The answer is: Herod the Great

Matthew 2:1 - reigning from 37 - 4 BC. We know from history records he was also known as Herod the Great.

Herod the Great's reign is a fascinating period in Judea's history! Born into a politically tumultuous world, Herod was not only a fearsome ruler but also a shrewd politician, adept at navigating the complexities of regional dynamics, including his relationships with Rome. His monumental contributions to architecture—like the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem—are remarkable. Today, some of these incredible structures, like the Western Wall, remain as testaments to his ambitious building projects.

Herod’s ruling style was ruthless, marked by paranoia and a voracious hunger for power. This is perhaps best illustrated by his infamous decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem, a violent reaction to the birth of Jesus—a young inconspicuous emerging figure seen as a thrust against his authority (Matthew 2:16). It’s interesting to note how the overall narrative determines the divine and the human sides of historical events. Remarkably, those who opposed Herod, like the Magi who visited Jesus, were often seen as divinely inspired—a narrative twist that illustrates that in the presence of fear, faith often finds a way to rise above.

Also, this scheme portraying Herod echoes a broader historical theme where rulers become overly aggressive against perceived threats. Similar anxieties can be seen throughout history, contributing to the patterns of both tyranny and wisdom as others seek the truth beneath external power struggles. So intertwined is the story of Herod and Jesus that their paths offer multiple avenues of reflection on leadership and legacy.