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The account of the Massacre of the Innocents is recorded in the Gospel (1) of Matthew (2) and outlines the efforts of King Herod (3) to kill the newborn Messiah (4) in order to maintain his power base in Judea.
Herod had previously told the visiting Magi (5), “Go and search carefully for the Child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him" (Matthew 2:8). The power hungry ruler Herod had no such intention.
Once Herod realized that the Magi had outsmarted him, he broke out into a rage. He gave the order to murder all male boys in Bethlehem who were two years old and under, so as to ensure the newborn King was included in the slaughter.
As the account of Holy Family's (6) Flight into Egypt (7) tells us, Herod's plan to kill the infant Jesus (8) was thwarted. An Angel of the Lord (9) appeared to Joseph (10) in a dream (11), telling him to take his family and escape into Egypt (12). They remained there until they were told of Herod's death.
There is no biblical (13) mention of how many young boys were murdered as a result of Herod's order, but Matthew's reference to Jeremiah 31:15 in the closing of the narrative infers the mass execution was carried out.
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If you're seeking additional info about Christianity on a more personal level, consider visiting a Christian Church here in Marion County (14). Introduce yourself to members and ask to speak with someone to learn more about Jesus. Surrendering your life to Christ (15) (c) is the most rewarding, everlasting decision you'll ever make, and it's comforting to have someone guide you as you begin your new life as a child of the Most High! May God shower you with great favor in this endeavor!
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Footnotes, Page Credits and External Resources appear below. Consider printing and sharing the offered PDF narrative and other listed resources with family, friends and strangers alike for use in Bible Studies (16), Home/Church Faith Sharing Groups (17), Discipleship Encounters (18) and/or Personal Faith Enrichment!
Modifications are welcome at [email protected].
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FOOTNOTES:
(1) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-four-gospels
(2) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/matthew
(3) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/herod
(4) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/jesus-the-messiah
(5) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/magi-visit-the-messiah
(6) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-holy-family
(7) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/flight-into-egypt
(8) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-birth-of-jesus
(9) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/angel-of-the-lord
(10) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/joseph-earthly-father-of-jesus
(11) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/dreams-of-the-bible
(12) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/egypt
(13) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-good-news
(14) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/listing-by-city
(15) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-gracious-visitor
(16) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-studies
(17) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/christian-education
(18) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/discipleship
PAGE CREDITS:
(a) Bible Gateway, New International Version (NIV) Bible,
accessed September 18, 2020, https://www.biblegateway.com/
EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
(b) How Do I Convert to Christianity?, Got Questions Ministries,
accessed January 12, 2020, https://www.gotquestions.org/convert-to-Christianity.html
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