Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But when the men entered, there was the idol in the bed, and at the head was some goats’ hair. New Living Translation But when they came to carry David out, they discovered that it was only an idol in the bed with a cushion of goat’s hair at its head. English Standard Version And when the messengers came in, behold, the image was in the bed, with the pillow of goats’ hair at its head. Berean Standard Bible And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the goat hair on its head. Berean Literal Bible And the messengers had come in, and there was the teraphim in the bed, and a cover of goats’ hair for his head. King James Bible And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. New King James Version And when the messengers had come in, there was the image in the bed, with a cover of goats’ hair for his head. New American Standard Bible When the messengers entered, behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair at its head. NASB 1995 When the messengers entered, behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair at its head. NASB 1977 When the messengers entered, behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair at its head. Legacy Standard Bible The messengers came, and behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair at its head. Amplified Bible When the messengers came in, there was the household idol on the bed with a quilt of goats’ hair at its head. Berean Annotated Bible And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the goat hair on its head. Christian Standard Bible When the agents arrived, to their surprise, the household idol was on the bed with some goat hair on its head. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the messengers arrived, to their surprise, the household idol was on the bed with some goat hair on its head. American Standard Version And when the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' hair at the head thereof. Contemporary English Version When the guards went in, all they found in the bed was the statue with the goat hair on its head. English Revised Version And when the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' hair at the head thereof. GOD'S WORD® Translation The messengers came, and there in the bed were the idols with the goat-hair blanket at its head. Good News Translation They went inside and found the household idol in the bed and the goats' hair pillow at its head. International Standard Version The messengers went in, and there was the household idol in the bed with the cover of goat hair at its head! NET Bible When the messengers came, they found only the idol on the bed and the quilt made of goat's hair at its head. New Heart English Bible When the messengers came in, look, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' hair at its head. Webster's Bible Translation And when the messengers had come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goat's hair for his bolster. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the goat hair on its head. World English Bible When the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats’ hair at its head. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the messengers come in, and behold, the teraphim [are] on the bed, and the mattress of goats’ [hair for] his pillows. Berean Literal Bible And the messengers had come in, and there was the teraphim in the bed, and a cover of goats’ hair for his head. Young's Literal Translation And the messengers come in, and lo, the teraphim are on the bed, and the mattress of goats' hair, for his pillows. Smith's Literal Translation And the messengers will come in, and behold, the teraphim in the bed, and the braiding of goats hair at its head. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the messengers were come in, they found an image upon the bed, and a goat's skin at its head. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the messengers had arrived, they found a likeness on the bed, with a goat pelt at its head. New American Bible But when the messengers entered, they found the teraphim in the bed, with the tangle of goat’s hair at its head. New Revised Standard Version When the messengers came in, the idol was in the bed, with the covering of goats’ hair on its head. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the messengers came in, behold, there was an idol in the bed, with a pillow of goat's skin at its head. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Messengers came and behold, the statue was in the bed, and skin of goats its pillow, and they told Shaul OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the quilt of goats' hair at the head thereof. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the messengers come, and, behold, the images were on the bed, and the goat's liver at his head. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Michal Saves David…15But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him.” 16And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair on its head. 17And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’ ”… Cross References And when the messengers entered, Joshua 2:1-7 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. / And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” / So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.” … Genesis 19:1-5 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. … Genesis 43:16-19 When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they shall dine with me at noon.” / The man did as Joseph had commanded and took the brothers to Joseph’s house. / But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” … there was the idol in the bed Genesis 31:19-35 Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. / Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was running away. / So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead. … Judges 17:3-5 And when he had returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I wholly dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son’s benefit, to make a graven image and a molten idol. Therefore I will now return it to you.” / So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into a graven image and a molten idol. And they were placed in the house of Micah. / Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household idols, and ordained one of his sons as his priest. Judges 18:14-20 Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land of Laish said to their brothers, “Did you know that one of these houses has an ephod, household gods, a graven image, and a molten idol? Now think about what you should do.” / So they turned aside there and went to the home of the young Levite, the house of Micah, and greeted him. / The six hundred Danites stood at the entrance of the gate, armed with their weapons of war. … with the goat hair on its head. Genesis 27:15-16 And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house that belonged to her older son Esau, and she put them on her younger son Jacob. / She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Genesis 27:22-23 So Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” / Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him. Songs 4:1 How beautiful you are, my darling—how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead. 1 Samuel 18:11 and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. 1 Samuel 20:31-33 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” / “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” / Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. 1 Samuel 25:29 And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. 2 Samuel 17:1-3 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” 2 Kings 6:14-17 the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. / When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” … Psalm 59:1-4 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. … Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. / To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion. Treasury of Scripture And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. Jump to Previous Bed Bolster Cushion Entered Hair Head Household Idol Image Mattress Messengers Net Pillow Pillows Quilt Teraphim ThereofJump to Next Bed Bolster Cushion Entered Hair Head Household Idol Image Mattress Messengers Net Pillow Pillows Quilt Teraphim Thereof1 Samuel 19 1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah 9. Hannah in grief prays for a child 12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her 19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned 24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord And when the messengers entered This phrase refers to the messengers sent by King Saul to capture David. Saul's increasing jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and success led him to seek David's life. The messengers were likely soldiers or officials tasked with bringing David back to Saul. This event occurs in the context of Saul's repeated attempts to kill David, highlighting the tension and danger David faced. The messengers' entry into the house signifies the urgency and seriousness of Saul's command. there was the idol in the bed with the goat hair on its head Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, who is being pursued by King Saul due to Saul's jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 2. Michal David's wife and Saul's daughter, who helps David escape from Saul's attempt to kill him by deceiving the messengers. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who is increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his reign. 4. Messengers Sent by Saul to capture David, they are deceived by Michal's ruse. 5. The Idol Used by Michal to create the illusion that David is in bed, highlighting the use of deception to protect David. Teaching Points The Role of Deception in ProtectionWhile deception is generally discouraged in Scripture, there are instances where it is used to protect God's anointed or His people. This requires discernment and wisdom. God's Sovereignty in Deliverance Despite human schemes and threats, God’s plans for His anointed will prevail. David’s escape is a testament to God’s protection and sovereignty. Courage and Loyalty in Relationships Michal’s actions demonstrate loyalty and courage. In our relationships, we are called to protect and support one another, even at personal risk. The Danger of Jealousy and Paranoia Saul’s actions are driven by jealousy and fear, leading to irrational decisions. We must guard our hearts against these emotions, which can lead us away from God’s will. The Use of Resources for God’s Purposes Michal uses what is available to her (an idol and goats’ hair) to fulfill God’s purpose. We should be resourceful and wise stewards of what God has given us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 19:16?2. How does 1 Samuel 19:16 demonstrate God's protection over David's life? 3. What role does deception play in 1 Samuel 19:16, and is it justified? 4. How can we trust God's plans when facing threats, as David did? 5. Compare Michal's actions in 1 Samuel 19:16 with Rahab's in Joshua 2. 6. How can we discern when to act boldly to protect others, like Michal? 7. Why did Michal deceive Saul's messengers in 1 Samuel 19:16? 8. How does 1 Samuel 19:16 reflect on the theme of loyalty? 9. What does 1 Samuel 19:16 reveal about family dynamics in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 19? 11. What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible? 12. Why did Michal help David escape from Saul? 13. How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 21:19 (attributing Goliath's death to Elhanan) with David's victory in 1 Samuel 17? 14. 1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath? What Does 1 Samuel 19:16 Mean And when the messengers entered• Saul’s men arrive with one goal—seize David (1 Samuel 19:11,15). • Their confidence rests on the king’s authority, yet God is already working behind the scenes to frustrate Saul’s plan (Proverbs 21:30; Psalm 59, David’s own song from this night). • The scene underscores a spiritual reality: human schemes cannot overrule the Lord’s protective hand over His anointed (Psalm 34:7). there was the idol • Instead of the living man they expect, the messengers meet a lifeless household idol (teraphim). • The shock heightens the irony—Saul employs force, but is outwitted by something powerless and mute (Jeremiah 10:5; 1 Corinthians 8:4). • Michal’s ruse exposes the folly of trusting in anything other than the LORD; even an idol can confound the wicked when God allows (Isaiah 44:9). in the bed • The bed, a place of intimacy and rest, becomes a stage for deliverance. • Similar reversals appear throughout Scripture: Rahab hides spies under flax on her roof (Joshua 2:6); Jael turns a tent into Sisera’s downfall (Judges 4:18–21). • God often uses ordinary settings—and even deceit permitted for a higher good—to protect His redemptive purposes (Exodus 1:17–21; 2 Samuel 17:19). with the goat hair on its head • Goat hair implies a crude but convincing disguise. From a distance, the texture mimics human hair, especially in dim light. • Michal’s attention to detail recalls Jacob covering his arms with goat skins to deceive Isaac (Genesis 27:16). • Scripture never excuses dishonesty, yet highlights God’s sovereignty in overruling imperfect human actions to preserve His chosen servant (Romans 8:28). • David’s escape keeps the messianic line intact, pointing forward to the greater Son of David, whom no plot could ultimately destroy (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Matthew 1:1). summary 1 Samuel 19:16 spotlights the clash between Saul’s murderous intent and God’s faithful protection. Saul’s emissaries burst in expecting David, but find only an idol stuffed with goat hair. The episode mocks human pride, exposes the emptiness of idols, and showcases God’s providence working through everyday objects—and even flawed human schemes—to safeguard His anointed and advance the promise of redemption. Hebrew And when the messengersהַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים (ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel entered, וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go there was וְהִנֵּ֥ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! the idol הַתְּרָפִ֖ים (hat·tə·rā·p̄îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8655: (a kind of idol) perhaps household idol in אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the bed הַמִּטָּ֑ה (ham·miṭ·ṭāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4296: A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier with the quilt וּכְבִ֥יר (ū·ḵə·ḇîr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3523: (something woven) perhaps a quilt or net of goats' [hair] הָעִזִּ֖ים (hā·‘iz·zîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5795: Female goat on its head. מְרַאֲשֹׁתָֽיו׃ (mə·ra·’ă·šō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4763: A place at the head, head place Links 1 Samuel 19:16 NIV1 Samuel 19:16 NLT 1 Samuel 19:16 ESV 1 Samuel 19:16 NASB 1 Samuel 19:16 KJV 1 Samuel 19:16 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 19:16 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 19:16 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 19:16 French Bible 1 Samuel 19:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 19:16 When the messengers came in behold (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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