056. "Israel Bowed Himself Upon the Bed's Head"
"Israel Bowed Himself Upon the Bed’s Head"
Then in Hebrews 11:21 we read, "leaning upon the top of his staff." Hebrews gives the correct rendering. There are two words in Hebrew of which the consonants are exactly the same. Up to the sixth century no vowels or vowel points appear in Hebrew usage, and the context alone decided which of the two words of similar consonants was intended by the writer. In this Scripture there is apparent confusion between two Hebrew words: mittah, place of reclining, and mattah, staff. The staff was the symbol of patriarchal authority, and, leaning upon it, oaths were made or solemn injunctions given. Compare the practice of Bishops giving their benediction leaning on the Pastoral Staff. Jacob’s bed was probably the ordinary bed of the desert wanderer, the ilhaf, a mere mat or thick quilt.