2 Samuel 3:14

And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver [me] my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

And David {H1732} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} to Ishbosheth {H378} Saul's {H7586} son {H1121}, saying {H559}, Deliver {H5414} me my wife {H802} Michal {H4324}, which I espoused {H781} to me for an hundred {H3967} foreskins {H6190} of the Philistines {H6430}.

David sent messengers to say to Ish-Boshet the son of Sha'ul, "Give me back my wife Mikhal. I betrothed her to myself for 100 foreskins of the P'lishtim."

Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to me for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

Commentary

In 2 Samuel 3:14, King David, who has been anointed king over Judah, sends a crucial demand to Ishbosheth, Saul's son and the reigning king over Israel's northern tribes. David insists on the return of his wife, Michal, Saul's daughter. This seemingly personal request is deeply intertwined with the political landscape of the time, as David seeks to consolidate his power and unite all of Israel under his rule.

Context

This verse occurs during a pivotal moment in David's rise to power. After Saul's death, Israel was divided: David ruled in Hebron over Judah, while Saul's son, Ishbosheth, ruled over the northern tribes with the support of Abner, Saul's former commander. Abner, having fallen out with Ishbosheth, begins to negotiate with David to bring all Israel under David's kingship. David's demand for Michal's return serves as a strategic precondition for these negotiations. Reclaiming Michal, a daughter of the former king, would further legitimize David's claim to the throne of Israel and strengthen his connection to the royal lineage of Saul, despite his own divine anointing.

Key Themes

  • David's Legitimacy and Claim to the Throne: By demanding Michal, David asserts his rightful place as king over all Israel. Michal was his first wife, acquired through a perilous deed for Saul, and her return symbolizes the restoration of his authority and connection to the royal house.
  • Strategic Political Maneuvering: This request is not merely emotional but a shrewd political move. Michal's presence by David's side would serve as a visible sign of unity between the house of Saul and the house of David, helping to smooth the transition of power.
  • The Cost of a Covenant: David reminds Ishbosheth of the extraordinary "dowry" he paid for Michal – a hundred foreskins of the Philistines. This highlights the immense personal risk and valor David demonstrated to earn Michal's hand, underscoring his enduring claim to her.
  • Michal as a Political Pawn: Tragically, Michal herself seems to be a commodity in these political negotiations, her personal feelings and history largely overshadowed by her symbolic value in uniting the two kingdoms. She had been given to another man, Palti, during David's exile (1 Samuel 25:44).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines" refers to the unusual and gruesome dowry Saul demanded of David in 1 Samuel 18:27. Saul's intention was for David to be killed by the Philistines in the attempt. However, David not only survived but exceeded the demand, bringing two hundred foreskins. This detail in 2 Samuel 3:14 serves as a powerful reminder of David's bravery, his original commitment to Saul's family, and the high price he paid to become part of the royal household. It underscores the undeniable legitimacy of his claim to Michal.

Practical Application

This verse illustrates the complex interplay between personal relationships and political realities, even for leaders chosen by God. It reminds us that:

  • Commitments have lasting consequences: David's original, costly commitment to Michal forms the basis of his demand years later.
  • Leadership often involves strategic decisions: Even righteous leaders must navigate complex political landscapes, balancing personal desires with the greater good of their people.
  • Reclaiming what is rightfully yours: David's demand can be seen as an act of reclaiming what was justly his, both his wife and, symbolically, the unified kingdom that was promised to him.
The narrative of Michal's return sets the stage for the full unification of Israel under David's reign, marking a significant step in the establishment of God's chosen king.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 18:27 (6 votes)

    Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.

  • 1 Samuel 18:25 (5 votes)

    And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

  • 2 Samuel 2:10 (3 votes)

    Ishbosheth Saul's son [was] forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.