By: Sharon Loomis

Jeremiah 31:15 “This is what the Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (NIV) (626-582 BC)

Matthew 2:16-18 “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: …” (NLT)

Hundreds of years before the Jeremiah prophecy, Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. Jeremiah envisioned Rachel weeping for the lost sons of Israel following the Babylonian captivity. It also foreshadowed the loss of the baby boys from Bethlehem and a deep sorrow of their parents.

Herod ‘the great’ was a legend in his own mind. He had been given the title ‘King of the Jews’ by the Roman senate in 39 BC and began exercising control over Judea in 37 BC. Oddly, Herod wasn’t even Jewish. His father was an Edomite, and his mother was a Nabatean Arab princess. Knowing how to play the political game, Herod wielded his power to become a truly evil and much feared ruler. His 30-year reign was filled with conspiracy, murder and immorality. If he perceived you as a threat, you would probably be pushing up daisies by the end of the day. Even if you were a member of his own family!

When the Magi followed the star that would lead them to the child who was to be ‘the King of the Jews’, they asked Herod, as a matter of political protocol, where he might be found. The ever-wily Herod consulted his scholars and scribes as to prophecy and discovered that Bethlehem was the spot. He sent the visitors on their way, believing they would return with information leading to this child. The Jewish pretender, once again, had an evil plan up his sleeve.

The Magi, having been warned in a dream, left by a different route. Herod was absolutely livid and ordered the slaughter of all baby boys aged two and under, in and around Bethlehem.

Can you imagine, as parents, a young son being snatched from your arms and cruelly put to death because of one man’s political ambition? It is hard to understand the depth of this evil.

Food For Thought

Do you see how selfish ambition and deceit can corrupt those in government? Pray always for all who lead us.