MOUSE ( ‘akbâr ). Probably a generic term including field-mice, hamsters, dormice, and even jerboas. The male of the last named is called ‘akbâr by the Arabs. All these small rodents are exceedingly plentiful in Palestine. The hamster ( Cricetus phÅ“us ) and the jerboa, of which three varieties have been found in the land, are eaten by the Arabs (cf. Isaiah 66:17 ). Metal mice as amulets have been found in the Palestine plain (cf. 1 Samuel 6:4-5 ). The mouse was forbidden food to the Israelites ( Leviticus 11:28 ).
E. W. G. Masterman.