66 AD
“And then it was that Cestius, despairing of obtaining room for a public march, contrived how he might best run away; and when he had selected four hundred of the most courageous of his soldiers, he placed them at the strongest of their fortifications, and gave order, that when they went up to the morning guard, they should erect their ensigns, that the Jews might be made to believe that the entire army was there still, while he himself took the rest of his forces with him, and marched, without any noise, thirty furlongs. But when the Jews perceived, in the morning, that the camp was empty, they ran upon those four hundred who had deluded them, and immediately threw their darts at them, and slew them; and then pursued after Cestius. But he had already made use of a great part of the night in his flight, and still marched quicker when it was day; insomuch that the soldiers, through the astonishment and fear they were in, left behind them their engines for sieges, and for throwing of stones, and a great part of the instruments of war.”
Flavius Josephus, The Jewish Wars, Book II, Chapter 19, Section 6
Gallus’ retreat emboldens the rebels, who proceed to attack the Romans and their equipment on their descent through Beth Horon. The Roman proconsul is thus delayed in Gibeon for two days while he reconsiders his next steps. Gallus decides to employ a strategy of deception; he leaves behind a 400-men strong contingent and much armament – and rides into the night towards the foothills. The next morning, the Jews find and kill the small garrison and then rush into the plains. However, Gallus and the main column have successfully reached Antipatris. At the Beth Horon trail, the rebels capture many weapons, beasts of burden, and even a legion standard. Marching into Jerusalem in a proud procession, the residents’ spirits are lifted. The moderate party dwindles as many begin joining rebellious and zealot factions. Gallus dies a short time later, under uncertain circumstances. Some chroniclers assert that his execution is under the order of Neron – a consequence of his humiliating defeat.
The Jews are not deterred by Gallus’ military or material superiority. They reinforce their faith and wage glorious battles against opposing forces threatening to crush their spirit. This courageous attitude allows them to reclaim control of their country and rout the Romans out.
“And then it was that Cestius, despairing of obtaining room for a public march, contrived how he might best run away; and when he had selected four hundred of the most courageous of his soldiers, he placed them at the strongest of their fortifications, and gave order, that when they went up to the morning guard, they should erect their ensigns, that the Jews might be made to believe that the entire army was there still, while he himself took the rest of his forces with him, and marched, without any noise, thirty furlongs. But when the Jews perceived, in the morning, that the camp was empty, they ran upon those four hundred who had deluded them, and immediately threw their darts at them, and slew them; and then pursued after Cestius.” (Josephus Flavius, The Jewish Wars, Book 2, Chapter 19, paragraph 9)
Awe is the experience of perceiving the presence of the Creator; also known as “fear of God”, or reverence.
