The Temple of Solomon Portrayed, History · Chapter 8 – Chapter 9

The Temple of Solomon Portrayed · History · Chapter 8 – Chapter 9

p. 140CHAP. VIII. The Temples Duration.

THis famous Building, being thus famouſly hanſell'd and houſe-warm'd with ſo many fat Burnt-Offerings, we will account its continuance not from the Foundations firſt laying, when it was yet an imperfect Embryo: but from the 23 day of the monethmonth, Ethanim in the Julian Year, 3710. or of the World, 3001. which day, according to our Author, being co-incident with the 14th day of the Julian MonethMonth,Lev. 25.9.Lev 25:9 November; and being the ſecond Sabbath of the Year of Jubilee now begun, [For the firſt was one of the days of Tabernacles] ſhall be the firſt ſtanding day of the Temple, and keeping houſe upon its own Revenues, apart from theſe grand and ſolemn Feſtivals, being united for the more Auguſt and noble Celebration of its Dedication. From which day, till the Year of the ſame Julian Period, 4126. Aug. 27. being the Sabbath alſo, it ſtood four hundred and fifteen years,Ʋſſer. p. 131. two hundred and eighty five days, according to the Julian Account; which I ſhall briefly exhibit in this Laterculus, or Scheme, wherein the Names, Reign, number of the Kings, may be obſerved at one view under which it ſtood. Not but that it received many ſore ſhakings, by many Heathen Kings, by the Idolatrous Neighbours of the Kingdom of Iſrael, or the ten Tribes; who many a time laid their Sacrilegious hands upon theſe Divine Materials. Nay, which is moſt to be lamented, it was wounded in the houſe of its Friends (that ſhould have been) even ſome of the Kings of Judah: For all which, I refer you to the ſacred Annals of the Kings and Chronicles, as to the larger view of thoſe Tranſactions, which I have linked in a more compendious Chain before the cloſe of this Chapter. OnelyOnly before I give in this enſuing Type, remember, that the Dedication being ſolemnized in the 11th of King Solomons Reign; and that He holding the Scepter 40 years, we muſt ſet down 29 for Him, after this great Dedication.

I will not ſay, that all the difficulties of this Chain of the Reigns of the Kings of Judah, as to their particular years, are clearly reſolved by Chronologers: But that the current and compleat years, being examined by the co-incident Reigns of the Kings of Iſrael, will produce the Sum Total of their Reigns, at the foot of the Catalogue: I ſuppoſe the Characters of the Temple's diſſolution, by the 11th of Zedekiah, and the 19th of Nebuchadnezzar will clearly evince: So that we may hence learn, that it ſtood (though not conſtantly in equal beauty and luſtre) under the Reigns of twenty Kings, and one Queen, the ſpace of four hundred and fifteen years compleat, and two hundred eighty five days, or a little above three quarters of a year, as was ſaid in the beginning of the Chapter: Or, if you reckon from the firſt day of its Foundation laid (which as you heard, Cap. 2. in the beginning of this Treatiſe, according to the Learned Primate of Ireland, was in the three thouſand ſeven hundredth and 2d Julian Year, May 21.) to the four thouſand one hundred twenty ſixth Year, Aug. 27. It continued four hundred twenty four years, and ninety eight days compleat; as the ſame Author computes, pag. 131. To which Petavius agreeth in his Diagram of the Kings of Judah, in his Rationarium, Part. 2. lib. 2. c. 11. pag. 108.

I know the Rabbins, from their Pſeudo-Mysterious Cabal, would fain deduce the length of its duration, to be four hundred and ten years onelyonly, which they derive moſt learnedly from Bereſhith, the firſt word in Geneſis, having rare inſpection into the blind Viſions of Letters, and idle Dreams concerning ſyllables. But their Rabbinical Aſtronomers, ſoaring yet one Sphere higher, would make us believe, that the deſtruction of Jeruſalem by Nebuzaradan, was at the time of its conflagration, legible in the Heavens, there being eleven Stars then Vertical, which by a Rabbies Feskue might be pointed out for to make five Letters; and according to their Canon p. 142of Abbreviatures, would yield a man learned in thoſe Hyper-Aegyptian Hieroglyphicks, ſome words to premoniſh the Inhabitants of that Cities Ruine.

But leaving theſe crude Conjectures, to be boiled up to a Romance in the Skull-Pans of thoſe Chymical Divines, we ſhall proceed to mention the Names of the ſeveral High-Prieſts; under whoſe Rule, and by whoſe Guidance, the ſacred Services of the Temple were adminiſtred: whereof we ſhall give in two Platforms; and, in each, three Authors, making up ſix in all; and then produce a Connexion of theſe Authors together, in a ſucceſſive Story: wherein we ſhall endeavour, with all poſſible care and perſpicuity, to untie the difficulties, that have as yet in many things lockt up this part of the ſacred Hiſtory from Vulgar Capacities, or Curſory Readers of theſe ancient Matters.

The Authors I ſhall mention and digeſt, are theſe following.

1. The Holy Scriptures.

2. Joſephus in the 10th Book, and 11th Chapter of his Antiquities, Pag. 342. G. Edit. Gen. who being himſelf a Prieſt, poſſibly might receive ſome Intelligence from his Anceſtors in theſe Affairs.

3. Nicephorus Callistus, in his Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory, lib. 2. cap. 4.

4. The Book called foreign, Or, The Breviary of Times; which is annexed by Scaliger, to Euſebius his Chronicles, and thought to be the Alexandrian Chronicle.

5. Nicephorus the Patriarch, ſet forth alſo by Scaliger in the ſame Book; and lately alſo at Paris.

6. A Jewiſh Chronicle, recited by Petavius in his Doctrine of the Times' lib. 10. cap. 49. pag. 242. and by learned Selden, in his Book, De Succeſſione in Pontificatum Ebraeorum, lib. 1. cap. 5. pag. 134. I cannot undertake to bring all theſe in a peaceable complyance and union, and make them in all Points agree with Scripture: But ſhall firſt exhibite the Sories; and then endeavour to give the beſt ſatisfaction we can.

p. 143The Firſt Platform.

p. 144The Second Platform.

p. 143This laſt High-Prieſt, called Jehozedek, Jehozadak, and Jozedek, was carryed to Babylon, being the ſon of Serajah, and the Father of Jeſhuah, who aſſiſted Zorobabel, in the re-edifying of the Temple of God, after the return of the Jews out of their Babylonian Captivity; as may appear out of theſe places of Holy Scripture following, viz. Ezra 5.2. Hag. 2.2. Zechar. 3.1. To conclude, Ezra, that famous Scribe, ſo often mentioned in Scripture, was the ſon of Serajah, Brother to Jozedek, and Uncle to Jeſhuah the High-Prieſt, Ezra. 7.1.

Now we ſhall endeavour to connex theſe ſeveral Lineal Succeſſions of Prieſts, (which have been hitherto preſented in theſe preceding Schemes, or Diagrams) in one Hiſtorical View, after an orderly method; declaring as clearly as may be, the corruptions of ſeveral of the Authors; and as far as the Lamp of Truth hath ſhined forth upon us, do our utmoſt to chain them by ſeveral probable co-incidencies with the Holy Scriptures, and afterward proceed to lay down the more ample ſtory of the Temples duration, and the various Tranſactions reſpecting it, under the times of thoſe Noble Kings that ſwayed the Imperial Scepter of Judah, whoſe times are more famouſly regiſtred in the ſacred Writings of Scripture-Pen-men, and accordingly more preciſely made known to the diligent Inquirer into thoſe Bleſſed Volumes.

But in the firſt place, according to our propoſal, let us examine the Succeſſions of the High-Prieſts, who ſerved in that ſacred Function under the firſt Temple.

The Succeſsion of the High-Prieſts under the firſt Temple.

1 Zadok being the firſt High-Prieſt in the Temple, and deſcended of Eleazar, the ſon of Aaron, was inſtituted and inducted into his Office by King Solomon Himſelf. After that Abiathar (of the Line of Eli, and Ithamar) had been diſplaced by that Royal King, for taking part with Adonijah in his Conſpiracy for the Kingdom. This Zadok was the ſon of Ahitub, and is corruptly called foreign, by the Alexandrian Chronicle; whoſe Lineal Deſcent will be more apparent, and manifeſt by this G…nealogical Scheme hereunto annexed.

p. 144Aaron.

Eleazar, Joſh. 24.33.

Phin…has Joſh. 22.13, 30.

Abiſhua

Bukki

Uzzi, 1 Chron. 6.50.

Zerahiah

Merajoth

Amariah

Ahitub

Zadok, 2 Sam. 8.17.

Ithamar.

Eli, Contemporary with Samuel; but how many perſons were betwixt Him and Ithamar, is not mentioned.

Hophni.

Phinehas. 1 Sam. 4.4.

Ahitub 1 Sam. 14.3.

Ahijah. 1 Sam. 14.3.

Ahimelech, 1 Sam. 22.11.

Abiathar, 1 Sam. 22.20. & 23.6.

Ichabod, 1 Sam. 4.21.

There be, that interpoſe betwixt Samuel's Eli, and Ithamar, three perſons, viz. Abiezer, Buzi, and Ozi, but upon no warrantable grounds; and therefore ſcarce deſerve to be mentioned in this place. Wherefore we ſhall proceed to our Temple-Priests.

2 Ahimaaz. the ſon of Zadok: This perſon, corruptly called foreign by the Alexandrian Chronicles, was ſent by Joab to carry the tidings of Abſalom's death to King David, 2 Sam. 18.19, 23, 27, &c. 2 Sam. 15.27, 36. He is mentioned in the Roll of the High-Prieſts, recited in the Book of Chronicles, 1 Chron. 6.8. and poſſibly may be the ſame perſon, who marryed Baſmath, one of the Daughters of Solomon; it being familiar for the High-Prieſts, to link themſelves with the Royal Family: as is obſervable of Jehojadah, in the Reign of Joaſh, intimating the union of both the Kingly and Prieſtly Office in Jeſus Chriſt, who was prefigured by the High-Prieſts of Iſrael.

3 Azariah, the ſon of Ahimaaz, 1 Chron. 6.9.

4 Johanan, the ſon of Azariah, 1 Chron. 6.9. As to whom, it is conceived, that he might be the ſame perſon, who is called by the name of Jonathan, the ſon of Abiathar, 2 Sam. 15.36. Where it is to be noted, that both theſe are omitted in the Catalogues of Joſephus, Nicephorus Calliſtus, Alſted, and the Hebrew Chronicle, cited by Petavius, although mentioned by the name of foreign, in the Alexandrian Chronicle. Nay, none of theſe 4 firſt High Prieſts are found in the Regiſter of Ezra: The reaſon whereof is conjectured at by Dr. Lightfoot, in his Temple Service to be, becauſe the Service in the Temple began not till the days of Azariah, the ſon of Johanan; as he expounds that place in the Book of Chronicles, of his executing the Prieſts Office.

5 Azariah, the ſon of Johanan, 1 Chron. 6.10. & Ezra 7.3. In the former Text he is ſaid to be the man that executed the Prieſts Office in the Temple that Solomon built in Jeruſalem: which I take to be thus underſtood, p. 145ſc. that he was the firſt perſon, who did execute his office in that place onelyonly, whereas his Predeceſſors had officiated in the days of David and Solomon, not onelyonly in the Temple, but alſo in the Tabernacle at Gibeon, 2 Chron. 1.3.2 Chr 1:3and at Zion. Others apprehend it to be meant of ſome notable act, which he performed by virtue of his Office, and apply it to that Azariah, who thruſt K. Uzziah out of the Temple: But the great diſtance of times will not give way to that Expoſition: Seeing this Azariah, (if the two former be excluded from the High-Prieſthood, as to the chief Office) might in the latter days of Solomon be of age ſufficient, after the Deceaſe of his Progenitors, to have performed his Work in the Temple, even in that King's days; and alſo in the Reign of Rehoboam, and Abijah, (which was but twenty years) and in ſome part of Aſa's Reign. For ſome do apprehend, that Azariah and Johanan, the third and fourth in this orderly nomination, were of the Line of Ithamar, and as Subſtitutes to Zadok and Ahimaaz, might aſſiſt them, as ſecondary Prieſts, in time of ſickneſs and ſeparation from ordinary pollution, according as it was uſual, whereof we have ſpoken before in the Office of the High Prieſts. Now whereas they are called Sons in a Lineal Diſcent, let's remember, that it is uſual in Scripture for ſuch perſons to be ſtyled by the name of Sonnes, by virtue of ſome Office wherein men ſucceed, or attend others. If this be a real truth, then the omiſſion of the two former by Joſephus, and others, will claim kindred with our Conjecture; and alſo help to fortifie it, concerning their not being the chief High-Prieſts; but as ſecondary, aſſiſtant to,1 Chron. 6.9, 10.1 Chr 6:91 Chr 6:10 and contemporary with the former. Yet ſeeing Scripture terms them, as lineally begotten one of another, in an orderly way of Generation, I ſhall not be peremptory, but leave the Knot to be ſolved by abler Pens.

6 Amariah, the ſon of Azariah, 1 Chron. 6.10. Ezra 7.3. who is expreſly recorded to have been chief Prieſt in the dayes of King Jehoſhaphat, and to have been over the Jews in all matters of the Lord;2 Chron. 19.11.2 Chr 19:11 which ſome apprehend to be meant of his being of the Sanhedrin, or Great Council at Jeruſalem. Part of his time was ſpent, probably, under the Reign of Aſa likewiſe, and that he continued in this Kings days for ſome time. He is the ſame perſon, probably, who by Joſephus, and Nicephorus, is called Joram, and by the Hebrew Chronicle Jehojarib, though tranſpoſed out of his due place, eſpecially ſince we read of one Jehoram, at the Helm of the Prieſthood, in Jehoſhaphat's time. Now ſeeing this Joram is recounted by Joſephus, 2 Chron. 17.8.2 Chr 17:8as the fourth from Zadok incluſively, having omitted Johanan, and Azariah the ſecond. The laſt (if the fore-mentioned Conjecture ſhould prove true concerning Johanan, that he was the ſon of Abiathar, and that the Line of Ithamar was re-introduced to their former dignity, though not to the ſupreameſt place) might then poſſibly fall in contemporary with Ahimaaz, and Azariah the firſt. For many times (as we have hinted) we find two High-Prieſts coupled together, though one of them had the greateſt preheminence: whereby Scripture and Joſephus might be reduced to a tolerable agreement; eſpecially, ſince there be ſome probable apprehenſions, that Azariah the ſecond (of that name in the Series of nomination) might have officiated in the latter days of King Solomon, according to the ſenſe of Dr. Lightfoot, in his Temple-Service, Chap. 4. Sect. 2. Pag. 24, 25. line 1, and 37. which aſſertion would prove very ſtrange, if he were the fourth in order from Zadok, in the beginning of the Temple-Work in Solomon's days; eſpecially ſince Amariah (who is expreſly recorded to have been his Succeſſour) is definitively laid down in Scripture (as we have ſaid) in the execution of his Office, under the Rule and Dominion of Jehoſhaphat, the 4th King after Solomon, there being about ſixty one years from the laſt of Solomon's p. 146reign to the firſt of Jehoſhaphat's. To conclude then; whereas it might be objected, that Johanan, and Azariah the ſecond, (who are not produced by Joſephus, and others) are diſtinctly mentioned in Scripture, as begotten by the precedent, and ſo to be termed their ſons; either we may imagine them to have been but of ſmall duration in a ſucceſſive Line: or rather that they are ſo termed onelyonly Jure Officii, being indeed but Surrogates to the others (with whom they were co-incident in time) in ſeveral neceſſary caſes; ſeeing it is ſufficiently known, that thoſe who were not natural ſons, are yet ſtyled by that name, upon account of their ſucceſſion in the Government: which will evidently appear, by comparing together Matthew and Luke, Mat. 1.12. Luk. 3.27.Matt 1:12Luke 3:27the two Evangeliſts, and ſeveral other places of Scripture.

7 Ahitub, the Son of Amariah, 1 Chron. 6.11, 12. & Ezra 7.2. who is called by Joſephus foreign, and by Nicephorus plainly foreign, who likewiſe expreſly lays down the Character whereby to know him,Niceph. Calliſt. Eccl. Hiſt. l. 2. c. 4. conſonant to the Scripture it ſelf: that this is the very man that lived one hundred and thirty years, and flew Godoliah (that is, in Scripture-Language) Athaliah the Queen: which name and ſtory evidently points at Jehojadah the High-Prieſt, Uncle to King Joaſh, and is termed alſo by Petavius, in his alleadged Chronicle, Jejadah, in diſtinct words; being the ſame perſon, doubtleſs, who in that confuſed Chronicle is ſet the fourth in number, and called Jehoahaz: from whence Joſephus his foreign is corrupted; who for his great care of the Temple, and Worſhip of God, and the wonderful Reformation, effected in his days,1 Chron. 9.11. Neh. 11.11.1 Chr 9:11Neh 11:11 is ſtyled, The Ruler of the Houſe of God.

8 Merajoth, the ſon of Ahitub: This perſon, though omitted in the 1 Chron. 6.12. yet is particularly mentioned in 1 Chron. 9.11. and in Nehem. 11.11. Now if Ahitub before ſpoken of, be indeed that Godly Jehojadah, as it ſeems very probable; then this Merajoth will prove to be the ſlain Zechariah, or ſome Elder Brother of his who ſucceeded Ahitub in the latter days of Joaſh the King. He is called by Nicephorus the Patriarch, foreign, who addes, foreign ſlain for his Zeal to God; which ſhews the corruption of his name for foreign; who is alſo called Merajoth, and was the ſame with Holy Zechary, as is atteſted by the fore-cited Chronicle, which places Jojadah, and his two Sons Zechariah and Phedajah contemporary with Queen Athaliah, and King Joaſh. Joſephus in his Greek Copy▪ names theſe three, foreign Nicephorus calls them foreign, that is, Jehojadah, and his two ſons, Zechary and Phedajah, who were ſlain at the Commandment of the King. Selden's Copy of the Seder Olam Zuta places Jehoſaphat, Jehojadah, and Phadea ſucceſſively: wherein, admitting one tranſpoſition, Jehojadah being placed firſt, Jehoſaphat, may be put for Zachariah his Son, expreſly named in Petavius his Copy, where the name of Jehoſaphat is deficient; it being common for one perſon to have two names among the Hebrews.

9 Zadok, the Son of Merajoth, 1 Chron. 9.11. Nehem. 11.11. This High-Prieſt is ſtyled by Joſephus foreign: by Nicephorus Calliſtus foreign: and by the often-recited Chronicle, in plain terms, Zedekiah, agreeing very near with our Zadok, and is very probably the ſame man, who was Father in Law to King Uzziah, and did in ſuch an eminent and zealous manner p. 149thruſt his Son in Law out of the Temple,2 Chr. 26.20.2 Chr 26:20 when uſurping the Prieſts Office; and is called in the Text, mentioning that Fact, by his proper name, Azariah the chief Prieſt: but preſently in the beginning of the twenty ſeventh Chapter is ſuppoſed to have his name altered by the Spirit of God and called Zadok▪ from that his courage in an act of exemplary Juſtice and Righteouſneſs, and accordingly ſo recorded to after generations, by this name of Zadok, in the Babylonian Regiſters of Ezra the Scribe. This very Fact is mentioned under the name of a ſecond Azariah in Nicephorus the Patriarch's Catalogue. Who is called by the Alexandrian Chronicle foreign with the annexion of another called foreign, telling us that they lived under Athaliah, and Joaſh; which paſſage plainly carries in its very Forehead, the corruption of that Author, in placing foreign here viz. after Zadok, who was the famous Jehojadah, or Ahitub; and likewiſe in placing Zadok under Athaliah, who was under Ʋzziah.

Before we come to the next, it is to be remembred, that Joſephus interſerts two more Prieſts, called foreign but by Nicephorus foreign and by the Chronicle, Joel and Jotham. The firſt being placed in the daies of Ʋzziah, the other of King Jotham. But who they were, or where and how to inſert them; Scripture yields no light, that I have yet diſcerned.

10 Ʋriah whom ſome think to have been of the line of Ithamar, and exalted to this dignity by ungodly Ahaz: who though he be not mentioned in the Genealogies penned by Ezra, being omitted, as ſome gueſs, becauſe of his idolatrous obſequiouſneſs to King Ahaz about the Altar of Damaſcus: yet we have a certain record of his name and time, he being expreſt again and again in the book of Kings.2 King. 16.11, 15, 16.2 Kgs 16:112 Kgs 16:152 Kgs 16:16 With whoſe Scripture-name Joſephus doth clearly agree, calling him foreign, and more particularly Nicephorus, expreſly recording that he lived in the daies of Ahaz and Hezekiah, and is ſuppoſed to be mentioned, Eſai. 8.2.

11 Azariah another High-Prieſt ſucceeds, though not expreſt by name in Ezra, or in the book of Chronicles chap. 6, or 9. Yet have we famous mention of him by the Title of chief Prieſt and Ruler of the houſe of God,2 Chron. 31.10, 13.2 Chr 31:102 Chr 31:13 in the daies of Hezekiah of bleſſed memory, and likewiſe that he was of the houſe of Zadock, being in Joſephus corruptly called foreign, in Nicephorus foreign in the Chronicle Ne…iah, which claimes him as contemporary with Hezekiah.

Here in this place, there intervenes another High-Prieſt cited by Joſephus under the name of foreign, by Nicephorus foreign: by that Hebrew Chronicle, Oſaiah; and in Selden's Copy Hoſhaiah, which is probably a grand miſtake, interverting the order, and inverting the name of Jehojadah before mentioned. For this foreign probably is the very ſame with foreign the ſixth in the Alexandrian Chronicle, who is called foreign by Nicephorus Calliſtus, Oſaiah by the Jewiſh Chronicle, and foreign by Joſephus in the fifth place. All conſpiring either with the true or corrupted writing of the name of Jehojadah. Otherwiſe, concerning this man's line, there being no Scripture-light, to me apparent; I ſhall remit him to his Authours, till clearer times.

Moreover we muſt not here forget the two High-Prieſts inſerted by ſome Authors, as followeth. Firſt by Nicephorus the Patriarch, in his Chronography ſet forth by Scaliger, An. Do. 1606, together with Euſebius his Chronicles, and printed again A. D. 1658. pag. 307. of the greek Copy: and again in another Edition at Paris 1652, wherein he is called Arch-Biſhop of Constantinople, pag. 407.

I B. foreign.

p. 1501 foreign. Corrupted for foreign or Shallum the next High-Prieſt in order.

In the Epitome of Chronicles likewiſe, being another Tract ſet out by Scaliger, pag. 240. and ſuppoſed by ſome to be an Alexandrian Chronicle, we read thus.

foreign.

By which Authours ſome have been impoſed upon to apprehend that Somnas or Sobnas, as alſo Eliakim, were High-Prieſts in the daies of King Hezekiah: 2 Kin. 18.18. Iſa. 36.22.2 Kgs 18:18Isa 36:22Whereas indeed Eliakim the Son of Hilkiah was no other then the Ruler or Steward of the Kings Houſhold, and Shebna the chief Scribe or Recorder, as appeareth by the royall Hiſtory of the Kings of Judah. Without all doubt both theſe Writers were deceived by a miſapprehenſion of the Prophet Iſaiah, Iſai. 22.21.Isa 22:21who mentioning the Robe and the Girdle of Eliakim, might give occaſion to conceive of them as High-Prieſts: Eſpecially ſince the Text ſaith they were o…er the Houſe foreign they miſconſtruing the King's Houſe for the Temple. Concerning which you may be more ſatisfyed in Seldens diſcourſe De ſucceſ. Pontif. Ebrae. c. 5. p. 142. For in one verſe of Iſaiah the vulgar Latine calling Shebna Praepoſitus Templi, Iſa. 22.15.Isa 22:15the Provoſt or Ruler of the Temple; the ſequacious pens of Popiſh Authours not daring to ſtart from it for fear of the forked curſe of the Tridentine convention, have followed this old and blind Error, as is well obſerved by Dr. Rainolds, pag. 78.in his conference with Hart concerning that inconſequent Argument of the Pope's ſupremacy drawn from one High-Prieſt ſet over the Jewiſh Church, during that oeconomy.

To let then theſe Popiſh dreams alone to their wilfully ſtupified brains, as given up by God to believe lies: we will proceed to the reſt of the High-Prieſts mentioned in Scripture-Records.2 Theſ. 2.11.2 Thess 2:11

12 Shallum, called the ſon of Zadok in 1 Chron. 6.12. and Ezra. 7.2. and Meſhullam in 1 Chron. 9.11. In Joſephus foreign, In Niceph. foreign. It is probable this man was not the immediate ſon of Zadok: becauſe Azariah before him is ſaid to have been of the Houſe of Zadok: as if he neither had been the next immediate ſucceſſor: But might have had Uriah as his Father betwixt him and Zadok, according to the Scripture-Hiſtory of the ſacerdotal function, unles it ſhould refer to Solomon's Zadok. But we ſubmit the whole to candid Judges, onelyonly remembring that this man is generally conceived to have ſpent moſt of his daies under the reign of King Manaſſeh: who little regarded the worſhip of the Temple: Huldah the Propheteſs is call'd the wife of this High Prieſt by the Alexandrian Chronicle p. 24.

13 Hilkiah the ſon of Shallum, 1 Chron. 6.13. and 9.11. Ezra. 7.1, 2. Neh. 11.11. This man is famouſly known to have been in the daies of Joſiah, 2 Chr. 34.14. 2 Kin. 22.4. & 23.4. Strom. l. 1. p. 240, 241. edit Heinſ. 1616.2 Chr 34:142 Kgs 22:42 Kgs 23:4a great coadjutor of his in that honoured and moſt memorable Reformation of God's Worſhip and ſolemn Service. Whereto all Computators do freely give in their Suffrages. Concerning whom Clemens Alexandrinus adds further, that he was the Father of the Prophet Jeremy, with which opinion concurs the Alexandrian Chronicle.

14 Azariah the ſon of Hilkiah, mentioned in Scripture, in 1 Chron. 6.13. and 9.11. Ezra, 7.1. But omitted by the three forecited Catalogues: yet having a threefold evidence from Scripture, we have accordingly ſo fixed him. Yet Joſephus in his Hiſtory of the Jewiſh Antiquities bethinking himſelf,Lib. 20. c. 8. p. 700. D. aſſerts that there were eighteen High-Prieſts from the building of the Temple to its firſt diſſolution: which number cannot be fetcht out of his Catalogue, unleſs this Azariah be admitted for one. To whom alſo, as to the number of eighteen, agrees our common Egeſippus, p. 151which goes about the World as his, concerning the deſtruction of Jeruſalem.

15 Seraiah the ſon of Azariah. 1 Chron. 6.14. Ezra, 7.1. He is called by Nehemiah's Regiſter, the ſon of Hilkiah, Neh. 11.11.Neh 11:11though it ſeems apparent by the Scriptures affixed to Azariah, that he ſtood not in ſo immediate a relation to him. But this place of Nehemiah poſſibly might give occaſion to the three Authors to omit Azariah, whereas this perſon is called by Joſephus and Nicephorus foreign,2 Kin. 25.18, 21.2 Kgs 25:182 Kgs 25:21 and is reported to have been ſlain by the King of Babylon at Riblah.

16 Jehozadak the ſon of Seraiah, the Father of Jeſhua, mentioned by the Prophet Zachary, and Brother of Ezra the Scribe, called by Joſephus foreign, by Nicephorus foreign,1 Chro. 6.14, 15.1 Chr 6:141 Chr 6:15 was carried captive to Babylon by the armies of Nebuchadnezar; with whom ends the Line of the Prieſt's during the firſt Temple.

So that according to this view of the Succeſſion of the High-Prieſts intended for the enodation and untying of ſome former difficulties in the Hiſtoricall relation of the Jewiſh High-Prieſts in ſome meaſure: I humbly conceive, there needs no ſuch vexatious and perplexing figure as a Metatheſis to be introduced: ſeeing the apprehended miſlocations (wherein we ought to be extreme ſparing of impoſing upon any Scripture, without urgent neceſſity and clear Teſtimony from other places) may be now more ſafely laid aſide, and the Chronicle vindicated to its purity in a regular procedure with its names. According to which, having examined ſeverall Authors, the ſeverall High-Prieſts of the firſt Temple may tolerably well ſynchronize with the Kings of Judah in this Method following.

1 Zadok

2 Ahimaaz

3 Azariah with King Solomon.

& 4 Johanan with King Solomon.

5 Azariah with the latter end of King Solomon's reigne, Rehoboam, Abijah, and the beginning of Aſa.

6 Amariah contemporary with the greateſt part of Aſa's reigne, and ſome part of Jehoſhaphat's.

7 Ahitub or Jehojadah, who lived one hundred and thirty years, probably did concurr with the latter part of Jehoſhaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, and part of his Nephew Joaſh.

8 Merajoth, ſo called in the Babylonian Regiſter, but probably the ſame with Zachariah, in the reigne of Joaſh.

9 Zadok with Joaſh, Amaziah, and his Son in Law Ʋzziah.

10 Ʋriah in the latter end of Ʋzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and the beginning of Hezekiah.

11 Azariah during the greateſt part of the reigne of Hezekiah.

12 Shallum in the daies of Manaſſeh.

13 Hilkiah ſuppoſed by ſome to be in the latter part of Manaſſeh's time, all Amon's, and the moſt part of Joſiah.

14 Azariah in the end of Joſiah, Jehoahaz, and Jehoiakim's daies.

15 Seraiah in the time of Jeconiah and Zedekiah, and was then ſlain at Riblah.

16 Joſedek, At the end of Zedekiah's reigne who was carryed captive to Babylon: after that the holy Temple was laid in rubbiſh. The more compleat Story of which moſt famous building as to the various accidents which befell it, ſhall now follow, while it continued under the reigns of the particular Kings of Judah.

p. 152Before we conclude this preſent Chapter, we ſhall give in an Hiſtoricall view of the ſtate of the Temple, during the ſeverall Kings of Judah, according to the various changes related in holy Scriptures, under which it laboured; together with the year of the World, according to the Annals of the moſt learned Primate of Ireland.

The ſtate of the Temple under Solomon, the royal Founder of that glorious Pile.Anno Mundi 3000.

1 King. 11.9.1 Kgs 11:9THe Divine Hiſtory preſents to our view, in the firſt place, a very ſad Relation concerning Solomon himſelf, (to whom the Lord God of Iſraël had twice appeared) viz. that in his old age he ſhould affront the Temple-Worſhip,1 Kin. 11.7.1 Kgs 11:7 by the Erection of Heatheniſh Idols on Mount Olivet, the Hill over againſt Jeruſalem, in the full view of the habitation of God's ſacred Majeſty. For there he fixed a ſeat for Moloch or Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon: ſo called from the Kingly power of that damnable Statue (inſpired by the Divell) over the hearts of ſtupid Idolaters. Nay he was not aſhamed to prepare a high place for Chemoſh, which (it ſeems by the Hiſtory of Jephthah) was alſo the God of Ammon, Judg. 11.24. Being alſo excellently ſtyled in the Sacred Leavs the abomination of Moab, becauſe of thoſe horrid and libidinous Rites performed neer his dunghill Throne, His denomination being taken (as ſome obſerve) from foreign Palpare, a thing not fit to be explained. The reaſon, why the ancient Heathens did worſhip this Chemoſh, Hoſ. 9.10.Hos 9:10together with Priapus, of Baalphegor that ſhamefull Idoll, and others of the ſame Litter, under ſuch deteſtable and pudendous figures,Edit. Hen. Steph. l. 1. p. 55. lin. 30. & lib. 4. p. 149. lin. 37. is beſt rendred by Diodorus Siculus to be foreign, as the cauſers of foecundity. Therefore did they many times Male and Female lye together in the very Temples, imploring the aid of thoſe beaſtly Numen's. For the ſame cauſe likewiſe was the Moon, or, as ſome think, the Planet Venus, exalted unto the dignity of Worſhip, under the name of Aſhtoreth by the Sidonians, allowed alſo by the ſame King Solomon, in connivence with his idolatrous wives, who ſtole away his heart from the true God. Yet, notwithſtanding the full Millenary of Females which he enjoyed, permitting mean while their Sacrifices to thoſe ſtrange Gods, poſſibly to gain their aid in point of fruitfulneſs: we may bring in Solomon (though in a ſenſe alien from that place,1 Kin. 11.3. Eccleſ. 7.28 cap. 2.19. Neh. 13.26.1 Kgs 11:3Eccl 7:28Neh 13:26 yet alluſive to this purpoſe) complaining in his own words, that among a thouſand Women have I found but one man, Rehoboam, and him a fooliſh Prince, to ſit upon my Throne after me. For we read but of one Son and two Daughters that he had, of all his Wives, 1 King. 4.11, 15. Did not Solomon King of Iſraël ſin by theſe things? Yet none like him among the Nations, beloved of his God: to warn the wiſeſt and the holieſt amongſt men to beware the dangerous inticements and ſolicitations of neer Relations unto ſin. Concerning theſe Idols, whereby God was deeply provoked, you may pleaſe to conſult more at large three learned men, viz. aaSyntag. 1. c. 5. & 6.Selden in his Tract Of the Syrian Deities, bblib. 2. c. 5.Voſſius in his books about Heathen Idolatry, and Nicolas cclib. 11. c. 13Fuller in his ſacred Miſcellanies. The exact time of Solomon's Age or Reign at the erection of theſe Pagan impurities, as not worthy to be mentioned in a divine Kalender, we do not read: Neither of the place of one of them, viz. Aſhtoreth, where it exactly ſtood, though it appears in generall that they ſtood p. 156on the right hand of Mount Olivet, 2 Kin. 23.13. That is on the Weſtſide of the Mountain, being on the right hand, as they went up to the Temple to worſhip. O… as others, the ſoutherly ſide, which is commonly expreſſed by the right hand in Scripture. Happy King Solomon, had he been as great a ſtranger to their defiling and Kingdom-conſuming Ceremonies; as we are to the praeciſe time and punctuall place of the ſituation of each of theſe abominable Idols. For if the Father had not ſo ſoulely praevaricaed, his ſon probably had never felt the weight of the Loins of God's vengeance upon his Kingdom, nor the laſh of thoſe divine Scorpions, that in moſt righteous and juſt judgment whipt off ten Tribes at one blow from the Scepter of Judah in his daies: whereof we now proceed to ſpeak.

The ſtate of the Temple under Rehoboam the ſecond King after its Building.A.M. 3029.

This famous Fabrick ſtood in its beauty, unſpoiled of its Ornaments all the daies of Solomon, notwithſtanding the grand provocations of the divine Majeſty,1 Chr. 11.17 cap. 12.1.1 Chr 11:17 and ſo perſiſted during the three firſt years of the reign of Rehoboam: But having ſtrengthned himſelf in the Kingdome, he forſook the Law of the Lord and all Iſraël with him, denoting to us, That unſanctified proſpe…ity, to a carnall Spirit, proves many times a ſad Temptation to fearfull Apoſtacy. But did not God alſo forſake Rehoboam? yes ſurely! For when he had idolatrouſly turned his back upon the Temple, he beholds in his fifth year,Ver. 2. Shiſhak King of Aegypt marching in the Van of a terrible Army towards Jeruſalem: probably incited by Jeroboam (but certainly by God) who under the reign of his Father had reſided in Aegypt. This potent adverſary and his Wars,Aut. Iudaic. lib. 8. cap. 4. Lib. 2. p. 127 Edit. Paul. Steph. A.M. 3026 Pag. 30. Argonaut. l. 4. ad ve. 272 Joſephus peremptorily aſſerts to be falſly aſcribed by Herodotus to Seſostus: Concerning whom the latter Hiſtorian relates in his Euterpe, that in Palaeſtina of Syria he himſelf ſaw ſtones inſcribed with the memoriall of his Victoryes. But I rather incline to the Judgment of the learned Primate of Ireland in his Scripture-Annals, and Mr. John Greaves in his diſcourſe of the Aegyptian Pyramids, who comparing Manetho the Prieſt with the Scholiaſt of Apollonius Rhodius Africanus, and Euſebius together, doth fully agree with Scaliger that this Shiſhak is the ſame King called by them Seſochoſis, or Seſonchis, and poſſibly the ſame which Joſephus de bello Judaic. l. 7. c. 18. calls Aſochaeus; telling us of his taking Ieruſalem: the ſame called by Herodstus Aſychis, reciting ſome of his Lawes, lib. 2. and plainly called Saſyches, and related as a famous Lawgiver, by Diodorus, lib. 1. p. 59. Edit. H. Steph. Who came up to the holy City, rifled the Temple,1 Kin. 14.26 2 Chr. 12.9. ver. 10.1 Kgs 14:262 Chr 12:9 and took away the Treaſures of the Houſe of the Lord, together with the Shields of Gold, which his Father Solomon had made. In the room whereof Rehoboam was conſtrained to ſubſtitute brazen ones, for the Guard to carry before him, when he went up to the Temple. This was the firſt plundering Bout which befell that ſtately piece in this Prince's daies,Ver. 12. who having humbled himſelf lived the remnant of his life in the Sun-ſhine of peace, having reigned ſeventeen years in Ieruſalem at his deceaſe.

Under Abijah the third King.A.M. 3046

Nothing conſiderable did occurre in his three years reign in relation to the Temple: But the Dedication of ſome Gold, ſome Silver, and Veſſels of ſervice to the Houſe of God, which were carried within its ſacred Wals by Aſa his godly Son and Succeſſor.1 Kin. 15.15.1 Kgs 15:15

p. 155A.M. 3049Ʋnder Aſa the fourth King.

2 Chr. 24.3, 52 Chr 24:32 Chr 24:5It is recorded concerning this good King, that he took away the Altars of ſtrange Gods, their high places, brake down the Images, and cut down their Groves, among all the Cities of Iudah, which was ſucceeded with ſerene daies of peace and quietneſs. Nay his Legions in war were attended with fortunate Lawrels in the famous Battel managed againſt Zerah the Captain of the Arabian Troops (as Sir Walter Raleigh excellently manifeſts him to be,Hiſt. of the World part. 1 lib. 1. cap. 8. §. 10. †. 6. 2 Chr. 21.16.2 Chr 21:16 and not of the Aethiopians of Africa) who came againſt him with a Million of men. Whence we learn, That proſperity both in peace and warr doth crown the heads of thoſe Magiſtrates that promote the purity of God's Worſhip. Aſa the famous Conquerour upon admonition of Azariah the Prophet, in the fifteenth year of his Rule, and the third Month of the ſacred year, put away all the abominable Idols out of all his dominions,2 Chr. 15.8.2 Chr 15:8 and renewed the brazen Altar for Sacrifices in the Court of the Prieſts, gathered all his People to Ieruſalem, and offered of their victorious ſpoiles ſeven hundred Oxen and ſeven thouſand Sheep to the God of Battell: At the ſame time he made a ſolemn Covenant between God and his People, and commanded that whoſoever would not ſeek the Lord ſhould be put to death. His Grand-Mother likewiſe he removed from being Queen (of the Idol Beth-peor, De diis Syris p. 160. Syntag. 1. c. 5. Ver. 18. 2 Chr. 16.1. Anno Mundi 3064. 1 Kin. 15.18. 2 Chr. 16.2.2 Chr 16:11 Kgs 15:182 Chr 16:2as ſome conceive) ſtamping her Idol to pieces and burning it at the Brook Kidron. He brought likewiſe the Silver, Gold, and Veſſels, into the Houſe of God, (which himſelf and his Father had dedicated) in that famous year of his Reformation.

