Abraham’s Camels

Critics have alleged that the references to domesticated camels in the Genesis record are evidence that the book was actually written much later than claimed. It is said that camels were not domesticated until centuries later. In the first reference to Abraham’s possessions he was said to have camels (Gen. 12:16). From about the same time period a clay tablet found at Ugarit contains a text that clearly refers to the use of camels. Discoveries made in Egypt include a carved figure, which has been provisionally dated to before Abraham’s time, of a man standing by a kneeling camel, and the figure of a camel bearing two water jars. It seems clear that camels were domesticated from an early time, although the practice may not have been widespread. It would appear that Abraham was not the only one to possess camels. That he did have them is further stated in Genesis 24:10,35, while his grandson Jacob is also credited with possessing some (30:43; 32:7). When the terrible plagues struck the Egyptians it is expressly stated that their cattle and their camels were included (Ex. 9:3).