HEROD
WHY KING HEROD THE GREAT WANTED TO KILL BABY JESUS?
Biblical References
The primary biblical account of Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus is found in Matthew 2:1-18. Key verses include:
– “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?'” (Mt 2:1-2)
– “When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him” (Mt 2:3).
– “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under” (Mt 2:16).
Meaning
Herod’s actions stemmed from his fear of losing power and his insecurity as a ruler. Despite being appointed by Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar as king of Judaea, Herod was not of King David’s lineage, which made his legitimacy questionable to the Jews. The arrival of the Magi seeking the “king of the Jews” threatened Herod’s already tenuous hold on power.
Herod’s reaction to the news of Jesus’ birth reveals the depths of his paranoia and ruthlessness. His order to kill all male children under two years old in Bethlehem (known as the “Slaughter of the Innocents”) demonstrates the lengths to which he would go to eliminate perceived threats to his rule.
Herod’s father Antipater was an Idumean, a non-Jew, which further alienated him from the Jews who only accepted a true Davidic descendant as their king. This rejective mentality of the Jews and his fanaticism for power made Herod paranoid, leading him to eliminate any threat, including his wife Mariamne, her mother Alexandra, and his sons Antipater, Alexander, and Aristobulus. An infant born as the legitimate king of the Jews was seen as a significant threat to his power.
REFLECTION
1. God’s Sovereignty: Despite Herod’s attempts to thwart God’s plan, he was ultimately unsuccessful. This reminds Christians that God’s purposes will prevail, even in the face of human opposition.
2. The Cost of Following Christ: The story of Herod’s persecution foreshadows the opposition that Jesus and his followers would face. It serves as a reminder that following Christ may involve suffering and sacrifice.
3. The Danger of Unchecked Power: Herod’s actions illustrate the destructive nature of power when divorced from moral responsibility. Christians are called to use any influence they have for good, not self-preservation.
4. God’s Protection: The divine warning that led Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus demonstrates God’s care for His people, even in dangerous circumstances.
5. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew connects these events to Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah and highlighting God’s faithfulness to His word.
Conclusion: Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus reveals the conflict between earthly power and God’s kingdom. It challenges Christians to trust in God’s plan, remain faithful in the face of opposition, and use any influence they have for God’s purposes rather than self-interest.