B. C. 332. Derived from them the greatest encouragement to carry on the war against Darius, not doubting but that he was the person described in the prophetic books. These circumstances so effectually recommended the Jews to the favour Of Alexander, that when, at his departure, they petitioned him to allow them to live under their own laws, and in the free exercise of their religion, and further to be exempted from tribute every seventh year, because their law forbade them to cultivate the soil in the year of the sabbath, he immediately complied with their request. The Jews further implored his protection for their brethren whom he would find settled in Babylon; and many of them, won by his kindness, enlisted as soldiers in his service, and accompanied him on his expedition.