Why were there sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave?
1 Samuel 24:3 (ESV)
3And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave.
The sheepfolds in view were enclosures of low stone walls that flank the entrance to the cave.1 Built alongside a cave, there would be natural shade and shelter for animals. There were lots of such caves in the area.2
3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave.