David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and complex personal life. One of the notable aspects of David's life is his response to humiliation, which is recorded in several instances throughout the Scriptures. These responses reveal his character, reliance on God, and understanding of his own humanity.

1. Humiliation by Michal (2 Samuel 6:16-23):
When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a linen ephod. Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, looked out of the window and saw him leaping and dancing, and she despised him in her heart. Upon confronting David, Michal accused him of behaving in a manner unbecoming of a king. David's response was one of humility and devotion to God. He said, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD" (2 Samuel 6:21). David prioritized his worship and service to God over his dignity and reputation, demonstrating his commitment to honoring God above all else.

2. Humiliation by Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5-13):
During Absalom's rebellion, as David fled Jerusalem, he encountered Shimei, a man from the house of Saul. Shimei cursed David, threw stones at him, and accused him of being a man of bloodshed. Despite the provocation, David restrained his men from retaliating. He said, "Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today" (2 Samuel 16:11-12). David's response was marked by a profound trust in God's sovereignty and justice. He accepted the humiliation as possibly being from God and hoped for divine vindication.

3. Humiliation by Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18):
David faced a significant humiliation when his son Absalom conspired against him, leading a rebellion that forced David to flee Jerusalem. Despite the betrayal and public disgrace, David's response was one of sorrow and prayer. He instructed his followers to deal gently with Absalom for his sake (2 Samuel 18:5). When Absalom was killed, David mourned deeply, crying out, "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33). David's reaction highlights his deep love for his son and his grief over the broken relationship, even in the face of personal humiliation.

4. Humiliation by Nathan's Rebuke (2 Samuel 12:1-14):
After David's sin with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband Uriah, the prophet Nathan confronted David with a parable that exposed his wrongdoing. David's response was immediate repentance. He confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). Nathan assured him that the LORD had taken away his sin, but the consequences would still follow. David's humility in accepting Nathan's rebuke and his genuine repentance demonstrate his willingness to submit to God's correction and his desire for restoration.

David's responses to humiliation throughout his life illustrate a man who, despite his flaws, consistently turned to God in times of disgrace. His actions reflect a heart that sought after God, valued divine approval over human opinion, and trusted in God's ultimate justice and mercy.