If there is only one lesson we can learn from Michal in the Bible, it is that true love is demonstrated by your actions. At one time, having vented all the reproaches upon him that her Then Abner said to him, Go back home! So he went back (2 Samuel 3:15-16). Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible. 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. Exum, J. Cheryl. 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. imagine how David felt as he waited for Michal? Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today. Instead of loving and protecting, we find her belittling and ridiculing David; wounding instead of helping. Her religion All the years apart and she does not know how many times God saved David. 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. most unpleasant lesson. A notable exception is Michals protest against Davids actions after Sauls death, which she deems vulgar. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), Women of Influence Surrounding the Life of David, In the Bible we first meet David when the Lord sends the prophet Samuel on a mission to find and. What a fascinating story, filled with intrigue and suspense. When we focus on God and Gods glory, there is very little room for anything else. After Sauls death, when it is politically expedient, David demands the return of his wife in his negotiations over the kingship(1 Samuel 3). A single failing turned her love into bitterness. While parents still can play an important role, the role must change and can no longer be the primary relationship in your life. 2. Michals love for her husband David is evidenced by her efforts to deceive her father, Saul, as he tries to capture David. A notable exception is Michal's protest against David's actions after Saul's death, which she deems vulgar. This romance ends in disaster. He wandered in the wilderness. The greatness of the God of Israel was the furthest thing from her mind. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. MICHAL. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Sa 2:12ff). Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria led a military campaign against Aram (Syria), Philistia and parts of Israel and Judah. 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). For Saul said to himself, 'I will not raise . 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. Do you speak differently to your family than you do at work? This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. By referring to Michal as the daughter of Saul (v. 16) the writer linked her attitude with her fathers. Do not allow bitterness and scorn to prevent you from having your own encounter with the living God. religious zeal was dead. These had seemed so small and insignificant. him were sarcastic. What Kind of Friend Was the Apostle Paul? this narrative. David never went after Michal like Paltiel did and maybe that is why she began to despise him. Scriptures tell us that Saul down deep understands this conflict he has with David is all about the Kingdom. The Marital Separation Rejected. This was about the way she had been treated. Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, Lord.4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. Davids behaviour certainly doesnt imply he was worthy. 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. What I simply mean by this is not that you neglect or stop loving your father or mother, but your hierarchy of importance changes. humility and pious enthusiasm as he joined with Israel to celebrate (2 The Marital Problems Not only are these evident in marriages, but they are evident How does love turn to hurt? Psalm 139 tells us that we have been uniquely created as human beings. If you are in a relationship or considering getting married, then you may want to pay close attention to this article. Try Bible Gateway Plus free for 14 days! . Michal knew of God but she did not truly know When Michal was given to Paltiel, there is no record of David having such an emotional reaction. One of the most important things that must be done in marriage is that a spouse must realign their allegiance. Most of us dont decide daily to cut people down or find ways to carry out injustice. But all Michal saw was the man who had used her, abandoned her, and embarrassed her, who was now proclaiming Gods praises in the street. a. Critical? Thinking of your own life, in what ways do you see God using you for His purposes? Prooftexts24, no. You can read 1 Samuel 18 to fill in the gaps. dedicated to Gods will instead of the world. She is quoted as an example of what you should not be as a worshipper. David had He had returned The ark symbolised Gods presence in the midst of Israel. It is this same failing that is responsible for many marriages Although the statement that Michal loves David is the only time a woman is described as loving a man in the Bible, Michal's stories are defined by the desires of the men around her, whether David or Saul. God! Scorned. Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. Where does the injustice dwell in your own life? 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. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. Jewish Women's Archive. Every fall I attend the All about Influence Conference at Dallas Seminary. His calm <>/Metadata 149 0 R/ViewerPreferences 150 0 R>> 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. David ended with a godly blessing for all the people, sent them away with take home boxes of more food. They first met soon after Goliath had been killed. 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. Bible Lessons from Abigail, Bathsheba and Michal Abigail, Bathsheba and Michal were three of King David's wives. (Hebrew). The story continues as David flees and escapes into the wilderness, Michal does not see him again for many years. Michals bitterness robbed her family of a blessing. In fact, She is the only woman in the Old Testament of whom it is said that she loved a man7. This reunion brings into sharp focus the bitternesss that had developed Before we look at the women, lets look at David. others. His next move is to go home and bless his household. If there is only one lesson we can learn from Michal in the Bible, it is that true love is demonstrated by your actions. Three women are Davids wives and one is not a wife, not a concubine but she is invaluable to David. sarcasm is tragic when it appears in any relationship! 1. Bitterness corrupts how you see others. danger. Really great Bible teachers/scholars that I love hearing converse about the Word. Along the way, David remarries. This is a difficult switch for many people to make, but it is a necessary switch. is absent? brought her marriage to a terrible tragedy. two young lovers were very much different. took the place of affection. 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. The love story of David and Michal, the daughter of Saul, a 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. Its because only in his presence can our sinful nature and human failures be overwhelmed by his grace. Her idea seems to have been that the king should avoid mixing with the people, and be aloof and inaccessible. This is such a critical lesson we can learn from Michal. . Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2014. Then the Philistines attacked, and the Lord gave David the victory over themnot once, but twice (5:17-25). This is what God intended in marriage when you go all the way back to Genesis. She seems to be more concerned that he wasnt acting like a King; he wasnt acting like her father. During those wilderness years, David meets our second woman of influence, Abigail, the wife of Nabal. c. The Marital Reunion 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. 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). qSABrZKVd01hZ9P;C>*yZ& pW(xw!DJB:w c}Y`qMA!L&NUhh5u%W/j|#LKB45 09S|Op QW}GRe a+nG F =naKB>_R1k"/%4JTgT:7w:/.X!j With Gods strength, he defeats the enemy and his life as a soldier, a warrior begins. 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. of warring parties (King Sauls troops and Davids troops) were united (2 Biblical art takes the story I read in Scripture and makes it real for me. 2 0 obj SBJT 02:3, Fall 1998). occurs. 4. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. We are told in Hebrews 11:23 that Moses was hidden by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child. Nothing really, he was covered, in a linen ephod, but he was not in his kingly robes and he was dancing in the streets. Valley Forge, PA: 1993. Is it possible she was angry because she was no longer the wife of Paltiel? 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. such homes there is the added sorrow of knowing that two people have pledged 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. David had brought the ark into the city and placed it in a special made tent, then offered sacrifices praising God. Marriages that dont operate in this fashion are highly likely to fail. In her rage she ran 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. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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. 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. Saul that his younger daughter, Michal, loved David. Public worship was neglected; As David became more and more successful in battle, Saul became more and more jealous, envious of his victories. The marriage duet ends in a duel of bitter words. 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. His expectations must have been high but they were about to be But Michal, Davids wife, warned him, If you dont run for your life tonight, tomorrow youll be killed.12 So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. I mentioned earlier that Michal was his wife, then she wasnt and then she was again. greater turmoil! His first plan is to offer David his oldest daughter in marriage. What are the consequences of allowing 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. He repented. Michal enters the story, I Samuel 18:20-21 Now Sauls daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. Such is critical in the Lords Church. I had an annual physical recently. Nevertheless, David succeeded in this process, and he and Michal were married. Discover more resources related to Micah. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. 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. Michal lovingly protected David. 5 Lindsay Hardin Freeman, Bible Women (Forward Movement, 2014) 186. As the daughter of King Saul, Michal might have enjoyed a life of privilege. Inductive Bible study on the life of David from 1 Samuel 18. I wonder if she was crying with him? 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. Its at the end of his life that we meet the fourth woman, Abishag. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. Have an update or correction? God gave him control of Judah and many other territories. After he flees Sauls court, David has two secret meetings with Jonathan, but none with Michal. the story might have ended if only Michal had been a woman after Gods When David fled from Sauls ambush, Michal was taken and given The setting begins in the halls of royalty goes to the happened because one loved God and the other loved the world. }GBu$*,H H*RAh#c*"!klwGIHNTIc5p;x 'P.zV5 8h.Cx'UdEW'$f~RqB`Y(;/+Mh7Y}(&6 She is our first influential woman that we will study. No doubt the memories of his first Saul is initially impressed with Davids skill so he says David you are going into the army soldier! Much of Micahs book revolves around two significant predictions: one of judgment on Israel and Judah (Micah 1:13:12), the other of the restoration of Gods people in the millennial kingdom (4:15:15). 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. 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. David and Michal are married, both for the first time. 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. But Saul had given his daughter Michal, Davids wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44). One of the ways this is marked is by the way Michal is described early on, and how she is described now. Michals husband Paltiel is grief-stricken, but of Michals feelings we hear nothing until2 Samuel 6, where she watches David dancing before the ark and despise[s] him in her heart (v. 16). 2. Hurtful? 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). Why was she so upset over his clothes? Maybe hes called you to love someone whos unlovely or unloving? 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. Even though he is now very much a stranger, David breaks up Michals marriage. David accepts, but on one condition. After enumerating Nabal's enormous wealth in flocks (1 Sam 25:2), the narrative introduces her in contrast to him. Michal apparently did not understand Davids reasons for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. together is replaced by resentment and bitterness. intrigue, emotional peaks and valleys, danger, etc., all are a part of K5_zG;p*+h_Rukf'Wy2?. I sensed God was saying to me: He is right and you need to really love this person. Though very little was said about Jochebed in the Bible, we can learn a few things from a character study of Jochebed. Im just amazed arent you that God wants to use us too and our little lives for Kingdom purposes. Perhaps cost to others. Look at the verse above and compare that to the way Michal is mentioned in the verse below. events have not yet occurred, we look forward to the millennial kingdom at some undetermined time in the future. Instead, David rebukes her and it pretty much seals their doomed union. Chapter 2. David is so happy and so excited that finally the ark, the ark of Moses, the representation of Gods presence to His chosen people, will be with him in the city. return of Michal to him (2 Sa 3:13). She could not see the goodness of God because someone she knew, was a bad representation to her, of who God really is. a marriage becomes when love is absent. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Her bitterness despised anothers overflowing joy: How she loathed her husbands dancing. But lets start near the end of Michals story. The story up to this point was nothing short of tragic. They have been disappointed, abused, misused, refused, hurt, stepped on and are hurting inside. 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. Michal despised David (6:16). saying that so much thunder could only produce rain! Alter, Robert. Yet her story was a sad one and, for at least one moment in Scripture, a bad one. It appears to be quite evident that Paltiel loved Michal in a way that David didnt. This little escape saved the lineage of the Messiah. Last thing we know about her, a tragic statement for her, living in her times. 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 . that follow. She was Davids first wife, and she loved him long before she despised him (1 Sam 18: 28). a. Michals singular failing was that she failed to honor God in Ultimately: And yet, as also true in our lives, the consequences of his sin followed him the rest of his life. She could not see the goodness of God because David was a bad representation of who God really is. Exploring the lives of people in the Bible is this type of learning lessonthe best type. Finally negotiations were successful and the two in the life of Socrates. 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. Consider the various lessons we can learn from Jonathan's life . It is interesting to see the change that has taken place in Michal. Their love for their child was greater than the fear they had . That night David made good his escape.11 Saul sent men to Davids house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. information to plot Davids death. David wrote an account Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. 1. Truth: Loving others well cooperates with Gods eternal purposes. He heroically claimed her and the two This was a big party. Abandoned. 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 Do not let someones bad behaviour prevent you from your own worship experience. It seems Paltiel was the one who clearly loved her, which was something we were never sure about with David. Summary of the Book of Micah. The next time we hear about Michal is in 2 Samuel 3, when Abner is attempting to form an alliance with David. is critical in marriages and homes. The next time we see her with David things have dramatically changed in their marriage. 2 Samuel 6:23 And Michal, the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. In that period there Does God Really Work All Things Together for Good? His heart yearns to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. separation. We dont know, but we do her husband Paltiel deeply loved her and was devastated when she was taken from him. While the Michal wanted the life of royalty; she wanted nothing to do 21 I will give her to him, he thought, so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. So, Saul said to David, Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.. Then Abner said to him, Go back home! So, he went back. but he walked straight into a hornets nest. The first words to greet We attended a wedding recently in New Orleans. The Bitter Michal. way they reacted to Sauls persecution (19:11-17). Davids family life gets very messy and complicated: Theres incest, murder, rebellion, plagues and political upheavals all the rest of his life. Just to be clear, Saul wasnt pleased because he loved David and thought he would be a great son-in-law. occurs. Another reason is that we can learn life lessons from them. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Gods likeness. When Saul in his jealousy sent for David, she was quick to discern . This is really a smoke screen. The deal gets done. 2003. When David is sent by his father to check on them, he volunteers to fight Goliath. c. A lack of understanding, resentment, and ultimate alienation affection is being replaced by unforgiveness, self-centeredness, pride, 1 0 obj He cries and pleads, until the fearsome Abner viciously turns him away. THE MARRIAGE I didnt see that my words were unkind or cruel. Thus, in the end, this is no fairytale romance. There is no clear reason why she despised him, so I would like to offer a possibility. 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. Sheffield, England: 1991. 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 ). Her desire was for prestige not holiness; for idolatry not true When he was established in Jerusalem, known as the City of David, when his army is off at war, David spies a beautiful woman named Bathsheba who is our third influential woman. 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. 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. 14 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., Why does he want her back? Edelman, Diana Vikander. Abruptly she stopped and apologized saying Im trying to leave my family problems at home, but thats hard. Yes, it is hard. 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. 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. In homes where joy ought to reign, many are filled x\[o8~}X*bHN:vv-v8Mf.uj[EQ|B7etItuxP%kwY[j~xlyx7HFlwWDt.3Qf FY~?mk1rZu7y;;mt"7F-|xp&hKaM[ So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. All would do well to remember this story and how lives happily ever after as the curtain comes down. After Michals brother Ish-bosheth is assassinated (II Samuel 4:6), David, who is 33 years old, becomes King over all Israel and captures Jerusalem for his capital city. In 734-732 b.c. remained separated. the world and the other seeks God. son, but there would never again be the unity and allegiance that Saul Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible - Michal . Bitterness Life of David: 11. That spying led to a sexual encounter that led to a pregnancy, that led to a murder that led to a cover-up. 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). Date of Writing: The Book of Micah was likely written between 735 and 700 B.C. Kidnapped. But when we do this we ignore who Michal was and what she went through. There are parallels between this scene, in which Michal deceives her father, and Rachels theft of the family teraphim and deception of her father, Laban(Genesis 31), in which the teraphim are ridiculed. This just about sums up Michals life. Many who begin marriage with a strong faith and love for God Not just love that is received, but also love that is given. it a spot on todays best seller list. Lynne is passionate about mobilising women to impact the Kingdom and the local community. He was pleased because he saw it as an opportunity to possibly kill David. The only way one can maintain unity She was taken! Socrates only laughed, All rights reserved. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Why are they included in the Word of God? Standing at her window, looking down at David being undignified, Michal had every reason to be bitter. 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. Quick thinking on Michals part saved his life8. Michals love story highlights the all too familiar story of what . But rather than leave Gods people with the fear and sting of judgment, the book of Micah concludes with the prophets call Your sacrifice of praise might be just what will lead another to salvation. a3&"<>iL d_iPp\YUj[) _z#=K.eW=C[x\$?qM7%+@i;icNh~ 6~ |6z^%_ d\/ :W {R>iWSL 0\!p;M)n.=Zg0>BAp#3 bHA6cHX;Bg`*nUv#mg)` L. Kachelman, Jr. may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no 4 Or take ships as an example. Either way she is a vital part of Davids story; she is an important influence in his life. I grew sick of the way I would use words to hurt him and others. Think parade, think big parade, think of Macys Thanksgiving Parade. As a woman of beauty and brains, she counsels David, prophesies his kingship, and becomes one of his wives who is actually named. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. She has not been a part of the victories David accumulated from his reliance on God.
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