The History of the Old Testament Methodized, Text (2 of 3)

The History of the Old Testament Methodized · Text (2 of 3)

p. 20When Bacchides heard this, he marched down, and came thither with a great Army upon the Sabbath-day; and Jonathan being beſet behind and before by the enemy, and on each ſide with the River and Marſhes, yet encouraged his men to fight; and after having ſlain about a 1000 of them, ſeeing himſelf too weak for the enemy, He and his men leaped into Jordan, and got over to the other ſide; neither did the enemy attempt to follow him. As for Bacchides he returned to Jeruſalem, and built fenced Cities in Judea, and a Fort in Jericho, and other places, and garriſon'd them all, that by their Sallies and Incurſions they might annoy the Iſraelites. He fortifyed alſo the Cities of Bethſura and Gazara, with the Caſtle at Jeruſalem, where he placed Soldiers and Proviſions, and taking the Sons of the chief of the Country for Hoſtages, he put them in ward in the Tower of Jeruſalem. 1 Mac. 9.

The Ambaſſadors ſent from Judas Maccabaeus to Rome, were kindly received, and concluded a League of Aſſociation with the Romans; the Tenor of which was, That they ſhould mutually aſſiſt and ſuccour each other againſt the common Enemy: And the Articles were written in Tables of Braſs. The Senate alſo wrote Letters to Demetrius, That he ſhould forbear to oppreſs the Jews any further, being their Confederates, otherwiſe they vvould vvage War upon him both by Land and Sea. And this vvas the firſt League that vvas ever knovvn to be betvven the Romans and the Jews.

About this time (as it ſhould ſeem) Alcimus commanded the wall in the Temple, which ſevered the Court of the People from that of the Gentiles to be pulled down, which had been built by Zerubbabel and the Prophets, whoſe Monuments he began alſo to pull down and deſtroy. But at the ſame time he was ſo ſmitten, that he could not open his own mouth, nor ſo much as give orders concerning his own Houſe, but died in great Torment, the third year after he had uſurped the High-Prieſthood. After his death Jeruſalem was ſeven years without any High-Prieſt at all. But then Jonathan put on the High-Prieſts Robes.

p. 21After Alcimus's death, Bacchides returned to Demetrius. For two years the land of Judea continued quiet, but at the end thereof, certain wicked Jews ſent for Bacchides again, acquainting him, that he might eaſily apprehend Jonathan and his Company in one night. Whereupon Bacchides made towards them with a great force, and ſent privily Letters to his Friends in Judea, to aſſiſt him in this Enterprize. But their Plot was diſcovered to Jonathan and his Company, and he taking 50 of the Contrivers of that Villany, put them all to death. Then Jonathan and Simon, and thoſe that were with him, removed to Bethbaſin in the Wilderneſs, and repaired the walls thereof, and fortified it; which Bacchides having notice of, went down thither and beſieged it. But ſuch was his Entertainment from the beſieged (who ſallying out, burnt his Engines, and killed many of his men) that having lain before the place a long time to no purpoſe, and being thus diſappointed in his hopes, he turn'd his anger againſt thoſe that had procur'd him to make this Expedition; in ſo much that he ſlew many of them, and purpoſed to return into his own Land. Jonathan having notice thereof, ſent to him to treat of peace, and to exchange Priſoners, which he gladly accepted of, proteſting he would not any more diſturb Jonathan all the days of his life. So he returned home into his own land, and never after entred into Judea with an Army.

The Wars thus compoſed in Judea, Jonathan dwelt at Michmaſh in the Tribe of Benjamin, and began to judge the people, and to take away the Wicked out of Iſrael.

About this time Alexander Bala crying himſelf up for the Son of Antiochus Epiphanes, ſeized upon Ptolemais, a City in Phaenicia. Demetrius hearing of this, began to prepare to fight with him, and ſent Letters alſo to Jonathan, whereby he renewed peace with him, and gave him Authority to levy forces, and provide Arms, that he might aſſiſt him in his War againſt Alexander. He commanded alſo that the Hoſtages which were kept in the Fort, ſhould be releaſed, which was accordingly done; and he delivered them to their Parents. Jonathan improving this opportunity, began to re-edifie and repair Jeruſalem, and to build up the Walls. And the Aliens that were in the Forts which Bacchides built, quitted them, and haſted away to their own land. Alexander having notice of Demetrius's Meſſage to Jonathan, he courts him likewiſe, and deſires his Friendſhip and Aſſociation. And among many other Priviledges and Immunities which he granted to that Nation, he appointed him to be the High-Prieſt, ſending him Purple and a Crown of Gold, and honoured him with the Title of being called the Kings Friend.

So in the ſeventh month of the 160th. year of the Seleucides, Jonathan put on the holy Robe; in the nineth year after the death of his brother Judas (the Prieſthood having been vacant ſeven years from the death of Alcimus) being the firſt of the Haſmoneans that arrived at this dignity, as being deſcended from Jehojarib (of the Prieſts family indeed) but not from Jaddus the High-Prieſt, whoſe Heir Onias now lived in Egypt with Ptol. Philometor.

The Jews now diſclaiming Demetrius, of whoſe hatred to them they had had ſufficient experience, ſtick cloſe to Alexander; and from that time forward continued his Confederates in the War.

Alexander Bala having gotten an Army together, made up partly of the Soldiers that revolted to him from Demetrius, and partly of the Auxiliaries of Attalus King of Pergamus, Ariarathes King of Cappadocia, and Jonathan, and eſpecially Ptol. Philometor, encountred Demetrius, and conquering his Army, killed him in the Fight, after he had reigned in Syria twelve years: And ſo Alexander obtained the Kingdom.

Alexander ſhortly after, remembring how much he was engaged to Ptol. Philometor for his aſſiſtance, ſent to him to deſire his Daughter to make him a Wife; which he willingly aſſented to, and brought her to Ptolemais in Phoenicia, and there married her to him with Royal and magnificent Solemnity.

Jonathan being by Alexander invited to this Wedding, he brought with him great Preſents of Gold and Silver, and ſeveral other things which he preſented to both the Kings, and their Friends; ſo that thereby he much wrought himſelf into their favour. At the ſame time ſeveral vile male-contents came out of Judea to accuſe Jonathan, but Alexander was ſo far from liſtning to any Tales againſt him, that he cauſed him to be clothed with Purple, and to ſet next to himſelf, and forbad by Proclamation any to ſpeak againſt him, or moleſt him in any matter. The King alſo did him a great deal of honour p. 22by liſting him among thoſe that were eſteemed his moſt intimate Friends.

After this, Alexander gave himſelf up to Idleneſs and Luxury, and permitted the affairs of his Kingdom wholly to be managed by one Ammonius, who carried himſelf inſolently, and made ſlaughter of the Kings friends, and among the reſt, put to death the Lady Laodice, Daughter of Epiphanes. Theſe things coming to the notice of Demetrius, eldeſt ſon of Demetrius Soter, he procured out of Crete a conſiderable force of Mercenary Soldiers, and with them ſailed into Cilicia. At the notice of which, Alexander being affrighted, haſted to Antioch to ſecure his affairs there before Demetrius ſhould come, where he made Hirax and Tryphon Governours. With Demetrius joyned Apollonius the Governour of Coeloſyria, who was ordered by him to go againſt thoſe Jews that adhered and continued firm to Alexander. Apollonius having gotten together a great Army, encamped at Jamnia, and ſent a proud challenge to Jonathan to come and meet him (if he durſt) and to fight with him in the plain field. Jonathan enraged hereat, marched from Jeruſalem againſt him with 10000 men. In his way he took Joppa, which Apollonius underſtanding, marched to Aſhdod, and left an Ambuſh in the way to intrap him, but he getting clear of it, engaged Apollonius and put all his Forces to flight; whereof many fled to the Temple of Dagon, which Jonathan ſet on fire; and ſo what with the Sword, and what with Fire, deſtroyed about 8000 of Apollonius his men. This coming to the ears of Alexander, he honoured Jonathan more than ever, and ſent him the Golden Buckler which was uſually given to thoſe of the Blood Royal, and gave him Accaron, a City of the Philiſtines, with its Territories, for an Inheritance to him and his Heirs for ever.

