Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 19 - Verse 16

When the messengers arrived, they were met with a surprising sight: an image lying in the bed with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. This verse comes from the book of Judges in the Old Testament. The image in the bed was an idol, which was likely used for worship by the person who placed it there. The use of goats' hair for the pillow indicates the simplicity and perhaps even the deception involved in this idolatrous act. The presence of the idol in the bed may symbolize the depths of corruption and idol worship that the Israelites had fallen into during this time. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of straying from God and worshiping false idols. This verse serves as a cautionary tale to readers, urging them to remain faithful to God and avoid falling into the traps of idolatry.

One of the theological interpretations of the verse 'And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster,' is that it showcases the deceptive nature of idols. The people in the story had created an image on the bed to deceive others into thinking that there was a person present. This can serve as a metaphor for how idols can deceive believers into thinking they have power or significance when in reality they are simply man-made objects. By focusing on the pillow of goats' hair used as a bolster, we can also explore the symbolism of goats in biblical context. Goats were often associated with sin and sacrifice in the Old Testament, highlighting how idols can lead individuals away from true worship and lead them into sin. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of staying faithful to the one true God.