We begin today A series on Biblical Terminologies. Stay glued 

HERODS: There are five different Herods in the Bible. These names which are identical to each other are from the same family, the difference is as follows:

• HEROD THE GREAT: He was the King of the Jews who reigned from 40-4 BC. He was born in 73 BC. The name of his father was Antipater, the man who was able to calm down the Territories of his North East frontier in the interest of Roman and Augustus the governor and He added them to his Kingdom. He is noted to have undertaken several building projects in Judea. The greatest of all his building enterprise was the reconstruction of Jerusalem Temple, which began early in 19 BC. He executed three of his sons. His suspicious nature is well illustrated in the story of the magi who visited Jesus at His birth and the subsequent slaughter of male children (Mt. 2:1-6). He died in Jericho. After his death his Kingdom was divided among his three sons and his sister.

 

• HEROD ARCHELAUS: He reigned in Judea in place of his father (Herod the great). He ruled as governor (Ethnarch- a title given by Caesar) of Samaria, Judea and Idumea, from 4 BC to AD 6 but without the title of King. He was the eldest son of Herod the great. His mother’s name was Malthace, a Samaritan woman. He has the most reputation of all the sons of Herod; he continued the building policy of his father. He was referred to in Mathew 2:19-23, as succeeding his father after his death. Joseph is reported to have been afraid to return to Israel, with the baby Jesus, when he heard that Herod Archelaus had taken over as the governor of Israel in place of his father.

 

• HEROD THE TETRARCH: He was the younger son of (Herod the great) by Malthace the Samaritan. He was also referred to as Herod Antipas. He ruled Galilee and Perea. In the Gospels he is conspicuous chiefly known for his part in the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas divorced his wife Phasaelis for Herodias, who had been married to Herod II, his Half brother. The arrangement by Herod Antipas was condemned by John the Baptist which eventually led to his arrest and execution. Herod the Tetrach also had brief encounter with Jesus, when later was sent to him by Pilate for judgement. He died after 39 AD.

 

• HEROD THE KING: He was the son of Aristobulus and grandson of (King Herod the Great). After his father’s execution in 7 BC, he was brought up in Rome in close association with the imperial family. In AD 23 he became so heavily involved in debt that he had to leave Rome, for a time he received shelter and maintenance at Tiberias from his uncle Antipas. But he quarreled with Antipas and in AD 36 returned to Rome.

 

• AGRIPA SON OF HEROD AGRIPPA: He was born in AD 27. He was adjudged too young to be made a successor to his father’s Kingdom. Later however, he received the title of King from Claudius with Territories North and East of Palestine which were increased by Noro in AD 56. He changed the name of his capital from Caesarea Philippi to Neromas as a compliment to the later emperor. From AD 48 to 66, he had the opportunity to appointing the Jewish high Priest. He did his best to prevent the outbreak of the Jewish war against Rome in AD 66. When his efforts failed, he remained loyal to Rome and was rewarded with a further increase in his Kingdom. He did childless about AD 100. These are the five Herods we have in the Bible.

NB. This series are extracts from a joint presentation  by Aps Dr Alfred Koduah, Ps Paul Adzigbli and Emmanuel Kwesi Acquah at Takoradi Area Retreat