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Selections From Josephus

Flavius Josephus

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Selections From Josephus

Selections From Josephus

Introduction 9 Selections 33 I. AUTOBIOGRAPHY (1) The Boy among the Doctors. His Education ( V. ) 33 (2) A Shipwreck on the Voyage to Rome. Eve of the War ( V. ) 34 (3) The Jewish War and its Reception. Criticism of a Rival Historian ( Justus ) ( V. ) 35 (4) After the War. Josephus as Roman Citizen ( V. ) 37 II. SPECIMENS OF AMPLIFICATION OF THE BIBLICAL NARRATIVE (5) Moses, the Infant Prodigy, introduced to Pharaoh ( A. II) 40 (6) Exorcism in the Name of Solomon ( A. VIII) 41 (7) Micaiah and Ze

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ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATIONS

The Jewish Antiquities Ant. or A. The Jewish War ( Bellum Judaicum ) B.J. or B. The Treatise Against Apion Ap. The Life Vita or V. Schürer, Jewish People in the Time of Jesus Christ ( JPTC ) circa (“about” of dates) c. References, e.g. Ant. XVII. 6.5 f. (171-181). The figures 6.5 f. refer to the older division, found in all editions (Niese’s included), of the books into sections (6 or vi) and subsections (5 and following subsection). The bracketed figures (171-181) indicate the smaller divisions

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Life

Life

Josephus, son of Matthias the priest, and on his mother’s side claiming descent from the royal Hasmonæan house—or Flavius Josephus, to give him the name which he adopted out of gratitude to his Imperial patrons—was born in the first year of the Emperor Caligula, A.D. 37-38. St. Paul’s conversion had probably taken place a few years earlier. [1] His life of upwards of sixty years falls into two nearly equal parts, spent respectively in Palestine and in Rome. The Palestinian portion, again, is sha

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Works

Works

During the leisure of his life in Rome Josephus composed the four works which, owing largely, no doubt, to their popularity with early Christian writers, have survived entire: the Jewish War (7 books), the Jewish Antiquities (20 books), the Life and the treatise Against Apion (2 books). There is no adequate ground for thinking that he published anything further. (i) The Jewish War . This, the earliest of the works, was, in its present Greek form, finished in the latter half of Vespasian’s reign,

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The Man and the Historian. Importance of his Work[22]

The Man and the Historian. Importance of his Work[22]

The personal character of Josephus and his credibility as a historian have been often impugned, more especially by his own compatriots. Edersheim’s article in the Dictionary of Christian Biography (where our author finds himself in strange company), while not lacking in appreciation of his merits, displays some of this rancour, though not in its more virulent form. He has been denounced as traitor and renegade, as a flatterer of the Romans and one whose statements must always be regarded with su

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Texts and Translations

Texts and Translations

The literature on Josephus is immense. It will suffice here to mention two standard editions of the Greek text and two English translations. Older editions have been practically supplanted by the great critical edition of B. Niese in seven volumes, including a full critical apparatus and introductions on the MSS (Berlin 1887-1895). It cannot be said that Niese has established a final text; he seems to err in placing too great reliance on a single class of MSS, with the result that the true readi

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(1) The Boy among the Doctors. His Education

(1) The Boy among the Doctors. His Education

I was brought up with Matthias, my own brother by both parents, and made great progress in my education, gaining a reputation for an excellent memory and understanding. | A.D. 51-2 | While still a mere boy, about fourteen years old, I won universal applause for my love of letters; insomuch that the chief priests and the leading men of the city used constantly to meet in order to obtain from me more accurate information on some particular in our legal institutions. | A.D. 53-4 | At about the age

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(2) A Shipwreck on the Voyage to Rome. The Eve of the War

(2) A Shipwreck on the Voyage to Rome. The Eve of the War

Josephus meets with the same fate as St. Paul within a few years of the event so graphically described in Acts xxvii. Soon after I had completed my twenty-sixth year it fell to my lot to go up to Rome for a reason which I will proceed to relate. At the time when Felix was procurator of Judæa, certain priests of my acquaintance, very excellent men, were on a slight and trifling charge sent by him in bonds to Rome to render an account to Cæsar. [65] I was anxious to discover some means of deliveri

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(3) The “Jewish War” and its Reception. Criticism of a rival Historian (Justus)

(3) The “Jewish War” and its Reception. Criticism of a rival Historian (Justus)

I cannot but wonder at your impudence in daring to assert that your narrative is to be preferred to that of all who have written on this subject, when you neither knew what happened in Galilee—for you were then at Berytus [67] with the king [68] —nor acquainted yourself with [69] all that the Romans endured or inflicted upon us at the siege of Jotapata; nor was it in your power to ascertain the part which I myself played in the siege, since all possible informants perished in that conflict. Perh

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(4) After the War. Josephus as Roman Citizen

(4) After the War. Josephus as Roman Citizen

After the siege of Jotapata I was in the hands of the Romans and was kept under guard, while receiving every attention. Vespasian showed in many ways the honour in which he held me, and it was by his command that I married one of the women taken captive at Cæsarea, a virgin and a native of that place. She did not, however, remain long with me, for she left me on my obtaining my release and accompanying Vespasian to Alexandria. There I married again. From Alexandria I was sent | A.D. 70 | with Ti

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(5) Moses, the Infant Prodigy, introduced to Pharaoh

(5) Moses, the Infant Prodigy, introduced to Pharaoh

For Moses’ beauty, cf. Acts vii. 20. The name of Pharaoh’s daughter, Thermuthis, occurs also in the Book of Jubilees (xlvii. 5, Tharmuth); elsewhere she is called Bithiah (cf. 1 Chron. iv. 18). For Rabbinical parallels, see art. “Moses” in the Jewish Encyclopædia . When he was three years old, God added wondrously to his stature; and there was no one so lost to an appreciation of beauty as, on seeing Moses, not to be amazed at his comeliness. It often happened that persons meeting him as he was

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(6) Exorcism in the name of Solomon

(6) Exorcism in the name of Solomon

“By whom do your sons cast them out?” God also enabled Solomon, for man’s benefit and cure, to learn the art of encountering devils. He both composed charms for the alleviation of diseases and also left behind him certain methods of exorcism, by which the poor prisoners [77] may expel the devils so that they never return. This treatment even to this day is of the greatest efficacy among the Jews. I have myself witnessed one of my countrymen, a certain Eleazar, in the presence of Vespasian and hi

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(7) Micaiah and Zedekiah prophesy before Ahab

(7) Micaiah and Zedekiah prophesy before Ahab

Cf. 1 Kings xxii. With the alleged discrepancy between prophecies of Elijah and Micaiah, cf. Jos. Ant. X. 7. 2 (106 f.) for seeming inconsistency between Jeremiah and Ezekiel which led King Zedekiah to disbelieve both. So Ahab summoned his own prophets, in number about four hundred, and bade them enquire of God whether, if he led his forces against Ader, [81] He would grant him victory and enable him to overthrow the city [82] which was his objective in going to war. The prophets advised him to

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(8) Loss of Jewish Independence. Palestinian Settlement under Pompey

(8) Loss of Jewish Independence. Palestinian Settlement under Pompey

The quarrels between the brothers Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II bring about the intervention of Rome in Palestinian affairs. Pompey takes Jerusalem, and Syria becomes a Roman province. | 63 B.C. | See Map 40 in the Hist. Atlas of Holy Land of G. A. Smith and J. G. Bartholomew. The sanctuary, which hitherto had been inaccessible and screened from view, suffered gross outrage. Pompey, with several of his staff, penetrated into the inner court and saw things which it was unlawful for any save the

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(9) Division of the Country into Five Districts by Gabinius

(9) Division of the Country into Five Districts by Gabinius

Gabinius completes Pompey’s work in the settlement of the province of Syria. After this Gabinius reinstated Hyrcanus in Jerusalem and committed to him the custody of the Temple. The civil administration he reconstituted under the form of an aristocracy. He divided the whole nation into five unions; [92] one of these he attached to Jerusalem, another to Gadara, the third had Amathus as its centre of government, the fourth was allotted to Jericho, the fifth to Sepphoris, a city of Galilee. The Jew

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(10) Settlement under Julius Cæsar

(10) Settlement under Julius Cæsar

In due course Cæsar concluded the war [93] and set sail for Syria. There he confirmed the appointment of Hyrcanus to the high priesthood, while he bestowed high honours on Antipater—the privilege of Roman citizenship with exemption from taxation everywhere.... Cæsar then appointed Hyrcanus high priest and Antipater civil governor, allowing him to select his own title. Antipater leaving the decision to him, Cæsar made him viceroy [94] of Judæa. He further permitted Hyrcanus, at his request, to re

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(11) The Youth Herod frees Galilee from the Brigands

(11) The Youth Herod frees Galilee from the Brigands

Antipater, when he saw that Hyrcanus was of an inert and sluggish disposition, put his eldest son Phasael in command of Jerusalem and the surrounding district, and committed Galilee to his second son, Herod, then a mere stripling; he was but fifteen [96] years old. Still his youth was no hindrance to him, and, being a lad of high spirit, he at once met with an opportunity for the display of his quality. Finding that one Ezekias, the captain of a band of brigands, with a large horde, was overrunn

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(12) Herod on his Trial before the Sanhedrin

(12) Herod on his Trial before the Sanhedrin

But the principal Jews, when they saw Antipater and his sons growing so great through the good-will of the nation and the revenues which they derived from Judæa and from the wealth of Hyrcanus, became ill-disposed to him. For Antipater had made an alliance with the Roman Emperors and had induced Hyrcanus to send them money; he then appropriated this money and despatched it as a gift from himself and not from Hyrcanus. Hyrcanus, when the matter came to his ears, was indifferent. Not so the Jewish

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(13) Herod and Cassius. Murder of Antipater, Herod’s Father

(13) Herod and Cassius. Murder of Antipater, Herod’s Father

After the death of Julius Cæsar, when civil war was impending, Cassius came to Syria and exacted heavy taxes, in the collection of which he was assisted by Antipater and his sons. Malichus had plotted against Antipater; Antipater had pardoned him, and had also saved his life when he was in danger from the Romans. In saving Malichus, however, Antipater, as the event proved, had saved his own murderer. For Cassius and Murcus [100] collected an army and entrusted the entire charge of it to Herod, a

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(14) Antony makes Herod and Phasael Tetrarchs of Judæa

(14) Antony makes Herod and Phasael Tetrarchs of Judæa

See the Historical Atlas of Smith and Bartholomew, Map 41. After the death of Cassius at Philippi, the victors departed, Cæsar going to Italy, Antony to Asia. Embassies from the | c. 41 B.C. | various states waited upon Antony in Bithynia, and among them came the Jewish leaders, who accused Phasael and Herod of usurping the government and leaving to Hyrcanus merely titular honours. Herod thereupon appeared and by large bribes so wrought upon Antony that he refused his adversaries a hearing. So f

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(15) How Herod won his Kingdom

(15) How Herod won his Kingdom

Herod, forced to flee from Palestine by a great invasion of Parthians, who reinstate Antigonus, son of Aristobulus, as King of Judæa, arrives a suppliant at Rome in mid-winter. Antony commiserated the reversal of Herod’s fate. The trite reflection arose in his mind that even those in the highest rank are at the mercy of fortune. He was moved partly by the memory of Antipater’s hospitality, [103] partly by Herod’s promise, as on a former occasion when he was made tetrarch, to give him money if he

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(16) How Herod made his peace with Augustus (after the Battle of Actium)

(16) How Herod made his peace with Augustus (after the Battle of Actium)

Herod was soon filled with anxiety about the security of his position. He was Antony’s friend, and Antony had been defeated by | 31 B.C. | Cæsar [105] at Actium. His fears, however, proved worse than his fate; for Cæsar considered his victory to be incomplete so long as Herod remained Antony’s ally. | 30 B.C. | The king resolved to confront the danger and set sail for Rhodes, where Cæsar was then stationed. He presented himself before him without a diadem, a commoner in dress and demeanour, but

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(17) Herod and Mariamne

(17) Herod and Mariamne

But Fortune, in revenge for his successes in the field, visited Herod with troubles at home; his ill-fated career originated with a woman to whom he was passionately attached.... On the eve of his departure abroad he committed his wife [110] to the care of Joseph, his sister Salome’s husband, with private injunctions to kill her, should Antony kill him. He could trust Joseph; the ties which united them made him a true friend. Joseph, out of no malice but from a desire to convince her of the love

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(18) Extension of Herod’s Realm. His Popularity with Augustus and Agrippa

(18) Extension of Herod’s Realm. His Popularity with Augustus and Agrippa

For Palestine under Herod see the Hist. Atlas of Smith and Bartholomew, Map 42. When Herod was engaged on these enterprises [112] and had already completed the rebuilding of the city of | 23 B.C. | Sebaste, [113] he resolved to send his sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, to Rome, to have audience of Cæsar. [114] On their arrival at the capital they were given lodging in the house of Pollio, one who was very assiduous in cultivating Herod’s friendship; permission was also given them to lodge in the

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(19) The Historian’s Reading of Herod’s Character

(19) The Historian’s Reading of Herod’s Character

It is usual to remark with astonishment on the inconsistency of Herod’s character. When we have regard to his munificent actions and the benefits which he conferred on the world at large, even one who is not among his warm admirers [118] cannot deny that he was by nature supremely beneficent. If, on the other hand, one looks at the penalties inflicted and the wrongs done by him to his subjects and nearest relations, and takes note of his harsh and unrelenting disposition, one will be forced to t

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(20) Reflections on the Tragic Fate of Herod’s Sons

(20) Reflections on the Tragic Fate of Herod’s Sons

A quarrel extending over many years between Herod and his sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, after a reconciliation had been effected first by Augustus and then by others, ends in his putting them to death on the charge of treason. Alexander and Aristobulus were then, by their father’s orders, removed to Sebaste [121] and there strangled. Their bodies were conveyed by night to Alexandrium, [122] where their mother’s father [123] and most of their ancestors lay buried. Now some, perhaps, may not fi

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(21) Herod’s Dying Provision for a National Mourning

(21) Herod’s Dying Provision for a National Mourning

With this passage we reach the N.T. period. The grim story of an intended massacre, happily in this case averted, affords a parallel to the Gospel story of the murder of the innocents. Now, although his sufferings seemed beyond human endurance, he did not despair of recovery. He sent for physicians, and consented to try every remedy which they prescribed. He crossed over the river Jordan, and surrendered himself to treatment in the hot springs at Callirrhoe. These waters, besides their general r

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(22) Archelaus in Quest of a Kingdom

(22) Archelaus in Quest of a Kingdom

“A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.... But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us. And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom.... Howbeit these mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” (Luke xix. 12 ff.). “There is little doubt that” this parable “was suggested by contemporary histo

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(23) Archelaus Deposed and his Territory added to the Roman Province of Syria

(23) Archelaus Deposed and his Territory added to the Roman Province of Syria

Now in the tenth year of Archelaus’s rule, | A.D. 6 | the leading men of Judæa and Samaria, impatient of his cruel and tyrannical conduct, laid an accusation against him before Cæsar; [152] they did so with greater confidence, knowing that he had violated the Emperor’s injunctions to be lenient in his dealings with his subjects. On hearing the accusation Cæsar was indignant and sent for the agent of Archelaus’s affairs in Rome, whose name also was Archelaus, and, disdaining to write to Archelaus

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(24) The Revolt of Judas “in the days of the enrolment” under Quirinius

(24) The Revolt of Judas “in the days of the enrolment” under Quirinius

“After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment and drew away people after him” (Acts v. 37). Josephus here narrates the story of the revolt in the year A.D. 6, to which Gamaliel alludes in his speech in the Sanhedrin as reported in the Acts. See Appendix, Note I, for the relation of this enrolment to “the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria” (Luke ii. 2); also Note IV (“Theudas and Judas”). Now Quirinius, a Roman senator, and one who had held all the

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(25) Pilate offends Jewish susceptibilities in the matter of (i) the Emperor’s busts, (ii) the Corban money

(25) Pilate offends Jewish susceptibilities in the matter of (i) the Emperor’s busts, (ii) the Corban money

Now Pilate, the governor [165] of Judæa, having occasion to transfer | c. A.D. 26 | a (Roman) army from Cæsarea into winter quarters in Jerusalem, conceived the idea of annulling Jewish legislation by bringing within the city walls the Emperor’s busts which were attached to the standards; whereas the very making of images is forbidden us by the Law. [166] For this reason former governors used to make their entry into the city with standards from which these ornaments were absent. Pilate was the

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(26) Jesus Christ[174]

(26) Jesus Christ[174]

Now about this time lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed he should be called a man. For he was a doer of marvellous acts, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure; and he won over to himself many Jews and many also of the Greek nation. He was the Christ. [175] And when, on the indictment of the principal men among us, Pilate had sentenced him to the cross, yet did not those who had loved him at the first cease (to do so); for he appeared to them alive again on the third day, as the

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(27) Tiberius expels all Jews from Rome

(27) Tiberius expels all Jews from Rome

A precedent for the similar action of Claudius, which brought Aquila and Priscilla to Corinth (Acts xviii. 2). Suetonius alludes to this order of Tiberius: “He repressed foreign religious ceremonies—Egyptian and Jewish rites—compelling their devotees to burn their sacred vestments with all their paraphernalia. Under pretext of their military oath, he distributed the younger Jews over provinces with an insalubrious climate; others of the same race, or followers of kindred religions, he removed fr

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(28) Pilate Sent to Rome for Trial

(28) Pilate Sent to Rome for Trial

An impostor promises to show the Samaritans the sacred vessels buried by Moses under Mount Gerizim. Crowds assemble at a village, Tirathana, at the foot of the mountain, to make the ascent. Pilate, however, forestalled their ascent by despatching a force of cavalry and heavy-armed infantry, who attacked the multitude assembled in readiness in the village, and in the ensuing engagement killed some, routed others, and took a large number of prisoners. The chief prisoners and the most influential o

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(29) Herod the Tetrarch: his Marriage with Herodias and Murder of John the Baptist[179]

(29) Herod the Tetrarch: his Marriage with Herodias and Murder of John the Baptist[179]

Now about this time a quarrel arose between Aretas king of Petra [180] and Herod on the following ground. Herod the Tetrarch married the daughter of Aretas and had now lived with her a long time. On the eve of a journey to Rome he lodged in the house of Herod, his half-brother on the father’s side; the mother of this Herod was the daughter of Simon the high priest. There he fell in love with Herodias his brother’s wife (she was the daughter of their brother Aristobulus and sister of Agrippa the

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(30) How Herod Agrippa became King and Herod the Tetrarch lost his Tetrarchy

(30) How Herod Agrippa became King and Herod the Tetrarch lost his Tetrarchy

The story of Herod Agrippa’s rise to power is dramatic. Brought up at Rome with Drusus, the son of Tiberius, he squandered his money in extravagant living. Returning a penniless prodigal to Palestine and on the verge of suicide, he was patronized by Herod the Tetrarch and his wife Herodias. Becoming involved in fresh difficulties, he borrowed money for his passage and returned to Rome. There he paid court to the future Emperor Gaius (Caligula), was arrested by Tiberius for treason, and spent the

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(31) Petronius and the Statue of Gaius

(31) Petronius and the Statue of Gaius

The crisis produced by the mad order of the Emperor Gaius (Caligula) to have his statue erected in the Temple at Jerusalem nearly precipitated a Jewish war. Some have seen an allusion to this incident in St. Paul’s description of “the man of sin” (2 Thess. ii. 4, “so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God”): “but though the sacrilegious conduct of Caligula ... may have influenced the writer’s language in v. 4, the real roots of the conception lie elsewhere” (Milligan,

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(32) Herod Agrippa’s Kingdom enlarged by Claudius

(32) Herod Agrippa’s Kingdom enlarged by Claudius

Cf. Map 44 in the Historical Atlas above cited. Claudius lost no time in discharging all suspected units of the forces. He then issued a decree, in which he confirmed to Agrippa the kingdom which he had received from Gaius and highly commended the king. Moreover, he added to his realm all the territory over which his grandfather Herod had reigned, namely Judæa and Samaria. [198] Beside these districts, which he restored to him as his hereditary due, he added from his own domain Abila, which had

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(33) Death of Herod Agrippa

(33) Death of Herod Agrippa

This should be compared with the account in Acts xii. 19-23. St. Luke differs from Josephus in representing the scene as a court of judgement, instead of a theatre. Agrippa had completed the third year of his reign over (all) [200] Judæa when he came to the city of Cæsarea, formerly called Strato’s Tower. There he exhibited spectacles in Cæsar’s honour, at a festival which he had instituted [201] to commemorate the preservation of the Emperor’s life, and a great multitude of the provincial magis

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(34) The Story of King Izates and his mother Helena

(34) The Story of King Izates and his mother Helena

The pleasing story of the conversion to Judaism of Helena, Queen of Adiabene (in the upper Tigris region), and her son Izates in two particulars illustrates the narrative of the Acts . The famine at Jerusalem which was the occasion of the charitable services of the Queen was that “which came to pass in the days of Claudius” ( A.D. 41-54), and led the Antiochene Christians to send similar relief by the hands of Barnabas and Saul (Acts xi. 28-30). Again, it is interesting to read of the conflictin

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(35) The Fate of the Impostor Theudas, and of the Sons of Judas the Galilæan

(35) The Fate of the Impostor Theudas, and of the Sons of Judas the Galilæan

For the relation of this passage to Acts v. 36 f., where Theudas and Judas occur in juxtaposition, see Appendix, Note IV . Now when Fadus was procurator of Judæa, a certain impostor named Theudas persuaded the mass of the rabble to take their belongings with them and follow him to the river Jordan; for he said that he was a prophet and would by a word of command divide the river and afford them an easy passage; [213] and by these words he deceived many. Fadus, however, did not allow them to reap

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(36) Agrippa II, Felix and Drusilla

(36) Agrippa II, Felix and Drusilla

All three characters appear in the Acts . Agrippa II (the son of Agrippa I) with his sister Bernice and Festus, the Roman governor, listened to St. Paul’s defence at Cæsarea (Acts xxv. xxvi.). Felix, the predecessor of Festus, with Drusilla his wife had a private interview with the Apostle; the circumstances of their marriage described below throw light on the governor’s terror “as” Paul “reasoned of righteousness and temperance and the judgement to come” (Acts xxiv. 24 f.). The influence exerci

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(37) The Death of James, “the Lord’s Brother”

(37) The Death of James, “the Lord’s Brother”

A description of the death by stoning, after a perfunctory trial by the Sanhedrin, of James “the brother of Jesus who was called Christ,” the head of the early Church in Jerusalem (Acts xv.; Gal. i. 19). An alternative melodramatic account of the martyrdom of James—in which he is represented as hurled down from the “pinnacle” of the Temple, stoned, and finally despatched by a fuller’s club—is given by Hegesippus (quoted by Euseb. H. E. II. 23). The account of Josephus seems much the more trustwo

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(38) Introduction to “The Jewish War”

(38) Introduction to “The Jewish War”

The war of the Jews against the Romans—the greatest not only of the wars of our own time, but well-nigh of all that ever broke out between cities or nations, so far as accounts have reached us—has not lacked its historians. Of these, some, having taken no part in the action, have collected from hearsay futile and contradictory stories which they have then edited in a rhetorical style; while others, who witnessed the events, have, either from flattery of the Romans or from dislike of the Jews, mi

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(39) Seeds of the War sown under the last of the Procurators. Rise of the Sicarii

(39) Seeds of the War sown under the last of the Procurators. Rise of the Sicarii

After this Claudius sent out Felix, the brother of Pallas, [236] as procurator of Judæa, Samaria, Galilee and Peræa. Agrippa he transferred from Chalcis to a larger kingdom, assigning to him Philip’s former province, namely Batanæa, Trachonitis and Gaulanitis; to this he added the kingdom of Lysanias and the province [237] which had belonged to Varus. After holding the imperial office for thirteen years, eight months and twenty days, Claudius died, | A.D. 54 | leaving Nero as his successor in th

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(40) The Immediate Cause of the War—Abrogation of Sacrifices for the Emperor

(40) The Immediate Cause of the War—Abrogation of Sacrifices for the Emperor

Meanwhile, some of the prime instigators of hostilities banded together and made an assault on a fortress called Masada; [247] and having gained possession of it by stratagem, they slew the Roman guards and put a garrison of their own in their place. Another incident occurred at the same time in the Temple. Eleazar, son of Ananias the high priest, a very daring youth, being then in command, [248] persuaded those who officiated in the Temple services to accept no gift or sacrifice from a foreigne

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(41) Initial Jewish success. Rout of a Roman Army in the Defiles of Beth-Horon

(41) Initial Jewish success. Rout of a Roman Army in the Defiles of Beth-Horon

The humiliating Roman defeat in this first stage of the war here described recalls a rather similar incident at the Caudine Forks in the early wars with the Samnites. The Jews being now everywhere up in arms, Cestius [253] decided to remain inactive no longer. He accordingly left Antioch and advanced upon Ptolemais. His force consisted of the twelfth legion in full strength, two thousand picked men from each of the other legions, six cohorts of infantry and four squadrons of cavalry, besides the

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(42) Jerusalem before the Siege

(42) Jerusalem before the Siege

The disturbances in Galilee were thus quelled; | Spring A.D. 67 | and, desisting from civil strife, the Jews directed their attention to preparations against the Romans. In Jerusalem Ananus the high priest and those of the leading men who were not pro-Romans busied themselves with the repair of the walls and the accumulation of engines of war. In every quarter of the city missiles and suits of armour were being forged; masses of young men were undergoing a desultory training; and the whole scene

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(43) The Fall of Jotapata. Josephus taken Prisoner.

(43) The Fall of Jotapata. Josephus taken Prisoner.

