Others still were
engaged in political debate: the Zealots talking fiercely of the
misdeeds of the house of Herod and the outrages committed by the
Romans; the Sadducees contemptuously mocking at the hopes of the
revolutionists and showing that the dream of freedom for Judea
was foolish. "Freedom," they said, "belongs to those who are well
protected. We have the Temple and priesthood because Rome takes care
of us." To this the Zealots answered angrily: "Yes, the priesthood
belongs to you unbelieving Sadducees; that is why you are content
with it. Look, now, at the place where you let Herod hang an accursed
eagle of gold on the front of Jehovah's House."
So from group to group the Boy passed, listening intently, but
hearing little to his purpose. All day long he listened, now to
one, now to another, completely absorbed by what he heard, yet not
satisfied. Late in the afternoon he came into the quietest part
of Solomon's Porch, where two large companies were seated around
their respective teachers, separated from each other by a distance
of four or five columns.
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