King Saul’s jealous scheming against David even impacted his choice for David’s promised spouse.
20 Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 So Saul said, “I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall be my son-in-law today.” 1 Samuel 18:20-21 (NKJV)
Many of us have been or had been gifted with a spouse from heaven.
No partner is perfect. We are all human and subject to the tarnish of sin, foolish thoughts, and self-centered actions. We may argue, pout, complain or dislike each other from time to time. But despite our many shortcomings, if He has so chosen, the gift of a good spouse from God is the pinnacle of life, something to be treasured and cherished each day. There is no greater joy than a beloved spouse who is themselves joyful and content to be sharing their daily life with us.
We all know those who are mourning after losing the blessed presence of their beloved, who came from God’s hand and has returned to the same. We may be in that grievous situation ourselves. We also know others who are facing unwanted loneliness, and have not had the experience of a God-given partner and soul-mate to walk through the ups and downs of life with. We pray for God’s comfort and healing in these situations.
After David had slayed Goliath on behalf of the king and people of Israel, he was ready to receive the reward that had been promised for such a victory – King Saul’s first daughter in marriage. Saul was initially willing to go through with his promise for David, but he decided to withdraw the offer after he became jealous of him.
When Saul learned that his younger daughter, Michal, was in love with David, he switched his offer of marriage to her. He did this because he believed that Michal would be a snare for David. Exactly why she would be a snare, we do not know. But Saul felt that she would be a detriment and even a danger to David, so he was perfectly willing to go ahead with that marriage.
Instead, Michal actually helped her husband David to escape King Saul once Saul’s intentions towards David became homicidal . Rather than the hoped-for snare, she became David’s salvation.
Perhaps sensing this, the King then took Michal back from him once David was on the run for his life, and even gave her to someone else.
44 But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David’s wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was from Gallim. 1 Samuel 25:44 (NKJV)
We do not know if David was even aware that he had lost his wife, Michal. He seemed to have good information about what was going on with Saul, usually with some divine assistance. But once David learned that the fool, Nabal, was dead, he immediately extended an offer of marriage to Nabal’s widow, the wise and desirable Abigail.
42 So Abigail rose in haste and rode on a donkey, attended by five of her maidens; and she followed the messengers of David, and became his wife. 1 Samuel 25:42 (NKJV)
David was now in position to inherit the kingdom with a wise and loving marriage partner. She would be a tremendous asset to bless him and provide support in every way. The widow Abigail was also in a much better position now herself, since God had removed her foolish and abusive former husband and replaced him with God’s own choice for the kingdom, a man of faith, after God’s own heart.
So, if this was a fairy tale, we would expect David and his new godly wife, Abigail, to live happily ever after. Unfortunately, David and Abigail’s family life would not play out nearly as well hoped. The first sign of trouble is found in the very next verse:
43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and so both of them were his wives. 1 Samuel 25:43 (NKJV)
Polygamy is found throughout the Old Testament, but it never leads to a happy and successful family life. In fact, it usually produces disastrous results, and this situation would be no different. God accepted the polygamy, and worked within it, but it was never His plan for marriage. God’s plan was clearly stated back in Genesis, and repeated by Jesus in Matthew 19:5.
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)
The two become one, a great blessing. Three becomes a catastrophe. After Michal and Nabal were removed from the scene, the Lord had provided David with an intelligent and faithful spouse who could have helped him to lead Israel with godly wisdom. Instead, David then initiated a series of bad choices which would severely compromise and negate this divine gift.
Reflection
Who do I know who is suffering the grief of loss or loneliness? How can I share the love of God with them? (It is best if men comfort men, and women comfort women).
Thank you, God, for your great love for us, and for the many good provisions which you have gifted us with. Help us to be content and full of gratitude for what we have, and heal the pain over whatever we have lost or yearn for and so far lack.
Provide healing and comfort to those who have lost or are losing a loved one, be it through death or separation. Be present with them in their mourning. Grant them divine comfort, hope, and encouragement, and show us how we can be the hands and feet of Christ to support them. Grant us Your wisdom in this matter. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 