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HUNTING is not conspicuous in the literature of the Hebrews that remains to us. We may probably infer that it did not bulk largely in their life. As an amusement, it seems to belong to a more advanced stage of civilization than they had reached. The typical hunter was found outside their borders (Gen_10:9). Esau, skilful in the chase, is depicted as somewhat uncouth and simple (Gen_25:27 etc.). Not till the time of Herod do we hear of a king achieving excellence in this form of sport (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] BJ I. xxi. 13). Wild animals and birds were, however, appreciated as food (Lev_17:13, 1Sa_26:20 etc.); and in a country like Palestine, abounding in beasts and birds of prey, some proficiency in the huntsman’s art was necessary in order to secure the safety of the community, and the protection of the flocks. Among these ‘evil beasts’ lions and bears were the most dangerous (Gen_37:33, 1Ki_13:24, 2Ki_2:24, Pro_28:15 etc.). Deeds of prowess in the slaughter of such animals—by Samson in self-defence (Jdg_14:6), David the shepherd to rescue his charges (1Sa_17:34), and Benaiah (2Sa_23:20)—gained for these men abiding fame. H. P. Smith (Samuel, in loc.) would read of Benaiah: ‘He used to go down and smite the lions in the pit on snowy days,’ when he could track them easily. The difficulty is that snowy days would be rather few to permit of his making a reputation in this way.
Among the animals hunted for food were the gazelle, the hart, the roebuck, and the wild goat (Deu_12:15; Deu_12:22; Deu_14:5 etc.). The first three are mentioned specially as furnishing the table of Solomon (1Ki_4:23). The partridge was perhaps the bird chiefly hunted in ancient times, as it is at the present day (1Sa_26:20). Neither beast nor bird might be eaten unless the blood had been ‘poured out’ (Lev_17:13, Deu_12:16 etc.)—a law still observed by the Moslems.
Little information is given in Scripture as to the methods followed by the huntsmen. The hunting dog is not mentioned; but it is familiar to Josephus (Ant. VI. viii. 9). The following implements were in use, viz.:—the bow and arrow (Gen_27:3 etc.), the club (Job_41:29), nets (Job_19:6, Psa_9:16, Isa_51:20 etc.), pits, in which there might be a net, dug and concealed to entrap the larger animals (Psa_9:15, Eze_19:8 etc.), the sling (1Sa_17:40), the snare of the fowler (Psa_64:5; Psa_91:3; Psa_124:7). The tame partridge in a cage was used as a decoy (Sir_11:30). The modern Syrian is not greatly addicted to hunting. Occasional raids are made upon the bears on Mt. Hermon. To the scandal of Jew and Moslem, Christians sometimes hunt the wild boar in the Huleh marshes, and in the thickets beyond Jordan. See also Nets, Snares, etc.
W. Ewing.