Caves are of interest to the student of the Bible because the Bible lands are rich in limestone caves. In Old Testament times caves often served as refuge or emergency shelter (Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 22:1, 24:1-8; Hebrews 11:37-40). Caves were also used as places of burial (Genesis 23:17; John 11:38). After the great confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, Elijah lodged in a cave and received the Word of the Lord there (1 Kings 19:9 - 11). Psalms 57 and 142 were composed in a cave by David after he fled from Saul. The famed "Dead Sea Scrolls" were discovered in caves.