Ptol. Philometor now comes out of Egypt with great forces both by Land and Sea, under pretence of aiding his Son-in-law Alexander, but indeed with an Intention to ſeize upon Syria. He fell out with Alexander becauſe he would not deliver up Ammonius to him, who (he alledged) had plotted his Deſtruction. Hereupon taking his Daughter Cleopatra away from Alexander her Husband, he gave her to Demetrius, promiſing to aſſiſt him in the recovery of his Fathers Kingdom. The Antiochians alſo deſerted Alexander becauſe of Ammonius, who had uſed them ſo hardly. Hereupon Ammonius endeavoured to make an Eſcape in Womans apparel, but was taken and ſlain.

Ptolemy went to Antioch, and being there ſaluted as King, was crowned with two Diadems, the one for Syria, the other for Egypt. But at laſt perſwaded the Antiochians to receive Demetrius for their King.

Alexander was at this time at Cilicia, whereupon conſulting the Oracle of Apollo, 'tis ſaid, he received for anſwer, That he ſhould take heed of that place that had brought forth a double formed Spectacle; which ſemed to point out the City Abas in Arabia; where a certain Woman (as 'twas thought, named Herais) being married to one Samias, was found to be a man; into which City he went not long after. For invading and waſting of Syria with Fire and Sword, Ptolemy and Demetrius his new Son-in-law met him and overthrew him at the River Oenopara; whereupon he flying to Abas, his Head was cut off by Zabdiel the Prince of the place, and ſent to Ptolemy, who, though he received it with much joy, yet having in the Fight received a great hurt in his head, he died of that Wound three days after.

Demetrius now obtaining his Fathers Kingdom, was called Nicanor. About this time Jonathan beſieged the Caſtle at Jeruſalem, and did all he could with his Engines to reduce it. This being made known by ſome wicked Jews to Demetrius, he in great anger ſends to him to raiſe his ſiege, and appear before him at Ptolemais. Jonathan would not draw off his ſiege, but taking with him the Elders and Prieſts, he ventured to go to the King; and by the Preſents he brought and other ways ſo appeaſed him, that the King rejecting his Accuſers, confirmed the High-Prieſthood upon him, and counted him one of his chief Friends. And upon promiſe to pay to him 300 Talents, he procured from him an immunity from Tribute for all Judea, and the three Seigniories thereunto annexed.

Demetrius ſeeing all in peace at home, disbanded his old Soldiers, which bred great diſcontents among them. Diodotus (afterwards called Tryphon) one of Alexander Bala's Captains laying hold on this opportunity, went to Elmacuel the Arabian, with whom Antiochus (Alexander Bala's young Son) was brought up; and acquainting him how matters ſtood with Demetrius, obtained of him to have the young Child p. 23delivered up to him, undertaking to ſettle him in his Fathers Kingdom.

Demetrius in this tottering condition of his affairs, ſends to Jonathan for a ſupply, who ſent him 3000 men, which ſtood him in good ſtead; For he going about to diſarm the Antiochians, they roſe up in Arms, and many thouſands of them aſſembling together, they attempted to ſurprize the King himſelf, inſomuch that he was forced to retreat to his Palace; but the Jews haſtning to his relief, overcame this Rabble, and ſlaying a great number of them, ſet the City on fire; whereupon the Citizens were glad to ſubmit.

Tryphon now bringing Antiochus the young ſon of Bala from Arabia into Syria, he there ſet the Crown upon his head, calling him Theos. Hereupon all the disbanded Soldiers flocked unto him, ſo that Tryphon grew ſtrong enough to fight with Demetrius, and overthrowing his Army, forced him to fly to Seleucia. Then Tryphon in the name of Antiochus ſent Meſſengers to Jonathan to draw him to his party. And in order thereunto confirmed the High-Prieſthood to him, ſent him alſo chargers of Gold, and gave him leave to drink in veſſels of Gold, to be clothed in Purple, and to wear the Golden Buckler. Jonathan was eaſily drawn to be for Antiochus, becauſe Demetrius had for ſome time paſt falſifyed his word, and dealt very ungratefully with him.

Jonathan now having gotten leave of Antiochus to wage War againſt Demetrius his Captains, gathered his men together, and reduced the Country beyond Jordan as far as Damaſcus, and overthrew a party which there met him, killing to the number of 3000 men.

Jonathan obſerving now how his affairs were in a good condition, ſent Ambaſſadors to Rome to renew the Allyance made with them by Judas Maccabaeus. And he gave them Inſtructions, that in their return homeward from Rome, they ſhould viſit the Lacedemonians, and to mind them of the Alliance and ancient League with Onias the third, ſending a Letter to the ſame purpoſe, wherein the people of Judea among other things ſignified how that as a Teſtimony of their continued affection towards them, they conſtantly remembred them as their Brethren in their ſolemn Sacrifices and Devotions. Theſe Ambaſſadors were very honourably received both by the Romans and Lacedemonians, and effected what they were ſent about.

Tryphon having brought his deſign thus far on as to break the power of Demetrius, and having to that end deſired the friendſhip of Jonathan, he now deſired his ruine above all things, as ſtanding in his way, and likely to hinder his intended Treaſon. For he reſolved to ſeize upon the Kingdom himſelf; but fearing leſt Jonathan ſhould ſtand faſt to the Intereſt of the young King, and oppoſe him; he came down with his forces to Bethſan thinking to ſurprize Jonathan, but he hearing of his coming, made towards him with 40 thouſand choice men, which ſo diſheartned Tryphon, that he was ſo far from daring to attempt any thing againſt him, that he treated him very honourably, and with Preſents and other kindneſſes ſo diſſembled with him, that he perſwaded him at laſt to diſmiſs his army, and taking only a ſelected party along with him, to go to Ptolemais, which he promiſed to put into his hands: Jonathan conſenting hereunto, ſent all his men back but a 1000 whom he took along with him; but as ſoon as he entred Ptolemais, Tryphon commanded the Gates to be ſhut, and cut off all his men, and kept him Priſoner. Then Tryphon invaded Judea with a great Army (carrying Jonathan with him Priſoner) to oppoſe whom Simon the Brother of Jonathan was choſen General in his ſtead by the people. But Tryphon ſeeing the Jews prepared for reſiſtance, feigned, as if Jonathan was only detained for a 100 Talents of Silver, which he was in arrear, which if they would ſend to him together with Jonathans two Sons for Hoſtages (as a ſecurity that Jonathan ſhould not attempt to revenge his Impriſonment after he got his liberty) he promiſed he ſhould be releaſed. Simon, though he diſtruſted him, yet leaſt it ſhould be ſaid he neglected any thing for his Brothers ſafety, ſent his Nephews with the money; which, when Tryphon had received, he moſt perfidiouſly ſlew Jonathan, and then returned into Syria. Jonathan lived after the deceaſe of his Brother Judas, 17 years, and enjoyed the High-Prieſthood about nine years, he was put to death near Baſcha in the Country of Gilead, and there buried.

Simon ſome time after ſent to fetch away the body of his Brother Jonathan, and buried it at Modin the City of their Anceſtors; and all Iſrael lamented him many days. Simon alſo built a ſtately Monument over the Sepulchre of his Father and his Brothers, exceeding high, of white ſtone poliſhed all over. He erected alſo ſeven Pyramids all of a p. 24row in memory of his Father, and Mother, and Brothers. To theſe he addded a Porch of great Pillars, on which he cauſed the Portraiture of Armies and Ships to be engraven. Joſephus ſays, this rare Sepulchre of Modin laſted to his time.

Tryphon now makes away young Antiochus, giving out, that he was troubled with the Stone; and under pretence of cutting him for it, he cauſed the Phyſicians to kill him. This done, he put the Crown upon his own head. Simon being ſo highly diſobliged by him, and accounting him a great Tyrant and Robber, he ſent to make his peace with Demetrius, preſenting him with a Crown of Gold. Demetrius conſidering the great Reſpect the Romans had lately ſhewed the Nation of the Jews, and particularly to the Ambaſſadors Jonathan had lately ſent to confirm the League with them, promiſed to bury all things in oblivion, and confirmed to Simon the Immunities before granted to Jonathan. The year after he had the Caſtle of Jeruſalem ſurrendred to him: The Gentiles within having been pent up for two years without any relief, were moſt of them conſumed with Famine. Simon having cleanſed the Fort of all the Pollution of Idols, entred in with Branches of Palms, Harps, Cymbals, Viols, Hymns and Songs. He ordained alſo an Anniverſary Solemnity for this day: Which done, he afterwards repaired and fortified it, together with the Hill of the Temple, and there dwelt himſelf with his attendants.

After he had been High Prieſt three years, by a publick inſtrument of the Prieſts, Nobles and Elders of the people, after a recapitulation of his merits and great ſervices performed for his Nation, he was made their Prince and High Prieſt perpetual till God ſhould raiſe up the true Prophet, and all ornaments and prerogatives of Majeſty were given unto him. This inſtrument being made in braſs was faſtened to the wall that encompaſſed the Sanctuary, and a Copy thereof was laid up in the Treaſury. Thus was the yoke of the Heathen taken off from Iſrael, and the people began to date their inſtruments and contracts from the years of their High Prieſts after this manner, viz. In the firſt year of Simon being the great High Prieſt, General and Leader of the Jews, 1 Mac. 14.

Simon ſeeing his Son John (Sirnamed afterwards Hircanus) to be a very valiant man, appointed him Captain over all his forces.

Demetrius being invited by the Macedonians to come and head them againſt the Parthians, and being with great alacrity received and aſſiſted by them, he overthrew the Parthians in ſeveral Battels, till at laſt being circumvented by the cunning of one of their Princes, and having loſt his Army he fell into their hands, and was caſt into Priſon. Arſaces King of the Parthians having got him thus into his hands, afterwards ſent him into Hircania, where he cauſed him to be treated with reſpect due to a King, and afterwards gave him his daughter to wife, promiſing to reſtore unto him the Kingdom of Syria which Tryphon had diſpoſſeſſed him of.

The Souldiers in Syria growing weary of Tryphon's Government, revolted from him to Cleopatra (wife of Demetrius) who then lived in Seleucia with her children. Cleopatra taking it in great diſdain that Demetrius her husband had married the King of Parthia's daughter, in a ſtrange revenge ſent to his Brother Antiochus (called Sidetes or the Hunter, ſecond Son of Demetrius Soter) offering her ſelf in marriage to him, and with her ſelf the Kingdom alſo. Antiochus willingly accepted the offer, and marrying of her took the name of King upon him. Then writing Letters to Simon the High Prieſt and Ruler of the Jews, and (deſigning to make him his friend) he confirms unto him not only all the priviledges and immunities which other Kings of Syria had granted, but added alſo a priviledg of coyning money with his own ſtamp.

Simon now ſent Ambaſſadours to Rome for himſelf and the people of the Jews to renew their League and Amity with the Romans. Theſe Ambaſſadours carried with them a great ſhield of gold of a thouſand pound weight to preſent to the Roman Senate. The preſent was very kindly accepted, and Lucius the Conſul gave them Letters to the Neighbouring Kings and Provinces prohibiting them from attempting any thing which might prejudice the Jews, or abetting and aſſiſting any that ſhould fight againſt them. And if at any time any Runnagado-Jews ſhould flee out of Judea and come into their Territories, they ſhould deliver them up to Simon the High Prieſt to be proceeded againſt according to the Laws of their Country.

Antiochus Sidetes having married Cleopatra his Brothers wife, all the Armies of the Syrians except a few revolted to him; ſo that Tryphon ſeeing himſelf thus forſaken fled to Dora a Maritime City of Phoenicia, whither he was ſtraight purſued and blocked p. 25up both by ſea and land. Simon ſent 2000 choice men to Sidetes at the ſiege of Dora, but he to Simons great aſtoniſhment refuſed them all, and brake whatever Covenants he had made with him. And further, ſent Athenobius to him, complaining of his holding Joppa, Gazara and the Caſtle at Jeruſalem, and deſtroying the borders, and holding the Government of divers places of his Kingdom, requiring of him the tributes of thoſe places beyond the bounds of Judea (which were poſſeſſed by him) or elſe in lieu thereof to pay 500 Talents, and for the tribute of the other places held by him 500 Talents more, menacing war againſt him, except all things were performed that he demanded. To theſe things Simon anſwered that he held no Towns belonging to any other Prince, but had recovered by his ſword ſome Towns of his own held back from him by his enemies; as for Joppa and Gazara though they had done much harm to his people, yet he was willing to pay an hundred Talents. At this anſwer Sidetes was exceedingly enraged. In the mean while Tryphon eſcaped away from Dora to Orthoſias another Maritime City of Phoenicia; Antiochus himſelf purſuing Tryphon left Cendebaeus to take care of the Sea-coaſts, and to build up Cedron, and to deal with the Jews. He being come as far as Jamnia began to make inroads into Judea, and to take the people priſoners, and to kill and ſlay ſuch as he pleaſed. John (the Son of Simon) then lying at Gazara, and underſtanding how things went, gave notice thereof to his Father, who being now decrepid committed the managing of the war to him and his Brother Judas. John therefore with 20000 Foot, and ſome Horſe marched againſt Cendebaeus (who met them with a powerful Army) and marſhalling his body in ſuch wife that the Horſe and Foot might mutually protect each other, and then ſounding with their holy Trumpets they engaged the enemy and overthrew him, and put his whole Army to the rout; ſome betook themſelves to the Fort newly built, and others flying away, he purſued as far as the Towers of Azotus, and having ſlain about 2000 men in the purſuit, he burnt thoſe Towers, and returned ſafe into Judea.

Tryphon at laſt fled to his own Country-men at Apamea, and in the way as he went he ſcattered money on purpoſe to retard Antiochus's Souldiers in the purſuit of him, and ſo eſcaped out of their hands; but at laſt he was taken by Antiochus and put to death.

Simon traverſing the Cities of Judea, and providing for their orderly government, came down with his Sons Mattathias and Judas to Jericho, there Ptolemy the Son of Abubus his Son-in-law (who was by him ſet over the Province of Jericho) entertained them in Doc-caſtle which he had fortified, but deſigning to get the Government of the Country to himſelf, whilſt he was treating them at a Banquet, moſt treacherouſly and barbarouſly ſlew Simon with his two Sons, and ſome of his ſervants, after he had diſcharged the office of High Prieſt for the ſpace of eight years and three months. Ptolemy immediately acquaints Antiochus Sidetes with this villany, deſiring him to ſpeed an Army for his aſſiſtance, promiſing to deliver the Cities and Country of Judea into his hands. So that it ſeems more than probable that this villany was not tranſacted without the privity of Sidetes, and that the honour and reward which the Traytor ſo much aſpired unto was before promiſed him by the King upon his performance of it. This perfidious Ptolemy alſo ſent other cut-throats to murder John, Simon's other Son, but he eſcap'd them. He dealt alſo with the Colonels of the Jewiſh Militia to draw them over to himſelf, promiſing them great rewards. And moreover ſent ſome to ſeize upon Jeruſalem, and the mountain of the Temple.

John having received information of the murder of his Father and Brethren, and that ſome were ſent to do as much for him, prevented his enemies by falling upon them firſt, and ſo was made High Prieſt in the room of his Father, 1 Mac. 16.

And here the Author of the firſt Book of Maccabees concludes his work, having therein delivered the Hiſtory of forty years, which Joſephus continues on.

Antiochus Sidetes taking the opportunity of Simon's death, entred Judea with an Army, and having waſted the Country forced John (Sirnamed afterwards Hircanus) to retire into the City of Jeruſalem, and then laid a cloſe ſiege to it; the ſiege was prolonged through the ſtrength of the walls, and valour of the defendants. Antiochus built many turrets about it, out of which he attempted the walls, and begirt it ſo ſtraightly with a double Trench that there was no getting out for the beſieged any way. Hircanus ſeeing a great and uſeleſs multitude in the City, which conſumed the victuals, p. 26put out the more infirm out of the walls, but Antiochus would not ſuffer them to paſs, ſo that they wandered about the walls almoſt famiſhed, till at laſt out of pity they were taken in again.

At this Feaſt Hircanus ſent out to Antiochus to deſire a truce for ſeven days for their Feaſts ſake, which Antiochus not only granted, but alſo brought in great pomp to the very gates of the City, bulls with guilded horns, and gold and ſilver cups filled with all manner of ſpices to be offered to the God of Iſrael; and delivered ſacrifices to the Prieſts of the Jews; ſo eaſily can God change the hearts of Princes. Hircanus was ſo taken with this great act of piety in Antiochus, that from thence forward he gave him the title of Pius, and ſent to him to requeſt terms of peace of him, and that he would give them leave to live according to the Laws of their forefathers. Many of thoſe that were about the King preſſed him not to make any peace with them, but to demoliſh their City, and deſtroy the whole Nation of the Jews as being a people ſevered from all other Nations by their peculiar laws and cuſtoms, or if he would not do ſo, at leaſt to abrogate their Laws, and force them to change their manner of living. But God ſo over-ruled the Kings heart that he utterly rejected this counſel, and approving the piety of the Jews, offered them peace upon condition that they ſhould pay him tribute for Joppa, and other Towns without Judea, and receive a Garriſon. They yielded to the former but not to the laſt, in regard they would avoid all commerce with ſtrangers; in lieu of that they choſe rather to give hoſtages for their fidelity, (amongſt whom Hircanus's own Brother was one) and to pay 500 Talents, whereof 300 at preſent. Theſe terms being agreed unto by Antiochus the ſiege was immediately removed. Hircanus opening the Sepulcher of David found there 3000 Talents, wherewith he not only paid Antiochus his 300, but feaſted him and his Army in Jeruſalem, and alſo filled his coffers, ſo that he began to entertain forreign Auxiliaries which never any of the Jews did before.

Antiochus Pius three years after his departure from Jeruſalem marched with a great Army againſt Phraates who ſucceeded his Brother Arſacidas in the Kingdom of Parthia, his deſign being to fetch back his Brother Demetrius Nicanor kept there ſtill in free cuſtody. In this Expedition John, the Jews High Prieſt, followed him with his Auxiliaries. Antiochus much prevailed upon the Parthians at firſt, in ſo much that the King of Parthia ſent Demetrius into Syria with a party that he might ſeize upon that Kingdom in Antiochus's abſence, and ſo divert him. And John having overthrown the Hircani in battel, from thence obtained the name Hircanus, and returned home with a great deal of honour. But Antiochus (his army being grown diſſolute and debaucht) was at laſt overthrown by the Parthians (falling upon them at a time appointed as they lay diſperſed in their quarters) and Antiochus himſelf was ſlain.

Demetrius now recovers his Kingdom of Syria again. Hircanus the High Prieſt, and chief Magiſtrate of the Jews taking this occaſion leads down his Army into Syria, ſuppoſing (as indeed it happened) that he ſhould find the Cities thereof unmanned, he took Medeba, and Samega, and Sicima the Metropolis of the Samaritans; ſo that after the death of Antiochus Sidetes the Jews wholly ſhook off the yoke of the Syrians, and never after ſent them any ſupply either as ſubjects or as friends.

Hircanus alſo took Gerizim, and demoliſhed the Temple of the Cuthites in the two hundredth year after it had been built by Sanballat.

Demetrius having recovered his Kingdom was outed of it again by his own ſubjects, and was ſlain at Tyre. Zabinas a counterfeit Egyptian, Sirnamed Alexander, (pretending to be the adopted Son of Antiochus Balas) is now ſet up King, who entred into league with Hircanas, ſo that things went well with the Jews during his reign, which was but four years.

Hircanus now ſubdues Idumea, the Inhabitaats whereof he put to their choice, Whether they would be Circumciſed, or quit their Habitations? They choſe the former; and now began to be reckoned among the Jews, ſubmitting to all their Rites and Ordinances. Hircanus alſo ſent Ambaſſadours to Rome to renew their friendſhip and amity with the Romans. And it was ordered by a Decree of the Senate, That Joppa, Gazara, and other Towns that Antiochus Sidetes had taken from them, ſhould be reſtored. It was further ordered, That the King of Syria ſhould notpaſs through their Country with his Armies. The Fathers alſo renewed the League with them according to their deſire, and promiſed to take order they ſhould be no more wronged; and then p. 27diſmiſſed the Ambaſſadors with money out of the Common Bank to provide neceſſaries for their return homeward, and gave them Letters Commendatory to thoſe Kings and free People through whoſe Countries they were to paſs.

Many changes now happened in the Aſſyrian Kingdom: For after Demetrius's death (notwithſtanding the uſurpation of Alexander Zabinas) Seleucus his eldeſt Son put on the Diadem, but at the years end his Mother ſlew him with a dart by her own hand, becauſe he took the Government upon him without her permiſſion. She ſets up Antiochus Gryphus his younger Brother, who being aſſiſted by Ptol. Phyſcon (whom Alexander, though ſet up by him, had diſobliged) defeats and kills Alexander the uſurping counterfeit. He reigned ſecurely for ſome years, but then Antiochus his half Brother (begot on his Mother by Antiochus Sidetes his Ʋncle, and from Cyzicus the place where he was brought up, called Cyzicenus) began to be his Emulator for the Kingdom; and between them there were great Conteſtings. The civil Broils in Syria diverted the ſeveral Princes from medling with the Jews, ſo that they were glad of their Friendſhip; and this gave opportunity to Hircanus to eſtabliſh his affairs, and injoying quietneſs, he got together a great maſs of money, and then went and beſieged Samaria; the Inhabitants of which he was ſorely diſpleaſed with for ſome injuries offered by them to the Mariſſeni, though the King of Syria's Subjects, yet now his Friends and Allies. He caſt a Trench about it, and committed the care of the Siege to his two Sons Antigonus and Ariſtobulus. The Samaritans in this diſtreſs ſent to Antiochus Cyzicenus imploring his aid. He coming to their relief, was routed by Ariſtobulus's Soldiers, and perſued as far as Scythopolis, hardly eſcaping. The beſieged now reduced to great neceſſities, ſent once more to Cyzicenus, who obtaining 6000 men of Ptol. Lathurus, made an inrode into Hircanus's Dominions and made great havock, thereby hoping to conſtrain him to raiſe the ſiege. But having loſt many of his men (who were intercepted by the enemy) he himſelf went to Tripolis, committing the managing of the War with the Jews to two of his Commanders, Callimander and Epicrates. Callimander encountering the Jews with greater reſolution than diſcretion, had his party routed, and was himſelf ſlain. Epicrates being corrupted, betrayed Scythopolis and other Towns to Hircanus; who then after a year, lying before Samaria, took it, and raſed it to the very ground.

After this, Hircanus being both a Diſciple and a great Favourer of the Sect of the Phariſees, invited ſome of the moſt Eminent among them to a Feaſt. He there laboured to approve his ſincerity to them, and deſired, that if any of them knew any fault by him, they would tell him plainly of it. All approved of his manners, but only one Eleazar (a ſeditious and bad man) who told him, if he would be accounted good, he muſt deveſt himſelf of the Prieſthood, and be content with the Principality; for that (as he heard) his Mother was a Captive in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes, and was fain to ſerve for a Lively-hood. This being utterly falſe, and the Scandal not being ſo deeply reſented by the reſt of the Phariſees there preſent (as he expected it ſhould have been) he grew enraged againſt the whole Sect of them by the Inſtigation of Jonathan a Sadducee, who perſwaded him, that this affront came from all the Phariſee…, and ſo deſerting them, he turned Sadducee.

Hereupon he abrogated the conſtitutions of the Phariſees, and puniſhed their followers. A ſedition aroſe hereupon, but he ſoon quieted all; and having governed the people 31 years, he dyed, being honoured with three eſpecial dignities, namely, the ſoveraign Authority over the Nation; the High-Prieſt-hood, and the gift of Propheſie, as Joſephus tells us; who relates how he foretold, that his two eldeſt ſons ſhould neither of them long enjoy his Principality.

After Hircanus's deceaſe, the ſtones which were ſet in the High-Prieſts Breaſt-plate, and the Onyx-ſtone upon his right ſhoulder (by whoſe radiation the will of God was wont to be intimated to the people of the Jews) upon Gods diſpleaſure for their ſins, grew dim, and loſt their luſtre, as Joſephus reports, lib. 3. Ant. c. 9.

Hircanus left five Sons, whereof Ariſtobulus the eldeſt (ſirnamed Philellen for his love to, and familiarity with the Greeks) ſucceded him. He changed his Principality into a Kingdom, ſetting a Diadem upon his head, and was the firſt that did ſo after the return from the Captivity in Babylon. His ſecond Brother Antigonus he loved exceedingly, in ſo much that he made him his Partner in the Kingdom, but ſhut up the other three in Priſon, and with them his Mother (who contended with him for the p. 28Principality) and he proceeded to that height of Cruelty, that he famiſhed her to death in Priſon.

