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Michal



Text:  rivulet, or who as God?, the younger of Saul's two daughters by 
his wife Ahinoam (1 Sam. 14:49, 50). "Attracted by the graces of his 
person and the gallantry of his conduct, she fell in love with David 
and became his wife" (18:20-28). She showed her affection for him by 
promoting his escape to Naioth when Saul sought his life (1 Sam. 
19:12-17. Comp. Ps. 59. See TERAPHIM). After this she did not see 
David for many years. Meanwhile she was given in marriage to another 
man, Phalti or Phaltiel of Gallim (1 Sam. 25:44), but David afterwards 
formally reclaimed her as his lawful wife (2 Sam. 3:13-16).

The relation between her and David soon after this was altered. They 
became alienated from each other. This happened on that memorable day 
when the ark was brought up in great triumph from its temporary 
resting-place to the Holy City. In David's conduct on that occasion 
she saw nothing but a needless humiliation of the royal dignity (1 
Chr. 15:29). She remained childless, and thus the races of David and 
Saul were not mixed. In 2 Sam. 21:8 her name again occurs, but the 
name Merab should probably be here substituted for Michal (comp. 1 
Sam. 18:19).