July 10

Herodia’s Revenge

On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod — Matt 14:6 BSB

It was seen as disgraceful in that time and place for a woman to appear in a hall of revelry. And for her to perform a dance in such a setting for the entertainment of drunken men was considered even more degrading and shameful. The dance itself was indecent, and only women who had lost all sense of modesty and virtue would lower themselves in this way. It seems almost unbelievable that a mother would send her own daughter into such a scene to perform such an act. This reveals the kind of home life and values regarding womanhood that existed in Herod’s court, as well as the intensity of Herodias’ desire for revenge on John. She was willing to use her own daughter to carry out her shameful plan.

As young girls reflect on this story, they should learn how important it is to be careful about their conduct and behavior in public. A young woman’s reputation is a precious treasure, worth more than wealth or pleasure. If she loses it, no amount of wealth or pleasure will make up for it. Once her name is tarnished, it can never be completely restored.

Sometimes young girls think their parents are being too strict with the rules they set for public appearances and behavior, but one day they’ll see how wise and loving those rules are. There’s a fair question about whether young women today can take part in certain fashionable dances without crossing the line of pure, feminine modesty. Purity of heart is such a holy thing, and it’s so easily damaged. Once it’s harmed, it can never fully be restored, so it’s far better to deny oneself many pleasurable things rather than risk losing something so valuable.