Topical Bible: Presents: Generally Procured a Favourable Reception

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the giving of presents was a common practice that often facilitated favorable interactions and relationships. The act of giving gifts is frequently depicted in the Scriptures as a means to express respect, seek favor, or establish peace. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and social norms of the ancient Near East, where gifts were often used to convey honor and goodwill.

Old Testament Examples

One of the earliest examples of gift-giving is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. After years of estrangement, Jacob sought to reconcile with his brother Esau by sending ahead a generous gift. In Genesis 32:13-15 , Jacob prepared a substantial offering: "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 act of giving was instrumental in softening Esau's heart, leading to a peaceful reunion.

Similarly, the account of Abigail and David illustrates the power of gifts to avert conflict. When David was angered by Nabal's refusal to provide provisions, Abigail, Nabal's wife, quickly intervened by bringing a generous gift to David. In 1 Samuel 25:18 , it is recorded: "Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys." Her timely and generous offering appeased David, preventing bloodshed.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the Magi's visit to the infant Jesus is a notable instance of gift-giving. The wise men from the East brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as recorded in Matthew 2:11 : "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." These gifts were not only expressions of homage but also held symbolic significance, acknowledging Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future suffering.

Cultural and Social Context

In the biblical context, presents were often given to honor individuals of higher status or to seek favor from those in authority. Proverbs 18:16 states, "A man’s gift opens doors for him, and it brings him before great men." This proverb underscores the practical wisdom of using gifts to gain access and favor in social and political spheres.

The practice of giving presents also extended to offerings made to God. In the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, offerings were presented as gifts to God, symbolizing devotion and seeking His favor. Leviticus 1:2 instructs, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, you may bring as your offering an animal from the herd or the flock."

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the giving of presents is portrayed as a means to procure favorable reception and establish harmonious relationships. Whether in personal reconciliation, diplomatic endeavors, or religious devotion, gifts served as tangible expressions of goodwill and respect.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:16
A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 19:6
Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Reaction against Egypt
... Tel el-Amarna letters refers to presents of this ... These stations generally consisted
of square or rectangular ... The king selected a favourable site for his temple ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... is proved by the campaigns which procured him his ... of volutes curved in opposite
directions, generally two at ... to the palace, bearing the presents destined for ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Footnotes
... or less than four), they generally obtained appointments in ... Assembly, Wodrow says,
not very favourable to the ... 107 [His eloquence procured for him, according to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... exceed 9000.* Anti-Lebanon is, speaking generally, 1000 or ... to that of the Orontes,
the coast presents a rugged ... give the stranger but a sorry reception: he would ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... was often augmented by considerable presents from her ... of the Family, according to
the generally received interpretation ... the comforts which it procured, but he ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... with cedar or cypress"rare woods procured as articles ... not fail to hear and grant
a favourable reply to ... This notion, which has been generally admitted by most ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Under able leadership, and in positions favourable for the operations of their chariots ...
for Moses (Judges 18:30), but the correction was not generally accepted. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... in this year the Republican troops were generally pious men ... She presents a pattern
to any woman, who, having ... She embraced the favourable moment, and set him at ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Then they went on again; and said Mercy to Christiana, Had I as good ground to hope
for a loving reception at the wicket-gate as you, I think no Slough of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Holy War,
... and garrisoned by Emmanuel. To the Christian, whose aim and end is peace,
war presents a most forbidding aspect. He loves not to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm