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[26]
When Cambyses had read the epistle, being naturally wicked, he was
irritated at what they told him, and wrote back to them as follows: "Cambyses
the king, to Rathumus the historiographer, to Beeltethmus, to Semellius
the scribe, and the rest that are in commission, and dwelling in Samaria
and Phoenicia, after this manner: I have read the epistle that was sent
from you; and I gave order that the books of my forefathers should be searched
into, and it is there found that this city hath always been an enemy to
kings, and its inhabitants have raised seditions and wars. We also are
sensible that their kings have been powerful and tyrannical, and have exacted
tribute of Celesyria and Phoenicia. Wherefore I gave order, that the Jews
shall not be permitted to build that city, lest such mischief as they used
to bring upon kings be greatly augmented." When this epistle was read,
Rathumus, and Semellius the scribe, and their associates, got suddenly
on horseback, and made haste to Jerusalem; they also brought a great company
with them, and forbade the Jews to build the city and the temple. Accordingly,
these works were hindered from going on till the second year of the reign
of Darius, for nine years more; for Cambyses reigned six years, and within
that time overthrew Egypt, and when he was come back, he died at Damascus.
1
1 HOW AFTER THE DEATH OF CAMBYSES AND THE SLAUGHTER OF THE MAGI BUT UNDER THE REIGN OF DARIUS, ZOROBABEL WAS SUPERIOR TO THE REST 1N THE SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS AND THEREBY OBTAINED THIS FAVOR OF THE KING, THAT THE TEMPLE SHOULD BE BUILT.
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