The answer is: Herod the Great

Matthew 2:16

The infamous decree by Herod the Great, as recounted in Matthew 2:16, sends shivers down the spine—an order that led to the horrific slaughter of innocents in Bethlehem. This tragic event corresponds with the biblical narrative of King Herod's fierce attempts to stamp out any threat to his throne, especially when he heard from the Magi about the birth of a potential rival, a king born to be the Messiah.

Historically, Herod is viewed as a tyrant. He ruled Judea under Roman authority and was known for his ambitious building projects like the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem—often labeled as magnificent yet constructed on the backs of a politically oppressed populace. It's interesting to note that this king also had a trophy case of personal vendettas; his own family members weren't safe from his paranoia. He had his favorite wife, Mariamne, and several sons executed out of suspicion, showcasing that power, in his case, led to profound cruelty and draconian measures.

From a wider lens, this narrative can be generous fodder for discussions around themes of fear and power. Likewise, echoes of this story abound in literature and history from various cultures that feature tyrannical leaders sending out edicts representing extreme paranoia—these archetypes present timeless reflections on authority and ethics that continues to resonate today. Herod's example is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which fear can drive individuals in the quest for control, serving as important dialogue starters emphasizing compassion over tyranny in our own societies.