In one of the most tragic events of Jewish history, Yishmael ben Netanya assassinates the last remaining hope for the people of Judah in their homeland. He kills the soldiers, and takes the civilians captive. When the news gets out, Yochanan and the other leaders loyal to Gedaliah rescue the captives and Yishmael runs away to the protection of his sponsors in Ammon. The people gather together to decide what to do next. Egypt seems like their only safe refuge.