I heard a Christmas song recently and it was calling Herod a blood-thirsty monster (basically). He wanted to kill the 1st-born males when Jesus was born. I don't understand how Herod is a monster for doing the exact same thing that God did in Egypt. Why is it acceptable for God to slaughter every 1st-born male and not Herod?
And before anyone protests, yes it was GOD that did it in Egypt:
Ex 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
2006-12-11 14:58:58 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is no record of Herod killing all the firstborn children, or of all the firstborn children of Egypt dying outside of the Bible. You would think such events would leave a historical mark in Israeli or Egyptian history.
The Exodus story is especially disturbing. Use logic and reason. Why would a just God kill children because of something the leader of their country did? It's an evil, spiteful, and childish thing to do. Certainly not something worthy of the creator of the universe.
Neither event happend.
2006-12-11 15:21:52 · answer #1 · answered by jheitertusa 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
(brace yourself, this is a long explanation)
herod was insecure not necesarrily a monster but in this day and age we would not have taken it likey with him.
the thing about herod was that he loved the power and affluence that he had. his reputation as a supreme ruler depended on it. so he became increasingly agitated that his so-called loyal subjects were worshipping a two-year old baby that was to become the professed king. keeping in mind that in those days people could live to be hundreds of years it seemed only natural that herod would do what he did in order to certify his place in the world.
just think about it: if herod hadnt done what he did, jesus' parents wouldnt have fled and had him living a normal life far from herod's reach and free from all the emotional stress that even adults find it hard to handle.
basically it worked out in that jesus grew up in humble surroundings so that when he grew up he wouldnt be conceited and turn his back on the people he was meant to save
2006-12-11 23:09:06 · answer #2 · answered by xodusj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think were a lot of people draw the line is God is a deity, Herod was just yet another mortal king.
Was he a monster? Depends on your POV. To some, yes - he killed all those first born males. To otheres, he was a paranoid tyrant - after all, the killings were quick and clean - he could have been much, much MUCH worse.
POV. That's where it lies.
2006-12-11 23:03:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was a tyrant afraid to loose his thrown
just like any leader jealous, and fearful ..
Afraid he would be overthrown ...
Rather sad isn't it that he did not understand the true meaning of the words Not of this world but of another world.
Silly man
2006-12-11 23:01:42 · answer #4 · answered by Spirit_Rain_3-SunShineAries 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God was creating a people after ample warning/invitation to the Egyptians. More than that we don't know and it is puzzling.
Herod was trying to save his own skin, w/o warning or option. A highly political and selfish act.
2006-12-12 00:57:46 · answer #5 · answered by Joe Cool 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Herod tried to kill Jesus.
I don't agree, but there is your justification.
2006-12-11 23:03:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you're failing to see is that God didn't put ONLY those children to death. He has pronounced the death sentence upon ALL OF HUMANITY. They just got an earlier execution date. One day it will be YOUR TURN. Are you prepared to meet your maker?
http://www.needGod.com
2006-12-11 23:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by revulayshun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