ABSTRACT
. The virtual declaration of war was a deliberate and formal refusal to offer the daily sacrifice in the temple for the emperor (J. W. ii. 17, 2). Since the days of Augustus this ritual service had been faithfully observed. Only in this way could Judaism with religious ceremonial honor the name that in the pagan provinces was deified and worshipped. The refusal, therefore, was a direct, open repudiation of respect and loyalty. It was an act of war. In vain did the men of wealth and power, in vain did the Pharisees, and even Agrippa II., seek to persuade the revolutionists of the stupendous folly of their action. Momentary reversals of purpose rewarded the earnestness of the defenders of peace (J. W. ii. 15, 2; 16, 4), but just as the angry tumult of passion became in a measure quieted, a fresh exasperation on the part of the Romans stirred to their depths the tides of bitter feeling, until peace seemed but another name for cowardice and shame.
