Tag: Herod the Great
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The Slaughter of the Innocents: Jesus as the New Israel
In the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing Israel and seeking refuge in Egypt, we see many allusions to Old Testament Scripture. The Slaughter of the Innocents mirrors pharaoh’s murder of the baby boys in the Exodus story. That one is easy to see. But Matthew ties in two other passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. And these are much more difficult to work with.
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We Three Kings? It’s NOTHING Like Your Nativity Set!
Your nativity set is defective. If it has "we three kings" at the manger presenting their gifts right alongside shepherds to a “dear 8 pounds 6 ounces newborn infant Jesus, who don't even know a word yet,” this episode should turn the entire Christmas story on its head for you. When the Magi entered Jerusalem seeking the “King of the Jews,” Herod saw this as a potential invasion.
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Herod the Great: A Genius or a Fool?
In the First Century AD, a despot sat on the throne of Israel. History has recognized him as a brilliant leader, a masterful architect, and a cunning diplomat. But Herod the Great was also unbelievably paranoid and horribly vengeful. His story ends just as the story of Jesus begins. Both will end their lives officially named “King of the Jews” by the Roman Empire. But their stories couldn't be more different.
