Podcast – Villains of the Bible: Herod

Herod is one of the most well-known villains in the Bible. Without the biblical accounts, historians might have convinced us that he was a successful ruler. Born in 73 BC and dying in 4 BC, Herod lived through significant events in Roman and Middle Eastern history. He rose to power through his alliance with Mark Antony, who supported him in exchange for the wealth Herod could generate through taxation.

Herod had no royal lineage to justify his kingship. He earned his position through political maneuvering and favor from Roman authorities. He had no popular support among the Jewish people, which was a major reason people deeply resented him. To gain favor with the Jews, he attempted to present himself as a benevolent ruler. Meanwhile, to satisfy the Romans, he pursued grand building projects to showcase his loyalty and sophistication.

Herod is remembered as having one of the most paranoid and ruthless personalities of his time. He was constantly suspicious of plots against him, even from within his own family. In the Bible, his villainy is most evident in the horrific massacre of all boys under the age of two in Bethlehem, as he sought to eliminate the newborn "King of the Jews"—Jesus.

Beyond this atrocity, Herod was vindictive and murderous, often executing family members whom he suspected of betrayal.

Although the exact cause of Herod’s death is unknown, historical accounts suggest it was agonizing. He died alienated from his family, in severe pain and isolation. In a final, desperate act to ensure mourning at his death, Herod ordered his guards to imprison and execute the most influential men in Israel upon his passing. However, the guards defied this command, releasing the prisoners. No one mourned Herod’s death.

Brittany Proffitt lives in North Texas and is a writer and content manager for So We Speak.