Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the act of receiving presents is often depicted as a gesture of goodwill, friendship, and reconciliation. Throughout the Scriptures, gifts are exchanged to express honor, gratitude, and the desire for peace among individuals and nations.Old Testament Examples One of the earliest examples of gift-giving as a token of goodwill is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. After years of estrangement, Jacob sought to reconcile with his brother Esau by sending him a series of gifts. In Genesis 32:13-15 , Jacob prepared a generous offering of livestock, hoping to find favor in Esau's eyes: "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." The giving and receiving of gifts also played a significant role in the account of Joseph and his brothers. When Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt, encountered his brothers during a time of famine, he instructed them to bring gifts to him as a sign of respect and goodwill. Genesis 43:11 records Jacob's instructions to his sons: "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.'" New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the Magi's visit to the infant Jesus is a profound example of gift-giving as an expression of honor and worship. The wise men from the East brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child, recognizing His divine kingship and priestly role. Matthew 2:11 states, "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." The Apostle Paul also acknowledges the importance of gifts as tokens of goodwill and support within the early Christian community. In Philippians 4:18 , Paul expresses gratitude for the gifts he received from the Philippians, which were a fragrant offering and an acceptable sacrifice to God: "I have received everything in full and have an abundance. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Cultural and Theological Significance The act of receiving presents in biblical times was not merely a social custom but often carried deep cultural and theological significance. Gifts were a means of establishing and maintaining relationships, demonstrating respect, and acknowledging the presence of God’s favor. They were also a way to express gratitude and to seek reconciliation, as seen in the accounts of Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. In the broader biblical narrative, the giving and receiving of gifts can be seen as a reflection of God's own generosity and grace towards humanity. The ultimate gift, according to Christian theology, is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, which believers receive by faith. This divine gift underscores the importance of grace and goodwill in human relationships, as modeled by the biblical examples of gift-giving. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 33:10,11And Jacob said, No, I pray you, if now I have found grace in your sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen your face, as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Chapter xxxii The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; Caesar Fell Down. An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Glimpses For the Candid and Thoughtful Thomas and Jesus section second. On the Baptism of Christ. Resources Does Hebrews 6:4-6 mean we can lose our salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.org What is libertarian free will? | GotQuestions.org Presents: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presents of Persons of Rank, of Great Value and Variety Presents were Given by Kings to Each Other in Token of Inferiority Presents were Given in Token of Friendship Presents were Given: As Tribute Presents were Given: At Marriages Presents were Given: On all Occasions of Public Rejoicing Presents were Given: On Occasions of Visits Presents were Given: On Recovering from Sickness Presents were Given: On Restoration to Prosperity Presents were Given: On Sending Away Friends Presents were Given: To Appease the Angry Feelings of Others Presents were Given: To Confirm Covenants Presents were Given: To Judges to Secure a Favourable Hearing Presents were Given: To Kings to Engage Their Aid Presents were Given: To Reward Service Presents were Given: To Show Respect Presents: Considered Essential on all Visits of Business Presents: Generally Presented in Person Presents: Generally Procured a Favourable Reception Presents: Laid out and Presented With Great Ceremony Presents: Not Bringing, Considered a Mark of Disrespect Presents: Often Borne by Servants Presents: Often Conveyed on Camels Presents: Receiving of, a Token of Good Will Presents: Sometimes Sent Before the Giver Presents: Things Given as Cattle Presents: Things Given as Food Presents: Things Given as Garments Presents: Things Given as Gold and Silver Vessels Presents: Things Given as Horses and Mules Presents: Things Given as Money Presents: Things Given as Ornaments Presents: Things Given as Precious Stones Presents: Things Given as Servants Presents: Things Given as Weapons of War Presents: when Small or Defective, Refused Related Terms |
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