17 For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias , the wife of his brother Philip , because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod , " It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife ." 19 Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; 20 for Herod was afraid of John , knowing that he was a righteous and holy man , and he kept him safe . And when he heard him, he was very perplexed ; but he used to enjoy listening to him. 21 A strategic day came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his lords and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee ; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced , she pleased Herod and his dinner guests ; and the king said to the girl , "Ask me for whatever e you want and I will give it to you." 23 And he swore to her, "Whatever e you ask of me, I will give it to you; up to half of my kingdom ." 24 And she went out and said to her mother , "What shall I ask for?" And she said , "The head of John the Baptist ." 25 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked , saying , "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter ." 26 And although the king was very sorry , yet because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests , he was unwilling e to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head . And he went and had him beheaded in the prison , 28 and brought his head on a platter , and gave it to the girl ; and the girl gave it to her mother .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 6:17-28
Commentary on Mark 6:14-29
(Read Mark 6:14-29)
Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is better that sinners persecute ministers now for faithfulness, than curse them eternally for unfaithfulness. The ways of God are unsearchable; but we may be sure he never can be at a loss to repay his servants for what they endure or lose for his sake. Death could not come so as to surprise this holy man; and the triumph of the wicked was short.