Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of taking leave of friends was often marked by gatherings and entertainments that reflected the cultural and spiritual values of the people. These occasions were not merely social events but were imbued with a sense of community, gratitude, and divine providence.Old Testament Examples One of the earliest examples of such entertainments can be found in the account of Abraham and his nephew Lot. When Abraham and Lot decided to part ways to avoid strife between their herdsmen, there is no explicit mention of a feast, but the narrative implies a peaceful and amicable separation (Genesis 13:8-11). The absence of conflict and the mutual respect shown can be seen as a form of spiritual entertainment, where harmony and goodwill were the focus. In 1 Samuel 20, the friendship between David and Jonathan is highlighted. As David prepares to flee from King Saul, Jonathan and David share a heartfelt moment, and Jonathan provides David with provisions (1 Samuel 20:42). While not a feast, this act of kindness and the sharing of resources can be seen as a form of entertainment, emphasizing the bond of friendship and loyalty. New Testament Examples In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul’s departure from the Ephesian elders is a poignant example of taking leave. In Acts 20:36-38, after Paul’s farewell speech, they all wept and embraced him, sorrowful at his departure. Although there is no mention of a feast, the emotional gathering and the prayers offered can be considered a spiritual form of entertainment, where the focus was on mutual encouragement and the strengthening of faith. The Last Supper, while primarily a Passover meal, also serves as a significant example of an entertainment given on the occasion of taking leave. Jesus, aware of His impending crucifixion, shares a meal with His disciples, offering them words of comfort and instruction (Luke 22:14-20). This event is central to Christian faith, symbolizing the new covenant and the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Cultural and Spiritual Significance In biblical times, entertainments given on occasions of taking leave were not merely about food and drink but were deeply rooted in the spiritual and communal life of the people. These gatherings often included prayers, blessings, and the sharing of accounts that reinforced communal bonds and faith in God’s providence. The Bible emphasizes the importance of hospitality and the sharing of resources as acts of love and obedience to God. Hebrews 13:2 reminds believers, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This principle extends to farewells, where the act of gathering and sharing becomes a testament to the love and unity within the community. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral and ethical standpoint, entertainments on such occasions were opportunities to demonstrate virtues such as generosity, kindness, and humility. They were moments to reflect on God’s blessings and to seek His guidance for the future. Proverbs 27:9 states, "Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul." This underscores the value of friendship and the joy that comes from shared experiences and mutual support. In summary, entertainments given on occasions of taking leave of friends in biblical times were rich in spiritual and cultural significance. They served as a means to strengthen relationships, express gratitude, and reaffirm faith in God’s plan, leaving a lasting impact on those who participated. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 19:21And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered to him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ... The visit to Media. Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ... Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome Patriotic Hymns. Hymns of Hope and Consolation. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Church Fabrics and Services. The Greatness of the Soul, Resources What does the Bible say about fun and entertainment? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Entertainment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Entertainments: A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests Entertainments: Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To Entertainments: Began With Thanksgiving Entertainments: Concluded With a Hymn Entertainments: Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests, Entertainments: Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned Entertainments: Given by the Guests in Return Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Birthdays Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Festivals Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Harvest Home Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Marriage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of National Deliverance Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Return of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Vintage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Weaning Children Entertainments: Guests At: Arranged According to Rank Entertainments: Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance Entertainments: Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes Entertainments: Guests At: Saluted by the Master Entertainments: Guests At: Usually Anointed Entertainments: Invitations to Often Addressed to Many Entertainments: Invitations to Often by the Master in Person Entertainments: Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends Entertainments: Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready Entertainments: Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper Entertainments: Men and Women did not Usually Meet At Entertainments: Music and Dancing often Introduced At Entertainments: None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The Entertainments: None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At Entertainments: Offense Given by Refusing to Go To Entertainments: Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains Entertainments: Often Given in The Court of the House Entertainments: Often Given in The House Entertainments: Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber Entertainments: Often Scenes of Great Intemperance Entertainments: Portions of, often Sent to the Absent Entertainments: Preparations Made For Entertainments: Served often by Hired Servants Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Entertainments: Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast Related Terms |
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