John Hyrcanus Becomes High Priest

In this picture is a coin of John Hyrcanus I, who took over the Priesthood and leadership from his father, Simon, and ruled from 134-104 BCE. The coin is inscribed in Paleo Hebrew and reads “Yehochanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews”.

Josephus, Antiquities 13.10.7

“But when Hyrcanus had put an end to this sedition, he after that lived happily, and administered the government in the best manner for thirty-one years...  He was esteemed by G-d worthy of three of the greatest privileges, the government of his nation, the dignity of the High Priesthood, and prophecy; for G-d was with him..."

Hyrcanus greatly expanded the borders of Israel to strengthen the country but went against Jewish law and started to forcefully convert the people he conquered. Judaism discourages any kind of conversion, especially under duress. The Idumeans who were the descendants of the ancient Edomites, were also forced to convert. A descendant of one of the Idumean families would later be appointed by Rome as a Jewish King – his name, Herod.