Josephus Book 07b - David

the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by Flavius Josephus translated by William Flavius Josephus translated by William Flavius Josephus translated by William Kristen book 7 chapter 9 chapter 9 Kristen book 7 chapter 9 chapter 9 Kristen book 7 chapter 9 chapter 9 concerning the insurrection of Absalom concerning the insurrection of Absalom concerning the insurrection of Absalom against David and concerning a hit the against David and concerning a hit the against David and concerning a hit the felon who Shaye and concerning ziba and felon who Shaye and concerning ziba and felon who Shaye and concerning ziba and she me and how a hipa fell hanged she me and how a hipa fell hanged she me and how a hipa fell hanged himself now Absalom upon this his success with now Absalom upon this his success with the king procured to himself a great the king procured to himself a great the king procured to himself a great many horses and many chariots and that many horses and many chariots and that many horses and many chariots and that in a little time also he had moreover in a little time also he had moreover in a little time also he had moreover fifty armor bearers that were about him fifty armor bearers that were about him fifty armor bearers that were about him and he came early every day to the and he came early every day to the and he came early every day to the king's palace and spake what was king's palace and spake what was king's palace and spake what was agreeable to such as came for justice agreeable to such as came for justice agreeable to such as came for justice and lost their causes as if that and lost their causes as if that and lost their causes as if that happened for want of good counsellors happened for want of good counsellors happened for want of good counsellors about the king or perhaps because the about the king or perhaps because the about the king or perhaps because the judges mistook and that unjust sentence judges mistook and that unjust sentence judges mistook and that unjust sentence they gave whereby he gained the goodwill they gave whereby he gained the goodwill they gave whereby he gained the goodwill of them all he told them that had he but of them all he told them that had he but of them all he told them that had he but such authority committed to him he would such authority committed to him he would such authority committed to him he would distribute justice to them in a most distribute justice to them in a most distribute justice to them in a most equitable manner when he had made equitable manner when he had made equitable manner when he had made himself so popular among the multitude himself so popular among the multitude himself so popular among the multitude he thought he had already the goodwill he thought he had already the goodwill he thought he had already the goodwill of the people secured to him but when of the people secured to him but when of the people secured to him but when four years had passed since his father's four years had passed since his father's four years had passed since his father's reconciliation to him he came to him and reconciliation to him he came to him and reconciliation to him he came to him and besought him to give him leave to go to besought him to give him leave to go to besought him to give him leave to go to Hebron and pay a sacrifice to God Hebron and pay a sacrifice to God Hebron and pay a sacrifice to God because he bowed it to him when he bled

because he bowed it to him when he bled because he bowed it to him when he bled out of the country so when David had out of the country so when David had out of the country so when David had granted his request he went thither and granted his request he went thither and granted his request he went thither and great multitudes came running together great multitudes came running together great multitudes came running together to him for he had sent to a great number to him for he had sent to a great number to him for he had sent to a great number so to do among them came a Hitler fell so to do among them came a Hitler fell so to do among them came a Hitler fell the Gila Knight a councillor of David's the Gila Knight a councillor of David's the Gila Knight a councillor of David's and a two hundred men out of Jerusalem and a two hundred men out of Jerusalem and a two hundred men out of Jerusalem itself who knew not his intentions but itself who knew not his intentions but itself who knew not his intentions but were sent for us to a sacrifice so he were sent for us to a sacrifice so he were sent for us to a sacrifice so he was appointed king by all of them which was appointed king by all of them which was appointed king by all of them which he obtained by this stratagem as soon as he obtained by this stratagem as soon as he obtained by this stratagem as soon as this news was brought to David and he this news was brought to David and he this news was brought to David and he was informed of what he did not expect was informed of what he did not expect was informed of what he did not expect from him from him from him son he was afraid at this his impious son he was afraid at this his impious son he was afraid at this his impious and bold undertaking and wondered that and bold undertaking and wondered that and bold undertaking and wondered that he was so far from remembering how his he was so far from remembering how his he was so far from remembering how his offense had been so lately forgiving him offense had been so lately forgiving him offense had been so lately forgiving him that he undertook much worse and more that he undertook much worse and more that he undertook much worse and more wicked enterprises first to deprive him wicked enterprises first to deprive him wicked enterprises first to deprive him of that Kingdom which was given him of of that Kingdom which was given him of of that Kingdom which was given him of God and secondly to take away his own God and secondly to take away his own God and secondly to take away his own father's life he therefore resolved to father's life he therefore resolved to father's life he therefore resolved to fly to the parts beyond Jordan so he fly to the parts beyond Jordan so he fly to the parts beyond Jordan so he called his most intimate friends called his most intimate friends called his most intimate friends together and communicated to them all together and communicated to them all together and communicated to them all that he had heard of his son's madness that he had heard of his son's madness that he had heard of his son's madness he committed himself to God to judge he committed himself to God to judge he committed himself to God to judge between them about all their actions and between them about all their actions and between them about all their actions and left the care of his royal palace to his left the care of his royal palace to his left the care of his royal palace to his ten concubines and went away from ten concubines and went away from ten concubines and went away from Jerusalem being willingly accompanied by Jerusalem being willingly accompanied by Jerusalem being willingly accompanied by the rest of the multitude who went

the rest of the multitude who went the rest of the multitude who went hastily away with him and particularly hastily away with him and particularly hastily away with him and particularly by those six hundred armed men who had by those six hundred armed men who had by those six hundred armed men who had been with him from his first flight in been with him from his first flight in been with him from his first flight in the days of song but he persuaded the days of song but he persuaded the days of song but he persuaded Abiathar and say doc the high priests Abiathar and say doc the high priests Abiathar and say doc the high priests who had determined to go away with him who had determined to go away with him who had determined to go away with him as also all the Levites who were with as also all the Levites who were with as also all the Levites who were with the ark to stay behind as hoping that the ark to stay behind as hoping that the ark to stay behind as hoping that God would deliver him without it's God would deliver him without it's God would deliver him without it's removal but he charged them to let him removal but he charged them to let him removal but he charged them to let him know privately how all things went on know privately how all things went on know privately how all things went on and he had their sons a him as the son and he had their sons a him as the son and he had their sons a him as the son of Zadok and Jonathan the son of a VFR of Zadok and Jonathan the son of a VFR of Zadok and Jonathan the son of a VFR for faithful ministers in all things but for faithful ministers in all things but for faithful ministers in all things but it a ticket right went out with him it a ticket right went out with him it a ticket right went out with him whether david would let him or not for whether david would let him or not for whether david would let him or not for he would have persuaded him to stay and he would have persuaded him to stay and he would have persuaded him to stay and on that account he appeared the more on that account he appeared the more on that account he appeared the more friendly to him but as he was ascending friendly to him but as he was ascending friendly to him but as he was ascending the Mount of Olives barefooted and all the Mount of Olives barefooted and all the Mount of Olives barefooted and all his company were in tears it was told his company were in tears it was told his company were in tears it was told him that a hit the Bell was with Absalom him that a hit the Bell was with Absalom him that a hit the Bell was with Absalom and was at his side this hearing and was at his side this hearing and was at his side this hearing augmented his grief and he besought God augmented his grief and he besought God augmented his grief and he besought God earnestly to alienate the mind of earnestly to alienate the mind of earnestly to alienate the mind of Absalom from a HIPPA fell for he was Absalom from a HIPPA fell for he was Absalom from a HIPPA fell for he was afraid that he should persuade him to afraid that he should persuade him to afraid that he should persuade him to follow his pernicious counsel for he was follow his pernicious counsel for he was follow his pernicious counsel for he was a prudent man and very sharp and seeing a prudent man and very sharp and seeing a prudent man and very sharp and seeing what was advantageous when David was what was advantageous when David was what was advantageous when David was gotten upon the top of gotten upon the top of gotten upon the top of Mountain he took a view of the city and Mountain he took a view of the city and Mountain he took a view of the city and prayed to God with abundance of tears as prayed to God with abundance of tears as prayed to God with abundance of tears as having already lost his kingdom and here having already lost his kingdom and here having already lost his kingdom and here it was that a faithful friend of his

it was that a faithful friend of his it was that a faithful friend of his whose name was Hoshea met him when David whose name was Hoshea met him when David whose name was Hoshea met him when David saw him with his clothes rent and having saw him with his clothes rent and having saw him with his clothes rent and having ashes all over his head and in ashes all over his head and in ashes all over his head and in lamentation for the great change of lamentation for the great change of lamentation for the great change of affairs he comforted him and exhorted affairs he comforted him and exhorted affairs he comforted him and exhorted him to leave off grieving nay at length him to leave off grieving nay at length him to leave off grieving nay at length he besought him to go back to Absalom he besought him to go back to Absalom he besought him to go back to Absalom and appear as one of his party and to and appear as one of his party and to and appear as one of his party and to fish out the secret is counsel zuv his fish out the secret is counsel zuv his fish out the secret is counsel zuv his mind and to contradict the counsels of a mind and to contradict the counsels of a mind and to contradict the counsels of a HIPPA fell for that he could not do him HIPPA fell for that he could not do him HIPPA fell for that he could not do him so much good by being with him as he so much good by being with him as he so much good by being with him as he might by being with Absalom so he was might by being with Absalom so he was might by being with Absalom so he was prevailed on by David and left him and prevailed on by David and left him and prevailed on by David and left him and came to Jerusalem whither Absalom came to Jerusalem whither Absalom came to Jerusalem whither Absalom himself came also a little while himself came also a little while himself came also a little while afterward when David was gone a little afterward when David was gone a little afterward when David was gone a little farther there met him ziba the servant farther there met him ziba the servant farther there met him ziba the servant of Mephibosheth whom he had sent to take of Mephibosheth whom he had sent to take of Mephibosheth whom he had sent to take care of the possessions wood which had care of the possessions wood which had care of the possessions wood which had been given him as the son of Jonathan been given him as the son of Jonathan been given him as the son of Jonathan the son of Saul with a couple of asses the son of Saul with a couple of asses the son of Saul with a couple of asses laden with provisions and desired him to laden with provisions and desired him to laden with provisions and desired him to take as much of them as he and his take as much of them as he and his take as much of them as he and his followers stood in need of and when the followers stood in need of and when the followers stood in need of and when the king asked him where he had left king asked him where he had left king asked him where he had left Mephibosheth he said he had left him in Mephibosheth he said he had left him in Mephibosheth he said he had left him in Jerusalem expecting to be chosen King in Jerusalem expecting to be chosen King in Jerusalem expecting to be chosen King in the present confusions in remembrance of the present confusions in remembrance of the present confusions in remembrance of the benefits Saul had conferred upon him the benefits Saul had conferred upon him the benefits Saul had conferred upon him at this the King had great indignation at this the King had great indignation at this the King had great indignation and gave to Ziva all that he had and gave to Ziva all that he had and gave to Ziva all that he had formerly bestowed on mephibosheth for he formerly bestowed on mephibosheth for he formerly bestowed on mephibosheth for he determined that it was much better that determined that it was much better that determined that it was much better that he should happen than the other at which

he should happen than the other at which he should happen than the other at which ziba greatly rejoiced when David was at ziba greatly rejoiced when David was at ziba greatly rejoiced when David was at the harem a place so called there came the harem a place so called there came the harem a place so called there came out a kinsman of Saul's whose name was out a kinsman of Saul's whose name was out a kinsman of Saul's whose name was shimmy and threw stones at him and gave shimmy and threw stones at him and gave shimmy and threw stones at him and gave him reproachful words and as his friends him reproachful words and as his friends him reproachful words and as his friends stood about the king and protected him stood about the king and protected him stood about the king and protected him he persevered still more in his he persevered still more in his he persevered still more in his reproaches and called him a bloody man reproaches and called him a bloody man reproaches and called him a bloody man and the author of all sorts of mischief and the author of all sorts of mischief and the author of all sorts of mischief he bade him also go out of the land as he bade him also go out of the land as he bade him also go out of the land as an impure and a curse a grip an impure and a curse a grip an impure and a curse a grip and he thanked god for depriving him of and he thanked god for depriving him of and he thanked god for depriving him of his kingdom and causing him to be his kingdom and causing him to be his kingdom and causing him to be punished for what injuries he had done punished for what injuries he had done punished for what injuries he had done to his master Saul and this by the means to his master Saul and this by the means to his master Saul and this by the means of his own son now when they were all of his own son now when they were all of his own son now when they were all provoked against him and angry at him provoked against him and angry at him provoked against him and angry at him and particularly a Bechet who had a mind and particularly a Bechet who had a mind and particularly a Bechet who had a mind to kill Jimmy David restrained his anger to kill Jimmy David restrained his anger to kill Jimmy David restrained his anger let us not said he bring upon ourselves let us not said he bring upon ourselves let us not said he bring upon ourselves another fresh misfortune to those we another fresh misfortune to those we another fresh misfortune to those we have already for truly I have not the have already for truly I have not the have already for truly I have not the least regard nor concern for this dog least regard nor concern for this dog least regard nor concern for this dog that raves at me I submit myself to God that raves at me I submit myself to God that raves at me I submit myself to God by whose permission this man treats me by whose permission this man treats me by whose permission this man treats me in such a wild manner nor is it any in such a wild manner nor is it any in such a wild manner nor is it any wonder that I am obliged to undergo wonder that I am obliged to undergo wonder that I am obliged to undergo these abuses from him while I these abuses from him while I these abuses from him while I experienced the light from an empire son experienced the light from an empire son experienced the light from an empire son of my own but perhaps God will have some of my own but perhaps God will have some of my own but perhaps God will have some commiseration upon us if it be his will commiseration upon us if it be his will commiseration upon us if it be his will we shall overcome them so he went on his we shall overcome them so he went on his we shall overcome them so he went on his way without troubling himself where she

way without troubling himself where she way without troubling himself where she may who ran along the other side of the may who ran along the other side of the may who ran along the other side of the mountain and throughout his abusive mountain and throughout his abusive mountain and throughout his abusive language plentifully but when David was language plentifully but when David was language plentifully but when David was come to Jordan he allowed those that come to Jordan he allowed those that come to Jordan he allowed those that were with him to refresh themselves for were with him to refresh themselves for were with him to refresh themselves for they were weary but when Absalom and they were weary but when Absalom and they were weary but when Absalom and hipa fell his counselor would come to hipa fell his counselor would come to hipa fell his counselor would come to Jerusalem with all the people David's Jerusalem with all the people David's Jerusalem with all the people David's friend who Shea came to them and when he friend who Shea came to them and when he friend who Shea came to them and when he had worshipped Absalom he withal wished had worshipped Absalom he withal wished had worshipped Absalom he withal wished that his kingdom might last a long time that his kingdom might last a long time that his kingdom might last a long time and continued for all ages but when and continued for all ages but when and continued for all ages but when Absalom said to him how comes this that Absalom said to him how comes this that Absalom said to him how comes this that he was so intimate a friend of my he was so intimate a friend of my he was so intimate a friend of my father's had appeared faithful to him in father's had appeared faithful to him in father's had appeared faithful to him in all things is not with him now but hath all things is not with him now but hath all things is not with him now but hath left him and has come over to me who left him and has come over to me who left him and has come over to me who Shea's answer was very pertinent and Shea's answer was very pertinent and Shea's answer was very pertinent and prudent for he said we ought to follow prudent for he said we ought to follow prudent for he said we ought to follow God and the multitude of the people God and the multitude of the people God and the multitude of the people while these therefore my Lord and Master while these therefore my Lord and Master while these therefore my Lord and Master are with thee it is fit that I should are with thee it is fit that I should are with thee it is fit that I should follow them for thou hast received the follow them for thou hast received the follow them for thou hast received the kingdom from God I will therefore if kingdom from God I will therefore if kingdom from God I will therefore if thou believest me to be thy friend show thou believest me to be thy friend show thou believest me to be thy friend show the same fidelity and kindness to be the same fidelity and kindness to be the same fidelity and kindness to be which thou knowest I have shown to thy which thou knowest I have shown to thy which thou knowest I have shown to thy father nor is there any reason to be in father nor is there any reason to be in father nor is there any reason to be in the least dissatisfied with the present the least dissatisfied with the present the least dissatisfied with the present state of affairs for the kingdom is not state of affairs for the kingdom is not state of affairs for the kingdom is not transferred into transferred into transferred into another but remains still in the same another but remains still in the same another but remains still in the same family by the sun's receiving it after family by the sun's receiving it after family by the sun's receiving it after his father this speech persuaded Absalom his father this speech persuaded Absalom his father this speech persuaded Absalom who before suspected who shaved and now who before suspected who shaved and now who before suspected who shaved and now he called a hit the felon consulted with he called a hit the felon consulted with he called a hit the felon consulted with him what he ought to do he persuaded him

him what he ought to do he persuaded him him what he ought to do he persuaded him to go in unto his father's concubines to go in unto his father's concubines to go in unto his father's concubines for he said that by this action the for he said that by this action the for he said that by this action the people would believe that the difference people would believe that the difference people would believe that the difference with thy father is irreconcilable and with thy father is irreconcilable and with thy father is irreconcilable and we'll dance fight with great alacrity we'll dance fight with great alacrity we'll dance fight with great alacrity against my father for hitherto they are against my father for hitherto they are against my father for hitherto they are afraid of taking up open enmity against afraid of taking up open enmity against afraid of taking up open enmity against him out of an expectation that you will him out of an expectation that you will him out of an expectation that you will be reconciled again accordingly Absalom be reconciled again accordingly Absalom be reconciled again accordingly Absalom was prevailed on by this advice and was prevailed on by this advice and was prevailed on by this advice and commanded his service to pitch him commanded his service to pitch him commanded his service to pitch him intent upon the top of the Royal Palace intent upon the top of the Royal Palace intent upon the top of the Royal Palace in the sight of the multitude he went in in the sight of the multitude he went in in the sight of the multitude he went in and lay with his father's concubines now and lay with his father's concubines now and lay with his father's concubines now this came to pass according to the this came to pass according to the this came to pass according to the prediction of Nathan when he prophesied prediction of Nathan when he prophesied prediction of Nathan when he prophesied and signified to him that his son would and signified to him that his son would and signified to him that his son would rise up in rebellion against him and rise up in rebellion against him and rise up in rebellion against him and when Absalom had done what he was when Absalom had done what he was when Absalom had done what he was advised to by a heffa fell he desired advised to by a heffa fell he desired advised to by a heffa fell he desired his advice in the second place about the his advice in the second place about the his advice in the second place about the war against his father now a hipa fell war against his father now a hipa fell war against his father now a hipa fell only asked him to let him have ten only asked him to let him have ten only asked him to let him have ten thousand chosen men and he promised he thousand chosen men and he promised he thousand chosen men and he promised he would slay his father and bring the would slay his father and bring the would slay his father and bring the soldiers back again in safety and he soldiers back again in safety and he soldiers back again in safety and he said that then the kingdom would be firm said that then the kingdom would be firm said that then the kingdom would be firm to him when David was dead but not to him when David was dead but not to him when David was dead but not otherwise Absalom was pleased with this otherwise Absalom was pleased with this otherwise Absalom was pleased with this advice and called for hoosh a David's advice and called for hoosh a David's advice and called for hoosh a David's friend for so did he style him and friend for so did he style him and friend for so did he style him and informing him of the opinion of a HIPPA informing him of the opinion of a HIPPA informing him of the opinion of a HIPPA fell he asked further what was his fell he asked further what was his fell he asked further what was his opinion concerning that matter now he opinion concerning that matter now he opinion concerning that matter now he was sensible that if the hipa fells was sensible that if the hipa fells was sensible that if the hipa fells council were followed David would be in council were followed David would be in council were followed David would be in danger of being seized on and slain so

