"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)
