“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” Psalm 63:6
We seldom put much thought into the sleeping habits of Bible people. It just doesn’t seem that important. However, people back then had to sleep just as we do today. But their accommodations were far inferior to ours. For many people, sleeping on the floor was the practice, often using their cloak as a mattress. Those who could afford it used a mat or rug. In some homes there was a raised platform along the wall that could be used as a bench during the day and a bed at night.
Wealthy people were better served with an actual bed on which to sleep. One unusual instance mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:11 (CSB) tells of a king who needed an extra-large bed. “Only King Og of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron. Isn’t it in Rabbah of the Ammonites? It is 13½ feet long and 6 feet wide by a standard measure.” His bed was kept as a museum attraction after he died.
To those of us who take long vacations, there is nothing more welcoming than one’s own bed. We grow comfortable with our bed, and it becomes a safe place for us to spend many hours of every day.
In our reference today, David wrote about his time in bed at night. As king he had many things on his mind, but when he lay down at night, his thoughts were turned toward his loving Father. What a lesson for us to follow. When you crawl into bed tonight, spend some quiet time with the Lord. What a pleasant exercise as you close your eyes in sleep.
From the book “Precious Words of the Bible” by Reynold R. Kremer