when he would In modern language "although he was willing." From St Mark we learn that Herodias was eager to kill John, while Herod, partly from fear of his prisoner, partly from interest in him, refused to take away his life. St Mark's narrative gives a picture of the inner court intrigues, and bears evidence of keen questioning of some eye-witness as to facts. Possibly some of Herod's own household were secret adherents of John.

feared the multitude, &c. The same motive that held the tyrant's hand, checked the arguments of the Pharisees, ch. Matthew 21:26.

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