Herod the Great in Matthew 2: Rage and the Child
Matthew 2 introduces Herod the Great as a frightened king who meets the news of Jesus with deceit and slaughter. The passage keeps its focus on God, who preserves the child through dreams and flight and fulfills the prophets even through a ruler's rage.
Why Herod Sought the Child Born King of the Jews
Herod killed the boys of Bethlehem because a child had been announced as born King of the Jews, and he would not tolerate a rival. Matthew 2:1–12 makes the motive plain before the slaughter ever happens.
Why Herod Killed the Babies of Bethlehem
Herod killed the male children of Bethlehem because the wise men went home another way, and he took their absence as an insult and a threat to his throne. Matthew sets that ruthless calculation beside God's warning to Joseph and the child's escape into Egypt.