King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:16 Mean?
“And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.”
1 Samuel 19:16 · KJV
Context
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?
18
So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
The discovery of the deception - an image (teraphim) with goats' hair pillow - revealed Michal's ruse and David's escape. The household idol's presence raises theological questions about religious practice in David's home, but the narrative focuses on the escape's success. The messengers' discovery brought Michal under royal suspicion while confirming David had fled. God's purposes advanced despite, or through, morally ambiguous means. The text records events without endorsing every element, showing how divine sovereignty works through flawed human actions.
The discovery of the deception - an image (teraphim) with goats' hair pillow - revealed Michal's ruse and David's escape. The household idol's presence raises theological questions about religious practice in David's home, but the narrative focuses on the escape's success. The messengers' discovery brought Michal under royal suspicion while confirming David had fled. God's purposes advanced despite, or through, morally ambiguous means. The text records events without endorsing every element, showing how divine sovereignty works through flawed human actions.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Teraphim were household religious objects, possibly ancestral images. Their presence in Israelite homes, though prohibited, was apparently common. The goats' hair pillow created visual illusion from a distance, especially in dimly lit rooms.
Reflection Questions
- How does God accomplish His purposes through imperfect means and flawed instruments?
- What does the presence of teraphim suggest about the gradual nature of spiritual reformation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsהַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים2 of 9
“And when the messengers”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הַמִּטָּ֑ה6 of 9
“in the bed”
H4296a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
הָֽעִזִּ֖ים8 of 9
“of goats”
H5795a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָֽיו׃9 of 9
“hair for his bolster”
H4763properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)
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 19:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.