Biblical Hebrew Forum

[ben.crick AT argonet.co.uk (Ben Crick)]

On Wed 31 May 2000 (14:39:40), music AT riverviewcog.org wrote:
> 1. What was Saul doing in 1 Sam. 24:3 - the NIV says, "relieve
> himself"?

 My wife is in a nursing home at the present time following surgery. When I
 visit her, she sometimes lies down to take the weight off her feet, or to
 "relieve herself". She then asks me to cover her feet with a cloth or a
 blanket; to "cover her feet". No mystery about that!

 The modern English versions seem to imply that Saul went into the cave to
 urinate and/or defecate. If this were the case, it is doubtful that he would
 want to lie down and have a sleep just there (Deuteronomy 23:12-13).

> 2. What other options are their for understanding L:HFS"K: )ET RAG:LFYN

 As suggested above, he slipped his cloak off his shoulders and lay down upon
 it, turning over the hem so as to "cover his feet". Compare Boaz in Ruth
 3:4-10. He and his workers were camping out by the threshing-floor. They lay
 down to sleep on their cloaks in just such a manner. There is no suggestion
 that toileting or sexual activity is taking place (verse 10).

 Just my 2c. I leave others to answer your 3. and 4.

 Shalom w:kol tob
 Ben
-- 
 Revd Ben Crick, BA CF
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 232 Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TD (UK)
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