* 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