Ariſtobulus now marched with his Army into Itrurea, and layed a great part of it to Judea, forcing the Inhabitants under penalty of Baniſhment to admit of Circumciſion, and other Jewiſh Ceremonies. Not long after he cauſed his beloved Brother to be made away, though againſt his will. For Antigonus returning from the Wars in Triumph at the Feaſt of Tabernacles, it ſo happened, that Ariſtobulus was then ſick, and kept his Bed in the Tower that was afterwards called Antony's Tower. Antigonus marched up with his Soldiers to the Temple, intending to offer ſacrifice for his ſick Brother. This was preſently interpreted to Ariſtobulus as the effect of a bad intention toward him, and a ſufficient ſign of his affecting the Kingdom, and it was repreſented as if Antigonus would preſently come down and kill him. Ariſtobulus to provide for his own ſecurity, and yet to ſhun ſuſpicion, commanded ſome of his Guard to ſtand in an obſcure place where his Brother was to come, and if he came armed, then to kill him; but if unarmed, then not to meddle with him; and that he might do ſo, he ſent one under hand to him to deſire him not to come with his arms. But Solome the Queen, and the reſt of Antigonus's back friends perſwaded the Meſſenger to tell him that the King had a mind to ſee him as he then was in his Warriors habit. So Antigonus thinking nothing, but coming armed to ſee his Brother, was there immediately ſlain upon the place. After it was done, Ariſtobulus was ſmitten with a great remorſe for it (tho' he knew nothing of the altering the purport of his Meſſage) and his diſtemper increaſing, at laſt he vomited blood, which being carried out by one of his Attendants, he chanced to ſpill ſome of it in that very place where Antigonus was ſlain. Ariſtobulus having notice given him of this accident, acknowledged the juſt Judgment of God therein, and immediately gave up the Ghoſt in extream anguiſh both of body and mind, having reigned only one year,

After his deceaſe his Wife Solome (whom the Grecians call Alexandria) releaſed his Brothers whom he had kept Priſoners a long time, and made Alexander Jannaeus the eldeſt of them, King in his room. He, as ſoon as he was poſſeſſed of the Kingdom, put one of his Brothers to death upon the diſcovery of ſome treaſonable deſign againſt him: But he loved the other exceedingly, who affected to live a retired life. He was called Abſolon, and was taken Priſoner at Jeruſalem by Pompey many years after.

Alexander Jannaeus having ſetled his affairs at home, went and beſieged Ptolemais, which with Gaza only of the Sea-Towns remained unconquered, beſides the Tower of Straton (ſince called Caeſarea) and Dora, which Zoilus the Tyrant had got into his hands. At this time the two Brothers, Antiochus Gryphus and Cizicenus were eagerly deſtroying one another in Syria, ſo that the Ptolemaians had little hope of Relief from them, only Zoilus (who gaped after the City himſelf) gave them a little Relief. There being no hope of any Relief but from Cyprus (whither Ptol. Lathurus had been driven by his Mother Cleopatra) they ſent to him, deſiring his aid againſt Alexander, giving him hopes that he ſhould not only ſave them, but with them the Inhabitants of Gaza on his ſide, and that Zoilus, the Sidonians and others would aſſiſt him alſo. He being puft up with theſe Promiſes, made what haſte he could to their aſſiſtance; and Zoilus and the Gazaeans joyning with him, the Siege was raiſed before Ptolemais, and Alexander departed home, attempting afterwards by Policy to overturn the deſign of Ptolemy. For openly profeſſing himſelf his Friend and Ally, he promiſed him 300 Talents to take off Zoilus the Tyrant, and ſo lay his Territories to his own Dominions; which Lathurus conſented to do, but then he privily ſent to Cleopatra his Mother, exciting her againſt him; which Lathurus underſtanding, tho' before he embraced his friendſhip, yet now he utterly renounced the League he had made with him. And laying a Siege with part of his Army againſt Ptolemais, which City (it ſeems) had ſhut their Gates againſt him, he march'd away himſelf with the reſidue of his forces againſt Judea. Alexander Jannaeus marches out to meet him with fifty thouſand men. Ptolemais coming unawares on the Sabbath-day on Aſychis a City in Galilee, ſtorm'd it and took it, and carried away with him about 10000 Priſoners. Next he fell upon Zephoris not far diſtant from thence; but having loſt many men before it, he drew off to encounter Alexander. They engage near Jordan, and Ptolemy's Soldiers rout the Jews, and in the purſuit ſlay many p. 29thouſands of them; Joſephus ſays 30000. Ptolemy ranging up and down the Country, fell at laſt into ſome Villages, which being full of Women and Children, he commanded his Soldiers to kill them promiſcuouſly; and cutting off their Limbs to caſt them into Caldrons, that ſo a report might be ſpread abroad, that his army eat mans fleſh, which would ſtrike Terror and Diſcouragement into their Enemies. Cleopatra hearing how her Sons power increaſed, held it ſmall Policy to let him go on as he did, therefore ſhe came againſt him with Forces both by Land and by Sea; over which ſhe placed as chief Commanders under her ſelf, Chelcias and Ananias, both Jews, and Sons of that Onias who built the Temple in the Seigniory of Alexandria. Her Son Lathurus imagining ſhe had drained the Garriſons of Egypt to make up this great army, haſted thither, hoping to have ſurpriz'd that Kingdom in her abſence; but ſhe left it ſo well provided, that his attempts proved ineffectual. Cleopatra with her Army now lays ſiege to Ptolemais and takes it. Thither comes to her Alexander Jannaeus with Preſents in his hands, where he was received as a perſon diſtreſſed by her adverſary, and one only who had no other Refuge but her ſelf to betake himſelf unto. Some that were about her, adviſed her to ſeize his Country immediately into her own hands, and not to ſuffer ſo many good Jews to be at the pleaſure and command of one man. But Ananias adviſed the contrary, accounting it a great wickedneſs to diſpoſſeſs a man (received into Friendſhip) of his Eſtate: And if the Queen ſhould do ſo, ſhe would, by offering injury to Alexander, in a ſhort time loſe the affections of the whole Nation of the Jews. The Queen being perſwaded by Ananias, entred into a League with Alexander at Scythopolis a City in Coeloſyria.

Alexander being now freed from fear both of Mother and Son, (Ptolemy being gone to Cyprus, and his Mother to Egypt) he fell upon Gaza for calling in Lathurus to their help againſt him. In the mean time Apollodorus their General broke out into his Camp by night with a very ſtrong party, and as long as night laſted, had the better of it; but as ſoon as it was day, the Jews uniting themſelves, charged the Gazaeans ſo ſtoutly, that they ſlew a thouſand of them. The City held out a good while, but was at laſt taken by the treachery of Lyſimacus, Brother to Apollodorus, whom out of envy for being in ſo much favour with the people, he murdered; and then getting a party about him, delivered up the place. Alexander at firſt marched in very calmly and peaceably, but after a while let looſe his Soldiers to fall upon the Citizens without controul, who ſold their Lives as dear as they could, deſtroying many of the Soldiers. He cut the Throats of many Senators who were met in Apollo's Temple; and after he had ſack'd the City, he returned to Jeruſalem.

Alexander was hated by his own Subjects, and being injuriouſly uſed by them on the Feaſt of Tabernacles, he is reported to have ſlain ſix thouſand of them having furniſhed himſelf with Guards hired out of Piſidia and Cilicia for the purpoſe. He overthrew the Arabians, and impoſed Tribute upon the Moabites and Gileadites. He was troubled with inteſtine Broils from his own Subjects, ſtirred up principally by the Phariſees, who had been provoked by his Father Hircanus; which Broils continued ſix years, during which time, they fought often, but he uſually had the better of it. 'Tis ſaid, that in that time he deſtroyed no leſs than fifty thouſand of them. It troubled him thus to deſtroy the ſtrength of his own Kindom, therefore he endeavoured to compoſe matters with them, and asked them, Wherewith he ſhould appeaſe them? They anſwered, If he would kill himſelf; for ſcarce could they pardon him, tho' he were dead. At laſt they called in Demetrius Encaerus ſon of Antiochus Gryphus (made King of Syria by Ptol. Lathurus) to their aſſiſtance, and by the help of his Army, overthrew Alexander: But many of them being touched with compaſſion towards their King after this defeat, about 6000 of them went over to him, which ſo diſcouraged Demetrius, that he thereupon retired into his own Country. The Phariſees being thus left by Demetrius, forthwith waged War with Alexander by themſelves, but ſtill had the worſt of it, and many of them being taken by him, were nailed to Croſſes, and their Wives and their Children ſlain before their faces. During theſe ſtirs he loſt all that he had got in the Arabian and Moabitiſh Regions. Yet afterwards gathering together his forces he wan divers Towns, and reduced under his power the valley called Antiochus's Valley, and the Fort Gamala, and outed Demetrius Lord of thoſe places; and then returned home and was joyfully received by his Subjects for the good ſucceſs he had had in that Expedition. At this time the Jews poſſeſſed many Cities in p. 30Syria, Idumaea, Phoenicia and other Countries (a Catalogue of which Joſephus hath left us) among which Pella a Town of Moab being one, they deſtroyed it, becauſe the Inhabitants refuſed to receive the Jewiſh Rites. Anna a Prophteſs, Daughter of Phanuel (her Husband being dead) went not out of the Temple, but ſerved God day and night for 84 years together, until ſhe ſaw Chriſt in the Temple. Alexander towards his latter end giving himſelf to intemperate courſes, contracted a quartan Ague, which held him three years. Yet for all this he followed on his Wars, and laid ſiege to Ragala Caſtle beyond Jordan; but being at laſt overcome by the force of his diſeaſe, he died there before the Walls of that place, in the 27th year of his reign about 76 years before the birth of Chriſt.

