Less-known Women of the Bible

Michal

(Hebrew: )

Wife of David and daughter of Saul (1 Sam. 14:49). Michal exhibited unusual determination. She was childless, yet she raised five sons, probably her sister’s sons (2 Sam. 6:23; 2 Sam. 21:8). Her love for David is mentioned before mention is made of his love for her (1 Sam. 18:20); she withstood the wrath of her father in order to protect David (1 Sam. 19:11-17); she married another man and was returned to David (1 Sam. 25:44; 2 Sam. 3:14-16); and she reprimanded David for dancing partially unclothed before the servants (2 Sam. 6:16-23). Women can learn from Michal’s courage on one hand, and from her overstepping of bounds on the other. She is not characterized by her beauty, but by her cunning, wit, and determination. One thing is certain: she was not invisible. Neither should women be invisible. But they should be careful to be visible about the right things at the right time.