agitation that set it in motion was like that which water that came out of the rocks, when we were in the wind produces in waves of the sea. The peothe greatest want of it; thou who didst preserve ple were all affrighted; and the ground that was our lives with [quails, which was] food from the about their tents sunk down at the great noise, with sea, when the fruits of the ground failed us; thou a terrible sound, and carried whatsoever was dear to who didst send us such food from heaven as had the seditious into itself, who so entirely perished, never been seen before; thou who didst suggest to that there was not the least appearance that any us the knowledge of thy laws, and appoint to us a man had ever been seen there, the earth that had form of government,-come thou, I say, O Lord of opened itself about them, closing again, and bethe whole world, and that as such a Judge and a coming entire as it was before, insomuch that such WTitness to me as cannot be bribed, and show how I as saw it afterward did not perceive that any such have never admitted of any gift against justice from accident had happened to it. Thus did these men any of the Hebrews; and have never condemned a perish, and become a demonstration of the power of poor man that ought to have been acquitted, on God. And truly, any one would lament them, not account of one that was rich; and have never at- only on account of this calamity that befell them, tempted to hurt this commonwealth. I am now which yet deserves our commiseration, but also here present, and am suspected of a thing the re- because their kindred were pleased with their sufmotest from my intentions, as if I had given the ferings; for they forgot the relation they bare to priesthood to Aaron, not at thy command, but out them, and at the sight of this sad accident approved of my own favour to him; do thou at this time of the judgment given against them; and because demonistrate that all things are administered by thy they looked upon the people about Dathan as pestiprovidence, and that nothing happens by chance, lent men, they thought they perished as such, and but is governed by thy will, and thereby attains did not grieve for them. its end: as also demonstrate that thou takest care 4. And now Moses called for those that contendof those that have done good to the Hebrews; de- ed about the priesthood, that trial might be made monstrate this, I say, by the punishment of Abiram who should be priest, and that he whose sacrifice and Dathan, who condemn thee as an insensible God was best pleased with might be ordained to Being, and one overcome by my contrivances. This that function. There attended two hundred and wilt thou do by inflicting such an open punishment fifty men, who indeed were honoured by the people, on these men who so madly fly in the face of thy not only on account of the power of their ancesglory, as will take them out of the world, not in an tors, but also on account of their own, in which ordinary manner, but so that it may appear they do they excelled the others: Aaron also and Corah not die after the manner of other men: let that came forth, and they all offered incense, in those ground which they tread upon open about them censers of theirs which they brought with them, and consume them, with their families and goods. before the tabernacle. Hereupon so great a fiee This will be a demonstration of thy power to all shone out as no one ever saw in any that is made men; and this method of their sufferings will be an by the hand of man, neither in those eruptions oUt instruction of wisdom for those that entertain pro- of the earth that are caused by subterraaeQls burns fane sentiments of thee. By this means I shall be ings, nor in such fires as arise of their wnD accord found a good servant, in the precepts thou hast in the woods, when the agitation is caused by the 118 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK IV. trees rubbing one against another: but this fire dispute it with him; for no one else, to be sure, was very bright, and had a terrible flame, such as could now put in for it, since he must halve seen is kindled at the command of God; by whose those that first did so to have miserably perished. irruption on them, all the company, and Corah him- Nay, besides this, the kindred of those that were self, were destroyed, * and this so entirely, that their destroyed made great entreaties to the multitude to very bodies left no remains behind them. Aaron abate the arrogance of Moses, because it would be alone was preserved, and not at all hurt by the fire, safest for them so to do. because it was God that sent the fire to burn those 2. Now Moses, upon his hearing for a good only who ought to be burned. Hereupon Moses, while that the people were tumultuous, was afraid after these men were destroyed, was desirous that that they would attempt some other innovation, and the memory of this judgment might be delivered that some great and sad calamity would be the condown to posterity, and that future ages might be sequence. He called the multitude to a congregaacquainted with it; and so he commanded Eleazar, tion, and patiently heard what apology they had to the son of Aaron, to put their censers near the make for themselves, without opposing them, and brazen altar, that they might be a memorial to pos- this lest he should imbitter the multitude: he terity of what these men suffered, for supposing only desired the heads of the tribes to bring their that the power of God might be eluded. And thus rods, t with the names of their tribes inscribed Aaron was now no longer esteemed to have the upon them, and that he should receive the priestpriesthood by the favour of Moses, but by the hood in whose rod God should give a sign. This public judgment of God; and thus he and his was agreed to. So the rest brought their rods, as children peaceably enjoyed that honour afterward. did Aaron also, who had written the tribe of Levi on his rod. These rods Moses laid up in the tabernacle of God. On the next day he brought out the rods, which were knovwn fiom one another by those who brought them, they having distinctly CHAPTER IV. noted them, as had the multitude also; and as to the rest, in the same form Moses had received them, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HEBREWS DURING THIRTY- inl that they saw them still; but they also saw buds EIGHT YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS. and branches grown out of Aaron's rod, -with ripe 1. How;VEVER, this sedition was so far from fruits upon them; they were almonds, the rod ceasing upon this destruction, that it grew much having been cut out of that tree. The people were stronger, and became more intolerable. And the so amazed at this strange sight, that though Moses occasion of its growing worse was of that nature, and Aaron were before under some degree of hatred, as made it likely the calamity would never cease, they now laid that hatred aside, and began to adbut last for a long time; for the men, believing al- mire the judgment of God concerning theml; so ready that nothing is done without the providence that hereafter they applauded what God had deof God, would have it that these things came thus creed, and permitted Aaron to enjoy the priesthood to pass not without God's favour to Moses; they peaceably. And thus God ordained him priest therefore laid the blame upon him that God was three several times, and he retained that honour so angry, and that this happened not so much be- without further disturbance. And hereby this secause of the wickedness of those that were punish- dition of the Hebrews, which had been a great one, ed, as because Moses procured the punishment; and had lasted a great while, was at last composed. and that these men had been destroyed without 3. And now Moses, because the tribe of Levi was any sin of theirs, only because they were zealous made free from war and warlike expeditions, and was about the Divine worship; as also, that he who had set apart for the Divine worship, lest they should want been the cause of this diminution of the people, by and seek after the necessaries of life, and so neglect destroying so many men, and those the most ex- the temple, commanded the Hebrews, according to cellent of them all, besides his escaping any punish- the will of God, that when they should gain the ment himself, had now given the priesthood to his possession of the land of Canaan, they should assign brother so firmly, that nobody could any longer forty-eight good and fair cities to the Levites; and * It appears here, and from the Samaritan Pentateuch, and, with the Levites of his own tribe; See Essay on the Old Tesin effect, from the psalmist, as also from the Apostolical Con- tament, p. 64, 65. stitutions, from Clements First Epistle to the Corinthians, from f Concerning these twelve rods of the twelve tribes of Ignatius's Epistle to the Magnesians, and from Eusebius, that Israel, see St. Clement's account, much larger than that in our worh was no-t swallowed up with the Reubenites, but burned Bibles, 1 Epist. sect. 45; as is Josephus's present account in measure larger also. CHAP. IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 119 permit them to enjoy their suburbs, as far as the their wives, should partake, as well as themselves, limit of two thousand cubits would extend from excepting what came to them out of the sacrifices the walls of the city. And besides this, he ap. that were offered for sins; for of those none but the pointed that the people should pay the tithe of their males of the family of the priests might eat, and annual fruits of the earth, both to the Levites and this in the temple also, and that the same day they to the priests. And this is what that tribe receives were offered. of the multitude; but I think it necessary to set 5. TVhen Moses had made these constitutions, down what is paid by all, peculiarly to the priests. after the sedition was over, he removed, together 4. Accordingly he commanded the Levites to with the whole army, and came to the borders of yield up to the priests thirteen of their forty-eight Idumea. He then sent ambassadors to the king of cities, and to set apart for them the tenth part of the the Idumeans, and desired him to give him a pastithes which they every year receive of the people; sage through his country; and agreed to send him as also, that it was but just to offer to God the first- what hostages he should desire, to secure him from fruits of the entire product of the ground; and that an injury. He desired him also, that he would they should offer the first-born of those four-footed allow his army liberty to buy provisions; and, if he beasts that are appointed for sacrifices, if it be a insisted upon it, he would pay down a price for the male, to the priests, to be slain, that they and their very water they should drink. But the king was entire families may eat them in the holy city; but not pleased with this ambassage from Moses: nor that the owners of those first-born which are not did he allow a passage for the army, but brought appointed for sacrifices in the laws of our country, his people armed to meet Moses, and to hinder should bring a shekel and a half in their stead: but them, in case they should endeavour to force their for the first-born of a man, five shekels: that they passage. Upon which Moses consulted God by the should also have the first-fruits out of the shearing oracle, who would not have him begin the war first; of the sheep; and that when any baked bread corn, and so he withdrew his forces, and travelled round and made loaves of it, they should give somewhat of about through the wilderness. what they had baked to them. Moreover, when 6. Then it was that Miriam, the sister of Moses, any have made a sacred vow, I mean those that are came to her end, having completed her fortieth called,Nazarites, that suffer their hair to grow year t since she left Egypt, on the first day 1 of the long, and use no wine, when they consecrate their lunar month Xanthicus. They then made a public hair,* and offer it for a sacrifice, they are to allot funeral for her, at a great expense. She was that hair for the priests [to be tlhrown into the fire]. buried upon a certain mountain, which they call Such also as dedicate themselves to God, as a cor- Sin; and when they had mourned for her thirty ban, which denotes what the Greeks call a gift, days, Moses purified the people after this manner: when they are desirous of being freed from that He brought a heifer that had never been used to the ministration, are to lay down money for the priests; plough or to husbandry, that was complete in all thirty shekels if it be a woman, and fifty if it be a its parts, and entirely of a red colour, at a little man; but if any be too poor to pay the appointed distance from the camp, into a place perfectly clean. sum, it shall be lawful for the priests to determine This heifer was slain by the high priest, and her that sum as they think fit. And if any slay beasts blood sprinkled with his finger seven times before at home for a private festival, but not for a religious the tabernacle of God; after this, the entire heifer one, they are obliged to bring the maw and the was burnt in that state, together with its skin and cheek, [or breast,] and the right shoulder of the entrails; and they threw cedar-wood, and hyssop, sacrifice, to the priests. WVith these Moses con- and scarlet wool, into the midst of the fire; then a trived that the priests should be plentifully main- clean man gathered all her ashes together, and laid tained, besides what they had out of those offerings them in a place perfectly clean. WVhen therefore for sins which the people gave them, as I have set any persons were defiled by a dead body, they put it down in the foregoing book. He also ordered, a little of these ashes into spring water, with that out of every thing allotted for the priests, hyssop, and, dipping part of these ashes in it, they their servants, [their sons,] their daughters, and sprinkled them with it, both on the third day, and X Grotius, on Numb. vi. 18, takes notice that the Greeks also, + Whether Miriam died, as Josephus's Greek copies imply, as well as the Jews, sometimes consecrated the hair of their on the first day of the month, may be doubted, because the heads to the gods. Latin copies say it was on the tenth, and so say the Jewish t Josephus here uses this phrase, " when the fortieth year calendars also, as Dr. Bernard assures us. It is said her sewas completed," for when it was begun; as does St. Luke, pulchre is still extant near Petra, the old capital city of Arabia " when the day of Pentecost was completed," Acts ii. 1. Petrata, at this day; as also that of Aaron, not far off. 120 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JETWS. BOOK IV on the seventh, and after that they were clean. was preparing every thing in order to hinder their This he enjoined them to do also when the tribes passing over Arnon. should come into their own land. 2. WVhen Moses saw that the Amrorite king was 7. Now when this purification, which their leader disposed to enter upon hostilities with them, he made upon the mourning for his sister, as it has thought he ought not to bear that insult; and, debeen now described, was over, he caused the army termining to wean the Hebrews from their indolent to remove and to march through the wilderness temper, and prevent the disorders which arose and through Arabia; and when he came to a place thence, which had been the occasion of their former which the Arabians esteem their metropolis, which sedition, (nor indeed were they now thoroughly easy was formerly called Arce, but has now the name in their minds,) he inquired of God, whether he of Petra, at this place, which was encompassed with would give him leave to fight? Which when he high mountains, Aaron went up one of them in the had done, and God also promised him the victory, sight of the whole army, Moses having before told he was himself very courageous, and ready to prohim that he was to die, for this place was over- ceed to fighting. Accordingly he encouraged the against them. He put off his pontifical garments, soldiers; and he desired of them that they would and delivered them to Eleazar his son, to whom the take the pleasure of fighting, now God gave them high priesthood belonged, because he was the elder leave so to do. They then, upon the receipt of this brother; and died while the multitude looked upon permission, which they so much longed for, put on him. He died in the same year wherein he lost their whole armour, and set about the work withhis sister, having lived in all a hundred twenty out delay. But the Amorite king was not now and three years. He died on the first clay of that like to himself when the Hebrews were ready to lunar month which is called by the Athenians attack him; but both he himself was affrighted at Hlecatombceon, by the Macedonians Lous, but by the Hebrews, and his army, which before had the Hebrews Abba. showed themselves to be of good courage, were then found to be timorous: so they could not sustain the first onset, nor bear up against the Hebrews, but fled away, as thinking this would afford them a more likely way for their escape than fighting, for they depended upon their cities, which were CHAPTER V. strong, from which yet they reaped no advantage when they were forced to fly to them; for as soon MOW MOSES CONQUERED SIHON AND OG, KINGS OF. as the Hebrews saw them giving ground, they imTHE AMORITES, sND DESTROYED THEIR WHOLE mediately pursued them close; and when they had ARMY, AND THEN DIVIDED THEIR LAND BY LOT TO TWO TRIBES AND A HALF OF THE HEBREWS. Ibroken their ranks, they greatly terrified them, and some of them broke off fiom the rest, and ran away 1. THE people mourned for Aaron thirty days, to the cities. Now the Hebrews pursued them and when this mourning was over, Moses removed briskly, and obstinately persevered in the labours the army from that place, and came to the river they had already undergone; and being very skilArnon, which, issuing out of the mountains of ful in slinging, and very dexterous in throwing of Arabia, and running through all that wilderness, darts, or any thing else of that kind, and also falls into the lake Asphaltitis, and becomes the having nothing but light armour, which made limit between the land of the Moabites and the them quick in the pursuit, they overtook their eneland of the Amorites. This land is fruitful, and mies; and for those that were most remote, and sufficient to maintain a great number of men, with could not be overtaken, they reached them by their the good things it produces. Moses therefore sent slings and their bows, so that many were slain; and messengers to Sihon, the king of this country, de- those that escaped the slaughter were sorely woundsiring that he would grant his army a passage, ed, and these were more distressed with thirst than upon what security he should please to require; with any of those that fought against them, for it he promised that he should be no way injured, was the summer season; and when the greatest neither as to that country which Sihon governed, number of them were brought down to the river out nor as to its inhabitants; and that he would buy of a desire to drink, as also when others fled away his provisions at such a price as should be to their by troops, the Hebrews came round them, and advantage, even though he should desire to sell shot at them; so that, what with darts and what them their very water. But Sihon refused his with arrows, they made a slaughter of them all. offer, and put his army into battle array, and Sihon their king was also slain. So the Hebrews CnAr. V. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 121 spoiled the dead bodies, and took their prey. The he was both himself slain in the battle, and all his land also which they took was full of abundance of army was destroyed. So Moses passed over the fruits, and the army went all over it without fear, river Jabbok, and overran the kingdom of Og. He and fed their cattle upon it; and they took the overthrew their cities, and slew all their inhabitants, enemies prisoners, for they could no way put a:'stop who. yet exceeded in riches all the men in that part to them, since all the fighting men were destroyed.' of the continent, on account of the goodness of the Such was the destruction which overtook the Amo- soil, and the great quantity of their wealth. Now rites, who were neitheir sagacious in counsel, nor Og had very few equals, either in the largeness of his courageous in action. Hereupon the Hebrews body, or handsomeness of his appearance. He was took possession of their land, which is a country also a man of great activity in the use of his hands, situate between three rivers, and naturally resem- so that his actions were not unequal to the vast bling an island: the river Arnon being its southern largeness and handsome appearance of his body. limit; the river Jabbok determining its northern Andmen could easily guess at his strengthand side, which running into Jordan loses its own name, magnitude when they took his bed at Rabbath, the and takes the other; while Jordan itself runs along royal city of the Ammonites; its structure was of by it, on its western coast. iron, its'breadth four cubits, and its length a cubit 3. When matters were come to this state, Og, more than double thereto. However, his fall did the king of Gilead and- Gaulanitis, fell upon the not only improve the circumstances of the Hebrews Israelites. He brought an army with him, and for the present, but by'his death he was the occasion came in haste to the assistance of his'friend Sihon. of further good success to them; for they presently But though he found him already slain, yet did he took those sixty cities, which were encompassed resolve still to come and fight the Hebrews, sup- with excellent walls, and had been subject to him, posing he should be too hard for them, and being and all got both in general and in particular a great desirous totry' their valour; but failing of his hope, prey. 122 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BoOk 1V. CHAPTER VI. CONCERNING BALAAM THE PROPHET, AND WHAT RIND Of MAN HE WAS. OW Moses, when he 2. When Balak, the king of the Moabites, who had brought his army had from his ancestors a friendship and league with to Jordan, pitched his the Midianites, saw how great the Israelites were camp in the great grown, he was much aifrighted on account of his 2g, 1 plain over against Je- own and his kingdom's danger; for he was not acricho. This city is a quainted with this, that the Hebrews would Iiot frt~p very happy situation, meddle with any other country, but were to be conand very fit for pro- tented with the possession of the land of Canaan, ducing palm-trees and balsam. And now the God having forbidden them to go any farther.* So Israelites began to be very proud of themselves, he, with more haste than wisdom, resolved to make and were very eager for fighting. - Moses then, after an attempt upon them by words; but he did not he had offered for a few days sacrifices of thanks- judge it prudent to fight against them, after they giving to God, and feasted the people, sent a party had such prosperous successes, and even became of armed men to lay waste the country of the out of ill successes more happy than before, but he Midianites, and to take their cities. Now the oc- thought to hinder them, if he could, from growing casion which he took for making war upon them greater, and so he resolved to send ambassadors to was this that follows: the Midianites about them. Now these Midianitei * What Josephus here remarks is well worth our remark in tes, and that therefore no other people had reason to fear the this place also; viz. that the Israelites were never to meddle conquests of the Israelites; but that those countries given them with the Moabites, or Ammonites, or any other people, but by God were their proper and peculiar portion among the those belonging to the land of Canaan, and the countries of nations, and that all who endeavoured to dispossess them might ~='-~-~-~~~"""-"~"~E:_ —~,qihon and Og beyond Jordan, as far as the dlesert and Euphra- ever be justly destroyed by them. CIJP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 123 knowing there was one Balaam, who lived by ing that she was hindered from serving him in what Euphrates, and was the greatest of the prophets at he was now going about, by the providence of that time, and one that was in friendship with them, God. And when he was disturlbed by reason of the sent some of their honourable princes along with voice of the ass, which was that of a man, the the ambassadors of Balak, to entreat the prophet to angel plainly appeared to him, and blamed him for come to them, that he might imprecate curses to the stripes he had given his ass; and informed him the destruction of the Israelites. So Balaam re.. that the brute creature was not in fault, but that he ceived the ambassadors, and treated them very was himself come to obstruct his journey, as being kindly; and when he had supped, he inquired contrary to the will of God. Upon which Balaam what was God's will, and what this matter was for was afraid, and was preparing to return back again: which the Midianites entreated him to come to them. yet did God excite him to go on his intended jourBut when God opposed his going, he came to the ney, but added this injunction, that he should deambassadors, and told them that he was himself clare nothing but what he himself should suggest to very willing and desirous to comply with their re. his mind. quest, but informed them that God was opposite to 4. When God had given him this charge, l~ his intentions, even that God who had raised him came to Balak; and when the king had entertainto great reputation on account of the truth of his ed him in a magnificent manner, he desired him to predictions; for that this army, which they entreated go to one of the mountains to take a view of the him to come and curse, was in the favour of God; state of the camp of the Hebrews. Balak himself on which account he advised them to go home again, also came to the mountain, and brought the prophet and not to persist in their enmity against the Is- along with him, with a royal attendance. This raelites; and when he had given them that answer, mountain lay over their heads, and was distant he dismissed the ambassadors. sixty furlongs from the camp. Now when he saw 3. Now the Midianites, at the earnest request them, he desired the king to build him seven altars, and fervent entreaties of Balak, sent other ambas- and to bring him as many bulls and rams; to which sadors to Balaam, who, desiring to gratify the men, desire the king did presently conform. He then inquired again of God; but he was displeased at slew the sacrifices, and offered them as burnt-offerthis [second] trial,* and bid him by no means to ings, that he might observe some signal of the flight contradict the ambassadors. Now Balaam did not of the Hebrews. Then said he, " Happy is this imagine that God gave this injunction in order to people, on whom God bestows the possession of deceive him, so he went along with the ambassa- innumerable good things, and grants them his own dors; but when the divine angel met him in the providence to be their assistant and their guide; so way, when he was in a narrow passage, and hedged that there is not any nation among mankind but in with a wall on both sides, the ass on which Ba- you will be esteemed superior to them in virtue, laam rode understood that it was a divine spirit that and in the earnest prosecution of the best rules of met him, and thrust Balaam to one of the walls, life, and of such as are pure from wickedness, anl without regard to the stripes which Balaam, when will leave those rules to your excellent children; he was hurt by the wall, gave her; but when the and this out of the regard that God bears to you, ass, upon the angel's continuing to distress her, and the provision of such things for you as may and upon the stripes which were given her, fell render you happier than any other people under the down, by the will of God, she made use of the sun. You shall retain that land to which he hath voice of a man, and complained of Balaam as act- sent you, and it shall ever be under the command ing unjustly to her; that whereas he had no fault of your children; and both all the earth, as well as to find with her in her former service to him, he the seas, shall be filled with your glory: and you now inflicted stripes upon her, as not understand- shall be sufficiently numerous to supply the world * Note, that Josephus never supposes Balaam to be an and called him, or positively insisted on his going along with idolater, nor to seek idolatrous enchantments, or to prophesy them, on any terms; whereas Balaam seems out of impatience falsely, but to be no other than an ill-disposed prophet of the to have risen up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and rather true God; and intimates that God's answer the second time, to have called them, than staid for their calling him, so zealpermitting him to go, was ironical, and on design that he ous does he seem to have been for his reward of divination, should be deceived (which sort of deception, by way of punish- his wages of unrighteousness, Numb. xxii. 7, 17, 18, 37; 2 Pet. ment for former crimes, Josephus never scruples to admit, as ii. 15; Jude 5, 11; which reward or wages the truly religious ever esteeming such wicked men justly and providentially de- prophets of God never required nor accepted, as our Josephus ceived). But perhaps we had better keep here close to the justly takes notice in the cases of Samuel, Antiq. B. V. ch. iv. text, which says, Numb. xxiii. 20, 21, that God only permitted sect. 1, and Daniel, Antiq. B. X. ch. xi. sect. 3. See also Gen. Balaam to go along with the ambassadors, in case they came xiv. 22, 23; 2 Kings-v. 15, 16, 26, 27; and Acts viii. 17-'241. 124 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK IV. in general, and every region of it in particular, intend to praise this army, nor to go over the several with inhabitants out of your stock. However, O good things which God intended to do to their race; blessed army! wonder that you are become so but since he was so favourable to them, and so ready many from one father: and truly, the land of Ca- to bestow upon them a happy life and eternal glory, naan can now hold you, as being yet comparatively he suggested the declaration of those things to me: few; but know ye that the whole world is proposed but now, because it is my desire to oblige thee thyto be your place of habitation for ever. The mul- self, as well as the Midianites, whose entreaties it is titude of your posterity also shall live as well in not decent for me to reject, go to, let us again rear the islands as on the continent, and that more in other altars, and offer the like sacrifices that we did number than are the stars of heaven. And when before, that I may see whether I can persuade God you are become so many,, God will not relinquish to permit me to bind these men with curses." the care of you, but will afford you an abundance Which, when Balak had agreed to, God would not, of all good things in times of peace, with victory even upon second sacrifices, consent to his cursing and dominion in times of war. May the children the Israelites.* Then fell Balaam upon his face, of your enemies have an inclination to fight against and foretold what calamities would befall the seveyou; and may they be so hardy as to come to arms, ral kings of the nations, and the most eminent cities, and to assault you in battle, for they will not re- some of which of old were not so much as inhabited; turn with victory, nor will their return be agree- which events have come to pass among the several able to their children and wives. To so great a people concerned, both in the foregoing ages, and degree of valour will you be raised by the provi- in this, till my own memory, both by sea and by dence of God, who is able to diminish the affluence land. From which completion of all these predicof some, and to supply the wants of others." tions that he made, one may easily guess that the 5. Thus did Balaam speak by inspiration, as not rest will have their completion in time to come. being in his own power, but moved to say what he 6. But Balak being very angry that the Israelites did by the Divine Spirit. But then Balak was dis- were not cursed, sent away Balaam without thinkpleased, and said he had broken the contract he had ing him worthy of any honour. Whereupon, when made, whereby he was to come, as he and his con- he was just upon his journey, in order to.pass the federates had invited him, by the promise of great Euphrates, he sent for Balak, and for the princes of presents: for whereas he came to curse their enemies, the Midianites, and spake thus to them:-" O Bahe had made an encomium upon them, and had de- lak, and you Midianites that are here present, (for I clared that they were the happiest of men. To which am obliged even without the will of God to gratify Balaam replied, " O Balak, if thou rightly consider- you,) it is true no entire destruction can seize upon est this whole matter, canst thou suppose that it is the nation of the Hebrews, neither by war, nor by in our power to be silent, or to say any thing, when plague, nor by scarcity of the fruits of the earth, the Spirit of God seizes upon us? —for he puts such nor can any other unexpected accident be their enwords as he pleases in our mouths, and such dis- tire ruin; for the providence of God is concerned courses as we are not ourselves conscious of. I to preserve them from such a misfortune; nor will well remember by what entreaties both you and the it permit any such calamity to come upon them Midianites so joyfully brought me hither, and on whereby they may all perish; but some small misthat account I took this journey. It was my fortunes, and those for a short time, whereby they prayer, that I might not put any affront upon you, may appear to be brought low', may still befall them; as to what you desired of me; but God is more but after that they will flourish again, to the terror powerful than the purposes I had made to serve of those that brought those mischiefs upon them. you; for those that take upon them to foretell the So that if you have a mind to gain a victory over affairs of mankind, as firom their own abilities, are them for a short space of time, you will obtain it entirely unable to do it, or to forbear to utter what by following my directions:-Do you therefore set God suggests to them, or to offer violence to his out the, handsomest of such of your daughters as will; for when he prevents us and enters into us, are most eminent for beauty,t and proper to force nothing that we say is our own. I then did not and conquer the modesty of those that behold. them, * Whether Josephus had in his copy but two attempts of t Such a large and distinct account of this perversion of the Balaam in all to curse Israel; or whether by this his twice of- Israelites by the Midianite women, of which our other copies fering sacrifice, he meant twice besides that first time already give us but short intimations, Numb. xxxi. 16; 2 Pet. ii. 15; mentioned, which yet is not very probable; cannot now be cer- Jude 11; Rev. ii. 14, is preserved, as Reland informs us, in tainly determined. In the mean time, all other copies have'the Samaritan Chronicle, in Philo, and in other writings of the three such attempts of Balaam to curse them in the present Jews, as well as here by Josephus. history. CHAr. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 125 and these decked and trimmed to the highest degree gain, but taking you for brave and worthy men, we you are able. Then do you send them to be near agreed to your request, that we might treat you the Israelites' camp, and give them in charge, that with such honours as hospitality required: and now when the young men of the Hebrews desire their seeing you say that you have a great affection for company, they allow it them; and when they see us, and are troubled when you think we are departthat they are enamoured of them, let them take ing, we are not averse to your entreaties; and if we their leaves; and if they entreat them to stay, let may receive such assurance of your good-will as them not give their consent till they have persuaded we think can be alone sufficient, we will be glad to them to leave off their obedience to their own laws, lead our lives with you as your wives; but we are and the worship of that God who established them, afraid that you will in time be weary of our company, and to worship the gods of the Midianites and and will then abuse us, and send us back to our Moabites; for by this means God will be angry at parents, after an ignominious manner." And they them."* Accordingly, when Balaam had suggested desired that they would excuse them in their guardthis counsel to them, he went his way. ing against that danger. But the young men pro7. So when the Midianites had sent their daugh- fessed they would give them. any assurance they ters, as Balaam had exhorted them, the Hebrew should desire; nor did they at all contradict what young men were allured by their beauty, and came they requested, so great was the passion they had to discourse with them, and besought them not to for them. "If then," said they, " this be your grudge them the enjoyment of their beauty, nor to resolution, since you make use of such customs and deny them their conversation. These daughters of conduct of life as are entirely different from all other the Midianites received their words gladly, and con- men,- insomuch that your kinds of food are peculiar sented to it, and staid with them; but when they to yourselves, and your kinds of drink not common had brought them to be enamoured of them, and to others, it will be absolutely necessary, if you their inclinations to them were grown to ripeness, would have us for your wives, that you do withal they began to think of departing from them: then worship our gods. Nor can there be any other it was that these men became greatly disconsolate demonstration of the kindness which you say you at the women's departure, and they were urgent already have, and promise to have hereafter to us, with them not to leave them, but begged they would than this, that you worship the same gods that we continue there, and become their wives; and they do. For has any one reason to complain, that now promised them they should be owned as mistresses you are come into this country, you should worship of all they had. This they said with an oath, and the proper gods of the same country? especially called God for the arbitrator of what they pro- while our gods are common to all men, and yours mised; and this with tears in their eyes, and all such as belong to nobody else but yourselves." So other such marks of concern, as might show how they said they must either come into such methods miserable they thought themselves without them, of divine worship as all others came into, or else and so might move their compassion for them. So they must look out for another world, wherein they the women, as soon as they perceived they had made may live by themselves, according to their own laws. them their slaves, and had caught them with their 9. Now the young men were induced by the conversation, began to speak thus to them:- fondness they had for these women to think they 8. "O you illustrious young men! we have spake very well; so they gave themselves up to what houses of our own at home, and great plenty of good they persuaded them, and transgressed their own things there, together with the natural, affectionate laws, and supposing there were many gods, and relove of our parents and friends; nor is it out of our solving that they would sacrifice to them according want of any such things that we came to discourse to the laws of that country which ordained them, with you; nor did we admit of your invitation with they both were delighted with their strange food, design to prostitute the beauty of our bodies for and went on to do every thing that the women would * This grand maxim, That God's people of Israel could never the holy laws which the true God had given them by Moses, in be hurt nor destroyed, butby drawing them to sin against God, opposition to those impure laws which were observed under appears to be true, by the entire history of that people, both in their false gods, well deserves our consideration; and gives us the Bible and in Josephus; and is often taken notice of in a substantial reason for the great concern that was ever shown them both. See in particular a most remarkable Ammonite under the law of Moses to preserve the Israelites from idolatry, testimony to this purpose, Judith v. 5-21. and in the worship of the true God; it being of no less cont What Josephus here puts into the mouths of these Mi- sequence than, Whether God's people should be governed by dianite women, who came to entice the Israelites to lewdness the holy laws of the true God, or by the impure laws derive4 and idolatry, viz. that their worship of the God of Israel, in from demons, under the pagan idolatry. opposition to their idol gods, implied their living according to 126 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. IBooc IA'. have them do, though in contradiction to their own selves, as pretending to punish, according to his laws- so far indeed that this transgression was laws, every one's acting what is most agreeable to aiready gone through the whole army of the young himself; but thou thyself better deservest to suffer men, and they fell into a sedition that was much punishment, who presumnest to abolish what every worse than the former, and into danger of the entire one acknowledges to be what is good for him, and abolition of their own institutions; for when once aimest to make thy single opinion to have more force the youth had tasted of these strange customs, they than that of all the rest; and what I now do, and went with insatiable inclinations into them; and think to be right, I shall not hereafter deny to be even where some of the principal men were illus- according to my own sentiments. I have married, trious on account of the virtues of their fathers, they as thou sayest rightly, a strange woman, and thou also were corrupted together with the rest. hearest what I do from myself as from one that is 10. Even Zimri, the head of the tribe of Simeon, free, for truly I did not intend to conceal myself. accompanied with Cozbi, a Midianitish women, who I also own that I sacrificed to those gods to whom was the daughter of Sur, a man of authority in that you do not think it fit to sacrifice; and I think it country; and being desired by his wife to disregard right to come at truth by inquiring of many people, the laws of Moses, and to follow those she was used and not like one that lives under tyranny, to suffer to, he complied with her, and this both by sacrificing the whole hope of my life to depend upon one man; after a manner different from his own, and by taking nor shall any one find cause to rejoice who declares a stranger to wife. When things were thus, Moses himself to have more authority over my actions than was afraid that matters should grow worse, and myself." called the people to a congregation, but then accused 12. Now when Zimri had said these things, about nobody by name, as unwilling to drive those into what he and some others had wickedly done, the despair who, by lying concealed, might come to people held their peace, both out of fear of what repentance; but he said that they did not do what might come upon them, and because they saw that was either worthy of themselves, or of their fathers, their legislator was not willing to bring his insolence by preferring pleasure to God, and to the living before the public any further, or openly to contend according to his will; that it was fit they should with him; for he avoided that, lest many should imichange their courses while their affairs were still tate the impudence of his language, and thereby in a good state, and think that to be true fortitude disturb the multitude. Upon this the assembly was which offers not violence to their laws, but that dissolved. However, the mischievous attempt had which resists their lusts. And besides that, he proceeded further, if Zimri had not been first slain, said it was not a reasonable thing, when they had which came to pass on the following occasion:lived soberly in the wilderness, to act madly now Phineas, a man in other respects better than the when they were in prosperity; and that they ought rest of the young men, and also one that surpassed not to lose, now they have abundance, what they his contemporaries in the dignity of his father, (for had gained when they had little:-and so did he he was the son of Eleazar the high priest, and the endeavour, by saying this, to correct the young men, grandson of [Aaron] Moses's brother,) who was and to bring them to repentance for what they had greatly troubled at what was done by Zimri, he re.. done. solved in earnest to inflict punishment on him, be. 11. But Zimri arose up after him, and said, " Yes, fore his unworthy behaviour should grow stronger indeed, Moses, thou art at liberty to make use of by impunity, and in order to prevent this transsuch laws as thou art so fond of, and hast, by ac- gression from proceeding further, which would customing thyself to them, made them firm; other- happen if the ringleaders were not punished. He wise, if things had not been thus, thou hadst often was of so great magnanimity, both in strength of been punished before now, and hadst known that mind and body, that when he undertook any very the Hebrews are not easily put upon; but thou dangerous attempt, he did not leave it off till he shalt not have me one of thy followers in thy tyran- overcame it, and got an entire victory. So he came nical commands, for thou dost nothing else hitherto, into Zimri's tent, and slew him with his javelin, but, under pretence of laws, and of God, wickedly and with it he slew Cozbi also. Upon which all impose on us slavery, and gain dominion to thyself, those young men that had a regard to virtue, and while thou deprivest us of the sweetness of life, aimed to do a glorious action, imitated Phineas's which consists in acting according to our own wills, boldness, and slew those that were found to be and is the right of free-men, and of those that have guilty of the same crime with Zimri. Accordingly no lord over them. Nay, indeed, this man is harder many of those that had transgressed perished by the upon the Hebrews then were the Egyptians them- magnanimous valour of these young men; and the COHAP. VII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 127 rest all perished by a plague, which distemper God tribe, and appointed Phineas for their commander; himself inflicted upon them; so that all those their of which Phineas we made mention a little before, kindred, who, instead of hindering them from such as he that had guarded the laws of the Hebrews, wicked actions, as they ought to have done, had and had inflicted punishment on Zimri when he persuaded them to go on, were esteemed by God as had transgressed them. Now the Midianites perpartners in their wickedness, and died. Accord- ceived beforehand how the Hebrews were coming, ingly there perished out of the army no fewer than and would suddenlybe upon them: so they assembled fourteen* [twenty-four] thousand at this time. their army together, and fortified the entrances into 13. This was the cause why Moses was pro- their country, and there awaited the enemy's coming. voked to send an army to destroy the Midianites, When they were come, and they had joined battle concerning which expedition we shall speak pre- with them, an immense multitude of the Midianites sently, when we have first related what we have fell; nor could they be numbered, they were so very omitted; for it is but just not to pass over our many: and among them fell all their kings, five in legislator's due encomium, on account of his con- number, viz. Evi, Zur, Reba, Hur, and Rekem, duct here, because, although this Balaam, who was who was of the same name with a city, the chief sent for by the Midianites to curse the Hebrews, and capital of all Arabia, which is still now so and when he was hindered from doing it by Divine called by the whole Arabian nation, srecem, from Providence, did still suggest that advice to them, the name of the king that built it; but is by the by making use of which our enemies had well Greeks called Petra. Now when the enemies nigh corrupted the whole multitude of the He- were discomfited, the Hebrews spoiled their counbrews with their wiles, till some of them were try, and took a great prey, and destroyed the men deeply infected with their opinions; yet did he do that were its inhabitants, together with the women; him great honour, by setting down his prophecies only they let the virgins alone, as Moses had comin writing. And while it was in his power to manded Phineas to do, who indeed came back, claim this glory to himself, and make men believe bringing with him an army that had received no they were his own predictions, there being no one harm, and a great deal of prey; fifty-two thousand that could be a witness against him, and accuse beeves, seventy-five thousand six hundred sheep, him for so doing, he still gave his attestation to sixty thousand asses, with an immense quantity him, and did him the honour to make mention of of gold and silver furniture, which the Midianites him on this account. But let every one think of made use of in their houses; for they were so these matters as he pleases. wealthy, that they were very luxurious. There were also led captive about thirty-two thousand virgins.t So Moses parted the prey into parts, and gave one fiftieth part to Eleazar and the two CHAPTER VII. priests, and another fiftieth part to the Levites; and distributed the rest of the prey among the peoHOW THE HEBREWS FAOUGHT WITH THE MIDIANITES, pile. After which they lived happily, as having AND OVERCAME THEM. obtained an abundance of good things by their 1. Now Moses sent an army against the land of valour, and there being no misfortune that attended Midian, for the causes forementioned, in all twelve them, or hindered their enjoyment of that happiness. thousand, taking an equal number out of every 2. But Moses was now grown old, and appointed * The mistake in all Josephus's copies, Greek and Latin, first of which places, the reason of the delay of the'punishment which have here fourteen thousand instead of twenty-four of the Amorites is given, because " their iniquity was not yet thousand, is so flagrant, that our very learned editors, Bernard full." In the second, Saul is ordered to go and "destroy the and Hudson, have put the latter number directly into the text. sinners, the Amalekites;" plainly implying that they were I choose rather to put it in brackets. therefore to be destroyed, because they were sinners, and not t The slaughter of all the Midianite women that had prosti- otherwise. In the third, the reason is given why king Agag tuted themselves to the lewd Israelites, and the preservation of was not to be spared, viz. because of his former cruelty: " As those that had not been guilty therein; the last of which were thy sword hath made the (Hebrew) women childless, so shall no fewer than thirty-two thousand, both here and Numb. xxxi. thy mother be made childless among women by the Hebrews." 15-17, 35, 40, 46, and both by the particular command of God; In the last place, the apostles, or their amanuensis Clement, are highly remarkable, and show that, even in nations otherwise gave this reason for the necessity of the coming of Christ, that for their wickedness doomed to destruction, the innocent were "men had formerly perverted both the positive law, and that sometimes particularly and providentially taken care of, and of nature; and had cast out of their mind the memory of the delivered from that destruction; which directly implies, that Flood, the burning of Sodom, the plagues of the Egyptians, it was the wickedness of the nations of Canaan, and nothing and the slaughter of the inhabitants of Palestine," as signs of the else, that occasioned their excision. See Gen. xv. 16; 1 Sam. most amazing impenitence and insensibility, under the punish. xv. 18, 33;. Apost. Constit. B. VIII. ch. xii. p. 402. In the ments of horrid wickedness. 128 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK IV. Joshua for his successor, both to receive directions 4. Moses also now built those ten cities which from God as a prophet, and for a commander of were to be of the number of the forty-eight [for the the army, if they should at any time stand in need Levites]; three of which he allotted to those that of such a one; and this was done by the command slkw any person involuntarily, and fled to them; and of God, that to him the care of the public should he assigned the same time for their banishment with be committed. Now Joshua had been instructed that of the life of that high priest under whom the in all those kinds of learning which concerned the slaughter and flight happened; after which death laws and God himself, and Moses had been his in- of the high priest he permitted the slayer to return structor. home. During the time of his exile, the relations 3. At this time it was that the two tribes of Gad of him that was slain may, by this law, kill the and Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh, abound- manslayer, if they caught him without the bounds ed in a multitude of cattle, as well as in all other of the city to which he fled, though this permission kinds of prosperity; whence they had a meeting, was not granted to any other person. Now the and in a body came and besought Moses to give cities which were set apart for this flight were these: them, as their peculiar portion, that land of the Bezer, at the borders of Arabia; Ramoth, of the Amorites which they had taken by right of war, land of Gilead; and Golan, in the land of Bashan. because it was fruitful, and good for feeding of cat- There were to be also, by Moses's command, three tie; but Moses, supposing that they were afraid of other cities allotted for the habitation of these fugifighting with the Canaanites, and invented this pro- tives out of the cities of the Levites, but not till vision for their cattle as a handsome excuse for avoid- after they should be in possession of the land of ing that war, he called them arrant cowards, and Canaan. said they had only contrived a decent excuse for 5. At this time the chief men of the tribe of Mathat cowardice; and that they had a mind to live nasseh came to Moses, and informed him that there in luxury and ease, while all the rest were labour- was an eminent man of their tribe dead, whose name ing with great pains to obtain the land they were was Zelophehad, who left no male children, but desirous to have; and that they were not willing to left daughters; and asked him whether these daughmarch along, and undergo the remaining hard ser- ters might inherit his land or not. He made this vice, whereby they were, under the Divine promise, answer, That if they shall marry into their own to pass over Jordan, and overcome those our ene- tribe, they shall carry their estate along with them; mies which God had shown them, and so obtain but if they dispose of themselves in marriage to their land. But these tribes, when they saw that men of another tribe, they shall leave their inheritMoses was angry with them, and when they could ance in their father's tribe. And then it was that not deny but he had a just cause to be displeased Moses ordained, that every one's inheritance shoiuld at their petition, made an apology for themselves; continue in his own tribe. and said, that it was not on account of their fear of dangers, nor on account of their laziness, that they made this request to him, but that they might leave the prey they had gotten in places of safety, and thereby might be more expedite, and ready to un- CHAPTER VIII. dergo difficulties, and to fight battles. They added THE POLITY SETTLED BY MOSES; AND HOW HE DIx.; this also, that when they had built cities, wherein APPEARED FROM AMONG MANKIND. they might preserve their children, and wives, and possessions, if he would bestow them upon them, 1. WVHEN forty years were completed, within thirthey would go along with the rest of the army. ty days, Moses gathered the congregation together Hereupon Moses was pleased with what they said; near Jordan, where the city Abila now stands, a so he called for Eleazar the high priest, and Joshua, place full of palm-trees; and all the people being and the chief of the tribes, and permitted these come together, he spake thus to them:tribes to possess the land of the Amorites; but upon 2. "O you Israelites and fellow soldiers, who this condition, that they should join with their kins- have been partners with me in this long and unmen in the war until all things were settled. Upon easy journey; since it is now the will of God, and which condition they took possession of the country, the course of old age, at a hundred and twenty, reand built them strong cities, and put into them quires it that I should depart out of this life; and their children and their wives, and whatsoever else since God has forbidden me to be a patron or an they had that might be an impediment to the labours assistant to you in what remains to be done beyond of their future marches. Jordan; I thought it reasonable not to leave off my CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 129 endeavours even now for your happiness, but to do to the becoming order of your polity, and to the my utmost to procure for you the eternal enjoyment virtues of your commanders, who will take care of of good things, and a memorial for myself, when what is for your advantage. And that God, who you shall be in the fruition of great plenty and has been till now your Leader, and by whose goodprosperity. Come, therefore, let me suggest to will I have myself been useful to you, will not put you by what means you may be happy, and may a period now to his providence over you, but as leave an eternal prosperous possession thereof to long as you desire to have him your Protector in your children after you, and then let me thus go your pursuits after virtue, so long will you enjoy his out of the world; and I cannot but deserve to be care over you. Your high priest also Eleazar, as believed by you, both on account of the great things well as Joshua, with the senate, and chief of your I have already done for you, and because, when tribes, will go before you, and suggest the best souls are about to leave the body, they speak with advices to you; by following which advices you the sincerest freedom. i O0 children of Israel! there will continue to be happy: to whom do you give is but one source of happiness for all mankind, the ear without reluctance, as sensible that all such as favour of God;- for he alone is able to give good know well how to be governed, will also know how things to those that deserve them, and to deprive to govern, if they be promoted to that authority those of them that sin against him; towards whom, themselves. And do not you esteem liberty to if you behave yourselves according to his will, and consist in opposing such directions as your governaccording to what I, who well understand his mind, ors think fit tj give you for your practice,-as at do exhort you to, you will both be esteemed blessed, present indeed you place your liberty in nothing and will be admired by all men; and will never else but abusing your benefactors; which error if come into misfortunes, nor cease to be happy: you you can avoid for the time to come, your affairs will will then preserve the possession of the good things be in a better condition than they have hitherto you already have, and will quickly obtain those that been. Nor do you ever indulge such a degree of you are at present in want of,-only do you be passion in these matters, as you have oftentimes obedient to those whom God would have you to done when you have been very angry at me; for follow. Nor do you prefer any other constitution you know that I have been oftener in danger of of government before the laws now given you; death from yoil than from our enemies. What I neither do you disregard that way of Divine wor- now put you in mind-of, is not done in order to ship which you now have, nor change it for any reproach you; for I do not think it proper, now I other form: and if you do this, you will be the am going out of the world, to bring this to your most courageous of all men, in undergoing the remembrance, in order to leave you offended at me, fatigues of war, and will not be easily conquered since, at the time when I underwent those hardships by any of your enemies; for while God is present from you, I was not angry at you; but I do it in with you to assist you, it is to be expected that you order to make you wiser hereafter, and to teach you will be able to despise the opposition of all man- that this will be for your security; I mean, that you kind; and great rewards of virtue are proposed for never be injurious to those that preside over you, you, if you preserve that virtue through your whole even when you are become rich, as you will be to a lives. Virtue itself is indeed the principal and the great degree when you have passed over Jordan, first reward, and after that it bestows abundance of and are in possession of the land of Canaan. Since, others; so that your exercise of virtue towards when you shall have once proceeded so far by your other men will make your own lives happy, and wealth, as to a contempt and disregard of virtue, render you more glorious than foreigners can be, you will also forfeit the favour of God; and when and procure you an undisputed reputation with you have made him your enemy, you will be beaten posterity. These blessings you will be able to in war, and rweill have the land which you possess obtain, in case you hearken to and observe those taken away again from you by your enemies, and laws which, by Divine revelation, I have ordained this with great reproaches upon your conduct. You for you; that is, in case you withal meditate upon will be scattered over the -whole world, and will, as the wisdom that is in them. I am going from you slaves, entirely fill both sea and land; and when myself, rejoicing in the good things you enjoy; and once you have had the experience of what I now I recommend you to the wise conduct of your law, say, you will repent, and remember the laws you * Josephus here, in this one sentence, sums up his notion of both by Jews and Christians:-' "O children of Israel! there Moses's very long and very serious exhortations in the book of I is but one source of happiness for all mankind,-thefavour of Deuteronomy; and his words are so true, and of such import- God." ance, that they deserve to be had in constant remembrance, S 130 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BooK IV. have broken, when it is too late. Whence I would are all still in writing, as he left them; and we advise you, if you intend to preserve these laws, to shall add nothing by way of ornament, nor any leave none of your enemies alive when you have thing besides what Moses left us; only we shall so conquered them, but to look upon. it as for your far innovate, as to digest the several kinds of laws advantage to destroy them all, lest, if you permit into a regular system; for they were by him left in them to live, you taste of their manners, and there- writing as they were accidentally scattered in their by corrupt your own proper institutions. I also do delivery, and as he upon inquiry had learned them further exhort you, to overthrow their altars, and of God. On which account I have thought it netheir groves, and whatsoever temples they have cessary to premise this observation beforehand, lest among them, and to burn all such, their nation, and any of my own countrymen should blame me, as their very memory with fire; for by this means alone having been guilty of an offence herein. Now part the safety of your own happy constitution can be of our constitution will include the laws that befirmly secured to you. And in order to prevent long to our political state. As for those laws your ignorance of virtue, and the degeneracy of which MAoses left concerning our common conversayour nature into vice, I have also ordained you tion and intercourse one with another, I have relaws, by Divine suggestion, and a form of govern- served that for a discourse concerning our manner ment, which are so good, that if you regularly ob- of life, and the occasions of those laws; which I serve them, you will be esteemed of all men the propose to myself, with God's assistance, to write,'most happy." after I have finished the work I am now upon. 3. When he had spoken thus, he gave them the 5. When you have possessed yourselves of the laws and the constitution of government written in land of Canaan, and have leisure to enjoy the good a book. Upon which the people fell into tears, things of it, and when you have afterward deterand appeared already touched with the sense that mined to build cities, if you will do what is pleasing they should have a great want of their conductor, to God, you will have a secure state of happiness. because they remembered what a number of dan- Let there be then one city of the land of Canaan, gers he had passed through, and what care he had and this situate in the most agreeable place for its taken of their preservation: they desponded about goodness, and very eminent in itself, and let it be what would come upon them after he was dead, and that which God shall choose for himself by prothought they should never have another governor phetic revelation. Let there also be one temple like him; and feared that God would then take therein, and one altar, not reared of hewn stones, less care of them when Moses was gone, who used but of such as you gather together at random; to intercede for them. They also repented of what which stones, when they are whited over with morthey had said to him in the wilderness when they tar, will have a handsome appearance, and be beauwere angry, and were in grief on those accounts, tiful to the sight. Let the ascent to it be not by insomuch that the whole body of the people fell steps,* but by an acclivity of raised earth. And into tears with such bitterness, that it was past the let there be neither an altar nor a temple in any power of words to comfort them in their affliction. other city; for God is but one, and the nation of However, Moses gave them some consolation; and the Hebrews is but one. by calling them off the thought how worthy he was 6. He that blasphemeth God, let him be stoned; of their weeping for him, he exhorted them to keep and let him hang upon a tree all that day, and then to that form of government'he had given them; and let him be buried in an ignominious and obscure then the congregation was dissolved at that time. manner. 4. Accordingly, I shall now first describe this 7. Let those that live as remote as the bounds of form of government which was agreeable to the the land which the Hebrews shall possess, come to dignity and virtue of Moses; and shall thereby in- that city where the temple shall be, and this three form those that read these Antiquities, what our times in a year, that they may give thanks to God original settlements were, and shall then proceed for his former benefits, and may entreat him for those to the remaining histories. Now those settlements they shall want hereafter; and let them, by this' This law, both here and Exod. xx. 25, 26, of not going up Herod's temple, which were, I think, all ten cubits high. See to God's altar by ladder-steps, but on an acclivity, seems not to 2 Chron. iv. 1, and Antiq. B. VIII. ch. iii. sect. 7. The reason have belonged to the altar of the tabernacle, which was in all why these temples, and these only, were to have this ascent on but three cubits high, Exod. xxvii. 4; nor to that of Ezekiel, an acclivity, and not by steps, is obvious, that before the inwhich was expressly to be gone up to by steps, ch. xliii. 17; but vention of stairs, such as we now use, decency could not be rather to occasional altars of any considerable altitude and otherwise provided for in the loose garments which the priests largeness; as also probably to Solomon's altar, to which it is wore, as the law required. See Lamy of the Tabernacle and here applied by Josephus, as well as to thats in Zorobabel's and Temple, p. 444. ~~~~~~~~~~~~i::iiii~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.......ii -!i 4iiiiii'li:28:i8''~'~:1! ~'~j~....i~a ~ ~'~.i- ~r /: j:~~ i:~::r~ ~... N ~i~i~i~i~i~i~'~i CHAr. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 131 means, maintain a friendly correspondence with one may not be possible to blot them out; for by this another by such meetings and feastings together, for means they will not be guilty of sin, when they canit is a good thing for those that are of the same not plead ignorance of what the laws have enjoined stock, and under the same institution of laws, not them. The laws also will have a greatel authority to be unacquainted with each other; which acquaint- among them, as foretelling what they will suffer if ance will be maintained by thus conversing together, they break them; and imprinting in their souls by and by seeing and talking with one another, and so this hearing what they command them to do, that renewing the memorials of this union; for if they so there may always be within their minds that indo not thus converse together continually, they will tention of the laws which they have despised and appear like mere strangers to one another. broken, and have thereby been the causes of their 8. Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, own mischief. Let the children also learn the laws, besides that which you have allotted to give to the as the first thing they are taught, which will be the priests and Levites. This you may indeed sell in best thing they can be taught, and will be the cause the country, but it is to be used in those feasts and of their future felicity. sacrifices that are to be celebrated in the holy city; 13. Let every one commemorate before God the for it is fit that you should enjoy those fruits of the benefits which he bestowed upon them at their deearth which God gives you to possess, so as may be liverance out of the land of Egypt, and this twice to the honour of the donor. every day, both when the day begins and when the 9. You are not to offer sacrifices out of the hire hour of sleep comes on, gratitude being in its own of a woman who is a harlot,* for the Deity is not nature a just thing, and serving not only by way of pleased with any thing that arises from such abuses return for past, but also by way of invitation of of nature; of which sort none can be worse than future favours. They are also to inscribe the printhis prostitution of the body. In like manner no cipal blessings they have received from God upon one may take the price of the covering of a bitch, their doors, and show the same remembrance of either of one that is used in hunting, or in keeping them upon their arms; as also they are to bear on of sheep, and thence sacrifice to God. their forehead and their arm those wonders which 10. Let no one blaspheme those gods which other declare the po\wer of God, and his good-will towards cities esteem such; t nor may any one steal what I them, that God's readiness to bless them may appear belongs to strange temples, nor take away the gifts every where conspicuous about them.~ that are dedicated to any god. 14. Let there be seven men to judge in every 11. Let not any one of you wear a garment made city,ll and these such as have been before most of woollen and linen, for that is appointed to be for zealous in the exercise of virtue and righteousness. the priests alone. Let every judge have two officers allotted him out 12. When the multitude are assembled together of the tribe of Levi. Let those that are chosen to unto the holy city for sacrificing every seventh year, judge in the several cities be had in great honour; at the feast of tabernacles, let the high priest stand and let none be permitted to revile any others when upon a high desk, whence he may be heard, and let these are present, nor to carry themselves in an inhim read the laws to all the people;+ and let neither solent manner to them; it being natural that reverthe women nor the children be hindered from hear- ence towards those in high offices among men ing, no, nor the servants neither; for it is a good should procure men's fear and reverence towards thing that those laws should be engraven in their God. Let those that judge be permitted to desouls, and preserved in their memories, that so it termine according as they think to be right, unless The hire of public or secret harlots was given to Venus in Jews is certain; however, the Karaites, who receive not the Syria, as Lucian informs us, p. 878; and against some suchli unwritten traditions of the elders, but keep close to the written vile practice of the old idolaters this law seems to have been law, with Jerome and Grotius, think they were not literally to made. be understood; as Bernard and Reland here take notice. Nor t The Apostolical Constitutions, B. II. ch. xxvi. sect. 31, indeed do I remember that, either in the ancienter books of expoun(l this law of Moses, Exod. xxii. 28, " Thou shalt not the Old Testament, or in the books we call Apocrypha, there revile or blaspheme the gods," or magistrates, which is a much are any signs of such literal observations appearing among the more probable exposition than this of Josephus, of heathen Jews, though their real or mystical signification, i. e. the gods, as here, and against Apion, B. II. ch. iii. sect. 31. constant remembrance and observation of the laws of God by + What book of the law was thus publicly read, see the note Moses, be frequently inculcated in all the sacred writings. oni Antiq. B. X. ch. v. sect. 5, and I Esd. ix. 39-55. - I- Here, as well as elsewhere; sect. 38, of his Life, sect. 14, Whether these phylacteries, and other Jewish memorials and of the War, B. II. ch. xx. sect. 5, are but seven judge] of the law here mentioned by Josephus, and by Moses, (besides appointed for small cities, instead of twenty.three in the the fringes on the borders of their garments, Numb. xv. 37,) modern Rabbins; which modern Rabbins are always but of wvere literally meant by God, I much question. That they very little authority in comparison of our Josephus, have been long observed by the Pharisees and Rabbinical 132 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. Boox IV any one can show that they have taken bribes, to the beseech God to be merciful to them, that no such perversion of justice, or can allege any other ac- horrid act may any more be done in that land. cusation against them, whereby it may appear that 17. Aristocracy, and the way of living under it, they have passed an unjust sentence; for it is not is the best constitution: and may you never have fit that causes should be openly determined out of any inclination to any other form of government; regard to gain, or to the dignity of the suitors, but and may you always love that form, and have the that the judges should esteem what is right before laws for your governors, and govern all your actions all other things, otherwise God will by that means according to them; for you need no supreme be despised, and esteemed inferior to those, the dread governor but God. But if you shall desire a king, of whose power has occasioned the unjust sentence; let him be one of your own nation; let him be for justice is the power of God. He therefore that always careful of justice and other virtues pergratifies those in great dignity, supposes them more petually; let him submit to the laws, and esteem potent than God himself. But if these judges be God's commands to be his highest wisdom; but let unable to give a just sentence about the causes that him do nothing without the high priest. and the come before them, (which case is not unfrequent votes of the senators: let him not have a great in human affairs,) let them send the cause undeter- number of wives, nor pursue after abundance of mined to the holy city, and there let the high priest, riches, nor a multitude of horses, whereby he may the prophet, and the sanhledrim, determine as it shall grow too proud to submit to the laws. And if he seem good to them. affect any such things,' let him be restrained, lest 15. But let not a single witness be credited, but he become so potent that his state be inconsistent three, or two at the least, and those such whose with your welfare. testimony is confirmed by their good lives.- But 18. Let it not be esteemed lawful to remove let not the testimony of women be admitted, on ac- boundaries, neither our own, nor of those with whom count of the levity and boldness of their sex.* Nor we are at peace. Have a care you do not take let servants be admitted to give testimony, on ac- those landmarks away which are, as it were, a divine count of the ignobility of their soul; since it is and unshaken limitation of rights made by God himprobable that they may not speak truth, either out self, to last for ever; since this going beyond limits, of hope of gain, or fear of punishment. But if any and gaining ground upon others, is the occasion of one be believed to have borne false witness, let him, wars and seditions; for those that remove boundawhen he is convicted, suffer all the very same ries are not far off an attempt to subvert the laws. punishments which he against whom he bore witness 19. He that plants a piece of land, the trees of was to have suffered. which produce fruits before the fourth year, is not 16. If a murder be committed in any place, and to bring thence any first-fruits to God, nor is he to he that did it be not found, nor is there any suspicion make use of that fruit himself, for it is not produced upon one as if he had hated the man, and so had in its proper season; for when nature has a force killed him, let there be a very diligent inquiry made put upon her at an unseasonable time, the fruit is after the man, and rewards proposed to any one who not proper for God, nor for the master's use; but will discover him; but if still no information can be let the owner gather all that is grown on the fourth procured, let the magistrates and senate of those year, for then it is in its proper season. And let cities that lie near the place in which the murder was him that has gathered it carry it to the holy city, and committed, assemble together, and measure the dis- spend that, together with the tithe of his other fruits, tance from the place where the dead body lies; in feasting with his friends, with the orphans, and then let the magistrates of the nearest city thereto the widows. But on the fifth year the fruit is his purchase a heifer, and bring it to a valley, and to a own, and he may use it as he pleases. place therein where there is no land ploughed or 20. You are not to sow with seed a piece of land trees planted, and let them cut the sinews of the which is planted with vines, for it is enough that heifer; then the priests and Levites, and the senate it supply nourishment to that plant, and be not of that city, shall take water and wash their hands harassed by ploughing also. You are to plough over the head of the heifer; and they shall openly your land with oxen, and not to oblige other animals declare that their hands are innocent of this murder, to come under the same yoke with them; but to and that they have neither done it themselves, nor till your land with those beasts that are of the same been assisting to any that did it. They shall also kind with each other. The seeds are also to be 4 I have never observed elseswhere, that in the Jewish word of it. It is very probable, however, that this was the government women were not adrlitted as legal witnesses in exposition of the scribes and Pharisees, and the practice of the courts of justice. None of our copies of the Pentateuch say a Jews in the days of Josephus. CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 133 pure, and without mixture, and not to be corn- out of bashfulness, are unwilling to touch these pounded of two or three sorts, since nature does firuits, let them be encouraged to take of them (I not rejoice in the union of things that are not in their mean, those that are Israelites) as if they were own nature alike; nor are you to permit beasts of themselves the owners and lords, on account of the different kinds to gender together, for there is reason kindred there'is between them. Nay, let them deto fear that this unnatural abuse may extend from sire men that come from other countries, to partake beasts of different kinds to men, though it takes its of these tokens of fiiendship which God has given first rise from evil practices about such smaller in their proper season; for that is not to be deemed things. Nor is any thing to be allowed, by imita- as idly spent, which any one out of kindness comtion whereof any degree of subversion may creep municates to another, since God bestows plenty of into the constitution. Nor do the laws neglect good things on men, not only for themselves to reap small matters, but provide that even those may be the advantage, but also to give to others in a way of managed after an unblamable manner. generosity; and he is desirous, by this means, to 21. Let not those that reap, and gather in the make known to others his peculiar kindness to the corn that is reaped, gather in the gleanings also; people of Israel, and how freely he communicates but let them rather leave some handfuls for those happiness to them, while they abundantly communithat are in want of the necessaries of life, that it cate out of their great superfluities to even these may be a support and a supply to them, in order to foreigners also. But for him that acts contrary to their subsistence. In like manner when they gather this law, let him be beaten with forty stripes save their grapes, let them leave some smaller bunches one,* by the public executioner; let him undergo for the poor, and let them pass over some of the this punishment, which is a most ignominious one fruits of the olive-trees, when they gather them, and for a free-man, and this because he was such a slave leave them to be partaken of by those that have to gain as to lay a blot upon his dignity; for it is none of their own; for the advantage arising from proper for you who have had the experience of the the exact collection of all, will not be so consider- afflictions in Egypt, and of those in the wilderness, able to the owners as will arise from the gratitude to make provision for those that are in the like eirof the poor. And God will provide that the land cumstances; and while you have now obtained plenty shall more willingly produce what shall be for the yourselves, through the mercy and providence of nourishment of its fruits, in case you do not merely God, to distribute of the same plenty, by the like take care of your own advantage, but have regard sympathy, to such as stand in need of it. to the support of others'also. Nor are you to muzzle 22. Besides those two tithes, which I have althe mouths of the oxen when they tread the ears of ready said you are to pay every year, the one for corn in the thrashing-floor; for it is not just to re- the Levites, the other for the festivals, you are to strain our fellow-labouring animals, and those that bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed work in order to its production, of this fruit of their to those that want; t to women also that are widows, labours. Nor are you to prohibit those that pass and to children that are orphans. But as to the by at the time when your fruits are ripe to touch ripe fruits, let them carry that which is ripe first of them, but to give them leave to fill themselves full all into the temple; and when they have blessed of what you have; and this whether they be of your God for that land which bare them, and which he own country or strangers,-as being glad of the had given them for a possession, when they have opportunity of giving them some part of your fruits also offered those sacrifices which the law has comwhen they are ripe; but let it not be esteemed law- manded them to bring, let them give the firstful for them to carry any away. Nor let those that fruits to the priests. But when any one hath done gather the grapes, and carry them to the wine- this, and hath brought the tithe of all that he hath, presses, restrain those whom they meet from eating together with those first-fruits that are for the of them; for it is unjust, out of envy, to hinder Levites, and for the festivals, and when he is about those that desire it, to partake of the good things to go home, let him stand before the holy house, that come into the world according to God's will, and return thanks to God, that he lath delivered and this while the season is at the height, and is them from the injurious treatment they had in hastening away as it pleases God. Nay, if some, Egypt, and hath given them a good land, and a " This penalty of " forty stripes save one," here mentioned, bound every third year to pay three tithes, that to the Levites, and sect. 23, was five times inflicted on St. Paul himself by the that for sacrifices at Jerusalem, and this for the indigent, the Jews, 2 Cor. xi. 24. widow, and the orphans, is fully confirmed by the practice of t Josephus's plain and express interpretation of this law of good old Tobit, even when he was a captive in Assyria, against.Moses, Deut. xiv. 28, 29; xxvi. 12, &c., that the Jews were the opinions of the Rabbins, Tobit i. 6-8. 134 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. Bo(,K IV. large, and lets them enjoy the fruits thereof; and beauty, or for some other reason, while the other is when he hath openly testified that he hath fully paid of less esteem with him; and if the son of her that the tithes Fand other dues] according to the laws of is beloved be the younger by birth than another Moses, let him entreat God that he will be ever born of the other wife, but endeavours to obtain the merciful and gracious to him, and continue so to be right of primogeniture from his father's kindness to to all the Hlebrews, both by preserving the good his mother, and would thereby obtain a double po'things which. he hath already given them, and by tion of his father's substance, for that double poradding what it is still in his power to bestow upon tion is what I have allotted him in the laws, —let them. not this be permitted; for it is unjust that he who is 23. Let the Hebrews marry, at the age fit for it, the elder by birth should be deprived of what is due virgins that are free, and born of good parents. to him, on the father's disposition of his estate, beAnd he that does not marry a virgin, let him not cause his mother was not equally regarded by him. corrupt another man's wife, and marry her, nor He that hath corrupted a damsel espoused to angrieve her former husband. Nor let free men marry other man, in case he had her consent, let both him slaves, although their affections should strongly bias and her be put to death, for they are both e4ually any of them so to do; for it is decent, and for the guilty; the man, because he persuaded the woman dignity of the persons themselves, to govern those willingly to submit to a most impure action, and to their affections. And further, no one ought to prefer it to lawful wedlock; the woman, because marry a harlot, whose matrimonial oblations, arising she was persuaded to yield herself to be corrupted, fiom the prostitution of her body, God will not either for pleasure or for gain. However, if a man receive; for by these means the dispositions of the light on a woman when she is alone, and forces her, children will be liberal and virtuous; I mean, when where nobody was present to come to her assistthey are not born of base parents, and of the lustful ance, let him only be put to death. Let him that conjunction of such as marry women that are not hath corrupted a virgin not yet espoused marry her; free. If any one has been espoused to a woman as but if the father of the damsel be not willing that to a virgin, and does not afterward find her so to be, she should be his wife, let him pay fifty shekels as let himn bring his action, and accuse her, and let the price of her prostitution. He that desires to be him make use of such indications* to prove his divorced from his wife for any cause t whatsoever, accusation as he is furnished withal; and let the (and many such causes happen among men,) let father or the brother of the damsel, or some one that him in writing give assurance that he will never use is after them nearest of kin to her, defend her. her as his wife any more; for by this means she If the damsel obtain a sentence in her favour, that may be at liberty to marry another husband, although she had not been guilty, let her live with her hus- before this bill of divorce be given, she is not to be band that accused her; and let him not have any permitted so to do: but if she be misused by him further power at all to put her away, unless she also, or if, when he is dead, her first husband would give him very great occasions of suspicion, and such marry her again, it shall not be lawful for her to as can be no way contradicted. But for him that return to him. If a woman's husband die, and leave brings an accusation and calumny against his wife her without children, let his brother marry her, and in an impudent and rash manner, let him be punish- let him call the son that is born to him by his broed by receiving forty stripes save one, and let him ther's name, and educate him as the heir of his pay fifty shekels to her father: but if the damsel be inheritance, for this procedure will be for the beneconvicted, as having been corrupted, and is one of fit of the public, because thereby families will not the common people, let her be stoned, because she fail, and the estate will continue among the kindred; did not preserve her virginity till she were lawfully and this will be for the solace of wives under their married; but if she were the daughter of a priest, affliction, that they are to be married to the next let her be burnt alive. If any one has two wives, relation of their former husbands. But if the broand if he greatly respect and be kind to one of ther will not marry her, let the woman come before them, either out of his affection to her, or for her the senate, and. protest openly that this brother will * These tokens of virginity, as the Hebrew and Septuagint nothing what were these particular tokens of virginity or of style them, Deut. xxii. 15, 17, 20, seem to me very different corruption: perhaps he thought he could not easily describe from what our later interpreters suppose. They appear rather them to the heathens, without saying what they might have to have been such close linen garments as were never put off thought a -breach of modesty; which seeming breach of movirgins, after a certain age, till they were married, but before desty laws cannot always wholly axoid.: witnesses, and which, while they were entire, were certain evi2- These words of Josephus are, very like those of the Phadences of such virginity. See these, Antiq. B. VII. ch. viii. risees to our Saviour upon this very subject, Matt. xix 3,' Is sect. 1; 2 Sam. xiii. 18' Isa. vi. 1. Josephus here determines it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?"' CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 135.ot admit her for his wife, but will injure- the me- I appeared useful for thy preservation, and for thy mory of his deceased brother, while she is willing to insti'uction in what was most excellent. And now, continue in the family, and to bear him children. since it is reasonable to forgive the sins of those that And when the senate have inquired of him for what are young, let it suffice thee to have given so many reason it is that he is averse to this marriage, whe- indications of thy contempt of us; reform thyself, ther he gives a bad or a good reason, the matter and act more wisely for the time to come; considermust come to this issue, That the woman shall loose ing that God is displeased with those that are inthe sandals of the brother, and shall spit in his face, solent towards their parents, because he is himself and say, He deserves this reproachful treatment the Father of the whole race of mankind, and seems from her, as having injured the memory of the de- to bear part of that dishonour which falls upon those ceased. And then let him go away out of the senate, that have the same name, when they do not meet and bear this reproach upon him all his life long; with due returns from their children. And on such and let her marry to whom she pleases, of such as the law inflicts inexorable punishment; of which seek her in marriage.'But now, if any man take punishment mayst thou never have the experience." captive, either a virgin, or one that hath been mar- Now if the insolence of young men be thus cured, ried,* and has a mind to marry her, let him not be let them escape the reproach which their former allowed to bring her to bed to him, or to live with errors deserved; for by this means the lawgiver her as his wife, before she hath her head shaven, will appear to be good, and parents happy, while and hath put on her mourning habit, and lamented they never behold either a son or a daughter brought her relations and friends that were slain in the battle, to punishment. But if it happen that these words that by this means she may give vent to her sor- and instructions, conveyed by them in order to rerow for them, and after that may betake herself to claim the man, appear to be useless, then the offender feasting and matrimony; for it is good for him that renders the laws implacable enemies to the insolence takes a woman, in order to have children by her, to he has offered his parents; let him therefore be ble complaisant to her inclinations, and not merely to brought forth t by these very parents out of the p!rsue his own pleasure, while he hath no regard city, with a multitude following him, and there let to what is agreeable to her. But when thirty days him be stoned; and when he has continued there are past, as the time of mourning, for so many are for one whole day, that all the people may see him, sufficient to prudent persons for lamenting the dear- let him be buried in the night. And thus it is that est friends, then let them proceed to the marriage; we bury all whom the laws condemn to die, upon but in case when he hath satisfied his lust, he be any account whatsoever. Let our enemies that fall too -proud to retain her for his wife, let him not have in battle be also buried; nor let any one dead body it in his power to make her a slave, but let her go lie above the ground, or suffer a punishment beyond away whither she pleases, and have that privilege what justice requires. of a free woman. 25. Let no one lend to any one of the Hebrews 24. As to those young men that despise their upon usury, neither usury of what is eaten or what parents, and do not pay them honour, but offer them is drunken, for it is not just to make advantage of affronts, either because they are ashamed of them, the misfortunes of one of thy own countrymen; but or think themselves wiser than they,-in the first when thou hast been assistant to his necessities, place, let their parents admonish them in words, think it thy gain if thou obtainest their gratitude to (for they are by nature of authority sufficient for be- thee; and withal that reward which will come to coming their judges,) and let them say thus to them: thee from God, for thi humanity towards him. -That they cohabited together, not for the sake of 26. Those who have borrowed either silver or pleasure, nor for the augmentation of their riches, any sort of fruits, whether dry or wet, (I mean this, by joining both their stocks together, but that they when the Jewish affairs shall, by the blessing of might have children to take care of them in their God, be to their own mind,) let the borrowers bring old age, and might by them have what they then them again, and restore them with pleasure to those should want. And say further to him, " That when who lent them, laying them up, as it were, in their thou wast born, we took thee up with gladness, and own treasuries, and justly expecting to receive them gave God the greatest thanks for thee, and brought thence, if they shall want them again. But if they thee up with great care, and spared for nothing that be witholit shame, and do not restore it, let not the Here it is supposed that this captive's husband, if she were t See Herod the Great insisting on the execution of this before a married woman, was dead before, or rather was slain law, with relation to two of his own sons, before the judges at in this very battle, otherwise it would have been adultery in Berytus, Antiq. B. XVI. ch. xi. sect. 2. him that married her. 136 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS Book IV. lender go to the borrower's house, and take a pledge God that he has not purloined what belongs to himself, before judgment be given concerning it; another. but let him require the pledge, and let the debtor 30. It is not lawful to pass by any beast that is bring it of himself, without the least opposition to in distress, when in a storm it is fallen down in the him that comes upon him under the protection of mire, but to endeavour to preserve it, as having a the law. And if he that gave the pledge be rich, sympathy with it in its pain. let the creditor retain it till what he lent be paid 31. It is also a duty to show the roads to those him again; but if he be poor, let him that takes it who do not know them, and not to esteem it a return it before the going down of the sun, especi- matter for sport, when we hinder others' advantages, ally if the pledge be a garment, that the debtor by setting them in a wrong way. may have it for a covering in his sleep, God him- 32. In like manner, let no one revile a person self naturally showing mercy to the poor. It is blind or dumb. also not lawful to take a millstone, nor any utensil 33. If men strive together, and there be no inthereto belonging, for a pledge, that the debtors strument of iron, let him that is smitten be avenged may not be deprived of instruments to get their immediately, by inflicting the same punishment on food withal, and lest they be undone by their him that smote him: but if when he is carried home necessity. he lie sick many days, and then die, let him that 27. Let death be the punishment for stealing a smote him not escape punishment; but if he that is man; but he that hath purloined gold or silver, let smitten escape death, and yet be at great expense him pay double. If any one kill a man that is for his cure, the smiter shall pay for all that has stealing something out of his house, let him be been expended during the time of his sickness, and esteemed guiltless, although the man were only for all that he has paid the physician, He that breaking in at the wall. Let him that hath stolen kicks a woman with child, so that the woman miscattle pay fourfold what is lost, excepting the case carry,-' let him pay a fine in money, as the judges of an ox, for which let the thief pay fivefold. Let shall determine, as having diminished the multitude him that is so poor that he cannot pay what mulct by the destruction of what was in her womb; and is laid upon him, be his servant to whom he was let money also be given the woman's husband by acdjudged to pay it. him that kicked her; but if she die of the stroke, 28. If any one be sold to one of his own nation, let him also be put to death, the law judging it let him serve him six years, and on the seventh let equitable that life should go for life, him go free. But if he have a son by a woman 34. Let no one of the Israelites keep any poison t servant in his purchaser's house, and if, on account that may cause death, or any other harm; but if he of his good-will to his master, and his natural be caught with it, let him be put to death, and * affection to his wife and children, he will be his suffer the very same mischief that he would have servant still, let him be set free only at the coming brought upon them for whom the poison was preof the year of jubilee, which is the fiftieth year, pared. and let him then take away with him his children 35. He that maimeth any one, let him undergo and wife, and let them be free also. the like himself, and be deprived of the same mem29. If any one find gold or silver on the road, ber of which he hath deprived the other, unless he let him inquire after him that lost it, and make pro- that is maimed will accept of money instead of it;T clamation of the place where he found it, and then for the law makes the sufferer the judge of the restore it to him again, as not thinking it right to value of what he hath suffered, and permits him to make his own profit by the loss of another. And estimate it, unless he will be more severe. the same rule is to be observed in cattle found to 36. Let him that is the owner of an ox which have wandered away into a lonely place. If the pusheth with his horn, kill him: but if he pushes owner be not presently discovered, let him that is and gores any one in the thrashing-floor, let him be the finder keep it with himself, and appeal to put to death by stoning, and let him not be thought * Philo and others appear to have understood this law, phus understood it. It seems this was the exposition of the Exod. xxi. 22, 23, better than Josephus, who seems to allow, Pharisees in the days of Josephus. that though the infant in the mother's womb, even after the t What we render a witch, according to our umodern notions mother were quick, and so the infant had a rational soul, were of witchcraft, Exod. xxii. 18, Philo and Josephus understood killed by the stroke upon the mother,'yet if the mother of a poisoner, or one who attempted by secret and unlawful escaped, the offender should only be fined, and not put to death; drugs or philtra, to take away the senses or the lives of msen. while the law seems rather to mean, that if the infant in that i This permission of redeeming this penalty with money is case be killed, though the mother escape, the offender must be not in our copies, Exod. xxi. 21, 25; Lev. xxiv. 20; I)eut. put to death, and not only when the mother is killed, as Jose- xix. 21. CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 137 fit for food: but if his owner be convicted as having sions; nay, this payment is not at all to be delayed, known what his nature was, and hath not kept him but to be made that very day, since God is not up, let him also be put to death, as being the oc- willing to deprive the labourer of the immediate casion of the ox's having killed a man. But if the use of what he hath laboured for. ox have killed a man-servant, or a maid-servant, 39. You are not to punish children for the faults let him be stoned; and let the owner of the ox pay of their parents, but on account of their own virtue thirty shekels * to the master of him that was slain; rather to vouchsafe them commiseration, because but if it be an ox that is thus smitten and killed, they were born of wicked parents, than hatred, belet both the oxen, that which smote the other and cause they were born of bad ones. Nor indeed that which was killed, be sold, and let the owners ought we to impute the sin of children to their of them divide their price between them. fathers, while young persons indulge themselves in 37. Let those that dig a well or a pit be careful many practices different from what they have been to lay planks over them, and so keep them shut up, instructed in, and this by their proud refusal of not in order to hinder any persons from drawing such instruction. water, but that there may be no danger of falling 40. Let those that have made themselves eunuchs into them. But if any one's beast fall into such a be had in detestation; and do you avoid any conwell or pit thus digged, and not shut up, and perish, versation with them who have deprived themselves let the owner pay its price to the owner of the beast. of their manhood, and of that fruit of generation Let there be a battlement round the tops of your which God has given to men for the increase of their houses instead of a wall, that may prevent any kind: let such be driven away, as if they had killed persons from rolling down and perishing. their children, since they beforehand have lost what 38. Let him that has received any thing in trust should procure them; for evident it is, that while for another, take care to keep it as a sacred and their soul is become effeminate, they have withal divine thing; and let no one invent any contriv- transfused that effeminacy to their body also. In ance whereby to deprive him that hath intrusted like manner do you treat all that is of a monstrous it with him of the same, and this whether he be a nature when it is looked on; nor is it lawful to geld man or a woman; no, not although he or she were men or any other animals.t to gain an immense sum of gold, and this where he 41. Let this be the constitution of your political cannot be convicted of it by any body; for it is fit laws in time of peace, and God will be so merciful that a man's own conscience, which knows what he as to preserve this excellent settlement free from hath, should in all cases oblige him to do well. disturbance: and may that time never come which Let this conscience be his witness, and make him may innovate'any thing, and change it for the conalways act so as may procure him commendation trary. But since it must needs happen that manfrom others; but let him chiefly have regard to kind fall into troubles and dangers, either undesignGod, from whom no wicked man can lie concealed: edly or intentionally, come let us make a few but if he in whom the trust was reposed, without constitutions concerning them, that so being apprized any deceit of his own, lose what he was intrusted beforehand what ought to be done, you may have withal, let him come before the seven judges, and salutary counsels ready when you want them, and swear by God that nothing hath been lost willingly, may not then be obliged to go to seek what is to be or with a wicked intention, and that he hath not done, and so be unprovided, and fall into dangerous made use of any part thereof, and so let him depart circumstances. May you be a laborious people, without blame; but if he hath made use of the least and exercise your souls in virtuous actions, and part of what was committed to him, and it be lost, thereby possess and inherit the land without wars; let him be condemned to repay all that he had re- while neither any foreigners make war upon it, and ceived. After the same manner as in these trusts so afflict you, nor any internal sedition seize upon it is to be, if any one defraud those that undergo it, whereby you may do things that are contrary to bodily labour for him. And let it be always re- your fathers, and so lose the laws which they have membered, that we are not to defraud a poor man established. And may you continue in the observof his wages, as being sensible that God has allotted ation of those laws which God hath approved of, these wages to him instead of land and other posses- and hath delivered to you. Let all sort of warlike " We may here note, that thirty shekels, the price our rigorous elsewhere, as to inflict death on him that does it, which Saviour was sold for by Judas to the Jews, Matt. xxvi. 15, seems only a Pharisaical interpretation in the days of Joseand xxvii. 3, was the old value of a bought servant or slave phus of that law, Lev. xxi. 20, and xxii. 24: only we may among that people. hence observe, that the Jews could then have no oxen which f This law against castration, even of brutes, is said to be so are gelt, but only bulls and cows, in Judea. T 138 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox IV.. operations, whether they befall you now in your the others alive, that they may pay you tribute, exown time, or hereafter in the times of your pos- cepting the nation of the Canaanites; for as to that terity, be done out of your own borders: but when people, you must entirely destroy them. you are about to go to war, send ambassages and 43. Take care, especially in your battles, that no heralds to those who are your voluntary enemies, woman use the habit of a man, nor man the garfor it is a right thing to make use of words to them ment of a woman. before you come to your weapons of war; and assure 44. This was the form of political government them thereby, that although you have a numerous which was left us by Moses. Moreover, he had army, with horses and weapons, and, above these, already delivered laws in writing,? in the fortieth a God merciful to you, and ready to assist you, you year [after they came out of Egypt], concerning do however desire them not to compel you to fight which we will discourse in another book. But now against them, nor to take from them what they on the following days (for he called them to ashave, which will indeed be our gain, but what they semble continually) he delivered blessings to them, will have no reason to wish we should take to our- and curses upon those that should not live accordselves. And if they hearken to you, it will be ing to the laws, but should transgress the duties proper for you to keep peace with them; but if they that were determined for them to observe. After trust in their own strength, as superior to yours, this, he read to them a poetic song, which was comand will not do you justice, lead your army against posed in hexameter verse, and left it to them in the them, making use of God as your supreme Com- holy book: it contained a prediction of what was to mander, but ordaining for a lieutenant under him come to pass afterward; agreeably whereto all one that is of the greatest courage among you; for things have happened all along, and do still happen these different commanders, besides their being an to us; and wherein he has not at all deviated fiom obstacle to actions that are to be done on the sud- the truth. Accordingly, he delivered these books den, are a disadvantage to those that make use of to the priests,t with the ark; into which he also them. Lead an army pure, and of chosen men, put the ten commandments, written on two tables. composed of all such as have extraordinary strength He delivered to them the tabernacle also, and exof body and hardiness of soul; but do you send horted the people, that when they had conquered away the timorous part, lest they run away in the the land, and were settled in it, they should not time of action, and so afford an advantage to your forget the injuries of the Amalekites, but make war enemies. Do you also give leave to those that have against them, and inflict punishment upon them for lately built them houses, and have not yet lived in what mischief they did them when they were in the them a year's time; and to those that have planted wilderness; and that when they had got possession them vineyards, and have not yet been partakers of of the land of the Canaanites, and when they had their fruits, —to continue in their own country; as destroyed the whole multitude of its inhabitants, as well as those also who have betrothed, or lately they ought to do, they should erect an altar that married them wives, lest they have such an affection should face the rising sun, not far. from the city of for these things that they be too sparing of their Shechem, between the two mountains, that of Gerizlives, and, by reserving themselves for these enjoy- zim, situate on the right hand, and that called Ebal, ments, they become voluntary cowards, on account on the left; and that the army should be so divided, of their wives. that six tribes should stand upon each of the two 42. When you have pitched your camp, take care mountains, and with them the Levites and the that you do nothing that is cruel. And when you priests. And that first, those that were upon Mount are engaged in a siege, and want timber for the Gerizzim should pray for the best blessings upon making of warlike engines, do not you render the those who were diligent about the worship of God, land naked by cutting down trees that bear fruit, and the observation of his laws, and who did not rebut spare them, as considering that they were made ject what Moses had said to them; while the other for the benefit of men; and that if they could speak, wished them all manner of happiness also; and they would have a just plea against you, because, when these last put up the like prayers, the former though they are not occasions of the war, they are praised them. After this, curses were denounced unjustly treated, and suffer in it, and would, if they upon those that should transgress those laws, they were able, remove themselves into another land. answering one another alternately, by way of con. When you have beaten your enemies in battle, slay firmation of what had been said. Moses also those that have fought against you; but preserve wrote their blessings and their curses, that they " These laws seem to be those above-mentioned, sect, 4, of 1 What laws were now delivered to the priests, see the note this chapter. on Antiq. B. III. ch. i. sect. 7, CIHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 139 might learn them so thoroughly, that they might that they should be sold for slaves, to such men as never be forgotten by length of time. And when would have no pity on them in their afflictions; that he was ready to die, he wrote these blessings and they would then repent, when that repentance curses upon the altar, on each side of it;* where he would no way profit them under their sufferings. says also the people stood, and then sacrificed and Yet," said he, " will that God who founded your offered burnt-offerings, though after that day they nation, restore your cities to your citizens, with never offered upon it any other sacrifice, for it was their temple also; and you shall lose these advannot lawful so to do. These are the constitutions of tages not once only, but often." Moses; and the Hebrew nation still live according 47. Now when Moses had encouraged Joshua to to them. lead out the army against the Canaanites, by telling 45. On the next day, Moses called the people to- him that God would assist him in all his undertakgether, with the women and children, to a congre- ings, and had blessed the whole multitude, he said, gation, so as the very slaves were present also, that " Since I am going to my forefathers, and God has they might engage themselves to the observation of determined that this should be the day of my dethese laws by oath; and that, duly considering the parture to them, I return him thanks while I am meaning of God in them, they might not, either for still alive and present with you, for that providence favour of their kindred, or out of fear of any one, or he hath exercised over you, which hath not only deindeed for any motive whatsoever, think any thing livered us from the miseries we lay under, but hath ought to be preferred to these laws, and so might bestowed a state of prosperity upon us; as also, that transgress them. That in case any one of their he hath assisted me in the pains I took, and in all own blood, or any city, should attempt to confound the contrivances I had in my care about you, in or dissolve their constitution of government, they order to better your condition, and hath on all occashould take vengeance upon them, both all in sions showed himself farourable to us; or rather he general, and each person in particular; and when it was who first conducted our affairs, and brought they had conquered them, should overturn their city them to a happy conclusion, by malking use of me to the very foundations, and, if possible, should not as a vicarious general under him, and as a minister leave the least footsteps of such madness: but that in those matters wherein he was willing to do you if they were not able to take such vengeance, they good: on which account I think it proper to bless should still demonstrate that what was done was that Divine Power which will take care of you for contrary to their wills. So the multitude bound the time to come, and this in order to repay that themselves by oath so to do. debt which I owe him, and to leave behind me a 46. Moses taught them also by what means their memorial that we are obliged to worship and honour sacrifices might be the most acceptable to God; and him, and to keep those laws which are the most exhow they should go forth to war, making use of the cellent gift of all those he hath already bestowed stones (in the high priest's breastplate) for their upon us, or which, if he continue favourable to us, direction,t as I have before signified. Joshua also he will bestow upon us hereafter. Certainly a prophesied while Moses was present. And when human legislator is a terrible enemy when his laws Moses had recapitulated whatsoever he had done for are affronted, and are made to no purpose. And the preservation of the people, both in their wars may you never experience that displeasure of God and in peace, and had composed them a body of which will be the consequence of the neglect of laws, and procured them an excellent form of go- these his laws, which he, who is your Creator, hath vernment, he foretold, as God had declared to him, given you." " That if they transgressed that institution for the 48. When Moses had spoken thus at the end of worship of God, they should experience the follow- his life, and had foretold what would befall to every ing miseries:-Their land should be full of weapons one of their tribes + afterward, with the addition of a of war from their enemies, and their cities should blessing to them, the multitude fell into tears, insobe overthrown, and their temple should be burnt; much that even the women, by beating their breasts, * Of the exact place where this altar was to be built, whether other rulers never durst break. See Scripture Politics, p. 55, nearer Mount Gerizzim or Mount Ebal, according to Josephus, 56; and this snare they were brought into because they " did see Essay on the Old Testament, p. 168-171. not ask counsel at the mouth of the Lord," Josh. ix. 14. t Dr. Bernard well observes here, how unfortunate this + Since Josephus assures us here, as is most naturally to be neglect of consulting the Urim was to Joshua himself; in the supposed, and as the Septuagint gives the text, Deut. xxxiii. 6, case of the Gibeonites, who put a trick upon lhim, and insnared that Moses blessed every one of the tribes of Israel, it is evi. him, together with the rest of the Jewish rulers, with a solemn dent that Simeon was not omitted in his copy, as it unhappily oath to preserve them, contrary to his commission to extirpate now is, both in our Hebrew and Samaritan copies. all the Canaanites, root and branch; which oath he and the 140 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BOOK IV. made manifest the deep concern they had when he dismissed the senate; and as he was going to emwas about to die. The children also lamented still brace Eleazar and Joshua, and was still discoursing more, as not able to contain their grief; and thereby with them, a cloud stood over him on the sudden, declared, that even at their age they were sensible and he disappeared in a certain valley, although he of his virtue and mighty deeds; and truly there wrote in the holy books that he died, which was seemed to be a strife betwixt the young and the old, done out of fear, lest they should venture to say who should most grieve for him. The old grieved that, because of his extraordinary virtue, he went because they knew what a careful protector they to God. were to be deprived of, and solamented their future 49. Now Moses lived in all one hundred and state; but the young grieved, not only for that, but twenty years; a third part of which time, abating also because it so happened that they were to be one month, he was the people's ruler; and he died left by him before they had well tasted of his vir- on the last month of the year, which is called by tue. Now one may make a guess at the excess of the Macedonians Dystrus, but by us Aldar, on the this sorrow and lamentation of the multitude, from first day of the month. He was one that exceeded what happened to the legislator himself; for al- all men that ever were in understanding, and made though he was always persuaded that he ought not the best use of what that understanding suggested to be cast down at the approach of death, since the to him. He had a very graceful way of speaking undergoing it was agreeable to the will of God and and addressing himself to the multitude, and as to the law of nature; yet what the people did so over- his other qualifications, he had such a full command bore him, that he wept himself. Now- as he went of his passions, as if he hardly had any such in his thence to the place where he was to vanish out of soul, and only knew them by their names, as rather their sight, they all followed after him weeping; but perceiving them in other men than in himself. He Moses beckoned with his hand to those that were was also such a general of an army as is seldom seen, remote from him, and bade them stay behind in as well as such a prophet as was never known, and quiet, while he exhorted those that were near to this to such a degree, that whatsoever he pronounced, him that they'would not render his departure so you would think you heard the voice of God himlamentable. Whereupon they thought they ought self. So the people mourned for him thirty days: to grant him that favour, to let him depart accord- nor did ever any grief so deeply affect the Hebrews ing as he himself desired; so they restrained them- as did this upon the death of Moses: nor were selves, though weeping still towards one another. those that had experienced his conduct the only perAll those who accompanied him were the senate, sons that desired him, but those also that perused and Eleazar the high priest, and Joshua their com- the laws he left behind him had a strong desire mander. Now as soon as they were come to the after him, and by them gathered the extraordinary mountain called.barim, (which is a very high virtue he was master of. And this shall suffice for mountain, situate over against Jericho, and one that the declaration of the manner of the death of affords, to such as are upon it, a prospect of the Moses. greatest part of the excellent land of Canaan,) he C rP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 141 BOOK V. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SIX YEARS. FROM THE DEATH OF MOSES TO THE DEATH OF ELI. 2. Now when he had pitched his camp, the spies CHAPTER I. came to him immediately, well acquainted with the whole state of the Canaanites; for at first, before HOW JOSHUA, THE COMMANDER OF THE HEBREWS, they were at all discovered, they took a full view MADE WAR WITH THEF CANAAN.TES, AND OVERCAME HMADE WAR WITR D THE M,cANITES, AND OVERcAME of the city of Jericho without disturbance, and saw THEMt AND DESTROYED THEM, AND DIVIDED THEIR TEEMAND DESTROYED THEM, ANDBEF DIDED THEIRwhich parts of the walls were strong, and which LAND BY LOT TO THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL. parts were otherwise, and indeed insecure, and HEN Moses was taken which of the gates were so weakl as might afford an away from among men, entrance to their army; Now those that met them in the manner already took no notice of them when they saw them, and described, and awhen all supposed they were only strangers, who used to be the solemnities belong- very curious in observing every thing in the city, Ing to the mourning for and did not take them for enemies; but at even il ~,i Fi I him were finished, and they retired to a certain inn that was near to the l i..... }_: ~ 1 the sorrow for him was wall, whither they went to eat their supper; which over, Joshua command- supper when they had done, and were considering ed the multitude to get themselves ready for an how to get away, information was given to the king expedition. He also sent spies to Jericho to dis- as he was at supper, that there were some persons cover what forces they had, and what were their come from the Hebrews' camp to view the city as intentions; but he put his camp in order, as intend- spies, and that they were in the inn kept by Rahab, ing soon to pass over Jordan at a proper season. and were very solicitous that they might not be disAnd calling to him the rulers of the tribe of Reuben, covered. So he sent immediately some to them, and the governors of the tribe of Gad, and [the half and commanded to catch them, and bring them to tribe of] Manasseh, for half of this tribe had been him, that he might examine them by torture; and permitted to have their habitation in the country of learn what their business was there. As soon as the Amorites, which was the seventh part of the land Rahab understood that these messengers were comof Canaan,* he put them in mind what they had ing, she hid the spies under stalks of flax, which promised Moses; and he exhorted them that, for were laid to dry on the top of her house; and said to the sake of the care that Moses had taken of them, the messengers that were sent by the king, that cerwho had never been weary of taking pains for them, tain unknown strangers had supped with her a little no, not when he was dying, and for the sake of the before sun-setting, and were gone away, who might public welfare, they would prepare themselves, and easily be taken, if they were any terror to the city, or readily perform what they had promised; so he took likely to bring any danger to the king. So these fifty thousand of them who followed him, and he messengers being thus deluded by the woman,t and marched from Abila to Jordan, sixty furlongs. suspecting no imposition, went their ways, without so * The Amorites were one of the seven nations of Canaan. quantity of ground one seventh part of the whole. And this Hence Reland is willing to suppose that Josephus did not here well enough agrees to Reland's own map of that country, almean that their land beyond Jordan was a seventh part of the though this land beyond Jordan was so peculiarly fruitful, and whole land of Canaan, but meant the Amorites as a seventh good for pasturage, as the two tribes and a half took notice, nation. His reason is, that Josephus, as well as our Bible, Numb. xxxii. 1, 4, 16, that it maintained about a fifth part of generally distinguish the land beyond Jordan from the land of the whole people. Canaan; nor can it be denied, that in strictness they were dif- t It plainly appears by the history of these spies, and the ferent: yet after two tribes and a half of the twelve tribes innkeeper Rahab's deception of the king of Jericho's messencame to inherit it, it might in a general way altogether be gers, by telling them what was false in order to save the lives well included under the land of Canaan, or Palestine, or Judea, of the spies, and yet the great commendation of her faith and of which we have a clear example here before us in Josephus, good works in the New Testament, Heb. xi. 31; James ii. 25, whose words evidently imply, that taking the whole land -of as well as by many other parallel examples, both in the Old Canaan, or that inhabited by all the twelve tribes together, and Testament and in Josephus, that the best men did not then scruparting it into seven parts, the part beyond Jordan was in pie to deceive those public enemies who might justly be de 142 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK V. much as searching the inn; but they immediately for ferry-boats they had none,-God promised so to pursued them along those roads which they most dispose of the river, that they might pass over it, probably supposed them to have gone, and those par- and that by taking away the main part of its waters. ticularly which led to the river, but could hear no So Joshua, after two days, caused the army and the tidings of them; so they left off the pains of any whole multitude to pass over in the manner followfurther pursuit. But when the tumult was over, ing:-The priests went first of all, having the ark Rahab brought the men down, and desired them as with them; then went the Levites bearing the tasoon as they should have obtained possession of the bernacle and the vessels which belonged to the land of Canaan, when it would be in their power to sacrifices; after which the entire multitude followed, make her amends for her preservation of them, to according to their tribes, having their children and remember what danger she had undergone for their their wives in the midst of them, as being afraid for sakes; for that if she had been caught concealing them, lest they should be borne away by the stream. them, she could not have escaped a terrible destruc- But as soon as the priests had entered the river first, tion, she and all her family with her, and so bid it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being them go home; and desired them to swear to her restrained, and the sand appearing at the bottom, to preserve her and her family when they should because the current was neither so strong nor so take the city, and destroy all its inhabitants, as they swift as to carry it away by its force; so they all had decreed to do; for so far she said she had been passed over the river without fear, finding it to be assured by those Divine miracles of which she had in the very same state as God had foretold he would been informed. So these spies acknowledged that put it in; but the priests stood still in the midst of they owed her thanks for what she had done already, the river till the multitude should be passed over, and withal swore to requite her kindness, not only and should get to the shore in safety; and when all in words, but in deeds. But they gafe her this were gone over, the priests came out also, and peradvice, That when she should perceive that the city mitted the current to run freely as it used to do was about to be taken, she should put her goods, before. Accordingly the river, as soon as the Heand all her family, by way of security, in her inn, brews were come out of it, arose again presently, and to hang out scarlet threads before her doors, and came to its own proper magnitude as before. [or windows,] that the commander of the Hebrews 4. So the Hebrews went on farther fifty furlongs, might know her house, and take care to do her no and pitched their camp at the distance of ten furharm; for, said they, we will inform him of this longs from Jericho: but Joshua built an altar of matter, because of the concern thou hast had to those stones which all the heads of the tribes, at the preserve us: but if any one of thy family fall in the command of the prophet, had taken out of the deep, battle, do not thou blame us; and we beseech that to be afterwards a memorial of the division of the God, by whom we have sworn, not then to be dis- stream of this river, and upon it offered sacrifice to pleased with us, as though we had broken our oaths. God; and in that place celebrated the passover, and So these men, when they had made this agreement, had great plenty of all the things which they wanted went away, letting themselves down by a rope from hitherto; for they reaped the corn of the Canaanthe wall, and escaped, and came and told their own ites, which was now ripe, and took other things as people whatsoever they had done in their journey prey; for then it was that their former food, which to this city. Joshua also told Eleazar the high was manna, and of which they had eaten forty years, priest, and the senate, what the spies had sworn to failed them. Rahab, who confirmed what had been sworn. 5. Now while the Israelites did this, and the 3. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in Canaanites did not attack them, but kept themselves fear about their passing over Jordan, for the river quiet within their own walls, Joshua resolved to ran with a strong current, and could not be passed besiege them; so on the first day of the feast [of the over with bridges, for there never had been bridges passover], the priests carried the ark round about, laid over it hitherto; and while he suspected, that if with some part of the armed men to be a guard to it. he should attempt to make a bridge, that their ene- These priests went forward,blowing with their seven mies would not afford him time to perfect it, and trumpets; and exhorted the army to be of good stroyed; as also might deceive ill men in order to save life, and man Rahab, an innzkeeper, not a harlot, the whole history, deliver themselves from the tyranny of their unjust oppressors, both in our copies, and especially in Josephus, implving no and this by telling direct falsehoods; I mean, all this where no more. It was indeed so frequent a thing, that women who were oath was demanded of them, otherwise they never durst venture innkeepers were also harlots, or maintainers of harlots, that the on such a procedure. Nor was Josephus himself of any other word commonly used for real harlots was usually given them. opinion or practice, as I shall remark in the note on Antiq. See Dr. Bernard's note here, and Jpdg. xi. 1, and Antiq. B. V. B. IX. ch. iv. sect. 3. And observe, that I still call this wo- ch. vii. sect. 8. (CTh:i. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 143 courage, and went round about the city, with the by diverted from pursuing their enemies as they senate following them; and when the priests had ran away; but to destroy all the animals, and to only blown with the trumpets, for they did nothing take nothing for their own peculiar advantage. He more at all, they returned to the camp. And when commanded them also to bring together all the silver they had done this for six days, on the seventh Jo- and gold, that it might be set apart as first-fruits shua gathered the armed men and all the people unto God out of this glorious exploit, as having gottogether, and told them these good tidings, That ten them from the city they first took; only that the city should now be taken, since God would on they should save Rahab and her kindred alive, bethat day give it them, by the falling down of the cause of the oath which the spies had sworn to her. walls, and this of their own accord, and without 6. When he had said this, and had set his army in their labour. However, he charged them to kill order, he brought it against the city: so they went every one they should take, and not to abstain from round the city again, the ark going before them, the slaughter of their enemies, either for weariness and the priests encouraging the people to be zealous or for pity, and not to fall on the spoil, and be there- in the work; and when they had gone round it...-__= - seven times, and had stood still a little, the wall fell whole city, and the country about it; but they saved down, while no instruments of war, nor any other alive Rahab, with her family, who had fled to her fbrce, was applied to it by the Hebrews. inn. And when she was brought to him, Joshua 7. So they entered into Jericho, and slew all the owned to her that they owed her thanks for her men that were therein, while they were afrighted preservation of the spies: so he said he would at the surprising overthrow of the walls, and their not appear to be behind her in -his benefaction courage was become useless, and they were not able to her; whereupon he gave her certain lands to defend themselves; so they were slain, and their immediately, and had her in great esteem ever throats cut, some in the ways, and others as caught afterwards. in their houses; nothing afforded them assistance, 8. And if any part of the city escaped the fire, but they all perished, even to the women and the he overthrew it from the foundation; and he dechildren; and the city was filled with dead bodies, nounced a curse * against its inhabitants, if any and not one person escaped. They also burnt the should desire to rebuild it; how, upon his laying - Upon occasion of this devoting of Jericho to destruction, be put to death;" i. e. whenever any of the-Jews' public eneand the exemplary punishment of Achar, who broke that mies had been, for their wickedness, solemnly devoted to decherem or anathema, and of the punishment of the future struction, according to the Divine command, as were generally breaker of it, Hiel, 1 Kings xvi. 34, as also of the punishment the seven wicked nations of Canaan, and those sinners the of Saul, for breaking the like cherem or anathema, against the Amalekites, 1 Sam. xv. 18, it was utterly unlawful to permit Amalekites, 1 Sam. xv., we may observe what was the true those enemies to be redeemed; but they were to be allutterly meaning of that law, Lev. xxvii. 28: "None devoted, which destroyed. See also Numb. xxii. 2 3. shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely 144 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK IV. the foundation of the walls, he should be deprived all the day, without the least inquiry after food, but of his eldest son; and upon finishing it, he should laid what had happened greatly to heart. lose his youngest son. But what happened here- 13. When Joshua saw the army so much afflictupon we shall speak of hereafter. ed, and possessed with forebodings of evil as to 9. Now there was an immense quantity of silver their whole expedition, he used freedom with God, and gold, and besides those of brass also, that was and said, " We are not come thus far out of any heaped together out of the city when it was taken, rashness of our own, as though we thought ourno one transgressing the decree, nor purloining for selves able to subdue this land with our own weatheir own peculiar advantage; which spoils Joshua pons, but at the instigation of Moses thy servant delivered to the priests, to be laid up among their for this purpose, because thou hast promised us, by treasures. And thus did Jericho perish. many signs, that thou wouldst give us this land for 10. But there was one Achar,* the son [of Charmi, a possession, and that thou wouldst make our army the son] of Zebedias, of the tribe of Judah, who, always superior in war to our enemies, and accordfinding a royal garment woven entirely of gold, ingly some success has already attended upon us and a piece of gold that weighed two hundred agreeably to thy promises; but because we have shekels;t and thinking it a very hard case, that now unexpectedly been foiled, and have lost some what spoils he, by running some hazard, had found, men out of our army, we are grieved at it, as fearhe must give away, and offer it to God, who stood ing what thou hast promised us, and what Mloses in no need of it, while he that wanted it must go foretold us, cannot be depended on by us; and our without it,-made a deep ditch in his own tent, and future expectation troubles us the more, because we laid them up therein, as supposing he should not have met with such a disaster in this our first atonly be concealed from his fellow soldiers, but from tempt. But do thou, O Lord, free us from these God himself also. suspicions, for thou art able to find a cure for these 11. Now the place where Joshua pitched his disorders, by giving us victory, which will both take camp was called Gilgal, which denotes liberty; away the grief we are in at present, and prevent for since now they had passed over Jordan, they our distrust as to what is to come." looked on themselves as freed from the miseries 14. These intercessions Joshua put up to God, which they had undergone from the Egyptians, and as he lay prostrate on his face: whereupon God in the wilderness. answered him, That he should rise up, and purify 12. Now, a few days after the calamity that be- his host from the pollution that had got into it; fell Jericho, Joshua sent three thousand armed men that "things consecrated to me have been imputo take Ai, a city situate above Jericho; but, upon dently stolen from me," and that " this has been the sight of the people of Ai, with them they were the occasion why this defeat had happened to driven back, and lost thirty-six of their men. When them;" and that when they should search out and this was told the Israelites, it made them very sad, punish the offender, he would ever take care they and exceeding disconsolate, not so much because of should have the victory over their enemies. This the relation the men that were destroyed bare to Joshua told the people; and calling for Eleazar the them, though those that were destroyed were all high priest, and the men in authority, he cast lots, good men, and deserved their esteem, as by the tribe by tribe; and when the lot showed that this despair it occasioned; for while they believed that wicked action was done by one of the tribe of they were already, in effect, in possession of the Judah, he then again proposed the lot to the several land, and should bring back the army out of the families thereto belonging; so the truth of this battles without loss, as God had promised before- wicked action-was found to belong to the family of hand, they now saw unexpectedly their enemies Zachar; and when the inquiry was made man by bold with success; so they put sackcloth over their man, they took Achar, who, upon God's reducing garments, and continued in tears and lamentation him to a terrible extremity, could not deny the fact: * That the name of this chief was not Achan, as in the comrn- t Here Dr. Bernard very justly observes, that a few words mon copies, but Achar, as here in Josephus, and in the Apos- are dropped out of Josephus's copies, on account of the retolical Constit. B. VII. ch. ii., and elsewhere, is evident by petition of the word shekels, and that it ought to be read thus: the allusion to that name in the curse of Joshua, "Why hast - A piece of gold that weighed fifty shekels, and one of silver thou troubled us?-the Lord shall trouble thee;" where the He- that weighed two hundred shekels," as in our other copies, brew word alludes only to the name Achar, but not to Achan. Josh. vii. 21. Accordingly, this Valley of Achar, or Achor, was and is a known + I agree here with Dr. Bernard, and approve of Josephus's place, a little north of Gilgal, so called from the days of Jo- interpretation of Gilgal for liberty. See Josh. v. 9. shua till this day. See Josh. vii. 26; Isa. lxv. 10; Hos. ii. 15; and Dr. Bernard's notes here. C-mrP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 145 so he confessed the theft, and produced what he the forces of the Israelites. Accordingly, upon had taken in the midst of them, whereupon he was their agreement to what they proposed, they sent immediately put to death; and attained no more ambassadors to Joshua to make a league of friendthan to be buried in the night in a disgraceful man- ship with him, and those such of the citizens as ner, and such as was suitable to a condemned were best approved of, and most capable of doing malefactor. what was most advantageous to the multitude. 15. When Joshua had thus purified the host, he Now these ambassadors thought it dangerous to led them against Ai: and having by night laid an confess themselves to be Canaanites, but thought amlbush round about the city, he attacked the ene- they might by this contrivance avoid the danger, miies as soon as it was day; but as they advanced namely, by saying that they bare no relation to the boldly against the Israelites, because of their former Canaanites at all, but dwelt at a very great distance victory, he made them believe he retired, and by from them: and they said further, that they came a that means drew them a great way firom the city, long way, on account of the reputation he had gained they still supposing that they were pursuing their for his virtue; and as a mark of the truth of what enemies, and despised them, as though the case had they said, they showed him the habit they were in, been the same with that in the former battle; after for that their clothes were new when they came out, which Joshua ordered his forces to turn about, and but were greatly worn by the length of time they placed them against their front. He then made the had been on their journey; for indeed they took torn signals agreed upon to those that lay in ambush, garments, on purpose that they might make him and so excited them to fight; so they ran suddenly believe so. So they stood in the midst of the peointo the city, the inhabitants being upon the walls, pie, and said that they were sent by the people of nay, others of them being in perplexity, and coming Gibeon, and of the circumjacent cities, which were to see those that were without the gates. Accord- very remote from the land where they now were, to ingly, these men took the city, and slew all that make such a league of friendship with them, and they met with; but Joshua forced those that came this on such conditions as were customary among against him to come to a close fight, and discom- their forefathers; for when they understood that, fited them, and made them run away; and when by the favour of God, and his gift to them, they they were driven towards the city, and thought it were to have the possession of the land of Canaan had not been touched, as soon as they saw it was bestowed upon them, they said that they were very taken, and perceived it was burnt, with their wives glad to hear it, and desired to be admitted into the and children, they wandered about in the fields in number of their citizens. Thus did these ama scattered condition, and were no way able to de- bassadors speak; and showing them the marlks of fend themselves, because they had none to support their long journey, they entreated the Hebrews to them. Now when this calamity was come upon the make a league of friendship with them. Accordmen of Ai, there were a great number of children, ingly Joshua, believing what they said, that they and women, and servants, and an immense quantity were not of the nation of the Canaanites, entered of other furniture. The Hebrews also took herds into friendship with them; and Eleazar the high of cattle, and a great deal of money, for this was a priest, with the senate, sware to them that they rich country. So when Joshua came to Gilgal, he would esteem them their friends and associates, and divided all these spoils among the soldiers. would attempt nothing that should be unfair against 16. But the Gibeonites, who inhabited very near them, the multitude also assenting to the oaths that to Jerusalem, when they saw what miseries had were made to them. So these men, having obhappened to the inhabitants of Jericho, and to those tained what they desired, by deceiving the Israelites, of Ai, and suspected that the like sore calamity went home: but when Joshua led his army to the would come as far as themselves, they did not country at the bottom of the mountains of this part think fit to ask for mercy of Joshua; for they sup- of Canaan, he understood that the Gibeonites dwelt posed they should find little mercy from him, who not far from Jerusalem, and that they were of the made war that he might entirely destroy the nation stock of the Canaanites; so he sent for their governof the Canaanites; but they invited the people of ors, and reproached them with the cheat they had Cephirah and Kiriatlhjearim, who were their neigh- put upon him; but they alleged, on their own bours, to join in league with them; and told them, behalf, that they had no other way to save themthat neither could they themselves avoid the danger selves but that, and were therefore forced to have they were all in, if the Israelites should prevent recourse to it. So he called for Eleazar the high them, and seize upon them: so when they had per- priest, and for the senate, who thought it right to suaded them, they resolved to endeavour to escape make them public servants, that they mlight not' u 146 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BoeOK V. break the oath they had made to them; and they were greatly aftrighted at it: so the kings that ordained them to be so. And this was the method lived about Mount Libanus, who were Canaanites, by which these men found safety and security under and those Canaanites that dwelt in the plain counthe calamity that was ready to overtake them. try, with auxiliaries out of the land of the Philis17. But the king of Jerusalem took it to heart tines, pitched their camp at Beroth, a city of the that the Gibeonites had gone over to Joshua; so Upper Galilee, not far from Cadesh, which is itself he called upon the kings of the neighbouring na- also a place in Galilee. Now the number of the tions to join together, and make war against them. whole army was three hundred thousand armed Now whenl the Gibeonites saw these kings, which footmen, and ten thousand horsemen, and twenty were four, besides the king of Jerusalem, and per- thousand chariots; so that the multitude of the ceived that they had pitched their camp at a certain enemies affrighted both Joshua himself and the fountain not far from their city, and were getting Israelites; and they, instead of being full of hopes ready for the siege of it,. they called upon Joshua of good success, were superstitiously timorous, to assist them; for such was their case, as to ex- with the great terror with which they were stricken. pect to be destroyed by these Canaanites, but to Whereupon God upbraided them with the fear suppose they should be saved by those that came they were in, and asked them whether they defor the destruction of the Canaanites, because of sired a greater help than he could afford them; the league of friendship that was between them. and promised them that they should overcome their Accordingly, Joshua made haste with his whole enemies; and withal charged them to make their army to assist them, and marching day and night, enemies' horses useless, and to burn their chariots. in the morning he fell upon the enemies as they So Joshua became full of courage upon these prowere going up to the siege; and when he had dis- mises of God, and went out suddenly against the comfited them, he followed them, and pursued them enemies; and after five days' march he came upon down the descent of the hills. The place is called them, and joined battle with them, and there was a Beth-horon; where he also understood that God as- terrible fight, and such a number were slain as sisted him, which he declared by thunder and thun- could not be believed by those that heard it. He derbolts, as also by the falling of hail larger than also went on in the pursuit a great way, and deusual. Moreover, it happened that the day was stroyed the entire army of the enemies, few only lengthened,* that the night might not come on too excepted, and all the kings fell in the battle; inso.. soon, and be an obstruction to the zeal of the He- much, that when there wanted men to be killed, brews in pursuing their enemies; insomuch that Joshua slew their horses, and burnt their chariots, Joshua took the kings, who were hidden in a cer- and passed all over their country without opposition, tain cave at Makkedah, and put them to death. no one daring to meet him in battle; but he still Now, that the day was lengthened at this time, and went on, taking their cities by siege, and again was longer than ordinary, is expressed in the books killing whatever he took. laid up in the temple.t 19. The fifth year was now past, and there was 18. These kings which made war with, and were not one of the Canaanites remained any longer, exready to fight the Gibeonites, being thus over- cepting some that had retired to places of great thrown, Joshua returned again to the mountainous strength. So Joshua removed his camp to the parts of Canaan; and when he had made a great mountainous country, and placed the tabernacle in slaughter of the people there, and took their prey, the city of Shiloh, for that seemed a fit place for it, he came to the camp at Gilgal. And now there because of the beauty of its situation, until such went a great fame abroad among the neighbouring time as their affairs would permit them to build a people of the courage of the Hebrews; and those temple; and from thence he went to Shechem, tothat heard what a number of men were destroyed, gether with all the people, and raised an altar where * Whether this lengthening of the day, by the standing still confirmed by Isaiah, xxviii. 21, Habakkuk, iii. 11, and by of the stun and moon, were physical and real, by the miraculous the son of Sirach, Ecclus. xlvi. 4. In the 18th Psalm of Solostoppage of the diurnal motion of the earth for about half a mnon, ver. ult. it is also said of the luminaries, with relation, no revolution, or whether only apparent, by aerial phosphori imi- doubt, to this and the other miraculous standing still and going tating the sun and moon as stationary so long, while clouds back, in the days of Joshua and Hezekiah, "They have not and the night hid the real ones, and this parhelion or mock sun wandered, from the day that he created them; they have not affording sufficient light for Joshua's pursuit and complete vic- forsaken their way, from ancient generations, unless it were tory, (which aerial phosphori in other shapes have been more when God enjoined them [so to do] by the command of his than ordinarily common of late years,) cannot now be deter- servants." See Authent. Rec. part i. p. 154. mined: philosophers and astronomers will naturally incline to t Of the books laid up in the temple, see the note on Antiq this latter hypothesis. In the mean time, the fact itself was B. III,. h. i. sect. 7. mentioned in the book of Jasher now lost, Josh. x. 13, and is I F; ~~~~~~~S~~~~~~~~~~~~i~~~~~~~~~~~~i~~~~~~...... ~~;i~~~,~~~-~~j~~~~gp~~~~li~~~l-P EII~~~~~~ea~~~ ~L~~~mrma~ —--- ---...........~ CHrP 1. ANTIQUIT1E8 Of' TIHE JEWS. 147 Moses had beforehand directed; then did he divide not easily fail of knowing the truth, on account of the army, and placed one half of them on Mount their skill in that art. He also gave theml a charge Gerizzim, and the other half on Mount Ebal, on: to estimate the measure of that part of the land that which mountain the altar was; he also placed was most fruitful, and what was not so good: for there the tribe of Levi, and the priests. And when such is the nature of the land of Canaan, that one they had sacrificed, and denounced the [blessings may see large plains, and such as are exceeding fit and the] curses, and had left them engraven upon to produce fruit, which yet, if they were compared the altar, they returned to Shiloh. to other parts of the country, might be reckoned 20. And now Joshua was old, and saw that the exceedingly fruitful; yet, if it be compared with the cities of the Canaanites were not easily to be taken, fields about Jericho, and to those that belong to Jenot only because they were situate in such strong rusalem, will appear to be of no account at all; and places, but because of the strength of the walls although it so falls out that these people have but themselves, which being built round about, the a very little of this sort of land, and that it is, for natural strength of the places on which the cities the main, mountainous also, yet does it not come stood, seemed capable of repelling their enemies behind other parts, on account of its exceeding from besieging them, and of making those enemies goodness and beauty; for which reason Joshua despair of taking them; for when the Canaanites thought the land for the tribes should be divided by had learned that the Israelites came out of Egypt in estimation of its goodness, rather than the largeness order to destroy them, they were busy all that time of its measure, it often happening that one acre of in making their cities strong. So he gathered the some sort of land was equivalent to a thousand other people together to a congregation at Shiloh; and acres. Now the men that were sent, which were when they, with great zeal and haste, were come in number ten, travelled all about, and made an thither, he observed to them what prosperous suc- estimation of the land, and in the seventh month cesses they had already had, and what glorious came to him to the city of Shiloh, where they had things had been done, and those such as were set up the tabernacle. worthy of that God who enabled them to do those 22. So Joshua took both Eleazar and the senate, things, and worthy of the virtue of those laws which and with them the heads of the tribes, and distributed they followed. lHe took notice also, that thirty-one the land to the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe of of those kings that ventured to give them battle were Manasseh, appointing the dimensions to be accordovercome, and every army, how great soever it ing to the largeness of each tribe. So when he had were, that confided in their own power, and fought cast lots, Judah had assigned him by lot the upper with them, was utterly destroyed; so that not so part of Judea, reaching as far as Jerusalem, and its much as any of their posterity remained. And as breadth extended to the Lake of Sodom. Now in for the cities, since some of them were taken, but the the lot of this tribe there were the cities of Askelon others must be taken in length of time, by long and Gaza. The lot of Simeon, which was the sieges, both on account of the strength of their second, included that part of Idumea which borderwalls, and of the confidence the inhabitants had in ed upon Egypt and Arabia. As to the Benjamites, them thereby, he thought it reasonable that those their lot fell so, that its length reached from the river tribes that came along with them from beyond Jor- Jordan to the sea, but in breadth it was bounded by dan, and had partaken of the dangers they had Jerusalem and Bethel; and this lot was the narrowundergone, being their own kindred, should now be est of all, by reason of the goodness of the land, for dismissed and sent home, and should have thanks it included Jericho and the city of Jerusalem. The for the pains they had taken together with them. tribe of Ephraim had by lot the land that extended As also, he thought it reasonable that they should in length from the river Jordan to Gezer; but in send one man out of every tribe, and he such as had breadth as far as from Bethel, till it ended at the the testimony of extraordinary virtue, who should Great Plain. The half-tribe of Manasseh had the measure the land faithfully, and without any fallacy land from Jordan to the city of Dora; but its or deceit should inform them of its real magni- breadth was at Bethsham, which is now called tude. Scythopolis. And after these was Issachar, which 21. Now Joshua, when he had thus spoken to had its limits in length, Mount Carmel and the them, found that the multitude approved of his river, but its limit in breadth was Mount Tabor. proposal. So he sent men to measure their country, The tribe of Zebulon's lot included the land which and sent with them some geometricians, who could lay as far as the Lake of Genesareth, and that * Of the situation of this altar. see ESay on the Old Testa- which belonged to Carmel and the sea. The tribe ment, p. 170, 171. of Aser had that part which was called?' i Valley, 148 ANTIQUITIES OF THES JEWS. Boox IV. for sucn it was, and all that part which lay over- war along with them:-" Since that God, who is against Sidon. The city Arce belonged to their share, the Father and Lord of the Hebrew nation, has which is also named Actipus. The Naphthalites now given us this land for a possession, and proreceived the eastern parts, as far as the city of Damas- mised to preserve us in the enjoyment of it as our cus and the Upper Galilee, unto Mount Libanus, own for ever; and since you have with alacrity and the Fountains of Jordan, which rise out of that offered yourselves to assist us when we wanted that mountain; that is, out of that part of it whose assistance on all occasions, according to his comlimits belong to the neighbouring city of Arce. mand; it is but just, now all our difficulties are The Danites' lot included all that part of the valley over, that you should be permitted to enjoy rest, which respects the sun-setting, and were bounded and that we should trespass on your alacrity to help by Azotus and Dora; as also they had all Jamnia us no longer; that so, if we should again stand in and Gath, from Ekron to that mountain where the need of it, we may readily have it on any future tribe of Judah begins. emergency, and not tire you out so much now as 23. After this manner did Joshua divide the six imay make you slower in assisting us another time. nations that bear the name of the sons of Canaan, We, therefore, return you our thanks for the danwith their land, to be possessed by the nine tribes gers you have undergone with us, and we do it not and a half; for Moses had prevented him, and had at this time only, but we shall always be thus disalready distributed the land of the Amorites, which posed; and be so good as to remember our friends, itself was so called also from one of the sons of and to preserve in mind what advantages we have Canaan, to the two tribes and a half, as we have had from them; and how you have put off the enshonwn already. But the parts about Sidon, as also joyments of your own happiness for our sakes, and those that belonged to the Arkites, and the Amath- have laboured for what we have now, by the goodites, and the Aradians, were not yet regularly will of God, obtained, and resolved not to enjoy disposed of. your own prosperity till you had afforded us that 24. But now was Joshua hindered by his age assistance. However, you have, by joining your from executing what he intended to do (as did those labour with ours, gotten great plenty of riches, that succeeded him in the government, take little and will carry home with you much prey, with gold care of what was for the advantage of the public); and silver, and, what is more than all these, our so he gave it in charge to every tribe to leave no good-will towards you, and a mind willingly disremainder of the race of the Canaanites in the land posed to make a requital of your kindness to us, that had been divided to them by lot; that Moses in what case soever you shall desire it, for you have had assured them beforehand, and they might rest not omitted any thing which Moses beforehand rerully satisfied about it, that their own security and quired of you, nor have you despised him because their observation of their own laws depended wholly he was dead and gone from you, so that there is upon it. Moreover, he enjoined them to give thirty- nothing to diminish that gratitude which we owe eight cities to the Levites, for they had already to you. We therefore dismiss you joyful to your received ten in the country of the Amorites; and own inheritances; and we entreat you to suppose, three of these he assigned to those that fled from that there is no limit to be set to the intimate relathe man-slayers, who were to inhabit there; for he tion that is between us; and that you will not was very solicitous that nothing should be neglected imagine, because this river is interposed between which Moses had ordained. These cities were, of us, that you are of a different race from us, and the tribe of Judah, Hebron; of that of Ephraim, not Hebrews; for we are all the posterity of AbraShechem; and of that of Naphthali, Cadesh, which ham, both we that inhabit here, and you that inis a place of the Upper Galilee. He also distri- habit there; and it is the same God that brought buted among them the rest of the prey not yet our forefathers and yours into the world, whose distributed, which was very great; whereby they worship and form of government we are to take had an affluence of great riches, both all in general, care of, which he has ordained, and are most careand every one in particular; and this of gold and fully to obseire; because while you continue in of vestments, and of other furniture, besides a mul- those laws, God will also show himself merciful and titude of cattle, whose number could not be told. assisting to you; but if you imitate the other 25. After this was over, he gathered the army nations, and forsake those laws, he will reject your together to a congregation, and spake thus to those nation." WVhen Joshua had spoken thus, and tribes that had their settlement in the land of the saluted them all, both those in authority one by one, Amorites beyond Jordan, —for fifty thousand of and the whole multitude in common, he himself them had armed themselves, and had gone to the staid where he was; but the people conducted CHAP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF TIIE JEWVS. 149 those tribes on their journey, and that not without laws which he hlilself hath given us, now you are tears in their eyes; and indeed they hardly knew separated from us, and gone to that patrimony of how to part one from the other. yours, which you, through the grace of God, and 26. Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that of that providence which he exercises over you, have Gad, and as many of the Manassites as followed obtained by lot, can forget him, and can leave that them, were passed over the river, they built an altar ark and that altar which is peculiar to us, and can on the banks of Jordan, as a monument to posterity, introduce strange gods, and imitate the wicked and a sign of their relation to those that should in- practices of the Canaanites. Now this will appear habit on the other side. But when those on the to have been a small crime if you repent now, and other side heard that those who had been dismissed proceed no further in your madness, but pay a clue had built an altar, but did not hear with what in- reverence to, and keep in mind the laws of your tention they built it, but supposed it t6 be by way country; but if you persist in your sins, we vill of innovation, and for the introduction of strange not grudge our pains to preserve our laws; but we gods, they did not incline to disbelieve it; but will pass over Jordan and defend them, and defend thinking this defamatory report, as if it were built God also, and shall esteem of you as of men no way for divine worship, was credible, they appeared in differing from the Canaanites, but shall destroy you arms, as though they would avenge themselves on in the like manner as we destroyed them; for do those that built the altar; and they were about to not you imagine that, because you are got over the pass over the river, and to punish them for their river, you are got out of the reach of God's power; subversion of the laws of their country; for they you are every where in places that belong to him, did not think it fit to regard them on account of and impossible it is to overrun his power, and the their kindred or the dignity of those that had given punishment he will bring on men thereby: but if tihe occasion, but to regard the will of God, and the you think that your settlement here will be any ohmanner wherein he desired to be worshipped; so struction to your conversion to what is good, nothing these men put themselves in array for war. But need hinder us fiom dividing the land anew, and Joshua, and Eleazar the high priest, and the senate, leaving this old land to be for the feeding of restrained them; and persuaded them first to make sheep; but you will do well to return to your duty, trial by words of their intention, and afterwards, if and to leave off these new crimes; and we beseech they found that their intention was evil, then only you, by your children and wives, not to force us to to proceed to make war upon them. Accordingly, punish you. Take therefore such measures in this they sent as ambassadors to them Phineas the son assembly, as supposing that your own safety, and of Eleazar, and ten more persons that were in the safety of those that are dearest to you, is therein esteem among the Hebrews, to learn of them what concerned, and believe that it is better for you to was in their mind, when, upon passing over the be conquered by words, than to continue in your river, they had built an altar upon its banks. And purpose, and to experience deeds and war thereas soon as these ambassadors were passed over, and fore." were come to them, and a congregation was as- 27. When Phineas had discoursed thus, the gosembled, Phineas stood up and said, That the offence vernors of the assembly, and the whole multitude, they had been guilty of was of too heinous a nature began to make an apology for themselves, concernto be punished by words alone, or by them only to ing what they were accused of; and they said, That be amended for the future; yet that they did not they neither would depart from the relation they so look at the heinousness of their transgression as bare to them, nor had they built the altar by way of to have recourse to arms, and to a battle for their innovation; that they owned one and the same comnpunishment immediately, but that, on account of mon God with all the Hebrews, and that brazen their kindred, and the probability there was that altar which was before the tabernacle, on which they might be reclaimed, they took this method of they would offer their sacrifices; that as to the altar sending an ambassage to them: " That when we have they had raised, on account of whiach they were learned the true reasons by which you have been thus suspected, it was not built for worship, " but moved to build this altar, we may neither seem to that it might be a sign and a monument of our rehave been too rash in assaulting you by our lation to you for ever, and a necessary caution to weapons of war, if it prove that you made the altar us to act wisely, and to continue in the laws of our for justifiable reasons, and may then justly punish country, but not a handle for transgressing them, you if the accusation prove true; for we can hardly as you suspect: and let God be oulr authentic witsuppose that you, who have been acquainted with ness, that this was the occasion of our building this the will of God, and have been hearers of those altar: whence we beg you will have a better 150 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK V. opinion of us, and do not impute such a thing to us and in dangers, and very sagacious in procuring as would render any of the posterity of Abraham the peace of the people, and of great virtue at all well worthy of perdition, in case they attempt to proper seasons. He was buried in the city of bring in new rites, and such as are different from Timnah, of the tribe of Ephraim.* About the same our usual practices." time died Eleazar the high priest, leaving the high 28. When they had made this answer, and Phi- priesthood to his son Phineas. His monument also, neas had commended them for it, he came to Joshua, and sepulchre, are in the city of Gabatha. and explained before the people what answer they had received. Now Joshua was glad that he was under no necessity of setting them in array, or of leading them to shed blood, and make war against men of their own kindred; and accordingly he CHAPTER II. offered sacrifices of thanksgiving to God for the same. So Joshua after that dissolved this great HOW, AFTER THE DEATH OF JOSHUA THEIR COMMANDER, THE ISRAELITES TRANSGRESSED THE LAWS assembly of the people, and sent them to their own MANDE, THE ISRAEITES TRANSGRESSED THE LWS OF THEIR COUNTRY, AND EXPERIENCED GREAT AFinheritances, while he himself lived in Shechem. FLI CTIONS; A ND WHEN TER WAS A SEDITION But in the twentieth year after this, when he was ARISEN, THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN WAS DESTROYED, very old, he sent for those of the greatest dignity in EXCEPTING ONLY SIX HUNDRED MEN. the several cities, with those in authority, and the senate, and as many of the common people as could 1. AFTER the death of Joshua and Eleazar, be present; and when they were come, he put them Phineas prophesied,t that according to God's will in mind of all the benefits God had bestowed on they should commit the government to the tribe of them, which could not but be a great many, since Judah, and that this tribe should destroy the race from a low estate they were advanced to so great a of the Canaanites; for then the people were condegree of glory and plenty; and exhorted them to cerned to learn what was the will of God. They take notice of the intentions of God, which had been also took to their assistance the tribe of Simeon; so gracious towards them; and told them that the but upon this condition, that when those that had Deity would continue their friend by nothing else been tributary to the tribe of Judah should be slain, but their piety; and that it was proper for him, now they should do the like for the tribe of Simeon. that he was about to depart out of thifs life, to leave 2. But the affairs of the Canaanites were at this such an admonition to them; and he desired that time in a flourishing condition, and they expected they would keep in memory this his exhortation to the Israelites with a great army at the city Bezek, them. having put the government into the hands of Ado29. So Joshua, when he had thus discoursed to nibezek, which name denotes the Lord of Bezek, them, died, having lived a hundred and ten years; for _Adoni in the Hebrew tongue signifies Lord. forty of which he lived with Moses, in order to Now they hoped to have been too hard for the learn what might be for his advantage afterwards. Israelites, because Joshua was dead; but when the He also became their commander after his death Israelites had joined battle with them, I mean the for twenty-five years. He was a man that wanted two tribes before mentioned, they fought gloriously, not wisdom nor eloquence to declare his intentions and slew above ten thousand of them, and put the to the people, but very eminent on both accounts. rest to flight; and in the pursuit they took AdoniHe was of great courage and magnanimity in action bezek, who, when his fingers and toes were cut off * Since not only Procopius and Suidas, but an earlier author, both here and frequently elsewhere, means no more than conMoses Chorenensis, p. 52, 53, and perhaps from his original suiting God by Urim, which the reader is still to bear in mind author Mariba Catina, one as old as Alexander the Great, sets upon all occasions. And if St. John, who was contemporary down the famous inscription at Tangier concerning the old Ca- with Josephus, and of the same country, made use of this style, naanites driven out of Palestine by Joshua, take it here in that when he says that " Caiaphas being high priest that year, proauthor's own words: " We are those exiles that were governors phesied that Jesus should die for that nation, and not for that of the Canaanites, but have been driven away by Joshua the nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the robber, and are come to inhabit here." See the note there. children of God that were scattered abroad," chap. xi. 51, 52, Nor is it unworthy of our notice what Moses Chorenensis adds, he may possibly mean, that this was revealed to the high priest p. 53, and this upon a diligent examination, viz. that " one of by an extraordinary voice from between the cherubims, when those eminent men among the Canaanites came at the same he had his breastplate, or Urim and Thummim, on before; or time into Armenia, and founded the Genthunian family, or the most holy place of the temple, which was no other than the tribe; and that this was confirmed by the manners of the same oracle of Urim and Thummim. Of which above, in the note family or tribe, as being like those of the Canaanites." on Antiq. B. 1I1. ch. viii. sect. 9. - By prophesying, when spoken of a high priest, Josephus, CHAP. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 151 by them, said, " Nay, indeed, I was not always 5. But the Benjamites, to whom belonged Jeruto lie concealed from God, as I find by what I now salem, permitted its inhabitants to pay tribute. So endure, while I have not been ashamed to do the they all left off, the one to kill, and the other to exsame to seventy-two kings." * So they carried him pose themselves to danger, and had time to cultivate alive as far as Jerusalem; and when he was dead, the ground. The rest of the tribes imitated that of they buried him in the earth, and went on still Benjamin, and did the same; and, contenting in taking the cities: and when they had taken the themselves with the tributes that were paid them, greatest part of them, they besieged Jerusalem; permitted the Canaanites to live in peace. and when they had taken the lower city, which was 6. However, the tribe of Ephraim, when they not under a considerable time, they slew all the in- besieged Bethel, made no advance, nor performed habitants; but the upper city was not to be taken any thing worthy of the time they spent, and of without great difficulty, through the strength of its the pains they took about that siege; yet did they walls, and the nature of the place. persist in it, still sitting down before the city, 3. For which reason they removed their camp to though they endured great trouble thereby: but, Hebron; and when they had taken it, they slew all after some time, they caught one of the citizens that the inhabitants. There were till then left the race came to them to get necessaries, and they gave him of giants, who had bodies so large, and coun- some assurances that, if he would deliver up the city tenances so entirely different from other men, that to them, they would preserve him and his kindred; they were surprising to the sight, and terrible to the so he sware that, upon those terms, he would put hearing. The bones of these men are still shown the city into their hands. Accordingly, he that to this very day, unlike to any credible relations of thus betrayed the city was preserved with his other men. Now they gave this city to the Levites family; and the Israelites slew all the inhabitants, as an extraordinary reward, with the suburbs of two and retained the city for themselves. thousand cities; but the land thereto belonging 7. After this, the Israelites grew effeminate as to they gave as a free gift to Caleb, according to the fighting any more against their enemies, but applied injunctions of Moses. This Caleb was one of the themselves to the cultivation of the land, which spies which Moses sent into the land of Canaan. producing them great plenty and riches, they negThey also gave land for habitation to the posterity lected the regular disposition of their settlement, of Jethro, the Midianite, who was the father-in-law and indulged themselves in luxury and pleasures; to Moses; for they had left their own country, and nor were they any longer careful, to hear the laws followed them, and accompanied them in the that belonged to their political government: wherewilderness. upon God was provoked to anger, and put them in 4. Now the tribes of Judah and Simeon took the mind, first, how, contrary to his directions, they cities which were in the mountainous part of had spared the Canaanites; and, after that, how Canaan, as also Askelon and Ashdod, of those that those Canaanites, as opportunity served, used them lay near the sea; but Gaza and Ekron escaped very barbarously. But the Israelites, though they them, for they, lying in a flat country, and having were in heaviness at these admonitions from God, a great number of chariots, sorely galled those that yet were they still very unwilling to go to war; attacked them. So these tribes, when they were and since they got large tributes from the Cagrown very rich by this war, retired to their own naanites, and were indisposed for taking pains by cities, and laid aside their weapons of war. their luxury, they suffered their aristocracy to be * This great number of seventy-two reguli, or small kings, cipalities, which, like so many large families, might lie under over whom Adonibezek had tyrannized, and for which he was the observation of their proper governors, so that the care of punished according to the lex talionis, as well as the thirty- the prince might extend itself to every individual person under one kings of Canaan subdued by Joshua, and named in one his protection; though he despairs of such a scheme being chapter, Josh. xii., and thirty-two kings, or royal auxiliaries to brought about, and thinks that if it were, it would quickly be Benhadad king of Syria, 1 Kings xx. 1; Antiq. B. VIII. ch. destroyed." Remarks on Italy, 4to, p. 151. Nor is it unfit xiv. sect. 1, intimate to us what was the ancient form of go- to be observed here, that the Armenian records, though they vernment among several nations before the monarchies began, give us the history of thirty-nine of their ancientest heroes or viz. that every city or large town, with its neighbouring vil- governors after the Flood, before the days of Sardanapalus, had lages, was a distinct government by itself; which is the more no proper king till the fortieth, Paraerus. See Moses Chorenenremarkable, because this was certainly the form of ecclesiasti- sis, p. 55. And that Almighty God does not approve of such cal government that was settled by the apostles, and preserved absolute and tyrannical monarchies, any one may learn that throughout the Christian church in the first ages of Christian- reads Deut. xvii. 14-20, and 1 Sam. viii. 1-22; although, ity. Mr. Addison is of opinion, that "it would certainly be for if such kings are set sup as own him for their supreme King, the good of mankind to have all the mighty empires and mon. and aim to govern according to his laws, he hath admitted of archies of the world cantoned out into petty states and prin- them, and protected them and their subjects in all generations. 152 ANTIQUITIES OF TlHE JEWS. BooK V'. corrupted also, and did not ordain themselves a was looking out for provisions for supper when senate, nor any other such magistrates as their laws it was dark? To which he replied, that he was a had formerly required, but they were very much Levite, and was bringing his wife from her parents, given to cultivating their fields, in order to get and was going home; but he told him his habitawealth; which great indolence of theirs brought a tion was in the tribe of Ephraim: so the old man, terrible sedition upon them, and they proceeded so as well because of their kindred as because they far as to fight one against another, from the follow- lived in the same tribe, and also because they had ing occasion:- thus accidentally met together, took him in to lodge 8. There was a Levite,* a man of a vulgar with him. Now certain young men of the inhafamily, that belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, and bitants of Gibeah, having seen the woman in the dwelt therein: this man married a wife from Beth- market-place, and admiring her beauty, when they lehem, which is a place belonging to the tribe of understood that she lodged with the old man, came Judah. Now he was very fond of his wife, and to the doors, as contemning the weakness and fewovercome with her beauty; but he was unhappy in ness of the old man's family; and when the old this, that he did not meet with the like return of man desired them to go away, and not to offer any affection from her, for she was averse to him, which violence or abuse there, they desired him to yield did more inflame his passion for her, so that they them up the strange woman, and then he should quarrelled one with another perpetually; and at have no harm done to him: and when the old man last the woman was so disgusted at these quarrels, alleged that the Levite was of his kindred, and that she left her husband, and went to her parents that they would be guilty of horrid wickedness if in the fourth month. The husband being very they suffered themselves to be overcome by their uneasy at this her departure, and that out of his pleasures, and so offend against their laws, they fondness for her, came to his father and mother-in- despised his righteous admonition, and laughed law, and made up their quarrels, and was recon- him to scorn. They also threatened to kill him ciled to her, and lived with them there four days, if he became an obstacle to their inclinations; as being kindly treated by her parents. On the whereupon, when he found himself in great distress, fifth day he resolved to go home, and went away and yet was not willing to overlook his guests, and in the evening; for his wife's parents were loth to see them abused, he produced his own daughter to part with their daughter, and delayed the time till them; and told them that it was a smaller breach the day was gone. Now they had one servant that of the law to satisfy their lust upon her, than to followed them, and an ass on which the woman abuse his guests, supposing that he himself should rode; and when they were near Jerusalem, having by this means prevent any injury to be done to gone already thirty furlongs, the servant advised those guests. WVhen they no way abated of their them to take up their lodgings some where, lest earnestness for the strange woman, but insisted some misfortune should befall them if they travelled absolutely on their desires to have her, he enin the night, especially since they were not far off treated them not to perpetrate any such act of enemies, that season often giving reason for sus- injustice; but they proceeded to take her away by picion of dangers from even such as are friends; force, and indulging still more the violence of their but the husband was not pleased with this advice, inclinations, they took the woman away to their nor was he willing to take up his lodging among house, and when they had satisfied their lust upon strangers, for the city belonged to the Canaanites, her the whole night, they let her go about daybut desired rather to go twenty furlongs farther, break. So she came to the place where she had and so to take their lodgings in some Israelite city. been entertained, under great affliction at what had Accordingly, he obtained his purpose, and came to happened; and was very sorrowful upon occasion Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin, when it was of what she had suffered, and durst not look her just dark; and while no one that lived in the husband in the face for shame, for she concluded market-place invited him to lodge with him, there that he would never forgive her for what she had came an old man out of the field, one that was in- done; so she fell down, and gave up the ghost: deed of the tribe of Ephraim, but resided in Gibeah, but her husband supposed that his wife was only and met him, and asked him who he was, and for fast asleep, and, thinking nothing of a more melanwhat reason he came thither so late, and why he choly nature had happened, endeavoured to raise -* Josephus's early date of this history before the beginning xvi. 17, who yet were here reduced to six hundred men; nor of the Judges, or when there was no king in Israel, Judg. xix. can those numbers be at all supposed genuine, if they were re1, is strongly confirmed by the large number of Benjamites, duced so late as the end of the Judges, where our other copies both in the days of Asa and Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. xiv. 8, and place this reduction. CzAr. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 153 her up, resolving to speak comfortably to her, since 10. WThen it was related to the Israelites what she did not voluntarily expose herself to these men's the inhabitants of Gibeah had resolved upon, they lust, but was forced away to their house; but as took their oath that no one of them would give his soon as he perceived she was dead, he acted as daughter in marriage to a Benjamite, but make war prudently as the greatness of his misfortunes would with greater fury against them than we have learned admit, and laid his dead wife upon the beast, and our forefathers made war against the Canaanites; carried her home; and cutting her, limb by limb, and sent out presently an army of four hundred into twelve pieces, he sent them to every tribe, and thousand against them, while the Benjamites' army gave it in charge to those that carried them, to inform was twenty-five thousand and six hundred; five the tribes of those that were the causes of his wife's hundred of whom were excellent at slinging stones death, and of the violence they had offered to her. with their left hands, insomuch that when the battle 9. Upon this the people were greatly disturbed was joined at Gibeah the Benjamites beat the at what they saw, and at what they heard, as never Israelites, and of them there fell two thousand having had the experience of such a thing before; men; and probably more had been destroyed had so they gathered themselves to Shiloh, out of a not the night came on and prevented it, and broken prodigious and a just anger, and assembling in a off the fight; so the Benjamites returned to the city great congregation before the tabernacle, they im- with joy, and the Israelites returned to their camp mediately resolved to take arms, and to treat the in a great fright at what had happened. On the inhabitants of Gibeah as enemies; but the senate next day, when they fought again, the Benjamites restrained them from doing so, and persuaded them, beat them; and eighteen thousand of the Israelites that they ought not so hastily to make war upon were slain, and the rest deserted their camp out of people of the same nation with them, before they fear of a greater slaughter. So they came to discoursed them by words concerning the accusation Bethel,* a city that was near their camp, and laid against them; it being part of their law, that fasted on the next day; and besought God, by they should not bring an army against foreigners Phineas the high priest, that his wrath against them themselves, when they appear to have been in- might cease, and that he would be satisfied with jurious, without sending an ambassage first, and these two defeats, and give them the victory and trying thereby whether they will repent or not: power over their enemies. Accordingly God proand accordingly they exhorted them to do what mised them so to do, by the prophesying of Phineas. they ought to do in obedience to their laws, that 11. When therefore they had divided the army is, to send to the inhabitants of Gibeah, to know into two parts, they laid the one half of them in whether they would deliver up the offenders to ambush about the city Gibeah by night, while the them, and if they deliver them up, to rest satisfied other half attacked the Benjamites, who retiring with the punishment of those offenders; but if they upon the assault, the Benjamites pursued them, despised the message that was sent them, to punish while the Hebrews retired by slow degrees, as very them by taking up arms against them. Accordingly desirous to draw them entirely from the city; and they sent to the inhabitants of Gibeah, and accused the other followed them as they retired, till both the the young men of the crimes committed in the old men and the young men that were left in the affair of the Levite's wife, and required of them city, as too weak to fight, came running out tothose that had done what was contrary to the law, gether with them, as willing to bring their enemies that they might be punished, as having justly de- under. However, when they were a great way from served to die for what they had done; but the in- the city the Hebrews ran away no longer, but turned habitants of Gibeah would not deliver up the back to fight them, and lifted up the signal they young men, and thought it too reproachful to had agreed on to those that lay in ambush, who rose them, out of fear of war, to submit to other men's up, and with a great noise fell upon the enemy. demands upon them; vaunting themselves to be no Now, as soon as ever they perceived themselves to be way inferior to any in war, neither in their number deceived, they knew not what to do; and when they nor in courage. The rest of their tribe were also were driven into a certain hollow place which was making great preparation for war, for they were so in a valley, they were shot at by those that encominsolently mad as also to resolve to repel force by passed them, till they were all destroyed, excepting force. six hundred, which formed themselves into a close * Josephus seems here to have made a small mistake, when ever at Bethel; only so far it is true, that Shiloh, the place he took the Hebrew word Beth-El, which denotes tihe house of of the tabernacle in the days of the Judges, was not far from God, or the tabernacle, Judg. xx. 18, for the proper name of Bethel. a place, Bethel, it no way appearing that the tabernacle was X 154 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox V. body of men, and forced their passage through the affrighted at the very name of perjury, a certain midst of their enemies, and fled to the neighbouring person told them that he could show them a way mountains, and, seizing upon them, remained there; whereby they might procure the Benjamites wives but the rest of them, being about twenty-five enough, and yet keep their oath. They asked him thousand, were slain. Then did the Israelites burn what his proposal was. He said, " That three times Gibeah, and slew the women, and the males that in a year, when we meet in Shiloh, our wives and our were under age; and did the same also to the other daughters accompany us: let then the Benjamites cities of the Benjamites; and, indeed, they were be allowed to steal away, and marry such women enraged to that degree, that they sent twelve as they can catch, while we will neither incite them thousand men out of the army, and gave them orders nor forbid them; and when their parents take it ill, to destroy Jabesh Gilead, because it did not join and desire us to inflict punishment upon them, we with them in fighting against the Benjamites. Ac- will tell them, that they were themselves the cause cordingly, those that were sent slew the men of war, of what had happened, by neglecting to guard their with their children and wives, excepting four hun- daughters, and that they ought not to be over angry dred virgins. To such a degree had they proceeded at the Benjamites, since that anger was permitted in their anger, because they not only had the suffer- to rise too high already." So the Israelites were ing of the Levite's wife to avenge, but the slaughter persuaded to follow this advice, and decreed, That of their own soldiers. the Benjamites should be allowed thus to steal 12. However, they afterward were sorry for the themselves wives. So when the festival was comcalamity they had brought upon the Benjamites, and ing on, these two hundred Benjamites lay in amappointed a fast on that account, although they sup- bush before the city, by two and three together, and posed those men had suffered justly for their offence waited for the coming of the virgins, in the vineagainst the laws; so they recalled by their ambas- yards and other places where they could lie consadors those six hundred which had escaped. These cealed. Accordingly the virgins came along playhad seated themselves on a certain rock called Rim- ing, and suspected nothing of what was coming upon mon, which was in the wilderness. So the ambas- them, and walked after an unguarded manner, so sadors lamented not only the disaster that had be- those that laid scattered in the road, rose up, and fallen the Benjamites, but themselves also, by this caught hold of them: by this means these Berndestruction of their kindred; and persuaded them to jamites got them wives, and fell to agriculture, and take it patiently, and to come and unite with them, took good care to recover their former happy state. and not, so far as in them lay, to give their suffrage And thus was this tribe of the Benjamites, after to the utter destruction of the tribe of Benjamin; they had been in danger of entirely perishing, saved and said to them, " WVe give you leave to take the in the manner forementioned, by the wisdom of the whole land of Benjamin to yourselves, and as much Israelites; and accordingly it presently flourished, prey as you are able to carry away with you." So and soon increased to be a multitude, and came to these men with sorrow confessed, that what had been enjoy all other degrees of happiness. And such was done was according to the decree of God, and had the conclusion of this war. happened for their own wickedness; and assented to those that invited them, and came down to their own tribe. The Israelites also gave them the four hundred virgins of Jabesh Gilead for wives; but as to the remaining two hundred, they deliberated CHAPTER III. about it how they might compass wives enough for HOW THE ISRAELITES AFTER THIS MISFORTUNE GREW them, and that they might have children by them; WICEED, AND SERVED THE ASSYRIANS; AND HOW and whereas they had, before the war began, taken GOD DELIVERED THER BY OTHNIEL, WHO RULED GOD DELIVERED THEM BY OTHNIEL, WHO RULED an oath, that no one would give his daughter to OVER THEM FORTY YEARS. wife to a Benjamite, some advised them to have no regard to what they had sworn, because the oath 1. Now it happened that the tribe of Dan sufhad not been taken advisedly and judiciously, but fered in like manner with the tribe of Benjamin; in a passion, and thought that they should do no- and it came to do so on the occasion following:thing against God, if they were able to save a whole When the Israelites had already left off the exercise tribe which was in danger of perishing; and that of their arms for war, and were intent upon their perjury was then a sad and dangerous thing, not husbandry, the Canaanites despised them, and when it is done out of necessity, but when it is done brought together an army, not because they exwith a wicked intention. But when the senate were pected to suffer by them, but because they had a CHAP. III. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 155 mind to have a sure prospect of treating the He- as they were now in, but to endeavour boldly to brews ill when they pleased, and might thereby for gain them their liberty; so when he had procured the time to come dwell in their own cities the more some to assist him in this dangerous undertaking, securely; they prepared therefore their chariots, (and few they were, who, either out of shame at and gathered their soldiery together, their cities also their present circumstances, or out of a desire of combined together, and drew over to them Askelon changing them, could be prevailed on to assist him,) and Ekron, which were within the tribe of Judah, he first of all destroyed that garrison which Chushan and many more of those that lay in the plain. They had set over them; but when it was perceived that also forced the Danites to fly into the mountainous he had not failed in his first attempt, more of the country, and left them not the least portion of the people came to his assistance; so they joined battle plain country to set their foot on. Since then these with the Assyrians, and drove them entirely before Danites were not able to fight them, and had not them, and compelled them to pass over Euphrates. land enough to sustain them, they sent five of their Hereupon Othniel, who had given such proofs of men into the midland country to see for a land to his valour, received from the multitude authority to which they might remove their habitation. So judge the people; and when he had ruled over these men went as far as the neighbourhood of them forty years, he died. Mount Libanus, and the fountains of the Lesser Jordan, at the great plain of Sidon, a day's journey from the city; and when they had taken a view of the land, and found it to be good and exceeding fruitful, they acquainted their tribe with it, where- CHAPTER IV. upon they made an expedition with the army, and HOW OUR PEOPLE SERVED THE MOABITES EIGHTEEN built there the city Dan, of the same name with YEARS, AND WERE THEN DELIVERED FROM SLAVERY the son of Jacob, and of the same name with their BY ONE EHUD, WHO RETAINED THE DOMINION EIGHTY own tribe. YEARS. 2. The Israelites grew so indolent, and unready of taking pains, that misfortunes came heavier upon 1. WHEN Othniel was dead, the affairs of the them, which also proceeded in part from their con- Israelites fell again into disorder: and while they tempt of the Divine worship; for when they had neither paid to God the honour due to him, nor once fallen off from the regularity of their political were obedient to the laws, their afflictions increased, government, they indulged themselves further in till Eglon, king of the Moabites, did so greatly living according to their own pleasure, and accord- despise them on account of the disorders of their ing to their own will, till they were full of the evil political government, that he made war upon them, doings that were common among the Canaanites. and overcame them in several battles, and made the God therefore was angry with them, and they lost most courageous to submit, and entirely subdued that their happy state which they had obtained by their army, and ordered them to pay him tribute. innumerable labours, by their luxury; for when And when he had built him a royal palace at JeriChushan, king of the Assyrians, had made war cho,* he omitted no method whereby he might against them, they lost many of their soldiers in distress them; and indeed he reduced them to pothe battle, and when they were besieged, they were verty for eighteen years. But when God had once taken by force; nay, there were some who, out of taken pity of the Israelites, on account of their fear, voluntarily submitted to him, and though the afflictions, and was moved to compassion by their tribute laid upon them was more than they could supplications put up to him, he freed them from bear, yet did they pay it, and underwent all sort of the hard usage they had met with under the Moaboppression for eight years; after which time they ites. This liberty he procured for them in the were freed from them in the following manner:- following manner:3. There was one whose name was Othniel, the 2. There was a young man of the tribe of Benjason of Kenaz, of the tribe of Judah, an active man min, whose name was Ehud, the son of Gera, a and of great courage. He had an admonition from man of very great courage in bold undertakings, God not to overlook the Israelites in such a distress and of a very strong body, fit for hard labour, but * It appears by the sacred history, Judg. i. 16; iii. 13, that country of palm-trees, upon, or near to, the same spot of Eglon's pavilion or palace was at the City of Palm-Trees, as ground on which Jericho had formerly stood, and on which it the place where Jericho had stood is called after its destruction was rebuilt by Hiel, 1 Kings xvi. 34. Our other copies that by Joshua, that is, at or near the demolished city. Accord- avoid its proper name Jericho, and call it the City of Palmingly, Josephus says it was at Jericho, or rather in that fine Trees only, speak here more accurately than Josephus. 156 ANTIQUITIES O' THE JEWTS. BOOK V. best skilled in using his left hand, in which was cho privately of what he had done, and exhorted his whole strength; and he also dwelt at Jericho. them to recover their liberty; who heard him Now this man became familiar with Eglon, and gladly, and went to their arms, and sent messengers that by means of presents, with which he obtained over the country, that should sound trumpets of his favour, and insinuated himself into his good rams' horns; for it was our custom to call the peoopinion; whereby he was also beloved of those that ple together by them. Now the attendants of were about the king. Now, when on a time he was Eglon were ignorant of what misfortune had bebringing presents to the king, and had two servants fallen him for a great while; but, towards the with him, he put a dagger on his right thigh secretly, evening, fearing some uncommon accident had hapand went in to him: it was then summer time, and pened, they entered into his parlour, and when they the middle of the day, when the guards were not found him dead, they were in great disorder, and strictly on their watch, both because of the heat, knew not what to do; and before the guards could and because they were gone to dinner. So the be got together, the multitude of the Israelites came young man, when he had offered his presents to the upon them, so that some of them were slain immeking, who then resided in a small parlour that stood diately, and some were put to flight, and ran away conveniently to avoid the heat, fell into discourse toward the country of Moab, in order to save themwith him, for they were now alone, the king having selves. Their number was above ten thousand. bid his servants that attended him to go their ways, The Israelites seized upon the ford of Jordan, and because he had a mind to talk with Ehud. He pursued them, and slew them, and many of thenl was now sitting on his throne; and fear seized upon they killed at the ford, nor did one of them escape Ehud lest he should miss his stroke, and not give out of their hands; and by this means it was that him a deadly wound; so he raised himself up, and the Hebrews freed themselves from slavery under said he had a dream to impart to him by the com- the Moabites. Ehud also was on this account mand of God; upon which the king leaped out of dignified with the government over all the mulhis throne for joy of the dream; so Ehud smote titude, and died after he had held the government him to the heart, and leaving his dagger in his eighty years.* He was a man worthy of combody, he went out and shut the door after him. mendation, even besides what he deserved for the Now the king's servants were very still, as sup- forementioned act of his. After him Shamgar, the posing that the king had composed himself to sleep. son of Anath, was elected for their governor, but 3. Hereupon Ehud informed the people of Jeri- died in the first year of his government. * These eighty years for the government of Ehud are neces- since in the beginning of the next chapter it is said by Josary to Josephus's usual large numbers between the exodus sephus, that there was hardly a breathing time for the Israelites and the building of the temple, of five hundred and ninety-two before Jabin came and enslaved them, it is highly probable that or six hundred and twelve years, but not to the smallest number some of the copies in his time had here only eight years instead of four hundred and eighty years, 1 Kings vi. 1; which lesser of eighty; as had that of Theophilus of Antioch, Ad Autolyc. number Josephuts seems sometimes to have followed. And 1. iii., and this most probably from his copy of Josephus. - 0 3:: <.<;~~~~az.^m<~~> <4a CHAP. V. ANTIQUITIES OF TIHE JEWS. 1 t57 CHAPTER V. IOW THE CANAANITES BROUGHT THE ISRAELITES UNDER SLAVERY FOR TWENTY YEARS; AFTER WHICH THEY WERE DELIVERED BY BARAK AND DEBORAH, WHO RULED OVER THEM FOR FORTY YEARS. 4/-, ND now it was thatfor twenty years, as not good enough of themselves the Israelites, taking to grow wise by their misfortunes. God was villno warning by their ing also hereby the more to subdue their obstinacy former misfortunes to and ingratitude towards himself: so when at length i amend their manners, they were become penitent, and were so wise as to and neither worship- learn that their calamities arose from their contempt ping God nor sub- of the laws, they besought Debol ah, a certain pro\tlh s lmitting to the laws, phetess among them, (which name in the Hebrew were brought under tongue signifies a Bee,) to pray to God to take pity slavery by Jabin, the king of the Canaanites, and on them, and not to overlook themin, now they were that before they had a short breathing time after ruined by the Canaanites. So God granted them the slavery under the Moabites; for this Jabin deliverance, and chose them a general, Barak, one came out of Hazor, a city that was situate over the that was of the tribe of Naphtali. Now Barak, lake Semechonitis, and had in pay three hundred in the Hebrew tongue, signifies Liqhtning. thousand footmen, and ten thousand horsemen, with 3. So Deborah sent for Barak, and bade him no fewer than three thousand chariots. Sisera was choose out ten thousand young men to go against the commander of all his army, and was the prin- the enemy, because God had said that that number cipal person in the king's favour. He so sorely was sufficient, and promised them victory. But beat the Israelites when they fought with him, that when Barak said that he would not be the general he ordered them to pay tribute. unless she would also go as a general with: him, she 2. So they continued to undergo that hardship had indignation at what he said, and replied. "Th6H, 158 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWTS. BooI V. O Barak, deliverest up meanly that authority which wards the Midianites called the Amalekites and AraGod hath given thee into the hand of a woman, and bians to their assistance, and made war against the I do not reject it!" So they collected ten thousand Israelites, and were too hard for those that fought men, and pitched their camp at Mount Tabor, where, against them; and when they had burnt the fruits of at the king's command, Sisera met them, and pitched the earth, they carried off the prey. Now when they his camp not far from the enemy; whereupon the had done this for three years, the multitude of the Israelites, and Barak himself, were so aftrighted at Israelites retired to the mountains, and forsook the the multitude of those enemies, that they were re- plain country. They also made themselves hollows solved to march off, had not Deborah retained them, under ground, and caverns, and preserved therein and commanded them to fight the enemy that very whatsoever had escaped their enemies; for the day, for that they should conquer them, and God Midianites made expeditions in harvest-time, but would be their assistance. permitted them to plough the land in winter, that 4. So the battle began; and when they were come so, when the others had taken the pains, they might to a close fight, there came down from heaven a have fruits for them to carry away. Indeed, there great storm, with a vast quantity of rain and hail, ensued a famine and a scarcity of food; upon which and the wind blew the rain in the face of the Ca- they betook themselves to their supplications to naanites, and so darkened their eyes, that their God, and besought him to save them. arrows and slings were of no advantage to them, nor 2. Gideon also, the son of Joash, one of the prinwould the coldness of the air permit the soldiers to cipal persons of the tribe of Manasseh, brought his make use of their swords;. while this storm did not sheaves of corn privately, and thrashed them at the so much incommode the Israelites, because it came wine-press; for he was too fearful of their enemies in their backs. They also took such courage, upon to thrash them openly in the thrashing-floor. At the apprehension that God was assisting them, that this time somewhat appeared to him in the shape of they fell upon the very midst of their enemies, and a young man, and told him that he was a happy slew a great number of them; so that some of them man, and beloved of God. To which he immedifell by the Israelites, some fell by their own horses, ately replied, " A mighty indication of God's favour which were put into disorder, and not a few were to me, that I am forced to use this wine-press inkilled by their own chariots. At last Sisera, as stead of a thrashing-floor I!" But the appearance soon as he saw himself beaten, fled away, and came exhorted him to be of good courage, and to make to a woman whose name was Jael, a Kenite, who an attempt for the recovery of their liberty. He received him, when he desired to be concealed; answered, that it was impossible for him to recover and when he asked for somewhat to drink, she gave it, because the tribe to which he belonged was by him sour milk, of which he drank so unmeasurably no means numerous; and because he was but young that he fell asleep; but when he was asleep, Jael himself, and too inconsiderable to think of such took an iron nail, and with a hammer drove it great actions. But the other promised him, that through his temples into the floor; and when Barak God would supply what he was defective in, and came a little afterward, she showed Sisera nailed to would afford the Israelites victory under his conduct. the ground: and thus was this victory gained by a 3. Now, therefore, as Gideon was relating this woman, as Deborah had foretold. Barak also fought to some young men, they believed him, and immewith Jabin at Hazor; and when he met with him, diately there was an army of ten thousand men got he slew him: and when the general was fallen, ready for fighting. But God stood by Gideon in Barak overthrew the city to the foundation, and was his sleep, and told him that mankind were too fond the commander of the Israelites for forty years. of themselves, and were enemies to such as excelled in virtue. Now that they might not pass God over, but ascribe the victory to him, and might not fancy it obtained by their own power, because they were CHAPTER VI. a great army, and able of themselves to fight their enemies, but might confess that it was owing to his HOW THE MIDIANITES AND OTHER NATIONS FOUGHT assistance, he advised him to bring his army about AGAINST THE ISRAELITES, AND BEAT THEM, AND noon, in the violence of the heat, to the river, and AFFLICTED THEIR COUNTRY FOR SEVEN YEARS. to esteem those that bent down on their knees, and How THEY WERE DELIVERED BY GIDEON, WHO RULED OVER THE MULTITUDE FOR FORTY YEARS. SO drank, to be men of courage; but for all those that drank tumultuously, that he should esteem 1. Now when Barak and Deborah were dead, them to do it out of fear, and as in dread of their whose deaths happened about the same time, after- enemies. And when Gideon had done as God had CHAP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 159 suggested to him, there were found three hundred cried, " Victory to Gideon, by God's assistance," men that took water with their hands tumultuously; a disorder and a fright seized upon the other men so God bid him take these men, and -attack the while they were half asleep, for it was night-time, enemy. Accordingly they pitched their camp at the as God would have it; so that a few of them were river Jordan, as ready the next day to pass over it. slain by their enemies, but the greatest part by 4. But Gideon was in great fear, for God had their own soldiers, on account of the diversity of told him beforehand that he should set upon his their language; and when they were once put into enemies in the night-time; but God, being willing disorder, they killed all that they met with, as to free him from his fear, bid him take one of his thinking them to be enemies also. Thus there was soldiers, and go near to the Midianites' tents, for a great slaughter made. And as the report of that he should from that very place have his courage Gideon's victory came to the Israelites, they took raised, and grow bold. So he obeyed, and went their weapons and pursued their enemies, and overand took his servant Phurah with him; and as he took them in a certain valley encompassed with came near to one of the tents, he discovered that torrents, a place which these could not get over; those that were in it were awake, and that one of so they encompassed them, and slew them all, with them was telling to his fellow soldier a dream of their kings, Oreb and Zeeb. But the remaining his own, and that so plainly that Gideon could hear captains led those soldiers that were left, which him. The dream was this:-He thought he saw were about eighteen thousand, and pitched their a barley-cake, such a one as could hardly be eaten camp a great way off the Israelites. However, by men, it was so vile, rolling through the camp, Gideon did not grudge his pains, but pursued them and overthrowing the royal tent, and the tents of with all his army, and joining battle with them, cut all the soldiers. Now the other soldier explained off the whole enemies' army, and took the other this vision to mean the destruction of the army; leaders, Zeba and Zalmuna, and made them capand told them what his reason was which made him tives. Now there were slain in this battle of the so conjecture, viz. That the seed called barley Midianites, and of their auxiliaries the Arabians, about was all of it allowed to be of the vilest sort of seed, a hundred and twenty thousand; and the Hebrews and that the Israelites were known to be the vilest took a great prey, gold, and silver, and garments, of all the people of Asia, agreeably to the seed of and camels, and asses. And when Gideon was barley, and that what seemed to look big among come to his own country of Ophrah, he slew the the Israelites was this Gideon and the army that kings of the Midianites. was with him; " and since thou sayest thou didst 6. However, the tribe of Ephraim was so dissee the cake overturning our tents, I am afraid lest pleased at the good success of Gideon, that they God hath granted the victory over us to Gideon." resolved to make war against him, accusing him 5. When Gideon had heard this dream, good because he did not tell them of his expedition hope and courage came upon him; and he com- against their enemies. But Gideon, as a man of manded his soldiers to arm themselves, and told temper, and tdhat excelled in every virtue, pleaded, them of this vision of their enemies. They also that it was not the result of his own authority or took courage at what was told them, and were reasoning, that made hind attack the enemy without ready to perform what he should enjoin them. So them; but that it was the command of God, and Gideon divided his armyinto three parts, and brought still the victory belonged to them as well as those it out about the fourth watch of the night, each in the army. And by this method of cooling their part containing a hundred men: they all bare passions, he brought more advantage to the Heempty pitchers and lighted lamps in their hands, brews, than by the success he had against these that their onset might not be discovered by their enemies, for he thereby delivered them from a enemies. They had also each of them a ram's sedition which was arising among them; yet did horn in his right hand, which he used instead of a this tribe afterwards suffer the punishment of this trumpet. The'enemy's camp took up a large space their injurious treatment of Gideon, of which we of ground, for it happened that they had a great many will give an account in due time. camels; and as they were divided into different 7. Hereupon Gideon would have laid down the nations, so they were all contained in one circle. government, but was over-persuaded to take it, Now when the Hebrews did as they were ordered which he enjoyed forty years, and distributed beforehand, upon their approach to their enemies, justice to them, as the people came to him in their and, on the signal given, sounded with their rams' differences; and what he determined was esteemed horns, and brake their pitchers, and set upon their valid by all. And when he died, he was buried in enemies with their lamps, and a great shout, and his own country of Ophrah. 160 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BooK V. many blessings from Gideon, they overlooked AbimCHAPTER VII. elech, when he overruled all, and had joined with him in slaying his brethren: and that he was no THAT THE JUDGES WHO SUCCEEDED GIDEON MADE better than a fire himself. So when be had said W'AR WITH THE ADJOINING NATIONS FOR A LONG WAR WITH THE ADJOINING NATIONS FOR A LONG this, he went away, and lived privately in the mountains for three years, out of fear of Abimelech. O Gideon had seventy 3. A little while after this festival, the Shechem-,; K-<~~ _~ ~_ ~./, sons that were legiti- ites, who had now repented themselves of having mate, for he had many slain the sons of Gideon, drove Abimelech away, - C evwives; but he had also both from their city and their tribe; whereupon he one that was spurious, contrived how he might distress their city. Now by his concubine Dru- at the season of vintage, the people were afraid to m mah, whose name was go out and gather their fruits, for fear Abimelech'Z*> Abimelech, who, after should do them some mischief. Now it happened his father's death, retired that there had come to them a man of authority, lo Shechem to his mother's relations, for they were one Gaal, that sojourned with them, having his of that place: and when he had got money of such armed men and his kinsmen with him; so the Sheof them as were eminent for many instances of in- chemites desired that he would allow them a guard justice, he came with them to his father's house, and during their vintage; whereupon he accepted of slew all his brethren, except Jotham, for he had their desires, and so the people went out, and Gaal the good fortune to escape and be preserved; but with them at the head of his soldiery. So they Abimelech made the government tyrannical, and gathered their fruit with safety; and when they constituted himself a lord, to do what he pleased, were at supper in several companies, they then yeninstead of obeying the laws; and he acted most tured to curse Abimelech openly; and the magisrigidly against those that were the patrons of justice. trates laid ambushes in places about the city, and 2. Now when, on a certain time, there was a caught many of Abimelech's followers, and destroypublic festival at Shechem, and all the multitude ed them. was there gathered together, Jotham his brother, 4. Now there was one Zebul, a magistrate of the whose escape we before related, went up to Mount Shechemites, that had entertained Abimelech. He Gerizzim, which hangs over the city Shechem, and sent messengers, and informed him how much Gaal cried out so as to be heard by the multitude, who had irritated the people against him, and excited were attentive to him. He desired they would con- him to lay ambushes before the city, for that he sider what he was going to say to them: so when would persuade Gaal to go out against him, which silence was made, he said, That when the trees had would leave it in his power to be revenged on him; a human voice, and there was an assembly of them and when that was once done, he would bring him gathered together, they desired that the fig-tree to be reconciled to the city. So Abimelech laid would rule over them; but when that tree refused ambushes, and himself lay with them. Now Gaal so to do, because it was contented to enjoy that abode in the suburbs, taking little care of himself; honour which belonged peculiarly to the fruit it and Zebul was with him. Now as Gaal saw the bare, and not that which should be derived to it armed men coming on, he said to Zebul, That some from abroad, the trees did not leave off their inten- armed men were coming; but the other replied, tions to have a ruler, so they thought proper to They were only shadows of huge stones: and when make the offer of that honour to the vine; but when they were come nearer, Gaal perceived what was the vine was chosen, it made use of the same words the reality, and said, They were not shadows, but which the fig-tree had used before, and excused it- men lying in ambush. Then said Zebul, "Didst self from accepting the government: and when the not thou reproach Abimelech for cowardice? why olive-tree had done the same, the brier, whom the dost thou not then show how very courageous thou trees had desired to take the kingdom, (it is a sort of art thyself, and go and fight him? " So Gaal, being wood good for firing,) it promised to take the go- in disorder; joined battle with Abimelech, and some vernment, and to be zealous in the exercise of it; of his men fell; whereupon he fled into the city, but that then they must sit down under its shadow, and took his men with him. But Zebul managed and if they should plot against it to destroy it, the his matters so in the city, that he procured them to principle of fire that was in it should destroy them. expel Gaal out of the city, aind this by accusing him He told them, that what he had said was no laugh- of cowardice in this action with the soldiers of ing matter; for that when they had experienced Abimelech. But Abimelech, when he had learned CHAP. VII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JE\WS. 161 that the Shechemites were again coming out to the calamity that happened to those Shechlemites gather their grapes, placed ambushes before the was according to the prediction of Jotham. Howcity, and when they were coming out, the third ever, the army that was with Abimelech, upon his part of his army took possession of the gates, to fall, was scattered abroad, and went to their own hinder the citizens from returning in again, while homes. the rest pursued those that were scattered abroad, 6. Now it was that Jair the Gileadite,* of the and so there was slaughter every where; and when tribe of Manasseh, took the government. HIe was he had overthrown the city to the very found- a man happy in other respects also, but particularly ations, for it was not able to bear a siege, and in his children, who were of a good character. had sown its ruins with salt, he proceeded on with They were thirty in number, and very skilful in his army till all the Shechemites were slain. As riding on horses, and were intrustecl with the for those that were scattered about the country, and government of the cities of Gilead. Ile kept the so escaped the danger, they were gathered together government twenty-two years, and died an old unto a certain strong rock, and settled themselves man; and he was buried in Camon, a city of upon it, and prepared to build a wall about it: and Gilead. when Abimelech knew their intentions, he pre- 7. And now all the affairs of the Hebrews were vented them, and came upon them with his forces, managed uncertainly, and tended to disorder, and and laid faggots of dry wood round the place, he to the contempt of God and of the laws. So the himself bringing some of them, and by his exam- Ammonites and Philistines had them in contempt, ple encouraging the soldiers to do the same. And and laid waste the country with a great army; and when the rock was encompassed round about with when they had taken all Perea, they were so insothese faggots, they set them on fire, and threw in lent as to attempt to gain the possession of all the whatsoever by nature caught fire the most easily: rest. But the Hebrews, being now amended by so a mighty flame was raised, and nobody could fly the calamities they had undergone, betook themaway from the rock, but every man perished, with selves to supplications to God; and brought sacritheir wives and children, in all about fifteen hun- fices to him, beseeching him not to be too severe dred men, and the rest were a great number also. upon them, but to be moved by their prayers to And such was the calamity which fell upon the leave off his anger against them. So God became Shechemites; and men's grief on their account had more merciful to them, and was ready to assist them. been greater than it was, had they not brought so 8. W~hen the Ammonites had made an expedition much mischief on a person who had so well deserved into the land of Gilead, the inhabitants of the country of them, and had they not themselves esteemed this met them at a certain mountain, but wanted a comas a punishment for the same. mander. Now there was one whose name was 5. Now Abimelech, when he had affrighted the Jephtha, who, both on account of his father's virtue, Israelites with the miseries he had brought upon and on account of that army which he maintained at the Shechemites, seemed openly to affect greater his own expenses, was a potent man: the Israelites authority than he now had, and appeared to set no therefore sent to him, and entreated him to come to bounds to his violence, unless it were with the their assistance, and promised him the dominion destruction of all. Accordingly he marched to over them all his lifetime. But he did not admit Thebes, and took the city on the sudden; and of their entreaty; and accused them, that they did there being a great tower therein, whereunto the not come to his assistance when he was unjustly whole multitude fled, he made preparation to be- treated, and this in an open manner by his brethren; siege it. Now as he was rushing with violence for they cast him off, as not having the same mother near the gates, a woman threw a piece of a meill- with the rest, but born of a strange mother, that was stone upon his head, upon which Abimelech fell introduced among them by his father's fondness; down, and desired his armour-bearer to kill him, and this they did out of a contempt of his inability lest his death should be thought to be the work of [to vindicate himself]. So he dwelt in the country a woman;-who did what he was bid to do. So he of Gilead, as it is called, and received all that came underwent this death as a punishment for the wick- to him, let them come from what place soever, edness he had perpetrated against his brethren, and and paid them wages. However, when they his insolent barbarity to the Shechemites. Now pressed him to accept the dominion, and sware they * Our present copies of Josephus all omit Tola among the sephus's sum of the years of the judges, his twenty-three yars judges, though the other copies have him next after Abimelech, are included; hence we are to confess, that somewhat has been and allot twenty-three years to his administration, Judg. x. 1, here lost out of his copies. 2; yet do all Josephus's commentators conclude, that in Jo-'Y 162 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JE\TWS. BoosK' would grant him the government over them all his for them, and they had now inhabited [above] three life, he led them to the war. hundred years, but would fight with them about it. 9. And when Jephtha had taken immediate care 10. And when he had given them this answer, of their affairs, he placed his army at the city he sent the ambassadors away. And when he had Mizpeh, and sent a message to the Ammonite prayed for victory, and had vowed to perform sacred [king], complaining of his unjust possession of offices, and if he came home in safety, to offer in their land. But that king sent a contrary mes- sacrifice what living creature soever should first sage; and complained of the exodus of the Israel- meet him,* he joined battle with the enemy, andi ites out of Egypt, and desired him to go out of the I gained a great victory, and in his pursuit slew the land of the Amorites, and yield it up to him, as at I enemies all along as far as the city of Minnith. He first his paternal inheritance. But Jephtha re- then passed over to the land of the Ammonites, and turned this answer: That he did not justly com- overthrew many of their cities, and took their prey, plain of his ancestors about the land of the Amorites, and freed his own people from that slavery which and ought rather to thank them that they left the they had undergone for eighteen years. But as he land of the Ammonites to them, since Mloses could came back, he fell into a calamity no way correhave taken it also; and that neither would he recede spondent to the great actions he had done; for it from that land of their own, which God had obtained was his daughter that came to meet him; she was _blamed his dughter for heing so forward in meet-' formable to the law nor acceptable to God, not ungrateful to he r, since she should die upon occa- s e11. Nov e the sactrificed his da rimfought as a burnt-offer-him, sion of her father's victory, and the greatness of his affliection, and in, offerinot tae them an oblation as was neither him in his belloam citizens: she only desired her father to give expedition against the Ammonites, but because henot inger leahime, for the had vowednths, to bewsacrifice her you i th ie hatn e p and th e hglo of what was doners Hower fellow citizens; and then she agreed, that ats to himself. As to wuhich hae said, first, that they unth ra teful to her, since he mightould do with he ac ere not ignorant how his kindred had fought against him, sion Josephus justly condemnher's vicJephthaory, as do the Apostolical had vowed her becfor a sacrifice, s he ought to have thbeen redeemed, al Constw citutiozens, B. VII. ch.xxvii., for his rashvow, whether to give expedition against the Ammosense of ver. 28, 29, asrelating ht wer leave, for twosacrificing his aughter, as Josephus thought, ow or not to things vowed theo Godprey, but devoted to destruction, sone the dedicating her, who was his only child, to perpetual virginity, note on Antiq. B. V. ch. i. sect. 8. at the tabernacle or elsewhere, which rather suppo se lf. As to whe Josephus justly condemins Je-phtha, as do the Apostolical had vowed her for a sacrifice, she ought to have been redeemed, CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 163 did not come to his assistance, whereas they ought forty years; from which distress they were delivered to have come quickly, even before they were in- after this manner: vited. And in the next place, that they were going 2. There was one Manoah, a person of such great to act unjustly; for while they had not courage virtue, that he had few men his equals, and without enough to fight their enemies, they came hastily I dispute the principal person of his country. He had against their own kindred: and he threatened them a wife celebrated for her beauty, and excelling her that, with God's assistance, he would inflict a pun- contemporaries. He had no children; and, being isshment upon them, unless they would grow wiser. uneasy at his want of posterity, he entreated God to But when he could not persuade them, he fought give them seed of their own bodies to succeed them; with them with those forces which he sent for out and with that intent he came constantly into the of Gilead, and he made a great slaughter among suburbs,* together with his wife; which suburbs them; and when they were beaten, he pursued were in the Great Plain. Now he was fond of his them, and seized on the passages of Jordan by a wife to a degree of madness, and on that account part of his army which he had sent before, and slew was unmeasurably jealous of her. Now, when his about forty-two thousand of them. wife was once alone, an apparition was seen by her: 12. So when Jephtha had ruled six years, he it was an angel of God, and resembled a young man died, and was buried in his own country, Sebee, beautiful and tall, and brought her the good news which is a place in the land of Gilead. that she should have a son, born by God's provi13. Now when Jephtha was dead, Ibzan took dence, that should be a goodly child, of great the government, being of the tribe of Judah, and of strength; by whom, when he was grown up to the city of Bethlehem. He had sixty children, man's estate, the Philistines should be afflicted. thirty of them sons, and the rest daughters; all He exhorted her also not to poll his hair, and that whom he left alive behind him, giving the daughters he should avoid all other kinds of drink, (for so had in marriage to husbands, and taking wives for his God commanded,) and be entirely contented with sons. He did nothing in the seven years of his ad- water. So the angel, when he had delivered that ministration that was worth recording, or deserved message, went his way, his coming having been by a memorial. So he died an old man, and was buried the will of God. in his own country. 3. Now the wife informed her husband when he 14. When Ibzan was dead after this manner, came home of what the angel had said, who showed neither did Helon, who succeeded him in the go- so great an admiration of the beauty and tallness of vernment, and kept it ten years, do any thing re- the young man that had appeared to her, that her markable: he was of the tribe of Zebulon. husband was astonished, and out of himself for jea15. Abdon also, the son of Hilel, of the tribe of lousy, and such suspicions as are excited by that Ephraim, and born at the city Pyrathon, was or- passion: but she was desirous of having her husdainedtheir supreme governor after Helon. He is band's unreasonable sorrow taken away; accordonly recorded to have been happy in his children; ingly she entreated God to send the angel again, for the public affairs were then so peaceable, and in that he might be seen by her husband. So the such security, that neither did he perform any glo- angel came again by the favour of God, while they lious action. He had forty sons, and by them were in the suburbs, and appeared to her when she left thirty grandchildren; and he marched in state was alone without her husband. She desired the with these seventy, who were all very skilful in angel to stay so long till she might bring her husriding horses; and he left them all alive after him. band; and that request being granted, she goes to He died an old man, and obtained a magnificent call Manoah. WVhen he saw the angel he -was not burial in Pyrathon. yet free from suspicion, and he desired him to inform him of all that he had told his wife; but when he said it was sufficient that she alone knew what he had said, he then requested of him to tell who he CHAPTER VIII. vwas, that when the child was born they might return him thanks, and give him a present. He reCON'CERNING THE FORTITUDE OF SAMSON, AND WHAT MISCHIEFS HE BROUGHT UPON THE PHILISTINES. plied that he did not want any present, for that he did not bring them the good news of the birth of a 1. AFTER Abdon was dead, the Philistines over- son out of the want of any thing. And when Macame the Israelites, and received tribute of them for noah had entreated him to stay, and partake of his * I can discover no reason why Manoah and his wife came cause there was a synagogue or place of devotion in those so constantly into these suburbs to pray for children, but be- suburbs. x64 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. Boox V. hospitality, he did not give his consent. However, in these seven days' time, I will give you every one he was persuaded, at the earnest request of Manoah, a linen shirt and a garment, as the reward of your to stay so long as while he brought him one mark wisdom." So they being very ambitious to obtain of his hospitality; so he slew a kid of the goats, the glory of wisdom, together with the gains, desired and bid his wife boil it. When all was ready, the him to propose his riddle. He said, " That a deangel enjoined him to set the loaves and the flesh, vourer produced sweet food out of itself, though but without the vessels, upon the rock; which when itself were very disagreeable." And when they they had done, he touched the flesh with the rod were not able, in three days' time, to find out the which he had in his hand, which, upon the break- meaning of the riddle, they desired the damsel to ing out of a flame, was consumed, together with the discover it by the means of her husband, and tell it loaves; and the angel ascended openly, in their them; and they threatened to burn her if she did sight, up to heaven, by means of the smoke, as by a not tell it them. So when the damsel entreated vehicle. Now Manoah was afraid that some danger Samson to tell it her, he at first refused to do it: would come to them from this sight of God; but his but when she lay hard at him, and fell into tears, wife bade him be of good courage, for that God and made his refusal to tell it a sign of his unkindappeared to them for their benefit. ness to her, he informed her of his slaughter of a 4. So the woman proved with child, and was lion, and how he found bees in his breast, and carcareful to observe the injunctions that were given ried away three honey-combs, and brought them to her; and they called the child, when he was born, her. Thus he, suspecting nothing of deceit, inSamson, which name signifies one that is strontg. formed her of all, and she revealed it to those that So the child grew apace; and it appeared evidently desired to know it. Then on the seventh day, that he would be a prophet,* both by the modera- whereon they were to expound the riddle proposed tion of his diet, and the permission of his hair to to them, they met together before sun-setting, and grow. said, " Nothing is more disagreeable than a lion to 5. Now when he once came with his parents to those that light on it, and nothing is sweeter than Timnath, a city of the Philistines, when there was honey to those that make use of it." To which a great festival, he fell in love with a maid of that Samson made this rejoinder:'" Nothing is more country, and he desired of his parents that they deceitful than a woman, for such was the persor would procure him the damsel for his wife: but that discovered my interpretation to you." Acthey refused so to do, because she was not of the cordingly he gave them the presents he had prostock of Israel; yet because this marriage was of rmised them, making such Askelonites as met hirt God, who intended to convert it to the benefit of the upon the road his prey, who were themselves Phi. Hebrews, he over-persuaded them to procure her listines also. But he divorced this his ivife; and, to be espoused to him. And as he was continually the girl despised his anger, and was married to his: coming to her parents, he met a lion, and though companion, who made the former match between he was naked, he received his onset, and strangled them. him with his hands, and cast the wild beast into a 7. At this injurious treatment Sar-se;l was so woody piece of ground on the inside of the road. provoked, that he resolved to punish all the Philis6. And when he was going another time to the tines, as well as her: so it being then summer-time, damsel, he lit upon a swarm of bees making their and the fruits of the land being almost ripe enough combs in the breast of that lion; and taking three for reaping, he caught three hun.dred foxes, and honey-combs away, he gave them, together with the joining lighted torches to their tails, he sent them rest of his presents, to the damsel. Now the people into the fields of the Philistines, by which means of Timnath, out of a dread of the young man's the fruits of the fields pcrished. Now when the strength, gave him during the time of the wedding- Philistines knew that this was Samson's doing, and feast (for he then feasted them all) thirty of the most knew also for what cause he did it, they sent their stout of their youth, in pretence to be his cor- rulers to Timnath, and burnt his former wife, and panions, but in reality to be a guard upon him, that her relations, who had been the occasion of their he might not attempt to give them any disturbance. misfortunes. Nlow as they were drinking merrily and playing, 8. Now when Samson had slain many of the'Samson said, as was usual at such times, " Come, Philistines in the plain country, he dwelt at Etam,'if I propose you a riddle, and you can expound it which is a strong rock of the tribe of Judah; for * Here, by a prophet, Josephus seems only to mean one ordinary commission and strength from God for the judging'that was born by a partieular providence, lived after the man- and avenging his people Israel, without any proper prophetic ner of a NSazarite devoted to God, and was to have an extra- revelations at all. CxAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 165 the Philistines at that time made an expedition whence it was that Samson called the place the against that tribe: but the people of Judah said Jawv-bone,* and so it is called to this day. that they did not act justly with them, in inflicting 10. After this fight Samson held the Philistines punishments upon them while they paid their tri- in contempt, and came to Gaza, and took up his bute, and this only on account of Samson's offences. lodgings in a certain inn. When the rulers of They answered, that in case they would not be Gaza were informed of his coIing thither, they blamed themselves, they must deliver up Samson, seized upon the gates, and placed men in ambush and put him into their power. So they being de- about them, that he might not escape without being sirous not to be blamed themselves, came to the perceived; but Samson, who was acquainted with rock with three thousand armed men, and com- their contrivances againsthim, arose about midnight, plained to Samson of the bold insults he had made and ran by force upon the gates, with their posts upon the Philistines, who were men able to bring and beams, and the rest of their wooden furniture, calamity upon the whole nation of the Hebrews; and carried them away on his shoulders, and bare and they told him they were come to take him, and them to the mountain that is over Hebron, and to deliver him up to them, and put him into their there laid them down. power; so they desired him to bear this willingly. 11. However, he at length t transgressed the Accordingly, when he had received assurance from laws of his country, and altered his own regular them upon oath, that they would do him no other way of living, and imitated the strange customs of harm than only to deliver him into his enemies' foreigners, which thing was the beginning of his hands, he came down from the rock, and put him- miseries; for he fell in love with a woman that was self into the power of his countrymen. Then did a harlot among the Philistines: her name was Dethey bind him with two cords, and lead him on, in lilah, and he lived with her. So those that admiorder to deliver him to the Philistines; and when nistered the public affairs of the Philistines came to they came to a certain place, which is now called her, and, with promises, induced her to get out of the Jacv-bone, on account of the great action there Samson what was the cause of that his strength, by performed by Samson, though of old it had no par- which he became unconquerable to his enemies. ticular name at all, the Philistines, who had pitched Accordingly, when they were drinking, and had the their camp not far off, came to meet them with joy like conversation together, she pretended to admire and shouting, as having done a great thing, and the actions he had done, and contrived to get out of gained what they desired; but Samson broke his him by subtlety, by what means he so much excelbonds asunder, and catching up the jaw-bone of an led others in strength. Samson, in order to delude ass that lay down at his feet, fell upon his enemies, Delilah, for he had not yet lost his senses, replied, and, smiting them with his jaw-bone, slew a thou- that if he were bound with seven such green withs sand of them, and put the rest to flight and into of a vine as might still be wreathed, he should be great disorder. weaker than any other man. The woman said no 9. Upon this slaughter Samson was too proud of more then, but told this to the rulers of the Philiswhat he had performed, and said that this did not tines, and hid certain of the soldiers in ambush come to pass by the assistance of God, but that his within the house; and when he was disordered in success was to be ascribed to his own courage; and drink and asleep, she bound him as fast as possible vaunted himself, that it. was out of a dread of him with the withs; and then upon her awakening him, that some of his enemies fell and the rest ran away she told him some of the people were upon him; upon his use of the jaw-bone; but when a great but he broke the withs, and endeavoured to defend thirst came upon him, he considered that human himself, as though some of the people were upon courage is nothing, and bare his testimony that all him. Now this woman, in the constant conversais to be ascribed to God, and besought him that he tion Samson had with her, pretended that she took would not be angry at any thing he had said, nor it very ill that he had such little confidence in her give him up into the hands of his enemies, but afford affections to him, that he would not tell her what him help under his affliction, and deliver him from she desired, as if she would not conceal what she the misfortune he was under. Accordingly God knew it was for his interest to have concealed. was moved with his entreaties, and raised him up. However, he deluded her again, and told her, that a plentiful fountain of sweet water at a certain rock; if they bound him with seven cords, he should lose * This fountain, called Lehi, or the Jaw-bone, is still in t See this justly observed in the Apostolical Constitutions, being, as travellers assure us, and was known by this very name i B. VII. ch. xxxvii., that Samson's prayer was heard, but that in the days of Josephus, and has been known by the same name it was before this his transgression. in all those past ages. See Antiq. B. V II. ch. xii. sect. 4. 166 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK V. his strength. And when, upon doing this, she him in their cups. Hereupon he, thinking it one gained nothing, he told her the third time, that his of the greatest misfortunes, if he should not be able hair should be woven into a web; but when, upon to revenge himself whenl he was thus insulted, perdoing this, the truth was not yet discovered, at suaded the boy that led him by the hand, that he length Samson, upon Delilah's prayer, (for he was was weary and wanted to rest himself, and desired doomed to fall into some affliction,) was desirous to he would bring him near the pillars; and as soon please her, and told her that God took care of him, as he came to them, he rushed with force against and that he was born by his providence, and that them, and overthrew the house, by overthrowing " thence it is that I suffer my hair to grow, God hay- its pillars, with three thousand men in it, who were ing charged me never to poll my head, and thence all slain, and Samson with them. And such was my strength is according to the increase and con- the end of this man, when he had ruled over the tinuance of my hair." When she had learned thus Israelites twenty years. And indeed this man much, and had deprived him of his hair, she deli- deserves to be admired for his courage and strength, vered him up to his enemies, when he was not strong and magnanimity at his death, and that his wrath enough to defend himself from their attempts upon against his enemies went so far as to die himself him; so they put out his eyes, and bound him, and with them. But as for his being insnared by a wohad him led about among them. man, that is to be ascribed to human nature, which 12. But in process of time Samson's hair grew is too weak to resist the temptations to that sin; again. And there was a public festival among the but we ought to bear him witness, that in all other Philistines, when the rulers, and those of the most respects he was one of extraordinary virtue. But eminent character, were feasting together; (now his kindred took away his body, and buried it in the room wherein they were had its roof supported Sarasat his own country, with the rest of his by two pillars;) so they sent for Samson, and he family. was brought to their feast, that they might insult CHAP. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 167 CHAPTER IX. HOW UNDER ELI'S GOVERNMENT OF THE ISRAELITES, BOOZ MARRIED RUTH, FROM WHOM CAME OBED, THE GRANDFATHER OF DAVID. - 2- -`;T-T-I- /-= =[= —-— I _ OW after the death of on whcse account it was that she had gone away W,.ga W - Samson, Eli the high from her own country, she returned to it again, 4t;, 2 Ppriest was governor for she had been informed it was now in a flourish-,,', of the Israelites. Un- ing condition. However, her daughters-in-law V MN" Xder him, when the were not able to think of parting with her; and X >}'light ~ country was afflicted when they had a mind to go out of the country with, i/ @5 4 0ht~- with a famine, Elime- her, she could not dissuade them from it; but when -., t. 47lech of Bethlehem, they insisted upon it, she wished them a more happy which is a city of the wedlock than they had withan t her sons, and that tribe of Judah, being not able to support his family they might have prosperity in other respects also; under so sore a distress, took with him Naomi his and seeing her own affairs were so low, she exhorted wife, and the children that were born to him by her, them to stay where they were, and not to think of Chilion and Mahlon, and removed his habitation into leaving their own country, and partaking with her the land of Moab; and upon the happy prosperity of that uncertainty under which she must return. of his affairs there, he took for his sons wives of the Accordingly Orpah staid behind; but she took Moabites, Orpah for Chilion, and Ruth for Mahlon. Ruth along with her, as not to be persuaded to stay But in the compass of ten years, both Elimelech, behind her, but would take her fortune with her, and a little while after him, the sons, died; and whatsoever it should prove. Naomi being very uneasy at these accidents, and 2. WVhen Ruth was come with her mother-in-law not being able to bear her lonesome condition, to Bethlehem, Booz, who was near of kin to Elimenow- thoe ththat were dearest to her were dead. lech. entertained her; and when Nacomi was -o 168 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK V. alled by her fellow citizens, according to her true that account, especially when there had been nothing name, she said, "' You might more truly call me done that was ill. But as to the main point she MJara." Now Naomi signifies in the Hebrew aimed at, the matter should rest here,-" He that is tongue happiness, and Mlara, sorrow. It was now nearer of kin than I am, shall be asked whether he reaping time; and Ruth, by the leave of her mother- wants to take thee to wife: if he says he does, thou in-law, went out to glean, that they might get a shalt follow him; but if he refuse it, I will marry stock of corn for their food. Now it happened that thee, according to the law." she came into Booz's field; and after some time 4.'When she had informed her mother-in-law of Booz came thither, and when he saw the damsel, he this, they were very glad of it, out of the hope they inquired of his servant that was set over the reapers had that Booz would make provision for them. Now concerning the girl. The servant had a little before about noon Booz went down into the city, and inquired about all her circumstances, and told them gathered the senate together, and when he had sent to his master, who kindly embraced her, both on for Ruth, he called for her kinsman also; and when account of her affection to her mother-in-law, and he was come, he said, " Dost not thou retain the inher remembrance of that son of hers to whom she heritance of Elimelech and his sons? " He confesshad been married, and wished that she might ex- ed that he did retain it, and that he did as he perience a prosperous condition; so he desired her was permitted to do by the laws, because he was not to glean, but to reap what she was able, and their nearest kinsman. Then said Booz, " Thou gave her leave to carry it home. He also gave it in nmust not remember the laws by halves, but do every charge to that servant who was over the reapers, not thing according to them; for the wife of Mahlon is to hinder her when she took it away, and bade him come hither, whom thou must marry, according to give her her dinner, and make her drink when he the law, in case thou wilt retain their fields." So did the like to the reapers. Now what corn Ruth the man yielded up both the field and the wife to received of him she kept for her mother-in-law, Booz, who was himself of kin to those that were and came to her in the evening, and brought the dead, as alleging that he had a wife already, and ears of corn with her; and Naomi had kept for her children also; so Booz called the senate to witness, a part of such food as her neighbours had plentifully and bid the woman to loose his shoe, and spit in his bestowed upon her. Ruth also told her mother-in- face, according to the law; and when this was done, law what Booz had said to her; and when the other Booz married Ruth, and they had a son within a had informed her that he was near of kin to them, year's time. Naoini was herself a nurse to this and perhaps was so pious a man as to make some child; and by the advice of the women, called him provision for them, she went out again on the days Obed, as being to be brought up in order to be subfollowing, to gather the gleanings with Booz's maid- servient to her in her old age, for Obed in the Heservants. brew dialect signifies a servant. The son of Obed 3. It was not many days before Booz, after the was Jesse, and David was his son, who was king, barley was winnowed, slept in his thrashing-floor. and left his dominions to his sons for one and twenty When Naomi was informed of this circumstance, generations. I was therefore obliged to relate this she contrived it so that Ruth should lie down by history of Ruth, because I had a mind to demonhim, for she thought it might be for their advantage strate the power of God, who, without difficulty, that he should discourse with the girl. Accordingly can raise those that are of ordinary parentage to digshe sent the damsel to sleep at his feet; who went nity and splendour, to which he advanced David, as she bade her, for she did not think it consistent though he were born of such mean parents. with her duty to contradict any command of her mother-in-law. And at first she lay concealed from Baoz, as he was fast asleep; but when he awaked about midnight, and perceived a woman lying by him, he asked who she was;-and when she told him her CHAPTER X. name, and desired that he whom she owned for her lord would excuse her, he then said no more; but CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL; AND HOW HE FORETOLD THE CALAMITY THAT BEFELL THE SONS in the morning, before the servants began to setLAMITY THAT BEELI THE SONS about their work, he awaked her, and bid her take as much barley as she was able to carry, and go to 1. AND now upon the ill state of the affairs of the her mother-in-law before any body there should see Hebrews, they made war again upon the Philistines. that she had lain down by him, because it was but The occasion was this: Eli, the high priest, had prudent to avoid any reproach that might arise on two sons, Hophni and Phineas. These sons of ZIA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i............................