But David said to Michal, "I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, But David said to MichalThis phrase introduces a pivotal moment of confrontation between David and Michal, Saul's daughter. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or a statement of intent. Here, David is not merely responding; he is asserting his position and devotion. Historically, Michal's disdain for David's exuberant worship reflects a deeper tension between the house of Saul and David, highlighting the transition of divine favor from Saul to David. I was dancing before the LORD
The act of "dancing" (מְשַׂחֵק, mesacheq) in Hebrew conveys a sense of joyful, uninhibited worship. David's dance is an expression of his heartfelt devotion and gratitude to God. In ancient Israel, such physical expressions of worship were common, signifying a deep, personal connection with the divine. David's dance is not for human approval but is an act of worship "before the LORD," emphasizing his focus on God rather than human judgment. who chose me over your father and all his house
This phrase underscores the divine election of David. The Hebrew word for "chose" (בָּחַר, bachar) indicates a deliberate selection by God. David's kingship is not a result of human ambition but of divine choice, contrasting with Saul's rejection. This choice signifies God's sovereign will and purpose, affirming David's legitimacy as king and God's unfolding plan for Israel. when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel
The term "appointed" (צִוָּה, tsavah) in Hebrew suggests a commissioning or ordination by God. David acknowledges that his authority as "ruler" (נָגִיד, nagid) is divinely sanctioned. This appointment is not merely political but spiritual, as David is to shepherd "the LORD’s people Israel," indicating a covenant relationship between God and His chosen nation. David's kingship is thus a fulfillment of God's promise and a testament to His faithfulness. I will celebrate before the LORD
The word "celebrate" (שָׂחַק, sachaq) conveys joy and festivity. David's declaration to "celebrate before the LORD" reaffirms his commitment to worship God with all his might, regardless of human opinion. This celebration is an act of worship, acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty. David's example inspires believers to prioritize divine approval over human criticism, encouraging a life of worship that is both joyful and sincere. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 2. MichalThe daughter of Saul and wife of David, who criticized David for his exuberant worship as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who chose David to be king over Israel. 4. The Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. 5. JerusalemThe city that David established as the capital of Israel and the central place of worship. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceDavid acknowledges that his position as king is due to God's sovereign choice, not human merit. This reminds us to recognize and submit to God's authority in our lives. Worship with AbandonDavid's uninhibited worship serves as a model for us to express our love and reverence for God without fear of human judgment. Prioritizing God's ApprovalDavid's response to Michal shows that pleasing God should take precedence over seeking approval from others, even those close to us. Joy in God's PresenceThe joy David experiences in God's presence is a reminder of the joy available to us when we live in close relationship with Him. Respect for Sacred ThingsThe event underscores the importance of respecting what is sacred and approaching God with reverence and awe. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Michal reflect his understanding of God's sovereignty in his life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own circumstances? 2. In what ways can we express our worship to God with the same freedom and joy that David demonstrated? 3. How can we prioritize God's approval over human approval in our daily decisions and actions? 4. What are some practical ways to cultivate joy in God's presence, especially during challenging times? 5. How does the account of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem challenge us to approach God with reverence and respect in our worship practices? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter describes how God chose David over Saul, highlighting the divine selection that David references in his response to Michal. 1 Chronicles 15Provides additional details about the event of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of proper worship and reverence for God. Psalm 150Encourages exuberant and joyful worship, similar to David's celebration before the LORD. People Abinadab, Ahio, David, Israelites, Michal, Obed, Obededom, Perez, Saul, UzzahPlaces Baale-judah, Geba, Jerusalem, Perez-uzzahTopics Anyone, Appoint, Appointed, Celebrate, Chose, Dancing, David, Fixed, Leader, Lord's, Merry, Michal, Play, Played, Playing, Prince, Rather, Ruler, Sons, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 6:21 1351 covenant, with David
5387 leisure, pastimes
5509 rulers 2 Samuel 6:1-23 7270 Zion, as a place 2 Samuel 6:16-23 5745 women 2 Samuel 6:20-22 5879 humiliation Library Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches on the Subject.
To set forth the present teaching of the Latin Church upon the subject of images and the cultus which is due them, I cite the decree of the Council of Trent and a passage from the Catechism set forth by the authority of the same synod. (Conc. Trid., Sess. xxv. December 3d and 4th, 1563. [Buckley's Trans.]) The holy synod enjoins on all bishops, and others sustaining the office and charge of teaching that, according to the usage of the Catholic and Apostolic Church received from the primitive times …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 6:21 NIV2 Samuel 6:21 NLT2 Samuel 6:21 ESV2 Samuel 6:21 NASB2 Samuel 6:21 KJV
2 Samuel 6:21 Commentaries
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