(7) Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; (8) And of some, that Elias had appeared: and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. (9) And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this of whom I hear such things? and he desired to see him.
We have noticed this man before, Matthew 14:1, and Mark 6:14. Were it not for his connection with scripture history, how little would his name have been known in the present hour: but how little to be regarded now, but for the instruction his awful character holds forth? Oh how plain is it that purple and fine linen, and faring sumptuously every day, have nothing to do to make up happiness! A guilty conscience, and the fear of death, are enough to throw down all the props of such outside splendor.