King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:15 Mean?
“And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.”
1 Samuel 19:15 · KJV
Context
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.
15
And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.
16
And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
17
And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.
Saul's command 'Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him' reveals murderous obsession overriding all propriety. The phrase 'in the bed' indicates willingness to kill a sick man - violation of ancient codes that protected the vulnerable. Saul would murder his son-in-law in his marriage bed, defiling his own daughter's home. The progression shows how sin erodes all restraints: jealousy became hatred, hatred became murder attempts, murder attempts became willingness to violate every social boundary. Nothing was sacred when opposing God's purposes consumed Saul.
Saul's command 'Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him' reveals murderous obsession overriding all propriety. The phrase 'in the bed' indicates willingness to kill a sick man - violation of ancient codes that protected the vulnerable. Saul would murder his son-in-law in his marriage bed, defiling his own daughter's home. The progression shows how sin erodes all restraints: jealousy became hatred, hatred became murder attempts, murder attempts became willingness to violate every social boundary. Nothing was sacred when opposing God's purposes consumed Saul.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Killing a sick person in bed violated hospitality codes and showed extreme cruelty. The bed represented safety and privacy; forcing entry there was severe violation. Saul's order required messengers to participate in what they would recognize as dishonorable action.
Reflection Questions
- How does sin progressively erode moral boundaries that once seemed inviolable?
- What restraints has jealousy or hatred tempted you to abandon?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsאֶת3 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים4 of 13
“the messengers”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
לִרְא֥וֹת5 of 13
“again to see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת6 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽעֲל֨וּ9 of 13
“Bring him up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֹת֧וֹ10 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַמִּטָּ֛ה11 of 13
“to me in the bed”
H4296a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
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 19:15 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 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge