For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 4
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On yesterday’s daf we learned that Bava ben Buta advised King Herod to take down and rebuild the Temple.
On our daf the Gemara explains what they are referring to.
King Herod blinded Bava ben Buta with a crown made of porcupine hide.
Then he approached Bava ben Buta and attempted to learn Bava ben Buta's true beliefs and feelings about him. He affirmed that Herod was the rightful king regardless of whether or not Herod was formerly a slave.
Herod wanted to rebuild the Temple but knew that Rome might not recognize him as king.
Bava ben Buta counselled Herod to send a messenger to Rome. If the messenger took two years to travel there and back, the Temple would be rebuilt by the time the messenger returned with permission - or not.
We explore the Herod legends in Talmud.