Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Samuel+003
CHAPTER 3 (ESV)
12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.” 13 And he 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.” 14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.
REFLECTION:
- Was it love or politics that led David to demand the return of Michal, the daughter of Saul? It’s very likely that politics played a part, for being the son-in-law of Saul would legitimate David’s claim of throne and eliminate the hostility among the northerners.
- In this political power struggle, Michal’s opinion was not asked, she was only a bargaining chip. On David’s demand she was taken away from her weeping second husband, Paltiel, and marched off to rejoin David. Michal has been used by her father (ref. 1 Sam 18:20-25). Here she was apparently used by David. It’s no wonder that later she became hardened and bitter.
- We need to be careful not to use others for our own ends. People are to be valued and not used and their interests are to be considered as well as our own. In my personal relationships, have I, knowingly or unknowingly, used those close to me and caused harm or pain to others? Or have I been used by others and am still defensive and hard?
PRAYER:
- Meditate on this verse: “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (1 Cor 10:24)” Have a conversation with God; listen to what God is telling me how to actually live out the essence of this verse. Tell God my response.
- Memorize this verse and meditate it throughout the day. At the end of the day, take an account and see whether this verse has affected any of the decisions I make. Give thanks to God or continue to ask for God’s help in actualizing this verse in my daily life.
HYMN:
Lord Give Me Light – youtu.be/3tWcS9RXkF4
