Matthew 14:9
The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted
The king was grieved
The Greek word for "grieved" here is "λυπέω" (lypeō), which conveys a deep sense of sorrow or distress. This word choice highlights the internal conflict Herod faced. Despite his position of power, he was not immune to the pangs of conscience. Historically, Herod Antipas was known for his moral weaknesses and political maneuvering, yet this moment reveals a rare glimpse of his humanity and the weight of his decisions. This phrase reminds us that even those in authority are subject to the moral law written on their hearts, as described in Romans 2:15.

but because of his oaths
The term "oaths" in Greek is "ὅρκος" (horkos), which refers to a solemn promise or vow. In the ancient world, oaths were considered binding and sacred, often invoking divine witness. Herod's adherence to his oath, despite his personal grief, underscores the cultural and religious importance of keeping one's word. This reflects the biblical principle found in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, which warns against making vows lightly and emphasizes the importance of fulfilling them.

and his guests
The presence of "guests" adds a layer of social pressure to Herod's decision. The Greek word "συμποσία" (symposia) refers to a gathering or banquet, often involving influential figures. In the context of Herod's court, these guests likely included dignitaries and officials whose opinions mattered greatly. This phrase highlights the human tendency to prioritize reputation and social standing over moral integrity, a theme echoed in Proverbs 29:25, which warns of the snare of fearing man over God.

he ordered that her wish be granted
The phrase "he ordered" comes from the Greek "κελεύω" (keleuō), meaning to command or give an authoritative directive. Herod's decision to grant the wish, despite his personal grief, illustrates the tragic consequences of prioritizing human oaths and social expectations over divine commandments. This moment serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's values for the sake of appearances or promises made under duress. It echoes the biblical call to seek God's wisdom and guidance in decision-making, as found in James 1:5.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Herod Antipas
The ruler of Galilee and Perea, known for his moral weaknesses and political maneuvering. He is the central figure in this passage, struggling between his conscience and his public image.

2. Herodias
The wife of Herod Antipas, previously married to his brother Philip. Herodias harbored a grudge against John the Baptist for condemning her marriage to Herod as unlawful.

3. Salome
The daughter of Herodias, who danced for Herod and his guests, leading to Herod's rash promise.

4. John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Jesus, known for his boldness in speaking the truth. He was imprisoned and eventually executed due to Herodias' manipulation.

5. The Banquet
A lavish event hosted by Herod, attended by high-ranking officials and guests, setting the stage for the tragic decision.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Rash Promises
Herod's account illustrates the peril of making impulsive commitments. As believers, we should be cautious with our words and promises, ensuring they align with God's will.

The Influence of Peer Pressure
Herod's decision was heavily influenced by the presence of his guests. This serves as a reminder to prioritize God's approval over human opinion, even in challenging situations.

The Cost of Compromise
Herod's compromise led to the death of a righteous man. Compromising our values for the sake of convenience or reputation can have dire consequences.

The Power of Manipulation
Herodias' manipulation of Herod through her daughter highlights the destructive power of deceit and manipulation. We must guard our hearts and seek wisdom to discern truth from manipulation.

Standing for Righteousness
John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to truth, even at the cost of his life, challenges us to stand firm in our convictions, trusting God with the outcomes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Herod's decision-making process reflect the dangers of valuing human opinion over God's truth? Can you identify a situation in your life where you faced a similar challenge?

2. In what ways can we guard against making rash promises, and how can we ensure our commitments align with God's will?

3. How does the account of Herod and John the Baptist illustrate the consequences of compromise? What are some areas in your life where you might be tempted to compromise your values?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced peer pressure. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can help you stand firm in similar situations in the future?

5. How can we cultivate the courage to stand for righteousness like John the Baptist, even when it may lead to personal loss or persecution? What scriptures can encourage us in this pursuit?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Mark 6:14-29
Provides a parallel account of the events leading to John the Baptist's execution, offering additional details about Herod's internal conflict and the influence of Herodias.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the importance of integrity in making oaths, highlighting the dangers of rash promises, as seen in Herod's situation.

Proverbs 29:25
Discusses the fear of man as a snare, which is evident in Herod's decision-making process, prioritizing his reputation over righteousness.
Vain RegretsR. Tuck Matthew 14:9
A ChargerJ. MorisonMatthew 14:1-11
A Court PreacherE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Blundering WickednessW. V. Kelley.Matthew 14:1-11
Bold in ReproofGurnall.Matthew 14:1-11
Compromising Court PreachersE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience a PreacherH. B. Hooker, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience a TormentorBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience and the Moral LawT. Sherlock, D.D.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience in Defiance of Sceptical DecrialDr. Thomas.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience-FearsH. R. Haweis.Matthew 14:1-11
ContrastVernon W. Hutting, B. A.Matthew 14:1-11
DancingBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Dislike of Faithful RebukeMatthew 14:1-11
Faithful PrelatesJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Fidelity Often ProvokesM. Henry.Matthew 14:1-11
Head in a ChargerMatthew 14:1-11
Herod a HypocriteBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod, a Man Governed by FearJ. P. Norris.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod; Or, the Power of ConscienceT. Kelly.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's BirthdayJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Marriage with HerodiasMatthew 14:1-11
Herod's OathJ. Morison, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Sorrow At Death of the BaptistJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Influence of BallsS. S. Teacher's JournalMatthew 14:1-11
Known by Our PleasuresBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Like Mother, Like DaughterJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Martyrdom of John BaptistS. W. Skeffington, M. A.Matthew 14:1-11
Monarchs Subject to LawJ. Morison.Matthew 14:1-11
Need of Ministerial FaithfulnessH. Smith.Matthew 14:1-11
Reproving the RichD. Thomas, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Salome's Death RetributiveDean Plumptre.Matthew 14:1-11
The Church Built and Enlarged by Humble But Heroic Fidelity to TruthE. Bersier, D. DMatthew 14:1-11
The Dead Prophet Yet AliveW. V. Kelley.Matthew 14:1-11
The Last Struggle of ConscienceDean Plumptre.Matthew 14:1-11
The Rewards and Punishment of Religion are in the Present as Well as in the FutureT. Sherlock, D.D.Matthew 14:1-11
The Terrors of ConscienceF. Atterbury.Matthew 14:1-11
Troubled ConscienceBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Wounds of ConscienceF. Atterbury.Matthew 14:1-11
John's DeathMarcus Dods Matthew 14:1-12
The Morals of a TragedyJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 14:1-12
The Ruin of Reckless RashnessP.C. Barker Matthew 14:1, 2, 3-5, 6-12
The Murder of John the BaptistW.F. Adeney Matthew 14:3-12
People
Herod, Herodias, Jesus, John, Peter, Philip
Places
Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Account, Although, Commanded, Deeply, Dinner, Granted, Grieved, Guests, Lying, Meat, Nevertheless, Oath, Oaths, Oath's, Order, Ordered, Reclining, Repeated, Request, Sad, Sake, Sat, Sorry, Table, Vexed, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 14:9

     5559   stress
     5579   tetrarch
     5699   guests

Matthew 14:1-11

     5468   promises, human

Matthew 14:1-12

     5098   John the Baptist

Matthew 14:2-12

     8450   martyrdom

Matthew 14:3-11

     5714   men

Matthew 14:3-12

     8828   spite

Matthew 14:6-10

     5925   rashness

Matthew 14:6-11

     4476   meals
     5803   carelessness

Matthew 14:8-11

     5157   head
     9021   death, natural

Matthew 14:9-10

     5485   punishment, legal aspects
     7346   death penalty
     8405   commands, in NT

