an embassy laden with rich gifts to Rome.  During a later crisis in his rule its prestige proved of great value, but Simon in following the example of his brothers gave to Rome that claim upon Judea that was destined within less than a century to put an end to Jewish independence.  In still further consolidating and developing the resources of his people and in preparing for future expansion, Simon laid the foundations for the later Jewish kingdom.  His policy also brought to Palestine that peace and prosperity which made his rule one of the few bright spots in Israel’s troubled history.

III.  His Conquests.  The chief conquest of Simon was the capture of Gazara, the ancient Gezer.  This lay on the western side of the plain of Ajalon.  It guarded the approaches to Judea from the west, and above all the highway that ran from Joppa and along which passed the commerce of the Mediterranean.  After a stubborn resistance he captured the town, deported part of its heathen population, and settled Jewish colonists in their place.  Joppa also was under Simon’s control.  Thus he also prepared the way for that commercial expansion which was necessary if the Jewish state was to survive in the midst of its many powerful foes.  Early in his reign Simon laid siege to the Syrian garrison in Jerusalem, and finally, amidst the rejoicing of the people, captured this stronghold and delivered Judea from the presence of the hated foreigners.  The temple area was also fortified.  Simon’s victories, and especially his conquest of the Greek cities on the plain, aroused the Syrian king, Antiochus Sidetes, the son of Demetrius I, to demand heavy indemnity.  When Simon refused to pay the tribute a Syrian army was sent to enforce the claim, but were defeated by a Jewish force under John Hyrcanus.  This victory left Simon during the remainder of his reign practically independent of outside authority.

IV.  Simon’s Authority.  Simon, with commendable moderation, refrained from attempting to secure for himself the title of king.  He did, however, issue coins in his own name, although that right was ordinarily the prerogative only of kings.  Upon him was conferred by the grateful people the authority that had first been given Jonathan by the shameless Alexander Balas.  In return for Simon’s many services and as a tribute to the achievements of his family he was proclaimed by the Jews not only civil governor and military leader, but also high priest.  He thus became their rightful leader both in peace and war, and the representative of the nation in the sacred services of the temple.  In all but name he was king, and Jewish history would have doubtless flowed in calmer channels had his descendants been contented with these substantial honors.