How does Michal's attitude contrast with David's worship in 2 Samuel 6? Setting the Scene • The ark had been away from Jerusalem for decades. David longed to restore God’s throne to the center of national life (2 Samuel 6:1–5). • Verse 14: “And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, wearing a linen ephod.” • Verse 16: “As the ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out through the window and, seeing King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.” David’s Heart of Worship • God-centered: “before the LORD” appears repeatedly (vv. 14, 16, 21). • Humble attire: the simple linen ephod, not royal robes (cf. Philippians 2:5-7 for humility in status). • Whole-hearted joy: “with all his might” (v. 14). • Generous blessing: after the sacrifice, he distributes bread, meat, and raisin cakes to “the whole multitude” (v. 19). • Fearless dignity: “I will celebrate before the LORD, and I will be even more undignified than this” (vv. 21-22). • Parallel verse: Psalm 103:1, written by David—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Michal’s Critical Spirit • Outward focus: She fixates on royal decorum, not on God’s glory (v. 20). • Pride inherited: As Saul’s daughter she echoes her father’s concern for image (1 Samuel 15:30). • Contempt within: She “despised him in her heart” before she ever spoke (v. 16). • Sarcastic accusation: “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today” (v. 20). • Barrenness follows: “So Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.” (v. 23). Key Contrasts at a Glance • Orientation: God-focused worship vs. self-focused criticism. • Posture: Humble joy vs. prideful disdain. • Expression: Public celebration vs. private contempt. • Fruit: Blessing on David’s household vs. lifelong barrenness for Michal. • Scriptural echo: “The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Consequences of the Two Attitudes • David’s openness to God leads to national blessing, personal intimacy with the LORD, and continued covenant promises (2 Samuel 7). • Michal’s closed heart results in isolation and the end of Saul’s lineage—a sobering reminder that mocking sincere worship severs us from the life God gives. Wider Biblical Echoes • Mary of Bethany vs. Judas (John 12:1-8): extravagant devotion contrasted with critical calculation. • The younger son dancing vs. the elder brother’s resentment (Luke 15:25-32). • Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” David’s unreserved worship invites us to join the celebration; Michal’s story warns us against letting pride and appearance rob us of the joy and fruitfulness God desires. |
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