In the ancient Near Eastern context, the ratification of contracts and covenants often involved the exchange of gifts or presents. This practice is reflected in various biblical narratives, where giving presents served as a tangible expression of goodwill, commitment, and the sealing of agreements. The act of giving gifts in the context of contracts was not merely ceremonial but carried significant legal and relational weight.

Biblical Examples:

1. Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 21, Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar, enter into a covenant concerning a well of water. To solidify this agreement, Abraham gives Abimelech sheep and cattle. This exchange of gifts served as a witness to the covenant between them. Genesis 21:27 states, "So Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant."

2. Jacob and Esau: The reconciliation between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 32-33 is marked by Jacob's strategic offering of gifts to Esau. Jacob sends ahead a series of presents to appease his brother and to ensure a peaceful meeting. This act of giving was intended to mend their relationship and to secure Esau's favor. Genesis 32:20 records Jacob's intention: "For he thought, 'I will appease him with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.'"

3. Solomon and Hiram: The alliance between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre is another instance where gifts played a role in cementing a contract. In 1 Kings 5, Solomon and Hiram agree on the provision of materials for the construction of the temple. Solomon provides Hiram with wheat and oil as part of their agreement. This exchange of goods was integral to their partnership and mutual benefit.

4. Marriage Contracts: In the context of marriage, the giving of presents was also a customary practice. The bride price or dowry served as a form of contract between families. For instance, in Genesis 24, Abraham's servant gives gifts to Rebekah and her family as part of the marriage arrangement for Isaac. Genesis 24:53 notes, "Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother."

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The practice of ratifying contracts through the giving of presents reflects the cultural norms of the ancient world, where personal relationships and agreements were often intertwined with material exchanges. These gifts were not merely transactional but were imbued with symbolic meaning, representing trust, honor, and the binding nature of the agreement.

From a theological perspective, the use of gifts in covenant-making underscores the importance of tangible expressions of commitment and the seriousness with which agreements were regarded. The biblical narratives highlight the role of gifts in fostering peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect, aligning with the broader biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and relational integrity.

In summary, the giving of presents as a mode of ratifying contracts in the Bible illustrates the deep interconnection between material exchanges and relational commitments, serving as a testament to the enduring nature of covenants in the biblical tradition.Genesis 21:25-30
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
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1 Samuel 18:4
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
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