Matthew 14:9-13

     5921   privacy

Library
July 23. "Bring them Hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18).
"Bring them hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18). Why have ye not received all the fulness of the Holy Spirit? And how may we be anointed with "the rest of the oil?" The greatest need is to make room when God makes it. Look around you at your situation. Are you not encompassed with needs at this very moment, and almost overwhelmed with difficulties, trials and emergencies? These are all divinely provided vessels for the Holy Spirit to fill, and if you would but rightly understand their meaning, they would
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus
'And John's disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.'--MATT. xiv. 12. 'And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy.'--MATT. xxviii. 8. There is a remarkable parallel and still more remarkable contrast between these two groups of disciples at the graves of their respective masters. John the Baptist's followers venture into the very jaws of the lion to rescue the headless corpse of their martyred teacher from a prison grave. They bear it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Peter on the Waves
'And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.'--MATT. xiv. 28. We owe this account of an episode in the miracle of Christ's walking on the waters to Matthew alone. Singularly enough there is no reference to Peter's venturesomeness and failure in the Gospel which is generally believed to have been written under his special inspection and suggestion. Mark passes by that part of the narrative without a word. That may be because Peter was somewhat ashamed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Martyrdom of John
'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2. And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 3. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. 4. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Food of the World
'He gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20. And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.'--MATT. xiv. 19, 20. The miracles of Scripture are not merely wonders, but signs. It is one of their most striking characteristics that they are not, like the pretended portents of false faiths, mere mighty deeds standing in no sort of intellectual relation to the message of which they claim to be the attestation,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King's Highway
'And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw Him walking
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Again on Matt. xiv. 25: of the Lord Walking on the Waves of the Sea, and of Peter Tottering.
1. The Gospel which has just been read touching the Lord Christ, who walked on the waters of the sea; [2566] and the Apostle Peter, who as he was walking, tottered through fear, and sinking in distrust, rose again by confession, gives us to understand that the sea is the present world, and the Apostle Peter the type of the One Church. For Peter in the order of Apostles first, and in the love of Christ most forward, answers oftentimes alone for all the rest. Again, when the Lord Jesus Christ asked,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now in the Midst of the Sea, Distressed by the Waves. "
1. The lesson of the Gospel which we have just heard is a lesson of humility to us all, that we may see and know where we are, and whither we must tend and hasten. For that ship which carries the disciples, which was tossed in the waves by a contrary wind, is not without its meaning. Nor without a meaning [2541] did the Lord after He had left the multitudes, go up into a mountain to pray alone; and then coming to His disciples found them in danger, walking on the sea, and getting up into the ship
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Mr. Fearing Comforted
I think I shall be quite safe in concluding this morning, that there are some here who are full of doubting and fearing. Sure I am that all true Christians have their times of anxious questioning. The heart that hath never doubted has not yet learned to believe. As the farmers say, "The land that will not grow a thistle, will not grow wheat;" and the heart that cannot produce a doubt has not yet understood the meaning of believing. He that never doubted of his state--he may, perhaps he may, too late.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision A. Return of the Twelve and Retirement To the East Shore of Galilee. ^A Matt. XIV. 13; ^B Mark VI. 30-32; ^C Luke IX. 10; ^D John VI. 1. ^b 30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; ^c when they were returned, ^b and they told { ^c declared unto} ^b him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. [They had fulfilled the mission on which Jesus had sent them, and on returning each pair made to him a full report of their work.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
^A Matt. XIV. 1-12; ^B Mark VI. 14-29; ^C Luke IX. 7-9. ^b 14 And ^c 7 Now ^a 1 At that season ^b King Herod [Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. See page 63.] ^c the tetrarch heard of all that was done ^a heard the report concerning Jesus, ^b for his name had become known: ^c and he was perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; 8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. [The work of Jesus impressed
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision B. Feeding the Five Thousand. ^A Matt. XIV. 13-21; ^B Mark VI. 33-44; ^C Luke IX. 11-17; ^D John VI. 2-14. ^c 11 But { ^a and} the multitudes heard thereof [heard of Jesus and his disciples crossing the lake], ^b 33 And they saw them going, and ^c perceiving it, ^b many knew them, ^d 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. ^b and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. ^a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand
In the circumstances described in the previous chapter, Jesus resolved at once to leave Capernaum; and this probably alike for the sake of His disciples, who needed rest; for that of the people, who might have attempted a rising after the murder of the Baptist; and temporarily to withdraw Himself and His followers from the power of Herod. For this purpose He chose the place outside the dominions of Antipas, nearest to Capernaum. This was Beth-Saida (the house of fishing,' Fisher-town,' [3198] as
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Preachings on the Lake.
Such was the group which, on the borders of the lake of Tiberias, gathered around Jesus. The aristocracy was represented there by a customs-officer and by the wife of one of Herod's stewards. The rest were fishermen and common people. Their ignorance was extreme; their intelligence was feeble; they believed in apparitions and spirits.[1] Not one element of Greek culture had penetrated this first assembly of the saints. They had very little Jewish instruction; but heart and good-will overflowed. The
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Be of Good Cheer.
"BE of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew xiv:27). "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in Me. In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John xiv:1-3). "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Rationalistic Explanation.
PAULUS. But the champions of this theory may admit all this, and yet fasten the delusion upon the disciples of Christ, who were so dazzled by his character, words, and works, that they mistook an extraordinary man for a divine being, and extraordinary medical cures for supernatural miracles. This is the view of the older German Rationalism.[75]75 It forms a parallel to the heathen rationalism of Euhemerus, of the Cyrenaic school: he explained the gods of the Greek mythology as human sages, heroes,
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Capernaum
From the things last spoken, we gather no trifling conjecture concerning the situation of the town of Capernaum. Josephus relates that the country of Gennesar, which we have described, was watered "with a spring of excellent water; the people thereabouts call it Capernaum." From that either the city hath its name, or rather that hath its name from the city; and the city from the pleasantness of the place. The evangelists, compared together, do make it clear, that this city was seated in the land
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Grave of John, and Another Grave
(MATTHEW XIV. 12.) "When some beloved voice, that was to you Both sound and sweetness, faileth suddenly, And silence, against which you dare not cry, Aches round you like a strong disease and new,-- What hope, what help, what music will undo That silence to your sense? Not friendship's sigh, Not reason's subtle count.... Nay, none of these! Speak, Thou availing Christ!--and fill this pause." E. B. BROWNING. "Tell Jesus"--The Sin-Bearer--The Resurrection of Jesus--The Followers of John, and of
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

The Confidence of Prayer. --Matt. xiv. 22
The Confidence of Prayer.--Matt. xiv. 22. Why thus, my soul, cast down? And why disquieted? Black though the tempest frown, The surge pass o'er thy head; Wait the fourth watch;--for One who saves Comes to thee, walking on the waves. Lord! Lord! if it be Thou, Bid me come down to Thee; Jesus! I know Thee now, And walk upon the sea; Faith fails; ah me! the gulf runs high, Save, Lord, I sink! O save, I die! I grasp thy outstretch'd hand; We climb the vessel's side; And lo! we touch the land, The
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
Who are they that compose yonder bright multitude? They are headed by a queen who does not wear a virgin's crown; and yet, she is so beautiful, and enjoys so intimate a union with Jesus. Who is she? She is Mary Magdalen, the bright queen of Penitents, and the star of hope to all who have grievously sinned in this world. She was once a sinner, and such a sinner! Her soul was the home of seven devils! She was a hireling of Satan, to catch the souls of men. But a flash of light came forth from the Heart
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dancing.
DANCING is the expression of inward feelings by means of rhythmical movements of the body. Usually these movements are in measured step, and are accompanied by music. In some form or another dancing is as old as the world, and has been practiced by rude as well as by civilized peoples. The passion for amateur dancing always has been strongest among savage nations, who have made equal use of it in religious rites and in war. With the savages the dancers work themselves into a perfect frenzy, into
J. M. Judy—Questionable Amusements and Worthy Substitutes

The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem,
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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