Herod the Great
King of Judea at Jesus’ Birth
Name Information
- Meaning: "Song of the hero"
- Language of Origin: Greek/Latin
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Herod the Great was a Roman-appointed king of Judea, known both for his ambitious building projects and for his cruelty. He expanded and renovated the temple in Jerusalem, but his reign was marked by paranoia and violence. When the Magi announced the birth of the King of the Jews, Herod ordered the massacre of Bethlehem’s infants in an attempt to kill Jesus. His life represents worldly power in opposition to God’s true King.
⏰ 37–4 BC
Roles
- King
Relationships
- Enemy: Jesus
- Son: Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, Philip
Story
Rose to power under Rome’s approval, ruling Judea from 37 to 4 BC.
Known for architectural achievements, including fortresses, cities, and the temple.
When Magi arrived seeking the newborn King, he saw it as a threat.
Attempted to kill Jesus by massacring Bethlehem’s infants, fulfilling prophecy of weeping in Ramah (Jer. 31:15).
Spiritual Significance
- Appointed King of Judea by Rome, ruling with cruelty and paranoia.
- Ordered the massacre of Bethlehem’s infants in attempt to kill Jesus.
- Renovated and expanded the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
What We Can Learn
- Worldly power often opposes God’s kingdom.
- Fear and jealousy can lead to great cruelty when one resists God’s rule.
- Even kings cannot stop God’s plan of salvation.
Memory Verses
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem…
— Matthew 2:16
Key Passages
- Matthew 2:1–19
- Luke 1:5
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