Massacre of the Innocents

The Massacre

The Massacre of the Innocents is the name given to the infanticide in Bethlehem, according to the Gospel of Matthew –:

Related Topics:
Infanticide - Bethlehem - Gospel of Matthew

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:"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. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ?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.? — New International Version.

Related Topics:
Herod - Magi

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On hearing the Magi ask for "He that is born King of the Jews", Herod, the Roman client-king in Judea, felt his throne was in jeopardy. He ordered the murder of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two, to be secure. However, Joseph, Mary and Jesus had fled to Egypt after they had been warned by an angel, the theme of the "Flight into Egypt."

Related Topics:
King of the Jews - Joseph - Mary - Jesus - Egypt - Angel - Flight into Egypt

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