The Herod Dynasty: A Legacy of Power, Prophecy and Doom

 

The name Herod appears repeatedly in the New Testament, from Matthew 2 to Acts 26, making it seem as though he had an extraordinarily long reign. However, that is not the case. Herod was the family name of a ruling dynasty in ancient Israel. There were four different Herods mentioned in the New Testament, as well as Herod Philip II, who was referred to as Philip the Tetrarch in the scriptures.

Herod the Great and the Birth of Jesus

Herod I, also known as Herod the Great, was the ruler when Jesus was born. He was also called King of the Jews but was a ruthless and brutal man. In an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus, he ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Herod the Great was reigning as king. Three wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King of the Jews to worship him.

Herod was furious upon hearing this because the title King of the Jews was his own. He immediately summoned the chief priests and scribes, demanding to know where the Messiah was to be born. They informed him that, according to prophecy, the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of Judea.

As the wise men set out for Bethlehem, Herod deceitfully instructed them:

"Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also." (Matthew 2:8)

However, Herod had no intention of worshiping the Messiah; his plan was to destroy him.

The Escape to Egypt

After departing from Herod, the wise men found Jesus and worshiped him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But God, knowing Herod’s evil intentions, warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Obeying God, they departed for their homeland via another route.

When Herod realized that the wise men had not reported back to him, he was enraged. In his fury, he ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were two years old and under. His goal was to eliminate Jesus at all costs, viewing him as a threat to his reign.

However, God intervened. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to flee to Egypt with Mary and the newborn Jesus. Joseph obeyed immediately, escaping to Egypt with his family. While Herod proceeded with his cruel slaughter of innocent children, Jesus' life was safely preserved in Egypt.

The Death of Herod and Joseph’s Return to Israel

Joseph and his family remained in Egypt until the death of Herod. After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream once again, instructing him to return to Israel:

"Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life." (Matthew 2:20)

Obeying the angel’s command, Joseph left Egypt and settled in Nazareth, a town in Galilee.

Herod’s Legacy: A Ruthless King Who Opposed God's Plan

Herod the Great was once a powerful king who strengthened Israel's position in the ancient world, expanding commerce and transforming Israel into a trading hub for Arabia and the East. Yet, despite his political achievements, his heart was wicked. He sought to oppose God’s divine plan, but he failed.

This story reminds us that God is all-knowing and sovereign. Whatever he has ordained will come to pass, and no mortal can hinder his divine purpose.

Thank you for reading. God bless you!