105 - Was Herod Great?

105 - Was Herod Great? 

In this episode, I explore the life and legacy of Herod the Great—one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in biblical history. He’s known as the king who tried to kill baby Jesus, but there’s so much more behind the name. From brutal family betrayals to epic building projects like the Second Temple, Masada, and Caesarea, Herod’s reign shaped the political and religious landscape of Judea in profound ways. I walk through his rise to power, his Roman alliances, his manipulation of Jewish leadership, and how his actions formed the backdrop of Jesus’ world. 

Herod’s Rise to Power
Herod didn’t just land in power—he maneuvered his way into it through deep connections with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Augustus. I talk about how he played the Roman game perfectly, securing his rule in a politically volatile region by aligning himself with whoever held power in Rome at the time. 

Architectural Ambition
One of the most lasting parts of Herod’s legacy is what he built. The Temple Mount, the fortress at Masada, Herodium, and the city of Caesarea were all his creations. These weren’t just grand—they were strategic, designed to show strength, control rebellion, and win favor from both Rome and his own people. 

Paranoia and Brutality
Herod was deeply paranoid. He executed his wife Miriam, several of his sons, and many in the Sanhedrin. I explore how his fear of losing power led to cruelty and chaos, even in his own family. Augustus famously said it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son. 

Herod and Jewish Leadership
He restructured the Sanhedrin to be more politically convenient, aligning with Sadducees who shared his vision and were more open to Roman rule. I go into how this power grab weakened Jewish self-governance and set the tone for religious dynamics in the time of Jesus. 

Herod’s End and Legacy
Herod’s death was long, painful, and gruesome. But even after his death, his influence carried through his dysfunctional children and the political systems he created. I talk about how his rule became the foundation of the New Testament world—even if he never met Jesus. 

Takeaways:
Herod the Great was a brilliant political strategist and a visionary builder, but he ruled through fear, manipulation, and bloodshed. His architectural wonders remain, but so does his legacy of paranoia and oppression. The systems he put in place—the temple, the Sanhedrin, the power dynamics with Rome—became the very environment Jesus stepped into. While Herod tried to eliminate the Messiah, he actually helped set the stage for the most important story in history. His life challenges us to ask what true greatness really looks like—and reminds us that legacy is measured not just by what we build, but by how we lead. 

https://smallstepswithgod.com/was-herod-great/