1)
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE STORES OF BEIS HINO
מפני מה חרבו חנויות של בית הינו שלש שנים קודם ירושלים מפני שהעמידו דבריהם על דברי תורה
Translation: Why were the stores of Beis Hino destroyed three years before Yerushalayim (was destroyed by the Romans)? Because they ruled only according to Torah law (and disregarding Rabbinical law).
(a)
Why was this behavior a reason for the destruction?
1.
Maharal in Chidushei Agados: Although Hash-m created the world with the trait of Din, it could only then continue to exist through the trait of mercy (See Bereishis Rabah 12) These people refused to go beyond the letter of the law and use the trait of mercy. They only followed the trait of Din, so their world could no longer continue to exist.