priest, can scarcely be accused of partiality, especially in this part of his narrative, which has no connexion with Roman influence or power, sufficient to falsify his narrative. 2. The statement is in entire harmony with the predictions of Daniel. If God really inspired those prophecies, why might not he, by these dreams, prepare the way for their fulfilment ?

B, page 620.-The rising Power of Rome.

Ar this period, the Roman power, the fourth great kingdom of Daniel's prophecies, had made considerable progress, and was rapidly becoming the ruling nation of the world. The four kingdoms into which the Macedonian empire had been divided, were being rapidly subjected to the giant republic of the west. At this period, not only had the majesty of Rome been acknowledged throughout Italy, Spain, Gaul, and Sicily, but Carthage, humbled and powerless, lay at her feet; her arms had vanquished Philip of Macedon, and proclaimed Roman dominion, under the title of freedom, to Greece; her power gave law to Egypt; and Seleucus, in Syria, held his throne only by Roman sufferance: in truth, at this time, Rome was the great arbitress of nations from the Atlantic to the Euphrates. Therefore, the future fate of Judea, directly or remotely, depended upon the influence or power of Rome.

C, page 621.-The Prevalence of the Greek Language.

THE prevalence of the Greek language at this time, and throughout the remainder of our history, merits notice. It might have been presumed, that the Macedonian conquest of Persia, conferring as it did upon the victor the sovereignty of Asia, would have introduced the knowledge of the Greek language, where it had before been scarcely heard of, and have brought it into tolerably extensive use, as the language of the court and the ruling powers. Yet, considering the short period of Alexander's government, and the almost immediate disruption of the empire, no such extensive adoption of the language would have been expected, as actually took place. Its general diffusion must have been attributable to other causes. We, however, have not so much to do with the means as the fact. It is important that this should be distinctly recognised. Let it, then, be observed, that the four great kingdoms which arose out of the Macedo-Grecian empire, were, as regards language, essentially Greek. The Ptolemies introduced Greek into Egypt; and hence, when one of them wanted a copy of the sacred books of the Hebrews in his own language, the Septuagint was rendered into Greek. So the Syrian kingdom was one, speaking and writing the same language. Hence a learned writer on this subject observes, that, under these influences, "half of Asia Minor became a new Greece." (DR. KITTO's "Cyclopædia," art. Greece.) We need not wonder, then, that the Greek language should have been studied by the Jews, who were now coming into daily contact with the Greeks of Egypt and Syria. Nor did the progress of the Roman arms check the advancement of this language; on the contrary, it gave it a mighty impulse, and rendered it all but universal. The Greek language was not only the learned one, but the aristocratic one, in Rome. It was spoken, or, at least, understood, in the Roman senate. Herod Agrippa and his brother addressed that august assembly in this tongue, by leave of

Claudius. (DION. lib. lx. cap. viii.) Josephus speaks decisively to the same fact. When he wrote his History and Antiquities, they were composed in Greek, being intended for universal circulation. Indeed, the Jews were so far from discouraging the use of the Greek language, that " they employed it habitually in profane (that is, non-sacred) works, and admitted it into official acts. An article of the Mishna prohibits the Jews from writing books in any other language except the Greek." (HORNE'S "Introduction,” vol. ii. p. 16.)

D, page 624.-The Origin of the Sanhedrim.

It is sometimes supposed that the first allusion to the existence of the sanhedrim is found in the reign of Hyrcanus II.; (JOSEPHUS'S Antiquities," book xiv. chap. ix. sect. 3 ;) although the Jews, prone to invest with the honours of remote antiquity all the institutions of their nation, trace this council to the times of Moses, and find the origin of it in the appointment of a body of elders, employed as assistants of the lawgiver in the discharge of his official functions. (Num. xi. 16, 17.) It seems probable, however, that a middle opinion is correct; that this council arose gradually after the cessation of the prophetic office, in consequence of the obvious want of some supreme direction and judicial authority. The constitution of this assembly justifies this conclusion. Maimonides tells us that this council was composed 66 of ⚫ priests, Levites, and Israelites, whose rank entitled them to be associated with priests." (Sanhed. cap. ii.) And this opinion is confirmed by the mention of the senate here, (2 Macc. iv. 44,) which was, in all probability, the sanhedrim, acting as a national council, and which interfered in this case in the hope of terminating the frightful evils which were desolating the country.

CHAPTER XI.

THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THEIR INDEPENDENCE TO THE TIME OF CHRIST.

THE CONDITION OF THE HEBREWS ON THEIR ATTAINING INDEPENDENCE -Simon, Prince and High Priest, exercises the Attributes of Sovereignty, and coins Money-Simon, with his two Sons, barbarously murdered by his Son-in-law-John Hyrcanus succeeds as Prince and High Priest-His Rupture with the Pharisees-Unites politically with the Sadducees-Aristobulus follows his Father in the Sovereignty and High Priesthood-Death of his Brother Antigonus— Alexander Janneus reigns-Prosecutes several Wars-Insurrection of the Pharisees-Civil War-The King triumphs-His Widow succeeds to Power-Is reconciled to the Pharisees-Hyrcanus reigns -Deposed by his Brother Aristobulus-Antipater supports Hyrcanus-Pompey takes Jerusalem by Assault, and restores Hyrcanus— Antipater governs in his Name Judea divided into Districts with an aristocratical Form of Government-Antipater relieves Julius Cæsar in Egypt--Antipater poisoned Hyrcanus deposed, and Antigonus seated on the Throne by the Parthians-Herod appointed King of Judea by the Senate of Rome-Antigonus deposed and put to Death-Herod reigns-His Cruelty and Power. NOTES. The Hebrew Community in Egypt-The Samaritans-Violent Party Contest of Jews and Samaritans in Egypt-The Coins of Simon Maccabeus.

THE Hebrews at this period of their history, although restored to nominal independence, were nevertheless but a feeble people; whether we regard their national wealth or military resources as elements of power. Their elevation to this position they owed more to the zeal and energy which their religion inspired, than to their numbers or strength. When the scenes and sufferings through which they had passed are considered, it is wonderful that they should ever have been able to attain to that elevation which history assigns to them. Yet it is very evident that much of their weakness arose from their divided and scattered condition. At this time, when Judea was again taking her place in the midst of the nations, an immense body of Hebrews

.

dwelt in Egypt, weakening the land of their fathers, and the power of the Jewish state, in proportion to their numbers, wealth, and intelligence. It may be doubtful whether we should regard the Samaritans as a part of the Hebrew family. But if this be denied to the original of this people, it cannot be doubted, that many Jews from time to time located among them. We know that this was the fact with respect to some; and in the season of persecution, when apostasy was frequent, it is probable many others acted in a similar

manner.

In one very important particular these three separated communities present a uniform aspect. They all professed to acknowledge the Divine vocation of Moses, and the authority of his laws. Throughout the future history of the Hebrew people they had frequent intercourse with their brethren in Egypt,* and were always coming into contact with the Samaritans,† so that while the Hebrews of Judea are regarded as the representatives of the race, these other communities must be considered as branches of the same family, and thus connected in their prospects and destiny with the parent state. An event which occurred about this time in Egypt, while it shows the violent spirit by which the rival factions were actuated, proves at the same time the intense interest with which Jews and Samaritans in Egypt regarded their relation to their native land.‡

Simon, high priest and prince of Judea, having succeeded in obtaining the recognition of his country's independence, proceeded to acts of sovereignty, and coined money bearing his name,§ and dating from B.c. 143 as the year of Jewish independence. All contracts and public documents from this date, instead of recording the year of the reign of the king of Syria, as formerly, stated the year of Simon's government, beginning with B.C. 143. (1 Macc. xiii. 42.). Determined to consolidate his power, and make his dominion real, the Jewish chief first turned his attention to the fortification of the most important military posts in the country.

+ See note B, p. 680.

*See note A, p. 678.

See note C, p. 682.

§ See note D, p. 682.

Bethsura, being a frontier town, was repaired and placed in an efficient state of defence. Joppa and Gaza * were then successively taken and occupied by Jews. The fort on Mount Zion was next subdued and occupied by Simon. (1 Macc. xiii. 43-53.) +

We have to record, in the next instance, an act of the sanhedrim and people, which casts great light on the political and social condition of the Jews at this period. Simon had succeeded to the dangerous post of captain-general. In this capacity he conducted the war of independence to a satisfactory issue, and had been confirmed in his offices as prince and high priest by the king of Syria, who renounced in his favour the sovereignty of Judea. This would, in some circumstances, have been held to be a valid title to the government: it was not regarded in this aspect by the people of Judea. The sanhedrim and the people, believing themselves to have rights and interests involved in this question, acted accordingly.

In the language of modern times, a meeting of the several estates of the realm was held, to consider this important subject. "At Saramael in the great congregation of the priests and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notified." (1 Macc. xiv. 28.) It appears from this, that the great sanhedrim, with the priests, officers, and heads of the people, entered into conference on this matter. This assembly fully recognised the claims of the Maccabean family to national gratitude, recited the great actions of Simon, and finally decreed that he should be the perpetual governor and priest. This grant necessarily secured the succession of these dignities to his lineal descendants. The reservation which is introduced is worthy of attention. Simon is appointed to be their "governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet." (Verse 41.) It seems scarcely possible to refer this language to any but the promised and expected Messiah. For him was reserved the

* Query, Gazara. (PRIDEAUX's "Connexion," vol. ii. p. 267.) Josephus says, the fort was demolished, and the hill cut down; but Maccabees is a better authority.