Herodians
Summary
The Herodians were a Jewish political party who supported the Herodian dynasty as the best hope for retaining Jewish national government under Roman rule.
☩Identity and Character
The Herodians were not a religious sect like the Pharisees or Sadducees, but rather a political party composed of adherents and supporters of the Herodian dynasty. They took part with Herod and his successors in introducing Grecian and Roman customs among the Jews. In skepticism they sided with the Sadducees but were strongly opposed to the Pharisees on religious matters. Their evil principles may be included in Christ's warning against 'the leaven of Herod.'
☩Opposition to Christ
Despite their differences with the Pharisees, the Herodians united with them in opposing Jesus. After Christ's miracle on the Sabbath, the Pharisees took counsel with the Herodians how they might destroy Him. Later they joined together to entrap Jesus with the question about paying tribute to Caesar, hoping either to turn the people against Him or to deliver Him to the Roman governor. Their readiness to suppress any Messianic agitation made them natural opponents of Jesus' ministry.
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Herodians," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 2.George Morrish, "Herodians," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Herodians," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).