Topical Bible: Money was Given: Custom of Presenting a Piece of

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In biblical times, the act of giving money or a piece of silver as a gift or token was a common custom, reflecting various social, religious, and personal interactions. This practice is evident in several scriptural accounts, where money served as a medium of exchange, a symbol of covenant, or a gesture of goodwill.

One notable instance of this custom is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. After Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, they received twenty pieces of silver from the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:28). This transaction highlights the use of money as a means of trade and betrayal, underscoring the gravity of their actions.

In the context of religious offerings, money was often presented as a form of tribute or dedication to God. The Israelites were instructed to give a half-shekel as a ransom for their lives during the census, as recorded in Exodus 30:13-16 . This offering was a tangible expression of their commitment and obedience to God's commandments.

The custom of presenting money also appears in the narrative of Ruth and Boaz. When Boaz redeems Ruth, he gives her six measures of barley, symbolizing his intention and ability to provide for her (Ruth 3:15). Although not directly a monetary gift, this gesture reflects the broader cultural practice of using valuable goods as a pledge or assurance.

In the New Testament, the act of giving money is further illustrated in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Here, money is entrusted to servants as a test of their stewardship and faithfulness. The parable emphasizes the responsibility of using one's resources wisely and the expectation of accountability before God.

Additionally, the custom of presenting money is evident in the account of the Magi, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11). These gifts, particularly gold, were valuable and signified honor and recognition of Jesus' kingship.

The practice of giving money as a token of respect or allegiance is also seen in the tribute paid to Caesar. When questioned about paying taxes, Jesus famously responded, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). This statement acknowledges the societal obligation to present money as a form of civic duty while maintaining a higher allegiance to God.

Throughout the Bible, the custom of presenting money serves various purposes, from facilitating trade and expressing devotion to symbolizing covenant relationships and demonstrating stewardship. These instances reflect the multifaceted role of money in biblical society and its enduring significance in human interactions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 42:11
Then came there to him all his brothers, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought on him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ...
... looks, besought his keepers, for a sum of money, to loose ... were slain by Antony, but
that he had given the like ... [39] That it was an immemorial custom among the ...
/.../chapter 33 the golden eagle.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... He laid up all the money he earned in this way ... our Lord, in the pattern left us,
has given a very ... to fasting and prayer, as though it were a frequent custom. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... And those initiated bring a piece of money to her, as ... the two first he alludes to
the impious custom by which ... to you, himself come, who was so given to sexual ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... a quarter, or in value some L140,000 of our money. ... first time by Chabas: a translation
is given in his ... This custom, although not yet widely extended, placed at ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... dead bestow on the dead, making a law out of custom. ... no money, come buy wine and
milk, without money and without ... was the case with that which was given in the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... accompanied trading, are unsparingly exposed; becoming bankrupt to make money, a
species of ... therefore I have also here in this little discourse given the reader ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... to the crown, one of those princes whom, according to custom, Baal had not long
previously given over as ... himself in the coming war, if only money could be ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... In that case there was no law or custom to prevent a ... an instance, I may quote the
description given by Makrizi ... was still ignorant of the use of money, and that ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

part ii
... of them the same as he has given to others ... malice, envy, greediness, the love of
money, despondency, slothfulness ... the sight of His lost and found piece of silver ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... out his time, he, according to the custom of his ... If a "bishop must be given to
hospitality," and that he ... begged from door to door to collect money to supply ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm