MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE BIBLE (GAMES PT2)

Although dice were in use, no form of gambling was allowed among the Jewish people. This may have resulted from the feeling that dice were sacred in some way. The high priest used two discs, black on one side and white on the other, shaken from the pouch or breastplate to discern the will of God (Exodus 28:30; 1 Samuel 28:6). It was used to find out a guilty party (Joshua 7:16-21), and in New Testament times the person who replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve was chosen by lot (Acts 1:26).

It may, however, simply have been that there was a reaction against the covetousness that is part of gambling. No gambler was allowed to give evidence in court; it was assumed that he could not be trusted. Gambling games were played by others. The soldiers gambled for the seamless robe of Jesus while he was on the cross (John 19:24).

More significant was a game called “Basileus,” or “King,” A wooden skittle (bowling pin) was moved about markings on the ground according to the throw of dice. When the skittle had moved to the appropriate places for robing, crowning, and being given a sceptre, the person who made the last throw called, “King!” and collected the stakes laid out by his companions. In view of Matthew 27:27-31, it is clear that soldiers at Castle Antonia played “King” with Jesus, substituting him for the wooden skittle and using a soldier’s cloak, reed, and crown of thorns in their mockery. (Markings for this can be seen on the paving stones at Gabbatha in Jerusalem to this day.)

Outside the Jewish community, girls played with dolls. Bodies were sometimes made of pottery, and hair was made of beads and mud. Some dolls that have been found have holes at key points on the limbs, which makes it appear they were used as puppets.

Pottery furniture, dolls’-house-size, has been found too.

Wooden, pull-along toys have been found in Egypt. These toys were not found in the Jewish community because it was believed they infringed the commandment that there should be no graven image or any likeness. “Imitation” games were often played, however. Jesus described the children of his day playing at weddings and funerals in the marketplace (Luke 7:32).