A Leading Case is one which decides some par ticular point in question, and to which reference is constantly or frequently made, for the purpose of determining the law in similar questions. (bou vier.) In the strict sense of this definition the cases in this volume cannot be called leading cases, al though they have been frequently cited, not only in the Jewish lawbooks, but also in the ecclesiastical and civil courts of Christendom. Although many of them are legendary accounts and not actual records of cases decided in courts of law, I have chosen the title Leading Cases for them because they are the first records of their kind and, by reason of the fact that they are embodied in the Biblical literature, have maintained throughout the centuries a position of preeminence as authorities, not only in questions of law, but also in matters of doctrine, of faith and of history.