Matthew 2:16-18, Herod Kills the Children

Text

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Comments

King Herod’s furry in destroying innocent human life revealed his wickedness. In his later years, Herod killed three of his own sons, seeing them as rivals. Bethlehem’s population at that time was less than 1000, meaning the maximum number of boys killed would be 20, making it a rather minor story in a violent time.

The quote from Jeremiah references captives being taken into exile. The following verses in Jeremiah reassure Rachel that her lost children will return. Perhaps Matthew intends for us to see that Bethlehem’s mourning will be temporary, that God will bring blessing through Bethlehem’s Messiah. Matthew used this text not so much for geographical purposes, but that bereavement is a prelude to blessing in the life of Jesus and in the life of God’s people.

Application/Reflection

Consider a time when a blessing in your life came out of a time of trouble. Looking back, while God did not cause the situation, perhaps he redeemed it. Even when God appears absent, such as at the cross, he is very present.

Prayer

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 238)