Topical Encyclopedia Flattery, as a concept, is often viewed negatively in the biblical context, associated with deceit and manipulation. The people of Tyre, a significant city in ancient Phoenicia, provide a notable example of flattery in their interactions with Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in the New Testament.Biblical Context The city of Tyre, along with Sidon, was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. In the New Testament, the people of Tyre are mentioned in the context of their relationship with Herod Agrippa I, the king of Judea. This relationship is highlighted in Acts 12:20-23, where the people of Tyre and Sidon sought to appease Herod due to their dependence on his territory for food supplies. Acts 12:20-23 "Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him with one accord, and having won over Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food. On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, 'This is the voice of a god, not a man!' Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died." Analysis The people of Tyre, recognizing their economic vulnerability, resorted to flattery to secure Herod's favor. Their declaration, "This is the voice of a god, not a man!" exemplifies the use of excessive and insincere praise to achieve a political and economic end. This act of flattery was not only manipulative but also blasphemous, as it attributed divine qualities to a mortal man, Herod. Herod's acceptance of this flattery without giving glory to God led to his immediate judgment. The biblical narrative underscores the dangers of both giving and receiving flattery. For the people of Tyre, their flattery was a tool of diplomacy, yet it contributed to Herod's downfall, illustrating the destructive potential of insincere praise. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the account of the people of Tyre and Herod serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of flattery. It highlights the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in speech, as well as the necessity of giving glory to God rather than seeking or accepting undue praise. The incident also reflects the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Conclusion The account of the people of Tyre and their flattery of Herod Agrippa I is a vivid illustration of the biblical warnings against deceitful praise. It serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the ultimate accountability to God for our words and actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 12:22And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts xii. 18, 19 Results of Transgression Herod by Caesars Direction Accuses his Sons at Eurytus. They are ... How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ... Herod and Peter. Letter Liii. To Paulinus. Of the Navigation of King Agrippa to Rome, to Tiberius Caesar; and ... Sozomen as Author. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Matt. xv. 21, 22 Resources What does the Bible say about plagiarism? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org What is a eulogy? | GotQuestions.org Flattery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Flattery by Darius's Courtiers Flattery by the Woman of Tekoah Flattery: Avoid Those Given To Flattery: False Prophets and Teachers Use Flattery: General Scriptures Concerning Flattery: Hypocrites Use, to God Flattery: Hypocrites Use, to Those in Authority Flattery: Ministers should not Use Flattery: Paul Correctly Informs Felix Flattery: Saints should not Used Flattery: Seldom Gains Respect Flattery: Tertullus Flatters Felix Flattery: The Wicked Use, to Others Flattery: The Wicked Use, to Themselves Flattery: Wisdom, a Preservative Against Flattery: Worldly Advantage Obtained By Related Terms |
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