Topical Encyclopedia Herod, a name associated with several rulers during the time of the New Testament, is often linked with acts of deception and cunning. The Herodian dynasty, known for its political savvy and often ruthless tactics, played a significant role in the historical and religious context of the early Christian era. The most notable Herods in the context of biblical deception are Herod the Great and Herod Antipas.Herod the Great Herod the Great, appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate, is perhaps most infamous for his role in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Herod the Great is depicted as a ruler who uses deception to maintain his power. Upon hearing from the Magi about the birth of the "king of the Jews," Herod feigns interest in worshiping the newborn Messiah. He instructs the Magi, "Go and search carefully for the Child. When you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him" (Matthew 2:8). However, his true intention is to eliminate a potential rival to his throne. When the Magi, warned in a dream, do not return to Herod, he orders the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem aged two and under, an event known as the Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16). Herod Antipas Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, is another figure associated with deception. He ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea and is most notably involved in the events leading to the execution of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas, though intrigued by John's teachings, ultimately succumbs to the manipulative schemes of his wife, Herodias. Herodias harbors a grudge against John for condemning her marriage to Herod, which was unlawful according to Jewish law (Mark 6:18). During a banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, dances for Herod, pleasing him so much that he promises with an oath to give her whatever she asks. Coached by her mother, Salome requests the head of John the Baptist. Though distressed, Herod, bound by his oath and unwilling to lose face before his guests, orders John's execution (Mark 6:21-28). Herod Agrippa I Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great, also engages in deceptive practices. In Acts 12, he seeks to gain favor with the Jewish populace by persecuting the early Christians. He arrests the apostle Peter, intending to bring him to public trial after Passover. However, Peter is miraculously freed from prison by an angel of the Lord (Acts 12:3-11). Herod's duplicity and desire for approval ultimately lead to his downfall. Later in the chapter, Herod accepts the people's acclamation of him as a god, rather than giving glory to God, and is struck down by an angel of the Lord (Acts 12:21-23). The Herodian rulers, through their acts of deception, illustrate the broader biblical theme of the corrupting influence of power and the moral consequences of deceit. Their accounts serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of using deception to achieve personal or political ends, highlighting the ultimate sovereignty and justice of God. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 2:8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. Nave's Topical Index Library The Times of Pilate. The Question at Issue Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. "It is Finished" Book 4 Footnotes The Controversy Ended. The Controversy Ended The Acts of the Apostles The Time of his Appearance among Men. Questions. Resources What is the great deception in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-deception? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow deception? | GotQuestions.org Deception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deception in Representing to Their Father That Joseph had been Destroyed by Wild Beasts Deception: Abraham, in Stating That Sarah Was his Sister Deception: Amnon Deceives Tamar by Feigning Sickness Deception: Ananias and Sapphira Deception: David Feigns Madness Deception: Delilah Deceives Samson Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him Deception: Hushai Deceives Absalom Deception: Isaac, in Stating That his Wife Was his Sister Deception: Jacob and Rebekah, in Imposing Jacob on his Father, and Jacob's Impersonating Esau Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Deception: Joseph, in his Ruse With his Brothers Deception: Sanballat Tries to Deceive Nehemiah Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat Deception: when he Avenged his Sister Deception: when he Began his Conspiracy Self-Deception: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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