King Herod

Matthew 2:1-8, 12-16

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Herod was not known as a gentle or friendly king. (No king is who is willing to murder even his own children for the threat they might someday become to his own throne). So why on earth did the star which the wise men were following completely disappear for a time? Why were they left in a position where they needed to tell king Herod who they were looking for? God could have arranged it so Herod was left in the dark with no knowledge that a baby was born who might someday threaten his claim to kingship.
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Perhaps God arranged circumstances to warn Herod. No matter how many people he killed, he could not prevent the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. God was in control; Herod could not outmaneuver Him. Herod's throne was insecure and nothing he did could prevent the end of his reign as king. I am certainly glad to not be in Herod's position when the end did come and he found himself in front of the Judge. The One Who truly sees everything knew each and every one of Herod's misdeeds and would hold him accountable for them. Perhaps the arrival of the magi in Jerusalem was a final opportunity for Herod to change his ways, to repent, and to adore the One True God. His despicable response in that case would be the definitive decision guaranteeing his punishment.