Barabas is the stereotype of the greedy Jew who cannot get enough money.When he sends Ithamore off on a dirty errand, Barabas warns him to "be not rash, but do it cunningly" reminiscent of Machiavelli's advice that it is not so important to be virtuous, as to appear so to the populace/To Abigail, whom he wants to pose as a nun so she can get access to his hidden money, Barabas says, "in extremity, / We ought to make bar of no policy" . It is not only Barabas who is obsessed with money and power. Barabas strikes a deal with Ferneze who shakes hands on mutually turning on the Turks to free Malta. Barabas explains that he is "Making a profit of my policy;/And he from whom my most advantage comes, Shall be my friend.In Act I he is in his counting house enjoying his "infinite riches in a little room ". He believes the Jews have been promised wealth as God's chosen people: "What more may heaven do for earthly man/ Than thus to pour out plenty in their laps" .He cites the wealth of Abraham and Job but brags he has more than they did.