HerodProverbs 3:33

“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the

righteous.”

“In a typical week how often do you hear the Lord’s name used in

vain, either in person or through the media?”

Kingsley Amis

Background information on Herod

He was appointed as king of the Jews.Reigned 36BC-1BCHe was described as a “madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis.”He executed his…

Wife Marianne IHis mother-in-law AlexandriaHis brother-in-law KostobarHis first two sonsHis son AntipaterAll of the Jewish boys 2-years or younger who lived in Bethlehem and its’ vicinity

New Testament references to Herod

(Matt. 2:16) Herod orders the murder of all Jewish boys 2 and younger

(Luke 13:52) Jesus called Herod a fox(Matt. 14:1-12) He had John the Baptist

killed

New Testament references to Herod

(Matt. 2:16) Herod orders the murder of all Jewish boys 2 and younger

(Luke 13:52) Jesus called Herod a fox(Matt. 14:1-12) He had John the Baptist

killed

References to being cursed

(Numbers 5:21-22) A curse on a woman caught in adultery

(Malachi 2:2-4) Priests were cursed because of unbelief

(Genesis 27:12-13) Rebekah takes Jacob’s curse on herself

(Galatians 3:10-12) You are cursed if you try and live under the law, Christ has freed us

(Mark 11:21) Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, symbolizing the doom of fruitless people

1. List the background information on Herod:

a. Position Appointed as king of the Jews

b. Reigned 36BC-1BCc. Description A madmand. Most devious act Killing all Jewish

boys under the age of two in an attempt to kill Jesus

e. Legacy A cursed household

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. What is the result of “the curse of the Lord?” (Proverbs 3:33)

Separation or banishment from the blessings of the Lord. The curse of God

brings ruin.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

3. How did the “curse of the Lord” affect Herod’s household?

His household was one of suspicion and murder. Nobody was immune to his

wickedness.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

4. How can the wickedness of family members impact the entire household?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

5 Look up the following references to identify examples of being cursed.

a. (Numbers 5:21-22) A curse on a woman caught in adultery

b. (Malachi 2:2-4) Priests were cursed because of unbelief

c. (Genesis 27:12-13) Rebekah takes Jacob’s curse on herself

DISCUSSION GUIDE

5 Look up the following references to identify examples of being cursed.

d. (Gal. 3:10-12) You are cursed if you try and live under the law, Christ has freed us

e. (Mark 11:21) Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, symbolizing the doom of fruitless people

DISCUSSION GUIDE

6. How is a blessing from the Lord defined?

It is a gift, enrichment or endowment. The blessing of God empowers one with the

ability to succeed.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

7. Does this mean that a Christ-centered home will never have trials and

tribulations?

Absolutely not! But a Christ-like home will be able to endure trials and tribulations.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

8. How do you see the Lord’s blessing on your household? Make a list.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

9. Look up the following references to being blessed:

a. (Proverbs 22:9) The generous will be blessed

b. (Luke 6:28) Bless those who curse you

c. (John 13:15-17) You are blessed if you follow Christ’s example

DISCUSSION GUIDE

9. Look up the following references to being blessed:

d. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit

e. (1 Peter 3:8-9) Through living a godly life you will inherit a blessing

DISCUSSION GUIDE

10. How are you doing? Are you living as a cursed person of wickedness or are you

experiencing the blessings of a righteous person? What needs to change in your life?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Steps to Conquering Wickedness

Step 1 Humble yourself and prayStep 2 Seek God’s FaceStep 3 Turn from your wicked waysStep 4 Accept that you will hear

from God, be forgiven and healed