Herod, a name associated with several rulers during the time of the New Testament, is often depicted as a figure whose temporary happiness and earthly power stand in stark contrast to the moral and spiritual decay that characterized his reign. The Herodian dynasty, particularly Herod the Great and Herod Antipas, exemplifies the fleeting and superficial nature of the happiness of the wicked.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great, known for his architectural achievements and political acumen, ruled as king of Judea from 37 to 4 BC. His reign is marked by grandiose projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which brought him a measure of fame and satisfaction. However, his pursuit of power and happiness was marred by paranoia and brutality. Herod's fear of losing his throne led to the infamous massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem, as recorded in Matthew 2:16: "When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi" . This act of cruelty underscores the emptiness of his happiness, rooted in insecurity and violence.

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus' ministry. His life illustrates the moral corruption and transient joy of the wicked. Herod Antipas is perhaps best known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. Despite being intrigued by John's teachings, Herod ultimately succumbed to the manipulations of Herodias, his brother's wife, whom he had unlawfully married. Mark 6:26-27 recounts the moment Herod, pressured by his oath and the presence of his guests, ordered John's beheading: "The king was consumed with regret, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in" . Herod's decision, driven by pride and the desire to maintain his image, reveals the shallow nature of his happiness, which was easily disrupted by guilt and fear.

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, also exemplifies the fleeting happiness of the wicked. His reign is noted for the persecution of the early church, including the execution of James, the brother of John, and the imprisonment of Peter. Acts 12:21-23 describes a moment of apparent triumph for Agrippa, as he is praised by the people of Tyre and Sidon: "On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, 'This is the voice of a god, not a man!' Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died" . Herod Agrippa's acceptance of divine accolades without giving glory to God led to his sudden and humiliating demise, highlighting the ultimate futility of his earthly happiness.

In examining the lives of the Herods, one observes a pattern of temporary satisfaction derived from power, wealth, and influence, yet consistently undermined by moral corruption, fear, and divine judgment. Their accounts serve as a cautionary tale about the deceptive allure of wickedness and the transient nature of happiness that is not rooted in righteousness and obedience to God.Acts 12:21-23
And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and made an oration to them.
Nave's Topical Index

How Herod Sent his Sons to Rome; How Also He was Accused by ...
... skillful guides, and put a stop to their wicked robberies, and ... This man once saw
Herod when he was a child ... for thou wilt excel all men in happiness, and obtain ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how herod sent.htm

Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ
... and mocked in the palace of Herod by impious ... but wicked priests; and that among the
wicked priests, those ... not only of the prosperity and happiness, but what is ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bourdaloue the passion of.htm

The Brazen Serpent.
... godly people thought the permanent glory and happiness of men ... not on a throne set
up in Herod's palace. ... and becoming the friend of forsaken and wicked men, and ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/viii the brazen serpent.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... How great a happiness, how high an honor, how illustrious a distinction! ... So that,
had this man been as wicked as Herod, he would have slain Paul, as Herod ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... if our parents or superiors, being wicked, bid us ... Our Lord was falsely accused before
Herod and Pilate ... those things that bring worldly pleasure and happiness. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Consolation in Suffering, and Patience ...
... 1 Corinthians 15, 41), yet all will share the same eternal happiness and joy; there ...
It begrudges to wicked characters like Judas, Pilate, Herod, Annas and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fourth sunday after trinity consolation.htm

Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is ...
... That which the unrighteous and wicked persecuted was not so ... But it was because John
reproached Herod because of ... respecting this, and had the happiness to be ...
/.../letter xliv concerning the maccabees.htm

The Third Season
... of promise; and an eternity of happiness in the ... while prosperity and impunity slay
the wicked, even slaying ... have plotted its ruin; that a Herod has stretched ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... Herod, who slew the innocent children of Bethlehem that he ... I have exchanged peace,
happiness, and honor, for ... As if entranced, the wicked have looked upon the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

Paul Before Festus and Agrippa.
... from conscience, which sometimes arrests the wicked man in ... was first married to her
uncle Herod, king of ... himself, began by expressing his happiness in being ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxviii paul before festus.htm

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