And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.

1 SAMUEL 19:15KJV
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1 Samuel 19:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 19:15 mean?

1 Samuel 19:15 describes how King Saul sent his messengers back to David's house with orders to bring David to him, even if David was still lying in bed, so that Saul could kill him. Saul was determined to have David brought before him, showing his intent to take David’s life personally.

In this verse, Saul is speaking to his messengers, giving them direct instructions about David, who is hiding because Saul wants to kill him. The situation is tense: Saul’s anger toward David has grown so much that he is willing to have David carried in his bed if necessary, making it clear that Saul’s command is urgent and ruthless. This moment highlights the danger David faced and Saul’s increasing desperation.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 19:15

  • "Messengers" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This word often means "messenger" or "angel," but here it refers to Saul’s human agents. The use of this word shows that Saul is using official representatives to carry out his orders, emphasizing the seriousness of his intent.
  • "Bed" (מִטָּה, mittah): The word for "bed" here refers to a sleeping place or couch. Saul’s command to bring David "in the bed" suggests he is willing to have David brought even if he is too sick or weak to move, underlining Saul’s determination.
  • "Slay" (מוּת, muth): This verb means "to kill" or "to put to death." Saul’s use of this word makes his intentions unmistakable—he is not just seeking to capture David, but to end his life.

Why 1 Samuel 19:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about Saul’s intentions toward David; Saul is not just angry but is actively seeking David’s death, even if it means dragging him from his bed.
  • The verse highlights the lengths to which Saul is willing to go, showing the depth of his jealousy and fear of David, which is a key theme in this part of 1 Samuel.
  • Understanding Saul’s command in this verse helps explain David’s urgent need to escape and the actions of those who help him, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“bed” Hebrew H4296 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 47:31 And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.
  • 1 Kings 17:19 And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.