Assessing God’s Enemies

Matthew 2:16-18, NLT

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. 17Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18“A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”

Setting the Scene

Evil is real. The Bible explains that ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin entered the world, people have been born sinners; thus, doing what is wrong comes naturally. We tend to look out for ourselves and our own interests first. Taken to the extreme, self-centeredness leads to every imaginable evil act. History documents the terrible acts of the evil king Herod, especially concerning potential rivals to the throne. In his later years, Herod had three of his sons killed as well as his wife and many actual or suspected conspirators. Herod didn’t hesitate to spill blood to secure his power. Obsessed with himself, he felt threatened by a helpless baby who might one day become king.

Bethlehem was only a few miles from Jerusalem. Herod expected the wise men to return to him after finding the child they sought. When he learned they had gone home without reporting the location of the child, Herod took out his anger on innocent children.

We may question how God could permit such terrible atrocities, even as he allowed Jesus to escape. But Matthew, a Jew, knew all too well that the history of God’s people was littered with evil acts against them. The Messiah’s arrival caused Satan to unleash an arsenal of evil, in this instance using Herod.

The poetic quotation from the book of Jeremiah refers to Rachel, one of the wives of the Hebrew patriarch Jacob, also named “Israel.” She symbolized the mother of the nation. The mothers of the murdered boys were inconsolable, so great was their grief.

Getting Personal

When you think of extreme evil, who or what comes to mind?

Jesus told his disciples to pray, “rescue us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13, NLT). What historical examples of God’s rescue can you list? How about for you personally?

Not only do human beings have an evil streak, but Satan is working overtime to thwart God’s plans. We should always be on our guard, relying on God’s strength, armor, and weapons (Ephesians 6:10-17). This world is not all there is; one day, God will be victorious (Romans 8:31-39).

Talking to God

Thank God that you have been rescued from the power of the evil one, and ask for his continued protection and guidance. Thank him for his ultimate power and authority—and that nothing can separate you from his love.

From the book