Issues with the In-laws!
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who have issues with their in-laws. In Jesus’ name.
King Saul was going to have David marry his daughter Merab, but before that happened she was given to someone else.
In 1 Samuel 18:20-23 (ESV) we learn Saul had another daughter, but Saul had ulterior motives.
“Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, ‘You shall now be my son-in-law.’ And Saul commanded his servants, ‘Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’ And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, ‘Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?’”
King Saul made it known that although David did not have the money to pay a bride-price, in exchange Saul would have David bring the evidence of the death of one hundred Philistines. David brought evidence of the death of two hundred Philistines, so it says in 1 Samuel 18:27 (ESV) “Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife.”
1 Samuel 18:28-30 (ESV) we learn David’s being Saul’s son-in-law did little to change Saul’s attitude toward David.
“But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually. Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.”
The Lord is with David. Saul promises David one of his daughters. That daughter is given to another. Saul’s other daughter loves and marries David. David’s reputation as a soldier grows. Saul becomes David’s enemy.
Most people do not face these kinds of issues with their in-laws. Do pray for marriages where relationships with in-laws are strained.
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