276. Animals Petted

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

2 Samuel 12:3 • 1 min. read • grade level: 7

2 Samuel 12:3³But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. (2 Samuel 12:3). It grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

There is a beautiful touch of nature about this; for though uttered in a parable the words are in truthful accordance with Eastern manners.

Bochart says that anciently not only lambs, but other animals, were by many persons allowed to eat with them at their tables, and to lie with them in their beds. The Arabs of today keep pet lambs as we keep lap-dogs.

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 270. Prisoners Fettered

• 271. Storing and Grinding Grain

• 272. The Sistrum

• 273. The Beard Cut Off

• 274. Spring, the Season for War

• 275. Promenade on the Roof

• 276. Animals Petted

• 277. Fasting for Bereavement

• 278. Covering the Head

• 279. Earth on the Head

• 280. Dust Throwing

• 281. Cistern in the Court Yard

• 282. Double Gates

• 283. Watch Man Porter

• 284. The Chamber Over the Gate

• 285. Lamentations Over the Dead

• 286. Ferry Boats

• 287. Cherethites and Pelethites

• 288. Touching the Beard

• 289. Circling Nets

• 290. The Pipe

• 291. The Asylum

• 292. Rarity of Burial in Cities

• 293. Fodder

• 294. Rafts

• 295. Solomon's Temple

• 296. The Month Zif

• 297. The Month Bul

• 298. Saws

• 299. The Month Ethanim