Biblical Kingdom Ruler
Antipater the Idumaean
Photograph by Berthold Werner, November 9, 2008; Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain — released by the photographer
Ruler at a Glance
Kingdom
Idumea
Ruler Type
Judean Political Administrator
Reign
Active in Judean politics during the first half of the first century BC; died 43 BC
Alternate Names
Antipater II; Antipater father of Herod; Antipas
Capital
Jerusalem
Origin
Idumea
Identification Certainty
Secure historical identification; exact dates of offices vary.
Overview
Antipater the Idumaean helped his son Herod rise to power through alliances with Judean and Roman leaders.
Biography
Antipater was the son of an Idumean official and became an influential supporter of Hyrcanus II during the struggle for control of Judea. He negotiated with Nabataean and Roman leaders and benefited from the intervention of Julius Caesar. He arranged important appointments for his sons, including Herod in Galilee and Phasael in Jerusalem. Although he never reigned as king, his political work helped lay the foundation for the Herodian dynasty.
Historical Significance
His diplomacy connected the Idumean family of Herod to the Hasmonean court and to Roman power.
Major Events
Support for Hyrcanus II; alliances with Nabataea and Rome; appointment of sons to regional offices.
Biblical Significance
Not named in the New Testament. Father of Herod the Great, the ruler in Matthew 2.
Scripture References
Matthew 2:1–19 (indirect family connection).
Primary Sources
Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 14.1–14.11; Jewish War 1.6–1.11.
Death and Burial
Antipater was poisoned in 43 BC according to Josephus; burial details are not securely established.