1 Samuel 20:41

out of a place toward the south Lit. "from the side of the south," i.e. from a hiding-place to the south of the stone Ezel. But the expression is anomalous, and it is best to adopt the Sept. reading, "from beside the heap of stones," as in 1 Samuel 20:19.

fell on his face, &c. As a token of reverence and loyalty to the king's son. Cp. Genesis 33:3; Genesis 42:6. An Oriental when he meets a superior, kneels down and touches the ground with his forehead.