Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

CARAVAN

A traveling group with pack animals loaded with goods and merchandise. For countries lacking either the skill or ability to conduct commerce via sea travel, caravan trade was vital for economic well-being. The geographic position of Israel between three continents made it a center of overland commerce. As travel in the ancient Near East was a dangerous and difficult affair due to weather, wild animals, and roving bands of robbers, caravans provided an advantage of safety in numbers. Caravans were almost exclusively operated by governmental authorities. The king or clan leader could afford to provide an armed escort, maintain fortresses at strategic points along the way (e.g., Solomon’s fortification at Arad), and guard the vital oasis water supplies. Only a very few “private” caravans are recorded in the history, though individuals and family groups were welcome to travel with a caravan. Caravans normally traveled at night to avoid the heat of the day and to reduce the likelihood of attack. Many caravans were remarkably large and could move substantial quantities of goods. Donkeys, mules and camels were the pack animals most often utilized, although by 1900 b.c. the stronger mules had replaced donkeys in most caravans. While donkeys or mules could carry larger loads and were simpler to manage, camels had the advantage of speed and the ability to travel longer distances between oases. The average caravan numbered 100-300 animals; however, one record testifies to a caravan of 3000 donkeys. On another occasion 170 camels transported 30 tons of merchandise from Damascus to Mecca.

The Bible records several notable caravans: Abraham’s travels from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan (Gen. 12); the caravan of traders to whom Joseph was sold (Gen. 37:25); the queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon (1 Kgs. 10:1-2); and the night escape of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from Bethlehem to Egypt (Matt. 2:14).

Dennis M. Swanson

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

CARAVAN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)