Can Herod Slay His Rival?

     In Matthew chapter 2, King Herod called together all the chief priests and teachers of the law, asking them where the Christ was to be born. 

     "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." 

     Herod learned the exact time the star had appeared in Judah. Then he sent the Magi to Bethlehem , telling them to find the child, let him (apparently the couple had returned to the city of birth) know where, and he, Herod, would also go "to worship." 

     The Magi continued following the star, until it stopped over the place - now a house - where the child was. Finding Mary and the child, they bowed down and worshiped. 

     Enter a dream from heaven. The Magi were warned not to visit Herod, but to return to their country by another route. 

Tomorrow: another dream