Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the giving of presents upon the restoration to prosperity is a recurring theme that underscores the acknowledgment of divine favor and the restoration of relationships. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the ancient Near East, where gifts were often used to express gratitude, honor, and reconciliation.Job's Restoration: One of the most prominent examples of presents being given upon restoration to prosperity is found in the Book of Job. After enduring immense suffering and loss, Job is restored by God to a state of prosperity. In response to this divine restoration, Job's family and friends come to him, bringing gifts as a sign of their renewed relationship and acknowledgment of God's blessing. The Berean Standard Bible records this event: "All his brothers and sisters and former acquaintances came to him and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring" (Job 42:11). This act of giving not only signifies the restoration of Job's fortunes but also the restoration of his social and familial ties. Joseph and His Brothers: Another significant instance is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. After Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers in Egypt, he is reconciled with them, and they are restored to a position of favor. Joseph provides them with gifts as a symbol of this restoration. In Genesis 45:22, it is noted: "To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes" . The giving of these presents signifies not only Joseph's forgiveness but also the restoration of familial bonds and the prosperity that comes with divine providence. David and Mephibosheth: The account of David and Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, also illustrates the theme of restoration and the giving of gifts. After David becomes king, he seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for the sake of Jonathan. Mephibosheth is brought to David, and the king restores to him all the land of Saul and provides for him at the king's table. This act of restoration is accompanied by the giving of gifts and provisions, as recorded in 2 Samuel 9:7: "Do not be afraid," said David, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table" . The gifts and provisions symbolize the restoration of Mephibosheth's status and the prosperity that comes from being in the king's favor. Cultural and Theological Significance: The giving of presents upon restoration to prosperity is not merely a cultural practice but carries deep theological significance. It reflects the biblical principles of reconciliation, gratitude, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in restoring fortunes. These acts of giving are expressions of thanksgiving and recognition of the divine hand in turning adversity into blessing. They also serve as tangible reminders of the restored relationships and the renewed covenantal bonds between individuals and God. In summary, the biblical accounts of presents being given upon restoration to prosperity highlight the importance of gratitude, reconciliation, and the acknowledgment of divine intervention in the lives of believers. These narratives serve as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and the restoration that comes through His grace and mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 42:10,11And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Book of Jubilees Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Letters and Edicts. And ii. The King. Three Names High on the Muster-Roll 'The End of the Lord' The First Theban Empire Jeremiah 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 |