The Lives and Deaths of Persons Surnamed Great, Life 1

The Lives and Deaths of Persons Surnamed Great · Life 1

Nebuchadnezzar.

Cyrus.

Artaxerxes.

Alexander.

Epaminondas.

Herod.

Hanibal.

Pompey.

Iulius Caesar.

Augustus

Charlemain.

Tamberlain.

THE LIVES & DEATHS Of most of those EMINENT PERSONS WHO By their VIRTUE and VALOUR Obtained the Sirnames of MAGNI, OR THE GREAT.

Whereof divers of them give much Light to the Understanding of the Prophecies in Esay, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, concerning the three first Monarchies.

And to other Scriptures concerning the Captivity, and Restauration of the Jews.

The Second Edition, Corrected and Enlarged.

By Samuel Clark, Minister of the Gospel.

Longum iter per pracepta, breve per Exempl.

Hierom.

LONDON, Printed by J. R. for W. B. and are to be sold by Tho. Sawbridge, at the three Flower de Luces in Little Britain, and by W. Birch, at the Peacock at the lower end of Cheap-side. 1675.

p. 1THE LIFE and DEATH OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE GREAT, First Emperour of the CHALDEANS.

NEbuchadonazar, His Parentage.or Nebuchadnezzar, was the Son of Nebuchadonazar, or Nabopolaser of Babylon, who was made General of the Army by Saraco King of Assyria and Chaldea, after whose death Nabopolaser took into his hands the Kingdom of Chaldea, which he held by the space of one and twenty years; At the same time Astyages was made Governour of Media by Cyaxares his Father; and the better to strengthen themselves, they entred into affinity, by Astyages his giving his Daughter Amytis to Nebuchadnezzar, the Son of Nabopolaser, and thereupon joyning their Forces together,Ninive taken. they took Ninive, together with Seraco, the King thereof, placing a Vice-Roy in his stead.

Shortly after, the Governour of Coelosyria, and Poenicia, revolting from Nabopolaser, he sent against him his Son Nebuchadnezzar (having first associated him with himself in the Kingdom of Babylon) with a great Army,Nebuchadnezzar made King. which was in the latter end of the third, and the beginning of the fourth year of Jehoiakim King of Juda; as appears Dan. 1. 1. compated with Jer. 25. 1.

Nebuchadnezzar was no sooner thus associated with his Father in the Kingdom, but the things which he was to act,Prophecies of him. were presently revealed to the Prophet Jeremy; the first whereof was the overthrow of the Egyptians; First, at the River Euphrates; then in their own Country, Jer. 46. The first of these came to pass presently, Pharaoh Necho's Forces, which he had left at Carchemish, being cut off by Nebuchadnezzar in the fourth year of Jehojakim, Jer. 46. 2. The second was not till after the taking of Tyre, in the seventeenth year of the Captivity of Jechonia. Ezek. 29. 17, 18, 19.

p. 2In the third year of Jehoiakim, His first action. He conquers Jehoiakim.Nebuchadnezzar the second, his Father being yet alive, entred Iudaea with a great Army, who, besieging, and forcing Ierusalem, made Iehoiakim his Vassal, in despight of Pharaoh Necho, who had made him King, and took with him to Babylon, for Pledges, Daniel, who was yet a Child, with Ananias, Misael, and Azarias. He took also part of the Treasures belonging to the Temple; but stayed not to stayed not to search throughly for all. For Necho hasted with his Army to the relief of Iehoiakim, hoping to find Nebuchadnezzar in Iudea. But this great Babylonian had no mind to hazard himself and his Army against the Egyptian, Iudaea being so ill affected towards him, and himself far from all succour, or sure place of retreat. If he had (as may be supposed) any great strength of Scythian Horsemen, it was wisely done of him to fall back out of that rough, Mountanous, and hot Country, into places that were more even and temperate.His Fathers death. And besides these reasons, the Death of his Father happening at the same time, gave him just occasion to return home, and take possession of his own Kingdom, before he proceeded in the second care, of adding more unto it.

And this he did at reasonable good leisure. For the Egyptian was not provided to follow him so far, and to bid him Battel, until the new year came in, which was the fourth of Iehoiakim, the first of Nebuchadnezzar and the last of Necho. In this year the Babylonian, lying upon the Banks of Euphrates (his own Territories bounding it on the North-side) attended the coming of Necho: there,He conquers Pharaoh Necho. after a cruel Battel fought betwixt them, Necho was slain, and his Army forced to save it self by a violent retreat, wherein it suffered great loss.

This Victory was so well pursued by Nebuchadnezzar, He conquers Syria.that he recovered all Syria, and whatsoever the Egyptians held out of their proper Territories towards the North. The Egyptians being thus beaten, and altogether for the present discouraged, Iehoiakim held himself quiet, as being in heart a Friend to the Egyptians, yet having made his peace with the Chaldeans the year before, and Mebuchadnezzar was contented with such profit as he could there readily make: he had forborn to lay any Tribute upon the Iews.

But this cool reservedness of Iehoiakim, was, on both sides, taken in ill part. Whereupon the Egyptian King Psamnis, who succeeded Necho, began to think of restoring Iehoahaz (who had been taken prisoner by his Father, and carried into Egypt) and of setting him up, as a Domestical enemy against his ungrateful Brother. But to anticipate all such accidents, the Iudaean had put in practice the usual remedy, which his fore-fathers used: For he had made his own Son Iechonia King with him long before;2 chron. 36 9. in the second year of his own Reign, when the Boy was but eight years old. As for this rumour of Iehoahaz his return, the Prophet Ieremy foretold, that it should prove a vain attempt, saying, He shall not return thither, But he shall die in the place whither they have led him Captive, and shall see this Land no more. Jer. 22. 11, 12.

