Captivity: It would appear that the Jews spent a large portion of their lives in Captivity, for there were four recorded captivities – Babylonian, Medean, Grecian, and Roman. The one with which Freemasonry most concerns itself is the first. The captivity was not so bad as we might be led to believe; most of the conquerors treated the captives kindly and gave them the opportunity to rise in the councils of state. Many remained in Babylon after being given their freedom. [Contributed by Mark Adler, from Ray V. Denslow’s A Royal Arch Encyclopedia]