possession of Canaan, they had little time or motive for cultivating the
literary art. The popular songs which were sung beside the camp-fires,
at the recurring festivals, and as the Hebrews advanced in battle
against their foes, were the earliest records of their past. There is
evidence that many of the primitive narratives now found in the opening
chapters of Genesis were also once current in poetical form. In some
cases the poetic structure has been preserved.

[Sidenote: _Israel's early song-books_]

The earliest collections of writings referred to in the Old Testament
bear the suggestive titles, _The Book of the Upright_ (i.e., Israel),
and, _The Book of the Wars of Jehovah_. From the quotations which we
have from them it is clear that they consisted of collections of songs,
recounting the exploits of Israel's heroes and the signal victories of
the race.

[Sidenote: _The Song of Deborah_]

That stirring paean of victory known as the Song of Deborah was perhaps
once found in the Book of the Wars of Jehovah. It is one of the oldest
pieces of literature in the Old Testament, and breathes the heroic
spirit of the primitive age from which it comes. Through the eyes of the
poet one views the different scenes in the mighty conflict. [Footnote:
The translation is from "The Student's Old Testament," Vol. I., pp.
320-323.]

[Sidenote: _Exordium_]

That the leaders took the lead in Israel,