How does David's response in 2 Samuel 6:20 connect to humility in worship? Setting the Scene • The ark has just entered Jerusalem with uninhibited celebration (2 Samuel 6:14–19). • David “returned to bless his household” (v. 20a), eager to extend the joy of public worship into his own home. • Michal meets him with biting sarcasm, accusing him of acting beneath his royal dignity (v. 20b). David’s Immediate Response: A Heart to Bless • Notice what David does first: “returned to bless.” – He does not come home to boast about his leadership. – He seeks to speak good over his household, pointing their hearts to the LORD’s favor. • This posture reveals humility. Kings typically expected others to bless them, yet David assumes the role of servant-priest to his family. Connection Between Humility and Worship • Humility keeps the focus on God, not on personal image. – David’s earlier dance (v. 14) was “before the LORD,” not before the crowd. – His blessing at home is, again, “before the LORD,” reinforcing whose opinion truly matters. • Humility frees worship from self-conscious restraint. – Michal fixates on protocol; David is willing to look “even more contemptible” (v. 22) if that glorifies God. – True worship values God’s presence over human approval. • Humility overflows from public to private life. – David’s conduct in the streets matches his intent in the house. – Worship is not compartmentalized; the same surrendered heart guides both arenas. Lessons for Our Worship Today • Enter worship ready to “bless” others, not to be noticed. • Let God’s worth, not social expectation, set the boundaries of our expression. • Guard against pride that whispers, “What will people think?”—the question humility never asks. • Carry corporate worship home: honor family members, speak life, and keep a servant spirit. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 34:2 — “My soul will boast in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.” • 1 Peter 5:5 — “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” • John 3:30 — “He must increase; I must decrease.” In 2 Samuel 6:20, David’s instinct to bless rather than be blessed showcases the humble heart that unlocks authentic, God-centered worship. |
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