Josephus Book 12a - From Alexander To Judas Maccabeus

the Antiquities of the Jews volume three the Antiquities of the Jews volume three by flavius by flavius by flavius Josephus translated by William Wiston Josephus translated by William Wiston Josephus translated by William Wiston Book 12 chapter 1 and chapter 2 part one book 12 containing the interval of one book 12 containing the interval of 170 years from the death of Alexander 170 years from the death of Alexander 170 years from the death of Alexander the Great to the death of Judas the Great to the death of Judas the Great to the death of Judas macabus chapter 1 macabus chapter 1 macabus chapter 1 how tmy the son of Lagos took Jerusalem how tmy the son of Lagos took Jerusalem how tmy the son of Lagos took Jerusalem and Judea by deceit and treachery and and Judea by deceit and treachery and and Judea by deceit and treachery and carried many sents and planted them in Egypt now when Alexander king of Macedon Egypt now when Alexander king of Macedon had put an end to the Dominion of the had put an end to the Dominion of the had put an end to the Dominion of the Persians and had settled the Affairs in Persians and had settled the Affairs in Persians and had settled the Affairs in Judea after the forementioned manner he Judea after the forementioned manner he Judea after the forementioned manner he ended his life and as his government ended his life and as his government ended his life and as his government fell among many and take obtained Asia fell among many and take obtained Asia fell among many and take obtained Asia ccus Babylon and of the other nations ccus Babylon and of the other nations ccus Babylon and of the other nations which were there limacus governed the which were there limacus governed the which were there limacus governed the helis bant and cassander possessed helis bant and cassander possessed helis bant and cassander possessed Macedonia as did tmy the son of Lagos Macedonia as did tmy the son of Lagos Macedonia as did tmy the son of Lagos seiz upon Egypt and while these princes seiz upon Egypt and while these princes seiz upon Egypt and while these princes ambitiously strove one against another ambitiously strove one against another ambitiously strove one against another everyone for his own principality it everyone for his own principality it everyone for his own principality it came to pass that there were continual came to pass that there were continual came to pass that there were continual Wars and those lasting Wars too Wars and those lasting Wars too Wars and those lasting Wars too and the cities were sufferers and lost a and the cities were sufferers and lost a and the cities were sufferers and lost a great many of their inhabitants in these

great many of their inhabitants in these great many of their inhabitants in these times of distress in so much that all times of distress in so much that all times of distress in so much that all Syria by the means of tmy the son of Syria by the means of tmy the son of Syria by the means of tmy the son of lagus underwent the reverse of that lagus underwent the reverse of that lagus underwent the reverse of that denomination of Savior which he then denomination of Savior which he then denomination of Savior which he then had he also seized upon Jerusalem and had he also seized upon Jerusalem and had he also seized upon Jerusalem and for that and made use of Deceit and for that and made use of Deceit and for that and made use of Deceit and treachery for as he came into the city treachery for as he came into the city treachery for as he came into the city on a Sabbath day as if he would offer on a Sabbath day as if he would offer on a Sabbath day as if he would offer sacrifices he without any trouble gained sacrifices he without any trouble gained sacrifices he without any trouble gained the city while the Jews did not oppose the city while the Jews did not oppose the city while the Jews did not oppose him for they did not suspect him to be him for they did not suspect him to be him for they did not suspect him to be their enemy and he gained it thus their enemy and he gained it thus their enemy and he gained it thus because they were free from suspicion of because they were free from suspicion of because they were free from suspicion of him and because on that day they were at him and because on that day they were at him and because on that day they were at rest and rest and rest and quietness and when he had gained it he quietness and when he had gained it he quietness and when he had gained it he ruled over it in a cruel manner nay ruled over it in a cruel manner nay ruled over it in a cruel manner nay agatharchides of naidus who wrote the agatharchides of naidus who wrote the agatharchides of naidus who wrote the acts of Alexander's acts of Alexander's acts of Alexander's successors reproaches us with successors reproaches us with successors reproaches us with Superstition as if we by it had lost our Superstition as if we by it had lost our Superstition as if we by it had lost our Liberty where he says thus there is a Liberty where he says thus there is a Liberty where he says thus there is a nation called the nation of the Jews who nation called the nation of the Jews who nation called the nation of the Jews who inhabit a city strong and great named inhabit a city strong and great named inhabit a city strong and great named Jerusalem these men took no care but let Jerusalem these men took no care but let Jerusalem these men took no care but let it come into the hands of tmy as not it come into the hands of tmy as not it come into the hands of tmy as not willing to take arms and thereby they willing to take arms and thereby they willing to take arms and thereby they submitted to be under a hard Master by submitted to be under a hard Master by submitted to be under a hard Master by reason of their unseasonable reason of their unseasonable reason of their unseasonable Superstition this is what agatharchides

Superstition this is what agatharchides Superstition this is what agatharchides relates of our nation but when tmy had relates of our nation but when tmy had relates of our nation but when tmy had taken a great many captives both from taken a great many captives both from taken a great many captives both from the mountainous parts of Judea and from the mountainous parts of Judea and from the mountainous parts of Judea and from the places about Jerusalem and Samaria the places about Jerusalem and Samaria the places about Jerusalem and Samaria and the places near Mount jisim he led and the places near Mount jisim he led and the places near Mount jisim he led them all into Egypt and settled them them all into Egypt and settled them them all into Egypt and settled them there and as he knew that the people of there and as he knew that the people of there and as he knew that the people of Jerusalem were most faithful in the Jerusalem were most faithful in the Jerusalem were most faithful in the observation of Oaths and Covenants and observation of Oaths and Covenants and observation of Oaths and Covenants and this from the answer they made to this from the answer they made to this from the answer they made to Alexander when he sent an embassage to Alexander when he sent an embassage to Alexander when he sent an embassage to them after he had beaten Darius in them after he had beaten Darius in them after he had beaten Darius in battle so he distributed many of them battle so he distributed many of them battle so he distributed many of them into garrisons and at Alexandria gave into garrisons and at Alexandria gave into garrisons and at Alexandria gave them equal privileges of citizens with them equal privileges of citizens with them equal privileges of citizens with the macedonians themselves and required the macedonians themselves and required the macedonians themselves and required of them to take their Oaths that they of them to take their Oaths that they of them to take their Oaths that they would keep their Fidelity to the would keep their Fidelity to the would keep their Fidelity to the posterity of those who committed these posterity of those who committed these posterity of those who committed these places to their care nay there were not places to their care nay there were not places to their care nay there were not a few other Jews who of their own accord a few other Jews who of their own accord a few other Jews who of their own accord went into Egypt as invited by the went into Egypt as invited by the went into Egypt as invited by the goodness of the soil and by the goodness of the soil and by the goodness of the soil and by the liberality of tmy however there were liberality of tmy however there were liberality of tmy however there were disorders among their posterity with disorders among their posterity with disorders among their posterity with relation to the Samaritans on account of relation to the Samaritans on account of relation to the Samaritans on account of their resolution to preserve that their resolution to preserve that their resolution to preserve that conduct of Life which was delivered to conduct of Life which was delivered to conduct of Life which was delivered to them by their them by their them by their forefathers and they thereupon contended forefathers and they thereupon contended forefathers and they thereupon contended one with another while those of one with another while those of one with another while those of Jerusalem said that their Temple was Jerusalem said that their Temple was Jerusalem said that their Temple was holy and resulted OLED to send their holy and resulted OLED to send their holy and resulted OLED to send their sacrifices sacrifices sacrifices thither but the Samaritans were resolved thither but the Samaritans were resolved thither but the Samaritans were resolved that they should be sent to mount

jisim chapter 2 how tmy philadelphus jisim chapter 2 how tmy philadelphus procured the laws of the Jews to be procured the laws of the Jews to be procured the laws of the Jews to be translated into the Greek tongue and set translated into the Greek tongue and set translated into the Greek tongue and set many captives free and dedicated many many captives free and dedicated many many captives free and dedicated many gifts to gifts to gifts to God when Alexander had reigned 12 years God when Alexander had reigned 12 years God when Alexander had reigned 12 years and after him tmy s 40 years and after him tmy s 40 years and after him tmy s 40 years philadelphus then took the Kingdom of philadelphus then took the Kingdom of philadelphus then took the Kingdom of Egypt and held it 40 years within one he Egypt and held it 40 years within one he Egypt and held it 40 years within one he procured the law to be interpreted and procured the law to be interpreted and procured the law to be interpreted and set free those that were come from set free those that were come from set free those that were come from Jerusalem into Egypt and were in slavery Jerusalem into Egypt and were in slavery Jerusalem into Egypt and were in slavery there who were there who were there who were 120,000 the occasion was this Demetrius 120,000 the occasion was this Demetrius 120,000 the occasion was this Demetrius ferus who was Library keeper to the King ferus who was Library keeper to the King ferus who was Library keeper to the King was now endeavoring if it were possible was now endeavoring if it were possible was now endeavoring if it were possible to gather together all the books that to gather together all the books that to gather together all the books that were in the habitable Earth and buying were in the habitable Earth and buying were in the habitable Earth and buying whatsoever was anywhere valuable or whatsoever was anywhere valuable or whatsoever was anywhere valuable or agreeable to the king's inclination who agreeable to the king's inclination who agreeable to the king's inclination who was very earnestly set upon collecting was very earnestly set upon collecting was very earnestly set upon collecting of books to which inclination of his of books to which inclination of his of books to which inclination of his Demetrius was zealously Demetrius was zealously Demetrius was zealously subservient and when once tmy asked him subservient and when once tmy asked him subservient and when once tmy asked him how many 10, thousands of books he had how many 10, thousands of books he had how many 10, thousands of books he had collected he replied that he had already collected he replied that he had already collected he replied that he had already about 20 times about 20 times about 20 times 10,000 but that in a little time he 10,000 but that in a little time he 10,000 but that in a little time he should have 50 times should have 50 times should have 50 times 10,000 but he said he had been informed 10,000 but he said he had been informed 10,000 but he said he had been informed that there were many books of laws among that there were many books of laws among that there were many books of laws among the Jews worthy of inquiring after and the Jews worthy of inquiring after and the Jews worthy of inquiring after and worthy of the king's library but which worthy of the king's library but which worthy of the king's library but which being written in characters and in a

being written in characters and in a being written in characters and in a dialect of their own will cause no small dialect of their own will cause no small dialect of their own will cause no small pains in getting them translated into pains in getting them translated into pains in getting them translated into the Greek the Greek the Greek tongue that the character in which they tongue that the character in which they tongue that the character in which they are written seems to be like to that are written seems to be like to that are written seems to be like to that which is the proper character of the which is the proper character of the which is the proper character of the syrians and that its sound when syrians and that its sound when syrians and that its sound when pronounced is like theirs also and that pronounced is like theirs also and that pronounced is like theirs also and that this sound appears to be peculiar to this sound appears to be peculiar to this sound appears to be peculiar to themselves wherefore he said that themselves wherefore he said that themselves wherefore he said that nothing hindered why they might not get nothing hindered why they might not get nothing hindered why they might not get those books to be translated also for those books to be translated also for those books to be translated also for while nothing is wanting that is while nothing is wanting that is while nothing is wanting that is necessary for that purpose we may have necessary for that purpose we may have necessary for that purpose we may have their books also in this their books also in this their books also in this Library so the king thought that Library so the king thought that Library so the king thought that Demetrius was very zealous to procure Demetrius was very zealous to procure Demetrius was very zealous to procure him abundance of books and that he him abundance of books and that he him abundance of books and that he suggested what was exceeding proper for suggested what was exceeding proper for suggested what was exceeding proper for him to do and therefore he wrote to the him to do and therefore he wrote to the him to do and therefore he wrote to the Jewish high priest that he should act Jewish high priest that he should act Jewish high priest that he should act accordingly now there was one aristeus accordingly now there was one aristeus accordingly now there was one aristeus who was among the king's most intimate who was among the king's most intimate who was among the king's most intimate friends and on account of his modesty friends and on account of his modesty friends and on account of his modesty very acceptable to him this aristeus very acceptable to him this aristeus very acceptable to him this aristeus resolved frequently and that before now resolved frequently and that before now resolved frequently and that before now to petition the king that he would set to petition the king that he would set to petition the king that he would set all the captive Jews in his kingdom free all the captive Jews in his kingdom free all the captive Jews in his kingdom free and he thought this to be a convenient and he thought this to be a convenient and he thought this to be a convenient opportunity for the making that petition opportunity for the making that petition opportunity for the making that petition so he discoursed in the first place with so he discoursed in the first place with so he discoursed in the first place with the captains of the king's guards scius the captains of the king's guards scius the captains of the king's guards scius of tantum and Andreas and persuaded them of tantum and Andreas and persuaded them of tantum and Andreas and persuaded them to assist him in what he was going to to assist him in what he was going to to assist him in what he was going to intercede with the King for accordingly intercede with the King for accordingly intercede with the King for accordingly aristeus embraced the same opinion with

aristeus embraced the same opinion with aristeus embraced the same opinion with those that have been before mentioned those that have been before mentioned those that have been before mentioned and went to the king and made the and went to the king and made the and went to the king and made the following speech to him it is not fit following speech to him it is not fit following speech to him it is not fit for us O King to overlook things hastily for us O King to overlook things hastily for us O King to overlook things hastily or to deceive ourselves but to lay the or to deceive ourselves but to lay the or to deceive ourselves but to lay the truth open for since we have determined truth open for since we have determined truth open for since we have determined not only to get the laws of the Jews not only to get the laws of the Jews not only to get the laws of the Jews transcribed but interpreted also for thy transcribed but interpreted also for thy transcribed but interpreted also for thy Satisfaction by what means can we do Satisfaction by what means can we do Satisfaction by what means can we do this while so many of the Jews are now this while so many of the Jews are now this while so many of the Jews are now slaves in thy kingdom do thou then what slaves in thy kingdom do thou then what slaves in thy kingdom do thou then what will be agreeable to thy magnanimity and will be agreeable to thy magnanimity and will be agreeable to thy magnanimity and to thy good nature free them from the to thy good nature free them from the to thy good nature free them from the miserable condition they are in because miserable condition they are in because miserable condition they are in because that God who supportthe inquiry for both these people supportthe inquiry for both these people and we also worship the same God the and we also worship the same God the and we also worship the same God the framer of all things we call him and framer of all things we call him and framer of all things we call him and that truly by the name of Zena or life that truly by the name of Zena or life that truly by the name of Zena or life or Jupiter because he breathes life into or Jupiter because he breathes life into or Jupiter because he breathes life into all men wherefor do thou restore these all men wherefor do thou restore these all men wherefor do thou restore these men to their own country and this do to men to their own country and this do to men to their own country and this do to the honor of God because these men pay a the honor of God because these men pay a the honor of God because these men pay a peculiarly excellent worship to him and peculiarly excellent worship to him and peculiarly excellent worship to him and know this further that though I be not know this further that though I be not know this further that though I be not of kin to them by birth nor one of the of kin to them by birth nor one of the of kin to them by birth nor one of the same country with them yet do I desire same country with them yet do I desire same country with them yet do I desire these favors to be done them since all these favors to be done them since all these favors to be done them since all men are the workmanship of God and I am men are the workmanship of God and I am men are the workmanship of God and I am sensible that he is well pleased with sensible that he is well pleased with sensible that he is well pleased with those that do good I do therefore put up

those that do good I do therefore put up those that do good I do therefore put up this petition to thee to do good to this petition to thee to do good to this petition to thee to do good to them when aristeus was saying thus the them when aristeus was saying thus the them when aristeus was saying thus the king looked upon him with a cheerful and king looked upon him with a cheerful and king looked upon him with a cheerful and joyful countenance and said how many joyful countenance and said how many joyful countenance and said how many 10,000s Dost thou suppose that are of 10,000s Dost thou suppose that are of 10,000s Dost thou suppose that are of such as want to be made free to which such as want to be made free to which such as want to be made free to which Andreas replied as he stood by and said Andreas replied as he stood by and said Andreas replied as he stood by and said a few more than 10 times a few more than 10 times a few more than 10 times 10,000 the king made answer and is this 10,000 the king made answer and is this 10,000 the king made answer and is this a small gift that thou askest a small gift that thou askest a small gift that thou askest aristeus but so cus and the rest that aristeus but so cus and the rest that aristeus but so cus and the rest that stood by said that he ought to offer stood by said that he ought to offer stood by said that he ought to offer such a thank offering as was worthy of such a thank offering as was worthy of such a thank offering as was worthy of his greatness of soul to that God who his greatness of soul to that God who his greatness of soul to that God who had given him his had given him his had given him his kingdom with this answer he was much kingdom with this answer he was much kingdom with this answer he was much pleased and gave order that when they pleased and gave order that when they pleased and gave order that when they paid the soldiers their wages they paid the soldiers their wages they paid the soldiers their wages they should lay down 120 drmas for every one should lay down 120 drmas for every one should lay down 120 drmas for every one of the of the of the slaves and he promised to publish a slaves and he promised to publish a slaves and he promised to publish a magnificent decree about what they magnificent decree about what they magnificent decree about what they requested which should confirm what requested which should confirm what requested which should confirm what aisus had proposed and especially what aisus had proposed and especially what aisus had proposed and especially what God will should be done whereby he said God will should be done whereby he said God will should be done whereby he said he would not only set those free who had he would not only set those free who had he would not only set those free who had been LED away captive by his father and been LED away captive by his father and been LED away captive by his father and his army but those who were in this his army but those who were in this his army but those who were in this Kingdom before and those also if any Kingdom before and those also if any Kingdom before and those also if any such there were who had been brought such there were who had been brought such there were who had been brought away since and when they said that their away since and when they said that their away since and when they said that their Redemption money would amount to above Redemption money would amount to above Redemption money would amount to above 400 talant he granted it a copy of which 400 talant he granted it a copy of which 400 talant he granted it a copy of which decree I have determined to preserve

decree I have determined to preserve decree I have determined to preserve that the magnanimity of this King may be that the magnanimity of this King may be that the magnanimity of this King may be made known its contents were as follows made known its contents were as follows made known its contents were as follows let all those who were soldiers under let all those who were soldiers under let all those who were soldiers under our father and who when they overran our father and who when they overran our father and who when they overran Syria and Phoenicia and laid waste Judea Syria and Phoenicia and laid waste Judea Syria and Phoenicia and laid waste Judea took the Jews captives and made them took the Jews captives and made them took the Jews captives and made them slaves and brought them into our cities slaves and brought them into our cities slaves and brought them into our cities and into this country and then sold them and into this country and then sold them and into this country and then sold them as also all those that were in my as also all those that were in my as also all those that were in my kingdom before them and if there be any kingdom before them and if there be any kingdom before them and if there be any that have been lately brought thither be that have been lately brought thither be that have been lately brought thither be made free by those that possess them and made free by those that possess them and made free by those that possess them and let them accept of 120 drmas for every let them accept of 120 drmas for every let them accept of 120 drmas for every slave and let the soldiers receive this slave and let the soldiers receive this slave and let the soldiers receive this Redemption money with their pay but the Redemption money with their pay but the Redemption money with their pay but the rest out of the king's Treasury for I rest out of the king's Treasury for I rest out of the king's Treasury for I suppose that they were made captives suppose that they were made captives suppose that they were made captives without our father's consent and against without our father's consent and against without our father's consent and against equity and that their country was equity and that their country was equity and that their country was harassed by the insolence of the harassed by the insolence of the harassed by the insolence of the soldiers and that by removing them into soldiers and that by removing them into soldiers and that by removing them into Egypt the soldiers have made a great Egypt the soldiers have made a great Egypt the soldiers have made a great profit by them out of regard therefore profit by them out of regard therefore profit by them out of regard therefore to Justice and out of pity to those that to Justice and out of pity to those that to Justice and out of pity to those that have been tyrannized over contrary to have been tyrannized over contrary to have been tyrannized over contrary to equity I enjoin those that have such equity I enjoin those that have such equity I enjoin those that have such Jews in their service to set them at Jews in their service to set them at Jews in their service to set them at Liberty upon the receipt of the beem Liberty upon the receipt of the beem Liberty upon the receipt of the beem mentioned sum and that no one use any mentioned sum and that no one use any mentioned sum and that no one use any deceit about them but obey what is here deceit about them but obey what is here deceit about them but obey what is here commanded and I will that they give in commanded and I will that they give in commanded and I will that they give in their names within three days after the their names within three days after the their names within three days after the publication of this edict to such as are publication of this edict to such as are publication of this edict to such as are appointed to execute the same and to

