Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the giving of presents, particularly those intended as ornaments, was a significant cultural practice that symbolized honor, respect, and the establishment or reinforcement of relationships. These gifts often held deep symbolic meaning and were used in various contexts, including diplomatic exchanges, acts of worship, and personal relationships.Biblical Instances of Ornamental Gifts 1. Gifts to Royalty and Leaders: The Bible records several instances where ornamental gifts were presented to kings and leaders as a sign of allegiance or to seek favor. One notable example is the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. She brought with her "a very great caravan—with camels bearing spices, a great quantity of gold, and precious stones" (1 Kings 10:2). These gifts were not only valuable but also served as ornaments that demonstrated the wealth and status of the giver. 2. Gifts in Worship and Dedication: Ornamental gifts were also offered in the context of worship and dedication to God. In the construction of the Tabernacle, the Israelites were instructed to bring offerings that included gold, silver, and precious stones (Exodus 25:2-7). These materials were used to create beautiful and ornate items for the Tabernacle, symbolizing the glory and majesty of God. 3. Personal and Familial Gifts: In personal relationships, ornamental gifts were often given as tokens of love and commitment. For instance, when Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac, he gave Rebekah "a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels" (Genesis 24:22). These gifts were not only valuable but also served as ornaments that signified the servant's intentions and the wealth of Isaac's family. 4. Gifts as Symbols of Peace and Reconciliation: Ornamental gifts were sometimes used to symbolize peace and reconciliation between parties. Jacob, fearing the wrath of his brother Esau, sent ahead a gift of livestock and other valuables to appease him (Genesis 32:13-20). While not all were ornamental, the gesture itself was a significant act of seeking peace. Symbolism and Significance Ornamental gifts in the Bible often carried deep symbolic meanings. They were not merely material possessions but represented the giver's intentions, status, and relationship with the recipient. The use of precious materials such as gold and gemstones highlighted the value and importance of the relationship or occasion being marked by the gift. Cultural and Theological Implications The practice of giving ornamental gifts in biblical times reflects the broader cultural and theological context of the ancient Near East. Such gifts were a means of expressing honor, devotion, and respect, both in human relationships and in the worship of God. They underscored the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in religious and social life, pointing to the divine as the ultimate source of all beauty and value. In summary, the giving of presents as ornaments in the Bible is a multifaceted practice that reveals much about the social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the time. These gifts were more than mere objects; they were expressions of deeper truths and relationships, woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:22,47And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 42:11 Library How the Samaritans Made a Tumult and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them ... How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It. How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It. How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ... 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Resources What are the Christian themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Justin Martyr? | GotQuestions.org Why do the four Gospels seem to present a different message of salvation than the rest of the New Testament? | 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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