2 Samuel 3:14
2 Samuel 3:14 in Multiple Translations
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.”
And 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.
And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to me for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
And David sent men to Saul's son Ish-bosheth, saying, Give me back Michal, my wife, whom I made mine for the price of the private parts of a hundred Philistines.
Then David sent messengers to tell Ishbosheth, son of Saul, “Give me back my wife Michal—I paid a dowry for her of one hundred Philistine foreskins.”
Then Dauid sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Sauls sonne, saying, Deliuer me my wife Michal, which I marryed for an hundreth foreskinnes of the Philistims.
And David sendeth messengers unto Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, saying, 'Give up my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself with a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.'
David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, Deliver to me my wife Michal, whom I espoused to me for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
And David sent messengers to Isboseth the son of Saul, saying: Restore my wife Michol, whom I espoused to me for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
Then David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, to say to him, “I had to kill 100 men from Philistia and cut off their foreskins to give to Saul to pay for Michal to be my wife. So now give her back to me!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 3:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 3:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
דָּוִד֙
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
אֶל
אִֽישׁ
בֹּ֥שֶׁת
בֶּן
שָׁא֖וּל
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
תְּנָ֤/ה
אֶת
אִשְׁתִּ/י֙
אֶת
מִיכַ֔ל
אֲשֶׁר֙
אֵרַ֣שְׂתִּי
לִ֔/י
בְּ/מֵאָ֖ה
עָרְל֥וֹת
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אִֽישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֹּ֥שֶׁת
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
תְּנָ֤/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִשְׁתִּ/י֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִיכַ֔ל
Mîykâl
H4324
Merab
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵרַ֣שְׂתִּי
ʼâras
H781
to betroth
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מֵאָ֖ה
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Prep | Adj
עָרְל֥וֹת
ʻorlâh
H6190
foreskin
N-fp
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 3:14
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אִֽישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֹּ֥שֶׁת
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תְּנָ֤/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִשְׁתִּ/י֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִיכַ֔ל
Mîykâl
H4324
"Merab"
N-proper
Michal, the daughter of King Saul, was married to David and is an important figure in the Bible. Her name is also spelled Merab, and she is mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:49. Michal's story is significant in the context of David's rise to power.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.49; daughter of: Saul (H7586G) and Ahinoam (H0293); married to Adriel (H5741); sister of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444) and Michal (H4324); half-brother of: Ish-bosheth (H0378), Armoni (H0764) and Mephibosheth (H4648H) Another spelling of me.rav (מֵרָב "Merab" H4764) § Michal = "who is like God" daughter of king Saul, sister of Jonathan, wife of king David, and mother of five; given to David as wife for the bride price of 100 Philistine foreskins; while still married to David, her father gave her in marriage to another, Phaltiel; at the death of Saul, David forced her to return
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Michal. See also: 1 Samuel 14:49; 1 Samuel 25:44; 1 Chronicles 15:29.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵרַ֣שְׂתִּי
ʼâras
H781
"to betroth"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to promise marriage, like when a man and woman get engaged. It is used in Deuteronomy 20:7 to describe a man who has recently gotten engaged. This word is about making a commitment to marry someone.
Definition: 1) to betroth, engage 1a) (Piel) to betroth (man or woman) 1b) (Pual) to be betrothed
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: betroth, espouse. See also: Exodus 22:15; Deuteronomy 22:28; Hosea 2:22.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מֵאָ֖ה
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Prep | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
עָרְל֥וֹת
ʻorlâh
H6190
"foreskin"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for foreskin, referring to being uncircumcised. It appears in various Bible translations as foreskin or uncircumcised, emphasizing the physical and spiritual significance of circumcision in the Bible.
Definition: foreskin, uncircumcised
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: foreskin, [phrase] uncircumcised. See also: Genesis 17:11; Leviticus 19:23; Jeremiah 4:4.
פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 3:14
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- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:14
Context — Abner Joins David
12Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.”
13“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.”
14Then 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.”
15So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. 16Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:27 | David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:25 | Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 2:10 | Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. |
2 Samuel 3:14 Summary
This verse shows that David wanted his wife Michal back, and he reminded Ish-bosheth that he had paid a high price for her, giving a hundred Philistine foreskins as mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:25-27. David's action here demonstrates his love for Michal and his desire to have her back, similar to how God loves and desires a relationship with us, as seen in John 3:16. It also highlights David's confidence in his position as a leader, trusting in God's plan for his life, just as we can trust in God's plan for ours, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. By looking at David's example, we can learn about the importance of commitment, love, and trust in our relationships and in our walk with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David demand Michal back from Ish-bosheth?
