Topical Bible: Malice: Herodias Toward John

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Herodias, a figure of significant infamy in the New Testament, is best known for her malicious intent toward John the Baptist. Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Her marriage to Herod was unlawful according to Jewish law, as she was previously married to his brother, Philip. This union was publicly condemned by John the Baptist, who boldly declared, "It is not lawful for you to have her" (Mark 6:18).

Herodias harbored a deep-seated grudge against John for his outspoken criticism. Her animosity is vividly illustrated in the Gospels, where her desire for vengeance becomes a driving force in the narrative. Mark 6:19 states, "So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable." Herodias's malice was not merely a personal vendetta; it was a calculated effort to silence a prophetic voice that threatened her position and exposed her sin.

Her opportunity for retribution came during Herod's birthday celebration. Herodias's daughter, traditionally identified as Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod and his guests. In a moment of rashness, Herod promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked, up to half his kingdom. Coached by her mother, the girl requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Mark 6:22-24).

Herod, though distressed by the request, felt compelled to honor his promise due to the presence of his guests and the binding nature of his oath. Consequently, he ordered John's execution, and the prophet's head was delivered to the girl, who then gave it to her mother, Herodias (Mark 6:26-28).

Herodias's malice toward John the Baptist is a stark example of the destructive power of sin and the lengths to which individuals may go to protect their own interests and reputations. Her actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of harboring bitterness and the moral decay that can result from unchecked vengeance. Herodias's account is a reminder of the cost of silencing truth and the tragic consequences of allowing malice to dictate one's actions.

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Matthew 14:3-10
For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.
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Mark 6:24-28
And she went forth, and said to her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
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Library

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... by attempting Elijah's life, while Herodias actually took ... policy which Israel should
manifest toward the neighboring ... were full of guile and malice, cunning and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

The Empress Theodora
... overdrawn and dictated by inventive malice, and these ... the last triumph of Theodora;
and toward the close ... serpent, a new Delilah, another Herodias, revelling in ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xi the empress theodora.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... the plottings of envy, hate, and malice which repaid ... the King of Israel; the base
Herodias, upon whose ... and its results,"the enmity of man toward his fellow ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... the plottings of envy, hate, and malice which repaid ... the King of Israel; the base
Herodias, upon whose ... time including the Extravagantes, added toward the close ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm