We read in Scripture of presents upon various occasions; and it should seem to have been intended as not only important on account of the value of what was given, but also more so as a testimony of some particular meaning. Thus the king of Assyria desired the people to make an agreement with him by a present. (2 Kings 18:31) And it is marked with peculiar emphasis's in the slights put upon Saul at his election, that they brought him no presents. (1 Samuel 10:27) But there is reason to believe that the circumstance is borrowed from a matter of greater moment, and hath a spiritual reference. Thus we read from the first, that Cain and Abel brought their mincha, their offerings, unto the Lord. (Genesis 4:3-4) The after-age presents were to the same amount; for the mincha of the temple was simply an offering of meal or fine flour, and carried with it the idea of a mincha of peace. Thus Jacob's present to appease his brother, for he said, "I will appease him with the present, and afterwards I will see his face." (Genesis 32:20) It should seem, therefore, that in all those presents, which evidently were presents of conciliation, there was an eye, however darkly and indistinctly understood, to the great doctrine of propitiation: and in confirmation of this, it is remarkable that Malachi uses the very word mincha, a present, or offering, when speaking of the offerings that in the days of the gospel should be offered unto the Lord. "For from the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering." (Malachi 1:11)