2 Samuel 6:14

KJV

And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} danced {H3769} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} with all his might {H5797}; and David {H1732} was girded {H2296} with a linen {H906} ephod {H646}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David danced and spun around with abandon before ADONAI, wearing a linen ritual vest.

Berean Standard Bible

And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,

American Standard Version

And David danced before Jehovah with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:14 captures a profound moment of King David's uninhibited and wholehearted devotion as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. This verse vividly portrays David's passionate worship, expressed through vigorous dance and humble attire, signifying his complete surrender and joy in the tangible presence of the Lord amidst his people. It stands as a powerful testament to authentic worship that transcends social status and personal dignity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's relocation to Jerusalem, a pivotal event in David's reign. The immediate preceding verses detail the successful, second attempt to move the Ark, contrasting sharply with the tragic first attempt where Uzzah died for touching it ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")). Learning from this, David ensured the Ark was transported correctly by the Levites, accompanied by sacrifices and immense rejoicing, setting the stage for his exuberant expression of worship. The narrative continues in [2 Samuel 6:16](/2_samuel/6-16 "2 Samuel 6:16 - Michal's Scorn"), where David's wife, Michal, observes his dancing with disdain, leading to a significant confrontation that highlights the stark contrast between David's uninhibited devotion and Michal's concern for kingly decorum.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling presence, His covenant with Israel, and His divine authority. Its relocation from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem was not merely a logistical move but a theological and political statement, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual capital of the united monarchy under David. In the ancient Near East, kings often projected an image of dignified power; David's unreserved dancing, particularly in a simple linen ephod, was an unconventional act for a monarch. However, it aligned with Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, where even the king was ultimately a servant of God, called to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and might, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").
* **Key Themes:** David's actions in this verse powerfully articulate several key themes. First, **Wholehearted Worship:** His dancing "with all his might" signifies an unrestrained, passionate, and uninhibited expression of worship, prioritizing devotion over kingly dignity. This contrasts with Michal's reaction, underscoring the authenticity of David's worship. Second, **Humility and Servanthood:** By wearing a "linen ephod," a simple garment typically worn by priests or those ministering in the tabernacle, such as [young Samuel](/1_samuel/2-18 "1 Samuel 2:18 - Samuel Ministering in an Ephod"), David symbolically laid aside his royal status. This act demonstrated profound humility, identifying himself as a worshiper and servant before God, rather than a monarch on display. Third, **Joy in God's Presence:** The entire celebration surrounding the Ark's return was an outpouring of national and personal joy over the tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people, highlighting that true worship often involves exuberant celebration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Danced (Hebrew, _karar'_):** The Hebrew verb כָּרַר (karar) means "to whirl," "to spin," or "to dance vigorously." It suggests an energetic, uninhibited, and perhaps even ecstatic movement, far beyond a mere ceremonial step. This word conveys the intensity and unrestrained nature of David's physical expression of praise, indicating a complete abandonment to the joy and reverence of the moment before the Lord.
* **Linen Ephod (Hebrew, _ephod bad'_):** The term אֵפוֹד בַּד (ephod bad) specifically refers to a plain, simple linen garment. This distinguishes it from the ornate, priestly ephod worn by the High Priest, which was a complex garment adorned with precious stones and gold ([Exodus 28:6-14](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6-14 - The High Priest's Ephod")). By wearing a simple linen ephod, David deliberately shed his royal robes and kingly attire, adopting the dress of a common priest or servant. This act underscored his humility and his desire to stand before God not as a king, but as a devoted worshiper, equal to any other ministering before the Ark.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might":** This clause describes the central action of the verse. "David danced" emphasizes the king's personal and active participation. The phrase "before the LORD" signifies that his dance was an act of worship directed specifically towards God, acknowledging His supreme authority and presence symbolized by the Ark. The intensifier "with all [his] might" (בְּכָל־עֹז, _bekhol-oz_) conveys the totality and vigor of his effort. It was not a half-hearted or perfunctory movement, but an outpouring of his entire being—spirit, soul, and body—in worship, reflecting the command to love God with all one's strength.
* **"and David [was] girded with a linen ephod":** This second clause provides crucial detail about David's attire during his dance. "Girded" indicates that the ephod was wrapped around him, likely a short, tunic-like garment that allowed for freedom of movement. The "linen ephod" highlights its simplicity and lack of royal adornment. This choice of clothing is profoundly symbolic, demonstrating David's humility and his willingness to divest himself of kingly pomp and status in the presence of God, identifying instead with the common people and the Levitical servants.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The phrase "with all his might" serves as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and unreserved nature of David's worship, suggesting a devotion that consumed his entire being. **Symbolism** is central to the verse: the Ark of the Covenant itself symbolizes God's tangible presence among His people, while David's dance symbolizes uninhibited joy, passionate devotion, and complete surrender to God. The "linen ephod" is also highly symbolic, representing humility, servanthood, and a deliberate shedding of kingly status in favor of a priestly or ministerial posture before the Divine. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** set up, which becomes explicit in later verses, between David's unbridled, humble worship and Michal's aristocratic disdain for his actions, highlighting different perspectives on reverence and decorum in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 6:14 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship, emphasizing that it is an internal posture of the heart that finds external expression, often transcending social conventions or personal dignity. David's uninhibited dance and humble attire illustrate that genuine worship is not about maintaining appearances or status, but about wholehearted devotion and joyful surrender to God's presence. It challenges believers to consider the authenticity and intensity of their own worship, reminding us that God values a sincere heart over outward show. This passage underscores that worship can be both reverent and exuberant, deeply personal yet publicly expressed, and always directed towards the Lord with all one's being.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord with All Your Heart, Soul, and Might")
* [Psalm 150:4](/psalms/150-4 "Psalm 150:4 - Praise Him with Dancing")
* [Psalm 30:11](/psalms/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - You Have Turned My Mourning into Dancing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's dance before the Lord serves as a powerful and enduring model for worship that is authentic, uninhibited, and deeply personal. In a world often preoccupied with external appearances and social conventions, this verse challenges us to examine the sincerity and freedom of our own devotion. Are we willing to lay aside our personal dignity, our self-consciousness, or our fear of others' opinions to fully express our love and joy before God? David, the king, chose to humble himself, prioritizing his relationship with the Lord above all else. This invites us to consider what "might" we are holding back from God—whether it's our time, our talents, our resources, or our emotional and physical expressions of praise. True worship flows from a heart completely surrendered to God, eager to celebrate His presence and goodness without reservation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's uninhibited worship challenge your own expressions of devotion to God?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, "hold back" from God in our worship due to self-consciousness, fear of judgment, or concern for appearances?**
* **What does it mean to worship God "with all your might" in your daily life, beyond formal worship gatherings?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart of humility and wholeheartedness in our worship, regardless of our earthly status or perceived dignity?**

### FAQ
**Was David's dance appropriate for a king, considering his royal status?**

Answer: From a conventional, worldly perspective, David's dance might have seemed undignified or inappropriate for a king. Kings in the ancient Near East typically maintained a rigid decorum to project power and authority. However, from a biblical and theological perspective, David's actions were profoundly appropriate and pleasing to God. He understood that his ultimate authority and dignity came from God, and therefore, his highest calling was to humble himself and worship the Lord with all his being. His choice to wear a simple linen ephod instead of royal robes further underscored this humility, demonstrating that before God, all are servants and worshipers, regardless of earthly status. This act highlighted David's heart of devotion, which God valued more than outward kingly pomp, aligning with the principle that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's passionate, uninhibited dance before the Ark of the Covenant, clothed in a humble linen ephod, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King-Priest, Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people, a presence that found its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus, who is [God incarnate, dwelling among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and in whom [all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ"). David, a king, humbled himself to wear the garment of a servant or priest, reflecting the profound humility of Christ, who, [being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility"), even to the point of death on a cross. David's exuberant joy in God's presence points to the boundless joy and freedom found in the New Covenant established by Christ, where believers can [approach God with confidence through Jesus](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"). Just as David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, establishing a central place of worship, Christ's sacrificial work and resurrection inaugurated a new era where [true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), no longer confined to a physical temple but drawing near to God through the ultimate High Priest, Jesus, who has [entered the true tabernacle, not made with human hands](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, Our High Priest").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 2:18

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod.

Exodus 15:20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Judges 11:34

And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she [was his] only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

Psalms 150:4

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Psalms 149:3

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Colossians 3:23

And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Psalms 30:11

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;