16
But Herod wouldn't budge: "It's John, sure enough. I cut off his head, and now he's back, alive."
17
Herod was the one who had ordered the arrest of John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison at the nagging of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
18
For John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery."
19
Herodias, smoldering with hate, wanted to kill him, but didn't dare
20
because Herod was in awe of John. Convinced that he was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt - and yet he couldn't stay away. Something in John kept pulling him back.
21
But a portentous day arrived when Herod threw a birthday party, inviting all the brass and bluebloods in Galilee.
22
Herodias's daughter entered the banquet hall and danced for the guests. She dazzled Herod and the guests.
23
Carried away, he kept on, "I swear, I'll split my kingdom with you if you say so!"
24
She went back to her mother and said, "What should I ask for?" "Ask for the head of John the Baptizer."
25
Excited, she ran back to the king and said, "I want the head of John the Baptizer served up on a platter. And I want it now!"
26
That sobered the king up fast. But unwilling to lose face with his guests, he caved in and let her have her wish.