Beetlemania of Bygone Times *

Abstract

The biblical terms in Deut. 28.42 and in Isa. 18.1 were never satisfactorily defined. A thorough analysis of ancient Egyptian texts, classical literature, Aramaic and rabbinic sources, post-biblical texts and archaeological material suggests that in the Pentateuch means beetle and Isaiah's phrase can be translated ‘land of the winged beetle’, that is, Egypt. Moreover, the Egyptian beetle metaphorically could represent a (sacred) boat and in Christian commentary, crucified Jesus. Though viewed as abominable, the beetle was used as a potent drug in eastern Mediterranean communities down to the middle ages. Influence of time-honoured Egyptian culture left a distinct mark on the contiguous communities. Small wonder that the Bible, even talmudic literature, incorporated some of its tastes.