The Egyptians, The weak estate of the Egyptians.having lost their Mercenary Forces, and received that heavy blow at Carchemish, had more Gold than sharp Steel remaining, which is of small force without the others help. Besides, the Valour of Necho was not in Psamnis Apries, who, reigning after Psamnis, did indeed once adventure to shew his face in Syria; but after a big look, he was glad to retire, without adventuring the hazard of a Battel. Wherefore this declining Nation, fought only with brave words, telling such frivolous tales, as men that mean to do nothing, use, boasting of their former glorious acts against Iosias and Iehoahaz. And truly in such a time and case, it was easie for Iehoiakim to give them satisfaction, by letting them understand the sincerity of his affections towards them, which appeared in time following.

But Nebuchadnezzar went more roundly to work:Nebuchadnezzar layes a Tribute upon Jehoiakim. For he sent a peremptory message to Iehoiakim, requiring him not to stand upon any nice points, but presently to acknowledge himself his subject, and to pay him Tribute; Adding p. 3thereunto such terrible threatnings, as made the poor Iudaean lay aside all thoughts of adhering unto Pharaoh; and to yield to do, as the more powerful would have him.

Thus he continued in Obedience to Nebuchadnezzar three years: During which time the Prophet Jeremy, cryed out against the Impiety of the Jews, putting them in mind that he had now for three and twenty years exhorted them to Repentance: But because they had stopped their ears against him, and the rest of the Prophets,The Captivity foretold. he now foretold that their Captivity was at hand, and that they should bear the Yoak of Bondage for seventy years.Jer. 25. 15, &c. Jer. 27.Jer 25:15Jer 27 The same Calamity he threatned to all the Neighbouring Nations, to the Egyptians, Moabites, Ammonites, Idumaeans, and the rest; foretelling that they should all drink out of the Babylonian Cup the Wine of his fury, whom they had forsaken; and that after the seventy years should be expired, the Babylonians themselves should taste of the same Cup, and be utterly subverted by the Medes and Persians, Jer. 25. 12, &c. And their return. Jeremy imprisoned.Jer 25:12by which means the Jews should be permitted to return into their own Country, and Cities. The first Imprisonment of the Prophet Jeremy seems to have been in the fourth year of this Jehoiakim, at which time, Baruch the Scribe, wrote all his Prophecies from his Mouth, whom he sent to Read them unto the people, and afterwards to the Princes, who presented them to the King: But fearing the Kings fury, they had first set Jeremy at liberty, and advised him, and Baruch, to hide themselves, Jeremy 36. 19, &c.

Jehoiakim having heard part of it read to him,Jehoiakim burns the Roul. and perceiving the ill News contained therein, he made no more ado, but cut the Book in pieces, and cast it into the fire. All which, Jeremy caused to be new written, with this Addition, That the dead Body of Jehoiakim, should be cast out, being exposed in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost, and that there should be none of his Seed to sit upon the Throne of David.

Time thus running on,Tyre rebellet… against Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoiakim thought himself secure from all danger, as being Tributary to the Babylonian, and yet withal, well thought on by the Egyptian: About which time the mighty City of Tyre, opposed it self against Nebuchadnezzar: And upon just confidence of her own strength, despised all preparations that could be made against her. Now for as much as the term of seventy years was prescribed for the Desolation, as well of Tyre, as of Jerusalem, and other places, and Countries, 'its apparent that they that refer the winning of this City to the ninteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, have good ground and warrant for it. For the Siege thereof began in the seventh year of his Reign, and lasted thirteen years.

Here it will not be amiss to insert a brief Note concerning the beginning of this great Princes Rule; The third year of Jehoiakim, was the last of Nabulasser, who being freed from other cares, and businesses, took notice of such as had revolted from him to Pharaoh Necho, and sent this Noble Prince, his Son, with an Army into Syria to reclaim them. In this Expedition was … carried to Babylon, who therefore makes mention of it, Dan. 1. 1. The year next following, being the fourth of Jehoiakim, was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, which Jeremy affirmeth in express words, Jer. 25. 1. And from this we must reckon all his time, and actions which follow to be spoken of. In his three and twentieth year he conquered Egypt, and then began his great Empire, there being none left that durst offend, or oppose him. The second from this year it was wherein Daniel saw that Vision of the Image consisting of sundry Mettals, which prefigured the succession of great Kingdoms, that should Rule the World before the coming of Christ. But to return to the Siege of Tyre, which began in the seventh year of his Reign.

The stately City of Tyre covered all the ground of an Island,Tyre besieged. that was divided from the Continent by a deep, and broad Channel of the Sea, The p. 4Chaldaeans had no Fleet of Ships, neither were they Seamen: The Tyrians excelled all other Nations in multitude of goodly Ships, and skill to use them: And every Wind, from one part or other, brought in all needful provisions to the City: Wherefore neither force, nor Famine could greatly hurt the place: whereof nevertheless, the Judgments of God (denounced against it by Isay, Isay 23.Isa 23Jeremy, and Ezekiel) had threatned the destruction;Jer. 25.Jer 25 and the obstinate resolution of Nebuchadnezzar had fully determined to accomplish it.Ezek. 26.Ezek 26

This hauty King, impatient of resistance, undertook a vast piece of Work,The difficulty of the work. which was, to fill up that part of the Sea which divided the Island from the continent. The City of old Tyre, that stood opposite to the New, upon the firm Land, and the Mountain of Libanus near adjoyning, that was loaden with stately Cedars, and abundance of other Trees, furnished him with materials to effect it. Thirteen years were spent in this difficult, and hopeless undertaking, which need not seem strange, if we consider, that Alexander, working upon that Foundation which was remaining of Nebuchadnezzars Peer, and being withal, assisted with a strong Fleet, was yet seven months e're he could make way into the City. Wherefore, if the raging of the Sea was able to carry away that wherewith Alexander laboured to cover a Shelve, with much more violence could it overturn, and as it were, consume the work of Nebuchadnezzar; who laid his Foundation in the bottom of the deep; Striving, as it were, to fill the empty Belly of this greedy Cormorant, whereas the Macedonian did only stop the throat of it. All may know that God could easily have accomplished his own threatnings against this place (though it had not pleased him to use, either a Miracle, or such of his more immediate Engins, as are Earthquakes, &c.) by making at least, the Seas calm, and adding the favourable concurrence of all second helps. But so it pleaseth him ofttimes, in chastising the Pride of man, to use the hand of man, even the hand of man, striving, as it may seem, against all resistance of nature, and providence. So that by this excessive labour of the Chaldeans, that Scripture was fulfilled, that every Head should be made bald, and every Shoulder should be made bare, Ezek. 29. 18. Yet would not Nebuchadnezzar give over till he was Master of the Town.

When he was entred upon his desperate undertaking, whether it were by some losses received, or some Mutiny in his Army, or some glorious rumour of the Egyptians strenth, his evil willers took courage to rebel against him; and amongst them, Jehoiakim, renounced his subjection, and began to hope for the contrary, which soon after fell out. For Nebuchadnezzar gave him no leasure to do much hurt: But with part of his Army,Jehoiakim rebels, and is taken, and slain. Jer. 22. 18, 19. & 36. 30.Jer 22:18Jer 22:19Jer 36:30 he marched strait into Judaea; where the amazed King made so little resistance (the Egyptians having left him, as it were in a dream) that Nebuchadnezzar entred Jerusalem, laid hands on Jehoiakim, whom at first he bound, intending to send him to Babylon, but his mind changing, he caused him to be slain in that place, and gave him the Burial of an Ass, to be devoured by Beasts, and ravinous Birds, according to the former Prophesie; Leaving in his place his Son,Jeconias made King and imprisoned. Jehoiakim, or Jeconias; whom yet after three months, and ten days, he deposed, and sent him Prisoner to Babylon, together with Ezekiel, Mordecay, Jer. 29. 2. 2 Kin. 28. 16. 2 Chron. 36. 10. Jer. 24. 1. & 29. 1, 2. Ezek 17. 12.Jer 29:22 Chr 36:10Jer 24:1Jer 29:1Ezek 17:12and Josedech, the High Priest.

The Mother of Jeconias, together with his Servants, Eunuchs, and all the ablest men, and best Artificers in the Land, were also then carried away Captives. This Jeconias, following the Counsel of the Prophet Jeremy, made no resistance, but submitted himself to the Kings will, wherein he both pleased God, and did that which was most profitable for himself, though at the present it might seem otherwise, to such as consider the evil that befel p. 5him, rather than the greater evil that he thereby avoided. This only particular act of his is recorded in Scripture which was good: But it seems that he was at least a partaker in his Fathers sins, if not a provoker, which was the cause, that though he submitted himself to Gods will, yet did he not preserve his estate: For so it is said, That he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his Father had done. In his stead, Nebuchadnezzar set up Mattania, his Uncle, making him King of Iudaea, Zedekia… is made King. Jer. 37. 1. 2 King. 24. 17.Jer 37:12 Kgs 24:17and called him Zedechias. For like as Necho King of Egypt, had formerly displaced Iehoahaz, after he had slain his Father Iosias, and set up Iehoiakim, the Son by another Mother: So Nebuchadnezzar slew Iehoiakim, who depended on the Egyptians, and, carrying his Son Ieconias Prisoner to Babylon, he gave the Kingdom to this Zedechias, who was whole Brother to that Iehoahaz, whom Necho took with him into Egypt, and from Zedechias he required an Oath for his loyalty, and faithful subjection, which Zedechias gave him, and called the living God to witness in the same, that he would remain assured to the Kings of Chaldaea, 2 Chron. 36. 13. Ezek. 17. 13, 14, 18.

In the first year of Zedechias, Ieremy saw,Jer. 24. 2.Jer 24:2 and expounded the vision of the ripe, and rotten Figs, the one signifying those that were already carried away Captives, the other signifying those Iews that yet remained, and were afterwards destroyed, Ier. 29. 17.

In the fourth year of Zedechias, Babylons destruction foretold.Ieremy wrote in a Book all the evil which should fall upon Babylon, which Book, or Roul, he gave to Seraiah, when he went with King Zedechias to Babylon, to visit Nebuchadnezzar, willing him first to read it to the Captive Iews, and then to bind a stone to it, and cast it into Euphrates, Sundry Prophesies of Jeremy. Jer. 51. 59.Jer 51:59pronouncing these words; Thus shall Babel be drowned, and shall not rise from the evil which I will bring upon her. This journey of Zedechias to Babylon is probably thought to be in a way of a visit, and to carry some presents to Nebuchadnezzar; But yet it is likely he had some suit to make, which his Lordly Master refused to grant, and sent him away discontented. For at his return, all the bordering Princes sent Messengers to him, inciting him (as it seems) to those unquiet courses from which the Prophet Ieremy dehorted both him and them.Jer. 27. 8.Jer 27:8 About which time the Prophet, by Gods appointment, made bonds and yokes, one of which he wore about his own neck, others he sent unto the five Kings, of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Zidon, by those Messengers which came to visit Zedechias, making them know, that if they, and the King of Iuda continued in subjection to Babylon, they should then possess, and enjoy their own Countries; If not, they should assuredly perish by the Sword, by Famine and by Pestilence.

He also foretold them, that those Vessels which yet remained in Ierusalem, should be carried after the other to Babylon, yet at length should be restored again.

The same year Ananias, Ananias a false Prophet. Jer. 28.Jer 28the false Prophet, took off the wooden yoke which Ieremy did wear, as a sign of the Captivity of the Iews, and brake it: Vaunting, that in like manner after two years, God would break the strength of Babel, and the yoke which he had laid on all Nations: and that he would restore Ieconias and all the Iews, with the Vessels, and Riches of the Temple, and put an end to all these troubles. But Ieremy instead of his Wooden yoke, wore a Collar of Iron; and in sign that Ananias had given a false, and deceitful hope to the People, he fore-told the Death of this false Prophet,Jer. 28. 15.Jer 28:15 which accordingly came to pass in the seventh MonethMonth.

After this,Zedechias rebells. Ezek. 17. 15, 17.Ezek 17:15Ezek 17:17 when Zedechias had wavered long between Faith and Passion, in the eighth year of his Reign, he practiced more seriously against Nebuchadnezzar, with his Neighbours, the Edomites, Ammonites, Moabites, Tyrians, and others, who were promised great aids by the Egyptians, in confidence of whose assistance, he resolved to shake off the Babylonian Yoke; whereof, when Nebuschad p. 6chadnezzar was informed, he marched with his Army in the dead of Winter, towards Ierusalem, Jerusalem besieged.and besieged it. Jeremy perswaded Zedechias to render the City and himself to him: But Zedechias, being confident of help from Egypt, and being perswaded by his Princes and false Prophets, that it was impossible that the Kingdom of Judah should be extirpated until the coming of Shilo, according to Jacobs Prophesie,Jer. 32. & 34.Jer 32 Gen. 49. 10. he despised the counsel of Jeremy, and imprisoned him, For Jeremy had told the King, that the City should be taken and burnt; that the King should not escape, but be taken Prisoner, and brought to the presence of Nebuchadnezzar: That he should not perish by the Sword, but being carried to Babel, should there dye a natural Death.

The following year,Jer. 44.Jer 44 Ierusalem was surrounded, and more strictly besieged by Nebuchadnezzars Army;Egypt a broken staff. whereupon the King of Egypt, Pharaoh Hophra, entred into Iudaea with his Army,Jer. 37. 3, 10.Jer 37:3Jer 37:10 to succour Zedechias, of whose revolt he had been the principal Author. But Ieremy gave the Iews faithful counsel, willing them not to have any trust in the succours of Egypt: for he assured them that they should return back again, and in no sort relieve them. And it fell out accordingly. For when the Chaldaeans removed from Ierusalem to encounter the Egyptians, these bragging Patrons abandoned their enterprise; and taking Gaza in their way homewards, returned into Egypt, as if they had already done enough, leaving the poor people in Ierusalem to their destined miseries. Ier. 34. 11, 22.

In the mean while the Iews, who in the time of their extremity, had released their Hebrew Bond-men,Lev. 25. 39, 40, &c.Lev 25:39Lev 25:40 and Bond-women, according to the Law, in the year of Iubile, and made them free, thereby to encourage them to fight, did now upon the breaking up of the Chaldean Army, repent of what they had done, and thinking that all danger had been past, they held them by force to their former slavery. But the Chaldeans being returned to the Siege, the Prophet Ieremy, Jer. 34. Jer. 39.Jer 34Jer 39when the State of Ierusalem began now to grow to extremity, counselled Zedechias to render himself to the Babylonians, assuring him of his own life, and of the safety of the City if he would do so. But his obstinate heart led him on to that wretched end, which, his neglect of God, and his Infidelity and Perjury had provided for him.

Three and twenty Moneths the Chaldean Army lay before Ierusalem, Jer. 39.Jer 39and held it exceeding straitly besieged; For they built Forts against it round about, 2 King. 25. 1. or, they surrounded the City with Woodden Towers, so as the Besieged could neither sally out, nor receive into the City any supplies of men or Victuals.Jer. 39. 1. & 52. 4.Jer 39:1Jer 52:4 Iosephus saith, that they over-topped the Walls with their high Towers, which they erected upon Mounts, from which, with their Engines they did so beat upon the walls, that the Defendants were forced to forsake their stations. And though the Besieged also raised Counter-buildings, like unto these, yet the Great Nebuchadnezzar, who Commanded all the Regions thereabouts, and had the Woods and Rivers at his command, found out means to disappoint and overthrow all the Citizens endeavours, and to beat down their Towers as fast as they raised them. For his own works were guarded by the Walls of Ierusalem, whereas theirs within lay open to his Batteries. Besides, both Famine and Pestilence (which commonly accompany men straitly besieged) grew fast upon them, whereby, when the number, strength, and courage of the Iews failed,Jerusalem taken. the Chaldeans made a breach, and forcing an entry, their Princes did seat themselves as Lords of the Town, in the middle Gate, 2 King. 26. 2, 3, 4. Ier. 39. 2, 3. and 52, 5, &c.

Zedechias, Zedechias flyes and is taken.beholding this uncomfortable sight, and finding no other means to escape the present danger, lost both his Courage and his Hope at once, and shifted himself, together with his Wives, Children, Princes, and principal Servants, out of the City, by a way under-ground, leaving his amazed, and now headless Subjects, to the merciless Swords of their enraged enemies. Thus he, who when the Prophet Ieremy perswaded him to render himself, despised both p. 7the Counsel of God, and the Army and force of Nebuchadnezzar, used now the remedy which one calls, A woful, shameful, and unfortunate shift.

By this secret subterranean Vault, Zedechias stole away, and by the help of the dark night, recovered the plains, or desarts of Iericho. But by reason of the train that followed him and his, (every one leading with him those whom he loved best) he was easily traced and pursued. How great soever the company was that attended him, yet certain it is, that they, on whose fidelity he most relied, no sooner beheld the Chaldeans to draw near, but they all abandoned his defence, and shifted for themselves in the Desarts, as they could. For, whom God had forsaken, no man regarded. And thus Zedechias was taken by the Ministers of Gods vengeance, and being made a Prisoner, together with his Children, and Princes, he was carried to Riblah, in the Tribe of Nephthalim, where Nebuchadnezzar then lay, as a place indifferent between Ierusalem and Tyre, with both which places he had at one time to do.

Now when Nebuchadnezzar had laid before Zedechias the many Graces and Favours which he had conferred upon him,And carried to Babylon. together with the notable falshood and perjury wherewith he had requited him,Jer. 34. 3, &c, 2 King. 25. 4, 7.Jer 34:32 Kgs 25:42 Kgs 25:7 he commanded his Children, Princes,Jer. 39. 4, 7. and 52. 7, 11.Jer 39:4Jer 39:7Jer 52:7Jer 52:11 and Friends, to be slain before his face. This being done, to the end that so lamentable a spectacle should be the last that ever he should behold in this world, he caused his eyes to be put out, and so carried him like a Slave to Babylon, where he consumed the rest of his life in perpetual imprisonment. Herein was that marvellous Prophesie of Ezekiel fulfilled: I will bring him to Babylon, and he shall not see it, Ezek. 12. 13.

Thus, in the eleventh, and last year of Zedechias, which was the eighteenth of Nebuchadnezzar, the Chaldeans entred into Ierusalem by force, where, sparing neither Sex nor Age, they put all to the Sword that they found therein.

In the next year following,2 King. 25. 8.2 Kgs 25:8 Nebuzaradan, the General of the Babylonish Army, burnt the Kings Palace,Jer. 52. 13. with 39. 8.Jer 52:13 and the whole City of Ierusalem, and after the fire had lasted from the seventh to the tenth day,The Temple and City burnt. he also burnt the Temple of God to the ground, the richest and most Magnificent place that ever the Sun saw, when it had stood four hundred thirty and one years.

After this,2 King. 25. 18.2 Kgs 25:18 upon a second search, Nebuzaradan (not yet satiated with blood) commanded seventy and two others to be slain,Jer. 39. 8, 9. and 52. 14, 23.Jer 39:8Jer 39:9Jer 52:14Jer 52:23 which had hidden themselves from the first fury,2 Chron. 36. 18, &c.2 Chr 36:18 to wit, the chief and the second Priest, two Commanders of Zedechias his men of war,Poor people left under Gedaliah, five of his houshould Servants, and some others; carrying away to Babylon the ablest of the People through all Iudaea, Jer. 39. 10.Jer 39:10and leaving the poorest labouring people,Jer. 40. 16.Jer 40:16 with some that followed the party of Nebuchadnezzar, to till the Ground, over whom he placed Gedaliah, the Nephew of that Saphan, whom Iosias had formerly imployed in the Reformation of Religion. This Gedaliah, a Iew by Nation, left Zedechias, as it seemeth, in the beginning of the War, and by Ieremies desire to live with him, it's probable that had embraced the same advice which the Prophet gave to Zedechias, which was, to submit himself to the Babylonian King, who being ordained of God for them, as an instrument of his Justice, was, therefore irresistable.

The Prophet Ieremy being left to his own choice,Jeremy goes to them. to live where he pleased, made choice to go to Gedaliah, Jer. 40. 6.Jer 40:6to whom he was commended by Nebuzaradan, and he, not only entertained him kindly, but comforted him, and all the other Iews that were left under his charge, promising them favour and liberty, so long as they remained obedient Subjects to Nebuchadnezzar, by whom he was established Provincial Governour over his own Nation.

But e're the year was expired, a Prince of the late Kings Family (who, during the Siege of Ierusalem, had sheltred himself from the storm, with Baalis, King of the Ammonites) being attended by ten other chosen men, whilst Gedaliah feasted them in Mitspah, Gedaliah slain. Jer. 41. 2.Jer 41:2the City of his residence, they trayterously slew him,2 King. 25. 25.2 Kgs 25:25 together with divers Chaldeans and Iews that accompanied him. This p. 8done, they escaped, and in their way, encountring with eighty persons, repairing toward Gedaliah with presents, they slew most of them, and onelyonly spared some, who promised to discover to them some Treasures that were hidden in the Fields during the War. They took with them also a Daughter of Zedechias, committed to the care of Gedaliah, by Nebuchadnezzar: This treachery of Ismael had been formerly discovered to Gedaliah by Iohanan, one of the Captains of the few remaining Iews, but he would not believe it.

Iudea being now without a Governour (for Ismael durst not take it upon him, but fled as fast as he could to the Ammonites) the residue of the Iews, fearing the revenge of the Chaldeans, resolved to fly into Egypt, and besought Ieremy to ask counsel of God for them,Jeremy's counsel rejected. who returned answer, that if they remained in Iudea, Jer. 43.Jer 43God would provide for them, and shew them mercy; but if they sought to save themselves in Egypt, they should then undoubtedly perish. Notwithstanding which advice, the Iews held their determination, and despised the Oracle of God; and constraining Ieremy and Baruch to accompany them,He is carried into Egypt, and stoned. they went into Egypt, and by the permission of Pharaoh, they dwelt in Taphnes; where, when Ieremy often reproved them for their Idolatry, foretelling the destruction of themselves, and the Egyptians, he was, by these his own hard-hearted and ingrateful Country-men, stoned to death, and by the Egyptians, who greatly reverenced him, buried near the Sepulchre of their Kings, Ier. 42. and 43.

The nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzars Reign it was, when destroying utterly the great and mighty City of Ierusalem, he exceedingly enriched himself with the spoils of it and the Temple, and by that dreadful Example terrified all those that should dare to resist him. From that time forward, he, to his three and twentieth year,Nebuchadnezzar conquers divers Nations. laboured in the Conquest of those adjoyning Countries, which God had exposed unto his Sword, and commanded to wear his Yoke, namely, the Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, Tyrians, Sidonians, and Egyptians, though some of these were already become his followers, and served under him when Ierusalem was taken and burnt. But the Tyrians, whose City was built upon an Island, and therefore secure from the invasion of any Land-Army, and whose Fleet was so strong, that they needed not to fear any enemy at Sea, were neither daunted with the fall of their neighbour City, nor with the obstinate resolution of this mighty King, imploying all his wit and power to work their subversion.

That the City of Tyre was rather well-pleased, than any way discouraged with the destruction of Ierusalem, it appeareth by the Words which Ezekiel condemneth, as the common voice of Tyrus, Ezek. 26. 2. Aha! the Gate of the People is broken, it is turned unto me; For seeing she is desolate, I shall be replenished. Yet at length, that great work before mentioned, began to appear above Water, and so to threaten them with inevitable mischief.

Nebuchadnezzar still follows his work hard, notwithstanding all discouragements, and in the thirteenth year of the Siege, and the nineteenth of his Reign, he had brought it to such perfection, that now the Citizens despaired of holding out against him; whereupon all the chiefest of them imbarked themselves, their Families,Tyre is taken. and Treasures in their Fleet, and escaped to the Isle of Cyprus, but the poorer sort were left to the fury of the enemy; who being inraged for being put to so much pains, slew with the Sword, not only such people of Type as dwelt on the Continent (who are called her Daughters in the Field) but the like execution was done in the streets, into which, with excessive labour, the Chaldeans made way for his Horses and Chariots. Thus Nebuchadnezzar made his Army serve a great service, against Tyrus, wherein every head was made bald, and every shoulder was made bare, yet had he no wages, nor his Army, Ezek. 20. 18. but was fain to rest contented with the Honour of having destroyed that City, which in all mens Judgments had been held invincible.

p. 9The destruction of these two Great, and powerful Cities, having made the name of the Chaldeans dreadful in the ears of all the Nations round about, Nebuchadnezzar used this advantage of that reputation which he had obtained by his victories already gotten, to the getting of more, and more profitable, with less pains. The Kingdom of Egypt was the mark which he chiefly aimed at. A Country so abounding in Riches and pleasures, that it might well have tempted any Prince, finding himself strong enough to pick occasion of quarrel against it. Besides, it was so far an enemy to the Crown of Babylon, that, had it been far poorer, yet it must have been subdued, or the Conquest of Syria could not have been secured.

Yet was it needful, that before he entred upon this business, the Countries adjacent should be reduced into such tearms, that either they should wholly stand at his devotion, or at least, be able not to work him any displeasure. And herein the Decree of God concurred (as in all prosperous enterprises) with reason of State. For the people of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and other adjoyning Regions, whom God for their sins had condemned to fall under the Babylonian Yoke, were such, as regarding only their own gain, had, some of them, like Ravens, followed the Chaldean Army, to feed upon the carcasses that fell by the cruelty thereof. Others taking advantage of their Neighbours miseries, occupied the Countries, which, by his Victories, belonged to Nebuchadnezzar, all of them thinking, that when the Babylonian had satisfied his fury, he would be forced to forsake those desolated Countries, and leave the possession of them to those who could first seize upon them.The Jews enemies threatned. Particularly, the Edomites, and Philistines, had shewed much malice against the Iews when their City was taken, Ezek. 25. 12, 15. Whether they had done any good service to the Chaldeans, it appears not; if they did any, its like to have been in reference to their own advantage, wherein yet they were deceived. The Ammonites were not contented to rejoyce only at the fall of Jerusalem, but presently they entred upon the Country of God, and took possession of it, as if, not the Chaldeans, but they had subdued Israel, Ezek. 25. 3. Jer. 49. 1. Neither can it be imagined what other design Baalis, King of the Ammonites had, when he sent Ismael, a Prince of the Blood of Judah, to murther Gedalia, whom the King of Babel had made Governour over those that remained in Israel, and to carry Captive into the Ammonites Country, the People that abode in Mizpah, than a desire of entangling Nebuchadnezzar with so many labours at once, as should force him to retire into his own Country, and abandon those wasted Lands, to himself, and others, for whom they lay conveniently. Such, or the like Policy, the Moabites also did exercise, whose Pride, and Wrath were made frustrate by God, and their dissimulation condemned, as not doing aright, Ver. 40. 14. & 41. 2. & 10. & 28, 27, &c,

All these Nations had the Art of ravening,They are destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. which is familiar to such as either live in, or that border upon Desarts; and now the time ministred occasion to them to shew the uttermost cunning of their Thievish wits. But Nebuchadnezzar made void all their devices by sharp, and sudden War upon them, overwhelming them with unexpected ruin, as it were in one night,Isa. 16. 14.Isa 16:14 according to the Prophesies of Isay, Jeremy, and Ezekiel, who all foretold, with little difference of Words, the greatness and swiftness of the misery that should come upon them. It appears not with which of them he first began; but it seems that Moab was the last that felt his heavy hand: For so many interpret that Prophesie of Isay, threatning Moab with destruction after three years, as having reference to the third year following the destruction of Jerusalem: the next year after it, being spent in the Egyptian expedition. This is evident that all the principal Towns in these p. 10Countries were burnt, and the people either slain, or made captives, few excepted, who saved themselves by flight, and had not the courage to return to their habitations too hastily, much less to attempt any thing against Nebuchadnezzar: but lived as miserable out-laws, until the end of the seventy years which God had appointed for the desolation of their Countries, as well as of the Land of Judaea.

When by a long course of Victory Nebuchadnezzar had brought into Subjection all the Nations of Syria, Egypt attempted by Nebuchadnezzar.and the bordering Arabians in such wise, as that no enemy to himself, or Friend to the Egyptian, was left at his back, that might either impede his proceedings, or take advantage of any misfortune that might befall him; then did he forthwith apply himself to the Conquest of Egypt, upon which those other Nations had formerly been dependants. Of this expedition, and the Victorious issue thereof, the three great Prophets, Isay, Jeremy, and Ezekiel have written so plainly, that its altogether needless to seek after any other authority to confirm the same. Long before it was prophesied by Isay, that the King of Assyria, or Babylon, should lead away the Egyptians Prisoners, and the Ethiopians Captives, young, and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered to the shame of Egypt, Isa. 20. 4.

But Ezekiel and Jeremy, as their Prophesies were neerer to the time of execution, so they handled this Argument more plainly, and precisely. For Esekiel tells us cleerly, that Egypt should be given to Nebuchadnezzar as wages for his great service which he had done against Tyre, Ezek. 29. 18, 19, 20. He recounteth also in particular all the chief Cities in Egypt, saying, that these by name should be destroyed, and go into Captivity: yea, and that Pharaoh, and all his Army should be slain by the Sword, Ezek. 30. 4, 10, &c. Chap. 32. 2, &c. And the Prophet Jeremy, saith thus, Behold I will visit the common people of Noe, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their Gods, and their Kings, even Pharaoh and all that trust in him; and I will deliver them into the hands of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar King òf Babel, and into the hands of his Servants, Jerem. 46. 25, 26. Josephus accordingly saith, that Nebuchadnezzar in three and twentieth year of his Raign,Egypt conquered. and in the fifteenth year after the destruction of Jerusalem, did Conquer Egypt, and kill the King thereof, appointing a Vice-Roy to Govern it. And it is evident that his Victories which followed his Conquest of Syria, were such as did more enlarge his Dominions, than all his former Wars had done. For Ezekiel in his Thirtieth Chapter reckoneth up (besides the whole Country of Egypt) Phut, and Lud, with other Nations that may seem to have reached as far as into Mauritania, which were conquered by him, and added to his Empire, And truly it is worth observation how Pharaoh, King of Egypt was infatuated by God, who thought himself most safe in his own Country by reason of the well-defenced situation thereof, and therefore very unwisely suffered his enemies to make a cleer way to his own doors by the Conquest of all his Friends, and Allyes in Syria. For as the labour of this business did more harden than weary the Chaldean Army, so the confidence,Carnal confidence. and vain security of the Egyptians, relying upon the difficulty of the passages which the enemy was to make through the Arabian Desarts, and the great advantage which the River Nilus afforded, did little avail them, when the War came on; Yea, it did much astonish them (as may justly be thought) in the time of execution. It being usually seen, that the hearts of men fail, when those helps deceive them, in which they had reposed more confidence than in their own Virtue, and Valour.

Until this time, the Kingdom of Egypt had flourished under the Rule and Government of the Pharaohs for above the space of one thousand, four hundred, and eighty years. But from this time forward, it remained forty years without a King under the subjection of the Babylonians; and then at lenghth p. 11it began to recover by little and little the former greatness: Yet so, that it was never dreadful unto others as it had been, God having said of that people;Egypt never recovered its strength again. At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the People whither they were scattered; and I will bring again the Captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the Land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation, and they shall be yet a base Kingdom. It shall be the basest of the Kingdoms, neither shall it exalt it self any more above the Nations; For I will diminish them that they shall no more rule over the Nations, and it shall be no more the confidence of the House of Israel, Ezek. 29. 13, 14, 15, 16. For whereas it had been said of Pharaoh, I am the Son of the wise, the Son of ancient Kings, Isa. 19. 11. and whereas they had Vaunted, the River is mine, and I have made it, Ezek. 29. 9. The Princes of Egypt, now became fools, the River failed them, the King himself was now taken and slain, and that ancient Linage was quite extinguished.

Of any Wars made by Nebuchadnezzar after such time as he returned from the Conquest of Egypt, Ninive destroyed. See before▪we read not, except that against Ninive, the destruction whereof was foretold by the Prophet. Ninive indeed had been taken long before by Merodoch, and together with the rest of Assyria, made subject to Babylon. Yet was it left under a peculiar King, who rebelling against Nebuchadnezzar, as Jehoiakim, and Zedechias, Tributary Kings of Judah, had done, was made partaker also of the same ruin. That the destruction of Ninive followed the Conquest of Egypt, is clear by the comparison which Nahum the Prophet made between this City that was to fall, and the City of Noe in Egypt which was fallen already; Nabum 3. 8, &c. Art thou better than populous Noe, that was situate amongst the Rivers, that had the waters round about it; whose Rampire was the Sea, and her wall was from the Sea, Ethiopia, and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite: Put, and Lubin were her helpers. Yet was she carried away, she went into Captivity; Her young Children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets, and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains. Thou also shalt be drunken; thou shalt be hid; thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy, &c.

This Great Monarch, having thus spent his younger days in inlarging his Dominions, he betook himself to rest, that he might reap the fruit of his former labours; and the first thing that he applied himself to, was to beautifie his Imperial City of Babylon, Babylon beautified.adding a new City to the Old, which he compassed about with three Walls, and made in them stately Gates. And neer the former Palace he built a New one, more stately than it, wherein he raised stone-works, like unto Mountains, which he planted with all manner of Trees.Pensile Gardens. He made also Pensile Gardeus (one of the Worlds wonders) born upon Arches, foursquare, each square being four hundred Foot long, filled above with Earth, whereon grew all sorts of Trees, and Plants. The Arches were built one above another in a convenient-heigth, still increasing as they ascended. The highest, which did bear the walls on the top, were fifty Cubits high, so that they equalized the highest Mountains. He made also Aquaeducts for the watering of this Garden, which seemed to hang in the air. This most sumptuous frame, which out-lasted all the remainder of the Assyrian, and all the Persian Empire, is said to have been reared and finished in fifteen Days.Nebuchadnezzars Golden Image. He erected also an image of Gold in the Plain of Dura, sixty Cubits high, and six broad, commanding all his Servants, and Subjects to fall down and Worship it, Dan. 3. 1, &c.

But of all this, and other his Magnificence, we find little else recorded, save that which indeed is most profitable for us to consider, to wit, his overvalewing of his own greatness, which abased him to a condition inferior to the poorest of men. For whereas God had honoured him, not only with many p. 12great, and glorious Victories, and much happiness in his own life; but with a rare discovery of things that were to come after him; yea, and had manifested the certainty of his Dreams, by the miraculous reducing of it into his Memory,Dan. 2. 31, &c.Dan 2:31 and given him the interpretation thereof by the Prophet Daniel: He notwithstanding became so forgetful of God, whose wonderful power he had seen,His Pride. and acknowledged, that he caused that Golden Image to be set up, and Worshipped, appointing a cruel Death for them that should dare to disobey him, which was utterly unlawful, and repugnant to the Law of him that is King of Kings; And thus he who so lately had Worshipped Daniel, the servant of God, as if he had been God himself: now commanded a Statue to be erected unto himself, wherein himself might be worshipped as God: From this impiety it pleased God to recall and reclaim him, by the wonderful and miraculous delivery of those three blessed Saints,A Miracle. Dan. 3. 26. &c.Dan 3:26 out of the fiery Furnace, who being thrown bound into the midst of it, for refusing to commit that abominable Idolatry, were preserved from all hurt of the fire, loosened from their Bonds, accompanied by an Angel, and at last called out by the King, and restored to their former honour.

Nebuchadnezzar being amazed at the Miracle,Dan. 3. 29. He makes a Decree to Gods Honour.Dan 3:29 made a Decree tending to the honour of God, whom by the erection of his Image, he had dishonoured. Yet was not this devotion so rooted in him, that it could bring forth fruit answerable to his hasty zeal: Therefore was he fore-warned of God in a Dream, of a terrible Judgement which hung over his Head,His Dream interpreted. which Daniel expounding, withall counselled him to break off his sin by righteousness, and his iniquities, by shewing mercy to the poor, that there might be a lengthening of his tranquility, Dan. 4. 27. Whence it seems, that injustice and cruelty were his faults, for which he was thus threatned: But neither did the Dream, nor advice of Daniel so prevail. For probably he believed it not, but looked upon it as an idle Dream; for that it seemed altogether unlikely that so great a Monarch should be driven from amongst men,He dwells with the Beasts. yea, compelled to dwell with the Beasts of the Field, and made to eat Grass as the Oxen, this was altogether incredible in mans Judgment, and therefore giving so little heed to it, its no marvel that he had forgotten it by the years end.

One whole year was given to this haughty Prince wherein to repent, which respiting of the execution, may seem to have bred in him forgetfulness of Gods sentence. For at the end of twelve months, as he was walking in his Royal Palace in Babel, he was so overjoyed, and transported with a vain contemplation of his own seeming happiness, that without all fear of Gods heavy Judgment pronounced against him, he uttered these proud words: Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the House of the Kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the Honour of my Majesty?

But his proud speeches were not fully ended, when a voice from Heaven told him, that his Kingdom was departed from him, &c. And the same hour the thing was fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar; And he was driven from men, and did eat grass as Oxen, and his Body was wet with the dew of Heaven, till his hair was grown like Eagles Feathers, and his nails like Birds Claws, Dan. 4. 33, &c.

This his punishment was singular,His Bodily shape not changed. and unexpected. For he ran amongst Beasts in the Fields and Woods, where, for seven years he lived, not only as a salvage man, but as a salvage Beast: for a Beast he thought himself to be, and therefore fed himself in the same manner, and with the same food that Beasts do. Not that he was changed in his external shape from a man to a Beast. For as St. Jerome well expounds it, when he saith, vers. 34. that his understanding was restored unto him, he shewed, that he had not lost his humane shape, but his understanding, being stricken with a Frenzy, or deep Melancholy, which made him think himself a Beast.

p. 13Seven years being expired,He is restored to his Kingdom. And gives Glory to G…d. Nebuchadnezzar was restored both to his Understanding, and to his Kingdom: and (saith he) I blessed the most High, and I praised, and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion, and his Kingdom is from Generation to Generation; And all the Inhabitants of the Earth are reputed as nothing, and he doth according to his Will in the Army of Heaven, and amongst the Inhabitants of the Earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What dost thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the Glory of my Kingdom, mine honour, and brightness returned unto me, and my Counsellors, and my Lords sought unto me, and I was established in my Kingdom, and excellent Majesty was added unto me. Now therefore I Nebuchadnezzar praise, and extoll, and honour the King of Heaven, all whose works are truth, and his way is Judgement, and those that walk in Pride he is able to abase, Dan. 4. 34, 35, 36, 37.

How long he lived after this is uncertain, but all agree that he reigned about twenty months co-partner with his Father in the Kingdom, and about three and forty years by himself alone.

Whilst Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon reged in Judaea, Gods Justice▪God prepared a Worm, which in due time, should eat out this spreading Tree; by reason of the cry of his poor people, which entred into his ears: According to that of the Psalmist, Psal. 137. 8, 9. O Daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed: Happy shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. For in this very year was Cyrus, the Perso-Median born; whose Father was a Persian, and his Mother a Mede; of whom this very Nebuchadnezzar, at the hour of his Death, uttered this Prophesie. There shall come a Persian Mule, A Prophesie▪who shall make use of your Devils, as his Fellow-Souldiers, to bring you into Bondage. He calls Cyrus a Mule, because he was to be born of a Father and Mother of two divers Nations.