2 Samuel 6 describes the events surrounding the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem during the reign of King David. The Ark was a sacred symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. In this passage, David is celebrating and dancing before the Ark as it is brought into the city of David. His wife, Michal, observes his exuberant worship but criticizes him for what she sees as undignified behavior.
- Key Points:
David's Worship: David, as the king of Israel, leads a joyful procession as the Ark is brought to Jerusalem. He dances with all his might before the Lord, showing his deep reverence and joy for the presence of God.
Michal's Disapproval: Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, witnesses David's worship from a window. She is critical of his behavior, accusing him of acting shamelessly and without dignity.
David's Response: David defends his actions by explaining that he was worshiping before Yahweh, the God of Israel. He emphasizes that God had chosen him over her father, Saul, and his house to be the leader of Israel. David is unapologetic about his worship and vows to become even more humble in his own eyes.
- Significance:
Authentic Worship: The passage highlights the importance of authentic and heartfelt worship. David's actions demonstrate that worship should be a genuine expression of reverence and joy in the presence of God, even if it appears undignified to others.
God's Choice: David's response underscores the idea that God's choice and approval are more important than human opinions. He acknowledges that God had chosen him as the leader of Israel, emphasizing his divine appointment.
Humbling Oneself: David's willingness to become even more humble in his own sight reflects the biblical principle of humility before God. He is willing to set aside his royal dignity for the sake of worshiping God wholeheartedly.
- Application:
Authentic Worship: It encourages believers to engage in authentic worship that flows from the heart, regardless of how it may appear to others. Worship is about honoring God sincerely.
God's Choice: The passage reminds individuals that their worth and significance come from God's choice and approval, not from the opinions of others. Seeking to please God should be a priority.
Humility: David's example encourages humility before God. It's a reminder that in God's presence, human pride and dignity should take a back seat to heartfelt worship and obedience.
Cross-References:
Psalm 149:3: "Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!" This verse reflects the idea of joyful and expressive worship before the Lord.
1 Samuel 16:7: "But Yahweh said to Samuel, 'Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him. For Yahweh sees not as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.'" This verse reinforces the importance of God's perspective over outward appearances.
2 Samuel 6:20-22 showcases David's exuberant and authentic worship before the Ark of the Covenant. It illustrates the importance of worshiping God with all one's heart, regardless of how it may appear to others. David's response emphasizes God's choice, the priority of pleasing God, and the value of humility in worship.
2 Samuel 6:20-22. David returned to bless his household. Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious the king of Israel was today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” David said to Michal, “It was before Yahweh, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Yahweh, over Israel. Therefore I will celebrate before Yahweh. I will be yet more vile than this, and will be base in my own sight. But of the maids of whom you have spoken, they will honor me.”