10. All this Opposition made Herod dangerously paranoid.
Plotting priests, relatives, and general discontent led to Herod becoming increasingly paranoid about his position as King. He began to employ more and more non-Jews in positions of trust – especially amongst those entrusted with his safety. Aside from foreign courtiers and advisers, the King had a personal guard of over 2000 men, composed of Thracians, Germans and a battalion of Celtics who once served Cleopatra. These foreign appointments may have made the King feel better. However, they did nothing to alleviate the growing resentment towards Herod in the population. So Herod set up a secret police force to root out plots and conspiracies.