1 Samuel 19:13
And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.
1 Samuel 19:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this particular verse from the Bible, Michal, who was King David's wife, had taken an image and placed it in the bed to deceive people who were looking for David. The purpose of this act was to make it seem as though David was lying in bed, in order to buy him time to escape from Saul, who was trying to kill him. By using the image and pillow made of goats' hair, Michal created the illusion that David was sleeping in the bed, while in reality he had already fled. This deception highlights the lengths to which Michal was willing to go to protect her husband and ensure his safety. The use of these items to deceive Saul's men showcases the resourcefulness and quick thinking of Michal during a time of great danger and urgency.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see Michal taking an image and placing it in the bed, along with a pillow made of goats' hair for the bolster. The act of using an image in this manner reflects a form of idolatry, as worshipping images or idols goes against the teachings of the Bible. The use of goats' hair, known for its symbolism of sin in the Old Testament, further emphasizes the inappropriate nature of Michal's actions. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and the dangers of succumbing to idol worship. Through theological interpretation, this verse can be seen as a cautionary tale against falling into temptation and turning away from the true teachings of God.
1 Samuel 19:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' [hair] at the head thereof, and covered it with the clothes.
World English Bible
Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair at its head, and covered it with the clothes.
Douay-Rheims
And Michol took an image, and laid it on the bed, and put a goat's skin, with the hair at the head of it, and covered it with clothes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Michal tooke an image, and layde it in the bed, and put a pillow stuffed with goates heare vnder the head of it, and couered it with a cloth.