Merab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Samuel. She is the eldest daughter of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and his wife, Ahinoam. Merab's account is intertwined with the early life of David, the future king of Israel, and provides insight into the political and familial dynamics of Saul's reign.

Betrothal to David

Merab's most notable mention in the Scriptures occurs in the context of her betrothal to David. After David's victory over Goliath and his subsequent rise in popularity among the Israelites, King Saul became increasingly envious and fearful of David's growing influence. In an attempt to bind David to him and perhaps to place him in harm's way, Saul promised his daughter Merab to David as a wife. This is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:17 : "Then Saul said to David, 'Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.' For Saul thought, 'I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!'"

Saul's offer was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic move to ensure David's continued loyalty and to place him in dangerous situations against the Philistines. However, despite the promise, Merab was not given to David. Instead, she was married to Adriel the Meholathite. The text does not provide explicit reasons for this change, but it reflects Saul's unpredictable and often deceitful nature.

Marriage to Adriel

Merab's marriage to Adriel is briefly mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:19 : "So when it was time to give Merab, Saul’s daughter, to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah." This union is significant in the biblical narrative, as it later leads to a tragic event involving the Gibeonites. In 2 Samuel 21:8, it is noted that Merab bore five sons to Adriel, and these sons were later handed over to the Gibeonites by King David to atone for Saul's breach of a covenant, resulting in their execution.

Role and Significance

Merab's role in the biblical narrative, though limited, highlights the complexities of Saul's character and the political machinations of his reign. Her betrothal to David and subsequent marriage to Adriel illustrate the use of marriage as a political tool in ancient Israel. Furthermore, the fate of her sons underscores the far-reaching consequences of Saul's actions and the fulfillment of divine justice.

Merab's account, while not extensively detailed, serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between personal relationships and political strategies in the biblical history of Israel. Her life, marked by promises unfulfilled and tragic outcomes, reflects the turbulent period of Saul's kingship and the divine orchestration of events leading to David's eventual rise to power.1 Samuel 18:17,18
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.
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