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 ...

SECT. III. From the death of Solomon and the rent of the Kingdom, to the de∣struction of the Kingdom of Judah.

1. SOLOMON being dead, Rehoboam his Son, by Naama an Ammo∣nitish Woman, reigned in his stead. The Tribes, when they met at Sichem to make him King, petitioned for a relaxation of their burthens im∣posed by his Father; to which he answered so churlishly (despising the coun∣sel of the antient and grave Men), that ten Tribes revolted from him, and made King over them Jeroboam the Son of Nebat, who had fled into Aegypt for fear of Solomon, after that God's intentions came to be known

of giving him part of the Kingdom. With Rehoboam yet remained the two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and the greatest part of the Levites, who left their possessions and setled themselves in Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his Sons had cast them off from executing the Priest's Office. With the Tribe of Judah is also to be reckoned that of Simeon, whose pos∣sessions were within the Inheritance of Judah, for which that part of the di∣vision that fell to it was too much. Part also of the Danites had it's seat within that of Judah; for it appeareth that they had some Towns in the division of the Land, which formerly had been assigned to the Children of Judah, who (as hath been observed) had so large a Country at first assigned to them, rather to protect and defend, than solely to possesse it. All these still remained the Subjects of Rehoboam, though ten Tribes are said to have revolted, the Tribe of Dan being attributed to Jeroboam, for that Dan the chief City, was within his dominions; and because the Tribe of Manasseh being separated and divided into two parts, might be reckoned for two Tribes. The King∣dom thus divided, the Northern parts fell off; but the Southern continued in obedience to the Son of Solomon, whose successors henceforth are called Kings of Judah, as those of Jeroboam, Kings of Israel; and yet this di∣stinction is not alwaies observed, Jehosaphat being called King of Israel, and also Ahaz; though we know they were both Kings of Judah; of that divi∣sion onely.

2. Rehoboam purposed to make War upon the Tribes, but, admonished by God, gave over the enterprize of invading them with 180000 Men; although there was continuall War betwixt the two Kings all their dayes. The Priests and Levites that were driven into Judah, reteined it in the true religion three years; but when Rehoboam had established himself, he forsook the Law of the Lord, and all Israel with him, committing sins above all that their Fathers had done. They built them high-places, images, and groves on every high hill, and under every green tree: there were Sodomites in the Land, and they did according to the abhomination of those Nations, which the Lord cast out be∣fore the Children of Israel. Because of this, the fifth year of his reign, Shishak King of Aegypt (perhaps invited by Jeroboam, who had lived with him in exile) came up against him with 1200 Chariots, 60000 Horse-men, and innumerous people, out of Aegypt: the Lubims, Sukkiims and Aethi∣opians, with which he took garrisons in Judah, and pierced as far as Jerusa∣lem. Rehoboam, and his Princes humbling themselves at the preaching of Shemaiah, thereby obtained deliverance: which yet, was to be bought at an high rate. For Shishak took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the Kings house, with all the golden shields which Solomon had made, in the room of which Rehoboam put others of brasse. He died after he had reigned seventeen years.

3. Abiah his Son succeeded him, whose Mother is in one place(a) named Maachah the Daughter of Absalom, and in another(b) Micajah Daughter to Uriel of Gibeah. Some think she was the Daughter of Tamer, which might be married to this Uriel, and adopted by Absalom, who seemeth to have left no issue. He imitated the impiety of his Father; his heart not be∣ing perfect before the Lord his God, and yet God remembring the Cove∣nant made with David, brought him by a fatherly correction into order, and acknowledgement of his Soveraignty. He also warred with Jeroboam all his dayes, who coming up against him with 800000 Men, he joyned battell with him having but half so many, and yet trusting in God, obtained Victo∣ry, and killed 500000 Israelites, the greatest number we read to have fallen in one battel. He took from him Bethel, Jeskanah, and Ephraim, with their Towns; neither did Jeroboam recover his strength in his time. Abijah waxed mighty, married fourteen Wives, begat two and twenty Sons and fifteen Daughters. Yet he reigned but three years.

4. Asa his Son succeeded him in the 20th year of Jeroboam ending, and did that which was righteous in the sight of the Lord. He reformed what was amisse, commanding his Subjects to seek the God of their Fathers: in his

time the Land had rest ten years. In his 11^th year, according to Josephus, came Zerach the Aethiopian against him, with 1000000 Men, of Cashaeans (in∣habiting Arabia, where also Zerach his Aethiopia is onely to be found) and Labaeans, besides 300 Chariots. To those he opposed himself with 300000 of Judah, and 280000 of Benjamin; and, calling upon his God, obtained the Victory, which he prosecuted and got much bootie. Returnnig to Jeru∣salem, he was so wrought upon by the words of Azariah the Prophet, the Son of Oded, as together with his own Subjects and others, (that fell to him in abundance out of Israel) he sacrificed to, and made a Covenant with, God. Then proceeding in the reformation of his Kingdom, he removed Maaca his Grand-mother from her dignity, because she was the patronesse of Idola∣try. Baasa now who reigned in Israel, provoked with the revolt of his Sub∣jects, and jealous of the growing power of Asa, came up against him, and built Rama, in the 36^th year from the division, lest any should go in or out to him. Asa to divert him, hired Benhadad the King of Syria to invade Israel. This Ben-hadad was the Son of Tabrimmon, and Grand-son to Hez∣rin, or Rezin, the first King of Damascus, and from him the Sirname of Hadad descended upon his Posterity. He smote Jion, Dan, Bethmaach, all Civeroth, with the Land of Napthali, and constrained Baasa to leave off building Ramah. Asa then destroyed Ramah, and with the stones thereof built Seba and Mizpah; but was checked by God for not trusting in him, but putting his confidence in the King of Syria; and War for this was de∣nounced to be upon him all his dayes. Hereat he grew angry with the Seer that brought the message; and oppressed some of his people: and for this was punished with the Gout in his later dayes, for a remedy to which, he had re∣course to the Physitians, and not to God. So he died, in the 41 year of his reign.

5. Jehosaphat succeeded him, to a good Father a better Son. In his third year he sent the Levites throughout the Cities to teach the people, ha∣ving removed the Sodomites out of the Land. He married his Son Jehoram to Athaliah the Daughter of Ahab King of Israel, and in his 18^th year made him Vice-King. This affinity drew him down with Ahab to fight against Ramoth-Gilead, where Ahab received his death's wound, and he escaped narrowly with his life. For joyning himself with this wicked King, he was sorely chidden by Jehu the Prophet, the Son of Hanani; which so affected him, as he reformed his Subjects, travelling himself from Beersheba unto Mount Ephraim to accomplish it: he also constituted Judges, to whom he gave a pious and strict charge. After this the Moabites, Ammonites, and a great multitude of others invaded him; against which he first strove by Prayer to God, and thereby obtained Victory, his Enemies being so stricken with madnesse, that they fell upon, and slaughtered one another. After∣wards intending to send Ships for gold to Ophir; because he joyned with wic∣ked Ahaziah King of Israel, the Lord spoiled the works, and the Ships were broken at Esion-geber. Some think he made his Son Partner in the Kingdom it self, having formerly been but his Vicegerent, a year or two be∣fore he died. He reigned 25 years, or rather 24, with some odd months.

6. To Jehosaphat succeeded Joram being 32 years old, to the best Father the worst Son, who being established in his Seat, made away all his Brethren, and some of the Princes. In his dayes the Edomites, or Idumaeans, who hitherto, from the time of David, had been in subjection to the Kings of Judah, revolted. They had heretofore been governed by a Vice-Roy, chosen either out of themselves or the Jews; but now they made themselves a King; the Prophecie of Isaac, the common Progenitor of both Nations, being now fulfilled, that though Esau should serve his younger Brother Jacob, yet the time should come, when he should break the yoak from off his neck. At the same time Libnah (a City of the Priest's in the Tribe of Judah) re∣volted, because he had forsaken the God of his Fathers; for having married Ahab's Daughter, he followed the example of his house, making high-places in the Mountains of Iudah, and causing his Sujects to commit Idolatry

therein. Because of this, there came a Writing to him from the Prophet Eli∣jah, rebuking him for his sin, and foretelling his punishment. Elijah being before this taken up to Heaven, the Jews have believed that this Letter was sent down thence. Some think, there was another Prophet of this name; but most are inclined to believe, that foreseeing, before his assumption, the Idola∣try of this man, he left this Letter with his Schollers to be delivered to him in due time. According to the threatnings therein contained, God first stir∣red up against him the Philistins and Arabians, who making an invasion took away all his goods, his wives, and sons, except Jehoahaz the youngest, other∣wise called Ahaziah and Azariah. Afterwards God struck him with an incurable disease in his bowels, which after two years came out of his body; so that he miserably died, having reigned eight years; three whereof are to be reckoned in conjunction with his father. He was buried without honour at Jerusalem, not in the Sepulcher of Kings; not desired, missed, nor la∣mented.

7. Ahaziah his son succeeded him who followed the steps of his Grand-father, Ahab's wicked family, and became a Patron of Idolaters. But ha∣ving scarce reigned one year, he went down to Jezreel to visite his Uncle Joram, King of Israel, where they were both killed by Jehu; Joram being slain outright, and Ahaziah dying shortly after of his wound, at Megiddo. Athaliah his mother seized upon the Kingdom, wherein to establish her self, she destroyed all the Royal seed. Onely Jehosheba the daughter of Jo∣ram, and wife to Jehojada the High-Priest, withdrew Joash an infant, her brother's son, and hid him six years in the house of God. At the end of these years, Jehojada brought him out to the people, then seven years old, and an∣ointing him King, slew Athaliah, restored the worship of God, and de∣stroyed the house of Baal, whose Priest Matthan he slew before the Al∣tar.

8. Joas then succeeded his father after six years, who did what was good and just as long as Jehojada the Priest lived, and through his advice took care to repair the Temple, which now had stood 155 years. But Jehojada being dead (who lived 130 years; the Jews observing that he, the repairer of the Temple, was born the same year, that the builder thereof died) Idolatry brake out afresh through his connivance. The Prophets exclaimed against it in vain, especially Zacharias, the son and successor of Jehojada, against whom Joas was so far transported beyond the bound's of piety, & gratitude to his fa∣ther's memory, that he commanded him to be stoned, and that in the Court of the house of the Lord. Whil'st as he died, he said, The Lord look upon it and requite it. So he did; for after a years time, the forces of Hazael, King of Syria, though but small, invaded Judah, destroyed all the Princes of the people, and sent the spoyl to their King. Joas himself they left very sick of great diseases, but when they were departed from him, his own servants conspired against him for the bloud of the sons of Jehojada the Priest, and slew him on his bed, in the 40th year of his reign. A. M. 3160.

9. Amaziah his son succeeded him, who also seemeth to have reigned with him the three last years; seeing he is said to have begun his reign in the second year of Joas, King of Israel. When he was confirmed in his seat, he put those to death that slew his father, sparing their Children according to the Law of Moses. In his 12th year, he undertook an expedition against the Edomites with 300000 of his own Subjects, and 100000 Israelites, which he hired for 100 Talents of silver. But as he was about to begin his march a Prophet dehorted him from joyning to himself the Idolatrous Israelites, so that he dismissed them, and they returned home in great discontent. He pros∣pered against the Idumaeans, but the Souldiers (dismissed) fell upon his Cities, and smiting 300 of them, took much spoyl. Yet he at his return, to amend the matter, having brought home the gods of the Edomites, set them up to be his gods, bowed down before them, and burnt incense to them. The Lord being sore angry for this, sent first a Prophet to him whom he rejected. But burning with a desire to be revenged upon the Israelites he sent and defied

Joas their King, who admonished him to be well advised, but this being in vain, they met, and joyned battel, wherein Amaziah was taken, and led back to Jerusalem; the Wall of which Citie, Joas demolished 400 Cubits, and plundering the house of the Lord with the Kings house then departed. Fifteen years after, Amaziah lived; but then, having turned away from fol∣lowing the Lord, a conspiracy was made against him in Ierusalem; whence he fled to Lachish, and there was slain by the pursuers, after he had reigned 29 years.

10. He left a son named Uzziah and Azariah, who succeeded him; but being said to have begun his reign in the 27th year of Ieroboam, King of Is∣rael, an Inter-regnum of twelve years must needs have passed betwixt his father's death and his beginning; the Kingdom all this time having, perhaps, been governed by a Lieutenant, or the High-Priest. When he came to the Age of 16. all the people of Iudah took him, and made him King in the room of his father, and under him the State of Iudah much flourished. He fought prosperously against the Philistins and Arabians that dwelt in Gur-Baal, and Mehunims, or Minaeans, dwelling in Arabia the Happie upon the Red-Sea: the Ammonites sought to him with presents, and his name was great in those parts. About his 35th year was celebrated in Greece the first Olympiad, that great help to our understanding in the distinction of times. He invaded the Priests Office in Offering Sacrifice, and for that was strucken with Le∣prosie, which continued upon him till his death, living in an house by him∣self, and Iotham his son ordering the affairs of the Kingdom. He reigned 52 years.

11. Iotham his son succeeded him, who prevailed against the Ammonites, and forced them to pay Tribute two years. He became mighty, because he prepared his wayes before the Lord his God; he built the High-Gate of the Temple much on the Wall of Ophal; Moreover, Cities in the Mountains of Iudah, and in the Forrests thereof Castles and Towers. Under him, his Pre∣decessor, and his two Successors, prophesied Isaiah and Hosea: Micah began in his time; and Nahum also, according to Iosephus, prophesied the destru∣ction of Niniveh, which was fulfilled 115 years after; though others think the beginning of these years should rather be placed in the time of his son. He reigned sixteen years, and was succeeded by Ahaz his son, whose reign if it be compared with that of Pechah and Hosea, Kings of Israel, it will appear that he reigned seven, or eight years with his father. He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the wayes of the Kings of Israel: he made molten Images for Baalam, burnt Incense in the Valley of the son of Hinnom, burnt his Children in the fire, Sacrificed and burnt Incense in the high places, on the Hills, and under every green Tree. Because of this, God stirred up Pekah, King of Israel, and Rezin the son of Remaliah, King of Syria against him, who invaded his Kingdom, and did much hurt: Rezin got Elath, which Uzzias had recovered and built; the King of Israel gave him a grievous overthrow; the Edomites also afflicted him and the Philistins, whom Uzziah had brought under, made inroads upon him. Suspecting his Estate because of these things, he sent to Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria for help, presenting him with the Silver and Gold, which was found in the Temple.

12. Tiglath-Pileser accordingly came up, and taking Damascus, killed Rezin, in whom fell this Kingdom: which having continued ten Generations, and begun in a Rezin, ended in one of that name. Then turned he his Forces upon Pekah, transporting into Assyria the Inhabitants of Gilead and Naph∣thali, as formerly he had done those of Damascus. But Achaz, to procure those things, having made himself his Vassal, was yet never the better, re∣mained in great fear of him, and still continued in his wickednesse. He made his son Hezekiah for his three last years partner with him in the Kingdom, and at the end thereof died, having reigned together with his father, and by him∣self, 16 years. Hezekiah succeeding, opened the Temple which his father had shut, and reformed the abuses in Religion. He brake in pieces the brazen

Serpent, because the Superstitious multitude fancying some Divine vertue therein, gave it suitable Worship. He shook off the yoak of the King of As∣syria, refusing to pay Tribute; for which cause in his fourteenth year, Senache∣rib, being to make War upon Egypt, led part of his Forces into Judaea. Be∣sieging Lachish, Hezekiah bargained with him to depart; but he brake his promise, and sent Rabshakes with others to Jerusalem, who blaspheming God, and reproaching the King, laboured to draw the people from their obe∣dience, This being to no purpose, Rabshakes returned to him, who had now departed from Lachish, and besieged Libnah, a strong Citie of Judah; re∣moving still nearer Jerusalem, that he might seem to pursue what he had gi∣ven in charge to Rabshakes to denounce against Hezekiah.

13. But lying before Libnah, news came that Tirhakah, King of Aethio∣pia (who, as it seemeth, had entred into conspiracy with the Egyptian against him) was moving towards him; at which he was so terrified, that he brake up his siege, and departed homewards. Yet having a greedy mind towards Judaea, he sent a blasphemous Letter full of threats to Hezekiah; but he lost in one night by the stroak of an Angel 180000 men (as some think being on his way towards Jerusalem) and confounded hereat, returned to Niniveh, where he was slain by his two sons, Adramelech and Sharezer, as he was worship∣ping in the house of Misroch his God. In the time of these dangers, Heze∣kiah fell sick unto death, the sentence of which he received from Isaiah the Prophet. But by his prayers and tears he obtained a prolongation of life for fifteen years, and, in confirmation of the promise, the shadow of the degrees which was gone down in the Sun-dyal of Ahaz was brought ten degrees back∣ward; and it followeth, So the Sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down. As for this Sun-dyal it's thought that in those ancient times the knowledge of Dyals was scarce amongst the Hebrews. Yet is it possi∣ble that Achaz might have something of that nature, though imperfect, from the Babylonians, who were of old much given to Astrology, he being other∣wise too curious an admirer of forrein things as appeareth, in that he must needs have such an Altar made, and erected at Ierusalem as he had seen at Damascus. That the Sun went back, hath been generally believed: but one of late hath gone about to prove that the shadow was lyable to reduction, without retrocession of the great Luminary.

14. The knowledge of this miracle coming to the Babylonians (who by reason of their continual observation of the Heavenly bodies might have more occasion to take notice of it) Merodach-Baladan their King sent to Heze∣kiah to congratulate his recovery, desirous, it's likely, of his friendship whom he had understood to be so much in the favour of God; especially bearing no goodwill to the Assyrians. He in a vain ostentation of his Wealth shew'd the Ambassadours all his Treasures, and whatsoever was in his house; for which, Isaiah the Prophet denounced the carrying away of all these things to Baby∣lon. For the pride of his heart there was wrath upon him and Iudah; yet he humbled himself, both he and the inhabitants of Iudah, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in his dayes. He flourished in abundance of riches and honour, stopped the upper water-course of Gihon, and brought it streight down to the West-side of the Citie of David. He reigned 29 years (3 whereof were together with his father:) being dead, they buried him in the chiefest Sepulchers of the sons of David, and all Iudah, with the Inhabitants of Ierusalem, did him honour at his death.

15. Manasses his son succeeded him at the Age of twelve years, and there∣fore was begotten by him after his recovery. He did evil in the sight of the Lord above those Nations, which the Lord had cast out before Israel, being more Idolatrous then any of his Predecessors; he was also given to Witch∣craft and Divinations, built Altars for all the Host of heaven, which he ser∣ved in the two Courts of the house of the Lord, wherein he also set up an Image of the Grove which he had made. He filled Ierusalem with innocent bloud; amongst other Martyrs Isaiah the Prophet (as it's said) being sawn asunder with a wooden saw, because he was free with him in reproving his

ungodly life; although he was of the bloud royal as the son of Amos, the bro∣ther of King Amaziah, according to the tradition of the Jews, who also have related him to have been father-in-law, nay (as some) Grand-father by the Mothers side, to Manasses himself. In such wickednesse continued he for several years, till such time as God sent upon him the Captains of the King of Assyria (Esarchaddon some think) who took him lying hid amongst the thorns, and carried him bound with fetters unto Babylon, which City (as it appeareth from this place) was now again under the King of Assyria. Here having leisure and occasion to bethink himself, in his affliction he repented▪ was humbled greatly, and besought the Lord, who heard his Prayer, and re∣stored him to his Kingdom. After this, he knew that the Lord was God; and purged his Realm of Idolatry; which Reformation the Jews make to have been in the 33^th year before his death. He reigned 55 years.

16. Amon his Son succeeded him in his Kingdom, and Idolatry, but not in his Repentance, worshipping and sacrificing to all the carved Images which his Father had made, and going on to trespasse more and more. After two years, his servants conspired against him and slew him in his own house, all whom the people of the Land put to death, and made Iosiah his Son (a child of eight years old) King in his stead. He in the eighth year of his reign began to seek after the God of his Fathers, and in his twelfth to cleanse his King∣dom, and all the Land of Israel, from Idolatry: although the greatest part of the later, was now subject to the King of Assyria. In the 18^th year of his reign and of his age the 26^th, he commanded the Temple to be repaired, and the Worship of God therein restored: where also finding a Book of the Law, he renewed the Covenant between God and the people, and celebrated such a solemn Passeover, as had not been kept in Israel since the time of the Judges. Now if the time of the Judges, and the Oppressions, be not con∣founded, but taken at their full length; then this year being the 9••0^th end∣ing, or the 931^th beginning, from the entering into Canaan, was the 7^th of the 133 week, or the last of the 19^th Jubilie. Iosiah in his 31^th year ending, disguised himself that he might fight with Necho King of Aegypt (who was going up against the Assyrian) and would not hearken to his words from the mouth of God, labouring with him to refuse fighting against the Lord, who had sent him, and commanded him to make haste. Therefore joyning battell with him in the Valley of Megiddo, he was sore wounded, and being carried to Ierusalem, died there; all Iudah and Ierusalem, mourning and making great lamentation for him.

17. Whilst Pharaoh was busie in his affairs against the Assyrians, the peo∣ple made Jehoahaz the younger Son of Josias, King; who continued but three moneths in the dignity. For Pharaoh having finished his work at Euphrates, and in Coelesyria, came to Jerusalem, whence he led away into Aegypt this young King, and left his elder Brother Eliakim in his place, whose name he changed into Jehoiakim, imposing a taxe of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold upon the Land. Though Jeoahaz be said to have reigned three moneths, yet some will have a year to have passed betwixt the 31 year of Josias, and the first of Jehoiakim; partly for that Josias seemeth to have reigned something more than 31 years, and some space would be ta∣ken up in so solemn a mourning for him, before the instalment of Jehoahaz; and also to consult about this thing, seeing it was against right and custom to give this honour to the younger Brother: lastly some time (perhaps some moneths) was requisite for setling the affairs of Judaea, about the instalment of Jehoiakim, and the tribute. Ludovicus Cappellus moreover, giveth a whole year to Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim (though the Scripture speaketh but of three moneths a piece) that the last year of Zedekiah might fall into the 390^th year from the rent of the Kingdom; of which more, when we arrive at that time.

18. Jehoiakim thus advanced by Pharaoh Necho, was 25 years old when he began to reign; which if so, he was born in the fifteenth year of his Fa∣ther's age; as, if Jehoahaz was 23 when he began his reign, he must also

have been born in the sixteenth of Josiah. This maketh Josiah to have ap∣plied himself to procreation of children at least in the fourteenth year of his life; which seeming too early, and not agreeable to the Piety of that Prince, there are that suspect for 25, ought to be read 15, and 13 for 23; so that the one might be born in the 24 and the other in the 25 year of his Father: But thereis no necessity for such a reading of the Text. The fourth year of Jehoiakim fell in with the first of Nebuchadnezar King of Babylon, and was the 23^th from the 13^th of the reign of Josias, wherein Jeremiah the Prophet first be∣gan to prophesy; and hence it also appeareth, that Iosias reigned at least full 31 years, and that one passed between his death and the beginning of Iehoia∣kim, else 23 onely had passed betwixt the 13^th of the one, and the 4^th of the other. In this year Pharaoh Necho fell upon the Babylonians with War, because, as it seemeth, they had sollicited Iehoiakim his Tributary to revolt, and fought against Nebuchadnezar at Carchemish near Euphrates, (by the Greek and Latin Writers called Cercusium); in which battell he was over∣thrown and slain.

19. After this Victory, came Nebuchadnezar to Ierusalem, where he either took Iehoiakim captive to lead him to Babylon, or at least made him his tributary Vassall. Some account this year, as the beginning of the reign of Nebuchadnezar, so of the Captivity of Iudah, and the desolation of that Country, because that Ieremiah, having spoken first of the 13 years, in which he and the other Prophets had warned the people to no purpose, after∣wards addeth, that God would send Nebuchadnezar his Servant against the Land, which should be a desolation and an astonishment, and that these Na∣tions should serve the King of Babylon 70 years. But the Prophecy of Daniel beginneth thus: In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim King of Judah, came Nebuchadnezar King of Babylon to Jerusalem, and besieged it: and the Lord gave Jehoiakim King of Judah into his hand, with part of the Ves∣sels of the House of God, which he caried into the Land of Shinar, to the house of his God. This place seeming to contradict the other; some have cho∣sen to close with the literall sense of it, and to hold, that in the third year of Iehoiakim, began the Captivity of the Jews. Others see more reason to stick to the other place, and, to take away all difference, interpret this third year of the third of the Sabbaticall year, or the week of years, and thus would read it, In the third year, Jehoiakim the King of Judah reigning, came Nebuchadnezar King of Babylon unto Jerusalem, &c. But the Jews with some modern Writers understand by this third year, the third of the rebellion of Jehoiakim, against whom Nebuchadnezar coming, about the end of the fifth year of his reign, made him his Tributary, and so he continued three years; viz. the 6, 7, and 8^th of his reign. Afterwards, changing his mind, he rebelled in the beginning of his 9^th year, and so continued for three years in rebellion, which being expired, in the end of his 11^th, Nebuchadnezar took Ierusalem, and caried him Captive to Babylon, with part of the holy Vessels, and others of the Royall and Princely Race, amongst whom was Daniel; and so the Captivity of Seventy years began not till this year.

20. That this third year cannot be understood of the third of Iehoiakim's reign, is clear from Ieremiah, who joyneth his fourth with the first of Nebuchad∣nezar; and because elsewhere is made mention of his fifth: whence is ap∣rarent, that he could not be led Captive in his third year. The second opi∣nion indeed is not amisse; for this was really the third year of the week or the third from the Sabbaticall year. For, the 18^th of Iosiah, in which the Passeover was celebrated, being the last year of the 19^th Jubilie, and so the Sabbaticall year; from that to the 11^th ending of Iehoiakim, or the 12^th be∣ginning, are counted 31 years: viz. four weeks and three odd years; this being usuall with the Pen-men of holy Story, to count their times by Sabba∣ticall years or Jubilies. Iacobus Cappellus would have Nebuchadnezar, at the command of Nabopolasser his Father, to have come into Iudaea in the second year of the reign of Iehoiakim, who then sware fealty to him; but in the third year rebelled: whence Nebuchadnezar came down again in his fifth

year, and took him Captive. Then will he have him to have set Shallum over the Kingdom, till Ieconias his Son, an Infant of a year old, should come to age; but Iehoiakim himself there lived miserably in Captivity, till the 11^th year, reckoned from his first being made King by Necho. He being then dead, and news of it brought to Ierusalem, they there made his Son Iehoiakim King in his stead. And he beginneth the Seventy years of the Captivity in his fifth year, when he will have him caried to Babylon.

21. But Ludovicus Cappellus his Brother replyeth, that in no place is there any mention made of Nebuchadnezar's coming up against him in the second year of his reign, the place thought to make for the purpose, ha∣ving as much respect to the fifth as the second year. And as little mention is there any where made of Iehoiakim's six years of Captivity, who if he had died at Babylon, the Scripture would never have attributed to him the reign of eleven years, but onely so many as he really reigned, viz. 5. The rest, it would either have given to Shallum the pretended Viceroy, or to Iehoiakim his Son; it being a thing improbable, that the name should be preserved for Ie∣hoiakim, whilst Sallum indeed reigned: Besides, the Babylonian King ob∣served no such matter afterward in Iehoiakim, whom taking away he really made King Zedekiah, without the title of Vice-Roy or Lievtenant. Nay, though Jehoiakim lived long at Babylon, and, after the death of Nebuchad∣nezar, being loosed out of bonds, was honoured and esteemed by Evilmero∣dach above any of his condition (and therein excelled Jehoiakim, if he lived there so long); yet is there no more time given to his reign, than that wherein he onely continued in his principality. As for the Regencie of Shallum, it is a meer invention, there being no other according to the Jews, then Jehoa∣haz, who was also called by that name. For in the place thought to make this out, they are bidden not to weep for the dead (viz. Iosias) but for him that goeth away (Iehoahaz taken away by Necho) for he should return no more into his Native Country.

22. Iehoiakim therefore being taken to be led away Captive, in the third year of his rebellion and the 11th of his reign, died ere he went (as we may suppose) and was cast out or buried, according to the Prophecy of Ieremiah, who had foretold he should be buried with the buriall of an Asse; being cast forth beyond the gates of Ierusalem, in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost, which could be done by none, except the barbarous Babylonians. After his death, the Conquerour placed in his stead Jehoiakim his Son, cal∣led also Conias and Jechonias, who did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his Father before him, and Nebuchadnezar, it semeeth repenting of what he had done, lest he should be drawn from his obedience, by the example of his Fa∣ther, and the perswasions of those about him, sent his Army before him, (about a year after his former expedition) to besiege Jerusalem. When he himself came to the Siege, Jehoiachim came out to him with his Mother and Servants, and yielded his person in the eighth year of Nebuchadnezar ending. Then the Babylonian entring Jerusalem, took away the Treasures found in the house of the Lord, and the Kings house, brake all the golden instruments which Solomon had made for the Temple, and so caried Iehoiakim with his Mother, Wives, and Servants unto Babylon. Besides those, he transported all the best sort of the people from Ierusalem, with the ablest and strongest for War from other places, in which number was(e) Ezekiel the Priest, the Son of Ruzi▪ Iehoiakim in(f) one place is said to have been eighteen years old, when he began to reign, but in another(g) onely eight. A fault must needs be in the reading of one place of the two, which may best be laid upon the former. For if Iehoiakim his Father was 15 years old when he began to reign, (as some will have it) then was he born to him in the 18^th year of his age, be∣ing otherwise (according to this tenent) absurdly made to have been begot in his 7 or 8^th year.

23. Nebuchadnezar made King over the Jews that remained, Mattaniah the Son of Iosiah, from whom he received an oath of homage, and thereupon changed his name into Zedekiah. He trode in the steps of his Brothers and

Nephews, the people also being with him incorrigible. He rebelled against Nebuchadnezar, taking part with the King of Egypt, who maintained a quar∣rel with him, & therefore the Babylonian came up in the 9th year after his e∣stablishment, took all the Cities of Iudaea, except Ierusalem, Lachish, and A∣z••ka, which he also besieged. The year following Pharaoh came with an Ar∣my to his assistance, which Nebuchadnezar understanding went to meet him, and he thereupon afraid to ingage, retreated into his own Land. Nebuchad∣nezar then returning sate down again before Ierusalem, wherein famine at length prevailing, and Zedekiah still refusing to yield, though Ieremiah con∣stantly advised him to do it, in the end of his 11th year, and the first day of the moneth it was broken into, by the Caldaeans. Zedekiah flying, was over∣taken, and brought to Riblah: where he first saw his Children and Friends slain; and then, having his eyes put out, was carried to Babylon, where he miserably ended his dayes.

24. On the seventh day of the fifth moneth, in the 19^th year of Nebu∣chadnezar came Nebuzaradan, Captain of his Guard, and, having got all things ready in two dayes, set the King's House, with the Temple, and the rest of the buildings in the Citie on fire. The same moneth all the Walls were demolished; they that remained in the Citie, with those which before had revolted, and the rest of the people, together with the Treasures of the King and Princes, and the Utensils of the house of the Lord, did Nabuza∣radan carry to Babylon. So went Iudah into Captivity in the 12th year af∣ter the death of Iehojakim, 390 after the death of Salomon and the Rent of the Kingdom (which the Prophet Ezekiel was commanded to represent by sleeping so many nights upon his left side, the iniquity of the Children of Israel having from that time abounded) to which the two years being added wherein the Captivity was compleated at the death of Gedaliah, and eight Jubilies are therein contained; 490 from the beginning of Saul; so that the Kingdom of Iudah continued 10 Jubilies, or 70 weeks of years, so many as are given by Daniel to the Commenwealth of the Iews, from its restitution to the Messiah: From the building of the Temple 420. which therefore stood eight Jubilies, with four weeks, or in all sixty weeks of years; from the entrance into Canaan 967. as Ludovicus Cappellus reckoneth, containing 138 weeks; from the departure out of Egypt 1007. during which time Sa∣tan was as it were bound, and Gods people were free: Lastly, from the be∣ginning of the World 3515. which make 502 weeks, and 71 Jubilies with five weeks of years. The concurrence of all these Accounts do mightily con∣firm the Discoverer in his opinion of their realitie.

25. Jeremiah the Prophet had leave, either to go to Babylon, there to live honourably, or to stay with the small remnant that were left in the Land. The later of those he accepted, and went to Gedaliah, who being ap∣pointed Governour kindly imbraced him, and gave encouragement to all the Jews left under his charge, promising them favour and liberty, so long as they remained obedient Subjects to the King of Babylon: But ere the year went about, one Ismael, a Prince of the bloud, who during the War had kept himself out of the way with Baalis King of the Ammonites, slew Goda∣liah whil'st he lovingly feasted him at Maspha, with others, both Jews and Caldaeans in his Company. The residue then of the Jews being without a Governour, and fearing the revenge of their Lords and Masters, were minded to fly into Egypt, and caused the Prophet to inquire of the Lord for them. Jeremiah answered, that if they would remain in Judaea, God would merci∣fully provide for them; but if they offered to save themselves in Egypt, they should undoubtedly perish. They, notwithstanding this warning, went down and constrained him, with Barach, to accompany them, where, by the leave of Pharoh, they inhabited near Tahpanes. Here the Prophet often repre∣hending them for their Idolatry, and foretelling both their destruction, and the ruin of those that harboured them, was by their wretched and ingratefull hands stoned to death; but is said to have been exceedingly honoured by the Egyptians, so that Alexander the Great translated his bones into Alex∣andria.

In the 23th year of Nebuchadnesar (who then besieged Tyre) Ne∣buzaradan, Captain of his Guard carried away the reliques of the Jews and Israelites, to the number of 745. which was the last deportation. And the Prophecies both of(h) Jeremiah and(i) Ezekiel confirm us in this belief, that the Jews in Egypt, after Nebuchadnesar had subdued that Countrey, were partly slain, and partly carried away Captive to their own Countrey∣men with the Natives, being nothing reformed by the forme•• punishments inflicted either upon themselves, or their Nation.

Notes

• 1 Kings 12.
• Ten Tribes fall off from Rehoboam.
• 2 Chron. 11. Ver. 13, 14.
• 2 Chron. 11. v. 13, 14.
• Josh. 19.9.
• 2 Chron. 31.2. & 28.19.
• 1 King. 12.14.
• He and his Subjects re∣bel against God.
• Afflicted, they humble them∣selves, and are delivered.
• Abiah.
• (a)

  2 Chron. 11.20.
• (b)

  Chap. 13.2.
• A. M. 3043.
• 1 Kings 15.
• Asa.

  A. M. 3046.
• 1 Kings 15. & 2 Chron. 14.15, 16. Chap.
• Jehosaphat.
• 1 Kings 22. A. M. 3087.
• 2 Chron. 19, 20, 21. chap.
• Joram.
• 2 Chron. 21. A. M. 3109.
• Gen. 27.40.
• 2 Chron. 21. vers. 12.
• Ahaziah. A. M. 3116.
• 2 Kings 8. & 2 Chron. 22.
• 2 Kings 9.
• Athaliah usur∣peth.
• Chap. 11. 2 Chron. 24.
• Joas.
• 2 Kings 12. A. M. 3122.
• Chap. 14.
• 2 Chron. 25. A. M. 3160.
• Uzziah.
• 2 Kings 15.
• 2 Chron. 26.
• A. M. 3201.
• Jotham.
• 2 Chron. 27.
• A. M. 3253.
• Olymp. 5. an. 4.
• A. M. 3269. Olymp. 9. an. 2. 2 Kings 16. 2 Chron. 28.
• Ahaz.
• Nicol. Damas∣cenus apud Io∣sephum An∣tiq. l. 7. c. 6.
• Hezekiah.
• A. M. 3276. Olymp. 12. an. 3.
• 2 Kings 18. 2 Chron. 29. &c.
• Esay 38.8.
• The Sun re∣turneth ten degrees back∣ward.
• Gregory, of Oxford.
• 2 Chron. 32.31.
• Manasses.
• 2 Kings 21. 2 Chron. 33. A. M. 3304. Olymp. 19. an. 4.
• Amon.
• A. M. 3359. Olymp. 33. an. 4.
• Chap. 34.
• Josiah.
• 2 Kings 23. 2 Chron. 35. A. M. 3368. Olymp. 35. an. 4.
• Jehoahaz.
• 2 Chron. 36. A. M. 3392. Olymp. 41. an. 4.
• Jehoiakim.
• Ierem. 25 1▪ & 3.
• Chap. 8.
• Pharaoh Necho slain.
• A. M. 3396. Olymp. 42. an. 4.
• Chap. 25.9. & 11.
• The begin∣ning of the Seventy years of Captivity, which is va∣riously assign∣ed.
• Ad. A. M. 3391 & 3392.
• 2 Kings 24 1.
• Ierem. 22.11. Consule Ludov. Cappellum Chronol. Sacr. p. 202.
• Chap. 22.18, 19. & 36.30.
• 2 Chron. 36. 2 Kings 23. A. M. 3404. Olymp. 44. an. 4. Nebuchad. 8.
• Jehoiakim.
• (e)

  Ezek. 1.2, 3.
• (f)

  2 Kings 24.8.
• (g)

  2 Chron. 36.9.
• Zedekiah.
• 2 Kings 25.
• Zedekiah ta∣ken.
• Jerem. 39.
• Jerusalem and the Temple burnt.
• A. M. 34••5. Olymp. 48. an. 4.

  Nebuchad. 9.
• Ezek. 4.5.
• Chap. 40.
• Chap. 41.
• Godaliah, the Governour slain.
• Chap. 42.43. &c.
• The Jews constrain Je∣remiah to go down with them into Ae∣gypt, where they stone him.
• Xonaras Tomo 1. Ter∣tullian in Scorpiaco. cap. 10. Jerem.
• SECT. 4.
• Jerem. 52.
• (h)

  Chap. 43.44, 46.
• (i)

  Chap. 29.30, 31.
• The last de∣portation.