Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, presents or gifts often served as expressions of goodwill, allegiance, or reconciliation. The giving of presents, particularly in the form of servants, is a practice documented in several instances throughout the Scriptures. These gifts were not merely material offerings but carried significant social and relational implications.Genesis 12:16 · The first notable instance of presents in the form of servants is found in the account of Abram and Sarai in Egypt. Pharaoh, having taken Sarai into his palace, treated Abram well for her sake. "He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels" . Here, the servants are part of a larger gift, symbolizing Pharaoh's favor and the wealth Abram accumulated during his sojourn in Egypt. Genesis 20:14 · A similar occurrence is seen in the narrative of Abraham and Abimelech. After Abimelech took Sarah, God intervened, and Abimelech returned her to Abraham. "Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, and male and female slaves, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him" . The giving of servants here is an act of restitution and a demonstration of Abimelech's desire to make amends. Genesis 24:35 · The account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac also highlights the role of servants as part of a gift. When recounting Abraham's wealth to Rebekah's family, the servant states, "The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys" . The mention of servants underscores the prosperity and divine favor bestowed upon Abraham. Genesis 32:5 · Jacob's return to Esau is another instance where presents, including servants, are used to convey a message of peace and reconciliation. Jacob sends a message to Esau, saying, "I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my lord, so that I may find favor in your sight" . The inclusion of servants in the gift is a strategic move to appease Esau and demonstrate Jacob's goodwill. 1 Kings 10:10 · The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon illustrates the exchange of gifts between royalty. "Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" . While this passage does not explicitly mention servants, the context of royal exchanges often included them as part of the wealth and resources shared between kingdoms. 2 Chronicles 9:9 · This parallel account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon reiterates the grandeur of the gifts exchanged. The giving of such presents, including servants, was a testament to the diplomatic and economic relationships between nations. In these biblical narratives, the giving of servants as presents is intertwined with themes of wealth, favor, reconciliation, and diplomacy. These gifts were not only practical but also carried deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the giver's intentions and the nature of the relationship between the parties involved. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 20:14And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 29:24,29 Library Of the Mutual Consistency of the Accounts which are Given by ... How the Priest Wighard was Sent from Britain to Rome, to be ... The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth The Servant-Lord and his Servants The Building of the Golden House. Ephesus Light through Darkness. Light through Darkness Introduction Introduction. Resources What is the meaning of Christus Victor? | GotQuestions.orgIs faith in God religulous? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Ephesians - Bible Survey | 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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