2 Samuel 6:21

KJV

And David said unto Michal, [It was] before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Michal {H4324}, It was before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, which chose {H977} me before thy father {H1}, and before all his house {H1004}, to appoint {H6680} me ruler {H5057} over the people {H5971} of the LORD {H3068}, over Israel {H3478}: therefore will I play {H7832} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David answered Mikhal, "In the presence of ADONAI- who chose me over your father and over everyone in his family to make me chief over ADONAI's people, over Isra'el - I will celebrate in the presence of ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,

American Standard Version

And David said unto Michal, It was before Jehovah, who chose me above thy father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Jehovah, over Israel: therefore will I play before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 6:21, King David passionately defends his unreserved and undignified worship before the Lord to his wife, Michal, who had expressed contempt for his exuberant dancing as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. David's response grounds his actions in God's sovereign election of him over Saul's house to rule Israel, asserting that his worship is primarily directed "before the LORD" and is a humble, joyful response to divine grace, not subject to human standards of royal decorum.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of David's spirited defense against Michal's scorn, immediately following her public rebuke of his "uncovering himself" while dancing before the Lord as the Ark was processed into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:16). The narrative of 2 Samuel 6 details the triumphant, yet initially fraught, journey of the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem, establishing Jerusalem as both the political and spiritual capital of Israel. David's ecstatic worship, which Michal views as demeaning, contrasts sharply with the solemnity expected of a king, setting up a poignant theological confrontation between human pride and divine honor. The chapter concludes with the consequence of Michal's contempt: her barrenness (2 Samuel 6:23), underscoring the gravity of her misjudgment of David's divinely-inspired devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant represented the very presence of God among His people, serving as a tangible symbol of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. Its relocation to Jerusalem was a monumental event, signifying the spiritual consolidation of the kingdom under David. Kings in the ancient Near East were typically expected to maintain a dignified, even aloof, public image, embodying the power and majesty of their office. Michal, as the daughter of the former king, Saul, and a member of the royal household, likely held a strong adherence to these traditional notions of kingly decorum. David's actions, stripping himself of outer garments and dancing with abandon, would have been seen by some as a profound breach of royal protocol, particularly before "servant girls" (2 Samuel 6:20). David's defense, however, reorients the focus from human expectations to divine election and the unique nature of Israel's kingship, which was ultimately subservient to God.
* **Key Themes:** David's declaration in this verse powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout the books of Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Election and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that David's kingship was not a matter of human succession or merit but a direct, sovereign choice of God, who "chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel." This echoes God's earlier rejection of Saul and anointing of David (see [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - Samuel Anoints David")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Authentic Worship and Humility**. David's willingness to "play before the LORD" demonstrates a profound humility, prioritizing heartfelt devotion to God over maintaining a regal image or adhering to social norms. His worship is presented as being directed vertically, "before the LORD," rather than horizontally for human approval. This stands in stark contrast to Michal's **Pride and Misunderstanding of Piety**, which leads her to judge David's spiritual fervor through a lens of aristocratic disdain, ultimately resulting in her barrenness (see [2 Samuel 6:23](/2_samuel/6-23 "2 Samuel 6:23 - Michal's Barrenness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chose (Hebrew, _bāḥar_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection, often implying a covenantal relationship or special favor. Here, it underscores God's active role in establishing David's kingship, contrasting sharply with the dynastic succession Michal might have expected or preferred from her father's house. David's authority and very identity as king are rooted in God's prior, unmerited choice, not in human lineage or popular acclaim.
* **before the LORD (Hebrew, _lip̄nê Yahweh_):** This phrase is repeated twice in the verse, serving as a critical theological anchor. It denotes a direct, personal encounter or action performed in the divine presence, implying accountability and orientation toward God's approval rather than human observation or judgment. David's worship was not a performance for his subjects or Michal, but an offering to the One who truly mattered.
* **play (Hebrew, _śāḥaq_):** While this verb can sometimes mean to laugh, mock, or jest, in this context, it conveys a sense of joyful, unrestrained, and even spontaneous celebration or dancing. It suggests an exuberant, perhaps childlike, expression of delight and reverence that transcends formal ritual or dignified composure. David's use of this word emphasizes the uninhibited nature of his worship, which was born of profound joy and gratitude.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto Michal":** This opening sets the stage for a direct confrontation, highlighting the personal nature of the rebuke and David's subsequent defense. It is a moment of marital and theological tension.
* **"[It was] before the LORD":** David immediately establishes the divine audience for his actions. His worship was not for Michal, nor for his servants, but for God alone. This phrase reorients the entire discussion from human perception to divine approval.
* **"which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel":** This is the core of David's argument and the theological foundation for his worship. He asserts that his kingship is a direct result of God's sovereign choice, bypassing Saul's lineage entirely. This divine election is the ultimate legitimization of his authority and the reason for his profound gratitude and worship. It also serves as a subtle but firm rebuke to Michal, whose pride in her royal lineage from Saul is implicitly challenged by God's rejection of her father.
* **"therefore will I play before the LORD":** This concluding clause functions as a logical consequence and a firm declaration. Because God chose him and appointed him, David's response is one of unreserved, joyful worship, performed directly in God's presence. His actions are not an undignified display but a fitting response to the magnitude of God's grace and sovereignty in his life.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing David's humble, uninhibited devotion with Michal's aristocratic pride and concern for outward appearances. This highlights the differing understandings of true piety and kingship. The **Repetition** of the phrase "before the LORD" serves as an insistent theological refrain, emphasizing the vertical orientation of David's worship and his unwavering focus on God's approval. David's speech itself functions as a powerful **Argumentation** or **Defense**, systematically dismantling Michal's criticism by appealing to divine authority and election. Furthermore, David's actions and Michal's reaction can be seen as **Foreshadowing** the ultimate outcome for Michal, whose barrenness (2 Samuel 6:23) is implicitly linked to her contempt for the divinely chosen king and his worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's bold declaration in 2 Samuel 6:21 is a profound statement on the nature of authentic worship and divine election. It teaches that true worship is not about human dignity or social decorum, but about a humble, heartfelt response to God's sovereign grace. David, the anointed king, willingly sheds the outward trappings of royalty to express his devotion, recognizing that his position is entirely dependent on God's choice. His worship is a direct, personal interaction with the Lord, prioritizing God's pleasure above all human judgment. This passage challenges believers to examine their own motivations in worship, urging them to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility and unreserved adoration, focused solely on the One who has chosen and blessed them, regardless of how it may appear to others.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"): "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart"): "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"): "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's response to Michal offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the tension between cultural expectations and authentic faith. His willingness to humble himself and express uninhibited joy "before the LORD" challenges us to consider where our ultimate allegiance lies. Do we prioritize human approval and societal norms, or are we willing to shed our own perceived dignity to offer God the worship He truly desires—a worship born of gratitude for His sovereign choice and grace? This passage calls us to cultivate a heart that is so overwhelmed by God's goodness and election that our expression of devotion becomes unconstrained, genuine, and focused entirely on His pleasure. It reminds us that our highest calling, regardless of our earthly status or role, is to live and worship "before the LORD," knowing that His gaze penetrates beyond outward appearances to the sincerity of our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's understanding of his divine election shape his worship, and how should our understanding of God's grace shape ours?**
* **In what ways might we, like Michal, allow human expectations, pride, or concern for outward appearances to hinder our authentic and unreserved worship of God?**
* **What does it mean to "play before the LORD" in our daily lives, beyond formal worship settings, and how can we cultivate a spirit of joyful abandonment in our devotion?**
* **How can we discern whether our actions are truly "before the LORD" or subtly influenced by the desire for human applause or acceptance?**

### FAQ
**Why was Michal upset with David's dancing?**

Answer: Michal, as the daughter of King Saul, held a traditional view of royal dignity and decorum. She saw David's exuberant dancing, especially when he "uncovered himself" (likely meaning he removed his outer royal robes, revealing his priestly ephod or undergarments, and danced among the common people), as undignified and demeaning for a king. She believed he had humiliated himself before his servants, particularly the "handmaids of his servants" (see [2 Samuel 6:20](/2_samuel/6-20 "2 Samuel 6:20 - Michal's Scorn")). Her concern was for his public image and the perceived lowering of his royal status, rather than the spiritual fervor of his worship.

**What is the significance of "before the LORD" in David's statement?**

Answer: The phrase "before the LORD" is crucial to understanding David's motivation. It signifies that his actions were directed vertically, towards God, for His pleasure and honor, not for human display or approval. David was not performing for Michal or his subjects; he was worshipping the God who had chosen him. This highlights the essence of true worship: it is an act of devotion and submission to God, regardless of how it might be perceived by others. It underscores that God's approval is paramount, far outweighing human opinion or social conventions.

**How does David's response relate to his kingship?**

Answer: David's response directly links his worship to the unique nature of his kingship. He asserts that his authority is not inherited or based on human lineage (like Saul's house), but is a direct result of God's sovereign choice and appointment. This divine election liberates him from the need to conform to human standards of royal dignity when worshipping God. Because he is God's chosen ruler "over the people of the LORD, over Israel," his primary allegiance and devotion are to God. His willingness to humble himself in worship is, paradoxically, an affirmation of his divinely ordained kingship, demonstrating that he serves God first and foremost.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's unreserved worship and his defense rooted in divine election powerfully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus was the divinely chosen King, not by human lineage alone, but by the direct will and appointment of God (see [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord") and [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")). Yet, unlike earthly kings, Christ did not cling to dignity or status; instead, He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")). His entire life was an act of profound, humble worship "before the LORD," culminating in His ultimate obedience on the cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). David's "playing before the LORD" in joyful abandonment finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who, "for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, humbled Himself completely, not for His own glory, but for the glory of the Father and the salvation of His people, demonstrating the most authentic and unreserved worship possible. His self-abasement, perceived as weakness by the world, was in fact the greatest act of divine power and love, perfectly fulfilling the spirit of David's devotion.

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

Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

Psalms 89:20

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

Acts 13:22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

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.

1 Samuel 13:14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: