A victim of infidelities. I grew sick of the way I would use words to hurt him and others. Micah stated in his introduction to the book that he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, failing to mention the simultaneous string of dishonorable kings that closed out the northern kingdom of Israel. Michal was the first, and in some ways, the most interesting, of Davids wivesshe is a full-fledged character with opinions and emotions of her own.4 Adele Berlin, Michals story is a sad one. 13 feet tall, this larger-than-life physical size was intended to capture Davids colossal spiritual strength. <> Biblical art takes the story I read in Scripture and makes it real for me. 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. Stop again for just a moment. The once-tender relationship was 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. Im so visual and I remember when David became real to me. 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. Sa 6:20). of separation, David was about to meet the wife of his youth. Can you The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. "Michal: The Kings Daughter or the Kings Wife. In The Female Ruse: Women's Deception and Divine Sanction in the Hebrew Bible, 137-150. Good works that have eternal purposes, just like Michal. Public worship was neglected; But rather than leave Gods people with the fear and sting of judgment, the book of Micah concludes with the prophets call 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. What I interpreted that to mean for me was being good really meant you should be perfect. This was about the way she had been treated by David prior to this moment. Then there would be no criticism. Because it seems like David never gave that type of love to Michal, eventually over time she went from being in love with him to despising him. Fragmented Women; Feminist (Sub)versions of Biblical Narratives. Insight's Old Testament Handbook: A Practical Look at Each Book, Insight's Bible Application Guide: IsaiahMalachiA Life Lesson from Every Chapter, Gods Masterwork, Volume Four: An Invitation to ReturnA Survey of HoseaMalachi. 8:5-7; 1 Sam. He proves himself worthy of her hand by paying a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins. Her father and her brother, Jonathan (Davids BFF), died the same day in battle (1 Sam 31). this narrative. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Last week during our small group time as we were going over a selected passage and I asked the question What makes us unique as Christians from the rest of the world? Immediately, one in the group said Christians love their enemies. That felt like a thunderbolt to me as this was said by, not an enemy, but one Ive found challenging to love. He is losing his grip on his throne and David is going to replace him. This little rescue, saved the life of the future King of all Israel. Since David killed Goliath, Saul offered his older daughter Merab, but David did not feel worthy to be the kings son-in-law. The love that brought the couple Not just love that is received, but also love that is given. Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. of this escape in Psalm 59. Or at church? Differences existed between David and Michal when they first Evidently Or perhaps it was a strategic political move. The love story of David and Michal, the daughter of Saul, a Q. David, on the other hand, at this time, had 6 other wives. Your browser does not support JavaScript. Really great Bible teachers/scholars that I love hearing converse about the Word. The story continues as David flees and escapes into the wilderness, Michal does not see him again for many years. It starts as a fairytale romance. I Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, love never fails. 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. God has created us, as women, all of us, with purpose and the ability to affect our world for good or bad. I was 12 years old when our 6th grade field trip went to New York City. Ashkelon and Gaza were defeated. In this sequence, God reminds the people of His good works on their behalf, how He cared for them while they cared only for themselves. Three women are Davids wives and one is not a wife, not a concubine but she is invaluable to David. Overnight he becomes a superhero and is rewarded by Saul who gives his daughter Michal to David to become his wife. In the Bible there are key moments in her life that give us important lessons about relationships and marriage. Thus, in the end, this is no fairytale romance. affection to be replaced by bitterness? It seemed to be what David wanted too. Their estrangement Michal, the princess, is in love with David, the dashing commoner. All the years apart and she does not know how many times God saved David. a. To understand the point of my saying dont marry someone who is not in love with you, it requires us to look at the backstory and the reason David married Michal in the first place. Michal is identified as Sauls daughter, for she speaks as the representative of her fathers house, and, by doing so, forfeits her role in the house of King David. I mentioned earlier that Michal was his wife, then she wasnt and then she was again. Decisions are made for her as she is handed off from one man to another and trapped by power grabs. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Micah, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. When two disagree on matters of faith, they will But Saul had given his daughter Michal, Davids wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44). They both want to protect David from their father, King Saul. What can we learn from them? During those wilderness years, David meets our second woman of influence, Abigail, the wife of Nabal. When she started in on her tirade, David missed an opportunity to introduce Michal to the wonder of being a child of the most high God. Who was Michal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org site by Mere, 5 Rotten Cores in the Plastic-Fruit Gospel, Were on Our Knees. My tongue. Saul hoped that David would die in the process of obtaining these foreskins, which could mean he had no real intention of giving his daughter to David in marriage. David also likes the deal. Her loving husband was sent home crying; he was left behind weeping. She was used by her paranoid father, King Saul (1 Sam 18:20). After her introduction in1 Sam 14:49as Sauls younger daughter, she appears next in 18:20, where we read, Michal loved David. Saul uses her, as he did her older sisterMerab, as a trap, in the hope that David will be killed while trying to meet the bride price of one hundred Philistine foreskins. After ten long years Love is love. What I simply mean by this is not that you neglect or stop loving your father or mother, but your hierarchy of importance changes. Sauls violence had Some commentators take the presence of teraphim as a sign that Michal holds to false religious beliefs, but it should be noted that the teraphim are in Davids house. David ended with a godly blessing for all the people, sent them away with take home boxes of more food. Rise Up, O Judge of the Earth. 