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~z~..................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~iiiil...........................~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~l~i.................. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i............................................,: j:pi~ ~:...........................................................::::::::::~ j~ CKhAP. X. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 169 Eli were guilty of injustice towards men, and of im- 3. So she came to her husband full of hope, and piety towards God, andl abstained from no sort of eat her meal with gladness. And when they had wickedness. Some of their gifts they carried off, returned to their own country she found herself as belonging to the honourable employment they with child, and they had a son born to them, to had; others of them they took away by violence. whom they gave the name of Samuel, which may They also were guilty of impurity with the *women be styled one that was asked of God. They therethat came to worship God [at the tabernacle], fore came to the tabernacle to offer sacrifice for the obliging some to submit to their lust by force, and birth of the child, and brought their tithes with enticing others by bribes; nay, the whole course them; but the woman remembered the vows she of their lives was no better than tyranny. Their had made concerning her son, and delivered him to father therefore was angry at them for such their | Eli, dedicating him to God, that he might become wickedness, and expected that God would suddenly a prophet. Accordingly his hair was suffered to inflict his punishments upon them for what they grow long, and his drink was water. So Samuel haid done. The multitude took it heinously also. dwelt and was brought up in the temple. But And as soon as God had foretold what calamity Elcanah had other sons by Hannah, and three would befall Eli's sons, which he did both to Eli daughters. himself and to Samuel the prophet, who was yet 4. Now when Samuel was twelve years old, he but a child, he openly showed his sorrow for his began to prophesy: and once when he was asleep, sons' destruction. God called to him by his name; and he, supposing 2. I will first despatch what I have to say about he had been called by the high priest, came to him: the prophet Samuel, and after that will proceed to | but when the high priest said he did not call him, speak of the sons of Eli, and the miseries they God did so thrice. Eli was then so far illuminated, brought on the whole people of the Hebrews. that he said to him, " Indeed, Samuel, I was silent Elcanah, a Levite, one of a middle condition among now as well as before: it is God that calls thee; his fellow citizens, and one that dwelt at Rama- do thou therefore signify it to him, and say, I am thaim, a city of the tribe of Ephraim, married two here ready." So when he heard God speak again, wives, Hannah and Peninnah. He had children he desired him to speak, and to deliver what oracles by the latter; but he loved the other best, although he pleased to him, for he wculd not fail to perform she was barren. Now Elcanah came with his wives any ministration whatsoever he should make use of to the city Shiloh to sacrifice, for there it was him in;-to which God replied, " Since thou art that the tabernacle of God was fixed, as we have here ready, learn what miseries are coming upon the formerly said. Now when, after he had sacrificed, Israelites,-such indeed as words cannot declare, he distributed at that festival portions of the flesh nor faith believe; for the sons of Eli shall die on to his wives and children, and when Hannah saw one day, and the priesthood shall be transferred the other wife's children sitting round about their into the family of Eleazar; for Eli hath loved his mother, she fell into tears, and lamented herself sons more than he hath loved my worship, and to on account of her barrenness and lonesomeness; such a degree as is not for their advantage." and suffering her grief to prevail over her husband's W\hich message Eli obliged the prophet by oath to consolations to her, she went to the tabernacle to tell him, for otherwise he had no inclination to beseech God to give her seed, and to make her a afflict him by telling it. And now Eli had a far mother; and to vow to consecrate the first son she more sure expectation of the perdition of his sons; should bear to the service of God, and this in such but the glory of Samuel increased more and more, a way, that his manner of living should not be like it being found by experience that whatsoever he that of ordinary men. And as she continued at her prophesied came to pass accordingly.* prayers a long time, Eli, the high priest, for he sat there before the tabernacle, bid her go away, thinking she had been disordered with wine; but when she said she had drank water, but was in sorrow for want of children, and was beseeching God for them, he bid her be of good cheer, and told her that God would send her children. * Although there had been a few occasional prophets before, those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise yet was this Samuel the first of a constant succession of pro- foretold of those days." See also Acts xiii. 20. The others phets in the Jewish nation, as is implied in St. Peter's words, were rather sometimes called righteous men, Matt. x. 41; Acts iii. 24, " Yea, andl all the prophets, from Samuel, and xiii. 17. z 170 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BOOK V. high priest; but the ark was carried away by the enemies. CHAPTER XI. 3. WVhen the news of this defeat came to Shiloh, HEREIN IS DECLARED WHAT BEFELL THE SONS OF with that of the captivity of the ark, (for a certain HEREIN IS DECLARED WHAT BEFELL THE SONS OF ELI, THE ARK, AND THE PEOPLE; AND HOW ELI young man, a Benjamite, who was in the action, HIMSELF DIED MISERABLY. came as a messenger thither,) the whole city was full of lamentations. And Eli, the high priest, 1. ABOUT this time it was that the Philistines who sat upon a high throne at one of the gates, made war against the Israelites, and pitched their heard their mournful cries, and supposed that some camp at the city Aphek. Now when the Israelites strange thing had befallen his family. So he sent had expected them a little while, the very next day for the young man; and when he understood what they joined battle, and the Philistines were con- had happened in the battle, he was not much unquerors, and slew above four thousand of the He- easy as to his sons, or what was told him withal brews, and pursued the rest of their multitude to about the army, as having beforehand known by their camp. Divine revelation that those things would happen, 2. So the Hebrews being afraid of the worst, sent and having himself declared them beforehand, —for to the senate, and to the high priest, and desired that what sad things come unexpectedly they distress they would bring the ark of God, that by putting men the most; but as soon as [he heard] the ark themselves in array, when it was present with them, was carried captive by their enemies, he was very they might be too hard for their enemies, as not much grieved at it, because it fell out quite difreflecting that he who had condemned them to en- ferently from what he expected; so he fell down dure these calamities was greater than the ark, and from his throne and died, having in all lived ninetyfor whose sake it was that this ark came to be eight years, and of them retained the government honoured. So the ark came, and the sons of the forty. high priest with it, having received a charge from 4. On the same day his son Phineas's wife died their father, that if they pretended to survive the also, as not able to survive the misfortune of her taking of the ark, they should come no more into husband; for they told her of her husband's death his presence, for Phineas officiated already as high as she was in labour. However, she bare a son at priest, his father having resigned his office to him, seven months, who lived, and to whom they gave by reason of his great age. So the Hebrews were the name of Icabod, which name signifies disgrace, full of courage, as supposing that, by the coming -and this because the army received a disgrace at of the ark, they should be too hard for their ene- this time. mies: their enemies also were greatly concerned, 5. Now Eli was the first of the family of Ithamar, and were afraid of the ark's coming to the Israelites: the other son of Aaron, that had the government; however, the upshot did not prove agreeable to the for the family of Eleazar officiated as high priest at expectation of both sides, but when the battle was first, the son still receiving that honour from the joined, that victory which the Hebrews expected father which Eleazar bequeathed to his son Phineas; was gained by the Philistines, and that defeat the after whom Abiezer his son took the honour, and Philistines were afraid of fell to the lot of the delivered it to his son, whose name was Bukki, Israelites, and thereby they found that they had from whom his son Ozi received it; after whom put their trust in the ark in vain, for they were Eli, of whom we have been speaking, had the presently beaten as soon as they came to a close priesthood, and so he and his posterity until the fight with their enemies, and lost about thirty time of Solomon's reign; but then the posterity of thousand men, among whom were the sons of the Eleazar reassumed it. ClAP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 171 BOOK VI. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF THIRTY-TWO YEARS. FROM THE DEATH OF ELI TO THE DEATH OF SAUL. ark among them. This desire of the people of CHAPTER I. Ashdod was not disagreeable to those of Askelon, so they granted them that favour. But when they THE DESTRUCTION THAT CAME UPON THE PHIILISTINES, had gotten the ark, they were in the same miserable AND UPON THEIR LAND, BY THIE WRATH OF GOD, condition; for the ark carried along with it the ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR HAVING CARRIED THE ARK b disasters that the people of Ashdod had suffered, to AWAY CAPTIVE; AND AFTER WHAT MANNER THEY AWAYIT BCAPTIVE; D ATHEHBREW MANNE those who received it from them. Those of AskeSENT IT BACK TO THE HEBREWS. ion also sent it away from themselves to others: HEN the Philistines had nor did it stay among those others neither; for since taken the ark of the He- they were pursued by the same disasters, they still brews captive, as I said sent it to the neighbouring cities; so that the ark a little before, they car- went round, after this manner, to the five cities of d ied it to the city of As~h- the Philistines, as though it exacted these disasters dod, and put it by their as a tribute to be paid it for its coming among own god, who was called them. Dagon,* as one of their 2. When those that had experienced these misespoils; but when they ries were tired out with them, and when those that went into his temple the next morning to worship I heard of them were taught thereby not to admit the their god, they found him paying the same worship ark among them, since they paid so dear a tribute to the ark, for he lay along, as having fallen down for it, at length they sought for some contrivance from the basis whereon he had stood: so they took and method how they might get free from it: so the him up, and set him on his basis again, and were governors of the five cities, Gath, and Ekron, and much troubled at what had happened; and as they Askelon, as also of Gaza, and Ashdod, met together, frequently came to Dagon and found him still lying and considered what was fit to be done; and at first along, in a posture of adoration to the ark, they they thought proper to send the ark back to its own were in very great distress and confusion. At people, as allowing that God had avenged its cause; length God sent a very destructive disease upon the that the miseries they had undergone came along city and country of Ashdod, for they died of the with it, and that these were sent on their cities upon dysentery or flux, a sore distemper, that brought its account, and together with it. However, there death upon them very suddenly; for before the soul were those that said they should not do so, nor could, as usual in easy deaths, be well loosed from suffer themselves to be deluded, as ascribing the the body, they brought up their entrails, and vomited cause of their miseries to it, because it could not up what they had eaten, and what was entirely cor- have such power and force upon them; for, had rupted by the disease. And as to the fruits of their God had such a regard to it, it would not have been country, a great multitude of mice arose out of the delivered into the hands of men. So they exhorted earth and hurt them, and spared neither the plants them to be quiet, and to take patiently what had nor the fruits. Now while the people of Ashdod befallen them, and to suppose there was no other were under these misfortunes, and were not able cause of it but nature, which, at certain revolutions to support themselves under their calamities, they of time, produces such mutations in the bodies of perceived that they suffered thus because of the ark, men, in the earth, in plants, and in all things that and that the victory they had gotten, and their grow out of the earth. But the counsel that prehaving taken the ark captive, had not happened for vailed over those already described, was that of their good; they therefore sent to the people of certain men, who were believed to have distinguishAskelon, and desired that they would receive the ed themselves in former times for their understanding and prudence, and who, in their present circum-' Dagon, a famous maritime god or idol, is generally sup- t posed to have been like a man above the navel, and like a fish stances, seemed above all the rest to speak properly. beneath it. These men said it was not right either to send the 172 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEVWS. BooK VI. ark away, or to retain it, but to dedicate five golden I pleased; that in case they went the way to the images, one for every city, as a thaIlk-offering to Hebrews, and ascended to their country, they should God, on account of his having taken care of their suppose that the ark was the cause of their misforpreservation, and having kept them alive when tunes; but if they turned into another road, they their lives were likely to be taken away by such said, " We will pursue after it, and conclude that distempers as they were not able to bear up against. I it has no such force in it." Thev also would have them make five golden mice 3. So they determined that these men spake like to those that devoured and destroyed their well; and they immediately confirmed their opinion country,* to put them in a bag, and lay them upon by doing accordingly. And when they had done the ark; to make them a new cart also for it, and as has been already described, they brought the to yoke milch kine to it;t but to shut up their cart to a place where three ways met, and left it calves, and keep them from them, lest, by follow- the.-e. and went their ways; but the kine went the ing after them, they should prove a hinderance to right way, and as if some persons had driven them, their dams, and that the clams might return the while the rulers of the Philistines followed after faster. out of a desire of those calves; then to drive them, as des.irous to know where they would stand these milch kine that carried the ark, and leave it still, and to whomr they would go. Now there was at a place where three ways met, and to leave it to a certain village of the tribe of Judah, the name of the kine to go along which of those ways they which was Bethshemesh, and to that village did the kine go; and though there was a great and good cart, and taking the ark down, and the vessel that plain before them to proceed in, they wvent no had the images in it, and the mice, they set them farther, but stopped the cart there. This was a upon a certain rock which was in the plain; and sight to those of that village, and they were very when they had offered a splendid sacrifice to God, glad; for it being then summer-time, and all the and feasted, they offered the cart and the kine as a inhabitants being then in the fields gathering in burnt-offering: and when the lords of thePhilistines their fruits, they left off the labours of their hands sawv this, they returned back. for joy, as soon as they saw the ark, and ran to the 4. But now it was that the wrath of God overtook * Spanheimn informs us here, that upon the coins of Tene- t This device of the Philistines, of having a yoke of kine to dos, and those of other cities, a field-mouse is engraven, to- draw this cart, into which they put the ark of the Hebrews, is gether with Apollo Smintheus, or Apollo, tihe driver away of greatly illustrated by Sanchoniatho's account, under his ninth field-mice, on account of his being supposed to have freed cer- generation, that Agrouerus, or Agrotes, the husbandman, had tain tracts of ground from those mice; which coins show a mnuch-worshipped statue and temple, carried about by one oi how great a judgment such mice have sometimes been, and more yoke of oxen, or kine, in Phcenicia, in the neighbourhow the deliverance from them was then esteemed the effect hood of these Philistines. See Cumberland's Sanchoniatho, of a divine power; which observations are highly suitable to p. 27 and 247; and Essay on the Old Testament, AppendL this history p. 172. CHPr. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 173 them, and struck seventy persons * of the village of lords and masters, while you still do what will proBethshemesh dead, who, not being priests, and so cure your continuance under them. Be righteous not worthy to touch the ark, had approached to it. then, and cast wickedness out of your souls, and by Those of that village wept for these that had thus your worship supplicate the Divine Majesty with suffered, and made such a lamentation as was na- all your hearts, and persevere in the honour you pay turally to be expected on so great a misfortune that to him; for if you act thus, you will enjoy proswas sent from God; and every one mourned for his perity; you will be freed from your slavery, and own relation. And since they acknowledged them- will get the victory over your enemies: which selves unworthy of the ark's abode with them, they blessings it is not possible you should attain, either sent to the public senate of the Israelites, and in- by weapons of war, or by the strength of your formed them that the ark was restored by the bodies, or by the multitude of your assistants; for Philistines; which when they knew, they brought God has not promised to grant these blessings by it away to Kirjathjearim, a city in the neighbour- those means, but by being good and righteous men; hood of Bethshemesh. In this city lived one Abi- and if you will be such, I will be security to you nadab, by birth a Levite, and who was greatly com- for the performance of God's promises." WVhen mended for his righteous and religious -course of Samuel had said thus, the multitude applauded his life; so they brought the ark to his house, as to a discourse, and were pleased with his exhortation to place fit for God himself to abide in, since therein them, and gave their consent to resign themselves did inhabit a righteous man. His sons also minis-,i' to do what was pleasing to God. So Samuel tered to the Divine service at the ark, and were gathered them together to a certain city called Mizthe principal curators of it for twenty years; for so peh, which, in the Hebrew tongue, signifies a many years it continued in Kisjathjearim, having vpwatch-tower; there they drew water, and poured been but four months with the Philistines. it out to God, and fasted all day, and betook themselves to their prayers. 2. This their assembly did not escape the notice of the Philistines: so when they had learned that so large a company had met together, they fell CHAPTER II. upon the HI-ebrews with a great army and mighty forces, as hoping to assault them when they did not THE EXPEDITION OF THE PHILISTINES AGAINST THE expect it, nor were prepared for it. This thing HEBREWS, AND THE HEBREWS VICTORY UNDER THE CONDUCT OF SAaUEL THE PROPHET, wo W righted the Hebrews, and put them into disorder TIEIR GENERAL. and terror; so they came running to Samuel, and said that their souls were sunk by their fears, and 1. Now while the city of Kitjathjearim had the by the former defeat they had received, and " that ark with them, the whole body of the people betook thence it was that we lay still, lest we should exthemselves all that time to offer prayers and sacri- cite the power of our enemies against us. Now fices to God, and appeared greatly concerned and while thou hast brought us hither to offer up our zealous about his worship. So Samuel the pro- prayers and sacrifices, and take oaths [to be phet, seeing how ready they were to do their duty, obedient], our enemies are making an expedition thought this a proper time to speak to them, while against us, while we are naked and unarmed; they were in this good disposition, about the re- wherefore we have no other hope of deliverance but covery of their liberty, and of the blessings that that by thy means, and by the assistance God shall accompanied the same. Accordingly he used such afford us upon thy prayers to him, we shall obwords to them as he thought were most likely to tain deliverance from the Philistines." Hereu-pon excite that inclination, and to persuade them to Samuel bade them be of good cheer, and promised attempt it: " 0 you Israelites," said he, " to whom them that God would assist them; and taking a the Philistines are still grievous enemies, but to sucking lamb, he sacrificed it for the multitude, whom God begins to be gracious, it behoves you and besought God to hold his protecting hand over not only to be desirous of liberty, but to take the them when they should fight with the Philistines, proper methods to obtain it. Nor are you to be and not to overlook them, nor suffer them to come contented with an inclination to get clear of your under a second misfortune. Accordingly God * These seventy men, being not so much as Levites, touch- other copies come to add such an incredible number as fifty ed the ark in a rash or profane manner, and were slain by the thousand in this one town, or small city, I know not. See Dr. hand of God for such their rashness and profaneness, accord- Wall's Critical Notes on 1 Sam. vi. 19 ing to the Divine threatenings, Numb. iv. 15, 20; but how our 174 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox VI. hearkened to his prayers, and accepting their sacrifice with a gracious intention, and such as was dis- CHAPTER III. posed to assist them, he granted them victory and power over their enemies. Now while the altar HOW SAMUEL, WHEN HE WAS SO INFIRM WITH OLD had the sacrifice of God upon it, and had not yet AGE THAT HE COULD NOT TAKE CARE OF THE consumed it wholly by its sacred fire, the enemy's PUBLIC AFFAIRS, INTRUSTED THEM TO HIS SONS; AND HOW, UPON THE EVIL ADMINISTRATION OF army marched out of their camp, and was put in AND OW, UPON THE EVIL ADMISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT BY THEM, THE MULTITUDE order of battle, and this in hope that they should WERE SO ANGRY, THAT THEY REQUIRED TO HAVE be conquerors, since the Jews * were caught in dis- A KING TO GOVERN THEM, ALTHOUGH SAMUEL tressed circumstances, as neither having their wea- WAS MUCH DISPLEASED THEREAT. pons with them, nor being assembled there in order to fight. But things so fell out, that they would 1. BuT Samuel the prophet, when he had orhardly have been credited though they had been dered the affairs of the people after a convenient foretold by any body: for, in the first place, God manner, and had appointed a city for every district disturbed their enemies with an earthquake, and of them, he commanded them to come to such cities, moved the ground under them to such a degree, to have the controversies that they had one with that he caused it to tremble, and made them to another determined in them, he himself going over shake, insomuch that by its trembling, he made those cities twice in a year, and doing them justice; some unable to keep their feet, and made them fall and by that means he kept them in very good order down, and by opening its chasms, he caused that for a long time. others should be hurried down into them; after 2. But afterwards he found himself oppressed which he caused such a noise of thunder to come with old age, and not able to do what he used to among them, and made fiery lightning shine so ter- do, so he committed the government and the care ribly round about them, that it was ready to burn of the multitude to his sons,-the elder of whom their faces; and he so suddenly shook their wea- was called Joel, and the name of the younger was pons out of their hands, that he made them fly and Abiah. He also enjoined them to reside and judge return home naked. So Samuel with the multi- the people, the one at the city of Bethel, and the tude pursued them to Bethcar, a place so called; other at Beersheba, and divided the people into and there he set up a stone as a boundary of their districts that should be under the jurisdiction of victory and their enemies' flight, and called it the each of them. Now these men afford us an eviStone of Porver, as a signal of that power God dent example and demonstration how some children had given them against their enemies. are not of the like dispositions with their parents; 3. So the Philistines, after this stroke, made no but sometimes perhaps good and moderate, though more expeditions against the Israelites, but lay still born of wicked parents; and sometimes showing out of fear, and out of remembrance of what had thenlselves to be wicked, though born of good befallen them; and what courage the Philistines parents: for these men turning aside from their had formerly against the Hebrews, that, after this father's good courses, and taking a course that was victory, was transferred to the Hebrews. Samuel contrary to them, perverted justice for the filthy also made an expedition against the Philistines, and lucre of gifts and bribes, and made their deterslew many of them, and entirely humbled their minations not according to truth, but according to proud hearts, and took from them that country, bribery, and turned aside to luxury, and a costly which, when they were formerly conquerors in bat- way of living; so that as, in the first place, they tle, they had cut off from the Jews, which was the practised what was contrary to the will of God, so country that extended from the borders of Gath to did they, in the second place, what was conthe city of Ekron: but the remains of the Canaanites trary to the will of the prophet their father, who were at this time in friendship with the Israelites. had taken a great deal of care, and made a very careful provision that the multitude should be righteous. 3. But the people, upon these injuries offered to their former constitution and government by the prophet's sons, were very uneasy at their actions, and came running to the prophet, who then lived at * This is the first place, so far as I remember, in these An- Hebrews or Israelites. The second place soon follows; see tiquities, where Josephus begins to call his nation Jews, he also ch. iii. sect. 5. having hitherto usually, if not constantly, called them either CHAP. III. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 175 the city Ramah, and informed him of the transgres- money. They will also appoint your daughters to sions of his sons; and said, That as he was him- be confectioners, and cooks, and bakers; and these self old already, and too infirm by that age of his will be obliged to do all sorts of work which women to oversee their affairs in the manner he used to do, slaves, that are in fear of stripes and torments, subso they begged of him, and entreated him, to ap- mit to. They will, besides this, take away your point some person to be king over them, who might possessions, and bestow them upon their eunuchs, rule over the nation, and avenge them of the Phi- and the guards of their bodies, and will give the listines, who ought to be punished for their former herds of your cattle to their own servants: and to oppressions. These words greatly afflicted Samuel, say briefly all at once, you, and all that is yours, on account of his innate love of justice, and his will be servants to your king, and will become no hatred to kingly government, for he was very fond way superior to his slaves; and when you suffer of an aristocracy, as what made the men that used thus, you will thereby be put in mind of what I it of a divine and happy disposition; nor could now say. And when you repent of what you have he either think of eating or sleeping, out of his done, you will beseech God to have mercy upon concern and torment of mind at what they had said, you, and to grant you a quick deliverance from but all the night long did he continue awake and your kings; but he will not accept your prayers, revolved these notions in his mind. but will neglect you, and permit you to suffer the 4. While he was thus disposed, God appeared to punishment your evil conduct has deserved." him, and comforted him, saying, That he ought not 6. But the multitude was still so foolish as to be to be uneasy at what the multitude desired, because deaf to these predictions of what would befall them; it was not he, but Himself whom they so insolent- and too peevish to suffer a determination which ly despised, and would not have to be alone their they had injudiciously once made, to be taken out king; that they had been contriving these things of their mind; for they could not be turned from from the very day that they came out of Egypt; their purpose, nor did they regard the words of that however in no long time they would sorely re- Samuel, but peremptorily insisted on their resolupent of what they did, which repentance yet could tion, and desired him to ordain them a king immenot undo what was thus done for futurity; that they diately, and not trouble himself with fears of what would be sufficiently rebuked for their contempt, would happen hereafter, for that it was necessary and the ungrateful conduct they have used towards they should have with them one to fight their battles, me, ard towards thy prophetic office. "So I cornm- and to avenge them of their enemies, and that it mand thee to ordain them such a one as I shall was no way absurd, when their neighbours were name beforehand to be their king, when thou hast under kingly government, that they should have first described what mischiefs kingly government the same form of government also. So when will bring upon them, and openly testified before Samuel saw that what he had said had not diverted them into what a great change of affairs they are them from their purpose, but that they continued hasting." resolute, he said, " Go you every one home for the 5. When Samuel had heard this, he called the present; when it is fit I will send for you, as soon Jews early in the morning, and confessed to them as I shall have learned from God who it is that he that he was to ordain them a king; but he said that will give you for your king." he was first to describe to them what would follow, what treatment they would receive from their kings, and with how many mischiefs they must struggle. " For know ye," said he, " that, in the first place, they will take your sons away from you, and they CHAPTER IV. will command some of them to be drivers of their THE APPOINTMENT OF A KING OVER THIE ISRAELITES, chariots, and some to be their horsemen, and the WHOSE NAME WAS SAUL; AND THIS BY THE COMWHOSE NAME WAS SAUL; AND THIS BY THE COMguards of their body, and others of them to be MAND OF GOD. runners before them, and captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; they will also make them 1. TnaEE was one of the tribe of Benjamin, a man their artificers, makers of armour, and of chariots, of a good family, and of a virtuous disposition; his and of instruments; they will make them their hus- name was Kish. He had a son, a young man of a bandmen also, and the curators of their own fields, comely countenance, and of a tall body, but his and the diggers of their own vineyards; nor will understanding and his mind were preferable to what there be any thing which they will not do at their was visible in him: they called him Saul. Now commands, as if they were slaves bought with this Kish had some fine she-asses that were wan 176 ANTIQUITIES OF' THE JEWVS. BOOK VI. dered out of the pasture wherein they fed, for he was small to have -kings made out of it, and of a family more delighted with these than with any other cattle smaller than several other families; but thou tellest lie had; so he sent out his son, and one servant me this in jest, and makest me an object of laughwith him, to search for the beasts; but when he ter, when thou discoursest with me of greater had gone over his own tribe in search after the asses, matters than what I stand in need of." However, he went to other tribes, and when he found them the prophet led him in to the feast, and made him not there neither, he determined to go his way sit down, him and his servant that followed him, home, lest he should occasion any concern to his above the other guests that were invited, which were father about himself: But when his servant that seventy in number;t and he gave orders to the servfollowed him told him as they were near the city of ants to set the royal portion before Saul. And Ramah, that there was a true prophet in that city, when the time of going to bed was come, the rest and advised him to go to him, for that by him they rose up, and every one of them went home; but should know the upshot of the affair of their asses, Saul staid with the prophet, he and his servant, and he replied, That if they should go to him, they had slept with him. nothing to give him as a reward for his prophecy, 2. Now as soon as it was day, Samuel raised up for their subsistence money was spent. The servant Saul out of his bed, and conducted him homeward; answered, that he had still the fourth part of a and when he was out of the city, he desired him shekel, and he would present him with that; for to cause his servant to go before, but to stay behind they were mistaken out of ignorance, as not know- himself, for that he had somewhat to say to him ing that the prophet received no such reward.` So when nobody else was present. Accordingly, Saul they went to him; and when they were before the sent away his servant that followed him; then did gates, they lit upon certain maidens that were going the prophet take a vessel of oil, and poured it upon to fetch water, and they asked them which was the the head of the young man, and kissed him, and prophet's house. They showed them which it was; said, " Be thou a king, by the ordination of God, and bid them make haste before he sat down to against the Philistines, and for avenging the Hesupper, for he had invited many guests to a feast, brews for what they have suffered by them; of this and that he used to sit down before those that were thou shalt have a sign, which I would have thee invited. Now Samuel had then gathered many to- take notice of: —As soon as thou art departed hence, gether to feast with him on this very account; for thou will find three men upon the road, going to while he every day prayed to God to tell him be- worship God at Bethel; the first of whom thou forehand whom he would make king, he had in- wilt see carrying three loaves of bread, the second formed him of this man the day before, for that he carrying a kid of the goats, and the third will folwould send hint a certain young man out of the low them carrying a bottle of wine. These three tribe of Benjamin about this hour of the day; and men will salute thee, and speak kindly to thee, and he sat on the top of the house in expectation of that will give thee two of their loaves, which thou shalt time's being come. And when the time was com- accept of. And thence thou shalt come to a place pleted, he came down and went to supper; so he called Rachel's Monumnent where thou shalt meet met with Saul, and God discovered to him that this with those that will tell thee thy asses are found; was he who should rule over them. Then Saul after this, when thou comest to Gabatha, thou shalt went up to Samuel and saluted him, and desired overtake a company of prophets, and thou shalt be him to inform him which was the prophet's house; seized with the Divine Spirit,+| and prophesy along for he said he was a stranger and did not know it. with them, till every one that sees thee shall be WVhen Samuel had told him that he himself was astonished, and wonder, and say, WVhence is it that the person, he led him in to supper, and assured the son of Kish has arrived at this degree of haphim that the asses were found which he had been piness? And when these signs have happened to to seek, and that the greatest of good things were thee, know that God is with thee; then do thou assured to him: he replied, " I am too inconsider- salute thy father and thy kindred. Thou shalt also able to hope for any such thing, and of a tribe too come when I send for thee to Gilgal, that we may * Of this great mistake of Saul and his servant, as if a that he was to act not like a sole monarch, but with the advice true prophet of God would accept of a gift or present, for fore- and direction of these seventy-one members of that Jewish telling what was desired of him, see the note on B. IV. ch. vi. sanhedrim upon all occasions, which yet we never read that sect. 3. he consulted afterward. t It seems to me not improbable that these seventy guests + An instance of this Divine fury we have after this in Saul, of Samuel, as here, with himself at the head of them, were a ch. v. sect. 2, 3; 1 Sam. xi. 6. See the like, Judg. iii. 10; Jewish sanhedrim, and that hereby Samuel intimated to Saul vi. 34; xi. 29; xiii. 25; and xiv. 6. ~hat these seventy-one were to be his constant couflsellors, and CHAP. IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 177 offer thank-offerings to God for these blessings." thought that he willii;gly took the government upon When Samuel had said this, and foretold these him; nay, he showed such a degree of command things, he sent the young man away. Now all over himself, and of modesty, that while the greatthings fell out to Saul according to the prophecy of est part are not able to contain their joy, even in Samuel. the gaining of small advantages, but presently show 3. But as soon as Saul came into the house of themselves publicly to all men, this man did not his kinsman Abner, whom indeed he loved better only show nothing of that nature, when he was apthan the rest of his relations, he was asked by h-im| pointed to be the lord of so many and so great tribes, concerning his journey, and what accidents hap- but crept away and concealed himself out of the pened to him therein; and he concealed none of sight of those he was to reign over, and made them the other things from him, no, not his coming to seek him, and that with a good deal of trouble. So Samuel the prophet, nor how he told him the asses when the people were at a loss, and solicitous, be. were found; but he said nothing to him about the cause Saul disappeared, the prophet besought God kingdom, and what belonged thereto, which he to show where the young man was, and to produce thought would procure him envy, and when such him before them. So when they had learned of things are heard, they are not easily believed; nor God the place where Saul was hidden, they sent did he think it prudent to tell those things to him, men to bring him; and when he was come, they although he appeared very friendly to him, and one set him in the midst of the multitude. Now he was whom he loved above the rest of his relations, con- taller than any of them, and his stature was very sidering, I suppose, what human nature really is, majestic. that no one is a firm friend, neither among our inti- 6. Then said the prophet, " God gives you this mates, nor of our kindred; nor do they preserve man to be your king: see how he is higher than that kind disposition when God advances men to Iany of the people, and worthy of this dominion." great prosperity, but they are still ill-natured and So as soon as the people had made acclamation, envious at those that are in eminent stations. God save the king, the prophet wrote down what 4. Then Samuel called the people together to the would come to pass in a book, and read it in the city Mizpeh, and spake to them in the words follow- hearing of the king, and laid up the book in the taing, which he said he was to speak by the command bernacle of God, to be a witness to future generaof God: —That when he had granted them a state tions of what he had foretold. So when Samuel had of liberty, and brought their enemies into subjec- finished this matter, he'dismissed the multitude, tion, they were become unmindful of his benefits, and came himself to the city Ramah, for it was his and rejected God that he should not be their King, own country. Saul also went away to Gibeah, as not considering that it would be most for their where he was born; and many good men there were advantage to be presided over by the best of beings, who paid him the respect that was due to him; but for God is the best of beings, and they chose to the greater part were ill men, whilo despised him have a man for their king; while kings will use I and derided the others, who neither did bring him their subjects as beasts, according to the violence presents, nor did they in affection, or even inwords, of their own wills and inclinations, and other pas- regard to please him. sions, as wholly carried away with the lust of power, but will not endeavour so to preserve the race of manlkind as his own workmanship and creation, which, for that very reason, God would take care of: "But since you have come to a fixed resolu- CHAPTER V. tion, and this injurious treatment of God has quite SAUL'S,EXPEDITION AGAINST THE NATION OF THE prevailed over you, dispose yourselves by your AMONITES, AND VCO OVE THEM, AND THE AMIOX IT~S, AN'D VICTORY OVER Tt1EM, AND THE tribes and sceptres, and cast lots." sPO1LS HE TOOK FROM THEM. 5. When the Hebrews had so done, the lot fell upon the tribe of Benjamin; and when the lot was 1. ArTER one month, the war which Saul had cast for the families of this tribe, that which was with Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, obtained called Matri was taken; and when thelotwas cast lhim respect from all the people; for this Nafor the single persons of that family, Saul, the son hash had done a great deal of mischief to the Jews of Kish, was taken for their king. When the young that lived beyond Jordan by the expedition he had man knew this, he prevented [their sending for made against them with a great and warlike army. himl, and immediately went away and hid himself. He also reduced their cities into slavery, and that I suppose that it was because he would not have it not only by subduing them for the present, which 2 a 178 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BOOK VI. he did by force and violence, but by weakening that the sun upon its rising might see that they had them by subtlety and cunning, that they might not already conquered, and were freed from the fears be able afterward to get clear of the slavery they they were under: but he bid some of them stay to were under to him; for he put out the right eyes * conduct them the right way to Jabesh. of those that either delivered themselves to him 3. So being desirous to turn the people to this upon terms, or were taken by him in war; and this war against the Ammonites by fear of the losses he did, that when their left eyes were covered by they should otherwise undergo, and that they might their shields, they might be wholly useless in war. the more suddenly be gathered together, he cut the, Now when the king of the Ammonites had served sinews of his oxen, and threatened to do the same those beyond Jordan in this manner, he led his to all such as did not come with their armour to army against those that were called Gileadites; Jordan the next day, and follow him and Samuel and having pitched his camp at the metropolis of the prophet whithersoever they should lead them. his enemies, which was the city of Jabesh, he sent So they came together, out of fear of, the losses they ambassadors to them, commanding them either to were threatened with, at the appointed time. And deliver themselves up, on condition to have their the multitude were numbered at the city Bezek. right eyes plucked out, or to undergo a siege, and And he found the number of those that were to have their cities overthrown. He gave them gathered together, besides that of the tribe of their choice, whether they would cut off a small Judah, to be seven hundred thousand, while those member of their body, or universally perish. How- of that tribe were seventy thousand. So he passed ever, the Gileadites were so affrighted at these over Jordan, and proceeded in marching all that offers, that they had not courage to say any thing night, thirty furlongs, and caine to Jabesh before to either of them, neither that they would deliver sun-rising. So he divided the army into three comthemselves up, nor that they would fight him. But panies; and fell upon their enemies on every side they desired that he would give them seven days' on the sudden, and when they expected no such respite, that they might send ambassadors to their thing; and joining battle with them, they slew a countrymen, and entreat their assistance; and if great many of the Ammonites, as also their king they came to assist them, they would fight; but if Nahash. This glorious action was done by Saul, that assistance were impossible to be obtained from and was related with great commendation of him to them, they said they would deliver themselves up all the Hebrews; and he thence gained a wonderful to suffer whatever he pleased to inflict upon them. reputation for his valoulr: for although there were 2. So Nahash, contemning the multitude of the some of them that contemned him before, they now Gileadites and the answer they gave, allowed them changed their minds, and honoured him, and esteema respite, and gave them leave to send to whomso- ed him as the best of men: for he did not conever they pleased for assistance. So they imme- tent himself with having saved the inhabitants of diately sent to the Israelites, city by city, and in- Jabesh only, but he made an expedition into the formed them what Nahash had threatened to do to country of the Ammonites, and laid it all waste, and them, and what great distress they were in. Now took a large prey, and so returned to his own country the people fell into tears and grief at the hearing of most gloriously. So the people were greatly pleased what the ambassadors from Jabesh said; and the at these excellent performances of Saul, and rejoiced terror they were in permitted them to do nothing that they had constituted him their king. They also more. But when the messengers were come to the made a clamour against those that pretended he city of king Saul, and declared the dangers in which would be of no advantage to their affairs; and they the inhabitants of Jabesh were, the people were in said, WVhere now are these men?-let them be the same affliction as those in the other cities, for brought to punishment, with all the like things that they lamented the calamity of those related to them. multitudes usually say when they are elevated with And when Saul was returned from his husbandry prosperity, against those that lately had despised iinto the city, he found his fellow citizens weeping; the authors of it. But Saul, although he took the and when, upon inquiry, he had learned the cause good-will and the affection of these men very of the confusion and sadness they were in, he was kindly, yet did he swear that he would not see,seized with a divine fury, and sent away the ambas- any of his countrymen slain that day, since it was sadors from the inhabitants of Jabesh, and pro- absurd to mix this victory, which God had given Mised them to come to their assistance on the third them, with the blood and slaughter of those that,day, and to beat their enemies before sun-rising, were of the same lineage with themselves; and * Take here Theodoret's note, cited by Dr. Hudson:-" He hides his left eye, and looks at the enemy with his right eye: he that, e:poses nhi. shield to the enemy with his left hafid, thereby therefore that plucks out that eye, makes men useless in war." CHamP. V. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 179 that it was more agreeable to be men of a friendly self, upon the prayers of our fathers, sent Moses disposition, and so to betake themselves to feasting. and Aaron, who were brethren, and gave them 4. And when Samuel had told them that he ought power to deliver the multitude out of their distress, to confirm the kingdom to Saul by a second ordina- and this without a king. These brought us into tion of him, they all came together to the city of this very land -which you now possess: and when Gilgal, for thither did he command them to come. you enjoyed these advantages from God, you So the prophet anointed Saul with the holy oil in betrayed his worship and religion; nay, moreover, the sight of the multitude, and declared him to be when you were brought under the hands of your king the second time. And so the government of enemies, he delivered you, first by rendering you the Hebrews was changed into a regal government; superior to the Assyrians and their forces, he then for in the days of Moses, and his disciple Joshua, made you to overcome the Ammonites and the who was their general, they continued under an Moabites, and last of all the Philistines; and these aristocracy; but after the death of Joshua, for things have been achieved under the conduct of eighteen years in all, the multitude had no settled Jephtha and Gideon.,lWhat madness therefore form of government, but were in an anarchy; after possessed you to fly from God, and to desire to be which they returned to their former government, under a king? —yet have I ordained him for king they then permitting themselves to be judged by whom he chose for you. 1however, that I may him who appeared to be the best warrior and most make it plain to you that God is angry and discourageous, whence it was that they called this in- pleased at your choice of kingly government, I will terval of their government the Judges. so dispose him that he shall declare this very plainly 5. Then did Samuel the prophet call another to you by strange signals; for what none of you assembly also, and. said to them, " I solemnly adjure ever saw here before, I mean a winter storm in the you by God Almighty, who brought those excellent midst of harvest,* I will entreat of God, and will make brethren, I mean -Moses and Aaron, into the world, it visible to you." Now, as soon as he had said and delivered our fathers from the Egyptians, and this, God gave such great signals by thunder and from the slavery they endured under them, that you lightning, and the descent of hail, as attested the will not speak what you say to gratify me, nor sup- truth of all that the prophet had said, insomuch that press any thing out of fear of me, nor be overborne they were amazed and terrified, and confessed they by any other passion, but say, What have I ever had sinned, and had fallen into that sin through done that was cruel or unjust? or what have I done ignorance; and besought the prophet, as one that out of lucre or covetousness, or to gratify others? was a tender and gentle father to them, to render Bear witness against me, if I have taken an ox or God so merciful as to forgive this their sin, which a sheep, or any such thing, which yet when they they had added to those other offences whereby are taken to support men, it is esteemed blameless; they had affronted him and transgressed against or have I taken an ass for mine own use of any one him. So he promised them that he would beseech to his grief?-lay some one such crime to my charge, God, and persuade him to forgive them these their now we are in your king's presence." But they sins. However, he advised them to be righteous, cried out, that no such thing had been done by him, and to be good, and ever to rememlber the miseries but that he had presided over the nation after a that had befallen them on account of their departure holy and righteous manner. from virtue: as also to remember the strange signs 6. Hereupon Samuel, when such a testimony had God had shown them, and the body of laws that been given him by them all, said, " Since you grant Moses had given them, if they had any desire of that you are not able to lay any ill thing to my being preserved and made happy with their king. charge hitherto, come on now, and do you hearken But hie said, that if they should grow careless of while I speak with great freedom to you. You these things, great judgments would come from have been guilty of great impiety against God, in God upon them, and upon their king. And when asking you a king. It behoves you to remember, Samuel had thus prophesied to the Hebrews, he that our grandfather Jacob came down into Egypt, dismissed them to their own homes, having confirmed by reason of a famine, with seventy souls only of the kingdom to Saul the second time. our family, and that their posterity multiplied there to many ten thousands, whom the Egyptians brought into slavery and hard oppression; that God him* Mr. Reland observes here, and proves elsewhere in his and Syria they are chiefly confined to winter. Josephus takes note on Antiq. B. III. ch. i. sect. 6, that although thunder and notice of the same thing again, War, B. IV. ch. iv. sect. 5. lightning with us usually happen in summer, yet in Palestine 180 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BOOK VI. a battle with them. But when the people about CHAPTER VI. Saul observed how numerous the Philistines were, they were under a great consternation; and some of them hid themselves in caves and in dens under flOW THE PHI.ISTINES MADE ANOTHER EXPEDITION AGAINST THE HEBREWS, AND WERE BEATEN. ground, but the greater part fled into the land beyond Jordan, which belonged to Gad and Reuben. 1. Now Saul chose out of the multitude about 2. But Saul sent to the prophet, and called him three thousand men, and he took two thousand of to consult with him about the war and the public them to be the guards of his own body, and abode affairs; so he commanded him to stay there for him, in the city Bethel, but he gave the rest of them to and to prepare sacrifices, for he would come to him Jonathan his son, to be the guards of his body; and within seven days, that they might offer sacrifices sent him to Gibeah, where he besieged and took a on the seventh day, and might then join battle with certain garrison of the Philistines, not far from their enemies. So he waited,* as the prophet sent Gilgal; for the Philistines of Gibeah had beaten to him to do; yet did not he, however, observe the the Jews, and taken their weapons away, and had command that was given him, but when he saw that put garrisons into the strongest places of the coun- the prophet tarried longer than he expected, and try, and had forbidden them to carry any instru- that he was deserted by the soldiers, he took thle ment of iron, or at all to make use of any iron in any sacrifices and offered them; and when he heard that case whatsoever. And on account of this prohibi- Samuel was come, he went out to meet him. But tion it was that the husbandmen, if they had the prophet said he had not done well in disobeying occasion to sharpen any of their tools, whether it the injunctions he had sent to him, and had not were the coulter or the spade, or any instrument of staid till his coming, which being appointed accordhusbandry, they came to the Philistines to do it. ing to the will of God, he had prevented him ill Now as soon as the Philistines heard of this offering up those prayers and those sacrifices that slaughter of their garrison, they were in a rage he should have made for the multitude, and that about it, and, looking on this contempt as a terrible he therefore had performed Divine offices in an ill affront offered them, they made war against the manner, and had been rash in performing them. Jews, with three hundred thousand footmen, and Hereupon Saul made an apology for himself, and thirtv thousand chariots, and six thousand horses; said that he had waited as many days as Samuel and they pitched their camp at the city Mich- had appointed him; that he had been so quick in mash. When Saul, the king of the Hebrews, was offering his sacrifices, upon account of the necessity informed of this, he went down to the city Gilgal, he was in, and because his soldiers were departing and made proclamation over all the country, that from him, out of their fear of the enemy's camp at they should try to regain their liberty; and called Michmash, the report being gone abroad that they them to the war against the Philistines, diminishing were coming down upon him to Gilgal. To which their forces, and despising them as not very con- Samuel replied, " Nay, certainly, if thou hadst been siderable, and as not so great but they might hazard a righteous man,t and hadst not disobeyed me, nor * Saul seems to have staid till near the time of the evening other kings in some degree of obedience to himself; nor was sacrifice, on the seventh day, which Samuel the prophet of God even this severity sufficient to restrain most of the future kings had appointed him, but not till the end of that day, as he ought of Israel and Judah from the grossest idolatry and impiety. to have done; and Samuel appears, by delaying to come to the Of the advantage of which strictness, in the observing Divine full time of the evening sacrifice on that seventh day, to have laws, and inflicting their threatened penalties, see Antiq. B. tried him (who seems to have been already for some time de- VI. ch. xii. sect. 7; and Against Apion, B. II. sect. 30, where dining from his strict and bounden subordination to God and Josephus speaks of that matter; though it must be noted that his prophet; to have taken life-guards for himself and his son, it seems, at least in three instances, that good men did not al. which was entirely a new thing in Israel, and savoured of a dis- ways immediately approve of such Divine severity. There trust of God's providence; and to have affected more than he seems to be one instance, 1 Sam. vi. 19, 20; another, 1 Sam. ought that independent authority which the pagan kings took xv. 11; and a third, 2 Sam. vi. 8, 9; Antiq. B. VI. ch. vii. to themselves); Samuel, I say, seems to have here tried Saul, sect. 2; though they all at last acquiesced in the Divine conwhether he would stay till the priest came, who alone could duct, as knowing that God is wiser than men. lawfully offer the sacrifices, nor would boldly and profanely + By this answer of Samuel, and that from a Divine conrusurp the priest's office, which he venturing upon, was justly mission, which is fuller in I Sam. xiii. 14, and by that parallel rejected for his profaneness. See Apost. Constit. B. II. ch. note in the Apostolical Constitutions just now quoted, concernxxvii. And, indeed, since Saul had accepted kingly power, ing the great wickedness of Saul in venturing, even under a which naturally becomes ungovernable and tyrannical, as God seeming necessity of affairs, to usurp the priest's office, and foretold, and the experience of all ages has shown, the Divine offer sacrifice without the priest, we are in some degree able settlement by Mloses had soon been laid aside under the kings, to answer that question, which I have ever thought a very hard had not God, by keeping strictly to his laws, and severely exe- one, viz. Whether, if there were a city or country of lay cuting the threatenings therein contained, restrained Saul and Christians without any clergymen, it were lawful for the laity CUar. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 181 slighted the commands which God suggested to me they said one to another, " The Hebrews come out concerning the present state of affairs, and hadst not of their dens and caves:". and they said to Jonathan acted more hastily than the present circumstances and to his armour-bearer, " Come on, ascend up to required, thou wouldst have been permitted to reign us, that we may inflict a just punishment upon you, a long time, and thy posterity after thee." So for your rash attempt upon us." So Saul's son acSamuel, being grieved at what happened, returned cepted of that invitation, as what signified to him home; but Saul came to the city Gibeah, with his victory, and he immediately came out of the place son Jonathan, having only six hundred men with whence they were seen by their enemies: so he him; and of these the greater part had no weapons, changed his place, and came to the rock, which had because of the scarcity of iron in that country, as none to guard it, because of its own strength; from well as of those that could make such weapons; for, thence they crept up with great labour and difficulty, as we showed a little before, the Philistines had not and so fiar overcame by force the nature of the place, suffered them to have such iron or such workmen. till they were able to fight with their enemies. So Now the Philistines divided their army into three they fell upon them as they were asleep, and slew companies, and took as many roads, and laid waste about twenty of them, and thereby filled them with the country of the Hlebrews, while king Saul and his disorder and surprise, insomuch that some of them son Jonathan saw what was done, but were not able threw away their entire armour and fed; but the to defend the land, having no more than six hundred greatest part, not knowing one another, because they men with them. But as he, and his son, and Abiah were of different nations, suspected one another to the high priest, who was of the posterity of Eli be enemies, (for they did not imagine- there were the high priest, were sitting upon a pretty high only two of the Hebrews that came up,) and so hill, and seeing the land laid waste, they were they fought one against another; and some of them mightily disturbed at it. Now Saul's son agreed died in the battle, and some, as they were flying with his armour-bearer, that they would go privately away, were thrown down fiom the rock headlong. to the enemy's camp, and make a tumult and a 3. Now Saul's watchmen told the king that the disturbance among them. And when the armour- camp of the Philistines was in confusion; then he bearer had readily promised to follow him whither- inquired whether any body was gone away from the soever he should lead him, though he should be army; and when he heard that his son, and with obliged to die in the attempt, Jonathan made use him his armour-bearer, were absent, he bade the of the young man's assistance, and descended from high priest take the garments of his high priestthe hill, and went to their enemies. Now the hood, and prophesy to him what success they should enemy's camp was upon a precipice which had three have; who said that they should get the victory, tops, that ended in a small but sharp and long ex- and prevail against their enemies. So he went out tremity, while there was a rock that surrounded after the Philistines, and set upon them as they them, like lines made to prevent the attacks of an were slaying one another. Those also who had enemy. There it so happened, that the out-guards fled to dens and caves, upon hearing that Saul was of the camp were neglected, because of the security gaining a victory, came running to him. When, that here arose from the situation of the place, and therefore, the number of the Hebrews that came to because they thought it altogether impossible, not Saul amounted to about ten thousand, he pursued only to ascend up to the camp on that quarter, but the enemy, who were scattered all over the country; so much as to come near it. As soon, therefore, as but then he fell into an action, which was a very they came to the camp, Jonathan encouraged his unhappy one, and liable to be -very much blamed; armour-bearer, and said to him, " Let us attack for, whether out of ignorance, or whether out of joy our enemies; and if, when they see us, they bid us for a victory gained so strangely, (for it frequently come up to them, take that for a signal of victory; happens that persons so fortunate are not then able but if they say nothing, as not intending to invite to use their reason consistently,) as he was desirous us to come up, let us return back again." So when to avenge himself, and to exact a due punishment they were approaching to the enemy's camp, just of the Philistines, he denounced a curse *- upon the after break of day, and the Philistines saw them, Hebrews: That if any one put a stop to his slaughter alone to baptize, or celebrate the eucharist, &c., or indeed book of the Apostolical Constitutions, which peculiarly concer. whether they alone could ordain themselves either bishops. the laity, and are intimated in Clement's undoubted epis. priests, or deacons, for the due performance of such sacerdotal sect. 40. To which latter opinion I incline. ministrations; or whether they ought not rather, till they pro- * This rash vow or curse of Saul, which Josephus says wa cure clergymen to come among them, to confine themselves confirmed by the people, and yet not executed, I suppose within those bounds of piety and Christianity which belong alone principally because Jonathan did not know of it, is very reto the laity; such particularly as are recommended in the first markable; it being of the essence of the obligation of all laws, 182 ANTIQUITIES OF TILE JE~WS. BooK VI. of the enemy, and fell on eating, and left off the us in his answer. To be sure there is some sin slaughter or the pursuit before the night came on, against him that is concealed from us, which is the and obliged them so to do, he should be accursed. occasion of his silence. Now I swear by him himNow after Saul had denounced this curse, since self, that though he that hath committed this sin they were now in a wood belonging to the tribe of should prove to be my own son Jonathan, I will Ephraim, which was thick and full of bees, Saul's slay him, and by that means will appease the anger son, who did not hear his father denounce that of God against us, and that in the very same mancurse, nor hear of the approbation the multitude ner as if I were to punish a stranger, and one not gave to it, broke off a piece of a honey-comb, and at all related to me, for the same offence." So when ate part of it. But, in the mean time, he was in- the multitude cried out to him so to do, he preformed with what a curse his father had forbidden sently set all the rest on one side, and he and his them to taste any thing before sun-setting: so he son stood on the other side, and he sought to disleft off eating, and said his father had not done well cover the offender by lot. Now the lot appeared to in this prohibition, because, had they taken some fall upon Jonathan himself. So when he was asked food, they had pursued the enemy with greater by his father what sin he had been guilty of, and vigour and alacrity, and had both taken and slain what he was conscious of in the course of his life that many more of their enemies. might be esteemed instances of guilt or profaneness, 4. When, therefore, they had slain many ten his answer was this, " O father, I have done nothing thousands of the Philistines, they fell upon spoiling more than that yesterday, without knowing of the the camp of the Philistines, but not till late in the curse and oath thou hadst denounced, while I was evening. They also took a great deal of prey and in pursuit of the enemy, I tasted of a honey-comb." cattle, and killed them, and ate them with their But Saul sware that he would slay him, and prefer blood. This was told to the king by the scribes, the observation of his oath before all the ties of that the multitude were sinning against God as birth and of nature. And Jonathan was tiot disthey sacrificed, and were eating before the blood mayed at this threatening of death, but, offering was well washed away, and the flesh was made himself to it generously and undauntedly, lie said, clean. Then did Saul give order that a great stone " Nor do I desire you, father, to spare me: death should be rolled into the midst of them, and he will be to me very acceptable, when it proceeds made proclamation that they should kill their sacri- from thy piety, and after a glorious ictory y; for it fices upon it, and not feed upon the flesh with the is the greatest consolation to me that I leave the blood, for that was not acceptable to God. And Hebrews victorious over the Philistines." Herewhen all the people did as the king commanded upon all the people were very sorry, and greatly them, Saul erected an altar there, and offered burnt- afflicted for Jonathan; and they sware that they offerings upon it to God.* This was the first altar would not overlook Jonathan, and see him die, who that Saul built. was the author of their victory. By which means 5. So when Saul was desirous of leading his they snatched him out of thle danger he was in from men to the enemy's camp before it was day, in order his father's curse, while they made their prayers to to plunder it, and when the soldiers were not un- God also for the young man, that he would remit willing to follow him, but indeed showed great his sin. readiness to do as he commanded them, the king 6. So Saul, having slain about sixty thousand of called Abitub the high priest, and enjoined him to the enemy, returned home to his own city, and know of God whether he would grant them the reigned happily: and he also fought against the favour and permission'to go against the enemy's neighbouring nations, and subdued the Ammonites, camp, in order to destroy those that were in it. and MIoabites, and Philistines, and Edomites, and And when the priest said that God did not give any Amalekites, as also the king of Zobah. Ile had answer, Saul replied, " And not without some three male children, Jonathan, and Isui, and ielcause does God refuse to answer what we inquire of chishua; with Merab and Michal his daughters. him, while yet a little while ago he declared to us He had also Abner, his uncle's son, for the captain all that we desired beforehand, and even prevented of his host: that uncle's name was Ner. Now Ner, that they be sufficiently known and promulgated, otherwise the of despotic power, and of his entrenching upon the priesthood, ~onduct of Providence, as to the sacredness of solemn oaths and making and endeavouring to execute a rash vow or curse, ana vows, in God's refusing to answer by Urim till this breach without consulting Samuel or the sanhedrim. In this view it of Saul's vow or curse was understood and set right, and God is also that I look upon this erection of a new altar by Saul, propitiated by public prayer, is here very remarkable, as in- and his offering of burnt-offerings himself upon it, and not as deed it is every where else in the Old Testament. any proper instance of devotion or religion, with other comrn a Here we have still more indications of Saul's affectation mentators. CxrP. VII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 183 and Kish the father of Saul, were brothers. Saul raelites, besides the tribe of Judah, for that tribe had also a great many chariots and horsemen, and contained by itself thirty thousand. Accordingly, against whomsoever he made war he returned con- Saul made an irruption into the country of the queror, and advanced the affairs of the Hebrews to Amalekites, and set many men in several parties in a great degree of success and prosperity, and made ambush at the river, that so he might not only do them superior to other nations; and he made such them a mischief by open fighting, but might fall of the young men as were remarkable for tallness upon them unexpectedly in the ways, and might and comeliness the guards of his body. thereby compass them round about, and kill them. And when he had joined battle with the enemy, he beat them; and pursuing them as they fled, he destroyed them all. And when that undertaking had succeeded, according as God had foretold, he set CHAPTER VII. ( upon the cities of the Amalekites; he besieged them, and took them by force, partly by warlike SAUL'S WAR WITH THE AMALEKITES, AND CONQUEST machines, partly by mines dug under ground, and OF THEM. partly by building walls on the outsides. Some they starved out with famine, and some they gained 1. Now Samuel came unto Saul, and said to by other methods; and after all, he betook himself him, that he was sent by God to put him in mind to slay the women and the children, and thought he that God had preferred him before all others, and did not act therein either barbarously or inhumanordained him king; that he therefore ought to be ly; first, because they were enemies whom he thus obedient to him, and to submit to his authority, as treated, and, in the next place, because it was done considering, that though he had the dominion over by the command of God, whom it was dangerous the other tribes, yet that God had the dominion over not to obey. He also took Agag, the enemies' him, and over all things. That accordingly God king, captive,-the beauty and tallness of whose said to him, that " because the Amalekites did the body he admired so much, that he thought him worIlebrews a great deal of mischief while they were thy of preservation. Yet was not this done howin the wilderness, and when, upon their coming out ever according to the will of God, but by giving of Egypt, they were making their way to that way to human passions, and suffering himself to be country which is now their own, I enjoin thee to moved with an unseasonable commiseration, in a punish the Amalekites, by making war upon them; point where it was not safe for him to indulge it; and when thou hast subdued them, to leave none of for God hated the nation of the Amalekites to such them alive, but to pursue them through every age, a degree, that he commanded Saul to have no pity and to slay them, beginning with the women and on even those infants which we by nature chiefly the infants, and to require this as a punishment to compassionate; but Saul preserved their king and be inflicted upon them for the mischief they did to governor from the miseries which the Hebrews our forefathers; to spare nothing, neither asses nor brought on the people, as if he preferred the fine other beasts, nor to reserve any of them for your appearance of the enemy to the memory of what own advantage and possession, but to devote them God had sent him about. The multitude were also universally to God, and, in obedience to the com- guilty, together with Saul; for they spared the mands of Moses, to blot out the name of Amalek herds and the flocks, and took them for a prey, entirely." * when God had commanded they should not spare 2. So Saul promised to do what he was com- them. They also carried off with them the rest of manded; and supposing that his obedience to God their wealth and riches; but if there were any thing would be shown, not only in making war against that was not. worthy of regard, that they destroyed. the Amalekites, but more fully in the readiness and 3. But when Saul had conquered all these Amaquickness of his proceedings, he made no delay, lekites that reached from Pelusium of Egypt to the but immediately gathered together all his forces; Red Sea, he laid waste all the rest of the enemy's and when he had numbered them in Gilgal, he found country: but for the nation of the Shechemites, he them to be about four hundred thousand of the Is- did not touch them, although they dwelt in the very * The reason of this severity is distinctly given, 1 Sam. xv. xiv. 45; Deut. xxv. 17-19; Judg. vi. 3, 6; 1 Sam. xv. 33; 18, " Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites:" nor Psal. lxxxiii. 7; and, above all, the most barbarous of all indeed do we ever meet with these Amalekites but as very cruel cruelties, that of Haman the Agagite, or one of the posterity and bloody people, and particularly seeking to injure and utterly of Agag, the old king of the Amalekites, Esth. iii. 1-15. to destroy the nation of Israel. See Exod. xvii. 8-16; Numb. 184 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JE~WS. BooK VI. middle of the country of Midian; for before the righteous men, who are such as follow his will and battle, Saul had sent to them, and charged them to his laws, and never think that any thing is well depart thence, lest they should be partakers of the done by them but when they do it as God had miseries of the Amalekites; for he had a just occa- commanded them; that he then looks upon himsion for saving them, since they were of the kindred self as affronted, not when any one does not sacriof Raguel, Moses's father-in-law. fice, but when any one appears to be disobedient to 4. Hereupon Saul returned home with joy, for him. But that from those who do not obey him, the glorious things he had done, and for the con- nor pay him that duty which is the alone true and quest of his enemies, as though he had not neg- acceptable worship, he will not kindly accept their lected any thing which the prophet had enjoined oblations, be those they offer ever so many and so him to do when he was going to make war with the fat, and be the presents they make him ever so Amalekites, and as though he had exactly observed ornamental, nay, though they were made of gold all that he ought to have done. But God was and silver themselves, but he will reject them, and grieved that the king of the Amalekites was pre- esteem them instances of wickedness, and not of served alive, and that the multitude had seized on piety. And that he is delighted with those that the cattle for a prey, because these things were still bear in mind this one thing, and this only, done without his permission; for he thought it an how to do that, whatsoever it be, which God prointolerable thing that they should conquer and over- nounces or commands for them to do, and to choose come their enemies by that power which he gave rather to die than to transgress any of those comthem, and then that he himself should be so grossly mands; nor does he require so much as a sacrifice despised and disobeyed by them, that a mere man from them. And when these do sacrifice, though that was a king would not bear it. He therefore it be a mean oblation, he better accepts of it as the told Samuel the prophet, that he repented that he honour of poverty, than such oblations as come from had made Saul king, while he did nothing that he the richest men that offer them to him. WVherehad commanded him, but indulged his own in- fore take notice, that thou art under the wrath of clinations. When Samuel heard that, he was in God, for thou hast despised and neglected what he confusion, and began to beseech God all that night commanded thee. How dost thou then suppose to be reconciled to Saul, and not to be angry with that he will respect a sacrifice out of such things as him; but he did not grant that forgiveness to Saul he hath doomed to destruction? unless perhaps thou which the prophet asked for, as not deeming it a fit dost imagine that it is almost all one to offer it in thing to grant forgiveness of [such] sins at his sacrifice to God as to destroy it. Do thou thereentreaties, since injuries do not otherwise grow so fore expect that thy kingdom will be taken from great as by the easy tempers of those that are in- thee, and that authority which thou hast abused by jured; for while they hunt after the glory of being such insolent behaviour, as to neglect that God who thought gentle and good-natured, before they are bestowed it upon thee." Then did Saul coifess aware they produce other sins. As soon therefore that he had acted unjustly, and did not deny that as God had rejected the intercession of the prophet, he had sinned, because he had transgressed the and it plainly appeared he would not change his injunctions of the prophet; but he said that it was mind, at break of day Samuel came to Saul at out of a dread and fear of the soldiers, that he did Gilgal. When the king saw him, he ran to him, not prohibit and restrain them when they seized on and embraced him, and said, "I return thanks to the prey. "But forgive me," said he, " and be God, who hath given me the victory, for I have merciful to me, for I will be cautious how I offend performed every thing that he hath commanded for the time to come." He also entreated the prome." To which Samuel replied, " Iow is it then phet to go back with him, that he might offer his that I hear the bleating of the sheep and the lowing thank-offerings to God; but Samuel went home, of the greater cattle in the camp? " Saul made an- because he saw that God would not be reconciled swer, That the people had reserved them for sacri- to him. fices; but that, as to the nation of the Amalekites, 5. But then Saul was so desirous to retain it was entirely destroyed, as he had received it in Samuel, that he took hold of his cloak, and becommand to see done, and that no one man was cause the vehemence of Samuel's departure made left; but that he had saved alive the king alone, and the motion to be violent, the cloak was rent. Upon brought him to him, concerning whom, he said, which the prophet said, that after the same manner they would advise together what should be done should the kingdom be rent from him, and that a with him." But the prophet said, " God is not good and a just man should take it; that God perdelighted with sacrifices, but with good and with severed in what he had decreed about him; that to CHrAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 185 be mutable and changeable in what is determined, youth, and thence esteemest him worthy of the is agreeable to human passions only, but is not kingdom, while I propose the kingdom as a reward, agreeable to the Divine Power. Hereupon Saul not of the beauty of bodies, but of the virtue of said that he had been wicked, but that what was done souls, and I inquire after one that is perfectly could not be undone: he therefore desired him to comely in that respect; I mean one who is beautiful honour him so far, that the multitude might see in piety, and righteousness, and fortitude, and that he would accompany him in worshipping God. obedience, for in them consists the comeliness of So Samuel granted him that favour, and went with the soul." When God had said this, Samuel bade him and worshipped God. Agag also, the king of Jesse to show him all his sons. So he made five the Amalekites, was brought to him; and when the others of his sons to come to him; of all of whom king asked, How bitter death was? Samuel said, Eliab was the eldest, Aminadab the second, Sham" As thou hast made many of the Hebrew mothers mah the third, Nathaniel the fourth, Rael the fifth, to lament and bewail the loss of their children, so and Asam the sixth. And when the prophet saw shalt thou, by thy death, cause thy mother to lament that these were no way inferior to the eldest in thee also." Accordingly, he gave order to slay him their countenances, he inquired of God which of immediately at Gilgal, and then went away to the them it was whom lie chose for their king. And city Ramah. when God said it was none of them, he asked Jesse whether he had not some other sons besides these; and when he said that he had one more, named David, but that he was a shepherd, and took care of the flocks, Samuel bade them call him immediCHAPTER VIII. ately, for that till he was come they could not possibly sit down to the feast. Now, as soon as h's HIOW, UPON SAUL'S TRANSGRESSION OF THE PRO- father had sent for David, and he was come, he apPHET.S COMMANDS, SAMUEL ORDAINED ANOTHER PHETRS COMMANDS, SAMUEL ORDAINED ANOTHER peared to be of a yellow complexion, of a sharp PERSON TO BE KING PRIVATELY, WHOSE NAMF WAS DAVID, AS GOD COMMANDE D HIM sight, and a comely person in other respects also. This is he, said Samuel privately to himself, whom i. Now Saul being sensible of the miserable it pleases God to make our king. So he sat down condition he had brought himself into, and that he to the feast, and placed the youth under him, and had made God to be his enemy, he went up to his Jesse also, with his other sons; after which he royal palace at Gibeah, which name denotes a hill, took oil in the presence of David, and anointed him, and after that day he came no more into the presence and whispered him in the ear, and acquainted him of the prophet. And when Samuel mourned for that God chose him to be their king; and exhorted him, God bid him leave off his concern for him, and him to be righteous, and obedient to his commands, to take the holy oil, and go to Bethlehem, to Jesse for that by this means his kingdom would continue the son of Obed, and to anoint such of his sons as for a long time, and that his house should be of he should show him for their future king. But great splendour, and celebrated in the world; that Samuel said, he was afraid lest Saul, when he he should overthrow the Philistines; and that came to know of it, should kill him, either by some against what nations soever he should make war, i)rivate method or even openly. But upon God's he should be the conqueror, and survive the fight; suggesting to him a safe way of going thither, he and that while he lived he should enjoy a glorious came to the forementioned city; and when they all name, and leave such a name to his posterity also. saluted him, and asked what was the occasion of 2. So Samuel, when he had given him these adhlis coming, he told them he came to sacrifice to monitions, went away. But the Divine Power God. When, therefore, he had gotten the sacrifice | departed from Saul, and removed to David; who, ready, he called Jesse and his sons to partake of upon this removal of the Divine Spirit to him, bethose sacrifices; and when he saw his eldest son to gan to prophesy. But as for Saul, some strange be a tall and handsome man, he guessed by his and demoniacal disorders came upon him, and comeliness that he was the person who was to be brought upon him such suffocations as were ready their future king. But he was mistaken in judging to choke him; for which the physicians could find about God's providence; for when Samuel inquired no other remedy but this, That if any person could of God whether he should anoint this youth, -wThom charm those passions by singing, and playing upon he so admired, and esteemed worthy of the kingdom, the harp, they advised them to inquire for such a God said, " Men do not see as God seeth. Thou one, and to observe when these demons came upon indeed hast respect to the fine appearance of this I him and disturbed him, and to take care that such 9 n 186 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Booic VI. a person might stand over him, and play upon the valley, which was between the two hills on whicb harp, and recite hymns to him.* Accordingly Saul they lay, divided their camps asunder. Now there did not delay, but commanded them to seek out came down a man out of the camp of the Philistines, such a man. And when a certain stander-by said whose name was Goliath, of the city of Gath, a that he had seen in the city of Bethlehem a son of man of vast bulk, for he was of four cubits and a Jesse, who was yet no more than a child in age, span in tallness, and had about him weapons suitbut comely and beautiful, and in other respects one able to the largeness of his body, for he had a breastthat was deserving of great regard, who was skilfill plate on that weighed five thousand shekels: he in playing on the harp, and in singing of hymns, had also a helmet and greaves of brass, as large as [and an excellent soldier in war,] he sent to Jesse, you would naturally suppose might cover the limbs and desired him to take David away from the flocks, of so vast a body. His spear was also such as was and send him to him, for he had a mind to see him, not carried like a light thing in his right hand, but as having heard an advantageous character of his he carried it as lying on his shoulders. He had comeliness and his valour. So Jesse sent his son, also a lance of six hundred shekels; and many foland gave him presents to carry to Saul. And when lov,3d him to carry his armour. Wherefore this he was come, Saul was pleased with him, and made Goliath stood between the two armies, as they were him his armour-bearer, and had him in very great in battle array, and sent out a loud voice, and said esteem; for he charmed his passion, and was the to Saul and the Hebrews, " I will fiee you from only physician against the trouble he had from the fighting and from dangers; for what necessity is demons, whensoever it was that it came upon him, there that your army should fall and be afflicted? and this by reciting of hymns, and playing upon Give me a man of you that will fight with me, and the harp, and bringing Saul to his right mind again. he that conquers shall have the reward of the conHowever, he sent to Jesse, the father of the child, queror, and determine the war; for these shall serve and desired him to permit David to stay with him, those others to whom the conqueror shall belong; for that he was delighted with his sight and com- and certainly it is much better, and more prudent, pany; which stay, that he might not contradict to gain what you desire by the hazard of one man Saul, he granted. than of all." When he had said this, he retired to his own camp; blt the next day he came again, and used the same words, and did not leave off for forty days together, to, challenge the enemy in the same words, till Saul and his army were therewith terriCHAPTER IX. fled, while they put themselves in array as if they would fight, but did not come to a close battle. HOW THE PHILISTINES MADE ANOTHER EXPEDITION 2. Now while this war between the Hebrews and AGAINST THIE I-IEBREWS, UNDER THE REIGN OF SAUL; AND HOW THEY WERE OVERCOME BY D)tVID'S SLAY- the Philistines was going on, Saul sent away David ING GOLIAT'r IN SINGLE COMBAT. to his father Jesse, and contented himself with those three sons of his whom he had sent to his assistance, OW the Philistines ga- and to be partners in the dangers of the war: and thered themselves toge- at first David returned to feed his sheep and his ther again no very long flocks; but after no long time he came to the camp' time afterward; and of the Hebrews, as sent by his father, to carry prohaving gotten together visions to his brethren, and to know what they were a great army, they made doing. While Goliath came again, and challenged v lq I~i~;dPt l war against the Israel- them, and reproached them, that they had no man ites; and having seized of valour among them that durst come down to fight a place between Shochoh him; and as David was talking with his brethren and Azekah, they there pitched their camp. Saul about the business for which his father had sent also drew out his army to oppose them; and by him, he heard the Philistine reproaching and abuspitching his own camp on a certain hill, he forced ing the army, and had indignation at it, and said to the Philistines to leave their former camp, and to his brethren, " I am ready to fight a single combat encamp themselves upon such another hill, over- withthis adversary." 5ThereuponEliab, hiseldest against that on which Saul's army lay, so that a brother, reproved him, and said that he spake too * Spanheim takes notice here that the Greeks had such to the harp, did the same that David did here, i. e. join their singers of hymns; and that usually children or youths were own vocal and instrumental music together. picked out for that service; as also, that those called singers CHAP. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 187 rashly and improperly for one of his age, and bid sary of ours be esteemed like one of these wild him go to his flocks, and to his father. So he was beasts, since he has a long while reproached our abashed at his brother's words, and went away, but army, and blasphemed our God, who yet will reduce still he spake to some of the soldiers that he was him under my power." willing to fight with him that challenged them. 4. However, Saul prayed that the end might be, And when they had informed Saul what was the by God's assistance, not disagreeable to the alacrity resolution of the young man, the king sent for him and boldness of the child; and said, " Go thy way to come to him: and when the king asked what he to the fight." So he put about him his breastplate, had to say, he replied, " O king, be not cast down, and girded on his sword, and fitted the helmet to his nor afraid, for I will depress the insolence of this head, and sent him away. But David was burdened adversary, and will go down and fight with him, with his armour, for he had not been exercised to and will bring him under me, as tall and as great it, nor had he learned to walk with it; so he said, as he is, till he shall be sufficiently laughed at, and " Let this armour be thine, O king, who art able to thy army shall get great glory, when ile shall be bear it; but give me leave to fight as thy servant, slain by one that is not yet of man's estate, neither and as I myself desire." Accordingly he laid by fit for fighting, nor capable of being intrusted with the armour, and taking his staff with him, and putthe marshalling an army, or ordering a battle, but ting five stones out of the brook into a shepherd's by one that looks like a child, and is really no elder bag, and having a sling in his right hand, he went toin age than a child." wards Goliath. But the adversary seeing him come in 3. Now Saul wondered at the boldness and ala- such a manner, disdained him, and jested upon him, crity of David, but durst not presume on his ability, as if he had not such weapons with him as are usual by reason of his age; but said he must on that when one man fights against another, but such as account be too weak to fight with one that was are used in driving away and avoiding of dogs; skilled in the art of war.' I undertake this enter- and said, "Dost thou take me not for a man, but prise," said David, " in dependence on God's being a dog?" To which he replied, " No, not for a dog, with me, for I have had experience already of his but for a creature worse than a dog." This proassistance; for I once pursued after and caught a voked Goliath to anger, who thereupon cursed him lion that assaulted my flocks, and took away a lamb by the name of God, and threatened to give his flesh firom them; and I snatched the lamb out of the wild to the beasts of the earth, and to the fowls of the air, beast's mouth, and when he leaped upon me with to be torn in pieces by them. To whom David violence, I took him by the tail, and dashed him answered, "' Thou comest to me with a sword, and against the ground. In the same manner did I with a spear, and with a breastplate; but I have avenge myself on a bear also; and let this adver- i God for my armour in coming against thee, who.. f _..,..,... = =.. _...~~i~Il 188 ANTI(UITI I3s OF THE JEWS. BooK VI. will destroy thee and all thy army by my hands; their victorious army with cymbals, and drums, and for I will this day cut off thy head, and cast the all demonstrations of joy, and sang thus: The other parts of thy body to the dogs, and all men wives said, that " Saul had slain his many thousands shall learn that God is the protector of the Hebrews, of the Philistines." The virgins replied, that and that our armour and our strength is in his pro- " David had slain his ten thousands." Now, when vidence; and that without God's assistance, all the king heard them singing thus, and that he had other warlike preparations and power are useless." himself the smallest share in their commendations, So the Philistine being retarded by the weight of and the greater number, the ten thousands, were his armour, when he attempted to meet David in ascribed to the young man; and when he conhaste, came on but slowly, as despising him, and sidered with himself that there was nothing more depending upon it that he should slay him, who was wanting to David, after such a mighty applause, both unarmed and a child also, without any trouble but the kingdom; he began to be afraid and susat all. picious of David. Accordingly he removed him 5. But the youth met his antagonist, being ac- from the station he was in before, for he was his companied with an invisible assistant, who was no armour-bearer, which, out of fear, seemed to him other than God himself. And taking one of the much too near a station for him; and so he made stones that he had out of the brook, and had put in- him captain over a thousand, and bestowed on him to his shepherd's bag, and fitting it to his sling, he a post better indeed in itself, but, as he thought, slang it against the Philistine. This stone fell upon more for his own security; for he had a mind to his forehead, and sank into his brain, insomuch that send him against the enemy, and into battles, as Goliath was stunned, and fell upon his face. So hoping he would be slain in such dangerous conDavid ran, and stood upon his adversary as he lay flicts. down, and cut off his head with his own sword; 2. But David had God going along with him for he had no sword himself. And upon the fall of whithersoever he went, and accordingly he greatly Goliath the Philistines were beate) and fled; for prospered in his undertakings, and it was visi.blo when they saw their champion prostrate on the that he had mighty success, insomuch that Saul's ground, they were afraid of the entire issue of their daughter, who was still a virgin, fell in love with affairs, and resolved not to stay any longer, but com- him; and her affection so far prevailed over her, mitted themselves to an ignominious and indecent that it could not be concealed, and her father beflight, and thereby endeavoured to save themselves came acquainted with it. Now Saul heard this from the dangers they were in. But Saul and the gladly, as intending to make use of it for a snare entire army of the Hebrews made a shout, and rush- against David, and he hoped that it would prove ed upon them, and slew a great number of them, the cause of destruction and of hazard to him; so he and pursued the rest to the borders of Gath, and to told those that informed him of his daughter's affecthe gates of Ekron; so that there were slain of the tion, that he would willingly give David the virgin Philistines thirty thousand, and twice as many in marriage, and said, " I engage myself to marry wounded. But Saul returned to their camp, and my daughter to him if he will bring me six hundred pulled their fortification to pieces, and burnt it; heads of my enemies,* supposing fhat when a rebut David carried the head of Goliath into his own ward so ample was proposed to him, and when he tent, but dedicated his sword to God [at the should aim to get him great glory, by undertaking tabernacle]. a thing so dangerous and incredible, he would immediately set about it, and so perish by the Philistines; and my designs about him will succeed finely to my mind, for I shall be freed from him, and get him slain, not by myself, but by another man." So CHAPTER X. he gave order to his servants to try how David SAUL ENVIES DAVID FOR HIS GLORIOUS SUCCESls, AND Josephus says thrice in this chapter, and twice afterwards, TAKES AN OCCASION OF ENTRAPPING HIRM, FROMN THE ch. xi. sect. 2, and B. VII. ch. i. sect. 4, i. e. five times in all, PROMISE HE MIADE HIM OF GIVING HIIM HIS DAUGHTER that Saul required not a bare hundred of the foreskins of the IN MARRIAGE; BUT THIS UPON CONDITION OF HIS Philistines, but six hundred of their heads. The Septuagint BRINGING HIM SIX HUNDRED HIEADS OF TIIE PHILIS- have 100 foreskins, but the Syriac and Arabic 200. Now that TINES. these were notforeskins, with our other copies, but heads, with Josephus's copy, seems somewhat probable, from 1 Sam. xxix. 1. Now the women were an occasion of Saul's 4, where all copies say that it was with the heads of such Philistines that David might reconcile himself to his master, envy and hatred to David; for they came to meet Saul. CHAP. XI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 189 would relish this proposal of marrying the damsel. Accordingly, they began to speak thus to him: CHAPTER XI. That king Saul loved him, as well as did all the t r 1 r * 1 *., IIOW DAVID, UPON SAUL'S LAYING SNARES FOR HIM, people, and that he was desirous of his affinity by DID YET ESCAPE THE DANGERS IE NAS IN BY THE DID YET ESCAPE THE DANGERS IHE WAS IN BY THE the marriage of this damsel. To which he gave AFFECTION AND CARE OF JONATHAN, AND THE CONthis answer:-" Seemeth it to you a light thing to TRIVANCES OF HIS WIFE M1CIAL: AND IOW IIE be made the king's son-in-law? It does not seem so CAME TO SAMUEL THIE PROPHET. to me, especially when I am one of a family that is low, and without any glory or honour." Now when 1. HoWvEVER, Saul was not disposed to perSaul was informed by his servants what answer severe long in the state wherein he was, for when David had made, he said, —" Tell him that I do not he saw that David was in great esteem, both with want any money nor dowry from him, which would God and with the multitude, he was afraid; and be rather to set my daughter to sale than to give being not able to conceal his fear as concerning her in marriage; but I desire only such a son-in- great things, his kingdom and his life, to be delaw as hath in hint fortitude, and all other kinds of prived of either of which was a very great calamity, virtue," of which he saw David was possessed, and he resolved to have David slain, and commanded that his desire was to receive of him, on account of his son Jonathan and his most faithful servants to his marrying his daughter, neither gold nor silver, kill him: but Jonathan wondered at his father's nor that he should bring such wealth out of his change with relation to David, that it should be father's house, but only some revenge on the made to so great a degree, from showing him no Philistines, and indeed six hundred of their heads, small good-will, to contrive how to have him killed. than which a more desirable or a more glorious Now, because he loved the young man, and reverpresent could not be brought him, and that he had enced him for his virtue, he informed him of the much rather obtain this, than any of the accustomed secret charge his father had given, and what his dowries for his daughter, viz. that she should be intentions were concerning him. However, he admarried to a man of that character, a:.d to one who vised him to take care and be absent the next day, had a testimony as having conquered his enemies. for that he would salute his father, and, if he met 3. When these words of Saul were brought to with a favourable opportunity, he would discourse David, he was pleased with them, and supposed that with him about him, and learn the cause of his disSaul was really desirous of this affinity with him; gust, and show how little ground there was for it, so that without bearing to deliberate any longer, or and that for it he ought not to kill a man that had casting about in his mind whether what was pro- done so many good things to the multitude, and had posed was possible, or was difficult or not, he and been a benefactor to himself, on account of which his companions immediately set upon the enemy, he ought in reason to obtain pardon, had he been and went about doing what was proposed as the guilty of the greatest crimes; and " I will then incondition of the marriage. Accordingly, because it form thee of my father's resolution." Accordingly was God who made all things easy and possible to David complied zwith such an advantageous advice, David, lie slew many [of the Philistines], and cut and kept himself then out of the king's sight. off the heads of six hundred of them, and came to 2. On the next day Jonathan came to Saul, as the king, and by showing him these heads of the soon as he saw him in a cheerful and joyful disposiPhilistines, required that he might have his daughter tion, and began to introduce a discourse about in marriage. Accordingly, Saul having no way of David: " What unjust action, O father, either litgetting off his engagements, as thinking it a base tile or great, hast thou found so exceptionable in thing either to seem a liar when he promised him David, as to induce thee to order us to slay a man this marriage, or to appear to have acted treacher- who hath been of great advantage to thy own preously by him, in putting him upon what was in a servation, and of still greater to the punishment of manner impossible, in order to have him slain, he the Philistines? A man who hath delivered the gave him his daughter in marriage: her name was I people of the Hebrews from reproach and derision, Michal. which they underwent for forty days together, when he alone had courage enough to sustain the challenge of the adversary, and after that brought as many heads of our enemies as he was appointed to bring, and had, as a reward for the same, my sister in marriage; insomuch that his death would be very sorrowful to us, not only on account of his virtue, 190 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWIS. Booic VI. but on account of the nearness of our relation; for see thee: fly away then while the night may afford thy daughter must be injured at the same time that thee opportunity, and may God lengthen it for thy he is slain, and must be obliged to experience sake; for know this, that if my father find thee, widowhood, before she can come to enjoy any ad- thou art a dead man." So she let him down by a vantage from their mutual conversation. Considelr cord out of the window, and saved him: and after these things, and change your mind to a snore she had done so, she fitted up a bed. for him as if merciful temper, and do no mischief to a man, he were sick, and put under the bed-clothes a goat's who, in the first place, hath done us the greatest liver;* and when her father, as soon as it was day, kindness of -reserving thee; for when an evil spirit sent to seize David, she said to those that were and demons had seized upon thee, he cast them out, there, That he had not been well that night, and and procured rest to thy soul from their incursions: showed them the bed covered, and made them beand, in the second place, hath avenged us of our lieve, by the leaping of the liver, which caused the enemies; for it is a base thing to forget such bene- bed-clothes to move also, that David breathed like fits." So Saul was pacified with these words, and one that was asthmatic. So when those that were sware to his son that he would do David no harm, sent told Saul that David had not been well in the for a righteous discourse pr'oved too hard for the night he ordered him to be brought in that condiking's anger and fear. So Jonathan sent for David, tion, for he intended to kill him. Now when they and brought him good news from his father, that came and uncovered the bed, and found out the he was to be preserved. He also brought him to woman's contrivance, they told it to the king; and his father; and David continued with the king as when her father complained of her that she had formerly. saved his enemy, and had put a trick upon him3. About this time it was that, upon the Philis- self, she invented this plausible defence for herself, tines making a new expedition against the Hebrews, a-nd said, That when he had threatened to kill Saul sent David with an army to fight with them; her, she lent him her assistance for his preservation, and joining battle with them he slew many of them, out of fear; for which her assistance she ought to and after his victory he returned to the king. But be forgiven, because it was not done of her own his reception by Saul was not as he expected upon free choice, but out of necessity: " For," said she, " I such success, for he was grieved at his prosperity, do not suppose that thou wast so zealous to kill thy because he thought he would be more dangerous to enemy, as thou wast that I should be saved." Achim by having acted so gloriously: but when the cordingly Saul forgave the damsel; but David, demoniacal spirit came upon him, and put him into when he had escaped this danger, came to the prodieorder, and disturbed him, he called for David phet Samuel to Ramah, and told him what snares into his bed-chamber wherein he lay, and having a the king had laid for him, and how he was very spear in his hand, he ordered him to charm him near to death by Saul's throwing a spear at him, with playing on his harp, and with singing hymns; although he had been no way guilty with relation which when David did at his command, he with to him, nor had he been cowardly in his battles great force threw the spear at him; but David was with his enemies, but had succeeded well in them all, aware of it before it came, and avoided it, and fled by God's assistance; which thing was indeed the to his own house, and abode there all that day. cause of Saul's hatred to David. 4. But at night the king sent officers, and com- 5. WVhen the prophet was made acquainted with manded that he should be watched till the morning, the unjust proceedings of the king, he left the city lest he should get quite away, that he might come Ramah, and took David with him, to a certain into the judgment-hall, and so might be delivered up, place called Naioth, and there he abode with him. and condemned and slain. But when Michal, Da- But when it was told Saul that David was with the vid's wife, the king's daughter, understood what her prophet, he sent soldiers to him, and ordered them father designed, she came to her husband, as having to take him, and bring him to him: and when they small hopes of his deliverance, and as greatly con- came to Samuel, and found there a congregation of cerned about her own life also, for she could not prophets, they became partakers of the Divine bear to live in case she were deprived of him; and Spirit, and began to prophesy; which when Saul she said, "Let not the sun find thee here when it heard of, he sent others to David, who prophesying rises, for if it do, that will be the last time it will in like manner as did the first, he again sent others; * Since the modern Jews have lost the signification of the clear and probable than those of others, it is almost unaccountlHebrew word here used, cebir; and since the LXXII., as able that our commentators should so much as hesitate about well as Josephus, render it the liver of the goat, and since this its true interpretation. rendering, and Josephus's account, are here so much more CRAP. XI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 191 which third sort prophesying also, at last he was abroad, It is well that he went, then assure thyself angry, and went thither in great haste himself; and that no latent mischief or enmity may be feared when he was just by the place, Samuel, before he at his hand; but if he answer otherwise, that will saw him, made him prophesy also. And when be a sure sign that he hath some designs against Saul came to him, he was disordered in mind,* and me. Accordingly thou shalt inform me of thyunder the vehement agitation of a spirit; and, put- father's inclinations; and that out of pity to my ting off his garments,t he fell down, and lay on the case and out of thy firiendship for me, as instances ground all that day and night, in the presence of of which friendship thou hast vouchsafed to accept Samuel and David. of the assurances of my love to thee, and to give 6. And David went thence, and came to Jona- the like assurances to me, that is, those of a mas-an, the son of Saul, and lamented to him what ter to his servant; but if thou discovcrest any snares were laid for him by his father; and said, wickedness in me, do thou prevent thy father, and that though he had been guilty of no evil, nor had kill me thyself." offended against him, yet he was very zealous to 8. But Jonathan heard these last words with inget him killed. Iereupon Jonathan exhorted him dignation, and promised to do what he desired of not to give credit to such his own suspicions, nor to him, and to inform him if his father's answers imthe calumnies of those that raised those reports, if plied any thing of a melancholy nature, and any there were any that did so, but to depend on him, enmity against him. And that he might the more and take courage; for that his father had no such firmly depend upon him, he took hi n out into the intention, since he would have acquainted him with open field, into the pure air, and sware that he that matter, and have taken his advice, had it been would neglect nothing that might tend to the prcso, as he used to consult with him in common when servation of David; and he said, " I appeal to that he acted in other affairs. But David sware to him God, who, as thou seest, is diffused every where, that so it was; and he desired him rather to believe and knoweth this intention of mine, before I exhim, and to provide for his safety, than to despise plain it in words, as the witness of this my covenant what' he, with great sincerity, told him: that he with thee, that I will not leav e off to make frequent would believe what he said, when he should either trials of the purpose of my father till I learn whether see him killed himself, or learn it upon inquiry from there be any lurking distemper in the most secret others: and that the reason why his father did not parts of his soul; and when I have learnt it, I will tell him of these things, was this, that he knew of not conceal it from thee, but will discover it to thee, the friendship and affection that he bore towards him. whether he be gently or peevishly disposed; for this 7. Hereupon, when Jonathan found that this in- God himself knows, that I pray he may always be tention of Saul was so well attested, he asked him with thee, for he is with thee now, and will not forwhat he would have him do for him. To which sake thee, and will make thee superior to thine David replied, " I am sensible that thou art willing enemies, vwhether my father be one of them, or to gratify me in every thing, and procure me what whether I myself be such. Do thou only rememllber I desire. Now to-morrow is the new moon, and I what we now do; and if it fall out that I die, prewnas accustomed to sit down then with the king at serve my children alive, and requite what kindness supper: now, if it seem good to thee, I will go out thou hast now received to them." When he had of the city, and conceal myself privately there; and thus sworn, he dismissed Da-vid, bidding him go if Saul inquire why I am absent, tell him that I am to a certain place of that plain wherein he used to gone to my own city Bethlehem, to keep a festival perform his exercises; for that, as soon as lie knew with my own tribe; and add this also, that thou the mind of his father, he would come thither to gavest me leave so to do. And if he say, as is him, with one servant only; " and if," says he, " I usually said in the case of friends that are gone shoot three darts at the mlark, and then bid my F These violent and wild agitations of Saul seem to me to mentions nothing of God at all. Nor does Josephus seem to have been no other than demoniacal; and that the same demon ascribe this impulse and ecstasy of Saul to any other than to which used to seize him, since he was forsaken of God, and his ol( demoniacal spirit, which on all accounts appears the which the divine hymns and psalms which were sung to the most probable. Nor does the former description of Saul's real harp by David used to expel, was now in a judicial way inspiration bythe Divine Spirit, I Sam. x. 9-12; Antiq. B. VI brought upon him, not only in order to disappoint his intentions ch. iv. sect. 2, which was before he was become wicked, well against innocent David, but to expose him to the laughter and agree with the descriptions before us. contempt of all that saw him, or heard of those agitations; such t What is meant by Saul's lying down naked all that day, violent and wild agitations being never observed in true pro- and all that night, 1 Sam. xix. 24, and whether any more than phets, when they were under the inspiration of the Spirit of laying aside his royal apparel, or upper garments; as Josephus.od. Our other copies, which say the Spirit of God came seems to understand it, is by no means certain. See the note unon him, seem not so right here as Josephus's copy, which on Antiq. B. VIII. ch. xiv seet. 2. 192 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 300oK VI. servant to carry these three darts away, for they are and because the death of David was determined: but before him, know thou that there is no mischief to as soon as it was day, he went out into the plain that be feared from my father; but if thou hearest mrre was before the city, as going to perform his exercises, say the contrary, expect the contrary from the king. but in reality to inform his friend what disposition I-owever, thou shalt gain security by my means, his father was in towards him, as he had agreed and shalt by no means suffer any harm; but see with him to do; and when Jonathan had done what thou dost not forget what I Lhave desired of thee had been thus agreed, he dismissed his servant that ill the time of thy prosperity, and be serviceable to followed him, to return to the city; but he himself my children." Now David, when he had received went into the desert, and came into his presence, these assurances from Jonathan, went his way to and communed with him. So David appeared and the place appointed. fell at Jonathan's feet, and bowed down to him,,. 9. But on the next day, which was the new called him the preserver of his soul; but he lifted moon, the king, when he had purified himself, as him up from the earth, and they mutually embraced the custom was, came to supper; and when there one another, and made a long greeting, and that not sat by him his son Jonathan on his right hand, and without tears. They also lamented their age, and Abner, the captain of his host, on the other hand, that familiarity which envy would deprive them of, he saw David's seat was empty, but said nothing, and that separation which mlust now be expected, supposing that he had not purified himself since he which seemed to them no better than death itself. had accompanied with his wife, and so could not So recollecting thenselves at length from their labe present; but when he saw that he was not there mentation, and exhorting one another to be mindful the second day of the month neither, he inquired of the oaths they had sworn to each other, they of his son Jonathan why the son of Jesse did not parted asunder. come to the supper and the feast, neither the day before nor that day. So Jonathan said, That he was gone, according to the agreement between them, to his own city, where his tribe kept. a festi- CHAPTER XII. val, and that by his permission: that he also invited him to come to their sacrifice; " and," says Jona- nOW DAVID FLED TO AHIMELECH, AND AFTERWARDS than, " if thou wilt give me leave, I will go thither, TO TE KINGS OF THE PHILISTINES AND OF THE X, OABITES, AND HOW SAUL SLEW AHIMELEC~I AND for thou knowest the good-will that I bear him." MOABITES, AND HOW SAUL SLEW AHIMELECH AND HIS FAMILY. And then it was that Jonathan understood his father's hatred to David, and plainly saw his entire 1. BUT David fled from the king, and that death disposition; for Saul could not restrain his anger, he was in danger of by him, and came to the city but reproached Jonathan, and called him the son of Nob, to Ahimelech the priest, who, when he saw a runagate, and an enemy; and said he was a part- him coming all alone, and neither a friend nor a nor with David, and his assistant, and that by his servant with him, he wondered at it, and desired to behaviour he showed he had no regard to himself, learn of him the cause why there was nobody with or to his mother, and would not be persuaded of him. To which David answered, That the king this,-that while David is alive, their kingdom was had commanded him to do a certain thing that was not secure to them; yet did he bid him send for to be kept secret, to which, if he had a mind to him, that he might be punished. And when Jona- know so much, he had no occasion for any one to than said, in answer, " What bath he done that accompany him; " however, I have ordered my thou wilt punish him?" Saul no longer contented servants to meet me at such and such a place." So him-self to express his anger in bare words, but he desired him to let him have somewhat to eat; snatched up his spear, and leaped upon him, and and that in case he would supply him, he would was desirous to kill him. He did not indeed do act the part of a friend, and be assisting to the buwhat he intended, because he was hindered by his siness he was now about: and when he had obtained friends; but it appeared plainly to his son that he what he desired, he also asked him whether he had hated David, and greatly desired to despatch him, any weapons with him, either sword or spear. Now insomuch that he had almost slain his son with his there was at Nob a servant of Saul, by birth a own hands on his account. Syrian, whose name was Doeg, one that kept the 10. And then it was that the king's son rose king's mules. The high priest said that he had no hastily from supper; and being unable to admit such weapons; but, he added, " Here is the sword any thing into his mouth for grief, he wept all ilight, of Goliath, which, when thou hadst slain the Philis both because he had himself been near destruction, tine, thou didst dedicate to God." CHAP. XII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 1913 2. When David had received the sword, he fled posts of honour upon you, and set some of you over out of the country of the Hebrews into that of the the common people, and others over the soldiers; Philistines, over which Achish reigned; and when I ask you, therefore, whether you expect greater the king's servants knew him, and he was made and more donations from the son of Jesse? for I known to the king himself, the servants informing know that you are all inclinable to himln (even my him that he was that David who had killed many own son Jonathan himself is of that opinion, and ten thousands of the Philistines, David was afraid persuades you to be of the same); for I am not unlest the king should put hlim to death, and that he acquainted with the oaths and the covenants that should experience that danger from him which he are between him and David, and that Jonathan is a had escaped from Saul; so he pretended to be dis- counsellor and an assistant to those that conspire tracted and mad, so that his spittle ran out of his against me, and none of you are concerned about mouth; and he did other the like actions before the these things, but you keep silence and watch, to see kingof Gath, which mightmake him believe that they what will be the upshot of these things." WVhen proceeded from such a distemper. Accordingly the the ling had made this speech, not one of the rest of king was very angry at his servants that they had those that were present made any answer; but brought him a madman, and he gave orders that Doeg the Syrian, who fed his mules, said, that he they should eject David immediately [out of the city]. saw David when he came to the city Nob to Allime3. So when David had escaped in this manner lech the high priest, and that he learned future out of Gath, he came to the tribe of Judah, and events by his prophesying; that he received food abode in a cave by the city of Adullam. Tlhen it firom him, and the sword of Goliath, and was coi1was that he sent to his brethren, and informed them ducted by hiim with security to such as lie desired where he was, who then came to him with all their to go to. kindred, and as many others as were either in want 5. Saul therefore sent for the high priest, and or in fear of king Saul, came and made a body to- for all his kindred; and said to them, " That tergether, and told him they were ready to obey his rible or ungrateful thing hast thou suffered from orders; they were in all about four hundred. me, that thou hast received the son of Jesse, and Whereupon he took courage, now such a force and hast bestowed on him both food and weapons, when assistance was come tohim; so he removed thence, he was contriving to get the kingdom? And and came to the king of the Moabites, and desired further, why didst thou deliver oracles to him conhim to entertain his parents in his country, while cerning futurities? For thou couldst not be unacthe issue of his affairs'were in such an uncertain quainted that lie was fled away from me, and that condition. The king granted him this favour, and he hated my family." But th~ high priest did not paid great respect to David's parents all the time betake himself to deny what lie had done, but conthey were with him. fessed boldly that he had supplied him with these 4. As for himself, upon the prophet's command- things, not to gratify David, but Saul himself: and ing him to leave the desert, and to go into the por- he said, " I did not know that he was thy advertion of the tribe of Judah, and abide there, he com- sary, but a servant of thine, who was very faithful plied therewith; and coming to the city Hareth, to thee, and a captain over a thousand of thy solwhich was in that tribe, he remained there. Now diers, and, what is more than these, thy son-ii-law, when Saul heard that David had been seen with a and kinsman. Men do not choose to confer such multitude about him, he fell into no small disturb- favours on their adversaries, but on those who are ance and trouble; but as he knew that David was esteemed to bear the highest good-will and respect a bold and courageous man, he suspected that some- to them. Nor is this the first time that I prophewhat extraordinary would appear from him, and sied for him, but I have done it often, and at other that openly also, which would make him weep and times as well as now. And when he told me that put him into distress; so he called together to him he was sent by thee in great haste to do somewhat, his fiiends, and his commanders, and the tribe from if I had furnished him with nothing that he desired, which he was himself derived, to the hill where his I should have thought that it was rather in contra palace was; and sitting upon a place called Aroura, diction to thee than to him; wherefore do not his courtiers that were in dignities, and the guards thou entertain any ill opinion of me, nor do thou of his body, being with him, he spake thus to them: have a suspicion of what I then thought an act of -" You that are men of my own tribe, I conclude humanity, from what is now told thee of David's that you remember the benefits that I have bestowed attempts against thee, for I did then to him as to upon you, and that I have made some of you owners thy friend and son-in-law, and captain of a thousand, of land, and made you commanders, and bestowed and not as to thine adversary." _ 194 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VI. 6. When the high priest had spoken thus, he manners, and take up boldness, insolence, and a did not persuade Saul, his fear was so prevalent, that contempt of both human and Divine laws, and this he could not give credit to an apology that was very at a time when they especially stand in need of iust. So he commanded his armed men that stood piety and righteousness, because they are then most about him to kill him, and all his kindred; but as of all exposed to envy, and all they think, and all they durst not touch the high priest, but were more they say, are in the view of all men; then it is that afraid of disobeying God than the king, he ordered they become so insolent in their actions, as though Doeg the Syrian to kill them. Accordingly, he God saw them no longer, or were afraid of them took to his assistance such wicked men as were like because of their power: and whatsoever it is that himself, and slew Ahimelech and all his family, who they either are afraid of by the rumours they hear, were in all three hundred and eighty-five. Saul or they hate by inclination, or they love without also sent to Nob,* the city of the priests, and reason, these seem to them to be authentic, and slew all that were there, without sparing either firm, and true, and pleasing both to men and to women or children, or any other age, and burnt it; God; but as to what will come hereafter, they have only there was one son of Ahimelech, whose name not the least regard to it. They raise those to was Abiathar, who escaped. However, these things honour indeed who have been at a great deal of came to pass as God had foretold to Eli the high pains for them, and after that honour they envy priest, when he said that his posterity should be them; and when they have brought them into high destroyed, on account of the transgression of his dignity, they do not only deprive them of what they two sons. had obtained, but also, on that very account, of their 7. t Now this king Saul, by perpetrating so bar- lives also, and that on wicked accusations, and such barous a crime, and murdering the whole family of as on account of their extravagant nature, are inthe high-priestly dignity, by having no pity of the credible. They also punish men for their actions, not infants, nor reverence for the aged, and by over- such as deserve condemnation, but from calumnies throwing the city which God had chosen for the and accusations without examination; and this exproperty, and for the support of the priests and tends not only to such as deserve to be punished, prophets which were there, and had ordained as the but to as many as they are able to kill. This reonly city allotted for the education of such men, flection is openly confirmed to us from the example gives all to understand and consider the disposition of Saul, the son of Kish, who was the first king who of men, that while they are private persons, and in reigned after our aristocracy and government under a low condition, because it is not in their power to the judges were over; and that by his slaughter of indulge nature, nor to venture upon what they three hundred priests and prophets, on occasion of wish for, they are equitable and moderate, and pur- his suspicion about Ahimelech, and by the addisue nothing but what is just, and bend their whole tional wickedness of the overthrow of their city, and minds and labours that way; then it is that they this is as he were endeavouring in some sort to have this belief about God, that he is present to all render the temple [tabernacle] destitute both of the actions of their lives, and that he does not only priests and prophets, which endeavour he showed see the actions that are done, but clearly knows by slaying so many of them, and not suffering the those their thoughts also, whence those actions do very city belonging to them to remain, that so arise. But when once they are advanced into power others might succeed them. and authority, then they put off all such notions, 8. But Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, who and, as if they were no other than actors upon a alone could be saved out of the family of priests theatre, they lay aside their disguised parts and slain by Saul, fled to David, and informed him of * This city Nob was not a city allotted to the priests, nor t This section contains an admirable reflection of Josephus had the p-ophets, that we know of, any particular cities allotted concerning the general wickedness of men in great authority, them. It seems the tabernacle was now at Nob, and probably and the danger they are in of rejecting that regard to justice a school of the prophets was here also. It was full two days' and humnanity, to Divine Providence and the fear of God, which journey on foot from.lerusalem, 1 Sam. xxi. 5. The number they either really had, or pretended to have, while they were of priests here slain in Josephus is three hundred and eighty- in a lower condition. It can never be too often perused by five, and but eighty-five in our Hebrew copies; yet are they kings and great men, nor by those who expect to obtain such three hundred and five in the Septuagint. I prefer Josephus's elevated dignities among mankind. See the like reflections of number, the Hebrew having, I suppose, only dropped the hun- our Josephus, Antiq. B. VII. ch. i. sect. 5, at the end; and dreds, the other the tens. This city Nob seems to have B. VIII. ch. x. sect. 2, at the beginning. They are to the like been the chief, or perhaps the only seat of the family of Itha- purport with one branch of Agur's prayer: " One thing have mar, which here perished, according to God's former terrible I required of thee, deny it me not before I die: Give me not threatenings to Eli, 1 Sam. ii. 27-36; iii. 11-18. See ch riches, lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord?" xiv. sect. 9, hereafter. Prov. xxx. 7-9. CHAP. XIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 195 the calamity that had befallen their family, and of not to despond at his present circumstances, for the slaughter of his father; who hereupon said, that he should be king, and have all the forces of He was not unapprized of what would fbllow with the Iebrews under him: he told him that such relation to them when he saw Doeg there; for he happiness uses to come with great labour and pains: had then a suspicion that the high priest would be they also tookl oaths, that they would, all their lives falsely accused by him to the king, and he blamed long, continue in good-will and fidelity one to anhimself as having been the cause of this misfortune. other; and he called God to witness, as to what But he desired him to stay there, and abide with execrations he had made upon himself if he should him, as in a place where he might be better con- transgress his covenant, and should change to a concealed than any where else. trary behaviour. So Jonathan left him there, having rendered his cares and fears somewhat lighter, and returned home. Now the men of Ziph, to gratify Saul, informed him that David abode with them, and [assured him] that if he would come to them, CHAPTER XIII. they would deliver him up, for that if the king would seize on the Straits of Ziph, David would not escape HOW DAVID, WHEN HiE HAD TWICE THE OPPORTUTNITY to any other people. So the lking commended OF KILLING SAUL, DID NOT KILL HIM. ALSO CON- CEIING T L, DET NO SML A. NAALSO them, and confessed that he had reason to thank CERNING THE DEATH OF SAMUEL AND NABAL. them, because they had given him information of 1. ABOUT this time it was that David heard how his enemy; and he promised them, that it should the Philistines had made an inroad into the country not be long ere he would requite their kindness. of Keilah, and robbed it; so he offered himself to He also sent men to seek for David, and to search fight against them, if God, when he should be con- the wilderness wherein he was; and he promised suited by the prophet, would grant him the victory. that he himself would follow them. Accordingly And when the prophet said that God gave a signal they went before the king, to hunt for and to catch of victory, he made a sudden onset upon the Phi- David, and used endeavours, not only to show their listines with his companions, and he shed a great good-will to Saul, by informing him where his deal of their blood, and carried off their prey, and enemy was, but to evidence the same more plainly staid with the inhabitants of Keilah till they had by delivering him up into his power. But these securely gathered in their corn and their fruits. men failed of those their unjust and wicked desires, However, it was told Saul the king that David was who, while they underwent no hazard by not diswith the men of Keilah; for what had been done, covering such an ambition of revealing this to Saul, and the great success that had attended him, were yet did they falsely accuse and promise to deliver not confined among the people where the things up a man beloved of God, and one that was unjustly were done, but the fame of it went all abroad, and sought after to be put to death, and one that might came to the hearing of others, and both the fact as otherwise have lain concealed, and this out of flatit stood, and the author of the fact, were carried to tery, and expectation of gain from the king; for the king's ears. Then was Saul glad when he when David was apprized of the malignant intenheard David was in Keilah; and he said, "' God tions of the men of Ziph, and the approach of Saul, hath now put him into my hands, since he hath he left the Straits of that country, and fled to the obliged him to come into a city that hath walls, and great rock that was in the wilderness of Maon. gates, and bars." So he commanded all the people 3. Hereupon Saul made haste to pursue him suddenly, and when they had besieged and taken it, thither; for, as he was marching, he learned that to kill David. But when David perceived this, and David was gone away from the Straits of Ziph, and learned of God that if he staid there the men of Saul removed to the other side of the rock. But Keilah would deliver him up to Saul, he took his the report that the Philistines had again made an four hundred men and retired into a desert that incursion into the country of the Hebrews, called wvas over against a city called Engedi. So that Saul another way from the pursuit of David, when when the king heard he was fled away from the men he was ready to be caught; for he returned back Af Keilah, he left off his expedition against him. again to oppose those Philistines, who were natu2. Then David removed thence, and came to a cer. rally their enemies, as judging it more necessary tailt place called the New Place, belonging to Ziph; to avenge himself of them, than to take a great deal where Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to him, and of pains to catch an enemy of his own, and to over. saluted him, and exhorted him to be of good courage, look the ravage that was made in the land. and to hope well as to his condition hereafter, and 4. And by this means David unexpectedlyescaped 196 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. Book VI. out of the danger lie was in, and came to the Straits adversary, a man who had it in his power this day of Engedi; and when Salll had dlliven the Philis- to avenge himself, and to punish thee, but would tines out of the land, there came some messengers, not do it? nor make use of such an opportunity, wvho told him that David abode within the bounds which, if it had fallen out to thee against me, thou of Engedi: so he took three thousand chosen men hadst not let it slip, for when I cut off the skirt of that were armed, and made haste to him; and when thy garment, I could have done the same to thy he was not far from those places, he saw a deep and head." So he showed him the piece of his garhollow cave by the way-side; it was open to a great ment, and thereby made him agree to what he said length and breadth, and there it was that David to be true; and added, " I, for certain, have abwith his four hundrecd men were concealed. WVhen stained from taking a just revenge upon thee, yet therefore lhe had occasion to ease nature, he entered art thou not ashamed to prosecute me with unjust into it by himself alone; and being seen by one of hatred.* lay God do justice, and determine about David's companions, alnd he that saw him saying to each of our dispositions." —But Saul was amazed him, that he had now, by God's providence, an at the strange delivery he had received; and being opportunity of avenging himself of his adversary; greatly affected with the moderation and the disand advising him to cut off his head, and so deliver position of the young man, he groaned; and when himself out of that tedious, wandering condition, David had done the same, the king answered that and the distress lhe was in; he rose up, and only cut he had the justest occasion to groan, "for thou hast off the skirt of that garment which Saul had on: been the author of good to me, as I have been the but he soon repented of what he had done; and author of calamity to thee; and thou hast demonsaid it was not right to kill him that was his master, strated this day, that thou possessest the rightand one whom God had thought -worthy of the eousness of the ancients, who determined that men kinlgdom; " fobr that although he were wickedly dis- ought to save their enemies, though they caught posed towards us, yet does it not behove me to be them in a desert place. I am now persuaded that so disposed towards him." But when Saul had God reserves the kingdom for thee, and that thou left the cav\e, David came near and cried out aloud, wilt obtain the dominion over all the Hebrews. and desired Saul to hear him; whereupon the king Give me then assurances upon oath, That thou wilt turned his face back, and David, according to cus- not root out my family, nor, out of remembrance of tom, fell down on his face before the king, and what evil I have done thee, destroy my posterity, bowed to him; and said, " O king, thou oughtest but save and preserve my house." So David sware not to hearken to wicked men, nor to such as as he desired, and sent back Saul to his own kingforge calumnies, nor to gratify them so far as to be- dom; but he, and those that were with him, Wvent lieve what they say, nor to entertain suspicions of up the Straits of Mastheroth. such as are your best friends, but to judge of the 5. About this time Samuel the prophet died. dispositions of allnmen by their actions; for calumny lie was a man whom the Hebrews honoured in an deludes men, but men's own actions are a clear de- extraordinary degree: for that lamentation which monstration of their kindness. rVords indeed, in the people made for him, and this during a long their own nature, may be either true or false, but time, manifested his virtue, and the affection which men's actions expose their intentions nakedly to our the people bore for him; as also did the solemnity view. By these, therefore, it will be well for thee and concern that appeared about his funeral, and to believe me, as to my regard to thee and to thy about the complete observation of all his funeral Iouse, and not to believe those that fiame such ac- rites. They buried him in his own city of Ramah; cusations against me as never came into my mind, and wept for him a very great number of (lays, not nor are possible to be executed, and do this further looking on it as a sorrow for the death of another by pursuing after my life, and have no concern man, but as that in which they were every one either day or night, but how to compass my life themselves concerned. I-e was a righteous man, and to murder me, which thing I think thou dost and gentle in his nature; and on that account he unjustly prosecute; for how comes it about, that was very dear to God. Now he governed and prethou hast embraced this false opinion about me, as sided over the people alone, after the death of Eli if I had a desire to kill thee? Or how canst thou the high priest, twelve years, and eighteen years toescape the crime of impiety towards God, when gether with Saul the kIing. And thus we have thou wishest thou couldst kill, and deemest thine finished the history of Samuel. * The phrase in David's speech to Saul, as set down in ~II. ch. ii., "That revenge is not evil, but that patience is Joseplhus, that he had abstained from just revenge, puts me in more honourable." aniud of the like words in the Apostolical Constitutions, B. CHiAP. XIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 197 6. There was a man that was a Ziphite, of the for that he was grieved, not only that he had proved city of Maon, who was rich, and had a vast number ungrateful to them, without making any return for of cattle; for he fed a flock of three thousand sheep, the humanity they had shown him, but that he had and another flock of a thousand goats. Now David also reproached them, and used ill language to them, had charged his associates to keep these flocks with- when he had received no cause of disgust from them. out hurt and without damage, and to do them no 7. Hereupon one of those that kept the flocks of mischief, neither out of covetousness, nor because Nabal, said to his mistress, Nabal's wife, that when they were in want, nor because they were in the David sent to her husband he had received no civil wilderness, and so could not easily be discovered, answer at all from him; but that her husband had but to esteem freedom from injustice above all other moreover added very reproachful language, while motives, and to look upon the touching of what yet David had taken extraordinary care to keep his belonged to another man as a horrible crime, and flocks from harm, and that what had passed would contrary to the will of God. These were the in- prove very pernicious to his master. When the structions he gave, thinking that the favours he servant had said this, Abigail, for that was his granted this man were granted to a good man, and wife's name, saddled her asses, and loaded them one that deserved to have such care taken of his with all sorts of presents; and, without telling hei affairs. This man was Nabal, for that was his husband any thing of what she was about, (for he name,-a harsh man, and of a very wicked life, being was not sensible on account of his drunkenness,) like a cynic in the course of his behaviour, but still she went to David. She was then met by David had obtained for his wife a woman of a good charac- as she was descending a hill, who was coming ter, wise and handsome. To this Nabal, therefore, against Nabal with four hundred men. When the I)avid sent ten men of his attendants at the time woman saw David, she leaped down from her ass, when he sheared his sheep, and by them saluted and fell on her face, and bowed down to the ground; him; and also wished he might do what he now did and entreated him not to bear in mind the words of for many years to come, but desired him to make Nabal, since he knew that he resembled his name. him a present of what he was able to give him, Now Nabal, in the Hebrew tongue, signifiesfolly. since he had, to be sure, learned from his shepherds So she made her apology, that she did not see the that we had done them no injury, but had been their messengers whom he sent. " Forgive me, thereguardians a long time together, while we continued fore," said she, " and thank God, who hath hindered in the wilderness; and he assured him he should thee from shedding human blood; for so long as never repent of giving any thing to David. WVhen thou keepest thyself innocent, he will avenge thee the messengers had carried this message to Nabal, of wicked men,t for what miseries await Nabal, he accosted them after an inhuman and rough man- they will fall upon the heads of thine enemies. Be ner; for he asked them who David was? and when thou gracious to me, and think me so far worthy as he heard that he was the son of Jesse, he said, to accept of these presents from me; and, out of " Now is the time that fugitives grow insolent, and regard to me, remit that wrath and that anger which make a figure, and leave their masters." When thou hast against my husband and his house, for they told David this, he was wroth, and commanded mildness and humanity become thee, especially as four hundred armed men to follow him, and left thou art to be our king." Accordingly, David actwo hundred to take care of the stuff, (for he had cepted her presents, and said, " Nay, but, O woman, already six hundred,*) and went against Nabal: it was no other than God's mercy which brought thee he also swore that he would that night utterly de- to us to-day, for, otherwise, thou hadst never seen stroy the whole house and possessions of Nabal; another day, I having sworn + to destroy Nabal's * The number of men that came first to David, are dis- leaving them to the judgment of God, "to whom vengeance tinctly in Josephus, and in our common copies, but four hun- belongeth," Deut. xxxii. 35; Psal. xciv. 1; Heb. x. 30, dred. When he was at Keilah still but four hundred, both in and who will take vengeance on the wicked. And since all Josephus and in the LXXII.; but six hundred in our Hebrew God's judlgmrents are just, and all fit to be executed, and all at copies, 1 Sam. xxiii. 13; see xxx. 9, 10. Now the six hun- length for the good of the persons punished, I incline to think dred there mentioned are here estimated by Josephus to have that to be the meaning of this phrase of " heaping coals of been so many, only by an augmentation of two hundred after- fire on their heads." wardl, which I suppose is the true solution of this seeming dis- + We may note here, that how sacred soever an oath was agreement. esteemed among the people of God in old times, they did not t In this and the two next sections, we may perceive how think it obligatory where the action was plainly unlawful. For Josephus, nay, how Abigail herself, would understand, the so we see it was in this case of David, who, although he had "not avenging ourselves, but heaping coals of fire on the head sworn to destroy Nabal and his family, yet does he here, and of the injurious," Prov. xxv. 22; Rom. xii. 20, not as we 1 Sam. xxv. 32-3-1, bless God for preventing his keeping commonly do now. of melting them into kindness, but of I his oath, and from sheddling of blood, as he had sworn to do. 198 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEW-o;. BooK- VI. house this very night, and to leave alive not one mander, lay round about him in a circle. Hereof you who belonged to a man that was wicked and upon David entered into the king's tent; but he did ungrateful to me and my companions; but now hast neither kill Saul, though he knew where he lay, by thou prevented me, and seasonably mollified my the spear that was stuck down by him, nor did he anger, as being thyself under the care of God's give leave to Abishai, who would have killed him, providence: but as for Nabal, although for thy and was earnestly bent upon it so to do; for he said sake he now escape punishment, he will not always it was a horrid crime to kill one that was ordained avoid justice; for his evil conduct, on some other king by God, although he was a wicked man; for occasion, will be his ruin." that he who gave him the dominion would in time 8. When David had said this, he dismissed the inflict punishment upon him. So he restrained his woman. But when she came home and found her eagerness; but that it might appear to have been husband feasting with a great company, and op- in his power to have killed him when he refrained pressed with wine, she said nothing to him then from it, he took his spear, and the cruse of water about what had happened; but on the next day, which stood by Saul as he lay asleep, without bewhen he was sober, she told him all the particulars, ing perceived by any in the camp, who were all and made his whole body to appear like that of a asleep, and went securely away, having performed dead man by her words, and by that grief which every thing among the king's attendants that the arose from them; so Nabal survived ten days, and opportunity afforded, and his boldness encouraged no more, and then died. And when David heard him to do. So when he had passed over a brook, of his dpath, he said that God had justly avenged ad was gotten up to the top of a hill, whence he him of this man, for that Nabal had died by his might be sufficiently heard, he cried aloud to Saul's own wickedness, and had suffered punishment on soldiers, and to Abner their commander, and awaked his account, while he had kept his own hands clean. them out of their sleep, and called both to him and At which time he understood that the wicked are to the people. Hereupon the commander heard prosecuted by God; that he does not overlook any him, and asked who it was that called him. To man, but bestows on the good what is suitable to whom David replied, " It is I, the son of Jesse, them, and inflicts a deserved punishment on the whom you make a vagabond. But what is the wicked. So he sent to Nabal's wife, and invited matter? Dost thou, that art a man of so great digher to come to him, to live with him, and to be nity, and of the first rank in the king's court, take his wife. Whereupon she replied to those that so little care of thy master's body? and is sleep ot came, that she was not worthy to touch his feet; more consequence to thee than his preservation, and however, she came, with all her servants, and be- thy care of him? This negligence of yours deserves came his wife, having received that honour on ac- death, and punishment to be inflicted on you, who count of her wise and righteous course of life. She never perceived when, a little while ago, some of us also obtained the same honour partly on account of entered into your camp, nay, as far as to the king her beauty. Now David had a wife before, whom himself, and to all the rest of you. If thou look he married from the city Abesar; for as to Michal, for the king's spear and his cruse of water, thou the daughter of king Saul, who had been David's wilt learn what a mighty misfortune was ready to wife, her father had given her in marriage to Phalti, overtake you in your very camp without your knowthe son of Laish, who was of the city of Gallim. ing it." Now when Saul knew David's voice, and 9. After this came certain of the Ziphites, and understood that when he had him in his power while told Saul that David was come again into their he was asleep, and his guards took no care of him, country, and if he would afford them his assistance, yet did not he kill him, but spared him, when he they could catch him. So he came to them with might justly have cut him off, he said that he owed three thousand armed men; and upon the approach him thanks for his preservation; and exhorted him of night, he pitched his camp at a certain place to be of good courage, and not be afraid of suffering called Hachilah. But when David heard that Saul any mischief from him any more, and to return to was coming against him, he sent spies, and bid them his own home, for he was now persuaded that he let him know to what place of the country Saul did not love himself so well as lie was loved by was already come; and when they told him that him: that he had driven away him that could guard he was at Hachilah, he concealed his going away him, and had given many demonstrations of his from his companions, and came to Saul's camp, good-will to him: that he had forced him to live so having taken with him Abishai, his sister Zeruiah's long in a state of banishment, and in great fears of son, and Ahimelech the Hittite. Now Saul was his life, destitute of his friends and his kindred, asleep, and the armed men, with Abner their com- while still he was often saved by him, and frequently CHrtr. XIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 199 received his life again when it was evidently in grant him another favour, and bestow upon him danger of perishing. So David bade them send for some place of that country for his habitation, for he the spear and the cruse of water, and take them was ashamed, by living in the city, to be grievous back; adding this withal, That God would be the and burdensome to him. So Achish gave him a judge of both their dispositions, and of the actions certain village called Ziklag; which place David that flowed from the same, "who knows that when and his sons were fond of when he was king, and it was this day in my power to have killed thee I reckoned it to be their peculiar inheritance. But abstained from it." about those matters we shall give the reader further 10. Thus Saul having escaped the hands of Da- information elsewhere. Now the time that David vid twice, he went his way to his royal: palace, and dwelt in Ziklag, in the land of the Philistines, was his own city: but David was afraid, that if he staid four months and twenty days. And now he prithere he should be caught by Saul; so he thought vately attacked those Geshurites and Amalekites it better to go up into the land of. the Philistines, that were neighbours to the Philistines, and laid and abide there. Accordingly, he came with the waste their country, and took much prey of their six hundred men that were with him to Achish, the beasts and camels, and then returned home; but king of Gath, which was one of their five cities. David abstained from the men, as fearing they should Now the king received both him and his men, and discover him to king Achish; yet did he send part of gave.them a place to inhabit in. He had with him the prey to him as a free gift. And when the king also his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, and he inquired whom they had attacked when they brought dwelt in Gath. But when Saul heard this, he took away the prey, he said, those that lay to the south no further care about sending..to him, or going after of the Jews, and inhabited in the plain; whereby him, because he had been twice, in a manner, caught he persuaded Achish to approve of what he had by him, while he was himself endeavouring to catch: done, for he hoped that David had fought against him. However, David had no mind to continue. in- his own nation, and that now he should have him the city of Gath, but desired the king,: that since he for his servant all his life long, and that he would had received him with such humanity, that he would stay in: his country. 200 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOR V1. CHAPTER XIV. HOW SAUL, UPON GOD S NOT ANSWERING HIM CONCERNING THIE FIGHT WITH THE PHILISTINES, DESIRED A NECROMANTIC WOMAN TO RAISE UP THE SOUL OF SAMUEL TO HIM; AND HOW HE DIED, WITH HIS SONS, UPON THE OVERTHROW OF THE HEBREWS IN BATTLE. BOUT the same time 2. Now Saul, the king of the Hebrews, had cast - the Philistines resolv- out of the country the fortune-tellers, and the ne//: \tlki5'\~ ed to make war against cromancers, and all such as exercised the like arts, ).. the Israelites, and sent excepting the prophets. But when he heard that \X'| j/4j to all their confeder- the Philistines were already come, and had pitched o~ \:,,:/, ates that they would their camp near the city Shunem, situate in the t,\,t /'>": go along with them to plain, he made haste to oppose them with his forces; "....' ithe war to Reggan, and when he was come to a certain mountain called [near the city Shu- Gilboa, he pitched his camp over-against the enemy; nemn, whence they might gather themselves to- but when he saw the enemy's army he was greatly gether, and suddenly attack the Hebrews. Then troubled, because it appeared to him to be numerdid Achish, the king of Gath, desire David to ous, and superior to his own; and he inquired of assist them with his armed men against the He- God by the prophets concerning the battle, that he brews. This he readily promised; and said that might know beforehand what would be the event of the time was now come wherein he might requite it. And when God did not answer him, Saul was him for his kindness and hospitality. So the king under a still greater dread, and his courage fell, promised to make him the keeper of his body after foreseeing, as was l)but reasonable to suppose, that the victory, supposing that the battle with the mischief would befall him, now God was not there enemy succeeded to their mind; which promise of to assist him; yet did he bid his servants to inquire honour and confidence he made on purpose to in- out for him some woman that was a necromancer crease his zeal for his service. and called up the souls of the d(lead, that so he might CIHAP. XIV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEXWS. 201 know whether his affairs would succeed to his prediction of what was coming, neither by prophets mind; for this sort of necromantic women that nor by dreams; and that " these were the reasons bring up the souls of the dead, do by them foretell why I have recourse to thee, who always tookest future events to such as desire them. And one of care of me." But * Samuel, seeing that the end of his servants told him that there was such a woman Saul's life was come, said, " It is in vain for thee to in the city Endor, but was known to nobody in desire to learn of me any thing further, when God the camp; hereupon Saul put off his royal apparel, hath forsaken thee: however, hear what I say, that and took two of those his servants with him, whom David is to be king, and to finish this war with lie knew to be most faithfll to him, and came to good success; and thou art to lose thy dominion Endor to the woman, and entreated her to act the and thy life, because thou didst not obey God in part of a. fortune-teller, and to bring up such a the war with the Amalekites, and hast not kept his soul to him as he should name to her. But when commandments, as I foretold thee while I was alive. the woman opposed his motion, and said she did Know, therefore, that the people shall be made subnot despise the king, who had banished this sort of ject to their enemies, and that thou, with thy sons, fortune-tellers, and that he did not do well himself, shall fall in the battle to-morrow, and thou shalt when she had done him no harm, to endeavour to then be with me [in Hades]." lay a snare for her, and to discover that she exer- 3. When Saul heard this, he could not speak cised a forbidden art, in order to procure her to for grief, and fell down on the floor, whether be punished, he sware that nobody should know it were from the sorrow that arose upon what what she did; and that he would not tell any one Samuel had said, or from his emptiness, for he had else what she foretold, but that she should incur no taken no food the foregoing day nor night, he easily danger. As soon as he had induced her by this fell quite down: and when with difficulty he had oath to fear no harm, he bid her bring up to him recovered himself, the woman would force him to the soul of Samuel. She, not knowing who Samuei eat, begging this of him as a favour on account of was, called him out of Hades. When he appeared, her concern in that dangerous instance of fortuneand the -woman saw one that was venerable, and of telling, which it was not lawful for her to have a divine form, she was in disorder; and being done, because of the fear she was under of the king, astonished at the sight, she said, " Art not thou while she knew not who he was, yet did she underking Saul?" for Samuel had informed her who he take it, and go through with it; on which account was. When he had owned that to be true, and she entreated him to admit that a table and food had asked her whence her disorder arose, she might be set before him, that he might recover his said that she saw a certain person ascend, who strength, and so get safe to his own camp. And in his form was like to a god. And when he bid when he opposed her motion, and entirely rejected her tell him what he' resembled, in what habit he it, by reason of his anxiety, she forced him, and at appeared, and of what age he was, she told him last persuaded him to it. Now she had one calf he was an old man already, and of a glorious that she was very fond of, and one that she took a personage, and had on a sacerdotal mantle. So great deal of care of, and fed it herself; for she was the king discovered by these signs that he was a woman that got her living by the labour of her Samuel; and he fell down upon the ground, and own hands, and had no other possession but that one saluted and worshipped him. And when the soul calf; this she killed, and made ready its flesh, and of Samuel asked him why he had disturbed him, set it before his servants and himself. So Saul and caused him to be brought up, he lamented came to the camp while it was yet night. the necessity he was under; for he said, that his 4. Now it is but just to recommend the geenemies pressed heavily upon him; that he was nerosity of this woman, t because when the king in distress what to do in his present circumstances; had forbidden her to use that art whence her cirtllat he was forsaken of God, and could obtain no cumstances were bettered and improved, and when * This history of Saul's consultation, not with a witch, as history; for as to all modern hypotheses against the natural we render the Hebrew word here, but with a necromancer, as sense of such ancient and authentic histories, I take them to the whole history shows, is easily understood, especially if we be of very small value or consideration. consult the Recognitions of Clement, B. I. ch. v. at large, and' These great commendations of this necromantic woman more briefly, and nearer the days of Samuel, Ecclus. xlvi. 20, of Endor, and of Saul's martial courage, when yet he knew he " Samuel prophesied after his death, and showed the king his should die in the battle, are somewhat unusual digressions in end, and lift up his voice from the earth in prophecy," to blot Josephus. They seem to me extracted from some speeches or out "the wickedness of the people." Nor does the exactness declamations of his composed formerly, in the way of oratory, of the accomplishment of this prediction, the very next day, that lay by him, and which he thought fit to insert upon this permit us to suppose any imposition upon Saul in the present occasion. See before on Antiq. B. I. ch. vi sect. 8. n _~ 202 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK VI. she had never seen the king before, she still did not out to war with hopes of success, and that they shall remember to his disadvantage that he had con- return safe, supposing they should have performed demned her sort of learning, and did not refuse some glorious action, I think those do not do well him as a stranger, and one that she had had no who call these valiant men, as so many historians acquaintance with; but she had compassion upon and other writers who treat of them are wont to do, him, and comforted him, and exhorted him to do although I confess those do justly deserve some what he was greatly averse to, and offered him the commendation also; but those only may be styled only creature she had, as a poor woman, and that courageous and bold in great undertakings, and earnestly, and with great humanity, while she had despisers of adversities, who imitate Saul: for as no requital made her for her kindness, nor hunted for those that do not know what the event of war after any future favour from him, for she knew he will be as to themselves, and though they do'not was to die; whereas men are naturally either am- faint in it, but deliver themselves up to uncertain bitious to please those that bestow benefits upon futurity, and are tossed this way and that way, this them, or are very ready to serve those from whom is not so very eminent an instance of a generous they may receive some advantage. It would be mind, although they happen to perform many great well therefore to imitate the example of this woman, exploits; but when men's minds expect no good and to do kindnesses to all such as are in want; event, but they know beforehand they must die, and to think that nothing is better, nor more be- and that they must undergo that death in the battle coming mankind, than such a general beneficence, also, after this neither to be affrighted, nor to be nor what will sooner render God favourable, and astonished at the terrible fate that is coming, but to ready to bestow good things upon us. And so far go directly upon it, when they know it beforehand, may suffice to have spoken concerning this woman. this it is that I esteem the character of a man truly But I shall speak further upon another subject, courageous. Accordingly this Saul did, and therewhich will afford me an opportunity of discoursing by demonstrated that all men who desire fame after on what is for the advantage of cities, and people, they are dead are so to act as they may obtain the and nations, and suited to the taste of good men, same: this especially concerns kings, who ought not and will encourage them all in the prosecution of to think it enough in their high stations that they virtue; and is capable of showing them the method are not wicked in the government of their subjects, of acquiring glory, and an everlasting fame; and of but to be no more than moderately good to them. imprinting in the kings of nations, and the rulers I could say more than this about Saul and his of cities, great inclination and diligence of doing courage, the subject affording matter sufficient; but well; as also of encouraging them to undergo that I may not appear to run out improperly in his dangers, and to die for their countries, and of commendation, I return again to that history from instructing them how to despise all the most which I made this digression. terrible adversities: and I have a fair occasion 5. Now when the Philistines, as I said before, offered me to enter on such a discourse by Saul the had pitched their camp, and had taken an account king of the, Iebrews; for although he knew what of their forces, according to their nations, and kingwas coming upon him, and that he was to die im- doms, and governments, king Achish came last of mediately, by the prediction of the prophet, he did all with his own army; after whom came David not resolve to fly from death, nor so far to indulge with his six hundred armed men. And when the the love of life as to betray his own people to the commanders of the Philistines saw him, they asked enemy, or to bring a disgrace on his royal dignity; the king whence these Hebrews came, and at whose but exposing himself, as well as all his family and invitation. I-Ie answered that it was David, who children, to dangers, lie thought it a brave thing to was fled away fromn his master Saul, and that he had fall together with their, as he was fighting for his entertained him when he came to him, and that now subjects, and that it was better his sons should die he was willing to make him this requital for his fiathus, showing their courage, than to leave them to vours, and to avenge himself upon Saul, and so their uncertain conduct afterward, while, instead of was become his confederate. The commanders succession and posterity, they gained commendation complained of this, that he had taken him for a conand a lasting name. Such a one alone seems to federate who was an enemy; and gave him counsel me to be a just, a courageous, and a prudent man; to send him away, lest he should unawares do his and when any one has arrived at these dispositions, friends a great deal of mischief by entertaining or shall hereafter arrive at them, he is the man that him, for that he afforded him an opportunity of ought to be by all honoured with the testimony of a being reconciled to his master by doing a mischief to virtuous or courageous man: for as to those that go our army. They thereupon desired him, out of a CIAPr. XIV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 203 prudent foresight of this, to send him away, with his hind by his inmater, because he was so sick and six hundred armed men, to the place he had given weak that he could not follow him. He also inhim for his habitation; for that this was that David formed him that hle was one of those who had burnt whom the virgins celebrated in their hymns, as and plundered, not only other parts of Judea, but having destroyed many ten thousands of the Philis- Ziklag itself also. So David made use of him as a tines. When the king of Gath heard this, he guide to find out the Amalekites; and when lie had thought they spake well; so he called David, and overtaken them, as they lay scattered about on the said to him, " As for myself, I can bear witness that ground, some at dinner, some disordered, and enthou hast shown great diligence and kindness about tirely drunk with wine, and in the fruition of theii nle, and on that account it was that I took thee for spoils and their prey, he fell upon them on the sudmy confederate; however, whlat I have done does den, and made a great slaughter among them; for not please the commanders of the Philistines; go they were naked, and expected no such thing, but therefore within a day's time to the place I have had betaken themselves to drinking ahd feasting; given thee, without suspecting any harm, and there and so they were all easily destroyed. N.ow some keep my country, lest any of our enemies should of them that were overtaken as they lay at the table make an incursion upon it, which will be one part of were slain in that posture, and their blood brought up that assistance which I expect firom thee." So with it their meat and their drink. They slew others David came to Ziklag, as the king of Gath badle him; of them as they were drinking to one another in their but it happened, that while he was gone to the cups, and some of them when their full bellies assistance of the Philistines, the Amalekites had had made them fall asleep; and for so many as had made an incursion, and taken Ziklag before, and time to put on their armour, they slew them with had burnt it; and when they had taken a great deal the sword, with no less ease than they did those of other prey out of that place, and out'of the other that were naked; and for the partisans of David, parts of the Philistines' country, they departed. they continued also the slaughter from the first 6. Now when David found that Ziklag was laid hour of the day to the evening, so that there were waste, and that it was all spoiled, and that as well not above four hundred of the Amalekites left; and his Own wives, who were two, as the wives of his they only escaped by getting upon their dromedaries companions, with their children, were made cap- and camels. Accordingly David recovered not only tives, he presently rent his clothes, weeping and all the other spoils which the enemy had carried lamenting, together with his friends; and indeed away, but his wives also, and the wives of his comhe was so cast down with these misfortunes, that at panions. But when they were come to the place length tears themselves failed him. He was also where they had left the two hundred meIn, which in danger of being stoned to death by his com- were not able to follow them, but were left to take panions, who were greatly afflicted at the captivity care of the stuff, the four hundred men did not of their wives and children, for they laid the blame think fit to divide among them any other parts of upon him of what had happened. But when he had what they had gotten, or of the prey, since they did recovered himself out of his grief, and had raised up not accompany them, but pretended to be feeble, his mind to God, he desired the high priest Abiathar and did not follow them in pursuit of the enemy, to put on his sacerdotal garments, and to inquire of but said they should be contented to have safely God, and to prophesy to him, whether God would recovered their wives; yet did David pronounce grant, that if he pursued after the Amalekites, he that this opinion of theirs was evil and unjust, and should overtake them, and save their wives and that when God had granted them such a favour, their children, and avenge himself on the enemies. that they had avenged themselves on their enemies, And when the high priest bade him to pursue after and had recovered all that belonged to themselves, them, he marched apace, with his four hundred men, they should make an equal distribution of what after the enemy; and when he was come to a certain they had gotten to all, because the rest had tarried b)rook called Besor, and had lighted upon one that behind to guard their stuff; and from that time was wanlering about, an Egyptian by birth, who this law obtained among them, that those who,was almost dead with want and famine, (for he had guarded the stuff; should receive an equal share continued wandering about without food in the with those that fought in the battle. Now when wilderness three days,) he first of all gave him sus- David was come to Ziklag, he sent portions of the tenance, both meat and drink, and thereby refreshed spoils to all that had been familiar with him, and him. He then asked him to whom he belonged, to his friends in the tribe of Judah. And thus and whence he' came. ~Whereupon the man told ended the affairs of the plundering of Ziklag, and him he was an Egyptian by birth, and was left be- of the slaughter of the Amalekites. 