1 Samuel 18:20
ESV
Now Saul 's daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
NIV
Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased.
NASB
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. When they informed Saul, the thing was pleasing to him.
CSB
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him.
NLT
In the meantime, Saul’s daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it.
KJV
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
NKJV
Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
What does 1 Samuel 18:20 mean?
David has refused to marry Saul's oldest daughter, Merab, because he thinks himself and his clan unworthy to become joined to the royal line of Israel (1 Samuel 18:17–18). Saul hoped David would agree to the marriage, making him more easily controlled by the king and compelled to continue to fight the Philistines. Saul wants David dead. His secret strategy is to allow the Philistines to kill David so he wouldn't have to do it himself (1 Samuel 18:17).Now Saul learns that another of his daughters, Michal, sincerely loves David. Most marriages during this time—and throughout human history—were arranged by the families. The first objective of royal marriages was often whatever benefit an alliance between clans might provide. If the couple happened to like each other, so much the better.
Saul is pleased to hear that Michal has feelings for David. Saul thinks David will be more likely to marry someone who loves him. Then Saul can use his daughter to bait David to continue fighting the Philistines and hopefully die. Saul's true heart is revealed in his complete disregard for the well-being of his daughter. He cynically exploits her love, her position, and her femininity while also plotting to make her a widow as soon as possible.
The fact that Saul's own children, Michal and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1–4), love David and are eager to express loyalty to him only drives Saul into deeper resentment. Their devotion toward David makes Saul's dynasty even more fragile (1 Samuel 19:17; 20:30–31).
