068. "A Writer's Inkhorn by His Side"
"A Writer’s Inkhorn by His Side"
"And one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side." This is a description of the scribe as you see him today in Bible Lands and as he appeared in Bible days.
Customs have changed so little in many ways since Ezekiel lived there. Very few people can read or write yet, so the scribe is needed and is a very important person in a city or town. Indeed in many villages he may be the only person who can read or write a letter. The scribe carries an inkhorn in his girdle or leather belt. The inkhorn is usually about ten inches long by two inches wide, made of wood or metal. It is really a long tube and holds the wooden pens. In the upper end of this case the inkstand is attached. The ink is made of powdered charcoal, lampblack, or soot, mixed with gum and water. It is exceedingly black and would never fade out, but could very easily be washed off the parchment with water.
You see today the scribes writing letters for people or reading a letter for them, near the gates, or on street corners.