David demanded Michal back because she was his wife, and he had paid a high price for her, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:25-27, where he gave a hundred Philistine foreskins as a dowry for her hand in marriage, and now as stated in 2 Samuel 3:14, he is asking for her return.
What does this reveal about David's character?
This reveals that David valued his marriage and his family ties, as seen in his insistence on having Michal back, and also shows his confidence in his position as he makes demands to Ish-bosheth, reflecting a sense of authority and leadership, similar to his trust in God as mentioned in Psalms 23:4.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of the narrative of David's rise to power and his efforts to unify Israel under his rule, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:1-7 and 2 Samuel 5:1-12, where he becomes king over all Israel, and this specific demand for Michal shows his attention to personal and family matters amidst his political maneuvers.
What does the mention of a hundred Philistine foreskins signify?
The mention of a hundred Philistine foreskins signifies the price David paid for Michal, which was a significant act of bravery and a demonstration of his love for her, as described in 1 Samuel 18:25-27, and serves as a reminder of his commitment to their marriage and his desire to have her back by his side as stated in 2 Samuel 3:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking to reclaim or restore something that is rightfully mine, and how can I approach this situation with faith and patience, like David?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment and love to my family and loved ones, just as David showed his commitment to Michal?
- How do I balance my personal life and relationships with my responsibilities and duties, as David did in his pursuit of uniting Israel and his personal request for Michal?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of perseverance and standing up for what is rightfully mine, as seen in David's actions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:14
And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son,.... When Abner's messengers returned to him, and acquainted him with the condition of David's entering into a league with him, it is highly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 3:14
And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:14
Ish-bosheth’ s consent was necessary, both to take her away from her present husband, and to persuade her to return to David. Hereby David opened to him also a door of hope for his reconciliation, lest being desperate he should hinder Abner in his present design. My wife Michal; who, though she was taken from me by force, and constrained to marry another, , yet is indeed my rightful wife. Her David demands, partly, for the affection he formerly had and still retained to her; partly, to deliver her from the sin and reproach of adultery with another man, who was not in truth and justice her husband, though he was so called and accounted; and partly, upon a politic consideration, that she might strengthen his right and title to the kingdom.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:14
2 Samuel 3:14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul’ s son, saying, Deliver [me] my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.Ver. 14. For a hundred foreskins.] He might have said two hundred; but he thought better to speak with the least. In maxima sui mole se minimum ostendunt stellae.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:14
(14) To Ish-bosheth.—The demand is made upon the de facto king that all may be done legally, and David may not appear to be reclaiming his wife by force. At the same time, Ish-bosheth is thus compelled to acknowledge the wrong done to David and his inability to refuse his demand. It appears from 2 Samuel 3:16 that Abner was employed to execute the command, and, in fact, the whole matter was really determined by him, the king being merely the official and legal instrument. An hundred foreskins.—David had actually delivered to Saul as her dowry two hundred, but only one hundred had been required (1 Samuel 18:25; 1 Samuel 18:27), and therefore only that number is mentioned.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:14
Verse 14. Deliver me my wife] It is supposed that he meant to screen Abner; and to prevent that violence which he might have used in carrying off Michal.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 3:14
14. David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth] The acceptance of the condition by Abner is implied, but the formal demand was made from Ish-bosheth, who was powerless to resist the will of his master. Thus the restoration of Michal took place openly as a public act of justice; it clearly exhibited the strength of David and the weakness of Ish-bosheth; it gave Abner opportunity to go to Hebron as Michal’s escort, and mature his plans for deposing Ish-bosheth. which I espoused, &c.] Saul proposed the slaughter of an hundred Philistines as the price of Michal’s hand in lieu of dowry: David paid him double (1 Samuel 18:25; 1 Samuel 18:27).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 3:14
Sent messengers to Ish-bosheth - Not to Abner, for the league between David and Abner was a profound secret, but to Ish-bosheth who, David knew, must act, feeble as he was, at Abner’s dictation.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:14
14. David sent… to Ishbosheth — For the settlement of this matter properly belonged to him who assumed to be Saul’s successor.