Matthew tells us that when the wise men came seeking the newborn King, Herod was immediately disturbed:
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet…’” (Matthew 2:3–5)
Herod feared the prophecy of a coming King would threaten his throne. Pretending to share the wise men’s interest, he told them:
“Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” (Matthew 2:8)
But his words were a lie. When the wise men did not return, Herod revealed his rage:
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under.” (Matthew 2:16)
This horrific act fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18)
Herod’s attempt to destroy Jesus showed how the rulers of this world resisted God’s true King from the very beginning. Though Herod acted in fury, God preserved His Son, proving that no power on earth can overthrow His plan of salvation.
