Herod: Pursuing Paranoia

By Melissa Abello

Columbia, Missouri USA

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-3, 7-8, 13-18

When we read this story of Herod, we cannot help but be overcome with emotion.  We see the Wise Men meet Herod on their way to worship Jesus. He tries to trick them into revealing Jesus' location, but after being warned in a dream they return to their homes another way. We also see that God warned Joseph about Herod, and then told him to go to Egypt to avoid Jesus being killed.  Herod ultimately orders all the male babies under two years old to be murdered to ensure he would later not be overthrown. 

Herod, also known as Herod the Great, ruled Judea from 37 BC to 4 AD.  He was a man of many accomplishments.  He rebuilt the temple, extended Israel’s territory, and helped the economy to thrive.  Many would think that being a man of great accomplishments and having favor amongst the Israelites would give one great security, but Herod was incredibly fearful.  He was known to have executed his own wife, three sons, another wife, and his father-in-law all from the fear that they may plot against him.  Then he is willing to go to the extent of murdering all the male children under two years of age. 

In the name of protecting his position, money, and fame, he is willing to kill even the most innocent.  The extremity of his paranoia led him to do things men would never dream of doing.  As I sit here and write about Herod, I think about what a treacherous man he was.  How he had everything, but had nothing.  How his own fear of losing what he had led him to hurt others.  I so badly want to sit in judgment of him, but I know very well that I can have the same heart as his.  I, too, have been willing to hurt God and harm those I love in the wake of my fear.  It is sobering how similar my heart is to Herod’s, despite the obvious differences in our lives.

What gives me great peace is knowing that despite Herod’s efforts, God was in control.  He protected the future Savior of the world that day.  Knowing that God will work despite my fear, my sin, and the consequences of my actions reminds me that He is the greatest protector of all! Nothing is too hard for Him to overcome!

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”

 Jeremiah 32:27

Questions for Reflection:

1. What is something you are fearful of losing? How is that fear driving you to act in ways that hurt God or others?

How have you seen God work despite “you” in the past? How can you acknowledge God even in your current sin and failure today?