BIBLICAL LIBRARIES
tinently observed (Sellin, Einl. p. 7), many at least of the Canaanite cities were not destroyed or even occupied for a long time, but were surrounded by the Hebrews and finally occupied and assimilated. It follows therefore that the archival system continued, and, under this theory, for a long time, until the Hebrews absorbed the culture of their neighbors—and by inference libraries with the rest.
(4) Taking the evidence of the documents as they stand, the matter is simple enough: various works were kept in or near the ark, Joshua added to these at least the report of a boundary commission (Joshua 18:9-10) which was brought to the sanctuary, and Samuel "laid up" the book that he wrote "before Jehovah" i.e. at the ark. Moreover the books of Jasher, the wars of Jehovah, etc,, imply a literature which in turn implies libraries. Altogether at least one sacred library is clearly indicated.
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