Florus escorted him as far as Cæsarea, playing upon his credulity, and already contemplating the prospect of war with the nation—his only hope of covering up his own enormities. For, if the peace were kept, he expected to have the Jews accusing him before Cæsar; whereas, could he bring about their revolt, he would by means of the larger calamity divert attention from the less. In order, therefore, to produce an outbreak of the nation, he daily added to their sufferings.—_B.J._ II. 12. 8-14. 3 (247-283). Footnote 236: Cf. with this whole paragraph § (36). Footnote 237: MSS “tetrarchy.” Footnote 238: Lit. “with the toparchies.” Footnote 239: “Assassins,” from Lat. _sica_, “a dagger.” Footnote 240: Lit. “heavy-armed infantry” (hoplites). Footnote 241: Cf. the similar fate of Theudas, § (35). Footnote 242: Lit. “heavy-armed infantry” (hoplites). Footnote 243: St. Paul was probably a prisoner there at this time. Footnote 244: Or “in disgraceful things.” Footnote 245: Lit. “unbelief.” Traill, “In smothering (Whiston, ‘disguising’) the truth none was more successful.” Footnote 246: Lit. “all the toparchies”; some MSS read “all the cities.” (40) The Immediate Cause of the War—Abrogation of Sacrifices for the Emperor [Sidenote: Summer A.D. 66] Meanwhile, some of the prime instigators of hostilities banded together and made an assault on a fortress called Masada;[247] and having gained possession of it by stratagem, they slew the Roman guards and put a garrison of their own in their place. Another incident occurred at the same time in the Temple. Eleazar, son of Ananias the high priest, a very daring youth, being then in command,[248] persuaded those who officiated in the Temple services to accept no gift or sacrifice from a foreigner. This action laid the foundation of the war with the Romans; for they thereby abrogated the sacrifice on behalf of that nation and the Emperor.[249] And, though the chief priests and the men of note earnestly besought them not to abandon the customary offering for their rulers, they were obdurate. Their numbers gave them great confidence, supported as they were by the stalwarts of the revolutionary party; but the determining influence was their high opinion of their captain Eleazar.