Who Was King Herod? Israel: The Land and its People, Dr. Henry Abramson

One of the greatest builders of ancient Israel, King Herod exploited his power as a Roman-sponsored ruler to develop the Temple, yet earned a reputation as a feared tyrant responsible for horrific massacres. HIs rule set the tone for the political climate in the Land of Israel during the tumultuous decades prior to the growth of Christianity.
Part VI of the lecture series “ISRAEL: The Land and its People” offered during the Spring 2017 semester at the mighty Avenue J campus of Touro College.
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[@jamesbowman7963]

Thank you for the lecture... Mathew doesn't say there were three wise men it says they brought three gifts, Gold, Frankincense and Myrhh... The tradition became that there were three from that. However if there was enough of a commotion that King Herod was made aware and all Jerusalem which indicates it might have been a much larger group. Might have even been only two as that satisfies they being plural.

[@owented]

Also i LOVE YOUR VIDEOS DR. HENRY ABRAMSON! I've never found such an accessible reliable source on Jewish history! thank you for helping jews around the world get in touch with their inner jew. Even the baptised ones like me. love and long life!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you find the lectures useful!

[@robertomorales2308]

Greetings from Puerto Rico.Excelent conference.

[@amyhelwig]

I would be honored to have the opportunity to climb to the top of Masada. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge with us.

[@rojzangana4474]

Rabbi's are great sources of knowledge that we all need especially in these difficult times.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

No doubt

[@thematrix7584]

yeah, these rabbis who give herpes to babies

[@normanrobinson4624]

A very good and entertaining lecture. I will add that Herod was very politically astute. Not just in his ability to move from one Roman Consul to another depending on who held the upper hand, but also his ability to plat Rome off against the Parthians.

[@pamelamyers9613]

This is GREAT! Thank you for posting the videos. I am interested in the sponsorship program.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you! Here's the link: las.touro.edu/giving/jewish-history-scholarship/

[@pamelamyers9613]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD Thank you, sir.

[@tiunchampion9681]

Henry I really appreciate your presentation. God bless your soul.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

I appreciate that!

[@jamesmoss7919]

Great topic. Loved it. Thank you.

[@bonevalle1920]

This is a great lecture, thank you!

[@Texasgirl10]

Thank you! I really enjoyed your lecture.

[@lonw.7016]

Glad to have this lecture. Am also glad that Josephus has survived through time. Would be interesting to have some contemporary writings perhaps by his court scribe that discuss Herod "the great." Have never thought about the shelves that might have housed the scrolls in a library. Very interesting tidbit. EDit: imo.

[@benavraham4397]

According to Josephus, after King Yohanan Hyrkanos conquered the Idumeans, he gave them an ultimatum to either convert to Judaism or get out of the Land of Isreal. Surprisingly, the Idumeans agreed to conversion, and that is how they became Jewish.

[@shadowlands8490]

Jewish by religion, not by heritage or lineages. It is possible to do a few rites and rituals and claim to be Jewish Many of the so called rabbis are not from the line of David kinda the reason why they follow in the hatred of their Jewish Saviour.

[@benavraham4397]

@@shadowlands8490 YES, there are gentiles who converted to Judaism and became outstanding rabbis. In Scripture, converts to Judaism are usually called 'sojourners," ("ger" in Hebrew, meaning "resident"). Who are you to preach about Judaism, when you choose to remain a gentile? When it come to Judaism, listen to Tora devoted Jews.

[@madameclark3453]

I enjoyed your lecture. I like the visual aids especially the architectural models.

[@lizgichora6472]

Interesting lecture, thank you.

[@briantokus1910]

wonderful lecture Dr. Abramson

[@Pamsouthdakota]

Thanks

[@sirfrancoisbacon5624]

Dr. Abramson, thank you so much for these lectures and shedding the light on so many things. However, I'm a little confused as to why you would say that after the death of Herod, his reign would end and Judea would rapidly descend into the Jewish-Roman wars. I was under the impression that he had several relatives(Archelaus, Antipas, Agrippa 1 and 2) that would in one way or another rule over "Israel" as a roman client for the next 60 years? Then came the J-R wars and the destruction of the 2nd Temple. Please advise, thanks you! ps-I will keep looking through your lectures to see if you covered this time period in another video.

[@sirfrancoisbacon5624]

Thank you sir! I will look forward to next season. You have taught me a ton!

[@VSP4591]

Yes, this was the reality. More than 50 years of peace with Romans.

[@moshemankoff7488]

Thanks!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

You bet! New video on Herod in the works, btw.

[@saul1001]

Great video, very informative. Subscribed!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Welcome!

[@marlenerosado5032]

I just started on the Roman Empire. When I was in 7th grade my passion started. Now I picked up again 2 see what has changed since high School. Let's see Herod was 2 the Jews.Even though we don't know he's father heritage.!??!

[@normanrobinson4624]

Regarding Herod and the Magi, it is recorded in Matthew Chapter 2. 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, [fn]magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the [fn]Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written [fn]by the prophet: 6 ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them [fn]the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they [fn]fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

[@FelonyVideos]

There is a star that appears every few hundred years or so. Scientists have no idea what is going on with it. I should go check the dates of when it has flared up... I think the name is Mira.

[@richsenyor6641]

Hey Dr Abramson Can you do a video on some of the more obscure Sabbatean Prophets? I read about a few in Biale's biography of Gershom Sholom (also a good lecture). Abraham Cardoso & Moses Pinheiro stick out. Interesting how they flocked to Messianic pretensions. Id love to learn more!

[@richsenyor6641]

also Marranos in general loved Shabtai Tzvi- another interesting connection

[@FelonyVideos]

Are there any pictures of the eagle coin?

[@marlenerosado5032]

He was a great builder.IT has a great building with a lot Roman touches.

[@veaudor]

Respectfully - and I say that because I'm not a scholar - from what I've hitherto read, I've always had the impression that Herod the Great was looked upon as an interloper within the Jewish community. This, basically because his Jewishness was viewed with skepticism by many, and his marriage to Mariamne a political ploy to rise among the ranks of Roman rulers. Also, and this is my opinion, I don't see him as much different than other Roman (or even modern) despots. He was just as cruel and void of any feelings for his blood relatives. Even Nero mourned his wife Poppea. Therefore - and again, it's my opinion - he was probably not "mad"... just purely a Roman dictator, a man of his times. (Please edit this as you wish) Lucille

[@unittwelve6012]

Yes in Roman records it's true Herod was in power under Caesar . Further historical military Roman documents list synagogue, retail even prison spies as well as leaders in places. Atrocious things occurred to many Hebrews which are horrific. Herod served as a spy for Caesar posing as a Hebrew Jewish leader. Yes under force he led breaking every Hebrew LAW HaShem has given . He was ROMAN not Hebrew by all accounts including military records of historical events. Herod was even worse than Cain killing thousands of babies as well.

[@houriaalgerie9288]

Why israelliens not spread religion ? Did prophetes enjoi not spread religion ? What is their reaction from insist of christiens for spread religion for all all people ? Why they disbelive solomon is he spreading religion in india yemen africa ?

[@josephinemullar7857]

Dr Abramson, thank you for this extremely excellent presentation. I require all the clear information I can obtain. I do have 'The Complete Works of Josephus' but I have obtained a clearer understanding from your presentation. I would like to discuss with you the reason I must search for knowledge. The reason is extremely difficult to explain as what is true does not fit with any religious theology although what is true is exactly what all religious books declare to be the end-time signs and the sign of the coming of our Messiah. Therefore all different cultures and testimonies make the truth practically impossible for anyone to accept. Our Omniscient, Omnipotent heavenly Father requires light to shine throughout the whole earth before our Mashiach is to come to rule over earth. Many people are not prepared for this 'second' coming. This is due to different cultural religious beliefs. There is a great risk many will rebel against our Jewish Mashiach because of ignorance, bigotry and a lack of scriptural knowledge and understanding. Also a reluctance to accept the will of Almighty God which does not suit the desire of the people. Would you confer with me further on this subject please? However I must inform you that I do object to Israeli militarisation against the descendants of Hobab being the head of the Arab nation who led Israel through the wilderness for 40yrs and were given land Judges 1:16; Numbers 10:29-31. I oppose all military interventions and all cruelty as does my Elohim therefore you might not desire to assist me. Torah instructs not to oppress the alien resident Deuteronomy 10:18 although the Palestinians are not alien residents they are descendants also of Moses by his Arabian wife Zipporah whose progeny were made head chieftains over all things made holy to God during the reign of King David 1st Chronicles 26:24-26. Palestinians are the people whom Gog came upon in the final part of the years Ezekiel 38:8 this is evident because Sheba and Dedan are descendants of Abraham and his wife Keturah Genesis 25:1-3 see how they are called 'Sheba and Dedan? These are the Arabian tribes written in Ezekiel 38:13 whom Gog (the tribe of Reuben 1st Chronicles 5:1,4), has came upon by the Balfour declaration. It was not by the will of my Elohim two world wars were devised and it was not the will of my Elohim that the deaths of the Palestinians and all who fall by means of cruel wars forced upon them driving them into early graves by the final of earth's rule proven to be deficient of divine instruction by alienation from Almighty God. However what has came to be was prophesied to come and has come to be fulfilled prophesy. Those who contrive these atrocities will have what they devise upon others come upon their own heads in the judgment. All Israel should turn back from military action if they don't want to be judged adversely. Israel must repent of this action it is against the Law of Almighty God who sent an angel to reveal to me the coming again of His Firstborn into the inhabited earth as written in Hebrews 1:6 and Revelation 12:4,5. The woman in Revelation 12:1 was seen by those in heaven having the sun above her head and the moon beneath her feet because due to the birth of the Messiah as it is written all through the bible and prophesied by our patriarch Jacob would come on two occasions Genesis 49:25. In Revelation 12:1 The sun is seen above the woman's head and the moon beneath her feet because there will no longer be any need for the sun or moon to shine because Yahuvavhey God will light up the city also my Mashiach will. And no temple can be seen in that city Revelation 21:22-26. How is it I now have a feeling you will not desire to know what I have to reveal Dr Abramson? I think I know why! Sorry to be a bearer of unacceptable news! Israelite teachings by refuting and refusing to accept the writings of the whole of the bible scriptures is a grave error. By doing so I doubt Israel will desire the true Mashiach to come to rule over earth from Zion but nevertheless that is what will come to be whether anyone listens to the word of my Elohim as it is written and as it has come to be or not. Shalom! @@HenryAbramsonPhD

[@charlitoadams777]

@@unittwelve6012 "Killing thousands of babies" What's the source?

[@benokaston1440]

Let's not forget the invention of concrete that drys underwater, that was utilized by loading a series of floats with the concrete, who were later sunk to create a large wave break structure and a harbor on the other side.

[@hubertmarshall4558]

Shammai did not become chief justice of the Sanhedrin until 10 bc . Your story is incorrect. What about Hillel. What did Josephus say about Hillel

[@pebear]

He had John the Baptist beheaded as a birthday present for his wife.... Just saying...

[@thematrix7584]

really? source?

[@pebear]

@@thematrix7584 actually it was his mistress. Mark 6:14-29

[@annascott3542]

What do you think the veracity is in the Honey story? Sordid.

[@chanaleahrapoport8699]

Is mariamne a daughter or granddaughter of Hyrcanus?

[@markjacobi3537]

YasherKoach really enjoyed this lecture from Melbourne Australia albeit Herod was an evil leader. Please see first Chapter of Baba Basra re: description Agaddic about Herod. Please note the importance of not speaking Lashon Hara, especially when provoked.

[@marlenerosado5032]

"HEROD"was called (KING,ALLY and FRIEND of the ROMAN PEOPLE)Even though Anthony wasn't in favor of Herod's policy as long as he kept collecting taxes.Everything was good with Rome:He was Dictator.Judge,Budget.Defend & mantained the Army & foreign policies

[@thematrix7584]

you are a maniac, I think Herod must have beaten u in past life...stop hating on herod, he was great

[@interrobot1]

Dear Henry, I really enjoyed listening you. However a few wrong statements need to be fixed. Herod was not brutal, cruel, maniacal or paranoid. During his reign there was not a single killing without a good reason. His own sons have FORCED him to eliminate them. They left him no other option. Herod was unable to kill a single person without pre - approval from Rome, so the wide spread myth about massacre of kids goes well beyond the historic truth.

[@kieronbrucedillon832]

Finally somone with wisdom!

[@thematrix7584]

Herod didnt need roman approval, he was a respectable client king...but you are right, he did what a KING should do, he put kingship over his kith and kin which is noble

[@reksubbn3961]

How did Herod raise so much in the way of taxes? Was the country really that wealthy?

[@valwilliams2087]

Good Day.. I will like to know if Anyone is knowledgeable of Any Historical Events that took place in 68-70 AD That is related to two Prophets that supernaturally ascended into Heaven? ..I don't think this Information will be in Text books, Maybe in Historical Archives...

[@dmb2236]

What is the relationship of the Hasmoneans to the Jews??

[@matthewgabbard6415]

So was Herod Jewish? I know he kept the holidays and temple rituals for show but did he actually come from a Jewish background or was he a Greek who just ruled the Roman Province? This may be common knowledge and if so I’m sorry

[@markusEuro]

I am looking forward to listening about brilliant Flavius Josephus and about Herod the Great. Shalom to all nice brilliant people from Germany, which is homeland of treacherous Arminius who betrayed commander Varus, who had looted the Jerusalem temple treasure and had crucified 2000 Jews. Arminius saved Germany from becoming a Roman province. But in the long run his triumph story isolated Germany and gave way to the nationalism and racism which led to the murder of European culture by Hitler.

[@FelonyVideos]

It's really annoying when people walk in front of the camera.

[@kenzeier2943]

Lends extra credibility to the New Testament which includes much about Herod. Surprised this lecturer didn’t include the NT as a source. Accidental???

[@lovejoy7065]

Acts 12:23 KJV - And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

[@ibnyahud]

he's probably just unfamiliar enough he didn't recall that

[@thematrix7584]

@@lovejoy7065 everyone had worms, i am sure everyone had worms at that time

[@MrIrrepressible]

Yeah was just thinking the same thing. No mention of the NT writers who mentioned Herod

[@Madmen604]

Thank you very much for this very well presented lecture! These are very late questions, but hopefully someone can answer. Who was really in the hereditary line of succession from David, to become King of Israel in the time of Herod? Who would have been Herod's architects and engineers? What impact did his building developments have on the wealth of Israel? Would common people have benefited or mostly the Romans and political elites? Was the Sanhhedren corrupt at the time would you say, or having to maintain peace by walking a fine line between Zealots and Romans? Are there any families today who trace their ancestry back to King David or for that matter, to Joshua son of Mary and Joseph!? That would be amazing wouldn't it!

[@musiqman8354]

I can trace my ancestry back to King David, Aharon and dozens of high priests, 3 prophets, as well as Yahushua's family.

[@MrNhojstrebor]

The name "Herod" The Great or "Famous" is Hrodebert; meaning bright Fame, and is the same as Roberts, Rupert (Germanic).

[@marlenerosado5032]

Tomb of the Patriarch

[@owented]

I know it's nit picking and I'm sorry, but as somewhat of a jewish romanophile XD (not really obviously but just a little joke) I'd like to point out that pompey was a Consul when he conquered syria and the majority of the east, not an Emperor. Although he was a member of the first triumvirate making him almost like a third emperor basically lol, plus it's only just before the period of augustus and the second triumvirate so It's a very easy mistake to make If you're not super obsessed with roman history as i am lol.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Yup, I misspoke.

[@felicededuyo7999]

We know the foreparents of 100 BCE Julius Caesar. Whey don’t we know the parents of AD 100 Josephus? What are they hiding?

[@trailtrs1]

Love your teachings but you should get a better understanding of the magi situation even though you might not believe it

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Ok

[@trailtrs1]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD I’m not trying to be critical. Your lessons hold great weight with me and I’m sure eith many others please take my statement in that context. I would love to see your lessons on Maimonides and Aquinas their similarities and differences as they both develop Aristotle’s thoughts and ideas down into the modern era, one from the Jewish perspective and influence snd the other from the christian. Thanks for putting these lectures out for all to see and hear, you give a great color to historical events

[@shadowlands8490]

I agree. The Jewish Messiah was prophecied which holds great weight that they would seek out the Saviour of the tribe of David. The one that Herod would object to. Herod killing many children doesn't matter as much as Herod seeking to kill the Saviour that would be King of the Jews . Why? Maybe that King of the Jews was to be proclaimed while Herod was not welcomed by the Jewish authority. Pharisees and Sadducees alike hd a common thread and they sought power as well in Israel. They rejected Rome and anyone that was given power by Rome. Herod was not a Jew, but he was given power and God is the one that gives power but also takes away.

[@reksubbn3961]

I disagree. I think this man has an excellent knowledge of the Christian Bible and treats it with great respect. The Bible is a big book and it is very difficult to be familiar with all aspects of it. Most Christians don't know their Bible that well.

[@waynethompson8416]

Is it possible that part of Herod's madness was caused by Alzheimer's?

[@iwantthetruthandnothingbut6521]

It may have been caused by drinking out of a lead goblet...

[@timjones1583]

Maybe lead that they used in plumbing

[@paultremblay4836]

Josephus look like one of the Google founder, Sergey Brin.

[@illerac84]

Maybe he's been here the whole time........

[@marlenerosado5032]

Herod was a manic He was KING but not absolute he had to have Roman permission 4 everything, as long as he kept with those rules & the money $$ coming the ROMANS WERE GOOD.

[@thematrix7584]

nonsense, he was a true king, even the roman emperor depended on client kings and generals, no one was absolute but only GOD

[@stefanhammel192]

Dear mister Dr. Abramson, what is your view of the accusation that the wailing wall is really fortress Antonia and not even jewish. And that the second temple can not be build in the erea of the temple mount? Some archaeologist seem to be very certain it isnt jewish.....I hope it's just some 'arab' propaganda attempt

[@FelonyVideos]

I've seen videos of that, and one made a fairly compelling case.

[@itsmejones6023]

I was Constantine! See what I mean?

[@timjones1583]

3 Chaldean astronomers. Who had been instructed to look for HIS star. They are also Jews. Many Jews stayed behind in Babylon. The sign in the heavens...... The woman. Betulah. Clothed with the sun. The moon at her feet and a crown of 12 stars over her head.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Hmm

[@noydbwia]

I do hope in the intervening 4 years since your posting of this video, you've taken great steps to not use the Roman name for the area of Israel after 70 "CE"... I once threw away a "study bible" because of that very same word. Video time for reference - 23:44 the name on the map. This area belongs to the Israelites, therefore it should always be called Israel.

[@TheTim59]

Actually it should referred to as Judea / yehuda and not Israel which was destroyed by the Assyrians centuries before

[@noydbwia]

@@TheTim59 ? Ok, first, I was referring to the name Palestine, which he used maps labeled with that name. Second, Israel is Israel, which includes all 12 tribes *and* all the space in between the "river in Egypt (Nile) and the Euphrates..." Genesis 15:18

[@marlenerosado5032]

Herod was hated by his people he was desperately looking 4 the Jews 2 like him but it was. lt was impossible he was hated so much 4 the otrosacies he committed against his family. The ROMANS said better 2 be a pig than "HEROD SON"😄😜😝😢😂😭😥

[@karlshaner2453]

Dead Sea Scrolls: First time in modern history we get the story of MHJH? Not sure if I got all the consonants. No other record has ever been found with this story and I would challenge anyone to find a source before the discovery of these scrolls with the same story and name. Here is the question to all who seek truth...How did Joseph Smith Jr. know the name and the story 100+ years before the world discovered it?

[@karlshaner2453]

@Derreck Jones I don't believe he mentioned Hitler by name. (Watch out for that shifting sand).

[@karlshaner2453]

@Derreck Jones none(Hebrew).

[@karlshaner2453]

@Derreck Jones There are many pieces of evidence that show forth the truth. The Dead Sea Scrolls is just one of them. Here is a great lecture on the topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6a3dqJplL-Doac Another question people should wonder about when being so quick to discount The Book of Mormon as false is this. How did Joseph Smith know about a people who vanished around 400 AD? (Just one of the hundreds of other points). When I made the comment about shifting sand here is what I mean... the curse of "well what about". You can show a person truth, but rather than accept it they change to another point with often the words...Well, what about(change of subject)! They never come to a knowledge of the truth because they fail to accept it when it is before their face...Just like those in the time of Christ. I could give you examples but I am sure you can read The New Testament for yourself. Enjoy the lecture.(Hugh Niblet was something very special).

[@karlshaner2453]

@Derreck Jones kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6W3pq2IhpuVmas here is a shorter version with a clear answer. Can you focus for 10 minutes?

[@karlshaner2453]

@Derreck Jones Jesus once said to a man that though he had seen him yet believe not. Truth is not handed to men on a platter. One must seek. Here is another piece you probably won't understand nor search out. Lidar. When was it invented? What was it used for? What discoveries were made with it? How did Joseph know 100 + years of knowledge unknown to the world until such an invention? One other part of that curse I forgot to mention...Those who revile and discount truth choosing to scoff rather than search. I hope you take the time to enjoy some of the lectures of Hugh Nibley, they are well worth your time.

[@ike9854]

The Dead Sea scrolls were NOT found in Israel, but in Qumran, on the Palestinian West Bank, occupied by Israel!!! A Lecturer lying, the first thing he does, is never a good sign!!!!

[@michaelhaywood8262]

It is within the bounds of Ancient Israel, not the modern state.

[@jamesr8584]

The land is Judea/Samaria, it is part of Israel. So it is you that is lying.

[@bobSeigar]

Anti-Pater 'Great Father'

[@plasticmask1773]

Soros

[@trinityestrada9588]

Herod died a horrible death because he killed the lamb of God. Even his wife warned him to not do it!

[@mybabychihuahua]

I had to go the minute you question Matthew's account.

[@frankiewally1891]

No,his ancestry is clearly laid out; he is of Hasmonean blood.

[@jamesmoss7919]

Great topic. Loved it. Thank you.

[@felicededuyo7999]

We know the foreparents of 100 BCE Julius Caesar. Whey don’t we know the parents of AD 100 Josephus? What are they hiding?