Michal and David's Argument/2

Michal and David Argue

Exegetical Approaches

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Dispute Over Monarchic Behavior

Michal and David's dispute stemmed from differing attitudes towards kingship. Michal  put human honor above Divine glory and thus found David's behavior before the ark undignified and unbecoming of royalty.  Her outlook reflected that of the rejected House of Shaul, while David's opposing view merited him dynastic leadership.

Sources:Midrash Shemuel25About Midrash Shemuel, RadakShemuel II 6:16Shemuel II 6:20-23About R. David Kimchi, RalbagShemuel II 6:16Shemuel II 6:20Shemuel II Toalot 6:16About R. Levi b. Gershom, Abarbanel, MalbimShemuel II 6:16Shemuel II 6:20-23About R. Meir Leibush Weiser, M. Garsiel

וַתִּבֶז לוֹ בְּלִבָּהּ

אֲשֶׁר נִגְלָה הַיּוֹם לְעֵינֵי אַמְהוֹת עֲבָדָיו

Repetition of "לִפְנֵי י"י"

Michal bat Shaul

No children

Hanging of "Michal's children"

Evaluation of David

Anguish Regarding Marital Relations

Michal's outburst related to her personal, family life with David.  Seeing him dance with the maidservants highlighted to her the one-sidedness of their relationship.