With that definition, everyone in this room is an influential person. In Bethlehem, Samuel meets seven of Jesse's amazing sons, but not the one God had chosen. He is losing his grip on his throne and David is going to replace him. . Davids rude reply is his only speech addressed to her in the narrative. 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. 4. What are the consequences of allowing When Saul discovered that Michal was in love with David, he offered her to David, but only after David delivered 100 Philistine foreskins. Davids devotion to God had reflected Was she happy with him? Perhaps Tissot Michal Watching David from a Window,18961902, byJames Tissot. alienation. met and married. 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. Scorned. 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). an idol and claiming it was David sick in bed. This one sentence, verse 20, drips with sarcasm, ridicule and criticism. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2014. is the strongest term in Hebrew that expresses contempt toward another. Were in the living room, Saul is playing with his spear, David is relaxing and playing the harp. religious zeal was dead. are very sad (2 Sa 6:23). Marriages that dont operate in this fashion are highly likely to fail. how important it is for Faith to bond our relationships together. The festive day was the happiest in Davids life. (Hebrew). All rights reserved. hero and King. Or perhaps it was a strategic political move. "And Michal the daughter of Saul loved David" (I Samuel 18:20). This just about sums up Michals life. Read the latest from JWA from your inbox. I cant imagine how painful her words felt to him at this moment. Its possible that David may have genuinely loved Michal. This little escape saved the lineage of the Messiah. SBJT 02:3, Fall 1998). All the years apart and she does not know how many times God saved David. If we are going to sum up the lessons we can learn from Michal, I think it is clear to see how important a role love plays in a marital relationship. 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. 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. <>/Metadata 149 0 R/ViewerPreferences 150 0 R>> The Ark of the Covenant contained the most holy items from Israels history: the tablets of the Ten Commandments; Aarons rod; and a pot of manna, the unusual food provided by God to sustain them during their forty years in the wilderness (Hebrews 9:4). 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. Her religion also disagree on values of living. 2 David The King, SimpleToRemember.com; Judaism Online. A proud and haughty spirit will appear. For a brooding history linked her to this man, celebrating wildly in the streets. After enumerating Nabal's enormous wealth in flocks (1 Sam 25:2), the narrative introduces her in contrast to him. Public worship was neglected; Stop again for just a moment. While the Abruptly she stopped and apologized saying Im trying to leave my family problems at home, but thats hard. Yes, it is hard. 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). Such an ending could in the life of Socrates. Now she was one of many wives. Seeman, Don. Clearly, there was no discussion or amicable resolution possible. Not only are these evident in marriages, but they are evident this ridicule gave David the insight to write Psalms 52:2; 57:4; 120:3. fury could suggest, Socrates went out and sat on his front steps. In contrast, because of Christ we remain fruit-bearing women to his glory, even in desert times. 10 Dr. Thomas Constable, Constables Notes, NET Bible Study Suite www.NetBible.org. 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. 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). One woman saved his life from certain death. Exum, J. Cheryl. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. She had been trained under Sauls monarchy. sharp-tongues, sarcasm, resentment, and an intolerance for others who are Do not allow bitterness and scorn to prevent you from having your own encounter with the living God. She proceeded to tell me about her teenage son and his troubles, that were her troubles too. As a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, Micah prophesied during the momentous years surrounding the tragic fall of Israel to the Assyrian Empire (722 BC), an event he also predicted (Micah 1:6). Even though he is now very much a stranger, David breaks up Michals marriage. it a spot on todays best seller list. We know she had previously been in love with him. The statement that Michal had no children(1 Sam 6:23) does not square with the Hebrew text of2 Sam 21:89, where David hands over the five sons of Michal, Sauls daughter to the Gibeonites for execution. But the king protected Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. But beyond all that, if David was seen as Sauls son-in-law once again, David could claim to be legitimate successor to Sauls throne.9. 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. I sensed God was saying to me: He is right and you need to really love this person. Davids family life gets very messy and complicated: Theres incest, murder, rebellion, plagues and political upheavals all the rest of his life. A notable exception is Michal's protest against David's actions after Saul's death, which she deems vulgar. 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. He was given to fits of rage and remorse. She protected him. But when we do this we ignore who Michal was and what she went through. affection is being replaced by unforgiveness, self-centeredness, pride, Do not let mans misdeeds prevent you from seeing Gods goodness. Abigail stands out for a number of reasons. Psalm 139 tells us that we have been uniquely created as human beings. Socrates only laughed, She seems to be more concerned that he wasnt acting like a King; he wasnt acting like her father. is to compromise Gods will. So, what is the lesson we can learn from Michal in this aspect of her life? I grew up in a Christian home where I felt loved and would always be taken care of, but at times the climate was critical and judgmental of others. Sheffield, England: 1991. If you take away anything from Michals story, perhaps it will be this: Lynne is a member of Christ Church Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and serves within the Support Ministries Team in Griefshare. God has created us, as women, all of us, with purpose and the ability to affect our world for good or bad. of celebration. Exploring the lives of people in the Bible is this type of learning lessonthe best type. 9 The Quest Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House 1994) 404. That spying led to a sexual encounter that led to a pregnancy, that led to a murder that led to a cover-up. 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. Author: The author of the Book of Micah was the Prophet Micah ( Micah 1:1 ). fuj0d{-xvRqX"Uh4u[a$YsH>AZwpB)TRxH :w"~UTl?n [I];A0y;pLy+(:U6.jYM]fS} kkN]K^k_js1_>!1H+!:+^z 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). What I interpreted that to mean for me was being good really meant you should be perfect. It appears to be quite evident that Paltiel loved Michal in a way that David didnt. In a marital relationship, it is important to not only give love, but you want to know you are loved back as well. Some versions of the Bible say she looked at him with scorn. K5_zG;p*+h_Rukf'Wy2?. 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 . endobj This is a difficult switch for many people to make, but it is a necessary switch. Yet her story was a sad one and, for at least one moment in Scripture, a bad one. Two young lovers, multiple conflicts, intrigue, emotional peaks and valleys, danger, etc., all are a part of this narrative. You could see they were so happy to be getting married. During those wilderness years, David meets our second woman of influence, Abigail, the wife of Nabal. But we do know God was using her to accomplish His plans. The Marital Separation Do you speak differently to your family than you do at work? 3 Adele Berlin, Poetics and Interpretation of Biblical Narrative (Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, 1994) 33. That night David made good his escape.11 Saul sent men to Davids house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. 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. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but cant seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? a. He repented. Do you need a call toward repentance, like the people of Israel and Judah did? it applies to Christians. One of the reasons we need to study these women is so that we may more fully understand holistically the man David, and his life: both personal and professional. What a fascinating story, filled with intrigue and suspense. Store; Bibles; Deals; More; As low as $2.92/mo. 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. While David flees, she gains him time by putting teraphim (statues representing household gods) on the bed, disguised to look like a person, and claiming that David is sick. d. The Marital Differences Alphabetical Exposition of Named Bible Women . Chapter 2. These had seemed so small and insignificant. The story is that in 1501 a large block of uncut marble sat in a dusty cathedral workshop. THE CONSEQUENCES 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. Today's lesson is found in 1 Samuel 19. themselves to a mutual love, yet they are pressing toward an eternity of David comes back with proof of not 100 but 200 dead Philistines that he has killed. with his first love, with the woman who had protected him in spite of personal Prooftexts24, no. intrigue, emotional peaks and valleys, danger, etc., all are a part of 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. God gave him control of Judah and many other territories. The great affection these newly weds shared is evident in the Some manuscripts therefore read Merab in place of Michal, for Merab was the wife of Adriel. Saul likes this deal thinking David will probably die in battle. affection to be replaced by bitterness? Are Dreams and Visions Messages from God? The next time we see her with David things have dramatically changed in their marriage. David suffered loss. 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. 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. Michals love for David was used by her father King Saul, to get rid of David. she could tolerate Davids piety no longer! We can learn from their successes and their mistakes how to be Gods influential women. 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). 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). 2 We all stumble in many ways. Her bitterness despised anothers overflowing joy: How she loathed her husbands dancing. 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. Despite her still being married to David, Saul gives her in marriage to Paltiel. Joy dispels bitter people. (I Samuel 18:20). Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Livestream: Zambia Reformed Family Conference 2020. In fact, almost impossible, to separate, to compartmentalize all our problems. I was 12 years old when our 6th grade field trip went to New York City. But ridicule is not evident in1 Samuel 19. In fact, he brings double. Have an update or correction? 2 Samuel 3:13-16 paints a very poignant picture of Michals husband following her. It was hard for David too. We dont know but perhaps the family was unable to pay the dowry. Standing at her window, looking down at David being undignified, Michal had every reason to be bitter. Many Christians have been de-spiritualized by this action. This You will have to decide whether you think Michals story is seemingly sad or not. Gay rights are civil rights. dashed to pieces. Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2015. Inductive Bible study on the life of David from 1 Samuel 18. Michal is the daughter of King Saul ( 1 Sam. son, but there would never again be the unity and allegiance that Saul The Gospel Coalition exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel. that Satan needs only one fault and he will use that as a crack through I will make an agreement with you. together is replaced by resentment and bitterness. I know that seems confusing, but I will make it clear shortly. Summary of the Book of Micah. Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more. Here are five lessons from Michal's bitterness. Photo credit: Getty Images/ProstockStudio. 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. All would do well to remember this story and how Instead, David rebukes her and it pretty much seals their doomed union. Women of Influence is a phrase thats not original to me. Maybe hes called you to love someone whos unlovely or unloving? In fact, he brings double. MICHAL. Quick thinking on Michals part saved his life8. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. The next time we hear about Michal is in 2 Samuel 3, when Abner is attempting to form an alliance with David. This was a big party. A great Bible learning tool that offers concise, in-depth, and easy to understand Bible lessons that include doctrinal studies, character studies, and more. The love story of David and Michal, the daughter of Saul, a And theyre remarkably influential. Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of Micah in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. Basic Books, 2011. ben Ayun, Chaya. c. A lack of understanding, resentment, and ultimate alienation So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite (emphasis mine). Scriptures tell us that Saul down deep understands this conflict he has with David is all about the Kingdom. Her bitterness prevented her from seeing the wonder of that day: the return of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:12). I wonder was she aware, did she believe at this time that David would be the next King? (Jonathan was Saul's son.) As she grew older, David also likes the deal. Think parade, think big parade, think of Macys Thanksgiving Parade. If someone overheard your words would they find them to be reckless? Saul uses Michal again. 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. David was willing to do anything to Perfect love casts out fear. Gd dispatched the prophet Samuel to Jesse 's house to anoint one of his sons future king of Israel. Because of the differences between these two people there arose and unconcerned behavior only further irritated her. Remember occurs. What Does It Mean? Judah, Ammon, Edom and Moab paid tribute to the Assyrian king, but Israel did not fare as well. love were fondly treasured in his mind. Every woman there, whether speakers, attenders, or those serving; all of them, just like you and me, are women of influence. We attended a wedding recently in New Orleans. She was calling him an empty-headed fool (cf Mt 5:22). Influence means the power to change or affect someone or something (Websters Dictionary). He alone is able to bring joy from suffering, hope from affliction, and life from death. for killing David and publicly condemned him to death. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. It seemed to be what David wanted too. Have we protected and defended them? In that period there 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. How can affection be nurtured in a marriage? Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Their love for their child was greater than the fear they had . Each student of Gods Holy Book should take a serious look at Life of David: 11. She was used by her paranoid father, King Saul (1 Sam 18:20). Arise to help me; look on my plight! She answered not so good. Surprised, I asked her why? dedicated to Gods will instead of the world. However, Saul is not going to give up without a fight and a plan. disintegration of the love and affection of David and Michal. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). 9. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.'. The bride was just radiant, and the groom couldnt keep from smiling. The question begs why? This wasnt about Davids worship. It is interesting to see the change that has taken place in Michal. of But then, later, her harsh words, flowing from a hard heart could not be taken back. To blame God for mans shortcomings is almost equivalent to reducing God to an imperfect being. Along the way, David remarries. My tongue. With Gods strength, he defeats the enemy and his life as a soldier, a warrior begins. Michal apparently did not understand Davids reasons for bringing the ark into Jerusalem. Michal was the wife who found herself in the kind of family feud that many women face, except that Michal's family feud was on a scale that determined the future of Israel. Where do you see yourself loving others in such a way that affects them, has influence in their lives? But stop for a minute. One of the ways this is marked is by the way Michal is described early on, and how she is described now. He was anointed king over Israel. 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. 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. Michal introduces us to one of the famous romantic-tragedies He wandered in the wilderness. This reunion brings into sharp focus the bitternesss that had developed After ten long years But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.. the world and the other seeks God. is absent? Never Judge by Appearances. differences were not that noticeable as they were dating, and planning The David stories alternate between a presentation of the private man and the public figure, so that in the end family affairs and affairs of state are intermingled, each having an effect (influence) upon the other.3 Adele Berlin. events have not yet occurred, we look forward to the millennial kingdom at some undetermined time in the future. way they reacted to Sauls persecution (19:11-17). THE CONTEXT: Following the deaths of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 4), David became king over both Israel and Judah. If you are a parent, it is critical that you encourage your child to love their spouse and make that their first allegiance. David wrote an account 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. in any relationship (especially in the Lords Church) that parts because THE MARRIAGE of contempt. Ephesians 2:10 says we have been uniquely re-created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us. 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. Michal despised David (6:16). David and Michal are married, both for the first time. Most of us dont decide daily to cut people down or find ways to carry out injustice. Gods people stand trial before their Creator for turning away from Him and from others (6:17:20). As David became more and more successful in battle, Saul became more and more jealous, envious of his victories. On the one hand, the prophecies announce judgment upon Israel . Michal was the younger daughter of King Saul and is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:49. Michals singular failing was that she failed to honor God in However this romantic tale lacks the conclusion where the couple to the Kings palace. Chuck has a way of saying it the way it is! imagine how David felt as he waited for Michal? Thanks for the good work you do. However Sauls jealousy, fear, and a host of other complex evils led the Who are the lowly in your life? Klein, Lillian R. Michal, the Barren Wife. In A Feminist Companion to Samuel and Kings, second series, edited by Athalya Brenner, 37-46. This is part of the reason that the ultimate redeemer of the Jewish people and the world will descend from Davids line- he will be Messiah son of David.2. Let us know. of this escape in Psalm 59. Like a pale and spindly sapling forever caught under a canopy of larger trees, Michal is emotionally trapped by the men around her: her father, King Saul and her husband, King David. Yet, it is through this tragic event that David truly learns Gods forgiveness and mercy. sarcasm is tragic when it appears in any relationship! 3 See how they lie in wait for me! Do not let someones bad behaviour prevent you from your own worship experience. I wonder if you enjoy biblical art like I do? Kalmanofsky, Amy. They use us so we stop going to church. Consider the various lessons we can learn from Jonathan's life . Saul sent men to Davids house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. In this story God used Michal to save His anointed future King David. Clines, David J. They abandon us so we find worshiping impossible.
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