Matthew 14:6

"When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet."

Key Reflection

This verse highlights Herod's dilemma; though tempted to execute John the Baptist due to his reputation and miracles, Herod was constrained by popular opinion. The people revered John as a prophet, making any harm against him risky politically and socially.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 6-13. See also Mr 6:21-29. But when Herod's birthday was kept. Kings were accustomed to observe the day of their birth with much pomp, and commonly also by giving a feast to their principal nobility. See Ge 40:20. Mark adds, that this birthday was kept by making a supper to his "lords, high captains, and chief estates in Galilee." That is, to the chief men in office. High captains means, in the original, commanders of thousands, or of a division of a thousand men. The daughter of Herodias. That is, Salome, her daughter by her former husband. This was a violation of all the rules of modesty and propriety.

Related Verses

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