involved fighting in actual Jewish territory, and left the Jews, for a long time, to the free
exercise of their religion.
Their moral maxims, at this time, are set forth in Ecclesiasticus, probably written about 200
B.C. Until recently, this book was only known in a Greek version; this is the reason for its being
banished to the Apocrypha. But a Hebrew manuscript has lately been discovered, in some
respects different from the Greek text translated in our version of the Apocrypha. The morality
taught is very mundane. Reputation among neighbours is highly prized. Honesty is the best
policy, because it is useful to have Yahweh on your side. Almsgiving is recommended. The
only sign of Greek influence is in the praise of medicine.
Slaves must not be treated too kindly. "Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass: and bread,
correction, and work, for a servant.... Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient,
put on more heavy fetters" (XXIII, 24, 28). At the same time, remember that you have paid a
price for him, and that if he runs away you will lose your money; this sets a limit to profitable
severity ( ibid., 30, 31 ). Daughters are a great source of anxiety; apparently in his day they were
much addicted to immorality (XLII, 9-11). He has a low opinion of women: "From garments
cometh a moth, and from women wickedness" ( ibid., 13 ). It is a mistake to be cheerful with
your children; the right course is to "bow down their neck from their youth" (VII, 23, 24).
Altogether, like the elder Cato, he represents the morality of the virtuous business man in a very
unattractive light.
This tranquil existence of comfortable self-righteousness was rudely interrupted by the Seleucid
king Antiochus IV, who was determined to hellenize all his dominions. In 175 B.C. he
established a gymnasium in Jerusalem, and taught young men to wear Greek hats and practise
athletics. In this he was helped by a hellenizing Jew named Jason, whom he made high priest.
The priestly aristocracy had become lax, and had felt the attraction of Greek civilization; but
they were vehemently opposed by a party called the "Hasidim" (meaning "Holy"), who were
strong among the rural population. * When, in 170 B.C.,
* From them, probably, developed the sect of the Essenes, whose doctrines seem to have
influenced primitive Christianity. See Oesterley and Robinson , History of Israel, Vol. II,
p. 323 ff. The Pharisees also descended from them.