Samuel 1:23; 2:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8) At the same time various strategic devices were practiced,
such as the ambuscade, (Joshua 8:2,12; Judges 20:36) surprise, (Judges 7:16) or circumvention.
(2 Samuel 5:23) Another mode of settling the dispute was by the selection of champions, (1 Samuel
17; 2 Samuel 2:14) who were spurred on to exertion by the offer of high reward. (1 Samuel 17:25;
18:25; 2 Samuel 18:11; 1 Chronicles 11:6) The contest having been decided, the conquerors were
recalled from the pursuit by the sound of a trumpet. (2 Samuel 2:28; 18:16; 20:22) The siege of a
town or fortress was conducted in the following manner: A line of circumvallation was drawn
round the place, (Ezekiel 4:2; Micah 5:1) constructed out of the trees found in the neighborhood,
(20:20) together with earth and any other materials at hand. This line not only cut off the besieged
from the surrounding country, but also served as a base of operations for the besiegers. The next
step was to throw out from this line one or more mounds or “banks” in the direction of the city,
(2 Samuel 20:15; 2 Kings 19:32; Isaiah 37:33) which were gradually increased in height until they
were about half as high as the city wall. On this mound or bank towers were erected, (2 Kings
25:1; Jeremiah 52:4; Ezekiel 4:2; 17:17; 21:22; 26:8) whence the slingers and archers might attack
with effect. Catapults were prepared for hurling large darts and stones; and the crow, a long spar,
with iron claws at one end and ropes at the other, to pull down stones or men from the top of the
wall. Battering-rams, (Ezekiel 4:2; 21:22) were brought up to the walls by means of the bank, and
scaling-ladders might also be placed on it. The treatment of the conquered was extremely severe
in ancient times. The bodies of the soldiers killed in action were plundered, (1 Samuel 31:8) 2
Macc 8:27; the survivors were either killed in some savage manner, (Judges 9:45; 2 Samuel 12:31;
2 Chronicles 25:12) mutilated, (Judges 9:45; 2 Samuel 12:31; 2 Chronicles 25:12) mutilated,
(Judges 1:6; 1 Samuel 11:2) or carried into captivity. (Numbers 31:26)
Washing The Hands And Feet
As knives and forks were not used in the East, in Scripture times, in eating, it was necessary
that the hand, which was thrust into the common dish, should be scrupulously clean; and again, as
sandals were ineffectual against the dust and heat of the climate, washing the feet on entering a
house was an act both of respect to the company and of refreshment to the traveller. The former of
these usages was transformed by the Pharisees of the New Testament age into a matter of ritual
observance, (Mark 7:3) and special rules were laid down as to the time and manner of its
performance. Washing the feet did not rise to the dignity of a ritual observance except in connection
with the services of the sanctuary. (Exodus 30:19,21) It held a high place, however, among the rites
of hospitality. Immediately that a guest presented himself at the tent door it was usual to offer the
necessary materials for washing the feet. (Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Judges 19:21) It was
a yet more complimentary act, betokening equally humility and affection, if the host himself
performed the office for his guest. (1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:38,44; John 13:5-14; 1 Timothy 5:10)
Such a token of hospitality is still occasionally exhibited in the East.
Watches Of Night
The Jews, like the Greeks and Romans, divided the night into military watches instead of hours,
each watch representing the period for which sentinels or pickets remained on duty. The proper
Jewish reckoning recognized only three such watches, entitled the first or “beginning of the watches,”
(Lamentations 2:19) the middle watch, (Judges 7:19) and the morning watch. (Exodus 14:24; 1
Samuel 11:11) These would last respectively from sunset to 10 P.M.; from 10 P.M. to 2 A.M.; and
from 2 A.M. to sunrise. After the establishment of the Roman supremacy, the number of watches
was increased to four, which were described either according to their numerical order, as in the
frankie
(Frankie)
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