Alexander a little before his death (when he ſaw he muſt die) adviſed his Wife to keep cloſe his death, till the place ſhould be gained, and then going victoriouſly to Jeruſalem to ſend for the chief of the Phariſees (whom both he and his Father had grievouſly offended) and to expreſs kindneſs to them, and give them the diſpoſal of his Corps, and to aſſure them, that ſhe would not act any thing in State matters, but by their advice. This advice ſhe punctually followed, and thereby ſo gained the love of the Phariſees, that they cryed up Alexander for a good King among the people, and bewailed his death, and provided a more ſtately and ſumptuous funeral for him, than they had made for any King before him.

Alexander left two Sons, Hircanus and Ariſtobulus; but to his Wife he left the management of the Kingdom. Hircanus was of a dull and heavy temper. Tho' therefore ſhe made him High-Prieſt, yet ſhe kept the Government in her own hands, tho' indeed all things were ordered at the will and pleaſure of the Phariſees, whom the people were commanded to obey, and againſt whom whatever Ordinances were made by Hircanus, were now aboliſh'd. The Queen kept in pay a great number of Foreigners, and ſo increaſed her Power, that ſhe became formidable to the neighbouring Princes, and took Hoſtages of them; yet no great matters were done by her abroad, but ſufficient ſtirs happened at home. For the Phariſees knowing no moderation in the proſecution of their ambitious and envious deſigns, procured the Queen to put to death many of thoſe who had counſelled her Husband to deal ſo cruelly with their adherents. Hereupon thoſe of them who were moſt obnoxious, being backed by Ariſtobulus, made their Addreſs to the Queen, beſeeching her, that either they might be all ſlain there, or elſe that they might be diſperſed ſeverally into Caſtles where they might paſs the remainder of their lives in ſome ſecurity from the Treachery of their Enemies. The Queen not well knowing what to do in this Exigent, reſolved at laſt to intruſt them with the command of all the Caſtles, excepting Hircania, Alexandrium, and Machaerus. After this, Alexandra falling grievous ſick, Ariſtobulus judged that now or never was the time for him to do ſome thing for the ſetting up of himſelf. Whereupon departing privately by night with only one Servant to attend him, he went to thoſe Caſtles which his Fathers Friends had the command of, and in a ſhort time got them into his power. The news of this being brought to the Queen, ſhe and the Phariſees were exceedingly troubled at it, knowing that if he had got the Kingdom into his hands, he would call them to a ſtrict account for the hard uſage of his Friends. Hircanus the High Prieſt, and the Elders of the Jews having ſecured Ariſtobulus's Wife and Children in the Caſtle at Jeruſalem, make their Addreſs to the Queen, deſiring her ſpeedy direction what they ſhould do in theſe State Emergencies. She told them, They might do what in their Judgments they thought fit, and moſt conducing to the publick good, and might imploy the Arms and Treaſure of the Kingdom, as they ſaw occaſion: But for her part, ſhe was in ſo weak a condition both of Body and Mind, that ſhe could not take care of thoſe matters. And ſhortly after ſhe died, having reigned nine years, and in 73 of her Age.

In the meantime Ariſtobulus increaſed in power, many flocking to him that hoped to get ſomething by this Innovation in the State.

Hircanus the High Prieſt now ſucceeding in the Government, his Brother Ariſtobulus preſently made War upon him. They come to a Battel near Jerico, where many of Hircanus's Soldiers revolted to the other ſide. Upon which he fled into the Caſtle where the Wife and Children of Ariſtobulus were then kept. The reſt of this party for fear of the Conqueror, betook themſelves to the Protection of the Temple; and in a ſhort ſpace delivered up themſelves. At length it came to a Treaty between the two p. 31Brothers, and it was agreed, that Ariſtobulus ſhould reign, and that Hircanus ſhould lead a private life, and enjoy his Brothers Eſtate. This Covenant they both entred into in the Temple, having both ſworn to it, and ſolemnly confirmed it. Then kindly embracing each other in the ſight of the people, they withdrew, the one to his Court, the other as a private perſon to Ariſtobulus's houſe.

But this agreement laſted not long. For Antipater (an Idumaean, Father of Herod the Great) having been made Governour of Idumaea by Alexander Jannaeus, and being a Rich man, and Factious, and buſie by nature, he feared Ariſtobulus's power (by reaſon of ſome Grudges that were between them) and endeavoured his deſtruction by ſtirring up Hircanus and the moſt powerful of the Jews againſt him, ſuggeſting it would be very ill to let him poſſeſs a Command he had ſo unjuſtly gotten, having put by his elder Brother, and diſpoiled him of the Prerogative of his Birth. And with the like Suggeſtions he plyed Hircanus, conſtantly adding with all, that his very life was in danger, except he prevented it by a timely flight. At length (tho' with ſome difficulty) he prevailed with Hircanus to fly to Aretas King of the Arabians, whom Antipater procured to aſſiſt him with his Arms for the recovering of his Kingdom. Hircanus promiſing him, that if by his means he obtained it, he would reſtore to him a Country with twelve Cities, which his Father Alexander Jannaeus had taken away from the Arabians.

Aretas being wrought upon by theſe promiſes, invades Judea with fifty thouſand men, and overthrows Ariſtobulus, ſo that he was forced with many Prieſts that were with him, to fly into Jeruſalem, where he was cloſely beſieged in the Temple by Hircanus and the Arabians. The beſiegers brought one Onias (a man that had at that time a great repute for his Piety and the Prevalency of his Prayers) to the ſiege, and there would needs have him to curſe the beſieged. He refuſed a great while, till being at laſt compelled by the multitude, he ſtood in the midſt of them and prayed thus; O God, thou that art King of the whole world, foraſmuch as theſe that are with me are thy people, and thoſe that are beſieged are thy Prieſts, I beſeech thee, that thou wouldeſt neither hear theſe praying againſt them, nor them againſt theſe. This ſo inraged the rude multitude, that they fell upon him and ſtoned him to death.

The Feaſt of the Paſſover hapning during the Siege, the Prieſts that were beſieged with Ariſtobulus in the Temple (that the Sacrifices might not be omitted) bargained with the Beſiegers to ſell them Beaſts for that ſervice. But when they had let down their money from the Walls, they were derided by the Beſiegers, and no Sacrifice returned. This Wickedneſs, and the Murther of Onias, the Hiſtorian obſerveth to have been puniſhed with great ſtorms and tempeſts, which procured extraordinary ſcarcity of Corn.

In the mean while Pompey the Great being diverted by the War with Tigranes in Armenia, ſent Scaurus his Quaeſtor into Syria, who coming ſtrait to Damaſcus, found it newly taken by Metellus and Laelius; whereupon he advanceth preſently into Judea. As ſoon as he had entred the Country, he meets Ambaſſadors both from Hircanus (that had beſieged the Temple at Jeruſalem) as alſo from his Brother (that was beſieged) both of them intreating his aſſiſtance. And tho' the one promiſed as much as the other for his help, (namely 400 Talents) yet he cloſed with Ariſtobulus, counting him more free and rich, and whoſe Requeſt was more eaſie to be fulfilled in driving away the Beſiegers, than that of the other to take the place which he held, being ſo ſtrong both of it ſelf, and by the valour of the Defendants. Having therefore received Ariſtobulus's money, he ſent to the Beſiegers, threatning them in the Romans and Pompey's name, if they did not immediately deſiſt from that Siege. Aretas being affrighted with this Meſſage, withdrew his ſiege, and Scaurus returned to Damaſcus. Ariſtobulus being thus freed from the ſiege, gathereth together all the forces he could make, and purſuing Aretas and Hircanus at a place called Papyron, he there worſted them, killing about 7000 of them, and among others Cephalias the brother of Antipater. Not long after Pompey came to Damaſcus, whither were ſent unto him Ambaſſadors from ſeveral parts. Ariſtobulus ſent him an excellent preſent, being a Golden Vine, a piece of ſo exquiſite Workmanſhip, that it was called the Delight. It was placed in the Temple by Alexander Jannaeus, and now by his Son Ariſtobulus preſented to Pompey; and by him afterwards among other things dedicated in the Capitol at Rome. Pliny deſcribes it thus: A fourſquare mountain of Gold, with Harts and Lyons, and all kind p. 32of Apples with a Vine of Gold encompaſſing it. Plin. Lib. 37. Cap. 2.

A while after there were ſent ſome to him from both the Brothers, namely, Antipater from Hircanus, and one Nicodemus from the other. Pompey commanded both Parties, viz. Hircanus and Ariſtobulus to appear before him at Damaſcus. Thither was ſent alſo an Embaſſage from the Jews themſelves, who declared they were unwilling to live any longer under Kings, it being the cuſtome of their Country to yield obedience to the High Prieſt of their God; that though theſe two Brothers were indeed of the race of the Prieſts, yet they had a deſign to alter the Government, and to bring ſlavery upon the people.

Hircanus accuſed his Brother of Ʋſurpation, and depriving him of his Birth-right. Ariſtobulus excuſed himſelf by the neceſſity of the thing, his Brother being ſo unfit for Government, inſomuch that there was danger (if he had not taken it upon him) that it would have been transferred to ſome other family. There were a great number of the chief of the Jews, whom Antipater had brought with him, who confirmed what Hircanus had ſaid. But Ariſtobulus's followers (whom he appealed unto) were a Company of young Gallants, ridiculous to all for their phantaſtick Bravery.

Pompey having heard them both, rebuked Ariſtobulus's violence, yet diſmiſſed them both very kindly at preſent, promiſing he would come himſelf to them as ſoon as he had inſpected the Affairs of the Nabathaeans, injoyning them both in the mean time to be quiet, and to make no diſturbance. But Ariſtobulus being high ſpirited, reſented his uſage, and thought it intolerable for him to be treated ſo much beneath the Majeſty of a King; wherefore he betook himſelf, in ſome diſcontent to Judea, to take care of his own affairs. Pompey being offended with his carriage, took the Army he had provided againſt the Nabathaeans, and other ſupplies out of Syria, and the Legions which were at his command, and followed him, Hircanus very much intreating him ſo to do. Having entred Judea, and hearing that Ariſtobulus was fled into Alexandria, a goodly Caſtle, he ſent to him to come to him. Ariſtobulus being perſwaded by many of his friends not to commence War againſt the Romans, came unto Pompey. After he had debated his Title, touching the Kingdom, Pompey permitted him to go back to the Caſtle again. And thus he did two or three times, always flattering Pompey as if he would obey him in all things, but in the mean time he privately provided for War, fearing leſt Pompey ſhould give the Principality to his Brother. At laſt Pompey commanded him to deliver up into his hands the Caſtles and Garriſons which he held. Ariſtobulus in a diſcontent withdrew to Jeruſalem, and there prepared for War. But Pompey immediately followed him, not thinking it fit to give him time to prepare himſelf. His firſt nights quarters were at Jerico, and next morning he marched towards Jeruſalem. Ariſtobulus thinking with himſelf what he had done, came out to meet him, and promiſed him money, and that he would yield both himſelf and the City up to him, only he deſired that laying aſide all hoſtility, whatever he did, he would do it in a peaceable manner. Pompey pardoned him, and ſent Gabinius with ſome Soldiers to receive the money, but he was fain to return without any. For Ariſtobulus's Soldiers would not ſtand to what he had promiſed. Hereat Pompey grew very angry, and committing Ariſtobulus into cuſtody, marched in perſon againſt the City. The Citizens within were divided among themſelves, ſome being for Hircanus, others for Ariſtobulus. The former were for the delivering up the City to Pompey; the other being wholly againſt it, ſeized upon the Temple, and cutting down the Bridge by which they go into the City, ſtood upon their defence; whereupon the other party let the Romans into the City, and delivered to them alſo the Kings Palace; the cuſtody of both which Pompey gave to his Lieutenant Piſo. Pompey firſt offered to the beſieged Conditions of Peace, which being refuſed, he prepared to give a general aſſault, and was aſſiſted by Hircanus in all things needful. Pompey's Soldiers with great labour and difficulty filled up that vaſt trench, or valley wherewith the Temple was begirt, and then with Engines brought from Tyre, battered the Wall, taking advantage of the Superſtition of the Jews, who thought it ſinful to hinder the works of their enemies, or do any thing on the Sabbath-day, but defend themſelves. The greateſt Tower being battered down, and with the fall thereof breaking down a great piece of the wall, the Romans break in, (Cornelius Fauſtus the Son of Sylla firſt entring the breach) and then made ſlaughter of twelve thouſand Jews. The Prieſts, during the ſiege, performing the daily Sacrifice, not intermitting it, in their greateſt extremities, no not then p. 33when they ſaw their enemies ruſhing in with their drawn ſwords upon them, ſo that many were ſlain whilſt they were offering ſacrifice and burning Incenſe in the Temple, preferring the performance of their duty before the ſaving of their lives. Some were taken Captive, among whom was Abſolon the Ʋncle and Father-in-law of Ariſtobulus. Pompey with many followers entred the Temple, and looked on thoſe things which it was unlawful for any but the High-Prieſt to behold. And tho' there were in the Temple, the Table, and Candleſticks with the Lamps and all Veſſels for ſacrifice, and the Cenſers of Gold, and one huge heap of ſpices, and in the Treaſury about 2000 Talents, yet he medled not with any thing, but next day commanded them who had the charge of the Temple, to purifie and cleanſe it, and to offer their ſolemn ſacrifices to God. The Temple was taken, as Joſephus tells us, in the third month, and on the Faſt day which was uſually kept in memory of Jehoiakims burning the Roll about 62 years before the birth of Chriſt.

Pompey reſtored the Prieſt-hood to Hircanus, becauſe among other Services he had done him during the ſiege, he had kept the Country from joyning with Ariſtobulus. And with the Prieſt-hood he inveſted him alſo with the Principality, yet forbad him to wear a Crown. Then putting to death the chief Authors of the late War, he made the Jews tributary to the people of Rome. And the Cities which the Jews held in Coeloſyria, he took away, and ſubjected them to a Governour of their own… and the Dominion of the Jews he reduced within its ancient bounds. Thus Ariſtobulus and his Brother were the cauſe of loſing their Countries Liberty to the Romans, who within a ſhort time exacted above ten thouſand Talents of it.

Pompey having broken down the walls of Jeruſalem in many Places left Syria to the Government of Scaurus, and with two Legions haſted to Rome, leading Ariſtobulus along with him captive with his two Sons, and as many Daughters. One of his Sons, (namely Alexander) eſcaped in the way, and returned into Judea, where he got together a conſiderable power, and awed his Ʋncle Hircanus who was unable to reſiſt him, being then imployed in repairing the walls of Jeruſalem, which Pompey had thrown down. Within a while Gabinius was ſent from Rome to govern Syria. He undertook the War againſt Alexander, who had now got together 10000 Foot, and 1500 Horſe, and had ſtrongly fortified Alexandria and Hircanium, and Machaeron. Gabinius overthrew him near Jeruſalem, killing and taking about 6000 of his men. He then beſieged him in the Caſtle of Alexandria, whither he had fled. But leaving here ſufficient ſtrength for carrying on the ſiege, he went and viſited the Country, cauſing divers Cities to be re-edifyed, and then returning and more powerfully re-inforcing the Siege, Alexander yielded himſelf and the Caſtles which he held. All which Gabinius by the advice of the Mother of Alexander levelled with the ground, leſt they ſhould be an occaſion of new Troubles. For ſhe being ſollicitous for her Husband and Children that were carried captive to Rome, uſed all obſequiouſneſs towards Gabinius.

