Daily Devotions
Mark
1 Peter 5:11 "To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Day 141 – Mark 6
“To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:11
CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY
It was common practice for rulers to throw lavish parties to celebrate different occasions. Three may be listed as examples:-
1. A victory in war
2. Inauguration of a prominent senior government official (e.g. Governor)
3. A birthday (in this instance that of Herod Antipas)
BIRTHDAY PROGRAMS
Celebrations were taken seriously. Those in charge of programs had to come up with different ideas each year. The programs must be planned very carefully. Everyone must feel they have been well entertained or severe consequences could befall the program coordinator.
The matter of food and drinks were also looked into most carefully. Parties tended to run into days! Ample provision of all food and drinks must be prepared well in advance. It would not do to run short of provision. As may be expected, there was great wastage in those events. (Many of these parties became drunken orgies. Men often celebrated on their own. When drunkenness set in, few could fully anticipate what might happen).
CELEBRATING HEROD’S BIRTHDAY
Herod wanted to celebrate his birthday. Mark noted his guest list.
“Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday
gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers,
and the chief men of Galilee.”
MARK 6:21
These festive occasions were very elaborate. Dignitaries were invited and no one ever came empty handed! In return the host is expected to come up with a great feast. The mood must have been very merry on that day.
HERODIAS’ DAUGHTER
It was not common practice for a person of noble birth, like Herodias’ daughter (for she would be called a princess) to appear before the men, let alone dance for them. The women folk often held their own functions in their own private quarters; theirs were often far less elaborate). It was not without intention that Herodias sent her daughter to dance before Herod Antipas and his guests.
“And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced,
and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said
to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you…
up to half my kingdom.'”
MARK 6:22