In the thirty ſixth year of his Kingdome ſince the revolt of the 10 Tribes, but the 16th year of his Reigne (as the reverend Primate obſerves in his Annals) he preſents all the Silver and Gold that was left in the Treaſures of the Houſe of the Lord unto Benhadad the King of Syria, to bribe him to a breach of that League which he had contracted with his fatall Enemy, Baaſha the King of Iſraël. Here we ſee that Sacriledge and Truce-breaking, two enormous ſins, are linkt together: But he that dares put his hand to the Robbing of God of his Temple-Treaſures, will not fear to be unjuſt to man; as we behold ſadly teſtified of this Prince, who being reproved by Hanani the Seer (ſent from God) added yet more ſins to the former, in putting the Prophet in priſon, and oppreſſing the People at the ſame time. But from thenceforth God denounced War againſt him, and In the thirty ninth year ſmote him in his feet, and yet he added to ſeek to the Phyſitians and not to the Lord, and died in the one and fourtieth year of his Reigne. Take heed therefore of being hardned by holy mens ſin, as well as of deſpairing by the ſtory of their falls. It was no wonder to behold an Aegyptian King ſpoiling the Temple of God; But for an Aſa the Protector and Enricher of the Temple to commit ſuch Aegyptian wickedneſs, for a godly King to manifeſt ſuch heinous impiety demonſtrates the Inſtability of the beſt without God's manutenency: who though not bound to preſerve us alwayes from ſin, yet hath ingaged himſelf to puniſh it even in the Children of David; when he threatned to viſit their Tranſgreſſions with the rod,Pſal. 89.32.Ps 89:32 and their Iniquity with ſtripes: which is manifeſt in the Iudgments that befell this King,2 Kin. 15.14.2 Kgs 15:14 whoſe heart in the main was upright before the Lord all his daies. The Spirit of God loves to give a gracious report of Saints, when gone into their Graves, and weighs their hearts, not their actions, in the Scales of the Sanctuary.

p. 154Iehoſhophat the fifth King.A.M. 3090

This pious and victorious King being aſſailed by the forces of Moab and Ammon makes his application to him that dwelt between the Cherubims, for divine aſſiſtance, and powred out a fervent prayer,2 Chr. 20.5.2 Chr 20:5 as he ſtood in the Houſe of the Lord before the new Court. Whether this Court was diſtinct from the other two, or called new only from ſome late reparations made by his Father Aſa in the fifteenth year of his Government: As the Hebrew doth not utterly reject, it being termed New-made or repaired from foreign reſtaurari as well as De novo. If a reall new Court, where to fix and deſcribe it, or to ſay when it was built, is utterly unfeazible out of Scripture. But here finding the mention of it, we are obliged to recite it. Before which this famous King received an anſwer of ſucceſs and victory. For which he neglected not to come with Pſalteries, Harps,Ver. 28. and Trumpets to praiſe the Lord in this Mountain of his Holineſs; and having reigned twenty five years, (being ſtained by joyning affinity with Ahab: 2 Chro. 19.3.2 Chr 19:3when the ſore temptations of Riches and Honour in abundance intangled his Soul, 2 Chron. 18, 1, and ver. 28. and with helping that ungodly Family,cap. 20.33. and permitting ſome high places to remain) he ſlept with his Fathers in peace.

Iehoram the ſixth King.A.M. 3112

The Government of this King was but ſhort and generally very wicked: yet we read of ſome things which he dedicated to the Houſe of God:2 Kin. 12.18 2 Chr. 21.19 ver. 11. 2 Kin. 8.18.2 Kgs 12:182 Chr 21:192 Kgs 8:18 But of what and how many, Scripture is ſilent: Yet of his deplorable diſeaſe, by the falling out of his Bowels, there is a memorable record, to terrify ſinners in their attempts againſt the holy Law of God, and in joyning affinity with the Enemies of God.

Ahaziah the ſeventh King.A.M. 3119

A wicked ſon ſucceeds a wicked Father, being counſelled by an ungodly Mother to walk in the ſins of Iſrael: yet we find, that he alſo diſpoſed of ſome Treaſures unto the Houſe of the Lord. But it ſeems,2 Chro. 22.3. 2 Kin. 12.18 2 Chr. 24.7.2 Chr 22:32 Kgs 12:182 Chr 24:7 being ſeduced by his wicked Mother Athaliah, he with his Brethren broke up the Houſe of God, and beſtowed all the dedicate things upon Baalim, and having ſate in the Throne but one year was ſlain by the followers of Jehu: ſhewing us how dangerous it is to be found in the ſociety of the wicked at the time of the Execution of divine judgments.

Athaliah the Queen.A.M. 3120

Athaliah the Wife of Ioram and Mother of Ahaziah (the daughter of Ahab and Grand-Daughter of Omri) ſeeing her Son ſlain,2 Kin. 8.18. 2 Chr. 21.6 22.10.2 Kgs 8:182 Chr 21:6 aroſe and deſtroyed all the Seed Royall of the Houſe of Judah, except little Ioaſh: who was admirably preſerved by his Aunt Iehoſhebah (the Wife of Iehojadah the Prieſt) in ſome private Chamber of the Temple from the blood-thirſty fury of his cruell Grand-Mother. Who having arrived to the ſeventh year of his Age was anointed, crowned, and proclaimed King of Iudah, at the appointment of his zealous and godly Uncle Iehojadah. At which time the old Murdreſs comming into the Temple, was laid hold on,2 Kin. 11.15 2 Chr. 23.152 Kgs 11:152 Chr 23:15 carried forth without the Ranges, and ſlain in the Horſe-way leading to the King's p. 156Houſe. Murder we ſee, ſeldom paſſes unrevenged of God, and Tyranny rarely ſayes its dying head upon a dry Pillow: Nay ſometimes the place where divine wrath finds a ſinner is ſignally fixed, to note, That the path of beaſts is good enough to drink up the blood of an uſurping and murderous Queen.

Joaſh the eighth King.

Famous were the Actions at the Inauguration of this young Prince, performed by the High-Prieſt his Uncle, in contracting a Covenant between the Lord on the one part, Joaſh and his People on the other part, & another alſo between the King and his Subjects. The people being encouraged by the example of holy Jehojadah, 2 King. 11.18. brake down the Houſe, Altars, and Images of Baal: they did their work thoroughly, and ſlew Mattan the idolatrous Prieſt and offered him as a Sacrifice upon his own Altars to the Juſtice of the true God. So excellent a Mercy is it for a Nation to have a zealous Ruler to goe in and out before them in the pure worſhip of God: ſuch was Jehojadah the Protector of this King in his Non-Age. From whom in his ripening years (as having enjoyed ſuch admirable Tuition under the wings of the Temple-Cherubims) we may juſtly challenge ſome notable Tranſactions towards the repaire of that holy Fabrick ſo violated and prophaned by his Predeceſſors. Neither doth he fruſtrate our Expectations:2 Rin. 12.4. but takes ſpeciall care to advance mony from the People: hires Maſons, Hewers of ſtone, and Carpenters, to repair the breaches of God's holy manſion. For receipt of the mony there was a Cheſt prepared with a Hole in the Cover,Ver. 9. and placed on the South-ſide of the Altar. When it was pretty well lined, they put it in bags,Ver. 15. Ver. 14. and being told expended it on the workmen, never calling the Truſtees to account, becauſe they were faithfull. Now whereas its related in the Book of Kings that of this mony there were no Veſſels made for the ſervice of the Temple: we find an Explanation of it in the Book of Chronicles,2 Chr. 25.142 Chr 25:14 that when the workmen were paid by the King and his Uncle for the reparation of the breaches: of the remaining mony Veſſels of Miniſtration were made; ſo that till they ſaw what mony was left of the charges imployed in the great and main work of reparation, there were no Veſſels made for the particular ſervices: But the ſurpluſage was faithfully laid out upon Bowles, Snuffers, Baſons, Trumpets, Spoons, and other Veſſels of Gold and Silver.Ver. 14.15. After which they offered Burnt-offerings continually all the daies of Jehojadah who lived 130 years.

But when this holy man was dead, Joaſh forgot his ancient zeal, and yeelded his Ears to be anointed with the Oyl of Flattery: Manifeſting, within the compaſs of a few years, what a Mercy it is for a King to have faithfull and godly Counſellours, and on the other hand how dangerous it is to give Attention to fawning Paraſites: who courted him out of his religious ſervice to the houſe of God and turned him to Groves and Idols.Ver. 20.21. The ſequacions Nature of Princes is the foundation of deadly changes in a State. Behold in Joaſh a lively example: who though warned by Zechariaeh the Prophet his neer Kinſman; (whoſe Mother had kept him in his Infancy from ruine, and was now inſpired of God to rebuke his Idolatry) yet permitted the People to ſtone him in the Court of the Houſe, between the Temple and the Altar,Ver. 22. and forgetting the kindneſs of his Father contracted the ſin of Murder upon his own head. That this was the ſame man mentioned by our Lord in the Goſpel-ſtory,Mat. 23.35Matt 23:35 though the name of his Father be there ſtyled Barachiah, is moſt probable: For that the place p. 157of his Murder there recited doth agree to this, and that Hierom obſerves on the place, that in the Goſpell uſed by the Nazarenes he is termed the ſon of Jojada. Beſides, it's obſervable that the two Names of Barachiah and Jehojadah do little vary in ſignification, the former ſignifying the bleſſing or praiſing of God; the other, the acknowledging or confeſſing of God, (i. e.) in a way of praiſe.

To let this inquiry paſs: Did Joaſh goe unpuniſhed? No certainly; but at the end of the year God's Judgments took up an expedition againſt this revolting and treacherous Prince,2 Kin. 12.172 Kgs 12:17 and made Hazael King of Syria the General of his angry bands to execute his fierce wrath upon Judah. Theſe Syrian Troops though ſmall in number; yet re-inforced with the anger of God, deſtroyed all the Princes of the People,2 Chr. 24.242 Chr 24:24 and conquered an huge Hoſt of Joaſh, and executed Judgment upon Him and his People: for they had forſaken the Lord God of their Fathers. The face of this Enemy being turned towards Jeruſalem, Ioaſh took away all the hallowed things that were given by Iehoſhaphat, Iehoram, Ahaziah, and himſelf,2 King. 2.182 Kgs 2:18 together with all the Gold in the Treaſures of the Lord's Houſe and of his own, and ſent them to Hazael: Wherewith the Tyrant being pacified, turned his face to Damaſcus. But though Hazael was, yet God was not gone from Ioaſh, but marched towards him in the paths of anger: For the Syrians left him under the hand of God in great diſeaſes (as the ſame Word foreign in that Text doth other-where clearly ſignifie;2 Chr. 24.252 Chr 24:25 as you may read in 2 Chron. 21.15. Prov. 18.14. Ierem. 15.4. &c.) Neither did God permit him to dy of ſuch grievous Sickneſs; but bloody violence muſt be compenſated with a dyſaſtrous death, and accordingly we preſently hear of his Servants conſpiring againſt, and ſlaying him upon his ſick bed;Ver. 25. That ſo a violent death might ride to his bed-ſide before a naturall death had diſpacht him. The Spirit of God reciting the reaſon of all to be, for the blood of the Sons of Iehojadah. Neither yet doth vengeance forſake him but carryes him from the Sepulchre of the Kings: not ſuffering him to reſt with his famous Predeceſſours. From all whoſe Judgments, we learn what a hatefull ſin Apoſtacy from true Religion is in the ſight of God: for in him that draws back, the Soul of God will take no pleaſure:Heb. 10.38. Prov. 14.14Heb 10:38Prov 14:14 but the Back-ſlider in heart ſhall be filled with his own waies.

Amaziah the Ninth King.A.M. 3165

The former Section exhibited the downfal of an irreligious Apoſtate: but herein we have the view of a notorious Hypocrite, who did that which was right, but his Heart was not perfect with God:2 Chro. 25.22 Chr 25:2 He had proſperous ſucceſs againſt the Edomites of Mount Seir; but being lifted up with pride, would needs challenge the King of Iſrael to Battel: wherein being overthrown, and taken priſoner at Bethſhemeſh, in the Tribe of Judah, by Ioaſh, the King of the Ten Tribes, he was carryed as a Triumphal Captive to his chief City by the Conquerour: who being arrived at Jeruſalem, brake down the Wall of the City, for the ſpace of four hundred Cubits, lying between the Corner-Gate, and the Gate of Ephraim, on the North ſide of this famous Metropolis, that he might enter the capital City with the greater pomp and magnificence. After which ſtately admiſſion,2 Chr. 25.24 2 Kin. 14.142 Chr 25:242 Kgs 14:14 this King of Iſrael, ſpoils the Temple of all the Gold and Silver, and carryes away all the Veſſels that were found in the Houſe of God with Obed-Edom's ſons, who had the charge of the Treaſury that lay in the houſe of Aſuppim, near a Gate of the ſame name in the Weſt-ſide of the outward Court of the Temple.1 Chr. 26.15 2 Chr. 25.151 Chr 26:152 Chr 25:15 But this wicked King who had worſhipped the gods of Seir, that could not ſave p. 158their ſtupid Proſelytes out of his own hands, thus deeply provoked the Lord to ſuch fierce wrath, that it proſecuted him to a violent death: for falling under the hands of his own ſervants at Lachiſh, Ver. 28.he was brought much like Richard the Third from Boſworth Field, upon horſes, in an ignominious manner, to his Burial at Jeruſalem. Thus we ſee, the diſcovery and downfal of Hypocriſie, a ſin greatly deteſted of God: who uncloathed this Hypocritical Zealot of his Religious Cloak (which he wore in his firſt days) by the Warm Sun of Succeſs in War againſt the Children of Edom. Whereby being encouraged to ſhew what he was, and ſuppoſing he ſtood now ſtrong upon his own legs, he bows down to the Idumaean Idols; but never roſe up again into the priſtine ſtate and glory of his Kingdom: for being purſu'd by thick Troops of Divine Vengeance, at laſt he is conſtrained to reſign up both Scepter and Life to the ſevere Avengers of God's broken Covenant. Thus uſually, the Lord is pleaſed to deal with ambiguous Hypocrites; firſt to diſcover, and then to ruine them.

A.M. 3194Azariah, or Uzziah, the tenth King.

I ſhall not meddle with any of his Civil or Warlike Actions, that do not Hiſtorically relate to the Temple, during his long and proſperous Reign,2 Chro. 26.5. Ver. 16.2 Chr 26:5 while he ſought the Lord. But let's obſerve onelyonly, that when he was ſtrong, his heart was lifted up to his fatal deſtruction; for having fortified the City, and repaired the ruines it ſuffered under his Predeceſſor, and done many noble Exploits;Ver. 9. at laſt unworthily uſurping the Prieſts Office, he entred into the Temple, to burn Incenſe upon the Golden Altar. Whereupon he was immediatly ſmitten with Leproſie by God, thruſt out of the Temple by the High-Prieſt, and depoſed from his Kingly Office, his Son Jotham being admitted to the Execution of Judgment in his room: yielding a notable document to the higheſt and moſt imperial perſons in the World, not to intermeddle with ſacred Functions.

A.M. 3246Jotham the 11th King.

His powerful Wars, crowned with notable ſucceſs againſt the Ammonites as the reward for the preparing of his ways before the Lord his God, we ſhall omit;2 Chro. 27.6.2 Chr 27:6 and take notice onelyonly of the ſtately high Gate, which he built for the Houſe of the Lord; which is conceived to be the Weſt-Gate, leading to the Kings Houſe, and mentioned by an Hiſtorical Prolepſis, in the days of Joaſh, 2 Chr. 23.202 Chr 23:20a former King. But of this I have formerly treated, Chap. 3. Pag. 53. & do incline to think it to have been the great Eaſtern Gate of the Prieſts Court: which being decaied, he new built in a magnificent manner: It being called the Upper-Gate in the Book of Kings, and the New-Gate in the higher Court of the Lords Houſe,2 Kin. 15.35 Ier. 36.10.2 Kgs 15:35Jer 36:10 by the Prophet Jeremy, from this King's new work about it, who having walked religiouſly, reigned victoriouſly, he dyed peaceably, and ſlept quietly in the Sepulchres of his famous Anceſtors.

A.M. 3262Ahaz the 12th King.

Now ariſes up into the Throne one of the moſt wicked Kings of Judah, walking in the ways of the Kings of Iſrael. He made his Son paſs through the Fire and burnt Incenſe in the Valley of Hinnom; he erected molten Images to Baalim, 2 Kin. 16.3. 2 Chr. 28.3.2 Kgs 16:32 Chr 28:3and ſacrificed in the high places, and on the Hills, and under every green Tree. Wherefore the Lord ſent Rezin, the King of Syria, p. 159and his confederate Pekah, King of Iſrael, to beſiege him in Jeruſalem: wherein, though they prevailed not to take the City, yet Rezin ſmote his Land, and carryed a great multitude away Captive to Damaſcus, and recovered Elath, a ſtrong Fortreſs from Judah, 2 Chr. 26.2.2 Chr 26:2which his Father Ʋzziah had fortified. Pekah ſlew one hundred and twenty thouſand valiant men in one day, and carryed away captive two hundred thouſand, with much ſpoyl to Samaria. This King being thus ſorely diſtreſſed, ſends a Meſſage to Tiglath-Pilezer, King of Aſſyria, with a Preſent of the Silver and Gold found in the Houſe of the Lord.2 Kin. 16.8. 2 Chr. 28.212 Kgs 16:82 Chr 28:21 For he was not onelyonly deſperately plunged by the two former Kings; but ſorely afflicted by the Edomites, and the Philiſtins; the former, carrying ſome away captive; and the latter, ſeizing many of his Towns. The Aſſyrian King, upon this invitation, falls in upon the Kingdom of Syria, ſlew its King, took Damaſcus the chief City, and ſubdued it under him: Whereupon Ahaz meets him at Damaſcus, and takes there the pattern of an Idolatrous Altar, and ſends it to Ʋriah the Prieſt; and being returned, cauſes the Brazen Altar of the Lord to be removed, and his new Altare Damaſcenum to be placed in the Court for his own Sacrifices. New Inventions of men, in God's Worſhip, never thrive: for his Confederated Friend out of Aſſyria falls now upon the King of Iudah himſelf.2 Chr. 28.19, 20. Iſai. 10.282 Chr 28:192 Chr 28:20Isa 10:28 For he came up, ſaies Iſaiah, to Ajath, he paſſed to Migron, and laid up his carriages at Michmaſh, mentioning with theſe, other Cities of Iudah: and ſaies, he ſhal ſhake his hand againſt the Mount of the Daughter of Zion. Ver. 32. 2 Chr. 28.232 Chr 28:23In the time of this his great diſtreſs he did treſpaſs yet more againſt the Lord: for he ſacrificed to the Gods of Damaſcus that ſmote him, which was his ruine. Now he plunders the Houſe of God to purpoſe, and makes mad work in the Temple. He gathers together the Veſſels of the Houſe of God and cuts them in pieces. He pulls away the borders of the Baſes, and removes the Laver; takes the Sea of Braſs off from the backs of the brazen Oxen and ſets it on the ſtone-Pavements:2 Kin. 16.172 Kgs 16:17 certainly he was troubled in conſcience that they had ſo long ſerved God in bearing that ſtately Veſſel, and pitied their wearineſs under their long burden, out of a ſacrilegious madneſs of Spirit mixt with his diſtreſs and neceſſity. The Covert alſo for the Sabbath which probably was built to ſhelter the Prieſts in rainy and tempeſtuous weather, he turns out of doores. Nay,Dr. Lightfoot harm. p. 116. Mr. Fuller's Piſgah, pag. 283. Uſher. Annal p. 93. 2 Chr. 28.25 Ver. 22. Dr. Lightfoot.2 Chr 28:25 that ſtately Paſſage or Entry of the King to the Temple, called the Cauſey or Shallecheth on the Weſt, he either obſtructs, diverts or deſtroyes, and that either out of fear of ſurprizal by the Aſſyrian, or rather to manifeſt his utter rejection of the worſhip of God, in favour to the Emperour's Idolatry, Afterwards he put out the Lamps and leavs off burning Incenſe in the Houſe of God: he ſhuts up the doors and turnes High-Prieſt to the Devill: For he made him Altars in every corner of Ieruſalem, and in every ſeverall City of Iudah he made high places to burn Incenſe to other Gods, and provoked to anger the Lord God of his Fathers. This is that King Ahaz! But what followes? Moſt probably depoſed, for all this, by his faut or the King of Aſſyriae, and ſees his own ſon lifted up to the royall Throne in his ſtead. For if his ſon Hezekiah began to reigne in the third year of Hoſhea King of Iſraël, as you read expreſly 2 King. 18.1, 2. Then did he begin in the fifteenth year of his Father Ahaz. For Hoſhea's beginning to reigne in the twelfth of Ahaz. 2 King. 17.1. doth determine the fifteenth of Ahaz, to ſynchronize with the third of Hoſhea, the commencement of Hezekiah's Reigne; who hereby muſt needs prove to be aſſumed into the Empire by his Father as the learned Biſhop Uſher would have have it, or elſe introduced by the Aſſyrian, as learned Dr. Lightfoot declares. Beſides, it is diſtinctly noted in 2 King. 18.9, 10. that Samaria was taken in the ſixth of Hezekiah, which p. 160was the ninth of Hoſhea: Therefore the firſt of Hezekiah is the third of Hoſhea and the fifteenth of Ahaz, when Hezekiah began to reigne in his Father's life time; who died after 16 years dominion, whether compleat or current is not expreſt.2 Chr. 28.272 Chr 28:27 But he died ingloriouſly, and was not buried with honour in the Sepulchres of his famous Anceſtors. Thus this abominable Polluter and Prophaner of the Temple came to an untimely end, not being able to tell the hour of God's wrath upon the Diall of his idolatrous Wickedneſs: Though he erected a famous Materiall one in ſome place of his Houſe or of the Temple, much ſpoken of and conteſted about by learned Authors, yielding a miraculous confirmation to the faith of his pious Succeſſor.Vol. 3. in his judicial Laws c. 25. p. 89. Pag. 246. Pag. 162. Concerning this Diall, Mr. Weemſe hath an exercitation, but there ſpeaks not of the place, only conceives it to have been a polar one. Mr. Gregory of (Chriſt's-Church in Oxen) in his poſthumous Works ſeems to aſſent to Cornel. A lapide, that it was placed on a wall of the King's Palace, and that it was a South-verticall Diall. Adrichomius places it in the Temple, and ſaies, it was made of the brazen Altar of the Lord which he removed from its ſituation; but he proves nothing. I ſhall onelyonly leave to conſideration as to the place, that ſeeing ſome Altars are mentioned to be fixt on the top of the Upper-chamber of Ahaz, 2 Kin. 23.122 Kgs 23:12& that ſpoken of in the midſ. of a Relation concerning two Temple-pollutions, whether this Diall might not be ſuppoſed to have been placed on ſome wall of that Chamber, which he built, poſſibly in the Temple.

A.M. 3277Hezekiah the 13th King.

Glorious were the Atchievments of this holy King, who no ſooner ſtept into the royall Throne but he preſently made a ſolemn viſitation of the Temple in the firſt year of his reign, and in the firſt MonethMonth of the ſacred year,2 Chr. 29.3.2 Chr 29:3 He opens the doors of that late-polluted Houſe, ſhut up by his ungodly Predeceſſour, and repaires them in a magnificent manner, overlaying the doors and pillars with Gold.2 Kin. 18.162 Kgs 18:16 Then having gathered the Prieſts and Levites into the Eaſt-ſtreet, he makes an eloquent Oration to them, filled with divine and perſwaſive Rhetorick, and rouzes them up to the purification of the Temple from the idolatrous pollutions of Ahaz. Which when they had finiſhed in the ſpace of ſixteen daies, they prepared and ſanctified all the Veſſels for divine uſe. Whereupon, they offered ſacrifices of Atonement and Reconciliation for the ſins of Ahaz in prophaning the Temple-Worſhip.2 Chr. 29.212 Chr 29:21 The Number of the burnt-Offerings brought by the Congregation were ſeventy Bullocks, one hundred Rams, and two hundred Lambs, and the conſecrating Offerings were ſix hundred Oxen and three thouſand Sheep.2 Chr. 30.2. Numb. 9.112 Chr 30:2Num 9:11 After which they ſolemnized the Paſsover on the fourteenth day of the ſecond Month according to the Law of Moſes in caſe of Impurity. The Sacrifices of Peace-offerings which were then preſented to God were two thouſand Bullocks, and ſeventeen thouſand Sheep,2 Chr. 30.262 Chr 30:26 there being ſuch joy at that time in Jeruſalem, as the like thereof had not been known ſince the daies of Solomon. When this was finiſhed, all the People, who had been preſent in the Temple, went out and brake the Images in pieces,cap. 31.1. cut down the Groves, and tumbled down the high Places and Altars in all Judah and Iſraël, and particularly deſtroyed the Brazen Serpent of Moſes, 2 Kin. 18.4.2 Kgs 18:4calling it Nehuſhtan, a poor piece of Braſs, becauſe the Iſraëlites had burnt Incenſe to it in an idolatrous manner. Moreover, he ſet in order the Courſes of the Prieſts, and gave forth a portion of his own Eſtate to maintain the conſtant and ſolemn Sacrifices of God's worſhip, and commanded the People to bring in their Firſt-fruits p. 161and Tithes to encourage the Prieſts in the Law of the Lord:2 Chr. 31.4, 52 Chr 31:42 Chr 31:5 preparing Chambers in the Houſe of God wherein to lay them up. Thus did he work that which was right and good and truth before the Lord his God.Ver. 20. The Lord was with him whitherſoever he went. Being encouraged by this his great proſperity he ſhoke off the yoke of the King of Aſſyria and ſmote the Philiſtins even to Gaza and the border thereof.2 Kin. 18.7.2 Kgs 18:7 But after the eſtabliſhment of the worſhip of God and his Kingdom. [Giving a true and an eminent pattern to all Princes to begin firſt with Temple-work and the Reformation of the Worſhip of God; if ever they intend to ſet warm in their Thrones, and ſettle the Scepter in their hands. Which Method being uſually miſtaken by great pretenders to Reformation, they generally lay the Baſis of their own ruine in the Quagmire and Queachy ground of rotten policy] Behold yet even after all this,2 Chr. 32.1. 2 Kin. 18.13 & 15.16.2 Chr 32:12 Kgs 18:132 Kgs 15:16 he was invaded by Sennacherib the great King of Aſſyria, in the fourteenth year of his Reign. To pacify whoſe rage, he ſent him all the Treaſures of Silver, and the gold of the Pillars and Doores of the Temple. But that haughty King being nothing ſatisfied, whetted but his appetite for more Glory and Riches,2 Chr. 32.172 Chr 32:17 and ſent railing Letters againſt the God of Zion. Hereupon this holy King of Judah ſpread the Letters before the Lord in his Temple, and,2 Kin. 19.14, 15.2 Kgs 19:142 Kgs 19:15 which was better and more acceptable, he ſpread his Hands and his Heart before the Lord, in a moſt ardent and heavenly prayer. Whence we may perceive that intended Mercyes are fetcht from Heaven in the Chariot of prayer, and a holy Prophet is made the mouth of God to declare his gracious anſwer,Ver. 20. honouring his Miniſters with the divine meſſages of his Will. Which was ſeconded that very Night by a direful ſtroke of vengeance on the Aſſyrian Camp, cutting off all the mighty men of valour,Ver. 35. 2 Chr. 32.312 Chr 32:31 with the Leaders and Captains of his Army, to the number of 185000 men. The King himſelf returning with ſhame was ſlain by the Children that came out of his own Bowels, in the Houſe of his god. After this, Hezekiah being ſick, and recovered, with the attendance of a miraculous ſigne of the Sun's retroceſſion on the Dyall of Ahaz, he rendred not again according to his mercies: but being left by God to try him, and to know all that was in his heart,2 Chr. 32.312 Chr 32:31 he ſhewed his ſtately Treaſures to the Embaſſadours of Merodach-Baladan King of Babylon, called by Ptolomy foreign, in that excellent Canon of his, eſteemed by Calviſius more precious then Gold, for the concatenation of the ſacred and civil Hiſtories of thoſe times. But this good King humbled himſelf for the pride of his heart,Ver. 16. ſhewing his godly ſincerity in heart-reformation lying low before God for his being lifted up before the Legates of an earthly Prince. After which, reigning in peace and great proſperity, the uſual Concomitant of Integrity in God's worſhip, he died in peace,Ver. 33. and was buried in the chiefeſt of the Sepulchres of the Sons of David.

Manaſſeh the 14th King.A.M. 3306

The ungodly Son of a holy Father puts on the orient Diadem, and ſucceeds in the royall Seat of Judah, 2 Kin. 23.1.2 Kgs 23:1builds up the high-places deſtroyed by Hezekiah, rears up Altars for Baal, and makes a Grove like Ahab King of Iſraël, and worſhips all the Hoſt of Heaven, for whom he built Altars in both the Courts of the Lord's Houſe.2 Ch. 33.6, 7 2 Kin. 23.4.2 Kgs 23:4 He cauſed his Children to paſs through the fire in the Valley of Hinn…m and erected a carved Image of the Idol Baal which he had made in the Temple of God in a moſt prophane and preſumptuous manner, not hearkning to the menacing Meſſages ſent by God. At laſt, the Majeſty of Heaven bing deeply incenſed, ſent againſt him the Captaines of the King of Aſſyria, who tooke him among the p. 162thorns, bound him with Fetters, and carried him captive to Babylon. In which affliction having greatly humbled himſelf before the Lord, and deprecated the fierceneſs of his wrath by earneſt ſupplication, he was brought again to Jeruſalem and to his Kingdome. Where to demonſtrate the ſincerity of his Repentance, he took away the ſtrange Gods, and that damnable Idol of Baal out of the Houſe of the Lord, and all the Altars which he had built in the holy Mountain, and in Jeruſalem, and caſt them out of the City. Furthermore, he proceeds to the reparation of the brazen Altar of the true God, and ſacrificeth his Peace-and Thank-offerings thereon, commanding Judah to ſerve the Lord God of Iſraël: who having reigned fifty five years, ſlept with his Fathers, and was buried in his own Houſe in the Garden of Uzzah.2 Kin. 21.182 Kgs 21:18

A. M. 3361Amon the 15th King.

At twenty two years of Age began Amon to reigne in Judah, and walked in the wicked ſteps of the firſt years of his Father, ſacrificing to all the carved Images made by him,2 Kin. 21.21. 2 Chr. 33.122 Kgs 21:212 Chr 33:12 diſgracing (what in him lay) the Temple-worſhip: But following him not in Repentance and godly Sorrow. For he treſpaſſed yet more and more, till he was ſlain by the conſpiracy of his own Servants in his own houſe, having reigned but two years only. His life when young being preſerved only (as may ſeem) for the ſake of Ioſiah in his Loines; and his Dominion, to that end, that his godly Son might be foſtered for a while, who was after to ſucceed him. God many times would thunder out his Iudgments againſt the Sons of Belial, were it not for ſome of his elect that ſhall flow from them: as far as we may with all humility and reverence give conjecture concerning the deeps of divine providence in his diſpenſations throughout the world.

A.M. 3363Ioſiah the 16th King.

Now enters at 8 years of Age into the Kingly Throne the holieſt Reformer that ever wore the Crown of Judah. The Greeneſs of his years ſet a verdant luſtre upon his actions, like a ſtately Emerald incircling his Temples. For having attained but ſixteen years of his life he began to ſeek after the God of his Father David: and at twenty years old he becomes mighty in zeal for the Houſe of his God,2 Chr. 34.3.2 Chr 34:3 the Groves he cut down, the Altars of Baallm he brake in pieces, the Images both carved and molten he ſtampt to duſt, and ſtrowed the powder on the Sacrificers Graves; he burnt the Bones of the idolatrous Prieſts upon their prophane Altars, and knockt the Altars themſelvs in pieces with Mattocks, not only in Judah, but in Ephraim and Manaſſeh alſo, even to Naphthali round about. In the eighteenth year of his Reign,Ver. 7, 8. when he had purged the land and returned to Ieruſalem, he commands ſome of his chief Officers to ſumme up the mony brought into the Temple,2 Kin. 23.3, 4, 5. &c. 2 Chr. 35.3.2 Kgs 23:32 Kgs 23:42 Kgs 23:52 Chr 35:3 cauſes Carpenters and Maſons to be hired, Timber and hewen Stone to be provided, and places the Ark again in the moſt holy place, which it ſeems was removed by Manaſſeh. Meanwhile the Book of the Law being found by Hilkiah the Prieſt was brought to the King, read by Shaphan, wept over by Ioſiah, and a meſſage by him ſent to the Propheteſs, who anſwered him with a returne of peace, becauſe of the tender meltings of his Heart under the denunciation of judgment. The Reparations of the Houſe being finiſhed, and the Book being carried up into the Temple of the Lord, the King himſelf read it in p. 163the ears of the Elders of Judah, and all the People, and ſtanding by the royall Pillar in the wonted place, entred into Covenant with God, and cauſed them all to ſtand to it. After this he commands the High-Prieſt and his inferior Miniſters to bring forth out of the Temple all the Veſſels of Baal, of his Grove, and the Hoſt of Heaven, to the Brook, burning and ſtamping them to duſt, and laid the duſt on the Graves of the Children of the People.2 Kin. …3.7.2 Kgs 3:7 He proceeds further to break down the Houſes of the Sedomites neer the Houſe of the Lord, that is, poſſibly of thoſe who were the Officers of the ſhamefull and beſtiall priapeian Ceremonies of Baalphegor, not fit to be uttered. For as common Idolatry is called Whoredome in Scripture: ſo this abominable Idolatry is probably called by the name of Sodomy. For the Text ſaies that Women did in thoſe Houſes weave Hangings for that Grove, viz. of Baal, that was caſt out of the Houſe of God, being probably an artificiall imitation of the Idol-Temple of Baal, Ver. 6.with a Grove of Trees about it in ſome ſolid mettal or ſtone, placed within thoſe ſacred Walls, He defiles alſo all the High-places where the Prieſts had burnt Incenſe, from Gebah to Beerſheba, together with Tophet in the Valley of Hinnom, where the Children were fried in that helliſh fire to M…lech: Whence it is,Chietomaei Graecobarb. N. T. p. 54. 2 Kin. 23.11.2 Kgs 23:11 that the new Teſtament aſſumes the word foreign to ſhadow forth the intolerable Torments of the bottomleſs lake of God's aeternal Judgment. He took away the Horſes of the Sun alſo, and burnt their Chariots with fire, which were dedicated by the Princes of Judah to the Prince amongſt the Stars of Heaven, which had been placed at the entring into the Houſe of God. The Altars likewiſe, on the top of the Upper Chamber of Ahaz, were daſht in pieces, and thoſe of Manaſſeh in both the Courts of the Houſe were broken down and their duſt caſt into Kidron. The High-places of Solomon together with their Altars and Groves built for Aſhtoreth, Chemoſh, and Milcom on the ſide of Mount Olivet, Ver. 13.were utterly ruined and overthrown, and their places defiled being filled with the Bones of men. Neither did he forget the Altar and High-place at Bethel, erected by Jeroboam that great ſinner of Iſraël. The Bones alſo taken out of the Sepulchres in that Mount (whereon Bethel was built) he burnt on thoſe Altars, and polluted their imagined ſanctity. Thus he did in the other Cities of Samaria, ſlaying the Prieſts and burning their bones upon their Altars, and returned to Jeruſalem. 2 Kin. 23.23 2 Ch. 34. &c.2 Kgs 23:23At laſt he celebrates the Paſsover, on the fourteenth day of the firſt Month, in this eighteenth year of his Reign, in moſt ſolemn and magnificent manner, the like having not been performed ſince Samuel and the daies of the Judges, nor in the time of any of the Kings of Judah or Iſraël. To which purpoſe the King beſtowed on the people thirty thouſand Lambs and Kids, and three thou and Bullocks out of his own ſubſtance, the Princes alſo beſtowed 2600 ſmall Cattell and three hundred Oxen. The whole number of Sacrifices being 35900 for the ſervice of the Temple. Which was ſo punctually and ſtrictly managed according to the Law of Moſes, that like him there was no King before him, nor after him roſe any King like him,2 Kin. 23.252 Kgs 23:25 that turned to the Lord with all his H…art, with all his Soul, and with all his Might. Yet nothwithſtanding after all this (ſaith the holy Spirit) the Lord turned not from the fierceneſs of his great wrath kindled againſt Judah for the high provocations of Manaſſeh and his other Predeceſſours. But Joſiah was in this point happy, that he ſaw not the ruine of his Kingdome: but died in peace (according to the Prophecy of Huldah) of his conſcience, ſay ſome:2 Chr. 34.282 Chr 34:28 though more probably of his Kingdome, as to utter deſolation which was now haſtening towards it. Though the expreſs words ſtrictly examined do not ſay, he ſhould dy in peace, but be gathered to his Grave in peace: for p. 164though he was wounded in battell in a raſh adventure againſt Pharaoh Necoh, who was going up in haſte to the war of Aſſyria, having overthrown Jeſiah in battell, marcht on ſpeedily towards Carchemiſh, and left him to a peaceable buriall after his mortall wounds that were received at Megiddo, called Magdolon by Herodotus: for he died at Jeruſalem, and was buried, with a moſt ſolemn and mournfull funerall, in the Sedulchtes of his Fathers, the Obſequies being managed by Jeremiah a holy Prophet in ſorrowfull Lamentations,Law. 4.20. weeping out that dolefull Elegy, The breath of our Nostrils, the anointed of the Lord was taken in their Pits, of whom we ſaid, Under his ſhadow we ſhall live among the Heathen.

A.M. 3394Jehoahaz the 17th King.

After Joſiah had reigned thirty one years, the People of the Land exalted Jehoahaz his Son into his Fathers Throne.2 Chr. 26.2.2 Chr 26:2 Whoſe Reign was both wicked and ſhort, not exceeding three Months. For the Aegyptian King after his Victory at Euphrates, returning to Jeruſalem, put him down, caſt him in fetters at Riblah, and carried him away to Aegypt, where he died, The Conqueror having condemned the Land in a great Tax, and ſet up another ſon of Joſiah in his Room.

A.M. 3394Jehojakim the 18th King.

The conquering Aegyptian ſet up this King in the royal ſeat, who could do no leſs then pay the Taxation to his Maſter, at which the Land was ſet, and then falls to the old idolatrous pranks of the preceding Princes. But he was invaded by another forreign Prince and bound in fetters to be carried to Babylon. 2 Chr. 36.6.2 Chr 36:6Some think the Emperour did not carry him thither: but the particle [alſo] in the next verſe, adjoyned to the Veſſels of the Temple, ſeems to inſinuate that he went along with them. But whether he went or no, being not fully clear, it's certain that the Babylonian ſpoyled the holy Temple of many of its rich Veſſels, and placed them in the Temple of his God in the land of Shinar. Ver. 7. Dan. 1.2. 2 Kin. 24.6.Dan 1:22 Kgs 24:6This is manifeſt, that if the Jewiſh King were captived, he was ſent back upon certain conditions: for we find him dying at Jeruſalem, and buried there in the 11th year of his Reign.

A.M. 3405Jehojachin or Jeconiah the 19th King.

The Dominion of this young King was but ſhort, yet ſowre; wickedneſs being uſually diſht up with Judgment, for he reigned but three Moneths and ten daies, and then at the end of the year Nebuchadnezar himſelf came to Jeruſalem, 2 Chr. 36.10 2 Kin. 42.142 Chr 36:10and carried away ten thouſand Captives, together with the King and all the Treaſures of the Temple, and cut in pieces the goodly Veſſels which Solomon had made, and ſet Zedekiah his Uncle in his room over the Realm: by his very name, given him by the Conquerour, importing the juſt Iudgments of God.

A.M. 3405Zedekiah the 20th King.

This was the Auguſtulus of the Judaean Empire, exalted by the proud Babylonian to trundle under his vaſt Empire, But being highly wicked in the ſight of God: it came to paſs through the anger of the Lord, that he rebelled againſt his Maſter,2 Kin. 24.202 Kgs 24:20 that golden head of the Imperiall Statue of Daniel. Whereupon, in the eleventh year of his underling Reign, he p. 165was taken neer Jericho flying from his head-City, and was brought to Riblah, and there ſaw his ſons ſlain before his face, and after that, his own eyes were put out. Howbeit, though being blind he never ſaw any more miſery, yet he felt enough; for he was bound in …etters of Braſs, and carried to Babylon. He that would not ſee the hand of the Lord lift up in Ieremiah's threatning Meſſages, muſt now ſink under the weight of that iron Rod falne down upon, and cruſhing his Bones into a diſmall and utter ruine. But he wanted not companions of grief to alleviate his ſorrow, eſpecially the dolefull ruines of that incomparable Temple, enough to qualify his Spirit, under his perſonall Sufferings, if they had been mixt with ſerious repentance, and if his blind Bals had been moiſtned with ſoul-melting Tears; ſo that with a brave Heroick Spirit he might never have repined at the loſs of his own light, ſeeing the Lamps of God's Houſe were extinguiſhed: and like good Eli even contented to break his neck when the Ark of God is taken, and cry out with a funerall voice, and ſay with the famous Spartan Generall to his ſurviving Souldiers,Diodor. Reſerve your ſelves for better times.

Vitae est avidus, quiſquis non vult

Templo ſecum pereunte mori.Seneca in Thyeſte, v. 881.

Concerning the deplored ruines of which ſacred and magnificent Pile, and its finall Cataſtrophe, more ſhall be ſpoken in the laſt Chapter, having now continued about 415 years: During which ſpace of time, it was ten times robbed and plundered, viz. 1. By Shiſhak King of Aegypt, and next by five of its own Kings, by one of the Kings of Iſraël, and by Nebuchadnezzar three times in the Reigns of its three laſt Kings, as may appear more fully in the foregoing Chronicle. But before we come to the laſt and deplorable Chapter of its Diſſolution, we ſhall endeavour with all ſobriety to refreſh the mind of our pious and devout Reader with thoſe rare evangelicall Myſteries, that were vailed under the Shadows and Caeremonies of this royall Structure: which we ſhall crave leave to exhibit in the ſucceeding diſcourſe.

p. 166CHAP. IX. Concerning the divine Myſteries of the Temple.