Question 1

Why did Michal, Saul’s daughter, love David in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Michal’s love for David grew out of what everyone could see in him. David was brave in battle, respected by the people, and clearly helped by God. Michal likely noticed his courage against Israel’s enemies and his good character at court. Her love becomes important in the story because it ties David to Saul’s family and, at the same time, gives Saul a new way to scheme against David. What begins as sincere affection in Michal is twisted by Saul for his own jealous plans.

Question 2

Why did Saul want Michal to be a snare to David?

Accepted Answer

Saul had grown jealous and afraid of David because he saw that God was with David and not with him. When he heard that Michal loved David, he did not respond as a caring father but as a threatened king. He thought that by giving Michal to David, he could pull David into danger, either through risky battles or complicated family problems. Saul hoped this marriage would help the Philistines kill David, so he tried to use something good, Michal’s love, for an evil purpose.

Question 3

What does David mean when he says he is a poor man and lightly esteemed?

Accepted Answer

When David calls himself a poor man and lightly esteemed, he is not pretending. He is saying he does not have the wealth or social standing that would normally be expected for someone to marry a king’s daughter. Becoming the king’s son-in-law was a big honor, not a small thing. David’s words show humility and a clear view of his background. He does not demand the marriage or act proud, even though he has already won great victories for Israel and is popular with the people.

Question 4

Why did Saul demand one hundred Philistine foreskins as a dowry from David?

Accepted Answer

Saul used the dowry request as a deadly trap. Instead of asking for money or gifts, he demanded proof that David had killed one hundred Philistines. This meant David would have to risk his life in direct combat against Israel’s enemies. Saul hoped that in trying to earn the right to marry Michal, David would be killed in battle and Saul’s problem would be solved without him lifting a hand. The demand was meant to look like honor for Israel, but it hid Saul’s hatred.

Question 5

Why did David kill two hundred Philistines instead of just one hundred?

Accepted Answer

David went beyond what Saul asked and killed two hundred Philistines, then brought back the full number of foreskins. This showed his courage, his skill in battle, and his zeal to serve Israel. It also left no doubt that he had fully met and more than met the king’s requirement. While Saul hoped David would die, God protected David and turned this mission into another step in David’s rise. David’s extra effort underlines both his bravery and his confidence that God was with him.

Question 6

What does it mean that Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David?

Accepted Answer

By this point, Saul could not deny what he was seeing. Every time he tried to trap David, David survived and grew in honor. Saul watched David succeed in dangerous battles, gain the people’s respect, and even win the love of his own daughter. All this showed that God’s favor rested on David. Instead of repenting and accepting God’s decision, Saul became more afraid and hardened his heart. He turned into David’s constant enemy, fighting against what God was clearly doing.

Question 7

Why did Saul become David’s enemy continually after this marriage?

Accepted Answer

After David married Michal and returned alive from the dangerous dowry task, Saul’s plan had clearly failed. Instead of losing honor, David gained even more, both in the royal family and in the eyes of the nation. Saul saw that he could not control or stop David’s rise because God was with David. This fed Saul’s jealousy and fear. Rather than letting go of his pride, Saul chose to treat David as a permanent enemy and kept looking for ways to destroy him.

Question 8

What is the meaning of David behaving himself more wisely than all Saul’s servants?

Accepted Answer

Saying that David behaved more wisely than all Saul’s servants points to how he carried himself in a very dangerous situation. He did not answer Saul’s hatred with rebellion or disrespect. He served faithfully, fought bravely, and acted with self-control, even while being used and plotted against. God’s presence helped David to choose wise actions and not be ruled by fear or anger. This steady, wise behavior made his name highly valued among the people and prepared the way for his future leadership.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s providence and human schemes?

Accepted Answer

This story shows that people can plan evil, but God’s purpose still stands. Saul used lies, flattery, and a deadly dowry to try to get rid of David, yet every plot ended up lifting David higher. Michal’s love, the dangerous dowry, and the battles with the Philistines all became steps in God’s plan to raise David. The passage reminds us that even when others act from envy or fear, God can turn their plans into good for those he helps and protects.

Question 10

How can believers today learn from David’s response to Saul’s jealousy?

Accepted Answer

Believers can see in David an example of how to live when treated unfairly. David did not repay evil with evil. He stayed humble, remembered where he came from, and kept serving faithfully, even under a leader who wanted him dead. He trusted that God saw the truth and would protect and honor him in God’s time. Today, when facing envy, false motives, or unfair treatment, we can choose integrity, courage, and patience, trusting God to guide the outcome rather than trying to force our own way.

1 Samuel 18:20

And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

David Marries Michal

David Marries Saul’s Daughter

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1 Samuel 18:20

And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

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David Marries Michal

David Marries Saul’s Daughter

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