Interesting argument, good to know. Also, Aretas IV Philopatris was preparing for war with Herod Antipas so Herod probably wanted to stay close to the borders and watch over the situation (while preparing for war too).Unless the birthday festivities were held in Machaerus, or nearby.
A Commentary on St. Matthew's Gospel, etc (1866)
Eustace Rogers Condor
https://books.google.com/books?id=JUtVAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA240
Verne 10. According to Josephus, John was imprisoned and put to death in the castle of Machaerus, in Perea, near the border of the kingdom of Aretas. It would appear that the birthday festivities were celebrated either in this castle, or else in a palace which Herod had at no great distance (Jos., Wars of the J., ii. 4). Birthday-keeping was disapproved by the Jews, as a heathen custom (Gen. 40: 20).
Statistics: Posted by AdamKvanta — Mon Nov 18, 2024 1:36 am