Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of an embassy or diplomatic mission, as understood in modern terms, was not explicitly defined. However, the Bible does provide instances where envoys or messengers were sent to represent the interests of a king or nation, which can be seen as a form of ancient diplomacy.
Old Testament Instances1.
Envoys and Messengers: The Old Testament frequently mentions the use of envoys or messengers to convey messages between kings and nations. For example, in
2 Samuel 10:1-5, King David sent envoys to express sympathy to Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, upon the death of his father. However, the envoys were humiliated, leading to conflict. This incident illustrates the delicate nature of diplomatic missions and the potential for misunderstanding.
2.
Hezekiah and the Babylonian Envoys: In
2 Kings 20:12-19 and
Isaiah 39:1-8, King Hezekiah received envoys from Babylon. He showed them all his treasures, which later led to Isaiah prophesying the Babylonian captivity. This event highlights the role of envoys in international relations and the potential consequences of their visits.
3.
The Gibeonite Deception: In
Joshua 9, the Gibeonites sent envoys to make a treaty with Israel by pretending to be from a distant land. This account demonstrates the use of envoys in treaty-making and the importance of discernment in diplomatic engagements.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not explicitly mention embassies, the concept of ambassadorship is present in a spiritual sense. The Apostle Paul refers to himself as an ambassador for Christ. In
2 Corinthians 5:20 , Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." Here, the term "ambassador" is used metaphorically to describe the role of Christians in representing the kingdom of God and spreading the message of reconciliation through Christ.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, diplomatic missions were crucial for maintaining alliances, negotiating peace, and establishing treaties. Envoys were often chosen for their wisdom, eloquence, and ability to navigate complex political landscapes. They carried messages, gifts, and sometimes tribute, serving as the voice and presence of their sovereigns in foreign courts.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the concept of an embassy can be seen as a reflection of God's desire for reconciliation and peace among nations. The use of envoys in the Bible underscores the importance of communication, understanding, and the pursuit of harmonious relationships. In the New Testament, the idea of Christians as ambassadors for Christ emphasizes the call to represent God's kingdom on earth, advocating for spiritual reconciliation and embodying the values of the gospel.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide a detailed framework for embassies as understood today, the principles of diplomacy, representation, and ambassadorship are evident throughout the scriptures. These instances offer valuable insights into the biblical worldview on international relations and the spiritual calling of believers to act as representatives of God's kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The public function of an ambassador; the charge or business entrusted to an ambassador or to envoys; a public message to; foreign court concerning state affairs; hence, any solemn message.
2. (n.) The person or persons sent as ambassadors or envoys; the ambassador and his suite; envoys.
3. (n.) The residence or office of an ambassador.
Greek
4242. presbeia -- age, seniority... age, seniority. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: presbeia Phonetic
Spelling: (pres-bi'-ah) Short Definition: an
embassy, delegation Definition
...Library
A SolemnEmbassy
... A SolemnEmbassy. A Sermon... Therefore, we are to put our hand on you, to go down on
our knees to you, and to beseech you not to put away this blessedembassy....
How He Received anEmbassy from the Persians and Kept the Night...
... Book IV. Chapter LVII."How he received anEmbassy from the Persians and
kept the Night Vigil with others at the Feast of Easter....
Embassy and Presents from the Indians.
... Book IV. Chapter L."Embassy and Presents from the Indians. About this time
ambassadors from the Indians, who inhabit the distant...
Philo'sEmbassy to Caius in Behalf of the Jews.
... Book II. Chapter V."Philo'sEmbassy to Caius in Behalf of the Jews. 1. Philo
has given us an account, in five books, of the misfortunes...
Embassy from John in Prison to Jesus --Death of John --Relations...
... CHAPTER XII.EMBASSY FROM JOHN IN PRISON TO JESUS"DEATH OF JOHN"RELATIONS
OF HIS SCHOOL WITH THAT OF JESUS. Whilst joyous Galilee...
Innocent the Bishop of the Presbytery of Rome. He Sent anEmbassy...
... Chapter VII."Innocent the Bishop of the Presbytery of Rome. He sent anEmbassy to
Alaric. Jovius, Prefect of Italy.Embassy dispatched to the Emperor....
Concerning Valentinian the Younger and Gratian. Persecution under...
... Gratian. Persecution under Valens. The Homoousians, being oppressed by
the Arians and Macedonians, send anEmbassy to Rome. About...
On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an...
... Homily III. On the departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was gone on
anembassy to?... Our Father hath gone thither on thisembassy....
Exaction of Tribute in Antioch, and Demolition of the Statues of...
... Book VII. Chapter XXIII."Exaction of Tribute in Antioch, and Demolition of the Statues
of the Emperor.Embassy headed by Flavian the Chief Priest....
That He Wrote Also to the King of Persia, who had Sent Him an...
... Book IV. Chapter VIII."That he wrote also to the King of Persia, who had sent
him anEmbassy, on Behalf of the Christians in his Realm....
Thesaurus
Embassy (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Embassy (2 Occurrences). Luke 14:32 and if not, while
he is yet far off, having sent an
embassy, he asks for terms of peace.
...Numenius
... After the death of Jonathan, the victories of Simon and the establishment of peace,
Simon sent Numenius on a secondembassy to Rome (1 Maccabees 14:24), again...
Eliezer (14 Occurrences)
... God his help. (1.) "Of Damascus," the "steward" (RV, "possessor") of Abraham's house
(Genesis 15:2, 3). It was probably he who headed theembassy sent by...
Embassadors (8 Occurrences)
Septuagint
... Addressing his brother Philocrates he describes anembassy to Jerusalem on which
he has recently been sent with another courtier Andreas....
Zobah (15 Occurrences)
... Toi, king of Hamath, who had suffered in war with Hadadezer, now sent his son on
anembassy with greetings and gifts to David (2 Samuel 8:3-12 1 Chronicles 18:3...
Nahash (9 Occurrences)
... the Ammonites of the same name is mentioned, who showed kindness to David during
his wanderings (2 Samuel 10:2). On his death David sent anembassy of sympathy...
Jephthah (26 Occurrences)
... of the war against Ammon. Twice he sent anembassy to the king of Ammon,
but in vain. War was inevitable. The people obeyed his...
Lud (10 Occurrences)
... On the other hand when Gyges sent anembassy to Assur-bani-apli of Assyria,
Lu(d)du is described as a country whose name had never before been heard, and whose...
Ludim (3 Occurrences)
... On the other hand when Gyges sent anembassy to Assur-bani-apli of Assyria,
Lu(d)du is described as a country whose name had never before been heard, and whose...
Resources
Should Jerusalem be the capital of modern-day Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Athenagoras of Athens? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Philo of Alexandria? | GotQuestions.orgEmbassy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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