Mark 6:22 Commentary and Bible Study

The Jewish historian, Josephus, who was born just a few years after this event, in his history of this period writes of Herod Antipas and this very event, and he tells us that the girl's name was Salome, which means ‘peace’, ‘tranquillity’. Well, if ever a name was inappropriate, it was hers. Salome: she would have been about fifteen at the time, and there was rhythmic music to capture the mind, to put everybody in a hypnotic trance. They could do that in those days, just as well as the pop bands can do it today: take your mind, get your body tingling – the great rhythm drug hammering relentless and attractive rhythms into your brain, altering your state of consciousness, making you susceptible and open. It was almost as effective as the alcohol you would be drinking at the same time, so that sin can work more easily. That’s the whole idea. That was the atmosphere: a banquet like you've never seen. The wealth on the table in terms of gold tableware was immense. The archaeologists have unearthed much of it, from this very area – things of such beauty and expense, everything to dazzle the senses and to capture the emotions, orchestrated by Herodias, the expert. ‘And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod’ – I'm sorry to have to say it, but he lusted after her bodily exposure, and exhibition. Some people even want to see it done in weddings, if you please, Christian weddings. Unbelievable! – ‘and them that sat with him’ – that all-male lusting group. ‘The king’, half-drunk no doubt, ‘said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he swear unto her’, with an oath, ‘Whatsoever thou shall ask me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.’ A good day for Satan, a good day for Herodias!