Lexical Summary
mikal: brook
Original Word:מִיכָל
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:miykal
Pronunciation:mee-KAHL
Phonetic Spelling:(me-kawl')
KJV: brook
NASB:brook
Word Origin:[fromH3201 (יָכוֹל יָכוֹל - able)]
1. (properly) a container, i.e. a streamlet
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
brook
Fromyakol; properly, a container, i.e. A streamlet -- brook.
see HEBREWyakol
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitiona brook, stream
NASB Translationbrook (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] (?) (dubious word, compare Dr
on the passage HPS), construct
2 Samuel 17:20.
Topical Lexicon
Canonical Occurrence2 Samuel 17:20 records the sole appearance of מִיכָל, rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as “brook.” “The woman answered, ‘They have crossed over the brook of water.’ ” The word designates a natural watercourse or channel.
Narrative Context
The single reference occurs during Absalom’s rebellion when Jonathan and Ahimaaz carry intelligence to King David. Pursued by Absalom’s agents, the two men hide in a well at Bahurim. The homeowner’s wife misdirects the pursuers by claiming the messengers have already passed beyond the nearby מִיכָל. Her statement persuades Absalom’s servants to abandon the search, preserving David’s network (2 Samuel 17:15–21). The brook thereby functions as a geographical marker that undergirds the woman’s ruse and secures the safety of the Lord’s anointed king.
Geographical and Historical Significance
While the exact location of this channel is uncertain, its mention implies a seasonal ravine or small wadi common in the Judean hill country. Such brooks swell in the rainy months and dry up in summer, a feature Absalom’s men would understand. The woman’s appeal to a plausible escape route enhances the credibility of her account and highlights her shrewdness.
Theological Themes
1. Divine Providence: The understated reference to a brook frames God’s hidden guidance. The channel’s assumed accessibility lends realism to the woman’s claim, yet behind that natural detail stands the sovereign hand preserving David’s line (comparePsalm 18:16–19).
2. Wisdom and Courage: Her quick thinking demonstrates the value of righteous cunning in service to God’s purposes, echoing similar deliverances by Rahab (Joshua 2:4–6) and the Hebrew midwives (Exodus 1:15–20).
3. Subtlety of Deliverance: Scripture often depicts salvation through ordinary means—potsherds, slings, or in this case a simple brook—showing that God’s strength is perfected in apparent weakness (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
Intertextual Connections
Though מִיכָל itself is unique, brooks figure prominently in Scripture:
• Gideon’s men lap water at the brook before battle (Judges 7:5–7).
• Elijah is sustained at the Brook Kerith (1 Kings 17:3–6).
• Streams symbolize divine refreshment (Psalm 42:1;Isaiah 32:2).
These parallels invite reflection on God’s provision in times of crisis.
Ministry Application
Believers facing spiritual opposition may draw comfort from the episode. The woman’s strategic word about a brook illustrates that God can turn commonplace realities into instruments of protection. Ministries devoted to intercession and encouragement can highlight this account to remind saints that no detail is too small for God’s redemptive plan.
Forms and Transliterations
מִיכַ֣ל מיכל mî·ḵal miChal mîḵal
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