download PDF version - Global Grey

PRINCE OF JERUSALEM. 211
were the subjects of hatred by the various tribes of
Samaritans and Syrians, who constantly harassed
them ; and they were compelled, if they continued
their work at all, to labor with the sword in one
hand and the trowel in the other. In the second
year of the reign of King Darius, however, the High
Priest succeeded in arousing a spirit of industry, and
obtaining the consent of Zerubbabel to again make
application for protection and liberty to rebuild the
Temple.
Darius, or Darayavuste, in the Persian part of the
great triangular inscription at Behestun, on the frontier
of ancient Media, reigned 485 years b. c. He
was 29 years old when he ascended the throne, and
reigned 36 years.
The friendship of Darius for Zerubbabel, in his
younger days, gave opportunity for the pressure of
the suit of the Jews ; and by the power of truth—as
exhibited in the striking incident in the ceremony
pennission in its amplest form was obtained from
the king, and Zerubbabel created a Prince : which
honor was confirmed by the Jews, and made a Ma-
sonic grade of distinction.
—