“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:1–2
Historical Background: The Rise of Herod the Great
Herod, known in history as Herod the Great, was a political figure of immense power and cunning. He ruled Judea as a client king under Roman authority from approximately 37 B.C. to 4 B.C., placing his reign directly at the time of Jesus’ birth. Though called “king of the Jews,” Herod was not of Jewish lineage by blood; he was an Idumean, a descendant of Esau, whose family had been forcibly converted to Judaism under the Hasmoneans a century earlier. His claim to the throne came through political manipulation and Roman favor, not divine appointment.
Herod rose to power through the backing of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and later Augustus Caesar. His ability to navigate political alliances made him indispensable to Rome, and in return, Rome granted him near-total authority over Judea. Yet beneath his polished exterior of success and ambition lay a man consumed by jealousy, suspicion, and fear of losing power.
Herod’s Reign: Ambition, Splendor, and Brutality
Herod’s reign was marked by great architectural achievements, unmatched in Judean history. He rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem on a scale that even the Romans admired. He erected palaces, fortresses such as Masada and Herodium, and entire cities like Caesarea Maritima. Outwardly, Herod appeared as a benefactor of the Jewish people, striving to bring prosperity and peace through massive public works.
But this grandeur was overshadowed by his cruelty and paranoia. Herod was infamous for executing anyone he suspected of plotting against him—including his wife Mariamne, her mother Alexandra, and three of his own sons. The Roman Emperor Augustus reportedly said, “It is better to be Herod’s pig than his son,” referring to Herod’s supposed adherence to Jewish dietary laws but his willingness to kill his own family.
This pattern of fear and suspicion would climax in the darkest act of his rule—the slaughter of the innocents.
Herod and the Birth of Christ
When the wise men from the East came seeking the newborn “King of the Jews,” Herod’s political insecurity erupted into madness. Scripture records:
“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” — Matthew 2:3
The prophecy of a newborn king threatened his fragile hold on power. Though Herod feigned interest in worshipping the Child, asking the wise men to report back where He could be found, his true intent was murder. When the wise men, warned by God in a dream, did not return, Herod’s fury unleashed a massacre:
“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…” — Matthew 2:16
This act fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah:
“In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children…” — Jeremiah 31:15
Thus, Herod’s desperate attempt to preserve his earthly throne only confirmed the divine authority of Christ’s kingship. The very one he sought to destroy would become the eternal King whose dominion shall never end.
The Contrast of Kingdoms: Earthly Power vs. Divine Reign
Herod’s story is not merely political history—it is a prophetic contrast between the kingdom of man and the Kingdom of God. Herod ruled through fear, manipulation, and violence. Christ rules through truth, humility, and love. Herod built monuments that time has eroded; Christ established a spiritual Kingdom that endures forever. Herod sought to kill the true King; yet in so doing, he fulfilled prophecy, proving that no power on earth can overthrow the will of God.
Herod represents the spirit of the world—hostile to Christ, self-preserving, and terrified of losing control. He is the embodiment of those who reject the Lordship of Jesus, choosing the temporary throne of self-rule over the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.
But Christ, even as an infant, revealed divine authority. Heaven guided the wise men, angels warned Joseph, and prophecy unfolded exactly as foretold. The rage of kings could not stop the plan of redemption. God’s sovereignty overruled every plot of man.
Herod’s Death and Legacy
Herod’s life ended as it was lived—miserably and in fear. Historical accounts describe his final days as consumed by disease, pain, and paranoia. He reportedly ordered that prominent men be executed upon his death so that mourning would fill the land—though this command was never carried out. His passing brought relief, not sorrow, and his kingdom was divided among his sons under Roman oversight.
Herod’s name became synonymous with tyranny and deceit, a stark warning of the futility of opposing God’s purposes. The “king” who tried to destroy the Christ-child is remembered for cruelty, while the Child he hunted reigns forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Conclusion: The Unshakable Kingdom
Herod the Great built palaces, fortresses, and monuments of stone—but all have faded into ruin. Jesus Christ, born under his reign, established a Kingdom not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Herod’s story reminds every generation that earthly power is fleeting, but the Word of God endures forever.
As Psalm 2 declares:
“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed… Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” — Psalm 2:2,6
The King whom Herod feared has conquered death and reigns eternally. His throne cannot be overthrown, His dominion cannot be shaken, and His Kingdom shall never end.
“Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” — Isaiah 9:7