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The paranoid king who tried to kill the infant Jesus
Also known as Herod
Extensively attested by Josephus (Antiquities 14-17, Jewish War 1), on coins, and in archaeological remains including the Herodium (excavated by Ehud Netzer 1972-2010), Masada, and Temple Mount retaining walls
Herod the Great ruled Judea from 37 to 4 BC under Roman authority. He rebuilt the Jerusalem temple on a grand scale and constructed fortresses at Masada and Herodium. He was ruthless, paranoid, and killed even his own family members to protect his throne. Matthew's Gospel records that he ordered the massacre of young children in Bethlehem after learning from the Magi that a new king had been born.
An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee — Herod is coming for the child.
The Massacre of the InnocentsBirth of JesusWhen Herod realizes the wise men have outsmarted him, he orders the killing of every young boy in Bethlehem.
The Wise Men Follow the StarBirth of JesusForeign scholars travel a vast distance to honor a newborn king, guided by nothing but a star.
The Wise Men Warned in a DreamBirth of JesusGod redirects the wise men so they never report back to Herod.
Roles
3 chapters across 2 books
Herod the Great is mentioned as a parenthetical clarification — distinguishing the Herod in this scene from the one who hunted baby Jesus, while noting the family resemblance in insecurity and cruelty.
Outsiders Who Saw It FirstMatthew 2:1-2Herod the Great is introduced as the ruling king during Jesus's birth — his presence immediately signals danger, since any newborn called 'king of the Jews' represents a direct threat to his reign.
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