#112 The Manger & The Herodion

Synopsis: Program #112 – 12/22/2013 “The Manger & The Herodion”

 Program #112 is the annual Christmas program. This year we look at the government fortress/restort built by King Herod called the Herodion. Most people are not aware that “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” was a village located below a huge government facility. While Joseph and Mary were sleeping in a barn, Herod and his party were sleeping in the lap of luxury. The tax paid by the holy family supported the bureaucratic ruling class.

It is no coincidence that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem and that Herod would build his complex there. God was contrasting two kingdoms, two standards. God entered this world at the very doorstep of man’s empire to establish His Kingdom which will “crush and put an end” to the kingdoms of man (Daniel 2:44).

The program explains the history of the Maccabean period of Israel’s history and how Herod arrived on the throne because of Jewish infighting. “A people who will not be ruled by God are destined to be ruled by tyrants” (William Penn).

Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 2:1; Micah 5:2; Hosea 3:4; Galatians 4:4; Daniel 11:21,30-35; 1 Samuel 12:14; Jeremiah 5:31; Mark 3:6; Matthew 22:15-17; Psalm 49:16-19; Jeremiah 50:31-32; Isaiah 9:6-7