Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Demands the Restoration of Michal, his Wife

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his profound faith, military prowess, and complex personal life. One significant episode in David's life involves his demand for the restoration of Michal, his first wife. This event is recorded in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, providing insight into the political and personal dynamics of David's rise to power.

Background

Michal, the daughter of King Saul, was given to David as a wife after he triumphed over the Philistine giant Goliath and fulfilled Saul's bride price of one hundred Philistine foreskins (1 Samuel 18:25-27). Michal loved David, and her affection for him is noted in the Scriptures: "Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him" (1 Samuel 18:20). However, Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David led to a series of attempts on David's life, forcing him to flee.

During David's absence, Saul gave Michal to another man, Palti son of Laish, from Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44). This act was both a personal affront to David and a political maneuver by Saul to weaken David's claim to the throne.

Demand for Restoration

After the death of Saul and the consolidation of David's power, David sought to strengthen his position as king over all Israel. One of his strategic moves was to demand the return of Michal. In 2 Samuel 3:13-14 , David sends a message to Abner, the commander of Saul's army, saying, "You must not appear before me unless you bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see me." David then sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, demanding, "Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for a hundred Philistine foreskins."

David's insistence on Michal's return was not merely a personal matter but also a political strategy. By reclaiming Michal, David reinforced his legitimate claim to Saul's throne, as Michal was Saul's daughter and David's lawful wife. This move helped to unify the kingdom under David's rule and solidify his authority.

The Return of Michal

Ish-bosheth complied with David's demand, and Michal was taken from her husband, Palti. The narrative poignantly describes Palti's sorrowful accompaniment of Michal, "weeping as he went" (2 Samuel 3:16), until Abner ordered him to return home. This episode highlights the personal cost and emotional turmoil involved in the political machinations of the time.

Significance

The restoration of Michal to David underscores the intertwining of personal relationships and political power in the biblical narrative. It reflects the complexities of David's character and his astute understanding of the political landscape. David's actions demonstrate his determination to secure his kingship and fulfill God's promise to him, despite the personal and relational challenges he faced.

This episode also serves as a reminder of the broader themes of loyalty, covenant, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through the lives of His chosen leaders. David's demand for Michal's return is a testament to his unwavering resolve to establish a united Israel under his divinely appointed rule.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 3:14-16
And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... had a secret errand
to the king, who thereupon ... the leaders took the lead in Israel, for that ...
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The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... them not be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. ... for that wrong has, by us, been
done to our king. ... Said David to Abner, "Thou shalt not see my face, except ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm