Illustrations of the Holy Scriptures (Volume 2); In Three Parts (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1822 Excerpt: ... not put it in the power of Naaman to say he had enriched the prophet of Jehovah; and by this act of selfdenial, it is probable lie was desirous of recommending the character and service of the true God to that illustrious stranger. The presents made to the ancient prophets were not always of the same kind and value; an inhabitant of Baalshalisha " brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk." The king of Israel sent a present by his wife to the prophet Abijah, of ten loaves and cracknels, and a cruse of honey; which it appears from oilier statements, was not deemed unworthy of an eastern king.f Some commentators are of opinion, that it was a present fit only for a peasant to make, and was designedly of so small value, to conceal the rank of the messenger. But this idea by no means corresponds with the custom of the east; for d'Arvieux informs us, that when he waited on an Arabian emir, his mother and sister sent him a present of pastry, honey, fresh butter, with a bason of sweetmeats, which differs very little from the present of Jeroboam. It was certainly the wish of the king, that his wife should not be recognized by the aged prophet; but the present she carried, though not intended to discover her, was in the estimation of the orientals, not unbecoming her rank and condition. These introductory presents were sometimes of great value. The king of Syria sent a gift by Naaman, of ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. At the birth of the Saviour, the wise men who came from the east to worship him, after the custom of their country, opened their treasures, and presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.% To these costly gifts and off...