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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
7
Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him.
12
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{"arr":[{"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":"I do not justify Herod for his sorrowful and hesitant act of committing murder, as it was a result of his vow, considering he may have made that promise to facilitate the execution. Conversely, if he claims his actions were due to the oath, one must question whether he truly intended to follow through, even if she had requested the death of his parents. If he refutes such an idea, then he must also regard the act against the prophet with disdain."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is reported that during the dance of Herodias' daughter, both Herod and Herodias conspired together, leading to one making a vow while the other made a request."},{"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":"Prior to this moment, Herod had openly expressed his intention to eliminate John, though he had hesitated due to the people's perception of John as a prophet. Yet now, when confronted with the request to execute John, why does Herod—who was previously bound by an oath—suddenly find himself in anguish? His earlier intent seems disconnected from his current hesitation; the displeasure he now experiences stands in stark contrast to his previous feelings. In the past, there was a certain order to events, and the outcomes are now becoming apparent. The majestic nature of the law has been obscured by the indulgence arising from unbelief. Despite being aware of the goodness that the law imparts, individuals choose to turn a blind eye amidst their excesses, fearful that this path leads to their own ruin. They understand that they ought not to stray from the dignity of the commandments; yet they are driven to sin by oaths, the intimidation of authorities, the allure of worldly pleasures, and the influence of negative examples."},{"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":"It is common for individuals to bind themselves with a solemn vow, and despite recognizing that they should not have made such a promise, they attempt to uphold the honor of that vow. For instance, we read in Mark 6:22-27 about Herod, who disgracefully promised a reward to a dancer and callously carried it out. He acted disgracefully for offering a kingdom in exchange for mere entertainment and showed a ruthless disregard by sacrificing the life of the prophet to honor his word. In such a case, it seems far more fitting to break the vow rather than uphold it. Furthermore, it is difficult to view as a true breach of promise what a drunken man swore while lost in indulgence, having forgotten his resolve amidst the revelry. Thus, the head of the prophet was delivered on a platter, and this act was mistakenly deemed a true demonstration of loyalty to his oath, which reflected deep folly."},{"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":"Consider Herod's additional folly. He vowed to grant the princess anything she desired if she performed her dance skillfully. Yet, if she requested your life, would you comply?"},{"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":"A vow is referred to as a promise. What folly it is! He pledged to give and left the decision to the young woman, trading away half his kingdom for a fleeting 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":"The humble monarch declared, “Request anything you desire, and I shall grant it to you... even to half of my realm” (Mark 6:23). THUS HE TOOK AN OATH TO FULFILL HER REQUEST. Such is the blindness that passion can bring! Herod offers a portion of his kingdom—yet for what? For the performance of an audacious young woman!"},{"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":"The nature of a decadent Eastern ruler is clearly displayed in this action. To gratify the youthful libertine, he calls upon the Lord as a witness, promising to grant her any request she makes."},{"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":"To celebrate his birthday, Herod hosted a banquet for the nobles, military leaders, and the elders of Galilee. While the Jews did not observe birthdays, Antipas chose to emulate the practices of Eastern kings on this occasion. According to Eastern traditions, it was deemed improper for women to participate in men's feasts; only maidservants were permitted to dance. However, Salome, the daughter of Herodias and Philip, chose to defy this custom and entered the banquet dressed as a dancer. Her performance was so captivating that it intoxicated Herod, who, influenced by wine, found himself eager to grant her any request, even offering half his kingdom in reward, a promise he made under oath before all the guests present."},{"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":"An opportunity soon arose. The Herodian rulers, seeking to emulate the extravagant traditions of the Roman emperors, took great pleasure in hosting lavish banquets and commemorating significant anniversaries. They adopted the pagan tradition of birthday celebrations, and Antipas, celebrating his own birthday, hosted a grand feast in one of his splendid castles for his nobles, military leaders, and the elite of Galilee. The affluent lifestyle of the Herodians, the opulent design of their many palatial residences, and their penchant for extraordinary luxury suggest that the celebration was indeed magnificent, overflowing with wealth and royal magnificence. This gathering was characteristic of the excessive customs of Roman society, blending Roman gluttony with Greek moral looseness. However, Herodias cunningly added an unexpected delight for the king, one that surely captivated his guests. Dancers were highly popular during this era, and the enthusiasm for these often suggestive and scandalous performances had naturally infiltrated the Sadducean court, governed by the Edomite usurpers, with Herod the Great even establishing a dedicated ballet theater within his palace. A lavish banquet at that time was deemed incomplete without a spectacular dance finale. On this occasion, the final dance was performed by Salome, the daughter of Herodias and the king's stepdaughter. In the full bloom of her youthful beauty, she enchanted the inebriated guests with her unexpected performance, and Herod, enchanted by her talent, offered her a reward for the joy she had brought him, inviting her to request anything she desired, even up to half 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 of his birth, Herod hosted a banquet for nobles, military leaders, and the elders of Galilee. Amid the festivities, the daughter of Herodias, Salome, danced in a way that delighted Herod and his guests. In his excitement, the governor proclaimed to her, \\"Request whatever you wish, and I will grant it.\\" Driven by his fervor, he further declared with an oath, \\"Whatever you ask of me, I will give to you, even up to half 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 account of the death of John the Baptist, it is important to recognize that Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, who was the son of Herod the Great from a second marriage. Following her grandfather's wishes, she wed his other son from a third marriage, who is referred to as Herod by Josephus Flavius and as Philip by the evangelists. After Philip's passing, he lived in Jerusalem as a private individual. While Philip was still alive and after they had a daughter named Salome, Herodias divorced him to marry Herod Antipas, who was also a son of Herod the Great, but from a fourth marriage. To marry Herodias, Antipas had to set aside his first legitimate wife, the daughter of the Arabian king Aretha. This act prompted John the Baptist to publicly accuse Herod of committing incest, which is explicitly prohibited by the Scriptures (Lev. 18:16; 20:21). \\n\\nAccording to Josephus Flavius, Herod confined John in the stronghold of Maherna, located near the Dead Sea. In Perea, not far from this stronghold, lay the city of Julia, where Herod preferred to reside over Tiberias, his Galilean stronghold. The narrative surrounding John's beheading indicates that Herod was present in Perea during a banquet when John’s head was presented to Herodias. Given Herod's distress over the rumors surrounding Jesus, it is reasonable to assume that he remained in Julia frequently, if not continuously, from John's imprisonment until John's death. Consequently, upon his return to Tiberias after John’s execution, he may have had no knowledge of Jesus. However, when Herod eventually returned to Galilee, he discovered that a new prophet, Jesus, had emerged, causing various speculations among the populace, including the belief that Jesus was John raised from the dead. This news weighed heavily on Herod's conscience."}]}
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