David had just been crowned as King of Israel. He had captured Jerusalem and defeated the Philistines. Now he and his men were going to move the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. In the Old Testament the Ark of the Covenant was viewed as a treasure and ultimately as God’s presence and blessing on the people. This was a big deal to David and the people. God had blessed David by naming him as king and defeating his enemies. Now, David wanted to honor that by bringing the Ark back to them.
“But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.” 2 Samuel 6:16
Michal was the daughter of Saul, but was also David’s first wife. When she looked out her window and saw David joyous and praising the Lord she had contempt for him. She did not like the way that he was worshipping in front of the people. When David returned home later she didn’t keep this contempt in her heart, but rather expressed it openly to him.
“When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, ‘How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!’ David retorted to Michal, ‘I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!’” 2 Samuel 6:20-22a
Michal confronted him and David didn’t hold any punches. Michal was judgemental and full of contempt for the way that David was worshipping, but David didn’t care. David was worshipping His Lord and he didn’t care how he looked to others. He was worshipping for an audience of one. He basically told Michal that he was willing to look even more foolish and humiliated in his own eyes if that is what it took to praise God. David did not care about his position or the way others viewed him, he only cared about truly worshipping.
So which one am I? Am I more like David who is willing to worship in whatever manner necessary to praise the Lord or am I like Michal and restricting myself and others due to my judgement and criticism. The interesting thought is that both of these people looked foolish–one in the eyes of another human who was judging worship and the other in the eyes of a loving Father longing for genuine praise. Which kind of foolish will we choose?
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico of Making the Moments Matter. Click HERE to follow her on Facebook!
Last Updated on June 9, 2025
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