MPV Commentary

17. Saul offered David his elder daughter Merab in marriage, though he had previously promised her to him (1Sa 17:25). This was a new offer, intended to tempt David into providing additional proof of his bravery. However, Saul's pledge was broken when the time came for their marriage, and Merab was given to another man (2Sa 21:8), an indignity that deeply wounded David's feelings.

20. Meanwhile, Michal, Saul's daughter, had developed romantic feelings for David. When this became known to Saul, he saw it as a means to further his malicious purposes against David.

25. The king requested no dowry from David, indicating that he would accept some public service in lieu of payment. In ancient Eastern cultures, husbands typically purchased their wives with gifts or services. Since neither David nor his family could afford the customary dowry for a princess, Saul's proposal seemed generous at first glance. However, it was actually a clever ruse to entrap David.

26-27. The king proposed that David slay 100 Philistines as a condition of marrying Merab. This task was extremely difficult and hazardous, but David successfully completed it by killing 200 men (2Sa 21:8). By doubling the number, David demonstrated his respect for Michal and his willingness to please Saul.

29. Despite David's success in defeating the Philistines, Saul became even more afraid of him. This was because God had visibly favored David, not only sparing his life but also paving the way for him to become king through his royal alliance with Saul.