. Ridpath says:

"Never was a people so turbulent, so excited with expectation
of a deliverer who should restore the ancient kingdom, so fired
with bigotry and fanaticism, as were the wretched Jews of this
period. One Christ came after another. Revolt was succeeded by
revolt, instigated by some pseudo-prophet or pretended
king."--_"History of the World," Vol. I, p. 849 (Part III,
chap. 19)._

During the Saviour's life and ministry a divine hand had to a great
extent held the elements of violence in check, but as the light was
rejected more and more, the spirit of evil came to hold sway
unrestrained. Dr. Mears well describes the changed conditions in these
words:

"The narrative of the evangelists presents a tranquil scene, a
succession of attractive pictures, in striking contrast to the
bloody and tumultuous events which crowd each other in the
pages of Josephus."--_"From Exile to Overthrow," pp. 256, 257._

Thus the events led rapidly on toward the day of Jerusalem's fall, so
long foretold by the prophets.

The Sign to the Believers

The disciples had asked for a sign, and Christ gave them a token by
which they might know when the time to flee from Jerusalem had come.
Here Luke's Gospel gives the fullest record:

"When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the
desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the
mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let
not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the
days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
Luke 21:20-22.

[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM BY THE ROMANS UNDER TITUS,
A.D. 70

"When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the
desolation thereof is nigh." Luke 21:20.]

The unbelieving in Jerusalem and Judea could not conceive that their
city, so long protected and favored of God, could be destroyed. Not even
the appearance of the Roman armies could shake their blind
self-confidence. But at the first sight of the encircling armies, the
Christians knew that the time for flight was at hand. But how to flee
was the question, with the compassing lines drawn close about the city.
Moreover, the Zealots, the furious war party in power, would be little
likely to allow any number to pass out to the Roman forces.

Just here God's providence made a way of escape. C