=War with other tribes.=—­In addition to their constant struggle to make a living from a somewhat barren land, these shepherds were almost constantly in danger from human enemies.  A small, weak tribe, grazing its flocks around a good well, was always in danger lest a stronger tribe swoop down upon them to kill and plunder.  There were many robber clans who did little else besides preying on their neighbors and passing caravans of traders.  Nowhere was there any security.  The desert and its borders was a world of bitter hatreds and long-standing feuds.  Certain rival tribes fought each other at every opportunity for centuries with a warfare that hesitated at no cruelty or treachery.

DESERT RELIGION

Such a life of eager longings, fierce passions, and dark despair is a fertile soil for religion.  And these early Hebrew shepherds were intensely religious.  It is true that in the earliest days the fierceness and cruelty of their wars were reflected in the character of the gods in whom they believed.  They thought of them as doing many cruel and selfish things.  Yet a people who believe very deeply and seriously in their religion, even in an imperfect religion, are sure to be a force in the world.  Hence it is not surprising that three of the world’s greatest religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Mohammedanism, arose at different times among the wandering shepherds of Arabia.

STUDY TOPICS

It would be well to keep a notebook in which to write the result of your study.

1.  Look up in any Bible dictionary, under “Weights and Measures,” the approximate size of an “ephah,” which was the common Hebrew unit of dry measure, and “hin,” which was their common unit for measuring liquids.

2.  From the facts given in this chapter, calculate in pounds avoirdupois, the approximate weight of a talent.

3.  To what extent does the Old Testament reflect the experiences of shepherd life?  Look up “shepherd” in any concordance.

4.  What are some valuable lessons which great spiritual teachers among the Hebrews learned from their shepherd life?  Read Psalm 23.

CHAPTER II

HOME LIFE IN THE TENTS

Most persons, no matter what their race or country, spend a large proportion of their time at home.  The home is the center of many interests and activities, and it reflects quite accurately the state of civilization of a people.  In this chapter let us take a look into the homes of the shepherd Hebrews.  We shall visit one of their encampments; perhaps we shall be reminded of a camp of the gypsies.

A CLUSTER OF BLACK TENTS

Here on a gentle hillside sloping up from a tiny brook, is a cluster of ten or a dozen black tents.  Further down the valley sheep are grazing.  Two or three mongrel dogs rush out to bark at us as we approach, until a harsh voice calls them back.  A dark man with bare brown arms comes out to meet us, wearing a coarse woolen cloak with short sleeves.  Half-naked children peer out from the tent flaps.