Topical Bible: Malice: David Toward Michal

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In the biblical narrative, the relationship between David and Michal, the daughter of King Saul, is complex and marked by moments of tension and discord. While David is often celebrated as a man after God's own heart, his interactions with Michal reveal a more complicated aspect of his character, particularly in the context of malice.

Background

Michal first enters the biblical account as the younger daughter of King Saul, who falls in love with David (1 Samuel 18:20). Saul, seeing an opportunity to ensnare David, offers Michal to him as a wife, hoping that the dowry requirement of one hundred Philistine foreskins would lead to David's death (1 Samuel 18:25). However, David succeeds and marries Michal, who becomes his first wife.

David's Flight and Michal's Deception

As Saul's jealousy of David grows, he seeks to kill him. Michal aids David in his escape by deceiving her father, allowing David to flee (1 Samuel 19:11-17). This act of loyalty, however, does not prevent future strife between them.

Michal's Separation and Return

During David's time in exile, Saul gives Michal to another man, Palti son of Laish (1 Samuel 25:44). After Saul's death and David's rise to power, David demands Michal's return as part of his negotiations with Abner, Saul's former commander (2 Samuel 3:13-16). This act, while politically motivated, also reflects David's assertion of his rights over Michal, regardless of her circumstances or desires.

The Incident of the Ark

The most notable instance of malice between David and Michal occurs during the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. David, in a display of exuberant worship, dances before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). Michal, observing from a window, despises him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16).

Upon David's return, Michal confronts him, expressing disdain for his behavior, which she perceives as undignified for a king. David responds sharply, emphasizing his divine appointment over her father's house and dismissing her criticism (2 Samuel 6:20-22). The text notes that Michal had no children to the day of her death (2 Samuel 6:23), suggesting a lasting estrangement and possibly divine judgment.

Analysis

The interaction between David and Michal during the Ark incident reveals a deep-seated malice that had developed over time. Michal's contempt for David's actions may stem from a combination of personal hurt, political maneuvering, and a clash of values. David's response, while asserting his devotion to God, also reflects a lack of empathy and understanding toward Michal's perspective.

This episode highlights the potential for malice to arise even in relationships that began with love and loyalty. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, miscommunication, and unresolved conflict within a marriage. The narrative invites readers to consider the importance of humility, forgiveness, and mutual respect in maintaining healthy relationships, even amidst the challenges of life and leadership.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 6:21-23
And David said to Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before your father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The History of Saul
... Then Goliath rose and hied toward David, and David on that ... harm, and our Lord hath
yielded the malice of Nabal on ... Then David sent to Abigail for to have her to ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... holiness; and when hatred is boiled up to malice, it is ... His heart is toward sin,
but either his purse fails ... As David, when he danced before the ark, and Michal ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... them from the fruits of sin, and from the malice of Satan ... in that pound, would he
now carry it toward them as he ... Said David to Abner, "Thou shalt not see my face ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm