* Abner.
  9:1  14:50,51  17:55  2Sa 2:8-12  3:7,8,27,33-38  1Ch 9:39 
 * trench.  or, midst of his carriages.
  17:20 
   The word {ma(8167)al} never signifies a ditch or rampart, but a
   chariot or waggon way.  Nor does it seem to denote a ring of
   carriages, as Buxtorf and others interpret the word; for it is
   not probable that Saul would encumber his army with baggage in
   so rapid a pursuit, nor that so mountainous a country was
   practicable for waggons.  It appears simply to mean here, the
   circular encampment (from {agal,} "round") which these troops
   formed, in the midst of which, as being the place of honour,
   Saul reposed.  An Arab camp, D'Arvieux informs us, is always
   circular, when the disposition of the ground will permit, the
   prince being in the middle, and the troops at a respectful
   distance around him.  Add to which, their lances are fixed
   near them in the ground all the day long, ready for action.