Eglah (Hebrew: ‘Eḡlāh), whose name means “heifer,” was one of the wives of King David during his formative years of reigning in Hebron. While she is mentioned briefly in the genealogical records, her inclusion is significant in establishing the legal and royal household of the Davidic dynasty.
1. The Wife of David at Hebron
Eglah is listed as one of the six wives who bore sons to David while he was king over Judah in Hebron, before he captured Jerusalem and became king over all Israel. In the scriptural lists, she is specifically distinguished by the title “David’s wife,” a designation that some commentators believe emphasizes her high standing or perhaps her long-standing loyalty to him.
- The Record in Samuel: > “And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.” (2 Samuel 3:5, KJV)
- The Record in Chronicles: > “The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.” (1 Chronicles 3:3, KJV)
2. Mother of Ithream
Eglah was the mother of David’s sixth son, Ithream. Although Ithream does not feature prominently in the later narratives of the struggle for the throne (unlike his half-brothers Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah), he remained a recognized prince of the royal line, and his mother’s name was preserved to ensure the integrity of the family record.
Historical & Traditional Contexts
Because of the specific phrase “David’s wife” used next to her name in the lists, several ancient traditions have sought to further identify her:
- The Identity of Michal: Ancient Jewish tradition (preserved in the Midrash and noted by Jerome) suggests that “Eglah” was actually a secondary name or “pet name” for Michal, the daughter of Saul. Proponents of this view argue that Eglah (meaning heifer) was a term of endearment, and that she was called “David’s wife” because she was his first and most prominent spouse.
- The Scriptural Distinction: Despite these traditions, the plain reading of the King James Version and the structure of the genealogies generally present Eglah as a distinct individual. The Bible distinguishes Michal’s childlessness elsewhere (2 Samuel 6:23), which leads most scholars to view Eglah as a separate wife taken during the Hebron years.
Why She Matters
Eglah’s presence in the Word of God serves as a testimony to the Sovereignty of God in building the house of David. Every name recorded in these genealogies validates the historical reality of the Messianic line. Eglah represents the quiet, yet essential, members of the covenant family whose primary role was the preservation of the royal seed.