The Story of the Jewish People

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ... erection of the statue of the Emperor. Fortunately Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great, who was now ruler over Judea by the favour of Rome, had much influence with the Roman Emperor. When Caligula asked him on one occasion what favour he desired, Agrippa demanded The Jews rebel. Josephus. the repeal of the decree; and the Roman Emperor granted his request. During Agrippa's short reign there was peace and order again in the land, and for the last time Judea enjoyed a short span of undisturbed happiness. But Agrippa died after a short reign, and the Roman Governors renewed their oppression and extortion. The Zealots, who were anxious once more to pit themselves against the Romans, commenced a rebellion (in the year 66 C.e.), and appointed as the two principal leaders of the Judean forces John ben Levi, a native of Gischala (a town in Galilee), who was a Zealot, and Joseph (afterwards known as Josephus), the famous historian. The whole of Palestine was at this time divided by the Sanhedrin into three parts, each part being placed under a general. John and Josephus were two of these. Josephus was a native of Jerusalem, and belonged to one of the priestly families. He had received instruction in the Law at his father's house when a boy; afterwards he became an Essene; and then, when twenty-six, he went to Rome. There he was treated well, and his stay in Rome made such a great impression on him that he became completely changed. How small and insignificant now, when he had returned home, seemed his own people in comparison with this mighty empire! What a contrast there was between Rome and Jerusalem! He had left behind a city of magnificence and grandeur, of joy and luxury, to return to a city of simplicity, quiet virtue, and devotion...