Lexical Summary eshkar: Gift, present, reward Original Word: אֶשְׁכָּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gift, present For sakar; a gratuity -- gift, present. see HEBREW sakar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a gift NASB Translation gifts (1), payment (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶשְׁכָּר noun [masculine] gift; — absolute׳שׁ Psalm 72:10("" מִנְחָה); suffix אֶשְׁכָּרֵךְ Ezekiel 27:15. Topical Lexicon Overview Derived from everyday life in the ancient Near East, the noun conveys the idea of a tangible tribute, present, or remuneration voluntarily offered to affirm honor, seal allegiance, or satisfy commercial obligation. In Scripture it is never a bribe but a legitimate expression of recognition and esteem, whether directed toward a righteous king or rendered within international trade. Scriptural Occurrences 1 — Psalm 72:10 centers on the universal sovereignty of the Davidic ruler: “May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts”. 2 — Ezekiel 27:15 catalogs the vast mercantile network of Tyre: “The men of Dedan were your merchants; many coastlands were your regular markets; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony”. Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient world, monarchs exchanged lavish offerings to acknowledge one another’s status, while vassals sent regular tribute to their suzerains. Similarly, international caravans compensated trading hubs with costly wares. The term under study captures both settings: diplomatic homage in Psalm 72 and mercantile payment in Ezekiel 27. Connection to Worship and Kingship Psalm 72 sets a paradigm for honoring the righteous King—ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah. The act of bringing “gifts” stands alongside prayers for justice and universal peace, illustrating that material tribute is inseparable from heartfelt reverence. Rather than enriching the monarch for self-indulgence, such offerings advance the cause of the needy (Psalm 72:12–14), revealing the ethical dimension of true worship. Economic Significance in Prophetic Literature Ezekiel portrays Tyre at the height of its commercial glory. The “payment” of ivory and ebony underscores how nations willingly invested prized commodities to access Tyre’s markets. By selecting this word, the prophet underscores that the very wealth once funneled into Tyre would later become meaningless when divine judgment struck (Ezekiel 27:27). Material exchange, while legitimate, remains subject to God’s sovereign purposes. Theological Themes 1. Universal Dominion: Psalm 72 envisions every realm acknowledging the Messiah’s rule. The offering of tangible tribute anticipates “every knee” bowing (Philippians 2:10). Practical Ministry Application • Generosity as Worship: Believers emulate the kings of distant shores whenever they dedicate finances, skills, and resources to Christ’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). Messianic Foreshadowing The term anticipates the Magi who “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts” (Matthew 2:11). Though Greek vocabulary differs, the concept is continuous: foreign dignitaries acknowledge the newborn King with costly offerings, fulfilling the hope articulated in Psalm 72. Related Concepts • Tribute (מס/מַשָּׂא) – compulsory or voluntary payments to a sovereign. Summary Across its two appearances, the word paints a unified picture: rightful authority deserves material honor, and such honor, when rendered in faith, advances God’s redemptive agenda. Whether in royal homage or commercial exchange, the ultimate aim remains the same—exalting the Lord whose kingdom transcends every earthly economy. Forms and Transliterations אֶשְׁכָּ֥ר אֶשְׁכָּרֵֽךְ׃ אשכר אשכרך׃ ’eš·kā·rêḵ ’eš·kār ’eškār ’eškārêḵ eshKar eshkaRechLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 72:10 HEB: שְׁבָ֥א וּ֝סְבָ֗א אֶשְׁכָּ֥ר יַקְרִֽיבוּ׃ NAS: and Seba offer gifts. KJV: and Seba shall offer gifts. INT: of Sheba and Seba gifts offer Ezekiel 27:15 2 Occurrences |
    |