So common in the East that there are 15 distinct Hebrew words for them. Μinchah , from an inferior to a superior (Judges 3:15). Μaseeth , vice versa (Esther 2:18). Βerakah , "a blessing," i.e. complimentary (2 Kings 5:15). Shochad , a bribe (Exodus 23:8; 2 Kings 16:8). Many were not voluntary, but a compulsory exaction: tribute (2 Kings 17:3). "To bring presents" is to own submission (Psalms 68:29). That to a prophet was his consulting fee (1 Samuel 9:7), not a bribe (1 Samuel 12:3). To refuse a present was an insult; the wedding robe offered and slighted was the condemnation of the disrobed guest (Matthew 22:11).
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
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