Thursday 29 August 2013

Background

Power, sex and violence feature heavily in the media as sourcesof both news and entertainment. This is nothing new. The story ofHerod and John the Baptist, contains all three and shows howdangerous it can be when powerful people put themselves above thelaw and then justify their actions by eliminating theirenemies.

Herod, the local ruler of Galilee, had seduced his sister-in-lawHerodias and divorced his own wife in order to marry her. This hadbroken two Jewish laws - no divorce without good reason andmarriages between in-laws being strictly forbidden.

John, an outspoken and truthful prophet, had challenged thesituation and Herod had thrown him in jail to silence him. ButHerodias wanted real revenge and set her daughter to the task ofachieving her aim. What happened next may prove a little tooseductive for those of a gentle disposition.

A swish of silken skirt and swayingbody;
bright unbound hair and darkened dazzling eyes;
bejewelled dress revealing, then concealing;
devices all designed to mesmerise.

The music slowed, the dance grew yetmore sensual,
the guests were captivated by the sight.
Her body twisted, turned, invited, beckoned;
intended moves to set desire alight.

The daughter danced, Herodias stood,plotting,
while Herod sat, entranced by what he saw.
As wine was drunk, his guests roared their approval
and Herod raised his cup and asked for more.

The dance and music grew to acrescendo
and for a moment all the room was still,
but as the guests applauded the performance
Herod prepared to taste a bitter pill.

Inflamed, excited, he poured out hispromise.
Whatever this girl wanted, he would give.
Herodias had triumphed with her evil
and John the Baptist would no longer live.

The dish, now brought with severedhead, was shocking,
a sacrificial ending to the night
Her daring dance had woven death within it.
Revenge disguised behind that sensuous sight.

© Marjorie Dobson

Remember the quotation, "Power corrupts, but absolute powercorrupts absolutely"? John was martyred for speaking the truth.Today, execution is an extreme option, but the truth can still besilenced - and is.

To Ponder

• What parallels to this story can you identify today?
• Is revenge ever justifiable? Why? Or why not?