Sheepcotes and Caves

Sheepcotes in connection with caves. There are many caves in the Holy Land, and when one of these is available it is utilized as a sheepcote. During stormy weather, and at night, the sheep retreat into the cave, but at other times they are kept in the enclosure immediately in front of the cave's mouth. This enclosure is generally constructed of loose stones piled up in a circular wall, with thorns on the top. The cave into which King Saul went to rest, and David and his men were already within it, was a cavern with a fold built in connection with it. "And he came to the sheep cotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet" (I Samuel 24:3). [Manners And Customs of Bible Lands]