Topical Bible: Prophets: Benefits of Presents

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, prophets hold a significant role as God's messengers, conveying His will and guidance to the people of Israel and beyond. The giving of presents or gifts to prophets is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, often reflecting respect, honor, and the recognition of the prophet's divine authority. This practice also underscores the cultural and spiritual dynamics of the ancient Near East, where gifts were a common means of expressing gratitude and seeking favor.

Recognition and Honor

The act of giving presents to prophets is frequently associated with acknowledging their status as God's chosen vessels. In 1 Samuel 9:7-8, Saul, before becoming king, seeks the counsel of the prophet Samuel. Saul expresses concern about approaching the prophet without a gift, saying, "But look, if we go, what can we give the man? The bread in our sacks is gone, and there is no gift to present to the man of God. What do we have?" His servant responds by offering a quarter of a shekel of silver, highlighting the cultural expectation to honor a prophet with a gift.

Facilitating Divine Favor

Gifts to prophets can also be seen as a means of facilitating divine favor or blessing. In 2 Kings 4:42-44, a man brings the firstfruits of his harvest to Elisha, the prophet, as an offering. Elisha uses this gift to perform a miracle, feeding a hundred men with the limited provisions. This narrative illustrates how presents to prophets can become conduits for God's miraculous provision and blessing.

Expression of Gratitude

The giving of presents to prophets often serves as an expression of gratitude for their ministry and the fulfillment of God's promises. In 2 Kings 5:15, after being healed of leprosy, Naaman returns to Elisha and offers him gifts as a token of his gratitude. Although Elisha declines the gifts, the gesture itself signifies Naaman's acknowledgment of the prophet's role in his healing and his newfound faith in the God of Israel.

Caution Against Materialism

While presents to prophets can be beneficial, the Scriptures also caution against the potential for materialism and corruption. In 1 Samuel 12:3, the prophet Samuel, in his farewell speech, challenges the people to testify against him if he has ever accepted a bribe or taken anything unjustly. This highlights the importance of integrity and the danger of allowing gifts to influence prophetic ministry.

Conclusion

The practice of giving presents to prophets in the Bible reflects a complex interplay of cultural norms, spiritual recognition, and the desire for divine favor. While gifts can honor and facilitate the work of God's messengers, the biblical narrative also warns against the potential for misuse and the need for prophetic integrity.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 9:7,8
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 14:3
And take with you ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell you what shall become of the child.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 4:42
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give to the people, that they may eat.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 8:8,9
And the king said to Hazael, Take a present in your hand, and go, meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 13:19
And will you pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Author's Preface.
... Having this in mind this little volume presents only a small amount of introductory
discussion. ... The prophets of the exile. Benefits of the captivity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tidwell/the bible period by period/authors preface.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... be prepared to receive all his benefits with true ... the lauded sanctity of patriarchs,
prophets, and apostles ... no other remaining; his throne presents nothing but ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice.
... of God; and God here offers and presents the remission ... has been received, or for
other benefits received. ... Against this the prophets contend with the greatest ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 30 what a sacrifice.htm

On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to ...
... of the Creator on this point also presents us with ... the same Lord, (the God) of apostles
and prophets. ... 4463] When, therefore, He proclaimed the benefits of His ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxiv on the mission of.htm

On the Invocation of Saints
... were the patriarchs of old, the prophets, the apostles ... 3.) That they may themselves
bestow the benefits which are ... is so great, that the man who presents that of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 24 on the invocation.htm

That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ.
... [For when all the holy prophets bear witness ... And to know these benefits is properly
and truly to ... of such testimonies, since, in some places, it presents the Law ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 5 that we obtain.htm

Typology
... what he has most at heart, temporal benefits or spiritual ... the latter of Scripture
and the prophets; they undoubtedly ... has towards him to whom he presents perfumes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section x typology.htm

The Debt of Iren??us to Justin Martyr
... collection of Testimonies from the prophets, and that ... The Armenian text here presents
several difficulties ... they are appellations derived from benefits and works ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/ii the debt of irenaeus.htm

Preface.
... The benefits of Christ's redemption are pearls which must not ... I am come to destroy
the law or the prophets. ... picture of Jesus Christ which Renan presents in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/preface.htm

1 Cor. xii. 27
... are all prophets? ... if it were every where in abundance, how great benefits would ensue ...
is sweet: but love changes the nature of things and presents herself with ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxii 1 cor xii.htm

Resources

What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org

What was a prophet in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus