Bed

In the East, is, and was anciently, a divan, or broad low step around the sides of a room, like a sofa, which answered to purpose of a sofa by day for reclining, and of a bed by night for sleeping, Ex 8:32Sa 4:5-7. Sometimes it was raised several steps above the floor, 2Ki 1:4Ps 132:4. It was covered very differently, and with more or less ornament, according to the rank of owner of the house. The poor had but a simple mattress or sheepskin; or a cloak or blanked, which also answered to wrap themselves in by day, Ex 22:2De 24:13. Hence it was easy for the persons whom Jesus healed, to take up their beads and walk, Mr 4:21. Bedsteads, however, were not unknown, though unlike those of modern times. See De 3:111Sa 19:15Am 6:4. The Jews only laid off their sandals and outer garments at night.