1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

TODAY'S STUDY includes the tragedy connectedwith John the Baptist's death. KingHerod had put away his own wife, and wasliving unlawfully with the wife of hisbrother Philip--Herodias--a vain womanapparently and without conscience, who, forambition's sake, had dared everything thatshe might occupy the place of a queen. Johnthe Baptist, a fearless teacher, in his preachinghad referred to the fact that King Herodwas living in violation of the Divine Law, and that thiswas likely also to bring upon the people a war, for hiswife whom he had put away was the daughter of KingAretas.Herodias heard of John's teaching, and was bothangry and fearful--angry that he should dare to speak soof her relationship to the King--fearful, lest the words ofthis eloquent man, which greatly moved the masses, mightalienate her from the King, or that perhaps the King himselfR5069 : page 233might come under the influence of John's searchingwords. Had Herod put her away, as would have beenhis duty, she would have been an ashamed and a disgracedwoman in the eyes of the world, for the Herods and theiraffairs were well known in Rome and elsewhere. So adenouement would have left her a pitiable spectacle, andin her pride she was ready to do murder, or anything thatwould divert such a calamity.Herod feared John and feared the people who believedJohn to be a Prophet, but Herodias feared neither God norman. However, in deference to Herodias' wish, Herodhad John arrested for his temerity. Even then Herodliked to hear John talk, though he still kept him a prisoner.All the more Herodias feared the influence of John. Shebrooded and she schemed. The King's birthday came, andshe encouraged him to make it a great day, a festival, andto ask to the banquet his principal friends. In the midstof the carousal she dressed her own daughter in the airycostume of the dancing girls of the East, and sent her into dance before the King and his friends.So great a condescension implied that the King shouldmake some return. He asked the girl what he should giveher, promising anything that she would ask, even to thehalf of his kingdom. This was exactly what the wickedmother had planned; and true to her agreement the childreturned for instructions. Herodias had gotten Herod intoher net. He had refused to kill John in spite of all herendeavors. Now, in the presence of his friends, on hisown birthday, at his own suggestion, he had obligatedhimself to do anything that might be asked. If the daughterdemurred to ask for the head of John the Baptist, themother probably told her that if John lived both of themwould probably sooner or later be outcasts; that his deathwas necessary.