Topical Bible: Revenge by Herodias

Bible > Topical > Revenge by Herodias

◄ Revenge by Herodias ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Context and Background

Herodias, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is best known for her role in the events leading to the execution of John the Baptist. Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. She was previously married to Herod's brother, Herod Philip, making her marriage to Herod Antipas both controversial and unlawful according to Jewish law. 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' Grudge Against John the Baptist

Herodias harbored a deep-seated grudge against John the Baptist for his outspoken criticism of her marriage. Her animosity is described in the Gospel of Mark: "So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable" (Mark 6:19). Herodias' desire for revenge was fueled by her perception of John's condemnation as a threat to her status and authority.

The Plot for Revenge

Herodias' opportunity for revenge came during Herod's birthday celebration. Herodias' daughter, traditionally identified as Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod and his guests. In his delight, Herod promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked, up to half his kingdom (Mark 6:22-23). Coached by her mother, the girl requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Mark 6:24-25).

Herod's Reluctant Compliance

Though Herod was distressed by the request, he felt compelled to honor his oath and the presence of his guests. The Gospel of Mark records, "The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her" (Mark 6:26). Consequently, Herod ordered John's execution, and the prophet's head was brought to the girl, who then gave it to her mother, Herodias (Mark 6:27-28).

Theological Implications

The account of Herodias' revenge highlights several theological themes, including the consequences of sin, the cost of discipleship, and the moral courage required to stand for truth. Herodias' actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of vengeance and the moral decay that can result from unchecked ambition and pride. John's unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of death, exemplifies the call to faithfulness and the willingness to suffer for righteousness' sake.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

Herodias' actions must be understood within the historical and cultural context of the Herodian dynasty, known for its political intrigue and moral corruption. Herodias' manipulation of her daughter and Herod reflects the complex interplay of power, family dynamics, and personal vendettas that characterized the Herodian court. Herod's reluctance to execute John, despite his eventual compliance, underscores the tension between personal conviction and public pressure.

Legacy and Influence

The account of Herodias and John the Baptist has left a lasting impact on Christian thought and art, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil, truth and deception. Herodias' revenge is often depicted as a stark reminder of the perils of moral compromise and the ultimate triumph of God's justice, as John's prophetic voice continues to resonate through the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 6:19-24
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King's Courts
... Under Royal Surveillance""It is not Lawful.""The Revenge of Herodias"The
Upbraidings of Conscience"Devotion to Truth""A Sin unto Death.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/x the kings courts.htm

The Martyrdom of John
... dread, if not of love. 'And kept him safe' (not ob- but pre-served him);
that is, from Herodias' revenge. 'And when he heard him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the martyrdom of john.htm

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
... The crime stamped Herod and Herodias with greater infamy than that for which John
had ... Jesus would not aid them to seek the bitter fruits of revenge, nor did he ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxii herod antipas supposes jesus.htm

Herod --A Startled Conscience
... In the other scale there were his word, the pleasure of Herodias, and the ... except
for the malignant gloating of the woman over her gratified revenge, the event ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/heroda startled conscience.htm

The Martyrdom of John
... But Herodias sticks at nothing, and is as insensible to the duty of a ... in her character,
her hot animal passions, her cool inflexible revenge, her cynical ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... For a time Herod feebly sought to break the chain of lust that bound him; but Herodias
fastened him the more firmly in her toils, and found revenge upon the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
... Herodias followed him in his misfortunes.[1] A hundred years, at least, were to
elapse before ... The time of the great Christian revenge was, moreover, far distant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvii fate of the.htm

Jesus and Herod
... he could not and would not do the one thing needful: Herodias still retained ... the
father of his discarded wife, invaded the country, to revenge his daughter's ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter v jesus and herod.htm

St John the Baptist
... save the triumph of self-satisfied vanity; for the spite and revenge is not in ... such
human butterflies would take warning by the fate of Herodias' daughter, and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxviii st john the.htm

Jesus Before Herod.
... take part in the sacrifices on account of his adulterous connection with Herodias. ...
make a disturbance on the festival day, and take the most inhuman revenge. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xx jesus before herod.htm