That is to say, the ills of the time are not, as I thought them, from ignorance of God, but from the misgovernment of rulers.

Do we need to be told that human governments are never for the sake of religion?
How many kings have you heard of who were better than their subjects?
Oh no, no! The Redemption cannot be for a political purpose--to pull down rulers and powers, and vacate their places merely that others may take and enjoy them.

If that were all of it, the wisdom of God would cease to be surpassing.

I tell you, though it be but the saying of blind to blind, he that comes is to be a Savior of souls; and the Redemption means God once more on earth, and righteousness, that his stay here may be tolerable to himself." Disappointment showed plainly on Ben-Hur's face--his head drooped; and if he was not convinced, he yet felt himself incapable that moment of disputing the opinion of the Egyptian.

Not so Ilderim.
"By the splendor of God!" he cried, impulsively, "the judgment does away with all custom.