Topical Encyclopedia Herod, a name associated with several rulers during the time of the New Testament, is often linked with acts of deceit and treachery. The Herodian dynasty, known for its political cunning and ruthless ambition, played a significant role in the historical and religious context of the early Christian era. The most notable Herods in the biblical narrative are Herod the Great and Herod Antipas, both of whom are depicted as engaging in deceitful actions that had significant implications for the unfolding of biblical events.Herod the Great Herod the Great, appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate, is perhaps best known for his role in the narrative of Jesus' birth. His deceitful nature is vividly illustrated in the account of the visit of the Magi. Upon hearing of the birth of the "king of the Jews," Herod feigned interest in worshiping the newborn Messiah. He instructed 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, Herod's true intention was to eliminate a potential rival to his throne. When the Magi, warned in a dream, did not return to Herod, he resorted to the horrific act of ordering the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem and its vicinity, an event known as the Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16). Herod Antipas Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. His deceitful actions are prominently featured in the account of John the Baptist's execution. Herod had imprisoned John for condemning his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. During a banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, danced for Herod, pleasing him so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although distressed, Herod, bound by his oath and concerned about his reputation before his guests, deceitfully ordered John's execution (Mark 6:17-28). Herod Antipas also played a role in the trial of Jesus. When Pilate learned that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle. However, when Jesus did not perform or answer his questions, Herod and his soldiers mocked Him, dressing Him in a splendid robe before sending Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:6-11). This act of mockery and derision further illustrates Herod's deceitful and superficial interest in Jesus. Herod Agrippa I Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great, is another figure associated with deceit. In Acts 12, he is depicted as a persecutor of the early church. He executed James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter, intending to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. However, an angel of the Lord miraculously freed Peter from prison (Acts 12:1-11). Herod's deceitful nature is further highlighted by his acceptance of blasphemous adulation. When he delivered a public address, the people shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not a man!" (Acts 12:22). Instead of rejecting this divine attribution, Herod accepted it, leading to his sudden and gruesome death, as "an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give glory to God" (Acts 12:23). The Herodian rulers, through their deceitful actions, serve as cautionary figures within the biblical narrative. Their accounts underscore the destructive nature of deceit and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human affairs. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Herod Jesus, Pilate and Herod. Two Ancient Proverbs On the Feast of the Epiphany, I. Jesus Wins Devoted Friends Antichrist in the Psalms Then Went the Pharisees and Considered How they Might Ensnare Him ... Those Persons who do not Believe in God, but who are Disobedient ... The Suffering Servant-ii "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Resources Who was Nathanael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow deception? | GotQuestions.org What are elemental spirits? | GotQuestions.org Deceit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deceit: A Characteristic of Antichrist Deceit: A Characteristic of the Apostasy Deceit: Blessedness of Being Free From Deceit: Characteristic of the Apostasy Deceit: Characteristic of the Heart Deceit: Christ Was Perfectly Free From Deceit: Evil of Hinders Knowledge of God Deceit: Evil of Keeps from Knowledge of God Deceit: Evil of Keeps from Turning to God Deceit: Evil of Leads to Lying Deceit: Evil of Leads to Pride and Oppression Deceit: False Teachers are Workers of Deceit: False Teachers: Impose on Others By Deceit: False Teachers: Preach Deceit: False Teachers: Sport Themselves With Deceit: Hatred often Concealed By Deceit: Keeps from Turning to God Deceit: Leads: To Pride and Oppression Deceit: Ministers should Lay Aside Deceit: Often Accompanied by Fraud and Injustice Deceit: Saints: Delivered from Those Who Use Deceit: Saints: Pray for Deliverance from Those Who Use Deceit: Saints: Purpose Against Deceit: Saints: Purposed Against Deceit: Saints: should Beware of Those Who Teach Deceit: Saints: should Lay Aside, in Seeking Truth Deceit: Saints: Shun Those Addicted To Deceit: The Kisses of an Enemy Are Deceit: The Tongue is an Instrument of Deceit: The Tongue, the Instrument of Deceit: The Wicked are Full of Deceit: The Wicked: Delight In Deceit: The Wicked: Increase In Deceit: The Wicked: Use, to Each Other Deceit: The Wicked: Use, to Themselves Related Terms |
    |