Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Wives of

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, renowned for his leadership, military prowess, and deep relationship with God. His personal life, particularly his marriages, is of significant interest and is documented in various books of the Old Testament. David's marriages were often intertwined with political alliances, personal desires, and complex family dynamics.

1. Michal: Michal was the daughter of King Saul, Israel's first king. She became David's first wife after he defeated the Philistines and brought back the foreskins of 200 men, as Saul had demanded as a bride price (1 Samuel 18:25-27). Michal loved David, but their relationship was strained due to her father's animosity towards David. When David fled from Saul, Michal was given to another man, Paltiel (1 Samuel 25:44). After David became king, he demanded her return, and she was restored to him (2 Samuel 3:13-16).

2. Ahinoam of Jezreel: Ahinoam became David's wife while he was fleeing from Saul. She bore him his first son, Amnon (1 Samuel 25:43; 2 Samuel 3:2). Her marriage to David is mentioned alongside that of Abigail, indicating that David took multiple wives during his time in the wilderness.

3. Abigail: Abigail was the widow of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man who insulted David. After Nabal's sudden death, David took Abigail as his wife (1 Samuel 25:39-42). Known for her wisdom and beauty, Abigail bore David a son named Chileab, also called Daniel (2 Samuel 3:3; 1 Chronicles 3:1).

4. Maacah: Maacah was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. She became one of David's wives and bore him Absalom and Tamar (2 Samuel 3:3). Absalom later became infamous for his rebellion against David, and Tamar was tragically involved in a scandal with her half-brother Amnon.

5. Haggith: Haggith was another of David's wives, and she bore him Adonijah (2 Samuel 3:4). Adonijah later attempted to claim the throne during David's old age, leading to a conflict with Solomon, David's chosen successor.

6. Abital: Abital was one of David's lesser-known wives, and she bore him a son named Shephatiah (2 Samuel 3:4).

7. Eglah: Eglah is listed as one of David's wives, and she bore him Ithream (2 Samuel 3:5). Little else is known about her.

8. Bathsheba: Bathsheba is perhaps the most famous of David's wives due to the circumstances of their union. She was initially the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men. David's adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent orchestration of Uriah's death marked a significant moral failing in David's life (2 Samuel 11). Bathsheba later became the mother of Solomon, who succeeded David as king (2 Samuel 12:24).

David's marriages reflect the complexities of his life and reign. They were marked by both personal and political motivations, and they played a significant role in the unfolding of Israel's history. The narratives surrounding his wives provide insight into the challenges and consequences of polygamy, as well as the intricate family dynamics that influenced the succession of the throne.

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2 Samuel 3:2-5
And to David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
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Library

The History of David
... Then said Nathan to David: Thou art the same man that hath done this ... This said the
Lord God of Israel: I have anointed thee king upon Israel, and kept ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... Even David had been like the kings of other eastern ... to take refuge with the great
Shishak, King of Egypt ... have learnt the idolatries from which Israel had been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... whom? 7. What two psalms did David write after these sins? ... effect? 10. Name the
worst king in Judah and the worst king in Israel. 11. Name ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... They knew that the king's name was still dear enough to all Israel to ensure ... left
the actual entrance of Solomon on office till after David's death, so ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Elah. In the army of Israel were the three oldest brothers of David. Every ... Lord's
people.". They brought David before King Saul. Some years ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

Concerning the Wickedness of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; his Defeat ...
... family, because of the promise he had made to David. ... the wicked courses of the kings
of Israel; and had ... his people, with the corruption of the king's own wives ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 concerning the wickedness.htm

Ruth.
... So she took Ruth and Orpah, her sons' wives, and started on the journey ... had a son
named Jesse; and Jesse was the father of David, King of Israel, who was ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvi ruth.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab ... So, upon the king of Israel's permission
for him to send ... those ambassador's came, and by their king's command spake ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and
reigned two years. ... And the time that David was king in Hebron over the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... The Lord had made a promise to David that his sons ... The men of Rehoboam, led by their
king, went out to ... So now there were two kings in Israel, and Rehoboam's ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm