the Third Week after Easter
Click to donate today!
Bible Dictionaries
Michal
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
or MICHAL. Younger daughter of Saul, offered to David, as a snare, on condition that he would slay one hundred Philistines. The popularity of David led Saul to seek his life. He had David’s house surrounded, but Michal deceived the messengers, and contrived David’s escape by the window ( 1 Samuel 19:11-17 ). Saul then gave Michal to Paltiel. When Abner negotiated with David to deliver Israel to him, the king stipulated for Michal’s return. This was accomplished, though the record does not make it clear whether directly from Ishbaal (Ishbosheth) at the Instance of David, or through Abner ( 2 Samuel 3:14 f.). Paltiel followed weeping, but was rudely dismissed by Abner. The closing scene between Michal and David is pathetic. David’s dance before the ark was unseemly in the eyes of Michal, and she rebuked him. His answer was equally curt. The statement that Michal died childless may mean that she was divorced ( 2 Samuel 6:16 f.). The estrangement was probably due to the numerous wives that now shared David’s prosperity and Michal’s authority.
J. H. Stevenson.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Michal'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdb/m/michal.html. 1909.
