But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
All Commentaries on Matthew 14:6 Go To Matthew 14
Hilary of Poitiers
AD 368
On Herod’s birthday—that is, amid the delights of corporeal things—the daughter of Herodias danced. With every enticing movement she made, she exuded sensual pleasure as though from the infidelity that arose through all the joys of Israel. The people gave themselves over to this. All were corrupted by an oath. Through sin and the pleasures of the world, the Israelites sold the gifts of eternal life. The girl requested of her mother—who herself had a knack for infidelity—that the head of John, symbolizing the glory of the law, be brought to her. For the law had exposed incestuous Israel with the authority of the divine commandments.
