2 samuel 3:14 - David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
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What does "2 samuel 3:14" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 3:14 is a political maneuver disguised as a personal request. Let's break it down:
"David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son...": David, who is now king of Judah but not yet king of all Israel, is communicating with Ishbosheth, the surviving son of the former king Saul and a rival claimant to the throne. This is a formal, diplomatic act.
"...saying, "Deliver me my wife Michal...": David is demanding the return of Michal. Michal was Saul's daughter and David's first wife.
"...whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.": This is the crucial part. David reminds Ishbosheth (and everyone else) of the circumstances of his marriage to Michal. To win her hand, David did not pay a traditional dowry of gold or silver. Instead, Saul, seeking to have David killed by the Philistines, demanded a gruesome and dangerous bride price: 100 Philistine foreskins. David not only met the challenge but doubled it, delivering 200.
Meaning and Significance:
1. Legitimacy and Claim to the Throne: By demanding Michal back, David is asserting a connection to the house of Saul. Being married to Saul's daughter gave him a degree of legitimacy in the eyes of some Israelites. It strengthened his claim to the kingship over all of Israel, because it could be interpreted as a way of uniting the houses of Saul and David.
2. Reminder of David's Valor: Mentioning the foreskins serves as a public demonstration of David's bravery and prowess. It reminds everyone of his military success and the favor he once enjoyed with the people. He is highlighting his victory over Israel's enemies.
3. Political Leverage: Returning Michal could be seen as a concession from Ishbosheth, weakening his position. It subtly acknowledges David's power and authority. It puts Ishbosheth in a difficult position. Refusal would appear petty and unreasonable, and would also validate David's past heroic actions; compliance would signal weakness.
4. Personal Attachment (Possibly): While political motives are prominent, it's possible that David also genuinely desired Michal's return. The text doesn't explicitly state his personal feelings, but it's not impossible that he had some affection for her. However, this is likely secondary to the political considerations.
In short, this verse is a prime example of political maneuvering in the Old Testament. David is using his past marriage to Michal as a way to strengthen his position, remind people of his achievements, and undermine his rival's authority, all while potentially fulfilling a personal desire.
2 samuel 3:14 - David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
What does "2 samuel 3:14" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 3:14 is a political maneuver disguised as a personal request. Let's break it down:
"David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son...": David, who is now king of Judah but not yet king of all Israel, is communicating with Ishbosheth, the surviving son of the former king Saul and a rival claimant to the throne. This is a formal, diplomatic act.
"...saying, "Deliver me my wife Michal...": David is demanding the return of Michal. Michal was Saul's daughter and David's first wife.
"...whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.": This is the crucial part. David reminds Ishbosheth (and everyone else) of the circumstances of his marriage to Michal. To win her hand, David did not pay a traditional dowry of gold or silver. Instead, Saul, seeking to have David killed by the Philistines, demanded a gruesome and dangerous bride price: 100 Philistine foreskins. David not only met the challenge but doubled it, delivering 200.
Meaning and Significance:
1. Legitimacy and Claim to the Throne: By demanding Michal back, David is asserting a connection to the house of Saul. Being married to Saul's daughter gave him a degree of legitimacy in the eyes of some Israelites. It strengthened his claim to the kingship over all of Israel, because it could be interpreted as a way of uniting the houses of Saul and David.
2. Reminder of David's Valor: Mentioning the foreskins serves as a public demonstration of David's bravery and prowess. It reminds everyone of his military success and the favor he once enjoyed with the people. He is highlighting his victory over Israel's enemies.
3. Political Leverage: Returning Michal could be seen as a concession from Ishbosheth, weakening his position. It subtly acknowledges David's power and authority. It puts Ishbosheth in a difficult position. Refusal would appear petty and unreasonable, and would also validate David's past heroic actions; compliance would signal weakness.
4. Personal Attachment (Possibly): While political motives are prominent, it's possible that David also genuinely desired Michal's return. The text doesn't explicitly state his personal feelings, but it's not impossible that he had some affection for her. However, this is likely secondary to the political considerations.
In short, this verse is a prime example of political maneuvering in the Old Testament. David is using his past marriage to Michal as a way to strengthen his position, remind people of his achievements, and undermine his rival's authority, all while potentially fulfilling a personal desire.