Herod Quote by Charles River Editors
““These Magi were wealthy and well-educated. They likely came from Persia, but they had been ordered by King Herod to discover the location of Christ, purportedly so that Herod could pay homage to the child, but in all likelihood to murder the newborn threat to his power. Word quickly reached King Herod of the arrival of a new-born “King of the Jews,” and as he was understandably unwilling to allow any threat to his own authority, Herod was determined to do away with this child. He sent soldiers to kill all of the boys that were up to two years old in and around Bethlehem – an event known as the “Massacre of the Innocents””
About This Quote
Source Historical summary: Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2 (Magi narrative)
Describes the political motive behind Herod’s massacre, framing the Magi’s quest as a threat to power.
In simple terms: Herod feared a new king and ordered a massacre.
Key Takeaway
Beware how fear of change can justify violence.
Themes
power
fear
politics
Mood
cautionary
analytical
Type
historical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious studies
- political science
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
historical analysis
mythic narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How do power and fear shape historical narratives?
- What lessons can modern leaders learn from this?
A Different Perspective
The account mixes myth with history, limiting factual certainty.
![“Luke [the gospel writer] screws up his dating by tactlessly mentioning events that historians are capable of independently checking. There was indeed a census under Governor Quirinius - a local census, not one decreed by Caesar Augustus for the Empire as a whole - but it happened too late in 6 AD…” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d9/richard-dawkins-115_ads_luke-the-gospel-writer-screws-up-his-dat_1114686.jpg)
