¶ 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.
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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.
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
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Acts 12:20 offers insights into human nature and geopolitical realities that remain relevant. It reminds us that: