Page:Jewish Encyclopedia Volume 2.pdf/120

82 THE JEWISH ENCYCLOPEDIA

Archeology

82

How

in, and to good purSeveral hints are also found in the Prophets, especially as to the sport (or possibly occupation) of fishing. Both of these out-door amusements, so popular in Egypt and in the East, were turned to good account by the Israelites. See Games, Sports, Pastimes. The earliest records of the patriarchs and of the Israelites show them following the life of nomads. They raised herds of large and flocks of small cattle, and moved about according to the demands for new pasturage. The character of the country and their slight tenure of the soil led to such a mode of exist-

what was

ence.

and

political relations with the great empires that oppressed her, affected domestic, civil, and sacred relations.

II.

Domestic Antiquities



The cvery-day

life

of each person involves a large number of items. These embrace the food available and used, the material accessible for clothing and the method of its manufacture, as well as the usual clothing worn by the people, and the method of preparing and wearing the head-gear. The individual lived also in a dwelling of some kind either in a hole in the rocks, a tent, a hut, a house, or in an elaborate structure in a city.

were these various dwellings prepared, and their internal arrangement? What led to the aggregation of such buildings, which later be-

came

cities?

The

replies to these questions will

be

supreme moment in following the growth of individual rights and privileges. The Jewish family has a most interesting history. The family formed the next step upward from the individual, and was probably the basis of the clan. The laws of marriage and their binding character were essentials in the perpetuity of the nation. The position and rights of the woman before and after marriage, in the condition of monogamy and of polygamy, and in case of divorce, fall under this of

theme. The relations of the children to the individual parents, the methods of naming them, the observance of the rite of circumcision, their training and education in and out of the home, must be noted. The constitution of the Oriental family involved slaves, with certain laws of purchase and retention, both Israelitish and foreign. Certain diseases also often attacked, and sometimes found victims in, the The treatment of the aged and infirm, of family. the helpless and unfortunate members of the houseDeath in the family hold, is of especial interest. was attended by peculiar national observances. See

Family, Marriage, Patriarchate, Slavery. Families and individuals maintained a certain amount of social intercourse. These relations developed certain social obligations; established the respective rights and privileges of host

Society and and guest, and the methods of converAmuse- sation and entertainment. Social gath-

ments.

erings at feasts likewise inaugurated special customs and requirements. These functions, as well as the more elaborate festivals of their heathen neighbors, were occasions for the forming of relations that to a large extent determined the character of Israel. The introduction of foreign customs gradually modified society in Israel, until, by the downfall of the northern kingdom, it assumed quite another complexion. The origin, organization, and conduct of society form an interesting theme in the department of Biblical Ar-

See Etiquette, Precedence, etc. evidence that the Jews in early times, aside from banquets attended by musical instruments of various kinds, enjoyed any indoor amusement. Neither is there any extended description of outdoor sports, either for princes or populace. But the prevalence of many terms employed in hunting, such as the names of traps arj 1 weapons used in taking animals and birds, and tJe names of wild animals used for food, is evidence that this cheology.

There

is slight

sport

was commonly indulged

pose.

Even when they

settled

down

as occupants

of Palestine and their life was mainly devoted to other things, they nevertheless reared extensive herds and flocks, comprising cattle, asses, sheep, and goats. The hills of some parts of Palestine were best adapted for such pursuits. See Animals, Cattle. Israel's occupation of the new territory made possible another vocation besides cattle-raising. Permanent settlement led to the cultiPasture vation of the soil, to the planting of vines and fruit-trees. Wheat, barley, and Agricul- and rye became staple products, and ture. by irrigation all parts of the land yielded profitable returns to the industrious husbandman. The methods of agriculture, the influence of this mode of life on the nation, and the importance of this industry on international relations occupy no mean place in the history of the life of ancient Israel. See Agriculture. From the earliest times there are hints at the trades that were current among the Israelites. After their settlement in the land of Canaan especially, they became acquainted with methods of producing tools for the cultivation of the soil, and weapons for warfare.

Carpenters and stone-masons were numerous

at the time of the construction of Solomon's public buildings. Workers in metals of different kinds are

found occasionally in the course of Israel's history. The ironsmith, the goldsmith, and the worker in bronze were not uncommon in Palestine. The preparation of skins for use as bottles and for sandals, the manufacture of the bow and of the different pieces of armor for the warrior called for skilful labor. The preparation of flax and wool for clothing required a method which in later years developed into great weaving establishments. The vessels of clay in use in Palestine in ancient times indicate that the potter's art had reached a high state of perfection.

These crafts doubtless received many useful suggesfrom Israel's neighbors in the different periods of her history. See Artisans, Handicrafts. Exchange of commodities is one of the oldest occupations of men. Israel's continual contact with neighbors of all kinds, whose methods of life were as varied as their peculiarities, naturally led to some commercial activity. The caravans that crossed Canaan in Israel's day traded in CaCommerce naanitish cities, and furnished markets tions

and

Palestinian products in Egypt in Babylonia. Israel exchanged her products of the soil for the wares of Phenicia and the perfumes of the south country. Commerce reached its climax in Solomon's day, when

Its

Methods,

for

and