2 Samuel 6:20

KJV

¶ Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} returned {H7725} to bless {H1288} his household {H1004}. And Michal {H4324} the daughter {H1323} of Saul {H7586} came out {H3318} to meet {H7125} David {H1732}, and said {H559}, How glorious {H3513} was the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} to day {H3117}, who uncovered {H1540} himself to day {H3117} in the eyes {H5869} of the handmaids {H519} of his servants {H5650}, as one {H259} of the vain fellows {H7386} shamelessly {H1540} uncovereth {H1540} himself!

Complete Jewish Bible

When David returned to bless his household, Mikhal the daughter of Sha'ul came out to meet him and said, "Such honor the king of Isra'el earned for himself today - exposing himself before his servants' slave-girls like some vulgar exhibitionist!"

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.”

American Standard Version

Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to-day, who uncovered himself to-day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:20 captures a profound moment of tension between King David's uninhibited, Spirit-led worship and his wife Michal's disdainful reaction to his display of humility and devotion. Following the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David, in an act of profound reverence, shed his royal dignity to dance before the Lord with all his might. This verse records Michal's sarcastic and scornful rebuke, accusing David of behaving like a common, undignified person in the eyes of his servants' handmaids, revealing a stark contrast in their understanding of true worship and kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the narrative concerning the Ark of the Covenant's return to Jerusalem in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - The Ark's Return to Jerusalem"). Preceding this, David had made a previous, ill-fated attempt to bring the Ark, which resulted in the death of Uzzah for touching it ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - The Death of Uzzah")). Learning from this, David carefully followed the Levitical instructions, bringing the Ark with great celebration and sacrifice ([2 Samuel 6:12-15](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12-15 - David Brings the Ark with Joy")). David's uninhibited dancing, described in [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David Dances Before the Lord"), was an expression of overwhelming joy and reverence. Michal's observation from a window ([2 Samuel 6:16](/2_samuel/6-16 "2 Samuel 6:16 - Michal Sees David Dancing")) sets the stage for her confrontation with David upon his return to bless his household. This immediate literary context highlights the stark contrast between David's spiritual fervor and Michal's cold, critical observation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant represented God's tangible presence among His people, a symbol of His covenant and the throne of His invisible reign. Its return to Jerusalem, David's newly established capital, signified the re-centralization of worship and God's blessing upon his kingdom. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were expected to maintain a dignified, even divine, persona. David's act of stripping off his outer royal robes and dancing in a simple linen ephod (a priestly garment, though not exclusively for priests, suggesting humility and service) was a radical departure from conventional royal behavior. It demonstrated that his ultimate allegiance was to Yahweh, not to human protocols or perceptions of kingly grandeur. Michal, as the daughter of King Saul, likely held a more traditional, perhaps even rigid, view of royal decorum and religious practice, heavily influenced by her father's reign, which often prioritized outward appearance over genuine spiritual devotion.
* **Key Themes:** The passage profoundly explores the theme of **true worship versus outward appearance**. David's actions emphasize that genuine worship is unreserved, heartfelt, and prioritizes God's glory above personal dignity or social standing. This contrasts sharply with Michal's perspective, which values royal decorum and public image over spiritual fervor. Another significant theme is the **humility of leadership**. David, the king, willingly humbles himself before God, demonstrating that even the highest earthly authority is subservient to the Almighty. This act of self-abasement is a powerful statement about the nature of his kingship, which he understood to be under God's ultimate sovereignty. Furthermore, Michal's scorn highlights the theme of **spiritual pride and misunderstanding of devotion**. Her inability to comprehend David's joy and her contemptuous judgment reveal a heart that is out of tune with the Spirit of God, foreshadowing the tragic consequence of her barrenness mentioned later in [2 Samuel 6:23](/2_samuel/6-23 "2 Samuel 6:23 - Michal's Barrenness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncovered himself (Hebrew, _galah'_):** The Hebrew verb גָּלָה ( _galah_ ) literally means "to uncover," "to reveal," or "to expose." In this context, it does not imply literal nakedness, which would have been scandalous and contrary to David's character. Instead, it refers to David removing his outer, more formal royal garments, possibly revealing the linen ephod (mentioned in [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David's Linen Ephod")) or even just simpler undergarments. This act was seen by Michal as "uncovering" his dignity, stripping away his kingly decorum in the presence of common people, particularly the "handmaids." It was a symbolic act of self-abasement, a king humbling himself to the level of a commoner or even a servant before God, which Michal found utterly disgraceful.
* **Vain fellows (Hebrew, _reqim'_):** The Hebrew term רֵקִים ( _reqim_ ), derived from the root רֵק ( _req_ ), means "empty," "worthless," "idle," or "base." Michal uses this highly contemptuous and derogatory term to describe David, implying that his behavior was akin to that of shiftless, irresponsible, or morally bankrupt individuals who would shamelessly expose themselves. Her choice of words reveals the depth of her scorn and her perception of David's actions as utterly undignified and beneath a king. It underscores her judgment that David had debased himself, behaving like the lowest rung of society rather than the glorious king of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David returned to bless his household."**: This phrase establishes David's intent and action immediately following the grand procession of the Ark into Jerusalem. After leading the nation in worship and sacrifice, David, as the spiritual head of his family, sought to extend the blessing of God's presence and the joy of the day to his own home. This act reflects his role as both king and priest within his domestic sphere, bringing the spiritual fervor of the public celebration into his private life.
* **"And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said,"**: This introduces Michal's direct confrontation with David. Her identity as "the daughter of Saul" is significant; it immediately signals a potential conflict, as her father's reign was characterized by a different spirit than David's. Her coming out to meet him suggests an immediate, perhaps even pre-meditated, challenge, rather than a warm welcome. Her words, delivered directly to David, are not a question but a sarcastic accusation.
* **"How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!"**: This is Michal's biting sarcasm and scornful rebuke. The opening "How glorious..." is deeply ironic, intended to highlight the opposite of glory – disgrace. She condemns David for his public display of humility, specifically for "uncovering himself" (removing his royal attire and dancing uninhibitedly) before the "handmaids of his servants," implying that he had debased himself in front of the lowest members of his household. Her comparison of David to "vain fellows" who "shamelessly uncovereth himself" is a severe insult, equating his Spirit-led worship with the lewd or undignified behavior of worthless individuals. This statement encapsulates her profound misunderstanding and contempt for David's genuine devotion to God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes powerful use of **Irony**, **Contrast**, and **Hyperbole**. Michal's opening phrase, "How glorious was the king of Israel to day," is a prime example of **Irony**, as she intends to convey the exact opposite of glory – shame and disgrace. This sets the tone for her sarcastic and contemptuous rebuke. The entire scene is built upon a profound **Contrast** between David's uninhibited, joyful, and humble worship before God and Michal's cold, critical, and prideful judgment. David's actions embody spiritual freedom and devotion, while Michal's reaction represents legalism, concern for outward appearance, and a lack of spiritual understanding. Her accusation that David "uncovered himself... as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating David's actions to paint them in the worst possible light, comparing his humble worship to the indecent behavior of worthless individuals. This rhetorical exaggeration serves to underscore her deep disdain and the perceived scandal of David's behavior in her eyes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal encounter between David and Michal serves as a profound theological commentary on the nature of true worship, the humility required of leadership, and the danger of spiritual pride. David's unreserved dancing before the Lord, even to the point of appearing undignified in human eyes, exemplifies worship that is not constrained by human conventions or concerns for social status. It is worship that flows from a heart utterly devoted to God, prioritizing His glory above all else. Michal's reaction, conversely, highlights the human tendency to judge spiritual expressions based on external appearances and societal norms, rather than discerning the heart's true intent. Her contempt reveals a spirit that values human dignity and decorum more than the boundless joy and freedom found in genuine devotion to the Almighty. This passage thus challenges believers to examine the authenticity and freedom of their own worship, urging them to prioritize God's pleasure over human approval.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "God Regards the Humble")
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The confrontation in 2 Samuel 6:20 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly assess the nature of our own worship and our capacity for spiritual freedom. David's willingness to shed his royal dignity and humble himself before God, even to the point of appearing foolish or undignified in the eyes of others, underscores that true worship is not about maintaining a respectable image or adhering to human expectations, but about an unreserved, passionate outpouring of the heart to God. This passage invites us to consider whether our worship is truly for an audience of One, or if we are subtly, perhaps unconsciously, performing for others. Michal's reaction, on the other hand, stands as a stark warning against spiritual pride, judgmentalism, and the danger of allowing our own preconceived notions of propriety to stifle or condemn genuine expressions of devotion in others. It reminds us that a critical spirit can blind us to the beauty of heartfelt worship and, more tragically, to the very work of God in the lives of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing human approval or perceived dignity over uninhibited, heartfelt worship of God?**
* **How do I react when I witness expressions of worship that differ from my own expectations or cultural norms? Am I quick to judge, or do I seek to understand the heart behind the devotion?**
* **What does David's example teach me about the humility required of leadership, whether in the church, home, or workplace?**
* **Are there "Michals" in my own life whose criticisms might be hindering my freedom in worship, or am I myself acting as a "Michal" towards others?**

### FAQ
**What does "uncovered himself" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "uncovered himself" (Hebrew: גָּלָה, _galah_) in 2 Samuel 6:20 does not imply literal nakedness. Rather, it refers to David removing his outer royal garments, likely revealing a simple linen ephod (as mentioned in [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David's Linen Ephod")) or other less formal attire underneath. For a king, this act was seen as stripping away his royal dignity and decorum, humbling himself to the level of a commoner or even a servant. Michal found this highly scandalous and undignified, especially in the presence of his "handmaids," whom she considered beneath his station.

**Why was Michal so upset by David's actions?**

Answer: Michal's intense displeasure stemmed from several factors. As the daughter of King Saul, she likely held a traditional, rigid view of royal dignity and public decorum. She perceived David's uninhibited dancing and removal of his royal robes as an act of self-abasement that disgraced his kingly position, especially before common servants. Her criticism reveals a heart that valued outward appearances and social standing more than genuine, Spirit-led worship. She misunderstood the depth of David's devotion and saw his spiritual fervor as undignified and base, comparing him to "vain fellows" ([2 Samuel 6:20](/2_samuel/6-20 "2 Samuel 6:20 - Michal's Rebuke")). Her reaction highlights a spiritual disconnect and possibly a lingering adherence to the formalistic approach to religion characteristic of her father's reign.

**What was the consequence of Michal's reaction?**

Answer: The immediate consequence of Michal's contemptuous reaction and her subsequent confrontation with David (as detailed in [2 Samuel 6:21-23](/2_samuel/6-21 "2 Samuel 6:21-23 - David's Response and Michal's Barrenness")) was that she remained childless until the day of her death. This is often interpreted as a divine judgment upon her for her spiritual pride, her scorn for David's uninhibited worship of God, and her failure to appreciate the significance of God's presence and blessing in the kingdom. Her barrenness symbolized her spiritual barrenness and the inability to participate in the lineage of the promised Messiah, a stark contrast to David's fruitful line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's uninhibited worship and Michal's scornful reaction in 2 Samuel 6:20 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, illuminating the nature of true worship and the humility of God's ultimate King. David, though a king, willingly humbled himself, shedding his royal dignity to dance before the Lord, prioritizing God's glory above his own image. This foreshadows the ultimate humility of Christ, the King of Kings, 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" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Jesus, like David, did not cling to outward displays of power or dignity but embraced humility, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, David's joyous, unreserved worship points to the New Covenant reality where believers are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), free from the constraints of human traditions or concerns for outward appearances. Michal's judgmental and barren spirit, conversely, represents the old covenant's emphasis on external conformity and legalism, which stands in stark contrast to the liberating grace and Spirit-filled worship inaugurated by Christ. Her inability to bear children for the king highlights the spiritual fruitlessness of a life devoid of genuine, humble devotion, standing in stark contrast to the spiritual fruitfulness that flows from union with Christ, who makes all things new and brings forth life where there was once barrenness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")).

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

2 Samuel 6:16

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.

2 Samuel 6:14

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

Judges 9:4

And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Mark 3:21

And when his friends heard [of it], they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

Nehemiah 4:3

Now Tobiah the Ammonite [was] by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.