1 Samuel 18:19
New International Version
So when the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

New Living Translation
So when the time came for Saul to give his daughter Merab in marriage to David, he gave her instead to Adriel, a man from Meholah.

English Standard Version
But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

Berean Standard Bible
So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

King James Bible
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

New King James Version
But it happened at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

New American Standard Bible
So it came about at the time that Merab, Saul’s daughter, was to be given to David, that she was given instead to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

NASB 1995
So it came about at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

NASB 1977
So it came about at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

Legacy Standard Bible
So it happened at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

Amplified Bible
But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was [instead] given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

Christian Standard Bible
When it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.

American Standard Version
But it came to pass at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

Contemporary English Version
But when the time came for David to marry Saul's daughter Merab, Saul told her to marry Adriel from the town of Meholah.

English Revised Version
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when the time came to give Saul's daughter Merab to David, she was married to Adriel from Meholah.

Good News Translation
But when the time came for Merab to be given to David, she was given instead to a man named Adriel from Meholah.

International Standard Version
And when the time came to give Saul's daughter Merab to David, she was given as a wife to Adriel of Meholah.

Majority Standard Bible
So when it was time to give Saul?s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

NET Bible
When the time came for Merab, Saul's daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah.

New Heart English Bible
But it happened at the time when Merob, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.

Webster's Bible Translation
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

World English Bible
But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, at the time of the giving of Merab daughter of Saul to David, that she has been given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, at the time of the giving of Merab daughter of Saul to David, that she hath been given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in the time of giving Merab, Saul's daughter, to David, and he gave her to Adriel, the Meholathite, for wife,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it came to pass at the time when Merob the daughter of Saul should have been given to David, that she was given to Hadriel the Molathite to wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it happened that, at the time when Merab, the daughter of Saul, was to be given to David, she was given to Adriel, the Meholathite, as wife.

New American Bible
But when the time came for Saul’s daughter Merob to be given to David, she was given as wife to Adriel the Meholathite instead.

New Revised Standard Version
But at the time when Saul’s daughter Merab should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But it came to pass at the time when Nadab, Saul's daughter should have been given to David, she was given to Azriel the Meholathite to wife.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was the time to give Nadab, daughter of Shaul, to David, and she was given to Azreil, who was of Mekhula, as a wife
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Marries Michal
18And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” 19So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. 20Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 25:44
But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

2 Samuel 3:14-16
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” / So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. / Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.

Judges 14:20
and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.

1 Samuel 17:25
Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”

1 Samuel 18:17
Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”

1 Samuel 18:21
“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”

1 Samuel 19:11-17
Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. ...

1 Samuel 25:39-42
On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ...

2 Samuel 6:20-23
When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” ...

2 Samuel 11:2-4
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. / So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” / Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.

2 Samuel 12:8
I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more.

1 Kings 2:22
King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

Matthew 1:18-19
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 22:2-14
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ ...

Luke 14:20
Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’


Treasury of Scripture

But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

Adriel

Judges 14:20
But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:

Meholathite

Judges 7:22
And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

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1 Samuel 18
1. Jonathan befriends David
5. Saul envies his praise
10. seeks to kill him in his fury
12. fears him for his good success
17. offers him his daughters for snare
23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law,
25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry
28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase














So when it was time
This phrase indicates a specific moment that had been anticipated or planned. In the Hebrew context, time often carries a sense of divine appointment or destiny. The timing here is significant as it reflects the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, even amidst human decisions and actions. The Hebrew word for "time" (עֵת, 'et) can imply an appointed time, suggesting that events are unfolding according to a divine schedule.

to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David
The giving of a daughter in marriage was a significant cultural practice in ancient Israel, often involving political alliances and familial honor. Saul's intention to give Merab to David was initially a reward for David's victory over Goliath, as seen earlier in 1 Samuel. This act was meant to solidify David's position within the royal family. However, it also reflects Saul's manipulative nature, as he later reneges on this promise. The Hebrew name "Merab" means "increase" or "abundance," which could symbolize the potential blessings and alliances that such a marriage could bring.

she was given in marriage
The phrase "given in marriage" reflects the transactional nature of marriages in ancient times, where daughters were often given by their fathers to form alliances or secure family interests. This act was not merely a personal union but a strategic move within the socio-political landscape of Israel. The Hebrew verb used here (נָתַן, natan) means "to give," emphasizing the father's authority and the formal nature of the marriage arrangement.

to Adriel of Meholah
Adriel, whose name means "flock of God," was from Meholah, a place associated with the Jordan Valley. This geographical reference situates the narrative within a real historical and cultural context, highlighting the interconnectedness of different tribes and regions in Israel. Adriel's marriage to Merab instead of David introduces a twist in the narrative, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the unforeseen turns in God's providential plan. Meholah is later mentioned as the hometown of Elisha the prophet, adding layers of historical and theological significance to the location.

(19) She was given unto Adriel.--Saul's capricious wavering nature, so painfully prominent in the last part of his reign, displayed itself in this sudden change of purpose. It may have been brought about owing to some great fit of jealousy of David; or possibly the large gifts in money or valuables offered by the wealthy Adriel for the princess's hand may have occasioned this arbitrary act of Saul. Such gifts to the father in return for the daughter's hand were customary. In the case of such a prize as the Princess Merab, the gift would doubtless have been very costly. David, who was comparatively a poor man, was of course unable to show such liberality; besides, the young hero looked, no doubt, upon the marriage as the fulfilment of the old promise to the victor in the combat with the giant. The marriage, however, of the daughter of King Saul and Adriel was consummated, and was disastrous in its consequences. They had five sons, and they fell victims to the blood revenge exacted by the Gibeonites from the family of Saul: the five hapless youths were "hanged" (we read in 2Samuel 21:9) "in the hill before the Lord." These three verses (17-19) are entirely omitted by the LXX., apparently because they failed to see any reason for Saul's sudden change of purpose.

Verse 19. - Merab... was given unto Adriel. A large dower was doubtless offered to Saul in return for his daughter, and, as he had never wished David to have her, he proved untrue to his word. For the unhappy death of the sons of Merab and Adriel see 2 Samuel 21:8.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So when it was
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

time
בְּעֵ֥ת (bə·‘êṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to give
תֵּ֛ת (têṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

Saul’s
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

daughter
בַּת־ (baṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

Merab
מֵרַ֥ב (mê·raḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4764: Merab

to David,
לְדָוִ֑ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

she
וְהִ֧יא (wə·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was given
נִתְּנָ֛ה (nit·tə·nāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

in marriage
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (lə·’iš·šāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

to Adriel
לְעַדְרִיאֵ֥ל (lə·‘aḏ·rî·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5741: Adriel -- 'my help is God', son-in-law of Saul

of Meholah.
הַמְּחֹלָתִ֖י (ham·mə·ḥō·lā·ṯî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4259: Meholathite -- inhabitants of Abel-meholah


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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:19 But it happened at the time when (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:18
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