by[7] “Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. [12] Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. [16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.” – Matthew 2:7,12,16 (NKJV)
When Jesus was born, angels broadcasted His arrival to some wise men in a nearby country. The name of that country isn’t written in the Bible, but it could be one of Israel’s neighbouring countries. These wise men journeyed by night to come and see the Child. But because they were not citizens of Israel, they didn’t know around. So, when they came, they went to Herod, king of the Jews then, for direction. Upon making some enquiries about where the Messiah would be born from the priests, Herod realised that what the wise men were saying was true.
Herod, even though his reception of the wise men was commendable, was carrying a hypocritical spirit that sought to kill Jesus, suppose the wise men came to tell him the exact location where Jesus was found. So, God warned the wise men not to return to Herod but to use a different route to return to where they came from. It was there Herod was disappointed and ordered all maleborns from two years and below to be killed in Bethlehem.
Do you think this was normal? How can a king who loves and cares for the people he rules suddenly issue a command for children to get killed? Just like that? I believe he was demon-influenced to that. But as a lesson, be wary of how hypocrites behave towards you. They may smile and look funny, but their intentions are wrong. Pray for God to deliver you from wicked people.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to make meaningful friendships. Deliver me from the path of wicked men. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 360
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