Matthew 14:6

“But when Herod’s birthday was kept, etc.] The birthdays of princes, both of their coming into the world, and accession to the throne of government, were kept by the Gentiles; as by the Egyptians, (<014020>Genesis 40:20) and by the f834 Persians, and Romans f835, and other nations, but not by the Jews; who reckon these among the feasts of idolaters. “These (say they f836) are the feasts of idolaters; the “Calends”, and the “Saturnalia”, the time kept in memory of subduing a kingdom (or when a king takes possession of it, the day of his accession), µyklm lç ayswng µwyw, “and the birthday of kings” (when they are made and crowned, the day of coronation), and the day of birth, and the day of…”

“See also Mark 6:21-29. But when Herod’s birthday was come Kings were accustomed to observe the day of their birth with much pomp, and commonly, also, by giving a feast to their principal nobility. See Genesis 40:20. Mark adds that this birthday was kept by making a supper to his “lords, high captains, and chief estates in Galilee;” that is to the chief men in office. “High captains” means, in the original, commanders of thousands, or of a division of 1,000 people. The daughter of Herodias - That is, “Salome,” her daughter by her former husband. This was a violation of all the rules of modesty and propriety. One great principle of all eastern nations is to keep their females from public view.…”

“The daughter of Herodias - Afterward infamous for a life suitable to this beginning. Matthew 14:8”

“14:6 Herodias’s daughter was probably Salome, a daughter from Herodias’s previous marriage to Philip. Sexually provocative dances such as this were a regular occurrence for depraved royalty.”

“birthday: Gen 40:20; Est 1:2-9, Est 2:18; Dan 5:1-4; Hos 1:5, Hos 1:6; Mar 6:21-23 the daughter: Mat 22:24 danced: Est 1:10-12 before them: Gr. in the midst Matthew 14:7”