Page:Selections. Translated by H. St. J. Thackeray (1919).djvu/72



(22) Archelaus in Quest of a Kingdom

"A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom and to return But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us. And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom Howbeit these mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me" (Luke xix. 12 ff.).

"There is little doubt that" this parable "was suggested by contemporary history. The remarkable feature of the opposing embassy makes the reference to Archelaus highly probable; and Jericho, which he had enriched with buildings, would suggest his case as an illustration" (Plummer). The fact that Archelaus came back with only a provisional promise of kingship does not detract from the probability.

Herod's death was the signal for a national outbreak against his successor. A riot took place at Passover, and Archelaus left for Rome to have his title confirmed (Cf. the Hist. Atlas previously cited, Map 43).

Archelaus then issued a proclamation that all should withdraw to their homes. So they abandoned the feast and departed, for fear of worse evils, although in their ignorant way they had shown boldness enough.

Archelaus then went down to the sea-board with his mother; he took with him also his friends Nicolaus, Ptolemy and Ptolla. He committed the entire charge of his family and realm to his brother Philip. There also sailed with him Salome, Herod's sister, with her children, and many of his relations; ostensibly to assist); in B.J. Poplas.]