Topical Bible: Malice: Herodias

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Herodias is a prominent 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, where her actions are depicted as driven by malice and personal vendetta.

Herodias was the wife of Herod Philip, but she left him to marry his half-brother, Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. This union was considered unlawful according to Jewish law, as it was akin to marrying one's brother-in-law while the brother was still alive. John the Baptist openly criticized this marriage, declaring, "It is not lawful for you to have her" (Mark 6:18). Herodias harbored a deep grudge against John for his condemnation, and her malice towards him grew into a desire for his death.

Herodias's opportunity for revenge came during Herod Antipas's birthday celebration. Her daughter, traditionally known 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. Coached by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Mark 6:22-25). Herod, though distressed, 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 his head was brought to Salome, who then gave it to her mother, Herodias (Mark 6:26-28).

Herodias's actions are often viewed as a stark example of malice in the Bible. Her vindictive spirit and manipulation of her daughter to achieve her ends highlight the destructive power of harboring resentment and seeking revenge. Herodias's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing malice to dictate one's actions, leading to the unjust death of a righteous man.

In the broader biblical narrative, Herodias's malice contrasts with the teachings of forgiveness and repentance. Her actions stand in opposition to the virtues espoused by Jesus and His followers, who advocate for love, mercy, and reconciliation. Herodias's legacy is thus marked by her role in the martyrdom of John the Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah and whose life and death continue to inspire believers to uphold truth and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

The Martyrdom of John
... What became of all his eager listening, of his partial obedience, of his care to
keep John safe from Herodias's malice? All vanished like early dew. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
... the chief men of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself [the ... and indecent,
and nothing but utter shamelessness or inveterate malice could have ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxii herod antipas supposes jesus.htm

Dedication.
... and, as for the rest, they cherish only some one vice, a single Herodias alone. ... We
are also commanded to "lay aside," not some one, but "all malice, guile, and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/dedication.htm

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... He as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and
envy ... than when he had trembled with horror at the request of Herodias for the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... in the solitude of the mountains; the plottings of envy, hate, and malice which
repaid ... that he might destroy the King of Israel; the base Herodias, upon whose ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... in the solitude of the mountains; the plottings of envy, hate, and malice which
repaid ... that he might destroy the King of Israel; the base Herodias, upon whose ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

The Bishop at Work
... which his people interpreted into a permission to wreak their hatred, malice, and
revenge ... there was a girl at Oxford, who, backed by a Herodias mother, left ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

Of the Navigation of King Agrippa to Rome, to Tiberius Caesar; and ...
... such a course; so she sent a letter to his sister Herodias, who was now ... had not
Antonia's boldness been more wisely conducted than Sejanus's malice; for when ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 of the navigation.htm

part vii.
... makes promises to them, as Herod did to the daughter of Herodias, and they ... themselves
surpass the bounds of all wickedness; and they exceed the malice of any ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part vii.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... and Jezebel answered the rebuke by attempting Elijah's life, while Herodias actually
took the ... that the Jewish rulers were full of guile and malice, cunning and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm