Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:10

"and he sent and beheaded John in the prison." — Matthew 14:10 (ASV)

Herod sent and beheaded John. By a word, a precious life was ended. How lightly tyrants think of murder! No miracle was worked for John’s deliverance. Why should there have been?

It was good for the Baptist to go to his reward, for his work was done. He was not left to pine in solitude. The man of God left his prison for Paradise by one sudden stroke of the sword.

It was a foul murder, but to the Baptist, it was a happy release. He was no longer in the power of Herod or Herodias. He received his crown in heaven, though he had lost his head on earth.

Herod is said to have “beheaded John,” for what he ordered to be done is set to his account, and in his conscience, he knew it. We ourselves do what we do by others. Men may sin by proxy, but they will be guilty in person.