II. MATTHIAS, Son of Theophilus High-priest of the Jews, succeeded Simon Son of Boëthus, in the Year of the World 3999, one Year before the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and four Years before the Vulgar Æra. He was High-priest but one Year. He had for his Successor Joazar, Son of his Predecessor Simon. Herod the Great deposed Matthias, because he thought him engaged in the Confederacy with Matthias, Son of Margaloth, and Judas Son of Saripheus, who had pulled down from over the Gate of the Temple the golden Eagle that this Prince had set up1. Josephus relates2, that during the Pontificate of Matthias, this High-priest happening to have a Pollution the Night before the Day of the solemn Expiation, and so finding himself incapacitated to perform the Functions of his Ministry, he commissioned Joseph the Son of Ellem his Kinsman in his Place, to exercise the Office of High-priest for that Day only.
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