03.05.21 47 B.C. Herod Becomes Military Commander; Executes Hezekias, Massacres Selected Members Of The Sanhedrin
Josephus says that Herod was only 25 years old when he was placed in command of a military regiment in the province of Syria, which included the District of Galilee.[1] For decades, there were highwaymen who attacked travelers and caravans, robbing and at times killing innocent victims.[2] For this reason, pilgrims going to and from Jerusalem for religious observances traveled in festival caravans.[3] One of these notorious men was Hezekias of Gamala. Herod pursued, and after a fierce battle, captured him and his band. Josephus recorded that with the death of Hezekias there was a great number of other robbers who were killed with him.[4] The descendants of Hezekias established the Zealot movement (A.D. 6) and cause numerous revolts that would eventually lead to the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. But in the meantime, Herod established peace and safety in the Jewish provinces and Syria for travel, commerce, and later for the spread of the gospel. In essence, Herod forced Pax Romana[5] upon the Jews, an achievement for which he was greatly appreciated by the Syrians and Romans.[6]
To the Jews in Jerusalem, however, he displayed cruelty and was ordered to appear before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem and give an account of his actions. He did not forget the rebuke, so later in 37 B.C., after he was appointed to the position of king by Rome, he massacred nearly the entire high court.[7] Historians are unsure how many were killed, but it certainly was everyone who opposed him earlier. Josephus in Antiquities 14.9.4 (175) says that Herod executed “all” the members, but in Antiquities 15.1.2 (6) the historian said that only 45 of Antigonus’ supporters who were of the Sanhedrin were executed. Among the few who, in some manner escaped death, were Rabbi Hillel, Rabbi Shammai, Rabbi Bava Ben Buta and two the sons of Betria. The sixty plus others died in Herod’s massacres – he was not one to forget or forgive.[8]
[1]. Josephus, Antiquities 14.9.2. Some scholars believe Herod was 15 years old at this time. See Lee, The Galilean Jewishness of Jesus, 73.
[2]. Josephus, Antiquities 20.6.1(118); Wars 2.15.6 (232).
[3]. Tosephta, Megillah 4.15; Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus. 59, 249; Geikie, The Life and Works of Christ. 2:278; Farrar, The Life of Christ. 364.
[4]. Josephus, Antiquities 14.9.2.
[5]. Lee, The Galilean Jewishness of Jesus. 72-73; Mellowes and Cran, Executive Producers. From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians. (DVD). Part 1; See “Pax Romana” in Appendix 26.
[6]. Josephus, Antiquities 14.9.2.
[7]. Wilkinson, Jerusalem as Jesus Knew It. 87.
[8]. Lightfoot, A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica. 2:38.