King Herod

King Herod ruled Judea when Jesus was born and feared any child who might become a rival king. Scheming and suspicious, he listened closely when Simeon identified the infant Messiah, even holding Jesus without realizing who the baby was. When the Magi arrived following a star, Herod pretended that he also wished to honor the child. He sent them to Bethlehem for information while keeping Eugene Meltsner as a hostage and imprisoning Simeon. Herod's real intention was to destroy Jesus before the promised king could threaten his throne. A warning from God allowed Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to flee toward Egypt with help from the Roman captain Proclus. Herod's grasp for control stood against the courage of those who protected the child.