Palti פַּלְטִי
Michal's husband from Gallim
Who is Palti in the Bible?
Palti, also known as Paltiel, was the son of Laish from Gallim who became the husband of Michal, the daughter of King Saul and David's first wife (1 Samuel 25:44). After David fled from Saul's court, King Saul gave Michal to Palti in marriage as a way to separate her from David. When David eventually became king over Israel, he demanded Michal's return as part of a political settlement with Abner, Saul's military commander, forcing Palti to relinquish his wife (2 Samuel 3:12-16). According to the account, Palti followed Michal weeping as she was taken away until Abner ordered him to return (2 Samuel 3:16). Palti's story illustrates the personal casualties of political power struggles during the transition from Saul's dynasty to David's reign, showing how individuals caught between warring factions faced heartbreak and loss.
Biography
Palti, also known as Paltiel, was the son of Laish from Gallim (1Sa.25.44; 2Sa.3.15). He was married to Michal, the daughter of King Saul and the first wife of David. After David fled from Saul, Saul gave Michal to Palti in marriage (1Sa.25.44). However, when David became king over all Israel, he demanded that Michal be returned to him as part of a political agreement with Abner, the commander of Saul's army (2Sa.3.12-16). Palti was forced to relinquish his wife, and he followed her weeping as far as Bahurim before being sent back by Abner (2Sa.3.16). The story of Palti and Michal highlights the complex political and personal relationships during the transition of power from Saul to David and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the midst of these events.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Samuel 1 verse
- 1 Samuel 25:44
"But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim."
2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 3:15
"So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּלְטִי |
| Named | Hebrew | פַּלְטִיאֵל |
Palti
e Michal, David's wife, after the estrangement (1Sa 25:44). He is "the captain of the people" of 2 Esdras 5:16 ("Phaltiel," margin "Psaltiel"). In 2Sa 3:15, he is named "Phaltiel" (the King James Version), "Paltiel" (the Revised Version), and is there mentioned in connection with David's recovery of Michal.
(1) A prince of Isaachar (Nu 34:26).
(2) Same as PALTI, (2) (which see).
pal'-ti