Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the giving of presents was a common practice during occasions of public rejoicing. This tradition is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious fabric of ancient Israel and is reflected in various scriptural accounts. The act of giving gifts served as an expression of joy, gratitude, and communal solidarity, often marking significant events and celebrations.Feasts and Celebrations One of the most notable instances of gift-giving during public rejoicing is found in the context of feasts and religious celebrations. In the Book of Esther, the festival of Purim is established as a time of joy and feasting, where the giving of gifts is explicitly mentioned: "He wrote to them to observe the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar annually as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday. They were to make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor" (Esther 9:21-22). Royal Celebrations The giving of presents was also a significant aspect of royal celebrations. When Solomon was anointed king, the people of Israel expressed their joy and allegiance through gifts. The narrative in 1 Kings describes the grandeur of Solomon's reign and the wealth that flowed into his kingdom, partly through the gifts brought by those who came to honor him: "All the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules" (1 Kings 10:24-25). Military Victories Military victories were another occasion for public rejoicing and the exchange of gifts. After David's triumph over Goliath and subsequent victories, the people celebrated by bringing gifts to honor him. This practice is indicative of the communal joy and recognition of God's deliverance through His chosen leaders. The giving of gifts in such contexts served to unify the people and acknowledge the divine favor bestowed upon their nation. Religious Dedications The dedication of the Temple by Solomon was a monumental event marked by public rejoicing and the giving of gifts. The people of Israel gathered to celebrate the completion of the Temple, offering sacrifices and gifts as a sign of their devotion and gratitude to God. This event is recorded in 2 Chronicles: "On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people away to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shown to David, to Solomon, and to His people Israel" (2 Chronicles 7:10). Cultural Significance The practice of giving presents during times of public rejoicing reflects the cultural values of hospitality, generosity, and community in ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of shared experiences and the expression of collective joy. The biblical accounts of gift-giving during celebrations highlight the role of these practices in fostering unity and reinforcing social bonds among the people of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 8:12And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 9:19 Library How Herod Slew Sohemus and Mariamne and Afterward Alexandra and ... Appendix. The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich From his Return to England in 1824, to the Commencement of his ... Covenanting Confers Obligation. Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution. Acts XVI Chaldaean Civilization Beginning at Jerusalem 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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