Empathy for the Wicked – Herodias

Introduction: Understanding Biblical Villains

At Founded in Truth, we’re a community that seeks deeper understanding, not just a superficial fellowship. As part of our series, “Empathy for the Wicked,” we’re looking into the lives of biblical figures often labeled as villains, wicked, or sinners. While the Bible presents them in this light, our aim is to explore the reasons behind their actions. By studying these characters, we can gain valuable insights into the human condition and avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives. We should not simply dismiss them but examine their stories to learn what the biblical authors intended to teach us. Every biblical villain was once a human being, a child, and in many ways, similar to us. Understanding their journey into evil might reveal the very things that could cause us to stumble. Matthew Vander Els presents this teaching, encouraging us to move beyond simple judgment and seek empathy.

Herodias: The Granddaughter of Herod the Great

This week, we focus on Herodias, a woman mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, and also by the historian Josephus. She was the granddaughter of Herod the Great and is primarily known for her role in the beheading of John the Baptist. The question we grapple with is: how can we possibly empathize with a woman responsible for such a heinous act? To explore this, we delve into the narrative in Mark chapter 6, starting from verse 14.

The Context: Herod’s Confusion and Herodias’ Grudge

King Herod, identified here as Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus and his growing reputation. Some believed Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, which troubled Herod, as he had previously ordered John’s arrest and beheading at the urging of Herodias. Herodias held a deep grudge against John because he spoke out against her marriage to Herod Antipas, her uncle, while Herodias was still married to another uncle, Herod II, and Antipas was married to someone else. John the Baptist declared this union unlawful. Although Herod feared John, recognizing him as a righteous and holy man and even enjoyed listening to him despite being puzzled by his message, he was caught in a difficult situation due to Herodias’ persistent anger.

Inside the Mind of Herodias

To understand Herodias, we need to imagine her world and her perspective. Picture her at her vanity, contemplating her beauty and the power she inherited from her lineage, particularly her grandfather, Herod the Great. She likely felt a strong sense of pride and a desire to uphold her royal status. Her first husband, Herod II, hadn’t appreciated her ambition to preserve their royal name. Unlike Jezebel, another powerful biblical woman, Herodias was influenced by Roman ideals of female power, particularly by Livia, the wife of Augustus Caesar. Livia was not a submissive wife but an influential figure who stood by her husband, negotiated on his behalf, and was involved in political matters. Herodias looked up to Livia as an icon of what a Roman woman could achieve.

Beneath the ambition, however, lay a history of deep trauma. Herodias remembered her father, Aristobulus, and the joy she felt dancing for him as a child, rare moments of connection in a time when fathers were often absent in early childhood. These precious memories were shattered when Herod’s guards arrested and killed her father on false accusations orchestrated by Herod’s eldest son, Antipater II. This event, witnessing her father’s violent death, left a lasting scar. Subsequently, she was married to her uncle, Herod II, a politically motivated union. Later, she divorced him to marry Herod Antipas, a man she loved and who empowered her. This was a radical act, choosing her own husband in a time when marriages were arranged. For the first time, she felt a void in her heart being filled.

The Conflict with John the Baptist

This newfound happiness and power faced a challenge in the form of John the Baptist, a prophet who publicly condemned her marriage as unlawful. From Herodias’ perspective, John was an obstacle to her happiness and her husband’s authority. Rumors likely circulated, painting her as immoral and against God for pursuing love outside of traditional norms. While the Torah prohibited a man from marrying his brother’s wife while the brother was alive, Roman law did not. Herodias, living under Roman rule, likely felt justified in her actions. She saw John as a threat to her position and influence. In her mind, silencing this “annoying buzz” was a necessary act to maintain order and respect for the government. Death was the Roman way of dealing with such challenges to authority. However, John’s popularity as a prophet made it difficult for Herod to simply execute him.

The Fatal Decision

Ultimately, Herodias could not persuade John to be silent. The voice of her grandfather, a man who acted ruthlessly to protect his power, echoed in her mind, suggesting that John was a threat. When Herod held a birthday banquet, Herodias used her daughter Salome to manipulate Herod into making a rash oath. Pleased by Salome’s dance, Herod promised to grant her anything she asked, up to half his kingdom. At Herodias’ prompting, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod felt bound by his oath and the presence of his guests, and he reluctantly ordered John’s execution. John was beheaded in prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to Herodias through her daughter.

Application for Everyday Life

• Examine your pursuits: What do you dedicate most of your time, energy, and thoughts to? Are these pursuits aligning you with God’s character or leading you away from it?
• Be aware of the dangers of hate: Allowing hate to consume your heart can lead you to mirror the very behaviors and attitudes you despise. Choose pity and understanding over anger.
• Practice empathy: Try to understand the perspectives and experiences of others, even those you disagree with or those who have done wrong. Recognizing their humanity is crucial.
• Seek transformation, not condemnation: Focus on praying for and supporting others to be conformed to God’s image, rather than simply condemning their actions. This includes self-reflection and a willingness to change.
• Prioritize your allegiance to God’s Kingdom: Remember that your primary citizenship is in God’s kingdom, which should guide your actions and attitudes in all aspects of life.
• Choose self-sacrifice over self-service: Like Herodias, we face choices between pursuing our own desires and sacrificing for a greater good. Choose the path of following Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice.
• Recognize the power of influence: Be mindful of the voices and influences you allow into your life, as they can shape your thoughts and actions, for better or for worse.

For more Bible Teachings, click the link.

References

• Mark 6:14: biblehub.com/mark/6-14.htm
• Psalm 115:4: biblehub.com/psalms/115-4.htm
• Genesis 1: biblehub.com/genesis/1.htm

Books and Resources

• The Bible by various authors