The Rise and Fall of Herod's Dynasty: A Tale of Power and Decline

In 14 CE, 56 years before the destruction of the Temple, Augustus Caesar passed away, and Tiberius rose to power. Supporting the Herodian lineage, they even built the city of Tiberias in his honor. Forty years before the Temple's fall, the sages realized the Israelite kingdom was nearing its end. Ominous signs filled the skies regularly, and every morning the Temple's doors would open on their own with a terrible noise foretelling doom. The Temple's construction was meant as a spiritual center for all of Israel, a gathering place for worshiping Hashem and for purification, not a Roman-style political power hub for kings.

Yet, Hashem granted Israel one last period of grace. In 37 CE, 33 years before the Temple's destruction, the infamous Caligula took power in Rome. Immediately, Caligula removed the Herodians from their positions, replacing them with Agrippa, his friend. Agrippa was the son of Aristobulus, born to Herod and Mariamne of the Hasmonean family (he married his cousin Cypros, the daughter of Salome, Herod's sister, and Mariamne).

Agrippa possessed a warm Jewish heart. He honored the Torah sages, asserted halacha within the Temple, and pushed back against the Sadducees. He appointed Simon bar Boethus, favored by the people, as High Priest, reduced taxes for Jerusalem's residents, and donated sacrifices to the Temple.

Agrippa was humble and gentle. He was praised in the Mishnah for how he would bring first fruits to the Temple like any other person, without pretension. Fulfilling the gathering commandment, he assembled all Jews at the Temple during Sukkot and read from Deuteronomy. When he reached the verse "You may not put a foreigner over you," tears flowed, aware he was Herod's grandson, with Edomite blood, thus disqualified as king according to law. Yet, knowing his efforts for Israel, sages reassured him: "You are our brother, you are our brother."

In 41 CE, Caligula was assassinated. Claudius succeeded him, also a friend of Agrippa who expanded his realm over all of Israel and elevated him to Honorary Consul. Agrippa dealt retribution to Israel's enemies in Alexandria and beyond, securing a prominent stature in Rome. He also pursued Christians, executing disciples of the false Christian messiah.

In 44 CE, Agrippa died in Caesarea. Although reported as illness-related, some suggest poisoning. He reigned over Israel for eight years, remembered as its last golden period. His son, Agrippa II, became king, but was considered a Roman puppet. For 26 years he lived in Israel, yet contributed little, seen as a mere figurehead. Thus ended the Herodian dynasty, a mixed lineage from the Hasmoneans.

Rome ruled Israel through its procurators, more powerful than any "Jewish king." In 64 CE, six years before the destruction, Gessius Florus was appointed procurator of Judea. Josephus, extensively detailing predecessors' corruption, described Florus as far worse, deeming them saints by comparison...

Florus plundered the land, granting all thieves and murderers global entry to pillage Israel's treasures, demanding only a share of the loot. The Torah's curses were realized literally: "You will build a house but not dwell in it; plant a vineyard but not enjoy its fruits..."

People sowed their fields only for harvest day to be ruined by robbers taking everything. Families were dispossessed, children kidnapped, and the land laid bare by the procurator's outlaws, with no recourse for salvation. Agrippa II didn't care, residing in Caesarea, enjoying horse races at the magnificent hippodrome, traveling to Rome each summer to relax with Roman consuls.

The House of Boethus, a family of High Priests, became corrupt. They collaborated with thieves, as sages narrated: "Abba Saul said: Sycamore logs were in Jericho, seized by forceful ones. Owners consecrated them to heaven. Of them, Abba Saul son of Botnit said in the name of Abba Joseph son of Hanan: Woe to me from the House of Boethus, woe from their traps! Woe from the House of Hanan, woe from their whispers! Woe from the House of Kathros, woe from their pens! Woe from the House of Ishmael son of Phabi, woe from their fists! They are High Priests, their sons treasurers, their sons-in-law secretaries, and their servants beat people with sticks."