Topical Encyclopedia The account of Herod Agrippa I's death, as described in the New Testament, is a striking example of divine retribution and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and blasphemy. Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, ruled as king over Judea and surrounding territories from AD 41 to 44. His reign is noted for its political maneuvering and attempts to gain favor with both the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace.The biblical narrative of Herod Agrippa I's demise is found in the Book of Acts. In Acts 12:21-23 , it is recorded: "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." This dramatic event underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Herod's acceptance of divine accolades without redirecting glory to God resulted in his sudden and gruesome end. The phrase "eaten by worms" suggests a severe and painful affliction, possibly an intestinal disease or parasitic infection, which led to his death. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus provides an extrabiblical account that corroborates the biblical narrative. In his work "Antiquities of the Jews" (Book 19, Chapter 8, Section 2), Josephus describes how Herod Agrippa I, during a festival in Caesarea, appeared in a garment made wholly of silver. As the sun's rays reflected off his robe, the people hailed him as a god. Josephus notes that Herod did not rebuke them, and shortly thereafter, he was seized with violent abdominal pains. After five days of suffering, he succumbed to his condition. Josephus' account, while not identical in every detail, aligns with the biblical description of Herod's prideful acceptance of divine worship and his subsequent, divinely orchestrated demise. Both sources highlight the swift and severe judgment that befell Herod Agrippa I, serving as a testament to the sovereignty and justice of God. In summary, the death of Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in the Book of Acts and confirmed by Josephus, stands as a powerful illustration of the biblical truth that God will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). It serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of pride and the importance of acknowledging God's supremacy in all things. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:23And 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. Nave's Topical Index Resources Summary of the Book of Jonah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about overcoming lust? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Isaiah | GotQuestions.org Worm: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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