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, Exodus 8:3; 2 Samuel 1:4-7. Sometimes it was raised several steps above the floor, 2 Kings 1:4; Psalms 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, Exodus 22:2; Deuteronomy 24:13. Hence it was easy for the persons whom Jesus healed, to take up their beads and walk, Mark 4:21. Bedsteads, however, were not unknown, though unlike those of modern times. See Deuteronomy 3:11; 1 Samuel 19:15; Amos 6:4. The Jews only laid off their sandals and outer garments at night.