The answer is: Herod

Matt 2:16 - Herod was threatened by a rival who was to be a future King of the Jews and sought to kill him to remove the threat to his throne.

The story of Jesus' birth is filled with drama and intrigue, especially concerning King Herod. Imagine being a ruler who hears of a newborn—the one foretold as a "King of the Jews". That would definitely stir gloomy thoughts. Herod, feeling threatened, made a desperate move. In a fit of insecurity in Matthew 2:16, he ordered the slaughter of all boys in Bethlehem under the age of two. This catastrophic event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, highlights the lengths some will go to protect their reign.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a powerful ruler reacted violently to a perceived threat. If we look back into the Hebrew Scriptures, we see Pharaoh seeking to eradicate Hebrew males in Egypt, as recounted in Exodus. It seems that from Moses to Jesus, power and insecurity have continually mixed in quest for dominance.

Moreover, there’s a broader message here about the vulnerability of good and the explosive way threats dual with morality and leadership. Throughout history, leaders—both ancient and modern—fear the risen voice of hope, wisdom, and change. The stories echo through time, reminding us how lighter’s heat might dim, but how prevailing truth can shine—even from the unlikeliest of beginnings. In the end, Herod's actions serve as a compelling contrast to Jesus' message of love and peace, reminding us that throughout trials, hope continually endures.