Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. New Living Translation In the meantime, Saul’s daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it. English Standard Version Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Berean Standard Bible Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. Berean Literal Bible And Michal daughter of Saul loved David, and they told Saul, and the thing was right in his eyes. King James Bible And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. New King James Version Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. New American Standard Bible Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they informed Saul, the thing was pleasing to him. NASB 1995 Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him. NASB 1977 Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him. Legacy Standard Bible And Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. So they told Saul, and the thing was right in his eyes. Amplified Bible Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and when they told Saul, it pleased him. Berean Annotated Bible Now Saul’s (desired) daughter Michal (who is like God) loved David (beloved), and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. Christian Standard Bible Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him. American Standard Version And Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Contemporary English Version Saul had another daughter. Her name was Michal, and Saul found out that she was in love with David. This made Saul happy, English Revised Version And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. GOD'S WORD® Translation However, Saul's daughter Michal fell in love with David. When Saul was told about it, the news pleased him. Good News Translation Saul's daughter Michal, however, fell in love with David, and when Saul heard of this, he was pleased. International Standard Version Saul's daughter Michal loved David. Saul was informed of this and he liked the idea. NET Bible Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul about this, it pleased him. New Heart English Bible Mikal, Saul's daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Webster's Bible Translation And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. World English Bible Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Michal daughter of Saul loves David, and they declare [it] to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes, Berean Literal Bible And Michal daughter of Saul loved David, and they told Saul, and the thing was right in his eyes. Young's Literal Translation And Michal daughter of Saul loveth David, and they declare to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes, Smith's Literal Translation And Michal, Saul's daughter, will love David: and they will announce to Saul, and the word was straight in his eyes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Michol the other daughter of Saul loved David. And it was told Saul, and it pleased him. Catholic Public Domain Version Now Michal, the other daughter of Saul, loved David. And this was reported to Saul, and it pleased him. New American Bible Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. When this was reported to Saul, he was pleased. New Revised Standard Version Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. Saul was told, and the thing pleased him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Malchel Saul's daughter loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Malkil, daughter of Shaul, loved David, and they told Shaul, and the statement was pleasing in his eyes OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Michal Saul's daughter loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Melchol the daughter of Saul loved David; and it was told Saul, and the thing was pleasing in his eyes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Marries Michal…19So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. 20Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. 21“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”… Cross References Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, 1 Samuel 19:11-17 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. … 1 Samuel 25:44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. 2 Samuel 3:13-16 “Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.” / Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” / So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. … and when this was reported to Saul, 1 Samuel 24:1-2 After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” / So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 1 Samuel 22:9-13 But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. / Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” / Then the king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests at Nob. And all of them came to the king. … 1 Samuel 23:7-12 When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” / Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men. / When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” … it pleased him. Esther 2:4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he acted accordingly. Genesis 34:18-19 Their offer seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem. / The young man, who was the most respected of all his father’s household, did not hesitate to fulfill this request, because he was delighted with Jacob’s daughter. 1 Samuel 17:25 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” 2 Samuel 6:16-23 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. / So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. / When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts. … 2 Samuel 21:8 But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 1 Kings 11:1-3 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. Genesis 29:18-20 Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. Genesis 34:12 Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!” Judges 14:1-3 One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. / So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” / But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.” Judges 16:4-5 Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. / The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” Treasury of Scripture And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. loved David 1 Samuel 18:28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. Judges 16:4,15 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah… 2 Samuel 13:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Jump to Previous Agreeable Daughter David Declare Eyes Loved Michal Pleased Right Saul Saul's Sight WordJump to Next Agreeable Daughter David Declare Eyes Loved Michal Pleased Right Saul Saul's Sight Word1 Samuel 18 1. Jonathan befriends David5. Saul envies his praise 10. seeks to kill him in his fury 12. fears him for his good success 17. offers him his daughters for snare 23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, 25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry 28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David Michal's love for David is significant as it marks the first mention of romantic love in the Bible. Her affection for David contrasts with her father Saul's growing jealousy and animosity towards him. Michal's love can be seen as a divine orchestration, as David's eventual marriage to her would further entrench him within the royal family, aligning with God's plan for David to become king. This love also sets the stage for future events where Michal's loyalty to David will be tested. The mention of Michal, a woman, having agency in her feelings is notable in the cultural context of ancient Israel, where marriages were often arranged for political alliances rather than personal affection. and when this was reported to Saul it pleased him Persons / Places / Events 1. MichalThe daughter of King Saul, who falls in love with David. Her affection for David plays a significant role in the unfolding events between David and Saul. 2. David The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is a rising figure in Saul's court and a successful military leader. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous and fearful of David's growing popularity and success. 4. Love and Political Strategy Michal's love for David is genuine, but Saul sees it as an opportunity to ensnare David, reflecting the complex interplay of personal relationships and political maneuvering. Teaching Points The Complexity of Human RelationshipsMichal's love for David illustrates how personal relationships can be intertwined with political and familial dynamics. Believers should be aware of how their relationships can be influenced by external factors and seek God's wisdom in navigating them. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite Saul's intentions, God's plan for David's rise to kingship is not thwarted. This reminds us that God's purposes prevail, even when human motives are mixed or deceitful. The Role of Love and Loyalty Michal's actions later in the account show the power of love and loyalty. Christians are called to love genuinely and be loyal to God's purposes, even when faced with difficult choices. The Danger of Jealousy and Manipulation Saul's reaction to Michal's love for David is rooted in jealousy and manipulation. Believers should guard against these destructive emotions and seek to cultivate a heart of trust and integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:20?2. How does Michal's love for David reflect God's plan in 1 Samuel 18:20? 3. Why is Michal's affection significant in David's journey to kingship? 4. How can we discern God's will through relationships, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:20? 5. What other biblical relationships demonstrate God's sovereignty in fulfilling His promises? 6. How should believers respond when God uses unexpected means to fulfill His plans? 7. Why did Michal love David according to 1 Samuel 18:20? 8. How does Michal's love for David impact the narrative in 1 Samuel? 9. What theological significance does Michal's love for David hold? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18? 11. 1 Samuel 18:20–21: Why would Saul offer his daughter Michal to David if he intended to harm him, and does this suggest inconsistencies within the narrative? 12. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18? 13. 1 Samuel 18:17-27: Is the story of David collecting Philistine foreskins historically plausible, and what does it imply about the reliability of the text? 14. Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants? What Does 1 Samuel 18:20 Mean Now Saul’s daughter MichalMichal is introduced here not merely as a daughter of Saul but as a key figure in David’s unfolding story. This detail: • Signals Saul’s royal household will soon be intertwined with David’s life, fulfilling earlier indications of David’s rise (1 Samuel 16:13; 18:2). • Shows God’s providence in positioning David within the palace, echoing Joseph’s placement in Egypt for future deliverance (Genesis 45:5–8). • Highlights a contrast within Saul’s family: Jonathan already loves David (1 Samuel 18:1), and now Michal will as well, emphasizing David’s growing favor even while Saul’s jealousy deepens. loved David The verse plainly states Michal’s affection. Scripture treats this as genuine, not political posturing: • Her love foreshadows her later defense of David when Saul sends men to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11–17). • Genuine affection stands in stark contrast to Saul’s enmity, illustrating how God can raise allies from unexpected places (Proverbs 16:7). • This love also prefigures the covenantal loyalty Jonathan shows, reinforcing that David inspires true devotion in hearts God prepares (Ruth 1:16–17 with David’s descendant lineage). and when this was reported to Saul The palace grapevine delivers the news, and Saul immediately sees opportunity: • Saul has already offered his older daughter Merab as a snare (1 Samuel 18:17), revealing his manipulative mindset. • Information flow within royal courts often shapes events (Esther 2:22; Daniel 2:14–16), and here it feeds Saul’s scheming nature. • Saul’s knowledge of Michal’s love becomes a tool he thinks he can exploit, much like Pharaoh misread the Israelites’ growth (Exodus 1:9–10). it pleased him Saul’s pleasure is not sentimental; it is strategic: • He hopes to use Michal to entangle David, setting a trap that will place David in lethal battles with the Philistines (1 Samuel 18:21). • His reaction exposes the duplicity in his heart—outwardly approving, inwardly plotting (Psalm 55:21). • This moment marks another step in Saul’s tragic descent, fulfilling Samuel’s earlier warning that rejecting God’s voice leads to destructive plotting (1 Samuel 15:23; Proverbs 14:12). summary 1 Samuel 18:20 reveals a pivotal development: God weaves Michal’s sincere affection for David into the larger tapestry of His purposes. While Michal’s love is genuine, Saul views it as another angle for eliminating David. The verse underscores David’s rising favor, Saul’s deepening scheming, and God’s sovereign ability to turn human relationships—whether pure or twisted—toward the fulfillment of His plan to establish David’s throne. (20) And Michal Saul's daughter loved David.--But the love of the younger of the two royal princesses for her father's brilliant officer gave the unhappy king a fresh excuse to expose David's life to peril, while at the same time he appeared to be endeavouring to carry out an old formal promise.Verses 20, 21. - Michal... loved David. Probably there was some short lapse of time between Merab's marriage and the growth of this affection, the news of which pleased Saul. He was not an ungenerous man, and possibly may have felt ashamed at having acted so meanly by David after having exposed him to danger. And yet evil thoughts again are uppermost, and his purposes are selfish; for either way Saul will be the gainer. David will probably be slain, he thinks, in trying to get the dowry asked of him; and if not, at all events he will himself be cleared of the stain of public dishonesty now resting upon him. Therefore Saul said to David. Not in person, which accounts for David giving no answer, but through his servants, as is recounted more fully afterwards.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Saul’sשָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites daughter בַּת־ (baṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1323: A daughter Michal מִיכַ֥ל (mî·ḵal) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4324: Michal -- wife of David loved וַתֶּאֱהַ֛ב (wat·te·’ĕ·haḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f David, דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and when this was reported וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to Saul, לְשָׁא֔וּל (lə·šā·’ūl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites it הַדָּבָ֖ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause pleased וַיִּשַׁ֥ר (way·yi·šar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous him. בְּעֵינָֽיו׃ (bə·‘ê·nāw) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain Links 1 Samuel 18:20 NIV1 Samuel 18:20 NLT 1 Samuel 18:20 ESV 1 Samuel 18:20 NASB 1 Samuel 18:20 KJV 1 Samuel 18:20 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 18:20 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 18:20 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 18:20 French Bible 1 Samuel 18:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 18:20 Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |



