This intriguing work tells the story of Obil, a keeper of camels, an Ishmaelite who was “over the camels” in the time of David. The name Obil occurs only once in the Bible, where the Ishmaelite is reported to have had charge over the camels of king David. Excerpt from Obil «Some people said that Obil served the evil priests—which was far from the truth; others, that he was a tool of Herod, more silent than lightnings out of summer heat, and as sure to kill. It was, besides, insisted with whisperings and shudderings that he served only himself, and that somewhere deep among the awful crags by the Salt Sea a wondrous treasure sparkled, hidden by the red hand of the robber, Obil.”
