1. In the Shadow of Herod “Life & Ministry of the Messiah, Part 1” from “That the World May Know” series

2. Herod the Great King of Israel (37 – 4 BC) when Jesus was born Famous for his building projects – Palaces/fortresses (Herodian, Masada, etc) – The Temple in Jerusalem Infamous for his cruelty

3. The Herodian Looked over the site of many Biblical events – Near the burial place of Rachel – Near the route of Naomi and Ruth from Moab – Near the fields of Boaz – Near the place David killed Goliath – Near the place where Samuel anointed David as king

4. The Herodian 10 miles from Jerusalem 3 miles from Bethlehem Could see the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab across the Jordan River from there

5. Edom In the 1 st century, Edom was called Idumea Herod was from Idumea – He was an Edomite – He was a descendant of Edom (the twin brother of Jacob) Israel was now ruled by a hated Edomite

6. Prophecy Israel knew their Bible and the prophecies in it They knew that one day, they (descendants of Jacob) would triumph over Edom (Herod)

7. Prophecy Israel knew their Bible and the prophecies in it They knew that one day, they (descendants of Jacob) would triumph over Edom (Herod) Num 24:17-18 “ 17 …A star will march forth out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab, and the heads of all the sons of Sheth. 18 Edom will be a possession, Seir, his enemies, will also be a possession; but Israel will act valiantly.”

8. Prophecy Israel knew their Bible and the prophecies in it They knew that one day, they (descendants of Jacob) would triumph over Edom (Herod) Malachi 1:2-3 “ 2 …“Esau was Jacob’s brother,” the Lord explains, “yet I chose Jacob 3 and rejected Esau. I turned Esau’s mountains into a deserted wasteland and gave his territory to the wild jackals.”

9. DVD Watch the video (18 minutes)

10. Discussion Does Herodian impress you? – 4 large defensive towers (one 120 ft tall) – 7 floors/stories of apts, store rooms, etc – Beautifully decorated – Hot and cold water (aqueducts and cisterns) – Entered via a 3 step staircase and a 200 ft long tunnel – Swimming pool 140 x 200 ft & 10 ft deep 40 ft diameter island in the middle of the pool

11. Discussion Bethlehem, 3 miles away – Poor – Tiny – Backwater – Overshadowed by the palace The shepherds and wise men visited the baby Jesus literally under the “eye” of Herod – And honored Jesus as King!

12. Discussion Compare Herod and Jesus If you had been alive at the time of Jesus’ birth, who would you have considered to be powerful (Herod of Jesus?)?