Topical Bible: Hatred: Herodias

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Topical Encyclopedia

Herodias is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for her role in the events leading to the execution of John the Baptist. Her account is primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, where her actions are depicted as driven by deep-seated hatred and vengeance.

Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. However, her marriage to Herod Antipas was controversial and unlawful according to Jewish law, as she was previously married to his brother, Herod Philip. John the Baptist openly criticized this union, declaring it unlawful: "For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife'" (Mark 6:18). This public condemnation by John the Baptist incited Herodias's animosity towards him.

Herodias's hatred for John the Baptist was profound and unrelenting. She harbored a grudge against him and sought to have him killed. However, Herod Antipas, though perplexed by John, feared him and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man (Mark 6:19-20). Herodias's opportunity for revenge came during Herod's birthday celebration. Her daughter, traditionally identified as Salome, danced before Herod and his guests, pleasing him greatly. In his delight, Herod promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked, up to half his kingdom (Mark 6:22-23).

Prompted by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod, though distressed, was compelled to fulfill this request due to his oaths and the presence of his guests. Consequently, John the Baptist was beheaded in prison, and his head was brought to Salome, who then gave it to her mother, Herodias (Mark 6:24-28).

Herodias's actions exemplify the destructive power of hatred. Her vindictive spirit not only led to the death of a righteous man but also demonstrated the lengths to which she would go to silence her critics. Herodias's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of harboring hatred and the moral corruption it can engender.

In the broader biblical narrative, Herodias's hatred stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Herodias's life and actions are a reminder of the human propensity towards sin and the need for repentance and transformation through Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 14:3,8
For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Martyrdom of John
... at his side, and she had an iron will sharpened to an edge by hatred, and knew ... in
its course, now yielding to the impulse from John, now to that from Herodias. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
... Herodias followed him in his misfortunes.[1] A hundred years, at least, were ... Perhaps,
also, the terrible hatred which was concentrated on his head, drove him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvii fate of the.htm

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ...
... Himself against divorce in Per??a - the territory of Herod - they might enlist against
Him, as formerly against the Baptist, the implacable hatred of Herodias. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii on the journey.htm

The Gospel.
... Tiberius, who ordered them to be removed, and there was much hatred between the ... of
an Arabian king, and had taken in her stead, his niece Herodias, the wife of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xx the gospel.htm

Embassy from John in Prison to Jesus --Death of John --Relations ...
... he did not cease to declare to him that his marriage was unlawful, and that he ought
to send away Herodias.[1] We can easily imagine the hatred which the ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xii embassy from john.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... marries Herodias, 672, 673. Herodeion, built, i.120; burial of Herod I. at, 218.
Herodias, her hatred of the Baptist, i.658, 672; history of, 673. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... sought to break the chain of lust that bound him; but Herodias fastened him ... John
saw that the Saviour's mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

The Herald of the King
... We have seen the usurper's hatred and the divine guardianship. ... Elijah, Ahab,
and Jezebel have their doubles in John, Herod, and Herodias. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the herald of the king.htm

How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ...
... 1. But an intolerable hatred fell upon Antipater from the nation, though he had ... had
Herod, and Agrippa, and Aristobulus, his sons, with Herodias and Mariamne ...
/.../chapter 28 how antipater is.htm

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... being reproved by him [that is, by John the Baptist] for Herodias his brother's ... Owing
to the hatred which existed between Jews and Samaritans, many of the Jews ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from.htm