Adriel, a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, is known primarily for his connection to King Saul, Israel's first monarch. He is identified as the son-in-law of Saul, having married Saul's daughter Merab. Adriel's account is intertwined with the complex and often tumultuous narrative of Saul's reign and his relationship with David, the future king of Israel.

Family Background and Marriage

Adriel was the son of Barzillai the Meholathite, a detail that situates him within the tribal and familial networks of ancient Israel. His marriage to Merab, Saul's eldest daughter, is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:19: "So when the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah." This marriage was initially intended for David, as Saul had promised his daughter to the man who would defeat Goliath. However, Saul's shifting intentions and political maneuvering led to Merab being given to Adriel instead.

Children and Tragic Fate

Adriel and Merab had five sons, whose lives were marked by tragedy. The narrative in 2 Samuel 21:8 recounts a grim episode during the reign of King David. To atone for Saul's breach of a covenant with the Gibeonites, David handed over seven of Saul's descendants to be executed by the Gibeonites. Among these were the five sons of Adriel and Merab: "But the king took the two sons of Rizpah daughter of Aiah, whom she had borne to Saul—Armoni and Mephibosheth—and the five sons of Merab daughter of Saul, whom she had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite."

This event underscores the far-reaching consequences of Saul's actions and the complex interplay of justice and retribution in the biblical narrative. The execution of Adriel's sons serves as a somber reminder of the familial and national repercussions of Saul's disobedience and the subsequent divine judgment.

Historical and Theological Significance

Adriel's role in the biblical narrative, though not extensively detailed, highlights the intricate web of relationships and political alliances in ancient Israel. His marriage to Merab reflects the strategic alliances formed through marriage, a common practice among royal and noble families of the time. Furthermore, the tragic fate of his sons illustrates the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of covenants, a recurring motif in the biblical text.

Adriel's account, while brief, is a poignant example of the personal and familial costs of the broader historical and theological developments in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. His connection to Saul and the subsequent events involving his sons provide insight into the complexities of leadership, covenant faithfulness, and the unfolding of God's purposes in the history of Israel.1 Samuel 18:19
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 21:8,9
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES"THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW
KINGDOM"SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES"THE XXIst ...
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What is the story of David and Michal? | GotQuestions.org

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