The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-01-21
Barooohab, the False Christ.
A. D. III.
ABRIDGED BY WIN. H. BROWNE.

ABRIDGED BY WIN. H. BROWNE
The real name of this impostor is un-
known. He is designated only by his
title, Barcochab, the son of star, which
his disappointed countrymen, afterwards,
IN their bitterness, changed to Bar cosba,
the son of lie
He is said to have been robber. and
had learned a trick of keeping lii GIFTED
tow or straw in his mouth, which was
the secret of his breathing flames to the
terror of his enemies, and the unbounded
confidence of his partisans He seems to
have been a man of no common vigor and
ability.
The greatest of the Rabbins, Akiba,
the living oracle of divine truth, whose
profound learning was looked up to by
the whole race of Israel, acknowledged
the claims of Barcochab as the new Mes
siah, openly attached himself to his for
tunes, and was called the standard bearer
of the son of the star.
Barcochab headed band of insurgents
who had been busily employed in laying
up stores of arms. By degrees they got
possession of all the strong heights in
Jerusalem with the Notifications, dug or
enlarged subterranean passages and cav
ems both for retreat and communica-
lions, and contrived, by holes from above.
to let light and air into those secret cit
adels, where they deposited their arms.
held their councils and concealed them
selves from the vigilance of the enemy.
Multitudes crowded openly, or stole in
secret to range themselves under the ban
ner of the pretended Messiah. Native
Jews and strangers swelled his ranks
Many of the fugitives from the insur
gents In Egypt and Cyrene had found
their way. into Palestine, and lay hid in
caves and fortresses. Even many who
were not Jews, for the sake of plumber
and the license of war, united themselves
with the rebels.
The whole Jewish race throughout the
world, was in connection. Those who
dared not openly betray their interest in
the common cause, did so in secret. and
perhaps some of the wealthy Jews in the
remote provinces, privately contributed
from their treasures.
Barcochab, found himself at the head
OF 100000 men. Those who had denied
or disguised their circumcision, fastened
to renew that distinguishing mark of
Israelitish descent, and to entitle them
selves to share in the great redemption.
The Christians alone stood aloof, and
would lend no ear, nor pay respect to the
claims of another Messiah, a man of rob
berry and bloodshed, of earthly preten-
slons, and the aspirant founder of a tenn
poral kingdom. Barcochab is reported
to have avenged himself by the most
cruel prosecutions on those most danger
Gus opponents to his claim as the Messiah.
Barcochab first made himself master
OF the ruins of Jerusalem With what
triumph must the Jews have crowded to
the same spot, when the conquering ban
ner of the Messiah was unfolded, for here
Barcochab openly assumed the name of
King and is said to have issued coins
with his superscription, and with the
year OF the freedom of Jerusalem as the
date.
On the arrival of julius Severus the
insurgents were in possession of fifty of
the strongest castles, and nearly one thou
sand villages in Palestine Severus ven
tured on no general battle with the re-
bells, but attacked their strongholds in de-
tail, cut off their supplies, aud reduced
them to the greatest distress by famine.
The Romans, after hard contest. cap
tured Jerusalem, and RACED nearly every
building to the ground. The impostor
took refuge in the city of Bethar, which
wa stormed, and Barcochab was slain.
The dead were strewn over territory of
eighteen miles. In this rebellion $4,000
Jews fell by the sword alone.