6:21-23
Herod was a weak man. Even people in positions of power can be weak. The devil played on Herod’s vanity. Herod was throwing a banquet to celebrate his birthday and many important people were there. The daughter of Herodias was dancing, much to Herod’s pleasure and he promised to give her whatever she asked. Herod had probably had much to drink, he was puffed up with pride, and captivated by a girl. This was a recipe for making bad decisions, and we too should take heed.
6:24-26
The daughter went to her mother to see what she should ask for. Herodias saw her opportunity and told her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herodias was a woman who nursed a grudge and was manipulative. The king was now trapped by his vanity and foolishness. He did not want to lose face in front of all these people, though he could actually have refused the request on the grounds of it being a clear injustice.
6:27-29
The king then acted quickly and John the Baptist was beheaded and his head brought on a platter. This was given to the girl, who then passed it onto the mother. I know times were different, but I cannot imagine this looking too good in front of all the guests! John’s disciples heard about this and came to take his body away to bury it in a tomb.
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