The Destruction of Jerusalem

This is a heart-breaking story of the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. Josephus was an eye-witness, even a participant, in the tragic events that started this long and bitter exile. He describes how the Jews were engaged in a struggle of one faction against another: truly, causeless hatred led to the destruction of the Temple. Josephus was a Roman captive at the time. He tried to persuade his people to surrender, so as to avoid the destruction of the city, their lives, and the Temple. All to no avail. The reader can hear the sincerity of Josephus' plea, and also see how his words would seem to be those of a traitor to those who were defending the city against the merciless Romans. Of course we know how the story ends, and that makes the story all the more tragic to hear.

As an addendum to the story, Josephus brings the only classical account of the resistance and martyrdom at Massada. The Jews chose mass suicide rather than decimation and slavery at the hands of the Romans. A pottery shard now in a museum in Jerusalem bears the name of the leader of the Zealots who defended Massada. This was probably the token by which was chosen the man who would be the last to take his own life at Massada.

This is ideal reading for Jews who want to prepare themselves spiritually during the three weeks leading up to the observance of Tisha B'Av, the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple. Christians will find it an interesting account of the military and political scene in Jerusalem just a few decades after the ministry of Jesus. People of a more secular bent will also find this an interesting account of a major turning point in history.

Jewish historian famous for his eyewitness account of the destruction of Jerusalem. During the siege of Jerusalem, Josephus urged the Jews to surrender the city to avoid annihilation with a rousing and heartbreaking speech that the arrogant and somewhat mad Jews ignored and tried to kill him in the process.


The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple was not intended by the Romans but brought about by Jewish terrorists who were also holding hostage and abusing their own populace. Truly a "stiff necked people" as the Bible says.

1.1 million lost to starvation, violence and pestilence none of which was necessary. After reading this glimpse into history I realized how little things have changed in that region of the world in thousands of years.

Historic writings on Masada was surprising and shocking and I was not aware there were survivors that lived to tell a tale of utter insanity and propaganda.


I noticed one of the reviews said they had issues with "noises" in the audio - I had no such issues and thought it (the reading) was 98% clear and was satisfied with the performance.

Aside from the Bible the works of Josephus is the most important things I've read in a long time.

This is a great book, but the sound is horrible! I only was able to bear the strugle to listen to the words because I was really interested in listening to Josephus. Honestly you really have to pay much attention ( a real struggle ) to really understand certain parts of the book.
Anyway, the book itself shows by the words of Josephus himself how that wicked generation of 70AD was brought to destruction. It's hard not to feel indignation against that generation as you listen to Josephus eyewitness account of what they did to each other. According to Josephus, it was like God himself was bringing destruction upon these people and the temple. Apparently a repeat chastisement as took place by the Babylonians of 607BC. Wether you are a Jew or a Christian, this is a very good book to read. Although I would rather read the written version rather than listening to this horrible recording.

If you think God is all lovey dovey and forgives everything no matter what -- listen to this. What happened in Jerusalem is a good reminder that if God will do this to Jerusalem and the Israelites -- he won't spare anyone who spurns the blood of His Son Jesus. It will put a new spin on why you should fear God. Very sobering what happens in this book.

When the woman cooks her baby in a stew and offers it to the Roman Centurion who couldn't believe what was happening.

Excellent converstational style -- very engaging.

Yes!

Don't spurn the blood of Jesus - within one generation of Jesus' death (30ad to 70 ad = 40 years) look what Happened to Jerusalem. Serious business!