Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 19:13. It’s a really unsettling story about a young woman named Michal. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Story: Michal was the wife of King David. She was a bit of a troublemaker and, feeling insecure, she made a very strange thing happen to an image – a picture – of God. She put this image in her bed, covered it with goats’ hair (which is a very soft, fluffy material), and essentially created a shrine for herself. Let's unpack the details: “And Michal took an image…” This is the key part. Michal was making a false idol – a representation of God. It wasn’t meant to be worshipped, but rather a way for her to feel powerful and independent. “…and laid [it] in the bed…” She put this image in her bed . It's important to understand that this wasn't just a decorative piece. This was a deliberate act of creating a false god within her home. “…and put a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster…” This is where it gets really strange. She covered the image with a pile of soft, fluffy goat hair. Goat hair is very fragile and easily damaged. She was essentially building a protective barrier around this false idol. This could be interpreted as a desperate attempt to feel secure and shielded from criticism. “…and covered [it] with a cloth.” She then wrapped the entire thing in a piece of cloth, further concealing it. What's the Significance? This story is a warning about the dangers of vanity and pride. It shows: The danger of seeking power through false idols: Michal’s act demonstrates how easily people can become obsessed with creating their own image of themselves and their worth, rather than focusing on God. The importance of humility and obedience: David's response to this situation highlights the need to submit to God's will and trust in His guidance. It shows that true strength comes from Him, not from making idols. In short, it’s a story about a woman who made a dangerous mistake – creating an image of herself instead of focusing on God. --- Do you want me to: Explain a particular aspect of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to a larger theme in the Bible (like idolatry)?