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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
6
But on Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod.
13
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"As they marked the occasion of her birth, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance amidst physical indulgence. With each alluring movement, she disseminated carnal delight, as though doubt had taken root in the joys afforded to Israel. The onlookers succumbed to this temptation. Through their transgressions and worldly delights, the Israelites relinquished the blessings of everlasting life. Consequently, the girl requested her mother—who was herself skillful in betrayal—to present her with the head of John, representing the true honor of the law, for the law illuminated Israel's moral failures through the authority of God's decrees."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"There is no one else we find commemorating their birthday aside from Herod and Pharaoh, suggesting that those who share in their evil ways also share in their celebrations."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Many individuals often bind themselves through a solemn vow, and even when they recognize that their commitment may have been ill-considered, they honor the sanctity of their word and follow through on their promise. An example of this can be seen in the case of Herod, who shamefully offered a reward to a dancer and, without mercy, executed his promise: shamefully because he offered a kingdom for mere entertainment, and mercilessly because he allowed the life of the prophet to be taken in order to uphold his vow. It would have been far more justifiable to disregard the oath than to see it through in this instance. However, it is difficult to regard as a true breach of promise what a drunken man—who was indulged with lavish banquets and had lost his sense of resolve in the midst of revelry—had sworn to do. Thus, the prophet's head was delivered on a platter, and this act was mistakenly interpreted as a demonstration of loyalty to the oath, which was steeped in folly."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Beloved, you are aware that cruelty often emerges from indulgence. And they brought his head on a platter (Matthew 14:11). The dwelling transforms into a battleground, the dining table an arena, the guests at the celebration become mere onlookers, the banquet turns into chaos, the food morphs into slaughter, the wine is akin to blood, the day of festivity is overshadowed by death, the dawn gives way to dusk, the feast culminates in homicide, and the instruments of music echo the sorrow of the ages. An animal, not a maiden, enters the gathering; a fierce beast, not a girl, begins to perform. A mane, rather than tresses, flows from her head; with twists and turns, she reveals her dominance, her brutality intensifying. She becomes cunning in wrongdoing, not in graceful movement; this outrageously savage creature growls and shows her fangs. She does not evade the strike; instead, she delivers it herself. At her mother’s urging, as the evangelist notes, this horrific being extracts an arrow from her mother’s heart and, with disdain for her victim—John’s lifeless form—prowls the hall in search of his head."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Behold, what audacity! The Princess dances! And the more gracefully she moves, the more egregious it is, for it is disgraceful for a Princess to engage in any lascivious acts with cleverness."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In the tradition of monarchs, it was customary to formally observe the anniversary of their birth."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"What folly and then what weakness and degradation in Herod! Such is the outcome of unchecked passion! Daily, we witness individuals, including those of high learning, who recklessly surrender their possessions, joy, and even their integrity to the things they cherish, creating idols that demand their all. This blind affection can swiftly escalate into cruelty, often leading to the most disgraceful acts, such as the shedding of innocent blood, which poses no moral dilemma for a heart steeped in corruption. The head of the greatest Prophet is awarded for a mere dance! From this, learn, Christian mothers, as St. Ambrose urges, the principles to instill in your daughters, and the forms of amusement from which you should shield them! If you truly value purity and virtue, impart to your daughters lessons of faith rather than those of dance."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"However, the vengeful Herodias, reminiscent of Jezebel, seized the opportunity to expedite her cruel retribution against her fearless critic. Amid his conflict with his former father-in-law, the Arabian ruler Aretas, who was avenging the dishonor towards his daughter, Herod relocated from Tiberias to Macherontes. During the celebration of his birthday, he hosted a banquet for his nobles, the commanders of the Roman legions who had aided him in his battle against Aretas, and the elders of Galilee. Although Jews typically did not observe birthdays, Herod sought to emulate the lavish practices of Eastern leaders who celebrated such occasions extravagantly. Following Roman customs, he invited musicians, singers, and dancers to entertain the assembly. The tables were laden with luxurious fare, and the wine flowed abundantly. True to Eastern etiquette, Herodias did not join the feast but aimed to surprise her husband-king with a performance that would delight his guests. As the festivities progressed and the atmosphere grew intoxicated, Salome, Herodias’ daughter from Philip, entered unexpectedly. Typically, guests were seated in a semicircle; Salome approached this semicircle and danced to the music, igniting the ardor of the attendees. HEROD’S Daughter performed before the gathering, captivating both Herod and his guests. St. Chrysostom remarked, \\"The disgrace was satanic.\\" The impetus behind the spectacle was indulgence and excess; the spectators were men of vice, and the host was among the most dishonorable. The entertainment was frenzied, and the maiden, through whom Herod's marriage was rendered unlawful and whose existence was meant to be concealed due to her mother's shame, made an extravagant appearance, disregarding the modesty expected of her, surpassing all harlots in allure. \\"And she pleased Herod\\" and his guests."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Observances of Herod's birthday were established traditions among Eastern monarchs and have since become widespread, characterized by the annual celebratory feasting for the esteemed individuals among their subjects (Gen. 40:20). The reference to \\"the daughter of Herodias\\" pertains to Salome, who was married to Philip. Her performance, which delighted Herod, likely involved one of those provocative dances that particularly inflame the desires of those inclined to excess. The nature of the events is ominous. Firstly, it unfolded amidst drunkenness and indulgence, environments that rarely foster goodness; secondly, the attendees were known for their debauchery, and the host of the banquet was deeply dishonorable. Thirdly, the entertainment itself was frenzied. Lastly, the young woman, through whom the marriage was rendered unlawful and who must conceal herself due to her mother’s disgrace, boldly occupies the forefront of the gathering, overshadowing the shame of her youth while parading as a spectacle beyond reproach (Zlat.). Salome’s dance was a clear breach of Eastern customs—women, particularly young women, typically shield themselves from the gaze of men in the East and would generally cover themselves when in public. No young woman would aspire to present herself in such a way as Salome did, leading us to conclude that she was as morally compromised as her mother, Herodias."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"On the occasion of his birthday, Herod hosted a banquet for the distinguished guests, including military leaders and the elders from Galilee. Although Jews did not traditionally celebrate birthdays, Antipas chose to emulate the customs of Eastern kings. In accordance with Eastern practices, women were typically prohibited from participating in men's feasts, with only young maidens permitted to dance. However, Salome, the daughter of Herodias and Philip, defied this tradition and entered the gathering clad in the attire of a dancer. As she performed, her captivating movements intoxicated Herod, who, in his inebriated state, became eager to grant her any request—even offering half of his kingdom. He solemnly swore this promise in front of all his guests."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The moment soon arose. The Herodian rulers, following the extravagant traditions set by their illustrious ancestors, the Roman emperors, enjoyed hosting lavish banquets and commemorating significant anniversaries. They adopted the pagan practice of celebrating birthdays, and on Herod Antipas's birthday, he hosted a grand feast in one of his opulent castles for his nobles, military leaders, and all the elite of Galilee. The riches of the Herodians, the elaborate design of their numerous palaces, and their inclination toward excessive elegance suggest that this banquet was indeed splendid, characterized by the indulgence of wealth and royal grandeur. It was clear that such gatherings mirrored the decadent customs of Roman times, melding Roman insatiability with Greek debauchery. However, Herodias cleverly provided the king with an unexpected and thrilling pleasure that undoubtedly captivated his guests. At that time, the presence of dancers was highly popular. The allure of these often indecent and scandalous performances infiltrated the Sadducean and semi-pagan court of the Edomite rulers, to the extent that Herod the Great even established a dedicated ballet theater within his palace. A lavish feast of that era was not deemed complete without concluding with a grand dance. On this occasion, the final performance was executed by Salome, Herodias’s daughter and the king's stepdaughter. In the full bloom of her youth and radiant beauty, she dazzled the inebriated guests with her unexpected dance, so much so that Herod, captivated by her performance, promised to grant her any request she desired, even up to half of his kingdom."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"On the day he was born, Herod hosted a celebration for the nobles, military leaders, and elders of Galilee. Amidst the joyful festivities, the daughter of Herodias, Salomia, danced before the gathering, delighting both Herod and the guests reclining with him. In response to her captivating performance, the governor exclaimed to her, “Request whatever you desire, and I will grant it to you.” In his fervor, he went beyond a simple promise, swearing an oath, “Whatever you ask, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”"},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To understand the circumstances surrounding the death of John the Baptist, we need to examine the following details: Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, who was the son of Herod the Great from his second marriage. At her grandfather's command, she entered into marriage with his other son from his third marriage, whom Josephus Flavius refers to as Herod (a family name), while the evangelists refer to him as Philip. After the passing of his father, this Philip led a private life in Jerusalem. While Philip was still living, and after they had a daughter named Salome, Herodias chose to leave him to marry Herod Antipas, another son of Herod the Great from his fourth marriage, who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. In order to marry Herodias, he had to separate from his first wife, who was the daughter of the Arabian king Aretha. John the Baptist publicly admonished Herod for committing incest, which the law clearly forbids (Lev. 18:16. 20, 21). According to Josephus Flavius, Herod imprisoned John in the fortress of Maherna near the Dead Sea. Close to this fortress was the city of Julia, which was where Herod preferred to reside over Tiberias, his Galilean stronghold. The account of John's beheading, in which the martyr's head was presented during a banquet, suggests that at that time, Herod was in his Perea residence. Given that the news of Jesus caused him considerable distress, it can be inferred that between John's imprisonment and his execution, Herod may have spent most of his time in Julia, if not all of it. Therefore, upon returning to Tiberias after John's death, he might have been unaware of Jesus’ presence. However, upon returning to Galilee, he discovered the region was abuzz with the activities of a new prophet, Jesus, about whom there were many differing opinions, including the belief that Jesus was John raised from the dead. This gossip weighed heavily on Herod’s troubled conscience."}]}
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