1 Samuel Chapter 19 · Verse 15
And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים
the messengers
H4397
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים
the messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 13
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
לִרְא֥וֹת
again to see
H7200
לִרְא֥וֹת
again to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽעֲל֨וּ
Bring him up
H5927
הַֽעֲל֨וּ
Bring him up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
9 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֹת֧וֹ
H853
אֹת֧וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin progressively erode moral boundaries that once seemed inviolable?
- What restraints has jealousy or hatred tempted you to abandon?
Analysis & Commentary
And 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.