Heard about the bombshell OT discoveries?

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It’s welcome news, but I wouldn’t call it a “bombshell.” It provides further evidence in support of the generally accepted view that, in antiquity, the ability to read and write was more widespread in Jewish society than among other peoples of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
 
Thanks for confirming that. I always thought there was a significant amount of literacy given that the Jewish people were running their own society for the most part, and had their own educated and professional class.
 
I think it also has to do with religion. In synagogue worship, every adult male (adult meaning 13 and upward) is expected to step up to the lectern and read a few verses from the scroll. It was the rabbi’s job to teach boys to read, though not necessarily to write. This emerged in another thread just a few days ago. I’ll try and find it.

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This is the one:
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Who was taught to read during Jesus' time? Sacred Scripture
Today’s Gospel (Luke 4:16-30) was about the time Jesus returned to Nazareth and He read a passage from Isaiah declaring Who He is. People seemed surprised that such gracious words came from Him. Who was taught to read during Jesus’ time?
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I wasn’t sure if large numbers of the boys would be taught, or just the ones who seemed to be smart and adept at that sort of thing. But it would make sense if they tried to teach as many as possible.
 
Sumer had a fair percentage of readers (based on all the letters found that were written by normal people about daily life, just writing about family stuff between cities), and Abraham was from a Sumerian city.
 
My understanding is that Jewish teaching says fathers need to make sure their sons know a trade, how to swim, and how to read.

So I always thought that most if not all the ancient Israelite men could read.
 
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