Topical Bible: Salutations: Persons in Haste Excused from Giving or Receiving

◄ Salutations: Persons in Haste Excused from Giving or Receiving ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, salutations were an important aspect of social interaction, often involving blessings, peace offerings, and expressions of goodwill. However, there are instances in Scripture where individuals in haste were excused from the customary practice of giving or receiving salutations. This exception underscores the understanding that certain circumstances necessitate urgency over social conventions.

One notable example is found in the account of Elisha sending his servant Gehazi to revive the Shunammite woman's son. In 2 Kings 4:29, Elisha instructs Gehazi, "Gird up your loins, take my staff in your hand, and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face." . Here, the urgency of the mission to restore life to the child takes precedence over the customary exchange of greetings.

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples with specific instructions that include a similar directive. In Luke 10:4, He tells them, "Do not carry a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone along the road." . The mission of spreading the Gospel and preparing the way for Jesus was of such importance that it required the disciples to focus solely on their task, without the potential delays of social pleasantries.

These instances reflect a broader biblical principle that the urgency of God's work can sometimes necessitate setting aside social norms. The cultural context of the time placed significant emphasis on greetings as a form of respect and acknowledgment, yet the Scriptures provide these examples to illustrate that divine missions and the urgency of God's purposes can supersede traditional customs.

The Bible also provides insight into the nature of salutations themselves, often seen as a means of conveying peace and blessing. In Matthew 10:12-13, Jesus instructs His disciples, "As you enter the house, greet its occupants. If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you." . This passage highlights the spiritual significance of greetings as a conduit for peace, yet it also implies that the act of greeting is not merely a formality but carries spiritual weight.

In summary, while salutations were a significant part of biblical culture, the Scriptures acknowledge that there are times when the urgency of a divine mission allows for the suspension of these social customs. The examples of Gehazi and the seventy-two disciples illustrate that the work of God can take precedence over traditional greetings, emphasizing the primacy of divine purpose over social convention.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 4:29
Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up your loins, and take my staff in your hand, and go your way: if you meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute you, answer him not again: and lay my staff on the face of the child.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:24
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook