The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
July 12, 2009
Vol. 12 no. 27

Everything But...
What does a feisty wife of King David have in common with the fiery preacher, John the Baptist?  Both confronted the powerful for their indiscretions, and they both faced severe consequences.

Michal was one of several wives of King David.  She was a daughter of Saul, the previous King, with whom David had had a stormy relationship.  For the details of her “purchase,” I would refer you to the gaps in the lectionary readings.  Some scenes may be disturbing to viewers.  In those days there was no “Charter of Rights and Freedoms” in the state of Israel, especially for women, who were the property of their fathers or husbands.  Their role was to bring pleasure to their lords.  Criticism was not in the job description.

When David brought the ark into Jerusalem it was an occasion for all-out celebration.  This accomplishment was equivalent to the repatriation of the Stone of Scone to Scotland.  David led in the celebrations, leaping and dancing at the forefront of the parade, clad in a linen ephod (slightly less exposed as depicted by Michelangelo).  Michal was horrified and upbraided him for his vulgar behaviour. David responded in kind, and Michal was deposed to the lowest rung of harem life.

John was no respecter of persons in his preaching.  The requirement was the same for all, REPENT!  Herod had violated Mosaic Law in marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias, and John had publically condemned the union.  Herod responded to John’s charge by incarcerating him in prison.  For a while John related to Herod as Billy Graham did to US presidents.  This did not suit Herodias, and opportunity knocked when Herod was enraptured by his stepdaughter’s dance and made a rash promise.

Mark inserts this tale as a flashback that follows Jesus’ sending his disciples out on a mission calling people to REPENT!  The fate of John was a continual reminder to them that “speaking the truth to power” has its risks.

Howard Hanson