Herod the Great was at a minimum paranoid. He had his sons killed so they wouldn’t usurp his throne. Since Herod (an Idumean) was attempting to convince the Jews that he was one of them, it was said that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son..
He also killed his wife for (it is said) the same reason. His fear of losing his throne puts the Biblical story of his ordering the death of the Bethlehem infants in perspective.
Josephus records that Herod attempted suicide by stabbing but was prevented by his aides. He died in 4 BC, thus placing the birth of Jesus at least four years earlier than the calendar.. ;-)
The part about Herod’s death being in 4 B.C. was new to me. Thanks!
I hope your music was a success today. We’re off this weekend.
Thank you! Isn’t he the one who did all those terrific building projects in the desert? Lots of water features....