2023 Insight for Living Ministries. differences grew and finally erupted on one of Israels most festive days Scriptures tell us that Saul down deep understands this conflict he has with David is all about the Kingdom. Bible Lessons from Abigail, Bathsheba and Michal Abigail, Bathsheba and Michal were three of King David's wives. 9 The Quest Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House 1994) 404. 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. Just as it took years to chisel away at the rough edges of the marble to smooth the sculptures surface to perfection, there were also years of refining, testing, training for the man of God to be Gods King of Israel and our women of influence were part of Gods plan for David. All Israel was there, celebrating with David, except Michal. the kingly garments for the dress of the ordinary citizen. Think for a moment how critical affection is for a marriage. 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). 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. That night David made good his escape.11 Saul sent men to Davids house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. Tragedy and Biblical Narrative: Arrows of the Almighty. Michal is often regarded as the shrew who did not approve of Davids exuberant worship. David wrote an account God gave him control of Judah and many other territories. Ashkelon and Gaza were defeated. What can we learn from them? She was Davids first wife, and she loved him long before she despised him (1 Sam 18: 28). For Saul said to himself, 'I will not raise . 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. After Saul was killed, his throne was passed on to his surviving This great love story offers a sad conclusion. The book of Micah provides one of the most significant prophecies of Jesus Christ's birth in all the Old Testament, pointing some seven hundred years before Christ's birth to His birthplace of Bethlehem and to His eternal nature ( Micah 5:2 ). 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 He was anointed king over 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. that Satan needs only one fault and he will use that as a crack through Last thing we know about her, a tragic statement for her, living in her times. Episode 91: Israel at 75: Voices of Protest. <>/Metadata 149 0 R/ViewerPreferences 150 0 R>> Exum, J. Cheryl. Where does the injustice dwell in your own life? Michal apparently did not understand Davids reasons for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. In fact, he brings double. We will always fall short. Instead of loving and protecting, we find her belittling and ridiculing David; wounding instead of helping. becomes a bitter battle zone! She was used by her paranoid father, King Saul (1 Sam 18:20). 13 feet tall, this larger-than-life physical size was intended to capture Davids colossal spiritual strength. David also expressed that he had a prior claim to Michal. Judgment and restoration inspire fear and hope, two ideas wrapped up in the final sequence of Micahs prophecy, a courtroom scene in which She is "of good sense and beautiful in looks," while he is "hard and evil in his deeds" (v. 3). % own heart. She and David ceased living as husband and wife. The marriage duet ends in a duel of bitter words. David had brought the ark into the city and placed it in a special made tent, then offered sacrifices praising God. began a loving marriage relationship. 2 Samuel 3:16 So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. He alone is able to bring joy from suffering, hope from affliction, and life from death. these had become concrete during the ten year period of separation. As she grew older, But rather than leave Gods people with the fear and sting of judgment, the book of Micah concludes with the prophets call In the Midrash, Michal is praised for her loyalty to her husband and her rejection of her father's authority. Michals bitterness robbed her family of a blessing. As a woman of beauty and brains, she counsels David, prophesies his kingship, and becomes one of his wives who is actually named. 3. Some versions of the Bible say she looked at him with scorn. For a brooding history linked her to this man, celebrating wildly in the streets. worship. was marked with superstition, formality, and coldness. [89] He had believed the human king was the ultimate authority and that everyone should honor him. Remember Michals upbringing was under Saul. b. Sarcasm and biting language will be hurled at another. The great affection these newly weds shared is evident in the to the Kings palace. During this time, Israel is at war with the Philistines and Davids older brothers are soldiers in King Sauls army. This little rescue, saved the life of the future King of all Israel. "And Michal the daughter of Saul loved David" (I Samuel 18:20). Used. 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. Michal introduces us to one of the famous romantic-tragedies in the Bible. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. The reunion of David and Michal occurred after King Sauls death. They have been disappointed, abused, misused, refused, hurt, stepped on and are hurting inside. Michal is on her way back to David. In fact, he brings double. 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. She had been with him for at least 10-15 years as his wife when David demanded her to be returned to him. Then Abner said to him, Go back home! So he went back (2 Samuel 3:15-16). She has not seen his hand of provision. How would you have felt? Thinking of your own life, in what ways do you see God using you for His purposes? Trans women are women. 2 0 obj Michal knew of God but she did not truly know The love story of David and Michal, the daughter of Saul, a with bitter trials because on spouse loves God more than the other. I grew sick of the way I would use words to hurt him and others. The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today - Kindle edition by Bream, Shannon. Michals love for David helps explain both the risk she takes to save Davids life in1 Samuel 19and, later, her angry outburst at him in2 Samuel 6, when her love has turned to hate. Author: The author of the Book of Micah was the Prophet Micah ( Micah 1:1 ). 3 Adele Berlin, Poetics and Interpretation of Biblical Narrative (Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, 1994) 33. He heroically claimed her and the two 5 Lindsay Hardin Freeman, Bible Women (Forward Movement, 2014) 186. is critical in marriages and homes. The fact that the Bible reports that Michal loved David (the only place in the Hebrew Bible where it is stated that a woman loves a man), but not that he loves her, suggests he does not. David, on the other hand, at this time, had 6 other wives. Who was she and what happened to her after Saul and his family were killed? This romantic tale is filled with details that would assure Havent we often been in such situations? Witchcraft, Spiritual Powers & New Life in Christ Jesus. In that period there Micahs impassioned plea for Gods chosen people to repent will cut many of us to the quick. Quick thinking on Michals part saved his life8. In 734-732 b.c. Three women are Davids wives and one is not a wife, not a concubine but she is invaluable to David. David Marries Michal - Then Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab. this narrative. This romance ends in disaster. 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. I will make an agreement with you. When we focus on God and Gods glory, there is very little room for anything else. Michals love for her husband David is evidenced by her efforts to deceive her father, Saul, as he tries to capture David. I was overwhelmed! I will make an agreement with you. When two disagree on matters of faith, they will Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2015. 1. Abruptly she stopped and apologized saying Im trying to leave my family problems at home, but thats hard. Yes, it is hard. I was 12 years old when our 6th grade field trip went to New York City. 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. 1. After her deception was Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2014. 2003. We can learn from their successes and their mistakes how to be Gods influential women. Why was she so upset over his clothes? Some manuscripts therefore read Merab in place of Michal, for Merab was the wife of Adriel. took the place of affection. 8:5-7; 1 Sam. Bitterness Your browser does not support JavaScript. There is no indication that they ever saw each other He had returned Hurtful? He repented. Jewish Women's Archive. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.". When Saul exiled David, she was given in marriage to another man, and he wept bitterly over giving her back to David (2 Sam 3:13-16). With that definition, everyone in this room is an influential person. But ridicule is not evident in1 Samuel 19. The Art of Biblical Narrative, 118-123. God used these three women to teach Christians about living for Him! But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me. Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins (2 Samuel 3:13-14). Saul is Israel's first king. Love with my love. I realized that somehow, loving this particular person fits into Gods eternal purposes for me, and maybe for them too. If someone says they love you, don't just listen to what they say, watch what they do. 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. Edelman, Diana Vikander. Abigail stands out for a number of reasons. Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more. Why is the Bronze Snake in the Desert Significant? The setting begins in the halls of royalty goes to the 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. The greatness of the God of Israel was the furthest thing from her mind. `-)%syGa)r0|4 mRTlAF4E+"E&t22NNG>.J 7. and unconcerned behavior only further irritated her. The King finally ceased any covert operations The two . Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword But the tongue of the wise brings healing, Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and deathAnd those who love it will eat its fruit. The better David did the more suspicious and angry Saul felt toward David. Michal, the princess, is in love with David, the dashing commoner. Exum, J. Cheryl. I wonder if she was crying with him? So, lets look at the women surrounding the life of David, the man after Gods own heart. In fact, almost impossible, to separate, to compartmentalize all our problems. 2. This was about the way she had been treated. Davids rude reply is his only speech addressed to her in the narrative. her life! It seems Paltiel was the one who clearly loved her, which was something we were never sure about with David. She is not a wife, not a concubine but a care-giver, an essential care-giver. Gd dispatched the prophet Samuel to Jesse 's house to anoint one of his sons future king of Israel. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Because these David has taken off his royal robes so he too can dance and skip and sing with the crowd. Lynne is passionate about mobilising women to impact the Kingdom and the local community. Kalmanofsky, Amy. an idol and claiming it was David sick in bed. Michals childlessness is not accounted for (did David confine her, as he shut away other wives[2 Sam 20:3]?) This reunion brings into sharp focus the bitternesss that had developed She could not see the goodness of God because David was a bad representation of who God really is. Michal had reckless words to David; words that pierced him like a sword. Every woman there, whether speakers, attenders, or those serving; all of them, just like you and me, are women of influence. Lessons from Jochebed. 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. But lets start near the end of Michals story. To blame God for mans shortcomings is almost equivalent to reducing God to an imperfect being. We know she had previously been in love with him. Saul likes this deal thinking David will probably die in battle. 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/! After enumerating Nabal's enormous wealth in flocks (1 Sam 25:2), the narrative introduces her in contrast to him. David comes back with proof of not 100 but 200 dead Philistines that he has killed. In his presence we can forget the rejection, the abandonment, the lies, the injustice, the treacherous acts of others. Even though he is now very much a stranger, David breaks up Michals marriage. David never went after Michal like Paltiel did and maybe that is why she began to despise him. Its evident from the text that Saul was both mentally and emotionally unstable. claim Michal as his wife (18:27). Save 30%! Marriages that dont operate in this fashion are highly likely to fail. occurs. Yet, the bible has recorded their names, and glimpses of their lives for a purpose. Gay rights are civil rights. As we mentioned earlier, even when David requested her back, it doesnt seem to come from a sense of love for her but because he had paid a price to get her. His calm David was on the run from Saul and while he was on the run here is what happened to Michal. You will have to decide whether you think Michals story is seemingly sad or not. 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. Today's lesson is found in 1 Samuel 19. There is no clear reason why she despised him, so I would like to offer a possibility. Davids devotion to God had reflected Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. But there is more to the narrative that culminates in Michals rejection of David. So, during the years David was fleeing King Saul, Michal had been given to another man. God! Even after they married, Saul tried to kill David. Another reason is that we can learn life lessons from them. during this period. One by one, Samuel was shown all of Jesse's older . The reunion officially took place at Hebron. Davids greatness shines in both his ability to take responsibility for his actions and the humility of his admission and the repentance that follows. Davids behaviour certainly doesnt imply he was worthy. Copyright 1999 by John In this video Bible study from the St. Paul Center, discover why the liturgy is a major theme that runs through the entire Bible, from Genesis to the Book of Revelation. Dont just receive love, make sure you give it back demonstrated by what you say and do. Do you speak differently to your family than you do at work? 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. two were the same outwardly, they had drastically different values and This is a difficult switch for many people to make, but it is a necessary switch. dashed to pieces. Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. I know I am very capable of still using words that pierce like a sword. David modestly declines the offer, saying he and his family were unworthy to be part of the kingly family. 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. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000. Michals life is a contrast between loving someone so much that you risked your life to protect them and then later in life despising them so much you try to destroy them with your critical words. Public worship was neglected; She accused him of being improperly dressed in front of the girls. David cried Oh God, save me, save my life. God lovingly did save him and God used Michal to deliver David from certain death. She had been trained under Sauls monarchy. They both want to protect David from their father, King Saul. When they were young, she saved his life from certain death. Michal represents many church women who are hurting, misunderstood and rejected. occurs. Women of Influence can affect their world, their loved ones, their neighbors, their workplace for good or bad. In fact, She is the only woman in the Old Testament of whom it is said that she loved a man7. 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. Thus, in the end, this is no fairytale romance. are very sad (2 Sa 6:23). Michal, daughter of Saul, married David. and kill David. But God was someone she knew nothing about. However, it is the actions of Paltiel that truly demonstrated his love for Michal. Failing to kill him personally, Saul laid a trap to ambush What occurs whenever affection 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. People hurt us so we turn away from God. Hiding from the presence of God, her life produced no fruit. What an incredibly happy time for him, a high point in his life, feeling Gods pleasure and the peoples happiness. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Salem Media Group. MICHAL. 4. 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. in the Bible.
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