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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
9
And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given.
11
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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":"Scripture often reflects the collective mindset of the time, with narrators illustrating shared thoughts and feelings. For instance, when Mary refers to Joseph as the father of Jesus (Luke 2:48), it exemplifies a common perception. Similarly, in this situation, Herod is depicted as being troubled, influenced by the perspective of those around him. In truth, the deceiver and instigator of violence masked his true emotions, feigning grief while harboring joy within. He rationalizes his deeds through the oath he has sworn, committing an evil act under the guise of righteousness. Furthermore, the phrase “for the sake of those who reclined with him” indicates his desire for all present to become complicit in his wrongdoing, as he invites them to partake in a lavish and impure banquet that includes his heinous intent."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"But she, prompted by her mother's desires, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist” (Matthew 14:8). It was a twofold offense, not only because she danced but also because her actions pleased in a manner that led to the shedding of innocent blood as a reward. Can you see how cruel and devoid of reason Herod truly is? He binds himself with an oath, granting the young woman complete freedom to make her request. Yet when he witnessed the evil that arose from it, he felt sorrow, as the evangelist records, despite having previously imprisoned John himself. Why does he mourn? Such is the nature of righteousness! It is indeed astonishing and commendable when seen in wicked individuals. How enraged Herodias became! She ought to have admired John and honored him, for he guarded her against shame, yet she instead conspired to bring about his demise, ensnaring him and requesting a vile reward. But Herod, as the Evangelist notes, was afraid due to his oath and the presence of those dining with him. Yet why did you not fear the most abhorrent act? If you were concerned about having witnesses to your oath-breaking, how much more should you have dreaded the presence of so many witnesses to such a heinous murder?"},{"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, Herod had openly expressed his intent to eliminate John, yet he hesitated due to concern for the crowd, as they regarded John as a prophet. However, when confronted with the request to take John’s life, what caused Herod, who was previously bound by an oath, to become suddenly troubled? His earlier intentions seem disconnected from his current unwillingness; the anguish he now experiences contrasts sharply with his prior desires. Clearly, there was a semblance of order in earlier matters, and now the ramifications are evident. The magnificence of the law has been eclipsed by the indulgence brought about by lack of faith. Yet, people perceive the good that arises from the law but choose to turn a blind eye amidst their pleasures, not without an underlying fear of their own ruin. They recognize that they should not stray from the splendor of the commandments; nonetheless, they are led into sin by oaths, the fear of authorities, the allure of sensual pleasures, and negative examples."},{"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":"Saddened due to righteousness, for even the adversary was astonished by righteousness. However, through the binding nature of his vow, he offers a cruel temptation. From this, we understand that it is preferable to violate a vow than to commit an evil act in its name."},{"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":"And he felt sorrowful. His grief stemmed from the necessity of executing a virtuous man and inciting the public's animosity towards him. Yet, for the sake of the vow and those who were with him, he ordered that it be fulfilled. O servant of the woman, you feared having witnesses to your betrayal of the vow, yet you showed no fear with the many who witnessed this wrongful death! You ought not to have made such a careless oath, and when you did so thoughtlessly, it would have been wiser to forgo the promise; when faced with two wrongs, one should always choose the lesser."},{"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":"With a sense of unease, Herod acquiesced to her horrific demand: And the king was troubled. He may have anticipated that Herodias’ daughter would request something refined and extravagant: luxurious garments, exquisite jewelry, grand residences, and similar treasures; yet he was mistaken. Upon witnessing the malevolence that arose from it, he was ‘grieved…’ Why did he experience grief? Such is the nature of virtue that even the judgment of wicked individuals finds it commendable and admirable. But was Herod's sorrow genuine and unblemished? ‘Observe,’ remarks the blessed Theophylact, ‘what folly was demonstrated by Herod: he vowed to grant the dancer whatever she desired. But would you have granted her, foolish man, if she had asked for your very head?’ Herod could not help but understand that one man's life cannot be offered as a gift to another. This is why Blessed Jerome candidly observes that Herod's grief was merely superficial… ‘Antipas feared being seen as a breaker of his oath, rather than being horrified by a profoundly inhumane act; he was more anxious about witnesses to his betrayal than about the multitude witnessing such a lawless murder!’ (St John Chrysostom). Therefore, for the sake of his promise and those present with him, for the guests who were partaking in the feast, Herod chose not to deny his niece and ORDERED that she be given what she had requested."},{"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 king experienced deep sorrow; this emotion arose from (1) the admiration that both he and others held for John. He recognized John as a righteous figure, held him in high regard, and often heeded his counsel (Mark 6:20). \\"Why such sorrow? The nature of virtue is such that even the judgments of wicked individuals find it deserving of awe and commendation\\" (Zlat.); (2) he may have feared that John’s death, viewed by the masses as that of a prophet, could incite public animosity towards him (Euph. Sig.) and provoke widespread outrage. His grief does not negate his desire to eliminate John (Matt. 14:5): the suddenness of the girl's request bewildered him, revealing his weak character, despite having contemplated John’s demise; this reaction is psychologically reasonable. - “For the sake of the oath and those who recline at the table”: the troubled king dreaded that his guests would regard him as untrustworthy to his pledge, inconsistent and timid, and out of pride and misguided shame, he resolved to execute a righteous man."},{"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":"The monarch felt sorrowful, not because the presence of John’s severed head might disrupt the festivities, but during those times, it was not customary in either the courts of Eastern tyrants or the palaces of Roman leaders for the demise of a revered individual to interrupt the ongoing celebrations. Herod mourned because he faced the dilemma of either violating his vow or executing the Prophet, whom he had previously shielded from the hostility of the Pharisees. Both options were misguided, yet he was compelled to select one. Thus, he turned to his nobles and advisors, as if seeking their counsel on the matter weighing heavily on him. Likely, his companions concluded that it would be preferable to end a life than to disregard the oath he had made without much thought. Consequently, Herod, swayed by their opinions, resolved to proceed with the execution. In honor of his oath and for the sake of those reclining at the table with him (Mark 6:26), he dispatched a servant with the order to retrieve John’s head."},{"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":"Antipas was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events and felt deep sorrow, for he held the prophet in high esteem. Yet, the false sense of shame he felt in front of his guests, who had witnessed his rash vow, clouded his judgment. Consequently, he dispatched an executioner to the fortress of Maher, where John the Baptist was suffering, ordering him to behead the prophet. Thus, the greatest of those born of women succumbed to the vicious hatred of a woman for his message. The prophet's head was brought forth as a target of Herodias' scorn, while his disciples lovingly buried his lifeless body."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Herod was taken aback by such a demand and felt distressed. The fear of public backlash held him back from taking a life, yet his own vows and the presence of those dining with him made it impossible for him to refuse. As noted by St. John Chrysostom, it would have been wiser for him not to have made the oath at all; however, given that he had already sworn, it would have been preferable not to fulfill it. When faced with a choice between two evils, selecting the lesser evil is surely the better path. Unfortunately, Herod's pride, a distorted sense of honor, and misguided shame overwhelmed all other emotions within him. In this turmoil, he disregarded his true self, fearing the displeasure of his guests more than the pangs of his conscience. Consequently, he yielded to Salome’s heartless request and sent a servant to the prison to behead John and deliver his head."},{"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 historical context surrounding the death of John the Baptist, it is essential to recognize that Herodias was the offspring of Aristobulus, who was the son of Herod the Great from his second marriage. At the behest of her grandfather, she entered into marriage with his other son from his third marriage, known as Herod in the writings of Josephus Flavius, while the evangelists refer to him as Philip. After the death of his father, Philip led a private life in Jerusalem. While still married to Philip and after they had a daughter named Salome, Herodias left him to marry Herod Antipas, a fourth son of Herod the Great and the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. To facilitate this new union, Herod Antipas had to annul his first marriage to the daughter of King Areta of Arabia. John the Baptist publicly condemned Herod for this act of incest, which is explicitly prohibited by the Law (Lev. 18:16; 20:21). According to Josephus Flavius, Herod imprisoned John in the fortress of Macherus, near the Dead Sea. Close to this stronghold was the city of Julia, where Herod often resided, preferring it over Tiberias, his residence in Galilee. The account of John’s beheading, which occurred during a feast, indicates that at that time, Herod was in his Perea residence. Given that Herod was greatly troubled by the reports he heard about Jesus, it is likely that during John the Baptist's imprisonment until his execution, Herod primarily stayed in Julia. Thus, it is possible that he remained unaware of Jesus until his return to Tiberias after John's death. Upon his return to Galilee, he discovered the area abuzz with discussions about a new prophet, Jesus, leading to various beliefs among the people, including the notion that Jesus was actually the resurrected John. This news deeply troubled Herod's guilty conscience."}]}
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