The spirit of Herod the Great
Robert Wurtz II
Then Herod, when he saw that the wise men had tricked him, 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. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “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.” (Matthew 2:16-18)
In this article, we discuss what I call “the spirit of Herod,” a Satanic personality type. We also explore the destruction caused when seeking to establish a dynasty, such as the Herodian Dynasty. A person is never more like Satan than when they proudly pursue power and authority in God’s kingdom (Isaiah 14:13).
Herod the Great ruled Judea from 37 BC until he died in 4 BC. His life was an archetypal example of tyrannical leadership, exemplifying the very spirit that Jesus condemned when He stated, “The Gentiles lord it over the people” (Mark 10:42). To “Lord it over” is to operate in an oppressive authority. It highlights a fundamental contrast between the coercive power of rulers like Herod and the servant leadership that Jesus commanded His followers to imitate. Jesus further emphasized this point by declaring, “It shall not be so among you. The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). This was not a suggestion; it was a mandate. Herod’s leadership style modeled the opposite of these traits, establishing a legacy of terror and tyranny that would reverberate through generations.
Paranoia in Judea
Herod’s relentless quest to eliminate any threats, real or imagined, extended even to his own family, as evidenced by the execution of his second wife, Mariamne, and three sons that she bore him. Such actions underscore a profound insecurity and a willingness to resort to unconscionable measures to maintain his murderous grip on power.
Herod’s insatiable lust for dominance propelled him to commit numerous atrocities against those he viewed as rivals, leading to the deaths of countless individuals, both allies and adversaries. His destructive reign was characterized by a calculated approach to eliminate threats and dissent, fostering an atmosphere of fear and unrest throughout Judea. The historical accounts of his tyrannical rule reveal not only an oppressor willing to go to any lengths to secure his position but also a leader whose paranoia ultimately destabilized his own kingdom.
The Preference for Coercion over Love
Herod would rather lord it over the people than be loved by them. His reign was marked by coercion and intimidation, relying on the Roman army to maintain control and enforce his decrees. The presence of soldiers, ever ready to impose Herod’s will, served as a constant reminder of his oppressive rule. Herod compelled the people to obey, not out of affection or loyalty, but from fear of retribution.
In stark contrast, Jesus modeled a radically different way of leadership—one grounded in love and sacrifice. His death on the cross and the forgiveness of sins invite people to obey Him out of love, not coercion. While reverence for Christ is essential, this fear is not the primary motivation for our obedience. As 1 John 4:19 states, “We love Him because he first loved us.” Jesus’ leadership example fosters genuine relationships built on mutual love and respect, rather than fear, intimidation, shaming, and oppression.
The Evil of Herod
Joseph and Mary flee from Bethlehem to Egypt with baby Jesus at night
It shocks our sensibilities to read that Herod executed his second wife and three sons. The man had no conscience, and anyone who doesn’t have a conscience is dangerous and bears watching. But he didn’t stop there. He massacred all the baby boys in Bethlehem to prevent the King of the Jews from growing up and challenging him and his family dynasty. His Satanic aspirations and lust for power would have damned the whole human race had he succeeded. Let that sink in.
We don’t need a doctorate of Divinity or Christian Apologetics to understand that God would have overridden Herod’s strategy. But that doesn’t absolve him from guilt. If someone attempted to assassinate the president, I doubt anyone would buy his plea of ignorance. Herod tried to murder the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Can you imagine the charge? “One count of attempted damnation of the human race.” or “Aggravated reckless endangerment of the Son of God.” If the man is in hell, he must be tormented beyond comprehension, reflecting on what he tried to do, all to keep him and his family in office.
Blind to Destruction
Has there ever been a person more blind and callous than Herod the Great? Nero executed his own mother, but this man executed his own sons. When a person seeks power, they don’t care who they hurt or what they destroy to get it. Long before Herod sacrificed his boys on the altar of his ambitions, people passed their sons through the fire to Molech for the same reason. The wretches at Tophet in the Valley of Hinnom at least had some conscience, so they beat drums to drown the screams of their infant sons as the skin melted off their bodies (2 Chronicles 33:6).
The spirit of Herod is among the most Satanic and callous imaginable, though he knew better. He was raised a Jew, or as we would say, “He was raised in church.“ Sadly, the ruthless and callous spirit of Herod is alive and well in the earth today, raised in the churches. People of this spirit are numb to the destruction and pain they cause among God’s people when they reach for power and take it at all costs. Can you imagine the charge? “Attempted destruction of a church,” or “Reckless endangerment of the people of God.”
A Legacy of Murder
Herod the Great had several notable sons, including Herod Archelaus, who ruled Judea, and Herod Antipas, who governed Galilee and is infamous for beheading John the Baptist (Mark 6:16-29) and was involved in the crucifixion. Herod Agrippa I, a grandson, executed James the Apostle (Acts 12:1-2), and was himself executed by an angel when he claimed god-like status in Acts 12:23. His son, Herod Agrippa II (king Agrippa), great-grandson of Herod the Great, was perhaps the most sensible, judging Paul during his trial (Acts 26:1-32).
Clearly, a person moving in the spirit of Herod knows no limits on who they will attack or kill to stifle opposition. This character trait was passed down from Herod the Great to his son and grandson, suggesting that this attitude is communicable. The same evil spirit was in them, and Satan likely influenced them. Herod the Great and his progeny contributed to the unrest and oppression of the Romans inciting men like Judas of Galilee to rebel (Acts 5:37). It was like Rehoboam all over. The Galileans (freedom movement followers of Judas of Galilee) morphed into the fourth philosophy in Judaism, the Zealots. This group led the revolt in AD 70 which effectively ended Agrippa II’s power as Rome took direct control of Judea. The Herodian dynasty officially ended in AD 92 when Agrippa II died.
The Fox-Like Nature
And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course‘” (Luke 13:32).
In the context of Jesus referring to Herod Antipas as “that fox“ (Luke 13:32), the term “fox“ symbolizes cunning, deceit, and treachery. It suggests that Herod was sly and manipulative, embodying traits of a leader who used cunning tactics to maintain power and control.
The fox employs various dangerous tactics to survive and thrive in the wild. They are thieves and will steal whatever they need to survive. Known for their sharp intellect, foxes can outsmart predators and prey alike, using stealth and agility to navigate their environment. They are known to employ diversionary tactics, luring unsuspecting targets into ambushes. Foxes are also opportunistic scavengers, willing to take risks to steal food from other animals. Their ability to adapt and manipulate situations makes them a formidable presence in nature. This slyness not only aids their survival but also perpetuates a reputation for treachery, making them both admired and feared in folklore and literature.
Tyranny or God’s Destiny?
Herod the Great is a vivid reminder of the destructive nature of tyrannical leadership, illustrating the depths to which one can descend in the pursuit of power. His reign stands in stark opposition to the servant leadership that Jesus exemplified and commanded. As Christians, we are called to reject the archetype of Herod and the Herodian Dynasty and embrace a life marked by humility, love, and service, following the example set by Jesus. In doing so, we imitate His Heavenly example and contribute to a more just and compassionate Church, breaking the cycle of tyranny that ensnares the ambitious and challenges God’s plans.
Herod’s dynasty became synonymous with cruelty and fear, creating an environment where tyranny flourished. This legacy of oppression serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of power when wielded without care for the well-being of God’s people. Any man or woman moving in the spirit of Herod is destined for Herod’s fate. Ignorance will be no excuse on the day of judgment when God reveals just how destructive their quest for power truly was. When Jesus said, “It shall NOT be so among you,” that’s what He meant. If you disregard it or explain it away, you do so to your own destruction.
Additional Articles:
