THE JUSTICE OF GOD ON HEROD

Herod became very angry when he heard that Peter had escaped. Herod blamed the prison guards for not being faithful. Herod ordered that the prison guards be killed. But Herod knew that no human power had rescued Peter. Herod determined not to admit that a divine power had stopped his evil plan. Herod would not humiliate himself by admitting God had rescued Peter. Boldly Herod determined to resist God.SRme 1.1363

Not long after Peter's deliverance from prison, Herod went from Judea to Caesarea. In Caesarea Herod made a great feast to excite the admiration and praise of the guests. Pleasure-loving people came from near and far. These people feasted and drank much wine.SRme 1.1364

Herod stepped out before the people dressed most gloriously. Herod wore a robe that sparkled with silver and gold. Herod's robe reflected the rays of the sun and almost blinded the wondering eyes of the guests. With brilliant splendor and ceremony Herod proudly stood before his guests and charmed them with a speech.SRme 1.1365

The beauty of Herod's appearance and the force of his well-chosen words strongly influenced the people. Their senses were already dulled by feasting and wine. The people were influenced by the splendor and brightness of Herod's appearance, his actions, and his delightful words. The people praised Herod and called him a god. The people said no mere human being could look as Herod looked or speak such wonderful words. The people said they had always respected Herod as a ruler, but now they would begin worshipping him as a god.SRme 1.1366

Herod knew that he did not deserve the praise and worship. But Herod did not stop the people from worshiping him. Herod accepted the praise as his right. The pleasure of satisfied pride could be seen on Herod's face as he heard the people shout, "His is the voice of a god, and not of a man!" Some of the people glorifying this evil sinner had, only a few years before shouted, "Away with Jesus! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"SRme 1.1367

King Herod received the praise and worship of the people with great delight. Herod's heart swelled up with pride. Suddenly a quick and terrible change came over him. Herod's face became as pale as death and twisted with pain. Great drops of sweat rolled down Herod's body. Herod stood for a moment not able to move from pain and terror. Then Herod turned his pale, bluish face to the people and cried out in a terrified voice, "The person you have made your God is now dying!"SRme 1.1368

Suffering terrible pain, Herod was carried away from the place of loud merrymaking and idolatry. A few moments before, Herod had been the proud receiver of the praise and worship of that large crowd. Now Herod realized that he was in the hands of a Ruler stronger than he.SRme 1.1369

Herod had deep regrets. He remembered his persecution of the believers. Herod remembered his cruel command to kill the innocent James and the plan to kill Peter. Herod remembered his disappointment when Peter escaped from prison. With unreasonable anger Herod had ordered the prison guards killed.SRme 1.1370

Herod knew that God was now dealing with him. Herod found no relief from pain of body or guilt of mind. Herod expected no relief. He knew the law of God that says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." Herod knew that he should not have accepted the worship of the people. God's mercy forever left Herod because of his [Herod's]wickedness. Herod had brought on himself the justice of God.SRme 1.1371

The same angel who had come from heaven to rescue Peter was the messenger of judgment to Herod. That angel had touched Peter to awaken him from sleep. How different the touch when the angel touched the wicked king. That touch brought disease and death upon Herod. The Almighty God removed the king's pride. Herod was eaten by worms and rotted away while still alive. Herod died in great suffering of mind and body by the justice of God.SRme 1.1372

God's divine judgment of Herod had a powerful influence on the people. Peter had been delivered from prison and death by a miracle. Peter's persecutor had been destroyed by the curse of God. This news was carried to many lands. Many people who heard the news believed on Jesus Christ.SRme 1.1373