The night watch
The night watch. Watchmen were an important part of life in Bible times. They provided night-time protection both for soldiers in their tents and for… Read More »The night watch
The night watch. Watchmen were an important part of life in Bible times. They provided night-time protection both for soldiers in their tents and for… Read More »The night watch
Camels at war? The Midianites were among the first to use camels in warfare (6:5). Their camels were most likely the single-humped dromedary, which could… Read More »Camels at war?
Donkeys played many roles in the ancient Near East. They provided much of the heavy labor in agriculture and provided personal transportation. The number of… Read More »Donkeys
Chariots of iron. Iron chariots were the equivalent of tanks in the ancient Near East. They were greatly feared by enemy foot soldiers. Charioteers could… Read More »Chariots of iron
Cool breezes were rare in the arid climate of ancient Israel. Usually the best place to feel a nice breeze was on the roof of… Read More »Cool breezes
Ashtoreth was the goddess of fertility, love, and war in Canaanite culture. Canaanite legends portray her as Baal’s wife or sister. She is also known… Read More »Ashtoreth
Toes and Thumbs. Victors in ancient battles would often cut off the thumbs and toes of their foes (1:6–7). This would allow their enemies to… Read More »Toes and Thumbs
Dividing the spoils after a war or battle was a very common practice. Livestock, precious metals, clothing, and even people could be taken as spoils.… Read More »Dividing the spoils
A manslayer was a person who unintentionally took another person’s life. Such a person could flee to a “city of refuge” (20:1–6) for safety until… Read More »Manslayer
Bethlehem? There are actually two places called Bethlehem in the Bible. The town where Ruth lived and where Jesus was born was about 5 miles… Read More »Bethlehem?
Megiddo was the site of many important OT battles. It was a walled city that guarded the main road that linked Egypt and Syria. Its… Read More »Megiddo
Anakim were apparently a race of very tall people, descended from Anak. After the Israelites conquered Canaan, many of the Anakim took up residence with… Read More »Anakim