A Great King Loves and is Loved

Jews have long been active in ritual mutilation of male reproductive organs. Some thought they had a "satanic thirst for human blood". The great King David brought these together.

GREAT PIETY

David was very pious. "David's piety was so great that his prayers were able to bring things from heaven down to earth". (Passover Haggadah, Vienna, 1823, Jewish Encyclopedia, http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=82&letter=D#260)

TENDER LOVE

When pious David was coming up, Saul was the king of the Jews. Saul's son fell deeply in love with David. (1 Samuel 18:1, Holy Bible) The son, Jonathan, and David got together. Jonathan stripped down (verse 2), and the love took its course. David got around, and had lovers all over the place in Israel.

Saul thought he could clip David's wings by getting him married to one of Saul's daughters. Then David would no longer be THE eligible bachelor -- well loved by both the straight and gay communities.

Michal, a daughter of Saul, fell deeply in love with David. Maybe this was based on Jonathan's recommendation.

ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED

David was interested, so the Jewish king set a dowry requirement of 100 Philistine foreskins.

This says so much about Jewish values. This noble Hebrew king was not greedy. Oh, no, he wasn't materialistic. Just get something for the royal stew.

Was "pious" David shocked by the request? Did he say, Oh, I can't do that! That would be too cruel!

EAGER TO SEAL THE DEAL

Not at all. David went out and killed 200 Philistines (twice the required number), and brought their complete sexual parts in to the king. (verse 27) Bet there was feasting going on that night!

After the ritual murder and mutilation of 200 Philistines, what did the Jews think of David?

Saul thought that David had a big blessing. And Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David all the more!