appointed to execute the same and to appointed to execute the same and to produce the slaves before them also for produce the slaves before them also for produce the slaves before them also for I think it will be for the advantage of I think it will be for the advantage of I think it will be for the advantage of my Affairs and let everyone that will my Affairs and let everyone that will my Affairs and let everyone that will inform against those that do not obey inform against those that do not obey inform against those that do not obey this decree and I will that their this decree and I will that their this decree and I will that their Estates be confiscated into the king's Estates be confiscated into the king's Estates be confiscated into the king's treasury when this decree was read to treasury when this decree was read to treasury when this decree was read to the king it at first contained the rest the king it at first contained the rest the king it at first contained the rest that is here inserted and omitted only that is here inserted and omitted only that is here inserted and omitted only those Jews that had formerly been those Jews that had formerly been those Jews that had formerly been brought and those brought afterward brought and those brought afterward brought and those brought afterward which had not been distinctly mentioned which had not been distinctly mentioned which had not been distinctly mentioned so he added these Clauses out of his so he added these Clauses out of his so he added these Clauses out of his humanity and with great generosity he humanity and with great generosity he humanity and with great generosity he also gave order that the payment which also gave order that the payment which also gave order that the payment which was likely to be done in a hurry should was likely to be done in a hurry should was likely to be done in a hurry should be divided among the king's ministers be divided among the king's ministers be divided among the king's ministers and among the officers of his treasury and among the officers of his treasury and among the officers of his treasury when this was over what the king had when this was over what the king had when this was over what the king had decreed was quickly brought to a decreed was quickly brought to a decreed was quickly brought to a conclusion and this in no more than 7 conclusion and this in no more than 7 conclusion and this in no more than 7 Days time the number of the talents paid Days time the number of the talents paid Days time the number of the talents paid for the captives being above for the captives being above for the captives being above 460 and this because their masters 460 and this because their masters 460 and this because their masters required the 120 dracmas for the required the 120 dracmas for the required the 120 dracmas for the children also the king having in effect children also the king having in effect children also the king having in effect commanded that these should be paid for commanded that these should be paid for commanded that these should be paid for when he said in his decree that they when he said in his decree that they when he said in his decree that they should receive the forign mentioned some should receive the forign mentioned some should receive the forign mentioned some for every for every for every slave now when this had been done after slave now when this had been done after slave now when this had been done after so magnificent a manner according to the so magnificent a manner according to the so magnificent a manner according to the king's inclinations he gave order to king's inclinations he gave order to king's inclinations he gave order to Demetrius to give him in writing his Demetrius to give him in writing his Demetrius to give him in writing his sentiments concerning the transcribing sentiments concerning the transcribing sentiments concerning the transcribing of the Jewish books for no part of the of the Jewish books for no part of the of the Jewish books for no part of the administration is done rashly by these

administration is done rashly by these administration is done rashly by these Kings but all things are managed with Kings but all things are managed with Kings but all things are managed with great great great circumspection on which account I have circumspection on which account I have circumspection on which account I have subjoined a copy of these Epistles and subjoined a copy of these Epistles and subjoined a copy of these Epistles and set down the multitude of The Vessel set down the multitude of The Vessel set down the multitude of The Vessel sent as gifts to Jerusalem and the sent as gifts to Jerusalem and the sent as gifts to Jerusalem and the construction of everyone that the construction of everyone that the construction of everyone that the exactness of the artificer workmanship exactness of the artificer workmanship exactness of the artificer workmanship as it appeared to those that saw them as it appeared to those that saw them as it appeared to those that saw them and which workmen made every vessel may and which workmen made every vessel may and which workmen made every vessel may be made manifest and this on account of be made manifest and this on account of be made manifest and this on account of the Excellency of the vessels themselves now the copy of the epistle themselves now the copy of the epistle was to this was to this was to this purpose Demetrius to the great king when purpose Demetrius to the great king when purpose Demetrius to the great king when thou O King gavest me a charge thou O King gavest me a charge thou O King gavest me a charge concerning the collection of books that concerning the collection of books that concerning the collection of books that were wanting to fill your library and were wanting to fill your library and were wanting to fill your library and concerning the care that ought to be concerning the care that ought to be concerning the care that ought to be taken about such as are imperfect I have taken about such as are imperfect I have taken about such as are imperfect I have used the utmost diligence about those used the utmost diligence about those used the utmost diligence about those matters and I let you know that we want matters and I let you know that we want matters and I let you know that we want the books of the Jewish legislation with the books of the Jewish legislation with the books of the Jewish legislation with some others for they are written in the some others for they are written in the some others for they are written in the Hebrew characters and being in the Hebrew characters and being in the Hebrew characters and being in the language of that Nation are to us language of that Nation are to us language of that Nation are to us unknown it hath also happened to them unknown it hath also happened to them unknown it hath also happened to them that they have been transcribed more car that they have been transcribed more car that they have been transcribed more car lessly than they ought to have been lessly than they ought to have been lessly than they ought to have been because they have not had hitherto Royal because they have not had hitherto Royal because they have not had hitherto Royal care taken about them now it is care taken about them now it is care taken about them now it is necessary that thou shouldst have necessary that thou shouldst have necessary that thou shouldst have accurate copies of them and indeed this accurate copies of them and indeed this accurate copies of them and indeed this legislation is full of hidden wisdom and legislation is full of hidden wisdom and legislation is full of hidden wisdom and entirely blameless as being the entirely blameless as being the entirely blameless as being the legislation of God for which cause it is

legislation of God for which cause it is legislation of God for which cause it is as heus of Adera says that the poets and as heus of Adera says that the poets and as heus of Adera says that the poets and historians make no mention of it nor of historians make no mention of it nor of historians make no mention of it nor of those men who lead their lives according those men who lead their lives according those men who lead their lives according to it to it to it since it is a holy law and ought not to since it is a holy law and ought not to since it is a holy law and ought not to be published by profane mouths if then be published by profane mouths if then be published by profane mouths if then it please the o King thou mayest write it please the o King thou mayest write it please the o King thou mayest write to the high priest of the Jews to send to the high priest of the Jews to send to the high priest of the Jews to send six of the elders out of every tribe and six of the elders out of every tribe and six of the elders out of every tribe and those such as are most skillful of the those such as are most skillful of the those such as are most skillful of the laws that by their means we may learn laws that by their means we may learn laws that by their means we may learn the clear and agreeing sense of these the clear and agreeing sense of these the clear and agreeing sense of these books and may obtain an accurate books and may obtain an accurate books and may obtain an accurate interpretation of their contents and so interpretation of their contents and so interpretation of their contents and so may have such a collection of these as may have such a collection of these as may have such a collection of these as May be suitable to thy May be suitable to thy May be suitable to thy desire when this epistle was sent to the desire when this epistle was sent to the desire when this epistle was sent to the king he commanded that an epistle should king he commanded that an epistle should king he commanded that an epistle should be drawn up for elazar the Jewish high be drawn up for elazar the Jewish high be drawn up for elazar the Jewish high priest concerning these matters and that priest concerning these matters and that priest concerning these matters and that they should inform him of the release of they should inform him of the release of they should inform him of the release of the Jews that had been in slavery among the Jews that had been in slavery among the Jews that had been in slavery among them he also sent 50 talant of gold for them he also sent 50 talant of gold for them he also sent 50 talant of gold for the making of large basins and vs and the making of large basins and vs and the making of large basins and vs and cups and an immense quantity of precious cups and an immense quantity of precious cups and an immense quantity of precious stones he also gave gave order to those stones he also gave gave order to those stones he also gave gave order to those who had the custody of the chest that who had the custody of the chest that who had the custody of the chest that contained those stones to give the contained those stones to give the contained those stones to give the artificers leave to choose out what artificers leave to choose out what artificers leave to choose out what sorts of them they pleased he with all sorts of them they pleased he with all sorts of them they pleased he with all appointed that 100 talant in money appointed that 100 talant in money appointed that 100 talant in money should be sent to the temple for should be sent to the temple for should be sent to the temple for sacrifices and for other sacrifices and for other sacrifices and for other uses now I will give a description of uses now I will give a description of uses now I will give a description of these vessels and the manner of their

these vessels and the manner of their these vessels and the manner of their construction but not till after I have construction but not till after I have construction but not till after I have set down a copy of the epistle which was set down a copy of the epistle which was set down a copy of the epistle which was written to Eleazar the high priest who written to Eleazar the high priest who written to Eleazar the high priest who had obtained that dignity on the had obtained that dignity on the had obtained that dignity on the occasion occasion occasion following when onias the high priest was following when onias the high priest was following when onias the high priest was dead his son Simon became his successor dead his son Simon became his successor dead his son Simon became his successor he was called Simon the just because of he was called Simon the just because of he was called Simon the just because of both his piety towards God and His Kind both his piety towards God and His Kind both his piety towards God and His Kind disposition to those of his own Nation disposition to those of his own Nation disposition to those of his own Nation when he was dead and had left a young when he was dead and had left a young when he was dead and had left a young son who was called onias Simon's brother son who was called onias Simon's brother son who was called onias Simon's brother Eleazar of whom we are speaking took the Eleazar of whom we are speaking took the Eleazar of whom we are speaking took the high priesthood and he it was to whom high priesthood and he it was to whom high priesthood and he it was to whom whom tmy wrote and that in the manner whom tmy wrote and that in the manner whom tmy wrote and that in the manner following King tmy to Eleazar the high following King tmy to Eleazar the high following King tmy to Eleazar the high priest sendeth greeting there are many priest sendeth greeting there are many priest sendeth greeting there are many Jews who now dwell in My Kingdom whom Jews who now dwell in My Kingdom whom Jews who now dwell in My Kingdom whom the Persians when they were in power the Persians when they were in power the Persians when they were in power carried captives these were honored by carried captives these were honored by carried captives these were honored by my father some of them he placed in the my father some of them he placed in the my father some of them he placed in the Army and gave them greater pay than Army and gave them greater pay than Army and gave them greater pay than ordinary to others of them when they ordinary to others of them when they ordinary to others of them when they came with him into Egypt he committed came with him into Egypt he committed came with him into Egypt he committed his garrisons and the guarding of them his garrisons and the guarding of them his garrisons and the guarding of them that they might be a terror to the that they might be a terror to the that they might be a terror to the Egyptians and when I had taken the Egyptians and when I had taken the Egyptians and when I had taken the government I treated all men with government I treated all men with government I treated all men with humanity and especially those that are humanity and especially those that are humanity and especially those that are thy fellow citizens of whom I have set thy fellow citizens of whom I have set thy fellow citizens of whom I have set free above a 100,000 that were slaves free above a 100,000 that were slaves free above a 100,000 that were slaves and paid the price of their Redemption and paid the price of their Redemption and paid the price of their Redemption to their masters out of my own revenues to their masters out of my own revenues to their masters out of my own revenues and those that are of a fit age I have

and those that are of a fit age I have and those that are of a fit age I have admitted into them number of my admitted into them number of my admitted into them number of my soldiers and for such a are capable of soldiers and for such a are capable of soldiers and for such a are capable of being faithful to me and proper for my being faithful to me and proper for my being faithful to me and proper for my court I have put them in such a post as court I have put them in such a post as court I have put them in such a post as thinking this kindness done to them to thinking this kindness done to them to thinking this kindness done to them to be a very great and an acceptable gift be a very great and an acceptable gift be a very great and an acceptable gift which I devote to God for his Providence which I devote to God for his Providence which I devote to God for his Providence over me and as I am desirous to do what over me and as I am desirous to do what over me and as I am desirous to do what will be grateful to these and to all the will be grateful to these and to all the will be grateful to these and to all the other Jews in the habitable Earth I have other Jews in the habitable Earth I have other Jews in the habitable Earth I have determined to procure an interpretation determined to procure an interpretation determined to procure an interpretation of your law and to have it translated of your law and to have it translated of your law and to have it translated out of Hebrew into Greek out of Hebrew into Greek out of Hebrew into Greek and to be deposited in my library thou and to be deposited in my library thou and to be deposited in my library thou Wilt therefore do well to choose out and Wilt therefore do well to choose out and Wilt therefore do well to choose out and send to me men of a good character who send to me men of a good character who send to me men of a good character who are now Elders in age and six in number are now Elders in age and six in number are now Elders in age and six in number out of every tribe these by their age out of every tribe these by their age out of every tribe these by their age must be skillful in the laws and of must be skillful in the laws and of must be skillful in the laws and of abilities to make an accurate abilities to make an accurate abilities to make an accurate interpretation of them and when this interpretation of them and when this interpretation of them and when this shall be finished I shall think that I shall be finished I shall think that I shall be finished I shall think that I have done a work glorious to have done a work glorious to have done a work glorious to myself and I have sent to thee Andreas myself and I have sent to thee Andreas myself and I have sent to thee Andreas the captain of my guard and aristeus Men the captain of my guard and aristeus Men the captain of my guard and aristeus Men whom I have in very great esteem by whom whom I have in very great esteem by whom whom I have in very great esteem by whom I have sent those first fruits which I I have sent those first fruits which I I have sent those first fruits which I have dedicated to the temple and to the have dedicated to the temple and to the have dedicated to the temple and to the sacrifices and to other uses to the sacrifices and to other uses to the sacrifices and to other uses to the value of a 100 talents and if thou Wilt value of a 100 talents and if thou Wilt value of a 100 talents and if thou Wilt send to us to let us know what thou send to us to let us know what thou send to us to let us know what thou wouldst have further thou wil do a thing wouldst have further thou wil do a thing wouldst have further thou wil do a thing acceptable to acceptable to acceptable to me when this Epistle of the King was

me when this Epistle of the King was me when this Epistle of the King was brought to Eleazar he wrote an answer to brought to Eleazar he wrote an answer to brought to Eleazar he wrote an answer to it with all the respect possible elazar it with all the respect possible elazar it with all the respect possible elazar the high priest to King tmy sendeth the high priest to King tmy sendeth the high priest to King tmy sendeth greeting if thou and thy Queen Aro and greeting if thou and thy Queen Aro and greeting if thou and thy Queen Aro and thy children be well we are entirely thy children be well we are entirely thy children be well we are entirely satisfied when we received thy epistle satisfied when we received thy epistle satisfied when we received thy epistle we greatly rejoiced at thy intentions we greatly rejoiced at thy intentions we greatly rejoiced at thy intentions and when the multitude were gathered and when the multitude were gathered and when the multitude were gathered together we read it to them and thereby together we read it to them and thereby together we read it to them and thereby made them sensible of the piety thou made them sensible of the piety thou made them sensible of the piety thou Hast towards God we also showed them the Hast towards God we also showed them the Hast towards God we also showed them the 20 vials of gold gold and 30 of silver 20 vials of gold gold and 30 of silver 20 vials of gold gold and 30 of silver and the five large basins and the table and the five large basins and the table and the five large basins and the table for the shoe bread as also the 100 for the shoe bread as also the 100 for the shoe bread as also the 100 talents for the sacrifices and for the talents for the sacrifices and for the talents for the sacrifices and for the making what shall be needful at the making what shall be needful at the making what shall be needful at the temple which things Andreas and aristeus temple which things Andreas and aristeus temple which things Andreas and aristeus those most honored friends of thine have those most honored friends of thine have those most honored friends of thine have brought us and truly they are persons of brought us and truly they are persons of brought us and truly they are persons of an excellent character and of great an excellent character and of great an excellent character and of great learning and worthy of thy virtue know learning and worthy of thy virtue know learning and worthy of thy virtue know then that we will gratify thee in what then that we will gratify thee in what then that we will gratify thee in what is for thy advantage though we do what is for thy advantage though we do what is for thy advantage though we do what we used not to do before for we ought to we used not to do before for we ought to we used not to do before for we ought to make a return for the numerous acts of make a return for the numerous acts of make a return for the numerous acts of kindness which thou Hast done to our kindness which thou Hast done to our kindness which thou Hast done to our countrymen we immediately therefore countrymen we immediately therefore countrymen we immediately therefore offered sacrifices for thee and thy offered sacrifices for thee and thy offered sacrifices for thee and thy sister with thy children and friends and sister with thy children and friends and sister with thy children and friends and the multitude made prayers that thy the multitude made prayers that thy the multitude made prayers that thy Affairs may be to thy mind and that thy Affairs may be to thy mind and that thy Affairs may be to thy mind and that thy kingdom may be preserved in peace and kingdom may be preserved in peace and kingdom may be preserved in peace and that the translation of our law may come

that the translation of our law may come that the translation of our law may come to the conclusion thou desirest and be to the conclusion thou desirest and be to the conclusion thou desirest and be for thy for thy for thy Advantage we have also chosen six Elders Advantage we have also chosen six Elders Advantage we have also chosen six Elders out of every tribe whom we have sent and out of every tribe whom we have sent and out of every tribe whom we have sent and the law with them it will be thy part the law with them it will be thy part the law with them it will be thy part out of thy piety and Justice to send out of thy piety and Justice to send out of thy piety and Justice to send back the law when it hath been back the law when it hath been back the law when it hath been translated and to return those to us translated and to return those to us translated and to return those to us that bring it in that bring it in that bring it in safety safety safety farewell this was the reply which the farewell this was the reply which the farewell this was the reply which the high priest made but it does not seem to high priest made but it does not seem to high priest made but it does not seem to me to be necessary to set down the names me to be necessary to set down the names me to be necessary to set down the names of the 72 Elders who were sent by of the 72 Elders who were sent by of the 72 Elders who were sent by Eleazar and carried the law which yet Eleazar and carried the law which yet Eleazar and carried the law which yet were subjoined at the end of the were subjoined at the end of the were subjoined at the end of the epistle however I thought it not epistle however I thought it not epistle however I thought it not improper to give an account of those improper to give an account of those improper to give an account of those very valuable and artificially contrived very valuable and artificially contrived very valuable and artificially contrived vessels which the king sent to God that vessels which the king sent to God that vessels which the king sent to God that all may see how great a regard the king all may see how great a regard the king all may see how great a regard the king had for God for the king allowed a vast had for God for the king allowed a vast had for God for the king allowed a vast deal of expenses for these vessels and deal of expenses for these vessels and deal of expenses for these vessels and came often to the workmen and viewed came often to the workmen and viewed came often to the workmen and viewed their work their work their work and suffered nothing of carelessness or and suffered nothing of carelessness or and suffered nothing of carelessness or negligence to be any damage to their negligence to be any damage to their negligence to be any damage to their operations and I will relate how rich operations and I will relate how rich operations and I will relate how rich they were as well as I am able although they were as well as I am able although they were as well as I am able although perhaps the nature of this history may perhaps the nature of this history may perhaps the nature of this history may not require such a description but I not require such a description but I not require such a description but I imagine I shall thereby recommend the imagine I shall thereby recommend the imagine I shall thereby recommend the elegant taste and magnanimity of this elegant taste and magnanimity of this elegant taste and magnanimity of this King to those that read this King to those that read this King to those that read this history end of book 12 chapters 1 and 2

history end of book 12 chapters 1 and 2 history end of book 12 chapters 1 and 2 part One recording by Nica Kay Book 12 chapter 2 part two of the Kay Book 12 chapter 2 part two of the Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 this is Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 this is Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox a LibriVox recording all LibriVox a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for recordings are in the public domain for recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please more information or to volunteer please more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org visit librivox.org visit librivox.org recording by Nica recording by Nica recording by Nica K the Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 K the Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 K the Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 by flavius Josephus translated by by flavius Josephus translated by by flavius Josephus translated by William Wiston Book 12 chapter 2 part William Wiston Book 12 chapter 2 part William Wiston Book 12 chapter 2 part two and first I will describe what two and first I will describe what two and first I will describe what belongs to the table it was indeed in belongs to the table it was indeed in belongs to the table it was indeed in the king's mind to make this table the king's mind to make this table the king's mind to make this table vastly large in its Dimensions but then vastly large in its Dimensions but then vastly large in its Dimensions but then he gave orders that they should learn he gave orders that they should learn he gave orders that they should learn what was the magnitude of the table what was the magnitude of the table what was the magnitude of the table which was already at Jerusalem M and how which was already at Jerusalem M and how which was already at Jerusalem M and how large it was and whether there was a large it was and whether there was a large it was and whether there was a possibility of making one larger than it possibility of making one larger than it possibility of making one larger than it and when he was informed how large that and when he was informed how large that and when he was informed how large that was which was already there and that was which was already there and that was which was already there and that nothing hindered but a larger might be nothing hindered but a larger might be nothing hindered but a larger might be made he said that he was willing to have made he said that he was willing to have made he said that he was willing to have one made that should be five times as one made that should be five times as one made that should be five times as large as the present table but his fear large as the present table but his fear large as the present table but his fear was that it might be then useless in was that it might be then useless in was that it might be then useless in their Sacred ministrations by its too their Sacred ministrations by its too their Sacred ministrations by its too great largess for he desired that the great largess for he desired that the great largess for he desired that the gifts he presented them should not only

gifts he presented them should not only gifts he presented them should not only be there for show but should be useful be there for show but should be useful be there for show but should be useful also in their sacred ministrations also in their sacred ministrations also in their sacred ministrations According to which reasoning that the According to which reasoning that the According to which reasoning that the former table was made of so moderate a former table was made of so moderate a former table was made of so moderate a size for use and not for want of gold he size for use and not for want of gold he size for use and not for want of gold he resolved that he would not exceed the resolved that he would not exceed the resolved that he would not exceed the former table in EN largess but would former table in EN largess but would former table in EN largess but would make it exceed it in the variety and make it exceed it in the variety and make it exceed it in the variety and elegancy of its elegancy of its elegancy of its materials and as he was sagacious in materials and as he was sagacious in materials and as he was sagacious in observing the nature of all things and observing the nature of all things and observing the nature of all things and in having a just notion of what was new in having a just notion of what was new in having a just notion of what was new and surprising and where there was no and surprising and where there was no and surprising and where there was no sculptures he would invent such as were sculptures he would invent such as were sculptures he would invent such as were proper by his own skill and would show proper by his own skill and would show proper by his own skill and would show them to the workmen he commanded that them to the workmen he commanded that them to the workmen he commanded that such sculptures should now be made and such sculptures should now be made and such sculptures should now be made and that those which were delineated should that those which were delineated should that those which were delineated should be most accurately formed by a constant be most accurately formed by a constant be most accurately formed by a constant regard to their regard to their regard to their delineation when therefore the workmen delineation when therefore the workmen delineation when therefore the workmen had undertaken to make the table they had undertaken to make the table they had undertaken to make the table they framed it in length 2 cubits and a half framed it in length 2 cubits and a half framed it in length 2 cubits and a half in breadth one cubit and in height 1 in breadth one cubit and in height 1 in breadth one cubit and in height 1 Cubit and a half and the entire Cubit and a half and the entire Cubit and a half and the entire structure of the work was of gold they structure of the work was of gold they structure of the work was of gold they with all made a crown of a handbreadth with all made a crown of a handbreadth with all made a crown of a handbreadth around it with wave work wreathed about around it with wave work wreathed about around it with wave work wreathed about it and with an engraving which imitated it and with an engraving which imitated it and with an engraving which imitated a cord and was admirably turned on its a cord and was admirably turned on its a cord and was admirably turned on its three parts for as they were of a three parts for as they were of a three parts for as they were of a triangular figure every angle had the triangular figure every angle had the triangular figure every angle had the same disposition of its sculptures that same disposition of its sculptures that same disposition of its sculptures that when you turned them about the very same when you turned them about the very same when you turned them about the very same form of them was turned about without form of them was turned about without form of them was turned about without any any any variation now that part of the crown

variation now that part of the crown variation now that part of the crown work that was enclosed under the table work that was enclosed under the table work that was enclosed under the table had its sculptures very beautiful but had its sculptures very beautiful but had its sculptures very beautiful but that part which went round on the that part which went round on the that part which went round on the outside was more elaborately adorned outside was more elaborately adorned outside was more elaborately adorned with most beautiful ornaments because it with most beautiful ornaments because it with most beautiful ornaments because it was exposed to sight and to the view of was exposed to sight and to the view of was exposed to sight and to the view of the spectators for which reason it was the spectators for which reason it was the spectators for which reason it was that both those sides which were extant that both those sides which were extant that both those sides which were extant Above the Rest were acute and none of Above the Rest were acute and none of Above the Rest were acute and none of the angles which we before told you were the angles which we before told you were the angles which we before told you were three appeared less than another when three appeared less than another when three appeared less than another when the table was turned about now into the the table was turned about now into the the table was turned about now into the cord thus turned were precious stones cord thus turned were precious stones cord thus turned were precious stones inserted in rows parallel one to the inserted in rows parallel one to the inserted in rows parallel one to the other enclosed in Golden buttons which other enclosed in Golden buttons which other enclosed in Golden buttons which had ouches in them but the parts which had ouches in them but the parts which had ouches in them but the parts which were on the side of the crown and were were on the side of the crown and were were on the side of the crown and were exposed to the site were adorned with a exposed to the site were adorned with a exposed to the site were adorned with a row of oval figures obliquely placed of row of oval figures obliquely placed of row of oval figures obliquely placed of the most excellent sort of precious the most excellent sort of precious the most excellent sort of precious stones which imitated rods laid close stones which imitated rods laid close stones which imitated rods laid close and encompassed the table round and encompassed the table round and encompassed the table round about but under these oval figures thus about but under these oval figures thus about but under these oval figures thus engraven the workmen had put a crown all engraven the workmen had put a crown all engraven the workmen had put a crown all around it where the nature of all sorts around it where the nature of all sorts around it where the nature of all sorts of fruit was represented in so much that of fruit was represented in so much that of fruit was represented in so much that the Bunches of grapes hung up and when the Bunches of grapes hung up and when the Bunches of grapes hung up and when they had made the stones to represent they had made the stones to represent they had made the stones to represent all the kinds of fruit before mentioned all the kinds of fruit before mentioned all the kinds of fruit before mentioned and that each in its proper color they and that each in its proper color they and that each in its proper color they made them fast with gold round the whole made them fast with gold round the whole made them fast with gold round the whole table the like disposition of the oval table the like disposition of the oval table the like disposition of the oval figures and of the engraved rods was figures and of the engraved rods was figures and of the engraved rods was framed under the crown that the table framed under the crown that the table framed under the crown that the table might on each side show the same

might on each side show the same might on each side show the same appearance of variety and elegancy of appearance of variety and elegancy of appearance of variety and elegancy of its ornaments so that neither the its ornaments so that neither the its ornaments so that neither the position of the wave work nor of the position of the wave work nor of the position of the wave work nor of the crown might be different although the crown might be different although the crown might be different although the table were turned on the other side but table were turned on the other side but table were turned on the other side but that the prospect of the same artificial that the prospect of the same artificial that the prospect of the same artificial contrivances might be extended as far as contrivances might be extended as far as contrivances might be extended as far as the feet for there was made a plate of the feet for there was made a plate of the feet for there was made a plate of gold four fingers broad through the gold four fingers broad through the gold four fingers broad through the entire breadth of the table into which entire breadth of the table into which entire breadth of the table into which they inserted the feet and then fastened they inserted the feet and then fastened they inserted the feet and then fastened them to the table by buttons and button them to the table by buttons and button them to the table by buttons and button holes at the place where the crown was holes at the place where the crown was holes at the place where the crown was situate that so on what sides soever of situate that so on what sides soever of situate that so on what sides soever of the table one should stand it might the table one should stand it might the table one should stand it might exhibit the very same view of the exhibit the very same view of the exhibit the very same view of the Exquisite workmanship and of the vast Exquisite workmanship and of the vast Exquisite workmanship and of the vast expenses bestowed upon it but upon the expenses bestowed upon it but upon the expenses bestowed upon it but upon the table itself they engraved a meander table itself they engraved a meander table itself they engraved a meander inserting into it very valuable stones inserting into it very valuable stones inserting into it very valuable stones in the middle like stars of various in the middle like stars of various in the middle like stars of various colors the carbuncle and the emerald colors the carbuncle and the emerald colors the carbuncle and the emerald Each of which sent out agreeable rays of Each of which sent out agreeable rays of Each of which sent out agreeable rays of light to The light to The light to The Spectators with such stones of other Spectators with such stones of other Spectators with such stones of other sorts also as were most curious and best sorts also as were most curious and best sorts also as were most curious and best esteemed as being most precious in their esteemed as being most precious in their esteemed as being most precious in their kind hard by this Meander a texture of kind hard by this Meander a texture of kind hard by this Meander a texture of network ran around it the middle of network ran around it the middle of network ran around it the middle of which appeared like a rhombus into which which appeared like a rhombus into which which appeared like a rhombus into which were inserted rock crystal and Amber were inserted rock crystal and Amber were inserted rock crystal and Amber which by the great resemblance of the which by the great resemblance of the which by the great resemblance of the appearance they made gave wonderful appearance they made gave wonderful appearance they made gave wonderful Delight to those that saw Delight to those that saw Delight to those that saw them the chapiters of the feet imitated them the chapiters of the feet imitated them the chapiters of the feet imitated the first buddings of Lies while their

the first buddings of Lies while their the first buddings of Lies while their leaves were bent and laid under the leaves were bent and laid under the leaves were bent and laid under the table but so that the chives were seen table but so that the chives were seen table but so that the chives were seen standing upright within them their bases standing upright within them their bases standing upright within them their bases were made of a carbuncle and the place were made of a carbuncle and the place were made of a carbuncle and the place at the bottom which rested on that at the bottom which rested on that at the bottom which rested on that carbuncle was one Palm deep and eight carbuncle was one Palm deep and eight carbuncle was one Palm deep and eight fingers in breadth now they had engraven fingers in breadth now they had engraven fingers in breadth now they had engraven upon it with a very fine tulle and with upon it with a very fine tulle and with upon it with a very fine tulle and with a great deal of pains a branch of Ivy a great deal of pains a branch of Ivy a great deal of pains a branch of Ivy and tendrils of the vine send forth and tendrils of the vine send forth and tendrils of the vine send forth clusters of grapes that you would guess clusters of grapes that you would guess clusters of grapes that you would guess they were no wise different from real they were no wise different from real they were no wise different from real tendrils for they were so very thin and tendrils for they were so very thin and tendrils for they were so very thin and so very far extended at their so very far extended at their so very far extended at their extremities that they were moved with extremities that they were moved with extremities that they were moved with the wind and made one believe that they the wind and made one believe that they the wind and made one believe that they were the product of Nature and not the were the product of Nature and not the were the product of Nature and not the representation of art they also made the representation of art they also made the representation of art they also made the entire workmanship of the table appear entire workmanship of the table appear entire workmanship of the table appear to be threefold while the joints of the to be threefold while the joints of the to be threefold while the joints of the several parts were so United together as several parts were so United together as several parts were so United together as to be invisible and the places were to be invisible and the places were to be invisible and the places were where they joined could not be where they joined could not be where they joined could not be distinguished now the thickness of the distinguished now the thickness of the distinguished now the thickness of the table was not less than half a cubit so table was not less than half a cubit so table was not less than half a cubit so that this gift by the king's great that this gift by the king's great that this gift by the king's great generosity by the great value of the generosity by the great value of the generosity by the great value of the materials and the variety of his materials and the variety of his materials and the variety of his Exquisite structure and the artificer Exquisite structure and the artificer Exquisite structure and the artificer skill in imitating nature with graying skill in imitating nature with graying skill in imitating nature with graying tools was at length brought to tools was at length brought to tools was at length brought to Perfection while the King was very Perfection while the King was very Perfection while the King was very desirous that though in largess it were desirous that though in largess it were desirous that though in largess it were not to be different from that which was not to be different from that which was not to be different from that which was already dedicated to God yet that in already dedicated to God yet that in already dedicated to God yet that in Exquisite workmanship and the novelty of

Exquisite workmanship and the novelty of Exquisite workmanship and the novelty of the contrivances and in the Splendor of the contrivances and in the Splendor of the contrivances and in the Splendor of its construction it should far exceed it its construction it should far exceed it its construction it should far exceed it and be more illustrious than that and be more illustrious than that and be more illustrious than that was now of the sists of gold there were was now of the sists of gold there were was now of the sists of gold there were two whose sculpture was of scale work two whose sculpture was of scale work two whose sculpture was of scale work from its bases to its belt-like circle from its bases to its belt-like circle from its bases to its belt-like circle with various sorts of stones encased in with various sorts of stones encased in with various sorts of stones encased in the spiral the spiral the spiral circles next to which there was upon it circles next to which there was upon it circles next to which there was upon it a meander of a cubit in height it was a meander of a cubit in height it was a meander of a cubit in height it was composed of stones of all sorts of composed of stones of all sorts of composed of stones of all sorts of colors and next to this was the rod work colors and next to this was the rod work colors and next to this was the rod work engraven and next to that was a rhombus engraven and next to that was a rhombus engraven and next to that was a rhombus in a texture of network drawn out to the in a texture of network drawn out to the in a texture of network drawn out to the brim of the Basin while small Shields brim of the Basin while small Shields brim of the Basin while small Shields made of stones beautiful in their kind made of stones beautiful in their kind made of stones beautiful in their kind and of four fingers depth filled up the and of four fingers depth filled up the and of four fingers depth filled up the middle middle middle parts about the top of the Basin were parts about the top of the Basin were parts about the top of the Basin were wreathed the leaves of lies and of the wreathed the leaves of lies and of the wreathed the leaves of lies and of the convolvulus and the tendrils of vines in convolvulus and the tendrils of vines in convolvulus and the tendrils of vines in a circular manner and this was the a circular manner and this was the a circular manner and this was the construction of the two ssts of gold construction of the two ssts of gold construction of the two ssts of gold each containing two fkins but those each containing two fkins but those each containing two fkins but those which were of silver were much more which were of silver were much more which were of silver were much more bright and Splendid than looking glasses bright and Splendid than looking glasses bright and Splendid than looking glasses and you might in them see the images and you might in them see the images and you might in them see the images that fell upon them more plainly than in that fell upon them more plainly than in that fell upon them more plainly than in the other the king also ordered 30 the other the king also ordered 30 the other the king also ordered 30 vials those of which the parts that were vials those of which the parts that were vials those of which the parts that were of gold and filled up with precious of gold and filled up with precious of gold and filled up with precious stones were shadowed over with the stones were shadowed over with the stones were shadowed over with the leaves of Ivy and of vines artificially leaves of Ivy and of vines artificially leaves of Ivy and of vines artificially engraven and these were the vessels that

engraven and these were the vessels that engraven and these were the vessels that were after an extraordinary manner were after an extraordinary manner were after an extraordinary manner brought to this Perfection partly by the brought to this Perfection partly by the brought to this Perfection partly by the skill of the workmen who were admirable skill of the workmen who were admirable skill of the workmen who were admirable in such fine work but much more by the in such fine work but much more by the in such fine work but much more by the diligence and generosity of the king who diligence and generosity of the king who diligence and generosity of the king who not only supplied the artificers not only supplied the artificers not only supplied the artificers abundantly and with great generosity abundantly and with great generosity abundantly and with great generosity with what they wanted but he forbade with what they wanted but he forbade with what they wanted but he forbade public audiences for the time and came public audiences for the time and came public audiences for the time and came and stood by the workmen and saw the and stood by the workmen and saw the and stood by the workmen and saw the whole operation and this was the cause whole operation and this was the cause whole operation and this was the cause why the workmen were so accurate in why the workmen were so accurate in why the workmen were so accurate in their performance because they had their performance because they had their performance because they had regard to the king and to his great regard to the king and to his great regard to the king and to his great concern about the vessels and so the concern about the vessels and so the concern about the vessels and so the more indefatigably kept close to the more indefatigably kept close to the more indefatigably kept close to the work and these were what gifts were sent work and these were what gifts were sent work and these were what gifts were sent by tmy to Jerusalem and dedicated to God by tmy to Jerusalem and dedicated to God by tmy to Jerusalem and dedicated to God there but when Alazar the high priest there but when Alazar the high priest there but when Alazar the high priest had devoted them to God and had paid due had devoted them to God and had paid due had devoted them to God and had paid due respect to those that brought them and respect to those that brought them and respect to those that brought them and had given them presents to be carried to had given them presents to be carried to had given them presents to be carried to the king he dismissed them and when they the king he dismissed them and when they the king he dismissed them and when they were come to Alexandria and tmy heard were come to Alexandria and tmy heard were come to Alexandria and tmy heard that they were come and that the 70 that they were come and that the 70 that they were come and that the 70 elders were come also he presently sent elders were come also he presently sent elders were come also he presently sent for Andreas and for Andreas and for Andreas and aristeus his ambassadors who came to him aristeus his ambassadors who came to him aristeus his ambassadors who came to him and delivered him the epistle which they and delivered him the epistle which they and delivered him the epistle which they brought him from the high priest and brought him from the high priest and brought him from the high priest and made answer to all the questions he put made answer to all the questions he put made answer to all the questions he put to them by Word of Mouth he then made to them by Word of Mouth he then made to them by Word of Mouth he then made haste to meet the elders that came from haste to meet the elders that came from haste to meet the elders that came from Jerusalem for the interpretation of the Jerusalem for the interpretation of the Jerusalem for the interpretation of the laws and he gave command that everybody laws and he gave command that everybody laws and he gave command that everybody who came on other occasions should be

who came on other occasions should be who came on other occasions should be sent away which was a thing surprising sent away which was a thing surprising sent away which was a thing surprising and which he did not used to do for and which he did not used to do for and which he did not used to do for those that were drawn thither upon such those that were drawn thither upon such those that were drawn thither upon such occasions used to come to him on the occasions used to come to him on the occasions used to come to him on the fifth day but ambassadors at the month's fifth day but ambassadors at the month's fifth day but ambassadors at the month's end but when he had sent those away he end but when he had sent those away he end but when he had sent those away he waited for these that were sent by waited for these that were sent by waited for these that were sent by elazar but as the old men came in with elazar but as the old men came in with elazar but as the old men came in with the presents which the high priest had the presents which the high priest had the presents which the high priest had given them to bring to the king given them to bring to the king given them to bring to the king and with membranes upon which they had and with membranes upon which they had and with membranes upon which they had their laws written in Golden letters he their laws written in Golden letters he their laws written in Golden letters he put questions to them concerning those put questions to them concerning those put questions to them concerning those books and when they had taken off the books and when they had taken off the books and when they had taken off the covers wherein they were wrapped up they covers wherein they were wrapped up they covers wherein they were wrapped up they showed him the showed him the showed him the membranes so the king stood admiring the membranes so the king stood admiring the membranes so the king stood admiring the thinness of those membranes and the thinness of those membranes and the thinness of those membranes and the exactness of the junctures which could exactness of the junctures which could exactness of the junctures which could not be perceived so exactly were they not be perceived so exactly were they not be perceived so exactly were they connected with one another and this he connected with one another and this he connected with one another and this he did for a considerable time he then said did for a considerable time he then said did for a considerable time he then said that that he returned them thanks for that that he returned them thanks for that that he returned them thanks for coming to him and still greater thanks coming to him and still greater thanks coming to him and still greater thanks to him that sent them and above all to to him that sent them and above all to to him that sent them and above all to that God whose laws they appeared to that God whose laws they appeared to that God whose laws they appeared to be then did the elders and those that be then did the elders and those that be then did the elders and those that were present with them cry out with one were present with them cry out with one were present with them cry out with one voice and wished all happiness to the voice and wished all happiness to the voice and wished all happiness to the king upon which he fell into tears by king upon which he fell into tears by king upon which he fell into tears by the violence of the pleasure he had it the violence of the pleasure he had it the violence of the pleasure he had it being natural to men to afford the same being natural to men to afford the same being natural to men to afford the same indications in great joy that they do indications in great joy that they do indications in great joy that they do under sorrows under sorrows under sorrows and when he had bid them deliver the and when he had bid them deliver the and when he had bid them deliver the books to those that were appointed to books to those that were appointed to books to those that were appointed to receive them he saluted the men and said

receive them he saluted the men and said receive them he saluted the men and said that it was but just to discourse in the that it was but just to discourse in the that it was but just to discourse in the first place of the errand they were sent first place of the errand they were sent first place of the errand they were sent about and then to address himself to about and then to address himself to about and then to address himself to themselves he promised however that he themselves he promised however that he themselves he promised however that he would make this day on which they came would make this day on which they came would make this day on which they came to him remarkable and eminent every year to him remarkable and eminent every year to him remarkable and eminent every year through the whole course of his life for through the whole course of his life for through the whole course of his life for their coming to him and the Victory their coming to him and the Victory their coming to him and the Victory which he gained over antigonus by sieg which he gained over antigonus by sieg which he gained over antigonus by sieg proved to be on the very same day he proved to be on the very same day he proved to be on the very same day he also gave orders that they should sck also gave orders that they should sck also gave orders that they should sck with him and gave it in charge that they with him and gave it in charge that they with him and gave it in charge that they should have excellent lodgings provided should have excellent lodgings provided should have excellent lodgings provided for them in the upper part of the for them in the upper part of the for them in the upper part of the city now he that was appointed to take city now he that was appointed to take city now he that was appointed to take care of the reception of strangers Nicor care of the reception of strangers Nicor care of the reception of strangers Nicor by name called for dorotheus whose Duty by name called for dorotheus whose Duty by name called for dorotheus whose Duty it was to make provision for it was to make provision for it was to make provision for them and bid him prepare for every one them and bid him prepare for every one them and bid him prepare for every one of them what should be requisite for of them what should be requisite for of them what should be requisite for their diet and way of living which thing their diet and way of living which thing their diet and way of living which thing was ordered by the King after this was ordered by the King after this was ordered by the King after this manner he took care that those that manner he took care that those that manner he took care that those that belonged to every city which did not use belonged to every city which did not use belonged to every city which did not use the same way of living that all things the same way of living that all things the same way of living that all things should be prepared for them according to should be prepared for them according to should be prepared for them according to the custom of those that came to him the custom of those that came to him the custom of those that came to him that being feasted according to the that being feasted according to the that being feasted according to the usual method of their own way of living usual method of their own way of living usual method of their own way of living they might be the better pleased and they might be the better pleased and they might be the better pleased and might not be uneasy at anything done to might not be uneasy at anything done to might not be uneasy at anything done to them from which they were naturally them from which they were naturally them from which they were naturally averse and this was now done in the case averse and this was now done in the case averse and this was now done in the case of these men by Dorothy of these men by Dorothy of these men by Dorothy who was put into this office because of who was put into this office because of who was put into this office because of his great skill in such matters his great skill in such matters his great skill in such matters belonging to Common life for he took belonging to Common life for he took belonging to Common life for he took care of all such matters as concerned

care of all such matters as concerned care of all such matters as concerned the reception of strangers and appointed the reception of strangers and appointed the reception of strangers and appointed them double seats for them to sit on them double seats for them to sit on them double seats for them to sit on according as the king had commanded him according as the king had commanded him according as the king had commanded him to do for he had commanded that half of to do for he had commanded that half of to do for he had commanded that half of their seats should be set at his right their seats should be set at his right their seats should be set at his right hand and the other half behind his table hand and the other half behind his table hand and the other half behind his table and took care that no respect should be and took care that no respect should be and took care that no respect should be admitted that could be shown them and admitted that could be shown them and admitted that could be shown them and when they were thus set down he bid when they were thus set down he bid when they were thus set down he bid dorotheus to minister to all those that dorotheus to minister to all those that dorotheus to minister to all those that were come to him from Judea after the were come to him from Judea after the were come to him from Judea after the manner they used to be ministered to for manner they used to be ministered to for manner they used to be ministered to for which cause he sent away their sacred which cause he sent away their sacred which cause he sent away their sacred Heralds and those that slew the Heralds and those that slew the Heralds and those that slew the sacrifices and the rest that used to say sacrifices and the rest that used to say sacrifices and the rest that used to say grace but called to one of those that grace but called to one of those that grace but called to one of those that were come to him whose name was were come to him whose name was were come to him whose name was Eleazar who was a priest and desired him Eleazar who was a priest and desired him Eleazar who was a priest and desired him to say grace who then stood in the midst to say grace who then stood in the midst to say grace who then stood in the midst of them and prayed that all prosperity of them and prayed that all prosperity of them and prayed that all prosperity might attend the king and those that might attend the king and those that might attend the king and those that were his were his were his subjects upon which an acclamation was subjects upon which an acclamation was subjects upon which an acclamation was made by the whole company with joy and a made by the whole company with joy and a made by the whole company with joy and a great noise and when that was over they great noise and when that was over they great noise and when that was over they fell to eating their supper and to the fell to eating their supper and to the fell to eating their supper and to the enjoyment of what was set before them enjoyment of what was set before them enjoyment of what was set before them and at a little interval afterward when and at a little interval afterward when and at a little interval afterward when the king thought a sufficient time had the king thought a sufficient time had the king thought a sufficient time had been interposed he began to talk been interposed he began to talk been interposed he began to talk philosophically to them and he asked philosophically to them and he asked philosophically to them and he asked every one of them a philosophical every one of them a philosophical every one of them a philosophical question and such a one as might give question and such a one as might give question and such a one as might give light in those light in those light in those inquiries and when they had explained inquiries and when they had explained inquiries and when they had explained all the problems that had been proposed all the problems that had been proposed all the problems that had been proposed by the king about every point he was by the king about every point he was by the king about every point he was well pleased with their

well pleased with their well pleased with their answers this took up the 12 days in answers this took up the 12 days in answers this took up the 12 days in which they were treated and he that which they were treated and he that which they were treated and he that pleases May learn the particular pleases May learn the particular pleases May learn the particular questions in that book of aristeus which questions in that book of aristeus which questions in that book of aristeus which he wrote on this very he wrote on this very he wrote on this very occasion and while not the king only but occasion and while not the king only but occasion and while not the king only but the philosopher menade Demus also the philosopher menade Demus also the philosopher menade Demus also admired them and said that all things admired them and said that all things admired them and said that all things were governed by Providence and that it were governed by Providence and that it were governed by Providence and that it was probable that since it was that such was probable that since it was that such was probable that since it was that such force or beauty was discovered in these force or beauty was discovered in these force or beauty was discovered in these men's words they then left off asking men's words they then left off asking men's words they then left off asking any more such any more such any more such questions but the king said that he had questions but the king said that he had questions but the king said that he had gained very great advantages by their gained very great advantages by their gained very great advantages by their coming for that he had received this coming for that he had received this coming for that he had received this profit from them that he had learned how profit from them that he had learned how profit from them that he had learned how he ought to rule his he ought to rule his he ought to rule his subjects and he gave order that they subjects and he gave order that they subjects and he gave order that they should have everyone three talents given should have everyone three talents given should have everyone three talents given them and that those that were to conduct them and that those that were to conduct them and that those that were to conduct them to their lodging should do it them to their lodging should do it them to their lodging should do it accordingly when three days were over accordingly when three days were over accordingly when three days were over Demetrius took them and went over the Demetrius took them and went over the Demetrius took them and went over the causeway seven furlongs long it was a causeway seven furlongs long it was a causeway seven furlongs long it was a bank in the sea to an island and when bank in the sea to an island and when bank in the sea to an island and when they had gone over the bridge he they had gone over the bridge he they had gone over the bridge he proceeded to the Northern parts and proceeded to the Northern parts and proceeded to the Northern parts and showed them where they should meet which showed them where they should meet which showed them where they should meet which was in a house that was built near the was in a house that was built near the was in a house that was built near the shore and was a quiet place and fit for shore and was a quiet place and fit for shore and was a quiet place and fit for their discoursing together about their their discoursing together about their their discoursing together about their work when he had brought them thither he work when he had brought them thither he work when he had brought them thither he entreated them now they had all things entreated them now they had all things entreated them now they had all things about them which they wanted for the about them which they wanted for the about them which they wanted for the interpretation of their law that they interpretation of their law that they interpretation of their law that they would suffer nothing to interrupt them would suffer nothing to interrupt them would suffer nothing to interrupt them in their work accordingly they made an in their work accordingly they made an in their work accordingly they made an accurate interpretation with great seal

accurate interpretation with great seal accurate interpretation with great seal and great pains and this they continued and great pains and this they continued and great pains and this they continued to do till the ninth hour of the day to do till the ninth hour of the day to do till the ninth hour of the day after which time they relaxed and took after which time they relaxed and took after which time they relaxed and took care of their body while their food was care of their body while their food was care of their body while their food was provided for them in great plenty provided for them in great plenty provided for them in great plenty besides dorotheus at the King's Command besides dorotheus at the King's Command besides dorotheus at the King's Command brought them a great deal of what was brought them a great deal of what was brought them a great deal of what was provided for the king himself self but provided for the king himself self but provided for the king himself self but in the morning they came to the court in the morning they came to the court in the morning they came to the court and saluted tmy and then went away to and saluted tmy and then went away to and saluted tmy and then went away to their former place where when they had their former place where when they had their former place where when they had washed their hands and purified washed their hands and purified washed their hands and purified themselves they betook themselves to the themselves they betook themselves to the themselves they betook themselves to the interpretation of the interpretation of the interpretation of the laws now when the law was transcribed laws now when the law was transcribed laws now when the law was transcribed and the labor of interpretation was over and the labor of interpretation was over and the labor of interpretation was over which came to its conclusion in 72 days which came to its conclusion in 72 days which came to its conclusion in 72 days Demetrius gathered all the Jews together Demetrius gathered all the Jews together Demetrius gathered all the Jews together to the place where the laws were to the place where the laws were to the place where the laws were translated and where the interpreters translated and where the interpreters translated and where the interpreters were and read them over were and read them over were and read them over the multitude did also approve of those the multitude did also approve of those the multitude did also approve of those Elders that were the interpreters of the Elders that were the interpreters of the Elders that were the interpreters of the law they with all commended Demetrius law they with all commended Demetrius law they with all commended Demetrius for his proposal as the inventor of what for his proposal as the inventor of what for his proposal as the inventor of what was greatly for their happiness and they was greatly for their happiness and they was greatly for their happiness and they desired that he would give leave to desired that he would give leave to desired that he would give leave to their rulers also to read the law their rulers also to read the law their rulers also to read the law moreover they all both the priest and moreover they all both the priest and moreover they all both the priest and the ancient test of the elders and the the ancient test of the elders and the the ancient test of the elders and the principal men of their Commonwealth made principal men of their Commonwealth made principal men of their Commonwealth made it their request that since the it their request that since the it their request that since the interpretation was happily finished it interpretation was happily finished it interpretation was happily finished it might continue in the state it now was might continue in the state it now was might continue in the state it now was and might not be and might not be and might not be altered and when they all commended that altered and when they all commended that altered and when they all commended that determination of theirs they enjoined determination of theirs they enjoined determination of theirs they enjoined that if anyone observed either anything that if anyone observed either anything that if anyone observed either anything Superfluous or anything omitted that he

Superfluous or anything omitted that he Superfluous or anything omitted that he would take a view of it again and have would take a view of it again and have would take a view of it again and have it laid before them and corrected which it laid before them and corrected which it laid before them and corrected which was a wise action of theirs that when was a wise action of theirs that when was a wise action of theirs that when the thing was judged to have been well the thing was judged to have been well the thing was judged to have been well done it might continue done it might continue done it might continue forever so the King rejoiced when he saw forever so the King rejoiced when he saw forever so the King rejoiced when he saw that his design of this nature was that his design of this nature was that his design of this nature was brought to perfection brought to perfection brought to perfection to so great advantage and he was chiefly to so great advantage and he was chiefly to so great advantage and he was chiefly delighted with hearing the laws read to delighted with hearing the laws read to delighted with hearing the laws read to him and was astonished at the deep him and was astonished at the deep him and was astonished at the deep meaning and wisdom of the meaning and wisdom of the meaning and wisdom of the legislator and he began to discourse legislator and he began to discourse legislator and he began to discourse with with with Demetrius how it came to pass that when Demetrius how it came to pass that when Demetrius how it came to pass that when this legislation was so wonderful no one this legislation was so wonderful no one this legislation was so wonderful no one either of the poets or of the historians either of the poets or of the historians either of the poets or of the historians had made mention of it Demetrius made had made mention of it Demetrius made had made mention of it Demetrius made answer that no one Durst be so bold as answer that no one Durst be so bold as answer that no one Durst be so bold as to touch upon the description ion of to touch upon the description ion of to touch upon the description ion of these laws because they were divine and these laws because they were divine and these laws because they were divine and venerable and because some that had venerable and because some that had venerable and because some that had attempted it were afflicted by God he attempted it were afflicted by God he attempted it were afflicted by God he also told him that theopompus was also told him that theopompus was also told him that theopompus was desirous of writing somewhat about them desirous of writing somewhat about them desirous of writing somewhat about them but was thereupon Disturbed in his mind but was thereupon Disturbed in his mind but was thereupon Disturbed in his mind for above 30 days time and upon some for above 30 days time and upon some for above 30 days time and upon some intermission of his distemper he intermission of his distemper he intermission of his distemper he appeased God by prayer as suspecting appeased God by prayer as suspecting appeased God by prayer as suspecting that his Madness proceeded from that that his Madness proceeded from that that his Madness proceeded from that cause nay indeed he further saw in a cause nay indeed he further saw in a cause nay indeed he further saw in a dream that his distemper befell him dream that his distemper befell him dream that his distemper befell him while he indulged too great a curiosity while he indulged too great a curiosity while he indulged too great a curiosity about Divine matters and was desirous of about Divine matters and was desirous of about Divine matters and was desirous of publishing them among common men but publishing them among common men but publishing them among common men but when he left off that attempt he when he left off that attempt he when he left off that attempt he recovered his understanding again

recovered his understanding again recovered his understanding again moreover he informed him of theodes the moreover he informed him of theodes the moreover he informed him of theodes the tragic poet concerning whom it was tragic poet concerning whom it was tragic poet concerning whom it was reported that when in a certain dramatic reported that when in a certain dramatic reported that when in a certain dramatic representation he was desirous to make representation he was desirous to make representation he was desirous to make mention of things that were contained in mention of things that were contained in mention of things that were contained in the sacred books he was afflicted with a the sacred books he was afflicted with a the sacred books he was afflicted with a darkness in his eyes and that upon his darkness in his eyes and that upon his darkness in his eyes and that upon his being conscious of the occasion of his being conscious of the occasion of his being conscious of the occasion of his distemper and appeasing God by prayer he distemper and appeasing God by prayer he distemper and appeasing God by prayer he was freed from that Affliction and when the king had Affliction and when the king had received these books from Demetrius as received these books from Demetrius as received these books from Demetrius as we have said already he adored them and we have said already he adored them and we have said already he adored them and gave order that great care should be gave order that great care should be gave order that great care should be taken of them that they might remain taken of them that they might remain taken of them that they might remain uncorrupted he also desired that the uncorrupted he also desired that the uncorrupted he also desired that the interpreters would come often to him out interpreters would come often to him out interpreters would come often to him out of Judea and that both on account of the of Judea and that both on account of the of Judea and that both on account of the respects that he would pay them and on respects that he would pay them and on respects that he would pay them and on account of the presents he would make account of the presents he would make account of the presents he would make them for he said it was now but just to them for he said it was now but just to them for he said it was now but just to send them away although if of their own send them away although if of their own send them away although if of their own accord they would come to him Hereafter accord they would come to him Hereafter accord they would come to him Hereafter they should obtain all that their own they should obtain all that their own they should obtain all that their own wisdom might justly require and what his wisdom might justly require and what his wisdom might justly require and what his generosity was able to give generosity was able to give generosity was able to give them so he then sent them away and gave them so he then sent them away and gave them so he then sent them away and gave to every one of them three garments of to every one of them three garments of to every one of them three garments of the best sort and two Talons of gold and the best sort and two Talons of gold and the best sort and two Talons of gold and a cup of the value of one talent and the a cup of the value of one talent and the a cup of the value of one talent and the furniture of the room wherein they were furniture of the room wherein they were furniture of the room wherein they were feasted and these were the things he feasted and these were the things he feasted and these were the things he presented to them but by them he sent to presented to them but by them he sent to presented to them but by them he sent to Eleazar the high priest 10 beds with Eleazar the high priest 10 beds with Eleazar the high priest 10 beds with feet of silver and a Furniture to them

feet of silver and a Furniture to them feet of silver and a Furniture to them belonging and a cup of the value of 30 belonging and a cup of the value of 30 belonging and a cup of the value of 30 talant and besides these 10 garments and talant and besides these 10 garments and talant and besides these 10 garments and purple and a very beautiful crown and a purple and a very beautiful crown and a purple and a very beautiful crown and a 100 pieces of the finest woven linen 100 pieces of the finest woven linen 100 pieces of the finest woven linen as also vials and dishes and vessels for as also vials and dishes and vessels for as also vials and dishes and vessels for pouring and two Golden Sisters to be pouring and two Golden Sisters to be pouring and two Golden Sisters to be dedicated to God he also desired him by dedicated to God he also desired him by dedicated to God he also desired him by an epistle that he would give these an epistle that he would give these an epistle that he would give these interpreters leave if any of them were interpreters leave if any of them were interpreters leave if any of them were desirous of coming to him because he desirous of coming to him because he desirous of coming to him because he highly valued a conversation with men of highly valued a conversation with men of highly valued a conversation with men of such learning and should be very willing such learning and should be very willing such learning and should be very willing to lay out his wealth upon such men and to lay out his wealth upon such men and to lay out his wealth upon such men and this was what came to the Jews and was this was what came to the Jews and was this was what came to the Jews and was much to their Glory and Honor from much to their Glory and Honor from much to their Glory and Honor from colomy colomy colomy philadelphus end of book 12 chapter 2 philadelphus end of book 12 chapter 2 philadelphus end of book 12 chapter 2 part two recording by nicoa Kay Book 12 Chapter 3 of the Antiquities Kay Book 12 Chapter 3 of the Antiquities of the Jews volume of the Jews volume of the Jews volume 3 this is a libri boox recording all 3 this is a libri boox recording all 3 this is a libri boox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to domain for more information or to domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org recording by Nicola recording by Nicola K the Antiquities of the Jews volume K the Antiquities of the Jews volume K the Antiquities of the Jews volume three by flavius three by flavius three by flavius Josephus translated by William Wiston

Josephus translated by William Wiston Josephus translated by William Wiston Book Book Book 12 chapter 3 how the kings of Asia 12 chapter 3 how the kings of Asia 12 chapter 3 how the kings of Asia honored the nation of the Jews and made honored the nation of the Jews and made honored the nation of the Jews and made them citizens of those cities which they them citizens of those cities which they them citizens of those cities which they built the Jews also obtained honors from built the Jews also obtained honors from built the Jews also obtained honors from the kings of Asia when they became their the kings of Asia when they became their the kings of Asia when they became their auxiliaries for ccas nikar made them auxiliaries for ccas nikar made them auxiliaries for ccas nikar made them citizens in those cities which he built citizens in those cities which he built citizens in those cities which he built in Asia and in the lower Syria and in in Asia and in the lower Syria and in in Asia and in the lower Syria and in the Metropolis itself Antioch and gave the Metropolis itself Antioch and gave the Metropolis itself Antioch and gave them privileges equal to those of the them privileges equal to those of the them privileges equal to those of the macedonians and Greeks who were the macedonians and Greeks who were the macedonians and Greeks who were the inhabitants in so much that these inhabitants in so much that these inhabitants in so much that these privileges continue to this very day and privileges continue to this very day and privileges continue to this very day and AR argument for which you have in this AR argument for which you have in this AR argument for which you have in this that whereas the Jews do not make use of that whereas the Jews do not make use of that whereas the Jews do not make use of oil prepared by foreigners they receive oil prepared by foreigners they receive oil prepared by foreigners they receive a certain sum of money from the proper a certain sum of money from the proper a certain sum of money from the proper officers belonging to their exercises as officers belonging to their exercises as officers belonging to their exercises as the value of that the value of that the value of that oil which money when the people of oil which money when the people of oil which money when the people of Antioch would have deprived them of in Antioch would have deprived them of in Antioch would have deprived them of in the last war muis who was then president the last war muis who was then president the last war muis who was then president of Syria preserved it to them and when of Syria preserved it to them and when of Syria preserved it to them and when the people of Alexandria and of Antioch the people of Alexandria and of Antioch the people of Alexandria and of Antioch did after that at the time that did after that at the time that did after that at the time that Vespasian and Titus his son governed the Vespasian and Titus his son governed the Vespasian and Titus his son governed the habitable Earth pray that these habitable Earth pray that these habitable Earth pray that these privileges of citizens might be taken privileges of citizens might be taken privileges of citizens might be taken away they did not obtain their request away they did not obtain their request away they did not obtain their request in which behavior anyone May discern the in which behavior anyone May discern the in which behavior anyone May discern the equity and generosity of the Romans equity and generosity of the Romans equity and generosity of the Romans especially of Vespasian and Titus who especially of Vespasian and Titus who especially of Vespasian and Titus who although they had been at a great deal

although they had been at a great deal although they had been at a great deal of pains in the war against the Jews and of pains in the war against the Jews and of pains in the war against the Jews and were exasperated against them because were exasperated against them because were exasperated against them because they did not deliver up their weapons to they did not deliver up their weapons to they did not deliver up their weapons to them but continued the war to the very them but continued the war to the very them but continued the war to the very last yet did not they take away any of last yet did not they take away any of last yet did not they take away any of their forementioned privileges belonging their forementioned privileges belonging their forementioned privileges belonging to them as Citizens but restrained their to them as Citizens but restrained their to them as Citizens but restrained their anger and overcame the prayers of the anger and overcame the prayers of the anger and overcame the prayers of the alexandrians and antiochian who were a alexandrians and antiochian who were a alexandrians and antiochian who were a very powerful people in so much that very powerful people in so much that very powerful people in so much that they did not yield to them neither out they did not yield to them neither out they did not yield to them neither out of their favor to these people nor out of their favor to these people nor out of their favor to these people nor out of their old Grudge at those whose of their old Grudge at those whose of their old Grudge at those whose Wicked opposition they had subdued in Wicked opposition they had subdued in Wicked opposition they had subdued in the war nor would they alter any of the the war nor would they alter any of the the war nor would they alter any of the anci ient favors granted to the Jews but anci ient favors granted to the Jews but anci ient favors granted to the Jews but said that those who had borne arms said that those who had borne arms said that those who had borne arms against them and fought them had against them and fought them had against them and fought them had suffered punishment already and that it suffered punishment already and that it suffered punishment already and that it was not just to deprive those that had was not just to deprive those that had was not just to deprive those that had not offended of the Privileges they not offended of the Privileges they not offended of the Privileges they enjoyed we also know that Marcus agria enjoyed we also know that Marcus agria enjoyed we also know that Marcus agria was of the like disposition toward the was of the like disposition toward the was of the like disposition toward the Jews for when the people of Ionia were Jews for when the people of Ionia were Jews for when the people of Ionia were very angry at them and besought agria very angry at them and besought agria very angry at them and besought agria that they and they only might have those that they and they only might have those that they and they only might have those privileges of citizens which Antiochus privileges of citizens which Antiochus privileges of citizens which Antiochus the grandson of the grandson of the grandson of ccus who by the Greeks was called the ccus who by the Greeks was called the ccus who by the Greeks was called the God had bestowed on them and desired God had bestowed on them and desired God had bestowed on them and desired that if the Jews were to be joint that if the Jews were to be joint that if the Jews were to be joint partakers with them they might be partakers with them they might be partakers with them they might be obliged to worship the gods they obliged to worship the gods they obliged to worship the gods they themselves worshiped but when these themselves worshiped but when these themselves worshiped but when these matters were brought to the trial the matters were brought to the trial the matters were brought to the trial the Jews prevailed and obtained leave to

Jews prevailed and obtained leave to Jews prevailed and obtained leave to make use of their own customs and this make use of their own customs and this make use of their own customs and this under the patronage of Nicolas of under the patronage of Nicolas of under the patronage of Nicolas of Damascus for agria gave sentence that he Damascus for agria gave sentence that he Damascus for agria gave sentence that he could not innovate and if anyone hath a could not innovate and if anyone hath a could not innovate and if anyone hath a mind to know this matter accurately let mind to know this matter accurately let mind to know this matter accurately let him peruse the him peruse the him peruse the 123rd and 124th books of the history of 123rd and 124th books of the history of 123rd and 124th books of the history of this this this Nicola now as to this determination of Nicola now as to this determination of Nicola now as to this determination of agria it is not so much to be admired agria it is not so much to be admired agria it is not so much to be admired for at that time our nation had not made for at that time our nation had not made for at that time our nation had not made war against the Romans but one may well war against the Romans but one may well war against the Romans but one may well be astonished at the generosity of be astonished at the generosity of be astonished at the generosity of espian and Titus that after so great War espian and Titus that after so great War espian and Titus that after so great War War s and contests which they had from War s and contests which they had from War s and contests which they had from us they should use such us they should use such us they should use such moderation but I will now return to that moderation but I will now return to that moderation but I will now return to that part of my history whence I made the part of my history whence I made the part of my history whence I made the present present present digression now it happened that in the digression now it happened that in the digression now it happened that in the reign of Antiochus the great who ruled reign of Antiochus the great who ruled reign of Antiochus the great who ruled over all Asia that the Jews as well as over all Asia that the Jews as well as over all Asia that the Jews as well as the inhabitants of celis Syria suffered the inhabitants of celis Syria suffered the inhabitants of celis Syria suffered greatly and their land was sorely greatly and their land was sorely greatly and their land was sorely harassed for while he was at war with harassed for while he was at war with harassed for while he was at war with tmy Philip and with his son who was tmy Philip and with his son who was tmy Philip and with his son who was called epiphanies it fell out that these called epiphanies it fell out that these called epiphanies it fell out that these nations were equally sufferers both when nations were equally sufferers both when nations were equally sufferers both when he was beaten and when he beat the he was beaten and when he beat the he was beaten and when he beat the others so that they were very like to a others so that they were very like to a others so that they were very like to a ship in a storm which is tossed by the ship in a storm which is tossed by the ship in a storm which is tossed by the waves on both sides and just thus were waves on both sides and just thus were waves on both sides and just thus were they in their situation in the middle they in their situation in the middle they in their situation in the middle between antioch's prosperity and its

between antioch's prosperity and its between antioch's prosperity and its change to change to change to adversity but at length when Antiochus adversity but at length when Antiochus adversity but at length when Antiochus had beaten tmy he seized upon Jud had beaten tmy he seized upon Jud had beaten tmy he seized upon Jud and when Philip was dead his son sent and when Philip was dead his son sent and when Philip was dead his son sent out a great Army under scopus the out a great Army under scopus the out a great Army under scopus the general of his forces against the general of his forces against the general of his forces against the inhabitants of cyria who Took many of inhabitants of cyria who Took many of inhabitants of cyria who Took many of their cities and in particular our their cities and in particular our their cities and in particular our nation which when he fell upon them went nation which when he fell upon them went nation which when he fell upon them went over to him yet was it not long over to him yet was it not long over to him yet was it not long afterward when Antiochus overcame scopus afterward when Antiochus overcame scopus afterward when Antiochus overcame scopus in a battle fought at The Fountains of in a battle fought at The Fountains of in a battle fought at The Fountains of Jordan and destroyed a great part of his Jordan and destroyed a great part of his Jordan and destroyed a great part of his army but afterward when when Antiochus army but afterward when when Antiochus army but afterward when when Antiochus subdued those cities of salisia which subdued those cities of salisia which subdued those cities of salisia which scopus had gotten into his possession scopus had gotten into his possession scopus had gotten into his possession and Samaria with them the Jews of their and Samaria with them the Jews of their and Samaria with them the Jews of their own accord went over to him and received own accord went over to him and received own accord went over to him and received him into the City Jerusalem and gave him into the City Jerusalem and gave him into the City Jerusalem and gave plentiful provision to all his army and plentiful provision to all his army and plentiful provision to all his army and to his elephants and readily assisted to his elephants and readily assisted to his elephants and readily assisted him when he besieged The Garrison which him when he besieged The Garrison which him when he besieged The Garrison which was in The Citadel of was in The Citadel of was in The Citadel of Jerusalem wherefore Antiochus thought it Jerusalem wherefore Antiochus thought it Jerusalem wherefore Antiochus thought it but just to requite the Jews diligence but just to requite the Jews diligence but just to requite the Jews diligence and zeal in his service so he wrote to and zeal in his service so he wrote to and zeal in his service so he wrote to the generals of his armies and to his the generals of his armies and to his the generals of his armies and to his friends and gave testimony to the good friends and gave testimony to the good friends and gave testimony to the good behavior of the Jews towards him and behavior of the Jews towards him and behavior of the Jews towards him and informed them what rewards he had informed them what rewards he had informed them what rewards he had resolved to bestow on them for that resolved to bestow on them for that resolved to bestow on them for that their behavior I will set down presently their behavior I will set down presently their behavior I will set down presently the Epistles themselves which he wrote the Epistles themselves which he wrote the Epistles themselves which he wrote to the generals concerning them but will to the generals concerning them but will to the generals concerning them but will first produce the testimony of pus of

first produce the testimony of pus of first produce the testimony of pus of megalopolis for thus does he speak in megalopolis for thus does he speak in megalopolis for thus does he speak in the 16th book of his history the 16th book of his history the 16th book of his history now scopus the general of tm's army went now scopus the general of tm's army went now scopus the general of tm's army went in haste to the superior parts of the in haste to the superior parts of the in haste to the superior parts of the country and in the wintertime overthrew country and in the wintertime overthrew country and in the wintertime overthrew the nation of the Jews he also saith in the nation of the Jews he also saith in the nation of the Jews he also saith in the same book that when scopus was the same book that when scopus was the same book that when scopus was conquered by Antiochus Antiochus conquered by Antiochus Antiochus conquered by Antiochus Antiochus received batania and Samaria and abila received batania and Samaria and abila received batania and Samaria and abila and gadera and that a while afterwards and gadera and that a while afterwards and gadera and that a while afterwards there came into him those Jews that there came into him those Jews that there came into him those Jews that inhabited near that Temple which was inhabited near that Temple which was inhabited near that Temple which was called Jerusalem concerning which called Jerusalem concerning which called Jerusalem concerning which although I have more to say and although I have more to say and although I have more to say and particularly concerning the presence of particularly concerning the presence of particularly concerning the presence of God about that Temple yet do I put off God about that Temple yet do I put off God about that Temple yet do I put off that history till another opportunity that history till another opportunity that history till another opportunity this it is which polius this it is which polius this it is which polius relates but we will return to the series relates but we will return to the series relates but we will return to the series of the history when we have first of the history when we have first of the history when we have first produced the Epistles of King produced the Epistles of King produced the Epistles of King Antiochus King Antiochus toomy sendeth Antiochus King Antiochus toomy sendeth Antiochus King Antiochus toomy sendeth greeting since the Jews upon our first greeting since the Jews upon our first greeting since the Jews upon our first entrance their country demonstrated entrance their country demonstrated entrance their country demonstrated their friendship towards us and when we their friendship towards us and when we their friendship towards us and when we came to their City Jerusalem received us came to their City Jerusalem received us came to their City Jerusalem received us in a splendid Manner and came to meet us in a splendid Manner and came to meet us in a splendid Manner and came to meet us with their Senate and gave abundance of with their Senate and gave abundance of with their Senate and gave abundance of Provisions to our soldiers and to the Provisions to our soldiers and to the Provisions to our soldiers and to the elephants and joined with us in ejecting elephants and joined with us in ejecting elephants and joined with us in ejecting The Garrison of the Egyptians that were The Garrison of the Egyptians that were The Garrison of the Egyptians that were in the Citadel we have thought fit to in the Citadel we have thought fit to in the Citadel we have thought fit to reward them and to retrieve the reward them and to retrieve the reward them and to retrieve the condition of their city which have been

condition of their city which have been condition of their city which have been greatly depopulated by such accidents as greatly depopulated by such accidents as greatly depopulated by such accidents as have Fallen its inhabitants and to bring have Fallen its inhabitants and to bring have Fallen its inhabitants and to bring those that have been scattered abroad those that have been scattered abroad those that have been scattered abroad back to the city and in the first place back to the city and in the first place back to the city and in the first place we have determined on account of their we have determined on account of their we have determined on account of their piety towards God to bestow on them as a piety towards God to bestow on them as a piety towards God to bestow on them as a pension for their sacrifices of animals pension for their sacrifices of animals pension for their sacrifices of animals that are fit for sacrifice for wine and that are fit for sacrifice for wine and that are fit for sacrifice for wine and oil and frankincense the value of 20,000 oil and frankincense the value of 20,000 oil and frankincense the value of 20,000 pieces of silver and six sacred arra of pieces of silver and six sacred arra of pieces of silver and six sacred arra of fine flower with one fine flower with one fine flower with one 1,460 medim of Wheat and 1,460 medim of Wheat and 1,460 medim of Wheat and 375 medim of salt and these payments I 375 medim of salt and these payments I 375 medim of salt and these payments I would have fully paid them as I have would have fully paid them as I have would have fully paid them as I have sent orders to you I would also have the sent orders to you I would also have the sent orders to you I would also have the work about the temple finished and the work about the temple finished and the work about the temple finished and the cloysters and if there be anything else cloysters and if there be anything else cloysters and if there be anything else that ought to be that ought to be that ought to be rebuilt and for the materials of wood rebuilt and for the materials of wood rebuilt and for the materials of wood let it be brought them out of Judea let it be brought them out of Judea let it be brought them out of Judea itself and out of the other countries itself and out of the other countries itself and out of the other countries and out of libanus and out of libanus and out of libanus taxfree and the same I would have taxfree and the same I would have taxfree and the same I would have observed as to those other materials observed as to those other materials observed as to those other materials which will be necessary in order to which will be necessary in order to which will be necessary in order to render the temple more glorious and let render the temple more glorious and let render the temple more glorious and let all of that Nation live according to the all of that Nation live according to the all of that Nation live according to the laws of their own country and let the laws of their own country and let the laws of their own country and let the Senate and the priests and the scribes Senate and the priests and the scribes Senate and the priests and the scribes of the temple and the sacred singers be of the temple and the sacred singers be of the temple and the sacred singers be discharged from pole money and the crown discharged from pole money and the crown discharged from pole money and the crown tax and other taxes also and that the

tax and other taxes also and that the tax and other taxes also and that the city May the sooner recover its city May the sooner recover its city May the sooner recover its inhabitants I Grant a discharge from inhabitants I Grant a discharge from inhabitants I Grant a discharge from taxes for 3 years to its present taxes for 3 years to its present taxes for 3 years to its present inhabitants and to such as shall come to inhabitants and to such as shall come to inhabitants and to such as shall come to it until the month of hyper it until the month of hyper it until the month of hyper herius we also discharge them for the herius we also discharge them for the herius we also discharge them for the future from a third part of their taxes future from a third part of their taxes future from a third part of their taxes that the losses they have sustained may that the losses they have sustained may that the losses they have sustained may be repaired and all those citizens that be repaired and all those citizens that be repaired and all those citizens that have been carried away and are become have been carried away and are become have been carried away and are become slaves we grant them and their children slaves we grant them and their children slaves we grant them and their children their freedom and give order that their their freedom and give order that their their freedom and give order that their substance be restored to to substance be restored to to substance be restored to to them and these were the contents of this them and these were the contents of this them and these were the contents of this epistle he also published a decree epistle he also published a decree epistle he also published a decree through all his kingdom in honor of the through all his kingdom in honor of the through all his kingdom in honor of the temple which contained what temple which contained what temple which contained what follows it shall be lawful for no follows it shall be lawful for no follows it shall be lawful for no Foreigner to come within the limits of Foreigner to come within the limits of Foreigner to come within the limits of the temple round about which thing is the temple round about which thing is the temple round about which thing is forbidden also to the Jews unless to forbidden also to the Jews unless to forbidden also to the Jews unless to those who according to their own custom those who according to their own custom those who according to their own custom have purified themselves nor let any have purified themselves nor let any have purified themselves nor let any flesh of horses or of mules or of asses flesh of horses or of mules or of asses flesh of horses or of mules or of asses be brought into the city whether they be be brought into the city whether they be be brought into the city whether they be wild or tame nor that of leopards or wild or tame nor that of leopards or wild or tame nor that of leopards or foxes or hairs and in general that of foxes or hairs and in general that of foxes or hairs and in general that of any animal which is forbidden for the any animal which is forbidden for the any animal which is forbidden for the Jews to eat nor let their skins be Jews to eat nor let their skins be Jews to eat nor let their skins be brought into it nor let any such animal brought into it nor let any such animal brought into it nor let any such animal be bred up in the city let them only be be bred up in the city let them only be be bred up in the city let them only be permitted to use the sacrifices derived permitted to use the sacrifices derived permitted to use the sacrifices derived from their forefathers with which they from their forefathers with which they from their forefathers with which they have been obliged to make acceptable

have been obliged to make acceptable have been obliged to make acceptable atonements to God and he that atonements to God and he that atonements to God and he that transgresseth any of these orders that transgresseth any of these orders that transgresseth any of these orders that him pay to the priests 3,000 Dr May of him pay to the priests 3,000 Dr May of him pay to the priests 3,000 Dr May of silver moreover this antias bear silver moreover this antias bear silver moreover this antias bear testimony to our piety and Fidelity in testimony to our piety and Fidelity in testimony to our piety and Fidelity in an Epistle of his written when he was an Epistle of his written when he was an Epistle of his written when he was informed of a sedition in friia and informed of a sedition in friia and informed of a sedition in friia and Lydia at which time he was in the Lydia at which time he was in the Lydia at which time he was in the superior provinces wherein he commanded superior provinces wherein he commanded superior provinces wherein he commanded Zenus the general of his forces and his Zenus the general of his forces and his Zenus the general of his forces and his most intimate friend to send some of our most intimate friend to send some of our most intimate friend to send some of our nation out of Babylon into nation out of Babylon into nation out of Babylon into friia the epistle was friia the epistle was friia the epistle was this King Antiochus dutes his father this King Antiochus dutes his father this King Antiochus dutes his father sendeth sendeth sendeth greeting if you are in health It is Well greeting if you are in health It is Well greeting if you are in health It is Well I also am in heal having been informed I also am in heal having been informed I also am in heal having been informed that a sedition is Arisen in Lydia and that a sedition is Arisen in Lydia and that a sedition is Arisen in Lydia and friia I thought that matter required friia I thought that matter required friia I thought that matter required great care and upon advising with my great care and upon advising with my great care and upon advising with my friends what was fit to be done it hath friends what was fit to be done it hath friends what was fit to be done it hath been thought proper to removed 2,000 been thought proper to removed 2,000 been thought proper to removed 2,000 families of Jews with their effects out families of Jews with their effects out families of Jews with their effects out of Mesopotamia and Babylon unto the of Mesopotamia and Babylon unto the of Mesopotamia and Babylon unto the castles and places that lie most castles and places that lie most castles and places that lie most convenient for I am persuaded that they convenient for I am persuaded that they convenient for I am persuaded that they will be well disposed guardians of our will be well disposed guardians of our will be well disposed guardians of our possessions because of their piety possessions because of their piety possessions because of their piety towards God and because I know that my towards God and because I know that my towards God and because I know that my predecessors have borne witness to them predecessors have borne witness to them predecessors have borne witness to them that they are faithful and with alacrity that they are faithful and with alacrity that they are faithful and with alacrity do what they are desired to do I will

do what they are desired to do I will do what they are desired to do I will therefore though that be a glorious work therefore though that be a glorious work therefore though that be a glorious work that thou remove these Jews under a that thou remove these Jews under a that thou remove these Jews under a promise that they shall be permitted to promise that they shall be permitted to promise that they shall be permitted to use their own laws and when thou shalt use their own laws and when thou shalt use their own laws and when thou shalt have brought them to the places have brought them to the places have brought them to the places forementioned Thou shalt give every one forementioned Thou shalt give every one forementioned Thou shalt give every one of their families a place for building of their families a place for building of their families a place for building their houses and a portion of the land their houses and a portion of the land their houses and a portion of the land for their husbandry and for the for their husbandry and for the for their husbandry and for the plantation of their Vines and thou plantation of their Vines and thou plantation of their Vines and thou shallal discharge them from paying taxes shallal discharge them from paying taxes shallal discharge them from paying taxes of the fruits of the Earth for 10 years of the fruits of the Earth for 10 years of the fruits of the Earth for 10 years and let them have a proper quantity of and let them have a proper quantity of and let them have a proper quantity of wheat for the maintenance of their wheat for the maintenance of their wheat for the maintenance of their servants until they receive bread corn servants until they receive bread corn servants until they receive bread corn out of the earth also let a sufficient out of the earth also let a sufficient out of the earth also let a sufficient share be given to such as minister to share be given to such as minister to share be given to such as minister to them in the necessaries of life that by them in the necessaries of life that by them in the necessaries of life that by enjoying the effects of our Humanity enjoying the effects of our Humanity enjoying the effects of our Humanity they may show themselves the more they may show themselves the more they may show themselves the more willing and ready about our willing and ready about our willing and ready about our Affairs take care likewise of that Affairs take care likewise of that Affairs take care likewise of that Nation as far as Thou Art able that they Nation as far as Thou Art able that they Nation as far as Thou Art able that they may not have any disturbance given them may not have any disturbance given them may not have any disturbance given them by by by anyone now these testimonials which I anyone now these testimonials which I anyone now these testimonials which I have produced are sufficient to declare have produced are sufficient to declare have produced are sufficient to declare the friendship that Antiochus The Great the friendship that Antiochus The Great the friendship that Antiochus The Great Bear to the Jews end of book 12 chapter Jews end of book 12 chapter 3 recording by Nica K Book 12 chapter 4 of the Antiquities

K Book 12 chapter 4 of the Antiquities of the Jews volume 3 this is a LibriVox of the Jews volume 3 this is a LibriVox of the Jews volume 3 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in recording all LibriVox recordings are in recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information the public domain for more information the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit or to volunteer please visit or to volunteer please visit librivox.org librivox.org librivox.org recording by Nica recording by Nica recording by Nica Kay the Antiquities of the Jews volume Kay the Antiquities of the Jews volume Kay the Antiquities of the Jews volume three by flavius Josephus translated by three by flavius Josephus translated by three by flavius Josephus translated by William Wiston Book 12 William Wiston Book 12 William Wiston Book 12 chapter 4 how Antiochus made a league chapter 4 how Antiochus made a league chapter 4 how Antiochus made a league with tmy and how onias provoked TMI with tmy and how onias provoked TMI with tmy and how onias provoked TMI urates to anger and how Joseph brought urates to anger and how Joseph brought urates to anger and how Joseph brought all things right again and entered into all things right again and entered into all things right again and entered into friendship with him and what other friendship with him and what other friendship with him and what other things were done by Joseph and his son hinis after this Antiochus made a hinis after this Antiochus made a friendship and leag with tmy and gave friendship and leag with tmy and gave friendship and leag with tmy and gave him his daughter Cleopatra to wife him his daughter Cleopatra to wife him his daughter Cleopatra to wife and yielded up to him cyria and Samaria and yielded up to him cyria and Samaria and yielded up to him cyria and Samaria and Judea and Phoenicia by way of dowy and upon the division of the taxes dowy and upon the division of the taxes between the two kings all the principal between the two kings all the principal between the two kings all the principal men framed the taxes of their several men framed the taxes of their several men framed the taxes of their several countries and collecting the sum that countries and collecting the sum that countries and collecting the sum that was settled for them paid the same to was settled for them paid the same to was settled for them paid the same to the two kings now at this time the the two kings now at this time the the two kings now at this time the Samaritans were in a flourishing Samaritans were in a flourishing Samaritans were in a flourishing condition and much distressed the Jews condition and much distressed the Jews condition and much distressed the Jews cutting off parts of their land and

cutting off parts of their land and cutting off parts of their land and carrying off slaves this happened when carrying off slaves this happened when carrying off slaves this happened when onias was high priest for after onias was high priest for after onias was high priest for after eleazar's death his uncle Manasseh took eleazar's death his uncle Manasseh took eleazar's death his uncle Manasseh took the priesthood and after he had ended the priesthood and after he had ended the priesthood and after he had ended his life onias received that his life onias received that his life onias received that dignity he was the son of Simon who was dignity he was the son of Simon who was dignity he was the son of Simon who was called the just which Simon was the called the just which Simon was the called the just which Simon was the brother of Alazar as I said before this brother of Alazar as I said before this brother of Alazar as I said before this onias was one of a little soul and a onias was one of a little soul and a onias was one of a little soul and a great lover of money and for that reason great lover of money and for that reason great lover of money and for that reason because he did not pay that tax of 20 because he did not pay that tax of 20 because he did not pay that tax of 20 talant of silver which his forefathers talant of silver which his forefathers talant of silver which his forefathers paid to these things out of their own paid to these things out of their own paid to these things out of their own Estates he provoked King tmy urges to Estates he provoked King tmy urges to Estates he provoked King tmy urges to anger who was the father of anger who was the father of anger who was the father of Philip urates sent an ambassador to Philip urates sent an ambassador to Philip urates sent an ambassador to Jerusalem and complained that onias did Jerusalem and complained that onias did Jerusalem and complained that onias did not pay his taxes and threatened that if not pay his taxes and threatened that if not pay his taxes and threatened that if he did not receive them he would seize he did not receive them he would seize he did not receive them he would seize upon on their land and send soldiers to upon on their land and send soldiers to upon on their land and send soldiers to live upon it when the Jews heard this live upon it when the Jews heard this live upon it when the Jews heard this message of the king they were confounded message of the king they were confounded message of the king they were confounded but so sorted Covetous was onias that but so sorted Covetous was onias that but so sorted Covetous was onias that nothing of things nature made him ashamed there was now one Joseph young ashamed there was now one Joseph young in age but of great reputation among the in age but of great reputation among the in age but of great reputation among the people of Jerusalem for Gravity prudence people of Jerusalem for Gravity prudence people of Jerusalem for Gravity prudence and Justice his father's name was Tobias and Justice his father's name was Tobias and Justice his father's name was Tobias and and his mother was the sister of and and his mother was the sister of and and his mother was the sister of onias the high priest who informed him

onias the high priest who informed him onias the high priest who informed him of the coming of the Ambassador for he of the coming of the Ambassador for he of the coming of the Ambassador for he was then so Journey at a village named was then so Journey at a village named was then so Journey at a village named AOL where he was born hereupon he came AOL where he was born hereupon he came AOL where he was born hereupon he came to the City Jerusalem and reproved onas to the City Jerusalem and reproved onas to the City Jerusalem and reproved onas for not taking care of the preservation for not taking care of the preservation for not taking care of the preservation of his countrymen but bringing the of his countrymen but bringing the of his countrymen but bringing the nation into dangers by not paying this nation into dangers by not paying this nation into dangers by not paying this money for which preservation of them he money for which preservation of them he money for which preservation of them he told him he had received the the told him he had received the the told him he had received the the authority over them and had been made authority over them and had been made authority over them and had been made high priest but that in case he was so high priest but that in case he was so high priest but that in case he was so great a lover of money as to endure to great a lover of money as to endure to great a lover of money as to endure to see his country in danger on that see his country in danger on that see his country in danger on that account and his countrymen suffer the account and his countrymen suffer the account and his countrymen suffer the greatest damages he advised him to go to greatest damages he advised him to go to greatest damages he advised him to go to the king and petition him to remit the king and petition him to remit the king and petition him to remit either the whole or a part of the Su either the whole or a part of the Su either the whole or a part of the Su demanded On's answer was this that he demanded On's answer was this that he demanded On's answer was this that he did not care for his authority and that did not care for his authority and that did not care for his authority and that he was ready if the thing were practical he was ready if the thing were practical he was ready if the thing were practical Kul to lay down his high priesthood and Kul to lay down his high priesthood and Kul to lay down his high priesthood and that he would not go to the king because that he would not go to the king because that he would not go to the king because he troubled not himself at all about he troubled not himself at all about he troubled not himself at all about such such such matters Joseph then asked him if he matters Joseph then asked him if he matters Joseph then asked him if he would not give him leave to go would not give him leave to go would not give him leave to go Ambassador on behalf of the nation he Ambassador on behalf of the nation he Ambassador on behalf of the nation he replied that he would give him leave replied that he would give him leave replied that he would give him leave upon which Joseph went up into the upon which Joseph went up into the upon which Joseph went up into the temple and called the multitude together temple and called the multitude together temple and called the multitude together to a congregation and exhorted them not to a congregation and exhorted them not to a congregation and exhorted them not to be disturbed nor AF frighted because to be disturbed nor AF frighted because to be disturbed nor AF frighted because of his uncle anas's carelessness but of his uncle anas's carelessness but of his uncle anas's carelessness but desired them to be at rest and not

desired them to be at rest and not desired them to be at rest and not terrify themselves with fear about it terrify themselves with fear about it terrify themselves with fear about it for he promised them that he would be for he promised them that he would be for he promised them that he would be their ambassador to the king and their ambassador to the king and their ambassador to the king and persuade him that they had done him no persuade him that they had done him no persuade him that they had done him no wrong and when the multitude heard this wrong and when the multitude heard this wrong and when the multitude heard this they returned thanks to Joseph so he they returned thanks to Joseph so he they returned thanks to Joseph so he went down from the temple and treated went down from the temple and treated went down from the temple and treated tm's Ambassador in a hospitable manner tm's Ambassador in a hospitable manner tm's Ambassador in a hospitable manner he also presented him with Rich gifts he also presented him with Rich gifts he also presented him with Rich gifts and and feasted him magnificently for and and feasted him magnificently for and and feasted him magnificently for many days and then sent him to the king many days and then sent him to the king many days and then sent him to the king before him and told him that he would before him and told him that he would before him and told him that he would soon follow him for he was now more soon follow him for he was now more soon follow him for he was now more willing to go to the King by the willing to go to the King by the willing to go to the King by the encouragement of the Ambassador who encouragement of the Ambassador who encouragement of the Ambassador who earnestly persuaded him to come into earnestly persuaded him to come into earnestly persuaded him to come into Egypt and promised him that he would Egypt and promised him that he would Egypt and promised him that he would take care that he should obtain take care that he should obtain take care that he should obtain everything that he desired of tmy for he everything that he desired of tmy for he everything that he desired of tmy for he was highly pleased with his Frank and was highly pleased with his Frank and was highly pleased with his Frank and liberal temper and with the gravity of liberal temper and with the gravity of liberal temper and with the gravity of his Deport M when tm's Ambassador was come into M when tm's Ambassador was come into Egypt he told the king of the Egypt he told the king of the Egypt he told the king of the thoughtless temper of onias and informed thoughtless temper of onias and informed thoughtless temper of onias and informed him of the goodness of the disposition him of the goodness of the disposition him of the goodness of the disposition of Joseph and that he was coming to him of Joseph and that he was coming to him of Joseph and that he was coming to him to excuse the multitude as not having to excuse the multitude as not having to excuse the multitude as not having done him any harm for that he was their done him any harm for that he was their done him any harm for that he was their Patron in short he was so very large in Patron in short he was so very large in Patron in short he was so very large in his encomiums upon the young man that he his encomiums upon the young man that he his encomiums upon the young man that he disposed both the king and his wife disposed both the king and his wife disposed both the king and his wife Cleopatra to have a kindness for him Cleopatra to have a kindness for him Cleopatra to have a kindness for him before he came so Joseph sent to his before he came so Joseph sent to his before he came so Joseph sent to his friends at Samaria and borrowed money of

friends at Samaria and borrowed money of friends at Samaria and borrowed money of them and got ready what was necessary them and got ready what was necessary them and got ready what was necessary for his journey garments and cups and for his journey garments and cups and for his journey garments and cups and Beasts for burden which amounted to Beasts for burden which amounted to Beasts for burden which amounted to about 20,000 drme and went to about 20,000 drme and went to about 20,000 drme and went to Alexandria now it happened that at this Alexandria now it happened that at this Alexandria now it happened that at this time all the principal men and rulers time all the principal men and rulers time all the principal men and rulers went up out of the cities of Syria and went up out of the cities of Syria and went up out of the cities of Syria and Phoenicia to bid for their taxes for Phoenicia to bid for their taxes for Phoenicia to bid for their taxes for every year the king sold them to the men every year the king sold them to the men every year the king sold them to the men of the greatest power in every city so of the greatest power in every city so of the greatest power in every city so these men saw Joseph journeying on the these men saw Joseph journeying on the these men saw Joseph journeying on the way and laughed at him for his poverty way and laughed at him for his poverty way and laughed at him for his poverty and and and meanness but when he came to Alexandria meanness but when he came to Alexandria meanness but when he came to Alexandria and heard that King tmy was at Memphis and heard that King tmy was at Memphis and heard that King tmy was at Memphis he went up thither to meet with him he went up thither to meet with him he went up thither to meet with him which happened as the King was sitting which happened as the King was sitting which happened as the King was sitting in his Chariot with his wife and with in his Chariot with his wife and with in his Chariot with his wife and with his friend Athenian who was the very his friend Athenian who was the very his friend Athenian who was the very person who had been Ambassador at person who had been Ambassador at person who had been Ambassador at Jerusalem and had been entertained by Jerusalem and had been entertained by Jerusalem and had been entertained by Joseph as soon therefore as athenon saw Joseph as soon therefore as athenon saw Joseph as soon therefore as athenon saw him he presently made him known to the him he presently made him known to the him he presently made him known to the king how good and generous a young man king how good and generous a young man king how good and generous a young man he was so tmy saluted him first and he was so tmy saluted him first and he was so tmy saluted him first and desired him to come up into his Chariot desired him to come up into his Chariot desired him to come up into his Chariot and as Joseph sat there he began to and as Joseph sat there he began to and as Joseph sat there he began to complain of the management of onas to complain of the management of onas to complain of the management of onas to which he answered forgive him on account which he answered forgive him on account which he answered forgive him on account of his age for thou can not ser of his age for thou can not ser of his age for thou can not ser certainly be unacquainted with this that certainly be unacquainted with this that certainly be unacquainted with this that old men and infants have their minds old men and infants have their minds old men and infants have their minds exactly alike but Thou shalt have from exactly alike but Thou shalt have from exactly alike but Thou shalt have from us who are young men everything thou

us who are young men everything thou us who are young men everything thou desirest and shalt have no cause to desirest and shalt have no cause to desirest and shalt have no cause to complain with this good humor and complain with this good humor and complain with this good humor and pleasantry of the young man the King was pleasantry of the young man the King was pleasantry of the young man the King was so delighted that he began already as so delighted that he began already as so delighted that he began already as though he had had long experience of him though he had had long experience of him though he had had long experience of him to have a still greater affection for to have a still greater affection for to have a still greater affection for him in so much that he bade him take his him in so much that he bade him take his him in so much that he bade him take his diet in the king's Palace diet in the king's Palace diet in the king's Palace and be a guest at his own table every and be a guest at his own table every and be a guest at his own table every day but when the King was come to day but when the King was come to day but when the King was come to Alexandria the principal men of Syria Alexandria the principal men of Syria Alexandria the principal men of Syria saw him sitting with the King and were saw him sitting with the King and were saw him sitting with the King and were much offended at much offended at much offended at it and when the day came on which the it and when the day came on which the it and when the day came on which the King was to let the taxes of the cities King was to let the taxes of the cities King was to let the taxes of the cities to farm and those that were the to farm and those that were the to farm and those that were the principal men of dignity in their principal men of dignity in their principal men of dignity in their several countries were to bid for them several countries were to bid for them several countries were to bid for them the sum of the taxes together of sell the sum of the taxes together of sell the sum of the taxes together of sell asyria and Phoenicia and Judea with asyria and Phoenicia and Judea with asyria and Phoenicia and Judea with Samaria as they were bidden for came to Samaria as they were bidden for came to Samaria as they were bidden for came to 8,000 talant hereupon Joseph accused the 8,000 talant hereupon Joseph accused the 8,000 talant hereupon Joseph accused the biders as having agreed together to biders as having agreed together to biders as having agreed together to estimate the value of the taxes at too estimate the value of the taxes at too estimate the value of the taxes at too low a rate and he promised that he would low a rate and he promised that he would low a rate and he promised that he would himself give twice as much for them but himself give twice as much for them but himself give twice as much for them but for those who did not pay he would send for those who did not pay he would send for those who did not pay he would send the king home their whole substance for the king home their whole substance for the king home their whole substance for this privilege was sold together with this privilege was sold together with this privilege was sold together with the taxes themselves the King was the taxes themselves the King was the taxes themselves the King was pleased to hear that offer and because pleased to hear that offer and because pleased to hear that offer and because it augmented his revenues he said he it augmented his revenues he said he it augmented his revenues he said he would confirm the sale of the taxes to would confirm the sale of the taxes to would confirm the sale of the taxes to him but when he asked him this question

him but when he asked him this question him but when he asked him this question whether he had any sureties that would whether he had any sureties that would whether he had any sureties that would be bound for the payment of the money he be bound for the payment of the money he be bound for the payment of the money he answered very pleasantly I will give answered very pleasantly I will give answered very pleasantly I will give such security and those of persons good such security and those of persons good such security and those of persons good and responsible and which you shall have and responsible and which you shall have and responsible and which you shall have no reason to distrust and when he bid no reason to distrust and when he bid no reason to distrust and when he bid him name them who they were he replied I him name them who they were he replied I him name them who they were he replied I give thee no other persons O King for my give thee no other persons O King for my give thee no other persons O King for my sureties than thyself and this thy wife sureties than thyself and this thy wife sureties than thyself and this thy wife and you shall be security for both and you shall be security for both and you shall be security for both parties so toomy laughed at the proposal parties so toomy laughed at the proposal parties so toomy laughed at the proposal and granted him the farming of the taxes and granted him the farming of the taxes and granted him the farming of the taxes without any without any without any sureties this procedure was a sore grief sureties this procedure was a sore grief sureties this procedure was a sore grief to those that came from the cities into to those that came from the cities into to those that came from the cities into Egypt who were utterly disappointed and Egypt who were utterly disappointed and Egypt who were utterly disappointed and they returned everyone to their own they returned everyone to their own they returned everyone to their own country with shame but Joseph took with him 2,000 foot but Joseph took with him 2,000 foot soldiers from the King for he desired he soldiers from the King for he desired he soldiers from the King for he desired he might have some assistance in order to might have some assistance in order to might have some assistance in order to force such as were refractory in the force such as were refractory in the force such as were refractory in the cities to pay and borrowing of the cities to pay and borrowing of the cities to pay and borrowing of the king's friends at Alexandria 500 talents king's friends at Alexandria 500 talents king's friends at Alexandria 500 talents he made haste back into Syria and when he made haste back into Syria and when he made haste back into Syria and when he was at ascalon and demanded the taxes he was at ascalon and demanded the taxes he was at ascalon and demanded the taxes of the people of ascalon they refused to of the people of ascalon they refused to of the people of ascalon they refused to pay anything and affronted him also upon pay anything and affronted him also upon pay anything and affronted him also upon which he seized upon about 20 of the which he seized upon about 20 of the which he seized upon about 20 of the principal men and slew them and gathered principal men and slew them and gathered principal men and slew them and gathered what they had together and sent it all what they had together and sent it all what they had together and sent it all to the king and informed him what he had

to the king and informed him what he had to the king and informed him what he had done tmy admired The Prudent conduct of done tmy admired The Prudent conduct of done tmy admired The Prudent conduct of the man and commended him for what he the man and commended him for what he the man and commended him for what he had done and gave him leave to do as he had done and gave him leave to do as he had done and gave him leave to do as he pleased when the serans heard of this pleased when the serans heard of this pleased when the serans heard of this they were astonished and having before they were astonished and having before they were astonished and having before them a sad example in the the men of them a sad example in the the men of them a sad example in the the men of ascalon that were slain they opened ascalon that were slain they opened ascalon that were slain they opened their Gates and willingly admitted their Gates and willingly admitted their Gates and willingly admitted Joseph and paid their Joseph and paid their Joseph and paid their taxes and when the inhabitants of taxes and when the inhabitants of taxes and when the inhabitants of scythopolis attempted to affront him and scythopolis attempted to affront him and scythopolis attempted to affront him and would not pay him those taxes which they would not pay him those taxes which they would not pay him those taxes which they formerly used to pay without disputing formerly used to pay without disputing formerly used to pay without disputing about them he slew also the principal about them he slew also the principal about them he slew also the principal men of that City and sent their effects men of that City and sent their effects men of that City and sent their effects to the King by this means he gathered to the King by this means he gathered to the King by this means he gathered great wealth together great wealth together great wealth together and made vast gains by this farming of and made vast gains by this farming of and made vast gains by this farming of the taxes and he made use of what estate the taxes and he made use of what estate the taxes and he made use of what estate he had thus gotten in order to support he had thus gotten in order to support he had thus gotten in order to support his authority as thinking it a piece of his authority as thinking it a piece of his authority as thinking it a piece of prudence to keep what had been the prudence to keep what had been the prudence to keep what had been the occasion and Foundation of his present occasion and Foundation of his present occasion and Foundation of his present good fortune and this he did by the good fortune and this he did by the good fortune and this he did by the assistance of what he was already assistance of what he was already assistance of what he was already possessed of for he privately sent many possessed of for he privately sent many possessed of for he privately sent many pres to the king and to Cleopatra and to pres to the king and to Cleopatra and to pres to the king and to Cleopatra and to their friends and to all that were part their friends and to all that were part their friends and to all that were part powerful about the court and thereby powerful about the court and thereby powerful about the court and thereby purchased their Good Will to himself this Good Fortune he enjoyed for himself this Good Fortune he enjoyed for 22 years and was become the father of 22 years and was become the father of 22 years and was become the father of seven sons by one wife he had also

seven sons by one wife he had also seven sons by one wife he had also another son whose name was hinis by his another son whose name was hinis by his another son whose name was hinis by his brother solas's daughter whom he married brother solas's daughter whom he married brother solas's daughter whom he married on the following occasion he once came on the following occasion he once came on the following occasion he once came to Alexandria with his brother who had to Alexandria with his brother who had to Alexandria with his brother who had along with him a daughter already along with him a daughter already along with him a daughter already marriageable in order to give her in marriageable in order to give her in marriageable in order to give her in wedlock to some of the Jews of Chief wedlock to some of the Jews of Chief wedlock to some of the Jews of Chief dignity there he then SED with the King dignity there he then SED with the King dignity there he then SED with the King and falling in love with an actress that and falling in love with an actress that and falling in love with an actress that was of great Beauty and came into the was of great Beauty and came into the was of great Beauty and came into the room where they feasted he told his room where they feasted he told his room where they feasted he told his brother of it and entreated him because brother of it and entreated him because brother of it and entreated him because a Jew is forbidden by their law to come a Jew is forbidden by their law to come a Jew is forbidden by their law to come near to a foreigner to conceal his near to a foreigner to conceal his near to a foreigner to conceal his offense and to be kind and subservient offense and to be kind and subservient offense and to be kind and subservient to him and to give him an opportunity of to him and to give him an opportunity of to him and to give him an opportunity of fulfilling his desires upon which his brother willingly desires upon which his brother willingly entertained The Proposal of serving him entertained The Proposal of serving him entertained The Proposal of serving him and adorned his own daughter and brought and adorned his own daughter and brought and adorned his own daughter and brought her to him by night and put her into his her to him by night and put her into his her to him by night and put her into his bed and Joseph being disordered with bed and Joseph being disordered with bed and Joseph being disordered with drink knew not who she was and so lay drink knew not who she was and so lay drink knew not who she was and so lay with his brother's daughter and this did with his brother's daughter and this did with his brother's daughter and this did he many times and loved her exceedingly he many times and loved her exceedingly he many times and loved her exceedingly and said to his brother that he loved and said to his brother that he loved and said to his brother that he loved this actress so well that he should run this actress so well that he should run this actress so well that he should run the hazard of his life if he must part the hazard of his life if he must part the hazard of his life if he must part with her and yet probably the king would with her and yet probably the king would with her and yet probably the king would not give him leave to take her with him not give him leave to take her with him not give him leave to take her with him but his brother bid him be in no concern but his brother bid him be in no concern but his brother bid him be in no concern about that matter and told him he might about that matter and told him he might about that matter and told him he might enjoy her whom he loved without any

enjoy her whom he loved without any enjoy her whom he loved without any danger and might have her for his wife danger and might have her for his wife danger and might have her for his wife and open the truth of the matter to him and open the truth of the matter to him and open the truth of the matter to him and assured him that he chose rather to and assured him that he chose rather to and assured him that he chose rather to have his own daughter abused than to have his own daughter abused than to have his own daughter abused than to overlook look him and see him come to overlook look him and see him come to overlook look him and see him come to Public Disgrace so Joseph commanded him for Disgrace so Joseph commanded him for this his brotherly love and married his this his brotherly love and married his this his brotherly love and married his daughter and by her begat a son whose daughter and by her begat a son whose daughter and by her begat a son whose name was hinis as we said before and name was hinis as we said before and name was hinis as we said before and when this his youngest son showed at 13 when this his youngest son showed at 13 when this his youngest son showed at 13 years old a mind that was both years old a mind that was both years old a mind that was both courageous and wise and was greatly courageous and wise and was greatly courageous and wise and was greatly envied by his Brethren as being of a envied by his Brethren as being of a envied by his Brethren as being of a genius much above them and such a one as genius much above them and such a one as genius much above them and such a one as they might well Envy Joseph had once a they might well Envy Joseph had once a they might well Envy Joseph had once a mind to know which of his sons had the mind to know which of his sons had the mind to know which of his sons had the best disposition to Virtue and when he best disposition to Virtue and when he best disposition to Virtue and when he sent them severally to those that had sent them severally to those that had sent them severally to those that had then the best reputation for instructing then the best reputation for instructing then the best reputation for instructing youth the rest of his children by reason youth the rest of his children by reason youth the rest of his children by reason of their sloth and unwillingness to take of their sloth and unwillingness to take of their sloth and unwillingness to take pains returned to him foolish and pains returned to him foolish and pains returned to him foolish and unlearned after them he sent out the unlearned after them he sent out the unlearned after them he sent out the youngest hinis and gave him 300 Yol of youngest hinis and gave him 300 Yol of youngest hinis and gave him 300 Yol of oxen and bid him go to two days journey oxen and bid him go to two days journey oxen and bid him go to two days journey into the Wilderness and sow the land into the Wilderness and sow the land into the Wilderness and sow the land there and yet kept back privately the there and yet kept back privately the there and yet kept back privately the yolks of The Oxen that coupled them yolks of The Oxen that coupled them yolks of The Oxen that coupled them together when hinis came to the place together when hinis came to the place together when hinis came to the place and found that he had no yolks with him and found that he had no yolks with him and found that he had no yolks with him he condemned the drivers of The Oxen who he condemned the drivers of The Oxen who he condemned the drivers of The Oxen who advised him to send some to his father

advised him to send some to his father advised him to send some to his father to bring them some yolks but he thinking to bring them some yolks but he thinking to bring them some yolks but he thinking that he ought not to lose his time while that he ought not to lose his time while that he ought not to lose his time while they should be sent to bring him the they should be sent to bring him the they should be sent to bring him the yolks he invented a kind of stratagem yolks he invented a kind of stratagem yolks he invented a kind of stratagem and and what suited an age older than and and what suited an age older than and and what suited an age older than his his his own for he slew 10 Yol of The Oxen and own for he slew 10 Yol of The Oxen and own for he slew 10 Yol of The Oxen and distributed their flesh among the distributed their flesh among the distributed their flesh among the laborers and cut their hides into laborers and cut their hides into laborers and cut their hides into several pieces and made him yolks and several pieces and made him yolks and several pieces and made him yolks and yolked The Oxen together with them by yolked The Oxen together with them by yolked The Oxen together with them by which means he sowed as much land as his which means he sowed as much land as his which means he sowed as much land as his father had appointed him to father had appointed him to father had appointed him to sow and returned to him and when he was sow and returned to him and when he was sow and returned to him and when he was come back his father was mightily come back his father was mightily come back his father was mightily pleased with his s it and commended the pleased with his s it and commended the pleased with his s it and commended the sharpness of his understanding and his sharpness of his understanding and his sharpness of his understanding and his boldness in what he did and he still boldness in what he did and he still boldness in what he did and he still loved him the more as if he were his loved him the more as if he were his loved him the more as if he were his only genuine son while his Brethren were only genuine son while his Brethren were only genuine son while his Brethren were much troubled at it but when one told him that tmy had a it but when one told him that tmy had a son just born and that all the principal son just born and that all the principal son just born and that all the principal men of Syria and the other countries men of Syria and the other countries men of Syria and the other countries subject to him were to keep a festival subject to him were to keep a festival subject to him were to keep a festival on account of the child's birthday and on account of the child's birthday and on account of the child's birthday and went away in haste with great retinues went away in haste with great retinues went away in haste with great retinues to Alexandria he was himself indeed to Alexandria he was himself indeed to Alexandria he was himself indeed hindered from going by old age but he hindered from going by old age but he hindered from going by old age but he made trial of his sons whether any of made trial of his sons whether any of made trial of his sons whether any of them would be willing to go to the king them would be willing to go to the king them would be willing to go to the king and when the Elder Sons excused and when the Elder Sons excused and when the Elder Sons excused themselves from going and said they were themselves from going and said they were themselves from going and said they were not courtiers good enough for such

not courtiers good enough for such not courtiers good enough for such conversation and advised him to send the conversation and advised him to send the conversation and advised him to send the brother hinis he gladly hearkened to brother hinis he gladly hearkened to brother hinis he gladly hearkened to that advice and called hinis and asked that advice and called hinis and asked that advice and called hinis and asked him whether he would go to to the king him whether he would go to to the king him whether he would go to to the king and whether it was agreeable to him to and whether it was agreeable to him to and whether it was agreeable to him to go or not and upon his promise that he go or not and upon his promise that he go or not and upon his promise that he would go and his saying that he should would go and his saying that he should would go and his saying that he should not want much money for his journey not want much money for his journey not want much money for his journey because he would live moderately and because he would live moderately and because he would live moderately and that 10,000 drmas would be sufficient he that 10,000 drmas would be sufficient he that 10,000 drmas would be sufficient he was pleased with his son's Prudence was pleased with his son's Prudence was pleased with his son's Prudence after a little while the son advised his after a little while the son advised his after a little while the son advised his father not to send his presence to the father not to send his presence to the father not to send his presence to the king from then but to give him a letter king from then but to give him a letter king from then but to give him a letter to his Steward at Alexandria that he to his Steward at Alexandria that he to his Steward at Alexandria that he might furnish him might furnish him might furnish him with money for purchasing what should be with money for purchasing what should be with money for purchasing what should be most excellent and most most excellent and most most excellent and most precious so he thinking that the expense precious so he thinking that the expense precious so he thinking that the expense of 10 talents would be enough for pres of 10 talents would be enough for pres of 10 talents would be enough for pres to be made the king and commending his to be made the king and commending his to be made the king and commending his son as giving him good advice wrote to son as giving him good advice wrote to son as giving him good advice wrote to Arion his Steward that managed all his Arion his Steward that managed all his Arion his Steward that managed all his money matters at Alexandria which money money matters at Alexandria which money money matters at Alexandria which money was not less than 3,000 talents on his was not less than 3,000 talents on his was not less than 3,000 talents on his account for Joseph sent the money he account for Joseph sent the money he account for Joseph sent the money he received in Syria to received in Syria to received in Syria to Alexandria and when the day appointed Alexandria and when the day appointed Alexandria and when the day appointed for the payment of the taxes to the king for the payment of the taxes to the king for the payment of the taxes to the king came he wrote to Arion to pay them so came he wrote to Arion to pay them so came he wrote to Arion to pay them so when the son had asked his father for a when the son had asked his father for a when the son had asked his father for a letter to the steward and had received letter to the steward and had received letter to the steward and had received it he made haste to it he made haste to it he made haste to Alexandria and when he was gone his Alexandria and when he was gone his Alexandria and when he was gone his Brethren wrote To All the King's friends Brethren wrote To All the King's friends Brethren wrote To All the King's friends that they should destroy

him but when he was come to Alexandria him but when he was come to Alexandria he delivered his letter to Arion who he delivered his letter to Arion who he delivered his letter to Arion who asked him how many talents he would have asked him how many talents he would have asked him how many talents he would have hoping he would ask for no more than 10 hoping he would ask for no more than 10 hoping he would ask for no more than 10 or a little more he said he wanted a or a little more he said he wanted a or a little more he said he wanted a thousand talents at which the steward thousand talents at which the steward thousand talents at which the steward was angry and rebuked him as one that was angry and rebuked him as one that was angry and rebuked him as one that intended to live intended to live intended to live extravagantly and he let him know how extravagantly and he let him know how extravagantly and he let him know how his father had gathered together his his father had gathered together his his father had gathered together his estate by painstaking and resisting his estate by painstaking and resisting his estate by painstaking and resisting his inclinations and wished him to imitate inclinations and wished him to imitate inclinations and wished him to imitate the example of his father he assured him the example of his father he assured him the example of his father he assured him with all that he would give him but 10 with all that he would give him but 10 with all that he would give him but 10 talents and that for a present to the talents and that for a present to the talents and that for a present to the king also the son was irritated at this king also the son was irritated at this king also the son was irritated at this and threw Arion into prison but when and threw Arion into prison but when and threw Arion into prison but when arion's wife had informed Cleopatra of arion's wife had informed Cleopatra of arion's wife had informed Cleopatra of this with her entreaty that she would this with her entreaty that she would this with her entreaty that she would rebuke the child for what he had rebuke the child for what he had rebuke the child for what he had done for aryion was in great esteem with done for aryion was in great esteem with done for aryion was in great esteem with her Cleopatra informed the king of it her Cleopatra informed the king of it her Cleopatra informed the king of it and toomy sent for hinis and told him and toomy sent for hinis and told him and toomy sent for hinis and told him that he wondered when he was sent to him that he wondered when he was sent to him that he wondered when he was sent to him by his father that he had not yet come by his father that he had not yet come by his father that he had not yet come into His presence but had laid the into His presence but had laid the into His presence but had laid the steward in prison and he gave order steward in prison and he gave order steward in prison and he gave order therefore that he should come to him and therefore that he should come to him and therefore that he should come to him and give an account of the reason of what he give an account of the reason of what he give an account of the reason of what he had done and they report that the answer had done and they report that the answer had done and they report that the answer he made to the king's messenger was this he made to the king's messenger was this he made to the king's messenger was this that there was a law of his that forbade that there was a law of his that forbade that there was a law of his that forbade a child that was born to taste of the a child that was born to taste of the a child that was born to taste of the sacrifice before he had been at the sacrifice before he had been at the sacrifice before he had been at the temple and sacrificed to

temple and sacrificed to temple and sacrificed to God according to which way of reasoning God according to which way of reasoning God according to which way of reasoning he did not himself come to him in he did not himself come to him in he did not himself come to him in expectation of the present he was to expectation of the present he was to expectation of the present he was to make to him as to one who had been his make to him as to one who had been his make to him as to one who had been his father's benefactor and that he had father's benefactor and that he had father's benefactor and that he had punished the slave for disobeying his punished the slave for disobeying his punished the slave for disobeying his commands for that it mattered not commands for that it mattered not commands for that it mattered not whether a master was little or great so whether a master was little or great so whether a master was little or great so that unless we punish such as these thou that unless we punish such as these thou that unless we punish such as these thou thyself mayest also expect to be thyself mayest also expect to be thyself mayest also expect to be despised by thy subjects upon hearing despised by thy subjects upon hearing despised by thy subjects upon hearing this his answer he fell laughing and this his answer he fell laughing and this his answer he fell laughing and wondered at the Great Soul of the child when Arion was surprised that this child when Arion was surprised that this was the king's disposition and that he was the king's disposition and that he was the king's disposition and that he had no way to help himself he gave the had no way to help himself he gave the had no way to help himself he gave the child a thousand talents and was let out child a thousand talents and was let out child a thousand talents and was let out of prison so after 3 days were over of prison so after 3 days were over of prison so after 3 days were over hinis came and saluted the king and hinis came and saluted the king and hinis came and saluted the king and queen they saw him with pleasure and queen they saw him with pleasure and queen they saw him with pleasure and feasted him in an obliging manner out of feasted him in an obliging manner out of feasted him in an obliging manner out of the respect they bear to his father so the respect they bear to his father so the respect they bear to his father so he came to the merchants privately and he came to the merchants privately and he came to the merchants privately and bought a hundred boys that had learning bought a hundred boys that had learning bought a hundred boys that had learning and were in the flower of their ages and were in the flower of their ages and were in the flower of their ages each at a talent a piece as also he each at a talent a piece as also he each at a talent a piece as also he bought a hundred maidens each at the bought a hundred maidens each at the bought a hundred maidens each at the same price as the other and when he was same price as the other and when he was same price as the other and when he was invited to Feast with the king among the invited to Feast with the king among the invited to Feast with the king among the principal men in the country he sat down principal men in the country he sat down principal men in the country he sat down the lowest of them all because he was the lowest of them all because he was the lowest of them all because he was little regarded as a child in age still

little regarded as a child in age still little regarded as a child in age still and this by those who placed everyone and this by those who placed everyone and this by those who placed everyone according to their according to their according to their dignity now when all those that sat with dignity now when all those that sat with dignity now when all those that sat with him had laid the bones of the several him had laid the bones of the several him had laid the bones of the several parts on a heap before parts on a heap before parts on a heap before hinis for they had themselves taken away hinis for they had themselves taken away hinis for they had themselves taken away the flesh belonging to the flesh belonging to the flesh belonging to them till the table where he sat was them till the table where he sat was them till the table where he sat was filled full with them Trio who was the filled full with them Trio who was the filled full with them Trio who was the king's Jester and was appointed for king's Jester and was appointed for king's Jester and was appointed for jokes and laughter at festivals was now jokes and laughter at festivals was now jokes and laughter at festivals was now asked by the guests that sat at the asked by the guests that sat at the asked by the guests that sat at the table to expose him to table to expose him to table to expose him to laughter so he stood by the king and laughter so he stood by the king and laughter so he stood by the king and said Dost thou not see my Lord the bones said Dost thou not see my Lord the bones said Dost thou not see my Lord the bones that lie by hinness by this similitude that lie by hinness by this similitude that lie by hinness by this similitude thou mayest conjecture that his father thou mayest conjecture that his father thou mayest conjecture that his father made all Syria as bare as he hath made made all Syria as bare as he hath made made all Syria as bare as he hath made these bones and the King laughing at these bones and the King laughing at these bones and the King laughing at what trio said and asking of he canus what trio said and asking of he canus what trio said and asking of he canus how he came to have so many bones before how he came to have so many bones before how he came to have so many bones before him he replied very right y my lord for him he replied very right y my lord for him he replied very right y my lord for they are dogs that eat the Flesh and the they are dogs that eat the Flesh and the they are dogs that eat the Flesh and the bones together as these thy guests have bones together as these thy guests have bones together as these thy guests have done looking in the meantime at those done looking in the meantime at those done looking in the meantime at those guests for there is nothing before them guests for there is nothing before them guests for there is nothing before them but they are men that eat the Flesh and but they are men that eat the Flesh and but they are men that eat the Flesh and Cast Away the bones as I who am also a Cast Away the bones as I who am also a Cast Away the bones as I who am also a man have now done upon which the king admired at his done upon which the king admired at his answer which was so wisely made and bid answer which was so wisely made and bid answer which was so wisely made and bid them all make an acclamation AS a mark them all make an acclamation AS a mark them all make an acclamation AS a mark of their approbation of his just which

of their approbation of his just which of their approbation of his just which was truly a factious one on the next day was truly a factious one on the next day was truly a factious one on the next day hinis went to every one of the king's hinis went to every one of the king's hinis went to every one of the king's friends and of the men powerful at court friends and of the men powerful at court friends and of the men powerful at court and saluted them but still inquired of and saluted them but still inquired of and saluted them but still inquired of the servants what present they would the servants what present they would the servants what present they would make the King on his son's birthday and make the King on his son's birthday and make the King on his son's birthday and when some said that they would give 12 when some said that they would give 12 when some said that they would give 12 talents and that others of Greater talents and that others of Greater talents and that others of Greater dignity would everyone give according to dignity would everyone give according to dignity would everyone give according to the quantity of their riches he the quantity of their riches he the quantity of their riches he pretended to every one of them to be pretended to every one of them to be pretended to every one of them to be grieved that he was not able to bring so grieved that he was not able to bring so grieved that he was not able to bring so large a present for that he had no more large a present for that he had no more large a present for that he had no more than five talents and when the servants than five talents and when the servants than five talents and when the servants heard what he said they told their heard what he said they told their heard what he said they told their masters and they rejoiced in the masters and they rejoiced in the masters and they rejoiced in the prospect that Joseph would be prospect that Joseph would be prospect that Joseph would be disapproved and would make the king disapproved and would make the king disapproved and would make the king angry by the smallness of his angry by the smallness of his angry by the smallness of his present when the day came the others present when the day came the others present when the day came the others even those that brought the most offered even those that brought the most offered even those that brought the most offered the king not above 20 talents but hinis the king not above 20 talents but hinis the king not above 20 talents but hinis gave to every one of the hundred boys gave to every one of the hundred boys gave to every one of the hundred boys and 100 maidens that he had bought a and 100 maidens that he had bought a and 100 maidens that he had bought a talent a piece for them to talent a piece for them to talent a piece for them to carry and introduced them the boys to carry and introduced them the boys to carry and introduced them the boys to the king and the maidens to the king and the maidens to the king and the maidens to Cleopatra everybody wondering at the Cleopatra everybody wondering at the Cleopatra everybody wondering at the unexpected richness of the presence even unexpected richness of the presence even unexpected richness of the presence even the king and queen themselves he also the king and queen themselves he also the king and queen themselves he also presented those that attended about the presented those that attended about the presented those that attended about the king with gifts to the value of a great king with gifts to the value of a great king with gifts to the value of a great number of number of number of talents that he might escape the the talents that he might escape the the talents that he might escape the the danger he was in from them for to these

danger he was in from them for to these danger he was in from them for to these it was that hines's Brethren had written it was that hines's Brethren had written it was that hines's Brethren had written to destroy him now tmy admired at the to destroy him now tmy admired at the to destroy him now tmy admired at the young man's magnanimity and commanded young man's magnanimity and commanded young man's magnanimity and commanded him to ask what gift he him to ask what gift he him to ask what gift he pleased but he desired nothing else to pleased but he desired nothing else to pleased but he desired nothing else to be done for him by the king than to be done for him by the king than to be done for him by the king than to write to his father and Brethren about write to his father and Brethren about write to his father and Brethren about him so when the king had paid him very him so when the king had paid him very him so when the king had paid him very great respects and had given him very great respects and had given him very great respects and had given him very large gifts and had written to his large gifts and had written to his large gifts and had written to his father and his Brethren and all his father and his Brethren and all his father and his Brethren and all his commanders and officers about him he commanders and officers about him he commanders and officers about him he sent him away but when his Brethren sent him away but when his Brethren sent him away but when his Brethren heard that hinis had received such heard that hinis had received such heard that hinis had received such favors from the King and was returning favors from the King and was returning favors from the King and was returning home with great honor they went out to home with great honor they went out to home with great honor they went out to meet him and to destroy him and that meet him and to destroy him and that meet him and to destroy him and that with the privity of their father for he with the privity of their father for he with the privity of their father for he was angry at him for the large sum of was angry at him for the large sum of was angry at him for the large sum of money that he bestowed for money that he bestowed for money that he bestowed for presents and so had no concern for his presents and so had no concern for his presents and so had no concern for his preservation however Joseph concealed preservation however Joseph concealed preservation however Joseph concealed the anger he had at his son out of fear the anger he had at his son out of fear the anger he had at his son out of fear of the king and when hines's Brethren of the king and when hines's Brethren of the king and when hines's Brethren came to fight him he slew many others of came to fight him he slew many others of came to fight him he slew many others of those that were with them as also two of those that were with them as also two of those that were with them as also two of his Brethren themselves but the rest of his Brethren themselves but the rest of his Brethren themselves but the rest of them escaped to Jerusalem to their them escaped to Jerusalem to their them escaped to Jerusalem to their father but when hinis came to the city father but when hinis came to the city father but when hinis came to the city where nobody would receive him he was where nobody would receive him he was where nobody would receive him he was afraid for himself and retired beyond afraid for himself and retired beyond afraid for himself and retired beyond the river Jordan and there Abode but the river Jordan and there Abode but the river Jordan and there Abode but obliging The Barbarians to pay their

taxes at this time ccas who was called taxes at this time ccas who was called soter reigned over Asia being the son of soter reigned over Asia being the son of soter reigned over Asia being the son of Antiochus the Antiochus the Antiochus the great and now hines's Father Joseph died great and now hines's Father Joseph died great and now hines's Father Joseph died he was a good man and of great he was a good man and of great he was a good man and of great magnanimity and brought the Jews out of magnanimity and brought the Jews out of magnanimity and brought the Jews out of a state of poverty and meanness to one a state of poverty and meanness to one a state of poverty and meanness to one that was more Splendid he retained the that was more Splendid he retained the that was more Splendid he retained the farm of the taxes of Syria and Phoenicia farm of the taxes of Syria and Phoenicia farm of the taxes of Syria and Phoenicia and Samaria 22 years his uncle also and Samaria 22 years his uncle also and Samaria 22 years his uncle also onias died about this time and left the onias died about this time and left the onias died about this time and left the high priesthood to his son Simeon and high priesthood to his son Simeon and high priesthood to his son Simeon and when he was dead onias his son succeeded when he was dead onias his son succeeded when he was dead onias his son succeeded him in that dignity to him it was that him in that dignity to him it was that him in that dignity to him it was that Aras King of the lacedemonians sent an Aras King of the lacedemonians sent an Aras King of the lacedemonians sent an embassage with an epistle the copy embassage with an epistle the copy embassage with an epistle the copy whereof here whereof here whereof here follows Aras King of the ladoni follows Aras King of the ladoni follows Aras King of the ladoni to onas sendeth to onas sendeth to onas sendeth greeting we have met with a certain greeting we have met with a certain greeting we have met with a certain writing whereby we have discovered that writing whereby we have discovered that writing whereby we have discovered that both the Jews and the lacedemonians are both the Jews and the lacedemonians are both the Jews and the lacedemonians are of one stock and are derived from the of one stock and are derived from the of one stock and are derived from the Kindred of Abraham it is but just Kindred of Abraham it is but just Kindred of Abraham it is but just therefore that you who are our Brethren therefore that you who are our Brethren therefore that you who are our Brethren should send to us about any of your should send to us about any of your should send to us about any of your concerns as you please we will also do concerns as you please we will also do concerns as you please we will also do the same thing and esteem your concerns the same thing and esteem your concerns the same thing and esteem your concerns as our own and will look upon our as our own and will look upon our as our own and will look upon our concerns as in common with concerns as in common with concerns as in common with yours demoes who brings you this letter yours demoes who brings you this letter yours demoes who brings you this letter will bring your answer back to us this

will bring your answer back to us this will bring your answer back to us this letter is four square and the seal is an letter is four square and the seal is an letter is four square and the seal is an eagle with a dragon in his claws and these were the contents of the claws and these were the contents of the epistle which was sent from the king of epistle which was sent from the king of epistle which was sent from the king of the the the lonians but upon the death of Joseph the lonians but upon the death of Joseph the lonians but upon the death of Joseph the people grew sedici on account of his people grew sedici on account of his people grew sedici on account of his sons for whereas the elders made war sons for whereas the elders made war sons for whereas the elders made war against Hines who was the youngest of against Hines who was the youngest of against Hines who was the youngest of Joseph's Sons the multitude was divided Joseph's Sons the multitude was divided Joseph's Sons the multitude was divided but the greater part joined with the but the greater part joined with the but the greater part joined with the elders in this war as did Simon the high elders in this war as did Simon the high elders in this war as did Simon the high priest by reason he was ofin to priest by reason he was ofin to priest by reason he was ofin to them however hkin determined not to them however hkin determined not to them however hkin determined not to return to Jerusalem anymore but seated return to Jerusalem anymore but seated return to Jerusalem anymore but seated himself Beyond Jordan and was at himself Beyond Jordan and was at himself Beyond Jordan and was at Perpetual war with the Arabians and slew Perpetual war with the Arabians and slew Perpetual war with the Arabians and slew men of them and took many of them men of them and took many of them men of them and took many of them captives he also erected a strong castle captives he also erected a strong castle captives he also erected a strong castle and built it entirely of white stone to and built it entirely of white stone to and built it entirely of white stone to the very roof and had animals of a the very roof and had animals of a the very roof and had animals of a prodigious magnitude engraven upon it he prodigious magnitude engraven upon it he prodigious magnitude engraven upon it he also drew around it a great and deep also drew around it a great and deep also drew around it a great and deep Canal of water he also made caves of Canal of water he also made caves of Canal of water he also made caves of many furlongs in length by hollowing a many furlongs in length by hollowing a many furlongs in length by hollowing a rock that was over against him and then rock that was over against him and then rock that was over against him and then he made large rooms in it some for he made large rooms in it some for he made large rooms in it some for feasting and some for sleeping and feasting and some for sleeping and feasting and some for sleeping and living in he introduced also a vast living in he introduced also a vast living in he introduced also a vast quantity of waters which ran along it quantity of waters which ran along it quantity of waters which ran along it and which were very delightful and and which were very delightful and and which were very delightful and ornamental in the court but still he

ornamental in the court but still he ornamental in the court but still he made the entrances at the mouth of the made the entrances at the mouth of the made the entrances at the mouth of the caves so narrow that no more than one caves so narrow that no more than one caves so narrow that no more than one person could enter by them at once and person could enter by them at once and person could enter by them at once and the reason why he built them after that the reason why he built them after that the reason why he built them after that manner was a good one it was for his own manner was a good one it was for his own manner was a good one it was for his own preservation lest he should be besieged preservation lest he should be besieged preservation lest he should be besieged by his brethren by his brethren by his brethren and run the hazard of being caught by and run the hazard of being caught by and run the hazard of being caught by them moreover he built courts of Greater them moreover he built courts of Greater them moreover he built courts of Greater magnitude than magnitude than magnitude than ordinary which he adorned with vastly ordinary which he adorned with vastly ordinary which he adorned with vastly large large large Gardens and when he had brought the Gardens and when he had brought the Gardens and when he had brought the place to this state he named it Ty this place to this state he named it Ty this place to this state he named it Ty this place is between Arabia and Judea Beyond place is between Arabia and Judea Beyond place is between Arabia and Judea Beyond Jordan not far from the country of Jordan not far from the country of Jordan not far from the country of heshbon and he ruled over those parts heshbon and he ruled over those parts heshbon and he ruled over those parts for seven years even all the time that for seven years even all the time that for seven years even all the time that ccus was king of Syria but when he was ccus was king of Syria but when he was ccus was king of Syria but when he was dead his brother Antiochus who was dead his brother Antiochus who was dead his brother Antiochus who was called epiphanies took the called epiphanies took the called epiphanies took the kingdom tmy also the king of Egypt died kingdom tmy also the king of Egypt died kingdom tmy also the king of Egypt died who was besides called epiphanies he who was besides called epiphanies he who was besides called epiphanies he left two sons and both young in age the left two sons and both young in age the left two sons and both young in age the Elder of which was called Filer and the Elder of which was called Filer and the Elder of which was called Filer and the youngest youngest youngest fiscon as for hainus fiscon as for hainus fiscon as for hainus when he saw that Antiochus had a great when he saw that Antiochus had a great when he saw that Antiochus had a great Army and feared lest he should be caught Army and feared lest he should be caught Army and feared lest he should be caught by him and brought to punishment for by him and brought to punishment for by him and brought to punishment for what he had done to the Arabians he what he had done to the Arabians he what he had done to the Arabians he ended his life and slew himself with his ended his life and slew himself with his ended his life and slew himself with his own hand while Antiochus seized upon all

own hand while Antiochus seized upon all own hand while Antiochus seized upon all his substance end of book 12 chapter substance end of book 12 chapter 4 recording by Nica Kay