Adriel the Son of Barzillai the Meholathite in Scripture
Adriel, the son of Barzillai the Meholathite, is mentioned in the biblical narrative as the husband of Merab, Saul's daughter, whom she was given in marriage after being initially promised to David (1 Samuel 18:19) [1, 3]. This union resulted in five sons, who were later executed by the Gibeonites during David's reign, as recorded in 2 Samuel 21:8-9 [4, 5].
The biblical account in 2 Samuel 21:8 refers to these five sons as being "of Michal, the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite". However, this passage presents a textual difficulty, as Michal is elsewhere stated to have been childless (2 Samuel 6:23). The discrepancy is resolved by recognizing that the text likely refers to Merab, Michal's sister, who was actually married to Adriel [1, 9]. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Merab was the one initially promised to David before being given to Adriel [3].
Barzillai, Adriel's father, is described as a Meholathite, distinguishing him from another Barzillai, a Gileadite who showed hospitality to David during his flight from Absalom [2, 6]. The name "Barzillai" means "my iron" or "strong", while "Adriel" means "flock of God" [8, 7].
The execution of Adriel's sons is seen as a fulfillment of Saul's violation of the Gibeonites' rights, which had been guaranteed by Joshua (Joshua 9:15-20) [9]. According to John Gill, the sons were put to death as a form of retribution for Saul's actions against the Gibeonites [9].
The biblical narrative highlights the complexities of family relationships and alliances during the tumultuous period of Saul's and David's reigns. Adriel's marriage to Merab and the subsequent fate of their sons serve as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of the actions of Israel's leaders [10].
The distinction between Barzillai the Meholathite and Barzillai the Gileadite is crucial in understanding the biblical account, as they are two separate individuals with different roles in the narrative [2, 10].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Adriel — Flock of God, the son of Barzillai, the Meholathite, to whom Saul gave in marriage his daughter Merab (1 Sam. 18:19). The five sons that sprang from this union were put to death by the Gibeonites (2 Sam. 21:8, 9. Here it is said that Michal "brought up" [R.V., "bare"] these five sons, either that she treated them as if she had been their own mother, or that for "Michal" we should read "Merab," as in 1 Sam. 18:19).”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Barzillai — Of iron. (1.) A Meholathite, the father of Adriel (2 Sam. 21:8). (2.) A Gileadite of Rogelim who was distinguished for his loyalty to David. He liberally provided for the king's followers (2 Sam. 17:27). David on his death-bed, remembering his kindness, commended Barzillai's children to the care of Solomon (1 Kings 2:7). (3.) A priest who married a daughter of the preceding (Ezra 2:61).”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Adriel — (flock of God), son of Barzillai, to whom Saul gave his daughter Merab, although he had previously promised her to David. (1 Samuel 18:19) (B.C. about 1062.) His five sons were amongst the seven descendants of Saul whom David surrendered to the Gibeonites. (2 Samuel 21:8)”
- II Samuel “II Samuel 21:8 (Webster) — But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Kings 21:8 — But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Barzillai — (iron, i.e., strong). + A wealthy Gileadite who showed hospitality to David when he fled form Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:27) (B.C. 1023.) He declined the king's offer of ending his days at court. (2 Samuel 19:32-39) + A Meholathite, whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul's daughter. (2 Samuel 21:8) (B.C. before 1062.) + Son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite. (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 7:63,64) (B.C. before 536.)”
- STEPBible TBESG “[H1271] H1271H = (H1271H) — A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.21.8; <br> father of: Adriel (H5741)<BR> § Barzillai = "my iron"<br>1) a Gileadite leader who helped David defeat Absalom's rebellion<br>2) a priest, son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite<br>3) an Israelite from Mahalath whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul's daughter”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Adriel — the flock of God”
- 2 Samuel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Samuel 21:8: But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah,.... Saul's concubine, Sa2 3:7, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; of whom we read nowhere else; after the name of the latter, it is probable, Jonathan's son was called, before mentioned: and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; Michal had no children to the day of her death, nor was she the wife of Adriel, but Merab her sister, Sa1 18:19; wherefore these sons were not whom she "bare", as the word used signifi”
- 2 Samuel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Samuel 21:8: 21:8 Armoni and Mephibosheth were Saul’s only two remaining sons. • Saul’s daughter Merab: See NLT note; the NLT follows the Greek here because Michal remained childless (6:22-23). Also, Merab was married to Adriel (1 Sam 18:19), whereas Michal’s other husband was Palti (2 Sam 3:15). • Barzillai from Meholah (cp. 1 Sam 18:19) should not be confused with Barzillai of Gilead (2 Sam 19:31).”