Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:5

"And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet." — Matthew 14:5 (ASV)

Neither he nor his illicit lover could bear such direct criticism, and so he would have silenced the rebuking tongue forever if he had not been restrained by a healthy fear of the people. Herod was already a murderer in his heart, but fear restrained his cruel hand. The people highly esteemed John as a servant of God, and the tyrant dared not incur the wrath of the multitude.

What slaves to fear evil rulers can become! It is good that they are, for in this way a temporary restraint is put on their tyranny. Sadly, it is not often a restraint for long, for they soon break free again and, for the sake of a favorite, risk the anger of the nation.