Matthew 14:3-7 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For Herod had laid hold on John Had formerly seized him; and put him in prison for Herodias's sake On account of the reproof which John gave him for marrying Herodias, his brother Philip's wife Who was still living. For John said to him Probably in some private conference he had with him, It is not lawful for thee to have her Indeed it was not lawful for either of them to have her. For her father, Aristobulus, was their own brother. John's words were rough, like his raiment. He would not break the force of truth by using soft words even to a king. And when he would have put him to death In a fit of passion; he feared the multitude He knew his abuse of his power had already rendered him odious to the people, and as their resentments were much excited already, he was afraid if he should proceed to put a prophet to death, they would break out into a flame which he could not quench. He was then restrained by fear of the multitude; and afterward by the reverence he had for John, Mark 6:19, &c. But when Herod's birthday was kept Some think, that by γενεσια, here rendered birthday, the day of Herod's accession to his tetrarchy is meant: and the word may perhaps be sometimes used with this latitude; but, unless where there is positive evidence that it has that meaning, the safer way is to prefer the customary interpretation. The daughter of Herodias Whose name was Salome, and who was afterward infamous for a life suitable to this beginning, danced before them Doubtless in consequence of a previous plan laid by her mother. For “in ancient times, it was so far from being the custom for ladies of distinction to dance in public, that it was reckoned indecent if they were so much as present at public entertainments. Queen Vashti thought it so dishonourable, that, rather than submit to it, even when commanded by King Ahasuerus, she forfeited her crown. Esther 1:12. It may, therefore, be believed, that this dancing of Herodias's daughter in such a large company of men, at a public entertainment, was a very extraordinary circumstance, and must have been brought about by some contrivance of her mother.” And pleased Herod And also his guests, Mark 6:22, whereupon, being delighted with her dancing and heated with wine, he promised with an oath Profanely and foolishly sware unto her, and that, it seems, more than once, both the evangelists using the plural, ορκους, oaths, (see Matthew 14:9, and Mark 6:26;) to give her whatsoever she would ask, even to the half of his kingdom, Mark 6:23. “Thus profusely would he reward a worthless dance; while a prison and death were the recompense of the man of God who honestly sought the salvation of his soul?” Scott.