Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: The King offers his Daughter

◄ Armies: March in Ranks: The King offers his Daughter ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of armies marching in ranks is often associated with order, discipline, and divine purpose. The imagery of a well-organized army is used throughout Scripture to convey strength, unity, and the fulfillment of God's plans. One notable instance where military imagery intersects with royal and familial themes is in the account of King Saul offering his daughter in marriage.

Contextual Background

The account of King Saul offering his daughter, Michal, is found in the context of the early monarchy of Israel. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God to lead His people and defend them against their enemies, particularly the Philistines. The narrative of Saul's reign is marked by military campaigns and the constant threat of warfare, necessitating a strong and organized army.

Biblical Account

The account of Saul offering his daughter Michal is found in 1 Samuel 18. After David's victory over Goliath, he becomes a prominent figure in Saul's court and a successful military leader. Saul, recognizing David's prowess and popularity, seeks to bind him to the royal family through marriage. Initially, Saul offers his elder daughter, Merab, but she is given to another. Saul then offers Michal, who loves David.

1 Samuel 18:20-21 states: "Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. 'I will give her to him,' 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, 'Today you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.'"

Military and Familial Strategy

Saul's offer of his daughter is not merely a familial gesture but a strategic move. By marrying into the royal family, David would be further integrated into the national leadership, potentially securing his loyalty. However, Saul's intentions are duplicitous, as he hopes to use the marriage to ensnare David and expose him to danger from the Philistines.

The requirement for David to present a dowry of Philistine foreskins (1 Samuel 18:25) underscores the military aspect of the arrangement. Saul's demand is a test of David's bravery and skill as a warrior, reflecting the martial culture of the time where personal valor and military success were highly esteemed.

Symbolism of Order and Unity

The imagery of armies marching in ranks is symbolic of the order and unity that God desires for His people. In the context of Saul's reign, the disciplined ranks of Israel's army are a reflection of the nation's need for cohesion and strength against external threats. The offer of marriage to David, a rising military leader, is an attempt to consolidate this unity through familial ties.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account highlights the interplay between human intentions and divine providence. While Saul's motives are self-serving, God's purposes prevail as David continues to rise in favor and success. The narrative demonstrates how God can use even flawed human actions to advance His divine plan for Israel.

In summary, the account of King Saul offering his daughter in marriage to David is a multifaceted account that intertwines themes of military strategy, royal politics, and divine sovereignty. The disciplined ranks of Israel's army serve as a backdrop to the unfolding drama of God's chosen king, David, who would eventually lead the nation to greater unity and strength.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:25
And the men of Israel said, Have you seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:17-28
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you to wife: only be you valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Above these, again, three musicians march in procession, one ... the onset of the Assyrian
ranks, who were ... their league, and had the Elamite armies, in conjunction ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The Persian king, without actually admitting his reverses ... of Delos, and he promised
that his armies on land ... advance further than three days' march from the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... continued, in spite of them, to march southward, and ... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians,
were the national armies of these ... first year of Seti, among the ranks of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... them fruitful alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the
march he fell in with a Persian ... under Darius, and to whom that king owed his ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... merely means that Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... the gaps
which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ... Another king, Sin-sum ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... the middle of the fourth century at Rome March 7. See ... was composed of persons of
all social ranks is attested ... in the first resurrection; and she offers on the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... and the many-eyed and many-winged ranks, which in ... The two armies met and there was
a fearful slaughter, and ... Thereupon King Chlodowech said to his men: "It is a ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... moon, his beloved, and the mother of his children Shamash ... queen, as he himself was
its king, and among ... members Gula, the great, and Anunit, the daughter of Sin ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm