Topical Bible: Flattery by the Herodians

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The Herodians were a political group in Judea during the time of Jesus, known for their support of the Herodian dynasty, which was established by Herod the Great. This group is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of their interactions with Jesus. The Herodians, along with the Pharisees, are noted for their attempts to entrap Jesus through cunning and deceitful means, often employing flattery as a tool to achieve their ends.

One of the most notable instances of flattery by the Herodians is recorded in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 12:13-17 , the Herodians, in conjunction with the Pharisees, approach Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Their approach is marked by insincere praise, as they say to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You do not show partiality to men" (Mark 12:14). This flattery is designed to disarm Jesus and make Him more susceptible to their trap, which is intended to either alienate Him from the Jewish populace or put Him at odds with the Roman authorities.

The Herodians' use of flattery is a strategic maneuver, reflecting their political motivations and alignment with Roman interests. Their question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar is a calculated attempt to force Jesus into a politically compromising position. However, Jesus perceives their hypocrisy and responds with wisdom, saying, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Mark 12:17). This response not only avoids the trap but also highlights the distinction between earthly and divine obligations.

The Herodians' flattery is emblematic of their broader approach to political and religious matters. Their alliance with the Pharisees, despite differing ideologies, underscores their willingness to use any means necessary, including deceit and manipulation, to maintain their power and influence. This incident serves as a cautionary example of how flattery can be employed as a tool of manipulation, often masking ulterior motives and leading to moral and spiritual compromise.

In the broader biblical context, flattery is frequently condemned as a form of deceit. Proverbs 26:28 warns, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." The Herodians' actions exemplify this principle, as their flattery is not rooted in genuine respect or admiration but is instead a calculated tactic to achieve their own ends. Their interaction with Jesus serves as a reminder of the dangers of insincere praise and the importance of discernment in recognizing and resisting such manipulation.

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Luke 20:21
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that you say and teach rightly, neither accept you the person of any, but teach the way of God truly:
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Library

Matt. xxii. 15
... they expected to lay hold of Him; but they desired rather that He should say something
against the Herodians. ... And see their flattery, and their hidden craft. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxx matt xxii 15.htm

John i. 19
... dare to say so plainly, but send to him, thinking by their flattery to induce ... they
wished to lay hold on Him, they sent servants, and then Herodians, and the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi john i 19.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... There was the sect of the Herodians, and of the Alexandrians, of the Sadducees,
with many others; but to be a Pharisee, was to be of the straitest sect: After ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm