Topical Bible: Reproof: Despised by Herodias

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In the biblical narrative, reproof is often depicted as a necessary and righteous act, intended to correct and guide individuals back to the path of righteousness. However, not all recipients of reproof respond with humility or repentance. A notable example of reproof being despised is found in the account of Herodias, as recorded in the Gospels.

Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herodias had previously been married to Herod's brother, Philip, making her marriage to Herod both unlawful and scandalous according to Jewish law. John the Baptist, a prophet known for his boldness and commitment to truth, publicly reproved Herod for this unlawful union. In the Berean Standard Bible, Mark 6:18 states, "For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.'"

Herodias's reaction to John's reproof was one of anger and resentment. Rather than acknowledging the truth of John's words and repenting, Herodias harbored a grudge against him. Her disdain for reproof is further illustrated in Mark 6:19-20 : "So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man."

Herodias's animosity towards John the Baptist culminated in a plot to have him executed. During a banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod, prompting him to offer her anything she desired. Coached by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod, though distressed, complied with the request due to his oath and the presence of his guests. This tragic outcome is recorded in Mark 6:24-28 : "Prompted by her mother, she said, 'I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.' The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother."

Herodias's response to reproof serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the refusal to accept correction. Her actions not only led to the unjust death of a righteous man but also demonstrated a hardened heart resistant to the truth. Herodias's despising of reproof stands in stark contrast to the biblical exhortation to embrace correction as a means of growth and alignment with God's will.

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Mark 6:18,19
For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.
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Library

John's Rebuke of Herod.
... It is written, "Herod being reproved by John for Herodias.". ... of his, and say, "Well
done." His reproof comes out ... to be nothing, to be forgotten, despised, so as ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xxi johns rebuke of herod.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Herodias, aggravated sin of, [785]299. ... lies in severity, [1136]109; of both Covenants,
[1137]109; preferred to sacrifice, [1138]200; God's, a reproof to ours ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Herodias, chief author of John's murder, [841]409; the procuress, yea the murderess,
of her daughter, [842]410; her guilt and Herod's known to all time and ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm