Eyewitness to Christmas: Herod Seeks the Prophecies
Last week, we took a look at Herod calling the chief priest and teachers to tell him what the scriptures said about the birth of the Messiah.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written.” {Matthew 2:5}
Bethlehem is 6.2 miles from Jerusalem and is where King David came from and referred to as the City of David.
“The prophet here referred to is Micah, who lived about seven centuries before Christ.” {Johnson’s Notes on the New Testament}
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’” {Mathew 2:6}
Bethlehem is located in the land of Judah and we know that King David and Jesus lineage was from the tribe of Judah.
Notice it is mentioned that the Messiah would be least among the rules of Judah. Jesus said “He must increase, but I must decrease.” {John 3:30}
Also, if you will notice “who will shepherd my people Israel.” Jesus is referred to as the good shepherd. A shepherd is one who guides his sheep and goes after those who are lost. Isn’t that what Jesus taught and continues to do? He died for the lost.
“Herod did not wish to give the infant claimant the honor and prestige of an open and avowed concern about him. Moreover, had he openly professed a desire to worship the new King, all Jerusalem would have been conscious of his hypocrisy, and some would have found it hard to keep silent.” {The Fourfold Gospel: or A Harmony of the Four Gospels}
So now that Herod has the prophecy what will he do?