When King Herod heard about Yeshua(for His Name was broadcast
everywhere) he said, "Yochanan the Immerser has risen from the dead, and
therefore mighty acts are demonstrated in him."
Others said, "It is Eliyahu." Still others said, "It is a prophet, or as one
of the prophets."
However, Herod said, "It is Yochanan, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the
dead." For Herod himself had sent and arrested Yochanan and bound him in prison
because of Herodiah's influence, who was his brother Philip's wife.
Herod had married her, so Yochanan had said to Herod, "It is not permitted in
Torah for you to have your brother's wife."
Because of this Herodiah had argued against him, and would have killed him,
but she couldn't because Herod respected Yochanan, knowing that he was a
righteous and holy man. He had observed Yochanan, and when he heard him, he
responded with certain deeds and heard him gladly.
A convenient day came. Herod on his birthday made a supper to his leaders,
high captains, and chiefsof Galilee. The daughter of Herodiah came in
and danced, and it pleased Herod and those who sat there with him. So the king
swore an oath to the young woman, "Ask me for whatever you want, up to half of
my kingdom, and I will give it to you."
She went to her mother and asked, "What should I request?"
"The head of Yochanan the Immerser," Herodiah replied.
Immediately she came back hurriedly to the king, and said, "I want you to
give me the head of Yochanan the Immerser on a plate."
Then the king was full of sorrow that he had swore the oath, but because of
those who sat with him he would not deny her request. Momentarily the king sent
an executioner and commanded Yochanan's head be brought. He went and beheaded
him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the young
woman. The young woman took it to her mother. When Yochanan's disciples heard
about itthey came and carried out his corpse and put it in a tomb.
The Shaliachim gathered themselves around Yeshua and reported all the things
they accomplished and taught.
"All of you come with me into a desert place and rest
for awhile," Yeshua said. For many were coming and going, so that they
had no leisure, not even to eat. They departed to a desert place privately by
ship. The people saw them departing and since many knew Yeshua they ran toward
Him from all the cities and out-paced them, eventually catching up to Him.
When Yeshua came out of the ship, He saw many people and was moved with
compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, so He
began to teach them many things. It was close to time for the holy Feast of
Pesach.
