Day 5: The Difference Between Abraham and Herod

We went to Tel Arad in the Negev Desert to a place Abraham lived (also a location that RVL helped with an archaeological dig in 1976). Abraham was so famous for his hospitality, that the Ephron the Hittite gave Abraham a full burial site for free for Sarah and the rest of his family (Genesis 23). God gave Abraham the gift a millions of offspring that would bless the world. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity all trace their roots to this man, as he was an example of authentic faith and true generosity.

As a city that would come under Abraham’s people years later in the promised land, Tel Arad contains a temple to God built during reigns of the early kings of Israel. Given that the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD, the Temple in Arad is the most well-intact Jewish temple we know of. RVL stressed the significance of Abraham’s decision to be faithful to God in word and deed. The kingdom of God is built by sacrificial love.

We then went to Masada (“fortress”), which is a famous landmark in the history of Israel. On this plateau, Jewish Zealots made their last stand against the Romans in 70 AD. Herod the Great built a stronghold on this mountain in the first century BC, and it is an amazing work of architecture and hard-work. King David probably hid at Masada for a while, given his frequent use of the word “Matsada” in the Psalms.

Herod was only “great” in the sense that he was wealthy and influential. He was a man of low character. He murdered hundreds of thousands of people, including over 40 members of his family. The story where he killed thousands of babies in Bethlehem to get to Jesus was the tip of the iceberg. Almost every story about Herod is negative. His rotting body ending up dying alone from syphilis at age 63.

Consider a comparison between Abraham and Herod. They were central figures of their day and both are described in the Bible. Herod the Great was one of the most famous men alive in his day, while almost no one knows anything about Herod today (other than being in the Bible for killing babies). Abraham was known only in his local area while alive, but now is a household name for over half the world.

RVL talked a lot today about what builds the Kingdom of God. It is not violence or worldly power that makes a lasting impression. People like Herod fade away shortly after they die. There is no society that lives on the remember Herod. Our lives will have real significance if we join God’s mission of bringing Shalom to the world. Care for the weak and oppressed, follow God’s plan and see what happens.