The answer is: Herod

Matt 2:16

King Herod, often referred to as Herod the Great, is a fascinating figure in history and the Gospel narrative. His reign, characterized by impressive building projects like the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, also had a dark side dominated by paranoia and a thirst for power. When Herod learned from the Magi that a new "king of the Jews" was born, his troubled heart wasn't just about politics; it was a threat to his throne.

Rather than taking any chances, Herod responded with infamous cruelty, ordering the Massacre of the Innocents—an act that, while grim, demonstrates the wider themes of oppression and struggle central to many biblical tales. This incident evokes echoes of Pharaoh's decree in the book of Exodus, where male infants in Egypt were killed to prevent the rise of Moses. It shows a recurring motif in scripture: the mighty rebelling against the divine plans that challenge their authority.

Interestingly, despite Herod’s attempts to cling to power, his reign faced considerable instability after his death. It aligns with the theological notion that earthly rulers who oppose divine purpose can only triumph for a season. In contrast, the humble beginning of Jesus in a manger illuminates the radical inversion of worldly values—where the powerful attempt to snuff out true transformative potential, ultimately finding themselves in the shadows of history. It serves as a reminder that real power, in a spiritual sense, often resides with those who embrace humility and compassion.