Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Herod the Great

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Herod the Great ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Herod the Great, a ruler known for his architectural achievements and political acumen, is also infamously remembered for his acts of felonious homicide, particularly in the context of biblical history. His reign, marked by paranoia and brutality, is most notably characterized by the massacre of the innocents, an event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Massacre of the Innocents

The most notorious act of homicide attributed to Herod the Great is the massacre of the innocents, as described in Matthew 2:16-18. Upon hearing from the Magi about the birth of the "king of the Jews," Herod perceived a threat to his throne. In a desperate attempt to eliminate this perceived rival, Herod ordered the killing of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this tragic event: "When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death 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" (Matthew 2:16).

This act of mass murder is a stark example of Herod's ruthless nature and his willingness to commit heinous crimes to secure his power. The massacre fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah, as noted in Matthew 2:17-18: "Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more'" .

Herod's Character and Reign

Herod's reign, which lasted from 37 to 4 BC, was marked by both grand achievements and severe cruelty. He was a client king of Judea under Roman rule, known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. However, his political success was overshadowed by his tyrannical and paranoid disposition.

Herod's paranoia extended beyond the massacre of the innocents. Historical accounts, such as those by the Jewish historian Josephus, detail Herod's execution of several members of his own family, including his wife Mariamne and three of his sons, whom he suspected of plotting against him. These acts of familial homicide further illustrate Herod's ruthless approach to maintaining his grip on power.

Herod's Legacy in Biblical Context

In the biblical narrative, Herod the Great serves as a symbol of worldly power in opposition to the divine plan. His attempt to destroy the infant Jesus highlights the conflict between earthly kingdoms and the Kingdom of God. Herod's actions, driven by fear and ambition, contrast sharply with the humility and peace embodied by Jesus Christ.

Herod's felonious homicides, particularly the massacre of the innocents, underscore the lengths to which he would go to protect his throne. This event, while a historical tragedy, also serves as a backdrop to the divine protection and providence surrounding the early life of Jesus, as Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus fled to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath (Matthew 2:13-15).

In summary, Herod the Great's legacy in the Bible is one of tyranny and bloodshed, exemplified by his felonious acts of homicide. His reign is a testament to the destructive nature of unchecked power and the fulfillment of God's purposes despite human wickedness.

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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.
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