scroll

A roll of papyrus or specially prepared leather used for writing in antiquity (Jer 36). To make a papyrus scroll even strips cut from the pith of the papyrus plant were laid side by side in horizontal and vertical rows, forming the front and back side of the sheet, respectively. Water and pressure were applied to make the strips adhere. After they dried, the sheets were rubbed smooth with shells or stones. Leather scrolls were made of sheep, goat, or calf skin that had been dehaired, scraped, washed, stretched on a frame, and dried. The hair side, on which the writing was done, was scraped smooth and rubbed with a pumice stone. Rectangles of prepared leather were stitched together to make a scroll. References to scrolls and writing in the Bible include (Deut 28:58; Josh 1:8; Ps 45:1; Isa 8:1; Jer 8:8; Jer 25:13; Ezek 2:9-10; Rev 5:1).