Bible Figure
Michal
daughter of Saul, king of the United Kingdom of Israel
Michal was Saul's daughter and David's first wife, whose relationship with David became entangled in Saul's hostility and later in conflict over David's public worship.
Biography
Michal loved David, and Saul offered her in marriage while hoping David would die obtaining the required bride-price from the Philistines. Michal later helped David escape Saul by lowering him through a window and deceiving the pursuers. Saul subsequently gave her to Palti, but David demanded her return when negotiating his kingship over Israel. When David later danced before the Lord as the ark entered Jerusalem, Michal despised him and rebuked what she regarded as undignified behavior. David defended his celebration before the Lord, and the account concludes that Michal had no child to the day of her death.
Biblical Significance
Michal's story reflects the personal costs of Saul's conflict with David and the tensions within David's household. Her final confrontation with David also contrasts concern for royal dignity with David's exuberant worship before the Lord.