Why did Matthew invent the idea that Herod killed newborns in Bethlehem?

Question

This event was never listed by the ancient historians such as Josephus who listed Herod's crimes, all lesser in cruelty than this supposed event.

Answer 1

--THE EVENT was foretold in the Bible, although Josephus has credibility, he was not the only historian with appreaciation of the Bible record-- try Jerome, Polycarp etc.
--THE BIBLE record indeed is more important of which Josephus, Jerome & Polycarp would testifiy!

*** it-1 p. 1093 Herod ***

"Slaughter of Children. The Bible account of Herod’s slaughter of all the boys two years of age and under in Bethlehem and its districts is in harmony with the other historical accounts of Herod and his wicked disposition. This occurred not long before Herod’s death, for Jesus escaped by being taken down into Egypt by his parents, but they returned and settled in Galilee after Herod died. These two events were foretold by Jehovah through his prophets Jeremiah and Hosea.—Mt 2:1-23; Jer 31:15; Ho 11:1.

*** Marginals ***

Jeremiah 31:15) “This is what Jehovah has said, ‘In Ra′mah a voice is being heard, lamentation and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping over her sons. She has refused to be comforted over her sons, because they are no more.’”

(Hosea 11:1) 11 “When Israel was a boy, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

--AS FAR AS JESUS BIRTH , please note;

*** it-2 p. 57 Jesus Christ ***

His birth in relation to Herod’s death. While the date of Herod’s death is a debated one, there is considerable evidence pointing to 1 B.C.E. (See HEROD No. 1 [Date of His Death]; CHRONOLOGY [Lunar eclipses].) A number of events intervened between the time of Jesus’ birth and Herod’s death. These included Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day (Lu 2:21); his being brought to the temple in Jerusalem 40 days after birth (Lu 2:22, 23; Le 12:1-4, 8); the journey of the astrologers “from eastern parts” to Bethlehem (where Jesus was no longer in a manger but in a house—Mt 2:1-11; compare Lu 2:7, 15, 16); Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt with the young child (Mt 2:13-15); followed by Herod’s realization that the astrologers had not followed his instructions, and the subsequent slaughter of all boys in Bethlehem and its districts under the age of two years (indicating that Jesus was not then a newborn infant). (Mt 2:16-18) Jesus’ birth taking place in the fall of 2 B.C.E. would allow for the time required by these events intervening between his birth and the death of Herod, likely in 1 B.C.E. There is, however, added reason for placing Jesus’ birth in 2 B.C.E.

Answer 2

Few sections of Mt 1-2 have been as widely criticized as this one. But this story is in perfect harmony with what we know of Herod's character in his last years. That there is no other historical confirmation is not surprising. The death of a few children (perhaps a dozen or so; Bethlehem's total population was small) would hardly have been recorded in such violent times.

Answer 3

Bethlehem is not a big town, Archeologists calculated the count of infants under 2 should be in 10s or 20s which is a peanut for the crimes of Herod.

Answer 4

I have read articles by different Biblical scholars and they have made a terrible mistake. The records of that event that they quoted were all wrong and or self created. How terrible this is because now the world only has your word that it never happened and that you not Saint Matthew is the only authority on local Jewish history 2000 years ago. Well it must be put to the test Matthew was killed because he insisted that what he said was true. Let me dig out my old Islamic sword and get your neck adjusted for removal and see if you are willing to die for your truth.

Answer 5

You know what else may be surprising? Josephus dated Herod's death at 4 BC, which is 4 years to early for him to have tried to kill baby Jesus. Someone is obviously telling stories... and I don't think it's Josephus.

Funny how christians believe everything they read in the bible, without verifying it's accuracy. But then again, that's why their christians, and not atheists.

Answer 6

Every story needs a villain and a fast escape for publication.

Andee, the Greek Gods and myths are much older than the story of Jesus, so by your reasoning, they must be more valid because they are older than the NT and have lasted longer.

I wonder if God has maintained Egyptian religious beliefs because his real name is RA?

BigonDrums - Many Historians wrote about this? Can you point out one? Link to it. Gotta love the internet, it gives us all the ability to find resources. Libraries aren't as helpful, and cannot be used as an excuse.

Answer 7

Just because it was not listed by the ancient historians does not mean it did not happen. The entire was inspired by and is the Word of God. God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me. Those words Matthew wrote were not his, but the Lords.

Answer 8

Nothing in the Bible was invented, and I would trust it way BEFORE I would trust the likes of you!

You haven't yet reached the age of 2,000 have you? It has, so it has lasted almost 2,000 times longer than you, and will be here long after you're worm food!

Answer 9

And you believe the lie of historians who weren't even there over the account of a man who actually walked with Christ?

Puh-leeze!

Answer 10

There were many historians that wrote of this occurence. Maybe you should research a little more. Libraries are great. They have books and everything!!!