Bible Dictionary
Adriel
Adriel was the son of Barzillai and husband of Merab, Saul’s daughter. His five sons were among those handed over to the Gibeonites.
Definition
Adriel was the son of Barzillai the Meholathite and the husband of Merab, Saul’s daughter. Saul gave Merab to Adriel, although she had previously been promised to David. Adriel and Merab had five sons.
Biblical Usage
Adriel’s five sons were among the descendants of Saul whom David handed over to the Gibeonites. The reference to Michal in the parallel passage is understood either as describing her care for them or as a textual variation for Merab.
Historical Background
The name appears to be Aramaic and is regarded as equivalent to the Hebrew name Azriel.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Flock of God, the son of Barzillai, the Meholathite, to whom Saul gave in marriage his daughter Merab (1 Sam. 18:19). The five sons that sprang from this union were put to death by the Gibeonites (2 Sam. 21:8, 9. Here it is said that Michal “brought up” [R.V., “bare”] these five sons, either that she treated them as if she had been their own mother, or that for “Michal” we should read “Merab,” as in 1 Sam. 18:19).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(flock of God), son of Barzillai, to whom Saul gave his daughter Merab, although he had previously promised her to David. (1 Samuel 18:19) (B.C. about 1062.) His five sons were amongst the seven descendants of Saul whom David surrendered to the Gibeonites. (2 Samuel 21:8)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-dri-el (`adhri'el, "my help is God"): The son of Barzillai the Meholathite, to whom Merab the daughter of King Saul was married when she should have been given to David (1Sa 18:19; 2Sa 21:8). "Michal" in 2Sa 21:8 is a textual error easily accounted for Adriel and Merab had five sons, whom David handed over to the blood vengeance of the men of Gibeon. The name Adriel seems to be Aramaic, the equivalent of the Hebrew name Azriel.</p>