The defenders of Jotapata were still holding out and beyond all expectation enduring their miseries, when on the forty-seventh day (of the siege) the earthworks of the Romans overtopped the wall. That same day a deserter reported to Vespasian the reduced numbers and strength of the defence, and that, worn out with perpetual watching and continuous fighting, they would be unable longer to resist a vigorous assault [272] and might be taken by stratagem, if the attempt were made. He stated that abo

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(44) Reception at Jerusalem of the News of the Fall of Jotapata

(44) Reception at Jerusalem of the News of the Fall of Jotapata

When news of the fate of Jotapata reached Jerusalem, the magnitude of the calamity and the absence of any eyewitness of the events reported at first induced general incredulity. For not one had escaped to tell the tale; Rumour, own sister to Black Tidings, [292] came as her own herald of the city’s capture. Little by little, however, the truth found its way through the adjacent districts, and the fact was now regarded by all as established beyond doubt. But the facts were embroidered by fiction;

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(45) Murder of the High Priest Ananus; also of Zacharias after a mock trial

(45) Murder of the High Priest Ananus; also of Zacharias after a mock trial

The Idumæans had been summoned by the Zealots to aid them against the party of Ananus, and had with difficulty gained entrance to Jerusalem during a thunderstorm at night. After massacring their Jewish enemies these “children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem” subsequently repented of their adventure and withdrew from the city. For Zacharias see Appendix, Note V . The fury of the Idumæans being still unsatiated, they turned (from the Temple) to the city, looting every house and killing all who fel

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(46) How Josephus was Liberated

(46) How Josephus was Liberated

Now that fortune was everywhere furthering his wishes and that circumstances had in large measure conspired in his favour, the thought arose in Vespasian’s mind that divine providence had played a part in his rise to sovereignty and that some just destiny had laid the empire of the world upon his shoulders. Among many other omens, which had everywhere foreshadowed his imperial office, he recalled the expressions of Josephus, who had ventured to address him as emperor while Nero was still alive.

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(47) A Roman Reverse Inspires false Confidence

(47) A Roman Reverse Inspires false Confidence

Thus, after gaining possession of the second wall, were the Romans ejected. The spirits of the war party in the city, elated at their success, rose to a high pitch; they thought that the Romans would never again venture into the city, or that, if they did, they themselves would prove invincible. For God was blinding their minds because of their transgressions; and they perceived neither how the forces still left to the Romans far out-numbered those which had been expelled nor the stealthy approa

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(48) Cessation of the Daily Sacrifice. Josephus appeals to the Jews

(48) Cessation of the Daily Sacrifice. Josephus appeals to the Jews

Titus now ordered the troops at his disposal to raze the foundations of Antonia [300] and to prepare an easy ascent (to the Temple) for his whole army. On the seventeenth of Panemus, | July A.D. 70 | having heard that on that day the so-called continual sacrifice [301] had ceased to be offered to God from lack of men and that the people were in consequence terribly despondent, he put Josephus forward with instructions to repeat to John [302] the same message as before; namely “that if he was the

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(49) Conflagration of the Temple

(49) Conflagration of the Temple

“There shall not be left here one stone upon another which shall not be thrown down.” Titus, to protect his forces, had ordered the gates of the outer court to be set on fire, and from the gates the fire extended to the porticoes. But, after a council of war, it was decided that the main fabric—the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies—must be saved; Titus urging that “if it were burnt, the Romans would be the losers; if preserved, it would be an ornament of his Empire.” His attempts to check the sp

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(50) Portents and Oracles[316]

(50) Portents and Oracles[316]

Thus it happened that the wretched people were deluded at that time by charlatans and pretended messengers of God; [317] while they paid no heed to or discredited the manifest portents that foretold the coming desolation, but, as if thunderstruck and bereft of eyes and mind, disregarded God’s plain proclamations (of disaster). So it was when a star, resembling a sword, stood over the city, and a comet which continued for a year. So again when, before the revolt and the outbreak of war, at the ti

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(51) The Last Scene. Capture of the Upper City. Jerusalem in Flames

(51) The Last Scene. Capture of the Upper City. Jerusalem in Flames

“Tum vero omne mihi visum considere in ignes....” The Romans, now masters of the walls, planted their standards on the towers, and with clapping of hands and jubilation raised the song of triumph in honour of their victory. They had found the end of the war a much lighter task than the beginning; indeed, they could hardly believe that they had surmounted the last wall without bloodshed, and were truly [326] at a loss on finding no enemy in sight. Pouring into the alleys, sword in hand, they mass

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(52) The Spoils from the Temple in the Triumphal Procession in Rome

(52) The Spoils from the Temple in the Triumphal Procession in Rome

The Jewish spoils—the table of shew-bread, incense-cups and trumpets—as borne in the procession still figure on the Arch of Titus in Rome; a representation e.g. in Driver’s Exodus ( Camb. Bible ), p. 273. The rest of the spoils borne (in procession) were not systematically assorted; but conspicuous above all stood out those captured from the Temple at Jerusalem. These consisted of a golden table, [327] many talents in weight, and a lampstand, [328] likewise made of gold, constructed on a differe

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(53) The Three Sects and their Views on Fate and Free-Will

(53) The Three Sects and their Views on Fate and Free-Will

This account occurs in the history of the Maccabæan period. The saying of R. Aqiba ( Pirqe Aboth , III. 24) may be quoted in illustration of this passage: “Everything is foreseen; and free-will is given,” where Predestination and Free-will are set side by side, as if not irreconcilable. At this time | c. 145 B.C. | there were three sects of Jews, holding different opinions about human actions; the first was called the sect of the Pharisees, the second that of the Sadducees, and the third that of

