Onias defamed & molested by Simon, repayreth to the king to procure peace. 7. Seleucus dying, & Antiochus reigning, lason by promising money to the king, getteth the office of highpriest from his brother Onias: 10. and peruerteth religion: 12. setteth vp a wicked schoole, wherby manie are corrupted: 8. sendeth money for sacrifice to be offered to Hercules, which is imployed in making gallees. 21. Antiochus is receiued with great pompe into Ierusalem. 23. Menelaus by promise of more money getteth the high priesthood from Iason. 29. He also is deposed, and his brother Lisimachus put in the place. 32. Andronicus trayterously murdereth Onias. 36. and for the same is slaine by the kings commandment: 39. and Lysimachus by the people. 43. Menelaus iustly accused escapeth by bribing, and the innocent are slaine.
1But Simon, of whom we spoke before, who was the betrayer of the money, and of his country, spoke ill of Onias, as though he had incited Heliodorus to do these things, and had been the promoter of evils:Ma il già detto Simone, che aveva in danno della patria dato l'indizio di quel tesoro, parlava male di Onia, come se egli avesse istigato Eliodoro a far tali cose, e fosse egli stato la cagione del male:BVR Simon the foresayde betrayer of the money, and of his countrie, spake il of Onias, as though he had stirred vp Heliodorus to these thinges, and had bene the mouer of the euils:Simon autem prædictus, pecuniarum et patriæ delator, male loquebatur de Onia, tamquam ipse Heliodorum instigasset ad hæc, et ipse fuisset incentor malorum: 2And he presumed to call him a traitor to the kingdom, who provided for the city, and defended his nation, and was zealous for the law of God.E al protettore della città, al difensore della nazione, allo zelator della legge divina ardiva di apporre, che macchinasse contro del regno.and the prouider for the citie, and defender of his nation, and the emulatour of the law of God, he presumed to cala secret betrayer of the kingdom.provisoremque civitatis, ac defensorem gentis suæ, et æmulatorem legis Dei, audebat insidiatorem regni dicere. 3But when the enmities proceeded so far, that murders also were committed by some of Simon’s friends:Ma avanzandosi i dissapori fino a tal segno, che da alcuni degli amici di Simone si facevano delle uccisioni,But when the emnities proceeded so far, that murders also were committed by certaine of Simons familiars:Sed cum inimicitiæ in tantum procederent ut etiam per quosdam Simonis necessarios homicidia fierent, 4Onias, considering the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, who was the governor of Celesyria, and Phenicia, was outrageous, which increased the malice of Simon, went to the king,Considerando Onia i pericoli della discordia, e come Apollonio governatore della Celesiria, e della Fenicia colla sua imprudenza attizzava la malvagità di Simone, si portò dal re:Onias considering the peril of the contention, and that Appollonius being gouernour of Caelesyria, and Phaenicia, was outragious, which encreased the malice of Simon, went to the king,considerans Onias periculum contentionis, et Apollonium insanire, utpote ducem Cœlesyriæ et Phœnicis, ad augendam malitiam Simonis ad regem se contulit, 5Not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but with a view to the common good of all the people.Non come accusatore de' suoi con cittadini, ma riflettendo dentro di se a quello, che alla comune utilità di tutto il popolo si conveniva.not as an accuser of the citizens, but considering with himself the common profite of the whole multitude.non ut civium accusator, sed communem utilitatem apud semetipsum universæ multitudinis considerans.
6For he saw that, except the king took care, it was impossible that matters should be settled in peace, or that Simon would cease from his folly.Perocché egli vedeva, che senza la previdenza del re non era possibile di rimettere le cose in calma, nè che Simone ponesse fine alle sue avventaggini.For he saw that without the kings prouidence it was vnpossible that peace should be made in those matters, & that Simon would not cease from his follie.Videbat enim sine regali providentia impossibile esse pacem rebus dari, nec Simonem posse cessare a stultitia sua. 7But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, who was called the Illustrious, had taken possession of the kingdom, Jason, the brother of Onias, ambitiously sought the high priesthood:Ma morto Seleuco, essendo a lui succeduto Antioco soprannominato Epifane, Giasone fratello di Onia ambiva il ponteficato:But after Seleucus departure out of life, when Antiochus that was called the Noble, had taken the kingdom vpon him, Iason the brother of Onias ambiciously sought the highpricsthood:Sed post Seleuci vitæ excessum, cum suscepisset regnum Antiochus, qui Nobilis appellabatur, ambiebat Jason frater Oniæ summum sacerdotium: 8And went to the king, promising him three hundred and sixty talents of silver, and out of other revenues fourscore talents.E ito a trovare il re gli promise trecento sessanta talenti, e altri ottanta talenti per altri titoli,going to the king, promising him three hundred three score talents of siluer, and of other reuenewes foure score talents,adito rege, promittens ei argenti talenta trecenta sexaginta, et ex redditibus aliis talenta octoginta, 9Besides this he promised also a hundred and fifty more, if he might have license to set him up a place for exercise, and a place for youth, and to entitle them that were at Jerusalem, Antiochians.E oltre a ciò altri cento cinquanta ne prometteva per la permissione di fondare un ginnasio, e una efebia, e per dare a quei di Gerusalemme la cittadinanza di Antiochia.aboue this he promised also an hundred fiftie more, if leaue might be granted him to make a schole, and a place for youth, and to intitle them, that were at Ierusalem, Antiochians.super hæc promittebat et alia centum quinquaginta, si potestati ejus concederetur, gymnasium et ephebiam sibi constituere, et eos qui in Jerosolymis erant, Antiochenos scribere. 10Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten the rule into his hands, forthwith he began to bring over his countrymen to the fashion of the heathens.La qual cosa essendo a lui conceduta dal re, e avendo egli conseguito il principato, cominciò subito a far prendere a' suoi nazionali i costumi gentileschi:Which when the king had granted, and he had obteyned the princedom, forth with he began to transport his countrie men to the heathen rite.Quod cum rex annuisset, et obtinuisset principatum, statim ad gentilem ritum contribules suos transferre cœpit,
11And abolishing those things, which had been decreed of special favour by the kings in behalf of the Jews, by the means of John, the father of that Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome to make amity and alliance, he disannulled the lawful ordinances of the citizens, and brought in fashions that were perverse.E tolta via la maniera di vivere approvata dalla umanità dei re in favor de' Giudei, mediante gli ufficj di Giovanni padre di Eupolemo (il quale fu poi mandato pubblico Ambasciadore a Roma a rinnovare la confederazione, e l'amicizia) egli distruggendo i diritti de' cittadini stabiliva leggi perverse.And these thinges being taken away, which of fauoure had bene decreed by kinges vnto the Iewes, and through Iohn the father of the Eupolemus, who was embassadour with the Romans concerning amitie and societie, he disanulling the lawful rites of the citizens, made wicked ordinances.et amotis his quæ humanitatis causa Judæis a regibus fuerant constituta per Joannem patrem Eupolemi, qui apud Romanos de amicitia et societate functus est legatione legitima, civium jura destituens, prava instituta sanciebat. 12For he had the boldness to set up, under the very castle, a place of exercise, and to put all the choicest youths in brothel houses.Imperocché ebbe ardimento di fondare sotto la stessa cittadella un ginnasio, e di mettere ne' lupanari il fior della gioventù.For he presumed vnder the verie castle to set vp a schoole, and to put al the goodliest youthes in brothel houses.Etenim ausus est sub ipsa arce gymnasium constituere, et optimos quosque epheborum in lupanaribus ponere. 13Now this was not the beginning, but an increase, and progress of heathenish and foreign manners, through the abominable and unheard of wickedness of Jason, that impious wretch, and no priest.Ed era questo non un principio, ma un avanzamento, e progresso della maniera di vivere gentilesca, e straniera introdotta con infame, e inaudita malvagità dal non sacerdote, ma empio Giasone:And this was not the beginning, but a certaine increase, and going forward of the heathen and strange conuersation, through the abhominable neuer heard before, of Iason the impious and not a priest.Erat autem hoc non initium, sed incrementum quoddam, et profectus gentilis et alienigenæ conversationis, propter impii et non sacerdotis Jasonis nefarium, et inauditum scelus: 14Insomuch that the priests were not now occupied about the offices of the altar, but despising the temple and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the games, and of the unlawful allowance thereof, and of the exercise of the discus.Onde avvenne, che i sacerdoti non erano più intenti al ministero dell'altare, ma disprezzato il tempio, e messi in non cale i sagrifizj, correvano alla palestra, e ai premj indegni, e ad esercitarsi al disco.So that the priestes were not now occupied about the offices of the altar, but the temple being contemned, & the sacrifices neglected, they hastened to be pertakers of the gamme of wrastling, and of the vniust maintenance therof, and in the exercise of the coyte.ita ut sacerdotes jam non circa altaris officia dediti essent, sed contempto templo et sacrificiis neglectis, festinarent participes fieri palæstræ et præbitionis ejus injustæ, et in exercitiis disci.
15And setting nought by the honours of their fathers, they esteemed the Grecian glories for the best:E non facendo verun conto di quel, che era in pregio tra i padri loro, migliori stimavano le glorie della Grecia:And setting nought by the honours of their fathers, they esteemed the Greeke glories for the best:Et patrios quidem honores nihil habentes, græcas glorias optimas arbitrabantur: 16For the sake of which they incurred a dangerous contention, and followed earnestly their ordinances, and in all things they coveted to be like them, who were their enemies and murderers.Delle quali l'acquisto si disputavan tra loro non senza pericolo, e le usanze di quelli emulavano, e a quelli volevano in tutto esser simili, i quali erano stati loro nemici, e distruttori.by reason wherof they had dangerous contention, and they had emulation toward their ordinances, and in al thinges they coueted to be like to them, whom they had enemies and murderers.quarum gratia periculosa eos contentio habebat, et eorum instituta æmulabantur, ac per omnia his consimiles esse cupiebant, quos hoste et peremptores habuerant. 17For acting wickedly against the laws of God doth not pass unpunished: but this the time following will declare.Imperocché non rimane senza gastigo l'operare empiamente contro le leggi divine: ma ciò verrà in chiaro ne' tempi che sieguono.For to doe impiously against the lawes of God escapeth not vnpunished, but this the time folowing wil declare.In leges enim divinas impie agere impune non cedit: sed hoc tempus sequens declarabit. 18Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyre, the king being present,Ma celebrandosi a Tiro i giuochi quinquennali, ed essendovi presente il re,And when the gamme vsed euerie fifth yeare was kept at Tyre, and the king was present,Cum autem quinquennalis agon Tyri celebraretur, et rex præsens esset, 19The wicked Jason sent from Jerusalem sinful men, to carry three hundred didrachmas of silver for the sacrifice of Hercules; but the bearers thereof desired it might not be bestowed on the sacrifices, because it was not necessary, but might be deputed for other charges.Mandò il facinoroso Giasone da Gerusalemme uomini perversi a portare trecento di dramme d'argento pel sagrifizio d'Ercole; ma quelli, che le portavano chiesero, che non si spendessero pe' sagrifizj, perché ciò non era conveniente, ma si impiegassero in altri usi.the wicked Iason sent from Ierusalem sinful men, carying three hundred didrachmaes of siluer for the sacrifice of Hercules, which they that caryed it, requested that it might not be bestowed on the sacrifices, because it ought not, but that it might be deputed for other charges.misit Jason facinorosus ab Jerosolymis viros peccatores, portantes argenti didrachmas trecentas in sacrificum Herculis: quas postulaverunt hi qui asportaverant ne in sacrificiis erogarentur, quia non oporteret, sed in alios sumptus eas deputari.
20So the money was appointed by him that sent it to the sacrifice of Hercules: but because of them that carried it was employed for the making of galleys.Onde veramente dal donatore furono offerte pel sagrifizio di Ercole; ma in grazia dei latori furono impiegate nella fabbrica delle triremi.And these were offered in dede by him that sent them, vnto the sacrifice of Hercules: but because of them that were present they were geuen to the making of gallees.Sed hæ oblatæ sunt quidem ab eo qui miserat in sacrificium Herculis: propter præsentes autem datæ sunt in fabricam navium triremium. 21Now when Apollonius, the son of Mnestheus was sent into Egypt to treat with the nobles of king Philometor, and Antiochus understood that he was wholly excluded from the affairs of the kingdom, consulting his own interest, he departed thence and came to Joppe, and from thence to Jerusalem.Ma Antioco avendo spedito in Egitto Apollonio figliuolo di Mnesteo a trattare co' grandi della corte del re Tolomeo Filometore, vergendo come era stato escluso dagli affari di quel regno, pensando a' proprj vantaggi, si parti di là, e andò a Joppe, e indi a Gerusalemme.And Apollonius the sonne of Mnestheus being sent into Aegypt because of the nobles of Ptolomee Philometor the king, when Antiochus vnderstood that himself was made an alien from the affaires of the kingdom, prouiding for his owne commodities, departing thence he came to Ioppe, and from thence to Ierusalem.Misso autem in Ægyptum Apollonio Mnesthei filio propter primates Ptolemæi Philometoris regis, cum cognovisset Antiochus alienum se a negotiis regni effectum, propriis utilitatibus consulens, profectus inde venit Joppen, et inde Jerosolymam. 22Where he was received in a magnificent manner by Jason, and the city, and came in with torch lights, and with praises, and from thence he returned with his army into Phenicia.E accolto grandiosamente da Giasone, e dalla città, vi entrò a lumi accesi, in mezzo ai canti; e indi tornò coll'esercito nella Fenicia.And being magnifically receiued of Iason, and the citie, entered in with torch lights, and with prayses: and from thence he turned his armie into Phaenicia.Et magnifice ab Jasone et civitate susceptus, cum facularum luminibus et laudibus ingressus est: et inde in Phœnicen exercitum convertit. 23Three years afterwards Jason sent Menelaus, brother of the aforesaid Simon, to carry money to the king, and to bring answers from him concerning certain necessary affairs.Tre anni dopo Giasone mandò Menelao fratello del mentovato Simone a portar denari al re, e riportarne gli ordini sopra altari di importanza.And after the time of three yeares Iason sent Menelaus brother of the foresaide Simon, carying money to the king, and to bring answers of necessarie affayres.Et post triennii tempus, misit Jason Menelaum supradicti Simonis fratrem portantem pecunias regi, et de negotiis necessariis responsa perlaturum.
24But he being recommended to the king, when he had magnified the appearance of his power, got the high priesthood for himself, by offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.Ma quegli acquistatosi il favore del re coll'esaltare la sua potenza tirò a se il sommo Sacerdozio, dando trecento talenti d'argento più di Giasone.But he being commended to the king, when he had magnified the presence of his power, wrested the high priesthood vpon him self, ouer bidding Iason three hundred talents of siluer.At ille commendatus regi, cum magnificasset faciem potestatis ejus, in semetipsum retorsit summum sacerdotium, superponens Jasoni talenta argenti trecenta. 25So having received the king’s mandate, he returned, bringing nothing worthy of the high priesthood: but having the mind of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.E ricevuti gli ordini del re se ne tornò. Or ei nulla aveva che fosse degno del sacerdozio, ma portava un cuor di tiranno crudele, e la rabbia di una fiera selvaggia.And hauing receiued commission from the king, he came, hauing in deede nothing worthie of the priesthood: but bearing the mind of a cruel tyrant, and the wrath of a wilde beast.Acceptisque a rege mandatis, venit, nihil quidem habens dignum sacerdotio: animos vero crudelis tyranni, et feræ beluæ iram gerens. 26Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being himself undermined, was driven out a fugitive into the country of the Ammonites.E Giasone, che avea tradito il proprio fratello, ingannato egli stesso fu cacciato esule nel paese degli Ammoniti.And Iason indeede who had circumuented his owne brother, being himself deceiued was driuen out a fugitiue into the countrie of the Ammanites.Et Jason quidem, qui proprium fratrem captivaverat, ipse deceptus profugus in Ammanitem expulsus est regionem. 27So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money he had promised to the king, he took no care, when Sostratus, the governor of the castle, called for it.Or Menelao ottenuto il principato non veniva a capo di trovare i denari promessi al re, benché facesse l'esazione Sostrato, che era governatore della cittadella.And Menelaus obteyned the princedom: but concerning the money promised to the king he did nothing, wheras Sostratus that was gouernour of the castel exacted it.Menelaus autem principatum quidem obtinuit: de pecuniis vero regi promissis, nihil agebat, cum exactionem faceret Sostratus, qui arci erat præpositus,
28For to him appertained the gathering of the taxes: wherefore they were both called before the king.(Perocché a lui spettava l'esigere i tributi): e furono perciò ambedue chiamati a comparire dinanzi al re.For to him perteyned the exacting of the tributes: for which cause they were both called out to the king.nam ad hunc exactio vectigalium pertinebant: quam ob causam utrique ad regem sunt evocati. 29And Menelaus was removed from the priesthood, Lysimachus, his brother, succeeding: and Sostratus was made governor of the Cyprians.E Menelao fu deposto dal ponteficato, nel quale ebbe per successore Lisimaco suo fratello; e Sostrato fu mandato al governo di Cipro.And Menelaus was remoued from the priesthood, Lysimachus his brother succeeding: and Sostratus was made gouernour of the Cyprians.Et Menelaus amotus est a sacerdotio, succedente Lysimacho fratre suo: Sostratus autem prælatus est Cypriis. 30When these things were in doing, it fell out that they of Tharsus, and Mallos, raised a sedition, because they were given for a gift to Antiochus, the king’s concubine.Or mentre succedevano queste cose accadde, che quei di Tharso, e quelli di Mallo si mossero a sedizione, perché erano stati soggettati ad Antiochide concubina del re.And when these things were a doing, it chanced the Tha•sians, and the Mallotians to moue sedition, because they were geuen for a gift to king Antiochus concubine.Et cum hæc agerentur, contigit Tharsenses et Mallotas seditionem movere, eo quod Antiochidi regis concubinæ dono essent dati. 31The king, therefore, went in all haste to appease them, leaving Andronicus, one of his nobles, for his deputy.Onde il re si mosse in fretta per sedarli, lasciando a far le sue veci Andronico, uno de' suoi amici.The king therfore came in hast to pacifie them, one of his companions Adronicus being lefte substitute.Festinanter itaque rex venit sedare illos, relicto suffecto uno ex comitibus suis Andronico. 32Then Menelaus supposing that he had found a convenient time, having stolen certain vessels of gold out of the temple, gave them to Andronicus, and others he had sold at Tyre, and in the neighbouring cities:Allora Menelao persuaso, che quello fosse il tempo per lui, rubati alcuni vasi di oro dal tempio, ne fece dono ad Andronico, avendone venduti degli altri in Tiro, e nelle vicine città.But Menelaus supposing that he had taken a conuenient time, stealing certaine vessels of gold out of the temple, gaue them to Adronicus, and others he had sould at Tyre, & in their neere cities:Ratus autem Menelaus accepisse se tempus opportunum, aurea quædam vasa e templo furatus donavit Andronico, et alia vendiderat Tyri, et per vicinas civitates.
33Which when Onias understood most certainly, he reproved him, keeping himself in a safe place at Antioch, beside Daphne.Della qual cosa avendo avuta Onia sicura notizia, ne fece rimproveri a lui, tenendosi egli però in Antiochia, in luogo sicuro presso Daphne.Which thing when Onias vnderstood most certainly, he rebuked him, keeping himself in a safe place at Antioche beside Daphne.Quod cum certissime cognovisset Onias, arguebat eum, ipse in loco tuto se continens Antiochiæ secus Daphnem. 34Whereupon Menelaus coming to Andronicus, desired him to kill Onias. And he went to Onias, and gave him his right hand with an oath, and (though he were suspected by him) persuaded him to come forth out of the sanctuary, and immediately slew him, without any regard to justice.Per la qual cosa Menelao andò a trovar Andronico, pregandolo di far uccidere Onia. E quegli fece visita ad Onia, e presolo per mano, e giuratagli fede lo indusse (benché ei non se ne fidasse interamente) a uscir dell'asilo, e subito senza alcun riguardo per la giustizia, lo uccise.Wherupon Menelaus coming to Andronicus, desired him to kil Onias. Who when he was come to Onias, and right handes being geuen with an oath (although he was suspected of him) had perswaded him to come out of the sanctuarie, immediatly he slew him, not reuerencing iustice.Unde Menelaus accedens ad Andronicum, rogabat ut Oniam interficeret. Qui cum venisset ad Oniam, et datis dextris cum jurejurando (quamvis esset ei suspectus) suasisset de asylo procedere, statim eum peremit, non veritus justitiam. 35For which cause not only the Jews, but also the other nations, conceived indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of so great a man.Per la qual cosa non solo i Giudei, ma anche le altre nazioni furono scandalizzate, e commosse per la ingiusta morte di sì grand' uomo.For which cause not only the Iewes, but also other nations likewise were offended, and tooke it greuously for the vniust murder of so great a man.Ob quam causam non solum Judæi, sed aliæ quoque nationes indignabantur, et moleste ferebant de nece tanti viri injusta. 36And when the king was come back from the places of Cilicia, the Jews that were at Antioch, and also the Greeks, went to him: complaining of the unjust murder of Onias.Quindi tornato che fu il re dalla Cilicia, i Giudei, e gli stessi Greci si presentarono a lui per querelarsi della iniqua uccisione di Onia:But when the king was returned out of the places of Cilicia, the Iewes went vnto him at Antioch, and also the Greekes: complayning of the vniust murder of Onias.Sed regressum regem de Ciliciæ locis adierunt Judæi apud Antiochiam, simul et Græci, conquerentes de iniqua nece Oniæ.
37Antiochus, therefore, was grieved in his mind for Onias, and being moved to pity, shed tears, remembering the sobriety and modesty of the deceased.E il re afflitto nell'animo compassionando il caso di Onia non trattenne le lagrime, ricordandosi della sobrietà, e della modestia del defunto:Antiochus therefore was sorie in his minde for Onias, and being inclined to pitie, he shed teares, remembring the sobrietie and modestie of the deceased.Contristatus itaque animo Antiochus propter Oniam, et flexus ad misericordiam, lacrimas fudit, recordatus defuncti sobrietatem et modestiam: 38And being inflamed to anger, he commanded Andronicus to be stripped of his purple, and to be led about through all the city: and that in the same place wherein he had committed the impiety against Onias, the sacrilegious wretch should be put to death, the Lord repaying him his deserved punishment.E acceso di sdegno ordinò che Andronico spogliato della porpora fosse menato attorno per tutta la città, e che al sacrilego fosse tolta la vita nello stesso luogo dove avea commessa l'empietà contro Onia. Così il Signore rendè a lui il meritato gastigo.And his hart being incensed, he commanded Andronicus being spoiled of the purple, to be led about al the citie: and that in the same place, wherin he had committed the impiety vpon Onias, the sacrilegious person should be depriued of his life, our Lord repaying him worthie punishment.accensisque animis Andronicum purpura exutum, per totam civitatem jubet circumduci: et in eodem loco in quo in Oniam impietatem commiserat, sacrilegum vita privari, Domino illi condignam retribuente pœnam. 39Now when many sacrileges had been committed by Lysimachus in the temple, by the counsel of Menelaus, and the rumour of it was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, a great quantity of gold being already carried away.Ma avendo Lisimaco fatti molti sacrilegj nel tempio a istigazione di Menelao, e divulgatasi la fama del molto oro, che egli ne avea cavato, si radunò il popolo contro Lisimaco.And manie sacrilegies being committed of Lysimachus in the temple by the counsel of Menelaus, and the rumour being bruited abrode, the multitude gathered together against Lysimachus, much gold being now caryed out.Multis autem sacrilegiis in templo a Lysimacho commissis Menelai consilio, et divulgata fama, congregata est multitudo adversum Lysimachum multo jam auro exportato. 40Wherefore the multitude making an insurrection, and their minds being filled with anger, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began to use violence, one Tyrannus being captain, a man far gone both in age and in madness.E principiando la turba a fare tumulto, essendo gli animi pieni di ira, Lisimaco armati tre mila uomini sotto la condotta di un certo tiranno avanzato egualmente nell'età, e nella stoltezza, cominciò a fare delle violenze.But the multitudes making insurrection, and their mindes replenished with anger, Lysimachus arming almost three thousand began to vse vniust handes, a certaine tyrant being captaine farre growne in age, and also in madnes.Turbis autem insurgentibus, et animis ira repletis, Lysimachus armatis fere tribus millibus iniquis manibus uti cœpit, duce quodam tyranno, ætate pariter et dementia provecto.
41But when they perceived the attempt of Lysimachus, some caught up stones, some strong clubs, and some threw ashes upon Lysimachus.Ma quelli conosciuti i disegni di Lisimaco si armarono chi di sassi, e chi di buoni bastoni; e alcuni gettavan sopra di lui della cenere.But as they vnderstood the endeuour of Lysimachus, some tooke stones, some strong clubbles: and certaine threw ashes.Sed ut intellexerunt conatum Lysimachi, alii lapides, alii fustes validos arripuere: quidam vero cinerem in Lysimachum jecere. 42And many of them were wounded, and some struck down to the ground, but all were put to flight: and as for the sacrilegious fellow himself, they slew him beside the treasury.E molti furon feriti, e alcuni ancora uccisi, e tutto il resto messi in fuga; e lo stesso sacrilego rimase ucciso presso all'erario.And manie in deede were wounded, & certaine also throwne to the ground, but al were put to flight: the sacrilegious person also himself they slew beside the treasurie.Et multi quidem vulnerati, quidam autem et prostrati, omnes vero in fugam conversi sunt: ipsum etiam sacrilegum secus ærarium interfecerunt. 43Now concerning these matters, an accusation was laid against Menelaus.Or di tutte queste cose si cominciò ad accusar Menelao.Concerning these thinges therefore iudgement began to be commenced against Menelaus.De his ergo cœpit judicium adversus Menelaum agitari. 44And when the king was come to Tyre, three men were sent from the ancients to plead the cause before him.Ed essendo giunto il re a Tiro andarono a parlare con lui di questi affari tre uomini deputati da' seniori.And when the king was come to Tyre, three men sent from the ancients, put vp the matter vnto him.Et cum venisset rex Tyrum, ad ipsum negotium detulerunt missi tres viri a senioribus. 45But Menelaus being convicted, promised Ptolemee to give him much money to persuade the king to favour him.E Menelao ridotto a mal partito promise una grossa somma di denaro a Tolomeo, perché svolgesse il re in suo favore.And when Menelaus was ouercome, he promised Ptolomee. to geue much money to perswade the king.Et cum superaretur Menelaus, promisit Ptolemæo multas pecunias dare ad suadendum regi. 46So Ptolemee went to the king in a certain court where he was, as it were to cool himself, and brought him to be of another mind:E Tolomeo andò a trovare il re, che se ne stava in un porticato a prendere il fresco; e lo fece cambiar di parere:Ptolomee therfore went to the king being in a certaine courte, as it were to coole himself, and brought him from his purpose:Itaque Ptolemæus in quodam atrio positum quasi refrigerandi gratia regem adiit, et deduxit a sententia:
47So Menelaus, who was guilty of all the evil, was acquitted by him of the accusations: and those poor men, who, if they had pleaded their cause even before Scythians, should have been judged innocent, were condemned to death.Onde Menelao reo di tutto il male fa da lui pienamente assoluto; ma quei infelici, i quali in un tribunale eziandio di Sciti sarebbono stati dichiarati innocenti, li condannò alla morte.and Menelaus certes being guiltie of al the euil was quitted of the crimes: and the poore wretches, who if they had pleaded the cause euen before Scythians should be iudged innocent, them he commanded to death.et Menelaum quidem universæ malitiæ reum criminibus absolvit: miseros autem qui, etiamsi apud Scythas causam dixissent, innocentes judicarentur, hos morte damnavit. 48Thus they that prosecuted the cause for the city, and for the people, and the sacred vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.Furon pertanto in fretta puniti ingiustamente quelli, i quali sostenevan la causa del popolo, e della città, e la venerazione dei vasi sacri.Quickly then did they vniustly suffer, which prosecuted the cause for the citie, & the people, and the sacred vessels.Cito ergo injustam pœnam dederunt, qui pro civitate, et populo, et sacris vasis causam prosecuti sunt. 49Wherefore even the Tyrians, being moved with indignation, were very liberal towards their burial.Della qual cosa stomacati quelli di Tiro spesero largamente in onorare la loro sepoltura.For the which thing the Tyrians also being offended, were very liberal towards the burial of them.Quam ob rem Tyrii quoque indignati, erga sepulturam eorum liberalissimi extiterunt. 50And so through the covetousness of them that were in power, Menelaus continued in authority, increasing in malice to the betraying of the citizens.Ma Menelao stante l'avarizia dei potenti, conservò l'autorità crescendo in malizia a danno dei cittadini.But Menelaus because of their auarice that were in power, continewed in authoritie, increasing in malice to the betraying of the citizens.Menelaus autem, propter eorum qui in potentia erant avaritiam, permanebat in potestate, crescens in malitia ad insidias civium.
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Worthington
Evils. Thus traitors generally calumniate good governors. The best remedy on such occasions is to apply to those in higher power, rather than to the people, who are but too often prone to favour the factious. (Worthington)
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Haydock
To the. Greek, "of the affairs, who was the benefactor of the city." (Haydock)
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Friends. He had gone to Apollonius.
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King. Philopator, (Menochius) who knew the real state of the matter.
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Antiochus Epiphanes, who usurped the crown, 2 Machabees 1:11.
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Year of the World 3829, Year before Christ 175.
Sixty. We find 3660 in 4 Machabees, which sum is quite exorbitant.
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Youth, under fourteen, to exercise. (Vitruvius 5:11.)
Calmet
Men did the like naked in the gymnasium, as women did apart at Lacedemon. Jason wished to make his countrymen adopt the pagan customs, which tended to corrupt their morals, ver. 12. (Calmet)
Mennochius
Antiochians, to please the vanity of Antiochus, (Serarius) or that they might enjoy the like privileges. (Salien) (Mennochius)
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Year of the World 3830.
Rule, as high priest, ver. 21., and 50.
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Calmet
Alliance, afterwards under Judas, 1 Machabees 8:17. (Calmet)
Menochius
John had procured real advantages for the city. (Menochius)
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Calmet
Houses. Greek, "he led them under the cap;" petasus, sacred to Mercury, or rather to Bacchus, and the emblem of liberty. (Calmet)
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Now. Greek, "Thus it was the height of hellenism, and the increase of foreign customs through," etc.
Haydock
No priest. He did not deserve the title, though he was really a descendant of Aaron. Greek, "not high priest." (Haydock)
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Worthington
Temple. Where true religion is abolished, most people follow none; but rather apply themselves to vanity and worse sins. (Worthington)
Calmet
Allowance. They contributed money, (Grotius) or rather strove to obtain the prize. (Calmet)
Haydock
Discus: "a round stone, with a hole in the middle." (Protestant marginal note) (Haydock)
Homer
People threw it as high or as far as they could, having one foot up and the other upon something resembling a pine-apple. This game was very ancient. (Homer, Odyssey th.; Ovid, Metam. x.)
Greek, "after the invitation of the discus:" the prize was placed in the midst to excite emulation.
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Calmet
Glories; the honour of being gymnasiarch, or agonothete. (Calmet)
Haydock
They sought after corruptible crowns, while many pay no regard to heaven, 1 Corinthians 9:25. (Haydock)
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Haydock
Dangerous. Greek, "misery, and those whose institutes they zealously adopted, and whom in all they wished to resemble, the same they found their enemies and chastisers." (Haydock)
Haydock
God thus punished (Calmet) their perfidy. (Haydock)
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Calmet
Fifth; perhaps in imitation of the Olympic games, (Menochius) first instituted at Elea, and afterwards at Alexandria, Athens, etc. (Grotius) (Calmet)
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Haydock
Sinful. Greek, "spectators, being Antiochians, to carry 300 drachmas. (Haydock)
Didrachmas, or double drachmas of Alexandria, which amount only to one Roman. Hence Greek interpreters generally express thus the half sicle.
Menochius
Silver, or money; (Calmet) gold. (Menochius)
Calmet
Thus the value would be fourteen times greater. (Calmet)
Calmet
In a manuscript of Arundel, 3300 occurs, (Usher) as well as in the Syriac. (Calmet)
Haydock
Necessary. Literally and Greek, "proper." Grabe supplies this as far as but, ver. 20. (Haydock)
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Calmet
Galleys, or adorning them for the sports. The deputies were ashamed to comply with Jason's order; or they judged this use of the money more agreeable to the king. (Calmet)
Worthington
Go to 1 Machabees 1:17. (Worthington)
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Haydock
Treat. Greek, "when king Ptolemy Philometor ascended the throne;" protoklisia. (Haydock)
Calmet
Grotius would substitute protokouria, "the first hair cutting," which was a great festival, the hair being presented to some deity. Apollonius was sent under the pretence of honouring Philometor, but in reality to sound the dispositions of the nobility respecting the claims of Epiphanes to be the king's tutor. Cleopatra died this year, the year [of the world] 3831. The regents of Egypt demanded Celosyria, her portion, and war commenced. (Calmet)
Worthington
Epiphanes pretended to defend Philometor against his younger brother, (Livy xliv.) but he wished to seize the kingdom, 1 Machabees 1:17. (Worthington)
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Calmet
Lights, usual in testimony of joy. (Calmet)
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Tirinus
Brother, and of course a Benjamite, so that the usurpation was doubly criminal. (Tirinus)
Haydock
But St. Thomas Aquinas, Petau, etc., suppose that he resembled Simon in guilt, or was his brother-in-law. Josephus informs us that Menelaus was brother of Onias and of Jason; though his authority is not great, as he contradicts himself, (Antiquities 12:6., and xv.; see 2 Machabees 1:7.; Calmet) though not in this point. (Haydock)
Worthington
By the law, those of the tribe of Benjamin could not be priests. Thus the succession was broken and restored in Mathathias, 1 Machabees 2:(Worthington)
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Year of the World 3834, Year before Christ 170.
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Josephus
Succeeding to the high priesthood, (Greek; Haydock) after the death of Menalaus[Menelaus?]. (Josephus)
Calmet
Yet some think he was only his "vicar," diadochon, (Grotius; Usher) and he seems never to have been recognised. (Calmet)
Haydock
Was. Greek, "left Crates, who was over the Cyprians," to act for him, while he sent to arraign Menelaus, or to testify that he had demanded the money in vain. (Haydock)
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Haydock
Temple. He was no longer there, but Lysimachus complied with his orders, (Calmet) ver. 39., or Menelaus had taken the vessels with him. (Haydock)
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Calmet
Daphne. This was a famous asylum, to which Onias retreated without worshipping Apollo. He had gone to Antioch to answer the calumnies of Simon; and though Jason got his place, (Calmet) the king could not help respecting him, (Haydock) and wept at his death. This it the highest praise of Onias, as even such a monster acknowledged his merit. (Calmet)
Caesar wept when the head of Pompey was shewn to him. (V. Max. 1:5.)
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Worthington
Man. The people, (Worthington) and even the king, admired his solid piety. Thus (Haydock) the Tyrians buried the innocent, ver. 49. (Worthington)
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4:45
Ptolemee, the son of Dorymenus, a favourite of the king, (Challoner) whose perfidy had procured him the government of Celosyria, 2 Machabees 10:3., and 1 Machabees 3:38.
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Calmet
Court. Greek, "peristyle," or gallery supported by pillars. (Calmet)
4:45
Ptolemee.... The son of Dorymenus, a favourite of the king.
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It is the common practise of al traytors to calumniate and defame good gouerners. And the best remedie a gainst such seducers is by auctoritie of Superior povvre, not by the people, vvho are commonly more prone to fauour faction then iustice.
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li. 1. c. 1. v. 11.
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E
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VVhere true Religion is abolished, most men neglect al shew of religion, and rather applie themselues to vanities, or woise sinnes.
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li. 1. c. 1. v. 17.
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G
This king falsly pretended to restore his kinsman (his sisters, sonne) to the kingdom being depriued by his younger brother (Liuius li. 44) but the true cause of his sending Apolonius into Aegypt, was to subdue that kingdom to himself. 1. Mach. 1. v. 17.
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Menelaus brother of Simon (v. 23) of the tribe of Beniamin (ch. 3. v. 4.) vvas not by the law capable of the priesthood, which only perteined to the progenie of Aaron of the tribe of Leui So in this trublesome time the right succession of high priestes was intermitted, and restored in Mathathias. li. 1. c. 2.
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True and solide vertue moued the common people to compassion, the King himself to teares, the Tyrians to honour the bodies of the innocent with costlie burial. v. 49.
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sant'Ambrogio † 397 d.C. Selections from the Letters of St. Ambrose 57.9
… For when in the city of Tyre the quinquennial game was being kept, and the intensely wicked King of Antioch had come to witness it, Jason appointed officers of sacred rites, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred didrachms of silver from Jerusalem, and give them to the sacrifice of Hercules.
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san Giovanni Crisostomo † 407 d.C. The Homilies on the Statues to the People of Antioch 17.14
… For the Emperor is both philanthropic and godly. But I am desirous that if it should be restored, ye may not think too much of this; nor be boastful of it; nor place the honour of our city to that account. When you wish to pronounce an encomium on the city, tell me not of the suburb of Daphne,
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Porro pars a vers. 4 ad 7 ordine temporis collocanda est post vers. 16, cap. I, lib. I; posterior vero pars a vers. 21 usque ad vers. 11, cap. v, collocanda est post vers. 20, cap. I, lib. I. 1. TANQUAM IPSE (Onias Sanctus Pontifex) HELIODORUM INSTIGASSET (id est magicis artibus impulisset) AD HAEC — flagella jam dicta sufferenda. Sic enim impii miracula Dei adscribunt magiae et daemonis invocationi.
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4. ONIAS, etc., AD REGEM (Seleucum) SE CONTULIT, — ac Simonis calumnias diluit, et Simoni silentium per regem imposuit.
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7. SED POST SELEUCI VITAE EXCESSUM (necem ei irrogatam per insidias ab Heliodoro) CUM SUSCEPISSET REGNUM ANTIOCHUS, QUI NOBILIS (puta Epiphanes) APPELLABATUR (eratque frater Seleuci occisi) AMBIEBAT JASON (Hebraice vocabatur Jesus, sed graecizans ethnicum nomen assumpsit, dictusque est Jason) FRATER ONIAE SUMMUM SACERDOTIUM, — scilicet Pontificatum.
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8. ADITO REGE PROMITTENS EI ARGENTI TALENTA 360. — Quanta fuerit haec summa, calcula ex eis quae dixi cap. praeced., vers. 11.
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9. SUPER HAEC PROMITTEBAT ET ALIA 150, SI POTESTATI EJUS CONCEDERETUR GYMNASIUM ET EPHEBIAM SIBI CONSTITUERE — in urbe Jerosolymitana. Quid haec fuerint dixi lib. I, cap. i, vers. 15; et de his fuse agit Petrus Faber, lib. III Agonist. cap. xxvii et xxviii, ubi inter caetera ait: Ephebiam Lyranus optime exposuit prostibulum pulcherrimorum juvenum; et Athenaeus, lib. XI Dipnos. Ephebi, ait, sunt prostituti pueri, qui IV Reg. xxiv, Hebraice vocantur Kadesim קדשים, id est spurci et scelerati. Noster vertit effeminatos; Lyranus prostibula masculina. Iidem vocantur kedeschim, id est initiati et consecrati, scilicet Astartae, sive Veneri, aut Priapo. Syrorum enim Dea erat Astarte sive Venus. Iidem utebantur galero lato, qui inde petasus dicebatur a petannymi, id est extendo. Aut petasus erat cortina, quae lupanari obducebatur ad tegendas earum spurcitias. Rursum idem Faber per ephebiam accipit ganeas et popinas ad comessandum et compotandum; voluerunt enim imitari suum regem Antiochum Epiphanem, qui cum popularibus, quos in tabernis reperisset, helluari ac compotare, et cum juvenibus nepotari saltareque solebat; unde a nonnullis pro Epiphane dictus est Epimanes, id est insanus, teste Athenaeo, lib. V Dipnos. pag. 57. Hinc lupanaria cauponis erant conjuncta: venter enim cibo vinoque saturatus in Venerem profluit; et, ut ait S. Hieronymus, despumat. Causam subjicit Faber dicens: «In Syria, cum ob regionis fertilitatem plerisque apud alias gentes necessariis laboribus exempli essent, agitata identidem ab incolis convivia lavationibus, ludicrorum certaminum exercitationibus, et sumptuosissimis ex oleo pretioso unctionibus adhibitis; adeo ut in grammateiis quoque (sic enim publica epularum loca honestiore scilicet, ac turpitudinem rei velante vocabulo nuncupabant) non secus ac privatus quisque domibus maximam diei partem, farciendo dapibus vinoque ventri non sine aurium voluptate (quas vel ipse demulcebat multisone testudinis fragor) impenderent, secumque postea obsoniorum partes domum auferrent; Athenaeus me docuit,» libro V Dipnos. pag. 66. ET EOS, QUI IN JEROSOLYMIS ERANT, ANTIOCHENOS SCRIBERE. — Antiochia erat caput regni Syriae; quare Antiocheni ampla a suis regibus obtinuerunt privilegia, qualia pariter habuere Alexandrini et Romani. Unde S. Paulus dicens: «Civis romanus sum,» flagellationis jam paratae exemit, Actor. xxii, 25. 11. ET AMOTIS HIS (patriis institutis, scilicet Judaeorum legibus, moribus et ritibus) QUAE HUMANITATIS (benevolentiae) CAUSA JUDAEIS A REGIBUS (Persarum et Graecorum, licet ethnicorum et idololatrarum) FUERANT CONSTITUTA. (Hi enim reges indulserant Judaeis suis legibus vivere, vetuerantque eos ad Gentilium religionem et mores cogi: his, inquam, amotis, impius et apostata Jason Gentilitios ritus induxit; idque fecit) PER JOANNEM PATREM EUPOLEMI, QUI (Eupolemus postea tempore Judae Machabaei) APUD ROMANOS DE AMICITIA ET SOCIETATE (cum Juda et Judaeis ineunda) FUNCTUS EST LEGATIONE LEGITIMA (I Machab. viii, 17) CIVIUM JURA DESTITUENS (abrogans, abolens, destruens) PRAVA INSTITUTA (Gentilium et Gentilismi) SANCIEBAT. 12. ETENIM AUSUS EST SUB IPSA ARCE (Sion) GYMNASIUM, (in quo juvenes gymnasticen exercerent, discerentque luctari, currere, saltare, equitare, digladiari, etc.) CONSTITUERE ET OPTIMOS QUOSQUE EPHEBORUM (id est adolescentum) IN LUPANARIBUS PONERE, — ad infandam et praeposteram libidinem. Ephebi graece vocantur puberes, adolescentes: ephebeia enim est pubertas, adolescentia quae in maribus fit anno aetatis 14; hebe enim est juventus: unde Hebraice dicta est uxor Herculis, ac Dea pubertatis et juventutis prognata ex Jove et Junone, ait Hesiodus in Theogn. Graece est: Optimos epheborum substituens sub petasum duxit. Petasus erat galerus latus, qui erat insigne catamitorum, aut potius petasus erat velum, et cortina tegens lupanar, ut eo tecti impudenter pudendas et nefarias suas libidines exercerent. ITA UT SACERDOTES, etc., FESTINARENT PARTICIPES FIERI PALAESTRAE, (ut scilicet athletas in palaestra, lucta, cursu, gladiis, hastis certantes spectarent, quin et ipsimet iisdem certarent, et praemium victori constitutum adipiscerentur: unde explicans subdit) ET PRAEBITIONIS EJUS INJUSTAE, — praemiorum quae vincentibus praeberi solebant, qualia erant aurum, argentum, coronae, vestes, arma, etc., quae vocat injusta, id est iniqua, quia sacerdotibus indigna erant, utpote laica, juvenilia, immodentia et lasciva. ET IN EXERCITIIS DISCI. — Qualia haec fuerint dixi lib. I, cap. I, vers. 15. Graeca habent, post disci provocationem: solebat enim discus per palaestram circumferri, ac praemium vincenti propositum disco imponi, ut per hoc plures ad disci certamen invitarent et provocarent, uti docet Petrus Faber, lib. II Agonist. cap. xxii.
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15. GRAECAS GLORIAS. — Ita vocat ludos Graecorum, Olympicos et Isthmios, qui Corinthi celebrabantur, aliosque similes Gentilium ritus, de quibus gloriabantur Graeci, id est Gentiles, praesertim qui in iis victores palmam et praemium tulerant.
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16. QUARUM GRATIA PERICULOSA EOS CONTENTIO HABEBAT, — id est periculose contendebant aemulari ludos ritusque Graecorum et Gentilium, ac alter alterum in iis superare conabatur, de eoque gloriabatur. Nota to «periculosa;» periculum enim erat tum rixarum et pugnarum, ne iis se mutuo invaderent et conficerent: tum ne a Graecis, puta Antiochis Asiae regibus quasi Graeci plane subjugarentur; tum maxime periculum erat a Deo, ne ipse apostasiam eorum a se et Judaismo ad Gentilismum et daemones acriter puniret. QUOS HOSTES ET PEREMPTORES HABUERANT, — tum ante sub Ptolemaeo Philopatore, qui acriter Judaeos persecutus est, ut patet ex libro III Mach.; tum paulo post sub hoc Antiocho Epiphane, idque in poenam hujus apostasiae ipsorum; unde sequitur:
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17. IN LEGES ENIM DIVINAS IMPIE AGERE IMPUNE NON CEDIT. — Deus enim suas injurias lente sed acriter punit. Nam ut ait ille: «Dii laneos habent pedes, sed ferreas manus;» et ut ait Valerius Maximus, lib. I, cap. ii: «Lento gradu ad vindictam sui divina procedit ira, tarditatemque supplicii gravitate compensat.»
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18. CUM AUTEM QUINQUENNALIS AGON TYRI CELEBRARETUR. — Agon significat ludos agonisticos jam dictos similes ludis et agonibus Olympicis, qui post quartum quemlibet annum celebrabantur, ideoque «quinquennalis agon» vocate. Quare hic Agon diversus erat ab agone Olympico, qui quarto quolibet anno celebrabatur, nec in praesentem annum cadebat, uti ostendit Salianus. 19. MISIT JASON (Simoniacus pseudopontifex) VIROS PECCATORES, — utpote impietatis et idololatriae Jasonis legatos, administros et exsecutores. Serarius pro «peccatores» censet legendum precatores: hos enim significat Graecum theoros, quod tamen Complutensia vertunt procuratores sacrorum; alii, oraculorum suscitatores; Vatablus, spectatores, et ita pro «peccatores» legendum censet Salianus. De quibus Suidas et Sigonius, De Rep. Athen. Theori erant, inquit, qui ad spectacula, festa, oracula, rerumque divinarum curationem mittebantur. Ita Diodorus Siculus eos vocat, quos Dionysius tyrannus ad ludos Olympicos cum suis carminibus miserat. Hinc Stratocles adulator Athenis rogationem promulgavit, ut qui ex plebiscito publice ad Antigonum et Demetrium mitterentur, non legati, sed theori dicerentur, sicut qui Delphis et Olympiae solemnibus Graecorum conventibus victimas pro civitatibus agunt, ut inquit Plutarchus in Demetrio. Graeca addunt: ut qui Antiochenses essent, id est jure Antiochensium donati ab Antiocho. PORTANTES ARGENTI DIDRACHMAS (Graece est drachmas) TRECENTAS IN SACRIFICIUM HERCULIS. — Drachma argenti est Julius sive regalis Hispanicus; didrachma ergo sunt duo Julii, sive duo regales: quare trecentae didrachmae faciunt Julios, sive regales sexcentos, hoc est sexaginta aureos Romanos, quibus multae victimae, puta oves et capri coemi poterant ad sacrificium Herculis. Nonnulli tamen, putantes hanc summam nimis esse vilem et exilem in Pontifice ad captandam Antiochi regis benevolentiam, putant has didrachmas fuisse aureas; eas tamen vocari «argenti,» id est pecuniae, q. d. Misit Jason argenti, id est pecuniae didrachmas aureas trecentas, quae faciunt sexcentos aureos Romanos. Ita Sanchez; drachma enim auri est unus aureus: didrachma ergo sunt duo aurei; quare trecentae didrachmae auri sunt sexcenti aurei. IN SACRIFICIUM HERCULIS, — qui quasi Deus fortitudinis, et bellorum, ac certaminum celebratur in Syria et Tyro, eratque proprius Tyriorum Deus, ideoque Hercules Tyrius dicebatur, vide Gyraldum De diis gentium in Hercule. Unde multi putant Herculem non alium fuisse quam Samsonem, qui juxta Tyrum in Palaestina rarae fortitudinis suae edidit exempla, ut dixi in libro Judicum. Hinc ibidem celebrabatur agon quinquennalis in honorem Herculis, quo athletae profitebantur se imitari Herculem, ideoque ibidem in gymnasiis proponebantur Herculis statuae et sacella, uti ex Galeno, Pausania, Athenaeo et aliis docet Serarius. QUAS POSTULAVERUNT HI, etc. — q. d. Jason misit trecentas didrachmas pro sacrificio Herculis; sed ejus legati licet impii, minus tamen scelerati quam Jason, eas portantes cum essent Judaei, Deumque verum colerent, et idola detestarentur, rogarunt ne in Herculis dei gentium sacrificia, sed in alios usus expenderentur. Quare Antiochus Epiphanes easdem expendit in fabricam triremium, quas ipse adornabat pro prima sua expeditione in Aegyptum, de qua sequitur.
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21. PROPTER PRIMATES PTOLEMAEI PHILOMETORIS REGIS, (qui a Philometore rege suo defecerant, ejusque fratrem juniorem Ptolemaeum Evergeten, qui et Physcon dictus est, sibi regem creare volebant. Igitur Antiochus Epiphanes videns dissidium duorum fratrum, scilicet Philometoris et Physconis de regno Aegypti litigantium, ipse quasi avunculus utriusque (Cleopatra enim soror Epiphanis erat mater utriusque) finxit se velle esse litis arbitrum et mediatorem, ac inter fratres rem componere; sed revera intendebat regnum utrique nepoti eripere, et sibi arrogare. Id subodorati primates Aegypti et tutores regis noluerunt ut ipse rebus Aegypti se immisceret. Et hoc est quod hic dicitur:) CUM COGNOVISSET ANTIOCHUS ALIENUM SE A NEGOTIIS REGNI EFFECTUM, PROPRIIS UTILITATIBUS (regni sui in Syria) CONSULENS, PROFECTUS INDE (scilicet ex Tyro) VENIT JOPPEN, ET INDE JEROSOLYMAM, — ubi eum, quasi regem, imo quasi Deum quemdam terrestrem (talis enim volebat haberi et adorari Antiochus) excepit Jason: «cum facularum luminibus et laudibus,» ut sequitur. Pro «utilitatibus» Noster legit in Graeco opheleias; jam legunt asphaleias, id est «securitatibus,» sed eodem redit sensus.
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23. ET POST TRIENNII TEMPUS MISIT JASON MENELAUM SUPRADICTI SIMONIS (Proditoris et delatoris pecuniarum, de quo vers. i) FRATREM PORTANTEM PECUNIAS REGI — Antiocho Epiphani, quasi tributum in signum subjectionis.
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24. AT ILLE COMMENDATUS (a Jasone) REGI, CUM MAGNIFICASSET FACIEM POTESTATIS EJUS, — id est cum amplis verbis exaltasset regiam Antiochi potestatem, majestatem et splendorem, quod scilicet ipse per eam quidlibet in Syria efficere posset non solum in profanis et politicis, sed etiam in ecclesiasticis et sacris, ideoque posset Jerosolymae Pontificem constituere, quem vellet, adeoque Pontificatum a Jasone in se transferre: qua arte et fraude Menelaus (a Jasone) IN SEMETIPSUM RETORSIT SUMMUM SACERDOTIUM (Pontificatum) SUPERPONENS JASONI TALENTA ARGENTI TRECENTA, — tantumdem scilicet amplius Antiocho offerens, quam Jason obtulerat. Sicut ergo Jason, oblatis Antiocho Epiphani 360 talentis, emit Pontificatum, eoque extrusit fratrem suum Oniam Sanctum: sic pariter Menelaus missus a Jasone ipsum Jasonem dolose supplantavit, et extrusit, promittens regi alia trecenta talenta praeter 360 a Jasone eidem promissa. Unde Graece est: superans Jasonem talentis trecentis, q. d. Jason promiserat regi pro Pontificatu 360 talenta; at Menelaus summam hanc auxit, et pene duplicavit: sicut enim cum res in auctione venditur, singuli augent pretium, et qui summum offert pretium, illi res cedit: sic hic Menelaus addens trecenta, promittensque regi universim 660 talenta, Pontificatum obtinuit, herumque suum Jasonem callide exclusit. 25. ACCEPTISQUE A REGE MANDATIS (ut Judaei eum quasi Pontificem loco Jasonis susciperent) VENIT, NIHIL QUIDEM HABENS DIGNUM SACERDOTIO, (tum quia Menelaus erat e tribu Benjamin, quae inhabilis erat ad sacerdotium, cum Jason esset ex tribu Levi, ideoque ad eum habilis; tum quia impius erat, ac per simoniam Pontificatum sibi comparabat:) ANIMOS VERO CRUDELIS TYRANNI, — unde vers. 34, jussit Oniam verum sanctumque Pontificem per Andronicum crudeliter occidi. 26. ET JASON QUIDEM QUI PROPRIUM FRATREM (Oniam Pontificem) CAPTIVAVERAT, IPSE DECEPTUS (a famulo suo Menelao) PROFUGUS IN AMMANITEM EXPULSUS EST REGIONEM. — Justum hoc fuit Dei judicium, et justa talionis poena, ut qui fratrem supplantaverat a famulo supplantaretur, et qui Pontificatum emerat, a majori emptore exploderetur; et qui Oniam Sanctum Pontificem in exilium egerat, exsul apud Ammonitas misere viveret. Hic vide quam verum sit illud Eccli, cap. xxvii, vers. 28: «Qui in altum mittit lapidem, super caput ejus cadet, et plaga dolosa dolosi dividet vulnera; et qui foveam fodit, incidet in eam; et qui statuit lapidem proximo, offendet in eo; et qui laqueum alii ponit, peribit in illo.»
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29. ET MENELAUS AMOTUS EST A SACERDOTIO, — a Pontificatu ab Antiocho Epiphane, eo quod 360 talenta sibi promissa non praestaret. Quare Epiphanes loco Menelai pontificem creavit ejus fratrem Lysimachum eadem sibi, ut videtur, promittentem. Ita impius Menelaus impium Jasonem exturbavit, et ab impio fratre Lysimacho pariter exturbatus est. Cum enim agitur de honore et ambitu, frater fratrem non agnoscit, sed odit et supplantat. Quisque enim dignitatem sibi optat potius quam fratri; imo non raro fratri eamdem eripit. Tanta est vis ambitionis et cupiditatis in homine per peccatum corrupto.
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30. CONTIGIT THARSENSES ET MALLOTAS SEDITIONEM MOVERE, EO QUOD ANTIOCHIDI REGIS CONCUBINAE DONO ESSENT DATI — ab Epiphane, ut ex eorum redditibus sibi vestes pretiosas, monilia, ancillas, famulos et rhedas compararet. Audi Ciceronem, Act. V in Verrem: «Solere aiunt barbaros reges Persarum et Syrorum plures uxores habere; his autem uxoribus civitates attribuere hoc modo: haec civitas mulieri redimiculum praebeat, haec in collum, haec in crines; ita populos habent universos non solum conscios libidinis suae, verum etiam administros.» Idem tradit Plato in Alcibiade, Plutarchus in Themistocle, et Athenaeo, lib. I, Strabo, lib. XIV. Porro Tharsus et Mallus erant nobiles Ciliciae civitates, quae proinde indignatae sunt se datas meretrici, quae ab Antiocho amasio suo se vocabat Antiochidem, ideoque tumultuatae sunt. Quocirca illico occurrit Antiochus, ut tumultum sedaret relicto Antiochiae prorege Andronico, ut sequitur.
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33. ONIAS (sanctus Pontifex) ARGUEBAT EUM — Menelaum de sacrilegio, quod vasa aurea furatus e templo dedisset Andronico proregi, ut sibi Pontificatum restitueret. Licet enim Onias injuste spoliatus esset Pontificatu, et exularet Antiochiae; tamen quia vere ipse erat Pontifex, ex zelo Pontificio redarguit sacrilegum, etsi probabiliter sciret se hac ratione necem sibi accersere; sciebat enim per eam se Martyrii lauream quam optabat adepturum. IN LOCO TUTO SE CONTINENS ANTIOCHIAE SECUS DAPHNEM; — locus hic erat quinque passuum millibus distans Antiochia: unde a Dione, lib. LI, nuncupatur suburbium, ita dictus a copia laurorum, q. d. lauretum; Daphne enim est laurus: quare in eo erat fanum celebre Apollinis, ideoque erat asylum omnibus tutum et inviolabile. Hic sepultus fuit S. Babylas martyr, qui Apollini silentium indixit, ideoque a Juliano apostata exhumatus fuit. Vide ejus acta. Juxta hunc locum sepultus quoque fuit S. Ignatius Antiochiae Episcopus et Martyr; sed inde translatus fuit Romam. Huc ergo quasi ad asylum confugit Onias Pontifex; sed per dolum ex eo eductus ab Andronico perfide et sceleste contra fidem ei datam et juratam occisus fuit. Quare Judaei et Gentiles indigne sancti Pontificis caedem ferentes Andronicum apud Antiochum Epiphanem accusarunt, qui eum purpura exutum circumduci jussit per urbem, et in eodem loco occidi, in quo ipse occiderat Oniam, ut sequitur. Ita occisus est Onias sanctus et zelosus Pontifex, postquam 36 annis Judaeorum Synagogam aeque ac Rempublicam magno animi robore contra impios sustentasset. Qualis autem quantusque fuerit liquet, tum ex eo quod omnes Judaei et Gentiles mortem ejus luxerint, adeoque impius rex Epiphanes lacrymas fuderit; tum ex elogio quod ei dat Scriptura, cap. xv, vers. 12, ubi Judas Machabaeus pugnaturus contra Epiphanem vidit in somnis Oniam, qui fuerat summus sacerdos, virum bonum et benignum, verecundum visu, modestum moribus, et eloquio decorum, et qui a puero in virtutibus exercitatus fuerat, manus protendentem, orare pro omni populo Judaeorum. Erat autem illi socius orationis Jeremias, qui ipse quoque a suis desertoribus peremptus fuerat in Aegypto.
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40. DUCE QUODAM TYRANNO. — Graece Aurano quodam, q. d. Cum populus ob Lysimachi scelera et sacrilegia tumultuaretur, Lysimachus populo opposuit tria millia armatorum, duce Tyranno; sed populus undique concurrens, furensque, lapidibus et fustibus eos fugavit, et Lysimachum juxta aerarium sive gazophylacium templi occidit. Haec est summa eorum quae fuse in sequentibus narrantur.
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43. DE HIS ERGO COEPIT JUDICIUM ADVERSUS MENELAUM AGITARI, — q. d. Judaei Menelaum quasi omnis malitiae auctorem, qui fratri suo Lysimacho pseudopontifici tot scelera et sacrilegia suasisset, accusarunt apud Antiochum Epiphanem, qui rem litemque jussit judicialiter contra Menelaum agi.
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45. ET CUM SUPERARETUR (multitudine testium et evidentia gravissimorum criminum reus convinceretur) PROMISIT PTOLEMAEO (Dorymenis filio, ut addunt Graeca, qui auctoritate et gratia valebat apud Antiochum Epiphanem) MULTAS PECUNIAS DARE AD SUADENDUM REGI, — ut Menelaum quasi innocentem absolveret; Judaeos vero accusatores quasi calumniatores poena talionis ad mortem damnaret, cum ipsi prorsus essent innocentes. Itaque factum est, ut sequitur:
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50. MENELAUS AUTEM PROPTER EORUM QUI IN POTENTIA ERANT AVARITIAM (qua se pecuniis a Menelao corrumpi sinebant) PERMANEBAT IN POTESTATE — Pontificia, q. d. Menelaus, occiso a populo fratre suo Lysimacho pseudopontifice, per aulicos pecunia corruptos intrusit se rursum in Pontificatum, cum non esset de tribu Levi, sed Benjamin, ut dictum est vers. 25. Menelaus ergo Pontificatum gessit non legitime, sed ut intrusus per quatuor annos, scilicet ab anno 140 Graecorum, quo ipse curavit occidi Oniam sanctum Pontificem, usque ad annum 145 Graecorum, quo Mathathias contra eum et regem Epiphanem insurrexit, ac a populo Dux et Pontifex fuit creatus. Licet enim Onias sanctus filium haberet Oniam, cui jure successionis haereditariae Pontificatus illo avo debebatur; tamen is jam fugerat in Aegyptum, ac Heliopoli aliud templum erexerat, eosque se Pontificem constituerat. Jason autem frater Oniae plane indignus erat Pontificatu, utpote simoniacus et apostata, qui Judaeos ad gentilismum traducere satagebat, ut audivimus initio capitis. Deficientibus ergo legitimis haeredibus, Pontificatus devolutus est ad Mathathiam ejusque filios Judam, Jonatham et Simonem Machabaeos.
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… Fu ucciso nel 166 a. C. da Giuda Maccabeo (I Mach. 3, 4-12; II Mach. 4, 4-21).
CELESIRIA (ΚΑΊΛΗ ΣΥΡΊΑ = « SIRIA CAVA »)
… Però nei libri dei Maccabei la C. sembra sempre distinta dalla Fenicia (I Mach. 10, 69; II Mach. 3, 5-8; 4, 4; 8, 8; 10, 11).
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— A. IV (175-163 a. C.) detto Epiphanés («il manifesto [dio]»), ma chiamato talvolta dai sudditi Epimanés «il pazzo» (Ateneo, Δειπνοσφαιστιά, 10), è il Seleucide di cui più parla la Bibbia (Dan. 11, 11-45; I Mach. 1, 11-67; 2; 3; 6, 1-16; II Mach. 4, 7-9, 20). Fu il più esecrando persecutore d'Israele. …
… Introdusse ufficialmente l'ellenismo a Gerusalemme: costruì una palestra; spinse i giovani ai costumi elleni (II Mach. 4, 7-17). Perseguitò i giudei fedeli; mandò una missione ai giochi di Tiro, con 300 dracme d'argento per un sacrificio ad Ercole! …
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I. R. NELLA S. SCRITTURA. - Dei Romani si parla forse in Dan. 11, 30; di R. o dei Romani indirettamente in I Mach. 1, 11; 7, 1, e direttamente nel racconto dell'alleanza richiesta (161 a. C.) da Giuda Maccabeo per difendersi dall'aggressione sira (I Mach. 8, 1-32; II Mach. 4, 11), rinnovata poi (nel 144 a. C.) da Gionata fratello di lui (I Mach. 12, 1-4.16). R. si associò al lutto degli Ebrei per la morte di Gionata e riconfermò l'amicizia con il fratello …
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diffusero allora tra i Giudei, specie sotto Antioco IV (v.), i costumi pagani dei «Greci», nonostante la resistenza dei nuclei fedeli (II Mach. 4, 15; 9, 24); ebbero corso la lingua ellenistica e le monete greche (v. BIDRAMMA; DRAMMA). …
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… Accolse con grande pompa Antioco a Gerusalemme (II Mach. 4, 18-22). Poco dopo (172) mandò ad Antioco le somme pattuite; il messaggero, Menelao, anche peggiore di lui, lo tradì e soppiantò, comprando il sommo sacerdozio con 300 talenti d'argento in …
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Nel periodo ellenistico anche in Palestina si usava la d., che corrispondeva probabilmente alla d. attica, assimilata in seguito al denaro (v.) romano (cf. II Mach. 4, 19; 10, 20; 12, 43). Nel Nuovo Testamento è nota la parabola della donna che ricerca affannosamente una d. smarrita (Lc. 15, 8-9). v. DIDRAMMA. …
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… madre, dell'occasione approfittò Antioco IV (v.) di Siria per iniziare una nuova guerra contro l'Egitto nel 169, riprendendo la Celesiria e avanzando fino ad Alessandria; intervennero i Romani, ma la Celesiria rimase ai Seleucidi (cf. Dan. 11, 21-45; II Mach. 4, 21).
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MENELAO. - Sommo sacerdote di Gerusalemme, abusivamente succeduto a Giasone, anch'egli intruso al posto del fratello Onia III, ultimo pontefice legittimo, al tempo del re seleucida Antioco IV Epifane (175-163 a. C.; cf. II Mach. 4, 23-50).
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… Nel 108-88 i giudei cominciarono a stabilirsi nell'isola (I Mach. 15, 23; cf. II Mach. 4, 29; 10, 13; 12, 2) e si accrebbero quando nel 58 a. C. l'isola fu annessa dai Romani alla Cilicia. …
… Quando questi, con Sostrato, fu citato da Antioco Epifane (v.) a consegnargli le somme promesse « dovette cedere il sommo sacerdozio a suo fratello L. » (II Mach. 4, 29): doveva trattarsi di una cessione interinale, non di una vera successione, come suppone la Volgata.
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ANDRONICO. - Primo ministro di Antioco IV (v.) Epifane, re di Siria, nel periodo in cui questi si recò in Cilicia per sedarvi una rivolta a Tarso e a Mallo (169 a. C.); cf. II Mach. 4, 30-38. Istigato dal perverso pontefice ebreo Menelao (v.), A. uccise proditoriamente il pio Onia III (v.). …
… A causa di alcuni provvedimenti di Antioco IV, che dovevano comportare aggravi fiscali o l'abolizione di certi privilegi, vi fu una rivolta: Antioco stesso andò a domarla (II Mach. 4, 30-31) e forse in quella occasione diede un riconoscimento a una colonia giudaica che già vi risiedeva. …
4:32
… Tentò di domarla armando 3000 uomini al comando di Aurano (la Volgata scrive Tyrannus), ma ebbe la peggio e finì ucciso a colpi di pietre e di randelli presso la camera del tesoro del tempio di Gerusalemme (II Mach. 4, 32-42).
4:33
… Ind. (XIII, 3, 1-3); secondo quest'ultima opera, il tempio fu fondato da Onia, figlio di Onia III, sommo sacerdote ucciso a Daphne (II Mach. 4, 33), per concessione di Tolomeo VI Filometore e Cleopatra, sulle rovine di un tempio della dea Bast. …
4:44
SINEDRIO (ΣΥΝΈΔΡΙΟΝ « ASSEMBLEA »)
… Per il tempo antecedente se ne trovano tracce sicure solo nei libri dei Maccabei (I Mach. 11, 23; 12, 6; 14, 28; II Mach. 1, 10; 4, 44; 11, 27). Ciò permette di concludere che il s. si costituì al tempo dei Seleucidi (v.) o poco prima. …
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · Vulgata Clementina · Douay-Rheims originale (Douai 1609-10), trascrizione EEBO-TCP (CC0) · La Sacra Bibbia, tradotta dalla Volgata da Antonio Martini (1769-1781) (LaParola (laparola.net), Martini OSIS text, Public domain (LaParola's electronic edition marks it 'Dominio pubblico')). Pubblico dominio.