The Wicked Life and Woeful Death of Herod the Great, Text

The Wicked Life and Woeful Death of Herod the Great · Text

THE WICKED LIFE, AND WOFULL DEATH OF HEROD the Great, A ſtranger by Nation, yet by the Romans made King of the Jews.

Taking in alſo the … of the Jews during all the time of his Reign, which was about 37 years: whereof thirty five were before the Incarnation of … and two after.

Whereby much light is given to many paſſages in the Evangeliſts: and at which time that … of old Jaco… was fulfilled: The Scepter ſhall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet, till Shilo come. Gen. 49.10.

By …, ſometime Paſtor in …, London.

The memory of the Juſt is bleſſed: but the name of the wicked ſhall rot. Pro. 10.7.

LONDON, Printed for William Miller at the Sign of the Gilded-Acron in S^t Pauls Churchyard near the little North door. 1664.

Imprimatur,

Joh. Hall R.P.D. Epiſc. Lond. à Sac. Domeſt. Feb. 18. 1663.

p. 1THE WICKED LIFE, AND WOFULL DEATH OF HEROD, the Great, In whoſe Time our LORD CHRIST was Born.

HEROD, ſirnamed the Great, Herods Pedigree.was the Son of Antipas, or Antipater, an Idumaean, a prime man both for birth, and wealth amongſt them: His mothers name was Cyprus, born at an eminent place amongſt the Arabians, ſo that when this Herod acquired the Kingdome of Judea, that Propheſie of old Jacob was fulfilled, Gen. 49.10. The ſcepter ſhall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come.

This Antipater, riding his circuit about the Province of Judea, whereof Julius Caeſar had made him Governour, repreſſed them who were deſirous of innovation, both by threats, and counſell; telling them, that if they would be content with their Prince Hyrcanus (whom Caeſar alſo had confirmed in the High-Prieſthood) they might live happily in their own poſſeſſions: but if they promiſed themſelves new hopes, and thought that they ſhould gain much by innovations, they ſhould have him a Maſter inſtead of a Governour, and Hyrcanus a Tyrant inſtead of a King: and Caeſar, and the Romans bitter enemies inſtead of Princes; for that they would by no means ſuffer any p. 2thing to be altered, from what they had ſettled. But Antipater perceiving Hyrcanus to be dull, and idle, he ſettled the ſtate of the Province as himſelf pleaſed, making his elder ſon, Phaſaelus, Governour of Jeruſalem, and the Countries adjoyning: and to Herod his ſecond ſon, being then a very young man,Herod is made Governour of Galilee. he committed the care of Galilee.

Herod being Praefect of Galilee, there was one Eſekias, a Jew, who aſſociating to himſelf many other lewd perſons, exerciſed thievery, and uſed to make incurſions into Syria in Troops: Theſe Herod purſued, and having taken Eſekias, he put him to Death, He puts Eſekias to death.which fact of his gat him much …vour with the Syrians, which Province alſo was then und…r his Government.

The violence, and bold nature of Herod, who was deſirous of the Tyranny, much terrified the Princes of the Jews, wherefore they addreſſed themſelves to Hyrcanus, and ope… accuſed Antipater; but eſpecially they complained of Herod for that h… had put to Death Eſekias, with many others, without any Commiſſion from Hyrcanus, in contempt of their Laws, by which, no man ought to ſuffer, though never ſo wicked, unleſs he were firſt condemned by the Judges. The Mothers alſo of them that were killed, ceaſed not daily in the Temple to weary both the King and the people with their continuall …xclamations, deſiring that Herod might be made to give an account of theſe his doings before the Sanhedrim He is cited before the Sanhedrim.whereupon Hyrcanus moved herewith commanded H…rod to be called before the Councell, an… to plead his own cauſe.

Herod having ordered the affairs of Galilee as he thought beſt for his own advantage, being forewarned by his Father that he ſhould not come into the Councell as a Private perſon, he took with him a moderate, but yet a ſufficient Guard: not too great, leaſt he ſhould terrifie Hyrc…nus, nor too little, leſt he ſhould expoſe him…lf to danger from the Judgement. When Herod therefore preſented himſelf before the Sanhedrim in his royall robes,Appears with a Guard. and his Guard in armes, they were all aſtoniſhed, neither durſt any one of them that accuſed him in his abſence, now p. 3ſpeak a word againſt him; but all of them kept ſilence, not knowing what to do. Then one of the Councell, called Sameas, a juſt man,Sameas his boldneſs. being not at all diſtracted with fear, roſe up, and not only accuſed Herod of preſumption and violence, but laid the fault upon the Judges, and King himſelf who had granted him ſo great a liberty, and told them, that afterwards,A prediction. by the juſt Judgement of God they ſhould be puniſhed by Herod himſelf; and the event made him a true Prophet. For the Judges of that Councel, and Hyrcanus himſelf were afterwards put to death by Herod when he came to be King. But Hyrcanus perceiving that the Judges were inclining to paſs ſentence of Death upon Herod, put off the buſineſs till the n…xt day, and privately adviſed him to ſhift for himſelf, and ſo he departed to Damaſcus as if he fled from the King,Herod flies and preſenting himſelf before Sextus Caeſar, and having ſecured his own affairs, he profeſſed openly,Refuſed to appear when again cited that if he were again cited by the Judges he would not appear, which they took in great diſdain, and endeavoured to perſwade Hyrcanus that all theſe things tended to his deſtruction.

Herod to increaſe his power, gave a great ſumme of money to Sextus Caeſar, who thereupon made him Governour of Caeloſyria: He,Is made Governour of Caeloſyria. being elated with this advancement, and taking it impatiently that he had been called before the Councel, raiſed an Army, and went againſt Hy…canus: But his Father Antipater, and Brother Phaſaelus meeting him, by their intreaties prevailed that he ſhould not go againſt Jeruſalem, but be content to have affrighted them, adding that it would be diſhonourable for him if he ſhould attempt any thing further againſt him that had advanced him to his dignity; hereupon he deſiſted, judging it ſufficient for his future hopes that he had ſhewed to that Nation of what power he was.

…aſſius and Marcus, two R…man Generals, coming into Syria, after the death of Julius Caeſar, Is confirmed in it.confirmed Herod in his Government of Caeloſyria, and delivered to him great forces both of horſe and foot, and ſhips at Sea, promiſing him alſo the Kingdome of Judea, after the war p. 4ſhould be ended which they were waging with M. Anthony, and young Caeſar.

Not long after Antipater (the Father of Herod) was Feaſted at Hyrcanus his houſe, at which time, one Malichus corrupting the Kings Butler, poyſoned Antipater, Antipater poiſoned.and preſently raiſing a band of Souldiers, ſeized upon the Governmen of the City of Jeruſalem. Phaſaelus and Herod being grievouſly offended hereat, charged Malichus with their Fathers death, which he ſtifly denied: But Herod had a great mind preſently to revenge the murther, and to raiſe an Army for that purpoſe, had not Phaſaelus interpoſed, who ju…ged it more meet to circumvent Malichus by Policy, leaſt they ſhould ſeem to be the beginners of a civil war, and accordingly Ph…aelus made as though he accepted of M…lichus his juſtification, and believed that he was not guilty of his Fathers Death, and ſo buſied himſelf in building a ſtately Monument for him.

In the mean while Herod coming to Samaria, and finding it in a deſperate eſtate by reaſon of their Civil diſſentions, he appeaſed the diſcords amongſt the Inhabitants and reſtored it to peace: and not long after, the Feaſt of Penticoſt approaching,Herod goes to Jeruſalem he went to Jeruſalem accompanied with ſome ſouldiers, of whom Malichus being affraid, perſwaded Hyrcanus not to ſuffer him to enter, which Hyrcanus accordingly did, alleadging that amongſt the holy People that came to the Feaſt, it was not lawfull to bring in a mixt multitude of prophane men. But Herod making ſmall account of the prohibition, entred the City by night, and thereby mightily terrified Malichus; who, thereupon, according to his wonted diſſimulations, openly bewailed with tears the Death of Antipater, as of his dear Friend: And it was judged meet by Herods Friends, that he ſhould take no notice of this diſſimulation, but courteouſly again intertain Malichus.

He is excited to revenge his Fathers death.Herod by letters certified Caſſius of his Fathers death, who very well knowing the temper of Malichus, wrote back unto Herod to revenge the ſame, and ſecretly alſo gave order to the Tribunes that were at Tyre to be aiding p. 5to Herod in his ſo juſt undertaking.

Caſſius afterward having taken the City of Laodicea, Governours came from every place, bringing Crowns and Preſents, to him: and here Herod, expecting that Malichus ſhould doe the like, intended to have him puniſhed for the Murther of his Father: But Malichus had another deſign on foot, purpoſing, that whileſt Caſſius was buſie in proſecuting the warre againſt M. Anthony, to ſtir up the Nation of the Jews to revolt from the Romans, and to depoſe Hyrcanus, and get the Kingdome to himſelf; But Herod being Politick and underſtanding of the treachery, invited him and Hyrcanus, with ſome other of their companions to ſupper: At which time he ſent one of his ſervants, under pretence of providing for the Banquet, whereas indeed he ſent him to the Tribunes to deſire them to ſet upon Malichus, with their weapons, who being mindfull of the Commands of Caſſius, finding Malichus, they ra…m through, and ſlew him, at which Hyrcanus being aſtoniſhed,Malchus ſlain. fell into a ſwoun, and being ſcarcely come to himſelf, he asked who had ſlain Malichus, and when one of the Tribunes anſwered that it was done by the command of Caſſius, he ſaid, Truly Caſſius hath preſerved me and my Country, in kiling him who was a Traitor to both; but whether herein he ſpake as he thought, or that through fear only he ſeemed to approve the fact, is uncertain.

After Caſſius was gon out of Syria, A ſedition at Jeruſalem.there aroſe a ſedition at Jeruſalem. For Paelix, who was left there by C…ſſius with ſouldiers, in revenge of the death of Malichus, ſet upon Phaſaelus, and the people betook themſelves to their Armes. At which time Herod was with Fabius, the Governour of Damaſcus, and had a mind to help his Brother, but was hindered by a ſudden ſickneſs: Yet did Phaſaelus get the better of Faelix, forcing him into the Town, and afterwards agreeing upon quarter, ſuffered him to go out: But he was very angry with Hyrcanus, that after the receipt of ſo many favours from him, he yet favoured F…elix, and ſuffered the Brother of Malichus to ſeize upon ſome Caſtles, and amongſt the reſt, of the Caſtle of Maſſada, which p. 6was a moſt ſtrong piece.

Herods Valour.As ſoone as Herod was recovered, he went againſt the Brother of Malichus, and took from him all the Caſtles that he had ſeized upon, and Maſsada alſo, where he took him Priſoner, yet afterwards ſet him at liberty upon compoſition. He alſo recovered three Caſtles that were ſeized upon by Maſion, the Tyrant of the Tyrians in Galilee, but gave Quarter to all the Souldiers, and ſent them home well rewarded, by which means he procured the love of the Citizens,His Policy but he greater hatred of the Tyrant.

Shortly after Antigonus, the ſon of Ariſtobulus, Brother to Hyrcanus, invaded Judaea, being aſſiſted by Ptolomei, the ſon of Menaeus, and Fabius the Governor of Damaſcus, and Maſion, the Tyrant of the Tyrians, who adhered to him for the hatred that he bore to Herod, whom Herod meeting, when they had ſcarce entred the borders of Judea, overcame t… in Battell,He overcomes Antigonus. and drave them thence, whereupon Hyrcanus honoured him with Crowns, as ſoone as he returned to Jeruſalem: For he was already accounted as one of the Family of Hyrcanus, being to marry Mariamn…, or Mary, the daughter of Alexander, the ſon of Ariſtobulus, the Brother of Hyrcanus, and of Alexandra, the daughter of Hyrcanus.

M. Anthony having overcome Brutus and Caſſius, there met him Ambaſſies from all Nations in Bythinia, and amongſt the reſt, ſome of the Rulers of the Jews, to accuſe Phaſaelus, and Herod, alleadging that Hircanus ruled only in ſhew, but in truth, all the power was in the two Brothers: Yet Anthony highly honoured Herod, who was come thither to wipe off all thoſe objections, whereby it came to paſſe that his adverſaries were not ſo much as admitted to ſpeak with Anthony: and this Herod had obtained by his Bribes.

Yet not long after there came an hundred of the moſt honourable amongſt the Jews to Daphne, near Antioch in Syria, to Anthony, Herod accuſed to Anthony.to accuſe Phaeſaelus and Herod, having choſen out of their whole number the moſt Eloquent, to mannage their buſineſs: But Meſſ…la undertook the defence p. 7of the two Brothers,Herod accuſed to Anthony. with whom alſo Hyrcanus joined, who had betrothed his Grand-daughter to Herod. Both parties being heard, Anthony asked Hyrcanus whether of the two parties were fitteſt to Govern a Commonwealth? who ſpeaking for the young men,But acquitted. Anthony that loved them for their Fathers ſake, his old Friend, he made …hem both Tetraerchs, leaving to them the Government of all Judaea, writing his letters to the ſame purp…ſe, and clapped fifteen of their Adverſaries into priſon, and would have put them to death, had not Herod intreated for them. But when the People did nothing but ran upon Herod, Anthony in diſpleaſure ſlew them all.

Antig…nus the Son of A…ſt…bulus hired the Parthians to tran… ate the King …ome from Hyrc…nus to himſelf and to kill …, who c…ming along with him, and ſome Jews alſo joining themſelves to him, he came to Jeruſalem, and they ſet upon the Kings Houſe:War between Antigonus and Herod. But Phaſaelus and Herod defended it againſt them; and in the Market place, overcomming them in a fight, forced them to fly into the Temple, where they ſhut them in, and placed ſixty men in ſome adjoyning houſes to prevent their flight: but the people having the two Brethren ſet fire on thoſe Houſes, and burnt the men in them, which ſo enraged Herod that he ſlew many of the people: and each laying wait for the other, ev…ry day ſome were murdered.

The day of Pent…c…ſt being come, many thouſands of men, as well armed as unarmed gathered together about the Temple from all parts of the Country,Herod prevails. and ſeized upon the Temple, and City, all but the Kings Houſe, which Herod kept w…th a few ſouldiers, as Ph…ſelus did the walls. Theſe brothers aſſiſting each other, aſſaulted their enemies, in the ſuburbs forced many thouſands of them to fly, ſome into the City, and ſome into the Temple, and others into a rampire that was near the City.

Hereupon Antigonus deſired that P…c rus, the G…erall of the P…thians might be admitted to make peace between them:The Parthians falſhood. which Phaſaelus aſſented to▪ and Pacorus perſwaded him to go with him as an Ambaſſador to Barzapharnes p. 8(an other Generall of the Parthians) laying an ambuſh for him by the way: Phaſaelus aſſented, though much againſt the mind of his Brother Herod, and was willing to go with Pac…ru…, and took Hyrcanus along with him. Pac…rus leaving two hundred Horſemen with Herod, and ten whom they called El…utheri, went along with the Ambaſſadors. And as ſoone as they were come into Galile, Barzapharnes entertained them with a cheerefull countenance, and beſtowed gifts upon them, but watched an opportunity to intrap them: and ſo Phaſaelus was brought with his company to a place near the Sea ſide called Ecdippon; where Ophellus, a rich S…ri…. underſtanding of the treachery intended againſt them, offered Ph…ſae…us ſome ſhips to carry him away: But he unwilling to leave Hyrcanus, and his Brother Her… in danger, expoſtulated with Barzapharnes about the injury offered to …m who were Ambaſſadors, who ſwore that theſe thing… were not true, and preſently went to Pac…us.

