* hearkened.
In thus falling into this measure, the Shechemites must either
have had great affection for their chief and his son, or have
been under the influence of the most passive obedience. The
petty princes of Asia have always been absolute and despotic;
their subjects paying them the most prompt and blind
obedience. The following instance will sufficiently
illustrate and confirm this statement: Abu Thaher, chief of
the Carmathians, about the year 930, with only 500; horse, went
to lay siege to Bagdad: the khalif's general marched out to
seize him; but before the attack, sent an officer to summon
him to surrender. "How many men has the khalif's general?"
said Abu Thaher; "30,000," replied the officer. "Among them
all," says the Carmathian chief, "has he got three like mine?"
Then ordering his followers to approach, he commanded one to
stab himself, another to throw himself from a precipice, and a
third to plunge into the Tigris: all three instantly obeyed,
and perished! Then turning to the officer, he said, "He who
has such troops need not value the number of his enemies!"
* went out.
23:10,18
* every male.
17:23 Isa 1:10-16 Mt 7:6 Ro 2:28,29 1Co 7:19
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