The Rise and Fall of Herod the Great is a series that delves into the life of one of Israel’s most complex figures. Herod’s rule was marked by his turbulent marriage to the Hasmonean princess Mariamne and his ruthless political tactics. While he formed alliances with influential figures like Marc Antony, his unbridled ambition ultimately led him to madness.
Herod’s significant expansion of the Second Jewish Temple, which was later destroyed, is one of his most enduring legacies. The drama of his story draws parallels to shows like Game of Thrones, yet the rich Jewish perspective found in sacred texts like the Torah and Talmud often goes unnoticed. Incorporating these texts could provide deeper insights into Herod’s reign and his place in Jewish history.
Lessons from History
Reflecting on Herod’s tumultuous reign, we can glean important lessons about power and ambition. His life serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of unchecked authority and the havoc it can wreak on both leaders and their people. These lessons urge us to assess historical figures and contemporary leadership.
Ancient texts like the Torah and Talmud can offer valuable insights into Jewish kingship. In Deuteronomy, Moses outlined a governance framework for future Jewish leaders, emphasizing the significance of community and ethical leadership.
“If, after you have entered the land that the LORD your God has assigned to you, and taken possession of it and settled in it, you decide, ‘I will set a king over me, as do all the nations about me,’ you shall be free to set a king over yourself, one chosen by the LORD your God. Be sure to put as king over yourself one of your people; you must not set a foreigner over you, one who is not your relative. Moreover, he shall not keep many horses or send people back to Egypt to add to his horses since the LORD has warned you, ‘You must not go back that way again.’ And he shall not have many wives, lest his heart goes astray; nor shall he amass silver and gold to excess.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-17)
This passage speaks to the essential role of community in leadership. A leader should embody the values and aspirations of the people they serve rather than pursuing personal wealth or power.
Blueprint for Leadership
Building on this, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik offers further insights into the nature of leadership in his podcast episode, “Kohen vs. King.” He emphasizes the inevitability of mistakes made by those in power, drawing a key distinction between the transgressions of priests and kings. In Leviticus, the Torah uses “if” for the sins of priests and “when” for kings, highlighting that leaders, no matter how powerful, are bound to falter.
“Have a copy of this Teaching written for him on a scroll by the Levitical priests. Let it remain with him and let him read in it all his life, so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God, to observe faithfully every word of this Teaching as well as these laws. Thus, he will not act haughtily toward his fellows or deviate from the Instruction to the right or the left, to the end that he and his descendants may reign long amid Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
These teachings remind us that even kings must stay grounded and avoid arrogance. Leaders today, just like those of the past, encounter moments of complex decision-making, and their success hinges on remaining humble and guided by higher principles.
Enduring Legacy
Herod’s reign ended tragically with Roman colonization and the destruction of the Second Temple, but the Jewish tradition persevered. After the devastation, scholars and rabbis fled to Yavneh to preserve Jewish life and thought, leading to the emergence of the Talmud. This dynamic discussion of Jewish law and philosophy has continued to shape Jewish life for centuries.
Today, the Torah and Talmud remain central to Jewish life—not as relics of the past but as living texts that continue to inspire and guide individuals in yeshivas, synagogues, and academic settings worldwide. When integrated into our understanding of history and leadership, their teachings offer profound insights into the complexities of governance and the responsibilities that come with power.
Reflecting on Leadership
Herod’s story encourages us to reflect on the impact of unbridled ambition and the significance of humility in leadership. What lessons can we derive from history as we pursue our aspirations and obligations? Drawing from ancient texts such as the Torah and Talmud provides a more profound comprehension of leadership that echoes through time and is relevant today.
FOOTNOTES:
- “Deuteronomy Chapter 17, Verses 14-20.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.17.14-20.
- Rabbi Meir Soloveichik. “Bible 365, Episode 32: Kohen (Priest) vs King: Two Models of Leadership.” Podcast.
- “Deuteronomy Chapter 17, Verse 18.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.17.18.