Sadducean opposition to Herod, according to Josephus,…

Sadducean opposition to Herod, according to Josephus, had led him to treat the Pharisees favorably (The Antiquities of the Jews, xiv. 9, § 4; xv. 1, § 1; 10, § 4; 11, §§ 5–6).

Herod is an unpopular ruler, perceived as a Roman puppet.

His notorious treatment of his family and of the last Hasmonaeans has further eroded his popularity, despite his restoration and expansion of the Second Temple.

Herod in 6 BCE proceeds harshly against the Pharisees, who reportedly have announced that the birth of the Messiah will mean the end of his rule.