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The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given,
Verse Takeaways
1
Fear of Man Over Fear of God
Commentators highlight that Herod's primary motivation was not his oath, but his fear of losing face before his dinner guests. He was more afraid of being ridiculed by wicked men than of disobeying God's clear command not to murder. This serves as a powerful warning against allowing peer pressure and the desire for social honor to lead us into sin.
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Matthew
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
And the king was sorry. There might have been several reasons for this:
Grieved (λυπηθεις). Not to hurt, for in verse 5 we read that he wanted (θελων) to put him to death (αποκτεινα). Herod, however, sh…
19th Century
Anglican
The king was sorry—it was the last struggle of his conscience. In that moment, his past reverence for the prophet must have come t…
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Baptist
A fine sorrow! A crocodile is said to shed tears over those it snaps in two. “The King” was afraid of the consequences. Poor king! He may have felt…
Though grieving because of his oath and his loss of face before his guests if he were to renege on his vow, Herod gave the order. Decapitation was …
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And the king was sorry As he might be upon many accounts; partly on account of John, whom, notwithstanding his freedom in repr…
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The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment …
13th Century
Catholic
Above, the Lord showed the power of the Gospel teaching by way of some parables; here, He shows its power by deeds. And He does three things:
