This chapter describes David bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the Ark of God) into Jerusalem, the city of David.
“And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn. As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.” (v14-16)
Michal, daughter of Saul and David’s first wife, sees him dancing around in public “uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself” (v20b) The text says she despised him in her heart.
We’re not sure why she despised him, since her stated reason was a little blown out of proportion (I don’t think David’s garment blowing around as he danced puts him on quite the same level of intent as someone who intentionally exposes themselves to another person).
There are many reasons Michal may have despised David – maybe she simply didn’t understand his joy and praise of the Lord, or maybe she’s a bitter person and doesn’t want others to be happy. Perhaps she was upset that her father’s royal lineage ended. Maybe she was upset that David married additional wives after her, who knows. We are simply told she despised David when she saw him dancing.
Have you ever experience such joy of the Lord that you were led to dance, sing, or worship in some way that others would have considered to be foolish? I have. My worship usually comes in the form of service – giving of my time, energy and resources to further a Kingdom cause. I will often give more than I should, to the point of near foolishness (note: this ‘daily devotional’ is one such act of service, and I receive nothing in return other than the joy of the Lord, which is all I need).
Have you ever been on the other side of the fence, confused or angered by someone whose exuberance for God just doesn’t seem to make sense? I have been there too, annoyed at someone’s joy when I’m in a season of sorrow, depression or anger.
Scripture indicates a source of joy: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rm 15:13) “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (Jn 16:24) It would seem that the joy of the Lord, comes from the Lord (it is also listed as the second fruit of the spirit).
I encourage us that if we wish to experience the joy of the Lord as David did, we are to spend time with the Lord, and grow in our relationship with Him. Since joy is a fruit of the Spirit, we need to be God-centered to fully experience that. What happens if we don’t focus on God? We end up with an absence of joy, such as bitterness, like Michal expressed. Let’s fully pursue a life drenched in the Spirit, so we may unashamedly ‘dance like David’ (or ‘worship foolishly’ in another way).
Father God, our Lord and King, holy and mighty is Your name. You have blessed us far greater than we could ever earn or deserve, and we praise Your name in thanksgiving. Thank you for teaching us joy, even in the midst of troubles. Your Spirit that lives within provides great joy when we are subservient to You. All honor and glory be to You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training