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Strange Scriptures That Perplex The Western Mind
Because the Bible describes a culture very different from that of Western countries today, what it says is sometimes puzzling to modern readers. In many cases, however, the ways in which Near Eastern merchants and farmers carry on their daily work have hardly changed over the intervening centuries since the inspired authors wrote. The aim of this interesting volume is to clarify familiar scriptural phrases and texts by explaining some unusual Eastern customs, thereby shedding new light on the unchanging truth of God's word. Here are fascinating insights into a number of areas of life in biblical lands yesterday and today-clothing and jewels, feasts, home life, women, peasants, fields, tombs, tents, trades, and much more.
119 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 1940
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 25, 2022
An excellent book when it comes to explaining Scriptural allusions to cultural practices and societal norms. Here are a few that stood out to me:
The bridegroom walks around the bride three times, takes off her veil and throws it over his shoulder: "the government shall be upon his shoulder" (p46)
The place where a chief slept amongst his men or tribe was designated by a spear. Often a water jug was placed within his easy reach for when he woke up. So when David shows the spear and waterskin to Saul, he demonstrated that all Saul's men were so soundly asleep around him, they were not protecting him or watching over him and all could have been killed. (p47)
If a man rapes a young woman, he will be put to death. However, sometimes "blood" money is accepted. Afterwards, the culprit lives in a white tent or rides a white horse or has a large white stone in front of his house. This is to indicate he is forgiven and no one has the right to harm him.(p64f)
Shoes are never spoken off with respect and are never worn in a holy place. (p67)
If a person was fleeing from the avenger of blood but could not make it to a city of refuge before being overtaken, he could call on the name of a great sheikh for protection, even if he did not know this chief personally. If the person is then attacked and killed by the avenger of blood anyway, the sheikh was honour-bound to put the avenger to death, lest infamy rest on his name. (p77)
Rachel took the family gods to make her husband a member of the family. (p79)
The dipped bread Jesus gave to Judas was a sign of a particularly close bond of friendship, one it would be unthinkable to betray. (p82)
There are round flat stones in the wadis that look just like bread. (p85)
Guests coming in to a special event may be sprinkled with rosewater or orange blossom water to fit them for the presence of the entertainer or to declare them the host's guests or to place them under the favour and protection of the host. (p85)
Farmers meet each year on the threshing floor for the "lot" to be drawn which indicates their portion of land to cultivate for the coming year. The "lot" is a stone with the name of the field written on it. (p95)
Jael's invitation to Sisera is still common in Bedouin camps at the time of writing the book. (p102)
Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday. The "sabbath" is not the weekly sabbath but the Passover sabbath. (p106f)
Amongst the Persians, it was a custom to build a palatial residence and set a feast for the king and his officials. During this time, the great gate is opened but afterwards, it is shut up forever - since it is only "for the king". (p110f)
Explanation of a "vessel of honour". (p115)
Explanation of a "chosen vessel" (p118)
The bridegroom walks around the bride three times, takes off her veil and throws it over his shoulder: "the government shall be upon his shoulder" (p46)
The place where a chief slept amongst his men or tribe was designated by a spear. Often a water jug was placed within his easy reach for when he woke up. So when David shows the spear and waterskin to Saul, he demonstrated that all Saul's men were so soundly asleep around him, they were not protecting him or watching over him and all could have been killed. (p47)
If a man rapes a young woman, he will be put to death. However, sometimes "blood" money is accepted. Afterwards, the culprit lives in a white tent or rides a white horse or has a large white stone in front of his house. This is to indicate he is forgiven and no one has the right to harm him.(p64f)
Shoes are never spoken off with respect and are never worn in a holy place. (p67)
If a person was fleeing from the avenger of blood but could not make it to a city of refuge before being overtaken, he could call on the name of a great sheikh for protection, even if he did not know this chief personally. If the person is then attacked and killed by the avenger of blood anyway, the sheikh was honour-bound to put the avenger to death, lest infamy rest on his name. (p77)
Rachel took the family gods to make her husband a member of the family. (p79)
The dipped bread Jesus gave to Judas was a sign of a particularly close bond of friendship, one it would be unthinkable to betray. (p82)
There are round flat stones in the wadis that look just like bread. (p85)
Guests coming in to a special event may be sprinkled with rosewater or orange blossom water to fit them for the presence of the entertainer or to declare them the host's guests or to place them under the favour and protection of the host. (p85)
Farmers meet each year on the threshing floor for the "lot" to be drawn which indicates their portion of land to cultivate for the coming year. The "lot" is a stone with the name of the field written on it. (p95)
Jael's invitation to Sisera is still common in Bedouin camps at the time of writing the book. (p102)
Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday. The "sabbath" is not the weekly sabbath but the Passover sabbath. (p106f)
Amongst the Persians, it was a custom to build a palatial residence and set a feast for the king and his officials. During this time, the great gate is opened but afterwards, it is shut up forever - since it is only "for the king". (p110f)
Explanation of a "vessel of honour". (p115)
Explanation of a "chosen vessel" (p118)
August 6, 2021
I got this book after a preacher referenced it in explanation of a particular scripture. It illuminates a lot of cultural references in the Bible that are easy to otherwise read right past, since they no longer are something we relate to in our modern day life.
August 28, 2022
This book needs to be reviewed as the explanation of Psalm 103:5 (They youth renewed like an eagles) has long since been debunked as myth, which puts the rest of the book in repute.
I have no doubt that there is a lot of truth in this book, however please authors do your research!
I have no doubt that there is a lot of truth in this book, however please authors do your research!
October 28, 2019
Reprint of 1944 Edition... divided by subject, including: Perplexing Scriptures; Women, Garment, Peasant Men, Home Life, Clothing and Jewels, Feasts, Fields, Tombs and Tents, Gates and Trades.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
September 9, 2012
Get this book! The insight and culture revealed in explaining the scriptures brings a new freshness to the those who enjoy reading the Bible. I love the attention to detail and the scripture references. A must read book for every Pastor.
September 16, 2016
Once again proving that God's Word is infallible waiting for man's knowledge to catch up with what God's Word clearly addresses regarding science, philosophy, and practical living.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews