1-Samuel - 19:14



14 When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, "He is sick."

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of 1-Samuel 19:14.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And Saul sent officers to seize David: and it was answered that he was sick.
And Saul sendeth messengers to take David, and she saith, 'He is sick.'
And when Saul sent men to take David, she said, He is ill.
And Saul sent attendants to seize David. And it was answered that he was sick.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

And when Saul sent messengers to take David,.... Either the same who in the morning inquired for David, or those staying longer than Saul expected, and fearing they were negligent or corrupted, he sent others: to whom
she said, he is sick; and in bed, and cannot be spoke with; this lie she told through her affection to David, and to preserve his life; and this stratagem she devised to gain time, that while she was amusing the messengers with this tale of hers, before they could discover the truth of the matter David would be out of their reach; whereas, had she denied his being at home, or signified that he had made his escape, they would have immediately pursued after him, and he would have been in danger of being taken by them.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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