THE YOUNG JESUS
by Charlene & Friedhelm Dohmann

King Herod

Evidently, the birth of a new king of the Jews presented a threat for Herod. More than once had the Sovereign's life been threatened through a plot. Only well balanced diplomacy towards political rulers in Rome could guarantee him to stay in power. At the same time, he had to guard himself from the enemies in his own country, yes even in his own family. He was known to be ruthless, to get what he wanted, any means were acceptable.

To start with, he had the High Priests and scholars of Jerusalem come to him, to investigate where the Messiah should be born. They answered him that according to the prophet Micah, the city of Bethlehem in Juda would be the place of birth. "But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Herod was born in the province of Idumaea in the south of Juda. Most certainly the prophecy did not mean him. Herod called the "Wise Men" to a secret meeting and asked them, when they had seen the star for the first time. He sent them to Bethlehem saying: "Go there and inquire diligently about the child, and when you have found him, bring the news to me, that I may go and worship him also."

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