JEWISH FISHING^ 

 CHAPTER XXXVIII 



ROD NOT EMPLOYED IN SPITE OF CLOSE INTERCOURSE 

 WITH EGYPT— REASONS SUGGESTED FOR ABSENCE 



The absence of any mention of Angling in Israel, and in Assyria 

 causes wonder and surprise, especially when we remember 

 that the relations of both nations in trade and intercourse with 

 Egypt, where Rod fishing did obtain, appear when at peace 

 constant and close. 2 



In the Assyrian chapter the vexed question of the earliest 

 date assignable for the invasion or cultural permeation of 

 Egypt by Sumerian or Semitic influences has been considered, 

 and the conflicting views stated. 



A fair consensus of agreement holds that the Hyksos 

 sprang from Semitic stock ; but the dates suggested for their 

 conquest of Egypt vary from 2540 down to 1845 B.C. 3 



However this may be, the definite association with Egypt 

 of that branch of the Semitic tribes destined in Jacob's hfe- 

 time (Gen. xlvii. 27) to be known as Israehtes,* begins with 

 the advent of Abram into that country. 



1 Throughout my pages the words, Jews and Jewish, are generally used 

 in the popular sense, and not as merely signifying members of the tribe of 

 Judah. To my friend Dr. A. R. S. Kennedy, Professor of Hebrew at Edinburgh 

 University, my thanks are due for advice and for reading the proof-sheets of 

 my section on the Jews. 



' In this chapter the word Assyrian generally stands for Sumerian, 

 Babylonian, and Assyrian proper. 



' Remains of the Hyksos kings are far-scattered ; e.g. an alabaster vase- 

 lid of very fine work, bearing the name of Khian, was discovered in the palace 

 of Cnossos in Crete, while a granite lion bearing the king's cartouche on his 

 breast, unearthed many years ago at Bagaad, is to be seen in the British 

 Museum. J. H. Breasted, History of Egypt, p. 218 (London, 1906). 



* The verse is not conclusive that they were called IsraeUtes during their 



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