* 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.
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