HERODIAS WANTED HIS HEAD

Herod had married Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John the Baptist confronted him directly. “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” Mark 6:18 KJV That rebuke put John in prison and made Herodias his enemy. She wanted him killed, but Herod feared John. He knew John was a righteous and holy man and even listened to him gladly. Herodias had a grudge against a man her husband knew was telling the truth. Mark 6:17–20. Her opportunity came during Herod’s birthday supper. His officials, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee were gathered at his table. Herodias’s daughter danced before them and pleased Herod. In front of his guests, he swore to give her whatever she asked, up to half his kingdom. The daughter went to her mother and asked what she should request. Herodias answered. “The head of John the Baptist.” Mark 6:24 KJV Her daughter had been offered a reward. Herodias used that opportunity to arrange an execution. The daughter hurried back and demanded John’s head immediately, delivered on a platter. The KJV calls it a “charger.” Herod was deeply sorry. His oath and the guests watching him were enough to keep him from refusing her. He ordered John beheaded in prison. He knew John was righteous before he gave that order. Being sorry did not stop him from giving it. The executioner brought John’s head to the daughter, and she gave it to her mother. Herodias had involved her own child in killing the man who confronted her marriage. John’s disciples came, took his body, buried him, and went to tell Jesus. Matthew 14:6–12. #MoreJoyMinistries