It is unnecessary that we should enter into particulars concerning the history of the Semitic race as narrated in the Bible, and we shall endeavour to avoid anything like the discussion of Jewish or Christian theological doctrines. There is, however, a controversy concerning the authority of Scripture upon the question of temperance, or rather total abstinence from intoxicating drink, which it is impossible to ignore. Concisely stated, it is this: There are (amongst others) two words used in Scripture to denote the juice of the grape, namely, _Tirosh_, which is generally supposed to mean “must,” or the unfermented juice; and _Yayin_, or wine. There is also a third word, _Schechar_ or _Schecar_, which means all strong drink excepting wine.[100] Writers on total abstinence maintain that both the Old and New Testament clearly discountenance the use of intoxicating drink, and that when wine is spoken of as being permitted, _Tirosh_ or “must” is meant, whilst there are numerous denunciations of wine proper (_Yayin_), and of strong drink.[101] One of our most learned biblical commentators has said: “We question whether the critics who have adopted these views have not driven their arguments beyond their fair conclusions;”[102] and we are bound to say that, after carefully considering the matter, we entirely agree with him. The account which we shall give of the drinking habits of the ancient Hebrews will refute these doctrines, but it will serve to clear the way if we devote a page or two to the preliminary consideration of the subject from the temperance point of view. One of the writers named refers to a passage in Micah vi. 15, which says, “Thou shalt tread the _grape-fruit_, but shalt not drink wine;”[103] and this he construes to mean that the grape-fruit is a “permitted enjoyment,” but that wine is not to be drunk. The reader may judge for himself whether that is the correct interpretation. Micah vi. 13, says to the children of Israel, “Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.” Ver. 14 says, “Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied,” &c. &c. Ver. 15 (the one under consideration) says, “_Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine_,” (translated grape-fruit by the temperance writer), “_but shalt not drink wine_.”