Josephus Book 10 - From The Captivity To Cyrus

The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume two, by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 1 and William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 1 and William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 1 and 2. 2. 2. Book 10, containing the interval of 182 Book 10, containing the interval of 182 Book 10, containing the interval of 182 years and a half from the captivity of years and a half from the captivity of years and a half from the captivity of the 10 tribes to the first year of the 10 tribes to the first year of the 10 tribes to the first year of Cyrus. Cyrus. Cyrus. Chapter 1. How Sennacherib made an Chapter 1. How Sennacherib made an Chapter 1. How Sennacherib made an expedition against Hezekiah. What expedition against Hezekiah. What expedition against Hezekiah. What threatenings Rabshakeh made to Hezekiah threatenings Rabshakeh made to Hezekiah threatenings Rabshakeh made to Hezekiah when Sennacherib was gone against the when Sennacherib was gone against the when Sennacherib was gone against the Egyptians. How Isaiah the prophet Egyptians. How Isaiah the prophet Egyptians. How Isaiah the prophet encouraged him. How Sennacherib, having encouraged him. How Sennacherib, having encouraged him. How Sennacherib, having failed of success in Egypt, returned failed of success in Egypt, returned failed of success in Egypt, returned thence to Jerusalem. And how, upon thence to Jerusalem. And how, upon thence to Jerusalem. And how, upon finding his army destroyed, he returned finding his army destroyed, he returned finding his army destroyed, he returned home. And what befell him a little home. And what befell him a little home. And what befell him a little afterward. afterward. afterward. It was now the 14th year of the It was now the 14th year of the It was now the 14th year of the government of Hezekiah, king of the two government of Hezekiah, king of the two government of Hezekiah, king of the two tribes, when the king of Assyria, whose tribes, when the king of Assyria, whose tribes, when the king of Assyria, whose name was Sennacherib, made an expedition name was Sennacherib, made an expedition name was Sennacherib, made an expedition against him with a great army, and took against him with a great army, and took against him with a great army, and took all the cities of the tribes of Judah all the cities of the tribes of Judah all the cities of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin by force. And when he was and Benjamin by force. And when he was and Benjamin by force. And when he was ready to bring his army against ready to bring his army against ready to bring his army against Jerusalem, Hezekiah sent ambassadors to Jerusalem, Hezekiah sent ambassadors to Jerusalem, Hezekiah sent ambassadors to him beforehand and promised to submit him beforehand and promised to submit him beforehand and promised to submit and pay what tribute he should appoint.

and pay what tribute he should appoint. and pay what tribute he should appoint. Hereupon Sennacherib, when he heard of Hereupon Sennacherib, when he heard of Hereupon Sennacherib, when he heard of what offers the ambassadors made, what offers the ambassadors made, what offers the ambassadors made, resolved not to proceed in the war, but resolved not to proceed in the war, but resolved not to proceed in the war, but to accept of the proposals that were to accept of the proposals that were to accept of the proposals that were made him. And if he might receive 300 made him. And if he might receive 300 made him. And if he might receive 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of talents of silver and 30 talents of talents of silver and 30 talents of gold, he promised that he would depart gold, he promised that he would depart gold, he promised that he would depart in a friendly manner. And he gave in a friendly manner. And he gave in a friendly manner. And he gave security upon oath to the ambassadors security upon oath to the ambassadors security upon oath to the ambassadors that he would then do him no harm, but that he would then do him no harm, but that he would then do him no harm, but go away as he came. go away as he came. go away as he came. So Hezekiah submitted and emptied his So Hezekiah submitted and emptied his So Hezekiah submitted and emptied his treasures and sent the money, as treasures and sent the money, as treasures and sent the money, as supposing he should be freed from his supposing he should be freed from his supposing he should be freed from his enemy and from any further distress enemy and from any further distress enemy and from any further distress about his kingdom. about his kingdom. about his kingdom. Accordingly, the Assyrian king took it, Accordingly, the Assyrian king took it, Accordingly, the Assyrian king took it, and yet had no regard to what he had and yet had no regard to what he had and yet had no regard to what he had promised. But while he himself went to promised. But while he himself went to promised. But while he himself went to the war against the Egyptians and the war against the Egyptians and the war against the Egyptians and Ethiopians, he left his general Ethiopians, he left his general Ethiopians, he left his general Rabshakeh and two other of his principal Rabshakeh and two other of his principal Rabshakeh and two other of his principal commanders with great forces to destroy commanders with great forces to destroy commanders with great forces to destroy Jerusalem. The names of the other two Jerusalem. The names of the other two Jerusalem. The names of the other two commanders were Tartan and Rabsaris.

commanders were Tartan and Rabsaris. commanders were Tartan and Rabsaris. Now as soon as they were come before the Now as soon as they were come before the Now as soon as they were come before the walls, they pitched their camp and sent walls, they pitched their camp and sent walls, they pitched their camp and sent messengers to Hezekiah and desired that messengers to Hezekiah and desired that messengers to Hezekiah and desired that they might speak with him. But he did they might speak with him. But he did they might speak with him. But he did not himself come out to them for fear, not himself come out to them for fear, not himself come out to them for fear, but sent three of his most intimate but sent three of his most intimate but sent three of his most intimate friends. The name of one was Eliakim, friends. The name of one was Eliakim, friends. The name of one was Eliakim, who was over the kingdom, and Shebna and who was over the kingdom, and Shebna and who was over the kingdom, and Shebna and Joah the recorder. Joah the recorder. Joah the recorder. So these men came out and stood over So these men came out and stood over So these men came out and stood over against the commanders of the Assyrian against the commanders of the Assyrian against the commanders of the Assyrian army. And when Rabshakeh saw them, he army. And when Rabshakeh saw them, he army. And when Rabshakeh saw them, he bid them go and speak to Hezekiah in the bid them go and speak to Hezekiah in the bid them go and speak to Hezekiah in the manner following. manner following. manner following. That Sennacherib, the great king, That Sennacherib, the great king, That Sennacherib, the great king, desires to know of him on whom it is desires to know of him on whom it is desires to know of him on whom it is that he relies and depends in flying that he relies and depends in flying that he relies and depends in flying from his lord and will not hear him, nor from his lord and will not hear him, nor from his lord and will not hear him, nor admit his army into his city. Is it on admit his army into his city. Is it on admit his army into his city. Is it on account of the Egyptians and in hopes account of the Egyptians and in hopes account of the Egyptians and in hopes that his army would be beaten by them? that his army would be beaten by them? that his army would be beaten by them? Whereupon he lets them know that if this Whereupon he lets them know that if this Whereupon he lets them know that if this is what he expects, he is a foolish man is what he expects, he is a foolish man is what he expects, he is a foolish man and like one who leans on a broken reed. and like one who leans on a broken reed. and like one who leans on a broken reed. While such a one will not only fall While such a one will not only fall While such a one will not only fall down, but will have his hand pierced and down, but will have his hand pierced and down, but will have his hand pierced and hurt by it.

hurt by it. hurt by it. That he ought to know he makes this That he ought to know he makes this That he ought to know he makes this expedition against him by the will of expedition against him by the will of expedition against him by the will of God who hath granted this favor to him. God who hath granted this favor to him. God who hath granted this favor to him. That he shall overthrow the kingdom of That he shall overthrow the kingdom of That he shall overthrow the kingdom of Israel and that in the very same manner Israel and that in the very same manner Israel and that in the very same manner he shall destroy those that are his he shall destroy those that are his he shall destroy those that are his subjects also. subjects also. subjects also. When Rabshakeh had made this speech in When Rabshakeh had made this speech in When Rabshakeh had made this speech in the Hebrew tongue, for he was skillful the Hebrew tongue, for he was skillful the Hebrew tongue, for he was skillful in that language, Eliakim was afraid in that language, Eliakim was afraid in that language, Eliakim was afraid lest the multitude that heard him should lest the multitude that heard him should lest the multitude that heard him should be disturbed. So he desired him to speak be disturbed. So he desired him to speak be disturbed. So he desired him to speak in the Syrian tongue. in the Syrian tongue. in the Syrian tongue. But the general, understanding what he But the general, understanding what he But the general, understanding what he meant and perceiving the fear he was in, meant and perceiving the fear he was in, meant and perceiving the fear he was in, he made his answer with a greater and a he made his answer with a greater and a he made his answer with a greater and a louder voice, but in the Hebrew tongue, louder voice, but in the Hebrew tongue, louder voice, but in the Hebrew tongue, and said that, since they all heard what and said that, since they all heard what and said that, since they all heard what were the king's commands, they should were the king's commands, they should were the king's commands, they should consult their own advantage in consult their own advantage in consult their own advantage in delivering up themselves to us. For it delivering up themselves to us. For it delivering up themselves to us. For it is plain that both you and your king is plain that both you and your king is plain that both you and your king dissuade the people from submitting by dissuade the people from submitting by dissuade the people from submitting by vain hopes, and so induce them to vain hopes, and so induce them to vain hopes, and so induce them to resist. resist. resist. But if you be courageous, and think to But if you be courageous, and think to But if you be courageous, and think to drive our forces away, I am ready to drive our forces away, I am ready to drive our forces away, I am ready to deliver to you 2,000 of these horses deliver to you 2,000 of these horses deliver to you 2,000 of these horses that are with me for your use, if you that are with me for your use, if you that are with me for your use, if you can set as many horsemen on their backs, can set as many horsemen on their backs, can set as many horsemen on their backs, and show your strength. But what you and show your strength. But what you and show your strength. But what you have not, you cannot produce.

have not, you cannot produce. have not, you cannot produce. Why therefore do you delay to deliver up Why therefore do you delay to deliver up Why therefore do you delay to deliver up yourselves to a superior force, who can yourselves to a superior force, who can yourselves to a superior force, who can take you without your consent, although take you without your consent, although take you without your consent, although it will be safer for you to deliver it will be safer for you to deliver it will be safer for you to deliver yourselves up voluntarily, while a yourselves up voluntarily, while a yourselves up voluntarily, while a forcible capture, when you are beaten, forcible capture, when you are beaten, forcible capture, when you are beaten, must appear more dangerous, and will must appear more dangerous, and will must appear more dangerous, and will bring further calamities upon you? bring further calamities upon you? bring further calamities upon you? When the people, as well as the When the people, as well as the When the people, as well as the ambassadors, heard what the Assyrian ambassadors, heard what the Assyrian ambassadors, heard what the Assyrian commander said, they related it to commander said, they related it to commander said, they related it to Hezekiah, who thereupon put off his Hezekiah, who thereupon put off his Hezekiah, who thereupon put off his royal apparel, and clothed himself with royal apparel, and clothed himself with royal apparel, and clothed himself with sackcloth, and took the habit of a sackcloth, and took the habit of a sackcloth, and took the habit of a mourner. And after the manner of his mourner. And after the manner of his mourner. And after the manner of his country, he fell upon his face, and country, he fell upon his face, and country, he fell upon his face, and besought God, and entreated him to besought God, and entreated him to besought God, and entreated him to assist them. Now they had no other hope assist them. Now they had no other hope assist them. Now they had no other hope of relief. of relief. of relief. He also sent some of his friends, and He also sent some of his friends, and He also sent some of his friends, and some of the priests, to the prophet some of the priests, to the prophet some of the priests, to the prophet Isaiah, and desired that he would pray Isaiah, and desired that he would pray Isaiah, and desired that he would pray to God, and offer sacrifices for their to God, and offer sacrifices for their to God, and offer sacrifices for their common deliverance, and so put up common deliverance, and so put up common deliverance, and so put up supplications to him that he would have supplications to him that he would have supplications to him that he would have indignation at the expectations of their indignation at the expectations of their indignation at the expectations of their enemies, and have mercy upon his people.

enemies, and have mercy upon his people. enemies, and have mercy upon his people. And when the prophet had done And when the prophet had done And when the prophet had done accordingly, an oracle came from God to accordingly, an oracle came from God to accordingly, an oracle came from God to him, and encouraged the king and his him, and encouraged the king and his him, and encouraged the king and his friends that were about him, and friends that were about him, and friends that were about him, and foretold that their enemies should be foretold that their enemies should be foretold that their enemies should be beaten without fighting, and should go beaten without fighting, and should go beaten without fighting, and should go away in an ignominious manner, and not away in an ignominious manner, and not away in an ignominious manner, and not with that insolence which they now show, with that insolence which they now show, with that insolence which they now show, that God would take care that they that God would take care that they that God would take care that they should be destroyed. He also foretold should be destroyed. He also foretold should be destroyed. He also foretold that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, should fail of his purpose against should fail of his purpose against should fail of his purpose against Egypt, and that when he came home, he Egypt, and that when he came home, he Egypt, and that when he came home, he should perish by the sword. should perish by the sword. should perish by the sword. About the same time also, the king of About the same time also, the king of About the same time also, the king of Assyria wrote an epistle to Hezekiah, in Assyria wrote an epistle to Hezekiah, in Assyria wrote an epistle to Hezekiah, in which he said that he was a foolish man which he said that he was a foolish man which he said that he was a foolish man in supposing that he should escape from in supposing that he should escape from in supposing that he should escape from being his servant, since he had already being his servant, since he had already being his servant, since he had already brought under many and great nations. brought under many and great nations. brought under many and great nations. And he threatened that when he took him, And he threatened that when he took him, And he threatened that when he took him, he would utterly destroy him, unless he he would utterly destroy him, unless he he would utterly destroy him, unless he now opened the gates and willingly now opened the gates and willingly now opened the gates and willingly received his army into Jerusalem. received his army into Jerusalem. received his army into Jerusalem. When he read this epistle, he despised When he read this epistle, he despised When he read this epistle, he despised it on account of the trust he had in it on account of the trust he had in it on account of the trust he had in God, but he rolled up the epistle and God, but he rolled up the epistle and God, but he rolled up the epistle and laid it up within the temple. And as he laid it up within the temple. And as he laid it up within the temple. And as he made his further prayers to God for the made his further prayers to God for the made his further prayers to God for the city and for the preservation of all the city and for the preservation of all the city and for the preservation of all the people, the prophet Isaiah said that God people, the prophet Isaiah said that God people, the prophet Isaiah said that God had heard his prayer, and that he should had heard his prayer, and that he should had heard his prayer, and that he should not be besieged at this time by the king not be besieged at this time by the king not be besieged at this time by the king of Assyria, that for the future he might of Assyria, that for the future he might of Assyria, that for the future he might be secure of not being at all disturbed be secure of not being at all disturbed be secure of not being at all disturbed by him, and that the people might go on by him, and that the people might go on by him, and that the people might go on peaceably and without fear with their peaceably and without fear with their peaceably and without fear with their husbandry and other affairs.

husbandry and other affairs. husbandry and other affairs. But after a little while, the king of But after a little while, the king of But after a little while, the king of Assyria, when he had failed of his Assyria, when he had failed of his Assyria, when he had failed of his treacherous designs against the treacherous designs against the treacherous designs against the Egyptians, returned home without success Egyptians, returned home without success Egyptians, returned home without success on the following occasion. on the following occasion. on the following occasion. He spent a long time in the siege of He spent a long time in the siege of He spent a long time in the siege of Pelusium, and when the banks that he had Pelusium, and when the banks that he had Pelusium, and when the banks that he had raised over against the walls were of a raised over against the walls were of a raised over against the walls were of a great height, and when he was ready to great height, and when he was ready to great height, and when he was ready to make an immediate assault upon them, but make an immediate assault upon them, but make an immediate assault upon them, but heard that Tirhakah, the king of the heard that Tirhakah, the king of the heard that Tirhakah, the king of the Ethiopians, was coming and bringing Ethiopians, was coming and bringing Ethiopians, was coming and bringing great forces to aid the Egyptians, and great forces to aid the Egyptians, and great forces to aid the Egyptians, and was resolved to march through the was resolved to march through the was resolved to march through the desert, and so to fall directly upon the desert, and so to fall directly upon the desert, and so to fall directly upon the Assyrians, this king Sennacherib was Assyrians, this king Sennacherib was Assyrians, this king Sennacherib was disturbed at the news, and as I said disturbed at the news, and as I said disturbed at the news, and as I said before, left Pelusium and returned back before, left Pelusium and returned back before, left Pelusium and returned back without success. without success. without success. Now concerning this Sennacherib, Now concerning this Sennacherib, Now concerning this Sennacherib, Herodotus also says in the second book Herodotus also says in the second book Herodotus also says in the second book of his histories how, quote, "This king of his histories how, quote, "This king of his histories how, quote, "This king came against the Egyptian king who was came against the Egyptian king who was came against the Egyptian king who was the priest of Vulcan, and that as he was the priest of Vulcan, and that as he was the priest of Vulcan, and that as he was besieging Pelusium, he broke up the besieging Pelusium, he broke up the besieging Pelusium, he broke up the siege on the following occasion. This siege on the following occasion. This siege on the following occasion. This Egyptian priest prayed to God, and God Egyptian priest prayed to God, and God Egyptian priest prayed to God, and God heard his prayer and sent a judgment heard his prayer and sent a judgment heard his prayer and sent a judgment upon the Arabian king." And, quote, "But upon the Arabian king." And, quote, "But upon the Arabian king." And, quote, "But Herodotus was mistaken when he called Herodotus was mistaken when he called Herodotus was mistaken when he called this king not king of the Assyrians, but this king not king of the Assyrians, but this king not king of the Assyrians, but of the Arabians. For he saith that, of the Arabians. For he saith that, of the Arabians. For he saith that, quote, 'A multitude of mice gnawed to quote, 'A multitude of mice gnawed to quote, 'A multitude of mice gnawed to pieces in one night both the bows and pieces in one night both the bows and pieces in one night both the bows and the rest of the armor of the Assyrians, the rest of the armor of the Assyrians, the rest of the armor of the Assyrians, and that it was on that account that the and that it was on that account that the and that it was on that account that the king, when he had no bows left, drew off king, when he had no bows left, drew off king, when he had no bows left, drew off his army from Pelusium.' And, quote, And

his army from Pelusium.' And, quote, And his army from Pelusium.' And, quote, And Herodotus does indeed give us this Herodotus does indeed give us this Herodotus does indeed give us this history. Nay, and Berosus, who wrote of history. Nay, and Berosus, who wrote of history. Nay, and Berosus, who wrote of the affairs of Chaldea, makes mention of the affairs of Chaldea, makes mention of the affairs of Chaldea, makes mention of this king Sennacherib, and that he ruled this king Sennacherib, and that he ruled this king Sennacherib, and that he ruled over the Assyrians, and that he made an over the Assyrians, and that he made an over the Assyrians, and that he made an expedition against all Asia and Egypt, expedition against all Asia and Egypt, expedition against all Asia and Egypt, and says thus, quote, and says thus, quote, and says thus, quote, "Now when Sennacherib was returning from "Now when Sennacherib was returning from "Now when Sennacherib was returning from his Egyptian war to Jerusalem, he found his Egyptian war to Jerusalem, he found his Egyptian war to Jerusalem, he found his army under Rabshakeh, his general, his army under Rabshakeh, his general, his army under Rabshakeh, his general, in danger by a plague. For God had sent in danger by a plague. For God had sent in danger by a plague. For God had sent a pestilential distemper upon his army. a pestilential distemper upon his army. a pestilential distemper upon his army. And on the very first night of the And on the very first night of the And on the very first night of the siege, 185,000 siege, 185,000 siege, 185,000 with their captains and generals were with their captains and generals were with their captains and generals were destroyed. So the king was in a great destroyed. So the king was in a great destroyed. So the king was in a great dread and in a terrible agony at this dread and in a terrible agony at this dread and in a terrible agony at this calamity. And being in great fear for calamity. And being in great fear for calamity. And being in great fear for his whole army, he fled with the rest of his whole army, he fled with the rest of his whole army, he fled with the rest of his forces to his own kingdom and to his his forces to his own kingdom and to his his forces to his own kingdom and to his city Nineveh. And when he had abode city Nineveh. And when he had abode city Nineveh. And when he had abode there a little while, he was there a little while, he was there a little while, he was treacherously assaulted and died by the treacherously assaulted and died by the treacherously assaulted and died by the hands of his elder sons, Adrammelech and hands of his elder sons, Adrammelech and hands of his elder sons, Adrammelech and Saraser, and was slain in his own Saraser, and was slain in his own Saraser, and was slain in his own temple, which was called Araske.

temple, which was called Araske. temple, which was called Araske. Now, these sons of his were driven away Now, these sons of his were driven away Now, these sons of his were driven away on account of the murder of their father on account of the murder of their father on account of the murder of their father by the citizens, and went into Armenia, by the citizens, and went into Armenia, by the citizens, and went into Armenia, while Asaracodas took the kingdom of while Asaracodas took the kingdom of while Asaracodas took the kingdom of Sennacherib." And quote. Sennacherib." And quote. Sennacherib." And quote. And this proved to be the conclusion of And this proved to be the conclusion of And this proved to be the conclusion of this Assyrian expedition against the this Assyrian expedition against the this Assyrian expedition against the people of Jerusalem. people of Jerusalem. people of Jerusalem. Chapter two. How Hezekiah was sick and Chapter two. How Hezekiah was sick and Chapter two. How Hezekiah was sick and ready to die, and how God bestowed upon ready to die, and how God bestowed upon ready to die, and how God bestowed upon him 15 years longer life, and secured him 15 years longer life, and secured him 15 years longer life, and secured that promise by the going back of the that promise by the going back of the that promise by the going back of the shadow 10 degrees. shadow 10 degrees. shadow 10 degrees. Now, King Hezekiah, being thus delivered Now, King Hezekiah, being thus delivered Now, King Hezekiah, being thus delivered after a surprising manner from the dread after a surprising manner from the dread after a surprising manner from the dread he was in, offered thank offerings to he was in, offered thank offerings to he was in, offered thank offerings to God with all his people, because nothing God with all his people, because nothing God with all his people, because nothing else had destroyed some of their enemies else had destroyed some of their enemies else had destroyed some of their enemies and made the rest so fearful of and made the rest so fearful of and made the rest so fearful of undergoing the same fate that they undergoing the same fate that they undergoing the same fate that they departed from Jerusalem, but that divine departed from Jerusalem, but that divine departed from Jerusalem, but that divine assistance. assistance. assistance. Yet, while he was very zealous and Yet, while he was very zealous and Yet, while he was very zealous and diligent about the worship of God, did diligent about the worship of God, did diligent about the worship of God, did he soon afterwards fall into a severe he soon afterwards fall into a severe he soon afterwards fall into a severe distemper, insomuch that the physicians distemper, insomuch that the physicians distemper, insomuch that the physicians despaired of him and expected no good despaired of him and expected no good despaired of him and expected no good issue of his sickness, as neither did issue of his sickness, as neither did issue of his sickness, as neither did his friends. And besides the distemper his friends. And besides the distemper his friends. And besides the distemper itself, there was a very melancholy itself, there was a very melancholy itself, there was a very melancholy circumstance that disordered the king, circumstance that disordered the king, circumstance that disordered the king, which was the consideration that he was which was the consideration that he was which was the consideration that he was childless and was going to die and leave childless and was going to die and leave childless and was going to die and leave his house and his government without a his house and his government without a his house and his government without a successor of his own body.

successor of his own body. successor of his own body. So, he was troubled at the thoughts of So, he was troubled at the thoughts of So, he was troubled at the thoughts of this his condition and lamented himself, this his condition and lamented himself, this his condition and lamented himself, and entreated of God that he would and entreated of God that he would and entreated of God that he would prolong his life for a little while till prolong his life for a little while till prolong his life for a little while till he had some children, and not suffer him he had some children, and not suffer him he had some children, and not suffer him to depart this life before he was become to depart this life before he was become to depart this life before he was become a father. a father. a father. Hereupon, God had mercy upon him and Hereupon, God had mercy upon him and Hereupon, God had mercy upon him and accepted of his supplication, because accepted of his supplication, because accepted of his supplication, because the trouble he was under at his supposed the trouble he was under at his supposed the trouble he was under at his supposed death was not because he was soon to death was not because he was soon to death was not because he was soon to leave the advantages he enjoyed in the leave the advantages he enjoyed in the leave the advantages he enjoyed in the kingdom, nor did he on that account pray kingdom, nor did he on that account pray kingdom, nor did he on that account pray that he might have a longer life that he might have a longer life that he might have a longer life afforded him, but in order to have sons afforded him, but in order to have sons afforded him, but in order to have sons that might receive the government after that might receive the government after that might receive the government after him. him. him. And God sent Isaiah the prophet and And God sent Isaiah the prophet and And God sent Isaiah the prophet and commanded him to inform Hezekiah that commanded him to inform Hezekiah that commanded him to inform Hezekiah that within 3 days time he should get clear within 3 days time he should get clear within 3 days time he should get clear of his distemper and should survive it of his distemper and should survive it of his distemper and should survive it 15 years, and that he should have 15 years, and that he should have 15 years, and that he should have children also. children also. children also. Now, upon the prophet saying this, as Now, upon the prophet saying this, as Now, upon the prophet saying this, as God had commanded him, he could hardly God had commanded him, he could hardly God had commanded him, he could hardly believe it, both on account of the believe it, both on account of the believe it, both on account of the distemper he was under, which was very distemper he was under, which was very distemper he was under, which was very sore, and by reason of the surprising sore, and by reason of the surprising sore, and by reason of the surprising nature of what was told him. So, he nature of what was told him. So, he nature of what was told him. So, he desired that Isaiah would give him some desired that Isaiah would give him some desired that Isaiah would give him some sign or wonder that he might believe him sign or wonder that he might believe him sign or wonder that he might believe him in what he had said and be sensible that in what he had said and be sensible that in what he had said and be sensible that he came from God. For things that are he came from God. For things that are he came from God. For things that are beyond expectation and greater than our beyond expectation and greater than our beyond expectation and greater than our hopes are made credible by actions of hopes are made credible by actions of hopes are made credible by actions of the like nature.

the like nature. the like nature. And when Isaiah had asked him what sign And when Isaiah had asked him what sign And when Isaiah had asked him what sign he desired to be exhibited, he desired he desired to be exhibited, he desired he desired to be exhibited, he desired that he would make the shadow of the that he would make the shadow of the that he would make the shadow of the sun, which he had already made to go sun, which he had already made to go sun, which he had already made to go down 10 steps or degrees in his house, down 10 steps or degrees in his house, down 10 steps or degrees in his house, to return again to the same place and to to return again to the same place and to to return again to the same place and to make it as it was before. make it as it was before. make it as it was before. And when the prophet prayed to God to And when the prophet prayed to God to And when the prophet prayed to God to exhibit this sign to the king, he saw exhibit this sign to the king, he saw exhibit this sign to the king, he saw what he desired to see and was freed what he desired to see and was freed what he desired to see and was freed from his distemper and went up to the from his distemper and went up to the from his distemper and went up to the temple where he worshipped God and made temple where he worshipped God and made temple where he worshipped God and made vows to him. vows to him. vows to him. At this time it was that the dominion of At this time it was that the dominion of At this time it was that the dominion of the Assyrians was overthrown by the the Assyrians was overthrown by the the Assyrians was overthrown by the Medes, but of these things I shall treat Medes, but of these things I shall treat Medes, but of these things I shall treat elsewhere. elsewhere. elsewhere. But the king of Babylon, whose name was But the king of Babylon, whose name was But the king of Babylon, whose name was Baladan, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah Baladan, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah Baladan, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah with presents and desired he would be with presents and desired he would be with presents and desired he would be his ally and his friend. his ally and his friend. his ally and his friend. So, he received the ambassadors gladly So, he received the ambassadors gladly So, he received the ambassadors gladly and made them a feast and showed him his and made them a feast and showed him his and made them a feast and showed him his treasures and his armory and the other treasures and his armory and the other treasures and his armory and the other wealth he was possessed of in precious wealth he was possessed of in precious wealth he was possessed of in precious stones and in gold and gave them stones and in gold and gave them stones and in gold and gave them presents to be carried to Baladan and presents to be carried to Baladan and presents to be carried to Baladan and sent them back to him.

