The famous and memorable vvorkes of Iosephus, a man of much honour and learning among the Iewes. Faithfully translated out of the Latin, and French, by Tho. Lodge Doctor in Physicke

THE NINTH BOOKE OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE IEWES,

WRITTEN BY FLAVIVS [ L] IOSEPHVS.

The Contents of the Chapters of the 9. booke.

• 1 Ioram Achabs sonne ouercommeth the Moabites in battell.
• 2 Ioram King of Ierusalem obtaining the crowne, killeth his brothers and his fathers friends.
• 3 Iorams army is ouerthrowne by his enemies, and his sonnes are slaine, only one excepted; at length he himselfe dieth a miserable death.
• 4 The king of Damasco warreth against the king of Israel.
• 5 Ioram with all his posteritie is slaine by Iehu, Ochosias king of Ierusalem is slaine also. [ M]
• 6 Iehu raigneth amongst the Israelites in Samaria, and his posteritie after him till the fourth ge∣neration.
• 7 Athalia raigneth fiue yeeres in Ierusalem, and after she is slaine by the hie priest, Ioas Ochosias sonne is proclaimed king.
• 8 Azael King of Damasco gathereth an army, first against the Israelites, and afterwards against Ierusalem.
• ...

• 9 Amasias King of Ierusalem maketh warre against the Idumeans and Amalechites, and obtaineth [ A] the victorie.
• 10 Amasias making warre against Ioas king of the Israelites is ouercome.
• 11 Ozias ouercommeth the nations round about him.
• 12 Rasin or Rabe king of Damasco vexeth the inhabitants of Ierusalem with warre, Achaz their king is compelled to call the king of Assyria to assist him.
• 13 The King of Assyria taketh Damasco by force, and slaieth the king, and translateth the people in∣to Media, and planteth other Colonies in the same.
• 14 Salmanazar taking the king of Israel captiue, translateth ten of the 12. Tribes into Media, and causeth the Cuthaeans to inhabite their region.

CHAP. I. [ B]

Ioram Achabs sonne, ouercommeth the Moabites in battell.

AS soone as King Iosaphat was returned backe againe to Ierusalem (from the warre wherein he had giuen succour to Achab against Adad the King of Sy∣ria, as we haue heretofore declared) the Prophet Iehu (in his returne) came forth and met him, and reproued him because he had giuen Achab (who had been a man both impious and wicked) his assistance, assuring him that God was displeased with that his confederacie; yet notwithstanding that he of his [ C] goodnesse had deliuered him from his enemies, although contrarie vnto his duetie, he had demeaned himselfe vniustly. After this admonition Iosaphat began to celebrate sacrifices, and to offer vp thankesgiuings and peace offrings vnto God: Which done, he rode in progresse and circuit round about those countries that were vnder his dominion, giuing order that the people should be instructed in those ordinances which were deliuered from God by the hands of Moses, and exhorted his subiects to the practise of pietie, contained in the same. Hee planted iudges likewise in euery city, commanding them to execute iustice vnto the people, with∣out respect of any thing, but only iustice. He charged them likewise, that they should not be cor∣rupted with rewards, or seduced by dignitie, riches, or nobilitie, but that they should doe iustice indifferently vnto all men, knowing that God seeth all things, how secretly soeuer they be carried [ D] or contriued. Hauing in this sort ordered euery thing in each Citie of the two Tribes, he retur∣ned againe into Ierusalem, where he likewise chose iudges from amongst the Priests and Leuites, and the Elders among the people, exhorting them in all things to giue vpright and exact iudge∣ment. And if they of other cities had any causes of greater consequence (which should bee referred to their finall determination) he charged them with earnest industrie, to decide them with as vpright and iust measure as might be: for that it was very conuenient that the most ex∣act and accomplished sentences should be deliuered in that Citie, where as God had his temple, and the King made his ordinarie aboad. Ouer all these he placed his two friends, Amasias the Priest, and Zabadias of the Tribe of Iuda. After this manner did the King dispose of his estate.

About this very time the Moabites and Ammonites (and with them their confederates a [ E] great number of Arabians) assaulted and assembled themselues against him, and encamped them∣selues neere vnto Engaddi (a Citie scituate neere vnto the lake Asphaltites, and distant from Ie∣rusalem some three hundreth stounds) in which place flourish those goodly and holesome Palme∣trees, whence distilleth the pure and perfect liquor of balme. When Iosaphat had intelligence that the enemies had past the lake, and were already farre entred into his countrey, he was affraid, and assembled the people of Ierusalem in the temple, and standing vpright, and turning his face toward the propitiatorie, he besought and requested God that he would giue him power and force to ouercome his enemies. For such had been the forme of their supplication, who in times past builded the temple: namely, that it might please him to fight for that Citie, and oppose him∣selfe against those that durst attempt or assault that place, to the intent to dispossesse them of that [ F] country which he himselfe had giuen them in possession, and in pronouncing this prayer he wept: and all the people likewise both men, women and children made their requests vnto God. Pre∣sently vpon this, a certaine Prophet called Iaziel arose vp in the midst of the congregation, and cried out, and certified both the people and the King, that God had heard their praiers, and pro∣mised them to fight for them against their enemies, enioyning them the next day to sally out in armes, and go & make head against their aduersaries, whom they should incounter in the moun∣taine

scituate betwixt Ierusalem and Engaddi, in a place called the hillock of Sis (which place in [ G] Hebrew signifieth Eminency) willing them not to fight against them, but onely to arrest in that place, and see how God would fight and make warre for them. When the Prophet had spoken these words, the king and all the people prostrated themselues vpon their faces, giuing thankes vnto God and adoring: meane while the Leuites sung continuall hymnes, with instruments and voices. About the beginning of the day, the king departed into the desart that is vnder the Ci∣tie of Thecoa, aduising the people to beleeue all that which the prophet had said vnto them, and not to arrange themselues in battell ray, he commanded the Priests to march before them with their trumpets, and the Leuites that they should sing hymnes and thankesgiuings vnto God, as if (said he) our countrey were already deliuered from our enemies. This aduise of the kings see∣med pleasing vnto them all; so that they performed whatsoeuer hee counselled them. But [ H] God sent a great terror and disorder among the Barbarians: so that supposing themselues to be enemies the one against the other, they slew one an other in such sort, that of so great and huge an host there was not one that escaped. But Iosaphat looking downe into the valley (wherein the enemies had pitcht their tents) and seeing it full of dead men, reioyced greatly at the vnexpected succours that God had sent him, who had giuen them the victorie, not by the dint of their owne swords, but by his prouidence and power only. He therfore permitted his army to make pillage of the enemies campe, and to spoile the dead; and so great was the multitude of them that were slaine, that scarcely they could gather the spoiles of them in three daies space. On the fourth day the people assembled togither in a valley and hollow place, where they blessed God for the pow∣er and succours he had sent them, by reason whereof the place was called the valley of Benedic∣tion. [ I] From thence the king led backe his army into Ierusalem, and for diuers daies he spent the time in offering sacrifices, and making feasts. After this discomfiture of his enemies was publi∣shed abroad in the eares of forraine nations, they were all of them affraid, supposing that God did manifestly expresse his power, and extend his fauour towards him. And from that time for∣wards Iosaphat liued in great glory, in iustice, and pietie. He likewise was a friend to the King of Israel that raigned at that time, who was Achabs sonne, with whom he aduentured in a voyage by sea, intending to traffique with certaine merchants of Tharsis, but he had a great losse: for his ships were cast away by reason they were ouer-great; and for this cause he had neuer more minde to exercise nauigation. Hitherto haue we spoken of Iosaphat king of Ierusalem.

But as touching Ochozias Achabs sonne, who raigned ouer Israel, and was resident in Sama∣ria: [ K] he was a wicked man, and resembled his father and mother euery way in his impieties, and was nothing inferiour to Ieroboam in wickednes, who first fell from God, and made the Israelites reuolt from him. The tenth yeere of his raigne, the king of the Moabites rebelled against him, and denied to pay him those tributes which he was wont to pay vnto Achab his father. But it came to passe, that as Ochozias ascended the staires of his pallace, he fell downe from the toppe thereof: and being sicke of the fall, he sent to Accaron vnto the God called the Myiodis or flie, to enquire whether he should recouer that sicknesse or no. But the god of the Hebrewes appea∣red to Elias the Prophet, and commanded him to go and meete those messengers that were sent by Ochozias, and to aske them if the people of the Israelites had not a god, but that their king sent to forraine gods to enquire of his health? and to charge them to returne and declare vnto [ L] their king, that he should not escape that sicknesse. Elias did that which God had ordained; and the messengers of the king hauing vnderstood that which was declared vnto them, returned backe againe with all expedition vnto him. Ochozias meruailing much at their sodaine repaire, asked them the cause thereof: who answered him, that a certaine man came vnto them, who for∣bad them to passe any further, but to shorten their way to let your maiestie know (said they) from God, that your sicknesse shall wax worse and worse. Hereupon the king commanded them to describe what manner of man he was that spake these words vnto them: who answered, that he was a hairie man girded with a leatherne belt and vnderstanding hereby that it was Elias, he sent a captaine with fiftie souldiers vnto him, commanding him to bring the Prophet prisoner vnto him. This captaine that was sent, perceiuing Elias sitting on the top of a mountaine, comman∣ded [ M] him to come downe and repaire vnto the king, who had sent for him; which if he performed not presently and willingly, he threatned him to make him doe it perforce. Elias answered and said vnto him: To the end thou maiest know by thine owne experience that I am a true Propht, I will pray that fire may fall from heauen, and consume both thee and thy souldiers. And incon∣tinently after Elias had praied, lightning fell downe from heauen and consumed both the cap∣taine and his souldiers.

When the King had tidings of this losse, he was sore displeased, and sent another Captaine [ A] to Elias with the like number of soldiers as the first had, who threatned the Prophet that if he would not willingly come downe, he would violently pull him thence; but Elias praied that fire might fall from heauen, and incontinently both he and his were consumed in like manner as the first. When the King had vnderstanding likewise how his second messengers had sped, he sent a third vnto him, who being a discreet man, and courteous in condition, arriuing in the place where by chance Elias was, he saluted him verie courteously and said vnto him, that contrarie to his owne will, and to no other purpose but to fulfill the kings pleasure, he was come vnto him; and that they that were sent with him, came not thither voluntarily, but by the same commaund: He therefore required him to haue compassion both of him and of his soldiers, and to vouchsafe to come downe, and to come after them vnto the King. Elias tooke pleasure in this his discreete [ B] and courteous demeanour, so as he descended and followed him. As soone as he came before the kings presence he prophecied, and told him that God said, that since he had despised him, and so lightly accounted of him as if he had beene no God, or else such a one as had no power to foretell him any truth as touching his sicknes, but that he had sent to the gods of the Accaronits to demaund of them as touching the successe of his sicknesse: Know (said he) that thou shalt die. And not long time after (according to the prophecie) he died in such manner, as Elias had foretold him, & his brother Ioram succeeded him in the kingdome: because he departed without issue. This Ioram was a wicked man also, and as impious as his father: for abandoning the seruice of the true God, he adored straunge gods. In all things else he was a man of execution. In his time Elias was no more seene amongst men, and vntill this day no man knoweth what his ende [ C] was. But he left a disciple behind him called Elizaeus (as we haue heretofore declared.) It is writ∣ten in holy writ as touching Elias, and Enoch who was before the Deluge, that they vanished: for no man hath knowne of their deaths. After that Ioram had taken possession of the kingdome, he resolued to make warre vpon Misa the king of the Moabites (who paid Achab his father before him the tribute of 200000. sheepe bearing wooll) Whenas therefore he had assembled his forces, he sent vnto Iosaphat, requiring him that since he had beene his fathers friend, he would likewise second and send him ayde in his intended warre against the Moabites, who had as then newly reuolted from his gouernment. Iosaphat not only promised him to yeeld him succours, but moreouer he assured him that he would draw the king of Idumaea (who was his subiect) into their association. When Ioram vnderstood these things by those whom he had sent vnto Iosaphat, hee [ D] tooke his army with him and repaired to Ierusalem, where he was magnificently receiued and intertained by the King of that Citie: where after they had concluded to march thorow the desart of Idumaea, and that way to charge the enemie (in that they expected nothing lesse then to be endangered on that side) these three kings departed together from Ierusalem, namely the king of Ierusalem, the king of Samaria, and the king of Idumaea. Now when they had marched some seuen daies iourney, they found a great sarcitie of water amongst them both to water their hor∣ses, & to refresh their whole army, by reason that their guides had led them astray out of the high way: so that they were in great want, and in especiall Ioram, who by reason of the necessitie wherwith he was pressed, cried vnto God, expostulating with him for what offence of his he would betray three such kings, as were there present into the hands of the king of Moab without stroke [ E] strooken. But Iosaphat, who was a vertuous man, encouraged him, and sent into the army to know whether there were any Prophet of God that had followed them to the battell, to the intent (said he) that we may vnderstand by God what we ought to do: and whereas one of the seruants of Ioram said, that he had seene Elizaeus the sonne of Saphat the disciple of Elias, all the three kings (by the sollicitation of Iosaphat) resorted vnto him: now when they drewe neere vnto the Prophets tent (which he had pitched apart from the rest of the company) they asked him what should become of the army, and Ioram in especiall questioned with him? To whom E∣lizeus answered, that he had no reason to sollicite him in this sort, but to repaire vnto his fathers and mothers Prophets, who would certifie him the truth. Notwithstanding Ioram intreated him that he would prophecie, and continue the preseruation of the army, and the defence of his life: [ F] but Elizeus sware by the liuing God, that he would answere him nothing, except for Iosaphats sake, who was an vpightman, and such a one as feared God. Afterwards calling vnto them a certaine man that could cunningly play vpon instruments (for so had the Prophet commaunded) whilest he sung, Elizeus was rauished with a diuine spirit, and enioyned the kings to make certaine tren∣ches in the channell of the riuer: for (said he) you shall see the riuer full of water without either vvind, cloud, or raine: so that both the whole army and all their cattell shall be saued,

and sufficiently sustained: and God will not onely bestow these benefits on you, but will giue you [ G] the vpper hand of your enemies also; and you shal surprise the fairest and strongest Cities of the Moabites; and you shall cut downe their trees, ruinate their countrey, and fill vp their fountaines and riuers. When the Prophet had spoken thus, the next day before sunne rise the riuer flowed aboundantly with water: for some three daies iourney off, God had suffered a very strong and set∣led raine to fall in Idumaea; so that both the soldiers and their horses were sufficiently refreshed and watered. When the Moabites were informed that the three kings came out against them, & tooke their way thorow the desart, their king presently assembled his army, and commaunded them to keepe the passages of the mountaines, to the end they might hinder the enemy from en∣tring their countrey vnawares. Who beholding about the sunne rise, that the water of the riuer was bloud red (for at that time it arose in the countrey of Moab, and at this houre the water is [ H] red) they conceiued a false opinion, that the three kings being pressed by thirst, had slaine one a∣nother, and that the riuer flowed with their bloud. Being in this sort seduced with this imagina∣tion, they besought the king to giue them leaue to gather their enemies spoiles: which when they had obtained, they altogether inconsiderately matched forth as if to a pray alreadie prepared for them, and came vnto the kings campes vnder hope to find no man to resist them. But their hope deceiued them: for their enemies enuironed them round about, and some of them were cut in peeces, the rest turned backe and fled towards their owne countrey, and the three kings entring into the territories of the Moabites destroyed their Cities, pillaged the champion countrey, dis∣figured their inclosures, filling them with stones and mud taken out of the riuer, cut downe their fairest trees, stopped vp the sources of their waters, and leuelled their wals with the ground. The [ I] king of the Moabites himselfe, seeing himselfe pursued and besieged, and that his Citie was in daunger to be taken perforce, sallied out verie valiantly with seuen hundreth men, hoping by the swiftnes of his horse, to breake thorow the Israelites campe on that side where he thought it was least defenced. Which when he had attempted and could not execute, because he charged on that side which was the best defended, he returned backe againe into the Citie, and committed a desperate and hatefull action: for he tooke his eldest sonne, who ought in right to succeede him in the kingdome, and set him on the wall of the Citie, and in the sight of all his enemies offered him for a burnt sacrifice vnto God. The kings beholding this wofull spectacle, were moued with compassion of his necessitie, and ouercome with humanitie and mercy, leuied the siege, and returned backe againe into their countries. After that Iosaphat was returned into Ierusalem, he [ K] enioyed a peaceable gouernment, but liued not long time after this exploit, but died when he was threescore yeares olde, in the fiue and twentith yeare of his raigne, and was magnificent∣ly buried in Ierusalem, according as the successour of Dauids vertue and kingdome ought to be entombed.

CHAP. II.

Ioram obtaining the kingdome of Ierusalem, slewe his brothers and his fa∣thers friends.

HE left behind him diuers children, the eldest of whom he appointed his successor in the [ L] kingdome, who was called Ioram (as his vncle was, who was his mothers brother and Achabs sonne whilome king of Israel.) The king of the ten lines returning backe vnto Samaria, kept with him the Prophet Elizaeus, whose actions I wil heere recite, because they are no∣table & deserue to be registred in writing, according as we haue gathered them out of holy scrip∣tures. Obedias wife (who was sometime steward of Achabs house) came vnto him and told him, that he was not ignorant that in that persecution wherin Iezabel sought to murther the Prophets, how her husband saued one hundreth of them, for whose priuat maintenance he had borrowed much money of other men, and that now he being dead, his creditors stroue to draw both her and her children into seruitude. For which cause she besought him in consideration of this act, to haue compassion on her husband, and to yeeld her some succour. Hereon Elizeus asked her if she had [ M] any thing in her house: who answered him, that she had nothing but a verie little oyle left her in a earthen pot. Whereupon the Prophet commaunded her to depart, and to borrow diuers empty vessels of her neighbour: that done, he willed her to locke vp her doores; and to poure oyle into the vessels, in that it was Gods pleasure to fill them all. The woman did according as he had com∣maunded her, and all the vessels were found full, so as none of them were emptie: whereof when she had certified the Prophet, he aduised her to goe and deliuer her oyle, and pay her debts,

and when all was paide, he assured her that there would be some remainder, that might serue to [ A] sustaine both her and her children.

By this meanes Elizeus discharged the widow of her debts; and that trouble which her credi∣tors intended against her. He admonished Ioram likewise, by certaine messengers, that he should take heed of a certaine place wherein the Syrians lay in ambush, intending to slay him: by means of which admonition the king went not out on hunting. But Adad being sore displeased, because his ambushment was discouered, began to suspect his owne followers: whereupon calling vnto him his houshold seruants, he maliciously termed them traitors; and furthermore threatned them with death, for that they had discouered a matter, which was only committed to their trust, vnto his enemy. Whereupon one of the assistants told him, that he ought not to conceiue that false opinion of them, neither suspect that they had discouered his intended ambush to cut off his ene∣mie: [ B] but rather that he ought to conceiue, that the Prophet Elizeus had discouered and discour∣sed all that which was intended against him. Whereupon he sent out his souldiers with an expresse charge, to know in what Citie Elizeus made his ordinarie aboad, who returning backe, brought him newes that he remained in Dothaim: For which cause Adad sent a great number of horse∣men and chariots to Dothaim to lay hold on Elizeus, who begirt the Citie by night, and laide watch round about the walles, that no man might escape them. Early in the morning when the Prophets seruant had notice hereof, and was aduertised that the enemies sought to surprise Eli∣zeus, he fearfully hasted and discouered their intent vnto his master; who encouraged him and commanded him to shake off his feare, for that he held himselfe both secured & assured of Gods help: whereupon he praied God that at that present he would shew his power and assistance both [ C] toward the reliefe of his necessitie, and the confirmation and incouragement of his seruant. At that time God hearing his prayer, presented to the Prophets seruants sight a number of chariots, and horsemen that inuironed Elizeus: so that he laid his feare aside, and was assured when he per∣ceiued these succours. That done, Elizeus besought God againe that hee would blinde his ene∣mies eies, and to cause a thicke cloud to fall vpon them, to the end they might not discouer him. Which done, he presently thrust himselfe amongst the thickest of his enemies, demanding of thē whom they came to seeke for? They answering him that they sought for the Prophet Elizeus: he promised them to deliuer him into their hands, if so be they would come with him into the Ci∣tie where he was. They blinded in eies, and depraued in vnderstanding by God, followed the Prophet willingly, who marched before them. When as therefore Elizeus had brought them [ D] into Samaria, he willed king Ioram to locke the gates and to inuiron the Syrians with his souldi∣ers. This performed, he prayed God that he would cleere the Syrians sight, and take away the cloud that obscured their eies: who being deliuered from their blindnesse, perceiued that they were in the midst of their enemies. Whereat being sore astonied, and vncertaine whence this diuine and vnexpected act had befallen them, King Ioram asked the Prophet whether he should kill them with darts. But Elizeus forbad him to doe so: for (said he) it is a iust and conuenient matter, that they who are taken by order of warre should lose their life, but that they had done no euill vnto his country; but by Gods prouidence came thither without their owne knowledge: for which cause he counsailed him to giue them presents and present them meat, and afterwards to suffer them to depart without any iniurie. [ E]

Ioram giuing credit to the Prophets words, entertained the Syrians magnificently and with great humanitie, and sent them backe vnto Adad their king, to whom vpon their arriuall they declared all that which had hapned vnto them. Adad astonished at this vnexpected euent, and wondring at the apparition and power of the God of the Israelites; lastly admiring the Pro∣phet whom God so wondrously assisted; he concluded from that time forward, neuer more to at∣tempt the king of Israel in secret, because he feared Elizeus: but concluded to make open warre against him, hoping to haue the vpper hand of his enemies, by meanes of the great number and force of his army: So that he issued out with a mighty power against Ioram, who supposing him∣selfe to be ouermatched by the Syrian army, locked himselfe vp within Samaria, putting his trust and confidence in the fortification and strength of the wals thereof. Adad hoping to surprise the [ F] citie if not by engins, at leastwise by famine & default of things necessarie, drew neere vnto Sama∣ria to besiege it. But Ioram was so destitute of conuenient supplies, that by reason of the incredi∣ble want of victuals, an Asses head was sold in Samaria for eighty pieces of siluer, and a measure of pigeons doung at fiue pieces of siluer, which they vsed in steed of salt: neither was there any thing that more troubled the king, then that he feared least some one constrained by famine, should deliuer or betray the Citie vnto the enemy. For which cause he euery day walked the

round about the walles, and visited the sentinels of the Citie, for feare least any one should lie hid∣den [ G] within: and with all care and diligence he gaue order, that if any one had such a sinister in∣tent, the meanes to execute the same should be taken from him. And whereas a certaine woman cried out vnto him, Haue mercie vpon me (O King) he incensed with wrath, and supposing that she asked him some meate, began to raile on her, telling her that he had neither graunge nor presse whereby he might any waies supply her necessitie. The woman answered him, that she had no need thereof, and that she was not troubled for want of food, but onely desired that hee would determine a debate betwixt her and an other woman: Whereupon he commanded her to expresse and declare what she required. Hereupon she said, that she had made an accord with an other woman her neighbour and friend, that since the famine and scarcitie was such, as they could find no redresse for the same, that they should kill their children (for each of them had [ H] one) and in this sort should nourish one another euery day. As for my selfe (said she) I haue first of all strangled mine, and we haue both of vs yesterday eaten thereof: but now she will not doe the like, but breaketh the accord betwixt vs, and concealeth her childe. Ioram was grieuously tormented to heare these words, and rent his garments, and cried out with a loud voice, and af∣terwards wholy enraged against the Prophet, he deuised in his heart to put him to death, because he praied not vnto God to grant him meanes to escape those euils that inuironed them round a∣bout: so that he sent a man presently to cut off his head; who prepared himselfe with all expedi∣tion to the slaughter. But Elizeus was not ignorant of this resolution of the kings: for sitting at home with his disciples in his house, he told them that Ioram the murtherers sonne sent a man to take away his head: but (said he) when as he that hath the matter in charge shall come hither, [ I] suffer him not to enter, but make him attend and stay at the gate; for the king will follow him, and will resort vnto me in his owne person, hauing altered his resolution: and they according as they were commanded, shut him out of the doores whom the king had sent. Ioram repenting himselfe of that displeasure which he had conceiued against the Prophet, and fearing least he that had the commission to murther him should speedily execute the same, hasted himselfe all that he might to hinder the slaughter, and saue Elizeus. When as therfore he came into his presence, he accused him, for that he had not besought God to deliuer them from those many euils which they suffered, considering that he himselfe was an eie-witnesse, they were miserably consumed by them. Elizeus promised him the next day (about the same houre that the king came vnto him) that he should haue so great aboundance of victuals, that two measures of barley should be sold [ K] in the market for a sicle, and a measure of flower for a sicle.

By these wordes of his, the king with all his attendants were wonderfully comforted, and made no difficultie to beleeue the Prophet, because that before time they had beene ascertained by their experience of the truth of his prophecies; and the expectation of this day was the cause that the necessitie and miserie of the present was more patiently endured. But a certaine friend of the kings, and the gouernour of the third part of his army (on whose shoulder the king at that time hapned familiarly to leane) spake vnto him after this manner:

Prophet, thou tellest vs incredible matters: for as it is impossible that God should raine downe heapes of barley and flower from heauen, so cannot that which thou speakest come to passe. To whom the Prophet replied: Thou thy selfe (said he) shalt see the issue hereof, but shalt partake no part thereof.

Which [ L] prediction of his had a most certaine effect, according as hereafter it appeareth. It was a cu∣stome in Samaria, that they that were defiled with a leprosie should liue without the Citie walles, for feare least their conuersation might infect others: And at that time also there were some who for this cause had their dwelling without the gate. These, for that (by reason of the extreme fa∣mine that raigned within the Citie) they receiued no reliefe or sustenance out of the same, and whether they had licence to returne into the Citie, or whether they contained themselues in their houses, they knew that they should assuredly perish by famine, decreed amongst themselues to submit themselues to the enemies mercie, to the end that if they spared them, they might liue; and if it hapned otherwaies, that they might die with lesse torture. Now hauing resolued vpon this deliberation amongst themselues, they repaired by night vnto the enemies campe. At that [ M] time God began to terrifie and trouble the Syrians, and to fill their eares with a noise of chariots and armes, as if an army had violently charged them. Wherupon they grew suspitious, and were so moued, that they forsooke their tents, and ranne vnto Adad, and told him that Ioram King of the Israelites had entertained the king of Aegypt, and the king of the Isles for his confederates, whom he led out against them, and how already they had heard the noise of them that approched to bid them the battell. Adad (whose eares w•…•… filled with no lesse rumour then those of the

people) was amated and amazed at their sayings: so that all of them abandoned their campe, [ A] their horses, beasts of cariage and riches, and betooke them to flight with disorder and confusion. Those leape•…•…s that were retired from Samaria into the enemies campe (and of whom we haue hertofore made some mention) being neere vnto the camp, perceiued that there was great silence in the same, and no lesse aboundance of all things: for which cause approching the same, and entring into a tent, they found no body therein: for which cause they fell to eating and drinking; and that done, to beare away a quantity of rayment, and gold which they hid without the campe. Afterward resorting to an other tent, they bare away likewise that which was therin, and did the like by foure others without any encountrie or contradiction of any man: and coniecturing ther∣by that the enemies were retired, they began to accuse themselues, because they had not giuen notice thereof to Ioram and the inhabitants of Samaria. For which cause drawing neere vnto the [ B] walles of the Citie, they cried out vnto the watch, giuing them to vnderstand in what state they had found the enemies campe, who signified no lesse to Iorams guard, so that at last it came vnto his eares. Whereupon he presently sent for his friends and captaines, and told them that the de∣parture of the Syrians made him suspect some stratageme or ambush: for they (said he) hauing lost their hope to surprise vs by famine, are retired vnder an intent, that when we shall issue and fall a spoiling of their campe, they may come vpon vs, and kill vs; and afterwards take our Citie without any stroke strooken. For which cause (said he) I aduise you to keepe good guard within the Citie, and let this retreat of our enemies make vs the more considerate. Some one of his counsaile praised this aduise of his, and allowed his foresight, aduising him to send out two scouts vpon horsebacke, to search euerie quarter betwixt that and Iordan, to the end that if they should [ C] be taken and slaine by the enemies ambushment, their fall might be a president to the whole ar∣my to stand vpon their guard (for feare least they should be surprised in like manner:) vrging this for a conclusion, that the losse of two horsemen should not be very great, since perhaps they might otherwaies haue been cut off by famine. This aduise of his was allowed by the king, and ratified by his assistance: so that presently there were two spies sent out, who rode along without encountring any enemy; but they met with great quantitie of victuals, and armes cast away and abandoned by the Syrians, to the intent they might flie away the more lightly. Which when the king vnderstood, he suffered the people to issue out, and spoile the campe, who recouered things of no small valew therein, but much gold and siluer, and troupes of all sorts of cattell: and besides that, they found so great a quantitie of wheate and barley, that had they dreamed thereof, [ D] they could not hope or imagine the like. Thus were they deliuered from all their precedent affli∣ctions: for there was so great quantitie of corne, that two measures of barley were sold but for one sicle, and a measure of wheate flower for a sicle, according as Elizeus had prophecied. Now the measure which we call Sat containeth an Italian bushell and the halfe. But the captaine of the third part of the army, was he only that enioyed no part of this benefit: for being appointed by the king to haue the keeping of the gate, and to restrain the multitude from headlong pressing out, for feare least thrusting one an other, some of them should be troden vnder foot and slaine, he himselfe was trode vpon and slaine (according as the Prophet had foretold) for that he only amongst the rest, would not giue credit to that which he had said, as touching the great aboun∣dance of victuals that should happen. [ E]

When Adad king of the Syrians was safely returned to Damasco, and knew that God had suffered such a confusion and feare to fall both on him and his army, and that it had not hapned by reason that the enemy sallied out vpon him; he was sore discouraged to see that God was so displeased with him, and through anguish and agonie of minde fell sicke: And for that (at that verie time) Elizeus was come into Damasco; Adad vnderstanding thereof, sent Azael (who was one of his most trustie seruants) vnto him to present him, and to consult with him vpon his sicknes, whether he should recouer or no.

Hereupon Azael loaded fortie camels with the most fairest and most honourablest presents, that either Damasco, or the princes royall court affoorded; and repairing to Elizeus, saluted him verie courteously, telling him that he was •…•…nt vnto him by king Adad, first of all to present [ F] him, and afterwards to aske counsaile of him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 touching his malady, whether he might easily be healed. The Prophet commanding the messenger to carrie no euill tydings vnto the king, did notwithstanding tell him that he should die. A•…•…ael hearing thereof was sore grieued, and Eli∣zeus himselfe began to weepe, so that the teares fell from his eies aboundantly, in that he foresaw how many euils the people should suffer after the decease of Adad. And when as Azael deman∣ded him the cause wherefore he was so discomforted? I weepe (said he) for the compassion that I

haue of the people of Israel, by reason of those calamities which they shall endure by thy meanes▪ [ G] For thoushalt kill the better sort of them, and shalt burne their strongest Cities: thou shalt mur∣ther their infants, and dash them against the stones, and shalt open the womens wombes that are with child. Azael answered, what force is there in me to execute these things? Elizeus said vnto him, that God had certified him that he should be king of Syria. When Azael was re∣turned backe vnto Adad, he signified nothing vnto him but glad tidings, as touching his sick∣nes: but the next day he cast a wet net vpon him & strangled him, and seazed the kingdome into his owne hands. This Prince was a man of execution, and well beloued amongst the Syrians, and common people of Damasco, who euen vntill this day honour Adad and Azael his succes∣sour as gods, by reason of their benefits and those temples which were builded by them, which adorne the Citie of Damasco. For euery day do they celebrate feasts in memorie of these kings, [ H] and honour them, by reason of their antiquitie, not knowing that they were moderne, and such as raigned not past eleuen hundreth yeers since. But Ioram king of Israel hearing of the death of Adad, began to giue ouer his feare, and cast off that suspition which he had conceiued of him, reioycing that yet at last he might haue libertie to liue in peace. The other Ioram king of Ie∣rusalem (for he likewise was so called, as we haue heretofore declared) by murthering of his bre∣thren and his fathers friends, who were gouernours, obtained the kingdome, and became so wic∣ked and impious, as he differed in nothing from the kings of Israel, who transgressed the first lawes and ordinances of the Hebrewes, and peruerted the seruice of God. For Athalia Achabs daughter his wife taught him to execute diuers mischiefes, and amongst the rest to adore strange gods. This notwithstanding God would not altogither abolish his race, by reason of his pro∣mise [ I] made vnto Dauid, yet intermitted he not daily to introduce new impieties; and soile the ancient lawes of his forefathers with new corruptions. Meane while it came to passe that the Idu∣maeans reuolted and slue their king, who had beene before time subiect vnto Iosaphat Io∣rams father, and in his place established an other to their owne liking. For which cause Ioram inuaded Idumaea by night with his horses and chariots, and spoyled the countrey round a∣bout his kingdome, without passing any farther: yet profited he nothing in so doing, for all of them reuolted from him, and amongst the rest the inhabitants of the countrey of Labina.

But so great was the fury of this man, that he constrained the people to ascend the high mountaines, and adore straunge gods. Yet whilest he behaued himselfe in this manner, and [ K] vtterly rooted out of his thought the lawes of his forefathers, there was a letter brought vnto him from the Prophet Elias, which •…•…ertified him that God would doe great iustice vpon him, because hee had forsaken the waies of his forefathers, and followed the impieties of the kings of Israel, constraining the Tribe of Iuda and the inhabitants of Ierusalem to forsake the pure seruice of their God to serue Idols, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Achab had constrained the Israelites to doe. Fur∣thermore, because hee had murthered his brethren, and slaine vpright and vertuous men: The Prophet likewise certified him by letters, what punishment he should endure, namely the ruine of his people, the death of his wiues and children, and lastly his owne death: which should happen vnto him by a sicknesse in his belly, wherewith hee should be so tormented, that his entrailes strangely rotting within him, should drop out of his belly, and that he himselfe should [ L] see his misery; which should be such as neither might be recouered by medicine, or should euer leaue him vntill he had finished his daies. These things did Elias denounce vnto him by his letters.

CHAP. III.

Iorams armie is discomfited, his sonnes are slaine, except one: and himselfe finally dieth a miserable death.

NOt long after the Arabian army that dwel towards Aethiopia, confederating themselues [ M] with other Barbarians, inuaded Iorams countrey, and spoiled the same, and ransacked the kings house, and slew his sons and daughters, and left him but one onely sonne called O∣chozias, who escaped from his enemies hands. After this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he himselfe was strooken with a long sicknes, according as the Prophet had foretold him, for God powred his displeasure▪ vpon his entrailes: whereupon he died miserably, seeing them fall out of his belly. The people likewise handled his bodie ignominiously, supposing as I thinke, that being cut off in that sort by Gods

displeasure, he was vnworthie of royall funerall, for he was not buried in the sepulcher of the [ A] kings, neither was there any honour done vnto him. He liued fortie yeares, and raigned eight: and they of Ierusalem made his sonne Ochozias king.

CHAP. IIII.

The king of Damasco warreth against the king of Israel.

IOram king of Israel, hoping after the death of Adad to recouer Ramath in Galaad from the Assyrians, after he had made greater preparation and apparation for the warre, he led his army against the same. In this siege he was hurt by an arrow which was shot by a cer∣taine [ B] Syrian, but not vnto the death, and retired himselfe into the Citie of Iezrael vntill he were recouered of his wounds (leauing behind him his whole armie at the siege of Ramath vnder the conduct of Iehu the sonne of Nimshi, who tooke the Citie by force) intending vpon his recouery to make warre against the Syrians. But the Prophet Elizeus sent one of his disciples to Ramath, & gaue him the holy oyle, and willed him to annoint Iehu, & to say vnto him that God had cho∣sen and annointed him for king: and after he had informed him likewise in certaine other instru∣ctions, he commaunded him to depart after the manner of one that flieth, making no man priuie of his departure•…•…. When this disciple of his came vnto the appointed Citie, he found Iehu sitting in the midst of the captaines at warre (according as Elizaeus had told him) and draw∣ing neere vnto him, he told him that he would communicate certaine secrets with him, for which [ C] cause he arose and followed him into his chamber. Whereupon the young man taking out the oile poured it on his head, saying, that God had chosen him to exterminate the race of Achab, and reuenge the bloud of the Prophets vniustly murthered by Iezabel: and that both he and his house might be brought to nought in like sort, as the sonnes of Ieroboam the sonne of Nabat, and the children of Basa were extinguished for their impietie; so that no one of the race of Achab might suruiue in the world. As soone as he had spoken thus, he issued out of the chamber with all speed, endeuouring that he might not be discouered by any of the army. Now when as Iehu was come out, he returned to his place where he sate with the captains, who demaunded of him, & besought him to declare vnto them, wherefore the young man came vnto him (alledging that they sup∣posed him to be out of his wits.) Truly (said he) you haue diuined well: for he hath talked vnto me after the manner of a mad man: wherein (they desirous to vnderstand wherefore he came, [ D] and beseeching him to expresse the cause) he told them what he had said vnto him, namely, how God had chosen him to beking ouer the people.

As soone as he had spoken these words, euery one of them cast off their garments & spred them before him, and sounding a trumpet, they proclaimed Iehu king; who assembling his army, de∣termined to conduct them toward the Citie of Iezrael against Ioram (who lay there to recouer his wound which he had receiued at the siege of Ramath in Galaad, as we haue heretofore de∣clared.) Thither also was resorted in way of friendship and consanguinitie, Ochozias king of Ie∣rusalem both to visit Ioram, and to see how he was recouered of his wound: for he was his nephew and sonne vnto his sister, as we haue said before. Iehu desirous to surprise Ioram and his follow∣ers on the sodaine, made an ordinance, by which he prohibited that none of his soldiers should [ E] runne before to giue any intelligence of his repaire vnto Ioram; alledging that it should be a ma∣nifest demonstration of their good will towards him; whereas contrariwise, they that did other∣wise, declared that they held him not for their king.

CHAP. V.

Ioram with all his race is slaine by Iehu, Ochozias king of Ierusalem is likewise slaine with him.

THe men of warre were very ioyful to execute this his ordinance, and garded the waies, to [ F] the intent that no man might secretly steale into Iezrael, and beare tidings to the inhabi∣tants of that which had hapned. Meane while Iehu attended by certaine of his choicest horsemen, and mounted •…•…n his owne person vpon a chariot, marched towards Iezrael. And when as he drew neere vnto the Citie, the sentinell that was appointed by Ioram to discouer those that repaired to the Citie, perceiued Iehu resorting thither with a multitude of attendants, and told Ioram that a troupe of horsemen were at hand. Whereupon a scout was sent out to discouer

who they were; who drawing neere vnto Iehu, asked him what newes there was in the army, tel∣ling [ G] him that the king was desirous to know the same: Iehu willed him to take no care thereof, but to follow after him. The sentinell perceiuing this, certified Ioram that the messenger whom he had sent, trouped along with them that came, and followed their generall. Whereupon the king sent out a messenger the second time; and Iehu commanded him to attend him as he did the first: which the sentinell signified to Ioram likewise, who finally mounted his chariot to go out and meet them, accompanied with Ochozias king of Ierusalem, who (as we haue said) was come into the Citie, to see how the king recouered vpon his hurt, because he was neerely allied vnto him. But Iehu marched on softly & in goodly array, til Ioram meeting with him in the field of Na∣both, asked him how the army did? Who in steed of answere, reuiled him bitterly, and called him the son of a poisoner & of a harlot. For which cause Ioram (fearing his turbulent spirit, and suspe∣cting [ H] least he hammered vpon some sinister intent) turned his back, and fled away as swiftly as his chariot could be driuen; telling Ochozias, that they were both of thē craftily surprised by treason: but Iehu flung a dart at him & pierced him thorow, and cleft his heart. For which cause Ioram in∣stantly fell vpon his knees, and died. Hereupon Iehu commanded Badac (who gouerned the third part of his army) to cast Iorams body into Naboths field, remēbring him of the prophecie of Elias foretold by him to Achab, who murthered Naboth, namely, that he and his race should die in that field. For sitting behind Achabs chariot, he heard these words pronounced by the prophet: In effect it so fell out as he had prophecied. When Ioram was fallen downe, Ochozias was affraid to be slaine: for which cause he turned his chariot to take another way, hoping that Iehu would not discouer him. But he was pursued and ouertaken in a certaine steepy way, and was hurt with an [ I] arrow: whereupon he forsooke his chariot, and being mounted vpon a swift horse, he posted to Maggedo, where after his wounds had been searched and dressed some few daies, he deceased, and was carried to Ierusalem and buried there, after he had raigned one yeere, and surpassed his father in wickednesse.

CHAP. VI.

Iehu raigneth ouer Israel, and keepeth his court in Samaria; and after him his progeny, to the fourth generation.

AT such time as Iehu arriued at Iezrael, Iezabel being on the top of a tower in her prince∣ly [ K] robes, cried out: O trustie seruant (said she) that hath slaine his master! He looking vpward, asked her what she was, commanding her to come downe vnto him: at length he charged her Eunuches to cast her downe from the toppe of the tower; who in her falling be∣bloudied the walles: and no sooner fell she vpon the ground, but that her body was trampled vn∣der the horses feet, vntill she died. That done, Iehu repaired to the pallace with his friends, and reposed himselfe therein, commanding his seruants that they should burie Iezabel (in respect of the royall race from whence she was descended) but they to whom the charge of the obsequies were committed, found no part of her body, but her hands and head, for all the rest was deuou∣red by dogs. Iehu certified hereof, wondred at the prophecie of Elias, who had foretold that Ie∣zabel should die in that sort in Iezrael. [ L]

Now in that Achabs seuentie sonnes were brought vp in Samaria, Iehu sent two letters, the one vnto the masters of the infants, the other to the gouernours of the Citie, giuing them to vnderstand, that they should choose one of the most vertuous amongst Achabs children, to raign as king ouer them, because they had a multitude of strong chariots, horses, armor, men, & strong Cities; to the end that in so doing, they might take reuenge on those that slew their lorde and master. (This did he vnder a colour to sound how the Samaritans were affected towards him.) When the gouernours and tutors had receiued these letters, they were affraid, and made account that they could preuaile nothing against him, who had preuailed alreadie against two mightie kings. For which cause they wrote backe vnto him, acknowledging him for their soueraigne; and offering themselues in all dutie, to be vnder his subiection. Wherupon Iehu sent back vnto [ M] them againe, commanding them that (to expresse their obedience) they should send him the heads of Achabs children, deuided from their shoulders. Which command of his they failed not to execute, but presently packed vp the heads in panniers, and sent them vnto him to Iezrael. As soon as they were brought thither, tydings therof was carried to Iehu, as he sate at supper with his friends, who commanded that they should be laid in two heapes, at the Citie gates on either side thereof. Which done, he issued out as soone as it was day to see them; and beholding them, he

began to tell those that accompanied him, that he had voluntarily armed himselfe against his [ A] master, and slew him: but as touching those whom they saw there, he had no waies laid hands on them. His onely intent was, that all men should know, that all that which hapned vnto Achabs race, was done by the ordinance of God, and that his house was destroied according as Elias had foretold. And after he had slaine and dispatched both these and all those that were found to be of Achabs race amongst the Israelites, he went vnto Samaria: and meeting by the way with Ocho∣zias houshold seruants (who was king of Ierusalem) he asked them whither they went? who an∣swered him, that they went to salute Ioram and their king Ochozias (for they knew not as yet that they were both of them slaine.) Hereupon Iehu commanded his seruants to lay hands on them, and put them to the sword, notwithstanding they were fortie two in number. After them he met with a vertuous man called Ionadab (who in times past had been his ancient friend) who embra∣cing [ B] him, praised his forwardnesse, in that he had performed all things according to the will of God, in abolishing Achabs house. Iehu caused him to mount vp with him in his chariot, and ac∣company him to Samaria, telling him that he should well perceiue, that he would spare no one wicked man, but would punish all the false Prophets, and tellers of lies, and abusers of the peo∣ple, who had made them forsake the true seruice of God, and adore strange gods: because the most laudable and allowed spectacle that might encounter a good mans eie, was to see the pu∣nishment of the wicked. Ionadab perswaded by these words, mounted vp into his chariot, and went with him to Samaria; and after Iehu had sought out Achabs kinred, he put them to death: and intending that no one of his false prophets and priests should escape his hands, he assembled thē togither by a subtil policy. For gathering the people togither, he protested that he would haue [ C] twise as many gods as Achab had had, willing that all the priests & ministers that belonged vnto them, should present themselues, for that he intended to celebrate rich and magnificent sacrifi∣ces to Achabs gods; protesting that whatsoeuer Priest should be absent, he should lose his head. Now this god whom Achab honoured, was called Baal. Hauing in this sort assigned a day wher∣in he would offer sacrifice, he sent thorow all the countrey of Israel, charging all Baals priests to repaire vnto him, and commanding that each of them might haue their vestments giuen them. As soone as they were apparelled; he resorted to his lodging, accompanied with his friend Iona∣dab, and commanded that a search should be made amongst them, to espie whether any one of contrary quality or condition were medled with thē; for that he intended that no stranger should be amongst the priests. When as therefore he vnderstood that none but the priests were in that [ D] assembly, euen at such time as they began to offer sacrifice, he caused them to bee inclosed by fourescore souldiers (whom he esteemed to be most trustie) whom he commanded to kil the false prophets, and to punish them according to the custome of their forefathers, which had already too long time been neglected, dreadfully threatning all those, who should any waies intermit to roote out the name and memorie of these wretches out of the world. They therefore slew all these priests, and inuironed the kings pallace, and in so doing, cleered Samaria of forraine gods. This Baal was the God of the Tyrians (for whom Achab builded a temple in Samaria, intending thereby to content Ithobaal the king of the Tyrians and Sidonians) to whom he assigned priests, and honoured him with all sorts of sacrifice. After this Idol was exterminated, Iehu suffered the Israelites to adore golden calues. When this execution was performed in punishing the wic∣ked, [ E] God (to whom this action of his was acceptable) told Iehu by his Prophet, that his children should obtaine the kingdome of Israel to the fourth generation. This was Iehus estate.

CHAP. VII.

Athalia raigned fiue yeeres in Ierusalem, and after she was slaine by the hie priest, Ioas is proclaimed king.

AThalia Achabs daughter, hearing newes of the death of her brother Ioram, and her son O∣chozias, togither with the vtter ruin of al the royal posterity, bethought her selfe to extin∣guish Dauids memory, & in such sort to root it out, that no one of that line should remain [ F] aliue to enioy the kingdome hereafter: which when she had concluded in her heart, she began to put it in execution. Yet notwithstanding one of Ochozias sons escaped her bloudy hands, by this means that ensueth. Ochozias had a sister by his fathers side, whose name was Iosabetha, who was maried to Ioiada the hie priest; who entring into the kings pallace, and finding Ioas at that time but one yeare of age hidden with his nurse amongst the dead, she tooke both him and his nurse, and locked them vp in a closet within the temple, where Ioiada her husband and she did

secretly nourish them for the space of fiue yeeres, during which time Athalia raigned in Ierusa∣lem [ G] ouer the two tribes.

About the seuenth yeere, Ioiada entred into discourse with fiue centurions, and perswaded them to oppose themselues with mutuall consent against Athalias proceedings, and to assure the kingdome to little Ioas. Whereupon giuing and receiuing faithfull promises of secrecie the one vnto the other, they confidently addressed themselues to execute their intended purposes, after this maner: They whom the hie priest had chosen to execute this act, went thorow all the coun∣trey, and gathered the priests and Leuites together, with all the gouernours of the tribes, and af∣terwards returned and brought them to Ierusalem to the hie priest, who made them sweare an oth, that they would keepe secret that which he should enforme them of, as a thing that requi∣red silence, and men of execution to performe the same. As soone as he had assured them by oth, [ H] he brought forth the little child whom he had nourished (who was of Dauids line) and said vnto them: Behold your king, who is of that race which (as you know) was chosen by God to raigne ouer you for euer: I therefore thinke it fit that the third part of you guard and keepe him within the temple, and that the fourth make their watch round about the same. An other company shal haue the guard of the great gate that leadeth to the pallace: As for the rest of the people, let them remaine disarmed within the temple, and suffer no armed man to enter thereinto, except the priest onely. He appointed also an other company of priests and Leuites to be about the king, with iauelins, and drawne swords, charging them that whosoeuer durst be so bold to enter the temple armed, they should presently put him to the sword; and laying all feare aside, to attend the safety and guard of the kings person. They being obedient to that which the hie priest had [ I] commanded them; in effect expressed their readinesse: whereupon Ioiada opening the Arsenall, (which in times past was prepared by Dauid) distributed amongst the centurious, Leuites and Priests all the iauelins, quiuers, and all other sortes of armes that were therein, and disposed all them that were armed round about the people, ioyned hand in hand to impeach any one from entring in amongst them that were not of their faction. Afterwards bringing out the infant Ioas into the midst of the company, they set the royall crowne on his head, and Ioiada after he had an∣nointed him with oyle, proclaimed him king: whereupon all the people reioiced and clapping their hands, cried out, God saue the King.

Athalia hearing this noise and applause beyond all hope, was greatly troubled, and with those souldiers which she had about her, she hastily issued out of the pallace, and arriuing in the temple [ K] the priests admitted her: as for the rest of the men of warre that followed her, they that by the hie priests ordinance circuited the temple, would not suffer them to enter with her. Now when Atha∣lia saw the childe standing before the Tabernacle with the royall crowne on his head, she rent her garments, and storming thorow despite, she cried out and commanded that the traitor should be slaine, that had thus betraied her and sought to dispossesse her of her kingdome. But Ioiada cal∣led the centurions, and commanded them to carie Athalia out vnto the brooke Cedron, and there to kill her (because he would not permit that the temple should be defiled with her cursed bloud.) Moreouer he charged them, that if any one should attempt to rescue her, they should kill them likewise. Hereupon, they (that were appointed to execute this his command) tooke her, and led her without the gate of the kings mules, and there slew her. After that Athalia was in [ L] this manner executed, Ioiada assembled the people and the men of warre in the temple, binding them all by an oth, to yeeld the king their faithfull seruice, and to procure the prosperitie and in∣crease of his kingdome. Secondly, he made the king sweare in like manner, that he would main∣taine the seruice of God, and in no manner disanull Moses lawes. That done, they ranne vnto Baals temple (which Athalia and her husband Ioram had built to the dishonour of God, and their forefathers, and for the honour of Achab) and leuelled it with the ground, and put to death their hie priest called Mathan. The charge and guard of the temple, Ioiada committed to the priests and Leuites, according to the order established by Dauid, with commaundement twise a day to offer their ordinarie burnt offrings, and consequently to make perfumes according to the lawe. He appointed also certaine of the Leuites to be porters to guard the temple, to the intent [ M] that no vncleane thing should enter the same vnespied: and after he had ordained these things with the Centurions and gouernours and with all the people, he tooke Ioas and led him out of the temple, and attended him to the pallace, and hauing placed him in the royall throane, all the people cried, God saue the king, & banquetted and feasted for diuers daies. Thus after the death of Athalia the citie was in quiet. Ioas was 7. yeers old at such time as he was made king, his mother was called Sabia, & was of the town Bersabe. He carefully obserued the lawes, and highly affected

the seruice of God all his life time: and when he grew to mans estate he maried two wiues, [ A] which the high Priest gaue him, by whom he had sonnes and daughters. This is all that I haue thought good to declare as concerning Ioas, both how he escaped Athalias treasons, and obtained the kingdome.

CHAP. VIII.

Azael King of Damasco leuieth an army, and first of all assaulteth the Israe∣lites, and after marcheth forward against Ierusalem.

BVt Azael king of Syria making warre against the Israelites; and against their king Iehu, [ B] destroyed the countrey on the other side of Iordan, and all the easterne tract inhabited by the Rubenites, Gadites, and Manassites. Furthermore he burnt & spoyled Galaad, and Bathanaea, violenting and outraging all those that he met withall. For Iehu went not out against him to resist him, but (being become a contemner of God, & a despiser of pietie, and his lawes) he died after he had raigned seuen and twentie yeares ouer the Israelites: he was buried in Samaria, and left behind him Ioas his sonne to succeed him in the kingdome. But Ioas king of Ierusalem conceiued a certaine desire to renewe the Temple: for which cause calling vnto him Ioiada the high Priest, he commaunded him to send thorow all the countrey the Leuites and Priests, and to leuie vpon euery one of their heads halfe a sicle of siluer for the building & reparation of the tem∣ple, which was fallen into decay in Ioram, Athalia, and her followers, times. But the high Priest [ C] would not obey him herein, knowing well that no man would willingly disburse money. But in the three and twentith yeare of his raigne, the king sent both for Ioiada, and the Leuites also, and expostulated with them for disobeying his commandement, enioyning them from that time forth to prouide for the building of the Temple. Wherupon the high Priest vsed present dis∣patch in leuying the money, wherewith the people were highly contented. He therefore made a chest of wood closed on euerie side (except that on the vpper lid thereof, there was a little cranny left open) which he placed neere vnto the Altar, commaunding that euerie one should offer ac∣cording to his deuotion, and put in his offering thorow•…•… the cranny into the coffer, to be imploy∣ed in the repairing of the Temple; whereunto all the people shewed themselues affectionate: so that they gathered together a great quantitie of gold and siluer, with great zeale; and when the [ D] cofer was filled it was emptied, and the account thereof taken and sumde vp by the secretary, and high Priest in the kings presence, and afterwards all was brought together into one assigned place, which order was obserued euery day. And when as it was supposed that there was sufficient money gathered, the high Priest Ioiada and king Ioas hired masons, and carpenters, and prepared great beames of excellent timber. After that the Temple was repaired, they imployed the remainder of gold and siluer (which was of no small quantitie) to make cuppes, pots, and ves∣sels, and other vtensils: and euery day offered they sacrifice of great value vpon the Altar, and this custome was continued so long as Ioiada liued. But after his decease (which hapned in the hundreth and thirtith yeare of his age, after he had liued a iust and vpright life, and was interred in the sepulcher of Dauid in Ierusalem, because he had established the kingdome in Dauids po∣steritie) [ E] king Ioas had no more care to serue God, and with him the rest of the gouernours of the people were corrupted in contradiction of the lawes and ordinances, which they knew were verie conuenient for them. For which cause God being prouoked by this change, and incen∣sed against the king, and the rest, sent his Prophets vnto them to protest, to expostulate with them for their offences, and to withdraw them from their iniquitie. But they pursued sinne the more vehemently; so that neither the punishments, by which they, who had offended God before times, had beene plagued, with all their posterities; neither all the aduertisments giuen them by the Prophets, could induce them to amend, or to forsake those sinnes wherein they were enga∣ged: but that which is worst; King Ioas stoned Zacharie Ioiadas sonne, and put him to death in the Temple, forgetting himselfe most vngratefully of the benefits he had receiued by his father. And [ F] the occasion was, for that Zachary hauing receiued a charge from God to prophecy, came into the midst of the people, and counsailed both them & him to follow iustice, foretelling them that they should be grieuously punished, except they did beleeue. This Zachary did at his death call God to witnesse and iudge of those calamities he endured, in dying grieuously and violently for the good counsaile which he had giuen them, and the benefits which his father had in times past done vnto Ioas. But many daies passed not before the king suffered due punishment for these mis∣deeds.

For Azael king of the Syrians inuaded his countrey, and after he had first of all ruinated [ G] Gitta, he marched forward with an intent to besiege him at last in Ierusalem. Ioas desperate of all succours, emptied all the treasures of God, and those of the kings, and tooke away the pre∣sents, that were hung vp in the Temple, and sent them to the Syrian, redeeming the siege by this meanes, least he should be drawen into hazard to lose all. The Syrian pacified with such and so great riches, and aboundant treasure, suffered not his army to passe to Ierusalem. After this Ioas was seazed with a greeuous sicknes, and (to the intent that the death of Zachary the sonne of Ioiada might not escape vnreuenged) his friends conspired against him, and he died by their hands. He was entombed in Ierusalem, but not in the sepulcher of his ancestors, because he had fallen from God: He liued seuen and fortie yeares.

CHAP. IX. [ H]

Amasias king of Ierusalem made warre against the Idumaeans and Amale∣chites, and obtained the victory.

AMasias his sonne succeeded him in the kingdome. But in the one and twentith yeare of Ioas raigne Ioachas, the sonne of Iehu, tooke possession of the kingdome of Israel in Sa∣maria, and was seazed thereof for the space of seuenteene yeares. But he followed not his fathers steps, but rather behauing himselfe impiously, according as his predeces∣sors in the kingdom, & contemners of God had done; For which cause the king of Syria subdued him, and cut off a great part of his dominions, and tooke his greatest cities from him, and defeated [ I] his armies: so that at length he had but ten thousand footmen, and fiue hundreth horsemen. All which hapned to the Israelits (according to the prophecy of Elizeus, which he foretold vnto Azael at such time as he prophecied vnto him, that he should raigne ouer the Syrians, and them of Da∣masco, after that he had murthered his master.) Ioachas being in this extremitie, had his recourse to God in praier and supplication, beseeching him that it might please him to deliuer him from the hands of Azael, and not to suffer him to be vnder subiection and thraldome vnto him. God (that respecteth the repentant, as if they had been innocent, and that gently checketh those, whom he might vtterly exterminate, if he so pleased) gaue him assurance against this warre and daun∣ger, so that the countrey (hauing obtained peace) recouered presently her former estate and pros∣peritie. When Ioachas was dead, his sonne succeeded him in the gouernment, and began to raigne [ K] ouer the Israelites in Samaria in the seuen and thirtith yeare of Ioas king of Iuda. (For this king of Israel was called Ioas, as well as he that raigned in Ierusalem) he gouemed the kingdome sixteene yeares. He was a good man, and had no correspondence with his father in disposition. About this time Elisaeus the Prophet was very olde, and fell sicke: to him resorted the king of Israel to vi∣sit him, and finding him in the extremitie, and past hope of recouery, he began to weepe and lament himselfe, calling him his father, and his armour, because that during his life, he had neuer occasion to vse the sword against the enemy; but that by meanes of his predictions, he had al∣waies the vpper hand of them without stroke striking: that now he departed this life, and left him disarmed to the mercy of the Syrians, & other his enemies; so that he had neither security of liber∣tie, not life, but that he rather wished to die with him, then to liue in those daungers. [ L]

Elizeus being moued with these his complaints comforted the king that lamented in this sort, and commanding him to draw his bow that he had brought with him (for the king had bent the same) Elizeus said vnto him, draw, and he shot three arrowes, and gaue ouer at the fourth. Oh said Elizeus, if thou hadst shot more arrowes, thou hadst vtterly ruinated the kingdom of the Syri∣ans, and since thou hast contented thy selfe with three shoots only, thou shalt ouerthrow the Sy∣rians in three battels, which thou shalt fight against them, and shalt recouer the countrey they haue taken from thy father. After the king vnderstood these things he departed, and not long af∣ter the Prophet died (who was renowmed for his iustice, and manifestly beloued of God, who shewed miraculous and incredible works by his prophecies, and such and so worthy as the He∣brewes ought to keepe them in perpetuall remembrance) and was buried magnificently (ac∣cording [ M] as it behooued a man, who was so highly fauoured by God as himselfe.) It chanced a∣bout that time, that certaine theefes hauing cast the bodie of a man that was murthered by them vpon the bodie of the Prophet where he lay buried, the dead bodie returned to life. This is all that which we haue to speak as touching Elizeus both in respect of his prophecies during his life time, as of that which hapned after his death, in witnesse of his diuine power. After the death of Azael king of Syria, Adad his sonne obtained the kingdome, against whom Ioas king of Israel

made warre, and hauing ouer come him three times, he recouered all that countrey, those cities, [ A] and townes of the countrey of Israel, that Azael his father had conquered before him. (All which came to passe according as Elizaeus had prophecied.) After that Ioas had forsaken this world for another, the kingdome fell to Ieroboam his sonne.

CHAP. X.

Amasias making warre against Ioas king of Israel, is ouercome.

THe tenth yeere of the raigne of Ioas king of Israel, Amasias raigned ouer the Tribe of Iuda in Ierusalem: his mother was called Iudan, and was a citizen of Ierusalem. He was [ B] wondrously carefull to maintaine iustice (notwithstanding he was verie yoong. And ha∣uing taken vpon him the gouernment of the kingdome, he resolued with himselfe, that he ought first of all to reuenge the death of his father Ioas, who was traiterously slaine by his friends: hee therefore laid hands on them, and put them all to the sword (yet extended he not his displeasure to their children, but conformed his actions according to the lawes of Moses; which saith, that it is not lawfull to punish the children for their fathers offences.) He afterwards leuied an army of the Tribes of Iuda and Beniamin, and chose the men that were in their flowring yeeres, and about twentie yeeres of age: the number of whom amounted to three hundreth thousand men, whom he diuided into Centuries. He sent also to the king of Israel, and waged a hundreth thousand of his armed men for a hundreth talents of siluer, because he intended to make warre vpon the [ C] Amalechites, Idumaeans, and Gabelites. Now whilest he made this preparation, and was in a readinesse to vndertake this exploit; a certaine prophet counselled him to dismisse the Israelites that he had with him, because they had no pietie in them, signifying vnto him from God, that if he were followed by them in that warre, he should be ouercome: and contrariwise, that he should haue the vpper hand ouer his enemies, if he fought with a few men, according to Gods direction. Hereupon the King was sore moued (because he had already paied the Israelites their wages) but the prophet ceased not to exhort him to doe that which was pleasant in Gods sight, who would giue him siluer in aboundance. For this cause he dismissed them, telling them that he freely gaue them their pay; and he with the forces of his kingdome marched out against those nations, and fought with them, and ouer came them, and slew ten thousand of them, and tooke no lesse num∣ber [ D] of prisoners aliue (whom he afterwards caused to be led to a high rocke that bounded vpon Arabia, and from thence cast them downe headlong) and from all these nations he recouered a great bootie, and brought home much riches.

Whilest Amasias stood vpon these termes, the Israelites (that had taken wages of him, and were cashierd by him) conceiued a displeasure against him, supposing themselues to be iniured by him, as if he had dismissed them for men of smal resolution. For which cause they inuaded his countrey, and spoiled it as farre as Bethsemer, and carried away a great quantitie of cattell, & slew three thousand men. This victorie and prosperitie made Amasias proud, so as he began to forget God, who was the author thereof, and continued the honour of those gods which he brought from the countrey of the Amalechites. For which cause a prophet came vnto him and said, that [ E] he wondred that he should esteeme them for gods, who had so little auailed them who honored them, and had deliuered them into his hands; so that diuers of them were put to death, and di∣uers led away prisoners, which they themselues had brought vnto Ierusalem, according to the custome of warre. These words moued the King vnto displeasure, so that he commanded the pro∣phet to silence, threatning him to punish him, if he intermedled with his affaires any more. Who answered him, that he would no further vrge him; yet withall he foreprophecied vnto him, that God would not suffer this his innouatiō to rest vnpunished. Anon after, Amasias (not able to keep a moderation amidst his affluence and prosperitie: but waxing more insolent against almightie God, by whom he possessed the blessings he enioyed) in height of his pride wrote to Ioas king of Israel, commanding him and his to yeeld him homage, according as in times past the Israelites [ F] were subiect to Dauid and Salomon, threatning him, that if he refused to doe him voluntarie ser∣uice, he would enforce him to decide the different by armes: to whom the Israelite replied thus.

King Ioas

to King Amasias.

There was in the mountaine of Libanus a cypres tree of great height, to whom a little thistle wrote, demanding of him his daughter in mariage for his son. But during this interparlee betwixt them, there came a certaine wilde beast, that troad downe the thistle. Let this example admonish and dissuade thee from attempting of too mighty matters, nether grow∣ing

proud of thy last victorie against the Amalechites, least thorow thy presumption thou expose [ G] both thy life and fortune to the incertaine hazard of warre.

When Amasias had perused this an∣swere of his, he was the more whetted vnto warre (God also as it seemed pricked him forward, to the intent to chastise those iniquities that were committed by him.) When as therefore he had drawne his army into the field, and both the armies were vpon the point to wage the battell, a so∣daine feare and discouragement seased him (such as God in his displeasure is accustomed to in∣flict) which made Amasias army turne their backes: so that (by the apprehension they had con∣ceiued) they were scattered before they came to handy strokes; and Amasias being left alone, was taken prisoner. Him did Ioas threaten, that except he perswaded the inhabitants of Ierusa∣lem to open their gates, and to receiue both him and his army into the Citie, he would put him to death. For which cause Amasias (constrained by necessitie and feare of death) wrought so [ H] much as his enemies were receiued into Ierusalem, who made a breach of three hundreth cubits in their wall; and there-thorow Amasias was led captiue into Ierusalem. In this manner was Ioas made master of the Citie, who afterwards carried away the treasures of the temple, and tooke a∣way the gold and siluer, that Amasias had in his pallace, and hauing in this sort raunsomed him from captiuitie, he returned backe againe into Samaria. This hapned in the fourteenth yeere of the raigne of Amasias, who afterwards fled into the Citie of Lachis, to auoide the conspiracie of his domesticall friends, by whom notwithstanding he was surprised, and slaine by them that were sent to doe the deede: his body was brought and royally entombed in Ierusalem. Thus died Amasias for introducing innouations in contempt of God; he liued fiftie foure yeeres, and raig∣ned twentie and nine: his sonne Ozias succeeded him in the kingdome. [ I]

CHAP. XI.

How Ozias ouercame his neighbour nations.

BVt in the fifteenth yeere of the raigne of Amasias, Ieroboam Ioas sonne began to raigne ouer the Israelites in Samaria, and enioyed the kingdome for the space of fortie yeeres. This King dishonoured God, and offended him grieuously in obseruance of Idols, and diuers absurd and strange actions, by which he heaped ten thousand mischiefes and miseries on the Israelites heads. To him came there a certaine prophet called Ionas, who prophecied vnto him, that he should make warre against the Syrians, and that he should ouercome them, and en∣large [ K] his kingdome to the northward, as farre as the Citie of Amatha; and to the southward, as far as the lake Asphaltites (for these in times past were the limits of the countrey of Chanaan, ac∣cording as the generall Iosuah had confined them:) Ieroboam encouraged by this prophecie, led forth his army against the Syrians, and spoiled all their countrey (according to the prophecie of Ionas!) And for that I haue promised to yeeld an exact historie in writing of all those things that hapned in our nation, me thinks it shall not be amisse to declare that, which I haue found written of this prophet in our Hebrew Chronicles. This man (being commaunded by God to repaire vnto the kingdome of Ninus, & to proclaime that which should happen to the Citie of Niniue; namely, that the gouernment thereof should be abolished) thorow feare which he conceiued, re∣paired not thither, but fled from Gods presence into a Citie called Ioppa; where finding a ship, [ L] he entred the same, and sailed towards Tharsis in Cilicia. But there arose so vehement a tempest vpon the sea, that the vessell was readie to be drowned, and both the mariners, master, and ow∣ners of the ship, made their vow of thankesgiuing vnto God, if they might escape from this tem∣pest: but Ionas hid himselfe, and couered his face, performing no such matter as the rest had done. Whereas therefore the turbulent waues incensed by violent windes, increased more and more; the mariners & passengers began to imagine amongst themselues, that some one of them in that barke had caused that tempest: whereupon they agreed amongst themselues to cast lots, to know which of them were the occasion of their danger. Which done, the lot fell vpon Ionas, who being demanded whence he was, and for what businesse he trauelled: answered them, that he was an Hebrew by nation, and a Prophet of the most high God; and counselled them, that if [ M] they would be warranted from that danger, they should cast him into the sea, because it was hee onely that was the cause of that tempest. Notwithstanding this confession of his, they durst not performe that which he desired, supposing that it would be an act of great impietie, in that sort to thrust a stranger into that manifest perdition, whose life had been committed to their trust. But for that the storme more and more increased, and grew so vehement, that they wanted verie lit∣tle of imminent shipwracke; and being besides that incited by Ionas himselfe, and whetted on

likewise by the feare they conceiued, to lose their liues, they cast him into the sea: whereupon [ A] sodainly the storme ceased. It is likewise-said, that being swallowed vp by a great fish (for the space of three daies and three nights) he was at the last vomited out and cast by the same fish vp∣on the shore of the Euxine sea aliue, and without any maime in any of his members. There be∣sought he God that he would pardon him the sinne which he had committed: and afterwards he resorted to the Citie of Niniue, where ascending a place from whence he might be heard, hee published with a loud voice vnto them, that they should lose the Empire of Asia: which after he had pronounced, he returned backe againe. This recitall haue I made according as I haue found it registred in writing.

King Ieroboam hauing passed all his life time in prosperitie, and raigned for the space of fortie yeeres, departed this life, and was entombed in Samaria, and Zacharie his sonne succeeded him [ B] in his kingdome. At the same time, Ozias the sonne of Amasias raigned in Ierusalem ouer the two tribes, after that Ieroboam had already raigned foureteene yeeres; his mother was called A∣chia, and was of the Citie of Ierusalem. He was a man of a good nature, and such a one as loued iustice, of noble courage, and very laborious in prouiding for all occurrences: he made warre a∣gainst the Philistines, and after he had ouercome them in battell, he tooke Ita, and Amnia, two of their strong forts, and raced them. This exploit done, he set vpon the Arabians that neigh∣boured vpon Aegypt, and after that (hauing built a Citie vpon the red sea) he planted a garrison therein. He afterwards discomfited the Ammonites, constraining them to pay him tribute, and subdued all as farre as the marshes of Aegypt. After that, he began to prouide for the Citie of Ierusalem: for he built it a new, and repaired the walles thereof, that had been beaten downe or [ C] decaied, either by continuance of time, or by the negligence of those kings who were his prede∣cessors: hee repaired those also, which the King of Israel had beaten downe, at such time as ha∣uing taken Amasias prisoner, he rode in triumph into the Citie. Besides this, he erected a num∣ber of towers, each of them one hundreth and fiftie cubits hie. These inclosed he with walles to set garrisons therein, and in diuers barren places he caused diuers fountaine-heads to be made: for he had an infinite multitude of beasts of carriage and other cattell, in that the countrey was fit for pasture. He tooke pleasure also in tillage, for which cause he was often busied about his land, in trimming, sowing, and planting the same. He had about him a chosen army, to the num∣ber of three hundreth and seuenty thousand fighting men, whose generals, conductors, and cap∣taines, were valiant and inuincible men, and were in number two thousand. He taught his soul∣diers [ D] to march in a square battell (in manner of the Macedonian Phalanx, arming each of them with swords, targets, and corselets of brasse, with arrowes and darts. He made also great prepa∣ration of diuers engins to batter Cities, and to shoote stones and darts, besides diuers hookes, and other such like instruments. But whilest he was intent on these studies and preparations, he grew insolent and proud, and being puffed vp with mortall arrogance, he contemned the immor∣tall force, which endureth for euer (which is pietie towards God, and the obseruation of his commandements.) For which cause he was ouerthrowne by his prosperitie, and fell into his fa∣thers sinnes, thorow the happinesse and greatnesse of his estate, wherein he could not moderate∣ly containe himselfe. So that vpon a certaine solemne feast day wherein all the people were as∣sembled togither, he attired himselfe in the hie priests vestments, and entred into the temple to [ E] offer sacrifice vnto God vpon the golden altar (which notwithstanding the hie Priest Azarias, accompanied with fourescore Priests) inhibited him the same, telling him that it was not law∣full for him to sacrifice, in that it was onely allowed in those that were of the posteritie of the hic Priest Aaron.

Whilest after this manner Azarias expostulated with him, commanding him to go out of the temple, and not to contradict the ordinances of God; the king waxed wrath, and threatned to take his life from him, except he kept himselfe quiet. Whereupon there fell a great trembling and earthquake, and the temple cleft in twaine, and a great light of the funne entred thereinto, and reflected on the kings face in such manner, that all his body was instantly couered with a le∣prosie, and before the Citie (in a place called Eroge) the halfe of a mountaine (that stood to the [ F] Eastward) brake and fell, and rowled and remoued for the space of foure stadia, towards the ori∣entall mountaine, where it rested: so that the publique waies were shut vp, and choaked, and the kings gardens of pleasure were wholy ruinated and disfigured. When the Priests beheld the kings face couered with a leprosie, they told him what inconuenient had hapned vnto him, and enioi∣ned him to depart out of the towne, according to the custome of men that were polluted. Wher∣upon he (wholy confused at so grieuous an accident, and hauing no more audacitie to speake)

obeied the commaundement that was giuen him, enduring a pitifull and lamentable punish∣ment [ G] for being elate and proud more then became humanitie, and for that he committed such impietie against God. He therefore remained without the Citie for a certaine time, and led a priuate life, and his son Iotham succeeded him in the kingdome. Finally he died thorow griefe and discontent, after he had accomplished threescore and eight yeares, whereof he raigned fiftie two, and was onely buried in his garden.

Zachary Ieroboams sonne hauing raigned sixe moneths ouer the Israelites, was slaine by trea∣son complotted against him by a familiar friend of his called Sellum, the sonne of Iabes, who possessing the kingdome after him, enioyed not the same aboue thirtie daies. For the generall Ma∣nahem (being at that time in the Citie of Tharsa, and vnderstanding of that which had hapned to Zachary, departed thence with all his force, and came to Samaria, and in a battell which hee [ H] fought, he slue Sellum: And afterwards obtaining the crowne, he went from thence towards the Citie of Tapsa, the inhabitants whereof locked and barred their gates against him, and would not receiue him: in reuenge whereof he spoiled all the countrey round about, and tooke the Citie by force, & (being highly incensed against the Tapsians for their insolence) he put thē all to the sword, not sparing their little children (which was an incredible & barbarous cruelty in him.) Manahem raigned in this manner for the space of ten yeares, continuing a most cruell and vn∣bridled tyranny ouer the people. Afterwards being assailed by Phul king of the Syrians, he went not out against him, neither practised to resist him, but procured his peace for the summe of a thousand talents of siluer, which in way of composition he paid vnto him. The people furnished Manahem with this summe in way of contribution, paying fiftie drachmes a peece. Anon after [ I] he died, and was buried in Samaria, leauing behind him a sonne to succeede him in the king∣dome, whose name was Phaceias, who imitating his fathers crueltie, possessed the soueraigntie but two yeares: for he was slaine at a feast in the middest of his friends, by a treason practised against him by Phaceias the son of Romelias, who enioyed the kingdome for the space of twentie yeares, addicting himselfe to all impietie and wickednes. But Teglaphalassar king of Assyria, led forth his army against the Israelites, and spoiled all the countrey of Galaad, and that beyond Iordan, and Galilee, Cydida and Asor also, and led all the inhabitants thereof prisoners, and transported the kingdome to himselfe. This is that which we haue thought good to write as touching the king of Assyria.

Iotham the sonne of Ozias raigned in Ierusalem ouer the tribe of Iuda: he was the sonne of [ K] a daughter of Ierusalem called Ierasa. There was no vertue deficient in this king, for he was de∣uout towards God, iust towards men, and careful to repaire the Citie: for he willingly imployed himselfe in restoring that which had need of reparation and ornament. He built galleries, and porches about the temple, and repaired the wals that were fallen downe: hee erected huge and impregnable towers: in a word, he restored all that which was deficient in his kingdome. He made warre vpon the Ammonites, and ouercomming them in battell, he made all their nation tributa∣rie, & constrained them to pay him yeerly a hundreth talents, and ten thousand Cores of wheat, and as many of barley, and his kingdome in such sort increased, that he was redoubted abroad, and happy at home. Now about the same time there liued a certaine Prophet called Naum, who prophecied the ouerthrow of the Assyrians, and of the Citie of Niniue, and spake to this effect.

All [ L] the people thereof shall be tossed and troubled, and be put to flight; and shall say the one vnto the other. Stay and abide, take gold and siluer, and there shall be none that will receiue it. For they shall haue more care to saue their bodies, then their goods: for there shall be a great debate amongst them with lamentation: their members shal lose their vigor, & their faces shall be alto∣gether swart thorow feare, where shal the repaire of the lions be? or where shal the mother of the lions whelpe rest her? Niniue (God saith vnto thee) I will destroy thee, neither shall the lions that issue from thee, gouerne the world any more.

To this effect did he prophecy, & spake many other things to this intent, which it concerneth not to repeat. For I haue omitted it purposely, because I would not be troublesome to the readers. But all those things which he forespoke as touching Niniue, came to passe one hundreth and fifteene yeares after. But this is sufficient for the mani∣festation [ M] of this matter.

CHAP. XII. [ A]

Rasin King of Damasco maketh warre against Ierusalem, Achaz sendeth for the King of Assyria to assist him.

AFter that Iotham had liued one and fortie yeares, and raigned sixteene, he died, and was buried in the sepulcher of the kings: after him the kingdome fell to Achaz his sonne, who was a contemner of God, and a transgressour of the ordinances of his forefathers, and conformed himselfe to the customes of the kings of Israel: for he erected Altars in the Citie of Ierusalem, and sacrificed vnto Idols, offering vp his owne sonne vnto them (after the manner of the Chanaanites) and perpetrated diuers such like offences. During these impi∣ous [ B] idolatries of his, Rasin King of Syria and Damasco, and Phaceias King of Israel made warre against him (for these two were confederates) leading therefore both their armies against Ierusalem, they besieged it a long time, yet profited nothing, by reason the walles were verie strong. But the King of Syria hauing seazed the Citie of Elath, neere vnto the red sea, and slaine all the inhabitants thereof, planted Syrians therein, putting all the garrisons likewise to the sword, and all the Iewes round about, and carried away with him a great bootie into Damasco, and afterwards returned home with his armie. The King of Ierusa∣lem vnderstanding that the Syrians were retired, and supposing himselfe to bee sufficient to fight against the king of Israel, led forth his forces against him, and was ouercome in battell (because that God was incensed against him for his wickednesses, which were both [ C] detestable and infinite.) For in that battell the Israelites slue about sixescore thousand men: amongst whom was Zacharias the sonne of Achaz, whom the generall of the armie of the Is∣raelites called Amias slue, with Ericam the gouernour of the whole Realme, and he tooke Elcan the generall of the tribe of Iuda prisoner also. They led away likewise a great num∣ber of women and children, with a great bootie, and afterwards returned vnto Samaria. At that time there was a certaine Prophet liuing in Samaria, whose name was Obel, who comming out to meete the armie, cried with a loud voice vnto the people, that the victo∣rie which they had, did not happen vnto them thorow their valour, but by reason of the wrath of God conceiued against Achaz king of Iuda. He furthermore reproued them, for that not contenting themselues with the good happe of that victorie, they had so farre pre∣sumed [ D] as to hold them of Iuda and Beniamin prisoners, who were of their owne alliance: he therefore counselled them to send them backe vnto their houses, without any iniurie by vniustice offered vnto them; threatning them, that if they did the contrarie, they might be assured that God would punish them.

After this admonition, the Israelites assembled themselues together to consult vpon this matter, at which time Barachias (one of the principall gouernours of the state, and three o∣thers with him alleaged, that it was not lawfull for the Citizens to lead their prisoners into the Citie, for feare (as they said) that God should vtterly extinguish them all. For those sinnes (said they) which we haue alreadie committed, and against which the Prophets haue exclaimed, are cause enough to incense God; so that we haue no cause to annexe newe impieties to the prece∣dent. [ E] When the soldiers heard these words, they permitted them to execute all that which they held conuenient to be done. For which cause the aboue named tooke the prisoners, and dischar∣ged them, and entertained them courteously, and gaue them meanes and money to furnish them in their iourney, and sent them home without offence: and besides that, these foure persons con∣ducted them onwards of their iourney, as farre as Iericho, and when they drewe neere vnto Ie∣rusalem, they returned backe to Samaria.

CHAP. XIII.

The King of Assyria taketh Damasco by force, killeth their king, translateth the people into Media, and planteth new colonies in Damasco. [ F]

WHen king Achaz had receiued this ouerthrow by the Israelites, he sent vnto Theglaphala∣sar king of Assyria, requiring him to assist him in the warre which he intended against the Israelites, Syrians, & them of Damasco; promising to giue him great sums of money, and at that present also he sent him verie bountiful presents: Who after he had considered on the embassage, came forth with his army to assist Achaz, and spoyling Syria, and sacking Da∣masco,

he slew Rases their king also, and transported them of Damasco into the higher Media, and sent certaine people of Assyria into Damasco. He wrought much mischiefe likewise in the [ G] countrey of Israel, and led away a great number of prisoners from thence. After that the Syrians had been subdued and weakned after this manner, Achaz tooke all the gold and siluer that was in the kings treasurie, and in the temple of God, and caried it vnto Damasco, and gaue it to the king of Assyria, according to those promises he had made him, and after much gratuitie and thankes∣giuing, he returned backe againe to Ierusalem.

This King was so sencelesse and ignorant of his owne profit, that although he were ouerpres∣sed by warre by the Syrians, yet ceased he not to adore their gods, but persisted in their honour, as if he expected the victorie by their meanes. And although he were ouercome againe, yet in∣tended he the honour of the Assyrian gods; choosing rather to reuerence any, then the true God, whom his forefathers worshipped: Yea so farre grew he in contempt and neglect of all true pie∣tie, [ H] that at length he shut vp the temple gates, and prohibited the ordinarie sacrifices, hauing be∣fore that taken all the precious presents out of the same. After he had in this sort committed these outrages against God, he died, when he was thirtie & six yeers old; and after he had raigned sixteene yeers, and left his sonne Ezechias to succeed him in the kingdome. At that very time died Phaceias King of the Israelites, by the meanes of a certaine conspiracie, which Oseas his intended friend, wrought against him: who held the kingdome for the space of nine yeeres, shewing him∣selfe both to be wicked, and a contemner of God. Against him Salmanasar King of Assyria mo∣ued warre, and ouercame him because God was not fauourable vnto him, neither assistant in his enterprises: he was therefore subdued, and constrained to pay a certaine tribute imposed vpon [ I] him. The fourth yeere of the raigne of Oseas, Ezechias the sonne of Achaz, and Abia a Citizen of Ierusalem, raigned ouer the two tribes. He was a man of a vertuous disposition, and one that loued iustice and pietie: for as soone as he came vnto the kingdome; he resolued with himselfe first of all that the chiefest and most necessarie and most profitable thing that might be, was the establishment of the seruice of God. When as therefore he assembled the people, the Priests, and the Leuites, hee began to discourse and deuise with them, in these or such like wordes.

There is no one of you but knoweth, that for my fathers offences, and for your irreuerent regard and seruice towards God, yee are fallen into many and mightie calamities, because thorow your extreme madnes, you haue suffered yourselues to be perswaded to adore those, whom hee estee∣med to be gods. Since therefore you haue learnt (to your owne miserie) how pernicious a thing [ K] impietie is, I exhort you (that forgetting the same) you purifie both yourselues, your Priests, and your Leuites from your former pollutions, that yet at length you may assemble togither, and o∣pen the temple, and clense the same with ordinarie sacrifices, to the end it may be restored to the auncient honour which erst it possessed: for by this meanes we shall haue God fauourable vnto vs, when his wrath shall be appeased that was kindled against vs.

As soone as the king had spoken after this manner, the Priests opened the temple, and after they had gathered the sacred vessels, and cast all vncleannesse out of the same, they offered sacrifice vpon the altar, according to the custome. Afterwards the king sent to all the prouinces vnder his dominion, and gathered togi∣ther the people of Ierusalem, to celebrate the feast of vnleauened bread (which had been inter∣mitted a long time thorow the impietie of the kings his predecessors.) He sent also vnto the Isra∣elites, [ L] exhorting them to forsake the customes which of long time they had wickedly obserued, and to returne to the true and auncient manner of seruing God, certifying them that he would permit them to repaire to Ierusalem, to celebrate the feast of vnleauened bread, promising them that he himselfe would solemnize the same with them also: protesting that hee did this; not in respect of his owne profit, but thorow the desire he had to further their felicitie, who should be happy if they obeyed this his counsaile.

When Ezechias embassadours came vnto the Israelites, and had deliuered vnto them the message that they had in charge: so farre were they from conformitie, that they mocked them, and esteemed them to be mad, and spit vpon those Prophets that exhorted them to pietie, and foretold them the euils they should suffer, vnlesse they subscribed to the seruice of God; and fi∣nally [ M] they laid hold on them, and put them to the sword. And not contenting themselues with this presumption, they yet attempted farre worser things, and neuer gaue ouer vntill that God (in punishment of their impietie) made them subiect vnder the hands of their enemies, as shall appeare manifestly hereafter. But diuers of the tribes of Manasses, Zabulon & Issachar (respecting the good counsailes of the Prophets) submitted themselues to the seruice of God, and repaired al togither to Ierusalem to King Ezechias to honour God. As soone as they were arriued there,

Ezechias ascended into the temple accompanied with the gouernours, and all the people, and of∣fered [ A] there seuen bulles, seuen rammes, and as many goates: and after that he, and all the gouer∣nours had laid their hands vpon the heads of the sacrifice, they deliuered them to the Priest, ac∣cording as it appertained to them, and they sacrificed and made burnt offrings of them. The Le∣uits also (assisting round about with instruments of musique) sung hymnes and songs vnto God, according as they had been taught by the ordinance of Dauid: The other Priests had trumpets, with which they reported to the tune of their hymnes. Which done, the king and all the people cast themselues prostrate vpon the ground, and adored God; and afterwards sacrificed seuentie oxen, a hundreth sheepe, and two hundreth lambes. The King likewise bestowed six hundreth oxen, and three thousand sheepe vpon the people to feast withall. And when as the Priests had ioifully performed all things (according to the custome contained in the law) the King tooke [ B] great pleasure and banquetted with the people, giuing thanks vnto God. And when the feast of vnleauened bread was come, they sacrificed the Passeouer, and during the seuen other daies, they offered vp their other sacrifices. The King gaue in way of gratuitie vnto the people (besides that which had been offered) two thousand oxen, and seuen thousand sheepe. The gouernours did the like, and gaue the people a thousand buls, and one thousand foure hundreth sheepe: and thus was the feast solemnized, which had not beene so magnificently and deuoutly celebrated since Salomons time. When the solemnitie of the feast was past, they iournied and went thorow the countrey, and purified it. They purged the Citie likewise of all vncleannesse of Idols, and the King ordained that the daily sacrifices should be made according to the law vpon his charge. He enacted also that the people should pay the tenths to the Priests, and Leuites, with the first fruits, [ C] to the intent they might wholy intend pietie, and neuer estrange themselues from the seruice of God. By which meanes it came to passe, that the people brought all kinde of fruit to the priests and Leuites, which the king put vp in certaine storehouses, which he had built, to be distributed to euerie one of them, their wiues, and children, and by this means they returned againe to their former puritie in religion. After the King had disposed all things in this sort, he made warre vp∣on the Philistines and ouercame them, and seased all their Cities (betweene Gaza and Geth.) About this time the king of Assyria sent vnto him and threatned him, that if he would not pay him those tributes which his father before him had paid vnto him, he would destroy all his coun∣trey. Neuerthelesse Ezechias set light by his threats, assuring himselfe in that pietie and zeale he bore towards God and in the Prophet Esay, by whom he was exactly instructed as touching all [ D] those things that were to succeed. And for this present it shall suffice that we haue spoken thus much of this king.

CHAP. XIIII.

Salmanasar slayeth the king of Israel, and leadeth the Israelites captiue into the countrey of Media.

WHen tydings was brought to Salmanasar King of Assyria, that the king of Israel had pri∣uily sent vnto Soan king of Aegypt, to request his assistance in warre against the Assyri∣an, he was sore displeased; and drew forth his army against Samaria in the seuenth yeere [ E] of the raigne of Oseas. But the King of Israel withstood his entrance into the Citie, by which meanes he was besieged therein for three yeeres space, and finally Samaria was taken by force in the ninth yeere of Oseas, and the seuenth of Ezechias raigne. At which time all the kingdome of Israel was destroied, and all the people transported into the countries of Media, and Persia; and amongst the rest king Oseas was taken prisoner. The King of Assyria caused certaine nations of a countrey, which (by reason it abutted vpon a certaine riuer in Persia called by that name) was called Chut, to remoue their habitation, and to dwell in Samaria, and inhabite the countrey of Israel. As for the ten Tribes of Israel, they were transported out of their countrey (nine hun∣dreth fortie seuen yeeres, since their predecessors departing out of Aegypt possessed the countrey of Chanaan; eight hundreth yeeres after the gouernment of Iosuah; and two hundreth and forty yeares, seuen moneths, and seuen daies, since they reuolted from Roboam Dauids nephew, to giue [ F] the kingdome to Ieroboam.) This was the end of the Israelites, who transgressed the lawes, and disobeyed the Prophets, who foretold them of that calamitie which should happen vnto them, except they repented them of their impieties. The sedition that they moued against Roboam esta∣blishing his seruant for their king, was the originall of their mischiefes. For Ieroboam committing impietie against God, and they imitating his wickednesse preuailed so much, as the maiestie of

God grew displeased with them, so that he punished them according as they deserued. But the [ G] King of Assyria rauaged and spoiled all Syria, and Phaenicia with his army, & his name is found written in the Chronicles of the Tyrians: for he made warre against the Tyrians, at such time as Elulat raigned in Tyre, whereof Menander maketh mention, who wrote the historie of Tyre, and hath translated their Pantarches into the Greeke toong.

The King Elulat (said he) raigned six and thirtie yeeres, and pursued the Chuteans that were reuolted from him by sea, and made them subiect. Against whom the King of Assyria sent forth his army, and inuaded all Phaenicia, and afterwards hauing couenanted a peace with them, he returned backe againe. The Cities of Sidon, Arce, and Paletyr, and diuers other cities reuolted from the Tyrians, and submitted them∣selues to the king of Assyria. For this cause, and for that they of Tyre did not obey him, he drew his army forth once more against them; and he was furnished by the Phaenicians with sixtie [ H] ships, and eight hundreth rowers. The Tyrians charging these ships with twelue of their vessels, ouerthrew the nauy of the Assyrians, and tooke about fiue hundreth men prisoners: which act of theirs, wonderfully increased their honour. But the king of Assyria returning backe againe, plan∣ted a garrison vpon the riuer, and fortified the fountaine heads to the intent the Tyrians might draw no water, which act of his (continuing for the space of fiue yeeres) they were inforced to find & dig new fountaines to sustaine themselues. These things are written in the registers of the Tyrians themselues, as also the exploits of the king of Assyria against them.

But these Chuteans & new inhabitants, of Samaria (for to this day their name remaineth there, as hauing bin brought from the Region of Chut which is in Persia, where there is a riuer of that name) for that they were of fiue nations, they brought with them each of them the god whom they honoured in [ I] their nation, to the number of fiue gods, whom they serued after the manner of their countrey. Whereupon the true and supreme God was grieuously displeased, and prouoked against them: for a plague fell amongst them, that consumed them in such sort, that they could finde no reme∣die, vntill such time as they had notice that it behooued them to adore the great God, and that therein consisted their safetie. They therefore sent vnto the king of Assyria, requiring him to send them Priests from amongst the Israelites, whom he had led away prisoners in war. Which done, they learning the law, and the manner of Gods seruice by them, began verie diligently to obserue both: by which meanes the plague ceased sodainly. And now euen vnto this day con∣tinue they in the same Religion, and are called by the Hebrewes Chuteans, and Samaritanes by the Greekes. These as often as they finde the Iewes in prosperitie, call them their cousins (ac∣cording [ K] to the varietie and changes of time) but if they perceiue their fortunes to be on the de∣clining hand, then abiure they consanguinitie, and renounce any lawfull parentage or amitie, and say that they were planted in the countrey, and drawne thither from a forraine nation. But in time and place conuenient, we shall speake of them more amply.

Notes

• The yeare of the world, •…•…048. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 916. 4. Reg 3. 2. P•…•…. 19. 20. Iehu the Pro∣phet repre∣hendeth Iosa∣phat for hel∣ping Achab. Iosaphat rene∣weth the true seruice of God. Iosaphat pla∣ced Iudges and Magistrates in euery citie.
• The Moabites and Ammo∣nites warre a∣gainst Iosa∣phat.
• Iosaphats praier in the temple of Ie∣rusalem for victory.
• Iaziel the pro∣phet assureth thē of victorie.
• The yeare of the world, 3048 be∣fore Christs birth 916.
• The manner and weapons whereby Iosa∣phat ouer∣came his ene∣mies.
• The Ammo∣nites and their confederates kill one ano∣ther.
• The spoiles of the Ammo∣nites.
• The fame and praise of Iosa∣phat in euerie place.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 2. Ochozias A∣chabs sonne king of Israel.
• 4. Reg. 1. Ochozias ha∣uing a grie∣uous fall, see∣keth to be in∣formed of a false Oracle, and is repro∣ued by Elias.
• Elias forme and habit.
• Ochozias sol∣diers fear to fetch Elias are consumed with lightning
• The yeare of the world. 3048. be∣fore the Natiui∣tie of Christ. 916.
• The yeare of the world. 3049. be∣fore the birth of Christ. 915. Ochozias dy∣ing without issue, •…•…am his brother raig∣ned in his steede.
• Elias accor∣ding as Enoch, was taken frō the sight of men. Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 3. 4. Reg. 3. Eli•…•…aeus. Ioram asketh a•…•…d against the Moabites.
• Want of w•…•… in the He∣brew army.
• The kings seeke for coun∣sell at Elizaeus hands.
• Elizaeus fore∣prophecieth store of water, and their vic∣tory.
• The yeare of the world 3049. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie. 915.
• A wonderfull blindnes of the enimy groūded on the rednes of the water that flowed.
• The victory of the Hebrewes against the Moabites.
• The king of the Moabires sacrificeth his owne sonne.
• Iosaphats death.
• The yeare of the world. 3050. be∣fore the birth of Christ. 914. Ioram Iosa∣phats sonne king of Ieru∣salem. 4. Reg. 4.
• Elizaeus com∣mandeth the widow to fill her empty ves∣sels with oyle.
• The yeare of the world, 3050. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 914. Elizeus adui∣seth Ioram to auoid Adads ambush, who lay in wait to kill him.
• 4. Reg 6. Elizaeus is be∣sieged in Do∣thaim by his enemie.
• The Angels a∣bout Elizaeus the prophet
• Elizeus lea∣deth the Syri∣ans blinded into Samaria where by his perswasion they are cour∣teously enter∣tained and presented by Ioram, and sent home.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 4.
• Samaria be∣sieged by the Syrians.
• The yeare of the world, 3050 be∣fore Christs birth 914.
• The famine so great in Sama∣ria, that wo∣men eate their owne children.
• Ioram threat∣neth Elizaeus death. 3. Reg. 7.
• 4. Reg. 7.
• The enemies flight by rea∣son of a terror that God sent among them.
• The yeare of the world. 3050. be∣fore Christs birth 914.
• The lepers certifie the Sa∣maritanes of the flight of their enemies.
• Spies sent a∣broad.
• The enemies campe spoiled by the Sama∣ritanes.
• The truth of Gods oracles. The punish∣ment of incre∣dulitie. 4. Reg. 8.
• Elizeus is sen•…•… vnto by Adad▪ to enquire counsell of him as touching his sicknes.
• The yeare of the world. 3055. before Christs Natiuity 909. The prophecy of Adads death, and A∣zaels gouern∣ment.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 5.
• 4. Reg. 8.
• Iorams impie∣tie.
• The yeare of the world. 3057. be∣fore Christs birth 907
• The Idumae•…•…s reuolt.
• Iorams wic∣kednes repro∣ued by Elias letters.
• The expediti∣on of the Ara∣bians against Ioram. 2. Paral. 21. The yeare of the world. 3060. be∣fore Christs birth 904.
• Iorams death. The yeare of the world. 3060. be∣fore the Natiui∣tie of Christ. 904.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus chap 6. Iorams expe∣dition against Ramath. 4 Reg. 9.
• Iehu by Gods commande∣ment annoin∣ted king.
• The yeare of the world 3060. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie. 904.
• Iorams slaugh∣ter.
• The truth of E•…•…ias pro∣phecy.
• The death of Ochozias king of Ierusalem, and his burial.
• A famous ex∣ample of Gods iudgement.
• 4. Reg. 10.
• Achabs 70. children slaine in Samaria.
• The yeare of the world. 3060. be∣fore Christ, birth 904.
• The roting out of Achabs line.
• The slaughter of Ochozias seruants. Ionadab.
• The slaughter of Baals priests.
• Baal God of the Tyrians.
• The kingdome promised to Iehus posteri∣tie.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 7. 4. Reg. 11. Athalia roo∣teth out all the royall bloud, onely Ioas Ochozias Ion is saued.
• The yeare of the world. 3060. before Christs Natiuity 904. Ioas by Ioiadas meanes who was the high Priest, is crea∣tedding.
• The yeare of the world. 3067. be∣fore Christs birth 897
• Athalias pu∣nishment.
• The king and the people ioyned by oth to serue God.
• The restoring of Gods ser∣uice.
• Ioas piety du∣ring Ioiadas time.
• The yeare of the world, 3067. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 897. 4. Reg. 12.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 8. 4. Reg 12 13 The warre be∣tweene Azael and Iehu.
• The yeare of the world, 3089. be∣fore Christs birth 875.
• The restoring of the temple.
• Ioas im pie tie after Ioiadas death, and how he was repro∣ued by the Propher. 2. Paral. 28.
• Zachary sto∣ned to death.
• The yeare of the world, 3089. be∣fore Christs birth 875.
• The spoile of the temple.
• Ioas death. The yeare of the world. 3105. be∣fore Christs birth 859.
• 4. Reg. 14. Amasias king of Ierusalem.
• The forces of Israel weak∣ned and resto∣red by God. The yeare of the world. 3089. be∣fore the birth of Christ. 875.
• Ioas king of Israel and Samaria. The yeare of the world. 3103. be∣fore Christs birth 861.
• Eliz•…•…us fore∣telleth that Ioas should o∣uercome the Syrians thrise. Eliz•…•…us death and the raising of a dead man to life that was cast into his tombe.
• Ioas treble vic∣tory.
• The yeare of the world. 3•…•…03. be∣fore the Natiui∣tie of Christ. 86•…•….
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 9. Amasias king of Ierusalem.
• 4. Reg. 14. De•…•… 24.
• The yeare of the world. 3106. be∣fore Christs birth 858.
• The dismission of the Israe∣lits. 2 Paral. 25. Amasias victo∣ry ouer the Amalechites.
• Amasias i•…•… re∣prehended•…•…y a proohet for his idolatry.
• The yeare of the world 3106. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie. 858. Amasias ex∣pedition a∣gainst Ioas king of Israel.
• Amasias taken prisoner by the king of Israel
• Ierusalem rui∣nated.
• The temple spoyled.
• Amasias slaine
• The yeare of the world, 3120. be∣fore Christs birth 844. Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 11. 4. Reg. 14. The enlarge∣ment of the kingdome of Israel.
• Ionas. 1 Ionas sēt vnto Niniue flieth the presence of God, and as∣cending a ship is cast in a strome into the sea.
• The yeare of the world, 3120. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 844. Ionas cast into the sea is deuou red by a whale, and cast vpon the coast of Niniue fore∣telleth them of the losse of their empire. Ionas. 2. 3. 4. Reg. 14. 15
• Ieroboams death. Ozias king of Iuda. The yeare of the world, 3136. be∣fore Christs birth 828.
• Ozias expe∣dition, and the repaiting of the city.
• 2. Paral. 26.
• The yeare of the world, 3150. be∣fore Christs na∣tiuitie, 814. Ozias ri∣ches and army
• Ozias trans∣gresseth his vocation, and is punished with a leprosie and compel∣led to depart out of the city. The yeare of the world. 3170. be∣fore Christ birth. 794.
• The yeare of the world, 3170. be∣fore Christs birth 794.
• Zacharias slaughter. 4. Reg. 35.
• Manahem king of Israel. The yeare of the world. 3174. be∣fore the birth of Christ. 790. The Tapsians slaughter.
• Peace bought with money. The yeare of the world. 3185. be∣fore Christs birth 779. Phaceias. The translatiō of the Israelits
• The yeare of the world. 3187. be∣fore Christs birth 777. Iothams piety.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 7. The prophecy of the destruc∣tion of Niniue. Naum. 2.
• The yeare of the world. 3204. be∣fore the Natiui∣tie of Christ. 760.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus, chap. 13. Achaz impiety The sacrifice of his sonne.
• The punish∣ment of im∣pietie. Esay. 7.
• 4. Reg. 16.
• The slaughter of the army of Iuda.
• 4. Reg. 16. The Israelites by the pro∣phets aduice dismisse those prisoners they had takē of the tribes of Iuda and Beniamin.
• The yeare of the world, 3207. be∣fore Christs birth 757.
• The yeare of the world, 3207. be∣fore Christs birth 757. 4. Reg. 16 17. The translatiō of the Israe∣lites. Achaz giueth the gold and siluer of the temple to the king of the Assyrians.
• Achaz shut∣teth the doors of Gods tem∣ple, and ho∣noureth strāge gods. Achaz death. The yeare of the world, 3215. be∣fore Christs birth 749. Oseas impie∣tie and pu∣nishment.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap 14. 4 Reg 17. The pietie of Ezechias king of Iuda.
• Ezechias em∣bassadours that were sent to the Israe∣lites to exhort them to cele∣brate the feast of vnleuened bread, are slaine by them.
• 2. Paral. 29. 30
• The word of God is neuer without fruit.
• The yeare of the world, 3218. be∣fore Christs Na∣tiuitie, 746. Ezechias sa∣crifice.
• Reformation of Gods ser∣uice. The yeare of the world. 3224. be∣fore Christs birth 740.
• The king ouer∣commeth the Philistines. Ezechias for∣saketh the ser∣uice of the king of Assyria.
• Hedio & Ruf∣finus. chap. 15.
• 4. Reg. 17.
• The Israelites remoued from their possessi∣ons are trans∣lated into the region of the Chuthites.
• The yeare of the world, 3224 be∣fore Christs birth 740. The Tyrians Chronicles touching the wars of Salma∣nazar against the Tyrians written by Me∣nander.
• Gods displea∣sure against the idolatrous Chuthites
• The Chuteans embrace the seruice of God and in prospe∣ritie claime kindred of the Iewes.