Topical Bible: Books: The Ancients Fond of Making

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient world, the creation and use of books were significant cultural and religious practices. The Bible itself, a collection of sacred texts, reflects the importance of written records in preserving divine revelation, history, and wisdom. The ancients, particularly within the Judeo-Christian tradition, were deeply invested in the making and keeping of books, which served as vessels for God's word and human knowledge.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible frequently references the use of written documents. In Exodus 24:4, Moses is described as writing down all the words of the LORD, indicating the early practice of recording divine instructions. Similarly, Deuteronomy 31:24-26 recounts Moses writing the law and commanding the Levites to place it beside the Ark of the Covenant, underscoring the sacredness of written texts.

The prophet Isaiah was instructed to write on a scroll (Isaiah 30:8), and Jeremiah was commanded to record all the words spoken to him by the LORD (Jeremiah 30:2). These instances highlight the role of books in preserving prophetic messages and ensuring their transmission to future generations.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Books in the ancient world were not merely repositories of information but were considered authoritative and binding. The Jewish tradition, with its emphasis on the Torah, exemplifies the reverence for written law. The Torah, or the first five books of the Bible, was meticulously copied and studied, reflecting the belief that these texts were divinely inspired and essential for guiding the community's faith and practice.

In the New Testament, the importance of written records continues. The Gospels, Epistles, and other writings were composed to document the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to the importance of reading and sharing his writings among the churches (e.g., Colossians 4:16).

The Process of Bookmaking

The process of creating books in ancient times was labor-intensive and required skilled scribes. Materials such as papyrus, parchment, and vellum were used, and texts were written with ink made from natural substances. The meticulous nature of this work ensured the accuracy and preservation of the texts, which were often copied by hand.

The role of scribes was crucial, as they were responsible for the transmission of sacred texts. In the Jewish tradition, scribes were highly respected for their knowledge and precision in copying the Scriptures. This dedication to accuracy is evident in the careful preservation of the Masoretic Text, the authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible.

Theological Implications

The making of books in the biblical context is deeply intertwined with the concept of divine revelation. The written word is seen as a means by which God communicates with humanity, providing guidance, instruction, and insight into His will. The Bible, as a divinely inspired collection of books, holds a central place in the life of believers, serving as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and conduct.

The emphasis on books also reflects the belief in the enduring nature of God's word. As Isaiah 40:8 states, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" . This conviction underscores the importance of preserving and studying the Scriptures, ensuring that the divine message remains accessible to all generations.

In summary, the ancients' fondness for making books is evident throughout the biblical narrative. The creation, preservation, and reverence for written texts highlight their significance in conveying divine truth and shaping the spiritual life of the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 12:12
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Emperor Theodosius by Salaminius Hermias Sozomen, and Proposal ...
... useful matter or other; such as were fond of ornaments ... thou, O Emperor, surpassest
any of the ancients in thy ... and at night that thou busiest thyself with books. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/address to the emperor theodosius.htm

Comenius and the Hidden Seed, 1627-1672.
... garden of nature," he asked, "as well as the ancients? ... he had spent six years preparing
school books for the ... the Brethren fled from their last fond home, with ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xvi comenius and the.htm

The Ethics of Elfland
... moderns mean when they say that the ancients did not ... in the land of science they
are singularly fond of it ... the terms used in the science books, "law," "necessity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iv the ethics of elfland.htm

Soul Winning
... use a plain word), which sharpers are so fond of winning ... not read and for the days
when books were scarce ... win" was commonly used among the ancients, to signify ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/soul winning.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... Augustin was fond of, [22]189 (note ... Books, the Manich??an, [228]83. ... called by the ancients
"the sacrament of perfection;" maintains life which baptism gives, [420 ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... sacrificing to the Graces, as the ancients called it ... as Cicero particularly, who
composed several books of jests ... to be offered up to vainglory, fond pleasure, or ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

Luke.
... called the Gospel of Peter by the ancients, the latter ... The custom of dedicating books
to princes and rich ... They are equally fond of words which characterize the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... Nous ne la renions, au fond, pas plus les uns que ... boyhood the world as known to the
ancients was nearly ... say, that the authors of the Scriptural books have, in ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

The Deists.
... visible to the whole world.' Tindal is fond of stating ... the first edition of the first
three books to the ... It was universally believed by the ancients on their ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter iii the deists.htm

1 Thessalonians ii. 12-Sep
... Did they not slay and stone their own prophets, whose books even they ... But if thou
wouldest be rich like the ancients, be rich not in gold ... Be not fond of ornament ...
/.../homily iii 1 thessalonians ii.htm