King Herod’s Tomb
Israeli archaeologists say they have discovered the tomb of King Herod.
After focusing for years on the middle and lower parts of the Herodium, a flattened hilltop visible from Jerusalem, Netzer and his team recently moved their excavations to a higher level of the structure where, three weeks ago, they say they found pieces of King Herod’s sarcophagus. Netzer, who teaches at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, says it is a sarcophagus fit for a king.
A tomb fit for a king indeed. Well, except that it is still a tomb. A final resting place for one who connived, cheated, and murdered so many. A place not of rest, but of violence, as seen by the destruction to the site that accompanied the devestation of the rest of the ancient city.
This discovery reminds us, of course, of another man - one who was not recognized by the Roman Senate - who was not feared as a ruler - who was not found in his tomb.
Herod was an outsider. Jesus was the original.
Herod was a puppet. Jesus was authentic.
Herod ignored the law. Jesus fulfilled it.
Herod killed his family. Jesus calls us his brothers.
Herod died over an oath. Jesus became a curse for us.
Herod raised the eagle. Jesus was raised on a cross.
Herod lost a kingship. Jesus built a kingdom.
Herod died. Jesus lives.
Hail to the King. Long live the King.