danger of being seized on and slain so danger of being seized on and slain so he attempted to introduce a contrary he attempted to introduce a contrary he attempted to introduce a contrary opinion and said thou art not on opinion and said thou art not on opinion and said thou art not on acquaintance o King with the valour of acquaintance o King with the valour of acquaintance o King with the valour of thy father and of those that are now thy father and of those that are now thy father and of those that are now with him that he hath made many wars and with him that he hath made many wars and with him that he hath made many wars and hath always come up with victory though hath always come up with victory though hath always come up with victory though probably he now abides an account for he probably he now abides an account for he probably he now abides an account for he is very skillful and stratagems and in is very skillful and stratagems and in is very skillful and stratagems and in foreseeing the deceitful tricks of his foreseeing the deceitful tricks of his foreseeing the deceitful tricks of his enemies yet will he lead his own enemies yet will he lead his own enemies yet will he lead his own soldiers in the evening soldiers in the evening soldiers in the evening well either hide himself in some Valley well either hide himself in some Valley well either hide himself in some Valley or will place an ambush at some rock so or will place an ambush at some rock so or will place an ambush at some rock so that when our army joins battle with him that when our army joins battle with him that when our army joins battle with him his soldiers will retire for a little his soldiers will retire for a little his soldiers will retire for a little while but will come upon us again as while but will come upon us again as while but will come upon us again as encouraged by the Kings being near them encouraged by the Kings being near them encouraged by the Kings being near them and in the meantime your father will and in the meantime your father will and in the meantime your father will show himself suddenly in the time of the show himself suddenly in the time of the show himself suddenly in the time of the battle and will infuse courage into his battle and will infuse courage into his battle and will infuse courage into his own people when they are in danger but own people when they are in danger but own people when they are in danger but bring consternation to dine considered bring consternation to dine considered bring consternation to dine considered therefore my advice and reason upon it therefore my advice and reason upon it therefore my advice and reason upon it and if thou canst not but acknowledge it and if thou canst not but acknowledge it and if thou canst not but acknowledge it to be the best reject the opinion of a to be the best reject the opinion of a to be the best reject the opinion of a HIPPA fell send to the entire country of HIPPA fell send to the entire country of HIPPA fell send to the entire country of the Hebrews and ordered them to come and the Hebrews and ordered them to come and the Hebrews and ordered them to come and fight with my father and do thou thyself fight with my father and do thou thyself fight with my father and do thou thyself take the army and be thine own general take the army and be thine own general take the army and be thine own general in this war and do not trust its in this war and do not trust its in this war and do not trust its management to another then expect to management to another then expect to management to another then expect to conquer him with ease when thou overtake conquer him with ease when thou overtake conquer him with ease when thou overtake us him openly with his few partisans but us him openly with his few partisans but us him openly with his few partisans but hast thy self many ten thousands who hast thy self many ten thousands who hast thy self many ten thousands who will be desirous to demonstrate to be will be desirous to demonstrate to be will be desirous to demonstrate to be their diligence and alacrity and if thy their diligence and alacrity and if thy their diligence and alacrity and if thy father shall shut himself up in some

father shall shut himself up in some father shall shut himself up in some City and bear a siege we will overthrow City and bear a siege we will overthrow City and bear a siege we will overthrow that city with machines of war and by that city with machines of war and by that city with machines of war and by undermining it when who Shea had said to undermining it when who Shea had said to undermining it when who Shea had said to us he obtained his point against Hafele us he obtained his point against Hafele us he obtained his point against Hafele for his opinion was preferred by Absalom for his opinion was preferred by Absalom for his opinion was preferred by Absalom before the others however it was no before the others however it was no before the others however it was no other than God who made the Council of other than God who made the Council of other than God who made the Council of who Shea appear best to the mind of who Shea appear best to the mind of who Shea appear best to the mind of Absalom so who Shea made haste to the high so who Shea made haste to the high priests zadok and abiathar and told them priests zadok and abiathar and told them priests zadok and abiathar and told them the opinion of a hip afoul and his own the opinion of a hip afoul and his own the opinion of a hip afoul and his own and that the resolution was taken to and that the resolution was taken to and that the resolution was taken to follow this latter advice he therefore follow this latter advice he therefore follow this latter advice he therefore bathed and sent to David and tell him of bathed and sent to David and tell him of bathed and sent to David and tell him of it and to inform him of the counsels it and to inform him of the counsels it and to inform him of the counsels that had been taken and to desire him that had been taken and to desire him that had been taken and to desire him further to pass quickly over Jordan lest further to pass quickly over Jordan lest further to pass quickly over Jordan lest his son should change his mind and make his son should change his mind and make his son should change his mind and make haste to pursue him and so prevent him haste to pursue him and so prevent him haste to pursue him and so prevent him and seize upon him before he be in and seize upon him before he be in and seize upon him before he be in safety now the high priests had their safety now the high priests had their safety now the high priests had their sons concealed in a proper place out of sons concealed in a proper place out of sons concealed in a proper place out of the city that they might carry news to the city that they might carry news to the city that they might carry news to David of what was transacted accordingly David of what was transacted accordingly David of what was transacted accordingly they sent a maidservant whom they could they sent a maidservant whom they could they sent a maidservant whom they could trust to them to carry the news of trust to them to carry the news of trust to them to carry the news of Absalom's councils Absalom's councils Absalom's councils and ordered them to signify the same to and ordered them to signify the same to and ordered them to signify the same to David with all speed so they made no David with all speed so they made no David with all speed so they made no excuse nor delay but taking along with excuse nor delay but taking along with excuse nor delay but taking along with them their fathers injunctions because them their fathers injunctions because them their fathers injunctions because pious and faithful ministers and judging pious and faithful ministers and judging pious and faithful ministers and judging the quickness and suddenness was the the quickness and suddenness was the the quickness and suddenness was the best mark of faithful service best mark of faithful service best mark of faithful service they made haste to meet with David but they made haste to meet with David but they made haste to meet with David but certain horsemen saw them when they were certain horsemen saw them when they were certain horsemen saw them when they were two furlongs from the city and informed

two furlongs from the city and informed two furlongs from the city and informed Absalom of them who immediately sent Absalom of them who immediately sent Absalom of them who immediately sent some to take them but when the sons of some to take them but when the sons of some to take them but when the sons of the high priest proceeded this they went the high priest proceeded this they went the high priest proceeded this they went out of the road and be took themselves out of the road and be took themselves out of the road and be took themselves to a certain village that village was to a certain village that village was to a certain village that village was called bahurim there they desired a called bahurim there they desired a called bahurim there they desired a certain woman to hide them and afford certain woman to hide them and afford certain woman to hide them and afford them security accordingly she let the them security accordingly she let the them security accordingly she let the young men down by a rope into a well and young men down by a rope into a well and young men down by a rope into a well and laid leases of wool over them and when laid leases of wool over them and when laid leases of wool over them and when those that pursued them came to her and those that pursued them came to her and those that pursued them came to her and asked her whether she saw them she did asked her whether she saw them she did asked her whether she saw them she did not deny that she had seen him for that not deny that she had seen him for that not deny that she had seen him for that they stayed with her some time but she they stayed with her some time but she they stayed with her some time but she said they then went their ways and she said they then went their ways and she said they then went their ways and she fertile that however if they would fertile that however if they would fertile that however if they would follow them directly they would catch follow them directly they would catch follow them directly they would catch them but when after a long pursuit they them but when after a long pursuit they them but when after a long pursuit they could not catch them they came back could not catch them they came back could not catch them they came back again and when the women saw those men again and when the women saw those men again and when the women saw those men were returned and that there was no were returned and that there was no were returned and that there was no longer any fear of the young men's being longer any fear of the young men's being longer any fear of the young men's being caught by them she drew him up by the caught by them she drew him up by the caught by them she drew him up by the rope and bade them go on their journey rope and bade them go on their journey rope and bade them go on their journey accordingly they used great diligence in accordingly they used great diligence in accordingly they used great diligence in the prosecution of that journey and came the prosecution of that journey and came the prosecution of that journey and came to David and informed him accurately of to David and informed him accurately of to David and informed him accurately of all the counsels of Absalom so he all the counsels of Absalom so he all the counsels of Absalom so he commanded those that were with him to commanded those that were with him to commanded those that were with him to pass over Jordan while it was night and pass over Jordan while it was night and pass over Jordan while it was night and not to delay at all on that account but not to delay at all on that account but not to delay at all on that account but a hipa fell on rejection of his advice a hipa fell on rejection of his advice a hipa fell on rejection of his advice got up on his ass and rode away to his got up on his ass and rode away to his got up on his ass and rode away to his own country Gillan and calling his own country Gillan and calling his own country Gillan and calling his family together he told them distinctly family together he told them distinctly family together he told them distinctly what advice he had given Absalom and what advice he had given Absalom and what advice he had given Absalom and since he had not been persuaded by it he since he had not been persuaded by it he since he had not been persuaded by it he said he would evidently perish and this said he would evidently perish and this said he would evidently perish and this in no long time and that David would

in no long time and that David would in no long time and that David would overcome him and return to his kingdom overcome him and return to his kingdom overcome him and return to his kingdom again so he said it was better that he again so he said it was better that he again so he said it was better that he should take his own life away with should take his own life away with should take his own life away with freedom and magnanimity then exposed freedom and magnanimity then exposed freedom and magnanimity then exposed himself to be punished by David in himself to be punished by David in himself to be punished by David in opposition to whom he had acted entirely opposition to whom he had acted entirely opposition to whom he had acted entirely for Absalom when he had discourse thus for Absalom when he had discourse thus for Absalom when he had discourse thus to them he went into the to them he went into the to them he went into the in most room of his house and hanged in most room of his house and hanged in most room of his house and hanged himself and thus was the death of a himself and thus was the death of a himself and thus was the death of a HIPPA fell who was self condemned and HIPPA fell who was self condemned and HIPPA fell who was self condemned and when his relations had taken him down when his relations had taken him down when his relations had taken him down from the halter they took care of his from the halter they took care of his from the halter they took care of his funeral funeral funeral now as for David he passed over Jordan now as for David he passed over Jordan now as for David he passed over Jordan as we have already said and came to Maha as we have already said and came to Maha as we have already said and came to Maha named a very fine and very strong City named a very fine and very strong City named a very fine and very strong City and all the chief men of the country and all the chief men of the country and all the chief men of the country received him with great pleasure both received him with great pleasure both received him with great pleasure both out of the shame they had that he should out of the shame they had that he should out of the shame they had that he should be forced to flee away from Jerusalem be forced to flee away from Jerusalem be forced to flee away from Jerusalem and out of the respect they bear him and out of the respect they bear him and out of the respect they bear him while he was in his former prosperity while he was in his former prosperity while he was in his former prosperity these were barzillai the gileadite and these were barzillai the gileadite and these were barzillai the gileadite and safar the ruler among the ammonites and safar the ruler among the ammonites and safar the ruler among the ammonites and mack here the principal man of Gilead mack here the principal man of Gilead mack here the principal man of Gilead and these furnished him with plentiful and these furnished him with plentiful and these furnished him with plentiful provisions for himself and his followers provisions for himself and his followers provisions for himself and his followers in so much that they wanted no beds nor in so much that they wanted no beds nor in so much that they wanted no beds nor blankets for them nor loaves of bread blankets for them nor loaves of bread blankets for them nor loaves of bread nor wine nay they brought them a great nor wine nay they brought them a great nor wine nay they brought them a great many cattle for slaughter and afforded many cattle for slaughter and afforded many cattle for slaughter and afforded them what furniture they wanted for them what furniture they wanted for them what furniture they wanted for their refreshment when they were weary their refreshment when they were weary their refreshment when they were weary and for food with plenty of other and for food with plenty of other and for food with plenty of other necessities end of book 7 chapter 9

necessities end of book 7 chapter 9 necessities end of book 7 chapter 9 recording by Nicola Kay book 7 chapters recording by Nicola Kay book 7 chapters recording by Nicola Kay book 7 chapters 10 and 11 of the antiquities of the Jews 10 and 11 of the antiquities of the Jews 10 and 11 of the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 this is a librivox recording all vol 2 this is a librivox recording all vol 2 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 jason justice the recording by jason justice the recording by jason justice the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by Flavius antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by Flavius antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by Flavius Josephus translated by William Weston Josephus translated by William Weston Josephus translated by William Weston book 7 chapters 10 and 11 chapter 10 how book 7 chapters 10 and 11 chapter 10 how book 7 chapters 10 and 11 chapter 10 how when Absalom was beaten he was caught in when Absalom was beaten he was caught in when Absalom was beaten he was caught in a tree by his hair and was slain and a tree by his hair and was slain and a tree by his hair and was slain and this was the state of David and his this was the state of David and his this was the state of David and his followers but Absalom got together a followers but Absalom got together a followers but Absalom got together a vast army of the Hebrews to oppose his vast army of the Hebrews to oppose his vast army of the Hebrews to oppose his father and passed there with over the father and passed there with over the father and passed there with over the River Jordan and sat down not far off River Jordan and sat down not far off River Jordan and sat down not far off Mahan a.m. in the country of Gilead he Mahan a.m. in the country of Gilead he Mahan a.m. in the country of Gilead he appointed Amasa to be had captain of all appointed Amasa to be had captain of all appointed Amasa to be had captain of all his host instead of Joab his kinsmen his his host instead of Joab his kinsmen his his host instead of Joab his kinsmen his father was a throw and his mother father was a throw and his mother father was a throw and his mother Abigail Abigail Abigail now she and xariah the mother of Joab now she and xariah the mother of Joab now she and xariah the mother of Joab were David sisters but when David had were David sisters but when David had were David sisters but when David had numbered his followers and found them to numbered his followers and found them to numbered his followers and found them to be about four thousand he resolved not be about four thousand he resolved not be about four thousand he resolved not to tarry till Absalom attacked him but to tarry till Absalom attacked him but to tarry till Absalom attacked him but said over his men captains of thousands said over his men captains of thousands said over his men captains of thousands and captains of hundreds and divided his and captains of hundreds and divided his and captains of hundreds and divided his army into three parts the one part he army into three parts the one part he army into three parts the one part he committed to Joab the next to a Bosch i committed to Joab the next to a Bosch i committed to Joab the next to a Bosch i jo aapse brother and the third to its i jo aapse brother and the third to its i jo aapse brother and the third to its i david's companion and friend but one david's companion and friend but one david's companion and friend but one that came from the city gasps and when

that came from the city gasps and when that came from the city gasps and when he was desirous of fighting himself he was desirous of fighting himself he was desirous of fighting himself among them his friends would not let him among them his friends would not let him among them his friends would not let him and this refusal of theirs was founded and this refusal of theirs was founded and this refusal of theirs was founded upon very wise reasons for said they if upon very wise reasons for said they if upon very wise reasons for said they if we be conquered when he is with us we we be conquered when he is with us we we be conquered when he is with us we have lost all good hopes of recovering have lost all good hopes of recovering have lost all good hopes of recovering ourselves but if we should be beaten in ourselves but if we should be beaten in ourselves but if we should be beaten in one part of our army the other parts may one part of our army the other parts may one part of our army the other parts may retire to him and may thereby prepare a retire to him and may thereby prepare a retire to him and may thereby prepare a greater force while the enemy will greater force while the enemy will greater force while the enemy will naturally suppose that he hath another naturally suppose that he hath another naturally suppose that he hath another army with him so David was pleased with army with him so David was pleased with army with him so David was pleased with this their advice and resolved himself this their advice and resolved himself this their advice and resolved himself to tarry at Mahan a.m. and as he sent to tarry at Mahan a.m. and as he sent to tarry at Mahan a.m. and as he sent his friends and commanders to the battle his friends and commanders to the battle his friends and commanders to the battle he desired them to show all possible he desired them to show all possible he desired them to show all possible alacrity and fidelity and to bear in alacrity and fidelity and to bear in alacrity and fidelity and to bear in mind what advantages they had received mind what advantages they had received mind what advantages they had received from him which though they had not been from him which though they had not been from him which though they had not been very great yet they had not been quite very great yet they had not been quite very great yet they had not been quite in considerable and he begged of them to in considerable and he begged of them to in considerable and he begged of them to spare the young man Absalom lest some spare the young man Absalom lest some spare the young man Absalom lest some mischief should be followed himself if mischief should be followed himself if mischief should be followed himself if he should be killed and thus did he send he should be killed and thus did he send he should be killed and thus did he send out his army to the battle and wish them out his army to the battle and wish them out his army to the battle and wish them victory therein then to Joab put his victory therein then to Joab put his victory therein then to Joab put his army in battle array against the enemy army in battle array against the enemy army in battle array against the enemy in the Great Plain where he had wood in the Great Plain where he had wood in the Great Plain where he had wood behind him behind him behind him Absalom also brought his army into the Absalom also brought his army into the Absalom also brought his army into the field to oppose him upon the joining of field to oppose him upon the joining of field to oppose him upon the joining of the battle both sides showed great the battle both sides showed great the battle both sides showed great actions with their hands and their actions with their hands and their actions with their hands and their boldness the one side exposing boldness the one side exposing boldness the one side exposing themselves to the greatest hazards and themselves to the greatest hazards and themselves to the greatest hazards and using their utmost alacrity that David using their utmost alacrity that David using their utmost alacrity that David might recover his kingdom and the other might recover his kingdom and the other might recover his kingdom and the other being no way deficient either in doing being no way deficient either in doing being no way deficient either in doing or suffering that Absalom might not be or suffering that Absalom might not be or suffering that Absalom might not be deprived of that kingdom and be brought

deprived of that kingdom and be brought deprived of that kingdom and be brought to punishment by his father for his to punishment by his father for his to punishment by his father for his impudent attempt against him those also impudent attempt against him those also impudent attempt against him those also who were the most numerous were who were the most numerous were who were the most numerous were solicitous that they might not be solicitous that they might not be solicitous that they might not be conquered by those few that were with conquered by those few that were with conquered by those few that were with Joab and with the other commanders Joab and with the other commanders Joab and with the other commanders because that would because that would because that would the greater disgrace to them while David the greater disgrace to them while David the greater disgrace to them while David soldiers strove greatly to overcome so soldiers strove greatly to overcome so soldiers strove greatly to overcome so many ten thousands as the enemy had with many ten thousands as the enemy had with many ten thousands as the enemy had with them now David's men were conquerors as them now David's men were conquerors as them now David's men were conquerors as superior in strength and skill and war superior in strength and skill and war superior in strength and skill and war so they followed the others as they fled so they followed the others as they fled so they followed the others as they fled away through the forests and valleys away through the forests and valleys away through the forests and valleys some they took prisoners and many they some they took prisoners and many they some they took prisoners and many they slew and more in the flight than in the slew and more in the flight than in the slew and more in the flight than in the battle for there fell about twenty battle for there fell about twenty battle for there fell about twenty thousand that day but all David's men thousand that day but all David's men thousand that day but all David's men ran violently upon Absalom for he was ran violently upon Absalom for he was ran violently upon Absalom for he was easily known by his beauty and tallness easily known by his beauty and tallness easily known by his beauty and tallness he was himself also afraid lest his he was himself also afraid lest his he was himself also afraid lest his enemies should seize on him so he got enemies should seize on him so he got enemies should seize on him so he got upon the Kings mule and fled but as he upon the Kings mule and fled but as he upon the Kings mule and fled but as he was carried with violence and noise and was carried with violence and noise and was carried with violence and noise and a great motion as being himself light he a great motion as being himself light he a great motion as being himself light he entangled his hair greatly in the large entangled his hair greatly in the large entangled his hair greatly in the large boughs of a naughty tree that spread a boughs of a naughty tree that spread a boughs of a naughty tree that spread a great way and there he hung after a great way and there he hung after a great way and there he hung after a surprising manner and as for the Beast surprising manner and as for the Beast surprising manner and as for the Beast it went on farther and that swiftly as it went on farther and that swiftly as it went on farther and that swiftly as if his master had been still upon his if his master had been still upon his if his master had been still upon his back but he hanging in the air upon the back but he hanging in the air upon the back but he hanging in the air upon the boughs was taken by his enemies now when boughs was taken by his enemies now when boughs was taken by his enemies now when one of David's soldiers saw this he one of David's soldiers saw this he one of David's soldiers saw this he informed Joab of it and when the general informed Joab of it and when the general informed Joab of it and when the general said that if he had shot at and killed said that if he had shot at and killed said that if he had shot at and killed Absalom he would have given him fifty Absalom he would have given him fifty Absalom he would have given him fifty shekels he replied I would not have shekels he replied I would not have shekels he replied I would not have killed my Master's son if thou wouldst killed my Master's son if thou wouldst killed my Master's son if thou wouldst have given me a thousand shekels have given me a thousand shekels have given me a thousand shekels especially when he desired that the especially when he desired that the especially when he desired that the young man might be spared in the hearing