Gabinius then went to Jeruſalem, and eſtabliſhed Hircanus in the Prieſthood, but Cantonized the Country into five parts, which he ordered to be Governed in an Ariſtocratical way. One diviſion was to be governed by a Committee, or Aſſembly at Jeruſalem, another at Jadara, a third at Amathus, a fourth at Jerico, a fifth at Saphora a Town of Samaria. The Jews very gladly imbraced this Form of Government. But Ariſtobulus not long after with his Son Antigonus eſcaping from Rome, and coming into Judea miniſtred occaſion of new troubles. For coming into his own Country, he preſently found ſome, who out of deſire of Innovation ſided with him, among whom was Pitholaus the Governour of Jeruſalem who left the Romans, and revolted to him with a thouſand men. He quickly got together 8000 men well armed, ſo that when the Romans followed him, he gave them Battel, in which he fought ſtoutly till his men being over-powered, 5000 of them were ſlain upon the place; near 2000 fled to a certain Mountain from whence they got away and provided for their own ſafety as well as they could. The reſt with Ariſtobulus fled to Machaerus, and began to fortifie the Caſtle, but being not able to hold out the ſiege above two days (having received many wounds) he was taken Priſoner with his Son Antigonus, and brought to Gabinius, who ſent them both to Rome. The Senate kept him Priſoner, but ſent his Son immediately back again into Judea, becauſe they underſtood by Gabinius's Letters, that he had promiſed his Mother ſo much for the delivery of the Caſtles.

p. 34Gabinius now prepared an expedition againſt the Parthians, but paſſing over Euphrates, was hired by Ptol. Auletes (who brought Letters to him from Pompey) to reduce him into his Kingdom. In this expedition he made uſe of Hircanus, eſpecially Antipater, who furniſhed him with Supplies both of men and Proviſion, and prevailed with the Jews inhabiting about Peluſium to give him paſſage, and ſo he preſently became Maſter of Egypt which he delivered to Ptolemy.

During his abſence and tarrying in Egypt, Alexander the Son of Ariſtobulus ſeized upon the Government, and having gotten together a great number of the Jews, he put to death all the Romans he could meet with, and beſieged all thoſe that fled to mount Gerizim. Gabinius ſent Antipater before (knowing his great Wiſdom) to ſee if he could reduce the people to obedience, and he effected it with many. But Alexander having gotten together an army of 30000 Jews, he came out and gave battel to the Romans near the mountain Iſabyr, in which Fight the Jews loſt ten thouſand men. Then Gabinius having ordered the affairs of the City of Jeruſalem by Antipater's advice, went againſt the Nabathaeans, whom he overcame in one Battel. Then returning to Rome, he left his Province to Craſſus his Succeſſor. Craſſus intended firſt an Expedition againſt the Parthians, but hearing of the Riches of the Temple which Pompey, like a brave and gallant man, had left untouch'd, he turned aſide into Paleſtine, and came to Jeruſalem, and ſpoiled the Temple not only of thoſe 2000 Talents which Pompey had ſpared; but of all the Gold which he found there beſides, which amounted to the Sum of 8000 Talents more, tho' Eleazer the Treaſurer had given him a Beam of Gold weighing 750 common pounds, as a ranſom for all the reſt, and he had bound himſelf by an Oath therewith to be ſatisfied, and not to meddle with any thing elſe; but going againſt the Parthians he received the reward of his Sacriledge and Perjury; for there he loſt his life. Craſſus being dead, one Head of Varro's three-headed Faction was cut off, and a Foundation laid of the Civil Wars between Pompey and Ceſar.

Caſſius (who was Treaſurer to Craſſus, and he that together with Brutus afterwards killed Julius Ceſar) now took on him the Government of Syria. He being come to Tyre viſited alſo Judea, and therein took Tarichaea, and led from thence many of the Jews Priſoners, and ſlew Pitholaus who had aſſiſted Ariſtobulus, at the deſire of Antipater, who now grew very conſiderable, having entred into Confederacy and Allyance with divers Princes, eſpecially with the Arabian, out of whoſe Country he had married a Wife of Noble Extraction, by name Cypris, by whom he had four Sons, Phaſaelus, Herod, Joſeph and Pheroras, and a Daughter named Solome. His Sons he ſent into Arabia, and committed them to the Cuſtody of the King thereof whilſt he was engaged in the War with Ariſtobulus.

The Civil Wars between Pompey and Caeſar now beginning, and Pompey being driven beyond the Ionian Sea, and Ceſar having got Rome into his power, he ſet Ariſtobulus at liberty, and with two Legions ſent him back into Syria, hoping that all that Country round about Judea might be brought under by him, yet he was fruſtrated of his hopes, Ariſtobulus being poiſoned by the Pompeians in the way, and buried after by the Ceſareans in the Sepulchre of his Anceſtors. This Expedition proved fatal not only to Ariſtobulus, but to his ſon Alexander alſo, who was beheaded by Scipio at Antioch by order from Pompey, beig firſt arraigned and condemned for what he had done againſt the Romans.

Ptolemy Mennaeus the Governour of Chalcis under Mount Libanus, ſent Philippio his Son to Aſcalon to Ariſtobulus's Wife, for her Son Antigonus and her two Daughters, and courteouſly entertained them; the youngeſt of which, named Alexandra, Philippio fell in love with, and married. But Ptolemy's Paſſion overcoming both Reaſon and Nature, he killed his Son, and took the Lady to himſelf.

Pompey being now murdered on the Egyptian ſhore, Antipater betook himſelf to Ceſar as his Intereſt led him, and by his great ſervices purchaſed his favour.

Ceſar Warring with young Ptolemy in Egypt after the death of Pompey, Antipater joyned with Mithridates of Pergamus (who went down thither to him with ſupplies) and brought a ſupply of 3000 Jews for his aſſiſtance. At Peluſium he did ſpecial ſervice, being the firſt that broke down the Wall and entred. And whereas the Jews inhabiting the Country of Onias hindred them from going any further, he prevailed with them not to oppoſe Ceſar, yea, to furniſh his Army with Proviſions. At the Battel at Delia he recovered the Battel almoſt loſt by Mithridates, and afterwards behaved p. 35himſelf very gallanty for Ceſar, having received many wounds as the tokens of his valour. Antigonus the Son of Ariſtobulus coming unto Ceſar, complained to him of the hard Fate his Father had met with for taking his ſide, that he was poiſoned by the Pompeians, and his Brother beheaded by Scipio; he deſired him, that he would have pity on him, being caſt out of his Fathers Kingdom. He alſo accuſed Hircanus and Antipater, that they had by force got the Government. But Antipater ſo pleaded his cauſe, and indeed the Wounds he had received, and the pains he had taken in Ceſars ſervice ſo pleaded for him, that Ceſar confirmed Hircanus in the High-Prieſthood, and offer'd Antipater what Government he would deſire, and made him Procurator of Judea, and gave him leave to re-build the walls of Jeruſalem thrown down by Pompey, and cauſed theſe Grants to be regiſtred in the Capitol, and ſeconded them with divers decrees made both by himſelf and the Senate in favour of him and the Jews. Antipater then bringing Ceſar on in his Journey as far as the borders of Syria, returned, and fell to building up the walls of Jeruſalem; and going about the Country, by threatnings and other Policy, contained the people in obedience, otherwiſe ready to Rebel. Hircanus being heavy and dull, and unfit to manage the Affairs of Government, Antipater made his Son Phaſaelus Captain of Jeruſalem, and the Country adjacent, and committed Galilee to the Cuſtody of his ſecond Son Herod, being then about 25 years of Age.

Herod at the very firſt gave evidence of what Spirit, and heigth of courage he was. For there being at that time one Hezekias a notable Thief, who with a great company of followers, uſed to infeſt the Country of Syria, he took him, and put him to death, with many others of that Rout; which thing much endeared him to the Syrians, and thereby he became known to Sextus Ceſar the Preſident, and Kinſman to the Dictator. Phaſaelus his Brother was hereby much ſtirred up to Emulation, and carryed himſelf very obligingly and honourably towards thoſe of his Juriſdiction, ſo that their Father was honoured by the people as a King, and yet preſerved his fidelity intire to Hircanus. But divers of the Nobles and chief men of the Jewiſh Nation, underſtanding how he flouriſhed both upon his own account, and that of his Sons, inwardly fretted at it; and the rather becauſe he made uſe of Hircanus for his own ends (as they conceived, having contracted friendſhip with the Roman Generals) and perſwaded him to ſend money to them, yet got to himſelf the credit of the Preſident. But eſpecially the forward and bold diſpoſition of Herod affrighted them, whom they looked upon as a young and growing Tyrant. They make their Addreſſes to Hircanus, complaining to him bitterly againſt Antipater, as one who carried away all the profit of the Kingdom. They further complained of that bold act of Herods in putting to death Hezekias with many others without any Commiſſion received from Hircanus, in contempt of the Laws by which no man is to ſuffer (tho' he were never ſo wicked) till he had a legal Tryal, and were condemned by the Sentence of the Judge. Hircanus being at laſt wrought upon by theſe complaints, ſummoned Herod to Jeruſalem to give an account of theſe his actions before the Council.