Heinrich Graetz - History of the Jews, Vol. 1 (of 6)

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HISTORY OF THE JEWS

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HISTORY OF THE
JEWS

BY
HEINRICH GRAETZ

VOL. I

From the Earliest Period to the Death of Simon
the Maccabee (135 B. C. E.)

Publisher's Logo

PHILADELPHIA
The Jewish Publication Society of America
57171956

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Copyright, 1891, by
THE JEWISH PUBLICATION SOCIETY OF AMERICA

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form without permission in
writing from the publisher: except by a reviewer
who may quote brief passages in a review to be
printed in a magazine or newspaper.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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PREFACE.

It is a matter of especial satisfaction to me that my work, "The History of the Jews, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day," should be rendered accessible to the English-reading public in a compact form and by means of an adequate translation; for in countries where English is spoken, books are not only bought, bound, and placed in libraries, but are also read, taken to heart, and acted upon. It is therefore to be expected that the English-speaking people, which has never disregarded but has at all times recognised and appreciated the peculiar character of the Jewish race, will feel an increased sympathy for it, on reading the alternations of its sublime and tragical history.

English readers, to whom the forefathers of the Jews of to-daythe patriarchs, heroes, and men of Godare familiar characters, will the better understand the miracle which is exhibited in the history of the Jews during three thousand years. The continuance of the Jewish race until the present day is a marvel not to be overlooked even by those who deny the existence of miracles, and who only see in the most astounding events, both natural and preternatural, the logical results of cause and effect. Here we observe a phenomenon, which has developed and asserted itself in spite of all laws of nature, and we behold a culture which, notwithstanding unspeakable hostility against its exponents, has nevertheless profoundly modified the organism of nations.

It is the heartfelt aspiration of the author that this historical work, in its English garb, may attain its object by putting an end to the hostile bearing against the Jewish race, so that it may no longer be begrudged the peculiar sphere whereto it has been predestined through the events and sorrows of thousands of years, and that it may be permitted to fulfil its appointed mission without molestation.

This translation, in five volumes, is not a mere excerpt of my "[German: Geschichte der Juden]" (like my "[German: Volksthmliche Geschichte der Juden]"), but a condensed reproduction of the entire eleven volumes. But the foot-notes have been omitted, so as to render the present work less voluminous for the general reader. Historical students are usually acquainted with the German language, and can read the notes in the original.

In this English edition the "History of the Present Day" is brought down to 1870, whilst the original only goes as far as the memorable events of 1848. The last volume will contain a survey of the entire history of the Jewish nation, together with a comprehensive index of names and events.

In conclusion, I cannot refrain from expressing my gratitude to one whose life-task it is to further with rare generosity all humane and intellectual interests, and who has caused this translation to be made and published. At the risk of wounding his modesty, I must mention, as the Mcenas of this work, Mr. Frederick D. Mocatta, whose name is a household word in every Jewish circle.

H. GRAETZ.

Breslau , January, 1891.

* * * * *

To the foregoing words of the author I merely wish to add, that while the first volume, as far as the period of the Hasmonans, has been translated by me, the other volumes have for the greater part "been done into English by various hands," and have afterwards been revised and edited by me.

My cordial thanks are due to Mr. Israel Abrahams, whose scholarly co-operation has enabled me to cope with the difficulties presented by Hebrew and Jewish names and technicalities.

BELLA LWY.

London , January, 1891 .

PREFACE TO THE SOCIETY'S EDITION.

* * * * *

Owing to necessary revision by the American editors, there has been a delay in the publication of this work beyond the time announced for its appearance.

It is hoped that in the future such delay may be avoided.

The Publication Committee.

June, 1891.

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CONTENTS.

page

THE EARLIEST PERIOD.

The Original Inhabitants of CanaanGigantic Anakim and RephaimThe PhniciansIsrael's Claim to CanaanThe PatriarchsHereditary LawEmigration to EgyptTribal UnionBright and Dark Sides of the EgyptiansMoses, Aaron and MiriamThe Prophetic SageCall of Moses as DelivererOppositionExodus from EgyptPassage of the Red SeaWandering in the DesertRevelation on Mount SinaiThe DecalogueRelapseConcessionsCrisisCircuitous WanderingsVictories over Populations of Canaan on Trans-Jordanic SideCommencements of Hebrew PoetryDeath of Moses

OCCUPATION OF THE LAND OF CANAAN.

Joshua's SuccessionPassage of the JordanConquest of JerichoThe GibeonitesCoalition of Canaanite Cities against the IsraelitesSettlement in the LandIsolation of the TribesAllotmentsThe Tribe of LeviThe Ark of the Covenant at ShilohCondition of Canaan at the time of the ConquestClimate and FertilityIntellectual ActivityPoetry of NatureRemnants of Canaanite PopulationsDeath of Joshua

NEIGHBOURING NATIONS.

The Phnicians, Aramans, Philistines, IdumansTheir Customs and MythologyThe Moabites and AmmonitesIntercourse of the Israelites with their Neighbours and Adoption of their MannersDisintegration of the TribesConsequent WeaknessTemporary Deliverers

THE JUDGES.

Animosity of the IdumansOthniel, a DelivererEglon, King of MoabThe Canaanite King, JabinSisera, his GeneralThe Prophetess and Poetess DeborahBarakVictory near TaborEarly Hebrew PoetrySufferings through NomadsThe Hero Gideon JerubbaalVictory in the Plain of JezreelCommencement of ProsperityAbimelechFeud with the ShechemitesJair the GileaditeHostilities of the Amalekites and the PhilistinesJephthahSamsonZebulunite Judges

ELI AND SAMUEL.

Importance of the JudgesPublic FeelingSanctuary in ShilohEli and his SonsDefeat by the PhilistinesCapture of the ArkDestruction of Shiloh and the SanctuaryFlight of the Aaronites and LevitesDeath of EliThe Ark in Philistia and in Kirjath JearimProphecy re-awakenedSamuel in RamahThe Order of Prophets or SingersPopular revulsionThe tribe of JudahRepeated attacks of the PhilistinesMeeting at MizpahSamuel's activityNob as a place of WorshipIncrease in the power of the Philistines and AmmonitesThe Tribes desire to have a KingSamuel's course of action

1100?1067 B. C. E.

THE APOGEE.

Establishment of a KingdomSaulHis Position and CharacterHis secret Election at MizpahHumiliating Condition of the Nation under the PhilistinesDeclaration of WarAssemblage in GilgalBattle of MichmashDefeat of the PhilistinesSeverity of SaulVictory over the AmmonitesSaul's Election as King confirmedHis Court and AttendantsHis Officers and Standing ArmyVictory over the AmalekitesDisputes between Saul and SamuelSaul's Attacks on the neighbouring PeopleWar with the GibeonitesPlace of Worship in GibeonWar against the Philistines in the Valley of TamarinthsGoliath and DavidMeeting of Saul and DavidSaul's Jealousy turns into MadnessThe Persecution of DavidSaul's last Battle against the PhilistinesDefeat and Death

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