Volume 2

John at Machaerus
163
and opposite Salem. It was one hour and a half east of the
Jordan and about two hours south of Socoth. The baptismal
well was in the region of a lake, about a quarter of
an hour long, from which two streams, after bathing the
foot of a hill, flowed into the Jordan. On this hill were the
remains of an old castle, whose towers were still habitable,
and scattered around were gardens and walks and
other dwellings. Between the lake and the hill was John's
baptismal well. In the center of the spacious, caldronshaped
summit of the hill, John's disciples had raised an
awning ove,r a terraced elevation formed of stone, and it
was there that he taught. This region was under Philip's
jurisdiction. But it ran like a point into Herod's country,
who on that account was somewhat reserved in executing
his designs against John.
An uncommonly great concourse of people had assembled
to hear John: whole caravans from Arabia on camels
and asses, and hundreds of people from Jerusalem and all
Judea, both men and women. The crowds came and went
by turns, covered the caldron-shaped plateau, encamped
at the base of the hill, and stood on the heights around.
The most beautiful order was established and maintained
by John's disciples. Those nearest the preacher reclined
on the ground, those behind thetn sat on their heels, while
the outer rows stood; in this way all could see. The
heathens were separated from the Jews, and the men from
the women, who always stood back in the last row. On the
slope of the hill were other groups squatting, head and
arms resting on their knees, or again, clasping one knee
and lying or sitting on the other hip.
Since his return from Herod, John was as if penetrated
by a new spirit. I-lis voice sounded usually sweet, and yet
was so powerful and far-reaching that every word was
understood. He again wore his mantle of skins, and was
more roughly clothed than at On where he had sometimes
appeared in a flowing robe. His teaching was of Jesus and