Tyre, an ancient and prominent city located on the Mediterranean coast of what is now Lebanon, holds a significant place in biblical history. Known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and skilled artisans, Tyre was a major Phoenician city-state. Throughout the Bible, Tyre is often mentioned in the context of its interactions with Israel and its rulers.

In the New Testament, Tyre is notably mentioned in the context of its relationship with Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great. This interaction is recorded in the Book of Acts, where the people of Tyre and Sidon sought to propitiate the favor of Herod. The account is found in 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 after securing the support of Blastus, who was in charge of the king’s bedroom, 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."

This passage highlights the political and economic dependency of Tyre on Herod's domain, illustrating the city's need to maintain favorable relations with the ruling powers. The people of Tyre and Sidon, recognizing their reliance on Herod for sustenance, sought to appease him through diplomatic means. They secured the support of Blastus, a trusted official in Herod's court, to mediate their request for peace.

The narrative underscores the precarious nature of Tyre's political alliances and the lengths to which the city-state would go to ensure its survival and prosperity. The incident also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of giving glory to God, as Herod's failure to do so resulted in his divine judgment.

Throughout the Bible, Tyre is depicted as a city of great influence and wealth, yet its reliance on human alliances and its occasional arrogance are met with divine admonition. The account of Tyre's propitiation of Herod's favor is a testament to the city's complex relationship with the surrounding powers and the overarching sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations.Acts 12:20
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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