In Mark 6, Herodias plots and schemes to put John the Baptist to death. She is unhappy with John because he criticized her marriage to Herod. Herodias was originally married to Herod’s brother Philip, but Herod took Herodias as his own wife (6:17). This violated Leviticus 18:16 and John confronted Herod about it (6:18). Herodias wasn’t receptive to the correction.
Herodias wanted to put John to death, but Herod did not. He tried to reach a compromise by putting John in jail (6:17, 20). This satisfied Herod, but it didn’t satisfy Herodias. She will go on to use trickery to get what she wants.
Herodias’ daughter (now Herod’s step-daughter) danced before Herod and all of his nobles and military men at his birthday banquet. Herod was so impressed with her that he offered her anything she wanted: “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you, up to half my kingdom” (6:22-23). This was a rash vow that Herod will end up regretting. Herodias takes advantage of the opportunity and instructs her daughter to ask for John to be beheaded (6:24). (more…)
