Topical Bible: Presents: Antiquity of

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The practice of giving presents is deeply rooted in ancient biblical history, serving as a significant cultural and social custom. In the biblical narrative, presents often symbolize respect, allegiance, reconciliation, and gratitude. The giving of gifts is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, illustrating its importance in interpersonal and diplomatic relations.

One of the earliest instances of gift-giving is found in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 12:16 , Pharaoh gave Abram sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels as a result of Sarai's presence in his household. This act of giving was a demonstration of Pharaoh's favor and an attempt to secure goodwill.

Another notable example is found in Genesis 32, where Jacob prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau. In an effort to appease Esau and ensure a peaceful reunion, Jacob sends ahead a series of gifts. Genesis 32:13-15 details the extensive nature of these presents: "He spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 milk camels with their calves, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys." This strategic offering underscores the role of gifts in reconciliation and diplomacy.

The account of Joseph further illustrates the significance of presents in ancient times. When Joseph's brothers returned to Egypt with Benjamin, their father Jacob instructed them to take a gift for the Egyptian ruler. Genesis 43:11 records Jacob's instructions: "Then their father Israel said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.'" This act of sending gifts was intended to curry favor and demonstrate respect.

In the context of royal and diplomatic relations, the giving of presents was a common practice. The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is a prime example. In 1 Kings 10:2 , it is noted that she "arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones." Her gifts were a testament to Solomon's wisdom and a gesture of international goodwill.

The biblical tradition of gift-giving also extends to religious offerings. In the Mosaic Law, offerings to God were a form of presenting gifts, symbolizing devotion and gratitude. Leviticus 2:1 describes the grain offering: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it."

Throughout the Scriptures, the giving of presents is portrayed as a meaningful and multifaceted practice, reflecting the values and customs of ancient societies. Whether as a means of securing peace, showing respect, or expressing devotion, the tradition of gift-giving is a testament to the enduring human desire to connect and communicate through tangible expressions of goodwill.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 32:13
And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 43:15
And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"That which was from the Beginning,"
... and unmeasurably antedates all antiquity, to whose endurance all antiquity that
is ... richest and most transcendent subject in the world, that it presents us with ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ii that which was.htm

Epistle xiii. To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) .
... For what writing presents to readers, this a picture presents to the unlearned who ...
And, seeing that antiquity has not without reason admitted the histories of ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xiii to serenus bishop.htm

Introduction.
... or confirmed by solemn oath, have been made from the highest antiquity to the ... itself
all the others, in some aspects of its character it presents these united ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/introduction.htm

Ancient Versions of the New Testament.
... and deposited in the British Museum, is one of great antiquity, containing large ...
The manuscript itself is assigned to the fifth century, but it presents a text ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxviii ancient versions of.htm

The Gospel of John
... In connection with his miracles or other historical facts Christ presents himself
as ... The voice of antiquity is all but unanimous in ascribing the fourth Gospel ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of john.htm

The Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles.
... This portion of the volume, extending from page 477 to page 564, presents us with
documents ... II. Acts of Paul and Thecla."This book is of undoubted antiquity. ...
/.../unknown/apocrypha of the new testament/part ii the apocryphal acts of.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... Use of Nilometers."Enormous structures of Egypt."Comparative antiquity of various ...
He sent, moreover, a great many splendid presents to Artobazanes, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

Appendix (A).
... In this instance therefore the evidence of Antiquity is even overwhelming. ... are competent
at a moment's notice, as every fresh difficulty presents itself, to ...
/.../burgon/the last twelve verses of the gospel according to s mark/appendix a.htm

Chapter x
... No nation of antiquity has anything to offer that presents an actual parallel
to this Table of Nations. Babylonian and Egyptian ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

Introduction
... setting forth the dealings of God with Israel, the other great nations of antiquity
are largely ... of our Lord, so, no one of the four Gospels presents a complete ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/introduction.htm