1 Samuel 19:16
And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
were come in
H935
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
were come in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים
And when the messengers
H4397
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים
And when the messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
2 of 9
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הַתְּרָפִ֖ים
behold there was an image
H8655
הַתְּרָפִ֖ים
behold there was an image
Strong's:
H8655
Word #:
4 of 9
teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol
הַמִּטָּ֑ה
in the bed
H4296
הַמִּטָּ֑ה
in the bed
Strong's:
H4296
Word #:
6 of 9
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And 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.