Biblical Hebrew Forum

[<tladatsi AT charter.net>]

Peter,

Yes, that was a very interesting paper.  You are correct it did not resolve 

anything definitely although it does state that based on ancient writings, 

including but not limited to Herodotus, it was cultivated in antiquity.  

The central point is, based on how the word QNH-BSM or

even QNH alone is used in the Hebrew text, it suggests a plant that is stiff,

straight, and woody.  Most Cannabis varieties would not serve well as balance

beams or candleholders, as is described in the Tanakh, especially once they 

have dried out.  Cannabis rots rather easily, which is why cannabis ropes had 
to 

be covered in tar for maritine uses.  QNH seems, based on the context in which

it is used in the Tanakh, to be a tough woody reed, like Arundo donax, rather

than the pliant (but not flaccid) nettle Cannabis sativa.

The US Department of Agriculture produced a number of very interesting 

documents on all aspects of cannabis farming which are available at this web 

page.  Particularly helpful in the 1942 film "Hemp for Victory" whose 
transcript 

and images provide insight into the uses and physical characteristics of 

cannabis.  

http://www.globalhemp.com/Archives/Government_Research/USDA/

Contrast that with the description of Arundo donax, used for the manufacture 

of oboe reeds.  It is also a noxous weed.

http://www.oboe.org/donax.htm

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/ardo1.htm

These show the important differences that make reading QNH as a reed 

preferable over Cannabis.
--
Jack Tladatsi