The existing powers were his enemies; Herod was his enemy; and what would Rome have been?
And as for Israel--that he should not be accepted by Israel was the motive for cutting him off.

See you now.

What better way was there to take care of his life in the helpless growing time than by passing him into obscurity?
Wherefore I say to myself, and to my listening faith, which is never moved except by yearning of love--I say he is not dead, but lost; and, his work remaining undone, he will come again.

There you have the reasons for my belief.

Are they not good ?" Ilderim's small Arab eyes were bright with understanding, and Ben-Hur, lifted from his dejection, said heartily, "I, at least, may not gainsay them.