1 Samuel 19:16

“And when the messengers were come in, etc.] To David’s house, and into the room where he was supposed to lie: behold, [there was] an image in the bed to their great surprise; they expected to see David, but instead of him the teraphim, as in (<091913>1 Samuel 19:13); if they had been in the room before, and thought they had seen David in the bed, they might be the more surprised to find that it was only an image they saw: with a pillow of goats’ [hair] for his bolster; (see Gill on “<091913>1 Samuel 19:13”).”

“And when: It is highly probable that David, when supposed to be sick, was thought to be hid in the harem or chamber of Michal. "The harems," says Deut. Lam. Motraye, "are sanctuaries, as sacred and inviolable, for persons pursed by justice for any crime, debt, etc., as the Roman Catholic churches in Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc." Thus we find, that to effect his purpose, Saul sent messengers to Michal, but they treated her harem with too much respect to enter it at first; but being authorised by Saul, they entered even into her chamber; and during the delay occasioned by respect for the privacy of Michal, David escaped. Sa1 19:16 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 19:17”