Michal and David's Argument/2

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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.

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.