After the birth of Jesus, King Herod ordered the brutal killing of all male children in Bethlehem two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). But where did this idea come from? Was it Herod’s own jealousy and fear alone, or was there a deeper spiritual force influencing his decision?

And if it was Satan behind the plot, why didn’t he stop the massacre once Joseph and Mary had already fled with Jesus to Egypt?

The Real Power Behind Herod’s Actions: Satan

To begin, it’s important to understand that Herod was not acting independently. The murderous intent that drove him was not just political fear it was inspired by Satan himself. Herod was merely a vessel through whom the devil was attempting to destroy the promised Messiah.

This is clearly seen in the Book of Revelation:

Revelation 12:3–5 (NKJV)
“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.”

This symbolic passage reveals a heavenly view of what was happening on Earth: Satan (the dragon) stood ready to destroy Christ (the male child) at birth. Herod was the earthly tool being used to fulfill that demonic plan.

Why Didn’t Satan Cancel the Massacre Once Jesus Had Escaped?

Some may wonder: if Satan is a spiritual being, didn’t he realize that Jesus had already fled to Egypt? If so, why did the massacre in Bethlehem still happen?

This points us to a vital theological truth: Satan is not all-knowing (omniscient) or all-powerful (omnipotent) like God. While Satan is a highly intelligent fallen angel with spiritual influence, he cannot read minds or be everywhere at once (see Job 1:7, 1 Peter 5:8). He relies on observation, demonic agents, and human cooperation to carry out his schemes.

When Satan fails to achieve his goals through supernatural means (e.g., direct demonic attack), he often turns to human beings as instruments. This usually involves influencing the mind and heart planting seeds of jealousy, fear, pride, or hatred. But this process takes time.

Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV)
“…in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…”

Herod, driven by paranoia and a desperate grip on power, became a perfect candidate for Satan’s influence. But once Satan plants a thought in someone’s heart, changing that plan is not simple. Ideas, when nourished by human emotions like fear or jealousy, begin to grow roots.

So even after Satan became aware that Jesus had escaped to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–14), the thought he had already planted in Herod’s heart had taken over. Herod proceeded with the mass killing because the sin had matured and controlled him.

Sin Doesn’t Start with Action It Begins as a Thought

This situation reveals a deep biblical truth: sin is a process. It doesn’t appear suddenly. It begins with a thought, a suggestion often subtle and if that thought is not rejected, it grows until it becomes action.

James 1:14–15 (NKJV)
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

If Herod had resisted the initial thought possibly fear or jealousy over a future “king of the Jews” he would not have become a murderer. But by entertaining Satan’s whisper, he became a vessel for evil.

This same pattern is seen with Cain:

Genesis 4:6–7 (NKJV)
“So the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.’”

God warned Cain when jealousy first entered his heart. But Cain ignored the warning and ultimately murdered his brother Abel.

What Can We Learn? Resist Sin at the Root

The key lesson here is that we must learn to resist sin early at the level of thoughts and emotions before it becomes action. Once a sinful idea matures in the heart, it becomes much harder to resist. That’s why Herod couldn’t simply change his plan when Jesus fled the sin had already taken root.

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Like Herod and Cain, we too are vulnerable to Satan’s influence if we fail to guard our thoughts. Jealousy, anger, bitterness, pride these are all doorways the enemy uses to plant greater sin.

But through the Holy Spirit, we are given the power to resist:

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”

Conclusion

Herod’s plan to kill baby Jesus didn’t come from his own mind it was planted there by Satan, who sought to destroy the Messiah. Though Satan knew Jesus had escaped, he couldn’t easily cancel the plan because the sinful thought had already taken hold in Herod’s heart.

This teaches us that sin often begins in seed form through thoughts or emotions and must be resisted early. Once it matures, it dominates. Like Cain, Herod allowed sin to grow instead of resisting it, and the result was devastating.

Let us, therefore, be vigilant. Take captive every thought. Reject sin when it’s still a seed, and guard your heart diligently.

Shalom.

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Question:
In Acts 1:7, Jesus says it is not for us to know the times or seasons of His coming. Yet in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, Paul writes that there is no need to write about the times and seasons because we already know about them. How do we reconcile this? Is there a contradiction?

Answer:
Let’s carefully examine these passages.

In Acts 1:6-7 (NIV), the disciples ask Jesus,

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus replies,
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

This statement establishes that the exact timing of the Messiah’s return is under God’s sovereign control and is not revealed to human beings. It emphasizes divine sovereignty and the mystery surrounding the “times and seasons” (Greek: kairoi kai kairioi), indicating God’s perfect timing (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1).

On the other hand, Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 (NIV),

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

At first glance, this might appear contradictory, but it is not. The key is to understand what Paul means by “you know very well.”

Paul is not saying they (or we) know the exact day or hour of Christ’s return—that remains hidden (Mark 13:32). Instead, Paul refers to their understanding of the general character and nature of Christ’s coming: that it will be sudden, unexpected, and without warning, like a thief in the night. This metaphor underscores the need for constant spiritual readiness and vigilance (cf. Matthew 24:42–44).

This understanding was taught by Jesus Himself in Matthew 24:40-44 (NIV):
“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming,
he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Paul continues in 1 Thessalonians 5:3:

“While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”

This passage highlights the suddenness and unexpected nature of the Lord’s return, reinforcing the urgency of being spiritually prepared at all times.

Theologically, this teaches us several important truths:

2. God’s sovereignty: The exact timing of Christ’s return is known only to the Father (Acts 1:7; Mark 13:32).
3. The necessity of readiness: Believers are called to live expectantly, avoiding complacency (Matthew 24:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).
4. The certainty of the return: Although the timing is unknown, the return of Christ is sure and will happen suddenly (Hebrews 9:28).
5. The warning to the unbelieving world: Those not prepared will face sudden judgment (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

In conclusion, there is no contradiction between Jesus’ and Paul’s words. Instead, they complement each other by teaching us that while we do not know the exact times or dates, we do know the manner of Christ’s return and must be spiritually vigilant.

Be blessed.

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Question: Who is the nursemaid that accompanied Rebekah as mentioned in Genesis 24:59?

Answer: Let’s examine this carefully.

Genesis 24:59 states:

“So they sent Rebekah away, their relative, along with her nursemaid, Abraham’s servant, and his men.”

The word nursemaid (Hebrew: “isha mesharet”, meaning a female attendant or caregiver) refers to a personal servant or nurse entrusted with the care of someone who may be weak, vulnerable, or in need of assistance. The term is sometimes translated as nurse, attendant, or handmaid.

In the context of Rebekah’s journey to marry Isaac, the presence of the nursemaid highlights the cultural and practical realities of long journeys in biblical times. It was common for a young woman to be accompanied by a trusted attendant for care, protection, and companionship.

Theological insight: While the Bible does not explicitly state that Rebekah was ill or weak, the nursemaid’s presence can be understood as a providential provision for care and support during a significant life transition (cf. Proverbs 31:15, where a capable wife tends to her household). This points to God’s providence in providing care and protection even in uncertain circumstances.

The Bible uses the same term nursemaid in other contexts, such as 2 Samuel 4:4:
“Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in both feet. When the news of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths reached Jezreel, his nurse took him and fled. In her haste, the child fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.”

This passage underscores the nursemaid’s role as a protector and caretaker in times of crisis, reflecting God’s care through human agents.

Spiritual Application: Spiritually, the nursemaid symbolizes Jesus Christ Himself as our ultimate caretaker. In our weakness, distress, and need, only Jesus (Hebrews 4:15-16) can truly sustain, protect, and restore us. He is the Good Shepherd who watches over His flock (John 10:11), and our Mediator who intercedes for us (1 Timothy 2:5).

However, the Lord’s role as our caretaker depends on our willingness to receive Him. When we open our hearts to Christ, submit to His lordship, and obey His commands, He faithfully sustains us through trials and brings healing (Psalm 41:3)

“The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to health.”

This aligns with the biblical doctrine of grace: salvation and ongoing care are not earned by our works but given freely by God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Reflective Questions:

Do you truly have Jesus as your Savior and Protector?

MDoes your life reflect the transforming power of salvation?

• If you have not yet accepted Christ, seek Him now before it’s too late

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The Central Question

In Luke 16:27–31, Jesus tells a parable about a Rich Man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. After their deaths, the Rich Man begs Father Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his five brothers about the place of torment he is experiencing.

Abraham replies:

“They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” (Luke 16:29, NKJV)

The Rich Man insists that if someone comes back from the dead, they will repent. But Abraham responds:

“If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31, NKJV)

From this, we understand that God does not permit the dead to return to communicate with the living in order to preach, warn, or influence them. God has already given humanity the sufficient witness of Scripture and prophetic revelation.

The Apparent Contradiction: Samuel and Saul

Yet in 1 Samuel 28:3–25, we find King Saul seeking out a medium at Endor, commonly known as “the witch of Endor,” to summon the deceased Prophet Samuel.

Here’s what the passage says:

“Now when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, ‘Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!’”
(1 Samuel 28:12, NKJV)

“And the king said to her, ‘Do not be afraid. What did you see?’ And the woman said to Saul, ‘I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.'”
(v. 13)

“So he said to her, ‘What is his form?’ And she said, ‘An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a mantle.’ And Saul perceived that it was Samuel…”
(v. 14)

This raises a challenging question:

How could Samuel “come back” and speak with Saul, if the parable in Luke makes it clear that the dead cannot return?

Is This a Contradiction in the Bible?

No, the Bible does not contradict itself. The two passages describe entirely different spiritual situations.

To understand this, we must explore biblical theology on the dead, the afterlife, and spiritual communication.

1. The Parable in Luke: A Clear Doctrinal Teaching

Luke 16:19–31 is a teaching parable of Jesus, not a historical event—but it illustrates real spiritual principles about life after death. It confirms:

• There is a fixed separation between the righteous and the unrighteous after death (v. 26).
• The dead cannot return to warn the living (v. 31).
• Revelation through Scripture is the ordained means by which God communicates truth to the world (v. 29).

Therefore, Jesus is emphasizing the sufficiency of Scripture and the finality of death.

2. The Witch of Endor: A Case of Occultism, Not Resurrection

The event in 1 Samuel 28 is not an example of a God-ordained resurrection or spiritual appearance. Rather, it is a record of Saul’s rebellion, as he directly violates God’s command:

“There shall not be found among you… a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.”
(Deuteronomy 18:10–11, NKJV)

Saul himself had previously expelled all mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), but now, in desperation, he seeks one out. This was an act of direct disobedience.

When the medium claims to see “Samuel,” several details cast doubt:

• Saul does not see Samuel himself; he relies on the woman’s description (v. 13–14).
• The text says “Saul perceived” it was Samuel—it does not say God raised Samuel (v. 14).
• The voice speaking condemns Saul and foretells his death, which aligns with God’s judgment—but this does not prove it was truly Samuel.

Theological Interpretations of 1 Samuel 28

There are three main theological views:

View 1: It Was a Demonic Deception (Most Common View)

Many theologians believe that the “Samuel” who appeared was actually a familiar spirit—a demon impersonating the prophet to deceive Saul.

• This aligns with 2 Corinthians 11:14:
  

  “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

• Familiar spirits are known to mimic the dead and deceive people seeking forbidden knowledge.
• The woman was a medium, and God forbids all such practices because they open the door to demonic deception.

View 2: God Permitted Samuel to Appear in Judgment

Some scholars argue that God allowed the real Samuel to appear and pronounce judgment on Saul as a one-time exception.

• The content of Samuel’s message was consistent with earlier prophetic warnings.
• However, this view is controversial because it suggests God responded to a séance, which contradicts His nature and commands.

View 3: It Was a Psychological/Emotional Experience

A minority believe Saul’s perception was clouded by fear, stress, and guilt, and the woman manipulated him with a vague description, leading him to believe it was Samuel.

Why Lazarus Could Not Return — But “Samuel” Could?

The Rich Man’s request in Luke 16 was for Lazarus to return bodily from the dead and testify to the living—something only God could allow, and which God explicitly refused.

By contrast, the event in 1 Samuel 28:

• Was not a resurrection.
• Did not involve a bodily appearance.
• Was done through an occult medium, not by God’s Spirit.
• Was most likely demonic deception or, at best, a permitted act of judgment.

What About Today—Can People Still Contact the Dead?

No. Absolutely not.

After the resurrection of Christ, He declared:

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
(Revelation 1:18, NKJV)

Only Jesus Christ now has authority over the dead. Neither humans, demons, nor Satan can access or speak with souls who have passed on. Any supposed communication with the dead today is either:

• Fraud, or
• Demonic deception through familiar spirits.

Paul warns:

“The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.”
(1 Corinthians 10:20, NKJV)

Conclusion: What Really Happened?

• In Luke 16, Jesus teaches that the dead cannot return, and that Scripture is enough for salvation.
• In 1 Samuel 28, Saul disobeys God by consulting a medium. The appearance of “Samuel” was not a resurrection, but likely a demonic deception.
• God does not contradict Himself, and He strictly forbids necromancy, spiritism, and any attempt to contact the dead (see Deuteronomy 18:9–12).

Final Warning and Encouragement

“There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV)

Christ is the only way to life, the only one who has conquered death, and the only voice we should seek beyond the grave.

Avoid all forms of occultism. Trust in the Scriptures. Follow Christ.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in truth.

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