Why have many exegetes deviated from the apparent meaning of the word "ewe" in the verse (Saad:23) to an allegorical interpretation, namely that it refers to a wife, even though the context seems suitable for the literal meaning of the word? And is this interpretation influenced by Israʼiliyyat (Judeo-Christian traditions)?

The exegetes differed regarding theaning of "ewe" in the story of David (peace be upon him). One group interpreted it as referring to a woman, stating that Arabs use "ewe" as a metonymy for a woman. Another group favored retaining the literal meaning of "ewe," i.e., the well-known sheep, and that it was a real dispute between litigants. They considered that this was a form of imagery and representation, which is more effective in conveying the intended meaning.