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The Marriages of Herodias

NOTE: Make certain that you read Murder During a Birthday Party at the end! Great Images!

Herodias is a biblical figure marked by controversy and a quest for power. Her story unfolds within the complexities of the Herodian dynasty, a political landscape where marriage alliances often intermingled with ambition. Herodias was first married to Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great, by whom she bore Salome. According to the historical account by Josephus, she left Philip to marry Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea and another son of Herod the Great. The Scriptures corroborate this account in Mark 6:17, stating that Herodias left her husband and was married to Herod Antipas. The Gospels do not shy away from the familial entanglement and moral implications of her actions. Her marriage to Antipas was not just a political maneuver but also an act that contravened Jewish law, as it was unlawful for a woman to marry her husband’s brother while her husband was still alive (Leviticus 18:16, 20:21).

John the Baptist’s Rebuke

Herodias’ second marriage caught the attention of John the Baptist, who publicly reprimanded Herod Antipas, as described in Luke 3:19. John’s bold proclamation, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18), is an assertion rooted in the Mosaic Law. It highlights the prophetic role of holding leaders accountable to God’s standards, regardless of their political power or social standing. John’s condemnation stems from the law’s stipulation against such unions, and it echoes the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to power, even at great personal risk.

Herodias’ Machinations

Herodias’ influence over Herod Antipas was profound, as seen in her daughter Salome’s dance and her subsequent request for John the Baptist’s head on a platter in 32 C.E. (Matthew 14:6-11). This gruesome event illustrates Herodias’ manipulation of her husband and her vindictive nature as she sought to silence the prophet who dared to challenge her. Her actions demonstrate the extent to which personal vengeance can override public justice and the moral order.

Later Life and Banishment

Herodias’ life trajectory points toward an unrelenting ambition. As her brother, Herod Agrippa I, ascended to kingship, Herodias pushed Antipas to seek similar honors, resulting in their eventual downfall and exile. This part of her life story, as detailed by Josephus, serves as a sobering reminder of the perils of hubris and the relentless pursuit of status at the expense of righteousness.

Biblical Chronology and Legacy

The historical footprint of Herodias within the biblical narrative is intrinsically linked to the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. Her decisions and their repercussions unfolded during the first century C.E., at a time when the political and religious spheres were deeply interconnected. Herodias stands as a complex figure whose legacy is entwined with the dynamics of power and the prophetic voice calling for adherence to divine law.

Scriptural Reflections

While the Bible does not dedicate extensive passages to Herodias, her presence in the text serves as a catalyst for broader theological reflections. She becomes a narrative tool to explore themes of lawful conduct (Romans 13:1-7), justice (Micah 6:8), the consequences of sin (Galatians 6:7-8), and the courage to uphold God’s commandments (Joshua 1:9). The biblical account is an admonition that all actions are seen before God and will be judged accordingly (Hebrews 4:13). Her story, though ancient, still prompts critical questions about ethics, leadership, and the cost of discipleship in the contemporary Christian walk.

The Account of Herodias: Historical Corroboration from Josephus

Herodian Marriages and Political Intrigue

The account of Herodias within the historical context is critical to understanding her role and the events that led to John the Baptist’s execution. Josephus provides a detailed backdrop that aligns with the biblical account, reinforcing its historical veracity. Herodias, granddaughter of Herod the Great, was initially married to Herod Philip, her uncle, with whom she had a daughter, Salome.

“Herodias’ Unconventional Choice“

Josephus speaks to Herodias’ deviation from traditional practices, noting, “They had a daughter named Salome, after whose birth Herodias, taking it into her head to flout the way of our fathers, married Herod, her husband’s brother by the same father, who was tetrarch of Galilee [i.e., Herod Antipas]; to do this she parted from a living husband.” (Jewish Antiquities 18.136–137). This union caused a scandal, as it was a stark departure from Jewish customs and potentially the Mosaic Law.

Herodias, Wife of Herod Philip and Herod Antipas – Head of John the Baptist

John the Baptist’s Martyrdom and Divine Judgment

The circumstances surrounding John the Baptist’s martyrdom are intricately tied to Herodias’ actions. Josephus notes that Herod’s defeat in the conflict with Aretas was seen as divine retribution: “But to some of the Jews the destruction of Herod’s army seemed to be divine vengeance, and certainly a just vengeance, for his treatment of John, surnamed the Baptist. For Herod had put him to death, though he was a good man.” (Jewish Antiquities 18.116–117). This sentiment echoes the sentiments found in the Gospels regarding Herodias’ role in John’s death.

The image shows an ancient floor mosaic that depicts a scene of a drinking contest between Greek gods. The artwork is detailed and made up of small, colored tesserae to create the overall image. The figures are illustrated in motion, presumably engaged in the competition, and the mosaic appears to be quite elaborate, suggesting it was a feature in a home of wealth and status. The presence of Greek mythological themes indicates the influence of Hellenistic culture, which was widespread in various regions, including those under Herodian rule. Such mosaics were common in the Roman Empire and reflected the owners’ wealth and appreciation for Greek art and mythology. This particular mosaic, due to its location in Sepphoris, also highlights the blending of different cultural elements during the period when Herodias would have resided there.

Herodias’ Legacy and the Scriptural Echo

The evidence provided by Josephus not only establishes Herodias’ historical footprint but also serves as a testament to the accuracy of the Gospel writers. Her actions catalyzed a series of events that have theological significance, and her life’s story is preserved in both sacred scripture and historical records. Through Josephus’ writings, the complex web of Herodian family relations and the consequential outcomes of their decisions are laid bare, providing a broader understanding of the cultural and historical landscape of the time.

The Confluence of Scripture and History

Josephus’ accounts validate several key biblical details about Herodias. She was indeed first married to Herod Philip before scandalously leaving him for Herod Antipas. This illicit marriage, as per Josephus, was controversial both socially and theologically, linking directly to John the Baptist’s fate. Through Josephus, we see that Herodias was a pivotal figure whose personal choices had far-reaching impacts, influencing not only the political dynamics of her time but also the spiritual legacy within the Christian narrative.

Herodias, Wife of Herod Philip and Herod Antipas

A Royal Feast and a Prophet’s Fate: The Murder of John the Baptist

The Event at Herod’s Court

The ghastly beheading of John the Baptist, chronicled in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9), is not merely a tale of political intrigue but a narrative steeped in moral failure and divine justice. Herod Antipas’s birthday feast serves as the backdrop for a decision that reveals the peril of moral compromise and the consequences of yielding to sin.

Herod’s Unlawful Marriage

Herod Antipas’s marriage to Herodias, who was both his brother’s wife and his niece, was a clear transgression of the Law, as John the Baptist boldly proclaimed. John, embodying the role of a prophet, held Herod accountable to the standards set by the Torah. The Law of Moses explicitly prohibits such a union (Leviticus 18:16, 20:21), and John’s condemnation was not mere opinion but divine ordinance.

The Culmination at the Banquet

The birthday celebration, an occasion marked by revelry and excess, becomes the stage for a grimmer event. Salome’s dance and Herod’s subsequent oath illustrate how fleeting pleasure can lead to lasting shame. Herodias seizes the moment, manipulating her daughter to request the head of John the Baptist—her own personal vendetta becoming a public spectacle of vengeance.

Herod’s Moral Dilemma

Faced with the choice between public honor and private conscience, Herod capitulates to the former. His distress at the request shows an awareness of John’s righteousness and prophetic status (Matthew 14:5). Yet, Herod’s fear of man over God leads to a fateful decision. His oath, sworn before his dignitaries, traps him in his own words, highlighting the danger of vows made rashly (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-6).

The Aftermath of the Beheading

The execution of John the Baptist is carried out swiftly, with a grim token presented at the banquet. Herodias’s vengeance is complete, yet the event does not conclude without notice. John’s disciples, demonstrating loyalty and respect for their teacher, ensure his body receives a proper burial, thus fulfilling the duties of piety.

Herod’s Haunted Conscience

Following the murder, Herod hears of Jesus’s miraculous works and fears that John has been resurrected. This paranoia reflects a conscience troubled by guilt and the fear that divine judgment is at hand. Herod’s desire to see Jesus stems not from a longing for truth but from an unsettling dread of the past (Luke 9:9).

Biblical and Historical Context

According to the biblical chronology, this macabre event takes place shortly before the Passover of 32 C.E. It intersects with the broader narrative of Jesus’s ministry, presenting a stark contrast between the worldly kingdom of Herod and the spiritual Kingdom of God proclaimed by John and Jesus.

Scriptural Reflections

John the Baptist’s fate, while tragic, is emblematic of the cost of discipleship and the steadfast commitment to God’s commandments. His integrity in the face of opposition stands as a testament to his role as the forerunner of Christ (John 1:23). The account serves as an eternal reminder of the transience of earthly power and the enduring nature of truth as embodied in the Gospel.

Murder During a Birthday Party

John the Baptist in Prison: “While the apostles continued their ministry, John the Baptist remained in solitude, imprisoned for his outspoken beliefs. His conviction, shining even in the dim light of his cell, stood as a testament to his unwavering faith.”

John the Baptist in a dimly lit, ancient prison cell

The Birthday Party: “In stark contrast, Herod’s opulent birthday celebration unfolded, a spectacle of excess and adulation. Amidst the revelry, Salome’s dance captivated all, setting the stage for a fateful request.”

Grand birthday party with Salome’s mesmerizing dance

The Gruesome Request: “Caught in the moment’s fervor, Herod promised Salome anything, not foreseeing her chilling demand inspired by Herodias’ vengeance: the head of John the Baptist.”

Tense moment between Salome and Herod as she whispers her request

The Aftermath: “The grim deed done, John’s disciples mournfully reclaimed his body, a solemn procession under the setting sun, their grief a silent echo of the injustice inflicted.”

Somber scene of John’s disciples carrying his body to its final resting place

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).