The Herodian dynasty represents a significant period in the history of Judea, marked by the rule of Herod the Great and his descendants. This monarchical government, established under Roman influence, played a crucial role in the political and social landscape during the time of the New Testament.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great, appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate in 37 BC, is perhaps the most notable figure of the Herodian dynasty. His reign is characterized by extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, known as Herod's Temple. Despite his architectural achievements, Herod's rule is often remembered for its tyranny and brutality. The Gospel of Matthew recounts Herod's infamous decree to massacre all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne: "When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi" (Matthew 2:16).

Herod Archelaus

Following Herod the Great's death in 4 BC, his kingdom was divided among his sons. Herod Archelaus received Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. His rule was short-lived due to his oppressive governance, which led to his deposition by the Romans in AD 6. The Gospel of Matthew notes the fear of Archelaus's rule as a reason for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to settle in Galilee rather than Judea: "But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee" (Matthew 2:22).

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, another son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. His governance is frequently mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in relation to John the Baptist and Jesus. Herod Antipas is known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark: "So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison" (Mark 6:27). Herod Antipas also played a part in the trial of Jesus, as Pilate sent Jesus to him upon learning that He was a Galilean: "When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time" (Luke 23:7).

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, ruled over Judea from AD 41 to 44. His reign is noted in the Acts of the Apostles, where he is depicted as a persecutor of the early Church. He ordered the execution of James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter: "He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. And seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread" (Acts 12:2-3). Herod Agrippa I's death is described as a divine judgment for his arrogance: "Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died" (Acts 12:23).

Herod Agrippa II

Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, is the last of the Herodian rulers mentioned in the New Testament. He is known for his encounter with the Apostle Paul, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Paul presented his defense before Agrippa II, who famously remarked, "In such a short time, would you persuade me to become a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). Agrippa II's reign marked the end of the Herodian dynasty's influence in Judea.

The Herodian monarchy, under Roman oversight, was a complex and often tumultuous period in Judean history. The Herods' interactions with key biblical figures highlight the intersection of political power and divine purpose, as recorded in the New Testament narratives.Mark 6:27,28
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... Jerusalem or of all the subsequent sad events to the time of Herod. ... Thus, for a short
time, monarchical gave place to aristocratic government in Palestine ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

Alexander
... glad to be thus freed from monarchical government, and were ... came to Jerusalem, and
settled the government as Antipater ... him by her, Phasaelus and Herod, who was ...
/.../chapter 8 alexander.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... monarchy, first of the Asamoneans or Maccabees, and then of Herod the Great ... if his
widow and family minded to retain their monarchical government or tyranny ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

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