Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 14:5

5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a Prophet.

At first he had some reverence for Iohn, because he was a good Man, but either, Iohn by the frequent Checks he gave to his Lust, or Herodias her continual importunities to Herod, to revenge her of her great Enemy, prevailed, and made Herod willing enough to put him to Death, but now he was afraid of some popular Tumult, or Insurrection; because of the great Esteem which the Iews Generally had of Iohn, thinking him a Prophet; one sent of God to reveal his Will unto Men.

Marginal references: Chap. 21.26. Luk. 20.6.