Herod's story, shaped by ambition and political intrigue, began with his father Antipater's manipulations. His climb to power involved a complex web of alliances and deals, navigating Roman politics and Jewish resentment. Inheriting his father's cunning and enhancing it with ruthlessness, Herod engaged in power struggles and eventually claimed the Judean crown, supported by Roman might, rather than hereditary right. His reign, marked by a balance of appeasement and brutality, never earned him genuine acceptance from his people. He constructed grandiose buildings but was plagued by paranoia and distrust, leading to tragic decisions like the execution of his wife, Mariamne.
The narrative then shifts to the Zoroastrian faith and its prophecy of the Saoshyant, a savior figure, suggesting a link to the story of the Magi. These Zoroastrian priests, adept in astronomy, interpreted the Star of Bethlehem as the sign of the Messiah's birth. The Magi - Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar - embarked on a journey following this star, driven by ancient prophecies and celestial signs. Their quest led them to Jerusalem, where they inquired about the newborn King of the Jews, unsettling King Herod and setting in motion a crucial part of the Christmas narrative.
We wrap up the book of Nehemiah by summarizing some of the highlights, identifying ten important themes, and exploring some questions raised by the...
Philippians 2:6-8, “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made...
The Psalms deeply resonated with Jesus. He quoted them, illustrating their relevance and connecting His teachings to them. Among his last words before he...
