Topical Bible: Wives: Bad: Michal

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Michal, the daughter of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for her complex relationship with David, who would later become king of Israel. Her account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Michal's life and actions provide a multifaceted view of her character, often highlighting her as a cautionary example of a wife in biblical narratives.

Marriage to David

Michal's initial introduction in the biblical narrative is marked by her love for David. In 1 Samuel 18:20, it is noted, "Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him." Saul, seeing an opportunity to ensnare David, offered Michal to him as a wife, hoping to use her as a snare against David (1 Samuel 18:21). Despite Saul's ulterior motives, David accepted the marriage proposal, and Michal became his wife.

Deception and Loyalty

Michal's loyalty to David is initially demonstrated when she helps him escape from her father's murderous intentions. In 1 Samuel 19:11-12, Michal warns David of Saul's plan to kill him and assists in his escape by lowering him through a window. She then deceives her father's messengers by placing an idol in David's bed, claiming he was ill (1 Samuel 19:13-17). This act of deception, while saving David's life, also raises questions about her use of household idols, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

Estrangement and Remarriage

During David's subsequent flight from Saul, Michal is given in marriage to another man, Paltiel (1 Samuel 25:44). This act by Saul further complicates Michal's relationship with David. When David becomes king, he demands Michal's return as part of his consolidation of power (2 Samuel 3:13-16). The narrative notes the sorrow of Paltiel as Michal is taken from him, highlighting the personal cost of political maneuvers.

Contempt for David

Michal's most notable negative portrayal occurs during the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. As David dances before the Lord with great enthusiasm, Michal looks upon him with contempt. In 2 Samuel 6:16, it is recorded, "As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart." Her disdain is further expressed in a confrontation with David, where she criticizes his behavior as undignified for a king (2 Samuel 6:20).

David's response to Michal is sharp, emphasizing his devotion to the Lord over her opinion. He declares, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD" (2 Samuel 6:21). This exchange marks a significant rift in their relationship, and the narrative concludes with the note that Michal had no children to the day of her death (2 Samuel 6:23), which some interpret as a divine judgment on her contempt.

Legacy

Michal's account serves as a complex example of a wife in the biblical text. Her initial love and loyalty to David are overshadowed by her later contempt and criticism. Her actions and attitudes provide a cautionary tale about the importance of supporting one's spouse and maintaining a heart aligned with God's purposes. Michal's life is a reminder of the potential consequences of allowing personal grievances and pride to overshadow one's faith and relationships.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 6:16
And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxxi
... proceeded to set his children and his wives upon camels ... as yet proof that from Rachel's
day to Michal's Israel had ... it: "not to speak from good to bad." This is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... to be the servant of his wife, and like bad servants to ... remember that David had numerous
other wives, and afterwards received Michal, Saul's daughter ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... very long, which the multitude of his wives and concubines ... to this, who was reproached
by Michal for "dancing ... Jehoshaphat, and the slaughter of the bad man Ahab ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

The First Kings.
... He had genius and heroism, but a bad heart, and the ... He had already several wives,
as was customary in those times; and among them was Michal, whom he had ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm