¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

And {G1161} Herod {G2264} was {G2258} highly displeased {G2371} with them of Tyre {G5183} and {G2532} Sidon {G4606}: but {G1161} they came {G3918} with one accord {G3661} to {G4314} him {G846}, and {G2532}, having made {G3982} Blastus {G986} the king's {G935} chamberlain {G1909}{G2846} their friend {G3982}, desired {G154} peace {G1515}; because {G1223} their {G846} country {G5561} was nourished {G5142} by {G575} the king's {G937} country.

Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tzor and Tzidon, so they joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, the king’s chief personal servant, they asked for peace; because they depended on the king’s lands for their food supply.

Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food.

Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king’s country.

Acts 12:20 describes a significant diplomatic event involving King Herod Agrippa I and the people of the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon. This verse sets the immediate context for Herod's dramatic death, highlighting his character and political dealings before divine judgment intervenes.

Context

At this point in Acts, King Herod Agrippa I had already demonstrated his hostility towards the early Christian church, having executed James and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-4). His reign was marked by efforts to appease Jewish leaders, which included persecuting Christians. The cities of Tyre and Sidon, located north of Judea, were historically maritime and trade centers, but often relied on agricultural produce from the fertile lands under Judean control for their food supply. Herod's "highly displeased" state suggests a political or economic dispute that had escalated to the point of potentially cutting off vital supplies to these dependent cities.

Key Themes

  • Political Diplomacy and Economic Dependence: The verse vividly illustrates how economic necessity drives political action. Tyre and Sidon, dependent on Herod's territory for sustenance, had no choice but to seek peace, even if it meant humbling themselves before a displeased ruler. This highlights the vulnerability of nations reliant on others for essential resources.
  • The Power of Intercession: The act of making "Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend" underscores the importance of intermediaries in high-stakes negotiations. Blastus's influence provided a crucial pathway for the Tyrians and Sidonians to gain an audience and advocate for peace.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Judgment: This interaction, particularly Herod's inflated sense of power and the flattery he receives in the subsequent verses (Acts 12:21-22), directly precedes the account of his sudden and dramatic death. It serves as a narrative setup, demonstrating the earthly power Herod wielded just before God intervenes.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "highly displeased" translates the Greek word thymomachōn (θυμομαχῶν), which literally means "fighting with anger" or "being furiously angry." This conveys a deep-seated animosity or a significant quarrel, not just a minor disagreement.
  • The expression "with one accord" (Greek: homothymadon, ὁμοθυμαδόν) is frequently used in Acts to describe the unity and consensus of the early church (e.g., Acts 2:46). Here, it demonstrates the unified desperation and determination of the people of Tyre and Sidon to resolve their conflict with Herod.
  • The word "nourished" (Greek: trephō, τρέφω) implies sustained provision, indicating that the supply of food from Herod's country was not just a convenience but a vital, ongoing source of sustenance for Tyre and Sidon, making peace essential for their survival.

Practical Application

Acts 12:20 offers insights into human nature and geopolitical realities that remain relevant. It reminds us that:

  • Economic factors often drive political decisions: Understanding the underlying economic dependencies can help us comprehend international relations and conflicts today.
  • The pursuit of peace is vital: Despite disagreements, finding ways to mediate and achieve peace, even through intermediaries, is crucial for stability and survival. This echoes the biblical call to live peaceably with all men where possible.
  • Human power is fleeting: This verse, when read in conjunction with Herod's subsequent fate (Acts 12:23), serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly authority is ultimately subject to God's sovereignty.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Ezra 3:7

    They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
  • Ezekiel 27:17

    Judah, and the land of Israel, they [were] thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
  • Matthew 11:21

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Matthew 11:22

    But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 16:8

    And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
  • Luke 14:31

    Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Luke 14:32

    Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

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