Herod the Great by Norman Gelb

Herod the Great by Norman Gelb -209 pages

Herod (73 to 4 B.C.) was a client-king of Judea during a turbulent period of civil wars between several dominant Roman figures. He was shrewd enough to retain his position with a succession of Rome's rulers, and during his long reign Herod developed Judea into an economically diverse state. Unfortunately, he was never popular with his people who saw him as a usurper of the former ruling family. He likely arranged the murder of his brother-in-law (the last member of the royal family) and eventually became so paranoid he executed his wife and oldest sons for conspiracy. The book is somewhat repetitive, but presents an infamous king fairly.

Killing Jesus: A History

Killing Jesus: A History

By Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard

294 pages

Killing Jesus is not a religious book but a historical writing on the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth. It places Jesus’ life within a fascinating historical background. The book also details information on Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Tiberius and Herod. It gives one a sense of everyday life as a Jewish follower under the oppressive Roman political government.

The publication ends with the crucifixion, burial and the discovery of the empty tomb three days later. As a follower of Christ, I found the historical background very insightful to understand the scriptures, in a new historical light. I enjoyed it greatly.