Slaughter Of The Innocents
Slaughter Of The Innocents [1]
Matthew 2:16-18 Jeremiah 31:15
This incident is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. However, it can be found in ancient nonbiblical documents, such as the Protoevangelium of James , Infancy Gospel of Thomas , and Gospel of Pseudo- Matthew . These sources no doubt relied on the biblical Gospel for the record.
Flavius Josephus, our chief ancient source on Herod, is surprisingly silent on this episode. Nonetheless, an act of such ruthlessness on Herod's part is entirely in keeping with his character as reported by Josephus. For example, when lying near death Herod ordered that all the Jewish leaders be captured and slaughtered upon his death, thus assuring grief at his passing. Fortunately, that order was not carried out. See [[New Testament Apocrypha]]; Herod; Josephus; Magi .
Larry McKinney
