Mark 6:20

“For Herod feared John, etc..] Had him in great respect; he had a great veneration for him; which was the reason that Herodias could not as yet accomplish her design against him, and vent her rage upon him. Though some understand this not of his reverence, but of his dread of him: he knew as follows, that he was a man exemplary for justice and holiness, which gained him great esteem among the people; wherefore, though Herod, as well as Herodias, could very willingly have put him to death, yet, as Matthew says, “he feared the multitude”, (<401405>Matthew 14:5): who, in general, had an high opinion of John as a prophet, and a holy good man: he feared therefore to take away his life, lest they…”

“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…”

“And preserved him - Against all the malice and contrivances of Herodias. And when he heard him - Probably sending for him, at times, during his imprisonment, which continued a year and a half. He heard him gladly - Delusive joy! While Herodias lay in his bosom. Mark 6:21”

“feared: Mar 11:18; Exo 11:3; Kg1 21:20; Kg2 3:12, Kg2 3:13, Kg2 6:21, Kg2 13:14; Ch2 24:2, Ch2 24:15-22; Ch2 26:5; Eze 2:5-7; Dan 4:18, Dan 4:27, Dan 5:17; Mat 14:5, Mat 21:26 observed him: or, kept him, or saved him and heard: Mar 4:16; Psa 106:12, Psa 106:13; Eze 33:32; Joh 5:35 Mark 6:21”