No ſooner was he gon, but Hyrcanus and P…lu… were clapped up in Priſon, much deteſting the perf diouſneſs of the Parthians: and an Eunuch alſo was ſent to Herod with a command to ſurprize him if he could get him out of Jeruſalem. Herod flies from Jeruſalem.Herod having intelligence what had happened to his Brother, taking with him ſuch forces as he had in readineſs, and his Mother Cybele, his ſiſter Salome, his wife Mariamne, and his wives Mother Alexandra, the daughter of Hyrcanus, and his youngeſt Brother Pheroras, with their ſervants, he privately by night took his flight into Idumaea.

In their journey, his Mother, by the overthrow of her Coach, was in great danger of death, and Herod, fearing leaſt the enemies ſhould overtake them whileſt they ſtayed there, drew forth his ſword, thinking to kill himſelf:He would have killed himſelf. But being reſtrained by thoſe which ſtood by, he went towards Maſſada, a very ſtrong place, which is ſeated in Arabia, and Paleſtine, by the neareſt way that he could poſſible: The Parthians firſt, and alſo the Jews purſuing him by that he was ſixty furlongs from the City, but he p. 9repelled them both in fight.

The next day after Herod had fled from Jeruſalem, the Parthians plundered the City, and the Kings houſe;Jeruſalem plundered. only the Treaſure of Hyrcanus which was three hundred Talents, remained untouched. A great part alſo of Herods ſubſtance which he had not carried away with him, they ſiezed upon; and not ſatisfied therewith, they harraſſed all the the Country alſo, and raſed the rich City of Mariſſa.

Antig nus being thus ſettled in Judaea by the Parthians, Antigonus made King of the Jews.he received into his Cuſtody Hy canus, and Phaſae…us, who were priſoners: yet he was much grieved that the women were got away, whom he had intended to deliver to the Pa…th…, tog ther with the money which he had promiſed to gave them. Being afraid alſo leaſt Hyrcanus ſhould ag…in … the favour of the people be reſtored to his Kingdome and Prieſthood, he cut off his eares,Cuts off Hyrcanus ears. thereby rendering him unfit for the Prieſthood, the Law forbiding that any one who wanted a member ſhould approach to the Altar. Lev. 21.17, &c.

Phaſaelus knowing that his death was determined,Phaſaelus kills himſelf. ſought to lay violent hands upon himſelf, but being hindred by reaſon of his chains, he daſhed out his brains againſt a ſtone: Yet before he was quite dead, hearing by a woman that his Brother Her…d was eſcaped, he greatly rejoyced that there was one left to revenge his death. The Parthians, though they miſſed of the women, which they moſt of all deſired, yet having ſettled all things at Jeruſalem with Antigonus, when they departed, took Hyrcanus along with them Priſoner into Parthia.

Herod not hearing of his Brother Phaſaelus his death,Herod flees to Malchus King of Arabia. went to M…lchus, the King of the Arabians [Nabathaeans] who were obliged to him by many favours he had done them, purpoſing ſo ſoone as poſſiblely he could to redeem his Brother for three hundred Talents from the enemy: For which cauſe he carried along with him young Phaſaelus, his Brothers Son, about ſeven years old, to leave him for a pledge with the Arabians: But there met him ſome that p. 10were ſent from Malchus, Is rejected by him.to command him to depart from the bounds of his Kingdome, for ſo the Parthians had required: Yet he pretended that he did it by the requeſt of his Noble men, purpoſing to cozen him of that great treaſure which his Father Antipater had committed to his truſt. Herod taking this very heavily, turned aſide into a certain Temple, where he had left many of his followers: but the next day, when he came to Rhinocorura he heard of his Brothers death.

Malchus, upon ſecond thoughts, repenting of his ingratitude, ſent in all haſt after Herod: but the meſſengers could not overtake him: for he was gon farre on his journey towards Peluſium, Herod goes into Egypt.where the Marriners that were ſailing to Alexandria, refuſed to take him in. There, by the Magiſtrates of the City he was honourably intertained, and brought to Cle…patra, the Queen, who could not prevail with him to ſtay at that time, becauſe he was haſtening to Rome, From thence into Italy.though the ſea was very tempeſtuous, and as then the affairs in Italy were in no very good condition. As he ſailed from A…exandria towards Phamphilia he met with a very great ſtorm, which made him caſt overboard much of his ſubſtance, and ſcarcely got he to Rhodes.

He comes to Rhodes.At Rhodes two of his greateſt friends met him, Sappinas, and Ptolomaeus, and finding that the City had ſuffered much in the warre againſt Caſſius, he could not be reſtrained, no not by his preſent poverty, but that he would do ſomething for it, even beyond his ability: After which he cauſed a Frigot to be built, and embarking himſelf with his Friends in it,So into Italy. he arrived at Brunduſium in Italy, and from thence went to Rome, declaring unto M. Anthony thoſe things that had happened to himſelf and his Family, and that thorough many tempeſts, and dangers he had retired unto him,Anthony favours him. as his onelyonly refuge, in whom all his hope lay.

This Narration moved compaſſion in Anthony; remembring alſo his Fathers friendſhip towards him, but that which prevailed moſt, was the promiſe of a great ſum of mony if he would help him to the Kingdome: Anthony p. 11alſo hated Antigonus as a man of a turbulent ſpirit, and an enemy to the Romans. Caeſar And Caeſar.alſo partly for that Antipater [Herods Father] had been fellow ſouldier with his Father in Aegypt, and for other curteſies which he had ſhewed him, and partly to gratifie Anthony, whom he ſaw to be well affected to Herod, was willing to promote his deſigns: whereupon the Senate being aſſembled, Meſſala, and Atpatinus, brought in Herod, and after they had praiſed him, reckoning up the love, and ſervices that both he, and his Father had done for the Romans, and accuſing Antigonus both for former crimes, and for that newly he had received the Kingdome of the Jews from the Parthians in contempt of the Romans: and when Anthony alſo had declared to the Senate how much conducing it was to the P…rthian warre, then in hand, that Herod ſhould be made King: Antigonus was declared an enemy,The Senate make him King. and the Kingly Title was devolved upon Herod by their genearll ſuffrage.

Whileſt theſe things were tranſacting at Rome, Ventidius, the Roman Generall eaſiely recovered Paleſtine, Antigonus, the King thereof, being much afraid of him, and he exacted great ſums of mony from all men, but eſpecially from Antigonus, Herods Family beſieged.who in Herods abſence had beſieged his Family in Maſsa…a, which place, though it abounded with all other kinds of proviſion, yet it wanted water, ſo that Joſeph, Herods Brother, who commanded in chief there, with two hundred of his friends intended to fly to the Arabians; for that he heard that Malchus now repented him of his former ingratitude towards Herod: But the very night a great ſhore of rain falling filled their ciſterns, which made him chan…e his purpoſe,A ſpecial providence. and the next morning, making a ga…lant ſalley forth, they killed many of Antigonus his men.

Ventidius encamped near to Jeruſalem, and drew from Antigonus a ſufficient ſum of money, and to the intent that his fraudulent dealing ſhould not be diſcovered, he left one Silo there, with part of his forces, under a pretence of helping Joſeph, who alſo was to be feed by Antigonus, leſt p. 12he ſhould raiſe him ſome new troubles; which Antigonus ſubmitted to, hoping that the Parthians would ſhortly come to his aid.

After the Senate was diſmiſſed, Anthony, and Caeſar went out, leading Herod betwe n them, who was alſo accompanied with the Conſuls, and other Magiſtrates, and ſo they went all together up into the Cap t…l, to ſacrifice to the Gods, and to place there the D… …e of the Senate: and the new King, the firſt day of hi… … was Feaſted by Anthony, He returns homeward.and within ſeven d…ys … h… was by Anthony diſmiſſed out of It…y, honoured … u…xpected felicity.

Shortly after Anthon… being to go … the Parthian War, had all his Acts, as well paſt as to …, confirmed by the Senate, whereupon he ſent to ſome Kings by his own authority to pay certain Tribute… to him,Herods Kingdom enlarged. and he ma…e Herod King both of the I…um…, and Sam…i….

Herod being returned out of Italy to Pt…e…ais, quickly gathered ſtore of Souldiers, both of ſuch as he hired, as alſo of his own Countrymen, p…lling through Galile againſt Antig…nus: being aided by Si…, and V…dius, who were comman…e… by … to conduct him into his Kin dom; and as he w…nt on, his forces daily increaſed, and all Galile, except a …ew, fi…ed with him.

As H… was marching towards Maſſ…, where he was neceſſarily to relieve hi… Kindred, J…ppi would not let him paſs, wherefore he was to reduce it, leſt he ſhould leave ſo ſtrong a place behind him in his paſſage to Jeruſalem: which occaſion Si… taking hold on (for he was not yet come to H ro… ) diſlodged hi… Army from about Jeruſalem, whom the Jews pu…ſu…,Herod relieves Silo. but Her… meeting him with a ſmall party ſ…ve… Sil…, who …ought very cowar…ly.

After he had taken J…p…, He takes Joppa.he haſted to Maſſ…da to raiſe the ſiege, and his Army encreaſed dayly, many of the Country people joyning with him: and having relieved his friends in M…ſa…, Beſieges Jeruſalem.he haſted towards Jeruſalem; and though Antig…us had laid ambuſhments for him in divers places, yet he drew near to the City, Silo following and the Jews being terrified with his power. When he had encamped p. 13on the Weſt ſide of the City, they upon the walls ſhot at him with darts and arrowes: others alſo ſallying out in Troops, beat up ſome of his quarters. Then did Herod by an Herald proclaim round about the Walls, that he came for the publick good, and to preſerve the City from ruine, and withall, he promiſed pardon for all former actings. On the other ſide Antigonus, directing his ſpeech to Silo, and the Romans, told them, that it was unjuſtly done of the Senate to give the Kingdom to Herod, a private man, and an Idumae…, and ſo but an half-Jew, whereas by cuſtom it was to be given to one of the High-Prieſts line. His men alſo ſhooting valiantly from the Towers, drave the enemy from the walls: and Silo (who was beforehand bribed by Antigonus) ſuborned ſome of his Souldiers to demand of Her…d more proviſions, and larger pay, and to be withdrawn into commodious winter-quarters. The Army being thus troubled, and begining to diſlodg, Herod intreated the Captains, and Souldiers of Silo's Army, that they would not now forſake him, he being ſent both by Anthony, Caeſar, and the Senate, to take poſſeſſion of the Kingdom; and withall he ſent into all the Country, and brought in ſuch ſtore of proviſions, that there was no occaſion for Sil…, and his Army to complain. He commanded his Friends alſo that inhabited about Samaria, that they ſhould bring to Jericho Corn, Wine, Oyl, Cattle, and other neceſſaries, that the Souldiers for the future might have plenty.

Antigonus having intelligence hereof, ſent forth ſome to intercept the victualers: but Herod taking with him ſome Cohorts, viz. five of the R mans, and as many of the Jews, with ſome forreign Souldiers, and a few Horſe mixed with them,Herod takes Jericho. flew out to Jeric… and found the City forſaken of the Inhabitants, and five hundred Families of them were fled to the tops of the Hills, whom h… took, and diſmiſſed in ſafety: But the Romans entring the City, plundered it, where they found all ſorts of preciou… movables. H…od leaving a Garriſon there, returned to his Camp before Jeruſalem, and then diſmiſſed the Romans, ſending them into winter-quarters in Idumaea, Samaria, and Galile, which Countries were p. 14lately ſurrendred to them: But Antigonus by bribes obtained of Silo, that part of the Roman Army ſhould be quartered in Lyáda, currying thereby favour with Anthony: and thus the Romans lived in plenty, and without bearing Arms.

His activity.But Herod could n…t be …le: For ſending his Brother Joſeph into … wi… a thouſand Foot, and four hundred … to …ia, and there ſetled his Mot…, … reſt of his …, whom he had drawn out of M…ſſ… Then did he …rch into Galile, where he ſurpriz… ſome places which were yet held by Antigonus his Garriſons: and when he came to Seph…eus in ſnowie weather, Antigonus his men fled away and there be found great ſtore of neceſſaries. From thence he ſent a Troop of Horſe, and three Companies of Foot againſt ſome Thieves that dwelt in Caves,He purſues the Thieves. not far from the Village A…el…, by which means he kept them from doing miſchief. Then he march…d with his whole Army, whom the enemy met, and encountred reſolutely, in ſo much as Herods left wing began to waver, till himſelf coming on with the main bo…y, encouraged his own men to ſtand their ground, and cauſed the enemy to flee, whom he followed as far as Jordan: by which victory he brought all G…lile into his ſu j…ction,Subdues Galile. except thoſe that dwelt in the Caves: and ſo giving to every one of his Souldiers a hundred and fifty Drachm…s, and more to his Captains, he …ſm fled them into their winter quarters.

There came Silo to him with his Captains who had wintered with Antig…nus, and who now would maintain them no longer comma…ding the Inhabitants thereabout to ſpoil the Country of all v…ctuals, and to retire to the mountains that the Romans might p…riſh through famine: But Herod committed the charge …f proviſions to his Brother Pheroras▪ and withall,Alexandrium rebuilt. commanded him to rebuild Alexandrium, who in a ſhort time furn…ſhed the ſouldiers with abundance of all …eceſſ…ries, and built again Alexandrium that had formerly been diſmantled.

Ventilius in Syri… ſent for Silo to aſſiſt him againſt the Parthians, but commanded him firſt to aſſiſt Herod, and to bring Herod, and the reſt of the Auxiliaries of thoſe p. 15Provinces along with him: But Herod ſending Silo to him, went himſelf with his Souldiers againſt the Thieves that lived in Caves; and in the mean time made Ptolomy Governour of the Country, which fell out ill for him; for being ſet upon by thoſe who had formerly diſturbed the Country, he was ſlain by them,Ptolomy ſlain. alter which they retired into Fennes, and inacceſſible places, inſ…ſting with their inrodes, and robberies all the Country: But when Herod returned, he made them pay deer for their the ve…es: for ſome of them he killed, oth…rs flying to their …rcified places he purſued,Herod beats the Thieves. and having taken them, put them to death, and raſed their ſtrong hol…s, and fi…d … in an hundred T…lents.

About this time An h…n… commanded Ve…il…us to ſend M… to … Herod with two Legion…, and a thouſand Horſe; but when he came, being corrupted by Antigonus with m…ney, he would nee…s go to him, againſt He…ods …, under a colour of obſerving his actions: But Antigonus ſuſpecting him, denied him admittance, and drave him away with ſlings, whereby he found that Herod had given him good counſell, and blamed himſelf for not following of it: whereupon he retyred to Emmaus, and in his march ki led all the Jews that came to hand,Machaeras his cruelty. without diſtinction of friend or foe, being provoked by Antig…nus his dealing: At which cruelty Herod was much grieved, intending to go to Anth ny, and ſaying, that he needed other manner of men than thoſe who did him more hurt than his enemies, whereas of himſelf he was able to ſubdue Antigonus: But Machae…as overtaking him, i…tre…ed him to ſtay, or if he was reſolve… to go on, yet at leaſt that he would leave with him his Brother J ſ…p…, that with their united forces they might make war upon Antig…nus. Thus after much intreaty he was reconciled to M…chaeras, and ſo leaving his Brother J ſ…p… with his Army, he commanded him in his abſence that he ſhould not put a l to the hazard of a battail; but himſelf haſted to Anthony, Herod goes to Anthony.whom he found beſieging S…m…, a City near to the River Euphrates, and carried a…g with him ſome Auxiliaries both of Horſe, and Foot. Ant…ny entertained him very honourably, and much praiſed him for his valour.

p. 16Joſeph, unmindfull of his Brothers command, taking with him his own forces, and five Romane Cohorts that were given him by Machaeras, went towards Jericho, purpoſing to reap the enemies Corn, now that it was ripe, and encamped in the mountains, becauſe the Romane Cohorts were raw Souldiers, moſt of them being lately taken up in Syria: yet there he was circumvented by the enemy in the middeſt of thoſe faſtneſſes, and having loſt ſix Cohorts, he himſelf valiantly fighting, was ſlain:Joſeph is ſlain. Antigonus being in a rage, cauſed the dead body of Joſeph to be whipped, though Pheroras his Brother, offered fifty Talents to have redeemed it: After this loſs, the Galilaeans revolting from their Governours, drowned thoſe that were of Herods p…rty in the Lake: In Idumaea alſo there were many innovation….

Anthony having made peace with his enemy▪ commanded Cains Soſ…us to aſſiſt Her…d againſt Antig us with two Cohorts: When Herod came to D…phne, the Su…urb of Antioch, he heard of his Brother J…ſ…phs death, which cauſed him to haſten his journey, and coming to Mount Liba…, he took thence with him eight hundred men, and one Cohort of the Romans, and ſo came to Pt…l…mais, from whence in the night he paſſed with his Army through Galile: Here his enemies met him,Herod overcomes his Enemies. whom he overcame in fight and forced them into the Caſtle, from whence they had iſſued the day before: Them he aſſaulted, but was compelled to deſiſt by reaſon of the extremity of the weather, and to retreat into ſome neighbouring Villages: but upon the coming of another Cohort from An…h ny, they in the Caſtle were ſo affrighted, that they forſook the ſame by night: Herod then haſtned to Jericho, purpoſing to revenge his Brothers death: and being come thither, he feaſted his No…les, and the feaſt being ended,A ſpeciall providence. and his gueſts diſmiſſed, he retired into his chamber, and preſently the room wherein they had ſupped, being now empty of company fell down without hurting any, which made many to think that ſurely Herod was beloved of God who had ſo miraculouſly preſerved him.

The next day ſix thouſand of the enemies came down from the Mountains to fight with him, and their forlorn-hope p. 17with darts and ſtones ſo terrified the Romans and ſome of Herods Souldiers that they fled, and Herod himſelf received a wound in his ſide.

Antigonus, deſiring to have his ſtrength ſeem greater than it was, ſent one of his Captains, named Pappus, with ſome forces into Samaria, whileſt himſ…lf went againſt Machaeras. In the mean time Herod took in five Towns, and therein put two thouſand of the Garriſon Souldiers to the ſword, and ſetting the …owns on fire, he went againſt Pappus, and was ſtrengthened by many that came to him …ut of Jerico and Ju…ea▪ yet was the enemy ſo confident that he would j…yn bat…le with him, but in fight,Herods beats his Enemies. H rod overcame them, and being inflamed with a deſire to revenge his Brothers death, he purſued th… that fled, ſl w many of them, and fol…owed them into a Village, and there ſl…w many more o… them who retreated into houſes, the reſt fled: After which victory, He…d had preſently gone to Jeruſalem, and put an end to the warre, had not the ſhar…eſs of the winter hindred him; for now Antigonus bethought himſelf to leave the City, and fly elſwhere for ſafety.

Herod in the evening, when he ha… diſmiſſed his Friends to refreſh themſelves,A ſpeciall providence. a yet hot in his Armour▪ went into a chamber, attended with one only ſervant to waſh himſelf, wherein ſome of his enemie armed whom fear had forced thither, were hidden; and whileſt h… was naked, and waſhing himſelf, firſt one, and then a ſecond, and a third, ran out armed with naked ſwords in their hands ſo aſto…ſhed that they were glad to ſ…ve themſ lv…s withou… pr…ff ring the leaſt …urt to the King. The n…xt day He… amongſt others cut off Pappus his head, and ſent it by way of reve…ge for his Brothers death, to …is Brother …;Pappus ſlain. for it was Pappus that with his own hand had ſl in J ſeph.

H…od in the beginning of the th rd year after he had been declared King at Rome, Her d …eſieges Jeruſalem.comin with an Army …o J…uſalem, encamped ne…r the City, and from thence remov…ng to that p ace where the Wall▪ were fitteſt to be aſſaulted, he p…ched his Te…ts before the Temple, intending to attempt them, as P…mpey had done in times paſt: and h ving p. 18encompaſſed the place with three Bulworks, by the help of many workmen he raiſed his batteries; fetching materials from all places thereabouts, and appointing fit men to overſee the work; and then himſelf went to Samaria to ſolemnize his Marriage with Mariamne, Marries Mariamne.the Daughter of Alexander, the Son of Ariſtobulus, who was formerly betrothed to him.

The Marriage ceremony being over, Soſ…us came with an Army of Horſe and Foot, being ſent by Anthony to the aid of Herod, and Herod alſo took a great party with him from Samaria to Jeruſalem; Herods great Army.ſo that the whole Army being come together, conſiſted of eleven Legions of …oot, …d ſix thouſand Horſe, beſides the S…i… Auxiliaries, which were very many, and ſo they pitched on the N…rth ſid… of the City. Over this great Army were two Generals, …, and Herod, who purpoſed to diſplace Ant…g…nus as an enemy to the people of Ro…, and to eſtabliſh Herod in the Kingdom according to the Decree of the Senate.

The Jews being gathered together out of the whole Country,The Jews fight valiantly. and ſhut up within the Walls, made a valiant reſiſtance, boaſting much of the Temple of the Lord, and ſaying, that the Lord would not forſake his people in the time of danger. By ſecret ſallies alſo they burnt up, and ſpoiled all proviſion without the City both for Man and Horſe, whereby the beſiegers began to be pinched: But Herod provided againſt their excurſions, by placing ambuſhments in convenient places, and ſending parties to fetch in proviſion from afar off, ſo that in a ſhort time the Army was well furniſhed with all neceſſaries.

By reaſon of the multitude of workmen the three Bulworks were ſoon finiſhed, it being Summer time, ſo that no untemperateneſs of weather hindered them: and with his Engins Herod often battered the Walls, and left nothing unaſſayed: but the beſieged fought valiantly, and were every way as active and ſubtile to make void his endeavours; often ſallying forth, and firing their works, both thoſe that were finiſhed, and others that were but begun, and coming to handiſtrokes with the Romans, they were nothing inferiour p. 19to them but only in Martiall skill.

The Sabbaticall year now coming,A Famine in Jeruſalem. brought a famine upon the beſieged Jews, notwithſtanding which they built a new Wall within that which was beaten down by the battering Rams, and ſo countermined the Enemies mines, that many times they came to handiſtrokes under gr…und, and making uſe of deſpair inſtead of courage, they held it out unto the laſt, though Pollio, the Phari ee, and Samias his Diſciple adviſed them to receive Herod into the City, ſaying, that they c…uld not avoi… his being their King by reaſon of their ſins.

They held out the ſiege for five moneths ſpace, though there was ſo great an Army before the City: But at length twenty of Herods choiſeſt Souldiers got upon the Wall, and a…ter them the Centurions or S…ſius. So that the firſt Wall was taken on the forti'th day, and the ſecond on the fiftieth, and ſome Galleries about the Temple were burnt down, which Herod charged (though falſly… upon Antigonus, thereby to bring him into hatred with the people. When the outward part of the Temple was taken, and the lower City, the J…ws fled into the inward part of the Temple, and the upper City: and fearing leſt they ſhould be hindred from offering their daily Sacrifices unto God, they ſent Ambaſſadors unto Herod, to deſire leave that ſuch Beaſts only might be brought in which were to be ſacrificed: This requeſt Herod eaſily granted, hoping that by this means they would leave their obſtinacy, and ſubmit to him. But perceiving that this courteſie prevailed not, and that they were ſtill reſolute to continue the Soveraignty in Antigonus, Jeruſalem taken by Herod.he gave a generall aſſault and won the City on the Kalends of Janu…ry, on the ſecond monethmonth, Ciſlu, being the day on which the Jews were wont to celebrate a Faſt in commemoration of the holy Rowl that was burnt by Jehoiakim.

The City being taken by aſſault, all places were filled with murthers: the Romans being incenſed againſt the Jews for holding out ſo long;Cruelty. and the Herodian Jews endeavouring to extirpate the contrary faction, ſo that there were continuall ſlaughters in the Porches, and Houſes, yea, the p. 20reverence of the Temple not ſaving the ſuppliants: They ſpared neither age nor ſex, nor ſo much as the little children: and though the Conquerou… Herod b…ſought and intreated them to forbear, yet none would hear, or obey him, but as if th…y …ad …, h y proceeded in their cru…lty.

Antigonus comi…g down … upper City, fel… at Soſius his feet, wh… thing pittying his miſerable condition, inſulted …,Antigonus impriſoned. calli…g … Mad…m Antigonus, and withall … priſon, and ſ…t keep…rs about him.

And … Strang…s, that Herod had hired, came ruſh…g … only, but even into the S…n…tuary, ſome he th…ught to …ſt…in by intreaty, others by t reat… and ſom… by … j…ging his victory worſe … any of thoſe things which were … wind to …, were …xp … to the view of the pro… … He reſtraine …ſo the plun…ering … the Cry as much i… in him lay: Intrea…ing S…ſ…us to do the like▪ aski…g, if the R m… would make him King of a Wil…erneſs, the City being ſo waſted …y …apine…, and murthers: S…ſ… anſw…red, t…at t…e S…uldiers d…ſired the plund…r of the …ry in regar… of their hard ſerv…ce in the ſie…e:Herod ſaves the City. To which Her… …eplie…, th…t he woul r compence every man out of his own Treaſury, and m…king good his promiſe, he freed the City from urther miſery: F…r he beſtowed gifts liber…lly upon …he Souldi…r, …d proportionably upon the Com…nders,Rewards, the Romans. and … upon Soſius: wher…upon S…us off ring a Crow… o… Gold unto GOD, withdrew out of t…e … ity, leading Antig nus a Priſoner, along w…th him to A…h….

H…r…d being thus ſetle… Jeruſalem he advanced thoſe of his own faction, and duly put to death them of …he contrary:H…rods cruelty. Amongſt whom, h… alſo ſlew all t…oſe of the S…h… drim, who had accuſed him of a capitall crime, be…re he was King, ſp…ring only …, and S…mias, his Diſciple, whom he hi…hly honour…d.

Then did he gather together all the Regall O…aments, and much ſilver and gold which he ex…cted from rich me…, all which he gave to Anthony and his Souldiers. He put to p. 21death alſo forty and five of Antigonus his chief Noble men, ſetting watches at their doors that none of them might be carried out under pretence of being dead: and what gold or ſilver ſoever was found, was all carried to Herod, ſo that there was no end of the peoples miſeries, the covetouſneſs of the needy conquerours conſuming all their eſtates. The fields alſo lay untilled, becauſe it was the Sabbaticall year, in which it was unlawfull to ſow the ground.

Of theſe miſerable times, amongſt others, were ſpectators,Who were ſpect…tors of it. Zacharias the Prieſt, with his Wife Elizabeth: Of the relicts of Davids ſtock, Holy, and Joſeph: Anna alſo the Propheteſs of the Tribe of Aſ…r, and Simeon the Juſt, who received an anſwer from the Holy Ghoſt, that he ſhould not ſee death, till he had ſeen the Lord Chriſt. Luk. 2.26.

Anth ny being thus poſſeſſed of Antigonus, intended to keep him Priſoner to adorn his Triumph; But Herod feared that if Antigonus was brought to Rome by Anthony, he might there contend with him before the Senate for the Kingdom: Conſidering alſo how the Nation of the Jews hated him, and favoured Antig…nus: he thereupon gave great ſums of money to Anth…ny to cut off his head,Anthony ſlew Ant… gonus. which accordingly he did at Antioch: Antigo…us being the firſt King that was thus put to death by the Romans: and in him ended the Principality of the H…ſm…naean…: It being from the Captainſhip of Judas M…ccabaeus to the death of Antig…nus a hundred twenty ſix years, and two or three moneths, and by this means H…r…, a ſtranger, got the Kingdom, and was totally freed from his fears.

Hy…as (as we heard before) being carried Priſoner to Phraates, the King of the Parthians, he intreated him courteouſly for the Nobility of his deſcent, and after a time, freeing him from Priſon, he ſuffered him to live in Babylon, Hyrcanus honoured in Babylon.where were great ſtore of Jews, who honoured him no leſs than as their King and High Prieſt: and not only they of Babylon, but all the reſt of the Nation of the Jews did the like, who in old time had been carried captive beyond the River Euphrates by the Aſſ…rians, of whom there were many millions. But Hyrcanus hearing that Herod was made p. 22King of the Jews, he began to caſt his hopes that ways, expecting favour from Herod, whoſe life he had ſaved when he was called in queſtion before the Sanhedrim. He conſulted therefore with the Jews that came to viſit him, about his return into Judaea, who by all means diſſwaded him from it, yet could they not prevail with him. Beſides, Herod deſired by all means to get the poor old man into his clutches,Herods ſubt…lty. and thereupon wrote to him to get leave of Phraates, and the Jews that he might return, and that they would not envy him the joint ru…e with his Son in Law, the time being now come wherein he could requite the favours that Hyrcanus had ſhewed hi…, in being his nouriſh r, and preſerver. He ſent alſo his Ambaſſa…or to P…ra…t…s with great Preſents, intre…ting him that he would not hinder him from being thankfull to him that had deſerved ſo w…l… of him. Hyrcanus being forward of himſelf, diſm…ſſed by the Parthian…, and honourably …niſhe… by the J…w… for the expences of his j…urney, he came at laſt to H…r…, who entertained him with all honour, gave him the upper hand in all Aſſemblies, and the more honou…able place at all feaſts, calling him Fat…, hereby to delu…e him, leſt he ſhould ſuſpect any treach…ry.

Hananeel made High-prieſt.H…rod providing that none of the Nobility ſhould be created High-Prieſt, ſent to … for a Prieſt of a baſe parentage, whom formerly he had been acq…ainted with, of the rac… of th…ſe Prieſts that had been carried away beyond Euphrate, whoſe n…me was Ananclius, or Hananeel, and to him he gave …he H…-…ieſthoo….

