[David] said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.” 2 Samuel 3:13
Michal was the daughter of Saul, and she was David’s wife. When David had to flee from Saul who pursued him for years, Saul gave David’s wife to another man. It was a shameful act on the part of Saul, and David was determined to put it right. So David agrees to Abner’s offer with one condition—that he return Michal back to David.
David had acquired other wives in the years that followed (3:2-5), and this was a clear contradiction of God’s pattern for marriage in Genesis 2, and a direct violation of Deuteronomy 17:17, where God commanded that Israel’s king should not acquire many wives, as was the custom among other nations.
Always remember that the Bible records sins and failings as well as triumphs and successes. When the Bible tells us about David’s wives, it is recording a fact, not presenting an example.
You have to wonder how Michal felt about being wrenched away from her second husband, Paltiel, in order to be restored to her first. Was this a release and a deliverance for her? Most people will feel some sympathy for this man Paltiel, who clearly loved Saul’s daughter and was distraught when she was taken away: “And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel… But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim” (3:15-16). The relationship between Michal and Paltiel began in sin and it ended in sorrow.
Where have you seen this same pattern of sin, shame, and sorrow?
