1 Samuel 19:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
also sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
also sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 23
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֜ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֜ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 23
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
בֵּ֤ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֤ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְשָׁמְר֔וֹ
to watch
H8104
לְשָׁמְר֔וֹ
to watch
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מוּמָֽת׃
him and to slay
H4191
מוּמָֽת׃
him and to slay
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 23
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בַּבֹּ֑קֶר
him in the morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֑קֶר
him in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַתַּגֵּ֣ד
told
H5046
וַתַּגֵּ֣ד
told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
15 of 23
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֵ֨ינְךָ֜
H369
מְמַלֵּ֤ט
If thou save
H4422
מְמַלֵּ֤ט
If thou save
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַפְשְׁךָ֙
not thy life
H5315
נַפְשְׁךָ֙
not thy life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
to night
H3915
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
to night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
Historical Context
Women in ancient patriarchal societies faced severe consequences for defying male authority, especially royal fathers. Michal's intervention risked her own position and safety. Her warning initiated a series of deceptions that would temporarily save David.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate competing loyalties when faithfulness to one requires opposing another?
- What does Michal's costly loyalty teach about the sacrifices love sometimes demands?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
Michal's warning 'If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain' reveals urgency and her choice of David over her father. The phrase 'save thy life' (malat nephesh) indicates mortal danger. Michal's loyalty forced her to deceive her royal father - a costly choice with long-term consequences for her relationship with both men. Love proved stronger than filial loyalty.