Alexand…a takes it ill.This Alexand…a the Daughter of H…rc…us, the Wife of Alexander, the Son of …, and Mother in Law of Herod, took in ill part; for that Ari…bu…u… her Son, and Brother of M…ia…re wa… neglected, and another from a ſtrange place ſhould be made High-Prieſt: whereupon ſhe wrote to Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, and Anthoni…s darling, that ſhe would procure the High-Prieſthood of Anth…n… for her Son. Cleopatra neglected her requeſt; but ſhortly after, D… lius a friend of Anth…nie… coming into Ju…ea, …rſwaded her to ſend the Pictures of her Son Ariſt…bulus, and of her p. 23Daughter Mariamne to Anthony, who then would deny her nothing: This ſhe aſſented to, and ſent them by Dellius, who told Anthony that they ſeemed rather to be of a Divine than of a humane race.

Anthony was much inflamed herewith,Anthony ſends for Ariſtobulus. yet thought it undecent to ſend for a Lady that was married to Herod, ſhunning alſo the jealouſie of Cleopatra: whereupon he wrote to Alexandra to ſend her Son to him under ſome honeſt pretence: But theſe things coming to the ears of Herod, he thought it not ſafe that Ari…tobulus, now in the flower of his age, being but ſixteen, ſhould be ſent to Anthony, the moſt potent man amongſt the Romans, and very much given to his luſts. Wherefore he wrote back, that if the youth did but ſtep out of the Kingdom, all the Country would be up in Arms, the Jew… hoping for ſome innovations under a new King, and by this means he ſatisfied Anthony.

Her…d being continually moleſted with the intreaties of his Wife Mari…mne, that he would give the High-Prieſthood to her Brother Ari…tobulus, it being his right, he called a Councel of his frien…s, to whom he inveighed againſt his Mother in Law A…xandra, as if ſhe had privately wrought treaſon againſt his Kingdom, and had indeavoured by Cleopatra's means to tranſlate it to young Ariſtobulus; yet, leſt he ſhould ſeem to neglect both his piety to her, and the reſt of that kindred, he told them he would now reſtore the Prieſthood to her Son,Ariſtobulus made High-Prieſt. which hitherto A…anelus had ſupplied, …y reaſon of the young mans tender years: Alexan…ra being herewith overjoyed, and withall grieved th… ſh… was ſuſpected, tell a weeping, clearing her ſelf of thoſe accuſations, and gave him many thank for her Sons honour, promiſing that hereafter ſhe would be moſt obedient unto him And thus Herod, in the life-time of An…n…u…, gave the High-Prieſthood to Ari …bulus, being then but ſ…venteen years old.

Yet Herod fearing leſt his Mother in Law Alexandra Alexandra confined.ſhould ſeek occaſion to raiſe new troubles, confined her to the Palace, and commanded her to do nothing by her own authority: yea, he ſet ſo ſtrict a guard over her, that nothing p. 24was concealed from him of all that ſhe did, to the very expences of her Table. This ſhe took very heavily, and wrote to Cleopatra, She complains to Cleopatra.complaining of her hard condition, and deſiring her to yield her aſſiſtance: Cleopatra adviſed her with her Son to fly to her into Egypt, which ſhe liked, and therefore provided two Coffi…s, one for her ſelf, the other for her Son, commanding her ſervants that were privy to the plot, to carry them out by night, and to convey them to a Ship that was ready prepared to carry them into Egypt. This buſineſs Aeſopus, one of her ſervants, blabbed to Sabbation, a friend of Alexanders, ſuppoſing that he had known all before: which as ſoon as Sabbati n knew, though hitherto he was an enemy of Herods, as being ſuſpected to have been in the plot of poiſoning his Father Antipa…, he took this occaſion of being reconciled to the King, by diſcovering the matter.She is ſurpriſed by Herod. Herod being thus informed of the …l…t, diſſembled the matter till it was in execution, and then ſurpriſed her in her flight, and brought her back: Yet did he pardon her fault, not indeed daring to puniſh her, leſt thereby he ſhould diſcontent Cle patra, that was willing to take any occaſion againſt him: wherefore under a colour of a magnanimous ſpirit, he made ſhew as if he pardoned her out of meer clemency.

The Feaſt of Tabernacles being now come, the new High-Prieſt Ariſtobulus, being juſt paſt ſeventeen years old, was to offer Sacrifice according to the Law, and being clad in his Pontificall attire, he came to the Altar, and performed the Ceremony with all decency, whoſe excellent beauty and ſtature,Ariſtobulus highly honoured. being higher than was uſuall for his age, and carrying in his countenance the honour of his Linage, drew the eyes, and love of all the multitude upon him, every one calling to mind the worthy, and memorable actions of his Grandfather Ari…tobulus, and therefore, as overcome with affections towards him, they were ſo overjoyed that they could not contain themſelves, but openly prayed for him, and wiſhed him all joy, and that more freely than was meet in thoſe jealous times under ſuch a King, proclaiming openly both the memory, and thanks that they owed to p. 25the Famely for all the benefits they had received from it.

As ſoon as the Feaſt was ended, Ariſtobulus was entertained at a Banquet by his Mother Alexandra: Herod alſo pretended favour to him, and enticed him into a convenient place to ſport with him after the manner of young men, and when they were hot, and weary, and left their ſport, they walked out to the Fiſh Ponds, which were near the Court to take the freſh air, where alſo they beheld ſome of the ſervants that were ſwimming: At laſt by the perſwaſion of Herod, Arriobulus undreſt himſelf and went in amongſt them: Then they, who were ſuborned by Her…d, as it were in ſport and jeſt, ducked him as he was ſwiming, holding him under water,He is drowned. and never left off till they had drowned him. This was the end of Ariſtobulus in the eighteenth year of his age, and in the firſt year of his High-Prieſthood, which immediatly returned to Ananelus.

The report of theſe things coming to the Women, they were all on an uprore, and did nothing but weep, and howl over the body of the young man: Yea ſorrow overſpread the whole City, every one bewailing the calamity as if it had been h…s own: But Herod endeavoured by all means to make the people beli…ve as if it had faln out by chance without his privity, not only feigning ſorrow,Herods ſubtilty. but tears and grief alſo: and that he might the more comfort the Women, he buried the bo…y in a moſt magnificent manner, being liberall to prodigality in adorning his Monument, and in perfumes, and other …recious things.

But his Mother Alexan…ra, knowing the treaſon, though ſhe was oft ready to lay violent han…s u on her ſelf, yet repreſſed her paſſion, ſeeming not to be ſuſpicious, till an opportunity of revenge might offer it ſelf.

And ſhortly after ſhe wrote to Cleopatra of the treachery of Herod, and of the lamentable death of her Son.Alexandra complains to Cleopatra. Cleopatra pittying her misfortune, to…k a particular care of thi buſineſs, as if it had been her own, and never reſted from perſwading Antho… to revenge the you…g mans death: telling him that it was an unpardonable crime, that he who by his help, enj…yed a Kingdom that was anothers right, p. 26ſhould rage ſo inſolently againſt the famely of the lawfull Kings. Anthony being prevailed with hereby, when he came to Laodicea in Syria, ſent for Herod to come before him to anſwer what ſhould be objected againſt him about the Death of Ariſt…bulus.

Herod queſtioned by Anth …y.Herod, during t… time of his abſence committed the care of his King…om to hi… … J…p, privately commanding him, th… … ſhould do him any miſchief, he ſhould preſently put his W…fe Mariamne to death, pretending that he ſo lov… her, that he ſhould eſteem it a great wrong if any but himſelf ſhould enjoy her beauty, yea though it was after his Death.

When Herod came to Ant… …, he ſo appeaſed him with rich preſents that he brought on purpoſe with him from Jeruſalem, But cleered by his bribes.and by his frequent conferences with him, that afterwards Cleopatr… 's inſtigations prevailed little: For Anthony ſaid, that it was not fit that a King ſhould be accountable for his actions, otherwiſe he would ceaſe to be a King… For having once given him the honour, the free exerciſe of his Kingly power was to be admitted unto him. He told Cleopatra alſo, that it was not fit for her too much to meddle with other mens matters.

During Herods abſence, Joſeph governing the Kingdom, he had occaſion many times to converſe with Mariamne, partly upon buſineſs, and partly to do her honour, and in their diſcourſes there was often mention made how much Herod loved her, which diſcourſe was laughed at by the Ladies, eſpecially by Alexandra: But he was carried on with ſuch a deſire of proving the Kings love to them, that he told them what private command the King had given him, ſuppoſing this was an infallible argument of his love, becauſe he could neither endure to live without her, nor in death to be diſjoyned from her: but the Ladies were not of his mind, rather abhorring the Tyranny of Herod, who, though he were dead, yet would he ſeek their lives.

Preſently after a rumour was ſpread about the City, that Anthony had put Herod to death, which much troubled all the Court, eſpecially the Ladies: whereupon Alexandra p. 27perſwaded Joſeph; that, taking them along with him, he ſhould fly to the Romane Legions that lay before the City under the command of the Tribune Julius, ſo that if any trouble aroſe in the City, they might be ſecured by the Romans: adding, that ſhe hoped if Mariamne came but once to the ſight of Anthony, ſhe might obtain any thing of him, yea, even the Kingdom, with whatſoever belonged to the Royall Famely.

Whileſt theſe things were under debate, there came Letters from Herod, which daſhed all, ſignifying how Anthony had honoured him both in the publick Aſſemblies, and in inviting him to his Feaſts, and that, during the accuſations … Cleopatra: ſo that he feared her not for the time to come, but hoped ſhortly to return to them, Anthony having given …ſ…ria unto Cleopatra inſtead of Judea, upon condition that ſhe ſhould not hereafter demand Judea, nor trouble him any further about that buſineſs.

As ſoon as theſe Letters were received, the ſpeech about flying to the Romans vaniſhed, but yet their debate about it was not hid; For as ſoon as Herod had brought Anthony part of his way againſt the Parthians, he returned into Judea, Herods, return.and immediatly his Siſter S…lome, and his Mother C…p…us told him what Alexandra's counſel was; neither was ſhe herewith contented, but ſhe accuſed her Husband Joſeph, as if he had been too familiar with Mariamne: and this ſhe did out of an old grudge, becauſe the Queen (a woman of an high ſpirit) in their womanly brabbles, had upbraided her with her obſcure birth.

Mariamne by her Oath aſſured Herod of her chaſtity, who told her again how much he loved her; but ſhe replied, that it was not the part of a lover, to command that if he died, ſhe ſhould be put to death alſo. Herod judging that this ſecret could never be known, except ſhe had committed adultery with Joſeph, had much ado to refrain from killing her immediatly: but love overcoming his paſſion, he refrained; yet did he command Joſeph to be put to deathJoſeph put to death. without ſuffering him to plead for himſelf, Alexandra alſo he caſt into priſon, as the cauſe of all theſe evils.

p. 28Cleopatra having brought Anthony part of his way towards Parthia, returned towards Egypt, and by the way, was entertained by Herod, who aſſured unto her that part of Arabia which was granted unto her by Anthony, to which he added the reve…ues of Jericho, where are great ſtore of the beſt Date Trees and where Balſom grows,Gardens of Balſom. which being a precious Oyntment only grows there, in two Gardens, bo…h which are the King, the one of twenty Acres, the other of leſs.

By this means Herod grew into great familiarity with Cleopatra, who ſought to aſſure him to her luſt, either through her great intemperance, or becauſe ſhe ſought by this means to betray him; but though ſhe pretended love to him, yet H…d refuſed, and held a conſultation with his friends about killing her, who diſſwaded him from it, and therefore having appeaſed her by great preſents, and all manner of obſ…quiouſneſs, he accompanied her as far as Peluſium: yet ſearing both her, and the people of the J…w…, he reſerved the Caſtle as a refuge for himſelf, laying in as many Arms there as were ſuffi…ient for ten thouſand men.

Herod paved duly to Cl…patra the Tributes of Ju…aea and Arabia, which Anthony had given to her, n…t thinking it ſafe to give her any occaſion of diſguſt againſt him,

Herod being now free from troubles, and having taken Hyrc…, a Town which hitherto a Siſter of Antigonus had kept, the A…ian War brake forth between Auguſtus Caeſ…r, and M…rk A…th…, whereupon Hero… made great preparation for the aſſiſting of Anth…, He…od prepares to aſſiſt Anthony.but he freed him from the trouble, telling him that he needed them not, and ſo diſmiſhing him, H…d returned home with a well-furniſhed Army, wherewith he invaded Arabia, going as far as Dioſp…lis, at which place the Ar…bians met him, and after a fierce confl ct, the J…ws gat the victory.

After this Herod made many inrodes into Arabia in the ſeventh year of his raign after the death of Antigorus, at which time the A…ian War being begun,A great Earrhquake. Judea was ſhaken with ſuch an Earthquake as never was the like before, in which ten thouſand men were overwhelmed by the ruins p. 29of the houſes, yet the Souldiers received no dammage, becauſe they lay in the open fields. This being much aggravated by report, ſo emboldned the Arabians, that th…y laid hold on the Ambaſſadours of the Jews, who, in this their affliction came to demand peace, and ſlew them, and preſently prepared for war with all earneſtneſs.

Herod hearing hereof, encouraged his men, offered Sacrifice according to the cuſtom, and ſo in all haſt, marched with his Army over J…rdan, and having incamped at Philadelphia, there the fight began about the taking of a Caſtle that lay between him, and the Arabians, Herod… overcoms the Arabians.in which the Jews got the better, and after continuall skirmiſhes, forced the Arabians to flight, who in their haſt treading one upon another, they loſt in all five thouſand men: the reſt were beſieged in their Camp, and extreamly wanting water, they ſent Ambaſſadours to Herod, who would not admit of them, and was more eager upon them for offering but fifty Talents for their freedom: They being parched with continuall thirſt, came out of their Camp by great companies, offering themſelves to the Jews, by which means they took five thouſand of them in five days: and at laſt the reſt in the Camp came out to fight; but deſpairing of any good ſucceſs, there fell of them in the firſt conflict about ſeven thouſand more. By this overthrow the courage of the Arabians was tamed, and Herod was declared Governour of that Nation, and ſo returned home with great Glory.

The Actian war being finiſhed, wherein Caeſar finally overthrew Anthony, Alexandra hoped that Herod ſhould be ſeverely puniſhed by Caeſar, for aſſiſting Anthony againſt him, whereupon ſhe ſollicited her Father Hyrcanus, not any longer to ſuffer the affliction of their Family,Alexandra's reſtleſneſs. but rather to reſerve himſelf for better times: For which end ſhe adviſed him to ſeek for protection and entertainment of M…lchus, the King of Arabia. Theſe ſollicitations her Father at firſt repulſed, but at laſt being overcome by her womaniſh importunity, he ſent Letters to Malchus by one Doſitheus a friend of his, deſiring him to ſend ſome Horſmen to convey him to the Lake Asphaltitis, which is diſtant from p. 30Jeruſalem about three hundred furlongs. This Doſicheus was kinſman to Joſeph, whom Herod had put to death, yet, to curry favour with the King, he ſhewed him the Letters: Herod thanked him, and withall deſired one curteſie more, that he would ſeal up the Letters, and give them to Malchus, and bring his anſwer to him. This he did, and the Arabia… ſent back word, that he was ready to entertain Hyrcanus and his Famely, and all the Jews that were of his party, and that he would ſend a band of Souldiers to conduct them in ſafety, who ſhould be obedient to Her…anus in all things. Herod having received this anſwer, called Hyrcanus and asked him if he had any confederacy with Malchus? who denying it, he produced the Letters in the Councel of the Sanhedrim, and commanded him to be put to death.

Herod goes to Caeſar.Herod having thus diſpatched Hyrcanus, reſolved to poſt unto Caeſar, and expecting no good from him, becauſe of his great friendſhip to Anthony, he was very jealous of Alexandra, leſt, taking this oportunity, ſhe ſhould ſtir up the people to rebell, and ſo fill the Kingdom with domeſticall ſeditions. Wherefore committing the care of his Kingdom to his Brother Ph…roras, he left his Mother Cyprus, and his Siſter Salome, and all his kindred in the ſtrong Caſtle of Maſſada: And commanded his Brother, that if any thing befell him otherwiſe than well, he ſhould retain the Government of the Kingdom in his own hands: and becauſe his Wife Mariamne, by reaſon of ſome differences, could not live with his Mother, he placed her with her Mother Alexandria in Al…xandri…n, committing …he cuſtody of them to his Treaſurer Joſeph, and to S…us, an Ituria…, under a colour of doing them honour, but yet he gave them this command, that it they ſhould certainly know that any ſiniſter hap befell him,His cruel command. they ſhould preſently put both the Ladies to death, and to the uttermoſt of their power, keep the Kingdom for his Children, an… his Brother Pheroras.

Herod having thus ſetled his affairs at home, poſted to Rhodes to meet with Caeſar there, whither when he was come, laying only his Crown aſide, but retaining other his Princely Ornaments, he was admitted into Caeſars preſence, p. 31where, with great conſtancy, and magnanimity of ſpirit, he freely confeſſed the love he bore to Anthony, as alſo the ſupplies he had ſent him of Corn, and Money: adding moreover that he was ready with the ſame Faith to keep friendſhip with Caeſar. This Caeſar exhorted him to,Caeſar honours him. and reſtoring his Crown to him, exceedingly honoured him. Thus beyond all expectation, is Herod again confirmed in his Kingdom, both by the free gift of Caeſar, and alſo by a Decree of the Senate, which Caeſar procured for him: and Herod gave great Preſents both to Caeſar himſelf, and to all his friends about him, even above his ability, to ſhew the greatneſs of his mind

During his abſence, his Wife Mariamne, His wife and mother are full of diſcontents.and his Mother Al…x…ndra, took it very ill that they were ſhut up in that Caſtle as in a Priſon, ſo that they could neither enjoy their own, nor make uſe of other mens goods: eſpecially when by their femenine flatteries they had fiſhed out of Sohemus, what Herod had commanded concerning them: She then began to wiſh that he might never return home, ſuppoſing that ſhe ſhould live a moſt intollerable life with him: all which ſhe afterwards diſſembled not, but openly confeſſed what it was that did afflict her. For Herod returning beyond all expectation, and relating to Mariamne what ſucceſſes he had, ſhe ſeemed not to regard them, and at all the caraſſes that he made her, ſhe would ſigh, ſo that Herod plainly perceived the hatred of his Wife againſt him, inſomuch that himſelf was wavering between love, and hatred towards her.

Not long after Caeſar paſſing through Syria towards Egypt, Herods bounty to Caeſar, and his Army.Herod intertained him with all Royall magnificence at P…olemais, and ſhewed all hoſpitality towards his Army, giving them plenty of all ſorts of victuals, by which means he was counted one of Caeſars chiefeſt friends, and uſed to ride about with him when he muſtred hi Army. He preſented him alſo and his Frinds with a hundred and fifty Men, all clad in moſt ſumptuous, and rich apparell, yea, he ſuff red them to want nothing in their march to Peluſium, through barren places, and ſuch as wanted water, yet did he p. 32provide plentifully for them, with which the Souldiers were much delighted. He alſo preſented Caeſar with eight hundred Talents: yea, he gave ſuch ſatisfaction to all, that they confeſſed that it was greater than the Kingdom could afford.

Herod is jealous of his wife.Herod wavering between love and hatred towards his Wife Mariamne, was continually incenſed againſt her by the falſe accuſations of his Siſter Salome, and his Mother Cypros, who laboured to kindle his hatred and jealouſie againſt her: whereupon, probably he had proceeded rigorouſly with her, but that news came ſeaſonably that Anthony and Cleopatra were both dead,He meets Caeſar. and that Caeſar had won Egypt, and was coming back, whom in all haſt he went to meet, and ſo left his Famely as it was. At his departure he commended Sohemus to Mariamne, profeſſing that he owed him much reſpect for the care he had had of her: and gave to him alſo the Government of a part of Judea.

Caeſar enlarges his Government.Herod meeting with Caeſar before he was come out of Egypt, in confidence of his Friendſhip, ſpake freely to him, and was highly honoured by him: For he beſtowed upon him the four hundred Galatians, who were formerly of Cleopatra's Guard, to be his Guard, and reſtored to him that part of his Country which Cleopatra had ſeized upon, and added to his Kingdom Gadara, and Hippon, and Samaria; and by the Sea-ſide, Gaza, and Anthedon, and Joppa, and the Tower of Straton, which added much ſplendour to his Kingdom.

In Caeſars return through Syria, Herod conducted him as far as Antioch. At his return, for the ſpace of a whole year, ſuſpicions increaſed daily between him and his Wife Mariamne, Herods ſuſpicions of his wife are encreaſed.ſhe neglecting his caraſſes, and oft upbraiding him either with the death of her Grandfather Hyrcanus, or her Father Ariſtobulus, ſo that Herod could ſcarce refrain from ſtriking her, and Salome by the noiſe, perceiving that Herod was much moved, ſhe ſent in the Butler, whom long before ſhe had ſuborned for that end, who told Herod that he was ſollicited by Mariamne to deliver him a love potion, which he had by him, but what it was he knew not. Herod hereupon p. 33examined the moſt faithfull ſervant of Mariamne by torture, being aſſured that ſhe would attempt nothing without his privily, who not enduring the torments, confeſſed that ſhe was offended for ſomething that …ohemus had declared unto her, which when the King heard, he cryed out, that Sohemus, who had ever been moſt faithfull both to him, and the Kingdom, would never have ſpoken of theſe things, had there not been ſome more ſecret familiarity between them than was fitting; and thereupon he commanded Sohemus to be apprehended and put to death; and having called his Friends to Counſel, he accuſed his Wife for practiſing to poiſon him, which he ſo aggravated, that all that were preſent perceived that he had a mind that ſhe ſhould be condemned,Mariamne condemned to death. which was accordingly done by the generall conſent of them all: a…d whereas they thought that the ex cution ſhould not be over ſpeedy, but rather that ſh… ſhould be ſecured i… ſome of the King… Caſtles, Salome excee ingly urged the King that ſhe ſhould preſently be put to death, for …ear leſt there ſhould be ſome commotion among the people ſhe being alive and in Priſon: and thus was Mari…mne brought to h r death.

When her Mother Al…xandra ſaw her going to execution, and conſidered that ſhe muſt look for the ſame at Herods han…s, that ſhe might not ſeem to be guilty of the ſome crime, ſhe began to up…raid her daughter as being wicked, and ungratefull towards her Husband, ſaying,Her mother… Hypocr ſie. b…t ſhe deſerved death who …urſt …tt…mo… ſo hamous an act. Whilſt ſh… counterfeited theſe things, and made as i… ſhe wou… hav… pulled her Daughter by the hair, they that were preſent co…demned her hypocriſie;Mariamnes Death. but ſhe that was led to death returned her no anſw…r, but refelle… the falſ… accuſation, with a reſolute countenance, and mind, and underwent her death without fear.

She being dead, Herod began to be more inflamed with love towards her,Herods exceſſive grief for her. often calling upon her Name and lamenting her death beyond decency; and although he ſought to div…rt his grief by pleaſures, feaſtings and drinking, yet all availed nothing. Whereupon he caſt off the care of his p. 34Kingdom, and ſo far gave up himſelf to ſorrow, that he would bid his ſervants call Mariamne, as though ſhe were y… living.

A great …As Herod was thus tormenting himſelf, there came a great Plague, which ſwept away a great part both of the Nobility, and Commons, every one judging that this Plague was ſent by God for the unjuſt death of the Queen. The Kings diſcontents being increaſed hereby, he at laſt hid himſelf in a ſolitary Wilderneſs under a pretence of hunting; where ſtill afflicting himſelf, he fell into a great ſickneſs,Herods Melancholy and ſickneſſe. which was accompanied with an inflammation and great pain in his neck, ſo that he began to rave; neither could any applications eaſe him, but rather made the diſeaſe more painfull, ſo that thoſe about him began to deſpair of his life: and his Phyſicians, partly becauſe of the ſtubborneſs of the diſeaſe, and partly becauſe in ſo great danger there was not any free election of diet, they gave him leave to eat whatſoever he would.

Alexandras treaſon and Death.Herod lying thus ſick in Samaria, and Alexandra being at Jeruſalem, ſhe endeavoured to get the two Caſtles of the City into her hands, the one adjoyning to the Temple, the other ſituate in the City: For which end ſhe ſollicited the Governours of them to deliver them up unto her, and to the Children of her and Mariamne, leſt that Herod being dead, they ſhould be ſeized upon by others: But they who had ever been faithfull to Herod, were now much more diligent in their Office, both out of an hatred of Alexandra, and becauſe they thought it a great offence to deſpair of the recovery of their Prince. Hereupon they preſently ſent meſſengers to Herod, to acquaint him with Alexandra's attempt, who thereupon commanded her to be ſlain. At length overcoming his diſeaſe, he recovered his ſtrength both of body and mind, but grew ſo cruell,Herod grows cruel. Salome leaves her husband and comes to Herod. that upon the leaſt occaſion he was ready to put any one to Death.

Salome, Herods Siſter, having been married to Coſſaborus an Idumean, a difference now ariſing betwixt them, ſhe, contrary to the cuſtom of the Jews, ſent him a Bill of Divorce, and came away to her Brother Herod, telling him that ſhe p. 35preferred his love before her tye to her Husband: the reaſon which ſhe pretended was, that Coſſaborus had practiſed ſome innovations with Lyſimachus, Antipater, and Doſitheus, confirming it from this, becauſe he had privily kept in his Country the Children of Bebas, now for the ſpace of twelve years from Herods taking of Jeruſalem: Herods cruelty.As ſoon as Herod heard this, he ſent ſome to their hiding places, and killed them, with many others, to the intent that none ſhould remain of the kindred of Hyrcanus: He alſo took out of the way all ſuch as excelled in any dignity, that he might do whatſoever ſeemed him good, there being none to reſiſt him.

Herod by theſe practiſes growing more ſecure,He inſtituted Games to the diſcontent of the Jews. he began to degenerate more and more from his Country faſhions, violating them by forreign inventions. For firſt he inſtituted wreſtlings every fifth year in the honour of Caeſar, for the exhibiting of which, he began to build a Theatre in Jeruſalem, and an Amphitheatre in the plaine, both of them very ſumptuous for the workmanſhip, but clean contrary to the Jewiſh cuſtomes: Yea he would have thi… ſolemnity to be inrolled, and to be proclaimed in the neighbouring Countries, and to remoter Nations, and by propounding great rewards, he invited, not only thoſe that were skilfull wreſtlers, but alſo excellent Muſitians, and ſuch as played on ſeverall inſtrum…nts Yet that which above all troubled the Jews, were the Trophees, which being covered with Armour, they thought to be Images, forbidden by their Law; but Herod to ſatisfie them commanded the Armour to be taken off, and ſhewed them that they were meer ſtocks of wood, whereupon all their anger was turned into laughter.

Herod having many wayes provoked the Jews, ten Citizens of Jeruſalem made a Conſpiracy againſt him,A conſpiracy againſt Herod. amongſt whom one was blind, who made one not becauſe he could do any thing, but to ſhew how ready he was to ſuffer with thoſe that defended their Countrie rights: Herod had appointed ſecret ſpies to diſcover ſuch plots, one of which had fiſhed this matter out, and acquainted Herod with it, who p. 36cauſed them to be apprehended,The conſpirators are put to Death. and when they were brought before him, with undaunted countenances they drew out their weapons from under their garments, proteſting, that, not out of any private reſpect, but in the behalf of the publick wea…, they had undertaken this conſpiracy. Then were they led way, and put to death with all manner of tortures. Not long after, their accuſer being hated of all men was ſlai… by ſome, and being cut in pieces, was thrown to the Dogs. Yet were the authors hereof concealed, till after long, and weariſome inquiſitions, it was by torture wrung out from ſome ſilly women who were privie to it When Herod had thus found out the authors,Herods. cruelty. He fortified Samaria, and built a Temple there. he puniſhed them with death, and their whole Famelies.

Herod the better to ſecure himſelf from the ſeditions of the tumultuous people, in the thirt…nth year of his raign, began to fortifie Samaria, which was a day… journey from Jeruſalem, and called it Sebaſte (or Augu…a,) The circuit of it was twenty furlongs, in the middeſt whereof he built a Temple of a furlong and an half, which he wonderfully adorned, and ſo ordered, that many of the Souldiers, and of the neighbouring Nations came and dwelt there.

He built ſ…verall Caſtles.Herod alſo built another Cidadel to be as a bridle to the whole Nation, namely the Tower of Straton: Alſo in the great plain he built a Caſtle and choſe of his Horſmen by lot, to keep it. Another he built in Galile, and one in Peraea: which Caſtles being ſo conveniently diſpoſed in ſeverall parts of the Country, took away from the people all oportunity of rebellion.

Plague, and Famine.About this time very grievous calamities befel the Nation of the Jews. Firſt there was a long drought, after which followed a Famine: After the Famine, by reaſon of their ill diet, there came divers ſickneſſes, and the Plague; and Herod, having not wherewithall to ſupply the publick wants, was forced to melt the gold and ſilver that was in his Pallace,Herods care to provide for the people. not ſparing any thing for the curioſity of the workmanſhip: no not ſo much as the veſſels which were for his own daily uſe. Theſe being turned into mony, he ſent to buy proviſions into Egypt, p. 37where Petronius was Governour under Caeſar, who though he was peſtered with multitudes that repaired to him upon the like neceſſity, yet being Herods friend, he gave his ſervants leave to export Corn, and was aſſiſting to them, both in the buying, and carriage of it.

When the Corn was brought to Herod, he was very carefull to ſee it divided, firſt to ſuch as had moſt need, and then becauſe there were many who by reaſon of old age, or ſome other weakneſſe, were unable to dreſſe it themſelves, he appointed them certain Bakers to provide their food for them: By this means he procured the good will of the people, and the praiſe of a prudent and provident Prince.

He provided alſo for his ſubjects againſt the ſharpneſſe of the winter, taking care that none ſhould want clothing, their Cattel being dead, and wool, and other materials failing. And when he had made proviſion for his own People,His bounty to ſtrangers. he took care alſo for the neighbouring Cities of the Syrians, to whom he allowed feed for ſowing of their ground: and the Caſtles, and Cities; and thoſe of the Common people, who had great Famelies, coming to him for ſuccour, he found a remedy for them alſo: Inſomuch that he gave to thoſe that were not his Subjects ten thouſand Cores of Corn, each Core containing ten Athenian buſhels.

As ſoon as the Corn was ripe for harveſt, Herod diſmiſſed fifty thouſand Men, whom he had fed in the time of Famine into their own Countries: by which dilligence he reſtored the almoſt ruined eſtate of his own Subjects, and did not a little relieve his neighbours, who groaned under the ſame calamities.

At the ſame time alſo he ſent aid to Caeſar, to wit,He ſends aid to Caeſar. five hundred choſen M…n of his own Guard whom Aelius Gallus led into the Ar…bian Wars, where they did moſt excellent ſerv…ce.

H…od alſo built himſelf a Pallace in Sidon, He built himſelf a Pallace.in which he built two very large and ſtately Houſes, with which the Temple it ſelf could in no wiſe compare, and called one of p. 38them by the name of Caeſar, and the other by the name of Agrippa.

He makes a new High Prieſt: and marries Mariamne. He built another PallaceHerod having removed from the Prieſthood Jeſus the Son of Phales, made Simon (a Prieſt of Jeruſalem, the Son of Boethus of Alexandria) Prieſt in his room, and took alſo his Daughter M…rimne to Wife, that was the moſt beautifull Virgin of that age.

The marriage ſolemnities being over, he began to build another new Pallace, unto which he adjoyned a Town, which he called Herodion, in a place diſtant from Jeruſalem, about ſixty furlongs towards Arabia, in the place where he had overcome the Jew, when he was thruſt out by the Arms of Antigonus

And Sebaſt… and a ſtately Haven.He buil… …lſo Se…e, and having finiſhed that, he beg…n to build another moſt magnificent City in a place by the Sea-ſide, where Str…n ſtood, which he called …, and added to it an Haven of admirable work, equall in bigneſs to the H…ven …raetus … which he … in twelve years ſpace, ſparing neither ab…r nor coſt about them.

He ſent his ſons to Caeſar.Then did he ſend hi… two Son…, A…xander, and Ari…obulus (whom he ha… by M…i…mn… the Aſm…nae…n) to … to Caeſar, to be there educ…ed under …, for whom Lo…gi…gs were prepared at the H…u…e of P…, Herods great …. Caeſar intertained the young men very cour…eouſly, and gave H…r…d power to make which of his ſons h… p…e…ſed the heir of his Kingdom:Caeſar enlarged his Kingdom. he added alſo to his Government Trach…niti…, …tu…s, and …nitis.

When Herod had received Trach…ni…s, he took guides, and went to the Den o… the Thieve…,He repreſſed the thieves. reſtraining their villanies, whereby the peo…le live… in quiet: But Zenodorus, the former Governour, being move…, p…rtly thorough envy, and partly with the loſſe of his Government, went to R me to accuſe H…r…, but could effect nothing.

About this time Herod went to M… ch…n…, to ſalute his chiefeſt friend Agrippa, and ſo returned into Judaea: and preſently after ſome Citizens of G…ra went to Agrippa to accuſe Herod, He went to Agrippa.whom he vouchſafed not ſo much as to hear, but ſent them bound to Herod: Yet did he ſpare them: p. 39for though he was inexorable towards his own people, yet did he willingly contemn, and forgive injuries received from ſtrangers.

Zenodorus had ſolemnly ſworn to the Gadareus, that he would do his utmoſt with Caeſar to get them freed from the juriſdiction of Herod, and to be annexed to the Province of Caeſar: Many of themſelves alſo exclaimed againſt Herod, Herod accuſed to … Caeſar.calling him cruell Tyrant, complaining to Caeſar of his violence and rapines, and for raſing, and robbing their Temple: Yet was Herod nothing herewith terrified, being ready to anſwer for himſelf: But Caeſar uſed him courteouſly, and was nothing alienated from him for all theſe tumultuous complaints: The Gadareus therefore perceiving the inclination of Caeſar and his Friends towards Herod, deſpairing of good ſucceſs, and fearing to be delivered into Herods hands, ſome of them cut their own throats, others fearing torments brake their own necks, or drowned themſelves in the River, and thus, ſeeming to forejudg themſelves, Caeſar abſolved Herod from all their accuſations.

Zenodorus alſo having his bowels burſt, through much blood that came from him, ended his life at Antioch in Syria; whereupon Auguſtus Caeſar gave his Tetrarchy to Herod: he made him alſo one of the Governours of Syria, Caeſar ſtill enlarged his Dominions.commanding the reſt of the Governours of that Province, to do nothing without his advice.

Hero… beſtowed upon his Brother Pheroras a hundred Talent… out of the revenues of his Kingdom, and begged a Tetrarchy for him of Caeſa…, to the intent that if himſelf ſhould hap…en to dy, Pheroras eſtate might be ſecure, and not ſubject to Her…s children.

Caeſ… coming into the Eaſt, having ſetled his affairs there He… conducted him to the Sea-ſide, and ſo returned into his own Kingdom, where he built a goodly Temple in honor of Caeſar, all of white Marble, near to P…nion, Her…d built a Temple: and eaſed his Subjects.at the foot of which mountain were the ſpring-heads of Jordan. He alſo remitted to his ſubjects ſome part of their Tribute, under pretence that he would eaſe them after the great dearth, but indeed to appeaſe the minds of his ſubjects, p. 40who were offended at his vaſt works, which ſeemed to tend to the deſtruction of Religion and good manners, as was commonly talked. As alſo to prevent theſe reports, he forbad all private meetings in the City, and to frequent Feaſtings:His jealouſies. He had ſpies alſo who would mingle themſelves in all companies, and mark what people ſaid: yea himſelf would go about in the night in the habit of a private perſon, and mingle himſelf in the company of people to hear what they thought of him: and ſuch as peremptorily diſliked his doings, he would puniſh without all mercy: the reſt of the multitude he bound to him by Oath, requiring that they ſhould not depart from their fidelity, and duty: Yea he required this Oath of many of the Phariſees, as of Pollio, and Sameas, &c. which though he could not get them to take, yet did he not puniſh them as he did others, in regard of that reſpect that he bore to Pollio: Neither did he impoſe it upon the Eſſeans, whom he much eſteemed for one Manaherus ſake, who was a Prophet, and when Herod was but a boy, he ſaluted him King of the Jews, and foretold that he ſhould Reign above thirty years.

Herod in the eighteenth year of his Reign, propounded to the Jews his building the Temple at Jeruſalem, He rebuilt the Temple at Jeruſalem.whom when he ſaw troubled leaſt, when he had pulled down the old, he ſhould not be able to finiſh a new one, he told them, that the old Temple ſhould remain whole as it was, till all the materials neceſſary for the new Fabrick, ſhould be fully prepared: neither did he deceive them for he provided a thouſand wagons to carry ſtones, and he choſe out of all the Artificers ten thouſand that were the moſt exquiſite workmen, and a thouſand Prieſts, clothed in their Prieſtly garments at his coſt, who were not altogether ignorant of the Maſons, and Carpenters Art, to overſee them.

All neceſſary materials for this ſtately work being provided in the ſpace of two years, Herod began to build the Temple at Jeruſalem, forty ſix years before the firſt Paſſover of the Miniſtry of Chriſt and therefore that text Joh. 11.20. ſhould be thus tranſlated, This Temple hath been built forty p. 41ſix years hitherto: So the learned Primate of Ireland, and our Country-man Lydiat, read it,

Indeed the building of the Temple under Zorobabel began in the firſt year of the Monarchy of Cyrus, and after ſome interruptions, was finiſhed in twenty years ſpace, viz. in the ſixth year of Dari… Hyſtaſpes: but the magnificent building of it, begun by Herod at this time was finiſhed in nine years ſpace and an half:Nine years it was in building. and truly the riches of Herod alone, were not ſufficient to perfect ſo magnificent a ſtructure, but all the holy treaſures of many ages, that were ſent to them from all the parts of the world to Jeruſalem, were ſpent about it.

Not long after Herod ſet ſail for Italy, to ſalute Caeſar, and to ſee his Children at Rome, and as he paſſed through Greece, He goes into Jtaly.he was, not only preſent at, but Judg of the Olympick exerciſes, where, obſerving that they did not anſwer the reſort that was to them, through the poverty of the Elienſes, he beſtowed towards them an yearly revenew, that ſo their Sacrifices might be made the more ſplendid, as alſo other things that tended to the gracing of ſo great a meeting: For which bounty he was declared perpetuall Judg of thoſe exerciſes.His bounty.

When he came to Rome, Caeſar intertained him courteouſly, and delivered to him his Sons ſufficiently inſtructed in the Liberal Sciences, and ſo from thence he went into Galatia.

At Jeruſalem, by the diligence of the Prieſts, the building of the Temple properly ſo called, that contained the Holy, and the Holy of Holies, was finiſhed in a year and an half; during which time, it is reported that it never rained in the day time, but only in the nights: and in the eight years following, the Porches, the Ranges, and the reſt of the buildings about the Temple were all finiſhed.

When Alexander, and Ariſtobulus were returned into Judea, and had gained all mens love, Salome the Siſter of Herod, and her Faction, fearing that at ſome time or other they would reveng their Mothers death, caſt out a rumour amongſt the people, that they hated their Father, becauſe he had cauſed their Mother to be ſlain: But Herod as yet ſuſ… cting p. 42no ill, uſed them with all Honour, as they deſerved: and becauſe they were now grown to mens eſtate, he provided them Wives:Herods Sons married. for Alexander, Bernice, the Daughter of Salome, and for Ariſtobulus, Glaphira, the Daughter of Archelaus, the King of the Cappadocians.

Then Herod hearing that Agrippa was again come into Aſia, he went to him, and begged of him that he would come into his Kingdom as to his Friend, and Gueſt; and as he came,Herod entertains Agrippa. he entertained him in all the Cities that he had newly built, ſhewing him the publick buildings, and preſenting, both to himſelf and friends all kind of delights which might ſet forth his magnificence, at Sebaſte, and the Port of Caeſarca, and in the Caſtles of Alexandrion, Herodion, and Hyrcania. He brought him alſo into the City of Jeruſalem, where all the People met him in their beſt, and Feſtivall attire, and with acclamations of joy: Agrippa a…ſo ſacrificed an Hecatombe to God, and feaſted the People; and though he would willingly have ſtayed longer there, yet, fearing ſtorms, the Winter now drawing on, he haſted to ſail into Jonia, both he and his Friends having been honoured with great preſents by Herod.

As ſoon as the Spring came, Herod hearing that Agrippa was going with an Army to Bosphorus, made haſt to meet him, and taking his way by Rhodes, and Chios, he came to Lesbos, thinking there to find him: But Agrippa being driven back by contrary North-winds Herod ſtaied at Chios, to whom many came privately to ſalute him, upon whom he beſtowed many princely gifts,Herods great bounty. and when he perceived that the Gate of the City that was thrown down in the War againſt Methridates, as yet lay buryed in its ruins, and that by reaſon of the poverty of the Inhabitants, it could not by them be reſtored to its former beauty and greatneſs, he beſtowed upon them ſo much mony as would abundantly ſuffice to finiſh it, and exhorted them to haſten the reſtoring of their City to its former beauty, and grandure.

As ſoon, as the wind ſerved, he left Chios, and ſailed to Mytilene, and from thence to Byzantium, and there underſtanding p. 43that Agrippa had already paſſed the Cyanian Rock, he followed him with all ſpeed, and overtook him at Sinopi, a City in Pontus, where, beyond Agrippa's expectation, he arrived with his Navy: His coming was very gratefull to him, and they embraced each other with ſingular affection,His love to Agrippa Agrippa looking upon it as an evident argument of his fidelity and friendſhip, that leaving his manifold occaſions, he would come to him in ſo ſeaſonable a time. Wherefore Herod ſtill abode with him in the Army, was companion with him in his labors, and partaker of his counſels: He was alſo preſent with him when he went to be merry, and was the only man that he uſed in difficult matters, for the love that he bore unto him.

Agrippa having forced the B…ſphorans to lay down their Arms, in his whole journey thorough many countries and Cities, he gratified Herod in many things,Agrippaes love to him. and at his intreaty, relieved the neceſſities of many: If any one needed an interceſſor to Agrippa, Herod was the only man, by whom he could obtain his ſuit and aſſiſted many in whatſoever they had need of.

When they were come into Jonia, a great multitude of Jews that inhabited that Country, complained of the great injuries that they ſuffered from the Jonians, who would not permit them to live after their own Laws, but that upon their Feſtivall days, they haled them before their Tribunals, and forbad them to ſend holy money to Jeruſalem, which alſo they perverted to ſecular affairs, contrary to the priviledges granted them by the Romans: Herods ſavour to the Jews in Jonia.Herod took care that Agrippa ſhould hear their complaints, and allowed them Nicholas Damaſc…ne, one of his friends, to plead their cauſe, which when he had largely performed before Agrippa (many honourable Romans, and ſome Kings and Princes being preſent) the Grecians denyed the thing, excuſing themſelves that the Jews were troubleſom to them: But they on the contrary proved that they were freeborn Citizens, and that they lived according to their own Laws without injuring of any; wherefore Agrippa anſwered, that both for his friend Herod's ſake, as alſo becauſe p. 44that which they demanded was juſt, he would gratifie them therein: He ordered therefore that the priviledges which were formerly granted them, ſhould remain inviolable, and that none ſhould moleſt them for living after their Country Laws. Then Herod roſe up, and gave him thanks in the name of them all: and ſo after mutuall embraces, they took their leave each of other, and departed from Lesbos.

Herod in a few days after, having a proſperous gale, arrived at Caeſarea, and from thence went to Jeruſalem, where, calling all the people together,Herod ingratiates him elf with the Jews. he gave them an account of his journey, and told them what immunities he had procured for the Jews in Aſia; and to win them the more to his friendſhip, he profeſſed that he would remit to them the fourth part of his Tribute; with which bounty they being exceedingly taken, wiſhed him all happineſs, and departed with great joy.

He is incenſed againſt his Sons.Preſently after his return, he was greatly incenſed by the falſe accuſations and artifices of his Siſter Salome, and his Brother Pheroras, againſt his two Sons that he had by Mariamne, Alexander, and Ariſtobulus: whereupon to take down their ſpirits, he began to uſe them more hardly, and publickly he put hopes of the Kingdom into his Son Antipater, whom he begat when he was a private man, his Mother alſo being a woman of mean parentage, whom formerly he had baniſhed the City in favour to his two other Sons, and writing often unto Caeſar for him privately, he gave him great commendations: and at the intreaties of Antipater, he recalled alſo his Mother Doris, whom he had put away when he married Mariamne.

He viſits Agrippa.Agrippa afer his ten years Government in Aſia, being now to depart, Herod ſailed to ſalute him, taking with him of all his Sons only Antipater, whom he delivered to Agrippa with many gifts, to be carried to Rome, and to be brought into Caeſars favour.

Antipaters ſubtilty.Antipater was much honoured at Rome, being commended to all his Friends by his Fathers letters: and though he was abſent, yet deſiſted he not by writing to incenſe his p. 45Father againſt the Sons of Mariamne, pretending his great care of his Fathers ſafety, but in truth, to make way for his ſucceſſion in the Kingdom. About this time Agrippa died, and being brought into the market place of Rome, Auguſtus commended him in a Funerall Oration.

Herod being now incenſed a…ainſt his Sons,Her…d accuſeth his Sons. Alexander and Ariſtobulus, he ſailed with them to Rome to accuſe them before Auguſtus, and not finding him there, he followed him as far as Aquileia, before whom he accuſed them of treachery againſt him; but the young men ſatisfied all that were preſent by their Apology for themſelves mixed with prayers and tears, ſo that they were reconciled to their Father. After which, giveing thanks unto Caeſar, they departed together, and with them Antipater alſo, who pretended much joy that they were received into favour again.

A few dayes after Herod gave Caeſar three hundred Talents,Caeſars favours to Herod. and again Caeſar gave him half the revenues of the mettall Mines in Cyprus, and the other half alſo he committed to his overſight, and having honoured him with other gifts of Hoſpitality, he gave him leave to chooſe which of his Sons he pleaſed to be his ſucceſſor, or if he liked it better to divide his Kingdom amongſt them, which when he was about to do, Caeſar told him that he would not ſuffer but that he ſhould have his Kingdom during his life in his own power, as well as his Sons.

In Herods abſence there was a rumour ſpread in Judea that he was dead, whereupon the Trachonites revolting, fell to their old trade of thieving; but by the diligence of his Captains that he had left in his Kingdom,Thieves ſubdued. they were ſubdued, and forty of the Chief of them, being terrified by the puniſhment of thoſe that were taken, left their country and fled into Arabia Nabathaea, where they were intertained by Silaeus (who was an enemy to Herod, becauſe he had denyed him his ſiſter Salome to wife) who gave them a place to dwell in that was well fortified.

Herod and his Sons ſailing homeward,Herod returns with his Sons. arrived at Sebaſte in Cilicia, where they met with Archelaus King of Cappadocia, who courteouſly intertained Herod, much rejoycing p. 46that his Sons were reconciled to him, and that Alexander had fairely anſ…red the crimes that were objected againſt him: and ſo gi…ing royall gifts each to other, they parted.

Herod being returned into Judea, called the people together, and told them what he had done in his voyage, and declared to them that his ſons ſhould reign after him, firſt Antipater, and then Alexander and Ariſtobulus, that he had by Mariamne.

About this time, in the year of the world 3994, Agrippa the firſt King of the Jews of that name,Agrippa born. was born, who dyed when he was fifty four years old, being ſtruck by an Angel, Act. 12.23. Alſo that lame man was now born, who being above forty years old, was healed by Peter, at the Beautifull gate of the Temple, Act. 4.22.

Herod having finiſhed Caeſarea Stratonis in the twenty eighth year of his Reign, he dedicated it with great ſolemnity, and many ſports and paſtimes: After which he began to build another Town in a field called Capharſala, Herods great buildings.which he called Antipatris, after his Fathers name; and a Caſtle alſo, which he called Cyprus after his Mothers name. In honour alſo of his dead brother, he built in Jeruſalem a very faire Tower, not inferiour to the Egyptian Pharos, and called it Phaſalus: and afterwards he built a Town of the ſame name in the valley of Jericho, from whence the country there about… is called Phaſelus,

Herod having waſted his wealth by his great prodigality, and now wanting mony, after the example of John Hyrcanus, in the night,He robs Davids Sepulchre without the knowledge of the people, he opened Davids ſepulchre, where, though he found no mony, yet he found great ſtore of precious things, and ornaments of gold, which he took away: for the expiation of which fact, he afterwards built a moſt ſumptuous Monument of white Marble at the entrance of the Sepulchre.

Antipaters ſubtilty.Antipater, ſuborning other men falſly to accuſe his Brethren, Alexander and Ariſtobulus, takes upon him their defence, that making a ſhew of good will to them, he p. 47might the eaſier oppreſs them: and by theſe ſubtilties he ſo wrought upon his Father, that thought him to be his only preſerver. Hereupon Herod commended his Steward Ptolomy unto Antipater, and communicated all his Counſels with his Mother Doris, ſo that all things were done as they pleaſed, and ſtill the King was imbittered againſt thoſe, whom it was their profit that he ſhould be angry with.

About this time Pheroras (Herods Brother) fell ſo madly in love with his own ſervant, that he refuſed marriage with Cypros, the Kings Daughter, that was offered him by his Brother: He alſo accuſed Herod to his Son Alexander, as if he had been greatly in love with his Wife Glaphyra: for both which Herod was highly diſpleaſed with him.

In the year of the world 3996, he began to be diſeaſed, who, lying at the Pool of Betheſda, was after 38 years, reſtored to health by Chriſt, Joh. 5.5.

Alexander, by the ſubtilties of his adverſaries,Alexander reconciled to his Father. being even driven to deſparation, was at this time reconciled to his Father by Archelaus, King of the Cappadocians, who came to Jeruſalem to viſit Herod, and being accounted one of Herods chief Friends, received great gifts from him, and when he departed, Herod brought him as far as Antioch.

Not long after Herod went a third time to Rome to viſit Caeſar, in whoſe abſence thoſe Thieves of Trachonis, Herod goes again to Rome.whom Syllaeus had intertained, with their inrodes infeſted, not only Judea, but all Caeloſyria; Syllaeus affording them both impunity, and …curity.

He… bein… returned from R…me, He returns and dedicates the Temple.celebrated the Dedication of the T…le, reedified by him in the ſpace of nine years and …h… on the very b…rth day of his Kingdom, which he wa… …ont to celebrate with great joy, at which time he Sacr…ced unto God three hundred Oxen, and other of the p…ople off…red an innumerable company of Sacrifices, every one according to his ability.

Herod finding that in his abſence his People had ſuſtained much dammage by thoſe Thieves of Trachonis, Thieves do much miſchief.and ſeeing he could not ſubdue them, being under the protection of the Arabian, he therefore entred Trachonis, and deſtroyed p. 48their Famelies, which yet did but incenſe them the more; ſo that, contemning all dangers, they moleſted Herods Countries with continuall excurſions, driving, and carrying away the peoples goods.

Herod, hereupon ſent to the Preſidents of Syria, Saturninus, and Volumnius, deſiring that he might have the puniſhing of the Thieves of Trachonis, who by their incurſions had often waſted his Country. They, when they heard hereof, being increaſed to the number of a thouſand, began to waſte both fields, and villages, cutting the throats of all that fell into their hands; wherefore Her…d demanded thoſe Thieves to be delivered over to him, and withall, required the ſixty Talents that he had lent Ob…das upon Syllaeus his ſecurity, who had thruſt Obodas from the Government and now ruled all himſelf: But Syllaeus denied that the Thieves were in Arabia, and deferred alſo to pay the money; whereupon the buſineſs was debated before Saturninus, and Volumnius, and in concluſion it was determined by them; that within thirty dayes ſpace, both the money ſhould be repaid, and the runawayes of both Countries ſhould be delivered up, and Syllaeus ſwore by the Fortune of Caeſar before the Preſidents of Syria, that he would perform what was enjoyned.

But when the time was expired, Syllaeus being unwilling to ſtand to the agreement, went to Rome: and in the mean time Herod, by the permiſſion of Saturninus, and Volumnius, to puniſh thoſe obſtinate people, raiſed an Army, entred Arabia, and marched as far in three days as they uſed to do in ſeaven; and when he came to the Caſtle where the Thieves kept,Herod deſtroies the Thieves. he took it at the firſt aſſault, and demoliſhed a Fortreſs alſo called Raeeptu: and when a Captain of the Arabians came to their aid, they joyned battell, in which few of the Herodians were ſlain, but there dyed twenty five of the Arabians together with their Captain, whereupon the reſt fled. Being thus revenged of the Thieves, he brought three thouſand Idumaeans into Trachona, to reſtrain the theiveries committed there, and certified the Romane Generals, that he had only uſed that power which they had granted againſt thoſe obſtinate Arabians, which upon enquiry, they found to be true.

p. 49There were Letters poſted away to Rome to Syllaeus, Caeſar incenſed againſt him.that related matters far otherwiſe, aggravating every thing after their manner, by which Lyes Caeſar was ſo much incenſed againſt Herod, that he wrote threatning Letters to him, becauſe he had marched with an Army out of his own Kingdom without his leave: and he was ſo far provoked, that he would not hear his Ambaſſadors, but diſmiſſed them without an anſwer.

The Trachanites, and Arabians taking hold of this occaſion, moleſted the Garriſon of the Idumaeans that Herod had ſet over them; but Herod being affrighted with Caeſars anger, was fain to connive at it.

About this time Obodas, King of Arabia Nabathaea dyed, and one Aeneas ſucceeded him, who changed his name into Aretas; which Syllaeus hearing of at Rome, endeavoured by falſe accuſations to have him thruſt from the Kingdom, and to get it to himſelf, beſtowing much money upon the Courtiers, and promiſing great things unto Caeſar, whom he knew to be offended with Aretas, for aſſuming the Kingdom without his conſent. In the mean while Aretas ſent Letters, and rich preſents unto Caeſar, and amongſt them a Crown worth many Talents: But Caeſar would not hear his Ambaſſadors, and ſcorned his Preſents, and diſmiſſed them without any thing done.

Herod being continually vexed with the inſolencies of the Arabians, ſent Nicholas Damaſcene to Rome, to ſee,Herod fals out with his Sons, and impriſons them. if by the mediation of his Friends, he could get Juſtice from Caeſar: But in the mean time the diſcord with his Sons that he had by Mariamne, was greatly heightned by the artifices of Euri…hus a Laced… nian, which occaſioned Herod, to find out their ſ…pp…ſ…d treachery, to put to death by various torments, many both of his own, and of his Sons Friends, yet could he find no other evil by them, but ſome too free complaints of improvident young men, concerning their Fathers immoderate cruelty, and his too eaſie hearkning to baſe pick-thanks, of the wicked deceits of their Brother Antipater, and of the faction that was combined againſt them, and that, to free themſelves from theſe miſchiefs, p. 50they were ſaid to think of flying to Archelaus King of Cappadocia, which thing indeed they did not deny: Hereupon Herod caſt them into priſon, as i… they had been convicted of treaſon againſt their F… he…, reſolving to puniſh them according a… his ff …rs went at Rome and concerning this buſin…ſs h… ſent L…tters to Caeſ r by Volumnius, the Roman Generall, and Olympius, his Friend.

At Rome Nicholas Dam…ſcene joyned himſelf to the Arabians that cam… to accuſe Syllaeus, profeſſing that he was his accuſ…r alſo before Augu…us, and not Herods defender, and this he did, leſt he ſhould be repulſ…d as others had been before him. When by this means he had gotten acceſs into Caeſars preſence, he indeed laid open many of Syllaeus his crimes, and withall added, that Caeſar was circumvented with his lies in the cauſe of Herod, which he confirmed by certain authentick records: This ſo prevailed with Caeſar that he condemned Syllaeus, and remanded him into the Province, that when he had ſatisfied the debt, he might be puniſhed.

Caeſar is reconciled to Herod.From this time Auguſtus was reconciled to Aretas, and and Herod, and then received the Preſents that before he had ſo often rejected, and confirmed the Kingdom of the Arabians to Ar…tas. He adviſed Herod alſo by his letters, to call a Councel of his Friends at Berytus, and joyning the Preſidents of Syria, with Archelaus, the King of Cappadocia, by their joynt advice to determine of the buſineſs about his Sons.

About this time the Angel Gabriel (who long before had foretold to Daniel the coming of the Meſſias by a certain number of weeks) appeared at the right ſide of the Altar of incenſe to Zachary An Angel appears to Zachary.the Prieſt, of the courſe of Abia, telling him, that there ſhould be born to him now in his old age, his wife El…zabeth alſo being well ſtricken in years and barren, a Son called John, a Nazarite, and the forerunner of the Lord, in the ſpirit, and power of Elias: which he not believing was made dumb, Luk. 15, 22.

Herod having received Auguſtus his letters, rejoyced exceedingly, both becauſe he was returned into his favour p. 51and for that he had granted him power to do what he would with his Sons, and hereupon he convened by meſſengers all thoſe that Caeſar had appointed, to Berythus, except only Archelaus, and kept his ſons not far from the place, in a City of the Sidonians: and the Caſe being opened, Saturninus, one that had been Conſul, delivered his opinion, but moderated with circumſtances, that Herods Sons were to be condemned,Herod procures his Sons to be condemned. but not to be put to death: After him, his three Sons that were his Lieutenants, delivered their opinions to the ſame purpoſe: But Velumnius pronounced that they were to be puniſhed with death, whoſe opinion the ma…r part followed: and ſo the Councel being ended, Herod took his Sons with him, and meeting with Nicholas Damaſcene at Tyrus, they went together to Caeſarea.

Here, when as a certain old Souldier named Tyro, had ſmartly reprehended Herod Herods cruelty.for his wickedneſs determined againſt his Sons, and told him that three hundred more of his Captains were of the ſame opinion, Hero… commanded him to be caſt into priſon: Trypho the Kings Barber, taking this occaſion, accuſed Tiro for that he had often ſollicited him to cut the Kings throat with his razor, as he was triming him, and immediately both Tiro, and his Son, and the Barber were tortured: and Herod bringing thoſe three hundred Captains, and Tiro and his Son, and the Barber, accuſed them before the People, againſt whom the people throwing any thing that came next to hand, ſlew them every one.

Then were Alexander, and Ariſtobulus led to Sebaſte, Herods▪ Sons ſtrangled.and there ſtrangled by their Fathers command, and their bodies were buried in the Caſtle of Alex…ndrian, where Alexander, their Grandfather by the mothers ſi…e, and many of their Prog…nitors, had been buried.

Antip…ter, Antipaters. Treaſon.when his Brethren were now dead, intended to remove his Father alſo out of the way: and knowing that he was hated by many in the Kingdom, he endeavoured by Bribes to get the good will of his Fathers Friends, both at Rome and in Judea; but eſpecially of Saturninus, the Preſident p. 52of Syria, and of P…eroras, and Salome, the Brother and Siſter o… Herod.

At …is time Herod ſent home Glaphira, the widdow of his ſo… A…exander, to her F…ther Ar…helaus the King of C…op … and g… her a D…wry out of his Treaſury, leſt ſom… …roverſie ſ…ould a … concerning it, and withall, he took … care …f …e young children of Alexander, and Ari…to… wh…h A…tipa…er took very heavily, fearing leſt whe… …ey ſho…ld come to age, they would hinder his deſign… …ough… in …ef…re their deſtruction: and he ſo overcam …erod b… his flatteries that he ſ…ffered him to marry the d…ughte… … Ariſtobulus, and his ſon to marry the daug…ter of … U…cle Pheroras.

About th… …he Herod invited Zamaris, a Babilonian Jew, and gave him a Country in Tra…honis to inhabit, and this he did, that he might be a guard to that Country againſt Thieves: and Zamaris coming with five hundred Horſe, and an hundred of his kinſmen, erected Caſtles in divers places of that Country, by which means he ſecured the Jews that came from Babilon to the Feaſts at Jeruſalem from the Thieves.

Antipater working treaſon againſt his Father, drew in his Uncle Pheroras, and ſome of the Kings women, that were moſt addicted to the Sect of the Phariſees, Of the Phariſees.except Salome, who conſtantly adhered to her Brother Herod. Theſe Phariſees were a crafty people, arrogant, and enemies to Kings, and they only of the whole nation of the Jews, refuſed to ſwear allegiance to Herod and Caeſar, and were about ſix thouſand. For which cauſe Herod fined them, and the wife of Pheroras paid their fine for them, to whom, by way of requitall, they foretold that the Kingdom ſhould be taken from Herod, and his children, and be transferred upon her Husband, and her, and their children: theſe things Salome made known to Herod, Herod ſlew ſome of them.who examining the buſineſs, put ſome of the Phariſees to death, and with them, the Eunuch Dagoas, and his darling Carus, who was commended to him for his handſomeneſs; and beſides theſe, all the reſt of his Family whom he found to have conſpired with the Pha…ſ… ▪

p. 53Herod having puniſhed the Phariſees, called a Councill of his Friends, and before them began an accuſation againſt the wife of his brother Pherora…, and when Pheroras, tho to grafie his Brother, would not forſ…ke her, he forbad Antipater Pheroras his company: and Antipater, that he might remove all ſuſpition from himſelf, procured by his friends that his Father ſhould ſend him immediately to Auguſtus: and accordingly Herod Herod ſends his Son to Caeſar.ſent him with great preſents, and his Will, in which he declared that Antipater ſhould ſucceed him in the Kingdom: but if he died before him, then his Son that he had by Mariamus, the daughter of Simon the High Prieſt.

In the ſixth monethmonth after John was conceived,The Angel appears to Mary. the Angel Gabriel was ſent to Nazareth in Galilee, to the bleſſed Virgin Mary, betrothed to J…ſeph, of the ſame Tribe with her: viz. of the ſtock of David, and declared to her that ſhe ſhould bring forth the Son of God, and call his name Jeſus, and ſhe being more fully taught of his admirable conception by the power of the Holy Ghoſt overſhadowing her, with great Faith, ſaid, Be it to the handmaid of the Lord according to thy word, Luk. 1.26, 38. and preſently after ſhe went into the Hill-Country, into a City of Judah (viz. Hebron, a City of the Prieſts, ſcituated in the mountains of Judea, Joſh. 21.10, 11.) where, when ſhe entred into the Houſe of Zachary, and ſaluted her Couſin Elizabeth, the babe ſprang in her womb, and ſhe, being filled with the Holy Ghoſt, declared that Mary was bleſſed, &c. Luk. 1.39, 56.

Herod baniſhed his BrotherHerod baniſhes his Brother. Pheroras into his Tetrarchy, becauſe he would not part with his wife, who ſwore that he would never return till he heard of Herods death, ſo that a little after, Herod falling ſick, and often ſending for him, to receive ſome private inſtructions, he refuſed to come for his oaths-ſake.

When Elizabeth… time was come, ſhe brought forth a Son, who wa called Jo…n, John Baptiſt is born.and Zacharies ſpeech being reſtored to h…m, he propheſied, ſaying, Bl…ſſed be the Lord God of Iſrael &c. Luk. 1.57, …8. and Joſeph finding his betrothed wife to be with child, thought of putting her away privily, p. 54but being warned by God in a dream, he took her to wife, M…t. 1.24.

Pheroras Pheroras dieth.falling ſick, and Herod, beyond expectation, being recov…red, went to viſit him, and very kindly ſought help for him, but he died within a few dayes after, whoſe bo…y was brought to Jeruſalem, and interred by Herod, who honoured him with publick mourning.

At this time two of Pheroras's freed men, declared to Herod how he was killed by poyſon, g ven him by Doris, the Mother of A…tipater, which whileſt Herod enquired into, by little and little …e found out greater Villanies, and the manifeſt treaſon… …f his Son Antip…e…, Antipaters Treaſon.who, when he went to Rome, had delivered a deadly poiſon t… Pheroras, that was ſent him out of Egypt from his Uncle …heodore, the brother of Doris, wherewithall to m…ke aw…y … Father, that ſo the ſuſpition of the Parracide ſhould not lye upon him, being ſo far abſent.

Hereupon Herod put Doris out of the Pallace, and took from her Jewels that were worth many Talents: He alſo put from him his wife Mariamne, the daughter … the H…gh Prieſt, as a partner of all theſe ſecrets, and blotted h… ſon out of his Will, and deprived her …ather of the High Prieſthood, and ſubſtituted in his room Ma…thias, the Son of Theophilus, that was born at Jeruſalem.

Preſently after came Bathyllus, Antipaters freed-man from Rome, who being tortured, confeſſed that formerly he had brought poiſon, and given it to D…ris, and Pher…ras, that if the firſt proved too weak, they ſhould be ſure to diſpatch Herod with the ſecond. There came alſo letters from his Friends at Rome, to the King, written by the entreaty of Antipater, Antipaters Craft.in which Archelaus and Philip, H…rods ſons, were accuſed for often complaining of the death of Alex…n… and Ariſtobulus, pittying the misfortune of their murthered brethren: For theſe young men were ſtudying at Rome, and their Father had now commanded their return: whereupon Antipater by great gifts corrupted thoſe friends, th…t by their letters they might make the young men ſuſpected to their Father, who if they lived, might be an hindrance to his hopes.

p. 55About this time Auguſtus taxing all the Roman world, our Lord Chriſt was born,Chriſt is born. Luk. 2.4, 5.

Shortly after there came wiſe men from the Eaſt, the Star being their guide, to Herod at Jeruſalem, and there, being taught that the birth place of Chriſt, was Bethlehem of Judea, thither they went, and entring into the houſe, which was ſhewed them by the Star that ſtood over it, they found the Child, and fell down, and worſhipped him, &c. Mat. 2.1, 12.

After the Angel of the Lord appeared unto J…ſeph in a dream, warning him to fly into Egypt, Joſeph flies into Egypt.where he remained till the death of Herod, Mat. 2.13, 14, 15.

Herod thinking that the Child was ſtill at Bethlehem, that he might deſtroy him amongſt the reſt, killed all the childrenHerod kils the children. which were in Bethlehem, and in all the Coaſts thereof, from two years old, and under, according to the time (of the Star firſt ſeen in the Eaſt) that he had enquired of the wiſe men, Mat. 2 10.

Herod receiving letters from Antipater from Rome, in which he ſignified, that having diſpatched all his buſineſs according to his own mind, he would ſhortly return into his own Country, he wrote back to him again,Herod enſnares his Son. diſſembling his anger, that he ſhould make haſt, leſt any thing ſhould befall him in his abſence that he ſhould not like of; and alſo gently complaining of his Mother, he promiſed that he would remit all differences after his return.

Antipater heard no news all this while either of the death of Phero…s, or of thoſe things that were on foot againſt him, though there were ſeven moneths ſpace between the wickedneſs proved againſt him, and his return.Antipaters return. For in his journey at Tarentum, he met with a letter of the death of Pheroras, and in Cilicia thoſe letters of his Father that called him back ſo haſtily; and when he came to C…lenderis, a Town of Calicia, he began to doubt of his return, hearing of, and being extream ſorrowfull for the diſgrace of his Mother, yet ſailing forwards, he came to Sebaſte, a Port of Caeſ…rea, where, being ſaluted by none, he went to Jeruſalem.

p. 56It happened that Quintilius Varus, was the ſame time at Jeruſalem, being ſent as Succeſſor to Saturninus into Syria, and then called thither by Herod to aſſiſt him with his counſell in thoſe his weighty affairs. As they were ſitting both together, in comes Antipater not knowing any thing, and in his purple garment that he uſed to wear, entring the Pallace; but himſelf being entred, the Guards ſuffered none of his followers to come in with him: As he was coming near, his Father thruſt him from him, reproaching him with the murther of his Brethren, and his intention of poiſoning his Father, telling him that the next day Varus ſhould hear, and determine all things betwixt them, and accordingly the next day, Varu…, and the King, ſitting in Judgement, his Father himſelf firſt began the accuſation, and left the proſecution, and confirmation thereof to his old Friend, Nicholas Damaſcene, one that knew all the buſineſs, and when Antipater Antipater accuſed by his Father.could not clear himſelf from the crimes obj…cted againſt him, Varus commanded the poiſon that he had prepared for his Father to be brought forth, which being given to a condemned man, killed him immediately: after which Varus roſe from the Council, and the next day went to Antiochia: but Herod caſt his Son into priſon, and ſignified ſo much by letters to Caeſar: ſending alſo meſſengers, who by word of mouth might acquaint him with the curſed treaſon of Antipater.

As theſe meſſengers were poſting to Rome, Herod Herods ſickneſs.fell ſick, and made his Will, leaving his Kingdom to his youngeſt Son, Herod Antipas, being exaſperated againſt his two elder Sons, Archelaus, and Philip, by the falſe accuſations of Antipater.

Judas the ſon of Sariphaeus, and Matthias, the ſon of Margalothus, two of the moſt learned of the Jews, and beſt Interpreters of the Law, knowing that the Kings ſickneſs was incurable, perſwaded ſome young men, that were their Scholars, to throw down the Golden EagleThe Golden Eagle hewn down. that was ſet up by Herod, over the great gate of the Temple; who accordingly, going up at noon day, pulled and hewed down with their axes the Eagle, a great multitude being in the p. 57Temple, and beholding it: which as ſoon as it was told the Captain, he came with a ſtrong band of ſouldiers, and laid hold upon ſome forty of the young men, together with their Maſters, and brought them to Herod: Theſe conſtantly defending what they had done, Herod commanded them to be bound, and ſent them to Jericho: Then calling for the Rulers of the Jews, into whoſe Aſſembly he was brought in a Litter, by reaſon of his weakneſs, he complained to them, not ſo much of the injury done to himſelf, as to God (as he ſaid) Theſe denying that it was done by their order, ſomewhat pacified him, only he took away the High Prieſthood from Matthias, whom he ſuſpected not to be a ſtranger to that fact, and made his ſucceſſor Jazer, the Brother of his Wife Mariamne, the daughter of Simon the High Prieſt; but he burned alive the other Matthias that was the author of this ſedition, and his companions.

Herods Herod puts them to death. His ſickneſs encreaſeth.diſeaſe began now to grow worſe: for he was burned with a ſlow fire, which was not perceived ſo much by the outward touch, as by the inward effects of it, which burnt up his very bowels: He had alſo the diſeaſe called the Bulemia, or Dog-like appetite, which provoked him to a continuall deſire of eating, and yet nothing would ſatisfie him: He was alſo continually tormented with ulcers in his bowels, and pains of the collick: His feet ſwelled with a moiſt phlegm, and his thighs alſo: His members rotted and were full of worms, which occaſioned an intollerable ſtink: He was no leſs troubled with a Priapiſme: and moreover was vexed with grievous convulſions, and difficulty of breathing.

And …hough he was ſo grievouſly tormented, that every one judged that he could not be able to endure it long,All means of cure fail him. yet he hoped that he ſhould break through it, being very carefull to ſend for the ableſt Phyſicians, and ſought medecines from every place: He went alſo beyond Jordan to the hot Baths at Calli…h…e, which run into the Asphaltite lake, which beſides the medecinal vertue, are pleaſant, and good to be drunk: There being, by the advice of his Phyſicians▪ ſet into a bathing tub of oil, he ſeemed to them to be giving up the Ghoſt, yet by the ſudden crying out, and lamentations of his Friends, he came to himſelf again, and now ſeeing no hope of recovery, he commanded fifty D…a…h…aes to be given to every ſouldier, and having ſhewed much liber…lity to his Captains, and Friends, he returned again to Jericho.

p. 58Auguſtus being told that amongſt the children which Herod had cauſed to be ſlain at B…thlehem, there was a ſon alſo of his own ſlain, He ſaid, That it was better to be Herods hog than his Son.

Herod by an edict called together to Jericho, all the moſt Noble of the Jews, and when they came, he ſhut them all up together in a place called, the Hippodrome, giving command to his ſiſter Salome, and her huſband Alexus, that as ſoon as he was dead, they ſhould cauſe his ſouldiers to ſlay them all,His cruelty. that ſo the people might have cauſe of ſorrow, who otherwiſe (he feared) would rejoyce at his death.

At this time letters came from Rome from the Ambaſſadors whom he had ſent to Caeſar, wherein they certified him that the Emperor left Antipater to his Fathers pleaſure, either to baniſh, or to put him to death. Herod hearing this, was a little cheared: but preſently his torments returning, and being greedy of mea…, he called for an apple and a knife to pare it, intending with the k…ife to have ſtabbed himſelf,He attempts to murther himſelf. which alſo he a…tempted: but Archelaus, his Nephew, prevented him, and holding his right hand, called for help. This accident cauſed much ſorrow, fear, and tumult through the whole Pallace, as if Herod had been dead.

Antipate… perceiving the noiſe, thought verily that his Father was dead, and thereupon begin to tamper with his Keeper about letting him out, promiſing him great rewards, both for the preſent, and for the fu…ure when it would lye in his power amply to reward him: This his practice the Keeper told to the King, who for indignation cryed, and though he was ſo near death, yet did he raiſe up himſelf on his Bed, and commanded o…e of his Guard to go preſently and kill Ant…pater, Antipater ſlain. Herods Will.and to bury him in the Caſtle of Hy…canion without any honour, which was done accordingly.

Then did he make a new Teſtament: for Antipas, whom before he had made ſucceſſor to his Kingdom, he made Tetrar…h of Gal…lee, and Petre…: To his ſon Philip he aſſigned the regi…ns of Gaulanitis, T…a…h…nitis, B…tan…a, and Pancada in the name of a Tetrarchy, but he gave the Kingdom to his Son Archelaus: To his ſiſter Sal…me he gave Jamnia, Az…tus, and Thaſaelis, with five hundred thouſand Dra…hmaes: To the reſt of his kindred he gave money, and yearly Penſions. To Cae a… he gave ten Millions of Drachmaes of ſilver, and all his Plate, as well of Gold as of Silver, and a great quantity of precious moveables: and To Livia, C…ſars wife, and ſome certain friends, he gave five Mil…ions of Dra…hmaes.

Having thus ordered theſe things, five dayes after Antipater was put to death,His Death he dyed himſelf, having enioyed the Kingdom 34 years after the death of Antigonus: but from the time that he was declared King by the Romans, 37 years, about the 25^th of our November, in the year of the world 4001, and after the birth of Chriſt, about two years.

FINIS.

There is lately publiſhed by M^r Sam Clarke, a new Piece of Lives, containing the Lives of ten Eminent Divines, with ſome …ther private Chriſtians, the Divines being as follow; M^r John Carter, M^r Sam Crook, M^r John Cotton, D^r Tho. Hill, D^r Will. Gouge, M^r Tho. Gataker, M^r Jeremy Whitaker, A. B^p James Uſher, M^r Rich. Capel, and D^r Rob. Harris, &c. Sold by Will. Miller at the Gilded Acorn near the Little North Door in S^t Pauls Church-yard.

End of the text · Samuel Clarke, The Wicked Life and Woeful Death of Herod the Great (1664)