Topical Encyclopedia Herodias is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her role in the events leading to the execution of John the Baptist. Her account is primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.Family Background and Marriage: Herodias was a member of the Herodian dynasty, a ruling family in Judea during the time of Jesus. She was the daughter of Aristobulus IV and Berenice, making her a granddaughter of Herod the Great. Herodias was initially married to Herod II (also known as Herod Philip I), her half-uncle, with whom she had a daughter named Salome. Herodias later left Herod II to marry Herod Antipas, another of her half-uncles, who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. This marriage was both politically and morally controversial, as it was considered unlawful under Jewish law. Herod Antipas had divorced his first wife, the daughter of King Aretas IV of Nabatea, to marry Herodias, which further complicated political relations. Conflict with John the Baptist: John the Baptist openly criticized Herodias's marriage to Herod Antipas, declaring it unlawful. In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded: "For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.'" (Mark 6:18). Herodias harbored a grudge against John for his condemnation and sought to have him killed, but Herod Antipas, who feared John and regarded him as a righteous and holy man, protected him for a time. The Death of John the Baptist: The opportunity for Herodias to act against John came during Herod Antipas's birthday celebration. Her daughter, Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod and his guests. In response, Herod promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked, up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod Antipas complied due to his oaths and the presence of his guests, and John was beheaded in prison. The Gospel of Matthew recounts: "Prompted by her mother, she said, 'Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.'" (Matthew 14:8). Legacy and Theological Significance: Herodias's actions are often viewed as a stark example of the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. Her willingness to manipulate her daughter and her husband to achieve her ends highlights the destructive nature of sin and the lengths to which individuals may go to silence the voice of truth. Herodias's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, vengeance, and the rejection of God's moral law. Herodias's involvement in the death of John the Baptist also underscores the tension between the prophetic voice and political power. John's fearless proclamation of truth, even in the face of personal danger, stands in contrast to Herodias's manipulative and vindictive actions. This narrative invites reflection on the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for righteousness in a world often hostile to divine truth. Library The Martyrdom of John Herod --A Startled Conscience Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Thesaurus Herodias's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Herodias's (1 Occurrence). Mark 6:22 at which Herodias's own daughter came in and danced, and so charmed ... /h/herodias's.htm - 6k Guests (43 Occurrences) Charmed (3 Occurrences) Anything (462 Occurrences) Hero'di-as (6 Occurrences) Herodion (1 Occurrence) Resources Why was John the Baptist beheaded? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Salome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Herodias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Herodias's (1 Occurrence)Mark 6:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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