Table of Contents
Michal
Michal is a woman whose life unfolds within the pages of the Old Testament. Her story is complex, marked by love, politics and betrayal. As the daughter of King Saul and the first wife of David, Michal’s journey is intertwined with the tumultuous events of ancient Israel.
Michal’s introduction in the Bible occurs in the First Book of Samuel. She is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:49, where Saul’s lineage is detailed. Described as the younger daughter of Saul, Michal is introduced as a princess, born into the royal household of the tribe of Benjamin. Her name, means “Who is like God?” in Hebrew.
The narrative surrounding Michal takes a significant turn in 1 Samuel 18 when David, a young shepherd and harpist, gains favor in Saul’s court. David’s victory over Goliath catapults him into the light, and he becomes a hero in Israel. As a reward for his bravery, Saul promises his elder daughter Merab to David, but due to various circumstances, Merab is given to another man. However, Saul, aware of David’s growing popularity, sees an opportunity in the union between David and his daughter Michal.
Her Relationship with David
The tale of Michal’s love for David and the complexities that arise start in 1 Samuel 18:20-29, where the Bible describes how she loved David. But Saul, perhaps motivated by jealousy or political considerations, uses her as a pawn in his purposes. Saul devises a plan to have David killed by the Philistines, demanding a dowry of one hundred Philistine foreskins as the price for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Instead of being a hindrance, David accomplishes the task, and Michal becomes his wife.
Michal’s love for David is evident in her actions. In 1 Samuel 19:11-17, she helps David escape from the hands of her father, saving him from Saul’s murderous intentions. Using a household idol to deceive the guards, she enables David to flee, showing her loyalty and commitment to the man she loves. This episode reveals her courage and resourcefulness in the face of a challenging situation.
However, the dynamics of Michal and David’s relationship take a darker turn in 2 Samuel 6. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred symbol of God’s presence, is being brought to Jerusalem. David, now king, leads the procession with great joy and celebration. Michal, watching from a window, sees David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and the text notes that she despised him in her heart. Michal’s contempt for David suggests that she, being a princess and part of the royal family, disapproves of what she thought to be undignified behavior.
David’s response to Michal’s reproach is significant. In 2 Samuel 6:20-23, David defends his actions, asserting that he was dancing before the Lord, not before men. He stated that God chose him over Saul and his household and that he would become even more undignified in his worship. But she was holding the same arrogant attitude that had caused her father’s rejection as king. She needed to know that her selfish pride was the reason for her own bitterness of spirit. David felt that it was not the king but the Lord and His service that she had despised.
The episode in 2 Samuel 6 marks a turning point in Michal’s narrative. Michal fades from the biblical narrative after this incident, and her fate remains unclear. The silence surrounding her life after this episode has led to various interpretations and speculations. Some suggest that she lived the rest of her days childless, while others propose that David, in a political move, separated from her, ensuring that she would not bear any heirs to rival his own descendants.
An Allegory
In Christian tradition, Michal’s story is sometimes interpreted allegorically. She is seen as a representation of those who initially respond to God’s grace but later fall away or become indifferent. The parallels drawn between her relationship with David and the believer’s relationship with God offer an opportunity for theological reflection on the consequences of pride and turning away from God.
Conclusion
Michal’s role in the Bible is given to teach specific lessons. From her initial love for David to her finial end, her story teaches the consequences of pride. Her presence in the biblical narrative prompts readers to reflect on the need to walk humbly before man and God.