DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6359#0290
272
EGYPT AND ITS MONUMENTS.
could have had was purely Egyptian. But there is another
valuable object to be here attained. If it be shown that
Israelitish art is connected with Egyptian by many pecu-
liarities, it will prove that the condition of things is precisely
such as it would be, on the supposition that the Pentateuch is
historically accurate; and that if we discard that supposition,
we cannot explain or account for numerous facts that meet
us, inasmuch as no fictitious narrative could, with such per-
fect consistency, originate and sustain the close Egyptian
relationship which we encounter at every step of our progress.
Precious Stones.—These were among the articles used by
the Israelites. Bezaleel, who was the chief in the construc-
tion of the tabernacle, we are expressly told, " had skill in
the cutting of stones to set them." Precious stones with
engravings on them were also, as we read, set upon the ephod
and breastplate of the high priest. We presume our readers
will not have forgotten the drawings we have already pro-
duced of signet-rings and bracelets, containing precious stones,
and those sculptured. Indeed, too many specimens are yet in
existence in various museums to permit a doubt on this sub-
ject; and among them, are some older than the days of
Abraham. Israel learned the art of polishing and cutting
them in Egypt ; for the Hebrews certainly at a period
posterior to this possessed it, and had then held no intercourse
with any people from whom they could have derived it so
early as the time of their possessing it, but the Egyptians.
Purifying and working Metals—We have already seen
on the monuments, Egyptians working ih metals. " From all
such articles" (says Rosellini) "it is manifest how anciently the
art of casting and working metals was practised in Egypt-"
He adds: " The greater part of Egyptian metallic articles are
EGYPT AND ITS MONUMENTS.
could have had was purely Egyptian. But there is another
valuable object to be here attained. If it be shown that
Israelitish art is connected with Egyptian by many pecu-
liarities, it will prove that the condition of things is precisely
such as it would be, on the supposition that the Pentateuch is
historically accurate; and that if we discard that supposition,
we cannot explain or account for numerous facts that meet
us, inasmuch as no fictitious narrative could, with such per-
fect consistency, originate and sustain the close Egyptian
relationship which we encounter at every step of our progress.
Precious Stones.—These were among the articles used by
the Israelites. Bezaleel, who was the chief in the construc-
tion of the tabernacle, we are expressly told, " had skill in
the cutting of stones to set them." Precious stones with
engravings on them were also, as we read, set upon the ephod
and breastplate of the high priest. We presume our readers
will not have forgotten the drawings we have already pro-
duced of signet-rings and bracelets, containing precious stones,
and those sculptured. Indeed, too many specimens are yet in
existence in various museums to permit a doubt on this sub-
ject; and among them, are some older than the days of
Abraham. Israel learned the art of polishing and cutting
them in Egypt ; for the Hebrews certainly at a period
posterior to this possessed it, and had then held no intercourse
with any people from whom they could have derived it so
early as the time of their possessing it, but the Egyptians.
Purifying and working Metals—We have already seen
on the monuments, Egyptians working ih metals. " From all
such articles" (says Rosellini) "it is manifest how anciently the
art of casting and working metals was practised in Egypt-"
He adds: " The greater part of Egyptian metallic articles are