Lexical Summary mikal: brook Original Word: מִיכָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brook From yakol; properly, a container, i.e. A streamlet -- brook. see HEBREW yakol NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a brook, stream NASB Translation brook (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִיכָל] noun [masculine] brook, stream (?) (dubious word, compare Dron the passage HPS), construct מִיכַל הַמָּ֑יִם 2 Samuel 17:20. Topical Lexicon Canonical Occurrence 2 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 (compare Psalm 18:16–19). Intertextual Connections Though מִיכָל itself is unique, brooks figure prominently in Scripture: 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 mîḵalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 17:20 HEB: הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה עָבְר֖וּ מִיכַ֣ל הַמָּ֑יִם וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙ NAS: to them, They have crossed the brook of water. KJV: unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. INT: to the woman have crossed the brook of water searched |