Keraia
2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:14

Abner Joins David · 2 Samuel 3:6–21
Read 2 Samuel 3

Translations

Modern
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”
Traditional
And David sent messengers to Ish–bosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
Literal
And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, saying, “Give to me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
Latin
Misit autem David nuntios ad Isboseth filium Saul, dicens: Redde uxorem meam Michol, quam despondi mihi centum præputiis Philisthiim.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

Notes

2 Samuel 3:14

a hundred Philistine foreskins: Saul hoped that David would be killed while trying to pay the bride-price (the gift a man gave to a woman’s family before marriage; see 1 Samuel 18:17–27).

2 Samuel 3:1–39

The house of David (David’s family line and those loyal to his rule) grew stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker. A key turning point came when Abner, who held the real political power among Saul’s followers, changed his loyalty to David. When Abner did this, many of his relatives from the northern tribes followed him.

Theme notes and profiles

Abner David Joab Michal

Events

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Ish-bosheth: Son of Saul, king over Israel Michal: Daughter of Saul; wife of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Places

Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Abner Circumcision David Family Life and Relations Ishbosheth Joab Marriage, Marriage Customs Michal Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Alienation of, from the House of Saul Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth David: King of Israel: Demands the Restoration of Michal, his Wife Ish-Bosheth: Restores Michal (David's First Wife) to David Marriage: David Gave One Hundred Philistine Foreskins for a Wife Michal: David Recovers, to Himself Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth