Topical Bible: Presents: Often Borne by Servants

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In biblical times, the giving of presents was a common practice, often involving servants as the bearers of these gifts. This custom is deeply rooted in the cultural and social norms of the ancient Near East, where gifts were used to express honor, allegiance, and goodwill. The act of sending presents through servants is depicted in several biblical narratives, illustrating the importance of gifts in diplomatic and personal relationships.

One notable example is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. After years of estrangement, Jacob sought to reconcile with his brother Esau. To appease Esau and ensure a peaceful meeting, Jacob sent a series of gifts ahead of him, borne by his servants. Genesis 32:13-20 describes how Jacob prepared a substantial offering of livestock, instructing his servants to deliver them to Esau with a message of humility and respect: "I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; afterward, when I see him, perhaps he will accept me" (Genesis 32:20).

Similarly, in the account of Abigail and David, Abigail quickly acted to prevent disaster by sending a generous gift to David, who was angered by her husband Nabal's insolence. She instructed her servants to go ahead of her with the offerings, which included bread, wine, sheep, and other provisions. This act of diplomacy, as recorded in 1 Samuel 25:18-19 , highlights the role of servants in delivering gifts to avert conflict and demonstrate respect.

The account of Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army, also illustrates this practice. After being healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha, Naaman offered gifts as a token of gratitude. Although Elisha refused the gifts, the narrative in 2 Kings 5:15-16 underscores the expectation of presenting gifts as a sign of honor and appreciation.

In the New Testament, the Magi's visit to the young Jesus is another example of gifts borne by servants. The wise men from the East brought treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were likely carried by their attendants. Matthew 2:11 recounts their act of worship and homage: "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 instances reflect the broader biblical theme of gift-giving as a means of expressing respect, seeking favor, and establishing or restoring relationships. The involvement of servants in this process underscores the hierarchical and communal nature of ancient societies, where the actions of individuals were often carried out through intermediaries.

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

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Europeans in India.
... in Southern Australia, it might be borne, though a ... no sphere for European colonization,
it presents an increasingly ... There is often much pleasant and courteous ...
/.../chapter xxx europeans in india.htm

The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers
... He is anointed of God, the following chapter presents Him as ... Church that which underlies,
as has often been pointed ... Lord of the harvest, and has borne the heat ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heavenly workers and the.htm

A Little Maid
... When we make presents to those we love, we always ... I have often heard that the prophets
there did wonderful ... Perhaps he had borne himself proudly when he was at ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm

Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ...
... They often blamed me for it; but, as they could ... sought means to trouble my rest with
messages and presents. ... Blessed be Thou, O Lord, for having borne with me ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter ii early impressions dangerous.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... 3. Consideration, also, presents the most important things in ... the curse which thou
shouldst have borne, restored thee ... How often hath he drawn me to himself and ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

The Meek and Lowly One
... interpretations are true, and might be borne out by ... He presents himself before those
whom he claims as ... it, and said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

God's People Delivered.
... How often has it been heard in the touching entreaties of ... He presents a marked contrast
to the people of later ... to the other." Little children are borne by holy ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

The Government of India.
... governing conduct as a whole, it presents by its ... Often complaints have been made
that successive home Governments ... well inclined, they could have borne the brunt ...
/.../chapter xxxi the government of.htm

God's People Delivered
... How often has it been heard in the touching entreaties of ... He presents a marked contrast
to the people of later ... to the other." Little children are borne by holy ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... How often, instead of strengthening his faith, their words ... some urging their own
way, some borne by their ... joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm