Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus. 2 And said unto his servants this is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore, mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
Because Herod is also superstitious, he goes about his daily routine always being afraid that the ghost of John may come back to haunt his house and thus, from that day forward, he and his wife are never going to enjoy that tranquility that comes with a clear conscience…. [The Desire of Ages pp 222>223] In the recklessness of the moment, he desired to make some display that would exalt him before the great men of his realm. Salome hastened to her mother to know what she should ask.
The answer was ready, the head of John the Baptist. Salome knew not of the thirst for revenge in her mother’s heart. And, she shrank from presenting the request, but the determination of Herodias prevailed. The girl returned with the terrible petition, “I will that thou forthwith give me in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” Herod was astonished and confounded. The riotous mirth ceased, and an ominous silence settled down upon the scene of revelry.
The king was horror-stricken at the thought of taking the life of John. Yet his word was pledged, and he was unwilling to appear fickle or rash. She exulted in her revenge, and flattered herself that Herod’s conscience would no longer be troubled. But no happiness resulted to her from her sin. Her name became notorious and abhorred, while Herod was more tormented by remorse than he had been by the warnings of the prophet.
Luke 13:31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. 32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!