It's not impossible. The Romans were gentiles, all hope was lost and the Jews may well have feared the fate that Rome had in store for them if they were captured. King Saul asked to be killed rather than die at the hands of his enemies. I've read reports that the Romans were prepared for a battle and were horrified by what they saw. That is the testimony of Josephus. He claimed that to avoid the sin of suicide, the Jews killed each other.
Adolf Hitler and many of his close associates preferred suicide to capture by the Russians. I can understand why. Perhaps the Jews had a similar attitude.
Adolf Hitler and many of his close associates preferred suicide to capture by the Russians. I can understand why. Perhaps the Jews had a similar attitude.
rather a cowardly thing
Jesus knowingly went to his death on the cross but he did not kill himself to avoid crucifixtion or ask his disciples to kill him. He was betrayed.