Michal was the younger daughter of King Saul and became the first wife of David. Her story begins in 1 Samuel 18:20, where it is said, “Michal… loved David,” and Saul gave her to David in marriage with the ulterior motive that she might become a snare to him (1 Samuel 18:21). David was required to bring one hundred Philistine foreskins as a bride price, which he exceeded, fulfilling the condition (1 Samuel 18:27).
Michal’s love for David was evident early on when she protected him from Saul’s murderous intentions. She helped David escape by lowering him through a window and using an image and goat’s hair to deceive Saul’s messengers (1 Samuel 19:11–17). This act showed loyalty and courage.
However, when David fled from Saul, Michal was given to another man, Palti (also called Paltiel), by Saul (1 Samuel 25:44). Later, after Saul’s death, David demanded her return as a condition for peace with Abner, and she was restored to him (2 Samuel 3:13–16), though her second husband followed weeping.
Michal reappears during David’s triumphal return with the Ark of the Covenant. Seeing David dance before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod, Michal despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16). She rebuked David for what she perceived as undignified behavior, but David replied, “It was before the Lord… and I will be even more undignified than this” (2 Samuel 6:21–22).
The chapter concludes with the statement: “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death” (2 Samuel 6:23), implying divine judgment for her scorn.
Michal’s life reflects a complex blend of affection, political tension, loyalty, and spiritual misunderstanding. She loved David and once risked her life for him, but later became distant and critical of his joyful worship. Her story is a caution against pride and highlights the importance of honoring heartfelt devotion to God.
