Except thou first bring Michal. — David consents to negotiate with Abner only on condition of the previous restoration of his lawful wife. Besides the justice of this demand (Michal having been wrongfully taken from him by Saul), and besides all question of affection towards one who had loved him and saved his life (1 Samuel 18:20; 1 Samuel 19:11-17), there were political reasons of importance for the demand. The demand itself showed to all Israel that he bore no malice against the house of Saul, and the restoration would again constitute him Saul’s son-in-law, and thus further his claims to the throne; while it also showed publicly that he was in a condition to enforce his rights as against the house of Saul.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 3:13
2 Samuel 3:13
13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is,b Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.