Matthew 14:6-12 6But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst and pleased Herod, 7so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8But having been instructed by her mother, she said, “Here upon a platter give me the head of John the Baptist.” 9And being distressed on account of his oaths and his guests, the king commanded it to be given, 10and after sending, he had John beheaded in the prison. 11And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12And after his disciples came, they took the body and buried it, and after going, they told Jesus.
These verses give more historical background to how Herod gave into peer pressure to remove John from his conscience. Birthday parties for average people were not common, especially in Israel, but Herod felt self-important and threw a party in his own honor. The story of how John was executed is a sad display of selfish ambition to gain political power and influence.
The dancing of the young woman was likely seductive in nature and pleased Herod and those gathered in his celebration. Herod made a foolish oath to Herodias’ daughter. The story hints that the dancing was done on purpose as a ploy to convince Herod to get ride of John. Not only was Herod’s conscience at stake here but also Herodias’. The daughter seems to be only an instrument but also danced in a way to draw attention to herself.
Verse 9 gives further evidence of the weight of guilt upon Herod’s conscience. He gave in to the peer pressure of those around him by commanding John to be executed. The order was carried out immediately. The scene turns gruesome with the head of John being brought on a platter as if it was a prize to show to all. Herodias is the villain in the story. Although it seems that Herod is the one in power and gives the command for John’s beheading, Herodias and her daughter hold power over Herod.
The whole story centers on the question of a weak conscience manipulated by fleshly desires and fear. Herod had many opportunities to change his ways because of the preaching of John. Now, he had another opportunity through the ministry of Jesus. The message of the gospel reached both the religious and political powers of the day. Everyone who heard about Jesus had to make a choice of whether to accept him or not. Herod, Herodias, and her daughter all follow the path of rejection. The only ones in the story who make any positive steps towards Jesus are John’s disciples.
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