The Calf: when Fattened Considered a Delicacy

The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.

She served it to Saul and his servants, and they ate. And that night they got up and left.

You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall.

Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.

‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’