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2 Samuel 3:13

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 3:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee; but one thing I require of thee: that is, thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal, Saul`s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee; but one thing I require of thee: that is, thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal, Saul`s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
2 Samuel 3:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.
11And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying [also], Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
13And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee; but one thing I require of thee: that is, thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal, Saul`s daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
14And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul`s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to me for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
15And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish.
16And her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return: and he returned.
← 2 Samuel 3:122 Samuel 3:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said, well, I will make a league with thee, etc.] He accepted of the offer, he was ready and willing to enter into a covenant of friendship with him, and forgive all past offences: but one thing I require of thee; as the condition of this covenant: that is, thou shall not see my face; be admitted into my presence, or have any mark of my favour and respect: except thou first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face; he insisted on it that Michal, Saul’s daughter, and his wife, should be brought along with him, and presented to him; this was the preliminary to the league and covenant; if this was not complied with, the proposal would not be attended to. This shows…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“David’s motive in requiring the restitution of Michal was partly his affection for her, and his memory of her love for him; partly the wish to wipe out the affront put upon him in taking away his wife, by obtaining her return; and partly, also, a politic consideration of the effect on Saul’s partisans of a daughter of Saul being David’s queen. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:13 Saul had given his daughter Michal to David as his wife (1 Sam 18:20-27). However, when Michal saved David’s life from her father (1 Sam 19:11-17), Saul terminated the marriage and gave Michal to another man, Palti (1 Sam 25:44). For David to get her back now would further cement his claim to Saul’s kingdom (cp. 1 Kgs 2:13-25).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that is: Heb. saying Thou shalt: Gen 43:3, Gen 44:23, Gen 44:26 except: As Michal was not divorced, but violently separated from David, he had a legal right to demand her, and was justified in receiving her again. It is probable, also, that her marriage with Phaltiel was a force upon her inclinations; and whatever affections he might have for her, it was highly criminal for him to take another man's wife. David required Michal probably both out of affection for her, and to strengthen his interest, by asserting his affinity with the house of Saul. Michal: Sa2 3:20-23; Sa1 18:20-28, Sa1 19:11-17; Ch1 15:29 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:14”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification