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 19:13KJV
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1 Samuel 19:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 19:13 mean?

1 Samuel 19:13 describes how Michal, David’s wife, took an image and placed it in David’s bed, using a pillow made of goats’ hair and covering it with a cloth to make it look like David was lying there. This was done to deceive those who were coming to capture David.

In this scene, Michal is trying to protect David from King Saul, who wants to kill him. She uses an “image” (likely a household idol or statue) and disguises it in the bed to buy David time to escape. The verse highlights Michal’s quick thinking and the danger David was in from Saul’s anger.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 19:13

  • The word “image” is תְּרָפִים (terafim), which refers to household idols or figurines. Its use here suggests Michal used a life-sized or at least human-shaped object to mimic David’s presence in bed.
  • The phrase “pillow of goats’ hair” uses the word כְּבִיר עִזִּים (k’vir izzim), meaning a cushion or woven pad made from goats’ hair. This detail adds realism to the disguise, as goats’ hair was commonly used for bedding.
  • The word for “cloth” is בֶּגֶד (beged), meaning a garment or covering, which Michal used to complete the illusion of someone sleeping.

Why 1 Samuel 19:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Michal was actively involved in helping David escape, showing her loyalty and resourcefulness.
  • The mention of “terafim” (household idols) raises questions about the religious practices in Saul’s household, which some readers might overlook.
  • The detail and care Michal takes in constructing the disguise highlights the seriousness of Saul’s intent to harm David and the real danger David faced.

Where else these words appear

“pillow” Hebrew H3523 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Samuel 19:16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.

“bolster” Hebrew H4763 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 28:11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
  • 1 Samuel 19:16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

“image” Hebrew H8655 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
  • Judges 18:14 Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.
  • 1 Samuel 19:16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.

“Michal” Hebrew H4324 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
  • 1 Samuel 19:12 So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.
  • 2 Samuel 6:16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.