2 Kings xv. 22.II. MANAHEM, of the Sect of the Essenians. He was Vicegerent to Hillel mentioned before. Manahem was a learned Man for that Age, and of great Consideration among his Sect. He foretold Herod the Great, being then a young Scholar, that he should reign one Day1. At the same Time he recommended to him the Virtues of Justice and Moderation, and yet foretold him he should tread these under Foot, and all the Duties of Religion and Humanity; though nevertheless he would live in great Glory and Prosperity. But, added he, ” You cannot conceal your self ” from the Eyes of God, who will chastise ” you at the End of your Life, for all the ” Evils you shall have committed. Herod at first slighted these Promises, but when he saw himself raised to the Regal Dignity, he sent for Manahem, and enquired of him how long he should reign. Manahem not answering directly, the King asked him, Shall I reign ten Years? To which Manahem replied, not ten only, but twenty, yea thirty; without explaining himself any farther. Then Herod sent him away, giving him his Hand as a Token of Friendship, and always shewed much Esteem for the Sect of the Essenians. Afterwards Herod out of a Principle of Gratitude, and as a Token of the Esteem that he had for him, took him into his own Service, from the Post he had in the Sanhedrim. Upon which Occasion the Jews gave the Office of Vicegerent to Shammai, which had been filled by Manahem. The Jews2 speak of one Manahem, who was Vicegerent of the Sanhedrim under Hillel. I believe it to be the same here mentioned by Josephus.
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