a method of taking away life practised among the Egyptians (Ge 40:17-19). There are instances of this mode of punishment also among the Hebrews (2Sa 4:8; 20:21-22; 2Ki 10:6-8). It is also mentioned in the New Testament (Mt 14:8-12; Ac 12:2).
who being before instructed by her mother, pray, said she, order John Baptist's head to be brought here in a charger. and the king relented: nevertheless out of regard to the oath, and to those who sat with him at table, he commanded it to be brought to her. read more. and pursuant to order, John was beheaded in the prison, whence his head was brought in a charger, and given to the young lady, who carried it to her mother. upon which, his disciples came to take away the body, and having buried it, they went to tell Jesus what had happened.
he caus'd James the brother of John to be beheaded.