In the biblical context, homage refers to the respect, reverence, or honor given to someone of higher status or authority. This concept is often associated with the relationship between subjects and their rulers, particularly princes and kings. The Bible provides numerous examples of homage being paid to princes, illustrating the recognition of their authority and the acknowledgment of their God-given roles.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph and His Brothers: In Genesis 37:7-10, Joseph dreams that his brothers will bow down to him, which is a form of homage. This dream foreshadows Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, where his brothers indeed come to bow before him, recognizing his authority as a prince in the land. This act of homage signifies the fulfillment of God's plan and the acknowledgment of Joseph's divinely appointed position.

2. David and Saul: In 1 Samuel 24:8, David shows homage to King Saul by bowing down with his face to the ground. Despite being anointed as the future king, David respects Saul's current position as the Lord's anointed. This act of homage underscores the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders, even when personal grievances exist.

3. Solomon's Reign: In 1 Kings 1:16, Bathsheba bows and pays homage to King David, acknowledging his authority and seeking his favor for her son Solomon's succession to the throne. Later, in 1 Kings 1:53, Adonijah bows before Solomon, recognizing his kingship after initially attempting to usurp the throne. These instances highlight the transition of power and the homage due to the rightful prince.

New Testament Context

1. The Magi and Jesus: In Matthew 2:2, the Magi come to pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus. They express their desire to worship Him, recognizing His divine kingship. This act of homage signifies the acknowledgment of Jesus as the promised Messiah and the ultimate Prince of Peace.

2. Herod and the People: In Acts 12:21-22, Herod receives homage from the people, who declare him to have the voice of a god, not a man. However, Herod's failure to give glory to God results in his downfall, illustrating the danger of accepting homage without recognizing God's sovereignty.

Theological Significance

Homage to princes in the Bible often reflects the broader theme of submission to authority, as ordained by God. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes the importance of respecting governing authorities, as they are established by God. This principle extends to the homage given to earthly princes, who serve as God's instruments for maintaining order and justice.

Furthermore, the ultimate homage is due to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. Philippians 2:10-11 declares that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This eschatological vision underscores the ultimate fulfillment of homage, where all creation acknowledges the supreme authority of Christ.

In summary, the concept of homage to princes in the Bible serves as a reminder of the respect and honor due to those in positions of authority, while ultimately pointing to the greater homage owed to God and His anointed Son, Jesus Christ.Esther 3:2,5
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
Nave's Topical Index

For we Offer Prayer for the Safety of Our Princes to the Eternal.. ...
... For we offer prayer for the safety of our princes to the eternal, the true, the ... upon
Him for their gift, as being a servant of His, rendering homage to Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxx for we offer.htm

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... be regarded as the representatives of the Gentile world; their homage as the ... trivial,
viz., Bethlehem, land of Juda,' instead of Ephratah;' princes' instead of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages
of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

Psalm 72:2. Second Part. Christ's Kingdom among the Gentiles.
... 2[[Behold the islands with their kings, And Europe her best tribute brings; From
north to south the princes meet To pay their homage at his feet. ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 72 2 0 second part christs.htm

This is the Reason, Then, Why Christians are Counted Public ...
... It is, forsooth, a notable homage to bring fires and couches out before the public,
to ... Do things unseemly at other times beseem the festal days of princes? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxxv this is the.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... vassal, who along with the other subject princes of Asia attended the court held
by Tiglath-pileser at Damascus after its capture, there to pay homage to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Wrath-Denouncing Angel.
... is able to make war with him?" 13:4. To worship, is to manifest homage and respect ...
he will (Dan.4:17), and by whom alone, kings reign, and princes decree justice ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the wrath-denouncing angel.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; children in ... idolatry;
and one partaking of it would be regarded as offering homage to the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

Letter ix. --Death of Self-Love.
... Nothing is more pleasing to God than this homage, nothing could make us more ... Sometimes
princes take pleasure in splashing their favourites with water, then the ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter ix death of self-love.htm

Embassy and Presents from the Indians.
... to the emperor, thus allowing that his sovereignty extended even to the Indian Ocean,
and that the princes of their country, who rendered homage to him both by ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter l embassy and presents from.htm

What does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org

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Homage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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