“And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster.”
In order to understand the context of this verse, let’s review the events leading up to it.
In 1 Samuel 19, we see that Saul, the king of Israel, became jealous of David due to the increasing favour and success he enjoyed among the people.
Saul sought to kill David and made several attempts to do so.
Verse 11 reveals that Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning.
However, David’s wife, Michal, who was Saul’s daughter, warned him of the danger and helped him escape through a window.
To deceive the messengers sent by Saul, Michal placed an image or idol in David’s bed, using a pillow made of goats’ hair as his bolster.
It is important to note that the use of an image or idol here was not an act of worship but rather a ruse to buy time for David’s escape.
In ancient times, it was common for people to have household idols or statues, often associated with household gods.
However, the practice of idol worship is strictly prohibited in the Bible (Exodus 20:3-6).
The specific choice of a pillow made of goats’ hair is significant.
Goats’ hair was commonly used in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the curtains and coverings (Exodus 25:4; 26:7).
By using a pillow of goats’ hair, Michal may have intended to make it appear as if David was present in the bed, engaged in his religious duties or perhaps as a sign of his consecration to God.
This incident demonstrates the lengths to which Michal went to protect David.
It also highlights the tension and conflict between Saul and David, as well as the resourcefulness and creativity David displayed in evading Saul’s attempts on his life.
From a broader perspective, this verse reminds us of the importance of trust and reliance on God’s providence even in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
David’s life was in imminent danger, but God protected him through the intervention of Michal and his own quick thinking.
It serves as a reminder that God is capable of using various means to safeguard His purposes and protect those who are faithful to Him.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 19:16 narrates an incident in which Michal deceived the messengers sent by Saul by placing an image in David’s bed and using a goats’ hair pillow as his bolster.
This act was not an act of idol worship but a ruse to facilitate David’s escape from Saul’s wrath.
The verse serves as a reminder of God’s providence and the resourcefulness of David in navigating dangerous situations.
