Phaltiel, also known as Paltiel, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. His account is primarily found in the context of the complex marital and political dynamics of King David's time. Phaltiel's narrative is intertwined with that of Michal, the daughter of King Saul and the first wife of David.

Biblical References:

Phaltiel is introduced in 1 Samuel 25:44: "But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim." This verse highlights the political maneuvering of King Saul, who, in his animosity towards David, gave Michal to Phaltiel after David had fled from Saul's court. This act was likely intended to sever the bond between David and Saul's family, as Michal was David's first wife and had previously helped him escape from Saul (1 Samuel 19:11-17).

The narrative continues in 2 Samuel 3:14-16, where David demands the return of Michal as part of his negotiations with Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who sought to bring the northern tribes under David's rule. David's demand is recorded: "Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, 'Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.'" Ish-bosheth complied, and Michal was taken from Phaltiel. The passage poignantly describes Phaltiel's sorrow: "Her husband went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, 'Go back,' and he returned."

Historical and Theological Context:

Phaltiel's account is set against the backdrop of the turbulent transition of power from the house of Saul to David. His marriage to Michal, though politically motivated by Saul, appears to have been genuine in affection, as evidenced by his emotional response to her removal. This episode underscores the personal costs of political alliances and the often harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern royal politics.

From a theological perspective, Phaltiel's narrative highlights the sovereignty of God's plan for David's kingship. Despite human attempts to thwart God's anointed, such as Saul's actions in giving Michal to another man, God's purposes prevail. David's reclaiming of Michal not only restores his marital rights but also symbolizes the unification of Israel under his divinely ordained rule.

Character Analysis:

Phaltiel is a minor yet sympathetic character in the biblical narrative. His love for Michal is evident, and his grief at her departure is a testament to his genuine affection. However, his role is ultimately that of a pawn in the larger divine narrative of Israel's history. His account serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil experienced by individuals caught in the crossfire of divine providence and human ambition.

In summary, Phaltiel's brief appearance in the biblical text offers a glimpse into the personal dimensions of the political and spiritual struggles of ancient Israel. His account, while overshadowed by the larger narrative of David's rise to power, provides a poignant example of love, loss, and the inexorable unfolding of God's plan for His people.Phaltiel

The same as Phalti. (2 Samuel 5:15)

PHALTIEL

fal'-ti-el (palTi'el; Syriac "Psaltiel"; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) and the King James Version Salathiel): "The captain of the people" who came to Esdras between his first and second vision (2 Esdras 5:16). Fritzsche (Libri Apocrypha vet. test.) reads "Phalthiel."

See PALTIEL.

6409. Paltiel -- "deliverance of God," two Israelites
... Paltiel, Phaltiel. From the same as Pelet and 'el; deliverance of God; Paltiel,
the name of two Israelites -- Paltiel, Phaltiel. see HEBREW Pelet. see HEBREW 'el ...
/hebrew/6409.htm - 6k

Man.
... if all sin must be abandoned, or the soul shall have no rest, why then the soul
and sin will part"with such a parting as it is"even as Phaltiel parted with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... So Abner took Michal from Phaltiel, who was then her husband, and sent her to David,
Ishbosheth himself affording him his assistance, for David had written to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Phaltiel (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHALTIEL. ... test.) reads "Phalthiel." See PALTIEL.
Multi-Version Concordance Phaltiel (2 Occurrences). ...
/p/phaltiel.htm - 7k

Phalti (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Deliverance of the Lord, the son of Laish of
Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44)= Phaltiel (2 Samuel 3:15). Michal ...
/p/phalti.htm - 7k

Palti (2 Occurrences)
... estrangement (1 Samuel 25:44). He is "the captain of the people" of 2 Esdras
5:16 ("Phaltiel," margin "Psaltiel"). In 2 Samuel 3 ...
/p/palti.htm - 7k

Michal (18 Occurrences)
... Meanwhile she was given in marriage to another man, Phalti or Phaltiel of Gallim
(1 Samuel 25:44), but David afterwards formally reclaimed her as his lawful ...
/m/michal.htm - 16k

Phantom (1 Occurrence)

/p/phantom.htm - 6k

Psaltiel
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PSALTIEL. sol'-ti-el: Syriac and the
Revised Version margin = "Phaltiel" of 2 Esdras 5:16. ...
/p/psaltiel.htm - 6k

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