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Also called
Herod, Herod the king
Role
King of Judaea at the birth of Jesus
When
reigned c. 37-4 BC

What they did

Troubled by news of a newborn King of the Jews, he tried to find the child through the wise men and then ordered the killing of the children of Bethlehem two years old and under.

Why it matters: the purpose of their role

His failed attempt to destroy the infant Jesus shows that no earthly power can overthrow God's purpose; the flight to Egypt and return fulfilled prophecy.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Matthew 2:16 (KJV)

Bible references

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. Luke 1:5 (KJV)
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1 (KJV)
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3 (KJV)
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. Matthew 2:7-8 (KJV)
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Matthew 2:16 (KJV)
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. Matthew 2:19-20 (KJV)

Family

Children
Archelaus (Matthew 2:22); history also records Herod Antipas and Philip among his sons