←
Explanation for:
Matthew
2
:
3
And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
12
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It was understandable for Herod, as a ruler, to be apprehensive regarding his own safety and that of his offspring; yet what was the cause of fear for Jerusalem, especially when the prophets had long proclaimed Christ as their Redeemer, benefactor, and liberator? What was it that perplexed the Jews? The same lack of discernment that had turned them from God, their true benefactor, leading them to yearn for the comforts of Egypt despite having been granted complete freedom. Consider how meticulously the prophets foretold these events: one notably proclaimed long ago, “They shall want to be burned with fire: for unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:5, 6). Nevertheless, in their confusion, the people of Jerusalem showed little interest in investigating the occurrences around them; they did not follow the wise men or express curiosity—indeed, they were remarkably persistent in their indifference! They should have rejoiced that a King had been born among them, drawing attention even from distant lands, suggesting that all would ultimately yield to them when their circumstances had vastly improved, initially highlighted by such a magnificent birth. Yet they remained unchanged, even after being recently liberated from Persian bonds. Had no profound truths been imparted to them, they might have reasoned, based solely on current happenings, that if so many recognized their King at birth, they would surely revere him even more and submit to him in his maturity, elevating them higher than the nations surrounding them. But such notions brought them no joy, for their neglect and blindness were so profound! Therefore, it is essential to diligently rid ourselves of these faults and to be fortified against them. This is why Christ stated: “Fire has come to destroy the earth, and I want it to burn up already” (Luke 12:49). Hence, it is fitting that the Holy Spirit manifests as fire.\\n\\n‘When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled’ (Hear, Herod was troubled) (Matthew 2:3). What was it that troubled him? The news of a Jewish King’s birth. Behold, dear ones: the enemy within Herod is deeply troubled. The wolf recognizes that a shepherd has emerged, lying humbly in a manger, brandishing the powerful rod of the Spirit, and this sight greatly unnerves him. The dragon perceives the vulnerability of the infant, who is akin to a lowly worm—‘I am a worm, and not a man’ (Psalm 21:7)—and, opening its mouth, sees in the flesh the divine Word as a hidden snare, and it finds this deeply unsettling. It observes the mustard seed that has fallen to the earth, spreading branches of hope that will shelter humanity beneath the leaves of salvation, and this prompts great distress in the adversary, the demon. It recognizes that wisdom has graced the earth, taking on the small leaven of humanity, blending the soul, body, and spirit, aiming to unite all people in one faith for their salvation, and it is greatly agitated by this. It sees the legion of demons expelled from humanity and cast into the abyss, and this sight fills it with dread. It witnesses the bonds of hell being shattered, with Adam restored to paradise, and this causes it to tremble. It sees Eve saved through Mary, with the serpent, in which it had so boldly placed its trust, vanquished; this sight brings it great turmoil. It recognizes that the tree of life has been planted, and the distress this causes is profound. Time does not permit me to recount the full extent of the devil’s anxiety. Ultimately, feeling utterly helpless against the Lord, the devil turns his wrath upon the innocent, pursuing the young. Whom does he seek to destroy? The children aged two years and under; yet those who have turned three he spares. These are the young ones who proclaim a simple understanding without believing in the Triune God."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The wise men announce the arrival of the King, causing great distress for Herod, who convenes the scribes and chief priests to inquire about the birthplace of Christ. While the Magi simply acknowledge the king, Herod seeks out Christ, thereby acknowledging Him as king through his inquiry. By asking where He is to be born, Herod indicates that this birth was foretold; if it had not been prophesied, how could the scribes have asked about it? O foolish Jews! You do not recognize that the One you see has come; you refuse to believe that the One you have long anticipated is now among you."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Herod was perplexed as an outsider, anxious about his royal power, aware of his unworthiness. Yet, why were the Jews ashamed? They should have rejoiced in having a king, one whom the kings of Persia now honored. However, moral decay is indeed a profoundly irrational state."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Herod was understandably disturbed as he feared for his own reign and that of his sons; however, why was the entire city of Jerusalem also in turmoil? Instead, they should have celebrated the arrival of the King, who had been prophesied throughout the ages as the Savior and Redeemer of Israel. As His relatives, they should have taken pride that even from His infancy, He drew the Magi to honor Him. Yet, their envy clouded their judgment, and upon hearing the news, they were unsettled, as if they were afraid they might miss out on salvation. The Magi, despite being outsiders, were not only free of jealousy towards the one born but made their journey all the way from their homeland to Bethlehem in His honor. In stark contrast, the Jews, His own kin, harbored envy towards His greatness, and even with Bethlehem so close by, they chose not to visit. Thus, their hearts were filled with envy and malice."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The wise men in Jerusalem proclaim the arrival of the long-awaited Savior. What impact does this joyous news have in that place? Upon hearing it, King Herod was deeply disturbed, and all of Jerusalem was troubled alongside him, especially his loyal supporters, who were left in confusion. How could it be that Herod, who vigilantly monitored all access points to his realm, was not affected by this announcement? As an illegitimate ruler, a foreigner, and a pretender to the throne installed by the Romans, he was despised by his people for his brutal reign, which had driven him to even murder his own children on mere suspicion. Not long before, he had orchestrated a bloody slaughter of the conspirators who sought to assassinate him within his palace; weighed down by age and a wretched illness that would soon claim his life, this tyrant was gripped by fear when informed that the Messiah, the true Son of David and rightful Sovereign, had just been born—a figure he believed would usurp his power… How could this cruel ruler not feel shame in light of such news? However, what was the source of Jerusalem's fear? The prophets had long ago foretold the advent of Christ, who would come to rescue and redeem His people. What concern plagued the Jews at this moment? They ought to have rejoiced at the arrival of such a king, who, even as an infant, had drawn the wise men from the East to honor Him and would ultimately reign over all nations. Had they cherished Christ, they would have celebrated the announcement of His birth, much like a few of God's faithful servants, such as Simeon and Anna, had done. Yet, the Jews valued their own safety more than the Savior; they likely believed that Herod would become violently enraged upon learning of Christ’s birth and would persecute any who dared to worship Him. Consequently, each individual focused solely on their own preservation, remaining silent about Christ… Meanwhile, Herod was contemplating his next move. Should he eliminate the Magi? But what benefit would that bring if the newborn King remained alive? He did not yet know where the child was or who He truly was. In his despair, Herod devised a sinister plan: to extract information about the royal child from the Magi themselves, with the intent to eliminate Him, and if needed, to dispose of the Magi as well, since they had caused upheaval among his people."},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The arrival and inquiries of the wise men undoubtedly sparked considerable confusion in Jerusalem. Their presence was capable of creating unrest in this central city at any moment, particularly given that the entire region of Judea was collectively anticipating the Messiah. Therefore, it is noted that when Herod heard this news, \\"the king was troubled.\\" It seems that Herod was among the first to receive this information, likely due to the many informants he had positioned throughout the city. Upon learning of this potentially destabilizing news, he was immediately alerted, and it swiftly reached his palace. Internally, he was distressed, pondering the implications of this event. Although he was nearing the end of a tumultuous life, Herod still resisted the notion of a new political order emerging. He had always sought to consolidate power for himself rather than relinquish it to others. Did he genuinely believe the Messiah had been born? If true, he likely anticipated some troubling intervention from Divine Providence. Alternatively, did he dismiss it as a fabrication by the Jewish factions attempting to unseat him from his throne? Regardless of his beliefs, he had reason to fear unrest among the populace, for they were not only hopeful for a Savior in the Messiah but also apprehensive of a Judge, which could weigh heavily on Herod’s conscience. Thus, political anxiety, moral awareness, physical ailment, and the frailty of old age must have all compounded Herod's distress. \\n\\nMoreover, why was Jerusalem sharing in his turmoil? They, too, were undoubtedly unsettled by the royalist faction aligned with Herod—the Herodian supporters. This was the very group some Jews had previously consulted, asking Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:22). The fortunes of Herod were intertwined with those of this political alliance. Many of Herod's followers, whose fates rested on his rule, likely felt the weight of the situation as well. Ultimately, the entire nation must have been thrown into confusion. They accepted the idea of the Messiah's birth, but this brought with it a fear of His profound judgment. It was widely understood that the arrival of the Messiah would usher in numerous troubles, dangers, and upheavals in both moral and civil order. Even if they doubted the actual birth of the Messiah, they had to be concerned about potential insurrections instigated by factions claiming to present a Messiah, as well as punishment for such unrest from the Romans and a particularly wary Herod. Such phenomena typically induce significant disturbances within a capital city. Thus, we find ourselves reflecting on the Gospel accounts detailing the earthly journey of Jesus Christ prior to His public ministry aimed at the salvation of humanity, including the visit of the Magi and their adoration of Him."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Herod, of Idumean heritage and lacking the rightful Davidic lineage, was an unworthy ruler over the Jewish people. Recognizing his tenuous position, he became increasingly paranoid and, as noted by Flavius, eliminated many whom he suspected as threats with great cruelty. Thus, when he learned of the imminent arrival of a new king of the Jews, he was understandably disturbed, fearing as an outsider the loss of his power, fully aware that the throne was not rightfully his. \\n\\nThe term “all Jerusalem” refers to the city's inhabitants, particularly the supporters of Herod. While there were certainly individuals in Jerusalem who eagerly awaited the comfort of Israel—much like Simeon the Hospitaller and Anna the Prophetess—who rejoiced at the news of the Messiah's birth, many others in the city, especially those loyal to Herod, were unsettled. Their disbelief led them to be taken aback, particularly because they did not anticipate the Messiah’s humble beginnings, with His birth announced by foreign visitors. The nature of the anxiety varied significantly, shaped by each person’s belief or disbelief in the prophesied Savior. Additionally, they may have feared that the wrathful tyrant, Herod, would unleash further cruelty upon them."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Herod's distress stemmed from the fact that as an Idumean, he ruled as an illegitimate king over the Jews and feared being usurped by the true King who had just been born. It is perplexing that the residents of Jerusalem, particularly the Jewish community, were filled with fear instead of joy at the announcement of Christ's birth, the Savior foretold by the prophets. Innocent, the Archbishop of Kherson, noted that a significant majority of the Jews of that time, though not all, placed their own self-interests above their devotion to Christ. They anticipated that Herod would react to the news of Christ’s arrival with hostility toward anyone who chose to honor Him. Many among them harbored guilt, having benefited from Herod's patronage, serving him, and living off the hardships of others; how could they welcome Christ with such a conscience? Consequently, these Jews prioritized their own safety and hesitated to openly proclaim Christ, failing to journey to Bethlehem for worship, despite its proximity to Jerusalem."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, very few were aware of the manifestation of this remarkable king, save for a select group of individuals. However, the visit of the Magi inadvertently drew widespread attention, and their intentions were quickly communicated to Herod. This revelation struck the paranoid ruler like a bolt from the blue. At that moment, wearied by age and illness, he grappled with profound guilt over the numerous sins and violent acts that marked his treacherous life, pushing him toward a near-manic state. Having already shed rivers of blood to eliminate anyone with even a hint of claim to the throne he had usurped, he was consumed with dread at the news that the Messiah, the genuine Son of David, had been born—the rightful heir to the throne he had unlawfully seized. The entire city of Jerusalem shared in his alarm."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The announcement of the birth of the long-expected Messiah should have generated widespread joy in the nation's capital, a city that had long prepared to receive Him and regarded Him as the realization of its deepest hopes and aspirations. However, Jerusalem failed to recognize the significance of its divine visitation (Luke 19:44). Even after receiving the news from distant travelers, it did not rush to amend its indifference and instead became unsettled by the king's response. The source of this unease was the child, born in abject humility, of whom none in the king’s court had prior knowledge. This newborn, regarded as the King of the Jews, became a threat to Herod, who considered him a rival destined to challenge his claim to the throne, bolstered by the people's affection for the lineage of David. This notion alone was enough to fill Herod with deep-seated paranoia and dread. According to St. John Chrysostom, Herod was fearful “for himself and for his children,” and Blessed Theophylact articulated that he was anxious about losing his rule, aware that as an outsider, the throne was not rightfully his. The citizens of Jerusalem had cause for their concern: many feared that the merciless Herod would resort to cruel actions in response to this news, while his loyal followers were reluctant to relinquish the privileges they enjoyed."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Given the esteemed and influential status of the priestly order in the ancient pagan societies of the East, it is reasonable to assume that the wise men visiting Jerusalem were individuals of considerable rank and likely received with respect at Herod’s court. However, upon learning the purpose of their journey, Herod, who was an Idumean, was greatly troubled. He understood the Jewish anticipation for a liberator from oppression but had not given it serious thought until this moment, perhaps dismissing such hopes as mere fantasies. Yet, when the eastern sages arrived, proclaiming that the Jews’ longings had come to fruition, a deep anxiety regarding the stability of his reign took hold of him. Fear spread throughout Jerusalem; some were concerned for their own ties to the ruling family, others anticipated the brutal reprisals of the paranoid and merciless Herod in light of these tidings, and still others harbored a general unease about the imminent arrival of significant events."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The resident of Jerusalem found it peculiar that news of a significant occurrence in his homeland was brought to him by outsiders. He felt that such an important revelation should have first been announced in the heart of the nation, by a prophet of their own. Additionally, he was troubled by the potential disturbance this information could bring to the public order, especially under the reign of a suspicious ruler like Herod. The stir at the palace was considerable. The announcement of the Messiah came not from a minor locality but from esteemed wise men hailing from afar. Herod could not ignore the news of the King anticipated by the Jewish people. Regardless of his belief in the ancient prophecies, he could not entirely dismiss them; they were deeply ingrained in Jewish faith and national sentiment. To unsettle Herod's tranquility was sufficient, as the populace had long been sustained by this hope, making them receptive to any signs that hinted at its realization. The idea that the Messiah might be among them—whether that perception was accurate or not—instilled fear in Herod of significant and unwelcome changes to his reign. Having governed the Jewish people for over three decades, he recognized that he could not count on the loyalty of even a fraction of his subjects, and the threat to his throne felt ever-present, even from within his own family. He was acutely aware of the yearning for freedom amongst his people and the fervent zeal of certain factions that would entertain insurrection at the mere mention of the Messiah, regardless of His actual arrival. Taking such fears into account, the cautious tyrant resolved to act swiftly to safeguard his interests, deciding that if there existed any child designated as the King of the Jews—identified by star, prophecy, or any means—he must be eradicated immediately. Herod's limited understanding of faith allowed him to accept the assertions of the Eastern sages and the predictions of the sacred texts but did not inspire him to align himself with divine will, as evidenced by his subsequent actions."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
