Topical Bible: Presents: Things Given as Cattle

◄ Presents: Things Given as Cattle ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the giving of cattle as presents is a significant practice that reflects the agrarian lifestyle and the socio-economic structures of ancient Near Eastern cultures. Cattle, being valuable assets, were often used as gifts to express goodwill, seal alliances, or demonstrate wealth and generosity.

Biblical Instances:

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the most notable instances of cattle being given as presents 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 substantial gift of livestock. In Genesis 32:13-15 , it is recorded: "Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had 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 young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys." This generous offering was intended to appease Esau and demonstrate Jacob's respect and desire for peace.

2. Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 20:14 , after a misunderstanding with Abimelech, king of Gerar, Abraham gave him sheep and cattle as a gesture of goodwill and to secure a peaceful relationship. "Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female servants, and he gave them to Abraham and returned his wife Sarah to him."

3. The Covenant at Beersheba: In Genesis 21:27-30 , Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant at Beersheba, and Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs as a witness to the agreement. "So Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked him, 'Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?' He replied, 'You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.'"

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The giving of cattle as presents in biblical times was not merely a transaction of goods but carried deep cultural and theological implications. Cattle were a primary measure of wealth and prosperity, and their exchange signified trust, respect, and the intention to maintain or restore relationships. This practice underscores the importance of reconciliation and peace in biblical narratives, reflecting God's desire for harmony among His people.

Moreover, the act of giving cattle as presents often involved a covenantal aspect, where the exchange served as a tangible sign of agreements or promises made between parties. This reflects the broader biblical theme of covenant, where God establishes and maintains His relationship with humanity through promises and signs.

In summary, the giving of cattle as presents in the Bible illustrates the values of generosity, reconciliation, and covenantal faithfulness, serving as a reminder of the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 32:14,15,18
Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... return to his parents, he would send him back with presents, and this ... poor, and in
want of all things, and had given him plenty of all things which he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... of God best, and that Esau would always love the things of this ... brotherly way, and
Esau returned to his home with the presents Jacob had given him, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... placed their money, and that they need not fear, for God had given it back ... He also
loaded twenty asses with the good things of Egypt as presents to his ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

Concerning the Meeting of Jacob and Esau.
... of his anger on account of these presents, if he ... Instructions were also given to
those that were sent to ... but Jacob was pleased with these things, and named the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 20 concerning the meeting.htm

Saul's War with the Amalekites, and Conquest of Them.
... and said, "I return thanks to God, who hath given me the ... so many and so fat, and
be the presents they make ... he will respect a sacrifice out of such things as he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 sauls war with.htm

What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ...
... be kind to me." When he had said this, and given Asineus some presents, he sent
him ... and became great in a little time, and managed things with such ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 what befell the.htm

On Helping the Poor.
... uttermost of his power recompensing what is given him by ... and are partakers of the
good things that are ... For neither did Elisha receive the presents which were ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

Otho, Bishop of Bamberg.
... But in vain were large presents offered him with this ... a boat, and carried with him
all things necessary for ... own house, thanking God that He had given him such ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/otho bishop of bamberg.htm

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... When he presents the atoning sacrifice, it is for Israel whom God hath chosen ... 7.
Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

On the Public Shows.
... in reference to its origin and institution, presents as its ... This is an exhibition
which is given by neither ... Him who is alone and above all things, and before ...
/.../on the public shows.htm