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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 18:20 Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/18-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_18_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 18:20 - David Marries Michal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/18-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/18-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:19">◄</a> 1 Samuel 18:20 <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now Saul&#8217s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In the meantime, Saul’s daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they informed Saul, the thing was pleasing to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Michal, Saul&#8217s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. So they told Saul, and the thing was right in his eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and when they told Saul, it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul&#8217s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul had another daughter. Her name was Michal, and Saul found out that she was in love with David. This made Saul happy, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />However, Saul's daughter Michal fell in love with David. When Saul was told about it, the news pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Saul's daughter Michal, however, fell in love with David, and when Saul heard of this, he was pleased. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul's daughter Michal loved David. Saul was informed of this and he liked the idea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul?s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul about this, it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Mikal, Saul's daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Michal daughter of Saul loves David, and they declare [it] to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Michal daughter of Saul loveth David, and they declare to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Michal, Saul's daughter, will love David: and they will announce to Saul, and the word was straight in his eyes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But Michol the other daughter of Saul loved David. And it was told Saul, and it pleased him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now Michal, the other daughter of Saul, loved David. And this was reported to Saul, and it pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. When this was reported to Saul, he was pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. Saul was told, and the thing pleased him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Malchel Saul's daughter loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Malkil, daughter of Shaul, loved David, and they told Shaul, and the statement was pleasing in his eyes<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Michal Saul's daughter loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Melchol the daughter of Saul loved David; and it was told Saul, and the thing was pleasing in his eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/18-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5417" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">David Marries Michal</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Now Saul’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: baṯ- (N-fsc) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">daughter</a> <a href="/hebrew/4324.htm" title="4324: mî·ḵal (N-proper-fs) -- Wife of David. Apparently the same as miykal; revulet; Mikal, Saul's daughter.">Michal</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: wat·te·’ĕ·haḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">loved</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gi·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">and when this was reported</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: lə·šā·’ūl (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">to Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3474.htm" title="3474: way·yi·šar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be smooth, straight, or right. A primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous.">pleased</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nāw (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11-17</a></span><br />Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-44.htm">1 Samuel 25:44</a></span><br />But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">2 Samuel 3:13-14</a></span><br />“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.” / Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-16.htm">2 Samuel 6:16-23</a></span><br />As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. / So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. / When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-8.htm">2 Samuel 21:8</a></span><br />But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-3</a></span><br />King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Genesis 29:18-20</a></span><br />Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12</a></span><br />Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-1.htm">Judges 14:1-3</a></span><br />One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. / So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” / But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4-5</a></span><br />Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. / The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Ruth 3:10-11</a></span><br />Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/2-17.htm">Esther 2:17</a></span><br />And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/1-2.htm">Song of Solomon 1:2-4</a></span><br />Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine. / The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you. / Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18-19</a></span><br />This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.</p><p class="hdg">loved David</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">1 Samuel 18:28</a></b></br> And Saul saw and knew that the LORD <i>was</i> with David, and <i>that</i> Michal Saul's daughter loved him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4,15</a></b></br> And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name <i>was</i> Delilah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/13-1.htm">2 Samuel 13:1</a></b></br> And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name <i>was</i> Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Agreeable</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-31.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Michal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-31.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">Agreeable</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-24.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-26.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">Michal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-26.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Jonathan befriends David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul envies his praise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">seeks to kill him in his fury</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">fears him for his good success</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">offers him his daughters for snare</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Saul's hatred and David's glory increase</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David</b><br>Michal's love for David is significant as it marks the first mention of romantic love in the Bible. Her affection for David contrasts with her father Saul's growing jealousy and animosity towards him. Michal's love can be seen as a divine orchestration, as David's eventual marriage to her would further entrench him within the royal family, aligning with God's plan for David to become king. This love also sets the stage for future events where Michal's loyalty to David will be tested. The mention of Michal, a woman, having agency in her feelings is notable in the cultural context of ancient Israel, where marriages were often arranged for political alliances rather than personal affection.<p><b>and when this was reported to Saul</b><br>The report to Saul about Michal's love for David is a pivotal moment. Saul, who is already aware of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him, sees this as an opportunity to manipulate the situation to his advantage. The fact that this information is reported to Saul suggests that there were observers within the court who were aware of the dynamics between David and Saul's family, indicating a politically charged environment. This report sets in motion Saul's plan to use Michal as a pawn in his attempts to ensnare David, reflecting Saul's increasingly desperate and cunning nature.<p><b>it pleased him</b><br>Saul's pleasure at hearing of Michal's love for David is not rooted in fatherly affection or concern for his daughter's happiness. Instead, it is a strategic reaction. Saul sees Michal's love as a means to entrap David, as he later offers her in marriage with the hope that she will be a snare to him (<a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">1 Samuel 18:21</a>). This pleasure is ironic, as Saul's intentions are malevolent, yet they inadvertently align with God's providential plan for David's rise to kingship. Saul's reaction highlights the theme of God's sovereignty, where even the schemes of men ultimately fulfill divine purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/michal.htm">Michal</a></b><br>The daughter of King Saul, who falls in love with David. Her affection for David plays a significant role in the unfolding events between David and Saul.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is a rising figure in Saul's court and a successful military leader.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous and fearful of David's growing popularity and success.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/love_and_political_strategy.htm">Love and Political Strategy</a></b><br>Michal's love for David is genuine, but Saul sees it as an opportunity to ensnare David, reflecting the complex interplay of personal relationships and political maneuvering.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_complexity_of_human_relationships.htm">The Complexity of Human Relationships</a></b><br>Michal's love for David illustrates how personal relationships can be intertwined with political and familial dynamics. Believers should be aware of how their relationships can be influenced by external factors and seek God's wisdom in navigating them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite Saul's intentions, God's plan for David's rise to kingship is not thwarted. This reminds us that God's purposes prevail, even when human motives are mixed or deceitful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_love_and_loyalty.htm">The Role of Love and Loyalty</a></b><br>Michal's actions later in the account show the power of love and loyalty. Christians are called to love genuinely and be loyal to God's purposes, even when faced with difficult choices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_jealousy_and_manipulation.htm">The Danger of Jealousy and Manipulation</a></b><br>Saul's reaction to Michal's love for David is rooted in jealousy and manipulation. Believers should guard against these destructive emotions and seek to cultivate a heart of trust and integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_saul_offer_michal_to_david.htm">1 Samuel 18:20–21: Why would Saul offer his daughter Michal to David if he intended to harm him, and does this suggest inconsistencies within the narrative? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_1_samuel_18_events.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_david's_foreskin_story_plausible.htm">1 Samuel 18:17-27: Is the story of David collecting Philistine foreskins historically plausible, and what does it imply about the reliability of the text?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jonathan's_covenant_with_david_inconsistent.htm">Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">And Michal Saul's daughter loved David.</span>--But the love of the younger of the two royal princesses for her father's brilliant officer gave the unhappy king a fresh excuse to expose David's life to peril, while at the same time he appeared to be endeavouring to carry out an old formal promise.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 20, 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Michal... loved David.</span> Probably there was some short lapse of time between Merab's marriage and the growth of this affection, the news of which pleased Saul. He was not an ungenerous man, and possibly may have felt ashamed at having acted so meanly by David after having exposed him to danger. And yet evil thoughts again are uppermost, and his purposes are selfish; for either way Saul will be the gainer. David will probably be slain, he thinks, in trying to get the dowry asked of him; and if not, at all events he will himself be cleared of the stain of public dishonesty now resting upon him. Therefore <span class="cmt_word">Saul said to David.</span> Not in person, which accounts for David giving no answer, but through his servants, as is recounted more fully afterwards. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/18-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now Saul’s</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">daughter</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּת־</span> <span class="translit">(baṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Michal</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיכַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(mî·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4324.htm">Strong's 4324: </a> </span><span class="str2">Michal -- wife of David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loved</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֶּאֱהַ֛ב</span> <span class="translit">(wat·te·’ĕ·haḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and when this was reported</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yag·gi·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Saul,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׁא֔וּל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּבָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(had·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleased</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשַׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·šar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/18-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 18:20 Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>