The answer is: Jerusalem

Matt 2:1,3

King Herod, often referred to as Herod the Great, was the Roman-appointed king of Judea during a crucial period in the history of Israel. Located just a few miles from Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, Jerusalem served not only as a political capital but also as a vibrant cultural and religious hub. It's fascinating to note that Herod had great ambitions to expand and beautify Jerusalem, conspicuously through the reconstruction of the Second Temple, which became a landmark of architectural splendor.

Herod’s reign was characterized by both grandiosity and paranoia. His fear of being dethroned led him to commit notorious deeds, including the infamous decree to safeguard his reign by attempting to eliminate potential rivals—infamously described as the "Massacre of the Innocents." Matthews’ narrative delves into the treachery and cruelty of Herod, shrouding the beginning of Jesus’ story in a dark but significant political backdrop.

As we reflect on this remarkable period, it's important to remember that King Herod’s legacy doesn’t merely culminate in tyranny; he also set into motion the very events that fulfilled prophetic scriptures regarding the Messiah. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is not just a standalone event but one that interlaces with a broader tapestry of historical and prophetic significance. This narrative aligns with prophetic voices found in Old Testament scriptures, where the nature of upheaval, hope, and new beginnings are intricately interwoven through God's plans for His chosen people. So while Herod symbolizes danger, Jesus embodies the hope that rises amidst chaos.