Table in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is the Table?
TA'BLE
The table of ancient times was nothing but a circular skin or piece of leather spread upon the matted or carpeted floor, and this, at home as well as by the way, answered for table and cloth. Near the edges of this leathern tray there are holes or loops, through which, when the meal is completed, a cord is drawn, by means of which the whole affair is compressed into a small compass and hung upon a nail. Bread was kneaded upon it. The nearest approach to what we call a table is a mere stool, which is placed in the centre of the leather we have mentioned. This might be intended in Judg 1:7. Its only use is to hold the principal dish or dishes. There have been seen among the Arabian nobles and in cities long tables. These, however, were only a span high and not a yard wide, and were entirely uncovered, and usually held nothing but the dishes. More frequently all such conveniences are wanting, and the dishes stand on the leather. Instead of a table-cloth, there is spread round the leathern tray a long cloth, or two such cloths, of a dark color, which prevent the soiling of the carpet. Among poorer people there is nothing of the kind, and every one uses his handkerchief by way of napkin. Instead of plates, there are set thin, round cakes of a coarse kind. After the Captivity raised tables like ours became common, and the Persian practice of reclining on couches at meals was introduced. For the manner of sitting, see Seats, Eat. In Mark 7:4 "tables" is a mistranslation for "beds" or "couches." The "writing-table" of Zacharias, Luke 1:63, was a waxed tablet, on which one wrote with a stylus.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'table' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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