The dates generally given for these High Priests are a bit undependable because of the miscalculation of Herod’s reign. Though often a best guess, the most common dates are as follows: 

• Matthias ben Theophilus, appointed by Herod: 5?-4? B.C.

• Joseph ben Elam, appointed by Herod: 5-?? B.C. 

• Joezar ben Boethus, appointed by Herod: 4?-1 B.C. 

• Eleazar ben Boethus, appointed by Archelaus:  4? B.C.-1 A.D. 

• Joshua (or Jesus) ben Sie, appointed by Archelaus: 1-6 A.D.

• Annas ben Seth, appointed by Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, answerable to Coponius, the Roman Procurator: 6-15 A.D.

 

Matthias, Joseph, and Joezar were appointed in the final days of Herod the Great, during a time of mental instability on Herod’s part. If Herod died in January of 1 B.C., these dates need to be adjusted. 

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With the death of Herod, Archelaus assumed rule of Judea after a set time of mourning for the dead king. As he was preparing to go to Rome to make his case for the rule of Herod’s total area, a group presented him with a list of demands including the replacement of Joezar as high priest. This was during the gathering for Passover. Archelaus only quelled the growing riot by his troops killing over 3,000 of the worshipers. As he then departed for Rome anarchy broke out. It lasted a year before Quirinius, the Roman Governor of Syria, brought order. Eventually, Archelaus was only given Judea and ruled that small area until replaced by a Roman procurator. 

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That being the case, the following speculation seems sound. The highest probability of the end of Joezar was the demands presented to Archelaus. If so, Archelaus may have appointed Eleazar ben Boethus and upon his return from Rome replaced him with Joshua ben Sie. If so, Eleazar would have served about a year. The date Joshua was replaced by Annas is solid because he was appointed by Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, answerable to Coponius, the Roman Procurator.

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