young man might be spared in the hearing young man might be spared in the hearing of us all but Joab bade him show him of us all but Joab bade him show him of us all but Joab bade him show him where it was that he saw Absalom hang where it was that he saw Absalom hang where it was that he saw Absalom hang whereupon he shot him to the heart and whereupon he shot him to the heart and whereupon he shot him to the heart and slew him and Joe ABS Armour Bears stood slew him and Joe ABS Armour Bears stood slew him and Joe ABS Armour Bears stood round the tree and pulled down his dead round the tree and pulled down his dead round the tree and pulled down his dead body and cast it into a great chasm that body and cast it into a great chasm that body and cast it into a great chasm that was out of sight and laid a heap of was out of sight and laid a heap of was out of sight and laid a heap of stones upon him till the cavity was stones upon him till the cavity was stones upon him till the cavity was filled up and had both the appearance filled up and had both the appearance filled up and had both the appearance and the bigness of a grave then Joab and the bigness of a grave then Joab and the bigness of a grave then Joab sounded a retreat and recalled his own sounded a retreat and recalled his own sounded a retreat and recalled his own soldiers from pursuing the enemy's army soldiers from pursuing the enemy's army soldiers from pursuing the enemy's army in order to spare their countrymen now in order to spare their countrymen now in order to spare their countrymen now Absalom had erected for himself a marble Absalom had erected for himself a marble Absalom had erected for himself a marble pillar and the Kings Dale two furlongs pillar and the Kings Dale two furlongs pillar and the Kings Dale two furlongs distant from Jerusalem which he named distant from Jerusalem which he named distant from Jerusalem which he named Absalom's hand saying that if his Absalom's hand saying that if his Absalom's hand saying that if his children were killed his name would children were killed his name would children were killed his name would remain by that pillar for he had three remain by that pillar for he had three remain by that pillar for he had three sons and one daughter named Tamar as we sons and one daughter named Tamar as we sons and one daughter named Tamar as we said before who when she was married to said before who when she was married to said before who when she was married to David's grandson Rayo Boehm bear a son David's grandson Rayo Boehm bear a son David's grandson Rayo Boehm bear a son Abba job by name Abba job by name Abba job by name who succeeded his father in the kingdom who succeeded his father in the kingdom who succeeded his father in the kingdom but of these we shall speak in a part of but of these we shall speak in a part of but of these we shall speak in a part of our history that will be more proper our history that will be more proper our history that will be more proper after the death of Absalom they returned after the death of Absalom they returned after the death of Absalom they returned everyone to their own homes respectively everyone to their own homes respectively everyone to their own homes respectively but now a Hamas the son of Zadok the but now a Hamas the son of Zadok the but now a Hamas the son of Zadok the high priest went to Joab and desired he high priest went to Joab and desired he high priest went to Joab and desired he would permit him to go and tell David of would permit him to go and tell David of would permit him to go and tell David of this victory and to bring him the good this victory and to bring him the good this victory and to bring him the good news that God had afforded his news that God had afforded his news that God had afforded his assistance assistance assistance and his Providence to him however he did and his Providence to him however he did and his Providence to him however he did not grant his request but said to him not grant his request but said to him not grant his request but said to him wilt thou who has always been the wilt thou who has always been the wilt thou who has always been the messenger of good news now go and messenger of good news now go and messenger of good news now go and acquaint the King that his son is dead acquaint the King that his son is dead acquaint the King that his son is dead so he desired him to desist he then

so he desired him to desist he then so he desired him to desist he then called Kushi and committed the business called Kushi and committed the business called Kushi and committed the business to him that he should tell the King what to him that he should tell the King what to him that he should tell the King what he had seen but when I Hamas again he had seen but when I Hamas again he had seen but when I Hamas again desired him to let him go as a messenger desired him to let him go as a messenger desired him to let him go as a messenger and assured him that he would only and assured him that he would only and assured him that he would only relate what concerned the victory but relate what concerned the victory but relate what concerned the victory but not concerning the death of Absalom he not concerning the death of Absalom he not concerning the death of Absalom he gave him leave to go to David now he gave him leave to go to David now he gave him leave to go to David now he took a nearer road than the former did took a nearer road than the former did took a nearer road than the former did for nobody knew it but himself for nobody knew it but himself for nobody knew it but himself and he came before Kushi now as David and he came before Kushi now as David and he came before Kushi now as David was sitting between the gates and was sitting between the gates and was sitting between the gates and waiting to see when somebody would come waiting to see when somebody would come waiting to see when somebody would come to him from the battle and tell him how to him from the battle and tell him how to him from the battle and tell him how it went one of the watchmen saw a Hamas it went one of the watchmen saw a Hamas it went one of the watchmen saw a Hamas running and before he could discern who running and before he could discern who running and before he could discern who he was he told David that he saw he was he told David that he saw he was he told David that he saw somebody coming to him who said he was a somebody coming to him who said he was a somebody coming to him who said he was a good messenger a little while after he good messenger a little while after he good messenger a little while after he informed him that another messenger informed him that another messenger informed him that another messenger followed him whereupon the king said followed him whereupon the king said followed him whereupon the king said that he also was a good messenger but that he also was a good messenger but that he also was a good messenger but when the watchman saw a hamas and that when the watchman saw a hamas and that when the watchman saw a hamas and that he was already very near he gave the he was already very near he gave the he was already very near he gave the king notice that it was the son of Zadok king notice that it was the son of Zadok king notice that it was the son of Zadok the high priest who came running so the high priest who came running so the high priest who came running so David was very glad and said he was a David was very glad and said he was a David was very glad and said he was a messenger of good tidings and brought messenger of good tidings and brought messenger of good tidings and brought him such news from the battle as he him such news from the battle as he him such news from the battle as he desired to hear while the king was desired to hear while the king was desired to hear while the king was saying this ah he Maas appeared and saying this ah he Maas appeared and saying this ah he Maas appeared and worshipped the king and when the king worshipped the king and when the king worshipped the king and when the king inquired of him about the battle he said inquired of him about the battle he said inquired of him about the battle he said he brought him the good news of victory he brought him the good news of victory he brought him the good news of victory and Dominion and when he enquired what and Dominion and when he enquired what and Dominion and when he enquired what he had to say concerning his son he said he had to say concerning his son he said he had to say concerning his son he said that he came away on the sudden as soon that he came away on the sudden as soon that he came away on the sudden as soon as the enemy was defeated but that he as the enemy was defeated but that he as the enemy was defeated but that he heard a great noise of those that heard a great noise of those that heard a great noise of those that pursued Absalom and that he could learn pursued Absalom and that he could learn pursued Absalom and that he could learn no more because of the haste he made

no more because of the haste he made no more because of the haste he made when Joab sent him to inform him of the when Joab sent him to inform him of the when Joab sent him to inform him of the victory but when Kushi was victory but when Kushi was victory but when Kushi was and had worshipped him and informed him and had worshipped him and informed him and had worshipped him and informed him of the victory he asked him about his of the victory he asked him about his of the victory he asked him about his son who replied may the like misfortune son who replied may the like misfortune son who replied may the like misfortune befall thine enemies as hath befallen befall thine enemies as hath befallen befall thine enemies as hath befallen Absalom that word did not permit either Absalom that word did not permit either Absalom that word did not permit either himself or his soldiers to rejoice for himself or his soldiers to rejoice for himself or his soldiers to rejoice for the victory though it was a very great the victory though it was a very great the victory though it was a very great one but David went up to the highest one but David went up to the highest one but David went up to the highest part of the city and wept for his son part of the city and wept for his son part of the city and wept for his son and beat his breast tearing the hair of and beat his breast tearing the hair of and beat his breast tearing the hair of his head tormenting himself in an all his head tormenting himself in an all his head tormenting himself in an all manner of ways and crying out oh my son manner of ways and crying out oh my son manner of ways and crying out oh my son I wish that I had died myself and ended I wish that I had died myself and ended I wish that I had died myself and ended my days with thee for he was of a tender my days with thee for he was of a tender my days with thee for he was of a tender natural affection and had extraordinary natural affection and had extraordinary natural affection and had extraordinary compassion for this son in particular compassion for this son in particular compassion for this son in particular but when the Army in Joab heard that the but when the Army in Joab heard that the but when the Army in Joab heard that the King mourned for his son they were King mourned for his son they were King mourned for his son they were ashamed to enter the city in the habit ashamed to enter the city in the habit ashamed to enter the city in the habit of conquerors but they all came in as of conquerors but they all came in as of conquerors but they all came in as cast down and in tears as if they had cast down and in tears as if they had cast down and in tears as if they had been beaten now while the King covered been beaten now while the King covered been beaten now while the King covered himself and grievously lamented his son himself and grievously lamented his son himself and grievously lamented his son Joab went into him and comforted him and Joab went into him and comforted him and Joab went into him and comforted him and said o my lord the king thou art not said o my lord the king thou art not said o my lord the king thou art not aware that thou layest a blot upon aware that thou layest a blot upon aware that thou layest a blot upon myself by what thou now doest for thou myself by what thou now doest for thou myself by what thou now doest for thou seemed to hate those that love thee and seemed to hate those that love thee and seemed to hate those that love thee and undergo dangerous for the nay to hate undergo dangerous for the nay to hate undergo dangerous for the nay to hate thyself and my family and to love those thyself and my family and to love those thyself and my family and to love those that are thy bitter enemies and to that are thy bitter enemies and to that are thy bitter enemies and to desire the company of those that are no desire the company of those that are no desire the company of those that are no more and who have been justly slain for more and who have been justly slain for more and who have been justly slain for had Absalom gotten the victory and had Absalom gotten the victory and had Absalom gotten the victory and firmly settled himself in the kingdom firmly settled himself in the kingdom firmly settled himself in the kingdom there had been none of us left alive but there had been none of us left alive but there had been none of us left alive but all of us beginning with thyself and my

all of us beginning with thyself and my all of us beginning with thyself and my children had miserably perished while children had miserably perished while children had miserably perished while our enemies had not wept for his but our enemies had not wept for his but our enemies had not wept for his but rejoiced over us and punished even those rejoiced over us and punished even those rejoiced over us and punished even those that pitied us in our misfortunes and that pitied us in our misfortunes and that pitied us in our misfortunes and thou art not ashamed to do this in the thou art not ashamed to do this in the thou art not ashamed to do this in the case of one that has been thy bitter case of one that has been thy bitter case of one that has been thy bitter enemy who while he was thine own son enemy who while he was thine own son enemy who while he was thine own son have proved so wicked to thee leave off have proved so wicked to thee leave off have proved so wicked to thee leave off therefore thy unreasonable grief and therefore thy unreasonable grief and therefore thy unreasonable grief and come abroad and be seen of thy soldiers come abroad and be seen of thy soldiers come abroad and be seen of thy soldiers and returned them thanks for the and returned them thanks for the and returned them thanks for the alacrity they showed in the fight for I alacrity they showed in the fight for I alacrity they showed in the fight for I myself will this stay persuade the myself will this stay persuade the myself will this stay persuade the people to leave thee and to give the people to leave thee and to give the people to leave thee and to give the kingdom to another if thou continuous to kingdom to another if thou continuous to kingdom to another if thou continuous to do thus and then I shall make thee to do thus and then I shall make thee to do thus and then I shall make thee to grieve bitterly and in earnest upon Joab grieve bitterly and in earnest upon Joab grieve bitterly and in earnest upon Joab speaking thus to him he made the King speaking thus to him he made the King speaking thus to him he made the King leave off his sorrow and brought him to leave off his sorrow and brought him to leave off his sorrow and brought him to the consideration of his affairs the consideration of his affairs the consideration of his affairs so David changed his habit and exposed so David changed his habit and exposed so David changed his habit and exposed himself in a manner fit to be seen by himself in a manner fit to be seen by himself in a manner fit to be seen by the multitude and sat at the gates the multitude and sat at the gates the multitude and sat at the gates whereupon all the people heard of it and whereupon all the people heard of it and whereupon all the people heard of it and ran together to him and saluted him and ran together to him and saluted him and ran together to him and saluted him and this was the present state of David's this was the present state of David's this was the present state of David's affairs chapter 11 how David when he had affairs chapter 11 how David when he had affairs chapter 11 how David when he had recovered his kingdom was reconciled to recovered his kingdom was reconciled to recovered his kingdom was reconciled to XI May and to ziba and showed a great XI May and to ziba and showed a great XI May and to ziba and showed a great affection to Barzilai and how upon the affection to Barzilai and how upon the affection to Barzilai and how upon the rise of a sedition he made a Massa rise of a sedition he made a Massa rise of a sedition he made a Massa captain of his host in order to pursue captain of his host in order to pursue captain of his host in order to pursue Sheba which Amasa was slain by Joab Sheba which Amasa was slain by Joab Sheba which Amasa was slain by Joab now those Hebrews that had been with now those Hebrews that had been with now those Hebrews that had been with Absalom and had retired out of the Absalom and had retired out of the Absalom and had retired out of the battle when they were all returned home battle when they were all returned home battle when they were all returned home sent messengers to every city to put sent messengers to every city to put sent messengers to every city to put them in mind of what benefits David had

them in mind of what benefits David had them in mind of what benefits David had bestowed upon them and of that Liberty bestowed upon them and of that Liberty bestowed upon them and of that Liberty which he had procured them by delivering which he had procured them by delivering which he had procured them by delivering them from many and great Wars but they them from many and great Wars but they them from many and great Wars but they complained that whereas he had ejected complained that whereas he had ejected complained that whereas he had ejected him out of his kingdom and committed it him out of his kingdom and committed it him out of his kingdom and committed it to another governor which other governor to another governor which other governor to another governor which other governor whom they had set up was already dead whom they had set up was already dead whom they had set up was already dead they did not now beseech David to leave they did not now beseech David to leave they did not now beseech David to leave off his anger at them and to become off his anger at them and to become off his anger at them and to become friends with them and as he used to do friends with them and as he used to do friends with them and as he used to do to resume the care of their affairs and to resume the care of their affairs and to resume the care of their affairs and to take the kingdom again this was often to take the kingdom again this was often to take the kingdom again this was often told to David and this notwithstanding told to David and this notwithstanding told to David and this notwithstanding David sent to zadok and abiathar the David sent to zadok and abiathar the David sent to zadok and abiathar the high priests that they should speak to high priests that they should speak to high priests that they should speak to the rulers of the tribe of Judah after the rulers of the tribe of Judah after the rulers of the tribe of Judah after the manner following then it would be a the manner following then it would be a the manner following then it would be a reproach upon them to permit the other reproach upon them to permit the other reproach upon them to permit the other tribes to choose David for their king tribes to choose David for their king tribes to choose David for their king before their tribe and this said he before their tribe and this said he before their tribe and this said he while you are akin to him and of the while you are akin to him and of the while you are akin to him and of the same common blood he commanded them also same common blood he commanded them also same common blood he commanded them also to say the same to Amasa the captain of to say the same to Amasa the captain of to say the same to Amasa the captain of their forces that whereas he was his their forces that whereas he was his their forces that whereas he was his sister's son he had not persuaded the sister's son he had not persuaded the sister's son he had not persuaded the multitude to restore the kingdom to multitude to restore the kingdom to multitude to restore the kingdom to David that he might expect from him David that he might expect from him David that he might expect from him not only a reconciliation for that was not only a reconciliation for that was not only a reconciliation for that was already granted but that supreme command already granted but that supreme command already granted but that supreme command of the army also which Absalom had of the army also which Absalom had of the army also which Absalom had bestowed upon him accordingly the high bestowed upon him accordingly the high bestowed upon him accordingly the high priests when they had discoursed with priests when they had discoursed with priests when they had discoursed with the rulers of the tribe and said what the rulers of the tribe and said what the rulers of the tribe and said what the king had ordered them persuaded the king had ordered them persuaded the king had ordered them persuaded Amasa to undertake the care of his Amasa to undertake the care of his Amasa to undertake the care of his affairs so he persuaded that tribe to affairs so he persuaded that tribe to affairs so he persuaded that tribe to send immediately ambassadors to him to send immediately ambassadors to him to send immediately ambassadors to him to beseech him to return to his own kingdom beseech him to return to his own kingdom beseech him to return to his own kingdom the same did although his real lights at the same did although his real lights at the same did although his real lights at the like persuasion of Amma

the like persuasion of Amma the like persuasion of Amma when the ambassadors came to him he came when the ambassadors came to him he came when the ambassadors came to him he came to Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah was to Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah was to Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah was the first that came to meet the King at the first that came to meet the King at the first that came to meet the King at the River Jordan and she may the son of the River Jordan and she may the son of the River Jordan and she may the son of Gera came with a thousand men which he Gera came with a thousand men which he Gera came with a thousand men which he brought with him out of the tribe of brought with him out of the tribe of brought with him out of the tribe of Benjamin and ziba the freed man of Saul Benjamin and ziba the freed man of Saul Benjamin and ziba the freed man of Saul with his sons 15 in number and with his with his sons 15 in number and with his with his sons 15 in number and with his twenty servants all these as well as the twenty servants all these as well as the twenty servants all these as well as the tribe of Judah laid a bridge of boats tribe of Judah laid a bridge of boats tribe of Judah laid a bridge of boats over the river that the king and those over the river that the king and those over the river that the king and those that were with him might with ease pass that were with him might with ease pass that were with him might with ease pass over it now as soon as he was come to over it now as soon as he was come to over it now as soon as he was come to Jordan the tribe of Judah saluted him Jordan the tribe of Judah saluted him Jordan the tribe of Judah saluted him she may also came upon the bridge and she may also came upon the bridge and she may also came upon the bridge and took hold of his feet and prayed him to took hold of his feet and prayed him to took hold of his feet and prayed him to forgive him what he had offended and not forgive him what he had offended and not forgive him what he had offended and not to be too bitter against him nor to to be too bitter against him nor to to be too bitter against him nor to think fit to make him the first example think fit to make him the first example think fit to make him the first example of severity under his new authority but of severity under his new authority but of severity under his new authority but to consider that he had repented of his to consider that he had repented of his to consider that he had repented of his failure of duty and had taken care to failure of duty and had taken care to failure of duty and had taken care to come first of all to him while he was come first of all to him while he was come first of all to him while he was thus entreating the king and moving him thus entreating the king and moving him thus entreating the king and moving him to compassion ABBA Shai Joe ABS brother to compassion ABBA Shai Joe ABS brother to compassion ABBA Shai Joe ABS brother said and shall not this man die for this said and shall not this man die for this said and shall not this man die for this that he has cursed the king whom God that he has cursed the king whom God that he has cursed the king whom God hath appointed to reign over us but hath appointed to reign over us but hath appointed to reign over us but David turned himself to him and said David turned himself to him and said David turned himself to him and said will you never leave off ye sons of will you never leave off ye sons of will you never leave off ye sons of Zechariah do not you I pray raise new Zechariah do not you I pray raise new Zechariah do not you I pray raise new troubles and seditions among us now the troubles and seditions among us now the troubles and seditions among us now the former are over for I would not have you former are over for I would not have you former are over for I would not have you ignorant that I this day begin my reign ignorant that I this day begin my reign ignorant that I this day begin my reign and therefore swear to remit to all and therefore swear to remit to all and therefore swear to remit to all offenders their punishments and not to offenders their punishments and not to offenders their punishments and not to animate vert on anyone that has sinned

animate vert on anyone that has sinned animate vert on anyone that has sinned be thou therefore said he be thou therefore said he be thou therefore said he oh she may of good courage and do not at oh she may of good courage and do not at oh she may of good courage and do not at all fear being put to death so he all fear being put to death so he all fear being put to death so he worshipped him and went on before him worshipped him and went on before him worshipped him and went on before him Mephibosheth also Saul's grandson met Mephibosheth also Saul's grandson met Mephibosheth also Saul's grandson met David clothed in assorted garment and David clothed in assorted garment and David clothed in assorted garment and having his hair thick and neglected for having his hair thick and neglected for having his hair thick and neglected for after David was fled away he was in such after David was fled away he was in such after David was fled away he was in such grief that he had not pulled his head grief that he had not pulled his head grief that he had not pulled his head nor had he washed his clothes as dooming nor had he washed his clothes as dooming nor had he washed his clothes as dooming himself to undergo such hardships upon himself to undergo such hardships upon himself to undergo such hardships upon occasion of the change of the king's occasion of the change of the king's occasion of the change of the king's affairs now he had been unjustly calumny affairs now he had been unjustly calumny affairs now he had been unjustly calumny ated to the king by ziba his steward ated to the king by ziba his steward ated to the king by ziba his steward when he had saluted the king and when he had saluted the king and when he had saluted the king and worshipped him the King began to ask him worshipped him the King began to ask him worshipped him the King began to ask him why he did not go out of Jerusalem with why he did not go out of Jerusalem with why he did not go out of Jerusalem with him and accompany him during his flight him and accompany him during his flight him and accompany him during his flight he replied that this piece of injustice he replied that this piece of injustice he replied that this piece of injustice was owing to ziba because when he was was owing to ziba because when he was was owing to ziba because when he was ordered to get things ready for his ordered to get things ready for his ordered to get things ready for his going out with him he took no care of it going out with him he took no care of it going out with him he took no care of it but regarded him no more than if he had but regarded him no more than if he had but regarded him no more than if he had been a slave and indeed had I had my been a slave and indeed had I had my been a slave and indeed had I had my feet sound and strong I had not deserted feet sound and strong I had not deserted feet sound and strong I had not deserted thee for I could then have made use of thee for I could then have made use of thee for I could then have made use of them in my flight but this is not all them in my flight but this is not all them in my flight but this is not all the injury that Siva has done to me as the injury that Siva has done to me as the injury that Siva has done to me as to my duty to thee my lord master but he to my duty to thee my lord master but he to my duty to thee my lord master but he hath calumny ated me besides and told hath calumny ated me besides and told hath calumny ated me besides and told lies about me of his own invention but I lies about me of his own invention but I lies about me of his own invention but I know thy mind will not admit of such know thy mind will not admit of such know thy mind will not admit of such calumnies but is righteously disposed calumnies but is righteously disposed calumnies but is righteously disposed and a lover of truth which it is also and a lover of truth which it is also and a lover of truth which it is also the will of God should prevail for when the will of God should prevail for when the will of God should prevail for when thou wast in the greatest danger of thou wast in the greatest danger of thou wast in the greatest danger of suffering by my grandfather and when on

suffering by my grandfather and when on suffering by my grandfather and when on that account that account that account our whole family might justly have been our whole family might justly have been our whole family might justly have been destroyed thou hast moderate and destroyed thou hast moderate and destroyed thou hast moderate and merciful and didst then especially merciful and didst then especially merciful and didst then especially forget all those injuries when if thou forget all those injuries when if thou forget all those injuries when if thou hadst remembered them thou hadst the hadst remembered them thou hadst the hadst remembered them thou hadst the power of punishing us for them but thou power of punishing us for them but thou power of punishing us for them but thou has judged me to be thy friend and has has judged me to be thy friend and has has judged me to be thy friend and has set me everyday at thine own table nor set me everyday at thine own table nor set me everyday at thine own table nor have I wanted anything which one of have I wanted anything which one of have I wanted anything which one of thine own kinsmen of the greatest esteem thine own kinsmen of the greatest esteem thine own kinsmen of the greatest esteem with thee could have expected when he with thee could have expected when he with thee could have expected when he had said this David resolved neither to had said this David resolved neither to had said this David resolved neither to punish Mephibosheth nor to condemn ziba punish Mephibosheth nor to condemn ziba punish Mephibosheth nor to condemn ziba as having be lied his master but said to as having be lied his master but said to as having be lied his master but said to him that as he had before granted all him that as he had before granted all him that as he had before granted all his estate to ziba because he did not his estate to ziba because he did not his estate to ziba because he did not come along with him so he now promised come along with him so he now promised come along with him so he now promised to forgive him and ordered that the one to forgive him and ordered that the one to forgive him and ordered that the one half of his estate should be restored to half of his estate should be restored to half of his estate should be restored to him whereupon Mephibosheth said nay let him whereupon Mephibosheth said nay let him whereupon Mephibosheth said nay let ziba take all it suffices me that thou ziba take all it suffices me that thou ziba take all it suffices me that thou hast recovered thy kingdom but david hast recovered thy kingdom but david hast recovered thy kingdom but david desired barzillai the gileadite that desired barzillai the gileadite that desired barzillai the gileadite that great and good man and one that had made great and good man and one that had made great and good man and one that had made a plentiful provision for him at Mahina a plentiful provision for him at Mahina a plentiful provision for him at Mahina him and had conducted him as far as him and had conducted him as far as him and had conducted him as far as Jordan to accompany him to Jerusalem for Jordan to accompany him to Jerusalem for Jordan to accompany him to Jerusalem for he promised to treat him in his old age he promised to treat him in his old age he promised to treat him in his old age with all manner of respect to take care with all manner of respect to take care with all manner of respect to take care of him and provide for him but Barzilai of him and provide for him but Barzilai of him and provide for him but Barzilai was so desirous to live at home that he was so desirous to live at home that he was so desirous to live at home that he entreated him to excuse him from entreated him to excuse him from entreated him to excuse him from attendance on him and said that his age attendance on him and said that his age attendance on him and said that his age was too great to enjoy the pleasures of was too great to enjoy the pleasures of was too great to enjoy the pleasures of the court since he was four score years the court since he was four score years the court since he was four score years old old old was therefore making provisions for his was therefore making provisions for his was therefore making provisions for his death and burial so he desired him to

death and burial so he desired him to death and burial so he desired him to gratify him in this request and dismiss gratify him in this request and dismiss gratify him in this request and dismiss him for he had no relish of his meat or him for he had no relish of his meat or him for he had no relish of his meat or his drink by reason of his age and that his drink by reason of his age and that his drink by reason of his age and that his ears were too much shut up to hear his ears were too much shut up to hear his ears were too much shut up to hear the sounds of pipes or the melody of the sounds of pipes or the melody of the sounds of pipes or the melody of other musical instruments such as those other musical instruments such as those other musical instruments such as those that live with Kings delight in when he that live with Kings delight in when he that live with Kings delight in when he entreated for this so earnestly the king entreated for this so earnestly the king entreated for this so earnestly the king said I dismissed thee but thou shalt said I dismissed thee but thou shalt said I dismissed thee but thou shalt grant me thy son Shem ham and upon him I grant me thy son Shem ham and upon him I grant me thy son Shem ham and upon him I will bestow all sorts of good things so will bestow all sorts of good things so will bestow all sorts of good things so Barzilai left his son with him and Barzilai left his son with him and Barzilai left his son with him and worshiped the king and wished him a worshiped the king and wished him a worshiped the king and wished him a prosperous conclusion of all his affairs prosperous conclusion of all his affairs prosperous conclusion of all his affairs according to his own mind and then according to his own mind and then according to his own mind and then returned home but David came to Gilgal returned home but David came to Gilgal returned home but David came to Gilgal having about him half the people of having about him half the people of having about him half the people of Israel and the whole tribe of Judah now Israel and the whole tribe of Judah now Israel and the whole tribe of Judah now the principal men of the country came to the principal men of the country came to the principal men of the country came to Gilgal to him with a great multitude and Gilgal to him with a great multitude and Gilgal to him with a great multitude and complained of the tribe of Judah that complained of the tribe of Judah that complained of the tribe of Judah that they had come to him in a private manner they had come to him in a private manner they had come to him in a private manner whereas they are all conjointly and with whereas they are all conjointly and with whereas they are all conjointly and with one and the same intention to have given one and the same intention to have given one and the same intention to have given him the meeting but the rulers of the him the meeting but the rulers of the him the meeting but the rulers of the tribe of Judah desired them not to be tribe of Judah desired them not to be tribe of Judah desired them not to be displeased if they had been prevented by displeased if they had been prevented by displeased if they had been prevented by them for said they we are David's them for said they we are David's them for said they we are David's kinsmen and on that account we the kinsmen and on that account we the kinsmen and on that account we the rather took care of him and loved him rather took care of him and loved him rather took care of him and loved him and so came first to him yet had they and so came first to him yet had they and so came first to him yet had they not by their early coming received any not by their early coming received any not by their early coming received any gifts from him which might give them who gifts from him which might give them who gifts from him which might give them who came last any uneasiness when the rulers came last any uneasiness when the rulers came last any uneasiness when the rulers of the tribe of Judah had said this the of the tribe of Judah had said this the of the tribe of Judah had said this the rulers of the other tribes were not rulers of the other tribes were not rulers of the other tribes were not quiet but said further Oh brethren we quiet but said further Oh brethren we quiet but said further Oh brethren we cannot but wonder at you when you call cannot but wonder at you when you call cannot but wonder at you when you call the king near kinsman alone whereas he

the king near kinsman alone whereas he the king near kinsman alone whereas he that hath received from God the power that hath received from God the power that hath received from God the power over all of us in common ought to be over all of us in common ought to be over all of us in common ought to be esteemed a kinsman to us all for which esteemed a kinsman to us all for which esteemed a kinsman to us all for which reason the whole people have eleven reason the whole people have eleven reason the whole people have eleven parts in him and you but one part we are parts in him and you but one part we are parts in him and you but one part we are also elder than you wherefore you have also elder than you wherefore you have also elder than you wherefore you have not done justly and coming to the king not done justly and coming to the king not done justly and coming to the king in this private and concealed manner in this private and concealed manner in this private and concealed manner while these rulers were thus disputing while these rulers were thus disputing while these rulers were thus disputing one with another a certain wicked man one with another a certain wicked man one with another a certain wicked man who took pleasure and seditious who took pleasure and seditious who took pleasure and seditious practices his name was sheba the son of practices his name was sheba the son of practices his name was sheba the son of Vickery the tribe of benjamin stood up Vickery the tribe of benjamin stood up Vickery the tribe of benjamin stood up in the midst of the multitude and cried in the midst of the multitude and cried in the midst of the multitude and cried aloud and spake thus to them we have no aloud and spake thus to them we have no aloud and spake thus to them we have no part in David nor inheritance in the son part in David nor inheritance in the son part in David nor inheritance in the son of Jesse and of Jesse and of Jesse and when he had used those words he blew when he had used those words he blew when he had used those words he blew with a trumpet and declared war against with a trumpet and declared war against with a trumpet and declared war against the king and they all left David and the king and they all left David and the king and they all left David and followed him the tribe of Judah alone followed him the tribe of Judah alone followed him the tribe of Judah alone stayed with him and settled him in his stayed with him and settled him in his stayed with him and settled him in his royal palace at Jerusalem but as for his royal palace at Jerusalem but as for his royal palace at Jerusalem but as for his concubines with whom Absalom his son had concubines with whom Absalom his son had concubines with whom Absalom his son had accompanied truely he removed them to accompanied truely he removed them to accompanied truely he removed them to another house and ordered those that had another house and ordered those that had another house and ordered those that had the care of them to make a plentiful the care of them to make a plentiful the care of them to make a plentiful provision for them but he came not near provision for them but he came not near provision for them but he came not near them any more he also appointed a massa them any more he also appointed a massa them any more he also appointed a massa for the captain of his forces and gave for the captain of his forces and gave for the captain of his forces and gave him the same high office which Joab him the same high office which Joab him the same high office which Joab before had and he commanded him to before had and he commanded him to before had and he commanded him to gather together out of the tribe of gather together out of the tribe of gather together out of the tribe of Judah as great an army as he could and Judah as great an army as he could and Judah as great an army as he could and come to him within three days that he come to him within three days that he come to him within three days that he might deliver to him his entire army and might deliver to him his entire army and might deliver to him his entire army and might send him out to fight against might send him out to fight against might send him out to fight against sheba the son of Vickery now while Amasa sheba the son of Vickery now while Amasa sheba the son of Vickery now while Amasa was gone out and made some delay in was gone out and made some delay in was gone out and made some delay in gathering the army together and so was

gathering the army together and so was gathering the army together and so was not yet returned on the third day the not yet returned on the third day the not yet returned on the third day the king said to Joab it is not fit we king said to Joab it is not fit we king said to Joab it is not fit we should make any delay in the Saffir of should make any delay in the Saffir of should make any delay in the Saffir of sheba lest he get a numerous army about sheba lest he get a numerous army about sheba lest he get a numerous army about him and be the occasion of greater him and be the occasion of greater him and be the occasion of greater mischief and hurt our affairs more than mischief and hurt our affairs more than mischief and hurt our affairs more than did Absalom himself do not thou did Absalom himself do not thou did Absalom himself do not thou therefore wait any longer therefore wait any longer therefore wait any longer but take such forces as thou hast at but take such forces as thou hast at but take such forces as thou hast at hand and that old body of six hundred hand and that old body of six hundred hand and that old body of six hundred men and thy brother Abbess I with thee men and thy brother Abbess I with thee men and thy brother Abbess I with thee and pursue after our enemy and endeavor and pursue after our enemy and endeavor and pursue after our enemy and endeavor to fight him wheresoever thou canst to fight him wheresoever thou canst to fight him wheresoever thou canst overtake him make haste to prevent him overtake him make haste to prevent him overtake him make haste to prevent him lest he seize upon some fenced cities lest he seize upon some fenced cities lest he seize upon some fenced cities and cause us great labor and pains and cause us great labor and pains and cause us great labor and pains before we take him so Joab resolved to before we take him so Joab resolved to before we take him so Joab resolved to make no delay but taking with him his make no delay but taking with him his make no delay but taking with him his brother and those six hundred men and brother and those six hundred men and brother and those six hundred men and giving orders at the rest of the army giving orders at the rest of the army giving orders at the rest of the army which was at Jerusalem should follow him which was at Jerusalem should follow him which was at Jerusalem should follow him he marched with great speed against he marched with great speed against he marched with great speed against Sheba and when he was come to Gibeon Sheba and when he was come to Gibeon Sheba and when he was come to Gibeon which is a village forty furlongs which is a village forty furlongs which is a village forty furlongs distant from Jerusalem Amasa brought a distant from Jerusalem Amasa brought a distant from Jerusalem Amasa brought a great army with him and met Joab now great army with him and met Joab now great army with him and met Joab now Joab was girded with a sword and his Joab was girded with a sword and his Joab was girded with a sword and his breastplate on and when Amasa came near breastplate on and when Amasa came near breastplate on and when Amasa came near him to salute him he took particular him to salute him he took particular him to salute him he took particular care that his sword should fall out as care that his sword should fall out as care that his sword should fall out as it were of its own accord so he took it it were of its own accord so he took it it were of its own accord so he took it up from the ground and while he up from the ground and while he up from the ground and while he approached tamasah who was then near him approached tamasah who was then near him approached tamasah who was then near him as though he would kiss him he took hold as though he would kiss him he took hold as though he would kiss him he took hold of a mosses beard with his other hand of a mosses beard with his other hand of a mosses beard with his other hand and he and he and he smote him in his belly when he did not smote him in his belly when he did not smote him in his belly when he did not foresee it and slew him this impious and foresee it and slew him this impious and foresee it and slew him this impious and altogether profane action Joab did to a altogether profane action Joab did to a altogether profane action Joab did to a good young man and his kinsmen and one

good young man and his kinsmen and one good young man and his kinsmen and one that had done him no injury and this out that had done him no injury and this out that had done him no injury and this out of jealousy that he would obtain chief of jealousy that he would obtain chief of jealousy that he would obtain chief command of the army and be an equal command of the army and be an equal command of the army and be an equal dignity with himself about the king and dignity with himself about the king and dignity with himself about the king and for the same cause it was that he killed for the same cause it was that he killed for the same cause it was that he killed Abner but as to that former wicked Abner but as to that former wicked Abner but as to that former wicked action the death of his brother a Sahel action the death of his brother a Sahel action the death of his brother a Sahel which he seemed to revenge afforded him which he seemed to revenge afforded him which he seemed to revenge afforded him a decent pretence and made that crime a a decent pretence and made that crime a a decent pretence and made that crime a pardonable one but in this murder of a pardonable one but in this murder of a pardonable one but in this murder of a massa there was no such covering for it massa there was no such covering for it massa there was no such covering for it now when Joab had killed this general he now when Joab had killed this general he now when Joab had killed this general he pursued after Sheba having left a man pursued after Sheba having left a man pursued after Sheba having left a man with the dead body who was ordered to with the dead body who was ordered to with the dead body who was ordered to proclaim aloud to the army that Amasa proclaim aloud to the army that Amasa proclaim aloud to the army that Amasa was justly slain and deservedly punished was justly slain and deservedly punished was justly slain and deservedly punished but said he if you before the king but said he if you before the king but said he if you before the king follow Joab his general and Abba Shai follow Joab his general and Abba Shai follow Joab his general and Abba Shai Joe ABS brother but because the body lay Joe ABS brother but because the body lay Joe ABS brother but because the body lay on the road and all the multitude came on the road and all the multitude came on the road and all the multitude came running to it and as as usual with the running to it and as as usual with the running to it and as as usual with the multitude stood one during a great while multitude stood one during a great while multitude stood one during a great while at it he that guarded it removed it at it he that guarded it removed it at it he that guarded it removed it thence and carried it to a certain place thence and carried it to a certain place thence and carried it to a certain place that was very remote from the road and that was very remote from the road and that was very remote from the road and there laid it and covered it with his there laid it and covered it with his there laid it and covered it with his garment when this was done all the garment when this was done all the garment when this was done all the people followed Joab now as he pursued people followed Joab now as he pursued people followed Joab now as he pursued Sheba through all the country of Israel Sheba through all the country of Israel Sheba through all the country of Israel one told him that he was in a strong one told him that he was in a strong one told him that he was in a strong City called a bel beth maachah here upon City called a bel beth maachah here upon City called a bel beth maachah here upon Joab went thither and said about it with Joab went thither and said about it with Joab went thither and said about it with his army and cast up a bank round it and his army and cast up a bank round it and his army and cast up a bank round it and ordered his soldiers to undermine the ordered his soldiers to undermine the ordered his soldiers to undermine the walls and to overthrow them and since walls and to overthrow them and since walls and to overthrow them and since the people in the city did not admit him the people in the city did not admit him the people in the city did not admit him he was greatly displeased at them now he was greatly displeased at them now he was greatly displeased at them now there was a woman of small account and

there was a woman of small account and there was a woman of small account and yet both wise and intelligent who seeing yet both wise and intelligent who seeing yet both wise and intelligent who seeing her native city lying at the last her native city lying at the last her native city lying at the last extremity ascended upon the wall and by extremity ascended upon the wall and by extremity ascended upon the wall and by means of the armed man called for Joab means of the armed man called for Joab means of the armed man called for Joab and when he came to her she began to say and when he came to her she began to say and when he came to her she began to say that God ordained kings and Generals of that God ordained kings and Generals of that God ordained kings and Generals of armies that they might cut off the armies that they might cut off the armies that they might cut off the enemies of the Hebrews and introduce a enemies of the Hebrews and introduce a enemies of the Hebrews and introduce a universal peace among them but thou art universal peace among them but thou art universal peace among them but thou art endeavoring to overthrow and depopulate endeavoring to overthrow and depopulate endeavoring to overthrow and depopulate a metropolis of the Israelites which a metropolis of the Israelites which a metropolis of the Israelites which hath been guilty of no offence but he hath been guilty of no offence but he hath been guilty of no offence but he replied God continued to be merciful on replied God continued to be merciful on replied God continued to be merciful on to me I am disposed to avoid killing to me I am disposed to avoid killing to me I am disposed to avoid killing anyone of the people much less would I anyone of the people much less would I anyone of the people much less would I destroy such a city as this and if they destroy such a city as this and if they destroy such a city as this and if they will deliver me up Sheba the son of will deliver me up Sheba the son of will deliver me up Sheba the son of Vickery who hath rebelled against the Vickery who hath rebelled against the Vickery who hath rebelled against the king I will leave off the siege and king I will leave off the siege and king I will leave off the siege and withdraw the army from the place now as withdraw the army from the place now as withdraw the army from the place now as soon as the woman heard what Joab said soon as the woman heard what Joab said soon as the woman heard what Joab said she desired him to interm it the siege she desired him to interm it the siege she desired him to interm it the siege for a little while for that he should for a little while for that he should for a little while for that he should have the head of his enemy thrown out to have the head of his enemy thrown out to have the head of his enemy thrown out to him presently so she went down to the him presently so she went down to the him presently so she went down to the citizens and said to them will you be so citizens and said to them will you be so citizens and said to them will you be so wicked as to perish miserably with your wicked as to perish miserably with your wicked as to perish miserably with your children and wives for the sake of a children and wives for the sake of a children and wives for the sake of a vile fellow and one whom nobody knows vile fellow and one whom nobody knows vile fellow and one whom nobody knows who he is and will you have him for your who he is and will you have him for your who he is and will you have him for your king instead of David who has been so king instead of David who has been so king instead of David who has been so great a benefactor to you and opposed great a benefactor to you and opposed great a benefactor to you and opposed your city alone to such a mighty and your city alone to such a mighty and your city alone to such a mighty and strong army so she prevailed with them strong army so she prevailed with them strong army so she prevailed with them and they cut off the head of Sheba and and they cut off the head of Sheba and and they cut off the head of Sheba and threw it into joy ABS army when this was threw it into joy ABS army when this was threw it into joy ABS army when this was done the King's general sounded her done the King's general sounded her done the King's general sounded her retreat and raised the siege and when he retreat and raised the siege and when he retreat and raised the siege and when he was come to Jerusalem he was again

was come to Jerusalem he was again was come to Jerusalem he was again appointed to be general of all the appointed to be general of all the appointed to be general of all the people the king also constituted binaya people the king also constituted binaya people the king also constituted binaya captain of the guards and of the six captain of the guards and of the six captain of the guards and of the six hundred men he also set a doram over the hundred men he also set a doram over the hundred men he also set a doram over the tribute and Sabitha sanika Laius over tribute and Sabitha sanika Laius over tribute and Sabitha sanika Laius over the records he made shiva the scribe and the records he made shiva the scribe and the records he made shiva the scribe and appointed zadok and abiathar the high appointed zadok and abiathar the high appointed zadok and abiathar the high priests end of book seven chapters ten priests end of book seven chapters ten priests end of book seven chapters ten and eleven recording by jason justice book seven chapters 12 and 13 of the book seven chapters 12 and 13 of the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 this is a antiquities of the Jews vol 2 this is a antiquities of the Jews vol 2 this is a librivox recording all librivox librivox recording all librivox librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for recordings are in the public domain for recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please more information or to volunteer please more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org the antiquities of visit librivox.org the antiquities of visit librivox.org the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by Flavius Josephus the Jews vol 2 by Flavius Josephus the Jews vol 2 by Flavius Josephus translated by William Winston book 7 translated by William Winston book 7 translated by William Winston book 7 chapters 12 and 13 chapter 12 how the chapters 12 and 13 chapter 12 how the chapters 12 and 13 chapter 12 how the Hebrews were delivered from a famine Hebrews were delivered from a famine Hebrews were delivered from a famine when the GEMA Knights had caused when the GEMA Knights had caused when the GEMA Knights had caused punishment to be inflicted for those of punishment to be inflicted for those of punishment to be inflicted for those of them that had been slain and also what them that had been slain and also what them that had been slain and also what great actions were performed against the great actions were performed against the great actions were performed against the Philistines by David and the men of Philistines by David and the men of Philistines by David and the men of valor about him after this when the valor about him after this when the valor about him after this when the country was greatly afflicted by famine country was greatly afflicted by famine country was greatly afflicted by famine David besought God to have mercy on the David besought God to have mercy on the David besought God to have mercy on the people and to discover to him what was people and to discover to him what was people and to discover to him what was the cause of it and how a remedy might the cause of it and how a remedy might the cause of it and how a remedy might be found for that distemper and when the be found for that distemper and when the be found for that distemper and when the prophets answered that God would have prophets answered that God would have prophets answered that God would have the Gemini's avenged whom Saul the king the Gemini's avenged whom Saul the king the Gemini's avenged whom Saul the king was so wicked as to betray the slaughter was so wicked as to betray the slaughter was so wicked as to betray the slaughter and had not observed that the oath which

and had not observed that the oath which and had not observed that the oath which Joshua the general and the Senate had Joshua the general and the Senate had Joshua the general and the Senate had sworn to them if their force God the sworn to them if their force God the sworn to them if their force God the king would permit such vengeance taken king would permit such vengeance taken king would permit such vengeance taken for those who were slain as the GEMA for those who were slain as the GEMA for those who were slain as the GEMA knights should desire he promised that knights should desire he promised that knights should desire he promised that he would be reconciled to them and free he would be reconciled to them and free he would be reconciled to them and free the multitude from their miseries the multitude from their miseries the multitude from their miseries eyesand therefore as the King understood eyesand therefore as the King understood eyesand therefore as the King understood that this was it was which God sought he that this was it was which God sought he that this was it was which God sought he sent for the juveniles and asked them sent for the juveniles and asked them sent for the juveniles and asked them what it was they should have and when what it was they should have and when what it was they should have and when they desired to have seven sons of Saul they desired to have seven sons of Saul they desired to have seven sons of Saul delivered to them to be punished he delivered to them to be punished he delivered to them to be punished he delivered them but spared delivered them but spared delivered them but spared Mehbooba Nesmith the son of Jonathan so Mehbooba Nesmith the son of Jonathan so Mehbooba Nesmith the son of Jonathan so when the GEMA Knights had received the when the GEMA Knights had received the when the GEMA Knights had received the men they punished them as they pleased men they punished them as they pleased men they punished them as they pleased upon which God began to send rain and to upon which God began to send rain and to upon which God began to send rain and to recover the earth to bring forth its recover the earth to bring forth its recover the earth to bring forth its fruits as usual and to free it from the fruits as usual and to free it from the fruits as usual and to free it from the foregoing drought so that the country of foregoing drought so that the country of foregoing drought so that the country of Hebrews flourished again a letter Hebrews flourished again a letter Hebrews flourished again a letter afterward the king made war against the afterward the king made war against the afterward the king made war against the Philistines and when he had joined Philistines and when he had joined Philistines and when he had joined battle with them he and put them to battle with them he and put them to battle with them he and put them to flight he was left alone as he was in flight he was left alone as he was in flight he was left alone as he was in pursuit of them and when he was quite pursuit of them and when he was quite pursuit of them and when he was quite tired down he was seen by one of the tired down he was seen by one of the tired down he was seen by one of the enemy his name was Ockman the son of enemy his name was Ockman the son of enemy his name was Ockman the son of arith he was one of the sons of the arith he was one of the sons of the arith he was one of the sons of the Giants he had a spear the handle which Giants he had a spear the handle which Giants he had a spear the handle which weighed 300 shekels and a breastplate of weighed 300 shekels and a breastplate of weighed 300 shekels and a breastplate of chain work and a sword he turned back chain work and a sword he turned back chain work and a sword he turned back and ran violently to slay David their

and ran violently to slay David their and ran violently to slay David their enemies King for he was quite tired out enemies King for he was quite tired out enemies King for he was quite tired out with labor but a bee-sh a job's brother with labor but a bee-sh a job's brother with labor but a bee-sh a job's brother appeared on the Sun and protected the appeared on the Sun and protected the appeared on the Sun and protected the king with his shield as he lay down and king with his shield as he lay down and king with his shield as he lay down and slew the enemy now the multitude were slew the enemy now the multitude were slew the enemy now the multitude were very uneasy at these dangers of the King very uneasy at these dangers of the King very uneasy at these dangers of the King and they were very near to be slain and and they were very near to be slain and and they were very near to be slain and the rulers made him swear that they that the rulers made him swear that they that the rulers made him swear that they that he would no more go out with them to do he would no more go out with them to do he would no more go out with them to do battle lest he should come to some great battle lest he should come to some great battle lest he should come to some great misfortune by his encourage boldness and misfortune by his encourage boldness and misfortune by his encourage boldness and therefore deprive the people of the therefore deprive the people of the therefore deprive the people of the benefits they now enjoyed by the his benefits they now enjoyed by the his benefits they now enjoyed by the his means and of those they might hereafter means and of those they might hereafter means and of those they might hereafter enjoy by his living a long time among enjoy by his living a long time among enjoy by his living a long time among them when the King heard that the them when the King heard that the them when the King heard that the Philistines were gathered together in Philistines were gathered together in Philistines were gathered together in the city of Gazzara the city of Gazzara the city of Gazzara he sent an army against them would see he sent an army against them would see he sent an army against them would see Becky the Hittite one of David's most Becky the Hittite one of David's most Becky the Hittite one of David's most courageous men behaved himself so as to courageous men behaved himself so as to courageous men behaved himself so as to deserve great commendation for he slew deserve great commendation for he slew deserve great commendation for he slew many of those that bragged they were the many of those that bragged they were the many of those that bragged they were the posterity of the Giant and when David posterity of the Giant and when David posterity of the Giant and when David had sent an army against him nough found had sent an army against him nough found had sent an army against him nough found his kinsmen fought in a single combat his kinsmen fought in a single combat his kinsmen fought in a single combat was slaughtered with status of all the was slaughtered with status of all the was slaughtered with status of all the Philistines and slew him and put the Philistines and slew him and put the Philistines and slew him and put the rest to fight many of them also were rest to fight many of them also were rest to fight many of them also were slain in the fight now a little while slain in the fight now a little while slain in the fight now a little while after this the Philistines pitched their after this the Philistines pitched their after this the Philistines pitched their camp at the city which lay not far off camp at the city which lay not far off camp at the city which lay not far off the bounds of the country of the Hebrews the bounds of the country of the Hebrews the bounds of the country of the Hebrews they had a man who was six cubits tall

they had a man who was six cubits tall they had a man who was six cubits tall and had on each of his feet and hands and had on each of his feet and hands and had on each of his feet and hands one more toe and finger than men one more toe and finger than men one more toe and finger than men naturally have now the person who was naturally have now the person who was naturally have now the person who was sent against them by David out of his sent against them by David out of his sent against them by David out of his army was Jonathan the son of shamea who army was Jonathan the son of shamea who army was Jonathan the son of shamea who fought this man in a single comma and fought this man in a single comma and fought this man in a single comma and slew him and as he was a person who slew him and as he was a person who slew him and as he was a person who gave the turn to battle he gained the gave the turn to battle he gained the gave the turn to battle he gained the greatest reputation for and for courage greatest reputation for and for courage greatest reputation for and for courage there in this man also vaunted himself there in this man also vaunted himself there in this man also vaunted himself to be the sons of the Giants but after to be the sons of the Giants but after to be the sons of the Giants but after this fight the Philistines made war no this fight the Philistines made war no this fight the Philistines made war no more against the Israelites and now more against the Israelites and now more against the Israelites and now David began being freed from the wars David began being freed from the wars David began being freed from the wars and dangers and enjoined the future of and dangers and enjoined the future of and dangers and enjoined the future of profound peace composed songs and hymns profound peace composed songs and hymns profound peace composed songs and hymns to God of several sorts of metre some of to God of several sorts of metre some of to God of several sorts of metre some of those which he made were try meters and those which he made were try meters and those which he made were try meters and some were pentameters he also made some were pentameters he also made some were pentameters he also made instruments of music and taught the instruments of music and taught the instruments of music and taught the Levites to sing hymns to God both on Levites to sing hymns to God both on Levites to sing hymns to God both on that called the Sabbath day and on other that called the Sabbath day and on other that called the Sabbath day and on other festivals now the construction of the festivals now the construction of the festivals now the construction of the instruments was thus the veal was an instruments was thus the veal was an instruments was thus the veal was an instrument of ten strings and it was instrument of ten strings and it was instrument of ten strings and it was played upon with a bow the sultry had played upon with a bow the sultry had played upon with a bow the sultry had twelve musical notes and was played twelve musical notes and was played twelve musical notes and was played about upon by the fingers the symbols about upon by the fingers the symbols about upon by the fingers the symbols were broad enlarged instruments and were were broad enlarged instruments and were were broad enlarged instruments and were made of brass and so much shall suffice made of brass and so much shall suffice made of brass and so much shall suffice to be spoken about these instruments to be spoken about these instruments to be spoken about these instruments that the readers may not be wholly

that the readers may not be wholly that the readers may not be wholly unacquainted with their nature now all unacquainted with their nature now all unacquainted with their nature now all men that were about David were men of men that were about David were men of men that were about David were men of courage those that were most illustrious courage those that were most illustrious courage those that were most illustrious and famous of them and their actions and famous of them and their actions and famous of them and their actions were thirty eight of five of whom I will were thirty eight of five of whom I will were thirty eight of five of whom I will only relate the performances for these only relate the performances for these only relate the performances for these will suffice to make manifests of the will suffice to make manifests of the will suffice to make manifests of the virtues of the others also for these virtues of the others also for these virtues of the others also for these were powerful enough to subdue countries were powerful enough to subdue countries were powerful enough to subdue countries and conquer great nations first and conquer great nations first and conquer great nations first therefore was josiah son of Alchemist therefore was josiah son of Alchemist therefore was josiah son of Alchemist who frequently leaped upon the troops of who frequently leaped upon the troops of who frequently leaped upon the troops of the enemy and did not leave off fighting the enemy and did not leave off fighting the enemy and did not leave off fighting till he overthrew 900 of them after him till he overthrew 900 of them after him till he overthrew 900 of them after him was Eliezer the son of Zotoh he was the was Eliezer the son of Zotoh he was the was Eliezer the son of Zotoh he was the king of our RSM this man when once the king of our RSM this man when once the king of our RSM this man when once the Israelites were under consternation at Israelites were under consternation at Israelites were under consternation at the multitude of the Philistines and the multitude of the Philistines and the multitude of the Philistines and were running away stood alone and fell were running away stood alone and fell were running away stood alone and fell upon the enemy and slew many of them upon the enemy and slew many of them upon the enemy and slew many of them till his sword clung to the hand of the till his sword clung to the hand of the till his sword clung to the hand of the bloody of the blood he had shed bloody of the blood he had shed bloody of the blood he had shed until the Israelites seen the until the Israelites seen the until the Israelites seen the Philistines retired by his means came Philistines retired by his means came Philistines retired by his means came down from the mountains and persuaded down from the mountains and persuaded down from the mountains and persuaded them and at that time when a surprising them and at that time when a surprising them and at that time when a surprising and famous victory well and famous victory well and famous victory well Eleazar slew the men and the multitude Eleazar slew the men and the multitude Eleazar slew the men and the multitude followed and spoiled in their dead followed and spoiled in their dead followed and spoiled in their dead bodies bodies bodies the third was sheba son of illus now the third was sheba son of illus now the third was sheba son of illus now this man went in the war against this man went in the war against this man went in the war against Philistines they pitched their camp at Philistines they pitched their camp at Philistines they pitched their camp at the place called Lehi and when the

the place called Lehi and when the the place called Lehi and when the Hebrews were again afraid of their army Hebrews were again afraid of their army Hebrews were again afraid of their army and did not stay he stood alone as an and did not stay he stood alone as an and did not stay he stood alone as an army and a body of men and some of them army and a body of men and some of them army and a body of men and some of them he overthrew and some of and some who he overthrew and some of and some who he overthrew and some of and some who were not able to abide his strength and were not able to abide his strength and were not able to abide his strength and forced he pursued these are the works of forced he pursued these are the works of forced he pursued these are the works of the hands and a fighting which these the hands and a fighting which these the hands and a fighting which these three performed now at the time when the three performed now at the time when the three performed now at the time when the king was once at Jerusalem and the army king was once at Jerusalem and the army king was once at Jerusalem and the army of the Philistines came upon to fight of the Philistines came upon to fight of the Philistines came upon to fight him David went to the top of the Citadel him David went to the top of the Citadel him David went to the top of the Citadel and as we have already said to inquire and as we have already said to inquire and as we have already said to inquire of God son in the battle while the of God son in the battle while the of God son in the battle while the enemy's camp laying the valley they enemy's camp laying the valley they enemy's camp laying the valley they extend to the city of Bethlehem which is extend to the city of Bethlehem which is extend to the city of Bethlehem which is 24 Long's distant from Jerusalem and now 24 Long's distant from Jerusalem and now 24 Long's distant from Jerusalem and now David said to his companions David said to his companions David said to his companions we have excellent water in my own City we have excellent water in my own City we have excellent water in my own City especially that which is in the pit by especially that which is in the pit by especially that which is in the pit by the gate wondering if anyone would bring the gate wondering if anyone would bring the gate wondering if anyone would bring him some of it to drink but he said that him some of it to drink but he said that him some of it to drink but he said that he would rather have it than a great he would rather have it than a great he would rather have it than a great deal of money when these three men heard deal of money when these three men heard deal of money when these three men heard what he said they ran away immediately what he said they ran away immediately what he said they ran away immediately and burst through the midst of their and burst through the midst of their and burst through the midst of their enemy's camp and came to Bethlehem and enemy's camp and came to Bethlehem and enemy's camp and came to Bethlehem and when they drawn the water they returned when they drawn the water they returned when they drawn the water they returned it again through the enemy's camp to the it again through the enemy's camp to the it again through the enemy's camp to the king and so much that the Philistines king and so much that the Philistines king and so much that the Philistines were so surprised at their boldness and were so surprised at their boldness and were so surprised at their boldness and acidity that they were quiet and did acidity that they were quiet and did acidity that they were quiet and did nothing against them as if they despised nothing against them as if they despised nothing against them as if they despised their small number but when the water

their small number but when the water their small number but when the water was brought to the king he would not was brought to the king he would not was brought to the king he would not drink it saying that it was brought by drink it saying that it was brought by drink it saying that it was brought by the danger and the blood of men and that the danger and the blood of men and that the danger and the blood of men and that it was not a proper on that account to it was not a proper on that account to it was not a proper on that account to drink it but he poured it out to God and drink it but he poured it out to God and drink it but he poured it out to God and gave him thanks gave him thanks gave him thanks for the salvation of the men next to for the salvation of the men next to for the salvation of the men next to these was Abby Shay Jobs brother for he these was Abby Shay Jobs brother for he these was Abby Shay Jobs brother for he one day slew 600 binaya by lineage of one day slew 600 binaya by lineage of one day slew 600 binaya by lineage of priests for being challenged by two priests for being challenged by two priests for being challenged by two eminent men in the country of Moab he eminent men in the country of Moab he eminent men in the country of Moab he overcame them by his valor moreover he overcame them by his valor moreover he overcame them by his valor moreover he was there was a man by nation and was there was a man by nation and was there was a man by nation and Egyptian who was of a vast bulk and Egyptian who was of a vast bulk and Egyptian who was of a vast bulk and challenging yet did he when he was challenging yet did he when he was challenging yet did he when he was unarmed kill him with his own spear unarmed kill him with his own spear unarmed kill him with his own spear which he threw at him for he caught him which he threw at him for he caught him which he threw at him for he caught him by force and took away his weapons while by force and took away his weapons while by force and took away his weapons while he was a lever alive and fighting and he was a lever alive and fighting and he was a lever alive and fighting and slew him with his own weapons one may slew him with his own weapons one may slew him with his own weapons one may also add this to the four mentioned also add this to the four mentioned also add this to the four mentioned actions of the same man either as the actions of the same man either as the actions of the same man either as the principle of them in electricity or as principle of them in electricity or as principle of them in electricity or as resembling the rest when God sends a resembling the rest when God sends a resembling the rest when God sends a snow there was a line who slipped and snow there was a line who slipped and snow there was a line who slipped and fell in the certain pit and because the fell in the certain pit and because the fell in the certain pit and because the pits mouth was narrow it was evident he pits mouth was narrow it was evident he pits mouth was narrow it was evident he would perish being enclosed with the would perish being enclosed with the would perish being enclosed with the snow so when he saw no way to get out snow so when he saw no way to get out snow so when he saw no way to get out and save himself he Ward when benaiah and save himself he Ward when benaiah and save himself he Ward when benaiah heard the wild beasts he went torching heard the wild beasts he went torching heard the wild beasts he went torching and coming out the noise he made he went and coming out the noise he made he went and coming out the noise he made he went down into the mouth of the pit and

down into the mouth of the pit and down into the mouth of the pit and smoked him as he struggled with a stake smoked him as he struggled with a stake smoked him as he struggled with a stake that lay there and immediately slew him that lay there and immediately slew him that lay there and immediately slew him the other 33 were like these in Valor the other 33 were like these in Valor the other 33 were like these in Valor also chapter 13 that when David had also chapter 13 that when David had also chapter 13 that when David had numbered the people they were punished numbered the people they were punished numbered the people they were punished and how the divine compassion restrained and how the divine compassion restrained and how the divine compassion restrained that punishment now King David was a that punishment now King David was a that punishment now King David was a desirous man to to know how many tens of desirous man to to know how many tens of desirous man to to know how many tens of thousands their word of the people but thousands their word of the people but thousands their word of the people but forgot the commands of Moses who told forgot the commands of Moses who told forgot the commands of Moses who told them beforehand that if the multitude them beforehand that if the multitude them beforehand that if the multitude were numbered they should pay half a were numbered they should pay half a were numbered they should pay half a shekel to God for every head accordingly shekel to God for every head accordingly shekel to God for every head accordingly the king commanded Joab the king commanded Joab the king commanded Joab the captain of his host to go and number the captain of his host to go and number the captain of his host to go and number the whole multitude but when he said the whole multitude but when he said the whole multitude but when he said there was no necessity for such there was no necessity for such there was no necessity for such numeration he was not persuaded to numeration he was not persuaded to numeration he was not persuaded to countermand it countermand it countermand it but he enjoined him to make no delay but but he enjoined him to make no delay but but he enjoined him to make no delay but to go about the numbering of the Hebrews to go about the numbering of the Hebrews to go about the numbering of the Hebrews immediately so job took with him the immediately so job took with him the immediately so job took with him the heads of the tribes and the scribes and heads of the tribes and the scribes and heads of the tribes and the scribes and went over to the country of the went over to the country of the went over to the country of the Israelites and took notice how numerous Israelites and took notice how numerous Israelites and took notice how numerous the multitude work and returned to the multitude work and returned to the multitude work and returned to Jerusalem to the king after nine months Jerusalem to the king after nine months Jerusalem to the king after nine months in 20 days and he gave the King the in 20 days and he gave the King the in 20 days and he gave the King the number of his people without the tribe number of his people without the tribe number of his people without the tribe of Benjamin for he were not yet numbered of Benjamin for he were not yet numbered of Benjamin for he were not yet numbered that tribe no more than the tribe of

that tribe no more than the tribe of that tribe no more than the tribe of levy for the King repeated of his having levy for the King repeated of his having levy for the King repeated of his having sinned against God now the number of the sinned against God now the number of the sinned against God now the number of the rest Israelites was nine hundred rest Israelites was nine hundred rest Israelites was nine hundred thousand men who were able to bear arms thousand men who were able to bear arms thousand men who were able to bear arms and go to war but the tribe of Judah by and go to war but the tribe of Judah by and go to war but the tribe of Judah by itself was four hundred thousand men now itself was four hundred thousand men now itself was four hundred thousand men now when the prophets had signified to David when the prophets had signified to David when the prophets had signified to David that God was angry at him he began to that God was angry at him he began to that God was angry at him he began to entreat him and to desire he would be entreat him and to desire he would be entreat him and to desire he would be merciful to him and forgive his sin but merciful to him and forgive his sin but merciful to him and forgive his sin but God sent Nathan the Prophet to him to God sent Nathan the Prophet to him to God sent Nathan the Prophet to him to propose to him the election of three propose to him the election of three propose to him the election of three things that he might choose which he things that he might choose which he things that he might choose which he liked best whether he would have famine liked best whether he would have famine liked best whether he would have famine come upon their country for several come upon their country for several come upon their country for several years or would have a war and be subdued years or would have a war and be subdued years or would have a war and be subdued three months by his enemies or whether three months by his enemies or whether three months by his enemies or whether God shoots and pestilence and a dist God shoots and pestilence and a dist God shoots and pestilence and a dist Emmer upon the Hebrews for three days Emmer upon the Hebrews for three days Emmer upon the Hebrews for three days but as he was fallen to a fiddle choice but as he was fallen to a fiddle choice but as he was fallen to a fiddle choice of great miseries he was in trouble and of great miseries he was in trouble and of great miseries he was in trouble and sorely compounded and when the Prophet sorely compounded and when the Prophet sorely compounded and when the Prophet had said that he must of necessity make had said that he must of necessity make had said that he must of necessity make his choice he had ordered him to answer his choice he had ordered him to answer his choice he had ordered him to answer quickly that he might declare he had quickly that he might declare he had quickly that he might declare he had chosen to God the King reasoned with chosen to God the King reasoned with chosen to God the King reasoned with himself and that in case he should ask himself and that in case he should ask himself and that in case he should ask for famine he would appear to do it for for famine he would appear to do it for for famine he would appear to do it for others and without danger to himself others and without danger to himself others and without danger to himself since he had a great deal of corn since he had a great deal of corn since he had a great deal of corn hoarded up but to the harm of others

hoarded up but to the harm of others hoarded up but to the harm of others that in case he should choose to be that in case he should choose to be that in case he should choose to be overcome by his enemies for three months overcome by his enemies for three months overcome by his enemies for three months he would appear to have chosen war he would appear to have chosen war he would appear to have chosen war because he had Valley because he had Valley because he had Valley men about him with strongholds and that men about him with strongholds and that men about him with strongholds and that they and that therefore he had fear they and that therefore he had fear they and that therefore he had fear nothing there from so he chose that if nothing there from so he chose that if nothing there from so he chose that if the affliction which is common to kings the affliction which is common to kings the affliction which is common to kings and their subjects and which the fear and their subjects and which the fear and their subjects and which the fear was equal on all sides and said this was equal on all sides and said this was equal on all sides and said this beforehand that it was much better to beforehand that it was much better to beforehand that it was much better to fall into the hand of God then into fall into the hand of God then into fall into the hand of God then into those of his enemies when the prophet those of his enemies when the prophet those of his enemies when the prophet had heard this he declared to God who had heard this he declared to God who had heard this he declared to God who thereupon sent a pestilence and thereupon sent a pestilence and thereupon sent a pestilence and mortality upon the Hebrews and nor did mortality upon the Hebrews and nor did mortality upon the Hebrews and nor did they die after one and the same manner they die after one and the same manner they die after one and the same manner nor show that it was easy to know what nor show that it was easy to know what nor show that it was easy to know what the distemper was now the miserable the distemper was now the miserable the distemper was now the miserable disease was one indeed but it carried disease was one indeed but it carried disease was one indeed but it carried them off by 10000 causes and occasions them off by 10000 causes and occasions them off by 10000 causes and occasions which those that were afflicted could which those that were afflicted could which those that were afflicted could not understand for one died upon the not understand for one died upon the not understand for one died upon the neck of another and the terrible malady neck of another and the terrible malady neck of another and the terrible malady seized them before they were aware and seized them before they were aware and seized them before they were aware and brought them to there and suddenly some brought them to there and suddenly some brought them to there and suddenly some given up the ghost immediately with very given up the ghost immediately with very given up the ghost immediately with very great pains in bitter grief and some great pains in bitter grief and some great pains in bitter grief and some were worn away by the distempers and had were worn away by the distempers and had were worn away by the distempers and had nothing remaining to be buried but as nothing remaining to be buried but as nothing remaining to be buried but as soon as ever they fell were entirely Mac soon as ever they fell were entirely Mac soon as ever they fell were entirely Mac rated some were choked and greatly

rated some were choked and greatly rated some were choked and greatly lamented their case has been also lamented their case has been also lamented their case has been also stricken with the Sun darkness some stricken with the Sun darkness some stricken with the Sun darkness some there were who as they were bearing a there were who as they were bearing a there were who as they were bearing a relation fell down dead without relation fell down dead without relation fell down dead without finishing the rites of the funeral now finishing the rites of the funeral now finishing the rites of the funeral now there perished of this disease which there perished of this disease which there perished of this disease which began with the morning and lasted to the began with the morning and lasted to the began with the morning and lasted to the hour of dinner 70,000 nay the angel hour of dinner 70,000 nay the angel hour of dinner 70,000 nay the angel stretched out his hand over Jerusalem I stretched out his hand over Jerusalem I stretched out his hand over Jerusalem I sending this terrible judgment upon it sending this terrible judgment upon it sending this terrible judgment upon it but David had put on sackcloth and lay but David had put on sackcloth and lay but David had put on sackcloth and lay upon the ground in treating God and upon the ground in treating God and upon the ground in treating God and begging that the distemper might now begging that the distemper might now begging that the distemper might now cease and that he would be satisfied cease and that he would be satisfied cease and that he would be satisfied with those who had already perished and with those who had already perished and with those who had already perished and when the King looked up into the air and when the King looked up into the air and when the King looked up into the air and saw the angel carried along thereby into saw the angel carried along thereby into saw the angel carried along thereby into Jerusalem with his sword drawn he said Jerusalem with his sword drawn he said Jerusalem with his sword drawn he said to God that he might justly be punished to God that he might justly be punished to God that he might justly be punished who was there who was there who was there but that the Shepherd ought to be but that the Shepherd ought to be but that the Shepherd ought to be preserved as not having sinned at all preserved as not having sinned at all preserved as not having sinned at all and he implored God that he would send and he implored God that he would send and he implored God that he would send his wrath upon him and upon all his his wrath upon him and upon all his his wrath upon him and upon all his family but spare the people when God family but spare the people when God family but spare the people when God heard his supplication he caused the heard his supplication he caused the heard his supplication he caused the pestilence to cease and sent God to the pestilence to cease and sent God to the pestilence to cease and sent God to the the Prophet to him and commanded him to the Prophet to him and commanded him to the Prophet to him and commanded him to go up immediately to the threshing floor go up immediately to the threshing floor go up immediately to the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and build an of Araunah the Jebusite and build an of Araunah the Jebusite and build an altar there to God and offer sacrifices altar there to God and offer sacrifices altar there to God and offer sacrifices when David heard that he did not neglect when David heard that he did not neglect when David heard that he did not neglect his duty but made haste to the place

his duty but made haste to the place his duty but made haste to the place appointed to him now our Runa was appointed to him now our Runa was appointed to him now our Runa was thrashing wheat and when he saw the king thrashing wheat and when he saw the king thrashing wheat and when he saw the king and all his servants coming to him he and all his servants coming to him he and all his servants coming to him he ran before and came to him and ran before and came to him and ran before and came to him and worshipped him worshipped him worshipped him he was by his lineage just a Jebusite he was by his lineage just a Jebusite he was by his lineage just a Jebusite but a particular friend of David and for but a particular friend of David and for but a particular friend of David and for that cause it was that when he overthrew that cause it was that when he overthrew that cause it was that when he overthrew the city he did him no harm as we the city he did him no harm as we the city he did him no harm as we informed the reader a little before now informed the reader a little before now informed the reader a little before now Rene inquired wherefore is my Lord come Rene inquired wherefore is my Lord come Rene inquired wherefore is my Lord come to his servant he answered to buy him to his servant he answered to buy him to his servant he answered to buy him the thrashing for floor that he might the thrashing for floor that he might the thrashing for floor that he might therein build an altar to God and offer therein build an altar to God and offer therein build an altar to God and offer a sacrifice he replied that he freely a sacrifice he replied that he freely a sacrifice he replied that he freely gave him both the threshing floor and gave him both the threshing floor and gave him both the threshing floor and the plows and the oxen for burnt the plows and the oxen for burnt the plows and the oxen for burnt offering and he besought God graciously offering and he besought God graciously offering and he besought God graciously to accept it as a sacrifice but the King to accept it as a sacrifice but the King to accept it as a sacrifice but the King made answer that he took his generosity made answer that he took his generosity made answer that he took his generosity and Magnum and he loudly and he accepted and Magnum and he loudly and he accepted and Magnum and he loudly and he accepted his goodwill but he desired him to take his goodwill but he desired him to take his goodwill but he desired him to take the price of them all for that it was the price of them all for that it was the price of them all for that it was not just to offer sacrifice that cost not just to offer sacrifice that cost not just to offer sacrifice that cost nothing and when our ruin said he would nothing and when our ruin said he would nothing and when our ruin said he would do as he pleased he bought the threshing do as he pleased he bought the threshing do as he pleased he bought the threshing floor of him for fifty shekels and when floor of him for fifty shekels and when floor of him for fifty shekels and when he had built an altar he performed he had built an altar he performed he had built an altar he performed divine service and brought a burnt divine service and brought a burnt divine service and brought a burnt offering and offer peace offerings also

offering and offer peace offerings also offering and offer peace offerings also with these God was with these God was with these God was if I'd and became gracious to them again if I'd and became gracious to them again if I'd and became gracious to them again now it happened that Abraham came and now it happened that Abraham came and now it happened that Abraham came and offered his son Isaac for a burnt offered his son Isaac for a burnt offered his son Isaac for a burnt offering at that very place and when the offering at that very place and when the offering at that very place and when the youth was ready to have his throat cut a youth was ready to have his throat cut a youth was ready to have his throat cut a ram appeared on a sudden standing by the ram appeared on a sudden standing by the ram appeared on a sudden standing by the altar which Abraham sacrificed in this altar which Abraham sacrificed in this altar which Abraham sacrificed in this instead of his son as we have before instead of his son as we have before instead of his son as we have before related now when King David saw that God related now when King David saw that God related now when King David saw that God had heard his prayer he had graciously had heard his prayer he had graciously had heard his prayer he had graciously accepted of his sacrifice he resolved to accepted of his sacrifice he resolved to accepted of his sacrifice he resolved to call that entire place the altar of all call that entire place the altar of all call that entire place the altar of all the people and to build a temple to God the people and to build a temple to God the people and to build a temple to God there which words he uttered very there which words he uttered very there which words he uttered very Apostle II - what was to be done Apostle II - what was to be done Apostle II - what was to be done afterward for God sent the Prophet to afterward for God sent the Prophet to afterward for God sent the Prophet to him and told him there should be his son him and told him there should be his son him and told him there should be his son built in him and alternate that son who built in him and alternate that son who built in him and alternate that son who was to take the kingdom after him end of was to take the kingdom after him end of was to take the kingdom after him end of book seven chapters 12 and 13 recording book seven chapters 12 and 13 recording book seven chapters 12 and 13 recording by Shion Parker Redlands California book by Shion Parker Redlands California book by Shion Parker Redlands California book 7 chapters 14 and 15 of the antiquities 7 chapters 14 and 15 of the antiquities 7 chapters 14 and 15 of the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 this is a librivox of the Jews vol 2 this is a librivox of the Jews vol 2 this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in recording all librivox recordings are in recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information the public domain for more information the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit or to volunteer please visit or to volunteer please visit librivox.org recording by Bill Mosley

librivox.org recording by Bill Mosley librivox.org recording by Bill Mosley the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by the antiquities of the Jews vol 2 by Flavius Josephus translated by William Flavius Josephus translated by William Flavius Josephus translated by William Weston book 7 chapters 14 and 15 chapter Weston book 7 chapters 14 and 15 chapter Weston book 7 chapters 14 and 15 chapter 14 that David made great preparations 14 that David made great preparations 14 that David made great preparations for the house of God and that upon addin for the house of God and that upon addin for the house of God and that upon addin I chose attempt to gain the kingdom he I chose attempt to gain the kingdom he I chose attempt to gain the kingdom he appointed Solomon to reign after the appointed Solomon to reign after the appointed Solomon to reign after the delivery of this prophecy the king delivery of this prophecy the king delivery of this prophecy the king commanded the strangers to be numbered commanded the strangers to be numbered commanded the strangers to be numbered and they were found to be 100 and they were found to be 100 and they were found to be 100 eighty thousand of these he appointed eighty thousand of these he appointed eighty thousand of these he appointed fourscore thousand to be hewers of stone fourscore thousand to be hewers of stone fourscore thousand to be hewers of stone and the rest of the multitude to carry and the rest of the multitude to carry and the rest of the multitude to carry the stones and all of them he set over the stones and all of them he set over the stones and all of them he set over the workmen three thousand and five the workmen three thousand and five the workmen three thousand and five hundred he also prepared a great hundred he also prepared a great hundred he also prepared a great quantity of iron and brass for the work quantity of iron and brass for the work quantity of iron and brass for the work with many and those exceeding large with many and those exceeding large with many and those exceeding large cedar trees the Tyrians and Sidonians cedar trees the Tyrians and Sidonians cedar trees the Tyrians and Sidonians sending them to him or he had sent to sending them to him or he had sent to sending them to him or he had sent to them for a supply of those trees and he them for a supply of those trees and he them for a supply of those trees and he told his friends that these things were told his friends that these things were told his friends that these things were now prepared that he might leave now prepared that he might leave now prepared that he might leave materials ready for the building of the materials ready for the building of the materials ready for the building of the temple to his son who was to reign after temple to his son who was to reign after temple to his son who was to reign after him and that he might not have them to him and that he might not have them to him and that he might not have them to seek then when he was very young and by seek then when he was very young and by seek then when he was very young and by reason of his age unskillful in such

reason of his age unskillful in such reason of his age unskillful in such matters but might have them lying by him matters but might have them lying by him matters but might have them lying by him and so might the more readily complete and so might the more readily complete and so might the more readily complete the work so david called his son solomon the work so david called his son solomon the work so david called his son solomon and charged him when he had received the and charged him when he had received the and charged him when he had received the kingdom to build a temple to God and kingdom to build a temple to God and kingdom to build a temple to God and said I was willing to build god a temple said I was willing to build god a temple said I was willing to build god a temple myself but he prohibited me because I myself but he prohibited me because I myself but he prohibited me because I was polluted with blood and wars but he was polluted with blood and wars but he was polluted with blood and wars but he hath foretold that Solomon my youngest hath foretold that Solomon my youngest hath foretold that Solomon my youngest son should build him a temple and should son should build him a temple and should son should build him a temple and should be called by that name over whom he hath be called by that name over whom he hath be called by that name over whom he hath promised to take the like care as a promised to take the like care as a promised to take the like care as a father takes over his son and that he father takes over his son and that he father takes over his son and that he would make the country of the Hebrews would make the country of the Hebrews would make the country of the Hebrews happy under him and that not only in happy under him and that not only in happy under him and that not only in other respects but by giving it peace other respects but by giving it peace other respects but by giving it peace and freedom from Wars and from internal and freedom from Wars and from internal and freedom from Wars and from internal seditions which are the greatest of all seditions which are the greatest of all seditions which are the greatest of all blessings since therefore says he thou blessings since therefore says he thou blessings since therefore says he thou wast ordained King by God himself before wast ordained King by God himself before wast ordained King by God himself before thou wast born endeavored to render thou wast born endeavored to render thou wast born endeavored to render thyself worthy of this his providence as thyself worthy of this his providence as thyself worthy of this his providence as in other instances in other instances in other instances so particularly in being religious and so particularly in being religious and so particularly in being religious and righteous and courageous Keith now also righteous and courageous Keith now also righteous and courageous Keith now also his commands and his laws which he hath

his commands and his laws which he hath his commands and his laws which he hath given us by Moses and do not permit given us by Moses and do not permit given us by Moses and do not permit others to break them the zealous also to others to break them the zealous also to others to break them the zealous also to dedicate to God a temple which he hath dedicate to God a temple which he hath dedicate to God a temple which he hath chosen to be built under thy rain nor be chosen to be built under thy rain nor be chosen to be built under thy rain nor be thou affrighted by the vastness of the thou affrighted by the vastness of the thou affrighted by the vastness of the work nor said about it work nor said about it work nor said about it timorously for I will make all things timorously for I will make all things timorously for I will make all things ready before I die and take notice that ready before I die and take notice that ready before I die and take notice that there are already ten thousand talents there are already ten thousand talents there are already ten thousand talents of gold and a hundred thousand talents of gold and a hundred thousand talents of gold and a hundred thousand talents of silver collected together of silver collected together of silver collected together I have also laid together brass and iron I have also laid together brass and iron I have also laid together brass and iron without number an immense number of without number an immense number of without number an immense number of timber and stones moreover thou hast timber and stones moreover thou hast timber and stones moreover thou hast many ten thousand stone cutters and many ten thousand stone cutters and many ten thousand stone cutters and carpenters and if thou shalt want carpenters and if thou shalt want carpenters and if thou shalt want anything further anything further anything further do thou add somewhat of thine own do thou add somewhat of thine own do thou add somewhat of thine own wherefore if thou perform us this work wherefore if thou perform us this work wherefore if thou perform us this work that will be acceptable to God and have that will be acceptable to God and have that will be acceptable to God and have him for thy patron him for thy patron him for thy patron David also further exhorted the rulers David also further exhorted the rulers David also further exhorted the rulers of the people to assist his son in this of the people to assist his son in this of the people to assist his son in this building and to attend to the divine building and to attend to the divine building and to attend to the divine service when they should be free from service when they should be free from service when they should be free from all their misfortunes for that they by all their misfortunes for that they by all their misfortunes for that they by this means should enjoy instead of them this means should enjoy instead of them this means should enjoy instead of them peace and a happy settlement with which peace and a happy settlement with which peace and a happy settlement with which blessings God rewards such men as our

blessings God rewards such men as our blessings God rewards such men as our religious and righteous he also gave religious and righteous he also gave religious and righteous he also gave orders that when the temple should be orders that when the temple should be orders that when the temple should be once built they should put the ark once built they should put the ark once built they should put the ark therein with the holy vessels and he therein with the holy vessels and he therein with the holy vessels and he assured them that they ought to have had assured them that they ought to have had assured them that they ought to have had a temple long ago if their fathers had a temple long ago if their fathers had a temple long ago if their fathers had not been negligent of God's commands who not been negligent of God's commands who not been negligent of God's commands who had given it in charge that when they had given it in charge that when they had given it in charge that when they had got the possession of this land they had got the possession of this land they had got the possession of this land they should build him a temple should build him a temple should build him a temple thus did David discourse to the thus did David discourse to the thus did David discourse to the governors and to his son David was now governors and to his son David was now governors and to his son David was now in years and his body by length of time in years and his body by length of time in years and his body by length of time was become cold and benumbed in so much was become cold and benumbed in so much was become cold and benumbed in so much that he could get no heat by covering that he could get no heat by covering that he could get no heat by covering himself with many clothes and when the himself with many clothes and when the himself with many clothes and when the physicians came together they agreed to physicians came together they agreed to physicians came together they agreed to this advice that a beautiful virgin this advice that a beautiful virgin this advice that a beautiful virgin chosen out of the whole country should chosen out of the whole country should chosen out of the whole country should sleep by the Kings side and that this sleep by the Kings side and that this sleep by the Kings side and that this damsel would communicate heat to him and damsel would communicate heat to him and damsel would communicate heat to him and be a remedy against his numbness be a remedy against his numbness be a remedy against his numbness now there was found in the city one now there was found in the city one now there was found in the city one woman of a superior beauty to all other woman of a superior beauty to all other woman of a superior beauty to all other women women women her name was Abishag who sleeping with her name was Abishag who sleeping with her name was Abishag who sleeping with the king did no more than communicate the king did no more than communicate the king did no more than communicate warmth to him for he was so old that he warmth to him for he was so old that he warmth to him for he was so old that he could not know her as a husband knows

could not know her as a husband knows could not know her as a husband knows his wife but of this woman we shall his wife but of this woman we shall his wife but of this woman we shall speak more presently now the fourth son speak more presently now the fourth son speak more presently now the fourth son of David was a beautiful young man and of David was a beautiful young man and of David was a beautiful young man and tall born to him of hagath his wife he tall born to him of hagath his wife he tall born to him of hagath his wife he was named at a nyjah and was in his was named at a nyjah and was in his was named at a nyjah and was in his disposition like to Absalom and exalted disposition like to Absalom and exalted disposition like to Absalom and exalted himself as hoping to be king and told himself as hoping to be king and told himself as hoping to be king and told his friends that he ought to take the his friends that he ought to take the his friends that he ought to take the government upon him he also prepared government upon him he also prepared government upon him he also prepared many chariots and horses and fifty men many chariots and horses and fifty men many chariots and horses and fifty men to run before him when his father saw to run before him when his father saw to run before him when his father saw this he did not reprove him nor restrain this he did not reprove him nor restrain this he did not reprove him nor restrain him from his purpose nor did he go so him from his purpose nor did he go so him from his purpose nor did he go so far as to ask where for he did so now far as to ask where for he did so now far as to ask where for he did so now adonai jihad for his assistance adonai jihad for his assistance adonai jihad for his assistance Joab the captain of the army and Joab the captain of the army and Joab the captain of the army and abiathar the high priests and the only abiathar the high priests and the only abiathar the high priests and the only persons that opposed him were Zadok the persons that opposed him were Zadok the persons that opposed him were Zadok the high priest and the prophet Nathan and high priest and the prophet Nathan and high priest and the prophet Nathan and benaiah who was captain of the guards benaiah who was captain of the guards benaiah who was captain of the guards and Shem a David's friend with all the and Shem a David's friend with all the and Shem a David's friend with all the other most mighty men now at a Naija had other most mighty men now at a Naija had other most mighty men now at a Naija had prepared a supper out of the city near prepared a supper out of the city near prepared a supper out of the city near the fountain that was in the Kings the fountain that was in the Kings the fountain that was in the Kings paradise and had invited all his paradise and had invited all his paradise and had invited all his brethren except Solomon and had taken brethren except Solomon and had taken brethren except Solomon and had taken with him Joab the captain of the army

with him Joab the captain of the army with him Joab the captain of the army and a by afar and the rulers of the and a by afar and the rulers of the and a by afar and the rulers of the tribe of Judah but had not invited to tribe of Judah but had not invited to tribe of Judah but had not invited to this feast either Zadok the high priest this feast either Zadok the high priest this feast either Zadok the high priest nor Nathan the prophets nor benaiah the nor Nathan the prophets nor benaiah the nor Nathan the prophets nor benaiah the captain of the guards nor any of those captain of the guards nor any of those captain of the guards nor any of those of the contrary party of the contrary party of the contrary party this matter was told by Nathan the this matter was told by Nathan the this matter was told by Nathan the Prophet to Bathsheba Solomon's mother Prophet to Bathsheba Solomon's mother Prophet to Bathsheba Solomon's mother that the nyjah was king and that David that the nyjah was king and that David that the nyjah was king and that David knew nothing of it and he advised her to knew nothing of it and he advised her to knew nothing of it and he advised her to save herself and her son Solomon and to save herself and her son Solomon and to save herself and her son Solomon and to go by herself to David and say to him go by herself to David and say to him go by herself to David and say to him that he had indeed sworn that Solomon that he had indeed sworn that Solomon that he had indeed sworn that Solomon should reign after him and that in the should reign after him and that in the should reign after him and that in the meantime as the nyjah had already taken meantime as the nyjah had already taken meantime as the nyjah had already taken the kingdom he said that he the Prophet the kingdom he said that he the Prophet the kingdom he said that he the Prophet himself would come after her and when himself would come after her and when himself would come after her and when she had spoken thus to the king would she had spoken thus to the king would she had spoken thus to the king would confirm what she had said accordingly confirm what she had said accordingly confirm what she had said accordingly Bathsheba agreed with Nathan and went in Bathsheba agreed with Nathan and went in Bathsheba agreed with Nathan and went in to the king and worshipped him and when to the king and worshipped him and when to the king and worshipped him and when she had desired leave to speak with him she had desired leave to speak with him she had desired leave to speak with him she told him all things in the manner she told him all things in the manner she told him all things in the manner that Nathan had suggested to her and that Nathan had suggested to her and that Nathan had suggested to her and related what a supper at Oneida had made related what a supper at Oneida had made related what a supper at Oneida had made and who they were whom he had invited and who they were whom he had invited and who they were whom he had invited Abiathar Abiathar Abiathar and Joab the general and David's sons

and Joab the general and David's sons and Joab the general and David's sons excepting Solomon and his intimate excepting Solomon and his intimate excepting Solomon and his intimate friends she'd also said that all the friends she'd also said that all the friends she'd also said that all the people had their eyes upon him to know people had their eyes upon him to know people had their eyes upon him to know whom he would choose for their king she whom he would choose for their king she whom he would choose for their king she desired him also to consider how after desired him also to consider how after desired him also to consider how after his departure at a nyjah if he were King his departure at a nyjah if he were King his departure at a nyjah if he were King would slay her and her son Solomon now would slay her and her son Solomon now would slay her and her son Solomon now as Beth Sheba was speaking the keeper of as Beth Sheba was speaking the keeper of as Beth Sheba was speaking the keeper of the King's chambers told him that Nathan the King's chambers told him that Nathan the King's chambers told him that Nathan desired to see him and when the King had desired to see him and when the King had desired to see him and when the King had commanded that he should be admitted he commanded that he should be admitted he commanded that he should be admitted he came in and asked him whether he had came in and asked him whether he had came in and asked him whether he had ordained at a nyjah to be king and ordained at a nyjah to be king and ordained at a nyjah to be king and delivered the government to him or not delivered the government to him or not delivered the government to him or not for that he had made a splendid supper for that he had made a splendid supper for that he had made a splendid supper and invited all his sons except Solomon and invited all his sons except Solomon and invited all his sons except Solomon as also that he had invited Joab the as also that he had invited Joab the as also that he had invited Joab the captain of the host and of eyuth are the captain of the host and of eyuth are the captain of the host and of eyuth are the high priests who are feasting with high priests who are feasting with high priests who are feasting with applauses and many joyful applauses and many joyful applauses and many joyful of instruments and wished that his of instruments and wished that his of instruments and wished that his kingdom may last forever but he hath not kingdom may last forever but he hath not kingdom may last forever but he hath not invited me nor is a doctor High Priest invited me nor is a doctor High Priest invited me nor is a doctor High Priest nor benaiah the captain of the guards nor benaiah the captain of the guards nor benaiah the captain of the guards and it is but fit that all should know and it is but fit that all should know and it is but fit that all should know whether this be done by thy approbation whether this be done by thy approbation whether this be done by thy approbation or not when Nathan had said thus the or not when Nathan had said thus the or not when Nathan had said thus the king commanded that they should call king commanded that they should call king commanded that they should call Bathsheba to him for she had gone out of

Bathsheba to him for she had gone out of Bathsheba to him for she had gone out of the room when the prophet came and when the room when the prophet came and when the room when the prophet came and when Bathsheba was come David said I swear by Bathsheba was come David said I swear by Bathsheba was come David said I swear by the Almighty God that thy son Solomon the Almighty God that thy son Solomon the Almighty God that thy son Solomon shall certainly be king as I formerly shall certainly be king as I formerly shall certainly be king as I formerly swore and that he shall sit upon my swore and that he shall sit upon my swore and that he shall sit upon my throne and that this very day also so throne and that this very day also so throne and that this very day also so Bathsheba worshiped him and wished him a Bathsheba worshiped him and wished him a Bathsheba worshiped him and wished him a long life and the king sent for Zadok long life and the king sent for Zadok long life and the king sent for Zadok the high priests and Benaiah the captain the high priests and Benaiah the captain the high priests and Benaiah the captain of the guards and when they were calm he of the guards and when they were calm he of the guards and when they were calm he ordered them to take with them Nathan ordered them to take with them Nathan ordered them to take with them Nathan the prophet and all the armed men about the prophet and all the armed men about the prophet and all the armed men about the palace and who set his son Solomon the palace and who set his son Solomon the palace and who set his son Solomon upon the Kings mule and to carry him out upon the Kings mule and to carry him out upon the Kings mule and to carry him out of the city to the fountain called Gahan of the city to the fountain called Gahan of the city to the fountain called Gahan and to anoint him there with the holy and to anoint him there with the holy and to anoint him there with the holy oil and to make him King oil and to make him King oil and to make him King this he charged Zadok the high priest this he charged Zadok the high priest this he charged Zadok the high priest and Nathan the Prophet to do and and Nathan the Prophet to do and and Nathan the Prophet to do and commanded them to follow Solomon through commanded them to follow Solomon through commanded them to follow Solomon through the midst of the city and to sound the the midst of the city and to sound the the midst of the city and to sound the trumpets and wish aloud that Solomon the trumpets and wish aloud that Solomon the trumpets and wish aloud that Solomon the King may sit upon the royal throne King may sit upon the royal throne King may sit upon the royal throne forever and so all the people may know forever and so all the people may know forever and so all the people may know that he is ordained King by his father that he is ordained King by his father that he is ordained King by his father he also gave Solomon a charge concerning he also gave Solomon a charge concerning he also gave Solomon a charge concerning his government to rule the whole nation his government to rule the whole nation his government to rule the whole nation of the Hebrews and particularly the of the Hebrews and particularly the of the Hebrews and particularly the tribe of Judah religiously and tribe of Judah religiously and tribe of Judah religiously and righteously and when benaiah had prayed righteously and when benaiah had prayed righteously and when benaiah had prayed to God to be favourable to Solomon

to God to be favourable to Solomon to God to be favourable to Solomon without any delay they set Solomon upon without any delay they set Solomon upon without any delay they set Solomon upon the mule and brought him out of the city the mule and brought him out of the city the mule and brought him out of the city to the fountain and anointed him with to the fountain and anointed him with to the fountain and anointed him with oil and brought him into the city again oil and brought him into the city again oil and brought him into the city again with acclamation Zand wishes that his with acclamation Zand wishes that his with acclamation Zand wishes that his kingdom might continue upon time and kingdom might continue upon time and kingdom might continue upon time and when they had introduced him into the when they had introduced him into the when they had introduced him into the King's house they set him upon the King's house they set him upon the King's house they set him upon the throne whereupon all the people be took throne whereupon all the people be took throne whereupon all the people be took themselves to make merry and to themselves to make merry and to themselves to make merry and to celebrate a festival dancing and celebrate a festival dancing and celebrate a festival dancing and delighting themselves with musical pipes delighting themselves with musical pipes delighting themselves with musical pipes till both the earth and the air echoed till both the earth and the air echoed till both the earth and the air echoed with the multitude of the instruments of with the multitude of the instruments of with the multitude of the instruments of music now when a Tunisia and his guests now when a Tunisia and his guests perceived this noise they were in perceived this noise they were in perceived this noise they were in disorder and Joab the captain of the disorder and Joab the captain of the disorder and Joab the captain of the host said he was not pleased with these host said he was not pleased with these host said he was not pleased with these echoes and the sound of the trumpets and echoes and the sound of the trumpets and echoes and the sound of the trumpets and when supper was set before them nobody when supper was set before them nobody when supper was set before them nobody tasted of it but they were all very tasted of it but they were all very tasted of it but they were all very thoughtful what would be the matter then thoughtful what would be the matter then thoughtful what would be the matter then Jonathan the son of a bi Othar the high Jonathan the son of a bi Othar the high Jonathan the son of a bi Othar the high priest came running to them and when ad priest came running to them and when ad priest came running to them and when ad and I just saw the young man gladly and and I just saw the young man gladly and and I just saw the young man gladly and said to him that he was a good messenger said to him that he was a good messenger said to him that he was a good messenger he declared to them the whole matter he declared to them the whole matter he declared to them the whole matter about Solomon and the determination of about Solomon and the determination of about Solomon and the determination of King David here upon both a Tunisia and King David here upon both a Tunisia and King David here upon both a Tunisia and the guests Rose hastily from the feasts

the guests Rose hastily from the feasts the guests Rose hastily from the feasts and everyone fled to their own homes as and everyone fled to their own homes as and everyone fled to their own homes as an idea also as afraid of the King for an idea also as afraid of the King for an idea also as afraid of the King for what he had done became a supplicant to what he had done became a supplicant to what he had done became a supplicant to God and took hold of the horns of the God and took hold of the horns of the God and took hold of the horns of the altar which were prominent it was also altar which were prominent it was also altar which were prominent it was also told Solomon that he had so done and told Solomon that he had so done and told Solomon that he had so done and that he desired to receive assurances that he desired to receive assurances that he desired to receive assurances from him that he would not remember the from him that he would not remember the from him that he would not remember the injury he had done and not inflict any injury he had done and not inflict any injury he had done and not inflict any severe punishment for it severe punishment for it severe punishment for it Soloman answered very mildly and Soloman answered very mildly and Soloman answered very mildly and prudently that he forgave him this his prudently that he forgave him this his prudently that he forgave him this his offense but said with all that if you offense but said with all that if you offense but said with all that if you were found out in any attempt for new were found out in any attempt for new were found out in any attempt for new innovations that he would be the author innovations that he would be the author innovations that he would be the author of his own punishment so he sent to him of his own punishment so he sent to him of his own punishment so he sent to him and raised him up from the place of his and raised him up from the place of his and raised him up from the place of his supplication and when he was come to the supplication and when he was come to the supplication and when he was come to the king and at worshiped him the king bid king and at worshiped him the king bid king and at worshiped him the king bid him go away to his own house and have no him go away to his own house and have no him go away to his own house and have no suspicion of any harm and desired him to suspicion of any harm and desired him to suspicion of any harm and desired him to show himself a worthy man as what would show himself a worthy man as what would show himself a worthy man as what would tend to his own advantage but David being desirous of ordaining but David being desirous of ordaining his son king of all the people call his son king of all the people call his son king of all the people call together their rulers to Jerusalem with together their rulers to Jerusalem with together their rulers to Jerusalem with the priests and levites and having first the priests and levites and having first the priests and levites and having first numbered the Levites he found them to be

numbered the Levites he found them to be numbered the Levites he found them to be thirty-eight thousand from thirty years thirty-eight thousand from thirty years thirty-eight thousand from thirty years old to fifty out of which he appointed old to fifty out of which he appointed old to fifty out of which he appointed twenty-three thousand to take care of twenty-three thousand to take care of twenty-three thousand to take care of the building of the temple and out of the building of the temple and out of the building of the temple and out of the same six thousand to be judges of the same six thousand to be judges of the same six thousand to be judges of the people and scribes four thousand the people and scribes four thousand the people and scribes four thousand four porters to the house of God and as four porters to the house of God and as four porters to the house of God and as many four singers to sing to the many four singers to sing to the many four singers to sing to the instruments which they've been had instruments which they've been had instruments which they've been had prepared as we have said already prepared as we have said already prepared as we have said already he divided them into courses and when he he divided them into courses and when he he divided them into courses and when he had separated the priest from them he had separated the priest from them he had separated the priest from them he found of these priests 24 courses 16 of found of these priests 24 courses 16 of found of these priests 24 courses 16 of the house of Eliezer an eighth of that the house of Eliezer an eighth of that the house of Eliezer an eighth of that of either Marr and he ordained that one of either Marr and he ordained that one of either Marr and he ordained that one course should minister to God eight days course should minister to God eight days course should minister to God eight days from Sabbath to Sabbath from Sabbath to Sabbath from Sabbath to Sabbath and thus were the courses distributed by and thus were the courses distributed by and thus were the courses distributed by lot in the presence of David and zadok lot in the presence of David and zadok lot in the presence of David and zadok and abiathar the high priests and of all and abiathar the high priests and of all and abiathar the high priests and of all the rulers and that course which came up the rulers and that course which came up the rulers and that course which came up first was written down as the first and first was written down as the first and first was written down as the first and accordingly the second and so on to the accordingly the second and so on to the accordingly the second and so on to the 24th and this partition hath remained to 24th and this partition hath remained to 24th and this partition hath remained to this day he also made 24 parts of the this day he also made 24 parts of the this day he also made 24 parts of the tribe of Levi and when they cast lots tribe of Levi and when they cast lots tribe of Levi and when they cast lots they came up in the same manner for they came up in the same manner for they came up in the same manner for their courses of eight days he also their courses of eight days he also their courses of eight days he also honored the posterity of Moses and made

honored the posterity of Moses and made honored the posterity of Moses and made them the keepers of the treasures of God them the keepers of the treasures of God them the keepers of the treasures of God and of the donations which the Kings and of the donations which the Kings and of the donations which the Kings dedicated he also ordained that all the dedicated he also ordained that all the dedicated he also ordained that all the tribe of Levi as well as the priests tribe of Levi as well as the priests tribe of Levi as well as the priests should serve God night and day as Moses should serve God night and day as Moses should serve God night and day as Moses had enjoined them after this he parted had enjoined them after this he parted had enjoined them after this he parted the entire army into twelve parts with the entire army into twelve parts with the entire army into twelve parts with their leaders and captains of hundreds their leaders and captains of hundreds their leaders and captains of hundreds and commanders now every part had and commanders now every part had and commanders now every part had twenty-four thousand which were ordered twenty-four thousand which were ordered twenty-four thousand which were ordered to wait upon Solomon by thirty days at a to wait upon Solomon by thirty days at a to wait upon Solomon by thirty days at a time from the first day till the last time from the first day till the last time from the first day till the last with the captains of thousands and with the captains of thousands and with the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds captains of hundreds captains of hundreds he also set rulers over every part such he also set rulers over every part such he also set rulers over every part such as he knew to be good and righteous men as he knew to be good and righteous men as he knew to be good and righteous men he said others also to take charge of he said others also to take charge of he said others also to take charge of the treasures and of the villages and of the treasures and of the villages and of the treasures and of the villages and of the fields and of the beasts whose names the fields and of the beasts whose names the fields and of the beasts whose names I do not think it necessary to mention I do not think it necessary to mention I do not think it necessary to mention when David had ordered all these when David had ordered all these when David had ordered all these officers after the manner before officers after the manner before officers after the manner before mentioned he called the rulers of the mentioned he called the rulers of the mentioned he called the rulers of the Hebrews and their heads of tribes and Hebrews and their heads of tribes and Hebrews and their heads of tribes and the officers over the several divisions the officers over the several divisions the officers over the several divisions than those that were appointed over than those that were appointed over than those that were appointed over every work and every possession and every work and every possession and every work and every possession and standing upon a high pulpit he said to standing upon a high pulpit he said to standing upon a high pulpit he said to the multitude as follows my brethren and the multitude as follows my brethren and the multitude as follows my brethren and my people I would have you know that I

my people I would have you know that I my people I would have you know that I intended to build a house for God and intended to build a house for God and intended to build a house for God and prepared a large quantity of gold prepared a large quantity of gold prepared a large quantity of gold and a hundred thousand talents of silver and a hundred thousand talents of silver and a hundred thousand talents of silver but God prohibited me by the Prophet but God prohibited me by the Prophet but God prohibited me by the Prophet Nathan because of the wars I had on your Nathan because of the wars I had on your Nathan because of the wars I had on your account and because my right hand was account and because my right hand was account and because my right hand was polluted with the slaughter of our polluted with the slaughter of our polluted with the slaughter of our enemies but he commanded that my son who enemies but he commanded that my son who enemies but he commanded that my son who was to succeed me in the kingdom should was to succeed me in the kingdom should was to succeed me in the kingdom should build a temple for him now therefore build a temple for him now therefore build a temple for him now therefore since you know that of the twelve sons since you know that of the twelve sons since you know that of the twelve sons whom jacob our forefather had judah was whom jacob our forefather had judah was whom jacob our forefather had judah was appointed to be king and that i was appointed to be king and that i was appointed to be king and that i was preferred before my six brethren and preferred before my six brethren and preferred before my six brethren and received the government from god received the government from god received the government from god and that none of them were uneasy at it and that none of them were uneasy at it and that none of them were uneasy at it so do i also desire that my sons be not so do i also desire that my sons be not so do i also desire that my sons be not seditious one against another seditious one against another seditious one against another now solomon has received the kingdom but now solomon has received the kingdom but now solomon has received the kingdom but you bear him cheerfully for their Lord you bear him cheerfully for their Lord you bear him cheerfully for their Lord as knowing that God has chosen him for as knowing that God has chosen him for as knowing that God has chosen him for it is not a grievous thing to obey even it is not a grievous thing to obey even it is not a grievous thing to obey even a foreigner as a ruler if it be God's a foreigner as a ruler if it be God's a foreigner as a ruler if it be God's will but it is fit to rejoice when a will but it is fit to rejoice when a will but it is fit to rejoice when a brother hath obtained that dignity since brother hath obtained that dignity since brother hath obtained that dignity since the rest partake of it with him and I the rest partake of it with him and I the rest partake of it with him and I pray that the promises of God may be pray that the promises of God may be pray that the promises of God may be fulfilled and that this happiness which fulfilled and that this happiness which fulfilled and that this happiness which he hath promised to bestow upon King

he hath promised to bestow upon King he hath promised to bestow upon King Solomon over all the country may Solomon over all the country may Solomon over all the country may continue therein for all time to come continue therein for all time to come continue therein for all time to come and these promises o son will be firm and these promises o son will be firm and these promises o son will be firm and come to a happy end if thou show us and come to a happy end if thou show us and come to a happy end if thou show us thyself to be a religious and a thyself to be a religious and a thyself to be a religious and a righteous man and an observer of the righteous man and an observer of the righteous man and an observer of the laws of thy country but if not expect laws of thy country but if not expect laws of thy country but if not expect adversity upon by disobedience to them adversity upon by disobedience to them adversity upon by disobedience to them now when the King had said this he left now when the King had said this he left now when the King had said this he left off but gave the description and pattern off but gave the description and pattern off but gave the description and pattern of the building of the temple in the of the building of the temple in the of the building of the temple in the sight of them all to Solomon of the sight of them all to Solomon of the sight of them all to Solomon of the foundations and of the chambers foundations and of the chambers foundations and of the chambers inferior and superior how many they were inferior and superior how many they were inferior and superior how many they were to be and how large and height and in to be and how large and height and in to be and how large and height and in breath as also he determined the weight breath as also he determined the weight breath as also he determined the weight of the golden and silver vessels of the golden and silver vessels of the golden and silver vessels moreover he earnestly excited them with moreover he earnestly excited them with moreover he earnestly excited them with his words to use the utmost alacrity his words to use the utmost alacrity his words to use the utmost alacrity about the work he exhorted the rulers about the work he exhorted the rulers about the work he exhorted the rulers also and particularly the tribe of Levi also and particularly the tribe of Levi also and particularly the tribe of Levi to assist him both because of his youth to assist him both because of his youth to assist him both because of his youth and because God had chosen him to take and because God had chosen him to take and because God had chosen him to take care of the building of the temple and care of the building of the temple and care of the building of the temple and all the government of the kingdom all the government of the kingdom all the government of the kingdom he also declared to them that the work he also declared to them that the work he also declared to them that the work would be easy and not very laborious to

would be easy and not very laborious to would be easy and not very laborious to them because he had prepared for it many them because he had prepared for it many them because he had prepared for it many talents of gold and more of silver with talents of gold and more of silver with talents of gold and more of silver with timber and a great many carpenters and timber and a great many carpenters and timber and a great many carpenters and stone cutters and a large quantity of stone cutters and a large quantity of stone cutters and a large quantity of emeralds and all sorts of precious emeralds and all sorts of precious emeralds and all sorts of precious stones and he said that even now he stones and he said that even now he stones and he said that even now he would give of the proper goods of his would give of the proper goods of his would give of the proper goods of his own Dominion two hundred talents and own Dominion two hundred talents and own Dominion two hundred talents and three hundred other talents of pure gold three hundred other talents of pure gold three hundred other talents of pure gold for the most holy place and for the for the most holy place and for the for the most holy place and for the chariot of God the cherubim which are to chariot of God the cherubim which are to chariot of God the cherubim which are to stand over and cover the Ark now when stand over and cover the Ark now when stand over and cover the Ark now when David had done speaking there appeared David had done speaking there appeared David had done speaking there appeared great alacrity among the rulers of the great alacrity among the rulers of the great alacrity among the rulers of the priests and the Levites who now priests and the Levites who now priests and the Levites who now contributed and made great and splendid contributed and made great and splendid contributed and made great and splendid promises for a future contribution for promises for a future contribution for promises for a future contribution for the undertook to bring of gold five the undertook to bring of gold five the undertook to bring of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand Rams thousand talents and ten thousand Rams thousand talents and ten thousand Rams and Oh silver ten thousand talents and and Oh silver ten thousand talents and and Oh silver ten thousand talents and many ten thousand talents of iron and if many ten thousand talents of iron and if many ten thousand talents of iron and if anyone had a precious stone he brought anyone had a precious stone he brought anyone had a precious stone he brought it and bequeathed it to be put among the it and bequeathed it to be put among the it and bequeathed it to be put among the treasures of which JKL one of the treasures of which JKL one of the treasures of which JKL one of the posterity of Moses had the care upon posterity of Moses had the care upon posterity of Moses had the care upon this occasion all the people rejoiced as this occasion all the people rejoiced as this occasion all the people rejoiced as in particular did David when he saw the in particular did David when he saw the in particular did David when he saw the zeal and forward ambition of the rulers zeal and forward ambition of the rulers zeal and forward ambition of the rulers and the priests and of all the breasts and the priests and of all the breasts and the priests and of all the breasts and he began to bless God the loud voice and he began to bless God the loud voice and he began to bless God the loud voice calling him the father and parent of the

calling him the father and parent of the calling him the father and parent of the universe and the author of human and universe and the author of human and universe and the author of human and divine things with which he had adorned divine things with which he had adorned divine things with which he had adorned Solomon the patron and guardian of the Solomon the patron and guardian of the Solomon the patron and guardian of the Hebrew nation and of its happiness and Hebrew nation and of its happiness and Hebrew nation and of its happiness and of that Kingdom which he hath given his of that Kingdom which he hath given his of that Kingdom which he hath given his son son son besides this he prayed for happiness to besides this he prayed for happiness to besides this he prayed for happiness to all the people and to Solomon his son a all the people and to Solomon his son a all the people and to Solomon his son a sound any righteous mind and confirmed sound any righteous mind and confirmed sound any righteous mind and confirmed in all sorts of virtue and then he in all sorts of virtue and then he in all sorts of virtue and then he commanded the multitude to bless God commanded the multitude to bless God commanded the multitude to bless God upon which they all fell down upon the upon which they all fell down upon the upon which they all fell down upon the ground and worshiped him they also gave ground and worshiped him they also gave ground and worshiped him they also gave thanks to David on account of all the thanks to David on account of all the thanks to David on account of all the blessings which they had received ever blessings which they had received ever blessings which they had received ever since he had taken the kingdom on the since he had taken the kingdom on the since he had taken the kingdom on the next day he presented sacrifices to God next day he presented sacrifices to God next day he presented sacrifices to God a thousand bullocks and as many lambs a thousand bullocks and as many lambs a thousand bullocks and as many lambs which they offered for burnt offerings which they offered for burnt offerings which they offered for burnt offerings they also offered peace offerings and they also offered peace offerings and they also offered peace offerings and slew many ten thousand sacrifices and slew many ten thousand sacrifices and slew many ten thousand sacrifices and the King feasted all day together with the King feasted all day together with the King feasted all day together with all the people and they anointed Solomon all the people and they anointed Solomon all the people and they anointed Solomon a second time with the oil and appointed a second time with the oil and appointed a second time with the oil and appointed him to be king and Zedeck to be the high him to be king and Zedeck to be the high him to be king and Zedeck to be the high priest of the whole multitude and when priest of the whole multitude and when priest of the whole multitude and when they had brought Solomon to the Royal they had brought Solomon to the Royal they had brought Solomon to the Royal Palace and had set him upon his Father's Palace and had set him upon his Father's Palace and had set him upon his Father's throne they were obedient to him from throne they were obedient to him from throne they were obedient to him from that day

chapter 15 what charge David gave to his chapter 15 what charge David gave to his son Solomon at the approach of his death son Solomon at the approach of his death son Solomon at the approach of his death and how many things he left him for the and how many things he left him for the and how many things he left him for the building of the temple a little building of the temple a little building of the temple a little afterward David also fell into a afterward David also fell into a afterward David also fell into a distemper by reason of his age and distemper by reason of his age and distemper by reason of his age and perceiving that he was near to death he perceiving that he was near to death he perceiving that he was near to death he called his son Solomon and discourse to called his son Solomon and discourse to called his son Solomon and discourse to him thus I am now oh my son going to my him thus I am now oh my son going to my him thus I am now oh my son going to my grave and to my father's which is the grave and to my father's which is the grave and to my father's which is the common way which all men that now are or common way which all men that now are or common way which all men that now are or shall be hereafter must go from which shall be hereafter must go from which shall be hereafter must go from which way it is no longer possible to return way it is no longer possible to return way it is no longer possible to return and to know anything that is done in and to know anything that is done in and to know anything that is done in this world on which account I exhort this world on which account I exhort this world on which account I exhort thee while I am still alive though thee while I am still alive though thee while I am still alive though already very near to death in the same already very near to death in the same already very near to death in the same manner as I have normally said in my manner as I have normally said in my manner as I have normally said in my advice to thee to be righteous towards advice to thee to be righteous towards advice to thee to be righteous towards thy subjects and religious towards God thy subjects and religious towards God thy subjects and religious towards God that hath given thee thy kingdom to that hath given thee thy kingdom to that hath given thee thy kingdom to observe his commands and his laws which observe his commands and his laws which observe his commands and his laws which he hath sent us by Moses and neither do he hath sent us by Moses and neither do he hath sent us by Moses and neither do thou out of favor nor flattery allow any thou out of favor nor flattery allow any thou out of favor nor flattery allow any lust or other passion to weigh with thee lust or other passion to weigh with thee lust or other passion to weigh with thee to disregard them for if thou to disregard them for if thou to disregard them for if thou transgresses his laws now we'll lose the transgresses his laws now we'll lose the transgresses his laws now we'll lose the favor of God and thou will turn away his favor of God and thou will turn away his favor of God and thou will turn away his Providence from the in all things but if Providence from the in all things but if Providence from the in all things but if thou behave thyself so has it behooves

thou behave thyself so has it behooves thou behave thyself so has it behooves thee and as I exhort thee thou will thee and as I exhort thee thou will thee and as I exhort thee thou will preserve our kingdom to our family and preserve our kingdom to our family and preserve our kingdom to our family and no other house will bear rule over the no other house will bear rule over the no other house will bear rule over the Hebrews but we ourselves for all ages be Hebrews but we ourselves for all ages be Hebrews but we ourselves for all ages be thou also mindful of the transgressions thou also mindful of the transgressions thou also mindful of the transgressions of Joab the captain of the hosts who of Joab the captain of the hosts who of Joab the captain of the hosts who hath slain two generals out of envy and hath slain two generals out of envy and hath slain two generals out of envy and those righteous and good men those righteous and good men those righteous and good men Abner the son of ner and a Maw saw the Abner the son of ner and a Maw saw the Abner the son of ner and a Maw saw the son of G thar whose death son of G thar whose death son of G thar whose death do thou avenge do thou avenge do thou avenge as shall seem good to thee since Joab as shall seem good to thee since Joab as shall seem good to thee since Joab hath been too hard for me and more hath been too hard for me and more hath been too hard for me and more potent than myself and so hath escaped potent than myself and so hath escaped potent than myself and so hath escaped punishment hitherto I also commit to punishment hitherto I also commit to punishment hitherto I also commit to thee the son of barzillai the gileadite thee the son of barzillai the gileadite thee the son of barzillai the gileadite whom in order to gratify me thou shalt whom in order to gratify me thou shalt whom in order to gratify me thou shalt have in great honor and take great care have in great honor and take great care have in great honor and take great care off for we have not done good to him off for we have not done good to him off for we have not done good to him first but we only repay that debt which first but we only repay that debt which first but we only repay that debt which we owed to his father for what he did to we owed to his father for what he did to we owed to his father for what he did to me in my flight there is also a shoe may me in my flight there is also a shoe may me in my flight there is also a shoe may the son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin the son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin the son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin who after he had cast many reproaches who after he had cast many reproaches who after he had cast many reproaches upon me when in my flight I was going to upon me when in my flight I was going to upon me when in my flight I was going to Mahanaim met me at Jordan and received Mahanaim met me at Jordan and received Mahanaim met me at Jordan and received assurances that he should then suffer

assurances that he should then suffer assurances that he should then suffer nothing do thou now seek out for some nothing do thou now seek out for some nothing do thou now seek out for some just occasion and punish him when David just occasion and punish him when David just occasion and punish him when David had given these admonitions to his son had given these admonitions to his son had given these admonitions to his son about public affairs and about his about public affairs and about his about public affairs and about his friends and about those whom he knew to friends and about those whom he knew to friends and about those whom he knew to deserve punishments he died having lived deserve punishments he died having lived deserve punishments he died having lived seventy years and reigned seven years seventy years and reigned seven years seventy years and reigned seven years and six months in Hebron over the tribe and six months in Hebron over the tribe and six months in Hebron over the tribe of Judah and 33 years in Jerusalem over of Judah and 33 years in Jerusalem over of Judah and 33 years in Jerusalem over all the country this man was of an all the country this man was of an all the country this man was of an excellent character and was endowed with excellent character and was endowed with excellent character and was endowed with all virtues that were desirable in a all virtues that were desirable in a all virtues that were desirable in a king and in one that had the king and in one that had the king and in one that had the preservation of so many tribes committed preservation of so many tribes committed preservation of so many tribes committed to him for he was a man of Valor in a to him for he was a man of Valor in a to him for he was a man of Valor in a very extraordinary degree and went very extraordinary degree and went very extraordinary degree and went readily and first of all into dangers readily and first of all into dangers readily and first of all into dangers when he was to fight for his subjects as when he was to fight for his subjects as when he was to fight for his subjects as exciting the soldiers to action by his exciting the soldiers to action by his exciting the soldiers to action by his own Labor's and fighting for them and own Labor's and fighting for them and own Labor's and fighting for them and not by commanding them in a despotic way not by commanding them in a despotic way not by commanding them in a despotic way he was also a very great abilities in he was also a very great abilities in he was also a very great abilities in understanding an apprehension of present understanding an apprehension of present understanding an apprehension of present and future circumstances when he was too and future circumstances when he was too and future circumstances when he was too any affairs he was prudent and moderate any affairs he was prudent and moderate any affairs he was prudent and moderate and kind to such as were under any and kind to such as were under any and kind to such as were under any calamities he was righteous and humane calamities he was righteous and humane calamities he was righteous and humane which are good qualities peculiarly fit

which are good qualities peculiarly fit which are good qualities peculiarly fit for Kings nor was he guilty of any for Kings nor was he guilty of any for Kings nor was he guilty of any offence in the exercise of so great an offence in the exercise of so great an offence in the exercise of so great an authority but in the business of the authority but in the business of the authority but in the business of the wife of uriah he also left behind him wife of uriah he also left behind him wife of uriah he also left behind him greater wealth than any other King greater wealth than any other King greater wealth than any other King either of the Hebrews or of other either of the Hebrews or of other either of the Hebrews or of other nations ever did nations ever did nations ever did he was buried by his son Solomon in he was buried by his son Solomon in he was buried by his son Solomon in Jerusalem with great magnificence and Jerusalem with great magnificence and Jerusalem with great magnificence and with all the other funeral pump which with all the other funeral pump which with all the other funeral pump which Kings used to be buried with moreover he Kings used to be buried with moreover he Kings used to be buried with moreover he had great and him mints wealth buried had great and him mints wealth buried had great and him mints wealth buried with him the vastness of which may be with him the vastness of which may be with him the vastness of which may be easily conjectured at by what I shall easily conjectured at by what I shall easily conjectured at by what I shall now say for a thousand and three hundred now say for a thousand and three hundred now say for a thousand and three hundred years afterward Haqqanis the high priest years afterward Haqqanis the high priest years afterward Haqqanis the high priest when he was besieged by Antiochus that when he was besieged by Antiochus that when he was besieged by Antiochus that was called the pious the son of was called the pious the son of was called the pious the son of Demetrius and was desirous of giving him Demetrius and was desirous of giving him Demetrius and was desirous of giving him money to get him to raise the siege and money to get him to raise the siege and money to get him to raise the siege and draw off his army and having no other draw off his army and having no other draw off his army and having no other method of composting the money opened method of composting the money opened method of composting the money opened one room of David's Sepulcher and took one room of David's Sepulcher and took one room of David's Sepulcher and took out three thousand talents and gave part out three thousand talents and gave part out three thousand talents and gave part of that sum to Antiochus and by this of that sum to Antiochus and by this of that sum to Antiochus and by this means cause the siege to be raised as we means cause the siege to be raised as we means cause the siege to be raised as we have informed the reader elsewhere have informed the reader elsewhere have informed the reader elsewhere nay after him and that many years Herod nay after him and that many years Herod nay after him and that many years Herod the King opened another room and took

the King opened another room and took the King opened another room and took away a great deal of money and yet away a great deal of money and yet away a great deal of money and yet neither of them came at the coffins of neither of them came at the coffins of neither of them came at the coffins of the Kings themselves for their bodies the Kings themselves for their bodies the Kings themselves for their bodies were buried under the earth so artfully were buried under the earth so artfully were buried under the earth so artfully that they did not appear to even those that they did not appear to even those that they did not appear to even those that entered into their monuments but so that entered into their monuments but so that entered into their monuments but so much shall suffice us to have said much shall suffice us to have said much shall suffice us to have said concerning these matters end of book concerning these matters end of book concerning these matters end of book seven chapters 14 and 15 end of book seven chapters 14 and 15 end of book seven chapters 14 and 15 end of book seven seven seven recording by Bill Mosley frell's Berg recording by Bill Mosley frell's Berg recording by Bill Mosley frell's Berg Texas USA