2 Sam
6:12-13 (ESV) So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of
Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the
ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.
…
2 Sam
6:20-22 (ESV) And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the
daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, "How the king of Israel
honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his
servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers
himself!" 21 And David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who
chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince
over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will make merry before the Lord. 22 I
will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your
eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be
held in honor."
NOTE: David had
learned his lesson. The ark is now carried (vs. 13) as required by the Law. The
rejoicing and sacrificing was not required but neither was it disallowed. It
was an exciting time for David. It was a fulfillment of many dreams. Jerusalem
was the new capital; there was peace and prosperity in the kingdom; God's
promises of his kingship were fulfilled; and now the tabernacle resided in the
capital city--making it also a worship center for the whole kingdom. In the
midst of all the joy, Michal's words must have stung. Her reaction is both
bitter and jealous. Her words suggest class distinction. She placed herself
above the common people. David placed himself with the common people. And he
was even more convinced that was the place where he should be as the king. His
position never placed himself over others--he remembered his roots and he also
knew, that God gave him the position, not because he was better, but because he
was chosen. And having been lifted up by God, he could be brought down by God
at any time. Jesus said it even more clearly, that we are called to be
servant-leaders, which is unlike the model of the world. Lord, help me to never
think of myself as higher or more important than others.
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