the plain of Tabor Rather, the oak of Tabor. It has been ingeniously conjectured that this is to be identified with the oak under which Rebekah's nurse Deborah was buried "under Bethel" (Genesis 35:8), and the palm tree between Ramah and Bethel under which Deborah judged Israel (Judges 4:5), Taborbeing either a corruption or dialectic variation for Deborah; but nothing certain is known about the place.

going up to God to Bethel On the sanctuary at Bethel see note on 1 Samuel 7:16. As yet the presence of God was only connected with holy places, or the Ark, and the Omnipresence of God scarcely realised. See Genesis 28:16 and 1 Samuel 14:36.

a bottle of wine i.e. a skin bottle: Sept. ἀσκός. Cp. 1 Samuel 1:24.

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