Older of Saul's two daughters (Michal is the younger) (2 Sam 14:49). Offered to David as a wife, David turned the king's offer down as too great an honour.
When David grew in success and popularity among the people after his defeat of Goliath, Saul became concerned. Hoping to 'buy' off David's loyalty, he offered Merab to David as wife. David, however, considered the honour too heavy for him and turned down the proposal (1 Sam 18:17-19; when it was reported that Michal was in love with David, Saul offered her to him; a second offer from a king which could not easily be refused (1 Sam 18:20ff.)). As a result Merab was given in marriage to Adriel instead.
Merab bore Adriel five sons. The sons are not named but all of them met with dreadful deaths. With a three-year famine still running, David sought the Lord on the matter and was told that it was on account of Saul's unlawful attempt at annihilating the Gibeonites (the OT provides not detail on this attack on the Gibeonites). When asked what he could do to atone for the sin, the Gibeonites asked David to "let seven of his male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul—the Lord's chosen one" (2 Sam 21:6). David agreed and Merab's five sons were among the victims (v8). Merab's response to her terrible ordeal is not recorded. The account is silent about Adriel; possibly he may already be dead. Her name means "increase" or "become great," but Merab was one of the most bereaved women in the OT.
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