1 Samuel 25:44
But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁא֗וּל
But Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֗וּל
But Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
1 of 12
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
נָתַ֛ן
had given
H5414
נָתַ֛ן
had given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּתּ֖וֹ
his daughter
H1323
בִּתּ֖וֹ
his daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 12
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:27Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.2 Samuel 3:14And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
Historical Context
Marriage to the king's daughter created political bonds Saul here severed. Gallim was in Benjamin, Saul's tribal territory. Phalti's later grief at losing Michal (2 Samuel 3:16) suggests genuine attachment developed during her years in his household.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Saul's treatment of Michal reveal about his view of people as political tools?
- How do the consequences of this action extend into David's later reign?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim.
The chapter concludes with troubling news about David's first wife. Saul's giving Michal to another man violated both marriage covenant and his own earlier agreement. The Hebrew 'natan' (gave) treats Michal as property transferred without consent. Phalti (or Phaltiel, 2 Samuel 3:15) of Gallim received her apparently as reward for loyalty to Saul. This action severed David's connection to the royal house and declared him no longer son-in-law. The political significance was clear: Saul formally repudiated any relationship with David. Yet later, David would demand Michal's return (2 Samuel 3:13-16), creating its own complications. This verse introduces suffering that would shadow David's personal life.