Joseph’s Brothers and the Providence of God

One concept that people struggle with is understanding God’s role in our day to day lives. How much does He involve Himself in our lives and actions? What about the consequences of those actions (both the intentional and unintentional)? Do unexplained things happen because of luck… coincidence… random chance… or something else?

Before we examine the Biblical account of Joseph, let’s consider some common views on these issues.

It’s easy to understand God’s role in the “good” events of life. But it can be hard to understand his role in the “bad” events. Many Christians believe God’s role in human life goes like this: If something “good” happens, God was responsible, but if something “bad” happens, He was not. Was someone with terminal cancer miraculously healed? God did that. Did a natural disaster kill scores of people? It wasn’t God. How about a child who gets a full scholarship to that expensive dream college? Must have been God’s blessing. But when a deranged person walks into a school and starts shooting a gun? God wasn’t involved. People usually feel this way for very innocent reasons. We want to portray God as loving, kind, caring, and merciful. If an event arises that we can’t easily explain, we want to remove God from any “bad press”.

But if God is responsible for the good things in life, where is He during the bad? We can either ignore it or try to explain it. Maybe He is unwilling or unable to stop it. Or maybe He has a definition of good and bad that is different from ours.  Perhaps we are wrong about Him being inherently good.

How about you? Where do you stand on this issue? Do you believe God shares equal responsibility in perceived blessings and tragedies? Maybe you have a clear idea already formed, or maybe you have never given it thought. Before you make up your mind, I want to invite you to look into the Bible story of Joseph (Genesis chs. 37 to 50). As with any subject, we should make sure our personal opinion squares with the stated facts from the Bible. It is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind, and therefore the primary source to find information about His essence and character.

Joseph’s father, Jacob (who later was known by the name Israel) had a difficult time starting a family. His background contains story after story of turmoil and deception. After being instructed by his father Isaac to go to his mother’s hometown and find a wife (Gen. 28:1-5), Jacob eventually returned home with 12 sons, who were birthed by not one, but four wives!!! The passage indicates considerable rivalry between the wives (ch. 29, 30), and jealousy between the sons (ch. 37). This was not the “Brady Bunch” of times long past.

Nevertheless, Joseph navigated his way through a troubling home environment to be a dependable son. The story tells us he was Jacob’s favorite (Gen. 37:3), earning him the infamous “coat of many colors”. This was most likely a tunic or other common outer garment decorated with colors on the edges of the fabric. It was not a fashion statement to make him look more acceptable to his peers. It served one purpose: to let everyone know he was the primary heir to his father’s possessions. His brothers clearly understood its intent and they hated him for it (Gen. 37:4). To make matters worse, Joseph openly announced his dreams to them, which predicted his family would bow down to him someday. Their hatred and jealously of him reached a boiling point (Gen. 37:5, 8, 11).

One day when Joseph was away from his father’s watchful eye, his brothers conspired to kill him (Gen. 37: 18-20). Fortunately for Joseph, his oldest brother Reuben intervened and convinced the brothers not to kill him. Reuben planned to throw Joseph into an empty well to satisfy his brothers’ anger, but later return and rescue him (Gen. 37: 21-22). As “luck” would have it, a caravan of Midianite traders on their way to Egypt came through the very highway where his brothers were eating (Note from the text here: The brothers were supposed to be in Shechem, but had actually taken the flock to Dothan, which is about 15 miles north. It seems like a random occurrence, but if they had stayed in Shechem, the caravan would not have traveled by them). One of Joseph’s brothers, Judah, hatched a new plan: sell Joseph as a slave to these men. This seemed like the perfect compromise. They would make some money, avoid the guilt of killing Joseph, and never see him again (Gen. 37:25-28). They sold him, then dipped the infamous robe in goat’s blood, and gave it to Jacob as evidence that Joseph had been killed on the journey (Gen. 37: 31-33).

For the next 13 years, Joseph’s brothers lived their lives assuming their plan succeeded. Although their father was grief-stricken at the loss of his beloved son (Gen. 37: 34-35), they were back in line for a larger inheritance. Egypt was far away, Joseph would die a slave, and their father would never learn of their betrayal.

A lot can happen in 13 years. And a lot did happen in Joseph’s life.

Let’s summarize his story. Potiphar, Pharaoh’s Chief of Police, purchased Joseph in an Egyptian slave market (Gen. 37: 36). Joseph worked his way up to overseeing of all Potiphar’s household, and developed a stellar reputation with his master. However, bad “luck” would strike again. Potiphar’s wife made a series of romantic advances towards Joseph. Joseph refused and fled, but she accused him of sexual assault (Gen. 39: 11-18). He was immediately imprisoned after her accusations (Gen. 39: 20). He eventually shared space in prison with Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker (Gen. 40: 1-4), and interpreted the bizarre dreams they had. Joseph asked the cupbearer to mention his case to Pharaoh when he was reinstated in to service, but the cupbearer forgot (Gen. 40: 22). Joseph stayed in prison an additional two years, which would have been approximately 5 to 10 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Then Pharaoh announced he had a troubling dream that needed interpretation (Gen. 41: 8). The cupbearer remembered the Hebrew guy from prison who had interpreted his dream. Joseph was summoned, and successfully interpreted the dream as a harbinger of a massive famine to come (Gen. 41: 29-32). Joseph’s “luck” finally turned. Pharaoh appointed him Egypt’s prime minister, responsible for preparing the country for the upcoming famine (Gen. 41: 38-49). He married, had two sons of his own, and became wealthy and powerful to a level second only to Pharaoh himself.

Joseph’s brothers re-entered the story. The drought and famine also crippled their homeland in Canaan. Jacob sent them to Egypt to buy grain when they learned it was for sale (Gen. 42: 1). Joseph was in charge of distributing stores of grain. When the brothers arrived in Egypt, they met long-forgotten Joseph face-to-face. Interestingly, they did not recognize him, but Joseph instantly knew who they were (Gen. 42: 8).

Before we go on, put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. Try to imagine your life being sold into slavery as a teenager by your own siblings. Try to imagine your life being a slave. Try to imagine your life being thrown into prison for a crime you did not commit. Try to imagine your life being denied “due process”. Try to imagine your life spending a decade in prison. Can you feel bitterness welling up inside of you? Can you feel hate towards your siblings? Now imagine being the second most powerful person on the planet (this would be somewhat equivalent to Joseph’s position in Egypt, the world’s dominant empire at that time). And imagine your siblings come and bow down in front of you, begging for food. What would you do? How would you respond?

Joseph engineered a plan to see his youngest brother Benjamin and his father, Jacob (ch. 42-44). Eventually, Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers (ch. 45). Joseph told them he was sent to Egypt by God to preserve their lives. Then Joseph arranged with Pharaoh to move his entire extended family to the land of Goshen in Egypt (ch. 46-47). Joseph made peace with his brothers and reunited their family in a foreign land. The family avoided starvation, despite the massive famine. When Jacob died, his sons fulfilled his dying wish to be buried back home (Gen. 50:7-13), and returned to Egypt.

At this point, the story takes a curious turn. Joseph had worked hard to “bury the hatchet” with his brothers. However, they convinced themselves that Joseph was only holding back his revenge until after their father died. They sent a message begging Joseph’s forgiveness, then bowed before him, offering themselves as servants if he would spare them (Gen. 50: 15-18).

Perhaps you can understand the brothers’ thoughts. It’s difficult to imagine a person with a disposition towards mercy. Can you picture someone who would just let all of that terrible past go without retribution? But that’s exactly what Joseph did. In fact, he had already forgiven his brothers, and put their past behind him. Gen. 41: 50-52 tells us Joseph picked two specific names for his sons to demonstrate this. The first, Manasseh, means “forgetful”. Joseph said he chose that name because “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house”. The second, Ephraim, means “fruitful”. Joseph said he chose that name because “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction”.

How is this possible? How can a mortal man be so willing to forgive? Because Joseph understood the Providence of God. Webster’s dictionary defines providence as: divine guidance or care. Here is how Joseph defined it to his brothers:

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50: 19-20 (ESV)

Do you understand what Joseph said? He knew two things which seem mutually exclusive can work together to produce the outcome. His brothers acted with evil intent in their hearts (you meant evil against me). But God had love, mercy, and redemption in His heart (God meant it for good). The two of them, although complete opposites in intent, had worked together to produce exactly what they both wanted. The brothers had fulfilled their sinful desires to eliminate their brother by sending Joseph to Egypt. Yet God had fulfilled His desire to spare the lives of His covenant people through Joseph in Egypt.  It’s fascinating because God did not do this using an all-powerful remote control to make people do His bidding. He simply, but miraculously, allowed people to make their own choices, then worked His will through those choices. It did not matter whether the choices were meant for evil or for good.

Joseph’s awareness of this inspired his thoughts and actions. He was acutely aware of God’s involvement in his life even though he could not “see” it. That is God’s providence: a personal, yet almost always unseen, Hand that orchestrates the events of history, all while allowing people to freely choose their actions.

We could go through example after example in the Bible that demonstrates this concept. Situation after situation where God knew in advance what would happen, but waited patiently while man’s free choices brought it to pass. But the greatest example is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There, evil men got exactly what they desired (by crucifying Jesus), and God got exactly what He desired (having Jesus crucified). Not only that, but He planned the event in advance, as the Bible identifies Jesus as the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.

The life of Joseph was not a random series of events. It was not luck. It was not accident. It was certainly not governed by natural laws put in place by a “god” who was asleep at the wheel. God did not react to make lemonade out of the lemons the brothers produced. As Joseph so clearly stated, there was always intent to the events of his life. The difference was his brothers intended evil, while God intended good.

Are you confused? If so, that’s ok. True Providence is not something that can be fully understood by our human minds. Only Almighty God can fully piece together how these miracles play in the theater of history. Before human history ever began, God had a plan for Joseph’s life. Yet God never forced Jacob to make a bad choice and show favoritism to one son over the others; Jacob did this of his own free will. God never tempted Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery; they did it of their own free will. God never whispered in the ear of Potiphar’s wife, telling her to lie; she did it of her own free will. However, He did act. He intervened at just the right times and just the right places to make sure everyone played their roles perfectly. All their actions combined to fulfill God’s sovereign plan.

To close, let’s re-examine the earlier question. Where do you stand on God’s role in human history? Let this story guide you. Look for ways God is working in your life, even though they will be invisible. Don’t view events as luck, karma, chance, etc.; identify the Providence of God around you. Also, reconsider your tendency to leave God out of the “bad” things that happen in life. The story of Joseph demonstrates that God is working in the “bad” things that happen to us also. God works through your cancer. God works through your co-workers and family members who treat you terribly. God works through the fire that destroyed your home. God works through the tragic loss of a loved one.

Consider one last verse from the apostle Paul:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NASB).

Paul wrote this verse roughly 2,000 years after Joseph died. Yet Joseph clearly understood the concept. He had not suffered needlessly, but for God’s purpose. God had worked His will for good. Joseph’s faith brought humility and patience. His experiences developed character, and sharpened his spiritual focus like a knife. Everyone plays a part fulfilling God’s sovereign plan, but serving God requires His grace. Are you called according to His purpose? Then all things will work together for good in your life also.

Gospel Revealed in the Abraham & Isaac Story Jehovah Jireh

The Lord will Provide

Have you ever wondered why the story describing Abraham preparing to sacrifice his only son is in the Bible? It is a bizarre story, one that might be difficult to make relevant in our life. However, millions over the world sacrifice their children on the altar of abortion every year. Child sacrifice was common in Abraham’s day, as it is now. The Canaanites often sacrificed their first-born to the sun god, Molech. The Bible describes this detestable practice as an abomination to God. God moved Abraham from a similar pagan culture in Iraq and brought him to the land of Canaan. God separated him from his people to follow the one true God. He was not a God who enjoyed human sacrifices. In fact, the Scriptures clearly state that every human life is precious in God’s sight. So why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his only son with Sarah? Let us delve into the life of Abraham and connect with God’s endearing truths.

Abraham’s family did not follow God. They worshipped the pagan gods of the Mesopotamian Valley. Abraham’s father, Terah, crafted idols of pagan gods as an occupation. Abraham was a man heavily influenced by a world at war with God. God called Abram out of that environment. The name ‘Abram’ means ‘exalted father.’

Terah took Abram and his wife, Sarah, as well as his grandson, Lot, and moved north from Ur of the Chaldeans (present day southern Iraq) to the city of Haran (present day Syria) near the Euphrates River. They originally intended to move to Canaan, but only made it half way. The trip was long and arduous. Haran was approximately 500 miles northwest of Ur. Abram likely worried about his elderly father’s health. Terah neared 200 years of age at that time. They settled in Haran, probably because this city was named after Abram’s older brother, Haran, who had died some years earlier. Haran likely lived there, but left temporarily to visit his family in Mesopotamia. He died in the city of Ur in his father’s presence (Gen. 11: 28). Haran was also the father of Lot. Perhaps Terah and Lot moved to settle the affairs of Haran in his hometown. The Book of Acts reveals God called Abram to move from Ur to Canaan.

And he (Stephen) said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Leave your country and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.’ Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living (Acts 7: 2-4).

At any rate, Abram lacked the faith to finish the journey to Canaan. Terah died in Haran several years later at 205 years old. God spoke once again to Abram:

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing. And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him (Genesis 12: 1-4).

God introduced the ‘Abrahamic covenant’ in these verses. God later sealed this covenant by blood in Genesis 15. This eternal Divine promise would extend at least four thousand years to its ultimate fulfillment in the God’s millennial Kingdom on earth (Revelation 20). Abram faithfully trusted God on that occasion and moved to the land of Canaan at age 75 with his wife, Sarah, and his nephew, Lot. The Lord promised Abram He would make of him a great nation in Canaan. God pledged ‘all the families of the earth will be blessed’ in Abram. This promise still awaits its total fulfillment. The millennial kingdom will see all families of the earth blessed in Abram, because his ‘Seed,’ Jesus Christ, will then rule the world and forever after. Those who trust Jesus as Lord and Savior are recipients of the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. Abram needed children quickly so God could carry out His promise. But Sarah remained barren.

The Lord later appeared to Abram in a vision after he had lived many years in Canaan. God said, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great” (Gen. 15: 1). Abram was advanced in years by that time—likely over 80 years old. To whom could he pass an inheritance? He still had no children.

Abram said, “O Lord God, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness (Gen. 15: 2-5).

Abram had no children at nearly 85 years old. He remembered God’s earlier promise of descendants that would bless all families of the earth. That just didn’t seem to square with reality. It was time for Abram to write a will to pass an inheritance to his servant, Eliezer. But God, set the record straight once again. God would grant Abram a son from his body, and his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens. Once again, Abram trusted God by faith. God reckoned that faith as righteousness. Faith is always the path to God. God subsequently sealed this unconditional covenant with Abram with the blood of many animals—a three-year old heifer, goat, and ram, as well as a turtledove, and a pigeon. Why were the larger animals three years old? Numbers are very important in Scripture. The number ‘3’ is used quite often and has great significance. There are ‘3’ persons of the Godhead, ‘3’ apostles in Jesus’ inner circle, ‘3’ days Jonah spent in the belly of the whale, and (most importantly) ‘3’ days Jesus spent in His tomb prior to resurrecting from the dead. Likely, the blood of these animals prophetically pictured the blood of the Savior spent to seal the ‘New Covenant’—the precious blood that atoned for the sins of mankind.

Sarah’s faith grew weak after they had lived ten years in Canaan. She was seventy-five years old and still could not conceive. She instructed her husband to lay with her handmaiden, Hagar. Abram obeyed her instructions. He did not wait on God, demonstrating a lapse of faith. The repercussions of this act echoed down thousands of years to play out in many mortal conflicts between Israel and the descendants of Ishmael. Even today the conflicts between Israel and surrounding Arab nations can ultimately be traced to this one event—a lack of Abram’s faith exploited by Satan. As noted earlier, Abram means ‘exalted father,’ but he had no children. Hagar conceived and bore him a son, Ishmael (Gen. 16: 3-4). Abram initially believed God’s promises would come through Ishmael. He was then 86 years old. Eleven years had passed since he left Haran for Canaan.

Thirteen years later, God appeared once again to reinforce His covenant promise with Abram. On this occasion God embellished His earlier promises by proclaiming Abram would be a father of many nations and changed his name to Abraham, meaning ‘father of many nations.’ Abraham was ninety-nine years old at this time.

Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee” (Gen. 17: 3-7).

The Apostle Paul later wrote of this verse and spoke of Abraham’s righteousness by faith—not through works of the law. “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” (Rom. 4: 13). Faith gets God’s attention and earns His accolades. Paul recorded more of Abraham’s faith several verses later in that same chapter:

yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4: 20-22).

But Sarah was still barren at age ninety. Abraham concluded God’s blessings would flow through Ishmael. But that was not God’s plan.

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child? And Abraham said to God, “ Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him” (Genesis 17: 15-20).

Sarai means ‘my princess.’ God changed her name to Sarah—‘princess.’ God chose her as the ancestress of His promised nations and kings—the ‘mother of nations.’

Indeed, Sarah finally conceived at age ninety years old. She bore a son, Isaac, whose name means, ‘laughter. Sarah later chased Hagar and Ishmael away because of her jealousy.

So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned (Gen 21: 2-8).

Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. Therefore, she said to Abraham, “Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.” The matter distressed Abraham greatly because of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. And of the son of the maid I will make a nation also, because he is your descendant” (Gen 21: 9-13).

So three of them remained in Canaan—Abraham, Sarah, and their beloved son, Isaac—destined to become the father of kings, nations and many peoples. Abraham circumcised Isaac on his 8th day in the world. God’s covenant promises would now pass to Isaac and his descendants. The covenant promises included: 1) a great nation, Israel; 2) the land of Canaan, with borders extending from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq; 3) Abraham’s descendants would be so numerous they could not be counted—like the stars in the sky (Gen. 15: 5). This promise still awaits a future fulfillment that is detailed in Rev. 7: 9-10:

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

God clothes each of these individuals with a white robe of righteousness, revealing their sins have been atoned by the Lamb. They are pure and holy. They cry out in unison: “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” The blood of Jesus Christ has saved and purchased each of these individuals. Their chant attributes this great work to Him.

Some prophetic scholars interpret this Scripture as revealing the timing of rapture of the Body of Christ—the Church in this world. Certainly, that is a distinct possibility, as this multitude consists of people of all languages scattered over the entire world. Jesus has led this great multitude into God’s heavenly domain with triumph. If this event is the rapture, its timing would follow Jesus’ breaking of the sixth seal. That would be after the mid-point of the 7-year tribulation.

Waving palm branches reminds us of the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem days before His death. The multitude waved palm fronds before the Lord as He rode into Jerusalem. They chanted: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21: 9). Hosanna means, “save now I pray.” Hosanna was their call to God for salvation.

The multitude in Rev 7: 9-10 is not asking for salvation. They are praising God for salvation received. The palm frond is an ancient symbol of victory. This multitude proclaims the greatest victory of all times and waves palm branches before God the Father and God the Son. This Scripture fulfills God’s covenant promise to Abraham—a countless multitude of descendants—like the stars in the heavens.

Finally, 4) the covenant through Abraham’s ‘Seed’ would bless all families of the earth. Fulfillment of this will occur in the millennial kingdom, as noted above.

Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.” Then the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed, I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your Seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your Seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. “In your Seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22: 1-18).
Number ‘3’ comes forth once again in this Scripture passage. Abraham came to Mt. Moriah, God’s designated place for the sacrifice on the third day. Remember, Jesus spent ‘3’ days in the belly of the earth at a location very close to this place of sacrifice.

This indeed, is one of the most interesting, yet perplexing stories in the entire Bible. Hadn’t Abraham’s faith been enough up to this point? He was one hundred years old! Why torture the old man? All the covenant promises will pass through the lineage of this one young boy. Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice his only son? All human sacrifices were detestable to God. Would Sarah have had the faith to sacrifice her only son after a barren life of 90 years? That is unlikely. But God knew Abraham was up to the task. Abraham was a man of faith, and he had exercised it repeatedly before God. This last example portrays the greatest faith of a godly man.
But let us pause for a moment and answer these questions. The answer to each question is actually very simple. One word, one name can answer them all—Jesus, the name above all names.
God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, because this perfectly portrays what He would later do with Jesus, His only Son. God has only one Son and He was begotten only once in human flesh. Jesus perfectly fulfills the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New covenants. God sent Him into this world as a human sacrifice—His blood sealing all three of these unconditional covenants. The blessings of these covenants pass down to their recipients only through the sacrifice of God’s Son. We are those recipients. God chose us and loved us so much before He even created the world that He sent His only Son (an innocent Lamb) to be sacrificed as a criminal for the sins of all—so we could have an eternal relationship with Him. The only difference between the Abraham/Isaac story and the Jesus story is that God actually, historically did sacrifice His only Son. Jesus was God’s Lamb, sacrificed for the sins of mankind.

The next day he (John) saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1: 29).
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (Jn. 3:16).

The “Seed” of Abraham was also the “Seed” of the woman who would ultimately deliver the mortal blow to Satan. God prophesied this to Satan in Genesis 3: 15: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between your seed and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.” That ‘Seed’ passed through Abraham for generations and ultimately was conceived by Mary, the mother of Jesus. The ‘Seed’ refers to the greatest of Abraham’s descendants, Jesus Christ. Satan understood God’s promise to Abraham. He waged a vicious attack on Abraham’s Seed from that point forward, as he had done to the ‘seeds’ of Adam and Eve (Cain and Abel). But Seth was the appointed one. Satan missed his opportunity. God appointed Abraham to carry forward His precious “Seed.”

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his Seed. He does not say, ‘and to seeds,’ as referring to many, but rather to one, ‘And to your Seed.’ That is, Christ (Gal. 3: 16).

The Hebrew phrase for ‘the LORD will provide’ is Jehovah Jireh. God provided Abraham a sacrifice to replace his son, Isaac—the ram caught in the thicket. The ram is a grown lamb. God also provided us a grown Lamb, Jesus Christ, in a magnificent fashion. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proved His sacrifice was acceptable to God. God forgives our sins on the basis of our faith in Jesus’ finished work. Abraham was a godly man of faith, despite all his human failings. Abraham trusted God by faith, and God rewarded him for it. God counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness. He also counts our faith as righteousness. Is Jesus Lord of your life? Perhaps now is the time to answer God’s call.

Jesus: The Great Shepherd and His Sheep

Introduction:

Israel was an agricultural nation throughout its history in Old Testament times.  Many Old Testament writers used animal and plant examples to make their teachings more meaningful. Jesus frequently used such pictures in His parables.  He communicated the most important truths for mankind in this manner. God created the plant kingdom as a picture of resurrection for believers.  Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 15: 35-44.  (Please refer to articles I have previously written on the resurrection for further elaboration of this topic.) Similarly, God created sheep and shepherds to represent His relationship with believers. This article portrays this theme with several Scriptures, critically placed in God’s Word.

 A Walk through the Scriptures:

One of the grandest themes threading its way through the Scriptures is the picture of a shepherd leading and tending his flock.  King David was a shepherd.  God taught him how to lead people and tend their needs by first training him as a shepherd.

Jesus’ bed was a cow’s feed trough (manger) after his birth.  He was a baby sheep—the Lamb of God.  John the Baptist identified Him as ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1: 29).  The picture of Jesus as the Lamb of God continues through New Testament Scripture.

When Jesus was born into this world, the first humans God chose to tell of His birth were shepherds.

 She gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2: 7-11).

Sheep represent people in God’s Word.  Shepherds symbolize their rulers.  The Scriptures portray a special category of sheep, which represent God’s chosen people—His flock.  Their leader is the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.  Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever  (Psalm 23).

Books have been written about this short psalm.  This article cannot begin to capture all the treasures this Psalm conveys.  It is the favorite of Psalms for many believers.  Why is that?  Perhaps it is because it uses sheep and their Shepherd to convey a deep spiritual message.  The message is simple, but of utmost importance in times of great need.  There are several important truths revealed in this Psalm, which are pertinent to all believers.  First of all, it is a declaration of truth for each believer in Jesus Christ.  The word ‘I’ is used over and over again.  The Psalm is true for ‘me.’

Secondly, a believer is but a small dumb sheep being tossed to and fro in the complexities and dangers of life.  A believer simply cannot control these circumstances, despite his intelligence and resourcefulness.  There are times when every believer feels fragile and defenseless.  Death is the greatest example of this.  Every human is appointed a time to die, and for many death is a time of great fear and trepidation.  But the believer can ‘walk through the valley of the shadow of death’ and fear no evil because the Shepherd is with him.

Thirdly, Psalm 23 reveals the Lord is ‘my Shepherd’ in times of famine, times of plenty, and times of need. He addresses the needs of hunger and thirst.  God provides forgiveness for sin, and protection from evil predators for each of His chosen.  His flock is spiritually safe and secure.  Each sheep is never separate from His vigilant, yet loving gaze.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8: 38-39).

Each of His chosen will dwell with Him for eternity.  What a comfort when living in a wicked world far from home with predators roving about.  The Lord is the perfect Shepherd for His chosen flock.

Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100: 3).

This Psalm also affirms God’s utter control over the lives of His chosen.  He has ordained our lives and created us for His glory. He sustains us in a wicked world, and guides our way.  We are the sheep of His pasture.  He is our Shepherd and He owns us.

Moses:

Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the Lord will not be like sheep which have no shepherd” (Numbers 27:15-17).

Five hundred years before David, Moses was also a shepherd. Moses was reared in King Pharaoh’s palace.  Leaders of the world empire of that day influenced Moses in his formative years.  Yet, he was not prepared to lead God’s people. God taught Moses how to lead people by first teaching him to lead sheep—similar to King David.  Moses was a shepherd for forty years before God was ready to use him.  In this Scripture, Moses pleaded with God to anoint another shepherd to replace him.  The congregation of Israel needed a shepherd. Moses was at the end of his days.  God appointed Joshua as the new shepherd of His people.  God also shepherded Joshua in the wilderness for forty years before calling him as shepherd.  Joshua is the Hebrew word for Jesus.  The meaning of both names is, ‘God saves.”

The Old Testament Prophets:

But He was pierced through for our transgressions.  He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.  All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.  He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth (Isaiah 53:5-7).

This wonderful Scripture from the Book of Isaiah prophesies the crucifixion of Christ over 700 years prior to its occurrence.  But more pertinent to this article, it portrays the prophecy with images of sheep and a Lamb.  Isaiah was a Jew descending from the lineage of King David.  Isaiah was a cousin of King Hezekiah in his day.  God sent him to prophesy to his nation of Israel.

Isaiah records his people—the Jews—would each go their own way, ignoring the leadership of their Shepherd.  The Shepherd Jesus (‘God saves’), reached out and offered salvation from their sins and God’s kingdom on earth. But the leaders of Israel rejected His offer, and demanded Pontius Pilate to crucify Him.  All ‘like sheep have gone astray.  Each has turned to his own way.’

But Jesus came ‘as a Lamb that is led to slaughter, like a sheep that is silent before its shearers.’  ‘The Lord caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him.’  The Lamb of God was led to His death on a Roman cross.  His blood paid for the sins of all His sheep.  The Lamb of God was also the Shepherd of His sheep.  What man could ever imagine such a story—the Lamb of God becomes the Shepherd of God’s sheep? Though His own people rejected Him, Jesus also had another flock of sheep that He died for.  We will elaborate upon this shortly.

For thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.  As a shepherdcares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.  I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.  I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. (Ezekiel 34: 11-12).

Nearly 150 years after Isaiah prophesied to Israel God rose up another prophet for the land of Judah.  God called Ezekiel ‘the son of man.’  It is interesting, but not coincidental that Jesus’ favorite name for Himself was the ‘Son of Man.’ Ezekiel’s prophesy looked far into the future to describe a time when God would gather each of His sheep from all over the globe and place them in their pasture—the promised land of Israel.  At the time of this prophecy, the Jews were being deported from their homeland into Babylon.  This was the beginning of their worldwide dispersion.  Several more world empires would arise over hundreds of years.  The Roman Empire, became the world superpower during the life of Jesus Christ.  Its military boot stepped down hard on Jews living in Israel during its reign.  Ultimately, it killed millions and deported the remaining Jews out of their promised land. The Jews were scattered to far-away places ‘on a cloudy and gloomy day’ while under intense persecution. The Jews have been in their worldwide Diaspora since that time—for more than 2,000 years.

