Meaning of REDIL

Enclosed place where small livestock are kept overnight (Jer. 50:6; Ez. 34:14). There were numerous fixed sheepfolds, surrounded by a stone wall (cf. Num. 32:16), which were entered through a door (Jn. 10:1).

The upper part of the wall was often protected with branches of thorny bushes. The herds rested inside the enclosure, in the open air, but undoubtedly there were also in ancient times, as in our days, some low buildings located in a sheltered area of the place, and intended to protect the herds from the cold of the night.

Certain flocks spent the nights in a pasture, under the supervision of a junior shepherd, who guarded the entrance. When morning came, the shepherds returned to the compound, the doorman opening the door for them.

Each shepherd called his sheep, who recognized his voice (John 10:2-5). Provisional sheepfolds were also prepared in the distant pastures, made of intertwined thorny branches.

The caves and other natural shelters also served as protection for the animals at night. The shepherds camped with their flocks.

On the tall grasses, exposed to raids by thieves or enemy clans, towers were erected, in the vicinity of which animals grazed. Large and small livestock spent the nights inside these towers (2 Chron. 26:10; Mi. 4:8).