A team of archaeologists were working in Jerusalem when they found a
slab of rock with five figures carved on it.
In order the figures were:
1. A Woman
2. A Donkey
3. A Shovel
4. A Fish
5. A Star of David.
After months of studying the rock and the figures upon it, the leader
of the team chose the rock as the subject matter for a lecture tour.
He explained to his listeners that even though the carvings were
several thousands of years old, they revealed abundant information concerning
the sociology of the people of that time period.
1. The woman being first in the progression of the figures was an
indication of the high esteem in which women were held in the early days of
their history. Further, it indicated that in all probability it was a
matriarchal, family oriented culture.
2. The donkey image indicated the domestication of animals. The donkeys
were probably used as beasts of burden and to till the fields.
3. The intelligence and creativity of the people was proven by their
ability to create and use tools, as evidenced by the image of the shovel
or spade.
4. The drawing of the fish, usually associated with Protestant
religions, in as much as this carving was discovered in Jerusalem, can only be
construed as an indication of their ability to supplement their diets
by harvesting the products of the sea.
5. In conclusion, he stated, "The Star of David, being a Hebraic
religious symbol, can only indicate that they were indeed, a most religious
group.
After much frantic hand waving a little old man in the front row
finally got the attention of the speaker.
When acknowledged he said, "I'm sorry to spoil your most learned
interpretation of these symbols but, you were reading it left to right.
In
Hebrew we read from right to left. If read in that manner it clearly
translates as
