The Jews who had pursued Cestius, on their return to Jerusalem, partly by force, partly by persuasion, brought over to their side such pro-Romans as still remained; and, assembling in the Temple, appointed several generals to conduct the war. Joseph, son of Gorion, and Ananus the high priest were elected to the supreme control of affairs in the city, with a special charge to repair the city walls. As for Eleazar, son of Simon, notwithstanding that he had in his hands the Roman spoils with the money taken from Cestius, as well as much of the public treasure, they did not entrust him with office, because they saw him to be aiming at despotic power, and that his subordinate Zealots acted the part of his bodyguard. Gradually, however, financial needs and the intrigues of Eleazar so far prevailed upon the people that they ended by submitting in all matters to his authority.—_B.J._ II. 18. 9-20. 3 (499-565). Footnote 253: Governor of Syria. Footnote 254: Gr. “Gabao.” Footnote 255: Gr. “stades.” Footnote 256: Falling within the week of the Feast of Tabernacles. Footnote 257: Some MSS insert a negative, “the part of the line which had not yet given way.” Footnote 258: Or “Borcius.” Footnote 259: Gr. “stades.” Footnote 260: Perhaps “up to.” Footnote 261: At the N.E. corner of the city. Other MSS “Bethesda” Niese, “Betheza,” as elsewhere in Josephus. Footnote 262: _Testudo._ Footnote 263: Or “shattered (lit. ‘condemned’) their hopes (of success).” Footnote 264: Gr. “chiliarch.” Footnote 265: Gr. “Gabao.” Footnote 266: Or “taken prisoners.” Footnote 267: Beth-Horon the Lower at the foot of the pass. Footnote 268: Another reading, “upon the fortresses, with orders to go up and erect the standards.” Footnote 269: Another reading, “380.” (42) Jerusalem before the Siege