As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul's daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. As the ark of the LORDThe "ark of the LORD" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. In Hebrew, the word for "ark" is "aron," which signifies a chest or box. The Ark symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its return to the City of David marked a significant spiritual and national event, emphasizing the centrality of God's presence in the life of Israel. was entering the City of David
The "City of David" is another name for Jerusalem, specifically the ancient stronghold captured by David from the Jebusites. This phrase highlights the political and spiritual significance of Jerusalem as the center of Israelite worship and governance. David's bringing the Ark to Jerusalem signifies the unification of religious and political power under God's guidance. Michal daughter of Saul
Michal, the daughter of King Saul and wife of David, represents a complex relationship between the old and new dynasties. Her identity as "daughter of Saul" underscores the tension between Saul's fallen house and David's rising kingship. Michal's perspective is shaped by her lineage and personal history, which influences her reaction to David's actions. watched from a window
The act of watching "from a window" suggests a position of detachment and observation rather than participation. In biblical narratives, windows often symbolize a barrier between the observer and the event, indicating Michal's physical and emotional distance from the celebration. This separation foreshadows her critical response to David's worship. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD
David's "leaping and dancing" is an expression of exuberant worship and joy. The Hebrew words used here, "pazaz" (leaping) and "karar" (dancing), convey a sense of vigorous, uninhibited celebration. David's actions demonstrate his wholehearted devotion and humility before God, prioritizing worship over royal dignity. she despised him in her heart
The phrase "despised him in her heart" reveals Michal's internal contempt and judgment. The Hebrew word "bazah" (despised) indicates a deep disdain and lack of respect. This reaction contrasts sharply with David's joyful worship, highlighting a spiritual disconnect. Michal's disdain may stem from pride, misunderstanding of true worship, or lingering loyalty to her father's legacy. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his deep devotion to God. In this passage, he is celebrating the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. 2. MichalThe daughter of Saul and wife of David. She observes David's actions from a window and feels contempt for him. 3. The Ark of the LORDA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. Its return to Jerusalem is a significant event. 4. City of DavidAnother name for Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel during David's reign. 5. Despising in her heartMichal's internal reaction to David's public display of worship, indicating a spiritual and relational disconnect. Teaching Points The Heart of WorshipTrue worship is an expression of the heart. David's uninhibited worship reflects a heart fully devoted to God, while Michal's disdain reveals a heart disconnected from God. The Danger of PrideMichal's contempt may stem from pride or concern for appearances. Pride can hinder our ability to worship freely and genuinely. The Importance of God's PresenceThe Ark symbolizes God's presence. Celebrating His presence should be a priority in our lives, as it was for David. Relational DynamicsMichal's reaction highlights the impact of spiritual differences in relationships. It's crucial to seek unity in worship and spiritual priorities. Joy in the LordDavid's joy serves as a reminder that our relationship with God should be characterized by joy and celebration, not just duty or obligation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's expression of worship challenge or inspire your own approach to worship? 2. In what ways can pride or concern for appearances hinder your relationship with God and others? 3. How can you prioritize celebrating God's presence in your daily life, similar to David's celebration of the Ark's return? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from God. What steps can you take to realign your heart with His? 5. How can you foster unity in worship and spiritual priorities within your relationships, especially when differences arise? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 15Provides a parallel account of the Ark's return, emphasizing the preparation and reverence involved in the event. 1 Samuel 18Details the relationship between David and Michal, including her initial love for him, which contrasts with her later contempt. Psalm 150Encourages exuberant worship and praise, similar to David's actions, highlighting the appropriateness of such expressions before God. Luke 10:38-42The account of Mary and Martha, illustrating different responses to Jesus, akin to Michal's and David's differing responses to God's presence. People Abinadab, Ahio, David, Israelites, Michal, Obed, Obededom, Perez, Saul, UzzahPlaces Baale-judah, Geba, Jerusalem, Perez-uzzahTopics Ark, Dancing, Daughter, David, Despised, Despiseth, Entering, Foolish, Heart, Jumping, Leaping, Michal, Mind, Moving, Pass, Saul, Saul's, Seemed, Town, Watched, WindowDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 6:16 5016 heart, fallen and redeemed
5287 dance
5961 superiority 2 Samuel 6:1-19 7241 Jerusalem, significance 2 Samuel 6:1-23 7270 Zion, as a place 2 Samuel 6:12-19 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Samuel 6:14-16 5387 leisure, pastimes 2 Samuel 6:16-23 5745 women
5822 criticism, against believers Library Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches on the Subject.
To set forth the present teaching of the Latin Church upon the subject of images and the cultus which is due them, I cite the decree of the Council of Trent and a passage from the Catechism set forth by the authority of the same synod. (Conc. Trid., Sess. xxv. December 3d and 4th, 1563. [Buckley's Trans.]) The holy synod enjoins on all bishops, and others sustaining the office and charge of teaching that, according to the usage of the Catholic and Apostolic Church received from the primitive times …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 6:16 NIV2 Samuel 6:16 NLT2 Samuel 6:16 ESV2 Samuel 6:16 NASB2 Samuel 6:16 KJV
2 Samuel 6:16 Commentaries
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