The joy of Christ's birth, and the relief of His escape from Herod's clutches (Matthew 2:13-15), seems eclipsed by this dreadful narrative of infanticide.  The violent and politically insecure king knew that the true King of the Jews was on his territory and was a threat to his authority and future (Herod was not descended from the royal line of David, but the royal baby was born in David’s city of Bethlehem).  

Ever since Herod met the Magi, we can imagine his fear and anger – his determination to kill, and not worship, the child (Matthew 2:7-8).  No doubt he had been planning how to assassinate the child while waiting to learn, from the Magi, where he could be found.  But the Magi did not see him again; warned by God’s angel, they went back to their own country without going through Jerusalem (Matthew 2:12).  Herod became even more angry that his plan had been thwarted.  Instead of killing one child, he decided to slaughter all the male children in that town who were born from the first time the star appeared to the wise men.  The tortured anguish of the bereaved mothers filled Bethlehem.  It was unspeakably terrible.

And yet God knew that it would happen.  Jeremiah had prophesied it.  But that raises the question, ‘If God knew it would happen, why did He not prevent it?’  He certainly does know everything before it happens.  He knows how evil the world is and how wickedly people treat each other: but He does not force people to be righteous against their will.  One day - when Jesus returns - He will bring everything under His control (Philippians 2:21, Hebrews 2:8).  Until then, this wicked world and our own sinful souls are uncovered from time to time, exposing the evil for which Jesus Christ chose to be crucified ... and giving wise people the desire to be saved.

Since sin entered the world, it has spread everywhere like a lethal virus; evil and death are universal.  Herod’s wickedness continues to be matched by others who commit war crimes or persecute fellow human beings for their faith.  And yet, God, who knows everything that will happen, has given to us a Saviour.  He is able to sustain us in the worst of circumstances, and comfort us in the midst of violence and hatred.  But today's sad story reminds us how evil is disproportionately focussed on Jesus and His people.  One day, the Lord will set the record straight, but until then, we join Him in unjust suffering (John 15:18-20). So whenever your grief is real, remember that the Lord knows: He will work out His plan through it, and will deal with your oppressors in His own way (Romans 12:19-21).