Read: Matthew 2:1–8, 16–18
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious.
Matthew 2:16a
We touched on the final chapter of the Christmas story in yesterday’s narrative, so today let’s look at Herod further. Let’s start with some of the contrasts between this earthly kingdom and the true heavenly one.
The Roman Empire established a vast kingdom that lasted for centuries. God created a worldwide kingdom that will last for eternity. Caesar Augustus, his name meaning “exalted,” was referred to as divi filius, Latin for “divine son.” Yet, he wasn’t divine because he’s still in the grave. Only Jesus is the Son of the Immortal God. Caesar had declared the Pax Romana, the age of Roman Peace, in 27 BC. However, only Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Herod the Great went by the title bestowed upon him by the Roman Senate in 40 BC, “King of the Jews.” Only Jesus is the true King of the Jews (and Gentiles). Herod was a half-Jew, at best, who was initially appointed tetrarch, or governor, by the Romans over Galilee; his reign grew from there through conquest and political alliances.
As has been our practice, let’s now visit Herod in the present tense. While Herod has achieved military, construction, and tax-reduction accomplishments, he has ongoing domestic problems. He has 10 wives, the majority of whom together bear him dozens of children. The wives who bear sons naturally want theirs to be his eventual successor. Herod changes his will six times and has many family members executed, including his favorite wife, her mother, his brother-in-law, and several sons. The joke made by Caesar Augustus himself was that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son, as Herod didn’t eat pork!
So you can see why a man like this will have no problem executing boys less than two years of age. He has to make sure he kills another perceived threat—the true King of the Jews. By this time in his reign, Herod is quite ill and constantly paranoid. Evidence points to Herod’s death in 4 BC. So, Jesus could have been born as early as 6 BC.
Regardless, the Magi choose to obey a God-given dream and not conspire to help this ungodly ruler kill Jesus. The hunt is on. Thankfully, God gives another dream to Joseph, and the family flees to Egypt before the murder spree commences. It is widely speculated that this trip is financed by the Magi’s gifts.
It is estimated by some that, based on the population of Bethlehem at this time, perhaps “only” a dozen or so male infants and toddlers are murdered. This fulfills the sad prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15 of mourning by the Jewish mothers in this geographic area. Historians cannot locate proof of this act by Herod, but you can see that it is both consistent with Herod’s wicked character and might not have involved enough deaths in a small village to draw much outside attention.
People will hate Jesus during His years of ministry through His crucifixion. He warned us that people will hate us too because of Him (Matthew 10:22). Persecution is to be expected for His followers. Paul went even further and told us to “glory in our sufferings” (Romans 5:3). This is a man who knew persecution and pain more than most ever will.
There will always be enemies of Christ. Satan will always target God’s people, especially those who are making advances for God’s kingdom. In fact, I dare to propose this to you: if you are not experiencing some measure of hardship, perhaps you’re not doing enough for the Lord. The devil may be more preoccupied with others deemed a greater target. So, take stock of your life and what you are doing for Him.