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.

Herod the Great, a figure shrouded in both tyrannical ambition and grandeur, reigned over Judea during the birth of Jesus. Known for his architectural brilliance, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, he was also infamous for his ruthless approach to power. His fear of losing the throne is particularly highlighted in the prophecy about the Messiah—a child born to bring salvation might also mean a challenge to Herod’s authority.

This foreboding tale ties beautifully into the larger narrative found across the scriptures; consider the echoes of power and insecurity seen elsewhere, like King Saul’s obsession with David, or even Pharaoh’s attempt to eliminate the threat posed by a certain Hebrew baby—Moses. Tragic yet captivating, these stories remind us of how the quest for personal security can lead to devastating outcomes, especially for innocents.

Interestingly, when we explore the story of the Magi—wise men from the East—it illuminates the international consequences of Jesus's birth. They represent the promise that this new life wasn’t just significant for Israel but would have a global impact. This setting offers a fascinating parallel to Herod’s paranoia and the Magi’s profound recognition and reverence.

Such intersections of fear, hope, and destiny serve as timeless reminders about how our responses to perceived threats can reorder worlds and rewrite the narrative of history itself.