Sheepfolds. — Literally, hurdles (mishpethaim), the dual form being due to some method of their construction. Hence the Vulgate renders, inter duos terminos.
The bleatings of the flocks. — Rather, the sounds of shepherds’ flutes or pastoral pipings (“Shepherds delighting in syrinx-pipes,” Hom., Il. xviii. 525). There is a contrast between these peaceful flutings and the battle-horns to which they ought to have been listening. It is as though Deborah would say to Reuben —
“Sound, sound the clarion, shrill the fife;
To all the sensual world proclaim,
One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.”
For the divisions. — It should be, as before, “By the streams of Reuben.”
Searchings of heart. — Reuben sent magnanimous debates and promises, but they only ended in sloth and vacillation. They decided to go, and — stayed at home.