This is a sad narrative. King Herod was trapped by his pride and fear of his wife's anger into agreeing to murder a godly man. The king was married his brother's wife, while his brother was still alive; it was a wilful act of defiance against God's law (Leviticus 20:21). Although Herodias was thrilled to have the power of being the 'queen', John the Baptist said that the relationship was not right before God. The day came when the king had his birthday party. We do not know the age of Herodias' daughter; but she was old enough to dance in a sensuous way and young enough to need her mother's opinion on what to ask her step-father - for he had made a foolish oath to give her anything she wanted.
 
When she went to Herodias, the 'queen' saw her opportunity to get rid of the godly prophet who had had condemned her marriage as being offensive to God. John the Baptist had been put in prison at least in part to appease Herodias' anger but also so that Herod could still have discussions with him. Perhaps Herod thought that after a while John could be released without too much agitation from his wife. But her hatred was fixed. She would only be satisfied when John was dead.
 
Herod’s birthday party and his boastful promise gave her the opportunity she sought. It was a grotesque request to relay through her daughter. Herod felt he had no way out but to have John killed and his head presented publically to everybody at the party. For Herodias, it was a success because the prophet was dead. The girl was doubtless congratulated by her mother, and Herod felt he had at least kept his promise and proved to be a man of his word. But he was not a man of God's Word. All of them had failed to honour God.
 
It is better to break a promise than to keep it and break faith with God's Word. Every rash promise is rooted in pride, fear or anger and opens a door to evil. Only promise what you know is right, pleasing to God, achievable and sustainable with His help. Jesus said, "All you need to say is simply "Yes," or "No"; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37). Promises stirred by a rebellious heart will end up hurting everybody. It is good to keep your word if you have promised rightly and wisely. However, if you have spoken wrongly, falsely or wickedly - you need to repent and seek mercy as you break an unwise pledge. And do it soon, before the wickedness rebounds on you and hurts everybody else.