Herod Antipas was known as a builder. Tiberus, the city was built to let Caesar know - Herod was his man. Herod Antipas lived on a stage, where he liked to create images; fittingly this ruin survives the best of all he built.
This coin of Herod Antipas was carefully created without images to please a
Jewish Kingdom, who, biblically, did not like images.
Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
~ And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."
Josephus heard of this as well. He wrote that Salome danced for Herod Antipas, who was the Emperor appointed King of most of the Holy Lands for most of Jesus' life. Josephus records the dance took place in the court yard of the Palace Machaerus. Macheerus rose above the Dead Sea and was part of a line of defense for smoke signals - Macheerus could be seen from Massada to Jerusalem. Josephus also records all of the significant details of Salome's life, her marriages and the names of her children and shows coins minted for Salome's children as well.
Thousands of the red tiles used in the roof are still in fairly intact status.
Herod was unwise. He had divorced his wife and married his brother's wife. He was worried Jesus was John's reincarnation and he hoped Jesus would perform for him - a miracle. Herod Antipas, was what is known as a "poser". A Jewish King, leading God's chosen people, while twisting or ignoring the rules to suit himself or Caesar.
Jesus called Herod a fox. Unlike "poser", Jesus meant fox as in the traditional cunning animal. A fox - typically live in small family groups, opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey. Jesus loved and forgave all of us. Herod the Great had killed his father-in-law's family in order to rule. Like a fox in a chicken house. Jesus could see into our hearts and Jesus sees straight into Herod. Unless a fox is killing your livestock, it's a great pleasure to see a fox. Splendid apparel with a shrewd face. Jesus loved Herod and could appreciate him, even for his flaws.
Herod is offering half his kingdom in exchange for the life of a man of God. He has posed so long as so many different roles - even to himself - he has forgotten...
Isaiah 7:9
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.
Betrayal of Jesus's John the Baptist?
Herod Antipas did forfeit ....his whole kingdom; his small family group included Herodias' brother. Herodias' brother convinced Caesar, after 42 years, Herod Antipas was a failure. Herod Antipas and Herodias were cut off and exiled from Israel.
Father God, so many times we doubt others and ourselves. Sometimes fairly, sometimes in a learning capacity, sometimes in rude judgment. Herod's reaction upon hearing of the son of God - wondering if John the Baptist's ghost returned. His reaction was a glimmer of salvation about resurrection, joined with fear and Shame.
Our Loving Father, You do not call us to live in shame, or guilt. We heed the warning signs of these. And Look for Your Parenting and Your Loving Guidance, for ourselves, the ones we love and our nation. For Your Daily help in all areas of our lives. In Jesus, Amen.
Thank You, Jesus!
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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