In the Shadow of Betrayal: From Levi, Hasmoneans & the Sanhedrin to Theodore Herzl, Benjamin Netanyahu & Zionism
The story of Jesus is inseparable from the lineage of Judah—a tribe chosen against all odds to carry the promise of kingship and, ultimately, the Messiah. The Gospels meticulously trace Jesus’ ancestry to David and Judah.
Yet, the path of Judah’s descendants was marked not only by perseverance but also by betrayal—most poignantly at the hands of those from the tribe of Levi.
Judah: The Chosen Lineage
Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, was not the eldest nor the most blameless, yet prophecy and divine selection established his line as the vessel for Israel’s kings and, finally, the Messiah. Jesus’ genealogy, through both Joseph and Mary, is anchored in Judah, affirming his right to the throne of David and the fulfillment of messianic hope.
Levi: Priestly Authority & Political Power
The tribe of Levi, set apart for priestly duties, held spiritual authority in Israel. After the exile, the Levites, together with Judah and Benjamin, formed the core of the restored Jewish community. Over time, priestly families—especially those descending from Aaron—gained immense influence. The Hasmoneans, a priestly (Levitical) family, rose to power during the Maccabean revolt, eventually claiming both the high priesthood and the throne, a move that blurred the lines between spiritual and royal authority.
The Sanhedrin & Hasmonean Power
The Sanhedrin, the supreme religious court, was dominated by priests and Levites, with the Hasmonean dynasty at its apex. While the Hasmoneans’ rise was rooted in defending Jewish faith and identity, their assumption of kingship was controversial, as kingship was biblically reserved for Judah’s line. Still, the Levitical leadership—embodied in the Sanhedrin—held sway over both temple and nation.
Betrayal of the Lion: Levi Against Judah
In the climactic events of the Gospels, it was the Sanhedrin—led by priests and Levites—who condemned Jesus, the heir of Judah’s promise. This act is seen by many as a profound betrayal: the spiritual guardians of Israel, descendants of Levi, rejecting the royal descendant of Judah. The Hasmoneans and Sanhedrin, representing Levitical power, stood in opposition to the messianic king from Judah, echoing ancient tensions between priestly and royal lines.
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” John 1:11
Full Circle: Modern Echoes in Israeli Leadership
Today, echoes of this ancient rivalry can be seen in the political landscape of Israel. Many Ashkenazi Jews in positions of power—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—claim descent from prominent rabbinic and priestly lines, such as the Vilna Gaon, a revered Levite sage. Some theorize that this modern Ashkenazi-Levite elite, much like the Hasmoneans and the Sanhedrin of old, make decisions that serve their own interests while disregarding the needs of the broader masses—descendants of Judah and Benjamin—who form the backbone of the Jewish people. Critics argue that controversial policies and political maneuvers by this elite have led to division, unrest, and hardship for ordinary citizens, echoing the ancient pattern of Levite leadership overshadowing and even betraying the hopes of Judah and Benjamin.
Legacy of Division & Fulfillment
While history is complex and not all Levites opposed Judah’s line, the Gospel narrative frames Jesus’ rejection as the culmination of a long-standing struggle between priestly authority and royal promise. In Christian belief, this betrayal becomes the means by which the Lion of Judah fulfills his destiny—not through earthly power, but through sacrifice and resurrection. And in the modern era, the question remains: who truly leads, and for whom?
Ultimately, Jesus, was betrayed by the very descendants of Levi—priests, Hasmoneans, and the Sanhedrin—who, instead of recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy, chose to defend their own authority. Today, some see the same dynamic at play, as a Levite-descended elite makes decisions that impact the masses of Judah and Benjamin, bringing the story full circle.
Sources
1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees (primary sources on the Hasmonean dynasty)
Josephus, *Antiquities of the Jews* and *The Wars of the Jews* (historical accounts of the Hasmonean period and Sanhedrin)
Britannica, "Hasmonean dynasty" (overview of Hasmonean origins and rule)
Chabad.org, "The Hasmonean Dynasty" (discussion of Hasmonean leadership and the Sanhedrin)
Jewish Virtual Library, "The Hasmonean Dynasty" (history and significance of the dynasty)
The Sanhedrin English, "Historical Overview" (origins and composition of the Sanhedrin)
FBC Classroom, "The Hasmoneans" PDF (analysis of priestly roles and Hasmonean leadership)
Wikipedia, "Benjamin Netanyahu"
The Times of Israel, "Netanyahu reveals his roots go back to Spain"
+972 Magazine, "Unraveling Netanyahu's Sephardic spin"
Carnegie Endowment, "The Enduring Influence of Benjamin Netanyahu's Father"