Matthew - Leaders Guide and Map Collection
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Herod the Great's kingdom
$10.00
What you get
- Custom-made for The Casual English Bible®
- High-resolution maps
- Available for immediate download
- Licensing available for publication
Description
How Herod Got His Kingdom
Herod the Great ruled this kingdom from about 37 to 4 B.C. He did not get it because he came from a famous Jewish royal family. He got it because Rome liked him. Herod’s father had helped Roman leaders during their civil wars, and Herod followed the same path. When enemies took control of Jerusalem, Herod fled to Rome. The Roman Senate named him “King of the Jews” and sent him back with Roman soldiers to take the land by force.
By the time Herod finished fighting his rivals, he controlled Judea, Galilee, Samaria, and nearby regions. He ruled as a client king. That meant Rome stayed in charge overall, and Herod’s job was to keep peace, collect taxes, and stop rebellions.
What His Kingdom Was Like
Herod’s kingdom sat at a crossroads between Egypt, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea. Trade routes ran through it, making the land valuable and dangerous. Different groups lived there, with different beliefs and loyalties. Many Jews resented Herod because he was not from the old royal family and because he worked so closely with Rome.
Herod tried to win support by rebuilding cities and expanding the Jerusalem Temple. These projects were impressive, but they were paid for with heavy taxes.
What Kind of Ruler He Was
Herod was both talented and terrifying. He was a brilliant builder, but he was also deeply suspicious. He ordered the deaths of several relatives, including his wife and sons, because he feared they might take his throne.
This cruel reputation forms the background of the Gospel story about the killing of children in Bethlehem, after the birth of Jesus. Whether large or small, the story fits what history tells us about Herod. He was a ruler who protected his power at any cost.
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