Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins.” 2 Samuel 3:14 NIV
Why are women always pawns in the schemes of men?
This was my question to the Lord after reading about King David asking for his first wife, Michal, back. Michal had been married off to another man for about a decade. He obviously loved her because he followed her weeping (v. 16). It is safe to assume that she would have preferred to stay with the man who loved her. David had at least six other wives by that time (vs. 2-5). So why did he need Michal back? It was a power play.
There is a similar incident earlier in the chapter where Abner, commander of Israel’s army, grabbed for power by taking the king’s father’s concubine (v.7). And David’s son, Absalom, does like wise. He marched into Jerusalem with an army to wrestle the throne from his own father. Absalom “went in to” his father’s concubines on the roof in the sight of all Israel. Why did he do such a disgusting thing? The scriptures say, “to show his strength.” (2 Sam. 16:21-22)
You can see why my heart was disturbed. These women seemed to have no vote about what happened to them in the power struggles of men. Hence my question to the Lord, “Why are women always pawns in the schemes of men?”
God answered my question with a simple, quiet statement, “He Who has the Bride is King.”
The tussle for power in the natural realm is a metaphor for the spiritual battle for our souls. The enemy is at war with Jesus for our hearts. Although the devil will never be king, he wants to be. He treats us like the women above, as pawns for power. With deception and lies, the enemy tries to derail us with addictions and sin. He strengthens himself by stealing those who would be the Bride of Christ, the Church.
King Jesus is the Bridegroom who gave His life to win back His bride. He continually pursues us and speaks kindly to us so that we will choose Him.
Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords; He is the Almighty God. He could demand us back from the enemy, just like King David did. But Jesus is not like earthly kings, who use others for their own gain. Jesus leaves the choice to us.
The Bridegroom’s death on the cross opened the way for us. He freed us from the power of the enemy. King Jesus empowered His bride with the ability to choose.
Spiritually, we only have two choices. We could continue being a pawn of the evil one. Or we could choose to respond to the wooing of the Lover of our Souls. Why would we not choose the only King Who doesn’t use us as pawns in His power play? Give King Jesus your “YES!” today.