Tenth Degree: Super-Excellent Master

The Super-Excellent Master refers to circumstances that occurred on the last day of the seige of Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the Chaldean army sent by Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the city and temple, as a punishment for the actions of the Jewish King Zedekiah’s deceitfullness and rebellion.  Chronologially it occupies the point in time of the Royal Arch Degree that represents the destruction of the temple, and the carrying away of the Jews into captivity to Babylon.  In this sense it is an extension of that part of the Royal Arch.

It is very evident that this legend and its ceremonies are intended to inculcate the important Masonic virtue of fidelity to vows.  As portrayed in this degree, Zedekiah, the wicked king of Judah, is the symbol of deception and is well-deserving of the punishment which was inflicted upon him.  It forcefully drives home the painful results that often accompanies intentional self-serving deception and disobedience to God.

The destruction of the temple that had been built by wise King Solomon is the important event recorded here.  Wisdom built Solomon’s temple. Zedekiah’s foolishness destroyed it. 

In about 599 BC Jerusalem was besieged and taken by Nebuchadnezzar.  He despoiled the temple of a large portion of its treasures and sacred vessels, and took many of the leaders of the Jewish people captive to Babylon leaving only the poorer people and unskilled laborers behind.  He placed Zedekiah, the uncle of the surrendering king, upon the throne, having first extracted from him an oath of fidelity and allegiance.  Zedechiah foolishly proved treeacherous to this Babylonian master and did not hold to his oaths.  This time Nebuchanezzer completely destroyed Jerusalem tearing down its walls, its fortressess, and its temple, in which condition it remained until the events portrayed in the latter half of the Royal Arch Degree.  Zedekiah was the 20th, and last, reigning king of Judah.

He attempted to escape the destruction wrought about by Nebuchadnezzar, but was captured.  The punishment that is inflicted upon him is graphicly and forcefully portrayed in this degree and is not soon forgotten by those who witness it, driving home the lesson that fidelity and faithfullnuss to one’s vows is a necessity punished by the most extreme punishements.