“David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed” 2 Samuel 3:14
When David returned to Judah after Saul’s death, a long war ensued between those loyal to David and those loyal to Saul. Eventually, David’s position became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.
Abner, military commander for the House of Saul, sent messengers to David to discuss a deal—to surrender the kingdom of Israel to him in exchange for becoming commander-in-chief of the combined armies of Israel and Judah. “All right,” David replied, “but I will not negotiate with you unless you bring me my wife Michal, Saul’s daughter.” So Ish-bosheth, Saul’s Son, took her away from her husband Palti. He followed along behind her, weeping as he went.
I’m guessing David had no clue who Palti was...nor did he care. Michal was his wife, whom Saul had taken from him and given to Palti. We know from 1 Samuel 18 that this was a marriage of love...not a political union...so when Saul broke it up I’m sure both Michal and David were devastated.
That was not Palti’s fault...
We’re not told Palti connived, in any way, to steal Michael away. More likely, Saul chose Palti on a whim to get at David. Even so, it’s clear that Palti loved Michal as well. I’ve counseled many married couples and it’s not common for a husband to cry at the prospect of losing his wife unless unless he truly loves her.
Palti wept...
I understand David’s claim to Michal...and his desire for her. We shouldn’t impute nefarious motives to either him..or Palti. I’m less sanguine about the actual legitimacy of David’s actions. After all, legally, Michal was bound to Palti. I’m reminded how we may often focus on what seems rightfully ours while remaining blissfully unaware of the chaos that may erupt if we successfully get it.
Chaplain Robert Taylor was captured in Bataan in 1941 and spent the entire war interred in a prisoner war camp. He survived the war only to discover, when he returned home, that his wife...believing he was dead...had remarried. I can only imagine the eruption of guilt, fear, anger and despair swirling on the hearts of three godly people. So...what did Chaplain Taylor do? He surrendered his most cherished earthly relationship, blessed his wife and humbly walked away.
Did he have to? I don’t know. I do know he demonstrated an uncommon grace that offered freedom for his former wife...and her new husband...to grow and heal from this unimaginable ordeal.
My question is direct. What are we demanding today...that we believe belongs to us even though we don’t possess it? Is it money? Is it a relationship? Is it property? Is it a job? Will we pursue it regardless of the cost to others? Or, will we gracefully defer our own desires for the sake of others? David was in the practice of asking God what he should do. In this case he chose not to and...Palti wept.
Remember what God could have demanded from us; our very lives...but didn't. Rather, He offered His Son's life in exchange for ours. We ought to emulate His mercy. God blessed Chaplain Taylor for his humility. He became the Chief of Air Force Chaplains and retired as a Major General.
Live boldly out there today...
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