In a recent article for the Biblical Archaeology Review, the scholar Professor Michael Homan writes that ancient Israelites, with the possible exception of the Nazirites, routinely drank beer – and lots of it! Beer was a staple in the Israelite diet, just as it was in other ancient Near East cultures who grew grain. Men, women and even children of all social classes drank it regularly.
Homan then points out that even Yahweh, according to Hebrew Scriptures, drank at least half a ‘hin’ of beer (roughly equivalent to a six-pack) on a normal day, and even more on a Sabbath. Of course, this was through the cultic practice of libation, which involves the pouring out of a drink on an altar as an offering to a deity.
Homan believes that ancient Israel’s fondness for beer has largely been ignored because of the confusing of the Hebrew word for beer, and also a general “snobbery in academia causing scholars to scorn beer drinking while celebrating wine culture.” He also points out the huge health benefits that came from producing and drinking beer, and that it could well have been a major player in numerous technological and cultural developments through the ages.
Homan does remind his readers that the Hebrew Bible warns against consuming too much beer and calls for moderation.
To read the full article, please go to http://www.bib-arch.org