Michal

by Jill Eileen Smith

  David’s heart warmed with sudden compassion. How hard it must be for her to live among so many women with children. He must remember to make it up to her somehow. “Until then, my love.”

  “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard.”

  David’s fingers strummed the strings of his lyre, the song springing gratefully from his lips. Hours after the last tribal elder had returned to his tent, the spicy scent of cinnamon still clung to him from the oil permeating his hair and beard. It had been a good coronation day.

  “They are still singing that song throughout the city,” Benaiah said, taking a seat opposite the king in the cozy receiving chamber kept for David’s private use. “You’ve won the hearts of the people with peace, my lord.”

  David placed the lyre in his lap and lifted his head. A handful of his counselors remained after the day’s festivities, as if none of them wanted to see it end.

  “There was a time when I never thought this day would come.” David leaned back on his gilded couch and accepted a goblet of wine from a Cherethite servant, a defector from the Philistines.

  “Even when you were among our people, we could tell you were called to greatness, my lord. Your God has surely brought this to pass.” The speaker, Ittai the Gittite, had followed David seven years before when he left the protection of the king of Gath. His six hundred men now served David as mercenaries.

  “Thank you, Ittai. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is good.” He sipped the chilled, tart liquid and sighed. “Peace at last.”

  “I’m not sure we can claim that for long, my lord.” Hushai spoke up from a far corner of the room. He moved closer and perched on a low couch. “Despite the joy in Israel, there are rumors of discontent between the tribes. It seems that Israel wants to argue with Judah over who has more claim to you.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” Benaiah said, crossing one ankle over the other. “Judah crowned him king first, and they share his blood. What claim do the other tribes have at all except that they come from Jacob’s loins? They followed Saul’s house all these years.”

  “Too true, but some don’t see it that way. And truly, my lord,” Hushai said, turning from Benaiah to David, “they have a point. Israel includes all twelve tribes, and if you are to be king, you must be king equally of them all.”

  David ran one finger around the rim of his silver cup. “I agree completely, Hushai. What do you suggest?” He glanced around the room at the handful of men. Joab and Abishai were conspicuously absent, since they had fallen out of his favor. A new counselor, Ahithophel the Gilonite, had offered his services when the elders came together to proclaim David king. “And what do you think, Ahithophel?”

  Ahithophel nodded toward Hushai. “After you.”

  Hushai’s thick face flushed, and he folded his hands in his lap. These counselors weren’t likely to see eye to eye, but different viewpoints could be a good thing.

  “I think you need a plan to unite them—perhaps pick members from each of the tribal leaders to serve on the king’s court. Give them equal standing with the men from Judah who already serve you, my lord.”

  “That’s a start,” Ahithophel said, his silver hair gleaming in the light of twelve torches set around the room. “But I think the problem lies with the location of your headquarters, my lord. I think you need to leave Hebron and find a more neutral capital.”

  David set the goblet beside him and tented his fingers beneath his chin.

  “Where are we going to find something neutral?” Benaiah asked, his thick brows furrowed. “Every other city in Israel belongs to one tribe or another. If we leave Hebron for, say, Ephraim or some other tribal lands, the people of Judah will resent it.”

  “Benaiah’s right, my lord.” Hushai leaned forward in the chair, placing both hands on his knees. “Unless you go outside of Israel—”

  “That’s exactly what we’ll do.” David stood and walked to the window, looking out at the settled dusk. He whirled around and faced his men. “We will take Jerusalem, and I will build my palace there.”

  Silence followed the announcement.

  “Is there some problem, brothers?”

  Hushai shook his head. “They say Jerusalem is impenetrable, my lord. How will you scale those walls?”

  “I think it’s a grand idea,” Ahithophel said. “I’m sure our king will find a way.”

  “Our king needs men who can help him plan, not just give him untried assurances.” Benaiah scowled, but David ignored the guard’s concerns.

  “Hasn’t the Lord given us victory over all of our enemies?” David picked up the heavy pitcher of wine and walked about pouring the drink into each man’s chalice. “Jerusalem is His to give, and if He wants us to have it for Israel, He’ll show us a way to take it.”

  David filled his own cup last, then sat back on his couch and sipped, looking over his men. He was met by looks of embarrassment and astonishment.

  “What? Do you think your king is above serving you? I am your servant as well as your king. Drink a covenant to the future. For Israel.” David raised his cup, waiting until his men did the same, then took a long drink. “Tomorrow we will make plans to take Jerusalem.”

  Two weeks after David’s coronation, Michal strode through the public halls of his home and onto the large porch overlooking a walled outer courtyard. The king’s attendants filled the court, and banners from each tribe fluttered in the morning breeze. David stood on an elevated platform, arms raised to quiet the crowd.

  “Men of Israel, today we set out to take Jerusalem.”

  A cheer erupted from the thousands of soldiers spread out in the surrounding fields. David motioned for silence, and Michal stepped closer, curious. She’d heard the rumors, but who would lead such a charge? Joab had been barred from David’s inner circle, and Abner was dead.

  “Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites will be chief and captain.”

  David’s announcement startled Michal. By throwing it open to anyone, even Joab stood the chance of being reinstated to his former position. More commands followed David’s stunning words, until at last the throng broke into groups and the divisions moved away from the king’s home, David at their head.

  Michal leaned against one of the pillars of the porch, her mind whirling. If Joab took over as captain of David’s forces again, it would be a slap in the face to her family, to her tribe. How could he even suggest such a thing and possibly let that happen?

  Furious, she stomped from the courtyard and returned to her rooms. Something must be done. But there was nothing she could do.

  “The men are returning, my lady.” Keziah rushed into Michal’s private gardens, out of breath. “They’re coming up the path to the king’s gates. King David is leading the way.”

  Michal set her embroidery in a wicker basket beside the wooden bench where she loved to sit and pass the time. Her heart fluttered at the news, and she hurried to follow Keziah to the outer courtyard.

  “Do you know who the new commander is?” She hated relying so much on a servant for information, but even after months of living in the king’s harem, she had no friends among her equals, David’s other wives.

  “I haven’t heard, my lady.”

  Summer heat assaulted Michal as she stepped onto the covered porch and watched the fanfare of returning soldiers. Townspeople lined the street leading to the king’s home, much like they did on the road to Gibeah during her father’s reign. The only thing missing was that fateful song.

  She watched the entourage enter the court. Men shouted, and David’s children danced about. The other wives had joined them now, lined up for David’s greeting. Michal hung back, not caring to be lumped together with the rest. Instead, she scanned the crowd of men, searching for the object of her hatred. If Joab had taken the city and resumed command, he would be decked out with the commander’s insignia and following David’s numerous at
tendants.

  She spotted Benaiah faithfully guarding the king. She stepped from the shade into the sunlit court and walked over to the guard. “Benaiah, may I have a word with you, please?”

  The guard looked at her with a hint of surprise, then took a step closer, standing at attention. “What can I do for you, my lady?”

  “Please tell me who is commander of the army.” She held her breath, searching his large face.

  “Joab took the city by way of the water shaft. The king has reinstated him as commander of the hosts of Israel.”

  Michal stared beyond Benaiah, at last sighting Joab among the crowd. Even from a distance she didn’t miss the proud tilt to his chin or the haughty gleam in his eyes. She stumbled back a pace and felt a hand touch her arm.

  “Michal, my love, come join the other women.” David gripped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “We’ve taken Jerusalem! Come into the banquet hall and rejoice with us.” He searched her face, his brow knit in puzzlement.

  Shaken out of her momentary stupor, Michal looked into David’s eyes, frustrated with the joy she saw written there. Joab’s reinstatement did not bother him in the least. He was probably glad of it.

  “Why did you make Joab commander again?” She spoke softly, not wanting to ruin the day for him despite the fact that he had destroyed it for her.

  He gave her a curious look and released his grip on her arms. “He won the position fairly, Michal. There was nothing else I could do.”

  She turned to walk away from him, but he took hold of her hand and held her fast. “Don’t worry yourself about political affairs, Michal. You are trying to control something that is beyond your grasp.” He stepped closer and bent his head to hers. “Come, enjoy the feast, my love. This is a great day in Israel.”

  Michal nodded and sighed. “As you say, my lord.” Let him think she approved of his choices. It would do no good to anger him now. But she would never forgive him.

  33

  Five Years Later

  “There you are, my lord.” Benaiah stepped from the shadows and crossed the roof of David’s palace in Jerusalem, meeting David at the edge of the parapet. “Hushai and Ahithophel are here to see you.”

  David acknowledged the guard with a slight nod. “It’s a beautiful city, isn’t it, Benaiah?”

  “Yes, my lord—with this palace being the crowning jewel. The Most High has blessed you indeed.”

  David glanced at the faithful guard, one of his chosen mighty men. “Yes, He has.”

  David fell silent again as he looked out over the surrounding homes of his neighbors. The afternoon chatter of women working over cooking fires and scolding children mingled with the clatter of merchant carts and braying donkeys. Men returned from the fields or from selling their wares, signaling the end of another summer day.

  “So shall I send your counselors to the roof, my lord?”

  Shaken from his preoccupied thoughts, David turned away from the sight below him. “Yes, of course.”

  The guard walked over to the stairs and motioned to the two men. David walked over to greet them. “Come, my friends, join me in the pavilion.”

  The two men followed David into a half-enclosed tent, visibly open on one side. He took his seat in the center, among a pile of cushions on a padded, gilded couch.

  “What can I do for you?”

  Hushai took a seat opposite David while Ahithophel sat to his right.

  “There has been talk, my lord. It seems some of Saul’s grandsons are stirring up trouble in the tribe of Benjamin. I think Michal is fueling their efforts,” Ahithophel said, toying with the fringe of his robe.

  David drummed his fingers on the cushion at his side. “What proof do you have?”

  “Michal has been meeting with her nephews on a regular basis,” Hushai said, rubbing both hands across his knees. “I’ve heard the younger ones speak rebellious words when I happened to pass under her window.”

  “Spying on them, Hushai?” The situation wasn’t humorous at all, but the thought of his short, stocky friend playing the spy seemed amusing.

  “Only in your best interest, my lord.”

  “Well, I’ll thank you for that. Is the tribe of Benjamin riled up enough to cause a problem?” Would his kingdom ever know a measure of peace?

  “I don’t think it’s serious, my lord. But I do believe Michal will push to see her father’s house retain some control in your kingdom. You need to keep on your guard with her,” Ahithophel said.

  David’s fingers sifted the hair across his forehead. Wasn’t he always on guard with Michal? They hadn’t had a decent conversation since coming to Jerusalem, since Joab had resumed his place as commander. He barely knew her anymore.

  “So I take it you agree, Hushai? Based on what you’ve heard?”

  Hushai nodded. “Yes, my lord. I think they are a fire to be snuffed out before it is too late.”

  “I’ll deal with it then.” David leaned back against the cushions. “I have another matter to discuss with you.” The desire had niggled at the back of his mind for months. It was time to give it voice.

  “We are at your service, my lord,” Hushai said.

  David clasped both hands beneath his chin, studying the men.

  “Our nation has neglected the worship of the God of Israel since the days of Saul.” He watched Hushai nod vigorously and Ahithophel’s eyes soften. “I want to change this.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Ahithophel asked, crossing one leg over the other.

  “I want to bring the ark to Jerusalem. We could pitch a tent for it, like we did in the days of the judges, and offer sacrifices and worship the way Yahweh intended.”

  “But where is the ark, my lord?” Ahithophel asked. “We haven’t heard of it in years, not since the Philistines sent it back to Beth Shemesh on an oxcart.”

  “I believe it is in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath Jearim.” Hushai leaned forward. “They say the Lord has blessed the man for keeping it.”

  David’s heart soared, the thrill of a new pursuit raising his spirits to great heights of joy. “We will go after it then. We’ll gather all the men of Israel and bring the ark to us here with songs of worship.”

  “I’ll see about preparing a new cart for it to ride on,” Ahithophel said. “It would never do to use the cart from Philistine days, if it still exists. The ark of the Lord must ride on a newly constructed virgin cart, pulled by young oxen, never given to hard labor. We must give God our best if He is to bless us.”

  David felt the hairs raise on his arms. “Sound advice, Ahithophel. Get started at once.”

  “You wanted to see me, my lord?” Michal took a tentative step across the polished mud-brick roof to kneel at David’s feet. She touched her head to the cold stone and lifted it quickly once she felt his hand on her arm.

  “I want to talk with you, Michal.” David’s fingers traipsed down her arm to her hand and intertwined with hers. “Come to the parapet and look out over Jerusalem.”

  She allowed him to lead her. Keeping her attraction for David’s charismatic personality at bay was a struggle every time she was alone with him. She couldn’t allow him to woo her to forgive him or love him.

  Love cost too much.

  “Do you see the way God has blessed us since we moved here, my love?” He pointed to the surrounding homes and smiled.

  Michal let her gaze follow his finger from the bright blue sky to the whitewashed brick buildings sparkling in the blaze of the late afternoon sun. She glanced down at the area homes and spotted a young woman in her courtyard with long, braided, ebony hair bending her lithe body over a small herb mill, whistling like a bird. Michal’s eyes darted to David’s handsome face. Had he seen the girl?

  Sudden jealous thoughts rushed through her. If he brought her here just to show off his accessibility to beautiful women, he was wasting his time.

  “I can look down on you from this spot, beloved.” David tugged her gaze away from the young woman, apparently oblivious
to her. Michal looked over the rim to where he was pointing and spotted the lovely young Maacah and shy Abital with the doelike eyes walking about the courtyard.

  “And everyone else in your harem.”

  He stilled, then turned, leaning his back against the western parapet. “You dislike my privileged view.”

  She lifted her chin, averting her gaze from his all-too-alluring eyes. “It’s nothing special, unless you like looking at women.” She glanced at him, but she could not read his thoughts. Turning away from him, she strode into the tent-like pavilion in the center of the roof. Breathing in the scent of spikenard, she was taken aback by the plush comfort of the king’s hideaway.

  She took a seat on one of the cushioned couches and leaned her elbows against the pillows. The heady scents from the incense burner gave her a feeling of well-being. David stood in the wide opening where the flaps were pulled back to allow a magnificent view of the sky. He leaned one hand against the center tent post, watching her.

  “I see this meets with your approval.”

  Was she that readable? It irked her that he could perceive her thoughts while his own lay behind an impenetrable mask. Michal ran one finger over the embroidered threads on a pillow, then let her gaze skip across the interior of the tent. “Is this the kind of tent you lived in when you traveled in the wilderness?” What would it have been like to have been with him then?

  “It’s more costly, more comfortable, and roomier.” He walked over and sat beside her with only an arm’s width between them. “Similar though.”

  At his nearness, Michal’s breath grew shallow. She could feel the warmth of his body sitting so close. Too close. Why did he make her nervous?

  She studied the fig leaf pattern on the pillow. “Why did you want to see me, my lord?”

  David extended both legs and crossed his ankles. “Two reasons.”

  She was aware of his scrutinizing gaze but couldn’t bring herself to meet his dark, fathomless eyes. If she did, she might drown in their liquid depths. She might let herself feel the strength of him.