Jotapata slew seven of the Romans as they were marching off,
because the Romans' retreat was regular, their bodies were
covered over with their armor, and the Jews fought at some
distance; his meaning is clear, that these were the reasons why
they slew only, or no more than seven. I have met with many the
like examples in the Scriptures, in Josephus, etc.; but did not
note down the particular places. This observation ought to be
borne in mind upon many occasions.

(5) These public mourners, hired upon the supposed death of
Josephus, and the real death of many more, illustrate some
passages in the Bible, which suppose the same custom, as Matthew
11:17, where the reader may consult the notes of Grotius.

(6) Of this Cesarea Philippi (twice mentioned in our New
Testament, Matthew 16:13; Mark 8;27) there are coins still
extant, Spanheim here informs us.

(7) I do not know where to find the law of Moses here mentioned
by Josephus, and afterwards by Eleazar, 13. VII. ch. 8. sect. 7,
and almost implied in B. I. ch. 13. sect. 10, by Josephus's
commendation of Phasaelus for doing so; I mean, whereby Jewish
generals and people were obliged to kill themselves, rather than
go into slavery under heathens. I doubt this would have been no
better than "self-murder;" and I believe it was rather some vain
doctrine, or interpretation, of the rigid Pharisees, or Essens,
or Herodiaus, than a just consequence from any law of God
delivered by Moses.

(7) It may be worth our while to observe here, that near this