Definition: And when the messengers were come in, behold, [there was] an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ [hair] for his bolster.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 19:16. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage, but it’s packed with symbolism! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a disturbing scene where a man is sleeping with a goat’s hair pillow. Let’s unpack what that means piece by piece: “When the messengers were come in…” : This refers to people who had arrived to investigate the situation. They were there to look into what was happening. “… behold, [there was] an image in the bed…” : This is a key part – it’s not just any image; it's a visual representation of something unusual and potentially dangerous. “Image” suggests a picture or symbol. “…with a pillow of goats’ [hair] for his bolster.” : This is where it gets really bizarre. “Goats’ [hair]" means a goat’s hair. A "bolster" was a kind of cushion or pillow used to support someone's back while they slept. So, the man was placing a pillow made of goat hair in his bed – a very luxurious and unusual thing to do. What does this all mean? This is considered one of the most shocking and mysterious scenes in the Book of 1 Samuel. It’s often interpreted as a sign of deep spiritual trouble or perhaps even a foreshadowing of things to come. Here are some possible interpretations: A symbol of sin: The image could represent a man's sin, perhaps involving vanity, pride, or a disregard for God’s rules. A representation of a broken relationship: It might symbolize a strained or troubled marriage or relationship. A warning about impending danger: Some believe it foreshadows a significant crisis or event that will occur in the future. Important Note: This passage is incredibly old and difficult to understand fully. It's been debated for centuries, and there’s no single, definitive explanation of its meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Samuel? Discuss a specific interpretation of this verse?