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 - Sermon Writer And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. So the king did not let them hurt Mephi "And Michal the daughter of Saul loved David" (I Samuel 18:20). 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. Lets pick up the story in chapter 19. 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. How does love turn to hurt? I wonder was she aware, did she believe at this time that David would be the next King? Davids greatness shines in both his ability to take responsibility for his actions and the humility of his admission and the repentance that follows. David has already been dodging Sauls spear but as time progresses there is an outright contract on his life and he is in danger. endobj Were in the living room, Saul is playing with his spear, David is relaxing and playing the harp. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him." -2 Samuel 6:16 That spying led to a sexual encounter that led to a pregnancy, that led to a murder that led to a cover-up. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. This was a big party. How tragic to think that there are loving relationships in the in the Bible. (v. 16) Despised means to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain, scorn, loathe. (Websters Dictionary). Did she miss David? Michal was incensed as she shouted at David. Judgment and restoration inspire fear and hope, two ideas wrapped up in the final sequence of Micahs prophecy, a courtroom scene in which The tragedy of Michal the joyous home filled with affection warring parties (King Sauls troops and Davids troops) were united (2 Here are 15 lessons from King David 's life we can all live by: 1. She was a woman who was used as a pawn, first by her father, King Saul, and then by her husband King David in the Bible . Saul is Israel's first king. Book of Micah Overview - Insight for Living Ministries Dwelling in a largely agricultural part of the country, Micah lived outside the governmental centers of power in his nation, leading to his strong concern for the lowly and less fortunate of societythe lame, the outcasts, and the afflicted (Micah 4:6). 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. The Marital Problems Yet her story was a sad one and, for at least one moment in Scripture, a bad one. to another man as his wife (2 Sa 3:13-16). Now Sauls daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased (1 Samuel 18:20). Let see them on this Mother's Day. Today let's begin by reading the first mention of Michal in 1 Samuel 14:49-52. Who were her parents? Their love for their child was greater than the fear they had . Most of us have been to a wedding and seen that joy and glow. Therefore its return meant the return of Gods presence to his people. (Hebrew). 16 Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Its evident from the text that Saul was both mentally and emotionally unstable. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. Tragedy and Biblical Narrative: Arrows of the Almighty. As we look at her life, there are some great relationship lessons we can learn from Michal. a marriage becomes when love is absent. Lets remember how we need to not only start well, but also finish well for the Kingdom. // 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. King David's Wives and Marriages in the Bible - Learn Religions Weve got to remember people are impacted by our words. Thinking of your own life, in what ways do you see God using you for His purposes? 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. Ephesians 2:10 says we have been uniquely re-created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us. Scorned. King David genuinely worshipped God with all his might on that joyful day, and she despised him for it. 2 Samuel 3:16 So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. We dont know at this point. He proves himself worthy of her hand by paying a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins. Do you speak differently to your family than you do at work? She was then used by her husband, as a means of escape from the clutches of the murderous Saul. New York: 2000. We are told in Hebrews 11:23 that Moses was hidden by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child. Is it any wonder that she looked at David and despised him (2 Samuel 6:16)? She did not love Jehovah and was thus offended with Davids Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats hair at the head (1 Samuel 19:11-13). His first plan is to offer David his oldest daughter in marriage. With Gods strength, he defeats the enemy and his life as a soldier, a warrior begins. The next time we hear about Michal is in 2 Samuel 3, when Abner is attempting to form an alliance with David. Hurtful? Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. This bitterness We dont know, but we do her husband Paltiel deeply loved her and was devastated when she was taken from him. Women of Influence is a phrase thats not original to me. Two young lovers, multiple conflicts, intrigue, emotional peaks and valleys, danger, etc., all are a part of this narrative. We attended a wedding recently in New Orleans. But God was someone she knew nothing about. However these But a deal is a deal. When they were young, she saved his life from certain death. As you look back over your life, can you see where God has used other people to lovingly protect you? son, but there would never again be the unity and allegiance that Saul As a child, you must also recognize that once married, your first obligation is to your spouse and not your parents. Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. I will give her to you for a wife. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Bad Girls of the Bible: Michal - Liz Curtis Higgs 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). % It's what he does. But Michal, Davids wife, warned him, If you dont run for your life tonight, tomorrow youll be killed. So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. Michal is on her way back to David. Our first lesson comes not from David, but from Gd Himself. 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. 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). Michal: Bible | Jewish Women's Archive Let me read to you some different versions of this passage. each one (18:10). In fact, he brings double. He exposed himself to the girls along the street like a common pervert! (Living Bible). These are the pervasive creeds of our secular age. When Saul sent the men to capture David, Michal said, He is ill.15 Then Saul sent the men back to see David and told them, Bring him up to me in his bed so that I may kill him. 16 But when the men entered, there was the idol in the bed, and at the head was some goats hair. <> Joy dispels bitter people. She had been with him for at least 10-15 years as his wife when David demanded her to be returned to him. 2003. 5e&kkq\mS\L7lI!P;|}F@;rT.x .QyAmogC`g*N."#^*PS`w[h4( QbfNpmE9a #ic-WE.R:*R4+;Lv"fSv:@:OLy3%x=/]W?]ks9hJ$(`7GFco5b!cIH>0mCYfw`!O/! The great affection these newly weds shared is evident in the Women of the Bible - Michal Marriage is a lifetime of giving and receiving love, over and over again. Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria led a military campaign against Aram (Syria), Philistia and parts of Israel and Judah. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16). Michal apparently did not understand Davids reasons for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. But no man (or woman) could ever fully represent the greatness and purity and mystery of the God who created the heavens and the earth. Cambridge: 1992. K5_zG;p*+h_Rukf'Wy2?. 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. Have an update or correction? He was not the kind of father to nurture his child in building a relationship with God. This David is made King of Judah for 7 years while Michals brother, Sauls son, Ish-bosheth is King in Israel. She is not part of the celebration; she is watching from a window; watching with disgust. It is only in worship that we can forget ourselves and focus on our Saviour. c. A lack of understanding, resentment, and ultimate alienation him were sarcastic. Witchcraft, Spiritual Powers & New Life in Christ Jesus. Summary of the Book of Micah. If you are in a relationship or considering getting married, then you may want to pay close attention to this article. Nothing really, he was covered, in a linen ephod, but he was not in his kingly robes and he was dancing in the streets. The reunion officially took place at Hebron. Home - Mini Bible Lessons Somehow, she went from being described as Davids wife to being described as the daughter of Saul, and there was no mention of her being in love with David. However this romantic tale lacks the conclusion where the couple Gods people stand trial before their Creator for turning away from Him and from others (6:17:20). But God used him and his words to make me look at my words. 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. I have come to care deeply for these women who influenced Davids life and I look forward to meeting each of them; there must be so much more to their stories. Foolish 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. two were the same outwardly, they had drastically different values and But ridicule is not evident in1 Samuel 19. occurs. Her bitterness was understandable: Although she had every reason to sit at that window, the presence of God would have lifted Michal's heart. The first story is when she falls in love with David, marries him and protects his life from her father Saul. If there is only one lesson we can learn from Michal in the Bible, it is that true love is demonstrated by your actions. Im not blaming my parents, or their parents, that was just the way I was. Such He repented. Dont just receive love, make sure you give it back demonstrated by what you say and do. "Michal: Bible." 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. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Kidnapped. 1 0 obj Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of Micah in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. 2 Samuel 6:23 And Michal, the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. Teen shepherd boy defeats giant and wins hand of Princess Michal, daughter of King Saul. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. If you are a parent, it is critical that you encourage your child to love their spouse and make that their first allegiance. SBJT 02:3, Fall 1998). In contrast, because of Christ we remain fruit-bearing women to his glory, even in desert times. He was chosen by God after the people refused God as their king and expressed their desire to be more like the surrounding nations ( 1 Sam. He heroically claimed her and the two Come near to them. Saul is initially impressed with Davids skill so he says David you are going into the army soldier! What had happened to her in those 10-15 years? Instead, David rebukes her and it pretty much seals their doomed union. The first lesson we learn from Michal is dont marry someone who is not in love with you. 7 Larry R. Helyer, Hero and Heroine Narratives in the Old Testament (Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Vol. Between Michal and RachelReflection of Misery. In Beit Mikra: Journal for the Study of the Bible and its World 48, 289-301. You have that influence. been promised Sauls daughter, Merab, as a reward for killing the giant. Her bitterness became her barrenness: 2 Samuel 6:23 says, And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. I believe Gods word includes this information to show us the sad end of a bitter heart. Looking back over that night, the night that Saul wanted to kill him, David writes: Psalm 59:1-4 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.2 Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. In David she had loved the 1. But we do know God was using her to accomplish His plans. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? Her bitterness kept her separate: If Christ promises us all suffering in this world, then your pain makes you more like the people of God, not strange to them. When David fled from Sauls ambush, Michal was taken and given Chuck has a way of saying it the way it is! I Samuel 18:28-29 When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,29 Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days. Not once but several times. Remember Michals upbringing was under Saul. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. Michal is Saul's daughter that married David, and Jonathan is his son. during this period. Before we leave this story, to get some insight into Davids thinking, we need to look at Psalm 59. 4 Lessons Michal Has for Building a Healthy Marriage When Michal was given to Paltiel, there is no record of David having such an emotional reaction. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. She is "of good sense and beautiful in looks," while he is "hard and evil in his deeds" (v. 3). This is a difficult switch for many people to make, but it is a necessary switch. VxI@h=\* @~i:_%+z B)_ Standing at her window, looking down at David being undignified, Michal had every reason to be bitter. Summary of the Book of Micah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org intrigue, emotional peaks and valleys, danger, etc., all are a part of Her character shows us that women of God can be humble, wise, and diplomatic. 9:15-21; 1 Sam. While waiting for the doctor, I was in the examining room talking to the nurse who was taking my blood pressure How are you doing today? I asked.