An institution of general history from the beginning of the vvorld to the monarchy of Constantine the Great : composed in such method and manner as never yet was extant / by William Howel ...

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Title
An institution of general history from the beginning of the vvorld to the monarchy of Constantine the Great : composed in such method and manner as never yet was extant / by William Howel ...
Author
Howell, William, 1631 or 2-1683.
Publication
London :: Printed for Henry Herringman,
1661.
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World history -- Early works to 1800.
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"An institution of general history from the beginning of the vvorld to the monarchy of Constantine the Great : composed in such method and manner as never yet was extant / by William Howel ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A44772.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 31, 2024.

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Page 39

SECT. II.* 1.1 From the departure of the Israelites out of Aegypt, to the death of So∣lomon, and the Rent of the Kingdom.

* 1.21. THe number of the Children of Israel may be esteemed by what is recorded concerning their men of War,* 1.3 of the Age of twenty years and upwards. Of these went out about 600000. besides Women and Chil∣dren; so that if those of that Age be reckoned as two parts of five, of the whole multitude, (which is the usual account amongst all Nations, to rec∣kon men for War, as 40 to 100. in respect of the whole body) then the totall number of all, both old and young, amounted to about 1500000. To these must be added a mixed multitude; which, having taken up their religion, went out with them, and is thought by some to have consisted of as many more; so that the whole sum of all together, at this rate, would arise to 3000000. As for the number of the Israelites, it need not seem incredible, that from about 70 persons in the space of 210 years, so many should pro∣ceed. For if but one man, in the thirtieth year of his Age should begin to be a father, and had but in all ten Children,* 1.4 who also with their posterity should beget at the same Age, that one man, before 200 years, would have des∣cended from him, of the sixth Generation 1000000. of the fifth 100000. of the fourth 10000. of great Grand-Children 1000. of Grand-Children 100. and of Children 10. But that the Israelites began to be fathers before the Age of thirty is more then probable; nature* 1.5 sometimes not requiring half that time, and there is ground sufficient to think that they often exceeded the number of ten Children. The Scripture relateth Abdon to have had fourty sons, Abizara thirty, and as many daughters, Gideon seventy sons, and Ahab as many. Aegyptus, Danaus, Priamus, and Darius, are reported to have had fifty Children; Artaxerxes, Justin relateth to have had 115. and Hierotimus 600. These things (to add no more) prove the great increase of the Israelites to have been possible in the course of Nature, although not without an especial providence.

2. Moses had gathered the people together, as Josephus writeth, about Ramesses the chief Citie of Goshen, that they might be in a readinesse, and thence they came to Succoth where was their second station. Here Moses propounded the command of God concerning the annual observation of the Passeover,* 1.6 and the Consecration of the first born. A ready way hence to the Land of Canaan would have been through that of the Philistins; but because the Israelites were born in slavery, and therefore had but low and poor spi∣rits; to exercise them, to stir them up, and lest, for want of experience, they should be so terrified as to return, God lead them another and longer way. From Succoth therefore they came to Etham in the end of the Desart, in two dayes; whither God conducted them by a Pillar of a Cloud by day, and Pil∣lar of fire by night, that never forsook them, till they came to the Borders of the promised Land. From Etham they journeyed to Pihahiroth, and thence to the Red-sea. Hither Pharoh pursued them with all his Forces, re∣penting he had let them go. They were there exceedingly struck with ter∣rour, and murmured against Moses, for bringing them out of Egypt. In this extremity God divided the waters of the Red-sea, which being as a Wall on both sides to them, they passed over on dry ground. The Egyptians essayed also to pursue them in this place; but the Pillar then removed from before them, and placed it self between them, giving light to the Israelites,* 1.7 but causing great darknesse to their Enemies. Hereupon ensued great consternation, and a pannick fear amongst the Egyptians, which causing great disturbance, the Lord also fought against them, and they fled. But then the waters returned to their place and overwhelmed them all, so that nei∣ther Pharoh, nor any one of his men escaped. This place of the Red-sea be∣ing

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here not at all fordable, the sole power of God procured their passage; though Josephus, to gain credit to the story from the incredulous Heathen,* 1.8 taketh off from the miracle by an unsutable comparing of it to Alexander the Great his passing the shoar of the Pamphylian-Sea, which at low water was ever bare, and at other times not very deep.

3. From the Red-Sea they journeyed three dayes through the Wildernesse of Etham; (which, as it seemeth, stretcheth forth it self to both the sides of the Sea) where they found no water. Thence they came to Marah, where they found water, but bitter, and thence the place had its name; which bit∣ternesse was removed by the casting in of a certain Tree which God shewed to Moses. From Marah they came to their fifth station at Elim, where were twelve Fountains of water, and seventy Palm-Trees, and thence to the Red-Sea; which name seemeth to be applied to some Bay or Creek thereof. From the Sea they came into the desart of Sin, where they pitched their Tents on the fifteenth day of the second moneth after their departure.* 1.9 Here murmuring for flesh, Quails were rained down upon the Camp at evening, and in the morning was there found Manna, which continued every morning to fall, all the fourty years they abode in the Wildernesse. This Wildernesse of Sin being very large, and reaching as far as Mount Sinai, they had several stations in it. The ninth was at Diphka, the tenth at Alush, the eleventh at Rephidim, where the people again murmuring for water, the Rock being struck by Moses gushed out into streams. Whil'st they here continued,* 1.10 the Amalekites (descended from Amalek, who was the son of Eliphaz, and Grand son of Esau) fell in upon their rear, and made slaughter of the weaker sort. Moses against them sent Joshua the son of Nun, he himself in the mean time praying to God in the Mount. And as long as his hands were lifted up the Israelites overcame, but when he let them down the Amale∣kites prevailed; so that Aaron his brother, and Hur his sister Miriam's hus∣band, bore them up till the going down of the Sun.

4. In the third moneth they removed,* 1.11 and took up their station in the de∣sart of Sinai, over against the Mountain Horeh (which 'tis thought was some part of Sinai) and here they continued almost a year; to the 20th day of the second moneth of the next year. Upon this Mountain, God gave the Law of the ten Commandments in a terrible manner, on the 50th day after their coming out of Egypt,* 1.12 as* 1.13 some of the Ancients apprehended. The day af∣ter, several other Laws were promulgated, as it were Commentaries upon the Decalogue, both Judicial and Ceremonial. Then Moses having Offered Sacrifice, read the book of the Law to the people, and made a Covenant be∣twixt God and them, and went up into the Mount where he remained fourty dayes: six in the lower and cloudy, and 34 in the highest and fiery part. In this space of time he received advice concerning the structure of the Taber∣nacle, the Ornaments and Consecration of Priests, &c. From this fami∣liar Conversing of God with Moses, the Heathen Law-givers took occasion to feign such a priviledge to themselves. As amongst the Getes, Zamolxis gave out he received two Laws from Vesta. Zathraustes amongst the Ari∣maspians from a good Doemon. Mneves, amongst the Egyptians, from Mer∣cury, Minos the Cretian, from Jupiter. Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian from Apollo, and Numa the Roman from the Goddesse Egeria. To this number* 1.14 Diodorus, out of Ethnick ignorance, addeth Moses himself, writing that he counterfeited conference with the god Jaus.

5. But the people missing Moses so long a time, and not knowing what was become of him, raised a tumult, and caused Aaron to make them a god that might go before them. The Hebrews have a Tradition that Hur, opposing this, was slain; but Aaron, overcome with their furious importunity, made them a molten Calf of Gold,* 1.15 after the fashion of the Egyptians, who Worshipped two Heifers, Apis and Mnevis, which they accounted gods. Fourty dayes, and as many nights being ended, God gave Moses two Tables of stone, wherein was written the Decalogue by his own finger,* 1.16 and sent him down, telling him wherein his people were employed. Moses something

Page 41

appeasing Gods wrath came down from the Mount;* 1.17 but seeing them dance before the Calf, in a great rage cast the Tables out of his hands and brake them. He put the Calf into the fire, and grinding it to pouder threw it into the Brook, and made them to drink of the water: then commanded the Le∣vites to take every man his sword, and slay his Neighbour; so that of the peo∣ple fell that day about 3000 men. After this, going up into the Mount the second time, he interceded for the people, and at his return, removed the Tabernacle, or Tent, wherein he used to speak with God, out of the Camp, in token of the Lords displeasure. He hewed two new Tables of stone like to the former, and having given order for the making of an Ark of Wood, and all things about the Tabernacle, according to the pattern shewed him in the Mount, he went up the third time, and continued there fourty dayes and as many nights without eating any thing, as before. In this time God wrote anew the ten Commandments; and, being pacified, renewed the league condi∣tionally, and proposed other Laws to the people. When Moses returned his face shone, so that he put thereon a vail when he spake to the multitude, to which he declared Gods commands, urged the observation of the Sabbath, and the offering for making of the Tabernacle; in the work whereof, the latter part of this year was spent by Bezaleel, and his Companions.

* 1.186. On the first day of the first moneth of the second year,* 1.19 was the Taber∣nacle reared, and in this moneth were these things done which are spoken of in the third book of Moses, called Leviticus. On the fourteenth day was the passeover celebrated in the Wildernesse of Sinai.* 1.20 On the first of the se∣cond moneth God commanded Moses to number all the Israelites,* 1.21 except the Tribe of Levi, from twenty years old to sixty; the number of whom a∣mounted to 603550. just so many as had been found seven moneths before, when the contribution was to be made for the Tabernacle.* 1.22 On the 20th of the same moneth, the Cloud which rested on the Tabernacle removed, and they following it in four Armies came from the Wildernesse of Sinai to that of Para, where they stayed 23 dayes in their 13th Mansion of Kibroth-Hattaavah. Here the people, weary of their Heavenly bread,* 1.23 lusted after the flesh of Egypt, and were punished with a sudden fire, which devoured ma∣ny, and was at length quenched by the prayer of Moses.* 1.24 Here also Moses complaining to God of the great burthen which lay upon him;* 1.25 the Sanhedrim of the seventy Elders was instituted. In this place, moreover, God gave the people Quailes for a whole moneth on which they surfeited, so that a plague arose whil'st the flesh was yet betwixt their teeth, and many perished. Hence the place had its name of Kibroth-Hattaavah, or the Sepulchers of concu∣piscence.

7. From Kibroth-Hattaavah they removed to Hazeroth,* 1.26 where Aaron and Miriam spake against Moses about his wife;* 1.27 Miriam for that, was struck with Leprosie, and cast out of the Camp; till Aaron, confessing their fault, and interceding to Moses for her, he prayed to God, and she was healed. She being after seven dayes received again into the Camp, they removed,* 1.28 and came to Rithma, near unto Cades-barnea, in the same desart of Paran. In the fifth moneth of the second year, and the time of Vintage, Caleb the son of Jephunne, Joshua the son of Nun, and ten other principal men were hence sent to spy the Land of Canaan.* 1.29 After fourty dayes they returned▪ bringing with them of the fruit of the Land. Caleb and Joshuah incouraged the people, but the rest utterly disheartned them, causing them to dispair ever to possesse it, because of the strength of the walled Towns and the Gyants which there lived. This raised such a mutiny, that they not onely murmured against Moses, but spake of making them a Captain,* 1.30 and of return∣ing into Egypt, threatning to stone Caleb and Joshua, who laboured to the contrary. This so highly provoked the Lord, that he threatned suddenly to destroy them, and being prevailed with by Moses to mitigate his wrath, de∣nounced that none of twenty years and upwards should ever enter into the promised Land, but wander up and down till their Carkeises fell in the Wil∣dernesse; except Caleb and Joshua. And this sentence was presently execu∣ted upon the ten, which had caused the sedition.

Page 42

8. When they had therefore now arrived at the borders of the promised Land, they were commanded to turn back again into the Wildernesse towards the Red Sea. But to make some amends, as they thought, for their late fear and cowardise,* 1.31 they arose in the morning; and, against the expresse command of Moses, went up into the Mountain to fight, where the Amalekites and Canaanites that there inhabited, smote and discomfited them even unto Hor∣mah. At their return they wept before the Lord, but were not heard; and upon this occasion, and the death of those that fell daily in the Desart, Moses, as it's thought, composed the 90 Psalm, wherein complaining of Humane frailty, and shortnesse of life, he signifieth that Man's age was reduced to 70 or 80 years; and so now the third time was it, as it were, cut shorter by the halfe; the two former having been immediatly after the Flood; and again, in the time of Phaleg, at the division of the Earth.

9. Thenceforth, from their departure from Cades-Barnea, are numbred 17 more stations in the Wildernesse of Paran, wherein they spent 38 years, wandring about, till all the rebellious ones were consumed. The things which hapned in those years, cannot certainly be fixed upon any particular one, Moses herein being silent. Yet it is thought, that the History of the Man that gathered sticks on the Sabbath day, and for it was stoned; of the rebellion of Corah and his Companions, of Aaron's Rod that budded, &c. are to be referred to the latter part of the second year; none of the forty, except the two former and the last of all, being taken notice of by Moses, who recordeth onely the 17 mansions which were taken up, during the 37 years that passed between.* 1.32 The 17th and the last of these (being the 32nd mansi∣on reckoned from the beginning) was at Ezion-gabe, upon the Red Sea in the Country of the Edomites, whence they came to Cades,* 1.33 where they took up their 33 mansion. Hierome and others, account this Cades the same with Cades-barnea the 15th station, making the Israelites to have after so many windings and turnings, in so many years, returned to the same place. But, others finding Cades-barnea in the Southern confines of Canaan, will have this Cades or Kadesh, a place different from it, and near to Ezion-gaber up∣on the Red Sea, (whence they immediately passed to it) in the Desart of Zin. Whilst they remained in Cades,* 1.34 Miriam died at the age of 126 years,* 1.35 and was there buried. After this the people murmured, because the water which had hitherto followed them from the Rock Rephidim, here failed, being, as some think, swallowed up of the Red Sea. Hereupon Moses and Aaeron were commanded onely to speak to a Rock in that place, to give out water; but Moses, wearied with the untowardnesse of the multitude, uttered some words of impatience and diffidence, and struck the Rock twice, so that the water gushed out in great abundance. Because they did not sanctifie God in the eyes of the people, he was angry with them, and excluded them both from entering into the Land of promise.

10. Moses afterwards sent to the King of Edom, desiring leave to passe qui∣etly through his Country; but, he opposing, he led the people by the borders from Kadesh unto Mount Hor,* 1.36 where Aaron died, some 4 moneths after his Sister Miriam, at the age of 123; in the 40 year of their wandring in the Wildernesse; and Eleazer his Son succeeded him in the Office of High-Priest. In the 6th moneth of the 40 year, the King of Arad,* 1.37 who inhabi∣ted the southern parts of Canaan, came out against them and took many pri∣soners; whereupon, they vowed, if God would deliver his Country into their hands, to destroy his Cities. Hereunto God assenting, they went up, and prospering,* 1.38 gave to the Country the name of Hormah, which is the same with Anathema, or Cursed. Then ournyed they from mount Hor, to compass about the Land of Edom (against which God had charged them not to fight, because of their Ancestors) and came to the 35th mansion of Tsalmona, which signifieth an image. For here the people murmuring against the Lord and Moses, because of the tediousnesse of the journy, and loathing Manna, were bitten by fiery Serpents sent by God (the Greeks call them Dypsades, and Aelian maketh them chiefly to breed in Arabia); so that many perished

Page 43

without remedie. At length, Moses by God's appointment erected on a pole a brazen Serpent, upon which as many as looked, were presently made whole.

11. From Tsalmona they came to Punon, thence to Oboth,* 1.39 and so to Jie-Abarim, on the borders of Moab, in the Desart thereof, towards the Sun-rising. Here runneth the Brook Zared, towards which, when they passed, God commanded them not to make War upon the Moabites, who had for∣merly beaten hence Giants called Emmim, as their Bretheren the Ammo∣nites had also outed others, known by the name of Zmzummim. Thirty eight years after their removall from Kades-barnea, the Israelites passed Za∣red, all the carkeises of the rebellious being in that space fallen in the Wil∣dernesse, and came to their 39th Mansion of Dikon-Gad. Thence they tra∣velled to Almon-Diblathaim, still in the Desart of Moab, and being to touch upon the borders of the Ammonites, God forbad them to molest these also, because descended of just Lot. He commanded them to passe over the River Arnon; which having done, they removed to their 41 Mansion, in the Mountain of Abarim, over against Nebo.

* 1.4012. Out of the Wildernesse of Kedemoth, Moses sent to Sihon,* 1.41 the Amorite, King of Heshbon, to desire leave peaceably to passe through his Bor∣ders; but he refused, and opposed them at Jahaz,* 1.42 where he was discomfited and slain. The Israelites thus became Masters of his Cities and Country,* 1.43 which (as Josephus writeth) lay like an Island between three Rivers; Arnon on the South, Jabock on the North, (which falling into Jordan, loseth it's name) and Jordan it self on the West; being on the East, bounded with the Mountains of Arabia. As they proceeded by the way of Basan, Og King thereof,* 1.44 who remained of the Giants called Rephidim, opposing them, was also slain, and his Country wholly subdued, with the destruction of it's Inha∣bitants; and in like manner all Argob (afterwards called Trachonitis) where∣in were Sixty Cities. After these Victories, they removed from the Moun∣tains of Abarim,* 1.45 and came to their 42d and last Mansion (taken up by Mo∣ses) near Jordan, lying from Jesimoth unto Shittim or Abel-Shittim, in the plains of Moab, which was so called, because the Moabites formerly posses∣sed them, till driven beyond Arnon by the Amorites. Here they continued till they were led thence by Joshua, to passe over Jordan.

13. When Balack King of Moab had heard all that the Israelites did to the Amorites; lest under pretence of passage, they might also seize upon his Kingdom, he consulted with the Midianites, and sent into Mesopotamia for Balaam the Son of Beor, the Soothsayer, to come and curse them;* 1.46 in∣tending afterwards, to fall upon them. Balaam,* 1.47 having the pleasure of God revealed to him, at first feared to come: and though he came at the second message, and laboured all he could to curse them; yet was he over-ruled, and his curse turned into a blessing. But although he had no power to curse, yet he advised the King to that which tended especially to their destruction;* 1.48 To send some of the most beautifull Women into the Camp, to draw them both to Carnall and Spirituall Fornication; the later of which was commit∣ted with Baal-peor, the Idoll of the Moabites. God being angry hereat, commanded the principall of the Idolaters to be hanged up before the Sun, and Moses gave order to the Judges, to slay every one his men: A Plague also brake out amongst them, whereby in one day fell 23000 Men;* 1.49 to which those that were hanged and fell by the Sword, being added, advance the number to 24000. Phineas the Son of Eliazar the Priest executing judg∣ment upon Zimri an Israelite, and Cozbi a Madianitish Woman, in the act of Fornication; the Wrath of God was thereby appeased, and the Plague staied.

* 1.5014. A little after, God commanded Moses the third time to number the people. In this space of 40 years all the Men of War were perished, except Caleb and Joshua, which amounted to the number of 603000. Yet was there by this time such a supply of young ones grown up, that they almost equallized the number of their Fathers; there being found 601730, from 20 years old

Page 44

and upwards, besides 23000 Levites, reckoned from a moneth old. After this, Moses, by Gods command, sent Phineas with 12000 Men against the Midianites, who had conspired with the Moabites against them.* 1.51 He destroy∣ed them, and amongst them Balaam the Soothsayer,* 1.52 who, as it appeareth, was not yet returned. The Women they brought away Captives; whereof the Married-ones they slew, and kept the Virgins for themselves. Now were the Lands of Sihon King of the Ammorites, and Og King of Bashan,* 1.53 divided amongst the Rebenites,* 1.54 Gadites, and the half Tribe of Manasses, on this condition, that they should accompany their bretheren over the River Jor∣dan, and assist them in the conquest of the Land of Canaan, so long as need should require.

15. The time now drew near, that Moses must dye, being not to passe over into the Land of Canaan. Therefore in the 11th moneth of the 40th year, he made a repetition of the Law to the people,* 1.55 related God's bene∣fits bestowed on them, and exhorted them to obedience. The Law he wrote in a Book, and commanded it to be read every 7th year, at the Feast of Ta∣bernacles. He also, at the command of God, wrote a Song concerning the future Idolatry, and afflictions of the Israelites. Joshua being then ordained Captain of the people in his stead, he ascended from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, part of the Mountains of Abarim,* 1.56 and whose top is called Phasga or Psgah, looking towards Jericho. There God having shewn him the Land of Canaan, from the one side to the other,* 1.57* 1.58 he died some 5 months after Aaron, being 120 years old (the third part of which time saving one moneth, he spent, as* 1.59 Josephus writeth, in Government) in the 40 year ending, after he had brought the Israelites out of Aegypt, the year of the World 2548. God buried him in the Valley of Moab over against Beth-Peor, and no Man knoweth of his Sepulcher to this day. Concerning his bo∣dy, a contest hapned between Michael the Arch-Angel and the Devill; the reason of which is thought to be, because Satan would have had the place thereof known, that the people might be drawn to Idolatry out of reverence to so great a person. The Israelites mourned for him 30 dayes, and with his life endeth the Pentateuch, or his five Books. The Book of Joshua follow∣eth, taking it's beginning from the 41th of the departure out of Aegypt, and the 2549th year of the World.

16. Whilst the Israelites were still mourning for Moses,* 1.60 the two Spies were sent over Jordan, (as some think) to search the Land. The next mor∣ning after their return, the whole Host removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, where they lodged that night, and the next day passed over the Ri∣ver. As soon as the feet of the Priests which bare the Ark touched the wa∣ter, it fell off on both sides and made a way; so that they went over on dry ground, the floods not returning to their place, so long as the Ark remained in the channel. On the 10th day of the first moneth Nisan, they arrived in the Land of Canaan,* 1.61 and took up their first Mansion at Gilgal,* 1.62 not far from Je∣richo. Here, (it's thought the next day) God commanded that all the Males should be circumcised, this Sacrament being omitted ever since they left Mount Sinai; because they were in constant expectation of travell: upon which account neither had they kept the Passeover since that time. Three dayes they rested, and on the fourth they did ear the Passeover, and the day following unleavened bread of the Corn of the Land, at which time Manna ceased, after it had continued 40 years.

17. The first place they fell upon with War, was the City of Jericho,* 1.63 which having compassed with the Ark seven dayes, on the seventh the walls fell down of their own accord, the City was taken, and all therein put to the Sword, except the Family of Rahab (she, having harboured the Spies, had security promised from them) whom Salmon of the Tribe of Judah married, to whom she bare Boaz.* 1.64 All the goods found therein were also accursed, nothing thereof to be made prey▪ which Law Achan transgressing,* 1.65 caused Israel to be discomfited at Ai, and for that was first stoned, and then burnt, with all that belonged to him. The Kings of Canaan, startled at Josua's

Page 45

successe, combined against him; but the Gibeonites, fearing the worst, coun∣terfeited a Message to him as from a far Countrey, and procured safety to themselves and posterity; yet such, as slavery was joyned therewith. Adon∣sedek King of Jerusalem, and the Kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Deber, enraged hereat, conspired against them and fell upon their Citie; to the relief whereof Joshua being called, raised the siege, and prosecuting his vi∣ctory against the Kings, at his command the Sun stood still over Gibeon,* 1.66 and the Moon in the Valley of Ajalon.* 1.67 Upon which strange miraculous accident this is observed, that Ajalon being scarce a German mile Westward of Gibeon, the Moon, as 'tis probable, was then decreasing, or in the wane, and,* 1.68 these two Luminaries standing still and moving together, the Astronomical account was thereby nothing at all disturbed.

18. Joshua drave the five Kings to that streight that they hid themselves in a Cave at Makkeda, where after he had utterly vanquished and de∣stroyed their Armies,* 1.69 he took them, and killing them, hanged their Carcases on five Trees till Sun-set: then cast them into the Cave and laid a great heap of stones thereon.* 1.70 After their death he warred with many other petty Kings, as with the King of Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, Hebron, and the rest: there was not one Citie that made peace with Israel save the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon; all others they took in battel, and utterly destroyed, except such as it pleased God to reserve, for a lash and scourge, wherewith to reduce them in times of Rebellion and for their exercise to be as Thorns in their eyes, and Goads in their sides. The Canaanites being thus deprived of their ancient habitation by Joshua and the Israelites; Many of them, as is conjectured, removing to the Mediterranean-Sea, (where they were known afterwards by the name of Phoenicians) continued not all there, but spread themselves abroad, and sent Colonies far and wide into many places of Eu∣rope, Asia, and Africk, concerning which that excellent book of Bochartus, called Canaan, is to be consulted. That is remarkable, which* 1.71 Procopius mentioneth concerning Pillars erected in the Province of Africk,* 1.72 called Tingitana, with a Phoenician-inscription to this purpose: We are they who fled from the face of Joshua the Robber, the son of Nane. How long this War continued till the division of the Land, is not expressed in Scripture; yet is thence to be gathered. For Caleb being fourty years old when with others he was sent by Moses to search the Land, was at the time of the Division, as he saith, 45 years older. Now the Spies were sent out in the fifth moneth of the second year, after their departure out of Egypt, or sooner; so that from that time to the entrance into Canaan, followed almost 39 years; (the Israe∣lites being fourty years in the Wildernesse) which being deducted out of the said forty five, six years and some few remain; during which the War in Canaan must have continued.

* 1.7319. The Clerouchia then, or division of the Land, fell out in the begin∣ning of the seventh year from their entrance into Canaan, and in the year of the World 2555 also beginning. It continued about one year, as some gather from the story. First of all, an inheritance was given to two Tribes and an half, viz. the Tribes of Judah, Ephraim,* 1.74 and the other half Tribe of Ma∣nasses. Then met the Israelites together in Shiloh, because seven other Tribes yet remained undisposed of. Therefore certain men were sent from that place to bring a Survey of all the Land, which could not be done in a few dayes; and then after their return the division was perfected; for all which no lesse then the space of a year seemeth necessary. So, there are from the beginning of the World to the end of this Division, 2555 years,* 1.75 containing just so many weeks of years as there are natural dayes in a year, viz. 365. Or if we make a great year consisting of so many years as the solar year consisteth of dayes; then have we six (or seven) such great years. It is further obser∣vable, that from the beginning of the World, to the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan may be reckoned so many Jubilies of years (viz. 52.) as are dayes in the seventh part of a Solar year, one onely excepted. The War ha∣ving endured six years, they rested on the seventh, wherein the Division was made, as in the Sabatical year.

Page 46

20. The rise therefore, and beginning of the Sabbatical year, and of Ju∣bilies, some chuse rather to fetch from the first entrance into Canaan, then from the division of the Land.* 1.76 For though they began not to sow the Land on this side Jordan till after the division; yet before this had they taken posses∣sion of the Countrey lying beyond the River, which was divided betwixt the two Tribes and the half; whereof, though it must be granted that those which were fit for War, accompanied their brethren over Jordan, according to the charge laid upon them by Moses, yet is it to be supposed that those which stayed behind were nourished by the fruits of that soyl. For Manna had al∣ready ceased, and the Corn which the other reaped of the Enemies sowing be∣ing but gotten by degrees, according as they Conquered the Countrey, could scarce maintain them without sending for supplies to those that stayed be∣yond the River. When they had ended the division, the Children of Israel gave for an inheritance to Joshua that which he asked, even Timneth Serah in Mount Ephraim, where he built a Citie, and dwelt therein.* 1.77 The Tabernacle of the Congregation was set up at Shiloh by the whole Assembly. As for the Levites they had no inheritance assigned them,* 1.78 but (the Lord being their in∣heritance) they were to live of Tythes & Offerings. Onely 48 Cities on both sides of Jordan were set apart for them to dwell in, which were also to be Ci∣ties of refuge, whither those that were guilty of casual homicide might fly from the avenger of bloud, and there remain in security till the death of the High-Priest.* 1.79 Joshua being very old at the division, is by the Jews said to have lived, past the first Sabbatical year, but to have died before the next arrived. Some give to his government twenty years, and some above;* 1.80 but others think he died, not long after the division. There is no certainty thereof from Scripture; but that he lived a hundred and ten years is expresly recorded.

* 1.8121. After Joshua and that generation were dead, which had seen the wonders of the Lord, another arose after them that knew not the Lord, nor the works he had done; so that the Children of Israel followed other gods, serving Baal and Ashtaroth. For this cause the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers which spoiled them. He sold them into the hands of their Enemies round about, insomuch that they could not stand before them; but whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as he had said and sworn. Ne∣verthelesse he raised them up Judges to deliver them out of the hands of those that spoiled them; and yet they would not hearken to their Judges, but went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them. Here∣upon the Lord resolved not to drive out thenceforth any Nations before them, which Joshua left when he died, that by them he might prove Israel whether they would keep his way and to teach them War.* 1.82 There were left five Lords of the Philistins with all the Canaanites, the Sidonians and Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon, unto the entring of Hamath. The Children of Israel dwelt amongst the Canaanites, Hit∣tites, Ammorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites: they took their daugh∣ters to be their wives, gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.

* 1.8322. For this, the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel,* 1.84 and he sold them to the hand of Cushan-rishathaim King of Mesopotamia. How long this was after the division, the Scripture expresseth not.* 1.85 We read that he oppressed them eight years, but some think it should be read in the eighth year, viz. after the division, or eighth years, because this servitude ended in the eight. But that it began not immediatly after the division, neither after the death of Joshua, seemeth evident; because the Israelites served the Lord as long as that Generation lasted, which had seen his wonders; which cannot be con∣ceived extinct at the same time with him. Others think a longer time then seven years to have passed betwixt the division and this oppression, assigning fourteen years to the government of Joshua after the division, then ten more to the government of the Elders after his death,* 1.86 who might very well live longer then so; none that were twenty years old when they came out of

Page 47

Egypt having entred Canaan except Joshua and Caleb. After that, as many years they attribute to an Anarchy, in the sixth year of which they will have the Civil War to have broken out betwixt Benjamin and the rest of the Tribes,* 1.87 wherein all the Benjaminites except 600 were slain. Four years after this War, and at the end of the 10th. Cushan the King of Mesopotamia afflicted Israel for its idolatry eight years. But concerning this there is no cer∣tainty.

* 1.8823. At the end of the eight years, God stirred up for a deliverer,* 1.89 Othniel of the Tribe of Judah, Nephew to Caleb by his younger brother Kenaz, and his son-in-law. Into his hands the Lord delivered Cushan, and the Land had rest fourty years. After his death (which is set to the end of these fourty years) Israel turned again to idolatry, and the Lord delivered them up to Eglon,* 1.90 King of Moab for eighteen years. At the end of this term he stirred up Ehud a left-handed man of the Tribe of Benjamin, who under colour of a message stabbed Eglon into the belly,* 1.91 and gathering the Israelites together on Mount Ephraim, slew 10000 of the Moabites, all men of War. After this, the Land is said to have rested 80 years, the words being taken literally; but then some think none of the years of the Tyrants, or Oppressors, are to be counted severally, and by themselves, but to be included herein as other years after mentioned; else the account will swell much larger then the whole number of years, which the Scripture seemeth to allow of. If we take-in all the years ascribed to the Tyrants, then they will have it an Enallage (fre∣quent in all Languages) and instead of 80. Ehud governed, or the Land re∣sted under him onely eight years; but others think they have as much reason to take them literally.

* 1.9224. After Ehud, Shamgar the son of Aneth judged Israel,* 1.93 but no men∣tion is made of any time. It followeth, when Ehud was dead the Children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and he sold them into the hand of Jabin, King of Canaan, whose General was Sisera, and who had 900 Chariots of iron:* 1.94 he mightily oppressed them twenty years. It is most probable that in this time the Government of Shamgar was included, (he slew with an Oxe-good 600 of the Philistins,* 1.95 who at this time might also af∣flict Israel): or else it being but short might fall betwixt Ehud's death, and the oppression of Jabin; there being probability enough that some time pas∣sed after his death, before the Israelites so highly provoked the Lord as to be given up into Jabins hands. At the end of these twenty years Deborah,* 1.96 the wife of Lapidoth (judging Israel at this time in Mount Ephraim) moved by God sent for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kadesh-Naphtali, and made him Captain. He, with 10000 men of Zebulon and Naphtali, overthrew Sisera, who flying on his feet to the Tent of Heber the Kenite (descended of Jethro, father-in-law to Moses) Jael his wife killed him by a Nail driven into his Temples as he lay asleep. So the Land rested under Deborah fourty years as we read it,* 1.97 another interpreting it in the 40th year, viz. after the rest restored to it by Ehud.

25. This time expired, and the Israelites relapsing to idolatry,* 1.98 God gave them up into the hands of the Midianites,* 1.99 and other people of the East, which afflicted them seven years, destroying their Corn, driving away their Cattel, and making havock of all things. This made them cry to the Lord, who first reproved them by a Prophet; and afterwards, by an Angel stirred up Gideon, the son of Joash, of the Tribe of Manasses, to deliver them. He having pul∣led down the Altar of Baal, and burnt his grove,* 1.100 out of 23000 men chose 300. with which number marching against the Midianites,* 1.101 he so affrighted them by a stratagem of Lamps and Pitchers, that he routed their whole Army. The Ephraimites took Oreb and Zeeb: Gideon following the Chance beyond Jordan wholly discomfited them, and took,* 1.102 and slew two Kings of the Mi∣dianites; Zeba and Zalmanna. After so great a victory the Israelites of∣fered him the Kingdom; but he refused it, and asked onely the earings of the prey, wherewith he made an Ephod which afterwards gave occasion to idolatry (all Israel going a whoring after it) and became a snare to him and

Page 84

his house. But thus Midian being subdued, the Country was in quietnesse under Gideon 40 years, as most read it; but, as others, was quiet in the 40th year; viz. after quietnesse restored to it by Deborah and Barach.

* 1.10326. Though Gideon refused the Soveraignty,* 1.104 yet Abimelech his base Son thin∣king such a thing was not to be neglected, dealt with the Sichemites, of whose City his Mother was native, to make him King: and by their help he seized on the Kingdom, having slain his Seventy Brethren upon one stone; Jotham the youngest onely escaping. The Israelites, after Gideon's death, had again turned after Idols, and therefore God not onely subjected them to the Do∣minion of this most wicked of all parricides, but to intestine dissentions, by reason of him. For after he had tyrannized three years, Gaal with the Si∣chemites conspired against him, which having timely discovered, he destroyed them and their City (sowing it with Salt) and burnt the house of their god Berith, with a thousand Men and Women which had fled to it. Then went he against Thebez, and took it, the Inhabitants whereof retired for defence into a strong Tower. Here, as he was about to set fire to the door, a Wo∣man cast down a piece of a Mil-stone upon his head, and so brake his skull, that he caused his Armour-bearer to kill him, lest it should be said, that he died by the hands of a Woman.* 1.105 After his death, Tolah, the Son of Puah,* 1.106 the Son of Dodo, a Man of Issachar, that dwelt at Samir in Mount Ephraim, arose to defend Israel, and judged it 23 years. After him Jair a Gileadite 22 years,* 1.107 thought to be descended of that Jair, who took the Towns of Ar∣gob, and called them after himself Hanoth-Jair; as his thirty Sons in like manner, after that example, named so many Cities, which they possessed in the Land of Gilead.

27. Jair being dead, the Israelites returned to their evil courses,* 1.108 serving Balaam, Ashtaroth, the gods of the Moabites, Ammonites, and the Phili∣stins; for which God sold them into the hands of the Philistins and Ammo∣nites.* 1.109 It is written, And that year they oppressed the Children of Israel, 18 years all that were on the other side Jordan, in the Land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. Moreover, the Ammonites passed over Jordan, to fight also against Judah and Benjamin, and the house of Ephraim; so that all Is∣rael was sore distressed. Some will have this oppression but to begin at the death of Jair; others think, they had oppressed Israel 18 years before, and now passed over the River, to afflict the other Tribes. The Israelites cried to God, and being, reproved, put away their Idolls: hereupon, the Ammo∣nites being got together in Gilead, and the Israelites assembled in Mizpah in the same Country, Jepthah the Son of Gilead, begotten on an Harlot, was sent for by the Gileadites and made Captain,* 1.110 being a mighty Man of va∣lour: He first sent to expostulate with the King of Ammon, and to demand the cause of the War. He answered, it was because Israel took away his Land, when they came out of Aegypt, from Arnon unto Jabbock, and un∣to Jordan; of which he required restitution. Jepthah replyed, that in their journey from Aegypt, they sent to the Kings of Edom and Moab, to desire passage through their Coasts; but this being denied, they turned aside through the Wildernesse, and compassed about the Lands of Edom and Moab, not coming within the borders of Moab, and so at length came and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which was the limit of Moab's Coasts; Then, that Sihon King of the Ammorites denying them passage, and fighting against them, the Lord God of Israel delivered him into their hands: and they pos∣sessed the Land of the Amorites from Arnon unto Jabbock, and from the Wildernesse unto Jordan.

28. Seeing the God of Israel had dispossessed the Amorites, he demanded a reason, why he should possesse that Country; and whether he was any thing better then Balack the Son of Zippor, King of Moab, who never strove nor fought against Israel. Lastly, he asked him, why he recovered not the Land all the 300 years which the Children of Israel had enjoyed it, and appealed to God for righteous judgement betwixt them. These 300 years, if they be reckoned exactly; the years of the oppressions, and of the Judges, must all

Page 49

along be counted in length, without including the one in the other; but if this be done, still many more than 300 will be found, and 100 years more will arise in the account of time▪ from the coming out of Aegypt to the building of the Temple, than the Scripture in another place alloweth of. Some say, if so many years really passed, betwixt the last year of Moses, save one, and this time of Jepthah, as those successions do make; 400 years was rather to have been mentioned, seeing the number exceeded that of 300; and therefore accounting the other way short of 300, they allegde, that it is usuall, when a full or round number is chosen, rather to make use of that which most favoureth their cause; and therefore Jepthah meant by 300, about, or almost so many. On the contrary, others believe, that the scrip∣ture doth not suffer them to omit the years of Servitude, and contain them under those of the Judges, which they suppose clearly appeareth out of those* 1.111 words before mentioned, which in generall describe the condition of the Israelites, as successively guilty of Idolatry, then punished, and delivered; after which, falling into an Anarchy at the death of their deliverer, they again relapsed into the same sin. They will have also the particular accounts of these things in Scripture, by their order and distinction, to hold out no lesse un∣to us.

* 1.11229. But the King of the Ammonites not hearkening to Jepthah, was over∣thrown with a very great slaughter. Jepthah at his going forth, vowed, if the Lord would deliver the enemie into his hands, that whatsoever came first out of his house to meet him at his return, should surely be the Lord's, and he would offer it for a burnt offering. It happened that his onely Daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and dances; and after she had bewailed her Virginity, he is said to have done to her according to his vow. Some observe that for And in the place may be read Or, as if, he would offer the thing, if it were to be offered, or, however to consecrate it to the Lord. And their opinion seemeth most probable, who hold she was not offered up as a burnt-offering, but consecrated to God by perpetuall virginity and austerity of life, being altogether separated from Humane society, except four dayes in a year, for a little refreshment; it being said, that he executed his Vow upon her, for that he did not redeem her with money, according to the Law mentioned in* 1.113 Exodus but left her consecrated to God in an unmarried state, lest she should seem to be another's and not the Lord's. Jepthah, after this, warred against the Ephraimites, who spake against, and threatned him and his house.* 1.114 He cut off 42000 Men, all being slain in their passage over Jordan, that could not pronounce Shiboleth. Having judged Israel six years he died, and was buried in Gilead.

* 1.11530. After Jephthah arose Ibsan of Bethlehem, and judged Israel seven years, then Elon a Zebulonite 10, and Abdon the Son of Hillel a Piratho∣nite, after him eight years. Now the Philistins again vexed Israel 40 years. Seeing neither of these three are said to have delivered the Land,* 1.116 some think those 40 years, to have included some of their Government. There are that fetch the beginning of them from the 4th year of Ibzan, and end them at the death of Sampson, whom they will have the immediate Successor of Ab∣don. Of those that are for the lengthning out of the time, some think they are to be reckoned from the death of Abdon,* 1.117 and end at the beginning of Samson's Government,* 1.118 which others again inferr, by good arguments, to be included in them, or else 20 of them must fall in with the time of Eli; the Seventy Interpreters accordingly, giving to Eli not 40 years as the Hebrew Copies, but onely 20. Still there are not wanting, who think Eli to have suc∣ceeded Abdon, and Sampson's 20 years (who was yet unborn) to have been included in his 40. They fetch the rise of the 40 years of the oppression from 17 years before the beginning of Eli, and end them so many after his death. Sampson was a Nazarite from his Mothers womb, no Razor coming on his head, and keeping himself from wine and strong drink all his time. Hence, as his admirable strength is said to have layn in his hair, so others have ascribed it to his abstinency, as if it had not proceeded from the especiall

Page 50

Providence and Power of God. He was the Hercules of the Israelites, re∣ally performing such things as the Greeks would scarce attribute to their's, on whom yet they heaped those things that were done by many. He afflicted the Philistins much in his life, but much more at his death, by throwing down the house of Dagon upon the chief of them, being therein assembled to make themselves sport with so great an Adversary, whom having got into their power, they had deprived of his sight.

* 1.11931. Had Eli praeceded Sampson, he would have been reckoned amongst his predecessors; according to generall apprehension. The High-Priesthood which hitherto had continued in the Family of Eliazar for five Generations, (viz. in himself, Phineas, Abisna, Bukki, and Uzzi, according to Jose∣phus) was in Eli translated to that of Ithamar another of Aaron's Sons.* 1.120 The Sons of Eli being very leud, grievously abused their power, and he used not his authority in correcting them, whereby he so far incurred God's displea∣sure, that he threatened to destroy his house, as it came to passe. The Isra∣elites, towards the end of his 40 years, fought with the Philistins; but were worsted, and lost 4000 Men. To better their successe, they then sent for the Ark of God from Shiloh, promising to themselves victory in it's presence; but of the next Battell the issue was the same.* 1.121 Hophni and Phineas the Sons of Eli were slain, and the Ark taken. This news being brought to Eli, upon mention of the captivity of the Ark, he fell backward from a sear, and being 98 years old his neck brake. The Philistins placed the Ark in the house of their god Dagon, which Idol fell down twice before it; and the multitude was so plagued with the Haemorrhoids,* 1.122 that they were glad to return it back with presents.

* 1.12332. To Eli succeeded Samuel, both a Levite and a Prophet, to whose Government, from the division of the Land, passed 450 years, according to St. Paul,* 1.124 as the text of(a) 1.125 Luke now hath it. But to this place another in in the first Book of the(b) 1.126 Kings, expresly seemeth to contradict, which maketh the foundation of the Temple to be laid in the 480th year after the Israelites departure out of Aegypt. This later number exceedeth the other but by 30. although in it must be comprehended, besides what is in the for∣mer, the 40 years of their stay in the Wildernesse, the six years which passed before the division, the time of Samuel's Government, the reigns of Saul and David, with the three years of Solomon, that passed before the building of the Temple; all which make up the number of 129; so that the litterall senses of these two cannot stand together: Some go about to reconcile them by drawing down the beginning of the 480 years, lower than the Text will bear; and by removing that of the 450, higher than is convenient: to whom others joyn, in attempting the reconciliation both of those numbers, and clearing up the matter concerning the 300 years ascribed by Jepthah, to the possession of the Land of the Amorites before mentioned. But there are, who find a necessity of confessing a mistake, either in the one or other Copie of these places. These are divided in their opinions, one party thinking they have better reason to stick to the place of the Kings, which is not so li∣able to any corruption (through the great care of the Jews) as the Greek text, hath that, by reason of the similitude of words, might well be changed from* 1.127 one to another, through the ignorance of transcribers. Another will have the 450 years to belong to the division of the Land, and not to the Judges: all which have been mistaken through the wrong reading of the words.

33. Others, both of antient and modern times, are very confident, that, all considered, the fault must fall upon that place of the Kings, which giveth but 480 years, to all that time that passed from the departure out of Aegypt to the founding of the Temple;* 1.128 and that, instead of 480, 580 was most anti∣ently written. For when any one place disagreeth with the whole series of History, clearly held out elsewhere, it is rather to be corrected in its number (which may easily be altered by a mistake of one word) than many places wrested to a compliance with it. Now all the times of the Anarchies, liberty, War, and servitude, of the Israelites laid together, without confusion of years

Page 51

(for which there is no ground at all), clearly hold out a hundred years more than this place of the Kings; and so exactly from the several particulars make it up, that it seemeth to take away all doubt. From the departure out of Egypt to Moses his death, intervened fourty years; thence to the begin∣ning of Othniel 34. whereof 26 are given to the Government of Joshua and the Elders, and eight to the servitude under Cushan. Then Othniel go∣verned fourty years, the oppression of the Moabites followed for eighteen. Ahud ruled 80. The Canaanites Tyrannized 20. Deborah and Barak go∣verned 40. the Madianites oppressed the Israelites 7. thence Gideon judged Israel 40. Abimelech reigned 3. Tolah 23. Jair 22. and then the Ammonites oppressed Israel 18. all which numbers amount to 385 years. After this Jephthah judged Israel 6 years, Ibzan 7. Elon 10. Abdon 8. the Philistins vexed Israel 40. and Heli ruled 40. which make up the summe of 111 years. Then Samuel and Saul governed 40 years (as will be seen), David also 40. and Solomon 3. before the foundation of the Temple was laid, which make up 83 years. Now all these numbers laid together amount exactly to 579 years, to which if the fourth year of Solomon be added wherein the Temple was founded, there ariseth the full number of 580.* 1.129 They perceive therefore it was not without reason that so many of the Ancients dissented from that place of the Kings, which might also be lyable enough to the carelesnesse of Scribes. According to this account, Students in History and Chronology are to take notice that a hundred years are to be added to the more ordinary Aera of the World.

34. In the dayes of Samuel, the Philistins grievously afflicted Israel,* 1.130 till such time as by his means, the people being turned to the Lord cast off their idols,* 1.131 and solemnly repented at Mizpah: Hereat God was pleased to spare them, and thundring upon the Philistins, when they were ready to joyn bat∣tel, discomfitted them utterly, & so terrified them that they forsook the Cities formerly seized on, leaving onely one Garrison in the Countrey; and no more afflicted the Children of Israel so long as Samuel had the chief power in his hands. When he grew old he made his sons Judges over the Land;* 1.132 who per∣verting Justice by bribery, the people thence gladly took occasion to desire a King, that in government they might be conformable to other Nations. Their most urgent reasons were, for that the Philistins yet kept an Hold in their Countrey,* 1.133 and Nahash the King of the Ammonites threatned them with War; at which they were so affrighted that neither trusting in God's provi∣dence (who hitherto had been their King,* 1.134 and avenger) nor to the Justice and prudence of Samuel, would they be satisfied, or put off without a King. God therefore gave unto them Saul the son of Kish of the Tribe of Ben∣jamin.* 1.135* 1.136

35. In the book of Samuel no certain years are either given to his own government, or to that of Saul, but it seemeth probable from Scripture that he governed about twenty years alone, from the death of Eli to the ele∣ction of Saul. For it is said,* 1.137 that the Ark of God abode in Kiriath-jearim twenty years; and that, the time being long, all the house of Israel lamented before the Lord at Mizpeh; which passages are joyned unto the serious ex∣hortation of Samuel to move them to repentance. So then the end of twen∣ty years, the exhortation, their repentance hereupon, and their moving for a King, with good reason seem to have been about the same time; so that 20. or 21 years and an half are to be given to his government, which began at Eli's death. Now Heli died when the Ark was taken; which staying se∣ven moneths in the Land of the Philistins was then sent away and came to Bethshemesh, where the inhabitants losing 50610 of their number, for their curiosity of looking into it, sent Messengers to those of Kiriath-jearim to fetch It unto them, with whom it remained twenty years; and these years the Israelites counted long.

36. Saul was first by Samuel privately anointed,* 1.138 and afterwards publick∣ly declared King at Mizpah. Not long after (a moneth it's thought) Jabesh-Gilead was besieged by Nahash,* 1.139 who refused to grant peace to the inhabi∣tants

Page 52

upon any other terms than to put out all their right eyes, and lay this for a reproach upon Israel. They desired truce but for seven dayes; in which space,* 1.140 if no relief came they promised to come out to him. But Saul, hearing of their distresse, got together an Army of 300000 of Israel, and 30000 of Judah, with which he easily overthrew the Ammonites, and raised the siege. Hereupon, at the procurement of Samuel, the people again met at Gilgall, where the Kingdom was established, and confirmed unto Saul: at which time Samuel, upbraiding them with their unthankfulnesse to God, and him, terrified them with Thunder and rain in Wheat Harvest; and again comforted them in the mercy of God. Saul having reigned two years,* 1.141 the Philistins again afflicted the Land, with whom he had sore War all the dayes of his life. He fought against his Enemies round about; against Moab, the Children of Ammon, Edom, and the Kings of Zobah: he smote the Amale∣kites, and delivered his people out of the hands of them that spoyled them. Yet, his heart not being upright before the Lord, God chose him out a man after his own heart, and rejected him and his family. This man was David,* 1.142 the youngest son of Jesse, of Bethlehem-Judah, whom Samuel was sent to anoynt some years before his own death, and more before that of Saul. In this space, Saul persecuted him from place to place; yet such ardent affe∣ction was there betwixt Jonathan his son and David, that the love of a King∣dom it self, joyned with the deep displeasure of a father, was nothing able to interrupt it.

37. The Apostle Paul declareth; that,* 1.143 after God had destroyed seven Na∣tions in the Land of Canaan, and divided their Land to them by Lot, he gave unto them Judges for the space of 150 years, untill Samuel the Prophet. And afterward, they desired a King, and God gave them Saul, the son of Kis, a man of the Tribe of Benjamin, by the space of fourty years. Some take the words as giving so many years to his reign alone; but by general consent the government of Samuel is to be included in them.* 1.144 Samuel seemeth to have died not long before Saul (two years it's supposed), at such time as Da∣vid was provoked by the churlishnesse of Nabal;* 1.145 and is said to have judged Israel all the dayes of his life. Hence is it certain that Saul reigned not alone all those fourty years, and probable that Samuel having governed alone for one half of them, had still an hand in the publick affairs of the Nation. At length Saul was overthrown in battel by the Philistins,* 1.146 and lost his three sons,* 1.147 Jonathan, Abinadab, and Melchisua. And he himself being sore wounded, after he could not prevail with his Armour-bearer to kill him, fell upon his own sword and died. His son Isbosheth, by the means of Abner Captain of his Host,* 1.148 succeeded him at the Age of fourty years;* 1.149 but the Tribe of Judah anointed David, King over them in Hebron, who had for∣merly been consecrated to this Office by Samuel: and he reigned over that Tribe alone, seven years and six moneths.* 1.150 Isbosheth is said to have reigned over Israel two years; which is to be interpreted, peaceably, and not di∣sturbed by War; as his father is said to have reigned one year,* 1.151 viz. unmo∣lested by the Philistins.

38. For, after these two years were expired, a long War insued betwixt David and him; his side growing weaker and weaker, as David's grew stronger and stronger: David to strengthen himself married Maacha, the daughter of Talma, King of Geshur, on which he begat Absolom and Tamar.* 1.152 At length Abner conceiving a displeasure against Ishbosheth, because he had reproved him for medling with his father's Concubine, revolted to David, and laboured to transfer the Kingdom to him; but coming to visite himabout this affair, he was treacherously slain by Joab, David's General, and Nephew by his sister Zerviah. All being out of order now in Israel; Baanah and Recab two Ben∣jamites, the servants of Ishbosheth, slew their Lord as he slept in his Chamber, and brought his head unto David.* 1.153 He rewarded them with death,* 1.154 and was by the Captains, and all the Elders of the Tribes, anointed the third time King at Hebron, over all Israel; which government he held 33 years.* 1.155 A little af∣ter this installment he took Jerusalem from the Jebusites, and made it the

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seat of his Kingdom; himself building and fortifying the Citie of Sion, and Joab repairing the rest. Then twice he overthrew the Philistins in Rephidim, who came up against him after they heard he was made King.* 1.156 The Ark of God he removed from Kiriath-Jearim, to the house of Obed Edom the Git∣tite, and thence after three moneths into Sion. He purposed to build God an house, but was forbidden (because a man of bloud) that work, which was to be reserved for Solomon. For besides his Wars in his younger time; all the space, betwixt this and the birth of Solomon, seemeth imployed in Wars; wherein he overcame the Philistins, Amalekites, Moabites, Am∣monites, Idumaeans, and Syrians. The Borders of his Empire he very much inlarged, not onely from Shihor of Egypt to the entring in of Hamath, but also as far as Euphrates, the utmost limits promised by God unto Abraham; and onely possessed by him, and his son and Successor Salomon.

* 1.15739. Salomon was the second son begotten on Bathsheba,* 1.158 the wife of Uriah the Hittite; with which woman David first committed Adultery, and then for a cover added to it the Murder of her husband. After he had been re∣proved by Nathan the Prophet he repented, and wrote the 51 Psalm upon this occasion.* 1.159 Yet the Infant conceived in Adultery, died as soon as it was born; and, though Salomon was born the next year (at it's thought),* 1.160 yet this sin escaped not without a further punishment. For, within awhile,* 1.161 his el∣dest son Amnon ravished his half-sister Tamar,* 1.162 and for that was killed by Ab∣salom. Some years after,* 1.163 Absalom by the advice and policy of Achitophel seized upon the Kingdom.* 1.164 David hereupon fled to God as his Rock of re∣fuge, and composed the 3d. and the 55th Psalms: then opposing force to force, overthrew Absolom in the Wood of Ephraim by Joab his General, who thrust the young man through with a Dart as he hung in an Oak, contrary to David's order, who had charged all the Captains to deal gently with him for his sake. This Rebellion was followed by a new sedition raised amongst the Israelites, by one Sheba upon this occasion;* 1.165 because they had not the chief hand above the Tribe of Judah,* 1.166 in bringing back the King to his house; but this was happily suppressed, after Joab had procured the inhabitants of Abel to cut off Sheba's head.

40. After these things, several battels insued with the Philistins,* 1.167 in one of which (the last wherein he was present) David hardly escaped the hands of Ishbi-benob, one of the sons of the Gyant; being rescued by Abishai his Nephew, who slew the Philistin. Not(c) 1.168 long after, tempted by Satan and his own ambition, he numbred the people: for which God being an∣gry proposed to him three sorts of punishments,* 1.169 viz. Famine, Sword,* 1.170 or Pestilence; as to which, he chose rather to fall into the hands of God then of man. Then God sent a Plague, whereby perished in one day 70000 men; but, as the Angel was also about to destroy Jerusalem he was commanded to desist. David at length having arrived at seventy years of Age, was so de∣cayed and spent by his many labours and troubles,* 1.171 that he could not receive any heat from Cloaths, and therefore a young maid, one Abisag,* 1.172 a Shuna∣mite was chosen out, to lye in his bosom. Adoniah his son taking advan∣tage at this infirmity, by the assistance of Joab the General, and Abiathar the Priest, seized upon the Kingdom.* 1.173 When he had notice thereof, according to the prediction of God, and his promise unto Bathsheba, he established Solo∣mon in his Throne, and having given him a charge,* 1.174 died about six moneths after, when he had reigned over Judah alone in Hebron seven years and six moneths, and in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah 33 years; in the year of the World (according to the vulgar way of reckoning without ta∣king in the 100 years formerly mentioned in the History of the Judges) 2985.* 1.175

41. David being dead and Solomon established in the Kingdom,* 1.176 Adonijah asked Abisag the Shunamite to wife, and for that was put to death,* 1.177 as affe∣cting the Soveraignty. Abiathar was removed from the Priesthood, and Zadok, of the Posterity of Phinehaz, placed in his room, as had been fore∣told by God, against the house of Eli, from which the Priesthood now retur∣ned;

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Joab for fear fled to the horns of the Altar, and there was slain by Be∣naiah, who was made Generall in his stead. Simei, who had cursed David when he fled from Absalon, was commanded to build him an house in Jeru∣salem, and not to stir thence beyond the Brook Kidron upon pain of death; which he after two years suffered, having broken the order.* 1.178 Solomon within a year after his Father's death, married the Daughter of Pharaoh; after which, offering 1000 burnt-offerings at Gibeon, where the Tabernacle then rested, God appeared to him in a dream, and offered him whatsoever he would ask. He asked onely wisdom to govern his people, and neither riches nor honour; with which God was so well pleased, that he made him to excell therein all meer men, and accumulated also the other upon him.

42. Having all things in a readinesse for building an house to the Lord,* 1.179 (for which David his Father had made large provisions) Vaphres King of Aegypt supplying him with 80000 Men, and Hiram King of Tyre with as many, besides an Architect named Hypero (whose Mother was an Israelitish Woman, of the Tribe of Judah); he laid the foundation of the Temple in the 4th year of his reign, and the second day of the second moneth Zif. The Structure being in building 7 years,* 1.180 the work began (according to their computation, who by reckoning the years of the Judges, and the oppressions severally, add 100 years to the Aera of the World) in the 3089th year from the Creation entering, was dedicated in the 3095th ending, and in the 587th year after the departure out of Aegypt, also ending; from which if we substract those 40 they lived in the Wildernesse, then 547 years will be found to have passed from the Originall of Jubilies to the Dedication of the Temple, which make up eleven Jubilies, and eight years.* 1.181 So the service therein began in the eighth year of the twelfth Jubilie, or in the first year of the second week of the twelfth, which seemeth agreeable to the Ceremoniall Law, wherein most things consist in the number of 7, and are reckoned by Sabbaticall years and Jubilies. And if we divide 3095 by 7, we shall find the Temple dedicated in the first year of the 442d week from the Creation, al∣most twelve intire Jubilies after the Service thereof had been first appointed on Mount Sinai.

* 1.18243. About the same time Solomon built a Navie at Esion-gaber,* 1.183 on the shoar of the Red Sea, in the Land of Edom. This furnishing with his own Subjects and the Tyrians (then, by reason of the situation of their Countrey, the best Sailors in the World) sent to him by Hiram, he dispatched to Ophir, once in three yeers, for gold and other marchandise, whence they brought him 420 talents. The Country of Edom, David had formerly sub∣dued, and thence Solomon his Son had the priviledge of building his Ships there. Aeleth or Eloth, called by other Writers Aelana and Aelanum, was then a famous City, seated upon the Arabian Gulf, to part whereof, ly∣ing about it, it gave appellation. As Esion-gaber was the Arcenall for buil∣ding the Navie; so this City seemeth to have been the Emporium or Mart-town: and, as long as the Edomites continued under the obedience of the Kingdom of Judah, it is probable, that thence Marchandise was transported to Petra, the chief City of Arabia, and so to Jerusalem. But when the Edomites revolted (which happened after the death of Jehosaphat) the course was altered from Jerusalem to Rhino colura, a City in Phoenicia upon Aegypt; and there continued long, till such time as the Ptolomie's with much adoe, brought down the trade to Alexandria. To effect this, they made two Ports upon the borders, whereof the one bare the name of Bere∣nice, and is mistaken by Josephus for Esion-gaber, that lying at a great di∣stance both from this and Elath, which seemeth to be the same place, menti∣oned in(d) 1.184 Strabo, by the name of* 1.185 Albus Pagus.

44. As this Navigation of the Tyrians gave a beginning to their Fame in that Art; so from it (as is probably conceived) came the name of the Red Sea, or that of Edom, first to be famous in other Countries. Their Traffick in∣creasing, they might well send out Colonies into other parts; and hence, as Herodotus writeth, the Sea-coast of Arabia might be inhabited by them; but

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as for their coming from these parts to inhabit Phoenicia (which opinion seem∣eth to have taken it's originall,* 1.186 from the journey of the Israelites out of these Coasts) it is a meer Fable. Sailing out of the Arabian into the Persian Gulf, the name of Red Sea might upon this occasion be given by them to both (which is usually to be expounded of both in antient Writers) the word Edom, being changed into others of the same signification in severall Languages. As for Ophir, if we think this Country denominated from the Son of Sem, (or him from it) either immediately by his habitation therein, or rather me∣diately by the Tyrians imposing that name upon it, which properly belonged to a place in Arabia; then need wee not seek for it in America, and feign strange circuits to have been made, from the Red Sea round about Africk to sail thither; as those, who place it in that part of the World, are for∣ced to do.

* 1.18745. Solomon after the dedication of the Temple, fortified Jerusalem with a treble wall, and repaired Hazron, the antient Metropolis of the Canaa∣nites; so did he Gaza of the Philistins: he built Bethoron, Gerar, and the Millo, or munition of Jerusalem. He also built Megiddo in Manasseh on this side Jordan, Balah in Dan, and Thadmor; which may be either Tha∣meron, in the Desart of Judaea, mentioned by Ptolomy, or Palmyra, as Jo∣sephus thinketh, situate in the Desart of Syria, on the borders of his Domi∣nions; which being many Ages after rebuilt by Adrian the Emperour, was named after him Adrianopolis. He built for himself in thirteen years time a Palace, and an house for his Wife the Daughter of Pharaoh. After this, he offered twenty Towns, bordering upon the Tribe of Asher, to Hiram King of Tyre, as a reward for the assistance he afforded him in his buildings; but he refusing them, he placed Colonies therein. And from his refusall the Country came to be called Cabul.

* 1.18846. In the later part of his reign, he fell into great incontinency,* 1.189 and thence became accessory to abhominable Idolatry. He loved many strange Women, as (together with the Daughter of Pharaoh) Women of the Moabites, Am∣monites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites: of the Nations, wherewith the Children of Israel were forbidden to marry. He had 700 Wives, and 300 Concubines, which turned his heart after other gods, so that he went af∣ter Ashtaroth the goddesse of the Sidonians, and Milcom the abhomination of the Amorites: he built an high-place for Chemosh the abhomination of Moab, in the hill before Jerusalem, for Molech the abhomination of the Children of Ammon; and so did he for all his strange Wives, which burnt incense, and sacrificed to their gods. This provoked the God of Israel, who had twice appeared to him; insomuch, that for his horrible ingratitude, he determined evil concerning his Kingdom, to be fulfilled in his Son. Yet have we ground to judge well of his eternall condition, seeing he made a re∣cantation of his former errors, and was used as a Pen-man of Scripture by the Holy Ghost.* 1.190 He dyed after he had reigned 40 years,* 1.191 being without pa∣rallel for Wisdom, Magnificence, and Humane Frailty. A. M. 3025.

Notes

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