Hitler ranted and raved as he led a nation to power. He deceived many and through his deception he tried to annihilate the Jews. He used force and deception as he gained control of other countries.

King Herod of Israel wanted to protect his throne of power. And he used murder to protect his throne. He murdered his relatives and innocent children to maintain his position.

Obsessive power uses excessive measures of control.

(NASB) Matthew 2:16 “Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.”

Herod the deceiver was deceived and became exceedingly angry. After all he was the king, he was above the law. He demanded the honor and the glory for himself.

King Herod was obsessive and possessive with his position and power.

Deceivers protect their turf.

King Herod thought nothing of the murder of infants and toddlers to protect his rule and reign.

His excessive anger resulted in excessive reaction that took the lives of any possible threat to his throne.

(NIV) Proverbs 14:5 “A truthful witness does not deceive,

but a false witness pours out lies.”

Be alert to those who would deceive ““ ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom.

(Tomorrow, we will consider Matthew 2:16 from another angle.)