Topical Bible: Presents: Laid out and Presented With Great Ceremony

◄ Presents: Laid out and Presented With Great Ceremony ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the act of giving presents, especially when laid out and presented with great ceremony, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. This practice is often associated with expressions of honor, respect, and devotion, and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the ancient Near East.

Old Testament Examples

One of the earliest examples of ceremonial gift-giving is found in the account of Abraham and the three visitors in Genesis 18. Abraham, recognizing the divine nature of his guests, hastens to prepare a lavish meal, demonstrating hospitality and reverence. This act of presenting food with great care and ceremony underscores the importance of honoring guests, especially those of divine or royal status.

In Genesis 43, Joseph's brothers bring gifts to Egypt to present to Joseph, whom they do not yet recognize as their brother. The gifts, including balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds, are carefully selected and presented with the hope of gaining favor. This narrative highlights the strategic use of gifts to appease and honor those in positions of power.

The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon in 1 Kings 10 is another notable instance. The queen arrives with a great caravan, bringing spices, gold, and precious stones. Her gifts are presented with great ceremony, reflecting her respect for Solomon's wisdom and her desire to establish a diplomatic relationship. The grandeur of her presentation underscores the significance of the occasion and the esteem in which she holds Solomon.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Magi's visit to the infant Jesus is perhaps the most iconic example of ceremonial gift-giving. 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, rich in symbolism, are presented with great reverence and signify the recognition of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The ceremonial presentation of gifts in the Bible often serves as a means of expressing deep respect, allegiance, or worship. Such acts are not merely transactional but are imbued with spiritual and relational significance. The careful selection and presentation of gifts reflect the giver's intentions and the value placed on the recipient.

In biblical times, the act of giving gifts was also a way to establish or strengthen alliances, show loyalty, and convey messages of peace. The ceremonial aspect of gift-giving often involved elaborate preparations and public displays, emphasizing the importance of the occasion and the relationship between the parties involved.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the practice of giving presents with great ceremony can be seen as a reflection of God's own generosity and the call for His people to emulate His character. The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate giver of gifts, bestowing blessings upon His people with grace and abundance. In response, believers are encouraged to give generously and joyfully, as an act of worship and gratitude.

The ceremonial presentation of gifts also serves as a reminder of the ultimate gift given by God—His Son, Jesus Christ. The gifts of the Magi, presented with great ceremony, foreshadow the sacrificial gift of Christ, who is offered for the salvation of humanity. This profound act of divine generosity calls believers to respond with lives marked by worship, service, and the giving of themselves to God and others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 43:25
And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 3:18
And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bore the present.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The visit to Media.
... javelins he did not exhibit directly, but he laid them down ... he said he had no such
need of presents of game ... They set out from home with great pomp and ceremony ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iii the visit to.htm

The Dedication
... and he takes it in his arms and presents it to ... stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall
grow out of his ... Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 5 the dedication.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... They took with them presents of clothing and fruit for the ... Flat shelves could be
drawn out of the three sides ... altar, and on these the offerings were laid to be ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Acts vii. 54
... Then laid they their hands upon them, and they received ... is, when with all quietness
the priest presents himself in ... sentence alone seems still to be out of its ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... when they themselves officiated, they laid aside all ... which was often augmented by
considerable presents from her ... the abundance which I shall pour out upon this ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Lydia having been laid waste by a famine, the oracle ... tribute to come to Nineveh with
considerable presents, and to ... The Assyrians must have set out by the Wady ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... feet out of a horrible pit and out of the ... Greek government; and the young king, Otho,
laid the foundation ... also been, burned by the enemy, and presents a scene ...
/.../chapter xii the third continental.htm

Six Years in North Bengal --Missionary and Indigo Planter
... the rest of the country must be laid open to ... inspectors on the other, a system carried
out since the ... were not provided with English cloth, etc., for presents. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iv six years in.htm

The New Covenant.
... shrine before which He, as High-priest, presents His sacrifice ... The shewbread, laid
on the table in rows of twelve ... He did not enter heaven to come out again, as ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... believe him to be guilty of the crime laid to his ... of all the money, clothes, and
other presents of every ... "A supernumerary preacher is one so worn out in the ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm