In biblical times, the giving of presents or gifts was a common practice to appease anger, mend relationships, or seek favor. This custom is deeply rooted in the cultural and social norms of the ancient Near East, where gifts served as tangible expressions of goodwill, reconciliation, and respect.

Jacob and Esau:

One of the most notable instances of using gifts to appease anger is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. After years of estrangement due to Jacob's deception in obtaining Esau's birthright and blessing, Jacob sought to reconcile with his brother. Aware of Esau's potential anger, Jacob sent ahead a substantial gift of livestock to pacify him. In Genesis 32:20 , Jacob instructs his servants, "And be sure to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’ For he thought, ‘I will appease him with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me.’" This strategic offering was intended to soften Esau's heart and pave the way for a peaceful reunion.

Abigail and David:

Another example is found in the account of Abigail and David. When David and his men were insulted by Nabal, Abigail's husband, David prepared to take vengeance. However, Abigail acted swiftly to prevent bloodshed by bringing a generous gift to David. In 1 Samuel 25:18 , it is recorded, "Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys." Her timely and wise intervention, accompanied by gifts, successfully calmed David's anger and averted disaster.

Proverbs on Gifts:

The wisdom literature of the Bible also acknowledges the power of gifts to pacify anger. Proverbs 21:14 states, "A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath." This proverb highlights the practical understanding that a well-timed and discreet gift can defuse tension and restore harmony.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, the giving of gifts was not merely a transactional act but a deeply symbolic gesture. It was a means of communication that conveyed respect, submission, and the desire for peace. The act of giving gifts to appease anger reflects a broader biblical principle of seeking reconciliation and maintaining harmonious relationships.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the practice of giving gifts to appease anger can be seen as an expression of humility and a recognition of the need for reconciliation. It underscores the biblical call to live at peace with others, as emphasized in Romans 12:18 , "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." The act of giving gifts in this context serves as a tangible demonstration of the peacemaker's heart, aligning with the teachings of Christ on forgiveness and reconciliation.

In summary, the biblical accounts and teachings on the giving of presents to appease anger illustrate a timeless principle of human interaction. They reveal the importance of humility, wisdom, and the pursuit of peace in resolving conflicts and restoring relationships.Genesis 32:20
And say you moreover, Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:27,28,35
And now this blessing which your handmaid has brought to my lord, let it even be given to the young men that follow my lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Some Hymns and Hymn-Books
... and Watts present more flank for attack than Charles Wesley presents. ... Sinful worms
to Him are given,. ... Book could prophesy would come; but the hymns were a gamble ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/some hymns and hymn-books.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... poor people, the apostle, by the text, presents them with ... Satan, but his Father;
not to appease the devil ... They were given him for his blood, and therefore are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... clearer and clearer; for now he presents the church ... or habitation, and so became
devils, and were tumbled down ... hearkening hath made way for, and given way to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

part ii
... sighs for the spiritual freedom given by the ... How many gifts of the Creator's goodness
were comprised in ... a father, mother or brother brings presents, he bestows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Holy War,
... whose aim and end is peace, war presents a most ... giant Beelzebub, the advice that
already is given is safe ... have seen such things as we once were, yet hitherto ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

part i
... man is the one' out of whom the devils were departed, sitting ... It is not without reason
that a man given over to ... life, and from the image of the angry Creator. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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