2 Samuel 3:13

KJV

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Well {H2896}; I will make {H3772} a league {H1285} with thee: but one {H259} thing {H1697} I require {H7592} of thee, that is {H559}, Thou shalt not see {H7200} my face {H6440}, except thou first {H6440} bring {H935} Michal {H4324} Saul's {H7586} daughter {H1323}, when thou comest {H935} to see {H7200} my face {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David sent this reply: "Very well, I will be your ally - on one condition: you will not come into my presence unless at the same time you bring with you Mikhal Sha'ul's daughter."

Berean Standard Bible

“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee; but one thing I require of thee: that is, thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 3:13 records David's shrewd and strategic response to Abner's offer of alliance, setting a non-negotiable condition for any future negotiation: the return of Michal, Saul's daughter and David's first wife. This demand was not merely personal but a critical political maneuver designed to solidify David's legitimate claim to the throne of all Israel, demonstrating continuity with the former royal house and asserting his authority as the divinely appointed king over both Judah and the northern tribes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the protracted civil war between the house of Saul, represented by Ish-bosheth and his military commander Abner, and the house of David, who reigned in Hebron over Judah. The preceding verses (2 Samuel 3:6-11) describe the escalating tension between Abner and Ish-bosheth, culminating in Abner's decision to defect to David. Abner, angered by Ish-bosheth's accusation regarding Rizpah, vows to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to David, fulfilling the divine promise (2 Samuel 3:9-10). David's response in 2 Samuel 3:13 is his immediate and calculated condition for accepting Abner's overtures, setting the stage for Michal's retrieval in 2 Samuel 3:14-16 and the subsequent negotiations for the unification of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, Israel was a divided kingdom, with David ruling over Judah from Hebron and Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, nominally reigning over the northern tribes from Mahanaim, largely under Abner's military control. The practice of forming alliances and treaties was common in the Ancient Near East, often involving specific conditions or exchanges. Marriage alliances, particularly with royal daughters, were crucial for establishing legitimacy and claims to succession. Michal had been given to David as a bride price for a hundred Philistine foreskins, a dangerous feat that established David's valor and connection to the royal family ([1 Samuel 18:27](/1_samuel/18-27 "1 Samuel 18:27 - David Marries Michal")). Later, Saul had taken Michal from David and given her to Palti son of Laish ([1 Samuel 25:44](/1_samuel/25-44 "1 Samuel 25:44 - Michal Given to Palti")). David's demand for her return was thus deeply rooted in both personal grievance and the cultural understanding of royal legitimacy and marital rights.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **legitimacy of David's kingship**, not merely through divine anointing but also through his rightful connection to the former royal house via Michal. Secondly, it highlights David's **strategic wisdom and political acumen**, demonstrating his ability to leverage opportunities and set terms even when in a position of apparent advantage. His demand for Michal was a masterstroke of **strategic diplomacy**, asserting his authority and laying a foundational claim to the whole kingdom. Lastly, this act is a crucial step towards the **reunification of Israel** under David's sole rule, fulfilling the prophetic promises concerning his reign ([2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **League (Hebrew, _bᵉrît'_):** This word signifies a solemn covenant, treaty, or binding agreement, often sealed with oaths and rituals. It is far more profound and legally binding than a casual promise, implying mutual obligations and consequences for breach. David's willingness to "make a league" with Abner indicates his readiness for a formal, lasting agreement that would unite the kingdom, but only on his terms.
* **See my face (Hebrew, _ra'ah panim'_):** This idiom denotes gaining an audience with a superior, especially a king or ruler. It implies a formal meeting where one comes into the presence of authority to present a request or engage in negotiation. David's condition that Abner "shalt not see my face" until Michal is brought implies that David is the sovereign authority, and Abner must fulfill this prerequisite before any official discussions about the kingdom's transfer can commence. It underscores David's position of power and control in the negotiation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee:"** David's initial affirmation ("Well") indicates his acceptance of Abner's offer to bring all Israel under his rule, but immediately qualifies it. The phrase "I will make a league with thee" signals David's readiness to enter into a formal covenant, recognizing Abner's power and influence among the northern tribes, but also asserting his own prerogative to set the terms.
* **"but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter,"** This is David's non-negotiable condition. The demand for Michal's return is a prerequisite for any formal audience or negotiation. By stating "Thou shalt not see my face," David establishes his superior position and the absolute necessity of this condition being met before he will even consider Abner's presence for further talks. Michal, as Saul's daughter and David's first wife, represented a vital link to the former royal house, making her return a powerful symbolic and political act.
* **"when thou comest to see my face."** This reiterates the condition, emphasizing that the act of bringing Michal must precede any formal meeting. It underscores David's authority and determination to restore his rightful claim through Michal before any discussions about the kingdom's unification can proceed. The repetition reinforces the singularity and importance of this demand.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 3:13 is **Symbolism**. Michal, as Saul's daughter and David's first wife, symbolizes the legitimate connection between David and the house of Saul. Her return is not merely a personal desire, though that may have been a secondary factor, but a profound political statement. It signifies David's rightful claim to the throne of all Israel, demonstrating continuity with the former royal line and publicly validating his succession. Her retrieval would serve as a visible sign that David was not a usurper but the rightful heir, divinely chosen and now politically linked to the previous dynasty. This symbolic act was crucial for gaining the allegiance of the northern tribes, who had remained loyal to Saul's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's demand for Michal's return, while a shrewd political move, also reflects deeper theological principles. It underscores God's sovereignty in establishing kingship and bringing about His purposes through human agency. David, though divinely chosen, still had to navigate complex political realities, and his actions here demonstrate a reliance on both divine promise and practical wisdom. The restoration of Michal speaks to themes of justice and rightful possession, even in the context of a fractured kingdom. It also foreshadows the reunification of God's people under a single, divinely appointed leader, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [1 Samuel 18:20-27](/1_samuel/18-20 "1 Samuel 18:20-27 - David's Marriage to Michal")
* [2 Samuel 5:1-3](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's insistence on Michal's return before engaging in further negotiations with Abner reveals a leader who understands the importance of legitimacy, both in the eyes of God and of the people. He did not simply seize an opportunity but set a condition that reinforced his rightful claim and established his authority. For us, this can be a powerful reminder that true leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace, often requires a blend of spiritual discernment, strategic thinking, and a commitment to what is right and just. It teaches us to prioritize foundational principles and to not compromise on matters of integrity or divine calling, even when presented with seemingly advantageous shortcuts. Sometimes, the most effective path forward requires addressing past injustices or reclaiming what was rightfully ours, not just for personal gain, but for the greater good and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's strategic demand for Michal's return illustrate the intersection of divine purpose and human political action?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to assert a "non-negotiable" condition to uphold integrity, restore justice, or establish proper authority?**
* **How can leaders today balance the pursuit of practical outcomes with a commitment to foundational principles and rightful claims?**

### FAQ
**Why was Michal's return so important to David, beyond personal reasons?**

Answer: Michal's return was crucial for several strategic and political reasons. Firstly, she was Saul's daughter, and her marriage to David ([1 Samuel 18:27](/1_samuel/18-27 "1 Samuel 18:27 - David Marries Michal")) had initially solidified David's connection to the royal house. Her presence by his side would publicly demonstrate continuity between Saul's reign and David's, lending legitimacy to his claim over all Israel, not just Judah. Secondly, it was a matter of honor and legal right; Saul had taken Michal from David and given her to Palti ([1 Samuel 25:44](/1_samuel/25-44 "1 Samuel 25:44 - Michal Given to Palti")), an act that was an affront to David's status and marital rights. Reclaiming her was an assertion of his authority and a rectification of a past injustice. Lastly, it was a powerful symbolic act that would help unify the divided kingdom, signaling to the northern tribes that David was indeed the rightful heir to the throne of all Israel, not just a regional king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's insistence on Michal's return as a prerequisite for establishing his full kingship over all Israel profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Just as David’s legitimacy was tied to his rightful bride, Christ’s ultimate reign is inextricably linked to His bride, the Church, whom He redeems and restores to Himself. The New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, is the "league" or covenant by which God gathers His people from every tribe and nation, bringing them into the presence of the true King. Like Michal, who was unjustly taken away, humanity was alienated from God through sin, but Christ, the greater David, came to reclaim His own, making reconciliation possible through His sacrifice ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His "non-negotiable" requirement for us to "see His face" is faith and repentance, by which we are brought into His kingdom and become part of His glorious bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). The unification of Israel under David points to the ultimate spiritual unity of all believers in Christ, who reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords, gathering His redeemed people into an eternal covenant relationship ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 43:3

And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother [be] with you.

Genesis 44:26

And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother [be] with us.

1 Samuel 19:11

¶ Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

1 Samuel 19:17

And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?

Genesis 44:23

And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

1 Chronicles 15:29

And it came to pass, [as] the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

1 Samuel 18:20

And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.