Topical Bible: David: King of Israel is Defrauded of Merab, and Given Michal to Marry

◄ David: King of Israel is Defrauded of Merab, and Given Michal to Marry ►

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the youngest son of Jesse, rose to prominence in Israel after his anointing by the prophet Samuel and his subsequent victory over Goliath. His early life was marked by a series of events that would shape his future as the king of Israel. Among these events was his complex relationship with King Saul and Saul's daughters, Merab and Michal.

Defrauded of Merab

Following David's triumph over Goliath, King Saul became increasingly envious of David's growing popularity and success. In an attempt to ensnare David, Saul promised his elder daughter, Merab, to David as a wife. This promise is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:17 : "Then Saul said to David, 'Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you as a wife. Only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.' For Saul thought, 'I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!'"

However, despite this promise, Saul reneged on his word. When the time came for Merab to be given to David, she was instead given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite (1 Samuel 18:19): "So when it was time to give Merab, Saul’s daughter, to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah." This act of defrauding David was a reflection of Saul's deceitful nature and his growing animosity towards David.

Given Michal to Marry

Saul's younger daughter, Michal, loved David, and this affection was known to Saul. Seeing an opportunity to further entrap David, Saul offered Michal to David as a wife, hoping that this union would lead to David's downfall. Saul's intentions are revealed in 1 Samuel 18:21 : "I will give her to him, so that she may be a snare to him and the hand of the Philistines may be against him."

To marry Michal, Saul demanded a dowry of one hundred Philistine foreskins, a perilous task intended to endanger David's life. Yet, David, trusting in the LORD, succeeded in this challenge, presenting Saul with double the required dowry (1 Samuel 18:27): "David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented the full number to the king so that he might become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage."

Michal's marriage to David was not merely a political alliance but also a genuine bond of love, at least from Michal's perspective. Her love for David is noted in 1 Samuel 18:20 : "Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him."

Significance

The events surrounding David's marriages to Merab and Michal highlight the tumultuous relationship between David and Saul. Saul's broken promise regarding Merab and his manipulative intentions with Michal underscore his jealousy and fear of David's rising favor with God and the people of Israel. Despite Saul's schemes, God's providence continued to guide David, preparing him for his future role as king. These marriages also set the stage for future conflicts and alliances within the royal family, influencing the narrative of David's reign and the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:17-27
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you to wife: only be you valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.
Nave's Topical Index