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No. 164

Day of the Innocents

Every December 28 the church recalls the slaughter that King Herod the Great ordered in Bethlehem to kill all males under two years (the innocents) and settle the future king of Israel. A popular diversion has also become a day of practical jokes.

It is not known how many innocents were killed by Herod's order, but he sent roman soldiers in a desperate attempt to kill the Messiah - to be outwitted by the Magi (or Three Wise Men) who came to greet the newborn who would be the new king of the Jews.

An Old Testament prophecy said that "when a new star appears in Israel, a new king is born, who will reign over all nations" (Numbers 24, 17).

The news spread throughout Jerusalem and Herod was greatly troubled by what appeared to him as a political threat to his reign. He was so jealous of power, which had already killed two of his wives and several of his children. Any person who may appear as the future king of Israel was his potential enemy.

Read more |  Aim Digital, 13.12.11

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