Ezekiel prophesied 2,600 years ago that God would gather His sheep from their dispersion in countries all over the world.  He would bring them into their promised land, Israel.  He would feed them and nourish them there ‘in a good pasture.’  God fulfilled this prophecy after World War 2, when He gathered the Jews from their horrific persecution in Europe.  He collected Jews from Russia, America and even Africa into the land of Israel. They declared themselves a nation among the nations of the world in 1948.  All the surrounding Arab nations immediately attacked, and God went before them in battle.  Israel prevailed against all odds and increased their territory.  They continued their success in subsequent wars with Arab neighbors for the next 6 decades.  But the Jews in Israel have not received spiritual nourishment from their Shepherd.  They have yet to drink from the rivers of ‘Living Water’ that only He can provide.

Nevertheless, God has gathered the Jews into their land.  In due time He will open their eyes so they might recognize their Shepherd.  God will soften their hard hearts and remove their spiritual blindness. God will use the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble,’ (Jer. 30: 7) and the great tribulation (Matt. 24: 21) to accomplish this task.  Then their ears will hear, their eyes will see, and their hearts will receive their true Shepherd. God “will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son…” (Zech. 12:10).

In that time of great remorse they will accept their Shepherd and Messiah, Jesus Christ.  He will lead them to feast upon good pasture and to drink from living waters only He can provide.  This last part of Ezekiel’s prophecy is yet to be fulfilled.  But the Jews are now in their land.  Their time is at hand.

“therefore, I will deliver My flock, and they will no longer be a prey; and I will judge between one sheep and another.  Then I will set over them one Shepherd, My servant David, and He will feed them; He will feed them Himself and be their Shepherd.  And I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David will be prince among them; I the Lord have spoken” (Ezekiel 24: 22-24).

The Shepherd term in prophetic verses describes the Messiah—God in the flesh, who will lead His people and rule the world with a righteous scepter (Heb. 1:8).  The servant David in prophetic Scriptures is also the name of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Jesus was a direct descendant of King David and will rule on his throne for eternity.  When the Messiah reigns, His sheep will have no predators.  They will dwell safely under His omnipotent rule.

“My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one Shepherd; and they will walk in My ordinances and keep My statutes and observe them.  They will live on the land that I gave to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers lived; and they will live on it, they and their sons and their sons’ sons forever; and David My servant will be their prince forever” (Ezekiel 37: 24).

 This verse echoes the previous one in Ezekiel.  The ‘servant David’ will be King (Messiah).  His name is Jesus Christ.  His sheep and their descendants will live once again in their land of Israel forever.

 “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will Shepherd My people Israel” (Micah 5: 2; Matt. 2: 6).

Of course, this was the famous verse recited to King Herod regarding the prophecy of the Christ child.  Micah prophesied more than 700 years earlier the town of His birth—Bethlehem.  The Gospel of Matthew records the fulfillment of this prophecy.  Jesus, the Shepherd and Messiah, came from Bethlehem to rule His people Israel.  But His people have not yet subjected themselves to His Lordship.  The last part of this prophecy remains for future fulfillment.  One day, soon, He will Shepherd the nation of Israel.

 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man, My Associate,” declares the Lord of hosts. Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; and I will turn My hand against the little ones” (Zech. 13: 7).

This is a very interesting prophecy recorded by the prophet Zechariah over 500 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ.  It predicts God will strike (kill) the Shepherd (Messiah) and scatter His sheep.  The prophecy was fulfilled at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  His sheep panicked and scattered in fear following this event.  But God ultimately brought them to the ‘upper room,’ and the Holy Spirit filled them, giving strength and courage (Acts 2: 1-4).

Jesus Messianic claims to be the Great Shepherd:

Jesus referred to the above prophecy when He addressed His disciples at ‘the last supper,’ just prior to His crucifixion:  “Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered’” (Matt. 26: 31).

These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; But rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 10: 5-7).

In the above verse, Jesus commanded His disciples to go to ‘the lost sheep of Israel’ and preach God’s kingdom is at hand.  It is remarkable Jesus called the Jews ‘lost sheep.’  They were not of His flock.  Jesus bade His disciples to gather them into the pasture of the ‘Good Shepherd.’  Israel rejected their invitation.

So He told them this parable, saying, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’” (Luke 15: 3-6).

Luke recorded this parable of Jesus.  Jesus used the picture of a shepherd and his sheep.  One sheep of the large flock wanders astray, and the shepherd leaves the other ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep.  When he finds that sheep great rejoicing ensues.  This parable demonstrates the love and care the shepherd has for each of his sheep.  The shepherd represents Jesus Christ and the sheep represent each of His chosen followers.  A believer is as prone to stray from the ‘narrow path’ as a sheep is prone to wander from the flock.  But when that happens, the shepherd will drop everything to find that one sheep.  Similarly, Jesus loves each of His followers with an everlasting love.  A believer may stray from the path and through God’s fence of protection.  But Jesus never lets His guard down.  He will never allow the enemy to claim any of His sheep.  The ‘good Shepherd’ will secure the path of His sheep into the next life—safe in the eternal pasture of God’s domain.

So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you.  I am the door of the sheep.  All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door: if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10: 7-9).

The Gospel of John, Chapter 10, is devoted to this theme of Shepherd and sheep.  Several verses in this chapter bring this theme front and center.  Jesus states He is the ‘door’ to the sheepfold in the above verse.  The sheepfold was a hastily made fenced in boundary for the flock of sheep.  This fence was constructed with logs and branches and arranged in a circular fashion.  The sheep were herded through one door, which was closed after all the sheep had passed through.  The enclosed area kept the sheep safe from predators and prevented them from wandering off.  Jesus claims He is the only opening through which the sheep can pass.  He is the door.  No one can get to God’s domain of love and safety unless he passes through the door, Jesus.  Any other door is a false passageway—created by thieves and robbers to entice the sheep away from their true Shepherd. These other doors are mere passages into hell, where there is only death and destruction. The door into God’s sheepfold is Jesus.  Only through Him can one obtain everlasting abundant life.

“I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10: 11).

Jesus identifies Himself as the good Shepherd in this very next verse.  He claims to be the door of the sheepfold, the good Shepherd, and ‘the Lamb of God,’ “who lays down His life for the sheep.”  How can one fulfill all these roles?  No human can do so.  Only God the Son can accomplish all these tasks.  Jesus is God in human flesh.  He laid down His life as payment for the sins of His sheep.  He purchased them with His blood.  He has opened the only door into God’s pasture, where they will dwell for eternity in new glorified bodies, nourished by the Shepherd and free to drink of His living water.

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.  I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd” (John 10: 14-16).

Jesus repeats his Messianic claim that He is the good Shepherd.  He fulfilled His own prophecy by laying His life down for His sheep.  Many of His Jewish kinsmen rejected His claims.  The leaders of Israel even rejected Him, and sent Him to Pontius Pilate demanding His crucifixion.  But Jesus declared He had other sheep—apart from the Jewish nation.  He prophesied He would bring them into His fold.  He has fulfilled that prophesy also.  He has drawn countless Gentile believers into His sheepfold.  They have committed to His Lordship.  He is their ‘good Shepherd.’

When one reads John chapter 10, he must deal with Jesus’ claims of Deity.  Jesus has presented the facts.  The hearer must decide the truth of His claims.  Either Jesus is truthful, or He is a liar.  But God can never lie (Heb. 6: 18).  Several chapters later in this same book, Jesus makes this amazing claim to confirm His previous statements: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14: 6).  If His claims are true, the reader must make a decision.  Is Jesus, in fact, God the Messiah, or not?  If He is, what does that mean for me?  Am I one of His sheep, or will I go to where there the enemy devours and destroys? These are weighty questions.

I came to that ‘Y in the road’ many years ago when reading these very Scriptures.  As I read and searched these Scriptures, I became acutely aware the Shepherd was calling me.  He loved me and longed for me.  He laid His life down for me, and atoned for my sins on that cross.  I could not resist His call.  I finally relented and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.  He owns me now.  He is my Shepherd and leads where I must go in this short life.  I owe everything to Him.  I will follow where He leads. Have you made that decision?  Do you belong to Him?  Perhaps now is the time for you to decide.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one” (John 10: 27-30).

Jesus makes some wonderful promises in the above Scriptures.  The ‘good Shepherd’ knows each of His sheep and He grants eternal life to each one.  They will never perish.  His flock will forever dwell in the presence of the ‘Shepherd.’  Jesus promises no one will snatch His sheep out of His hand.  God the Father is greater than all created beings—including Satan.  Jesus declares God the Father has a hold on His sheep that no one can break.  He has chosen them and has the power to deliver them into His heavenly kingdom.  God is omnipotent—all-powerful.

Furthermore, Jesus claims He and the Father are one.  They are both God.  The Jewish nation rejected Jesus’ claims to Deity.  But myriads of believers have embraced those claims down to this day.  Soon those myriads will enter the door of His heavenly sheepfold.  Will you be among that number?

 Additional Scriptures of Confirmation:

 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord” (Hebrews 13: 20).

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls(1 Peter 2: 25).

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4).

Herod Descendants who Ruled Israel: Herod Agrippa II

Introduction

Herod Agrippa II (b.27- d.94-100 A.D.) never ruled Jerusalem. He was the son of Herod Agrippa I, and the seventh and last king of the Herodian dynasty. By inheritance and favor of the Romans he acquired a large kingdom north of Palestine. The Jews only came in contact with him because he supervised the temple and appointed the high priests. In the New Testament he is mentioned as having paid a visit to Festus, the procurator, at Caesarea, where Paul delivered a speech before him in 60 A.D.[1] His sister, Berenice became Emperor Titus’ mistress.[2] His sister Drusilla, married Roman procurator Felix,[3] and also heard Paul speak (Acts 24:24). Agrippa’s death marked the end of the Herodian dynasty.

Early life

Herod Agrippa II was educated in the court of Roman emperor Claudius. He was only seventeen when his father died. Claudius kept him in Rome, and sent Cuspius Fadus to govern the Roman province of Judea. While in Rome, he voiced support for the Jews to Claudius, and spoke against the Samaritans.

Rise in power

Herod of Chalcis died in 48 A.D., and his small Syrian kingdom was given to Herod Agrippa II in 50 A.D, along with the right of superintending the Jerusalem temple and appointing its high priest.[4] Chalcis was an independent town, halfway between Beirut and Damascus. Agrippa II later forfeited his rule over Chalcis, and in 53 A.D., Emperor Claudius appointed him king over the Syrian territories previously governed by his great uncle, Philip. This territory included Batanaea, Auranitis, Gaulanitis and Trachonitis in south Syria.[5] (See map below). Herod Agrippa II celebrated by marrying off two sisters Mariamne and Drusilla. Flavius Josephus recorded that Herod Agrippa lived in an incestuous relationship with his sister, Berenice.

Claudius appointed a powerful procurator in Samaria and Judaea, Marcus Antonius Felix, the brother of Claudius advisor, Pallas. Claudius made Felix higher in authority than Herod Agrippa, hoping to maintain this region firmly under Roman control. The young king rotated his residence between Jerusalem and Caesarea. Agrippa enlarged the royal palace and renovated the temple in Jerusalem. In Caesarea he met the Apostle Paul in 58 A.D., during his trial by Governor Festus. Jerusalem and Caesarea were also residences of Governor Festus. These two men likely cooperated closely. The Roman Emperor Nero added the cities of Tiberias and Taricheae in Galilee and Livias in Perea to Agrippa’s territory in 54 A.D. Agrippa II enthusiastically collaborated with Rome and attempted to prevent conflicts with the Jews, but he failed miserably.

Herod Agrippa and the Jews

Between 52 and 60 A.D., he arbitrarily appointed several high priests, which angered the Jews. The Jews also hated him for adopting heathen emblems on his coins. Agrippa spent lavishly to beautify Jerusalem and Berytus (ancient Beirut). His partiality for Beirut rendered him unpopular with his Jewish subjects. He erected magnificent edifices in his capital, Cæsarea Philippi, which he adorned to flatter emperor Nero. He renamed it Neronias.[6] Agrippa completed the Jerusalem temple in 63 A.D. Unemployed artisans were unhappy thereafter. In addition, Roman taxation impoverished the working class of Judaea and a food shortage occurred.

In 65 – 66 A.D., the situation escalated, when Agrippa was visiting Alexandria, Egypt. Jews were killed in a riot over taxation, and the new Roman governor Gessius Florus crucified many Jews, including innocent bystanders. Agrippa’s sister, Berenice, witnessed the atrocities, but could not prevent them. Agrippa returned and delivered a speech to support Florus, urging moderation. His counsel was rejected and the Zealots arose in rebellion.[7]Trouble threatened Agrippa’s kingdom. He sent troops to Jerusalem and the Zealots massacred them in the summer of 66 A.D. The Jews expelled him and Berenice from the city.[8] He barely escaped Jerusalem with his life. From that time, Agrippa stood firmly with the Romans. During the first Jewish/Roman war (66-73 A.D.) he sent 2,000 men, archers and cavalry, to support Vespasian. He accompanied Titus on several campaigns, and was wounded in the siege of Gamla.[9] General Vespasian arrived in Judaea in 67 A.D., and Agrippa aided Roman operations.

In June 68, the Roman attack slowed because the emperor Nero was assassinated, and a new emperor was chosen—Galba. Vespasian sent his son, Titus, to Rome to congratulate the new ruler. Herod Agrippa II and Berenice (now Titus’ lover) accompanied him. When they learned Galba had also been killed after a reign of only six months, Titus and Berenice returned to Palestine. Agrippa continued to Italy, where he witnessed the civil war.[10] He likely met the new emperors, Otho and Vitellius. He also must have been in Rome when Vespasian decided to rebel. He left Rome only when he heard Vespasian had been exalted to the imperial throne.[11]

Agrippa hastened home in the first weeks of A.D. 70. He arrived when Titus, who had succeeded his father as commander, attacked the city of Jerusalem. Agrippa surely witnessed the destruction of the temple he had personally renovated, and the slaughter of many thousands of innocent Jews.[12] The Romans spared his beautiful capital, Tiberias, to reward him for aiding them against his own people.

After Jerusalem was captured, Agrippa and his sister, Berenice, travelled to Rome. Vespasian was now the Emperor of Rome. Vespasian vested Agrippa II with the title, Praetor, and rewarded him additional territory in Syria—Arca, east of modern Tripoli.[13] This occurred in 75 A.D.[14]

Very little remained for a Jewish king to rule. The magnificent Herodian temple was destroyed. The Jews were either killed or deported in the great Diaspora. Agrippa’s realm was now located in Syria and few of his subjects were Jews.

Herod Agrippa continued to rule for about twenty-five years—until his death between 93-100 A.D. The Roman Empire incorporated his territories in 100 A.D. The Herodian dynasty was over—the wicked Herods were gone. Like the ruins of their magnificent architecture, they became mere artifacts of ancient history. Unfortunately, their legacy of murder, greed, and attacks on God’s people remain as enduring memories.

 Death

According to Photius, Agrippa died, childless, at the age of seventy, in the third year of Trajan’s reign in A.D 100.[15] Statements of historian Josephus, and other contemporary sources date his death earlier. The modern scholarly consensus dates his death about 93/94 A.D.[16]

The Biblical Connection

The Apostle Paul pleaded his case at Caesarea Maritima before Herod Agrippa II and his sister Berenice, possibly in 59 A.D.[17] The Roman procurator, Festus, was also present. Paul presented his salvation testimony. He also gave an impassioned plea for his audience to consider the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Herod Agrippa II mocked Paul for trying to make him a Christian,[18] but he rejected his personal need for salvation. He, like his family preceding him, will endure a much more ominous trial. The judge of their trial will be the Lord God almighty. The Herods will have no hope against God’s Divine judgment. The blood of Jesus Christ has never been applied to atone for their sins. Herod Agrippa II will face God’s eternal judgment with a guilty verdict.

[1] Acts 25:13-26;32.

[2] Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. xx. 7, § 3; Juvenal, “Satires,” vi. 153

• [3] Mason, Charles Peter (1870). “Agrippa, Herodes II”. In Smith, William. Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology 1. P.78.

[4] “Agrippa II”. Jewish Encyclopedia. 1901–1906. “B. J.” ii. 12, § 1;

Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. 20. 5, § 2; 9, § 7

[5] Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. 20. 7, § 1; “B. J.” ii. 12, § 8.

[6] Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. 20. 9, § 4.

[7] “B. J.” ii. 16, §§ 4, 5.

[8] Rajak, Tessa (1996), “Iulius Agrippa II, Marcus”, in Hornblower, Simon. Oxford Classical Dictionary, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

[9] ibid

[10] “B. J.” iv. 9, § 2

[11] Tacitus, “Hist.” ii. 81.

[12] Tacitus, “Hist.” v. 1

[13] Photius, “Bibliotheca,” cod. 33.

[14] Dio Cassius, lxvi. 15.

[15] Photius cod. 33.

[16] Rajak, Tessa (1996), “Iulius Agrippa II, Marcus”, in Hornblower, Simon. Oxford Classical Dictionary, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

[17] Acts 25:13; 26:32.

[18] Acts 26: 26-29