Topical Encyclopedia Herod, a name associated with several rulers during the time of the New Testament, is often linked with the theme of pride. The Herodian dynasty, known for its political cunning and architectural achievements, also exemplifies the destructive nature of pride as depicted in the biblical narrative.Herod the Great Herod the Great, the first of the Herodian rulers, is perhaps best known for his role in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. His pride is evident in his reaction to the news of the birth of the "King of the Jews." In Matthew 2:3-4 , it is recorded, "When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born." Herod's prideful fear of losing his throne led to the horrific massacre of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16), an act that underscores the destructive consequences of his prideful ambition. Herod Antipas Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, also exemplifies pride, particularly in his dealings with John the Baptist and Jesus. Herod Antipas is the ruler who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist, as recorded in Mark 6:17-28. His pride is evident in his desire to maintain his reputation and authority, even at the cost of righteousness. Mark 6:26 states, "The king was consumed with regret, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her." Herod's prideful adherence to his own word, despite knowing it was wrong, led to the unjust execution of John. Herod Antipas also played a role in the trial of Jesus. In Luke 23:8-11 , Herod's pride is displayed in his mockery of Jesus, treating Him with contempt and dressing Him in a royal robe as a form of ridicule. Herod's actions reveal a prideful heart that fails to recognize the true King standing before him. Herod Agrippa I Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, is another figure whose pride is highlighted in the New Testament. In Acts 12:21-23 , Herod Agrippa I's pride reaches a climax when he accepts the adulation of the people, who declare, "This is the voice of a god, not a man!" Immediately, because he did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. This account serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and the importance of giving glory to God rather than seeking it for oneself. Herod Agrippa II Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, is mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's trials. While not as explicitly prideful as his predecessors, his interactions with Paul reveal a man more concerned with political maneuvering than with truth. In Acts 26:28 , Agrippa famously responds to Paul's testimony, "In such a short time, are you persuading me to become a Christian?" His response suggests a prideful reluctance to embrace the gospel, prioritizing his status and position over spiritual truth. The Herodian dynasty, through its various rulers, provides a vivid illustration of the biblical warnings against pride. Each Herod, in his own way, demonstrates how pride can lead to destructive decisions, moral compromise, and ultimately, divine judgment. The accounts of the Herods serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 12:21-23And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and made an oration to them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Foundation of the Church. How Herod Upon his Making Aristobulus High Priest Took Care that ... Jesus Led Back from the Court of Herod to that of Pilate. King Herod's Enrollment Herod and Peter. How Herod, by Permission from Caesar Accused his Sons Before an ... Pride and Humility Pride and Humility The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Resources What does the Bible say about hubris? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is pride a sin? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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