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(54) The Essenes, with a note on Pharisees and Sadducees

(54) The Essenes, with a note on Pharisees and Sadducees

Jewish philosophy takes three forms. The followers of the first school are called Pharisees, of the second Sadducees, of the third Essenes. A studied gravity [329] is the distinguishing characteristic of the Essenes. Of Jewish birth, they show a greater attachment to each other than do the other sects. They shun pleasures as a vice and regard temperance and the control of the passions as a special virtue. Marriage they disdain, but they adopt other men’s children, while yet pliable and docile, a

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(55) Another Account of the Three Sects—and a Fourth

(55) Another Account of the Three Sects—and a Fourth

This account, which follows the story of Quirinius and the revolt of Judas, § ( 24 ), seems to be taken from the special source on which Josephus draws largely in the last books of the Antiquities . The style is difficult, and the text in places uncertain. Among the hereditary institutions of the Jews, dating from quite ancient times, were the three schools of philosophy: the school of the Essenes, that of the Sadducees, and, thirdly, that of the Pharisees so called. Although I [359] have spoken

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(56) Why John Hyrcanus went over from the Pharisees to the Sadducees

(56) Why John Hyrcanus went over from the Pharisees to the Sadducees

John Hyrcanus I was the son and successor, in the offices of high priest and prince, of Simon the Maccabee. These successes of Hyrcanus, however, aroused the envy of the Jews. His bitterest enemies were the Pharisees, one of the Jewish sects, as we have already stated, whose influence with the populace is such that a word from them against king or high priest meets with instant belief. Hyrcanus had been their disciple and was greatly beloved by them. Having on one occasion invited them to a banq

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(57) "Conciliate the Pharisees"—Alexander’s dying advice to Alexandra

(57) "Conciliate the Pharisees"—Alexander’s dying advice to Alexandra

Alexander Jannæus (of the Hasmonæan dynasty; reigned 104-78 B.C. ), on his last campaign, lies dying during the siege of Ragaba, near Gerasa on the east of Jordan. The Queen, seeing him to be near his end and now past hope of recovery, wept and lamented for her impending desolation and poured out her grief for herself and her children. “To whom are you thus leaving me,” so she spoke to him, “and our children who need others to help them, knowing as you do the ill-will which the nation bears you?

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(58) How the Pharisees rose to Power under Queen Alexandra

(58) How the Pharisees rose to Power under Queen Alexandra

A supplement to the final paragraph in the preceding section. Beside Alexandra, and growing as she grew, [380] arose the Pharisees, a body of Jews with the reputation of excelling the rest of their nation in the observances of religion, and as exact exponents of the laws. To them, being herself devoutly religious, she listened with too great deference; while they, gradually taking advantage of an ingenuous woman, became at length the real administrators of the state, at liberty to banish and to

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(59) Herod the Great exempts Pharisees and Essenes from the Oath of Allegiance. The Essene Prophet Menahem

(59) Herod the Great exempts Pharisees and Essenes from the Oath of Allegiance. The Essene Prophet Menahem

Most of Herod’s subjects, either from obsequiousness or fear, yielded to his demands; [381] those who showed a bolder front and took offence at the compulsory order, he found one means or other of putting out of the way. He endeavoured to persuade Pollio the Pharisee and Sameas and most of their disciples to take the oath with the rest; but they refused, and the respect in which Pollio was held secured them from sharing the penalty of the other objectors. Exemption from this order was further ex

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(60) The Pharisees refuse to take the Oath of Allegiance (another account).

(60) The Pharisees refuse to take the Oath of Allegiance (another account).

Now there was one section of the Jews that prided themselves on their strict observance of inherited traditions and professed (to know) the laws [386] in which the Deity takes delight. [387] They had obtained complete control over the women-folk. [388] They were called Pharisees, and showed foresight in resisting an all-powerful monarch [389] and temerity in proceeding to open hostility and opposition. For instance, when the whole Jewish nation took the oath of allegiance to Cæsar and to the kin

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(61) Some Aspects of Jewish Theology. Moses as Religious Educator

(61) Some Aspects of Jewish Theology. Moses as Religious Educator

There is endless variety in the details of the customs and laws which prevail in the world at large. [To give but a summary enumeration:] [394] some peoples have entrusted the supreme power of government to monarchies, others to oligarchies, yet others to the masses. Our lawgiver, however, was attracted by none of these forms of polity, but gave to his constitution the form of what—if a forced expression be permitted—may be termed a “theocracy,” ascribing the sovereignty and majesty to God. To H

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(62) A Future Life—for the Law-abiding

(62) A Future Life—for the Law-abiding

With us the death penalty is imposed for most offences, for instance, if a man commit adultery.... Even fraud in such matters as weights or measures, or injustice and deceit in trade, or purloining another man’s property or laying hands on what one did not deposit—all such crimes have punishments attached to them which are not on the same scale as with other nations, but more severe. For example, the mere intention of doing wrong to one’s parents or of impiety against God is followed by instant

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(63) The Jewish Scriptures and their Preservation

(63) The Jewish Scriptures and their Preservation

That our forefathers took no less, not to say even greater, care than the nations I have mentioned [412] in the keeping of their records—a task which they assigned to their chief priests and prophets—and that down to our own times these records have been, and if I may venture to say so, will continue to be, preserved with scrupulous accuracy, I will endeavour briefly to demonstrate. Not only did our ancestors in the first instance set over this business men of the highest character, devoted to t

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(64) Universal Imitation of our Laws the sincerest flattery

(64) Universal Imitation of our Laws the sincerest flattery

Now, since Time is reckoned in all cases the surest test of worth, [424] I would call Time to witness to the excellence of our lawgiver and of the doctrine which he has delivered to us concerning God. An infinity of time has passed (since Moses) by comparison with the ages in which other lawgivers lived; yet it will be found that throughout the whole of that period not merely have our laws stood the test of our own use, but they have to an ever-increasing extent instilled an emulation of them in

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(65) The Oath “Corban”

(65) The Oath “Corban”

Cf. Mark vii. 11. In ancient times various cities were acquainted with the existence of our nation, and to some of these many of our customs have now found their way and here and there been thought worthy of imitation. This is apparent from a passage in the work of Theophrastus on Laws , where he says that the laws of the Tyrians prohibit the use of foreign oaths, in enumerating which he includes among others the oath called “Corban.” Now this oath will be found in no other nation except the Jew

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I. Note on § (24). Quirinius

I. Note on § (24). Quirinius

P. Sulpicius Quirinius, a native of Lanuvium, was consul in 12 B.C. ; some years later was sent on an expedition against the Homonadenses, a mountain tribe in Cilicia, and was awarded a triumph for his successes; accompanied Gaius Cæsar, grandson of Augustus, to the East in A.D. 2 as his tutor; and in A.D. 6 was appointed Governor of Syria as legatus of the Emperor, and in that capacity took over Judæa on the deposition of Archelaus, and made the valuation of the newly-annexed district here desc

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II. Note on § (26). The alleged witness to Jesus Christ

II. Note on § (26). The alleged witness to Jesus Christ

Recent literature:— ( a ) For the authenticity of the whole section. F. C. Burkitt; in Theologisch Tijdschrift , Leiden, 1913, pp. 135 ff. A. Harnack in Internat. Monatsschrift für Wissenschaft und Technik , 1913, pp. 1037 ff. (I have, unfortunately, been unable to see this, and only know it through Norden’s rejoinder, which seems conclusive.) ( b ) For partial interpolation. Th. Reinach in Revue des Études Juives , tom. xxxv, 1897, pp. 1 ff. P. Corrsen in Zeitschrift für die N.T. Wissenschaft ,

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III. Note on § (29). The First Husband of Herodias

III. Note on § (29). The First Husband of Herodias

Josephus calls the injured husband simply Herod. The first two Gospels give him the name Philip (“Herodias his brother Philip’s wife,” Matt. xiv. 3, Mark vi. 17). The name stands in all the MSS in Mark; in Matthew it is omitted by the “Western text” (cod. D and Latin versions); in Luke (iii. 19) it is absent from all the best MSS and in those which insert it is undoubtedly an interpolation from the other Gospels. It is clear from Josephus that the first husband of Herodias was not Philip the Tet

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IV. Note on § (35). Theudas and Judas

IV. Note on § (35). Theudas and Judas

This passage has been often quoted as convincing proof that St. Luke had read the Antiquities of Josephus, or at least the twentieth book. On this view the date of the Acts must be brought down to the close of the first century. The Evangelist is at the same time accused of the grossest carelessness. Gamaliel in his speech in the Sanhedrin adduces two instances of insurrectionary movements which came to nought in the chronological order: (1) Theudas, (2) Judas of Galilee (Acts v. 36 f.). The dat

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V. Note on § (45). The Blood of Zacharias

V. Note on § (45). The Blood of Zacharias

This incident is of interest to the N.T. student because of the suggestion, made long ago and recently revived by Wellhausen, to identify the Zacharias of Josephus with the “Zachariah son of Barachiah” of Matt. xxiii. 35. “Son of Barachiah” is a well-known crux in that passage, but, pace Wellhausen, there is little or no doubt that our Lord there referred to the murder of Zechariah son of Jehoiada described in 2 Chron. xxiv. 19 ff. The theory of Wellhausen and others evades the difficulty of an

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VI. Note on § (50). Portents and Oracles

VI. Note on § (50). Portents and Oracles

With this passage should be compared the following allusions in Roman writers:— Tacitus Hist. V. 13. “Portents had occurred; but that nation, at once a prey to superstition and an enemy of religious rites, regards it wrong to avert such omens by sacrifices or votive offerings. There were visions of armies joining battle in the heavens with armour glowing red, [433] and the Temple in an instant was all lit up with fire from the clouds. The doors of the sanctuary opened of a sudden and there was h

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VII. Note on § (63). The Twenty-two Books of Scripture

VII. Note on § (63). The Twenty-two Books of Scripture

This passage is important in connexion with the history of the O.T. canon. The language of Josephus implies that the canon had long since been closed, the test of canonicity being antiquity. Nothing written later than Artaxerxes ( i. e. Ahasuerus) has full credentials. The mention of Artaxerxes must refer to the book of Esther, which Josephus thus regards as the latest addition to the collection. The statement differs in some respects from what is believed to be the oldest Palestinian tradition,

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TABLE OF DATES

TABLE OF DATES

The figures in brackets refer to the numbered translations....

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