It was customary in Israel to take a gift when seeking the help of a seer/prophet (see 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 5:5, 2 Kings 5:15; 2 Kings 8:8), though the prophet reserved the right to refuse a gift as well (2 Kings 5:15–16).1 Gifts were an integral part of social interaction in the ancient world. They were given to friends, guests, and almost everyone whom you wish to treat with honour.2 Sadly, they were abused by many (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 8:10; Ezekiel 22:25).3
7 Saül dit à son serviteur: Mais si nous y allons, que porterons-nous à l'homme de Dieu? Car il n'y a plus de provisions dans nos sacs, et nous n'avons aucun présent à offrir à l'homme de Dieu. Qu'est-ce que nous avons?