The Fallout – the Bethlehem massacre
In the last of our three-part series about the wise men who visited Christ, we look at the fallout from their visit.’ the massacre of Bethlehem.
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:16-18 ESV
Herod the Great, ruler of the Kingdom of Judea, has been praised for his building projects (including rebuilding the temple), but also known for his rule by tyranny and violence.
It would not have been out of character for him to slaughter a few Jewish children if he thought one of them might be a threat to his rule. The event isn’t recorded outside the Bible, but the slaughter of perhaps a few dozen children in those days wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It wouldn’t likely have been significant enough to record.
It wasn’t a surprise to God. God knew that during the Bethlehem massacre, innocent lives would be taken in response to the birth of Jesus. He warned of it centuries before it happened. I have no doubt those innocents are safely with Jesus now.
The slaughter shows us the great lengths the enemy will go to in keeping Jesus from His rightful place. He may have influenced Herod, or Herod’s own insecurities and nature may have led to this tragedy with no outside influence.
The evil in our hearts knows no bounds. We are repulsed by the thought of the slaughter of the innocents, but perhaps in Herod’s place, we might have done the same thing.
This tragic event reminds us that evil cannot win. Christ triumphed even over death and the grave. Through Him, we can have reconciliation to the Father.
That’s worth rejoicing for.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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