Who Was Herod in the Bible?
The name “Herod” refers to several rulers mentioned in the New Testament, each playing distinct roles during the time of Jesus and the early church. These rulers, known for their complex political maneuvers and interactions with key biblical figures, were part of the Herodian dynasty established under Roman rule.
Herod the Great
Herod the Great is perhaps the most infamous of the Herodian rulers. Mentioned in Matthew 2:1 ff., Herod the Great was a descendant of Esau, from the Idumean region, and was appointed as king of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40 BC. His reign lasted until his death in 4 BC. Herod is notorious for his cruelty and paranoia, most infamously demonstrated in the massacre of infant boys in Bethlehem, an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus whom he saw as a threat to his throne (Matthew 2:16). Herod’s rule was marked by significant architectural achievements, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, but his legacy is overshadowed by his ruthless tactics to maintain power. He had several sons, including Archelaus, Herod Antipas, Herod Philip I, and Herod Philip II.
Herod Antipas
Herod Antipas, another of Herod the Great’s sons, ruled from 4 B.C. to 39 A.D. He is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and is known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount how Antipas, influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter Salome, ordered John’s beheading (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 3). Antipas also played a role in the trial of Jesus; as recorded in Luke 23, Pontius Pilate sent Jesus to Antipas, who questioned Him but ultimately returned Him to Pilate without rendering a verdict. Jesus referred to Antipas as “that fox” (Luke 13:32), indicating a cunning and perhaps contemptible nature.
Agrippa I
Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great and son of Aristobulus, is referred to simply as “Herod” in the book of Acts. His reign is marked by significant events in the early Christian church, including the persecution of Christians. In Acts 12:1-6, Agrippa I is responsible for the execution of James, the brother of John, and the imprisonment of Peter. His reign ended tragically; the Bible describes how Agrippa I, accepting flattery from the people who declared him a god, was struck down by an angel of the Lord and died (Acts 12:21-23).
Agrippa II
Herod Agrippa II, the son of Agrippa I, appears in the latter chapters of Acts. He was the governor of Judea and presided over the trial of the Apostle Paul. In Acts 25-26, Paul presents his defense and shares the gospel with Agrippa II. Notably, Agrippa II responds with the famous line, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28). Although he did not become a Christian, his engagement with Paul underscores the widespread reach of the early Christian message.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Dangers of Power and Pride
The Herodian dynasty, especially Herod the Great and Agrippa I, exemplifies the dangers of power and pride. Herod the Great’s ruthless efforts to maintain his throne led to heinous acts, while Agrippa I’s acceptance of deification led to his downfall. For modern Christians, these stories serve as cautionary tales about the corrupting influence of power and the consequences of pride. The Bible consistently teaches the importance of humility and warns against the dangers of pride (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). Believers are encouraged to seek leadership and influence with humility, understanding that true authority comes from God.
The Importance of Justice and Integrity
Herod Antipas and Agrippa II’s interactions with key figures like John the Baptist and Paul highlight the importance of justice and integrity. Herod Antipas’s decision to execute John the Baptist was influenced by personal and political pressures rather than a pursuit of justice. Similarly, Agrippa II, despite hearing Paul’s compelling defense, chose not to embrace the truth of the gospel. These stories emphasize the need for integrity in decision-making and the courage to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Modern Christians are called to uphold justice and act with integrity, reflecting the character of Christ in all their dealings.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Sovereignty in History
The Herodian rulers, despite their power, were ultimately under the sovereignty of God. The biblical narrative shows that God uses even the actions of the wicked to fulfill His purposes. For instance, Herod the Great’s decree led to the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah’s birthplace and the flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:15-18). These events demonstrate God’s sovereignty over history and His ability to bring about His plans despite human opposition. For believers, this is a reassuring truth that God is in control, even in chaotic and unjust circumstances.
The Call to Repentance
The interactions between the Herodian rulers and figures like John the Baptist and Paul also highlight God’s call to repentance. John the Baptist’s ministry was marked by a call to repentance, which Herod Antipas ultimately rejected. Paul’s defense before Agrippa II was an opportunity for the king to hear and respond to the gospel. These accounts remind modern Christians of God’s persistent call to repentance and the importance of responding to His invitation with an open heart. The Bible emphasizes that God desires all people to come to repentance and knowledge of the truth (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4).
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The Herodian rulers, particularly Herod the Great, are significant in the biblical narrative as they relate to the life of Jesus. Herod the Great’s actions unwittingly fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s coming, such as the prophecy in Micah 5:2 about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem. The slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem also fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy about Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18). These fulfillments underscore Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His Word.
The Contrast of Kingdoms
The Herodian dynasty, with its focus on power, wealth, and earthly authority, stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed. While the Herods sought to maintain their power through political maneuvering and violence, Jesus’ kingdom is characterized by humility, service, and sacrificial love. This contrast highlights the differences between worldly kingdoms and God’s kingdom. Jesus taught that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) and called His followers to live by the values of His heavenly kingdom. For modern Christians, this calls for a life of discipleship marked by humility, service, and a commitment to God’s kingdom values.
Conclusion
The Herods, as depicted in the New Testament, offer a complex and multifaceted view of power, pride, and the pursuit of worldly ambitions. Their interactions with key biblical figures and their roles in the narrative of Jesus’ life and the early church provide important lessons for modern believers. These lessons include the dangers of pride and the misuse of power, the importance of justice and integrity, and the sovereignty of God in all circumstances. The Herodian rulers also serve as a backdrop that highlights the contrasting nature of Jesus’ kingdom, which is marked by humility, service, and sacrificial love. As Christians reflect on these themes, they are encouraged to align their lives with the values of God’s kingdom and to trust in His sovereign plan, even amidst the complexities and challenges of life.