sent them back to him. sent them back to him. Upon which the prophet Isaiah came to Upon which the prophet Isaiah came to Upon which the prophet Isaiah came to him and inquired of him whence those him and inquired of him whence those him and inquired of him whence those ambassadors came, to which he replied ambassadors came, to which he replied ambassadors came, to which he replied that they came from Babylon, from the that they came from Babylon, from the that they came from Babylon, from the king. king. king. And that he had showed them all he had, And that he had showed them all he had, And that he had showed them all he had, that by the sight of his riches and that by the sight of his riches and that by the sight of his riches and forces, he might thereby guess at the forces, he might thereby guess at the forces, he might thereby guess at the plenty he was in and be able to inform plenty he was in and be able to inform plenty he was in and be able to inform the king of it. the king of it. the king of it. But the prophet rejoined and said, "Know But the prophet rejoined and said, "Know But the prophet rejoined and said, "Know thou that after a little while these thou that after a little while these thou that after a little while these riches of thine shall be carried away to riches of thine shall be carried away to riches of thine shall be carried away to Babylon and thy posterity shall be made Babylon and thy posterity shall be made Babylon and thy posterity shall be made eunuchs there and lose their manhood and eunuchs there and lose their manhood and eunuchs there and lose their manhood and be servants to the king of Babylon, for be servants to the king of Babylon, for be servants to the king of Babylon, for that God foretold such things would come that God foretold such things would come that God foretold such things would come to pass." to pass." to pass." Upon which words Hezekiah was troubled Upon which words Hezekiah was troubled Upon which words Hezekiah was troubled and said that he was himself unwilling and said that he was himself unwilling and said that he was himself unwilling that his nation should fall into such that his nation should fall into such that his nation should fall into such calamities. Yet since it was not calamities. Yet since it was not calamities. Yet since it was not possible to alter what God had possible to alter what God had possible to alter what God had determined, he prayed that there might determined, he prayed that there might determined, he prayed that there might be peace while he lived. be peace while he lived. be peace while he lived. Berosus also makes mention of this Berosus also makes mention of this Berosus also makes mention of this Baladan, king of Babylon. Baladan, king of Babylon. Baladan, king of Babylon. Now as to this prophet Isaiah, he was by Now as to this prophet Isaiah, he was by Now as to this prophet Isaiah, he was by the confession of all a divine and the confession of all a divine and the confession of all a divine and wonderful man in speaking truth. And out wonderful man in speaking truth. And out wonderful man in speaking truth. And out of the assurance that he had never of the assurance that he had never of the assurance that he had never written what was false, he wrote down written what was false, he wrote down written what was false, he wrote down all his prophecies and left them behind all his prophecies and left them behind all his prophecies and left them behind him in books that their accomplishment him in books that their accomplishment him in books that their accomplishment might be judged of from the events by might be judged of from the events by might be judged of from the events by posterity.

posterity. posterity. Nor did this prophet do so alone, but Nor did this prophet do so alone, but Nor did this prophet do so alone, but the others which were 12 in number did the others which were 12 in number did the others which were 12 in number did the same. And whatsoever is done among the same. And whatsoever is done among the same. And whatsoever is done among us, whether it be good or whether it be us, whether it be good or whether it be us, whether it be good or whether it be bad, comes to pass according to their bad, comes to pass according to their bad, comes to pass according to their prophecies. But of every one of these we prophecies. But of every one of these we prophecies. But of every one of these we shall speak hereafter. shall speak hereafter. shall speak hereafter. End of Book 10, Chapters 1 and 2. Book 10, Chapters 3 and 4 of The Book 10, Chapters 3 and 4 of The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. public domain. public domain. For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 3 and William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 3 and William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 3 and 4. 4. 4. Chapter 3. Chapter 3. Chapter 3. How Manasseh reigned after Hezekiah, and How Manasseh reigned after Hezekiah, and How Manasseh reigned after Hezekiah, and how when he was in captivity, he how when he was in captivity, he how when he was in captivity, he returned to God and was restored to his returned to God and was restored to his returned to God and was restored to his kingdom and left it to his son Ammon.

kingdom and left it to his son Ammon. kingdom and left it to his son Ammon. When King Hezekiah had survived the When King Hezekiah had survived the When King Hezekiah had survived the interval of time already mentioned, and interval of time already mentioned, and interval of time already mentioned, and had dwelt all that time in peace, he had dwelt all that time in peace, he had dwelt all that time in peace, he died, having completed 54 years of life died, having completed 54 years of life died, having completed 54 years of life and reigned 29. and reigned 29. and reigned 29. But when his son Manasseh, whose But when his son Manasseh, whose But when his son Manasseh, whose mother's name was Hephzibah of mother's name was Hephzibah of mother's name was Hephzibah of Jerusalem, had taken the kingdom, he Jerusalem, had taken the kingdom, he Jerusalem, had taken the kingdom, he departed from the conduct of his father departed from the conduct of his father departed from the conduct of his father and fell into a course of life quite and fell into a course of life quite and fell into a course of life quite contrary thereto, contrary thereto, contrary thereto, and showed himself in his manners most and showed himself in his manners most and showed himself in his manners most wicked in all respects, wicked in all respects, wicked in all respects, and omitted no sort of impiety, but and omitted no sort of impiety, but and omitted no sort of impiety, but imitated those transgressions of the imitated those transgressions of the imitated those transgressions of the Israelites, by the commission of which Israelites, by the commission of which Israelites, by the commission of which against God they had been destroyed. against God they had been destroyed. against God they had been destroyed. For he was so hardy as to defile the For he was so hardy as to defile the For he was so hardy as to defile the temple of God and the city and the whole temple of God and the city and the whole temple of God and the city and the whole country. country. country. For by setting out from a contempt of For by setting out from a contempt of For by setting out from a contempt of God, he barbarously slew all the God, he barbarously slew all the God, he barbarously slew all the righteous men that were among the righteous men that were among the righteous men that were among the Hebrews. Hebrews. Hebrews. Nor would he spare the prophets, for he Nor would he spare the prophets, for he Nor would he spare the prophets, for he every day slew some of them till every day slew some of them till every day slew some of them till Jerusalem was overflowing with blood. Jerusalem was overflowing with blood. Jerusalem was overflowing with blood. So God was angry at these proceedings So God was angry at these proceedings So God was angry at these proceedings and sent prophets to the king and to the and sent prophets to the king and to the and sent prophets to the king and to the multitude, by whom he threatened the multitude, by whom he threatened the multitude, by whom he threatened the very same calamities to them which their very same calamities to them which their very same calamities to them which their brethren the Israelites, upon the like brethren the Israelites, upon the like brethren the Israelites, upon the like affronts offered to God, were now under.

affronts offered to God, were now under. affronts offered to God, were now under. But these men would not believe their But these men would not believe their But these men would not believe their words, by which belief they might have words, by which belief they might have words, by which belief they might have reaped the advantage of escaping all reaped the advantage of escaping all reaped the advantage of escaping all those miseries. those miseries. those miseries. Yet did they in earnest learn what the Yet did they in earnest learn what the Yet did they in earnest learn what the prophets had told them was true. prophets had told them was true. prophets had told them was true. And when they persevered in the same And when they persevered in the same And when they persevered in the same course of life, God raised up war course of life, God raised up war course of life, God raised up war against them from the king of Babylon against them from the king of Babylon against them from the king of Babylon and Chaldea, who sent an army against and Chaldea, who sent an army against and Chaldea, who sent an army against Judea and laid waste to the country and Judea and laid waste to the country and Judea and laid waste to the country and caught King Manasseh by treachery and caught King Manasseh by treachery and caught King Manasseh by treachery and ordered him to be brought to him and had ordered him to be brought to him and had ordered him to be brought to him and had him under his power to inflict what him under his power to inflict what him under his power to inflict what punishment he pleased upon him. punishment he pleased upon him. punishment he pleased upon him. But then it was that Manasseh perceived But then it was that Manasseh perceived But then it was that Manasseh perceived what a miserable condition he was in what a miserable condition he was in what a miserable condition he was in and esteeming himself the cause of all and esteeming himself the cause of all and esteeming himself the cause of all he besought God to render his enemy he besought God to render his enemy he besought God to render his enemy humane and merciful to him. humane and merciful to him. humane and merciful to him. Accordingly, God heard his prayer and Accordingly, God heard his prayer and Accordingly, God heard his prayer and granted him what he prayed for. granted him what he prayed for. granted him what he prayed for. So, Manasseh was released by the king of So, Manasseh was released by the king of So, Manasseh was released by the king of Babylon and escaped the danger he was Babylon and escaped the danger he was Babylon and escaped the danger he was in. And when he was come to Jerusalem, in. And when he was come to Jerusalem, in. And when he was come to Jerusalem, he endeavored, if it were possible to he endeavored, if it were possible to he endeavored, if it were possible to cast out of his memory those his former cast out of his memory those his former cast out of his memory those his former sins against God of which he now sins against God of which he now sins against God of which he now repented and to apply himself to a very repented and to apply himself to a very repented and to apply himself to a very religious life.

religious life. religious life. He sanctified the temple and purged the He sanctified the temple and purged the He sanctified the temple and purged the city and for the remainder of his days city and for the remainder of his days city and for the remainder of his days he was intent on nothing but to return he was intent on nothing but to return he was intent on nothing but to return his thanks to God for his deliverance his thanks to God for his deliverance his thanks to God for his deliverance and to preserve him propitious to him and to preserve him propitious to him and to preserve him propitious to him all his life long. all his life long. all his life long. He also instructed the multitude to do He also instructed the multitude to do He also instructed the multitude to do the same as having very nearly the same as having very nearly the same as having very nearly experienced what a calamity he was experienced what a calamity he was experienced what a calamity he was fallen into by a contrary conduct. fallen into by a contrary conduct. fallen into by a contrary conduct. He also rebuilt the altar and offered He also rebuilt the altar and offered He also rebuilt the altar and offered the legal sacrifices as Moses commanded. the legal sacrifices as Moses commanded. the legal sacrifices as Moses commanded. And when he had reestablished what And when he had reestablished what And when he had reestablished what concerned the divine worship as it ought concerned the divine worship as it ought concerned the divine worship as it ought to be he took care of the security of to be he took care of the security of to be he took care of the security of Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. He did not only repair the old walls He did not only repair the old walls He did not only repair the old walls with great diligence but added another with great diligence but added another with great diligence but added another wall to the former. wall to the former. wall to the former. He also built very lofty towers and the He also built very lofty towers and the He also built very lofty towers and the garrisoned places before the city he garrisoned places before the city he garrisoned places before the city he strengthened not only in other respects strengthened not only in other respects strengthened not only in other respects but with provisions of all sorts that but with provisions of all sorts that but with provisions of all sorts that they wanted. they wanted. they wanted. And indeed, when he had changed his And indeed, when he had changed his And indeed, when he had changed his former course, he so led his life for former course, he so led his life for former course, he so led his life for the time to come the time to come the time to come that from the time of his return to that from the time of his return to that from the time of his return to piety towards God he was deemed a happy piety towards God he was deemed a happy piety towards God he was deemed a happy man and a pattern for imitation.

man and a pattern for imitation. man and a pattern for imitation. When therefore he had lived 67 years, he When therefore he had lived 67 years, he When therefore he had lived 67 years, he departed this life having reigned 55 departed this life having reigned 55 departed this life having reigned 55 years and was buried in his own garden years and was buried in his own garden years and was buried in his own garden and the kingdom came to his son Amon and the kingdom came to his son Amon and the kingdom came to his son Amon whose mother's name was Meshullemeth of whose mother's name was Meshullemeth of whose mother's name was Meshullemeth of the city of Jotbah. the city of Jotbah. the city of Jotbah. Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Chapter 4 How Ammon reigned instead of Manasseh, How Ammon reigned instead of Manasseh, How Ammon reigned instead of Manasseh, and after Ammon reigned Josiah. and after Ammon reigned Josiah. and after Ammon reigned Josiah. He was both righteous and religious. He was both righteous and religious. He was both righteous and religious. As also concerning Huldah the As also concerning Huldah the As also concerning Huldah the prophetess. prophetess. prophetess. This Ammon imitated those works of his This Ammon imitated those works of his This Ammon imitated those works of his father which he insolently did when he father which he insolently did when he father which he insolently did when he was young. So he had a conspiracy made was young. So he had a conspiracy made was young. So he had a conspiracy made against him by his own servants, and was against him by his own servants, and was against him by his own servants, and was slain in his own house when he had lived slain in his own house when he had lived slain in his own house when he had lived 24 years, and of them had reigned two. 24 years, and of them had reigned two. 24 years, and of them had reigned two. But the multitude punished those that But the multitude punished those that But the multitude punished those that slew Ammon, and buried him with his slew Ammon, and buried him with his slew Ammon, and buried him with his father, and gave the kingdom to his son father, and gave the kingdom to his son father, and gave the kingdom to his son Josiah, who was 8 years old. Josiah, who was 8 years old. Josiah, who was 8 years old. His mother was of the city of Bozkath, His mother was of the city of Bozkath, His mother was of the city of Bozkath, and her name was Jedidah. and her name was Jedidah. and her name was Jedidah. He was of a most excellent disposition He was of a most excellent disposition He was of a most excellent disposition and naturally virtuous, and followed the and naturally virtuous, and followed the and naturally virtuous, and followed the actions of King David as a pattern and a actions of King David as a pattern and a actions of King David as a pattern and a rule to him in the whole conduct of his rule to him in the whole conduct of his rule to him in the whole conduct of his life.

life. life. And when he was 12 years old, he gave And when he was 12 years old, he gave And when he was 12 years old, he gave demonstrations of his religious and demonstrations of his religious and demonstrations of his religious and righteous behavior. For he brought the righteous behavior. For he brought the righteous behavior. For he brought the people to a sober way of living, and people to a sober way of living, and people to a sober way of living, and exhorted them to leave off the opinion exhorted them to leave off the opinion exhorted them to leave off the opinion they had of their idols because they they had of their idols because they they had of their idols because they were not gods, but to worship their own were not gods, but to worship their own were not gods, but to worship their own god. god. god. And by repeating on the actions of his And by repeating on the actions of his And by repeating on the actions of his progenitors, he prudently corrected what progenitors, he prudently corrected what progenitors, he prudently corrected what they did wrong like a very elderly man, they did wrong like a very elderly man, they did wrong like a very elderly man, and like one abundantly able to and like one abundantly able to and like one abundantly able to understand what was fit to be done. understand what was fit to be done. understand what was fit to be done. And what he found they had well done, he And what he found they had well done, he And what he found they had well done, he observed all the country over and observed all the country over and observed all the country over and imitated the same. imitated the same. imitated the same. And thus he acted in following the And thus he acted in following the And thus he acted in following the wisdom and sagacity of his own nature, wisdom and sagacity of his own nature, wisdom and sagacity of his own nature, and in compliance with the advice and and in compliance with the advice and and in compliance with the advice and instruction of the elders. instruction of the elders. instruction of the elders. For by following the laws it was that he For by following the laws it was that he For by following the laws it was that he succeeded so well in the order of his succeeded so well in the order of his succeeded so well in the order of his government and in piety with regard to government and in piety with regard to government and in piety with regard to the divine worship. the divine worship. the divine worship. And this happened because the And this happened because the And this happened because the transgressions of the former kings were transgressions of the former kings were transgressions of the former kings were seen no more, but quite vanished away. seen no more, but quite vanished away. seen no more, but quite vanished away. For the king went about the city and the For the king went about the city and the For the king went about the city and the whole country, and cut down the groves whole country, and cut down the groves whole country, and cut down the groves which were devoted to strange gods, and which were devoted to strange gods, and which were devoted to strange gods, and overthrew their altars. And if there overthrew their altars. And if there overthrew their altars. And if there were any gifts dedicated to them by his were any gifts dedicated to them by his were any gifts dedicated to them by his forefathers, he made them ignominious forefathers, he made them ignominious forefathers, he made them ignominious and plucked them down. And by this means and plucked them down. And by this means and plucked them down. And by this means he brought the people back from their he brought the people back from their he brought the people back from their opinion about them to the worship of opinion about them to the worship of opinion about them to the worship of God.

God. God. He also offered his accustomed He also offered his accustomed He also offered his accustomed sacrifices and burnt offerings upon the sacrifices and burnt offerings upon the sacrifices and burnt offerings upon the altar. altar. altar. Moreover, he ordained certain judges and Moreover, he ordained certain judges and Moreover, he ordained certain judges and overseers that they might order the overseers that they might order the overseers that they might order the matters to them severally belonging, and matters to them severally belonging, and matters to them severally belonging, and have regard to justice above all things, have regard to justice above all things, have regard to justice above all things, and to distribute it with the same and to distribute it with the same and to distribute it with the same concern they would have about their own concern they would have about their own concern they would have about their own soul. soul. soul. He also sent over the country and He also sent over the country and He also sent over the country and desired such as pleased to bring gold desired such as pleased to bring gold desired such as pleased to bring gold and silver for the repairs of the and silver for the repairs of the and silver for the repairs of the temple, according to everyone's temple, according to everyone's temple, according to everyone's inclinations and abilities. inclinations and abilities. inclinations and abilities. And when the money was brought in, he And when the money was brought in, he And when the money was brought in, he made one Maasiai the governor of the made one Maasiai the governor of the made one Maasiai the governor of the city, and Shaphan the scribe, and Joab city, and Shaphan the scribe, and Joab city, and Shaphan the scribe, and Joab the recorder, and Eliakim the high the recorder, and Eliakim the high the recorder, and Eliakim the high priest, curators of the temple and of priest, curators of the temple and of priest, curators of the temple and of the charges contributed thereto, the charges contributed thereto, the charges contributed thereto, who made no delay, nor put the work off who made no delay, nor put the work off who made no delay, nor put the work off at all, but prepared architects and at all, but prepared architects and at all, but prepared architects and whatsoever was proper for those repairs, whatsoever was proper for those repairs, whatsoever was proper for those repairs, and set closely about the work. and set closely about the work. and set closely about the work. So, the temple was repaired by this So, the temple was repaired by this So, the temple was repaired by this means and became a public demonstration means and became a public demonstration means and became a public demonstration of the king's piety. of the king's piety. of the king's piety. But when he was now in the 18th year of But when he was now in the 18th year of But when he was now in the 18th year of his reign, he sent to Eliakim the high his reign, he sent to Eliakim the high his reign, he sent to Eliakim the high priest and gave order that out of what priest and gave order that out of what priest and gave order that out of what money was overplus, he should cast cups money was overplus, he should cast cups money was overplus, he should cast cups and dishes and vials for ministration in and dishes and vials for ministration in and dishes and vials for ministration in the temple.

the temple. the temple. And besides that they should bring all And besides that they should bring all And besides that they should bring all the gold or silver which was among the the gold or silver which was among the the gold or silver which was among the treasures, and expend that also in treasures, and expend that also in treasures, and expend that also in making cup and the light vessels. making cup and the light vessels. making cup and the light vessels. But as the high priest was bringing out But as the high priest was bringing out But as the high priest was bringing out the gold, he lighted upon the holy books the gold, he lighted upon the holy books the gold, he lighted upon the holy books of Moses that were laid up in the of Moses that were laid up in the of Moses that were laid up in the temple. And when he had brought them temple. And when he had brought them temple. And when he had brought them out, he gave them to Shaphan the scribe, out, he gave them to Shaphan the scribe, out, he gave them to Shaphan the scribe, who when he had read them came to the who when he had read them came to the who when he had read them came to the king and informed him that all was king and informed him that all was king and informed him that all was finished which he had ordered to be finished which he had ordered to be finished which he had ordered to be done. done. done. He also read over the books to him, who He also read over the books to him, who He also read over the books to him, who when he had heard them read, rent his when he had heard them read, rent his when he had heard them read, rent his garment and called for Eliakim the high garment and called for Eliakim the high garment and called for Eliakim the high priest and for Shaphan the scribe and priest and for Shaphan the scribe and priest and for Shaphan the scribe and for certain other of his most particular for certain other of his most particular for certain other of his most particular friends, and sent them to Hulda the friends, and sent them to Hulda the friends, and sent them to Hulda the prophetess, the wife of Shallum, prophetess, the wife of Shallum, prophetess, the wife of Shallum, which Shallum was a man of dignity and which Shallum was a man of dignity and which Shallum was a man of dignity and of an eminent family, of an eminent family, of an eminent family, and bid them go to her and say that he and bid them go to her and say that he and bid them go to her and say that he desired she would appease God, and desired she would appease God, and desired she would appease God, and endeavor to render him propitious to endeavor to render him propitious to endeavor to render him propitious to them, them, them, for that there was cause to fear for that there was cause to fear for that there was cause to fear lest upon the transgression of the laws lest upon the transgression of the laws lest upon the transgression of the laws of Moses by their forefathers of Moses by their forefathers of Moses by their forefathers they should be in peril of going into they should be in peril of going into they should be in peril of going into captivity and of being cast out of their captivity and of being cast out of their captivity and of being cast out of their own country, own country, own country, lest they should be in want of all lest they should be in want of all lest they should be in want of all things and so end their days miserably.

things and so end their days miserably. things and so end their days miserably. When the prophetess had heard this from When the prophetess had heard this from When the prophetess had heard this from the messengers that were sent to her by the messengers that were sent to her by the messengers that were sent to her by the king, she bid them go back to the the king, she bid them go back to the the king, she bid them go back to the king and say that God had already given king and say that God had already given king and say that God had already given sentence against them to destroy the sentence against them to destroy the sentence against them to destroy the people and cast them out of their people and cast them out of their people and cast them out of their country and deprive them of all the country and deprive them of all the country and deprive them of all the happiness they enjoyed, happiness they enjoyed, happiness they enjoyed, which sentence none could set aside by which sentence none could set aside by which sentence none could set aside by any prayers of theirs, since it was any prayers of theirs, since it was any prayers of theirs, since it was passed on account of their passed on account of their passed on account of their transgressions of the laws and of their transgressions of the laws and of their transgressions of the laws and of their not having repented in so long a time not having repented in so long a time not having repented in so long a time while the prophets had exhorted them to while the prophets had exhorted them to while the prophets had exhorted them to amend and had foretold the punishment amend and had foretold the punishment amend and had foretold the punishment that would ensue on their impious that would ensue on their impious that would ensue on their impious practices, practices, practices, which threatening God would certainly which threatening God would certainly which threatening God would certainly execute upon them, execute upon them, execute upon them, that they might be persuaded that he is that they might be persuaded that he is that they might be persuaded that he is God and had not deceived them in any God and had not deceived them in any God and had not deceived them in any respect as to what he had denounced by respect as to what he had denounced by respect as to what he had denounced by his prophets, his prophets, his prophets, that yet because Josiah was a righteous that yet because Josiah was a righteous that yet because Josiah was a righteous man, he would at present delay those man, he would at present delay those man, he would at present delay those calamities, but that after his death he calamities, but that after his death he calamities, but that after his death he would send on the multitude what would send on the multitude what would send on the multitude what miseries he had determined for them. miseries he had determined for them. miseries he had determined for them. So these messengers, upon this prophecy So these messengers, upon this prophecy So these messengers, upon this prophecy of the woman, came and told it to the of the woman, came and told it to the of the woman, came and told it to the king, whereupon he sent to the people king, whereupon he sent to the people king, whereupon he sent to the people everywhere and ordered that the priests everywhere and ordered that the priests everywhere and ordered that the priests and the Levites should come together to and the Levites should come together to and the Levites should come together to Jerusalem and commanded that those of Jerusalem and commanded that those of Jerusalem and commanded that those of every age should be present also.

every age should be present also. every age should be present also. And when they had gathered together, he And when they had gathered together, he And when they had gathered together, he first read to them the holy books, after first read to them the holy books, after first read to them the holy books, after which he stood upon a pulpit in the which he stood upon a pulpit in the which he stood upon a pulpit in the midst of the multitude and obliged them midst of the multitude and obliged them midst of the multitude and obliged them to make a covenant with an oath that to make a covenant with an oath that to make a covenant with an oath that they would worship God and keep the laws they would worship God and keep the laws they would worship God and keep the laws of Moses. of Moses. of Moses. Accordingly they gave their assent Accordingly they gave their assent Accordingly they gave their assent willingly and undertook to do what the willingly and undertook to do what the willingly and undertook to do what the king had recommended to them. king had recommended to them. king had recommended to them. So, they immediately offered sacrifices So, they immediately offered sacrifices So, they immediately offered sacrifices and that after an acceptable manner and and that after an acceptable manner and and that after an acceptable manner and besought God to be gracious and merciful besought God to be gracious and merciful besought God to be gracious and merciful to them. to them. to them. He also enjoined the high priest that if He also enjoined the high priest that if He also enjoined the high priest that if there remained in the temple any vessel there remained in the temple any vessel there remained in the temple any vessel that was dedicated to idols or to that was dedicated to idols or to that was dedicated to idols or to foreign gods, they should cast it out. foreign gods, they should cast it out. foreign gods, they should cast it out. So, when a great number of such vessels So, when a great number of such vessels So, when a great number of such vessels were got together, he burned them and were got together, he burned them and were got together, he burned them and scattered their ashes abroad and slew scattered their ashes abroad and slew scattered their ashes abroad and slew the priests of the idols that were not the priests of the idols that were not the priests of the idols that were not of the family of Aaron. of the family of Aaron. of the family of Aaron. And when he had done thus in Jerusalem, And when he had done thus in Jerusalem, And when he had done thus in Jerusalem, he came into the country and utterly he came into the country and utterly he came into the country and utterly destroyed what buildings had been made destroyed what buildings had been made destroyed what buildings had been made therein by King Jeroboam in honor of therein by King Jeroboam in honor of therein by King Jeroboam in honor of strange gods. strange gods. strange gods. And he burnt the bones of the false And he burnt the bones of the false And he burnt the bones of the false prophets upon that altar which Jeroboam prophets upon that altar which Jeroboam prophets upon that altar which Jeroboam first built. first built. first built. And as the prophet Jadon, who came to And as the prophet Jadon, who came to And as the prophet Jadon, who came to Jeroboam when he was offering sacrifice, Jeroboam when he was offering sacrifice, Jeroboam when he was offering sacrifice, and when all the people heard him and when all the people heard him and when all the people heard him foretold what would come to pass, foretold what would come to pass, foretold what would come to pass, viz. that a certain man of the house of viz. that a certain man of the house of viz. that a certain man of the house of David, Josiah by name, should do what is David, Josiah by name, should do what is David, Josiah by name, should do what is here mentioned.

here mentioned. here mentioned. And it happened that those predictions And it happened that those predictions And it happened that those predictions took effect after 361 took effect after 361 took effect after 361 years. years. years. After these things, Josiah went also to After these things, Josiah went also to After these things, Josiah went also to such other Israelites as had escaped such other Israelites as had escaped such other Israelites as had escaped captivity and slavery under the captivity and slavery under the captivity and slavery under the Assyrians and persuaded them to desist Assyrians and persuaded them to desist Assyrians and persuaded them to desist from their impious practices and to from their impious practices and to from their impious practices and to leave off the honors they paid to leave off the honors they paid to leave off the honors they paid to strange gods, but to worship rightly strange gods, but to worship rightly strange gods, but to worship rightly their own almighty God and adhere to their own almighty God and adhere to their own almighty God and adhere to him. him. him. He also searched the houses and the He also searched the houses and the He also searched the houses and the villages and the cities out of a villages and the cities out of a villages and the cities out of a suspicion that somebody might have one suspicion that somebody might have one suspicion that somebody might have one idol or other in private. Nay, indeed, idol or other in private. Nay, indeed, idol or other in private. Nay, indeed, he took away the chariots of the sun he took away the chariots of the sun he took away the chariots of the sun that were set up in his royal palace, that were set up in his royal palace, that were set up in his royal palace, which his predecessors had framed. And which his predecessors had framed. And which his predecessors had framed. And what thing soever there was besides what thing soever there was besides what thing soever there was besides which they worshipped as a god. which they worshipped as a god. which they worshipped as a god. And when he had thus purged all the And when he had thus purged all the And when he had thus purged all the country, he called the people to country, he called the people to country, he called the people to Jerusalem and there celebrated the feast Jerusalem and there celebrated the feast Jerusalem and there celebrated the feast of unleavened bread and that called the of unleavened bread and that called the of unleavened bread and that called the Passover. Passover. Passover. He also gave the people for paschal He also gave the people for paschal He also gave the people for paschal sacrifices young kids of the goats and sacrifices young kids of the goats and sacrifices young kids of the goats and lambs, 30,000, and 3,000 oxen for burnt lambs, 30,000, and 3,000 oxen for burnt lambs, 30,000, and 3,000 oxen for burnt offerings.

offerings. offerings. The principal of the priests also gave The principal of the priests also gave The principal of the priests also gave to the priests against the Passover to the priests against the Passover to the priests against the Passover 2,600 lambs. 2,600 lambs. 2,600 lambs. The principal of the Levites also gave The principal of the Levites also gave The principal of the Levites also gave to the Levites 5,000 lambs and 500 oxen. to the Levites 5,000 lambs and 500 oxen. to the Levites 5,000 lambs and 500 oxen. By which means there was great plenty of By which means there was great plenty of By which means there was great plenty of sacrifices. sacrifices. sacrifices. And they offered those sacrifices And they offered those sacrifices And they offered those sacrifices according to the laws of Moses, according to the laws of Moses, according to the laws of Moses, while every priest explained the matter while every priest explained the matter while every priest explained the matter and ministered to the multitude. and ministered to the multitude. and ministered to the multitude. And indeed there had been no other And indeed there had been no other And indeed there had been no other festival thus celebrated by the Hebrews festival thus celebrated by the Hebrews festival thus celebrated by the Hebrews from the times of Samuel the prophet. from the times of Samuel the prophet. from the times of Samuel the prophet. And the plenty of sacrifices now was the And the plenty of sacrifices now was the And the plenty of sacrifices now was the occasion that all things were performed occasion that all things were performed occasion that all things were performed according to the laws according to the laws according to the laws and according to the custom of their and according to the custom of their and according to the custom of their forefathers. forefathers. forefathers. So when Josiah had after this lived in So when Josiah had after this lived in So when Josiah had after this lived in peace, nay, in riches and reputation peace, nay, in riches and reputation peace, nay, in riches and reputation also among all men, he ended his life in also among all men, he ended his life in also among all men, he ended his life in the manner following. the manner following. the manner following. End of Book 10, chapters 3 and 4. Book 10, chapters 5 through 7 Book 10, chapters 5 through 7 of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2.

2. 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. domain. domain. For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, please visit please visit please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, by Flavius Josephus. by Flavius Josephus. by Flavius Josephus. Translated by William Whiston. Translated by William Whiston. Translated by William Whiston. Book 10, Book 10, Book 10, chapters 5 through 7. chapters 5 through 7. chapters 5 through 7. Chapter 5. Chapter 5. Chapter 5. How Josiah fought with Nico, king of How Josiah fought with Nico, king of How Josiah fought with Nico, king of Egypt, Egypt, Egypt, and was wounded and died in a little and was wounded and died in a little and was wounded and died in a little time afterward. time afterward. time afterward. As As As how Neco how Neco how Neco carried Jehoahaz, carried Jehoahaz, carried Jehoahaz, who had been made king, into Egypt, and who had been made king, into Egypt, and who had been made king, into Egypt, and delivered the kingdom to Jehoiakim, delivered the kingdom to Jehoiakim, delivered the kingdom to Jehoiakim, and lastly, concerning Jeremiah and and lastly, concerning Jeremiah and and lastly, concerning Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Now, Neco, king of Egypt, raised an army Now, Neco, king of Egypt, raised an army and marched to the river Euphrates and marched to the river Euphrates and marched to the river Euphrates in order to fight with the Medes and the in order to fight with the Medes and the in order to fight with the Medes and the Babylonians, who had overthrown the Babylonians, who had overthrown the Babylonians, who had overthrown the dominion of the Assyrians. dominion of the Assyrians. dominion of the Assyrians. For he had a desire to reign over Asia. For he had a desire to reign over Asia. For he had a desire to reign over Asia. Now, when he was come to the city Now, when he was come to the city Now, when he was come to the city Mendes, Mendes, Mendes, which belonged to the kingdom of Josiah, which belonged to the kingdom of Josiah, which belonged to the kingdom of Josiah, he brought an army to hinder him from he brought an army to hinder him from he brought an army to hinder him from passing through his own country passing through his own country passing through his own country in his expedition against the Medes. in his expedition against the Medes. in his expedition against the Medes. Now, Neco sent a herald to Josiah, and Now, Neco sent a herald to Josiah, and Now, Neco sent a herald to Josiah, and told him that he did not make this told him that he did not make this told him that he did not make this expedition against him, but was making expedition against him, but was making expedition against him, but was making haste to Euphrates, haste to Euphrates, haste to Euphrates, and desired that he would not provoke and desired that he would not provoke and desired that he would not provoke him to fight against him, him to fight against him, him to fight against him, because he obstructed his march to the because he obstructed his march to the because he obstructed his march to the place whither he had resolved to go. place whither he had resolved to go. place whither he had resolved to go. But Josiah did not admit of this advice But Josiah did not admit of this advice But Josiah did not admit of this advice of Neco, of Neco, of Neco, but put himself into a posture to hinder but put himself into a posture to hinder but put himself into a posture to hinder him from his intended march.

him from his intended march. him from his intended march. I suppose it was fate that pushed him on I suppose it was fate that pushed him on I suppose it was fate that pushed him on this conduct, that it might take an this conduct, that it might take an this conduct, that it might take an occasion against him. For as he was occasion against him. For as he was occasion against him. For as he was setting his army in array, setting his army in array, setting his army in array, and rode about in his chariot from one and rode about in his chariot from one and rode about in his chariot from one wing of his army to another, wing of his army to another, wing of his army to another, one of the Egyptians shot an arrow at one of the Egyptians shot an arrow at one of the Egyptians shot an arrow at him, and put an end to his eagerness of him, and put an end to his eagerness of him, and put an end to his eagerness of fighting. For being sorely wounded, he fighting. For being sorely wounded, he fighting. For being sorely wounded, he commanded a retreat to be sounded for commanded a retreat to be sounded for commanded a retreat to be sounded for his army, and returned to Jerusalem his army, and returned to Jerusalem his army, and returned to Jerusalem and died of that wound and died of that wound and died of that wound and was magnificently buried in the and was magnificently buried in the and was magnificently buried in the sepulchre of his fathers sepulchre of his fathers sepulchre of his fathers when he had lived 39 years when he had lived 39 years when he had lived 39 years and of them had reigned 31. and of them had reigned 31. and of them had reigned 31. But all the people mourned greatly for But all the people mourned greatly for But all the people mourned greatly for him lamenting and grieving on his him lamenting and grieving on his him lamenting and grieving on his account many days account many days account many days and Jeremiah the prophet composed an and Jeremiah the prophet composed an and Jeremiah the prophet composed an elegy to lament him elegy to lament him elegy to lament him which is extant till this time also.

which is extant till this time also. which is extant till this time also. Moreover this prophet denounced Moreover this prophet denounced Moreover this prophet denounced beforehand the sad calamities that were beforehand the sad calamities that were beforehand the sad calamities that were coming upon the city. coming upon the city. coming upon the city. He also left behind him in writing a He also left behind him in writing a He also left behind him in writing a description of that destruction of our description of that destruction of our description of that destruction of our nation nation nation which has lately happened in our days which has lately happened in our days which has lately happened in our days and the taking of Babylon. and the taking of Babylon. and the taking of Babylon. Nor was he the only prophet who Nor was he the only prophet who Nor was he the only prophet who delivered such predictions beforehand to delivered such predictions beforehand to delivered such predictions beforehand to the multitude but so did Ezekiel also the multitude but so did Ezekiel also the multitude but so did Ezekiel also who was the first person that wrote who was the first person that wrote who was the first person that wrote and left behind him in writing two books and left behind him in writing two books and left behind him in writing two books concerning these events. concerning these events. concerning these events. Now these two prophets were priests by Now these two prophets were priests by Now these two prophets were priests by birth birth birth but of them Jeremiah dwelt in Jerusalem but of them Jeremiah dwelt in Jerusalem but of them Jeremiah dwelt in Jerusalem from the 13th year of the reign of from the 13th year of the reign of from the 13th year of the reign of Josiah Josiah Josiah until the city and temple were utterly until the city and temple were utterly until the city and temple were utterly destroyed. destroyed. destroyed. However as to what befell these prophets However as to what befell these prophets However as to what befell these prophets we will relate in its proper place. we will relate in its proper place. we will relate in its proper place. Upon the death of Josiah which we have Upon the death of Josiah which we have Upon the death of Josiah which we have already mentioned already mentioned already mentioned his son Jehoahaz by name his son Jehoahaz by name his son Jehoahaz by name took the kingdom took the kingdom took the kingdom being about 23 years old.

being about 23 years old. being about 23 years old. He reigned in Jerusalem and his mother He reigned in Jerusalem and his mother He reigned in Jerusalem and his mother was Hamutal was Hamutal was Hamutal of the city Libnah. of the city Libnah. of the city Libnah. He was an impious man and impure in his He was an impious man and impure in his He was an impious man and impure in his course of life. course of life. course of life. But as the king of Egypt returned from But as the king of Egypt returned from But as the king of Egypt returned from the battle, he sent for Jehoahaz to come the battle, he sent for Jehoahaz to come the battle, he sent for Jehoahaz to come to him to him to him to the city called Hamath, to the city called Hamath, to the city called Hamath, which belongs to Syria. which belongs to Syria. which belongs to Syria. And And And when he was come, he put him in bands when he was come, he put him in bands when he was come, he put him in bands and delivered the kingdom to a brother and delivered the kingdom to a brother and delivered the kingdom to a brother of his of his of his by the father's side, by the father's side, by the father's side, whose name was Eliakim, and changed his whose name was Eliakim, and changed his whose name was Eliakim, and changed his name to Jehoiakim, name to Jehoiakim, name to Jehoiakim, and laid a tribute upon the land of 100 and laid a tribute upon the land of 100 and laid a tribute upon the land of 100 talents of silver talents of silver talents of silver and a talent of gold. and a talent of gold. and a talent of gold. And this sum of money Jehoiakim paid by And this sum of money Jehoiakim paid by And this sum of money Jehoiakim paid by way of tribute. way of tribute. way of tribute. But Neco carried away Jehoahaz into But Neco carried away Jehoahaz into But Neco carried away Jehoahaz into Egypt, where he died when he had reigned Egypt, where he died when he had reigned Egypt, where he died when he had reigned 3 months and 10 days.

Now Jehoiakim's mother was called Now Jehoiakim's mother was called Zebudah of the city Rumah. Zebudah of the city Rumah. Zebudah of the city Rumah. He was of a wicked disposition and ready He was of a wicked disposition and ready He was of a wicked disposition and ready to do mischief, to do mischief, to do mischief, nor was he either religious towards God nor was he either religious towards God nor was he either religious towards God or good-natured towards men. How Nebuchadnezzar, when he had How Nebuchadnezzar, when he had conquered the king of Egypt, made an conquered the king of Egypt, made an conquered the king of Egypt, made an expedition against the Jews expedition against the Jews expedition against the Jews and slew Jehoiakim and slew Jehoiakim and slew Jehoiakim and made Jehoiachin, his son, king. Now in the fourth year of the reign of Now in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim, one whose name was Jehoiakim, one whose name was Jehoiakim, one whose name was Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar, took the government over the took the government over the took the government over the Babylonians, Babylonians, Babylonians, who at the same time went up with a who at the same time went up with a who at the same time went up with a great army to the city Carchemish, great army to the city Carchemish, great army to the city Carchemish, which was at Euphrates, which was at Euphrates, which was at Euphrates, upon a resolution he had taken to fight upon a resolution he had taken to fight upon a resolution he had taken to fight with Neco, king of Egypt, with Neco, king of Egypt, with Neco, king of Egypt, under whom all Syria then was.

under whom all Syria then was. under whom all Syria then was. And when Nico understood the intention And when Nico understood the intention And when Nico understood the intention of the king of Babylon, of the king of Babylon, of the king of Babylon, and that this expedition was made and that this expedition was made and that this expedition was made against him, against him, against him, he did not despise his attempt, but made he did not despise his attempt, but made he did not despise his attempt, but made haste with a great band of men to haste with a great band of men to haste with a great band of men to Euphrates to defend himself from Euphrates to defend himself from Euphrates to defend himself from Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar. And when they had joined battle, he was And when they had joined battle, he was And when they had joined battle, he was beaten and lost many 10,000's of his beaten and lost many 10,000's of his beaten and lost many 10,000's of his soldiers in the battle. soldiers in the battle. soldiers in the battle. So, the king of Babylon passed over So, the king of Babylon passed over So, the king of Babylon passed over Euphrates and took all Syria as far as Euphrates and took all Syria as far as Euphrates and took all Syria as far as Pelusium, Pelusium, Pelusium, excepting Judea. excepting Judea. excepting Judea. But when Nebuchadnezzar had already But when Nebuchadnezzar had already But when Nebuchadnezzar had already reigned four years, reigned four years, reigned four years, which was the eighth of Jehoiakim's which was the eighth of Jehoiakim's which was the eighth of Jehoiakim's government over the Hebrews, government over the Hebrews, government over the Hebrews, the king of Babylon the king of Babylon the king of Babylon made an expedition with mighty forces made an expedition with mighty forces made an expedition with mighty forces against the Jews, against the Jews, against the Jews, and required tribute of Jehoiakim, and and required tribute of Jehoiakim, and and required tribute of Jehoiakim, and threatened upon his refusal to make war threatened upon his refusal to make war threatened upon his refusal to make war against him. against him. against him. He was affrighted at his threatening, He was affrighted at his threatening, He was affrighted at his threatening, and bought his peace with money, and bought his peace with money, and bought his peace with money, and brought the tribute he was ordered and brought the tribute he was ordered and brought the tribute he was ordered to bring for three years.

to bring for three years. to bring for three years. But on the third year, upon hearing that But on the third year, upon hearing that But on the third year, upon hearing that the king of the Babylonians made an the king of the Babylonians made an the king of the Babylonians made an expedition against the Egyptians, expedition against the Egyptians, expedition against the Egyptians, he did not pay his tribute. he did not pay his tribute. he did not pay his tribute. Yet was he disappointed of his hope, for Yet was he disappointed of his hope, for Yet was he disappointed of his hope, for the Egyptians durst not fight at this the Egyptians durst not fight at this the Egyptians durst not fight at this time. time. time. And indeed, the prophet Jeremiah And indeed, the prophet Jeremiah And indeed, the prophet Jeremiah foretold every day how vainly they foretold every day how vainly they foretold every day how vainly they relied on their hopes from Egypt, and relied on their hopes from Egypt, and relied on their hopes from Egypt, and how the city would be overthrown by the how the city would be overthrown by the how the city would be overthrown by the king of Babylon, and Jehoiakim the king king of Babylon, and Jehoiakim the king king of Babylon, and Jehoiakim the king would be subdued by him. But what he thus spake proved to be of But what he thus spake proved to be of no advantage to them, because there were no advantage to them, because there were no advantage to them, because there were none that should escape for both the none that should escape for both the none that should escape for both the multitude and the rulers, when they multitude and the rulers, when they multitude and the rulers, when they heard him, heard him, heard him, had no concern about what they heard, had no concern about what they heard, had no concern about what they heard, but being displeased at what was said, but being displeased at what was said, but being displeased at what was said, as if the prophet were a diviner against as if the prophet were a diviner against as if the prophet were a diviner against the king, the king, the king, they accused Jeremiah, and bringing him they accused Jeremiah, and bringing him they accused Jeremiah, and bringing him before the court, before the court, before the court, they required that a sentence and a they required that a sentence and a they required that a sentence and a punishment might be given against him.

punishment might be given against him. punishment might be given against him. Now, all the rest gave their votes for Now, all the rest gave their votes for Now, all the rest gave their votes for his condemnation, his condemnation, his condemnation, but the elders refused, who prudently but the elders refused, who prudently but the elders refused, who prudently sent away the prophet from the court of sent away the prophet from the court of sent away the prophet from the court of the prison, the prison, the prison, and persuaded the rest to Jeremiah no and persuaded the rest to Jeremiah no and persuaded the rest to Jeremiah no harm, harm, harm, for they said that he was not the only for they said that he was not the only for they said that he was not the only person who foretold what would come to person who foretold what would come to person who foretold what would come to the city, the city, the city, but that Micah signified the same before but that Micah signified the same before but that Micah signified the same before him, as well as many others, none of him, as well as many others, none of him, as well as many others, none of which suffered anything of the kings which suffered anything of the kings which suffered anything of the kings that then reigned, that then reigned, that then reigned, but were honored as the prophets of God. but were honored as the prophets of God. but were honored as the prophets of God. So, they mollified the multitude with So, they mollified the multitude with So, they mollified the multitude with these words, and delivered Jeremiah from these words, and delivered Jeremiah from these words, and delivered Jeremiah from the punishment to which he was the punishment to which he was the punishment to which he was condemned. condemned. condemned. Now, when this prophet had written all Now, when this prophet had written all Now, when this prophet had written all his prophecies, his prophecies, his prophecies, and the people were fasting and and the people were fasting and and the people were fasting and assembled at the temple, assembled at the temple, assembled at the temple, on the ninth month of the fifth year of on the ninth month of the fifth year of on the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim, Jehoiakim, Jehoiakim, he read the book he had composed of his he read the book he had composed of his he read the book he had composed of his predictions of what was to befall the predictions of what was to befall the predictions of what was to befall the city, and the temple, and the multitude.

city, and the temple, and the multitude. city, and the temple, and the multitude. And when the rulers heard of it, they And when the rulers heard of it, they And when the rulers heard of it, they took the book from him, took the book from him, took the book from him, and bid him and Baruch the scribe to go and bid him and Baruch the scribe to go and bid him and Baruch the scribe to go their ways, lest they should be their ways, lest they should be their ways, lest they should be discovered by one or other. discovered by one or other. discovered by one or other. But they carried the book and gave it to But they carried the book and gave it to But they carried the book and gave it to the king, so he gave order in the the king, so he gave order in the the king, so he gave order in the presence of his friends, presence of his friends, presence of his friends, that his scribe should take it and read that his scribe should take it and read that his scribe should take it and read it. it. it. When the king heard what it contained, When the king heard what it contained, When the king heard what it contained, he was angry and tore it and cast it he was angry and tore it and cast it he was angry and tore it and cast it into the fire, into the fire, into the fire, where it was consumed. where it was consumed. where it was consumed. He also commanded that they should seek He also commanded that they should seek He also commanded that they should seek for Jeremiah and Baruch the scribe and for Jeremiah and Baruch the scribe and for Jeremiah and Baruch the scribe and bring them to him that they might be bring them to him that they might be bring them to him that they might be punished. punished. punished. However, However, However, they escaped his anger. Now, a little time afterwards, the king Now, a little time afterwards, the king of Babylon of Babylon of Babylon made an expedition against Jehoiakim, made an expedition against Jehoiakim, made an expedition against Jehoiakim, whom he received into the city, and this whom he received into the city, and this whom he received into the city, and this out of fear of the foregoing predictions out of fear of the foregoing predictions out of fear of the foregoing predictions of this prophet, of this prophet, of this prophet, as supposing he should suffer nothing as supposing he should suffer nothing as supposing he should suffer nothing that was terrible that was terrible that was terrible because he neither shut the gates nor because he neither shut the gates nor because he neither shut the gates nor fought against him.

fought against him. fought against him. Yet, when he was come into the city, he Yet, when he was come into the city, he Yet, when he was come into the city, he did not observe the covenants he had did not observe the covenants he had did not observe the covenants he had made, made, made, but he slew such as were in the flower but he slew such as were in the flower but he slew such as were in the flower of their age and such as were of the of their age and such as were of the of their age and such as were of the greatest dignity, greatest dignity, greatest dignity, together with their king Jehoiakim, together with their king Jehoiakim, together with their king Jehoiakim, whom he commanded to be thrown before whom he commanded to be thrown before whom he commanded to be thrown before the walls without any burial, and made the walls without any burial, and made the walls without any burial, and made his son Jehoiachin his son Jehoiachin his son Jehoiachin king of the country and of the city. king of the country and of the city. king of the country and of the city. He also took the principal persons in He also took the principal persons in He also took the principal persons in dignity for captives, dignity for captives, dignity for captives, 3,000 in number, 3,000 in number, 3,000 in number, and led them away to Babylon, and led them away to Babylon, and led them away to Babylon, among which was the prophet Ezekiel, among which was the prophet Ezekiel, among which was the prophet Ezekiel, who was then but young. who was then but young. who was then but young. This was the end of King Jehoiakim This was the end of King Jehoiakim This was the end of King Jehoiakim when he had lived 36 years, when he had lived 36 years, when he had lived 36 years, and of them reigned 11. and of them reigned 11. and of them reigned 11. But, Jehoiachin But, Jehoiachin But, Jehoiachin succeeded him in the kingdom, succeeded him in the kingdom, succeeded him in the kingdom, whose mother's name was Nehushta.

whose mother's name was Nehushta. whose mother's name was Nehushta. She was a citizen of Jerusalem. She was a citizen of Jerusalem. She was a citizen of Jerusalem. He reigned 3 months and 10 days. So Chapter 7. Chapter 7. That the king of Babylon repented of That the king of Babylon repented of That the king of Babylon repented of making Jehoiakim king making Jehoiakim king making Jehoiakim king and took him away to Babylon and and took him away to Babylon and and took him away to Babylon and delivered the kingdom to Zedekiah. delivered the kingdom to Zedekiah. delivered the kingdom to Zedekiah. This king would not believe what was This king would not believe what was This king would not believe what was predicted by Jeremiah and Ezekiel predicted by Jeremiah and Ezekiel predicted by Jeremiah and Ezekiel but joined himself to the Egyptians but joined himself to the Egyptians but joined himself to the Egyptians who when they came into Judea who when they came into Judea who when they came into Judea were vanquished by the king of Babylon were vanquished by the king of Babylon were vanquished by the king of Babylon as also what befell Jeremiah. But a terror seized on the king of But a terror seized on the king of Babylon Babylon Babylon who had given the kingdom to Jehoiakim who had given the kingdom to Jehoiakim who had given the kingdom to Jehoiakim and that immediately he was afraid that and that immediately he was afraid that and that immediately he was afraid that he should bear him a grudge because of he should bear him a grudge because of he should bear him a grudge because of his killing his father and thereupon his killing his father and thereupon his killing his father and thereupon should make the country revolt from him.

should make the country revolt from him. should make the country revolt from him. Wherefore, he sent an army and besieged Wherefore, he sent an army and besieged Wherefore, he sent an army and besieged Jehoiakim in Jerusalem. Jehoiakim in Jerusalem. Jehoiakim in Jerusalem. But because he was of a gentle and just But because he was of a gentle and just But because he was of a gentle and just disposition disposition disposition he did not desire to see the city he did not desire to see the city he did not desire to see the city endangered on his account endangered on his account endangered on his account but he took his mother and kindred and but he took his mother and kindred and but he took his mother and kindred and delivered them to the commanders sent by delivered them to the commanders sent by delivered them to the commanders sent by the king of Babylon the king of Babylon the king of Babylon and accepted of their oaths and accepted of their oaths and accepted of their oaths that neither should they suffer any harm that neither should they suffer any harm that neither should they suffer any harm nor the city which agreement they did nor the city which agreement they did nor the city which agreement they did not observe for a single year. not observe for a single year. not observe for a single year. For the king of Babylon did not keep it For the king of Babylon did not keep it For the king of Babylon did not keep it but gave orders to his generals to take but gave orders to his generals to take but gave orders to his generals to take all that were in the city captives all that were in the city captives all that were in the city captives both the youth and the handicraftsmen both the youth and the handicraftsmen both the youth and the handicraftsmen and bring them bound to him. and bring them bound to him. and bring them bound to him. Their number was 10,832 as also Jehoiakim as also Jehoiakim and his mother and friends.

and his mother and friends. and his mother and friends. And when these were brought to him, And when these were brought to him, And when these were brought to him, he kept them in custody he kept them in custody he kept them in custody and appointed Jehoiachin's uncle and appointed Jehoiachin's uncle and appointed Jehoiachin's uncle Zedekiah to be king Zedekiah to be king Zedekiah to be king and made him take an oath and made him take an oath and made him take an oath that he would certainly keep the kingdom that he would certainly keep the kingdom that he would certainly keep the kingdom for him for him for him and make no innovation and make no innovation and make no innovation nor have any league of friendship with nor have any league of friendship with nor have any league of friendship with the Egyptians. Now, Zedekiah was 21 years old when he Now, Zedekiah was 21 years old when he took the government took the government took the government and had the same mother with his brother and had the same mother with his brother and had the same mother with his brother Jehoiakim Jehoiakim Jehoiakim but was a despiser of justice but was a despiser of justice but was a despiser of justice and of his duty. and of his duty. and of his duty. For truly those of the same age with him For truly those of the same age with him For truly those of the same age with him were wicked about him were wicked about him were wicked about him and the whole multitude did what unjust and the whole multitude did what unjust and the whole multitude did what unjust and insolent things they pleased and insolent things they pleased and insolent things they pleased for which reason the prophet Jeremiah for which reason the prophet Jeremiah for which reason the prophet Jeremiah came often to him came often to him came often to him and protested to him and insisted and protested to him and insisted and protested to him and insisted that he must leave off his impieties and that he must leave off his impieties and that he must leave off his impieties and transgressions transgressions transgressions and take care of what was right and take care of what was right and take care of what was right and neither give ear to the rulers and neither give ear to the rulers and neither give ear to the rulers among whom were wicked men among whom were wicked men among whom were wicked men nor give credit to their false prophets nor give credit to their false prophets nor give credit to their false prophets who deluded them as if the king of who deluded them as if the king of who deluded them as if the king of Babylon would make no more war against Babylon would make no more war against Babylon would make no more war against them and as if the Egyptians would make them and as if the Egyptians would make them and as if the Egyptians would make war against him and conquer him since

war against him and conquer him since war against him and conquer him since what they said was not true what they said was not true what they said was not true and the events would not prove such as and the events would not prove such as and the events would not prove such as they expected. Now, as to Zedekiah himself Now, as to Zedekiah himself while he heard the prophet speak while he heard the prophet speak while he heard the prophet speak he believed him he believed him he believed him and agreed to everything as true and and agreed to everything as true and and agreed to everything as true and supposed it was for his advantage. supposed it was for his advantage. supposed it was for his advantage. But then his friends perverted him and But then his friends perverted him and But then his friends perverted him and dissuaded him from what the prophet dissuaded him from what the prophet dissuaded him from what the prophet advised advised advised and obliged him to do what they pleased. and obliged him to do what they pleased. and obliged him to do what they pleased. Ezequiel also foretold in Babylon Ezequiel also foretold in Babylon Ezequiel also foretold in Babylon what calamities were coming upon the what calamities were coming upon the what calamities were coming upon the people people people which when he heard he sent accounts of which when he heard he sent accounts of which when he heard he sent accounts of them unto Jerusalem. But Zedekiah did not believe their But Zedekiah did not believe their prophecies for the reason following. prophecies for the reason following. prophecies for the reason following. It happened that the two prophets agreed It happened that the two prophets agreed It happened that the two prophets agreed with one another in what they said as in with one another in what they said as in with one another in what they said as in all other things all other things all other things that the city should be taken that the city should be taken that the city should be taken and Zedekiah himself should be taken and Zedekiah himself should be taken and Zedekiah himself should be taken captive.

captive. captive. But Ezequiel disagreed with him and said But Ezequiel disagreed with him and said But Ezequiel disagreed with him and said that Zedekiah should not see Babylon that Zedekiah should not see Babylon that Zedekiah should not see Babylon while Jeremiah said to him while Jeremiah said to him while Jeremiah said to him that the king of Babylon should carry that the king of Babylon should carry that the king of Babylon should carry him away thither in bonds. Now when Zedekiah had preserved the Now when Zedekiah had preserved the league of mutual assistance he had made league of mutual assistance he had made league of mutual assistance he had made with the Babylonians for eight years with the Babylonians for eight years with the Babylonians for eight years he break it he break it he break it and revolted to the Egyptians in hopes and revolted to the Egyptians in hopes and revolted to the Egyptians in hopes by their assistance of overcoming the by their assistance of overcoming the by their assistance of overcoming the Babylonians. Babylonians. Babylonians. When the king of Babylon knew this When the king of Babylon knew this When the king of Babylon knew this he made war against him. He laid his he made war against him. He laid his he made war against him. He laid his country waste and took his fortified country waste and took his fortified country waste and took his fortified towns towns towns and came to the city Jerusalem itself to and came to the city Jerusalem itself to and came to the city Jerusalem itself to besiege it. besiege it. besiege it. But when the king of Egypt heard what But when the king of Egypt heard what But when the king of Egypt heard what circumstances circumstances circumstances Zedekiah his ally was in Zedekiah his ally was in Zedekiah his ally was in he took a great army with him and came he took a great army with him and came he took a great army with him and came into Judea into Judea into Judea as if he would raise the siege as if he would raise the siege as if he would raise the siege upon which the king of Babylon departed upon which the king of Babylon departed upon which the king of Babylon departed from Jerusalem from Jerusalem from Jerusalem and met the Egyptians and joined battle and met the Egyptians and joined battle and met the Egyptians and joined battle with them and beat them.

with them and beat them. with them and beat them. And when he had put them to flight And when he had put them to flight And when he had put them to flight he pursued them and drove them out of he pursued them and drove them out of he pursued them and drove them out of all Syria. all Syria. all Syria. Now, as soon as the king of Babylon was Now, as soon as the king of Babylon was Now, as soon as the king of Babylon was departed from Jerusalem, the false departed from Jerusalem, the false departed from Jerusalem, the false prophets deceived Zedekiah prophets deceived Zedekiah prophets deceived Zedekiah and said that the king of Babylon would and said that the king of Babylon would and said that the king of Babylon would not any more make war against him or his not any more make war against him or his not any more make war against him or his people people people nor remove them out of their own country nor remove them out of their own country nor remove them out of their own country into Babylon into Babylon into Babylon and that those then in captivity would and that those then in captivity would and that those then in captivity would return with all those vessels of the return with all those vessels of the return with all those vessels of the temple of which the king of Babylon had temple of which the king of Babylon had temple of which the king of Babylon had despoiled that temple. despoiled that temple. despoiled that temple. But Jeremiah came among them and But Jeremiah came among them and But Jeremiah came among them and prophesied what contradicted those prophesied what contradicted those prophesied what contradicted those predictions predictions predictions and what proved to be true, that they and what proved to be true, that they and what proved to be true, that they did ill and deluded the king did ill and deluded the king did ill and deluded the king that the Egyptians would be of no that the Egyptians would be of no that the Egyptians would be of no advantage to them advantage to them advantage to them but that the king of Babylon would renew but that the king of Babylon would renew but that the king of Babylon would renew the war against Jerusalem and besiege it the war against Jerusalem and besiege it the war against Jerusalem and besiege it again again again and would destroy the people by famine and would destroy the people by famine and would destroy the people by famine and carry away those that remained into and carry away those that remained into and carry away those that remained into captivity captivity captivity and would take away what they had as and would take away what they had as and would take away what they had as spoils and would carry off those riches spoils and would carry off those riches spoils and would carry off those riches that were in the temple that were in the temple that were in the temple nay, that besides this, he would burn it nay, that besides this, he would burn it nay, that besides this, he would burn it and utterly overthrow the city and utterly overthrow the city and utterly overthrow the city and that they should serve him and his and that they should serve him and his and that they should serve him and his posterity 70 years.

posterity 70 years. posterity 70 years. That then the Persians and the Medes That then the Persians and the Medes That then the Persians and the Medes should put an end to their servitude should put an end to their servitude should put an end to their servitude and overthrow the Babylonians and overthrow the Babylonians and overthrow the Babylonians and and and that we shall be dismissed, can return that we shall be dismissed, can return that we shall be dismissed, can return to this land and rebuild the temple and to this land and rebuild the temple and to this land and rebuild the temple and restore Jerusalem. When Jeremiah said this, When Jeremiah said this, the greater part believed him. the greater part believed him. the greater part believed him. But the rulers and those that were But the rulers and those that were But the rulers and those that were wicked despised him wicked despised him wicked despised him as one disordered in his senses. as one disordered in his senses. as one disordered in his senses. Now, he had resolved to go elsewhere to Now, he had resolved to go elsewhere to Now, he had resolved to go elsewhere to his own country, which was called his own country, which was called his own country, which was called Anathoth, Anathoth, Anathoth, and was 20 furlongs distant from and was 20 furlongs distant from and was 20 furlongs distant from Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. And as he was going, one of the rulers And as he was going, one of the rulers And as he was going, one of the rulers met him and seized upon him and accused met him and seized upon him and accused met him and seized upon him and accused him falsely as though he were going as a him falsely as though he were going as a him falsely as though he were going as a deserter to the Babylonians. deserter to the Babylonians. deserter to the Babylonians. But Jeremiah said that he accused him But Jeremiah said that he accused him But Jeremiah said that he accused him falsely falsely falsely and added that he was only going to his and added that he was only going to his and added that he was only going to his own country.

own country. own country. But the other would not believe him, but But the other would not believe him, but But the other would not believe him, but seized upon him and led him away to the seized upon him and led him away to the seized upon him and led him away to the rulers and laid an accusation against rulers and laid an accusation against rulers and laid an accusation against him, under whom he endured all sorts of him, under whom he endured all sorts of him, under whom he endured all sorts of torments and tortures. torments and tortures. torments and tortures. And was reserved to be punished. And was reserved to be punished. And was reserved to be punished. And this was the condition he was in for And this was the condition he was in for And this was the condition he was in for some time while he suffered what I've some time while he suffered what I've some time while he suffered what I've already described unjustly. Now, in the ninth year of the reign of Now, in the ninth year of the reign of Zedekiah, on the 10th day of the 10th Zedekiah, on the 10th day of the 10th Zedekiah, on the 10th day of the 10th month, the king of Babylon made a second month, the king of Babylon made a second month, the king of Babylon made a second expedition against Jerusalem expedition against Jerusalem expedition against Jerusalem and lay before it 18 months and lay before it 18 months and lay before it 18 months and besieged it with the utmost and besieged it with the utmost and besieged it with the utmost application. application. application. There came upon them also two of the There came upon them also two of the There came upon them also two of the greatest calamities greatest calamities greatest calamities at the same time that Jerusalem was at the same time that Jerusalem was at the same time that Jerusalem was besieged. besieged. besieged. A famine A famine A famine and a pestilential distemper and a pestilential distemper and a pestilential distemper and made great havoc of them.

and made great havoc of them. and made great havoc of them. And though the prophet Jeremiah was And though the prophet Jeremiah was And though the prophet Jeremiah was in prison, he did not rest, but cried in prison, he did not rest, but cried in prison, he did not rest, but cried out and proclaimed aloud and exhorted out and proclaimed aloud and exhorted out and proclaimed aloud and exhorted the multitude to open their gates and the multitude to open their gates and the multitude to open their gates and admit the king of Babylon admit the king of Babylon admit the king of Babylon for that if they did so, they should be for that if they did so, they should be for that if they did so, they should be preserved and their whole families, but preserved and their whole families, but preserved and their whole families, but if they did not so, if they did not so, if they did not so, they should be destroyed. they should be destroyed. they should be destroyed. And he foretold And he foretold And he foretold that if anyone stayed in the city, that if anyone stayed in the city, that if anyone stayed in the city, he should certainly perish by one of he should certainly perish by one of he should certainly perish by one of these ways, these ways, these ways, either be consumed by the famine either be consumed by the famine either be consumed by the famine or slain by the enemy's sword. or slain by the enemy's sword. or slain by the enemy's sword. But that if he would flee to the enemy, But that if he would flee to the enemy, But that if he would flee to the enemy, he should escape death. he should escape death. he should escape death. Yet did not these rulers who heard Yet did not these rulers who heard Yet did not these rulers who heard believe him believe him believe him even when they were in the midst of even when they were in the midst of even when they were in the midst of their sore calamities. their sore calamities. their sore calamities. But they came to the king and in their But they came to the king and in their But they came to the king and in their anger informed him what Jeremiah had anger informed him what Jeremiah had anger informed him what Jeremiah had said said said and accused him and complained of the and accused him and complained of the and accused him and complained of the prophet as of a madman prophet as of a madman prophet as of a madman and one that disheartened their minds and one that disheartened their minds and one that disheartened their minds and by the denunciation of miseries and by the denunciation of miseries and by the denunciation of miseries weakened the alacrity of the multitude weakened the alacrity of the multitude weakened the alacrity of the multitude who were otherwise ready to expose who were otherwise ready to expose who were otherwise ready to expose themselves to dangers for him and for themselves to dangers for him and for themselves to dangers for him and for their country their country their country while he in a way of threatening warned while he in a way of threatening warned while he in a way of threatening warned them to flee to the enemy and told them them to flee to the enemy and told them them to flee to the enemy and told them that the city should certainly be taken

that the city should certainly be taken that the city should certainly be taken and be utterly destroyed. But for the king himself, But for the king himself, he was not at all irritated against he was not at all irritated against he was not at all irritated against Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Such was his gentle and righteous Such was his gentle and righteous Such was his gentle and righteous disposition. disposition. disposition. Yet that he might not be engaged in a Yet that he might not be engaged in a Yet that he might not be engaged in a quarrel with those rulers at such time quarrel with those rulers at such time quarrel with those rulers at such time by opposing what they intended, by opposing what they intended, by opposing what they intended, he let them do with the prophet he let them do with the prophet he let them do with the prophet whatsoever they would. whatsoever they would. whatsoever they would. Whereupon when the king had granted them Whereupon when the king had granted them Whereupon when the king had granted them such a permission, they presently came such a permission, they presently came such a permission, they presently came into the prison and took him and let him into the prison and took him and let him into the prison and took him and let him down with a cord to a pit full of mire down with a cord to a pit full of mire down with a cord to a pit full of mire that he might be suffocated and die of that he might be suffocated and die of that he might be suffocated and die of himself. himself. himself. So, he stood up to the neck in the mire So, he stood up to the neck in the mire So, he stood up to the neck in the mire which was all about him which was all about him which was all about him and so continued. and so continued. and so continued. But, there was one of the king's But, there was one of the king's But, there was one of the king's servants who was in esteem with him, servants who was in esteem with him, servants who was in esteem with him, an Ethiopian by the sect, an Ethiopian by the sect, an Ethiopian by the sect, who told the king what a state the who told the king what a state the who told the king what a state the prophet was in prophet was in prophet was in and said that his friends and his rulers and said that his friends and his rulers and said that his friends and his rulers had done evil in putting the prophet had done evil in putting the prophet had done evil in putting the prophet into the mire into the mire into the mire and by that means contriving against him and by that means contriving against him and by that means contriving against him that he should suffer a death more that he should suffer a death more that he should suffer a death more bitter than that by his bonds only.

bitter than that by his bonds only. bitter than that by his bonds only. When the king heard this, When the king heard this, When the king heard this, he repented of his having delivered up he repented of his having delivered up he repented of his having delivered up the prophet to the rulers the prophet to the rulers the prophet to the rulers and bid the Ethiopian take 30 men of the and bid the Ethiopian take 30 men of the and bid the Ethiopian take 30 men of the king's guards king's guards king's guards and cords with them and cords with them and cords with them and whatsoever else they understood to and whatsoever else they understood to and whatsoever else they understood to be necessary for the prophet's be necessary for the prophet's be necessary for the prophet's preservation preservation preservation and to draw him up immediately. and to draw him up immediately. and to draw him up immediately. So, the Ethiopian took the men he was So, the Ethiopian took the men he was So, the Ethiopian took the men he was ordered to take and drew up the prophet ordered to take and drew up the prophet ordered to take and drew up the prophet out of the mire out of the mire out of the mire and left him at liberty in the prison. But, when the king had sent to call him But, when the king had sent to call him privately and inquired what he could say privately and inquired what he could say privately and inquired what he could say to him from God to him from God to him from God which might be suitable to his present which might be suitable to his present which might be suitable to his present circumstances circumstances circumstances and desired him to inform him of it, and desired him to inform him of it, and desired him to inform him of it, Jeremiah replied Jeremiah replied Jeremiah replied that he had somewhat to say, that he had somewhat to say, that he had somewhat to say, but he said with all, but he said with all, but he said with all, "He should not be believed, nor if he "He should not be believed, nor if he "He should not be believed, nor if he admonished them admonished them admonished them should be hearkened to.

should be hearkened to. should be hearkened to. For, said he, thy friends have For, said he, thy friends have For, said he, thy friends have determined to destroy me determined to destroy me determined to destroy me as though I had been guilty of some as though I had been guilty of some as though I had been guilty of some wickedness. wickedness. wickedness. And where are now those men who deceived And where are now those men who deceived And where are now those men who deceived us us us and said that the king of Babylon would and said that the king of Babylon would and said that the king of Babylon would not come and fight against us anymore? not come and fight against us anymore? not come and fight against us anymore? But I am afraid now to speak the truth, But I am afraid now to speak the truth, But I am afraid now to speak the truth, lest thou shouldst condemn me to die. lest thou shouldst condemn me to die. lest thou shouldst condemn me to die. And when the king had assured him upon And when the king had assured him upon And when the king had assured him upon oath that he would neither himself put oath that he would neither himself put oath that he would neither himself put him to death him to death him to death nor deliver him up to the rulers, nor deliver him up to the rulers, nor deliver him up to the rulers, he became bold upon that assurance that he became bold upon that assurance that he became bold upon that assurance that was given him and gave him this advice, was given him and gave him this advice, was given him and gave him this advice, that he should deliver the city up to that he should deliver the city up to that he should deliver the city up to the Babylonians. the Babylonians. the Babylonians. And he said that it was God who And he said that it was God who And he said that it was God who prophesied this by him, prophesied this by him, prophesied this by him, that he must do so if he would be that he must do so if he would be that he must do so if he would be preserved preserved preserved to escape out of the danger he was in.

to escape out of the danger he was in. to escape out of the danger he was in. And that then neither should the city And that then neither should the city And that then neither should the city fall to the ground, nor should the fall to the ground, nor should the fall to the ground, nor should the temple be burned. temple be burned. temple be burned. But that if he disobeyed, But that if he disobeyed, But that if he disobeyed, he would be the cause of these miseries he would be the cause of these miseries he would be the cause of these miseries coming upon the citizens coming upon the citizens coming upon the citizens and of the calamity that would befall and of the calamity that would befall and of the calamity that would befall his whole house. When the king heard this, he said that When the king heard this, he said that he would willingly do what he persuaded he would willingly do what he persuaded he would willingly do what he persuaded him to do him to do him to do and what he declared would be to his and what he declared would be to his and what he declared would be to his advantage, but that he was afraid of advantage, but that he was afraid of advantage, but that he was afraid of those of his own country that had fallen those of his own country that had fallen those of his own country that had fallen away to the Babylonians, away to the Babylonians, away to the Babylonians, lest he should be accused by them to the lest he should be accused by them to the lest he should be accused by them to the king of Babylon king of Babylon king of Babylon and be punished. and be punished. and be punished. But the prophet encouraged him But the prophet encouraged him But the prophet encouraged him and said he had no cause to fear such and said he had no cause to fear such and said he had no cause to fear such punishment. punishment. punishment. For that he should not have the For that he should not have the For that he should not have the experience of any misfortune experience of any misfortune experience of any misfortune if he would deliver all up to the if he would deliver all up to the if he would deliver all up to the Babylonians, Babylonians, Babylonians, either himself, nor his children, nor either himself, nor his children, nor either himself, nor his children, nor his wives, his wives, his wives, and that the temple and that the temple and that the temple should then continue unhurt.

should then continue unhurt. should then continue unhurt. So, when Jeremiah had said this, the So, when Jeremiah had said this, the So, when Jeremiah had said this, the king let him go and charged him to king let him go and charged him to king let him go and charged him to betray what they had resolved on to none betray what they had resolved on to none betray what they had resolved on to none of the citizens, nor to tell any of of the citizens, nor to tell any of of the citizens, nor to tell any of these matters to any of the rulers, these matters to any of the rulers, these matters to any of the rulers, if they should have learned that he had if they should have learned that he had if they should have learned that he had been sent for and should inquire of him been sent for and should inquire of him been sent for and should inquire of him what it was that he was sent for and what it was that he was sent for and what it was that he was sent for and what he had said to him, but to pretend what he had said to him, but to pretend what he had said to him, but to pretend to them that he besought him that he to them that he besought him that he to them that he besought him that he might not be kept in bonds and in might not be kept in bonds and in might not be kept in bonds and in prison. prison. prison. And indeed, he said so to them, for they And indeed, he said so to them, for they And indeed, he said so to them, for they came to the prophet and asked him what came to the prophet and asked him what came to the prophet and asked him what advice it was advice it was advice it was that he came to give the king related to that he came to give the king related to that he came to give the king related to them. them. them. And thus, And thus, And thus, I have finished what concerns this I have finished what concerns this I have finished what concerns this matter. matter. matter. End of book 10, chapters 5 through 7. End of book 10, chapters 5 through 7. End of book 10, chapters 5 through 7. Recording by Bill Mosley, Recording by Bill Mosley, Recording by Bill Mosley, Frelsburg, Texas, Frelsburg, Texas, Frelsburg, Texas, USA.

Book 10, chapters 8 and 9 of The Book 10, chapters 8 and 9 of The Antiquities of the Jews. Antiquities of the Jews. Antiquities of the Jews. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. public domain. public domain. For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, For more information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. translated by William Whiston. Book 10, chapters 8 and 9. Book 10, chapters 8 and 9. Book 10, chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 8. How the king of Babylon took Chapter 8. How the king of Babylon took Chapter 8. How the king of Babylon took Jerusalem and burnt the temple and Jerusalem and burnt the temple and Jerusalem and burnt the temple and removed the people of Jerusalem and removed the people of Jerusalem and removed the people of Jerusalem and Zedekiah to Babylon. Zedekiah to Babylon. Zedekiah to Babylon. And also, who they were that had And also, who they were that had And also, who they were that had succeeded in the high priesthood under succeeded in the high priesthood under succeeded in the high priesthood under the kings. the kings. the kings. Now, the king of Babylon was very intent Now, the king of Babylon was very intent Now, the king of Babylon was very intent and earnest upon the siege of Jerusalem. and earnest upon the siege of Jerusalem. and earnest upon the siege of Jerusalem. And he erected towers upon great banks And he erected towers upon great banks And he erected towers upon great banks of earth. of earth. of earth. And from them repelled those that stood And from them repelled those that stood And from them repelled those that stood upon the walls. upon the walls. upon the walls. He also made a great number of such He also made a great number of such He also made a great number of such banks round about the whole city. banks round about the whole city. banks round about the whole city. Whose height was equal to those walls. Whose height was equal to those walls. Whose height was equal to those walls. However, those that were within bore the However, those that were within bore the However, those that were within bore the siege with courage and alacrity. For siege with courage and alacrity. For siege with courage and alacrity. For they were not discouraged either by the they were not discouraged either by the they were not discouraged either by the famine or by the pestilential famine or by the pestilential famine or by the pestilential but were of cheerful minds in the but were of cheerful minds in the but were of cheerful minds in the prosecution of the war.

prosecution of the war. prosecution of the war. Although those miseries within oppressed Although those miseries within oppressed Although those miseries within oppressed them also. And they did not suffer them also. And they did not suffer them also. And they did not suffer themselves to be terrified. Either by themselves to be terrified. Either by themselves to be terrified. Either by the contrivances of the enemy or by the contrivances of the enemy or by the contrivances of the enemy or by their engines of war. their engines of war. their engines of war. But contrived still different engines to But contrived still different engines to But contrived still different engines to oppose all the other withal. oppose all the other withal. oppose all the other withal. Till indeed there seemed to be an entire Till indeed there seemed to be an entire Till indeed there seemed to be an entire struggle between the Babylonians and the struggle between the Babylonians and the struggle between the Babylonians and the people of Jerusalem. people of Jerusalem. people of Jerusalem. Which had the greater sagacity and Which had the greater sagacity and Which had the greater sagacity and skill. skill. skill. The former party supposing they should The former party supposing they should The former party supposing they should be thereby too hard for the other for be thereby too hard for the other for be thereby too hard for the other for the destruction of the city. the destruction of the city. the destruction of the city. The latter placing their hopes of The latter placing their hopes of The latter placing their hopes of deliverance in nothing else but in deliverance in nothing else but in deliverance in nothing else but in persevering in such inventions in persevering in such inventions in persevering in such inventions in opposition to the other as might opposition to the other as might opposition to the other as might demonstrate the enemy's engines were demonstrate the enemy's engines were demonstrate the enemy's engines were useless to them. useless to them. useless to them. And this siege they endured for 18 And this siege they endured for 18 And this siege they endured for 18 months until they were destroyed by the months until they were destroyed by the months until they were destroyed by the famine and by the darts which the enemy famine and by the darts which the enemy famine and by the darts which the enemy threw at them from the towers. threw at them from the towers. threw at them from the towers. Now, the city was taken on the ninth day Now, the city was taken on the ninth day Now, the city was taken on the ninth day of the fourth month in the 11th year of of the fourth month in the 11th year of of the fourth month in the 11th year of the reign of Zedekiah. the reign of Zedekiah. the reign of Zedekiah. They were indeed only generals of the They were indeed only generals of the They were indeed only generals of the king of Babylon to whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to whom Nebuchadnezzar committed the care of the siege.

committed the care of the siege. committed the care of the siege. For he abode himself in the city of For he abode himself in the city of For he abode himself in the city of Riblah. Riblah. Riblah. The names of these generals who ravaged The names of these generals who ravaged The names of these generals who ravaged and subdued Jerusalem, if anyone desires and subdued Jerusalem, if anyone desires and subdued Jerusalem, if anyone desires to know them, were these. to know them, were these. to know them, were these. Nergal Sharezer, Nergal Sharezer, Nergal Sharezer, Samgar Nebo, Samgar Nebo, Samgar Nebo, Sarsechim and Rab-saris and Rab-mag. Sarsechim and Rab-saris and Rab-mag. Sarsechim and Rab-saris and Rab-mag. And when the city was taken about And when the city was taken about And when the city was taken about midnight and the enemies generals were midnight and the enemies generals were midnight and the enemies generals were entered into the temple, and when entered into the temple, and when entered into the temple, and when Zedekiah was sensible of it, he took his Zedekiah was sensible of it, he took his Zedekiah was sensible of it, he took his wives, and his children, and his wives, and his children, and his wives, and his children, and his captains, and his friends, and with them captains, and his friends, and with them captains, and his friends, and with them fled out of the city through the fled out of the city through the fled out of the city through the fortified ditch and through the desert. fortified ditch and through the desert. fortified ditch and through the desert. And when certain of the deserters had And when certain of the deserters had And when certain of the deserters had informed the Babylonians of this, at informed the Babylonians of this, at informed the Babylonians of this, at break of day, they made haste to pursue break of day, they made haste to pursue break of day, they made haste to pursue after Zedekiah, and overtook him not far after Zedekiah, and overtook him not far after Zedekiah, and overtook him not far from Jericho, and encompassed him about. from Jericho, and encompassed him about. from Jericho, and encompassed him about. But for those friends and captains of But for those friends and captains of But for those friends and captains of Zedekiah who had fled out of the city Zedekiah who had fled out of the city Zedekiah who had fled out of the city with him, when they saw their enemies with him, when they saw their enemies with him, when they saw their enemies near them, they left him, near them, they left him, near them, they left him, and dispersed themselves, some one way and dispersed themselves, some one way and dispersed themselves, some one way and some another, and everyone resolved and some another, and everyone resolved and some another, and everyone resolved to save himself. So, the enemy took to save himself. So, the enemy took to save himself. So, the enemy took Zedekiah alive when he was deserted by Zedekiah alive when he was deserted by Zedekiah alive when he was deserted by all but a few, with his children and his all but a few, with his children and his all but a few, with his children and his wives, and brought him to the king.

wives, and brought him to the king. wives, and brought him to the king. When he was come, Nebuchadnezzar began When he was come, Nebuchadnezzar began When he was come, Nebuchadnezzar began to call him a wicked wretch and a to call him a wicked wretch and a to call him a wicked wretch and a covenant breaker, and one that had covenant breaker, and one that had covenant breaker, and one that had forgotten his former words when he forgotten his former words when he forgotten his former words when he promised to keep the country for him. promised to keep the country for him. promised to keep the country for him. He also reproached him for his He also reproached him for his He also reproached him for his ingratitude, that when he had received ingratitude, that when he had received ingratitude, that when he had received the kingdom from him, who had taken it the kingdom from him, who had taken it the kingdom from him, who had taken it from Jehoiakim, and given it to him, he from Jehoiakim, and given it to him, he from Jehoiakim, and given it to him, he had made use of the power he gave him had made use of the power he gave him had made use of the power he gave him against him that gave it. against him that gave it. against him that gave it. But, said he, God is great, who hated But, said he, God is great, who hated But, said he, God is great, who hated that conduct of thine, and hath brought that conduct of thine, and hath brought that conduct of thine, and hath brought thee under us. thee under us. thee under us. And when he had used these words to And when he had used these words to And when he had used these words to Zedekiah, he commanded his sons and his Zedekiah, he commanded his sons and his Zedekiah, he commanded his sons and his friends to be slain while Zedekiah and friends to be slain while Zedekiah and friends to be slain while Zedekiah and the rest of the captains looked on. the rest of the captains looked on. the rest of the captains looked on. After which, he put out the eyes of After which, he put out the eyes of After which, he put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him, and carried him Zedekiah and bound him, and carried him Zedekiah and bound him, and carried him to Babylon. to Babylon. to Babylon. And these things happened to him as And these things happened to him as And these things happened to him as Jeremiah and Ezekiel had foretold to Jeremiah and Ezekiel had foretold to Jeremiah and Ezekiel had foretold to him, him, him, that he should be caught and brought that he should be caught and brought that he should be caught and brought before the king of Babylon, and should before the king of Babylon, and should before the king of Babylon, and should speak to him face to face, and should speak to him face to face, and should speak to him face to face, and should see his eyes with his own eyes, and thus see his eyes with his own eyes, and thus see his eyes with his own eyes, and thus far did Jeremiah prophesy. far did Jeremiah prophesy. far did Jeremiah prophesy. But, he was also made blind and brought But, he was also made blind and brought But, he was also made blind and brought to Babylon, but did not see it, to Babylon, but did not see it, to Babylon, but did not see it, according to the prediction of Ezekiel.

according to the prediction of Ezekiel. according to the prediction of Ezekiel. We have said thus much because it was We have said thus much because it was We have said thus much because it was sufficient to show the nature of God to sufficient to show the nature of God to sufficient to show the nature of God to such as are ignorant of it, such as are ignorant of it, such as are ignorant of it, that it is various and acts many that it is various and acts many that it is various and acts many different ways, and that all events different ways, and that all events different ways, and that all events happen after a regular manner in their happen after a regular manner in their happen after a regular manner in their proper season, and that it foretells proper season, and that it foretells proper season, and that it foretells what must come to pass. what must come to pass. what must come to pass. It is also sufficient to show the It is also sufficient to show the It is also sufficient to show the ignorance and incredulity of men, ignorance and incredulity of men, ignorance and incredulity of men, whereby they are not permitted to whereby they are not permitted to whereby they are not permitted to foresee anything that is future foresee anything that is future foresee anything that is future and are without guard exposed to and are without guard exposed to and are without guard exposed to calamities, so that it is impossible for calamities, so that it is impossible for calamities, so that it is impossible for them to avoid the experience of those them to avoid the experience of those them to avoid the experience of those calamities. calamities. calamities. And after this manner have the kings of And after this manner have the kings of And after this manner have the kings of David's race ended their lives, David's race ended their lives, David's race ended their lives, being in number 21 until the last king, being in number 21 until the last king, being in number 21 until the last king, who altogether reigned 514 years and 6 who altogether reigned 514 years and 6 who altogether reigned 514 years and 6 months and 10 days, months and 10 days, months and 10 days, of whom Saul, who was their first king, of whom Saul, who was their first king, of whom Saul, who was their first king, retained the government 20 years, though retained the government 20 years, though retained the government 20 years, though he was not of the same tribe with the he was not of the same tribe with the he was not of the same tribe with the rest. rest. rest. And now it was that the king of Babylon And now it was that the king of Babylon And now it was that the king of Babylon sent Nebuzaradan, the general of his sent Nebuzaradan, the general of his sent Nebuzaradan, the general of his army, to Jerusalem to pillage the army, to Jerusalem to pillage the army, to Jerusalem to pillage the temple, temple, temple, who had it also in command to burn it who had it also in command to burn it who had it also in command to burn it and the royal palace and to lay the city and the royal palace and to lay the city and the royal palace and to lay the city even with the ground and to transplant even with the ground and to transplant even with the ground and to transplant the people into Babylon.

the people into Babylon. the people into Babylon. Accordingly, he came to Jerusalem in the Accordingly, he came to Jerusalem in the Accordingly, he came to Jerusalem in the 11th year of King Zedekiah and pillaged 11th year of King Zedekiah and pillaged 11th year of King Zedekiah and pillaged the temple the temple the temple and carried out the vessels of God, both and carried out the vessels of God, both and carried out the vessels of God, both gold and silver, and particularly that gold and silver, and particularly that gold and silver, and particularly that large labor which Solomon dedicated, as large labor which Solomon dedicated, as large labor which Solomon dedicated, as also the pillars of brass and their also the pillars of brass and their also the pillars of brass and their chapiters chapiters chapiters with the golden tables and the with the golden tables and the with the golden tables and the candlesticks. candlesticks. candlesticks. And when he had carried these off, he And when he had carried these off, he And when he had carried these off, he set fire to the temple in the fifth set fire to the temple in the fifth set fire to the temple in the fifth month, the first day of the month, in month, the first day of the month, in month, the first day of the month, in the 11th year of the reign of Zedekiah the 11th year of the reign of Zedekiah the 11th year of the reign of Zedekiah and in the 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar. and in the 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar. and in the 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar. He also burnt the palace and overthrew He also burnt the palace and overthrew He also burnt the palace and overthrew the city. the city. the city. Now, the temple was burnt 476 years, 6 Now, the temple was burnt 476 years, 6 Now, the temple was burnt 476 years, 6 months, and 10 days after it was built. months, and 10 days after it was built. months, and 10 days after it was built. It was then 1,062 years, 6 months, and It was then 1,062 years, 6 months, and It was then 1,062 years, 6 months, and 10 days from the departure out of Egypt. 10 days from the departure out of Egypt. 10 days from the departure out of Egypt. And from the deluge to the destruction And from the deluge to the destruction And from the deluge to the destruction of the temple, the whole interval was of the temple, the whole interval was of the temple, the whole interval was 1,957 1,957 1,957 years, 6 months, and 10 days. years, 6 months, and 10 days. years, 6 months, and 10 days. But from the generation of Adam until But from the generation of Adam until But from the generation of Adam until this befell the temple, there were 3,513 this befell the temple, there were 3,513 this befell the temple, there were 3,513 years, 6 months, and 10 days.

years, 6 months, and 10 days. years, 6 months, and 10 days. So great was the number of years hereto So great was the number of years hereto So great was the number of years hereto belonging. belonging. belonging. And what actions were done during these And what actions were done during these And what actions were done during these years we have particularly related. years we have particularly related. years we have particularly related. But the general of the Babylonian king But the general of the Babylonian king But the general of the Babylonian king now overthrew the city to the very now overthrew the city to the very now overthrew the city to the very foundations, and removed all the people, foundations, and removed all the people, foundations, and removed all the people, and took for prisoners the high priest and took for prisoners the high priest and took for prisoners the high priest Seraiah, Seraiah, Seraiah, and Zephaniah the priest that was next and Zephaniah the priest that was next and Zephaniah the priest that was next to him, and the rulers that guarded the to him, and the rulers that guarded the to him, and the rulers that guarded the temple, who were three in number, temple, who were three in number, temple, who were three in number, and the eunuch who was over the armed and the eunuch who was over the armed and the eunuch who was over the armed men, and seven friends of Zedekiah, and men, and seven friends of Zedekiah, and men, and seven friends of Zedekiah, and his scribe, and 60 other rulers, his scribe, and 60 other rulers, his scribe, and 60 other rulers, all which, together with the vessels all which, together with the vessels all which, together with the vessels which they had pillaged, he carried to which they had pillaged, he carried to which they had pillaged, he carried to the king of Babylon to Riblah, a city of the king of Babylon to Riblah, a city of the king of Babylon to Riblah, a city of Syria. Syria. Syria. So the king commanded the heads of the So the king commanded the heads of the So the king commanded the heads of the high priests and of the rulers to be cut high priests and of the rulers to be cut high priests and of the rulers to be cut off there. off there. off there. But he himself led all the captives and But he himself led all the captives and But he himself led all the captives and Zedekiah to Babylon. Zedekiah to Babylon. Zedekiah to Babylon. He also led Jozadak the high priest away He also led Jozadak the high priest away He also led Jozadak the high priest away bound. bound. bound. He was the son of Seraiah the high He was the son of Seraiah the high He was the son of Seraiah the high priest, whom the king of Babylon had priest, whom the king of Babylon had priest, whom the king of Babylon had slain in Riblah, a city of Syria, as we slain in Riblah, a city of Syria, as we slain in Riblah, a city of Syria, as we just now related. just now related. just now related. And now, because we have enumerated the And now, because we have enumerated the And now, because we have enumerated the succession of kings, and who they were, succession of kings, and who they were, succession of kings, and who they were, and how long they reigned, I think it and how long they reigned, I think it and how long they reigned, I think it necessary to set down the names of the necessary to set down the names of the necessary to set down the names of the high priests, and who they were that high priests, and who they were that high priests, and who they were that succeeded one another in the high succeeded one another in the high succeeded one another in the high priesthood under the kings.

priesthood under the kings. priesthood under the kings. The first high priest then at the temple The first high priest then at the temple The first high priest then at the temple which Solomon built was Zadok. which Solomon built was Zadok. which Solomon built was Zadok. After him his son Achimas received that After him his son Achimas received that After him his son Achimas received that dignity. dignity. dignity. After Achimas was Azarias. After Achimas was Azarias. After Achimas was Azarias. His son was Joram, and Joram's son was His son was Joram, and Joram's son was His son was Joram, and Joram's son was Isus. Isus. Isus. After him was Axiaramus. His son was After him was Axiaramus. His son was After him was Axiaramus. His son was Fidons, and Fidons's son was Sudeas. And Fidons, and Fidons's son was Sudeas. And Fidons, and Fidons's son was Sudeas. And Sudeas' son was Juelus. And Juelus' son Sudeas' son was Juelus. And Juelus' son Sudeas' son was Juelus. And Juelus' son was Jotham. And Jotham's son was Urias. was Jotham. And Jotham's son was Urias. was Jotham. And Jotham's son was Urias. And Urias' son was Nerias. And Nerias' And Urias' son was Nerias. And Nerias' And Urias' son was Nerias. And Nerias' son was Odeas. son was Odeas. son was Odeas. And his son was Sallumus. And Sallumus' And his son was Sallumus. And Sallumus' And his son was Sallumus. And Sallumus' son was Elcias. And his son was Azarias. son was Elcias. And his son was Azarias. son was Elcias. And his son was Azarias. And his son was Sareas. And his son was And his son was Sareas. And his son was And his son was Sareas. And his son was Josedec. Who was carried captive to Josedec. Who was carried captive to Josedec. Who was carried captive to Babylon. Babylon. Babylon. All these received the high priesthood All these received the high priesthood All these received the high priesthood by succession. The sons from their by succession. The sons from their by succession. The sons from their father. father. father. When the king was come to Babylon, he When the king was come to Babylon, he When the king was come to Babylon, he kept Zedekiah in prison until he died. kept Zedekiah in prison until he died. kept Zedekiah in prison until he died. And buried him magnificently. And And buried him magnificently. And And buried him magnificently. And dedicated the vessels he had pillaged dedicated the vessels he had pillaged dedicated the vessels he had pillaged out of the temple of Jerusalem to his out of the temple of Jerusalem to his out of the temple of Jerusalem to his own gods.

own gods. own gods. And planted the people in the country of And planted the people in the country of And planted the people in the country of Babylon. Babylon. Babylon. But freed the high priest from his But freed the high priest from his But freed the high priest from his bonds. bonds. bonds. Chapter nine. Chapter nine. Chapter nine. How Nebuzaradan set Gedaliah over the How Nebuzaradan set Gedaliah over the How Nebuzaradan set Gedaliah over the Jews that were left in Judea. Which Jews that were left in Judea. Which Jews that were left in Judea. Which Gedaliah was a little afterward slain by Gedaliah was a little afterward slain by Gedaliah was a little afterward slain by Ishmael. Ishmael. Ishmael. And Johanan, after Ishmael was driven And Johanan, after Ishmael was driven And Johanan, after Ishmael was driven away, went down into Egypt with the away, went down into Egypt with the away, went down into Egypt with the people. Which people Nebuchadnezzar, people. Which people Nebuchadnezzar, people. Which people Nebuchadnezzar, when he made an expedition against the when he made an expedition against the when he made an expedition against the Egyptians, took captive and brought them Egyptians, took captive and brought them Egyptians, took captive and brought them away to Babylon. away to Babylon. away to Babylon. Now the general of the army, Now the general of the army, Now the general of the army, Nebuzaradan, when he had carried the Nebuzaradan, when he had carried the Nebuzaradan, when he had carried the people of the Jews into captivity, left people of the Jews into captivity, left people of the Jews into captivity, left the poor and those that had deserted in the poor and those that had deserted in the poor and those that had deserted in the country. And made one whose name was the country. And made one whose name was the country. And made one whose name was Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, a person of Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, a person of Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, a person of a noble family, their governor. a noble family, their governor. a noble family, their governor. Which Gedaliah was of a gentle and Which Gedaliah was of a gentle and Which Gedaliah was of a gentle and righteous disposition. righteous disposition. righteous disposition. He also commanded them that they should He also commanded them that they should He also commanded them that they should cultivate the ground. And pay an cultivate the ground. And pay an cultivate the ground. And pay an appointed tribute to the king. appointed tribute to the king. appointed tribute to the king. He also took Jeremiah the prophet out of He also took Jeremiah the prophet out of He also took Jeremiah the prophet out of prison. And would have persuaded him to prison. And would have persuaded him to prison. And would have persuaded him to go along with him to Babylon. For that go along with him to Babylon. For that go along with him to Babylon. For that he had been enjoined by the king to he had been enjoined by the king to he had been enjoined by the king to supply him with whatsoever he wanted.

supply him with whatsoever he wanted. supply him with whatsoever he wanted. And if he did not like to do so, he And if he did not like to do so, he And if he did not like to do so, he desired to inform him where he resolved desired to inform him where he resolved desired to inform him where he resolved to dwell. to dwell. to dwell. That he might signify the same to the That he might signify the same to the That he might signify the same to the king. king. king. But the prophet had no mind to follow But the prophet had no mind to follow But the prophet had no mind to follow him, nor to dwell anywhere else, but him, nor to dwell anywhere else, but him, nor to dwell anywhere else, but would gladly live in the ruins of his would gladly live in the ruins of his would gladly live in the ruins of his country and in the miserable remains of country and in the miserable remains of country and in the miserable remains of it. it. it. When the general understood what his When the general understood what his When the general understood what his purpose was, he enjoined Gedaliah, whom purpose was, he enjoined Gedaliah, whom purpose was, he enjoined Gedaliah, whom he left behind, to take all possible he left behind, to take all possible he left behind, to take all possible care of him and to supply him with care of him and to supply him with care of him and to supply him with whatsoever he wanted. whatsoever he wanted. whatsoever he wanted. So, when he had given him rich presents, So, when he had given him rich presents, So, when he had given him rich presents, he dismissed him. he dismissed him. he dismissed him. Accordingly, Jeremiah abode in a city of Accordingly, Jeremiah abode in a city of Accordingly, Jeremiah abode in a city of that country which was called Mispa that country which was called Mispa that country which was called Mispa and desired of Nebuzaradan that he would and desired of Nebuzaradan that he would and desired of Nebuzaradan that he would set at liberty his disciple Baruch, the set at liberty his disciple Baruch, the set at liberty his disciple Baruch, the son of Neriah, one of a very eminent son of Neriah, one of a very eminent son of Neriah, one of a very eminent family and exceedingly skillful in the family and exceedingly skillful in the family and exceedingly skillful in the language of his country. language of his country. language of his country. When Nebuzaradan had done this, he made When Nebuzaradan had done this, he made When Nebuzaradan had done this, he made haste to Babylon. haste to Babylon. haste to Babylon. But as to those that fled away during But as to those that fled away during But as to those that fled away during the siege of Jerusalem and had been the siege of Jerusalem and had been the siege of Jerusalem and had been scattered over the country, when they scattered over the country, when they scattered over the country, when they heard that the Babylonians were gone heard that the Babylonians were gone heard that the Babylonians were gone away and had left a remnant in the land away and had left a remnant in the land away and had left a remnant in the land of Jerusalem of Jerusalem of Jerusalem and those such as were to cultivate the and those such as were to cultivate the and those such as were to cultivate the same, same, same, they came together from all parts to they came together from all parts to they came together from all parts to Gedaliah to Mispa.

Gedaliah to Mispa. Gedaliah to Mispa. Now, the rulers that were over them were Now, the rulers that were over them were Now, the rulers that were over them were Johanan, the son of Carea, and Jezaniah Johanan, the son of Carea, and Jezaniah Johanan, the son of Carea, and Jezaniah and Seraiah and others beside them. and Seraiah and others beside them. and Seraiah and others beside them. Now, there was of the royal family one Now, there was of the royal family one Now, there was of the royal family one Ishmael, a wicked man and very crafty, Ishmael, a wicked man and very crafty, Ishmael, a wicked man and very crafty, who during the siege of Jerusalem fled who during the siege of Jerusalem fled who during the siege of Jerusalem fled to Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, to Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, to Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, and abode with him during that time. and abode with him during that time. and abode with him during that time. And Gedaliah persuaded them, now they And Gedaliah persuaded them, now they And Gedaliah persuaded them, now they were there, to stay with him and to have were there, to stay with him and to have were there, to stay with him and to have no fear of the Babylonians, for that if no fear of the Babylonians, for that if no fear of the Babylonians, for that if they would cultivate the country, they they would cultivate the country, they they would cultivate the country, they would suffer no harm. would suffer no harm. would suffer no harm. This he assured them by oath and said This he assured them by oath and said This he assured them by oath and said that they should have him for their that they should have him for their that they should have him for their patron and that if any disturbance patron and that if any disturbance patron and that if any disturbance should arise, they should find him ready should arise, they should find him ready should arise, they should find him ready to defend them. to defend them. to defend them. He also advised them to dwell in any He also advised them to dwell in any He also advised them to dwell in any city as every one of them pleased and city as every one of them pleased and city as every one of them pleased and that they would send men along with his that they would send men along with his that they would send men along with his own servants and rebuild their houses own servants and rebuild their houses own servants and rebuild their houses upon the old foundations and dwell upon the old foundations and dwell upon the old foundations and dwell there. there. there. And he admonished them beforehand that And he admonished them beforehand that And he admonished them beforehand that they should make preparation while the they should make preparation while the they should make preparation while the season lasted of corn and wine and oil season lasted of corn and wine and oil season lasted of corn and wine and oil that they might have whereon to feed that they might have whereon to feed that they might have whereon to feed during the winter.

during the winter. during the winter. When he had thus discoursed to them, he When he had thus discoursed to them, he When he had thus discoursed to them, he dismissed them that everyone might dwell dismissed them that everyone might dwell dismissed them that everyone might dwell in what place of the country he pleased. in what place of the country he pleased. in what place of the country he pleased. Now when this report was spread abroad Now when this report was spread abroad Now when this report was spread abroad as far as the nations that bordered on as far as the nations that bordered on as far as the nations that bordered on Judea that Gedaliah kindly entertained Judea that Gedaliah kindly entertained Judea that Gedaliah kindly entertained those that came to him after they had those that came to him after they had those that came to him after they had fled away upon this only condition that fled away upon this only condition that fled away upon this only condition that they should pay tribute to the king of they should pay tribute to the king of they should pay tribute to the king of Babylon, they also came readily to Babylon, they also came readily to Babylon, they also came readily to Gedaliah and inhabited the country. Gedaliah and inhabited the country. Gedaliah and inhabited the country. And when Johanan and the rulers that And when Johanan and the rulers that And when Johanan and the rulers that were with him observed the country and were with him observed the country and were with him observed the country and the humanity of Gedaliah, they were the humanity of Gedaliah, they were the humanity of Gedaliah, they were exceedingly in love with him and told exceedingly in love with him and told exceedingly in love with him and told him that Baalis, the king of the him that Baalis, the king of the him that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, had sent Ishmael to kill him Ammonites, had sent Ishmael to kill him Ammonites, had sent Ishmael to kill him by treachery and secretly that he might by treachery and secretly that he might by treachery and secretly that he might have the dominion over the Israelites as have the dominion over the Israelites as have the dominion over the Israelites as being of the royal family. being of the royal family. being of the royal family. And they said that he might deliver And they said that he might deliver And they said that he might deliver himself from this treacherous design if himself from this treacherous design if himself from this treacherous design if he would give them leave to slay Ishmael he would give them leave to slay Ishmael he would give them leave to slay Ishmael and nobody should know it. For they told and nobody should know it. For they told and nobody should know it. For they told him they were afraid that when he was him they were afraid that when he was him they were afraid that when he was killed by the other, the entire ruin of killed by the other, the entire ruin of killed by the other, the entire ruin of the remaining strength of the Israelites the remaining strength of the Israelites the remaining strength of the Israelites would ensue.

would ensue. would ensue. But he professed that he did not believe But he professed that he did not believe But he professed that he did not believe what they said when they told him of what they said when they told him of what they said when they told him of such a treacherous design in a man that such a treacherous design in a man that such a treacherous design in a man that had been well treated by him because it had been well treated by him because it had been well treated by him because it was not probable that one who, under was not probable that one who, under was not probable that one who, under such want of all things, had failed of such want of all things, had failed of such want of all things, had failed of nothing that was necessary for him nothing that was necessary for him nothing that was necessary for him should be found so wicked and ungrateful should be found so wicked and ungrateful should be found so wicked and ungrateful towards his benefactor. towards his benefactor. towards his benefactor. That when it would be an instance of That when it would be an instance of That when it would be an instance of wickedness in him not to save him had he wickedness in him not to save him had he wickedness in him not to save him had he been treacherously assaulted by others been treacherously assaulted by others been treacherously assaulted by others to endeavor, and that earnestly, to kill to endeavor, and that earnestly, to kill to endeavor, and that earnestly, to kill him with his own hands. That however, if him with his own hands. That however, if him with his own hands. That however, if he ought to suppose this information to he ought to suppose this information to he ought to suppose this information to be true, it was better for himself to be be true, it was better for himself to be be true, it was better for himself to be slain by the other than to destroy a man slain by the other than to destroy a man slain by the other than to destroy a man who fled to him for refuge and entrusted who fled to him for refuge and entrusted who fled to him for refuge and entrusted his own safety to him and committed his own safety to him and committed his own safety to him and committed himself to his disposal. himself to his disposal. himself to his disposal. So Johanan and the rulers that were with So Johanan and the rulers that were with So Johanan and the rulers that were with him, not being able to persuade him, not being able to persuade him, not being able to persuade Gedaliah, went away. Gedaliah, went away. Gedaliah, went away. But, after the interval of 30 days was But, after the interval of 30 days was But, after the interval of 30 days was over, Ishmael came again to Gedaliah, to over, Ishmael came again to Gedaliah, to over, Ishmael came again to Gedaliah, to the city Mizpah, and 10 men with him. the city Mizpah, and 10 men with him. the city Mizpah, and 10 men with him. And when he had feasted Ishmael and And when he had feasted Ishmael and And when he had feasted Ishmael and those that were with him in a splendid those that were with him in a splendid those that were with him in a splendid manner at his table, and had given them manner at his table, and had given them manner at his table, and had given them presents, he became disordered in drink presents, he became disordered in drink presents, he became disordered in drink while he endeavored to be very merry while he endeavored to be very merry while he endeavored to be very merry with them.

with them. with them. And when Ishmael saw him in that case, And when Ishmael saw him in that case, And when Ishmael saw him in that case, and that he was drowned in his cups to and that he was drowned in his cups to and that he was drowned in his cups to the degree of insensibility, and fallen the degree of insensibility, and fallen the degree of insensibility, and fallen asleep, he rose up on a sudden with his asleep, he rose up on a sudden with his asleep, he rose up on a sudden with his 10 friends, and slew Gedaliah and those 10 friends, and slew Gedaliah and those 10 friends, and slew Gedaliah and those that were with him at the feast. And that were with him at the feast. And that were with him at the feast. And when he had slain them, he went out by when he had slain them, he went out by when he had slain them, he went out by night and slew all the Jews that were in night and slew all the Jews that were in night and slew all the Jews that were in the city, and those soldiers also which the city, and those soldiers also which the city, and those soldiers also which were therein left by the Babylonians. were therein left by the Babylonians. were therein left by the Babylonians. But, the next day fourscore men came out But, the next day fourscore men came out But, the next day fourscore men came out of the country with presents to of the country with presents to of the country with presents to Gedaliah, none of them knowing what had Gedaliah, none of them knowing what had Gedaliah, none of them knowing what had befallen him. befallen him. befallen him. When Ishmael saw them, he invited them When Ishmael saw them, he invited them When Ishmael saw them, he invited them into Gedaliah, and when they were come into Gedaliah, and when they were come into Gedaliah, and when they were come in, he shut up the court and slew them, in, he shut up the court and slew them, in, he shut up the court and slew them, and cast their dead bodies down into a and cast their dead bodies down into a and cast their dead bodies down into a certain deep pit that they might not be certain deep pit that they might not be certain deep pit that they might not be seen. seen. seen. But, of these fourscore men, Ishmael But, of these fourscore men, Ishmael But, of these fourscore men, Ishmael spared those that entreated him not to spared those that entreated him not to spared those that entreated him not to kill them till they had delivered up to kill them till they had delivered up to kill them till they had delivered up to him what riches they had concealed in him what riches they had concealed in him what riches they had concealed in the fields, consisting of their the fields, consisting of their the fields, consisting of their furniture and garments and corn. furniture and garments and corn. furniture and garments and corn. But, he took captive the people that But, he took captive the people that But, he took captive the people that were in Mizpah with their wives and were in Mizpah with their wives and were in Mizpah with their wives and children, among whom were the daughters children, among whom were the daughters children, among whom were the daughters of King Zedekiah, whom Nebuzaradan, the of King Zedekiah, whom Nebuzaradan, the of King Zedekiah, whom Nebuzaradan, the general of the army of Babylon, had left general of the army of Babylon, had left general of the army of Babylon, had left with Gedaliah.

with Gedaliah. with Gedaliah. And when he had done this, he came to And when he had done this, he came to And when he had done this, he came to the king of the Ammonites. the king of the Ammonites. the king of the Ammonites. But, when Johanan and the rulers with But, when Johanan and the rulers with But, when Johanan and the rulers with him heard of what was done at Mizpah by him heard of what was done at Mizpah by him heard of what was done at Mizpah by Ishmael and of the death of Gedaliah, Ishmael and of the death of Gedaliah, Ishmael and of the death of Gedaliah, they had indignation at it, and every they had indignation at it, and every they had indignation at it, and every one of them took his own armed men and one of them took his own armed men and one of them took his own armed men and came suddenly to fight with Ishmael, and came suddenly to fight with Ishmael, and came suddenly to fight with Ishmael, and overtook him at the fountain in Hebron. overtook him at the fountain in Hebron. overtook him at the fountain in Hebron. And when those that were carried away And when those that were carried away And when those that were carried away captives by Ishmael saw Johanan and the captives by Ishmael saw Johanan and the captives by Ishmael saw Johanan and the rulers, they were very glad and looked rulers, they were very glad and looked rulers, they were very glad and looked upon them as coming to their assistance. upon them as coming to their assistance. upon them as coming to their assistance. So, they left him that had carried them So, they left him that had carried them So, they left him that had carried them captives and came over to Johanan. captives and came over to Johanan. captives and came over to Johanan. Then Ishmael with eight men fled to the Then Ishmael with eight men fled to the Then Ishmael with eight men fled to the king of the Ammonites. But Johanan took king of the Ammonites. But Johanan took king of the Ammonites. But Johanan took those whom he had rescued out of the those whom he had rescued out of the those whom he had rescued out of the hands of Ishmael and the eunuchs and hands of Ishmael and the eunuchs and hands of Ishmael and the eunuchs and their wives and children and came to a their wives and children and came to a their wives and children and came to a certain place called Mandra and there certain place called Mandra and there certain place called Mandra and there they abode that day. For they had they abode that day. For they had they abode that day. For they had determined to remain from thence and go determined to remain from thence and go determined to remain from thence and go into Egypt out of fear lest the into Egypt out of fear lest the into Egypt out of fear lest the Babylonians should slay them in case Babylonians should slay them in case Babylonians should slay them in case they continued in the country and that they continued in the country and that they continued in the country and that out of anger at the slaughter of out of anger at the slaughter of out of anger at the slaughter of Gedaliah who had been by them set over Gedaliah who had been by them set over Gedaliah who had been by them set over it for governor.

it for governor. it for governor. Now, while they were under this Now, while they were under this Now, while they were under this deliberation, Johanan, the son of Careah deliberation, Johanan, the son of Careah deliberation, Johanan, the son of Careah and the rulers that were with him came and the rulers that were with him came and the rulers that were with him came to Jeremiah the prophet and desired that to Jeremiah the prophet and desired that to Jeremiah the prophet and desired that he would pray to God that because they he would pray to God that because they he would pray to God that because they were at an utter loss about what they were at an utter loss about what they were at an utter loss about what they ought to do, he would discover it to ought to do, he would discover it to ought to do, he would discover it to them. them. them. And they swear that they would do And they swear that they would do And they swear that they would do whatsoever Jeremiah should say to them. whatsoever Jeremiah should say to them. whatsoever Jeremiah should say to them. And when the prophet said he would be And when the prophet said he would be And when the prophet said he would be their intercessor with God, it came to their intercessor with God, it came to their intercessor with God, it came to pass that after 10 days God appeared to pass that after 10 days God appeared to pass that after 10 days God appeared to him and said that he should inform him and said that he should inform him and said that he should inform Johanan and the other rulers and all the Johanan and the other rulers and all the Johanan and the other rulers and all the people that he would be with them while people that he would be with them while people that he would be with them while they continued in that country and take they continued in that country and take they continued in that country and take care of them and keep them from being care of them and keep them from being care of them and keep them from being hurt by the Babylonians of whom they hurt by the Babylonians of whom they hurt by the Babylonians of whom they were afraid. were afraid. were afraid. But that he would desert them if they But that he would desert them if they But that he would desert them if they went into Egypt and out of this wrath went into Egypt and out of this wrath went into Egypt and out of this wrath against them would inflict the same against them would inflict the same against them would inflict the same punishments upon them which they knew punishments upon them which they knew punishments upon them which they knew their brethren had already endured. their brethren had already endured. their brethren had already endured. So, when the prophet had informed So, when the prophet had informed So, when the prophet had informed Johanan and the people that God had Johanan and the people that God had Johanan and the people that God had foretold these things, he was not foretold these things, he was not foretold these things, he was not believed when he said that God commanded believed when he said that God commanded believed when he said that God commanded them to continue in the country. them to continue in the country. them to continue in the country. But they imagined that he said so to But they imagined that he said so to But they imagined that he said so to gratify Baruch, his own disciple, and gratify Baruch, his own disciple, and gratify Baruch, his own disciple, and belied God and that he persuaded them to belied God and that he persuaded them to belied God and that he persuaded them to stay there that they might be destroyed stay there that they might be destroyed stay there that they might be destroyed by the Babylonians.

by the Babylonians. by the Babylonians. Accordingly, both the people and Johanan Accordingly, both the people and Johanan Accordingly, both the people and Johanan disobeyed the counsel of God which he disobeyed the counsel of God which he disobeyed the counsel of God which he gave them by the prophet, and removed gave them by the prophet, and removed gave them by the prophet, and removed into Egypt, and carried Jeremiah and into Egypt, and carried Jeremiah and into Egypt, and carried Jeremiah and Baruch along with him. Baruch along with him. Baruch along with him. And when they were there, God signified And when they were there, God signified And when they were there, God signified to the prophet that the king of Babylon to the prophet that the king of Babylon to the prophet that the king of Babylon was about making an expedition against was about making an expedition against was about making an expedition against the Egyptians, and commanded him to the Egyptians, and commanded him to the Egyptians, and commanded him to foretell to the people that Egypt should foretell to the people that Egypt should foretell to the people that Egypt should be taken. be taken. be taken. And the king of Babylon should slay some And the king of Babylon should slay some And the king of Babylon should slay some of them, and should take others captive, of them, and should take others captive, of them, and should take others captive, and bring them to Babylon, which things and bring them to Babylon, which things and bring them to Babylon, which things came to pass accordingly. For on the came to pass accordingly. For on the came to pass accordingly. For on the fifth year after the destruction of fifth year after the destruction of fifth year after the destruction of Jerusalem, which was the 23rd year of Jerusalem, which was the 23rd year of Jerusalem, which was the 23rd year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, he made an the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, he made an the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, he made an expedition against all Assyria, and when expedition against all Assyria, and when expedition against all Assyria, and when he had possessed himself of it, he made he had possessed himself of it, he made he had possessed himself of it, he made war against the Ammonites and Moabites. war against the Ammonites and Moabites. war against the Ammonites and Moabites. And when he had brought all these And when he had brought all these And when he had brought all these nations under subjection, he fell upon nations under subjection, he fell upon nations under subjection, he fell upon Egypt in order to overthrow it. Egypt in order to overthrow it. Egypt in order to overthrow it. And he slew the king that then reigned, And he slew the king that then reigned, And he slew the king that then reigned, and set up another. and set up another. and set up another. And he took those Jews that were there And he took those Jews that were there And he took those Jews that were there captives, and led them away to Babylon. captives, and led them away to Babylon. captives, and led them away to Babylon. And such was the end of the nation of And such was the end of the nation of And such was the end of the nation of the Hebrews, as it have been down to us, the Hebrews, as it have been down to us, the Hebrews, as it have been down to us, it having twice gone beyond Euphrates.

it having twice gone beyond Euphrates. it having twice gone beyond Euphrates. For the people of the 10 tribes were For the people of the 10 tribes were For the people of the 10 tribes were carried out of Samaria by the Assyrians carried out of Samaria by the Assyrians carried out of Samaria by the Assyrians in the days of King Hosea. in the days of King Hosea. in the days of King Hosea. After which the people of the two tribes After which the people of the two tribes After which the people of the two tribes that remained after Jerusalem was taken, that remained after Jerusalem was taken, that remained after Jerusalem was taken, were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, the were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, the were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon and Chaldea. king of Babylon and Chaldea. king of Babylon and Chaldea. Now as to Shalmaneser, he removed the Now as to Shalmaneser, he removed the Now as to Shalmaneser, he removed the Israelites out of their country, and Israelites out of their country, and Israelites out of their country, and placed therein the nation of the placed therein the nation of the placed therein the nation of the Cutheans, who had formerly belonged to Cutheans, who had formerly belonged to Cutheans, who had formerly belonged to the inner parts of Persia and Media, the inner parts of Persia and Media, the inner parts of Persia and Media, but were then called Samaritans by but were then called Samaritans by but were then called Samaritans by taking the name of the country to which taking the name of the country to which taking the name of the country to which they were removed. they were removed. they were removed. But the king of Babylon, who brought out But the king of Babylon, who brought out But the king of Babylon, who brought out the two tribes, placed no other nation the two tribes, placed no other nation the two tribes, placed no other nation in their country, in their country, in their country, by which means all Judea and Jerusalem, by which means all Judea and Jerusalem, by which means all Judea and Jerusalem, and the temple, continued to be a desert and the temple, continued to be a desert and the temple, continued to be a desert for 70 years. for 70 years. for 70 years. But the entire interval of time which But the entire interval of time which But the entire interval of time which passed from the captivity of the passed from the captivity of the passed from the captivity of the Israelites to the carrying away of the Israelites to the carrying away of the Israelites to the carrying away of the two tribes, proved to be 130 years, 6 two tribes, proved to be 130 years, 6 two tribes, proved to be 130 years, 6 months, and 10 days. months, and 10 days. months, and 10 days. End of Book 10, chapters 8 and 9.

Book 10, chapter 10 of The Antiquities Book 10, chapter 10 of The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2. of the Jews, volume 2. of the Jews, volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox recording. All This is a LibriVox 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. volunteer, please visit librivox.org. volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Recording by Karen. Recording by Karen. Recording by Karen. The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2 by The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2 by The Antiquities of the Jews, volume 2 by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Flavius Josephus, translated by William Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. Book 10, chapter 10. Whiston. Book 10, chapter 10. Whiston. Book 10, chapter 10. Chapter 10, concerning Daniel and what Chapter 10, concerning Daniel and what Chapter 10, concerning Daniel and what befell him at Babylon. But now, befell him at Babylon. But now, befell him at Babylon. But now, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took some of the most noble of the Jews that some of the most noble of the Jews that some of the most noble of the Jews that were children and the kinsmen of were children and the kinsmen of were children and the kinsmen of Zedekiah, their king, such as were Zedekiah, their king, such as were Zedekiah, their king, such as were remarkable for the beauty of their remarkable for the beauty of their remarkable for the beauty of their bodies and the comeliness of their bodies and the comeliness of their bodies and the comeliness of their countenances, countenances, countenances, and delivered them into the hands of and delivered them into the hands of and delivered them into the hands of tutors and to the improvements to be tutors and to the improvements to be tutors and to the improvements to be made by them. made by them. made by them. He also made some of them to be eunuchs, He also made some of them to be eunuchs, He also made some of them to be eunuchs, which course he took also with those of which course he took also with those of which course he took also with those of other nations whom he had taken in the other nations whom he had taken in the other nations whom he had taken in the flower of their age, flower of their age, flower of their age, and afforded them their diet from his and afforded them their diet from his and afforded them their diet from his own table, and had them instructed in own table, and had them instructed in own table, and had them instructed in the institutes of the country and taught the institutes of the country and taught the institutes of the country and taught them learning of the Chaldeans. And they them learning of the Chaldeans. And they them learning of the Chaldeans. And they had now exercised themselves had now exercised themselves had now exercised themselves sufficiently in that wisdom which he had sufficiently in that wisdom which he had sufficiently in that wisdom which he had ordered they should apply themselves to.

ordered they should apply themselves to. ordered they should apply themselves to. Now, among these, there were four of the Now, among these, there were four of the Now, among these, there were four of the family of Zedekiah of most excellent family of Zedekiah of most excellent family of Zedekiah of most excellent dispositions. One of whom was called dispositions. One of whom was called dispositions. One of whom was called Daniel, another was called Ananias, Daniel, another was called Ananias, Daniel, another was called Ananias, another Misael, and the fourth Azarias. another Misael, and the fourth Azarias. another Misael, and the fourth Azarias. And the king of Babylon changed their And the king of Babylon changed their And the king of Babylon changed their names and commanded that they should names and commanded that they should names and commanded that they should make use of other names. make use of other names. make use of other names. Daniel he called Baltasar, Ananias Daniel he called Baltasar, Ananias Daniel he called Baltasar, Ananias Shadrach, Misael Meshach, and Azarias, Shadrach, Misael Meshach, and Azarias, Shadrach, Misael Meshach, and Azarias, Abednego. Abednego. Abednego. These the king had in esteem and These the king had in esteem and These the king had in esteem and continued to love because of the very continued to love because of the very continued to love because of the very excellent temper they were of and excellent temper they were of and excellent temper they were of and because of their application to learning because of their application to learning because of their application to learning and the profess they had made in wisdom. and the profess they had made in wisdom. and the profess they had made in wisdom. Now Daniel and his kinsmen had resolved Now Daniel and his kinsmen had resolved Now Daniel and his kinsmen had resolved to use a severe diet and to abstain from to use a severe diet and to abstain from to use a severe diet and to abstain from those kinds of food which came from the those kinds of food which came from the those kinds of food which came from the king's table and entirely to forbear to king's table and entirely to forbear to king's table and entirely to forbear to eat of all living creatures. eat of all living creatures. eat of all living creatures. So he came to Ashpenaz, who was that So he came to Ashpenaz, who was that So he came to Ashpenaz, who was that eunuch to whom the care of them was eunuch to whom the care of them was eunuch to whom the care of them was committed, committed, committed, and desired him to take and spend what and desired him to take and spend what and desired him to take and spend what was brought for them from the king, but was brought for them from the king, but was brought for them from the king, but to give them pulse and dates for their to give them pulse and dates for their to give them pulse and dates for their food. And anything else besides the food. And anything else besides the food. And anything else besides the flesh of living creatures that he flesh of living creatures that he flesh of living creatures that he pleased pleased pleased for that their inclinations were to that for that their inclinations were to that for that their inclinations were to that sort of food and that they despised the sort of food and that they despised the sort of food and that they despised the other.

other. other. He replied that he was ready to serve He replied that he was ready to serve He replied that he was ready to serve them in what they desired, but he them in what they desired, but he them in what they desired, but he suspected that they would be discovered suspected that they would be discovered suspected that they would be discovered by the king from their meager bodies and by the king from their meager bodies and by the king from their meager bodies and the alteration of their countenances. the alteration of their countenances. the alteration of their countenances. Because it could not be avoided but Because it could not be avoided but Because it could not be avoided but their bodies and colors must be changed their bodies and colors must be changed their bodies and colors must be changed with their diet. Especially while they with their diet. Especially while they with their diet. Especially while they would be clearly discovered by the finer would be clearly discovered by the finer would be clearly discovered by the finer appearance of the other children who appearance of the other children who appearance of the other children who would fare better. would fare better. would fare better. And thus they should bring him into And thus they should bring him into And thus they should bring him into danger and occasion him to be punished. danger and occasion him to be punished. danger and occasion him to be punished. Yet did they persuade Arioch, who was Yet did they persuade Arioch, who was Yet did they persuade Arioch, who was thus fearful, to give them what food thus fearful, to give them what food thus fearful, to give them what food they desired for 10 days by way of trial they desired for 10 days by way of trial they desired for 10 days by way of trial and in case the habit of their bodies and in case the habit of their bodies and in case the habit of their bodies were not altered to go on in the same were not altered to go on in the same were not altered to go on in the same way. way. way. As expecting that they should not be As expecting that they should not be As expecting that they should not be hurt thereby afterwards. hurt thereby afterwards. hurt thereby afterwards. But if he saw them look meager and worse But if he saw them look meager and worse But if he saw them look meager and worse than the rest, he should reduce them to than the rest, he should reduce them to than the rest, he should reduce them to their former diet. their former diet. their former diet. Now when it appeared that they were so Now when it appeared that they were so Now when it appeared that they were so far from becoming worse by the use of far from becoming worse by the use of far from becoming worse by the use of this food that they grew plumper and this food that they grew plumper and this food that they grew plumper and fuller in body than the rest, fuller in body than the rest, fuller in body than the rest, insomuch that he thought those who fed insomuch that he thought those who fed insomuch that he thought those who fed on what came from the king's table on what came from the king's table on what came from the king's table seemed less plump and full. while those seemed less plump and full. while those seemed less plump and full. while those that were with Daniel looked as if they that were with Daniel looked as if they that were with Daniel looked as if they had lived in plenty and all sorts of had lived in plenty and all sorts of had lived in plenty and all sorts of luxury.

luxury. luxury. Arioch, from that time, securely took Arioch, from that time, securely took Arioch, from that time, securely took himself what the king sent every day himself what the king sent every day himself what the king sent every day from his supper, according to custom, to from his supper, according to custom, to from his supper, according to custom, to the children, but gave them the the children, but gave them the the children, but gave them the aforementioned diet. While they had aforementioned diet. While they had aforementioned diet. While they had their souls in some measure more pure their souls in some measure more pure their souls in some measure more pure and less burdened and so fitter for and less burdened and so fitter for and less burdened and so fitter for learning, learning, learning, and had their bodies in better tune for and had their bodies in better tune for and had their bodies in better tune for hard labor. hard labor. hard labor. For they neither had the former For they neither had the former For they neither had the former oppressed and heavy with a variety of oppressed and heavy with a variety of oppressed and heavy with a variety of meats, meats, meats, nor were the other effeminate on the nor were the other effeminate on the nor were the other effeminate on the same account. same account. same account. So, they readily understood all the So, they readily understood all the So, they readily understood all the learning that was among the Hebrews and learning that was among the Hebrews and learning that was among the Hebrews and among the Chaldeans, among the Chaldeans, among the Chaldeans, as especially did Daniel, who being as especially did Daniel, who being as especially did Daniel, who being already sufficiently skillful in wisdom, already sufficiently skillful in wisdom, already sufficiently skillful in wisdom, was very busy about the interpretation was very busy about the interpretation was very busy about the interpretation of dreams. of dreams. of dreams. And God manifested himself to him. Now, And God manifested himself to him. Now, And God manifested himself to him. Now, two years after the destruction of two years after the destruction of two years after the destruction of Egypt, King Nebuchadnezzar saw a Egypt, King Nebuchadnezzar saw a Egypt, King Nebuchadnezzar saw a wonderful dream, the accomplishment of wonderful dream, the accomplishment of wonderful dream, the accomplishment of which God showed him in his sleep. which God showed him in his sleep. which God showed him in his sleep. But when he rose out of his bed, he But when he rose out of his bed, he But when he rose out of his bed, he forgot the accomplishment. forgot the accomplishment. forgot the accomplishment. So, he sent for the Chaldeans and So, he sent for the Chaldeans and So, he sent for the Chaldeans and magicians and the prophets and told them magicians and the prophets and told them magicians and the prophets and told them that he had seen a dream that he had seen a dream that he had seen a dream and informed them that he had forgotten and informed them that he had forgotten and informed them that he had forgotten the accomplishment of what he had seen.

the accomplishment of what he had seen. the accomplishment of what he had seen. And he enjoined them to tell him both And he enjoined them to tell him both And he enjoined them to tell him both what the dream was and what was its what the dream was and what was its what the dream was and what was its signification. signification. signification. And they said that this was a thing And they said that this was a thing And they said that this was a thing impossible to be discovered by men, but impossible to be discovered by men, but impossible to be discovered by men, but they promised him that if he would they promised him that if he would they promised him that if he would explain to them what dream he had seen, explain to them what dream he had seen, explain to them what dream he had seen, they would tell him its signification. they would tell him its signification. they would tell him its signification. Hereupon, he threatened to put them to Hereupon, he threatened to put them to Hereupon, he threatened to put them to death unless they told him his dream. death unless they told him his dream. death unless they told him his dream. And he gave command to have them all put And he gave command to have them all put And he gave command to have them all put to death, since they confessed they to death, since they confessed they to death, since they confessed they could not do what they were commanded to could not do what they were commanded to could not do what they were commanded to do. do. do. Now, when Daniel heard that the king had Now, when Daniel heard that the king had Now, when Daniel heard that the king had given a command that all the wise men given a command that all the wise men given a command that all the wise men should be put to death should be put to death should be put to death and among them himself and his three and among them himself and his three and among them himself and his three kinsmen were in danger, he He to Arioch, kinsmen were in danger, he He to Arioch, kinsmen were in danger, he He to Arioch, who was captain of the king's guards, who was captain of the king's guards, who was captain of the king's guards, and desired to know of him what was the and desired to know of him what was the and desired to know of him what was the reason why the king had given command reason why the king had given command reason why the king had given command that all the wise men and Chaldeans and that all the wise men and Chaldeans and that all the wise men and Chaldeans and magicians should be slain. magicians should be slain. magicians should be slain. So, when he learned that the king had So, when he learned that the king had So, when he learned that the king had had a dream and had forgotten it, and had a dream and had forgotten it, and had a dream and had forgotten it, and that when they were enjoined to inform that when they were enjoined to inform that when they were enjoined to inform the king of it, they had said they could the king of it, they had said they could the king of it, they had said they could not do it, and had thereby provoked him not do it, and had thereby provoked him not do it, and had thereby provoked him to anger, he desired of Arioch that he to anger, he desired of Arioch that he to anger, he desired of Arioch that he would go into the king and desire would go into the king and desire would go into the king and desire respite for magicians for one night, and respite for magicians for one night, and respite for magicians for one night, and to put off their slaughter so long, for to put off their slaughter so long, for to put off their slaughter so long, for that he hoped within that time to that he hoped within that time to that he hoped within that time to obtain, by prayer to God, the knowledge obtain, by prayer to God, the knowledge obtain, by prayer to God, the knowledge of the dream.

of the dream. of the dream. Accordingly, Arioch informed the king of Accordingly, Arioch informed the king of Accordingly, Arioch informed the king of what Daniel desired. what Daniel desired. what Daniel desired. So, the king bid them delay the So, the king bid them delay the So, the king bid them delay the slaughter of the magicians till he knew slaughter of the magicians till he knew slaughter of the magicians till he knew what Daniel's promise would come to. what Daniel's promise would come to. what Daniel's promise would come to. But, the young man retired to his own But, the young man retired to his own But, the young man retired to his own house with his kinsmen, and besought God house with his kinsmen, and besought God house with his kinsmen, and besought God that whole night to discover the dream, that whole night to discover the dream, that whole night to discover the dream, and thereby deliver the magicians and and thereby deliver the magicians and and thereby deliver the magicians and Chaldeans, Chaldeans, Chaldeans, with whom they were themselves to with whom they were themselves to with whom they were themselves to perish, from the king's anger, by perish, from the king's anger, by perish, from the king's anger, by enabling him to declare his vision and enabling him to declare his vision and enabling him to declare his vision and to make manifest what the king had seen to make manifest what the king had seen to make manifest what the king had seen the night before in his sleep, but had the night before in his sleep, but had the night before in his sleep, but had forgotten it. forgotten it. forgotten it. Accordingly, God, out of pity to those Accordingly, God, out of pity to those Accordingly, God, out of pity to those that were in danger, and out of regard that were in danger, and out of regard that were in danger, and out of regard to the wisdom of Daniel, made known to to the wisdom of Daniel, made known to to the wisdom of Daniel, made known to him the dream and its interpretation, him the dream and its interpretation, him the dream and its interpretation, that so the king might understand by him that so the king might understand by him that so the king might understand by him its signification also. its signification also. its signification also. When Daniel had obtained this knowledge When Daniel had obtained this knowledge When Daniel had obtained this knowledge from God, he arose very joyful and told from God, he arose very joyful and told from God, he arose very joyful and told it his brethren and made them glad, and it his brethren and made them glad, and it his brethren and made them glad, and to hope well that they should now to hope well that they should now to hope well that they should now preserve their lives, of which they preserve their lives, of which they preserve their lives, of which they despaired before, and had their minds despaired before, and had their minds despaired before, and had their minds full of nothing but the thoughts of full of nothing but the thoughts of full of nothing but the thoughts of dying.

dying. dying. So, when he had with them returned So, when he had with them returned So, when he had with them returned thanks to God, who had commiserated thanks to God, who had commiserated thanks to God, who had commiserated their youth, when it was day, he came to their youth, when it was day, he came to their youth, when it was day, he came to Arioch and desired him to bring him to Arioch and desired him to bring him to Arioch and desired him to bring him to the king, because he would discover to the king, because he would discover to the king, because he would discover to him that dream which he had seen the him that dream which he had seen the him that dream which he had seen the night before night before night before When Daniel was come into the king, he When Daniel was come into the king, he When Daniel was come into the king, he excused himself first, that he did not excused himself first, that he did not excused himself first, that he did not pretend to be wiser than the other pretend to be wiser than the other pretend to be wiser than the other Chaldeans and magicians, Chaldeans and magicians, Chaldeans and magicians, when upon their entire inability to when upon their entire inability to when upon their entire inability to discover his dream, he was undertaking discover his dream, he was undertaking discover his dream, he was undertaking to inform him of it. to inform him of it. to inform him of it. For this was not by his own skill, or on For this was not by his own skill, or on For this was not by his own skill, or on account of his having been better account of his having been better account of his having been better cultivated his understanding than the cultivated his understanding than the cultivated his understanding than the rest, rest, rest, but he said, "God hath had pity upon us but he said, "God hath had pity upon us but he said, "God hath had pity upon us when we were in danger of death, when we were in danger of death, when we were in danger of death, and when I prayed for the life of myself and when I prayed for the life of myself and when I prayed for the life of myself and of those of my own nation, hath made and of those of my own nation, hath made and of those of my own nation, hath made manifest to me both the dream and the manifest to me both the dream and the manifest to me both the dream and the interpretation thereof. For I was not interpretation thereof. For I was not interpretation thereof. For I was not less concerned for thy glory than for less concerned for thy glory than for less concerned for thy glory than for the sorrow that we were by thee the sorrow that we were by thee the sorrow that we were by thee condemned to die, condemned to die, condemned to die, while thou didst so unjustly command while thou didst so unjustly command while thou didst so unjustly command men, both good and excellent in men, both good and excellent in men, both good and excellent in themselves, to be put to death, themselves, to be put to death, themselves, to be put to death, when thou enjoinedst them to do what was when thou enjoinedst them to do what was when thou enjoinedst them to do what was entirely above the reach of human entirely above the reach of human entirely above the reach of human wisdom, wisdom, wisdom, and requiredst of them what was only the and requiredst of them what was only the and requiredst of them what was only the work of God.

work of God. work of God. Wherefore, as thou in thy sleep was Wherefore, as thou in thy sleep was Wherefore, as thou in thy sleep was solicitous concerning those that should solicitous concerning those that should solicitous concerning those that should succeed thee in the government of the succeed thee in the government of the succeed thee in the government of the whole world, whole world, whole world, God was desirous to show thee all those God was desirous to show thee all those God was desirous to show thee all those that should reign after thee, that should reign after thee, that should reign after thee, and to that end exhibited to thee the and to that end exhibited to thee the and to that end exhibited to thee the following dream. following dream. following dream. Thou seemedst to see a great image Thou seemedst to see a great image Thou seemedst to see a great image standing before thee, the head of which standing before thee, the head of which standing before thee, the head of which proved to be of gold, proved to be of gold, proved to be of gold, the shoulders and arms of silver, and the shoulders and arms of silver, and the shoulders and arms of silver, and the belly and the thighs of brass, the belly and the thighs of brass, the belly and the thighs of brass, but the legs and the feet of iron. but the legs and the feet of iron. but the legs and the feet of iron. After which thou sawest a stone broken After which thou sawest a stone broken After which thou sawest a stone broken off from a mountain, which fell upon the off from a mountain, which fell upon the off from a mountain, which fell upon the image and threw it down, and break it to image and threw it down, and break it to image and threw it down, and break it to pieces, pieces, pieces, and did not permit any part of it to and did not permit any part of it to and did not permit any part of it to remain whole. remain whole. remain whole. But the gold, the silver, the brass, and But the gold, the silver, the brass, and But the gold, the silver, the brass, and the iron became smaller than meal, upon the iron became smaller than meal, upon the iron became smaller than meal, upon which the blast of a violent wind was by which the blast of a violent wind was by which the blast of a violent wind was by force carried away and scattered abroad. force carried away and scattered abroad. force carried away and scattered abroad. But the stone did increase to such a But the stone did increase to such a But the stone did increase to such a degree that the whole earth beneath it degree that the whole earth beneath it degree that the whole earth beneath it seemed to be filled therewith. seemed to be filled therewith. seemed to be filled therewith. This is the dream which thou sawest, and This is the dream which thou sawest, and This is the dream which thou sawest, and its interpretation is as follows. The its interpretation is as follows. The its interpretation is as follows. The head of gold denotes thee and the kings head of gold denotes thee and the kings head of gold denotes thee and the kings of Babylon that have been before thee.

of Babylon that have been before thee. of Babylon that have been before thee. But the two hands and arms signify this. But the two hands and arms signify this. But the two hands and arms signify this. That your government shall be dissolved That your government shall be dissolved That your government shall be dissolved by two kings. by two kings. by two kings. But another king that shall come from But another king that shall come from But another king that shall come from the west armed with brass shall destroy the west armed with brass shall destroy the west armed with brass shall destroy that government. And another government that government. And another government that government. And another government that shall be like unto iron shall put that shall be like unto iron shall put that shall be like unto iron shall put an end to the power of the former and an end to the power of the former and an end to the power of the former and shall have dominion over all the earth shall have dominion over all the earth shall have dominion over all the earth on account of the nature which is on account of the nature which is on account of the nature which is stronger than that of gold, of silver stronger than that of gold, of silver stronger than that of gold, of silver and of brass. and of brass. and of brass. Daniel did also declare the meaning of Daniel did also declare the meaning of Daniel did also declare the meaning of the stone to the king. the stone to the king. the stone to the king. But I do not think proper to relate it But I do not think proper to relate it But I do not think proper to relate it since I have only undertaken to describe since I have only undertaken to describe since I have only undertaken to describe things past or things present. But not things past or things present. But not things past or things present. But not things that are future. things that are future. things that are future. Yet if anyone be so very desirous of Yet if anyone be so very desirous of Yet if anyone be so very desirous of knowing truth as not to wave such points knowing truth as not to wave such points knowing truth as not to wave such points of curiosity and cannot curb his of curiosity and cannot curb his of curiosity and cannot curb his inclination for understanding the inclination for understanding the inclination for understanding the uncertainties of futurity uncertainties of futurity uncertainties of futurity and whether they will happen or not, let and whether they will happen or not, let and whether they will happen or not, let him be diligent in reading the book of him be diligent in reading the book of him be diligent in reading the book of Daniel Daniel Daniel which he will find among the sacred which he will find among the sacred which he will find among the sacred writings. When Nebuchadnezzar heard this writings. When Nebuchadnezzar heard this writings. When Nebuchadnezzar heard this and recollected his dream, he was and recollected his dream, he was and recollected his dream, he was astonished at the nature of Daniel and astonished at the nature of Daniel and astonished at the nature of Daniel and fell upon his knee.

fell upon his knee. fell upon his knee. And saluted Daniel in the manner that And saluted Daniel in the manner that And saluted Daniel in the manner that men worship God and gave command that he men worship God and gave command that he men worship God and gave command that he should be sacrificed to as a god. should be sacrificed to as a god. should be sacrificed to as a god. And this was not all. And this was not all. And this was not all. For he also imposed the name of his own For he also imposed the name of his own For he also imposed the name of his own god upon him, Balthazar god upon him, Balthazar god upon him, Balthazar and made him and his kinsmen of his and made him and his kinsmen of his and made him and his kinsmen of his whole kingdom. whole kingdom. whole kingdom. Which kinsmen of his happened to fall Which kinsmen of his happened to fall Which kinsmen of his happened to fall into great danger by the envy and malice into great danger by the envy and malice into great danger by the envy and malice of their enemies. of their enemies. of their enemies. For they offended the king upon the For they offended the king upon the For they offended the king upon the occasion following. occasion following. occasion following. He made an image of gold whose height He made an image of gold whose height He made an image of gold whose height was 60 cubits and its breadth six cubits was 60 cubits and its breadth six cubits was 60 cubits and its breadth six cubits and set it in the great plain of and set it in the great plain of and set it in the great plain of Babylon. Babylon. Babylon. And when he was going to dedicate the And when he was going to dedicate the And when he was going to dedicate the image, he invited the the men out of all image, he invited the the men out of all image, he invited the the men out of all the earth that was under his dominions the earth that was under his dominions the earth that was under his dominions and commanded them in the first place and commanded them in the first place and commanded them in the first place that when they should hear the sound of that when they should hear the sound of that when they should hear the sound of the trumpet, they should then fall down the trumpet, they should then fall down the trumpet, they should then fall down and worship the image. and worship the image. and worship the image. And he threatened that those who did not And he threatened that those who did not And he threatened that those who did not do so should be cast into a fiery do so should be cast into a fiery do so should be cast into a fiery furnace. furnace. furnace. When therefore all the rest upon the When therefore all the rest upon the When therefore all the rest upon the hearing of the sound of the trumpet hearing of the sound of the trumpet hearing of the sound of the trumpet worshiped the image, they relate that worshiped the image, they relate that worshiped the image, they relate that Daniel's kinsmen did not do it because Daniel's kinsmen did not do it because Daniel's kinsmen did not do it because they would not transgress the laws of they would not transgress the laws of they would not transgress the laws of their country.

their country. their country. So these men were convicted and cast So these men were convicted and cast So these men were convicted and cast immediately into the fire, immediately into the fire, immediately into the fire, but were saved by divine providence and but were saved by divine providence and but were saved by divine providence and after a surprising manner escaped death, after a surprising manner escaped death, after a surprising manner escaped death, for the fire did not touch them. for the fire did not touch them. for the fire did not touch them. And I suppose that it touched them not And I suppose that it touched them not And I suppose that it touched them not as if it reasoned with itself that they as if it reasoned with itself that they as if it reasoned with itself that they were cast into it without any fault of were cast into it without any fault of were cast into it without any fault of theirs and that therefore it was too theirs and that therefore it was too theirs and that therefore it was too weak to burn the young men when they weak to burn the young men when they weak to burn the young men when they were in it. were in it. were in it. This was done by the power of God who This was done by the power of God who This was done by the power of God who made their bodies so far superior to the made their bodies so far superior to the made their bodies so far superior to the fire that it could not consume them. fire that it could not consume them. fire that it could not consume them. This it was which recommended them to This it was which recommended them to This it was which recommended them to the king as righteous men and men the king as righteous men and men the king as righteous men and men beloved of God, on which account they beloved of God, on which account they beloved of God, on which account they continued in great esteem with him. continued in great esteem with him. continued in great esteem with him. A little after this, the king saw in his A little after this, the king saw in his A little after this, the king saw in his sleep again another vision sleep again another vision sleep again another vision how he should fall from his dominion and how he should fall from his dominion and how he should fall from his dominion and feed among the wild beasts. feed among the wild beasts. feed among the wild beasts. And that when he had lived in this And that when he had lived in this And that when he had lived in this manner in the desert for seven years, he manner in the desert for seven years, he manner in the desert for seven years, he should recover his dominion again. should recover his dominion again. should recover his dominion again. When he had seen this dream, he called When he had seen this dream, he called When he had seen this dream, he called the magicians together again and the magicians together again and the magicians together again and inquired of them about it and desired inquired of them about it and desired inquired of them about it and desired them to tell him what it signified.

them to tell him what it signified. them to tell him what it signified. But when none of them could find out the But when none of them could find out the But when none of them could find out the meaning of the dream nor discover it to meaning of the dream nor discover it to meaning of the dream nor discover it to the king, Daniel was the only person the king, Daniel was the only person the king, Daniel was the only person that explained it. that explained it. that explained it. And as he foretold, so it came to pass. And as he foretold, so it came to pass. And as he foretold, so it came to pass. For after he had continued in the For after he had continued in the For after he had continued in the wilderness the forementioned interval of wilderness the forementioned interval of wilderness the forementioned interval of time, while no one dared to attempt to time, while no one dared to attempt to time, while no one dared to attempt to seize his kingdom during those seven seize his kingdom during those seven seize his kingdom during those seven years, years, years, he prayed to God that he might recover he prayed to God that he might recover he prayed to God that he might recover his kingdom and he returned to it. his kingdom and he returned to it. his kingdom and he returned to it. But let no one blame me for writing down But let no one blame me for writing down But let no one blame me for writing down everything of this nature, as I find it everything of this nature, as I find it everything of this nature, as I find it in our ancient books. For as to that in our ancient books. For as to that in our ancient books. For as to that matter, I have plainly assured those matter, I have plainly assured those matter, I have plainly assured those that think me defective in any such that think me defective in any such that think me defective in any such point, or complain of my management, and point, or complain of my management, and point, or complain of my management, and have told them in the beginning of this have told them in the beginning of this have told them in the beginning of this history, that I intended to do no more history, that I intended to do no more history, that I intended to do no more than translate the Hebrew books into the than translate the Hebrew books into the than translate the Hebrew books into the Greek language, and promised them to Greek language, and promised them to Greek language, and promised them to explain those facts without adding explain those facts without adding explain those facts without adding anything to them of my own, or taking anything to them of my own, or taking anything to them of my own, or taking anything away from there. anything away from there. anything away from there. End of Book 10, Chapter 10. End of Book 10, Chapter 10. End of Book 10, Chapter 10. Recording by Karen.

Book 10, Chapter 11 of The Antiquities Book 10, Chapter 11 of The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2. of the Jews, Volume 2. of the Jews, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. public domain. public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, For more information, or to volunteer, For more information, or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. please visit librivox.org. The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2, The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2, by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston. William Whiston. William Whiston. Book 10, Chapter 11. Book 10, Chapter 11. Book 10, Chapter 11. Chapter 11. Chapter 11. Chapter 11. Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his successors, and how their government was successors, and how their government was successors, and how their government was dissolved by the Persians, dissolved by the Persians, dissolved by the Persians, and what things befell Daniel in Media, and what things befell Daniel in Media, and what things befell Daniel in Media, and what prophecies he delivered there. and what prophecies he delivered there. and what prophecies he delivered there. Now, when King Nebuchadnezzar had Now, when King Nebuchadnezzar had Now, when King Nebuchadnezzar had reigned 43 years, he ended his life. reigned 43 years, he ended his life. reigned 43 years, he ended his life. He was an active man, and more fortunate He was an active man, and more fortunate He was an active man, and more fortunate than the kings that were before him. than the kings that were before him. than the kings that were before him. Now, Berosus makes mention of his Now, Berosus makes mention of his Now, Berosus makes mention of his actions in the third book of his actions in the third book of his actions in the third book of his Chaldaic history, where he says thus, Chaldaic history, where he says thus, Chaldaic history, where he says thus, "When his father, Nebuchadnezzar "When his father, Nebuchadnezzar "When his father, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, Nabopolassar, Nabopolassar, heard that the governor whom he had set heard that the governor whom he had set heard that the governor whom he had set over Egypt, and the places about over Egypt, and the places about over Egypt, and the places about Coelesyria and Phoenicia had revolted Coelesyria and Phoenicia had revolted Coelesyria and Phoenicia had revolted from him, from him, from him, while he was not himself able any longer while he was not himself able any longer while he was not himself able any longer to undertake the hardships of war, to undertake the hardships of war, to undertake the hardships of war, he committed to his son Nebuchadnezzar, he committed to his son Nebuchadnezzar, he committed to his son Nebuchadnezzar, who who still but a youth, some parts of who who still but a youth, some parts of who who still but a youth, some parts of his army, and sent them against him.

his army, and sent them against him. his army, and sent them against him. So, when Nebuchadnezzar had given battle So, when Nebuchadnezzar had given battle So, when Nebuchadnezzar had given battle and fought with the rebel, he beat him and fought with the rebel, he beat him and fought with the rebel, he beat him and reduced the country from under his and reduced the country from under his and reduced the country from under his subjection and made it a branch of his subjection and made it a branch of his subjection and made it a branch of his own kingdom. own kingdom. own kingdom. But about that time it happened that his But about that time it happened that his But about that time it happened that his father, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, father, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, father, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, fell ill and ended his life in the city fell ill and ended his life in the city fell ill and ended his life in the city of Babylon, where he had reigned 21 of Babylon, where he had reigned 21 of Babylon, where he had reigned 21 years. years. years. And when he was made sensible, as he was And when he was made sensible, as he was And when he was made sensible, as he was in a little time, that his father, in a little time, that his father, in a little time, that his father, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, was dead, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, was dead, Nebuchadnezzar Nabopolassar, was dead, and having settled the affairs of Egypt and having settled the affairs of Egypt and having settled the affairs of Egypt and the other countries, as also those and the other countries, as also those and the other countries, as also those that concerned the captive Jews and that concerned the captive Jews and that concerned the captive Jews and Phoenicians and Syrians and those of the Phoenicians and Syrians and those of the Phoenicians and Syrians and those of the Egyptian nations, and having committed Egyptian nations, and having committed Egyptian nations, and having committed the conveyance of them to Babylon to the conveyance of them to Babylon to the conveyance of them to Babylon to certain of his friends, certain of his friends, certain of his friends, together with the gross of his army and together with the gross of his army and together with the gross of his army and the rest of their ammunition and the rest of their ammunition and the rest of their ammunition and provisions, provisions, provisions, he went himself hastily, accompanied he went himself hastily, accompanied he went himself hastily, accompanied with a few others, over the desert and with a few others, over the desert and with a few others, over the desert and came to Babylon. came to Babylon. came to Babylon. So, he took upon him the management of So, he took upon him the management of So, he took upon him the management of public affairs and of the kingdom, which public affairs and of the kingdom, which public affairs and of the kingdom, which had been kept for him by one that was had been kept for him by one that was had been kept for him by one that was the principal of the Chaldeans.

the principal of the Chaldeans. the principal of the Chaldeans. And he received the entire dominions of And he received the entire dominions of And he received the entire dominions of his father and appointed, when the his father and appointed, when the his father and appointed, when the captives came, they should be placed as captives came, they should be placed as captives came, they should be placed as colonies in the most proper places of colonies in the most proper places of colonies in the most proper places of Babylonia. Babylonia. Babylonia. But then he adorned the temple of Belus But then he adorned the temple of Belus But then he adorned the temple of Belus and the rest of the temples in a and the rest of the temples in a and the rest of the temples in a magnificent manner with the spoils he magnificent manner with the spoils he magnificent manner with the spoils he had taken in the war. had taken in the war. had taken in the war. He also added another city to that which He also added another city to that which He also added another city to that which was there of old and rebuilt it. That was there of old and rebuilt it. That was there of old and rebuilt it. That such as would besiege it hereafter might such as would besiege it hereafter might such as would besiege it hereafter might no more turn the course of the river and no more turn the course of the river and no more turn the course of the river and thereby attack the city itself. thereby attack the city itself. thereby attack the city itself. He therefore built three walls round He therefore built three walls round He therefore built three walls round about the inner city and three others about the inner city and three others about the inner city and three others about that which was the outer, and this about that which was the outer, and this about that which was the outer, and this he did with burnt brick. he did with burnt brick. he did with burnt brick. And after he had, after a becoming And after he had, after a becoming And after he had, after a becoming manner, walled the city and adorned its manner, walled the city and adorned its manner, walled the city and adorned its gates gloriously, he built another gates gloriously, he built another gates gloriously, he built another palace before his father's palace, so palace before his father's palace, so palace before his father's palace, so that they joined to it. To describe that they joined to it. To describe that they joined to it. To describe whose vast height and immense riches it whose vast height and immense riches it whose vast height and immense riches it would perhaps be too much for me to would perhaps be too much for me to would perhaps be too much for me to attempt. attempt. attempt. Yet as large and lofty as they were, Yet as large and lofty as they were, Yet as large and lofty as they were, they were completed in 15 days. they were completed in 15 days. they were completed in 15 days. He also erected elevated places for He also erected elevated places for He also erected elevated places for walking of stone and made it resemble walking of stone and made it resemble walking of stone and made it resemble mountains and built it so that it might mountains and built it so that it might mountains and built it so that it might be planted with all sorts of trees.

be planted with all sorts of trees. be planted with all sorts of trees. He also erected what was called a He also erected what was called a He also erected what was called a pensile paradise because his wife was pensile paradise because his wife was pensile paradise because his wife was desirous to have things like her own desirous to have things like her own desirous to have things like her own country, she having been bred up in the country, she having been bred up in the country, she having been bred up in the palaces of Media. palaces of Media. palaces of Media. Megasthenes also, in his fourth book of Megasthenes also, in his fourth book of Megasthenes also, in his fourth book of his accounts of India, makes mention of his accounts of India, makes mention of his accounts of India, makes mention of these things and thereby endeavors to these things and thereby endeavors to these things and thereby endeavors to show that this king, Nebuchadnezzar, show that this king, Nebuchadnezzar, show that this king, Nebuchadnezzar, exceeded Hercules in fortitude and in exceeded Hercules in fortitude and in exceeded Hercules in fortitude and in the greatness of his actions. the greatness of his actions. the greatness of his actions. For he saith that he conquered a great For he saith that he conquered a great For he saith that he conquered a great part of Libya and Iberia. part of Libya and Iberia. part of Libya and Iberia. Diocles also, in the second book of his Diocles also, in the second book of his Diocles also, in the second book of his accounts of Persia, mentions this king. accounts of Persia, mentions this king. accounts of Persia, mentions this king. As does Philostratus in his accounts As does Philostratus in his accounts As does Philostratus in his accounts book, both of India and of Phoenicia, book, both of India and of Phoenicia, book, both of India and of Phoenicia, saith that this king besieged Tyre 13 saith that this king besieged Tyre 13 saith that this king besieged Tyre 13 days while at the same time Ethbaal days while at the same time Ethbaal days while at the same time Ethbaal reigned at Tyre. reigned at Tyre. reigned at Tyre. These are all the histories that I have These are all the histories that I have These are all the histories that I have met with concerning this king. met with concerning this king. met with concerning this king. But now, after the death of But now, after the death of But now, after the death of Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, his son, Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, his son, Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, his son, succeeded in the kingdom, who succeeded in the kingdom, who succeeded in the kingdom, who immediately set Jeconiah at liberty and immediately set Jeconiah at liberty and immediately set Jeconiah at liberty and esteemed him among his most intimate esteemed him among his most intimate esteemed him among his most intimate friends.

friends. friends. He also gave him many presents and made He also gave him many presents and made He also gave him many presents and made him honorable above the rest of the him honorable above the rest of the him honorable above the rest of the kings that were in Babylon. kings that were in Babylon. kings that were in Babylon. For his father had not kept his faith For his father had not kept his faith For his father had not kept his faith with Jeconiah when he voluntarily with Jeconiah when he voluntarily with Jeconiah when he voluntarily delivered up himself to him with his delivered up himself to him with his delivered up himself to him with his wives and children and his whole kindred wives and children and his whole kindred wives and children and his whole kindred for the sake of his country that it for the sake of his country that it for the sake of his country that it might not be taken by siege and utterly might not be taken by siege and utterly might not be taken by siege and utterly destroyed as we said before. destroyed as we said before. destroyed as we said before. When Evil-Merodach was king, after a When Evil-Merodach was king, after a When Evil-Merodach was king, after a reign of 18 years, Neriglissar, his son, reign of 18 years, Neriglissar, his son, reign of 18 years, Neriglissar, his son, took the government and retained it 40 took the government and retained it 40 took the government and retained it 40 years and then ended his life. years and then ended his life. years and then ended his life. And after him the succession in the And after him the succession in the And after him the succession in the kingdom came to his son, Laborsodachus, kingdom came to his son, Laborsodachus, kingdom came to his son, Laborsodachus, who continued in it all but 9 months, who continued in it all but 9 months, who continued in it all but 9 months, and when he was dead, it came to and when he was dead, it came to and when he was dead, it came to Balthazar, who by the Babylonians was Balthazar, who by the Babylonians was Balthazar, who by the Babylonians was called Naboandelus. Against him did called Naboandelus. Against him did called Naboandelus. Against him did Cyrus, the king of Persia, and Darius, Cyrus, the king of Persia, and Darius, Cyrus, the king of Persia, and Darius, the king of Media, make war. the king of Media, make war. the king of Media, make war. And when he was besieged in Babylon, And when he was besieged in Babylon, And when he was besieged in Babylon, there happened a wonderful and there happened a wonderful and there happened a wonderful and prodigious vision. prodigious vision. prodigious vision. He was sat down at supper in a large He was sat down at supper in a large He was sat down at supper in a large room, and there were a great many room, and there were a great many room, and there were a great many vessels of silver, such as were made for vessels of silver, such as were made for vessels of silver, such as were made for royal entertainments. And he had with royal entertainments. And he had with royal entertainments. And he had with him his concubines and his friends.

him his concubines and his friends. him his concubines and his friends. Whereupon he came to a resolution, and Whereupon he came to a resolution, and Whereupon he came to a resolution, and commanded that those vessels of God commanded that those vessels of God commanded that those vessels of God which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered out which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered out which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered out of Jerusalem, and had not made use of, of Jerusalem, and had not made use of, of Jerusalem, and had not made use of, but had put them into his own temple, but had put them into his own temple, but had put them into his own temple, should be brought out of that temple. should be brought out of that temple. should be brought out of that temple. He also grew so haughty as to proceed to He also grew so haughty as to proceed to He also grew so haughty as to proceed to use them in the midst of his cups, use them in the midst of his cups, use them in the midst of his cups, drinking out of them, and blaspheming drinking out of them, and blaspheming drinking out of them, and blaspheming against God. against God. against God. In the meantime, he saw a hand proceed In the meantime, he saw a hand proceed In the meantime, he saw a hand proceed out of the wall, and writing upon the out of the wall, and writing upon the out of the wall, and writing upon the wall certain syllables. At which sight, wall certain syllables. At which sight, wall certain syllables. At which sight, being disturbed, he called the magicians being disturbed, he called the magicians being disturbed, he called the magicians and Chaldeans together, and all that and Chaldeans together, and all that and Chaldeans together, and all that sort of men who are among these sort of men who are among these sort of men who are among these barbarians, and were able to interpret barbarians, and were able to interpret barbarians, and were able to interpret signs and dreams, that they might signs and dreams, that they might signs and dreams, that they might explain the writing to him. explain the writing to him. explain the writing to him. But when the magicians said they could But when the magicians said they could But when the magicians said they could discover nothing, nor did understand it, discover nothing, nor did understand it, discover nothing, nor did understand it, the king was in great disorder of mind, the king was in great disorder of mind, the king was in great disorder of mind, and under great trouble at this and under great trouble at this and under great trouble at this surprising accident. So he caused it to surprising accident. So he caused it to surprising accident. So he caused it to be proclaimed through all the country, be proclaimed through all the country, be proclaimed through all the country, and promised that to him who could and promised that to him who could and promised that to him who could explain the writing, and give the explain the writing, and give the explain the writing, and give the signification couched therein, he would signification couched therein, he would signification couched therein, he would give him a golden chain for his neck, give him a golden chain for his neck, give him a golden chain for his neck, and leave to wear a purple garment, as and leave to wear a purple garment, as and leave to wear a purple garment, as did the kings of Chaldea, did the kings of Chaldea, did the kings of Chaldea, and would bestow on him the third part and would bestow on him the third part and would bestow on him the third part of his own dominions.

of his own dominions. of his own dominions. When this proclamation was made, the When this proclamation was made, the When this proclamation was made, the magicians ran together more earnestly, magicians ran together more earnestly, magicians ran together more earnestly, and were very ambitious to find out the and were very ambitious to find out the and were very ambitious to find out the importance of the writing. But still importance of the writing. But still importance of the writing. But still hesitated about it as much as before. hesitated about it as much as before. hesitated about it as much as before. Now, when the king's grandmother saw him Now, when the king's grandmother saw him Now, when the king's grandmother saw him cast down at this accident, she began to cast down at this accident, she began to cast down at this accident, she began to encourage him, and to say that there was encourage him, and to say that there was encourage him, and to say that there was a certain captive who came from Judea, a a certain captive who came from Judea, a a certain captive who came from Judea, a Jew by birth, but brought away thence by Jew by birth, but brought away thence by Jew by birth, but brought away thence by Nebuchadnezzar when he had destroyed Nebuchadnezzar when he had destroyed Nebuchadnezzar when he had destroyed Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, whose name was Daniel, a wise man and whose name was Daniel, a wise man and whose name was Daniel, a wise man and one of great sagacity in finding out one of great sagacity in finding out one of great sagacity in finding out what was impossible for others to what was impossible for others to what was impossible for others to discover and what was known to God discover and what was known to God discover and what was known to God alone, who brought to light and answered alone, who brought to light and answered alone, who brought to light and answered such questions Nebuchadnezzar as no one such questions Nebuchadnezzar as no one such questions Nebuchadnezzar as no one else was able to answer when they were else was able to answer when they were else was able to answer when they were consulted. consulted. consulted. She therefore desired that he would send She therefore desired that he would send She therefore desired that he would send for him and inquire of him concerning for him and inquire of him concerning for him and inquire of him concerning the writing and to condemn the the writing and to condemn the the writing and to condemn the unskillfulness of those that could not unskillfulness of those that could not unskillfulness of those that could not find their meaning, and this, although find their meaning, and this, although find their meaning, and this, although what God signified thereby should be of what God signified thereby should be of what God signified thereby should be of a melancholy nature. a melancholy nature. a melancholy nature. When Baltazar heard this, he called for When Baltazar heard this, he called for When Baltazar heard this, he called for Daniel and when he had discoursed to him Daniel and when he had discoursed to him Daniel and when he had discoursed to him what he had learned concerning him in what he had learned concerning him in what he had learned concerning him in his wisdom his wisdom his wisdom and how a divine spirit was with him and and how a divine spirit was with him and and how a divine spirit was with him and that he alone was fully capable of that he alone was fully capable of that he alone was fully capable of finding out what others would never have finding out what others would never have finding out what others would never have thought of, thought of, thought of, he desired him to declare to him what he desired him to declare to him what he desired him to declare to him what this writing meant, this writing meant, this writing meant, that if he did so, he would give him that if he did so, he would give him that if he did so, he would give him leave to wear purple and to put a chain leave to wear purple and to put a chain leave to wear purple and to put a chain of gold about his neck and would bestow of gold about his neck and would bestow of gold about his neck and would bestow on him the third part of his dominion as on him the third part of his dominion as on him the third part of his dominion as an honorary reward for his wisdom, an honorary reward for his wisdom, an honorary reward for his wisdom, that thereby he might become illustrious that thereby he might become illustrious that thereby he might become illustrious to those who saw him and who inquired to those who saw him and who inquired to those who saw him and who inquired upon what occasion he obtained such upon what occasion he obtained such upon what occasion he obtained such honors.

honors. honors. But Daniel desired that he would keep But Daniel desired that he would keep But Daniel desired that he would keep his gifts to himself, for what is the his gifts to himself, for what is the his gifts to himself, for what is the effect of wisdom and of divine effect of wisdom and of divine effect of wisdom and of divine revelation admits of no gifts and revelation admits of no gifts and revelation admits of no gifts and bestows its advantages on petitioners bestows its advantages on petitioners bestows its advantages on petitioners freely, freely, freely, but that he would still explain the but that he would still explain the but that he would still explain the writing to him, writing to him, writing to him, which denoted that he should soon die, which denoted that he should soon die, which denoted that he should soon die, and this because he had not learned to and this because he had not learned to and this because he had not learned to honor God and not to admit things above honor God and not to admit things above honor God and not to admit things above human nature by what punishments his human nature by what punishments his human nature by what punishments his progenitor had undergone for the progenitor had undergone for the progenitor had undergone for the injuries he had offered to God injuries he had offered to God injuries he had offered to God and because he had quite forgotten how and because he had quite forgotten how and because he had quite forgotten how Nebuchadnezzar was removed to feed among Nebuchadnezzar was removed to feed among Nebuchadnezzar was removed to feed among wild beasts for his impieties wild beasts for his impieties wild beasts for his impieties and did not recover his former life and did not recover his former life and did not recover his former life among men in his kingdom, but upon God's among men in his kingdom, but upon God's among men in his kingdom, but upon God's mercy to him after many supplications mercy to him after many supplications mercy to him after many supplications and prayers, and prayers, and prayers, who did thereupon praise God all the who did thereupon praise God all the who did thereupon praise God all the days of his life as one of almighty days of his life as one of almighty days of his life as one of almighty power and who takes care of mankind. power and who takes care of mankind. power and who takes care of mankind. He also put him in mind how he had He also put him in mind how he had He also put him in mind how he had greatly blasphemed against God and had greatly blasphemed against God and had greatly blasphemed against God and had made use of his vessels amongst his made use of his vessels amongst his made use of his vessels amongst his concubines. concubines. concubines. That therefore God saw this and was That therefore God saw this and was That therefore God saw this and was angry with him and declared by this angry with him and declared by this angry with him and declared by this writing beforehand what a sad conclusion writing beforehand what a sad conclusion writing beforehand what a sad conclusion his life should come to.

