MPV Commentary

1. A long and intense conflict existed between the house of Saul and the house of David. Although the rival parties experienced varying degrees of success, David's influence continued to grow, primarily due to a growing recognition of him as the divinely appointed king.

2. In Hebron, six sons were born to David, each with a different mother.

3. Chileab, also known as Daniel (1 Chronicles 3:1), was one of these sons. His name means "his father's picture." Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur in Syria, north of Israel, was his mother. This marriage appears to have been a strategic alliance made by David to strengthen himself against Ish-bosheth's party, with the aid of a powerful friend and ally in the north. However, this union with a heathen prince ultimately led to the tumultuous life of Absalom.

5. Eglah is mentioned as David's wife, which has led some to believe that she might have been another name for Michal, his first wife. Although Michal had no children after her earlier ridicule of David (2 Samuel 6:23), it is possible that she may have had a child before this incident.