Herod Archelaus was the Son of Herod the great and ruler of Judea. He is mentioned in only one verse of scripture, and even then it is only a passing reference to him (Matthew 2:22). Yet if we think about what influence his existence has had in history, we get a tiny glimpse into just how amazing God’s sovereignty is to bring everything together as it needed to happen.
Archelaus was a son of Herod the Great and was granted rule over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea by Herod’s will. During this time, Jesus’ family was returning from Egypt to resettle in Israel, and their decision to relocate to Nazareth, in Herod Antipas’s territory, may have been due in part to the realization that Archelaus was distinguishing himself as a cruel ruler like his father. By relocating to Nazareth because of Archelaus, Jesus’ family was fulfilling a prophecy (Matthew 2:23).
By AD 6, tensions had reached a boiling point regarding Archelaus’s cruel practices, and the Romans deposed him and brought his territory under direct Roman rule. This is why Jesus ultimately stood trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who condemned Him to death on a cross.
The fact that God is able to bring together a whole host of seemingly insignificant things to accomplish His will should lead us to humility and worship. Praise God that He is truly sovereign and that He is able to work out His will in each of our lives as well.