CHAPTER VII.

HEBREW ART.

The Hebrews are a mixed race--Social and political condition of the Jews during 6,000 years--Description of the country and aspect of nature--Rabbi Manasseh Ben Israel-- Architecture a sure measure of a nation’s social and political development--Egotistical character of nomadic traders--The temple and palace of Solomon, the only architectural efforts of the Jews--Sketch of their history, divided into eight periods--The tabernacle a tent--The first temple constructed on its plan--Ben David on the mysterious empty room above the Holy of Holies--Causes why the Jews had no art, and never attempted to have any 132