by the terror they were in,
the soldiers fell upon the treasure of God, which w now deserted, and
plundered about four hundred talents, Of which sum Sabinus got together
all that was not carried away by the soldiers.

4. However, this destruction of the works [about the temple], and of the
men, occasioned a much greater number, and those of a more warlike sort,
to get together, to oppose the Romans. These encompassed the palace
round, and threatened to deploy all that were in it, unless they went
their ways quickly; for they promised that Sabinus should come to no
harm, if he would go out with his legion. There were also a great many
of the king's party who deserted the Romans, and assisted the Jews; yet
did the most warlike body of them all, who were three thousand of the
men of Sebaste, go over to the Romans. Rufus also, and Gratus, their
captains, did the same, [Gratus having the foot of the king's party
under him, and Rufus the horse,] each of whom, even without the forces
under them, were of great weight, on account of their strength and
wisdom, which turn the scales in war. Now the Jews in the siege, and
tried to break down walls of the fortress, and cried out to Sabinus and
his party, that they should go their ways, and not prove a hinderance to
them, now they hoped, after a long time, to recover that ancient liberty
which their forefathers had enjoyed. Sabinus indeed was well contented
to get out of the danger he was in, but he distrusted the assurances the
Jews gave him, and suspected such gentle treatment was but a bait laid
as a snare for them: this consideration, together with the hopes he had
of succor from Varus, made him bear the siege still longer.

CHAPTER 4.

Herod's Veteran Soldiers Become Tumultuous. The Robberies Of
Judas. Simon And Athronoeus Take The Name Of King Upon Them.

1. At this time there were great disturbances in the country, and that
in many places; and the opportunity that now offered itself induced a
great many to set up for kings. And indeed in Idumea two thousand of
Herod's veteran soldiers got together, and armed and fought against
those of the king's party; against whom Achiabus, the king's first
cousin, fought, and that out of some of the places that were the most
strongly fortified; but so as to avoid a direct conflict with them in
the plains. In Sepphoris also, a city of Galilee, there was one Judas
[the son of that arch-robber Hezekias, who formerly overran t