### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Mêrâb**, represented by `{{H4764}}`, translates to **increase** and is the personal name of a daughter of Saul. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, highlighting a specific and concise role within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4764}}` is introduced as the **firstborn** `{{H1067}}` **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of King **Saul** `{{H7586}}` [[1 Samuel 14:49]]. She becomes a key figure in Saul's interactions with **David** `{{H1732}}` when Saul offers her as a **wife** `{{H802}}` in exchange for David's military service against the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` [[1 Samuel 18:17]]. Despite the promise, at the appointed **time** `{{H6256}}`, **Merab** was not given to David but was instead married to **Adriel** `{{H5741}}` the **Meholathite** `{{H4259}}` [[1 Samuel 18:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the narrative of Merab:
* `{{H1067}}` **bᵉkîyrâh** (firstborn): This term specifically denotes Merab's status as the eldest daughter, which would have carried certain expectations and honor [[1 Samuel 14:49]].
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (Saul): As her father, his decisions dictate the course of her life, using her as a political pawn in his dealings with David [[1 Samuel 18:17]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The person to whom Merab was promised, his relationship with Saul is further complicated by Saul's broken promise regarding her marriage [[1 Samuel 18:19]].
* `{{H4324}}` **Mîykâl** (Michal): Merab's **younger** `{{H6996}}` sister, whose own subsequent marriage to David stands in contrast to Merab's story [[1 Samuel 14:49]].
* `{{H5741}}` **ʻAdrîyʼêl** (Adriel): The man from Meholah to whom Merab was ultimately **given** `{{H5414}}` as a wife, finalizing Saul's broken pledge to David [[1 Samuel 18:19]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H4764}}` is concentrated in the political and personal conflict between Saul and David.
* **A Political Tool:** Merab is used by her father as an incentive to send David into dangerous **battles** `{{H4421}}`, with Saul's private hope that David would fall by the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of the Philistines [[1 Samuel 18:17]].
* **A Broken Promise:** Saul's failure to **give** `{{H5414}}` Merab to David as promised is a clear illustration of his untrustworthiness and growing animosity toward David [[1 Samuel 18:19]].
* **Family Context:** Her identity is established within Saul's household, alongside her brothers **Jonathan** `{{H3129}}`, **Ishui** `{{H3440}}`, and **Melchishua** `{{H4444}}`, and her sister Michal [[1 Samuel 14:49]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4764}}` refers to Merab, a figure whose personal story, though brief, is a crucial element in the narrative of David's rise and Saul's decline. Her life is defined by the political schemes of her father, serving as a testament to the tensions that characterized Saul's court. Through her, the scripture demonstrates Saul's flawed character and sets the stage for future events involving David and the royal family.
TRV