Herod the Great (or Not So Great)


Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him (Matthew 2:1-2).

Herod I, also called Herod the Great, had his part in what happened after Jesus' birth. He had risen in power to become the Client King of Judea, largely due to his father's good standing with Julius Caesar, his own military feats, and his ruthlessness in politics. He'd been born sometime around 72 BC and reigned from 37 BC - 4 AD, so he was aging at the time Jesus was born. He was not a Jew but an Edomite.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coast thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time when he had diligently enquired of the wise men (Matthew 2:16).

He'd told the magi from the East to come back to Jerusalem and bring him word of where they found the baby who was to be King of the Jews, so he could go and worship, too. These Easterners weren't called wise men for nothing, and they heeded the message from God to return to their country another way, knowing that Herod had evil plans. This incensed the king and who was known for his anger.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee unto Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him (Matthew 2:13).

Herod had a wide cruel streak. He had three of his own sons killed during his reign, so he would not have hesitated to have the baby boys in Bethlehem killed, and that's exactly what he did. He had every male child under two years of age around Bethlehem killed in order to destroy this threat to his kingship. However, being warned in a dream, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, and Jesus escaped the massacre.

And he sent, and beheaded John in prison (Matthew 14:10).

Not only was Herod I selfish, unreasonable, and cruel, but he left a legacy of evil cruelty. His son, Herod Antipas, was the ruler who had John the Baptist beheaded, and his grandson, Herod Agrippa, killed the apostle James and attempted to kill Peter. Christians have always had to face evil intent. We should face it the way Joseph and Mary did -- by relying on God and being obedient to Him.

___________________________