1 Samuel 18:20
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
Original Language Analysis
בַּת
daughter
H1323
בַּת
daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
3 of 11
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
and they told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
and they told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וַיִּשַׁ֥ר
pleased
H3474
וַיִּשַׁ֥ר
pleased
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
9 of 11
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
Historical Context
Royal daughters were typically married for political advantage. Michal's genuine love for David was unusual in such arrangements. Her status as Saul's daughter would later complicate her relationship with David as political tensions increased.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God transformed what others intended for harm into means of blessing?
- What does the complexity of Michal's position teach about navigating divided loyalties?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
Michal's love for David created another opportunity for Saul's scheming: 'she may be a snare to him' (v.21). The Hebrew moqesh (snare/trap) reveals Saul's intent to use his daughter as bait. The irony deepens: both royal children loved David, and Saul would use both their affections for murderous purposes. Yet God would use Michal to save David's life (19:11-17), turning Saul's snare into escape route.