1 Samuel 18:20
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.

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.

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.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Saul?s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.

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.

World English Bible
Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Michal daughter of Saul loves David, and they declare [it] to Saul, and the thing is 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 Bible
But 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 Bible
And 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 1917
And 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
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 3:13-14
“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.”

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.”

Ruth 3:10-11
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.

Esther 2:17
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

Song of Solomon 1:2-4
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine. / The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you. / Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.

Matthew 1:18-19
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.


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.

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Agreeable Daughter David Declare Eyes Loved Michal Pleased Right Saul Saul's Sight Word
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Agreeable Daughter David Declare Eyes Loved Michal Pleased Right Saul Saul's Sight Word
1 Samuel 18
1. Jonathan befriends David
5. 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
The report to Saul about Michal's love for David is a pivotal moment. Saul, who is already aware of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him, sees this as an opportunity to manipulate the situation to his advantage. The fact that this information is reported to Saul suggests that there were observers within the court who were aware of the dynamics between David and Saul's family, indicating a politically charged environment. This report sets in motion Saul's plan to use Michal as a pawn in his attempts to ensnare David, reflecting Saul's increasingly desperate and cunning nature.

it pleased him
Saul's pleasure at hearing of Michal's love for David is not rooted in fatherly affection or concern for his daughter's happiness. Instead, it is a strategic reaction. Saul sees Michal's love as a means to entrap David, as he later offers her in marriage with the hope that she will be a snare to him (1 Samuel 18:21). This pleasure is ironic, as Saul's intentions are malevolent, yet they inadvertently align with God's providential plan for David's rise to kingship. Saul's reaction highlights the theme of God's sovereignty, where even the schemes of men ultimately fulfill divine purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Michal
The 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 Relationships
Michal'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.(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’s
שָׁא֖וּל (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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:20 Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:19
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