And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

2 SAMUEL 3:13KJV
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2 Samuel 3:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 3:13 mean?

2 Samuel 3:13 records David telling Abner that he will agree to make a covenant with him, but only if Abner brings Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, when he comes to see David. David insists that seeing Michal again is a non-negotiable condition before any alliance can happen.

In this scene, David is speaking to Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, who has offered to help David become king over all Israel. David’s demand for Michal is significant because she was taken from him earlier and given to another man. By requiring her return, David is asserting both his personal rights and his political claim as Saul’s rightful successor.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 3:13

  • "league" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a formal agreement or covenant. David is not just making a casual deal, but a binding political alliance.
  • "require" (שָׁאַל, sha'al): This verb means to ask or demand. David is not making a suggestion—he is setting a firm condition.
  • "face" (פָּנִים, panim): Used twice here, this word means "face" or "presence." David says Abner cannot come into his presence unless Michal is brought, emphasizing the seriousness of his demand.

Why 2 Samuel 3:13 matters

  • This verse shows David’s careful negotiation and his insistence on restoring what was taken from him, which strengthens his legitimacy as king.
  • The demand for Michal is not only personal but also political, as her return would symbolize David’s connection to Saul’s royal line.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the complex relationships and power struggles in Israel’s transition from Saul’s rule to David’s kingship.

Where else these words appear

“Michal” Hebrew H4324 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
  • 1 Samuel 19:12 So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.
  • 2 Samuel 6:16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.