Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:3-4

"For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip`s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her." — Matthew 14:3-4 (ASV)

Of course, it was not lawful for him to take his brother Philip’s wife for himself while Philip was still living, and while his own wife was also living. While he was Philip's guest at home, he became ensnared by Herodias; this guilty pair, who, besides both being already married and also too closely related by birth for lawful marriage, then returned to Galilee as if they were husband and wife.

It was bravely spoken of the Baptist when he bluntly said, “It is not lawful for thee to have her,” but the sentence cost him dearly. Herod Antipas could bear to do the deed, but he could not bear to be told that he had committed an unlawful act. John did not mince matters or leave the issue alone. What was a king to him if that king dared to trample on the law of God? He spoke out pointedly, and Herod knew that he did so. Herod laid hold of John because John’s word had laid hold of Herod.

The power of evil love is evident in the words, “for Herodias’ sake.” This fierce woman would not tolerate any rebuke of her licentiousness. She was a very Jezebel in her pride and cruelty, and Herod was like a puppet in her hands.