MAJOR EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF HEROD THE GREAT

Introduction

Some scholars believe Herod the Great was “one of the most notorious” figures in history to rule as a king. On the other hand, Herod’s life reveals a political leader who should be considered as “brilliant politician,” who successfully dealt with Roman Empire during his whole career. Herod’s success was molded with hardships he experienced throughout his life. As a young man, Herod was accustomed to “hardships,” which helped mold his ironclad character. As a soldier, Herod was “an excellent horseman” as well as an expert with both “lance” and “arrow.” Herod’s determination to excel would mold him as a future leader. As a young man, Herod already “won a reputation” as being a successful military leader. Regardless, one Jewish historian remarked that Herod “was destined” to become an “evil genius” who would rule “the Judean nation”

Herod the Idumaean (Edomite)

Herod’s rise to greatness can be traced back to his father, Antipater, who was “a wealthy Edomite,” also referred to as an Idumaean. As an Idumaean, Herod knew of the conflict with the Jews and Parthians and must have deeply impressed upon him. As a boy, Herod must have heard from his father about how the Parthians destroyed the Idumaean city of Marisa. Consequently, Herod must have developed a deep-seated animosity toward the Parthians. It is uncertain whether Antipater came from Jewish lineage or if he was “forced to convert to Judaism” after the Hasmoneans invaded his homeland of Edom. Nevertheless, it appears the Idumaeans accepted the Jewish religion “with varying degrees of understanding.” The only reference to Idumea in the New Testament is in Mark where he said some of Jesus followers were from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, “and Idumea.” Nonethel...

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..., the wood furnishings inside the Temple caught on fire and the Temple went up in flames. Titus’ army “lost control” and Jerusalem was sacked turning the scene into “a riot of violence, looting, and destruction.” The Roman army “completely ploughed over the site” destroying the temple just as Jesus predicted.

Herod’s Final Days

On his deathbed, Herod learned that his oldest son, Antipater, was plotting to kill him. Consequently, Herod had him put to death. He then desired that his kingdom be divided among his three surviving sons. Archelaus would rule Judea, Samaria, and Idumea as ethnarch; Antipas would rule Galilee and Perea as tetrarch; and Philip would rule Iturea, Gaulanitis, and Trachonitis. It is unfortunate that such an influential and powerful king had to attempt suicide to end his life. Nevertheless, he failed. However, five days later, Herod died.