And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes who sat with him, he would not reject her.
All Commentaries on Mark 6:26 Go To Mark 6
Ambrose of Milan
AD 397
A good disposition ought to be open and straightforward, so that one may utter words without deceit, and possess one’s soul with singleness of intent, and not delude another with false words, and not promise anything dishonorable. If he has made such a promise, it is far better for him not to fulfill it, than to fulfill what is shameful. Sometimes people bind themselves by a solemn oath, and, though they come to know that they ought not to have made the promise, fulfill it in consideration of their oath. This is what Herod did. For he made a shameful promise of reward to a dancer—and then cruelly performed it. .
