In biblical times, it was customary for individuals of distinction to ensure that their households and servants were well-prepared and employed before embarking on a journey. This practice is reflective of the broader biblical principles of stewardship, responsibility, and care for those under one's authority.

Abraham's Stewardship

Abraham, a patriarch of great wealth and influence, exemplified this practice. Before sending his servant on a significant journey to find a wife for his son Isaac, Abraham entrusted him with specific instructions and resources. Genesis 24:2-4 states, "So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, 'Place your hand under my thigh, and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.'" Abraham's careful preparation and delegation of responsibility to his servant Eliezer demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that his household continued to function effectively in his absence.

The Parable of the Talents

Jesus' parable of the talents further illustrates the principle of giving employment to servants before a journey. In Matthew 25:14-15 , Jesus tells of a man who, before traveling, entrusted his servants with his property: "For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey." This parable underscores the expectation that servants are to be actively engaged and productive, reflecting the master's interests and responsibilities even in his absence.

Joseph's Administration

Joseph, while not a traveler in the traditional sense, was a distinguished figure who managed the affairs of Egypt during a time of great need. His administrative skills ensured that the land was prepared for the years of famine. Genesis 41:46-49 describes Joseph's actions: "During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. So Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt during those seven years and stored it in the cities. In every city he put the food grown in the fields around it." Joseph's foresight and organization provided employment and sustenance for many, demonstrating the importance of preparation and stewardship.

Biblical Principles of Stewardship

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of stewardship and responsibility. Those in positions of authority are called to manage their resources wisely and to care for those under their charge. Proverbs 27:23 advises, "Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds." This principle extends to ensuring that servants and household members are gainfully employed and productive, reflecting the master's diligence and care.

In summary, the practice of giving employment to servants before setting out on a journey is deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It reflects a commitment to stewardship, responsibility, and the well-being of those under one's care, as demonstrated by figures such as Abraham, Joseph, and the master in Jesus' parable of the talents.Matthew 25:14
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

His First Residence in Germany.
... they bore the marks of worldly distinction, and were ... horses at an inn, and walked
before, leaving the ... called a reasonable excise; but those travellers who have ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... least human victims were sent to doubles of distinction. ... name," cried the mast; and
the travellers replied: "He ... city, he whose voice is true before the Great ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The City of Benares.
... Travellers in many lands who have seen this view ... the feelings excited by the strange
scenes before him ... I suppose the distinction between alms-takers and beggars ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... length enrolled in the bodyguard,* he won distinction by his ... it was not long, however,
before there came ... name of Sadyattes has been made out, without producing ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Revolutions at Athens prevented him from setting out on his ... in Cappadocia, merely
awaited the signal to set out. ... such as no king had ever before united under ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... ways, and demanded ransom for the travellers they might ... Dan decided to emigrate:
the warriors set out to the ... of Micah and the Levite who served before it, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... themselves of those things which before their secession belonged ... In this stadium,
without the setting aside of ... being from nothing, a distinction which Arianism ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... a notion, a distinction sent a distinction, or one ... her, and dilating delightfully
of them before the devil ... is usual for them, even by setting their hearts upon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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