Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, the giving of presents to kings was a common diplomatic practice aimed at securing favor, alliance, or assistance. This custom is well-documented in the biblical narrative, where gifts were often presented to kings as a means of engaging their aid or ensuring their goodwill.Biblical Instances: 1. Jacob and Esau: One of the earliest examples of this practice is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. After years of estrangement, Jacob sought to appease his brother Esau by sending him a substantial gift. In Genesis 32:13-15 , Jacob prepared a gift for Esau consisting of "two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milk camels with their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys." This act of sending presents was intended to secure Esau's favor and ensure a peaceful reunion. 2. The Queen of Sheba and Solomon: The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon is another notable example. The Queen brought a lavish gift to Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:2 : "She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones." Her gifts were a means of establishing diplomatic relations and seeking Solomon's wisdom. 3. Ben-Hadad and Asa: In 1 Kings 15:18-19 , King Asa of Judah sent silver and gold from the treasuries of the LORD's temple and his own palace to Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, to secure his assistance against Baasha, king of Israel. Asa's gifts were intended to persuade Ben-Hadad to break his treaty with Baasha and support Judah instead. 4. Hezekiah and the King of Assyria: In 2 Kings 18:14-16 , King Hezekiah of Judah sent a tribute to the king of Assyria to avert an impending attack. Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple and sent it along with other treasures as a gift to the Assyrian king, hoping to secure his withdrawal. Cultural and Theological Significance: The practice of giving presents to kings in the biblical narrative reflects the broader cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where such exchanges were integral to diplomacy and international relations. These gifts were not merely tokens of goodwill but were often substantial and costly, indicating the seriousness of the request or the importance of the relationship being cultivated. From a theological perspective, these narratives underscore the human reliance on material means to secure protection and favor. However, they also highlight the sovereignty of God, who ultimately controls the affairs of nations and kings. While human efforts, such as the giving of gifts, play a role in the unfolding of events, the biblical text often points to God's providential hand guiding the outcomes according to His divine purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 15:18Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelled at Damascus, saying, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Oracles. On the Invocation of Saints Post-Nicene Mothers Aims of the Papacy. Liberty of Conscience Threatened Covenanting a Duty. Second Sunday after Epiphany To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Grundtvig's Hymns 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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