This verse from 1 Samuel 18:20 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of David and Saul, loaded with potential implications and subtle nuances. Let's break it down:
"Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David...": This is a straightforward statement. Michal, one of Saul's daughters, was genuinely in love with David. This is significant because it shows that David's charisma and popularity extended to even members of the royal family. This is probably not solely based on romantic interest; in ancient times it was normal for women to want to marry someone who was renowned for being courageous and heroic.
"...and they told Saul...": Someone, likely someone in the court or perhaps even Michal herself, informed Saul about Michal's feelings for David. Informing Saul implies there was some expectation of a response or an action from the king.
"...and the thing pleased him.": This is the crucial part. On the surface, it might seem like Saul is happy for his daughter and David. However, in the context of the story, "pleased" likely has a more strategic and sinister meaning. Why would Saul be pleased?
Potential Political Advantage: A marriage between David and Michal could solidify David's loyalty to Saul and the kingdom. David would become family and it might be thought that the political stability of Saul's monarchy will become more secure.
Opportunity for Manipulation: Saul likely sees Michal's love as a tool to manipulate or ensnare David. He could use Michal as leverage to control David's actions or even create a situation where David could be killed more easily. This is the most likely interpretation given Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David's popularity.
In summary, the verse establishes a romantic connection between Michal and David. More importantly, it foreshadows that Saul's reaction to this relationship will be motivated by his own self-interest and his escalating jealousy and fear of David. Instead of seeing a loving relationship blossoming, Saul sees it as an opportunity to manipulate or even harm David. The "pleasure" Saul experiences is not from a place of genuine paternal happiness, but rather from the potential for political and personal gain.
This verse from 1 Samuel 18:20 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of David and Saul, loaded with potential implications and subtle nuances. Let's break it down:
"Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David...": This is a straightforward statement. Michal, one of Saul's daughters, was genuinely in love with David. This is significant because it shows that David's charisma and popularity extended to even members of the royal family. This is probably not solely based on romantic interest; in ancient times it was normal for women to want to marry someone who was renowned for being courageous and heroic.
"...and they told Saul...": Someone, likely someone in the court or perhaps even Michal herself, informed Saul about Michal's feelings for David. Informing Saul implies there was some expectation of a response or an action from the king.
"...and the thing pleased him.": This is the crucial part. On the surface, it might seem like Saul is happy for his daughter and David. However, in the context of the story, "pleased" likely has a more strategic and sinister meaning. Why would Saul be pleased?
Potential Political Advantage: A marriage between David and Michal could solidify David's loyalty to Saul and the kingdom. David would become family and it might be thought that the political stability of Saul's monarchy will become more secure.
Opportunity for Manipulation: Saul likely sees Michal's love as a tool to manipulate or ensnare David. He could use Michal as leverage to control David's actions or even create a situation where David could be killed more easily. This is the most likely interpretation given Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David's popularity.
In summary, the verse establishes a romantic connection between Michal and David. More importantly, it foreshadows that Saul's reaction to this relationship will be motivated by his own self-interest and his escalating jealousy and fear of David. Instead of seeing a loving relationship blossoming, Saul sees it as an opportunity to manipulate or even harm David. The "pleasure" Saul experiences is not from a place of genuine paternal happiness, but rather from the potential for political and personal gain.