King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:12 in the King James Version says “So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

1 Samuel 19:12 · King James Version


Context

10

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

11

Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

12

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

13

And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. image: Heb. teraphim

14

And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

Michal's assistance in David's escape 'through a window' recalls Rahab's help for Israel's spies (Joshua 2:15). She became an instrument of divine preservation, fulfilling God's purposes despite her father's murderous intent. The window escape represents narrow deliverance through unexpected means. God frequently uses unlikely helpers to preserve His servants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Houses built into city walls had windows that could serve as escape routes. This architectural feature had served Rahab's purposes with Israel's spies. Night escape through windows was a known fugitive tactic.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who has God used unexpectedly to provide escape routes in your difficulties?
  2. How does Michal's help illustrate God using even Saul's household against Saul's purposes?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַתֹּ֧רֶד1 of 9

down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִיכַ֛ל2 of 9

So Michal

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

אֶת3 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִ֖ד4 of 9

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּעַ֣ד5 of 9
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

הַֽחַלּ֑וֹן6 of 9

through a window

H2474

a window (as perforated)

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ7 of 9
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיִּבְרַ֖ח8 of 9

and fled

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

וַיִּמָּלֵֽט׃9 of 9

and escaped

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 19:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 19:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study