728. Tents are one of the earliest family shelters mentioned in the Bible. The first reference to tent life in the Scriptures is found in Genesis 4:20, when Jabal is described as "the father of such as dwell in tents." Following the flood Japheth was said to have lived "in the tents of Shem" (Gen. 9:27 KJV). The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, lived most of their lives in tents, in and around the land of Canaan. The children of Israel lived in tents during their forty years in the wilderness and for many years after entering the Promised Land. Hundreds of years later, in the days of David, it was said to the king, "The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents" (2 Sam. 11:11).
729. The Bedouin's home is his tent, which is made of black goat hair. This is the same material as the sackcloth of Bible times. The main overhead portion is a large awning that is held up by poles. The ends of the tent are drawn out by cords tied to pegs and driven into the ground. It was one of these tent pegs that Jael used to drive into Sisera's head while he slept (Judg. 4:21).
730. The tent is usually oblong and divided into two and sometimes three rooms by goat-hair curtains. The entrance leads into the men's quarters where quests are received. Beyond this is the area for the women and children. Sometimes a third section is used for servants or cattle. The women in the inner section are screened from the view of those in the reception room, but they can hear what goes on. Remember Sarah overheard the angel and laughed (Gen, 18:10-15).
731. Bible time nomads were constantly on the move so their furnishings included only the necessities. Rugs covered the ground and bedding was brought out at night. They laid on mats or carpets and covered themselves with their outer garments worn during the day. In a nomad tent you would find bags of grain and a handmill and mortar with which to pound the grain. Hanging from the poles would be skin bags or bottles for water and other liquids; a leather bucket to draw water up from any well available; an earthen pitcher used by women to carry water; and a few pots, kettles, and pans. Serving dishes included mats, platters or larger dishes, and cups for drinking. For some, a primitive lamp was used at night. If the family had a camel, then the camelbags or saddle would have been used as seats.
732. Seeing new tents is and was out of the ordinary. Even today goat clippings are accumulated over the course of the year, and with these, the women make new strips to repair the old tent. The section that is most worn is ripped out and a new piece is sewn in. The old piece is then used for a side curtain. Each year new strips of old cloth replace the old ones and the "house of hair" is handed down from father to son without it being completely old or new at any one time.
733. As the tent-dweller's family grows larger or he becomes richer, he adds on another section to his old tent. Isaiah had this process in mind when he compared the prophetic prosperity of Israel to a Bedouin tent.
Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes.
Isaiah 54:2
