Topical Bible: The Death of the Wicked: Herod

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Herod, a name associated with several rulers in the New Testament, is most notably linked to Herod the Great and Herod Antipas. These rulers are often remembered for their tyrannical reigns and opposition to the early Christian movement. Their deaths are seen as divine retribution for their wickedness and opposition to God's purposes.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great, known for his architectural achievements and political acumen, is infamously remembered for the Massacre of the Innocents. In an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus, whom he saw as a threat to his throne, Herod ordered the slaughter of all male infants in Bethlehem. This act of brutality 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 death is not detailed in the Bible, but historical accounts suggest he died a painful death from a chronic illness. His demise is often viewed as a manifestation of divine justice for his heinous acts, particularly the massacre of innocent children.

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, is another ruler whose life and death are marked by wickedness. He is most known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and, through her daughter Salome, manipulated Herod into beheading John. The Gospel of Mark recounts this event: "Immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went, beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother" (Mark 6:27-28).

Herod Antipas also played a role in the trial of Jesus, mocking Him and sending Him back to Pilate without rendering a verdict (Luke 23:6-12). His actions further exemplify his moral corruption and opposition to God's messengers.

Herod Antipas's end came in disgrace. According to historical sources, he was exiled to Gaul by the Roman Emperor Caligula, stripped of his power and wealth. This downfall is often interpreted as divine retribution for his sinful life and the murder of John the Baptist.

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, is another figure whose death is depicted as a judgment from God. He is known for his persecution of the early church, including the execution of the apostle James and the imprisonment of Peter. The Book of Acts describes his death in vivid detail: "On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, 'This is the voice of a god, not a man!' 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 12:21-23).

Herod Agrippa's death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and opposition to God's will. His failure to honor God and his persecution of the church led to a swift and humiliating end.

In summary, the deaths of the Herods in the New Testament are often viewed as acts of divine justice. Their lives, marked by cruelty, pride, and opposition to God's messengers, culminated in deaths that underscore the biblical principle that the wicked will ultimately face judgment.

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

Herod and Peter.
... upon the righteous, and to inflict punishment upon the wicked. Herod did not give
glory to God, by checking ... I, whom you styled immortal, am hurried to death. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

Concerning the Disease that Herod Fell into and the Sedition which ...
... 5. But now Herod's distemper greatly increased upon him after a ... a madman; and though
he were near his death, he contrived the following wicked designs ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the disease.htm

Herod by Caesars Direction Accuses his Sons at Eurytus. They are ...
... this tragedy; yet did nobody, suppose that Herod would be ... man, when thou hearkenest
to most wicked wretches, against ... and Salome should be put to death, and yet ...
/.../chapter 27 herod by caesars.htm

Herod Has Thoughts of Killing Himself with his Own Hand; and a ...
... at what hand, she had in Antipater's wicked practices; and ... When Herod heard this,
he was some-what better, out of ... letters, and was elevated at the death of Acme ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 herod has thoughts.htm

That Herod Conspired against the Child Although the Jew of Celsus ...
... to be a king, and that his death, therefore, will ... and being instigated by the blind
and wicked devil who ... Child and His mother into Egypt, while Herod slew all ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxi that herod conspired.htm

How Marcus, Succeeded Sextus when He had Been Slain by Bassus's ...
... word that he should revenge his father's death; and also ... he had recovered himself,
he asked Herod what the ... action; for that Malichus was a very wicked man, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how marcus succeeded.htm

How Eurycles Falsely Accused Herod's Sons; and How their Father ...
... accusers many of the people stoned to death; and when ... So Herod, being desirous to
show Archelaus's ill-will ... Rome; but that they had no wicked nor mischievous ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how eurycles falsely.htm

Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ...
... The Death Of Queen Alexandra To The Death Of Antigonus. ... as obtain a hearing; which
favor Herod had gained ... had condemned those men for their wicked enterprises. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 herod ejects antigonus.htm

How Antipater Committed the Care of Galilee to Herod, and that of ...
... they are evidently absolute lords; for Herod, Antipater's son ... any man, even though
he were a wicked man, unless ... had been first condemned to suffer death by the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how antipater committed.htm

Herod is Made Procurator of all Syria; Malichus is Afraid of Him ...
... way, who was an obstacle to his wicked practices; but ... soldiers; for he did not suppose
that Herod would be ... in order to revenge his father's death; but, upon ...
/.../chapter 11 herod is made.htm