When Herod learned that he was betrayed by the Magi and that Jesus might have escaped he went into an outrage, and ordered the murder of all male children in Bethlehem and along the coast. The coast would have been the most obvious route to escape out of the land. History records that Herod the Great was insanely jealous of anyone who opposed him, and extremely hostile to anyone who defied him, even his own family. This event was foretold by the prophets.
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 'In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.'" Matthew 2:16-18
Coins Mentioning Herod the Great
Herod the Great (73 BC - 4 BC)
Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt, Herod's Slaughter of the Infants in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary Return to Israel, Archelaus Ruling in Judea, Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth, Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit, Theological Insight about the Incarnation, The Boy Jesus Comes to the Temple, The Dwelling Place of God
The Childhood of Jesus
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." - Luke 2:40
The New Testament - A Brief Overview
| Brief History of the Childhood of Jesus Scriptures and Topics Covered: Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt (Mat 2:13-23). Herod's Slaughtering of the Infants (Mat 2:16-18). Joseph and Mary's Return to Israel (Mat 2:19-21). Archelaus Ruling in Judea (Mat 2:22). Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth (Mat 2:23; Lk 2:39). Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit (Lk 2:40). Jesus Visits Jerusalem (Lk 2:41-50). Jesus Increases in Wisdom (Lk 2:51-52). |