Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 49 No. 3, 2018.
Other
An overview of the historical and biblical beginnings of veterinary and human medicine in the culture and society of the early Hebrews
Saša Zavrtnik
; Geotehnički fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Damir Žubčić
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
This review provides a look at the historical and biblical foundations and beginnings of veterinary and human medicine among the early Hebrews. Hebrews, in their beginnings around 2000 B.C., were organized as tribes of nomadic shepherds. In their daily life, they were dependent upon and were in constant relation with animals. Animals were used for food, as a source of milk and meat, but also as a source of material for many necessities, while animals also were very important for sacrifice. Accordingly, the most important profession was likely that of the shepherd. To examine Hebrew history and to understand their coexistence with the living world, the Old Testament record was referred to, primarily the Pentateuch – Torah – the Law. Other sources referring to this subject were also used, with purpose of gathering them into one place. In the society of the early Hebrews, priests studied and conceived the law. They were the mediators between God and the people, every
individual, through the act of reconciliation expressed in the sacrifice, and they also played a significant role as physicians. In the Hebrew medicine of the time, the most dominant type of medicine was prophylactic. Inspection, selection, and castration procedures are also evident. The role of blood, food guidelines, hygiene, clean and unclean animals, and animals for sacrifice were emphasized. Strong ethical principles were founded in human relationships, in their relationship with animals, earth and nature. The symbol of healing was also mentioned in the form of bronze serpent that can also be found in other cultures. It is not too farfetched then to conclude that these laws have contributed to the survival of the Hebrews and the preservation of their uniqueness throughout the millennia of a troubled and uncertain history.
Keywords
veterinary and human medicine; Hebrew history; Bible; prevention and quarantine; ethical relationship; shepherd
Hrčak ID:
223046
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2018.
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