so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
We have here the story of John's martyrdom. Observe, I. The occasion of relating this story here, Mat 14:1, Mat 14:2. Here is, 1. The account brought to Herod of the miracles which Christ wrought. Herod the tetrarch or chief governor of Galilee heard of the fame of Jesus.
Commenting on Matthew 14:1-12
Whereupon he promised with an oath,.... On account of her fine dancing, and being extremely pleased with it himself; and the more, that it gave such pleasure to the whole court: he first promised her, to give her whatsoever she would ask; and then repeating it, he confirmed it with an oath; adding, as Mark says, that he would give it her, even "to the...
Verse 7. He promised with an oath. This was a foolish and wicked oath. To please a wanton girl, the monarch called the eternal God to witness his willingness to give her half his kingdom. It seems also that he was willing to shed the holiest blood it contained. An oath like this it was not lawful to make, and it should have been broken. See .