Topical Bible: Anger: Herod, Toward the Wise Men Who Deceived Him

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Biblical Context:
The account of Herod's anger toward the Wise Men is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 2:1-16. Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed king of Judea, is a central figure in this narrative. Known for his political acumen and architectural achievements, Herod was also infamous for his paranoia and ruthless measures to secure his throne.

The Visit of the Wise Men:
The Wise Men, or Magi, were scholars from the East who followed a star to Jerusalem, seeking the newborn "King of the Jews." Their arrival and inquiry troubled Herod, as recorded in Matthew 2:3 : "When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." Herod's fear of losing his throne to a new king prompted him to summon the chief priests and scribes to ascertain where the Messiah was to be born. They informed him of the prophecy from Micah 5:2, indicating Bethlehem as the birthplace.

Herod's Deceptive Plan:
Herod secretly called the Wise Men and determined the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem with instructions to report back once they found the child, under the guise of wanting to worship Him as well (Matthew 2:7-8). However, Herod's true intention was to eliminate this potential threat to his rule.

The Wise Men's Divine Warning:
After finding Jesus and offering their gifts, the Wise Men were divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod. They departed for their country by another route (Matthew 2:12). This act of obedience to divine instruction thwarted Herod's plan and incited his wrath.

Herod's Anger and Its Consequences:
Herod's anger, fueled by his fear and pride, led to a heinous act known as the Massacre of the Innocents. Matthew 2:16 states: "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi." This brutal response highlights Herod's tyrannical nature and his willingness to commit atrocities to maintain power.

Theological Implications:
Herod's anger serves as a stark contrast to the humility and peace embodied by Jesus Christ. It exemplifies the destructive nature of unchecked anger and the lengths to which individuals may go when driven by fear and pride. Herod's actions fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:15, as noted in Matthew 2:17-18 , underscoring the sovereignty of God even amidst human wickedness.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
The narrative of Herod's anger toward the Wise Men offers several lessons. It warns against the dangers of allowing anger and fear to dictate actions, leading to sin and suffering. It also illustrates the importance of obedience to God's guidance, as demonstrated by the Wise Men's decision to heed the divine warning. This account encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice, even when faced with the evil intentions of others.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 2:16
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 coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... he is greater, it falls not into anger when it ... he hath whereof to glory, but not
toward God." (Romans 4 ... of John the Baptist, which he used before Herod; when he ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Pride and Humility
... of God's Word is to be found toward the conclusion ... choler seems to have risen up,
and his anger to have ... been proud, worms have devoured him like Herod, or have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... of God's Word is to be found toward the conclusion ... seems to have risen up, and his
anger to have ... has been proud, worms have devoured him, like Herod, or have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Christian Behavior
... rancour, or the least appearance of anger: 'In meekness ... rejoice: and he that begetteth
a wise child shall ... Then masters carry it rightly toward their servants ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... Again, there was King Herod Agrippa, Acts 12, 23. ... Yea, he will even manifest a gentle
spirit toward his enemies ... them but a little with the terrors of his anger. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

The Best Friend
... at Pilate's bar, he is mocked by Herod's men of war ... you may almost hear them as they
speed toward us; and ... said something which has provoked you to anger, or he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the best friend.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... 3. Again, If thou wouldest not be deceived, then beware ... the wisdom of this world
to commend him to thee ... Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... wilt convert them to goodness, and pacify their anger. ... in authority," that they may
be peaceable toward us, "that ... was slain with the sword by Herod the tetrarch ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... 'Not many wise men after the ... the carriage of the ungodly in this life toward the
saints ... was the death of Balaam, Agag, Ahithophel, Haman, Judas, Herod, with the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... grief (Mark 3:5). He was subject to anger (Mark 3 ... stable where Jesus was born; now
was Herod, the priests ... troubled; for it was noised by the wise men that Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm