Plots against his life had worried him, and, distrusting his helpers,
he was wont to go about the city in disguise seeking information.
Twice he had forgiven Antipater, his favorite son, for crimes in the
royal household.
Now, in his seventy-sixth year, the king was, indeed, sorely pressed
with trouble. Jerusalem was the centre of a plot formidable and
far-reaching. Its object was, in part, clear to him, or so he thought,
and with some reason. It seemed to aim at his removal and the crowning
of a mysterious king of prophecy, who, many said, was now waiting the
death of Herod. It baffled him. He saw signs that many had their
heads together in this plot. So far, however, he had not been able to
lay hands upon them. There were many theories about the new king.
They were strange and conflicting and zealously put forth. They
differed as to whether he were yet born and as to his divinity, his
character, and his purposes. The Sanhedrim held that when he came into
the world there would be certain signs and portents seen of all men.
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