2 Samuel 6:16

KJV

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} came {H935} into the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, Michal {H4324} Saul's {H7586} daughter {H1323} looked {H8259} through a window {H2474}, and saw {H7200} king {H4428} David {H1732} leaping {H6339} and dancing {H3769} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and she despised {H959} him in her heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As the ark of ADONAI entered the City of David, Mikhal the daughter of Sha'ul, watching from the window, saw King David leaping and spinning before ADONAI; and she was filled with contempt for him.

Berean Standard Bible

As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.

American Standard Version

And it was so, as the ark of Jehovah came into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before Jehovah; and she despised him in her heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:16 captures a poignant moment during the triumphant procession of the Ark of the LORD into Jerusalem, where King David, in an uninhibited display of worship, danced and leaped before the Lord. This exuberant devotion is starkly contrasted with the reaction of Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, who observed him from a window and, in her heart, held him in contempt for what she perceived as an undignified act for a king. The verse thus encapsulates a profound spiritual and relational chasm, highlighting the tension between authentic, humble worship and human pride or conventional decorum.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of David's successful second attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The preceding narrative details the disastrous first attempt, where Uzzah died for touching the Ark (cf. [2 Samuel 6:6-8](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-8 - Uzzah's Death")), leading David to leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom, which was subsequently blessed (cf. [2 Samuel 6:10-11](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10-11 - The Ark Blesses Obed-Edom")). Having learned from this experience, David ensures the Ark is transported according to the Mosaic Law, with priests carrying it (cf. [1 Chronicles 15:2](/1_chronicles/15-2 "1 Chronicles 15:2 - Levites to Carry the Ark")). David's fervent dancing and offering of sacrifices (cf. [2 Samuel 6:13](/2_samuel/6-13 "2 Samuel 6:13 - David's Sacrifices")) mark the joyous and reverent culmination of this pivotal event. The verse directly sets the stage for Michal's subsequent confrontation with David in [2 Samuel 6:20-23](/2_samuel/6-20 "2 Samuel 6:20-23 - Michal's Scorn and David's Defense"), revealing the lasting implications of her disdain.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object to Israel, representing God's presence and covenant with His people. Its arrival in Jerusalem signified the establishment of the city as the religious and political capital, unifying the nation under David's reign and God's sovereign rule. Kings in the ancient Near East typically maintained a dignified, even aloof, public persona. David's act of shedding his royal robe (implied by his wearing a linen ephod in [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David's Linen Ephod")) and dancing with abandon would have been seen by some, like Michal, as a profound breach of royal decorum, potentially embarrassing to the royal household. Michal's identity as "Saul's daughter" is crucial; she represents the old, Saulide order, which was characterized by human pride and a less direct, more formal relationship with God, contrasting sharply with David's humble, God-centered kingship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **authentic worship versus human pride**. David's uninhibited dancing underscores his deep personal devotion and humility before God, prioritizing divine honor over his own kingly dignity. It highlights that true worship often transcends societal norms and personal comfort. Conversely, Michal's contempt reveals a spirit of **spiritual disconnect and judgment**, rooted in a concern for appearances and perhaps a lingering attachment to the more formal, less God-focused reign of her father, Saul. The narrative also explores the theme of **divine presence and its impact**, as the Ark's arrival elicits profound joy and reverence from David, but a critical spirit from Michal, demonstrating how individuals respond differently to God's manifest presence. Ultimately, it touches on **humility in leadership**, showing David's willingness to humble himself before the Lord, a characteristic that distinguished him from Saul.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **leaping (פָּזַז, _pāzaz'_):** This Hebrew verb denotes an active, agile, and often exuberant movement, suggesting jumping or springing. In the context of worship, it conveys an uninhibited, energetic expression of joy and devotion, indicating that David's movements were not merely formal steps but passionate, vigorous leaps.
* **dancing (כָּרַר, _kārar'_):** This verb means to whirl or to dance in a circular motion, often associated with a frenzied or ecstatic form of worship. Coupled with "leaping," it paints a picture of David's worship as fervent, unrestrained, and physically demanding, a full-bodied expression of his heart's adoration for the LORD.
* **despised (בָּזָה, _bāzāh'_):** This strong Hebrew verb signifies to disdain, scorn, or hold in contempt. It implies a deep-seated, internal judgment and a profound lack of respect or appreciation. Michal's contempt was not a fleeting thought but a settled attitude of the heart, indicating a fundamental spiritual and emotional alienation from David's devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the focal point of the event. The Ark's arrival in Jerusalem, the newly established capital, is a moment of immense national and spiritual significance, symbolizing God's central presence among His people and the unification of the kingdom under David.
* **"Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window,"**: This detail is highly symbolic. Michal's vantage point from a window suggests detachment and observation rather than participation. Her identification as "Saul's daughter" is crucial, linking her to the previous, failed dynasty and its values, which prioritized human dignity and external appearances over humble, fervent devotion to God.
* **"and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD;"**: This describes David's actions, which are the direct cause of Michal's reaction. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that David's actions were directed towards God, not for human approval. His "leaping and dancing" portray an uninhibited, physically expressive form of worship, demonstrating his profound joy and humility in God's presence.
* **"and she despised him in her heart."**: This final clause reveals Michal's internal, profound judgment. Her contempt was not merely external disapproval but a deep-seated scorn within her heart, indicating a fundamental spiritual misalignment with David's devotion and a lack of appreciation for his authentic worship. This internal disdain foreshadows the subsequent conflict and the tragic end of their relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Contrast**, juxtaposing David's uninhibited, joyful worship with Michal's cold, internal disdain. This highlights the divergent spiritual postures of the two characters. **Irony** is also present, as Michal, a queen, despises her king for an act of profound reverence towards the true King, God. Her concern for earthly dignity blinds her to the spiritual significance of David's humility. The "window" from which Michal observes functions as **Symbolism**, representing her detachment, her inability to truly participate in the spiritual joy, and perhaps her narrow, limited perspective. The verse also serves as powerful **Characterization**, revealing David's heart as one passionately devoted to God, willing to humble himself, and Michal's heart as one marked by pride, spiritual alienation, and a critical spirit. Furthermore, Michal's internal contempt **Foreshadows** the subsequent confrontation and the ultimate barrenness of their marriage, indicating a deep and irreparable rift between them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse offers profound insights into the nature of true worship and the posture of the human heart before God. David's uninhibited worship demonstrates that genuine devotion is not bound by human decorum or social status but flows from a heart consumed with love and reverence for God. It challenges the notion that worship must always be formal or reserved, suggesting that authentic praise can be raw, physical, and deeply personal. Conversely, Michal's disdain serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how pride, a focus on external appearances, or a lack of spiritual understanding can lead to despising what God values most—a humble and passionate heart. The verse underscores that God looks at the heart (cf. [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")), and true worship is about offering oneself fully to Him, regardless of human judgment.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice"): This passage emphasizes that obedience and a right heart attitude are more pleasing to God than outward religious acts, paralleling David's heart of worship over Michal's concern for external propriety.
* [Psalm 149:3](/psalms/149-3 "Psalm 149:3 - Praise with Dancing"): This psalm explicitly encourages praise with dancing and musical instruments, affirming the legitimacy and beauty of physical expressions of worship, which David exemplifies.
* [Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Woman Who Anointed Jesus"): The story of the sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet, contrasted with Simon the Pharisee's judgmental attitude, mirrors the dynamic between David's uninhibited devotion and Michal's critical disdain, highlighting God's acceptance of humble love over self-righteous judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 6:16 challenges believers to examine the authenticity and freedom of their own worship. Are we willing to express our devotion to God wholeheartedly, even if it means appearing "undignified" or unconventional to others? David's example calls us to shed self-consciousness and human approval, prioritizing God's glory above all else. It prompts us to consider what hinders our worship—is it fear of judgment, pride, or a lack of genuine passion for the Lord? Furthermore, Michal's reaction serves as a sobering reminder against spiritual judgment and criticism. Do we ever look down upon or despise the genuine, perhaps unfamiliar, expressions of faith in others? True worship is not about conforming to human expectations but about pouring out our hearts before the Almighty. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart of humility, uninhibited praise, and spiritual discernment, rather than a spirit of criticism or pride that can stifle both our own worship and our appreciation for others'.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "worshiping before the LORD" truly mean in my life, and how does it manifest in my actions?**
* **In what ways might I be holding back my full devotion to God due to concerns about human opinion or social decorum?**
* **Do I ever find myself judging the expressions of faith in others, and if so, what might that reveal about my own heart posture?**
* **How can I cultivate a more humble and uninhibited spirit of worship, prioritizing God's pleasure over my own perceived dignity?**

### FAQ
**Why was David dancing so wildly, and was it appropriate for a king?**

Answer: David's dancing was an act of profound, uninhibited worship and celebration before the LORD, not merely a social dance. He was expressing intense joy and gratitude for God's presence returning to Israel. While it might have seemed undignified by human royal standards, David intentionally humbled himself, even removing his royal robes to wear a simpler linen ephod (cf. [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David's Linen Ephod")), signifying that before God, all are equal and status is irrelevant. His actions demonstrated that his ultimate allegiance and reverence were to God, not to his earthly crown. He later defended his actions by stating he would be "even more undignified than this" (cf. [2 Samuel 6:22](/2_samuel/6-22 "2 Samuel 6:22 - David's Response to Michal")), emphasizing his commitment to worship God freely.

**Why did Michal despise David in her heart?**

Answer: Michal despised David because she viewed his uninhibited dancing as an undignified and shameful display for a king. As "Saul's daughter," she likely held a more traditional, Saulide view of kingship, which emphasized regal decorum and outward appearances. She perceived David's actions as lowering himself to the level of commoners or "worthless fellows" (cf. [2 Samuel 6:20](/2_samuel/6-20 "2 Samuel 6:20 - Michal's Scorn")), failing to appreciate the spiritual depth of his worship. Her contempt stemmed from a blend of pride, a concern for royal propriety, and a spiritual disconnect from David's passionate devotion to the LORD. This internal disdain foreshadowed the breakdown of their relationship and her subsequent barrenness (cf. [2 Samuel 6:23](/2_samuel/6-23 "2 Samuel 6:23 - Michal's Barrenness")).

**What was the significance of the Ark of the LORD coming into the City of David?**

Answer: The Ark of the LORD was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's throne and His covenant presence among His people. Its arrival in the City of David (Jerusalem) was profoundly significant. It symbolized the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital of the united kingdom, centralizing worship and God's presence. It marked the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people and legitimized David's reign as God's chosen king, under whom God's presence would be firmly established. This event was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, signifying a new era of divine blessing and national unity under a God-fearing king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's uninhibited worship in 2 Samuel 6:16, marked by humility and passionate devotion, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate worship of the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ. David, though a king, willingly humbled himself, stripping away royal dignity to dance before the Lord. This act mirrors the profound humility of Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (cf. [Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Jesus, our ultimate King, did not come in earthly splendor but in humble servanthood, ultimately humbling himself "by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). David's freedom in worship points to the greater freedom we have in Christ to worship "in spirit and truth" (cf. [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), unconstrained by legalistic burdens or human judgment, because Christ has set us free from the law of sin and death (cf. [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from Law of Sin and Death")). Michal's disdain for David's worship, rooted in pride and a focus on outward appearances, stands in stark contrast to those who embrace the "foolishness" of the cross (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Foolishness of the Cross")), recognizing that true wisdom and power are found in Christ crucified. Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence, Christ himself is the ultimate dwelling place of God, "for in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (cf. [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), making Him the true Ark of the New Covenant, through whom we have access to God.

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 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Chronicles 15:29

And it came to pass, [as] the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

Psalms 69:7

Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.

2 Samuel 3:14

And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver [me] my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

Acts 2:13

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Isaiah 53:3

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.