We’ve been looking at 2 Samuel 6, when David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. We saw the tragedy of Uzzah’s touching the Ark, then looked at David’s acts of praise.
David then acted to bless those around them. He offered sacrifices so that everyone could feast before the Lord. He also provided cakes for everyone that was there. After ministering to the people, he went home to take a blessing to his family.
But not all of his family was ready to be blessed. The text says, “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 6:16) Ouch. The whole country is celebrating the bringing of the Ark, but Michal can’t join in. She can’t rejoice with them. She can’t worship with them. She looks at her husband as he praises God, and she despises him.
Further down, we read: “When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”” (2 Samuel 6:20) The moment of blessing is wasted. Michal can’t receive the blessing for she is too busy criticizing.
“And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.” (2 Samuel 6:23) I find it so very sad. David came to bring her a blessing, but Michal came away with a curse.
Yet even though she was childless, Michal seems to have many descendants. They go to moments of worship and come away talking about what this person did and what that person didn’t do. Michal’s voice echoes even today: “He clapped!” “She raised her hands!” “They didn’t wear the right clothes!”
What’s sad is that a blessing is missed. While some are consumed with praise, others are consumed by criticism. And their faith becomes a sterile faith.
Be quiet Michal! You’ve said more than enough. It’s time to worship God and let others worship.
oh wow! The descendants of Michal! That’s an image that’ll preach!
yep, very good! thanks
Although I think stretching Michal’s disdain as an example for people today who criticise worship is a bit far. I think she was most perturbed that he was not acting “kingly” and that he was showing off before the women (she was already uncertain in her role as wife – she already did not have children, which was a disgrace for a wife).
Yes, she was unable to receive the blessing of worshipping with the Lord because of her focus on what a king should look like or because of her fear and jealousy of David’s eye (which of course later was well-founded). I don’t know that we can say that she didn’t like his method of worshipping.
Complaining, and majoring in minors, Scott – whether it is about kingly manner or worship posture – is still complaining and majoring in minors.
Scott, I did want to respond to this. While I don’t think that Michal’s real concern was a religious one, David’s response shows that he felt the criticism was directed at his worship. Since he was there at the time, I would trust his reaction.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer