* lappeth.
The original word {yalok,} is precisely the sound which the
dog makes in lapping. It appears that it is not unusual for
the Arabs to drink water out of the palms of their hands; and,
from this account, we learn that the Israelites did so
occasionally. Dr. A. Clarke, in his edition of Harmer, has
presented us with the following curious MS. note from Dr.
Russell. "When they take water with the palms of their hands,
they naturally place themselves on their hams, to be nearer
the water; but when they drink from a pitcher or gourd, fresh
filled, they do not sit down on purpose to drink, but drink
standing, and very often put the sleeve of their shirt over
the mouth of the vessel, by way of strainer, lest small
leeches might have been taken up with the water. For the same
reason they often prefer taking the water with the palm of the
hand to lapping it from the surface." From the letters of
Busbequius we learn, that the Eastern people are not in the
habit of drinking standing. The 300; men, who satisfied their
thirst in the most expeditious manner, by this sufficiently
indicated their spirit, and alacrity to follow Gideon in his
dangerous enterprise; while the rest shewed their love of
ease, self-indulgence, effeminacy, and want of courage.
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