1 Samuel 19:12

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

So Michal {H4324} let {H3381} David {H1732} down {H3381} through a window {H2474}: and he went {H3212}, and fled {H1272}, and escaped {H4422}.

So Mikhal let David down through the window; and he left, fled and escaped.

So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.

So Michal let David down through the window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

Commentary

1 Samuel 19:12 describes a pivotal moment in the life of David, illustrating his narrow escape from the murderous intent of King Saul. This verse highlights the immediate danger David faced and the quick thinking and loyalty of his wife, Michal.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Saul's escalating jealousy and paranoia towards David. Despite David's unwavering loyalty and success, Saul saw him as a threat to his throne, especially after the women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul had already attempted to kill David with a spear (1 Samuel 18:11), and in 1 Samuel 19, he explicitly commanded his servants and Jonathan to kill David. When these attempts failed, Saul sent messengers to David's house to seize him. Michal, David's wife and Saul's daughter, intervened to save her husband, first by feigning David's illness (1 Samuel 19:13) and then by facilitating his escape through a window.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Protection: This event is a clear demonstration of God's providential protection over His chosen servant, David. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, God consistently provided a way of escape for David, ensuring His plan for David to be king would come to fruition.
  • Loyalty and Selflessness: Michal's actions show remarkable loyalty to David, even at the risk of incurring her powerful father's wrath. Her love for David transcended her filial duty to Saul, highlighting the strength of their bond at this point in their relationship.
  • Persecution of the Righteous: David, an innocent and righteous man, is unjustly persecuted by Saul. This narrative foreshadows the trials and tribulations that many faithful individuals would face throughout biblical history for their devotion to God.
  • Urgency and Escape: The swiftness of Michal's action and David's immediate flight emphasize the life-or-death situation. This escape marks the beginning of a prolonged period of David's flight from Saul, during which he would often rely on divine intervention and the help of others.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "let David down through a window" (וַתֹּרֶד מִיכַל אֶת־דָּוִד בַּעַד הַחַלּוֹן - vattored Mikal et-David ba'ad hachallon) emphasizes Michal's active role. The verb vattored (וַתֹּרֶד), derived from the root yarad (יָרַד), means "to bring down" or "to lower." It signifies a deliberate and careful action, not a passive descent. The term "window" (hachallon - הַחַלּוֹן) indicates a typical architectural feature of houses of that period, often positioned high enough to require being "let down."

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Trust in God's Deliverance: When facing seemingly insurmountable dangers or unjust persecution, we can trust that God is able to provide a way of escape, just as He did for David.
  • Courage to Do Right: Michal's courage to defy her father for the sake of her husband demonstrates the importance of standing for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
  • The Value of Loyal Relationships: The narrative underscores the immense value of loyal friends and family who stand by us in times of trouble.
  • God's Plan Prevails: Despite human opposition and schemes, God's ultimate plan for His people and His purposes will always prevail. David's escape ensured he would live to become king, fulfilling God's promise.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 2:15 (5 votes)

    Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house [was] upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.

  • Acts 9:24 (4 votes)

    But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

  • Acts 9:25 (4 votes)

    Then the disciples took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:32 (3 votes)

    In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:33 (3 votes)

    And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

  • Psalms 34:19 (3 votes)

    Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.