* the sheepcotes.
Caves in the rocks, in which it is still common for shepherds
and their flocks to lodge. Dr. Pococke observes, "Beyond the
valley [of Tekoa,] there is a very large grotto, which the
Arabs call El-Maamah, a hiding place: the high rocks on each
side of the valley are almost perpendicular; and the way to
the grotto is by a terrace formed in the rock, which is very
narrow. There are two entrances into it; we went by the
farthest, which leads by a narrow passage into a very large
grotto, the rock being supported by natural pillars; the top
of it rises in several places like domes; the grotto is
perfectly dry. There is a tradition, that the people of the
country, to the number of 30,000, retired into this grotto, to
avoid a bad air. This place is so strong, that one would
imagine it to be one of the strong holds of En-gedi, to which
David and his men fled from Saul: and possibly it may be that
very cave in which he cut off Saul's skirt; for David and his
men might, with good ease, lie hid there and not be seen by
him." Travels, vol. ii. P. 1. p. 41.
* and Saul.
Ps 141:6
* to cover.
Jud 3:24
* David.
Ps 57:1 142:1 *titles
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