Topical Bible: Judgments: Upon Individuals

◄ Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Herod ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Herod, a name associated with several rulers during the time of the New Testament, is notably exemplified in Scripture as a recipient of divine judgment. The Herods were a dynasty of client kings under Roman rule, and their actions often placed them in opposition to God's purposes and people. The most prominent Herods in the New Testament are Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa I, each experiencing judgment in various forms.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great, known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, is also infamous for his tyrannical rule and paranoia. His most egregious act, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, was the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. In an attempt to kill the newborn "King of the Jews," Herod ordered the slaughter of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). This act of brutality fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the weeping in Ramah (Matthew 2:17-18). Herod's death, as recorded in history, was marked by great suffering, which many view as divine retribution for his heinous acts.

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. He is most known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly rebuked Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife (Mark 6:17-18). Herodias harbored a grudge against John and, through her daughter Salome's dance, manipulated Herod into beheading John (Mark 6:21-28). Herod Antipas's actions against John the Baptist, a prophet of God, exemplify his moral weakness and susceptibility to manipulation, leading to his eventual downfall. According to historical accounts, Herod Antipas was later exiled by the Roman Emperor Caligula, a fate seen as divine judgment for his actions.

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, is another ruler whose life ended in divine judgment. In the Book of Acts, Agrippa is depicted as a persecutor of the early Church. He executed James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter, intending to bring him to public trial (Acts 12:1-4). However, Peter was miraculously freed by an angel of the Lord (Acts 12:7-10). Agrippa's most notable act of hubris occurred when he accepted the people's acclamation of him as a god during a public address. "Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died" (Acts 12:23). This event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and the failure to honor God.

The judgments upon the Herods illustrate the biblical principle that God holds individuals accountable for their actions, especially those in positions of power who oppose His will and harm His people. These accounts serve as sobering examples of divine justice executed upon those who defy God's authority and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 12:23
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Nature of Covenanting.
... shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither ... of my mouth; for I have
hoped in thy judgments. ... Such individuals are not fitted to have a charge or ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm