Topical Bible: Murder: The Herods

◄ Murder: The Herods ►

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The Herodian dynasty, a prominent ruling family during the time of the New Testament, is often associated with acts of murder and violence, particularly against those perceived as threats to their power. The Herods, known for their political cunning and ruthless tactics, played significant roles in the biblical narrative, often in opposition to the early Christian movement and the life of Jesus Christ.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great, the founder of the Herodian dynasty, is perhaps most infamously known for the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. In an attempt to eliminate the newborn "King of the Jews," Herod ordered the killing of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. This brutal act is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent and killed 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). Herod's paranoia and fear of losing his throne led to this horrific act of murder, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the weeping in Ramah.

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, is another figure associated with murder in the New Testament. He is most notably responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought his death. During a banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, pleased Herod with her dance, leading him to promise her anything she desired. Prompted by her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist. Reluctantly, Herod complied: "The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted and sent to have John beheaded in the prison" (Matthew 14:9-10). This act of murder silenced a prophetic voice that had called for repentance and righteousness.

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great, also engaged in acts of violence against the early Christian community. He is recorded in the Book of Acts as having executed James, the brother of John, one of the apostles: "About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword" (Acts 12:1-2). This act of murder was part of a broader persecution of Christians, as Herod sought to gain favor with the Jewish leaders by suppressing the burgeoning Christian movement.

Herod Agrippa II

Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, is not directly associated with acts of murder in the biblical text, but he played a role in the trial of the Apostle Paul. While he did not commit murder, his involvement in the political and judicial processes of the time reflects the ongoing tension between the Herodian rulers and the early Christians.

The Herods, through their various acts of murder and persecution, exemplify the opposition faced by the early followers of Christ. Their actions, driven by fear, ambition, and a desire to maintain power, stand in stark contrast to the message of peace and redemption central to the Christian faith. The Herodian dynasty's legacy in the biblical narrative is one of violence and resistance to the divine plan unfolding through Jesus and His followers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 14:10
And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 12:2
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Martyrdom of John
... of half-tipsy revellers, and from teaching her young lips to ask for murder. ... footsteps,
and afterwards married, according to the custom of the Herods, her uncle ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

A Soul's Tragedy
... 9. Four Herods play their parts in the New Testament story. The ... evil.
John's murder may illustrate another thing too"viz. how ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a souls tragedy.htm

Paul's Missionary Labors.
... defence before Festus, King Herod Agrippa II.((the last of the Herods), his sister ...
when he had already shown his infamous character by the murder of Agrippina ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 33 pauls missionary labors.htm