Herod is angry at the failed return of the Magi

HEROD THE GREAT

Herod is angry because the Magi or wise men did not come back to see him.

He then worked out how to kill Jesus born the King of the Jews.

He would order the killing of all male children under 2 years old in a 16km
or 10mile radius of Bethlehem.

Background Reading:

Matthew 2:16-18

First Plot to kill Jesus

16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

18 "A voice is heard in Ramah,

weeping and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children

and refusing to be comforted,

because they are no more."

ref Matthew 26:3-4

More Information:

Herod the Great

Herod the Great was an Idumean and was made king in 37 BC and died in 4BC.

Ruled in Palestine 37BC-4BC

How do we find which Herod is which?

There is a number of men called HEROD in the Bible, starting with Herod the Great who died in spring [March, April, May] 4BC. There is also a number of rulers descending from this man to whom the Bible gives names other than Herod in their Title e.g. King Agrippa 2.

Herod died aged 69 possibly of chronic kidney disease.

Which Herod was Jesus referring to in Mark 8:15