13. Despite Herod’s best efforts, the Jewish People detested him.
Despite his efforts to improve the infrastructure of Judea, the Judean people detested Herod. This dislike was not merely because of his dubious Jewishness for Herod had been popular enough when he was governor of Galilee- mainly because he actively chased the bandits plaguing the countryside. Nor was it because he had murdered most of the Hasmonean royal family. According to Josephus, the chief reason Herod was hated was due to his excessive taxation. Rates varied between 8.6% to 10.7% – and Herod allowed the use of violence to ensure collection of taxes in full. Ironically, taxes were high to enable Herod to finance the building program he so hoped would win him popularity.