2 Samuel 3:15

Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:15 (KJV)

2 Samuel 3:15: "And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from [her] husband, [even] from Phaltiel the son of Laish."

Context

This verse is set during a tumultuous period in ancient Israelite history, specifically the civil war between the house of King Saul and the house of David. After Saul's death, his son Ishbosheth (also known as Eshbaal) was proclaimed king over Israel by Abner, Saul's commander, while David reigned in Hebron over Judah. The narrative in 2 Samuel 3 details the shifting power dynamics and Abner's decision to defect to David's side.

David had made a crucial demand to Abner as a precondition for any alliance: the return of his first wife, Michal, Saul's daughter. This verse describes Ishbosheth's compliance with that demand. Michal had originally been given to David by Saul, but later, in an act of political spite, Saul had given her to another man, Phaltiel (or Palti) the son of Laish, while David was in exile.

Key Themes and Messages

• Political Strategy and Legitimacy: The return of Michal was a highly symbolic act. By reclaiming Saul's daughter, David solidified his claim to the throne of all Israel, asserting his rightful connection to the previous royal line. This move was a key part of the negotiations between Abner and David, orchestrated by Abner through Ishbosheth.
• The Cost of Power Struggles: While a strategic victory for David, the verse implicitly highlights the personal cost of these political maneuvers. Phaltiel, Michal's current husband, is forced to give her up, an act of significant personal loss that is vividly portrayed in the subsequent verse (2 Samuel 3:16).
• David's Persistence: David's unwavering demand for Michal's return underscores his determination to reclaim what was justly his, both personally and in terms of his royal standing.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "took her from [her] husband, [even] from Phaltiel" emphasizes the direct and forceful nature of the action. The Hebrew verb for "took" (לָקַח - laqach) is a common verb meaning to take, fetch, or acquire. Here, it signifies a non-consensual removal from Phaltiel's perspective, highlighting the authority of Ishbosheth (and by extension, Abner) in this command.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that even in grand historical and political narratives, there are individual lives profoundly affected by the decisions of those in power. It teaches us about:

• The Entanglement of Personal and Political: How personal relationships and individual rights can become tools or casualties in larger power struggles.
• Empathy for the Unseen: While the focus is on David and Ishbosheth, the narrative briefly turns to Phaltiel, inviting us to consider the often-overlooked emotional toll on individuals caught in circumstances beyond their control.
• Justice and Rightful Claims: David's demand, though politically motivated, was also a reclaiming of his legitimate wife, which had implications for God's established plan for his kingship.