Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” New Living Translation Then Saul sent troops to watch David’s house. They were told to kill David when he came out the next morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t escape tonight, you will be dead by morning.” English Standard Version Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, that he might kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, “If you do not escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” Berean Standard Bible Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” Berean Literal Bible And Saul sent messengers to the house of David to watch him and to kill him in the morning. And Michal his wife declared it to David, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” King James Bible Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. New King James Version Saul also sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and to kill him in the morning. And Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” New American Standard Bible Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, informed him, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death!” NASB 1995 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death.” NASB 1977 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to keep watch over him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not make an escape for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death.” Amplified Bible Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch for him, so that he might kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” Berean Annotated Bible Then Saul (desired) sent messengers to David’s (beloved) house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal (who is like God) warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” Christian Standard Bible Saul sent agents to David’s house to watch for him and kill him in the morning. But his wife Michal warned David, “If you don’t escape tonight, you will be dead tomorrow! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Saul sent agents to David’s house to watch for him and kill him in the morning. But his wife Michal warned David, “If you don’t escape tonight, you will be dead tomorrow!” American Standard Version And Saul sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal, David's wife, told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to-night, to-morrow thou wilt be slain. Contemporary English Version Saul sent guards to watch David's house all night and then to kill him in the morning. Michal, David's wife, told him, "If you don't escape tonight, they'll kill you tomorrow!" English Revised Version And Saul sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to-night, tomorrow thou shalt be slain. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul sent messengers to watch David's house and kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, advised him, "If you don't save yourself tonight, you'll be dead tomorrow!" Good News Translation That same night Saul sent some men to watch David's house and kill him the next morning. Michal, David's wife, warned him, "If you don't get away tonight, tomorrow you will be dead." International Standard Version Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him so they could kill him in the morning. David's wife, Michal, told him, "If you don't escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you'll be put to death." NET Bible Saul sent messengers to David's house to guard it and to kill him in the morning. Then David's wife Michal told him, "If you do not save yourself tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!" New Heart English Bible Saul sent messengers to David's house, to watch him, and to kill him in the morning. Mikal, David's wife, told him, saying, "If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed." Webster's Bible Translation Saul also sent messengers to David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal, David's wife, told him, saying, If thou dost not save thy life to-night, to-morrow thou wilt be slain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” World English Bible Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and to kill him in the morning. Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you don’t save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul sends messengers to the house of David to watch him, and to put him to death in the morning; and his wife Michal declares [it] to David, saying, “If you are not delivering your life tonight—tomorrow you are put to death.” Berean Literal Bible And Saul sent messengers to the house of David to watch him and to kill him in the morning. And Michal his wife declared it to David, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” Young's Literal Translation And Saul sendeth messengers unto the house of David to watch him, and to put him to death in the morning; and Michal his wife declareth to David, saying, 'If thou art not delivering thy life to-night -- tomorrow thou art put to death.' Smith's Literal Translation And Saul will send messengers to the house of David to watch him, and to kill him in the morning: and Michel his wife will announce to David, saying, If thou save not thy soul this night, to-morrow thou diest. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSaul therefore sent his guards to David's house to watch him, that he might be killed in the morning. And when Michol David's wife had told him this, saying: Unless thou save thyself this night, to morrow thou wilt die, Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, Saul sent his guards to David’s house, so that they might watch for him, and so that he might be killed in the morning. And after Michal, his wife, had reported this to David, saying, “Unless you save yourself this night, tomorrow you will die,” New American Bible The same night, Saul sent messengers to David’s house to guard it, planning to kill him in the morning. David’s wife Michal informed him, “Unless you run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” New Revised Standard Version Saul sent messengers to David’s house to keep watch over him, planning to kill him in the morning. David’s wife Michal told him, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSaul then sent messengers to David's house to watch him and to slay him in the morning; but Malchel, David's wife, told him, saying, If you do not save yourself tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul sent Messengers to the house of David to watch him and to kill him at dawn, and Malkil his wife told David and she said to him, “If you do not save yourself, tomorrow you die!" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning; and Michal David's wife told him, saying: 'If thou save not thy life to-night, to-morrow thou shalt be slain.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass in that night, that Saul sent messengers to the house of David to watch him, in order to slay him in the morning; and Melchol David's wife told him, saying, Unless thou save thy life this night, to-morrow thou shalt be slain. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Michal Saves David11Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” 12So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.… Cross References Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. Psalm 59:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. John 11:53-54 So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. / As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples. 2 Samuel 17:1-4 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” … But David’s wife Michal warned him, Acts 23:16-22 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. / Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” / So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” … Genesis 19:12-17 Then the two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—a son-in-law, your sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, / because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.” / So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. … Matthew 2:13 When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” “If you do not run for your life tonight, 1 Kings 19:3 And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, Genesis 19:17 As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” Proverbs 6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. tomorrow you will be dead!” 1 Kings 19:2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” Luke 12:20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ Isaiah 38:1 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” 2 Kings 6:14-18 the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. / When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” … Acts 9:23-25 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. / One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” 2 Kings 11:1-3 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. / But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed. / And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. Treasury of Scripture Saul also sent messengers to David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If you save not your life to night, to morrow you shall be slain. sent messengers Psalm 59:1,3,4,6,15,16 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me… to watch him Judges 16:2 And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him. Jump to Previous David's Death House Kill Life Messengers Michal Morning Morrow Night Order Saul Save Slain Slay Tomorrow To-Morrow Tonight To-Night Watch Wife WiltJump to Next David's Death House Kill Life Messengers Michal Morning Morrow Night Order Saul Save Slain Slay Tomorrow To-Morrow Tonight To-Night Watch Wife Wilt1 Samuel 19 1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah 9. Hannah in grief prays for a child 12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her 19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned 24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. Saul's jealousy and fear of David had reached a peak, leading him to take direct action against David's life. This reflects Saul's spiritual decline and the fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from him. The use of "messengers" indicates Saul's authority and the seriousness of his intent. The act of watching suggests a premeditated plan, highlighting the danger David was in. This event takes place in Gibeah, Saul's capital, where David lived with Michal, Saul's daughter. The cultural context of the time allowed for such personal vendettas, especially from a king, to be carried out with little resistance. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous and hostile towards David, seeking to kill him. 2. David The anointed future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness to God and his close relationship with Saul's son, Jonathan. 3. Michal Saul's daughter and David's wife, who plays a crucial role in saving David's life by warning him of her father's intentions. 4. Messengers Agents sent by Saul to monitor David and execute Saul's plan to kill him. 5. David’s House The location where the event takes place, serving as a temporary refuge for David. Teaching Points God's ProtectionDespite human schemes, God’s plans for His anointed will prevail. David’s escape is a testament to divine protection. Courage and Wisdom Michal’s actions demonstrate courage and wisdom. Believers are called to act wisely and courageously in the face of danger. The Role of Family Family can be a source of support and protection. Michal’s loyalty to David over her father shows the importance of righteous alliances. Spiritual Warfare The physical threat to David reflects the spiritual battles believers face. Trust in God’s deliverance is essential. Faith in Action David’s response to the threat shows faith in action. He heeds the warning and takes necessary steps to preserve his life, trusting in God’s ultimate plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 19:11?2. How does 1 Samuel 19:11 illustrate God's protection over His anointed servants? 