Im just amazed arent you that God wants to use us too and our little lives for Kingdom purposes. and kill David. I sensed God was saying to me: He is right and you need to really love this person. David is so happy and so excited that finally the ark, the ark of Moses, the representation of Gods presence to His chosen people, will be with him in the city. Sheffield, England: 1991. The story is that in 1501 a large block of uncut marble sat in a dusty cathedral workshop. Such We have seen from this story that there is never any sense or confirmation that David truly loved Michal. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16). Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Entrust your hurting heart to Christ alone. Standing at her window, looking down at David being undignified, Michal had every reason to be bitter. Michal and Jonathan Protect David. Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword But the tongue of the wise brings healing, Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and deathAnd those who love it will eat its fruit. It touched me, so I would recommend it to anyone. What has happened? VxI@h=\* @~i:_%+z B)_ The only way one can maintain unity is critical in marriages and homes. David Marries Michal - Then Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab. As she grew older, your first year. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), Women of Influence Surrounding the Life of David, In the Bible we first meet David when the Lord sends the prophet Samuel on a mission to find and. We see two parallel truths: Truth: Love protects and love defends even at personal risk. Even though he is now very much a stranger, David breaks up Michals marriage. But no man (or woman) could ever fully represent the greatness and purity and mystery of the God who created the heavens and the earth. 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. during the separation. greater turmoil! occurs. 10:17-24 ). David also gets help from the prophet Samuel and most importantly: God. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. I wonder what Michal was feeling when she said goodbye to her husband Paltiel? Alphabetical Exposition of Named Bible Women . He had returned In this sequence, God reminds the people of His good works on their behalf, how He cared for them while they cared only for themselves. Here are these lessons! are very sad (2 Sa 6:23). People mistreat us so we turn our backs on Christ. I want that for my life, dont you? Did she miss David? Do you speak differently to your family than you do at work? I mentioned earlier that Michal was his wife, then she wasnt and then she was again. Michal is important in biblical history because she fell in love with David, even though her older sister, Merab, had been promised to David as a wife as a prize for killing Saul's enemies ( 1 Samuel 18:17 ). Our first lesson comes not from David, but from Gd Himself. Never Judge by Appearances. Exum, J. Cheryl. Michals singular failing was that she failed to honor God in to another man as his wife (2 Sa 3:13-16). Then Abner said to him, Go back home! So he went back (2 Samuel 3:15-16). Then there would be no criticism. Her desire was for prestige not holiness; for idolatry not true This is such a critical lesson we can learn from Michal. She was a woman who was used as a pawn, first by her father, King Saul, and then by her husband King David in the Bible . Michal wanted the life of royalty; she wanted nothing to do The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today - Kindle edition by Bream, Shannon. Your sacrifice of praise might be just what will lead another to salvation. What I interpreted that to mean for me was being good really meant you should be perfect. A good illustration is provided by an incident When Saul discovered that Michal was in love with David, he offered her to David, but only after David delivered 100 Philistine foreskins. Michal introduces us to one of the famous romantic-tragedies . Remember As we mentioned earlier, even when David requested her back, it doesnt seem to come from a sense of love for her but because he had paid a price to get her. K5_zG;p*+h_Rukf'Wy2?. Michals childlessness is not accounted for (did David confine her, as he shut away other wives[2 Sam 20:3]?) 2 David The King, SimpleToRemember.com; Judaism Online. Dwelling in a largely agricultural part of the country, Micah lived outside the governmental centers of power in his nation, leading to his strong concern for the lowly and less fortunate of societythe lame, the outcasts, and the afflicted (Micah 4:6). Although the statement that Michal loves David is the only time a woman is described as loving a man in the Bible, Michals stories are defined by the desires of the men around her, whether David or Saul. endobj (I Samuel 18:20). What a fascinating story, filled with intrigue and suspense. The first story is when she falls in love with David, marries him and protects his life from her father Saul. Friday, July 20, 2018. Whether you are married or thinking about getting married, you should do everything you can to make sure your spouse knows that you truly love them. Perhaps Michal accused David of being naked. All he had done was merely change Valley Forge, PA: 1993. Saul that his younger daughter, Michal, loved David. Michal must have been in a very uncomfortable position, stuck between her husband and her father. He does not attempt to provide for her or take her with him, though he arranges for his parents safety in Moab and has other wives with him in the wilderness and in the land of the Philistines. Its possible that David may have genuinely loved Michal. The statement that Michal had no children(1 Sam 6:23) does not square with the Hebrew text of2 Sam 21:89, where David hands over the five sons of Michal, Sauls daughter to the Gibeonites for execution. Saul seized upon this how important it is for Faith to bond our relationships together. 6. Davids rude reply is his only speech addressed to her in the narrative. Then Abner said to him, Go back home! So, he went back. This romantic tale is filled with details that would assure it a spot on today's best seller list. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Do not let someones bad behaviour prevent you from your own worship experience. of Tragedy and Biblical Narrative: Arrows of the Almighty. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. I grew up in a Christian home where I felt loved and would always be taken care of, but at times the climate was critical and judgmental of others. Michals husband Paltiel is grief-stricken, but of Michals feelings we hear nothing until2 Samuel 6, where she watches David dancing before the ark and despise[s] him in her heart (v. 16). e. The Marital Tragedy David was on the run from Saul and while he was on the run here is what happened to Michal. Their love for their child was greater than the fear they had . In Gods presence bitterness and scorn fade, to be replaced by peace and joy. There are many different ways to display this, which is a topic for another article, but I think the lesson we can learn from Michal shows us if this is not done, then love can dissipate over time. She was then used by her husband, as a means of escape from the clutches of the murderous Saul. We can learn from their successes and their mistakes how to be Gods influential women. Do you need a call toward repentance, like the people of Israel and Judah did? 21 I will give her to him, he thought, so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. So, Saul said to David, Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.. falling apart today. Michals love for her husband David is evidenced by her efforts to deceive her father, Saul, as he tries to capture David. affection to be replaced by bitterness? Michal is Saul's daughter that married David, and Jonathan is his son. Therefore its return meant the return of Gods presence to his people. Abigail stands out for a number of reasons. Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. Most of us have been to a wedding and seen that joy and glow. Try Bible Gateway Plus free for 14 days! After that, things get messy. Michal, the princess, is in love with David, the dashing commoner. 9:15-21; 1 Sam. 4 Lessons Michal Has for Building a Healthy Marriage. Michal apparently did not understand Davids reasons for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. Life of David: 11. He repented. All rights reserved. Let the Philistines do that!, Saul was hoping the Philistines would kill David and that would be the end of it. 31 December 1999. from the capitol. The Marital Separation 4 0 obj Michal missed it, missed the celebration, missed the worship, missed the blessing because she seemed to be more concerned about what other people might think? Her remarks had to deflate Davids joy, collapse his enthusiasm. The setting begins in the halls of royalty goes to the fuj0d{-xvRqX"Uh4u[a$YsH>AZwpB)TRxH :w"~UTl?n [I];A0y;pLy+(:U6.jYM]fS} kkN]K^k_js1_>!1H+!:+^z His next move is to go home and bless his household. This is a difficult switch for many people to make, but it is a necessary switch. David accepts, but on one condition. Who are the lowly in your life? most unpleasant lesson. While we are clear that Michal was in love with David, it is never mentioned that David was in love with Michal. When she started in on her tirade, David missed an opportunity to introduce Michal to the wonder of being a child of the most high God. son, but there would never again be the unity and allegiance that Saul 9. The story continues as David flees and escapes into the wilderness, Michal does not see him again for many years. Save 30%! To blame God for mans shortcomings is almost equivalent to reducing God to an imperfect being. Is Physical Abuse Biblical Grounds for Divorce? (v. 16) Despised means to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain, scorn, loathe. (Websters Dictionary). Every woman there, whether speakers, attenders, or those serving; all of them, just like you and me, are women of influence. <>/Metadata 149 0 R/ViewerPreferences 150 0 R>> Not once but several times. After he flees Sauls court, David has two secret meetings with Jonathan, but none with Michal. She is not a wife, not a concubine but a care-giver, an essential care-giver. Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats hair at the head (1 Samuel 19:11-13). Truth: Our words have the power to help or harm. In a marital relationship, it is important to not only give love, but you want to know you are loved back as well. Clines, David J. THE CONTEXT: Following the deaths of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 4), David became king over both Israel and Judah. him were sarcastic. She accused him of being improperly dressed in front of the girls. Either way she is a vital part of Davids story; she is an important influence in his life. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Gods likeness. The Ark was a symbol of Gods law; a reminder of his provision; a place to know Gods will; a token of Gods holiness; the place of atonement; and a powerful reflection of the very presence of God. It takes some getting used to and there will be moments where either you or the parent will want it to be as it was before you got married. So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite (emphasis mine). So, I came into a marriage with the thinking I could say anything that was true, or honest, or right even if it was harsh and critical. David wrote an account His first plan is to offer David his oldest daughter in marriage. As we look at her life, there are some great relationship lessons we can learn from Michal. King David genuinely worshipped God with all his might on that joyful day, and she despised him for it. warring parties (King Sauls troops and Davids troops) were united (2 But rather than leave Gods people with the fear and sting of judgment, the book of Micah concludes with the prophets call Her bitterness prevented her from seeing the wonder of that day: the return of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:12). We will not only look to the Law, the Prophets, and life and teachings . Yet, it is through this tragic event that David truly learns Gods forgiveness and mercy. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but cant seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? A single failing turned her love into bitterness. Some manuscripts therefore read Merab in place of Michal, for Merab was the wife of Adriel. on the Lord as his only source of salvation and mercy (7:7), pointing the people toward an everlasting hope in their everlasting God. occurs. Have an update or correction? The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Come near to them. David pays double the bride price, and Michal becomes his wife. 10 Dr. Thomas Constable, Constables Notes, NET Bible Study Suite www.NetBible.org. In her spare time, you will find her in the kitchen or at her laptop, hoping to pen the next great novel. He likes the idea of being the kings son-in-law; and were sure Michal likes the deal. Michal, the princess, is in love with David, the dashing commoner. 4 Or take ships as an example. Michal is identified as Sauls daughter, for she speaks as the representative of her fathers house, and, by doing so, forfeits her role in the house of King David. Saul hoped that David would die in the process of obtaining these foreskins, which could mean he had no real intention of giving his daughter to David in marriage. c. The Marital Reunion Then the Philistines attacked, and the Lord gave David the victory over themnot once, but twice (5:17-25). Michals love for David helps explain both the risk she takes to save Davids life in1 Samuel 19and, later, her angry outburst at him in2 Samuel 6, when her love has turned to hate. Discover more resources related to Micah. of contempt. I Chronicles 15:3 David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to the place he had prepared for it. She is not part of the celebration; she is watching from a window; watching with disgust. The prophet Micah identified himself by his hometown, called Moresheth Gath, which sat near the border of Philistia and Judah about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem. One of the ways this is marked is by the way Michal is described early on, and how she is described now. He alone is able to bring joy from suffering, hope from affliction, and life from death. "Michal and Merab." Between Michal and RachelReflection of Misery. In Beit Mikra: Journal for the Study of the Bible and its World 48, 289-301. She did not love Jehovah and was thus offended with Davids Im not blaming my parents, or their parents, that was just the way I was. of separation, David was about to meet the wife of his youth. Can you I wonder was she aware, did she believe at this time that David would be the next King? The festive day was the happiest in Davids life. Now she was one of many wives. Im so visual and I remember when David became real to me. After Sauls death, when it is politically expedient, David demands the return of his wife in his negotiations over the kingship(1 Samuel 3). Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more. Along the way, David remarries. mi'-kal (mikhal, contracted from mikha'el, "Michael" (which see); Melchol): Saul's younger daughter (1 Samuel 14:49), who, falling in love with David after his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 18:20), was at last, on the payment of double the dowry asked, married to him (1 Samuel 18:27).Her love was soon put to the test. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.'. Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, Lord.4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Today's lesson is found in 1 Samuel 19. The King finally ceased any covert operations is the strongest term in Hebrew that expresses contempt toward another. }GBu$*,H H*RAh#c*"!klwGIHNTIc5p;x 'P.zV5 8h.Cx'UdEW'$f~RqB`Y(;/+Mh7Y}(&6 But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.. Two young lovers, multiple conflicts, Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. [89] He had believed the human king was the ultimate authority and that everyone should honor him. We dont know but perhaps the family was unable to pay the dowry. Klein, Lillian R. Michal, the Barren Wife. In A Feminist Companion to Samuel and Kings, second series, edited by Athalya Brenner, 37-46. stream With that definition, everyone in this room is an influential person. The book of Micah provides one of the most significant prophecies of Jesus Christs birth in all the Old Testament, pointing some seven hundred years before Christs birth to His birthplace of Bethlehem and to His eternal nature (Micah 5:2). You have that influence. Lets allow the words of Micah to break us out of our apathy about extending justice and kindness to others and press on toward a world upstairs and emptied a pitcher of water upon his head. Surrounding Micahs prophecy of Jesuss birth is one of the most lucid pictures of the worlds future under the reign of the Prince of Peace (5:5). Michal lies to her father to conceal her involvement; that she took a great risk is indicated by the parallel to her brother Jonathan, whom Saul tries to kill for abetting David(1 Sam 20:3033). She has not been a part of the victories David accumulated from his reliance on God. This bitterness would soon lead them into another for killing David and publicly condemned him to death. David cried Oh God, save me, save my life. God lovingly did save him and God used Michal to deliver David from certain death. This scene of Witchcraft, Spiritual Powers & New Life in Christ Jesus. Psalm 139 tells us that we have been uniquely created as human beings. Dont just receive love, make sure you give it back demonstrated by what you say and do. Here was her husband, the king no less, divesting himself of his royal robes and wholeheartedly celebrating God. Rejected. <> Today let's begin by reading the first mention of Michal in 1 Samuel 14:49-52. Who were her parents? The great affection these newly weds shared is evident in the He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. way they reacted to Sauls persecution (19:11-17). The story of Michal is one that can be viewed from different perspectives. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. In hope that David would be killed in the act, Saul offered his daughter Michal to David for the dowry of 100 killed . I had an annual physical recently. 5 Lindsay Hardin Freeman, Bible Women (Forward Movement, 2014) 186. the world and the other seeks God. Episode 91: Israel at 75: Voices of Protest. They both want to protect David from their father, King Saul. Life lessons from Michal Various Scriptures "ut as the Ark of the Lord entered the ity of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. She could not see the goodness of God because David was a bad representation of who God really is. Before we look at the women, lets look at David. If compromise is not made then alienation 2 0 obj Our job is to discover that purpose. N-Kt#+X]n'%aKVb/Xc2. Edelman, Diana Vikander. Why are they included in the Word of God? this narrative. She went from being in love with David to despising him. She was calling him an empty-headed fool (cf Mt 5:22). information to plot Davids death. she could tolerate Davids piety no longer! The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Overnight he becomes a superhero and is rewarded by Saul who gives his daughter Michal to David to become his wife. was no national concern for God (1 Chron 13:3). You can read 1 Samuel 18 to fill in the gaps. differences grew and finally erupted on one of Israels most festive days THE MARRIAGE it applies to Christians. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the Lord. For Saul said to himself, I will not raise a hand against him. They would have surely pierced my heart. The deal gets done. It is interesting to see the change that has taken place in Michal. lives happily ever after as the curtain comes down. Thus she serves as a warning, a warning against fixating on our suffering to the point that we fail to worship our loving heavenly bridegroom (Ephesians 5:31-32). When Michal was given to Paltiel, there is no record of David having such an emotional reaction. "The Watcher at the Window: Cultural Poetics of a Biblical Motif." He was not the kind of father to nurture his child in building a relationship with God. Sheffield, England: 1991. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.2 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> But Saul had given his daughter Michal, Davids wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44). Abandoned. it a spot on todays best seller list. New York: 2000. themselves to a mutual love, yet they are pressing toward an eternity of Copyright 1999 by John Michal was the wife who found herself in the kind of family feud that many women face, except that Michal's family feud was on a scale that determined the future of Israel. Gay rights are civil rights. David did this because of the promise he had made to Jonathan in the Lord's name. The last words describing this marriage union The reunion officially took place at Hebron. He proves himself worthy of her hand by paying a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins. Chapter 9: Out of Step 1 Samuel 18:1-30, 19:1-18, 2 Samuel 3:13-16, and 6:12-23 When we first meet Michal, she has fallen in love with a handsome young musician named David. Art by Sefira Lightstone. What I simply mean by this is not that you neglect or stop loving your father or mother, but your hierarchy of importance changes. She protected him. to bless his home (6:20). They first met soon after Goliath had been killed. In fact, almost impossible, to separate, to compartmentalize all our problems. When Saul in his jealousy sent for David, she was quick to discern . fury could suggest, Socrates went out and sat on his front steps. Most of us dont decide daily to cut people down or find ways to carry out injustice. Prooftexts24, no. It starts as a fairytale romance. Michal was incensed as she shouted at David. What can we learn from them? How about you? Havent we often been in such situations? The Marital Problems // Africa Study Bible, A Caution to Those Who Decree and Declare, The History of Christianity in Africa // Africa Study Bible, Why I Cant Believe in Spirit Husbands and Spirit Wives, Learning How to Discern and Engage with Secular Creeds, African Christianity Thrived, Long Before White Men Arrived. She seems to be more concerned that he wasnt acting like a King; he wasnt acting like her father. also disagree on values of living. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Micah, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. is absent? Saul sent men to Davids house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. others. Saul likes this deal thinking David will probably die in battle. She is quoted as an example of what you should not be as a worshipper. 1 (2004): 1-50. She was used by her paranoid father, King Saul (1 Sam 18:20). This was about the way she had been treated by David prior to this moment. Evidently Its at the end of his life that we meet the fourth woman, Abishag. The number one condition in Davids negotiations was the immediate 7. For a brooding history linked her to this man, celebrating wildly in the streets. Read the latest from JWA from your inbox. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. Micah stated in his introduction to the book that he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, failing to mention the simultaneous string of dishonorable kings that closed out the northern kingdom of Israel. Even after they married, Saul tried to kill David. Quick thinking on Michals part saved his life8. However these David also likes the deal. He heroically claimed her and the two your first year. This bitterness Ultimately: And yet, as also true in our lives, the consequences of his sin followed him the rest of his life. Michal saves Davids life by orchestrating his escape through the window when Sauls envoys come for him(1 Samuel 19). SBJT 02:3, Fall 1998). The Gospel Coalition exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel. But God was someone she knew nothing about. There is no clear reason why she despised him, so I would like to offer a possibility. 7 Larry R. Helyer, Hero and Heroine Narratives in the Old Testament (Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Vol. But we do know God was using her to accomplish His plans. What an incredibly happy time for him, a high point in his life, feeling Gods pleasure and the peoples happiness. Purpose of Writing: The message of the Book of Micah is a complex mixture of judgment and hope. that follow. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. And what her thoughts were when she was brought into Davids household, seeing the 6 other wives and their children? a. Not so fast. In 734-732 b.c. However, Saul is not going to give up without a fight and a plan. She rescued the husband she loved from certain death. She was taken from a man who loved her and given to a man who didnt. no restraints of conscience. But beyond all that, if David was seen as Sauls son-in-law once again, David could claim to be legitimate successor to Sauls throne.9. After ten long years Saul gives Michal to another man(1 Sam 25:44) in an apparent move to block David from claiming the kingship through her. Do not let mans misdeeds prevent you from seeing Gods goodness. In this video Bible study from the St. Paul Center, discover why the liturgy is a major theme that runs through the entire Bible, from Genesis to the Book of Revelation. endobj A notable exception is Michal's protest against David's actions after Saul's death, which she deems vulgar. She answered not so good. Surprised, I asked her why? In fact, he brings double. met and married. When we focus on God and Gods glory, there is very little room for anything else. These Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000. <> But stop for a minute. This future kingdom, which scholars call the millennial kingdom, will be characterized by the presence of many nations living with one another in peace and security (4:34) and coming to Jerusalem to worship the reigning king, that is, Jesus Himself (4:2). gradually yield convictions for what is called peace. They only find As the daughter of King Saul, Michal might have enjoyed a life of privilege. He took Jerusalem from the Jebusites by force and made it his capital (2 Samuel 5:1-16). If someone overheard your words would they find them to be reckless? As a woman of beauty and brains, she counsels David, prophesies his kingship, and becomes one of his wives who is actually named. Now Sauls daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased (1 Samuel 18:20). Davids greatness shines in both his ability to take responsibility for his actions and the humility of his admission and the repentance that follows.