Matthew 2:3 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthew 2:3 |
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2:4 →
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An imagined view of Herod on his throne by Théophile Lybaert
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| Book | Gospel of Matthew |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
Matthew 2:3 is a short but important verse in the Gospel of Matthew. This book is part of the New Testament in the Christian Bible. This verse describes what happened when King Herod heard some surprising news.
Contents
What Matthew 2:3 Tells Us
This verse shows King Herod's reaction to news about a new king. The Bible says:
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
This means Herod was very worried. Not just him, but everyone in Jerusalem also felt uneasy.
The Magi's Important News
To understand why Herod was troubled, we need to know what happened just before this verse. Some wise men, called the Magi, came to Jerusalem. They were from the East and had followed a special star.
They told King Herod they were looking for a new king. They called him the "King of the Jews." This was a big deal because Herod was already the king. The Magi believed this new king was born because they had seen his star.
King Herod's Reaction
King Herod was the ruler of Judea at this time. He was known for being powerful but also very suspicious. He had worked hard to keep his throne. The idea of a "King of the Jews" being born made him very nervous. He saw this as a threat to his power.
He was not just a little worried. The Bible says he was "troubled." This means he was deeply disturbed and upset. He probably wondered who this new king was and what it meant for his own rule.
Jerusalem's Reaction
It wasn't just Herod who was troubled. The verse says "all Jerusalem with him." This means the people living in the city also felt uneasy. There could be several reasons for this:
- They might have worried about a new ruler.
- They might have feared what Herod would do.
- They might have been excited about a new king.
Herod's fear often led to harsh actions. The people of Jerusalem knew this. So, any news that upset the king would also make them feel anxious. They knew that if Herod was troubled, it could mean trouble for everyone.
Why This Verse Matters
Matthew 2:3 is important because it sets the stage for what happens next. Herod's troubled reaction leads him to call together his advisors. He wants to find out more about this new king. This verse shows the beginning of a conflict. It highlights the difference between Herod's earthly power and the spiritual power of the new king.
