This key character in the Christmas story will almost never grace the stage of a Christmas pageant, and for a good reason. He attempted to kill the Messiah in his infancy. Many of us have somewhat familiarity with this Roman client king of Judea, at least in the sense of how he plays a semi-large role in the story of Christmas. For those unfamiliar with how he makes a brief appearance, let’s take a look at some verses from the Gospels.
Matthew 2:3-8: “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
The text later reveals that King Herod sent the wise men (Magi) to find out Jesus’ birthplace because he wants to kill Jesus. Thankfully the wise men wise up when they receive a warning dream not to go back to Herod.
But what all do we know about this historical figure? How did he get “Great” in his title? And why should we know more about this character from the Christmas story? Let’s dive in!
Who Was Herod the Great in the Bible?
Herod, otherwise known as "King of the Jews" over the Israelite people (as appointed by the Roman Senate) had a rather complicated family history, that may or may not have involved some of his sons attempting to assassinate him. He ruled with paranoia and listened to supposed conspiracies against him. Because he allowed his delusions to rule his mind, he ended up killing several family members. No wonder he wanted to slaughter all the infants in Bethlehem when he heard some baby would usurp his title as “King of the Jews.”
Apart from some good old regicide, Herod the Great took charge of many building projects in Judea, including the temple. This structure would later fall at the hands of the Romans about seven decades after his reign.
His rule ends with a fizzle, as we’ll discuss later when he allows his paranoia to get in the way.
Was Herod the Great a Jew?
After all, he had earned the title "King of the Jews." Herod had earned the favor of the Roman senate because of his half-Jew heritage, from the Hasmonean dynasty. He’d actually contested for the throne of ruling over the Judean region against another Roman named Antigonus. Herod’s bloodline and his strong leadership skills earned his position on the throne.
Nevertheless, Herod had multiple faults when it came to attempting to please both the Romans and the Jews, the Romans eventually winning out. He put pressure on the Jews to comply with Roman practices they didn't agree with. And let’s not forget to mention how he slaughtered hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent infant lives in Bethlehem in an attempt to rid the earth of the Messiah. The Jews were also not huge fans of this ruler because he didn’t have a pure bloodline. They viewed him as more of a puppet of the Roman Empire rather than a ruler with their interests at heart.
Why Was Herod Called ‘the Great’?
Four different Herods show up in the New Testament, so why is this one the most famous? Politically, he does reshape the Judean world, especially with the expansions made to their temple. Ever since the Babylonians had sacked Jerusalem, the temple hadn’t quite been restored to its former glory. Although the efforts of Nehemiah and the rest of the Israelites who returned from captivity did recreate the temple, Herod upped the ante. His numerous building projects and attempts to lower taxes and enact economic prosperity did win him a little favor for a while.
But ultimately, with his heart and mind in the wrong place, he crumbles and ultimately passes away.
When and How Did Herod the Great Die?
Herod dies in a rather gruesome way. ABC News covered some historically recent diagnoses from doctors back in 2002, but due to the gory descriptions, I will not link the article by Amanda Onion. Suffice to say, he received a rather painful kidney disease coupled with an infection of gangrene in other regions. He died a painful death.
Herod the Great passes in the year 4 BC, mere years after Jesus’ birth. As the account in Matthew goes, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt on account of a warning dream Joseph receives. Soon after, Herod slaughters the infants in the area in which Mary and Joseph just evacuated. They return after Herod’s death.
What Can We Learn from Herod?
Herod’s story ends on a rather sad note. After all, he spent his whole rule trying to please two groups of people and ended up upsetting both of them. Even though he is most certainly a villain in the Christmas story, what can we learn from this false “king of the Jews?”
First, we can learn that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Rome placed Herod over Israel because they knew he’d rule with an iron fist (spy network included), but he’d also hopefully placate any acts of zealots by his half-Jewish heritage. Even though Herod tries to appease the Jews with building projects, he fails them when he tries to pressure them into customs they don’t agree with, and when he kills his Hasmonean wife and Israelite toddlers.
Secondly, Herod shows us that we cannot prevent God’s plan. I often like to think of a foil to Herod, found in the Old Testament: Jonathan (1 Samuel 18). When King Saul hears that God wants to establish David on the throne, he tries to murder David. Jonathan, instead, gives up his armor to David, an act of relinquishing his future rule. He sees that God has instituted David as the next ruler, not Jonathan, and he doesn’t try to prevent it. If Herod had done the same, perhaps he would not have died in such a painful way.
Finally, Herod understood the importance of the temple. In fact, the Romans clued into this when they destroyed it in 70 AD. The temple represents something greater than just a building in the Old and New Testament. It housed the living God. It provided a place of worship when they were situated in the midst of the Roman Empire and its traditions and pantheon. Herod had made a good move when he renovated the temple but ultimately lost his clout toward the end of his reign.
Herod the Great may have created some impressive building projects, but his “great” title often pales when we analyze his rule. The true King of the Jews would take center stage in the Judean world about 30 years after Herod the Great, despite Herod’s attempts to get rid of him.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/vvvita
Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!
What Is Christmas? It's History, Origin, and Traditions
The History and Origin of Santa Claus
Christmas Prayers and Blessings
The Beautiful Meaning and Purpose of Advent
Advent Prayers
Advent Wreath & Candles Meaning
The History and Meaning of the Advent Calendar