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1 Samuel 19:14

And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.

1 Samuel 19:14 · King James Version

Meaning

When Saul sent messengers to take David, his daughter Michal came up with a clever plan to help David escape. She told the messengers that David was sick, buying him time to flee from Saul's grasp. This incident showcases Michal's loyalty and quick thinking in protecting her husband from her own father's wrath. It also demonstrates the dangerous political intrigue and tension that existed in Saul's court, where family relationships were constantly threatened by power struggles and betrayals. Michal's actions in this verse highlight the complexities of the relationships and dynamics at play within the royal family of Israel during this turbulent time in history. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the lengths people will go to in order to protect those they care about and the sacrifices they are willing to make in the face of danger.

Theological Overview

When Saul sent messengers to capture David, Michal, David's wife, covered for him by telling the messengers that he was sick. This act of deception may raise questions regarding the ethics of lying in certain circumstances, even if done to protect someone from harm. Some theological interpretations may view Michal's actions as a display of loyalty and love towards her husband, David, who was being pursued unjustly by Saul. The word study of "sick" may reveal layers of meaning in the original language that could shed light on the severity of David's condition or the urgency of the situation. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemmas that can arise in the face of adversity.

1 Samuel 19:14 in other translations

American Standard Version

And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.

World English Bible

When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, “He is sick.”

Douay-Rheims

And Saul sent officers to seize David; and it was answered that he was sick.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And when Saul sent messengers to take Dauid, she sayd, He is sicke.