204 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VI. 7. Now upon the Philistines joining battle, there dwelt in the valley beyond Jordan, and those who followed a sharp engagement, and the Philistines had their cities in the plain, heard'that Saul and became the conquerors, and slew a great number of his sons were fallen, and that the multitude about their enemies; but Saul the king of Israel, and his them were destroyed, they left their own cities, and sons, fought courageously, and with the utmost ala- fled to such as were the best fortified and fenced; crity, as knowing that their entire glory lay in no- and the Philistines, finding those cities deserted, thing else but dying honourably, and exposing them- came and dwelt in them. selves to the utmost danger from the enemy (for 8. On the next day, when the Philistines came they had nothing else to hope for); so they brought to strip their enemies that were slain, they got the upon themselves the whole power of the enemy, till bodies of Saul and of his sons, and stripped them, they were encompassed round and slain, but not and cut off their heads; and they sent messengers before they had killed many of the Philistines. all about their country, to acquaint them that their Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Abina- enemies were fallen; and they dedicated their dab, and Malchisua:; and when these were slain, armour in the temple of Astarte, but hung their the multitude of the Hebrews were put to flight, bodies on crosses at the walls of the city Bethshan, and all was disorder, and confusion, and slaughter, which is now called Scythopolis. But when the upon the Philistines pressing in upon them. inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard that they had But Saul himself fled, having a strong body of dismembered the dead bodies of Saul and of his soldiers about him; and upon the Philistines send- sons, they deemed it so horrid a thing to overlook ing after them those that threw javelins and shot this barbarity, and to suffer them to be without arrows, he lost all his company except a few. As funeral rites, that the most courageous and hardy for himself, he fought with great bravery; and among them (and indeed that city had in it men when he had received so many wounds, that he that were very stout both in body and mind) jourwas not able to bear up nor to oppose any longer, neyed all night, and came to Bethshan, and apand yet was not able to kill himself, he bade his proached to the enemy's wall, and taking down the armour-bearer draw his sword, and run him through, bodies of Saul and of his sons, they carried them before the enemy should take him alive. But his to Jabesh, while the enemy were not able enough armour-bearer not daring to kill his master, he nor bold enough to hinder them, because of their drew his own sword, and placing himself over great courage. So the people of Jabesh wept all against its, point, he threw himself upon it; and in general, and buried their bodies in the best place when he could neither run it through him, nor, by of their country, which was named Aroura; and leaning against it, make the sword pass through they observed a public mourning for them seven him, he turned him round, and asked a certain days, with their wives and children, beating their young man that stood by who he was; and when breasts, and lamenting the king and his sons, withlie understood that he was an Amalekite, he desired out either tasting meat or drink * [till the evening]. him to force the sword through him, because he 9. To this his end did Saul come, according to was not able to do it with his own hands, and the prophecy of Samuel, because he disobeyed the thereby to procure him such a death as he desired. commands of God about the Amalekites, and on the This the young man did accordingly; and he took account of his destroying the family of Ahimelech the golden bracelet that was on Saul's arm, and his the high priest, with Ahimelech himself, and the royal crown that was on his head, and ran away. city of the high priests. Now Saul, when he had And when Saul's armour-bearer saw that he was reigned eighteen years while Samuel was alive, and slain, he killed himself; nor did any of the king's after his death two [and twenty], ended his life in guards escape, but they all fell upon the mountain this manner. called: Gilboa. But when those Hebrews that This way of speaking in Josephus, of fasting " seven days was the fourteenth day of their tempestuous weather in the without meat or drink," is almost like that of St. Paul, Acts Adriatic Sea, as ver. 27, and that on this fourteenth day alone xxvii. 33, " This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried, they had continued fasting, and had taken nothing before the and continued fasting, having taken nothing:" and as the na- evening. The mention of their long abstinence, ver. 21, inture of the thing, and the impossibility of strictly fasting so clines me to believe the former explication to be the truth, long, require us here to understand both Josephus and the and that the case was then for a fortnight what it was here for sacred author of this history, 1 Sam. xxx. 13, from whom he a week, that they kept all those days entirely as fasts till the took it, of only fasting till the evening; so must we under- evening, but not longer. See Judg. xx. 26; xxi. 2; 1 Sam stand'St. Paul, either that this was really the fourteenth day xiv. 24; 2 Sam. i. 12; Antiq. B. VII. ch. vii. sect. 4. that they had taken nothing till the evening, or else that this BOOK VII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 205 BOOK VII. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF FORTY YEARS. FROM THE DEATH OF SAUL TO THE DEATH OF DAVID. his means, obut to punish him that slew him; for CHAPTER I. when David had said to him that he was become his own accuser, as the very man who had slain HOW DAVID REIGNED OVER ONE TRIBE AT HEBRON, the king, and when he had understood that he WHILE THE SON OF SAUL REIGNED OVER THE REST was the son of an Amalekite, he connmanded him O M TE ULTiTUDE; AND HOW, IN THE CIVIL WAR HICH THE N AROSE, ASAIE L AND HHABNER to be slain. He also committed to writing some WERE SLAIN. lamentations and funeral commendations of Sall and Jonathan, which haxe continued to my own 1. THIs fight proved to be on the same day age. whereon David was come back to Ziklag, after he 2. Now when David had paid these honours to had overcome the Amalekites. Now when he had the king, he left off his mourning, and inquired of been already two days at Ziklag, there came to him God by the prophet which of the cities of the tribe the man who slew Saul, which was the third day of Judah he would bestow upon him to dwell in; after the fight. He had escaped out of the battle who answered that he bestowed upon him Hebron. which the Israelites had with the Philistines, and So he left Ziklag, and came to Hebron, and took had his clothes rent, and ashes upon his head. with him his wives, who were in number two, And when he made his obeisance to David, he in- and his armed men; whereupon all the people of the quired of him whence he came. He replied, from forementioned tribe came to him, and ordained him the battle of the Israelites; and he informed him their king. But when he heard that the inha.. that the end of it was unfortunate, many ten thou- bitants of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul and his sands of the Israelites having been cut off, and Saul, sons [honourably], he sent to them and commendtogether with his sons, slain. He also said that ed them, and took what they had done kindly, and he could well give him this information, because promised to make them amends for their care of he was present at the victory gained over the He- those that were dead; and at the same time he inbrews, and was with the king when he fled. Nor formed them that the tribe of Judah had chosen him did he deny that he had himself slain the king, for their king. when he was ready to be taken by the enemy, and 3. But as soon as Abner, the son of Ner, who he himself exhorted him to do it, because, when he was general of Saul's army, and a very active man, was fallen on his sword, his great wounds had made and good-natured, knew that the king, and Jonahim so weak that he was not able to kill himself. than, and his two other sons, were fallen in the He also produced demonstrations that the king was battle, he made haste into the camp; and taking slain, which were the golden bracelets that had away with him the remaining son of Saul, whose been on the king's arms, and his crown, which he name was Ishbosheth, he passed over to the land had taken away from Saul's dead body, and had beyond Jordan, and ordained him the king of the brought them to him. So David having no longer whole multitude, excepting the tribe of Judah; any room to call in question the truth of what he and made his royal seat in a place called in our said, but seeing most evident marks that Saul was own language.Jzahanaim,but in the language of the dead, he rent his garments, and continued all that Grecians, The Carnps; from whence Abner made day with his companions in weeping and lamenta- haste with a select body of soldiers, to fight with tion. This grief was augmented by the considera- such of the tribe of Judah as were disposed to it, tion of Jonathan, the son of Saul, who had been his for he was angry that this tribe had set up David most faithful friend, and the occasion of his own for their king. But Joab, whose father was Suri, deliverance. He also demonstrated himself to have and his mother Zeruiah, David's sister, who was such great virtue, and such great kindness for Saul, general of David's army, met him, according to as not only to take his death to heart, though he David's appointment. He had with him his brehad been frequently in danger of losing his life by thren, Abishai and Asahel, as also all David's arm 206 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK V11. ed men. Now when he met Abner at a certain not fit that they should irritate men of the same fountain, in the city of Gibeon, he prepared to nation to fight so bitterly one against another; that fight. And when Abner said to him, that he had as for Asahel his brother, he was himself in the a mind to know which of them had the more valiant wrong, when he would not be advised by him not soldiers, it was agreed between them that twelve to pursue him any farther, which was the occasion soldiers of each side should fight together. So those of his wounding and death. So Joab consented to that were chosen out by both the generals for this what he said, and accepted these his words as an fight came between the two armies, and throwing excuse [about Asahel], and called the soldiers back their lances one against the other, they drew their with the sound of the trumpet, as a signal for their swords, and catching one another by the head, they retreat, and thereby put a stop to any further purheld one another fast, and ran each other's swords suit. After which Joab pitched his camp there into their sides and groins, until they all, as it were that night; but Abner marched all that night, and by mutual agreement, perished together. When passed over the river Jordan, and came to Ishbothese were fallen down dead, the rest of the army sheth, Saul's son, to Mahanaim. On the next day came to a sore battle, and Abner's men were beaten; Joab counted the dead men, and took care of all and when they were beaten, Joab did not leave off their funerals. Now there were slain of Abner's pursuing them, but he pressed upon them, and ex- soldiers about three hundred and sixty; but of those cited the soldiers to follow them close, and not to of David nineteen, and Asahel, whose body Joab grow weary of killing them. His brethren also and Abishai carried to Bethlehem; and when they pursued them with great alacrity, especially the had buried him in the sepulchre of their fathers, younger, Asahel, who was the most eminent of they came to David to Hebron. From this time them. He was very famous for his swiftness of therefore there began an intestine war, which lasted foot, for he could not only be too hard for men, but a great while, in which the followers of David grews is reported to have overrun a horse, when they s~tronger in the dangers they underwent, and the had a race together. This Asahel ran violently after servants and subjects of Saul's sons did almost every Abner, and -would not turn in the least out of the day become weaker. straight way, either to the one side or to the other. 4. About this time David was become the father Hereupon Abner turned back, and attempted art- of six sons, born of as many mothers. The eldest fully to avoid his violence. Sometimes he bade him was by Ahinoam, and he was called Amnon; the leave off the pursuit, and take the armour of one of second was Daniel, by his wife Abigail; the name his soldiers; and sometimes, when he could not of the third was Absalom, by Maacah, the daughter persuade him so to do, he exhorted him to restrain of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth he named himself, and not to pursue him any longer, lest he Adonijah, by his wife Haggith; the fifth was should force hint to kill him, and he should then Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth he called Ithream, not be able to look his brother in the face: but by Eglah. Now while this intestine war went on, when Asahel would not admit of any persuasions, and the subjects of the two kings came frequently but still continued to pursue him, Abner smote to action and to fighting, it was Abner, the general him with his spear, as he held it in his flight, and of the host of Saul's son, who, by his prudence, that by a back-stroke, and gave him a deadly and the great interest he had among the multitude, wound, so that he died immediately; but those that made them all continue with Ishbosheth; and indeed were with him pursuing Abner, when they came to it was a considerable time that they continued of. the place where Asahel lay, they stood round about his party; but afterwards Abner was blamed, and the dead body, and left off the pursuit of the enemy. an accusation was laid against him, that he went in Howev er, both Joab * himself, and his brother Abi- unto Saul's concubine: her name was Rispah, the shai, ran past the dead corpse, and making their daughter of Aiah. So when he was complained of anger at the death of Asahel an occasion of greater by Ishbosheth, he was very uneasy and angry at zeal against Abner, they went on with incredible it, because he had not justice done him by Ishbohaste and alacrity, and pursued Abner to a certain sheth, to whom he had shown the greatest kindness; place called Ammah: it was about sun-set. Then whereupon he threatened to transfer the kingdom did Joab ascend a certain hill, as he stood at that to David, and demonstrate that he did not rule over place, having the tribe of Benjamin with him, the people beyond Jordan by his own abilities and whence he took a view of them, anrid of Abner also. wisdom, but by his warlike conduct and fidelity in Hereupon Abner cried aloud, and said that it was leading his army. So he sent ambassadors to * It ought to be here noted, that Joab, Abishai, and Asahel as 1 Chron. ii. 16; and that Amasa was also his nephew by were all three David' nephews, the sons of his sister Zeruiah, the sons of his sister Zeriah, his other sister Abigail, ver. 17. ......~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_ —..'5. -T_ D: rzi::x V,,: -Zs 0:: Vl -; -0 T Of -0X: fax; of 0 ti004n...: I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I - - t.:: ~:. — O -M 0_ -. —:. - X 0. 0 7.- 0 0 0 X -_-f; 7= X: W.n~s H~liii. 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ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 207 Hebron to David, and desired that he would give with David, and had parted with him a little before him security upon oath that he would esteem him under leagues and agreements that the government his companion and his friend, upon condition that should be delivered up to David, he feared lest he should persuade the people to leave Saul's David should place Abner, who had assisted him to son, and choose him king of the whole country; gain the kingdom, in the first rank of dignity, and when David had made that league with Ab- especially since he was a shrewd man in other rener, for he was pleased with his message to him, spects, in understanding affairs, and in managing le desired that he would give this as the first mark them artfully, as proper seasons should require, and of performance of the present league, that he might that he should himself be put lower, and be dehave his wife AMichal restored to him, as her whom prived of the" command of the army; so he took ( he had purchased with great hazards, and with those knavish and a wicked course. In the first place, he six hundred heads of the Philistines which he had endeavoured to calumniate Abner to the king, exbrought to Saul her father. So Abner took Michal horting him. to have a care of him, and not to give from Phaltiel, who was then her husband, and sent attention to what he had engaged to do for him, beher to David, Ishbosheth himself affording him his cause all he did tended to confirm the government to assistance, for David had written to him that of Saul's son; that he came to him deceitfully and right he ought to have this his wife restored to with guile, and was gone away in hopes of gaining him. Abner also called together the elders of the his purpose by this management: but when he multitude, the commanders and captains of thou- could not thus persuade David, nor saw him at all sands, and spake thus to them: That he had form- exasperated, he betook himself to a project bolder erly dissuaded them from their own resolution, when than the former: —he determined to kill Abner; they were ready to forsake Ishbosheth, and to join and in order thereto, he sent some messengers after themselves to David; that, however, he now gave him, to whom he gave in charge, that when they them leave so to do, if they had a mind to it, for should overtake him they should recall him in Da: they knew that God had appointed David to be king vid's name, and tell him that he had somewhat to of all the Hebrews by Samuel the prophet; and say to him about his affairs, which he had not rehad foretold that he should punish the Philistines, membered to speak of when he was with him. Now and overcome them, and bring them under. Now when Abner heard what the messengers said, (for when the elders and rulers heard this, and under- they overtook him in a certain place called Besirc. stood that Abner was come over to those sentiments which was distant from Hebron twenty furlongs,) about the public affairs which they were of before, he suspected none of the mischief which was befallthey changed their measures, and came in to David. ing him, and came back. Hereupon Joab met him'WThen these men had agreed to Abner's proposal, in the gate, and received him in the kindest manner, he called together the tribe of Benjamin, for all of as if he were Abner's most benevolent acquaintance that tribe were the guards of Ishbosheth's body, and and friend; for such as undertake the vilest actions, he spake to them to the same purpose. And when in order to prevent the suspicion of any private mishe saw that they did not in the least oppose what chief intended, do frequently make the greatest prehe said, but resigned themselves up to his opinion, tences to what really good men sincerely do. So he took about twenty of his friends and came to he took him aside from his own followers, as if he David, in order to receive himself security upon would speak with him in private, and brought him oath from him; for we may justly esteem those into a void place of the gate, having himself nobody things to be firmer which every one of us do by with him but his brother Abishai; then he drew his ourselves, than those which we do by another. He sword, and smote him in the groin; upon which also gave him an account of what he had said to the Abner died by this treachery of Joab, which, as rulers, and to the whole tribe of Benjamin; and he said himself, was in the way of punishment for when David had received him in a courteous man- his brother Asahel, whom Abner smote and slew,ler, and had treated him with great hospitality for as he was pursuing after him in the battle of Iemany days, Abner, when he was dismissed, desired bron, but as the truth was, out of his fear of losing him to permit him to bring the multitude with him, his command of the army, and his dignity with the that he might deliver up the government to him, king, and lest he should be deprived of those ad-' when David himself was present, and a spectator of vantages, and Abner should obtain the first rank in what was done. David's court. By these examples any one may 5. When David had sent Abner away, Joab, the learn how many and how great instances of wickedgeneral of his army, came immediately to Hebron; ness men will venture upon for the sake of getting and when he had understood that Abner had been money and authority, and that they may not fail.of 208 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK VII. either of them; for as when they are desirous of being ready to suppose that the king would have obtaining the same, they acquire them by ten thou- taken the same care of them in the like circumsand evil practices; so when they are afraid of stances, which they saw he showed in the burial of losing them, they get them confirmed to them by the dead body of Abner. And indeed David prinpractices much worse than the former, as if [no] cipally intended to gain *a good reputation, and other calamity so terrible could befall them as the therefore he took care to do what was proper in this failure of acquiring so exalted an authority; and case, whence none had any suspicion that he was -when they.have acquired it, and by long custom the author of Abner's death. He also said this to found the sweetness of it, the losing it again: and the multitude, that he was greatly troubled at the. since this last would be the heaviest of all afflictions, death of so good a man; and that the affairs of the they all of them contrive and venture upon the most Hebrews had suffered great detriment by being difficult actions, out of the fear of losing the same. deprived of him, who was of so great abilities to But let it suffi.ce that I have made these short preserve them by his excellent advice, and by the reflections upon that subject. strength of his hands in war. But he added, that 6. When David heard that Abner was slain, it "God, who hath a regard to all men's actions, will. grieved his soul; and he called all men to witness, not suffer this man [Joab] to go off unrevenged; with stretching out his hands to God, and crying but know ye, that I am not able to do any thing to out that he was not a partaker in the murder of these sons of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai, who have Abner, and that his death was not procured by his more power than I have; but God will requite their command or approbation. He also wished the insolent attempts upon their own heads." And heaviest curses might light upon him that slew him, this was the fatal conclusion of the life of Abner. and upon his whole house; and he devoted those that had assisted him in this murder to the same penalties on its account; for he took care not to appear to have had any hand in this murder, contrary to the assurances he had given and the CHAPTER II. oaths he had taken to Abner. However, he comoaths he had taken to Abner. However, he co- THAT UPON THE SLAUGHTER OF ISHBOSHETH, BY THE manded all the people to weep and lament this man, TR.EACHERY.OF' MIS FRIENDS, DAVlD RECEvED THE and to honour his dead body with the usual solem- TREACHERY OF HIS FRIENDS, DAVID RECEIVED THE WHOLE KINGDOM. nities; that is, by rending their garments, and putting on sackcloth, and that this should be the habit 1. WVHEN Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, had heard in which they should go before the bier; after which of the death of Abner, he took it to heart to be dehe followed it himself, with the elders and those prived of a man that was of his kindred, and had that were rulers, lamenting Abner, and by his tears indeed given him the kingdom, but was greatly demonstrating his good-will to him while he was afflicted, and Abner's death very much troubled alive, and his sorrow for him now he was dead, and him; nor did he himself outlive any long time, but that he was not taken off with his consent. So he was treacherously set upon by the sons of Rimmon, buried him at Hebron in a magnificent manner, and (Baanah and Rechab were their names,) and was slain indited funeral elegies for him; he also stood first by them; for these being of a family of the Benjaover the monument weeping, and caused others to mites, and of the first rank among them, thought that do the same; nay, so deeply did the death of Abner if they should slay Ishbosheth, they should obtain disorder him, that his companions could by no means large presents from David, and be made commandforce him to take any food, but he affirmed with an ers by him, or, however, should have some other oath that he would taste nothing till the sun was trust committed to them. So when they once found set. This procedure gained him the good-will of him alone, and asleep at noon, in an upper room, the multitude; for such as had an affection for when none of his guards were there, and when the Abner were mightily satisfied with the respect he woman that kept the door was not watching, but paid him when he was dead, and the observation of was fallen asleep also, partly on account of the that faith he had plighted to him, which was shown labour she had undergone, and partly on account of in his vouchsafing him all the usual ceremonies, as the heat of the day, these men went into the room if he had been his kinsman and his friend, and not in which Ishbosheth, Saul's son, lay asleep, and suffering him to be neglected and injured with a slew him; they also cut off his head, and took their dishonourable burial, as if he had been his enemy; journey all that night, and the next day, as supposinsomuch that the entire nation rejoiced at the king's ing themselves flying away from those they had ingentleness and mildness of disposition, every one jured, to one that would accept of this action as a ,rArP. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 209:avour, and would afford them security. So they there came to him about six thousand and eight same to Hebron, and showed David the head of hundred armed men of the tribe of Judah, who bare Ishbosheth, and presented themselves to him as his shields and spears for their weapons, for these had well-wishers, and such as had killed one that was [till now] continued with Saul's son, when the rest his enemy and antagonist. Yet David did not re- of the tribe of Judah had ordained David for their lish what they had done as they expected, but said king. There came also seven thousand and one to them, " You vile wretches, you shall immediate- hundred out of the tribe of Simeon. Out of the ly receive the punishment you deserve. Did not tribe of Levi came four thousand and seven hundred, you know what vengeance I executed on him that having Jehoiada for their lead.er. After these caine murdered Saul, and brought me his crown of gold, Zadok the high priest. with twenty-two captains of and this while he who made this slaughter did it as his kindred. Out' of the tribe of Benjamin the a favour to him, that he might not be caught by his armed men were four thoutsand; but the rest of the enemies? Or do you imagine that I am alteled in tribe continued, still expecting that some one of the my disposition, and suppose that I am not the same house of Saul shoulld rcign over them. Those of nan I then was, but am pleased with imen that are the tribe of Ephraim wvere twenty thousand and wicked doers, and esteem your vile actions, when eight hundred, and these mighty men of valour, and you are become murderers of your master, as grate- eminent for their strength. Out of the half tribe of ful to me, when you have slain a righteous man Manasseh came eighteen thousand, of the most upon his bed, who never did evil to any body, and potent men. Out of the tribe of Issachar came treated you with great good-will and respect? two hundred, who foreknew what was to come Wherefore you shall suffer the punishment due on hereafter,t but of armed menl twenty thousand. Of his account, and the vengeance I ought to inflict the tribe of Zebulun fifty thousand chosen men. upon you for killing Ishbosheth, and for supposing This was the only tribe that came universally in to that I should take his death kindly at your hands; David, and all these had the same weapons with the for you could not lay a greater blot on my honour, tribe of Gad. Out of the tribe of Naphtali the than by making such a supposal." When David eminent men and rulers were onle thousand, whose had said this, he tormented them with all sorts of weapons were shields and spears, and the tribe ittorments, and then put them to death; and he be- self followed after, being (in a manner) innumerstowed all accustomed rites on the burial of the able [thirty-seven thousand]. Out of the tribe of head of Ishbosheth, and laid it in the grave of Dan there were of chosen men twenty-seven thouAbner. sand and six hundred. Out of the tribe of Asher 2. When these things were brought-to this con- were forty thousand. Out of the two tribes that elusion, all the principal men of the Hebrew people were beyond Jordan, and the rest of the tribe of came to David to Hebron, with the heads of thou- Manasseh, such as used shields, and spears, and sands, and other rulers, and delivered themselves up head-pieces, and swords,'were a hundred and to him, putting him in mind of the good-will they twenty thousand. The rest of the tribes also made had borne to him in Saul's lifetime, and the respect use of swords. This multitude came together to they then had not ceased to pay him when he was Hebron to David, with a great quantity of corn, captain of a thousand, as also that he was chosen of and wine, and all other sorts of food, and established God by Samuel the prophet, he and his sons; - and David in his kingdom with one consent. And when declaring besides, how God had given him power to the people had rejoiced for three days in Hebron, save the land of the Hebrews, and to overcome the David and all the people removed and came to JePhilistines. Whereupon he received kindly this their rusalem. alacrity on his account; and exhorted them to continue in it, for that they should have no reason to repent of being thus disposed to him. So when he had feasted them, and treated them kindly, he sent them out to bring all the people to him; upon which a This may be a true observation of Josephus's, that Samuel phrased by the parallel text, 1 Chron. xii. 32, "Who had by command from God entailed the crown on David and his understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do;" posterity; for no further did that entail ever reach, Solomon that is, who had so much knowledge in astronomy as to himself having never had any promise made him that his pos- make calendars for the Israelites, that they might keep their terity should always have the right to it. festivals, and plough and sow, and gather in their harvests and 4 These words of Josephus concerning the tribe of Issachar, vintage, in due season. " who foreknew what was to come hereafter," are best para 210 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII. The City of David, and abode there all the time o0 CHAPTER III. his reign; but for the time that he reigned over the tribe of Judah only in Hebron, it was seven years 1OW DAVID LAID SIEGE TO JERUSALEM; AND WHEN and six months. Now when he had chosen Jerusa. HE HAD TAKERN,- TUIE CITY, HE CAST THE CANAANITES lem to be his royal city, his affairs did more ano OUT OF IT, AND BROUGHT IN THE JEWS TO INHABIT rOUT OF IT, ANTD BROUGHT IN THE JEWS TO INHABIT more.prosper, by the providence of God, who tool THEREIN. care that they should improve and be augmented 1. Now the Jebusites, who were the inhabitants Hiram also, the king of the Tyrians, sent ambassa.:f Jerusalem, and were 1y extraction Canaanites, dors to him, and made a league of mutual friendshut their gates, and placed the blind, and the lame, ship and assistance with him. He also sent him and all their maimed persons, upon the wall, in way presents, cedar-trees, and mechanics, and men skilof derision of the king, and said that the very lame ful in building and architecture, that they might themselves wou.ld hinder his entrance into it. This bufild him a royal palace at Jerusalem. Now David they did out of contempt of his power, and as de- made buildings round about the lower city: he also pending on the strength of their walls. David was joined the citadel to it, and made it one body; and hereby enraged, and began the siege of Jerusalem, when he had encompassed all with walls, he apand employed his utmost diligence and alacrity pointed Joab to take care of them. It was David, therein, as intending by the taking of this place to therefore, who first cast the Jebusites out of Jerusademonstrate his power, and to intimidate all others lem, and called it by his own name, The City of that might be of the like [evil] disposition towards David: for under our forefather Abraham it was him. So he took the lower city by force, but the called (Salem, or) Solyma;tj but after that time, citadel held out still;* whence it was that thet'some say that Homer mentions it by that name of king, knowing that the proposal of dignities and Solyma, [for he named the temple Solyma, accordrewards would encourage the soldiers to greater ing to the Hebrew language, which denotes seactions, promised that he who should first go over curity.] Now the whole time from the warfare the ditches that were beneath the citadel, and under Joshua our general against the Canaanites, should ascend to the citadel itself and take it, should and from that war in which he overcame them, and have the command of the entire people conferred distributed the land among the Hebrews, (nor could upon him. So they all were ambitious to ascend, the Israelites ever cast the Canaanites out of Jeruand thought no pains too great in order to ascend salem until this time, when. David took it by siege,) thither, out of their desire of the chief command. this whole time was five hundred and fifteen years. However, Joab, the son of Zeruiah, prevented the 3. I shall now make mention of Araunah, who rest; and as soon as he was got up to the citadel, cried was a wealthy man among the Jebusites, but was out to the king, and claimed the chief command. not slain by David in the siege of Jerusalem, be2. When David had cast the Jebusites out of the cause of the good-will he bore to the Hebrews, and citadel, he also rebuilt Jerusalem, and named it a particular benignity and affection which he had to * What our other copies say of Mount Sion, as alone pro- that name, as taking it for an appellative, as I suppose, and not perly called the city of David, 2 Sam. v. 6-9, and of this for a proper name; he still either styles it The Citadel, or The its siege and conquest now by David, Josephus applies to the Upper City; nor do I see any reason for Mr. Ottius's evil whole city Jerusalem, though including the citadel also; by suspicions about this procedure of Josephus. what authority we do not now know-perhaps, after David had t Some copies of Josephus have here Solyma, or Salem; united them together, or joined the citadel to the lower city, as and others Hierosolyma, or Jerusalem. The latter best agree sect. 2, Josephus esteemed them as one city. However, this to what Josephus says elsewhere, (Of the War, B. VI. ch. x.,) notion seems to be confirmed by what the same Josephus says that this city was called Solyma, or Salem, before the days of concerning David's and many other kings of Judah's se- Melchisedec, but was by him called Hierosolyma, or Jerusalem. pulchres, which as the authors of the books of Kings and I rather suppose it to have been so called after Abraham hadl Chronicles say were in the city of David, so does Josephus received that oracle Jehovah Jireh, "The Lord will see, o, still say they were in Jerusalem. The sepulchre of David provide," Gen. xxii. 14. The latter word, Jireh, with a seems to have been also a known place in the several days of little alteration, prefixed to the old name Salem, Peace, will Hyrcanus, of Herod, and of St. Peter, Antiq. B. XIII. ch. viii. be Jerusalem; and since that expression, " God will see," or sect. 4; B. XVI. ch. vii. sect. I; Acts ii. 29. Now no such rather, " God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering," royal sepulchres have been found about Mount Sion, but are ver. 8, 14, is there said to have been proverbial till the days found close by the north wall of Jerusalem, which I suspect, of Moses, this seems to me the most probable derivation of that therefore, to be these very sepulchres. See the note on ch. name, which will then denote that God would provide peace xv. sect. 3. In the mean time, Josephus's explication of the by that " Lamb of God which was to take away the sins of the lame, and the blind, and the maimed, as set to keep this city or world." However, that which is put into brackets can hardly citadel, seems to be the truth, and gives the best light to that be supposed the genuine words of Josephus, as Dr. Hudson history in our Bible. Mr. Ottius truly observes, (ap. Haver- well judges. camp, p. 305;) that Josephus never mentions Mount Sion by g - ^ k14t..1 ltW 2.t! 0, Cy1$; 9 i f f (i! 1W,;t' s f t!; Xs; mvC,'< @ X ^~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' g -:. ROML f-;'~~~~~~g';=_= -*Wt-. 7w g -..'S':' "''S -i. t;'' SS, DE' #E;-' -. =, i''; - —'S-E —';- i i; ff' tk:_:::::OW E'' 0 f ff' 0ffityS;00V'S; —''' 9;f0 = -~~~~~~~~~ W -.- - _ -2: —-:-_ _ -. 29 - 2 _ - 9 - - i::- --;: E:::-:E::::: —: —-: ---—::-: —-----:-.:....... 7 - __==- — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~. _-....-v2-2:::. —.2.................. -: —v —- _.:.: —. -.:,__=_::-.-o: — -- -- ---- - 99 CUtAP IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 211 the king himself; which I shall take a more season- brews with greater armies; nay, indeed, when they able opportunity to speak of a little afterwards. had so often failed of their purpose in these battles, Now David married other wives over and above they came upon David with an army three times as those which he had before: he had also concubines. numerous as before, and pitched their camp on the The sons whom he had were in number eleven, same spot of ground as before. The king of. Israel whose names were Amnon, Emnos, Eban, Nathan, therefore inquired of God again concerning the Solomon, Jeban, Elien, Phalna, Ennaphen, Jenae, event of the battle; and the high priest prophesied Eliphale; and a daughter, Tamar. Nine of these to him, that he should keep his army in the groves, were born of legitimate wives, but the two last called the Groves of lFeeping, which were not far named of concubines; and Tamar had the same from the enemy's camp, and that he should not mother with Absalom. move, nor begin to fight, till the trees of the grove should be in motion without the wind's blowing; but as soon as these trees moved, and the time foretold to him by God was come, he should, without delay, go out to gain what was an already preCHAPTER IV. pared and evident victory; for the several ranks of the enemy's army did not sustain him, but retreated T SHAT WHEN DAVID HAD CONQUERED THE PHiLIS- at the first onset, whom he closely followed, and TINES, WHO MADE WAR AGAINST HIM AT JERUSALEM, HE REMOVED THE ARK TO JERUSALEM, AND slew them as he went along, and pursued them to LEM, HE REMOVED THE ARK TO JERUSALEM, AND HAD A MIND TO BUILD A TEMPLE. the city Gaza (which is the limit of their country): after this he spoiled their camp, in which he found 1. WHEN the Philistines understood that David great riches; and he destroyed their gods. evas made king of the Hebrews, they made war 2. When this had proved the event of the battle, against him at Jerusalem; and when they had David thought it proper, upon a consultation with seized upon that valley which is called The Valley the elders, and rulers, and captains of thousands, to of the Giants, and is a place not far from the city, send for those that were in the flower of their age they pitched their camp therein; but the king of out of all his countrymen, and out of the whole the Jews, who never permitted himself to do any land, and withal for the priests and the Levites, in thing without prophecy,* and the command of God, order to their going to Kiljathjearim, to bring up and without depending on him as a security for the the ark of God out of that city, and to carry it to time to come, bade the high priest to foretell to him Jerusalem, and there to keep it, and offer before it what was the will of God, and what would be the those sacrifices and those other honours with which event of this battle. And when he foretold that God used to be well-pleased; for had they done he should gain the victory and the dominion, he led thus in the reign of Saul, they had not undergone out his army against the Philistines; and when the any great misfortunes at all. So when the whole battle was joined, he came himself behind, and fell body of the people were come together, as they upon the enemy on the sudden, and slew some of had resolved to do, the king came to the ark, which them, and put the rest to flight. And let no one the priest brought out of the house of Aminadab, suppose that it was a small army of the Philistines and laid it upon a new cart, and permitted their that came against the Hebrews, as guessing so from brethren and their children to draw it, together with the suddenness of their defeat, and from their the oxen. Before it went the king, and the whole having performed no great action, or that was worth multitude of the people with him, singing hymns to recording, from the slowness of their march, and God, and making use of all sorts of songs usual want of courage; but let him know that all Syria among them, with variety of the sounds of musical and Phenicia, with many other nations besides instruments, and with dancing and singing of psalms, them, and those warlike nations also, came to their as also with the sounds of trumpets and of cymbals, assistance, and had a share in this war, which thing and so brought the ark to Jerusalem. But as they was the only cause why, when they had been so were come to the threshing-floor of Chidon, a place often conquered, and had lost so many ten thou- so called, Uzzah was slain by the anger of God; sands of their men, they still came upon the He- for as the oxen shook the ark, he stretched out his * It deserves here to be remarked, that Saul very rarely, and David's dancing before the ark, 2 Sam. vi. 16, &c., and here, David very frequently, consulted God by Urim; and that David sect. 1, 2, 3, it is probable she did so, because her father Saul aimed always to depend, not on his own prudence or abilities, did not use to pay such a regard to the ark, to the Urim there but on the Divine direction, contrary to Saul's practice. See inquired by, or to God's worship before it, and because she sect. 2, and the note on Antiq. B. III. ch. viii. sect. 9; and thought it beneath the dignity of a king to be so religious, when Saul's daughter, (but David's wife,) Michal, laughed at 212 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox VI. hand, and would needs take hold of it. Now, be- be given him by God, and that he might be favourcause he was not a priest,* and yet touched the ark, able to him; yet did she blame him, that so great God struck him dead. Hereupon both the king a king as he was should dance after an unseemly and the people were displeased at the death of manner, and in his dancing, uncover himself among Uzzah; and tile place where he died is still called the servants and the handmaidens. But he replied, the Breach of Uzzah unto this day. So David that he was not ashamed to do what was acceptwas afraid; and supposing that if he received the able to God, who had preferred him before her ark to himself into the city, he might suffer in the father, and before all others; that he would play like manner as Uzzah had suffered, who, upon his frequently, and dance, without any regard to what bare putting out his hand to the ark, died in the the handmaidens and she herself thought of it. manner already mentioned, he did not receive it to So this Michal, who was David's wife, had no chile himself into the city, but he took it aside unto a dren; however, when she was afterward married to certain place belonging to a righteous man, whose him to whom Saul her father had given her, (for at name was Obededom, who was by his family a this time David had taken her away from him, and Levite, and deposited the ark with him; and it re- had her himself,) she bare five children. Butconcernmained there three entire months. This augmented ing those matters I shall discourse in a proper place. the house of Obededolm, and conferred many bless- 4. Now when the king saw that his affairs grew ings upon it. And when the king heard what had better almost every day, by the will of God, he befallen Obededom, how he was become, of a poor thought he should offend him, if, while he himself man in a low estate, exceeding happy, and the oh- continued in houses made of cedar, such as were of ject of envy to all those that saw or inquired after a great height, and had the most culrious works of his house, he took courage, and, hoping that he architecture in them, he should overlook the ark should meet with no misfortune thereby, he trans- while it was laid in a tabernacle, and was desirous ferred the ark to his own house; the priests carry- to build a temple to God, as Moses had predicted ing it, while seven companies of singers, who were such a temple should be built.t And when he had set in that order by the king, went before it, and discoursed with Nathan the prophet about these while he himself played upon the harp, and joined in things, and had been encouraged by him to do whatthe music, insomuch, that when his wife Michal, the soever he had a mind to do, as having God with daughter of Saul, who was our first king, saw him him, and his helper in all things, he was thereupon so doing, she laughed at him. But when they had the more ready to set about that building. But brought in the ark, they placed it under the taber- God appeared to Nathan that very night, and comnacle which David had pitched for it, and he offered manded him to say to David,- that he took his purcostly sacrifices and peace-offerings, and treated the pose and his desires kindly, since nobody had before whole multitude, and dealt both to the women, and now taken it into their head to build him a temple, the men, and the infants a loaf of bread and a cake, although upon his having such a notion he would and another cake baked in a pan, with the portion not permit him to build him that temple, because of the sacrifice. So when he had thus feasted the he had made many wars, and was defiled with the people, he sent them away, and he himself returned slaughter of his enemies; that, however, after his to his own house. death, in his old age, and when he had lived a long 3. But when Michal his wife, the daughter of life, there should be a temple built by a son of his, Saul, came and stood by him, she wished him all who should take the kingdom after him, and should other happiness, and entreated that whatsoever he be called Solomon, whom he promised to provide should further desire, to the utmost possibility, might for, as a father provides for his son, by preserving * Josephus seems to be partly in the right, when he observes is not a mistake set down by him unwarily, appears by what he here that Uzzah was no priest, (though perhaps he might be a observed before, on Antiq. B. IV. ch. viii. sect. 46, how Moses Levite,) and was therefore struck dead for touching the ark, foretold that, upon the Jews' future disobedience, their temple contrary to the law, and for which profane rashness death was should be burnt and rebuilt, and that not once only, but several the penalty by that law, Numb. iv. 15, 20. See the like before, times afterward. See also Josephus's mention of God's former Antiq. B. VI. ch. i. sect. 4. It is not improbable that the putting commands to build such a temple presently, ch. xiv. sect. 2, this ark in a cart, when it ought to have been carried by the contrary to our other copies, or at least to our translation of priests or Levites, as it was presently here in Josephus so car- the Hebrew, 2 Sam. vii. 6, 7; 1 Chron. xvii. 5, 6. ried from Obededom's house to David's, might be also an + Josephus seems, in this place, with our modern interpretoccasion of the anger of God on that breach of his law. See ers, to confound the two distinct predictions which God made Numb. iv. 15; 1 Chron. xv. 13. to David and to Nathan, concerning the building him a temple t Josephus here informs us, that, according to his under- by one of David's posterity; the one belongeth to Solomon, standing of the sense of his copy of the Pentateuch, Moses had the other to the Messiah; the distinction between which is of himself foretold the building of the temple, which yet is no the greatest consequence to the Christian religion. where, that I know of, in our present copies. And that this CIIAP. V. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 213 the kingdom for his son's posterity, and delivering from Jerusalem, and came against the Philistines; it to them; but that he would still punish him, if he and when he had overcome them in battle, and had sinned, with diseases and barrenness of land. When cut off a great part of their country, and adjoined it David understood this from the prophet, and was to the country of the Hebrews, he transferred the overjoyful at this knowledge of the sure continuance war to the AMoabites; and when he had overcome of the dominion to his posterity, and that his house two parts of their army in battle, he took the should be splendid, and very famous, he came to remaining part captive, and imposed tribute upon the ark, and fell down on his face, and began to them, to be paid annually. Ile then made war adore God, and to return thanks to him for all his against Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Sobenefits, as well for those that he had already be- phene; * and when he had joined battle with him at stowed upon him in raising him from a low state, the river Euphrates, he destroyed twenty thousand and from the employment of a shepherd, to so great of his footmen, and about seven thousand of his dignity of dominion and glory; as for those also horsemen. I-e also took a thousand of his chariots, which he had promised to his posterity; and besides, and destroyed the greatest part of them, and ordered for that providence which he had exercised over the that no more than one hundred should be kept. t Hebrews in procuring them the liberty they enjoyed. 2. Now when Hadad,'- king of Damascus and of And when he had said thus, and had sung a hymn Syria, heard that David fought against Hadadezer, of praise to God, he went his way. who was his friend, he came to his assistance with a powerful army, in hopes to rescue him; and when he had joined battle with David at the river Euphrates, he failed of his purpose, and lost in the CHAPTER V. battle a great number of his soldiers; for there were slain of the army of Hadad twenty thousand, and all HIOW DAVID BROUGHT UNDER THE PHILISTINES, AND the rest fled. Nicolaus also [of Damascus] makes THE MOABITES, AND THE KINGS OF SOPHENE, AND mention of this king in the fourth book of his hisOF DAMASCUS, AND OF THE SYRIANS, AS ALSO THIE tories; where he speaks thus: "A great while IDUMEANS, IN WAR; AND HOW HE MADE A LEAGUE after these things had happened, there was one of WITH THE KING OF IIAMATHI; AND WAS MINDFUL that country whose name was Hadad, who was beOF T1IE FRIENDSHIP THAT JONATHAN, THE SON OF come very potent; he reigned over Damascus, and SAUL, HAD BORNE HIM. the other parts of Syria, excepting Phmenicia. Ile 1. A LITTLE while after this, he considered that made war against David, the king of Judea, and he ought to make war against the Philistines, and tried his fortune in many battles, and particularly not to see any idleness or laziness permitted in his in the last battle at Euphrates, wherein he was management, that so it might prove, as God had fore- beaten. He seemed to have been the most exceltold to him, that when he had overthrown his ene- lent of all their kings in strength and manhood." inies, he should leave his posterity to reign in peace Nay, besides this, he says of his posterity, that afterward: so he called together his army again, " they succeeded one another in his kingdom, and when he had charged them to be ready and and in his name;" where he thus speaks: " When prepared for war, and when he thought that all Hadad was dead, his posterity reigned for ten things in his army were in a good state, he removed generations, each of his successors receiving from * Whether Syria Zobah, 2 Sam. iii. 8; I Chron. xviii. in Josephus Adad or Adar. And strange it is, that the son of 3-8, be Sophene, as Josephus here supposes; which yet Hazael, said to be such in the same text, and in Josephus, Ptolemy places beyond Euphrates, as Dr. Hudson observes Antiq. B. IX. ch. viii. sect. 7, should still be called the son of here, whereas Zobah was on this side; or whether Josephus Hadad. I would, therefore, here correct our Hebrew copy was not here guilty of a mistake in his geography; I cannot from Josephus's, which seems to have the true reading. Nor certainly determine. does the testimony of Nicolaus of Damascus, produced in this t David's reserving only one hundred chariots for himself place by Josephus, seem to be faultless, when it says that lie out of one thousand he had taken from Hadadezer, was most was the third of the I-Iadads, or second of the Benhadads, who probably in compliance with the law of Moses, which forbade besieged Samaria in the days of Ahab. He must rather have a king of Israel "to multiply horses to himself," Deut. xvii. 16; been the seventh or eighth, if there were ten in all of that one of the principal uses of horses in Judea at that time being name, as we are assured there were. For this testimony for drawing their chariots. See Josh. xii. 6; and Antiq. B. V. makes all the Hadads or Benhadads of the same line, and to ch. i. sect. 18. have immediately succeeded one another; whereas Hazael + It deserves here to be remarked, that this Hadad, being a was not of that line, nor is he called lHadad or Benhadad in any very great king, was conquered by David, whose posterity yet copy. And note, that from this Hadad, in the days of David, for several generations were called Benhadad, or the son of to the beginning of Hazael, were near two hundred years, acHadad, till the days of Hazael, whose son Adar or Ader is also cording to the exactest chronology of Josephus. in our Hebrew copy (2 Kinas xiii. 24) written Benhadad, but 214 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK VII. his father that his dominion, and this his name; as cities whom he had conquered, and dedicated them did the Ptolemies in Egypt. But the third was the to God. Nior did God give victory and success to most powerful of them all, and was willing to him only when he went to the battle himself, and avenge the defeat his forefather had received; so led his own army, but he gave victory to Abishai, he made an expedition against the Jews, and laid the brother of Joab, general of his forces, over the waste the city which is now called Samaria." Nor Idumeans,* and by him to David, when he sent him did he err from the truth; for this is that Hadad with an army into Idumea: for Abishai destroyed who made the expedition against Samaria, in the eighteen thousand of them in the battle; whereupon reign of Ahab, king of Israel, concerning whom we the king [of Israel] placed garrisons through all shall speak in due place hereafter. Idumea, and received the tribute of the country, 3. Now when David had made an expedition and of every head among them. Now David was against Damascus, and the other parts of Syria, and in his nature just, and made his determination with had brought it all into subjection, and had placed regard to truth. He had for the general of his garrisons in the country, and appointed that they whole army Joab; and he made Jehoshaphat, the should pay tribute, he returned home. He also son of Ahilud, recorder. He also appointed Zadok, dedicated to God at Jerusalem the golden quivers, of the family of Phinehas, to be high priest, togethe entire armour which the guards of Hadad used ther with Abiathar, for he was his friend. He also to wear; which Shishak, the king of Egypt, took made Seisan the scribe, and committed the comaway when he fought with David's grandson, Re- mand over the guards of his body to Benaiah, the hoboam, with a great deal of other wealth which he son of Jehoiada. His elder sons were near his body, carried out of Jerusalem. However, these things and had the care of it also. will come to be explained in their proper places 5. He also called to mind the covenants and the hereafter. Now as for the king of the Hebrews, he oaths he had made with Jonathan, the son of Saul, was assisted by God, who gave him great success in and the friendship and affection Jonathan had for his wars, and he made an expedition against the best him; for besides all the rest of his excellent qualicities of Hadadezer, Betahl and Machon; so he took ties with which he was endowed, he was also exthem by force, and laid them waste. Therein was ceeding mindful of such as had at other times befound a very great quantity of gold and silver, be- stowed benefits upon him. He therefore gave sides that sort of brass which is said to be more order that inquiry should be made, whether any of valuable than gold; of which brass Solomon made Jonathan's lineage were living, to whom he might that large vessel which was called The [Brazen] make return of that familiar acquaintance which Sea, and those most curious lavers, when he built Jonathan had had with him, and for which he was the temple for God. still debtor. And when one of Saul's freed men 4. But when the king of Hamath was informed was brought to him, who was acquainted with those of the ill success of Hadadezer, and had heard of of his family that were still living, he asked him the ruin of his army, he was afraid on his own ac- whether he could tell him of any one belonging count, and resolved to make a league of friendship to Jonathan that was now alive, and capable of and fidelity with David before he should come against a requital of the benefits which he had received him; so he sent to him his son Joram, and professed from Jonathan. And he said, that a son of his that he owed him thanks for fighting against Ha- was remaining, whose name was Mephibosheth, dadezer, who was his enemy, and made a league but that he was lame of his feet; for that when his with him of mutual assistance and friendship. He nurse heard that the father and grandfather of the also sent him presents, vessels of ancient workman- child were fallen in the battle, she snatched him up, ship, both of gold, of silver, and of brass. So when and fled away, and let him fall from her shoulders, David had made this league of mutual assistance and his feet were lamed. So when he had learnwith Toi, (for that was the name of the king of ed where and by whom he was brought up, he sent Hamath,) and had received the presents he sent messengers to Machir, to the city of Lodebar, for him, he dismissed his son with that respect which with him was the son of Jonathan brought up, and was due on both sides; but then David brought sent for him to come to him. So when MIephi. those presents that were sent by him, as also the bosheth came to the king, he fell on his face and rest of the gold and silver which he had taken of the worshipped him; but David encouraged him, and * By this great victory over the Idumeans or Edomrites, the the younger, Jacob, (or the Israelites,) and Jacob (or the posterity of Esau, and by the consequent tribute paid by that Israelites) should be Esau's (or the Edomites') lord, remarknation to the Jews, were the prophecies delivered to Rebecca ably fulfilled. See Antiq. B. VIII. ch vii. sect. 6; Gen. xxv. before Jacob and Esau were born, and by old Isaac before his 23; and the notes on Antiq. B. I. ch. xviii. sect. 5, 6. death, that the elder, Esau, (or the Edomites,) should serve CHrP. VI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 215 bade him be of good cheer, and expect better times. and showed openly that lie would not overlook this So he gave him his father's house, and all the estate injurious and contumelious treatment, but would which his grandfather Saul was in possession of, and make war with the Ammonites, and would avenge bade him come and diet with him at his own table, this wicked treatment of his ambassadors on their and never to be absent one day from that table. king. So that king's intimate friends and comAnd when the youth had worshipped him on ac- manders, understanding that they had violated their count of his words and gifts given to him, he called league, and were liable to be punished for the same, for Ziba, and told him that he had given the youth made preparations for war; they also sent a thouhis father's house, and all Saul's estate. He also sand talents to the Syrian king of Mesopotamia, ordered that Ziba should cultivate his land, and and endeavouied to prevail with him to assist them take care of it, and bring him the profits of all to for that pay, and Shobach. Now these kings had Jerusalem. Accordingly, David brought him to twenty thousand footmen. They also hired the his table every day, and bestowed upon the youth, king of the country called Maacah, and a fourth Ziba and his sons, who were in number fifteen, and king, by name Ishtob; which last had twelve thouhis servants, who were in number twenty. WVhen sand armed men. the king had made these appointments, and Ziba 2. But David was under no consternation at this had worshipped him, and promised to do all that he confederacy, nor at the forces of the Ammonites; had bidden him, he went his way; so that this son and putting his trust in God, because he was going of Jonathan dwelt at Jerusalem, and dieted at the to war in a just cause, on account of the injurious king's.table, and had the same care that a son could treatment he had met with, he immediately sent claim taken of him. He also had himself a son, Joab, the captain of his host, against them, and whom he named Micha. gave him the flower of his army, who pitched his camp by Rabbah, the metropolis of the Ammonites; whereupon the enemy came out, and set themselves in array, not all of them together, but in two bodies; CHAPTER VI. for the auxiliaries were set in array in the plain by themselves, but the army of the Ammonites at the HOoW THE WAR WAS WAGED AGAINST THE AMMONITES, gates over against the Hebrews. When Joab saw AND HAPPILY CONCLUDED. this, he opposed one stratagem against another, and 1. THESE were the honours that such as were chose out'the most hardy part of his men, and set left of Saul's and Jonathan's lineage received from them in opposition to the king of Syria, and the David. About this time died Nahash, the king of kings that were with him, and gave the other part the Ammonites, who was a friend of David's; and to his brother Abishai, and bid him set them in when his son had succeeded his father in the king- opposition to the Ammonites; and said to him, dom, David sent ambassadors to him to comfort that in case he should see that the Syrians dishim; and exhorted him to take his father's death tressed him, and were too hard for him, he should patiently, and to expect that he would continue the order his troops to turn about and assist him; same kindness to himself which he had shown to and he said that he himself would do the same his father. But the princes of the Ammonites took to him, if he saw him in the like distress fiom the this message in evil part, and not as David's kind Ammonites. So he sent his brother before, and dispositions gave reason to take it; and they excited encouraged him to do every thing courageously the king to resent it; and said that David had and with alacrity, which would teach them to be sent men to spy out the country, and what strength afraid of disgrace, and to fight manfully; and so he it had, under the pretence of humanity and kind- dismissed him to fight with the Ammonites, while ness. They further advised him to have a care, he fell upon the Syrians. And though they made and not to give heed to David's words, lest he a strong opposition for a while, Joab slew many of should be deluded by him, and so fall into an in- them, but compelled the rest to betake themselves to consolable calamity. Accordingly Nahash's [son], flight; which, when the Ammonites saw, and were the king of the Ammonites, thought these princes withal afraid of Abishai and his army, they staid no spake what was more probable than the truth would longer, but imitated their auxiliaries, and fled to the admit, and so abused the ambassadors after a very city. So Joab, when he had thus overcome the eneharsh manner; for he shaved the one half of their my, returned with great joy to Jerusalem to the king. beards, and cut off one half of their garments, and 3. This defeat did not still induce the Ammonites sent his answer, not in words, but in deeds. When to be quiet, nor to own those that were superior the king of Israel saw this, he had indignation at it, to them to be so, and be still, but they sent to Cha M216 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII laman, the king of the Syrians, beyond Euphrates, his rest with her. Uriah did not do so, but slept and hired him for an auxiliary. He had Shobach near the king with the rest of his armour-bearers. for the captain of his host, with eighty thousand When the king was informed of this, he asked him footmen, and ten thousand horsemen. Now when why he did not go home to his house, and to his the king of the Hebrews understood that the Am- wife, after so long an absence; which is the natural monites had again gathered so great an army toge- custom of all men, when they come from a long ther, he determined to make war with them no journey. He replied, that it was not right, while longer by his generals, but he passed over the river his fellow soldiers, and the general of the army, Jordan himself with all his army; and when he slept upon the ground, in the camp, and in an enemet them he joined battle with them, and overcame my's country, that he should go and take his rest, them, and slew forty thousand of their footmen, and solace himself with his wife. So when he had and seven thousand of their horsemen. He also thus replied, the king ordered him to stay there wounded Shobach, the general of Chalaman's forces, that night, that he might dismiss him the next who died of that stroke; but the people of Meso- day to the general. So the king invited Uriah to potamia, upon such a conclusion of the battle, deli- supper, and after a cunning and dexterous manner vered themselves up to David, and sent him pre- plied him with drink at supper, till he was thereby sents, who at winter time returned to Jerusalem. disordered; yet did he nevertheless sleep at the But at the beginning of the spring he sent Joab, king's gates without any inclination to go to his the captain of his host, to fight against the Am- wife. Upon this the king was very angry at him; monites, who overran all their country, and laid it and wrote to Joab, and commanded him to punish waste, and shut them up in their metropolis Rabbah, Uriah, for he told him that he had offended him; and besieged them therein. and he suggested to hirm the manner in which he would have him punished, that it might not be discovered that he was himself the author of this his punishment; for he charged him to set him over against that part of the enemy's army where the CHAPTER VII. attack would be most hazardous, and where he might be deserted, and be in the greatest jeopardy, HOW DAVID FELL IN LOVE WITH BATHSHrEBA, AND EW H AD O, for he bade him order his fellow soldiers to retire out SLEW TIER HUSBAND URIAH, FOR wHICH HE IS REPROVED BY INATRIAN. of the fight. When he had written thus to him, and sealed the letter with his own seal, he gave it 1. BUT David fell now into a very grievous sin, to Uriah to carry to Joab. When Joab had rethough he were otherwise naturally a righteous ceived it, and upon reading it understood the king's and a religious man, and one that firmly observed purpose, he set Uriah in that place where he knew the laws of our fathers; for when late in an even- the enemy would be most troublesome to them; and ing he took a view round him from the roof of his gave him for his partners some of the best soldiers royal palace, where he used to walk at that hour, he in the army; and said that he would also come to saw a woman washing herself in her own house: their assistance with the whole army, that if possible she was one of extraordinary beauty, and therein they might break down some part of the wall, and surpassed all other women; her name was Bath- enter the city. And he desired him to be glad of the sheba. So he was overcome by that woman's beauty, opportunity of exposing himself to such great pains, and was not able to restrain his desires, but sent for and not to be displeased at it, since he was a valiant her, and lay with her. Hereupon she conceived soldier, and had a great reputation for his valour, with child, and sent to the king, that he should both with the king and with his countrymen. And contrive some way for concealing her sin (for, ac- when Uriah undertook the work he was set upon cording to the laws of their fathers, she who had with alacrity, he gave private orders to those who been guilty of adultery ought to be put to death). were to be his companions, that when they saw the So the king sent for Joab's armour-bearer from the enemy make a sally, they should leave him. When, siege, who was the woman's husband, and his name therefore, the Hebrews made an attack upon the was Uriah. And when he was come, the king in- city, the Ammonites were afraid that the enemy quired of him about the army, and about the siege; might prevent them, and get up into the city, and and when he had made answer that all their affairs this at the very place whither Uriah was ordered; so went according to their wishes, the king took some they exposed their best soldiers to be in the foreportions of meat from his supper, and gave them to firont, and opened their gates suddenly, and fell upon him, and bade him go home to his wife, and take the enemy with great vehemence, and ran violently CHAP. VII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWSS. 217 upon them. When those that were with Uriah saw but was thereupon angry at David; and he apthis, they all retreated backward, as Joab had peared to Nathan the prophet in his sleep, and directed them beforehand; but Uriah, as ashamed complained of the king. Now Nathan was a fair to run away and leave his post, sustained the and prudent man; and considering that kings, enemy, and receiving the violence of their onset, he when they fall into a passion, are guided more by slew many of them; but being encompassed round, that passion than they are by justice, he resolved to and caught in the midst of them, he was slain, and conceal the threatenings that proceeded from God, some other of his companions were slain with him. and made a good-natured discourse to him, and 2. Wrhen this was done, Joab sent messengers this after the manner following: —He desired that to the king, and ordered them to tell him that he the king would give him his opinion in the following did what he could to take the city soon; but that, case:-' " There were," said he, " two men inhabitas they made an assault on the wall, they had been ing the same city, the one of them was rich, and forced to retire with great loss; and bade them, if [the other poor]. The rich man had a great many they saw the king was angry at it, to add this, that flocks of cattle, of sheep, and of kine; but the poor Uriah was slain also. W"Then the king had heard man had but one ewe lamb. This he brought up this of the messengers, he took it heinously, and with his children, and let her eat her food with said that they did wrong when they assaulted the them; and he had the same natural affection for wall, whereas they ought, by undermining and other her which any one might have for a daughter. stratagems of war, to endeavour the taking of the Now upon the coming of a stranger to the rich city, especially when they had before their eyes the man, he would not vouchsafe to kill any of his own example of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who flocks, and thence feast his friend; but he sent for would needs take the tower in Thebes by force, the poor man's lamb, and took her away from him, and was killed by a large stone thrown at him by and made her ready for food, and thence feasted the an old woman; and although he was a man of great stranger." This discourse troubled the king exprowess, he died ignominiously by the dangerous ceedingly; and he denounced to Nathan, that " this manner of his assault: that they should remember man was a wicked man who could dare to do such this accident, and not come near the enemy's wall, a thing; and that it was but just that he should tor that the best method of making war with suc- restore the lamb fourfold, and be punished with cess was to call to nlind the accidents of former death for it also." Upon this Nathan immediately wars, and what good or bad success had attended said that he was himself the man who ought to them in the like dangerous cases, that so they suffer those punishments, and that by his own senmight initate the one, and avoid the other. But tence; and that it was he who had perpetrated this when the king was in this disposition, the messen- great and horrid crime. He also revealed to him, ger told him that Uriah was slain also; whereupon and laid before him, the anger of God against him, he was pacified. So he bade the messenger go back who had made him king over the army of the to Joab and tell him that this misfortune is no other Hebrews, and lord of all the nations, and those than what is common among mankind, and that such many and great nations round about him; who had is the nature, and such the accidents of war, inso- formerly delivered him out of the hands of Saul, much that sometimes the enemy will have success and had given him such wives as he had justly and therein, and sometimes others; but that he ordered legally married; and now this God was despised by him to go on still in his care about the siege, that him, and affronted by his impiety, when he had marno ill accident might befall him in it hereafter; ried, and now had, another man's wife; and by exthat they should raise bulwarks and use machines posing her lusband to the enemy, had really slain in besieging the city; and when they have gotten him; that God would inflict punishments upon him it, to overturn its very foundations, and to destroy on account of those instances of wickedness; that all those that are in it. Accordlingly the messen- his own wives should be forced by one of his sons; ger carried the king's message with which he was and that he should be treacherously supplanted by charged, and made haste to Joab. But Bathsheba, the same son; and that although he had perpethe wife of Uriah, when she was informed of the trated his wickedness secretly, yet should that death of her husband, mourned for his death many punishment which he was to undergo be inflicted days; and when her mourning was over, and the publicly upon him; " that, moreover," said he, " the tears which she shed for Uriah were dried up, the child which was born to thee of her shall soon die." king took her to wife presently; and a son was When the king was troubled at these messages, and born to him by her. sufficiently confounded, and said with tears and 3. WVith this marriage Goil was not well pleased, sorrow that he had sinned, (for he was without 9, - 218 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. BOOK VII. controversy a pious man, and guilty of no sin at all this, they commended the king's wisdom and unin his whole life, excepting those in the matter of derstanding. He then went in unto Bathsheba his Uriah,) God had compassion on him, and was recon- wife, and she conceived and bare a son; and by the ciled to him, and promised that he would preserve command of Nathan the prophet called his name to him both his life and his kingdom; for he said Solomon. that, seeing he repented of the things he had done, 5. But Joab sorely distressed the Ammonites in he was no longer displeased with him. So Nathan, the siege, by cutting off their waters, and depriving when he had delivered this prophecy to the king, them of other means of subsistence, till they were returned home. in the greatest want of meat and drink, for they de4. However, God sent a dangerous distemper pended only on one small well of water, and this upon the child that was born to David of the wife of they durst not drink of too freely, lest the fountain Uriah, at which the king was troubled, and did not should entirely fail them. So he wrote to the king, take any food for seven days, although his servants and informed him thereof; and persuaded him to almost forced him to take it; but he clothed him- come himself to take the city, that he might have self in a black garment, and fell down, and lay the honour of the victory. Upon this letter of upon the ground in sackcloth, entreating God for Joab's, the king accepted of his good-will and the recovery of the child, for he vehemently loved fidelity, and took with him his army, and came to the child's mother; but when, on the seventh day, the destruction of Rabbah; and when he had taken the child was dead, the king's servants durst not tell it by force, he gave it to his soldiers to plunder it; him of it, as supposing that when he knew it, he but he himself took the king of the Ammonites' would still less admit of food, and other care of him- crown, whose weight was a talent of gold; * self, by reason of his grief at the death of his son, and it had in its middle a precious stone called a since when the child was only sick, he so greatly sardonyx; which crown David ever after wore on afflicted himself, and grieved for him: but when his own head. He also found many other vessels the king perceived that his servants were in dis- in the city, and those both splendid and of great order, and seemed to be affected, as those who are price; but as for the men, he tormented them,i and very desirous to conceal something, he understood then destroyed them; and when he had taken the that the child was dead; and when he had called other cities of the Ammonites by force, he treated one of his servants to him, and discovered that so them after the same manner. it was, he arose up and washed himself, and took a white garment, and came into the tabernacle of God. He also commanded them to set supper before him, and thereby greatly surprised his kindred and servants, while he did nothing of this when the CHAPTER VIII. child was sick, but did it all when he was dead. Whereupon having first begged leave to ask him HOW ABSALOM MURDEREI) AMNON, WHO HAD FORCED HIS OWN SISTER; AND HOW HE WAS BANISHED, AND a question, they besought hnim to tell them the AFTERWARDS RECALLED BY DAVID. reason of this his conduct; he then called them unskilful people, and instructed them how he had 1. WVHEN the king was returned to Jerusalem, hopes of the recovery of the child while it was a sad misfortune befell his house, on the occasion alive, and accordingly did all that was proper for following: He had a daughter, who was yet a him to do, as thinking by such means to render virgin, and very handsome, insomuch that she surGod propitious to him; but that when the child was passed all the most beautiful women; her name was dead, there was no longer any occasion for grief, Tamar; she had the same mother with Absalom. which was then to no purpose. When he had said Now Amnon, David's eldest son, fell in love with * That a talent of gold was about seven pounds weight, see death, who were none of those seven nations of Canaan, whose the description of the temple, ch. xiii. Nor could Josephus wickedness had rendered them incapable of mercy; otherwise well estimate it higher, since he here says that David wore it I should be inclinable to think that the meaning, at least as the on his head perpetually. words are in Samuel, might only be this: That they were made t Whether Josephus saw the words of our copies, 2 Sam. the lowest slaves, to work in sawing of timber or stone, in harxii. 31, and 1 Chron. xx. 3, that David put the inhabitants, or rowing the fields, in hewing timber, in making and burning at least the garrison of Rabbah, and of the other Ammonite cities, bricks, and the like hard services, but without taking away which he besieged and took, under, or cut them with saws, and their lives. We never elsewhere, that I remember, meet with under, or with harrows of iron, and under, or with axes of iron, such methods of cruelty in putting men to death in all the Bible, and made them pass through the brick-kiln, is not here directly or in any other ancient history whatsoever; nor do the words expressed. If he saw them, as is most probable he did, he in Samuel seem naturally to refer to any such thing. certainly expounded them of tormenting these Ammonites to CHAP. VIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 219 her, and being not able to obtain his desires, on And when she said that this was a more injurious account of her virginity, and the custody she was treatment than the former, if, now he had forced under, was so much out of order, nay, his grief so her, lie would not let her stay with him till the eat up his body, that he grew lean, and his colour evening, but bid her go away in the day-time, and was changed. Now there was one Jonadab, a while it was light, that she might meet with people kinsman and friend of his, who discovered this his that would be witnesses of her shame, —he compassion, for he was an extraordinary wise man, and manded his servant to turn her out of his house. of great sagacity of mind. WVhen, therefore, he Whereupon she was sorely grieved at the injury saw that every morning Amnnon was not in body as and violence that had been offered to her, and rent he ought to be, he came to him, and desired him to her loose coat, (for the virgbins of old time wore such tell him what was the cause of it: however, he said loose coats tied at the hands, and let down to the that he guessed that it arose from the passion of ankles, that the inner coats might not be seen,) and love. Amnon confessed his passion, that he was in sprinkled ashes on her head; and went up the love with a sister of his, who had the same father middle of the city, crying out and lamenting for with himself. So Jonadab suggested to him by the violence that had been offered her. Now Abwhat method and contrivance he might obtain his salom, her brother, happened to meet her, and desires; for he persuaded him to pretend sickness, asked her what sad thing had befallen her, that she and bade him, when his father should come to him, was in that plight; and when she had told him to beg of him that his sister might come and minis- what injury had been offered her, he comforted her, ter to him; for if that were done, he should be and desired her to be quiet, and take all patiently, better, and should quickly recover from his distem- and not to esteem her being corrupted by her broper. So Amnon lay down on his bed, and pre- ther as an injury. So she yielded to his advice, tended to be sick, as Jonadab had suggested. When and left off her crying out, and discovering the his father came, and inquired how he did, he begged force offered her to the multitude; and she conof him to send his sister to him. Accordingly, he tinued as a widow with her brother Absalom a long presently ordered her to be brought to him; and time. when she was come, Amnon bade her make cakes 2. LWhen David his father knew this, he was for him, and fry them in a pan, and do it all with grieved at the actions of Amnon; but because he her own hands, because he should take them better had an extraordinary affection for him, for he was from her hand [than from any one's else]. So she his eldest son, he was compelled not to afflict him; kneaded the flour in the sight of her brother, and but Absalom watched for a fit opportunity of remade him cakes, and baked them in a pan, and venging this crime upon him, for he thoroughly brought them to himn; but at that time he would hated him. Now the second year after this wicked not taste them, but gave order to his servants to affair about his sister was over, and Absalom was send all that were there out of his chamber, because about to go to shear his own sheep at Baalhazor, he had a mind to repose himself, free from tumult which is a city in the portion of Ephraim, he beand disturbance. As soon as what he had com- sought his father, as well as his brethren, to come manded was done, he desired his sister to bring his and feast with him: but when David excused him. supper to him into the inner parlour; which, when self, as not being willing to be burdensome to him, the damsel had done, he took hold of her, and en- Asbsalom desired he would however send his bredeavoured to persuade her to lie with him. Where- thren; whom he did send accordingly. Then Abupon the damsel cried out, and said, " Nay, brother, salom charged his own servants, that when they do not force me, nor be so wicked as to transgress should see Amnon disordered and drowsy with the laws, and bring upon thyself the utmost con- wine, and he should give them a signal, they should fusion. Curb this thy unrighteous and impure lust, fear nobody, but kill him. from which our house will get nothing but reproach 3. When they had done as they were commanded, and disgrace." She also advised him to speak to the rest of his brethren were astonished and dishis father about this affair; for he would permit turbed, and were afraid for themselves, so they imhim [to marry her]. This she said, as desirous to mediately got on horseback, and rode away to their avoid her brother's violent passion at present. But father; but somebody there was who prevented he would not yield to her; but, inflamed with love them, and told their father they were all slain by and blinded with the vehemency of his passion, he Absalom; whereupon he was overcome with sorforced his sister: but as soon as Amnon had satis- row, as for so many of his sons that were destroyed fled his lust, he hated her immediately, and giving at once, and that by their brother also; and by this her reproachful words, bade her rise up and be gone. consideration, that it was their brother that appeared 220 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII. to have slain them, he aggravated his sorrow for her a great favour, because the kindred would not them. So he neither inquired what was the cause be restrained from their purpose by any thing else of this slaughter, nor staid to hear any thing else, than by the fear of him. And when the king had which yet it was but reasonable to have done, when given his consent to what the woman had begged of so very great, and by that greatness so incredible, a him, she made this reply to him: —" I owe thee misfortune was related to him: he rent his clothes, thanks for thy benignity to me in pitying my old and threw himself upon the ground, and there lay age, and preventing the loss of my only remaining lamenting the loss of all his sons, both those who, child; but in order to assure me of this thy kindas he was informed, were slain, and of him who ness, be first reconciled to thine own son, and cease slew them. But Jonadab, the son of his brother to be angry with him; for how shall I persuade Shemeah, entreated him not to indulge his sorrow myself that thou hast really bestowed this favour so far, for as to the rest of his sons he did not believe upon me, while thou thyself continuest after the that they were slain, for he found no cause for such like manner in thy wrath to thine own son? for it a suspicion; but he said it might deserve inquiry is a foolish thing to add wilfully another to thy dead as to Amnon, for it was not unlikely that Absalom son, while the death of the other was brought about might venture to kill him on account of the injury without thy consent." And now the king perceived he had offered to Tamar. In the mean time, a great that this pretended story was a subornation denoise of horses, and a tumult of some people that rived from Joab, and was of his contrivance; and were coming, turned their attention to them; they when, upon inquiry of the old woman, he understood were the king's sons, who were fled away from the it to be so in reality, he called for Joab, and told feast. So their father met them as they were in him he had obtained what he requested according their grief, and he himself grieved with them; but to his own mind; and he bid him bring Absalom it was more than he expected to see those his sons back, for he was not now displeased, but had already again, whom he had a little before heard to have per- ceased to be angry with him. So Joab bowed himished. However, there were tears on both sides; self down to the king, and took his words kindly, they lamenting their brother who was killed, and and went immediately to Geshur, and took Absalom the king lamenting his son, who was killed also; with him, and came to Jerusalem. but Absalom fled to Geshur, to his grandfather by 5. However, the king sent a message to his son his mother's side, who was king of that country, beforehand, as he was coming, and commanded him and he remained with him three whole years. to retire to his own house, for he was not yet in 4. Now David had a design to send to Absalom, such a disposition as to think fit at present to see not that he should come to be punished, but that he him. Accordingly, upon the father's command, he might be with him, for the effects of his anger were avoided coming into his presence, and contented abated by length of time. It was Joab, the captain himself with the respects paid him by his own family of his host, that chiefly persuaded him so to do; only. Now his beauty was not impaired, either by for he suborned an ordinary woman, that was the grief he had been under, or by the want of such stricken in age, to go to the king in mourning ap- care as was proper to be taken of a king's son, for parel, who said thus to him: —That two of her sons, he still surpassed and excelled all men in the tallin a coarse way, had some difference between them, ness of his body, and was more eminent [in a fine and that in the progress of that difference they came appearance] than those that dieted the most luxurito an open quarrel, and that one was smitten by the ously; and indeed such was the thickness of the other, and was dead; and she desired him to inter- hair of his head, that it was with difficulty that he pose in this case, and to do her the favour to save was polled every eighth day; and his hain weighed this her son from her kindred, who were very zealous two hundred shekels,* which are five pounds. Howto have him that had slain his brother put to death, ever, he dwelt in Jerusalem two years, and became that so she might not be further deprived of the the father of three sons, and one daughter; which hopes she had of being taken care of in her old age daughter was of very great beauty, and which Rehoby him; and that if he would hinder this slaughter boam, the son of Solomon, took to wife afterward, of her son by those that wished for it, he would do and had by her a son named Abijah. But Absalom a Of this weight of Absalom's hair, how in twenty or thirty Old Testament, upon 2 Sam. xiv. 26. It does not appear what years it might well amount to two hundred shekels, or to some- was Josephus's opinion: he sets the text down honestly as he what above six pounds avoirdupois, see the Literal Accom- found it in his copies, only he thought that "at the end oi plishment of Prophecies, p. 77, 78. But a late very judicious days," when Absalom polled or weighed his hair, was once a author thinks that the LXXII. meant not its weight, but its week. value. was twenty shekels.-Dr. Wall's Critical Notes on the CHAP. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS 221 sent to Joab, and desired him to pacify his father thought he had already the good-will of the people entirely towards him; and to beseech him to give him secured to him; but when foul years -* had passed leave to come to him to see him, and speak with since his father's reconciliation to him, he came to him. But when Joab neglected so to do, he sent him, and besought him to give him leave to go to some of his own servants, and set fire to the field Hebron, and pay a sacrifice to God, because he vowed adjoining to him; which, when Joab understood, it to him when he fled out of the country. So when he came to Absalom, and accused him of what he David had granted his request, he went thither, had done; and asked him the reason why he did and great multitudes camerunning together to him, so. To which Absalom replied, that " I have for he had sent to a great number so to do. found out this stratagem that might bring thee to us, 2. Among them came Ahithophel the Gilonite, a while thou hast taken no care to perform the in- counsellor of David's, and two hundred men out of junction I laid upon thee, which was this, to recon- Jerusalem itself, who knew not his intentions, but cile my father to me; and I really beg it of thee, were sent for as to a sacrifice. So he was appointed now thou art here, to pacify my father as to me, king by all of them, which he obtained by this since I esteem my comning hither to be more griev- stratagem. As soon as this news was brought to ous than my banishment, while my father's wrath David, and he was informed of what he did not exagainst me continues." Hereby Joab was per- pect from his son, he was affrighted at this his imsuaded, and pitied the distress that Absalom was pious and bold undertaking, and wondered that he in, and became an intercessor with the king for him. was so far from remembering how his offence had And when he had discoursed with his father, he been so lately forgiven him, that he undertook much soon brought him to that amicable disposition to- worse and more wicked enterprises; first, to deprive wards Absalom, that he presently sent for him to him of that kingdom which was given him of God; come to him; and when he had cast himself down and secondly, to take away his own father's life. He upon the ground, and had begged for the forgiveness therefore resolved to fly to the parts beyond Jordan: of his offences, the king raised him up, and pro- so he called his most intimate friends together, and mised him to forget what he had formerly done. communicated to them all that he had heard of his son's madness. He committed himself to God, to judge between them about all their actions; and left the care of his royal palace to his ten concubines, and went away from Jerusalem, being willCHAPTER IX. ingly accompanied by the rest of the multitude, who went hastily away with him, and particularly CONCERNING THE INSURRECTION OF ABSALOM AGAINST by those six hundred armed men, who had been DAvIe; AND CONCERNING AHITHOPHEL AND HUSHAI; DvID; AND CONCERNING, ANDHITHOHE AND HOWHAI; with him from his first flight in the days of Saul. AND CONCERNING ZIBA AND SHIMEI; AND HOW AHITHOPHEL HANGED HIMSELF. But he persuaded Abiathar and'Zadok, the high priests, who had determined to go away with him, 1. Now Absalom, upon this his success with the as also all the Levites, who were with the ark, to king, procured to himself a great many horses, and stay behind, as hoping that God would deliver him many chariots, and that in a little time also. He had without its removal; but he charged them to let moreover fifty armour-bearers that were about him; him know privately how all things went on; and and he came early every day to the king's palace, he had their sons, Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, and and spake what was agreeable to such as came for Jonathan the son of Abiathar, for faithful ministers justice and lost their causes, as if that happened for in all things; but Ittai the Gittite went out with want of good counsellors about the king, or perhaps him whether David would let him or not, for he because the judges mistook in that unjust sentence would have persuaded him to stay, and on that acthey gave; whereby he gained the good-will of them count he appeared the more friendly to him. But all. He told them, that had he but such authority as he was ascending the Mount of Olives barefooted, committed to him, he would distribute justice to and all his company were in tears, it was told him them in a most equitable manner. When he had that Ahithophel was with Absalom, and was of his made himself so popular among the multitude, he side. This hearing augmented his grief; and he * This is one of the best corrections that Josephus's copy af- years after it, as here in Josephus; whose number is directly fords us of a text that in our ordinary copies is grossly corrupted. confirmed by that copy of the Septuagint version whence the They say that this rebellion of Absalom was forty years after Armenian translation was made, which gives us the small what went before, (of his reconciliation to his father,) whereas number of four years. the series of the history shows it could not be more than four 222 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII. besought God earnestly to alienate the mind of already, for truly I have not the least regard nor Absalom from Ahithophel, for he was afraid that he concern for this dog that raves at me: I submit should persuade him to follow his pernicious coun- myself to God, by whose permission this man treats sel, for he was a prudent man, and very sharp in me in such a wild manner; nor is it any wonder seeing what was advantageous. When pavid was that I am obliged to undergo these abuses from gotten upon the top of the mountain, he took a view him, while I experience the like from an impious of the city; and prayed to God with abundance of son of my own; but perhaps God will have some tears, as having already lost his kingdom; and here commiseration upon us; if it be his will we shall it was that a faithful friend of his, whose name was overcome them." So he went on his way without Hushai, met him. When David saw him with his troubling himself with Shimei, who ran along the clothes rent, and having ashes all over his head, and other side of the mountain, and threw out his in lamentation for the great change of affairs, he abusive language plentifully. But when David was comforted him, and exhorted him to leave off griev- come to Jordan, he allowed those that were with ing; nay, at length he besought him to go back to him to refresh themselves; for they were weary. Absalom, and appear as one of his party, and to fish 5. But when Absalom, and Ahithophel his counout the secretest counsels of his mind, and to con- sellor, were come to Jerusalem, with all the peotradict the counsels of Ahithophel, for that he could ple, David's friend, Hushai, came to them; and not do him so much good by being with him as when he had worshipped Absalom, he withal wishhe might by being with Absalom. So he was pre- ed that his kingdom might last a long time, and vailed on by David, and left him, and came to Je- continue for all ages. But when Absalom said to rusalem, whither Absalom himself came also a little him, " How comes this, that he who was so intiwhile afterward. mate a friend of my father's, and appeared faithful 3.'When David was gone a little farther, there to him in all things, is not with him now, but hath met him Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, (whom left him, and is come over to me? " Hushai's anhe had sent to take care of the possessions which swer was very pertinent and prudent; for he said, had been given him, as the son of Jonathan, the son " We ought to follow God and the multitude of the of Saul,) with a couple of asses, loaden with pro- people; while these, therefore, my lord and masvisions, and desired him to take as much of them as ter, are with thee, it is fit that I should follow them, he and his followers stood in need of. And when for thou hast received the kingdom from God. I the king asked him where he had left Mephibosheth, will therefore, if thou believest me to be thy friend, he said he had left him in Jerusalem, expecting to be show the same fidelity and kindness to thee, which chosen king in the present confusions, in remem- thou knowest I have shown to thy father; nor is brance of the benefits Saul had conferred upon them. there any reason to be in the least dissatisfied with At this the ki g had great indignation, and gave to the present state of affairs, for the kingdom is not Ziba all that he had formerly bestowed on Mephi- transferred into another, but remains still in the bosheth; for he determined that it was much fitter same family, by the son's receiving it after his fathat he should have them than the other; at which ther." This speech persuaded Absalom, who beZiba greatly rejoiced. fore suspected Hushai. And nowv he called Ahi4. When David was at Bahurim, a place so thophel, and consulted with him what he ought to called, there came out a kinsman of Saul's, whose do: he persuaded him to go in unto his father's name was Shimei, and threw stones at him, and concubines; for he said that "by this action the gave him reproachful words; and as his friends people would believe that thy difference with thy stood about the king and protected him, he perse- father is irreconcilable, and will thence fight with vered still more in his reproaches, and called him great alacrity against thy father, for hitherto they a bloody man, and the author of all sorts of mis- are afraid of taking up open enmity against him, out chief. He bade him also go out of the land as an of an expectation that you will be reconciled again." impure and accursed wretch; and he thanked God Accordingly, Absalom was prevailed on by this adfor depriving him of his kingdom, and causing him vice, and commanded his servants to pitch him a to be punished for what injuries he had done to his tent upon the top of the royal palace, in the sight master [Saul], and this by the means of his own of the multitude; and he went in and lay with his son. Now when they were all provoked against father's concubines. Now this came to pass accordhim, and angry at him, and particularly Abishai, ing to the prediction of Nathan, when he prophesied who had a mind to kill Shimei, David restrained and signified to him that his son would rise up in his anger. "Let us not," said he, " bring upon rebellion against him. ourselves another fresh misfortune to those we have 6. And when Absalom had done what he was CHAP. IX. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 223 advised to by Ahithophel, he desired his advice, in When Hushai had said this, he obtaiued his point the second place, about the war against his father. against Ahithophel, for his opinion was preferred Now Ahithophel only asked him to let him have by Absalom before the other's: however, it was no ten thousand chosen men, and he promised he other than God * who made the counsel of Hushai would slay his father, and bring the soldiers back appear best to the mind of Absalom. again in safety; and he said that then the kingdom 7. So Hushai made haste to the high priests, would be firm to him when David was dead [but Zadok and Abiathar, and told them the opinion of not otherwise]. Absalom was pleased with this Ahithophel, and his own, and that the resplution advice, and called for Hushai, David's friend (for was taken to follow this latter advice. He thereso did he style him); and informing him of the fore bade them send to David, and tell him of it, and opinion of Ahithophel, he asked, further, what to inform him of the counsels that had been taken; was his opinion concerning that matter. Now he and to desire him further to pass quickly over Jorwas sensible that if Ahithophel's counsel were fol- dan, lest his son should change his mind, and make lowed, David would be in danger of being seized haste to pursue him, and so prevent him, and seize on, and slain; so he attempted to introduce a upon him before he be in safety. Now the high contrary opinion, and said, " Thou art not unac- priests had their sons concealed in a proper place quainted, 0 king, with the valour of thy father, out of the city, that they might carry news to and of those that are now with him; that he hath David of what was transacted. Accordingly, they made many wars, and hath always come off with sent a maid-servant, whom they could trust, to victory, though probably he now abides in the them, to carry the news of Absalom's counsels, and camp, for he is very skilful in stratagems, and in ordered them to signify the same to David with all foreseeing the deceitful tricks of his enemies; yet speed. So they made no excuse nor delay, but will he leave his own soldiers in the evening, and taking along with them their fathers' injunctions, will either hide himself in some valley, or will because pious and faithful ministers, and judging place an ambush at some rock; so that when our that quickness and suddenness was the best mark army joins battle with him, his soldiers will retire of faithful service, they made haste to meet with for a little while, but will come upon us again, as David. But certain horsemen saw them when they encouraged by the king's being near them; and in were two furlongs from the city, and informed the mean time your father will show himself sud- Absalom of them, who immediately sent some to denly in the time of the battle, and will infuse take them; but when the sons of the high priest courage into his own people when they are in perceived this, they went out of the road, and bedanger, but bring consternation to thine. Con- took themselves to a certain village; that village sider. therefore, my advice, and reason upon it, and was called Bahurim; there they desired a certain if thou canst not but acknowledge it to be the best, woman to hide them, and afford them security. reject the opinion of Ahithophel. Send to the Accordingly she let the young men down by a rope entire country of the Hebrews, and order them to into a well, and laid fleeces of wool over them; and come and fight with thy father; and do thou thyself when those that pursued them came to her, and take the army, and be thine own general in this asked her whether she saw them, she did not deny war, and do not trust its management to another; that she had seen them, for that they staid with her then expect to conquer him with ease, when thou some time, but she said they then went their ways; overtakest him openly with his few partisans, but and she foretold that, however, if they would folhast thyself many ten thousands, who will be low them directly, they would catch them; but desirous to demonstrate to thee their diligence and when after a long pursuit they could not catch them, alacrity. And if thy father shall shut himself up in they came back again; and when the woman saw some city, and bear a siege, we will overthrow that those men were returned, and that there was no city with machines of war, and by undermining it." longer any fear of the young men's being caught by * This reflection of Josephus's, that God brought to nought obvious. That peculiar manner of the Divine operations, or the dangerous counsel of Ahithophel, and directly infatuated permissions, or the means God makes use of in such cases, is wicked Absalom to reject it, (which infatuation is what the often impenetrable by us. " Secret things belong to the Lord Scripture styles the judicial hardening the hearts and blinding our God; but those things that are revealed belong to us, and the eyes of men, who, by their former voluntary wickedness, to our children for ever, that we mlay do all the words of this have justly deserved to be destroyedl, and are thereby brought law," Deut. xxix. 29. Nor have all the subtilties of the to destruction,) is a very just one, and in him not unfrequent. moderns, as far as I see, given any considerable light in this, Nor does Josephus ever puzzle himself, or perplex his readers, and many other the like points of difficulty relating either to with subtile hypotheses as to the manner of such judicial in. Divine or human operations.-See the notes on Antiq. B. V. fatuations by God, while the justice of them is generally so ch. i. sect. 2; and Antiq. B. IX. ch. iv. sect. 3. 224 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK VII. them, she drew them up by the rope, and bade them mother Abigail: now she and Zeruiah, the mother go on their journey. Accordingly, they used great of Joab, were David's sisters. But when David had diligence in the prosecution of that journey, and numbered his followers, and found them to be about came to David, and informed him accurately of all four thousand, he resolved not to tarry till Absalom the counsels of Absalom. So he commanded those attacked him, but set over his men captains of that were with him to pass over Jordan while it was thousands, and captains of hundreds, and divided night, and not to delay at all on that account. his army into three parts; the one part he commit8. But Ahithophel, on rejection of his advice, got ted to Joab, the next to Abishai, Joab's brother, upon his ass, and rode away to his own country, and the third to Ittai, David's companion and fiienl, Gilon; and, calling his family together, he told but one that came from the city Gath; and when them distinctly what advice he had given Absalom; he was desirous of fighting himself among them, and since he had not been persuaded by it, he said his friends would not let him: and this refusal of he would evidently perish, and this in no long time, theirs was founded upon very wise reasons: " For," and that David would overcome him, and return to said they, " if we be conquered when he is with his kingdom again; so he said it was better that he us, we have lost all good hopes of recovering ourshould take his own life away with freedom and selves; but if we should be beaten in one part of magnanimity, than expose himself to be punished our army, the other parts may retire to him, and by David. in opposition to whom he had acted en- may thereby prepare a greater force, while the tirely for Absalom. When he had discoursed thus enemy will naturally suppose that he hath another to them, he went into the inmost room of his house, army with him." So David was pleased with this and hanged himself; and thus was the death of their advice, and resolved himself to tarry at MahaAhithophel, who was self-condemned; and when naim; and as he sent his friends and commanders his relations had taken him down from the halter, to the battle, he desired them to show all possible they took care of his funeral. Now, as for David, alacrity and fidelity, and to bear in mind what adhe passed over Jordan, as we have said already, vantages they had received from him, which, though and came to Mahanaim, a very fine and very strong they had not been very great, yet had they not been city; and all the chief men of the country received quite inconsiderable; and he begged of them to him with great pleasure, both out of the shame they spare the young man Absalom, lest some mischief had that he should be forced to flee away [from should befall himself, if he should be killed; and Jerusalem], and out of the respect they bare him thus did he send out his army to the battle, and while he was in his former prosperity. These were wished them victory therein. Barzillai the Gileadite, and Siphar the ruler among 2. Then did Joab put his army in battle-array the Ammonites, and Machir the principal man of over against the'enemy in the Great Plain, where he Gilead; and these furnished him with plentiful pro- had a wood behind him. Absalom also brought visions for himself and his followers, insomuch that his army into the field to oppose him. Upon the they wanted no beds nor blankets for them, nor joining of the battle, both sides showed great actions loaves of bread, nor wine; nay, they brought them with their hands and their boldness; the one side a great many cattle for slaughter, and afforded them exposing themselves to the greatest hazards, and what furniture they wanted for their refreshment using their utmost alacrity, that David might rewhen they were weary, and for food, with plenty of cover his kingdom; and the other being no way other necessaries. deficient, either in doing or suffering, that Absalom might not be deprived of that kingdom, and be brought to punishment by his father for his impudent attempt against him. Those also that were CHAPTER X. the most numerous were solicitous that they might not be conquered by those few that were with Joab, HI0W, WHEN ABSALOM WAS BEATEN, HE WAS CAUGHT and with the other commanders, because that would IN A TREE BY HIS HAIR, AND WAS SLAIN I 1. AND this was the state of David and his fol- soldiers strove greatly to overcome so many ten lowers: but Absalom got together a vast army of thousands as the enemy had with them. Now the Hebrews to oppose his father, and passed there- David's men were conquerors, as superior in strength with over the river Jordan, and sat down not far and skill in war; so they followed the others as off Mahanaim, in the country of Gilead. Hle ap- they fled away through the forests and valleys; pointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, instead some they took prisoners, and many they slew, and of Joab his kinsman: his father was Ithra, and his more in the flight than in the battle, for there fell CHAPr. X. ANTIQUl1TIE8 OF THE JEWS. 225 about twenty thousand that day. But all David's assistance and his providence to him. However, he men ran violently upon Absalom, for he was easily did not grant his request, but said to him, " Vilt known by his beauty and tallness. He was him- thou, who hast always been the messenger of good self also afraid lest his enemies should seize on news, now go and acquaint the king that his son is him, so he got upon the king's mule, and fled; dead?" So he desired him to desist. He then but as he was carried with violence, and noise, called Cushi, and committed the business to him, and a great motion, as being himself light, he en- that he should tell the king what he had seen. But tangled his hair greatly in the large boughs of a when Ahimaaz again desired him to let him go as a knotty tree that spread a great way, and there he messenger, and assured him that he would only rehung, after a surprising manner; and as for the late what concerned the victory, but not concerning beast, it went on farther, and that swiftly, as if his the death of Absalom, he gave him leave to go to master had been still upon his back; but he, hanging David. Now he took a nearer road than the former in the air upon the boughs, was taken by his ene- did, for nobody knew it but himself, and he came mies. Now when one of David's soldiers saw this, before Cushi. Now as David was sitting between he informed Joab of it; and when the general said, the gates,* and waiting to see when somebody would that if he had shot at and killed Absalom, he would come to him from the battle, and tell him how it have given him fifty shekels, —he replied, "I would went, one of the watchmen saw Ahimaaz running, not have killed my master's son if thou wouldst have and before he could discern who he was, he told given me a thousand shekels, especially when he David that he saw somebody coming to him, who desired that the young man might be spared in the said he was a good messenger. A little while after, hearing of us all." But Joab bade him show him he informed him that another messenger followed where it was that he saw Absalom hang; where- him; whereupon the king said that he also was a upon he shot him to the heart, and slew him, and good messenger: but when the watchman saw AhiJoab's armour-bearers stood round the tree, and maaz, and that he was already very near, he gave pulled down his dead body, and cast it into a great the king notice that it was the son of Zadok the chasm that was out of sight, and laid a heap of high priest who came running. So Daiid was very stones upon him, till the cavity was filled up, and glad, and said he was a messenger of good tidings, had both the appearance and the bigness of a grave. and brought him some such news from the battle as Then Joab sounded a retreat, and recalled his own he desired to hear. soldiers from pursuing the enemy's army, in order 5. While the king was saying thus, Ahimaaz to spare their countrymen. appeared, and worshipped the king. And when the 3. Now Absalom had erected for himself a king inquired of him about the battle, he said he marble pillar in the king's dale, two furlongs distant brought him the good news of victory and dofrom Jerusalem, which he named Absalom's Hand, minion. And when he inquired what he had to say saying, that if his children were killed, his name concerning his son, he said that he came away on would remain by that pillar; for he had three sons the sudden as soon as the enemy was defeated, but and one daughter, named Tamar, as we said before, that he heard a great noise of those that pursued who when she was married to David's grandson, Absalom, and that he could learn no more, because Rehoboam, bare a son, Abijah by name, who suc- of the haste he made when Joab semt him to inform ceeded his father in the kingdom; but of these we him of the victory. But when Cushi was come, shall speak in a part of our history which will be and had worshipped him, and informed him of the more proper. After the death of Absalom, they victory, he asked him about his son, who replied, returned every one to their own homes respectively. "May the like misfortune befall thine enemies as 4. But now Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the high hath befallen Absalom." That word did not perpriest, went to Joab, and desired he would permit mit either himself or his soldiers to rejoice for the him to go and tell David of this victory, and to victory, though it was a very great one; but David bring him the good news that God had afforded his went up to the highest part of the city,t and wept' Those that take a view of my description of the gates of t Since David was now in Mahanaim, and in the open the temple, will not be surprised at this account of David's place of that city gate, which seems still to have been built the throne, both here and 2 Sam. xviii. 24, that it was between two highest of any part of the wall, and since our other copies say gates or portals. Gates being in cities, as well as at the he went up to the chamber over the gate, 2 Sam. xviii. 33, I temple, large open places, with a portal at the entrance, and think we ought to correct our present reading in Josephus, and another at the exit, between which judicial causes were for city, should read gate, i. e. instead of the higheet l)art of heard, and public consultations taken, as is well known from j the city, should say the highest part of the gate. Accordingly several places of Scripture, 2 Chron. xxxi. 2; P'sal. ix. 14; we find David presently, in Josephus, as well as in our other exxvii. 5; Prov. i. 21; viii. 3, 34; xxxi. 23, and often elsewhere. copies, 2 Sam. xix. 8, sitting as before, in the gate of the eity. 226 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BooK V1I. for his son, and beat his breast, tearing [the hair of] were all returned home, sent messengers to every his head, tormenting himself all manner of ways, city to put them in mind of what benefits David and crying out, " O my son! I wish that I had died had bestowed upon them, and of that liberty which myself, and ended my days with thee! " for he was he had procured them, by delivering them from of a tender natural affection, and had extraordinary many and great wars. But they complained, that compassion for this son in particular. But when the whereas they had ejected him out of his kingdom, army and Joab heard that the king mourned for his and committed it to another governor, which other son, they were ashamed to enter the city in the governor, whom they had set up, was already dead, habit of conquerors, but they all came in as cast they did not now beseech David to leave off his down, and in tears, as if they had been beaten. anger at them, and to become friends with them, Now while the king covered himself, and grievously and, as he used to do, to resume the care of their lamented his son, Joab went in to him, and com- affairs, and take the kingdom again. This was often forted him, and said, "O my lord the king, thou told to David. And, this notwithstanding, David art not aware that thou layest a blot on thyself by sent to Zadok and Abiathar the high priests, that what thou now doest; for thou seemest to hate they should speak to the rulers of the tribe of Juthose that love thee, and undergo dangers for thee; dah after the manner following: That it would be nay, to hate thyself and thy family, and to love a reproach upon them to permit the other tribes to those that are thy bitter enemies, and to desire the choose David for their king before their tribe, " and company of those that are no more, and who have this," said he, "while you are akin to him, and of the been justly slain; for had Absalom gotten the vic- same common blood." He commanded them also tory, and firmly settled himself in the kingdom, to say the same to Amasa the captain of their forces, there had been none of us left alive, but all of us, That whereas he was his sister's son, he had not beginning with thyself and thy children, had misera- persuaded the multitude to restore the kingdom to bly perished, while our enemies had not wept for David; that he might expect from him not only a us, but rejoiced over us, and punished even those reconciliation, for that was already granted, but that that pitied us in our misfortunes; and thou art not supreme command of the army also which Absalom ashamed to do this in the case of one that has been had bestowed upon him. Accordingly the high thy bitter enemy, who, while he was thine own son, priests, when they had discoursed with the rulers hath proved so wicked to thee. Leave off, there- of the tribe, and said what the king had ordered fore, thy unreasonable grief, and come abroad and them, persuaded Amasa to undertake the care of be seen of thy soldiers, and return them thanks for his affairs. So he persuaded that tribe to send imthe alacrity they showed in the fight; for I myself mediately ambassadors to him, to beseech him to will this day persuade the people to leave thee, and return to his own kingdom. The same did all the to give the kingdom to another, if thou continuest Israelites, at the like persuasion of Amasa. to do thus; and then I shall make thee to grieve 2. When the ambassadors came to him, he came bitterly and in earnest." Upon Joab's speaking to Jerusalem; and the tribe of Judah was the first thus to him, he made the king leave off his sorrow, that came to meet the king at the river Jordan. and brought him to the consideration of his affairs. And Shimei, the son of Gera, came with a thousand So David changed his habit, and exposed himself men, which he brought with him out of the tribe in a manner fit to be seen by the multitude, and sat of Benjamin; and Ziba, the freed-man of Saul, with at the gates; whereupon all the people heard of it, his sons, fifteen in number, and with his twenty and ran together to him, and saluted him. And servants. All these, as well as the tribe of Judah, this was the present state of David's affairs. laid a bridge [of boats] over the river, that the king, and those that were with him, might with ease pass over it. Now as soon as he was come to Jordan, CHAPTER XI.| the tribe of Judah saluted him. Shimei also came upon the bridge, and took hold of his feet, and HOW DAVID, WHEN HE HAD RECOVERED HIS KINGDOM, prayed him to forgive him what he had offended, WAS RECONCILED TO SHIMEI, AND TO ZIBA; AND and not to be too bitter against him, nor to think SHOWED A GREAT AFFECTION TO BARZILLAI; AND fit to make him the first example of severity under HOW, UPON THE RISE OF A SEDITION, HE MADE his new authority; but to consider that he had reAMASA CAPTAIN OF IIS HOST, IN ORDER TO PURSUE AS TAIN HIS HOST, IN ORDER TO PURSE pented of his failure of duty, and had taken care SHEBA; WHICH.MASA WAS SLAIN BY JOAB. to come -first of all to him. While he was thus 1. Now those Hebrews that had been with Ab- entreating the king, and moving him to compassion, salom, and had retired out of the battle, when they Abishai, Joab's brother, said, "And shall not this CHAP. XI. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 227 man die for this, that he hath cursed that king Ziba, as having belied his master; but said to him, whom God hath appointed to reign over us?" But that as he had [before] granted all his estate to David turned himself to him, and said, " Will you Ziba, because he did not come along with him, so never leave off, ye sons of Zeruiah'? Do not you, he [now] promised to forgive him, and ordered that I plray, raise new troubles and seditions among us, the one half of his estate should be restored to now the former are over; for I would not have you him.* Whereupon Mephibosheth said, " Nay, let ignorant that I this day begin my reign, and there- Ziba take all; it suffices me that thou hast refore swear to remit to all offenders their punish- covered thy kingdom." ments, and not to animadvert on any one that has 4. But David desired Barzillai the Gileadite, that sinned. Be thou, therefore," said he, "O Shimei, great and good man, and one that had made a plenof good courage, and do not at all fear being put to tiful provision for him at Mahanaim, and had condeath." So he worshipped him, and went on be- ducted him as far as Jordan, to accompany him to fore him. Jerusalem, for he promised to treat him in his old 3. Mephibosheth also, Saul's grandson, met Da- age with all manner of respect-to take care of him, vid, clothed in a sordid garment, and having his and provide for him. But Barzillai was so dehair thick and neglected; for after David was fled sirous to live at home, that he entreated him to exaway, he was in such grief that he had not polled cuse him from attendance on him; and said that his head, nor had he washed his clothes, as dooming his age was too great to enjoy the pleasures [of a himself to undergo such hardships upon occasion court], since he was fourscore years old, and was of the change of the king's affairs. Now he had therefore making provision for his death and burial: been unjustly calumniated to the king by Ziba, his so he desired him to gratify him in this request, and steward. When he had saluted the king, and wor- dismiss him; for he had no relish of his meat, or shipped him, the king began to ask him why he did his drink, by reason of his age; and that his ears not go out of Jerusalem with him, and accompany were too much shut up to hear the sound of pipes, him during his flight. He replied, that this piece or the melody of other musical instruments, such as of injustice was owing to Ziba; because, when he all those that live with kings delight in. When was ordered to get things ready for his going out he entreated for this so earnestly, the king said, "' I with him, he took no care of it, but regarded him dismiss thee, but thou shalt grant me thy son Chimno more than if he had been a slave; " and, indeed, ham, and upon him I will bestow all sorts of good had I had my feet sound and strong, I had not de- things." So Barzillai left his son with him, and serted thee, for I could then have made use of them worshipped the king, and wished him a prosperous in my flight: but this is not all the injury that Ziba conclusion of all his affairs according to his own has done me, as to my duty to thee, my lord and mind, and then returned home; but David came to master, but he hath calumniated me besides, and Gilgal, having about him half the people [of Israel], told lies about me of his own invention; but I know I and the [whole] tribe of Judah. thy mind will not admit of such calumnies, but is 5. Now the principal men of the country came to righteously disposed, and a lover of truth, which it Gilgal to him with a great multitude, and comis also the will of God should prevail. For when plained of the tribe of Judah, that they had come thou wast in the greatest danger of suffering by miy to him in a private manner; whereas they ought all gr andfather, and when, on that account, our whole conjointly, and with one and the same intention, to family might justly have been destroyed, thou wast have given him the meeting. But the rulers of the moderate and merciful, and didst then especially tribe of Judah desired them not to be displeased, if forget all those injuries, when, if thou hadst remem- they had been prevented by them; for, said they, bered them, thou hadst the power of punishing us "We are David's kinsmen, and on that account for them; but thou hast judged me to be thy friend, we the rather took care of him, and loved him, and and hast set me every day at thine own table; nor so came first to him;" yet had they not, by their have I wanted any thing which one of thine own early coming, received any gifts from him, which kinsmen, of greatest esteem with thee, could have might give them who came last any uneasiness expected." When he had said this, David resolved When the rulers of the tribe of Judah had said this, neither to punish Mephibosheth, nor to condemn the rulers of the other tribes were not quiet, but e By David's disposal of half Mephibosheth's estate to Ziba, of here, and 2 Sam. xix. 24, wholly free from suspicion of hyone would imagine that he was a good deal dissatisfied, and pocrisy. If Ziba neglected or refused to bring Mephibosheth doubtful whether Mephibosheth's story were entirely true or an ass of his own, on which he might ride to David, it is hard not; nor does David now invite him to diet with him, as he did to suppose that so great a man as he was should not be able to before, but only forgives him, if he had been at all guilty. procure some other beast for the same purpose. Nor is this odd way ofi mourning that Mephibosheth made use 228 ANTIQUITIES OF TIHE JEWS. BOOK VII. said further, " O brethren, we cannot but wonder with great -speed against Sheba; and when he was at you when you call the king your kinsman alone, come to Gibeon, which is a village forty furlongs whereas he that hath received from God the power distant from Jerusalem, Amasa brought a great over all of us in common ought to be esteemed a army with him, and met Joab. Now Joab was kinsman to us all; for which reason the whole girded with a sword, and his breastplate on; and people have eleven parts in him, and you but one when Aimasa came near him to salute him, he took part:* we are also elder than you; wherefore you particular care that his sword should fall out, as it have not done justly in coming to the king in this were, of its own accord: so he took it up from the private and concealed manner." ground, and while he approached Amasa, who was 6. While these rulers were thus disputing one then near him, as though he would kiss him, he took with another, a certain wicked man, who took a hold of Amasa's beard with his other hand, and he pleasure in seditious practices, (his name was Sheba, smote him in his belly when he did not foresee it, the son of Bichri, of the tribe of Benjamin,) stood up and slew him. This impious and altogether profane in the midst of the multitude, and cried aloud, and action Joab did to a good young man, and his kinsspake thus to them: "We have no part in David, man, and one that had done him no injury, and this nor inheritance in the son of Jesse." And when he out of jealousy that he would obtain the chief comhad used those words, he blew with a trumpet, and mand of the army, and be in equal dignity with declared war against the king; and they all left himself about the king; and for the same cause it David, and followed him; the tribe of Judah was that he killed Abner. But as to that former alone staid with him, and settled him in his royal wicked action, the death of his brother Asahel, palace at Jerusalem. But as for his concubines, which he seemed to revenge, afforded him a decent with whom Absalom his son had accompanied, truly pretence, and made that crime a pardonable one; he removed them to another house, and ordered those but in this murder of Amasa there was no such cothat had the care of them to make a plentiful pro- vering for it. Now when Joab had killed this vision for them, but he came not near them any general, he pursued after Sheba, having left a mall more. He also appointed Amasa for the captain of with the dead body, who was ordered to proclaim his forces, and gave him the same high office which aloud to the army, that Amasa was justly slain, and Joab before had; and he commanded him to gather deservedly punished. " But," said he, " if you be together, out of the tribe of Judah, as great an for the king, follow Joab his general, and Abishai, army as he could, and come to him within three Joab's brother:" but because the body lay on the days, that he might deliver to him his entire road, and all the multitude came running to it, and, army, and might send him to fight against [Sheba] as is usual with the multitude, stood wondering a the son of Bichri. Now while Amasa was gone out, great while at it, he that guarded it removed it thence, and made some delay in gathering the army toge- and carried it to a certain place that was very rether, and so was not yet returned, on the third day mote from the road, and there laid it, and covered it the king said to Joab, " It is not fit we should make with his garment. When this was done, all the any delay in this affair of Sheba, lest he get a nu- people followed Joab. Now as he pursued Sheba merous army about him, and be the occasion of through all the country of Israel, one told him that greater mischief, and hurt our affairs more than did he was in a strong city, called Abel-beth-maachah. Absalom himself; do not thou therefore wait any Hereupon Joab went thither, and set about it with longer, but take such forces as thou hast at hand, his army, and cast up a bank round it, and ordered and that [old] body of six hundred men, and thy his soldiers to undermine the walls, and to overthrow brother Abishai, with thee, and pursue after our them; and since the people in the city did not admit enemy, and endeavour to fight him wheresoever thou him, he was greatly displeased at them. canst overtake him. Make haste to prevent him, 8. Now there was a woman of small account, and lest he seize upon some fenced cities, and cause us yet both wise and intelligent, who seeing her native great labour and pains before we take him." city lying at the last extremity, ascended upon the 7. So Joab resolved to make no delay, but taking wall, and, by means of the armed men, called for with him his brother, and those six hundred men, Joab; and when he came to her, she began'to and giving orders that the rest of the army which say, That "6 God ordained kings and generals of was at Jerusalem should follow him, he marched armies, that they might cut off the enemies of the * I clearly prefer Josephus's reading here, when it supposes to David hitherto, than any of the rest, and so cannot be supeleven tribes, including Benjamin, to be on the one side, and posed to be joined with Judah at this time, to make it double, the tribe of Judah alone on the other, since Benjamin, in ge- especially when the following rebellion was headed by a Ben. neral, had been still fonder of the house of Saul, and less firm jamite. See sect. 6, and 2 Sam. xx. 2, 4. CHAr. XII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 229 Hebrews, and introduce a universal peace among mised that he would be reconciled to them, and free them; but thou art endeavouring to overthrow and the multitude.from their miseries. As soon theredepopulate a metropolis of the Israelites, which hath fore as the king understood that this it was which been guilty of no offence." But he replied, " God God sought, he sent for the Gibeonites, and asked continue to be merciful unto me: I am disposed to them what it was they should have; and when avoid killing any one of the people, much less would they desired to have seven sons of Saul delivered I destroy such a city as this; and if they will de- to them to be punished, he delivered them up, but liver me up Sheba, the son of Bichri, who hath spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan. So rebelled against the king, I will leave off the siege, when the Gibeonites had received the men, they and withdraw the army from the place." Now as punished them as they pleased; upon which God soon as the woman heard what Joab said, she began to send rain, and to recover the earth to bring desired him to intermit the siege for a little while, forth its fruits as usual, and to free it from the forefor that he should have the head of his enemy thrown going drought, so that the country of the.. Hebrews out to him presently. So she went down to the flourished again. A little afterward the king made citizens, and said to them, " Will you be so wicked war against the Philistines; and when he had as to perish miserably, with your children and wives, joined battle with them, and put them to fight, he for the sake of a vile fellow, and one whom nobody was left alone, as he was in pursuit of themn; and knows who he is? And will you have him for your when he was quite tired down, he was seen by one king instead of David, who hath been so great a of the enemy, his name was Achmon, the son of benefactor to you, and oppose your city alone to Araph, he was one of the sons of the giants. He such a mighty and strong army?" So she prevailed had a spear, the handle of which weighed three with them, and they cut off the head of Sheba, and hundred shekels, and a breastplate of chain-work, threw it into Joab's army. When this was done, and a sword. He turned back, and rani violently the king's general sounded a retreat, and raised the to slay [David] their enemy's king, for he was quite siege. And when he was come to Jerusalem, he tired out with labour; but Abishai, Joab's brother, was again appointed to be general of all the people. appeared on the sudden, and protected the king with The king also constituted Benaiah captain of the his shield, as he lay down, and slew the enemy. Now guards, and of the six hundred men. He also set the multitude were very uneasy at these dangers of Adoram over the tribute, and Sabathes and Achi- the king, and that he was very near to be slain; laus over the records. He made Sheva the scribe, and the rulers made him swear that he would no and appointed Zadok and Abiathar the high priests. more go out with them to battle, lest he should come to some great misfortune by his courage and boldness, and thereby deprive the people of the benefits they now enjoyed by his means, and of those that they might hereafter enjoy by his living a long time CHAPTER XII. among them. 2. When the king heard that the Philistines were HOW THE HEBREWS WERE DELIVERED FROM A FAMINE gathered together at the city Gazara, he sent an WHEN THE GIBEONITES HAD CAUSED PUNISHMENT army against them, when Sibbechai the Hittite, one TO BE INFLICTED FOR THOSE OF THEM THAT HAD of David's most courageous men, behaved himself BEEN SLAIN: AS ALSO, WHAT GREAT ACTIONS WERE PEHRFORMED AGAINST THIE PHILlSTINES BY DAVID, SO as to deserve great commendation, for he slew AND THE MEN OF VALOUR ABOUT HIM. many of those that bragged they were the posterity of the giants, and vaunted themselves highly on 1. AFTER this, when the country was greatly that account, and thereby was the occasion of vicafflicted with a famine, David besought God to have tory to the Hebrews. After which defeat, the Phimercy on the people, and to discover to him what listines made war again; and when David had sent'was the cause of it, and how a remedy might be an army against them, Nephan his kinsman fought found for that distemper. And when the prophets in a single combat with the stoutest of all the Phianswered, that God would have the Gibeonites listines, and slew him, and put the rest to flight. avenged whom Saul the king was so wicked as to Many of them also were slain in the fight. Now betray to slaughter, and had not observed the oath a little while after this, the Philistines pitched their which Joshua the general and the senate had sworn camp at a city which lay not far off the bounds of to them: If, therefore, said God, the king would the country of the Hebrews. They had a man who permit such vengeance to be taken for those that was six cubits tall, and had on each of his feet and were slain as the Gibeonites should desire, he pro- hands one more toe and finger than men naturally 230 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BootK VII. hlave. Now the person who was sent against them Lehi, and when the Hebrews were again afraid of by David out of his army was Jonathan, the son of their army, and did not stay, he stood still alone, as Shimea, who fought this man in a single combat, an army and a body of men; and some of them he and slew him; and as he was the person who gave overthrew, and some who were not able to abide the turn to the battle, he gained the greatest reputa- his strength and force he pursued. These are the tion for courage therein. This man also vaunted works of the hands, and of fighting, which these himself to be of the sons of the giants. But after three performed. Now at the time when the king this fight the Philistines made war no more against was once at Jerusalem, and the army of the Philisthe Israelites. tines came upon him to fight him, David went up to 3. And now David being freed from wars and the top of the citadel, as we have already said, to dangers, and enjoying for the future a profound inquire of God concerning the battle, while the peace,* composed songs and hymns to God of enemy's camp lay in the valley that extends to the several sorts of metre; some of those which he city Bethlehem, which is twenty furlongs distant made were trimeters, and some were pentameters. from Jerusalem. Now David said to his comHe also made instruments of music, and taught the panions, " We have excellent water in my own city, Levites to sing hymns to God, both on that called especially that which is in the pit near the gate," the sabbath day, and on other festivals. Now the wondering if any one would bring him some of it construction of the instruments was thus: The to drink; but he said that he would rather have it viol was an instrument of ten strings, it was played than a great deal of money. When these three upon with a bow; the psaltery had twelve musical men heard what he said, they ran away immediately, notes, and was played upon by the fingers; the and burst through the midst of their enemy's camp, cymbals were broad and large instruments, and were and came to Bethlehem; and when they had drawn made of brass. And so much shall suffice to be the water, they returned again through the enemy's spoken by us about these instruments, that the readers camp to the king, insomuch that the Philistines were may not be wholly unacquainted with their nature. so surprised at their boldness and alacrity, that 4. Now all the men that were about David were they were quiet, and did nothing against them, as men of courage. Those that were most illustrious if they despised their small number. But when the and famous of them for their actions were thirty- water was brought to the king, he would not drink eight; of five of whom I will only relate the per- it, saying, that it was brought by the danger and formances, for these will suffice to make manifest the blood of men, and that it was not proper on the virtues of the others also; for these were power- that account to drink it. But he poured it out to ful enough to subdue countries, and conquer great God, and gave him thanks for the salvation of the nations. First, therefore, was Jessai, the son of men. Next to these was Abishai, Joab's brother; Achimaas, who frequently leaped upon the troops for he in one day slew six hundred. The fifth of of the enemy, and did not leave off fighting till he these was Benaiah, by lineage a priest; for being overthrew nine hundred of them. After him was challenged by [two] eminent men in the country of Eleazar, the son of Dodo, who was with the king Moab, he overcame them by his valour. Moreat Arasam. This man, when once the Israelites over, there was a man, by nation an Egyptian, who were under a consternation at the multitude of the was of a vast bulk, and challenged him, yet did he, Philistines, and were running away, stood alone, when he was unarmed, kill him with his own spear, and fell upon the enemy, and slew many of them, which he threw at him; for he caught him by force, till his sword clung to his hand by the blood he had and took away his weapons while he was alive shed, and till the Israelites, seeing the Philistines and fighting, and slew him with his own weapons. retire by his means, came down from the mountains One may also add this to the forementioned actions and pursued them, and at that time won a surprising of the same man, either as the principal of them in and a famous victory, while Eleazar slew the men, alacrity, or as resembling the rest. When God and the multitude followed and spoiled their dead sent a snow, there was a lion who slipped and fell bodies. The third was Sheba, the son of Ilus. into a certain pit, and because the pit's mouth was Now this man, when, in the wars against the Phi- narrow it was evident he would perish, being enlistines, they pitched their camp at a place called closed with the snow; so when he saw no way to * This section is a very remarkable one, and shows that, in of the known books of the Old and New Testament, nor the the opinion of Josephus, David composed the Book of Psallns, Apostolical Constitutions, seem to have ascribed any of them not at several times before, as their present inscriptions fre- to any other author than to David himself. See Essay on the quently imply, but generally at the latter end of his life, or Old Testament, pages 174, 175. Of these metres of the Psalms, after his wars were over. Nor does Josephus, nor the authors see the note on Antiq. B. II. ch. xvi. sect. 4. CHAP. XIII. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 231 get out and save himself, he roared. When Be- 2. Now when the prophets had signified to Danaiah heard the wild beast, he went towards him, vid that God was angry at him, he began to entreat and coming at the noise he made, he went down him, and to desire he would be merciful to him, and into the mouth of the pit and smote him, as he forgive his sin. But God sent Nathan the prostruggled,,with a stake that lay there, and im- phet to him, to propose to him the election of three mediately slew him. The other thirty-three were things, that he might choose which he liked best: like these in valour also. Whether he would have famine come upon the country for seven years, or would have a war, and be subdued three months by his enemies? or, whether God should send a pestilence and a distemper CHAPTER XIII. upon the Hebrews for three days? But as he was fallen to a fatal choice of great miseries, he was THAT WHEN DAVID HAD NUMBERED THE PEOPLE, THEY THAT WHEN DAVID HAD NUMBERED THE PEOPLE, THEY in trouble, and sorely confounded; and when the WERE PUNISHED; AND HOW THE DIVINE COMPASWERE PUNISHED; AND HOW THE DIVINE prophet had said that he must of necessity make SION RESTRAINED THAT PUNISHMENT. his choice, and had ordered him to answer quickly, 1. Now king David was desirous to know how that he might declare what he had chosen to God, many ten thousands there were of the people, but the king reasoned with himself, that in case he forgot the commands of Moses,* who told them should ask for famine, he would appear to do it for beforehand, that if the multitude were numbered, others, and without danger to himself, since he had they should pay half a shekel to God for every a great deal of corn hoarded up, but to the harm head. Accordingly the king commanded Joab, the of others; that in case he should choose to be overcaptain of his host, to go and number the whole come [by his enemies] for three months, he would multitude; but when he said there was no neces- appear to have chosen war, because he had valiant sity for such a numeration, he was not persuaded men about him, and strong holds, and that there[to countermand it], but he enjoined him to make fore he feared nothing therefrom: so he chose that no delay, but to go about the numbering of the affliction which is common to kings and to their Hebrews immediately. So Joab took with him subjects, and in which the fear was equal on all the heads of the tribes, and the scribes, and went sides; and said this beforehand, that it was much over the country of the Israelites, and took notice better to fall into the hands of God, than into those how numerous the multitude were, and returned to of his enemies. Jerusalem to the king, after nine months and twen- 3. When the prophet had heard this, he declared ty days; and he gave in to the king the number of it to God; who thereupon sent a pestilence and a the people, without the tribe of Benjamin, for he mortality upon the Hebrews; nor did they die after had not yet numbered that tribe, no more than the one and the same manner, nor so that it was easy to tribe of Levi, for the king repented of his having know what the distemper was. Now the miserable sinned against God. Now the number of the rest disease was one indeed, but it carried them off by of the Israelites was nine hundred thousand men, ten thousand causes and occasions, which those that who were able to bear arms and go to.war; but were afflicted could not understand; for one died the tribe of Judah, by itself, was four hundred upon the neck of another, and the terrible malady thousand men. seized them before they were aware, and brought * The words of God by Moses, Exod. xxx. 12, sufficiently all mankind ought ever to obey, let their kings and governors say justify the reason here given by Josephus for the great plague what they please to the contrary; this preference of human bementioned in this chapter:-" When thou takest the sum of fore Divine laws seeming to mue the principal character of idolthe children of Israel after their number, then shall they give atrous or antichristian nations. Accordingly, Josephus well every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou observes, Antiq. B. IV. ch. viii. sect. 17, that it was the duty of numberest them; that there be no plague amongst them, when the people of Israel to take care that their kings, when they thou numberest them." Nor indeed could David's or tile should have them, did not exceed their proper limits of power, Sanhedrim's neglect of executing this law at this numeration and prove ungovernable by the laws of God, which would cerexcuse the people, who ought still to have brought their bounden tainly be a most pernicious thing to their Divine settlement. oblation of half a shekel apiece with them, when they came: Nor do I think that negligence peculiar to the Jews: those to be numbered. The great reason why nations are so con- nations which are called Christians, are sometimes indeed stantly punished by and with their wicked kings and governors very solicitous to restrain their kings and governors from breakis this, that they almost constantly comply with them in their ing the human laws of their several kingdoms, but without the neglect of or disobedience to the Divine laws, and suffer like care for restraining them from breaking the laws of God. those Divine laws to go into disuse or contempt, in order to "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto men please those wicked kings and governors; and that they sub- more than to God, judge ye," Acts iv. 19. "We ought to mit to several wicked political laws and commands of those obey God rather than nmen," ver. 29. kings and governors, instead of the righteous laws of God, which 232 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox Vii them to their end suddenly, some giving up the it was not just to offer a sacrifice that cost nothing. ghost immediately with very great pains and bitter And when Araunah said he would do as he pleased, grief, and some were worn away by their distempers, he bought the thrashing-floor of him for fifty shekels. and had nothing remaining to be buried, but as soon And when he had built an altar, he performed Dias ever they fell were entirely macerated; some vine service, and brought a burnt-offering, and ofwere choked, and greatly lamented their case, as fered peace-offerings also. With these God was being also stricken with a sudden darkness; some pacified, and became gracious to them again. Now there were who, as they were burying a relation, fell it happened that Abraham t came and offered his down dead,* without finishing the rites of the fune- son Isaac for a burnt-offering at that very place; ral. Now there perished of this disease, which be- and when the youth was ready to have his throat gan with the morning, and lasted till the hour ofi cut, a ram appeared on a sudden, standing by the dinner, seventy thousand. Nay, the angel stretched altar, which Abraham sacrificed in the stead of his out his hand over Jerusalem, as sending this terrin- son, as we have before related. Now when king ble judgment upon it. But David had put on David saw that God had heard his prayer, and had sackcloth, and lay upon the ground, entreating God, graciously accepted of his sacrifice, he resolved to call and begging that the distemper might now cease, that entire place The Altar of all the People, and and that he would he satisfied with those that had to build a temple to God there; which words he utalready perished. And when the king looked up tered very appositely to what was to be done afterinto the air, and saw the angel carried along thereby ward; for God sent the prophet to him, and told into Jerusalem, with his sword drawn, he said to him that there should his son build him an altar, God, that he might justly be punished, who was that son who was to take the kingdom after him. their shepherd, but that the sheep ought to be preserved, as not having sinned at all; and he implored God that he would send his wrath upon him, and upon all his family, but spare the people. CHAPTER XIV. 4. When God heard his supplication, he caused the pestilence to cease, and sent Gad the prophet to THAT DAVID MADE GREAT PREPARATIONS FOR THE HOUSE OF GOD; AND THAT, UPON ADONIJAH' S AThim, and commanded him to go up immediately to HOUSE OF GOD; AND THAT, UPON ADONIJAN'S ATTEMPT TO GAIN THE KINGDOM, HE APPOINTED SOthe thrashing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and LOMON TO REIGNT build an altar there to God, and offer sacrifices. When David heard that, he did not neglect his duty, 1. AFTER the delivery of this prophecy, the king but made haste to the place appointed him. Now commanded the strangers to be numbered; and Araunah was thrashing wheat; and when he saw they were found to be one hundred and eighty thouthe king and all his servants coming to him, he ran sand; of these he appointed fourscore thousand to before, and came to him and worshipped him: he be hewers of stone, and the rest of the multitude to was by his lineage a Jebusite, but a particular carry the stones, and of them he set over the workfriend of David's; and for that cause it was that, men three thousand and five hundred. He also when he overthrew the city, he did him no harm, as prepared a great quantity of iron and brass for the we informed the reader a little before. Now Araunah work, with many (and those exceeding large) cedar inquired, " Wherefore is my lord come to his serv- trees; the Tyrians and Sidonians sending them to ant? " He answered, to buy of him the thrashing- him, for he had sent to them for a supply of those floor, that he might therein build an altar to God, and trees. And he told his friends that these things offer a sacrifice. He replied, that he freely gave were now prepared, that he might leave materials him both the thrashing-fioor and the ploughs and ready for the building of the temple to his son, who the oxen for a burnt-offering; and he besought God was to reign after him, and that he might not have graciously to accept his sacrifice. But the king them to seek then, when he was very young, and by made answer, that he took his generosity and mag- reason of his age unskilful in such matters, but nanimitS kindly, and accepted his good-will, but he might have them lying by him, and so might the desired him to take the price of them all, for that i more readily complete the work. * Whence Josephus took these his distinct and melancholy fereds up Isaac long ago, but that God had foretold to David by accounts of the particular symptoms, and most miserable me- a prophet, that here his son should build him a temple, which,thods of dying, in this terrible pestilence, we cannot now tell, is not directly in any of our other copies, though very agreeable our other copies affording us no such accounts. to what is in them, particularly in 1 Chron. xxi. 26, 28; xxii t What Josephus adds here is very remarkable, that this 1, to which places I refer the reader. Mount Moriah was not only the very place where Abraham of CHAP. XIV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 233 2. So David called his son Solomon, and charged somuch that he could get no heat by covering himhim, when he had received the kingdom, to build a self with many clothes; and when the physicians temple to God, and said, "I was willing to build came together, they agreed to this advice, that a God a temple myself, but he prohibited we, because beautiful virgin, chosen out of the whole country, I was polluted with blood and wars; but he hath should sleep by the king's side, and that this damsel foretold that Solomon, my youngest son, should would ould communicate heat to him, and be a remedy build him a temple, and should be called by that against his numbness. Now there was found in the name; over whom he ha promised to take the city one wproman, of a superior beauty t o take ther like care as a father takes over his son; and that he women, (her nane was Abishag,) who, sleeping with would make the country of the Hebrews happy un- the king, did no more than communicate warmth to der him, and that, not only in other respects, but by him, for he was so old that he could not know her giving it peace and freedom from wars, and from as a husband knows his wife. But of this woman internal seditions, which are the greatest of all we shall speak more presently. blessings. Since, the refore," says he, "thou wast 4. Now the fourth son of David was a beautiful ordained king by God himself before thou wast born, young man, and tall, born to him of Haggith his endeavour to render thyself worthy of this his pro- wife. He was named Adonijah, and was in his vidence, as in other instances, so particularly in disposition like to Absalom; and exalted himself being religions, and righteous, and courageous., as hoping to be king, and told his friends that he Keep thou also his commands and his laws, which ought to take the government upon him. He also he hath given us by Moses, and do not permit others o prepared many chariots and horses, and fifty men to break them. Be zealous also to dedicate to God to run before him. WVhen his father saw this, he a temple, which he hath chosen to be built under did not reprove him, nor restrain him from his purthy reign; nor be thou affrighted by the vastness of pose, nor did he go so far as to ask wherefore he the work, nor set about it timorously, for I will did so. Now Adonijah had for his assistants Joab make all things ready before I die: and take notice, the captain of the army, and Abiathar the high that there are already ten thousand talents of gold, priest; and the only persons that opposed him were and a hundred thousand talents of silver g collected Zadok the high priest, and the prophet Nathan, and together. I have also laid together brass and iron Benaiah, who was captain of the guards, and Shiwithout number, and an immense quantity of timber mei, David's friend, with all the other most mighty and of stones. Moreover, thou hast many ten thdu- men. Now Adonijah had prepared a supper out sand stone-cutters and carpenters; andd if thou shalt of the city, near the fountain that was in the king's want any thing further, do thou add somewhat of paradise, and had invited all his brethren except thine own. Wherefore, if thou performest this Solomon, and had taken with him Joab the captain work, thou wilt be acceptable to God, and have him of the army, and Abiathar, ad the rulers of the for thy patron." David also further exhorted the tribe of Judalh, but had not invited to this feast rulers of the people to assist his son in this building, either Zalok the high priest, or Nathan the preand to attend to tthe Divine service, when they phet, or Benaiah the captain of the guards, nor should be free from all their misfortunes, for that any of those of the contrary party. This matter they by this means should enjoy, instead of them, was told by Nathan the prophet to Bathsheba, Solopeace and a happy settlement, with which bless- mon's mother, that Adonijah was king, and that ings God rewards such men as are religious and David knew nothing of it; and he advised her to righteous. He also gave orders, that when the tem- save herself and her son Solomon, and to go by pie should be once built, they should put the the ark herself to David, and say to him, that he had intherein, with the holy vessels; and he assured them deed sworn that Solomon should reign after him, that they ought to have had a temple long ago, if but that in thate mean time Adonijah had already their fathers had not been negligent of God's com- taken the kingdom. He said that he, the prophet mands, who had given it in charge, that when they himself, would come after her, and when she had had got the possession of this land, they should spoken thus to the king, would confirm what she build him a temple. Thus did David discourse to had saidi. Accordingly Bathsheba agreed with Nathe governors, and to his son. than, and went in to the king and worshipped him, 3. David was now in ycars, and his body, by and when she had desired leave to speak with him, length of time, was become cold, and benumbed, in- she told him all things in the manner that Nathan had suggested to her; and related what a supper * (f the quantity of gold and silver expended in the build- Adoniah ha d made, and who they ere whom he ing of Solomon's temple, and whence it arose, see the descrip-Adonijah had made, and who they were whom he tion of the temple, ch. xiii. had invited; Abiathar the high priest, and Joab the 2H 234 XNTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boox VII. general, and David's sons, excepting Solomon and him upon the throne; whereupon all the people his intimate friends. She also said that all the betook themselves to make merry, and to celebrate people had their eyes upon him, to know whom he a festival, dancing and delighting themselves with would choose for their king. She desired him musical pipes, till both the earth and the air echoed also to consider how, after his departure, Adonijah, with the multitude of the instruments of music. if he were king, would slay her and her son 6. Now when Adonijah and his guests perceived Solomon. this noise, they were in disorder; and Joab the 5. Now, as Bathsheba was speaking, the keeper captain of the host said he was not pleased with of the king's chambers told him that Nathan desired these echoes, and the sound of these trumpets. And to see him. And when the king had commanded when supper was set before them, nobody tasted of that he should be admitted, he came in, and asked it, but they were all very thoughtful what would be him whether he had ordained Adonijah to be king, the matter. Then Jonathan, the son of Abiathar and delivered the government to him, or not; for the high priest, came running to them; and when that he had made a splendid supper, and invited all Adonijah saw the young man gladly, and said to his sons, except Solomon; as also that he had in- him that he was a good messenger, he declared to vited Joab, the captain of his host, [and Abiathar them the whole matter about Solomon, and the dethe high priest,] who are feasting with applauses, termination of king David: hereupon both Adoniand many joyful sounds of instruments, and wish jah and all the guests rose hastily from the feast, that his kingdom may last for ever; but he hath not and every one fled to their own homes. Adonijah invited me, nor Zadok the high priest, nor Benaiah also, as afraid of the king for what he had done, the captain of the guards; and it is but fit that all became a supplicant to God, and took hold of the should know whether this be done by thy approba- horns of the altar, which were prominent. It was tion or not. When Nathan had said thus, the king also told Solomon that he had so done; and that he commanded that they should call Bathsheba to him, desired to receive assurances from him that he for she had gone out of the room when the prophet would not remember the injury he had done, and came. And when Bathsheba was come, David said, not inflict any severe punishment for it. Solomon " I swear by Almighty God, that thy son Solomon answered very mildly and prudently, that he forgave shall certainly be king, as I formerly swore; and that him this his offence; but said withal, that if he were he shall sit upon my throne, and that this very day found out in any attempt for new innovations, that also." So Bathsheba worshipped him, and wished he'would be the author of his own punishment. So him a long life; and the king sent for Zadok the he sent to him, and raised him up from the place of high pries'-, and Benaiah the captain of the guards; his supplication. And when he was come to the and when they were come, he ordered them to take king, and had worshipped him, the king bid him go with them Nathan the prophet, and all the armed away to his own house, and have no suspicion of any men about the palace, and to set his son Solomon harm; and desired him to show himself a worthy upon the king's mule, and to carry him out of the man, as what would tend to his own advantage. city to the fountain called Gihon, and to anoint him 7. But David, being desirous of ordaining his son there with the holy oil, and to make him king. king of all the people, called together their rulers This he charged Zadok the high priest, and Nathan to Jerusalem, with the priests and the Levites; and the prophet, to do, and commanded them to follow having first numbered the Levites, he found them to Solomon through the midst of the city, and to sound be thirty-eight thousand, from thirty years old to the trumpets, and wish aloud that Solomon the fifty; out of which he appointed twenty-three thouking may sit upon the royal throne for ever, that sand to take care of the building of the temple, and so all the people may know that he is ordained king out of the same, six thousand to be judges of the by his father. He also gave Solomon a charge con- people and scribes, four thousand for porters to the cerning his government, to rule the whole nation of house of God, and as many for singers, to sing to the Hebrews, and particularly the tribe of Judah, the instruments which David had prepared, as we religiously and righteously. And when Benaiah have said already. He divided them also into had prayed to God to be favourable to Solomon, courses: and when he had separated the priests without any delay they set Solomon upon the mule, from them, he found of these priests twenty-.four and brought him out of the city to the fountain, and courses, sixteen of the house of Eleazar, and eight anointed him with oil, and brought him into the city of that of Ithamar; and he ordained that one course again, with acclamations and wishes that his king- should minister to God eight days, from sabbath to dom might continue a long time: and when they sabbath. And thus were the courses distributed had introduced him into the king's house, they set by lot, in the presence of David, and Zadok and CHAP. XIV.:ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 23,5 Abiathar the high priests, and of all the rulers:; and king Solomon, over all the country, may continue that course which came up first was written down as therein for all time to come. And these promises, the first, and accordingly the second, and so on to O son, will be firm, and come to a happy end, if the twenty-fourth; and this partition hath remained thou showest thyself to be a religious and a rightto this day. He also made twenty-four parts of the eous man, and an observer of the laws of thy countribe of Levi; and when they cast lots, they came try; but if not, expect adversity upon thy disobediup in the same manner for their courses of eight ence to them."' days. -He also honoured the posterity of Moses, 9. Now when the king had said this, he left off; and made them the keepers of the treasures of God, but gave the description and pattern of the building and of the donations which the kings dedicated. of the temple in the sight of them all to Solomon: He also ordained that all the tribe of Levi, as well of the foundations and of the chambers, inferior and as the priests, should serve God night and day, as superior; how many they were to be, and how large Moses had enjoined them. in height and in breadth; as also he determined 8. After this he parted the entire army into the weight of the golden and silver vessels: moretwelve parts, with their leaders [and captains of over, he earnestly excited them with his words to hundreds] and commanders. Now every part had use the utmost alacrity about the work; he exhorttwenty-four thousand, which were ordered to wait ed the rulers also, and particularly the tribe of on Solomon, by thirty days at a time, from the first Levi, to assist him, both because of his youth, and day till the last, with the captains of thousands and because God had chosen him to take care of the captains of hundreds. He also set rulers over building of the temple, and of the government of every part, such as he knew to be good and right- the kingdom. He also declared to them that the eous men. He set others also to take charge of work would be easy, and not very laborious to them, the treasures, and of the villages, and of the fields, because he had prepared for it many talents of gold, and of the beasts, whose names I do not think it and more of silver, with timber, and a great many necessary to mention. When David had ordered carpenters and stone-cutters, and a large quantity all these officers after the manner before mentioned, of emeralds, and all sorts of precious stones; and he called the rulers of the Hebrews, and their heads he said, that even now he would give of the proper of tribes, and the officers over the several divisions, goods of his own dominion two hundred talents, and those that were appointed over every work, and and three hundred other talents of pure gold, for every possession; and standing upon a high pulpit, the most holy place, and for the chariot of God, the he said to the multitude as follows: " My brethren cherubim, which are to stand over and cover the and my people, I would have you know that I in- ark. Now when David had done speaking, there tended to build a house for God, and prepared a appeared great alacrity among the rulers, and the large quantity of gold, and a hundred thousand priests, and the Levites, who now contributed and talents of silver; but God prohibited me by the pro- made great and splendid promises for a future conphet Nathan, because of the wars I had on your tribution; for they undertook to bring of gold five account, and because my right hand was polluted thousand talents, and ten thousand drams, and of with the slaughter of our enemies; but he com- silver ten thousand talents, and many ten thousand manded that my son, who was to succeed me in the talents of iron; and if any one had a precious stone kingdom, should build a temple for him. Now he brought it, and bequeathed it to be put among therefore, since you know that of the twelve sons the treasures; of which Jachiel, one of the posterity whom Jacob our forefather had Judah was ap- of Moses, had the care. pointed to be king, and that I was preferred before 10. Upon this occasion all the people rejoiced, my six brethren, and received the government from as in particular did David, when he saw the zeal God, and that none of them were uneasy at it, so and forward ambition of the rulers, and the priests, do I also desire that my sonls be not seditious one and of all the rest; and he began to bless God with against another, now Solomon has received the a loud voice, calling him the Father and Parent of kingdom, but to bear him cheerfully for their lord, the universe, and the Author of human and divine as knowing that God hath chosen him; for: it is things, with which he had adorned Solomon, the not a grievous thing to obey even a foreigner as a patron and guardian of the Hebrew nation, and of ruler, if it be God's will, but it is fit to rejoice when its happiness, and of that kingdom which he hath a brother hath obtained that dignity, since the rest given his son. Besides this, he prayed for happipartake of it with him. And I pray that the pro- ness to all the people; and to Solomon his son, a mises of God may be fulfilled; and that this hap- sound and a righteous mind, and confirmed in all piness which he hath promised to bestow upon sorts of virtue; and then he commanded the mul 236 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII. titude to bless God; upon which they all fell down wilt turn away his providence from thee in all upon the ground and worshipped him. They also things; but if thou behave thyself so as it behoves gave thanks to David, on account of all the bless- thee, and as I exhort thee, thou wilt preserve our ings which they had received ever since he had kingdom to our family, and no other house will bear taken the kingdom. On the next day he presented rule over the Hebrews but we ourselves for all ages. sacrifices to God, a thousand bullocks, and as many Be thou also mindful of the transgressions of Joab,* lambs,which they offered for burnt offerings. They the captain of the host, who hath slain two generals also offered peace-offerings, and slew many ten out of envy, and those righteous and good men, thousand sacrifices; and the king feasted all day, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether; together with all the people; and they anointed whose death do thou avenge as shall seem good to Solomon a second time with the oil, and appointed thee, since Joab hath been too hard for me, and him to be king, and Zadok to be the high priest of more potent than myself, and so hath escaped the whole multitude. And when they had brought punishment hitherto. I also commit to thee the Solomon to the royal palace, and had set him upon son of Barzillai the Gileadite, whom, in order to his father's throne, they were obedient to him from gratify me, thou shalt have in great honour, and that day. take great care of; for we have not done good to him first, but we only repay that debt which we owe to his father for what he did to me in my flight. There is also Shimei the son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin, who, after he had cast many reproaches CHAPTER XV. upon me, when, in my flight, I was going to Mahanaim, met me at Jordan, and received assurances WHAT CHARGE DAVID GAVE TO HIS SON SOLOMON AT THE that he should then suffer nothing. Do thou now APPROACH OF HIS DEATH, AND HOW SIANY THINGS APPROACH OF HIS DEATHEU, AND HOW MAN Y THINGS seek out for some just occasion, and punish him." HE LEFT HIM FOR THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. 2. When David had given these admonitions to i. A LITTLE afterward David also fell into a his son about public affairs, and about his friends, distemper, by reason of his age; and perceiving and about those whom he knew to deserve punishthat he was near to death, he called his son Solo- ment, he died, having lived seventy years, and mon, and discoursed to him thus: " I am now, O reigned seven years and six months in Hebron over my son, going to my grave, and to my fathers, the tribe of Judah, and thirty-three years in Jeruwhich is the common way which all men that now salem over all the country. This man was of an are, or shall be hereafter, must go; from which way excellent character, and was endowed with all virit is no longer possible to return, and to know any tues that were desirable in a king, and in one that thing that is done in this world. On which account had the preservation of so many tribes committed I exhort thee, while I am still alive, though already to him; for he was a man of valour in a very exvery near to death, in theosame manner as I have traordinary degree, and went readily and first of all formerly said in my advice to thee, to be righteous into dangers, when he was to fight for his subjects, towards thy subjects, and religious towards God, as exciting the soldiers to action by his own labours, that hath given thee thy kingdom; to observe his and fighting for them, and not by commanding them commands and his laws, which he hath sent us by in a despotic way. He was also of very great abiliMoses; and neither do thou out of favour nor flat- ties in understanding, and apprehension of present tery allow any lust or other passion to weigh with and future circumstances, when he was to manage thee to disregard them; for if thou transgressest any affairs. He was prudent and moderate, and his laws, thou wilt lose the favour of God, and thou kind to such as were under any calamities; he was * David is here greatly blamed by some for recommending David durst not himself put him to death, 2 Sam. iii. 39; xix. Joab and Shimei to be punished by Solomon, if he could find 7. Shimei's cursing the Lord's anointed, and this without any a proper occasion, after he had borne with the first a long just cause, was the highest act of treason against God and his while, and seemed to have pardoned the other entirely, which anointed king, and justly deserved death; and though David Solomon executed accordingly; yet I cannot discern any fault could forgive treason against himself, yet had he done no more either in David or Solomon in these cases. Joab's murder of in the case of Shimei than promised him that he would not Abner and Amasa were very barbarous, and could not properly then, on the day of his return and reinauguration, or upon. that be forgiven either by David or Solomon; for a dispensing occasion, himself put him to death, 2 Sam. xix. 22; and he power in kings for the crime of wilfil murder is warranted by no swore to him no further, ver. 23, as the words are in Josephus, law of God, nay, is directly against it every where; nor is it, for than that he would not then put him to death, which he percertain, in the power of men to grant such a prerogative to any firmed; nor was SoloInon under any obligation to spare such of their kings; though Joab was so nearly related to David, a traitor. and so potent in the armny under a warlik;e administration, that CHAP. I. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 237 righteous and humane, which are good qualities, and was desirous of giving him money to get him peculiarly fit for kings; nor was he guilty of any to raise the siege and draw off his army, and offence in the exercise of so great an authority, but having no other method of compassing the money, in the business of the wife of Uriah. He also left opened one room of David's sepulchre. and took behind him greater wealth than any other king, out three thousand talents, and gave part of that either of the Hebrews or of other nations, ever did. sum to Antiochus; and by this means caused the 3. He was buried by his son Solomon, in Jerusa- siege to be raised, as we have informed the reader lem, with great magnificence, and with all the other elsewhere. Nay, after him, and that many years, funeral pomp which kings used to be buried with; Herod the king opened another room, and took moreover, he had great and immense wealth buried away a great deal of money, and yet neither of with him, the vastness of which may be easily con- them came at the coffins of the kings themselves, jectured at by what I shall now say; for a thousand for their bodies were buried under the earth so artand three hundred years afterward Hyrcanus the fully, that they did not appear to even those that high priest, when he was besieged by Antiochus, entered into their monuments. But so much shall that was called the Pious, the son of Demetrius, suffice us to have said concerning these matters. BOOK VII1. CONTAINING THE INTERVAL OF ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE YEARS. FROM THE DEATH OF DAVID TO THE DEATH OF AHAB. and that yet it was transferred to Solomon her son, CHAPTER I. according to the will of God. He also said that he was contented to Le. a servant under him, and HOW SOLOMON, WHEN HE HAD RECEIVED THE KINGDOM, was pleased with the present settlement; but he TOOK OFF HIS ENEMIES. desired her to be a means of obtaining a favour 1. WEV have already treated of David, and his from his brother to him, and to persuade him to virtue, and of the benefits he was the author of to bestow on him in marriage Abishag, who had inhis countrymen; of his wars also and battles, which deed slept by his father, but, because his father was he managed with success, and then died an old too old, he did not lie with her, and she was still a man, in the foregoing book. And when Solomon virgin. So Bathsheba promised him to afford him his son, who was but a youth in age, had taken the her assistance very earnestly, and to bring this markingdom, and whom David had declared, while he i riage about, because the king would be willing to was alive, the lord of that people, according to gratify him in such a thing, and because she would God's will; when he sat upon the throne, the press it to him very earnestly. Accordingly he whole body of the people made joyful acclamations went away in hopes of succeeding in this match. to him, as is usual at the beginning of a reign; and So Solomon's mother went presently to her son, to wished that all his affairs might come to a blessed speak to him about what she had promised, upon conclusion; and that he might arrive at a great Adonijah's supplication to her. And when her son age, and at the most happy state of affairs possible. came forward to meet her, and embraced her, and 2. But Adonijah, who, while his father was living, when he had brought her into the house where his attempted to gain possession of the government, royal throne was set, he sat thereon, and bid them came to the king's mother Bathsheba, and saluted set another throne on the right hand for his mother. her with great civility; and when she asked him, WVhen Bathsheba was set down, she said, " O ly whether he came to her as desiring her assistance son, grant me one request that I desire of thee, in any thing or not, and bade him tell her if that and do not any thing to me that is disagreeable or were the case, for that she would cheerfully afford ungrateful, which thou wilt do if thou deniest me." it him; he began to say, that she knew herself And when Solomon bid her to lay her commands that the kingdom was his, both on account of his upon him, because it was agreeable to his duty to elder age, and of the disposition of the multitude, grant her every thing she should ask, and com 238 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VlII. plained that she did not at first begin her discourse leave the altar, but would die there rather than in with a firm expectation of obtaining what she de- another place. And when Benaiah had reported sired, but had some suspicion of a denial, she en- his answer to the king, Solomon commanded him to treated.him to grant that his brother Adonijah cut off his head there,* and let him take that as a might marry Abishag. punishment for those two captains of the host whom 3. But the king was greatly offended at these he had wickedly slain, and to bury his body, that words, and sent away his mother; and said that his sins might never leave his family, but that himAdonijah aimed at great things; and that he won- self and his father, by Joab's death, might be guiltdered that she did not desire him to yield up the king- less. And when Benaiah had done what he was dom to him, as to his elder brother, since she desired commanded to do, he was himself appointed to be that he might marry Abishag; and that he had po. captain of the whole army. The king also made tent friends, Joab the captain of the host, and Abi- Zadok to be alone the high priest, in the room of athar the priest.'So he called for Benaiah, the Abiathar, whom he had removed. captain of the guards, and ordered him to slay his 5. But as to Shimei, Solomnon commanded that brother Adonijah. He also called for Abiathar the he should build him a house, and stay at Jerusapriest, and said to him, "I will not put thee to death lem, and attend upon him, and should not have because of those other hardships which thou hast authority to go over the brook Cedron; and that if endured with my father, and because of the ark he disobeyed that command, death should be his which thou hast borne along with him; but I inflict punishment. He also threatened him so terribly, this following punishment upon thee, because thou that he compelled him to take an oath that he would wast among Adonijah's followers, and wast of his obey. Accordingly Shimei said that he had reason party. Do not thou continue here, nor come any to thank Solomon for giving him such an injunction; more into my sight, but go to thine own town, and and added an oath, that he would do as he bade him; live on thy own fields, and there abide all thy life; and leaving his own country, he made his abode in for thou hast offended so greatly, that it is not just Jerusalem. But three years afterwards, when he that thou shouldst retain thy dignity any longer." heard that two of his servants were run away firom For the forementioned cause, therefore, it was that him, and were in Gath, he went for his servants in the house of Ithamar was deprived of the sacerdotal haste; and when he was come back with them, the dignity, as God had foretold to Eli, the grandfather king perceived it, and was much displeased that he of Abiathar. So it was transferred to the family had contemned his cornmands, and, what was more, of Phineas, to Zadok. Now those that were of the had no regard to the oaths he had sworn to God; so family of Phineas, but lived privately during the he called him, and said to him, " Didet not thou time that the high priesthood was transferred to the swear never to leave me, nor to go out of this city to house of Ithamar, (of which family Eli was the first another? Thou shalt not therefore escape punishthat received it,) were these that follow: Buklki, ment for thy perjury, but I will punish thee, thou the son of Abishua the high priest; his son was wicked wretch, both for this crime, and for those Joatham; Joatham's son was Meraioth; Meraioth's wherewith thou didst abuse my father when he was son was s; Aropheus; Aropheus's son was Ahitub; in his flight, that thou mayst know that wicked men and Ahitub's son was Zadok, who was first made gain nothing at last, although they be not punished high priest in the reign of David. immediately upon their unjust practices; but that 4. Now when Joab the captain of the host heard in all the time wherein they think themselves secure, of the slaughter of Adonijah, he was greatly afraid, because they have yet suffered nothing, their punishfor he was a greater friend to him than to Solomon; ment increases, and is heavier upon them, and that and suspecting, not without reason, that he was in to a greater degree than if they had been punished danger, on account of his favour to Adonijah, he fled immediately upon the commission of their crimes." to the altar, and supposed he might procure safety So Benaiah, on the king's command, slew Shimei. thereby to himself, because of the king's piety towards God. But when some told the king what Joab's supposal was, he sent Benaiah, and commanded him to raise him up from the altar, and bring him to the judgment-seat, in order to make his defence. However, Joab said he would not * This execution upon Joab, as a murderer, by slaying him, come presumptuously upon his neighbour to slay him with even when he had taken sanctuary at God's altar, is perfectly guile, thou shalt take him from mine altar that he die," Exod. ngreeable to the law of Moses, which enjoins, that "if a man xxi. 14. CHAP. II. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 239 after he had offered great sacrifices before the taberCHAPTER II. nacle, he feasted all his own family. 2. In these days a hard cause came before him CONCERNING THE WIFE OF SOLOMON; CONCERNING judgment, which it was very difficult to find any HIS WISDOM AND RICHES; AND CONCERNING WHAT end of; and I think it necessary to explain the fact HE OBTAINED OF HIRAM FOR THE BUILDING OF about which the contest was, that such as light upon THE TEMPLE. my writings may know what a difficult cause Sole1. SoLoMoN having already settled himself firmly mon was to determine, and those that are concerned in his kingdom, and having brought his enemies to in such matters may take this sagacity of the king punishment, he married the daughter of Pharaoh for a pattern, that they may the more easily give king of Egypt, and built the walls of Jerusalem sentence about such questions. There were two much larger and stronger than those that had been women, who were harlots, in the course of their lives, before,* and thenceforward he managed public affairs that came to him; of whom she that seemed to be very peaceably. Nor was his youth any hinderance injured began to speak first, and said, " O king, I in the exercise of justice, or in the observation of the and this other woman dwell together in one room. laws,or in the remembrance of what charges his father Now it came to pass that we both bore a son at the had given him at his death; but he discharged every same hour of the same day; and on the third day duty with great accuracy, that might have been ex- this woman overlaid her son, and killed it, and then pected from such as are aged, and of the greatest took my son out of my bosom, and removed him to prudence. I-Ie now resolved to go to Hebron, and herself, and as I was asleep she laid her dead son sacrifice to God upon the brazen altar that was built in my arms.'Now, when in the morning I was by Moses. Accordingly he offered there burnt- desirous to give the, breast to the child, I did not offerings, in number a thousand; and when he had find my own, but saw the woman's dead child lying done this, he thought he had paid great honour to by me; for I considered it exactly, and found it so God; for as he was asleep that very night God to be. Hence it was that I demanded my son, and appeared to him, and commanded him to ask of him when I could not obtain' him, I have recourse, my some gifts which he was ready to give him as a lord, to thy assistance; for since we were alone:, reward for his piety. So Solomon asked of God and there was nobody there that could convict her, what was most excellent, and of the greatest worth she cares for nothing, but perseveres in the stout in itself, what God would bestow with the greatest denial of the fact." x When this woman had told this joy, and what it was most profitable for man to re- her story, the king asked the other woman what ceive; for he did not desire to have bestowed upon she had to say in contradiction to that story. But hint either gold or silver, or any other riches, as a when she denied that she had done what was charged man and a youth might naturally have done, for upon her, and said that it was her child that was these are the things that generally are esteemed by living, and that it was her antagonist's child that most men, as alone of the greatest worth, and the was dead, and when no one could devise what judgbest gifts of God; but, said he, " Give me, 0 Lord, ment could be given, and the whole court were a sound mind, and a good understanding, whereby blind in their understanding, and could not tell how I may speak and judge the people according to truth to find out this riddle, the king alone invented the and righteousness." With these petitions God was following way how to discover it. I-He bade them well pleased; and promised to give him all those bring in both the dead child and the living child; things that he had not mentioned in his option, and sent one of his guards, and commanded him to riches, glory, victory over his enemies; and, in the fetch a sword, and draw it, and to cut both the chilfirst place, understanding and wisdom, and this in dren into two pieces, that each of the women such a degree as no other mortal man, neither kings might have half the living and half the dlead child. nor ordinary persons, ever had. He also promised Hereupon all the people privately laughed at the to preserve the kingdom to his posterity for a very king, as no more than a youth. But, in the mean long time, if he continued righteous and obedient to time, she that was the real mother of the living him, and imitated his father in those things wherein child cried out that he should not do so, but deliver he excelled. When Solomon heard this from God, that child to the other woman as her own, for she he presently leaped out of his bed; and when he would be satisfied with the life of the child, and with had worshipped him, he returned to Jerusalem; and the sight of it, although it were esteemed the other's * This buildingof the walls of Jerusalem, soon after David's it seems, unfinished or imperfect at that time. See ch. vi. death, illustrates the conclusion of the 51st Psalm, where sect. 1; and ch. vii. sect. 7; also I Kings ix. 15. David prays, " Build thou the walls of Jerusalemn;" they being, 240 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEaWS. Boo - VIIT. child; but the other woman was ready to see the the land of Syria and of the Philistines, which child divided, and was desirous, moreover, that the reached from the river Euphrates to Egypt, and first woman should be tormented. When the king these collected his tributes of the nations. Now understood that both their words proceeded from the these contributed to the king's table, and to his truth of their passions, he adjudged the child to her supper every day,* thirty cori of fine flour, and that cried out to save it, for that she was the real sixty of meal; as also ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen mother of it; and he condemned the other as a wicked out of the pastures, and a hundred fat lambs; all woman, who had not only killed her own child, but these were besides what were taken by hunting was endeavouring to see her friend's child destroyed harts and buffaloes, and birds and fishes, which were also. Now the multitude looked on this determina- brought to the king by foreigners day by day. tion as a great sign and demonstration of the king's Solomon had also so great a number of chariots, sagacity and wisdom, and. after that day attended that the stalls of his horses for those chariots were to him as to one that had a divine mind. forty thousand; and besides these he had twelve 3. Now the captains of his armies, and officers thousand horsemen, the one half of which waited appointed over the whole country, were these: over upon the king in Jerusalem, and the rest were disthe lot of Ephraim was Ures; over the toparchy of persed abroad, and dwelt in the royal villages; but Bethlehem was Dioclerus; Abinadab, who married the same officer who provided for the king's exSolomon's daughter, had the region of Dora and penses supplied also the fodder for the horses, and the sea-coast under him; the Great Plain was under still carried it to the place where the king abode at Benaiah, the son of Achilus; he also governed all that time. the country as far as Jordan; Gabaris ruled over 5. Now the sagacity and wisdom which God had,Gilead and Gaulanitis, and had under him the sixty bestowed on Solomon was so great, that he exceeded great and fenced cities [of Og]; Achinadab man- the ancients; insomuch that he was no way inferior aged the affairs of all Galilee as far as Sidon, and to the Egyptians, who are said to have been beyond had himself also married a daughter of Solomon's, all men in understanding; nay, indeed, it is evident whose name was Basima; Banacates had the sea- that their sagacity was very much inferior to that coast about Arce; as had Shaphat Mount Tabor, and of the king's. He also excelled and distinguished Carmel, and [the Lower] Galilee, as far as the river himself in wisdom above those who were most emiJordan; one man was appointed over all this coun- nent among the Hebrews at that time for shrewdtry; Shimei was intrusted with the lot of Benja- ness; those I mean were Ethan, and Heman, and min; and Gabares had the country beyond Jordan, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He also over whom there was again one governor appointed. composed books of odes and songs a thousand and Now the people of the Hebrews, and particularly five, of parables and similitudes three thousand; the tribe of Judah, received a wonderful increase for he spake a parable upon every sort of tree, from when they betook themselves to husbandry, and the the hyssop to the cedar; and in like manner also cultivation of their grounds; for as they enjoyed about beasts, about all sorts of living creatures, peace, and were not distracted with wars and trou- whether upon the earth, or in the seas, or in the bles, and having, besides, an abundant fruition of air; for he was not unacquainted Wvith any of their the most desirable liberty, every one was busy in natures, nor omitted inquiries about them, but deaugmenting the product of their own lands, and scribed them all like a philosopher, and demonmaking them worth more than they had formerly strated his exquisite knowledge of their several been. properties. God also enabled him to learn that skill 4. The king had also other rulers, who were over which expels demons,t which is a science useful * It may not be amiss to compare the daily furniture of king usual allowance of forty shekels of silver a-day, ver. 15, amount Solomon's table, here set down, and 1 Kings iv. 22, 23, with to ~5 a-day, nor to ~1800 a-year. Nor does it indeed appear the like daily furniture of Nehemiah the governor's table, after that, under the judges, or under Samuel the prophet, there was the Jews were come back from Babylon; and to remember any such public allowance to those governors at all. Those withal, that Nehemiah was now building the walls of Jerusa- great charges upon the public for maintaining courts came in lem, and maintained, more than usual, above a hundred and fifty with kings, as God foretold they would, 1 Sam. viii. 11 —18. considerable men every day, and that, because the nation was t Some pretended fragments of these books of conjuration of then very poor, at his own charges also, without laying any Solomon are still extant in Fabricius's Cod. Pseudepigr. Vet. burden upon the people at all. " Now that which was prepared Test. page 1054, though I entirely differ from Josephus in this for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were his supposal, that such books and arts of Solomon were parts of prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine; that wisdom which was imparted to him bv God in his younger and yet for all this I required not the bread of the governor, days; they must rather have belonged to such profane but because the bondage was heavy upon this people," Neh. v. 18: curious arts as we find mentioned Acts xix. 13-20, and had see the whole context, ver. 14-19. Nor did the governor's been derived from the idolatry and superstition of his heathen CIHAr'. 1l. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 241 and sanative to men. He composed such incanta-1 sent him an epistle, the contents of which here tions also by which distempers are alleviated. And follows he left behind him the manner of using exorcisms, SOLOMON TO KING HIRAM. by which they drive away demons, so that they never return; and this method of cure is of great force " *Inow thou that my father would have built unto this day; for I have seen. a certain man of my a temple to God, but was hindered by wars, and own country, whose name was Eleazar, releasing continual expeditions; for he did not leave off to people that were demoniacal in the presence of Yes- overthrow his enemies till he made them all subject pasian, and his sons, and his captains, and the whole to tribute. But I give thanks to God for the peace multitude of his soldiers. The manner of the cure I at present enjoy, and on that account I am at was this: He put a ring that had a root of one of leisure, and design to build a house to God, for God those sorts mentioned by Solomon to the nostrils foretold to my father that such a house should be of the demoniac, after which he drew out the demon built by me; wherefore I desire thee to send some thro.ugh his nostrils; and when the man fell cown of thy subjects with mine to'Mount Lebanon to cut immediately, lie abjured him to return into him no down timber, for the Siclonians are more skilful more, making still mention of Solomon, and reciting than our people in cutting of wood. As for wages the incantations which he composed. And when to the hewers of wood, I will pay whatsoever price Eleazar would persuade and demonstrate to the thou shalt determine." spectators that he had such a power, he set a little way off a cup or bason full of water, and commanded 7. p a hen Hiram had read this epistle, he vas the demon, as he went out of the man, to overturn leased with it; and wrote back this answer to Solomon. it, and thereby to let the spectators know that he had left the man; and when this was done, the skill HIRAIM TO KING SOLOMON. and wisdom of Solomon was shown very manifestly:'" It is fit to bless God that he hath committed tor which reason it is, that all men may know the thy father's government to thee, who art a wise man,.astness of Solomon's abilities, and how he was and endowed with all -virtues. As for myself, I beloved of God, and that the extraordinary virtues rejoice at the condition thou art in, and will be subI'f every kind with which this king was endowed servient to thee in all that thou sendest to me about;; may not be unknown to any people under the sun; for when by my subjects I have cut down many and for tlhis reason, I say, it is that we have proceeded large trees of cedar and cypress wood, I will send to speak so largely of these matters.. them to sea, and will order my subjects to make 6. Moreover Hiram, king of Tyre, when he had floats of them, and to sail to rwhat place soever heard that Solomon succeeded to his father's king- of thy country thou shalt desire, and leave them dom, was very glad of it, for he was a friend of there, after which thy subjects may carry them to David's. So he sent ambassadors to him, and sa- Jerusalem. But do thou take care to procure us luted him, and congratulated him on the present corn for this timber, which we stand in need of, behappy state of his affairs. Upon which Solomon cause we inhabit in an islancd.-" wives and concubincs in his old age, when he had forsaken God, imply, that Paletyrus, or Oldest Tyre, was no other than that aiid God had forsaken himn, and given him up to demoniacal most ancient smaller fort or city Tyre, situated on the continent, delusions. Nor does Josephus's strange account of the root and mentioned in Josh. xix. 29, out of which the Canlanite Baara (Of the War, B. VIII. ch. vi. sect. 3) seem to be other or Phoenician inhabitants were driven into a large island, that than that of its magical use in such conjurations. As for the lay not far off in the sea, by Joshua: that this island was then following history, it confirms what Christ says. Matt. xii. 27, joined to the continent at the present remains of Palactyrus, "If I by Beelzebub cast otlt demons, by whom (lo your sons by a neck of land over against Solomon's cisterns, still so called; cast them out?" and the city's fresh water, probably, was carriedt along in pipes *'Ihese epistles of Solomon and Hiram are those in 1 Kinegs by that neck of land; and that this island was therefore, in v. 3-9, and, as enlargcd, in 2 Chron. ii. 3-16, but here givei strictness, no other than a peninsula, having villages in its us by Josephus in his own words. fields, Ezek. xxvi. 6, and a Swall about it, Amos i. 10, and the t[ What Josephus here puts into his copy of Hiram's epistle city was not of so great reputation as Sidon for some ages: that it to Solomon, and repeats afterwards, ch. v. sect. 3, that Tyre was attacked both by sea and land by Salmanasser, as Josephus was now an island, is not in any of the three other copies, informs us, Antiq. B. IX. ch. xiv. sect. 2, and afterwards came viz. that of the Kings, Chronicles, or Eusebius; nor is it any to be the metropolis of Phcenicia; and was afterwards taken other, I suppose, than his own conjectural paraphrase; for and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, according to the numerous when 1, many years ago,. inquired into this matter, I found the Scripture prophecies thereto relating, Isa. xxiii.; Jer. xxv. state of this famlous city, and of the island whereupon it stood, 22; xxvii. 3; xlvii. 4; Ezek. xxvi., xxvii., xxviii.: that seventy to have been very different at different times. T'lhe result of my years after that destruction by Ncbuchadnezzar, this city was inquiries in this miatter, with the addition of some later improve- in some measure revived and rebuilt, Isa. xxiii. 17, 18, but that, ments, stands thlls: That the best testimonies hereto relating, as the prophet Ezekiel hadl foretold, chap.xxvi. 3-5, 1l1; xxvii. 2I 242 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWTS. BooK VIII, 8. The copi. of these epistles remain at this day, wine. So the friendship between Hiram and Soloand are preserved not only in our books, but among mon hereby increased more and more; and they the Tyrians also; insomuch that if any one would swore to continue it for ever. And the king apknow the certainty about them, he may desire of pointed a tribute to be laid on all the people, of the keepers of the public records of Tyre to show thirty thousand labourers, whose work he rendered him them, and he will find what is there set down easy to them by prudently dividing it among them; to agree with what we have said. I have said so for he made ten thousand cut timber in Mount Le.much out of a desire that my readers may know that banon for one month; and then to come home, and we speak nothing but the truth, and do not compose rest two months, until the time when the other a history out of some plausible relations, which de- twenty thousand had finished their task at the apceive men and please them at the same time, nor pointed time; and so afterward it came to pass that attempt to avoid examination, nor desire men to the first ten thousand returned to their work every believe us immediately; nor are we at liberty to de- fourth month: and it was Adoram who was over part from speaking truth, which is the proper com- this tribute. There were also of the strangers who mendation of an historian, and yet be blameless: were left by David, who were to carry the stones but we insist upon no admission of what we say, and other materials, seventy thousand; and of those unless we be able to manifest its truth by demon- that cut the stones, eighty thousand. Of these three stration, and the strongest vouchers. thousand and three hundred were rulers over the 9. Now king Solomon, as soon as this epistle of rest. He also enjoined them to cut out large stones the king of Tyre was brought him, commended the for the foundations of the temple, and that they readiness and good-will he declared therein, and should fit them and unite them together in the repaid him in what he desired, and sent him yearly mountain, and so bring them to the city. This was twenty thousand cori of wheat, and as many baths done not only by our own country workmen, but of oil: now the bath is able to contain seventy-two by those workmen whom Hiram sent also. sextaries. He also sent him the same measure of 34, the sea arose higher than before, till at last it overflowed, generally under water, that scarce more than forty acres of it, not only the neck of land, but the main island or peninsula or rather of that adjoining small island, remain at this day; itself, and destroyed that old and famous city for ever: that, so that, perhaps, not above a hundredth part of the first islaud however, there still remained an adjoining smaller island, once and city is now above water. This was foretold in the same proconnected to Old Tyre itself by Hiram, which was afterwards phecies of Ezekiel; and according to them, as Mr. Maundrell inhabited; to which Alexander the Great, with incredible pains, distinctly observes, these poor remains of Old Tyre are now raised a new bank or causeway: and that it plainly appears " become like the top of a rock, a place for the spreading of from Maundrell, a most authentic eye-witness, that the old large nets in the midst of the sea." and famous city, on the original large island, is now laid so ("i'' j',,~.,'''i':..:'.,, ",','D" -,,,.::'.. -d::,/// ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.::..-:...............: 0 00: And XX 00000000 00000:: E ~~~~~~~~~~~~~.......;~:.';:: t ~:~:?ME:;:;:?;:;? ~~::~i~? i! ~~!i?:.::i: ii i:~::: a:?::.??::;;:;?:?::::?:::::::'::::~::::~:?~:~'::'':!:'::::'':::'....::' - ii:f::::::jf ~~~~~~ ~~...0::i::;ji j:jf:0j0:0::0:;:~:h-::?:E:::?:h:::i;~::: ~?:::::.::;::::i~::;:::~:~:?::?:~:i:: X.;:::~:::~...........::::::::::.:.: A::-::f:.:".....................:~,?,.':...........'~:.''..........:..............:.:..::: -'""'":ifil~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... i.........i'':: I I. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~........ IS OF THE JEWS. 2V43 PTER III. ING OF TIlE TEMPLE, ~~~~i1~~~~~~~~ _ OLMNbg _ otebidn f h epPteahdpse w build~ ~ th tepl in hudedadfotya 4 ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ th fou th _.~f 2Nwteeoete igli h onain hi~~~~~~~ ie_ on the _e of th=epevi epinteoiud n h cond mot hc aeil eesin.soe m uha ol e $~5? 2:~!~ h' dnmn__lit=h- oieoftm ths wei tunethm -~ Aremsls d=hesl=s= it. te =a-h'mud bcm massndaur Hebrws Jr, ive oundtio for Athat suesrcuewhca ob hundre an net- erete over ithywr ob osrnire tw er fe h xdsoto gp;btt ssanwt aetoevs uesrcue n 244 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. BOOK VII its breadth twenty. There was another building its wall; for it had no large door on the east end, erected over it, equal to it in its measures; so that as the lower house had, but the entrances were by the entire altitude of the temple was a hundred the sides, through very small doors. He also overand twenty cubits. Its front was to the east. As laid the tmple, both within and without, wit to the pdrch, they built it before the temple; its boards of cedar, that were kept close together by length was twenty cubits, and it was so ordered that thick chains, so that this contrivance was in the it might agree with the breadth of the house; and nature of a support and a strength to the building. it had twelve cubits in latitude, and its height was 3. Now when the king had divided the temple raised as high as a hundred and twenty cubits. into two parts, he made the inner house of twenty He also built round about the temple thirty small cubits [every way], to be the most secret chamber, rooms, which might include the whole temple, by but e appointed that of forty cubits to be the their closeness one to another, and by their number, sanctuary; and when he had cut a door-place out and outward position round it. He also made pas- of the wall, he put therein doors of cedar, and oversages through them, that they might come into one laid them with a great deal of gold, that had sculpthrough another. Every one of these rooms had tures upon it. He also ad veils of blue, and purple, five cubits in breadth, and the same in length, but and scarlet, ad the brightest and softest linen with in height twenty. Above these there were other the most curious flowers wrought upon them, which rooms, and others above them, equal, both in their were to be drawn before those doors. He also measures and number; so that these reached to a dedicated for the most secret place, whose breadth height equal to the lower part of the house; for the was twenty cubits, and lenth the same, two cheruupper part had no buildings about it. The roof that bims of solid gold; the height of each of them was was over the house was of cedar; and truly every five cubitst they had each of them two wings one of these rooms had a roof of their own, that stretched out as far as five cubits; wherefore Solowas not connected with the other rooms; but for mon set the up not far fro each other, that with the other parts, there was a covered roof common one wing they igt touch the southern wall of the to them all, and built with very long beams, that secret place, and with another the northern: their passed through the rest, and through the whole other wings, which joined to each other, were a building, that so the middle walls, being strength- covering to the ark, which was set between them; ened by the same beam-s of timber, might be thereby but nobody can tell, or even conjecture, what was made firmer: but as for that part of the roof that the shape of these cherubims. He also laid the was under the beams, it was made of the same floor of the temple with plates of gold; and he materials, and was all made smooth, and had orna- added doors to the gate of the temple, agreeable to m-ents proper for roofs, and plates of gold nailed upon the measure of the height of the wall, but in breadth them. Anid as he enclosed the walls with boards twenty cubits, and on them he giued gold plates. of cedar, so he fixed on them plates of gold, which And, to say all in one word, he left no part of the had sculptures upon them; so that the whole temple temple, neither internal nor external, but what was shined, and dazzled the eyes of such as entered, by cvrdwtgo. He also had curtains drawn the splendour of the aol that was on every side of over these doors in like manner as they were drawn them, Now the whole structure of the temple was over the inner doors of the mnost holy place; but made with great skill'of polished stones, and those the porch of the temple had nothing of that sort. laid together so very harm oniously and smoothly, 4. Now Solomon sent for an artifleer out of Tyre, that there appeared to the spectators no sign of any whose name was Hiram; he was by birth of the hamimer, or other instrument of architecture; but as tribe of Napht ali, on the mother's side, (for she was if, without any use of them, the entire -materials had of. that tribe,) hut his father was Ur, of the stock naturally united themselves together, tha't the agree- of the Israelites. This man was skilful in all sorts ment of one part with another seemed rather to have of work; but his chief skill lay in working in gold, been natural, than to have arisen from the force of and silver, and brass; by whom were mnade all the tools upon them. The king also had a fine con- m-'echanical works ab out the temple, according to trivance for an ascent to the upper room over the the will of Solomon. Moreover, this Hiram made temple, and that was by steps in the thickness of two [hollow] pillars, whose outsides were of braas, These small rooms, or si de chambers, seem to have been, t Josephus says here that the chernbims were of solid gold. by Josephns's description, no less than twenty cnbits high a and only five cnbits high, while onr Hebrew copies (1 Kings piece, otherwise there must have been a large interval between vi. 2.3, 28) say they were of the olive tree, and the LXXII. of one and the other that was over it; and this with donble floors, the cypress tree, and only overlaid with gold; an(I both agree the one of six cisbits distance froin the floor beneath it, as they were ten cnbits high. t soppose the nnmlber here is talsely, CHAP. III. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 2-15 and the thickness of the brass was four fingers' cubits, and the height six cubits. This vessel was breadth, and the height of the pillars was eighteen partly turned, and was thus contrived: There were cubits, and their circumference twelve cubits; but four small quadrangular pillars that stood one at there was cast with each of their chapiters lily-work each corner; these had the sides of the base fitted to that stood upon the pillar, and it was elevated five them on each quarter; they were parted into three cubits, round about which there was net-work inter- parts; every interval had a border fitted to support woven with small palms, made of brass, and cover- [the laver]; upon which was engraven, in one place ed the lily-work. To this also were hung two hun- a lion, and in another place a bull, and an eagle. dred pomegranates, in two rows. The one of these The small pillars had the same animals engraven pillars he set at the entrance of the porch on the that were engraven on the sides. The whole work right hand, and called it Jachin; and the other at was elevated, and stood upon four wheels, which were also cast, which had also naves and felloes, and were a foot and a half in diameter. Any one who saw the spokes of the wheels, how exactly they were turned, and united to the sides of the bases, and with what harmony they agreed to the felloes, would wonder at them. However, their structure was this: Certain shoulders of hands stretched out held the corners above, upon which rested a short spiral pillar, that lay under the hollow part of the l aver, resting upon the fore part of the eagle and the lion, which were adapted to them, insomuch that those i who viewed them would think they were of one piece: between these were engravings of palm trees. This was the construction of the ten bases. He also 5. Solomon also cast a brazen sea,- whose figulre was that of a hemisphere. This brazen vessel was called a sea for its largeness, for the layer was ten< feet in diameter, and cast of the thickijess of a 4 palm. Its middle part rested on a short pillar that had ten spirals round it, and that pillar was ten cubits in diameter. There stood round about it twelve oxen, that looked to the four winds of hea -__ yen, three to each wind, having their hinder parts depressed, that so thie hemispherical vessel mioht., rest upon them, which itself was also depressed round about inwardly. Now this sea contained three thousand baths. 6. He also made ten brazen bases for so many made ten large round brass veslwhich were the quadrangular layers; the length of every one of layers themselves, each of which contained forty these bases was five cubits, and the breadth four baths;t for it had its height four cubits, and its edge~s As far these two famous pillars, Jachin and Booz, their error lies is hard to say:perhaps Josephus honestly followed height could he no more than eighteen cuhits, as here, and 1 his copies here, though they had heen corrupted, aud he was niot Kings vii. ]5; 2 Kings xxv. 17; Jer. iii. 21; th-ose thirty-five ahie to restore the true reading. in thre mean tine, the forty cubits in 2 Chron. iii. 15, being contrary to all the rules of'baths are probably -the true quantity coutajued in each layer-, architecture in the world. siuce they went upon wheels, and were to he (Irawn by the LeThe round or cylindrical layers of four cubits in diameter, vites about the courts of the priests for the washings they wvere and four in height, b oth in our copies, I Kings vii. 38, 39, and designed for; and had they held much snore, they wiould have here in Josephus, must have contained a great deal mere than been too heavy to have been so drawn. these forty baths, which are always assigned them. Where the 246 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. Boo VIII. were as much distant from each other. He also placed cense to the altar, were twenty thousand; the other these lavers upon the ten bases that were called censers, in which the carried fire from the great MAechonoth; and he set five of the lavers on the altar to the little altar, within the temple, were fifty left side of the temple,* which was that side to- thousand. The sacerdotal garments which belonged wards the north wind, and as many on the right to the high priest, with the long robes, and the side, towards the south, but looking towards the oracle, and the precious stones, were a thousand. east; the same [eastern] way he also set the sea. But the crown upon which Moses wrote [the name Now he appointed the sea to be for washing the of God],t was only one, and hath remained to this hands and the feet of the priests, when they entered very ay. He also made ten thousand sacedotal into the temple and were to ascend the altar, but the garments of fine linen, with purple girdles for every lavers to cleanse the entrails of the beasts that were priest; and two hundred thousand trumpets, accordto be burnt-offerings, with their feet also. ing to the command of Moses; also two hundred 7. He also made a brazen altar, whose length was thousand garments of fine linen for the singers, that twenty cubits, and its breadth the same, and its were Levites. And he made musical instruments. height ten, for the burnt-offerings. He also made and such as were invented for singing of hymns, all its vessels of brass, the pots, and the shovels, called ble and in, [psalteries and harps,] and the basons; and besides these, the snuffers and which were made of electrum, the finest brass,] the tongs, and all its other vessels, he made of forty thousand. brass, and such brass as was in splendour and beauty 9. Solomon made all these things for the hoour like gold. The king also dedicated a great number of God, with great variety and magnificence, sparing of tables, but one that was large and made of gold, no cost, but using all possible liberality in adorning upon which they set the loaves of God; and e the temple; and tese things he dedicated to the made ten thousand more that resembled them, but treasures of God. He also placed a partitio round were done after another manner, upon which lay about the temple, which in our tongue we call Gison, the vials and the cups; those of gold were twenty but it is called T igos by the Greeks, and e thousand, those of silver were forty thousand. He raised it up to the height of three cuits; and it also made ten thousand candlesticks, according to was for the exclusion of the multitude fom coing the command of Moses. one of which he dedicated into the temple, and showing that it was a place for the temple, that it might burn in the day time, that was free and open only for the priests. He accc~rding- to the law; and one table with loaves also built heyond this court a temple, whose figure uponl it, on the north side of the temple, over against was that of a quadrangle, and erected for it great the candlestick; for, this he set on the south side, and hroad cloisters; this was entered into by very but the, golden altar stood between them. All these, high gates, each of which had its front exposed to, vessels were contained in. that part of the holy house, one of the [four] winds, and were shut by golden which was forty cuhits long, and were before the doors. Into this temple all the people entered that veil of that most secret place wherein the ark was were distinguished from the rest by being pure and to he set. observant of the laws. But he made that temple 8. The king also made pouring vessels, in num- which was beyond this a wondei'ful one indeed, and her eighty thousand, and a hundred thousand such as exceeds all description in words; nay, if I golden vials, and twice as many silver vials:of may so say, is hardly believed upon aiht for golden dishes, in order therein to offer kneaded fine when he had filled up great valleys with earth, flour at'the altar, there were eighty thousand, and which, on account of their immense depth, could not twice as many of silver. Of large hasons also, be looked on, when you bended down to see them, wherein they mixed fine flour wit~h oil, sixty thou- without pain, and had elevated the arondfour sand of gold, and twice as many of silver. Of the hundred cubits, he made it to be on a level with measures like those which Moses called the Hin the top of the mountain, on which the temple was and the A43sctron, (a tenth deal,) there were twenty built, and by this means the outmost temiple, which thousand of gold, and twice as many of silver, was exposed to the air, was even with time temple The golden. censers, in which they carried the in- itself.t~ He, encompassed this also with a building Here Josephus gives us a key to his own language, of righIt was on the south, against our left hand; and Booz on the north, and left hand in the tahernacle aud temple; that hy the right against our rigist hand. hand he means what is a-ainst our left, when we suppose our- t Of the golden plate on the high priest's forehead that was is, selves goiug up from the east gate of the courts towards the ta- heing, in. the days of Josephus, and a century or two at least bernacle or temple themselves, and so vice versa; whence it later, see the note on Antiq. B. 111. ch. vii. sect. 6. follows, that the pillar Jachin, on the right hand of the temple, -~ When J osephas here says that the floor of the outmost CHAr. IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. 247 of a double row of cloisters, which stood on high cense, and this till the very air itself every where upon pillars of native stone, while the roofs were round about was so full of these odours, that it met, of cedar, and were polished in a manner proper for in a most agreeable manner, persons at a great dissuch high roofs; but he made all the doors of this tance, and was an indication of God's presence temple of silver. and, as men's opinion was, of his habitation with them in this newly built and consecrated place, for _ _ ~_ _ ~_~_ they did not grow weary, either of singing hymns or of dancing, until they came to the temple; and in this manner did they carry the ark. But when CHAPTER IV. they should transfer it into the most secret place, the rest of the multitude ent away, and only those priests HOWt SOLOMON REMOVED THE ARE INTO THE TEMPLE;two cherubis, wic HOW HE MADE SUPPLICATION TO GOD, AND OFFERED PUBLIC SACRIFICES TO HIM. framned by the artificer,) they covered it, as under a 1. WHEN king Solomon had finished these works, tent, or a cupola. Now the ark contained nothing these large and beautiful buildings, and had laid up else but those two tables of stone that preserved his donations in the temple, and all this in the in- the ten commandments, which God spake to Moses terval of seven years,* and had given a demonstra- in Mount Sinai and which were engraved upon tion of his riches and alacrity therein, insomuch them; but they set the candlestick, and the table, that any one who saw it would have thought it and the golden altar in the temple, before the most must have been an immense time ere it could have secret place, in the very same places wherein they been finished; and [would be surprised] that so stood till that time in the tabernacle. So they ofmuch should be finished in so short a time; short, fered up the daily sacrifices; but for the brazen altar, I mean, if compared with the greatness of the Solomon set it before the temple, over against the work: he also wrote to the rulers and elders of the door, that when the door was opened, it might be Hebrews, and ordered all the people to gather exposed to sight, and the sacred solemnities, and themselves together to Jerusalem, both to see the the richness of the sacrifices, miht be thence seen temple which he had built, and to remove the ark and all the rest of the vessels they gathered together, of God into it; and when this invitation of the and put them within the temple. whole. body of the people to come to Jerusalem was 2. Now as soon as the priests had put all things* every where carried abroad, it was the seventh in order about the ark, and were gone out, there month before they came together; which month is came d~own a thick cloud, and stood there, and by our countrymen called Thisri, but by the Mace- spread itself, after a gentle manner, into the temple; donians Hyperberetceus. The feast of tabernacles such a cloud it was as was diffused and temperate, happened to fall at t~he same time, which was cele- not such a rough one as we see full of rain in the brated by the Hebrews as a most holy and most cmi- winter season. This cloud so darkened the place, nent feast. So they carried the ark and the tabernacle that one priest could not discern another, but it afwhich Moses had pitched, and all the vessels that were forded to the minds of all a visible image and glofor ministration, to the sacrifices of God, and re- rious appearance of God's having descended into moved them to the temple.t The king himself, this temple, and of his having gladly pitched his and all the people and the Levites, went before, tabernacle therein. So these men were intent upon rendering the ground moist with sacrifices, and this thought. But Solomon rose up, (for he was drink-offerings, and the blood of a great number of sitting before,) and used such words to God as he oblations, and burning an immense quantity of in- thought agreeable to the Divine nature to receive, temple or court of the Gentiles was with vast labour raised buildin, itself did not begin till Solomnon'sfourt/h year; and to be even, or of equal height, with the floor of the inner, or both speak of the preparation of materials beforehand, 1 Kings court of the priests, be must mean this in a gross estisnation v. 18; Antiq. B. VIII. ch. v. sect. I. There is no reason, only; for he and all others agree, that the inner temple, or therefore, to alter the Septuagint's number; but we are to supcourt of the priests, was a few cubits more elevated than the pose three years to have been the just time of the preparation, middle court, the court of Israel, aud that much more was the as I have done iu my computation of the expense in building court of the priests elevated several cubits above that outmost that temple. court, since the court of Israel was lower than the one and t- This solemn removal of the ark from Mount Sion to higher than the other. Mount Moriah, at the distance of almost three quarters of * The Septuagint say that "1 they prepared timber and a mile, confutes that notion of the modern Jews, and followed itones to build the temple for tisree years," 1 Kings v. 18; by many Christians also, as if those two were after a sort one and althoug~h neither our present Hebrew copy, nor Josephos, and the same motuntain, for which there is, I think, very little directly name timat number of years, yet do they both say the foundation. 248 ANTIQUITIES OF E JEWS. BOO I. and fit for him to give; for he said, " Thou hast an promised unto this very day. And I beseech thee eternal house, 0 Lord, and such a one as thou hast for the time to come to afford us whatsoever thou, created for thyself out of thine own works; we know 0 God, hast power to bestow on such as thou dost it to be the heaven, and the air, and the earth, and esteem; and to augment our house for all ages, as the sea, which thou pervadest, nor art thou contained thou ast promised to David my father to do, both within their limits. I have indeed built this temple in is lifetime and at his death, that our ingdom to thee, and thy nalme, that from thence, when we shall continue and that his posterity should success sacrifice, and perform sacred operations, we may ively receive it to ten thousand generations. Do send our prayers up into the air, and may constantly not thou therefore fail to give us these blessings, and believe that thou art present, and art not remote to bestow on my children that virtue in which thou firom what is thine own; for neither when thou delitest. And besides all this I humbly beseech seest all things, and hearest all things, nor now, thee that thou wilt let some portion of thy Spirit when it pleases thee to dwell here, dost thou leave come down and inhabit in this temple, that thou the care of all men, but rather thou art very nea to mayst apear to mbe with us upon earth. As to them all, but especially thou art present to those thyself, the entire heavens, and the immensity of that address themselves to thee, whether by night the thins that are therein, are but a small habitation or by day." When lhe had thus solemnly addressed for thee, much more is this poor temple so; but I himself to God, he converted his discourse to the entreat thee to keep it as thine own house, from bemultitude, and strongly represented the power and ing destroyed by our enemies for ever, and to take providence of God to them;-how he had shown all care of it as thine own possession: but if this people things that were come to pass to David his father, be found to have sinned, and be thereupon afflicted as many of those things had already come to pass, by thee with any plague, because of their sin, as and the rest would certainly come to pass hereafter; with dearth or pestilence, or any other affliction and how lhe had given him his name, and told to which thou usest to inflict on those that transgress David what he should be called before he was born; any of thy holy laws, and if they fly all of them to and foretold, that when he should be king after his this teple, beseeching thee, and begging of thee father's death, he should build himn a temple, which to deliver them, then do thou bear their payers, as since t.hey saw accomplished, according to his pre being within thine house, and have mercy upon them, diction, he required them to bless God, and by be- anid deliver them from their afflictions. Nay, miorelieving him, from the sight of what they had seen over, this help is what I implore of thee, lnot for the accomplished, never to despair of any thing that he Hebrews only, when they are in distress, hut when bad promised for the future, in order to their any shall come hither from any ends -of the world happiness, or suspect that it. would not come to whatsoever, and shall return from their sins and irnpass. plore thy pardon, do thou then pardon them, and 3. When thle king had thus discoursed to the hear their prayer. For hel'eby all shall learn that umultitude, lie looked again to wards the temple, and thou thyself wast pleased with the building' of this lifting up his right hand to the multitude, hie house for thee; and that we are not ourselves of an said, " It is not possible by ivhat men. can do to unsociable nature, nor behave ourselves like enemies return sufficient thanks to God for his benefits be- to such as are not of our oivn people; but are willstowed upon them, for the Deity stands in need of ing that thy assistance should be communicated hy nothing, anid is above any such requital; but so far thece to all nien in common, and that they may have as we have been niade superior, 0 Lord, to other the enjoyment of thy benefits bestowved upon them." animals by thee, it becomes us to bless thy MTajesty, 4. WYhen Solonmon had said this, and had cast and it is necessary for us to returli thee thanks for himself upon the ground, and worshipped a long what thou hast bestowed upon our house, and on time, he rose up, and brought sacrifices to the altar; the Hebrew people; for with what other instrunient and w\henr lie had filled it with uliblem-ished victims, can. we better appease thee when thou art angry at he most evidently discovered that God had with us, or niore properly preserve thy fiavour, than with pleasure accepted of all that he had sacrificed to himn, our voice? which, as we have it from the air, so do for there came a, fire running out of the air, and we know that by that air it ascends upwards [to- rushed with violence upon the altar, in the sight of' wards thee]. I therefore ought myself to return all, and caught hold of and consumned the sacrifices. thee thanks thereby, in the first place, concerning Now when this Divine appearance was seen, the my fiather', whoni thou hoast m'aised from obscurity people supposed it to be a demionstration of God's unto so great joy; nii the netplace, concerning~ abode in the temple, and were pleased wvith it, and myself, since thou hast performed all1 that thiou has)-t Ifell1 down uponn lthe gnround aend wo~rshipped Upnn CHAr. IV. ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWVS. 249 which the king began to bless God, and exhorted serve the temple, but would always abide in it; that the multitude to do the same, as now having suffi- is, in case his posterity and the whole multitude cient indications of God's favourable disposition to would be righteous. And for himself, it said, that them; and to pray that they might always have the if he continued according to the admonitions of his like indications from him, and that he would pre- father, he would advance him to an immense degree serve in them a mind pure from all wickedness, in of dignity and happiness, and that then his posterity righteousness and religious worship, and that they should be kings of that country, of the tribe of Judah, might continue in the observation of those precepts for ever; but that still, if he should be found a bewhich God had given them by Moses, because by that trayer of the ordinances of the law, and forget them, means the Hebrew nation would be happy, and in- and turn away to the worship of strange gods, he deed the most blessed of all nations among all man- would cut him off by the roots, and would neither kind. He exhorted them also to be mindful, that suffer any remainder of his family to continue, nor by what methods they had attained their present would overlook the people of Israel, or preserve good things, by the same they must preserve them them any longer from afflictions, but would utterly sure to themselves, and make them greater and more destroy them with ten thousand wars and misforthan they were at present; for that it was not suf- tunes; would cast them out of the land which he ficient for them to suppose they had received them had given their fathers, and make them sojourners on account of their piety and righteousness, but that in strange lands; and deliver that temple which they had no other way of preserving them for the was now built to be burnt and spoiled by their time to come; for that it is not so great a thing for enemies, and that city to be utterly overthrown by men to acquire somewhat which they want, as to the hands of their enemies; and make their miseries preserve what they have acquired, and to be guilty deserve to be a proverb, and such as should very of no sin whereby it may be hurt. hardly be credited for their stupendous magnitude, 5. So when the king had spoken thus to the till their neighbours, when they should hear of them, multitude, he dissolved the congregation, but not should wonder at their calamities, and very earnestly till he had completed his oblations, both for himself inquire for the occasion, why the Hebrews, who had and for the Hebrews, insomuch that he sacrificed been so far advanced by God to such glory and twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred and wealth, should be then so hated by him? and that twenty thousand sheep; for then it was that the the answer that should be made by the remainder temple did first of all taste of the victims, and all the of the people should be, by confessing their sins, Hebrews, with their wives and children, feasted and their transgression of the laws of their country. therein: nay,. besides this, the king then observed Accordingly we have it transmitted to us in writing, splendidly and magnificently the feast which is that thus did God speak to Solomon in his sleep. called the Feast of Tabernacles, before the temple, for twice seven days; and he then feasted together with all the people. 6. When all these solemnities were abundantly satisfied, and nothing was omitted that concerned CHAPTER V. the Divine worship, the king dismissed them; and HOW SOLOMON BUILT HIMSELF A ROYAL PALACE, VERY they every one went to their own homes, ving COSTLY AND gPLENDID; AND nOW HE SOLVED THE COSTLY AND SPLENDID; AND HOW HE SOLVED THE thanks to the king for the care he had taken of them, RIDDLES WHICH WERE SENT HIM BY HRAM., RIDDLES WHICH WERE SENT HIM BY HIRAM. and the works he had done for them; and praying to God to preserve Solomon to be their king for a 1. AFTER the building of the temple, which, as long time. They also took their journey home with we have before said, was finished in seven years, rejoicing, and making merry, and singing hymns to the king laid the foundation of his palace, which he God. And indeed the pleasure they enjoyed took did not finish under thirteen years, for he was not away the sense of the pains they all underwent in equally zealous in the building of this palace as he their journey home. So when they had brought the had been about the temple; for as to that, though ark into the temple, and had seen its greatness, and it was a great work, and required wonderful and how fine it was, and had been partakers of the many surprising application, yet God, for whom it was sacrifices that had been offered, and of the festivals made, so far co-operated therewith, that it was finthat had been solemnized, they every one returned ished in the forementioned number of years; but to their own cities. But a dream that appeared to the palace, which was a building much inferior in the king in his sleep informed him that God had dignity to the temple, both on account that its maheard his prayers; and that he would not only pre- terials had not been so long beforehand gotten 2K 250 ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS. o V. ready, nor had been so zealously prepared, and on you would think they were in motion;ut the other account that this was only a habitation for kings, part, up to the roof, was plastered over, and, as it and not for God, it was longer in finishing. How- were, embroidered with colours and pictures. He, ever, this building was raised so magnificently, as moreover, built other edifices for pleasure; as also suited the happy state of the Hebrews, and of the very long cloisters, and those situate in an agreeable king thereof. But it is necessary that I describe place of the palace; and amon te a most glorithe entire structure and disposition of the parts, ous dining room, for feastings and ompotations, that so those that light upon this book may thereby and full of old, and such other furniture as so fine make a conjecture, and, as it were, have a prospect a room ought to have for the conveniency of the of its magnitude. guests, and where all the vessels were made of gold. 2. This house was a large and curious building, Now it is very hard to reckon up the magnitude and was supported by many pillars, which Solomon and the variety of the royal apartments; how many built to contain a multitude for hearing causes, and roos there were of the largest sort, ow many of taking cognizance of suits. It was sufficiently a bigness inferior to those, and how many that were capacious to contain a great body of men, who subterraneous and invisible; the curiosity of those would come together to have their causes deter- that enjoyed the fresh air; and the groves for the mined. It was a hundred cubits long, and fifty most delightful prospect, for the the heat, broad, and thirty high, supported by quadrangular and covering of their bodies. And, to say all in pillars, which were all of cedar; but its roof was brief, Solomon made the whole building entirely of according to the Corinthian order,* with folding white stone, and cedar wood, and gold, and silver. doors, and their adjoining pillars of equal magni- He also adorned the roofs and walls with stones set tude, each fluted with three cavities; which building in gold, and beautified them thereby in the same was at once firm, and very ornamental. There was manner as he had beautified the temple of God with also another house so ordered, that its entire breadth the like stones. He also made himself a throne of was placed in the middle; it was quadrangular, and prodigious bigness, of ivory, constructed as a seat its breadth was thirty cubits, having a temple over of justice, an having si steps to it on every one against it, raised upon massy pillars; in which tem- of which stood, on each end of the step, two lions, plc there was a large ani very glorious room, wherein two other lions standing above also; but at the the king sat in judgment. To this was joined sitting place of the throne hands came out and reanother house that was built for his queen. There ceived the king; and when he sat backward, hie were other smaller edifices for diet, and for sleep, rested on half a bullock, that looked towards his after public matters were over; and these were all back; but still all was fastened together with gold. floored with boards of cedar. Some of these Solo- 3. When Solomon had comipleted. all this inl mon built with stones of ten cubits, and wainscoted twenty years' time, because Hiram king of Tyre the walls with other stones that were sawed, and bad contributed a great deal of gold, and more silver were of great value, such as are clog out of the earth to these buildings, as also cedar wood -and pine for the ornamnents of temples, and to make fine wood, he also rewarded Hiram with rich presents; prospects in royal palaces, and which make the courn be sent him also year by year, and -wine and mines whence they are dug famous. Now the con- oil, which were the principal things that bie stood in texture of the curious workmanship of these stones need of, because he inhabited an island, as we have was in three rows, but the fourth row would make already said. And besides these, he granted him one admire its sculptures, whereby were represented certain cities of Galilee, twventy in number, that lay trees, and all sorts of plants, with the shades that not fear from Tyre; which, whent Hiram went It-o, arose from their branches, and leaves that hung and viewed, and did not like the gift, h-e sent word down from them. Those trees and plants covered to Solomion that he did not want such cities as they the stone that was beneath them, and their leaves were; and after* that time those cities were called were wrought so prodigious thin and subtile, that the land of Cabul; which name, if it be interpreted This mention of the Corinthian ornament~s of architecture cout dispute, mnuch older than the reign of H-erod. However, in Solomon's, palace by Josephuss seeuss to be here set downa upon some trial, I confess I h-ave not hitherto been able fully by wvay of prolepsis; for altisough it appears to me that the to'understand the structure of tihis palace of Solomon, either Grecian and Roman most ancient orders of architecture were as descrihed inl our Bihies, or even withr time additional help o f taken from Solomon's temple, as from their original patterns, this description here hy Josephus; oniy the reader may easily yet it is not so clear that the last and most ornamental order of observe with mne, that the measures of this first building in Josethe Corinthian was so ancient, although what the same Jose- phuss, a hsundred cuhits long, sad fifty cuhits broad, mure the very phus says,~ (Of the War, B. V. ch. v. sect. 3,) that one of time same with the area of the court of the tabernacle of Moses, gates of Herod's temple was built according to the rules of this and just half an Egyp~tian a czsra, or acre. ':i!~i"'i!:?.i.11~?!~;i~?~?'i:;~:i.,1117:..?::!i~.:~;:i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i~~~~~i~1:::i~.*::::: A;: t <. Atz'4g, /