In what city did King Herod live?

Jerusalem, the crucial epicenter of Jewish history and a city layered with significance, was indeed where King Herod held court. Often referred to as Herod the Great, he ruled from roughly 37 B.C. to 4 B.C., and was instrumental in expanding the Second Temple, making it a remarkable architectural wonder of the ancient world.

Herod’s connection to Jesus’s birth story is intriguing—he was both a puppet ruler and a desperate man. When the Magi arrived seeking the “king of the Jews,” his reaction was both paranoid and dark. Unbeknownst to them, they had stepped into a volatile landscape. Herod's fear of losing power led to the infamous Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18), showing the darker side of his reign.

As you dive into the scriptures surrounding Jesus's early life, think about how many echoes there are through the centuries: from the political strife that led to the oppression of the Israelites to the promise of a new king. Interestingly, modern political discussions often reflect those ancient battles for power. The same city has seen countless rulers come and go since then, all grappling with similar themes of leadership, loyalty, and fear.

And while it may sound darker than we’d like, this reflection draws us into understanding the true essence of Jesus’s message of peace and redemption, emerging like a beacon even through the shadows of history.