Mark 6:16

“But when Herod heard thereof, etc..] Either of Christ, or rather of the different opinions about him, he said, it is John, whom I have beheaded: the thought stuck close to him, and continued with him; he could not get rid of it, nor persuade himself to the contrary; nor could any of his servants get him off of it, but he affirmed it with the greatest assurance imaginable. These different sentiments of the people concerning Jesus, greatly perplexed the mind of Herod, as appears from (<420907>Luke 9:7-9), for it was first given out by others, and not by Herod, that John the Baptist was risen from the dead; which he hearing of, gave him great uneasiness: he thoroughly considered the matter; he…”

“See this account of the death of John the Baptist fully explained in the notes at Matthew 14:1-12. Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John - That is, he stood in awe of him on account of his sanctity, and his boldness and fearlessness in reproving sin. Knowing that he was a just man and an Holy - A holy, pious, upright, honest man - a man who would not be afraid of him, or afraid to speak his real sentiments. And observed him - Margin, “kept him, or saved him.” This does not mean that he “observed” or obeyed his teachings, but that he kept him in safe custody in order to preserve him from the machinations of Herodias. He was willing to show his respect for John, and to secure him from danger, and…”

“But Herod hearing thereof - Of their various judgments concerning him, still said, It is John. Mark 6:20”

“It is: Gen 40:10, Gen 40:11; Psa 53:5; Mat 14:2, Mat 27:4; Luk 9:9; Rev 11:10-13 Mark 6:17”