1 Samuel 19:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The messengers enter and discover only the disguised image in the bed, not David.
What Does 1 Samuel 19:16 Mean?
The messengers come in and the deception is revealed: behold, there is only the image in the bed with the goats' hair quilt at its head. David is gone. The word behold invites the reader to share their surprise at the empty bed and the clever ruse.
By the time the trap is sprung, the quarry has long escaped. The discovery underscores how thoroughly God had provided for David's flight, every delay having served its purpose. Saul's elaborate plan collapses upon an empty bed, while David is already beyond reach. The Lord had said He would establish David, and no nighttime ambush can overturn the word of the One who keeps His servants and brings their enemies' devices to nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 19:16
What does 1 Samuel 19:16 mean?
The messengers enter and discover only the disguised image in the bed, not David.