his life should come to. his life should come to. And he explained the writing thus, Mene. And he explained the writing thus, Mene. And he explained the writing thus, Mene. That is, if it be expounded in the Greek That is, if it be expounded in the Greek That is, if it be expounded in the Greek language may signify a number because language may signify a number because language may signify a number because God hath numbered so long a time for thy God hath numbered so long a time for thy God hath numbered so long a time for thy life and for thy government and that life and for thy government and that life and for thy government and that there remains but a small portion. there remains but a small portion. there remains but a small portion. Tekel. Tekel. Tekel. This signifies a weight and means that This signifies a weight and means that This signifies a weight and means that God hath weighed thy kingdom in balance God hath weighed thy kingdom in balance God hath weighed thy kingdom in balance and finds it going down already. and finds it going down already. and finds it going down already. Peres. Peres. Peres. This also in the Greek tongue denotes a This also in the Greek tongue denotes a This also in the Greek tongue denotes a fragment. God will therefore break thy fragment. God will therefore break thy fragment. God will therefore break thy kingdom in pieces and divide it among kingdom in pieces and divide it among kingdom in pieces and divide it among the Medes and Persians. the Medes and Persians. the Medes and Persians. When Daniel had told the king that the When Daniel had told the king that the When Daniel had told the king that the writing upon the wall signified these writing upon the wall signified these writing upon the wall signified these events, Belshazzar was in great sorrow events, Belshazzar was in great sorrow events, Belshazzar was in great sorrow and affliction as was to be expected and affliction as was to be expected and affliction as was to be expected when the interpretation was so heavy when the interpretation was so heavy when the interpretation was so heavy upon him. upon him. upon him. However, he did not refuse what he had However, he did not refuse what he had However, he did not refuse what he had promised Daniel although he were become promised Daniel although he were become promised Daniel although he were become a foreteller of misfortunes to him, but a foreteller of misfortunes to him, but a foreteller of misfortunes to him, but bestowed it all upon him as reasoning bestowed it all upon him as reasoning bestowed it all upon him as reasoning thus thus thus that what he was to reward was peculiar that what he was to reward was peculiar that what he was to reward was peculiar to himself and to fate and did not to himself and to fate and did not to himself and to fate and did not belong to the prophet, but that it was belong to the prophet, but that it was belong to the prophet, but that it was the part of a good and just man to give the part of a good and just man to give the part of a good and just man to give what he had promised although the events what he had promised although the events what he had promised although the events were of a melancholy nature.

were of a melancholy nature. were of a melancholy nature. Accordingly, the king determined to do Accordingly, the king determined to do Accordingly, the king determined to do so. so. so. Now after a little while, both himself Now after a little while, both himself Now after a little while, both himself and the city were taken by Cyrus, the and the city were taken by Cyrus, the and the city were taken by Cyrus, the king of Persia, who fought against him. king of Persia, who fought against him. king of Persia, who fought against him. For it was Belshazzar under whom Babylon For it was Belshazzar under whom Babylon For it was Belshazzar under whom Babylon was taken when he had reigned 17 years. was taken when he had reigned 17 years. was taken when he had reigned 17 years. And this is the end of the posterity of And this is the end of the posterity of And this is the end of the posterity of King Nebuchadnezzar as history informs King Nebuchadnezzar as history informs King Nebuchadnezzar as history informs us. us. us. But when Babylon was taken by Darius and But when Babylon was taken by Darius and But when Babylon was taken by Darius and when he with his kinsman Cyrus, had put when he with his kinsman Cyrus, had put when he with his kinsman Cyrus, had put an end to the dominion of the an end to the dominion of the an end to the dominion of the Babylonians, he was 62 years old. Babylonians, he was 62 years old. Babylonians, he was 62 years old. He was the son of Astyages, and had He was the son of Astyages, and had He was the son of Astyages, and had another name among the Greeks. another name among the Greeks. another name among the Greeks. Moreover, he took Daniel the prophet and Moreover, he took Daniel the prophet and Moreover, he took Daniel the prophet and carried him with him into Media, and carried him with him into Media, and carried him with him into Media, and honored him very greatly, and kept him honored him very greatly, and kept him honored him very greatly, and kept him with him. For he was one of the three with him. For he was one of the three with him. For he was one of the three presidents whom he set over his 360 presidents whom he set over his 360 presidents whom he set over his 360 provinces. For into so many did Darius provinces. For into so many did Darius provinces. For into so many did Darius part them. part them. part them. However, while Daniel was in so great However, while Daniel was in so great However, while Daniel was in so great dignity and in so great favor with dignity and in so great favor with dignity and in so great favor with Darius, and was alone entrusted with Darius, and was alone entrusted with Darius, and was alone entrusted with everything by him, I having somewhat everything by him, I having somewhat everything by him, I having somewhat divine in him, divine in him, divine in him, he was envied by the rest. For those he was envied by the rest. For those he was envied by the rest. For those that see others in greater honor than that see others in greater honor than that see others in greater honor than themselves with kings envy them. And themselves with kings envy them. And themselves with kings envy them. And when those that were grieved at the when those that were grieved at the when those that were grieved at the favor Daniel was in with Darius sought favor Daniel was in with Darius sought favor Daniel was in with Darius sought for an occasion against him, for an occasion against him, for an occasion against him, he afforded them no occasion at all. For he afforded them no occasion at all. For he afforded them no occasion at all. For he was above all the temptations of he was above all the temptations of he was above all the temptations of money and despised bribery, and esteemed money and despised bribery, and esteemed money and despised bribery, and esteemed it a very base thing to take anything by it a very base thing to take anything by it a very base thing to take anything by way of reward, way of reward, way of reward, even when it might be justly given him.

even when it might be justly given him. even when it might be justly given him. He afforded those that envied him not He afforded those that envied him not He afforded those that envied him not the least handle for an accusation. the least handle for an accusation. the least handle for an accusation. So when they could find nothing for So when they could find nothing for So when they could find nothing for which they might calumniate him to the which they might calumniate him to the which they might calumniate him to the king, king, king, nothing that was shameful or nothing that was shameful or nothing that was shameful or reproachful, and thereby deprive him of reproachful, and thereby deprive him of reproachful, and thereby deprive him of the honor he was in with him, the honor he was in with him, the honor he was in with him, they sought for some other method they sought for some other method they sought for some other method whereby they might destroy him. whereby they might destroy him. whereby they might destroy him. When therefore they saw that Daniel When therefore they saw that Daniel When therefore they saw that Daniel prayed to God three times a day, they prayed to God three times a day, they prayed to God three times a day, they thought they had gotten an occasion by thought they had gotten an occasion by thought they had gotten an occasion by which they might ruin him. So they came which they might ruin him. So they came which they might ruin him. So they came to Darius and told him that the princes to Darius and told him that the princes to Darius and told him that the princes and governors had thought proper to and governors had thought proper to and governors had thought proper to allow the multitude a relaxation for 30 allow the multitude a relaxation for 30 allow the multitude a relaxation for 30 days, days, days, that no one might offer a petition or that no one might offer a petition or that no one might offer a petition or prayer either to himself or to the gods, prayer either to himself or to the gods, prayer either to himself or to the gods, but that he who shall transgress this but that he who shall transgress this but that he who shall transgress this decree shall be cast into the den of decree shall be cast into the den of decree shall be cast into the den of lions and there perish. lions and there perish. lions and there perish. Whereupon the king, not being acquainted Whereupon the king, not being acquainted Whereupon the king, not being acquainted with their wicked design, nor suspecting with their wicked design, nor suspecting with their wicked design, nor suspecting that it was contrivance of theirs that it was contrivance of theirs that it was contrivance of theirs against Daniel, said that he was pleased against Daniel, said that he was pleased against Daniel, said that he was pleased with this decree of theirs, and he with this decree of theirs, and he with this decree of theirs, and he promised to confirm what they desired. promised to confirm what they desired. promised to confirm what they desired. He also published an edict to promulgate He also published an edict to promulgate He also published an edict to promulgate to the people that decree which the to the people that decree which the to the people that decree which the princes had made.

princes had made. princes had made. Accordingly, all the rest took care not Accordingly, all the rest took care not Accordingly, all the rest took care not to transgress those injunctions and to transgress those injunctions and to transgress those injunctions and rested in quiet. But Daniel had no rested in quiet. But Daniel had no rested in quiet. But Daniel had no regard to them. But as he was wont, he regard to them. But as he was wont, he regard to them. But as he was wont, he stood and prayed to God in the sight of stood and prayed to God in the sight of stood and prayed to God in the sight of them all. them all. them all. But the princes having met with the But the princes having met with the But the princes having met with the occasion they so earnestly sought to occasion they so earnestly sought to occasion they so earnestly sought to find against Daniel, came presently to find against Daniel, came presently to find against Daniel, came presently to the king and accused him that Daniel was the king and accused him that Daniel was the king and accused him that Daniel was the only person that transgressed the the only person that transgressed the the only person that transgressed the decree, decree, decree, while not one of the rest dares pray to while not one of the rest dares pray to while not one of the rest dares pray to their gods. their gods. their gods. This discovery they made not because of This discovery they made not because of This discovery they made not because of his impiety, but because they had his impiety, but because they had his impiety, but because they had watched him and observed him out of watched him and observed him out of watched him and observed him out of envy. envy. envy. For supposing that Darius did thus out For supposing that Darius did thus out For supposing that Darius did thus out of a greater kindness to him than they of a greater kindness to him than they of a greater kindness to him than they expected, and that he was ready to grant expected, and that he was ready to grant expected, and that he was ready to grant him pardon for this contempt of his him pardon for this contempt of his him pardon for this contempt of his injunctions, and envying this very injunctions, and envying this very injunctions, and envying this very pardon to Daniel, they did not become pardon to Daniel, they did not become pardon to Daniel, they did not become more honorable to him, but desired he more honorable to him, but desired he more honorable to him, but desired he might be cast into the den of lions might be cast into the den of lions might be cast into the den of lions according to the law. according to the law. according to the law. So Darius, hoping that God would deliver So Darius, hoping that God would deliver So Darius, hoping that God would deliver him and that he would undergo nothing him and that he would undergo nothing him and that he would undergo nothing that was terrible by the wild beasts, that was terrible by the wild beasts, that was terrible by the wild beasts, bid him bear this accident cheerfully. bid him bear this accident cheerfully. bid him bear this accident cheerfully. And when he was cast into the den, he And when he was cast into the den, he And when he was cast into the den, he put his seal to the stone that lay upon put his seal to the stone that lay upon put his seal to the stone that lay upon the mouth of the den and went his way.

the mouth of the den and went his way. the mouth of the den and went his way. But he passed all the night without food But he passed all the night without food But he passed all the night without food and without sleep, being in great and without sleep, being in great and without sleep, being in great distress for Daniel. distress for Daniel. distress for Daniel. But when it was day, he got up and came But when it was day, he got up and came But when it was day, he got up and came to the den and found the seal entire, to the den and found the seal entire, to the den and found the seal entire, which he had left the stone sealed which he had left the stone sealed which he had left the stone sealed withal. withal. withal. He also opened the seal and cried out He also opened the seal and cried out He also opened the seal and cried out and called to Daniel and asked him if he and called to Daniel and asked him if he and called to Daniel and asked him if he were alive. were alive. were alive. And as soon as he heard the king's voice And as soon as he heard the king's voice And as soon as he heard the king's voice and said that he had suffered no harm, and said that he had suffered no harm, and said that he had suffered no harm, the king gave order that he should be the king gave order that he should be the king gave order that he should be drawn up out of the den. drawn up out of the den. drawn up out of the den. Now when his enemies saw that Daniel had Now when his enemies saw that Daniel had Now when his enemies saw that Daniel had suffered nothing which was terrible, suffered nothing which was terrible, suffered nothing which was terrible, they would not own that he was preserved they would not own that he was preserved they would not own that he was preserved by God and by his providence, but they by God and by his providence, but they by God and by his providence, but they said that the lions had been filled with said that the lions had been filled with said that the lions had been filled with food and on account it was, as they food and on account it was, as they food and on account it was, as they supposed, that the lions would not touch supposed, that the lions would not touch supposed, that the lions would not touch Daniel nor come to him. And this they Daniel nor come to him. And this they Daniel nor come to him. And this they alleged to the king. alleged to the king. alleged to the king. But the king, out of an abhorrence of But the king, out of an abhorrence of But the king, out of an abhorrence of their wickedness, gave order that they their wickedness, gave order that they their wickedness, gave order that they should throw in a great deal of flesh to should throw in a great deal of flesh to should throw in a great deal of flesh to the lions. And when they had filled the lions. And when they had filled the lions. And when they had filled themselves, he gave further order that themselves, he gave further order that themselves, he gave further order that Daniel's enemies should be cast into the Daniel's enemies should be cast into the Daniel's enemies should be cast into the den. That he might learn whether the den. That he might learn whether the den. That he might learn whether the lions, now they were full, would touch lions, now they were full, would touch lions, now they were full, would touch them or not.

them or not. them or not. And it appeared plain to Darius, after And it appeared plain to Darius, after And it appeared plain to Darius, after the princes had been cast into the wild the princes had been cast into the wild the princes had been cast into the wild beast, after the princes had been cast beast, after the princes had been cast beast, after the princes had been cast to the wild beasts, that it was God who to the wild beasts, that it was God who to the wild beasts, that it was God who preserved Daniel. For the lions spared preserved Daniel. For the lions spared preserved Daniel. For the lions spared none of them, but tore them all to none of them, but tore them all to none of them, but tore them all to pieces as if they had been very hungry pieces as if they had been very hungry pieces as if they had been very hungry and wanted food. and wanted food. and wanted food. I suppose therefore it was not their I suppose therefore it was not their I suppose therefore it was not their hunger, which had been a little before hunger, which had been a little before hunger, which had been a little before satisfied with abundance of flesh, but satisfied with abundance of flesh, but satisfied with abundance of flesh, but the wickedness of these men that the wickedness of these men that the wickedness of these men that provoked them to destroy the princes. provoked them to destroy the princes. provoked them to destroy the princes. For if it so pleased God that wickedness For if it so pleased God that wickedness For if it so pleased God that wickedness might try, by even those irrational might try, by even those irrational might try, by even those irrational creatures, be esteemed a plain creatures, be esteemed a plain creatures, be esteemed a plain foundation for their punishment. foundation for their punishment. foundation for their punishment. When therefore those that had intended When therefore those that had intended When therefore those that had intended to thus destroy Daniel by treachery were to thus destroy Daniel by treachery were to thus destroy Daniel by treachery were themselves destroyed, themselves destroyed, themselves destroyed, King Darius sent letters all over the King Darius sent letters all over the King Darius sent letters all over the country and praised that God whom Daniel country and praised that God whom Daniel country and praised that God whom Daniel worshipped. And said that he was the worshipped. And said that he was the worshipped. And said that he was the only true God and had all power. only true God and had all power. only true God and had all power. He had also Daniel in very great esteem He had also Daniel in very great esteem He had also Daniel in very great esteem and made him the principal of his and made him the principal of his and made him the principal of his friends. friends. friends. Now when Daniel was become so Now when Daniel was become so Now when Daniel was become so illustrious and famous on account of the illustrious and famous on account of the illustrious and famous on account of the opinion men had that he was beloved of opinion men had that he was beloved of opinion men had that he was beloved of God, God, God, he built a tower at Ecbatana in Media.

he built a tower at Ecbatana in Media. he built a tower at Ecbatana in Media. It was a most elegant building and It was a most elegant building and It was a most elegant building and wonderfully made. And it is still wonderfully made. And it is still wonderfully made. And it is still remaining and preserved to this day. remaining and preserved to this day. remaining and preserved to this day. And to such as see it, it appears to And to such as see it, it appears to And to such as see it, it appears to have been but lately built. And to have have been but lately built. And to have have been but lately built. And to have been no older than that very day when been no older than that very day when been no older than that very day when anyone looks upon it. It is so fresh, anyone looks upon it. It is so fresh, anyone looks upon it. It is so fresh, flourishing, and beautiful, and in no flourishing, and beautiful, and in no flourishing, and beautiful, and in no way grown old in so long a time. way grown old in so long a time. way grown old in so long a time. For buildings suffer the same as men do. For buildings suffer the same as men do. For buildings suffer the same as men do. They grow old as well as they, and by They grow old as well as they, and by They grow old as well as they, and by numbers of years their strength is numbers of years their strength is numbers of years their strength is dissolved and their beauty withered. dissolved and their beauty withered. dissolved and their beauty withered. Now they bury the kings of Media, of Now they bury the kings of Media, of Now they bury the kings of Media, of Persia, and Parthia in this tower to Persia, and Parthia in this tower to Persia, and Parthia in this tower to this day. this day. this day. And he who was entrusted with the care And he who was entrusted with the care And he who was entrusted with the care of it was a Jewish priest, which thing of it was a Jewish priest, which thing of it was a Jewish priest, which thing is also observed to this day. is also observed to this day. is also observed to this day. But it is fit to give an account of what But it is fit to give an account of what But it is fit to give an account of what this man did, which is most admirable to this man did, which is most admirable to this man did, which is most admirable to hear. For he was so happy as to have hear. For he was so happy as to have hear. For he was so happy as to have strange revelations made to him, strange revelations made to him, strange revelations made to him, and those as to one of the greatest of and those as to one of the greatest of and those as to one of the greatest of the prophets, insomuch that while he was the prophets, insomuch that while he was the prophets, insomuch that while he was alive, he had the esteem and applause alive, he had the esteem and applause alive, he had the esteem and applause both of the kings and of the multitude. both of the kings and of the multitude. both of the kings and of the multitude. And now he is dead, he retains a And now he is dead, he retains a And now he is dead, he retains a remembrance that will never fail. For remembrance that will never fail. For remembrance that will never fail. For the several books that he wrote and left the several books that he wrote and left the several books that he wrote and left behind him are still read by us till behind him are still read by us till behind him are still read by us till this time. And from them we believe that this time. And from them we believe that this time. And from them we believe that Daniel conversed with God.

Daniel conversed with God. Daniel conversed with God. For he did not only prophesy of future For he did not only prophesy of future For he did not only prophesy of future events, as did the other prophets, but events, as did the other prophets, but events, as did the other prophets, but he also determined the time of their he also determined the time of their he also determined the time of their accomplishment. accomplishment. accomplishment. And while prophets used to foretell And while prophets used to foretell And while prophets used to foretell misfortunes, and on that account were misfortunes, and on that account were misfortunes, and on that account were disagreeable both to the kings and to disagreeable both to the kings and to disagreeable both to the kings and to the multitude, the multitude, the multitude, Daniel was to them a prophet of good Daniel was to them a prophet of good Daniel was to them a prophet of good things. And this to such a degree that things. And this to such a degree that things. And this to such a degree that by the agreeable nature of his by the agreeable nature of his by the agreeable nature of his predictions, he procured the goodwill of predictions, he procured the goodwill of predictions, he procured the goodwill of all men. And by the accomplishment of all men. And by the accomplishment of all men. And by the accomplishment of them, he procured the belief of their them, he procured the belief of their them, he procured the belief of their truth and the opinion of a sort of truth and the opinion of a sort of truth and the opinion of a sort of divinity for himself among the divinity for himself among the divinity for himself among the multitude. multitude. multitude. He also wrote and left behind him what He also wrote and left behind him what He also wrote and left behind him what made manifest the accuracy and made manifest the accuracy and made manifest the accuracy and undeniable veracity of his predictions. undeniable veracity of his predictions. undeniable veracity of his predictions. For he saith that when he was in Susa, For he saith that when he was in Susa, For he saith that when he was in Susa, the metropolis of Persia, and went out the metropolis of Persia, and went out the metropolis of Persia, and went out into the field with his companions, into the field with his companions, into the field with his companions, there was on the sudden a motion and there was on the sudden a motion and there was on the sudden a motion and concussion of the earth, and that he was concussion of the earth, and that he was concussion of the earth, and that he was left alone by himself, his friends left alone by himself, his friends left alone by himself, his friends fleeing away from him, fleeing away from him, fleeing away from him, and that he was disturbed and fell on and that he was disturbed and fell on and that he was disturbed and fell on his face and on his two hands, and that his face and on his two hands, and that his face and on his two hands, and that a certain person touched him, and at the a certain person touched him, and at the a certain person touched him, and at the same time bid him rise to see what would same time bid him rise to see what would same time bid him rise to see what would befall his countrymen after many befall his countrymen after many befall his countrymen after many generations.

generations. generations. He also related that when he stood up, He also related that when he stood up, He also related that when he stood up, he was shown a great ram with many horns he was shown a great ram with many horns he was shown a great ram with many horns growing out of his head, and that the growing out of his head, and that the growing out of his head, and that the last was higher than the rest. last was higher than the rest. last was higher than the rest. That after this he looked to the west That after this he looked to the west That after this he looked to the west and saw a he-goat carried through the and saw a he-goat carried through the and saw a he-goat carried through the air from that quarter. air from that quarter. air from that quarter. That he rushed upon the ram with That he rushed upon the ram with That he rushed upon the ram with violence, and smote him twice with his violence, and smote him twice with his violence, and smote him twice with his horns, and overthrew him to the ground, horns, and overthrew him to the ground, horns, and overthrew him to the ground, and trampled upon him. and trampled upon him. and trampled upon him. That afterward, he saw a very great horn That afterward, he saw a very great horn That afterward, he saw a very great horn growing out of the head of the he-goat. growing out of the head of the he-goat. growing out of the head of the he-goat. And that when it was broken off, four And that when it was broken off, four And that when it was broken off, four horns grew up that were exposed to each horns grew up that were exposed to each horns grew up that were exposed to each of the four winds. of the four winds. of the four winds. And he wrote that out of them arose And he wrote that out of them arose And he wrote that out of them arose another lesser horn, another lesser horn, another lesser horn, which, as he said, waxed great. And that which, as he said, waxed great. And that which, as he said, waxed great. And that God showed to him that it should fight God showed to him that it should fight God showed to him that it should fight against his nation, against his nation, against his nation, and take their city by force, and bring and take their city by force, and bring and take their city by force, and bring the temple worship to confusion, and the temple worship to confusion, and the temple worship to confusion, and forbid the sacrifices to be offered for forbid the sacrifices to be offered for forbid the sacrifices to be offered for 1,296 1,296 1,296 days. days. days. Daniel wrote that he saw these visions Daniel wrote that he saw these visions Daniel wrote that he saw these visions in the plain of Susa, and he hath in the plain of Susa, and he hath in the plain of Susa, and he hath informed us that God interpreted the informed us that God interpreted the informed us that God interpreted the appearance of this vision after the appearance of this vision after the appearance of this vision after the following manner. following manner. following manner. He said that the ram signified the He said that the ram signified the He said that the ram signified the kingdoms of the Medes and Persians, kingdoms of the Medes and Persians, kingdoms of the Medes and Persians, and the horns those kings that were to and the horns those kings that were to and the horns those kings that were to reign in them.

reign in them. reign in them. And that the last horn signified the And that the last horn signified the And that the last horn signified the last king. And that he should exceed all last king. And that he should exceed all last king. And that he should exceed all the kings in riches and glory. the kings in riches and glory. the kings in riches and glory. That the he-goat signified that one That the he-goat signified that one That the he-goat signified that one should come and reign from the Greeks, should come and reign from the Greeks, should come and reign from the Greeks, who should twice fight with the Persian who should twice fight with the Persian who should twice fight with the Persian and overcome him in battle, and should and overcome him in battle, and should and overcome him in battle, and should receive his entire dominion. receive his entire dominion. receive his entire dominion. That by the great horn which sprang out That by the great horn which sprang out That by the great horn which sprang out of the forehead of the he-goat was meant of the forehead of the he-goat was meant of the forehead of the he-goat was meant the first king. the first king. the first king. And that the springing up of four horns And that the springing up of four horns And that the springing up of four horns upon its falling off, and the conversion upon its falling off, and the conversion upon its falling off, and the conversion of every one of them to the four of every one of them to the four of every one of them to the four quarters of the earth, signified the quarters of the earth, signified the quarters of the earth, signified the successors that should arise after the successors that should arise after the successors that should arise after the death of the first king, and the death of the first king, and the death of the first king, and the partition of his kingdom among them. partition of his kingdom among them. partition of his kingdom among them. And that they should be neither his And that they should be neither his And that they should be neither his children nor of his kindred. children nor of his kindred. children nor of his kindred. And that they should reign over the And that they should reign over the And that they should reign over the habitable earth for many years. habitable earth for many years. habitable earth for many years. And that from them there should arise a And that from them there should arise a And that from them there should arise a certain king that should overcome our certain king that should overcome our certain king that should overcome our nation and their laws, and should take nation and their laws, and should take nation and their laws, and should take away their political government, and away their political government, and away their political government, and should spoil the temple, and forbid the should spoil the temple, and forbid the should spoil the temple, and forbid the sacrifices to be offered for 3 years sacrifices to be offered for 3 years sacrifices to be offered for 3 years time. time. time. And indeed, it so came to pass that our And indeed, it so came to pass that our And indeed, it so came to pass that our nation suffered these things under nation suffered these things under nation suffered these things under Antiochus Epiphanes, according to Antiochus Epiphanes, according to Antiochus Epiphanes, according to Daniel's vision, and what he wrote many Daniel's vision, and what he wrote many Daniel's vision, and what he wrote many years before they came to pass.

years before they came to pass. years before they came to pass. In the very same manner, Daniel also In the very same manner, Daniel also In the very same manner, Daniel also wrote concerning the Roman government, wrote concerning the Roman government, wrote concerning the Roman government, and that our country should be made and that our country should be made and that our country should be made desolate by them. desolate by them. desolate by them. All these things did this man leave in All these things did this man leave in All these things did this man leave in writing, as God had showed them to him, writing, as God had showed them to him, writing, as God had showed them to him, insomuch that such as read his insomuch that such as read his insomuch that such as read his prophecies, and see how they have been prophecies, and see how they have been prophecies, and see how they have been fulfilled, would wonder at the honor fulfilled, would wonder at the honor fulfilled, would wonder at the honor wherewith God honored Daniel, and may wherewith God honored Daniel, and may wherewith God honored Daniel, and may thence discover how the Epicureans are thence discover how the Epicureans are thence discover how the Epicureans are in an error, who cast providence out of in an error, who cast providence out of in an error, who cast providence out of human life, and do not believe that God human life, and do not believe that God human life, and do not believe that God takes care of the affairs of the world, takes care of the affairs of the world, takes care of the affairs of the world, nor that the universe is governed and nor that the universe is governed and nor that the universe is governed and continued in being by that blessed and continued in being by that blessed and continued in being by that blessed and immortal nature, but say that the world immortal nature, but say that the world immortal nature, but say that the world is carried along of its own accord, is carried along of its own accord, is carried along of its own accord, without a ruler and a curator, without a ruler and a curator, without a ruler and a curator, which were it destitute of a guide to which were it destitute of a guide to which were it destitute of a guide to conduct it, as they imagine, it would be conduct it, as they imagine, it would be conduct it, as they imagine, it would be like ships without pilots, which we see like ships without pilots, which we see like ships without pilots, which we see drowned by the winds, or like chariots drowned by the winds, or like chariots drowned by the winds, or like chariots without drivers, which are overturned. without drivers, which are overturned. without drivers, which are overturned. So would the world be dashed to pieces So would the world be dashed to pieces So would the world be dashed to pieces by its being carried without a by its being carried without a by its being carried without a providence, and so perish and come to providence, and so perish and come to providence, and so perish and come to naught. naught. naught. So that by the forementioned practices So that by the forementioned practices So that by the forementioned practices of Daniel, those men seem to be very of Daniel, those men seem to be very of Daniel, those men seem to be very much to err from the truth, who much to err from the truth, who much to err from the truth, who determine that God exercises no determine that God exercises no determine that God exercises no providence over human affairs.

providence over human affairs. providence over human affairs. For if that were the case, that the For if that were the case, that the For if that were the case, that the world went on by mechanical necessity, world went on by mechanical necessity, world went on by mechanical necessity, we should not see that all things would we should not see that all things would we should not see that all things would come to pass according to his prophecy. come to pass according to his prophecy. come to pass according to his prophecy. Now as to myself, I have so described Now as to myself, I have so described Now as to myself, I have so described these matters as I have found them and these matters as I have found them and these matters as I have found them and read them. But if anyone is inclined to read them. But if anyone is inclined to read them. But if anyone is inclined to another opinion about them, let him another opinion about them, let him another opinion about them, let him enjoy his different sentiments without enjoy his different sentiments without enjoy his different sentiments without any blame from me. any blame from me. any blame from me. End of Book 10, Chapter 11. End of Book 10, Chapter 11. End of Book 10, Chapter 11. End of The Antiquities of the Jews, End of The Antiquities of the Jews, End of The Antiquities of the Jews, Volume 2, by Flavius Josephus, Volume 2, by Flavius Josephus, Volume 2, by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston.