From the Publisher
A stirring tale of the last days of the Temple at Jerusalem. Robber bands and political infighting sets the stage for the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. In the face of overwhelming odds, John of Gamala does his best to save God's Temple, harrasing Roman work parties, burning Roman camps, defending Jerusalem during the Roman siege, and even fighting Titus himself in hand-to-hand combat--forging a relationship with the Roman leader that lasts until after the war. In spite of fighting a losing battle, John keeps his integrity and honor intact.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
From the Back Cover
Young people across America are rediscovering G. A. Henty, the 19th century literary genius whose historical adventures inspire boys to honesty, courage, diligence, and duty. Writing from a Christian perspective, Henty weaves the adventures of a fictional boy hero together with real-life events. His stories are as accurate as they are exciting, so children get important lessons in history which they remember long afterward. Just as important, these lessons come without the immoral overtones of modern novels.
For the Temple descends into the turmoil that ended with the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus in A.D. 70. John, a 15-yearold Glilean, fears that the Jewish revolt against Rome could bring disaster upon his people--and the Temple. Then, his bravery in a storm attracts the attention of the governor, Josephus. Suddenly, he finds himself in the forefront of events. After escaping from the massacre at Jotapata in A.D. 67, John, with his loyal band, becomes a hero to the Jews and a scourge to the Romans. He disrupts Roman work parties. . .showers arrows and boulders onto troops. . .burns Roman camps. . .rescues his betrothed from slavery. . .even fights Titus himself in hand-to-hand combat:
"John's knife fell from his hand. He tried to rise to his feet; then everything seemed to swim round, and he fell insensible. Titus rose to his feet; he was shaken by the fall, and he, too, had lost much blood. Panting from his exertions, he looked down upon his prostrate foe, and the generosity which was the prevailing feature of his character, except when excited in battle, mastered him. 'By Hercules,' he exclaimed, 'that is a gallant youth, though he is a Jew, and he has well-nigh made an end of me! What will Vespasian say when he hears that I have been beaten in a fair fight and owe my life to the mercy of a Jew!'"
In the final defense of the Temple, John is delivered yet again, only to be enslaved. But his slavery leads him to Caesar's court and finally home, not just to Glilee, but to that Galilean preacher his father had recognized as a prophet forty years before.
BONUS! Includes a Build-Your-Vocabulary Glossary of 460 words. Each word is cross-referenced to its page number so children can easily go back and see how it is used in the story.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
