Proverbs 16:14 “The wrath of the king is as messengers of death…”

I was in the palace the night the Persians came. This was no ordinary diplomatic visit. Two years they travelled in search of a new king. Fools! Ours is a mighty king. Appointed by Rome to settle the competing claims to the throne. Heavy indeed is that burden on him and his family.

When his brothers in law conspired against him, did he not kill them? When his wife betrayed him, even her sister and mother testified against her, before her death. When his mother in law tried to call him mad, and seize the throne, did he not put her to death? Even three of his sons were not spared the sword when they rose against him.

Did he not bring grain from Egypt to ease the famine? Has he not made the temple a wonder to the world?

I am an instrument of the King’s wrath. I don’t know what this village, Bethlehem, did to anger the king. But tonight, they will feel his wrath. Every male child, two years of age or younger dies tonight. Long live King Herod.