The Hebrew word eshkar refers to a gift, tribute, or payment rendered to a superior or in recognition of relationship. It appears in contexts of commerce and covenant.
Eshkar captures the concept of a gift given as part of an exchange relationship — often between a vassal and a lord, or in commercial trade. In Psalm 72:10, the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute to the ideal king. This foreshadows the Magi bringing gifts to Christ and the eschatological tribute of the nations to God. The concept points to the dignity of acknowledging sovereign authority through tangible offering.