The Slaughter of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-23) By Randy Neal

16. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18. In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Herod the Great lived from 73-4 B.C. He was the son of Antipater. Antipater had two sons (Phasael and Herod). Antipater was granted Roman citizenship by Julius Caesar for helping defeat the Ptolemys in Egypt. As a reward, Antipater and his two sons were made rulers over Judea. After the death of Antipater by poisoning in 43 B.C., Mark Antony made Phasael and Herod tetrarchs over Jude and Idumea. The Parthians invaded Judea and drove them from power in 40 B.C. (Phasael was killed). Herod flees to Rome and Aristobulus II takes control over Judea. Herod was proclaimed King of Judea by the Roman senate in 40 B.C., but took him 3 years to defeat his rivals and ruled Judea from 37-4 B.C. Herod is known for some great building projects. He built a great harbor in Caesarea on the Sea, a great aqueduct, the temple in Jerusalem (see John 2:20), and several summer palaces (such as Herodium near Bethlehem), Masada, and others). He is also remembered for his great atrocities. He killed two of his sons (by Mariamne), his wife Mariamne and her mother, a high priest, and several court officials. History even recorded that he left in his will that, upon his death, several men were to be put to death so that Judah would weep at his death (thankfully his wishes were not carried out). Augustus Caesar once quipped that you would be better off being Herods pig rather than his son (a play on words). The mad-man hears about the birth of a king (Matt. 2:1-2) from the magi. Herod and all of Judea are troubled. They are told by Herod to go find Him, return and tell him, so that he can go and worship the child. God warns the magi to return to their country another way (Matt. 2:12). The angel of the Lord warns Joseph to flee to Egypt (Matt 2:1215), a fulfillment of prophecy.

What can we learn from Herods slaughter of the innocents?

First, Evil Has Always Existed. In Genesis 3, we read where evil began in the Garden of Eden with the sin of Adam and Eve. In Exodus 1:15-22, a pharaoh who is as evil as Herod commands all Hebrew male babies are to be cast into the Nile River. This reminds us of Solomons question in Eccl. 1:10, is there anything new under the sun? His reply is no, its always existed. Evil has been with us since the Fall of Man and will be until the return of the Son of Man (at the Judgment). Second, Behind Every Evil Man/Person is Satan. John records the words Jesus spoke against His opponents in John 8:44, You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. Satan stands behind the sin of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. He also is the culprit behind the loss of Jobs family and possessions in Job 1:6-12. According to Luke 22:3, Satan entered Judas heart when he betrayed our Lord. Peter says that the devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Third, Weeping Can Be Turned Into Joy. In Psalm 30:5, the psalmist exclaims of God, For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, But shout of joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Matthew tells us that the death of the innocent male babies is a fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 2:17-18). A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they were no more. Rachel died during childbirth (Gen. 35:15-20). Jeremiah used this analogy (31:15ff.) concerning those of Judah who would weep over the loss of loved ones due to the captivity (and later joy over the return of some from captivity). Matthew teaches us that there is joy in the midst of sorrow, there is hope in the midst of tragedy. There is hope in the world through the birth atoning death of Jesus. Through the eye of faith, all sorrow can be turned into joy for the Christian (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thess. 4:13ff.; 2 Tim. 4:8; Gal. 6:9). Fourth, God Will Triumph Over Evil. For the Christian, we understand that ultimately, righteousness will triumph over unrighteousness, good over evil, love over hatred. Gods will cannot be thwarted by evil. Paul argues (1 Cor. 15:54-58) that Jesus resurrection dealt a death blow to sin, death, and Satan. Pharaoh did not stop God will with the death of the male babies, Moses life was preserved. Herod did not prevent Jesus atoning death on the cross as an infant. God can bring about His purpose in spite of and even through the suffering and heartache we encounter in life (Romans 8:28).