The answer is: Herod

Matt 2:16

In the Gospel of Matthew, the figure of King Herod often evokes a sense of drama and dark intrigue in the Nativity story. This King was not just a monarch; he was a savvy political player who ruled with an iron fist, known for his paranoia and brutality. He feared anything that might threaten his power, even a newborn baby designed to be the "King of the Jews." It's astounding to think that the M agi, those wise men from the East, inadvertently set him on the course for such cruel machinations.

Fun fact: Herod the Great was intensely involved in extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. So, while he constructed monumental structures meant to symbolize grandeur and faith, his rulership was marred by horrifying violence—like the horrifying incident known as the “Massacre of the Innocents,” where he ordered the slaughter of all boys under the age of two in Bethlehem, ringing profoundly tragic for a story often centering on hope.

This cruel and desperate act serves to highlight the overarching theme of divine overreach and humble obedience that resonates throughout the scriptures. Contradicting Herod's ruthless ambition, Joseph and Mary typically fled to Egypt, echoing previous Biblical narratives of safety amidst sorrow. Their story, against the backdrop of Herod’s fear and tyranny, introduces complex themes of deliverance and rebirth that continue to echo through scriptures and traditional commentaries.