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[168]
Upon Hyrcanus hearing this, he complied with them. The mothers also
of those that had been slain by Herod raised his indignation; for those
women continued every day in the temple, persuading the king and the people
that Herod might undergo a trial before the Sanhedrim for what he had done.
Hyrcanus was so moved by these complaints, that he summoned Herod to come
to his trial for what was charged upon him. Accordingly he came; but his
father had persuaded him to come not like a private man, but with a guard,
for the security of his person; and that when he had settled the affairs
of Galilee in the best manner he could for his own advantage, he should
come to his trial, but still with a body of men sufficient for his security
on his journey, yet so that he should not come with so great a force as
might look like terrifying Hyrcanus, but still such a one as might not
expose him naked and unguarded [to his enemies.] However, Sextus Caesar,
president of Syria, wrote to Hyrcanus, and desired him to clear Herod,
and dismiss him at his trial, and threatened him beforehand if he did not
do it. Which epistle of his was the occasion of Hyrcanus delivering Herod
from suffering any harm from the Sanhedrim, for he loved him as his own
son. But when Herod stood before the Sanhedrim, with his body of men about
him, he aftrighted them all, and no one of his former accusers durst after
that bring any charge against him, but there was a deep silence, and nobody
knew what was to be done. When affairs stood thus, one whose name was Sameas,
1
a righteous man he was, and for that reason above all fear, rose up, and
said, "O you that are assessors with me, and O thou that art our king,
I neither have ever myself known such a case, nor do I suppose that any
one of you can name its parallel, that one who is called to take his trial
by us ever stood in such a manner before us; but every one, whosoever he
be, that comes to be tried by this Sanhedrim, presents himself in a submissive
manner, and like one that is in fear of himself, and that endeavors to
move us to compassion, with his hair dishevelled, and in a black and mourning
garment: but this admirable man Herod, who is accused of murder, and called
to answer so heavy an accusation, stands here clothed in purple, and with
the hair of his head finely trimmed, and with his armed men about him,
that if we shall condemn him by our law, he may slay us, and by overbearing
justice may himself escape death. Yet do not I make this complaint against
Herod himself; he is to be sure more concerned for himself than for the
laws; but my complaint is against yourselves, and your king, who gave him
a license so to do. However, take you notice, that God is great, and that
this very man, whom you are going to absolve and dismiss, for the sake
of Hyrcanus, will one day punish both you and your king himself also."
Nor did Sameas mistake in any part of this prediction; for when Herod had
received the kingdom, he slew all the members of this Sanhedrim, and Hyrcanus
himself also, excepting Sameas, for he had a great honor for him on account
of his righteousness, and because, when the city was afterward besieged
by Herod and Sosius, he persuaded the people to admit Herod into it; and
told them that for their sins they would not be able to escape his hands:
- which things will be related by us in their proper places.
1 This account, as Reland observes, is confirmed by the Talmudists, who call this Sameas, "Simeon, the son of Shetach."
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