It is important to note that the customs of that day were different, and Michal didnt have much choice in who she married, but you do. Consider the various lessons we can learn from Jonathan's life . 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. mi'-kal (mikhal, contracted from mikha'el, "Michael" (which see); Melchol): Saul's younger daughter (1 Samuel 14:49), who, falling in love with David after his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 18:20), was at last, on the payment of double the dowry asked, married to him (1 Samuel 18:27).Her love was soon put to the test. In love with David, Michal proved her loyalty to her husband over her father when she saved David from her father's attack on his life. Her religion This romantic tale is filled with details that would assure Exum, J. Cheryl. David had So, my patient, exasperated at times, husband would often say Do you hear what you just said? Are you listening to your words? Which would most times make me mad and then I would shut down and quit talking to him, you know that silent treatment! Bitterness Their love for their child was greater than the fear they had . As David becomes more successful, Saul becomes more jealous of him and this hatred forces David to flee and become a fugitive, running away from Sauls death threats. Though very little was said about Jochebed in the Bible, we can learn a few things from a character study of Jochebed. As it was, she despised him for the very qualities that made him great, namely, devotion to the Lord and spontaneity in worship.[90]10. God used these three women to teach Christians about living for Him! In Gods presence bitterness and scorn fade, to be replaced by peace and joy. together is replaced by resentment and bitterness. This is critical to any marriage if it is going to be successful. Its in the seemingly little acts, that we too can change our world. Have we protected and defended them? 2 Samuel 3:13-16 paints a very poignant picture of Michals husband following her. These two scenes, the only ones in which Michal plays an active role, are framed by scenes in which Michal is acted upon:1 Samuel 19,where she actively takes Davids part against her father Saul, is framed by scenes in which she is acted upon by her father(1 Sam 18:2029and 25:44); and Samuel 6, where she takes the part of her fathers house against her husband, David, is framed by scenes in which she is acted upon by her husband(2 Sam 3:13and 21:89). The question begs why? Were in the living room, Saul is playing with his spear, David is relaxing and playing the harp. connected to our faith. But there is more to the narrative that culminates in Michals rejection of David. David comes back with proof of not 100 but 200 dead Philistines that he has killed. Chapter 9: Out of Step 1 Samuel 18:1-30, 19:1-18, 2 Samuel 3:13-16, and 6:12-23 When we first meet Michal, she has fallen in love with a handsome young musician named David. If someone overheard your words would they find them to be reckless? What is fascinating about the story of Michal is that we are certain that she was in love with David because the Bible tell us. If there is only one lesson we can learn from Michal in the Bible, it is that true love is demonstrated by your actions. This moment and the language used to describe Michal show that despite her relationship with David, she is associated with her fathers house, and not with that of King David. We will not only look to the Law, the Prophets, and life and teachings . David is made King of Judah for 7 years while Michals brother, Sauls son, Ish-bosheth is King in Israel. Michal apparently did not understand Davids reasons for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. Im just amazed arent you that God wants to use us too and our little lives for Kingdom purposes. Good, said David. She is "of good sense and beautiful in looks," while he is "hard and evil in his deeds" (v. 3). When She Cant See The Loving Hand of God. Michal accused David of being naked. All he had done was merely change Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. During those wilderness years, David meets our second woman of influence, Abigail, the wife of Nabal. Michal is important in biblical history because she fell in love with David, even though her older sister, Merab, had been promised to David as a wife as a prize for killing Saul's enemies ( 1 Samuel 18:17 ). N-Kt#+X]n'%aKVb/Xc2. The tragedy of Michal the joyous home filled with affection The name Michal is derived from the male counterpart "Michael" which means "Who is like God." It's pronounced MEE-kal, with a soft k. I also have read that it means "brook," so I'm kind of confused. intrigue, emotional peaks and valleys, danger, etc., all are a part of Although the statement that Michal loves David is the only time a woman is described as loving a man in the Bible, Michals stories are defined by the desires of the men around her, whether David or Saul. THE MARRIAGE Thinking of your own life, in what ways do you see God using you for His purposes? Saul doesnt want foreskins; he wants David dead. Rejected. "Michal and Merab." God gave him control of Judah and many other territories. People mistreat us so we turn our backs on Christ. Pursuing her life passion to teach the Word of God, train leaders and connect people in community, Dianne Miller has dedicated years as a teaching leader in Bible Study Fellowship as well as directing Womens Ministries at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia and Northwest Bible Church, More. Just to be clear, Saul wasnt pleased because he loved David and thought he would be a great son-in-law. While he had only uninhibited praise to give, all she could think of was the many disappointments she had faced at his hands, and the hands of her own father. Just received Chuck's "Stuff I've Learned That I'll Never Forget" CD in the mail yesterday. Hurtful? in the Bible. Is it possible she was angry because she was no longer the wife of Paltiel? 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. The scriptures tell us she loves David. During this period, while Israel was imploding from the effects of evil and unfaithful leadership, Judah seemed on a roller-coaster rideascending to the heights of its destiny in one generation, only to fall into the doldrums in another. She is quoted as an example of what you should not be as a worshipper. 3 Adele Berlin, Poetics and Interpretation of Biblical Narrative (Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, 1994) 33. Now she was one of many wives. the kingly garments for the dress of the ordinary citizen. Not so fast. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Micah, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. He has on the linen garment of a priest and hes out front right behind the ark, leading the people in worship and singing and dancing. Michal is Saul's daughter that married David, and Jonathan is his son. In David she had loved the A notable exception is Michal's protest against David's actions after Saul's death, which she deems vulgar. Decisions are made for her as she is handed off from one man to another and trapped by power grabs. Edelman, Diana Vikander. Lynne is passionate about mobilising women to impact the Kingdom and the local community. It takes some getting used to and there will be moments where either you or the parent will want it to be as it was before you got married. The Bitter Michal. Im not blaming my parents, or their parents, that was just the way I was. A good illustration is provided by an incident Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. News reached The love that brought the couple religious zeal was dead. For a brooding history linked her to this man, celebrating wildly in the streets. also disagree on values of living. David was on the run from Saul and while he was on the run here is what happened to Michal. son, but there would never again be the unity and allegiance that Saul He proves himself worthy of her hand by paying a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins. the story might have ended if only Michal had been a woman after Gods Her words were meant to shame him. Do you need a call toward repentance, like the people of Israel and Judah did? This is such a critical lesson we can learn from Michal. Finally negotiations were successful and the two worship. Nothing really, he was covered, in a linen ephod, but he was not in his kingly robes and he was dancing in the streets. Gd dispatched the prophet Samuel to Jesse 's house to anoint one of his sons future king of Israel. been promised Sauls daughter, Merab, as a reward for killing the giant. Copyright 1999 by John five sons (2 Sa 21:8) but these were probably Merabs, not Michals. Salem Media Group. The last words describing this marriage union We know she had previously been in love with him. The King finally ceased any covert operations He is losing his grip on his throne and David is going to replace him. Biblical art takes the story I read in Scripture and makes it real for me. danger. You could see they were so happy to be getting married. As Chuck was talking, Christ was also talking to my heart. %PDF-1.7 Who were her siblings? After escaping he does not bother coming back for her. hero and King. Lets challenge each other to intentionally choose to speak truth in love, kind words, gentle words, encouraging words, words that build up and not tear down. greater turmoil! Good works that have eternal purposes, just like Michal. Michals love for David was used by her father King Saul, to get rid of David. New York: 2000. of In Judah at this time, good kings and evil kings alternated with each other, a pattern seen in the reigns of Jotham (good, 2 Kings 15:3234); Ahaz (evil, 2 Kings 16:14); and Hezekiah (good, 2 Kings 18:17). Instead of loving and protecting, we find her belittling and ridiculing David; wounding instead of helping. The once-tender relationship was Bitterness corrupts how you see others. him were sarcastic. After David moved his capital to Jerusalem, he married Bathsheba. Author: The author of the Book of Micah was the Prophet Micah ( Micah 1:1 ). For eight to ten years the lovers He had paid the bride-price, and she was still his wife when angry Saul gave her to Paltiel. Used. 2003. If someone says they love you, don't just listen to what they say, watch what they do. In the Bible we first meet David when the Lord sends the prophet Samuel on a mission to find and anoint Saul's replacement as King of Israel due to Saul's rebellious heart and sin. I grew sick of the way I would use words to hurt him and others. Marriage is a lifetime of giving and receiving love, over and over again. your first year. this ridicule gave David the insight to write Psalms 52:2; 57:4; 120:3. Davids escape began a period of his life when he was exiled When they were young, she saved his life from certain death. Michal is often regarded as the shrew who did not approve of Davids exuberant worship. When we focus on God and Gods glory, there is very little room for anything else. So, there is a wedding. I know that seems confusing, but I will make it clear shortly. Lords Church today that are destined for this same disaster because brotherly It's what he does. Two young lovers, multiple conflicts, Then the Philistines attacked, and the Lord gave David the victory over themnot once, but twice (5:17-25). He was given to fits of rage and remorse. What Michal and many of us dont see is that when we give ourselves over to worship with fervour, its not because we think ourselves worthy to be in Gods presence. She has not seen his hand of provision. was no national concern for God (1 Chron 13:3). You may have had or currently have a difficult father-in-law or mother-in-law, but this is the extreme: to have your father-in-law want to kill you. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. two young lovers were very much different. The podcast is also a really great way to help me learn and develop an understanding of the Bible the way it was meant to be. Every woman there, whether speakers, attenders, or those serving; all of them, just like you and me, are women of influence. However Sauls jealousy, fear, and a host of other complex evils led the Michal lies to her father to conceal her involvement; that she took a great risk is indicated by the parallel to her brother Jonathan, whom Saul tries to kill for abetting David(1 Sam 20:3033). endobj In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.". You will have to decide whether you think Michals story is seemingly sad or not. David, on the other hand, at this time, had 6 other wives. Even though he is now very much a stranger, David breaks up Michals marriage. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of ones life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. Her bitterness despised anothers overflowing joy: How she loathed her husbands dancing. Read the latest from JWA from your inbox. The number one condition in Davids negotiations was the immediate Davids behaviour certainly doesnt imply he was worthy. Sa 6:20). it a spot on todays best seller list. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Saul uses Michal again. I Samuel 18:17 Saul said to David, Here is my older daughter Merab. When bitterness replaces affection there will be definite consequences What a fascinating story, filled with intrigue and suspense. in the life of Socrates. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? In the Midrash, Michal is praised for her loyalty to her husband and her rejection of her father's authority. 1. Their quarrel raises another important issue by repeatedly referring to the kingship: the rejection of the house of Saul in favor of the house of David. The story continues as David flees and escapes into the wilderness, Michal does not see him again for many years. We are told in Hebrews 11:23 that Moses was hidden by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child. dashed to pieces. a) She became David's wife (1SA 18:27). In one instance Saul tried to kill David and Michal warned David and helped him escape from Saul. Thus she serves as a warning, a warning against fixating on our suffering to the point that we fail to worship our loving heavenly bridegroom (Ephesians 5:31-32). The prophet Micah identified himself by his hometown, called Moresheth Gath, which sat near the border of Philistia and Judah about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem. Women of Influence is a phrase thats not original to me. In fact, She is the only woman in the Old Testament of whom it is said that she loved a man7. When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days (1 Samuel 18:28-29). David has taken off his royal robes so he too can dance and skip and sing with the crowd. for killing David and publicly condemned him to death. This time, Saul gives him a way to pay the bride price: go to battle and bring back 100 Philistine foreskins and you can have my second daughter. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. This is what God intended in marriage when you go all the way back to Genesis. She is our first influential woman that we will study. The Art of Biblical Narrative, 118-123. Michals appearances in 12 Samuel reflect her confinement as a woman caught in the fierce struggle over the kingship between her father, Saul, and her husband, David. Michal, the princess, is in love with David, the dashing commoner. So, I came into a marriage with the thinking I could say anything that was true, or honest, or right even if it was harsh and critical. He asks "Don't you have any more sons?" She is not part of the celebration; she is watching from a window; watching with disgust. Marriages that dont operate in this fashion are highly likely to fail. All rights reserved. We can learn from their successes and their mistakes how to be Gods influential women. had enjoyed (2 Sa 3:1). Chuck has a way of saying it the way it is! But Michelangelo saw something in that rock; by 1504 he had taken that rough piece of stone and transformed it into a masterpiece called David. Photo credit: Getty Images/ProstockStudio. Ish-bosheth has a falling out with his army general Abner after which Abner then switches sides, offering his allegiance and his army to join with David. The David stories alternate between a presentation of the private man and the public figure, so that in the end family affairs and affairs of state are intermingled, each having an effect (influence) upon the other.3 Adele Berlin. She accused him of being improperly dressed in front of the girls. In Dangerous Sisters of the Hebrew Bible, 37-52. But beyond all that, if David was seen as Sauls son-in-law once again, David could claim to be legitimate successor to Sauls throne.9. He is called a man after Gods own heart. SBJT 02:3, Fall 1998). Yet, it is through this tragic event that David truly learns Gods forgiveness and mercy. . She was calling him an empty-headed fool (cf Mt 5:22). saying that so much thunder could only produce rain! Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2014. She could not see the goodness of God because someone she knew, was a bad representation to her, of who God really is. 8:5-7; 1 Sam. of separation, David was about to meet the wife of his youth. Can you While David was playing the lyre, 10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. Klein, Lillian R. Michal, the Barren Wife. In A Feminist Companion to Samuel and Kings, second series, edited by Athalya Brenner, 37-46. For Saul said to himself, 'I will not raise . James 3:1-10 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Series: David - A Man After God's Own Heart: Part 5: When A Woman Loves A Man (Mother's Day . As a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, Micah prophesied during the momentous years surrounding the tragic fall of Israel to the Assyrian Empire (722 BC), an event he also predicted (Micah 1:6). 2 Samuel 6:23 And Michal, the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. <> Listen to Davids response: II Samuel 6:21-22 David said to Michal, It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lords people IsraelI will celebrate before the Lord. Alphabetical Exposition of Named Bible Women . It touched me, so I would recommend it to anyone. So, lets look at the women surrounding the life of David, the man after Gods own heart. 16 Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. As low as $2.92/mo. Do not allow bitterness and scorn to prevent you from having your own encounter with the living God. (I Samuel 18:20). Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. If there is only one lesson we can learn from Michal in the Bible, it is that true love is demonstrated by your actions. Some manuscripts therefore read Merab in place of Michal, for Merab was the wife of Adriel. I sensed God was saying to me: He is right and you need to really love this person. Years passed and Saul dies in battle opening up the way for David to become first the King of Judah and then ultimately the King of all Israel, reigning a total of 40 years. God has created us, as women, all of us, with purpose and the ability to affect our world for good or bad. Her bitterness prevented her from seeing the wonder of that day: the return of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:12). Exploring the lives of people in the Bible is this type of learning lessonthe best type. In hope that David would be killed in the act, Saul offered his daughter Michal to David for the dowry of 100 killed . endobj She placed God on equality with the teraphim (19:16). The Gospel Coalition exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel. For her tragic story is not unlike many of our own. Or perhaps it was a strategic political move. The greatness of the God of Israel was the furthest thing from her mind. love were fondly treasured in his mind. The story is that in 1501 a large block of uncut marble sat in a dusty cathedral workshop. Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible. Weve got to remember people are impacted by our words. Before we leave this story, to get some insight into Davids thinking, we need to look at Psalm 59. As you do this, that love continues to grow, helping you not just to start out in love but to stay in love throughout the years till death do you part. // Africa Study Bible, A Caution to Those Who Decree and Declare, The History of Christianity in Africa // Africa Study Bible, Why I Cant Believe in Spirit Husbands and Spirit Wives, Learning How to Discern and Engage with Secular Creeds, African Christianity Thrived, Long Before White Men Arrived. Such is critical in the Lords Church. Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Her rebuke, accusing him of sexual vulgarity, gives vent to her anger over his treatment of her (it also isolates her from David and from the servant women she speaks of as witnessing his cavorting). If we are going to sum up the lessons we can learn from Michal, I think it is clear to see how important a role love plays in a marital relationship. The reunion officially took place at Hebron. Have we loved well those that God has put in our lives? 3 0 obj Surrounding Micahs prophecy of Jesuss birth is one of the most lucid pictures of the worlds future under the reign of the Prince of Peace (5:5). Whether you are married or thinking about getting married, you should do everything you can to make sure your spouse knows that you truly love them. Their estrangement @egoYlR3amU,rz- `9FV.\e_ESnbeODTU4%!%y'cv\d2dlRNIg[U'O]r$$t2t2ONag!x]O3 In fact, almost impossible, to separate, to compartmentalize all our problems. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but cant seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? 1SA 18:17 "Saul said to David, 'Here is my older daughter Merab. Q. was marked with superstition, formality, and coldness. 6. fury could suggest, Socrates went out and sat on his front steps. is absent? They first met soon after Goliath had been killed. Abigail The Bible describes Abigail this way "and she was a woman of good understanding" ( 1 Samuel 25:3 ). In ten beautifully produced lessons, Parousia: The Bible and the Mass answers these questions and more. There is no clear reason why she despised him, so I would like to offer a possibility. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Michal, daughter of Saul: Midrash and Aggadah, Biblical Women in World and Hebrew Literature, Concubine of a Levite: Midrash and Aggadah, The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women, Copyright 19982023, Jewish Women's Archive. Resources. 31 December 1999. Psalm 139 tells us that we have been uniquely created as human beings. separation! with bitter trials because on spouse loves God more than the other. He does not attempt to provide for her or take her with him, though he arranges for his parents safety in Moab and has other wives with him in the wilderness and in the land of the Philistines. Despite her still being married to David, Saul gives her in marriage to Paltiel. Sa 2:12ff). Jewish Women's Archive. are very sad (2 Sa 6:23). I Chronicles 15:3 David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to the place he had prepared for it. However, it doesnt seem to be motivated by love, but because of the price he paid for her. She was Davids first wife, and she loved him long before she despised him (1 Sam 18: 28). When Saul discovered that Michal was in love with David, he offered her to David, but only after David delivered 100 Philistine foreskins. But God was someone she knew nothing about. which he can send a flood of disaster (Jas 2:10). How about you? Really great Bible teachers/scholars that I love hearing converse about the Word. Michal serves as a warning against fixating on our suffering. What I interpreted that to mean for me was being good really meant you should be perfect. Ephesians 2:10 says we have been uniquely re-created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us. All Israel was there, celebrating with David, except Michal. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the Lord. For Saul said to himself, I will not raise a hand against him. What an incredibly happy time for him, a high point in his life, feeling Gods pleasure and the peoples happiness. 3. Davids greatness shines in both his ability to take responsibility for his actions and the humility of his admission and the repentance that follows. It appears to be quite evident that Paltiel loved Michal in a way that David didnt. King Saul in the Historiography of Judah. 9. We dont know but perhaps the family was unable to pay the dowry. A., and Tamara C. Eskenazi, eds. The deal gets done. By referring to Michal as the daughter of Saul (v. 16) the writer linked her attitude with her fathers. David ended with a godly blessing for all the people, sent them away with take home boxes of more food. But we do know God was using her to accomplish His plans. Michal despised David (6:16). The first story is when she falls in love with David, marries him and protects his life from her father Saul. In Bethlehem, Samuel meets seven of Jesse's amazing sons, but not the one God had chosen. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.2 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 1. The marriage duet ends in a duel of bitter words. the world and the other seeks God. We know how we can destroy others with our words, we know how other peoples words have cut our hearts too. Quick thinking on Michals part saved his life8. happened because one loved God and the other loved the world. Michals love story highlights the all too familiar story of what Critical? The story of Michal is one that can be viewed from different perspectives. We view David, on the other hand, as an icon of what worship should look like. Meyers, Carol, General Editor. Remember Michals upbringing was under Saul. I was overwhelmed! But a deal is a deal. 2 Samuel 21:8. During this time, Israel is at war with the Philistines and Davids older brothers are soldiers in King Sauls army. Although we dont have her entire story, we have two accounts involving Michal and David that turned his life and her life in a different direction. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. He had returned information to plot Davids death. He likes the idea of being the kings son-in-law; and were sure Michal likes the deal. So, what is the lesson we can learn from Michal in this aspect of her life? Its at the end of his life that we meet the fourth woman, Abishag. I wonder if you enjoy biblical art like I do? humility and pious enthusiasm as he joined with Israel to celebrate (2 He could turn from the rational to the irrational quickly and there were no ways to gauge what would set him off. Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible - Michal . David's life has some sharp edges, as does Michal's. Let's take a look at her life and try to glean some lessons. When you read this again, we see that David wanted Michal back.