Overview of the Herodian Dynasty The path to prominence for the Herodian family began around the time

that the Hasmonean dynasty, corrupted by the pursuit of power, was coming under the control of the Roman government. The politically dexterous Idumean, Antipater, used his prowess to earn favor within the highest offices of the fading dynasty and attempted to influence their alliance with Rome (establishing a reputation of loyalty to Rome). No such alliance was necessary, however, as the turbulent infighting of the dynasty allowed the Roman general Pompey to invade the weakened state, ultimately assuming it as a Roman province. Customary for the time, Rome used local rulers to carry out governmental policy in distant provinces. Antipaters loyalty was rewarded when his non-Jewish son, Herod the Great, was appointed king of Judea. While Herods Idumean background caused resentment among his Jewish subjects, he was sensitive to their traditions and concerns. His good standing with Rome provided political stability and prosperity to the region. Under his rule, Zerubbabels aged temple was refurbished with splendid grandeur and Jerusalems defenses were improved. Still, his Hellenistic character led to the development of many cities with pagan temples, sports arenas, and other amenities in discord with Jewish tradition and added to his disfavor. Upon Herods death, his kingdom was divided among three sons: Archelaus, Philip, and Herod Antipas. The most successful of the three, Philip, was known as a fair and just. When his reign ended in 34AD, his territory became part of the Syrian province until it was awarded to Agrippa. Archelaus conversely, was known as severe and incompetent. His failures were so great that the Roman government dethroned Archelaus and began to rule the territory with procurators elected by the

emperor. Most notoriously, Herod Antipas divorced his wife in order to marry the wife of his half-brother (also Agrippas father). Not even his vast building projects could overcome the scandalous union. Upon his assumption of power, Agrippa accused the ruler of insurrection and assumed his territory upon Antipas resulting exile in 39AD. Thus, Agrippa held the same territory as Herod the Great. His heir, initially too young to rule without the mentorship of Roman procurators, died in 100AD and brought an end to the Herodian dynasty.

References
Thomas D. Lea, David A. Black., The New Testament: Its Background and Message 2nd ed. (Nashville, TN: B&H, 2003), 24-26.

J. Julius Scott Jr., Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1995), 95-103.