Topical Encyclopedia Herod, a name associated with several rulers during the time of the New Testament, is often depicted as a monarch swayed by the tides of popular opinion. The Herodian dynasty, known for its complex relationship with both Roman authorities and the Jewish populace, provides a vivid illustration of political maneuvering and the influence of public sentiment on leadership decisions.Herod the Great is perhaps the most well-known of the Herodian rulers. He is infamous for the Massacre of the Innocents, an event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Herod, feeling threatened by the prophecy of a new "King of the Jews," ordered the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem. This act, driven by paranoia and a desire to maintain his grip on power, reflects a ruler deeply concerned with public perception and potential threats to his authority. The Gospel of Matthew 2:16 states, "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." Herod Antipas, another prominent figure, was tetrarch of Galilee and Perea during Jesus' ministry. His interactions with John the Baptist and Jesus highlight his susceptibility to public opinion. Herod imprisoned John the Baptist for condemning his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. However, he hesitated to execute John due to John's popularity among the people, as noted in Mark 6:20 : "because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John, he was greatly perplexed, yet he listened to him gladly." Ultimately, Herod's hand was forced during a banquet when Herodias' daughter requested John's head, a demand Herod reluctantly fulfilled to save face before his guests (Mark 6:26-28). Herod Antipas also played a role in the trial of Jesus. Pilate, seeking to avoid responsibility, sent Jesus to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod, curious about Jesus and hoping to see a miracle, was ultimately disappointed by Jesus' silence and sent Him back to Pilate. This episode, recorded in Luke 23:8-11 , underscores Herod's concern with spectacle and public image rather than justice or truth. Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, further exemplifies the influence of popular opinion. In Acts 12, Agrippa sought to curry favor with the Jewish populace by persecuting the early Church. He executed James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter, intending to present him to the people after Passover. Acts 12:3 notes, "When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also." Agrippa's actions were clearly motivated by a desire to maintain his popularity and political standing. The Herodian rulers, through their actions and decisions, demonstrate the precarious balance between authority and public opinion. Their accounts serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers inherent in prioritizing popularity over righteousness and truth. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:5And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:2,3 Library Imprisonment and Death of John The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Disestablishment The Life of Christ. Galilee References The City of God. Index of Subjects. Explanatory and Biographical Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' The Gospel According to St. John Resources Who was the King James that the King James Version of the Bible is named after? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Saul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org King: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms |
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