1 Samuel 16:20
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
Original Language Analysis
לֶ֙חֶם֙
laden with bread
H3899
לֶ֙חֶם֙
laden with bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 15
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
עִזִּ֖ים
H5795
עִזִּ֖ים
Strong's:
H5795
Word #:
8 of 15
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
וַיִּשְׁלַ֛ח
and sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֛ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
10 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בְּיַד
them by
H3027
בְּיַד
them by
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Proverbs 18:16A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.1 Samuel 10:27But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.1 Samuel 17:18And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
Historical Context
Tribute gifts (Hebrew minchah) were customary when approaching superiors. The combination of provisions - grain, drink, and meat - represented a complete meal of hospitality. Jesse's gift was generous but not extravagant, appropriate for a prosperous but not noble family.
Questions for Reflection
- How do material gifts appropriately honor those in positions of authority?
- What does Jesse's careful preparation teach about supporting those entering new callings?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
Jesse's gifts followed ancient Near Eastern protocol for approaching royalty - bread for sustenance, wine for celebration, a young goat for sacrifice or feasting. The donkey-load indicates substantial tribute appropriate for a king. Jesse's careful provision demonstrates both respect for royal authority and investment in his son's success. David's transition from shepherd's bag to courtly gifts marks his entry into a larger world.