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Antipater, in 47 B.C., due to his support of the Roman Empire, was made the first procurator of Judea, Samaria and Galilee by Julius Caesar. Around this time his son Herod is also made the provincial governor of Galilee. In 40 B.C., just three years after his father's death by poisoning, Herod is given the title of King of Judea (King of the Jews) by the Roman Senate.
Revenge of Idumea
Herod's rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple provides the backdrop for many New Testament events, including the fulfillment of its destruction prophesied by Jesus (Matthew 24:1 - 2). A vain man given to impulsive rages, he commands the slaughtering of innocent male babies in Bethlehem in an attempt to murder Christ (Matthew 2:16 - 18).
After Herod dies c. 4 B.C., his son Herod Antipas is made Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Antipas, on his birthday, beheads John the Baptist after his stepdaughter sexually excites him with a dance (Matthew 14, Mark 6). He is also the Herod who, after Jesus is arrested, mocks him (Luke 23:5 - 12).
Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, is made Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea in 39 A.D. after Antipas' death. Agrippa not only beheads the apostle James in 44 A.D., he also arrests Peter (Acts 12).
The Idumea line of rule finally ends with the death of Herod Agrippa II around 92 A.D.