3. What role does Michal play in David's escape, and what can we learn? 4. How can we trust God's deliverance in our own lives like David? 5. Compare Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 19:11 with Exodus 1:22. What similarities exist? 6. How can we apply David's reliance on God during persecution to our challenges? 7. Why did Saul want to kill David in 1 Samuel 19:11? 8. How does 1 Samuel 19:11 reflect on God's protection of His chosen ones? 9. What does 1 Samuel 19:11 reveal about Saul's character and leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 19? 11. Why does Psalm 59 align with David’s perspective in 1 Samuel 19:11 but omit details that might resolve historical inconsistencies in the biblical account? 12. How can we verify historically (Psalm 59:1) that Saul actually sent men to watch David’s house, given the lack of external archaeological evidence? 13. Does the violent imagery in Psalm 59:13 conflict with the Bible’s broader moral teachings on mercy and forgiveness? 14. How many wives did King David have? What Does 1 Samuel 19:11 Mean Then Saul sent messengers to David’s houseSaul’s hatred for David has escalated from private jealousy (1 Samuel 18:8–11) to public orders for assassination (1 Samuel 19:1). • The king who should protect Israel instead turns state power against an innocent servant (contrast Romans 13:3–4). • Saul’s “messengers” are royal agents, giving the command lethal authority (cf. 2 Samuel 11:1 when David will later misuse similar power). to watch him The men are posted as lookouts, staking out David’s home through the night. • Psalm 59’s title links directly to this moment and records David’s prayer while these men circle him like “dogs” (Psalm 59:1–6). • Such surveillance echoes wicked plots elsewhere—Jud 16:2 (Samson in Gaza), Mark 14:1 (chief priests watching Jesus). God sees every ambush (Psalm 37:12–13). and kill him in the morning Waiting until daylight avoids a noisy night confrontation and lets Saul claim a legal pretext if needed. • Dawn attacks are typical of surprise warfare (Exodus 14:24; Joshua 8:10). • Yet God repeatedly foils morning plots against His anointed: cf. 2 Kings 6:14–17 where Elisha’s servant sees heavenly protection at sunrise. • David will later learn from this rescue and refuse to harm Saul when he has the chance (1 Samuel 24:6). But David’s wife Michal warned him Michal’s quick action shows loyalty to her husband over her father (Genesis 2:24). • Earlier she “loved David” (1 Samuel 18:20); that love now demands courage. • God often uses unexpected allies—Rahab shielding the spies (Joshua 2:1–6), Abigail averting bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:18–31). • Her warning demonstrates how marriage partners protect one another (Ephesians 5:28–29). “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” Michal presses urgency: David must flee immediately. • Scripture commends prudent escape from deadly persecution: Matthew 10:23; Proverbs 27:12. • Obedient flight is not cowardice—it preserves God’s chosen for future service (Acts 9:23–25; 2 Corinthians 11:33). • David’s overnight departure opens the wilderness years where the Lord trains him as king (1 Samuel 22:1–5; Psalm 34, 57). summary 1 Samuel 19:11 records a literal assassination order met by God’s timely rescue. Saul wields royal power to destroy, but the Lord employs Michal’s love, David’s prudence, and an urgent midnight escape to preserve His anointed. The verse reminds us that no human scheme, however organized or watchful, can overturn God’s purpose for those He has chosen. Hebrew Then Saulשָׁא֨וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites sent וַיִּשְׁלַח֩ (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out messengers מַלְאָכִ֜ים (mal·’ā·ḵîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to David’s דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse house בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house to watch him לְשָׁמְר֔וֹ (lə·šā·mə·rōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to and kill him וְלַהֲמִית֖וֹ (wə·la·hă·mî·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill in the morning. בַּבֹּ֑קֶר (bab·bō·qer) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning But David's wife אִשְׁתּוֹ֙ (’iš·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Michal מִיכַ֤ל (mî·ḵal) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4324: Michal -- wife of David warned וַתַּגֵּ֣ד (wat·tag·gêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous [him], לְדָוִ֗ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you do not אֵ֨ינְךָ֜ (’ê·nə·ḵā) Adverb | second person masculine singular Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle run מְמַלֵּ֤ט (mə·mal·lêṭ) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks for your life נַפְשְׁךָ֙ (nap̄·šə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion tonight, הַלַּ֔יְלָה (hal·lay·lāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity tomorrow מָחָ֖ר (mā·ḥār) Adverb Strong's 4279: Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter you אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you will be dead!” מוּמָֽת׃ (mū·māṯ) Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Links 1 Samuel 19:11 NIV1 Samuel 19:11 NLT 1 Samuel 19:11 ESV 1 Samuel 19:11 NASB 1 Samuel 19:11 KJV 1 Samuel 19:11 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 19:11 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 19:11 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 19:11 French Bible 1 Samuel 19:11 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent messengers to David's house (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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