Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the giving of presents was a common practice to express friendship, goodwill, and alliance. This tradition is deeply rooted in the cultural and social customs of the ancient Near East, where gifts served as tangible symbols of relationships and intentions. The Bible provides several instances where presents were exchanged as tokens of friendship, reflecting the values and norms of the time.Genesis 32:13-21: One of the earliest examples of gift-giving as a gesture of reconciliation and friendship is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. After years of estrangement, Jacob sought to appease his brother Esau by sending him a series of gifts. Jacob's intention was to find favor in Esau's eyes, as he instructed his servants, "For he thought, 'I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.'" (Genesis 32:20). This act of sending gifts ahead of a personal meeting underscores the importance of presents in mending and strengthening relationships. 1 Samuel 18:4: The friendship between Jonathan and David is another poignant example. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, demonstrated his deep affection and loyalty to David by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt. "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." (1 Samuel 18:3-4). This exchange of personal items was a powerful symbol of Jonathan's commitment and friendship towards David. 1 Kings 10:1-13: The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon illustrates the diplomatic use of gifts to establish and affirm alliances. The Queen of Sheba brought a lavish array of gifts to Solomon, including gold, spices, and precious stones, as a gesture of respect and to test Solomon's wisdom. "And 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 to Israel as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon." (1 Kings 10:10). This exchange highlights the role of gifts in international relations and the recognition of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. Proverbs 18:16: The wisdom literature of the Bible also acknowledges the strategic use of gifts. Proverbs 18:16 states, "A man’s gift opens doors for him, and it brings him before great men." . This proverb reflects the understanding that gifts can pave the way for opportunities and access to influential individuals, emphasizing the practical and relational benefits of gift-giving. Esther 2:18: In the account of Esther, King Xerxes gave gifts as a sign of favor and celebration. After Esther was chosen as queen, the king held a great banquet and declared a holiday, distributing gifts with royal liberality. "Then the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality." (Esther 2:18). This act of generosity was a public demonstration of the king's approval and joy. Throughout the biblical narrative, the giving of presents as tokens of friendship is portrayed as a meaningful and strategic practice. Whether to mend relationships, express loyalty, establish alliances, or celebrate significant events, gifts served as important instruments in the social and political fabric of biblical times. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 18:3,4Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The End of Cambyses. How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ... Chapter xxxviii The King after Man's Heart Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The King. 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