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. 2 Samuel 6:16 (ESV)
During the days of Eli the priest the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant in battle. The ark was representative of God’s glory among his people Israel and was precious to them (Leviticus 16:2). Upon learning of its capture the daughter-in-law of Eli gave birth to a son and named him Ichabod, which means, “the glory has departed” (1 Samuel 4).
Wearied by the plagues that were brought on them by the ark’s presence, the Philistines decided to send the ark back to the Hebrews. When the ark arrived it was placed in the house of Abinadab (1 Samuel 5-7). When David became king of Israel he attempted to bring the ark to Jerusalem. His initial effort was halted when Uzzah was killed after putting out his hand to steady the ark on the cart by which it was being carried (2 Samuel 6).
For three months the ark stayed in the home of Obededom until David could inquire of the Lord as to the proper way for the ark to be transported. When the day finally came for the ark to be brought to Jerusalem David, the elders, the captains, the high priests and Levites joined with singers and musicians and formed a processional of worship (2 Samuel 6).
Having placed the ark in the tabernacle he had erected for it, David returned home to bless his household. He was greeted by his wife Michal who said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” Michal was proud of her royal status and was ashamed that, at least in her eyes, David had lowered the dignity of the crown by acting like a commoner. Her distain resulted in barrenness.
In response to Michal’s upbraiding David replied, It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor. (2 Samuel 6:21-22 ESV)
David was not concerned about what those watching him thought of his worship. He seemed to be more concerned about what God thought. David was shameless in the outward expressions of his passion for God. As worshipers we should be just as undignified as David in our outward expressions of worship. We may choose to express our worship in a different manner than David, but we should be willing to be shameless and unconcerned about what others choose to think of us.
Are you concerned about what others think of your outward expressions of worship? Are you willing to be shameless in your worship?
Scriptures for meditation:
Psalm 9:1; 103:1; 111:1
Matthew 10:33
Mark 12:30