Topical Encyclopedia Background and Rise to Power:Herod the Great, also known simply as Herod, was a Roman client king of Judea, known for his significant role in the history of the Jewish people during the late Second Temple period. Born around 73 BC, Herod was of Idumean descent, a lineage that played a crucial role in his political career. His father, Antipater the Idumean, was a high-ranking official under the Hasmonean dynasty, which laid the groundwork for Herod's rise to power. Herod's ascent began when he was appointed governor of Galilee by his father at a young age. His political acumen and military prowess caught the attention of the Roman authorities, and he quickly gained favor with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony. In 40 BC, the Roman Senate declared Herod "King of the Jews," a title he secured after a three-year struggle against the Parthians and the Hasmonean king Antigonus. Reign and Achievements: Herod's reign, which lasted from 37 BC to 4 BC, was marked by significant architectural and economic achievements. He is perhaps best known for his extensive building projects, which included the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, known as Herod's Temple. This grandiose project aimed to win the favor of the Jewish people and solidify his legacy. Herod also constructed the fortress of Masada, the port city of Caesarea Maritima, and the Herodium, a palace-fortress near Bethlehem. Despite his contributions to infrastructure and the economy, Herod's reign was also characterized by political intrigue and brutality. His paranoia and fear of losing power led to the execution of several family members, including his wife Mariamne and three of his sons. This aspect of his rule is reflected in the Gospel of Matthew, where Herod's ruthless nature is depicted in the account of the Massacre of the Innocents. Biblical Account: Herod the Great is most prominently mentioned in the New Testament in connection with the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Herod is visited by the Magi, who inquire about the newborn "King of the Jews." Disturbed by the news, Herod deceitfully asks the Magi to report back to him once they find the child, claiming he wishes to worship Him as well. However, warned in a dream, the Magi do not return to Herod. In a furious attempt to eliminate the potential threat to his throne, Herod orders the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem and its vicinity, an event known as the Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18). Death and Legacy: Herod's death in 4 BC marked the end of his tumultuous reign. According to historical accounts, he died of a painful and debilitating illness. His kingdom was divided among his sons, Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Philip, as stipulated in his will, with the approval of the Roman Emperor Augustus. Herod the Great's legacy is a complex tapestry of architectural grandeur, political cunning, and tyrannical rule. His life and actions had a profound impact on the socio-political landscape of Judea and the early Christian narrative. Despite his attempts to secure his dynasty and legacy, Herod is often remembered for his role in the biblical narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus and his tyrannical measures to maintain power. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 2:1-23Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Topicalbible.org Matthew 2:16 Matthew 2:22 Luke 1:5 Greek 2266. Herodias -- Herodias, granddaughter of Herod the Great ... Herodias, granddaughter of Herod the Great. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Herodias Phonetic Spelling: (hay-ro-dee-as') Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2266.htm - 6k 745. Archelaos -- "people-ruling," Archelaus, a son of Herod the ... 5376. Philippos -- "horse-loving," Philip, two sons of Herod the ... 67. Agrippas -- Agrippa, the name of two descendant of Herod the ... 2264. Herodes -- perhaps "son of a hero," Herod, the name of ... Library Agrippa, who was Also Called Herod, Having Persecuted the Apostles ... Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John. After the Death of Tiberius, Caius Appointed Agrippa King of the ... Book 17 Footnotes About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ... The Times of Pilate. Testimonies in Regard to John the Baptist and Christ. From Malachi to the Birth of Christ. Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago The Cleansing of the Temple. Resources Who was Herod Agrippa II? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the various Herods mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Massacre of the Innocents? | GotQuestions.org Herod: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Herod: King of Judah (Herod the Great) Herod: Son of Aristobulus (Herod Agrippa I) Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas) Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Beheads John the Baptist Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Desires to See Jesus Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Incest of Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Jesus Tried By Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Tyranny of Irony: Herod Agrippa Ii to Paul Sarcasm: Herod Agrippa Ii to Paul Related Terms |
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