“David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all
his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the
LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the LORD was entering
the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she
saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.”
(2 Samuel 6:14-16)
After becoming king over all of Israel, and capturing the city
of Jerusalem, David brought the ark into his new capitol and danced in
celebration with a heart full of joy. But his wife condemned him. She was
probably upset because she thought his dress and behavior weren’t becoming for
a king or simpily because, “the eyes of the maids of his servants”, were
watching.
However, David wasn’t dancing for her or the maid servants nor
Israel itself. He danced for the LORD. His worship came from the heart, full of
emotion, and completely submitted to God. He dressed in an the ephod not to
look unkingly, but to identify with the other worshippers. He cared more about
how he worshiped than about what he had on.
God’s people have always been subject to criticism, even by members
of their own church or family. People are often quick to criticize a well
meaning act of devotion as strange or in some cases, fannatical. Why? Because
man looks on the outside and does not see the heart. Michal judged David by his
outward actions and rebuked him, but God received David’s praise.
An excellent lesson for us all not to despise praise nor judge
those offering it.
The Truth
“Praise the Lord! I will praise the
Lord with my whole heart, In
the assembly of the upright and in
the congregation.” (Psalm 111:1)
