Makaur,[1] or Machero, was a colossal fortress built by Alexander Jannaeus, and rebuilt by Herod, in one of the most abrupt wadys to the east of the Dead Sea.[2] It was a wild and desolate country, filled with strange legends, and believed to be haunted by demons.[3] The fortress was just on the boundary of the lands of Hareth and of Antipas. At that time it was in the possession of Hareth.[4] The latter having been warned, had prepared everything for the flight of his daughter, who was conducted from tribe to tribe to Petra. [Footnote 1: This form is found in the Talmud of Jerusalem (_Shebiit_, ix. 2), and in the Targums of Jonathan and of Jerusalem (_Numb._ xxii. 35).] [Footnote 2: Now Mkaur, in the wady Zerka Main. This place has not been visited since Seetzen was there.] [Footnote 3: Josephus, _De Bell. Jud._, VII. vi. 1, and following.] [Footnote 4: Jos., _Ant._, XVIII. v. 1.] The almost incestuous[1] union of Antipas and Herodias then took place. The Jewish laws on marriage were a constant rock of offence between the irreligious family of the Herods and the strict Jews.[2] The members of this numerous and rather isolated dynasty being obliged to marry amongst themselves, frequent violations of the limits prescribed by the Law necessarily took place. John, in energetically blaming Antipas, was the echo of the general feeling.[3] This was more than sufficient to decide the latter to follow up his suspicions. He caused the Baptist to be arrested, and ordered him to be shut up in the fortress of Machero, which he had probably seized after the departure of the daughter of Hareth.[4] [Footnote 1: _Lev._ xviii. 16.] [Footnote 2: Jos., _Ant._, XV. vii. 10.] [Footnote 3: Matt. xiv. 4; Mark vi. 18; Luke iii. 19.] [Footnote 4: Jos., _Ant._, XVIII. v. 2.] More timid than cruel, Antipas did not desire to put him to death. According to certain rumors, he feared a popular sedition.[1] According to another version,[2] he had taken pleasure in listening to the prisoner, and these conversations had thrown him into great perplexities. It is certain that the detention was prolonged, and that John, in his prison, preserved an extended influence. He corresponded with his disciples, and we find him again in connection with Jesus. His faith in the near approach of the Messiah only became firmer; he followed with attention the movements outside, and sought to discover in them the signs favorable to the accomplishment of the hopes which he cherished. [Footnote 1: Matt. xiv. 5.] [Footnote 2: Mark vi. 20. I read [Greek: eporei], and not [Greek: epoiei].] CHAPTER VII. DEVELOPMENT OF THE IDEAS OF JESUS RESPECTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.