Empathy for the Wicked - Herod

Empathy for the Wicked - Herod

In this Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, the speaker, Matthew Vander Els, explores the challenging concept of empathy, particularly in the context of biblical villains. Initially, the intention was to examine Pharaoh from the Exodus story and consider if there might be grounds for empathy towards him. However, after deeper reflection, it seemed exceedingly difficult to find any redeeming qualities or understandable motivations in Pharaoh's actions, even finding it easier to empathize with the figure of Satan in the Bible.

This led to a shift in focus towards another biblical character known for his wickedness: King Herod, as depicted in the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel writers, it is suggested, draw a parallel between Herod and Pharaoh, both being rulers who sought to suppress the growth of God's people through violence, including the slaughter of innocent children. The narrative about Herod in Matthew chapter 2 provides a more detailed backdrop against which to explore the potential for understanding, if not excusing, his heinous acts.

The Turbulent Reign of King Herod

To understand Herod's motivations, it's crucial to consider the historical context of his rule over Judea in the first century BC. Herod did not inherit his position peacefully; rather, he fought for it through both physical and political means. The era preceding Jesus' birth was a period of significant upheaval in Judea and Israel, marked by war and political intrigue. The Hasmonean Empire, which had its roots in the Maccabean revolt against Greek invaders, had by Herod's time, devolved into internal strife and oppression.

Amidst this turmoil, the Roman Empire's influence was steadily growing. Herod's father, Antipater, played a significant role as an advisor to the last Hasmonean kings, skillfully navigating Roman politics and appealing to Rome during the Hasmonean civil war. Rome, seeing an opportunity in the collapsing Hasmonean dynasty, intervened forcefully in 63 BC when General Pompey marched into Jerusalem. This event, witnessed by a young Herod, sent a powerful message about the supremacy of Rome over the local Jewish authorities and even their God. The desecration of the Temple by Pompey was a devastating event for the Jewish people, and this display of Roman power profoundly impacted Herod's worldview.

As Rome became the dominant force, figures like Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavian (later Augustus Caesar) rose to prominence. Herod shrewdly aligned himself with these powerful Roman leaders. Initially, Antony appointed Herod as overseer and then king of Judea, recognizing his political acumen and loyalty to Rome. However, when civil war broke out in Rome and Octavian defeated Antony, Herod swiftly switched his allegiance to Octavian, demonstrating his primary commitment to maintaining his power under Roman authority. Despite his efforts, Herod was not a popular ruler among his Jewish subjects, as he was not of Hasmonean lineage and his family had Edomite roots with a forced conversion to Judaism. To bolster his position, he married Mariamne I, a Hasmonean princess, further highlighting the complexities of his rule. Herod's reign, though marked by peace after decades of warfare, was constantly under threat from both internal dissent and the shifting political landscape of Rome.

The Threat of a Newborn King

Against this backdrop of political instability and Herod's deep-seated need for security, the arrival of the Magi from the east presented a significant crisis. These wise men, likely astrologers or mystical astronomers from Parthia, came to Jerusalem seeking the one who had been born King of the Jews, having seen his star rise. Their arrival and their proclamation of a newborn king sent shockwaves through Herod's court. For Herod, this news was not just a religious curiosity; it was a direct threat to his carefully constructed authority and his relationship with Rome. He feared how Augustus Caesar would react to rumors of another "King of the Jews," especially one being honored by foreign dignitaries. The presence of these Parthian elites, representing a powerful kingdom to the east that sometimes rivaled Rome, further complicated the situation.

Herod's initial response was one of feigned ignorance and a calculated attempt to gather more information. He pretended to believe in a mistranslation and tried to redirect the Magi's homage to his own son. However, the Magi's insistence on the true King of the Jews revealed by the stars could not be easily dismissed. Under the guise of hospitality, Herod sought to buy time, promising to consult his own sages and holy books to ascertain the truth of their claims. In a private meeting with his advisors, high priests, and scribes, Herod frantically inquired about any prophecies concerning a new ruler born in Judea. While the initially consulted leaders claimed ignorance, Zechariah, an elderly priest, spoke up, proclaiming the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, citing prophetic scriptures.

The Price of Security

Despite the diverse opinions and prophecies discussed, Herod's primary concern was maintaining his power and the stability of his kingdom in the eyes of Rome. He understood that even the rumor of a rival king could provoke a harsh response from Caesar, potentially leading to his removal and widespread devastation. Driven by fear and a desperate need to secure his position, Herod secretly met with the Magi again, learning the approximate time they had first seen the star. He then sent them to Bethlehem with instructions to search diligently for the child and report back, feigning his own desire to worship him. However, Herod's true intention was to eliminate this potential threat.

When the Magi, warned in a dream, did not return to Herod, his fear turned into furious resolve. Viewing himself as outwitted and facing the potential fallout with Rome, Herod made the horrific decision to order the killing of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. The speaker points out that the actual number of children in the small village of Bethlehem was likely not in the hundreds, as often depicted, but perhaps under ten. However, the act itself, regardless of the exact number, remains an atrocity driven by Herod's obsession with security and maintaining his reign.

Modern Parallels and the Idol of Security

To bring this ancient narrative into a contemporary context, Matthew Vander Els draws a stark parallel between Herod's actions and modern-day justifications for violence and the acceptance of "collateral damage" in the name of national security. He uses the example of drone strikes targeting terrorists, which have unfortunately resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, including children. The speaker suggests that just as many might rationalize such events as necessary for their own security and way of life, Herod similarly rationalized the killing of a few children as a necessary act to secure his entire kingdom and prevent Roman intervention that could lead to much greater loss of life.

Finding True Security

The teaching concludes by presenting an alternative to the relentless pursuit of earthly security: trusting in something greater than ourselves. Just as Herod was confronted with the arrival of a true King, we too are reminded that there is one greater than any worldly power or personal ambition – Jesus Christ (Yeshua). Herod's attempt to eliminate this King child ultimately failed because this child had a divine destiny. Similarly, our attempts to find lasting security in fleeting earthly pursuits will ultimately leave us empty. True and eternal life, according to the teachings of Jesus, is found not in clinging to our false securities but in letting go and placing our faith in Him.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Examine your motivations for seeking security in different areas of your life.
• Identify any compromises you might be making in the pursuit of security.
• Reflect on "idols of security" you might be unintentionally serving.
• Consider the broader consequences of actions taken in the name of security.
• Trust in God as your ultimate source of security.

References

• Matthew 2:1
• The Bible

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